This is my 700th post on MysteriousWalker.blogspot.com.
I started this blog last January 12th so we are coming up on the one-year anniversary of MysteriousWalker.
I've had fun writing about the sport that I love so much.
I haven't really promoted the blog and the reason is I don't really care how many people read the blog. I appreciate those who do but as you can see from the "followers" section of the blog, there aren't many followers. Just 18 at this point.
The reason I have this blog is because I love to write, especially about baseball. It's fun so if people read it great, if not, I'm not too concerned. If 18-people follow the blog or 18-million, I get paid the same...NOTHING! I also like the fact that while I try to spell correctly and give it my best to be grammatically correct, I don't have my editor looking over my shoulder to "fix things up." If I make a grammatical mistake, no big deal.
Now, I will promote the heck out of my books because I get paid to sell books.
Which, now that I think about it, you can order "More Turf Tales...Taking The Serious Out Of Sports" right now by going to my website www.turfsports.net and clicking on the link to the publisher at the top of the home page. Or you can just bypass the website and go to www.maxq4u.com. My publisher and editor, Linda Young would appreciate it as well as me. Plus, you can buy Turf Tales coffee mugs!
Anyway, back to the blog. If you like it, feel free to let people know about it. If you want. Either way, I'll keep writing here as much as time allows. And I really do appreciate the people who stop by to visit.
This will be my last post of 2010. I think 700 is a good number to end on, unless something major happens tomorrow.
I won't be able to post on Thursday or Friday since I'll be going to El Paso, Texas to take in the Sun Bowl as the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame take on the bums from Da U.
Notre Dame football is another passion of mine but don't expect any Irish football blogs from me. At least not for the foreseeable future.
So thanks to everyone for reading MysteriousWalker.blogspot.com. Have a great 2011! Be healthy, safe and sound and may prosperity come your direction. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! (Even Mets and Red Sox fans!)
I'll be back in January.
BR.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Answer Is...
A) Rich Folk
B) Stupid Folk
C) Nobody
D) All of the above
The correct answer is D.
Oh yes, the question. Who buys tickets in the Legends section of the new Yankee Stadium?
I was on the Yankees website today and decided to take a peek at the ticket prices for the 2011 season.
A single game seat in the Legends section goes for $550. Since most people don't like to go to a game alone, (I might be an exception) figure $1,110 to see a regular season baseball game.
So, if you want to get season tickets to see the Yankees and if you want to sit in the first 9 rows behind home plate and behind the dugouts, you will have to ante up $44,550 right? $550 times 81 home games equals $44,550. But wait, the Yankees charge for 84 events for some reason. Maybe for the first round of playoffs. So take that $550 times 84 and to get a season ticket in the Legends section all you have to do is fork over $46,200! Get a seat for a friend and get ready to shell out $92,400!
Now I'm sure you can get some discounts and perks for your $92-grand so that total may come down a bit. But factor in parking and all sorts of odds and ends and basically you are paying over $100-grand to watch baseball games that you can watch for a fraction of the cost on TV or if you go to selected games and sit in cheaper seats...like the $325 seats the Yankees offer.
If I'm going to pay that kind of scratch to sit in the "Legends" section, I want to sit with some M-effing Legends. I want them to dig up Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth and those guys better be sitting with me.
Honestly, even if I had the money, I would feel embarrassed to pay that kind of dough for a ballgame. Even if I were to get the tickets for free, I wouldn't sit in those seats. I would feel everyone would look at me like I was a sucker.
Perhaps that is why, even for huge games, the seats around behind the plate and dugouts at the new Yankee Stadium look like the inside of a theatre that is showing a Pauly Shore movie marathon.
If you pay $550 for a ticket to see the Yankees play you are a schmuck, to coin a good New York word. Especially for a cold, drizzly night game in April against the Mariners or Royals. Suckas.
B) Stupid Folk
C) Nobody
D) All of the above
The correct answer is D.
Oh yes, the question. Who buys tickets in the Legends section of the new Yankee Stadium?
I was on the Yankees website today and decided to take a peek at the ticket prices for the 2011 season.
A single game seat in the Legends section goes for $550. Since most people don't like to go to a game alone, (I might be an exception) figure $1,110 to see a regular season baseball game.
So, if you want to get season tickets to see the Yankees and if you want to sit in the first 9 rows behind home plate and behind the dugouts, you will have to ante up $44,550 right? $550 times 81 home games equals $44,550. But wait, the Yankees charge for 84 events for some reason. Maybe for the first round of playoffs. So take that $550 times 84 and to get a season ticket in the Legends section all you have to do is fork over $46,200! Get a seat for a friend and get ready to shell out $92,400!
Now I'm sure you can get some discounts and perks for your $92-grand so that total may come down a bit. But factor in parking and all sorts of odds and ends and basically you are paying over $100-grand to watch baseball games that you can watch for a fraction of the cost on TV or if you go to selected games and sit in cheaper seats...like the $325 seats the Yankees offer.
If I'm going to pay that kind of scratch to sit in the "Legends" section, I want to sit with some M-effing Legends. I want them to dig up Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth and those guys better be sitting with me.
Honestly, even if I had the money, I would feel embarrassed to pay that kind of dough for a ballgame. Even if I were to get the tickets for free, I wouldn't sit in those seats. I would feel everyone would look at me like I was a sucker.
Perhaps that is why, even for huge games, the seats around behind the plate and dugouts at the new Yankee Stadium look like the inside of a theatre that is showing a Pauly Shore movie marathon.
If you pay $550 for a ticket to see the Yankees play you are a schmuck, to coin a good New York word. Especially for a cold, drizzly night game in April against the Mariners or Royals. Suckas.
The Athletics
The Athletics have played 43-years in Oakland after a 13-year stint in Kansas City. The original A's, born in 1901, played in Philadelphia for the first 54-years of their existence.
My question is will the Athletics eventually end up playing more years in Oakland than they did in Philadelphia.
If they don't get a new ballpark, soon, I could see the A's leaving Oakland before they surpass the longevity they had in Philadelphia. But we've been saying that a lot these days.
I'm not a fan of owners hijacking cities by playing the "if we don't get a ballpark we might just have to move" card. Many times owners have fine ballparks but just want a new one because it means more money and everyone else is getting a new park. Isn't that right New York Yankees and Mets?
But the Athletics are one of two franchises that really needs a new park, Tampa Bay being the other.
The Raiders have really ruined the Oakland Coliseum. The gigantic eyesore in centerfield makes the park unsightly. That can be traced to "Luxury Box" Al Davis. The park before then wasn't very appealing either. I've never been to the Oakland Coliseum but I wouldn't want to pay for a box seat and have to sit a mile away from the action.
They had a plan for a park in Fremont, California but that apparently fell through. I keep hearing of all these new ballpark plans but year after year the A's are stuck in the Oakland Coliseum.
So I am a little bewildered the A's haven't been more aggressive in getting a new park. I know California doesn't have any money but if the Athletics were adamant about getting new digs I'm sure something could be worked out sooner than later.
If I owned the Athletics, I would tell Oakland and the state of California, I want a new ballpark and if I don't get it I'm gone. It would only be fair if I ponied up most of the money. I'm not a fan of corporate welfare.
If the A's did move, where would they go?
Las Vegas? Vancouver? Montreal? Charlotte? How about going back to Philadelphia. While that would never happen, and the Phillies would block it, it would be pretty neat if they ended up where they started back in 1901.
My question is will the Athletics eventually end up playing more years in Oakland than they did in Philadelphia.
If they don't get a new ballpark, soon, I could see the A's leaving Oakland before they surpass the longevity they had in Philadelphia. But we've been saying that a lot these days.
I'm not a fan of owners hijacking cities by playing the "if we don't get a ballpark we might just have to move" card. Many times owners have fine ballparks but just want a new one because it means more money and everyone else is getting a new park. Isn't that right New York Yankees and Mets?
But the Athletics are one of two franchises that really needs a new park, Tampa Bay being the other.
The Raiders have really ruined the Oakland Coliseum. The gigantic eyesore in centerfield makes the park unsightly. That can be traced to "Luxury Box" Al Davis. The park before then wasn't very appealing either. I've never been to the Oakland Coliseum but I wouldn't want to pay for a box seat and have to sit a mile away from the action.
They had a plan for a park in Fremont, California but that apparently fell through. I keep hearing of all these new ballpark plans but year after year the A's are stuck in the Oakland Coliseum.
So I am a little bewildered the A's haven't been more aggressive in getting a new park. I know California doesn't have any money but if the Athletics were adamant about getting new digs I'm sure something could be worked out sooner than later.
If I owned the Athletics, I would tell Oakland and the state of California, I want a new ballpark and if I don't get it I'm gone. It would only be fair if I ponied up most of the money. I'm not a fan of corporate welfare.
If the A's did move, where would they go?
Las Vegas? Vancouver? Montreal? Charlotte? How about going back to Philadelphia. While that would never happen, and the Phillies would block it, it would be pretty neat if they ended up where they started back in 1901.
Jeff Francis
Last year was not a good one for Jeff Francis. His numbers were not up to his standards, a 4-6 record and an ERA of 5.00.
He missed the entire 2009 season due to shoulder surgery.
If I were a team looking for a lefthanded starter, I would definitely give free-agent Francis a look.
I like pitchers the second year after arm surgery. The first year off surgery is frequently a year to build up arm strength and endure the rigors of pitching. The second year is when many pitchers truly make it back.
That is why I would take a chance on Francis. If healthy the guy could be a key contributor. If I were the Rockies I would try to lure him back.
A rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Jorge de la Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Jason Hammel and a healthy Jeff Francis wouldn't be bad at all. You could throw Aaron Cook into the mix as well. A one-time all-star, it would be nice if Cook, who has a year left on his contract, could get back to being his normal, sinkerballing self. I like guys in the last year of a contract. It's called motivation.
He missed the entire 2009 season due to shoulder surgery.
If I were a team looking for a lefthanded starter, I would definitely give free-agent Francis a look.
I like pitchers the second year after arm surgery. The first year off surgery is frequently a year to build up arm strength and endure the rigors of pitching. The second year is when many pitchers truly make it back.
That is why I would take a chance on Francis. If healthy the guy could be a key contributor. If I were the Rockies I would try to lure him back.
A rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Jorge de la Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Jason Hammel and a healthy Jeff Francis wouldn't be bad at all. You could throw Aaron Cook into the mix as well. A one-time all-star, it would be nice if Cook, who has a year left on his contract, could get back to being his normal, sinkerballing self. I like guys in the last year of a contract. It's called motivation.
Bert Blyleven
When I think of Bert Blyleven, several things pop up.
First off, his astonishing curve ball. How anyone ever hit that is a mystery. But big league hitters can do some astonishing things in their own right. That is why they are in the majors.
Secondly, I remember Blyleven and Catfish Hunter going at it on April 18th, 1976 at Yankee Stadium, one of my most vivid memories in a ballpark.
It was my first visit to the renovated Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won on April 15 and 17th against the Twins.
On this particular Sunday though, Blyleven out dueled Hunter. Hunter was cruising until the 9th. He gave up back-to-back homers to Lyman Bostock (2-run shot to right) and Butch Wynegar, also to right, to turn a 4-2 Yankees lead into a 5-4 Twins advantage and win. They were the first career homers for Bostock and Wynegar. It was the first loss for the Yanks in the renovated ballpark, on the 53rd anniversary of the original park's opening. Blyleven got the win and Hunter took the loss. If Blyleven gets into the Hall of Fame, then it will have been a match-up of two future Hall of Famers. By the way, where was Sparky Lyle that day for the Yankees? Even though it was just the 7th game of the season for the Yankees, it was Hunter's third start and 2nd complete game. In April? Billy Martin was the manager and he was known to burn out a few arms. Just ask the starters on the 1980 Athletics (94 complete games). As a tidbit to that day in the Bronx, I sat on the 3rd base side, field level, with my mom and dad and sister Mary. The tickets cost $5.50 apiece. What will that get you at the new Yankee Stadium?
The third thing I always remember about Blyleven is that he was one of my grandfather's favorite players because he was born in Holland, as was my grandpa. My grandpa was born in Rotterdam and when you said something to him that he really wasn't interested in, he would say, "Amsterdam, Rotterdam, I don't give a damn."
One other thing I won't forget about Blyleven is when, during a Twins pre-game show on live TV, he dropped an F-bomb. He thought the segment was taped. Ooops. Actually, Blyleven is pretty darn good as a baseball analyst, f-bombs aside.
Anyway, Blyleven won 287 big league games, collected 3,701 strikeouts and was 5-1 in post-season play. He belongs in the Hall of Fame. Should have been inducted years ago. What seals it for me though with Blyleven is that he is 9th on the all-time shutout list with 60. The current active leader is Roy Halladay with 19.
Hopefully Blyleven gets the call on January 5th. My grandpa would have been happy.
First off, his astonishing curve ball. How anyone ever hit that is a mystery. But big league hitters can do some astonishing things in their own right. That is why they are in the majors.
Secondly, I remember Blyleven and Catfish Hunter going at it on April 18th, 1976 at Yankee Stadium, one of my most vivid memories in a ballpark.
It was my first visit to the renovated Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won on April 15 and 17th against the Twins.
On this particular Sunday though, Blyleven out dueled Hunter. Hunter was cruising until the 9th. He gave up back-to-back homers to Lyman Bostock (2-run shot to right) and Butch Wynegar, also to right, to turn a 4-2 Yankees lead into a 5-4 Twins advantage and win. They were the first career homers for Bostock and Wynegar. It was the first loss for the Yanks in the renovated ballpark, on the 53rd anniversary of the original park's opening. Blyleven got the win and Hunter took the loss. If Blyleven gets into the Hall of Fame, then it will have been a match-up of two future Hall of Famers. By the way, where was Sparky Lyle that day for the Yankees? Even though it was just the 7th game of the season for the Yankees, it was Hunter's third start and 2nd complete game. In April? Billy Martin was the manager and he was known to burn out a few arms. Just ask the starters on the 1980 Athletics (94 complete games). As a tidbit to that day in the Bronx, I sat on the 3rd base side, field level, with my mom and dad and sister Mary. The tickets cost $5.50 apiece. What will that get you at the new Yankee Stadium?
The third thing I always remember about Blyleven is that he was one of my grandfather's favorite players because he was born in Holland, as was my grandpa. My grandpa was born in Rotterdam and when you said something to him that he really wasn't interested in, he would say, "Amsterdam, Rotterdam, I don't give a damn."
One other thing I won't forget about Blyleven is when, during a Twins pre-game show on live TV, he dropped an F-bomb. He thought the segment was taped. Ooops. Actually, Blyleven is pretty darn good as a baseball analyst, f-bombs aside.
Anyway, Blyleven won 287 big league games, collected 3,701 strikeouts and was 5-1 in post-season play. He belongs in the Hall of Fame. Should have been inducted years ago. What seals it for me though with Blyleven is that he is 9th on the all-time shutout list with 60. The current active leader is Roy Halladay with 19.
Hopefully Blyleven gets the call on January 5th. My grandpa would have been happy.
Hall Balloting
The Hall of Fame Class of 2011 will be announced on January 5th.
I have to believe that Roberto Alomar and, finally, Bert Blyleven will get the nod. Alomar received 73.7 percent of the vote last year, his first of eligibility while Blyleven garnered 74.2 percent in his 13th year of eligibility. 75% of the vote is needed to enter Cooperstown.
Those on the ballot for the first time, in alphabetical order: Carlos Baerga, Jeff Bagwell, Brett Boone, Kevin Brown, John Franco, Juan Gonzalez, Marquis Grissom, Lenny Harris, Bobby Higginson, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, Tino Martinez, Raul Mondesi, John Olerud, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirk Rueter, Benito Santiago, B.J. Surhoff and Larry Walker.
Those players who don't get 5% of the vote will be eliminated from the ballot for good. So, say goodbye to Baerga, Boone, Brown, Grissom, Harris, Higginson, Johnson, Martinez, Mondesi, Rueter, Santiago and Surhoff.
The others I think will get at least 5%.
Of the first timers on the ballot, I think eventually Jeff Bagwell will get in. He belted 449 homers, more than 15 hundred RBI's and more than 2,300 hits. He also finished with an impressive .297 lifetime batting average.
Larry Walker had Hall of Fame talent. But too many injuries and too many inconsistent seasons leave him short. But I think he'll stay on the ballot for a while.
Obviously, the steroid stuff will kill the chances of Santiago and Palmeiro.
I'm sure a lot of people are having a laugh that guys like Lenny Harris and Kirk Rueter are on the ballot. However, I think it is a nice gesture to put guys who had serviceable big league careers on the ballot at least once. It almost verifies their achievements although they were never in the Hall of Fame player category.
If I had a vote, I would vote for, in this order, Alomar, Blyleven, Jack Morris, Barry Larkin and Jeff Bagwell.
I have to believe that Roberto Alomar and, finally, Bert Blyleven will get the nod. Alomar received 73.7 percent of the vote last year, his first of eligibility while Blyleven garnered 74.2 percent in his 13th year of eligibility. 75% of the vote is needed to enter Cooperstown.
Those on the ballot for the first time, in alphabetical order: Carlos Baerga, Jeff Bagwell, Brett Boone, Kevin Brown, John Franco, Juan Gonzalez, Marquis Grissom, Lenny Harris, Bobby Higginson, Charles Johnson, Al Leiter, Tino Martinez, Raul Mondesi, John Olerud, Rafael Palmeiro, Kirk Rueter, Benito Santiago, B.J. Surhoff and Larry Walker.
Those players who don't get 5% of the vote will be eliminated from the ballot for good. So, say goodbye to Baerga, Boone, Brown, Grissom, Harris, Higginson, Johnson, Martinez, Mondesi, Rueter, Santiago and Surhoff.
The others I think will get at least 5%.
Of the first timers on the ballot, I think eventually Jeff Bagwell will get in. He belted 449 homers, more than 15 hundred RBI's and more than 2,300 hits. He also finished with an impressive .297 lifetime batting average.
Larry Walker had Hall of Fame talent. But too many injuries and too many inconsistent seasons leave him short. But I think he'll stay on the ballot for a while.
Obviously, the steroid stuff will kill the chances of Santiago and Palmeiro.
I'm sure a lot of people are having a laugh that guys like Lenny Harris and Kirk Rueter are on the ballot. However, I think it is a nice gesture to put guys who had serviceable big league careers on the ballot at least once. It almost verifies their achievements although they were never in the Hall of Fame player category.
If I had a vote, I would vote for, in this order, Alomar, Blyleven, Jack Morris, Barry Larkin and Jeff Bagwell.
The Schedule
Looking at the upcoming Major League schedule, I'm pleased to note that the Rockies will open their 2011 season at Coors Field on Friday April 1st. That is my birthday and I'm sure the Rocks will include that somehow in their pre-game ceremonies.
They'll probably acknowledge my birthday by having me throw out the first pitch and making a grand announcement on the video board.
The season acually begins Thursday March 31st.
I'll try to predict the Opening Day starters for that day.
Tigers at Yankees: Verlander vs Sabathia.
Brewers at Reds: Greinke vs Arroyo
Braves at Nationals: Hudson vs Lannan
Padres at Cardinals: Latos vs Carpenter
Opening Day is just 92 days away. 92 long, never-ending days away.
They'll probably acknowledge my birthday by having me throw out the first pitch and making a grand announcement on the video board.
The season acually begins Thursday March 31st.
I'll try to predict the Opening Day starters for that day.
Tigers at Yankees: Verlander vs Sabathia.
Brewers at Reds: Greinke vs Arroyo
Braves at Nationals: Hudson vs Lannan
Padres at Cardinals: Latos vs Carpenter
Opening Day is just 92 days away. 92 long, never-ending days away.
BR Bucco Fan?
I've always been a fan of the underdog. It's nice to see the have-nots of the world get their day in the sun.
So this upcoming season, I am seriously giving consideration to becoming a Pittsburgh Pirates fan.
Now I've always liked the Bucs. I went to school in Pittsburgh and saw a ton of games at old Three Rivers Stadium. Now that was a ballpark!
I didn't pull much for the Pirates during the Barry Bonds era. I couldn't stand Bonds and his attitude and lack of hustle even back before steroids entered the picture. My dislike for him grew even further when he was with the Giants and all the steroid stuff. Plus, I had a couple of run-ins with him in the visiting clubhouse at Coors Field to add to my dislike of Bonds. Notice I didn't say hate. Hate is a strong word and I'm trying to soften up a little bit, show some heart.
Anyway, for the most part I've had a soft spot for the Pirates and have always admired their history. World Series titles in 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979. Plus, a boatload of National League playoff appearances. This is a franchise that boasts some the legendary players that have worn the Pirates uniform, such as Honus Wagner, the Waner Brothers, Ralph Kiner, Arky Vaughn, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Lastings Milledge...and the list goes on. By the way, just for the record, including Milledge was a result of my sarcasm.
That is why it is so sad that the Pirates have had a record 18 consecutive losing seasons since their last winning season in 1992. That year ended with a heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the NLCS to the Braves. Atlanta scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th to win 3-2, capped off by Francisco Cabrera's 2-out pinch hit single to score the lead-footed Sid Bream (a former Buc) from second base ahead of Bonds throw from left.
Since that devastating defeat the Bucs have known nothing but losing.
I recall Pirates ownership at the time (Kevin McClatchy) complaining about needing a new stadium to compete. They got beautiful PNC Park, which opened in 2001. Guess the competing part hasn't worked out too well has it?
Current owner Robert Nutting actually makes a profit by having a low payroll and losing games.
Despite the fact that the ownership of the Pirates is awful and doesn't give the impression they want to win, even with all that, I'm going to pull for the Pirates this season. I might even go out and get a Pirates cap.
The people of Pittsburgh deserve to have this once-proud franchise become a winner again. Will it happen this year? I doubt it. But hopefully the Pirates can surprise, the value of the franchise goes up, and Nutting sells it to Mark Cuban. How's that scenario fellow Pirates fans? Go Bucs!
So this upcoming season, I am seriously giving consideration to becoming a Pittsburgh Pirates fan.
Now I've always liked the Bucs. I went to school in Pittsburgh and saw a ton of games at old Three Rivers Stadium. Now that was a ballpark!
I didn't pull much for the Pirates during the Barry Bonds era. I couldn't stand Bonds and his attitude and lack of hustle even back before steroids entered the picture. My dislike for him grew even further when he was with the Giants and all the steroid stuff. Plus, I had a couple of run-ins with him in the visiting clubhouse at Coors Field to add to my dislike of Bonds. Notice I didn't say hate. Hate is a strong word and I'm trying to soften up a little bit, show some heart.
Anyway, for the most part I've had a soft spot for the Pirates and have always admired their history. World Series titles in 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979. Plus, a boatload of National League playoff appearances. This is a franchise that boasts some the legendary players that have worn the Pirates uniform, such as Honus Wagner, the Waner Brothers, Ralph Kiner, Arky Vaughn, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Lastings Milledge...and the list goes on. By the way, just for the record, including Milledge was a result of my sarcasm.
That is why it is so sad that the Pirates have had a record 18 consecutive losing seasons since their last winning season in 1992. That year ended with a heartbreaking loss in Game 7 of the NLCS to the Braves. Atlanta scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th to win 3-2, capped off by Francisco Cabrera's 2-out pinch hit single to score the lead-footed Sid Bream (a former Buc) from second base ahead of Bonds throw from left.
Since that devastating defeat the Bucs have known nothing but losing.
I recall Pirates ownership at the time (Kevin McClatchy) complaining about needing a new stadium to compete. They got beautiful PNC Park, which opened in 2001. Guess the competing part hasn't worked out too well has it?
Current owner Robert Nutting actually makes a profit by having a low payroll and losing games.
Despite the fact that the ownership of the Pirates is awful and doesn't give the impression they want to win, even with all that, I'm going to pull for the Pirates this season. I might even go out and get a Pirates cap.
The people of Pittsburgh deserve to have this once-proud franchise become a winner again. Will it happen this year? I doubt it. But hopefully the Pirates can surprise, the value of the franchise goes up, and Nutting sells it to Mark Cuban. How's that scenario fellow Pirates fans? Go Bucs!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Judgement Day
Every time I think of the Nick Adenhart tragedy of April 2009, I feel sad. Adenhart, the 22-year old Angels pitcher with a bright future was killed along with two friends by a piece of crap drunk driver. A fourth person in Adenhart's vehicle was seriously injured but survived.
Andrew Gallo, 24, was convicted in September of of three counts of second-degree murder and single counts of drunken driving, hit-and-run driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Gallo, like the wine, was nearly three times the legal limit to drive. He said he doesn't even remember the accident. That is debatable but what is not debatable is that this sort of thing happens all the time in America. Only because Adenhart was a Major League pitcher it made national headlines.
Gallo was already on probataion for felony drunken driving. He had a second chance and he blew it. If you get convicted of being a drunk driver once, you would think you would have learned your lesson. By driving drunk again, Gallo showed that he had no concern or regard for any other human being who might be in his path.
Tragic story.
The good news is that Gallo won't drive drunk again. He was sentenced today to 51-years to life in prison. He'll have plenty of time to ponder his actions as he rots away in a jail cell. Hopefully other inmates find Gallo to be to their liking...if you know what I mean.
Still, the punishment isn't severe enough in my book. If it were up to me, Gallo would get the Wild West treatment. String him up till the wind whistles through his bones. No taxpayer money to support this piece of garbage and more air for the rest of us.
Andrew Gallo, 24, was convicted in September of of three counts of second-degree murder and single counts of drunken driving, hit-and-run driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Gallo, like the wine, was nearly three times the legal limit to drive. He said he doesn't even remember the accident. That is debatable but what is not debatable is that this sort of thing happens all the time in America. Only because Adenhart was a Major League pitcher it made national headlines.
Gallo was already on probataion for felony drunken driving. He had a second chance and he blew it. If you get convicted of being a drunk driver once, you would think you would have learned your lesson. By driving drunk again, Gallo showed that he had no concern or regard for any other human being who might be in his path.
Tragic story.
The good news is that Gallo won't drive drunk again. He was sentenced today to 51-years to life in prison. He'll have plenty of time to ponder his actions as he rots away in a jail cell. Hopefully other inmates find Gallo to be to their liking...if you know what I mean.
Still, the punishment isn't severe enough in my book. If it were up to me, Gallo would get the Wild West treatment. String him up till the wind whistles through his bones. No taxpayer money to support this piece of garbage and more air for the rest of us.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Dilemma
I have a TV viewing dilemma right now. Do I watch the tradition-laden Beef O'Brady's Bowl from St. Petersburg between Louisville, the college that produced Johnny Unitas, against Southern Mississippi, the school of Brett Favre or do I watch MLB Network?
Direct TV Channel 213 here I come!
Direct TV Channel 213 here I come!
Petey
Pete Rose Junior is going to manage the Bristol White Sox of the short-season class A Appalachian League.
Good for him. While he is following in his dad's footsteps in becoming a manager, I hope he stays away from betting on his team. Although I don't know how much action there is on Appy League games.
But snide comments aside, I was astounded to learn that Rose Jr. played minor league ball through the 2009 season. He played 21-seasons in the bush leagues. That is a lot of bus rides.
I do remember when, basically as a publicity stunt in 1997, then Reds owner Marge Schott brought him to the big leagues. His career Major League totals were 11 games played, 14 AB's with 2 singles for a lifetime average of .143. He also scored two runs and walked twice with 9 strikeouts.
He retired with 4,254 fewer hits than his dad.
Still, 21-years of minor league baseball? He played in 1,918 games with 1,877 hits for a career mark of .271. He hit 158 homers in the minors. His dad hit 160 in the majors.
I'm pulling for Rose Junior to do well as a manager. I'm sure he had to take a lot of crap because of his dad. Rose Junior was no stranger to trouble himself having served jail time for passing out the drug GBL to teammates. He was also accused of using performance enhancing drugs when he was found to be on list of players involved with steroid provider Kirk Radomski.
Hard to believe the little kid we all saw in the Reds dugout all those years wearing a little #14 Rose jersey is now 41-years old.
Good for him. While he is following in his dad's footsteps in becoming a manager, I hope he stays away from betting on his team. Although I don't know how much action there is on Appy League games.
But snide comments aside, I was astounded to learn that Rose Jr. played minor league ball through the 2009 season. He played 21-seasons in the bush leagues. That is a lot of bus rides.
I do remember when, basically as a publicity stunt in 1997, then Reds owner Marge Schott brought him to the big leagues. His career Major League totals were 11 games played, 14 AB's with 2 singles for a lifetime average of .143. He also scored two runs and walked twice with 9 strikeouts.
He retired with 4,254 fewer hits than his dad.
Still, 21-years of minor league baseball? He played in 1,918 games with 1,877 hits for a career mark of .271. He hit 158 homers in the minors. His dad hit 160 in the majors.
I'm pulling for Rose Junior to do well as a manager. I'm sure he had to take a lot of crap because of his dad. Rose Junior was no stranger to trouble himself having served jail time for passing out the drug GBL to teammates. He was also accused of using performance enhancing drugs when he was found to be on list of players involved with steroid provider Kirk Radomski.
Hard to believe the little kid we all saw in the Reds dugout all those years wearing a little #14 Rose jersey is now 41-years old.
Winter...Day One
It is officially winter. Although somewhat mild in the Mile High City, I'm freezing my baseballs off.
Anything under 80-degrees is cold for me.
I've stocked up on food. The heat in the palacial estate is working. My cat Jeets is keeping me warm at night by crawling under the blankets. I've paid the electric bill. I'm set. Except for the fact that I can't stay home all winter, I have to actually go out and work for a living.
Yep, the first day of winter and I'm already sick and tired of it.
Spring training can't get here fast enough. Just 99 days until Opening Day. Ugh.
Anything under 80-degrees is cold for me.
I've stocked up on food. The heat in the palacial estate is working. My cat Jeets is keeping me warm at night by crawling under the blankets. I've paid the electric bill. I'm set. Except for the fact that I can't stay home all winter, I have to actually go out and work for a living.
Yep, the first day of winter and I'm already sick and tired of it.
Spring training can't get here fast enough. Just 99 days until Opening Day. Ugh.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Three And A Half Months
The Oakland Athletics grounds crew has 3 1/2 months to get the playing field at the Oakland Coliseum ready for baseball.
I'm watching the Broncos-Raiders game and the field is wet, soft and getting torn apart.
The A's grounds crew will have their work cut out for them.
While a lot of teams want new ballparks the Athletics actually need a new yard desperately. I would guess that the Oakland Coliseum is the worst stadium in baseball with the possible exception of the crappy place where the Rays play.
I'm watching the Broncos-Raiders game and the field is wet, soft and getting torn apart.
The A's grounds crew will have their work cut out for them.
While a lot of teams want new ballparks the Athletics actually need a new yard desperately. I would guess that the Oakland Coliseum is the worst stadium in baseball with the possible exception of the crappy place where the Rays play.
Greinke A Brewer
The Royals have sent former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke and shortstop Yuniessky Betancourt to the Brewers for shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and a pair of pitching prospects Jake Odorizzi and Jeremy Jeffress.
The Brewers now sport a decent starting pitching staff. Not Phillies-esque but still not bad. Their rotation right now looks like this. Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shawn Marcum whom they picked up in a trade with the Blue Jays, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson, a lefty who very well could have a breakout season in 2011.
Looks like the Brewers are serious about contending. It also looks like the Royals, who lost 95 games last year, are serious about losing 100 games next season.
The Brewers now sport a decent starting pitching staff. Not Phillies-esque but still not bad. Their rotation right now looks like this. Greinke, Yovani Gallardo, Shawn Marcum whom they picked up in a trade with the Blue Jays, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson, a lefty who very well could have a breakout season in 2011.
Looks like the Brewers are serious about contending. It also looks like the Royals, who lost 95 games last year, are serious about losing 100 games next season.
Cubs Lose Another Great
My favorite baseball song is Van Lingle Mungo by Dave Frishberg. The songs lyrics consist entirely of the names of baseball players. It's actually a catchy tune and quite clever.
One of the players in that song, Phil Cavaretta, the 1945 NL MVP for the Cubs, their last World Series team, passed away yesterday from complications of a stroke. He was 94, a good run.
So the Cubs lose Ron Santo this month and now Cavaretta.
By the way, here are the lyrics to Van Lingle Mungo.
HEENEY MAJESKI,JOHNNY GEE,EDDIE JOOST,JOHNNY PESKY,THORNTON LEE,DANNY GARDELLA,
VAN LINGLE MUNGO
WHITEY KUROWSKI, MAX LANIER, EDDIE WAITKUS, and JOHNNY VANDER MEER,BOB ESTALELLA,
VAN LINGLE MUNGO
AUGIE BERGAMO, SIGMUND JAKUCKI,BIG JOHNNY MIZE and, BARNEY MCCOSKY, HAL TROSKY,
AUGIE GALAN and PINKY MAY, STAN HACK and FRENCHY BORDAGARAY, PHIL CAVARRETTA,
GEORGE MCQUINN, HOWARD POLLET and EARLY WYNN, ROY CAMPANELLA,VAN LINGLE MUNGO
AUGIE BERGAMO, SIGMUND JAKUCKI, BIG JOHNNY MIZE and, BARNEY MCCOSKY, HAL TROSKY,
JOHN ANTONELLI, FERRIS FAIN, FRANKIE CROSETTI, JOHNNY SAIN, HARRY BRECHEEN,and
LOU BOUDREAU, FRANKIE GUSTINE and CLAUDE PASSEAU,
EDDIE BASINSKI, ERNIE LOMBARDI, HUEY MULCAHY, VAN LINGLE, VAN LINGLE MUNGO.
I would suggest you listen to the song. The lyrics then will make more sense.
One of the players in that song, Phil Cavaretta, the 1945 NL MVP for the Cubs, their last World Series team, passed away yesterday from complications of a stroke. He was 94, a good run.
So the Cubs lose Ron Santo this month and now Cavaretta.
By the way, here are the lyrics to Van Lingle Mungo.
HEENEY MAJESKI,JOHNNY GEE,EDDIE JOOST,JOHNNY PESKY,THORNTON LEE,DANNY GARDELLA,
VAN LINGLE MUNGO
WHITEY KUROWSKI, MAX LANIER, EDDIE WAITKUS, and JOHNNY VANDER MEER,BOB ESTALELLA,
VAN LINGLE MUNGO
AUGIE BERGAMO, SIGMUND JAKUCKI,BIG JOHNNY MIZE and, BARNEY MCCOSKY, HAL TROSKY,
AUGIE GALAN and PINKY MAY, STAN HACK and FRENCHY BORDAGARAY, PHIL CAVARRETTA,
GEORGE MCQUINN, HOWARD POLLET and EARLY WYNN, ROY CAMPANELLA,VAN LINGLE MUNGO
AUGIE BERGAMO, SIGMUND JAKUCKI, BIG JOHNNY MIZE and, BARNEY MCCOSKY, HAL TROSKY,
JOHN ANTONELLI, FERRIS FAIN, FRANKIE CROSETTI, JOHNNY SAIN, HARRY BRECHEEN,and
LOU BOUDREAU, FRANKIE GUSTINE and CLAUDE PASSEAU,
EDDIE BASINSKI, ERNIE LOMBARDI, HUEY MULCAHY, VAN LINGLE, VAN LINGLE MUNGO.
I would suggest you listen to the song. The lyrics then will make more sense.
Dan Wheeler
The Red Sox signed Dan Wheeler to a one-year contract. Good move by the Bostons. Wheeler has been a serviceable relief pitcher for the Rays, Mets, Astros and Rays again. He throws strikes and will be a good set-up man in the Red Sox pen.
When I think of Wheeler though I think back to 1997 when he was pitching for the Hudson Valley Renegades in the NY-Penn League. I was the team broadcaster and Wheeler and another pitcher named Jon Cummins got into a fight in the bullpen in Auburn, New York.
The Renegades manager Julio Garcia was mad at me reporting the fight. What should I have done? Ignored it? The fight even delayed the game for several minutes.
As for the winner? Wheeler by a decision.
Two years later, Wheeler was in the bigs with the Devil Rays. He's had an 11-year Major League career thus far and has made over 13-million dollars and counting.
Cummins? He was out of baseball after the next season, done in by an ERA over 6.
It wasn't surprising. Cummins focus wasn't on baseball. I remember the coaching staff warned him about his partying ways. They told him to concentrate on baseball and not the night life. The next night, after warning Cummins, the coaches went out for a late meal and at the tavern saw a guy singing Karaoke. It was Cummins.
When I think of Wheeler though I think back to 1997 when he was pitching for the Hudson Valley Renegades in the NY-Penn League. I was the team broadcaster and Wheeler and another pitcher named Jon Cummins got into a fight in the bullpen in Auburn, New York.
The Renegades manager Julio Garcia was mad at me reporting the fight. What should I have done? Ignored it? The fight even delayed the game for several minutes.
As for the winner? Wheeler by a decision.
Two years later, Wheeler was in the bigs with the Devil Rays. He's had an 11-year Major League career thus far and has made over 13-million dollars and counting.
Cummins? He was out of baseball after the next season, done in by an ERA over 6.
It wasn't surprising. Cummins focus wasn't on baseball. I remember the coaching staff warned him about his partying ways. They told him to concentrate on baseball and not the night life. The next night, after warning Cummins, the coaches went out for a late meal and at the tavern saw a guy singing Karaoke. It was Cummins.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Bob Feller Passes
The greatest pitcher in Indians history and an American hero Bob Feller passed away last night in Ohio from Leukemia. He was 92.
I met Feller a couple of times when he was making appearances at minor league parks. I interviewed him for a pre-game show once and I'm really mad that I lost the tape of it.
He was a good interview. At the time he was in his late 70's and his memory was sharp, he was a good storyteller and he was opinionated. So many athletes, past and present are extremely guarded in their comments. Not Feller. He said what he wanted and if someone didn't like it, too bad. He didn't care. As Howard Cosell might say, Feller was just "telling like it is."
I wish I could have seen him pitch. Among his 266 wins were 3-no hitters and 12-one hitters. I also love the highlight of him throwing his fastball at a target as a speeding motorcycle went past him in order to judge how fast he threw the ball. Ah, the days before radar guns.
As a kid, his dad was talking to a scout and the scout told young Bob to warm up. A few moments later, the scout ran over to the hard-throwing Feller and said, "Hey, I told you to just warm up!" Feller responded, "I am warming up."
He was 17 when he made his big league debut and struck out 15. Not too bad.
In 2001, I was driving to Chicago one fall afternoon when, on Route 80 I passed a small sign that was for the Bob Feller Museum. I took the exit (#113) in Van Meter, Iowa and a couple of miles up the road there was the museum. I paid a small admission charge and went in. There was nobody else there except me and a very nice older lady who showed me around. I wish I remembered her name. What normally would be a 30-minute tour of the small museum turned into a two hour visit. The woman told me stories about Bob Feller and told me he was a very nice man. We've probably heard stories about Feller being somewhat cranky at times, but who isn't? My brief dealings with him were very pleasant and I believe the woman, who knew him, when she said he was a gentleman. But I suspect he didn't have too much patience for morons.
There was a display on Feller regarding his time served in the US Navy. He was the first Major League player to enlist in the armed service following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enlisted the next day, December 8, 1941.
Who knows how many games he would have on had he not missed close to four full seasons. He never was bitter about it, saying that he had a duty to serve the United States and he did so proudly.
Also at the museum, you were able to "buy" on of Feller's wins, with the money going to the upkeep of the museum. I bought his 59th win, a 4-0 win over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 9, 1940. It was a complete game 3-hitter with 7-strikeouts. Joe DiMaggio had one of the hits before a crowd of 14, 790 in the Bronx. Anyway, to buy a win, they gave me a plaque and put my name up on the wall of wins. I forget how much it cost but I have a Bob Feller win and plaque on my wall at home. The website to the museum is www.bobfellermuseum.org. Well worth a visit if you ever find yourself out that way sometime.
Bob Feller was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962 so for 48-years he was a living, breathing, baseball-loving American legend. The legend has now passed but he'll always be remembered. A remarkable man.
I met Feller a couple of times when he was making appearances at minor league parks. I interviewed him for a pre-game show once and I'm really mad that I lost the tape of it.
He was a good interview. At the time he was in his late 70's and his memory was sharp, he was a good storyteller and he was opinionated. So many athletes, past and present are extremely guarded in their comments. Not Feller. He said what he wanted and if someone didn't like it, too bad. He didn't care. As Howard Cosell might say, Feller was just "telling like it is."
I wish I could have seen him pitch. Among his 266 wins were 3-no hitters and 12-one hitters. I also love the highlight of him throwing his fastball at a target as a speeding motorcycle went past him in order to judge how fast he threw the ball. Ah, the days before radar guns.
As a kid, his dad was talking to a scout and the scout told young Bob to warm up. A few moments later, the scout ran over to the hard-throwing Feller and said, "Hey, I told you to just warm up!" Feller responded, "I am warming up."
He was 17 when he made his big league debut and struck out 15. Not too bad.
In 2001, I was driving to Chicago one fall afternoon when, on Route 80 I passed a small sign that was for the Bob Feller Museum. I took the exit (#113) in Van Meter, Iowa and a couple of miles up the road there was the museum. I paid a small admission charge and went in. There was nobody else there except me and a very nice older lady who showed me around. I wish I remembered her name. What normally would be a 30-minute tour of the small museum turned into a two hour visit. The woman told me stories about Bob Feller and told me he was a very nice man. We've probably heard stories about Feller being somewhat cranky at times, but who isn't? My brief dealings with him were very pleasant and I believe the woman, who knew him, when she said he was a gentleman. But I suspect he didn't have too much patience for morons.
There was a display on Feller regarding his time served in the US Navy. He was the first Major League player to enlist in the armed service following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enlisted the next day, December 8, 1941.
Who knows how many games he would have on had he not missed close to four full seasons. He never was bitter about it, saying that he had a duty to serve the United States and he did so proudly.
Also at the museum, you were able to "buy" on of Feller's wins, with the money going to the upkeep of the museum. I bought his 59th win, a 4-0 win over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 9, 1940. It was a complete game 3-hitter with 7-strikeouts. Joe DiMaggio had one of the hits before a crowd of 14, 790 in the Bronx. Anyway, to buy a win, they gave me a plaque and put my name up on the wall of wins. I forget how much it cost but I have a Bob Feller win and plaque on my wall at home. The website to the museum is www.bobfellermuseum.org. Well worth a visit if you ever find yourself out that way sometime.
Bob Feller was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962 so for 48-years he was a living, breathing, baseball-loving American legend. The legend has now passed but he'll always be remembered. A remarkable man.
An Early Christmas Gift
Last night, MLB Network showed the entire Game 7 of the 1960 World Series between the Yankees and the Pirates at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The tape of the game was thought to be destroyed but was found in a canister in Bing Crosby's basement.
The legendary entertainer, who died in 1977, was a part-owner of the Pirates from 1946 until his death. Crosby was in Paris at the time of Game 7 and had someone furnish him with a tape of the game. Crosby watched the game in his California home then stuck the tape, with the rest of the tapes he had of TV specials, movies and music, in his basement where it stayed until its discovery.
At my palatial Denver estate, I watched the game with Casey Bloyer, Justin Adams and Ed Henderson, three guys who love baseball and appreciate the game's magnificent history and significance.
We were all dazzled.
MLB Network screened the game at a theatre in Pittsburgh and had former Pirates in attendance, including Bill Virdon, Dick Groat, Hal Smith and Vernon Law. The Yankees were represented by Bobby Richardson, who you could tell was still miffed at losing the game, although he was very gracious. Richardson was the series MVP despite being on the losing team.
The interesting thing is none of the players ever saw the game. They played in it. Other than a few news reel highlights, they had never watched the game.
Bob Costas was the host and proved, once again, that he might be the greatest broadcaster ever. Not just sports broadcasting, I'm talking the entire realm of broadcasting. The guy was absolutely phenomenal.
Costas, at one break, asked Groat about a ball hit up the middle by Mickey Mantle that got past Groat behind second base. Had Groat come up with the ball, they might have gotten a force at second but he failed to smother the ball and it went into centerfield for a single. Groat, after sarcastically thanking Costas for bringing it up, admitted that the play has haunted him for the past 50-years!
It was fun watching a game that was played in Forbes Field, a classic ballpark built in 1909. While it looked like a great park on TV with some really great seats, I was astounded by what looked to be an awful lot of poor seats as well. There were plenty of obstructed view seats at Forbes Field.
The TV telecast was pretty minimal and spartan compared to today and guess what? I liked it. There were no color commentators. Just Bob Prince, the Pirates announcer for a few innings then Mel Allen the Yankees announcer took over and worked solo.
Graphics were hardly used. Just a simple white graphic in block lettering to identify a player. When the linescore needed to be shown, they would simply show the manual scoreboard in left-field. There were no jumbotrons or revolving billboards behind home plate. It was simple and beautiful.
The field itself though was pretty rough and beaten up from a full-season of games. Groundskeepers today would be mortified if their field was in that kind of shape. Even the outfield was rough. Groundskeeping has come a long way for sure. Groat remarked how bad the field looked and he was glad. After all, a bad hop that hit Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek in the throat in the 8th inning thus preventing a sure double-play opened the floodgates for the Pirates 5-run uprising.
And of course we saw Bill Mazeroski's home run to win it for the Pirates in the 9th. The interesting thing about that is we've seen the highlight a million times. However, the vantage we've seen is always from the behind home plate. The actual tv telecast showed Mazeroski's home run from the centerfield camera.
Another weird thing to the broadcast was there were no replays. It wasn't invented yet. The first replay occurred during an Army-Navy football game a few years later. So if you missed something you couldn't wait for the replay to bail you out. You had to pay attention.
Mazeroski unfortunately was not at the theater for the screening. He was ill and couldn't attend. But Costas alerted us in a post-screening update, that he was out of the hospital and feeling fine.
I must point out that despite knowing the outcome, Casey and I were rooting for the Yankees. I guess it's in our blood. We got so caught up in the game, and a wild game it was, that we forgot that the Pirates won and no amount of rooting or hoping would change that.
Finally, the post-game show was hysterical. They went to Bob Prince in the Pirates clubhouse and he was interviewing Pirates players and executives. Wearing the ugliest sportcoat ever, Prince was literally grabbing guys by the shoulder as they walked by the small elevated stage. He would ask a question and as they were answering he would grab another player while pushing the previous player off the stage when they finished speaking. It was frantic, it was crazy and wildly entertaining.
MLB Network will be replaying the broadcast. You must watch it if you haven't seen it. And if you have seen it you must watch it again. And again. I will.
October 13, 1960...revisited last night. Surreal stuff.
The legendary entertainer, who died in 1977, was a part-owner of the Pirates from 1946 until his death. Crosby was in Paris at the time of Game 7 and had someone furnish him with a tape of the game. Crosby watched the game in his California home then stuck the tape, with the rest of the tapes he had of TV specials, movies and music, in his basement where it stayed until its discovery.
At my palatial Denver estate, I watched the game with Casey Bloyer, Justin Adams and Ed Henderson, three guys who love baseball and appreciate the game's magnificent history and significance.
We were all dazzled.
MLB Network screened the game at a theatre in Pittsburgh and had former Pirates in attendance, including Bill Virdon, Dick Groat, Hal Smith and Vernon Law. The Yankees were represented by Bobby Richardson, who you could tell was still miffed at losing the game, although he was very gracious. Richardson was the series MVP despite being on the losing team.
The interesting thing is none of the players ever saw the game. They played in it. Other than a few news reel highlights, they had never watched the game.
Bob Costas was the host and proved, once again, that he might be the greatest broadcaster ever. Not just sports broadcasting, I'm talking the entire realm of broadcasting. The guy was absolutely phenomenal.
Costas, at one break, asked Groat about a ball hit up the middle by Mickey Mantle that got past Groat behind second base. Had Groat come up with the ball, they might have gotten a force at second but he failed to smother the ball and it went into centerfield for a single. Groat, after sarcastically thanking Costas for bringing it up, admitted that the play has haunted him for the past 50-years!
It was fun watching a game that was played in Forbes Field, a classic ballpark built in 1909. While it looked like a great park on TV with some really great seats, I was astounded by what looked to be an awful lot of poor seats as well. There were plenty of obstructed view seats at Forbes Field.
The TV telecast was pretty minimal and spartan compared to today and guess what? I liked it. There were no color commentators. Just Bob Prince, the Pirates announcer for a few innings then Mel Allen the Yankees announcer took over and worked solo.
Graphics were hardly used. Just a simple white graphic in block lettering to identify a player. When the linescore needed to be shown, they would simply show the manual scoreboard in left-field. There were no jumbotrons or revolving billboards behind home plate. It was simple and beautiful.
The field itself though was pretty rough and beaten up from a full-season of games. Groundskeepers today would be mortified if their field was in that kind of shape. Even the outfield was rough. Groundskeeping has come a long way for sure. Groat remarked how bad the field looked and he was glad. After all, a bad hop that hit Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek in the throat in the 8th inning thus preventing a sure double-play opened the floodgates for the Pirates 5-run uprising.
And of course we saw Bill Mazeroski's home run to win it for the Pirates in the 9th. The interesting thing about that is we've seen the highlight a million times. However, the vantage we've seen is always from the behind home plate. The actual tv telecast showed Mazeroski's home run from the centerfield camera.
Another weird thing to the broadcast was there were no replays. It wasn't invented yet. The first replay occurred during an Army-Navy football game a few years later. So if you missed something you couldn't wait for the replay to bail you out. You had to pay attention.
Mazeroski unfortunately was not at the theater for the screening. He was ill and couldn't attend. But Costas alerted us in a post-screening update, that he was out of the hospital and feeling fine.
I must point out that despite knowing the outcome, Casey and I were rooting for the Yankees. I guess it's in our blood. We got so caught up in the game, and a wild game it was, that we forgot that the Pirates won and no amount of rooting or hoping would change that.
Finally, the post-game show was hysterical. They went to Bob Prince in the Pirates clubhouse and he was interviewing Pirates players and executives. Wearing the ugliest sportcoat ever, Prince was literally grabbing guys by the shoulder as they walked by the small elevated stage. He would ask a question and as they were answering he would grab another player while pushing the previous player off the stage when they finished speaking. It was frantic, it was crazy and wildly entertaining.
MLB Network will be replaying the broadcast. You must watch it if you haven't seen it. And if you have seen it you must watch it again. And again. I will.
October 13, 1960...revisited last night. Surreal stuff.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Option #2
The Rangers and Yankees couldn't sign Cliff Lee. So, do they go after Zack Greinke of the Royals, the 2009 Cy Young Award winner in the American League?
Kansas City General Manager Dayton Moore says the Blue Jays and Nationals are seeking Greinke's services and he thinks they have more prospects to send to the Royals than the Rangers or Yankees.
He's obviously bluffing. The Royals don't want to win. They are content to lose and gobble up the revenue sharing money. If the Yankees really want Greinke all they have to do is throw a couple of minor leaguers KC's way along with a hefty check. They'll take the money before they hold out for prized prospects.
The question that has been brought up before is, does Greinke want to play in New York? Would he be a good fit?
Not everyone can play in New York. Ed Whitson comes to mind immediately as well as that bum Carl Pavano.
If Greinke doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees then I have to seriously question if he wants to win. If it is a choice between pitching for the Royals and Yankees and he picks the Royals, that tells me he's a loser, Cy Young and all.
If I'm Greinke, I want to go to a team that has a chance to go to the World Series. The Royals have no shot. If I'm correct, the Yankees seem to go to the post-season every year (except 2008).
We'll see how this plays out but expect the Yankees to go after Greinke. It would be foolish not to. Unless you think A.J. Burnett will turn it around after last season's disaster. If I'm the Yankees I'm not counting on that happening.
Kansas City General Manager Dayton Moore says the Blue Jays and Nationals are seeking Greinke's services and he thinks they have more prospects to send to the Royals than the Rangers or Yankees.
He's obviously bluffing. The Royals don't want to win. They are content to lose and gobble up the revenue sharing money. If the Yankees really want Greinke all they have to do is throw a couple of minor leaguers KC's way along with a hefty check. They'll take the money before they hold out for prized prospects.
The question that has been brought up before is, does Greinke want to play in New York? Would he be a good fit?
Not everyone can play in New York. Ed Whitson comes to mind immediately as well as that bum Carl Pavano.
If Greinke doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees then I have to seriously question if he wants to win. If it is a choice between pitching for the Royals and Yankees and he picks the Royals, that tells me he's a loser, Cy Young and all.
If I'm Greinke, I want to go to a team that has a chance to go to the World Series. The Royals have no shot. If I'm correct, the Yankees seem to go to the post-season every year (except 2008).
We'll see how this plays out but expect the Yankees to go after Greinke. It would be foolish not to. Unless you think A.J. Burnett will turn it around after last season's disaster. If I'm the Yankees I'm not counting on that happening.
Blindsided
Cliff Lee has signed...with the Phillies?
Didn't see that one coming. He's going back to the team he helped to the 2009 World Series.
Lee's deal is 5-years for 120-million dollars with an option for a 6th year.
The Yankees offer of 7-years and 150-million wasn't good enough I suppose.
It must have been true also that Lee didn't like pitching in the frying pan that is Arlington, Texas in the summer.
The Phillies starting rotation goes from very good to unfreaking believably amazing.
How does this sound if you are an opposing team going into Philadelphia for a 4-game series to face Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels? That is also a righty, lefty, righty, lefty rotation. Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton are fine options for the 5th starter.
So, do I concede the National League East to the Phillies. Absolutely. Atlanta, Washington, Florida and the Mets have no shot. None. Zero. This Phillies team could win 105-110 games this season. Look out.
Didn't see that one coming. He's going back to the team he helped to the 2009 World Series.
Lee's deal is 5-years for 120-million dollars with an option for a 6th year.
The Yankees offer of 7-years and 150-million wasn't good enough I suppose.
It must have been true also that Lee didn't like pitching in the frying pan that is Arlington, Texas in the summer.
The Phillies starting rotation goes from very good to unfreaking believably amazing.
How does this sound if you are an opposing team going into Philadelphia for a 4-game series to face Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels? That is also a righty, lefty, righty, lefty rotation. Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton are fine options for the 5th starter.
So, do I concede the National League East to the Phillies. Absolutely. Atlanta, Washington, Florida and the Mets have no shot. None. Zero. This Phillies team could win 105-110 games this season. Look out.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Carl Crawford
Kevin Wheeler, from KMOX radio, was on my radio show last night, as he is every Sunday night at 9:30 mountain time, to talk baseball and a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
He said last night, that the Red Sox signing of Carl Crawford, for 142-million over 7-years, was "the one of the worst signings in the history of baseball."
Wheeler added that the contract the Nationals gave Jayson Werth (7-years, 126-mil) was probably dumber.
Wheeler likes Crawford as a player but not at that price. Not for a corner outfielder.
I tend to agree with him. While Crawford is a great player, is he worth more than 20-million a year?
In a related story, cokes at Fenway Park will go for $75 next season.
He said last night, that the Red Sox signing of Carl Crawford, for 142-million over 7-years, was "the one of the worst signings in the history of baseball."
Wheeler added that the contract the Nationals gave Jayson Werth (7-years, 126-mil) was probably dumber.
Wheeler likes Crawford as a player but not at that price. Not for a corner outfielder.
I tend to agree with him. While Crawford is a great player, is he worth more than 20-million a year?
In a related story, cokes at Fenway Park will go for $75 next season.
Make Up Your Mind
Cliff Lee, what gives?
You either sign with the Yankees for 25-million a year for 7-years or you sign with the Rangers for whatever huge amount they give you without worrying about state income tax in Texas.
So make up your mind already. What's the problem? Or, are you waiting for the Pirates to make an offer?
You either sign with the Yankees for 25-million a year for 7-years or you sign with the Rangers for whatever huge amount they give you without worrying about state income tax in Texas.
So make up your mind already. What's the problem? Or, are you waiting for the Pirates to make an offer?
Forget The Piano Lessons
This scene is probably being played out across America these days, a reverse from years gone by.
Mom: Jimmy, what do you think you're doing?
Jimmy: Mom, I'm practicing the piano.
Mom: The piano? Is that going to provide for my retirement?
Jimmy: (head down) No.
Mom: Then grab your glove and bat and get your ass out there and play some ball.
_______________________
On a side note, the average Major League salary has gone over 3-million per player. So kids, get out there and play some baseball.
Mom: Jimmy, what do you think you're doing?
Jimmy: Mom, I'm practicing the piano.
Mom: The piano? Is that going to provide for my retirement?
Jimmy: (head down) No.
Mom: Then grab your glove and bat and get your ass out there and play some ball.
_______________________
On a side note, the average Major League salary has gone over 3-million per player. So kids, get out there and play some baseball.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Ron Santo
Sad start to the month with the recent passing of Cubs twice-legend Ron Santo. He was a legend as a player and a legend as a broadcaster, hence the twice-legend status.
Santo belongs in the Hall of Fame without question. He was one of the best third basemen in the 60's with numerous All-Star game appearances and gold gloves. He racked up 342 career homers and 1,331 RBI's while compiling a respectable .277 average. Remember, pre-steroid era as well.
By the way, why didn't Santo have a nickname? If he had one, I've not heard it.
For a long time Phil Mickelson had the title of "Best golfer not to win a major." I would have to give Santo the title of "Best player not in the Hall of Fame."
I hope Santo gets in eventually but it is a damn shame he's no longer living. The baseball writers who vote for the Hall of Fame are too frequently santimonious jerks and by keeping Santo out of the Hall they did a great disservice to the game and to Santo.
Ron Santo, who battled diabetes, was 70 when he passed from bladder cancer. The Cubs and their legion of fans will miss him.
Santo belongs in the Hall of Fame without question. He was one of the best third basemen in the 60's with numerous All-Star game appearances and gold gloves. He racked up 342 career homers and 1,331 RBI's while compiling a respectable .277 average. Remember, pre-steroid era as well.
By the way, why didn't Santo have a nickname? If he had one, I've not heard it.
For a long time Phil Mickelson had the title of "Best golfer not to win a major." I would have to give Santo the title of "Best player not in the Hall of Fame."
I hope Santo gets in eventually but it is a damn shame he's no longer living. The baseball writers who vote for the Hall of Fame are too frequently santimonious jerks and by keeping Santo out of the Hall they did a great disservice to the game and to Santo.
Ron Santo, who battled diabetes, was 70 when he passed from bladder cancer. The Cubs and their legion of fans will miss him.
Back in the Saddle
I've been overwhelmed with stuff so I haven't posted on the blog in a while. No excuse, just a fact. Wait, that is an excuse.
Plenty to get to so I might as well get started.
Plenty to get to so I might as well get started.
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