Archives for May 2012

BBRT RANT: The Game Has Changed – Putting the Finish on the Start

May 30, 2012 by

Robin Roberts – averaged 300+ innings pitched for a decade.

Will any of today’s – or tomorrow’s – generation of major league pitchers garner 300 wins or complete 150 games?   Toss 20 complete games or pitch 300 innings in a single season?  Given the way the game is played today, any or all seem pretty unlikely.  It is, in many ways, a whole new ball game for pitchers – and it’s not the pitchers’ fault.  (Okay, it’s not that new … a lot of the change occurred  during my lifetime.)

Let’s look at some of the factors.

Five-man Rotations

As we moved into the 1970s, teams started moving from four-man to five-man pitching rotations.  Fewer starts, fewer opportunities for wins, complete games, innings pitched.   (Notably, swifter travel  – trains not planes – has contributed somewhat to this.  With more travel time meaning more days between games, fewer pitchers were needed .   The change, however, goes deeper than five-man rotations and time between starts.  Read on.)

The “Quality” Start

In today’s game, 6 innings and 3 or fewer runs is a quality start.   Starting pitchers, as recently as the 1980s, would have considered six innings pitched a day off.  Pitchers are no longer  expected to finish what they start.

The Advent of the Save

Years ago, relief pitchers were mostly starters past their prime brought in to “mop up.”   In fact, the “save” was not even established as a statistic until 1969 (saves were awarded retroactively for seasons prior to 1969).

The Rise of Relief Specialists

Today, not only does the manager look to the closer (primarily for the ninth inning), the bullpen also features key “set up” men, earmarked for the seventh or eighth inning.  And, not only do most teams have their seventh- and eighth-inning specialists, we also have people on the bench ready for long- and middle-relief.  No wonder managers are so quick with the hook.  They’ve got to keep that multi-million dollar bullpen happy.

The Dreaded Pitch Count

And, of course, there is the “pitch count,” considering the financial investment teams have in pitchers, the thinness of pitching staffs (we do, after all, now have thirty teams), pitchers are treated with great care, often held to pitch counts in the neighborhood of 100 – no matter how well they are throwing.

So, how significantly has all this changed the game?  Here’s some statistical evidence.

The Vanishing Complete Game

It wasn’t until 1955 that we saw a league leader in complete games with less than 20 finished starts (Whitey Ford, Yankees, 18 CGs).  And, 1980 was the first year that a league leader notched less than 14 complete games.  The last time, we saw 20 complete games in a season?  Fernando Valenzuela in 1986.  James Shields, in 2011, became the first pitcher to reach double-digits (11) in complete games in a dozen years – and earned a reputation as an iron man.

Roy Halladay is considered the current king of the complete game having led the AL in complete games in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009 – and led the NL in 2010 and 2011.  He did all of this without ever completing 10 games in a season.  In his career (as this blog is written), Halladay has started 363 games and completed 66 (18%).  By comparison, in 1975, the average percentage of complete games among all MLB starters (the good, bad and ugly) was 27%.   The 1975 CG leaders, Catfish Hunter and Andy Messersmith, ended up with career percentages of games finished to games started of 38% and 33%, respectively.  If we look at MLB complete game stats over time, we can be pretty sure we’ll never see numbers like those again.

– In 1900, 82.3% of games started were complete games;

– 1925 – 49.2%

– 1950 – 40.3%

–  1975 – 27.2%

–  2000 – 4.8%

– 2011 – 3.6%

We’ll also never see a pitching machine like Jack Taylor.  Between 1901 and 1906 (Cubs and Cardinals), Taylor threw a record 187 consecutive complete games; or Will White (Cincinnati), who in 1879 completed a single-season record 75 complete games (in 75 starts).  White went 43-31 that year, with a 1.99 ERA and 680 innings pitched.  For his career, White completed 394 of 401 starts.  Closer to today’s game, in 1968, Don Drysdale set a record by tossing six consecutive complete game shutouts. 

The Dwindling of Innings Pitched

Innings pitched?  Think about this.  From 1950-59, Robin Roberts AVERAGED 301 innings pitched per season.  And, if you pick any decade from 1900 through 1979, the average innings pitched for the league leaders was over or near 300.  However, innings pitched have dropped significantly since Steve Carlton became the most recent pitcher to hurl 300 innings in (1980).  For the last decade, the average for league leaders has been shy of 250.   (As you might expect, Will White of the 75 complete games single-season record also holds the single-season innings pitched record at 680.)

Here’s the chart of average innings pitched by league leaders (by decade) with major strike-shortened seasons deleted:

Decade                 Average Innings Pitched by League Leaders

1909-09                                                350

1910-19                                                348

1920-29                                                318

1930-39                                                304

1940-49                                                305

1950-59                                                294

1960-69                                                303

1970-79                                                327

1980-89                                                279

1990-99                                                261

2000-09                                                244

2010-11                                                247

Pitch Counts

You’ll also never see a game line-score like this one again.

 May 1, 1920

Brooklyn              000 010 000 000 000 000 000 000 00           1   9   2

Boston                  000 001 000 000 000 000 000 000 00           1 15  2

What’s so special about this line score?  Starting pitchers Leon Cadore of Brooklyn and Joe Oeschger of Boston (NL) both went the distance –  with the game called due to darkness after 26 innings.  Both starters threw more than 300 pitches (analysts estimate Cardore at 345 and Oeschger at 319). Oh, and here’s another factoid, the time of the 26-inning contest was only 3:50 minutes.

And, with that look at another way the game has changed, I’ll end this rant and just say,  I miss the days when hurlers were expected to finish what they started and when most games did NOT result in a parade of relief specialists.  But, I don’t blame the pitchers – the game has just changed.

Filed Under: Rants & Raves

Twins Highlight – Pregame Reunion

May 28, 2012 by

It was a disheartening 4-3 loss for the Twins on Saturday (May 27th), as Miguel Cabrera hit a two-run homer off Twins’ closer Matt Capps in the top of the ninth.  In the grander “scheme of things,” it was a heartening day for the sell-out crowd – thanks to the Twins, and Minnesota National Guard Master Sergeant Robert Buresh and his family.

The true ‘highlight” of the day began with the Twins’ pregame Kids Day race, in which two youngsters race from home plate to first base, where they don oversized (for them) Twins jerseys; then on to second base, where they struggle into adult-side baseball pants; then to third base for full-sized batting helmets and shoes; and. Finally, on to home plate for the “win.”  Always a fun- and smile-filled pre-game distraction, Saturdays spin around the bases turned to broad grins and even tears (in a good way).

The contestants were sisters Annie (11-years-old) and Alex (8-years-old) Buresh.  The crowd of 38,710 was treated to plenty of cute as the two girls ran, walked and stumbled their way around the bases in the way-too-big baseball apparel.  There was an audible “Aww!” as older sister Annie, rather than go for the win, stopped to help her younger sibling with the troublesome baseball pants at second base.

Surpurise Reunion. Photo: Sports@yahoo.com

Then came the best moment of the day.  As the two girls rounded the makeshift third base for the dash to home plate, their dad – Master Sergeant Robert Buresh, just back from a near five-month deployment to Afghanistan, stepped out (in his fatigue uniform) from behind Twins’ mascot T.C. the Bear (who was manning the finish line).  At the same time, the stadium announcer and scoreboard let us all in on what was taking place. More than a few of the crowd “misted up” during the touching on-field family reunion.  After the family shared grins, tears, hugs, kisses, teddy bears and flowers (for the two girls and Buresh’s wife Julie who kept the “secret” until Saturday), Twins players took time to greet the family with hugs and handshakes.

In interviews later, the still emotional Master Sergeant Buresh thanked the Twins and said of the moment, “As a dad, I can’t ask for anything more.  That’s just fantastic.  I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

He added that once he found out he was going to be at the game (the Twins were supplying free tickets to members of his squadron and their families), he wanted his first meal back in the States to be a hot dog and a beer – with his family.  He, and his family, got much, much more.  And, so did the fans.  You know, every game has its highlights.  That’s what BBRT loves about baseball.  On May 27, 2012, at Target Field, that highlight came even before the first pitch.   Thank goodness I was lucky enough to be there.  Also, thank you Twins.  Thank you Master Sergeant Buresh.  And, on this Memorial Day, thank you to all veterans, active military personnel and reserves

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Hamilton’s Streak – Memories of “Hondo”

May 16, 2012 by

Josh Hamilton trotting home - a familiar site in Texas ... and parks north.

Josh Hamilton’s recent one-week home run binge – 9 homers in seven days, brought back memories of Frank “Hondo” Howard, who holds the record for homers in a week with 10.  Not to take anything away from Hamilton’s dramatic performance, but Hondo’s run may have been even more spectacular.  It came in 1968 – known as the “Year of the Pitcher” for the lack of offensive achievement.   It also was achieved in one less game, primarily on the road (only one home game) and with considerable more travel (Howard’s week included games Washington D.C., Boston, Cleveland and Detroit).

Let’s look at these two momentous long-ball achievements.

Hamilton’s week stretched from May 7-13 (7 games, one doubleheader) and included 14 hits in 30 at bats (.467), 9 HRs, 10 Runs, 18 RBIs, 4 walks and 11 strikeouts.  Hamilton’s total included six two-run homers, and three solo shots.  He homered in 5 of the 7 games, including May 8’s record-tying four-homer performance.  His victims included:  Jason Berken; Jake Arrieta (2); Zach Philips; Darren O’Day; Tommy Hunter; Jerome Williams (2); and C.J. Wilson.

The Ranger slugger’s run included four road games (at Baltimore) and three at home (vs. the Angels) – with the Rangers winning four of six.  In the streak, the Rangers scored a total of 61 runs, with Hamilton driving in 29.5% of that total.

Frank Howard’s 1968 streak also came in May, from the 12th through the 18th.  His week included only six games and he collected 13 hits in 20 at bats (.650); 10 HRs (the one-week record); 10 runs; 17 RBIs; just one walk; and four strikeouts.  He homered in all six games, with 4 solo homers, three 2-run dingers and one 3-run shot.  His victims included:  Fred Lasher;  Mickey Lolich (3); Lee Stange; Ray Culp; Jose Santiago; Sam McDowell (2); and Joe Sparma.

The streak included just one home game (Tigers) and five on the road at Boston (2), Cleveland (1) and Detroit (2).  The Senators went 3-3 and scored 29 runs in the six games (Howard drove in 58.5% of the Senators runs in the streak).

 

Hamilton’s 2012 streak

Date                      Hits-At Bats        HR             R             RBI         BB           K

May 7                       3-4                    1              1              2              2            2

May 8                       5-5                    4              4              8              0            0

May 10 (1)              1-4                       0              0              0              0            2

May 10 (2)              1-4                       1              1              2              1            2

May 11                    3-4                       2              3              2              1            0

May 12                    1-4                       1              1              1              0            3

May 13                    2-5                       0              0              3              0            2

 

Howard’s 1968 streak

Date                      Hits-At Bats        HR              R             RBI         BB             K

May 12                   2-4                       2              2              2              0              0

May 13 (off)

May 14                    3-4                       2              2              3              0              0

May 15                    2-4                       1              1              2              0              1

May 16                    2-3                       2              2              4              1              1

May 17                    1-4                       1              1              2              0              1

May 18                    3-5                       2              2              4              0              1

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Three-Homer Jump Start – Another 2012 Rarity

May 11, 2012 by

J.J. Hardy - Twice the middle man in a three-homer start.

As we move through the 2012 season, rarities abound. A perfect game (one of only 21 in baseball history); a four-homer game (one of just 16 – also making 2012 the only season in which we saw a perfect game AND a four-homer game), and yesterday, for just the fourth time ever, a team started off a game with back-to-back-to-back home runs.

The team was the surprising Orioles, with Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis leading off a 6-5 home victory over the Rangers with long balls (number one of the season for Flaherty, number eight for Hardy and number five for Markakis).

Here’s some tidbits about the contests in which a team has started off with three straight dingers.

The first three-homer jump start came on April 13, 1987, as the Padres’ Marvelle Wynn, Tony Gwynn and John Kruk pulled off the feat in a 13-6 home loss to the Giants. The Padres remain the only team to start with three long balls and still lose. They also had the least likely trio to pull of the accomplishment, as Wynn, Gwynn and Kruk (sounds like a law firm to me) totaled only 29 homers for the year. Wynn, in fact, finished the 1987 season with only 2 roundtrippers. It was also the first homer of the 1987 season for all three players.

The second three-homer start came on May 28, 2003, courtesy of the Braves’ Rafael Furcal, Mark DeRosa and Gary Sheffield – in a 15-3 home victory over the Reds. Furcal, DeRosa and Sheffield totaled 60 homers for the year.

The third group of long-ball initiators was made up of the Brewers Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun. They joined the list on September 9, 2007,  in a 10-5 road win over the Reds – making the Brewers the only team to achieve the feat on the road; the Reds the only team to be victimized by a three-homer start at home, as well as the only team to have the feat accomplished against them twice. (Weeks, Hardy and Braun totaled 76 homers for the year).

Notably, by being part of yesterday’s three-homer Orioles’ start, J.J. Hardy became the only player to twice be part of an event that has occurred only four times in MLB history. (Boy, don’t we keep track of everything in baseball.)

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

DH Can’t Get a Hit? Send Him to the Mound.

May 7, 2012 by

In the category of box scores we like to see, BBRT is adding Sunday’s Baltimore/Boston contest, won by the Orioles 9-6 in 17 innings – a game in which both teams sent their designated hitters to the mound (and each got a decision).

In that game, Baltimore’s designated hitter Chris Davis’ went 0-8 with five strikeouts at the plate, but redeemed himself by taking to the mound (Baltimore’s ninth pitcher of the day) and tossing two scoreless inning (with two hits, a walk and two strikeouts.)  Davis’ sinking fastball, in the high 80s, reportedly touched 91 mph at its fastest.   His strike out victims were Jarrod Saltalamachhia and Adrian Gonzalez – both swinging.

The losing pitcher was also a position player, Boston outfielder Darnell McDonald, who entered the game as a pinch runner (and scored) for DH David Ortiz in the eighth inning, became the DH and finished up as Boston’s ninth pitcher, giving up 3 runs in the top of the 17th.  He position line is interesting: PR-DH-P.   McDonald had a single in four at-bats at DH.

Filed Under: News

Harper HBP + Harper Steals Home + Hamels HBP + No whining = Good “Old-Fashioned” Hardball

May 7, 2012 by

Ouch! Good old-fashioned hardball!

Phillies’ Hurler Cole Hamels gave Nationals’ phenom Bryce Harper an old-style welcome to the big leagues Sunday – drilling the 19-year-old outfielder with a 93-mph fastball (on his first pitch to the rookie) in the bottom of the first inning.  Harper handled it in what BBRT considers true major league fashion.  His didn’t charge the mound, he didn’t glare out at Hamels, he just dropped his bat and took first base.   He then went on to extract his revenge, moving to third on a Jayson Werth single and then taking a big lead and stealing home when Hamel attempted to pick Werth off first.

It all reminded BBRT of when MLB featured “good old-fashioned hardball” – a time when rookies were welcomed to the big leagues by spending time on their backsides in the batter’s box, when a home run by the hitter in front of you meant you were going to hit the dirt, and when a multi-homer game was usually rewarded with a baseball-sized bruise  (and they didn’t wear batting helmets … Yes, I’m that old.)

And, Sunday’s game got even more old school in the third inning when Nationals’ pitcher hit Jordan Zimmerman hit Hamels with a pitch.

After the game, Hamels confirmed his intentions, admitting he meant to hit Harper.  In his own words,  “I was trying to hit him. I’m not going to deny it. It’s something I grew up watching. That’s what happened. I’m just trying to continue the old baseball.”

As Hamels even more succinctly put it, “It’s just, ‘Welcome to the big leagues.”‘  It may cost Hamels (dollars and days off) when the NL reviews his remarks, but BBRT appreciates the honesty and the intent (Hamels indicated he was not trying to injure Harper and he did not go headhunting.)

Still, there will be those who are offended by Hamels action.  Interestingly Harper is not among them. After the game, about the worst thing Harper had to say about Hamels was that he’s a great pitcher – and reports are that he said it with a smile.  Hamels returned the compliment noting that he sees Harper as a player with a lot of talent and energy who’s “going to make a really good name for himself.”

As far as the revenge taken by the Nationals (although Zimmerman denied purposefully hitting Hamels), Hamels was willing to take as good as he gave, saying, “I think they understood the message and they threw it right back. That’s the way, and I respect it.”

Well, BBRT now has two new heroes … Hamels and Harper, who together brought some good old-fashioned hardball to the Phillies 9-3 win.

Filed Under: News, Rants & Raves

Mariano Rivera – Pretty Darn Close to Perfect

May 4, 2012 by

“As a pitcher, I like to be — I don’t want to say perfect, but I want to know what the ball is going to do.”

Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera ... one of MLB's true heroes ... a great guy, a great player!

When it comes to being perfect at his job, probably nobody in baseball comes closer (no pun intended) than Mariano Rivera, who can throw his primarily one-pitch repertoire (cut fastball) wherever he wants, pretty much whenever he wants.

Batters have long known the cutter was coming at them more than 80 percent of the time and still have not been able to hit it. Not in 1997, at age 27, when Rivera first became a full-time closer for the Yankees and saved 43 games. Not in 2004, at age 34, when he saved a career high 53 games. Not in 2011, at age 41, when he notched 44 saves. And not this season, when he a picked up a win and five saves in 9 appearances (with a 2.16 ERA). And, through all of this stardom, Rivera has been a class act on the field and off – showing respect for the game, the Yankee pinstripes, his team mates, the opposition (even as he was breaking their bats off in their hands) and the fans.

Now as every fan already knows, Mariano Rivera – 12-time all-star closer and career leader in saves – yesterday proved that (despite popular opinion) he is not Superman. Rivera, at age 42, suffered a torn ACL doing something he truly loved, “playing” baseball. He didn’t go down on the mound, but rather while shagging flies in the outfield. Somehow, BBRT feels closer to this future HOFer because of those circumstances. All of us who love the game have spent time shagging flies, taking grounders and just enjoying being out on the ball field. We know Rivera was having fun, and that’s what the game is all about. While few of us have been on the mound with the game on the line, BBRT hopes to see Rivera on the hill closing out games again. If we don’t, however, we’ll see this “as- close-to-perfect” as you can get closer, team mate and gentleman at his Hall of Fame induction.

As we close out this get well card to Rivera, let’s look at just how close to perfection he really is. First, there are the saves: 608, top figure all-time. Then there’s his ERA, at 2.21 thirteenth all-time (among pitchers with at least 1,000 career innings pitched). Moreover, everyone ahead of him on the list retired before 1930. The closest active pitcher is Giants’ starter Tim Lincecum at number 178 (3.05). Rivera is also in the top five (fifth) in strikeouts to walks – a 4.04 – 1 ratio.

For those who like to look a little deeper, how about WHIP (Walks and Hits to Innings Pitched)? Rivera ranks second all-time (again among those with 1,000 or innings) at 0.998. Only two other players have a career WHIP below 1.0 – Ed Walsh (who retired in 1917) and Addie Joss (who left the game in 1910.)

And there’s the post season (30 innings or more pitched), where Rivera is number one in ERA (0.70); number one in saves (42, with second place at 15); number three in WHIP (0.758); and has an 8-1 won-loss record.

Mariano, we wish you well in your recovery. Your presence elevates the game.

Filed Under: News

Weaver Tosses 2012’s Second No-Hitter … and a bit of history

May 3, 2012 by

 Jered Weaver yesterday tossed a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins, which raises the question – Which is more surprising?

 1) That the Angels’ ace no-hit the 6-18 Twins (who were shut out on 3-hits by Jerome Williams the day before and now haven’t had a hit in 15 innings);

2) That the Angels remain in last place despite the three-game sweep of the Twins;

3) That Albert Pujols (of the 11 consecutive 30+ homer seasons) is hitting .208 with no home runs and only 5 RBIs after 25 games in the American League?  

We’ll go with “3” and send our congratulations out to Weaver, who walked one and struck out nine in his 9-0 win.   

BBRT likes to provide a little history in each post, so here some factoids for today – which, as you will see later, are only one degree of separation from Jered Weaver. 

While Weaver’s no-no was the classic complete game, there have been 9 “combined” no-hitters in MLB history, including 2 in 1991 (when there were a total of 7 no-hitters).  1991’s seven no-hitters is the record for a single season, tied with 1990, when there were also 7 no-hitters, including one combined effort.   For historic reference, 1990-91 saw as many no-hitters as 1927-44. 

The most pitchers used in a combined no hitter was six, on June 11, 2003, when a parade of Houston Astros’ hurlers shutdown the Yankees 8-0 at Yankee Stadium.  It all started out normally enough as the Astros’ Roy Oswalt sent the Yankees down 1-2-3 in the first (Alfonso Soriano-fly out, Jeter- strikeout swinging, Jason Giambi-strikeout swinging). Things took a turn toward baseball history two pitches into the Yankee second, as Oswalt aggravated a groin injury and the Astros were forced to go to the bullpen.  In succession, Pete Munro tossed 2.2 innings; Kirk Saarloos 1.1; Brad Lidge 2.0 (for the win); Octavio Dotel (1.0); and Billy Wagner 1.0.   When it was over 13 Yankees had gone down on strikes, there Bombers had no hits and had put only 5 runners on base (3 walks, an error and on a wild pitch strikeout.)

And, the game was both unusual and meaningful.  The Yankees came into the game with a 36-27 record, just ½ game ahead of the Red Sox, while the Astros were 36-28 and tied for first place with the Cubs.  Oh, and that one degree of separation?  The Yankees’ starting (and losing) pitcher was Jered Weaver’s brother Jeff, whose major league pitching career spanned 1999-2010.  Jeff went 6.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on ten hits in the loss.  

How did the Yankees take the unusual no-hitter?

“We should be embarrassed,” Jeter said after the contest. “If you’re not embarrassed something’s wrong with you.”

The Yankees did take the loss with class. When they got to the clubhouse after the game, each of the six participating pitchers found a bottle of champagne, courtesy of the Yankees, at his locker.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Book Review – Crossing Generations and DRIVING MR. YOGI

May 1, 2012 by

Driving Mr. Yogi:  Yogi Berra, Ron Guidry and Baseballs’ Greatest Gift

By Harvey Araton

Published (2012) by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  ($26.00)

 

Take a first look at the cover of Driving Mr. Yogi and you’ll see two major league ballplayers, two Yankee all-stars and two sports celebrities.  Take another look after you’ve begun your passage through the book and you’ll see much more.  You’ll see two friends from different backgrounds and even different generations, brought together by a shared passion for baseball in general and Yankee baseball in particular –  but even more closely bonded  by mutual respect and genuine caring.

The book – a light (240-page), fun and feel-good summer read – ultimately is as much about friendship and loyalty as it is about baseball.

The tale begins in Yankee spring training 1999, when Yogi Berra returns to the Yankee-fold after a 14-year feud with team owner George Steinbrenner over the circumstances of Berra’s firing as Yankee manager.   Guidry is asked to pick up Berra at the airport and, despite the age difference – at 74 Berra was 15 years Guidry’s senior – the two hit it off.  The Berra/ Guidry camaraderie (including the annual airport pickup) becomes a true “right of spring.”

From 1999 forward, Guidry, a star in his own right, (14-year career with 170 wins and 91 losses, including 25-3 in 1978) picks up Berra at the airport in his Ford pick-up, on-time and ready to carry Berra’s luggage. During spring training, Guidry pretty much serves as Berra’s chauffer and not just from the hotel to the ballpark and back – to dinners (at Berra’s favorites), shopping malls, and the golf course.  The book, however, is not about the excursions themselves, but about what Berra and Guidry learn about and from each other as their friendship grows.  And, as Berra ages, Guidry’s role expands from chauffeur to protector (and always best friend.)

Driving Mr. Yogi is not always an easy task.  Berra is a stickler for punctuality – on time means early and he is quick to voice his displeasure at being late.  Yogi is also a creature of habit and routine, as Guidry puts it, no matter what the activity “Everything’s got to be just the way it was last time and the time before that.”

Guidry, however, knows just how to deal with Yogi – mixing the correct amounts of reverence and irreverence, in a way only true friends can.  He knows when to cajole, when to tease, when and how fast to give in, how to get a smile from Berra (who when it came to grins was known for not wasting any) and, most important, when and how to say no to Berra when he wants to push himself a little too far.   He also understands that Berra is a man who cares deeply about the others, who wants to earn his way and is committed to doing the right things the right way – all the time.

Oh, there’s plenty of baseball in this book as well.   The drama of Yogi Berra Day (July 18, 1999) at Yankee Stadium, when all of fandom became aware that Yogi’s feud with Yankee owner George Steinbrenner was officially over.   Araton takes us there as Yankee old-timer Don Larsen (who, in 1956, pitched the only perfect game in World Series history) throws out the first pitch to his battery mate for the masterpiece, Berra.  Then,  Araton takes us along for the tension-filled ride as Yankee pitcher David Cone tosses a perfect game of his own on this oh-so-perfect day for the Yankee faithful.

Araton alsp gives insight into other giants of Yankee lore, like Joe DiMaggio who wanted to be the last Yankee introduced at Yankee celebrations and “demanded reverence from everyone within a 200-mile radius.”

Sprinkled through the book, you’ll also find gifts for fans of Yogi’s renowned malapropisms (Yogi once described his reason for avoiding a certain St. Louis restaurant with the observation, ”Nobody ever goes there any more, it’s too crowded.”) Araton shares gems like Yogi’s comment during ceremonies at a Yankees’ Old-Timers game when the names of former Yankees who were deceased scrolled across the scoreboard – “I hope I never see my name up there.”

But mostly, this is a book about friendship, integrity, compassion, loyalty, humility and humanity.  At one point in the book, Berra – who could be stubborn and set in his ways – is described as an individual who could “charm the melancholy out of anyone.”  This book and its very real leading characters can do the same.

BBRT sees Driving Mr. Yogi as a good read about a couple of really good people.  The baseball tie is just the icing on the cake.

Filed Under: Reviews