Archives for July 2012

Doumit Homers from Both Sides – A Look at the Record Book

July 24, 2012 by

Ryan Doumit, on July 22, became the third Minnesota Twin to homer from both sides of the plate in one game – following in the footsteps of Roy Smalley (1986) and Chili Davis (1992).   He also became the fourth switch hitter to go deep from both sides of the plate this season (Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Yasmani Grandal).  Doumit’s offensive accomplishment underscores the value the off-season pickup (signed to a two-year, $7 million extension recently) brings to the Twins.  He’s currently hitting .290 (third on the team), with ten homers (fourth on the Twins) and 46 RBI (second) and has played catcher, first base, outfield and designated hitter.  (A key factor here is Doumit’s ability to provide valuable “breathers” for Twins stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.)

Doumit’s display of power from both sides of the plate prompted BBRT to take a look at the record book (when it comes to going yard from the both batter’s boxes in the same contest).  Turns out it’s not as rare as you might think.

– It’s been accomplished   271 times (162 in the American League, 109 in the National League).

Mark Teixeira has homered from both sides of the plate in a record 13 games – contributing to a Yankee tradition.

– Mark Teixeira holds the record for most times homering from both sides of the plate in the same game at 13, as well as the American League record of 11.  (He accomplished the feat eight times with the Yankees and three times with the Rangers in theALand twice with the NL Braves.)  Ken Caminiti holds the National League record at 10 – 7 times with the Padres, three with the Astros.

– The Yankees hold the MLB franchise record  (and, of course, the AL record) for most times having a player homer from both sides of the plate in a game with 49 (30%) of the AL’s 162 occurrences.  The list of Yankees who have accomplished the feat is long and impressive:  Mickey Mantle; Tom Tresh; Roy White; Roy Smalley, Jr.; Bernie Williams; Ruben Sierra; Jorge Posada; Tony Clark; Melky Cabrera; Nick Swisher; and Mark Teixeira.

– Surprisingly, the NL franchise record holder is not an old, established franchise like the Yankees, but the much younger New York Mets – with 20 of the NL’s 109 occurrences.  The roster of Mets who have homered from both side of the plate in the same contest includes:   Lee Mazilli; Howard Johnson; Bobby Bonilla; Todd Hundley; Carl Everett; Tony Clark; Jose Reyes; and Carlos Beltran.

– A final tidbit, no pair of hitters has had more ambidextrous home run games while teammates than Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher who, as Yankees since 2009, have accomplished the feat a combined 11 times (eight for Teixeira and three for Swisher.) Swisher by the way trails only Teixeira on the MLB total list – with 11 right-/left-handed homer games.  Also at 11 you’ll find Chili Davis and Eddie Murray

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Cards Explode for 12 Runs in Lucky Seventh … Prompting a Look at the One-Inning Records

July 22, 2012 by

On June 21, 2012, the Saint Louis Cardinals pushed across 12 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning as they trounced the Chicago Cubs in St. Louis.  The final one-inning totals for the Cardinals – 12 runs on 10 hits (seven doubles, one triple, two singles) and three walks.  Interestingly, at least to BBRT, the seventh was the only inning in which the Cardinals (who have struggled offensively lately) scored.  The game was a 12-0 Saint Louis win) and the only inning in which the Redbirds notched more than one hit.  Now the Cards did tie an MLB record with seven doubles in one inning – but when it came to hits and runs they felt short of the single inning – or even the seventh inning – record.  The Cardinals also fell short of the most lopsided shutout win ever – a Providence Grays 28-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on August 21, 1883.

Note:  Since 1900, there have been five shutout victories when the winning team scored twenty or more runs – most recently the Indians 22-0 win over the Yankees on August 31, 2004.  BBRT is still searching to see if 12-0 is the most lopsided score in which all of a game’s runs were scored in a single half inning. 

Now back to the Cards’ seventh inning.  Turns out both the AL and NL records for runs scored in an inning took place in the seventh inning of those games – and in both cases, Detroit was the victim.

While with the Red Sox, Johnny Damon become one of only five major leaguers to notch three hits in one inning.

In the NL, the Chicago White Stockings (later to become the Cubs) scored an NL and MLB record 18 runs in the seventh inning of a 26-6 home win over the Detroit Wolverines.  In the inning, they tallied another MLB record 18 hits (10 singles, six doubles, one triple and one home run – amazingly, no walks).  Further, three Chicago batters (Tommy Burns, Fred Pfeffer, and Ned Williamson) each had three hits in the inning.  How significant is that?  In baseball history, three hits in an inning has been accomplished only five times (the last by Johnny Damon on June 27, 2003, in the first inning of a 25-8 Boston Red Sox win over the Florida Marlins, when the Sox scored 14 first-inning runs, including a MLB-record 10 runs before the first out.)

Gene Stephens, another three-hit inning performer for the BoSox.

In the AL, the one-inning scoring record was set in the seventh inning (lucky number seven for both leagues) of a June 18, 1953, 23-3 victory for the Boston Red Sox over the Detroit Tigers.  In their big inning, the Red Sox logged 14 hits (11 singles, 2 doubles and 1 home run) and six walks.  In this game, Boston leftfielder Gene Stephens notched three hits in the inning – his only hits in the game (3 for 6 with a walk.)

Hope you enjoyed this look back at MLB’s biggest innings.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Saint Paul Saints – Veeck’s right, fun IS good!

July 21, 2012 by

Moving – in less than 24 hours – from the Minnesota Twins Champions Club at Target Field in Minneapolis(see the July 19 post) to “infield reserved” behind home plate as the American Association (independent league) Saint Paul Saints take on the Grand Prairie Airhogs at Midway Stadium is a quantum leap.  That’s the journey BBRT chose to make – leaving Target Field at about 11 p.m. on July 17th and entering Midway Stadium at about 12:30 p.m. on July 18th.

From a fan perspective, both experiences have a lot to offer.  This post will focus on the Saint Paul’s Saints – for more on the BBRT’s time in the Twins Championship Club, again, see the previous post.

One of the Saints’ primary owners –  Mike Veeck (part owner of a half dozen teams) –  is all about baseball, business and FUN– and attending a Saints game is ample proof of the Veeck family’s belief that baseball and fun make for good business.

What it’s all about!

Note: Mike’s grandfather Bill Veeck, Sr., was President of the Chicago Cubs and his father Bill Veeck gained fame as one of baseball’s great “mavericks” as owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox (twice). To learn more about the Veeck family approach to the game Google (darn, I vowed never to use that verb) Lary Doby, Eddie Gaedel or Disco Demolition and to understand Mike Veeck’s approach to life and business read his book “Fun is Good.”

On July 18th, the fun began as I crossed the packed parking lot, where – as is always the case before Saints games – the tailgating was in full swing more than an hour before game time. It wasn’t a parking lot, it was a partying lot.  Cold beer, grilled burgers and brats, lawn games, loud music and an array of baseball apparel are the order of the day.  To add to the fun on this day, free hot dogs were being handed out to any and all comers.

Once in the park, the fun really began (after I picked up my free score card, of course).

No between innings lulls – not Lardashian and Hamphries at right center.

In the stands, fan interacted with the over-sized pink pig mascot Mudonna (who does a great bump-and-grind), as well as with a host of “ushertainers” like Gert the Flirt, Mr. Vegas and the Nerd.  We also witnessed the twenty-year Saints’ tradition of baseballs delivered to home plate by pigs (piglets at this time of year, but guaranteed to play a “larger” role over the course of the season).  This year the umpires accepted horsehides from a pair of pig mascots named Kim Lardashian and Kris Hamphries.  (Past Saints pigs have included such “celebrities” as Hammy Davis Junior, Kevin Bacon and the often maligned Bud Squealig.  A few years ago I suggested Amy Swinehouse, but never made the cut.)  There were also between-inning events ranging from a Piano Race to a Pizza Eating Contest to a players “Booty Call” where fans had to identify a player from a photo of his (uniformed) booty displayed on the centerfield scoreboard video screen.  In short, in addition to the action on the field, there was a lot going on off the field – no between inning lulls (which is true of most minor league experiences, even more true of independent league operations and a hallmark of Mike Veeck’s approach to the game-day experience.)

Another note:  A Saints game at Midway Stadium may be the only place where knowing the Wayne Newton recorded Danka Schoen can win you a prize or where a ballplayer sliding into home can win White Castle hamburgers (“sliders”) for the entire crowd.)

If fun is good – so is food – and there is plenty inside the ball park for those who didn’t fill up in the parking lot.  There are all the traditional items – hot dogs, brats, peanuts, cracker jacks, cold beer, ice cream – as well as such offerings as walleye sandwiches, gyros (my choice this day), chicken kabobs and more.  And, it’s major league quality at minor league prices. And what tastes better than a cold beer and a bratwurst – in the sun – at the ball park.

The fans at Midway Stadium (and most minor league parks) are a real family.  It’s like the pub on cheers.  In Midway “everybody knows your name” – the beer vendors call out to their customers by name and preference”  “Hey Marty, ready for another Pale Bud?”  And, if you a new, you’ll soon find yourselves surrounded by friends ready to talk baseball – or, I’ve observed at Saints games, politics.

What you won’t see here are ties or the wave – both banned.  BBRT:  The wave should be banned everywhere.

Then there’s the game itself.  For Wednesday’s game, the morning started out overcast, but the sun (apparently the weatherman agreed that fun is good and fun in the sun even better) came out at game time.  Then, as if on cue, it began to cloud up again as we moved close to the final inning of the 2 hour and 21 minute contest.

Good seats – at a great price.

For my $13 I got a great seat, right behind home plate about 15 rows back.  There are, however, really no bad seats in a park that holds about 10,000 (there were 6,034 on this Wednesday afternoon.)    We were treated to a pretty good ball game (the independent American Association is most often compared to “A” ball.) It included a couple of well-turned double plays, two nice diving catches, a nifty pick-off, and a power display by the home team (3 doubles, a triple and a home run among 13 hits for the Saints, while the Airhogs had only 5 singles and a double.)

The Airhogs took a 2-lead in the top of the second inning, which went walk, walk, pick-off of the runner at second, single, run-scoring sacrifice fly, run-scoring single, strikeout. It was a little like watching the White Sox of the late 1950s – a power-short team that worked to manufacture runs and victories (In 1959, the White Sox won the AL Pennant despite finishing last in the league in homers, sixth [out of eight teams] in batting average and seventh in slugging percentage – but third in On Base Percentage and first, by a wide margin, in stolen bases.)

The Saints took another route to home plate, turning two doubles, two singles and a triple into 3 runs in the fourth; adding a solo homer by clean-up hitter Ole Sheldon in the fifth; and then using a single, well-executed sacrifice bunt and a another single for a run in the eighth (an inning that ended on a 8-2-4 play as the hitter tried to advance on the play at the plate).  All in all, a satisfying 5-2 Saints win, with plenty of interesting baseball.

Ronnie Morales and his submarine delivery …

One highlight for BBRT was the opportunity to view, from my behind-home plate vantage point, the “submariner” pitching style of Airhogs’ reliever Ronnie Morales.  I’m dating my self here, but it reminded me of the Kansas City Royals 1980s closer Dan Quisenberry.

So that was my game day experience at Midway Stadium – BBRT, by the way, strongly supports a new Saints ball park in downtown Saint Paul, but that’s for another post.  I’d like muse a bit more on what you might see at an independent league game,

BBRT has written in earlier posts about how minor league baseball (particularly AAA) often offers the opportunity to see former and future major leaguers on their way up or down – or between ups and downs.  While that opportunity may not arise as often in independent league baseball, the Saints are proof you can still see players from, or destined for, the big leagues at these contests.  Over the years, the Saints roster has boasted such former major leaguers as:

Jack Morris …  who went 5-1, 2.61 for the Saints in 1996, at age 41 – following a major league career that included 254 wins, 5 All Star selections and an World Series MVP award.

Darryl Strawberry … the troubled outfielder who joined the Saints after a major league suspension (a former NL Rookie of Year and 8-time All Star with 297 major league homers).  Strawberry, rebuilding his image and career, played 29 games as a Saint, hitting .429 with 18 homers and 39 RBI.  One July 4, 1996, George Steinbrenner celebrated his 66th birthday by bringing Strawberry back to the Yankees for the 1996 pennant-winning stretch drive.   “The Straw” went on to play for Yankees until 1999 (on pennant winners in 1996, 98 and 99) and finished his career with 335 homers, 1,000 RBI and 221 stolen bases.

J.D. Drew … the Florida State college star drafted second overall by the Phillies in 1997 came to the Saints after contentious negotiating between the Phillies and J.D.’s agent Scott Boras (enough said). Boras uncovered a loophole in MLB’s draft rules that enabled Drew to sign with the Saints and be available for future drafts.  Drew played 44 games with the 1997 Saints, hitting .341 with 18 homers.  He was drafted fifth by the Cardinals in 1998 and went on to a 14-year MLB career (retiring quietly before the 2012 season) with a .278 average and 242 home runs.

Ray Ordonez … the slick-fielding 22-year-old Cuban signed with the Saints in 1993, hitting .286 and dazzling in the field.  In October of that year, he translated his opportunity with Saint Paul into a contract with the NY Mets organization, eventually going on to a nine-year major league career highlighted by three Gold Gloves.

Those are the Saints’ “big league” highlights, but they have featured other players with major league pedigrees including (but no limited to):  Leon“Bull” Durham; Matt Nokes; and Minnie Minoso.

While you are likely to see some former and future major leaguers in minor league and  independent league ball parks, you are also likely to see some promotions that will never make their way to the majors (and you are most likely to see these promotions in a Veeck-directed operation.)  Here are just a few examples (my favorites) from the Saints to give you a flavor of what you might be missing if you limit yourself to the major leagues.

I talked in my previous post about the Twins Championship club’s valet parking.  Well, Saint Paul’s Saints have featured “Ballet Parking” – where patrons’ cars were parked by ballerinas, complete with toes-hoes and tutus – not coming to a major league park near you soon.

The Saints have also feature hair cuts above the dugout; in-park therapeutic massage by a Catholic nun (Sister Rosalind); Mime-O-Vision (with a group of mimes acting out the instant replays; a free car wash for the dirtiest car in the lot (watch for your vehicle on the scoreboard screen); and a host of unique give-aways skewering such individuals as Mike Vick; Representative Andy Weiner; Randy Moss; and Senator Larry Craig.  (Look these up, we’re working to be PC here.)  My personal favorite was the 2002 give-away mocking major league baseball’s labor strife with a seat cushion featuring the face of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig on one side and Players Union Executive Donald Fehr on the other. You could voice your views by sitting on one face or the other – or maybe flipping the cushion between innings.

BBRT’s point is once again:  Baseball is like life – only better – no matter what ball park you are in.  So, go to a game – any game, anywhere – and, in the spirit of the Veeck baseball family, have fun!  See you at the ball park.

Filed Under: Rants & Raves

In the Twins Champions Club – Fans are treated like champions

July 19, 2012 by

If you look in the dictionary under “Minnesota Nice,” you should see a picture of the Champions Club staff.   The staff is not only attentive, but makes you feel like they are happy not just to serve you, but to see you at the ball park.

If, as BBRT’s banner maintains, “Baseball is like life – only better,” then the Minnesota Twins Champions Club must be “like heaven – only better.”

On July 17, as the Twins faced off against the Baltimore Orioles, I was privileged (along with my daughter Élan, son-in-law Amir and good friend Jon) to be seated (and there is a lot more to this story than good seats) in the Twins much-praised (justifiably) Champions Club section.  The tickets were, on many levels, out of my league – they were a much appreciated retirement gift.

It all starts with your arrival at Target Field (I’d suggest 60-90 minutes before game time). You drive through the Champions Club lot, right up to the ball park, where a friendly valet takes your keys and parks your car.   You literally exit your vehicle about 20 steps from the entrance to Target Field and the valet parking comes with the ticket.  Our little group recognized immediately that we were marking new territory when it comes to baseball watching.  Amir could have spent considerable time ogling the cars (pretty much every car maker’s top of the line) as they pulled up.  Our Subaru Outback was a bit overmatched.

Once inside, we were greeted by a literal “host” of staff, given a Champions Club wristband and directed to the very comfortable entry room bar, where you could pick up a complimentary program and scorecard, check out significant Twins memorabilia (like the 1987 and 1991 World Series Champions trophies) and, if so inclined, order a beverage in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Our group headed through the entry bar into the spacious main dining room / bar.   The atmosphere was perfect – not too elegant (Victorian) and not too trendy (Mad Men).  Instead, it had a clean, classic feel – from the long bar, to the dining tables to the fireplace.  Even the strategically placed big screen TVs – carrying the pregame festivities and later the game – seemed to fit right in.

Once seated, a friendly waitperson brought us ice water and took our “adult beverage” orders.  The Champions Club offers a truly fully stocked bar.  We opted for the tap beers and house wines – which – like the valet parking – were complimentary.  Malbec for me, Pinot Grigio for Élan and Amir and Grain Belt for Jon.

Ball park fare? Artisan cheeses in the Champions Club.

Then, it was time to try the buffet – which also came with the price of the ticket (Are you seeing a trend here?).  We started at the Artisan Cheese and Meat table (with various crackers and flat breads), moved on to the salads (prepared or made to order on the spot) and then to the main course(s).

 

Jon Miller shared a photo of his pre-game dinner. Diverse and delicious.

There was, literally, an offering for every taste:  roast round of beef, walleye, Chicken Marsala, braised short ribs, sausages with grilled onions and peppers, as well as a host of sides from perfectly done vegetables to a multi-cheese pasta dish.  (I know I’m missing some items, but the point is that it was large, diverse and delicious.)  When we got back to the table, our waitperson quickly checked on our beverages – another round ensued and we added (among us) gourmet coffee and diet sodas.   As game time approached, our waitperson switched our beverages to plastic glasses, so that we would take them to our seats (also letting us know there would be in-seat service and complimentary beverages during the next phase of our Champions Club experience.)

One beautiful ball park.

That next phase began (after Amir polished off his chocolate ice cream sundae) as we headed to our seats, just 11 rows behind home plate.  Absolutely great seats in a great ball park. (I recently took in three Twins games in the often-praised PNC Park in Pittsburgh.  And, while PNC is a beautiful park with its view of the Allegheny River, the Roberto Clemente Bridge and downtown Pittsburgh, I give the edge to Target Field with its combination of textures – expanses of limestone, glass and “ball park green.”)

But I digress.  To get to our seats, we had to make our way past the complimentary (the trend continues) snack items:  peanuts, Cracker Jack, pop corn, assorted candies, nachos, hot dogs.  Our initial bounty?  Malted Milk Balls, Reese’s Pieces and pop corn.  Once in our seats, another attentive waitperson checked to see if we needed any additional beverages and reminded us that the dining room continued to serve until the eighth inning.  (Jon and I put down a couple of brats with onions and peppers in the seventh.)  Throughout the game, we saw fellow Champions Club-bers heading back into the dining / bar area to replenish.

In Champions Club Seats, you are on top of the action.

As I said, the seats were great. They were comfortable, wide and well-padded – a plus after the buffet and snack bar – and, just as important, close to the action.  You felt as if you could pick the umpire’s pocket.

To cap off a great evening the Twins won 6-4 in an exciting contest.  The Orioles took the lead 1-0 in the first; the Twins tied it 1-1 in the fourth; Baltimore scored three in the top of the fifth; the Twins came back with three in the bottom of the inning; and the Twins took the lead for good with two runs in the seventh.   A fun and exciting win.  Still, while the execution by the staff in the Champions Club was spot-on perfect, the game did have its flaws – as in two errors, one wild pitch and 15 walks.  When it was over, I had one ugly score card. I did notice that no one else in the Champions Club section was keeping score (and was a bit dismayed).  As a point of comparison, however, the very next afternoon I attended a Saint Paul Saints (independent minor league) game, sitting behind home plate and again saw no one dutifully scoring the game.  Has “keeping the book” become a lost, archaic art?  Has it gone the way of cursive?  If so, “Curses,” I say.

After 3:43 of big league bliss (lots of walks makes a long game), it was sadly time to leave the Champions Club.  Back to the valet parking area and, unfortunately, reality.  The rating?  Too bad we can only give it five stars – the Champions Club is a “Grand Slam.”  And, here’s the key – the people.  If you look in the dictionary under “Minnesota Nice,” you should see a picture of the Champions Club Staff.  In every interaction – from valet parking to entering the ball park to dinner (food service and wait-staff) to ushers and seat-side service – the staff was not only attentive, but made you feel like they were happy not just to serve you, but to see you at the ball park.  In the Champions Club, the fans are treated like champions.

My recommendation?  If you ever get the chance, take in a game in the Champions Club.  My commitment, if I ever get the chance to do it again – I’ll be there.  In the meantime, remember:  Baseball’s like life – only better – no matter what seats you have.  See you at the ball park.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Strangest Play I Ever Saw – K-E2-7-6-7 and the ball never leaves the infield

July 16, 2012 by

You never know what you’ll see at the ballpark – and that was never more true for BBRT than at Metropolitan Stadium on April 25, 1970.  Try to imagine one play that produces a strikeout, a three-base error, an assist and putout for an outfielder and an assist for the shortstop – and takes place with only four players on the field and the ball never leaving the infield.  Let me share the story.

My dad and I were among the just over 11, 000 fans who turned out to watch the Minnesota Twins – off to an 8-4 start and scoring runs in bunches.  The Twins line-up featured power hitters like Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva, as well as the steady bats of Cesar Tovar, Leo Cardenas and Rich Reese.

One of the main attractions that day, however, was Garabrant (Brant) Reyerson Alyea III – a 6’ 5”, 29-year-old power hitter picked up by the Twins in an off-season trade with the Washington Senators. The Twins sent pitchers Joe Grzenda and Charley Walters to Washington in the deal.  Before joining the Twins, Alyea was best known for hitting a pinch-hit home run on the first major league pitch he ever saw (1965).  In parts of three major league seasons since, he had shown some power, rapping 19 homers in 165 games.  In his first 11 games as a Twin, however, Alyea was one of the America League’s hottest hitters – batting .421 (15 for 35) with four home runs and 20 RBI.  Alyea was to play a part in the play of the day, but not with his bat.

On the mound for the Twins that day was lefty Jim Kaat.  The opposing hurler was former Minneapolis Miller Earl Wilson, known as much for his bat as his arm. In an 11-season career, Wilson would win 121 games (including a stellar 22-11 in 1967) and also hit 35 homers (hitting 5 or more in five seasons) – including a .240 average, with 7 homers and 22 RBI in 45 games in 1967. Wilson would also have a role in the strangest play I ever witnessed – but with his legs, rather than his arm or his bat.

It all came about with two out in the top of the seventh inning and the Twins leading 2-1.  Wilson, who had a double and a strikeout in the game, became Kaat’s fifth strikeout victim, seemingly ending the inning (soon to prove an invalid assumption).  The home plate umpire, however, did not signal an out, judging that Twins’ catcher Paul Ratliff had trapped the ball, and Wilson needed to be tagged out.  The Twins didn’t notice the lack of a final emphatic “out” signal and Ratliff rolled the ball to the edge of the mound while the home team trotted of the field. Wilson, signaled by the Tiger third base coach, lingered at the plate. Those of us in the stands assumed he was waiting for someone to bring him his glove (another invalid assumption.)

With all the Twins except Alyea (notoriously slow moving) in the dugout, Wilson bolted for first – setting off confusion in the dugout and the stands.  By the time the Twins – Alyea probably first – realized what was happening, Wilson was rounding third base and heading for home.  Alyea got to the infield and the ball as Ratcliff and Twins’ shortstop Leo Cardenas headed to home plate.  Alyea threw to Cardenas. Wilson held up, heading back to third base and pulling a hamstring in the process (he would have to leave the game). Cardenas then threw to Alyea, who put the tag on the hobbled Wilson.

On my scorecard it ultimately (after we sorted out what had happened) looked like this:  K-E2-7-6-7 – wouldn’t that have been great in one of those now popular scorecard BINGO games.  It all added up to a strikeout for Kaat (and as a hitter Wilson); a three-base error for Ratliff; an assist for Cardenas; and a putout and an assist for Alyea – and the ball was never more then 80-feet from home plate.

After the game, Detroit catcher Bill Freehan urged Alyea to move a bit quicker between innings, “If Alyea has been hustling, Earl might have made it.  Tell him to start coming in and off the field a little quicker.”

BBRT’s ballgame rule:  Never get there late, never leave early – cause you never know what you’re gonna’ see. 

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Back in the Day – Most Unique Finish to a No-Hitter

July 15, 2012 by

More evidence of how “the game” has changed.  Can you imagine a hitter today coming to the plate with two outs in the ninth inning of a no-hitter – with a table leg for a bat?  Well, on a July 15, 1973, Detroit Tigers first baseman Norm Cash did exactly that.

Norm Cash bat rack?

Nolan Ryan was putting the finishing touches on his second career no-hitter (and second no-hitter of 1973) – a 6-0 California Angels’ win over the Tigers at Tiger Stadium in front of 41,411 fans.  With two outs in the ninth, Cash (who had struck out two times and grounded out second to first in three previous at-bats) put a punctuation mark on Ryan’s excellence and the Tigers’ futility by coming to the plate brandishing a table leg (form the Tiger clubhouse).  Umpire Ron Luciano, was having none of it and sent Cash back to the dugout for a more traditional “stick.”  Using his usual bat, Cash popped out to the shortstop and Ryan’s no-hitter went into the record books.

There was good reason for Cash to try an unconventional approach to his last at bat.  In that game, Ryan racked up 17 strikeouts – a record for Ks in a no-hitter that still stands – and had struck out the side in the second, fourth and seventh innings.  The Tigers, who drew four walks, had hit only four fair balls out of the infield.  In today’s game, Cash’s attempt at humor probably would merit an instant ejection, angry protests on the field, media outrage and a wave of irate blog post and tweets.  For me, I just wish I had been there.  Really, what we need in baseball is more smilin’ and less stylin’.

A few tidbits about Ryan and his second 1973 no-hitter:

Over the first seven innings, Detroit starter Jim Perry was also tossing a great game – having given up just 4 hits, 3 walks and one run.  The Angels broke through for five runs on Perry and two relievers in the eighth inning.

Ryan came into the game with a losing record on the season (10-11) and for his career (58-64).

The game took only 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete.  Ryan’s no-hitter was one of his career major league record 7 no-hit games and the 17 strikeouts were part of his 1973 single season (since 1900) record 383 Ks.

Ryan’s no-hitter came in the first year of the DH in the American League.  If he’d had the chance to face the pitcher, he might have recorded another strikeout or two.

The win was part of Ryan’s first-ever 20-win season (21-16 in 1973) – one of only two 20-victory campaigns for the Hall of Famer (he went 22-16 in 1974).

In his eight years with the Angels, Ryan led the NL in strikeouts 7 times, as well as in walks 6 times and wild pitches 3 times.

The Tiger line-up wasn’t exactly overpowering, the highest average among starters on July 15 was .267 (the AL average that year was .259, the Tigers averaged .254, Minnesota led the league at .270). Detroit, however, was 48-43 on July 15 and finished eight games over .500 for the year.

While Cash was a four-time All Star, he is best known for his 1961 season, when he won the batting title with a .361 average, while posting 119 runs scored, 41 HRs and 132 RBI.  In 1962, Cash become the answer to a trivia question, as his average dropped 118 points to .243, the largest next-year decline ever for a batting champion.  In his 17-tear major league career, outside of that 1961 season, Cash – while a steady and solid performer –never recorded another season of 100 runs, 40 HRs, 100 RBI nor a .300 or better average.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

All Star Break – Looking Back at Surprises, Disappointments, BBRT Preseason Predictions

July 11, 2012 by

Now that we’re at the All Star break, BBRT would like to take a look at the season so far – surprises, disappointments and how BBRT’s pre-season (mid-March) projections are holding up.

R.A. Dickey – Mets’ knuckleballer 2012’s biggest surprise.

First, MLB’s biggest surprise – this one is at the top of everybody’s list –  the Mets’s knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.  Dickey came into 2012 having never exceeded 11 wins in a season, with a 9-year record of 41-50, a career 4.33 ERA, a career average of 5.5 strikeouts per game, just 4 complete games and 1 shutout.  This season, Dickey leads the major leagues with 12 wins (versus only 1 loss), has a 2.40 ERA, is striking out 9.2 hitters per nine innings, has 3 complete games and 2 shutouts.

From a team perspective, BBRT is most surprised by the Baltimore Orioles, in second place in the tough AL East (no teams under .500 at the break) with a 45-40 record, despite being outscored 387 – 351, the third-worst run differential in the AL.  Notably, Tampa Bay (1/2 game behind the Orioles) is closing the gap and both Boston and Toronto are within striking distance of the O’s, so BBRT does not expect the surprising performance of the O’s (who haven’t had a winning record since 1997) to last.

Giants hope Lincecum rebounds from disappointing start.

Biggest disappointment?  BBRT gives the nod to the Giant’s Tim Lincecum – with a 3-10 record, a 6.42 ERA and league leadership in earned runs allowed (69) and wild pitches (10).  Lincecum came into the season with a 5-year career record of 69-41, a 2.98 ERA over 1,028 innings pitched, and two Cy Young Awards.   How far off his usual marks is the Giants’ ace?  In 2011, he gave up 66 earned runs in 217 innings.  In 2012, he’s already exceeded that total (giving up 69 earned runs) in only 96.2 innings.  In fact, Lincecum has already given up more earned runs through the break this year then in all but one of his previous 5 full seasons.  And, keep in mind, at 46-40,San Francisco is only ½ game out of first.

The most disappointing team goes to the Philadelphia Phillies – 37-50, in last place, 14 games out and losers of 9 of their last ten games before the break.  This a team picked to top the NL East by most analysts, as well as BBRT – coming off a 102-win season in 2011, five straight division titles and 9 consecutive winning seasons.  What happened?  Injury took a significant toll – Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Roy Halladay, along with disappointing seasons by outfielder Shane Victorian and preseason potential Cy Young pick Cliff Lee.

Now, let’s go a little deeper in the areas of surprises, disappointments and BBRT’s mid-March predictions.

And, what a difference 80+ games can make.  Before the season opened, BBRT predicted competitors for the NY Cy Young were:  1) Cliff Lee (now 1-5, 3.98); 2), Roy Halladay (4-5, 3.98); 3) Cole Hamels (10-4, 3.20).  Oops!

So, let’s look at how things are going – and how BBRT did in March.   Surprises will be in green – disappointments in red.

AL East

BBRT’s predicted winner – the Yankees – have a firm hold on first place.  However, BBRT lists Michael Pineda as a disappointment.  BBRT saw Pineda (who has missed the entire season with injuries) as a key player in the Yankees’ dominance.  Ivan Nova’s 10-3, 3.92 record, however, is a surprise that offsets Pineda.

Baltimore in second place is a surprise, as BBRT predicted the Tampa Bay Rays would finished in the number-two spot (the Rays are in third, just a half-game out of second).   What does BBRT see ahead?  Yankees win it, followed by TampaBay, with Orioles dropping to fourth.

Another disappointment in the East is Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez – going from 2011’s .338, 27 HRs, 117 RBI season to .283-6-45 at the break.

AL Central

The White Sox, are the surprise here – thanks in great part to strong hitting from Paul Konerka and A.J. Pierzynski (who should have been all All-Star) and comeback seasons by Adam Dunn and Jake Peavy.

A notable individual surprise in the division is 23-year-old White Sox hurler Chris Sale, who hadn’t started a major league game previous to this season and now stands at 10-2, 2.19, with nearly a strikeout per inning.  With the positive addition of Kevin Youkilis, the Sox are in the race to stay.

The Tigers are a bit of a disappointment here, but not that big a one.  BBRT picked Detroit to lead from start to finish (behind Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander).  Early on, the Tigers showed some problems in the field, with their starting pitching and at the bottom of the lineup.  However, they are now 2 games over .500, just 3 1/2 back and won 7 of 10 before the break.  They will be in the hunt.

BBRT picked Cleveland to be a strong contender (second to the Tigers) and the Indians sit in second place at the break.  However, they will need to make a move or two or risk losing ground to the Tigers and Sox.  Final prediction – Sox hold off the Tigers, Indians drop to third.

AL West

Not much to surprise anyone here.  BBRT saw a dogfight between the Rangers and Angels and that seems to be where we are heading, with both teams boasting strong offenses and pitching staffs.  In March, BBRT saw the finish as Angels –Texas, with both teams making the playoffs.  Right now, they are flip-flopped and you can expect a competitive finish.

We have seen a notable disappointment in the division, in the form of Albert Pujols’ slow start.  Pujols has rebounded, but still is at just .268 (versus a .325 career average) with 14 HRs and 51 RBI.  That may be enough to help the Angels grab a wild card spot, but Pujols needs to pick it up if the Angels are going to catch the Rangers.  Year-end prediction – Rangers have just enough to hold off the Angels.

Mike Trout – potential ROY and MVP candidate?

A key surprise in this Division is young Mike Trout of the Angels at .341, 12 HRs, 40 RBI and 26 SBs – a potential combination ROY and MVP contender (only Fred Lynn and Ichiro Suzuki have won MVP and ROY in the same season).  Given Trout’s role in compensating for Pujols’ slow start, he has a chance.

NL East

The Washington Nationals have ridden a surprising starting pitching staff (Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman and Edwin Jackson to a major-league best 3.20 ERA, a 49-34 record and a four-game East Division lead.  Add to that the energy infusion of young Bryce Harper and you have a season-long contender.  This is not a total surprise, BBRT’s preseason prediction saw Washington with a winning record and fighting for a playoff spot, with the Braves taking the division.

What BBRT did not expect was the collapse of the Phillies (see the disappointment at the start of this post) and shortfall of the Brewers (with particularly disappointing results from Rickie Weeks and Randy Wolf).  Season’s end?   BBRT sees the Nationals and Braves close all the way, with the Braves winning the Division and Nationals as a Wild Card.

NL Central

The big surprise here for many people is seeing Pittsburgh in first, a game up on the Reds and 2 ½ on the Cardinals – thanks to Andrew McCutchen’s MVP-caliber performance and the stalwart pitching of James McDonald and A.J. Burnett (both among 2012’s surprises).  McDonald came into the season at 18-20 with a career 4.04 ERA (but having shown some promise) and, at the 2012 break, is 9-3, 2.37.  Burnett is a “comeback” surprise.  He’s had some good years in the past, but for 2010-11, he was 21-26 with an ERA north of 5.00 both seasons.  In 2012, he stands at 10-2, 3.68.

Right now, trailing the Pirates closely are the Reds and Cards.  The Cardinals, in particular, have shown some grit – overcoming the loss of Pujols.  Yadier Molina, David Freese, Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran have picked up the slack.  And, there is a surprise here.  Lance Lynn, the Cards’ 25-year-old Rookie of the Year Candidate stands at 11-4 with a 3.41 ERA.

What does BBRT expect for the second half?  First, as predicted in March, the Pirates notch their first winning season since 1992.  However, it won’t be enough to hold off the Cards and Reds.  BBRT will stick with its March prediction, the Cards take the Division, followed by the Reds.

NL West

A notable surprise here, the Dodgers went into the break in first place (just ½ game up on the Giants), despite losing Matt Kemp for 51 games.  Pitching has helped keep the Dodgers in the hunt, particularly Clayton Kershaw (who has pitched much better than his 6-5 record – with a 2.91 ERA) and the Dodgers’ “surprise” Chris Capauno (9-4, 2.91 this year; 11-12, 4.55 in 2011; but an 18-game winner for the Brewers in 2005).

The Giants in second matches BBRT’s March prediction, despite Tim Lincecum’s decline.  Contributing factors are strong seasons from Melky Cabrera, Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval – more important, strong starting pitching from Ryan Vogelsong, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and even a surprising resurgence (7 wins) from Barry Zito.

BBRT’s sees a disappointment in the West – the struggles of the Diamondbacks (BBRT’s March pick to win the Division).  The Diamondbacks have been helped by Paul Goldschmidt’s emergence as a Rookie of the Year candidate (.302, 12 HRs, 42 RBI), a solid season from Aaron Hill (.300, 11 HRs, 40 RBI) and what BBRT rates as a mild surprise, newcomer Jason Kubel’s .293, 15 HRs, 60 RBI performance going into the break.  The pitching has been adequate led by 25-year-old Wade Miley with 9 wins. The big disappointment forArizona?  Justin Upton, who – after last season’s .289, 31 HRs and 88 RBI – was expected to further mature and carry the offense.  This season, Upton stands at .273, 7 HRs and 37 RBI – respectable, but well below expectations.

Post All-Star break, BBRT sees the Giants winning the Division, with the Diamondbacks and Dodgers fighting for second – and Kemp’s return being just enough to keep the Dodgers ahead of the Diamondbacks.

 

Finally, BBRT’s Mid-Season Award Predictions:

AL MVP: 1) Robinson Cano (NYY); Josh Hamilton (TEX); Mike Trout (LAA).  BBRT’s preseason picks were:  Cano, Albert Pujols (LAA); Evan Longoria (TB).

NL MVP:  1) Joey Votto (CIN); 2) Andrew McCutchen (PITT); 3) Matt Kemp (LAD).  Preseason picks:  Justin Upton (AZ); Kemp; Votto.

 

AL Cy Young:  1) Jered Weaver (LAA); 2) Justin Verlander (DET); 3) David Price (TB).  Preseason picks were:  Weaver; Verlander; C.C. Sabathia (NYY); Price.

NL Cy Young: 1) R.A. Dickey (NYM); Gio Gonzalez (WASH);  Matt Cain (SF).   Preseason predictions:  Cliff Lee (PHIL), Roy Halladay (PHIL); Cole Hamels (PHIL). (Boy, did I miss this one.)

 

AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout (LAA); Yu Darvish (TEX).  Preseason picks:  Matt Moore TB); Jesus Montero (SEA).

NL Rookie of the Year:  1) Bryce Harper (WASH) ;  2) Lance Lynn (STL).  Preseason picks:  Bryce Harper; Julio Teheran (ATL).

So, there’s a look back and a few predictions forward.  Can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Filed Under: News

Calico Joe – a solid summer read

July 3, 2012 by

Calico Joe by John Grisham

Doubleday – 2012 ($24.95)

While John Grisham is best known for his detailed legal thrillers, he has set that aside to pen a baseball-focused tale of relationships and redemption that gives readers a look into the heart and soul of an “old school” hardballer, his family and the ultimate victim of his approach to life and the national pastime.

The story initially centers on Joe Castle – a hard hitting 21-year-old phenom from Calico Rock, Arkansas, who joins the Cubs during the 1973 season.  Castle homers in his first three major league at bats and continues on a tear that sees him with 21 home runs and an average near the .500 mark after 38 games.  Unfortunately for Calico Joe Castle, his last home run comes in his first at bat against Warren Tracey, a 34-year-old journeyman pitcher trying to hang on with the Mets – not a very good hurler and even less of a father, husband, friend or team mate.  Known for an “old school” attitude, a fierce temper and a penchant for hitting batters, Tracey takes his revenge in Castle’s next (and last) at bat with an intentional and nearly fatal bean ball that puts an end to both their careers.

In the stands for the game is Warren Tracey’s 11-year-old son Paul, who idolizes Castle as much as he dislikes his own often absent and always overbearing father.  Paul, who has been berated by his father for not knocking down hitters when he’s on the Little League mound, knows and dreads what’s coming when Calico steps in for his second at bat– and is among the most passionate non-believers when Warren later denies he hit Castle intentionally.

Years later, Paul still feels personal and family guilt.  With Warren– by now on wife number 6 and just as dour as ever – dying of cancer, Paul becomes determined to arrange a redemptive meeting between Warren and Joe.   Paul, however, finds plenty of opposition to the proposed meeting – from his father and Joe Castle’s very protective family and community.  Paul’s quest and the relationships he discovers and builds along the way are what Calico Joe is really all about.  It takes us all the way from a major league baseball diamond to two former big leaguers, both damaged in different ways, facing each other in folding chairs in small town ball park.

Now, if statistics are your priority, Calico Joe may not be for you (at times, some of the numbers just don’t seem to add up).  However, if you are a baseball fan looking for an enjoyable summer read, this book will capture you.  I recommend it for the story, for its ties to baseball and for the fact that Grisham has made it even more interesting by deftly intermingling real players and events with his fictional cast of characters.  Again, a fun summer read, ideal for the beach or campground.

Filed Under: Reviews

The All Stars – a B+, but still debatable.

July 2, 2012 by

The MLB All Star selections are in (minus the final five vote).  Overall, a pretty good job by the fans and managers, I’d rate the selections a B+ or A-.  That better than many years, but,  as always, there is some disapointment and debate.  Here are BBRT’s commentary on the”snubs” of 2012, as well as my vote for the final spot.

#1 Snub … Voters select Pablo Sandoval (Giants) to start over David Wright (Mets) at third base.  Look at the numbers, Sandoval’s 45 games, .300 average, 6 HRs and 25 RBI are respectable – but put them up against Wright’s 76 games, .354 average, 9 HRs and 50 RBI and I know who my starter would be.

#2 … Voters select Mike Napoli (Rangers) to start at catcher for the AL.  Yes, Napoli hit 56 homers in 2010-11 and was a post-season star, but he’s not even close to my first choice.

Check out the numbers:

Totals as of June 1                           HR                   RBI                  Avg.

Mike Napoli                                        12                    30                    .235

Joe Mauer (Twins)                              4                    36                    .324

A.J. Pierzynski (White Sox)              14                    45                    .285

Matt Wieters   (Orioles)                    11                    38                    .249

My choice:  A.J., with Mauer and Wieters on the bench.

Encarnacion deserves to be at the 2012 All Star game.

#3 … No reserve spot for Edwin Encarnacion (Blue Jays) on the AL squad. Encarnacion’s rung up a .291 average, with 22 HRs and 55 RBI in 76 games.  Who would I drop?  At the reserve DH spot, the AL has Adam Dunn with 79 games, a .210 average, 24 HRs, and 58 RBI.  Some additional factors:  Encarnacion has 8 SBs to 0 for Dunn; 50 Runs to 44 for Dunn; and has struck out 54 times, compared to Dunn’s league-leading 126.  Dunn does lead Encarnacion in walks 64 to 32, but still trails in OBP .359 to .373 and Slg. Pct. .507 to .572.  Overall, I give Encarnacion the nod for the final DH spot behind David Ortiz (Red Sox) and Billy Butler (Royals).

#4 … Voters select Buster Posey (Giants) to start over Carlos Ruiz (Phillies) and Yadier Molina (Cardinals) at NL catcher.  Okay, we have a trio deserving backstops here, but the numbers swing in Ruiz’s favor and drop Posey to third.

Totals as of June 1                   HR                 RBI                 Avg.

Buster Posey                            10                    42                    .303

Carlos Ruiz                                11                    43                    .356

Yadier Molina                            13                    45                    .312.

#5  … Matt Kemp selected by the voters having played only 36 games played.

#6 …  A few I’d classify as truly deserving, even at the expense of other selections:

Aaron Hill (2B. – Diamondbacks)

Johnny Cueto (SP – Reds)

Austin Jackson (OF – Tigers)

Ernesto Frieri (RP – Angels)

Zack Grienke (S P- Brewers)

Jason Kipnis (2B – Indians)

Finally, my votes in the final five for each league.

First the NL, going with tradition here and voting for the Braves’ Chipper Jones to make a final All-Star appearance, honoring a 19-career which now stands at a .304 average, 460 HRs and 1,590 RBI.

Frieri … my AL final five vote … wearing an Angels uniform, of course.

In the AL, going with the surprise  flame thrower – Angels closer Ernesto Frieri.  For the season (Padres and Angels), Frieri has pitched in 35 games, 36 innings, giving up only 16 hits, fanning 60 and notching a 0.75 ERA.  With the Angels, he’s pitched in 24 games (10 saves), totaled 24.1 innings, given up just 7 hits and no runs, and whiffed 42.  Fans need to see this guy pitch on the big stage.

Filed Under: News