Archives for January 2014

Sam “Toothpick” Jones, Truly WILD finish to an Historic No-Hitter

January 27, 2014 by

 

Sam "Toothpick" Jones - the definition of "effectively wild."

Sam “Toothpick” Jones – the definition of “effectively wild.”

Sam “Toothpick” Jones could be intimidating on the mound – not just because of his size (6’4”, 192 pounds), his  fastball or his sweeping curve (Stan Musial said Jones had the best curveball he ever saw), but also because he was “effectively wild.”  As a Cub in 1955, the tall, lanky right hander led the National League not just in strikeouts, but also in walks and batters hit by pitch.  On May 12 of that season, Jones proved just how effectively wild he could be – tossing a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Chicago.  Three things about that no-hitter attracted BBRT’s attention:

1)      On that day, Jones became the first African-American to throw an MLB no-hitter;

2)      It came in what might be considered (statistically) Jone’s worst MLB season (he  led the NL in losses, going 14-20); and

3)      It had, perhaps, the “wildest” finish ever for an MLB no-no.

Let’s take a look at that historic game’s final inning.  First, Jones came into the top of the ninth having notched three strikeouts against four walks.  Despite the four free passes, he had faced only one more than the minimum number of hitters (or non-hitters in this case).  The Pirates’ number-five hitter, power-hitting first baseman Dale Long, had walked in all three of his plate appearances. Note: In 1956, Long set a still unbroken record by hitting home runs in eight consecutive games. Long’s feat has never been equaled in the National League, but was matched in the AL by Don Mattingly (1987) and Ken Griffey, Jr.  (1993).   But, back to May 12, 1955. In the second inning, Long was tossed out on an attempted steal; in the fifth he was the lead out in a short-to-second-to first double play; and, in the eighth, he was doubled off first on a line drive to third.  The only other Pittsburgh base runner to that point was catcher Toby Atwell, who led off the third with a walk, but was stranded as Jones induced a pop out, strikeout and ground out.  Meanwhile, over the first eight innings, the Cubs had scored four runs on fifteen hits off the Pirates’ Nellie King and Vern Law.

So, with a 4-0 lead and the eight, nine and lead-off  hitters scheduled to bat, Jones – ironically – seemed in control.  That would not last long.  Jones started the inning by walking the number-eight hitter, second baseman Gene Freese.  The Pirates sent Preston Ward up to hit for pitcher Vern Law and, during the at bat, a Jones’ wild pitch sent Freese to second.  The WP didn’t matter much, since Jones went on to walk Ward, bringing up lead-off hitter/center fielder Tom Saffell, still looking for his first hit of the season.  Jones walked Saffell to load the bases with no outs.

Coming up?  Shortstop Dick Groat (a future batting champion and NL MVP, who would strike out only 26 times in 151 games that season); future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente (right field); and left fielder/clean-up hitter Frank Thomas.  With the bases loaded, and both the no-hitter and game in jeopardy, Cubs manager Stan Hack made a trip to the mound (amid boos from the crowd) with some terse advice “Get the ball over.”  After the visit, Jones used just 11 more pitches to strike out Groat (looking), Clemente (swinging) and Thomas (looking).

Note: It’s reported that Cubs’ broadcaster Harry Creighton promised Jones – who pitched with a flat-sided toothpick angling from his mouth – that he would buy him a “gold toothpick” if he threw a no-hitter – and that Creighton spent $11 to make good on his word.

The final inning of Jones historic no-no – three walks and three strikeouts – was pretty indicative of Jones’ pitching style. Jones, would in fact, lead his league in strikeouts and walks in the same season three times – 1955, 56, 58.  And, in his two All Star appearances, (1955, 1959) Jones’  line was consistent with the term “effectively wild” – 2 2/3 innings pitched, one hit, one run (unearned), four walks, four strike outs, one hit by pitch.

In all, Jones pitched in MLB  in all or parts of 12 seasons (1951-52, 1955-64), taking the mound for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles. His best season was 1959 (SF Giants) when he tied for the league lead in wins (21-15) and shutouts (4), and led the NL in ERA (2.83).  That season, Jones also led the league in walks and finished second to Don Drysdale in strikeouts. Jones finished his MLB career with 102 wins, 101 losses and a 3.59 ERA.  In ten minor league season, nine at Triple A, he went 104-66, 3.01. Jones also played in the Negro Leagues (Cleveland Buckeyes), as well as in Panama, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua.

Sam “Toothpick”  Jones died from cancer in 1971 at age 45

I tween baseball   @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

MLB Prospects BBRT Will Be Watching In 2014

January 22, 2014 by

Spring Training is approaching and that gets BBRT thinking about the MLB prospects for the coming season – whom to watch in Spring Training for signs of things to come.  BBRT’s choices at times may seem to defy traditional reasoning – driven by such factors as: numbers like a 102.8 mph fastball, a single-season record 155 stolen bases or 133 strikeouts versus only 28 walks;  events like a World Series base running gaff; opportunities created by trades or free agent losses; or even just because BBRT likes the name (Wouldn’t you like to hear sportscasters pronounce Foltynewicz?).  At any rate, in no particular order, here are the ten prospects BBRT will be watching most closely in 2014.

springer

 

George Springer (Astros, OF) 23-years-old, 6’3”,  200 lbs.

Players that bring together the combination of power and speed are special (at least in the eyes of BBRT), and Astros’ prospect George Springer is one of these.  Springer was originally drafted in 2008 by the Twins (48th round), but chose the University of Connecticut instead – where he earned First Team All-American and Big East Player of the Year honors.   He was the Astros’ first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2011 draft.

In 2012, at High A and AA, Springer played 128 games and put together a combined line of .302, 24 HRs, 87 RBI and 32 stolen bases.  He moved up to AA/AAA last season and didn’t miss a beat – 135 games, .303, 37 HRs, 108 RBI and 45 steals – earning Minor League Baseball’s Offensive Player of the Year honors.  He still needs to work on plate discipline (145 walks versus 312 strikeouts over the past two seasons), but (given the state of the Astros) it may be time to let him continue to develop at the major league level.  BBRT will be watching Springer in spring training and hopes to see his power and speed bringing excitement to the Astros’ lineup in 2014.

walker

 

Taijuan Walker (RHP, Mariners), 21-years-old, 6’4”, 210 lbs.

The Mariners’ 2010 first-round draft pick (43rd overall), Taijuan Walker and his mid-90s fastball made their Mariners’ debut in late August of 2013.  After going 5-3, 3.61 with 64 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings at Triple A Tacoma, Walker went 1-0, 3.60 with four walks and twelve strikeouts in three late-season starts (15 innings pitched) for the Mariners.

Walker – who complements a live four-seam fastball with a solid cutter, workable (but still inconsistent) curve and a developing changeup – rang up a 3.49 ERA with 400 strikeouts (versus 149 walks) in 371 2/3 innings over four minor league seasons (23-26 won-lost).

The Mariners appear to have reserved a spot for Walker in their 2014 rotation – and, reportedly refused to include the high-potential right-hander in a trade for David Price.

syndeergaard

 

Noah Syndergaard (Mets, RHP) 21-years-old, 6’6”, 240 lbs.

Noah Syndergaard, a Blue Jays’ first-round draft pick (38th overall) in 2010, was acquired by the Mets in the R.A. Dickey trade – and it’s looking like a good move.

In 2013, his first season in the Met’s system, Syndergaard split time between High A and Double A – going 9-4, with a 3.06 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 117 2/3 innings.  Perhaps more telling is that fact that, while striking out 133, he walked only 28.  For his four minor league seasons, the hard-throwing (mid-90s, with a decent curve) righty is 22-12, with 329 whiffs and 81 walks in 293 2/3 innings.

With Matt Harvey facing Tommy John surgery, the Mets need to shore up their rotation.  While Syndergaard will likely start the season at Triple A, solid performance at that level could lead to a mid-season call up and another exciting mound presence for the Mets.  BBRT will be watching.

ventura

 

Yordona Ventura   (Royals, RHP) 22-years-old, 5”11”, 180 lbs.

Remember this number – 102.8 mph – more precisely 102.816 according to CBSSports.com.  That number represents the second fastest pitch by  starting pitcher (and the fastest regular season pitch by a starter) ever recorded by the Pitchf/x tracking system (dating back to 2007).  It was thrown by Royals’ prospect Yordona Ventura in his very first major league appearance (September 17, 2013).  That accomplishment, pun intended, put Ventura on BBRT’s 2014 prospect radar screen.  By the way, so as not to create too much excitement, Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes did turn the four-seamer around for a single.

(Note: The honor of the fastest pitch ever recorded during a game on Pitchf/x was thrown by  the Reds’ Aroldis Chapman, who reached 105.1 mph versus the Padres on September 24, 2010. The fastest pitch ever recorded for a starter on the system goes to the Tigers’ Justin Verlander, who threw one 103.2 mph in game five of the 2011 ALCS. Apparently, even after more than 260 regular and post-season innings, Verlander had a little zip left in his arm. )

Back to Ventura.  The hard-throwing prospect signed with the Royals as an international free agent in 2008.  In five minor league seasons, he went 20-13, 3.47, with 455 strikeouts (142 walks) in 415 1/3 innings.  He earned his call up by going 8-6, 3.14 with  155 strikeouts and 53 walks in 134 2/3 innings at AA/AAA in 2013.   He brought a 100-mph fastball and a solid curve to the majors.  The only question seems to be whether, at his size, he will have the endurance to be a 200 innings-pitched starter.  Then again, once he fully harnesses his stuff, he could be an explosive closer.  Ventura may need a bit more seasoning, but keep an eye on him in Spring Training.  A strong spring could earn him a roster spot.

hamilton

 

Billy Hamilton (Reds, OF), 23-years-old, 6’, 160 lbs.

Another memorable number for this post – 155. That’s how many bases the speedy Hamilton stole in 2012, in 132 games at High A Bakersfield and Double A Pensacola. It’s also the all-time single-season record for organized baseball.  Hamilton followed up in 2013 by stealing 75 bases in 132 games at Triple A Louisville before a September call up to the Reds.  In 13 games for Cincinnati, he hit .368 (9-for-19) and stole another 13 bases in 14 attempts.  I wouldn’t let that average fool you, Hamilton still has plenty to learn at the plate (he hit just .256 at Louisville). You can’t, however, teach speed and the Reds think highly enough of Hamilton to have penciled him in to replace the departed Shin-Soo Choo.

Hamilton has to work on his ability to put the ball in play – so he can put his speed into play.  However, I wouldn’t bet against him.  He has shown a willingness to put in the work, agreeing to convert from a natural right-handed hitter to a switch hitter and from shortstop to centerfield.  Clearly, Hamilton promises a lot of excitement on the base paths – and, if he can hit .250 in his first full MLB season, the Reds are likely to be pleased.  He will definitely be fun to watch.

Tavarezx

 

Oscar Taveras (Cardinals, OF), 21-years-old, 6’2”, 200 lbs.

While an ankle injury cut Oscar Taveras’ 2013 season short (46 games, .306 average, five home runs, 32 RBI for the Triple A Memphis Redbirds), the 21-year-old outfielder (who already has five minor league seasons under his belt) is on everyone’s radar.  Taveras says he has recovered from ankle surgery and rehab is going well.  With that in mind, BBRT expects to see Taveras patrolling the Cardinals’ outfield in 2014.  He really has little left to prove at the minor league level. Signed by the Cardinal as an undrafted free agent in 2008, Taveras has put up a .320 average, with 45 home runs and 275 RBI in 374 games, while advancing steadily through the Cardinals’ system.

In 2011, at age 19, he captured the Midwest League (Class A) batting title, hitting .386, with eight home runs and 62 RBI in 78 games. In 2012, he found his power stroke at AA Springfield, leading the Texas League with a .321 average, and adding 24 homers, 94 RBI and ten stolen bases.  His performance earned Taveras Texas League Player of the Year honors.

A free swinger in the Vlad Guerrero/Tony Oliva mold, Taveras has drawn only 125 walks in 1,598 plate appearances, but he has also struck out only 212 times and shown an ability to make solid contact with pitchers off the plate.  Watch him in Spring Training.  If he’s healthy, he’ll be going north.

wong

 

Kolten Wong (Cardinals, 2B) 23-years-old, 5’9”, 185 lbs.

Kolten Wong is one of two “prospects”  on BBRT’s list who already has post-season experience – going one-for-six in seven 2013 post-season games.  He first came to BBRT’s attention in Game Four of the World Series, when he was brought in as a pinch runner in the ninth inning with his Cardinals trailing 4-2. Wong was picked off first (with two out and Carlos Beltran at the plate) by Red Sox closer Koji Uehara – marking the only World Series game ever to end on a pick-off play.  Given that negative attention, BBRT is rooting for Wong to have a strong 2014 with the Cardinals.

Wong was drafted out of high school by the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round of the 2008 MLB draft, but chose to attend the University of Hawaii.  There he played for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and was named a Baseball America All-American in 2011. The Cardinals selected him in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2011 draft.

Wong hit only .153 in 32 games (59 at bats) for the Cardinals at the end of the 2013 regular season.  That, however, is not an indication of his potential.  He was called up after hitting .303, with 10 home runs, 45 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 107 games at Triple A Memphis – and has posted a .301 average over three minor league seasons.  The trade of David Freese, which should open up more time at third base for Matt Carpenter, indicates the Cardinals are confident Wong can show his offensive potential at the MLB level.

Bogaerts

 

Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox, SS-3B), 21-years-old, 6’3”, 185 lbs.

Seems strange to list a player who sports a .296 average in 12 post-season games (.238 in six World Series contests) among “prospects,”  but Bogaerts’ still has only 18 games of regular-season major league experience (.250 in 44 at bats, with seven runs, five RBI, one HR and one stolen base. A smooth fielder who came up as a shortstop, he split his time between SS and 3B for the Red Sox down the stretch drive. Bogaerts’ 2014 position and playing time may be determined by where Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew signs. (Reports are that Drew has indicated he is willing to play multiple positions.) Bogaerts, ranked as 2014’s top shortstop prospect by MLB.com, hit .296 with 54 home runs, 235 RBI and 17 steals in four minor league seasons.  He is considered a natural hitter, who will develop power to go with a solid average as he matures.

cosellan

 

Nick Costellanos (Tigers, 3B-OF) 21-years-old, 6’4”, 210 lbs.

Prince Fielder gone, Miguel Cabrera moving over to first base – enter Tigers 2010 first-round pick (44th overall) Nick Costellanos.  The 21-year-old caught BBRT’s attention because of the opportunity and challenge he faces as Detroit revamps its lineup.  Considered one of the minor leagues’ best pure hitters, with developing power, Detroit was working to smooth Castellanos’ path to the big leagues even before the Fielder departure. With the promising prospect blocked by MVP Cabrera at third base, the Tigers switched Costellanos from the hot corner to the outfield in 2013.  He responded with a .276 average, 18 home runs and 76 RBI at Triple A.  In four minor league seasons, his line is .303-35-212.  He hit .278 in 18 at bats after a September call up to the Tigers.   Now a spot at third is open, and BBRT is anxious to see what this youngster can do at the major league level.

Buxton

 

Byron Buxton (Twins, OF) 20-years-old, 6’2”, 189 lbs.

Even though he’s not likely to see action at the major league level in 2014, BBRT had to have a Twin to watch and Buxton earned that position.  Buxton is the 2013 winner of the J. G. Taylor Spink Award (given by Topps and Minor League Baseball to the Minor League Player of the Year), is rated baseball’s top prospect by MLB.com, was selected as the Midwest League’s 2013 MVP, and earned Minor League Player of the Year recognition from Baseball America.

The second player chosen in the 2012 draft, Buxton is proving a sound choice.  In his first full minor league season, split between Class A Cedar Rapids and High Class A Fort Myers, Buxton hit .334 with 12 homers, 77 RBI, 109 runs and 55 stolen bases in 125 games. While most expect Buxton to start the season at Double A, he has been invited to Twins Spring Training, and BBRT will be watching his progress.  Twins fans could look forward to a late season call up.

Finally, here are a few other prospects BBRT will be checking in on – just with a little less regularity.  

Miguel Sano (Twins, 3B) 20-years-old, 6’3”, 195 lbs.

Baseball fans in Minnesota are following this super prospect. Miguel Sano, just 20-years-old, already has 90 minor league homers (.279-90-291 in 379 minor league games).   Not quite ready, but has perhaps the best power potential in the minors. The Twins needs at third base could speed his path to the majors.

Kris Bryant (Cubs, 3B) 22-years-old, 6’4”, 215 lbs.

Kris Bryant was the Cubs 2013 first round (second overall) draft pick and the first-team college All American and 2013 College Player of the Year (University San Diego) followed up by being recognized as MVP of the Fall League, where he hit .364 with 6 home runs in 20 games.   In his first minor league season (2013), at three levels, Bryant hit .336, with nine homers and 32 RBI in 36 games.

Raul Alberto Mondesi (Royals, SS) 18-years-old, 6’1”, 165 lbs.

Raul Mondesi is hoping to follow in his dad (Raul Ramon Mondesi) to the major leagues.  The senior Mondesi had a 13-year MLB career, during which the outfielder hit .273 with 271 home runs and stole 229 bases. “Mondesi the Younger” has solid skills and signed with the Royals (for a reported $2 million) at age 16.  A switch hitter and strong defensive player, Mondesi hit .261, with seven homers, 47 RBI and 24 steals in his first minor league season.  Still a long way from the major leagues, but BBRT always enjoys following “baseball families.”

Mike Foltynewicz (Astros, RHP) 22-years-old, 6’4”, 200 lbs.

BBRT wants this young man to make the majors, if only to see his last name on the uniform and hear the sportscasters try to pronounce it.  And he has a good chance – a fastball that reaches the upper 90s and a four-year minor league record of 25-21, 4.74 with 370 whiffs in 460 innings pitched.

BBRT welcomes your comments on prospects you’ll be watching in 2014.

I tweet baseball  –  @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Why I Love Baseball – Guest Post by Veteran Blogger Bill Ivie

January 15, 2014 by
I-70Today, BBRT features a guest post in our “Why I Love Baseball” category from Bill Ivie, freelance writer, veteran baseball blogger, founder of i70baseball.com (dedicated to daily coverage of baseball in general and the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals in particular) and contributor to Bleacher Report.
Why I Love Baseball
by Bill Ivie
Baseball was a foundation of my life from a very young age.  My father used it to teach me life lessons disguised as sports practice.  He taught me a love of the game that is far beyond any connection I have felt with anything else (short of my wife and kids, obviously).
I spent countless hours taking ground balls in the back yard and on practice fields.  I was not allowed to take batting practice until I had satisfied whatever metric was my goal for the day defensively.  The ground balls were hit harder as we went along and the goal became harder to achieve.  But through hard work, perseverance and determination, I got there.  My reward was to enjoy hitting for a bit.
Sounds familiar now.  I work hard in my life.  Obstacles come, goals are set and sometimes it all seems insurmountable.  At the end of the day, if I put in the work and determination, I get the satisfaction of a goal reached.  Then I get to kick back and relax with the game.
During the offseason, it is baseball movies and documentaries.  During the season, it is the joy of the game.  Of course, there is nothing better than sitting at the park.
It is an assault on your senses.  It is the smell of the grass, roasted peanuts and hot dogs.  It is the glaring sun and the ball flying through the air.  The sound of the crowd as they discuss the game and anything else that is on their mind.  It is the crack of the bat and the sound of the ball smacking the leather of a glove.
The game of baseball, when viewed live, is America’s dinner table.  People discuss their days, talk business, talk about popular topics in the world and marvel at the drama unfolding in front of them.  The game is heartbreak and jubilation.  It is a massive let down and the overcoming of odds.  Indeed it does provide the opportunity to see something happen that has never occurred before each and every time you watch.
You see, baseball is a lot of things to a lot of people.  It is so easy to love and so hard to walk away from.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bill Ivie
Founder | I-70 Baseball
Freelance Writer | i70baseball | Bleacher Report
For more “Why I Love Baseball,” click the YILBB hot link at the top of the home page.   BBRT welcomes your guest post on this topic. Just use the “Contact” link and type your thoughts into the comments  section and I’ll format them for posting. 
 
Filed Under: Why I Love Baseball (YILBB)

Frank Robinson – A Crowded Trophy Case

January 14, 2014 by

RobinsonSay “MVP” in an exercise in word association and BBRT’s response would be quick and clear – Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. In his 21 seasons as a player, Robinson earned MVP Awards for the NL and AL (regular season), World Series and All Star Game – and, in 16 seasons as a manager, he also earned the AL Manager of the Year Award.  And, there were many more highlight achievements in Robinson’s record-setting, award-winning and history-making MLB career.  BBRT thinks this day, January 14, is a good day to reflect on Robinson’s accomplishments.

First African-American manager in MLB

On January 14, in 1981, Frank Robinson signed on to manage the San Francisco Giants.  With that stroke of the pen he became the answer to one of BBRT’s favorite trivia questions – Who was the first African-American Manager in the NL; in the AL?  Kind of a trick question, Frank Robinson holds the “first” in both leagues.

First – and only – MVP in Both Leagues

Like MVP,  first is a word often associated with Robinson.  He was the first (and still only) player to win the Most Valuable Player Award in both the AL and NL.  He was the NL MVP for the Reds in 1961, when he hit .323, with 37 home runs, 124 RBI and 22 steals; and he won the AL MVP award in 1966, when he went .316-49-122 for the Orioles.  That year, Robinson was first in the AL in batting average (.316), home runs (49) and RBI (122), as well as first in runs scored (122) – which also made him the first African-American Triple Crown winner.

Award-Winning First Season

Robinson started on his quest to finish at the top of the list in his very first season.  As a rookie with the Reds in 1956, he not only won the Rookie of the Year Award, he tied the rookie record for home runs (38), since broken by Mark McGwire. He finished the season hitting .290 with 38 home runs, 83 RBI and a league-high 122 runs scored.

And, there were other firsts in Robinson’s career.

First in Opening Day Home Runs

On April 8, 1975 (Opening Day in Cleveland) Robinson hit a home run in his first at bat as a player-manager.  It’s one of the eight Opening Day home runs that put Robinson in first place (tied with Ken Griffey, Jr.) for Opening Day homers (with eight).

First to it One Completely Out of Memorial Stadium

On May 6, 1966, he became the first (eventually only) player to hit a home run completely out of Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium.

League Leader

Over the course of his playing career, Robinson led his league (finished first) in hit by pitch seven times, intentional walks four times, runs scored three times, and once each in doubles, home runs, runs batted in, slugging percentage, and total bases.

MVP – League, World Series, All Star Game

When it comes to recognition, Robinson’s not only has a Rookie of the Year and two regular season MVP Awards to his credit, he also earned a World Series MVP Award (1966, Orioles), MLB All Star Game MVP Award (1971)  AL Manager of the Year Award (1989, Orioles) and Hickok Belt (1966, for top athlete in all sports).

Stat Lines

In his 21-season playing career, Robinson hit .294, with 586 homers, 1,829 RBI, 1,812 runs scored and 204 steals.  He was an All Star in 12 seasons and captured one Gold Glove.

In 16 seasons as a manager (Indians, 1975-77; Giants, 1981-84; Orioles 1988-91; Expos/Nationals, 2002-2006), Robinson’s teams won 1,065 games and lost 1,176.

Oh yeah, and he was, appropriately,  a first-ballot Baseball Hall of Famer.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

The Short Life of Hiram Bithorn – First Puerto Rican in MLB

January 4, 2014 by

Hiram_Bithorn_Stadium_2Talk baseball in Puerto Rico and one of the first names to emerge will be Hiram Gabriel “Hi” Bithorn.  Hi Bithorn is, in fact, such an important part of Puerto Rico’s baseball history that the country’s largest baseball stadium (18,000 capacity) is named after him.  Hiram Bithorn Stadium is not only home to the Santurce Crabbers of the Puerto Rico Baseball League, it also hosted the opening game of the 2001 Major League season (Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays); 44 Montreal Expos home games in the 2003/04 seasons; and, in 2010, a Florida Marlins/New York Mets three-game series.

So, what did Hi Bithorn do to earn this recognition?  He was the first Puerto Rican player to make it to the major leagues – becoming a hero in his country and to the Puerto Rican players who followed him to MLB.   BBRT would like to use this post to examine the short baseball career and life of Hi Bithorn – who died under mysterious circumstances in Mexico at the age of 35.

Bithorn was born March 18, 1916 in Santurce, Puerto Rico of a Puerto Rican mother and Danish father.  As he grew up, Bithorn proved a talented athlete.  In 1935, the 19-year-old, 6’ 1” 200-pound Bithorn played in the Central American and Caribbean Games on Puerto Rico’s Silver Medal-winning volleyball team and Bronze Medal-winning basketball team.

But baseball was Bithorn’s game and, in 1936, the right-handed hurler found himself pitching in the New York Yankees farm system.  He went 16-9 in his first season (with the Norfolk Tars of the Class B Piedmont League.  He started 1937 with ten wins against just one loss at Norfolk, before being promoted to Binghampton Triplets of the Class A NY/Penn League – where he won seven more games (against eight losses).  He continued to advance, playing with Oakland Oaks and Hollywood Stars of the then AA Pacific Coast League, where his best season was 1941, when he went 17-15, 3.59 with 16 complete games and two shutouts for the Stars (while also hitting .286 in 77 at bats).

HIRAM BITHORNUnfortunately, for Bithorn, the Yankees were loaded with talent and the big leagues seemed far away – until the Cubs acquired Bithorn from the Yankees in the fall of 1941.  On April 15, 1942, Bithorn became the first Puerto Rican to appear in a major league game, pitching two scoreless innings in relief (no-hits, one walk, no strikeouts) for the Cubs against Cardinals in Saint Louis.  He ended the season 9-14, with two saves, a 3.68 ERA and nine completed games in sixteen starts (Bithorn also made 22 relief appearances) for the sixth-place (70-84) Cubs.  In 1942, Bithorn showed his full potential.  With the Cubs finishing fifth (74-79), Bithorn went 18-12, 2.60, with 19 complete games (30 starts) and a league-leading seven shutouts.  For the season, Bithorn, in fact, finished in the NL’s top ten in wins, winning percentage, earned run average, WHIP, innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games and shutouts. Clearly, Bithorn was on his way – until World War II intervened and Bithorn lost two MLB seasons to military service.

Bithorn was discharged from service in September of 1945 and pitched for San Juan in the Puerto Rican championships the following February, when he suffered a hand injury during a play at the plate. As a result, he reported late for Cubs’ Spring Training.  Bithorn reportedly had gained about 20 pounds, was having arm problems and didn’t seem to have the same “stuff” as he displayed in that successful 1943 season.    The then 30-year-old finished the 1946 season 6-5, 3.84 in 26 games (seven starts). He was sold to the Pirates in January 1947 and selected on waivers (from the Pirates) by the White Sox before the 1947 season opened. He pitched just two innings in relief for the White Sox – picking up what was to be his last major league win.

After his release, Bithorn underwent surgery and missed the 1948 season. He attempted a comeback in 1949, going 4-3 in 13 games at AA and Nashville and Oklahoma City. He did not make it back to the major leagues and finished with a 34-31 record, with 5 saves and a 3.16 ERA in 105 games. In his four MLB seasons, Bithorn completed 30 of 53 starts, with eight shutouts.

In December of 1952, at the age of 35, Bithorn was shot to death by a police officer under mysterious circumstances in El Manta, Mexico. Various reports indicate the date of his death as anywhere from December 27, 1951 to January 1, 1952.  They indicate Bithorn was on his way to visit his mother Mexico (some reports also say he was considering a comeback in the Mexican League).   Initial reports said Bithorn had been trying to sell his car when Ambrosio Castillo Cano of the El Mante police force questioned Bithorn and found him unable to produce the paperwork required of such a sale.   Cano reported that at some time during the questioning Bithorn became violent and he was forced to shoot him (Bithorn died a few hours later of a gunshot wound to the stomach).   Cano also reportedly said Bithorn admitted to being part of a “communist cell.”   The details of the incident remain mysterious, but after an investigation, Cano was indicted and sentenced to eight years in the state prison for Bithorn’s homicide

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Long Distance, Please!

January 2, 2014 by

Thanks to ESPN’s Home Run Tracker, we can now quickly examine every home run of the MLB season – and quickly learn who hits the ball the farthest both in a single instance and with consistency over the season. And, when we look at the clan of long-ballers, there are some surprises. The long-distance leaders are not the names we often associate with the long ball. For example, for 2013, neither the longest home run nor the longest average home run distance belong to the power hitters who went deep in the greatest numbers – like Chris Davis and Miguel Cabrera (who finished 1 & 2 in AL homers) or NL co-leaders Pedro Alverez and Paul Goldschmidt. Instead, we find names like Evan Gattis, Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and Justin Upton. Let’s take a look at MLB’s recent long-distance leaders. (Note: If you are planning to take part in this year’s Ballpark Tours treks, pay attention, some of this information may be on the “Kwiz”.)

Evan Gattis - blasted 2013's longest home run.

Evan Gattis – blasted 2013’s longest home run.

The longest home run of the 2013 season belongs to the Atlanta Braves 26-year-old rookie catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis, who drove one of his 21 round trippers on the year 486 feet. The shot to centerfield came on September 8 against the Phillies’ Cole Hamels – with the wind blowing in at Philadelphia’s Citzens Bank Park. Over the in American League, 2013’s longest home run belongs to the Angels’ first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo, who belted one 475 feet against Oakland’s Dan Sally (in Oakland on April 29). The only other MLBers to reach 475 feet in 2013 were the Giants’ Hunter Pence (476) and the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo (475). The last 500-footer in the majors? Then Diamondback Adam Dunn blasted one 504 feet on September 27, 2008 (off the Rockies’ Glendon Rusch at Arizona).

When it comes to consistent distance, 2013’s top spot (among hitters with 20 or more homers) belongs to the Angels’ five-tool outfielder Mike Trout, whose 27 2013 home runs traveled an average distance of 419.6 feet. In the NL, the top spot went to Braves’ outfielder Justin Upton, who also went deep 27 times, for an average distance of 416.3 feet.

Mike Trout - his 27 homers averaged 419.6 feet.

Mike Trout – his 27 homers averaged 419.6 feet.

Here are your top five 2013 finishers in average distance:

Mike Trout, Angels, 419.6 feet

Justin Upton, Braves 416.3

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins 413.8

Mark Trunbo, Angels 413.2

Mike Napoli, Red Sox 412.3

 

 

 

 

Here is a look at the last five years on the long ball charts, with the Major League leader listed first.

2013
Longest Home Run: MLB/NL – Evan Gattis, Braves, 486 feet; AL – Mark Trumbo, Angels, 475 feet.
Average Distance: MLB/AL – Mike Trout, Angels, 419.6 feet; NL – Justin Upton, Braves, 416.3 feet.

2012
Longest Home Run: MLB/NL – Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins, 494 feet; AL – Edwin Encarnacion, Blue jays, 488 feet.
Average Distance: MLB/AL – Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 418.6 feet; NL – Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies, 413.7 feet.

2011
Longest Home Run: MLB/NL – Prince Fielder, Brewers, 486 feet; AL – Mark Trumbo, Angels, 472 feet.
Average Distance: MLB/NL – Justin Upton, Diamondbacks, 423.6; AL – Alex Gordon, Royals, 414.7 feet.

2010
Longest Home Run: MLB/AL – Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 485 feet; NL – Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks, 481 feet.
Average Distance: MLB/AL – Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 421.1 feet; NL – Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks, 420.1 feet.

2009
Longest Home Run: MLB/NL – Wladimir Balentien, Reds, 495 feet; AL – Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 471 feet.
Average Distance: MLB/NL – Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks, 419.5 feet; AL – Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 417 feet.

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