Archives for March 2015

Opening Day – A Gift About to be Unwrapped

March 22, 2015 by

 

“You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

                                                            Joe DiMaggio

Opening Day ... A Gift Waiting to be Opened!

Opening Day … A Gift Waiting to be Opened!

For players and fans alike, Opening Day is indeed like a birthday present.  However, history shows us that unwrapping that present can be exhilarating or exasperating for players and fans alike.

It can be as exhilarating as Bob Feller’s 1940 Opening Day no-hitter – still the only Opening Day no-hitter in MLB history.  Or it can be as exasperating as Ron Karkovice’s five strikeouts in five trips to the plate on Opening Day 1996 – still the MLB record for Opening Day whiffs.   As we move closer to Opening Day 2015, BBRT would like to look at some of the most exhilarating and exasperating Opening Day record-setting performances – leading off with Feller and Karkovice’s memorable Opening Day “achievements.”

Opening Day No-Hitter – 1-0 and One of a Kind

On April 16, 1940, fire-balling Bob Feller opened the season against the White Sox at Comiskey Park.  After nine innings of work, Feller and his Cleveland Indians had a 1-0 win – and the 21-year-old Feller (coming off a 24-win season in 1939) had his first no-hitter (walking five and striking out out eight).  Feller’s Opening Day performance was a pretty good indicator of what was to come.  In 1940, he would go on to lead the AL in wins (27), ERA (2.61), strikeouts (261), games pitched (43), games started (37), complete games (31), innings pitched (320 1/3) and shutouts (4).

Five Strikeouts – A Victim of Circumstances

Circumstances were clearly working against Ron Karkovice on March 31, 1996, when he set an MLB Opening Day record by striking out five times.

First, future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (who retired with the second most strikeouts in MLB history) started on the mound for the Mariners – and he was on his game, whiffing 14 batters in seven innings (including Karkovice in the second, fourth and seventh).

Second, the White Sox could muster only two runs on four hits over the first nine innings – taking a slim 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth (at that point in the game, Karkovice had only a mundane three strikeouts to his credit – or debit – for the day).

Third, the Mariners tied the contest in the ninth, and the game went to 12 innings before the Mariners prevailed 3-2.  In those three extra innings, Karkovice struck out against Norm Charlton (tenth inning) and Edwin Hurtado (twelfth inning) to set the Opening Day record.

Of note – at least to BBRT – is the fact that, despite five strikeouts in five plate appearances, Karkovice did not leave a single runner on base.

Seven RBI – Bringing the Boys Home

Being a Twins’ fan, one of my favorite Opening Day records is seven RBI in game one of the season – shared by the Twins’ Brant Alyea and the Cubs Corey Patterson.

On April 7, 1970, as the Twins downed the White Sox 12-0 in Chicago, LF Brant Alyea drove in an Opening Day record seven runs – going four-for-four, with two home runs. It was Alyea’s first game as a Twin and the start of the hottest month in his career.  In 17 April games, he hit .415, with seven runs, 23 RBI, four doubles and five home runs. For the season, Alyea appeared in 94 games, hitting career highs in batting average (.291), home runs (16) and RBI (61).

On Opening Day 2003 (March 31), the Cubs CF Corey Patterson tied Alyea’s record – driving in seven runs, going four-for-six with two home runs, as the Cubs topped the Mets 15-2 in New York. Patterson, a career .252 hitter (12 seasons), seemed to always be ready for Opening Day. In seven Opening Day appearances, Patterson hit .440, with seven runs, 12 RBI and three home runs. The season he tied Alyea’s Opening Day RBI mark, Patterson played in 83 games, hitting .298, with 13 home runs and 55 RBI.

Three Can Be a Lucky Number – Most Home Runs in an Opening Day Game

On April 4, 1988, Blue Jays DH George Bell became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game. (The number of three-home run Opening Days is now up to three.)  Bell’s power outburst was no surprise. He was coming off a 1987 season in which he hit 47 homers, drove in 134 runs and was the AL MVP. (Bell would go on to hit 24 home runs in 1988.)  Bell hit all three of his home runs off Royals’ starter Brett Saberhagen (the game was in Kansas City), and drove in four runs as the Blue Jays prevailed 5-3.  Bell hit 265 home runs in a 12-season MLB career.

Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes was the second player to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game.  On a windy April 4, 1994, Rhodes (leading off and playing CF for the Cubs in Chicago) hit three solo shots off Mets starter Dwight Gooden (in the first, third and fifth innings), as the Cubs lost to the visiting Mets 12-8. Rhodes, who had five plate appearances, also had a single and a walk.  At the time, Rhodes had played a total of 107 MLB games in four seasons – hitting a total of five home runs. His MLB career consisted of 225 games in six seasons, with a .224 average and just 13 round trippers (with a high of eight in 1994). Rhodes did go on to hit 474 home runs in eleven seasons in Japan.

On April 4, 2005 the Tigers Dmitri Young joined Bell and Rhodes on the short list of batters with three home runs in an Opening Day game – as the Tigers topped the Royals 11-2 in Detroit. Young started at DH and went four-for-four with four runs and five RBI.  Young hit a total of 21 home runs in 2005 – and 171 in 13 MLB seasons.

BBRT finds it interesting that two of the three three-homer Opening Days belong to DHs.

Fifteen Strikeouts on Opening Day

Who holds the record for pitcher’s strikeouts in an Opening Day game?  Walter Johnson? Bob Feller? Christy Mathewson? Sandy Koufax? Nolan Ryan? Bob Gibson? Randy Johnson? Tom Seaver? None of the above.

On April 18, 1960, Camilo Pascual (known for his sweeping curve ball, but also possessing a fastball “with movement”) took the mound at Griffith Stadium for the Washington Senators (against the Boston Red Sox). In 1959, the Senators had finished in last place in the AL, but Pascual had gone 17-10, 2.64, and led the league with 17 complete games and six shutouts. As the Senators’ Opening Day starter in 1960, Pascual picked up right where he left off – tossing a complete game three-hitter, walking three and striking out a (still) Opening Day record 15 batters.  Behind this sterling effort, the Senators beat the Red Sox 10-1.

In an 18-year MLB career, Pascual went 174-170, 3.63 (often pitching for second division clubs), was an All Star five times, a twenty-game winner twice and the league leader in complete games, shutouts and strikeouts three times each.

Two “Kings” of Opening Day

Perhaps no one looked forward to Opening Day more than Ted Williams – the king of the Opening Day batter’s box.  A career .344 hitter, the “Splendid Splinter” was even better on Opening Day.  Williams played in fourteen openers and was never held hitless.  He compiled a .449 Opening Day average (22 hits in 49 at bats), with three home runs, eight doubles, one triple, nine runs scored, 14 RBI and eleven walks.  His Opening Day on-base percentage was .550 and his season-opener slugging percentage was .837.

The Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson can be crowned king of the Opening Day mound.  On his first-ever Opening Day start (April 14, 1910), the 22-year-old Johnson tossed a 3-0 one-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics.  Sixteen years (and 13 Opening Day starts) later, a 38-year-old Johnson fulfilled his last Opening Day assignment with a 15-inning, complete-game, 1-0 win (6 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts) over the A’s.  Johnson holds the record for Opening Day pitching victories with nine (against five losses) and also threw a record seven Opening Day shutouts.

Jimmy – The Key to Opening Day Victories

While Walter Johnson holds the record for Opening Day wins at nine, it did take him 14 Game One starts (and five losses) to get there.  Jimmy Key (pitching for the Blue Jays, Yankees and Orioles) holds the record for most Opening Days wins without an Opening Day loss – at seven. Key had seven Opening Day wins in seven Opening Day starts.  In those seven victories, he threw 44 1/3 innings, had a 3.05 ERA, gave up 38 hits and just five walks, while striking out 23.

Opening Day Can Be Painful

On April 9, 1990, Astros first baseman and clean-up hitter Glenn Davis (a 1989 All Star) opened the season in a bruising manner – tying an Opening Day (and MLB regular season) record for getting hit by a pitch in a game (three times). Davis came to the plate six times and never put the ball in play – but still made only one out.  For the game, Davis was hit by a pitch three times, walked twice (once intentionally) and struck out once. The Astros lost to the Reds 8-4 on Davis’ historic and painful day. The Opening Day action did help Davis lead the league in one category in 1990 (Hit By Pitch – eight).

Of note to BBRT, Davis finished Opening Day with a batting average of .000, but an on-base percentage of .833.

Whoa! Get Control of Yourself – 11 Walks on Opening Day

Cleveland southpaw Herb Score set the Opening Day record for pitchers walks on April 16, 1957 – when he took the mound at home against the visiting White Sox. Score walked 11 that day – but his performance was not as bad as that figure would indicate.  While the Indians lost 3-2 in 11 innings, Score went the distance (pitchers used to finish what they started – back in the day), giving up just seven hits and two earned runs.  In addition to his eleven walks, Score struck out ten. Score earned the Opening Day call with a 20-9, 2.53 1956 season in which he led the AL in strikeouts. (Score led the AL in whiffs in each of his first two seasons 1955-56.)

Eight Opening Day Homers – The Career Record

Frank Robinson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Adam Dunn share the career record for Opening Day home runs at eight.  While Griffey, Jr., Robinson and Dunn share the overall record, the American League-only record belongs to Griffey, Jr., who hit all his Opening Day shots for the Mariners.  Robinson hit Opening Day homers for the most teams: the Orioles, Angels and Indians in the AL and the Reds in the NL.  The National League-only record (seven Opening Day Shots) is shared by a couple of Hall of Famers:  Willie Mays (all for the Giants – in New York and San Francisco) and Eddie Mathews (all for the Braves in Milwaukee.)

Let’s Get This Party Started

Tom Seaver was the starting pitcher for his team on Opening Day a record sixteen times (Mets, Reds, White Sox) – going 7-2 with 7 no-decisions.

Now, let’s get ready to open another MLB season!

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

For Twins Fans – Some Powerful Records

March 18, 2015 by
Harmon Killibrew hit more home runs in the 1960s than any other player - powering the Twins to some big innings.

Harmon Killibrew hit more home runs in the 1960s than any other player – powering the Twins to some big innings.

The Minnesota Twins gave their fans a special Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17) present this year.  Not only did they defeat the Orioles 10-9 to bring Minnesota’s 2015 Spring Training record to a Grapefruit League-best seven wins and three losses, they also hit for the “Home Run Cycle” – hitting solo, two-run, three-run and Grand Slam homers during the contest – and in that order no less.  Third baseman Trevor Plouffe delivered a solo shot in the second inning; DH Eduardo Nunez hit a two-run homer in the fourth; first baseman Kennys Vargas rapped a three-run round tripper in the fifth; and shortstop Eduardo Escobar capped it off with a Grand Slam in the sixth.

All of this power may have taken senior Twins fans (like me) back to the 1960s, when the Twins’ punishing lineup often simply “overpowered” the opposition.  I’d like to dedicate this post to those powerful teams – and to all the Twins fans who remember them.  Here’s just a few examples of those ‘60s Twins exploits (or newer fans who would like to know more about them).

  • On July 18, 1962 … The Twins tied an MLB record and became the first AL team (and the first MLB team since 1890) to hit two grand slams in one inning. (It’s been done a total of seven times to date.) The Twins remain the only team to pull off the feat in the first-inning of a game. It was a Twins’ home game (versus the Cleveland Indians). The Twins scored eleven times in the bottom of the first, with the key blows being Grand Slam HRs by right fielder Bob Allison and, fittingly, left fielder Harmon Killebrew.
  • May 2, 1964 – The Twins tied an MLB record for the most consecutive home runs in an inning – four.  They were (and remain) the only team to accomplish the feat in an “extra” inning. The game, against the Athletics in Kansas City, was tied 3-3 as the Twins came to bat in the top of the eleventh. Right fielder Tony Oliva hit a go-ahead home run to open the inning. This was followed, in succession, by roundtrippers from first baseman Bob Allison, center fielder Jimmie Hall and (again fittingly) left fielder Harmon Killebrew.
  • June 6, 1966 – The Twins tied another MLB record by hitting five home runs in one inning. (The Twins are still the only AL team to accomplish this feat. It’s been done four times in the NL.) The Twins outburst came in the bottom of the seventh inning in a game against the Kansas City Athletics. The home runs were hit by pinch hitter Rich Rollins, shortstop Zoilo Versalles, right fielder Tony Oliva, first baseman Don Mincher and, of course, third baseman Harmon Killebrew.  For the full story on five-homer innings, click here.

One final thought related to the Twins’ Spring Training “team” Home Run Cycle.  Only once in professional baseball history has an individual player hit a solo, two-run, three-run and Grand Slam homer all in the same game.  His name was Tyrone Horne, the day was July 27, 1998 and you can read the story by clicking here.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

A Few Potential MLB Milestones for 2015

March 16, 2015 by
Alex Rodriguez could "hit" some statistical milestones in 2015.

Alex Rodriguez could “hit” some statistical milestones in 2015.

In this post, BBRT would like to take a look at some statistical milestones that may be reached during the 2015 season.  As we do that, it’s no surprise that the player most likely to make a “mark” or two in 2015 is the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez – who has a shot at some significant milestones in base hits, total bases, RBI, runs scored and home runs.  You’ll also find names on the potential milestone markers list like C.C. Sabathia, Joe Nathan, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Carl Crawford, Ichiro Suzuki, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Buehrle.

Base hits

The Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez is just 61 hits shy of becoming the 29th player in MLB history to collect 3,000 safeties.  He should reach that mark by mid-season and has a chance (if he can collect 140 hits in 2015) to move into 20th place all-time.  (Cap Anson is now at number 20 with 3,081 hits.)

Runs Batted In

Alex Rodriguez needs just 31 RBI to become only the third player in MLB history to reach 2,000 runs batted in.  The others are Hank Aaron (2,297) and Babe Ruth (2,218). This is another milestone that A-Rod, if he stays healthy (he does turn 40 in July), should reach before the All Star break.

The Angels’ Albert Pujols – beginning the season with 1,603 RBI – has a chance to become just the 24th player to reach 1,700 runs driven in. (Reggie Jackson is currently number 24, with 1,702, two behind Frank Thomas for number 23.)

Runs Scored

Alex Rodriguez needs 81 runs to become the eighth major leaguer to cross the plate 2,000 times.  That may be a stretch for Rodriguez, but there are some milestones in between his current 1,919 runs scored (10th all time) and 2,000. A-Rod needs just four runs to tie Derek Jeter for ninth on the list, and 30 runs will pull him into a tie for eighth with Stan Musial.

Home Runs

Albert Pujols should move up the HR and RBI lists in 2015.

Albert Pujols should move up the HR and RBI lists in 2015.

Alex Rodriguez is also on the home run milestone list – not for a new round number, but for his place on the list. Rodriguez is currently fifth among all-time home run hitters at 654 roundtrippers.  He needs just seven homers to pass Willie Mays for the number-four spot.  Beyond Mays, there are the out-of-reach Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).

The Red Sox’ David Ortiz is 34 home runs shy of becoming the 27th member of the 500 home run club.  While Ortiz did hit 35 dingers last season, it was the first time he reached at least 34 home runs since 2007. If he makes 500 this season, it will be late in the year. He’ll probably need to suit up for at least one more season to reach the half-century mark.

Albert Pujols starts 2015 with 520 home runs, good for 21st all-time.  He should vault up several spots this season (Willie McCovey, Frank Thomas and Ted Williams, for example, all sit at 521). If Pujols matches his 29 home runs of 2014, he will move into a tie for 15th place with Mike Schmidt.  (Pujols needs only 16 HRs to tie Mickey Mantle for 16th place all time.)

Total Bases

Alex Rodriguez is just 20 total bases shy of becoming the ninth player to reach 5,500 total bases – and 59 shy of tying Carl Yastrzemski for number-eight all-time. (Number seven is a ways off – Pete Rose at 5,752). Only three players have reached 6,000 total bases in their careers: Hank Aaron (6,856), Stan Musial (6,134) and Willie Mays (6,066).

Stolen Bases

Another Yankee, Ichiro Suzuki, needs just 13 stolen bases to become the 24th player to reach the 500 mark. He is, however, 41-years-old, so 14 steals is not a given. Still, he’s never stolen less than 14 in a season (15 steals in 2014), so he has a chance to reach the 500 mark late in 2015.

The Dodgers’ Carl Crawford is also closing in on 500 steals – with 470 going into the season. Crawford, however, hasn’t reached the 30-steal mark since 2010 (23 last season).  With the Dodgers still facing log jam in the outfield, Crawford (like Suzuki) is a long-shot to hit this milestone in 2014 . (If I had to pick either Ichiro or Crawford to reach 500 this year, I’d go with Suzuki.)

Strikeouts

The Yankees’ C.C. Sabathia needs just 63 strikeouts to become the 31st hurler to reach the 2,500 mark for his career. If he comes back from last season’s knee surgery, the 34-year-old southpaw should easily reach that mark. Sabathia currently stands at number 38 on the all-time K list (2,437) – between him and number 31 are Jamie Moyer (2,441), Andy Pettitte (2,448), San McDowell (2,453), Jim Kaat (2,461), Mark Langston (2,464), Jack Morris (2,478) and Don Drysdale (2,486). If Sabathia can notch 65 whiffs in 2015, he can move into a tie with Christy Mathewson for 30th all time (2,502).

Victories

Mark Buehrle’s first win for the Blue Jays in 2015 will be his 200th career win,

Games Pitched

The Rockies’ LaTroy Hawkins (who appeared in his 1,000th game last season), now stands at number 16 for pitching appearances all-time.  The 42-year-old Hawkins,  who made 57 appearances last season, needs to take the mound in 35 games to tie Trevor Hoffman for tenth all-time. BBRT is betting that Hawkins – who has announced he will retire after the 2015 season (his 21st MLB season) – will make that top ten mark.

Saves

Joe Nathan could take a high five for his 400th saves this coming season.

Joe Nathan could take a high five for his 400th saves this coming season.

The Tigers’ Joe Nathan – coming off a disappointing 2014 – needs just 24 saves to become just the sixth pitcher to reach the 400 mark. Even with his 4.81 ERA of 2014, Nathan notched 35 saves. If the 39-year-old has enough left in the tank to hold onto the closer’s position, he should make it.  The chances, from here, look to be 50-50

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

BallPark Tours 2015 Schedule

March 12, 2015 by

Ballpark Tours 2015 Summer Lineup

A Few Seats Left – Sign up now!

 

Leaving from Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For more information and signup instructions click here.

 

Minor League Meander … June 26 – 27 – 28

Omaha – Sioux Falls – Des Moines

Omaha Storm Chasers / Round Rock Express

Sioux City Explorers / Amarillo Sox

Iowa Cubs / New Orleans Zephyrs

A three-day jaunt to Iowa  and Nebraska with a lot of Pacific Coast League action,

plus you’ll get your first look at time clocks!!!

$475  (per person/double occupancy)

 

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Bleacher Bums XXXIII … August 5 – August 11

 Rock & Roll Adventure

Schaumburg – Chicago – Cleveland – Detroit – Chicago

Miners/Boomers – Giants/Cubs – Twins/Indians – Bosox/Tigers – Angels/Chisox

6 nights – 6 games – Free time in Chicago & Cleveland – Microbrewery Escapade(s).

Great downtown hotels, time to take in the sites and a chance to see the Twins on the road.

$1275 (per person/double occupancy)

Rates for each trek are per person (double occupancy) & include travel by air-conditioned coach bus, rooms, tickets, commemorative tour shirt and BPT Hoopla!!!

To read about blog posts from past trips, click here:

 

 

Filed Under: Ballpark Tours, News

BBRT 2015 MLB Rookie Watch List

March 10, 2015 by

Opening Day is coming up fast and, in this post, I’d like to introduce ten rookies that BBRT expects to be on their team’s Opening Day rosters.  It’s BBRT’s annual “watch” list.  This list is made up of (not necessarily the best long-term prospects) rookies BBRT expects to make an impact at the major league level this season. Not surprising – given what we’ve seen from the likes of Yasiel Puig, Yeonis Cespedes and Jose Abreu – there is a strong Cuban contingent on the list, as well as one Korean Baseball Organization import.  There are four (and possibly a fifth) outfielders on the Watch List, as well as four pitchers (including one currently living in a Volkswagen van behind a Florida Wal-Mart).

With that introduction, here’s BBRT’s Rookie/\Prospect Watch List.

 

Jorge Soler, OF, Cubs

Jorge Soler tops the BBRT 2015 Rookie Watch List.

Jorge Soler tops the BBRT 2015 Rookie Watch List.

Jorge Soler makes the top of BBRT’s 2015 Rookie Watch List based on his play after a late-September 2015 call-up.  In 24 games for the Cubs, Soler hit .292, with five home runs (14 extra base hits) and 20 RBI. There are a host of high-potential prospects as we go into the 2015 season, but Soler is one who has already shown an ability to handle big-league pitching.

The 6’ 4”, 215-pound, 23-year-old played for the Cuban National Team in the World Junior Baseball Championship and in the Cuban National Series before defecting in 2011.  In June 2012, he signed a nine-year deal with the Cubs for a reported $30 million.  It’s looking like a very wise investment.

In 2012, at the Rookie level, Soler hit .299, with five home runs, 25 RBI, 12 steals and 12 walks – in just 34 games.  In 2013, he put up a .281-8-35 stat line in 55 games at the High A level (and hit .271 in the Fall League). Last season, Soler played at the Rookie League, AA and AAA levels before making his late-season MLB debut with the Cubs. In his three 2014 minor league stops, Soler hit .340-15-57. He has reasonable speed, a strong arm and a powerful bat.  Soler is expected to man right field right from Opening Day, batting in the five- or six-spot in the order.

BBRT note: Those who choose to watch Soler’s progression with the Cubs may get the opportunity to observe a couple of other rising prospects in 3B/OF Kris Bryant (who hit .325 with a minor-league high 43 home runs at AA and AAA a year ago) and SS Addison Russell, who, at just 21, has three minor league seasons (a .300 average, 37 home runs and 150 RBI in 233 games) under his belt. Soler, however, is likely to have the most immediate impact.   

Rusney Castillo, OF – Red Sox

Number-two on the BBRT Watch List is another Cuban import – Rusney Castillo, who signed a $72.5 million, seven-year contract with the Red Sox in August of 2014. Castillo, who defected from Cuba in late 2013, played in the Cuban National Series, as well as with the Cuban national team. In five seasons in the Cuban National Series, Castillo hit .315, with 42 home runs, 192 RBI and 68 steals in 323 games.

A speedy 5’ 8”, 186-poud outfielder, Castillo made his major league debut less than a month after his signing, and hit .333 with two home runs, six RBI and three steals in ten games for Boston, The 27-year-old rookie is expected to man centerfield for the Red Sox – and is an early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year.

Steven Souza, OF, Rays

BBRT really likes the 25-year-old Souza – acquired by the Rays in an off-season trade with the Nationals. Souza was a 2007 third-round draft pick (Nationals) as an 18-year-old.  It took the 6’ 4”, 225-pound right-handed hitter a few seasons to adjust (he hit just .227 over his first five minor league seasons). In 2012, Souza began to turn it on – hitting .297-23-85, with 14 steals in 97 games at A and High A.  In 2013, he proved 2012 was no fluke, going .297-15-46 with 22 steals at two levels (Rookie and AA) and then hitting .357 in the Fall League. Last season, Souza hit .345-18-99 with 28 steals, while working has way from A to AA to AAA.  He was selected the International League Rookie of the Year and MVP.  Souza hit only .130 in a couple of major league call-ups (21 games), but he looks ready to take a spot on the Rays roster – and in the day-to-day lineup – for 2015.

Joc Pederson OF – Dodgers

Joc Pederson - topped 30 home runs and 30 steals in the Pacific Coast League last season.

Joc Pederson – topped 30 home runs and 30 steals in the Pacific Coast League last season.

Joc Pederson has power, speed and a pretty good pedigree (his father Stu put up a .292 average over a dozen minor league seasons and got into eight MLB games for the Dodgers in 1985).  The younger Pederson was the Dodgers’ 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, hit .278 with 22 home runs and 31 steals in two 2013 minor league stops and, in 2014, was the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable player – hitting .303 with 33 home runs, 106 runs, 78 RBI, 30 steals and, importantly, 100 walks (in 121 games). The 6’ 1”, 185-pound left-handed hitter has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, but does need to cut down his strikeouts (149 at AAA last season). Pederson hit .143, with 11 whiffs in 28 at bats for the Dodgers last September. The Dodgers felt strongly enough about Pederson’s potential to trade Matt Kemp in the off-season and pencil the rookie into the starting outfield (center).

Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Blue Jays

There’s little doubt that Aaron Sanchez has what it takes to get major league hitters out. Although he still qualifies as a rookie, Sanchez made 24 relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season – going 2-2, with a 1.09 ERA and 27 strikeouts (versus just nine walks) in 33 innings.  So, what is BBRT watching for?  The question surrounding the 6’ 4”, 200-pound, 22-year-old seems to be whether the Blue Jays will use him as a starter or a closer. In five minor league seasons, Sanchez went 18-23, 3.51, striking out 349 in 356 1/3 innings. Sanchez, a 2010 first-round pick, has a lively, mid-90s fastball, a good change-up and a better than average curve.

Daniel Norris, LHP, Blue Jays

Norris makes it to the BBRT watch list for a couple of reasons:

  • First, in 2014, Norris moved from High A to Double A to Triple A to the Blue Jays – striking out 167 hitters in 131 innings along the way. In his three minor league stops, Norris went 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 124 1/3 innings. (He made five appearances for the Blue Jays last season, going 0-0, 5.40 with five walks and four whiffs in 6 2/3 innings.)
  • Second, Norris is truly his own man. Despite signing for a $2 million bonus, the 21-year-old, 6’ 2”, 195-pound lefthander’s Spring Training home is a 1978 Volkswagen van parked behind a Florida Wal-Mart. (Figures he’d be a lefty.) Norris’ take on the situation, as reported by CBS News, “I’m not going to change who I am just because people thinks it’s weird. The only way I’m going to have a great season is by starting out happy and balanced and continuing to be me.”

Now, how can you not follow that rookie? Norris not only brings his unconventional attitude to the mound, he also has a mid-90s fastball, slider, curve and circle change.  His opportunity to go north may very well depend on whether another BBRT prospect to watch – Aaron Sanchez – sticks with the Jays as a reliever or starter. Regardless, BBRT expects to see Norris’ free-spirit in the Blue Jays’ rotation sometime in 2015.

Yasmany Tomas, 3B/OF, Diamondbacks

Yasmany Tomas earned a reputation as one of Cuba’s top power hitters before defecting and eventually signing a six-year, $68.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks this past December.  In five seasons in the Cuban National Series, Tomas hit .290 with 39 home runs and 151 RBI in 272 games.  The 24-year-old has the look of a power hitter – 6’2”, 230 pounds.  The question in Spring Training seems to be whether Tomas has the skills to handle third base, or will find a corner outfield spot.

Andrew Heaney, LHP, Angels

Andrew Heaney – a Marlins’ first-round draft pick in 2012 (ninth overall) – came to the Angels in a trade for second baseman Howie Kendrick (after spending approximately five hours as a Dodger as part of a trade that involved Dan Haren and Dee Gordon). Heaney went 0-3, 5.83 with the Marlins (seven appearances, five starts), but that is not an indicator of his talent. In three minor league seasons, the 23-yerar-old southpaw went 19-11, 2.53 – striking out 262 batters (only 68 walks) in 259 2/3 innings (and we all know how MLB teams covet power-pitching southpaws).  The 6’ 2”, 185-pound hurler has a low- to mid-90s fastball, a devastating slider (his best pitch) and a good change up – as well as excellent control. (In twenty-four 2014 appearances at AA and AAA, Heaney struck out 143, while walking only 36, in 137 1/3 innings.)

BBRT note: If you are monitoring Heaney, you might also keep an eye on his likely competition for a spot in the rotation, another rookie prospect, Nick Tropeano. The 23-year-old right-hander – picked up in an off-season trade with the Astros – has put up a 31-24, 3.26 record in four minor league seasons. Tropeano went 1-3, 4.57 in four starts for the Astros after a September 2014 call-up.

Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Mets

Noah Syndergaard - should be coming soon to a big league park near you.

Noah Syndergaard – should be coming soon to a big league park near you.

Noah Syndergaard – 6’6”, 240 pounds – is an imposing presence on the mound.  Just 22-years-old, he has already translated that presence into 31 minor league wins (19 losses), with a 3.25 ERA and 474 strikeouts in 426 2/3 innings.  He has a 95-mph fastball, a slow-breaking curve and a circle change. While the Mets have a solid rotation, BBRT can’t see them keeping Syndergaard down at AAA much longer. If he doesn’t make the big league squad out of Spring Training, BBRT expects to see Syndergaard in the Big Apple sooner rather than later.

Jung-ho Kang, SS, Pirates

The 27-year-old Kang has eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization – and last season hit .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBI in 117 games.   How Kang – a four-time KBO All Star and four-time KBO Gold Glove winner – performs for the Pirates may tell us as much about the state of South Korean baseball is as it does about Kang himself.  Kang signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Pirates in January.

A few others you might want to put on your watch list: Kris Bryant, 3B, Cubs; Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles; Byron Buxton, OF, Twins; Carlos Correa, SS, Astros; Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Braves; Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians; Alex Meyer, RHP, Twins; Carlso Rondon, LHP, White Sox;  Addison Russell, SS, Cubs.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Filed Under: News

Twins Promotions – Enhancing the Fan Experience

March 6, 2015 by
Photo: Courtesy of MInnesota Twins

Photo: Courtesy of MInnesota Twins

From baseball bats to bobbleheads to backpacks, the Minnesota Twins promotional giveaways for 2015 seem to offer something for everyone – and that’s no accident.  BBRT had a chance to talk to the Twins Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotions Julie Okland about just what goes into setting up a major league team’s schedule of promotions. Turns out that, while there is plenty of brainstorming involved, there is also a lot of science behind the final schedule of giveaways, events, activities and discounts.

In this post, BBRT will look at MLB’s promotional schedule, with an emphasis on my hometown Twins.  I’ll also include a nod to some particularly interesting promotions from other teams – ranging from the Nationals’ Jayson Werth Chia Pet to the upcoming attempt by the Angels to set the record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros to the A’s Sonny Gray solar-powered garden gnome. I’ll include dates to help readers plan their ticket purchases, but keep in mind:

  • This is a preliminary report. As this is being posted, some teams have not released their promotional schedules or have released only partial schedules.
  • Promotional items and schedules are subject to change without notice. For a complete list and up-to-date details regarding 2015 Twins promotions (including dates, numbers of items, activities and eligibility) click here.  For details on promotions and events across MLB, visit each team’s website.

Now that the cautionary language has been handled, let’s get to it.

During the upcoming season, fans across MLB will have a lot to choose from when it comes to promotions. By the time the season is over, for example, Twins fans alone will have gone home from the ballpark with:

  • 40,000 hooded sweatshirts;
  • 40,000 bobbleheads (Brian Dozier, Paul Molitor, Phil Hughes, 1965 vintage);
  • 40,000 baseball caps, 10,000 bomber hats, 40,000 stocking caps;
  • 10,000 adult jerseys (Torii Hunter) and 10,000 kids jerseys (Danny Santana) – sizes limited on jerseys;
  • 10,000 drawstring backpacks, 10,000 reusable water bottles;
  • 10,000 ceramic steins (Fathers’ Day – Men 21+ only);
  • 10,000 plush toys (Twins mascot T.C. and Target mascot Bullseye);
  • 20,000 reusable grocery totes;
  • 45,000 magnetic season schedules, 60,000 poster schedules; and
  • 10,000 pairs of flip flops.

Fans also will have had a chance to enjoy such events as Fireworks Fridays and the Midwest Music Showcase (Wednesdays), along with unique activities and discounts associated with Knothole Kids Days, Student Days, Senior Days, Military Mondays, Dollar-A-Dog Days – and the list goes on.

It is, indeed, an ambitious schedule with something for everyone.

Okland indicated that setting up a new season’s promotional calendar begins as soon as (or even before) the gates close on the previous season.

“It’s really a year-round process,” Okland, who has been with the Twins for twelve years, said. “We’re constantly looking for new ideas, what’s trending with our fans, what’s worked for other teams. We’re always looking for that next big idea.”

Okland added that promotions and events have become increasingly important as the Twins, and baseball overall, find themselves competing not just for the entertainment and recreational dollar, but also for the potential ticket buyer’s time and attention.

The Basic Criteria

The overriding focus of the promotions and events schedule is to “enhance the fan experience,” whether through giveaways, unique activities or increased value, Okland said.

“The final decisions are based significantly on analytics,” she added.  “We look at such factors as day of the week, time, the opponent, anticipated weather, past successes and which fan segments each promotion will appeal to. We also coordinate with Ticket Sales and Services to ensure giveaways and promotions are balanced among our various ticket packages.”

The basic criteria for promotions and events outlined by Okland were:

  • Adds to the fan experience;
  • Safety (particularly for kids items);
  • Attractiveness to specific demographics (with an emphasis on kid-focused, but offering something for all demographics over the course of the season);
  • Usefulness, shelf-life and potential exposure;
  • Quality;
  • Price point;
  • Generation of incremental ticket sales.

All promotions must meet these criteria, but there are additional factors that come into play, Okland said.

Anniversaries, Holidays and Achievements

Anniversaries, holidays and specific player and team achievements play a role in the development of the promotions schedule, Okland said. Among the 2015 examples she cited were a vintage bobblehead (August 1) giveaway honoring the 50th Anniversary of 1965 Twins’ AL Championship team and a Fathers’ Day “Minnie and Paul” Ceramic Stein giveaway (first 10,000 males over 21).

Picking Players To Be Featured

When picking on-field personnel to feature in promotions, the Twins look toward players who had good seasons the year before, recently reached (or will soon reach) career milestones or have a strong connection with fans and the community.

“Brian Dozier and Phil Hughes had good seasons last year, and they are part of this year’s schedule of promotions,” Okland said.  Dozier is featured in two promotions – a Dozier baseball bat giveaway (May 31) and a Dozier bobblehead giveaway (July 25). A Hughes bobblehead is also on the schedule (July 11).

“It’s also Paul Molitor’s first year as manager and we wanted to get him out there,” Okland said.  “You’ll see him on our magnet schedules (April 17-18-19) and we’ll also feature a Molitor bobblehead giveaway (June 19).”   BBRT note: Molitor is the only individual featured on bobblehead promotions in two MLB cities this season.  The Brewers also will honor the Hall of Famer with a bobblehead giveaway (June 28, in a game against the Twins).

The Twins also are celebrating the return of Torii Hunter – a long-time fan favorite – with a Torii Hunter (adult) jersey giveaway on June 6.

Bobbleheads – Baseball’s Most Popular Promotional Item

While it is impossible to determine exactly how many bobbleheads will be given away at major league baseball parks this season (some teams have not yet released their full promotional schedule, others do not list the number to be handed out or use an “all fans” or “while supplies last” descriptor), BBRT can say with confidence that the 2015 MLB season will feature more than 125 different bobblehead promotions and fans will go home with well over than two million bobbleheads.  (Note: The Sports Business Journal reported that, in 2014, MLB teams handed out 2.59 million bobbleheads.)

A review of 2015 bobblehead giveaways announced as this post is written indicates teams will be featuring at least: 73 current players, 35 formers players, two managers, one former manager and one team-owner/commissioner.  In addition, three teams (Giants, Diamondbacks and A’s) will be handing out Hello Kitty bobbleheads), one team is offering a “Peanuts” bobblehead (Yankees), three teams will send fans home with vintage bobbleheads (Twins, Brewers, Phillies) and a pair of announcers will be recognized in bobblehead form (Vin Scully, Dodgers and Harry Caray, Cardinals).

The season’s most unique bobblehead may be the Rays’ Evan Longoria bobblehead that plays the star third baseman’s walk-up music. A few other 2015 bobblehead notes:

  • The Rays will determine the player to be featured as their final bobblehead offering of the season through a fan vote.
  • The Reds will be distributing a bobblehead with three players on a single bobblehead base – the 1990’s “Nasty Boys” bullpen of Randy Myers, Rob Dibble and Norm Charlton.
  • The Yankees will be handing out a Babe Ruth bobble head.

For trivia buffs:  According to bobbleheads.com, the first MLB player-specific bobbleheads – featuring Mickey Mantle, Willie MMauys3ays, Roger Maris and Roberto Clemente – were produced in 1960 and sold during the 1960 World Series. Various sources indicate that the first MLB team bobblehead giveaway took place on May 9, 1999 – with the San Francisco Giants handing out 35,000 Willie Mays bobbleheads to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Candlestick Park.

 

Being Minnesotan Counts

Okland added that there is also a focus on promotions that are consistent with what it is to be Minnesotan – noting that past successes, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, include Rapala fishing lures and outdoor grilling tools.  For 2015, fur bomber hats, stocking caps and a Twins BBQ branding iron reflect what it is to be Minnesotan.

Finding Sponsors

While the development of promotions is the first part of her job, Okland said she also must work with the Corporate Sponsorships Department to secure appropriate sponsors for each promotion. “Occasionally a sponsor will come to use with an idea – like, this year, Target asked to do the Bullseye plush (stuffed animal – August 29 & 30). For the most part, however, we develop the ideas and then work to secure appropriate sponsors.”

One example cited by Okland was the Twins’ May 7 Flip Flops giveaway (the Twins are the only team featuring a flip flop promotion this season), an idea she successfully sold to “The Beaches of Fort Meyers/Sanibel.” Okland noted that some sponsors do have preferences– like DQ®, which has joined the Twins as a sponsor for three decades of baseball cap giveaways.

Most Popular Items

Okland said traditional items – like bats, caps and bobbleheads – remain the most popular, with bobbleheads well in the lead and still going strong.

“Bobbleheads are the only items we’ve seen fans line up the night before for,” she said.

It’s Not All Just Giveaways

Okland added that efforts to enhance the fan experience are not focused solely on giveaways.

“We also work to incorporate activities fans that fans will enjoy beyond the game,” she said.

Fireworks are popular with Twins’ fans – and the team is hosting Friday Fireworks after all Friday home games between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Okland said.  BBRT’s review of scheduled events around MLB provided a solid indicator that fireworks are truly “not just for holidays” anymore.  MLB parks will play host to more than 150 post-game fireworks displays during the 2015 season.

Among the other popular fan experiences Okland discussed were:

  • Knothole Kids Days – with discounted tickets, player autographs before the game and a chance for kids to run the bases after the game.
  • The Midwest Music Showcase, with popular local bands performing at every Wednesday home game from May through September.

And, not all of the special events scheduled by the Twins take place inside the ball park.  The Twins also offer “Wine, Women and Baseball” for female fans. These events include a Skyline Deck or Skyline View ticket plus (at the Loews Minneapolis Hotel) pre-game wine tasting, light appetizers and desserts, “Pamper Yourself” stations and a complementary gift. (May 29, July 30, August 28).

Theme Days/Events

MLB teams, including the Twins, also develop “theme” events, days, weekends or series – again designed to enhance the fan experience, recognize specific groups or causes, build the team or MLB brand or appeal to specific demographics.  Among the Twins “theme” events already scheduled for 2015 are: Jackie Robinson Day (with MLB, April 15); Diversity Day (July 7); Armed Forces Appreciation Day (July 12); Softball Day (July 30); 1965 AL Championship 50th Anniversary Celebration (August 1); Back to School Weekend (August 29-30); Fan Appreciation Weekend (October 2-3); and Kids Appreciation Day (October 4).

Okland urged Twins fans to watch for upcoming announcements of additional theme events for 2015. One such announcement came during the Twins/Gophers recent Spring Training game, when the team noted that Friday, May 1 will be University of Minnesota Night at Target Field. (Fans purchasing a ticket in this special package will receive a maroon and gold Twins cap.)

Value Discounts

There are also plenty of “value” discounts available to Twins fans for 2015 including, among others:

  • Schweigert™ Dollar-A-Dog Days (Wednesdays), with one-dollar hot dogs;
  • More For Your Money Mondays – with a ten-dollar food and beverage credit with a Skyline Deck ticket;
  • Thirsty Thursday Nights – 5:30 to 6:30 (before Thursday home games), with discounted beverages and appetizer specials at the Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek’s, the Club level outdoor pub and the Gate 6 Bar.

Student Days (Wednesdays) and Senior Days (all weekday day games), with discounted ticket are also popular, Okland said.

“Military Mondays have been very well received and we’re especially proud of that promotion,” Okland added, noting that, on Military Mondays, active military and veterans (with valid ID) can purchase half-price Home Plate View tickets for themselves and up to four guests.

Putting It All Together

Okland said that when you put it all together – giveaways, activities, events and discounts – MLB team promotions create additional excitement around the ballpark experience. That, she said, is good for the fans, the teams and the game.

Check Out that Promotions Schedule

As you can see, there is a lot going on at the ball park, BBRT urges all fans to take a look at your team’s promotions, events and discounts schedule.  Find what appeals to you – and add something new to your personal experience “at the old ball game.”

To close, here are a few 2015 MLB promotions that drew BBRT’s interest:

  • Among the most popular giveaways across MLB (besides bobbleheads) are t-shirts, magnetic schedules, caps, replica jerseys and reusable tote bags.
  • Bobbleheads may be all the rage, but players are being recognized in a wide variety of ways including: the Nationals’ Jayson Werth Chia Pet (August 5) and the Rays’ Evan Longoria Rubber Duck (April 19).
  • Ten teams are handing out a total of 14 Garden Gnomes – featuring ten players, one manager, two former managers and one mascot. Only the A’s, however, are featuring a solar-powered garden gnome (Sonny Gray, June 20).
  • Beyond the traditional baseball caps, a wide range of headgear will be handed out at MLB parks this year – fedoras, cowboy hats, stocking caps, floppy hats, beach hats, bomber hats, batting helmets and more. Only the Angels, however, are including a sombrero give-away in their schedule (as part of their Cinco De Mayo Celebration and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing sombreros).
  • Fans can score a replica of Fenway Park (Red Sox, April 27); the Astrodome, circa 1965 (Astros, April 18); and Petco Park (Padres, July 18).
  • The San Francisco Giants will be handing out a “snow” globe on April 15, featuring their three most recent World Championship trophies (2010-12-14) and the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • The Phillies will take us all back to our youth with a Wiffle® Ball and Bat giveaway.
  • Want to build a great pitching staff? In 2015, the Dodgers are giving one away, in the form of a series of Cy Young Award Collectors’ Pins: Don Newcombe (April 13); Don Drysdale (April 27); Sandy Koufax (May 14); Mike Marshall (June 18); Orel Hershiser (August 29); Eric Gagne (September 14); and Clayton Kershaw (September 20).
  • The Mets will pass out “Thundersticks” to all fans on September 19th and – no surprise – the crosstown Yankees will be at Citi Field. The Rays are hosting similar giveaways (for youngsters) on June 24th   and July 29, only they have chosen to use the less-aggressive term “Rays Cheer Sticks.”
  • No matter what you call it, dogs are increasingly welcome at the ballpark – Bark in the Park (Braves, Reds, Mets, Royals, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, White Sox); Pups in the Park (Nationals); Pups at the Park (Dodgers); Pooches in the Park (Cardinals); Dog Days of Summer (Giants, Padres).
  • The Twins and Blue Jays have taken different approaches to their hoodie sweatshirt giveaways. The Twins’ promotion will take place on their home Opening Day (April 13), while the Blue Jays have scheduled their hoodie promotion for the final home game of their season (September 27).

Coming soon, some rookies and prospects BBRT will be watching in 2015.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News