Records (we’re talking vinyl; here) have two-sides.  Yesterday (April 8, 2019), a couple of MLB hitting records were broken or tied – and they were, figuratively, on both sides of the offensive album.  On one side, the Orioles’ Chris Davis set a new record for futility in the batter’s box, while on other side the Mariners’ Edwin Encarnación tied an MLB record for success beyond the reaches of the ball field.

Photo by Keith Allison

Let’s start with Davis. Yesterday, Davis went zero-for-five, with two strikeouts, as the Orioles pounded out 15 hits in a 12-4 thrashing of the A’s in Oakland.  In the process, Davis set a new MLB record for consecutive at bats without a base hit at 49 (and still counting).  Davis’ streak started after the second inning of a game on September 14, 2018 (when he doubled off James Shields). Since then, he has played in another 14 games, collected 32 plate appearances and 49 at bats – with no hits, six walks, 29 strikeouts, one run and two RBI.  As Sonny and Cher might sing on vinyl – “And the streak goes on.”

Last season, Chris Davis set the MLB record for the lowest batting average by a player qualifying for the batting title, when he hit .168 (79-for-470).    To be fair, Davis is also one of only 29 MLB players to hit 50 home runs in a season. In 2013, Davis hit .286, and led the AL with 53 home runs and 138 RBI.

The previous record of 46 consecutive at bats without a hit was held by Eugenio Vélez – who went hitless from a game on July 20, 2010 until his final MLB game on August 20, 2011.  Over that time, Vélez played in 29 MLB games, getting 52 plate appearances, 46 at bats) – with no hits, three walks and 12 whiffs.  He did score one run and drive in one. Vélez started his streak as a Giant and it ended as a Dodger.  (Well, it didn’t really end, Vélez’ streak was still active when he was released by the Dodgers.  He has since played in the U.S. Minor Leagues, the Dominican Winter League, The Mexican League and Mexican Pacific Winter League – but has not made it back to the majors. In 2018-19, he went a combined .281-1-9 in 27 games in the Dominican and Mexican Winter Leagues.  Maybe someone should give the 36-years-old another shot at extending or breaking the streak.

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Now, for the other side of the record book.

Photo by james_in_to

Yesterday, the Mariners’ Edwin Encarnación hit his third and fourth home runs of the 2019 season. For the day, Encarnación was two-for-four with two runs scored and four RBI. Of importance is the fact that they both came in the sixth inning of Seattle’s 13-5 win over the Royals.  Of, perhaps, even more importance is that it was the second time in his career that Encarnacion has gone deep twice in one inning.  And, that ties an MLB record.  Fifty-six different players have hit two home runs in one MLB inning (MLB.com) – but only five players have accomplished the feat twice.

A few other two-home run inning tidbits:

• Fernando Tatis of the Cardinals is the only player to hit two Grand Slams in one inning – the third frame of a Cardinals’ 12-5 win over the Dodgers on April 23, 1999. Maybe a greater surprise is that Dodgers’ starter Chan Ho Park was on the mound for both long balls.
• On May 2, 2002, as the Mariners beat the White Sox 15-4, Seattle’s Brett Boone and Mike Cameron both hit two home runs in the first inning. It’s the only time two teammates have hit two home runs in an inning in the same game – and they did it back-to-back. Boone was hitting third and Cameron fourth.
• Only three players have hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning:  Carlos Baerga, Indians (versus Yankees) – April 8, 1993; seventh inning; Mark Bellhorn, Cubs (Brewers) – August 29, 2002; Fourth inning; and Kendrys Morales, Angels (versus Rangers) – July 30, 2012; sixth inning.

Primary Resources:  MLB.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; Baseball-Reference.com

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Photo by rchdj10

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

At yesterday’s Twin Opener (at home, in Minnesota, in March), something wonderful did happen for all of us who had somehow survived the 2019 Polar Vortex. The sun came out, the temperature climbed to a lofty 49 degrees, the Twins played some baseball that counted – and the home squad came away with a victory!  In this post, BBRT will take a brief look at the Twins opener, as well as recount some of the highlights from Opening Day around MLB.  Note:  BBRT will treat all of yesterday’s games as though they occurred on Opening Day – even though the season actually opened on March 20 in Tokyo. For some thoughts on that, click here. 

2019 Opening Day in Minnesota.

As the game time approaches, the sun seems a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the air a little warmer and the grass a shade greener.  Once the game begins, the ball hops off the bat with an especially sharp crack, the pitches seem to have more zip and whir-r-r than ever and the fielders move with a unique combination of grace and energy.  In the stands, the beer is crisp and cold and the hot dogs steam in the cool of early spring.  The fans cheer on their old and new heroes and follow this opening contest with pennant-race intensity – the most intense among them logging each play in the new season’s first scorecard.   Baseball Is Back!

                                                    Baseball Roundtable … March 26, 2013

The 2019 Twins Home Opener drew an officially counted 39,519 hardy fans.  The sky was partly cloudy, with the field occasionally bathed in sunlight and the game time temperature was a brisk (but comfortable) 49 degree.  The Twins, appropriately (for this is Minnesota) gave out Twins-logo-ed “puffer” vests to the first 30,000 through the gates.  I can testify that the give-aways were put to immediate and good use by at least 80 percent of the crowd.

The day featured all the usual Opening Day hoopla – player introductions, the giant on-the-field flag for the national anthem, an F-16 flyover and a first pitch thrown out by fomer Twin and 2006 American League MVP Justin Morneau.

As it is for nearly all Opening Day games, this contest featured what was expected to be a  solid pitching match-up.  The visiting Cleveland Indians sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the mound, while the Twins countered with 2018 All Star Jose Berrios. It was clear from the start that neither would disappoint.  Berrios got through the top of the first on just nine pitches (eight strikes), while Kluber was even more efficient – putting down the Twins in order in the bottom of the frame on just seven pitches (six strikes). It was more of the same in the second inning: Berrios – three up-three down on eight pitches (six strikes) and Kluber retiring the Twins in order on six pitches (all strikes).  So after two innings, we had seen a total of 27 pitches, with only four outside the strike zone.

Things didn’t change a whole lot over the course of the game – played in two hours and 18 minutes and featuring just two runs (both by the Twins) on a two-team total of six hits, with two walks, two hit batsmen and 19 strikeouts.

It’s always an honor to pitch Opening Day … It’s exciting.  It’s the beginning of a new season … That being said, I think we have five guys who could have pitched Opening day,”

Corey Kluber.

I should note that Kluber – after getting through four perfect innings on just 30 pitches (25 strikes) – did come down to earth a bit as the game progressed. While he needed just 11 pitches to get out of the fifth, his strike-to-ball ratio was six-to-five – and in the sixth inning,  he needed 15 pitches (eight strikes/seven balls).  In the seventh inning, after collecting just one hit and one walk over six  frames, the Twins finally mounted some offense – all driven by newcomers to the team.  DH Nelson Cruz singled to left. Then, after an Eddie Rosario whiff, 1B C.J. Cron singled to center.  Third baseman Marwin Gonzalez doubled them both home. And, that was the offense for the day.

Kluber pitched seven innings, giving up just two earned runs (four hits, one walk, one HBP and five strikeouts). Berrios lasted 7 2/3, giving up no runs on two hits, one walk and ten strikeouts.  Tyler Rogers came on to get a four-out save for the Twins – striking out  three.   And, the fans went home happy in their cozy “puffer” vests.

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OPENING DAY AROUND BASEBALL

Another Free-swinging Season?

The 2018 season was the first in MLB history in which there were more strikeouts than base hits.  If Opening Day is any indication, we are headed there again.  Here are a few totals from the day’s 15 games.

Base hits – 197 (13.1 per game)

Strikeouts – 247 (16.5 per game)

Home Runs – 48 (3.7 per game)

Total runs scored – 124 (93 by winning teams, 33 by those on the losing side).

The most popular score of the day was 2-0, with four games ending by that tally (Twins over Indians; Mets over Nationals; Tigers over Blue Jays; Padres over Giants). There was a fifth shutout, as the A’s topped the Angels 4-0.

The most runs scored by any team on the day were 12, by three teams: Cubs over Rangers 12-4; Mariners over Red Sox 12-4; and Dodgers over Diamondbacks 12-5.

AN OPENING DAY RECORD FOR HOME RUNS – DEPENDS ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT.

It was reported that a record 48 home runs were hit on Opening Day – the old record was 46.  For BBRT, it kind of depends on how you look at it.  Seven of those round trippers were hit by the Mariners and A’s – who had already opened the season March 30 in Tokyo.  Maybe an asterisk is in order?  Still, while all 48 homers were not hit by players in their team’s opening game, since neither the Mariners’ nor the A’s pitchers gave up a home run yesterday, all the home runs surrendered were by pitchers pitching in their teams opening game.  I guess that clears that up.

Dodgers set Opening Day Dinger Mark

The Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks (in LA) on Opening Day by a 12-5 score.  In the process, the Dodgers smacked an Opening Day single-team home run record with eight long balls. Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez each went deep twice, while Corey Seager, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Austin Barnes added one apiece.

In Honor of the Final Four – A Baseball Double Double

For just the second time in MLB history, both starting pitchers in an Opening Day game notched double-digit strikeouts. Of course, it should be no surprise, they were the 2018 National League Cy Young Award winner (Jacob deGrom) and a three-time CYA winner and 2018 runner-up (Max Scherzer).

As the Mets topped the Nationals 2-0, deGrom got the win – going six scoreless innings, with five hits, one walk and ten whiffs. Scherzer took the loss, despite giving up just two hits (and two earned runs) in 7 2/3 frames, with three walks and 12 strikeouts.

The other time it two Opening Day starters fanned ten or more in the same game?  April 7, 1970, when Orioles bested the Indians 8-2 in Cleveland.  Orioles’ starter Dave McNally went the distance, giving up two runs on four hits, with three walks and 13 strikeouts.  Cleveland starter Sam McDowell went 6 1/3 innings before walking the bases loaded with one out in the seventh.  In his 6 1/3 frames, McDowell (who took the loss) was credited with giving up three earned runs on three hits, with five walks and eleven strikeouts.

Another Reason Why I Don’t Like the DH

When Brewers’ starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin  popped a solo home run off Cardinals’ starter Miles Mikolas with two out in the bottom of the fifth, he joined some good company,  He adds his name to a short list of active pitchers with opening Day homers – Madison Bumgarner (two in 2017) and Clayton Kershaw (2013).  It proved to be an important homer, as it gave the Brew Crew a 5-3 lead and they held on for a 5-4 win.

Tim Beckham Takes Chris Sale Deep Twice – and That’s a Real Surprise

The Mariners’ Tim Beckham could not have been too happy to see Chris Sale on the mound on Opening Day.  Beckham was zero-for-fifteen in his career against Sale, with nine strikeouts (no walks). The nine whiffs were his most against any pitcher (he has also fanned nine times against Mark Estrada).   What happened on Opening Day?  Beckham took Sale deep twice – going two-for-five and plating three runs.  By the way, the two round trippers ties for the most long balls Beckham has hit against any hurler (he has hit a pair of career home runs against seven different pitchers).

Like Father – Like Son

Fernando Tatis, Jr. – starting at shortstop fort the San Diego Padres – singled in his first MLB at bat (off Madison Bumgarner of the Giants). The hit came in the bottom of the seventh and was one of two singles he would get in the game – won by the Padres 2-0.

His father, Fernando Tatis made his debut for the Texas Rangers – starting at 3B (against the White Sox) on July 26, 1997. He also began His MLB career with a single in his first at bat.

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE. 

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Photo: Bob King

A frozen treat with Bailey’s, Kahlua and Vodka – served in a cold fudge-coated cup with chocolate shavings.  Ballpark food?  It is now!  It’s the Mud Slide, one of the new food and beverage offerings being served at Target Field during the coming (it’s almost here) season. Served at the Town Ball Tavern and the Delta Sky 360 Club.  Price: $17.00

This afternoon (March 24), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what is now a rite of spring for me – the Twins’ Annual Food and Beverage Preview. Sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and Delaware North  (the team’s exclusive food and beverage partner), this was the tenth annual showcase and taste-fest of the upcoming season’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings.  If I had to describe the event, and Minnesotans will understand this, it’s a bit like the State Fair, only in a ball park.  In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the new Target Field concessions, as well as a few from other stadiums that BBRT found of interest.

Raising the Bar

When I first began attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of hot dogs, beer and soda.  Flavorful condiments could be counted on two fingers – ketchup and mustard (sometimes artfully applied). If you wanted to go a step further, there were peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack®, licorice ropes and ice cream (usually frozen malt cups, where you risked splinters working with a very flat wooden spoon).  When pizza, bratwurst and burgers arrived on the scene, many of us thought baseball’s culinary landscape was complete.

The 2019 Target Field Food and Beverage Preview again brought home how wrong we were – and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage bar – or as Twins President David St. Peter put is “re-imagining” the food and beverage experience.

Now, I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the new food and beverage items that were unveiled this afternoon. (They ranged from Grown-Up Grilled Cheese to a chance to create your own Soul Food Experience to a Chicken and Bacon Waffle Cone.)  I would like to share a comment or two on some of the new food items my photographer (Bob King) and I found especially tasty, interesting or both.   Note:  Keeping in mind that prices and offerings can change, for a detailed, up-to-date look at Twins concessions (old and new), click here.   I would expect it soon. Also, at the end of this post, you will find a description of a handful of top new food items from other ballparks.

The Obligatory Target Field Bloody Mary – Tossed a Curve

Hrbek’s Pub 

Target Field has a reputation for signature Bloody Marys – offered at Hrbek’s Pub, near section 114.  In the past, we have seen such concoctions as the Brunch Bloody Mary, the Cluck and Moo Bloody Mary and the Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary.

This year, the Twins threw us a curve, with the “Mimosa Mary.”  It’s a  tangy and refreshing mixture of fruit and vegetable juices (predominantly orange), mandarin vodka and champagne. Served with skewer of fruit, it seemed a pretty healthy way to enjoy an adult beverage.  Price: $16.00

Photo: Bob King.

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Now to the food.  Bacon has produced a few hits at the ballpark.  Here are two new bacon-centric Target Field options for 2019.

Peanut Butter n’ Jelly Candied Bacon Sandwich – Elvis Would be Proud

Craft Sandwiches – Section 114

Served on grilled sourdough bread, this treat features peanut butter, strawberry jelly and candied bacon.

This simultaneously crunchy, gooey, meaty and sweet sandwich was a favorite of both Bob’s and mine – and of several other “tasters” I talked to.  Craft Sandwiches also offers a Philly Cheese Steak and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese.   But, why be a grown-up when there’s peanut butter, jelly and bacon on the menu?  BBRT Tip: Have a beverage near at hand.  Price : $10.00

Photo: Bob King.

Bollywood Smash Salad – A Healthy Delight

Roots for the Home Team – Section 101

A tasty and refreshing offering, with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, tossed with sorghum, mint, raisins and bok choy slaw – then topped with sunflower seeds and served with mango vinaigrette dressing.  It delivers healthy veggies in a combination of sweet (raisins and mango) and nutty (sorghum and sunflower seeds) flavors.  Bob noted, “I’m a committed carnivore and I’d order this.”  Another new offering from Roots for the Home Team is the Northside Fresh Salad (black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Brussel Sprouts, serrano pepper and currants – topped off with crispy wontons and pepitas in avocado-lime dressing.) This one has a little more “zip” and is a little less sweet.   Note: Roots for the Home Team partners with youth garden programs in the Twin Cities to give multicultural teens the opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

Photo: Bob King

In addition to introducing new foods, the Twins honored Legacy Brands that have been part of the ball park experience for ten years – The Loon Cafe, Murray’s (steak house) and Kramarczuk Sausage Company.  We all got to enjoy the Loon Cafe’s chili, a classic Murray’s steak sandwich and a Kramarczuk sausage sampler.

Photo: Bob King

Chicken, Bacon and Waffle Cone – In a cone, but worthy of a stick.

Section 109 & 311 Grills

Put this one on a stick and you are immediately transported to the fried food decadence that is the Minnesota State Fair. It’s a combination of chicken tenders, thick bacon and maple syrup – served in a waffle cone.  Rich, but very tasty.  The BBRT tip:  Make sure each bite you take includes a bit of chicken, a bit of bacon and a bit of waffle.  It’s the combination that makes this work – kind of like a smooth 6-4-3 double play. Price: $10.50

Photo: Bob King

The Boomstick – A New Take on a Long-Standing Tradition

Section 127

Photo: Bob King

Nothing says a meal at the ballpark more than a hot dog – and the Twins are offering something that is, indeed, more than a hot dog. It’s the Boomstick – in honor of new power hitter Nelson “Boomstick” Cruz. (Cruz has hit 360 career boomers.)

This is an almost baseball bat-sized hot dog – two-feet long – smothered in chili, nacho cheese, grilled onions and jalapenos.  A sunny day, a cold beer, a scorecard and a Boomstick and you are ready for some baseball! You mighty want to add some mustard for old times’ sake. Price: $27.00.

Soul Bowl – Create Your Own Version of Minnesota Soul

Section 120

Photo: Bob King

Chef Gerard Kass is putting a new spin on the soul food of his childhood – presenting it in a flavorful, healthy and eye-catching way.  And, he’s even letting you personalize your Soul Food Experience.  Create a combination that suits your soul, using  such ingredients as: Shaggy Yellow Rice; JR Jong Jerk Chicken; Rick Ross Smoked Mushrooms; Sade Sweet Corn; Biggie BBQ Braised Beef; #MPLS Mac & Cheese; and Jill Scott Greens.  Price:  $10.00 – $14.00

Shareable Boards 

Bat & Barrel

Barrio Taco Board
Photo: Bob King

Target Field’s Bat & Barrel is offering a trio of “shareable boards” to make your group’s ball park experience special.  These boards are brought to your table, creating a meal you and your family and  friends assemble to your own taste. They include:

Barrio Taco Board: 12 flour tortillas; Barbacoa Adobo Chicken; habanero pickled onions;  chopped onions; lime wedges; cilantro; shredded lettuce; sour cream; Ancho salsa; avocado tomatillo salsa; quesa fresco. Price: $45.00

ROWDYDOW BBQ Board: Chopped smoked brisket; pulled smoked pork; 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls; homemade bourbon pickles; fired onions; cole slaw; slow-cooked pinto bean; and homemade BBQ sauce.  Price: $42.00

Athena “It’s Greek To Me” Board: chicken souvlaki skewers; Htipita feta spread; Tzatziki  yogurt blend; pepperoncini; Kalamata olives; cucumber; a variety of fruits and vegetables; pistachios; herbs; and pita bread. Price: $42.00

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Now, how about a few new items from other ball parks?

TOP NEW ITEM – THE “Fowl Pole” at Globe Life Park in Arlington (Rangers)

Texans take pride in doing things in a “big” way – and the New “Fowl Pole” sandwich is no exception. What we are talking about here is a is a two-pound (yes, I said/wrote two-pound) chicken tender  (it take four or five chicken breasts rolled, baked and fried to make this poultry log). The treat is served on a bed of waffle fries, with a choice of sauces (barbecue, honey and ranch) Price $27.50.  Photo: Delaware North.

MY FAVORITE NEW HOT DOG … and one honorable mention

Going Yard – Dodger Stadium (Dodgers)

The Dodgers have captured my heart and appetite with their new “Going Yard” offering – previously offered only during the post-season.  This beauty has all the tastes I love – a 16 ½-inch jalapeno-cheddar sausage, topped with grilled onions, roasted corn, an avocado relish and sour cream.

Coney Dog Egg Roll – Comerica Park (Tigers), Honorable Mention

A new twist on an old ballpark favorite.  The Tigers are offering a hot dog, inside an egg roll, topped with mustard and diced onions. Maybe add a little soy sauce?

Photo: Delaware North

A LITTLE SALAD PERHAPS – PNC Park (Pirates)

Photo: Aramark

A tasty salad – that is as pretty as a picture and combines  sweet and tart: Red Quinoa, heart of palm, spinach, blueberries, cucumbers, carrots, sunflower seeds and balsamic dressing. Just $10, by the way.

How ABOUT DESSERT?

Funnel Cake Poutine – Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)

As sweet as it gets.  Funnel cake fries, ice cream, chocolate, caramel and marshmallow.

Photo: Aramark

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THE  MINNESOTA TWINS GATE 34 EXPERIENCE

This week, the Minnesota Twins are unveiling a new way to get into the ball park – “The Gate 34 Experience.”  Focusing on one of Target Field’s busiest entrances (often referred to as the “front door” of the ball park), the improvements are aimed at enhancing accessibility and convenience for fans entering the park (for example, a new dedicated wheel chair lane and a canopy to shelter fans from the elements as security checks and ticket scanning are completed.)

But there is much more to the improvements, including elements designed to create not just an entrance, but an experience. There is a 5,100-square-foot open area that features a variety of outdoor games, as well as ever-changing, pop-up shopping for fans.  If the media preview is any indication, on a given day fans in the area could find everything from cotton candy to cookies and blankets to bow ties.  The days we visited the Gate 34 Experience, food vendors included Spinning Wild (cotton candy); Dearest Baker Macaroons; Thumbs Cookies; Hip Hop Gourmet Popcorn; Zamboni’s Pizza & Pub; Smack Shack (seafood); and the Breaking Bread Café.  Retail vendors on hand included: Through Jimmy Eye’s; Faribault Woolen Mill; and artist Adam Turman.

Gate 34 Curator Mich Berthiaume noted that the vendors will change with each series, keeping the fan experience fresh.  “We’re targeting Start Up Brands, Heritage Brands and Give-Back Brands.”

Pete Spike, General Manager of Delaware North Sports Service, Target Field, said the food offerings will  also be diverse (and changing) – noting that the Gate 34 Experience will offer new opportunities for local vendors not in a position to commit to an 81-game Twins schedule, while also expanding food and shopping opportunities to fans.

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE. 

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 1oo Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.