David, Author at Baseball Roundtable

Ballpark Tours – Kentucky Bourbon Tour – Days 1 & 2

June 9, 2019 by David

DAY ONE – ON THE ROAD AGAIN

On Friday June 7, it was off again with St. Paul-based Ballpark Tours – my 31st trek with this dedicated if somewhat undisciplined, group or baseball fans. This time a ten-day trip that will take our hardy group of 26 baseball fans to five cities and eight ball games -not to mention several breweries and distilleries.

As I have in the past, I will chronicle this adventure to give readers and idea of what a Ballpark Tour is all about.

We left Saint Paul via motorcoach (fancy word for big bus with comfortable seats and a bathroom) at about 10:00 a.m. for a day of travel (without baseball) – headed for Chicago and a pair of Cardinals/Cubs contests. The trip started with a lot of the usual Ballpark Tours hoopla. At about 11:00 a.m., the tequila showed up and made it’s way down the aisle. (Tequila – It’s not just for breakfast anymore, but it is for breakfast.) At about the same time, the Bloody Mary Bar opened mid-bus. As usual, BBRT rates Bloodies and these were good – nicely spiced with horseradish and garnished with hard salami, white cheddar and green olives. (Side note: The Tequila was also very smooth.) Later, the traveler know as The Rev, The Associate Pope and the Lunchmaster fed the masses with crackers, cheese, deli meats and, appropriately, fish. (Side note: Given the conduct on our deluxe motorcoach, aliases are to be considered a good thing.) Meanwhile, an assortment of treats from bing cherries to brownies to Chicago mix was circulating around the bus.

From the A.M. Bloody Mary Bar.

A The Associate Pope feeds the masses, With a very “Latin” chant of “Nomar Garciaparra, my son.”

As we continued down that long – but no so lonesome – highway, other Ballpark Tours’ traditions were honored: A baseball book exchange; distribution of the traditional baseball trivia “K-Kwiz”: the contest forms for a contest in which you predicted how many runs would be scored in three days of major league baseball (Who’s Got The Runs?); the sharing of lots of tales (some even about baseball); and plenty of loud music and dancing at the “back of the bus.”

This trip, like so many before it, was becoming a “family and friends reunion.”

Note: For Days Three and Four, click here. Days Five and Six, click here. Day Seven, click here. Day Eight, click here. Days Nine and Ten, click here.

At about 2:30 p.m., it was time for the lunch stop – at (of course) a brew pub (Great Dane Brew Pub in Madison, Wisconsin). The beer was cold, the food both tasty and (in some cases) unique and the company excellent. I, by the way, opted for the Imperial IPA and the West African Chicken Peanut Stew, gorgonzola salad and pretzel bread. Then it was back on the bus, for the “run ” into Chicago – where back-of-the-bus music and dancing had deteriorated into some form of karaoke – with dueling “blue tooths.” Or should it be dueling blue teeth?

About eight p.m. we checked into the Claridge House (Chicago’s Gold Coast) boutique hotel and either settled in for the night – or headed out for a bit more celebration. I opted to stay in and monitor the Twins game. Tomorrow – brews, blues and BASEBALL!

Just When You Think Nothing Can Ever Be the Same Again.

We departed on June 7, which happened to the the 83rd anniversary of the day Yankee pitcher Red Ruffing picked up a 5-4, 16-inning victory over the Cleveland Indians. A couple of notes: Ruffing went the distance, facing 63 batters and earned his victory without striking out a batter. (Also, there was only one home run in the game – the 16th-frame game-winner by George Selkirk.) “My how the game has changed,” he mused with a bit of remorse.

Ah, but then on this year’s June 7, the Rockies’ Antonio Senzatela picked up a win (Rox topping the Mets 5-1), throwing six innings of one-run ball – without a strikeout. And, yesterday (June 8), the Phillies’ Nick Pivetta and Rangers’ Adrian Sampson both earned wins, while throwing their first-ever MLB complete games. Baby steps, but progress -maybe.

PS: For those of you who like to know this stuff, the average number of strikeouts per game so far this season (combined, both teams) is 16.8.

DAY 2 – BLUES AND BASEBALL

I started the morning of Day Two with a trip down the street to Chicago’s Division Street Farmers’ Market – vegetables, fruit, flowers and lots of food (cheeses, pastries, meats and even street-vendor paella. I grabbed a chocolate-filled croissant and washed it down with coffer al fresco, outside the hotel.

Breakfast!

Coffee in front of the Claridge House.

Then it was off to Millennium Park for the 36th Annual Chicago Blues Fest. Six stages of FREE live blues. Did about five hours there, before getting ready for today’s headliner – the Cardinals/Cubs at Wrigley. I learned later that other in our group spent the afternoon in places like the Museum of Science and Industry, The Field Museum, the Chicago Art Museum and The Lodge (you had to be there to understand). Ballpark Tours is nothing if not cultured.

Yes, Virginia, there was a ball game!

Our view.

I took the EL to Wrigleyville, for the 6:15 p..m game. As usual, I’ve written about this before, there was plenty of opportunity for pre-game music, libation and laughter at spots like The Cubby Bear, Murphy’s Bleachers and the Sports Corner. Once inside the friendly confines of Wrigley itself, we found out seats located in the deep, left field corner (foul territory). A couple of observations, from our seats we could not see the old, traditional scoreboard beyond the CF wall (which I missed) nor the newer, jumbo video board above the RF stands (which I did not miss). Still, the Cubs do charge $74 for those seats. Breaking the World Series curse may have gone to their heads just a bit. (Also, in the banner-style video board directly in our line of sight, the Cubs chose to display the ball-and-strike count – only when the Cardinals were at bat.)

Still, the site lines to the field were good – as was the company.

The game itself started out badly for the home squad. Jon Lester started for the Cubbies and after just seven batters, he had surrendered a walk, two singles and a pair a home runs. He was down 4-0 and not yet out of the first, Surprise! He settled down and, five innings later, was still around to pick up the win. Lester ended up going six innings and giving up five hits, two walks and four earned runs, while fanning six. In fact, after those first seven batters through the end of the game, the Cardinals only hit one ball out of the infield. During that time, hey touched Chicago pitching for:

11 strikeouts;
13 infield ground outs – one a double play’
Two infield foul pop ups’
One batter safe on an infield error – erased on that double play;
One walk;
One batter safe on a passed ball on strike three; and
one fly out to left field (second inning)

Chicago prevailed 9-3.

As is tradition, BBRT tried and rated the Wrigley Field Bloody Mary. First observation – not cheap at $16. However, it was top flight vodka and a good pour, came in a Cubs’ souvenir mug, was embellished with four large (and firm) olives and a line wedge. (A key BBRT pet peeve is mushy Bloody Mary olives.)

The bar was out of hot sauce, but my bartender did a good job of spicing up the Bloody with the pepper she had on hand. Overall, a solid offering (although the mix was a bit salty) that would place in the upper mid-range of the BBRT ratings.

A few other Wrigley observations:

I’m not fond of the new video boards, maybe I’m too into nostalgia.
Like most parks, lots of people seemed more into selfies than the action on the field.
I was proud to see at least four others in our group keeping scorecards – including mentor Nina and her “Grasshoppers” Joe and Pamela.
We were seated in the LF corner and I had been told a new Beer Can Chicken Sandwich – available in the RF corner – was a good concessions bet. One of our tour group made the cross field trek, but pronounced the sandwich not worth the effort.
The singer who presented the national anthem held the “free” longer than the anthem should have lasted. Why do so many feel the anthem is a chance to honor their personal”song stylings” and ignore the fact that the song is supposed to be rendered at a brisk tempo?
The seventh-inning “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is sung with special fervor in Wrigley.
Hearing the crowd’s boisterous rendition of the song “Go, Cubs, Go”is always stirring.

An Unlikely Hero

With the bases loaded and the game tied 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth, the Cubs called on backup catcher Victor Caratini to pinch hit. In three MLB season to that point, Caratini was hitting .128 in 38 pinch hit at bats. He cleared the bases with a double. (Also in his two previous MLB seasons, Caratini had average just .238 in 107 games. This season, he is hitting .366 in 17 contests. He did, however, average .290 in seven minor-league seasons.)

A final thought, yesterday’s night game at Wrigley came on the 56th anniversary of the first Sunday night game in MLB history (June 8, 1963). In that contest, the Astros topped the Giants 3-0 in Houston. (Because of Houston summer heat, MLB had granted them permission to schedule Sunday evening contests.

Watch for more from the road in the coming days.

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Filed Under: Ballpark Tours, News

BBRT May Wrap UP – a Hum-Dinger of a Month

June 1, 2019 by David

In May, major league hitters bashed 1,135 dingers …

a new one-month record for home runs.

It’s June 1 and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s traditional previous month wrap up – statistics, standings and stories that caught BBRT’s eye over the previous month, along with the BBRT Players and Pitchers of the Month and the BBRT Trot index. Here’s a bit of a spoiler – a preview of the kind of thing you’ll read about – if you last to the end of the post. Among the things we saw in May:

The season’s first no-hitter – the second career no-hitter by a pitcher who has only two career complete games (Mike Fiers) in more than 160 starts.
A pitcher (Pat Venditte) hitting batters on two consecutive pitchers – one tossed left-handed and one right-handed.
A team (Red Sox) scoring nine runs in an inning – after the first two batters were retired.
A batter (Nolan Arenado) hitting over .400 for the month – and a team (Rockies) hitting .300.
A hitter (Albert Pujols) becoming just the third MLB player to reach 2,000 RBI.

Who said life was fair? Chris Sale, with a 2.82 ERA, won one and lost two in six May starts. Ivan Nova, with an ERA of 5.08 went 3-1 in six starts.

A team (White Sox) turning a triple play and hitting a Grand Slam in the same game.
One team (Twins) hitting 100 home runs in the first 50 games of the season – and another (Orioles) giving up 100 homers in a MLB-low 48 games into the campaign.
One team (Dodgers) go a perfect 14-for-14 in stolen base attempts.
Four team playing .700+ ball (Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, Astros).
One batter (Nolan Arenado, Rockies) hitting over .400 for the month.
One team (Rockies) hitting .300 for the month.
Four starting pitchers with at least five May starts put up earned run averages under 1.00 for the month (Hyun-Jin Ryu; Mike Soroka; Jake Odorizzi; Julio Teheran).

Reasons to Read On?
As you read through this lengthy post, you may be rewarded with tidbits of interest. For example, BBRT found it interesting that, through May, the Rays’ had the AL’s (and MLB’s) best starters’ earned run average – and their starters had pitched the FEWEST innings of any staff. The Dodgers’ had the best starting-staff earned run average in the NL (and were second only to the Rays in MLB) and their starters had pitched the MOST innings of any staff. (Details in the post.)

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Josh Bell, 1B , Pirates – Trevor Story, Rockies (tie)

Photo by mwlguide

I know a tie may be a cop-out, but there was no space between these two.

Bell was a beast in May – raking at a .390 pace and blasting an MLB-best (tied with the Reds’ Derek Dieterich and the Astros’ Alex Bregman) 12 home runs, driving in an MLB-high 31 and scoring 26 (second only to Trevor Story). Bell was held hitless in only two games all month, raising his average from .286 to .343. His 12 May doubles also led MLB, and his .797 slugging percentage was second only to the Dieterich.

Photo by jenniferlinneaphotography

So, why the tie? How can you not honor a player who hit .425 for the month? that would be Arenado. He also hit nine May long balls (seventh best in MLB); drove in 29 (second only to Bell); and scored an MLB-best 30 runs. (And there’s also that Gold Glove defense.) In the NL, the race for player of the month was a Bell of a Story.

Other contenders: The Cubs’ 1B Anthony Rizzo hit a solid .360, with nine home runs and 24 RBI; and LF Derek Dieterich of the Reds hit .309-12-22.

AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox

Photo by DandreaPhotography

Devers hit .351 for the month, led the AL with 40 base hits, knocked eight home runs (fifth in the AL), 24 RBI (fourth in the AL) and 25 runs scored (tied for first in the AL). He even tossed in three stolen bases. All-around a great “En-Dever.”

Other contenders: LF Eddie Rosario, Twins, .313-6-25; RF Hunter Pence, Rangers (.299-8-26); Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros (.260-12-24);

NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers

Photo by Keith Allison

Really, no contest here. Ryu was MLB’s stingiest pitcher in May – with MLB’s lowest earned run average (among pitchers with at least 20 May innings) at a minuscule 0.59 and the third-lowest WHIP at 0.68. Ryu averaged 7.5 innings pitched over his six May starts – going 5-0 and giving up just three runs in 45 2/3 innings. In today’s power-focused game (at the plate and on the mound), he was an exception – fanning just 36 batters, but giving up zero home runs.

Contenders: Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (4-0, 1.36 – 37 strikeouts in 33 innings); Aaron Nola, Phillies (4-0, 2.73 – 42 strikeouts in 33 IP); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0. 1.81 – 37 strikeouts in 44 2/3 IP).

AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH

Lucas Giolito, White Sox

Giolito was the AL’s only five -game winner in May – going 5-0, 1.74 in six starts and fanning 46 batters (walking just ten) in 41 1/3 innings. The highlight of the month may have been when he shut down the potent Astros’ offense on May 23 – tossing a complete-game, four-hit shutout, walking one and fanning nine.

Other contenders: Justin Verlander, Astros (4-1, 2.29 – 42 whiffs in 35 1/3 innings), who allowed only 15 hits in his 35 frames; Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (0-0, 0.79, with an MLB-high 11 May saves – in eleven opportunities – and 18 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings).

TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

Through May, 36.3 percent of all MLB’s 65,019 2019 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (22.9%); Walks (8.8%); home runs (3.5%); HBP (1.0%); Catcher’s Interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

For the 2018 season, 34.8 percent of all MLB’s 185,139 plate appearances ended in a trot.

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THE BEST AND WORST OF TEAMS …

The Twins’ (21-8) not only led MLB in May victories, but also in May runs scored (191) and home runs (56). In addition, they topped the AL in May batting average (.289), put up an earned run average of 3.45 (second only to the Rays in the AL and third in MLB) and played superior defense. Notably, the Twins showed offensive firepower up and down the lineup. Consider these May numbers: SS Jorge Polanco (.355-4-17); LF Eddie Rosario (.313-6-25); 1B C.J. Cron (.299-8-21); RF Max Kepler (.259-5-20). The Twins had four player with at least five home runs on the month. On the mound it was Jake Odorizzi (4-0, 0.94); Martin Perez (4-2, 3.15) and Jose Berrios (3-1, 3.48) leading the way. May was truly a team effort in Minny.

The Yankees (20-7 in May) are, arguably, as big a surprise as the Twins, given New York’s continuing injury woes. Fortunately, for the Bronx Bombers, some unexpected “names” rose to the challenge. The Yankees were bolstered by the May performances of Gio Urshela, who hit .315 and drove in 15 runs; D.J. LeMahieu (.323-5-17); Gleyber Torres (.305-9-16); and Gary Sanchez (285-9-15). On the mound, Aroldis Chapman gave the Yankees eleven saves in eleven opportunities, while starters Domingo German and J.A. Happ combined to go 8-1.

The Astros (20-8) in May) were just “The Astros” – a potent offense led by the likes of George Springer (.368-8-19 in May), Alex Bregman (.270-12-24); Michael Brantley (.327-5-18); Carlos Correa (.291-5-17); and a pitching staff that could boast of proven veterans Justin Verlander (4-1, 2.29) and Gerrit Cole (3-1, 4.13) – along with with better than anticipated results from Brad Peacock (3-1, 2.76) and Wade Miley (4-1, 3.25).

Bang for the Buck. The Tampa Rays,with the lowest payroll in baseball, had a 35-20 record as MLB closed out May… the fifth best in the majors. In addition, they were the only team with a team ERA under 3.00 at 2.96.

Over in the NL, the Dodgers reeled off 19 May wins (seven losses) – the only NL team to reach the 19-win mark for the month. While they showed a steady offense (they were sixth in the NL in May runs scored), it was their pitching that carried the day (the NL’s best – and MLB’s second-best – earned run average). Among the May LA leaders: Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-0, 0.59); Kenta Maeda (-4-0, 2.73); Clayton Kershaw (4-0, 4.22).

Now for the bad news. The Mariners and Blue Jays each went an MLB-worst 7-21 in May. You don’t have to look far for the reasons. The Mariners team ERA of 6.03 was the second worst in MLB (the Pirates were at 6.19) and their 144 May runs were the sixth-lowest in MLB;. The Blue Jays’ May ERA was the fifth-worst at 5.66 and they scored the second-fewest May runs in MLB (98 – only the Marlins scored fewer at 89).

If the season ended May 31, your playoff teams would be:

AL: Twins; Yankee, Astros. Wild Cards: Rays, Red Sox/A’s/Rangers (tied)

NL: Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Brewers, Braves/Padres (tied)

NOTE: FULL STANDING AND STATISTICS THROUGH MAY 31 AT THE END OF THIS POST.

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Now, before a look at some May highlights, here are May’s team stats.

—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – month of May

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 132

AL: Twins (191); Red Sox (170); Astros (155)

NL: Rockies (183); Reds (149); Cubs (131); D-backs (145)

The Marlins scored an MLB-low 89 runs in May, after an MLB-low 82 runs in March/April. The Tigers and Blue Jays were at the bottom of the AL with 98 May tallies.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .253

AL: Twins (.286); Red Sox (.279); Astros (.278)

NL: Rockies (.300); Dodgers (.275); Pirates (.272)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 38

AL: Twins (56); Red Sox (51); Astros (47)

NL: Cubs (51); Reds (45); Rockies (42)

The Marlins hit only 17 home runs in May, the only team under 20.

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE – MLB Team Average – .431

AL: Twins (.521); Astros (.500); Red Sox (.491)

NL: Rockies (.527); Dodgers (.476); Cubs (.468)

The Twins were the only team to top 500 total bases for the month (531).

STOLEN BASES ... MLB Team Average – 12

AL: Royals (25); Indians (19); Red Sox (17)

NL: Reds (19); Brewers (17); D-backs (16)

Talk about futility on the bases. The Cubs stole just one base in May – and were caught five times. On the other end of the spectrum, the D-backs were 16-for-17 in May steal attempts.

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 238

AL: White Sox (304); Mariners (269); Tigers (266)

NL: Padres (271); Brewers (264); Mets (259)

The Rockies and Twins led their respective leagues in doubles (67 and 61, respectively). Consider this. Miami had 54 total extra base hits for the month.

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 89

AL: Red Sox (1139; Indians (119); Angels (105)

NL: Cubs (121); Brewers (115); Cardinals (99)

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EARNED RUN AVERAGE ... MLB Average – 4.47

AL: Rays (2.97); Twins (3.45); Yankees (3.45)

NL: Dodgers (3.11); Cubs (3.74); Mets (3.85)

The only teams with May ERA’s over 6.00 were the Pirates (6.19) and the Mariners (6.03).

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 238

AL: Astros (282); Red Sox (270); Twins (260)

NL: Reds (288); Nationals (268); Brewers (256)

Only two teams average more than ten strikeouts per innings – the Astros (10.19) and the Reds (10.25).Eleven teams averaged at least one K per inning for the month; while the Tigers (7.35) and White Sox (7.48) had the lowest K/9 rate.

SAVES … MLB Average – 6

AL: Yankees (14); Astros (9); Angels (7)

NL: Padres (10); Phillies (9); Dodgers (9)

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED … MLB Average – 89

AL: Indians (63); Twins (65); Yankees (74)

NL: Dodgers (45); Padres (58); Mets (80)

When you look at the strikeouts-to-walks ratio, the Dodgers were the May kings (4.98 strikeouts per walk).

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MAY HIGHLIGHTS

May 2 – Thor Wields a Silver Hammer

Photo by slgckgc

On May 2, the Mets’ Noah “Thor” Syndergaard was on his game. Facing the Reds in New York, Syndergaard threw a complete-game, four-hit shutout (one walk/ten whiffs). The Mets also got four-hits and their only run came on a Syndergaard home run in the bottom of the third – making Syndergaard just the seventh MLB pitcher ever to homer, while also pitching a 1-0 shutout. Here, by the way, are the other pitchers to throw a shutout and go yard for the only tally in a 1-0 game: Red Ruffing, Yankees (1932); Spud Chandler, Yankees (1938); Early Wynn, White Sox (1959); Jim Bunning, Phillies (1965); Juan Pizzaro, Cubs (1971); Bob Welch, Dodgers (1983).

One for the Books

On May 2, Stephen Strasburg took the hill for the NationalS – against the Cardinals – in Washington D.C. In a game that included sitting out a two-and-a-half hour rain delay, Strasburg threw 6 2/3 innings of six-hit, one-run ball, while walking two and fanning nine. It was the eighth strikeout of the night – when Cardinals’ pitcher Dakota Hudson watched a 1-2 curve ball for the last out of the fifth inning – that made the news. It was Strasburg’s 1,500th career strikeout and it came at the 1,272 1/3 innings pitched mark – the fewest innings ever needed to reach the 1,500 whiffs. (The old record, at 1,290 innings, belonged to Chris Sale). The Nationals, by the way, won the game 2-1 and Strasburg got the win.

Red Sox Put Up a Really Big Inning

On May 4, the Red Sox came up in the top of the third inning trailing the White Sox 1-0. Manny Banuelos looked good on the mound for Chicago, having retired the first six Boston batters in order. He continued the trend by getting the first two hitters in the third on a ground out and a fly out. Then, all “H” (for Hits) broke loose – as the Red Sox turned a two-out, no-one-on-base situation into a nine-run inning; drilling ten straight hits (two short of the record). It went like this:

Christian Vazquez – single to CF.
Andrew Benintendi – single to CF, Vazquez to second.
Mookie Betts –double to left, Vazquez and Benintendi score.
D.J. Martinez – double to left, Betts scores.
Xander Bogaerts – home run to left, Bogaerts and Martinez score.
Michael Chavis – home run to CF.
Rafael Devers – double to right.
Steve Pearce – ground ball single to LF, Devers scores, Pearce goes to second on the throw.
Eduardo Nunez – homers to left-center, Pearce and Nunez score.
Vazquez – ground ball single to left (his second hit of the inning).

Finally, Banuelos is pulled, replaced by Carson Fulmer.

Benintendi – walk, Vazquez goes to second.
Betts – fly ball out to right. It’s finally over.

The Red Sox, by the way, prevailed 15-2.

Back-to Back-to Back

On May 5, the Reds faced off against the Giants and Great American Ball Park – and they made a solid first impression. After Joey Votto singled to open the contest, Eugenio Suarez hit an 0-1 pitch from Jeff Samardzija into the right field stands to give the Reds a 2-0 lead. On the very next pitch from Samardzija, Jesse Winker homered to center to make it 3-0 – and the very next pitch saw Derek Dietrich take Samardzija out of the park (to right) for a 4-0 lead. Three home runs on three pitches. The Elias Sports Bureau indicates that no team had gone deep on three consecutive offerings since June 12, 2007 (Mets Wilson Betemit, Matt Kemp and Hong-Chih Kuo.) Despite the first-inning fireworks, the Reds lost 6-5

Ouch! From Both Sides Now.

Pat Venditte Photo by Keith Allison

On May 6, San Francisco Giants’ pitchers tied an MLB record by hitting four Reds’ batters in the bottom of the sixth inning. That record, however, seems incidental when compared to what Giants’ pitcher Pat Venditte “accomplished.” Venditte not only tied the MLB record for most batters hit in an inning, he became (at least by BBRT’s search) the first pitcher to hit at least one batter pitching left-handed AND right-handed in the same inning.

The ambidextrous hurler’s inning went like this:

Reds’ 1B Joey Votto flies out to left on a 3-2 pitch.
3B Eugenio Suarez is hit by Venditte’s first offering (pitching right-handed).
RF Yasiel Puig walks on a 3-2 pitch.
2B Kyle Farmer hits an infield single (1-1 count), loading the bases.
SS Jose Iglesias hits a two-run single on Venditte’s first offering.
C Curt Casilla singles in another run on a 1-0 pitch.
LF Juan Peraza is hit by Venditte first pitch to him (again throwing right-handed).

Ah, then the notable toss.

PH Josh VanMeter is hit by a Venditte’s first pitch (this time throwing southpaw).

So, Venditte not only tied a record by hitting three batsmen in an inning, he hit two, on consecutive pitches – one right-handed and one left-handed. That, by the way, ended Venditte’s outing (and the Giants ended up losing 12-4).

Later in the inning, the Giants’ Sam Dyson plunked Votto – for the record-tying fourth HBP in the frame.

Fiers On Fire – Second N0-No

On May 7, A’s righty Mike Fiers pitched his second career no-hitter – and the first no-hitter of the 2019 season – shutting down the Reds 2-0 in Oakland. Fiers gave up just two walks and fanned six. (He threw his first no-hitter for the Astros on August 21, 2015). In today’s game of pitch counts, it’s important to note that Fiers threw 131 pitches in the game. It’s also of interest to BBRT that Fiers has now started 165 MLB games in nine seasons – and has just two complete games, both no-hitters. He came into the May 7 game with a 2-3 record and a 6.81 ERA on the season. It was the 300^th MLB no-hitter and Fiers became just the 35^th pitcher with multiple no-hitters on his MLB resume.

A Pretty Exclusive Club

Photo by bk1bennett

On May 9, the Angels’ Albert Pujols popped his sixth homer of the 2019 season. More significant, as he touched home plate he notched his 2,000^th career RBI, making him just the third player to reach 2,000 runs batted in – following Hank Aaron (2,297) and Alex Rodriguez (2,086). At the close of May, Pujols career line was .301-642-2008.

Relax Out There in the Field – I Got This

On May 14, Chris Sale reached a career-high 17 strikeouts in a game – and he did it in just seven innings – becoming the first pitcher to fan 17 batters in seven or fewer frames. (In baseball, we do like the obscure.) What did he get to show for this effort? A no decision. Sale left after seven innings with a 3-2 lead and the Red Sox went on to a 5-4 loss in 11 innings. Despite fanning 98 batters in 68 1/3 innings (12 starts) and a respectable 4.35 ERA, Sale ended May 1-7 on the season.

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

On May 17, the Cubs’ Kris Bryant had his second career three-homer game – and he waited to the last possible moment(s) to do it. As the Cubs thumped the Nationals (in Washington) 14-6, Bryant hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning (off reliever Justin Miller), a solo shot (off Kyle Barraclough) in the eighth and another two-run blast (off Matt Grace) in the ninth. For the game, Bryant was four-for-six, with three runs scored and five driven in. Bryant, by the way, also became just the 12^th MLB player to go deep in three consecutive innings.

Youth Will be Served

On May 19, the Indian Shane Bieber was on top of his game – throwing his first-ever complete game and his first-ever shutout (as the Indians beat the Orioles 10-0). In the contest, he gave up just five hits and no walks, while fanning 15. (Throwing 107 pitches, 75 strikes.) With that performance Bieber became the fourth-youngest pitcher to record 15 whiffs and no walks in a complete-game shutout. The youngest was Dwight Gooden (19 years, 302 days) – followed by Kerry Wood (20 years, 324 days), Vince Velasquez (23 years, 312 days) and Bieber (23 years, 323 days).

Double Your Pleasure, Triple Your Fun – and then Roll Four Tallies All into One

On May 22, the White Sox worked hard to stay out of trouble – turning double plays to end each of the the first two innings against the Astros in Houston. Then, they added to the fun in the third – completing a nifty third-to second-to fist triple play to end the frame. It went like this.

Astros’ DH Tony Kemp doubled to right off Ivan Nova to open the inning. Catcher Robinson Chirinos was hit by a pitch. Number-nine hitter CF Jake Marisnick grounded hard to White Sox’ third baseman Yoan Moncada, who stepped on the bag and fired to second baseman Yolmer Sanchez for out number two.
Sanchez then relayed the ball to first baseman Jose Abreu for the final out.

Then in the sixth inning, the Pale Hose added to the fun, as RF Charlie Tilson popped a Grand Slam (the Sox scored six in the inning) – making Chicago just the fourth team in MLB history to record a triple killing and a Grand Slam in the same game (1979 Blue Jays, 2002 Mets, 2017 Tigers). The Sox, by the way, won the game 9-6.

Triple Play Trivia

There was once a triple play turned without a batted ball. On September 2, 2006 – as the Mariners faced the Rays in Tampa. In the first inning,with runners on first (Adrian Beltre) and third (Jose Lopez), the Mariner’s cleanup hitter Raul Ibanez struck out. Beltre broke for second and Rays’ catcher Dioner Navarro threw to shortstop Ben Zobrist who applied the tag for out number two. Meanwhile, Lopez broke for the plate (figuring to score as the Rays tossed out Beltre). Zobrist threw back to Navarro, who tagged the sliding Lopez. Completing a 2-6-2 triple killing without the bat striking the ball.

Can We Keep Things Moving, I’m Kind of in a Hurry

On May 24, Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story hit a two-run seventh-inning homer, as Colorado beat the Orioles 8-6. (Story hit his 101^st career homer in the ninth inning.) The 100^th blast made Story the fastest shortstop ever to reach triple digits in long balls (488 games played). The only other shortstop to reach that milestone in less than 500 games were Alex Rodriguez (470) and Nomar Garciaparra (491).

A Century that Doesn’t Come Around Often

On May 24, the Twin hit their 100th and 101st home runs of 2019 – just 50 games into the season. Only one other team has reached 100+ homers in a season’s first 50 contests – the 1999 Mariners (102).

The One That Got Away

Back on July 27, 2018, my hometown Twins traded reliever Ryan Pressly to the Houston Astros for a pair of minor leaguers. Who knew Pressly would become “The King.”

In his first four appearances for the Astros, Pressly gave up two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Then, on August 15, 2018, Pressly began a run that would see him not allow a single earned run until May 24 of this season – an MLB record-setting streak of 40 consecutive scoreless appearances. Over the forty-game span, Pressly pitched 39 innings, giving up just 17 hits and three walks, while fanning 49.

By the way, the streak was broken in style. Pressley came on in the eighth inning of the May 24 Astros/Red Sox contest and gave up a inning-opening home run to the Red Sox’ number-nine hitter, CF Jackie Bradley, Jr.

Eight is Enough

The Twins hit eight home runs as they trounced the Angels 16-7 on May 23; the second time this season they have hit eight long balls in a game. (The other was on April 20.) Notably, both outbursts came in makeup for rain outs – and both resulted in 16-7 wins. The record for home runs by one team in a game is ten, by the Blue Jays (against the Orioles) on September 14, 1987.

Yes, Virginia, MLB Does Track Everything

On May 24, baseball again provided evidence that “We do, indeed, count everything.” With National’s trailing the Marlins 9-8 in the inning, Nats’ LF Juan Soto stroked a 100.1 mph fastball from Tayron Guerrero to the left-center for a three-run homer. Washington first-sacker Matt Adams followed up by blasting a 101.5 mph Guerrero fastball over the right field fence. According to MLB.com, it’s the first time two players have hit back-to-back jacks off pitches clocked at 100 mph or faster. (At least since the tracking era began in 2008.)

A Different Kind of Cycle

On May 27, as the Mariners topped the Rangers 6-2 in Seattle, Mariners’ CF (and number-nine hitter) Mallex Smith drew an eighth-inning walk and then ran wild on the bases – stealing second, third and home in the span of seven pitches (and enabling the Mariners to plate a run without the benefit of a base hit). In the process, Smith became the 43rd major leaguer to complete the “steal cycle” in a single inning. For those who like to know these things, only four players have achieved this feat more than once: Ty Cobb (four times); Honus Wagner (four times); Jackie Tavener (twice); and Max Carey (twice). Smith finished the month with a total of 14 steals for 2019.

Three’s a Crowd

Going into their May 29 match up against the Red Sox, the Indians were the only MLB team without a triple this season. They made up for lost time,with three three-baggers (Greg Allen 2, Carlos Santana 1) as Cleveland topped Boston 14-9.

__________________________________________________________________

HERE’S A LOOK AT MAY’S TOP PERFORMERS.

_–INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2019—

BATTING AVERAGE … (at least 75 May plate appearances)

AL: Christian Vazquez, Red Sox (.373); George Springer, Astros (.368); Avasail Garcia, Rays (.360)

NL: Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.425); Josh Bell, Pirates (.390); Juan Soto, Nationals (.380)

The lowest average among players with at least 75 May plate appearances belonged to the Cardinals’ Kolten Wong and the Phillies’ Maikel Franco – both at .170 (15-for-88).

HITS

AL: Rafael Devers, Red Sox (40); Jorge Polanco, Twins (39); Whit Merrifield, Royals (36)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (46); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (45); Starling Marte, Pirates (37)

When it came to extra-base hits, your May leader was the Pirates’ Josh Bell with 24 … 12 doubles and 12 round trippers.

HOME RUNS

AL: Alex Bregman, Astros (12); Jose Abreu, White Sox (10); Eduardo Escobar, Twins (9); Gary Sanchez, Yankees (9); Gleyber Torres, Yankees (9)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (12); Derek Dietrich, Reds (12); Kris Bryant, Cubs (10); Pete Alonso, Mets (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Eduardo Escobar, Twins (28); Hunter Pence, Rangers (26); Jose Abreu, White Sox (26)

NL: Josh Bell, Pirates (31); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (29); Anthony Rizzo, Cubs (24)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (25); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (24); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (23); Alex Bregman, Astros (23)

NL: Trevor Story, Rockies (30); Josh Bell, Pirates (26); Kris Bryant, Cubs (25); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (25)

STOLEN BASES

AL: Alberto Mondesi, Royals (12); Kevin Kiermaier, Rays (7); Mallex Smith, Mariners (6)

NL: Jarrod Dyson, D-backs (9); Starling Marte, Pirates (6); four with five

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (44); Brandon Lowe, Rays (39); Joey Gallo Rangers (38)

NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (42); Bryce Harper, Phillies (38); Trevor Story, Rockies (34)

While Javier Baez led the NL in whiffs with 42, he managed to hit .305 for the month.

WALKS

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (23); Carlos Santana, Indians (22); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (21)

NL: Kyle Schwarber, Cubs (22); Yasmani Grandl, Brewers (20); Paul DeJong, Cardinals (20)

Only 15 batters with 75 or more plate appearances had at least as many walks as strikeouts in May, led by the the Giants’ Joe Panik with 1.48 walks per whiff.

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Lucas Giolito, White Sox (5-0); Jake Odorizzi, Twins (4-0); ; Domingo German, Yankees (4-0); Justin Verlander, Astros (4-1); Wade Miley, Astros (4-1); J.A. Happ, Yankees (4-1); Martin Perez, Twins (4-2)

NL: Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-0); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0); Aaron Nola, Phillies (4-0) Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (4-0); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (4-0); Kenta Maeda, Dodgers (4-0); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (4-0); Max Fried, Braves (4-2)

The Mariners’ Marco Gonzalez lost five games (0-5, 5.86) in six May starts. Nine pitchers lost four games during the month.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 20 May innings)

AL: Jake Odorizzi, Twins (0.94); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (1.74); Yonny Chironos, Rays (2.19)

NL: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (0.59); Mike Soroka, Braves (0.79); Julio Teheran, Braves (0.98)

STRIKEOUTS

AL: Chris Sale, Red Sox (66 – 38 1/3 innings pitched); Shane Bieber, Indians (51 – 39 1/3 IP); Gerrit Cole, Astros (47– 28 1/3 innings pitched)

NL: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (50 – 41 1/3 IP); Zack Wheeler, Mets (50 – 50 – 41 1/3 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (48 – 38 IP)

Among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched in May, the Red Sox Chris Sale had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings at 15.50. Despite the high whiff rate, Chris Sale won just one game (1-2, 2.82) in May. Others meeting the 20-inning threshold and fanning 13 or more batters per nine inning were the Astros’ Gerrit Cole (14.93) and D-backs’ Robbie Ray (13.35).

SAVES

AL: Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (11); Roberto Osuna, Astros (9); Brad Hand, Indians (6); Shane Green,Tigers (6)

NL: Kirby Yates, Padres (8); Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (7); Sergio Romo, Marlins (7); Sean Doolittle, Nationals (7); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (7)

Sean Doolittle of the Nationals picked up seven saves (just one blown save), despite a 6.52 May earned run average. The May ERA was primarily the result of a May 22 appearance (against the Mets), when he gave up four hits and four earned runs without recording an out.

_____________________________________________________________

–—LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – THROUGH MAY 31 —-

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 267

AL: Twins (332); Rangers (312); Red Sox (304)

NL: Dodgers (314); Rockies (308); D-backs (303)

The Marlins and Tigers were the only team to have scored fewer than 200 runs through May (171 and 192, respectively).

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .247

AL: Astros (.274); Twins (.272); Red Sox (.258); Rays (.259)

NL: Dodgers (.266); Rockies (.265); D-backs (.261)

The lowest averages through May belong to the Blue Jays and Giants – both at .221.

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 76

AL: Twins (106); Mariners (103); Astros (93)

NL: Brewers (98); Cubs (92); Dodgers (92)

The only teams with less than 50 home runs through May were the Marlins (40) and the Tigers (48).

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 27

AL: Royals (54); Mariners (40); Rangers (40)

NL: Brewers (33); Nationals (32); Cardinals (31)

The Royals speed not only showed up in stolen bases, KC also led all of baseball with 25 triples (MLB average). Surprisingly, the top seven teams in total steals through May come from the American League.

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 496

AL: Mariners (586); White Sox (547); Tigers (541)

NL: Padres (559); Brewers (557); Mets (536)

Angels’ hitters fanned an MLB-fewest 361 times through May.

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 191

AL: Red Sox (230); Indians (223); Mariners (216)

NL: Dodgers (237); Cubs (236); Phillies (225)

_______________________________________

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.40

AL: Rays (2.96); Astros (3.42); Yankees (3.68)

NL: Dodgers (3.55); Reds (3.71); Cubs (3.88)

Five teams finished May with a year-to-date ERA over 5.00: Orioles (5.70); Royals (5.21);Mariners (5.19); Rockies (5.11); Rangers (5.03).

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 496

AL: Astros (566); Red Sox (554); Yankees (536)

NL: Reds (556); Nationals (546); Brewers (531);

The Astros led MLB in strikeouts per nine innings through May – at 9.97. The Reds led the NL at 9.86. Ten teams averaged at least one strikeout per inning.

SAVES … MLB Average – 14

AL: Yankees (20); Tigers (18); Astros (18)

NL: Padres (25); Dodgers (19); three with 16

The Astros had MLB’s best bullpen ERA through May at 2.88 – the only relief staff under 3.00. Meanwhile, the Nationals’ disappointing season can be traced in great part of the team’s MLB-worst 7.08 bullpen ERA.

The best starting staff ERA through May was put up by the Rays at 2.35 – although, thanks to their “opener” and “bullpen day” approach, their starters threw the fewest innings (245). A paradox? Dodgers starters had the lowest ERA through May in the NL (and second lowest in MLB) at 3.02. The LAD starting staff was at the opposite end of the innings pitched spectrum – leading MLB with 337 innings logged through May.

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED … MLB average 191

AL: Astros (149); Twins (154); Indians (157)

NL: Dodgers (131); Padres (142); Reds (184)

The Orioles have surrendered the most home runs through May (118), while the Rays’s gave up the fewest (47). The MLB average was 76.

___________________________________________________________________

—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS THROUGH MAY 2019—

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifying hitters)

AL: Jorge Polanco, Twins (.338); Michael Brantley, Astros (.329); Tim Anderson, White Sox (.328)

NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (.379); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.344); Josh Bell, Pirates (.343)

HOME RUNS

AL: Eddie Rosario, Twins (17); Gary Sanchez, Yankees (17); George Springer, Astros (17); Alex Bregman, Astros (17)

NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (21); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (20); Pete Alonso, Mets (19)

The Marlins’ Miguel Rojas had the most most at bats through May without a home run (178).

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Jose Abreu, White Sox (50); Eddie Rosario, Twins (49); George Springer, Astros (43)

NL: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (52); Josh Bell, Pirates (52); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (50); Marcell Ozuna, Cardinals (50)

The Dodgers’s Cody Bellinger led all of MLB with a .465 on-base percentage through May. Mike Trout (Who else?) led the AL at .458.

RUNS SCORED

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (45); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (43); Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (43)

NL: Trevor Story, Rockies (52); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (50); Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (45); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (45)

STOLEN BASES

AL: Aldaberto Mondesi, Royals (20); Jose Ramirez, Indians (14); Mallex Smith, Mariners (14); Tim Anderson, White Sox (14)

NL: Jarrod Dyson, D-backs (12); Christian Yelich, Brewers (10); Trevor Story, Rockies (10)

Trea Turner of the Nationals and Kolten Wong of the Cardinals had the most steals through May without getting caught (8), On the other side of the coin, Jeff McNeil of the Mets had the most attempts without being successful (4).

While we have often heard that the NL is the running league, seven of the top eight base stealers through May were from the AL.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Joey Gallo, Rangers (76); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (72); Brandon Lowe, Rays (72); Domingo Santana (72)

NL: Bryce Harper, Phillies (76); Javier Baez, Cubs (75); Wil Meyers, Padres (72)

WALKS DRAWN

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (52); Joey Gallo, Rangers (41); Carlos Santana, Indians (40)

NL: Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (42); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (40); Bryce Harper, Phillies (37)

Not a big fan of WAR (Wins Above Replacement), but for those of you who like it, Cody Bellinger led all of MLB in WAR through May at 5.4. Mike Trout was a distant second at 3.7.

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Domingo German, Yankees (9-1); Justin Verlander, Astros (8-2); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (7-1); Martin Perez, Twins (7-2); Jose Berrios (7-2); Jake Odorizzi, Twins (7-2)

NL: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (8-1); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (7-1); Kenta Maeda, Dodgers (7-2); Max Fried, Braves (7-3)

Just two MLB pitchers lost seven games by the end of May – Chris Sale, Red Sox (1-7, 4.35) and Jhoulys Chacin, Brewers (3-7, 4.35). Jorge Lopez of the Royals had the most losses without a win (0-6, 6.67).

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying)

AL: Jake Odorizzi, Twins (2.16); Justin Verlander, Astros (2.38); Mike Minors, Rangers (2.74)

NL: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (1.48) Zach Davies, Brewers (2.19); Luis Castillo, Reds (2.45)

The highest ERA among qualifying pitchers through May was 7.13 – Kyle Freeland, Rockies, over 59 1/3 innings in 12 starts.

STRIKEOUTS

AL: Gerrit Cole, Astros (112– 71 2/3 innings pitched); Justin Verlander, Astros (95 – 79 1/3 IP); Chris Sale, Red Sox (98 – 68 1/3 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (102 – 77 1/3 IP); Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (98 – 79 IP); Zack Wheeler, Mets (87 – 77 IP)

Among qualifying pitchers, Gerrit Cole of the Astros had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings through May at 14.07. He was followed by the Red Sox’ Chris Sale (12.91) and Ray’s Blake Snell (12.11). Indicative the the fact that we are now in a hard-throwing/free-swinging era – 38 pitchers averaged at least one strikeout per inning through May.

SAVES

AL: Shane Greene, Tigers (18); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (16); Roberto Osuna, Astros (16)

NL: Kirby Yates, Padres (22); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (17); Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (14)

GAMES PITCHED

AL: Adam Kolarek, Rays (29); Victor Alcantara, Tigers (29); Ryan Buchter, A’s (28);

NL: Bryan Shaw, Rockies (30); Alex Claudio, Brewers (30); four with 28

For those who follow WAR (Wins Above Replacement), the leaders through May are Mike Minor, Rangers in the American League at 3.8 and German Marquez in the National League at 3.1.

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

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Red Rover. Red Rover. Let Max (or Cliff) Come Over.

May 30, 2019 by David

On this date (May 30) in 1922, the Cubs and Cardinals made a trade that made MLB history. The two squads were facing off (in Chicago) in a Memorial Day doubleheader. Remember those?

The Cubs won Game One 4-2 – and batting fifth in their lineup (collecting one RBI, despite going 0-for-4) was RF Max Flack. The CF for the Cardinals that game (batting seventh) was Cliff Heathcote – who went 0-for-3. Flack was in his ninth season for the Cubs, while Heathcote was in his fifth season for the Cardinals.

In between Games of the twin bill, Flack and Heathcote were traded for each other. The two outfielders each crossed over to their new team’s clubhouse and suited up against their previous team for Game Two – becoming the first two players to take the field for two major league teams in a single day. Both collected hits for their new teams in the second game (Flack a single in four at bats, Heathcote a pair of singles in four trips to the plate).

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Everyone Loves Barney – Well, Maybe Not Casey Stengel

May 25, 2019 by David

Not everyone loves Barney – Dreyfuss, that is. On this date (May 25) in 1919, Casey Stengel famously gave Pittsburgh Pirates’ owner Barney Dreyfuss the “bird.” It has been reported that Stengel – a former Brooklyn Robin (Dodgers) – was aiming this bit of wildlife sarcasm at the Brooklyn fans. Here, however, is the tale of that day, as told by someone who was there – one of Casey’s Pittsburgh teammates. After the video, BBRT will also share some Stengel trivia and, of course, quotes.

With that out of the way, here’s piece of trivia to, perhaps, stump your friends.

What New York outfielder – and future Hall of Famer – hit Yankee Stadium’s first-ever post-season inside-the-park and over-the-fence home runs? (Both game winners, by the way.)

Nope, it wasn’t Babe Ruth, although he was there. The batsman was New York Giants’ center fielder Casey Stengel – and here’s the story.

Photo by The Library of Congress

On October 10, 1923, Yankee Stadium hosted its first-ever post-season game. Appropriately, the first World Series in “The House that Ruth Built” featured a six-game Yankees’ victory and three round trippers by the Babe himself. However, New York Giants’ outfielder Casey Stengel nearly stole the show.

In Game One, Stengel (playing center field and batting sixth) Casey Stengel (one-for-two with a walk at the time) came up in the top of the ninth with the score knotted at four apiece, two out and no one on. Stengel hit a drive to deep left-center and dashed around the bases – losing a shoe along the way – to score the winning run (and record the first post-season home run in Yankee Stadium history).

The Series then went to the Polo Grounds for Game Two (the home sites would alternate game-by-game for this all-NY World Series), where Ruth would poke a pair of home runs as the Yankees prevailed 4-2. Then back to Yankee Stadium, where Stengel hit the second-ever post-season home run in that ballpark – a seventh-inning, over-the-fence shot that provided the winning tally in a Giants’ 1-0 victory. The Yankees went on to win the Series four games to two.

By the way, Stengel, who hit .339 in 75 regular-season games for the Giants that season, hit .417, with two homers and four RBI in the Series.

Here, before we look at some Stengel quotes, are a few tidbits about “The Ol’ Perfessor.”

Stengel was a solid athlete. At Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri, he played football, basketball and baseball (pitcher/third base/second base).
Stengel had intended to be a dentist – and actually attended dental college.
In his first MLB game (September 17, 1912, with Brooklyn), Stengel collected four singles and a walk – and stole two bases – in five plate appearances.
In 14 MLB seasons (Dodgers, Pirates, Phillies, Giants, Braves), Stengel hit .284, with 60 home runs, 535 RBI and 131 stolen bases. Although often platooned (he played 100 or more games in just seven seasons), he hit .300 or better in four campaigns and, in 1914, led the NL in on-base percentage (.404). He also notched double-digit triples in five seasons.
Stengel managed in the major leagues for 25 seasons (Dodgers, Bees/Braves, Yankees, Mets) – running up a 1,905-1,842 record.
In the 12 seasons from 1949 through 1960, Stengel managed the Yankees to 10 American League pennants and seven World Series Championships.

Now, how about a few of those famous/infamous Stengel quotes.

He (Lyndon B. Johnson) wanted to see poverty, so he came to see my team (1964 New York Mets).
He’d fall in a sewer and come up with a gold watch. (About Yogi Berra.)
He threw the ball as far from the bat and as close to the plate as possible. (About Satchel Paige.)
Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It’s staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in.
There comes a time in every man’s life, and I’ve had plenty of them.
Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.About Casey Stengel

“Casey (Stengel) knew his baseball. He only made it look like he was fooling around. He knew every move that was ever invented and some that we haven’t even caught on to yet.”

Sparky Anderson

More Stengel quotes:

This club (1969 New York Mets) plays better baseball now. Some of them look fairly alert.
All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height.
Most people my age are dead at the present time. You can look it up.
They told me my services were no longer desired because they wanted to put in a youth program as an advance way of keeping the club going. I’ll never make the mistake of being seventy again.”
Never make predictions, especially about the future.

My Favorite Casey Stengel Quote

When you are younger you get blamed for crimes you never committed and, when you are older, you begin to get credit for virtues you never possessed. It evens itself out.

Primary Resrouces: Baseball-Reference.com; Society for American Baseball Research; Baseball-Almanac.com

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Roger Maris Take Your Base – Four Intentional Walks in a Game

May 22, 2019 by David

On this date (May 22) in 1962, the Yankees Roger Maris set an MLB record (since broken) by drawing four intentional walks in a single game. As the Yankees squeezed by the Angels 2-1 in 12 innings (in New York), Maris drew five walks (four intentional) in six trips to the plate. (Andre Dawson, Cubs, drew five intentional passes in a 16-inning game on May 22, 1990. Maris still holds a share of the AL record.)

Here’s how Maris ’evening went it went:

Second inning – Fly out to center, leading off (facing Dean Chance)

Fourth Inning – Walk with no one on and one out (Chance)

Sixth Inning – Intentional walk with runners on second and third and no outs (Chance)

Eighth Inning – Intentional walk with a runner on second and one out (Ryne Duren)

Tenth Inning – Intentional walk with a runner on second and two out (Jack Spring)

Twelfth Inning – Intentional walk with a runner on third and one out (Tom Morgan).

A BIT OF IRONY

While Maris set the record for intentional walks in a single game in 1962, he did not draw a single intentional pass in 1961 – when he hit 61 round trippers (the most home runs ever by a player not drawing a single intentional pass in a season). In fact, his 61-home run season is the only season in his MLB career that Maris did not draw a single IBB. (It helps to have Mickey Mantle hitting behind you.)

Barry Bonds – King of the Intentional Walk

Notably, when you talk intentional walks, the conversation pretty much has to focus on Barry Bonds. (We need to keeping in mind, however, that IBB’s did not become an official statistic until 1955.) Bonds holds the records for:

IBB in a season – 120 with the Giants in 2004. (Bonds, in fact, holds the top three spots. The first non-Barry on the list is the Giants’ Willie McCovey with 45.) In 2004, Bonds also set the single-season mark for total walks with 232. Note: Only three players had as many total walks as Bonds had intentional walks in 2004 – Bobby Abreu, Lance Berkman, and Todd Helton (127 each).
IBB in a career – 688. Second Place goes to the still active Albert Pujols of the Angels with 310 as this is written. Stan Musial comes in third at 298.
Most seasons leading the league in IBB – 12.
Most IBB’s in a nine-inning game – four (twice) on May 1 and September 22, 2004.

Barry Bonds hit .362 with 45 home runs and 101 RBI the year he drew an MLB record 120 intentional walks (2004). The season he hit 73 home runs (2001), he drew only 35 free passes. That season, Sammy Sosa led MLB with 37 free passes (and hit 64 dingers).

A few other free-pass marks:

Most IBB in a season in the American League – 33 by Ted Williams in 1957 and John Olerud in 1993.
Most IBB to a rookie – 16 to Mariners’ OF Al Davis in 1984, when he hit ..284-27-116 and was the AL Rookie of the Year.
Most intentional walks received by a team in a game – Six, provided by the Cardinals (to the Giants) in a 5-2 loss On July 19, 1975 – with three going to number-eight hitter catcher Dave Rader.

WHAT SKIPPER? PUT HIM ON? THERE’S NO PLACE TO PUT HIM?

Six players have received intentional walks with the bases loaded: Abner Dalrymple (August 2, 1881); Nap Lajoie (May 23, 1901); Del Bissonette (May 2, 1928); Bill Nicholson (July 23, 1944); Barry (of course, he did) Bonds (May 28, 1998); and Josh Hamilton (August 17, 2008).

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

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Running Wild in Cleveland – A Couple (a trio, actually) of Unexpected Steals of Home

May 21, 2019 by David

On this date (May 21) 22 years ago (1997), thought I’d save you the math), Jim Thome – he of the 612 home runs – won a game for the Indians, not with his bat, but with his feet.

Photo by Keith Allison

It came about in the bottom of the fourth inning of a scoreless tie (versus the Royals). Thome (playing 1B and batting third) that day opened the inning with a single off Royals’ starter Kevin Appier. Indians’ third baseman Matt Williams followed with a single, with Thome moving up one base. DH Julio Franco then grounded to second base, with Williams forced at second, Thome going to third and Franco safe on the fielder’s choice.

On the fourth pitch to RF Brian Giles, Franco broke for second arriving safely ahead of Royals’ catcher Time Spehr’s throw. During the play Thome scampered (Would lumbered be a better word?) home – stealing home and scoring what turned out to be the only run in a 1-0 Indians’ victory. The two hits in the fourth inning were, in fact, the only hits the Indians would get off Appier, who pitched a complete game (with eight walks and seven strikeouts), while four Indians’ pitchers shut out the Royals.

How unexpected was the 6’4”, 250 pound Thome’ swipe of home? Consider:

1) It was his only stolen base of the 1997 season – he only attempted two;

2) He only stole 19 bases in his 22-season career – and was thrown out 20 times;

3) It was his only career steal of home; and

4) After that steal of home, he only stole four more bases (over the next 15 seasons.)

Thome’s steal of home is not the most momentous – and, perhaps, not the most surprising – in Cleveland Indians’ lore. On this August 14, 1958, Indians’ 3B Vic Power became just the eleventh player in MLB history to steal home twice in one game – a feat that has not been accomplished since. What makes this momentous is that (like Thome’s steal) Power’s second steal of home was a game winner. It came in the bottom of the tenth and gave the Tribe a 10-9 “run-off” victory. What made it surprising is that Power stole only one other base all season.

Here’s how it went down. The Tigers were leading the Indians 7-4 going into the bottom of the eighth inning. Cleveland RF Rocky Colavito started the inning with his second home run of the game (his 26th of the season). Then pinch-hitter Gary Geiger (hitting for SS Woodie Held) walked. Next up was another pinch hitter – Vic Wertz – for pitcher Morrie Martin. Wertz tied the contest with a two-run long ball.

After a Detroit pitching change – Bill Fischer in for Tom Morgan – Indians’ 2B Bobby Avila reached on an error by Tigers’ 1B Gail Harris. Cleveland 1B Mickey Vernon sacrificed Avila to second and Power singled him home – moving to second on an error by Detroit catcher Charlie Lau. And, the pesky Power was just warming up. He went to third on a wild pitch by Fischer and then stole home (after a short fly out to center by catcher Russ Nixon) to run the lead to 9-7. LF Minnie Minoso was up next and was hit by a pitch and stole second before CF Larry Doby flied out to end the inning.

The Cleveland bullpen, however, could not hold the two-run lead – and the Tigers tied it in the top of the ninth. That opened the door for Power’s historic second steal of home – which came in the bottom of the tenth, with the bases loaded, two outs and one of the AL’s most dependable RBI men (Rocky Colavito, with 74 driven in on the season) at the plate.

Here’s how that tenth went. Vernon grounded out. Then, Power singled to right (his third hit of the day, raising his average to .319). Nixon followed with another single, Power moving to second. Minoso grounded to short, with Power moving on to third, Nixon forced at second and Minoso reaching first on the fielder’s choice. Larry Doby was intentionally walked, loading the bases and bringing Colavito to the dish. On the fourth pitch to the Indians’ slugger, Power – who had been scampering up and down the third base line – broke for the plate and ended the game on steal of home.

Hmmm? That seems a bit odd.

Both Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth notched double-digit steals of home in their MLB careers (15 and 10, respectively). Among those who did not reach ten steals of home plate? Rickey Henderson, Lou Brock and Maury Wills.

Going into that August 14 tilt, Power had exactly one stolen base on the season – and he did not steal a single a bag (after the two steals of home) that campaign. The fact is, he was much more likely to beat you with his glove (seven Gold Gloves) or his bat (.284 career average) than his legs. In twelve MLB seasons, Power stole just 45 bases (and was caught 35 times).

Hmmm? This seems to make sense.

Ty Cobb stole home an MLB-record 54 times – 21 more times than runner up Max Carey. Cobb also holds the MLB and AL record with eight steals of home in a season (Tigers, 1912). Pete Reiser holds the NL record at seven (Dodgers, 1946).

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Grassroots Baseball – Where Legends Begin … A BBRT Review – Capturing Baseball Played for the Love of the Game

May 18, 2019 by David

Grassroots Baseball

Where Legends Begin

Photographs by Jean Fruth

Sports Publishing, 2019

$60.00

Home sweet home. What makes baseball such an important part of our lives is that the game constantly pays tribute to where the heart is. After all, the only way to score runs is to leave home and then return.

From the foreword to Grassroots Baseball

If anyone can bring home the special passion that beats in the heart of our national pastime, it is photographer Jean Fruth – one of baseball’s preeminent photographers. In her book, Grassroots Baseball … Where Legends Begin, she does just that – presenting more than 250 heart-touching images from amateur fields and ball parks across the United States and from baseball-loving communities around the globe. You will be carried, visually, from the hot and dusty amateur ball fields of the Dominican Republic to the urban youth diamonds of New York City to the site of the Little League World Series in Williamsport to the colorful fields in Mexico upon which Caribbean Series is played – and plenty of places in between. BBRT Note: At the end of this post, you will find a BBRT interview with photograph Jean Fruth.

Jean Fruth’s photographs tell an uplifting story about baseball in its purest form – played for the love of the game. If you are a fan of the national pastime, you should have this book.

Baseball Roundtable

Fruth’s photos tell the story of growing up with baseball – in communities and circumstances ranging from places where home plate is a discarded license plate and baseball gloves are fashioned from old milk cartons to communities where youngsters can take advantage of batting cages and pitching machines. But the real story here may be what the youngsters who play on these diverse fields and in these widely varying conditions have in common. As you look at the faces of the young ballplayers in these photos, you will see grit, determination and concentration; elation and disappointment; quiet reflection and fierce competition; but mostly you will see wide-eyed joy – the joy of being on the ball field playing a game they all love.

The culture of Baseball is much more than what happens on the field. Shooting action is wonderful, but what makes baseball special and photo-worthy is how the sport shapes the culture in which it is played, and how local culture reflects the sport. The stories you can tell through pictures are often a direct reflection of the places in which the game is being played.

Jean Fruth

How good is Jean Fruth’s art? How well does her lens capture the heart and soul of the game? The list of those contributing the words that open and close the book and set the stage for each of its visual chapters tells that story.

Consider this lineup of contributors:

Introduction – Cal Ripken, Jr.

New York – Whitey Ford

Mexico – Fernando Valenzuela

Mobile, Alabama – Hank Aaron

Japan – Ichiro Suzuki

Cape Cod – Craig Biggio

Oakland – Rickey Henderson

Cuba – Tony Pérez

Williamsport, PA – Randy Johnson

Puerto Rico – Iván Rodríguez

Tampa, FL – Wade Boggs

Caribbean Series – Juan Marichal

Aberdeen, ML – Cap Ripken, Jr.

Curaçao – Hensley Meulens

Texas – Nolan Ryan

Afterward – Johnny Bench

And what stories they share! Not so much about their accomplishments on the major-league level, but how they (like most of those pictured in the book) grew up with the game. I won’t share too much, but here are a few examples from their stories.

Whitey Ford’s earliest memories involved a broomstick bat, a pink rubber Spaldeen ball – and “fields” laid out on the streets of New York.
Hank Aaron was discovered playing semi-pro softball.
Ricky Henderson was born in the back of an Oldsmobile.

Randy Johnson – from Grassroots Baseball

“I remember my very first Little League practice. My parents were at work. My five brothers and sisters and I were raised to do things on our own, so I took myself to practice. There we so many people there that I just became confused and went home without playing. Fortunately, when I walked through the door my mom was there. She took me by the hand and made sure my life in baseball started that day … Thanks for getting me to practice, Mom.

Valdimir Guerrero left school in the fifth grade to help take care of his brothers and sisters.Wade Boggs began playing Little League ball (age 5),hit bat was taller than he was. Oh yes, and he had 26 hits in his last 32 high school at bats.
Juan Marichal, while playing amateur ball, was one put in jail for six days (along with his teammates), after losing a doubleheader.

Iván Rodríguez– from Grassroots Baseball

I always had a good arm, even as a little kid. When I was nine-years-old, I set my youth league record for strikeouts and no-hitters. At a regional tournament in La Llanura, I hit three batters. My dad pulled me from the game and told me from then on I was going to be a catcher.

By that enough about words – it’s Jean Fruth’s pictures that really tell the story. And, it’s a great and uplifting story about baseball in its purest form. Her photographs capture the colors and drama of the game – whether it’s played on dusty sandlots or in stadiums that hold 45,000; whether the game action unfolds under blue skies and bright sunshine or against the contrast of blue-black skies and bright ballpark lights; and whether that participants are youngsters in short and T-shirts or adolescents in full uniforms. But mostly, again, Fruth’s photographs capture the joy of the game, as it can only be expressed when you are playing for the love of the game. Again, if you are a fan of the game, you should have this book.

Maybe Ken Griffey, Jr. put it best, “Photography and baseball are both arts. Jean beautifully captures the youthfulness and charisma of the game of baseball.”

You can order Grassroots Baseball – Where Legends Begin (a signed copy for $55, including shipping and tax at www.grassrootsbaseball.com

Below is a brief biography and a Baseball Roundtable interview with Jean Fruth..

___________________________________________________

About Jean Fruth

Jean Fruth is one of baseball’s preeminent photographers. A talented and creative portrait, studio and on-location photographer, she first turned her focus intensely on baseball covering the Giants and A’s for more than a decade. She then turned her attention to the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, helping to build the museum’s profile and photo archive by contributing her work to the Hall over a three-year period. While shooting for the Hall of Fame, her year-round baseball calendar started with the Caribbean Series; moved on to Spring Training, the MLB regular season and post season; and, finally, to winter ball in Latin America.

Jean is a traveling photographer for La Vida Baseball and is honored to be recognized by Sony as one of its 41 Sony Artisans of Imagery, worldwide.

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW WITH JEAN FRUTH.—–

BBRT: Your guest writers for each section provide readers with insight into how they developed their interest in baseball. Can you share some insight into how you first became interested in photography? And, later, what drew you to focus – bad pun intended – on baseball?

Fruth:

I started with a portrait photography business that I owned with two women partners in Healdsburg, California. This was in the pre-digital era, so we worked exclusively with film. We offered portraits in-studio and on-location. We worked with black-and-white film, had a darkroom and would print all of our own work.

While in the portrait business, I started coaching my son’s rookie ball and Little League teams and started shooting his games for posterity. I later sent images of the League’s All-Star games to the local paper and eventually they asked me to shoot high-school sports for them. I shot all sports, but mainly football and baseball. My love for baseball photography started with my son and blossomed when I began shooting Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants games – and then for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

BBRT: Baseball has often been called the most literary of sports, worthy of all the words written about it. From your perspective what also makes it photo-worthy?

Fruth:

The culture of Baseball is much more than what happens on the field. Shooting action is wonderful, but what makes baseball special and photo-worthy is how the sport shapes the culture in which it is played, and how local culture reflects the sport. The stories you can tell through pictures are often a direct reflection of the places in which the game is being played.

BBRT: What do you try to capture when you are taking pictures of the game and those who play and watch it?

Fruth:

My goal is to tell stories. With action photos I want to capture the athlete in peak moments: ball on bat; jumping high in the air against the wall making a catch; running with a helmet flying off; or making the tag at home on a close play. With those shots, ideally they also give a sense of place. Fenway Park has the Green Monster; Wrigley has the ivy; the ballpark in Pittsburgh is surrounded by beautiful bridges; and the Giants have the signature Coca-Cola bottle in left field.

For grassroots baseball, in the south, maybe there was a church in the background to include. In Texas, a billboard promoting barbecue. And then there are the stories. A father and son sitting in a dugout taking a breather from practice in the late afternoon sun. In the Dominican Republic, maybe it’s a kid catching with one shin guard because equipment is hard to come by, or a training facility where players are pulling tires with a rope around their waist to strengthen legs and core, versus having access to a weight room.

BBRT: Is there anything you find especially unique about baseball – from a photographer’s perspective – versus other sports?

Fruth:

Baseball’s ties to community tend to run deep, because of the long connection the sport has in helping to shape culture and values. Those intrinsic links allow photographers to story-tell in more expansive and interesting ways that extend well beyond the ball field.

BBRT: You have quite a lineup of players sharing their stories in the book. How did you choose them?

Fruth:

The goal was to have a legend from each area tell his “grassroots story.” There are so many wonderful legends from all of these areas. Each legend was asked to participate for different reasons. The wonderful part was that when the project was explained and they learned that focus was on kids and the grassroots game, everyone happily accepted my invitation. I already had relationships with many of the legends from photographing them and seeing them in ballparks over the years.

Pudge Rodriguez was one of them. Because we knew each other well, he allowed me to join him when he returned home to Puerto Rico from the New York City press conference announcing that he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I had the privilege of spending a week documenting his return, not only to his home town, but everywhere on the island that he was celebrated.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and take portraits of so many Hall of Famers including Craig Biggio, Hank Aaron, Whitey Ford, Tony Perez and their families during Hall of Fame Weekend, and develop relationships with them all.

BBRT: Finally, any hints you’d give to all of us amateurs who occasionally try to capture a baseball scene?

Fruth:

Think about your backgrounds. Can you give your image a sense of place?

Think about your angle. Don’t shoot in the same old place each time. Everyone shoots from down first or third base lines. Can you shoot from a different angle? There are lots of images to be made behind a fence. Can you put your lens against the fence around home plate? Try to capture the batter with the runner on third base taking a lead. Can you get the beautiful chalked lines in your shot “down the line?” Can you get down at a low angle making your subject look heroic? Or from up high with a bird’s-eye view?

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Edwin Jackson – Now MLB’s Most Traveled Player

May 15, 2019 by David

Photo by Keith Allison

When Edwin Jackson took the mound for the Blue Jays today, he pitched his way into the MLB record books – becoming the first player ever to take the field for 14 different MLB teams. (Jackson had been tied at 13 with Octavio Dotel). In this post, we’ll look at Jackson’s path (and record) through 14 teams in 17 major league seasons, as well as the record holders for teams played for in a season and even in a single day,

Here’s Jackson’s record – team by team.

How did he do it?

2001

Drafted by the Dodgers in June.

2003

Debuted with the Dodgers on September 9.

2006

June 14 – Traded by the Dodgers to the Rays. (Jackson and Chuck Tiffany for Danys Baez and Lance Carter.)

2008

December 10 – Traded by the Rays to the Tigers. (Jackson for Matthew Joyce.)

2009

December 8 – Went from the Tigers to the Diamondbacks in a three-team trade. (The Tigers sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees; the Yankees sent Phil Coke and Austin Jackson to the Tigers; the Yankees sent Ian Kennedy to the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks sent Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers. So, ultimately, the Tigers turned Jackson and Granderson into Coke, Austin Jackson, Scherzer and Schlereth.)

2010

July 30 – The Diamondbacks traded Jackson to the White Sox. (Jackson for David Holmberg and Daniel Hudson.)

2011

July 27 – Jackson was traded by the White Sox to the Blue Jays and (on the same day) from the Blue Jays to the Cardinals. (Jackson went to the Blue Jays – with Mark Teahen – for Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart. He then went to Cardinals – with Octavio Dotel, Corey Patterson and Marc Rzepczynski – for Trevor Miller, Colby Rasmus, Brian Tallet and P.J. Walters.)
October 30 – Granted free agency

2012

February 2 – Signed with the Nationals.
October 29 – Granted free agency.

2013

Signed with the Cubs.

2015

July 27 – Released by the Cubs.
August 14 – Signed with the Braves.
November 2 – Granted free agency.

2016

January 13 – Signed with the Marlins.
June 2 – Released by the Marlins.
June 29 – Signed with the Padres.
November 3 – Granted free agency.

2017

April 5 – Signed with the Orioles.
June 13 – Granted free agency.
June 16 – Signed with the Nationals.
November 2 – Granted free agency.

2018

January 11 – Signed with the Nationals.
June 1 – Released by the Nationals.
June 6 – Signed with the A’s.
October 29 – Granted free agency.

2019

April 11 – Signed with the A’s.
May 19 – Purchased from the A’s by the Blue Jays.

________________________________________________

—–Most Teams Played for in a Season—–

In 2018, 32-year-old right-hander Oliver Drake set a new major-league mark by playing for five MLB teams in a single season (previously more than dozen players shared the record at four).

Drake began the season with the Brewers (where he finished the previous campaign), After going 1-0, 6.39 in eleven appearances, he was designated for assignment on May 2 and, on May 5, purchased from the Brewers by the Indians.

He was with Tribe until the final week in May – going 0-0,with a 12.46 ERA in just four appearances – before again being designated for assignment.

May 31, he was selected off waivers by the Angels. Sixteen days (and 0-1, 10.13 record), later he was again designated for assignment. He went unclaimed and reported to the Angels’ Salt Lake City Triple-A affiliate – where he was pretty much lights out. That earned him a trip back to Anaheim, where he added four more appearances, with an 0-0, 3.00 record – and was again designated for assignment.

He was picked up (off waivers) by the Blue Jays on July 26 and was there for just two appearances (giving up three runs in 1 2/3 innings) before again being designated for assignment.

On August 3, he was selected off waivers by the Twins – his fifth MLB team of the season – where he found a bit more success and stability. Pitching for his fifth MLB team of the year, Drake finished the season with Minnesota, getting in 19 games and posting a 2.21 ERA an fanning 22 batters in in 20 1/3 innings pitched.What did that get him? In the off-season, he was again designate for assignment.

Oliver Drake finished the 2018 season with an 1-1 record, a 5.29 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings.

So, have things settled down? Drake was picked up by the Rays (waivers) on November 1, 2018; he was then designated again and picked up (waivers, November 26) by the Blue Jays; before being purchased by the Rays from the Jays on January 4, 2019).

Oliver Drake spent his first nine season in the Baltimore Orioles’ system. He was signed in the 43rd round of the 2008 Amateur Draft by the Orioles and made his MLB debut with the O’s in 2015. He also pitched for the Orioles in 2016 (and part of 2017).

As of this writing Drake is pitching for the Durham Bulls (Rays Triple A affiliate), where he is 1-1, 3.05, with six saves in 16 appearances.

__________________________________________________

—-Most MLB Teams Player for In a Single Day—–

Taking the Field for Two Teams in a Single Day

Three players share the record for the most franchises played for in a single day at two. The first two to accomplish this feat were Max Flack and Cliff Heathcote, who were traded for each other between games of a Memorial Day 1922 Cubs/Cardinals doubleheader. The two outfielders each suited up against their previous team for Game Two. Both went hitless in game one of the doubleheader and both collected hits for their new teams in the second game (Flack a single in four at bats, Heathcote a pair of singles in four trips to the plate).

Joel Youngblood tied the record for teams played for in a single day in 1982, adding a twist – he played for and recorded hits for two different teams in two different cities on the same day. Let’s look at Youngblood’s unique achievement.

On August 4, 1982, Youngblood started his day as a member of the New York Mets, who were playing an afternoon game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Youngblood opened the game in center field, batting third. After striking out in the first inning, Youngblood drove in two runs with a single in the top of the third. Youngblood was unexpectedly replaced in center field by Mookie Wilson in the bottom of the fourth – and told by Mets’ manager George Bamberger that he had been traded to the Expos (for a player to be named later).

The Expos were scheduled to play in Philadelphia in Philadelphia that night, and Youngblood immediately set out to join his new team. He managed to catch a 6:05 p.m. flight to Philadelphia – eventually arriving at Veterans Stadium with the game in progress. To his surprise, there was an Expos uniform, with his name already sewn on the back, waiting for him. The Expos wasted no time getting there newest player into the game. Manager Jim Fanning sent Youngblood into right field and the number-two spot in the batting order (replacing Jerry White) in the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, Youngblood singled in his first Expos’ at bat. Thus, Youngblood collected base hits for two different teams in two different cities in one day.

Youngblood’s feat is even more startling when you consider the pitchers he touched for his two safeties. In Chicago, it was future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins; while in Philadelphia, it was future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton.

MOST MLB TEAMS PLAYED FOR IN A SINGLE DAY

Max Flack – May 30, 1922: Cubs (RF); Cardinals (RF).

Cliff Heathcote – May 30, 1922: Cardinals (CF); Cubs (RF).

Joel Youngblood – August 4, 1982: Mets (CF); Expos (RF).

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

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Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Announces 2019 Hall of Game Electees

May 9, 2019 by David

Eric the Red – The Crime Dog – The Cobra – Smoke

Seventy-one MLB seasons – 13 All Star selections – 6 Gold Gloves – A National League MVP Award – A World Series MVP Award – Two All Star Game MVP Awards – A Pair of Batting Titles – A Pair of Home Run Crowns – Four Twenty- Win seasons. Those are just a few of the considerable – and well-earned – credentials of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) 2019 “Hall of Game” class.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) this week (May 7) announced its sixth annual “Hall of Game” induction class. This year’s class includes multi-year All-Star and Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honoree Eric Davis; five-time All-Star Fred McGriff; 1978 NL MVP Dave Parker; and 1989 World Series MVP Dave Stewart. The group will be inducted into the NLBM Hall of Game during ceremonies at Kansas City’s Gem Theater on Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m. Hy-Vee, Inc. will be the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year.

This four 2019 electees will join previous honorees (listed alphabetically): Dick Allen; Lou Brock; Orlando Cepeda; Roberto Clemente; Andre Dawson; Jim “Mudcat” Grant; Ricky Henderson; Fergie Jenkins; Kenny Lofton; Joe Morgan; Eddie Murray; Tony Oliva; Al Oliver; Tony Perez; Tim Raines; J.R. Richard; Lee Smith; Ozzie Smith; Louis Tiant, Jr.; Maury Wills; and Dave Winfield. Ceremonies are scheduled for 8:00 p.m., June 9 at the Gem Theatre, 1615 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM HALL OF GAME

The NLBM established its Hall of Game in 2014 to recognize MLB greats “who competed with the same passion, determination, skill and flair exhibited by the heroes of the Negro Leagues.”

_____________________________________

Now, here’s a look at this year’s Hall of Game electees.

Eric Davis (OF, 1984-2001 … Reds, Dodgers, Tigers, Orioles, Cardinals, Giants)

Eric Davis, who combined speed and power, was a two-time All Star, three-Gold Glover and two-time Silver Slugger. He spent nine of his 17 MLB seasons with the Reds; hence, the nickname “Eric the Red.”

At his peak with Cincinnati, Reds’ manager Pete Rose described Davis as the greatest raw talent he had seen since Roberto Clemente.

In 1987, Davis had the best season of his MLB career – hitting .293, with 37 home runs, 100 RBI and 50 steals for the Reds (while also winning a Gold Glove for his outfield play). In the process, he became the first MLB player to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 50 bases in the same season.And, he accomplished all despite playing in just 129 games.

Davis all-out style of play resulted in a number of injuries during his career. In 1990, he suffered a lacerated kidney (requiring surgery) diving for a ball in Game Four of the World Series. He also had off-season surgery on a balky knee. A series of injuries continued to hamper his play and he eventually missed the entire 1995 season. In 1996, he returned (with the Reds) and hit .287, with 26 home runs, 83 RBI and 23 stolen bases – earning NL Comeback Player of the Year recognition.

Then, in 1997 (while with the Orioles), Davis was diagnosed with colon cancer in late May and left the team in for treatment. He returned, still undergoing treatment, in mid- September – and hit .310 in eight September games. (Davis was .304-8-25, in 42 games for the season). He also hit a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game Five of the American League Championship Series.

In 1998, Davis hit .327, with 28 homers and 89 RBI – also compiling a in 30-game hitting streak,

Upon retirement, after the 2001 season, Davis had .289 career average (1,430 hits), 282 home runs, 934 RBI and 349 steals. He had eight seasons of 20 or more home runs and seven of 20 or more steals (a high of 80 in 1986). He was a proven five-tool player, with an equally well-proven record of bouncing back from adversity.

______________________________________________

Fred McGriff (1B, 1986-2004 …Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Rays, Cubs, Dodgers)

If you were looking for a consistent source of power Fred McGriff – the “Crime Dog” (Thank you, Chris Berman) – was your man. He hit 30 or more home runs every season from 1988 through 1993 – leading the AL and NL once each during that time. In his 19 MLB seasons, he hit at least 30 home runs ten times, and drove in 100+ runs eight times.

Fred McGriff’s 493 put him 28th all-time, tied with Lou Gehrig.

McGriff was a five-time All Star and a three time Silver Slugger. He retired with a solid .284 average (2,490 hits), 493 home runs, 1,305 RBI and 1,349 runs scored.

__________________________________________

Dave Parker (OF, 1973-1991 … Pirates, Reds, A’s, Brewers, Angels, Blue Jays)

At 6’5”, 230-pounds, Dave “The Cobra” Parker was an imposing figure at the plate. Once he put his bat in motion, he proved even more lethal.

Parker brought power at the plate, speed on the bases (and in the field) and a rifle-like right arm to his game. Anyone who saw him play will attest to that. If you didn’t see him in action, consider: he was a seven-time All Star (the first selection at age 26, the seventh at 39); a two-time batting champion; a three-time Gold Glover; and a three-time Silver Slugger.

Dave Parker (Pirates) was the NL MVP in 1978, when he led the league in batting average (.334), slugged 30 home runs, drove in 117 tallies, swiped 20 bases and earned a Gold Glove in RF. Oh yes, he also led the league with 23 intentional walks.

Over his career, Parker had six full seasons with a batting average of .300 or better; hit 20 or more home runs nine times; and twice stole 20 bases. He led his league in hits once; doubles twice; extra-base hits twice; total bases three times; RBI once; batting average twice; and intentional walks twice. In 1977, he led NL right fielders with 26 assists. He also was the 1979 All Star Game MVP.

Parker’s career stats: .290 average (2,712 hits); 339 home runs; 1,493 RBI; 154 stolen bases.

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Dave Stewart (RHP, 1978-95 … Dodgers, Rangers, Phillies, A’s, Blue Jays)

Nicknamed “Smoke,” Dave Stewart could put the heat on batters when it counted most –clutch grit that earned him the American League Championship Series MVP recognition in 1990 and 1993 and the World Series MVP Award in 1989.

Stewart, best known for his time with the Oakland A’s (eight of his 16 MLB seasons), did alright in the regular season, too. He won 20 or more games for the A’s in four straight season (1987-1990, leading the AL with 20 wins in 1987. In that span, Stewart was 84-45, with a 3.20 earned run average, 41 complete games and seven shutouts.

Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 29, 1990.

In the 1981 National League Championship Series, as a Dodger, 24-year-old Dave Steward went 0-2, with a 40.50 ERA – lasting just 2/3 of an inning in two games (three earned runs). He toughened up after that, going 10-4, with a 2.58 ERA in 20 more post season appearance – and, of course, winning the 1978 World Series MVP Award, when he went 2-0, 1.69.

Stewart retired with a career record 168-129, 3.95. He led his league in games won once; games started four times; complete games twice; and innings pitched twice.

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In announcing the selections, NLBM President Bob Kendrick said, “We’re thrilled to induct four former Major League Baseball greats into our Hall of Game. These great athletes were thrilling to watch every time they took the field, and they played with the same spirit, passion and style that made the Negro Leagues so exciting.”

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“In addition to the Hall of Game inductions, the NLBM also will be presenting the Jackie Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award for “career excellence in the face of adversity” to the award namesake’s daughter, Sharon Robinson. Just-7=years old when her father retired from baseball, Robinson grew up watching the iconic barrier-breaker embrace key roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Following in his difference-making footsteps, Robinson now serves as the educational consultant for Major League Baseball and manages Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life, a baseball-themed national character education curriculum that helps empower students to face obstacles in their lives.

“With this year being the centennial of Jackie Robinson’s birth, there’s no one we would rather honor during this special anniversary year than his remarkable daughter, Sharon Robinson,” Kendrick said. “She’s been a phenomenal voice and champion for diversity in sports and is carrying on her father’s legacy in a powerful and effective way. She has continued to make a positive difference not only in the sport of baseball but also in American culture as a whole. It’s our honor to present her with this award.”

The establishment of the Hall of Game and its annual celebration event holds two purposes: 1) to provide an avenue for the NLBM to continue garnering attention for one of the greatest stories in American history, and 2) to serve as a significant fundraiser to increase the NLBM’s ability to stay relevant with technology and community programming, and to complete the Buck O’Neil Education Center.

THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and illuminating the rich history of black baseball. The museum, built in conjunction with the adjacent American Jazz Museum at the famous 18th & Vine Jazz District, has become an iconic piece of Kansas City’s social and entertainment culture. The NLBM is a privately funded, 501c3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1990. The museum’s inception brought together the vision of a group of Kansas City business leaders, historians and former baseball players, headed by the legendary John “Buck” O‘Neil. For more information, visit www.nlbm.com, and follow the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on Twitter @nlbmprez.

Primary Resources: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; Baseball-Reference.com

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2019 Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals – Two Hard Throwers and an Ahead-of-the-Curve Executive

May 7, 2019 by David

May 5, the Baseball Reliquary announced the 2019 electees to the its Shrine of the Eternals. This annual announcement is a highlight of Baseball Roundtable’s year. (This commentary is a couple days late, as the announcement came as I was in transit to California.) Anyway, let’s start with a glimpse into The Baseball Reliquary and its “Shrine” to the game – then go on to this year’s electees, the BBRT ballot, the final 2019 vote totals and a list of all the “Shrine” members. When you consider the Shrine of the Eternals, it all starts with a question.

What do the following have in common – a pitcher who once threw a no-hitter while high on LSD; a team owner who sent a midget to the plate; a man in a chicken suit; a member of Major League Baseball’s 3,000-hit club; an MLB catcher who one season led the National League in passed balls, despite starting only 59 games behind the plate; another backstop known as much for his malapropisms as his record 71 World Series base hits; an MLB manager who won eight World Championships; a one-armed outfielder; a one-handed pitcher; a cartoon character who managed and pitched his team to more than 1,000 losses (and just a handful of wins); a baseball card designer; a surgeon and his pitcher-patient; a labor leader; an organist with a razor-sharp wit; a statistical wizard; and more than one best-selling author?

These diverse individuals are all among the past electees to The Baseball Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals – an honor that recognizes individuals who have had impact on our national pastime that goes beyond statistics and touches upon the culture and character of the game. In essence, the Shrine of the Eternals is our national pastime’s fan-focused Hall of Fame. (This year, you can add the first National League right-hander to record 300 whiffs in a season; a General Manager who was far ahead of the curve in applying advanced analytics to the game; and the greatest female softball pitcher to ever take the mound.

The 2019 inductees – who will be enshrined during ceremonies Sunday, July 14, at the Donald R. Wright Auditorium, Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, California – include former MLB pitcher, J.R. Richard, “Moneyball” legend Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane and four-time All American (fast pitch softball) and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Fernandez.

Before taking a closer look at this year’s electees, I’d like to provide a brief overview of both the Baseball Reliquary and its Shrine of the Eternals.

Spoiler Alert: Unabashed membership recommendation to follow. If you are a baseball fan, I would highly recommend you consider membership in the Baseball Reliquary – a truly free-spirited (if somewhat eccentric) organization dedicated to celebrating the human side of baseball’s history and heritage. The Baseball Reliquary is an open and fan-focused organization, committed to recognizing baseball’s place in American culture and to honoring the character and characters of the national pastime. It pursues that mission through its collection of artifacts, traveling exhibitions, ties to the Whittier College Institute for Baseball Studies and its own version of the Baseball Hall of Fame – the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals. For more on the Baseball Reliquary, and why you should become a member, click here.

Now, to the Shrine of the Eternals. Here’s what the Reliquary has to say about this honor.

Similar in concept to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Shrine of the Eternals differs philosophically in that statistical accomplishment is not the principal criterion for election. The Baseball Reliquary believes that the election of individuals on merits other than statistics and playing ability will offer the opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of baseball than has heretofore been provided by “Halls of Fame” in the more traditional and conservative institutions.

Criteria for election shall be: the distinctiveness of play (good or bad); the uniqueness of character and personality; and the imprint that the individual has made on the baseball landscape. Electees, both on and off the diamond, shall have been responsible for developing baseball in one or more of the following ways: through athletic and/or business achievements; in terms of its larger cultural and sociological impact as a mass entertainment; and as an arena for the human imagination.

Each year, the Baseball Reliquary submits a list of candidates to its members and the top three vote-getters are honored. Reliquarians can vote for up to nine nominees.

——-2019 Shrine of the Eternals Electees—–

J.R. Richard (1950 – ) … 27 percent of the vote

J.R. Richard. Photos courtesy of The Baseball Reliquary.

At 6’8” and 222-pounds, Astros’ righty J.R. Richard was one of the most intimidating moundsmen ever. He hit his stride, literally, at age 26 in 1976 – when he went 20-15 with a 2.75 earned run average. That campaign, he fanned 214 batters in 291 innings, but the best was yet to come.

Richard won 18 games in each of the next three seasons, becoming (in 1978) the first NL right-hander to fan 300 batters in a season (303 strikeouts in 275 1/3 innings). In that 1978 campaign, Richard was the only MLB pitcher to fan more than 260 batters. He topped his K total the following season, with 313 whiffs in 292 1/3 innings and a league-best 2.71 earned run average. In that 1979 season, the next best MLB whiff total was 223 by Nolan Ryan. That season, Richard also allowed MLB fewest hits per nine innings (6.77), notched the most strikeouts per nine (9.64); threw the second-most innings (292 1/3) and the second-most complete games (19); and had the second best strikeouts-to-walks ratio (3.19).

Richard started 1980 with ten wins against four losses and a 1.90 ERA, before suffering a mid-season stroke. Richard had been feeling under-the-weather for some time, but his concerns were not taken seriously. (He was, in fact, at times accused of malingering.) The stroke not only ended his MLB career, but put him on a downhill slide (two broken marriages and some bad investments) that ultimately saw him living under an overpass near the Astrodome. He has since gotten “back on his feet,” is the subject of the film “Resurrection: The J.R. Richard Story” and spent time counseling at-risk youth, the homeless and others in need.

Richard’s final MLB line was 107-71, 3.15, with 1,493 strikeouts in 1,606 innings pitched.

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Billy Beane (1962- ) … 26.5 percent of the vote.

Billy Beane. Photo courtesy of The Baseball Reliquary.

Billy Beane was a ballplayer before he was a baseball executive – if he disappointed at the former, he excelled beyond expectations at the latter. Beane was a first-round (23^rd overall) draft choice (Mets) in 1980 – out of Mount Carmel High School (Rancho Bernardo, CA). In high school, Beane excelled in baseball, football and basketball – and was recruited by Stanford University on a joint baseball-football scholarship. He chose instead to sign with the Mets and was considered a top prospect. Note: Beane played in 148 MLB games over six seasons – going .219-3-29. He played for the Mets, Twins, Tigers and A’s. Between 1980 and 1989, he also logged 965 games in the minors – with a .262-91-482 line.

Tiring of the ups-and-down of a career of bouncing between the major and minors, Beane signed on as an advance scout for the A’s in 1990 and stayed the position until 1993, when he was promoted to Assistant General Manager. At that time, he and GM Sandy Alderson were faced with building a team with a shrinking payroll. That budget pressure continued as Beane succeeded Alderson as GM in 1997. This led Beane to look for new (sabermetric-based) ways to generate the maximum victories for the dollar. Turns out he was pretty good at it. He looked for pitchers who kept batters off base and hitters who got on base (no matter what the means for either). He didn’t want stars, he wanted empty bases on defense and base runners on offense. And, it worked. The budget-restricted, no-name A’s made the playoffs every year from 2000 through 2003, even logging a 20-game winning streak in 2002 (winning 103 games that season). In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named Beane one of the Top Ten GM’s/Executives of the decade across all sports. And then, of course, there was the 2003 book and 2011 movie ‘Moneyball.” I mean, here’s a guy who saw the romance in baseball, was played in film by Brad Pitt and who changed the way many front-office executives evaluate “talent.”

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Lisa Fernandez (1971 –)

Lisa Fernandez. Photo courtesy of The Baseball Reliquary.

Sandy Koufax was sometimes referred to as the “left arm of God.” If that’s the case, Lisa Fernandez was the supreme right arm – the most dominating fast pitch softball hurler of all time. Fernandez was a four- time All-American for UCLA, where she also won the Honda-Droderick Award as the top female college athlete (In any sport) three times.

How good was she? In her senior year, she went 33-3, 0.23 on the mound and hit .509, with 11 home runs and 45 RBI. For her college career, Fernandez went 93-7, from the bump – including a 97-inning scoreless streak and 42 consecutive wins. With Fernandez leading the charge, UCLA won the NCAA Championship in 1990 and 1992 and finished as runner up in 1991 and 1993. She also led the U.S. women’s softball team to the Gold in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics – and was a 2012 inductee to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Fernandez currently coaches softball at UCLA (her 21^st season with the Bruins) and devotes time to conducting softball clinics and encouraging female athletes. Lisa Fernandez – a great athlete, a leades on and off the field and worthy role model.

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS BALLOT—

Unfortunately, none of the ten nominees BBRT voted for finished in the top three. But here’s my ballot, and justifications, alphabetically.

Luke Easter (1915-79)

“Luscious” Luke Easter was one of the most prodigious home run hitters of all time – whose titanic blasts were known as “Easter Eggs.” Among his notables:

Easter was the first player to a homer into the farthest reaches of center field in the Polo Grounds;
He hit the longest home run in the history of old Cleveland Municipal Stadium – clearing the distant right field scoreboard; and
Luscious Luke was the first player to hit a drive over the CF scoreboard in Buffalo’s Offerman Stadium (at age 42) and proved it was no fluke by becoming the second to achieve the feat just a month later.

Easter began his baseball career in 1937, with as an OF/1B and cleanup hitter for the St. Louis Titanium Giants (a company team) – and didn’t play his final game until 27 years later. Everything about the 6’4”, 240-pound Easter was big – his stature, his bat, his love of the game, his love of life, his relationship with teammates and the fans and, later, even his Buick.

While he began showing his prowess at the plate in the late 1930’s, he really began making name for himself after getting out of the military in 1943.

In 1945, he starred with the barnstorming Cincinnati Crescents (for whom he hit the Polo Grounds home run noted above).

In 1947, he joined the Homestead Grays, where he hit .311, with 10 home runs in 219 at bats. Research by Society for American Baseball Research Member Justin Murphy indicates Easter followed that up by hitting .363 for the Grays and tying teammate Buck Leonard for the Negro National League (NNL) lead in home runs (13) – helping the Grays to the NNL World Series Championship.

In 1949, Easter signed with the Cleveland Indians and made his major league debut on August 1 of that season – at age 34 – just the eleventh black player in the major leagues. While he hit only .222 in 54 games for the Indians, due in great part to an injured knee, Easter showed his (already long-proven) power by going .363-25-92 in 80 games at Triple A San Diego.

Then, in 1950, he hit .280-28-107 in 141 games for the Indians – earning recognition from the Sporting News as the AL’s Most Outstanding Player. In 1951, he went .270-27-103 for the Tribe and, in 1952, .263-31-97. Age and injuries were already taking their toll on Easter, however, and on May 4, 1954, the 38-year-old Easter played his final MLB game – ending his MLB career with a .274-93-340 line in 491 games.

Ah, but Luscious Luke was not done. He played on in the minor leagues until 1964 – putting up four seasons of 30 or more home runs and 100+ RBI – earning his way into the International League Hall of Fame.

Over his career, also played winter ball in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico and Hawaii. A Winter-League star, Easter hit .402 for Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican League in 1948-49 (winning league MVP honors); led the Mexican Pacific Coast League (for Hermosillo) in homers in 1954-55; and lead the Puerto Rican Winter League in homers in 1955-56 and 1956-57.

Easter, later serving as a Union Steward for TRW in Ohio, was murdered during a payroll robbery in 1979.

Why did Luke Easter get my vote? Consider that non-other than Bill James rated him the second-best Negro Leagues’ first baseman of all time (behind only Buck Leonard) and Al Rosen (a teammate of Easter on the Indians, as well as a four-time All Star, two-time AL home run leader, 1953 American League MVP and 1989 National Executive of the Year) maintained, “Had Luke come up to the big leagues as a young man, there’s no telling what numbers he would have had.” Easter comes up big on the BBRT “Shrine” ballot.

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Rube Foster (1879-1930)

Andrew “Rube” Foster was an outstanding hurler, confined – by history – to pitching primarily for Black teams; such squads as the Chicago Union Giants, Cuban X-Giants and Philadelphia Giants. How good was Foster on the mound? Records are sketchy, but the Baseball Hall of Fame reports that, in 1902, Foster ran off a streak of 44 straight victories and the Negro League Baseball Museum credits Foster with a 54-1 record that season.

Rube Foster’s tireless efforts earned him the unofficial title of “The Father of Black Baseball.”

Foster’s contributions to the national pastime, however, went beyond the mound. In 1911, he partnered with John Schorling (son-in-law of Charles Comiskey) to establish the Chicago American (Black) Giants – who, under Foster’s leadership, became Black baseball’s most dominant team.

But Foster wasn’t done yet. In 1920, he was a key player (cited by many as THE key player) in the founding of the Negro National League. As the league flourished, Foster wore many hats. He served not only as the league’s president and treasurer, but also was the owner and manager of the Chicago American Giants – winning the NNL’s first three pennants. By 1926, his demanding schedule had taken a toll and Foster suffered a nervous breakdown. He never fully recovered and passed away prematurely in 1930. Fans might enjoy Larry Lester’s book “Rube Foster in His Time: On the Field and in the Papers with Black Baseball’s Greatest Visionary.”

Rube Foster was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

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Julio Franco (1958 – )

If you believe “Old Guys Rule” – Julio Franco should be your king.

Consider this fact, Only 25 Major League home runs have been hit by players who had passed their 45th birthday – and Julio Franco hit 20 of them.

Also consider a handful of the “old guys rule” records held by the ageless Franco:

The oldest player to homer in a MLB game. Franco went deep at age 48 years, 254 days, hitting a two-run shot off Arizona’s Randy Johnson, as Franco’s Mets topped the Diamondbacks 5-3 on April 26, 2006). In that same game, Franco also became the second-oldest MLB player to steal base – and, thus, the oldest player to homer and steal a base in the same game.
The oldest player to hit a grand slam (46 years, 308 days) – connecting as a pinch hitter for the Atlanta Braves in a 7-2 win over the Marlins on June 27, 2005.
The oldest player to record a multi-homer game, belting a pair of homers on June 18, 2005 (age 46 years, 299 days), as his Atlanta Braves topped the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Franco started at first base and went two-for-four with two homers and three RBI.
The oldest player to hit a pinch-hit home run, in the eighth inning of a Mets’ 7-2 win over the Padres at San Diego (April 20, 2006 – 47 years, 240 days).
The oldest player to steal two bases in a game (and in an inning) – (June 16, 3005 – 46 years, 297 days).
The oldest player to be put into a game as a pinch runner (July 29, 2006 – 47 years, 340 days). And he delivered, promptly stole second base, going to third on an errant throw.

From 1982 to 1994, Franco played primarily as a middle infielder and DH for the Phillies, Indians, Rangers and White Sox – making three All Star teams (MVP of the 1990 All Star Game), earning five Silver Slugger Awards and leading the American League in hitting at .341 for the Rangers in 1991. In that 1991 campaign, Franco collected 201 hits, 15 homers, 78 RBI, 108 runs scored and 36 steals in 45 attempts. At season’s end, he had hit .300+ in five of the previous six seasons – the lone exception being .296 in 1990.

In 1994, when the remainder of the MLB season was lost to a strike, Franco was in the midst of possibly his best campaign. After 112 games, he was hitting .319, with 138 hits, 20 home runs, 98 RBI, 72 runs scored, and eight steals. Franco was determined to keep swinging the bat and signed to play in Japan with the Pacific League Chiba Lotte Marines. In the 1995 Japanese season, Franco hit .306 and won the league’s equivalent of the Gold Glove at first base.

Franco returned to MLB in 1996, joining the Cleveland Indians, hitting .322-14-76 in 112 games. In August of the following season, the Indians released Franco – who was hitting .284-3-25 at the time. He finished the 1997 campaign with the Brewers, hitting .241 in 14 games with Milwaukee.

In 1998, at age 39, Franco was back in Japan playing for Chiba Lotte; where he hit .290, with 18 home runs and 77 RBI in 131 games. Then in 1999, he celebrated turning 40 (when most ballplayers are retired or coaching) by hitting for a .423 average in the Mexican League and getting one late season MLB at bat with Tampa Bay.

As he moved into his forties, Franco was far from finished as a player. He played in South Korea in 2000 (age 41), hitting .327-22-110. In 2001, the well-traveled batsman was back in the Mexican League (Mexico City Tigers), where stellar play (a .437 average in 110 games) earned him a spot on the Atlanta Braves’ roster in September. Franco hit .300, with three home runs and 11 RBI over the final 5 ½ weeks of the MLB season.

From 2001 to 2007, the ageless wonder – professional hitter and pretty darn good first sacker – played for the Braves and Mets. From 2001 through 2006 – ages 42 to 47 – Franco averaged .290 over 581 games. He hit .222 in 55 games in his final MLB season – 2007 with the Mets and Braves.

Even at 49, Franco was not done battering baseballs. In 2008, he could be found at first base with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League (where he hit .250 in 36 games). That season, Franco – after 23 Major League seasons and 30 years after his first professional baseball game – announced his retirement as a player.

Oops? Not so fast. In 2014, at the age of 55, he appeared in seven games for the Fort Worth Cats of the independent United League – going six for 27. Then in 2015, Franco was signed as player-manager of the Ishikawa Million Stars of the Japanese independent Baseball Challenge League (identified as a semi-pro league).

In 23 MLB seasons, Franco hit .298, with 2,586 hits, a .298 average, 173 homers, 1,285 runs, 1,194 RBI and 281 stolen bases. He also collected 618 minor league (U.S) hits, 316 in the Mexican League, 286 in Japan, 267 in the Dominican Winter League and 156 in South Korea and six in independent ball (U.S.).

Forever young, Mr. Franco got my vote.

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Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935 – 2017)

Mamie Johnson was one of three females to play for the Indianapolis Clowns during the declining days of the Negro Leagues (and the only woman ever to pitch in the Negro Leagues). Johnson took the mound to the Clowns for three seasons (1953-55), running up a 33-8 record. Her exploits are chronicled in the children’s book “A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson,” by Michelle Y. Green.

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Ted Kluszewski (1924-1988)

I love to recognize players who do something we are not likely to see again. Therefore, I again cast a ballot for Ted “Big Klu” Kluszewski – perhaps the last of the true power hitters who also practiced exceptional plate discipline. In 1954, for example, Big Klu hit .326, with 49 home runs and 141 RBI – a season made even more remarkable by the fact the Kluszewski struck out only 35 times (versus 78 walks). I doubt if we’ll ever see another player top 40 home runs without reaching 40 whiffs. Kluszewski, in fact, had a streak of four seasons (1953-56) when he hit over .300, drove in 100+ runs, bashed 35+ home runs – and struck out no more than 40 times in any season. In those four seasons, Kluszewski hit 171 home runs – and fanned 140 times.

It should also be noted that Kluszewski led NL first baseman in fielding percentage every year from 1951 through 1955. Unfortunately, a back injury in 1956 hampered his performance in the later years of his career (he played until 1961).

Ted Kluszewski is noted for adding a bit of style and flair to the game, making his own intimidating fashion statement. Klu complained that his uniform jersey was too tight for his large and powerful biceps. He went on to have the sleeves cut from his jersey – exposing his bare arms from the shoulder. (This was considered a bold move at that very conforming time in the game’s history.)

Kluszewski only appeared in one post-season – hitting .391, with three homers and ten RBI in the 1958 World Series (for the White Sox). True to his form – Big Klu did not strike out even once (25 plate appearance) in the Series. For trivia buffs, left unprotected in the 1960 expansion draft, Kluszewski hit the first-ever home run for the expansion Angels (a two-run shot in the first inning of the Angels’ first game – April 11 versus the Orioles). He added a punctuation mark, by hitting the Angels’ second–ever home run (a three-run shot) the very next inning. The Angels won 7-2, and (of course) Kluszewski did not strikeout.

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Mike Marshall (1943 – *)

I should probably say Doctor Mike Marshall, since this former major league reliever (14 seasons … 1967, 1969-81) earned three college degrees, including a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Kinesiology is the study of muscle movement and Marshall used his knowledge to develop his own exercise program focused on minimizing stress, reducing injury and accelerating recovery time. While his unorthodox methods, advanced education and outspoken approach often had him at odds with baseball’s traditionalists (and may be part of the reason he pitched for nine teams in 14 seasons), they did get the job done.

The fact is, we never saw a closer quite like Mike Marshall before he came along – and we’re not likely to see one like him again. In 1974, as a Dodger, he put up the grand-daddy of all relief seasons – setting the single-season MLB records for appearances with 106 and innings pitched in relief at 208 1/3. He finished the campaign 15-12, with a league-topping 21 saves and a 2.42 ERA. That season, Marshall was called on to go more than one inning in 74 games (68.5 percent of the time); and he toiled three or more innings 22 times. He also relieved in 13 consecutive regular-season games – an MLB record later tied (1986) by the Rangers’ Dale Mohorcic. His efforts won him the 1974 Cy Young Award and Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year.

Marshall holds the MLB and NL record for games pitched in relief in a season (106 – Dodgers, 1974), as well as the AL record (89 in relief – Twins, 1979 – he also had one start that year). The Blue Jays’ Mark Eichhorn tied Marshall’s AL record in 1987. Marshall led his league in games pitched four times and saves three times – finishing 97-112, 3.14 with 188 saves.

A true “fireman” from an era when closers came in to put out fires and stayed on the mound to ensure they were no flare ups, Marshall got my vote for the Shrine.

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Pete Reiser (1919-1981)

Combine Willie Mays’ skill set (younger folks, think Mike Trout) with Pete Rose’s hustle and on-field abandon and you have Pete Reiser. In his first full MLB season (CF, Dodgers), a 22-year-old Reiser dazzled defensively and led the NL in runs scored (117), doubles (39), triples (17), batting average (.343), total bases (299) and hit by pitch (11) – tossing in 14 home runs and 76 RBI for good measure. Unfortunately, unpadded outfield walls, helmet-less at bats (the fiery Reiser was a frequent bean ball target) and aggressiveness on the base paths (Reiser twice led the NL in stolen bases and holds the NL record for steals of home in a season at seven) took their toll.

In his ten-season career, the switch-hitting Reiser endured five skull fractures, a brain injury, a dislocated shoulder and a damaged knee. He was carted off the field 11 times during his career (six times unconscious) and once actually given last rites at the stadium – and he played on. The three-time All Star retired as a player with a .295 career average, playing in 861 games over ten seasons. No telling what he might have done with padded outfield walls and batting helmets. Pete Reiser was a true – and talented – gamer. For more on Reiser, try “Pete Reiser: The Rough and Tumble Career of the Perfect Ballplayer,” by Sidney Jacobson.

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Bing Russell (1926-2003)

Nate Oliver “Bring Russell” is probably best known to the general populace as Deputy Clem Foster in the TV series Bonanza. His TV and film credits, in fact, ran long and deep. He was cast in the film The Magnificent Seven and had guest roles in such television series as Wagon Train, Johnny Ringo, The Rifleman and the Big Valley. And he was more than just a cowboy, he was also seen in television roles in series ranging from The Rockford Files to The Twilight Zone to The Monkees.

For baseball fans, Russel’s greatest role may have been as owner of the Portland Mavericks – an independent entry into Northwest League. Shepherding the the only independent team in the league – Russell took a group of ballplayers described in his Shrine of the Eternals nomination as “misfits, reprobates, hangers-on and washouts” and turned them into winners and the toast of the town – much to the chagrin of baseball’s organized franchises.

It all came about after organized ball moved the struggling Triple A Portland Beavers out of the city after the 1972 season. Russell led a move to establish the Class C Portland Mavericks (as an independent franchise) in the city. As an owner, Russell focus was fun – and perhaps a bit of rebellio . He had no ties to any MLB franchise, banned corporate advertising in the ball park and filled his team from open tryouts. (He also, eventually, hired professional baseball’s first female General Manager, as well as its first Asian-American General Manager.)

How’d all of this work out? Well, major league baseball did not expect the ragtag Mavericks to do well against their “in-the-system” prospects. They underestimated the impact of ‘Russell’s focus and style – and the determination of his last-change hopefuls.

In 1973, the Mavericks went 45-35 and finished first in the league’s South Division.

In 1974, they went 50-34 and finished second in the West Division – just two games behind the Dodgers’ Bellinger farm club. (See what I did there? I got Dodgers and Bellinger in the same sentence. Foreshadowing of things to come?)

In 1975, it was 42-35 and first place in the North Division.

In 1976, it was 40-32 and another North Division first place finish.

In 1977, 44-22 and first place in the South Division. The Mavericks, that season, had the best record in the league, won their division by 22 games and drew 125,000 fans to 33 regular season home games (a minor league short-season record. (The average attendance was 3,788 fans per game).

Russell and his Mavericks had rekindled Portland passion for baseball with a combination of fun , irreverence and winning. They had proven that an independent franchise could compete and win on the field and at the turnstiles. And, organized baseball took notice. They wanted the territory back and eventually – after some hard-fought legal battles – got it (although they had to pay Russell what was, at the time, by far the highest ever minor-league territorial rights payment; a victory for Russell and independent baseball).

So, in 1978, the Mavericks were dissolved and replaced by PCL Portland Beavers. By the way, the Beavers drew an average of just 1,397 per game. Oh, and Russell’s success was ultimately document in the 2014 film “The Battered Bastards of Baseball.” You should see it.

Three final fun facts about Russell and his life=long love affair with baseball. 1) He grew up near the Yankees Spring Training Camp in St. Petersburg, Florida and – as youngster – became a kind of unofficial mascot for the team – mingling with the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Lefty Gomez and Lou Gehrig. (Reportedly, Gehrig gave Russell the bat he used to hit his late major league home run); 2) Later, pre-Mavericks, Russell created a number of detailed baseball training/instructional films. 3) Bing Russell’s son, noted actor Kurt Russell, played four seasons of minor league baseball and his grandson Matt Franco played eight MLB seasons (Cubs, Mets, Braves).

____________________________________

Rube Waddell (1876-1914)

Rube Waddell is almost universally recognized as the zaniest player in MLB history – but he also was one of the best (at least when he was focused on the game).

Waddell was known to: leave a ball game to chase fire engines; miss a game he was scheduled to start because he was fishing or playing marbles with neighborhood kids; bring his outfielders in to sit on the grass and then proceed to fan the side; wrestle alligators in the off-season; and (frequently) do battle with owners and managers. Waddell simply was more interested in the freedom to enjoy life and do things his way than in money or professional stability. But, when Waddell was on his game, he was arguably the best pitcher of his time. The 6’1”, 195-lb. lefty led the AL in strikeouts six consecutive seasons (1902-1907) – by a wide margin.

In 1902, Waddell joined the Philadelphia Athletics in June – making his first start on June 26 (with just 86 games left in the season). Waddell proceeded to win 24 games (the league’s second-highest total) against seven losses, with a 2.05 ERA. Despite his shortened season, he led the AL with 210 strikeouts, fifty more than the runner-up (none other than Cy Young).

In 1904, Waddell set a modern (post-1900) MLB record with 349 strikeouts that stood until 1965. Waddell, elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, finished with a 193-143, 2.16 stat line – leading the AL in strikeouts six times, ERA twice, wins once and complete games once. For more on Waddell, BBRT suggests: “Rube Waddell: The Zany, Brilliant Life of a Strikeout Artist,” by Allan Howard Levy and “Just a Big Kid: The Life and Times of Rube Waddell,” by Paul Proia.

_____________________________________

–—THE SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS: 2019 VOTING PERCENTAGES—–

J.R. Richard – 27%

Billy Beane – 26.5%

Lisa Fernandez – 26%

Bob Costas – 25%

Mamie “Peanut” Johnson – 24.5%

Charlie Finley – 24%

Charles M. Conlon – 23%

Rube Waddell – 22.5%

Chet Brewer – 22%

Dr. Mike Marshall – 21.5%

Leo Durocher – 21%

Effa Manley – 21%

Denny McLain – 21%

Julio Franco – 20%

Rocky Colavito – 19%

Bill White – 19%

Annie Savoy – 18.5%

Rube Foster – 18%

Octavius V. Catto – 17%

Luke Easter – 17%

Melissa Ludtke – 17%

Fred Merkle – 17%

Tug McGraw – 16.5%

Bing Russell – 16.5%

Janet Marie Smith – 16.5%

Ralph Branca – 16%

Hideo Nomo – 16%

Vic Power – 16%

Charley Pride – 16%

Masanori Murakami – 15.5%

Tony Conigliaro – 15%

Dave Parker – 15%

Pete Reiser – 15%

Justine Siegal – 14%

John Thorn – 14%

Mike Veeck – 13.5%

John Young – 13.5%

Joe Pepitone – 13%

Jim Thorpe – 13%

Chris Von der Ahe – 13%

Bert Campaneris – 11%

Ernie Harwell – 11%

Ted Kluszewski – 10.5%

Kurt Bevacqua – 10%

Cleon Jones – 10%

Phil Pote – 10%

Shorty Perez – 9%

Dave Raymond – 9%

Boog Powell – 8.5%

Joe Schultz Jr. – 8.5%

_____________________________________

—-FULL ROSTER OF SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS INDUCTEES – INCLUDING 2019—–

Following is an alphabetical list of individuals who have been inducted into the Shrine of the Eternals between 1999 and 2019. Year of induction in parenthesis.

Jim Abbott (2003)

Dick Allen (2004)

Roger Angell (2010)

Emmett Ashford (2008)

Billy Beane (2019)

Moe Berg (2000)

Sy Berger (2015)

Yogi Berra (2007)

Steve Bilko (2015)

Ila Borders (2003)

Jim Bouton (2001)

Jim Brosnan (2007)

Charlie Brown (2017)

Bill Buckner (2008)

Glenn Burke (2015)

Roberto Clemente (2004)

Steve Dalkowski (2009)

Dizzy Dean (2014)

Rod Dedeaux (2005)

Jim Eisenreich (2009)

Dock Ellis (1999)

Nancy Faust (2018)

Eddie Feigner (2013)

Lisa Fernandez (2019)

Mark Fidrych (2002)

Curt Flood (1999)

Ted Giannoulas (2011)

Josh Gibson (2006)

Jim “Mudcat” Grant (2012)

Pete Gray (2011)

Arnold Hano (2016)

William “Dummy” Hoy (2004)

Bo Jackson (2016)

Shoeless Joe Jackson (2002)

Bill James (2007)

Dr. Frank Jobe (2012)

Tommy John (2018)

Bill “Spaceman” Lee (2000)

Roger Maris (2009)

Marvin Miller (2003)

Minnie Minoso (2002)

Manny Mota (2013)

Don Newcombe (2016)

Lefty O’Doul (2013)

Buck O’Neil (2008)

Satchel Paige (2001)

Jimmy Piersall (2001)

Pam Postema (2000)

J.R. Richard (2019)

Jackie Robinson (2005)

Rachel Robinson (2014)

Lester Rodney (2005)

Pete Rose (2010)

Vin Scully (2017)

Rusty Staub (2018)

Casey Stengel (2010)

Luis Tiant (2012)

Bob Uecker (2017)

Fernando Valenzuela (2006)

Bill Veeck, Jr. (1999)

Maury Wills (2011)

Kenichi Zenimura (2006)

Don Zimmer (2014)

Primary Resources: The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball-Reference.com; The Society for American Baseball Research.

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