BB Fun Facts Archives - Page 27 of 63

Tom Pannone’s Immaculate Inning … and some Immaculate Inning Trivia

March 31, 2019 by David

On April 14, Tom Pannone of the Blue Jays tossed an “immaculate inning” – a frame comprised of three strikeouts on just nine pitches. It was the second such inning this season. Josh Hader of the Brewers three a matching frame on March 30.

Let’s look at the two performances and some immaculate inning tidbits. Pannone threw his immaculate inning against the Rays (in Toronto). It came in the top of the fifth inning, the first frame of a three-inning relief stint by the 6′, 200-lb. southpaw. The lefty’s victims were: RF Avasial Garcia (swinging); 2B Brandon Lowe (looking); and 3B Daniel Robertson (looking). Pannone pitched three hitless, scoreless innings (no walks, four strikeouts) in the game, which the Blue Jays lost 8-4.

Hader threw his (March 30) immaculate inning to close out a Brewers 4-2 win over the Cardinals. The southpaw reliever threw nothing but fastballs and – even though they pretty much knew what was coming – the Cardinals managed to touch just one. The inning consisted of a foul tip by Cardinals’ CF Tyler O’Neill on Hader’s first offering, followed by eight swing-and-misses. Hader’s next two victims were RF Dexter Fowler and PH Yairo Munoz.

Now, in today’s hard-throwing/free-swinging brand of baseball, immaculate innings are no longer an exceptionally rare feat. Since the 1880’s, we’ve seen 94 immaculate frames (tossed by 88 different pitchers). What is telling is that nearly one-third of those immaculate innings (31 out of the 94) have taken place since 2019.

How about just a few more Immaculate Inning factoids?

Immaculate Innings – What’s that?

Only two teams have never recorded an immaculate inning, and both can trace their roots back to Washington D.C. The Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers. The Dodgers lead MLB in immaculate innings with eight.

The Third Time’s the Charm.

While “Immaculate Innings” are indeed becoming less rare, multiple Immaculate Innings remain pretty unique. Only five MLB pitchers have recorded two (or more) immaculate innings in a career.

Photo by cliff1066™

On April 18, 1964, Sandy Koufax became the first (and still only) MLB pitcher to throw three immaculate innings in his career. Koufax’ third nine-strike, three-strikeout inning came in the third inning of a 3-0 loss to the Reds (April 18, 1964) (in LA) and his victims were the 7-8-9 hitters: SS Leo Cardenas, C Johnny Edwards and P Jim Maloney. Koufax gave up three runs on three hits and three walks (and six strikeouts) in that game.

That third immaculate inning came almost a year-to-date after his second such inning. It happened on April 19, 1963 – when he fanned Houston Colt .45’s 3B Bob Aspromonte, C Jim Campbell and P Turk Farrell (yes, the 7-8-9 hitters again) in the fifth inning of a 2-0 home win over Houston. In that contest, Koufax went the distance in a two-hit, two-walk, 14-strikeout victory. The southpaw’s first immaculate inning came on June 30, 1962. That time, he worked the top, rather than the bottom, of the order. It came in the first inning of a 5-0 no-hit victory over the Mets (in LA) and the victims were LF Richie Ashburn, 3B Rod Kanehl and 2B Felix Mantilla. Koufax walked five and struck out 13 in what was the first of four career no-hitters.

The other four pitchers to have tossed multiple (two each) immaculate innings are: Lefty Grove – who did it for the Athletics; Nolan Ryan – Mets and Angels; Randy Johnson – Astros (NL) and Diamondbacks; and Max Scherzer – Nationals.

Nolan Ryan is the only pitcher to throw an immaculate inning in both the AL and NL.

Immaculate on the Big Stage.

The only pitcher to throw a nine-pitch, three-strikeout inning in the World Series is the Royals’ Danny Jackson. On October 24, 1985, Jackson started Game Five of the Series against the Cardinals. He threw a complete-game, five-hitter in beating the Redbirds 6-1. He walked three and struck out five, including 3B Terry Pendelton, C Tom Nieto and PH Brian Harper on nine pitches in the seventh inning. Jackson had gone 14-12, 3.42 in the regular season He had taken the loss in Game One of the Series, despite giving up only two runs (four hits, two walks, seven strikeouts) in seven innings. His Game-Five win pulled the Royals to 3-2. They eventually won the series four games to three.

Just Give Me a Little More time and I can Do it.

There have been only two immaculate innings tossed in extra inning.

Sloppy Thurston for the White Sox, August 22, 1923 … Thurston, who came on in the 11th inning, threw an immaculate 12th before giving up a run in the 13th and taking the loss in a 3-2 Athletics victory.

Juan Perez, Phillies, July 8, 2011 … Perez came on (against the Braves) in the top of the tenth of a 2-2 game and fanned the side. The Phillies scored on a Raul Ibanez’ HR in the bottom of the inning to give Perez the win.

Nine pitches and Done for the Day.

Here’s a list of pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning while facing only three batters in a game – in the ninth inning unless otherwise noted:

Jim Bunning, Tigers … August 2, 1959

Doug Jones, Brewers … September 23, 1977

Pedro Borbon, Reds … June 23, 1979

Jeff Montgomery, Royals … April 29, 1990

Stan Belinda, Royals … August 6, 1994

Todd Worrell, Dodgers … August 13, 1995

Ugueth Urbina, Expos … April 4, 2000

Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals …. April 13, 2002

Rafael Soriano, Rays … August 23, 2010

Juan Perez, Phillies, 10th inning … July 8, 2011

Steve Delabar, Blue Jays, 8th inning … July 30, 2013

Rex Brothers, Rockies, 8th inning… June 14, 2014

Sergio Casilla, Giants … May 7, 2015

Drew Storen, Reds … April 18, 2017

Zac Rosscup, Dodgers … August 19, 2018

Josh Hader, Brewers … March 30, 2019

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

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Some Opening Day Musings – 197 Hits, 247 Strikeouts and More

March 29, 2019 by David

Photo by rchdj10

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

Joe DiMaggio

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

2019 Opening Day in Minnesota.

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

Baseball Roundtable … March 26, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Corey Kluber.

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

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

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OPENING DAY AROUND BASEBALL

Another Free-swinging Season?

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

Base hits – 197 (13.1 per game)

Strikeouts – 247 (16.5 per game)

Home Runs – 48 (3.7 per game)

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

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

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

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

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

Dodgers set Opening Day Dinger Mark

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

In Honor of the Final Four – A Baseball Double Double

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

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

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

Another Reason Why I Don’t Like the DH

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

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

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

Like Father – Like Son

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

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

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

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

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE LOOKS AT NEW TWINS CONCESSIONS – UNIQUE FOOD ITEMS AT OTHER BALL PARKS – AND MORE

March 26, 2019 by David

Photo: Bob King

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

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

Raising the Bar

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

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

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

The Obligatory Target Field Bloody Mary – Tossed a Curve

Hrbek’s Pub

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

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

Photo: Bob King.

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

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

Craft Sandwiches – Section 114

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

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

Photo: Bob King.

Bollywood Smash Salad – A Healthy Delight

Roots for the Home Team – Section 101

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

Photo: Bob King

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

Photo: Bob King

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

Section 109 & 311 Grills

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

Photo: Bob King

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

Section 127

Photo: Bob King

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

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

Soul Bowl – Create Your Own Version of Minnesota Soul

Section 120

Photo: Bob King

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

Shareable Boards

Bat & Barrel

Barrio Taco Board
Photo: Bob King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MY FAVORITE NEW HOT DOG … and one honorable mention

Going Yard – Dodger Stadium (Dodgers)

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

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

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

Photo: Delaware North

A LITTLE SALAD PERHAPS – PNC Park (Pirates)

Photo: Aramark

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

How ABOUT DESSERT?

Funnel Cake Poutine – Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)

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

Photo: Aramark

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THE MINNESOTA TWINS GATE 34 EXPERIENCE

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

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

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

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

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

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Follow/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here. More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Baseball Roundtable Preview Week – Day Two – NL Central

March 17, 2019 by David

The season is almost upon us and it’s time for some BBRT predictions. Things, of course, can change – particularly since there are still some “difference makers” out there on the free-agent market (Like Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel). Over the coming week, BBRT will look at each MLB Division, and then wrap up with predictions for the major awards (ROY, CYA, MVP). We’re starting with the National League, going from East to West (Division-wise). Today, we are looking at the NL Central Division. For the NL East Preview, click here. Tomorrow: National League West.

After each divisional predicted order of finish – for those who want more detail or justification – I’ll move on to a team-by-team evaluation. Keep in mind, these are just BBRT’s opinions and conjecture – not the result of any inside insight or info.

For the NL East, click here.

For the NL West, click here.

For the AL East, click here.

For the AL Central, click here.

For the AL West, click here.

For the major awards, click here.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Cardinals

Cubs (Wild Card)

Brewers

Pirates

Reds

In 2018, the Cardinals offense was right up there with the Cubs and Brewers. Eliminating the Cubs/Brewers Game 163 the Cardinals scored 759 runs, the Cubs 760 and Brewers 751. Then the Cardinals went out and traded for six-time All Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – who will improve their offense and defense. The Redbirds also bolstered their bullpen with free agent Andrew Miller; while the Cubs and Brewers were less active in the off-season market. I think this will be enough to put the Cardinals on top of what may be MLB’s best – and most competitive – division. I wouldn’t be surprised to see just a couple of games separating the top three teams (or another Game 163). Really, you could pick the Cardinals, Cubs or Brewers and make a good case. The Pirates and Reds will be watching this race. (Although the Reds did add some key players – particularly in their trade with the Dodgers – like Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp Tanner, Roark and Alex Wood.

Now, let’s take a team-by-team look at the Central Division.

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Cardinals – First place

Paul Goldschmidt … will lead Redbirds back to the top.Photo by Keith Allison

We heard and read a lot about the signings of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, but let’s not forget another marquis off-season move – the Cardinals trading for 1B Paul Goldschmidt – a six-time All Star, three-time Gold Glover and four-time Silver Slugger.

Goldschmidt hit .290-33-83 last season (Diamondbacks) and there is no reason not to expect similar numbers as a Redbird. The fact is, Goldschmidt will improve both the Cardinals’ offense and their infield defense (enabling the move of Matt Carpenter back to 3B.) Keeping in mind that the Cardinals won 88 games without Goldy’s big bat a season ago, you can see why BBRT likes the Cardinals to finish atop the NL Central.

In 2018, Cardinals’ first basemen committed 20 errors in 162 contests, new first sacker Paul Goldschmidt has committed a total of 20 errors since July 5, 2014 (652 games played).

Goldschmidt joins an already potent lineup that includes: LF Marcell Ozuna (.280-23-88 a year ago); 3B Matt Carpenter (.257-36-81); and RF Jose Martinez (.305-17-83). Note: The Cardinals have a significant investment in Dexter Fowler, but BBRT does not seem him unseating Martinez – although others disagree. If Fowler does bounce back – he hit .180 in a season shortened by a fractured foot – it give the Cardinals more lineup, pinch-hitting and substitution options. Not an insignificant thing in the NL. CF belongs to 25-year-old Harrison Bader, who is a plus defender and hit .264-12-37, with 15 steals, in his first full MLB season. Look for his glove and speed to keep him in the lineup – at the seventh or eighth spot.

Yadier Molina (.251-20-74 and a nine-time Gold Glover, including 2018) is back behind the plate. The 36-year-old may need a little more rest, but he shows no signs of slowing down. Also playing in the middle will be plus defender Kolten Wong (.249-9-38) at 2B and SS Paul DeJong (.241-19-68). The 25-year-old DeJong hit .285-25-65 in 108 games in his 2017 rookie season – and could improve on his 2018 numbers. The versatile Jedd Gyorko (.262-11-47) provides backup around the diamond. Last year, he saw started games at 1B, 2B and 3B and even took a turn on the mound.

The pitching rotation is headed by Miles Mikolas – who spent 2015-17 in Japan, where he went 28-13, 2.18. Mikolas went 18-4, 2.83 for the Cardinals and looks to be the real deal. The number–two spot goes to 23-year-old Jack Flaherty (8-9, 3.34 in 28 starts). There is also plenty of quality in the rest of the rotation – as well as potential health issues. Depending on health, the remaining three spots will come from among: Michael Wacha (8-2, 3.20 in 15 starts last season); Adam Wainwright (2-4. 4.46 in eight starts); John Gant (7-6, 3.47 in 19 starts); and Alex Gomber (6-2, 4.44 in 29 appearances/11 starts). The Cardinals will also be watching the progress of Carlos Martinez (8-6, 3.11 in 33 appearances/18 starts), who is expected start the season on the IL (shoulder). The point here is that the Cardinals, whose 3.52 starter’s ERA was the NL Central’s best and the NL’s third-best, have plenty of arms to choose from. The rotation should prove an asset (and those that don’t fill in starting roles will provide bullpen strength and backup in case health issues emerge).

Speaking of the bullpen, the Cardinals added depth with free-agent (Indians) Andrew Miller (2-4, 4.24 in 37 appearances.) Miller suffered through some shoulder issues last season, but the Cardinals say he is healthy going into 2019. If that’s the case, he will be a great asset in key innings. In the four seasons from 2014-17, Miller went 22-11, 1.72, with 51 saves in 260 appearances. Coming from the right side, the Cardinals will look to Jordan Hicks – perhaps MLB’s hardest-throwing pitcher. (Statcast credits Hicks with 15 of the 20 fastest pitches of 2018, with a high of 105.1 mph.) Hicks Hick went 3-4, 3.59 in 73 games a year ago, fanning 70 batter in 77 2/3 innings. Other likely contributors include Dakota Hudson, Luke Gregerson and Brett Cecil. The bullpen is definitely set to close out games.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

Clearly, the Cardinals improved significantly – on offense and defense – by adding Paul Goldschmidt.

PLAYER TO WATCH

BBRT will be watching Dakota Hudson and John Gant (a pair of right-handed pitchers) with interest – to see just how they fit into the Cardinals’ plans. Gant (a 26-year-old righty) went 7-6, 3.47 in 26 appearances (19 starts) for the Cardinals last season. He was 5-1, 1.65 at Triple A in 2018 and 44-28, 3.28 over eight minor league campaigns. The 24-year-old Hudson went 4-1, 2.63 in 26 appearances for the Redbirds. He could fit into the bullpen (as he did last year), but has perhaps more potential as a starter. At Triple A last season, Hudson went 13-3, 2.50 in 19 starts. Both these pitchers appear to have the potential to deliver the goods for the Cardinals.

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CUBS – Second Place

Javier Baez … possibly the NL’s best second baseman. Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Cubs’ strength starts at the corner infield spots. First baseman Anthony Rizzo (.283-25-101) is one of MLB’s most reliable power sources – and, when he’s healthy, Kris Bryant can claim that same distinction. Unfortunately, shoulder issues limited Bryant to 102 games (.272-13-52). If he stays in the lineup, he should return to numbers closer to .290-30-90. Joining the infield power party is 2B/SS Javier Baez (.290-34-111), who just seems to keep getting better (14 homers in 2016, 23 in 2017, 34 in 2018). If Baez improves his plate disciple (29 walks and 167 whiffs last season), look out! (Note: Baez is likely to start the season at SS, due to Addison Russell’s suspension.) Filling out the infield, at 2B, will be versatile veteran Ben Zobrist (.305-9-58) in 139 games. When Zobrist spends time in the outfield, free-agent signee (D-backs) Daniel Descalso (.238-13-57) in 138 games will fill in at the second sack. The catching will be handled by the capable Wilson Contreras (.249-10-54).

The outfield belongs to: LF Kyle Schwarber (.238-26-61) – a solid power source, who also struck out in about one-third of his 2018 at bats; RF Jason Heyward (.270-8-57) – an average hitter, but a five-time Gold Glover; and CF Albert Almora, Jr. (.286-5-41) – another solid defender (but also a free swinger, with 24 walks against 83 strikeouts in 2018).

Over the past four seasons, the Cubs have averaged 98 wins a campaign.

The Cubs look to a veteran pitching staff to get them to the late innings. It starts with southpaw Jon Lester, in his 14^th MLB season, who led the NL with 18 wins (six losses) last season, with a 3.32 ERA. Then there is Cole Hamels, also in his 14^th MLB campaign, who went 9-12, 3.78 for Texas and the Cubs. Filling out the rotation are a pair of 29-year-olds: righty Kyle Hendricks (14-11, 3.44) and southpaw Jose Quintana (13-11. 4.03). A kind of a wild card is Yu Darvish, who had elbow surgery last September (1-3, 4.95 in eight starts), but is a four-time All Star with top of the rotation stuff when healthy. At 32-years-old, you wonder a bit about how he will bounce back.

The bullpen should be headed by closer Brandon Morrow (0-0, 1.47, with 22 saves last season). Morrow, however is rehabbing from off-season elbow surgery and likely will not be ready until May. Pedro Strop seems the most likely (6-1, 2.28, 13 saves) to step in. In addition, Steve Cishek (4-3, 2.18 in 80 games) and Brandon Kintzler (3-3, 4.60 in 70 games) both have closer experience. Carl Edwards, Jr. (3-2, 2.60 in 58 games) should also get plenty of work. Still, the uncertainty in the bullpen is a slight worry.

KEY OFF -SEASON MOVE

The Cubs were not very active in the off-season, but did bring in free-agent infielder Daniel Descalso (Diamondbacks) to provide some flexibility as they deal with the Addison Russell suspension.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Keep an eye on Yu Darvish, coming back from elbow surgery. If he rebounds, the Cubs rotation suddenly gets a lot more effective. A healthy Darvish – a four-time All Star – could give the Cubs 12-15 wins.

the Cubbies will remain in the NL Central dog fight (Cardinal, Cubs and Brewers). BBRT just thinks the Cardinals may have a slight edge in defense, plate discipline and pitching.

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BREWERS – Third Place

Wow! The Brewers surprised a lot of people in 2018 and, no doubt, they’ll be in the hunt again. They will do it with a combination of:

Power bats. In the NL, only the Dodgers hit more home runs, with 235, than the Brewers, with 218. There is no reason to expect the Brewers not to reach 200 round trippers again.
Power arms in the bullpen. The Brewers’ relief staff had the NL’s second-best earned run average (3.47 to the Cubs 3.35), second-most innings pitched (614 to the Padres 635) and best strikeouts-per-nine-inning ratio (10.38).

The players who put up the above numbers are, for the most part, back. The question mark for the Brew Crew is the starting rotation (after Jhoulys Chacin) and whether all that work will eventually catch up with the pen. Let’s take a look, starting with the offense.

MVP Christian Yelich will again lead the Brewers’ offense.
Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Brewers have a potent offense – up and down the lineup – and the focal point is RF Christian Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP, who had a career year. In his sixth season (at age 26), Yelich won the batting title with a career-high .326 average and also reached new career marks in hits (187), runs scored (118), home runs (36), RBI (110) and stolen bases (22). It might be a bit unfair to expect him to repeat those numbers, but he will remain a force in the lineup. Lorenzo Cain, who hit a career-high .308, is back in center field and the lead off spot. Cain scored 90 runs and stole a career-high 30 bases. Ryan Braun (LF/1B) adds some pop (.254-20-64) and will probably see time in both corner outfield spots and third base. Newcomer Ben Gamel (trade with Mariners) and returnee Eric Thames are the leading backups (Thames with more power, Gamel with the steadier bat).

Plenty offense around the infield as well. At the corners, there are Travis Shaw at third base (.241-32-86) and Jesus Aguilar (.274-35-108) at first. Both Shaw and Aguilar notched career highs in long balls in 2018. Mike Moustakas is back to play 2B, coming off a .251-28-95 season for the Royals and Brewers. Orlando Arcia (24-years-old and entering his fourth MLB season) will handle shortstop. He got off to a slow start, but came on in the second half to finish .268-3-30 in 119 games. He has notable upside, having gone .277-15-53, with 14 steals in 2017. Look for him to finish somewhere in the middle of those two stat lines. The Brewers filled a big need at catcher when they signed free-agent Yasmani Grandal (Dodgers) – a veteran backstop with power (more on that signing later).

Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.50) leads the rotation – and was the only starter with more than nine wins. The rest of the staff looks to be Zach Davies (looking to bounce back after shoulder issues limited him to 13 starts and 2-7, 4.77 record); Chase Anderson (9-8, 3.93); Jimmy Nelson (who missed all of 2018 rehabbing from shoulder surgery, but did go 12-6, 3.49 in 2017); and Brian Woodruff (3-0, 3.61 with the Brewers – after 3-2, 4.04 at Triple A). If any of these falter, a couple of young arms are looking to step up: 24-year-old Corbin Burnes (7-0, 2.61 in 30 relief appearances) and 23-year-old Freddy Peralto (6-4, 4.25 in 16 appearances/14 starts).

One thing seems for sure. The Brewers’ bullpen will get a lot of work – and it’s a good one. The Brewers’ pen is led by three pitchers with closer stuff: Corey Knebel (4-3, 3.58, with 16 saves and 88 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings); Josh Hader (6-1, 2.43, 12 saves and 143 strikeouts in 81 1/3 innings); and Jeremy Jeffress (8-1, 1.29, 15 saves, with 89 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings). Long story short, the Brewers have plenty of bullpen weapons; let’s just hope overwork doesn’t lead them to run out of ammo.

The Brewers have a lot going for them. However, three things have BBRT placing them third; 1) The starting pitching; 2) The continuing workload that could face the bullpen; 3) The fact that so much went right in 2018 (so many “career high marks,” more than can be expected in 2019. Then again, the Brewers pulled of the unexpected in 2018. Who’s to say it can’t happen again. No matter the outcome, the Brew Crew will make interesting.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

The Brewer’s faced the 2019 season with a need to upgrade at the backstop position – adding seven-year veteran Yasmani Grandal’s potent (switch-hitting) bat to an already powerful lineup took care of that need. The 30-year-old has topped 20 home runs in each of his last three campaigns (.241-24-68 for the Dodgers in 2018).

PLAYER TO WATCH

It makes sense to keep an eye on 29-year-old RHP Jimmy Nelson – coming back from shoulder surgery after missing all of the 2017 season. Nelson was 12-6, 3.49 in 2017 – fanning 199 batters in 174 1/3 innings. If his mid-90’s fastball and effective sinker are back, he could go a long way toward helping the Brewers repeat. It will be interesting to see: 1) if he breaks camp with the team; and 2) if he starts the season in the bullpen or rotation.

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PIRATES – Fourth Place

Could the Pirates be the Brewers of 2019? Pittsburgh plays in, arguably, the toughest division in baseball. As a result, they tend to be overlooked. But, the fact is, the Pirates have a pretty good ball club with solid pitching (in the rotation and the pen). The club has some talent in the lineup, but absolutely needs to add some “punch” if they are going to move up in the standings. (The Pirates finished 13^th in home runs and tenth in runs scored in the NL a year ago.) Still, this is a team that finished two games over .500 in 2018 – and won 16 of their last 24 games. Let’s take a look at the Buccos.

Chris Archer, a key member of the Pirates’ strong rotation. Photo by rrescot

The Pirates pitching can be a real strength – led by starters Chris Archer, Jameson Taillon and Trevor Williams. The “ace” of the staff is Jameson Taillon, who had a breakout season in 2018 (his third MLB campaign), going 14-10, 3.20. Trevor Williams also looked strong in 2018 – 14-10, 3.11 in 31 starts. The 30-year-old Archer is the veteran of the group (6-8, 4.31 in 27 starts). Archer, acquired in a July trade (with the Rays), is a two-time All Star and looked good closing 2018. In his final five starts of the season, he went 2-1, 2.70, striking out 36 batters in 30 innings. He’s look good this spring and may be ready to return to the form that has delivered a 3.63 ERA over his first six MLB seasons. The rotation should be filled out from among Joe Musgrove (6-9, 4.06); Jordan Lyle (3-4, 4.11); and prospect Mitch Keller. Keller, just 23, went 12-4, 3.48 at three minor league levels last season.

The bullpen looks solid, led by closer Felipe Vazquez – who went 4-2, 2.70 with 37 saves and 89 whiffs in 70 innings. Kela Keone, who has also shown closer stuff (he had 24 saves for the Rangers before being traded to the Pirates in late July), will pitch key innings, as will Richard Rodriguez (4-3, 2.47 in 63 games as a rookie.)

On offense, the Pirates look to be outgunned. Last season, no one hit more than 23 home runs nor drove in more than 81 for the Pirates – and the player that reached those marks was Gregory Polanco (.254-23-81 in 130 games), who is recovering from shoulder surgery. They do have a bonafide star in CF, where Starling Marte produced a .277 average with 20 home runs, 72 RBI and 33 steals. Joining him in the outfield are LF Corey Dickerson (.300-13-55, eight steals), who also brings plus defensive skills, and Lonnie Chisenhall (in right field until Polanco returns), who put up a .321-1-9 line in 29 games for the Indians. The Pirates are looking for a rebound from 25-year-old 1B Josh Bell – who went .261-12-62, after hitting .255-26-90 in 2017. Second baseman Adam Frazier showed a little pop last season, .277-10-35 in 113 games. The likely lead-off man, Frazier needs to solve some road woes (he hit .336 at home and .230 on the road). His 2018 home/road numbers reflect his career splits (.306/.258). SS will go to either Erik Gonzalez (.265-1-16 in 81 games with the Indians) or Kevin Newman (.209-0-6 in 31 games.); while 3B belongs to Colin Moran (.277-11-58). Moran may be spelled against tough lefties. Jung Ho Kang, coming back after missing the 2017 and most of 2018 season (just six at bats in three games), could also play into the 3B picture. He has shown 20-home power. A bright spot in the lineup is catcher, where Francis Cervelli, who went .259-12-57 in 104 games a year ago, and Eliz Diaz (.286-10-3 in 82 games) hold sway.

Overall, the Pirate can put a competitive team on the field, but they really need another power bat or two to contend with the top three in the tough NL Central.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

The Pirate did not make any flashy off-season moves. Picking up Lonnie Chisenhall to hold down RF until Gregory Polanco returns from injury may very well prove to be the best move.

PLAYER TO WATCH

In early February, the Pirate signed free-agent Francisco Liriano (5-12, 4.58 with the Tigers last season). Liriano has twice won the Comeback Player of the Year Award (2010 AL and 2013 NL). One of those times was with the Pirates – in 2013, when he went 16-8, 3.02 for Pittsburgh after a 6-12, 5.34 season with the Twins and White Sox the year before. Can Liriano (and the Pirates) catch lightening in a bottle again? At age 35, it seems unlikely, but it will be interesting to watch.

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REDS-Fifth Place

The Reds made some moves to bolster both the offense (adding Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig) and their pitching woes (adding Tanner Roark, Alex Wood and Sony Gray). All four came over via trade. While, Kemp and Puig should thrive in The Great American Ballpark, Roark and Wood may not be enough to address the “elephant in the room” – the fact that the Reds’ pitching staff gave up an NL-worst 819 runs last season and had the second-worst team ERA at 4.63.

There are those that maintain the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark played a major role in the Reds’ pitching problems – but the team had a 4.62 ERA at home and 4.68 on the road.

Joey Votto – face of the Reds. Photo by Keith Allison

Let’s take a look at the Reds, staring with the offense. There is a lot to like there, starting with 1B Joey Votto a six-time All Star. Still, Votto had a bit of an off year in 2018 (.284-12-67), but should be good for a .300 average and 25-30 long balls. Having Yasiel Puig (.267-23-63 in 125 games for the Dodger) in the lineup behind him may help Votto get more pitches to hit (he has led the NL in walks five times since 2011). With the addition of Puig and Kemp (.290-21-85), the Reds are, in fact, overstocked in the garden. They also have Jesse Winker (.299-7-43 in 89 games); Scott Schebler (.255-17-49 in 107 games); and prospect Nick Senzel – a natural infielder (2B/SS) who has been seeing some time in the OF. Senzel, who has been discussed as a center fielder, hit .310 in 44 games at Triple A last year and .321-14-65 in 119 minor league games in 2017. (Note: Senzel has had some health issues – a couple of bouts with vertigo and a fractured finger.) If Senzel is ready to go, we could see the Reds looking to trade some outfield talent for pitching.

Looking to the infield, Votto has plenty of company in the power category there. Scooter Gennett (2B) went .310-23-92 a year ago; 3B Eugenio Suarez went .284-34-104; and SS Jose Peraza’s line was .288-14-58, with 23 steals. Tucker Barnhardt looks to again handle backstop duties – after a .248-10-46 season.

As you can see, there is plenty of offense here. Ah, but that pitching. Luis Castillo is the staff leader after a 10-12, 4.30 season. The 26-year-old, entering his third MLB season, appeared to come of age in the second half of 2018, when he went 5-4, 2.44 and fanned 69 batters in 66 1/3 innings. Newcomers Tanner Roark (9-15, 4.34 with the Nationals), Sonny Gray (11-9, 4.90 with the Yankees) and Alex Wood (9-7, 3.68 with the Dodgers) give a whole new look to the rotation. Also among the potential Reds’ starters are Anthony DeSclafani (7-8, 4.93) and Tyler Mahle (7-9, 4.98). Overall, the rotation should be improved, but not enough to put the Reds in contention. If the newcomers contribute, however, the Reds could pass the Pirates.

The bullpen will be led by closer Raisel Iglesias, who went 205, 2.38 with 30 saves in 2018. Others who are likely to be called on for important outs include Jared Hughes (4-3, 1.94, 7 saves in 72 games); David Hernandez (5-2, 2.53 in 57 games); and Mike Lorenzen (4-2, 3.11 in 45 games).

Overall, the Reds are notably improved, but face the challenge of a tough Division. Fourth place is a possibility, but Cincy is not likely to contend.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

The Reds addressed two key needs in their off-season trade with the Dodgers– adding a much needed starter in Alex Wood (9-7, 3.68) and protection in the linkup for Joey Votto in Yasiel Puig. In addition, they picked up a solid outfielder in Matt Kemp (giving them some lineup and trade options going forward) and a utility infielder in Kyle Farmer. In return, they sent the Dodgers Homer Bailey and two of their leading prospects in Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray. Puig hit .267 with 23 home runs and 15 steals last season and should benefit from hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark (as should Kemp, who went .290-21-85 for the Dodgers).

PLAYER TO WATCH

Nick Senzel, a 24-year-old outfield prospect, was .314, with six home runs, 25 RBI and eight steals at Triple A Louisville in a 2018 season shortened by a broken finger. In three minor-league seasons, Senzel has hit .314-27-130, with 40 steals, in 231 games. He looks like the real deal and could contend for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

TOMORROW – THE NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

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Baseball Roundtable Trivia Teaser – Spring Training’s Only Perfect Game

March 15, 2019 by David

Trivia Teaser

On this date (March 15) in 2000, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 5-0 in a Spring Training game at City of Palms Park. Nomar Garciaparra was the offensive hero – driving in four of the five runs on a three-run home run and a run-plating single.

Your question: Who were the Red Sox pitchers in that game?

Photo by dizzy-eyed

Garciaparra’s four RBI on March 15, 2000, were hardly the highlight of the day for the just over 7,100 fans in attendance. What they saw that day was the first – and still only – perfect game pitched in MLB Spring Training.

Pedro Martinez started the game and went three perfect frames, fanning six. He was followed by five more Boston hurlers, who fanned another five batters, while recording 18 more consecutive outs.

Here’s the lineup of Boston pitchers for the contest:

Pedro Martinez … 3 innings pitched – Six strikeouts

The future Hall of Famer would go on to win the 2000 AL Cy Young Award (his third CYA) with an 18-6 record and a league-low 1.74 earned run average. In an 18-season MLB career, Martinez would go 219-100, 2.93 and lead his league in wins once, winning percentage three times, strikeouts three times and ERA five times.

Fernando de la Cruz … Two innings – One strikeout

De la Cruz would never play in the major leagues. He would put up a 16-27, 6.40 record in seven minor league seasons. He would also play in Japanese Pacific League; Mexican League; Mexican Pacific Winter League; Dominican Winter League; and Atlantic League (Independent). In 2000, after taking part in that perfect outing, he played for the Trenton Thunder of the Eastern league – going 3-5, 6.37.

Dan Smith … One Inning – One strikeout

Smith spent the bulk of the 2000 season in the minors –at Triple A – where he went 7-10, 4.84. He pitched in four MLB seasons, going 7-12, 5.23. His claim to fame is probably the fact that he gave up Tony Gwynn’s 3,000^th hit (August 6, 1999).

Rheal Cornier … One inning

Cornier enjoyed a 16-season MLB career (making his final MLB appearance at age 40). He was 71-64, 4.03 in 683 appearances (108 starts). In 2000, he went 3-3, 4.61 in 64 games for the Red Sox. His best season was 2003, when he finished 8-0, with a 1.70 earned run average for the Phillies (64 appearances). In 1984, he appeared in 84 games for the Phillies (4-5, 3.56).

Rich Garces … One inning – One strikeout

Garces won eight games in relief for the 2000 Red Sox (8-1, 3.25 in 64 appearances). In ten MLB seasons, he went 23-10, 3.74 in 287 relief appearances.

Rod Beck … One Inning – One Strikeout

Beck went 3-0, 3.10 in 34 appearances for the Red Sox in 2000. Over his career, he was 38-45, 3.30, with 286 saves. Between 1993 and 1998, he was one of the premier closers in the National League, saving 232 games for the Giants and Cubs. In 1999, he logged 51 saves for the Cubs, fanning 81 batters in 80 1/3 innings.

Primary Resources: Remembering Pedro Martinez’ perfect Spring Training Game, by David Dorsey (new-press.com) January 6, 2015); Baseball-Reference.com

STARTING TOMORROW – PREVIEW WEEK.

A LOOK AT BBRT’S 2019 PROJECTIONS FOR EACH MLB DIVISION

AND THE MAJOR AWARDS.

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Ball Three, Take Yer Base – Courtesy of Charlie Finley and Joe Cronin

March 6, 2019 by David

How about another Spring Training memory – this one a dream for hitters and a nightmare for pitchers? Today (March 9) marks the 48^th anniversary of a Charley Finley-Joe Cronin production known as the “three-ball walk.”

Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley was, of course, a bit of a maverick – with all kinds of ideas for changing the game. He pioneered colorful uniforms (when the practice was white at home, grey on the road); and lobbied (ahead of his time) for inter-league play, the designated hitter (he was also in favor of designated runners); and post-season night games.

He also thought an “Alert Orange” baseball might be easier for fans to track and that a three-ball walk might add some excitement (and offense to the game). And, that brings us to March 7, 1971, with the Brewers facing Finley’s A’s in a Spring Training match-up. Finley was successful in getting then AL President Joe Cronin to approve using the “three-ball walk” for that contest. The results were less than impressive – and the experiment was not tried again. Oh, there was more offense. The A’s won 13-9, but the game also featured 19 walks. (Perhaps Spring Training – when pitchers are still working out “command” issues – was not the best time to try out a three-ball walk.

Tony La Russa – holds the unofficial MLB record for three-ball walks.

With pitchers focused on the “short counts,” the game also featured five home runs, including two (one a Grand slam) by Reggie Jackson. (See the box score below for details.) Poor Jim Slaton, a rookie with the Brewers that season, lasted just 1 2/3 innings – giving up six runs on two hits and eight walks (no strikeouts). The 21-year-old would go on to a 10-8, 3.78 record for the Brewers in the regular season – and would win 151 games (158 losses) in 16 MLB campaigns. By the way, nobody took greater advantage of the three-ball walk than Oakland lead off hitter and second baseman Tony La Russa – who drew four walks in the contest. During the 1971 regular season, La Russa would draw one walk in 32 games (only 16 plate appearances).

Notably, considering the shape of today’s game, the 19-walk, 24-hit, 19-run, seven-pitch, 37-player contest was completed in two hours and 41 minutes.

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EVOLUTION OF BASEBALL’S WALK RULE

1879 – Nine “called balls” to achieve a walk; walks do not count as a time at bat.

1880 – Eight balls to achieve a free pass.

1884 – Six balls for a walk.

1887 – Five balls for a walk; bases on ball counted as hits and a time at bat (this season only).

1889 – Four balls for a walk.

1971 – Three ball for a walk approved for one American League Spring Training game.

Primary Resources: Rule Great For Reggie, by Ron Bergman, Oakland Tribune, March 7, 1971; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com.

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Sweet Memories – When Cotton Candy and Lemonade Picked up a Save and Johnny Damon almost Recorded a Cycle in One Inning

March 5, 2019 by David

Spring Training gets the old baseball memory banks running and here’s a coupe – the first one from seven years as a day ago.

To Bee or Not to Bee

It was March 4, 2012, and the Giants were taking on the Diamondbacks at Salt River Field in Scottsdale, Arizona. An SRF record (sold-out) crowd of 12,568 was on hand for the contest – on what would turn out to be a memorable afternoon for all those involved.

Ian Kennedy was on the mound for the D-backs in the top of the second inning of a scoreless contest (there were runners on second and third and one out). It was then that a dark and buzzing cloud appeared in right-center field. Center fielder Chris Young recognized it quickly as a swarm of bees and made his way to the relative safety of left field. (“I didn’t see them at first, I just heard them,” Young would say later, indicating the size of the swarm precipitate his retreat.) The bees took a turn toward the right field line, then traveled toward the infield before settling in a camera well near the Giants’ dugout. Two sections of fans in the area were evacuated and play had to bee suspended.

Making Bee-utiful Music

As the grounds crew worked to lure the swarming bees away from the game, the stadium operations staff piped in the Beatles “Let it Be” for the entertainment of the fans.

The grounds crew surveyed the situation and came up with one sweet plan to lure the intruders away from the field and “save” the game – drawing the swarm to a pair of utility carts liberally smeared with lemonade and cotton candy. It worked and, after a 41-minute delay, play resumed.

By the way, the Giants eventually racked up 21 hits and won the game 11-1. Not sure who got the win, but the grounds crew – relying on a combination of lemonade and cotton candy – got the save.

Here’s another different kind of memory that BBRT finds equally sweet.

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Hot Damon – Nearly a Cycle … in the First Inning

On June 27, 2003, Johnny Damon was playing CF and leading off for the Red Sox – as they took on the Marlins in Boston. In a start that brought Boston fans up out of their seats, Damon was three-fourths of the way to the cycle before the first inning was over. (Ironically, he also hit the ball on which the final out of the frame was made).

Johnny Damon, notched three hits in one inning for the Red Sox.

Johnny Damon, notched three hits (a single, double and triple) in one inning for the Red Sox.

On June 27, 2003, Johnny Damon became just the fifth player (only the second since 1900 and the first since 1953) to collect three hits in an inning. He accomplished the feat in the first inning of a 25-8 Red Sox win over the Marlins. If this kind of fact interests you, each of the four other players to achieve a three-hit frame did it in the seventh inning.

Damon who collected a single, double and triple in the bottom of the first, ended the game five-for-seven, with three runs scored, three RBI, a double, a triple and three singles. He, unfortunately, did not get the cycle.

Here’s how that first inning went:

Johnny Damon – Double past first base down the line. (off starter Carl Pavano)

Todd Walker – single, Damon scores.

Nomar Garciaparra – Double.

Manny Ramirez – Home run, scoring three.

David Ortiz – Double.

Kevin Millar – Single, Ortiz scores.

Michael Tejera replaces Pavano on the mound.

Trot Nixon – Single.

Bill Mueller – Walk, loading the bases.

Jason Varitek – Single, Millar and Nixon score.

Damon – Triple to deep right field, Mueller and Varitek score.

Walker – Single, Damon scores.

Allen Levrault takes over for Tejera – at this point, we’ve seen two pitchers, 11 batters, ten hits, one walk, nine runs and no outs.

Garciaparra – Foul pop out.

Ramirez – Single.

Ortiz – Walk, loading the bases.

Millar – Sacrifice fly, scoring Walker.

Nixon – Walk, loading the bases.

Mueller – Double, scoring Ramirez and Ortiz.

Varitek – Walk.

Damon – Line drive single to left, Nixon score, Mueller thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Red Sox score 14 runs on 13 hits and four walks; Damon collects a single, double and triple.

Primary Resource: FoxSports.com; NBCSports.com; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com.

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The Cowboy Who Helped the Dodgers Win the 1966 NL Pennant

February 28, 2019 by David

On this date (February 28) in 1966, Los Angeles Dodger pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale began what it arguably the most notable holdout in MLB history. The pair refused to report to Spring Training unless the Dodgers signed them to a $1 million, three-year contract – with each receiving $167,000 annually. The hurlers also said neither would sign separately, the deal was to be a two-fer. Remember, this was at a time when player bargaining rights were considerably restricted – a strong reserve clause, no free agency and no arbitration. Further, Willie Mays was MLB’s highest-paid player at $125,000 annually and no pitcher had ever made a six-figure salary.

Now, Koufax and Drysdale did have some bargaining power. The year before, the two had led the Dodger to the NL pennant and a World Series Championship. During the 1965 season, Koufax had gone 26-8, with a 2.04 earned run average and 382 strikeouts in 335 2/3 innings. The lefty had led the NL in wins, winning percentage, earned run average, complete games, innings pitched and strikeouts. Drysdale, meanwhile, had gone 23-12, 2.77, with 210 whiffs in 308 1/3 innings – leading the NL in starts, finishing third in victories and placing in the top ten in nearly every pitching category. Koufax had also won his second Cy Young Award and finished second to Willie Mays in the MVP voting. The pair would not sign until March 30 – and only after a noted television cowboy (no not Gene Autry) had ridden in to help save the day. The haggling had gone back and forth and the pair of hurlers had even signed on to appear in a movie (with actor David Janssen) – with filming slated to start about a week before the season opener – to make clear their willingness to sit out the season. Reports indicate that Chuck Connors – star of the hit television series The Rifleman – played a key role setting up the late March meeting between Buzzie Bavasi and Drysdale (at Nicola’s, a popular restaurant near Dodger Stadium) that led finally broke the impasse – with Koufax signing for $125,000 and Drysdale for $100,000.

What followed the signings was a combination of good news and bad news.

The Good News was that Koufax and Drysdale did help the Dodgers repeat as NL Champions. The Bad News was that Los Angeles lost the World Series to Baltimore in four games.
The Good News was that Koufax delivered a 27-9, 1.73 season. The Bad News was that Drysdale went 13-16, 3.42.
The Good News was that, in 1966, Koufax won his third Cy Young Award and led the league in wins (27), ERA (1.73), starts (41), complete games (27), shutouts (5), innings pitched (323) and strikeouts (317). The Bad News was that, due to an arthritic elbow, that spectacular season would be Koufax’ last. Note: Drysdale pitched for the Dodgers until 1969 – going 45-48, 2.92 over his final four seasons.

The Rifleman – 1958-63 – was one of televisions most popular westerns.

Now back to the television cowboy – Kevin Joseph “Chuck” Connors was much more than a TV sod buster. Yes, he was the as star of the successful TV western series The Rifleman and had roles in such classic movies as Old Yeller and television presentations like Roots (which earned him an Emmy nomination).

The 6’5” left-hander, however, also played first base for the Chicago Cubs (and made one pinch-hitting appearance for the Dodgers), took the courts as a forward and center for the Boston Celtics, and was drafted by the Chicago Bears.

Here are a few other Connors tidbits:

AS AN ACTOR

In 1959, Connors won a Golden Globe Award (Best Television Performer) for his work in The Rifleman.
Connors starred in four television series: The Rifleman; Arrest and Trial; Branded; and Cowboy in Africa.
In 1984, Connors was honored with a “star” on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Connors made guest appearances on television shows ranging from Gunsmoke to Spenser for Hire to the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.
Connors’ movie credits include such films as Pat and Mike; Old Yeller; Geronimo, Flipper; The Big Country; Solyent Green; and Airplane II.
Connors is a member of the Western Performers Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

AS AN ATHLETE

In a four-season span at AAA (1948-51), Connors’ batting averages were: .307; .319; .290 and .321.
In 1951, Connors hit .321, with 22 home runs and 77 RBI in just 98 games for the Triple A Los Angeles Angels.
Connors was known to turn cartwheels while circling the bases after a home run.\
Connors is credited with shattering the first NBA glass backboard ever, during a November 1946 Celtics’ pregame warm-up.

For the full story on Chuck Connors, click here.

Primary Resrouces: Baseball-Reference.com; “Fifty years ago, Dodgers’ Sand Koufax and Don Drysdale engaged in a salary holdout that would change baseball forever” – Los Angeles Times, March 28, 20166; OurChuckConnors.com; Society for American Baseball Research.

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Baseball Roundtable Trivia Teaser … Walk – Don’t Run (but put a run on the board)

February 14, 2019 by David

A Baseball Roundtable Trivia Teaser to celebrate

the opening of Spring Training workouts.

Who is the only player to collect two bases-loaded walks in a single World Series game?

Hint: Sandy Koufax may have considered him a spoiler.

Answer:

The only player to draw two bases-loaded walks in a World Series game is Orioles’ pitcher Jim Palmer, who walked with the sacks full in the fourth and fifth innings, as the Orioles topped the Pirates 11-3 on October 11, 1971. Notably, Palmer walked only three times in 116 1971 regular season plate appearances. Palmer, in fact, never walked more three times in any of his 19 MLB seasons.

For those interested in details the walks were were issued by

Bruce Kison in the bottom of the fourth. It was a tough inning for the Pirates. Bob Johnson started on the mound and, after an inning-opening ground out by Oriole’s 1B Boog Powell, gave up a single to RF Frank Robinson, hit C Elrod Hendricks with a pitch, walked 3B Brooks Robinson and gave up a two-run single to 2B Davey Johnson. Bruce Kison was brought on in relief and walked SS Mark Belanger to load the sacks and then issued a free pass to Palmer to force in a run.
Bob Veale in the bottom of the fifth. By the time Palmer batted in the bottom of the fifth, the Orioles had a 7-0 lead and had already collected five hits and a walk in the inning. Veale had come on to replace Bob Moose and immediately walked Belanger to load the bases with one out. Palmer batted next and drew his second bases-loaded walk of the game.

The Orioles drew seven walks and had 14 hits in the contest. Palmer, however, did not exhibit any greater control. He pitched eight innings of three-run ball, but walked eight (and surrendered seven hits).

We’ll take a deeper look at Jim Palmer later in this post (and reveal the story behind the Koufax hint), but first a few more base-loaded free-pass tidbits.

A little more on base-loaded free passes …

The record for bases-loaded walks in a single game (and a single inning) is eight – all by the White Sox in a 20-6 victory over the Kansas City A’s on April 22, 1959. In the seventh inning of that game, the White Sox drew eight bases-loaded walks, while scoring eleven runs on just one hit. (For a full accounting of the inning, click here.)

In the above April 22, 1959 White Sox/A’s game, Nellie Fox had a record two bases-loaded walks in a single inning.

Ellis Burks holds the record for bases-loaded walks in game. On, September 2, 2000 – as his Giants beat the Cubs 13-2 – Burks drew three bases-loaded walks (in the first and second innings off Reuben Quevedo and in the sixth off Felix Heredia). The Giants drew five bases-loaded free passes in the contest.

INTENTIONAL BASES-LOADED WALKS

Only six players have been intentionally walked with the bases loaded (Baseball-Almanac.com):

Abner Dalrymple, Chicago (NL), August 2, 1881

Napoleon Lajoie, Philadelphia (AL), May 23, 1901

Del Bissonette, Brooklyn (NL), May 2, 1928

Bill Nicholson, Chicago (NL) July 23, 1944

Barry Bonds, San Francisco (NL), May 28, 1998

Josh Hamilton, Texas (AL), August 17, 2008

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A FEW JIM PALMER TIDBITS …

In 1971, Palmer was one of four twenty-game winners on Orioles. Palmer went 20-9. 2.68; Dave McNally went 21-5, 2.89; Pat Dobson went 20-8, 2.90; and Mike Cueller went 20-9, 3.08. The only other MLB team to boast four twenty-game winners was the 1920 White Sox (Red Faber, 23-13, 2.99; Lefty Williams, 22-14, 3.91; Dickey Kerr, 21-9, 3.37; and Eddie Cicotte, 21-10, 3.26).
On October 6, 1966 – at age 20 – Jim Palmer became the youngest pitcher ever to pitch a World Series complete-game, shutout – topping the Dodgers (and Sandy Koufax) 6-0. Palmer gave up four hits and three walks, while fanning six.

EXPLAINING THE KOUFAX SPOILER HINT …

On October 6, 1966, when Jim Palmer – at age 20 – became the youngest pitcher ever to throw a World Series, complete-game shutout, there was plenty more going on. (As I’ve noted before, in baseball “There is always something.” So often, when looking into one baseball fact or event, even more of interest emerges.)

In this case, Palmer was coming off just his second MLB season (after going 15-10, 3.46 with six complete games in 30 starts and recording 147 strikeouts in 208 1/3 innings). His opponent was 30-year-old Sandy Koufax, about to win his third Cy Young Award – after a season in which he went 27-9, 1.73, with 27 complete games in 41 starts and 317 whiffs in 323 innings. In the regular season, Koufax had led all of MLB in wins, earned run average, games started (tie), complete games, shutouts (tie), innings pitched and strikeouts. What fans didn’t realize at the time – particularly given Koufax’ 1966 performance:

That 1966 match-up against Palmer – which ended in a loss for Koufax –

would be Koufax’ last major league appearance.

Chronic arthritis in his pitching arm would lead Koufax to retire before the 1967 season.

A couple of other interesting bits of trivia from that game:

Koufax gave up four runs in six innings, but three were unearned – largely the result of Dodgers’ center fielder Willie Davis’ World Series’ record of three errors in one inning (the fifth). It was clearly a bad day for Davis, who also went zero-for-four at the plate and was the victim of two of Palmer’s six strikeouts.

In addition, Palmer’s shutout was part of a World Series’ record for offensive futility – the Dodgers scored just two run (both in Game One, which they lost 5-2) in the entire World Series. The Dodgers, in fact, did not score after the third inning of Game One – a World Series’ record 33 straight innings without touching the plate. Games Three and Four both went to the Orioles by 1-0 scores.

Jim Palmer won more games in the 1970’s (186) than any other pitcher.
Jim Palmer is the only pitcher to win World Series games in three decades – 1960’s-70’s -80’s.

Jim Palmer, a solid all-around athlete – was a high school all-stater in baseball, basketball and football.

Jim Palmer was a three-time Cy Young Award winner and six-time All Star and four-time Gold Glover.
Jim Palmer led his league in wins three times (and won 20 or more games in eight seasons); winning percentage twice; innings pitched four times; complete games once; shutouts twice; earned run average twice.

Jim Palmer, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990, finished his career with a 268-152 record, a 2.86 earned run average, 211 complete games, 53 shutouts and 2,212 strikeouts in 3948 innings pitched.

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

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Baseball Roundtable’s All Polish-American Team

February 3, 2019 by David

If are Milwaukee-born (particularly into the Karpinski family), you are very likely to be a baseball fan and proud of your Polish heritage. (I learned a great deal about both from my Aunt Irene.) With that in mind, this post will be dedicated to my personally selected Polish-American MLB All Star squad – one player at each position in the field, two starting pitchers (a lefty and a righty) and two relievers (again, a right-hander and a southpaw).

The team I came up with looks pretty competitive. The twelve players played a combined 204 major leagues seasons (none fewer than nine). The lineup includes six MLB Hall of Famers. Together, this dozen major leaguers garnered 79 All Star selections, 24 Gold Gloves and 12 batting titles. They also can point to four Most Valuable Player Awards and one Triple Crown. In addition, eleven of the twelve have been inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in Orchard Lake Village, Michigan.

Note: For a look at an All Star squad picked on the basis of

the ability to handle Nolan Ryan’s heat, click here.

We’ll go through the All Star Squad first, but there are a couple of special mentions (detailed at the end of the post): 1) Moe Drabowsky – The best-ever major leaguer actually born in Poland; and Art “Pinky” Deras – the Polish-American youngster acknowledged as the Best Little League Player Ever (there’s even a documentary about him). So, let’s get to it.

—–THE BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE POLISH-AMERICAN ALL STAR TEAM—–

Catcher – A.J. Pierzynski

I’ve got a special spot in my heart for the catcher on my All Polish-American squad – a hard-nosed player who started his MLB career with my Minnesota Twins. A.J. Pierzynski was a consistent and quality performer who always came to win

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If you played against him, you hated him. If you played with him, you hated him a little less …. He’s worth the work because he always shows up for you.”

Ozzie Guillen, Manager, Chicago White Sox

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Pierzynski, signed by the Twins out of high school in 1994, made his MLB debut with Minnesota (as a 21-year-old) in 1998. The 6’3”/250-pound, left-handed hitter (right-handed thrower) played in 19 MLB seasons – for the Twins (1998-2003); Giants (2004); White Sox (2005-2012); Rangers (2013); Red Sox (2014); Cardinals (2014); and Braves (2015-16).

Pierzynski was a two-time All Star. He collected 2,043 hits in 2,059 games (for a .280 career average), hit 188 home runs and drove in 909. His best season came with the Twins in 2003, when he hit .312, with 11 home runs and 74 RBI (although he did hit a career-high 27 home runs for the White Sox in 2012). He ranks eighth all time in games played at catcher. He holds the AL record for most consecutive games (by a catcher) in a season without an error at 117 in 2005 (tied with Buddy Rosar, Athletics, 1946). Pierzynski was about as steady at the plate as you can get. For his career, he hit .280:

.283 at home – .277 on the road
.282 in the first-half of the season; .278 in the second half.
.287 with runners on base; .287 with runners in scoring position; .275 with the bases empty.

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First Base – Ted Kluszewski

Ted “Big Klu” Kluszewski was a rare breed – a true power hitter who also practiced exceptional plate discipline. In 1954, for example, Kluszewski hit .326, with 49 home runs and 141 RBI – a season made even more remarkable by the fact he 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 (average 43 HR’s and 35 whiffs a season). 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). He played for the Reds (1947-1957); Pirates (1958-59); White Sox (1959-60); and Angels (1961).

Kluszewski – a big man for his time at 6’2”/225-pounds – is also noted for adding a bit of flair to the game, making his own intimidating fashion statement. Big 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.

Big Klu was an Angel

Taken by the Angels in the 1960 expansion draft, Kluszewski hit the first-ever home run for the expansion team (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.

The big left-hander hit .298 over his 15-season MLB career, with 279 home runs and 1,028 RBI. The four-time All Star topped .300 in seven seasons, drove in 100+ runs in four seasons and hit 40 or more long balls in three campaigns. His best season was 1954, when he hit .326-49-141. Ultimately, however, Big Klu is best remembered for those sleeveless jerseys, muscular arms and exceptional bat control.

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Second Base – Bill Mazeroski

Considered the best fielding second baseman of all time by many, Bill Mazeroski was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.He played 17 MLB seasons – all with the Pirates – hitting .260, with 138 home runs and 853 RBI. It was, however, his glove the earned him a spot on this squad. “Maz” was a seven-time All Star and an eight-time Gold Glover at the keystone sack. He led NL second baseman in assists nine times, putouts five times and double plays turned eight times. (He is the all-time career leader in double plays by a second baseman, fifth in assists, seventh in puts and tenth in games played at the two-bag. The 5’11”/183-pound right-hander’s best season at the plate was probably 1962, when he hit .271, with 14 home runs and 81 RBI.

Bill Mazeroski is best remembered for two things – his unmatched skill at turning the double play and his walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game Seven of the 1960 World Series – which gave the Pirates a 10-9 win and an unlikely World Championship. In the Series, the Yankees outhit the Pirates .338 to .256, out-homered the Pirates 10 to four and outscored Pittsburgh 55 to 27. Mazeroski hit .320 in the seven-game set, smacked two of the Pirates’ four home runs and drove in five tallies. Bobby Richardson of the losing Yankees hit .367 and drove in 12 runs to win the Series MVP Award – still the only player on a losing team to take home the World Series MVP Trophy.

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Third Base – George Kurowksi

George “Whitey” Kurowski played in nine MLB seasons (1941-49), all for the Cardinals. In the six seasons that he played at least 100 games, he was an All Star four times. In the three seasons from 1945 to 1947, Kurowski hit .311, with 62 home runs and 295 RBI. For his career, he hit .286 (in 916 games), with 106 home runs and 529 RBI. He led NL third baseman in putouts in three seasons, as well as in assists and doubles plays once each. He finished in the top ten in home runs in the league five times, RBI four times and batting average three times. His best season was 1947, when he hit .310, with 27 home runs, 104 RBI and 108 runs scored.

Whitey Kurowski had to overcome the effects of a childhood injury and osteomyelitis in his right (throwing) arm in his quest to reach the major leagues. The surgery required to save his arm left his right wing about three inches inches shorter than his left. His determination is reflected in the fact that he made the major leagues as a third basemen – a position the demands a strong throwing arm. Arm problems most likely shortened his career. (The Society for American baseball Research reports Kurowski “underwent 13 operations on the arm so he could continue playing.)

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Shortstop – Alan Trammell

The shortstop selection for this team – Alan Trammell – was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019. The 6’/165-pound Trammell (a right-hander) was a Tigers’ second round draft pick right out of high school in 1976. He made his MLB debut in September of 1977 and went on to play 20 MLB seasons – all for the Tigers.

Trammell was a six-time All Star and a four-time Gold Glover. Over his career, he collected 2,365 hits (.285 average), with 185 home runs, 1,003 RBI, 1,231 runs scored and 236 stolen bases. He hit over .300 seven times (a high of .343 in 1987), hit 20 or more home runs twice, scored 100+ runs in three seasons and stole 20 or more bases three times. His best season was 1987, when Trammell hit .343, collected 205 hits, knocked 28 home runs, drove in 105 and scored 109.

Allen Trammell (SS) and Lou Whitaker (2B) played together for 19 seasons – MLB’s longest every SS-2B teammates run.

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Honorable Mention at Shortstop – Troy Tulowitzki

Troy Trevor Tulowitzki earns honorable mention here with his glove (a two-time gold Glover) and bat (topping 20 home runs in seven of 12 MLB seasons). Still active, “Tulo” may someday take Alan Trammell’s spot in this lineup. Tulowitzki has played for the Rockies (2006-2015) and Blue Jays (2016-17). He missed the 2018 season (ankle surgery) and signed with the Yankees for 2019.

Tulowitzki is a five-time All Star, whose best season was 2014, when he hit .340 with 30 home runs and 105 RBI for the Rockies. For his career, he is .290 (in 1,286 games), with 224 home runs and 779 RBI. His numbers would be even stronger if not for the injury bug. His past injuries include: a torn left quadriceps, fractured wrist, groin surgery, fractured rib, hip surgery, cracked shoulder blade.

Troy Tulowitzki … Rare Feats

Troy Tulowitzki is one of only two players to both hit for the cycle and turn an unassisted triple play (the other is John Valentin).

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Outfield – Stan Musial

You can’t go wrong with Stan “The Man” Musial on your team. One of the greatest players in MLB history (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1960), Musial played 22 MLB seasons (all for the Cardinals) between 1941 and 1963 (he missed 1945 to military service).

Musial was an All Star in 20 of his 22 seasons and a three-time NL Most Valuable Player. He won seven batting titles and led the NL in hits six times, runs scored five times, RBI two times, doubles eight times and triples five times. He also topped the NL in total bases, on base percentage and slugging percentage six times each.

Stan Musial hit .347 in 1944 – missed the 1945 season due to military service – and came back to hit .365 in 1946.

Musial hit over .300 in 17 full seasons and over .350 in five campaigns (a high of .376 in 1948). He topped 20 home runs ten times, with a high of 39 in 1948. He also hit 50 or more doubles twice, 20 triples twice, had 200 or more hits in six seasons, 100+ RBI in ten seasons and 100+ runs scored in 11. For his career, Musial had 3,630 hits (.331 average), 475 home runs and 1,951 RBI. and 1,949 runs scored. He is in MLB’s top ten all time in games played, hits, runs scored, runs batted in, doubles and total bases.

How good was Stan Musial? He was good enough to take your breath away.

Vin Scully

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Outfield – Al Simmons (Szymanski)

Al Simmons is the second Hall of Famer in our Polish-American All Star outfield – and he put up Musial-like numbers (Musial-lite?). However, Simmons did not enjoy as notable a nickname as “Stan the Man.” Due to his unusual batting style (front foot pointed toward third base), he became known as “Bucketfoot Al.” (Note: It’s reported Simmons went with Simmons over Szymanski because of the difficulty people had pronouncing Szymanski.)

Simmons played 20 MLB seasons (1924-41, 1943-44) and ended just 73 hits shy of 3,000 – with a .334 career average and 307 home runs. Simmons played for the Athletics (1924-32, 1940-41, 1944), White Sox (1933-35); Tigers (1936), Senators (1937-38), Braves (1939), Reds (1939) Red Sox 1943)

Simmons was a two-time batting champ, who hit over .300 in 13 seasons – and over .380 in four campaigns. The 5’11”/190-pound righty also led his league in hits twice, and had 200 or more hits six times. In addition, he led his league in runs scored once, and RBI once. He hit 30 or more home runs in three seasons, drove in 100+ runs in 12 and scored 100 or more runs in six. Simmons’ best season was 1930, when he hit .381, with 36 home runs, 165 RBI and 152 runs scored.In the seven seasons from 1925 through 1931, Simmons averaged .372 (never hitting below .341).

Al Simmons holds the MLB record for hits in a season by a right-handed batter – 253 in 1925, when he hit .387 at age 23, in (in just his second MLB season.)

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Outfield – Carl Yastrzemski

Carl Yastrzemski enjoyed a 23-season MLB career (1961-83) – all with the Boston Red Sox. The Baseball Hall of Famer was an All Star in 18 seasons, a seven-time Gold Glover and the 1967 AL Most Valuable Player (when he won the batter’s Triple Crown – Avg.-HR-RBI).

Yastrzemski was a three-time batting champ and topped .300 in six seasons. He had 100+ RBI in five campaigns, 100+ runs scored in three and 40 or more home runs in three. He led the AL in runs scored three times, doubles three times, hits twice and home runs and RBI once each. His best year was 1967, when he won the AL Triple Crown with a .326-44-121 stat line. Yaz finished his career with 3,419 hits (.285 average), 452 long balls and 1,944 RBI. He also hit .369-4-11 in 17 post-season contests. He is among MLB’s top ten (career) in games played, at bats, hits, total bases, doubles and walks.In 1968 – known in baseball lore as “The Year of the Pitcher” – Carl Yastrzemski won the American League batting title with a .301 average – the lowest ever for a league leaders.

Side Note:

I have my own memories of Yaz. With two games left in the 1967 season, my Twins went into Boston with a one-game lead over the Red Sox and lost two games (and the pennant) to Boston by scores of 6-4 and 5-3. All Yaz did was go 7-for-8 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and six RBI. Ouch-ski!

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RH Starting Pitcher – Phil Niekro

Phil Niekro spent 24 seasons on the MLB mound: Braves (1964-83, 1987); Yankees (1984-85); Indians (1986-87); Blue Jays (1987). During that time, Niekro earned 318 wins (16^th all time) versus 274 losses – and put up a 3.35 ERA. The 6’1”/180-pound knuckleballer won 20 or more games three times and 15 or more in 13 seasons. His nickname was “Knucksie,” but I would have preferred “Knuck-ski.”

Niekro led the National League in wins in 1974 (20) and 1979 (21) He was also the league leader once each in earned run average (1.87), winning percentage (17-4, .810 in 1982 – at age 43) and strikeouts (262 in 1977). Working with the tireless ease of a knuckleballer, he also led the NL four times each in games started, complete games and inning pitched. Niekro’s best season was 1974, when he went 20-13, 2.38 – leading the NL in wins, complete games (18) and innings pitched 302 1/3.

Phil Niekro Trivia …

Phil Niekro is the last MLB pitcher to lead his league in both wins and losses in the same season – going 21-20, 3.39 in 1979. That season, he also led the league in starts (44), complete games (23) and innings pitched (342).

Phil Niekro and his brother Joe Niekro hold the record for the most MLB wins by brothers, with 539. Phil went 318-274, while Joe went 221-204.

In 1979, Phil and Joe Niekro tied to the NL lead in victories with 21 each.

On May 29, 1976, Joe Niekro hit the only home run of his 22-season (1,165 plate appearances) MLB career. The opposing pitcher? His brother Phil.

On August 5, 1973, Phil Niekro threw the first no hitter for the “Atlanta” Braves – defeating the San Diego Padres 9-0.

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LH Starting Pitcher – Ed Lopat (Lopatynski)

Eddie Lopat pitched in 12 MLB seasons – for the White Sox (1944-47), Yankees (1948-55) and Orioles (1955). He went 166-112, with a 3.21 earned run average. It’s reported that Eddie used Lopat over Lopatynski because the latter did not fit into a box score. Lopat also picked up the nickname “The Junkman,” because of his ability to both change speeds and deliver a wide range of breaking pitches.

The 5’10’/180-pound southpaw was an All Star with the Yankees in 1933, when he went 21-9, 2.91 (his only 20-win season – although from 1947 through 1953, he won 15 or more games in six of seven seasons). In 1953, again with the Yankees, Lopat went 16-4 and led the American League in winning percentage (.800) and ERA (2.42).

In seven World Series starts, all with the Yankees, Lopat went 4-1, 2.60 with three complete games.

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RH Reliever – Jim Konstanty

Jim Konstanty has the distinction of being the first MLB relief pitcher to win a league MVP Award. He accomplished the feat in 1950, when he was called on in relief a league-leading 74 times by the Phillies. Konstanty won 16 games (seven losses) and led the league with 22 saves. That season, the Phillies won the NL pennant with a 91-63 record – which means Konstanty won or saved 42 percent of Philadelphia’s wins.

In his eleven MLB seasons, the 6’1”/202-pound righty went 66-48, 3.46 and saved 76 games (152 innings pitched in relief). By the way, James was Konstanty’s middle name – his first name was Casimir.

A Man for All Seasons …

In his senior year in high school, Jim Konstanty was captain of the Arcade High School basketball, baseball and football teams. Then, at Syracuse University, he lettered in baseball, basketball, soccer and boxing.

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LH Reliever – Ron Perranoski

Ron Perranoski – a 6’/180-pound southpaw – went 79-74, 2.79 with 178 saves in 13 MLB seasons. He played for the Dodgers (1961-67, 1972); Twins (1968-71); Tigers (1971-72); and Angels (1973).

Perranoski led his league in games pitched in three seasons and games saved twice (with a high of 34 saves for the 1974 Twins). In 1963, he led the NL in winning percentage at .842 – picking up 16 wins (three losses) and 21 saves, all in relief. Add in his 1.67 earned run average and it is clearly his best season.

————————-A COUPLE OF SPECIAL MENTIONS ———————

Moe Drabowsky – Best Polish-Born Major Leaguer

Miroslav Drabowsky was born in Ozano, Poland on July 21, 1935, to a Jewish (American citizen) mother and a Polish father. His family moved to the United Stars in the late 1930’s, as Adolf Hitler was gaining momentum in Eastern Europe. Growing up in Connecticut, Drabowsky played high school baseball at Loomis Chaffee School and college baseball at Trinity College in Hartford. He signed with the Cubs in July of 1956 and made his MLB debut on August 7 of that year (at age 21).

The 6’3”/190-pound righty was a starter his first four seasons, going 29-40, 3.81, with 22 complete games in 83 starts. Drabowsky switched to the bullpen in 1960 (seven starts in 32 appearances) and made a name for himself coming in from the pen. From 1960-72, he went 59-65, 3.66, with 54 saves (421 appearances in relief, 71 starts).

In 17 MLB seasons, Drabowsky went 88-105, 3.71 with 54 saves. He struck out 1,162 batters (702 walks) in 1,641 innings. Drabowsky pitched for the Cubs (1956-60); Braves (1961); Reds (1962); Athletics (1962-65); Orioles (1966-68, 1970); Royals (1969-70); Cardinals (1971-72); and White Sox (1972).

Moe Drabowsky, a member of the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame (NPASHOF), gave up the 3,000^th hit of Stan Musial (another NPASHOF inductee).

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Art “Pinky Deras – Best-Ever Little Leaguer

Art “Pinky” Deras was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 – recognizing his exploits as a 12-year-old Little Leaguer – leading the Hamtramck, Michigan team to the 1958 Little League National Championship. Now, Deras was big for his age, six-feet tall and 135 pounds as a 12-year-old. He was also a dominant force – going 18-0 on the mound (16 shutouts and ten no-hitters) and whiffing 298 batters in 108 innings. That means 92 percent of his outs came via the strikeout. He also hit a resounding .641, with 33 home runs and 112 RBI.

Deras signed a contract with the Cardinals right out of high school, declining of football scholarship to Michigan State. He played five minor league seasons, hitting .243, with 32 home runs in 518 games. He did not pitch in professionally ranks.

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Primary resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Society for American Baseball Research; National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.

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