For your consideration – a quick piece of baseball trivia.
On July 31, 1954, Milwaukee Braves’ first baseman Joe Adcock tied a major league record by homering four times in a single game (as the Braves topped the Dodgers 15-7 at Ebbets Field). Adcock notched his four round trippers off four different Dodger hurlers – Don Newcombe (2nd inning); Erv Palica (5th inning); Pete Wojey (7th inning); and Johnny Podres (9th inning). The big first sacker also doubled – going five-for-five, scoring five times and driving in seven. Adcock enjoyed a 17-season MLB career (Reds, Braves, Indians, Angels), in which he hit .277, with 336 home runs and 1,112 RBI. His best season was 1956, when he went .291-38-103 for the Braves.
Now here’s your trivia question. Adcock set a record for total bases in a single game (18) that day. The record stood until this day (May 23) in 2002, when it was broken by, ironically, a Dodger at Milwaukee (versus Brewers). Name this Dodger, who went six-for-six that day, with a still-record 19 total bases (four home runs, a double and a single), scored six times and drove in seven runs in a 16-3 Dodger victory.
For the answer, click here:
Quick Baseball Trivia
MLB in Oakland – Fans Come for the Action, Not the Ambiance
Sunday, May 17th, I took in a game at my 28th major league ballpark – as the Oakland Athletics took on the Chicago White Sox at Oakland’s O.co (Overlook.com) Coliseum – and while (at many levels) it wasn’t very pretty, for a baseball fan, it was a pretty good time.
We had great seats for the Oakland-Chicago contes. (Thanks go out to my daughter Elan.) Note the tarp covering the third-deck seats and the warehouse-like “Mount Davis” in the outfield – part of what you get when you’re housed in the last multi-purpose facility serving MLB and the NFL teams. The A’s fans were loud, loyal and knew the game. One fan cautioned “Don’t expect anything fancy here. Fans come here to see the game – not to be seen at the game.
The A’s came into the game with the major league’s worst record and an MLB-leading 38 errors. In dropping the contest to the ChiSox by a 7-3 margin, the home team added four more errors, and made it 14 consecutive games with at least one fielding miscue. In short, it wasn’t a very pretty game – and it wasn’t played in a very pretty setting.
Like all baseball games, however, there was still plenty to see – and remember. I’m a fan of the artful 6-4-3 and 4-6-3 double plays – and we got to see one of each. Notably, one of those was started by A’s shortstop Marcus Semien – on a tough short-hop grounder that could easily have handcuffed him. Earlier that same inning (top of the fifth), Semien had made his MLB-leading 13th error.
BBRT Note: Three days after this game, the A’s hired former Twins’ infielder (and former A’s coach and Rangers’ Manager) Ron Washington to work with the A’s players on their defense. Washington played six seasons with the Twins and also played in the majors with the Dodgers, Orioles, Indians and Astros. In addition, he was an A’s coach for eleven seasons (1996-2007) and managed the Rangers for eight seasons – taking the team to its first World Series in 2010.
Max Muncy, promoted to the A’s (from AAA Nashville) April 25 hit his first MLB home run May 17.
We also saw an impressive performance by former Athletic Jeff Samardzija, who came to the White Sox from the A’s in an off-season trade that included Semien. Samardzija (pronounce that one) earned the win with a solid eight innings, consistently reaching the mid-90s with his fastball. In addition, we witnessed a sliver of history, as A’s first baseman Max Muncy rapped his first major league home run – a two-run shot to right center in the bottom of the fourth, just out of the reach of a leaping Adam Eaton. Oakland’s leadoff hitter Billy Burns (great baseball name) stung three singles and “burned” (couldn’t resist that one) Samardzija and the Sox for his third stolen base. Oakland reliever Dan Otero got a well-deserved mini-standing ovation from A’s fans who appropriately appreciated his 3 1/3 one-hit innings of relief.
But, this post is really more about the Coliseum than the game – which, as you will see as your read on, is a bit ironic.
If you want to step back in time – to an era in which all ballplayers weren’t millionaires, when fans spent the time between innings talking baseball (as opposed to texting or taking selfies), when attending the game was all about the action and not the amenities, when a complete and accurate scorecard was a source of pride, and when a double play was more important than a double martini – the O.co Coliseum may be just the ticket for you.
As my son-in-law Amir, who joined me at the game, commented, “This (O.co Coliseum) seems like the home of blue collar baseball.” And, as I learned from talking to Oakland A’s fans, despite their complaints about the condition of the Coliseum, they take pride in the fact that it is their ballpark, home to their team and “makes the game the thing.” As I was chatting with fans in the line at the Herradura Bar concession stand (more on that later), a gentleman in a A’s jersey, jeans and an A’s cap cautioned me, “Don’t look for anything fancy here. Fans come here to see the game – not to be seen at the game.” (The “like at some other ballparks” seemed implied at the end of his comment.) That turned out to be a wise observation. From BBRT’s perspective, the A’s deserve (need) a new or at least improved home, but there is an atmosphere at the Coliseum that makes a ball game at a not-so-pretty stadium a pretty good experience. In this post, I’d like to share a few thoughts on my first visit to Oakland’s Coliseum.
The O.co Coliseum (originally known as the Oakland-Alameda County Stadium) opened as the home of the American Football League’s Oakland Raiders in 1966 and began its tenure as a home to Major League Baseball when the Kansas City Athletics moved west in 1968. While baseball facilities around the major leagues have changed over the years, the Coliseum seems to have remained firmly rooted in the 1960s (or maybe as far forward as the 1970s). As a long-time Twins’ fan who remembers the days of Metropolitan Stadium (original home to both the Twins and Vikings), my visit to the Coliseum was a somewhat nostalgic journey back in time.
Getting There
First, there’s an old saying that “Getting there is half the fun.” Clearly not the case for many of today’s urban ballparks. Driving downtown and finding a parking spot (particularly for a midweek day game) can be a frustrating and expensive experience. The good news in Oakland is that getting to the Coliseum is not likely to test your nerves. The ballpark is close to major freeway exits (off Interstate 880) and (like the old Metropolitan Stadium) has its own parking lot ($20). The ballpark is also accessible via BART, transit buses and even Amtrak has a Coliseum stop. Take public transport and you’ll be traveling to and from the game with a host of other baseball fans. In short, the Coliseum is one of the most accessible ballparks around.
The Parking Lot
The Oakland experience starts in the parking lot.
BBRT suggests that, to get the full Oakland A’s experience, you drive to the game – and pack some food, beverages, music and, if possible, a barbeque grill. This, by the way, is a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that, for many A’s fans, the game-day experience starts in the parking lot, where tailgating is energetic and popular. The bad news is that, while many MLB facilities have moved into downtown areas, or seen the nearby neighborhoods develop as pre- and post-game food, beverage and entertainment destinations, the Coliseum is firmly entrenched in an industrial park. The parking lot is, out of necessity, the pre-game destination of choice. Translation – Pretty much the only choice. But, it can be a good one.
Our stroll from the “D” section of the lot again took me back to the early days of the Twins, when the Metropolitan Stadium parking lot would begin to fill up (and the celebration of baseball and Minnesota’s short summer would move into full swing) well before game time. As you cross the Coliseum’s ample lot, you are pleasantly assailed by the smell of grilling sausages of all ethnicities and the sound of music of nearly all genres. Baseballs, softballs, bean bags and even an occasional football (the Oakland Raiders do share the stadium, after all) fill the air; green and gold Athletics gear provides the color; and an often booming base line is complemented by plenty of laughter and animated baseball conversation. All of this works to get fans truly “ready” for the game ahead.
Inside the Park
Once inside the ballpark, there is again good news and bad news.
Good News: Ticket prices are reasonable (the A’s are in the bottom-third of MLB in terms of average ticket prices and MLB Team Marketing Reports found the A’s to have the sixth-lowest total cost for attending a game. We had great seats – between home plate and third base, just 26 rows from the field – for just $46 each.
More Good News: The grass is brilliant green, the ball stark white, the sky deep blue and the field in major league shape. Very simply, you are at a baseball game – what could be better (Okay, maybe a doubleheader)?
Bad News: The fact that the Coliseum is the only remaining stadium to serve an NFL and MLB team does baseball fans no favors. To reduce seating for baseball (the Coliseum holds approximately 63,000 for football and 35,000 for baseball), the A’s have covered pretty much all of the upper deck seats with a green tarp that appears to have seen better days. (See the photo at the top of the post.)
Even the bullpens are “old school” at the Coliseum – located on the field in the ball parks wide foul territory.
Then there is the infamous (among A’s fans) “Mount Davis.” In 1996, additional seating (including luxury boxes) was added in centerfield (part of the efforts to lure the Raiders, who had fled Oakland for Los Angeles in 1982, back to Oakland). These added seats gave baseball fans a center field view worthy (or unworthy) of the stadium’s industrial area location. Oakland fans I talked to reminisced about the previous outfield vista – the hills above the Coliseum – and referred to this outfield section as “Mount Davis” (a negative reference to the late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis).
More Bad News: The stadium’s concrete walls could use a good power washing (both outside and in the concourses) – and it wouldn’t hurt to paint over the graffiti in the restrooms.
Food and Drink
Good News: The A’s have what is likely MLB’s most fan- and family-friendly policy regarding outside food and beverage. You can actually bring in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. The family of four sitting down the row from us had brought in two shopping bags full of goodies – from sandwiches to chips to soda (plastic bottles – no metal or glass containers).They were munching the whole game – and never reached for their wallets. (I was jealous – and it was a lesson learned for when I get back to Oakland.)
Bad News: If you don’t bring in your own food, the choices (and ambiance) fall short of the unique fare and facilities at many ballparks. (I might be a bit spoiled by the food and facilities at Minnesota’s Target Field – which you can read about by clicking here.)
What could be more “old school” than a Malt Cup (with wooden spoon) balanced on an accurately kept scorecard.
Good News: In January 2014, the Coliseum signed up with a new food service provider and food choices are said to be on the upswing. A few recommendations BBRT received from fans and A’s staff: Visit the “Bar and Grille” in section 215 (sit-down service there); Try the Brick Oven Pizza or Calzones; While at the ballpark, don’t miss the Garlic Fries; If you like ribs, try Ribs & Things (section 104); You can fill up on the Super Chicken Nachos; The double corn dog is a winner. For BBRT, a visit to the Coliseum cries out for traditional (old school) ballpark fare – hot dogs, polish sausages or brats; Cracker Jack; peanuts; malt cups (with wooden spoons); beer; and maybe a “stretch” to those Super Chicken Nachos – all eaten at your seat, while balancing an accurately maintained scorecard.
Good News: There are plenty of vendors working the aisles – and, unlike some ballparks, they didn’t seem to disappear in the late innings. You don’t really have to leave your seat (and scorecard) if you don’t want to.
Bad News: BBRT, as regular readers know, likes to try (and then rate) the Bloody Mary offerings at each ball park. The Herradura Bar (Section 126) was recommended as a good spot to order up the prerequisite beverage. How was it? Look at the photo to the left. Enough said, back to beer and peanuts. For a look at some other ballpark Bloody Marys, click here, here and here.
The Fans
Good News: It’s all good news here. A’s fans are knowledgeable, loud and love their baseball and their team. They appreciate and applaud good plays by the home team and visiting team, heckle with gusto when appropriate and seem to spend less time on their smart phones than fans I’ve seen at other ball parks. While they are more than willing to express their frustration with the early portion of the 2015 season, they are also quick to acknowledge (and point out) that the A’s have a pretty consistent record of success – and a reputation for getting the most out of their budget and players. (And, they’re right about that. The A’s can look back to first-place finishes in 1971-72-73-74-75-81-88-89-90-92-2000-02-03-06-12-13 and, in 2014, made the post season as an AL Wild Card team).
In short, the A’s have a reputation for putting a consistently good team on the field. For more on that, rent the movie “Moneyball.”
Ultimately, while attending an Oakland A’s home game may not be that “pretty” – it’s likely to be a pretty good time. I’m looking forward to my next California trip – and hoping the A’s are in town. If you get out that way, I suggest taking in the Oakland A’s experience.
Ron Necciai – Baseball’s Highest Flying Rocket
On this day (May 13) in 1952, the Appalachian League’s leading team – The Bristol Twins – was about to take the field against its closest pursuers, the second-place Welch Miners. The Miners’ hitters (and the approximately 1,200 fans gathered at Bristol, Virginia’s Shaw Stadium) were blithely unaware of what lay in store for them – and that they were about to “earn” a place in baseball history that will likely never be relinquished.
Starting on the mound for Bristol was a stripling thin, 19-year-old right-hander (6’ 5”, 185-pounds) with a hard to spell and equally difficult to pronounce name – Ron Necciai (netch-eye). By the end of the night, the Miners would find Necciai’s fastball and curve equally difficult to make contact with (a record 27 strikeouts in a nine-inning game) and Necciai’s name would be hard to forget as well.
Necciai brought to the mound a blazing, moving fastball and devastating breaking ball – as well as a case of painful stomach ulcers that would force him to consume milk and cottage cheese between innings. He also carried with him a reputation as a major-league prospect who was finally finding his groove after two less than sterling minor league seasons (5-14, 6.24 ERA for three teams in the Pirates’ system). Necciai had the proverbial “stuff,” he just hadn’t harnessed it yet. (In those first two seasons, he walked 137 batters in 142 innings.) But that seemed to be changing in 1952. There were those, in fact, who said he would have gone north with the Pittsburgh Pirates that spring had his ulcer not flared up as the team broke Spring Training.
That day in Bristol, a nervous Necciai put it all together – and history was made. The first inning proved to be an omen, as Necciai struck out all three Welch batters. By the time they got to the top of the ninth, Necciai had a 7-0 lead – and Welch had put only two balls in play – a ground out (shortstop to first) in the second and a second grounder to shortstop in the third that resulted in an error and a base runner. Only two other batters had reached base – via a walk and a hit-by-pitch.
So, Necciai strode to the mound for the ninth inning – fortified with milk, cottage cheese and a Banthine pill – on the verge of a no-hitter. Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that he had logged 23 strikeouts. His stomach may have been the only thing in the ballpark that was hotter than his fastball. Necciai proceeded to fan the first two hitters in the ninth (bringing his total to 25). He then notched strikeout number 26 to apparently end the contest and preserve the no-hitter, but the ball got by the catcher (passed ball) and the flailing hitter reached first. So, Necciai stood at 26 whiffs, no-hits, one on and two out. Fittingly, Necciai ended the game by notching his fourth strikeout of the inning and his professional baseball record 27th for a nine-inning contest.
In his first start after the 27 strikeout effort, Necciai proved his May 13 performance was no fluke, fanning 24 batters in a two-hitter. That start earned him a promotion to the Class-B Burlington-Graham Pirates of the Carolina League. In his six 1952 appearances at Bristol, Necciai had logged 43 innings, given up just 10 hits and two earned runs (0.42 ERA), walked 20, hit two batters and fanned 109 (nearly 22.8 per nine innings).
At Burlington-Graham, Necciai whiffed 14 in his first start and a league-leading 172 in 126 innings, compiling a 7-9 record with a 1.57 ERA. By early August, Necciai – now known as “Rocket Ron” and drawing comparison to the likes of a young Bob Feller – was up with the Pirates, making his MLB debut on August 10.
Perhaps due to his nervous nature, Necciai didn’t fare well with Pittsburgh, going 1-6, 7.08 in 12 games (nine starts), with 31 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings. (Ironically, in his only win – August 24 – Necciai struck out only one batter in eight innings of work, giving up three runs on seven hits in a 4-3 victory over the Boston Braves.) Still he showed flashes of his Rocket Ron reputation (in his final outing of the season – September 28 at Cincinnati – he gave up two runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out eight), and the Pirates were hoping Necciai would get over his rookie season nerves and “right the ship” in 1953. It was not to be.
Necciai was drafted into the Army in early 1953, where his stomach difficulties intensified. Given a medical discharge, he returned to the Pirates in April and – pushing himself to make up for lost time and a missed Spring Training – suffered an arm (likely rotator cuff) injury. This, of course, was pre-Tommy John surgery and Necciai never recovered. He never made it back to the big leagues and by 1955 was out of baseball.
However, for a brief period in 1952 – and one May 13 in particular – Rocket Ron Necciai was baseball’s highest flyer.
Primary Resources: MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com
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Getting Off to a Good Start – First-Pitch Home Runs
On May 6, as the Twins took the measure of the Oakland A’s 13-0, Eddie Rosario made his major league debut – and he got off to a pretty fast start. In his first at bat, in the third inning, the rookie right fielder hit a Scott Kazmir fastball into the left field bleachers – becoming 119th player to homer in his first MLB at bat. More significantly, Rosario become only the 29th MLBer to homer on the very first pitch he ever saw in “the show.”
This piqued BBRT’s curiosity. Who were those 29 first-pitch, first-swing sultans of swat – and what did they do after their auspicious inaugural plate appearances? What I learned was a little surprising.
- Two MLB players have enjoyed the ultimate satisfaction of squaring up for a Grand Slam on the first major league pitch they ever saw: Kevin Kouzmanoff for the Indians on September 2, 2006 and Daniel Nava for the Red Sox on June 12, 2010.
Of the 29 first-pitch-ever HRs, 19 were solo shots, five were two-run homers, three were three-run home runs and two were grand slams.
- Their first-pitch home runs represent the only MLB round trippers for eight of the 29 players (although this includes Rosario and Twins’ pitcher Tommy Milone (recently sent down to Triple A Rochester) – both still active.
Angels’ right-handed pitcher Don Rose’s first-pitch-ever home run was not only his only MLB round tripper, it was the difference in the Angels 6-5 win over the A’s at Oakland, which happened to also be Rose’s only major league victory (he went 1-4, 4.14 over three seasons).
- The most career home runs by a player who homered on the first MLB pitch he ever saw is 195 by Jay Bell (first-pitch HR at 2B for the Indians on September 29, 1986 – 18-season MLB career). The most home runs hit the season the player hit his first-pitch HR is 14 by outfielder Chris Richard (first-pitch homer for the Cardinals on July 17, 2000). Notably, that first-pitch shot was the only one Richard would hit for the Cardinals (or in the National League). After appearing in just six games with the Cardinals, Richard was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Mike Timlin. Richard played in 56 games for Orioles that season – adding another 13 round trippers. (He finished the season at .265-14-37.)
The most home runs hit in any subsequent season by a member of the first-pitch-ever HR club is 38 by Bell (for the Diamondbacks in 1999).
- Seven of the 29 players to hit first-pitch-ever dingers were pitchers (actually eight if you count Gene Stechschulte, who was being used as a pinch hitter when he accomplished the feat for the Cardinals on April 17, 2001).
By the position they were playing, here’s the first-pitch home run hitter count: pitchers (7); pinch hitters (7); left fielders (4); right fielders (3); first baseman (2); shortstops (2); designated hitters (2); second baseman (1); catchers (1). Among the pinch-hitters and DHs, the primary positions played when they appeared in the field were RF (3) and LF (2); third base (2); pitcher and first base (1 each).
- Seven players came through with first-pitch HRs as pinch hitters. The most interesting of these was Gene Stechschulte. The 6’ 5”, 210-pound Cardinals’ right hander is the only MLB pitcher to homer on the first pitch he ever saw, while being used as a pinch-hitter. Stechschulte’s homer (a two-run shot) came in the sixth inning of a Cardinals’ 17-4 loss to the Diamondbacks (April 17, 2001). It was only Stechschulte’s second professional at bat – and his second extra base hit. He had one minor league at bat (in 204 games) collecting a double.
- Only two players hit a second round tripper in the same game in which they achieved their first-pitch HR. On July 23, 1964, A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris went three-for-four, with two homers, two runs and three RBI as his Kansas City Athletics topped the Twins 4-3 in eleven innings. On August 2, 2010, Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia went four-for-five with two homers, a double, three runs and three RBI as the Blue Jays topped Tampa Bay 17-11. Arencibia is the only member of the first-pitch-ever HR club to also collect four hits in the same game.
- The 29 first-pitch home runs have been pretty well split: 15 by American Leaguers and 14 by National Leaguers, as well as 15 by the home team and on the road.
- If you’re superstitious, a first-pitch home runs is a pretty good sign. The team whose rookie achieved the historic blast has won 21 of the 29 contests.
- The Cardinals have had more players homer on the first pitch they ever saw than any other team – four. The American League leader is Toronto with three. Washington has seen the feat accomplished in both the AL (Senators) and NL (Nationals).
Finally, the list:
Walter Mueller, RF, Pirates … May 7, 1922
Clise Dudley, P, Robins (Dodgers) … April 27, 1929
Eddie Morgan, PH, Cardinals … April 14, 1936
Bill LeFevbre, P, Red Sox … June 10, 1938
Clyde Vollmer, LF, Reds … May 31, 1942
George (Sam) Vico, 1B, Tigers … April 20, 1948
Chuck Tanner, PH, Braves … April 12, 1955
Bert Campaneris, SS, Athletics (KC) … July 23, 1964
Brant Alyea, PH, Senators … September 12, 1965
Don Rose, P, Angels … May 24, 1972
Al Woods, PH, Blue Jays … April 7, 1977
Jay Bell, 2B, Indians … September 29, 1986
Junior Felix, DH, Blue Jays … May 4, 1989
Jim Bullinger, P, Cubs … June 8 1992
Jay Gainer, 1B, Rockies … May 14, 1993
Esteban Yan, P, Rays … June 4, 2000
Chris Richard, LF, Cardinals … July 17, 2000
Gene Stechschulte, PH, Cardinals … April 17, 2001
Marcus Thames, RF, Yankees … June 10, 2002
Kaz Matsui, SS, Mets … April 6, 2004
Andy Phillips, PH, Yankees … September 26, 2004
Adam Wainwright, P, Cardinals … May 24, 2006
Kevin Kouzmanoff, DH, Indians …September 2, 2006
Mark Saccomanno, PH, Astros … September 8, 2008
Daniel Nava, LF, Red Sox … June 12, 2010
J.P. Arencibia, C, Blue Jays … August 7, 2010
Tommy Milone, P, Nationals … September 3, 2011
Starling Marte, LF, Pirates … July 26, 2012
Eddie Rosario, RF, Twins … May 6, 2015
Note: Apologies for being a little late with this post. I’ve been out of town, on the road and a little distracted – see the photo to the left. Despite the lure of the Napa Valley, I did find time to take in a UC Davis baseball game – which the home squad won 10-2 over CSUN (see photo at the end of this post). I hope you enjoyed the first-pitch homer factoids.
Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals 2015 Electees announced
If you follow Baseball Roundtable, you are probably aware of the fact that BBRT is proud to be a member of The Baseball Reliquary – a free-spirited organization dedicated to celebrating the human side of baseball’s history and heritage. The Baseball Reliquary is truly a fans’ organization, committed to recognizing baseball’s place in American culture and to honoring the character and characters of the national pastime. The Reliquary pursues that mission through its collection of artifacts, traveling exhibitions, ties to the Whittier College Institute for Baseball Studies and (perhaps, most visibly) through its own version of the Baseball Hall of Fame – the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals. For more on the Baseball Reliquary, and why you should become a member, click here.
The Reliquary’s Board of Directors recently (May 4) announced its 2015 Shrine of the Eternals electees – each year, the top three vote getters (all Baseball Reliquary members may cast votes) are honored. The induction ceremony for this 17th Shrine “class” will take place beginning at 2:00 p.m., July 19 in the Pasadena (CA) Central Library’s Donald R. Wright Auditorium. Before we take a look at this year’s electees, BBRT would like to share what the Baseball Reliquary has to say about its highest honor.
Similar in concept to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Shrine of the Eternals differs philosophically in that statistical accomplishment is not the principal criterion for election. It is believed that the election of individuals on merits other than statistics and playing ability will offer the opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of baseball than has heretofore been provided by “Halls of Fame” in the more traditional and conservative institutions.
Criteria for election shall be: the distinctiveness of play (good or bad); the uniqueness of character and personality; and the imprint that the individual has made on the baseball landscape. Electees, both on and off the diamond, shall have been responsible for developing baseball in one or more of the following ways: through athletic and/or business achievements; in terms of its larger cultural and sociological impact as a mass entertainment; and as an arena for the human imagination.
The diversity of past honorees is a clear indication that the Baseball Reliquary and its member-voters are living up to the stated criteria. Past inductees include (among others) a one-armed major league outfielder, a pitcher who once threw a no-hitter while high on LSD, a team owner who sent a midget to the plate, a man in a chicken suit, a member of Major League Baseball’s 3,000-hit club, a manager who won eight World Championships, a surgeon, a labor leader, a statistical wizard and more than one best-selling author.
So, who are the Reliquary’s 2015 electees? Diversity rules again. The 2015 Class of the Shrine of the Eternals includes a baseball card designer; a West Coast minor league legend; and an MLBer who faced prejudice with his own brand of courage.
For BBRT, this may go down as the Class of the Killer B’s – (Sy) Berger; (Steve) Bilko; (Glenn) Burke. Here’s a look at the three electees through excerpts (in italics) from the Baseball Reliquary’s announcement. For more detail, as well as a full listing of nominees and their vote totals, visit the post on the Baseball Reliquary’s web site by clicking here. At the end of this post, I’ll also include a few comments on 2015 nominees that did not get elected, but did receive BBRT’s vote. Note: BBRT did cast votes for Berger and Burke.
Sy Berger (1923-2014) – “Father of the Modern Day Baseball Card” – 31% of the vote.
Born in the Bronx, just blocks from Yankee Stadium, Berger joined the Brooklyn-based Topps Chewing Gum Company as an assistant sales manager in 1947 and headed its sports department for half a century. During his tenure, he designed and oversaw the production of some of the most innovative and revered baseball cards of all-time. He is often called the “Father of the Modern Day Baseball Card” for his work on the 1952 Topps baseball set, which he designed (with help from Woody Gelman) on his kitchen table and which for the first time incorporated team logos along with facsimile signatures, statistics, and personal information on the players. This same format continues to the present day.
Berger would remain with Topps as an employee for fifty years (1947-1997), and would serve as vice-president, and then consultant and board member. He was still working as the company’s principle liaison between the players, teams, and leagues until his retirement in 2003.
Steve Bilko (1928-78) – West Coast Minor League Legend – 31% of the vote.
Bilko was not a star in the big leagues. Over a peripatetic ten-year career, he was a regular for only one season (1953, with the Cardinals), and he appeared in more than 100 games only one other time (1961, with the expansion Angels). He could hit for power, but struck out too often. He had no speed. To explain the lingering mystique of this moon-faced, lumbering first baseman, we must look at the Pacific Coast League, with franchises located along the West Coast and featuring a prolonged weather-friendly playing season, competitive pennant races and playoffs, and a rabidly partisan fan base.
The PCL produced great baseball until the Dodgers and Giants relocated to Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively, in 1958.
In those waning years of PCL supremacy, Bilko was the slugging star for the Los Angeles Angels, who wowed fans with mammoth home runs and exceptionally fierce strikeouts. He led the PCL in home runs for three consecutive seasons from 1955 to 1957, winning the league Triple Crown in 1956 with a .360 average, 55 HRs, and 164 RBI. He was by far the biggest sports star in Los Angeles history prior to the arrival of the Dodgers.
Recognizing his popularity with local fans, the Dodgers added Bilko to their roster as a gate attraction for their inaugural campaign in Los Angeles. The Angels (the American League expansion team) did likewise in 1961, providing Bilko with a final chance to awe the fans at his old haunt, Los Angeles’s Wrigley Field. For those who saw him play in the PCL, he will always be remembered as a superstar. That his glory years coincided with the demise of a much-loved league adds a last wistful touch to his legend.
BBRT note: In ten MLB seasons, Bilko played in 600 games and put up a .249-76-276 stat line. In 13 minor league campaigns, he played in 1,533 games – hitting .312, with 313 home runs. As noted above, in 1956, with the Los Angeles Angels, he captured the Pacific Coast League Triple Crown with a .360 batting average, 55 home runs and 164 runs batted in. He followed that up, again for the Angels, with a .300-56-140 season in 1957. Bilko was inducted into the PCL Hall of Fame in 2003.
Glenn Burke (1952-95) – Crossing the Barrier of Prejudice – 31% of the vote.
Burke was a fleet, capable outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics during a four-year major league career from 1976 through 1979. He was the first big league ballplayer to publicly acknowledge he was gay. Although his public disclosure came after he had retired, Burke’s sexual preference was well known during his playing days, and he encountered widespread homophobia from locker rooms to board rooms.
While never given an everyday opportunity with the Dodgers to show his mettle, Burke did make one lasting contribution to popular culture while with the team. After Dusty Baker’s 30th home run at the end of the 1977 season — a feat which made the Dodgers the only team at that time to have four different players hit 30 or more taters — Burke raised his hands in celebration at home plate. As Baker crossed the plate he reached up, slapped one, and the high-five was born.
Having appeared in just over 100 games for Los Angeles during parts of three seasons, Burke was sent packing to Oakland. Returning to his hometown didn’t make Burke’s life any easier. A’s manager Billy Martin made public statements about not wanting a homosexual in his clubhouse, a clear reference to Burke. After just two years with the A’s, Burke quit baseball in frustration. He became active in amateur athletic competition after baseball, competing in the 1982 and 1986 Gay Games in basketball and track. Burke died of complications from AIDS-related illness in 1995.
A documentary, Out: The Glenn Burke Story, was released in 2010.
BBRT note: In 2013, Burke was among the first group of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame. Burke was also honored at a press conference prior to the 2014 MLB All Star game. How good could Burke haven been? We’ll never know, but in 600 minor league games, he hit .293, with 48 home runs and 214 stolen bases.
So there’s the 2015 Shrine of the Eternals inductees. Now here’s a look at those who got BBRT’s vote, but didn’t make the final three.
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Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935 – *)
Johnson was one of three females to play for the Indianapolis Clowns during the declining days of the Negro Leagues. Johnson took the mound to the Clowns for three seasons (1953-55), running up a 33-8 record. Her exploits are chronicled in the children’s book A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut Johnson, by Michelle Y. Green.
Rube Waddell (1876-1914)
Rube Waddell is pretty much granted the title of the zaniest player in MLB history – but he was also one of the best (at least when he was focused on the game). Waddell was known to wrestle alligators, leave a ball game to chase a fire engine, miss a game he was scheduled to start because he was fishing or playing marbles with neighborhood kids, bring his outfielders in to sit on the grass and then proceed to fan the side – and frequently do battle with owners and managers. Waddell was more interested in the freedom to enjoy life and do things his way than money. But, when Waddell was on his game, he was arguably the best pitcher of his time. The 6’1”, 195-lb. lefty led the AL in strikeouts six consecutive seasons (1902-1907) – by a wide margin.
How good was Waddell? In 1902, he joined the Philadelphia Athletics in June – making his first start on June 26 (with just 86 games left in the season.) Waddell proceeded to win 24 games (the league’s second-highest total) against seven losses, with a 2.05 ERA. Perhaps more telling is that, despite his shortened season, he led the AL with 210 strikeouts, fifty more than the runner-up (none other than Cy Young, who had 16 more starts than Waddell).
In 1904, Waddell set a modern (post-1900) MLB record with 349 strikeouts that stood until 1965. Waddell, elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, finished with a 193-143, 2.16 line – leading the AL in strikeouts six times, ERA twice, wins once and complete games once. For more on Waddell, BBRT suggests: Rube Waddell: The Zany, Brilliant Life of a Strikeout Artist, by Allan Howard Levy and Just a Big Kid: The Life and Times of Rube Waddell, by Paul Proia.
Pete Reiser (1919-81)
Combine Willie Mays’ skill set (younger folks, think Mike Trout) with Pete Rose’s hustle and Yasiel Puig’s on-field abandon and you have Pete Reiser. In his first MLB full season (CF, Dodgers), a 22-year-old Reiser dazzled defensively and led the NL in runs scored (117), doubles (39), triples (17), batting average (.343), total bases (299) and hit by pitch (11) – tossing in 14 home runs and 76 RBI for good measure. Unfortunately, unpadded outfield walls, helmet-less at bats (the fiery Reiser was a frequent target) and aggressiveness on the base paths (Reiser twice led the NL in stolen bases) took their toll.
In his ten-season career, Reiser endured five skull fractures, a brain injury, a dislocated shoulder and a damaged knee. He was carted off the field 11 times during his career (six times unconscious) and once actually given last rites at the stadium – and he played on. The three-time All Star retired as a player with a .295 career average, playing in 861 games over ten seasons. No telling what he might have done with padded outfield walls and batting helmets. Pete Reiser was a true – and talented – gamer. For more on Reiser, try Pete Reiser: The Rough and Tumble Career of the Perfect Ballplayer, by Sidney Jacobson.
Denny McLain (1944- *)
MLB’s last 30-game winner (31-6 for the Tigers in 1968), BBRT views McLain as the Pitcher of the Year in what baseball analysts often refer to as the Year of the Pitcher. And, he wasn’t a one- year wonder. McLain won 20 or more games three times, captured two Cy Young Awards (1968-69) and one AL MVP Award (1968). McLain, who ran up a 131-91, 3.39 record in ten MLB seasons, was a colorful and complex a character off the field and on. His life experience provides a tale of ups and downs – from being selected the 1968 Associate Press Male Athlete of the Year and Sporting News Major League Player of the Year to a six-year prison stint.
McLain is likely the only former major leaguer whose bio includes such varied terminology as MVP, Cy Young Award, All Star game starting pitcher, World Series opening game starter – as well as pilot, Capitol Records recording artist, talk show host, author and ex-con. McLain’s story gives baseball fans plenty to talk about – and you can learn more by reading I Told You I Wasn’t Perfect, by Denny McLain and Eli Zaret.
Oh, and just one more bit on Denny McLain. He started the 1966 All Star game (vs. Sandy Koufax) and retired all nine batters he faced (Mays, Clemente, Aaron, McCovey, Santo, J. Torre, Lefebvre, Cardenas, Flood) on just 28 pitches –striking out Mays, Aaron and Torre. That alone justifies consideration for the Shrine of the Eternals.
Effa Manley (1900-81)
The first woman enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, during the 1930s and 1940s, Manley ran the day-to-day operations of the Negro National League Newark Eagles (owned by her husband Abe Manley) – at a time when baseball, on the field and in the executive offices, was considered a “man’s domain.” Effa, often thought of as a light-skinned black, was actually white. She, however, grew up with a black stepfather and mixed-race siblings and was active in the New Jersey branch of the NAACP and Citizen’s League for Fair Play. Effa Manley deserves recognition for overcoming both racial and sexual barriers as she exercised leadership in the national pastime.
David Mullany (1908-90)
David Mullany was the inventor of the Wiffle® Ball (1953), which ultimately changed backyard baseball for millions of young (and old) players and fans. I know I loved my white perforated plastic ball and yellow plastic bat – and played more than one backyard World Series opener with them (without shattering a single window). Today, there are Wiffle Ball fields, leagues and tournaments. The company is still operated by the Mullany family and you can learn more by visiting their website (www.wiffle.com)
Charles M. Conlon (1868-1945)
One of the greatest baseball photographers ever, Conlon produced a tremendous library of portraits and action photos of baseball’s greats, near greats and also-rans. Conlon’s 1909 photograph of Ty Cobb sliding into third base with spikes flying and teeth clenched is considered by many to be the greatest baseball action picture ever taken. His photos appeared regularly in such publications as The Sporting News, Baseball Magazine, and the Spalding and Reach Base Ball Guides, but it was the 1993 book, Baseball’s Golden Age: The Photographs of Charles M. Conlon that finally brought the full impact of his contributions to the fore.
Vic Power (1927-2005)
In 1963, baseball held it first and only Latino All Star Game – October 12 at New York City’s Polo Grounds – featuring such Hispanic stars as Juan Marichal, Roberto Clemente, Louis Aparicio, Tony Oliva, Minnie Minoso, Felipe Alou, Orlando Cepeda and Vic Power. In pre-game ceremonies, Vic Power was honored as the number-one Latino player – such was the power and popularity of Vic Power.
During his 12-year MLB career, Power proved a capable hitter (.284 lifetime average) and a flashy fielder, who won seven consecutive Gold Gloves at first base. Power’s contribution to the game went much further, however, Power served as mentor to many of the Latino/Hispanic player entering major league baseball in the 1950s and 1960s. Power was a trailblazer for today’s generation of Latino stars.
John Young (1949-*)
A 6’3”, 210-pound, left-handed first baseman, John Young hit .325, with four home runs, 60 RBI and 26 stolen bases (in 29 attempts) in 99 games at Single A Lakeland (Tigers’ farm team) as a twenty-year old (in 1969). The first-round draft choice (16th overall in the 1969 draft) truly looked like a player with promise – and, in fact, enjoyed a big league cup of coffee with the Tigers in 1971 (two games, four at bats, two hits, one run, one RBI, one double). A wrist injury derailed his playing career, but didn’t dampen his love for the game and he went on to a long career as a scout. It was during his scouting days that Young developed a concern for the decline of baseball among young people – particularly in the inner cities. In response, Young came up with the concept for the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program. Officially launched in 1989, the RBI program is now supported by all thirty MLB clubs and is active in more than 200 communities – annually providing more than 260,000 youngsters the opportunity to play baseball and softball. (The program also includes educational and life skills components.) A few RBI alumni in the major leagues include: Carl Crawford, Justin Upton, CC Sabathia, James Loney and Manny Machado.
So, there’s my 2015 Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals ballot – and I’m already looking forward to next year.
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Catch of the Day – Worth Another Look
Twenty-six years ago today (April 26, 1989), Giants’ left fielder Kevin Mitchell made a spectacular bare-handed catch of a long line drive – ironically off the bat of Saint Louis Cardinals’ shortstop Ozzie Smith, an eventual 13-time Gold Glove winner known for his truly acrobatic play in the infield. BBRT thinks it’s worth another look. Hope you enjoy it. Note: Mitchell was better known for his bat than his glove. He was the NL MVP in 1989, leading the league in home runs (47) and RBI (125), while hitting .291.
Oh, and just to show I wasn’t exaggerating about Smith being “acrobatic” in the field, here’s another little video snippet.
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
April 17th – A Good Day for a Debut
The Ford Mustang debuted 51 years to the day before Kris Bryant’s first MLB game.
The Ford Mustang, like the Cubs’ Kris Bryant, made its debut on April 17. The Mustang was launched on April 17, 1964 at the World’s Fair in Flushing, New York. The new “pony car” got off to a better start that Bryant – who fanned in his first three at bats and went zero-for-four on the day.
Still, there is plenty of evidence that the Cubs’ 23-year-old top prospect – who started his first day in the major leagues playing third base and batting cleanup – will have a long and successful career; like many of those who debuted on that day before him. In addition to the Ford Mustang (still going strong), April 17th also saw the debut of some pretty good ballplayers – Mickey Mantle (MLB debut April 17, 1951); Roberto Clemente (MLB-debut April 17, 1955); and Frank Robinson (MLB-debut, April 17, 1956).\ among them.
Hang on to these cards!
First-game jitters aside, let’s look at the evidence. Kris Bryant has proven himself at every level he ever played at. He hit over .400 as a high school player (four varsity seasons for Bonanza High School in Las Vegas). As a high school senior, he hit .429, with 22 home runs and 51 RBI – being named a Baseball America and USA Today High School All American.
Bryant went on to play – and excel – for the University of San Diego. As a college player, Bryant was a Freshman All American (2011); Baseball America All American (2012); and a Louisville Slugger First Team All American (2013). In 2013, Bryant led all collegiate players with 31 home runs and won the 2013 Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy (both recognizing the top collegiate baseball player in the nation) and the College Baseball News National Player of the Year award. In three years with San Diego University, he played in 172 games, collected 225 hits (.353 average), hit 54 home runs and drove in 155 runs. He might have done even more damage, if it wasn’t for the 138 walks. Selected in the 18th round of the 2010 MLBH draft by the Blue Jays, Bryant’s college accomplishments moved him up to the first round (second overall) of the 2013 draft.
Bryant did not skip a beat in moving from the college ranks to the Cubs’ minor league system. In his first season, he went from rookie ball to High A (three stops), hitting a combined .336, with nine home runs and 32 RBI. Last season, he made a two-stage jump – Double A and Triple A – hitting a combined .325, with 43 home runs, 110 RBI and 15 steals. Then, in 2015 Spring Training, he really opened up some eyes, hitting .425 with nine home runs (leading all players this spring) in just 40 at bats. He started the 2015 season at Triple A Iowa, where he hit .321 with three home runs and ten RBI in seven games before his call up. All the evidence says this young man is here to stay.
Now, here’s a brief look at three players April 17th has delivered to big league fans in the past.
Mickey Mantle – April 17, 1951
A promising young (19-years-old) outfielder debuted in right field for the New York Yankees on April 17, 1951. Mickey Mantle, batting third that day (Joe DiMaggio was playing center and batting cleanup), had a single, with a run scored and a run driven in, in four at bats – as the Yankees topped the rival Red Sox 5-0. His first MLB at bat resulted in a ground out, second to first.
Mantle’s credentials as a prospect were undeniable. Signed right out of high school (as a shortstop) he hit .313 with seven home runs for the 1949 Independence (KS) Yankees at D Level and then, as an 18-year-old, he hit .383 with 26 home runs and 136 RBI in 137 games for the 1950 Joplin Miners (C Level). Notably, Mantle slumped early in his rookie MLB season and was sent down to the Yankees’ Triple A farm club (Kansas City Blues), where he earned his way back to the major leagues by hitting .361, with 11 home runs and 50 RBI in 40 games. Brought back up, Mantle finished his rookie MLB season hitting .267, with 11 home runs and 65 RBI in 96 games. And the rest is history. In an 18-season MLB career, Mantle was an All Star in 16 seasons, a three-time AL MVP and a Triple Crown winner. He retired with a .298 career average, 536 home runs, 1,509 RBI, 1,676 runs scored and 153 steals. He played his entire career with the Yankees.
April 17, 1955 – Roberto Clemente
April 17, 1955 saw the MLB debut of 20-year-old Roberto Clemente. Clemente led off and played center field for the Pittsburgh Pirates that day – hitting a double and a single, and scoring a run, in four at bats. His very first MLB at bat was a ground out third to first. The previous season, Clemente hit .257, with two home runs and 12 RBI in 87 games with the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Triple A affiliate Montreal (Royals). He had also played two seasons with the Santurce Cangrejeros in Puerto Rico before signing with the Dodgers. In the November 1954 rookie draft, he was picked up by the Pirates. He finished his first season with Pittsburgh hitting .255, with five home runs and 47 RBI in 124 games.
Clemente would go on to an 18-year MLH career – cut short by a tragic (December 31, 1972) plane crash while on a humanitarian mission to his native Puerto Rico. He was an All Star in 12 of those seasons, a four-time batting champion, a 12-time Gold Glover. He ended his career with a .317 batting average, 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,305 RBI and 1,416 runs scored. He played his entire MLB career with the Pirates.
April 17, 1956 – Frank Robinson
April 17, 1956 marked the MLB debut of Frank Robinson – with the twenty-year-old starting in left field and batting seventh for the Cincinnati Reds. In four plate appearances, Robinson collected a double, a single and an intentional walk. His first MLB at bat produced a ground rule double.
Robinson had shown his potential in the minors, hitting .348 with 17 home runs (as a 17-year-old) in 72 games for the Class C Ogden Reds in 1953; a .332 average with 25 home runs at A and Double A in 1954; and .263 with 12 homers in 80 games at single A in 1955. In his rookie season with the Reds, Robinson hit .290, with 38 home runs, 83 RBI and a league-leading 122 runs scored. He went on to a 21-year MLB career, in which he was an All Star in 12 seasons; NL Rookie of the Year; MVP in both the NL and AL; a Triple Crown Winner; a World Series MVP; and All Star Game MVP. Robinson finished his career with a.294 average, 586 home runs, 1,812 RBI, 1,829 runs scored, and 204 steals.
Perhaps someday, we’ll see reports on a new April 17th MLB debut and Kris Bryant will be listed among the premier players that launched their MLB careers that day. Note: They weren’t all hitters, Hall of Fame hurler Don Drysdale took to the MLB mound for the first time on April 17, 1956.
Note: Mantle, Clemente and Robinson picked up the nicknames: The Commerce Comet, The Great One and The Judge. Any suggestions for Mr. Bryant?
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Twins Opening Day – From Festive to Restive
As the game time approaches, the sun seems a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, 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
April 13 was the Minnesota Twins 2015 (Home) Opening Day and, as usual, the Twins did it up right – to a point.
BBRT note: The Twins came into their home opener six games into the season and already five games out of first place, so the level of optimism may not have been quite as prevalent as at some earlier Minnesota home openers – but the excitement surrounding the thought that Baseball Is Back still ran high.
As is tradition, the day started with free breakfast on the Twins Plaza – and what says spring and baseball more than hot dogs, chips and ice cream in the morning, especially when accompanied by blue skies, plenty of sunshine and Twins’ mascot TC the Bear. Breakfast was served from 6-9 a.m., with additional festivities (music and concessions) planned on the Plaza and at the Target Field (light rail) Station beginning at noon The Plaza started to fill up before noon (the gates opened at 1 p.m.) – with nearby eating and drinking establishments, as well as parking lots, drawing big crowds even earlier. (A word of advice from BBRT, when the Twins have a sell out – and this game was sold out – on a work day, get downtown early if you don’t want to spend some time looking for parking.)
The mood was festive, with most of the crowd outfitted in Twins-identified gear, concessions stands on the Plaza doing a brisk business and DJ Madigan spinning plenty of upbeat tunes from the balcony above the crowd. (The mood would later go from festive to restive, but we’ll get to that. Let’s enjoy the moment for now.) Photos with the various statues of Twins’ heroes or sitting in the “big glove” seemed the order of the day.
The Twins hoodies proved a popular Opening Day giveaway – for all 40,000+ fans.
By one p.m., the Plaza was full of happy fans waiting for another Target Field Opening Day tradition, the opening of the gates by Twins’ legends. What better way to enter the ballpark then through a gate opened that day by the likes of Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek or Tom Kelly? To top it off, once you got past the metal detectors, you were handed a free Twins hooded sweatshirt – a true Minnesota-focused promotion. For a look at BBRT’s post on 2015 Twins’ promotions (and some unique items other teams are giving away), click here. Day one of the 81-game home season was off to a great start.
Once inside the ballpark, fans rushed not to find their seats, but rather to secure a seat or place in line at one of Target Field’s many food and beverage locations. From Hrbek’s to Barrio to the Town Ball Tavern and from Red Cow to Kramarczuk’s to Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen, they were all kept busy – and for good reason, the food and drink options at Target Field remain exceptional. (For BBRT’s recent post on 2015’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings click here.)
Shrimp corn Dogs – new ballpark food.
I made my way to Hrbek’s, where the new College Daze Bloody Mary – garnished with everything from cheese to pepperoncini to a slice of pepperoni pizza – was proving quite popular. It seemed mandatory to have your picture taken with the new drink before consuming it. I’m sure social media, like the tip of the pizza slice, was saturated. My pre-game choice was the Shrimp Corn Dogs – jumbo shrimp (served on skewers) fried in jalapeno corn batter with a Chili Lime Aioli for dipping ($15). Great shrimp flavor, just enough “zing” and a complementary tart sauce; and light enough to leave room for the obligatory Opening Day (old school) hot dog later in the day.
Then, with my freshly purchased scorecard in hand, I went in search of my seat – Section 213, Row 1, Seat 14 – and was pleasantly surprised. I was just to the right of home plate, second deck, first row; and the view of the field was great. It was also, particularly for Minnesota, a perfect day for an Opener. Game time temps above 60 degrees, sunny, clear blue sky with just enough clouds to give it some depth. And, as always seems to be the case on Opening Day, the grass was crisp green, the batting practice balls stark white and all the colors in the stadium (logos, bunting, base lines, etc.) especially vibrant.
As we all waited for game time, we enjoyed: a brief performance by recording artist Shawn Mendes; the introduction of both teams (players, coaches, videographers, trainers, etc.); the National Anthem (actress and singer Greta Oglesby), with two American Bald Eagles from the Minnesota Raptor Center present and a follow-up flyover by a pair of Minnesota Air National Guard F-16 fighters.
Meeting the team is an Opening Day tradition. The loudest and longest ovations went to Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier.
BBRT would note here that the largest ovation during the introductions went to Torii Hunter (starting in right field), returning to the Twins after seven years (Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers). The 39-year-old Hunter previously starred in center field for Minnesota (six-time Gold Glove winner and two-time All Star while with the Twins) and the team won four division titles during his tenure. The fans clearly loved his style and his smile – and the applause intensified when this quote from the returning Twin appeared on the scoreboard: “This is where I need to be. This is home to me.”
BBRT: Hunter’s popularity was also evidenced by the large number of new and old “Hunter – 48” jerseys in the crowd. Sitting next to me were a father and son (about 2 ½ years old) in matching new (no pin stripes, the little extra gold trim) Hunter home jerseys. Although, I must say, the youngster cheered loudest for his personal hero – Brian Dozier.
Notably, another returnee to the Twin Cities joined Hunter in throwing out the first pitch, as the crowd welcomed back the newest Timberwolves’ player Kevin Garnett – a member of the T-Wolves during their most successful seasons and now back with Minnesota after playing with the Boston Celtics (2007-13) and Brooklyn Nets (2013-15). Note: Garnett was a member of the Timberwolves from 1995-2007); and a ten-time All Star and NBA MVP (2004) during that time. Minnesotan Tyus Jones, who recently helped lead Duke to the NCAA National Basketball Championship, delivered the baseball to Garnett on the mound, and Garnett threw the ceremonial first pitch to Hunter. All three hometown heroes received rousing ovations – and the pre-game excitement continued to ratchet up.
We saw a few too many “meetings on the mound” on Opening Day.
I won’t go into much detail about the game – a 12-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals – it’s been well dissected in the traditional and social media. Let’s just say it started out pretty well for the home team, with the Twins scoring first (Kenny Vargas singling home the doubling Brian Dozier with two outs in the bottom of the first); was fairly crisply played over the first five frames (Twins trailing 2-1 after five); got a little shaky in the sixth, with starting pitcher Trevor May giving up a single and two doubles to the first three hitters and Hunter making a throwing error (still, after seven innings the Twins were down by only 5-3); came completely unraveled in the eighth inning, when Minnesota used four pitchers and Kansas City scored six runs on two hits, three walks, two hit batsmen, an error and a passed ball. Ouch! It was at this time that the fans – many heading for the exits – finished the move from festive to restive. Needless to say, it was pretty quiet – and a bit lonely – in the bottom of the ninth.
Fortunately, in baseball you don’t have a lot of time to dwell on today’s loss (or celebrate a win). Unfortunately, the Twins have an off day today (Tuesday), but tomorrow they’ll be back at it and working to right the ship. And, we’ll all have to keep in mind, it’s early and there is always something to see (and, these days, eat and drink) at the ballpark. For example, yesterday Twins’ third baseman Trevor Plouffe started a nifty 5-4-3 double play to end the fourth inning and homered to lead off the bottom of the seventh. The simple fact is “Baseball Is Back” and we should all enjoy it!
Now, just so I don’t leave my Twins fan readers sharing only the frustration of a 12-3 loss. Here are a trio of events from the first week of the season that caught BBRT’s attention:
- On April 7, Oakland 3B Brett Lawrie had a tough night. Lawrie came to the plate four times in the A’s 3-1 loss to the Rangers and struck out four times – on a total of just twelve pitches. Lawrie faced three different pitchers, had a nice balance of six called strikes and six swinging strikes and whiffed on a combination of one fastball (the first pitch he faced), three curves and eight sliders. His final swinging strike also marked the final out of the contest.
- TheYankees-Red Sox game of April 10 really aged New York first baseman Mark Teixeira. The 19-inning game started at 7:05 p.m. on Friday (April 10) and ended at 2:13 a.m. on Saturday (April 11). Teixeira (born on April 11, 1980) started the game as a 34-year-old, and finished it at age 35.
- On Saturday April 11, Arizona Diamonbacks’ rookie pitcher Archie Bradley – in his first-ever MLB appearance – drew the unenviable task of facing reigning Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. Bradley pitched six shutout innings for the victory (one hit, four walks, six strikeouts). You might think a rookie beating the reigning Cy Young Award winner in his first start is what attracted BBRT’s attention, but that would be wrong. Bradley was the fifth rookie pitcher to make his first MLB start against a reigning CYA winner and the fourth to earn a victory. What got BBRT’s attention was Bradley’s single off Kershaw in bottom of the second inning. Since Bradley didn’t give up a hit until the fourth inning, the young pitcher actually collected his first major league before he gave up his first major league hit. I like that kind of stuff.
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Big Day for Big Klu – Anniversary of Angels’ First-Game Hero
On this date (April 11) in 1961, the expansion Los Angeles Angels played their first official American League game and one of my boyhood heroes – Ted Kluszewski – started them off with a “bang” and a victory. As this boyhood hero of BBRT had done for much of his career, Big Klu made powerful contact with the baseball.
In the top of the first inning, Big Klu – batting clean-up – came to the plate with two outs and little Albie Pearson on first (after a walk). Kluszewski was 6’ 2” and pushing 240 pounds, while his roommate Albie Pearson was 5’5”, 140 pounds. Kluszewski, facing Orioles’ right-hander Milt Pappas (a 15-game winner the previous season), collected the Angels’ first-ever hit, first-ever home run and first-ever RBI – blasting a home run to deep right field. The very next inning, the 36-year-old Kluszewski (starting his final big league season) came up against Orioles’ rookie reliever John Papa with Angels’ right-fielder Pearson and second baseman Ken Aspromonte on base. Big Klu hit his second home run of the day – bringing his RBI total to five, as the Angels won their premier game by a 7-2 score.
To no one’s surprise, Kluszewski put the ball in play in every at bat that day. The big slugger was known for both his power and his bat control. In fact, no one in MLB logged has more seasons of 40 or more home runs, coupled with fewer strikeouts than round trippers.
Ted “Big Klu” Kluszewski (below) cut the sleeves from his jersey to enable a freer swing of his powerful arms – and, just perhaps, to intimidate opposing hurlers.
Kluszewski’s was one of my favorite players long before that Opening Day performance, thanks to the fact that he was Polish, powerful and patient. In fact, from 1953 to 1956, he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. During that span, Kluszewski was an All Star every year. Over those four-seasons, he hit .315, with 171 home runs, 464 RBI – and only 140 strikeouts (versus 248 walks). How impressive is that? Only ten times in MLB history has a player hit 40 or more homers, while striking out fewer times than he hit round trippers. Three of those seasons (more than any other player) belong to Kluszewski – and they came in succession (1953, 1954, 1955). The string was broken in 1956, when Big Klu hit only 35 home runs, but he also struck out only 31 times (against 49 walks). Kluszewski, by the way, was also agile in the field for a big man – leading NL first baseman in fielding percentage every year from 1951 through 1955.
A few side notes:
- Of the six players who have accomplished a season of 40 or more home runs with fewer strikeouts than round trippers, Kluszewski is the only one who wasn’t a Yankee or a Giant.
- Only once has a player hit fifty or more homers and struck out less than 50 times – Johnny Mize in 1947.
- The fewest strikeouts ever by a league home run leader is nine – by the Boston Braves’ Tommy Holmes, when he led the NL with 28 home runs in 1945.
Here’s the list of MLB seasons of at least 40 homers and fewer strikeouts than round trippers, with home runs, strikeouts, walks and batting averages for each season. Hall of Famers are in red, league leadership in blue.
1929 … Mel Ott (NY Giants), 42 HR, 38 K, 113 BB, .328
1934 … Lou Gehrig (Yankees), 49 HR, 31 K, 109 BB, .363
1936 … Lou Gehrig (Yankees), 49 HR, 46 K, 130 BB, .354
1937 … Joe DiMaggio (Yankees), 46 HR, 37 K, 64 BB, .346
1947 … Johnny Mize (NY Giants), 51 HR, 42 K, 74 BB, .302
1948 … Johnny Mize (NY Giants), 40 HR, 37 K, 94 BB, .289
1953 … Ted Kluszewski (Reds), 40 HR, 34 K, 55 BB, .316
1954 … Ted Kluszewski (Reds), 49 HR, 35 K, 78 BB, .326
1955 … Ted Kluszewski (Reds), 47 HR, 40 K, 66 BB, .314
2004 … Barry Bonds (SF Giants), 45 HR, 41 K, 232 BB, .362
A final thought on Ted Kluszewski, he carried his combination of power and patience (and fielding consistency) to the post season. Late in the 1959, Kluszewski – then with the Pirates – was traded to the Chicago White Sox, who were looking for some additional power as they worked to clinch the AL pennant. The White Sox made it to the World Series and, despite the Sox loss to the Dodgers (in six games), Kluszewski (in his only post season) led all hitters in home runs (three), RBI (ten), and batting average (.391, tied with the Dodgers’ Gil Hodges) – without a single strikeout. He also led all fielders in chances (62) and put outs (59) – without an error.
A 1956 back injury took its toll on Kluszewski, robbing him of much of his power and shortening his career (he averaged only 90 games a year and hit a total of only 34 home runs over his last five seasons). In his final season, with the 1961 expansion Angels, Kluszewski hit .243, with 15 home runs and 39 RBI in 107 games. He retired with a .298 career average, 279 home runs, 1,028 RBI – and just 365 strikeouts in 6,469 at bats (492 walks).
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When It Comes to Concessions – Target Field Outpaces the “Good Old Days”
As those who follow BBRT know, when it comes to the national pastime, I can be a bit “old school.” I fondly reminisce about two-hour ball games, regularly scheduled double headers, high stirrups, complete games and the bunt as an often-used offensive weapon. Heck, I’m even old enough to remember watching “Willie, Mickey and the Duke” – before the trio of New York center fielders was immortalized in “Talkin’ Baseball.” (Note: To listen to Talkin’ Baseball, see the clip at the end of this post.)
College Daze Bloody Mary – made a big splash at Target Field Food and Beverage Preview.
There is, however, one thing I do not memorialize as part of the “good old days” – ballpark food. This Tuesday (April 7), BBRT was fortunate enough to be invited to Target Field for one of the newer rites of spring – the Twins’ sixth annual Food and Beverage Preview. The experience provided ample proof that, at least when it comes to concessions, the good old days fall short of today’s ball park experience.
When I first started attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of hot dogs (not always hot), beer and soda (not always cold), peanuts, cotton candy, Cracker Jack® and, if you were lucky, maybe ice cream or licorice. The culinary tour that was part of the Target Field Food and Beverage Preview (concentrating primarily on new items for 2015) made it clear we’ve come a long way from the days of hot dogs and beer. (And, while this post is primarily aimed at the Twins fans who follow BBRT, the raising of the bar – pun intended – in terms of concessions is MLB-wide.) New Target Field offerings for this season range from Hot Indian Foods’ Chicken Tikka to Hrbek’s Shrimp Corn Dog – and beverages to be launched include such “soon-to-be favorites” as the College Daze Bloody Mary (garnished with, among other things, a slice of pepperoni pizza) and Barrio’s Trinity Margarita.
I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the food and beverage items that were presented on Tuesday, but I would like to share a comment or two on some of most interesting – and some of my personal favorites. For the Twins’ concessions guide, listing many items, with locations and prices, click here. I would add that it’s a family tradition to complete all our concession stand purchases prior to the first pitch – a necessity if you are going to keep an accurate scorecard. After the Food and Beverage Preview, it’s clear I have to move up my arrival time. I will still also partake of the “old school” vendor-delivered hot dog and beer, however.
So, let’s look at some 2015 Target Field concessions.
College Daze Bloody Mary
Perhaps the biggest splash (pun intended) among the new offerings was made by the College Daze Bloody Mary (available at Hrbek’s, near section 114). It’s a new take on the “Bloody Mary as a meal” (fans of Hrbek’s Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary need not worry, that meal-in-a-glass is still available). The new Bloody Mary is topped with a cold slice of Pepperoni Pizza, a beef stick, pickle spear, celery stalk, Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese cubes, pepperoncini and, of course, an olive. As you can see from the placement of the pizza in the photo near the top of this post, this Bloody Mary is truly “over the top.” It certainly attracted the most photographers (and plenty of tasters) at the Food and Beverage Preview.
A Dog Eat Dog World – Shrimp Corn Dogs and BratDogs
Shrimp Corn Dogs at Hrbek’s – among BBRT’s favorites.
Hrbek’s also has a few new food items that are worth a try. My favorite was the Shrimp Corn Dog – four jumbo shrimp (on a skewer) fried in jalapeno corn batter with a chili lime aioli for dipping (and a side of fries). They have great shrimp flavor, just enough “zing,” and are a little lighter than some of the other fare.
Closer to traditional baseball food was the BratDog – an all-beef hot dog, stuffed into a bratwurst, wrapped in bacon, topped with sauerkraut, caramelized onions and peppers and served on a pretzel roll. This one will stay with you throughout the game.
Hot Indian Foods – International Fare for the American Game
Hot Indian Foods’ Chicken Tikka – a new taste at Target Field.
For those looking for international fare, Hot Indian Foods, which has both a food truck and a location at the Midtown Global Market, is new to Target Field. Hot Indian Foods is serving up Chicken Tikka – yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato curry and served with garlic and coconut toasted rice, crispy poppadum (Indian bread) and hot Indian slaw. They also have a vegan curry dish (Aloo Gobi), similar to the Chicken Tikka only with potatoes, cauliflower and squash replacing the chicken. Look for the Hot Indian Food cart near Section 120. BBRT tried the Chicken Tikka and would recommend it for those seeking a unique taste at the ball park. My personal preference might have been for a bit more “heat,” but this is Minnesota.
Burgers Beyond the Basics
Red Cow, noted for its burgers, is also new to Target Field (food cart near section 126). They will be offering three gourmet burgers. BBRT would recommend making the leap to the Blues Burger (with apricot jam and locally produced blue cheese). If you’re a bacon lover, you might prefer the 60/40 Bacon Burger (a patty of 60 percent certified Angus beef and 40 percent ground bacon – topped with cheddar cheese, Summit beer mustard and candied bacon). More conventional taste? Go for the Ultimate Red Cow Burger (lettuce, tomato, onion and Red Cow sauce).
This One’s Out of the Park
Watch for this sandwich!@
When Sous Chef Keith Andres leaned from the window of the Taste of Target Field Food Truck and handed me the fried pickle, beer-braised bacon, peanut butter (on a pretzel bun) sandwich, I had to look to see if Elvis was in line behind me. The King would have loved this sandwich – multi-textured with the tangy crunch of pickles, the smoky flavor of the bacon, the creamy sweetness of the peanut butter and the fresh pretzel bun. It was my first sample from the 2015 Twins Food and Beverage Preview and it set a positive tone for the afternoon.
First watch for this truck!
As guests and media arrived for the Target Field Food and Beverage Preview, we were greeted – appropriately – by the Taste of Target Field food truck, which focuses on its mission of “Bringing the taste of the ballpark to you.” The food truck carries a host of Target Field favorites that bring the ball park to the community. Depending on the day, you will find offerings like Kramarczuk’s sausages, cheese curds, Tony O’s Cuban, malt cups, fries and more. Ironically, and unfortunately, the new Fried Pickle Sandwich is not available inside Target Field. If you spot the food truck, BBRT highly recommends you run right over and order this treat. You can track the truck on twitter @TastyTwinsTruck. A game day hint, try looking near Fulton Brewery.
Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen – On the Move at Target Field
Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen is not new to the ballpark, but is moving to a new, larger location – from a concourse cart to a concession stand near Hrbek’s (section 114). The Canteen will be offering a trio of signature sandwiches: the Bacon Sandwich, Smoked Meat Sandwich and BBRT’s favorite – the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, with grilled pineapple, chili lime slaw and spicy dressing. It offers just the right blend of “hot” and “sweet.” I highly recommend this one.
Schwan’s – Focused on Building a new Legend
Schwan’s Caprese Burger – beef, balsamic and basil a great combination.
If you have seats in the popular Legend’s Club, you’ll probably want to visit the new Schwan’s stand (near Section R). Among the offerings are a pair of flatbread sandwiches – Buffalo Chicken Flatbread (chicken, celery and mozzarella cheese, topped with hot sauce) and the Italian Fire-Baked Flatbread (salami, ham, pepperoni, Italian cheese, lettuce and tomato, topped with vinaigrette). Two new burgers will also be available at the Schwan’s stand – the BBQ Bacon Burger and the Caprese Burger (beef patties, fresh mozzarella cheese, balsamic-marinated tomato and basil). BBRT recommends the Caprese Burger – balsamic and basil make this one unique.
The Left Field Corner – A New Hot Spot
Barrio – a new hot spot in the left field corner.
Well-known Latin restaurant Barrio is also a new presence at Target Field. The new Barrio – in the left field corner – was one of the more popular stops on our Food and Beverage Preview tour – perhaps the complementary Trinity Margaritas had something to do with that. We were also impressed with the upscale decor, the standing tables, multiple big screen TVs, and great view of the field.
The Barrio will feature Pork Carnitas Tacos, Guacamole and chips and, of course, top-flight Margaritas and craft beers.
For the Salad Lovers
Garden Goodies cart, with its fresh salads, has two new offerings – a Mardi Garden Salad and a Wild Rice and Turtle Bean Salad.
The Spirit of the Northland
There are also some new locally crafted spirits at Target Field. Near Section 111, you’ll find a stand featuring two local distilleries: Du Nord (Minneapolis) and Panther Distillery (Osakis). Du Nord’s menu includes a Moscow Mule, Gin and Tonic, Gin Daiquiri and Spiked Hot Chocolate (It can be cool in April on Minnesota). Panther Distillery’s line-up includes an Apple Fizz, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour and Whiskey Coke. (BBRT tried the Moscow Mule – and it’s a winner.)
A Taste of the Islands
Goose Island Pub, adjacent to section 229, will carry a selection of Goose Island craft beers.
Of course, lots of past favorites remain. Just to mention a few that are close to BBRT’s heart: Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich; Garlic Helmet Fries; Mac’s Walleye and Chips; Kramarczuk’s sausages; Izzy’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream; and the Bigger, Better Bloody Mary Cart.
My advice, Get to Target Field early – and hungry.
Oh yes, I did promise “Talkin’ Baseball.”
