Early this week, a welcome baseball gift in the mail – my 2024 Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals Ballot – which means I can look forward to some joyous time pondering the character and characters that helped shape the history of our grand game (as presented in the always informative and creative biographies included with the ballot).

I’ll take a look at my choices from this year’s ballot in a bit, but first – for those not familiar with The Baseball Reliquary – a little background.

The Baseball Reliquary is an organization of fans dedicated to the free-spirited celebration of the human side of baseball’s history and heritage. The Reliquary defines itself as “an educational organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of American art and culture through the context of baseball history and to exploring the national pastimes’ unparalleled creative possibilities.”

Reliquary (rel′ə kwer′ē)

Noun- a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept and displayed for veneration.

While its “home” is at Whittier College (also home to the Institute for Baseball Studies), the Reliquary is more than just a place.  The Reliquary really resides in the hearts of its founders, members, contributors and honorees – who all are important parts of the organization’s joyful (often irreverent, but always well-informed and fan-centric) celebration of all things baseball.  This celebration is fueled through The Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals, collection of historic artifacts, exhibitions and extensive baseball-related research collection – books, periodicals and papers from distinguished authors, historians and journalists.

The Whittier (CA) College Institute for Baseball Studies is the first humanities-based baseball research center associated with a U.S. college or university,

The Shrine of the Eternals

The Shrine of the Eternals is the Reliquary’s best-known element and its honorees 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 cartoon character who pitched his team to more than 1,000 losses, more than one best-selling author, a statistical wizard and even the sports editor of the Daily Worker (American Communist Party newspaper). The honorees are each unique in their roles in – and contributions to – the national pastime, but they all share the distinction of having made a significant impact on the game.

It’s a shrine to “our” great game that connects:

• Mark “The Bird” Fidrych and the San Diego Chicken;
• Dr. Frank Jobe and Dr. Mike Marshall (not to mention Dock Ellis);
• Bob Uecker and Yogi Berra;
• Luis Tiant and Charlie Brown;
• Roberto Clemente and Pete Gray;
• Rube Waddell and Bill “Spaceman” Lee.

This year’s candidates range from players like Rube Waddell, Felipe Alou, Mike Marshall and Julio Franco to such  luminaries as renowned baseball photographer Charles M. Conlon, Wiffle Ball inventor David Nelson Mallany, umpire Joe West, “Kissing Bandit” Morganna Roberts, broadcaster Ernie Harwell and baseball executive Kim Ng.

You get the idea.

Note: The Reliquary also recognizes distinguished service to baseball by a fan (The Hilda Award) and contributions to the preservation of baseball history (The Tony Salin Award).

Artifacts

The Baseball Reliquary’s Collection of what The Roundtable would term “art-ifacts” is as diverse as its roster of Shrine honorees.  The collection includes (but is “oh-so not limited” to) the Walter O’Malley Tortilla, the Roger Bresnahan Potato, the Eddie Gaedel Jock Strap, a Babe Ruth cigar, a Mother Teresa autographed baseball (a whole case actually), a heat-twisted 45-rpm record from the White Sox’ ill-fated Disco Demolition Night; and a San Diego Chicken game-worn costume.

Exhibits

The Baseball Reliquary’s Exhibits have covered such varied topics as Latino and Black baseball history, baseball in foreign policy, baseball literature and art, a celebration of baseball cards, and even the self-defining “Lasordapalooza.”

Join Now and Vote

New members joining The Baseball Reliquary through its website ( www.BaseballReliquary.org  ) by April 22, will receive a copy of the 2024 Shrine of the Eternals biographies and ballot and the opportunity to vote, by April 30, for this year’s nominees. 

 

—–THE SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS 2024 BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE BALLOT—–

Now, on to the Shrine of the Eternals. Before I share my ballot, here’s what the Reliquary has to say about this honor.

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

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

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

Here’s a look at those who are getting my votes for this year.

CHARLES M. CONLON (1868-1945) … Picture Perfect

Charles M. Conlon is responsible for some of the most iconic images from baseball history.  From 1904 to 1942, he documented the course of the national pastime (as a hobby), while working as a proofreader for the New York Evening Telegram (later the World-Telegram). Carrying a large Graflex camera and cumbersome glass plate negatives to the ballpark, Conlon produced at least 30,000 portraits and action photos, capturing history in black and white.

Although his photos appeared regularly in the Spalding and Reach Base Ball Guides, The Sporting News, and Baseball Magazine, Conlon’s contribution to the images and history of the game really came to the fore with the publication of Neal and Constance McCabe’s books: Baseball’s Golden Age: The Photographs of Charles M. Conlon (1993); and The Big Show: Charles M. Conlon’s Golden Age Baseball Photographs (2011).

The McCabe’s, making the case that Conlon ranks among the masters of documentary photography, assert: “The ballpark was Conlon’s universe, an inexhaustible source of unforgettable images: a catcher’s mangled hand, a madman kicking up his heels, an umpire lost in thought. He documented baseball obsessively at a time when critics of photography—had they known of his existence—would have questioned his sanity for taking thousands of photographs of so trivial and ephemeral a subject.”

Conlon gets my vote for contributing so significantly to the visual history of the game.

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SEAN DOOLITTLE (1986- ) … A Stand-Up Guy

Sports Illustrated called reliever Sean Doolittle, “the conscience of baseball.”  He was a VOCAL and ACTIVE advocate for the rights of workers, women, immigrants, the LGBTQ community and veterans, as well as against racism and gun violence.

In his own words “As a kid, I remember my parents would say, “Baseball is what you do, but that’s not who you are’ – like that might be my job, but not the end-all, be-all.  I feel like I might even be able to use it to help other people. Sports are like the award for a functioning society.”

Among the two-time All Star’s many activities of conscience were: organizing a 2015 Thanksgiving dinner for Syrian refuges; writing a 2019 Washington Post op-ed piece in support of union workers; boycotting the 2019 World Series Champion Nationals’ visit to the White House; penning a Sports Illustrated column urging the Veterans Administration to expand mental health services for veterans; using social media to address the topics of racial injustice and gun violence; and much, much more.

Doolittle, who retired from the field in 2023, played in 11 MLB seasons (2012-2022 … Athletics, Nationals, Reds, Mariners).  He appeared in 463 games and put up a record of 26-24, 3.20, with 112 saves and 522 strikeouts in 450 2/3 innings. He had five seasons of 20 or more saves.

Doolittle’s willingness to stand up and speak out for what he believes is right make him a solid Shrine of the Eternal’s candidate. Whether you agree with Doolittle’s opinions or not, as Pete Dreier wrote in the opening of Doolittle’s Shrine of the Eternals Ballot Bio, “Sean Doolittle embodies the Reliquary’s rebellious, iconoclastic and irreverent spirit.”

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LUKE EASTER (1915-79) – Scrambling Some Eggs

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

• Was the first player to a homer into the farthest reaches of center field in the Polo Grounds;
• Hit the longest home run in the history of old Cleveland Municipal Stadium – clearing the distant right field scoreboard; and
• Was the first player to hit a drive over the CF scoreboard in Buffalo’s Offerman Stadium (at age 42), proving it was no fluke by hitting the second drive to ever to clear the scoreboard just a month later.

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

While he began showing his prowess at the plate in the late 1930’s, he really began carving his name into baseball history after getting out of the military in 1943. In 1945, he starred with the barnstorming Cincinnati Crescents (for whom he hit the Polo Grounds home run noted above).

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

In 1949, Easter signed with the Cleveland Indians and made (what was then considered) his major league debut on August 1 of that season – at age 34 – just the eleventh black player in the major leagues. (MLB has since declared the Negro Leagues from 1920-48 to be major leagues.) While he hit only .222 in 54 games for the Indians, due in part to an injured knee, Easter showed his (already long-proven) power by going .363-25-92 in 80 games at Triple-A San Diego.

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

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

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

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

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JULIO FRANCO (1958 –) … One For The Ages (Aged?)

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

Franco is the oldest player to homer in an MLB game. Franco went deep at age 48 years, 254 days, hitting a two-run shot off Arizona’s Randy Johnson as Franco’s Mets topped the Diamondbacks 5-3 on April 26, 2006. In that same game, Franco also became the second-oldest MLB player to steal base – and, thus, the oldest player to homer and steal a base in the same game.

Franco is also the:

• Oldest player to hit a grand slam (46 years, 308 days) – connecting as a pinch hitter for the Atlanta Braves in a 7-2 win over the Marlins on June 27, 2005;
• Oldest player to record a multi-homer game, belting a pair of homers on June 18, 2005 (age 46 years, 299 days), as his Atlanta Braves topped the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Franco started at first base and went two-for-four with two homers and three RBI;
• Oldest player to hit a pinch-hit home run, in the eighth inning of a Mets’ 7-2 win over the Padres at San Diego (April 20, 2006 – 47 years, 240 days);
• Oldest player to steal two bases in a game (and in an inning) – (June 16, 3005 – 46 years, 297 days); and
• Oldest player to be put into a game as a pinch runner (July 29, 2006 – 47 years, 340 days) … he delivered, promptly stealing second base, going to third on an errant throw.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forever young, Mr. Franco – baseball’s Energizer Bunny – got my vote.

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MAMIE “Peanut” JOHNSON (1935 – 2017) … Playing Big

Mamie Johnson was one of three females to play for the Indianapolis Clowns during the declining days of the Negro Leagues (and the only woman ever to pitch in the Negro Leagues). At 5’3” Johnson looked a little small for the baseball diamond, but she played above her height. Johnson took the mound to the Clowns for three seasons (1953-55), running up a 33-8 record – utilizing a deceptive fastball, curve, change, screwball and knuckleball.   Her exploits are chronicled in the children’s book “A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson,” by Michelle Y. Green.

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MIKE MARSHALL (1943 – ) … Is There A Doctor in The House?

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

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

Marshall led his league in games pitched four times and saves three times – finishing 97-112, 3.14 with 188 saves.

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

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DAVID NELSON MULLANY (1908-1990) … A New Meaning To Going Yard

Everyone who has ever swung a plastic bat at a whistling WIFFLE® Ball owes a debt of gratitude to David Mullany.

It all started in 1953, when Mullany saw his 12-year-old son trying to use a plastic golf ball for a game of baseball in their Connecticut backyard. Mullany saw the possibilities (and need) for a ball that could be put in play in a confined area without the risk of damage. He set about developing a light, hollow, plastic ball with eight oblong slots cut into one side (which allowed pitchers to fashion a curve, slider, or knuckleball that could produce a great many a good number of swings and misses or “whiffs.”

Mullany, (by the way played baseball for the University of Connecticut) went on to form WIFFLE® Ball, Inc. in 1954 and was granted a patent for the innovative sphere in 1957.

Has the Wiffle Ball impacted the game and those who play it (particularly in their backyards)?  Well, there has been no change in the basic product over time and more than 60 million wiffle balls have been sold since it came to the market. There are now even Wiffle Ball tournaments and leagues around the country.  More than 60 million Wiffle Balls sold. How many millions of hours of baseball pleasure does that equate to?  Enough for my vote.

In 2017, the WIFFLE® Ball was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

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KIM NG (1968- ) … Breaking New Ground

Kim Ng’s interest in baseball started when, as a young Yankees fan, she played stickball on the street in Queens, New York.  Ng went on to play tennis and softball in high school and four years of softball at The University of Chicago.

After graduating from the University, Ng began her career in baseball in 1990, as an intern with the Chicago White Sox. Her first project was to conduct research on Rule Five draftees, building on her love for and skill in analyzing and interpreting statistics and scouting reports.

From that point, her trajectory showed plenty of velo and launch angle. She became:

• The youngest person and the first woman to present a salary arbitration case as the Assistant Director of Baseball Operations with the White Sox;
• An Assistant General Manager with the Yankees (at age 29);
• MLB Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations, becoming the highest-ranking woman working in the Commissioner’s Office.

Then, in November 1920, Ng was hired as the Miami Marlins’ General Manager – the first woman to serve as GM of a major North American men’s sports team. When the Marlins clinched a playoff berth on September 30, 2023, Ng became the first woman GM in MLB history to lead a playoff team.

In 2022, the University of Chicago awarded Kim Ng the Professional Achievement Award and Forbes ranked Ng #5 on its list of the most powerful women in sports.

When it comes to breaking barriers, this power-hitter get my vote.

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Rube Waddell (1876-1914) … Walk On The Wild Side

Rube Waddell is almost universally recognized as the zaniest player in MLB history (that alone should earn him a spot in the Shrine).  Add the fact that he also was one of the best pitchers (at least when he was focused) in the game and Waddell seems a perfect fit for Reliquary honors.

Waddell was known to:

• Leave a ball game to chase fire engines;
• Miss a game he was scheduled to start because he was fishing or playing marbles with neighborhood kids;
• Bring his outfielders in to sit on the grass and then proceed to fan the side;
• Wrestle alligators in the off-season; and
• Much too frequently do battle with owners and managers.

Waddell simply was more interested in the freedom to enjoy life and do things his way than in money or professional stability.  But, when Waddell was on his game, he was arguably the best pitcher of his time. The 6’1”, 195-lb. lefty led the AL in strikeouts six consecutive seasons (1902-1907) – by a wide margin.

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

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

Honoring the zaniest player in history – a title it appears Waddell will hold into eternity – just seems right for the Shrine of the Eternals. Rube gets my vote.

Primary Resources: Baseball Reliquary 2024 Shrine of the Eternals Ballot; Baseball-Reference.com

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P1031

Back in March, when MLB announced a number of rules changes for 2023 (along with making the placed runner at second base in extra innings permanent), Baseball Roundtable asked readers for their opinions on MLB’s actions (118 readers responded). At the All Star Break, with fans having just over a half season to judge the new rules, The Roundtable repeated the survey (101 readers responded).

The All Star Break survey also included an open-ended question, asking readers what they felt were the most pressing issues facing MLB today.  (Forty-nine of the respondents answered that question and – spoiler alert, this post will cover those responses in detail later) – the cost of attending a game and the predominance of the “three true outcomes” (strikeouts, home runs and walks) led the way.

As noted, we’ll take a look at those open-ended responses later. Let’s get back to the new rules. The reader survey results indicate that, in practice, the new rules have gained fans among the fans.

For example, while just over half of the pre-season survey respondents (51%) said they Did Not Like or Hated the restriction on infield shifts – at the All-Star Break, that figure was down to 23.5%.  Similarly, in the pre-season survey, 56.8% said they Liked or Loved the idea of a pitch clock.  After seeing it in action, at the All-Star Break that group was up to 75%. The (now permanent) extra-inning placed runner at second base did not fare as well, with those who Don’t Like or Hate the rule dropping just slightly – from 78% percent to 72%. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.  Let’s look at the questions and responses.  Note: Due to rounding percentages do not always total 100%.

INFIELD SHIFT RESTRICTIONS

Two infielders must be on each side of second base and within the boundaries of the infield as a pitch is thrown.  Also, infielders may not switch sides during a given inning (you can’t move your best infielder to the opposite side of the second base bag for a specific hitter).  Side note:  A team may still choose to bring an outfielder into the infield as a fifth infielder. Penalty:  A Ball is called.

Big gains were seen in the support for the restrictions on infield shifts. While the pre-season split was fairly even (51% in the Dislike It/Hate It groups and 48.4% in Like It/Love It), at the All Star Break, the Like It/Love It cadre was up to 64.4%, while the Don’t Like It/Hate It groups were down to 22.8%

Baseball Roundtable Take:  Originally, I was in favor a modified version of this rule – putting the new restrictions in place, but allowing managers to use an exaggerated shift a limited number of times (two or three) per game. (Making using the shift a strategic decision.) I do like the way that new rule has affected game play, so put me in the convert group.

PITCH CLOCK

This change put in place a 30-second time limit between each batter, 15-second pitch clock with bases empty (pitcher must deliver the ball within 15-seconds of receiving it), 20 seconds with runner(s) on base.  Also, batters must be in the batter’s box and ready by the time there are eight-seconds left on pitch clock.  Note: With runners on base, the timer resets if the pitcher steps off the rubber or attempts a pickoff (these are  “disengagements), with a limit of two disengagements per plate appearance (more on that later). The timer is also reset  if a baserunner advances  during a plate appearance. In addition,  batters are allowed one time out during a plate appearance.  Penalties: Pitcher violation – called Ball; Batter violation – called Strike.

Wow, the percentage of  respondents saying they Hated the idea of a pitch clock dropped from 18.6% in the pre-season survey to 7.0% in the All Star Break survey.  At the same time, the Love It group jumped from 27.1% to 46%.  Overall, this one looks like a winner, with the Love It/Like It cadres at the All Star Break standing as 75%.

Baseball Roundtable Take:  Clearly, fans appreciate the quicker pace of the game under the new rules. It does create a challenge for those of us who maintain a scorecard.  (I took a stopwatch to a couple of  games and found that if you took a seven-minute break – starting with the final out of a half inning – to go to the concession stands or restroom  – you could count on missing 3-4 batters before you got back to your seat.  Still, it seems to be working (even better than I expected), the fans like it and the players adjusted quickly, so I’m on board.  What I would like to see is a return of vendors to the stands (my hometown Twins do not have vendors in aisles), to reduce the potential for missing plays.

DISENGAGEMENT RULE

Pitchers are allowed just two “disengagements” (pick-off attempts, fake pick-offs, stepping off the rubber, defensive time out) per plate appearance – with the disengagement count reset if a runner advances a base within the plate appearance. No penalty on a third pick-off  attempt if it produces an out. Penalty: If a pitcher steps off or attempts a pick-off a third time, it is treated as a Balk (runners advance) – unless the pick-off is successful (an out is recorded), then there is no penalty.

Lots of opposition (pre-season) here, with the Don’t Like/Hate It groups at 72.3%. That opposition was down to  42.6%t at the All Star Break. Still, lots of room for debate on this one. At the All Star Break, the Like It/Love It and Don’t Like It/Hate it groups were fairly evenly split, 44.5% and 42.6%, respectively.

Baseball Roundtable Take: I’m not a big fan of limiting pick-off attempts.  I like the pitcher-base runner “cat and mouse” game – and consider pick-off plays to be on-field  “action.”  I do appreciate the third pick-off not being a violation if an out is recorded (which prevents runners from taking extraordinary leads after the allowed two disengagements).  I, personally, would like to see MLB disengage itself from this rule.

RUNNER PLACED AT SECOND BASE IN EXTRA INNINGS

Still unpopular – but now “permanent.”  In the pre-season survey 75% of respondents said they Disliked or Hated this rule.  At All Star Break, that figure was  down only slightly –  to 70.2%.  Not a lot of movement and still plenty of disgruntled fans.

Baseball Roundtable Take:  Totally agree with the bulk of  survey respondents.  To me, this rule change is a step too far. My stance is that  “earned” runners, not “gift” runners, should decide a ball game.  Yes, it does seem to be  shortening extra-inning contests (I’m not convinced that’s a good thing). However, it also changes the basic structure and strategy of the game, not to mention skewing statistics. Heck, a relief pitcher can get tagged with a loss without allowing a baserunner (bunt and sacrifice fly) and a batter can make an out to end an inning and be credited with a run scored in the next inning – without making a plate appearance.

RESTRICTIONS ON POSITION PLAYER PITCHING APPEARANCES

Last season, position players could only be brought in to pitch in extra innings or if the player’s team was trailing by at least six runs. In 2023, position player can be brought in to pitch in extra innings or if the player’s team is trailing by at least eight runs (at any time) or ahead by at least ten runs in the ninth inning.

The Don’t Like It /Hate it group was down from 53.4% pre-season to 27.7% at the All-Star break. Notably, the biggest part of that jump came in a move to the Neutral/No Opinion group (up from 28.8% to 46.5%).

Baseball Roundtable Take:  Very close to a distinction without a difference.

WAVE ‘EM-TO-FIRST INTENTIONAL WALK

Okay, I threw this one in there (get the pun) just because I don’t like this  rule. The last time I surveyed readers on this one was in 2022 and the split was 48.0% Like and 41.2% Dislike.  It hasn’t changed much, it’s now 46.5% Like to 40.6% Dislike.

Baseball Roundtable Take:  I still don’t like it, but it’s not a big deal.

INCREASED BASE SIZES

MLB bases are up to 18 x 18 inches – from 15 x 15 inches. I was actually surprised by the number of responders to the pre-season survey who voiced opinions on this one (only 35% answered Neutral/No Opinion).  Apparently, once in action, fewer fans noticed a difference – as the Neutral/No Opinion percentage was up  to 45.5% at the All Star Break. The gain in “neutrality” came among those who initially were opposed to the change.

Baseball Roundtable Take:  If you consider this a safety issue, giving fielders and runners more space to operate in, I’m on board.  If the argument is that it increases action on the base paths, my answer is “Yawn.” Baseball may be a game of inches, but I don’t think these few inches make much of a difference.  (For the running game, the disengagement rule will have much more of an impact.)

ELECTRONIC  BALL/STRIKE CALLS

MLB has been talking about an electric strike zone and a few options seems to be on the table.  Here are how those options fared with the fans.

35.6% … Have umpires continue to make the call, but allow a specific number of ball/strike challenges per game. The umpire would the refer to the electronic system to resolve the challenge.  (Successful challenges would not count against the limit.)

29.7%  … Leave things the way they are. Let the umps make the call.

28.7% … Have all ball/strike calls made electronically and relayed to the home plate umpire.

5.9% … Neutral/No Opinion.

Baseball Roundtable Take: Not a fan of this potential  change.  I do like to watch those pitchers with the skills to “expand” the strike zone. Still, if it comes to this, I can live with it. I do miss the days, however, when the philosophy was that – whether at the plate or on the basses – the umpires’ “calls” would even out.  I just hate to see MLB take more and more of the human factor out of the game.  Plus, if we ever get to an all-electronic umpiring system, where will all the in-game “great debates” come from?

—-MLB’S MOST PRESSING ISSUES – OPEN-ENDED QUESTION—-

Forty-nine respondents answer the open-ended question “What do you, as a fan, see as the most important issue(s) facing major league baseball today?”

The clear leaders, in terms of times mentioned, were the cost of going to a game and a desire to see for more balls in play (too many strikeouts/too many “True Outcomes” … K/BB/HR).

Here are the issues that came up on more than one survey.

Cost of Going to a Game … 14 Responses

Too Many Strikeouts/Too Many ”True Outcomes” (K/BB/HR) …. 12 Responses

Too Many Rules Changes … Seven Responses

Local TV Blackouts … Seven Responses

Competitive Imbalance Among Teams … Five Responses

Balancing “Tradition” with the Need to Respond to Today’s Reduced Attentions Spans/Tech Options  … Four Responses

Inaccurate Ball/Strike Calls … Three Responses

Revenue Disparity Among Teams … Three Responses

Player Salaries … Two Responses

Too Many Pitching Changes … Two Responses

Need to Expand/Realign — Two Responses

Here a few answers that Baseball Roundtable found particularly interesting:

“Economics. Small-market teams can’t compete because local-market TV income is exponentially smaller than a well-managed large market rights package. Make all media income distributed between the teams and institute a minimum total player salary structure to go along with the soft salary cap (with graduated penalties when exceeded). The teams have  to cooperate in getting a viable product on the field, or else only the rich market teams can survive.

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“Relocation and expansion. The question of too many teams making the playoffs that it makes the regular season mute to some degree”

__________________________________

“MLB getting into bed with big gambling is a Faustian Bargain and an existential threat. It is not a matter of IF but WHEN there will be a major scandal that will harm MLB’s version of the game. MLB needs to drop all ties with gambling companies, fantasy sports, etc. They told us for a hundred years that gambling and baseball don’t mix and now it’s all good in the hood, because they are making tons of $$$ from gambling. Not only that, MLB has made and its customers potential marks for the gambling operators.”

 ——————————-

I think the most important issues are around diversity and inclusion. Too few Black managers – a legacy of systemic racism. Not enough acceptance of LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and staff (no major league players has come out), even with Pride Nights at all levels. I would also like to see women playing, not just coaching, and managing at the major league level.

So, there you have it.  Thanks to all those who responded, as well as to those who are reading the results.

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It’s June 1 and time for Baseball Roundtable’s 2023 monthly Wrap Up (for May)  – a look at Baseball Roundtable’s Players and Pitchers of the Month, the Trot Index, the May leaderboards and the stats and stories that caught Baseball Roundtable’s eye during the past month. And, there was plenty going on in May:

• Not one, but two, pitchers joining the 400-career-saves club;
• 2023’s second cycle (single-double-triple-homer in one game);
• One pitcher completing another kind of cycle, joining the “club” of hurlers with at least one  career win against each of the thirty MLB teams;
• The completion of a third kind of cycle, one player joining the “club” of hitters with at least one career home run against each of the thirty MLB teams;
• Two Immaculate Innings;
• Four more complete-game shutouts (Is this becoming a thing?);
• One player hitting .400 for the month;
• A 300th home run and a 2,000th strikeout (not by the same player nor in the same game);
• A 456-foot home run by a pitcher (Okay, it was Shohei Ohtani, but it still counts).

For these stories and more, read on.

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE

PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH … MAY 2023

National League

Player of the Month  – Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers

Photo: dougandme

The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman led all MLB players (with at least 75 May at bats) in average at  a nice round  .400.  In addition, he was first in MLB in May RBI with 26, runs scored with base hits with 46.  Freeman’s on-base percentage of .462 was third  MLB players with at least 75 May at bats and  hit .722 slugging percentage was second (first in the NL)x.   Freeman ended May with a still-active 20-game hitting streak streak, during which he has hit .457-5-21. Freeman had 16 multi-hit games in May.  Oh and Freeman stole four bases in four tries.  This was a pretty easy choice.  Freeman finished May at .346-10-35 on the season.

Honorable Mention:  You have to acknowledge the power surge of Marlins’ DH Jorge Soler, who  led the NL and tied for the MLB lead with 12 May home runs, to go with a .271 average and an MLB second-best 25 RBI.  From May 23 through May 27, Soler homered in five straight games, going  .391-5-8). He homered in 11 of his 25 games played  during the month.  Dodgers’ DH J.D. Martinez had a  nice month at .311-8-24.

Pitcher of the Month … (tie) Michael Wacha, RHP, Padres & Camilo Doval, RHP, Giants

Padres’ starter Michael Wacha went 3-0 in May in five starts.  More to the point, in 32 innings pitched, he gave up just three earned runs (a stingy 0.84 ERA – lowest among MLB pitchers with at least 25 May innings).  Wacha held hitters to a .147 May average and a 0.72 WHIP. Wacha’s best start was on May 21, when he went seven scoreless frames versus the Royals – giving up just one hit and one walk, while fanning 11.  Wacha finished May with a 5-1, 3.45 record on the season.

Have to also recognize a reliever here. The Giants’ Camilo Doval, appeared in 14 May games and notched 11 saves in 11 save opportunities. He put up a 1.32 ERA and fanned 23 batters (just four walks) in 13 2/3 innings.  Doval finished May  1-2, 2,19, with a NL-leading 14 saves on the season.

Honorable Mention: Merrill Kelly, RHP, Diamondbacks went 4-0, 2.59 in five May starts – fanning 39 (seven walks) in 31 1/3 innings.  The Giants’ Logan Webb went 3-0, 1.30 in five May starts, fanning 33 in 34 2/3 innings). In his two no-decisions, Webb gave up just one run over 13 innings.

American League

Player of the Month … Aaron Judge, RF, Yankees

Photo: DR. Buddie, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Yankee’s Aaron Judge led MLB (tied) in May home runs with 12 and in was second in RBI (first in the AL) with 25. Put this with his .342 average and 23 runs scored (tied for first in the AL) and you’ve got Player of the Month numbers. He also had a solid walks-to-strikeout ratio for a power hitter (20 walks, 25 whiffs), giving him a .474 on-base  percentage (tops among hitter with at least 75 May at bats). And he accomplished all this despite not playing his first May game until May 9 (hip injury).  Judge finished May with a .298-18-39  line on the season.

Honorable Mentions; Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays, led the AL with 42 May base hits (only Freddie Freeman and Bichette reached the 40-hit mark for May) – going .350-5-20, with 15 runs scored.  Great output for a middle infielder. The Guardians’  1B Josh Naylor tied Aaron Judge tor the AL-high May RBI, putting up a .293-5-25 month. The A’s CF Esteury Ruiz deserves a nod here for leading the majors in stolen bases in May – with 17. He he hit .282-1-13 for the month).

Pitcher of the Month – Nathan Eovaldi, RHP, Rangers

Texas’ Nathan Eovaldi was 4-0, in May with an AL-lowest (among pitchers with at least 25 May innings) earned run average of 0.96.  Eovaldi’s month included a one-run complete game and he went at least seven innings in four of his five starts.  He walked nine and fanned 31 in 37 2/3 May innings. Eovaldi finished May with a 7-2, 2.42 record on the season.

Honorable Mentions; The Rangers’ Jon Gray went 4-0, 1.95 in five May starts (Texas also won his no-decision start) – fanning 29 batters (with just six walks) in 32 1/3 innings pitched.  He went at eat seven innings in three of his five outings and gave up more than one earned run only once;.The Astros’ Christian Javier was 4-0, 2.40 in five starts.

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MLB Surprise Player of the month – Francisco Alvarez, C Mets

The Mets 21-year-old catcher  had  .292-7-17 month (22 games) – after hitting just .194 in 12 April Mets’ games and .167 in a five late-season 2022 contests (and .273 over 257 minor-league games in four seasons).  He enjoyed an eight-game hitting streak (May 16-28), during which he hit .400-5-13.

Honorable Mention: The Cubs’ 23-year-old CF Christopher Morel’s career seem to mushroom (sorry, couldn’t resist) after his May call up. In 19 May games, Morel hit .282-9-15.  His performance included homering in five straight games (May 17-23), when he hit .421-5-6. Now, surprise may be a strong word here – as Morel clearly earned his call up – going .330-11-31 in 29 2023 games with the Iowa Cubs.  Still, you can look back at his .235-16-47 in 113 Cubs (MLB) games in 2022 and rank his fast MLB start as, at least, somewhat unexpected.

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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE FEATURE

Through May 31  35.6 percent of the MLB season’s 63,553 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (22.7%); walks (8.8%); home runs (3.1%); HBP (1.1%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Strikeouts, by the way, outnumbered base hits 14,423 – 1,4047.

The 35.6 percent figure is up from 2022’s full season 34.6 percent.  Other recent seasons: 2021 – 36.3 percent; 2020 –  37.3 percent;  2019 – 36.2 percent; and 2018 – 34.8 percent.  By further comparison, in 1990, the Trot Index was 26.1 percent.  

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The Yankees gained a it of ground on the Rays by putting up May’s most victories  (19-10), despite getting just six wins from their starting pitchers. (The Yankees are awaiting the return of Carlos Rodon and Luis Severino to the rotation.) They powered their way to victory, leading MLB with 53 May home runs and finishing second in the AL in runs scored with 157.  The offense was led by:  RF Aaron Judge (.342-120-25 in May … see Player of the Month); 1B Anthony Rizzo (.327-6-19); 2B Gleyber Torres (.286-5-15); and CF Harrison Bader (.267-6-19). Rookie SS Anthony Volpe added six home runs and 16 RBI in May, despite a .174 average and 37 whiffs (five walks) in May.

Yankee ace Gerrit Cole  who went 5-0, 1.11 in April,slipped to 1-0, 5.18 in May. Reliever Clay Holmes led the Yankees in wins in May (3-1, 2.63 in 15 games … 13 2/3 innings). 

On the other end of the AL spectrum were the Oakland A’s , who won only six games in May (23 losses) and are on a pace for a 34-win season. The A’s put up  May’s worst team earned run average (5.54) and most runs surrendered, as well as MLB’s lowest batting average (.208) and second-fewest run scored.

In May, the A’s were outscored  165-to-87.

The AL’s biggest surprise in May may have been the Texas Rangers – who put up an 18-89 record and an AL-leading 168 runs scored.There simply seemed to be no weak spot in the Rangers’ lineup.  Consider this  infield: 1B Nathaniel Lowe (.297-1-12, with 20 runs scored); 2B Marcus Semien (.323-3-21, with 23 runs scored); SS Corey Seager (.291 with four home runs and 19 RBI in just 13 games);  3B Josh Jung  (.318-6-16, with 22 runs scored).  On the mound, the Rangers  were led by starters Nathan Eovaldi (4-0, 0.96) and Jon Gray (4-0, 1.95.).

In the NL  West, the Dodgers went 18-9 to claim the Division lead. And, like the Rangers in the AL, the offense led the way.  (Are we seeing a new trend here?) The Dodgers ERA of 4.61 was tenth in the NL, while their 173 May runs scored led all of MLB and their 49 home runs for the month trailed only the Yankees (53) and the Braves (51).  1B Freddie Freeman (see Player of the Month) led the way at .400-6-26), but he had plenty of help: DH J.D. Martinez (.311-8-24); C Will Smith (.318-5-17); RF Mookie Betts (.269-9-22). Overall, their lineup included seven players with four or more May homers and six with 15 or more May RBI.

Spreading Out the Load

Twelve Dodgers’pitches recorded wins in May (ony Tony Gonsolin … 3-1 in six starts had more than two) and and the team’s seven saves were divided among three relievers. 

The Diamondbacks came close to keeping pace with the Dodgers – going 17-10, as did the Giants at 17-12.   The Giants (2.39) and Diamondbacks (3.85) boasted the NL’s second – and third-best earned run average in May. The Padres, with MLB’s lowest May ERA – at just 3.20 – surprisingly, went 10-16. The did, however, score the NL’s sixth fewest runs (103).

Year-to-date (through May 31) standings ans further comments can be found at the end of this post.

——-Team  Statistical Leaders for May 2023 ———-

RUNS SCORED

National League – Dodgers (173); Cardinals (150); Braves (144)

American League – Rangers (168); Yankees (157); Rays (145)

The fewest  runs in May  were scored by the Pirates  – 85. The A’s tallied the fewest runs in the AL at 87. Others under 100 were the Brewers and Guardians (97 each).

AVERAGE

National League – Nationals (.275); Rockies (.271); Marlins (.268)

American League – Rangers (.286); Blue Jays (.274); Red Sox (.272)

The lowest team averages for May belonged to the A’s (.208) and Padres (.212).

HOME RUNS

National League – Braves (51); Dodgers (49); Cardinals (44)

American League –  Yankees (53); Rays (42); Angels (39)

The Guardians had the fewest home runs in May  at 16. The Pirates  were at the bottom of the NL at 19.

The Dodgers led MLB in slugging percentage for May at .487.  The Yankees led the AL at .463. 

The A’s had the lowest May slugging percentage – sounding like a broken record here – at .331.

STOLEN BASES

National League – Reds (28); Padres (27); Brewers (26)

American League – Rays (52); A’s (25): Blue Jays (23)

The Astros stole the fewest sacks in May  – just nine  in 14 attempts..   The Rockies were at the bottom of the NL with 13 in 17 attempts. 

WALKS DRAWN

National League –   Padres (120); Cubs (115); Dodgers (115)

American League  Twins (115): Tigers (106); Rays (103)

The Rangers led MLB  in on-base percentage for May  at .341. The Dodgers led the NL  at .340.  The A’s had MLB’s lowest  OBP for May at .287.  

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Cubs (2682; Giants (260); Reds (244)

American League – Twins (299); Athletics (264); Mariners (262)

Guardians  batters fanned the fewest times in May  (183).

 Bonus Stats

Dodgers’ batter racked up the most total bases in May at 473.  The Pirates were at the bottom of MLB at 303.

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Earned Run Average

National League – Padres (3.20); Giants (3.39); Diamondbacks (3.85)

American League –  Astros (3.09); Guardians (3.28); Twins (3.38)

The Athletics had the highest May ERA at 5.54.  The only other team over 5.00 was the Rockies at 5.13.

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Braves (276); Marlins (267); Dodgers (211)

American League –  Astros (272); Twins (267); Mariners (257)

The Astros averaged  an MLB-best 10.29 strikeouts per nine innings in May. The Marlins averaged an NL-best 9.96. Seven teams averaged 9.00 or better

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED

National League  – Phillies (75); Padres (78); Cubs (78)

American League – Mariners (54); Tigers (68); Guardians (72)

The Mariners walked an MLB-lowest 1.94 batter per nine innings in May .  The Royals walked an MLB-worst 4.60 batters per nine frames.

SAVES

National League – Giants (14); Reds (11); Nationals (10)

American League – Rays (112; Yankees (10); Guardians (9); Orioles (9)

Bonus Stats:

• The Athletics gave up an MLB-high 49 home runs in May  – The Padres gave up an MLB-low 21.
• The White Sox held opponent to an MLB-low .220 average in May; the Rockies staff was touched for an MLB-high .280 during the month.

 _____________________________

MAY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Sho-Time Again …  Make Room for Me, Babe

Okay, it seems like you can’t have a monthly wrap up without  a Shohei Ohtani story.  On May 3, Ohtani  fanned 13 batters (in five innings)  in the Angels’ 6-4 win over the Cardinal in St. Louis.  Ohtani gave up four earned runs in five innings and did not get the decision.  Still, history was made, as that 13^th strikeout (Cardinals’ 3B Nolan Arenado) to close out the fifth inning gave Ohtani 500 career MLB strikeouts – enabling him to join Babe Ruth as the only MLB players to accrue 500 career strikeouts as pitchers sand 100 or more home runs as hitters.

Good New Bad News

Good News. On May 3, Padres SS Xander Bogaerts came into a game against the Reds (in San Diego) with a season-opening  30-game streak of getting on base.   In the fifth inning, it looked like more good news, as Bogaerts – with Padres’ LF Juan Soto on first –  stroked an apparent single to right. Reds’ RF Stuart Fairchild dove for the ball, but did not make the catch – it short-hopped into his glove.

Now the bad news. Soto (who had walked) mistakenly thought the ball had been caught and headed back to first (where Bogaerts was already perched). Fairchild tossed to second for the force-out – negating the hit and resulting in a Fielder’s Choice (which does not extend an on-base streak). More bad news. Bogaerts ended the game zero-for-five – also ending his streak. Good news:  The Padre did win  7-1.

During his streak , Bogaerts went 34-for-112 (.304), with 15 walks and two hit by pitches.,

Rafael Devers and Number 150… or “Good Company”

On May 4, as the Red Sox topped the Blue Jays  in Boston 11-5, Boston 3B Rafael Devers hit his 11^th home run of the season (appropriately off Zach Pop).  The two-run shot came in the bottom of the eighth inning.  It was the 150^th round tripper of Devers’ career (2017-2023 … all with the Red Sox.) In another #InBaseballWeCountEverything moment, it was noted that Devers hit the long ball in his 721st Red Sox contest – making him the third-fastest to 150 in Red Sox history (Ted Williams – 664 games; Jim Rice -711).

2023’s First Immaculate Inning

On Thursday, May 4, the Pirates’ Colin Holderman threw 2023’s first Immaculate Inning (nine-pitches, three strikeouts). Holderman came on in the bottom of the seventh with the Pirates trailing the Rays 2-0. He fanned the Rays 6-7-8 hitters  2B Taylor Walls, RF Luke Raley and C Christian Bethancourt) in order one nine pitches. Through May,  Holderman was 0-1, 2.18, with 26 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.

Tee (off) for Two

On May 5, Fernando Tatis, Jr. – playing RF and leading off for the Padres (against the Dodgers) had a big night – two-homers, two runs scored and three RBI as the Padres won 5-2. It was Tatis ninth multi-homer game – coming in his fourth MLB season. So, why is it mentioned in the highlights? Because both long balls came off Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw – making Tatis the first player with two multi-homer games against Kershaw (now in his sixteenth MLB season).

Goldy is Gold

On May 7, Cardinal first baseman Paul Goldschmidt banged out three home runs and  a single, as the Cardinals topped the Tigers in St. Louis. Goldschmidt’s three-homer day was his  third career three-homer contest and the first for the Redbirds since September 3, 2006 (Albert Pujols).  Goldschmidt’s homers came in the:

• First inning off Alex Faedo;
• Third inning, again off Faedo.
• Eighth inning off Tyler Holton.

The 400 Club Adds Two New Members … or Save The Last Out for Me

Photo: TonyTheTiger, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 10, Kenley Jansen became just the seventh MLB pitcher to record 400 saves, as he pitched a scoreless ninth inning in the Red Sox 5-2 win over the Braves in Atlanta. It was his ninth save of the season (and ninth for Boston). Now in his 14^th MLB season, the breakout for Jansen’s  first 400 saves is Dodgers (350 in 12 seasons); Braves (41 in one season) and Red Sox (9).  Jansen has four seasons of 41+ saves on is MLB resume and four more of 30+ saves.

Photo: LWY on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop), CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 26, the 400-Save Club added an eighth member, when the Philllies’ Craig Kimbrel  tossed a scoreless ninth as the Phillies topped the Braves 6-4 in Atlanta.  Kimbrel, like Jansen, notched save 400 in his 14th MLB season.  His save breakout: Braves (186 in five seasons); Red Sox (108 in three seasons); Padres (39 in one season); Dodgers (22 in one season); Cubs (38 in three seasons); Phillies (six in one season); White Sox (one in one season).  Kimbrel has notched eight seasons of 30+ saves (five of more than 40), with a high of 50 saves in 2013. The eight-time All Star was the 2011 NL Rookie of The Year, when he led the NL with 46 saves and set the record for rookie-season saves.  He led the NL in saves four straight seasons (2011-14) – averaging 46 saves a season in that span.

Other with 400 or more saves include: Mariano Rivera (652); Trevor Hoffman (601); Lee Smith (478); Francisco Rodriguez (437); John Franco (424); and Billy Wagner (422).

Cedric for the Cycle

On May 12, Orioles’ CF and leadoff hitter Cedric Mullins hit for the 2023 MLB seasons’  second cycle, as the O’s  topped the Pirates 6-3 in Baltimore.  Mullins who came into the game hitting .248 with four home runs on the season , flied out to CF in the first; singled in the third; tripled in the fifth; doubled home a run in the seventh; and completed the cycle with a three-run  home run in the eighth.

30-30 Vision

Photo: D. Benjamin Miller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 10, The Mets’ Justin Verlander  pitched seven two-hit, one-run innings (fanning seven), as the Mets topped the Reds 2-1 in Cincinnati, Verlander got the win (his first of 2023) and, in the process, became the 21^st pitcher to pick up a victory against all 30 current MLB franchises. For those who like to know such things, the first hurler to record victories against all 30 teams was also a Met – Al Leiter, who became first on this list with a win against the Diamondbacks on April 30, 2002.

Photo: Jeffrey Hayes, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

On May 22, we saw another “thirty-team” landmark.  Astros’ catcher Martin Maldonado hit his third home run of the season – as the Astros beat the Brewers 12-2 in Milwaukee.  That blast made Maldonado the 69^th MLB player to homer against all 30 MLB teams. It was Maldonado’s 99^th career round tripper (in 13 MLB seasons), which (according to the Elias Sport Bureau) made him just the fourth player to homer against all 30 teams before collecting his 100^th round tripper (joining Jose Guillen, Orlando Hudson, Stephen Drew).

We Do Love Round Numbers in Baseball

On May 13,  in the bottom of the fifth inning, Royals’ starter Zack Greinke fanned Brewers’ rookies Brice Turang and Joey Wiemer.  In the vein of #InBaseballWeCountEverything, we know that (with those two whiffs) Greinke became just the  fifth MLB pitcher to fan 1,000 different batters.   The others comprise a pretty impressive list: Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, and Roger Clemens.

Unlucky Number 13

Over their first 39 games of 2023, the Marlins were  involved in 12 one-run contests – and they won them all … setting a new AL/NL record for consecutive wins in games decided by a single tally. The streak was broken on May 13, in their 13^th one-run contest of the season, as the Marlins lost to the Reds 6-5 in Miami. Miami’s early run of one-run victories is even more surprising, considering the team was an MLB-worst 24-40 in one -run games last season.

Shohei-time AGAIN

On May 15, Shohei Ohtani went seven innings in a 9-5 win over the Orioles in Baltimore.  It wasn’t his best mound outing. He gave up five runs over the seven frames. He did, however, get the win – running his record to 5-1 on the season.

He did a bit better at the plate – stroking  four hits (including a triple and a home run) and collecting a walk in six plate appearances.  The homer, by the way, was not a cheap one – measured at 456 feet by Statcast. For more of #InBaseballWeCountEverything, Ohtani was the first starting pitcher to reach base safely five times in a game since Mel Stottlemyre in September of  1964,

Way To Go Rook

On September 26, 1964, Yankees’ rookie Mel Stottlemyre started against the Senators in Washington D.C.  Stottlemyre pitched a two-hit shutout (five walks, five whiffs), running his record to 9-2, 1.97. As if the complete-game shutout wasn’t enough, Stottlemyre went five-for-five (four singles and a double) at the plate, scoring once and driving in two.  The 22-year-old finished his rookie season with a 9-3, 2.06 record in 13 games (he made his MLB debut in mid-August). At the plate, he hit .243 in 37 at bats.

Over the next six seasons, Stottlemyre was an All Star five times, going 103-83, 2.94, winning 20 or more games in three of those seasons. In an 11-season MLB career, he was 164-139, 2.97.

Another Round Number

On May 17, the Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado notched his 1,000th career RBI, as the Redbirds topped the Brewers 3-0 in St. Louis. The 1,000th RBI came on an infield single off Corbin Burnes in the bottom of the first inning (scoring DH Paul Goldschmidt). As May 2023 closed out, Arenado – in his 11th MLB season, had a career offensive stat line of  .288-308-1,004    – as well as ten  consecutive Gold Gloves – to his credit.

More #InBaseballWeCountEverything

In his last plate appearance on May 16 (ninth inning of a 7-2 loss to the Astros in Houston), Cubs’ RF Seiya Suzuki launched a 2-0 pitch from Matt Gage to deep left for a two-run home run.  Then, in his first two plate appearances the following day (in a 7-6 loss to the Astros), Suzuki hit a solo homer off J.P. France and a two-run shot (again off France).  So, why is this in the highlights? Elias Sports Bureau reports that Suzuki is the first Japanese born player to homer in three consecutive MLB plate appearances. Suzuki who hit .262-14-46 for the Cubs last season was .293-6-19 in 2023 (through May 31).  Suzuki signed with the Cubs  (five years – $85 million) in March 2022 after nine seasons in Japan – over which he hit .309-189-621, with 102 steals in 1,055 games. In 2021 he it .317, with 38 homers in 134 games for the Hiroshima Carp.

Lucky Seven

On May 18, off to a difficult start to the season, the last-place (18-36) Cardinals knocked off the first place (28-16) Dodgers 16-8. They tallied those 16 runs on just 12 hits, including seven home runs (their most long balls in a home game since May 7, 1940).

The Cardinals popped four home runs a six-run third inning: C Wilson Contreras (three-run); PH Juan Yepez (solo), 3B Nolan Gorman(solo); SS Paul DeJong (solo) – the last three back-to-back-to back.  DH Nolan Arenado added a two-run shot in the three-run fourth and,  in the seven-run eighth, Contreras added a second three-run homer and Gorman a second solo shot.

On May 26, the Pirates also enjoyed a win fueled by seven round trippers, as they bested the Mariners 11-6 in Seattle.  DH Andrew McCutchen set the tone, leading off the top of the first with a home run off George Kirby on just the second pitch of the game. 1B  Carlos Santana led off the fourth with a solo short (also off Kirby). Kirby then gave up back-to-back long balls to CF Jack Suwinski (two-run) and 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes in the fifth. Suwinski added a solo shot (off Juan Then) in the seventh and Tucupita Marcano also had a solo homer that inning.  LF  Bryan Reynolds got into the act in the eighth, with a solo homer off Chris Flexen.  It was MLB’s third seven-homer game of 2023. (The Giants poked seven round trippers in a 12-3 win over the White Sox on April 3.

On May 28, the Astros banged out seven home runs in beating the A’s 10-1 in Oakland. All ten of the Astros runs scored via the long ball. DH Yordan Alvarez had a solo homer in the first inning; CF Jake Meyers hit a three-run shot in the third.  RF Chas McCormick and 2B Jose Altuve went back-to-back with solo shots in the seventh; 1B Jose Abreu had a solo homer in the eighth; and SS Jeremy Pena (two-run) and Alvarez went back-to-back in the ninth.

A Grand (Slam) Celebration (sort of)

On May 18, as is Dodgers lost to the Cardinals 16-8, LA’s 1B Freddie Freeman notched his 300^th career home run (albeit in a losing causes) – a grand slam in the top of the sixth off Genesis Cabrera. It was Freeman’s eight round tripper of 2023.

Ruben Sierra (2004 Yankees) and Freddie  Freeman (2023 Dodges) are the only MLB players (to date) to celebrate their 300^th career homer with a Grand Slam.

More  Shutouts on the Books

May saw four more complete-game shutouts – bringing the 2023 season total to nine.  I note that here because in 2022, we saw only three complete-game shutouts through May and 16 over the entire season.

On May 8, The Pirates’ Mitch Keller shut out the Rockies (2-0) in Pittsburgh. Keller gave up four hits and a walk, while fanning eight.  He threw 103 pitches, 77 for strikes. It was Keller’s first career complete game in 78 starts (over five seasons).

On May 12, the Blue Jays’ Chris Bassitt went nine scoreless frames, as his Blue Jays topped the Braves 3-0 in Toronto. Bassitt gave up just two hits and two walks (eight strikeouts) in the outing – tossing 103 pitches (70 for strikes). It was Bassitt’s second career complete game (and second career shutout) – in 132 starts over nine seasons.

On May 21, the Astros’ Framer Valdez tossed the eighth  complete-game shutout of 2023 – shutting down the Oakland A’s by a 2-0 score – giving up just four hits (no walks), while fanning seven. It was Valdez’ fifth complete game and second shutout over 86 starts in six seasons.  Valdez threw 104 p[itches, 64 strikes.

On May 29,  the Cubs’ Marcus Stroman picked up his fifth win of the season (versus) four losses, tossing a complete-game, one-hit, one-walk, eight-whiff shutout. It was just the second complete-game and first shutout for Stroman – now in his ninth MLB season.  Stroman threw 105 pitches (72 strikes).

1,000 and Counting

On May 22, Mariners starter Luis Castillo  picked up a win, going six scoreless innings (four hits, two walks, eight strikeouts)  in a Mariners’ 11-2 win over the A’s. Notably, his fifth strikeout of the game – A’s  C Shea Langeliers leading off the fifth inning – marked the 1,000 strikeout of Castillo’s MLB career (he’s in his seventh season.)  Castillo finished May 4-2, 2.69 with 76 whiffs in 63 2/3 innings on the season.

Good Company or Three is not a Crowd

On May 23,  Yankees’ starter Gerrit Cole had a rough night – getting touched for five runs in five-plus innings. (Cole was pulled with no outs and two on in the sixth.) The Bronx Bombers did come back to win 6-5 in ten frames. Cole did reach a milestone though, fanning the Orioles’ Jorge Mateo in the second inning for his (Cole’s)  70^th whiff of the season and 2,000^th  career strikeout. Only Randy Johnson and Clayton Kershaw (pretty good company) reached 2,000 strikeouts in fewer games than Cole’s 278 (Johnson -262 … Kershaw 277). Cole also secured third place in terms of fewest innings pitched to reach 2,000 strikeouts (1,714 2/3), trailing Chris Sale (1,626) and Pedro Martinez (1,711 2/3). C

Moving in a Fast Crowd

On May 25, Twins’ reliever Jhoan Duran threw three pitches at 104 mph+, as he closed out the Twins’ 7-1 win versus the Giants in Minnesota.  They were the first three pitches over 104 mph of the 2023 season (the fastest was 104.6 mph).  The outing enabled Duran to climb up the career list of pitchers with pitches over 104 mph (there are only eight). Ahead of Duran are only Aroldis Chapman (with 67 104-mph+ pitches) and Jordan Hicks (12).

Another Immaculate Outings (inning)

On May 24, Pirate Johan Oviedo threw the second Immaculate Inning (nine pitches/three strikeouts)  of the month, fanning the Rangers’ Jonah Heim, Robbie Grossman and Josh Smith consecutively on nine pitches.  It came in the fourth inning of a 3-2 loss to the Rangers in Pittsburgh.

Somebody’s Got To Be First

On May 26, as the Nationals  faced the Royals in Kansas City, 2B Luis Garcia came into the game hitting .262 on the season. Over the course of the contest, he raised his average to .288 – as he picked up the 2023 season’s first six-hit contest – collecting four singles and two doubles, driving in two runs and scoring three.  The Nationals needed all that punch, as they edged the Royals 12-10.  As noted, it was the first six-hit game of 2023 and just the third six-hit contest in Nationals/Expos franchise history. For those who like to know such things, Wilbert Robinson and Rennie Stennett share the record for the most hits in a nine-inning game with seven.)

The Nationals’  Luis Garcia is the second youngest MLB player to collect six hits in a game (at 23 ear-10 days-old).  The youngest is Jesus Alou (1964 Giants) at 22-years-108 days). 

Getting Off to a Fast Start

Angels’ rookie righty Ben Joyce, on May 29, made his major-league debut against the White Sox in Chicago.  The 22-year-old – called up form Double-A the day before – came  on to start the seventh inning with the Angels up 4-3.  He dispatched the White Sox on 12 pitches (10 strikes), giving up a single and fanning two.  Why a fast start? Eleven of  Joyce’s 12 offerings were 100+ mph.  In two minor-league seasons, the 2022 third-round draft choice (out of the University of Tennessee), had gone 1-1, 3.45 with 44 strikeouts (17 walks) in 28 2/3 innings.

A Feel Good Story in Chicago

On May 29, righty Liam Hendriks – who saved 75 games for the White Sox over the 2021-22 seasons – made his first mound appearance of 2023.  He came on in he top of the eighth with the Angels leading the hometown White Sox 4-3.  It was a bit of a rough inning – Hendriks gave up two runs on three hits and a walk. It was, however, still a good day. It was Hendriks’ first major-league mound appearance since being diagnosed with (and treated for) stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma last December.   Hendriks entered the game to a standing ovation and chants of “Liam! Liam!” – (as wells with players in both dugouts standing to applaud his comeback).  Throughout his appearance fans took every opportunity to show their appreciation for Hendriks perseverance and courage.

——-Individual Statistical Leaders for May  2023———

AVERAGE (at least 75 May at bats)

National League – Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (.400); Owen Miller, Brewers (.363); Lourdes Gurriel,  Jr., Diamondbacks (.352)

American League –  Leody Taveras, Rangers (.368); Riley Greene, Tigers (.365); Masataka Yoshida, Red Sox (.354)

The lowest May average (among players with at least 50 at bats in the month)  belonged to the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber  at .115 (10-for-87). Schwarber did have seven homers and 15 RBI during the month.,

HOME RUNS

National League – Jorge Soler, Marlins (12); Pete Alonso, Mets (10); four with nine

American League – Aaron Judge, Yankees (12); Salvador Perez, Royals (9); four with eight

The Yankees’ Aaron Judge  had the highest May  slugging percentage (among players with at least 75 at bats) at .882.  The NL leader was the Dodgers Freddie Freeman  at .722.

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (26); Jorge Soler, Marlins (25); J.D. Martinez, Dodgers (24)

American League –  Aaron Judge, Yankees (25); Josh Naylor,Guardians (25); Anthony Santander,Orioles (22)

HITS

National League – Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (46); Lane Thomas, Nationals (36); Spencer Steer, Reds (32); Joey Meneses, Nationals (35)

American League –  Bo Bichette, Blue Jays (42); Marcus Semien, Rangers (37); Riley Greene, Tigers (35); Leody Taveras, Rangers (35)

The Padres’ Juan Soto led MLB players (with at bats 75 May at bats)  in on-base percentage at .482. The AL  leader was the Yankees’ Aaron Judge at .474)..

DOUBLES

National League –  Freddie Freeman, Dodgers (17); Juan Soto, Padres (11); five with nine

American League – Alex Verdugo, Red Sox (10); Andrew Benintendi, White Sox (10); five with nine

TRIPLES

National League – Brandon Nimmo, Mets (4); televen with two

American League – Seven with two.

The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman had an MLB-high 24 extra-base hit in May.  The Yankees’ Aaron Judge  and White Sox’ Luis Robert shared the AL lead at 17.

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (10); Starling Marte, Mets (7); Christian Yelich, Brewers (7)

American League – Esteury Ruiz, A’s (17); Wander Franco, Rays (14); three with ten

The Rays’ Taylor Walls  had the most May steals without getting caught, with ten.

WALKS

National League – Juan Soto, Padres (25); Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (22); Matt Olson, Braves (21)

American League –  Adley Rutschman, Orioles (21); Randy Arozarena, Rays (20); Aaron Judge Yankees (20); Zach McKinstry, Tigers (20)

The Dodgers’ Will Smith led MLB players (with at least 75 May at bats) in walks-to-strikeouts ratio at 1.80 (18 May walks to 10 May whiffs). 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (35); Jack Suwinski, Pirates (35); four with 34

American League – Teoscar Hernandez, Mariners (40); Jarred Kalenic, Mariners (39; )Brent Rooker, A’s (38)

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks (4-0); Mitch Keller,Pirates (401); Ian Gibaut, Reds (4-1)

American League – Jon Gray, Rangers (4-0); Cristian Javier, Astros (4-0); Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers (4-0); Zach Eflin, Rays  (4-1); Lance Lynn, White Sox (4-2)

Alex Manoah, Blue Jays, led MLB in May losses (0-5, 6.15).

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 May innings))

National League –  Michael Wacha, Padres (0.84); Logan Webb, Giants (1.30); Bryce Elder, Braves (1.72)

American League – Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers (0.96); Jon Gray, Rangers (1.95); Mike Lorenzen, Tigers (1.95)

Among pitchers with at least four May starts or 20  innings pitched, the Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez had the highest ERA at 11.14 …  26 earned runs in 21 innings pitched in five starts.

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Spencer Strider, Braves (57 K / 33 2/3 IP); Mitch Keller, Pirates  (53 K / 39 IP); Hunter Greene, Reds (40 K/ 28 IP);

American League – Shohei Ohtani, Angels (44 K / 31 IP); Michael Kopech, White Sox (43 K / 36 IP); Hunter Brown, Astros (42 K / 32 IP)

Among players with at least 25 May innings, the Braves Spencer Striker had the highest strikeouts- to-walks ration at 15.24. the Angels’  Shohei Ohtani led the AL at 12.77.

SAVES

National League – Camilo Doval, Giants (11);  Alexis Diaz Reds (9); Pierce Johnson, Rockies (8)

American League – Emmanuel Clase, Guardians (8); fie with seven

WHIP (Walks +  Hits per Inning Pitched – at least 25 May innings))

National League – Michael Wacha, Padres (0.72); Mitch Keller, Pirates (0.82); Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks (0.83)

American League – Bryce Miller, Mariners (0.75); Chris Sale, Red Sox (0.81); Zack Greinke, Royals (0.83)

BONUS STAT

• The Orioles’ Grayson Rodriguez gave up an MLB-high 11 home runs in May (over 21 innings).
• The Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen  pitched the most May innings without surrendering a home run … 35.

____________________________________________

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

National League 

Dodgers, Braves, Brewers: Wild Cards: Diamondbacks, Marlins, Mets

American League

Rays, Rangers Twins: Wild Cards: Orioles, Yankees, Astros

A few Observations:

• The young Orioles’ squad continues to surprise  (14 games over .500), but they are going to miss Cedric Mullins (groin strain).
• Who will wake up in the AL Central Division? Only one team — the Twins – is over .500.
• Through May, the A’s have a minus-195 run differential (worst in MLB), The Rangers strand at the top with a +131.  The only other team with a 100-run differential (plus or minus) is the Rays at +119.
• How would you like to play in the AL East?  The Red Sox with a 28-27 record stand in last place  10 1/2 games out.
• Through May, no team has won more one-run games than the Miami Marlins (16-4 in one-run contests); the Guardians have lost the most one-run games (11-14).
• The Rays are a remarkable 26-6 at home through May.  The Athletics are an equally remarkable 7-24 at home.
• The Orioles and and Braves have the best road winning percentages at .667 (18-9).

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

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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When it comes to communications, Sarah Johnson is a researcher, analyst and strategist, with the ability to tell a story in creative and compelling prose. With a Master’s Degree in Business Communications from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), attention to detail and a Renaissance-style curiosity, Johnson’s writing has covered topics ranging from Minnesota’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg to the renowned Gothic Cathedral of Cologne (Germany) to Lima, Peru’s growing status as a “foodie” destination to the career of MLB pitcher Charles “Chief” Bender. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as the Minneapolis Star Tribune; Food Wine Travel Magazine; Minnesota History Magazine; and the SABR Baseball Research Journal.  In addition to a successful freelance career, she has worked for such varied organizations as  the Hennepin Theatre Trust, Midwest Food Connection and YouthLink MN.

Johnson, however, is the subject of this Baseball Roundtable post for a different kind of story telling – one told in numbers (like 6-4-3) and acronyms (like HBP and RBI). Working at Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins), Johnson is one of just five female official scorers (out of approximately 100 official scorers) in Major League Baseball. 

Baseball Roundtable was pleased to have the opportunity  to talk with Johnson about baseball and her work as an official scorer.

Johnson indicated she became interested in sports at an early age  – from the sidelines, rather than on the field.

“I did not play sports growing up, but I have always loved watching baseball and  spent considerable time watching my sisters play basketball and volleyball,” she explained.  “My dad calls me the world’s greatest spectator!”

Baseball Roundtable Note:  The choice of the phrase  the “world ‘s greatest spectator” – as opposed to – “world’s greatest fan,” may have foreshadowed Johnson’s later work as a scorer and statistician. Clearly, in sports, unbiased interpretation of the play on the field (rather than fan-influenced observations) is a positive asset.

Sarah Johnson’s father may have been the first to see her potential as a scorer.  As he tells the story, he took Sarah to her first professional game (Twins at the HHH Metrodome ) at a very young age.  Johnson saw a woman ( Roundtable emphasis) keeping a scorecard and was very curious about what she was doing.  At their very next game, Johnson’s father bought Sarah a scorecard and she taught herself how to score a baseball game.  (More foreshadowing?)

Johnson’s advancement to the major-league scorer’s table was a logical one. It included serving as an official scorer for a high school tournament, the first round of the 2018 NCAA Baseball Tournament (at the University of Minnesota’s Siebert Field) and the independent minor-league Saint Paul Saints,  as well as spending time shadowing veteran official scorers for the Twins and Saints.

Those shadowing sessions, particularly with long-time official scorer Stew Thornley (who Johnson met through the Halsey Hall Chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research), were a notable influence in Johnson’s eventual selection as an MLB scorer.

“I met Stew through SABR and knew he was one of the official scorers at Target Field, so I started asking him questions about unique game situations,” Johnson said.  “They must have been the right questions, because he turned to me one day and said, ‘You should be an official scorer.’ Stew allowed me to shadow him during a game at Target Field and then I contacted the Saints and asked if I could shadow their official scorer.”

Baseball Roundtable Note:  Both Thornley and Johnson are board members of the Halsey Hall SABR Chapter.

Johnson said those shadowing sessions were extremely helpful in building her understanding of what it takes to be an official scorer and what she needed to “work on and study” if she wanted to earn a spot in the scorer’s booth.

Johnson said a key part of preparation for a role as an official scorer  (in addition to her practical experience with the Gopher and Saints) was an  MLB program called the “Official Scoring University.” That program offers the opportunity to discuss rules and game situations in detail with veteran MLB scorers and MLB personnel. Johnson added that scorers also review judgement plays during the season, as well as take rules quizzes (and discuss their answers and reasoning in detail). The learning curve, she added, is ongoing.

“As the old cliché goes, anytime you go to a baseball game you may see something you’ve never seen before,“ Johnson said. “That’s the most challenging thing about scoring, but also what keep it interesting. There is always more to learn.”

Johnson’s  first game as an official MLB scorer was on the Twins Opening Day in 2022, a day she recalls as a “whirlwind.”

“Amid all of the pageantry of the first day of a new season, I was busy figuring out how to get everything I would need during the game in place,” she said.  “I remember spending most of the game trying not to forget anything I was  responsible for.  Fortunately, it was a fairly easy game.  I didn’t have to make any tough judgment calls.”

Johnson, who scored 18 games at Target Field last season, described her game-day routine and responsibilities in detail for the Roundtable.

“Scorers have to be there an hour before the game, but I’m always early, because  I like to get everything set up and tested so I can go and eat dinner before the game,” she explained. “I have my rule book, binoculars and pencils with me at every game.  I know some official scorers keep score in pen and I don’t know how they do it. I’ve always kept score in pencil, but everyone’s system is a little different.

“We also have to have a laptop with us because we stream the game feed so we can watch a replay if we need to make a judgement call or have a crazy play,” Johnson continued. “We also have a program that provides clips of each play so that  we can easily go back and watch something again and don’t have to search through the TV broadcast to find what we need.”

Johnson noted that  weather conditions are one of the factors scorers are required to take into consideration for judgement calls,  so she checks out current and expected weather conditions before she arrives at the ballpark.

There is always a microphone nearby, she added.

“The official scorer is in the press box during the game and has a microphone to announce decisions and other game information to those in the press box and scoreboard booth,” she said.

Baseball Roundtable Note:  Note:  Johnson also scores University of Minnesota Gophers and Saint Paul Saints games and, last season, scored approximately 40 games among the Twins. Saints and Gophers.

Official scorers are selected by and are employees of Major League Baseball, not any specific team, and are paid by MLB. Scorers are paid approximately  $35/hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Johnson  added that there is just one official scorer for each game, but MLB  does provide some support for the decision-making process.

“The lone official scorer at each game is responsible for making every decision,” she explained. “However, we are assigned an official scoring support person for each game –  typically a veteran official scorer for another market whose team is on the road. We communicate with them via Slack (instant messaging software) and they can help provide a second opinion or help clarify a rule if something crazy happens. Ultimately, however, the final decision lies with the official scorer at the ballpark.”

Johnson told Baseball Roundtable that her role has an official scorer has changed the way she watches a game, but not how much she enjoys the national pastime.

“When you’re working the game, you’re definitely not just sitting there relaxing as you would be as a fan,  but it’s particularly enjoyable to be constantly involved in the game,” she said. “Scorers are responsible for paying attention to every pitch, no matter what the score, no matter who is on the field or what the situation is, and no matter how long the game lasts.  You definitely have to be a huge baseball fan to maintain that intense level of  attention for that long.”

I asked Johnson what the toughest calls  to make are – like a possible error on a ball that went untouched, giving an error on thrown ball to the fielder who made the throw or the player who was its target or calling a hit or error on a tough fielding chance.

“The short answer is … all of them! But the hardest part about doing official scoring for me is when you have a crazy inning where things just keep happening and you’re not only making judgement calls, but have to constantly keep track of everything so you can reconstruct the inning,“ she said. “I had a Gophers game where I had three errors and a passed ball in the same half inning. At the time, you just do the best you can to keep track of everything and keep going … and then you can go back and reconstruct the inning after the game is over.”

Johnson recalled a couple of particularly exciting games she scored in 2022.

“Being involved in a no-hitter or near no-hitter is always one of the most exciting, but also nerve-wracking, games to work as a scorer, “ she said. “I had two such experiences last year.  I was the official scorer for the first no-hitter in CHS Field history at a Saints game. Then,  in my third MLB game as an official scorer, Justin Verlander took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Twins. I didn’t have to make any controversial judgement calls in either one, but constantly knowing that I might have to on the next pitch was stressful!”

Johnson added that an official scorer needs to have a thick skin.

“In addition to being detail-oriented and having a love of the game – so you can pay attention to every pitch as long as the game lasts – you have to have a thick skin and calm demeanor,” Johnson said. “You’re constantly making judgment calls and, no matter what the call, there’s a chance someone might be upset. You have to remain calm – and be able to articulate why you called a certain play the way you did.”

Asked for any advice she’s give to prospective scorer, Johnson suggested :

• Get a copy of MLB’s official rules and read it, especially the section on official scoring; and
• Get experience in scoring whenever and wherever you can – high school, town ball, college, the minor leagues.

Johnson strongly stressed the importance of knowing and relying on the rule book. “No matter what level you are scoring, use the rule book to work through situations as they come up during a game,” she said. “I frequently pull mine out – even when I’m at home watching a game.”

Johnson’s sports-related work, by the way, is not limited to baseball. She is also one of the scoreboard  operators for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and does scorekeeping for boys and girls basketball at the high school level; activities she says “keep my scorekeeping brain active while I’m waiting for the next baseball season to begin.”

If you want to learn more about MLB’s group of female official scorers, just click here.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

Baseball Roundtable is also on the Anytime Baseball Supply Top 66 Baseball Sites list.  For the full list, click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

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

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