Gerrit Cole’s consecutive winning-decision streak stopped a twenty.

The Braves topped the Yankees and Gerrit Cole yesterday (August 26) by a 5-1 score – behind the arm of rookie righty Ian Anderson (making his first MLB appearance) and the bats of Ronald Acuna Jr., Dansby Swanson and Marcell Ozuna (who all homered of Cole).  Anderson went six innings in his MLB debut, giving up just one run on one hit, while walking two and fanning six in the seven-inning contest. Cole gave up five runs on five hits over five innings.  He walked two and fanned nine.

The loss was Cole first after twenty consecutive regular-season winning decisions.  With that in mind, let’s take a look at the pitchers with steaks of twenty of more consecutive  regular-season winning decisions. First a few trivia tidbits and the obligatory Baseball Roundtable chart.

• Carl Hubbell’s streak included 19 complete games (the most of any of the streakers). He notched 21 wins as a starter and three as a reliever.  So, Hubbell holds the overall record for consecutive winning decisions at 23, as well as the record for pitchers in a starting role at 21.
• Jake Arrieta’s 20-win streak included a pair of no-hitters. His 0.97 earned run average during his streak is the lowest in-streak earned run average of any of the pitchers on this list.
• Roy Face is the only reliever to notch 20 consecutive positive decisions, obviously giving him the record for consecutive winning decisions in relief (22). He spread his victory streak over 75 appearances.  Face has 20 saves during his streak.
• 19 of Rube Marquard’s 20 consecutive winning decision came in 1912, giving him the records for the most connective wining decisions within a single season and to start a season.
• Gerrit Cole’s streak included only one complete game – and that was a five-inning (weather-shortened) performance on Opening Day (July 23) of this season.
• Roger Clemens pitched for two teams during his streak – with 15 wins for the Blue Jays in 1998 and five for the Yankees in 1999.
• After his 20 consecutive winning decisions, Rube Marquard went 0-3, 6.08 in his next three appearances (two starts).
• In the first 13 wins his streak (August 4, 2015 – April 4, 2016), Jake Arrieta gave up just four earned runs in 95 1/3 innings pitched in 14 starts – a 0.38 earned runs average.
• Gerrit Cole averaged 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings during his steak – the highest on the list. Next is Roger Clemens at 10.2 whiffs per nine.

Here are the stats put up by these streakers during their streaks – from the first victory to the final win recorded.  Stats from no decisions within the streak are counted, while those from a no decisions just before the first win or after the final win in the streak, but before the first loss, are  NOT counted.

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

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

There has been lots of talk about Shane Bieber’s great start to this unusual season – 5-0, 1.11 with 65 strikeouts.  In the theme of “In baseball, we count everything,” it has been noted that the 65 whiffs ties Bieber for the fourth-most strikeouts in the first six starts of a campaign (Elias Sports Bureau).   In this post, BBRT will take a look at the top five (in strikeouts in a season’s first six starts) – how they got there and what they did in their seventh starting assignment.  First a chart (BBRT loves charts) and then some commentary.

A few notes, on the performance of players on this list over those six starts:

• Shane Bieber had the lowest ERA (1.11) and also the fewest innings pitched (40 2/3).
• Nolan Ryan’s gave up the fewest hits (20 in 50 innings), but the most walks (30).
• Pedro Martinez and Shane Bieber tied for the most wins (5), while Nolan Ryan had the fewest wins (2).

Some other notes:

• Ryan is the only pitcher to finish his streak season with a losing record (10-13).
• The only hurler on the list not to lead the league in strikeouts out after his blazing start was Pedro Martinez in 2001 – a season when a rotator cuff injury cost him a month of playing time. (We’ll see what Bieber does.)
• None of the players on the list had a 20-win season in the year of their quick starts.
• The three players Bieber is joining on this list are all in the top 15 in career strikeouts – Nolan Ryan (Number One); Pedro Martinez (13); Curt Schilling (15).
• The most strikeouts in the seventh start for players on this list was Pedro Martinez, with 15 whiffs in his seventh start of 2000.  We, of course, have yet to see what Bieber does.

Now, let’s look at the list.

Nolan Ryan, Angels – 71 strikeouts in his first six starts of 1978

No surprise to find MLB’s career strikeout king at the top of this list.  Ryan is also the career leader in bases on balls – and his 30 walks over his first six 1978 starts also leads this list (more than twice as many as the runner-up).

Ryan had the fewest wins (during his first six starts) among our five leaders – going just 2-1, despite a nifty 1.62 ERA.  With a little help from his friends, he would have fared better.  He gave up zero runs in four of those six starts, yet his only victories came in a pair of complete-game shutouts.  The biggest disappointment probably came in an April 13 start against the Twins (in Minnesota). Ryan got a no-decision, despite pitching ten innings of shutout ball, giving up just four hits (four walks), while fanning 12.  The Angels did win the game 1-0 on a Joe Rudi walk-off home run in the bottom of the eleventh inning.

Ryan finished the season at 10-13, 3.72, leading the league in strikeouts (260) and walks (148) in 234 2/3 innings pitched.  Over  his career, Ryan would lead the league in strikeouts 11 times and walks eight times.

Nolan Ryan fanned just five batters in eight innings in his seventh 1978 start – taking the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits and six walks to the Indians.

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Pedro Martinez, Red Sox – 67 strikeouts in his first six starts of 2000

The only pitcher to appear twice in the top-five list, Martinez picked up five wins in his first six starts of 2000. He made it into the eighth inning in only one of those six starts (a complete-game in start number six). Ironically, the one complete game was his only loss in the streak – a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tampa Bay in which Martinez gave up just six hits and one walk, while fanning 17.  His mound opponent that day was Steve Trachsel, who pitched a three-hit shutout, walking three and fanning 11.  In the first five games of the season, Martinez went seven innings four times and 7 1/3 once. He never gave up more than two earned runs in any of those contests.

Martinez finished the season at 18-6, with a league-best 1.74 earned run average and a league-leading 284 strikeouts in 217 innings. Winnings his third Cy Young Award.

In his seventh start of the 2000 season, Pedro Martinez continued his whiffing ways, shutting out the Orioles (9-0) on two hits, while walking none and fanning 15.

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Pedro Martinez, Red Sox – 66 strikeouts in his first six starts of 2001

Martinez went 3-0. 1.47 in his first six starts of 2001 (the Red Sox lost all three of his no-decisions). While he had no complete games in his run, he averaged just over seven innings a start. His best start in the string was an April 8 game against Tampa Bay, when he went eight innings, giving up just three hits and three walks, while fanning 16.  In his three no-decisions, Martinez pitched 21 innings and gave up five earned runs (fanning 25). Martinez, who missed a month of the season (rotator cuff), finished the year 7-3, 2.39, with 163 strikeouts in 116 2.3 innings.

In his seventh start of 2001, Martinez picked up a win against the A’s – pitching seven innings and giving up four hits, no walks and one run, while fanning six.

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Curt Schilling, Phillies – 65 strikeouts in his first six starts of 1998

Curt Schilling lost two of the six games in his early-season (1998) strikeout streak – giving up three earned runs in seven innings in each of those contests. He also picked up three wins – and could have had a fourth with just a little support. In his first start (March 31, versus the Mets), Schilling went eight innings, giving up just two hits, walking one and fanning nine. He left the game after the eighth frame, with the score knotted at zero.  The Mets eventually won 1-0 in fourteen innings.

Schilling finished the 1998 season at 15-14, 3.25 – leading the National league in complete games (15), innings pitched (268 2/3) and strikeouts (300).

In his seventh start of the 1998 campaign, Curt Schilling went seven innings versus the Astros, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned), while walking one and fanning 13. While he deserved better, he left the game trailing 2-1 and took the loss, as the Astros topped the Phillies 4-1.

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Shane Bieber, Indians – 65 strikeouts in his first six starts of 2020

Shane Bieber’s first six starts of 2020 earned him five victories (tied for the most among the pitchers on this list) and a 1.11 earned run average (lowest among the players on this list).

Bieber pitched the fewest innings of any player on the list (40 2/3 in is six starts), three times tossing just six frames. His longest outing was an eight-inning stint against the Twins, when he gave up just three hits, walked none and fanned 13.  In four of his six outings, he held his opponents scoreless. Bieber’s only no-decision came against the White Sox on August 9, when he gave up three runs on four hits (two walks, eight whiffs) in six innings.  The big hits were home runs by Jose Abreu and James McCann. The Indians won the game 5-4 in ten innings.

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

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Photo by apardavila

David Ortiz never did it in his 20-season, 541-home run career.  Hank Aaron (755 career home runs) accomplished the feat just once in 23 seasons, as did Frank Robinson (586 career home runs) in 21 seasons.  Heck, even Babe Ruth (714 career dingers) only did it twice in 22 campaigns.  And, these guys had nicknames like Big Papi, The Hammer, The Judge and The Sultan of Swat.  I’m talking about going deep three times in a game – and, yesterday (lucky August 13), Markus “Mookie” Betts hit three home runs in a game for the sixth time in his career – tying the major -league record for three-blast contests.

Betts had his sixth three-homer night out of the leadoff spot, as his Dodgers topped  the Padres 11-2 … and maybe there was a bit of retribution involved (he was hit by a pitch in his first plate appearance of the game). Overall, Betts was four-for-four (he also had an infield single), with four runs scored and five driven in.

As you can see in the chart below, Betts got to his sixth three-homer game much more quickly than either of his predecessors (Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa).  It clearly seems like this is a record likely to fall.

Through Yesterday, Betts had a career average of .302 (in 813 games), with 146 home runs, 485 RBI, 627 runs scored and 127 stolen bases. He is a four-time All Star, the 2018 AL Most Valuable player (when he won the batting title at .346, hit 32 home runs, drove in 80 and scored a league-topping 129 times).  Overall, he scored 100+ runs in four of his first six seasons, drove in 100+ in two of those campaigns and hit.300+ twice.

Now, let take a look at some additional three-homer game tidbits.

• While no teenager has recorded an MLB three-homer game, two twenty-year-olds have done it.  The Tigers’ Al Kaline (April 17, 1955) at 20 years-119 days and the Braves’ Eddie Mathews (September 27, 1952) at 20 years-350 days.

• Stan Musial is the oldest player to go deep three times in a game. He had his second (and final) career three-homer game on July 8, 1962 at 41 years-229 days old. Here’s a chart of those 40 or over to hit three long balls in a single contest.

• The White Sox’ Merv Conn0rs (three-homer game on September 17, 1938) hit the fewest career home runs of any player with a three-HR contest – eight. Connors played just 52 games for the White Sox in two MLB seasons (1937-38) – going .279 (46-for-165), with eight home runs and 25 RBI. At the time of his three-homer game, he was playing in his 38^th MLB game and had hit a total of three home runs in the previous 37.
• Two father-son combos have each recorded three-homer games – Cecil Fielder (May 6 & June 6, 1990, April 16, 1996) and Prince Fielder (September 27, 2011) and Ken Griffey Sr. (July 22, 1986) and Ken Griffey Jr.  (May 24, 1996, April 25, 1997).
• One grandfather-grandson combo has each recorded a three-homer game Carl Yastrzemski (May 19, 1976)  and grandson Mike Yastrzemski (August 16, 2019).

Knock Three Times – Three Home Runs on Opening Day

The Opening Day, single-game record of three home runs is shared by four players – the Blue Jays’ George Bell, Cubs’ Tuffy Rhodes, Tigers’ Dmitri Young and White Sox’ Matt Davidson.

On April 4, 1988, George Bell – batting clean-up and serving as the DH – became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game, as his Blue Jays topped the Royals 5-3 in Kansas City. Bell went three-for-four with three runs scored and four RBI, hitting all three home runs off Royals’ starter Brett Saberhagen.

On a windy April 4, 1994, Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes (leading off and playing CF for the Cubs in Chicago) hit three solo shots off Mets’ starter Dwight Gooden. Rhodes also had a single and a walk in five plate appearances. Despite Rhodes’ record-tying performance, the Cubs lost to the visiting Mets 12-8. At the time, Rhodes had played 107 MLB games in four seasons – hitting a total of five home runs. His MLB career consisted of 225 games in six seasons, with a .224 average and just 13 round trippers (with a high of eight in 1994). 

On April 4, 2005 the Tigers’ Dmitri Young joined Bell and Rhodes on the list of batters with three home runs in an Opening Day game – as the Tigers topped the Royals 11-2 in Detroit. Young started at DH and went four-for-four with four runs and five RBI.  Young, an All Star in 2003 and 2007, hit a total of 21 home runs in 2005 – and 171 in 13 MLB seasons. 

On March 29, 2018, as the White Sox topped the Royals 14-7 in Kansas City, DH and (appropriately) cleanup hitter Matt Davidson opened the season with a three-homer, five-RBI game. He went three-for-four with a walk, four runs scored and five RBI.  Davidson, in his fourth MLB season, went on to a .228-20-62 campaign.  In his 273 MLB games (2013, 1015-18), Davidson has just three multi-homer contests. and a total of 49 round trippers.

• Babe Ruth is the only player to twice hit three-homers in a World Series game. Ruth accomplished the feat in the 1926 (Game Four) and 1928 (Game Four) Series.  Additional players with a three-HR World Series game include Reggie Jackson in the 1977 Series (Game Six); Albert Pujols in the 2011 Series (Game Three); and Pablo Sandoval in the 2012 Series (Game One).
• Two pitchers have hit three home runs in a game.  On August 15, 1986, Guy Hecker of the American Association (considered a major league) Louisville Colonels collected three singles and three home runs in a 22-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles. In a May 13, 1942 game against the Cubs, the Boston Braves’ Jim Tobin flied out to deep right field in the third inning; homered to lead off the fifth; homered again to lead off the seventh; and hit a two-run home run with two outs in the eighth (to break a 4-4 tie in a game the Braves won 6-5).

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

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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

It’s August first and that means we are starting into the second calendar month of a very non-traditional MLB season.  We are dealing with a July start, empty stands and “piped-in” fans, COVID postponements, extra innings starting with a runner placed at second base, expanded playoffs and even – “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” – upcoming seven-inning games in double headers. Wow.  A lot to take in.

Baseball Roundtable is going to stick with one of its traditions, however. The monthly wrap up.  It will be the usual mix of MLB stats and stories that caught my attention, along with selection of BBRT’s players and pitchers of the month.  Even though July was a short month (from a games-played perspective), there will be a Wrap Up (who knows when they might pull the plug on the season.)

Given the small sample size and disparities in games played (COVID game postponements limiting the Marlins and Phillies to three games each), BBRT statistical leaders may differ a bit from those on MLB lists.  For example, Marlins’ SS Miguel Rojas is listed as the MLB batting leader (.700 average), but he has just ten at bats.  BBRT’s leader board requires 20 at bats, so you will find Giants’ SS Donovan Solano at the top (.458 in 24 July at bats.)

So, let’s get to it.  First a few general observations.

• As usual, pitchers appear to be ahead of hitters early on, with all of MLB averaging .233 and 45 hitters with at least 20 at bats hitting under .200 – including such “names” as George Springer, Kris Bryant, Cody Bellinger; Jose Altuve; and Ronald Acuna, Jr.
• As Rod Serling would say, “For your consideration,” 2018 and 2019 National League batting champ Christian Yelich ended July with one hit (albeit a home run) in 27 at bats for a .037 average.
• The 2020 season saw only 45 complete-games in 2,429 contests – one every 54 games.  Through July 31 this season, we’ve already seen three complete games in 104 contests – one every 35 games.
• The Cardinals’ bullpen held opponents to a .100 average in July.
• Shane Bieber Bieber fanned 27 batters in 14 July innings, putting up a 2-0 record and a 0.00 earned run average.
• Nelson Cruz of the Twins has shown that “40 is the new 30,” leading MLB in RBI with 11 – and putting up a two-double, two-home run, seven-RBI game against the White Sox on July 26.
• Nobody had more hits in July than Mariners’ CF Kyle Lewis (rookie status still intact), who collected 15 hits in eight games (.455 average).

More on all of this and more as you read on, but let’s get to the players and pitchers of the month.

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American League BBRT Player of the Month for July – Kyle Lewis, CF, Mariners

Mariners’ 25-year-old rookie CF Kyle Lewis led all of MLB with 15 July base hits and his .455 average tied the Yankees’ D.J. LeMahieu for tops in the AL among batters with at least 20 at bats. Lewis also had two home runs and his eight RBI were second only to Nelson Cruz in the American League. Lewis, a first-round draft pick out of Mercer University in 2016, hit .268 in 18 games with the Mariners in 2019 (after hitting .263 in 122 games at Double A). Lewis, who leads the AL with 13 strikeouts, does need work on plate discipline.

Others considered:  BBRT also looked at the Twins’ Nelson Cruz (.333-3-11), but took into  consideration that seven of his MLB-best 11 July RBI came in one game. Red Sox’ catcher Christian Vazquez also deserve a shout out.  His four home runs tied for the MLB July lead and he added eight RBI and a .348 average.

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American League Pitcher of the Month for July – Shane Bieber, Indians

Shane Bieber. One walk – 27 whiffs.

No contest here, as Indians’ right-hander Shane Bieber’s July was one for the record books. On Opening Day (July 24), he fanned 14 Royals in six shutout innings – coming within one of the MLB Opening Day record for whiffs. Then, six days later, he whiffed 13 Twins in eight shutout innings, tying the MLB record for strikeouts in the first two starts of a season.  For details on those records, click here. So, here’s Bieber’s line for July:  2-0, 0.00 ERA, 14 innings pitched, seven hits, just one walk and 27 strikeouts. Game. Set. Match.

Shane Bieber fanned at least one batter in every inning he pitched in July.

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National Player of the Month for July – Donovan Solano, 2B, Giants

Photo by mwlguide

Donovan Solano has been around for awhile. He signed as an International free agent with the Cardinals in 2005 and finally made it to the big leagues with the Marlins in 2012. He is now in his seventh MLB  season (serving primarily as a utility infielder). Over his first six MLB campaigns, he played in 451 games and put up a .269-13-122 stat line.  Since signing a minor-league contract with the Giants in December 2018, Solano has been on fire.  He hit .322 in 24 games at Triple A in 2019 and then .330 in 81 games after a call up to the Giants. This July, he has raked at an MLB-best .458 pace (11-for-24), with one home run and ten RBI (trailing only the 11 of the Braves’ Dansby Swanson and Twins’ Nelson Cruz).  While he has yet to draw a walk this season, he has fanned only three times in 24 at bats.  He puts the ball in play.

Others considered:  Braves’ SS Dansby Swanson hit .387, with two home runs and an MLB-best 11 RBI in July. The swing factor here (pun intended) was his 12 strikeouts to Solano’s three (Swanson drew just one walk). Also, Salano’s .458 average was a bright and shiny thing.

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National League Pitcher of the Month – Sonny Gray, Reds

Sonny Gray put up the lowest ERA in the NL (0.71 in 12 2/3 innings pitched).  He won both his starts, giving up just four hits and three walks. He also fanned 20 batters (second in the NL to Max Scherzer’s 21) and held hitters to an NL-best .098 average. A nice start for the veteran (in his eighth MLB season) and two-time All Star.

Others considered: Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs got a brief look-see after throwing the season’s first complete-game shutout (a three-hitter against the Brewers) in his first start of the season. He pitched his way out of the competition by giving up six runs in his second start. Max Scherzer’s NL-high 21 July strikeouts also merited some attention, but he went 0-1, 2.84 to Gray’s 2-0, 0.71.  It was Gray all the way.

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Now, here are your standing as of end of play July 31.  Too early for any analysis, let the numbers speak for themselves.  If I had to pick a “surprise” this early, I guess it would be the Padres leading the NL West – and sitting atop all of MLB in July runs scored.  They seem to be doing it with a pretty balanced attack – six players with five or more RBI: SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. (9); 1B Eric Hosmer (7); LF Tommy Pham (7); and five each from 3B Manny Machado, CF Trent Grisham, and RF Wil Myers.  They also have six players with five or more runs scored and four players with two home runs.  The Padres also put their speed to good use, getting stolen bases from six players – with their 14 July steals leading MLB by a wide margin. Your other division leaders (excluding the three games-played Marlins) are pretty much as expected.

—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS —–

(as of end of play July 31, 2020)

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 32

AL: Astros (42); Mariners (41); Angels (46)

NL:  Padres (52); Braves (46); Cubs (44)

Runs Per Game

Given the small sample – and range in the number of games played – it is important to note that your runs per game leaders were the Padres in the NL (6.50) and the Astros in the AL (6.00).  One additional team averaged six or more runs per game in July – Cubs (6.29)  

The Rangers scored an MLB-low 13 runs in five July games – and had the lowest R/G (2.60).

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .233    (To qualify for BBRT leaderboard, minimum five games played.)

AL: Red Sox (.264); Mariners (.262); Astros (.249)

NL: Mets (.266); Giants (.257); Cubs (.254)

The Team Mendoza Line

Four teams were hitting below .200 as July play closed: Pirates (.177); Rangers (.180); A’s (.194); Brewers (.198).

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 8

AL: Tigers (15); Twins (12); Angels (12); White Sox (11); Blue Jays (11)

NL: Reds (12); Cubs (12); Dodgers (11); Padres (11)

Who Digs the Long Ball?

The Diamondbacks were power-starved, with just two home runs over their first eight games.

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 3

AL: Mariners (8); Astros (6); Rangers (5); Blue Jays (5)

NL: Padres (14); Mets (5)

Slow Ride. Take It Easy.

Six teams had stolen only one base through July – Red Sox, White Sox, Indians, Marlins, Brewers, Cardinals.

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 62

AL: Tigers (90); Mariners (79); Royals (75)

NL: Braves (93); Mets (75); Padres (75)

Making Contact

Phillies hitters (only three games) fanned an MLB-fewest 18 times as of end of play July 31.  Among teams with at least five games played, the Cardinals and Orioles had the fewest whiffs (44). 

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 25

AL: Angels (37); Rays (37); Astros (35)

NL: Padres (40; Dodgers (37); Reds (36)

Ouch!

Who crowds the plate?  The Cubs led MLB in hit-by-pitch through July 31 at 12 (the MLB team average was 4). 

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EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.26

AL:  Indians (2.13); Blue Jays (3.29); Twins (3.34)

NL:  Dodgers (2.04): Nationals (2.69); Rockies (2.72)

He Shoots! He Scores!

Mariners’ hurlers had a rough July with an MLB-worst 6.49 ERA.  Over in the NL, the Phillies were at the bottom at 5.67.

The Indians had the lowest ERA among starting staff in July at 2.18.  The Rockies were the surprise leaders in the NL at 2.46.

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 62

AL:  Indians (94); Rays (85); Angels (72)

NL: Reds (93); Diamondbacks (82);Mets (72); Padres (72)

Inning-by-Inning

The Reds also led all of MLB in strikeouts per nine innings at 13.5– finishing July with ten or more whiffs per nine frames were: Indians (11.8); Brewers (11.0); Rays (10.9); and Rangers 10.8; Diamondbacks (10.0)

SAVES … MLB Average – 2

AL: Tigers (4); Indians (4); Twins (3); Mariners (3)

NL: Braves (3); six with two

Firemen

The Cardinals had the lowest bullpen ERA at 0.98, while the A’s pen had the lowest AL ERA at 1.91.

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED … MLB Average – 25

AL: Indians (14); Yankees (16); A’s (19)

NL: Cardinals (9); Phillies (10/three games)); Nationals (19); Marlins (19/three games); Reds (19)

Stingy with those Free Passes

Looking at walks per nine innings, the Indians posted the best ratio at 1.3. The only other team with less than two walks per nine frames was the Cardinals at 1.9.

The Diamondbacks’ staff walked the most batters – 44 in 8 games (5.8 per nine innings).  The Marlins who played just three games, walked an MLB-worst 6.6 batters per contest.

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Now a few individual highlights.

Late Opener – Kiki is all Four It

Dodgers’ 2B Enrique “Kiki” Hernandez got his season off to a running start.  In the Dodgers July 23 opener (at home) against the Giants, Hernandez – a .243 career hitter (starting his seventh MLB season) – went four-for-five, with a home runs, two runs scored and five RBI. It was Hernandez’ first MLB four-hit game, as well as his first five-RBI game.  The Dodgers, by the way, prevailed 8-1.

Round. Round. Get Around. I Get Around.

In his MLB career, Kiki Hernandez has played every position except catcher.  As the 2020 season opened, he had started 126 games in CF, 110 at 2B, 57 in LF, 54 at SS, 32 in RF, 14 at 3B, 11 at 1B and two at DH. He also made on appearance on the mound, 1/3 inning of scoreless relief.

Kepler Goes Deep – In a Hurry

Photo by IDSportsPhoto

Twins’ RF Max Kepler took White Sox starter Luis Giolito yard on the very first pitch of the game – as the Twins and White Sox opened their 2020 seasons in Chicago.    In the very next inning, on a 2-2 count – Kepler went deep again.  Two innings into the season and two home runs, not a bad start. The wins won the game 10-5.

The only two players to homer in the first two innings of their team’s season are Kepler and the Angels’ Ted Kluszewski (1961). Kluszewski two blasts were extra special, they came not only in the teams first game of the season, but also the first game in franchise history – a 7-2 win at Baltimore. Side note:  They came off pitchers with similar names:  Milt Pappas in the first inning and John Papa in the second.

Home Plate is Off Limits

Photo by apardavila

On July 24, as the Cub and Brewers opened the season at Wrigley, Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks threw a complete-game, three-hit shutout (The Cubs won 3-0).  In the game – the first Opening Day complete-game shutout since 2013 (Clayton Kershaw) – Hendricks fanned nine and didn’t walk a batter. Surprisingly, in this age of throw-hard/swing-hard baseball, not a one of Hendricks’ 103 pitches reached 90 M.p.h.

Number-Nine. Number-Nine.  Number-Nine.

Ironically (?), all three hits off Hendricks belonged to the Brewers’ number-nine hitter, SS Orlando Arcia.

Leaving No Doubt

That Angels and Athletics battled to a 3-3 tie after nine innings in Oakland.  That opened the door to MLB’s first extra inning under the new rule, starting extra innings with a runner placed on second base. (A rule many feel puts the legitimacy of victory in doubt.). In the top of the tenth, the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani (the last out in the ninth) was placed a second, but erased on a rundown between second and third (as PH Jared Walsh reached first one fielder choice).  To make a long inning short, the Angels ended up loading the bases, but did not score.

In the bottom of the inning, A’s SS Marcus Semien (last out of the A’s ninth) was placed on second. Angels’ reliever Hansel Robles then hit Ramon Laureano with a pitch, struck out Matt Chapman; wild pitched Semien and Laureano to third and second; and walked Khris Davis.  That loaded them up with one out for Matt Olson, who hit the fist pitch from Robles over the CF fence for a walk-off Grand Slam – making the win a no-doubter, despite the 2020 extra-inning rule.

Worth Waiting For

On July 25, 35-year-old Rockies’ right-hander Daniel Bard took the mound for the first time since April 27, 2013 – a period of seven years, two months and 28 days. Bard was a first-round selection (out of the University of North Carolina) by the Red Sox, sporting a fastball that topped out at at 100+ MPH and was regularly in the mid- to high-90s.  He also used a slider and change up. In 2008, Bard was 5-1, 1.51, with seven saves and 107 strikeouts (versus 30 walks) in 46 appearances (77 2/3 innings) at Double A and Triple A.

In his first season with the Red Sox (2009), Bard went 2-2, 3.65 with 63 whiffs (22 walks) in 46 appearances.  Then, in 2010 and 2011, he made 70 or more appearances for Boston each season.  After three MLB campaigns, Bard had 5 wins (13 losses), with a solid 2.88 ERA in 192 appearance – 213 strikeouts and 76 walks in 197 innings.

One for the Record Books

In 2011, Bard threw a Red Sox-record 25 consecutive scoreless innings (25 appearances from May 27 through July 31).

Then in 2012, the Red Sox attempted to convert Bard to a starter and the wheels seem to come off – and Bard lost command of his pitches.  He went 5-6, 6.22 in 17 games, walking 43, hitting eight batters and fanning 38 in 59 1/3 innings for Boston. Sent to  Triple A, he did not fare any better (3-2, 7.03 with 29 walks and 32 strikeouts in 32 innings).  After that season, Bard pitched only one more MLB inning before retiring in October of 2017. But he didn’t give up and, in 2020, announced he was going to make a comeback.  He did some throwing for scouts and, in February, signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies.  He was added to the 40-man roster in mid-July and on July 25, came into the game with two outs in the fifth inning and his Rockies leading the Ranger 2-0.   Bard went 1 1/3 innings (two hits/one whiff) and, since starter Jon Gray has not gone five innings, Bard picked up the win – his first MLB victory in more than seven years.  Notably, Bard threw 20 of 25 pitches for strikes.

You Can’t Win ‘Em All

Three games (and four days) into the strange 2020 season and there was not a single undefeated team.  The last time that happened?  1954 (when there were only 16 teams). The deepest MLB ever got into a season with at least one team boasting a perfect record? In games, that would be thirteen – with the 1982 Braves (first loss on the season’s 18^th day) and the 1987 Brewers (first loss on 16^th day of the season) getting off to 13-0 starts .

Off to a Good Start

On July 27, Reds’ rookie catcher Tyler Stephenson – who had come into the game in  the top of the seventh inning with the Reds down to the Cubs 7-1 – stepped to the plate for the first time in his MLB career in the bottom of the frame and popped a 1-0 pitch (off reliever Duane Underwood Jr.) 420-feet over the CF fence (making the score 8-2 at the time). Stephenson finished the game two-for-two, with a walk, two runs scored and two RBI. For those who track such things, Stephenson was the 123rd player to homer in his first MLB at bat (this number includes players from the old American Association).

An Even Better Start

Bob Nieman of the 1951 Browns and Keith McDonald of the 2000 Cardinals are the only players to homer in their first TWO MLB at bats. For more on McDonald’s career (he had only three MLB hits – and they were all home runs – click here.

A Lead-Off Two-Run Homer … Never Saw that Before

New rules, new results! On July 29, as the Dodgers topped the Astros 4-2 in 13 innings at Minute Maid Park, the Dodgers’ Edwin Rios became the first MLB player to lead off an inning with a two-run home run. Rios had come into the game as a pinch-hitter to open the 11^th inning (striking out). He then stayed on as DH.  In the top of the 13^th, as per 2020 rules, with the scored tied at 2-2, the Dodgers started the frame with Enrique “Kiki” Hernandez placed at second.  Rios, the first batter of the inning, then took reliever Cy Sneed deep for a two-run, lead-off homer that proved to be the game winner.

Rollin’ a 300

On July 29, as the Angels faced the Mariners in Anaheim, the Halos’ LF Justin Upton was sitting at 299 career home runs.   In the sixth inning, he got the landmark 300th long ball – a three-run shot off the Mariners’ Brian Shaw.   Despite Upton’s blast, the Angels lost the game 10-7.  As of July 1, Upton (in his 14th MLB season, had a career line of .265-300-941. He is a four-time All Star and has hit 30 or more home runs in four season and stolen 20 or more bases twice.

Back-To-Back, Bro’

 On April 23, in the second game of a Braves’ doubleheader against the Rockies (in Colorado), Justin Upton and his brother Melvin were playing LF and CF, respectively.  They were also batting second and third in the order. In the top of the fifth inning of that game, they became only the second set of brother to go deep back-to-back in an MLB game.  The only other brothers to accomplish the feat are the Pirates’ Lloyd and Paul Waner in 1938. 

The Call it the Streak

On July 30, on the back of a ninth-inning, three-run home run by Aaron Judge, the Yankees topped the Orioles 8-6. It was the Bombers 18^th consecutive win over the Orioles – dating back to April 4 of last season. Over those 18 games, the Yankees outscored the Orioles 153-75.  Even sadder for the Birds, it was the Yankees 17^th straight win at Camden Yards. The Yankees last lost in Baltimore was on July 10, 2018.

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The Individual July Stats Leaders

One qualifying point here.  For percentage stats – like average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage I am listing only those hitters with at least 20 July at bats. The Marlins, of course, had a number of games suspended due to the COVID outbreak.  That limited SS Miguel Rojas to just ten at bats. In those ten at bats he hit .700, with a 1.300 slugging percentage and .750 on-base percentage … which leads MLB. Rojas, however, does not qualify for BBRT’s leaderboard.

BATTING AVERAGE – minimum 20 at bats

AL:  D.J. LeMahieu, Yankees (.455); Kyle Lewis, Mariners (.455); Hanser Alberto Orioles (.440)

NL: Donovan Solano, Giants (.458); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (.414); Dansby Swanson, Braves (.387)

A Big O-Fer

The most at bats through July 31 without a it is 21 – Hunter Pence, Giants.  

BASE HITS

AL: Kyle Lewis, Mariners (15); Jose Ramirez, Indians (12); David Fletcher, Angels (12)

NL: Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (12); Dansby Swanson, Braves (12); three with 11

HOME RUNS

AL: Christian Vazquez, Red Sox (4); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (4); seven with three

NL: Colin Moran, Pirates (4); Anthony Rizzo, Cubs (3); Trevor Story, Rockies (3); Corey Seager, Dodgers (3); Max Muncy, Dodgers (3)

The Total Picture

The Blue Jays’ Teoscar Hernandez, Tigers’ JaCoby Jones and Giants’ Mike Yastrzemski share the lead in total bases this July at 23.

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Nelson Cruz, Twins (11); four with 8

NL: Dansby Swanson, Braves (11); Donovan Solano, Giants (10); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (9)

OBP – SLG  WOW!

Among hitters with at least 20 at bats, Indians’ Joe Ramirez led MLB in on-base percentage at .529 and JaCoby Jones of the Tigers had the highest slugging percentage at .885.

RUNS SCORED

AL: J.P Crawford, Mariners (9); Nelson Cruz, Twins (8); six with seven

NL: Trent Grisham, Padres (9); Freddie Freeman, Braves (8); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (8)

STOLEN BASES

AL: Ten with two

NL: Tommy Pham, Padres (5); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (3); three with two

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Niko Goodman, Tigers (13); Kyle Lewis, Mariners (13); Evan White, Mariners (13)

NL: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (17); Yeonis Cespedes, Mets (13); Christian Yelich, Brewers (12); Dansby Swanson, Braves (12); Fernando Tatis, Jr. Padres (12)

No Whiff Zone

The Angels Andrelton Simmons has the most at bats without a whiff at 16,

WALKS DRAWN

AL:  Yandy Diaz, Rays (9); Carlos Santana, Indians (7); Domingo Santana, Indians (7); Anthony Rendon, Angels (7); J.P. Crawford. Mariners (7); Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox (7)

NL: Eric Sogard. Brewers (7); Freddie Freeman, Braves (7); Marcell Ozuna, Braves (7); Chris Taylor, Dodgers (7); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (7); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (7)

That Hurts!

The Cubs Anthony Rizzo is available for target practice. He has been hit by a pitch six times already this season. There’s a three-way tie for second place at three plunkings.

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PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Gerrit Cole, Yankees (2-0), Burch Smith, A’s (2-0); Dallas Keuchel, White Sox (2-0); Shane Bieber, Indians (2-0); Brandon Bielak, Astros (2-0)

NL:  Sonny Gray, Reds (2-0); Adam Kolarek, Dodgers (2-0); Ross Stripling, Dodgers (2-0)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (Minimum seven innings pitched)

AL: Shane Bieber, Indians (0.00/14 IP); Lance Lynn, Rangers (0.00/12 IP); Zach Plesac, Indians (0.00/8 IP)

NL:  Sonny Gray, Reds (0.71); Zack Wheeler, Phillies (1.29/7 IP); German Marquez, Rockies (1.54/11 2/3 IP)

Take It on Home, Boys

Rick Porcello of the Mets gave up the most runs in July, surrendering 11 runs (nine earned) over two starts (six innings pitched).

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Shane Bieber, Indians (27 – 14 IP); Lance Lynn Rangers (17/12 IP); Dylan Bundy, Angels (15/12 2/3 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (21/12 2/3 IP); Sonny Gray, Reds (20-12 2/3 IP); Luis Castillo, Reds (17/12 IP)

K-Men

Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer stand atop the list of strikeouts per nine innings – at 17.4 and 14.9. respectively.

SAVES

AL:  Joe Jimenez, Tigers (4); seven with two

NL: Wade Davis, Rockies (2); Trevor Gott, Giants (2); Mark Melancon, Braves (2); Drew Pomeranz, Padres (2); Archie Bradley, D-backs (2)

One Bad Outing Doesn’t Spoil the Whole Darn Barrel

Wade Davis of the Rockies has two save, despite a 16.88 earned run average in three appearances. Brad Hand of the Indians has two saves, despite a 15.43 earned run average in three appearances.

GAMES PITCHED

AL: Scott Barlow, Royals (5); Buck Farmer, Tigers (5); Greg Holland Royals (5); Evan Marshal, White Sox (5)

NL: Drew Pomeranz, Padres (5); Tanner Rainey, Nationals (5); Tyler Rogers, Giants (5)

I like to Finish What I Start

We saw three complete games in July – one each y the Yankees Gerrit Cole, Cubs Kyle Hendriks and National Matt Scherzer.

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

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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

Indians’ right-hander Shane Bieber tied a major-league record and set a new American-League standard last night (July 30, 2020), when he fanned his 13^th batter in an eight-inning, three-hit, no run performance against the Minnesota Twins.  (The Indians won 2-0.) It gave Bieber 27 strikeouts in his first two outings of the seasons. (Bieber fanned 14 Royals in a six-inning scoreless stint on July 24 – a game the Indians also won by a 2-0 score.  On the season, Bieber is now 2-0, with a 0.00 earned run average and 27 strikeouts in 14 innings pitched (seven hits and one walk).

Shane Bieber has struck out at least one batter in every inning he has pitched this season.

So, whose records did Bieber tie and break?  First, he broke a lesser-known record, held by a more widely known pitcher.  That would be the American League mark of 25 strikeouts in the first two appearance of a season – held by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Ryan set that mark back in April of 1978 (when he was with the Angels) – fanning 13 A’s in a six-inning, no-run, two hit, four walk outing on April 8 and following it up by fanning 12 Twins in a ten-inning, no-run, four-hit, four-walk outing on April 13.  Despite, Ryan’s stellar pitching, the A’s split the two games – losing 4-2 to the A’s and dropping the Twins 1-0 in 11 frames.  Ryan did not get a decision in either contest.

Now, for the MLB record Bieber tied (perhaps a better-known record by a lesser-known hurler) – the one that really gets Baseball Roundtable’s attention.  That is the MLB record of 27 whiffs in a pitcher’s first two mound appearance of a season. That one belongs to the Dodgers’ Karl Spooner and is even more “magical” than Bieber’s recent feat.  Why?  Because Sponger not only set the record for the most strikeouts in a pitcher’s first two appearance of the season, he did it in the first two appearances in his MLB career.

Spooner truly looked like he was going to be a “pitching phenom” for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1954, Spooner went 21-9, 3.14 at Fort Worth (Double A Texas League), fanning 262 batters in 238 innings – despite missing a month of the season with a knee injury.  That performance earned him a late-season call up to the “show” and a September 22 start against the league-leading (and already pennant-clinching) rival New York Giants. How did he do?  Spooner went the full nine innings, gave up just three hits and no runs – and set the record for strikeouts in an rookie’s inaugural game by fanning 15 Giants. That earned the 6’, 185-pound, 23-year-old -year-old southpaw a second start (September 26 against the Pirates).  He notched a second complete-game shutout, this time fanning a dozen Pirates.   So, after 18 MLB innings, he had given up just ten hits and six walks, thrown two complete-game shutouts and fanned 27.

For more on great first-game-ever pitching performances click here. 

Unfortunately, Spooner suffered a shoulder injury in Spring Trailing the following year – finishing his first (and last) full MLB season with an 8-6, 3.65 record in 29 appearances (14 starts). He made 28 minor league appearances between 1956 and 1958, but never returned to the majors.

The 25-year-old Bieber, by the way, is in his third MLB season. He was an All Star in 2019, when he went 15-6, 3.28 and led the AL in complete games (3) and shutout (2). His career record stands at 28-13, 3.57, with 404 strikeouts in 343 innings.

Primary resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Reference.com; Elias Sports Bureau.

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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

Photo by rchdj10

Yesterday (July 25, 2020), Chicago White Sox’ 2B Leury Garcia went deep twice against the Twins, as the White bounced Minnesota 10-3, behind a five-home barrage. Garcia – batting in the nine-hole – went three-for-four in the game, with two runs scored and four RBI.  Side note:  It’s nice to write about something that happened this season for a change. 

What made Garcia’s game a bit special in BBRT’s view is that the switch hitter homered from both sides of the plate. He hit a solo shot left-handed to lead off the fifth (off Zack Littell) and added a three-run home run – right-handed – with two outs in the seventh off Devin Smeltzer.  It was only the second two-homer game for Garcia (in his eighth MLB season), who has a .257-25-123 stat line in 464 MLB games.

Now, homering from both sides of the plate is not as rare an occurrence as you might think.  It’s been done in the regular season a total of 341 times, and by 118 different different players. Still, it a feat the deserve recognition.   And, now, here are a few more “From Both Sides Now” tidbits:

• The first player to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game was Wally Schange of the Philadelphia Athletics on September 8, 1916.
• The career regular-season record for homering from both sides of the plate in the same game is 14 – shared by Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher. Leaders among players homering from both side of the plate in the same game:

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In 2019, two Diamondbacks homered from both sides of the plate in three games each: Ketel Marte (April 5, April 24, May 3) and Eduardo Escobar (June 10, July 17 and August 3.

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Players to Homer from Both Sides of the Plate in Ten or More Games

Mark Teixeira – 14 times

Nick Swisher – 14

Carlos Beltran – 12

Chili Davis – 11

Eddie Murray – 11

Tony Clark- 10

Ken Caminiti – 10

Mickey Mantle – 10

• Only three players have hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning: Carlos Baerga, Indians (April 9, 1993); Mark Bellhorn, Cubs (August 29, 2002); Kendrys Morales, Angels (July 30, 2012).
• In 1996, the Padres’ Ken Caminiti hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game a record four times in a single season – three times in the month of August alone. Note: Caminiti also achieved the feat three times in a single month in September of 1995.

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No team has had more instances of a player hitting long balls from both sides of the plate in a game than the Yankees – 56 times.  Here are the perpetrators:

Mickey Mantle (10 time)

Mark Teixeira (9)

Bernie Williams (8)

Jorge Posada (8)

Roy White (5)

Nick Swisher (5)

Tom Tresh (3)

Aaron Hicks (2)

Roy Smalley

Ruben Sierra

Tony Clark

Melky Cabrera

Carlos Beltran

Neil Walker

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BIG BOMBS IN THE BIG APPLE

From 1955-1965, a game in which a player homered from both sides of the plate occurred in the AL 14 times, with 13 of those being Yankees (Mickey Mantle 10, Tom Tresh 3).

The only non-Yankee to achieve the feat in the AL during that time span was the Red Sox’ Pumpsie Green (August 15, 1961). Green hit a total of just 13 home runs in his five-season MLB career.  BBRT Note: Green achieved historic significance as the first African-American player for the Boston Red Sox – the last MLB team to break the color line (1959). In the 1955-65 time span, there were only three NL games which saw a player homer from both sides of the plate – two by the Cubs’ Ellis Burton, one by the Dodgers’ Maury Wills.

• Carlos Beltran and Nick Swisher share the record for hitting a home run from both side sof the plate in a single game for the most teams at five:  Beltran – Mets, Cardinals, Royals, Astros, Yankees; Swisher – A’s, Yankees, White Sox, Indians, Braves.

Only three players have homered from both sides of the plate in a post-season game.

Bernie Williams, Yankees       ALDS Game Three (October 6, 1995

Bernie Williams, Yankees       ALDS Game Four (October 5, 1996)

Chipper Jones, Braves             NLDS Game Four (October 4, 2003)

Milton Bradley, A’s                ALCS Game Two (October 10, 2006)

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

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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

There is no joy in Mudville – Major League baseball is in timeout.

With the major league baseball season suspended as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans of the national pastime are searching for hardball-related diversions.   We’re watching “classic” ball games from the past, cueing up baseball movies, revisiting our baseball card and memorabilia collections, playing dice- and computer-based baseball games, reading (even re-reading) countless baseball books and challenging others (online) with increasingly obscure baseball trivia.  Heck, even old “Pitch Backs” are being pulled out of the back of the garage and Wiffle (c) Balls are flying in rec (wreck?) rooms.

Where am I going with this? Early this week, another rite of spring brought baseball back to my home.  I received my annual Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals ballot; which means I can spend 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.

Reliquary (rel′ə kwer′ē)

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

While its “home” is in Pasadena, California, The Reliquary is not 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 collaboration with the Whittier College Institute for Baseball Studies.

Let’s look at each of these.

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.  Note: Each year, 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).  

The Baseball Reliquary’s Collection of what BBRT 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.

The Baseball Reliquary’s Exhibits have 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.”

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 Institute houses the Baseball Reliquary’s baseball-related research collection – books, periodicals and papers from distinguished authors, historians and journalists. It is open to students, scholars and the general public.

Why Not Join Now

As we now contemplate even more time with no action on the diamonds, I think joining The Baseball Reliquary would be a gem of an idea for all fans.    If you are interested, click here for BBRT’s full (and FUN) story of the history behind The Baseball Reliquary (You can skip the first few paragraphs, which mirror this post, and jump down to the text below the Reliquary logo.) Or, if you’ve already decided to consider membership, visit the Reliquary website at http://www.baseballreliquary.org.  

—–THE SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS 2020 VOTING—–

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.  Reliquarians can vote for up to nine nominees.

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

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2020 SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS BALLOT—

Luke Easter (1915-79) … Sixth year on the ballot.

“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 his major league debut on August 1 of that season – at age 34 – just the eleventh black player in the major leagues. While he hit only .222 in 54 games for the Indians, due in 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 – ending his MLB career with a .274-93-340 line in 491 games.

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

Over his career, 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.

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

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

Easter comes up big on the BBRT “Shrine” ballot.

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Rube Foster (1879-1930) …. Twenty-second year on the ballot.

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

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

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

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

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

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Julio Franco (1958 –) … Second year on the ballot.

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

As Rod Serling often said:  For your consideration: Only 25 Major League home runs have been hit by players who had passed their 45th birthday – and Julio Franco hit 20 of them.

Franco is also 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) … Seventh year on the ballot.

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

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Mike Marshall (1943 –  ) … Fifteenth year on the ballot.

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

The fact is, we never saw a closer quite like Mike Marshall before he came along – and we’re not likely to see one like him again. In 1974, as a Dodger, he put up the grand-daddy of all relief seasons – setting the single-season MLB records for appearances with 106 and innings pitched in relief at 208 1/3. He finished the campaign 15-12, with a league-topping 21 saves and a 2.42 ERA.  That season, Marshall was called on to go more than one inning in 74 games (68.5 percent of the time) and he toiled three or more innings 22 times. He also relieved in 13 consecutive regular-season games – an MLB record later tied (1986) by the Rangers’ Dale Mohorcic. His efforts won him the 1974 Cy Young Award and 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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Pete Reiser (1919-1981) … Eighth year on the ballot.

Combine Willie Mays’ skill set (younger folks, think Mike Trout) with Pete Rose’s hustle and on-field abandon and you have Pete Reiser. In his first full MLB season (CF, Dodgers, 1941), 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), Slugging Percentage (.558) and hit by pitch (11) – tossing in 14 home runs and 76 RBI for good measure. He was an All Star and finished second in the National League MVP balloting.  Unfortunately, unpadded outfield walls, helmet-less at bats (the fiery Reiser was a frequent bean ball target) and aggressiveness on the base paths (Reiser twice led the NL in stolen bases and holds the NL record for steals of home in a season at seven) took their toll.

In his ten-season career, 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.

For a combination of pure talent and reckless abandon – Pete Reiser gets my vote.

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Bing Russell (1926-2003) … Fifth year on the ballot.

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

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

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

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

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

In 1974, they went 50-34 and finished second in the West Division – just two games behind the Dodgers’ Bellinger farm club.

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

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

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

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

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

Three final fun facts about Russell and his life-long love affair with baseball.:

1) He grew up near the Yankees Spring Training Camp in St. Petersburg, Florida and – as youngster – became a kind of unofficial mascot for the team – mingling with the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Lefty Gomez and Lou Gehrig.  (Reportedly, Gehrig gave Russell the bat he used to hit his last major-league home run);

2) Later, pre-Mavericks, Russell created a number of detailed baseball training/instructional films; and

3) Bing Russell’s son, noted actor Kurt Russell, played four seasons of minor league baseball and his grandson Matt Franco played eight MLB seasons (Cubs, Mets, Braves).

For a life-long commitment to baseball, an attitude consistent with The Baseball Reliquary’s values  and a solid measure of success on the field and at the gate, Bing Russell gets my vote.

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Justine Siegal (1975- ) … Second year on the ballot.

In 1988, a baseball coach told 13-year-old pitcher-third baseman Justine Siegal that she wasn’t wanted on his (boys) baseball team, that she should play softball instead. That denied opportunity to play the game she loved helped create a powerful gender-equity dynamo and, while there is still a long way to go, baseball is becoming the better for it.

Being from Minnesota, I take pride in the fact the Siegal earned a Bachelor’s Degree (Concentration: Leadership: Religion, Military and Baseball) from Northfield, Minnesota’s St. Olaf College. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Sport Studies from Kent State University and a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Springfield (MA) College.  And through all of this, Siegal never lost her passion for – and focus on – baseball and generating opportunity for women (and girls) to take their place in the national pastime.

Consider:

• In 1998, Siegal organized the Baseball for All Foundation focused on expanding opportunities for girls to “get in the game” of baseball (Baseball for All;
• In 2002, she organized Sparks – the first all-girl baseball team to compete in a national boys’ tournament;
• In 2008-10, she was an assistant coach of the Springfield College Baseball Team;
• In 2009, she became the first female coach of a professional men’s baseball team, – the Brockton Rox of the independent Canadian-American Association of Professional baseball;
• In 2011, she was the first woman to throw batting practice to a major league team (Cleveland Indians Spring Training);
• In 2015. She was the first female hired for coaching duties with a major-league franchise (coaching in the Arizona Instructional a league for the Oakland A’s franchise); and
• In 2016, she was brought on as Mental Skills coach for the Israel Team for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Siegal currently serves as Director of Sports Partnerships at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University – a position she has held since 2011. For more on Siegal and the impact of her work, I’d suggest visiting the baseballforall.com website

When major league baseball sees its first female player, she will owe a tip of the cap to Justine Siegal. For her contributions to that eventuality, Siegal gets my vote.

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Rube Waddell (1876-1914) … Twenty-second year on the ballot.

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

Coming in May – The Results of The Baseball Reliquary’s 2020 Shrine of the Eternals balloting – and a full list of past honorees.

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In 2014, Baseball Roundtable launched the John Paciorek Award (JPA). The JPA recognizes players who have had short, often very short, major league careers, but whose accomplishments, nonetheless, deserve recognition.  Past winners have included a player whose every MLB hit (three in nine career at bats) was a home run;  a player who had only one MLB at bat, but earned  a World Series ring and a Purple Heart; a player who had just two home runs in 61 MLB at bats (for the vaunted Yankees and Dodgers), but whose “body of work” made him one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box; and more.  (Note: Information on John Paciorek’s career – the inspiration for the JPA – can be found at the end of this post. Paciorek’s day in the sun constitutes arguably the best one-game MLB career ever.)

For 2020, given the circumstances across our nation and around the globe. Baseball Roundtable decided to look for a major-league short-timer who exemplified heroism – and who exhibited courage, commitment, perseverance and high spirits in the face of adversity. Let me diverge for a moment here and thank today’s heroes – those who are (still) working to respond to our health care needs, keep us safe or make our lives as comfortable/normal as possible.  You know who I’m talking about: medical professionals and support staff; first responders (police, fire, paramedic); big rig drivers; shipping and delivery workers; postal employees; grocery store workers; public transit workers; restaurant staff.   I’m sure I missed some, but to all of those working hard for all of us, thank you for the risks you take and the services/comfort you provide. And, a thought for the day, let’s all say thank you to – and tip – these people whenever we can.

Now let’s take a look at this year’s John Paciorek Award winner – an individual who showed tremendous courage, commitment to duty, perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity – qualities we can all use right now. This year’s JPA honorees was a true hero both off and on the baseball diamond.

—-BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE 2020 JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREE —-

BERT SHEPARD

Robert “Bert” Shepard was born and raised in western Indiana – a natural athlete who, during his high school years, played basketball and football, as well as semipro baseball (his high school did not have a baseball team). His dream? To become a professional baseball player. Little did he know that his pursuit of that dream would be interrupted by a global conflict.

In 1939, Shepard signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox.  Over the next four seasons (1939-42) he played for six minor-league teams, never rising above Class C. While he often showed good stuff, Shepard had control issues. In his best season, 1942 (by this time in the Cardinals’ system), Shepard went 9-13, 4.45 – but walked 122 batters in 172 innings.  With Shepard still working on his command, World War II came calling with a different kind of command.

Photo by San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives

In 1943, Shepard interrupted his baseball pursuits to enlist in the U.S. Army, where his natural athleticism helped him earn a commission as a P-38 Lightning fighter pilot. Stationed out of England, Shepard flew more than thirty combat missions. On May 21, 1944, a critical air attack on an airfield near Hamburg, Germany was in the works and, although he was not scheduled to take part, Shepard volunteered for the mission (which would prove to be 34^th and final combat flight). On the return from the attack, Shepard’s plane was shot down and he was injured and captured.  His wounds required the amputation of his right leg below the knee.

While he was a Prisoner of War, a fellow prisoner (a Canadian medic) cobbled together an artificial lower leg for Shepard (out of scrap metal, wood and leather) and Shepard actually pitched in Stalag cricket matches using the makeshift prosthesis. After eight months as a P.O.W., Shepard was released as part of a prisoner exchange. Shortly after his return,  Shepard he began practicing with a local semipro team – noting that he was lucky his prosthesis was on his right leg, since (as a southpaw) it was his landing leg rather than his push-off limb.

Bert Shepard’s World War II heroism earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross,

Air Medal and Purple Heart.

Then came a lucky coincidence. Shepard, while being fitted for a new leg at Walter Reed Hospital, was fortunate enough to be visited by Undersecretary of War Robert Patterson – who just happened to be a baseball fan and friend of Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith. In his conversation with Patterson, Shepard mentioned his desire (and commitment), despite his injuries, to once again play professional baseball. Patterson relayed Shepard’s comments to Griffith, who brought the decorated veteran in for a tryout and signed him to serve as a coach and batting practice pitcher – and to take the mound in the occasional exhibition games (where Shepard acquitted himself well).  After an effective four-inning outing against the Dodgers in a July 1945 exhibition (raising funds for the War Relief effort), Shepard was added to the Senators’ active roster. Another step toward his major-league dream.

Bert Shepard made many visits to veterans hospitals, made a training film for amputees and was an inspiration for injured veterans – which may be exactly what Undersecretary of War Robert Patterson and Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith had in mind.

While Shepard was on the Senators’ active roster, the team was involved in a tight pennants race (the club would finish 1 ½ games behind the AL Champion Tigers) and manager Ossie Bluege was reluctant to use him in critical situations.

Then, on August 4, 1945, the opportunity to bring the war hero to the mound surfaced. It came with the Red Sox leading the Senators 14-2, with a runner on second and two outs in the top of the fourth. The Senators were in the second game of a double header, had already played twin bills on August, 1, 2, and 3 and were slated for another double dip on August 5.  The pitching staff was beleaguered and Shepard would prove to be just what the doctors ordered.

He came into a game  in which the BoSox bats were sizzling. They had already scored 12 runs (seven hits, six walks) in the inning, had a runner on second and clean-up hitter George “Catfish” Metkovich at the plate.  Shepard looked comfortable on the mound and pitched as well as he ever had (maybe even better). He struck out Metkovich to end the inning – and went on to finish the game – giving up just one run over 5 1/3 frames.

It was to be Shepard’s sole MLB appearance – but it was a good one, ending in a career 1.69 ERA for the only one-legged pitcher in baseball history.  Shepard was released by the Senators on September 30, 1945, but retained his passion for the game.

In 1946, with major league players now returning from military service, Shepard did not make the Senators’ active roster, but was signed as a coach. Shepard’s competitive fires were still burning however, and he  asked to be sent down to the minors, where he could prove himself on the field. His control issues continued and his situation was complicated by additional surgery (to remove more of his leg) after the season. Shepard signed with the St. Louis Browns for 1947, but was released after a stint with the Elmira club of the Eastern League. Additional surgeries followed, but Shepard continued to play the game he loved – taking the minor-league mound as late as 1955, pitching in semi-pro leagues and managing in the minor leagues in 1949, 1952 and 1954.

After finally hanging up his baseball spikes, Shepard’s competitive spirit continued and he took up golf – winning the United States Amputee Gold Championship in 1968 and 1971/

Shepard passed away in 2008, at age 87.

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; Bert Shepard Society for American Baseball Research biography, by Terry Bohn; Shot Down in the Prime  of Life: Bert Shepard, Who Pitched One Major League  Game With One leg, Searched  for years to Find Out Who Saved His Life,  by Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times, October 6, 1995; Valor  of Many Stripes, by Scott Baron, 2019. McFarland and Company; Bert Shepard, 87, Who Pitched in Majors After War Amputation Dies, by Richard Goldstein New York Times, June 20, 2008.

—- PAST JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREES (with links) —-

2014 – Brian Scott Dallimore

In his first start (not his first game) for the 2004 Giants, Dallimore had two singles, a Grand Slam (his first MLB hit and only MLB home run), a walk and a hit by pitch.  For the full JPA take on Dallimore’s 27- game MLB career, click here.

2015 – Roy Gleason

Gleason played in just eight MLB games, had a double in his only MLB at bat – but also earned a World Series ring (1963) and a Purple Heart. Ultimately, he was the only ballplayer with MLB experience to serve on the front lines in Vietnam. For the full JPA take on Gleason, click here. Note: Gleason’s life is detailed in the book “Lost in the Sun – Roy Gleason’s Odyssey from the Outfield to the Battlefield.”

2016 – John Allen Miller

Miller played just 32 MLB games (during the 1966 and 1969), taking the field (at 1B/LF/3B/2B) for the Yankees and Dodgers. Miller collected ten hits in 61 MLB at bats (.164 average) and hit just two home runs – but he made those long balls count.  Miller made his MLB debut with the Yankees on September 11, 1966 and hit a two-run homer in his first big league at bat – making him (surprisingly) the first Yankee ever to homer in his first MLB at bat. (Little did Miller know he would not get another home run or RBI until the final at bat of his MLB career.)  Miller’s final at bat came as a Dodger (September 23, 1969) and he stroked a solo home run.  That narrow “body of work” made Miller one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box. For more on Miller, click here.

2017 – Chris Saenz

RHP Chris Saenz’ big day came on April 24, 2004 – when he was called up from Double A Huntsville (where he was 1-1, 3.86) to make a spot start against the Saint Louis Cardinals, whose powerful lineup included the likes of Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds and Reggie Sanders.   The rookie went six innings, giving up just two hits, three walks and no runs, while fanning seven. There was some speculation (primarily among sportswriters and fans) that Saenz’ performance might earn him another start or two, but two days after his debut, he was on his way back to Huntsville.  Unfortunately, his minor league season included a September elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery and he never returned to the majors. Statistics before 1900 can be sketchy, but baseball-reference.com shows that Saenz is the only pitcher to complete a one-game MLB career of at least five innings pitched, without giving up a single run (earned or unearned). For more details on this JPA honoree, click here.

2018 – Keith McDonald

Keith McDonald’s MLB career (Cardinals 2000-2001) covered just eight games and 11 plate appearances (nine at bats) and three hits – but he made them count.  All of McDonald’s safeties were home runs – making him the only MLB player with more than one career hit who can look back on major league career in which his every hit was a home run.  McDonald is also one of only two players – and the only National Leaguer – to homer in his first two major league plate appearances.  For the full story, click here.

2019 – Harley Hisner

Harley Hisner’s MLB tenure encompassed the day of September 30, 1951. That’s when the 24-year-old righty faced the New York Yankees – and a lineup that included five future Hall of Famers: Mickey Mantle in RF; Joe DiMaggio in CF; Phil Rizzuto at SS; Johnny Mize at 1B; and Yogi Berra behind the plate. In is very first MLB inning, Hisner faced five batters, four of them future Hall of Famers, and gave up two singles and no runs.  His place in history? One of those singles was Joe DiMaggio’s last MLB safety. He faced Mickey Mantle four times in the game – walking him once, fanning him twice and getting him to hit into a double play.  Hisner’s final career stat was 0-1, 4.50, with six innings pitched, seven hits, three earned runs, four walks and three strikeouts. For more on Harley Hisner and his ongoing involvement in and love of the game (he went on to earn the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Colin Lister Award for “dedication to the game of baseball and its historic legacy,” click here.

–—-INSPIRATION FOR THE JPA—–

John Paciorek – signed out of Saint Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck, Michigan (where he had starred in football, basketball and baseball) – appeared in his first major league game on the final day of the 1963 season (September 29) at the age of 18.  The 6’ 1”, 200-pound outfielder had spent the 1963 season with Class A Modesto Colts. The Colts’ parent club, the Houston Colt .45s (that was the current Astros’ franchise name back then), was suffering through a difficult season. The team was 65-96 going into that final game.  Looking to the future, Houston had, in fact, fielded an all-rookie lineup (average age 19) on September 27. Youth was still being served two days later when John Paciorek started his first MLB game. The results were surprising – and worthy of recognition.

Playing right field and batting seventh in a 13-4 win over the NY Mets, Paciorek ended up with three hits and two walks in five plate appearances, with four runs scored and three runs batted in.  Perhaps equally surprising is that it was not only Paciorek’s first major league appearance, it was to be his only MLB appearance.  Back pain the following spring, followed by surgery (he played 49 minor league games in 1964 and missed all of the 1965 season), put an end to his MLB playing days. (Paciorek did play in four more minor league seasons.)  Still, you will find John Paciorek in the Baseball Encyclopedia and his is arguably the greatest one-game MLB career ever.  Among one-gamers, he holds the record for times on base and runs scored, and shares the record for batting average, on base percentage and RBIs.

Paciorek, by the way, went on to become a high school teacher and multi-sport coach and is the author of four books (Plato and Socrates – Baseball’s Wisest Fans; The Principles of Baseball: And All There Is To Know About Hitting; and If I Knew Then What I Know Now.  You also can enjoy Paciorek’s prose (and expertise) directly at his blog “Paciorek’s Principles of Perfect Practice” by clicking here. You can find out even more about Paciorek in Steven Wagner’s 2015 book “Perfect: The Rise and Fall of John Paciorek, Baseball’s Greatest One-Game Wonder.”  (See the review of “Perfect” by clicking here.)

A final note. John Paciorek’s insight into the national pastime should come as no surprise. Paciorek comes from a true “baseball family.”  He was the first born of eight siblings and was followed to the big leagues by younger brothers Jim and Tom Paciorek.  (Like John, Jim’s MLB career was short – 48 games for the Brewers in 1987. Brother Tom, however, achieved a .282 average over an 18-season MLB career.

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