tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54901963436954542102024-03-18T05:48:00.002-04:00The Baseball HistorianA blog consisting of interviews, research and opinions on baseball's past, present, and future.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.comBlogger858125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-35848163338231021882022-01-24T22:07:00.001-05:002022-01-24T22:07:16.549-05:00New Baseball Book For Children!<p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); color: #0f1419; font-family: TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check it out! My children's baseball book Baseball's Greatest Players: 10 Baseball Biographies for New Readers is now available for pre-order: </span><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://amzn.to/3szxgmI" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/3szxgmI</a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTN6J8y4C27S4EUORXYZm8ve9mm6_ruaIO2BZT0JF7dWdMSxZqZ0eI8lddVrl63s7UkTfE5o6myJJFbcAU7xhsjVPtchDnJElXpPcNiIewRf92yTyzgYy4NQGJ3A_dfns4uCdDXJM_MU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTN6J8y4C27S4EUORXYZm8ve9mm6_ruaIO2BZT0JF7dWdMSxZqZ0eI8lddVrl63s7UkTfE5o6myJJFbcAU7xhsjVPtchDnJElXpPcNiIewRf92yTyzgYy4NQGJ3A_dfns4uCdDXJM_MU/" width="160" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-62508201168344712192021-06-15T15:10:00.005-04:002021-06-15T15:11:09.141-04:00Baseball Historian Has Moved<p>To continue reading my stories and analysis, please visit my page at Medium: </p><p><a href="https://historianandrew.medium.com/">https://historianandrew.medium.com/</a></p><p>Look forward to seeing you there!</p>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-4598336742959000792020-01-21T21:50:00.003-05:002020-01-21T21:50:40.342-05:00Mayors Berke, Whaley, Benjamin to Announce Mayors’ Task Force to Save Minor League Baseball<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">VIA MILB</span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Group seeks to protect America’s beloved Minor League against MLB’s <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a><i>devastating plan to eliminate 42 hometown teams <br />
</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WASHINGTON</b> – Mayors
of Chattanooga, Tenn., Dayton, Ohio, and Columbia, S.C. tomorrow will announce
the official formation of the <b>Mayors’
Task Force to Save Minor League Baseball</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Task Force will be co-chaired by <b>Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke</b>, <b>Dayton
Mayor Nan Whaley</b>, and <b>Columbia Mayor
Steve Benjamin</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mayors will host a telephone news conference at <b>2:30 p.m. </b>on<b> Wednesday,
January 22</b> during the <b>U.S. Conference
of Mayors Winter Meeting</b> in Washington, D.C. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Major League Baseball (MLB) in November proposed a dramatic
restructuring to cut 42 of the 160 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams. Should
the plan move forward, it would devastate communities across the country and
have negative impacts for all affiliated minor league clubs, as it would
decrease the value of the entire league.
<br />
<br />
Among the 42 teams targeted to fold is <b>Mayor
Berke’s</b> hometown Chattanooga Lookouts. The team, with roots dating back to 1885,
has been an integral part of the community for generations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mayors will discuss formation of the Task Force, which follows on a
Congressional Task Force established in December, and the strategy to continue
the momentum on this issue before taking questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br />********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-27570397022180293242020-01-05T18:11:00.000-05:002020-01-05T18:11:11.976-05:00Jimmy Serrano: Former Pitcher Recalls His More Than a Decade in Professional Baseball<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right-handed
pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/serraji01.shtml">Jimmy
Serrano</a> came to professional baseball with little fanfare. However, he stuck
around for more than a decade and even spent some time in the major leagues.
All in all, it was a good baseball career.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serrano
was drafted in the 18<sup>th</sup> round by the Montreal Expos in 1998 out of
the University of New Mexico. A reliever, he posted strong numbers and
progressed steadily, but never got the call to Montreal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In March,
2002, he was traded with outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bayja01.shtml">Jason Bay</a>
to the New York Mets, but never got to the big-league level with them. After
his rights were bought by the Kansas City Royals in July, 2003, he finally
landed with the team that would give him his big chance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
Royals decided to covert Serrano to a starter after six years of strictly
coming out of the bullpen. The results were strong and in 2004 the Royals gave
the righty his big-league shot. Called up in August, he made a total of 10
appearances, including five starts, with the team. He more than held his own,
going 1-2 with a 4.68 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 32.3 innings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serrano
didn’t fit into the Royals’ long-term plans and he was allowed to leave as a
free agent after the season. He wound up bouncing around, playing in the
organizations of the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins. He
also played in Korea and independent ball before calling it a career after the
2009 season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In
11 years as a professional pitcher across all levels, he was a combined 60-48
with a 3.51 ERA and 58 saves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep
reading for more, as Serrano discusses some of his memories and triumphs in
baseball and shares what he is up to now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who was your favorite player
when you were growing up, and why?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puckeki01.shtml">Kirby Puckett</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I grew up in Grand
Junction, Colorado, home of the Junior College World Series. Kirby came through
when I was a kid and I followed his career in the big leagues.<br />
<br />
<b>Can you please describe what your draft
experience was like, being taken in the 18th round by the Expos in 1998?</b>:
I had talked to about 10 different organizations prior to the draft and
was told I would likely be selected near the 15th round. I was at my parents’
house hanging out with my brother-in-law when the phone rang. It was a
scout from the Expos, a team that I had not previously spoken with, and he said
‘congratulations we selected you in the 18th round of the MLB draft, 534th
pick overall.’ Then he asked, ‘are you
interested in playing professional baseball?’ Of course, I said
yes. I hung up the phone, told my brother-in-law and then celebrated the
news with my family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You played for Cape Fear and Vermont in your first professional
season; how much difference was their between the two experiences?</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: When I went to Vermont
right after the draft, I was eager to prove myself. After a short stint there,
I was promoted to Cape Fear. During that promotion, my manager gave me some of
the best advice that would come into play my entire career. He said, no
matter what level you reach, never think you don’t belong there. There was
a slight difference in levels, but I tried to stay consistent.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you remember most about your
major league debut (against the Anaheim Angels)?: </b>The day was filled with
excitement, nervousness, and an overall surreal feeling. The strangest
thing was watching ESPN the morning of my debut and seeing my name on the
ticker as the Royals starting pitcher. Serrano vs. </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml">[Bartolo] Colon</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<br />
<br />
<b>You struck out two future Hall of Famers
at the major league level- </b></span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/suzukic01.shtml"><b>Ichiro</b></a><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
and </span></b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrvl01.shtml"><b>Vlad Guerrero</b></a><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Reflecting on that, which do you consider the greater accomplishment, and why?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> They are equally tough hitters
because they can hit any pitch in any count in any location. I wish I
could say that I had a strategy to strike them out but with those guys, there
is no strategy. It's pretty much pitch and see what happens.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite moment from your
baseball career?:</b> Calling my family and friends to let them know that
I was going to the big leagues. They were supporting me year after year
and believed in me, it really felt like a group effort. Which it was.<br />
<br />
<b>What was it like to play in Korea?:</b> It was awesome! Great baseball, great
teammates and I lived in a great area in Incheon. There were a few
differences that I had to get used to like the 15-minute break after the fifth
inning. The baseballs were not rubbed up and the pitching rubber had two levels
- the actual pitching rubber and another level where your back foot goes.<br />
<br />
<b>What current or former player that you
met or worked with were you most in awe of?:</b> I will say two former
teammates, </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pedrodu01.shtml">Dustin Pedroia</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml">Jon Lester</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. We had a standing card game on our bus trips and it was myself
and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bumata001mic">Mike Bumatay</a><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> against Pedey and Lester. Those guys were fierce
competitors on and off the field. It was fun watching them play early in their
careers and knowing they were going to be special. However, I am pretty
sure Mike and I whooped ‘em in cards!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What, if anything, would you
have done differently in your baseball career?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Good question. I am
satisfied with the overall outcome from a playing perspective but if I could go
back, I would probably just soak it all in a little more. It goes by so
fast and the people you meet along the way are sometimes only in your life for
a week or a couple seasons. There are really great bonds built between
teammates in such a short time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are you up to these days?:</span></span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I have worked in
Technology for the past five years, honing in on the Sports and Entertainment
industry. My experience as a player has flowed over to my post-playing
career and continues to open up opportunities. When I am not working, I
am raising three amazing kiddos; two boys one girl, and when I am not doing
that, you can likely find me on a golf course.</span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-1052253159657868142019-12-21T14:23:00.000-05:002019-12-21T14:23:01.230-05:00Logan Darnell is On Professional Baseball's Winding Path<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For players, professional baseball is a journey that takes
many twists and turns. Neither the path nor the destination can ever be
foretold. Someone who can attest to that is pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=darnel001log">Logan Darnell</a><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span>,
who has just completed the 10<sup>th</sup> year of a career filled with changes
and achievements.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The left-handed Darnell was a sixth-round draft choice of
the Minnesota Twins out of the University of Kentucky in 2010. A starter, he
progressed steadily through their minor league system, winning 31 games between
2011-2013. His development paid off by getting called up to the Twins for a
brief time in 2014, spanning several call-ups. Appearing in seven games (four
starts), he was 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CLE/CLE201405060.shtml">debut</a>
was impressive, as he threw three perfect innings in relief against the
Cleveland Indians in a 4-2 loss on May 6<sup>th</sup>. This included his first
big-league strikeout, punching out <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brantmi02.shtml">Michael
Brantley</a> swinging in the bottom of the eighth inning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since his time in Minnesota, the lefty has not returned to
the majors. He remained with the Twins’ system through 2016 and has since
pitched in the minors for the Tampa Bays Ray and Washington Nationals. He has
also played abroad and in the independent leagues. In 2019, he has pitched in
Mexico, the Dominican Republic and for the Somerset Patriots as the independent
Atlantic League.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just 30 years of age. he is still pitching and looking to get
back to the majors. In 10 years, across all levels, he is a combined 89-77 with
a 3.96 ERA. He is a talented pitcher and given him being left-handed—which gives
him even more added value, there’s no reason why this can’t be accomplished. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime, he recently answered some questions about
his career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite
player when you were growing up, and why?:</b> I would say <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/griffke02.shtml">Ken Griffey
Jr.</a> or <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/griffke02.shtml">Tom Glavine</a>.
Being a lefty and a Braves fan, it was a no-brainer with Glavine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Can you please
describe what your draft experience was like, being taken in the 6th round by
the Twins in 2010?: </b>Draft day was pretty cool. Me and all my friends were
riding 4-wheelers on the farm I grew up on. I didn’t want to make it a big deal.
I wasn’t in much control of it, so I let it happen and got the call while I was
heading back from that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is the
"unspoken" competition like in the minor leagues where players are
each working so hard to make it to the big leagues?:</b> I truly believe if you
don’t pull for your teammates and help each other grow as a player you’re
missing out on some of the best parts of playing. Negative thoughts or hoping
others do bad usually means you’re doing bad anyway. The key is help others
and get better, and if either one of you make it to the bigs it’s a success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What do you remember
most about your major league debut (against the Cleveland Indians)?:</b> I
remember shaking in the bullpen, trying to breathe calmly. Once I got out there,
instinct took over. It happened really fast, but other than that my brother and
a family friend came up and we all slept in same hotel room that night and
talked about it all night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who is a player you
played with or against you are still surprised didn't get a shot in the majors?:</b>
I’d say <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=struck001nic">Nick
Struck</a> has some electric stuff out of the bullpen. He prolly should have
gotten a shot. But there are so many guys good enough, but not enough spots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is your favorite
moment so far from your baseball career?:</b> So many great moments; the debut
was fun; playing in the playoffs in winter ball in Venezuela was a blast!
Throwing a combined no hitter with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maytr01.shtml">Trevor May</a>
was memorable. A lot of great moments with teammates I’ll remember more than a
lot of the baseball accomplishments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What are the main
differences of playing in Mexico compared to Venezuela?:</b> This is tough
question because of the social distress of the country of Venezuela. Times are
tough there and it is very draining mentally and physically to play there. I
hope times will get better there soon because the people there deserve better.
The baseball is good in both places, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Do you think you
received a fair chance in the majors, and how badly do you want to make it
back?:</b> I think I got a chance; that’s all anyone can ask for. Whether it
was fair or not gets into the category of opinion, and blaming others for
things that may or may not be true. I have always said you make your own luck,
and you can’t blame anyone but you for your circumstances. Just my logic. I’d
love to get back for sure though; the competition is the best and the money
doesn’t hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What are the major
differences playing in independent ball?:</b> Indy ball is competitive now-
reminds me of Triple-A before it became cool to have a ton of younger players
there. Veterans and guys looking to get back in affiliate ball. Indy ball is
all on you; not as much organizational rules or standards. Just show up play
and do your job.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is something
from your career that you would like to do differently if you could go back in
time?:</b> If you could go back, all the mistake pitches, hanging breaking
balls, homers given up, walks.. I’d prolly go back and not do those, but you
also learn from those things. I wouldn’t change much; maybe complain less and
be thankful more for what I had.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-64415855776111618062019-12-14T14:11:00.001-05:002019-12-14T14:11:38.975-05:00Press Release: Minor League Baseball Position on Key PBA Issues December 13, 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">PRESS RELEASE</span></b></span></div>
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<i>During this week’s Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego, representatives from Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and Major League Baseball (MLB) engaged in formal and informal discussions regarding the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) that were cordial and productive. Following those meetings, MLB has repeatedly and inaccurately stated the position of MiLB with respect to several key areas under consideration in the PBA negotiations. To correct the record, Minor League Baseball’s positions on the key areas are as follows: </i></div>
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<b>Facilities – </b>Under the current standards outlined in the PBA, there are few, if any, facilities deemed to be noncompliant. MLB pays an architectural firm to inspect each and every MiLB facility at least once every three years. Written reports of their findings are in the possession of MLB and MiLB. MiLB has stated its agreement that there are facilities in MiLB that do not meet the changing player development needs MLB has identified, but that does not mae those facilities being non-compliant. MiLB has offered on multiple occasions to discuss and negotiate reasonable facility standards in the next agreement to address any unmet needs of MLB. Minor League Baseball has never expressed to MLB an unwillingness to address new standards and improvements in facilities. To state otherwise is untrue and a misrepresentation of the facts regarding the position of MiLB on facilities improvements. </div>
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<b>Player Health and Welfare – </b>While not clearly defined, MiLB understands player health and welfare to include matters such as: game schedules, team travel, hotel and clubhouse conditions and amenities (weight training areas, training rooms space and amenities, dietary needs). MiLB has NEVER stated a reluctance or refusal to discuss these areas with MLB and to suggest otherwise is false. </div>
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<b>Schedules - </b>In the current agreement, MLB teams have the right to review ALL Minor League Baseball schedules, veto non-compliant schedules and suggest changes to a league’s proposed schedule. If MLB has issues with a league schedule that is in compliance, they should come to the table and discuss changes to the PBA guidelines. MiLB has never indicated an unwillingness to review scheduling and schedule formats and has, in recent years, worked closely with the player development personnel of the individual MLB teams to adjust schedules and rethink scheduling philosophies to produce more desirable league schedules. MiLB is also troubled by MLB’s current position of wanting to cut the number of playing dates, which limits the club’s ability to generate revenue to cover what will likely be an increased cost of doing business under the next agreement. </div>
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<b>Team Travel –</b> Under the current agreement, MLB teams review and approve travel itineraries for ALL MiLB affiliates. The current agreement has guidelines addressing mileage, commuter trips and departure/arrival times. The current agreement allows for “waivers” to the guidelines in the sole and absolute discretion of the MLB team. Any alleged inconveniences endured by the players have been experienced with the consent and approval of their employer. MiLB has advanced ideas that would improve player travel, to which MLB has not responded. Despite the Commissioner’s repeated misleading statements to the contrary, no minor league player in affiliated baseball is transported on a school bus. The only situation where MLB-contracted players travel by school bus or passenger van occurs in MLB-owned and operated leagues in Florida (Gulf Coast League), Arizona (Arizona Summer League) and the Dominican Republic (Dominican Summer League). </div>
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<b>Hotels – </b>Hotel accommodations for MiLB teams on the road are the financial responsibility of the MiLB team. Under the current agreement, the MLB affiliate in each city is to review and approve the host hotel in each city. MLB identified 37 hotels of the 160 hotels used in 2018 as being “unacceptable” (often because, in the view of some player personnel, the hotels were not sufficiently close to restaurants). Fifteen of those hotels were rated acceptable by the majority of MLB team personnel who actually stayed at the property as a member of a visiting team or travel party. Ratings and comments were available through annual surveys conducted by the MiLB league office. In the balance of the cases, MiLB immediately addressed and corrected the situation deemed to be unacceptable. </div>
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<b>Clubhouse Conditions and Amenities – </b>The unilateral MLB changes to roster limits (adding more players), coaching staffs (additional field personnel), support personnel (strength and conditioning, video, analytics, nutrition) have increased the need for space and amenities in MiLB stadiums. MiLB has acknowledged the need to address additional space to accommodate MLB’s changes. Matters of additional weight room space, additional training room space, separate commissary space to feed players and separate female clubhouse space are all legitimate issues to be addressed. In many cases MiLB teams have already worked with their MLB counterpart to address special needs despite no contractual obligation to do so. As in many cases with MLB’s argument, they fail to acknowledge issues are not a matter of non-compliance but rather a point to be addressed in a new set of standards. MiLB has made it clear that it is prepared to discuss changes to address these needs, which are created solely by MLB and not because of any failure to comply with existing standards. </div>
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<b>Player Salaries – </b>While MiLB supports the idea of salary increases for the players, MiLB has no employer/employee relationship with any player as they are employed by the MLB team. Players are not MiLB employees and we cannot legally authorize or give a pay increase to the players. Only MLB can do that. As part of the ongoing negotiations, it is not a question of MiLB agreeing to a player pay raise. Rather, the issue is the amount of the additional subsidy that MLB is seeking from MiLB to help offset the cost of the pay raise it is considering for MLB’s minor league players. </div>
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<b>Subsidies – </b>MLB’s stance that they are subsidizing MiLB teams is wildly inaccurate. MLB teams do pay for players, coaches and staff in MiLB along with certain player-related expenses of MiLB players and staff. MLB teams own these players’ contracts, assign where they should play, and realize the value of those future MLB players, either directly or as assets with value in a trade to another MLB organization. Ironically, almost 30 years ago, MLB demanded in a PBA negotiation that MiLB sever its employer/employee relationship with all players and took unilateral control of player contracts, benefits, rights and assignments, effectively removing MiLB from the player business. </div>
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What is overlooked in MLB’s argument about subsidies is the value of money, goods and services MiLB contributes to the relationship each year. As part of the current agreement MiLB annually incurs expenses in excess of $60 million in cash, goods and services directly tied to players, coaches and staff. In addition, over $20 million a year is paid by MiLB to the commissioner’s office in the form of a “ticket tax” which is required under the current PBA, an amount equivalent to nearly 50% of player salaries below the Double-A level. MiLB teams also pay for a portion of the bats and baseballs used each year, and MiLB teams pay transportation cost (air and ground) for MLB-employed players and staff. </div>
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MiLB purchases batting cages, batting practice equipment and maintains first class playing surfaces in the overwhelming majority of its facilities. All uniform costs are paid by the MiLB team. Although not required, most MiLB teams provide free housing and automobiles to its coaching staff and support personnel at a considerable cost to the local team. </div>
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Furthermore, since 1997, MiLB has maintained an umpire development program designed not only to staff its leagues and train umpires to be the pool from which potential MLB umpires are selected. MiLB pays all of these incremental development costs. MLB utilizes MiLB umpires as regular season vacation and injury replacements in MLB games, and acquires the contract of MiLB umpires when added full-time to the MLB umpiring staff, without reimbursing MiLB for these developmental costs. More than 35 umpires have advanced to full time MLB employment since this program was created. </div>
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For all of these reasons, it is untrue to claim, as the Commissioner has, that MiLB is a “heavily subsidized” industry. Indeed, a reasonable argument can be made that the reverse is true. </div>
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<b>The Dream League scenario -</b> MLB has sought to camouflage its Minor League contraction plan by claiming that baseball would continue in the 42 targeted communities in the form of so called "dream baseball leagues." However, in order to be eligible to join, the contracted teams would be required to agree to pay their players, manager, coaches, trainer, medical staff, and other baseball-related personnel, and assume responsibility for the significant workers’ compensation, housing, and a number of other costs, all of which typically have been the responsibility of MLB clubs. The incremental costs which these teams would be required by MLB to assume would be well in excess of $350,000 per year, which few, if any, of the contracted teams would be able to afford. Beyond that, many of the contracted teams are scattered in locations where it would not be feasible to play against one another. Thus, MLB's dream league is nothing more than a shell game designed to conceal the fact that its contraction plan will result in the elimination of professional baseball in 42 communities across the country. </div>
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Furthermore, when looking at the sustainability of independent baseball teams, a 20-year look (1999-2019) at independent baseball’s five largest leagues shows that just over 100 teams participated in those leagues during that span, and that just 11 of the cities that fielded teams in 1999 still had a team in 2019. The 11 clubs that were in business all 20 of those years were Bridgewater (NJ), Crestwood (IL), Evansville (IN), Fargo (ND), Quebec City (QUE), Sauget (IL), Schaumburg (IL), Sioux City (IA), Sioux Falls (SD), Saint Paul (MN) and Winnipeg (MAN). It's worth noting that Bridgewater is outside of Newark, Crestwood and Schaumburg are Chicago suburbs, Evansville was once a Triple-A market, Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota, Sauget is across the river from St. Louis, Sioux City has over 80,000 residents, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota (over 175,000 residents) and Winnipeg has over 750,000 residents. </div>
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In many of the independent cities in the five largest leagues, the lifespan of the independent franchise was less than five seasons, and just because the team survived that long certainly doesn't mean it was profitable in each of those years (in many cases they certainly were not). A significant number of independent teams have folded leaving substantial unpaid bills in their communities. </div>
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It is clear the independent model does not work in smaller markets and is NOT a viable long-term option for the markets where MLB is looking to contract teams. Public financing of ballparks - MiLB teams have worked with many communities across America to develop stadium financing plans that include public, team and developer financing. Over time, many of these financing plans have shifted from primarily public funds to public/private and joint venture projects which benefit the entire community. The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are quick to point out that MiLB benefits from public subsidies, suggesting we add “no intrinsic value” to our host communities. Yet MLB has benefitted in much the same way over the years with new stadiums and new spring training complexes which in many cases are funded primarily from sources other than the MLB team. </div>
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<b>Relocations –</b> Over the past 30 years, MiLB has approved a number of relocations. Despite MLB’s contention these relocations were solely for the benefit of the MiLB owner, many of the relocations occurred in the early 1990’s when existing MiLB cities were unable or unwilling to meet the new facility standards imposed by MLB in the 1990 PBA negotiations. In each case, regardless of the circumstances, the MLB affiliate realized improved and upgraded player amenities and player development assets. Additionally, under the current agreement MLB has the right to review each relocation request and void a Player Development Contract (“PDC”) if it disagrees with a relocation. To date, MLB has never voided a PDC in objection to the relocation of a MiLB team. An accurate review of the history discloses several MiLB relocations in the past few years have been requested by, and approved, for MLB-owned MiLB teams. In the past 25 years MiLB has facilitated six team relocations expressly intended to address a stated need of MLB (Florida State to South Atlantic, South Atlantic to Midwest and California to Carolina). </div>
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During the Baseball Winter Meetings, MLB shared with the media an internal Carolina League email that offered existing Carolina League teams an opportunity to explore relocation to Wilmington, NC, and a proposed new facility. The facts are that MiLB discussed with the Carolina League MLB’s proposal to expand that league, and suggested that the league research viable sites to accommodate MLB’s proposal. It was not an offer for teams to relocate, but rather a request for an expression of interest. What MLB failed to disclose (after making the assertion that MiLB team owners jump from city to city in search of a better deal), were the responses to the very email they shared, which were that more MLB-owned teams reported an interest in relocating than non-MLB owned teams. The Carolina League never intended to leave an existing city as it would potentially backfill a current city in the event Wilmington, NC panned out. Several of the MLB owned clubs seeking to relocate had very recently received significant public investment in the facilities they would be leaving. </div>
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<b>League realignment –</b> MLB’s proposed realignment of MiLB leagues lacks applicability, practicality and totally disregards Major League Rules, MiLB’s constitution as well as individual league rules of governance. MLB fails to disclose that MiLB has nevertheless expressed its willingness to consider how it could accomplish league realignment in order to address MLB’s travel concerns. The observation by the Commissioner that MiLB has in any way adopted a “take it or leave it” position, on any issue is, to put it gently, demonstrably inaccurate. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-68529819316509365942019-12-06T23:14:00.001-05:002019-12-06T23:14:03.922-05:001946 Jackie Robinson - George Shuba Handshake to be Memorialized by Ohio Statue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="gmail_default"><b>PRESS RELEASE</b></span></div>
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<span class="gmail_default">YOUNGTOWN, Ohio -- </span><span class="gmail_default">A l</span><span class="gmail_default"></span>arger-than-life statue commemorating the inspiring 1946 handshake of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American Major League Baseball player, and George "Shotgun" Shuba, his white teammate, will inspire better relations among people of different racial backgrounds, say leaders of a group planning to build the statue in Ohio.</div>
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The Economic Action Group, a downtown Youngstown development advocate, and the newly formed Robinson-Shuba Commemorative Statue Committee aim to raise $400,000 to complete the statue and dedicate it on April 18, 2021, the 75th anniversary of what some have called "the handshake of the century" following Robinson's first home run in modern professional baseball.</div>
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"A handshake at home plate by players of different races is no big deal in America today, but in 1946 it was a historic moment," said Herb Washington, a local businessman and one of the co-chairs of the committee. "We want to memorialize that moment in a way that inspires people to relate more respectfully to those of other races. We need more Americans to follow the examples of Jackie Robinson and George Shuba."</div>
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Another committee member, Patty Brozik, a retired Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley president and banker, said the statue could put Youngstown in the national spotlight.</div>
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"Jackie Robinson fought through incredible hate and adversity throughout his career yet became one of the greatest baseball players the game has ever known," she said. "George's handshake demonstrated respect for Jackie's achievements and showed the world what things could be like without barriers based on race. We’re confident that many in the Mahoning Valley will want to join us in supporting this effort."</div>
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The committee is pursuing grants from local foundations and donations from the public at its website, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://robinsonshuba.org/&source=gmail&ust=1575519565602000&usg=AFQjCNEhz7J-l0A9aGeBnQBIIFsF8_QylA" href="http://robinsonshuba.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">robinsonshuba.org</a>.</div>
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<b>Statue would stand nearly 7 feet tall near Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre</b></div>
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The bronze statue would portray the handshake as captured in a landmark photograph now owned by Mike Shuba of Youngstown, George's son. Both players would stand nearly 7 feet tall in bronze at a site in Wean Park near the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, where they would enjoy high visibility.</div>
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Robinson enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with Major League Baseball’s Brooklyn Dodgers, but he played previously with the Dodgers' minor league affiliate, the Montreal Royals, after playing in the Negro leagues. Robinson's first game with the Royals was a major media event in New Jersey against the Jersey City Giants, with a huge crowd in the stands and the city's schools ordered closed to mark the occasion.</div>
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In his second at-bat, with two other Royals on base, Robinson hit a home run. Both teammates who scored on the homer went into the dugout without waiting for Robinson to congratulate him.</div>
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Shuba, who was on deck, noticed that, so he stepped right up to shake Robinson's hand just as the future Hall of Famer was crossing home plate. The photo captured that moment -- the first handshake of black and white players on a modern professional baseball diamond.</div>
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"In our book, George is quoted as saying he didn't think at the time that shaking a black player's hand was a big deal," said Greg Gulas, a retired Youngstown State University sports information director and another committee co-chair. "He had played with black and white guys at Chaney High School and in sandlot games in Youngstown for years. He shook Jackie's hand because he had just hit a three-run homer. George was proud to be Jackie's teammate for the Royals and the Dodgers, not because Jackie was black but because he was an incredible baseball player."</div>
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Ernie Brown, a former Vindicator regional editor and another committee co-chair, added, "The fact that George stepped up after his teammates ignored Jackie's achievement suggests that Youngstown was a little ahead of the game when it came to putting racial differences aside. That is the vision of Youngstown for many, and this statue will remind Mahoning Valley residents and visitors about that vision."</div>
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<b>‘The handshake’ has been a national story</b></div>
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The 1946 handshake drew additional waves of national news coverage in 1996, its 50th anniversary, and in 2014, when George Shuba passed away. A 2014 New York Times called the handshake “a simple, silent moment in baseball history.” MSNBC commentator Al Sharpton said George Shuba will “always be remembered for how he took the fight against racial injustice into his own hands with that handshake."</div>
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Mike Shuba, who serves as a special advisor to the committee, said the framed picture of "the handshake" graced the living room of the family's home since he was a child and was the only piece of baseball memorabilia his father ever displayed. George Shuba earned the nickname "Shotgun" because he reliably hit line drives with his consistent, compact swing.</div>
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During the 1990s and early 2000s, Mike and his father toured schools and youth centers across the United States to talk about the handshake and racial relations in sports.</div>
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“If my father were still around, he would be so thrilled and so proud,” Mike said. “That handshake with Jackie and the photo of it were among the highlights of his life.”</div>
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<b>Statue sculptor has crafted Pope John Paul, U.S. presidents, star athletes</b></div>
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Marc Mellon, a Connecticut sculptor who has crafted dozens of high-profile bronze works, including those honoring Pope John Paul II, President George H. W. Bush, President Barack Obama and athletes Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, Arthur Ashe and Cal Ripken, has agreed to build the Robinson-Shuba statue and has also been serving as a special advisor to the committee. He recently completed an early study of the statue.</div>
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Pecchia Communications, a public relations firm in Youngstown, is supporting the project on a pro bono basis.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-29329527681865649492019-12-01T00:46:00.003-05:002019-12-01T00:46:47.217-05:00Jack Spradlin: Lefty Pitcher Recalls His Professional Baseball Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=spradl001jac">Jack
Spradlin</a> was a left-handed pitcher who played at just about every possible
level of professional baseball except for the big leagues. By no means was that
a failure, as he had a long and interesting career playing the game that he
loves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the radar of major league teams since high school,
Spradlin was a 50<sup>th</sup>-round selection of the New York Mets in 2002. He
did not sign then, nor in 2004 when the San Francisco Giants took him in the
43rd round. Finally, after a strong season at USC (University of Southern
California) he was taken in the eighth round in 2005 by the Washington
Nationals and started his pro career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He began as a starter with the Vermont Lake Monsters in
Rookie ball, but quickly transitioned to the bullpen in the coming years. Despite
making near-annual progress through the Washington system, he never broke
through to the big leagues. He left the organization after the 2010 season and
continued playing through 2012 in independent ball. Along the way, he also
played in Venezuela and Puerto Rico. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In seven professional seasons, he was a combined 23-28 with
a 4.39 ERA in 215 games. He saved eight games and struck out 317 batters in 391
innings. Keep reading for some of his recollections about his time in baseball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Jack Spradlin Interview:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite
player when you were growing up, and why?:</b> My favorite baseball player
growing up was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gwynnto01.shtml">Tony Gwynn</a>
I grew up in San Diego and as you know he’s not only a legend in San Diego but
one of the greatest players to ever play the game!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Can you please
describe what your draft experience was like, being taken in the 8th round by
the Nationals in 2005?:</b> My draft experience was great. I was playing for
USC at the time and we were going to the super regionals. I snuck away the day
before we traveled to Corvallis to be at home with my family in hopes to get a
call that day! I had no idea I would be selected by the Nationals, but the
phone call came in the eighth round and I was thrilled to get my pro career
started and grateful to share the experience with my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What was your first
professional experience like in Vermont?:</b> My first pro experience wasn’t the
greatest because a week after arriving to Vermont I found out I had a partial
tear in my rotator cuff and needed to travel to Florida shortly after for
rehab. Good news was I didn’t need surgery and was able to participate the
following year in spring training.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is your favorite
moment from your baseball career?:</b> One of my favorite moments in my
baseball career was winning the Carolina league title in 2008. Another great
experience was making the all-star team in short season A ball and receiving a jersey
from Cal Ripken Jr. Also, him complimenting me on a great year. It doesn’t get
much better than that, and I have the picture still which is awesome to have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What was it like
playing in Venezuela?:</b> Playing in Venezuela was one of the best experiences
of my life. I was living on an island called Margarita Island and it was
beautiful. Not only did I have a good season and had the chance to play with
and against some amazing players, but I also met my wife that year and we are
happily married to this day with a beautiful son named Christian.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite
coach or manager, and what made them your choice?: </b>My favorite manager was
Randy Knorr. He managed me for multiple seasons and he was very knowledgeable
and taught me a lot about the game. Randy Tomlin was my pitching coach, and it
was also a pleasure to learn and pick his brain as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What, if anything,
would you have done differently in your baseball career?:</b> If I could do
something different it would have been to throw inside more often and really
master a changeup.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What are you up to
these days?:</b> I work for a company called <a href="https://www.inland-group.com/">Inland Kenworth</a> and am grateful to
have such a great job but obviously nothing beats playing ball!<span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-48254943326228052142019-11-25T22:41:00.005-05:002019-11-25T22:41:41.795-05:00Minor League Baseball and Octagon Announce Strategic Media Content Partnership<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Multi-tiered approach designed to drive deeper fan engagement, enhance media distribution offerings </i></div>
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<b>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. and STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 25, 2019 —</b> Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced it has selected Octagon, the leading international sports marketing and media agency, to develop a long-term content, media and distribution strategy for the organization. </div>
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The three-phase partnership includes conducting in-depth digital fan research and current digital platform analysis, developing a media content strategy and leading a targeted media rights distribution strategy. With the first two phases complete, MiLB and Octagon are now focused on approaching the marketplace to identify, secure and enhance new media distribution opportunities. “The media landscape is evolving quickly. Content rules the day and serves as the hook to current and next-generation fans,” said David Wright, chief marketing and commercial officer of Minor League Baseball. “We are committed to staying ahead of the content curve and investing in the necessary resources to best position MiLB to drive meaningful fan engagement and overall growth in a hyper-competitive space.” </div>
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“There is no U.S. sports property comparable to Minor League Baseball. With more than 6,700 games and 16,000 hours of live content annually available to fans, MiLB’s reach and live content breadth is in a league of its own,” said Daniel Cohen, Octagon SVP, Global Media Rights Consulting Division. “We look forward to engaging with new media and technologies, to push the envelope on distribution and consumption that connects the next generation of fans with the stars of tomorrow playing in Minor League Baseball.” </div>
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“Our fans are the lifeblood of our organization, and we must reach them both in and outside of the ballpark in ways that enrich their experience, amplify memorable moments and capture MiLB’s unique spirit,” said Katie Davison, MiLB’s senior vice president of digital strategy & business development. “Our vast network of teams, athletes and fans gives us immense storytelling potential, and we’re certain Octagon can help us bring these stories to life for fans and new audiences alike.” </div>
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With a focus on technology, diversity and inclusion, and community impact, MiLB has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years across key business areas, including digital consumption, licensed merchandise sales, ballpark attendance and strategic national partnerships. A continued commitment to drive deeper engagement with next-generation fans, coupled with MiLB’s vast national footprint (covering 81% of the U.S. population) and compelling storylines, MiLB is uniquely positioned for growth as it considers the changing patterns of how fans consume media. </div>
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Some of Minor League Baseball’s areas of recent advancement include: </div>
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• Digital Technology o Activating a network of 174 websites and 135+ online stores, and streaming nearly 6,700 games annually on MiLB.TV representing more than 16,000 hours of live content o Relaunching a new e-commerce platform o Building the largest in-venue digitally connected network in sports and entertainment with ISM Connect who is investing more than $10 million across 50 MiLB ballparks o First sports property to provide fans with a bilingual chat bot via Satisfi Labs for Copa de la Diversión </div>
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• Ballpark Attendance and Licensed Merchandise Sales o A nearly 3% increase in overall attendance in 2019 vs. 2018 o A record in overall licensed merchandise sales of nearly $74 million across all 160 teams in 2018 </div>
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• Diversity and Inclusion o Creating and maintaining the highly-successful Copa de la Diversión initiative to authentically engage with U.S. Hispanic fans and communities (92 teams in 2020) </div>
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o Building the largest LGBTQ+ initiative in sports and entertainment with MiLB Pride (71 teams in 2019) </div>
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• Strategic National Partnerships o Launching a credit card partnership with Allegiant, the first of its kind between a sports property and airline o Roster of prominent multi-year national partnerships including Allegiant, Applegate, BUSH’S Beans®, ECHO Incorporated, Guardian Protection and Tickets.com, among others </div>
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For more information about Minor League Baseball, visit MiLB.com. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-46615526242046265582019-11-23T12:02:00.000-05:002019-11-23T12:02:09.014-05:00The 15-Year-Old Major Leaguer: Joe Nuxhall Discusses His Precocious MLB Debut<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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World War II impacted every aspect of life imaginable in the
United States during the 1940s. As the conflict raged globally, adjustments
were made everywhere, including in Major League Baseball, which had to get
creative to field an entertaining product. This included one game where a
15-year-old boy named <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nuxhajo01.shtml">Joe Nuxhall</a>,
took to the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joe Nuxhall was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio. By the time
he entered high school he was the size of a grown man and pitched on a local
semi-pro team with his father Orville, who was also a talented hurler. The
young left-hander threw hard, but often didn’t know where the ball was going—a
typical fault of someone that age.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1944, the Cincinnati Reds, like other teams in baseball
were struggling with their operation. Many major leaguers were serving in the
armed forces and attendance was way down, as people tightened their belts in
relation to the war effort. Anything new, different or with the potential to
provide a spark of talent was under consideration. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeking pitching talent, the Reds sniffed around Orville,
thinking he could possibly be an asset. However, he rejected their overtures
because of the five children he had at home with his wife. His son Joe was
another matter, even though he was just 14 at the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After the next year’s basketball season was over, Joe signed
a contract with the Reds in February of 1944, receiving a bonus of $500.
Although the team intended to wait until the school year was over to have him
do anything with the team, their war-depleted roster dictated thinking outside
of the box and they were able to obtain permission for the young southpaw to be
in uniform with them as of Opening Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was common at the time for teams to sign young talent and
have them with the team to gain experience, even if it didn’t come by playing
in actual games. Of course, the major difference this time was such rookies
were typically fresh out of high school; not out of middle school. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On June 10<sup>th</sup>, 1944 the Reds were being shellacked
by the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in Cincinnati when the team decided to
see what their boy wonder could do. Trailing 13-0 in the ninth inning, the
schoolboy, a little over a month shy of his 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, came on
to face a star-studded lineup headlined by future Hall of Famer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/musiast01.shtml">Stan Musial</a>.
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Predictably, Nuxhall was wild. Perhaps it was his typical
control issues, and very likely a healthy dose of nerves mixed in. Regardless,
he lasted just 2/3 of an inning, walking five batters and giving up two base
hits (including a single to Musial) a wild pitch and five runs before being
pulled. The Reds lost the game 18-0.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nuxhall was done in the big leagues for the time being. He
pitched an additional game in the low minors in 1944 but was similarly routed. He
pitched in the minors in 1945, but “retired” in 1946 so he could finish high
school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After graduation, Nuxhall returned to baseball to pitch in
the minor leagues, still affiliated with the Reds. He made steady progress, but
by that time the enlisted players had returned from the war and making a team
required real polished talent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, in 1952, Nuxhall made his triumphant return to the
Reds. He was now 23 and had refined his craft significantly since the last time
he was in the majors. He went on to enjoy a 16-year big-league career spending
all but 42 games with the Reds before retiring as a player after the 1966
season. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nuxhall finished with career totals of a 135-117 record with
a 3.90 ERA in 526 games. He was a two-time All Star and went on to spend nearly
40 years as a beloved radio announcer with the Reds, passing away in 2007 at the
age of 79. He was inducted in the team’s Hall of Fame and has a statue outside
their current stadium—quite the journey from when he was just a boy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On May 30, 1960 <i>Sports Illustrated</i> published an <a href="https://www.si.com/vault/1960/05/30/589972/joes-bad-dream?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm_content=20191115">article</a>
by Roger Williams titled “Joe’s Bad Dream.” In it, Nuxhall spoke at length about
his debut. Below, I will post some of his comments with some of my thoughts in
italics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>On being noticed for
the first time by Cincinnati scouts: </b>“I had terrific control that day. The
catcher just stuck up his glove and I hit it. Nobody could have been more
surprised than I was. Mr. McKechnie [Bill McKechnie, the Cincinnati manager]
and his coaches stood around watching me. My fast ball kept going right on target,
so I threw a couple of knucklers. 'Son,' said Mr. McKechnie, 'cut that stuff
out. Stick with the fast ball."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Pitching in front of
the skipper, who was a future Hall of Famer, must have been surreal. The team
was interested in his raw talent, but Nuxhall was obviously trying to act like
a “real” big leaguer by flashing the exaggerated arsenal. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What did Nuxhall do
with $5 pocket money he was given on his first road trip with the team?: "</b>I
went to a penny arcade and spent the whole five bucks swinging at pitches from
Iron Mike."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The irony is great
that the young pitcher spent his entire allowance on taking batting practice
from a pitching machine. However, it may have been a solid investment, as he
hit a combined .198 with 15 home runs during his career—excellent numbers for a
hurler.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What did he think
about his tryout with the Reds?:</b> "What an occasion that was. I had a
crazy patchwork uniform on. And since I didn't have any baseball spikes, I wore
my dress shoes. They gave me a $500 bonus and a major league contract and, by
golly, I was a big league ballplayer."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Being able to impress
the scouts despite wearing dress shoes and a uniform he was likely ashamed of is
a testament to his raw talent. In subsequent years, his appreciation for
uniforms and equipment must have been significant.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What life was like
when he first joined the Reds at 15: </b>"No one worked with me too much.
I'd go to the field on Saturday and pitch a little batting practice. My control
was terrible and sometimes I'd be lucky to get one out of 10 over the plate.
After batting practice, I'd sit on the bench and watch the game. I must have been
a sight, too. I had dug up an old pair of baseball shoes that turned up so much
at the toe that the front spike never touched the ground. And I used a beat-up
Johnny Vander Meer glove. I had to take it off real gently, like a girl pulling
off a kid glove, or all the stuffing would come out."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>It must have been a
lonely experience for him. Many of the players were trying to hold on to jobs
they knew they were in danger of losing when soldiers eventually came back from
the war. That would not have led to many of them taking on a mentoring role. Additionally,
it would not have been easy for either Nuxhall or his teammates to really
relate to each other given they were not from the same peer group.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>What did he remember
from his first game with the Reds?:</b> "This was the fifth or sixth big
league game I'd ever seen, and I was just sitting there like a spectator. All
of a sudden Mr. McKechnie said, 'Joe, warm up.' I had no idea he meant me until
he motioned me to the bullpen. I grabbed my glove and started out of the
dugout—and tripped on the top step. I fell flat on my face. Everybody roared, I
guess. I didn't hear a thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Al Lakeman warmed me up in the bullpen and I sent him
up the terrace three or four times chasing my wild pitches. I was shaking like
an airplane engine on a palm tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"We went down without scoring in the eighth and I
walked out to pitch the last inning. I don't remember about the warmup
pitches—I must have been floating on a cloud. Joe Just, the catcher, didn't use
any signs, because all I could throw was a fastball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Somehow, I got the first guy out, and I got the third
man too. I don't recall who they were, but somebody grounded to Eddie Miller
and somebody else popped one up." The somebodies were Second Baseman
George Fallon, who grounded to Shortstop Miller, and Center Fielder Augie
Bergamo, who popped out. Between the outs, Nuxhall walked Pitcher Mort Cooper
and sent him lumbering to second when he threw a wild pitch to Bergamo. Then he
went to a 3-2 count on Debs Garms, the third baseman, and walked him, putting
men on first and second with two outs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Just about then, I started to realize where I was. I
came down off that cloud fast and started shaking all over again. Golly, a couple
of days before I'd been pitching to 13-year-olds!"<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The </i><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN194406100.shtml"><i>game</i></a><i> had 3,510 fans in attendance. Although very modest by major league
standards, it must have been a wild experience for Nuxhall, who up until the
point had pitched in front of a smattering of attendees at his youth and
semi-pro games.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Did he remember
facing Musial?: </b>"I doubt if Musial remembers it, but I can just
imagine what he was thinking: 'O.K., get that damned thing over the plate so I
can get outta here.' He must have been real anxious to go, the way he hit me. I
can still see that ball zooming by. He really shillelaghed it."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Musial was coming off
having won the 1943 National League batting title and was already one of the
best hitters in baseball, despite being just 24 himself. Giving up just a
single may have been a minor victory.<b style="font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-30276004023132969982019-11-14T23:56:00.000-05:002019-11-14T23:56:47.454-05:00Minor League Baseball Grows Copa de la Diversión in 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Organization Builds Formula of Success Celebrating U.S. Hispanic Fans and Communities </span></span></div>
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<b>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 14, 2019 —</b><b style="font-size: 14.85px;"> </b>Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the continued longterm commitment to and celebration of its U.S. Hispanic fans and communities through the unveiling of its 2020 Copa de la Diversión™ (Fun Cup™) campaign and event series. Each of the 92 participating MiLB teams covering 34 U.S. states will transform its on-field brand to a culturally-relevant Hispanic persona, representing an extension of the team’s and community’s identity. Fans are encouraged to join Minor League Baseball’s ongoing celebration of its U.S. Hispanic communities by using #JoinLaDiversión on social media. </div>
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MiLB’s Copa-specific website features each team’s unique identity, including the story behind its Hispanic on-field persona, and links for fans to purchase available apparel for select Copa de la Diversión (“Copa”) teams. Similar to years past, the 2020 participating teams will release their official on-field looks in March 2020 as the second part of the unveiling when on-field merchandise will be available for purchase on MiLB team store sites. </div>
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The cornerstone of MiLB’s Es Divertido Ser Un Fan™ (It’s Fun to be A Fan™) Hispanic fan engagement initiative, Copa de la Diversión established an innovative new platform authentically connecting MiLB teams with their diverse communities, embracing the culture and values that resonate most with U.S. Hispanics nationwide. </div>
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“Copa de la Diversión began as a fan and community-first initiative and remains as such,” said Cory Bernstine, director, marketing and business strategy for Minor League Baseball. “The initiative has become the blueprint for authentic and intentional fan engagement and its growth and success continue to infuse the Hispanic culture into the MiLB experience.”<br />
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The fourth year of celebrating Es Divertido Ser Un Fan, 2020 marks the third year of the Copa de la Diversión initiative, cementing MiLB’s commitment to U.S. Hispanic communities nationwide. The campaign had massive success in 2019, paving the way for the 2020 program, including: </div>
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• 1.8 million fans attending nearly 400 Copa de la Diversión games </div>
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• MiLB teams partnering with more than 200 local Hispanic/Latino organizations, donating more than $400,000 in cash and gifts-in-kind to local Hispanic philanthropies </div>
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• Nearly 20% higher average attendance per Copa game vs. the average per game attendance </div>
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Since launching Es Divertido Ser Un Fan in 2017, Minor League Baseball has continued to reinforce its position as a leader in creativity, innovation and community engagement with its intentional and authentic strategy to engage its U.S. Hispanic fans. In 2018, Copa de la Diversión was introduced with 33 teams and grew to 72 teams in 2019. The 2020 campaign adds 22 new teams and identities to MiLB’s “comunidades” of Copa de la Diversión, plus four rebrands from the previous year. </div>
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In November 2018, MiLB announced an agreement with ECHO Incorporated making it the first commercial partner tied to Copa as the “Official Outdoor Power Tool of MiLB” and the “Official Outdoor Power Tool of Copa de la Diversión” (“Herramienta Oficial de la Copa de la Diversión”). Last month, ECHO extended its agreement with Minor League Baseball and Copa by becoming the “Official Outdoor Power Equipment of Copa de la Diversión™” (“Equipos Portatiles Motorizados - Equipos Oficiales de la Copa de la Diversión”). </div>
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Additionally, MiLB announced a partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) in December 2018 to become an “Official Charity of MiLB Copa de la Diversión,” making it the first-ever philanthropic partner tied specifically to MiLB's Hispanic fan engagement initiative. Minor League Baseball has raised awareness for the cause through the partnership and LFA’s ¡Adiós Lupus! campaign in ballparks. </div>
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Minor League Baseball will announce the winner of the 2019 Copa de la Diversión (Fun Cup) event series next month at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ in San Diego. </div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-30081153704330454972019-11-07T21:44:00.002-05:002019-11-07T21:44:54.769-05:00Examining the 2020 Modern Era Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame has <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/10-players-named-to-hof-modern-baseball-era-ballot">announced</a>
that 10 candidates will be considered as part of the 2020 Modern Era ballot for
possible induction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those under
consideration include Tommy John, Dwight Evans, Steve Garvey, Marvin Miller,
Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Don Mattingly, Ted Simmons, Lou Whitaker and Thurman
Munson. If any of these renowned figures receive at least 75% of votes from a
16-member panel voting on December 8<sup>th</sup> at the Major League Baseball
Winter Meetings in San Diego they will punch their ticket to Cooperstown. Do
any of them belong, and if so, who? Let’s take a look.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnto01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tommy John</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Pitcher:</b> The lefthander won 288 games and had a 3.34 ERA during
the course of his career. However, he accumulated those stats across 26 seasons.
Other detractors include never striking out more than 138 batters in any
season, only making four All-Star teams and receiving Cy Young Votes (but no
awards) in just four different seasons. That’s not to say he wasn’t an
excellent player—he was, but on stats alone it is a stretch for the Hall. However,
when you add in his being the inaugural recipient of the eponymous Tommy John
Surgery, which has helped many baseball players since, he could be on the
bubble for getting the requisite votes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/evansdw01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dwight Evans</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Outfielder:</b> Possessing a powerful arm and superior skill with his
glove, Evans gradually became a dangerous hitter. Spending all but one season
of his 20-year big league career with the Boston Red Sox, he was a career .272
hitter with 385 home runs, 1,384 RBIs and 2,446 hits. The 256 home runs he hit
between 1981-1989 were more than any other player in the American League during
that time. He flew under the radar for much of his career, but his 67.1 career
WAR is significantly higher than long-time teammate <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/riceji01.shtml">Jim Rice’s</a>
47.7, which was good enough to get him into the Hall in 2009. Evans should have
a strong case for getting the 12 votes needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garvest01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Steve Garvey</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, First Baseman:</b> An excellent all-around player, his legacy has
dimmed some since he retired, as advanced stats have cast him in a somewhat
different light. He was known as a tremendous defender, but his range was
limited. He hit .284 with 222 home runs in 19 seasons with the Los Angeles
Dodgers and San Diego Padres, and while he won the 1974 National League MVP,
the only major offensive stats he ever led the league in was hits (twice). His
38.1 career WAR is simply beneath the threshold of other first basemen in the
Hall. It’s hard to imagine he will get the push needed to get to Cooperstown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marvin Miller,
Executive: </b>The long-time head of the players’ union passed away in 2012. It’s
a n oversight that he was not enshrined prior to his death. Love him or hate
him, he was directly responsible for the strengthening of the union, free
agency and helping increase annual player salaries to the levels they are at
today <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/236213/mean-salaray-of-players-in-majpr-league-baseball/">($4.36
million in 2019</a>). He was no favorite of owners, but a master strategist for
the players. Simply put, few in the history of the game have impacted baseball
as much as Miller, whose only obstacles will be the politics that have kept him
out thus far.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/murphda05.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dale Murphy</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Outfielder: </b>The two-time National League MVP spent most of his
18-year career with the Atlanta Braves. He hit a combined .265 with 398 home
runs, 1,266 RBIs and 2,111 base hits. Unfortunately, his last above average
season came when he was just 31, he languished on a number of terrible teams
and had a relatively short peak as a star (1980-1987). His 46.5 WAR and 121
OPS+ are both excellent in the grand scheme of things, but on the extremely low
end for a potential Hall of Famer. Instead, he is more fitting for a charter
member of the Hall of Very Good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/parkeda01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dave Parker</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Outfielder:</b> In a very similar class to Murphy, “Cobra” had a 40.1
career WAR and a 121 OPS+ The left-handed hitter won an MVP Award and two
batting titles on his way to a career marks of a .290 batting average. 339 home
runs, 1,493 RBIs and 2,712 base hits in 19 seasons. He was not a strong fielder,
but on the other hand had four top-five MVP finishes in addition to his win in
1978. He also had only one truly star season after he turned 28 (1985, when the
then 34-year-old was with the Cincinnati Reds). It’s hard to make an argument
that he is a Hall-of-Famer, given the criteria that has been used to induct
members to date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mattido01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don Mattingly</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, First Baseman:</b> “Donnie Baseball” played his entire 14-year career
with the New York Yankees. He was probably the best player in baseball from
1984-1987, winning a batting title, and MVP and finishing in the top eight
three other times. Known for a sweet left-handed swing and possessing the grace
of a ballerina in the field, he was unfortunately beset by back injuries that limited
his production in later years and ultimately curtailed his career. He finished
with six All Star appearances and nine Gold Gloves, but his overall numbers of a
.307 batting average, 222 home runs, 1,099 RBIs, 2,053 base hits and 42.4 WAR
are a weak resume for a first baseman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/simmote01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ted Simmons</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Catcher:</b> Making the mistake of playing simultaneously in the
National League during the awesome spectacle that was the career of legendary
catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/benchjo01.shtml">Johnny
Bench</a>, the switch-hitting Simmons continues to be criminally underrated. In
21 seasons, he hit a combined .285 with 248 home runs, 1,389 RBIs and 2,472
base hits. He also walked almost 200 more times than he struck out, was a solid
defender and posted a career WAR of 50.3 There is little doubt he belongs in
the Hall, but whether or not he gets in is most definitely up in the air. His
career totals of a .307 batting average, 222 home runs, 1,099 TRBIs, 2,153 base
hits and a 42.4 WAR are nice, but not Cooperstown-type numbers. His peak was
strong, but not long enough to have deserved serios interest by the Committee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whitalo01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lou Whitaker</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Second Baseman:</b> One of the most underappreciated players in
recent memory, “Sweet Lou” should have been admitted to the Hall years ago. An
excellent defender, who also was a threat with the bat when that was not a
common trait for second basemen, his 75.2 WAR is good for 78<sup>th</sup> all
time, nestled between Johnny Bench and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/applilu01.shtml">Luke
Appling</a>, both Hall-of-Famers. His career totals in 19 seasons, all with the
Detroit Tigers, of .276 with 244 home runs, 1,84 RBIs and 2,369 base hits are
excellent numbers for the position. His long-time running mate, shortstop Alan
Trammell got into the Hall last year via the Veteran’s committee. Whitaker has
better numbers in most categories and it’s a travesty every year he is kept
out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/munsoth01.shtml"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thurman Munson</b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Catcher:</b> After parts of 11 strong years with the Yankees, Munson
was well on his way to making a no-doubt Hall of Fame case for himself when he
tragically died in 1979 at the age of 32 in a plane crash. His career totals of
.292 with 113 home runs and 701 RBIs (along with being a strong leader and
defender) seems like a weak resume on its face. However, he had already
accumulated an impressive 46.2 WAR and it can be pointed to the likes of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puckeki01.shtml">Kirby
Puckett</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jossad01.shtml">Addie Joss</a>,
who had careers cut short by tragedy but are in Cooperstown, as support for
similar consideration for the all-time great Yankees’ receiver.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-72110311066886526212019-11-02T14:31:00.000-04:002019-11-02T14:34:27.607-04:00Dale Scott: The Umpire Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">Umpires are truly overlooked for their contributions to
baseball. Their ability to arbitrate games and interpret rules is done at an
amazingly high success rate. Even their humanity during times when they make
mistakes, or at a minimum, decisions that not all agree with, can bring an
exciting and unexpected element to the game. One of the best umpires to ever
strap on a face mask was Dale Scott, who had a distinguished 31-year career and
it should come to nobody’s surprise if his name is eventually in consideration
for the Hall of Fame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Born in 1959 in Oregon, Scott grew up loving baseball. In
addition to playing, he first started umpiring as a 15-year-old in high school.
Like many other careers, one thing led to another and before he knew it he had
a full-time job umpiring in the minor leagues in 1981 when he was just 22.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Young umpires must be able to handle the rigors of the
grueling minor-league travel, along with adapting to dealing with players and
managers of varying pedigrees and notoriety. The way Scott zoomed through the
ranks was a testament to his skill and adaptability. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1985, he umpired one game at the major league level. By
the following year he was there to stay—on his way to a 32-year career. He
started in the American League but was calling games in both leagues as of the
2000 season. Along the way, he officiated in three World Series, six League
Championship Series, 12 Division Series and three All Star Games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scott also was behind the plate for a number of no-hitters,
had run-ins with legendary managers and also became a crew chief in 2001. He
gained national attention by publicly coming out in 2014 and was named to the
National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, Scott had to retire in 2017 after suffering a
series of concussions on the job. He and his husband Michael, who has been with
him since 1986, still live in Oregon. He leaves behind a baseball legacy that
is not easily matched and should be an excellent candidate for consideration
for enshrinement in Cooperstown one day. Keep reading for some of his
recollections about his career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite
player when you were growing up, and why?:</b> I was a Dodger fan growing up,
especially the 1974 NL Pennant winner. My favorite player was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garvest01.shtml">Steve
Garvey</a> since that was my favorite position. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How did you come to
get into umpiring and when did you know it would be a viable career?:</b> I
started umpiring in the spring of 1975. I was 15 and a sophomore in high
school. It became a career when I was hired to work in minor league baseball.
But you don't know or think of it as a viable career until you make it to the
major leagues since your "career" could be over at any level in the
minor leagues. You don't know if you're going to make it all the way to the top
until you actually get that call. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is life like for
a minor league umpire versus a major league umpire?:</b> It's the same game of
baseball but they're a world apart. Obviously, the money and benefits are a
huge discrepancy, not to mention job security...something you don't have at any
minor league level. But the difference in media intensity and scrutiny; in
travel both in transportation (all first-class airfare by contract); but also
the types of hotels you're consistently staying at; in clubhouse amenities
(including having your uniforms and gear, that are in a big bulky trunk, air
freighted from city to city). In Triple-A you carry your gear, a real headache,
getting all of your equipment comped including undergarments for both cold and
warm weather, in trips home on off days (you don't get too many off days in the
minor leagues and rarely can afford to fly home) not to mention you get four
weeks during the season off in the big leagues, and of course the consistent
level of play you see day in and day out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What do you remember
most about your first major league game?:</b> It was a one game call up on
August 19, 1985...a make-up game from a rain out earlier in the season. I was
in Omaha and flew (all of maybe 20 minutes) to Kansas City to work third base.
I was very nervous but of course trying not to show it. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brettge01.shtml">George
Brett</a> was playing third and when he came out to start the game he said ‘hello
Dale.’ I said hello back. He then said, ‘your first game?’ I actually looked
down then said, ‘do I have a wet spot or something, how did you know it's my
first game?’ He laughed, ‘no wet spot, I just hadn't seen you around!’ We both
got a pretty good chuckle out of that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Which hitter and
pitcher that you personally saw were the most talented?</b>: I've seen many
outstanding hitters and pitchers in 32 years of service. To name a few hitters:
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/boggswa01.shtml">Wade
Boggs</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/puckeki01.shtml">Kirby
Puckett</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/griffke02.shtml">Ken Griffey
Jr.</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molitpa01.shtml">Paul
Molitor</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yountro01.shtml">Robin Yount</a>,
just to name a few. Pitchers: <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanno01.shtml">Nolan Ryan</a>,
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml">Randy
Johnson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemero02.shtml">Roger
Clemens</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/verlaju01.shtml">Justin
Verlander</a>, and many more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is the one game
you umpired that you will always remember most?:</b> So hard to pick one game
when you have worked almost 4,000 regular season and 91 post season games. If I
had to say one, it would be my first World Series; Game 3, October 20, 1998, New
York Yankees at San Diego. My first post season plate game, Seattle at New York
Yankees Game 2, October 4, 1995 (15 innings) and World Series Game 3, Arizona
at New York Yankees, October 30, 2001 are both right up there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Were managers like
Earl Weaver and Billy Martin really as intense as their legacies?:</b> I didn't
have Weaver much; only one season (1986, my first). I was the last umpire to
eject Billy Martin, on Memorial Day, 1988 in Oakland. He ended up throwing dirt
on me and was suspended three games. He came back for a few weeks and then was
fired, never to manage again. Both men were extremely intense and not easy to
umpire, as they always had something to say... especially when you're a rookie
or rather new on the staff. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Did you consider
coming out publicly earlier in your career?:</b> No, in fact I did everything I
could to conceal my sexuality as I tried to carve my own path as a MLB umpire.
Things and society changed and by the time I came out publicly in December,
2014, there was same-sex marriage in several states (including California where
Mike and I got married in our backyard on November 2, 2013) and earlier that
year MLB hired Billy Bean as Ambassador of Inclusion in a major outreach in
professional baseball to be inclusive. It just seemed that I was being pretty
hypocritical by not being honest after all the progress that had been made. My
coming out was not a shock to the umpires on the staff nor the people I worked
for on Park Avenue. It was however news to teams, fans and the media. I'm happy
I did make that decision and I'm proud to be the first active male official in
the five major sports (Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey and Soccer) to
come out publicly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What, if anything,
would you have done differently in your umpiring career?:</b> In retrospect,
nothing. I had a great career, making it to the big leagues at age 26, working three
World Series and three All Star Games, crew chief for 16 of my 32 years, I have
no regrets. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Do you ever think
about the possibility of your potential induction in the baseball Hall of Fame?:</b>
Not at all. I think in the history of baseball, some 150 years, there are only
10 umpires in the Hall. I personally think there should be more and have
several names that deserve it, but the Hall is very stingy even considering
umpires, let alone voting them in.<o:p></o:p></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-84932297025359752992019-10-27T13:27:00.001-04:002019-10-27T13:27:47.529-04:00Pickles Dillhoefer: A Baseball Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have you ever heard of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dillhpi01.shtml">Pickles
Dillhoefer</a>? Don’t feel bad if you haven’t. He was a hustling catcher a
century ago, who did little with his bat or his glove, yet managed to become
one of the most popular players in the game. His untimely death at the age of
28 shocked the baseball world at the time, yet has gone largely forgotten with
each passing year. This is his story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Born William Martin Dillhoefer in 1893 in Cleveland, he was
orphaned by the time he was 14, but with his two brothers, was taken in by an
aunt. He found himself in baseball, starring as a schoolboy player and later on
industrial teams. He was a versatile player but stood out the most behind the
plate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He made his professional debut in 1914 at the age of 20 for
the Portsmouth Cobblers of the Ohio State League. Making his mark as a
consummate team player instead of standing out in the traditional aspects of
the game, he progressed through the minor leagues steadily until being acquired
by the Chicago Cubs in 1917. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chicago President Charles Weeghman <a href="https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/3c8bc149">called</a> his new acquisition
a “coming star” and compared him to the young <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schalra01.shtml">Ray Schalk</a>,
a catcher for the White Sox who went on to be a Hall of Famer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although he acquitted himself just fine with his glove,
Dillhoefer struggled mightily on offense. Appearing in 42 games, he mustered
just 12 hits and eight RBIs in 95 at-bats (a .126 batting average). Even by
Deadball Era standards, that was not nearly enough to earn him more playing
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still just 24, something happened that offseason that wound
up becoming the defining moment of his career. He, along with once-dependable
pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/prendmi01.shtml">Mike
Prendergast</a> and $55,000 were sent to
the Philadelphia Phillies for star pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alexape01.shtml">Grover
Alexander</a> and catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/killebi01.shtml">Bill
Killefer</a>. Alexander went on to win 128 games for the Cubs, while Killefer
was a regular for four seasons. Dillhoefer had a lone single in 11 at-bats for
Philadelphia, while Prendergast won a total of 13 games—making it one of the
most lopsided traded in history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Part of the reason Dillhoefer had such limited playing time
with the Phillies was that he was notified he was about to be drafted into
service in 1918 for the United States’ efforts in World War I. Instead of
waiting to be drafted, which he though indicated he was unwilling to serve, he
chose to enlist. He <a href="https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/3c8bc149">explained</a>, “I am happy to say I did not take a job in a munitions factory or a shipyard
or something that would make me exempt. I want to do my bit and the sooner the
better.” He eventually achieved the rank of sergeant before the conflict ended
and he was able to resume his baseball career. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dilhoefer was involved in yet another trade in 1919. He,
pitcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/davisdi01.shtml">Dixie
Davis</a> and infielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stockmi01.shtml">Milt Stock </a> were sent to the St. Louis Cardinals, which
was a second-division team, but had an exciting 22-year-old infielder named <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hornsro01.shtml">Rogers
Hornsby</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The deal ended up being a positive move for Dillhoefer’s,
career. He settled in as the backup for catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemove01.shtml">Verne
Clemons</a>. While he produced modest numbers (batting averages of .213 in
1919; .263 in 1920; .241 in 1921), he set himself apart by all the other things
he brought to the team. In particular, he was an outspoken cheerleader, who grew
popular with fans because of his constant pep. An article that appeared in the
July 8, 1920 edition of the <i>St. Louis
Post-Dispatch</i> had a <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/archives/the-death-of-catcher-pickles-dillhoefer-one-of-the-most/article_bc4b2933-7313-5315-b847-e0ec813a614d.html#2">headline</a>
that blared, “Dilhoefer [sic] Usurping Hornsby’s Place as Cardinal Fans’ Idol.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Referred to affectionately as “Pickles” and “Dill,”
Dillhoefer loved to coach the bases and was even known to jump out of the
dugout to give advice to his teammates on how to position themselves against
certain hitters. He also shouted a steady stream of encouragement during games.
The one the crowd loved the most was when St. Louis was down, and things
weren’t looking good. “Only two down, Stockie give it a ride,” the backstop
would bellow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It looked like 1922 was going to be the year for Dillhoefer.
The Cardinals had won 87 games the previous year and he started the new year in
fine shape, marrying his sweetheart, teacher Massie Slocum in Mobile, Alabama
on January 14<sup>th</sup>. The newlyweds immediately returned to St. Louis,
where he fell ill on the 19<sup>th</sup>—to the point that he was taken to St.
John’s Hospital suffering from typhoid fever. From there, he contracted
pneumonia, which infected his gall bladder. Surgery proved futile and he
deteriorated rapidly; finally succumbing on February 22<sup>nd</sup>. He was
28.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The news of Dillhoefer’s passing understandably hit his
teammates hard. Team general manager Branch Rickey <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=YqpfDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA129&dq=pickles+dillhoefer&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjU_dWjpYblAhUWvp4KHbnkDogQ6AEwAHoECAAQAw#v=onepage&q=pickles%20dillhoefer&f=false">lamented</a>,
“I can hardly believe Dilly is gone. Of course, I knew he was very sick when I
left St. Louis, but it is a shock to learn of his death.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Massie, Dillhoefer’s bride of less than six weeks, never
remarried and lived until 1985.The catcher was buried in Mobile with military
honors, with pall bearers than includes Stock (his roommate and best friend),
Clemons and Rickey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 247 career major league games, Dillhoefer batted a
combined .223 with 48 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He threw out 43 percent of
would-be base stealers and was a quintessential backup catcher. Although his
statistical footprint on the game is small, he has one of the more unique
stories and better nicknames in baseball history.<span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-46756214220453467632019-10-19T18:55:00.004-04:002019-10-19T18:55:57.535-04:00How the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets Could Be Perfect Partners on a Mookie Betts Trade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I have previously <a href="https://baseballhistorian.blogspot.com/2019/09/mookie-betts-why-boston-red-sox-may-be.html">written</a>,
under no circumstances should the Boston Red Sox trade <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml">Mookie
Betts</a> this offseason. However, if the team is as <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2855681-red-sox-owner-john-henry-wants-team-to-cut-salary-avoid-luxury-tax-in-2020">dedicated</a>
to getting their payroll under the luxury tax as they claim to be and the
2018’s departure is inevitable, there’s one team in particular, that might be a
perfect trade partner—the New York Mets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Betts, coming off a season where he made $20 million, will
only see that figure rise in 2020—before hitting free agency in 2021. Despite
the likelihood of him signing a massive contract once he becomes a free agent,
he figure to be highly coveted if he is made available this offseason. Given
the current financial state of the team and the bleak outlook of their farm
system, which is widely considered to be bereft of top-flight young talent, the
Red Sox would need to receive a package of prospects and/or affordable young
talent if they were to pull the trigger on a deal. Enter the Mets, who have
some pieces that could be an intriguing match for Boston.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is no guarantee that Betts will re-sign with whichever
team he is playing on in 2020. Any trade made has to be done under the
assumption that it’s a one-year rental with the chance to indoctrinate him into
new team culture to make a run at signing him long-term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Mets narrowly missed out on the 2019 playoffs with a
team led by young hitters like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alonspe01.shtml">Pete Alonso</a>
and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcneije01.shtml">Jeff
McNeil</a>, and a solid starting pitching staff headlined by the superb <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml">Jacob
deGrom</a>. Adding Betts could go a long way to rounding out their lineup and
making them a valid postseason threat in 2020.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In particular, there are two players that Boston should
target if the Mets let it be known they want to do the dance. The first is
24-year-old first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithdo02.shtml">Dominic
Smith</a>. Long a top prospect, he has never been able to seize a starting spot
in New York. Alonso and his 53 home runs this season means there is only room
for him off the bench or in a corner outfield position, where he is not well
suited.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Smith is actually a solid defensive first baseman, who has
hit for power and average in the minors. He disappointed in stints at the major
league level in 2017 and 2018, but flashed his potential this in 2019,
producing an .881 OPS and 134 OPS+ in 89 games (197 plate appearances). He is
not eligible for free agency until 2025 and could become an immediate starter
in Boston, where veteran 34-year-old free agent Mitch Moreland is likely to not
return. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If Smith, a three-time top-100 Baseball America prospect, produces
in a starting role anywhere close to how he did this year, he would be an
excellent complement to a young Boston infield that already boasts stars like shortstop
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml">Xander
Bogaerts</a> and third baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml">Rafael
Devers</a>. He’s young, inexpensive and a potential impact left-handed bat,
which would play very well in cozy Fenway Park. He checks a lot of boxes of
what a team trading their best player would want as part of the return. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A second player the Red Sox could target from the Mets is
closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazed04.shtml">Edwin
Diaz</a>. After a stellar 2018 that saw
him post 57 saves and a 1.96 ERA with the Seattle Mariners, he was dealt to the
Mets and promptly imploded. The right hander, who possesses a wicked slider and
an upper-90s fastball, was wild and extremely homer prone this past season. In
66 games, he saved 26 games and struck out 15.4 batters per nine innings, but
he also had a 5.59 ERA, gave up 15 gopher balls in just 58 innings, while
walking 22.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Still just 25, and not eligible for free agency until 2023,
the right-handed Diaz is an excellent reclamation project, who could slide into
a the closer role in Boston, which has not been right since the departure of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimbrcr01.shtml">Craig
Kimbrel</a> following the 2018 campaign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Diaz threw harder than ever in 2019, according to <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=14710&position=P">FanGraphs</a>.
His struggles after three excellent seasons to start his career are therefore
more attributable to approach rather than health or decline. With Boston
desperately needing an upgrade in their bullpen that had a 4.40 ERA this season,
prying away a reliever so young, affordable and full of potential would be a
coup. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It remains to be seen specifically what the Red Sox might be
seeking in a trade for Betts. New York is not a great fit if they are hoping
for major league-ready top-flight minor league talent. The <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/07/08/mets-mariners-trade-justin-dunn-jared-kelenic/1670845001/">trade</a>
that brought Diaz to the Mets made a major dent in their system with
disappointing returns. However, a package starting with Smith and Diaz might
well get Boston’s attention because of how it would present an opportunity to
fill some major holes. Perhaps some not-yet-ready youngsters on the New York farm
could help sweeten and round out a deal as lottery tickets. Of course, if the
Mets were able to then re-sign Betts long-term, it would go a long way towards
erasing the bad taste they have of losing out on the last big trade plunge they
took.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an ideal world, Betts will spend the remainder of his
career in Boston. Unfortunately, finances may force one of the best players in
the game out of town. If that happens, the team should try to leverage their
misfortune in the present into a deal that could help them in the long term. The
team with the players who can help them accomplish that the best is the Mets. <o:p></o:p></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-13600895915365167772019-10-15T23:25:00.004-04:002019-10-15T23:25:53.117-04:00Minor League Baseball Names 2019 Rawlings Gold Glove Award® Winners <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ke’Bryan Hayes becomes second Minor League player to win three straight Gold Glove Awards </div>
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<b> ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 14, 2019 — </b>Minor League Baseball™ and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., today announced the nine recipients of the 2019 Rawlings Gold Glove Award® for defensive excellence. The winners at each position were selected from players in the 10 domestic-based, full-season Minor Leagues. Each player will receive his own Rawlings Gold Glove Award, modeled after the iconic award given to Major League Baseball’s top defensive players, during the 2020 season. </div>
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“We congratulate the 2019 Minor League recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award® for their defensive excellence displayed throughout the duration of the season,” said Mike Thompson, chief marketing officer for Rawlings. “We’re proud of the relationship we’ve built with Minor League Baseball over the years and we both maintain a shared commitment to recognizing and rewarding athletes’ defensive skillsets at the highest levels of game play.” </div>
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“These nine men were the gold standard for defensive excellence in Minor League Baseball in 2019 and I am pleased to honor them with a Rawlings Gold Glove Award®,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “On behalf of Minor League Baseball and our tremendous partners at Rawlings, I congratulate each of them on their outstanding seasons.” </div>
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The 2019 Minor League Baseball recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award® are as follows: </div>
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1B Will Craig Indianapolis (AAA) Pittsburgh </div>
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2B Nick Madrigal Winston-Salem (A), Birmingham (AA) Charlotte (AAA) Chicago (AL) </div>
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SS Donnie Walton Arkansas (AA) Seattle </div>
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3B Ke’Bryan Hayes West Virginia (A), Indianapolis (AAA) Pittsburgh </div>
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LF Mark Contreras Fort Myers (A), Pensacola (AA) Minnesota </div>
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CF Victor Victor Mesa Jupiter (A), Jacksonville (AA) Miami </div>
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RF Jesus Sanchez Montgomery (AA), Durham (AAA), New Orleans (AAA) Tampa Bay, Miami </div>
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C Jhonny Pereda Tennessee (AA) Chicago (NL) </div>
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P Matthew Kent Portland (AA), Pawtucket (AAA) Boston </div>
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Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) first baseman Will Craig posted a .999 fielding percentage in 886 total chances. Craig played 111 games at first base and recorded 828 putouts and 57 assists while committing only one error. Craig, 24, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Wake Forest University. </div>
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Charlotte Knights (White Sox) second baseman Nick Madrigal recorded a .992 fielding percentage in 108 games between Class-A Advanced Winston-Salem (28 games), Double-A Birmingham (39 games) and Triple-A Charlotte (41 games). Madrigal handled 488 total chances and helped turn 95 double plays while making only four errors. Madrigal, 22, was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Oregon State University. </div>
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Arkansas Travelers (Mariners) infielder Donnie Walton posted a .990 fielding percentage in 103 games at shortstop. Walton handled 381 total chances, had a hand in 44 double plays and finished with 273 assists at shortstop. Walton was promoted to Seattle on Sept. 10, and played seven errorless games for the Mariners. Walton, 25, was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the fifth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma State University. </div>
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Indianapolis Indians (Pirates) third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes became the second player to win a Rawlings Minor League Baseball Gold Glove three years in a row (joining third baseman Ramon Conde, 1959–61) as he led Minor League Baseball third basemen with a .989 fielding percentage in 107 games at the hot corner. Hayes appeared in 104 games for Indianapolis and three for West Virginia on a rehabilitation assignment and totaled 287 chances (216 assists and 68 putouts) while making three errors. Over his last three seasons, Hayes has made just 17 errors in 331 games (872 total chances). Hayes, 22, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas. </div>
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Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Twins) left fielder Mark Contreras appeared in 94 games in the outfield with the majority of those starts in left field. He handled 182 total chances without an error and recorded 13 outfield assists. The Minnesota Twins selected Contreras in the ninth round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of California-Riverside. </div>
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Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins) center fielder Victor Victor Mesa recorded a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and 11 outfield assists in 102 games between Class-A Advanced Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville, handling 239 total chances. Mesa, 23, was signed by the Miami Marlins as a free agent out of Santa Clara, Cuba, on Oct. 22, 2018. </div>
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New Orleans Baby Cakes (Marlins) right fielder Jesus Sanchez recorded 10 outfield assists and a .990 fielding percentage in 103 games for Durham (15 games), Montgomery (72 games) and New Orleans (16 games). Sanchez made only two errors in 212 total chances over 881.2 innings. Sanchez, 21, was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent out of Higuey, Dominican Republic, on July 2, 2014. </div>
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Tennessee Smokies (Cubs) catcher Jhonny Pereda posted a .996 fielding percentage in 85 games behind the plate, as he handled 833 chances over 743.2 innings while making three errors. Pereda threw out 33% (44 of 132) of would-be base stealers. Pereda, 23, was originally signed by the Chicago Cubs as a free agent out of Aragua, Venezuela, on April 1, 2013. </div>
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Pawtucket Red Sox left-hander Matthew Kent posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage while handling 38 total chances in 152.1 innings pitched over 28 games (24 starts) for Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. Kent, 27, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Texas A&M University. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-55300926866989613162019-10-05T17:49:00.000-04:002019-10-05T17:49:03.793-04:00Mike DeJean: Tales of a Relief Pitcher<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pitching prospects have it hard enough when trying to prove
themselves without having to deal with the added pressures of pitching
regularly in Denver for the Colorado Rockies, where the ball jumps off the bat.
Right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dejeami01.shtml">Mike DeJean</a>
was not only drafted in the middle rounds, he spent six seasons in the minors
and came up with the Rockies. However, he persevered to have a successful 10-year
big-league career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A shortstop while attending and playing for the University
of West Alabama (Livingston), DeJean had a strong arm and successfully retired
two batters in a pitching appearance during the Division II College World
Series. Taking a chance on his potential on the mound, he was taken in the 24<sup>th</sup>
round of that year’s draft by the New York Yankees and converted to relief
pitcher.<o:p></o:p></div>
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DeJean made steady progress through the Yankees’ system as a
closer, notching 65 saves in his first four seasons. His big break came after
the 1995 season when New York traded him to the Rockies for veteran catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/girarjo01.shtml">Joe Girardi</a>.
The team had just finished their third year of existence and were still
building a roster that had already seen them make the playoffs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The time finally came for DeJean in 1997, as he made the big-league
roster for Colorado. He finished with very solid numbers of a 5-0 record, two
saves and a 3.99 ERA in 55 relief appearances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pitching to contact earlier in his career, the right-hander garnered
more strikeouts as his career continued. After four years with the Rockies, he
went on to pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore
Orioles, New York Mets, and finished his career back in Colorado. <o:p></o:p></div>
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His greatest success came with the Brewers, where he served
as their closer in 2002 and 2003. 2002 was his best season, as his 27 saves and
3.12 ERA in 68 games was a bright spot on a team that won only 56 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All told, DeJean enjoyed a 10-year major-league career. In
565 games (all but one in relief), he had a combined record of 30-33 with a
4.30 ERA and 52 saves. Keep reading, as she shares some additional information
about his career and background.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite player when you
were growing up, and why?:</b> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guidrro01.shtml">Ron Guidry</a>.
He was Louisiana Lightning.<br />
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<b>Can you please describe what your draft
experience was like, being taken in the 24th round by the Yankees in 1992?:</b>
Very unreal. I was glad I was a Yankee.<br />
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What kind of impact do you believe being traded to the Rockies for </b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/girarjo01.shtml"><b>Joe Girardi</b></a><b> have on your career?:</b> It got me to the big leagues quicker.<br />
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<b>What do you remember most about your
major league debut?:</b> How loud Coors Field was.<br />
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<b>Which one hitter intimidated you more
than any other, and why?: </b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondsba01.shtml">Barry Bonds</a>.
His power and he had a great eye. (Bonds was just 3-for-12 against him with no
home runs and three strikeouts in his career.)<br />
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<b>What is your favorite moment from your
baseball career?:</b> St. Louis, in the first game back after 9/11.<br />
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<b>Can you explain what, if any, difference
you felt as a pitcher when pitching in Colorado?:</b> It was dry and hard to
grip the baseball.<br />
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<b>Who was your favorite coach or manager,
and what made them your choice?:</b> All of them.<br />
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<b>What, if anything, would you have done
differently in your baseball career?:</b> Enjoyed the cities I visited more.<br />
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<b>What are you up to these days?:</b> Coaching
baseball, hunting, fishing and raising six boys.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-48373417230617059712019-09-29T16:20:00.001-04:002019-09-29T16:20:32.319-04:00The Chicago Black Sox: What Might Have Been<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The 1919 Chicago White Sox (aka Black Sox) were the one of
the most famous and infamous teams of all time. After going 88-52 in the
regular season, they rolled into the World Series to face off against the Cincinnati
Reds as heavy favorites, but surprisingly looked clumsy and disinterested in
the field; ultimately losing five games to three. It wasn’t long before it was alleged
that eight of their players had known about/participated in a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sox_Scandal">plot</a> with gamblers to
throw the Series. Although the culpability of those eight players has been
debated over time, and they were acquitted in court, they were all permanently
banned from baseball following the 1920 season—careers of varying ability cut
short for their accused transgressions. But how good were these players and
what would their futures have looked like if their careers had not been ended? Let’s
take a look.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/risbesw01.shtml">Swede
Risberg</a>, Shortstop- </b>A supposed ringleader of the World Series plot, Risberg
was a decent fielder, but not very good with the bat (83 careers OPS). An even
6’0”, he was a converted first baseman and big at the time for shortstop.
However, he posted positive dWAR in each of his last two seasons. At 25, he was
the youngest of the eight players when they were banned following the 1920
season. Since he played when shortstops had lower expectations offensively, he
might have had a career that was long in length, but short on production.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gandich01.shtml">Chick
Gandil</a>, First Base- </b>The former bare-knuckle boxer was a large muscular man
(6’1” and 190 pounds), who never produced the way you might expect from someone
of his stature. In nine big-league seasons, spanning 1,147 games, he hit .277
with just 11 home runs. Even during the Deadball Era, those numbers are pretty
underwhelming for a first sacker. 31 at the time of his banning, his career was
already in decline. After having led the Washington Senators in RBIs for four straight
years (1912-1915), 1920 was his fourth consecutive season of having less than a
100 OPS (league-average offensive production is 100 OPS). He was also a below
average defender, who at 32, was likely looking at the end of his career
anyways. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/weavebu01.shtml">Buck Weaver</a>,
Third Base-</b> Perhaps one of the most overrated players of the group. Some
have suggested that he may have been a candidate for the Hall of Fame if not
for his punishment. However, the 21.2 WAR he accrued through his first nine
seasons indicate that was not the reality. That being said, he was a superior
defender, who was coming into his won with the bat. His final season was his
best at the plate, as the 30-year-old hit .331 with 208 hits, 102 runs scored
and 74 RBIs in 1920. He has always been
one of the more popular Black Sox, as he hit .324 in the World Series, was
banned because of his knowledge of the plot and not his participation. He unsuccessfully
appealed for reinstatement multiple times throughout the remainder of his life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksjo01.shtml">Joe Jackson</a>,
Outfielder- </b>The left-handed batter was easily the best player of the group.
His .356 career batting average is still third-best of all time. Quiet and
illiterate, he was never the most popular player, especially with his peers,
however, fans loved watching his wickedly effective left-handed swing. Although
he turned 33 during the 1920 season, he still finished with it being one of his
best; hitting .382 with 218 hits, 12 home runs, a league-leading 20 triples and
121 RBIs. Although it was said his “glove was the place where triples went to
die,” his career -6.1 dWAR suggest that was more anecdotal than truth. His 62.2
career WAR combined with still being in a productive phase of his career would
have made him a near-certain Hall of Famer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/felscha01.shtml">Happy
Felsch</a>, Outfielder-</b> Perhaps the greatest example of “what might have
been,” Felsch was 29 and coming off his best season when he was banned. In
1920, he hit .338 with 40 doubles, 15 triples, 14 home runs, and 115 RBIs. His
rugged athletic build would have made him an excellent candidate to transition
well to the lively ball era. With a 19.3 WAR and 123 OPS+ when his career ended,
he could have possibly ended up as a fringe Hall of Fame candidate if his play
continued to progress well and be sustained deep into his career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcmulfr01.shtml">Fred McMullin</a>,
Infield-</b> The career backup was subpar offensively (85 OPS+) and just
average defensively. He was a roster filler, who could step in if needed and
acquit himself, but drew minimum salary. He his just .256 with a lone home run
and 72 RBIs across 304 career games in six seasons when his career ended at the
age of 28. He had just two plate appearances in the 1919 World Series (singling
in one of them) and was only included in the plot/money taking because of his
friendship with teammates like Risberg. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cicoted01.shtml">Eddie
Cicotte</a>, Pitcher-</b> The sore-armed junk baller seemed to get better with
age. After going 29-7 with a 1.82 ERA in 1919, he followed that up with 21 more
wins in 1920 at the age of 36. With 209
career victories, a 2.38 ERA and a 57.3 WAR, he would have been a strong
candidate for the Hall of Fame had he been able to finish out his career
naturally. The 90 wins and 111 complete games he threw in his final four
seasons are a testament to the late success he found, due in large part to a shine
ball and knuckler that all helped keep batters off stride. Even pitching in the
Deadball Era, he was extremely stingy when it came to allowing home runs;
coughing up just 32 in 14 years. He even went the entire 1914 season, spanning
269.1 innings, without a long ball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willile01.shtml">Lefty
Williams</a>, Pitcher-</b> Although he won a combined 45 games between
1919-1920, the tiny southpaw was more solid than star in quality. 27 at the
time of his banishment, he had a career 82-48 record and 3.13 ERA. However, his
99 ERA+ (100 is average) show that he was essentially average when it came to
his production. With pitching always being at a premium, there would have no
shortage of opportunities for Williams to have had a lengthy career. Assuming
steady health and ability, he would have been a good candidate to hit the
150-victory threshold if his career had continued uninterrupted.<span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-3288233802288837622019-09-24T23:01:00.000-04:002019-09-24T23:01:03.452-04:00Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Offers 3 Events for 100th anniversary of the Black Sox Scandal <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>PRESS RELEASE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=182669&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2019/10/18">Cal
Crim vs. The Black Sox : How Cincinnati’s Super-Cop Broke the 1919 World Series
Scandal</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><i>Cal Crim was
Cincinnati’s super-cop – part Batman, part Sherlock Holmes. He was so popular
that in 1901, when wounded in a shootout with “Foley the Goat,” the citizens of
Cincinnati chipped in to pay off his mortgage. Crim collared the murderers of
poor Pearl Bryan and the Turkey King of Winchester, Kentucky. And it was Crim
who unraveled the plot behind the 1919 Black Sox scandal. In celebration of the
100th anniversary of one of the single most infamous events in sports history,
join us as renowned local historian Greg Hand, regular contributor to
Cincinnati Magazine and WCPO-TV’s “Cincy Lifestyle” show, discusses the events
that led to the unraveling of the Black Sox’s plot to throw the 1919 World
Series to the Cincinnati Reds. Free. Registration not required.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Wednesday,
October 02, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--> <b>7:00 PM -
8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Downtown Main
Library<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Main Library -
Genealogy & Local History Program Space<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=185331&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2019/10/18">1919
: The Year That Changed Baseball Walking Tour</a><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Join us for a
jaunt around Cincinnati hosted by the Public Library of Cincinnati &
Hamilton County and American Legacy Tours exploring the places and historic
events that shaped the infamous Black Sox Scandal of 1919. Our city’s side of
this otherwise well-documented story is often overlooked, and this walking tour
sheds light on its lesser known facts, locations, and people. The walk itself,
which encompasses a flat ¾ of a mile path, is wheelchair accessible. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tour
starts in the atrium at the Downtown Main Library at 9:45 am, where you’ll learn
about great resources the library offers sport history buffs, and how you can
use our MakerSpace to create high quality posters of newspaper headlines from
all your favorite teams’ big wins! Tour ends on Fountain Square at roughly
noon. Wear comfortable shoes!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Free.
<u>Registration required</u>. Questions? Email </i><a href="mailto:kent.mulcahy@cincinnatilibrary.org"><i>kent.mulcahy@cincinnatilibrary.org</i></a><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Saturday,
October 05, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>9:45 AM - 12:00
PM<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Downtown Main
Library Atrium</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://cincinnatilibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=185333&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2019/10/18">100<sup>th</sup>
Anniversary of the Infamous 1919 World Series Black Sox Scandal</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><i>During the first
week of October 1919, the World Series took place between the Cincinnati Reds
and the Chicago White Sox. The Reds would go on to win the championship after
eight games. However, the series was later investigated due to a scandal
involving the Chicago team. Join Reds historians Greg Rhodes and Greg Gajus for
a discussion on Cincinnati’s side of the events during the series and the
fallout afterwards. Historic 1919 World series-related artifacts and treasures
from the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will be on display at the program. Free.
No registration required.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">o<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Saturday,
October 05, 2019<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>3:00 PM - 4:00
PM<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Downtown Main
Library<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Main Library -
Reading Garden Lounge</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-40231063331436129252019-09-21T18:51:00.002-04:002019-09-21T18:51:41.949-04:00Mookie Betts: Why the Boston Red Sox May Be About to Make a Big Mistake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-red-sox-will-reportedly-listen-to-trade-offers-for-mookie-betts-this-offseason-and-heres-why-they-may-deal-him/">recent
reports</a> are to be believed, the Boston Red Sox may be about to make a major
mistake this upcoming offseason. At least it will be if they decide to part
ways with their star right fielder, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml">Mookie
Betts</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Sox, coming off a dominant 108-win and World
Series-winning 2018 season, belly flopped into 2019 with a bloated payroll that
has veered into luxury tax territory, and is ending with diminished results
outside the postseason. Hamstrung by a roster dotted with fat contracts and a
minor league system largely barren of talent, it was <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-red-sox-will-reportedly-listen-to-trade-offers-for-mookie-betts-this-offseason-and-heres-why-they-may-deal-him/">reported</a>
earlier this month that the team intends to listen for trade offers for Betts,
the reigning American League MVP and a free agent following the 2020 season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With a 2019 payroll of over $240 million, Boston is on <a href="https://www.apnews.com/a39d0dddee6b47678fce48d91d346af4">track</a> to receive
a bill for $13.05 million in luxury tax this offseason—the equivalent of a
solid veteran starting player’s salary. Additionally, the money coming off the
books will likely be matched, if not exceeded, by what will need to be spent
giving out raises and arbitration, and what is sure to be a limited free agent
shopping list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With money obviously tight, it really couldn’t be a worse
time for the Red Sox to have Betts entering his year-before-free agency season.
The soon-to-be 27-year-old is one of the consensus two or three best players in
the game and would be well within his rights to ask for and receive a contract
that exceeds a total value of $300 million—in line with pacts like stars <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/troutmi01.shtml">Mike Trout</a>,
<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml">Bryce
Harper</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml">Manny Machado</a>
have signed this past year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Betts is a proven commodity, who has mastered playing in
Boston, already won a championship and is in line to be an all-time Hub sports
great, a la Larry Bird, Tom Brady Bobby Orr and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willite01.shtml">Ted
Williams</a>. He is affable, charitable, a hit with the fans and can play some
pretty damned good ball. Despite his diminutive size, he is a true five-tool
player, who has won an MVP award in 2018 and finished in the top six two other
times (with a third possibly coming later this year). He also has four All Star
nods and three Gold Gloves (again, another is likely a little later this fall).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2019 has been decried as somewhat of an “off year” for
Betts. Appearing in 145 games, he has hit .291 with 29 home runs, 78 RBIs, 15
stolen bases, 95 walks and a league-leading 131 runs scored—all while playing
the perhaps the best outfield defense in the game. His 6.5 WAR puts him eighth
in all of baseball for position players.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to his obvious physical talents, the affable
Betts is criminally underutilized in marketing—both by the Red Sox and Major
League Baseball. With Trout being a rather reticent face of the sport, Boston’s
star has the benefit of personality, talent, success and playing in a major
market. He is the type of person who connects with all demographics and should
be viewed as the cornerstone that must be retained at all costs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, Betts scored $20 million in arbitration this past year
and is a year away from securing a contract of ridiculous proportions. However,
he deserves to get paid whatever the market yields and the Red Sox will be best
served by figuring out how to keep him, rather than jettisoning him in an ill-designed
attempt to create temporary financial relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boston has wasted obscene gobs of cash in recent years. They
are paying <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/castiru02.shtml">Rusney
Castillo</a> $72.5 million to essentially be a Triple-A fixture, and another $90
million for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandopa01.shtml">Pablo
Sandoval</a> to eat himself out of town after 161 games of well-below average
production. Yes, it makes sense that they need to curb this kind of reckless
spending. No, the remedy should not involve nickel and diming their best and
most popular player in a generation or more out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The absurdity of trading Betts instead of making every
attempt to sign him is that the team would be receiving pennies on the dollar.
With his free agency looming, no team is going to submit a trade package of any
great significance to gain his services for a period that won’t be guaranteed
for any longer than the 2020 season. Maybe the Red Sox could obtain some intriguing
prospects; maybe they would even pan out. That’s quite the gamble, and frankly
a sucker bet for a franchise like Boston, which has conditioned their fans to
expect annual contention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you thought I would be presenting an alternate solution
to the problem, you are sadly mistaken. I am not an accountant, and certainly
not a master of MLB’s salaries and luxury taxation. One would hope that a team
as successful and flush with money as the Red Sox could find another way than
part with a player who not only puts then in the best position to contend, but
also literally checks every box on what you would want from a superstar player
to lead the franchise for the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s hope that the reports that the Red Sox will consider
trading Betts is a smokescreen or a contract negotiation ploy. If not, it will
be a grave mistake, and one that the team may be hard-pressed to recover from
quickly. The possible reality of it all is shocking to contemplate and a
disappointing end to an even more disappointing season. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-56672754851616771142019-09-14T22:08:00.002-04:002019-09-14T22:08:22.062-04:00Jamie Lavarnway- Ryan Lavarnway's Partner in His Baseball Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The life of a professional baseball player is a continuous
roller coaster of ups and downs. Great successes, bitter disappointments,
nomadic living and uncertain futures are all part of the experience. These are
not just enjoyed and anguished over by the player; those closest to them are
right next to them in the passenger seat for the wild journey. Nobody knows
this better than Jamie Lavaranway, the wife of long-time catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lavarry01.shtml">Ryan
Lavarnway</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lavarnways have been together for years and seen about
as much as a couple involved in professional baseball might see. A former
athlete herself, Jamie is no stranger to the pressures and intricacies of the
game. As you might expect, she has incredibly unique insight as to what life is
like for a baseball family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ryan is in his 12<sup>th</sup> professional season and was originally
selected in the sixth round of the 2008 draft by the Boston Red Sox. Since that
time, he has played for nine organizations and over 20 individual teams. He has
spent parts of eight seasons in the majors, with six different teams. In total,
he has appeared in 151 games, hitting .211 with nine home runs and 50 RBIs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Most recently, he is with the Cincinnati Reds organization,
appearing in five big-league games thus far in 2019, blasting two homers and
driving in seven in that short stint.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, with Ryan’s season winding down, I was able to
catch up with Jamie, who shared some wonderful insight into her husband’s
career and her experience as his partner in the great adventure that is
professional baseball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What was
your experience with baseball prior to meeting Ryan?:</b> I grew up
playing softball, so I certainly understood the game of baseball well. I'm from
Colorado and will always root for the Rockies, but I didn't understand many of
the insides of the business of baseball until after we had started
dating.<br />
<br />
<b>What are the primary challenges of
having a spouse who plays professional baseball?:</b> The biggest challenge is
the unpredictable nature of baseball. We have been members of eight
organizations since 2015, and more teams than that along the way. Having to
find new places to live every season (sometimes multiple times a season!) is
always the biggest challenge. I can't remember the last time we ended one
season and started the next season with the same team. Making new friends,
trying to establish some sort of life in a new city, that's the hardest
part. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is one city Ryan
has played in that you wish you didn't have to leave?:</b> Ugh, there are
actually quite a few! The one benefit of being on so many teams is getting to
live in so many new places! Portland (Maine), Pawtucket, and Nashville
have been my favorites. I worked in each of those cities and really loved all
of them. Working in most cities we have been in has been a great way for me to
build a life in a city outside of baseball. <br />
<br />
<b>What do you think about fans- the good,
the bad and the ugly?:</b> For the most part I think that fans are really
supportive and it's fun to interact with them. In organizations like Boston,
even when the fans hate you, at least they hate you because they love the Red
Sox so much. I completely understand that! Ryan and I try to make ourselves
available to people and we both try to be involved with community work in the
organization we are playing in. The ugly side usually comes online where people
will say things to you that they would never say to your face. I think people
often forget that these players aren't just a cog in a machine- DFAs, releases,
and poor play can mean the end of an income and stability for a family. Players
(and their spouses) are very aware of when they aren't playing well, and they
don't like when it happens any more than a fan does!<br />
<br />
<b>What is life like for you during a
season?:</b> For the first seven or so years we were dating and married, I
worked in the home city that we played in. I went to culinary school and have
worked in a kitchen since graduating and moving to be on the road with Ryan. As
I mentioned above, I really love working and having a life outside of baseball
in each new city we lived in. A few years ago, I missed every call up that Ryan
had because of my work schedule, and after that season I stopped working. You
never know when the last time I going to be, and I don't want to miss it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The thing that people don't always realize when a player is
promoted, demoted, traded, DFA'd is that they are usually on a plane within a
few hours. They get just a moment’s notice to pack up their things- and that is
assuming they are playing at home and not on the road! When those calls come, I
am the one who packs the car, drives our belongings and pup to the new place. A
transition in the season means finding a new place to live and all of the
logistics that come with that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is your favorite
memory so far of Ryan's career?:</b> I'm not sure what I would have said a few
months ago, but his debut in Cincinnati is something I will remember forever. I
missed the game he had in Baltimore (while playing with the Red Sox) where he
had a similar outstanding performance, so to be there in person was really exciting!<br />
<br />
<b>Has it been difficult to
pursue your own professional and personal interests given the nomadic
nature of professional baseball?:</b> Absolutely. I have pretty much had to put
"having a career" on hold until baseball is over. I know that
everyone does it differently, but for us, the priority is to be together as
much as possible. I have worked for a number of years when it made sense, in
our home city, but years like this (four teams, three organizations) make it
very tough! There is plenty of time after baseball is over to have a
traditional career path. I have done a number of side projects when they made
sense with my schedule- I had a food blog for a number of years - <a href="http://www.cookinginredsocks.com/" target="_blank">www.cookinginredsocks.com</a>.
I also volunteered with Big Fluffy Dog Rescue in Nashville and did remote work
for them for the better part of two years. Unfortunately when our
schedule/organization/planned travel changes, it makes keeping commitments
difficult.<br />
<br />
<b>How many games do you attend and what,
if any, involvement do you have with the teams?: </b>I think most baseball
wives have a similar trajectory- when you're young you're at every game, early,
whether your boyfriend is playing is irrelevant. Now that we are almost 10
years in, I go to the games that Ryan plays, but I usually show up later in the
game. Ryan always tells teammates they can find me in the stands because I'm
the one reading a book most innings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How many different
places have you lived with Ryan?:</b> Oh my..... let's count! <o:p></o:p></div>
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1) Portland, ME<o:p></o:p></div>
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2) Fort Myers, FL <o:p></o:p></div>
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3) Pawtucket, RI <o:p></o:p></div>
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4) Boston, MA <o:p></o:p></div>
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5) Sarasota, FL <o:p></o:p></div>
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6) Baltimore, MD <o:p></o:p></div>
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7) Gwinnett, GA <o:p></o:p></div>
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8) Atlanta, GA <o:p></o:p></div>
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9) Orlando, FL <o:p></o:p></div>
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10) Manchester, NH<o:p></o:p></div>
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11) Nashville, TN <o:p></o:p></div>
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12) Bradenton, FL <o:p></o:p></div>
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13) Indianapolis, IN <o:p></o:p></div>
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14) Tampa, FL <o:p></o:p></div>
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15) Scranton, PA <o:p></o:p></div>
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16) Denver, CO <o:p></o:p></div>
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17) Los Angeles, CA <o:p></o:p></div>
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That would be the number of places we have "lived"
- paid rent, had a job, spent some significant time. There are many, many more
places and teams that we have played on, but the duration didn't feel like we
lived in those cities. That list probably adds another five-plus places to the
list! <span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-60695491066662489922019-09-08T14:13:00.003-04:002019-09-08T14:13:43.446-04:00Boston Red Sox: Positive Signs for the Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Barring a minor miracle, the Boston Red Sox will follow up
on their historic 2018 World Series-winning season by missing the playoffs
after uneven and even disinterested-appearing play in 2019. Despite such
disappointment, there are a number of positives that emerged this year and can
be taken forward as positive signs for the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The emergence of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml">Rafael
Devers</a>:</b> Still just 22, the third baseman took off like a shot this
season after his first two years in the majors were rife with flashes of
promise and frustrating lapses. So significant was his development, that he is
a legitimate MVP candidate, getting himself into the literal best shape of his
life and responding with a .314 batting average, 29 home runs, 107 RBIs, 49
doubles and 116 runs scored thus far. This has rewarded the team’s decision to
hold on to him when he could have been included in previous trades, and gives
them something to fall back on if star outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bettsmo01.shtml">Mookie
Betts</a> ends up leaving in the near future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vazquch01.shtml">Christian
Vazquez</a> seized the starting catcher role: </b>The Red Sox have struggled to
find a primary catcher since the days of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/varitja01.shtml">Jason
Varitek</a>. Although the pitching staff
still shows better overall numbers with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leonsa01.shtml">Sandy Leon</a>
behind the plate, Vazquez, who has been with the organization since 2008
finally grabbed the starter’s job and never let go. He keeps base runners at
bat with his rocket arm, still throwing out more runners than league average,
and has hit .270 with 19 home runs; production that should be surprising to
even the most optimistic fan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Is <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/workmbr01.shtml">Brandon Workman</a>
the closer of the future:</b> Riddled by injuries for years, the right-hander
finally had a season of health and has emerged as a viable long-term closer
candidate. He has been nearly unhittable this year, going 9-1 with 11 saves and
a 2.14 ERA in 64 appearances. The paltry 26 hits and one home run he has
allowed in 63 innings has been offset by 39 walks, which seem to be his only
current Achilles heel. He won’t be a free agent until 2021, so while the team
definitely needs to re-evaluate their bullpen for next year, they may well
already have their closer in place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/chavimi01.shtml">Michael Chavis</a>
may be long-term solution at first base:</b> With <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morelmi01.shtml">Mitch Moreland</a>
33 and a free agent this offseason, Boston needs to figure out what they are
doing at first base. The solution that seems to have presented itself is the 23-year-old
Chavis. Although he is currently injured, he made a case for himself earlier
this year, hitting .254 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs in 95 games. The
right-handed hitter set himself apart with his aggressive play in the field and
tape-measure home runs. To be truly successful, he will need to work on cutting
down his strikeouts, as he has punched out 127 times in 347 at-bats. However,
he is young, cheap and seemingly has room to grow, so it won’t be a surprise if
the position is turned over to him on a full-time basis next season.<o:p></o:p></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-40638379903064087822019-09-07T13:14:00.000-04:002019-09-07T13:14:47.719-04:00Minor League Baseball Announces August Uncle Ray’s Players of the Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>14 organizations represented by August winners </i></div>
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<b>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 5, 2019 — </b>Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the Uncle Ray’s Player of the Month Award winners for each of the 16 leagues for the month of August. In recognition of the honor, each winner will receive an award from Minor League Baseball and Uncle Ray’s, the “Official Potato Chip of Minor League Baseball.” </div>
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Norfolk Tides (Orioles) right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shephch01.shtml">Chandler Shepherd</a> led the International League in ERA (1.62), WHIP (0.90) and batting average against (.181). He was 3-1 in five starts for the Tides, and on Aug. 13, he was promoted to Baltimore where he allowed one run in four innings. After being optioned back to Norfolk, Shepherd threw a seven-inning complete game in the second half of a doubleheader on Aug. 24. Shepherd, 27, was originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Kentucky. </div>
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Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals) right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/ponceda01.shtml">Daniel Ponce de Leon</a> went 4-0 with a 0.93 ERA in five starts for Memphis. Ponce de Leon led the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts (39), ERA (0.93), WHIP (0.90) and batting average against (.131). Ponce de Leon allowed just three runs in his five starts and started the month with 23 consecutive scoreless innings. Ponce de Leon, 27, was selected by St. Louis in the ninth round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Embry-Riddle College. </div>
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Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies) catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=nevin-000tyl">Tyler Nevin</a> led the Eastern League in home runs (eight), RBI (24), doubles (11), total bases (67), slugging percentage (.609) and OPS (.972). He finished fourth in hits (32), produced 10 multi-hit games and homered in four straight games Aug. 27–29. Nevin, 22, was selected by Colorado in Competitive Balance Round A of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Poway High School in Poway, California. </div>
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Jackson Generals (Diamondbacks) catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=varsho000dau">Daulton Varsho</a> led the Southern League in average (.391), hits (31), slugging percentage (.707), OPS (1.143), runs scored (26) and total bases (65). He finished fourth in on-base percentage (.436). Varsho recorded 10 multi-hit games in August. Varsho, 23, was selected by Arizona in Competitive Balance Round B of the first round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. </div>
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Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers) catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wong--000con">Connor Wong</a> led the Texas League in eight offensive categories: batting average (.412), hits (40), total bases (72), home runs (nine), RBI (26), on-base percentage (.463), slugging percentage (.742), and OPS (1.205). He put together an 11-game hit streak from Aug. 16–27, during which he recorded seven multi-hit games. In total, Wong put up 13 multi-hit games during the month of August. Wong, 23, was selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Houston. </div>
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Lancaster JetHawks (Rockies) shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=vilade000rya">Ryan Vilade</a> led the California League in batting average (.368), hits (43) and total bases (72), placed second in runs (28), slugging percentage (.615) and OPS (1.027), and finished third in home runs (seven) and on-base percentage (.412). During an Aug. 21 contest, he knocked in three runs and collected seven bases by recording a home run and a triple in a 2-for-3 effort that also featured two walks. Vilade, 20, was selected by Colorado in the second round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma. </div>
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Potomac Nationals left-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=teel--000car">Carson Teel </a>was 2-1 in five starts and led the Carolina League in ERA (0.87) and WHIP (0.90). He finished second in batting average against (.198) and did not allow a run in three of his five starts. In his two no-decisions, he left one game with a lead and left the other in a scoreless tie. Teel, 23, was selected by Washington in the 16th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma State University. </div>
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Palm Beach Cardinals first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=baker-002luk">Luken Baker</a> led the Florida State League in slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.067) and doubles (11), was second in batting average (.346) and home runs (four) and finished fifth in on-base percentage (.413). With 11 doubles, one triple and four home runs, more than half of Baker’s August hits were for extra bases, and he reached safely in 21 of 23 games in August. Baker, 22, was selected by St. Louis in the second round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Texas Christian University. </div>
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Clinton LumberKings (Marlins) outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=burdic000pey">Peyton Burdick </a>batted .337 while leading the league in runs (26), RBI (30), on-base percentage (.458), slugging percentage (.632) and OPS (1.090). He finished second in home runs (six) and third in total bases (60). On Aug. 12, Burdick finished a 10-game hit streak with a two-home run game during which he batted in six of Clinton’s seven total runs. Burdick, 22, was selected by Miami in the third round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Wright State University. </div>
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Greensboro Grasshoppers (Pirates) center fielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=davis-008jon">Jonah Davis</a> hit .318 and led the South Atlantic League league in runs (24), total bases (70), home runs (10) and slugging percentage (.654) while finishing second in OPS (1.037) and third in hits (34). He began the month with an eight-game hit streak from Aug. 1–10, which included six multi-hit games. On Aug. 17, Davis was a triple shy of the cycle in a 3-for-4 effort that also featured a sacrifice bunt. Davis, 22, was selected by Colorado in the 15th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley. </div>
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Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians) catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lavast000bry">Bryan Lavastida</a> led the New York-Penn League in batting average (.413), hits (38) and on-base percentage (.486), was second in doubles (eight) and OPS (1.040) and third in slugging percentage (.554). He posted only two games in August during which he did not reach base, beginning the month with a 19-game on-base streak from Aug. 1–24. Lavastida recorded 14 multi-hit games, and he walked (13) more times than he struck out (10). Lavastida, 20, was selected by Cleveland in the 15th round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Hillsborough Community College. </div>
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Hillsboro Hops (Diamondbacks) first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=englis000tri">Tristin English</a> led the Northwest League in five categories: batting average (.349), runs (19), home runs (five), slugging percentage (.616) and OPS (1.040). He finished second in total bases (53) and RBI (18) and placed third in on-base percentage (.424). English recorded only two games in which he did not reach base safely, and he finished the month on an 11-game on-base streak that began Aug. 18. English, 22, was selected by Arizona in the third round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Georgia Tech. </div>
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Burlington Royals first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=pasqua000vin">Vinnie Pasquantino </a>led the Appalachian League in home runs (five), total bases (58), slugging percentage (.690) and OPS (1.130) while batting a second-place .381. He also placed fourth in runs (18), RBI (22) and on-base percentage (.440), and he walked (10) more times than he struck out (eight). On Aug. 11, Pasquantino went 5-for-5 with two doubles, two triples and two RBI. He later put together an 11-game on-base streak from Aug. 15–27. Pasquantino, 21, was selected by Kansas City in the 11th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University. </div>
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Orem Owlz (Angels) shortstop <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=jackso009jer">Jeremiah Jackson</a> batted .338 while leading the Pioneer League in total bases (58), home runs (9), slugging percentage (.784) and OPS (1.203) and finishing second in RBI (21). On Aug. 12, he went 3-for-6 with two home runs and four RBI. Three days later, on Aug. 15, Jackson went 3-for-5 with three home runs and five RBI, raising his slugging percentage from .606 to .650 in one game. Jackson, 19, was selected by Los Angeles in the second round of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama. </div>
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AZL Rangers catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hernan004her">Heriberto Hernandez</a> batted .329 in August and led the Arizona League in home runs (seven), total bases (53), slugging percentage (.726) and was second in RBI (20) and OPS (1.114). Hernandez homered in five straight games Aug. 4–8, and recorded 10 multi-hit games in August. Hernandez, 19, was signed by Texas out of Bonao, Dominican Republic, on Dec. 13, 2017. He was promoted to Spokane on Aug. 26. </div>
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GCL Tigers West outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=carpen000ker">Kerry Carpenter</a> led the Gulf Coast League in eight major categories, including slugging percentage (.749), OPS (1.224), runs (22), hits (31), total bases (63), doubles (10), home runs (six), and RBI (21). Carpenter recorded nine multi-hit games in 21 contests, and 18 of his 31 hits in August were for extra bases. In his last three games, he went 5-for-12 with three runs, two doubles, three home runs and seven RBI. Carpenter, 22, was selected by Detroit in the 19th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Virginia Tech.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-62040846650360301312019-09-01T00:33:00.001-04:002019-09-01T01:05:45.858-04:00Author Charles Leerhsen and the Dramatic Way He Changed the Legacy of Baseball Legend Ty Cobb<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Nearly
a century after playing his final big-league game, outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cobbty01.shtml">Ty Cobb</a> is
still considered among the best players to ever set foot on a diamond. He also
has one of the worst reputations, as a caustic and virulent racist, who
succeeded despite erratic behavior and hatred. However, as author Charles Leerhsen
discovered when writing his groundbreaking book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ty-Cobb-Terrible-Charles-Leerhsen/dp/1451645791">Ty
Cobb: A Terrible Beauty</a></i>, a lot of what was thought to be “commonly
known” about the baseball legend is not actually supported in fact—with a major
exception being his skill as a player.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">In
a 24-year playing career spent with the Detroit Tigers (1905-1926) and
Philadelphia Athletics (1927-1928), Cobb hit an all-time best .366. He also had
4,189 base hits, 112 home runs, 1,944 RBIs and 897 stolen bases. He consistently
played the game several gears faster and more aggressive than anyone else,
catching opponents slack jawed time and time again as he tore around the bases and
in the outfield in a way nobody else could replicate. Not surprisingly, he was part
of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s first class in 1936. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">Despite
his achievements as a player, he has been linked for years to petulant, violent and
racist behavior; in sum a personality that made him strongly disliked by
teammates and opponents alike. Multiple books have been written about him in
the past, touting the same story lines, but Leerhsen dug deep with his research
and discovered that much of this was the result of numerous inaccurate details and
claims included by author </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Stump" style="color: #222222;">Al
Stump</a><span style="color: #222222;"> in his two books about Cobb; likely in a desire to sell more copies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">Leerhsen
found that Cobb was indeed an intense individual, who was prone to entitled behavior and occasional violent outbursts when provoked, but that he also loved children,
was a shrewd businessman and generous philanthropist. While he wasn’t everyone’s
cup of tea, he also wasn’t universally hated as general memory seems to
recollect. Most importantly, the record does not support the charges of racism
that have so long been attached to his name. To the contrary, he is on the
record supporting integration of baseball. This book doesn’t argue as much that
Cobb wasn’t a racist as much as available evidence doesn’t show that he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222;">A Terrible Beauty</span></i><span style="color: #222222;"> is an impressive body
of work that forces the reader to completely re-evaluate the way they think about
the complicated Cobb, who even today should be considered one of the top five
or ten players of all time. As it turns out, stories and rumors are often more
fun and easier to digest. Unfortunately, they can distort reality, which
appears to have been the case with Cobb.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">Recently,
I caught up with Leerhsen to discuss his career and his book that has turned
the legacy of a baseball legend on its ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">What was your
involvement in baseball growing up, and did you have a favorite player?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I grew up in the South
Bronx, in a neighborhood that was a long walk from both Yankee Stadium and the
Polo Grounds. I was always a National League fan— first Giants (as an
eight-year-old I saw their last home game in New York) and then Mets (I also
saw their last game at the Polo Grounds). I went to a couple of dozen games
every year and spent many mornings outside the players entrance at Yankee
Stadium trying to get autographs (there was no NL team in NY during my prime
autograph-hunting years). My favorite player was </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mayswi01.shtml">Willie Mays</a><span style="color: #222222;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">What was your
inspiration to becoming a professional writer?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I don’t know. My father
sold parts over the counter for the Mack Truck Company and my mother was a
waitress. There were no writers in my family (though my parents read a lot of
newspapers). But for as long as I can remember I was fascinated with books,
liked to hang out in the public library, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">What prompted you to
write about Ty Cobb?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I was casting about for a book topic and after writing about a
racehorse and the first Indy 500 I wanted to try a subject that had a large
built-in following as well as fans who were readers. I thought baseball would
be less of an uphill battle. I like to read and write biographies and so I
searched for a subject who was well known but who hadn’t had a major book
written about him for a long time. Cobb fit the bill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">Is Al Stump solely
responsible for Cobb's negative reputation?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> No. He is largely but not
solely responsible. He had a lot of help from the rank and file baseball fans
who embroidered on his lies and made up some of their own—and from the other
writers who lazily passed along both the original Stump lies and the
fan-manufactured lies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">Why has the real story
of Cobb eluded so many historians?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> Because the false version has
so much appeal that no one wanted to look beyond it and go far back in baseball
history to a time when there was very little film and broadcast evidence and
you had to dig for the nuanced truth. The false version is so powerful because
it’s titillating and because it makes the tellers of the tales feel superior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">What other prominent
players do you believe have been misconstrued over time?: </span></b><span style="color: #222222;">Offhand, I don’t know. I
didn’t know Cobb was misunderstood until after I had a book contract and had
started to do the research. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">Is there any particular
baseball figure or event that you would like to research and write about, but
haven't to date?:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> I feel guilty saying this, but nothing comes immediately to
mind. The subjects that would interest me most have all been taken. My friend
Kostya Kennedy already wrote a great book about </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosepe01.shtml">Pete Rose</a><span style="color: #222222;">. He and Richard Ben
Cramer wrote excellent books about </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dimagjo01.shtml">Joe DiMaggio</a><span style="color: #222222;">. And Jane Leavy wrote
much-lauded books about </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mantlmi01.shtml">Mickey Mantle</a><span style="color: #222222;"> and </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/koufasa01.shtml">Sandy Koufax</a><span style="color: #222222;">. Now that I think of
it, there might be a great, surprising book to be written about </span><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bondsba01.shtml">Barry Bonds</a><span style="color: #222222;">—which goes to the
question of other misunderstood players, above. But like most baseball books it
probably wouldn’t sell enough copies to make it financially feasible for a
professional writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">How much push back did
you receive for presenting the Ty Cobb that you uncovered?: </span></b><span style="color: #222222;">A fair amount. The push
back comes mostly from people who haven’t read the book and seen the evidence.
People cherish the myths that they learned as children, often from their
parents. Some think that by defending Cobb I am minimizing the amount of racism
in baseball, which was not at all my intent. When it comes to racism, baseball
has a sick and sorry history. In my book I’m focused on one man about whom many
false things have been said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</span></strong></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490196343695454210.post-10870322942979111592019-08-24T13:28:00.002-04:002019-08-24T13:28:50.046-04:00From Pizza Delivery to the Big Leagues: Jim Rushford and His Amazing Journey Through Baseball<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/probability.htm">Research</a>
shows that only about 0.5 percent of high school seniors who play baseball will
get drafted by a baseball team; and less than 11 percent of varsity baseball-playing
college seniors will get the call. Of those few that become a draft pick, <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/how-many-mlb-draftees-make-it-to-the-majors/">less
than one in five</a> will eventually play in the majors. These numbers all make
what Jim Rushford did all the more special.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Growing up outside Chicago, Rushford was a huge fan of
baseball. A solid high school career landed him an opportunity to play
collegiately with San Diego State University. The left-handed thrower and
hitter was a versatile asset for the Aztecs, playing outfield and pitching. Sometimes,
he would play right field, be brought in to pitch to a left-handed batter and
then be sent back to the outfield. There was even a stretch during his senior
year where he filled in for injured star first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leetr01.shtml">Travis Lee</a>,
who went on to be the first overall pick in the 1996 draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After going undrafted and spending some time working in the “real
world,” Rushford was signed to play ball for the Dubois County Dragons of the
independent Heartland League. Pitching
and playing a little outfield and first, he hit .341 and posted a 4.35 ERA, proving
that he had more than enough talent to play professionally. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rushford became an independent league star, culminating in 2000,
when he hit .329 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs for the Duluth-Superior Dukes of
the Northern League. His hard work was drawing attention and it all paid off
when he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers after the season when he was 27.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite his unorthodox path, Rushford immediately showed he
belonged. In 2001, his first season in the Milwaukee system, he played half a
season at High-A and the other half at Double-A, hitting a combined .354 with
21 home runs, 91 RBIs and 103 runs scored in 122 games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hitting .316 in 2002 at Triple-A, Milwaukee decided to give Rushford
a big-league shot. Called up in September, he played regularly for the
remainder of the season, appearing in 23 games, hitting .143 (11 hits in 77
at-bats) with a home run and six RBIs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although he did not get another chance at the majors,
Rushford went on to play professionally through the 2010 season, working in the
minors, Mexico, Venezuela and spending his final two seasons back in independent
ball. He also played in the systems of the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia
Phillies. He finished his 14-year professional with a career batting average of
.296 in the minors and .322 in the independent leagues. Not bad for someone who
went undrafted out of high school and college and more than once thought his
baseball journey was over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep reading for more, as Rushford generously shared
memories of his time in baseball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Who was your favorite
player when you were growing up, and why?:</b> I used to throw a rubber ball
against the <a href="https://d.docs.live.net/64718a9992d2c107/Desktop/67077619_431597997697097_805160687004286976_n.jpg">brick
wall</a> of my house between two sets of windows. This gave me great control
because there was so much riding on each throw. I loved the pressure and the
adrenaline it gave me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I used to pretend I was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanno01.shtml">Nolan Ryan</a>
(Astros) blowing fastballs by people. I'd go all nine. I loved that he could
power his fastball by anyone for nine innings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My other favorite pretend scenario was that I was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carltst01.shtml">Steve
Carlton</a> (Phillies), because he was left-handed like me. I would go eight
innings and then <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcgratu01.shtml">Tug McGraw</a>
(Phillies), also a lefty, would come in pounding his glove like he used to do
and close out the ninth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I would pretend I was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithoz01.shtml">Ozzie Smith</a>
(Cardinals) playing shortstop and making acrobatic game-saving plays. I always
wanted to be the first major league left-handed short stop. There was always
something about the soft hands and footwork of the middle infield I enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I always admired <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rosepe01.shtml">Pete Rose</a>
(Reds & Phillies) for his hard-nosed aggressive play. Nobody ever played
with greater intensity than Charlie Hustle. The best player ever would have to
have that ingredient as a part of his game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lastly, I grew up a Cubs fan in a northwest suburb of
Chicago. I liked <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bucknbi01.shtml">Bill
Buckner</a>, and later, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/durhale01.shtml">Leon Durham</a>,
because they were great left-handed hitters. I also liked the acrobatic <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dejesiv01.shtml">Ivan De
Jesus</a> at shortstop, the always great and consistent <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sandbry01.shtml">Ryne
Sandberg</a> at second base, and big <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithle02.shtml">Lee Smith</a>
coming out of the pen to close the game out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How disappointed were
you to not be drafted and how did you come to play in independent ball?: </b>It
was a little hard to take not being drafted. I wasn't sure what to do with
myself next other than finish school. I had plenty of warning that it wasn't
going to happen. I wasn't drafted my junior year and I barely played my senior
year. I wasn't being contacted by anyone showing any sort of interest. But you
still sort of hope that by some crazy fluke, some team takes you in a late
round or contacts you after the draft about signing as a free agent or
something.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I initially was sent to Salinas, California to play in the
Independent Western Baseball League by Coach Jim Dietz at San Diego State. I
made the trip up to NoCal, but never signed the contract. I figured it was over
for me and I should just move on with my life. I ended up working as a roofer
in San Diego for $7 an hour all that summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The following year, I realized that I had made a big mistake
and that independent ball was not necessarily a dead end. I tried out for the
Springfield Capitals in the Frontier League as an outfielder. I made it to the
final cut but didn't make the team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next, I headed up to Chicago where I grew up to visit some
old friends. We were drinking beer in a bar and watching Sports Center. They
were showing highlights of home runs that were hit that night. I looked at my
friends and said, ‘I can do that.’<o:p></o:p></div>
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The very next day I started calling every old baseball
contact I could think of. Through an old collegiate summer ball coach, Coach
Rich Hinzo from Southwestern Junior College in San Diego, I was put in touch
with a player he once had, catcher Donnie Diffenbough, who was playing in southern
Indiana for the Dubois County Dragons in the Heartland League. Donnie put me
through to the manager, RC Lichtenstein. I quickly told RC that I was a very
capable left-handed pitcher and I'd like to play for him. He invited me down to
tryout and the next morning I drove from Chicago to Jasper/Huntingburg, Indiana
and pitched an inning. RC liked what he saw, and I was put on the roster as an
additional pitcher. I soon talked RC into letting me hit. I pitched and hit for
the Dragons and<b> </b>put up some good
numbers which became my de facto baseball resumé. It was a great summer!<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What was the best
and/or strangest off-season job you had when you were a player?:</b> I laid
concrete, built the roof on a new Kmart, delivered pizzas, was a fitness
trainer at a gym, was a bus boy, bouncer, and bar back at a high end bar in
downtown San Diego (Croce's), worked as mover for a moving company, and was a
stagehand for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. I also did baseball camps and
private hitting instruction. Some were off-season jobs, and some were failed
attempts to start a new career path.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The moving job was by far the worst. It was physically
grueling and a very negative environment. Pizza delivery and the gym were by
far the most fun. I love fitness and weight lifting and who doesn't like pizza.
It was a fun positive environment for both.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How did you find out
you were going to be signed by the Brewers, and did you believe that you were
going to end up in the majors one day?:</b> In the fall of 2000, my old Dubois
County Dragons manager, RC Lichtenstein called me. He said he had been
following my baseball career and he was now a pitching coach in the Brewers
organization. He told me that the Brewers were cleaning house and revamping
their farm system. They had a spot for a guy like me. They wanted a more
experienced player who could play well and set a good example for their young
prospects.</div>
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First of all, I had already had so many occasions where my
hopes had been high only to be disappointed in the end. It was hard to imagine
this time being any different. Yet, it did seem different. It was going to
really happen this time I thought. But I proceeded with cautious optimism.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reading between the lines, I wasn't on their radar to be a
future Major Leaguer at all. But still, this was the one seemingly
insurmountable obstacle in my baseball career... A chance with an affiliated
team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Greg Riddoch, the farm director, later called me and then I
knew it was real. But still, I didn't tell anyone until the contract was mailed
to my house and I had signed it. I even kept checking the transactions just to
make sure it was real. I was just waiting for the catch in all of this and the
disappointment to come and blind side me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What an incredible exciting moment when I really felt
thoroughly convinced that this was really happening. I had a real Major League
organization that I belonged to. Forever I could say that the Milwaukee Brewers
had signed me! They might not have had big plans for me, but I was going to
take my opportunity to turn heads and change minds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What do you remember
most about your </b><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200209030.shtml"><b>major league debut</b></a><b> (against the Chicago Cubs)?:</b> I was
very nervous. I had never really even spent any time in a big-league clubhouse
including spring training. I didn't know how things worked up there. So, I was
struggling to feel my way around. I wasn't sure how to get into the stadium or
what to wear or any of the etiquette involved. I didn't know the players
either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I stepped foot out onto the field, and it was a mix of
thrill and excitement along with fear and uncertainty. The Cubs were taking
batting practice and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sosasa01.shtml">Sammy Sosa</a>
introduced himself to me. I said, ‘Nice to meet you. and he said, ‘The pleasure
is mine,’ as if I was the superstar! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We started taking batting practice, and I guess I had a ton
of adrenaline, because one of the coaches, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coopece01.shtml">Cecil
Cooper</a>, who knew me fairly well from the minors, kept telling me to dial my
swing down a notch. I remember hearing a ball clang around in the bleachers
after one swing I took, but I'm not entirely sure if I had hit it out of the
park or if it was some other ball. The tempo of BP pitches was coming at me too
fast, one after another, to be able to look. I grew up in Chicago as a Cubs
fan. I used to go to Wrigley Field all the time as a kid. It would have been nice
to know if I had actually hit one out of there that day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After BP, one of the coaches, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/allenga01.shtml">Gary
Allenson</a>, took me out to left field and made me run down a few dozen balls
off his fungo. I had just had a minor groin pull in Triple-A Indianapolis,
which almost cost me my call-up. I realized that they were testing my groin out
to make sure that they weren't putting an already injured player on the major league
roster. I wasn't certain at all that the groin wouldn't pop at any second, but
I made it through the test without raising any red flags. It wasn't until after
all of that, I went into the clubhouse and signed a mountain of paperwork which
I assume was my big-league contract. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemema01.shtml">Matt
Clement</a> pitched that night. I was playing left field. I remember feeling
very uneasy about it because I had always only played right field. Between my
iffy groin, playing out of position, and it being my major league debut in my
childhood hometown I was very nervous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In my first at bat, I figured I'd take my usual patient
approach and see a pitch or two first to size it up. Clement laid the first
pitch fastball right down Main Street and I took it all the way for strike one.
I'll always regret not taking a big healthy hack at that first pitch. What if I
had deposited the first major league pitch thrown to me in the bleachers of
Wrigley Field? How cool would have that been!? It would have taken so much
pressure off of me right away too. After that, the pitches just got nastier and
nastier. I managed to avoid striking out and hit a grounder to short resulting in
a fielder's choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Out in left field, I was every bit as nervous. There were
dozens of people I had known from growing up in Chicago who had just happened
to be at the game that night. The bleacher creatures were ruthless, and I was
now on the enemy team. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The starting pitcher, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pembeda01.shtml">David
Pember</a>, was also making his MLB debut. In the first inning, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcgrifr01.shtml">Fred
McGriff</a> hit a high fly down the left field line into foul territory. It was
dusk and very hard to see the ball. I had to run a good distance and deal with
the bullpen mound in the field of play. There was a runner on third tagging.
Fighting to track the ball, I ran up the front of the bullpen mound and <a href="https://youtu.be/wBa-K061lYM">caught the ball</a> on the run. Then I
stepped down the backside of the mound, set my feet, and delivered a perfect
one hop long hop strike to home plate. It was a bang bang play, but the runner
was called safe. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/roystje01.shtml">Jerry
Royster</a>, the interim manager named after <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/lopesda01.shtml">Davey Lopes</a>
was fired, came out to argue. Not an easy play at all, but I was just relieved
that I came through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few innings later, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aloumo01.shtml">Moises Alou</a>
hit a liner over my right shoulder with two outs and runners on base. I took a
good route back but put my glove up an inch or two off the mark from the
hooking liner. The ball deflected off my glove and rolled all the way back to
the wall. Two runs scored on the <a href="https://youtu.be/dimnHDjxRZs">error</a>.
The fans in the left field bleachers were turned up their heckling to a level
10 and absolutely started wearing me out. I wanted to dig a hole and climb in
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I just remember looking at the scoreboard saying it was only
the third inning and then looking at the clock indicating we were only an hour
into the game. I felt like it had been 6 or more hours since the game had
started, and I was absolutely exhausted. I was so nervous that my entire
perception of time was completely distorted. Not a good mental state to be in
for baseball. The problem was that I had always been the underdog with
something to prove and someone to prove wrong. I was the man with nothing to
lose. Now, all of a sudden, I had everything and felt I only had everything to
lose... or at least so I thought. This was completely new territory for me. I
didn't know how to deal with it mentally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of innings later, a soft shallow liner was served
out to left in front of me. Remembering my earlier faux pas, I desperately
wanted to make amends. I charged the ball aggressively. Seeing that I was going
to come up a hair short, I left my feet towards full extension. I gained just
enough distance with the dive to cover the needed ground and made an absolute <a href="https://youtu.be/-aJkhYZWNm0">web gem</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I didn't get a hit in the game and we lost. I actually
didn't get my first hit until my 12th at-bat. My error and my diving catch were
re-played on <i>Sports Center </i>and <i>Baseball Tonight</i> for the rest of the 24-hour
news cycle. It really hit me how everything in the majors is under a microscope
and meticulously scrutinized. The pressure can be enormous if you don't know
how to handle it right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Were there any
pitchers who were active when you were in the majors that you would have liked
to face, but did not get the chance to do so?:</b> No. I didn't play the day <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml">Randy
Johnson</a> threw against us. It would have been cool to face him for the
novelty, but I think they did me a favor not putting me in that situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I faced many big-name pitchers between the minor leagues,
winter ball, and major league spring training though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is your favorite
moment from your baseball career?: </b>There were so many great memorable
moments during my baseball career. The ones that stand out to me the most were
getting signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, winning the single season minor league
batting title, and hitting my one and only major league home run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting signed by the Brewers was completely exhilarating. I
had done so much and failed so many times that it seemed as though the
impossible had just happened. I had spent years in independent ball, went to
scout league games, tryout camps, and you name it for years without any
success. A number of times I had been extremely hopeful about a possible
opportunity only to be disappointed in the end. Many other times, nobody was
interested in me at all. Sometimes the scouts would flat out tell me I wasn't
good enough. So signing that first contract with an affiliated team, the
thought that I could say that I played with the Milwaukee Brewers organization
for the rest of my life, and knowing that I was going to get a real shot to
prove myself within an affiliated organization charged me up with nuclear-sized
energy that lasted all the way through that first year with the Brewers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My next best and proudest moment was when I realized I had
won the single season minor league batting title in 2001. I had a phenomenal
first year with the Brewers organization, batting .363 in High Desert (A+) and
then .342 in Huntsville (Double-A) with 21 home</div>
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runs and a combined .354 batting
average.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was reading a <i>Baseball
Weekly</i> publication at the end of the regular season and they did a feature
on the 2001 minor league batting champion, Rangers top prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/blaloha01.shtml">Hank
Blalock</a>. I went back and calculated my stats and realized that I had hit
.354. I then double checked to see what the criteria was to be eligible and I
couldn't find any reason that I shouldn't have been declared the winner. I
called my agent, Pat Arter, who then called <i>Baseball
Weekly</i> and it was determined that they had made a mistake. To make it up to
me, they did a feature spread on me in a subsequent fall issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I consider winning the batting title that season my single
greatest baseball accomplishment ever, because it required an entire season of
grinding it out and staying hot from start to finish. Anybody who has ever
played a full season of professional baseball understands how difficult that is
to do. It doesn't happen without an enormous amount of effort. You have to earn
that for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lastly, the moment I wouldn't trade for the world and the
moment that made it all worth it, was when I hit my <a href="https://youtu.be/O1kFdKtb1eY">one and only major league home run</a> on
Friday, September 13th in Arizona. I was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/helliri01.shtml">battling
Rick Helling</a> with two strikes. I spoiled five pitches or so fouling them off.
Then he left one where I could handle it. It was a hanging curve that didn't
quite make it all the way down and in. I met it well enough to know it would
have the distance to clear the fence, but I had pulled it directly down the
right field line and it was questionable whether or not it would stay fair. I
started running and watching the ball, just holding my breath. As I was
rounding first base, I saw the ball hit the inside of the foul pole and carom
into the right field bullpen. The base umpire signaled fair ball and that it
was a home run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At that moment, I felt the weight of the entire world lift
off of my shoulders. All of the hard work, disappointments, failures,
successes; they all had culminated into this one moment. No matter what, the
stats would show that I hit one home run in the major leagues for the rest of
eternity and nobody could erase it even if they wanted to. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting called up to the majors was huge, and getting my
first major league hit was bigger, but nothing even came close to hitting a
dinger in the Show. I finished that game 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.
I did a TV interview on the field after the game and the Phoenix paper's sports
section headline read 'Pizza Man Delivers Brewers Over Helling, Diamondbacks'.
For one day in time, I stood at the top of the tallest mountain. I saw the view
and it was amazing!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>You played
professionally in different countries, which non-US country was your favorite
and why?: </b>I played in Puerto Rico (US), Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican
Republic. I enjoyed all of them. Venezuela was by far the most exciting for me.
The atmosphere at the games was like what you would expect at World Cup soccer
matches.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The energy at the Magallanes vs Caracas games was complete
pandemonium. It was the equivalent of a Yankees-Red Sox World Series matchup. M-80s
would be blown off in the stands the entire game. I even had a few thrown at me
out in right field that exploded very close to me. The fans would do the wave
and throw their Polar beer up into the air, showering everyone around them.
Between innings, a dozen or more armed security guards with AK-47s and German
Shepherd guard dogs would circle the perimeter of the outfield for protection.
It was so deafeningly loud that you couldn't hear the person directly next to
you and I even lost my sense of balance due to my equilibrium being thrown off
from the excessive noise. They would play loud music between every pitch and
the Pepsi girls would dance suggestively in the stands wearing tight blue spandex
outfits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was paid well and treated like royalty. The U.S. dollar
goes a very long way in Venezuela, so I lived like a king. There was a very
exciting night life and great restaurants. It was fun, scary, and exciting all
at the same time. I did very well there too, which always makes a difference.
Looking back on it, playing winter ball in all of these countries gave me
invaluable playing experience and offered a great opportunity to see other
places and cultures.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What, if anything,
would you have done differently in your baseball career?:</b> Despite always
giving 100% and doing what I thought was best at the time, there are many
things that I wish I had done differently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I regret every time I ever threw my equipment or had a
meltdown on the field. It does no good and it just draws attention to your
mistakes and makes you look bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I didn't understand the business aspect of baseball. I
didn't know how to sell myself to the organization, the fans, and the media. I
didn't understand how important the social and political aspects of the
clubhouse could be. I just didn't see the big picture. I was a real Forrest
Gump. I just put my head down and went hard all of the time and I thought that
would be enough. Good performance is mandatory, but the whole package matters a
lot too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I mostly wish I could have done my time in the major leagues
with the wisdom and experience I had at the end of my career.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What are you up to
these days?:</b> I live in Sahuarita, Arizona with my wife of 22 years,
Danielle. We have 3 children, Kelly (17), Milo (15), and Mia (12). I drive a
haul truck at a copper mine and Danielle is a medical bill coding manager.
Kelly is an accomplished ballerina, Milo is an up and coming baseball player,
and Mia is an excellent horseback rider.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was a volunteer coach for Milo's varsity high school
baseball team this spring and I managed his varsity team this past summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are a host family for an Independent League player who is
playing for the Tucson Saguaros in the Pecos League. The Pecos League is very
similar to the type of Independent league that I got my start in professional
baseball in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'd like to find some sort of employment in baseball in the
next few years. I'm probably most qualified to be a coach or a scout, but I'd
be open to anything baseball related.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like to lift weights and run. I also have found a passion
for economics. Most people's eyes glaze over when the discussion turns towards
economics, but I find the subject very exciting. Maybe that is related to my
fascination with baseball statistics. I'm really into MMT (Modern Monetary
Theory) which is a heterodox (non-mainstream) subset of post-Keynesian
economics. I've probably read enough economics literature to have a PhD in it
by now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">********************************</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><b>You can check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-H-Martins-The-Baseball-Historian/138174109591660" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">Facebook </a>or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">@historianandre</a><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/historianandrew" style="color: #cc9966; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit !important;">I have also authored a number of books (eBook and paperback) on topics of baseball that are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07PLV2RYD" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #633100; text-decoration-line: none;">available on Amazon</a>.</strong></span></span></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676889721927687155noreply@blogger.com0