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To start off the Baseball 2024 thread:
Here is one prediction for every team in '24
(https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w1024/mlb/gdwyolbqhmv4krw1jt40)
Hope abounds at the beginning of the year -- especially in the baseball world. With the season getting closer (almost 50 days until the start of Spring Training), now's the time to start daydreaming about summer days spent watching your favorite team at the ballyard.
With that optimism in mind, here's one bold prediction for each MLB team in 2024.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays: Bo Bichette will establish himself among AL’s superstars
Orioles: They will reach the postseason again in 2024
Rays: The postseason losing streak will end
Red Sox: The Red Sox will win more games than they did in 2023
Yankees: Aaron Judge will try to break his home run record
AL CENTRAL
Indians: Tanner Bibee will be an AL Cy Young finalist
Royals: Bobby Witt Jr. will be an All-Star
Tigers: The sluggish starts will end
Twins: Pablo López will win the AL Cy Young
White Sox: They will be better in 2024 than they were in ’23
AL WEST
Angels: Mike Trout will have another MVP-caliber season
Astros: Yordan Alvarez will win the AL MVP in 2024
A's: Brent Rooker will be an All-Star again
Mariners: Julio Rodríguez will make a serious run at the AL MVP Award
Rangers: Corey Seager will win the AL MVP
NL EAST
Braves: Max Fried will win the NL Cy Young Award
Marlins: Jazz Chisholm Jr. will return to All-Star form
Mets: The team will be better in 2024 than it was in ’23
Nationals: Hunter Harvey will take over as closer
Phillies: A true race in the NL East
NL CENTRAL
Brewers: Freddy Peralta will win the NL Cy Young Award
Cardinals: Reliable pitching could lead to NL Central contention
Cubs: North Siders get back to playoffs
Pirates: Ke’Bryan Hayes will win his first Platinum Glove
Reds: Cincinnati will make the postseason
NL WEST
D-backs: Arizona will be playoff bound again
Dodgers: Dodger Stadium will be more electric than ever before
Giants: A Giant will win NL Rookie of the Year
Padres: San Diego will win more games than it did in '23
Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar will go from an intriguing rookie in ‘23 to a mainstay
https://www.mlb.com/news/one-prediction-for-every-mlb-team-in-2024
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Conspicuously absent from the list above are any negative predictions, such as 'The Rockies are going to suck even worse than last year'. But I do have one negative prediction that is a 100% certainty:
The Braves will make the playoffs, but lose in the first round.
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:bkmk:
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Conspicuously absent from the list above are any negative predictions, such as 'The Rockies are going to suck even worse than last year'. But I do have one negative prediction that is a 100% certainty:
The Braves will make the playoffs, but lose in the first round.
This definitely calls for a 2019 throwback.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3W2ib3WkAAihWG?format=jpg&name=small)
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:bkmk:
"Dodgers: Dodger Stadium will be more electric than ever before"
They'll need to be. Because it might be tough paying the electric bill after handing one player $800M
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Thanks, @Hoodat. Nice job.
Can someone explain this to me?
- Astros: Yordan Alvarez will win the AL MVP in 2024
- Rangers: Corey Seager will win the AL MVP
Can there be more than one? :shrug:
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Thanks, @Hoodat. Nice job.
Can someone explain this to me?
- Astros: Yordan Alvarez will win the AL MVP in 2024
- Rangers: Corey Seager will win the AL MVP
Can there be more than one? :shrug:
MLB..com jumped the shark when they (without warning) zotted all their fan forums. Haven't been back since
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MLB..com jumped the shark when they (without warning) zotted all their fan forums. Haven't been back since
Yeah, that was pretty stupid.
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MLB..com jumped the shark when they (without warning) zotted all their fan forums. Haven't been back since
Does that mean you won't answer my question? :shrug:
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Thanks, @Hoodat. Nice job.
Can someone explain this to me?
- Astros: Yordan Alvarez will win the AL MVP in 2024
- Rangers: Corey Seager will win the AL MVP
Can there be more than one? :shrug:
It means that Joe Blow wrote the predictions for the Astros while Walter Floompdoop wrote the predictions for the Rangers.
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Does that mean you won't answer my question? :shrug:
I'm sorry. Only 1 MVP per league. And since TX and Hou are both in the AL, not happenng. At least not in the same year.
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It means that Joe Blow wrote the predictions for the Astros while Walter Floompdoop wrote the predictions for the Rangers.
@Hoodat
Yeah, that's what it looks like to me. That said, I vote for Joe Blow's prediction. wink777
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If the 'Stros can keep some decent bats ahead and behind Alvarez, I can easily see him having the greatest season ever by an Astro, I mean stuff like 55 homers and 140 rbi's.
He's a monster.
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The Wander Franco saga is getting worse as more details emerge. One has to hope MLB and players assoc will allow the Rays to void his contract if convicted.
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The Wander Franco saga is getting worse as more details emerge. One has to hope MLB and players assoc will allow the Rays to void his contract if convicted.
Here's a link in case there's anyone else besides me who hasn't been following the story. 14 years old? Ewwww.....
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rays-wander-franco-awaits-ruling-from-judge-after-d-r-prosecutors-allege-relationship-with-14-year-old-girl/
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Here's a link in case there's anyone else besides me who hasn't been following the story. 14 years old? Ewwww.....
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rays-wander-franco-awaits-ruling-from-judge-after-d-r-prosecutors-allege-relationship-with-14-year-old-girl/
... and being trafficked by her own mother. Very, very disturbing story all the way around.
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An Astro for Life!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10108287-mlb-rumors-jose-altuve-astros-agree-to-5-year-125m-contract-extension
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An Astro for Life!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10108287-mlb-rumors-jose-altuve-astros-agree-to-5-year-125m-contract-extension
@AllThatJazzZ
Reading furhter on that site, it seems that the team is warm to re-signing Bregman too for big bucks.
Problem with that is does that leave enough cash reserves to cover the real future of the team... Tucker and Alvarez. I think I would have let Altuve and Bregman walk for their involvement the '17 cheating stuff. And focus on the Alvarez who IMO may end up being the greatest Astros player of all time.
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@AllThatJazzZ
Reading furhter on that site, it seems that the team is warm to re-signing Bregman too for big bucks.
Problem with that is does that leave enough cash reserves to cover the real future of the team... Tucker and Alvarez. I think I would have let Altuve and Bregman walk for their involvement the '17 cheating stuff. And focus on the Alvarez who IMO may end up being the greatest Astros player of all time.
@catfish1957
Dayum, dude! I'm glad you're not calling the shots. 22222frying pan IIRC, you were the one thinking it was ill-advised to bring back JV, suggesting that he was on the decline. He served us well when we got him back. I wonder if you're given to overthinking? :tongue2:
Anyway, I can't wait till the season starts. I'm going to need the distraction during this contentious election year.
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@catfish1957
Dayum, dude! I'm glad you're not calling the shots. 22222frying pan IIRC, you were the one thinking it was ill-advised to bring back JV, suggesting that he was on the decline. He served us well when we got him back. I wonder if you're given to overthinking? :tongue2:
Anyway, I can't wait till the season starts. I'm going to need the distraction during this contentious election year.
:tongue2:
Ya got me on JV. Still after being a obsessive fan for 60 years, I think I've alwas had a pretty good pulse on the team direction.
That said, are you going to be here to respond if we don't have the capital to pay Avalrez on his way to a 600 HR, 3000 hit , .300 lifetime average? :beer:
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:tongue2:
Ya got me on JV. Still after being a obsessive fan for 60 years, I think I've alwas had a pretty good pulse on the team direction.
That said, are you going to be here to respond if we don't have the capital to pay Avalrez on his way to a 600 HR, 3000 hit , .300 lifetime average? :beer:
@catfish1957
I'll be here wearing my big-girl pants.
Can't wait for Feb. 24 (Nationals/Spring Training), but mostly for Mar. 28 (Yankees/Regular Season).
Our boys are #relentless
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@AllThatJazzZ
Remember this guy? When I first got into Rotisserie Baseball, our league allowed two minor league draft picks each year which enabled an owner to have first rights on any call-up they had chosen. My first pick was Wagner. He averaged over two strikeouts per inning in college.
(https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/roanoke.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/ed/bedb611e-93ec-56d0-a1d2-64416b14dabb/564171a570ff9.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C901) (https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/de/b1/billy-wagner-ftr-gettyjpg_u8i5yo6faf7q1mittkbc3d14f.jpg?t=371835913)
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This would be good news if 2029 weren't so far away. 9999hair out0000
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/rob-manfred-not-planning-to-seek-another-term-as-mlb-commissioner.html
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Baseball is so close I can smell it!
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oD6Fqp6aScg/UWVz8LSTqQI/AAAAAAAACmY/oXMzdgtxONk/s500/gomezsniff.gif)
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Baseball is so close I can smell it!
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oD6Fqp6aScg/UWVz8LSTqQI/AAAAAAAACmY/oXMzdgtxONk/s500/gomezsniff.gif)
:beer: Yep. I can feel the fever coming on.
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@AllThatJazzZ
Remember this guy? When I first got into Rotisserie Baseball, our league allowed two minor league draft picks each year which enabled an owner to have first rights on any call-up they had chosen. My first pick was Wagner. He averaged over two strikeouts per inning in college.
Wagner was only something like 5' 9", but per square inch basis maybe the hardest thrower ever.
As lifetime Houston fan, i was really saddened how his depature was handled. On one side you had an Owner/GM whose purpose was to liquidate assets and sell the team. Their reluctance to re-sign/give raise to Wagner was part of that process. OTOH, Wagner saw this as a major disrespect event, and was parting was on the worst of terms. When Billy went to the Phillies, the team/media painted Wagner as a malcontent, and the boo birds rose to the occasion. All those parties are long gone, so I hope Billy doesn't harbor any long trm resentment.
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Homerun to shallow CF
https://twitter.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/1761848374779916642
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Homerun to shallow CF
https://twitter.com/RaysTheRoofTB/status/1761848374779916642
That was fun! :silly: If this were regular season, we'd have better playback options, for example watching the runner as he watches what's going happening on the field and realizes he can continue to run.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKGO_MU7DRw
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKGO_MU7DRw
An east or west coast team? Will never happen. And BTW, much as been written about how the BOSOX and NYY were cheating just as much as the Astros.
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An east or west coast team? Will never happen. And BTW, much as been written about how the BOSOX and NYY were cheating just as much as the Astros.
@catfish1957
The video has nothing to do with cheating using "trash cans", wearing wires and bleacher cameras relaying next pitches...it is about gambling on baseball...your own sport.
While the game is on, the "chance of winning percentages" are displayed.
Ohtani should be suspended without pay for at least an entire season. The idea that the translator had complete access to the funds is ludicrous.
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@catfish1957
The video has nothing to do with cheating using "trash cans", wearing wires and bleacher cameras relaying next pitches...it is about gambling on baseball...your own sport.
While the game is on, the "chance of winning percentages" are displayed.
Ohtani should be suspended without pay for at least an entire season. The idea that the translator had complete access to the funds is ludicrous.
@DCPatriot
Like that's going to happen. He'll be protected. He's too valuable not to be.
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@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957
Wow...now I'm REALLY nervous about the upcoming season.
As of now the ORIOLES are 23-6 in preseason games...leading the entire MLB.
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@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957
Wow...now I'm REALLY nervous about the upcoming season.
As of now the ORIOLES are 23-6 in preseason games...leading the entire MLB.
@DCPatriot
I'm not concerned. It was the preseason -- time to get a look at all potential players in an MLB setting. My Astros will rise to the occasion!
3 more days, y'all, and then....
PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!!
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@catfish1957
The video has nothing to do with cheating using "trash cans", wearing wires and bleacher cameras relaying next pitches...it is about gambling on baseball...your own sport.
While the game is on, the "chance of winning percentages" are displayed.
Ohtani should be suspended without pay for at least an entire season. The idea that the translator had complete access to the funds is ludicrous.
Suspended?
There are whispers that Ohtani bet on his own games. Pete Rose didn't even do that. If proven, he'll get a lifetime ban.
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@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957
Wow...now I'm REALLY nervous about the upcoming season.
As of now the ORIOLES are 23-6 in preseason games...leading the entire MLB.
Fan Graphs has always done a great job projecting and tracking the teams before,and during the season.
Here are all the teams and their chances of winning it all at season's start (Per Fan Graphs)
1. Braves- 25.4%
2. Dodgers- 15.8%
3. Astros- 11.4%
4. Yankees 6.4%
5. Devil Rays- 4.4%
6. Mariners- 4.1%
7. Twins- 3.9%
8. Orioles- 3.3%
9. Blue Jays- 3.2%
10. Phillies- 2.8%
11. Cardinals- 2.4%
12. Diamondbacs- 2.1%
12. Padres- 2.1%
14. Rangers- 1.8%
15. Giants- 1.7%
16. Cubs- 1.5%
17. Brewers- 1.1%
17. Guardians- 1.1%
19. Marlins- 1.0%
20. Red Sox- 0.9%
20. Tigers- 0.9%
20. Mets- 0.9%
23. Reds- 0.6%
24. Angels- 0.5%
25. Pirates- 0.4%
26. Royals- 0.3%
27. White Sox- 0.0%
27. A's- 0.0%
27. Nationals- 0.0%
27. Rockies- 0.0%
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Suspended?
There are whispers that Ohtani bet on his own games. Pete Rose didn't even do that. If proven, he'll get a lifetime ban.
@catfish1957
No one is going to allow such a thing to be proven. I hope he's not dirty. I like Ohtani. He's an amazing player and scary good to watch. But he is idolized and is, thus, good for baseball's bottom line. Plus he's a Dodger -- one of the League's favored teams. I don't expect an honest investigation. Am I too jaded?
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@catfish1957
No one is going to allow such a thing to be proven. I hope he's not dirty. I like Ohtani. He's an amazing player and scary good to watch. But he is idolized and is, thus, good for baseball's bottom line. Plus he's a Dodger -- one of the League's favored teams. I don't expect an honest investigation. Am I too jaded?
Talk about a CAN OF WORMS!! Right??
He should be suspended without pay for the entire 2024 season while an investigation for the truth is conducted.
IMO, the translator was the vehicle for placing the bets. Either that, or Ohtani 'invested' in the bookie's operation.
Hopefully, we'll find out soon. But for the 'sanctity' of baseball, he needs to sit this year out.
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Talk about a CAN OF WORMS!! Right??
He should be suspended without pay for the entire 2024 season while an investigation for the truth is conducted.
IMO, the translator was the vehicle for placing the bets. Either that, or Ohtani 'invested' in the bookie's operation.
Hopefully, we'll find out soon. But for the 'sanctity' of baseball, he needs to sit this year out.
@DCPatriot
@AllThatJazzZ
MLB does have habit/ history of sweeping bad PR under the rug. But in the age of real time social media that "low key" approach may be tough to pull off.
But I do want to make a few points that without soundng racist or culturally insensitive that are really relavant to this matter:
1. If it is proven Ohtani bet on or had a proxy betting on his games, he needs a swift lifetime ban penalty. Pete Rose will be watching this closely, and it is only fair that the punishement is equitable. And don't forget Rose didn't bet on his games.
2. Have you ever watched the demographics at a Casino? I think somehow, someway, that these people are hardwired toward gambling. That may be a shocking thing to say, but.....
3. DCP brought up the excellent point of sanctity of the game. Baeball just isn't a game of 18 played on grass randomly and slipshod, it contains traditons, game in game interplay that only knowledgeable fans understand, Statistics that are sacred, Baseball gods who we idolized as children. Let's not forget that Ohtani probably does not understand these aspects of the tradition of 150 years of baseball, and just might be more likely to violate it's sacred tenants.
I sure hope the guy is innocent, because the game sure has invested a ton in him as the face of the game. It will be the ultimate Lose- Lose scenario for MLB as a sport.
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Baseball is trying to kill me! After crushing me to the floor (getting swept 4-0 at home by the Stankees), tonight our new starting pitcher (Ronel Blanco) pitched a no-hitter against the Blue Jays. A little history... in 2019-ish, Verlander pitched his 3rd no-hitter against none other than the Blue Jays in their ballpark.
I love baseball ........ I think.
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Baseball is trying to kill me! After crushing me to the floor (getting swept 4-0 at home by the Stankees), tonight our new starting pitcher (Ronel Blanco) pitched a no-hitter against the Blue Jays. A little history... in 2019-ish, Verlander pitched his 3rd no-hitter against none other than the Blue Jays in their ballpark.
I love baseball ........ I think.
I saw that! Good for him!
Best guess is that my team is going to get rained/snowed out the next couple of days at Chicago. Boo.
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Buccos are 5-0. We're only 157 games away from a perfect season! Woo hoo!!
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A real pitchers' duel:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKHcYuUWcAA6LUG?format=jpg&name=small)
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Buccos are 5-0. We're only 157 games away from a perfect season! Woo hoo!!
Of all teams...
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Of all teams...
I spoke too soon. :crying:
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I spoke too soon. :crying:
LOL! I was going to say the same thing about my ORIOLES. Now they're at .600 happy77
Two starting pitchers sidelined with injuries.
Saving Grace...the Stankees finally lost one!
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LOL! I was going to say the same thing about my ORIOLES. Now they're at .600 happy77
Two starting pitchers sidelined with injuries.
Saving Grace...the Stankees finally lost one!
Only 2? Astros have 4 on IL. Verlander, Garcia, Urquidy, McCullers. Silver lining was to have a newbie pitching as a starter only to chalk up that historical no-hitter. I've been a baseball fan since 2017 World Series and I've already been fortunate to have seen 3 single-pitcher no-hitters and 2 multiple-pitcher no-hitters.
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Only 2? Astros have 4 on IL. Verlander, Garcia, Urquidy, McCullers. Silver lining was to have a newbie pitching as a starter only to chalk up that historical no-hitter. I've been a baseball fan since 2017 World Series and I've already been fortunate to have seen 3 single-pitcher no-hitters and 2 multiple-pitcher no-hitters.
:beer:
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Only 2? Astros have 4 on IL. Verlander, Garcia, Urquidy, McCullers. Silver lining was to have a newbie pitching as a starter only to chalk up that historical no-hitter. I've been a baseball fan since 2017 World Series and I've already been fortunate to have seen 3 single-pitcher no-hitters and 2 multiple-pitcher no-hitters.
I alwas thought this was one of the most amazing, if not improbable ones. Remember watching it back in '03. 6 pitcher no-no against the Stanks, and no one pticher out there for more than 2 2/3 innings.
https://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/06112003.shtml (https://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/06112003.shtml)
Sad, that I probaby have attended a couple of hundred Astros games, and about 10 Cardinal ones. And Never saw a no-hitter. Did see one Nolan Ryan "one-hitter" that I think he lost the no-no in the 8th. I believe I saw every Ryan start in the dome in '85, including his 4000th K. Actually took a picture of Danny Heep swinging and missing on that 4000th milestone.
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Players' unions have ruined the game. It used to be that if you didn't play it hit you in the pocket. Now we have multi-millionaires riding the pine for entire seasons. Careers in McCullers's case.
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Players' unions have ruined the game. It used to be that if you didn't play it hit you in the pocket. Now we have multi-millionaires riding the pine for entire seasons. Careers in McCullers's case.
LMC Jr. ....Arm of glass. :cool:
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Players' unions have ruined the game. It used to be that if you didn't play it hit you in the pocket. Now we have multi-millionaires riding the pine for entire seasons. Careers in McCullers's case.
@Bigun
Fortunately for me, I'm a newbie so I don't have that same frame of reference. It's not like I don't care about the exorbitant salaries. I think everyday folks are getting priced out of the game in many ways. I don't buy MLB merch. I don't attend the games. I just watch on local TV like so many other geezers.
LMC Jr. ....Arm of glass. :cool:
@catfish1957
And buns of steel. :yowsa: I look forward to the day he comes back. 3333hugs
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Fortunately for me, I'm a newbie so I don't have that same frame of reference. It's not like I don't care about the exorbitant salaries. I think everyday folks are getting priced out of the game in many ways. I don't buy MLB merch. I don't attend the games. I just watch on local TV like so many other geezers.
I was a huge fan in my youth. My family couldn't afford to attend a lot of games, but whenever my father took me to Forbes Field or, later, Three Rivers Stadium, it was a big deal. Years later, as a young adult, I attended as many Cardinals games at Busch Stadium as possible, watching from the cheap seats.
In contrast, now that we actually can afford it, we've attended no more than three MLB games in the last 28 years. :pondering:
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I was a huge fan in my youth. My family couldn't afford to attend a lot of games, but whenever my father took me to Forbes Field or, later, Three Rivers Stadium, it was a big deal. Years later, as a young adult, I attended as many Cardinals games at Busch Stadium as possible, watching from the cheap seats.
In contrast, now that we actually can afford it, we've attended no more than three MLB games in the last 28 years. :pondering:
@mountaineer
There's absolutely nothing better in life than taking your young children to their first major league game...seeing their faces/expression change as they come thru the short tunnel from the mezzanine and seeing that shade of green grass, just sprayed infield dirt, white chalk lines and snow white bases...the billboard outfield walls, the giant scoreboard...
First impressions are everything!
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@mountaineer
There's absolutely nothing better in life than taking your young children to their first major league game...seeing their faces/expression change as they come thru the short tunnel from the mezzanine and seeing that shade of green grass, just sprayed infield dirt, white chalk lines and snow white bases...the billboard outfield walls, the giant scoreboard...
First impressions are everything!
My youngest son is my baseball buddy. I took him to his first game at the Great American Ballpark to watch the Braves play the Reds because I wanted to be a little closer to home than Atlanta -- he was an ADHD 8-year-old and sitting still for 3 hours really wasn't his forte. As it turned out, we had a 1.5 hour rain delay prior to the start of the game, and then watched a 1-0 pitchers' duel of a game. And that little man sat there transfixed by the whole thing. We've gone to Atlanta together every year since then, with the Covid year being our only exception. I'm quite sure when I'm dead and gone he will always remember those baseball trips with Mom, and that is priceless.
Non-nosebleed tickets and concessions are crazy, though!
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The first and only time I've been to Minute Maid Park, I cried when I walked inside. I entered at center field and walked over to the railing to take in the whole thing. My heart felt full, I got a lump in my throat, and tears stung my eyes.
I had been to an Astros game once before in the Dome, but I'd seen the Dome numerous times by then and I wasn't a baseball fan at that point. My cousin invited me because he couldn't get a date for the day of that game. I did it as a favor to him, although I would have preferred to stay home. His driving scared the liver out of me, and I swore that if I lived through the night, I'd never get in the car with him again. And I haven't! wink777
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The first and only time I've been to Minute Maid Park, I cried when I walked inside. I entered at center field and walked over to the railing to take in the whole thing. My heart felt full, I got a lump in my throat, and tears stung my eyes.
I had been to an Astros game once before in the Dome, but I'd seen the Dome numerous times by then and I wasn't a baseball fan at that point. My cousin invited me because he couldn't get a date for the day of that game. I did it as a favor to him, although I would have preferred to stay home. His driving scared the liver out of me, and I swore that if I lived through the night, I'd never get in the car with him again. And I haven't! wink777
Good thing you didn't lose your liver... @roamer_1 would have eaten it. (member's lounge) :bolt:
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Y'all, I may need you to call the paramedics if the Astros don't pull it together. I'm not too thrilled about their offense, but I've seen that ebb and flow before. But the bullpen really has me nervous. What do y'all think, 'Stros fans? Am I too frantic too soon? Talk me down, y'all.
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Y'all, I may need you to call the paramedics if the Astros don't pull it together. I'm not too thrilled about their offense, but I've seen that ebb and flow before. But the bullpen really has me nervous. What do y'all think, 'Stros fans? Am I too frantic too soon? Talk me down, y'all.
Not a 'Stros fan -- Go Braves!! -- but definitely too soon to panic. It's a LONG season.
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Been a studied fan since '65, and looking at the team top to bottom, this might look like the weakest pitching staff that we've had in 10 years.
Doesn't matter if the team has Tucker Bregman, Alvarez, Altuve, Abreu..... This pitching staff's, even with a mid season Verlander return has holes galore. Just my take, but the ride might be over, as much fun as it was. My best guess is 5-10 over .500, and maybe make the playoffs as a WC, and then an early exit.... IF they make it.
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Y'all, I may need you to call the paramedics if the Astros don't pull it together. I'm not too thrilled about their offense, but I've seen that ebb and flow before. But the bullpen really has me nervous. What do y'all think, 'Stros fans? Am I too frantic too soon? Talk me down, y'all.
I'm sorry to say that I can't be of any help to you @AllThatJazzZ you know why.
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Not a 'Stros fan -- Go Braves!! -- but definitely too soon to panic. It's a LONG season.
@Polly Ticks
:tongue2:
Been a studied fan since '65, and looking at the team top to bottom, this might look like the weakest pitching staff that we've had in 10 years.
Doesn't matter if the team has Tucker Bregman, Alvarez, Altuve, Abreu..... This pitching staff's, even with a mid season Verlander return has holes galore. Just my take, but the ride might be over, as much fun as it was. My best guess is 5-10 over .500, and maybe make the playoffs as a WC, and then an early exit.... IF they make it.
@catfish1957
I knew I could count on you ... to stoke my fears! ****slapping
I'm sorry to say that I can't be of any help to you @AllThatJazzZ you know why.
@Bigun
And I knew you wouldn't be weighing in ... except to tell me that you wouldn't be weighing in. :silly: wink777
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@Bigun
And I knew you wouldn't be weighing in ... except to tell me that you wouldn't be weighing in. :silly: wink777
ROFL!! Exactly, @AllThatJazzZ :silly: :beer:
My darn Orioles lost 2 walk-offs vs. @mountaineer 's Bucs....geez :shrug:
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This is the Bucco way - win early, then fall apart after the All-Star break.
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Angel Hernandez strikes again.
https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1778965586791297255
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https://twitter.com/UmpireAuditor/status/1779017291302375551
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@Hoodat
I've been watching baseball since WS 2017, and I was NOT prepared for this idiocy. I never dreamed this kind of incompetence would be tolerated, but here we are. **nononono* :shrug:
And if you call out his incompetence, you're a (say it with me, everyone) RACIST!
BTW, if you Google "Who is the worst umpire in major league baseball," guess whose name pops up.
Here's a summation of his performance last year, which was mercifully cut short due to a back problem.
https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/umpire-angel-hernandez-finishes-regular-season-with-worst-rating-in-mlb
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@Hoodat
I've been watching baseball since WS 2017, and I was NOT prepared for this idiocy. I never dreamed this kind of incompetence would be tolerated, but here we are. **nononono* :shrug:
And if you call out his incompetence, you're a (say it with me, everyone) RACIST!
BTW, if you Google "Who is the worst umpire in major league baseball," guess whose name pops up.
Here's a summation of his performance last year, which was mercifully cut short due to a back problem.
https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/umpire-angel-hernandez-finishes-regular-season-with-worst-rating-in-mlb
@AllThatJazzZ
Langford should have been a baseball martyr and beat Hernandez over the head with his bat...chasing him around the field like a Tom & Jerry cartoon.
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My beloved Orioles are getting spanked by @Lando Lincoln 's Brewers ... twice in 2 days! 8888crybaby
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(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fotakukart.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F07%2FJackson-gf-770x619.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=7e7c65bdf1729945424e575d23f768b7f7e9a742cac1e3ba79699e225e6bc796&ipo=images)
Jackson Holliday...the #1 prospect in the MLB...
No wonder Jackson Holliday is struggling at the plate.
Remember what Mickey told Rocky before his big fight: "NO SEX! It weakens the mind and the legs!"
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HOLY CRAP!!
Orioles' Cedric Mullins just made the most incredible catch in centerfield that I've ever seen in my life...and I've been watching baseball for over 70 years!!
You will be seeing it on MLB this week for sure! It was super human, I tell ya!
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HOLY CRAP!!
Orioles' Cedric Mullins just made the most incredible catch in centerfield that I've ever seen in my life...and I've been watching baseball for over 70 years!!
You will be seeing it on MLB this week for sure! It was super human, I tell ya!
@DCPatriot
Pretty awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvKOCfyolBs
You're welcome. wink777
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Why we love baseball....
(A Jomboy breakdown)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt-UpHI7mmE&t=9s
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Jim Edmonds, 2004
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiBd6MD6aUk)
Kevin Mitchell, 1989
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u0MzrYPm4w)
Gary Matthews, Jr., 2006
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWCvCTR3o3g)
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Why we love baseball....
(A Jomboy breakdown)
Stealing home is the most awesome play of any sport.
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Yankees voice John Sterling retiring immediately due to health concerns
John Sterling has reached the end of his illustrious Yankees play-by-play career.
The longtime Yankees radio voice is retiring effective immediately, the team announced Monday afternoon, and he will be honored with a ceremony on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Sterling, 85, is retiring due to health concerns, The Athletic reported.
“I am a very blessed human being,” Sterling said in a release. “I have been able to do what I wanted, broadcasting for 64 years. As a little boy growing up in New York as a Yankees fan, I was able to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my benefit, and I leave very, very happy. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Saturday.”
https://nypost.com/2024/04/15/sports/yankees-john-sterling-expected-to-retire-this-week-due-to-health-concerns/
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Yankees voice John Sterling retiring immediately due to health concerns
https://nypost.com/2024/04/15/sports/yankees-john-sterling-expected-to-retire-this-week-due-to-health-concerns/
I can't imagine listening to Yankee radio without John Sterling.
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@DCPatriot
Pretty awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvKOCfyolBs
You're welcome. wink777
Thank you! OMG!! I luv ya!! :beer:
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Jim Edmonds, 2004
=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiBd6MD6aUk] [/url]
Kevin Mitchell, 1989
=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u0MzrYPm4w] [/url]
Gary Matthews, Jr., 2006
=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWCvCTR3o3g] [/url]
Once again you gotta play the azzhole, don't you?? :laugh:
Anybody can jump straight up waiting for the ball to arrive, dumb-cluck. Made a dozen of those myself in my playing days.
Check out where Mullins was at the crack of the bat and then where he ended up.
Stop embarrassing yourself. Go back to the Ukraine War thread, and leave us alone.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeni5vhobYw
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeni5vhobYw
Who's a good boy?!!?!!!?!
I love this, @Gefn. A great start to my day. The bobblehead is to die for. I'd rather see the team find a dog that already exists to take Rookie's place when it's time. I wish no more puppies would be born until all dogs have good homes, but that's just me living in my dream world. Sigh.
P.S. Kitties, too.
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Sometimes there's just not enough racism to go around. That doesn't keep them from making up stuff (https://www.yahoo.com/news/decline-black-players-mlb-warning-001750930.html).
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Sometimes there's just not enough racism to go around. That doesn't keep them from making up stuff (https://www.yahoo.com/news/decline-black-players-mlb-warning-001750930.html).
@AllThatJazzZ
Agree.
Today, they announced Whitey Herzog's death at 92. ESPN has a column title about "Whitey Ball".
It 'triggered' me! :silly: Followed him during his managerial career and never heard/saw the term.
But I'm sure a certain Briefer will show up any minute now with several pieces using the term. (bleep that he is) /S
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I lived in St. Louis during the "Whitey ball" days. It wasn't a very widely used expression, but not entirely unfamiliar.
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Herzog was one of the last fire brands who graced the diamond, and rightfully ruled the team with intimidation and love of the game at the same time.
I miss old time baseball, where players were making fractional of billion dollar contracts, and have to be cotteled, and will whimper to their labor chiefs at any evidence of unhappiness. BTW..."Whitey" was his name in the baseball vernacular. And gladly accept this middle finger if anyone is bothered by that name.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/herzowh01.shtml (https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/herzowh01.shtml)
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Herzog was one of the last fire brands who graced the diamond, and rightfully ruled the team with intimidation and love of the game at the same time.
I miss old time baseball, where players were making fractional of billion dollar contracts, and have to be cotteled, and will whimper to their labor chiefs at any evidence of unhappiness. BTW..."Whitey" was his name in the baseball vernacular. And gladly accept this middle finger if anyone is bothered by that name.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/herzowh01.shtml (https://www.baseball-reference.com/managers/herzowh01.shtml)
LOL! I agree! Should have included an "/s" on my post. So many anal members here.
Had an uncle on my dad's side...name was Elmer. Everyone knew him by "Whitey".
He stormed the Normandy Beach during WWII. Parents told us that he never spoke of it, but one Christmas Eve, during a visit, he had a complete breakdown. Cannot imagine what this man witnessed with his eyes and what he experienced on that beach.
He had a penchant to walk around the house and spontaneously he would pick up specks of lint off the carpets.
He was always 'nervous' by nature.
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Whitey was a fan favorite in STL. He followed Red Schoendienst - two much beloved baseball guys.
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/437940376_780934510818298_75887597579941226_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=Cy-jyq5xeCoAb5db8Bv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAqajuauaP_Ub48Dp7m15x4cVLYPfDcog6IdV3Ron22MA&oe=6626CC31)
Couldn't agree more. It's the best reality show ever. I also like this one:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8zxXvGCQAAmWXs.png)
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I can attest to this. As a newbie to the sport, I can tell that I know more and understand more strategy with each year. And yet, I'm still a newbie. That's baseball.
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Confirmed: Baltimore Orioles Outfielder Already Deserves Catch Of The Year
Baltimore Orioles Taylor · April 17, 2024
VIDEO AT LINK:
(https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5408,h_3042,x_0,y_132/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/si-temp/01hvjr6vnsdp5zqjjy1n)
There isn’t an official award for the best catch of the year, but there should be.
And if it existed, they should just give it to Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins right now.
The 2024 season is still only a few weeks old, but it’s hard to imagine someone topping the catch that Mullins made on Monday against the Minnesota Twins.
With two outs and a runner on third in the top of the first, Twins shortstop Kyle Farmer ripped a 2-2 fastball from Cole Irvin into the gap in left-center field.
The ball had trouble written all over it and kept carrying, tailing away from Mullins towards the warning track.
At the last possible second, Mullins went airborne, diving full-speed with his right arm extended. Somehow, the ball fell into his outstretched glove and stayed there.
The TV announcers dubbed it “an impossible catch.” Irvin seemed to agree, raising his arms in the air and removing his cap in excitement.
Mullins’ spectacular grab ended the frame for Minnesota, saving a run and keeping the score tied at 0-0.
Instead of having an RBI double or triple, Farmer went back to the dugout with a long out.
The play seemed to light a spark under the Orioles, who scored two runs in their half of the inning to take an early lead that they never relinquished.
Mullins chipped in at the plate as well with a sacrifice fly in the third inning and a two-run homer in the fifth, helping secure Baltimore’s 10th win.
Between making a catch like that and hitting a home run, it’s hard to have a better day at the park than Mullins just did.
https://sportnews.mamamath.net/confirmed-baltimore-orioles-outfielder-already-deserves-catch-of-the-year/ (https://sportnews.mamamath.net/confirmed-baltimore-orioles-outfielder-already-deserves-catch-of-the-year/)
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"Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."
I can't verify who actually said that. Some sources say former Major League catcher and manager Wes Westrum said it. More sources attribute the quote to another long-time Major League manager, Leo Durocher.
Leo was known by many names: The All-American Out, Swamper, Lippy, and Leo the Lip. As a manager, he was quite well-known for his direct, often confrontational style. Though he left pro baseball many decades ago, he is still near the top of the list for most ejections from a game. He was also quite well-known for winning. He was not, however, known as a church-goer. It seems that if the quote truly is his, though, then he had some experience in the church world. At least enough to understand that most of us are in a process of making sense of the mysteries of faith… and baseball.
How is baseball like church?
Let's face it. Baseball frustrates the uninitiated. My young son exemplified this when he yelled "What are you doing?!" at a pitcher who had just issued an intentional walk. A key principle of the game is to keep runners off base. So why did the pitcher purposefully put a runner on?
We attend. But we don't understand.
However, baseball excites and inspires us, too. Some inspiration is found in the tension we experience while we are constantly searching for better understanding. I've followed the game for a few decades, yet each season reveals new and fascinating peculiarities to the game. I love learning more.
Should I expect anything different from church? Afterall, church and baseball hold many similarities...
"10 ways baseball is like church:
Most of us have some experience with it.
Sometimes it feels like it will never end.
So. Many. Traditions.
Long lines for food and drink.
It requires sacrifice.
At some point, we all get to stand and sing.
It's a team endeavor.
There's something beautifully unifying in traditions.
"Home" is the final destination.
Participants will never be perfect… but we get to play anyway."
https://www.umc.org/en/content/baseball-is-like-church (https://www.umc.org/en/content/baseball-is-like-church)
@Polly Ticks @AllThatJazzZ
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"Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."
I can't verify who actually said that. Some sources say former Major League catcher and manager Wes Westrum said it. More sources attribute the quote to another long-time Major League manager, Leo Durocher.
Leo was known by many names: The All-American Out, Swamper, Lippy, and Leo the Lip. As a manager, he was quite well-known for his direct, often confrontational style. Though he left pro baseball many decades ago, he is still near the top of the list for most ejections from a game. He was also quite well-known for winning. He was not, however, known as a church-goer. It seems that if the quote truly is his, though, then he had some experience in the church world. At least enough to understand that most of us are in a process of making sense of the mysteries of faith… and baseball.
How is baseball like church?
Let's face it. Baseball frustrates the uninitiated. My young son exemplified this when he yelled "What are you doing?!" at a pitcher who had just issued an intentional walk. A key principle of the game is to keep runners off base. So why did the pitcher purposefully put a runner on?
We attend. But we don't understand.
However, baseball excites and inspires us, too. Some inspiration is found in the tension we experience while we are constantly searching for better understanding. I've followed the game for a few decades, yet each season reveals new and fascinating peculiarities to the game. I love learning more.
Should I expect anything different from church? Afterall, church and baseball hold many similarities...
"10 ways baseball is like church:
Most of us have some experience with it.
Sometimes it feels like it will never end.
So. Many. Traditions.
Long lines for food and drink.
It requires sacrifice.
At some point, we all get to stand and sing.
It's a team endeavor.
There's something beautifully unifying in traditions.
"Home" is the final destination.
Participants will never be perfect… but we get to play anyway."
https://www.umc.org/en/content/baseball-is-like-church (https://www.umc.org/en/content/baseball-is-like-church)
@Polly Ticks @AllThatJazzZ
@DCPatriot
I love that! Thanks for the ping, baseball buddy!
:beer:
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@DCPatriot
I love that! Thanks for the ping, baseball buddy!
:beer:
@Polly Ticks
:beer: happy77
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Once again you gotta play the azzhole, don't you?? :laugh:
Stop embarrassing yourself. Go back to the Ukraine War thread, and leave us alone.
This thread is about baseball, not about you, @DCPatriot .
Anybody can jump straight up waiting for the ball to arrive, dumb-cluck. Made a dozen of those myself in my playing days.
Check out where Mullins was at the crack of the bat and then where he ended up.
None of the posted videos involved a player waiting for the ball to arrive and jumping straight up. Edmonds caught the ball backhanded. Matthews took his eye off the ball twice before gloving it. And Mitchell didn't even use a glove. They were all spectacular catches that any baseball enthusiast would admire. Not sure why you felt the need to insult me over it. Again, it wasn't about you. The Mullins catch was equally spectacular. I thank @AllThatJazzZ for posting it.
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Long before the era of ESPN, and 24/7 baseball coverage and film, I remember seeing a play by CF Ceasar Cedeno (circa '71) that has to be the greatest I've seen.
Cedeno was playing in with man on 3rd with <2 outs, and a ball by a Pirate hitter(if memory serves) was smoked high and deep to center. Cedeno broke early and clean and dove at near the warning track catching it. Seemed impossible.
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Long before the era of ESPN, and 24/7 baseball coverage and film, I remember seeing a play by CF Ceasar Cedeno (circa '71) that has to be the greatest I've seen.
For me, it was a catch Claudell Washington made when he was with the Braves. He climbed the wall running parallel to it as if it grew stairs.
At the time, the Braves had seriously overpaid Washington with a very generous contract. Rumor has it that Ted Turner was drunk at some party and thought he was talking to Dave Winfield's agent, not Claudell Washington's.
Anyway, wish I could find a video of that catch.
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This thread is about baseball, not about you, @DCPatriot .
None of the posted videos involved a player waiting for the ball to arrive and jumping straight up. Edmonds caught the ball backhanded. Matthews took his eye off the ball twice before gloving it. And Mitchell didn't even use a glove. They were all spectacular catches that any baseball enthusiast would admire. Not sure why you felt the need to insult me over it. Again, it wasn't about you. The Mullins catch was equally spectacular. I thank @AllThatJazzZ for posting it.
@Hoodat
Liar!! Who do you think you're kidding??
You posted all three videos without comment merely to mock me for suggesting it was "the greatest catch I had ever seen"...clearly suggesting that there were better ones.
Anybody can search "greatest outfield catches" and come up with a ton of examples. That's all you did and that was your intent.
Now run along little man.
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Long before the era of ESPN, and 24/7 baseball coverage and film, I remember seeing a play by CF Ceasar Cedeno (circa '71) that has to be the greatest I've seen.
Cedeno was playing in with man on 3rd with <2 outs, and a ball by a Pirate hitter(if memory serves) was smoked high and deep to center. Cedeno broke early and clean and dove at near the warning track catching it. Seemed impossible.
:beer:
Imagine all the 'impossible' catches there were BEFORE there were a half-dozen cameras covering the field.
Grew up watching in B&W with a single camera in the upper deck behind home plate.
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:beer:
Imagine all the 'impossible' catches there were BEFORE there were a half-dozen cameras covering the field.
Grew up watching in B&W with a single camera in the upper deck behind home plate.
The greatest catch of all time, and there have been many, was by the say hey kid (Willie Mays) in center field at Yankee Stadium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bLt2xKaNH0
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The greatest catch of all time, and there have been many, was by the say hey kid (Willie Mays) in center field at Yankee Stadium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bLt2xKaNH0
Polo Grounds! Say Hey!
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Polo Grounds! Say Hey!
:yowsa: I stand corrected. Should have known from the pictures.
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438652472_375407698822471_5426224902342975286_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=CS-w-Bug87wAb7wiUxd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBAFBwZceFP9QQttCJ7HugcniSV_HE-7a3uTu2kpQCvQg&oe=662DE445)
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http://twitter.com/scottcoleman55/status/1782941404408459455
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Polo Grounds! Say Hey!
Dead center - 483 ft.
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/fc/e2/bf/fce2bf40f1a2b75a25f6db1be05af72d--polo-grounds-willie-mays.jpg)
You had to clear that wall to be awarded a home run. A ball hit through one of those windows was a ground rule double.
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(https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/439338145_876304964299782_6163250458015647753_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=GCye8VrkcWUQ7kNvgHrXF8F&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=00_AfBFPMXi8652PAGWaUbZMAC5iklhpa2D6cfje9lY8umc5g&oe=66302434)
“During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball.”
— Mickey Mantle
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Ahem... :judge:
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Ahem... :judge:
@jmyrlefuller
I sense you're trying to say something, but the graphic is too small for me to make it out. Maybe someone with younger eyes can figure it out.
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@jmyrlefuller
I sense you're trying to say something, but the graphic is too small for me to make it out. Maybe someone with younger eyes can figure it out.
Just noticed some sniping going on... and that was just a "bang the gavel" graphic as a warning to get back in order. (Though it appears that already happened.)
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@jmyrlefuller
Just because you started this thread doesn't make you the hall monitor.
How about you Kiss Our Azz?
Hey there @DCPatriot I see you're being your usual kind self. *****rollingeyes***** Lighten up. Life's too short.
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/ad/3f/bfad3f72ed76df78b538fadf19604c77.jpg)
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/ad/3f/bfad3f72ed76df78b538fadf19604c77.jpg)
:silly: 888high58888
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Hmmmm... Why, yes, I do perceive that there's some sniping going on. Never noticed any until tonight. :shrug: :thud:
Carry on, kids. :seeya:
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Well I know where one of the lost baseball bats ended up !
Go Auburn Tigers... I think we are last in the SEC so far this season.
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I heard on the broadcast last night that Marcell Ozuna is on pace for 220 RBIs this year. I'm pretty sure that's not actually going to happen, but can you imagine?
(https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/ar_16:9,g_auto,q_auto:good,w_1024,c_fill,f_jpg/mlb/mdpzvuirfpjw9mqvj2em)
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(removed for insubordination)
Never mind, it appears you haven't.
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How about you Kiss Our bleep?
Check who the cat mod of this board is before you start running your fingers again. Or did you not learn anything from your last suspension?
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It's so difficult for some folks to stay on topic.
I don't follow baseball much anymore, but Marcell Ozuna's season thus far sounds incredible - including his .344 batting average.
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It's so difficult for some folks to stay on topic.
I don't follow baseball much anymore, but Marcell Ozuna's season thus far sounds incredible - including his .344 batting average.
I don't follow baseball much anymore either, except when it's either the Tigers or Royals playing - I just happened to look and they are playing today. It's hard to pick because I am a fan of both teams. More so I am a fan of the Royals I suppose.
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It's so difficult for some folks to stay on topic.
I don't follow baseball much anymore, but Marcell Ozuna's season thus far sounds incredible - including his .344 batting average.
Right? Especially considering that LAST April he was hitting .087. :thud:
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I don't follow baseball much anymore either, except when it's either the Tigers or Royals playing - I just happened to look and they are playing today. It's hard to pick because I am a fan of both teams. More so I am a fan of the Royals I suppose.
There you go! It's when your two favorite teams play each other that you find out which team is really your #1 favorite. :laugh:
Here's hoping for a good game, either way.
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In a massive feeling of schadenfreude around the game this year from others. The fact the 'stros are 7-19, with no improvement on the horizon?
To finish .500 Houston will have to play .545 Baseball tihe rest of the season.
The needle on my give a shit meter on the game has pegged to the bottom. Wake me in '25.
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In a massive feeling of schadenfreude around the game this year from others. The fact the 'stros are 7-19, with no improvement on the horizon?
To finish .500 Houston will have to play .545 Baseball tihe rest of the season.
The needle on my give a shit meter on the game has pegged to the bottom. Wake me in '25.
Yeah ... I was a Barves [sic] fan in the 2015 -2017 years, too. Rough, no doubt. At some point, you have to just go with the flow and take enjoyment out of a good play here or there.
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I'm from Pittsburgh. 'Nuff said. They will not get to the World Series in my lifetime. Thankfully, I'm old enough to have seen Clemente, Stargell, et al., in person.
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I'm from Pittsburgh. 'Nuff said. They will not get to the World Series in my lifetime. Thankfully, I'm old enough to have seen Clemente, Stargell, et al., in person.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_hIIfm2OI4
Ah...the memories @mountaineer :beer:
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I'm from Pittsburgh. 'Nuff said. They will not get to the World Series in my lifetime. Thankfully, I'm old enough to have seen Clemente, Stargell, et al., in person.
They had some good years with Drabek, Van Slyke, Bonds, Bonilla, and Stan Belinda. I loved watching Belinda pitch.
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I'm from Pittsburgh. 'Nuff said. They will not get to the World Series in my lifetime. Thankfully, I'm old enough to have seen Clemente, Stargell, et al., in person.
If the Red Sox and Cubs can win in my lifetime... anything is possible.
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Great graphic, @DCPatriot!
*******************************************
Here's a graphic no team or fan would ever want, yet here we are. 8888crybaby
What the heck?????
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Great graphic, @DCPatriot!
*******************************************
Here's a graphic no team or fan would ever want, yet here we are. 8888crybaby
What the heck?????
That is what happens when the front office completely forgoes any pitching depth (esp. bullpen) during the previous off season. Saw this coming, but not at this level. A strong season by JV, Valdez, just might get us to .500 by end of season.
OTOH, it was a fun run, and time for some other fans to enjoy
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That is what happens when the front office completely forgoes any pitching depth (esp. bullpen) during the previous off season. Saw this coming, but not at this level. A strong season by JV, Valdez, just might get us to .500 by end of season.
OTOH, it was a fun run, and time for some other fans to enjoy
Middle relif is highly underrated.
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Here's a text I got from my son-in-law (a decades-long baseball fan who bleeds Dodger blue).
From the USA Today farm system rankings:
2) Houston Astros.... have not had a great farm system for quite some time now and perhaps that lack of attention to their lower levels is finally starting to take its toll... this team doesn't seem to have much going for it on the pitching side...
That "2" ranking is second-worst btw 😞
Isn't that what Jeff Luhnow was so good at? Was Dana Brown supposed to fill those shoes? What's Jim Crane's roll? Help me out, Astros fans. Who has let us down?
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Here's a text I got from my son-in-law (a decades-long baseball fan who bleeds Dodger blue).
From the USA Today farm system rankings:
2) Houston Astros.... have not had a great farm system for quite some time now and perhaps that lack of attention to their lower levels is finally starting to take its toll... this team doesn't seem to have much going for it on the pitching side...
That "2" ranking is second-worst btw 😞
Isn't that what Jeff Luhnow was so good at? Was Dana Brown supposed to fill those shoes? What's Jim Crane's roll? Help me out, Astros fans. Who has let us down?
I have written 1000 word posts at baseball forums of how unfairly Luhnow was blamed for the cheating scandal. I still stand by that 100%.
What you are witnessing is the dynasty that he built has been torn down systematically by the likes of Crane, Bagwell, and Dusty Baker.
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What you are witnessing is the dynasty that he built has been torn down systeatically by the likes of Crane, Bagwell, and Dusty Baker.
@catfish1957
For what purpose? :shrug:
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@catfish1957
For what purpose? :shrug:
No purpose, just in the highly competitive world of MLB, competence reigns. And Luhnow built the infrastructure of a team that competed at the highest level for 10 years. We are now seeing the decline with post 2020 neglect.
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I'm so old, I remember the disappointment, when the Buffalo Bisons of the International League had their road games on radio. Must have been 7 or 8 years old!
Found out there was no 'booth'... the pitches/plays were sent to the studio on "Ticker Tape" and that the play-by-play guys were acting them out...emotion and all! 9999hair out0000
No different than today, not having FIOS or CABLE TV and getting the play-by-play on ESPN internet and pretending that you're broadcasting the game in real time.
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No purpose, just in the highly competitive world of MLB, competence reigns. And Luhnow built the infrastructure of a team that competed at the highest level for 10 years. We are now seeing the decline with post 2020 neglect.
@catfish1957
Okay. Maybe I misunderstood your use of "systematically."
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“Once a cheater always a cheater” - MLB fans troll Astros as pitcher Ronel Blanco gets ejected due to foreign substance
By
Cresswell McCoy
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-once-cheater-always-cheater-mlb-fans-troll-astros-pitcher-ronel-blanco-gets-ejected-due-foreign-substance?key2=263106 (https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-once-cheater-always-cheater-mlb-fans-troll-astros-pitcher-ronel-blanco-gets-ejected-due-foreign-substance?key2=263106)
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I still like watching Baseball, and the Astros, in particular.
Blanco was a bright spot (until last night).
Tucker is hitting like crazy.
Altuve, Alvarez, Pena, Diaz, Dubon, all playing well.
Bregman had back-to-back games showing he is coming around on offense, defense was never an issue with him.
Fun to see Loperfido get called up.
We seem to give up games early and not come back, or give them up late with our "vaunted" 7th-8th-9th inning guys.
Mrs. GrouchoTex and I have annual "Silver Stars" package to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys AAA games, every Tuesday home game.
I keep hearing the "experts" say the the Astros farm system isn't very good,.
Yet, Loperfido, Diaz, Meyers, Pena, JP France, Arrighetti, Hunter Brown, have all come out of there since 2021 or even more recently.
Okay the 3 pitchers mentions have to get better, but I think Brown and Arrighett will, and have shown recent signs of it.
All is not lost.
It may be the end of the dominance, 2015 is when it started, 2017 ito 2023 it was in high gear, but they will still be in the mix.
2015/2024 is pretty good run.
29 other baseball teams in the league would love to say the same.
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“Once a cheater always a cheater” - MLB fans troll Astros as pitcher Ronel Blanco gets ejected due to foreign substance
By
Cresswell McCoy
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-once-cheater-always-cheater-mlb-fans-troll-astros-pitcher-ronel-blanco-gets-ejected-due-foreign-substance?key2=263106 (https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-once-cheater-always-cheater-mlb-fans-troll-astros-pitcher-ronel-blanco-gets-ejected-due-foreign-substance?key2=263106)
BFD! A ten GAME suspension! That's only TWO scheduled STARTS for a rotation pitcher.
Should be at least a FIFTY (50) DAY suspension...locked out of the league, not just the field. Without salary!
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@DCPatriot You're so funny!. :silly:
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@DCPatriot You're so funny!. :silly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfcy15ZUE2c
@AllThatJazzZ :silly:
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I once umpired balls and strikes for a Little League game as a favor to my close friend.
These kids just graduated from "T-Ball" and pitchers usually walked the bases loaded...inning after inning after inning.
Got so damned tired that these pitchers couldn't throw strikes.
Finally there was a pitch thrown in such an arc...the pitch crossed the plate over the batter's head, but the catcher never had to move he glove, which was held right over the heart of the plate.
"STRIKE!!!", I yelled.
The entire bleacher-filled cadre of parents screamed out their displeasure. It was the last time they ever asked me to umpire a game. :silly: :rolling:
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(https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F0521%2Fr1335833_1296x518_5%2D2.png&w=628&h=251&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=center&format=jpg)
FOUL BALL TO THE FACE!!
Had she put her damned cell phone away, this probably would not have happened.
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Centerfielder tags out the batter at home plate.
https://twitter.com/Jared_Carrabis/status/1794387697760661670
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Wow! Good one, @mountaineer :beer:
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Centerfielder tags out the batter at home plate.
https://twitter.com/Jared_Carrabis/status/1794387697760661670
@mountaineer
OMG! I had to watch that 3 times to believe my eyes! :silly: It would have served them right if the runner had scored an inside-the-park home run. I would love to have heard the coach after the game.
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Centerfielder tags out the batter at home plate.
On the scorecard, a Triple with a put out "8" unassisted. Can you imagine trying to explain that as accurate 5 years from now?
I guess you could possibly see this in "T" Ball, but High School?
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On the scorecard, a Triple with a put out "8" unassisted. Can you imagine trying to explain that as accurate 5 years from now?
I guess you could possibly see this in "T" Ball, but High School?
ROFL! @catfish1957
Friday's Orioles' game was only on APPLE TV, so I was forced to 'follow' the game on the ESPN website.
Using the "PLAY BY PLAY", it read: "Double to 3rd base". :pondering:
NOT "double to Left Field"??
So I'm having fun in my mind's eye thinking how in the world does a hitter get a clean "double to 3rd"?
Did the ball hit the bag on a line-shot and end up in the stands? :pondering:
Did the ball go thru the 3rd baseman's legs without him touching it??
Any ideas?? happy77
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ROFL! @catfish1957
Friday's Orioles' game was only on APPLE TV, so I was forced to 'follow' the game on the ESPN website.
Using the "PLAY BY PLAY", it read: "Double to 3rd base". :pondering:
NOT "double to Left Field"??
So I'm having fun in my mind's eye thinking how in the world does a hitter get a clean "double to 3rd"?
Did the ball hit the bag on a line-shot and end up in the stands? :pondering:
Did the ball go thru the 3rd baseman's legs without him touching it??
Any ideas?? happy77
I can't fathom how that happened. Kind of like a 3 base singular error on a wild pitch. I can see that happen with two errors, but....
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ROFL! @catfish1957
Friday's Orioles' game was only on APPLE TV, so I was forced to 'follow' the game on the ESPN website.
Using the "PLAY BY PLAY", it read: "Double to 3rd base". :pondering:
NOT "double to Left Field"??
So I'm having fun in my mind's eye thinking how in the world does a hitter get a clean "double to 3rd"?
Did the ball hit the bag on a line-shot and end up in the stands? :pondering:
Did the ball go thru the 3rd baseman's legs without him touching it??
Any ideas?? happy77
@DCPatriot
Is there a game recap on YouTube? If you find it, bring it back here and post it for us since you have our curiosity piqued!
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@DCPatriot
Is there a game recap on YouTube? If you find it, bring it back here and post it for us since you have our curiosity piqued!
@AllThatJazzZ
ESPN seems to scrub the "PLAY-BY-PLAY" shortly after the game is over.
They revert to providing scoring summaries.
What I'll do next time is take a pic of the monitor when I have a similar situation and post THAT! :shrug:
That...or record the entire game and then take a video of the play in question. :beer:
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@AllThatJazzZ
ESPN seems to scrub the "PLAY-BY-PLAY" shortly after the game is over.
They revert to providing scoring summaries.
What I'll do next time is take a pic of the monitor when I have a similar situation and post THAT! :shrug:
That...or record the entire game and then take a video of the play in question. :beer:
@DCPatriot
:2popcorn: I'll be waiting. wink777
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/445088987_3891680387721434_4924447766334759482_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=XqKVGCxFjogQ7kNvgEFWNy0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPBrNGfbpnHy2BFWfwMrQDEuqRZqYjkMulqqjNJmtw2g&oe=665B208F)
@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957 @Bigun @mountaineer
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Angel Hernandez to retire from MLB
That's a shame, allowing him to retire. He should have been fired in disgrace years ago.
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/445088987_3891680387721434_4924447766334759482_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=XqKVGCxFjogQ7kNvgEFWNy0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPBrNGfbpnHy2BFWfwMrQDEuqRZqYjkMulqqjNJmtw2g&oe=665B208F)
@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957 @Bigun @mountaineer
Partay!!
:woohoo: ****drummer :hands: :hands: :hands: :hands: blij26 :thumbsup: :0012: 333cleo
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2024 NCAA baseball tournament bracket: Road to College World Series unveiled
Steve Gardner | May 27, 2024 | 11:38 AM CDT
The Road to Omaha and the College World Series has been revealed – and it will likely run through Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Volunteers have been awarded the top overall seed in the field of 64, which was revealed Monday on the NCAA tournament selection show.
The Vols (46-10) have held the spot in the USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll for 30 of the 32 weeks this season. They're one of top 16 overall teams who will serve as regional hosts as the double-elimination tournament is set to get underway later this week.
Here's how the 2024 CWS bracket stacks up.
Knoxville Regional
(1) Tennessee vs. Northern Kentucky
Indiana vs. Southern Miss
Greenville Regional
(16) East Carolina vs. Evansville
VCU vs. Wake Forest
Norman Regional
(9) Oklahoma vs. Oral Roberts
Connecticut vs. Duke
Tallahassee Regional
(8) Florida State vs. Stetson
UCF vs. Alabama
Fayetteville Regional
(5) Arkansas vs. SE Missouri
Kansas State vs. Louisiana Tech
Charlottesville Regional
(12) Virginia vs. Pennsylvania
St. John's vs. Mississippi State
Tucson Regional
(13) Arizona vs. Grand Canyon
West Virginia vs. Dallas Baptist
Chapel Hill Regional
(4) North Carolina vs. Long Island
Wofford vs. LSU
College Station Regional
(3) Texas A&M vs. Grambling
Texas vs. Louisiana
Santa Barbara Regional
(14) UC Santa Barbara vs. Fresno State
Oregon vs. San Diego
Clemson Regional
(6) Clemson vs. High Point
Coastal Carolina vs. Vanderbilt
Stillwater Regional
(11) Oklahoma State vs. Niagara
Florida vs. Nebraska
Athens Regional
(7) Georgia vs. Army
Georgia Tech vs. UNC Wilmington
Raleigh Regional
(10) NC State vs. Bryant
James Madison vs. South Carolina
Corvallis Regional
(15) Oregon State vs. Tulane
Nicholls vs. UC Irvine
Lexington Regional
(2) Kentucky vs. Western Michigan
Illinois vs. Indiana State
https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-ncaa-baseball-tournament-bracket-163801849.html
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That's a shame, allowing him to retire. He should have been fired in disgrace years ago.
??? You cannot be that naive.
Out of respect for his fraternity he was allowed to retire...immediately!
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MLB umpire Ángel Hernández retiring after 3 decades
Jeff Passan
MLB umpire Ángel Hernández is retiring effective immediately, ending a controversial three-decade-long career that in recent years turned Hernández into a source of consternation with players and a punching bag among fans on social media.
The 62-year-old Hernández, who in a statement confirmed earlier reports he would be retiring, reached a settlement to leave Major League Baseball, according to a source, and will leave after umpiring thousands of games since his debut in 1991.
Hernández, who worked his last game May 9 and was replaced on Lance Barksdale's crew by Jacob Metz, sued MLB in 2017, alleging the league had engaged in racial discrimination. The lawsuit was thrown out by a district court judge, a decision upheld by an appeals court last year.
With a penchant for bad calls -- during a 2018 playoff game, he had three calls reversed by replay in the first four innings -- Hernández received a disproportionate amount of odium from fans. The lawsuit only added to the animus Hernández generated, and the groundswell grew to the point that Hernández retired after missing much of the 2023 season with a back injury.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40231476/mlb-umpire-angel-hernandez-retiring (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40231476/mlb-umpire-angel-hernandez-retiring)
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Glad to see my alma mater is in the mix for the college championship.
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That's a shame, allowing him to retire. He should have been fired in disgrace years ago.
May 27, 2024 will be marked as a historic day in MLB history, that wil show the moment umpiring improved 15%.
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Centerfielder tags out the batter at home plate.
https://twitter.com/Jared_Carrabis/status/1794387697760661670
Holy schmoley. Definitely elite speed.
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/445088987_3891680387721434_4924447766334759482_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=XqKVGCxFjogQ7kNvgEFWNy0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYDPBrNGfbpnHy2BFWfwMrQDEuqRZqYjkMulqqjNJmtw2g&oe=665B208F)
@AllThatJazzZ @catfish1957 @Bigun @mountaineer
:cheerlead: :dancer: :cheerlead: :dancer: :cheerlead: :dancer: :cheerlead: :dancer: :cheerlead:
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Glad to see my alma mater is in the mix for the college championship.
:beer:
^^^^^^ Although we probably would have been expelled for that, or at least fined $50. :laugh:
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Angel Hernandez to retire from MLB
He'll be missed greatly! Just like when you hit your thumb with a hammer and the pain subsides!
Seriously, he is the least of the problems with MLB now days.
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He'll be missed greatly! Just like when you hit your thumb with a hammer and the pain subsides!
Seriously, he is the least of the problems with MLB now days.
@Bigun
:silly:
:beer:
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:beer:
^^^^^^ Although we probably would have been expelled for that, or at least fined $50. :laugh:
I dodged a zillion bullets back then. :whistle:
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@DCPatriot
:2popcorn: I'll be waiting. wink777
@catfish1957 @AllThatJazzZ @Polly Ticks
OKAY...OKAY...OKAY, I saw a play this morning that puts the subject more in perspective...although it's not the specific play we're talking about.
A dying quail-type grounder goes just beyond the 3red baseman's glove...who was evidently standing at the shortstop position when the hitter made contact.
The weak ground doesn't even make it to the left-fielder in time for him to field the ball before it stops rolling...the batter never let up on a sprint to 2nd base.
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@catfish1957 @AllThatJazzZ @Polly Ticks
OKAY...OKAY...OKAY, I saw a play this morning that puts the subject more in perspective...although it's not the specific play we're talking about.
A dying quail-type grounder goes just beyond the 3red baseman's glove...who was evidently standing at the shortstop position when the hitter made contact.
The weak ground doesn't even make it to the left-fielder in time for him to field the ball before it stops rolling...the batter never let up on a sprint to 2nd base.
The "shift" (such as it is now) gives, and the "shift" takes away.
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/447015901_7727615790665022_1001052793160209938_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=jUw2kyt1xtQQ7kNvgEP4piS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD_VB_a9ylXqq0p7_CDoKaME5XMVrGZg61TIbZO5SPg3w&oe=665C8370)
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Eric Gregg is a close second for worst umpire ever.
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Eric Gregg is a close second for worst umpire ever.
With Joe West placing 'SHOW'. :beer:
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(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/447015901_7727615790665022_1001052793160209938_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=jUw2kyt1xtQQ7kNvgEP4piS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AYD_VB_a9ylXqq0p7_CDoKaME5XMVrGZg61TIbZO5SPg3w&oe=665C8370)
888high58888 :beer: