Baseball 2024

[catfish1957]

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. 

[AllThatJazzZ]

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. 

@catfish1957

And buns of steel.  I look forward to the day he comes back. 

[mountaineer]

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. 

[DCPatriot]

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. 

@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!

[Polly Ticks]

@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! 

[AllThatJazzZ]

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! 

[DCPatriot]

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! 

Good thing you didn't lose your liver... @roamer_1  would have eaten it.  (member's lounge)   

[AllThatJazzZ]

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.

[Polly Ticks]

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.

[catfish1957]

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.

[Bigun]

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.

[AllThatJazzZ]

Not a 'Stros fan -- Go Braves!! -- but definitely too soon to panic.  It's a LONG season.

@Polly Ticks

 

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! 

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. 

[DCPatriot]

@Bigun

And I knew you wouldn't be weighing in ... except to tell me that you wouldn't be weighing in. 

ROFL!!  Exactly, @AllThatJazzZ       

My darn Orioles lost 2 walk-offs vs. @mountaineer 's Bucs....geez   

[mountaineer]

This is the Bucco way - win early, then fall apart after the All-Star break.

[Hoodat]

Angel Hernandez strikes again.

https://twitter.com/awfulannouncing/status/1778965586791297255

[Hoodat]

https://twitter.com/UmpireAuditor/status/1779017291302375551

[AllThatJazzZ]

@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. 

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

[DCPatriot]

@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. 

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.

[DCPatriot]

My beloved Orioles are getting spanked by @Lando Lincoln 's Brewers ... twice in 2 days!   

[DCPatriot]

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!"

[DCPatriot]

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!

[AllThatJazzZ]

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. 

[AllThatJazzZ]

Why we love baseball....


(A Jomboy breakdown)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt-UpHI7mmE&t=9s

[Hoodat]

Jim Edmonds, 2004





Kevin Mitchell, 1989





Gary Matthews, Jr., 2006

[Hoodat]

Why we love baseball....

(A Jomboy breakdown)

Stealing home is the most awesome play of any sport.

[Gefn]

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/

[Gefn]

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.

[DCPatriot]

@DCPatriot


Pretty awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvKOCfyolBs

You're welcome. 

Thank you!  OMG!!  I luv ya!!   

[DCPatriot]

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??   

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. 

[Gefn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeni5vhobYw

[AllThatJazzZ]

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.

[AllThatJazzZ]

Sometimes there's just not enough racism to go around. That doesn't keep them from making up stuff.

[DCPatriot]

Sometimes there's just not enough racism to go around. That doesn't keep them from making up stuff.

@AllThatJazzZ
Agree.

Today, they announced Whitey Herzog's death at 92.  ESPN has a column title about "Whitey Ball".

It 'triggered' me!     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

[mountaineer]

I lived in St. Louis during the "Whitey ball" days. It wasn't a very widely used expression, but not entirely unfamiliar.

[catfish1957]

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

[DCPatriot]

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

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.

[mountaineer]

Whitey was a fan favorite in STL. He followed Red Schoendienst - two much beloved baseball guys.

[Polly Ticks]

Couldn't agree more.  It's the best reality show ever. I also like this one:

[AllThatJazzZ]

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.

[DCPatriot]

Confirmed: Baltimore Orioles Outfielder Already Deserves Catch Of The Year

Baltimore Orioles Taylor · April 17, 2024

VIDEO AT LINK:



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/

[DCPatriot]

"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

@Polly Ticks   @AllThatJazzZ

[Polly Ticks]

"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

@Polly Ticks   @AllThatJazzZ

@DCPatriot
I love that!  Thanks for the ping, baseball buddy!
 

[DCPatriot]

@DCPatriot
I love that!  Thanks for the ping, baseball buddy!
 

@Polly Ticks

    

[Hoodat]

Once again you gotta play the azzhole, don't you??   

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.

[catfish1957]

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.

[Hoodat]

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.

[DCPatriot]

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.

[DCPatriot]

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.

 

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.

[Bigun]

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

[Lando Lincoln]

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!