Random Baseball Posts

[CMRivdogs]

2 hours ago, 1776 said:

In that this is the Random Baseball Posts thread…

I know you’re also a baseball roadie so, 

We traversed to Spartanburg, SC this past weekend to see a game at the new ballpark there. They did an excellent job with the ballpark. There is a parking deck immediately beside the park for parking. I don’t know, when or if, I had ever been downtown Spartanburg. The area around the park is nice in that there are several eateries, coffee shops, bars, and an eat-in brewery. RJ Rockers is a local brewery there and I give it a 5 star. Being in S.C. I had to try the ‘Son of a Peach’ beer. The food is very good there. We were pleasantly surprised at how the area surrounding the ballpark was such an updated attraction for visitors to experience the entertainment & leisure vibes, nice. 

We stayed at the AC (Marriott) Hotel. This hotel is top shelf and one block from the park and immediately across the street from RJ Rockers. 

That’s my Readers Digest Review. 
 

 

Need to add that to my list if we ever get around to a baseball road-trip. We did spend an afternoon, night near Greenville several years ago when we were scouting retirement areas. Loved the river front. It was off-season (plus dog) but we did drive by Fluor Field. Nice replica of the Green Monster.

Hoping Richmond finally gets its stadium built in time for next season. Meanwhile they're building a casino next to the Norfolk park, making parking even more dicey there. (Once you survive the drive from the Pennisula) 

[1776]

2 hours ago, CMRivdogs said:

Need to add that to my list if we ever get around to a baseball road-trip. We did spend an afternoon, night near Greenville several years ago when we were scouting retirement areas. Loved the river front. It was off-season (plus dog) but we did drive by Fluor Field. Nice replica of the Green Monster.

Hoping Richmond finally gets its stadium built in time for next season. Meanwhile they're building a casino next to the Norfolk park, making parking even more dicey there. (Once you survive the drive from the Pennisula) 

Joe Jackson’s home was moved to within a very short walk to Fluor Field when the park in Greenville was built. Jackson was a native of the Greenville area (Brandon Mills). The house is a museum now. It’s worth a visit if you’re down that way again. We were there for a game in 2017 as I recall. Nice park.

The Salem Red Sox have announced that they are going to rebrand their team next year and that the purpose of the rebranding is to connect the teams’ identity to its geographical location in Virginia. Blue Ridge Mountains, etc. The details are yet to be announced. Yes, I know it’s all about merchandise sales but I’ll play along. Salem is the only affiliated park in the Old Dominion we haven’t attended. Planning to make that happen some time this season.

[CMRivdogs]

9 minutes ago, 1776 said:

Joe Jackson’s home was moved to within a very short walk to Fluor Field when the park in Greenville was built. Jackson was a native of the Greenville area (Brandon Mills). The house is a museum now. It’s worth a visit if you’re down that way again. We were there for a game in 2017 as I recall. Nice park.

The Salem Red Sox have announced that they are going to rebrand their team next year and that the purpose of the rebranding is to connect the teams’ identity to its geographical location in Virginia. Blue Ridge Mountains, etc. The details are yet to be announced. Yes, I know it’s all about merchandise sales but I’ll play along. Salem is the only affiliated park in the Old Dominion we haven’t attended. Planning to make that happen some time this season.

That makes sense, in the late 60s and 70s there was an Eastern League and later a North American League hockey team. They began play at the Salem Civic Center and moved to the Roanoke Civic Center near downtown Roanoke. It makes more sense to promote the region rather than one city. 
 

 

[chasfh]

Remember when major leaguers left their gloves on the field while they came up to bat? Neither do I. And neither do you unless you're at least 80, because the rule requiring players to bring their gloves off the field was adopted during the winter of 1953-54.

But, as with every rule change, there was vociferous opposition by the conservatives in the game. Well, going into 1954, those conservatives included the American League itself, which voted 7-1 to not require their teams to enforce the new rule.

They objected partially on the basis of it never hurt anyone before (dubious claim), but, also, on the basis that it would unnecessarily delay games. Why, just imagine a player stranded on second base with the third out. All he had to do is trot to his glove just a few feet away and he's ready to go. But noooo ... now he's got to trudge all the way back to the dugout to get his glove and then go back out to his position in the field. Can you imagine how much time that will take?? Why, ball games will balloon to three hours if we make players take their gloves into the dugouts with them!

[papalawrence]

Just heard this morning that Rickey Peters passed away in March. It's not updated on baseball reference but it is on Wikipedia. I remember him very well. Had a decent rookie season and I had hi hopes, and even traded for several of his rookie cards with my friends. Career BA .277 and OBP .356. Very light hitting and didn't last long. Not sure if injury played a role. Anyway, was sad to hear of his passing. Too young. RIP

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Peters

[Tiger337]

21 minutes ago, papalawrence said:

Just heard this morning that Rickey Peters passed away in March. It's not updated on baseball reference but it is on Wikipedia. I remember him very well. Had a decent rookie season and I had hi hopes, and even traded for several of his rookie cards with my friends. Career BA .277 and OBP .356. Very light hitting and didn't last long. Not sure if injury played a role. Anyway, was sad to hear of his passing. Too young. RIP

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Peters

I thought he was going to be a good lead off man for years  He was known as a hotdog and I read in The Spoting News that he wore sun glasses at night. I thought about him when that song came out later. He must have believed that his future was bright.  

[Arlington]

It's hilarious that they argued ML players might not remember to bring their gloves with them.  I'm sure a few forgot where put their gloves in the dugout or someone hid it on them. 

 

[papalawrence]

Jose Ramirez became the first 3rd baseman in MLB history to reach 250/250 hr/sb.

Only 2 others ever reached 200/200.

George Brett (reached 300/200)

And former Tigers Howard Johnson. I forgot that Ho Jo had a really nice career

https://www.facebook.com/share/15Uue9RaVF/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Edited May 8 by papalawrence

[papalawrence]

Always enjoy Vin Scully, and terrible Dodgers baseball is a bonus

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EXHU8tzoj/?mibextid=D5vuiz

[papalawrence]

RIP Diego Seguí. I may still have your Seattle Pilots baseball card somewhere. Had a nice career

[papalawrence]

Posting a plug for an ESPN e60 documentary on Jim Abbott and his no-hitter, called "Southpaw" that airs this Sunday at 9pm ET. From the trailer it looks inspirational.

New ESPN E60 Chronicles Jim Abbott, Yankees Pitcher Who Was Born Without a Right Hand and Threw Historic No-Hitter - ESPN Press Room U.S. https://share.google/jOmywxVJ018OVuqL5

[chasfh]

My first ever completed Immaculate Grid. It’s real, and it’s spectacular.

⚾️ Immaculate Grid 832 9/9:
Rarity: 9
IMMACULATE!
🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩
Play at:
https://immaculategrid.com/play

[Tiger337]

On 4/24/2025 at 3:30 PM, chasfh said:

Remember when major leaguers left their gloves on the field while they came up to bat? Neither do I. And neither do you unless you're at least 80, because the rule requiring players to bring their gloves off the field was adopted during the winter of 1953-54.

But, as with every rule change, there was vociferous opposition by the conservatives in the game. Well, going into 1954, those conservatives included the American League itself, which voted 7-1 to not require their teams to enforce the new rule.

They objected partially on the basis of it never hurt anyone before (dubious claim), but, also, on the basis that it would unnecessarily delay games. Why, just imagine a player stranded on second base with the third out. All he had to do is trot to his glove just a few feet away and he's ready to go. But noooo ... now he's got to trudge all the way back to the dugout to get his glove and then go back out to his position in the field. Can you imagine how much time that will take?? Why, ball games will balloon to three hours if we make players take their gloves into the dugouts with them!

That is a fun article, but it is not anywhere near equivalent to a swing-off.  It's more like not requiring four pitches for an intentional walk.  It's something that barely affect the game for fans watching.  

[Tigeraholic1]

Excited for this. Hosted by Huntington Place.

Edited August 2 by Tigeraholic1

[papalawrence]

12 hours ago, Tigeraholic1 said:

Excited for this. Hosted by Huntington Place.

That's cool - I'll be attending

[IdahoBert]

On 4/24/2025 at 1:30 PM, chasfh said:

Remember when major leaguers left their gloves on the field while they came up to bat? Neither do I. And neither do you unless you're at least 80, because the rule requiring players to bring their gloves off the field was adopted during the winter of 1953-54.

But, as with every rule change, there was vociferous opposition by the conservatives in the game. Well, going into 1954, those conservatives included the American League itself, which voted 7-1 to not require their teams to enforce the new rule.

They objected partially on the basis of it never hurt anyone before (dubious claim), but, also, on the basis that it would unnecessarily delay games. Why, just imagine a player stranded on second base with the third out. All he had to do is trot to his glove just a few feet away and he's ready to go. But noooo ... now he's got to trudge all the way back to the dugout to get his glove and then go back out to his position in the field. Can you imagine how much time that will take?? Why, ball games will balloon to three hours if we make players take their gloves into the dugouts with them!

I had no idea that this was an issue. It’s amazing how little it took to stir people into a moral panic over something this minor although I guess it was any change from the past and enough to “raise people’s dander.” 

[Sports_Freak]

Time for a reminder of a 2nd baseman who belongs in the Hall of Fame;

 

 

[papalawrence]

Mickey Mantle on HR 535 and Denny McLain

 

 

[1776]

The Mantle-McLain story is so cool. Can you imagine something like that today!

Good times. 

[CMRivdogs]

Did anybody see this ruling the othe night. Seattle wins in part because KC's second baseman had his heels on the outfield grass when he fielded a ground ball. 
 

https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-royals-shift-violation-challenge

[Tiger337]

On 9/19/2025 at 7:40 PM, 1776 said:

The Mantle-McLain story is so cool. Can you imagine something like that today!

Good times. 

Actually I can...

[papalawrence]

Excellent video about Fidrych by writer Jeff Pearlman 

 

[Biff Mayhem]

14 hours ago, papalawrence said:

Excellent video about Fidrych by writer Jeff Pearlman 

 

I wish he would have shown the footage of him at the last game at Tiger Stadium. The crowd roared for him and rightfully so. 
 

My only cherished item in this world is the baseball he autographed for me. I could lose all my earthly possessions but that is the only thing that would make me truly sad if I no longer had it. I can replace anything else I own but that ball is a one-of-a-kind and it cannot ever be replaced. 

[lordstanley]

19 minutes ago, Biff Mayhem said:

I wish he would have shown the footage of him at the last game at Tiger Stadium. The crowd roared for him and rightfully so. 
 

My only cherished item in this world is the baseball he autographed for me. I could lose all my earthly possessions but that is the only thing that would make me truly sad if I no longer had it. I can replace anything else I own but that ball is a one-of-a-kind and it cannot ever be replaced. 

I thought I knew everything about the Fidrych '76 season but Pearlman pointed out a couple of big things I missed. I didn't realize he had made a 1-inning appearance in relief against Baltimore before his first start vs. Cleveland. I didn't realize he had drawn 36k vs the Angels prior to the famous Monday night game. I got emotional watching that video. I have said it on this board before but I'll say it again: June 28, 1976 was hands-down the most memorable day of my childhood and if a time machine could bring me back to one moment in time that would be it.  Last day of 3rd grade was the Friday before. I was turning 9 two days later.  We held my birthday party in the lower deck in left field at that Yankees-Tigers televised game. Brought a few friends, one with whom I remain close friends to this day, gradually drifted apart from the other two but still remember them well. A few close family members came along, a couple who are still alive and important in my life today, a couple who have since passed away. Whenever I see the replay of that game and whenever they pan to the crowd, I keep hoping that I'll spot our group on camera even though I've seen the footage multiple times. I'll never forget the curtain call moment, because those were rare back then and we didn't even know for sure whether Fidrych was hearing about the cheers and would come back out - the moment he popped back was honestly as exciting to me as the final out of the '84 Series. 

[papalawrence]

1 hour ago, lordstanley said:

I thought I knew everything about the Fidrych '76 season but Pearlman pointed out a couple of big things I missed. I didn't realize he had made a 1-inning appearance in relief against Baltimore before his first start vs. Cleveland. I didn't realize he had drawn 36k vs the Angels prior to the famous Monday night game. I got emotional watching that video. I have said it on this board before but I'll say it again: June 28, 1976 was hands-down the most memorable day of my childhood and if a time machine could bring me back to one moment in time that would be it.  Last day of 3rd grade was the Friday before. I was turning 9 two days later.  We held my birthday party in the lower deck in left field at that Yankees-Tigers televised game. Brought a few friends, one with whom I remain close friends to this day, gradually drifted apart from the other two but still remember them well. A few close family members came along, a couple who are still alive and important in my life today, a couple who have since passed away. Whenever I see the replay of that game and whenever they pan to the crowd, I keep hoping that I'll spot our group on camera even though I've seen the footage multiple times. I'll never forget the curtain call moment, because those were rare back then and we didn't even know for sure whether Fidrych was hearing about the cheers and would come back out - the moment he popped back was honestly as exciting to me as the final out of the '84 Series. 

I wasn't aware that he pitched 11-inning complete games in consecutive starts. All of those complete games likely made him vulnerable to injury