Got a gift from a friend, a book called, “The Baseball Hall of Shame.” There are some very amusing stories in it pertaining to major league baseball. Some involve some of the better players who ever played the game. And some involve guys you might never have heard of. So here are a few just for laughs.
On April 6th, 1940, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., President Franklin Roosevelt was in attendance for opening day. And like five of his predecessors, FDR was set to throw out the first ball. The tradition had started in 1910 when home plate umpire, Billy Evans, walked over to the president’s box and on the spur of the moment, handed the ball to President William Howard Taft, and asked if he would like to throw out the first ball. He said yes, and the tradition was born.
Like all of the previous five, FDR was right-handed. Unlike the previous five, FDR uncorked one of the worst first-ball throws in history. With the Senators and Red Sox lined up near the president, he uncorked a throw that smashed into the Washington Post’s photographer, Irving Schlossberg’s camera, and broke it. In his letter of apology to Schlossberg, FDR joked that he declined to pay the damages because Schlossberg had taken such poor photos while covering the White House.
Kevin Millar, who now works for the MLB Network, has always been sort of a character. In 2002, Millar was a member of the Florida Marlins. Hoping to get an edge on opening day in Montreal, Millar put deer urine on his bat.
Millar, who was born in Los Angeles, had moved to Texas. One time his Texas buddies and he went hunting. His friends told him to put deer urine on to attract the bucks. Not knowing that he was just supposed to put a couple of drops on his shoes, he put it all over himself like one would cologne. His hunting friends laughed quite loudly.
” I realized I was not cut out to be much of a hunter.” he said. “If I killed a deer, I would probably be down on the ground apologizing.” Figuring that if the urine could attract deer, it might attract hits, he decided to try it on opening day in Montreal in 2002. Now, just how he managed to get the urine through customs and airport security has never been explained.
So, he put the urine on his bat, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, it did not work; he went 0-3 with a strikeout in a 7-6 Marlins loss. He told reporters after the game that he might have put too much pee on the bat because the odor got to him during the game. He also said that it soaked into his batting gloves and made his hands smell. ” When I wiped my eyes, it smelled so bad, yeah, I put too much on.”
Not necessarily a blooper, but definitely a bad idea, was Bill Veeck’s wacky idea for a Sox uniform with Bermuda shorts. Veeck even designed the uni. In the summer of 1976, Veeck introduced Bermuda shorts to the major leagues. The uniforms had Navy blue shorts, white shirts with wide collars, and blue lettering to show our wares. All it ended up showing was a lot of knobby knees and red faces.
Before they debuted, a reporter went around asking the players what they thought of their new threads. Reactions were mixed. Some liked the idea, others hated it. Ken Brett, a pitcher who would spend some time with the Dodgers said, ” I’ll wear them, but I am not leaving the dugout.” Fellow hurler, Dave Hamilton saw the good and the bad, ” I don’t think I will look good in them, I have bird legs, but maybe when the batters see me, they will get distracted.”
In the first game of a doubleheader with the Kansas City Royals, the Sox took the field in their new togs. They would win the game, 5-2, but most thought it was because the Royals were bowled over laughing. Insults were flying that day. ” You guys are the sweetest team we have seen yet!” said John Mayberry. He also yelled at Ralph Garr, the Sox speedy outfielder, “Hey Ralph, if you get to first, I am going to kiss you.” He didn’t keep his word. Between games, the players ripped of their uniforms and put on long pants. Manager Paul Richards said, “It was getting to cold to wear shorts.” Most believe it was the players were not happy being humiliated.
Lee Lacy, the former Dodger, and Ronny Cedeno, who played for the Cubs, both share a dubious distinction, they were both called out at second, on walks. In 2007, Cedeno was a pinch runner representing the tying run in the 9th inning with one out and the visiting Cardinals in front, 2-1. With a 3-2 count on the batter, Jacque Jones, Cedeno took off. Because he was running so hard, he slid past the base. SS David Eckstein took the throw from Molina and tagged Cedeno out.
Cedeno claimed that the ball was dead because it was a walk. But Cardinal manager, Tony LaRussa, knew better and so did crew chief, Larry Young. “The runner is entitled to second base on the walk, but that is it. If he is off the base, he is fair game.”
28 years earlier, Lacy committed the same mistake because he did not keep his eyes and ears open. Playing the Reds, it was the fourth inning, and the Reds were leading 4-3, but the Pirates were threatening with Lacy on first and Phil Garner on third. There were 2 outs, and Omar Moreno was at the plate with a 3-1 count.
When Fred Norman delivered the next pitch, Lacy took off for second in an attempted steal. Johnny Bench instinctively fired the ball to SS, Dave Conception and umpire Dick Stello called Lacy out. But Dave Pallone, the plate umpire had called the pitch a ball. Instead of checking to see the home plate umps call, Lacy left 2nd and began trotting off of the field. Moreno was still standing at the plate.
When Lacy realized he had walked, he began to scramble back to second, but Conception tagged him and Stello called him out again. The play triggered one of baseball’s longest arguments in decades, 34 minutes. Tanner, the Pirates manager and Lacy claimed that Stello misled the runner when he called him out. The umps ruled that Lacy was originally safe when he got to second, but when he vacated the base, he was fair game.
My last blooper also features a former Dodger, Tommy John. John was pitching for the Yankees against the Brewers in May of 78. John’s control that day was masterful, but in the 4th inning, he fell apart like a cheap toy and tied a record that had stood for 90 years.
With 1 out in the top of the 4th, and the Yankees leading, 4-0, John walked Jim Gantner. The next batter, Jeffery Leonard, hit a little dribbler back to the mound that should have been a routine out, but John bobbled the ball for an error.
Gantner had already reached second, and Leonard first, when John, known for his pinpoint control, fired the ball past Mattingly down the right field line. Gantner rounded third and headed for home, with Leonard going to second.
Right fielder, Dave Winfield retrieved the ball and was in line to gun down Gantner at the plate, but John unthinkingly cut off the play, he then guaranteed his place in history by wheeling and firing a perfect strike……..into the Brewers dugout. Gantner had scored, and Leonard, who was on third, was waved home by the umpire for the second run.
The embarrassed pitcher, who had gone to cover home plate after his third error, muttered to home plate umpire, Rick Reed, “I think I just lost a Gold Glove on that play.” Truer words were never spoken. I hope you guys enjoy these stories. They show that even the greatest can make mistakes. Babe Ruth was once thrown out trying to steal second in the World Series. The bad news was that it was the last out of the series, and the Yankees lost.
Where have I seen this before?
Pray, tell!@
Don’t know. Did you read the book?????
I continue to think there’s little chance Tucker comes to the Dodgers.
It is somewhat concerning that the Cubs didn’t think twice about letting him leave after trading captital to get him.
And I’m not sure Tucker’s that good (to justify the money) He put up ~4.t WAR. Pages put up 80% if not more of that.
And Tucker at 50mm outstrips even Ohtani in AAV.
Just makes no sense.
Yes, the Cubs didn’t show much interest in keeping him… Not a good sign.
In semi-related news, Buxton has joined Team USA for the WBC, so he must be healthy. I still like the idea of a blockbuster to form the Teo-Buxton-Pages OF.
Wild article that Skubal wants $39M in arbitration while Detroit is offering $19M. Pundits are saying Detroit would be better off trading him before the arbitration hearing and save the $39M if they lose since they probably can’t afford him next year in free agency. Dodgers were mentioned as the leader in a possible trade since we have the money to pay him. Detroit’s other option was to keep him this year and wear him out before they let him go. Would he be worth trading for and who?
Skubal is unquestionably the best pitcher in baseball, and an arbitrator is going to be hard-pressed to justify $19 Million. My money is on the Tigers losing.
I think it’s a $13 million gap, with Skubal seeking $32 and Detroit offering $19 million….
The offer starts with Sheehan ….
Yes, that is correct.
The gap is $13 Mil.
Sheehan would have to be in it, and I think Detroit would want Sasaki, too.
If Detroit sells him before the arbitration hearing, he would be a one year rental for 32M. That has to cut the asking price big time even for the best pitcher in ⚾.
His figure was 32 mil, not 39. They are 13 million apart.
The official PECOTA win total projections for the 2026 MLB season have been released by Baseball Prospectus. The Los Angeles Dodgers have the highest projected win total, with an average of 99.0 wins, while the Colorado Rockies have the lowest.
2026 PECOTA MLB Win Total Projections
Team Projected Wins
Los Angeles Dodgers 99.0
Atlanta Braves 92.5
Seattle Mariners 90.1
Toronto Blue Jays 89.9
Philadelphia Phillies 89.6
New York Yankees 89.5
New York Mets 89.1
Chicago Cubs 87.4
Boston Red Sox 86.9
Detroit Tigers 86.2
Houston Astros 86.2
Milwaukee Brewers 85.9
Baltimore Orioles 85.6
San Diego Padres 85.2
Kansas City Royals 85.0
Texas Rangers 82.7
Arizona Diamondbacks 81.5
San Francisco Giants 80.4
Minnesota Twins 80.3
Cincinnati Reds 79.2
Cleveland Guardians 78.1
Miami Marlins 76.5
Athletics 75.5
Pittsburgh Pirates 74.5
St. Louis Cardinals 73.5
Los Angeles Angels 71.5
Washington Nationals 69.5
Chicago White Sox 63.5
Colorado Rockies 54.5
This is today’s projections assuming NO further trades or signings.
Wouldn’t a trade for skubal include the ability to sign him to a contract extension ? No way the Dodgers give up Sasaki and Sheehan for one year of skubal!
Mets ain’t getting Tucker for 3 years! Dodgers will match and beat that. Maybe 6 at 240 with an opt out after 3? Probably ends up in Toronto .
Arenado. Finally out of St. Louis. Maybe a resurgence for one of the best infielders we’ve ever seen. No pressure to carry the lineup, just play some good defense. He’ll be fine.
San Francisco is really making an effort to get good! A trade for Hoerner or Donovan and they are relevant in the west. San Diego? Not sure what the heck they are doing. Arizona will score! Their pitching has questions. Colorado?? Nuff said.
Really looking forward to Monday night! Can’t wait to see what diabolical game plan Cignetti designs! My prediction? Indiana 38- Miami 23!!
LA doesn’t need Skubal, if Detroit trades him at all, it will be at the deadline when they can have a spirited bidding for his services. Tucker was offered a long-term deal by the Jays who are loading up on talent. They want to win the World Series. No way the Dodgers match 3/150. Tucker is not a 50 million dollar a year talent. Arenado will see his numbers get better. His defense has not suffered as much as his offense as he has aged. He has hit .280 at Chase Field in his career.
We don’t need Skubal and his huge salary or any other pitcher right now. If the Dodgers due nothing further this off season, we will win the NL West by ten games or more. Bet on it!
You can bet on it!
Go to a prediction market!
Love your optimism AVF! But reality is this. The offense was very stagnant for periods of time last season. There were some big moments in the playoffs, but for the most part, hitters struggled. Some new “blood “ in the lineup would surely be an improvement. Look for Teo to bounce back from a subpar season. Lame for Mookie. We really don’t know what to expect from Pages, although he probably has a good year. So whether it’s Tucker,Bichette, Donovan, Hoerner, or someone else, help is needed in the lineup because the bench may be a little weak.
I agree Bear , the Dodgers don’t need Skubal. But it is an intriguing possibility! But I disagree with your assessment that he would be traded at the deadline. I don’t see any team giving up what it would take to get him. Especially without a contract extension. Besides, tiger fans will revolt if they trade him during a playoff run! I guess i(we) get all excited for trades and signing! We’ll probably be disappointed in the end. Dodgers probably won’t make a big splash. How do I know that? Well I did stay at a holiday inn last night!
You could be right, but bigger stars have been moved at the deadline to teams in the hunt. Tigers’ rotation does not scare many. I don’t see LA in that kind of a need. Neither do I see them dropping a ton of money on Tucker. Especially not at 50 million a year. Bichette might be a much better option, then you have some trade candidates in Kim and Freeland, because he would for sure play second. I don’t see Donovan or Hoerner as major upgrades anywhere on the diamond.
Remember we blew 27 saves last year and with Edwin Diaz and because relievers are better positioned in roles where they belong this year, that won’t happen again, Also our overall pitching staff is second to none in MLB with Ryan and Stone as depth pieces. Also AF has upcoming outfielders who one or two might be ready this year, we have lots of cash to work with ownership’s blessing, and ownership’s commitment to Ohtoni to put a championship team on the field each year. Remember the NL West is weak with flaws on every single team. It’ s a long way to October when the tournament starts and you can be assured the roster you see on Opening Day will NOT be the roster that starts the playoffs.Bet it!
27 blown saves…. and not all by Tanner Scott.
The Dodgers’ rotation and bullpen re in much better shape now than then…. and not just because of Edwin Diaz.
Red Sox signing Ranger Suarez…..5/130. Need to make a roster move.
Glad he’s going to the American League. The American league East is shaping up to be quite competitive.
Just think about it . Bear, you said that the tiger’s rotation doesn’t scare anybody not including Skubal. What if they acquired Sheehan and either stone or Ryan? Then things look a little different. I’m not saying they should trade for Skubal, just what if. I’m not sure , but I don’t believe Skubal has gone under the knife. There’s that risk too. 2 damn good starters for one elite? The tigers would be a little crazy not to do it. Probably would get an outfielder too. From the Dodgers side of it, it’s a big risk. 2 starts into the season and he gets injured. I don’t believe any team other than the Dodgers can offer a package like the Dodgers have. Glasnow, Ohtani, snell, Skubal, Yamamoto, sasaki? That’s amazing! But unlikely.
He’s had flexor tendon surgery in 2022.
He also had TJ surgery in 2017 while in college.
I’d be happy to offer Bobby Miller and Landon Knack, but that’s it.
He’s a calamity waiting to happen.
Please be realistic. Sheehan has pitched in 28 games in his career. He has talent, but he doesn’t scare anyone either. Ryan? He has pitched 25 innings of major league baseball, then his arm went. He could end up being a major force, but this season after missing more than a year. Stone has 25 games under his belt, and he also has missed a year. Sorry, although all three of those guys have talent, at this point in their careers, they are not difference makers. Outside of Mize and Skubal, the Tiger starting staff is not scary. Their biggest plus is the fact that all of them, including Flaherty, are under 30. But even Flaherty had a sub .500 record.
Cactus League
Pitchers & catchers first workout | Full squad first workout
AZ: Tues., Feb. 10 | Sun., Feb. 15
ATH: Wed., Feb. 11 | Mon., Feb. 16
CHC: Wed., Feb. 11 | Mon., Feb. 16
CWS: Tues., Feb. 10 | Sun., Feb. 15
CIN: Wed., Feb. 11 | Mon., Feb. 16
CLE: Thurs., Feb. 12 | Tues., Feb. 17
COL: Thurs., Feb. 12 | Tues., Feb. 17
KC: Wed., Feb. 11 | Mon., Feb. 16
LAD: Fri., Feb. 13 | Tues., Feb. 17
LAA: Wed., Feb. 11 | Mon., Feb. 16
MIL: Thurs., Feb. 12 | Tues., Feb. 17
SD: Wed., Feb. 11 | Sun., Feb. 15
SF: Tues., Feb. 10 | Sun., Feb. 15
SEA: Thurs., Feb. 12 | Tues., Feb. 17
TEX: Tues., Feb. 10 | Sun., Feb. 15
Could that roster move involve Duran?
Craig Breslow said on 1/10 that the Sox weren’t planning to trade any of their OF. I guess you never know, but after adding an SP to go with Crochet, Sonny Gray, Suarez, Bello, and their kids, they don’t need to trade for a SP. They do need an INF but the Dodgers don’t have one to trade.
I listened to Craig Counsel rave about what a great player Tucker is and how he is an even better person.
Anything can happen right about now:
Donovan
Hoerner
Duran
Abreu
Tucker
… and 40 others.
I am not a fan of signing Skubal long-term.
I would be ok trading Glasnow for Skubal straight up. Tigers get 3-years of control for 1-year of Skubal.
I was ecstatic when the Dodgers landed Glasnow, but he has become a weak link in our rotation due to his inability to stay on the field. Snell is another one who seems to spend a lot time in the IL. Both are bound to become a greater liabilities as they age.
Trading Glasnow would allow the Dodgers to purge themselves of his contract. In terms of Skubal, I would allow him to leave as a free agent after the Dodgers secure a “three-peat.” The Dodgers could then give the 5th spot in the rotation to a cheaper and more reliable (health wise) youngster in 2027.
Not a bad plan.
It was reported that Friedman told Glasnow to his face he wouldn’t be traded. That would make him a liar.
Friedman is boxing out near the backboard.
Friedman has a vicious post-up game!
Boxing out is a defensive tactic and the team needs offense
Good defense leads to easy buckets on offense 😉
Good defense allows wins with fewer points.
That’s why I covet PCA
As a basketball player who averaged 17.1 points and 17.7 rebounds per game in high school, I would argue that a rebound can be offensive, but most importantly, it is not a dope-fiend move.
BTW, my high point game was 21. I was proud that I was consistent. You could count on me for 17 and 17. I was never the star! But I was always a factor.
Did they have lights in the gym when you went to high school?
And back in those days, 17 and 17 would be a star, even if not best on team, that’s star material numbers.
We used candles, and I was not a star. 😉
Most of my points were offensive rebounds. I was never a shooter… but I scored on my own putbacks.
2026 Dodgers International Signings as of 8AM ET
Rubel Arias, OF, Dominican Republic
Ezequiel Melbourne, SS, Dominican Republic
Ariel Reynoso, SS, Dominican Republic
Jose Victorino, SS, Dominican Republic
Tom Apfelbaum, LHP, Germany
Miguel Herrera, LHP, Venezuela
Jose Requena, OF, Venezuela
Melbourne getting hype
Ezequiel Melbourne
AGE
16
BATS
S
DOB
06/02/2009
THROWS
R
HT
6′ 3″
WT
175
Video scouting report »
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
More than 3,000 players born in Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, have gone on to suit up for big league organizations. Melbourne is next up among that group and will play the start of his first professional campaign at just 16 years old, giving him a long runway of development. The switch-hitting shortstop has the type of excellent physical projection that evaluators dream of at the position and he trains at the renowned Jaime Ramos Academy, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, as part of their stacked 2026 international class.
Melbourne displays an equally proficient smooth swing from both the left-handed and right-handed side. He displays great balance in his hips and upper body and focuses on line drives, which allows him to consistently produce hard contact. While he does occasionally get to some power during in-game action, he’s largely a selective hitter who rarely chases. Evaluators believe there should be even more extra-base pop in the tank as he continues to add weight to his lean-bodied frame.
Those loose limbs work in Melbourne’s favor on the infield dirt as he features a quick first step. He showcases smooth actions with the glove and is comfortable going to his back hand, all while following it up with a solid throwing arm. His long legs allow him to cover ground on the basepaths and he could tap into some genuine stolen-base prowess as he continues to hone that aspect of his game in the pro ranks.
Melbourne signed for $750,000
Rubel Arias, OF, Dominican Republic: Signed for $1 million. Described as a smart, high-IQ player with good feel for hitting, potential for future power, and the instincts to play center field.
Tom Apfelbaum, LHP, Germany: A 6-foot-4 left-hander who has seen his fastball velocity rise to the low-90s, with a promising changeup.
Miguel Herrera, LHP, Venezuela: A left-hander with good pitchability, an advanced changeup, and the potential to be a starter.
Jose Requena, OF, Venezuela: A strong corner outfielder with raw power and a plus arm.
Per Badler:
San Diego Padres sign shortstop Joniel Hernandez, one of the top 2026 players from Cuba.
The San Francisco Giants sign Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez for $5 million. The top bonus in the 2026 international class.
Tucker decision could come today. Read that if the Dodgers lose out on Tucker , they could revisit talks with the guardians about Kwan. Nice fallback plan. But. He’s a left fielder and that would mean Teo stays in the right. Not the best defensive option. It seems they do plan on acquiring an outfielder. Who that is? Sit back and wait!
Per Heyman:
Folks involved say a deal for No. 1 free agent Kyle Tucker could come as soon as today. Ex teammates guess he’d prefer Toronto over an even bigger market (and like spring near Tampa). Mets offered $50M-a-year deal. Dodgers are used to winning. Anyone else is a major upset.
It makes sense for the Dodgers to slow play Ohtani as far as pitching early in the season. Could be said for Snell and Glasnow. The Dodgers depth allows the Dodgers to put out a first rate pitcher choosing from eight to nine starters. Just a thought.
I believe the Dodgers sign Bichette if Toronto signs Tucker. Just my opinion.
Think id pass on Bichette….
Dodgers Updated International Signings 2PM ET
Rubel Arias, OF, Dominican Republic ($1 million)
Ezequiel Melbourne, SS, Dominican Republic ($750,000)
Ariel Reynoso, SS, Dominican Republic
Jose Victorino, SS, Dominican Republic
Tom Apfelbaum, LHP, Germany
Miguel Herrera, LHP, Venezuela
Jose Requena, OF, Venezuela
Luis Ricart, RHP, Dominican Republic
Oliver Chapman, C, Dominican Republic
José Victorino, IF, Dominican Republic
I read the article on Melbourne, a 6’3″ switchie SS who looks impressive. I love following the youth through the steps. I see a catcher got picked. We need a few
He’s not done yet. Clayton Kershaw, three-time World Series champ, 11-time All-Star, three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, and 2014 NL MVP will suit up one last time for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic!
Lets all wish the Rams good luck in Chicago on Sunday!!!
Beat the Cubby Bears!!!
Rams defense has to show up. What’s the weather in Chicago Sunday?
Cold….
Maybe they will have moved to Tropical Northern Indiana by then.
We call that “The Region.”
Just for giggles, I asked ChatGPT what Cleveland would want for Kwan. Here’s their answer:
What a realistic framework looks like
Dodgers receive
Steven Kwan
Guardians receive
Andy Pages
Dalton Rushing
Mid-level arm (Landon Knack-type)
Kershaw to play in the WBC.
Well I don’t think that trade will happen!
It better not!
Baseball America on the Dodgers’ INTL signings ($$$$)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/los-angeles-dodgers-2026-international-class-scouting-report/
Dominican outfielder Rubel Arias,.. Scouts highest on Arias praised his feel for hitting, as well—some scouts think it will be a hit-over-power profile
Dominican shortstop Ezequiel Melbourne, signing for $750,000, jumps out quickly for his actions at shortstop. Young for the class—Melbourne turns 17 on June 2—he’s a switch-hitter with a slender 6-foot-2 frame…
Dominican shortstop Ariel Reynoso is an offensive-minded middle infielder with a strong, thicker 5-foot-10 build. He shows a good balance of both hitting ability and extra-base impact from both sides of the plate. ..
Another shortstop from the Dominican Republic, Jose Victorino, has grown several inches throughout the scouting process and is now 6-foot-3 with longer limbs and a chance to hit for power from the right side of the plate with physical upside for that power to jump more once he fills out his rangy build….
One of the up-arrow players for the Dodgers in this class is Tom Apfelbaum, a 17-year-old lefthander from Germany. Apfelbaum, who pitched for Germany in the U-18 World Cup last year, is 6-foot-4, 190 pounds and has seen his fastball steadily rise over the last few years to now sit in the low-90s and touch 94 mph…
Another lefty, Miguel Herrera from Venezuela, is 6-foot-1 with good pitchability for his age. He’s up to 91 mph, throws an advanced changeup for his age…
Jose Requena is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, a strong corner outfielder from Venezuela with a power-over-hit offensive game from the right side of the plate. Raw power and a plus arm …
Josh Thomas @DodgersDigest has his own look:
https://dodgersdigest.com/2026/01/15/rubel-arias-ezequiel-melburne-highlight-dodgers-2026-ifa-signings/
Arias, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, is the class headliner,…
Melburne (whose name also appears as Melbourne in places, but I’m using the spelling from MLB Pipeline) signed for $747,500. … though he shows pop that is at least a full grade better from the right side than the left:
Apfelbaum (whose surname means apple tree in German) is a tall and lanky lad at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds…. began receiving more widespread notice last April, as he traveled to the Dominican Republic