From the time they are “knee-high to a grasshopper”, young boys start day-dreaming about hitting that dramatic walk-off homer to win the game, playoffs or, even better yet, the World Series. If it isn’t the a homerun, it’s a Doug Flutie “Hail Mary” type pass to win the game in the last seconds, or hitting nothing but net from half-court as time runs out. We love the thought of being…
Let There Be Baseball
In direct response to KP, dodgerrick, and others who have emailed me, you are correct that this is a baseball blog…specifically a Dodger baseball blog. I try very hard to keep it topical, but let’s face it, there is not much baseball going on, and news from LAD is even more sparse. I try to hold posts open for two to three days, but when I see the discussion move…
JUST SITTING HERE A’ WONDERING
I’m not particularly a Ron White fan, but over the last few days, I have found myself thinking of his “You Can’t fix Stupid” comedy routine. Not sure why, but it always seemed to come to mind when thinking about the current negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA. They just can’t seem to help themselves Since the beginning of March our world has turned on its axis in ways that…
Luis Who?
A while back I had posted a column on Dan Bankhead, the first African-American pitcher in MLB. I knew the answer to that trivia question. To this one I did not know the answer. Namely, who was the first Puerto Rican player to play at the MLB level with the Dodgers? He was not the first to play MLB coming in second but was the first position player from Puerto…
AC Editorial – Owners vs MLBPA Tug of War
While I absolutely disagree with Mark’s point that the Owner’s caved, I still do not know whether we are closer to MLB or not. The sides are still too far apart with a very short period of time to close the gap. But in my opinion, the Owner’s did not cave, but launched a surgical strike right at the Players. I am disgusted how the two leaders are acting like…
THE PAIN OF THE MIKE PIAZZA TRADE
May 14, 1998 started as a very special day in my household. It was my oldest son’s 18th birthday. We had some special plans to celebrate his birthday, once he finished with his school day. The big news of the day was that Frank Sinatra had died. Sad news certainly, but not anything that affected our family in any significant way. That afternoon, by the time I went to my…
It’s Getting A Little Drafty
Every year I get excited about the MLB baseball draft. The selection of young players is akin to bringing home a new puppy from the shelter. You’re never quite sure what you’re getting. You may have that special family pet that for years to come, or you may have a yapping dog that, no mater how much training you provide, never stops peeing on the carpet. In addition, I have…
Cape Cod Baseball League
A long time ago when the earth was young – well maybe not that long ago – I visited the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts. It was almost 45 years ago and it was a whirlwind visit as a day trip from East Bridgewater, a small community about 30 miles south of Boston. My wife and I were visiting relatives in the East Bridgewater area and they took us on…
Things That Make You Go Hmmm
Monday was a bittersweet day for me. On the positive side, it was my wife’s and my 46th wedding anniversary. It also marked the 16th anniversary of Andy’s MLB debut. However, it also marked our first anniversary without our son Kris. Kris was a nomad, but no matter wherever he was, he would ALWAYS call his mother on May 25 and wish her a Happy Anniversary. Never failed. I have…
WILLIE DAVIS – THE 3-DOG!
In 1961, 21 year old local boy, Willie Davis became the Dodger’s starting center fielder. He was to become the replacement for the great Duke Snider, beating out among others the legendary Don Demeter :-). I was 10 years old at the time. Being the gawky string bean kid that I was, I had no real idea of the concept of “cool.” Even though I didn’t know what “cool” was,…