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,…
2020 Draft Prelude
As I am sure all baseball fans have learned, the MLB Draft will be limited to five rounds. I know 2D2 is in the process of preparing a more detail analysis, but I thought a little preliminary might be worthwhile. The draft will be remote, virtual, and will be held June 10-11. Round 1 and the Competitive Balance Round A (37 picks) will be held Wednesday, June 10. Rounds…
Dan Who?
Let’s face it, there has never been another Jackie Robinson and there never will be. However, there was another young man who broke the color barrier in major league baseball as a pitcher. Some time ago I heard a trivia question to which I knew the answer. The question was: “Who was the first black pitcher in major league baseball?” This has the makings of an Abbott and Costello skit….
Dodger Zoom Party – 05-18-20
I had the pleasure of participating in the Dodgers Monday, May 18, Zoom Party. To the best of my memory, the following is what transpired. Attendees (as pictured below): Joe Davis Alanna Rizzo Andre Ethier Austin Barnes JT Doc Alex Wood Clayton Kershaw David Price Cody Bellinger Dieter Ruhle for pre-Zoom and 7th inning stretch Later joined by Jo Koy (stand-up comic) – I have no idea who he is…
RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF BASEBALL
While battling with coronavirus fatigue as I navigate through the uncertainties in the legal world, I provide a short “Random Thoughts” post for your consideration: I will start by saying that I really hope that I’m wrong, but I do not believe there will be baseball this year. With guidelines for “opening up” society being such a moving target, I cannot envision any scenario whereby MLB and the Players Union…
West Division Starting Pitching
Earlier I listed the teams in each of their proposed divisions. At the time, it was anticipated that the Braves and Pirates would switch divisions, but otherwise the two West divisions, the two Central divisions, and the two East divisions would join together to form a single West, Central, and East division. The starting pitching in the West figures to range from terrific to bad to really bad. The Dodgers…