December 2013 – Page 2 – Archived Innings

Quote of the day

December 13, 2013

And if I have my choice between a pennant and a triple crown, I’ll take the pennant every time.

~Carl Yastrzemski

This day in baseball: Ground rule double

December 12, 2013

On December 12, 1930, the National League decided that a ball that bounces over the fence and into the stands would no longer be considered a home run, but a ground rule double. The American League had already adopted this rule prior to the 1930 season. Before this rule was in place, all batted balls that cleared the fence after bouncing in fair territory or on a fly counted as home runs.

baseballs

Liriano’s Web Gem repeat

December 11, 2013

What’s more impressive than making a behind-the-back, between-the-legs defensive play? Doing it twice. Francisco Liriano has done it: once with the White Sox in 2012, and again in 2013 while pitching for the Pirates. Watch and be amazed….

This day in baseball: Farewell to the spitter

December 10, 2013

In 1919, the National League approved the banning of the spitball. The initiative, led by Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss, included a grandfather clause, which allowed current spitballers to continue throwing the pitch. The following year, the American League followed suit and adopted the rule as well.

Quote of the day

December 6, 2013

There have been only two authentic geniuses in the world, Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare.

~Tallulah Bankhead

Charlie Brown’s easy fly ball

December 5, 2013

If you’ve ever played ball yourself, you’ve probably had this experience at some point or other. Or, at least, I know I certainly have.

“Offseason Blues,” by Steve Pellikaan

December 4, 2013

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m already looking forward to Spring Training. In recognition of the dreariness we’re all feeling, Steve Pellikaan wrote the following poem about a fan’s offseason feelings of emptiness, published by the Baseball Almanac in 2003.

It’s cold outside. The wind is harsh.
There’s snow upon the ground.
You put on your coat, your gloves, your hat,
And go toss the football around.

It’s just not the same, though. The session is brief.
In no time, you’ve gone back inside.
You turn on the TV, or get on the net,
In search of any news they can provide.

You look at the calendar and shake your head.
The time is surely not short.
You count up the months, the days, the hours,
Until pitchers and catchers report.

You dream of Spring with the grass so green,
And the temperature on the rise,
When the fortunate few get together again,
To seek that ultimate prize.

The holidays come and go. Your family takes pride,
In the dinners over which they strove.
While the turkey is cooking, a smile hits your face.
You’re reminded of another “hot stove”.

The talk of free agents and trades being made
Gives you hope for the upcoming year.
You dream of the slugger, the pitcher, the coach
That this year you’ll get to cheer.

So, during this winter, when you’re thinking of baseball,
And it makes you want to groan.
Cheer up. Fans like us can take solace
In knowing we aren’t alone.