I used to get made fun of in the minor leagues. I’d be 0 for 2, and then in my last at-bat I’d hit a chopper that wouldn’t even reach the shortstop, and I’d get a hit out of it. The guys would be all over me, but a hit’s a hit. I’ll take 3,000 of ’em.
~Mike Trout
A friend shared this video with me, and I had to share for anyone else who has not seen this before. In a game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons on July 3, 2001, Pawtucket outfielder Izzy Alcántara was brushed back a couple of times by pitcher pitcher Blas Cedeño. Deciding he’d had enough, Alcántara abruptly karate-kicked catcher Jeremy Salazar before proceeding to the mound to throw an unsuccessful punch at Cedeño. The incident ignited a brawl between the two teams. Alcántara was suspended for six games and lost his spot on the International League’s All Star squad as a result of the incident.
Happy Father’s Day to all the baseball dads: the players, the coaches, the fans, and those who support all the above.
I hope everyone has a restful Memorial Day and experiences a moment to remember those who gave their lives for freedom.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms of the world! Thank you for your support of the world’s baseball players and, of course, its baseball fans!
It is officially spring and Major League Baseball is back!
Please stay safe, however you choose to celebrate.
Following a third infraction for cocaine use, on February 28, 2000, Commissioner Bud Selig suspended Yankees outfielder Darryl Strawberry for one year. In a statement, Selig said, “In the end, I could not ignore Darryl’s past infractions and concluded that each of us must be held accountable for his or her actions. I am hopeful that he will use this time away from the game productively and will care for himself and his family.” Selig did not make any provision for the slugger to return early for good behavior.
Spring training workouts have begun and the World Baseball Classic quickly approaches… baseball is back!
This is a couple of days late, but congratulations to Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones on their election to the Hall of Fame! The two will join Jeff Kent, who is also being inducted, on July 26th in Cooperstown.
