Around the Diamond

For the first time in 15 years the Angels swept the Dodgers in their weekend series.

The struggling Baltimore Orioles have fired skipper Brandon Hyde. Hyde guided the franchise for the last seven seasons and, after a long rebuild, to the postseason each of the last two years. The Charm City 9 were 15-28 at the time of his firing. Hyde was AL Manager of the Year in 2023.

After "Father Bob" became Pope Leo XIV, the White Sox honored the holiest fan of the Southsiders with a video montage.

After a 21-0 loss Saturday (5/10), the Rockies fired manager Bud Black. Bud was in his ninth season and had a record of 544-690. He is the winningest skipper in Colorado's history.

The Twins winning streak ends at 13 games.

Team USA has announced the return of skipper Mark Derosa for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Derosa led the team to a silver-medal in the 2023 WBC.

The Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic has claimed over 220 lives, three of which have ties to MLB. Octavio Dotel, who played for 13 teams in 15 season and won a World Series with the 2011 Cardinals was rescued from the rubble of the roof collapse but died from his injuries on the way to the hospital. Nelsy Cruz, sister of seven-time All Star Nelson Cruz, and utility man Tony Blanco who played for the Nationals in 2005 also lost their lives.

For a sixth Opening Day in a row, Tyler O'Neil hits a home run for Baltimore. He broke the record last year when he hit an Opening Day dinger for Boston. Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Robinson are tied with 8 total homers on Opening Day.

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade." ~ Charles Dickens

We grieve with Brett Gardner and his family for the loss of their 14-year-old son Miller who fell ill while on family vacation to Costa Rica on Sunday. Brett retired after the 2021 season having played his entire 14-year career with the Yankees.

The Brewers will honor long time announcer and former player Bob Uecker this season with a plaid patch. The plaid is a nod to Uke's colorful blazers he often wore. He died at the age of 90 this past January.

"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others." ~ Thomas Boswell

Despite being born deaf caused by rubella, Curtis Pride excelled at soccer, basketball and especially baseball where he had an 11-year career in MLB. His new book, "I Felt the Cheers: The Remarkable Silent Life of Curtis Pride" tells his story.

RIP Larry Dolan, 94, owner of the Cleveland Guardians since 2000.

In 2024 Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox became the first player in over 100 years to play at least 60 games at both SS and CF.

Congratulations to this year's Hall of Fame class of C.C. Sabathia (Yankees), Billy Wagner (Astros), and, Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners).

This year's class will be inducted July 27 and will join Dick Allen and Dave Parker who were voted in by the Classic Era Committee. Also joining the Hall this year is Thomas Boswell for his excellence in writing as voted by the BBWAA and Tom Hamilton who won the Ford C. Frick Award for his 35 years announcing Cleveland games.

Ichiro Suzuki came to Seattle at the age of 27 after playing in Japan's Nippon League for nine seasons. His rookie season with the Mariners would produce a Rookie of the Year, MVP, a batting title, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. It was also the beginning of 10 straight 200 hit seasons and All-Star games. He is the only player in baseball history with 10-consecutive 200-hit seasons. He would go on to win two more Silver Sluggers and another batting title. His 262 hits in 2004 are the most ever in a single season and he is only 1 of 4 players with 3,000 hits and 10 Gold Gloves. A class act on and off the field, Ichiro becomes the first Japanese-born player elected to Cooperstown.

"I've never talked to anyone who died." ~ Bob Uecker

Juan Soto and the NY Mets have agreed to a 15 year/$765 million contract, the largest in sports history.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The first Winter Meetings took place in 1857.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the 2024 World Series Champions! They defeated the NY Yankees 4-1 in the series for their 8th title in franchise history.

After NY jumped ahead 5-0, the Dodgers became the first team to trail by five runs and win the deciding game of the World Series. LA won 7-6 in the Bronx.

Congratulations to the Royal's Salvador Perez, this year's recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. The 9-time All-Star catcher and Venezuelan native has donated food and medicine to his native country as well as paid for thousands of children to repair cleft lips. During the pandemic, Salve helped neighboring Columbia and has donated $1 million to the Royals' youth academy.

"If you pick just one day a month - two or three hours - to go have fun and go make some kid happy, they're never going to forget it." ~ Salvador Perez

RIP Fernando Valenzuela, 63. The 6-time All-Star pitcher, mostly with the Dodgers, passed just hours after LA secured their spot in the World Series. As a rookie, Fernando won the 1981 World Series with the Dodgers and created what would be called "Fernando Mania" en route to winning ROY and a Cy Young. No other pitcher has done so. El Toro was known for his corkscrew windup, much like Luis Tiant, and his eyes rolling up to heaven, a place he surely is now.

Three-time All-Star, Luis Tiant died at the age of 83 October 8th. Known as "El Tiante" to Red Sox nation, Luis won his start against the defending Champion Oakland A's then won 2 games in the 1975 World Series with a no decision in the famous Game 6 against the Big Red Machine of Cincinnati, almost single handedly willing Boston to the title. Known for his corkscrew delivery on the field and his style and cigar off it, Tiant was loved throughout his 19 seasons in the bigs. He retired with 2 ERA titles, a career 3.29 ERA and a 227-167 record.

RIP Pete Rose, 83. Despite his off-field controversies, his 4,256 hits in 3,562 games are the most hits in baseball history.

The Chicago White Sox lose 121 games, a record.

At .314, Luis Arraiz locks up the NL batting title. It's his third batting crown in three years with three teams (Twins, Marlins and Padres. That has never been done in baseball history. Arraiz also prevented Dodger rival Shohei Ohtani, who led the NL In HR 54 and RBI 130, from winning the Triple Crown. Ohtani fell by four points, .310 to Arraiz.

"Leave the Apocalyptic style to those who cannot, or do not want to, do the deeply human work of finding their own voices in the common chorus." ~ A. Bartlett Giamatti

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The Padres became the first team to ever secure a postseason berth with a game-ending triple play last season.

Shohei Ohtani not only created the 50 home run 50 stolen base club last season, but he did so in a fashion that many will argue was the single greatest position player performance ever. En route to baseball's first ever 50/50 season, Ohtani hit 3 homers and stole two bags. No MLB player has ever accomplished that. He also went 6 for 6 and had 10 RBI, a Dodger franchise record. Wow!

After 42 seasons, Red Sox broadcasting legend Joe Castiglione announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season. Joe made the Baseball Hall of Fame this year by winning the Ford C. Frick Award. He is the longest tenured Red Sox announcer in the teams long history.

DID YOU KNOW ~ The first combined no-hitter involved Babe Ruth and Ernie Shore. Ruth took the mound for the Boston Red Sox on June 23, 1917 against the Washington Senators and walked the first batter. Ruth barked at the umpire and was tossed from the game. An angry Ruth charged home and punched the umpire in the head. That would be the only "hit" of the game. Boston put Ernie Shore in on short rest to pitch for the Babe. The runner at first was caught stealing on the first pitch and Shore would go on to record the next 26 outs without allowing a hit. Ruth would serve a 10-game suspension, but still amass a 24-13 record with a 2.01 ERA and lead the league with 35 complete games. Ruth, who never recorded an out, is still part of the only combined no-no in Red Sox history.

"Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Congratulations to Lake Mary for bringing Florida its first Little League World Series title. The boys from the SunShine State walked off Chinese Taipei 2-1 in extras Sunday night.

Boston 3B slugger Rafael Devers is now the youngest Red Sox player to hit 200 home runs before his age 28 season.

DID YOU KNOW ~ The "Come to Cleveland Committee" once dropped baseballs from the city's 708-foot-tall Terminal Tower as a publicity stunt. Indians catchers Hank Helf and Frankie Pytlak caught the balls from street level at an estimated speed of 138 miles per hour.

"It actually giggles as it goes bye you." ~ Rick Monday (talking about hitting a knuckleball).

TRIVIA TIME ~ The Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is just the sixth member of baseball's elite 40-40 club and he did it faster than any of the other five members, 129 games. Can you name the other five? Answer below...

Next Year's Little League Classic will feature the Mets and Mariners. Detroit beat the Yankees in this year's matchup, the seventh Classic to date.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The final "Battle of the Bay" was Sunday (8/25). Since Interleague games began in 1997, The Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants have faced off 148 times in the regular season. The 1989 earthquake World Series was the only playoff between the two franchises in their current cities. Oakland swept SF in the World Series and owns the Bay Series lead with 76 wins to San Fran's 72. The A's will play in West Sacramento for the '25 and '26 seasons before moving to Las Vegas.

Congratulations to Phils rookie Weston Wilson who hit for the cycle in just his 24th MLB game. Wilson is a 29-year-old rookie who has played in the minors since 2016.

The Red Sox paid homage to former executive Larry Lucchino who passed, a victim of cancer, this year. Started in 1948 by the then Boston Braves, the Red Sox adopted the Jimmy Fund as their own in 1953. The fund raises money for cancer research and awareness and is the oldest sports philanthropic charity in the country, To make a donation, please visit www.jimmyfund.org. and remember, .87 cents of every dollar given goes to cancer research.

Yankee slugger Aaron Judge became the fastest player ever to reach 300 home runs, 40 games quicker than Babe Ruth. Congratulations!

"For those of us who have been diagnosed with cancer, time is a precious commodity. The time and distance from the scientist's lab bench to the patient's bedside must be shortened." ~ Larry Lucchino (Sept.6, 1945 - April 2, 2024)

Congratulations to Matt Kemp who signed a 1-day contract to retire with the Dodgers. He played 10 of his 15 seasons there, hitting a solid .293 with 203 home runs, 240 doubles and 733 RBI and was selected to the All-Star Game three times.

The White Sox ended their 21-game losing streak Tuesday (8/6) night. The streak ties Baltimore (1988) for the longest American League run of futility. The Phillies own the NL record with 23 consecutive losses (1961). Both teams lost 107 games those years. Chicago is on pace for 120 losses.

"Facts are stubborn things." ~ Ronald Reagan

The Reds Eric Davis is the fastest in MLB history to steal 30 bags, achieving the milestone in just 90-games in 1987.

Baltimore rookie Jackson Holiday gets his first home run in grand fashion. The 20-year old became the youngest player (1901) to have his first bomb be a grand slam.

"False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil." ~ Socrates

Congratulations to Joe Mauer, Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton and manager Jim Leyland, the 2024 Class of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Well, it looks like the All-Star balloting is about over, especially in the National and American Leagues." ~ Jerry Coleman -Broadcaster

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Pete Rose had his own chocolate flavored soft drink called "Pete." It was, "The drink that gives you hustle."

For the 10th time in the last 11 years, the American League tops the National League. The Jr. Circuit won 5-3 and Boston center fielder Jarren Duran took home the MVP after his homer put the AL up for good.

The MLB draft was Sunday, July 14 and with the #1 pick Cleveland took Australian 2B Travis Bazzana and cross state rival Cincinnati took P Chase Burns second overall. It was a good day for Ohio.

TRIVIA TIME ~ The American League leads the Senior League 48-44-2 in All-Star Games all-time. Can you name the years of the two ties? Answer below...

In just his sixth Major League game, Reds rookie Rece Hinds had eight extra-base hits, a modern day (1901) MLB record. And in just 22 at-bats, Hinds had 5 home runs, 11 RBI and 2 steals!

The Richmond Flying Squirrels gave away hot dog scented candles on July 10th. Genius!

Twin Jose Miranda tied the MLB record for consecutive hits by swatting his 12th hit in 12 at-bats. He tipped his cap to the Minnesota home crowd. The streak ended later in the game. Congrats!

July 5th was George Costanza bobblehead night at Yankee Stadium. The "Seinfeld" character played the Yankees traveling secretary on the show.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Troy Trojan and NY Giant pitcher Mickey Welch was the third member of the 300 club and the only Hall of Famer born on the 4th of July.

RIP Orlando Cepeda, 86. The former ROY and Hall of Famer left his mark on three franchises, the Giants, Cardinals and Braves. The Baby Bull will be missed.

Congratulations to the Tennessee Volunteers, winners of the 2024 College World Series. They beat Texas A&M 6-5 in the third and final game of the series. It's the schools first baseball title.

Congratulations to Howie Rose who is celebrating 50-years in sports broadcasting. "Put it in the books!"

A Jewish Baseball Museum is in the works in Chicago. Baseball has a long and proud Jewish history. To learn more visit jewishbaseballmuseum.com

"A half truth is a whole lie." ~ Yiddish proverb

The Cardinals held off San Francisco 6-5 to win the first Rickwood Classic. Congrats to MLB on a special night from a special place. To learn more about baseball's oldest park visit our "Archives" page to read the article "Rickwood Field."

RIP Willie Mays. "Say hey" to heaven! (Died June 18,2024).

Willie Mays passes at the age of 93 just days before the Rickwood Classic took place in Alabama where Mays began his professional career as a teenager. Mays was the 1951 Rookie of the Year, then served in the Army in '52 and '53 only to comeback and win the 1954 MVP leading his Giants to the World Series where he made "The Catch." In all, he was a 24-time All-Star (second most to Frank Robinson), 2-time MVP, 12-time Gold Glover, hit 660 home runs (6th) and is on the Mount Rushmore of MLB players all-time.

"Maybe I was born to play baseball. Maybe I truly was." ~ Willie Mays

Toronto has "Loonie Dog" night. One Canadian "Loonie," or dollar, gets you a hot dog. And players say their pay doesn't go as far in Canada?

There have been 150 father-son combos in baseball history.

Since 1996 the Prostate Cancer Foundation and MLB have partnered through the Home Run Challenge to raise awareness and funds by visiting every MLB park during the season. To make a donation and help "Keep Dad in the Game" visit PCF.org.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The 2022 Houston Astros were the first team in MLB history to have three cousins on the same team. Jose and Bryan Abreu and Jose Altuve are all "primos."

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds is the only pitcher to throw consecutive no-hitters (June 11 and June 15, 1938).

The 2-game London series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the NY Mets ends with a split.

Former World Series Champion and Phillie favorite Jayson Werth's horse Dornoch won this year's Belmont Stakes.

One of Toronto's three second-generation players was traded to the Dodgers. The once DFA Cavan Biggio, 29, was sent west for a prospect pitcher. In his 5 seasons with the Blue Jays, Biggio hit .227 with 48 home runs.

The Savanna Bananas did what the Red Sox rarely do anymore.....they sold out Fenway Park when they played the Party Animals Saturday (6/8). The game marked just the second time that "Banana Ball" has been played in an MLB stadium.

The Baseball Hall of Fame is expanding globally from the quant village of Cooperstown, NY. Via SiriusXM, the HOF is kicking off a new podcast "The Road to Cooperstown." Johnny Bench leads off the series June 8 about how players enshrined in the Hall got there. Along with Bench, Jon Paul Morosi will interview Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken Jr., George Brett, John Smoltz and Joe Torre. How's that for a lineup?

Baseball marked Lou Gehrig Day (June 2) raising donations and awareness of the disease. To learn more, make a donation, or to purchase a charity ALS shirt go to MLB.com.

"Baseball is the best." ~ Sarah Langs (baseball analyst, stat nerd, reporter and ALS warrior).

DID YOU KNOW? ~ June 2nd was chosen as Lou Gehrig Day because it marks the day of his death (1941) and on the same date he became the Yankees regular first baseman beginning his 2,130 consecutive games streak (1925).

Umpire Angel Hernandez has announced his retirement.....thank God.

After a long and careful review process, MLB has incorporated the statistics of former Negro Leagues players. Keep smilin' Buck!

The Mets retired Daryl Strawberry's number at Citi Field on June 8th. Congratulations to #18!

"Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men." ~ General George S. Patton

Before the Oakland A's move to Las Vegas for the 2027 season they will play in Sacramento's Sutter Health Park, home of the Triple-A River Cats. The A's are making substantial renovations to the 14,000 capacity stadium they will call home for two seasons. So far, they have taken 13,000 deposits for season tickets!

The 2026 World Baseball classic has selected Japan, Puerto Rico, Houston and Miami to host the sixth WBC Classic.

Sox slugger Rafael Devers homered in 6-straight games this season, a Red Sox record. The MLB record is 8.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ NASA used John Fogerty's song "Centerfield," on multiple occasions, to wake up Space Shuttle crews.

According to the wonderful Sarah Langs, the Cubs 6-runs scored via bases-loaded walks in one inning Saturday (5/10), was the most since the cross-town White Sox scored 8 the same way in 1959!

The Cleveland Guardians are the latest team to unveil their City Connect unis. With an art deco font "CLE" on the front and player numbers on back, the famous Guardian statues from where the team was renamed three-years ago, and the city's nickname "The Land" written on the waistband.

"I watch a lot of baseball on radio." ~ President Ford

Cleveland's Jose Ramirez hits his 87th go-ahead homer breaking Larry Doby's franchise record.

TRIVIA TIME! ~ Can you name the three members of the Baseball Hall of Fame who played for the Harlem Globetrotters? (Answer below).

DID YOU KNOW? ~ No one born in Cooperstown, NY. has ever played Major League baseball.

"I only had a high school education and believe me, I had to cheat to get that." ~ Sparky Anderson

RIP Whitey Herzog, 92. Whitey was best known as the Cardinal GM that rebuilt the franchise and then managed them to three NL Pennants including the 1982 World Series. He also managed the KC Royals to three straight division titles in the teams first 10-seasons.

Congrats to the Royals Salvador Perez for hitting his 250th home run, the 11th most by a full-time catcher!

Pirates' OF'er Andrew McCutchen hit the 300th home run of his career on Sunday (4/21).

Longtime voice of the NY Yankees, John Sterling has announced his retirement immediately due to health concerns. John has been in the Yankee broadcast booth for 36 years.

Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg has announced his retirement after a bright, but oft-injured career. The 3X All-Star and World Series MVP ('2019) has not pitched since 2022. The 35-year-old has a career record of 113-62 and a 3.24 ERA. The former number one pick is the fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 K's and the first pitcher to go 5-0 in the playoffs.

"No one ever drowned in sweat." ~ Lou Holtz

It was with heavy hearts the WooSox took the field for their home opener as the team's first chairman and baseball executive Larry Lucchino passed at the age of 78. Larry's vision is what brought Boston's AAA affiliate from Pawtucket, R.I. to Worcester, MA. in 2021 with a brand new ballpark. Lucchino spent time as an executive with the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox. His love of old style ball parks helped create Camden Yards, Petco Park, a rejuvenated Fenway Park, as well as Jet Blue Park in Ft. Meyers and Polar Park in Worcester. Larry left a mark wherever he went and has three World Series with Boston and an NL Pennant with San Diego to his legacy. Larry had a remarkable career and was heavily involved in charity work including the Special Olympics and the Jimmy Fund to name but a few. RIP Larry. We will miss your kindness, vision and knowledge at the ballparks you made possible.

On Opening Day, April 1, 1996 in Cincinnati, 26-year umpire John McSherry collapsed and died behind home plate. He was 51.

"There are only two seasons. Winter and baseball." ~ Bill Veeck

President William Howard Taft threw out the first ceremonial first pitch in 1910. Every president except Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump has continued the tradition since.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ HOF pitcher and 3x Cy Young winner Jim Palmer pitched in 558 games over 19 seasons for the Orioles and never surrendered a grand slam.

The last rain out at the Dodgers Chavez Ravine was April 17, 2000. WOW!

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Xander Bogaerts is the only player to hit an MLB regular season home run in four countries (U.S., Canada, Mexico and England).

"The first books I was ever interested in were all about baseball." ~ Charles Kuralt

DID YOU KNOW? ~ On March 17, 1871 the National Association of Professional Players was formed? This created the first professional league, the National Association.

"You wouldn't have won if we'd beaten you." ~ Yogi Berra

DID YOU KNOW? ~ A recording of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First" baseball comedy sketch is in the Library of Congress and the gold record is in Cooperstown. Time Magazine named the classic the best comedy routine of the 20th century. The duo claimed to have performed it 15,000 times.

"Every day's a holiday, every meal's a feast." ~ Lou Costello

For those who believe baseball is in decline, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, baseball participation has reached 16.7 million, the highest level ever recorded.

"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." ~ Red Barber

Sadly, we must report that "Dollar Hot Dog Nights" are no more in Philadelphia. After 27 years, and some unruly Phanatics throwing the weiners on the field, the tradition is ending. This is why we can't have nice things.

"A hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz." ~ Humphrey Bogart

"It's the fans that need spring training. You gotta get 'em interested. Wake 'em up and let 'em know that their season is coming, the good times are gonna roll." ~ Harry Caray

MLB recognises seven professional Negro Leagues that operated from 1920-1948 as "Major League status." With the urging of Ted Williams and others, 37 players from those leagues are represented in Cooperstown today.

After 67 years as a Las Vegas Strip landmark, The Tropicana Casino will be demolished to make way for baseball's newest stadium and future home of the Athletics.

DID YOU KNOW ~ Bob Uecker appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson 100 times.

While renovating a home on Cape Cod Massachusetts, Jason West found an unopened pack of baseball cards from 1952. According to the article by Eli Rosenberg, the 72-year old pack of cards is estimated to be worth $15,000 as is. That number could skyrocket to millions if say a 1952 Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle rookie card happens to be inside. West is still undecided if he will open the pack, proving once again how difficult "managerial" decisions can be.

"Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on this Earth." ~ Roberto Clemente

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The Braves are the only team to win a World Series calling three cities home. Also, Eddie Mathews is the only Brave to have played in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta in his 15 seasons with the franchise.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ In the early days of Houston's Astrodome the grounds crew and ushers wore "space suits."

"A good groundskeeper can be as valuable as a .300 hitter." ~ Bill Veeck

"Success is not about material possessions, but about the fulfillment and joy that comes from pursuing your passions." ~ Larry Doby

If you put 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, New Jersey in your GPS you will arrive at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The first known photograph of a person "giving the finger" was of baseball player Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn in 1886 while he was a member of the Boston Red Stockings (Braves).

"I went through baseball as a player to be named later." ~ Joe Garagiola

On June 19, 1846 Elysion Field in Hoboken NJ hosted what is considered the first official game of baseball. Elysion Field lasted until the time of the Civil War and was the first field with agreed upon dimensions and other, now standard, amenities.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues played their home games underneath the 59th St. Bridge in Manhattan making it the first covered ballfield in professional baseball.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Before Fenway Park, The Boston Red Sox played at The Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds. At 635 feet from home it had the deepest center field of any ballpark in MLB history.

Canadian rocker fetched more than $6.5 million for rare baseball items. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Geddy Lee, from the band Rush, is an avid baseball enthusiast and collector. On December 6th, Christie's auctioned off 300 items from his immense collection. In 2008, Lee donated 200 baseballs signed by Negro Leagues legends to the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City. For a sampling of the items and what they sold for go to www.christies.com.

Beloved Red Sox radio announcer of 41 years, Joe Castiglione is this year's Ford C. Frick Award winner for "Excellence in Broadcasting." New Englanders know him for his humility, accurate play calls, deft ability to recall players and moments long past and, of course, Italian food knowledge. A friend to everyone who passes through Fenway Park. You're going to Cooperstown Joe, "Can you believe it?"

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Mark Twain attended a game between the Boston Red Stockings and Hartford Dark Blues in 1875. Boston won 10-5. Albert "Al" Spalding of Spalding Sports Equipment fame pitched for Boston that day. Also that day, Twain's umbrella was stolen by a boy in the crowd. The writer then published a $205 reward in the newspaper. $5 for the umbrella if returned in good condition and $200 for the boy's "remains."

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Of the 152 players to be elected Rookie of the Year, 18 are in the Hall of Fame.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The Dodgers (including Brooklyn) have the most ROY recipients with 18. The Yankees have half as many, but their nine are the most in the AL.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Frank Howard hit the last home run for the Washington Senators in 1971 and the first home run of the Texas Rangers (the same franchise) in 1972.

"Some of my strength came from being raised in the church and some of my strength came from being a Marine." ~ Dusty Baker

The combined 2023 winning percentage of the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks was .537, the lowest of any World Series matchup

DID YOU KNOW? ~ All five games of the 1905 World Series were shutouts with Giants great Christy Mathewson pitching three of them against the A's of Philadelphia. All three of Mathewson's shutouts were complete games in the span of just six days!

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Carl Yastrzemski batted .3005 in 1968 to win his second consecutive batting crown. Yaz was the only player in the entire American League to hit .300 that year. It's the lowest championship average ever. No wonder it was called "The Year of the Pitcher!"

"They were Cadillacs and I was a Chevrolet." ~ Carl Yastrzemski

"He's not at his locker yet, but four guys are over there interviewing his glove." ~ Rex Barney (reporting on Brooks Robinson's locker after the 1970 World Series).

Arizona's 2023 rookie Corbin Carroll (OF) was the first rookie to ever hit 25 home runs and steal 50 bags.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The water feature at KC's Kauffman Stadium is the largest privately funded water fountain in the world.

"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand." ~ Leo Durocher

DID YOU KNOW? ~ HOF slugger Jimmy Foxx pitched in 10 games over his career with a 1.52 ERA.

The 1943 Red Sox played in 31 extra-inning games, an MLB record.

While broadcasting games Phil Rizzuto would, of course, keep a scorecard. Occasionally a "WW" would be marked next to a play. When asked what the "WW" meant, Scooter replied, "Wasn't watching."

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Mark Fidrych is the only baseball player to make the cover of Rolling Stone. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz snapped the iconic shot. Someone play some Dr. Hook!

"There have been only two geniuses in the world. Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare." ~ Tallulah Bankhead

DID YOU KNOW? ~ Dave Parker beat out Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Eddie Murray, Ryne Sandberg and Cal Ripken Jr. to win the first Home Run Derby in 1985.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ In 1919, the year of the Black Sox scandal, the Cincinnati Reds were 10.5 games back in the pennant chase on July 4th and would go on to "win" the World Series.

"Never make predictions, especially about the future." ~ Casey Stengel

DID YOU KNOW? ~ The College World Series has been played every year since 1947 with the Covid exception of 2020. The first two years saw Kalamazoo Michigan host the eight team tournament, then it went to Wichita Kansas in 1949 for a year before moving to Omaha Nebraska were it has been played since 1950.

"The average age of our bench is deceased." ~ Tommy Lasorda

DID YOU KNOW? ~ NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White's father pitched in the Negro Leagues. Charles White III pitched for the Chattanooga Stars against the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns. The great Satchel Paige pitched for the Clowns when Charles White, who was just 15 years old, toed the rubber against him!

The pitch clock has shortened baseball games by an average of 26 minutes.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ In the 20 years Tommy Lasorda managed the Dodgers, 210 managers were fired across baseball.

DID YOU KNOW? ~ "Old Hoss" Radburn pitched 11 seasons and in the five he pitched for the Providence Grays he won an astounding 194 games? He won 60 games in 1884 for the Grays, still a record for major league wins in a season!

HOF'er and Twin Tony Oliva would bat .323 in 1964, making him the first rookie to win a batting title.

"Pair-up in threes." ~ Yogi Berra

The United States Navy has commissioned the USS Cooperstown, named after the village that is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame and in honor of the 70 baseball Hall of Famers who served during war-time. Hall of Famers Joe Torre and Johnny Bench spoke at the ceremony. The littoral combat ship's motto is "America's Away Team." Artifacts from the HOF bespeckle the Navy ship from stem to stern.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announces a major expansion. Keep smiling Buck!

DID YOU KNOW: The Houston Astros were first called the Colt 45's and played in Colt Stadium for three seasons before the World Famous Houston Astro Dome was built? Colt Stadium is the only stadium to be "sent down to the minors" as it was disassembled and used by two Mexican League teams. Colt Stadium is also the only stadium to be used in two countries by three professional teams.

"All I remember about my wedding day is the Cubs lost a double-header." ~ George Will

TRIVIA ANSWER ~ Ronald Acuna Jr., Alfonso Soriano, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco.

TRIVIA ANSWER ~ Ferguson Jenkins, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson.

TRIVIA ANSWER ~ 1961 in Fenway Park due to rain and 2002 in Milwaukee after 11 innings Commissioner Bud Selig called the game a tie. *(There were two All-Star Games in 1961. The tie was the second game.)

Want more to read? Visit our "Archives" page for some fascinating baseball history.

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