Chapter recognizes Jim Kenton with Rajah Award for BasebALZ program

The Rogers Hornsby Chapter recognized Jim Kenton, the creator of the chapter’s BasebALZ reminiscence program, with its Rajah Award at the November meeting with more than 30 chapter members, SABR members and guests in attendance, including many of Jim’s friends and relatives.

With the help of Jim’s wife, Kathy, arrangements were made ahead of time to present Jim with the Rajah Award trophy just as Monte Cely announced the award on Saturday, Nov. 21. It is only the second time in chapter history that this recognition has been made. In 2011, the chapter honored Bill Gilbert, who founded both our chapter and the Larry Dierker Chapter.

A video recording of the presentation of the Rajah Award to Jim can be viewed at this link: https://mediaflo.txstate.edu/Watch/Cn29Bom8

For nearly six years, Jim Kenton has worked tirelessly to create baseball-themed reminiscence programs in Austin, Kerrville, San Antonio and Sun City Texas. This program of talking baseball, called BasebALZ, utilizes baseball memories to provide activities and comfort for those with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones and caregivers.

Thanks to Jim’s perseverance, other SABR chapters in Los Angeles, New York and Connecticut have begun their own programs and, in August, SABR launched the Baseball Reminiscence online chartered community.

Jim’s family and friends, and SABR members from across the country, shared their appreciation for Jim for his unwavering commitment to the Alzheimer’s community, his passion in spreading the effectiveness of this method far and wide, and his enthusiasm to help those in need.

Chapter members, many of whom volunteer for BasebALZ programs in Central Texas, added their thanks and appreciation for Jim for creating this special program that has meant so much to so many.

This was our eighth consecutive monthly meeting online, a shift made necessary because of the pandemic. It was also the 168th consecutive monthly meeting (14 years!), a streak that dates to December 2006.

With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, Tom Melecki created a turkey-themed trivia quiz that made turkeys of many of us. The MLB Turkeys Quiz sought to test our knowledge of baseball players and teams with less than stellar accomplishments, and even included some questions about bad calls by umpires.

Cy Morong gobbled up these questions for 30 total points (out of a maximum of 58 points); Jim Baker was second with 26. Take your bite of Tom’s quiz below (answers follow the questions). Tom Melecki generously offered Cy a St. Louis Browns ballcap for his much-greater-than-turkey performance on the quiz.

The group also discussed recent announcements about Minor League Baseball, including the Houston Astros’ acquisition of the Sugar Land Skeeters as the team’s Triple-A affiliate. This leaves the Round Rock Express currently without a partnership with a major league team and creates doubts about other minor league affiliates across the country.

We also talked about how MLB’s suspension of Robinson Canó for a second-time PED offense actually works in favor of the New York Mets and new owner Steve Cohen because the team saves the $24 million it would’ve paid Canó this upcoming season. It remains to be seen just how much of Cohen’s wealth will go to free agent acquisitions, but Mets fans are hopeful.

Monte Cely and others noted that Saturday, Nov. 21, was the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Cardinals great Stan Musial. It was also noted that he shares a birthday with fellow Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. And, because this is what we do during our chapter meetings, it was further noted by several members that not only do Musial and Griffey share a birthday, but also a hometown: both were born in Donora, Pa.

We also took a few moments to remember chapter member Craig Lukshin, who passed away in September. A three-time Hornsby Chapter Postseason Predictatron Champion, Craig was an active member, joining us for SABR Day lunches, Express games and monthly meetings. The picture below, from the 2017 SABR Day lunch, includes Craig sporting an autographed Tim Raines Expos jersey.

Our next chapter meeting will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, via Zoom. Information about registering for the meeting will be sent through our email list in early December. Best wishes for a safe Thanksgiving holiday to you and your loved ones.

The MLB Turkeys Quiz

By Tom Melecki

November 2020

PART 1: TURKEYS ON THE PLATE

About Batters Who Began Their MLB Careers After 1900

I’m the batter who holds the MLB record for the most regular season strikeouts in a career:

• What’s my name (1 point)?

• Within 10, how many times did I strike out (1 point)?

2 points

During my 12-year MLB career, I had 3,379 at-bats but hit only 1 home run, giving me the lowest home run to at-bat ratio since the dead ball era.

• Who am I (1 point)?

1 point

I set the MLB single season for the fewest RBIs by a hitter with 500 or more at-bats. This record has stood for 61 years.

• Who am I (1 point)?

• How many RBIs did I get in my 564 at-bats in that season (1 point)?

2 points

I made more outs during my career than any other MLB batter.

• What’s my name?

1 point

Our fans usually cheered when we stepped up to the plate with runners on base but, since 1933, we’ve hit into the most double and triple plays of all right and left-handed MLB batters.

• I’m the right-hander. Who am I (1 point)?

• I’m the left-hander. Who am I (1 point)?

2 points

Ricky Henderson holds the MLB career record for stolen bases, with 1,406.

• What player holds the MLB career record for most times caught stealing (1 point)?

• How many times was this player caught stealing (within 10 of the actual number, 1 point)?

2 points

Among currently active players, he’s the most likely to win the “Honey, I forgot to duck!” award because he’s been hit by pitches more than any other batter.

• Who is he (1 point)?

• How many times has he been hit by pitches (within 5 of actual number, 1 point)?

2 points

PART 2: TURKEYS ON THE HILL

All Questions About Pitchers Who Began Their MLB Careers After 1900

I hold the distinction of having posted the highest career ERA among pitchers who logged 90 or more career innings.

• What’s my name (1 point)?

• Within 1 run either way, what’s my career ERA (1 point)?

2 points

I lost more times in a single, 162 game season than any other MLB pitcher.

Who am I (1 point)?

How many games did I lose that season (1 point)? For what team did I pitch that season (1 point)? In what season did I set this record (1 point)?

4 points

This fire-balling right-hander posted the most MLB career losses.

• Who is he (1 point)?

• How many games did he lose in his career (1 point)?

• For which of the teams for which he pitched did he suffer the most losses (1 point)?

3 points

Another fire-balling right-hander issued more bases-on-balls in a single season than any other MLB pitcher.

• His name is (1 point)?

• Within 10, how many base-on-balls did he give up in that season?

2 points

It’s almost as if these two pitchers were brothers from the same nasty and long-lived mother. They rank first and second in the number of batters hit over the course of an MLB career.

• Who’s number one (1 point)?

• Who’s number two (1 point)?

2 points

Clearly, any lucky stiff can throw a no-hitter. After all, since 1900 there have been 262 no-hitters in MLB. But me? I hold the MLB record for the most hits given up in a single game!

• What’s my name (at least last name, 1 point)?

• How many hits did I give up in this game (1 point)?

2 points

During my 25-year career with 8 different teams, I gave up more career home runs than any other pitcher in MLB history.

• Who am I (1 point)?

• Within 10, how many home runs did I give up (1 point)?

2 points

PART 3: FLOCKS OF TURKEYS

All Questions About MLB Teams After 1900

We are one of the original 8 American League franchises, but we have lost more games (regular and postseason) than any other MLB franchise since we began play in 1901.

• Which franchise are we (1 point)?

• How many games have we lost – within 100 (1 point)?

2 points

16	Our franchise has lost more postseason games than any other franchise in MLB history. • Who are we (1 point)? • Within 5, how many postseason games have we lost since 1901 (1 point)?	2 points
17	Since 1901, not other MLB team has lost more consecutive regular season games than us. • Name our team (1 point)? • How many consecutive regular season games did we lose (1 point)? • In what season did we lose all these games (1 point)?	3 points
18	For some of us, it is painfully apparent that the Cleveland Indians have gone 72 years without winning a World Series – although 2021 is sure to be the year when they win it all. • What are the 6 MLB franchises that have never won the World Series (1 point each)?	6 points
19	When it comes to All-Star teams, we hold the distinction of having lost the All-Star game by the most lopsided margin since MLB began that game in 1933. • Which league did we represent (1 point)? • In what year did we lose this All-Star game (1 point)? • What was this All-Star game’s final score (1 point)? • In what MLB ballpark was this All-Star game played (1 point)?	4 points

PART 4: TURKEYS IN THE FIELD

All Questions About MLB Fielders After 1900

The July 15, 1995, New York Times published my obituary by leading off with the story of my passed ball in the 9th inning of the 1941 World Series with 2 outs and strikes on the batter. That passed ball allowed the batter to reach first base, and the other team to score 4 runs, which led to a 7-4 loss for my team. The other team beat us again the following day and won the 1941 World Series 4 games to 1.

• What’s my name (1 point)?

• For what team was I catching in that World Series (1 point)?

• Who was the other team (1 point)?

3 points

Of all the MLB players whose careers began since 1900, I committed the most career errors during my 23-year career as a shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman.

• What’s my name – at least my last name (1 point)?

• Within 50, how many errors did I commit in the more than 16,000 fielding chances I had (1 point)?

2 points

Everybody remembers Bill Buckner’s error in the 1986 World Series. But that was in game 6, and the Red Sox still had a chance to win that Series by winning game 7.

But me? I made an error 11 years after Buckner’s. It was in the 11th inning of the 7th game of the World Series, and it ultimately cost my team that Series.

• Who am I (1 point)?

1 point

PART 5: REALLY BAD TURKEY CALLS

All Questions About Mistakes After 1900

It’s June 2, 2010. Not only are the Tigers winning 3–0 with 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning, but their starting pitcher has a perfect game going. The 27th opposing batter hits a grounder to the right of Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who throws the ball to the Tigers pitcher as he races over to cover the bag. The pitcher steps on first a full stride ahead of the runner. Perfect game, right? No! The first base umpire inexplicably calls the batter safe!

• Who was the first base umpire who blew that call (1 point)?

• Who was the Tigers pitcher he robbed of that perfect game (1 point)?

2 points

Mike Trout is arguably the best player in MLB today. He’s won Rookie of the Year, 3 American League MVP awards, a 7-time Silver Slugger and 8-time All Star.

• But how many players were drafted ahead of Trout in MLB’s 2009 amateur draft (1 point)?

• In fact, the Angels drafted another player ahead of Trout in that draft. Who is he (1 point)?

2 points

Remember Earl Weaver? Remember all the times he got ejected by umpires? Well, when it comes to being ejected by umpires from games I was managing, I far surpassed Earl’s total.

• Which Hall of Fame manager am I?

• From how many games was I ejected?

2 points

PART 5: THIS TURKEY IS ALL TIED UP

Tie Breaker

Going back to that question about players drafted in 2009 ahead of Mike Trout . . .

• Name the 5 other players (besides Randal Grichuck) who were still on MLB rosters during the 2020 season.

5 points

Total Possible Points

Without Tie Breaker = 58
With Tie Breaker = 62

The MLB Turkeys Quiz Answer Key

Part 1: Turkeys on the Plate

About batter who began their MLB careers after 1900

Question 1

Reggie Jackson
• 2,597 regular season strikeouts – giving him 13 more strikeouts than his 2,584 career hits.

Question 2

Duane Kuiper, Indians 1974-81, Giants 1982-85. Ironically, Kuiper hit his only home run in 1977 off his future broadcasting partner, Steve Stone, who was then pitching for the White Sox.

Question 3

Richie Ashburn, then with the Phillies.
20 RBIs.
Ashburn was actually a pretty mediocre RBI guy. In his 15-year career with the Phillies, Cubs, and Mets he had only 586 RBIs – an average of just 39 per year.

Question 4

Pete Rose. While Pete holds the MLB records for most hits (4,265) and most commissioners killed (1), he also made 10,328 outs in his 24-year career.

Question 5

Right-hander: Albert Pujols, 399 times.
Left-hander: Carl Yastrzemski, 323 times.

Question 6

Ricky Henderson. • 335 times.

Question 7

Anthony Rizzo. • 155 times.

Part 2: Turkeys on the Hill

About pitchers who began their MLB careers after 1900

Question 8

John Van Benschoten. • 9.10 ERA. He pitched for the Pirates in 2004, 2007, and 2008 en route to a 2-13 record and surrendering 92 earned runs in exactly 90 innings.

Question 9

Roger Craig. • 24 losses.
• New York Mets. • 1962.

Question 10

Nolan Ryan 1966-93. • 292 career losses.
• The Angels, for which he lost 121 games over 8 years, 1972-79. Of course, he also won 324 games, including 138 games while pitching for the Angels.

Question 11

Bob Feller, Indians, 1938. • 208 base-on-balls. By the way, in 1977, Nolan Ryan came close to Feller’s record, allowing 204 bases-on-balls.

Question 12

Walter Johnson, 205 hit batsmen, 1907-27.
Randy Johnson, 190 hits batsmen, 1988-09.

Question 13

Alan Travers. • 26 hits.

On May 18, 1912, the Detroit Tigers went on strike over the suspension of Ty Cobb for beating up a handicapped fan that was heckling him. Travers was a 20-year old junior at Philadelphia’s St. Joseph College, where he’d been cut from the baseball team. The Tigers paid Travers and 8 other strikebreakers $50 each to play the Athletics that day. Travers threw 8 complete innings and lost, 24-2. The regular Tiger players returned to the lineup the following day and Travers, who eventually became a Roman Catholic priest, never pitched in MLB again.

Question 14

Jamie Moyer.
• 522 home runs.

Nevertheless, Moyer posted a 269- 209-career win-loss record.

Part 3: Flocks of Turkeys

About MLB teams after 1900

Question 15

Baltimore Orioles
• 9,797 games lost in their 119- year history.

By the way, we all know the Orioles were the St. Louis Browns from 1902 – 1953, but did you also know they spent their first season (1901) in Milwaukee, where they were known as the Brewers?

Question 16

New York Yankees.
• 171 losses through the 2020 postseason.

But, the Yankees, who began as the Baltimore Orioles in 1901 before relocating to New York, have also won 241 postseason games and 27 World Series.

Question 17

Philadelphia Phillies. • 23 consecutive games.
• 1961, a season in which the Phillies went 47 and 107 (.305).

Question 18

Texas Rangers (began as the Washington Senators 1961).
San Diego Padres (1969).
Milwaukee Brewers (1970).
Seattle Mariners (1977).
Colorado Rockies (1993).
Tampa Bay Rays (1998).

Question 19

National League.
1946
American League 12, National League 0.
Fenway Park. Bob Feller was the winning pitcher. Claude Passeau of the Cubs was the losing pitcher. Ted Williams had 4 hits, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs.

Question 20

Mickey Owen. • Brooklyn Dodgers. • New York Yankees.

Sadly, this was the only World Series in which Mickey Owen ever played during his 13-year career. It came after he caught 128 regular season games for the Dodgers with only 2 passed balls and a .995 fielding percentage – the best of his career.

Question 21

Rabbit Maranville. • 711 errors.

His career ran from 1912 through 1935, during which he posted a .956 career fielding percentage while playing for the Boston Braves, Pirates, Cardinals, and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1954.

Question 22

Tony Fernandez. While playing second base for the Indians in the 1997 World Series, he made an error that put the Marlin’s Craig Counsel on base. Three batters later, Counsel crossed the plate with the winning run, giving the Marlins their first-ever World Series win.

Question 23

Jim Joyce.
• Armando Galarraga.

Joyce, who then had 22 years’ experience as an MLB umpire, subsequently admitted he blew the call.

Galarraga, now a resident of the greater Austin area, did not argue with Joyce. Instead, he went back to the mound and got the 28th out. Later, he went to the umpire’s dressing room, gave Joyce a big hug, and forgave him. To this day, he has never complained publicly about Joyce’s blown call.

Question 24

24 others.
• The Angels drafted outfielder

Randal Grichuk ahead of Trout.

Grichuk never played for the Angels, but he finally made it to the big leagues in 2014 with the Cardinals. He’s a .246 lifetime hitter through the 2020 season, during which he played in 55 games for the Blue Jays.

Question 25

Bobby Cox. • 162 games.

In 4,508 games during his 29-year managerial career, Cox’s 162 ejections surpassed those of:

– John McGraw (132 ejections in 2,541 games managed); and

– Leo Derocher (94 ejections in in 3,739 games managed) and Earl Weaver (94 ejections in 2,541 games managed).

Part 5: This Turkey is All Tied Up

Tie Breaker

Kyle Gibson, pitcher, appeared in 12 games in 2020 with the Rangers; he was drafted 22nd in the 2009 by the Twins.
Mike Minor, pitcher, was in 5 games in 2020 with the Athletics; he was drafted 7th in the 2009 by the Braves.
J. Pollock, outfielder, played in 55 games in 2020 with the Dodgers; he was drafted 17th in the 2009 by the Diamondbacks.
Stephen Strasburg, pitcher, appeared in only 2 games in 2020 with the Nationals; he was drafted 1st in the 2009 by the Nationals.
Zach Wheeler, pitcher, pitched in 11 games in 2020 for the Phillies; he was drafted 6th in the 2009 by the Giants.

Total Possible Points

Without Tie Breaker = 58

With Tie Breaker = 62

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