Author: Ryan Pollack

Moments in Time

Moments in Time

by Jan Larson

Presented at chapter meeting November 13, 2012

(Move the mouse over the blank space to see the answer)
1. This New York Giants outfielder hit the “shot heard ‘round the world” in 1951

Bobby Thomson
2. This Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher gave up the “shot heard ‘round the world” in 1951 Ralph Branca
3. Name the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder that hit a pinch hit, walk off home run off a future Hall of Fame reliever to win Game One of the 1988 World Series. Kirk Gibson
4. Name the Hall of Fame reliever that gave up the home run in Q3 Dennis Eckersley
5. This outfielder scored the game tying run in the bottom of the ninth of Game One of the 1988 World Series Mike Davis
6. The New York Yankees outfielder “call his shot” before homering in Game Three of the 1932 World Series Babe Ruth
7. This Chicago Cubs pitcher served up the “called shot.” Charlie Root
8. Name the little-used reserve catcher whose two out, ninth inning single drove in the tying and winning runs in Game Seven of the 1992 NLCS Francisco Cabrera
9. Name the player that scored the tying run on the hit in Q8 David Justice
10. Nolan Ryan struck out this future Hall-of-Famer for the final out of his seventh career no-hitter on May 1, 1990 Roberto Alomar
11.

The Yankees Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the 1961 season off this Red Sox pitcher

 Tracy Stallard
12. Who was the 3’7” player that pinch hit for the St. Louis Browns in 1951?
 Eddie Gaedel
13. Who was the Tigers’ pitcher that walked the player in Q12 on four pitches?
 Bob Cain
14. This Braves reliever struck out Pete Rose for the final out in the game that broke Rose’s NL record 44 game hitting streak Gene Garber
15. Name the Red Sox catcher whose twelfth inning, walk off homerun won Game Six of the 1975 World Series
 Carlton Fisk
16. Name the Reds’ pitcher that gave up the homerun in Q15 Pat Darcy
17. This Red Sox outfielder’s home run in the tenth inning of Game Six of the 1986 World Series gave the Sox a short-lived lead over the New York Mets Dave Henderson
18. Name the player that scored the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning of Game Six of the 1986 World Series Ray Knight
19. Name the player that scored the winning run from first on an eleventh inning double in the Mariners’ 6-5 over the Yankees in Game Five of the 1995 ALDS Ken Griffey, Jr.
20. Name the winning pitcher in the game in Q19 Randy Johnson
21. This Pirates’ pitcher tossed twelve perfect innings but lost in the 13th in a game at Milwaukee in 1959 Harvey Haddix
22. Name the winning pitcher in the game in Q21 Lew Burdette
23.

This outfielder homered off an “eephus” pitch in the 1946 All-Star game

 Ted Williams
24. This pitcher threw the eephus pitch in Q23 Rip Sewell
25. This Cubs catcher hit the walk off “homer in the gloamin’” to defeat the Pirates in 1938 Gabby Hartnett
Tie Breaker How many runners were on base when Henry Aaron hit his 715th career home run on April 8, 1974?  If there were one or more, name those players 1, Darrell Evans

 

 

Baseball Super Freaks

When I was a kid, I remember having a set of baseball cards that were a bit unusual. It’s essentially a mashup of baseball players and monsters called Super Freaks by Donruss in the 1970s. A recent garage cleaning unearthed these invaluable (to me) cards. Nostalgia kicked in and I can’t bear to keep this to myself.

Super Freaks 1

I don’t have the full set (note to self: next quest is to scour ebay and complete my set, thereby achieving The Joy That Knows No Bounds), but I have a good number of them.

Super Freaks 2

The illustrations are top notch, and the baseball humor is quite good. Oh, what fun is in store for you, the gentle reader: a pitcher who nibbles (literally)!; an umpire so good he makes calls before the play is over!; a freak beaned in the head by a ball that went over the centerfield wall for a home run (take that, Jose Canseco!); a catcher who tends to look away just as the pitch is made!

Super Freaks 3

So, without further ado, here are the ones I have:

Norris the Nibbler — A long time favorite freak. He is known far and wide for his constant nibbling; baseballs that is. It is really hard to complete a game with Norris around because he eats all the balls.

Arnie the Agile — A Super Freak in every sense.Arnie can catch any ball that comes within 20 feet without moving. Even though he is extremely quick on the basesball diamond… it takes him several minutes to sit down.

Shecky the Shortstop — Shecky is famous the world over for his quadruple plays (one for each eye). He has the unusual ability to watch three bases and the ball at the same time. He is a real hero with the clean-up crew.

Ozzie the Outfielder — Ozzie is a flashy freak. He has great ability to be alert at all times.The reason for this, of course, is because one head can sleep while the other thinks about playing ball.

Paul the Pitcher — Even though Paul is a pitcher, he sometimes plays catcher and he is terrific… who wouldn’t be with all those arms! He is a real threat when he is on the mound.

Slurp the Second Baseman — This freak will go to the Baseball Hall of Fame next year. There his tongue will be removed and hung in the trophy case to inspire all the second basemen around the world.What could be a better tribute to a freak who can catch a line drive with his tongue?

Sam the Switch Hitter — Sam can keep the best pitchers confused.As a matter of fact, he confuses himself, he fans and the umpires. If he didn’t have such a good personality, no one would tolerate him.

Oink the Ump — Oink has been an umpire in the Major Leagues for many years. He has the amazing ability to make a call before it actually happens. His lack of vision does not keep him from knowing just where the play is going to happen.

Benny the Base Runner — When Benny runs the bases, everyone is stricken with fear because he sounds like a stampede coming. Second and Third basemen have been known to run and hide when Benny gallops past first base.

Ollie the Outfielder — Ollie is an ex-bat boy, as anyone can see, who finally made the Big Leagues. Because of Ollie’s unusual abilities, rarely does a home run get past him.

The Bomber — This pitcher has one secret pitch no one can hit. If there is a full count on the batter, the next pitch he throws is the bomb.This pitch blows up the batter completely.

Hank the Hitter — Hank has the highest batting average in the Major Leagues.Any throw that comes close to the plate is certain to become a home run.

Richard the Runner — Richard has great speed and can slide link no other Super Freak. He can literally bury an opposing player when he charges a base. Incidentally, his roommate is Speed E. Freak.

Bo the Book-Maker — Bo was fired for betting many years ago, yet he still hangs around the stadium. He lives on left over hot dogs and popcorn and sleeps on the bleachers. Obviously, his diet doesn’t agree with him.

Sperry the Spit-Ball — Sperry can throw a spit-ball so wet that it has to be caught in a towel. He was voted the favorite freak of the year.

Nevin Nothing — Nevin’s biggest thrill in baseball was made his first year when a wild pitch him in the head and bounced over the centerfield fence. It took Nevin 15 minutes to run the bases in his dazed condition.

Ronnie the Reader — Ronnie the bookworm on the team. He plays centerfield so that he can read while playing. Even though his attention isn’t fully on the game, he seldom misses a pop fly.

Bob the Slob — Without doubt, Bob is the biggest slob in the Super Freak League. Rumor has it that he has not had a shower since he has been playing ball. He has been walked more than any other player because no one can stand to be close to him.

Harry the Hypnotist — Harry is a terrible pitcher, but he can hypnotize the batter and make him swing at anything that is thrown. Harry holds the record for continuous strike-outs.

Super Scooper — This freak is in the All Star ranks because of his ability to scoop up grounders. He is so good at it that he doesn’t even use a glove. He does, however, complain his toothpaste bill is too high.

Stupe the Second Sacker — This young freak was acquired from the Southern Freak Farm just last year and has become a favorite in a short time.With his exceptional vision, very little escapes his eyes.

Marvin the Mouth — The only accident that happened in Spring training was when Strike Out King threw his bat and it landed in Marvin’s mouth. Prior to this, Marvin could be heard for miles when arguing with the umpire.

 

Super Freaks 4

Freddie Far-Out — Freddie is probably the freakiest freak of all. Being odd does not affect his playing ability. Freddie is extremely versatile and can play almost any position, including water boy.

Henry the Horrible — Henry announces all Super Freak ball games. He is well known for his colorful narrations, knowledge of the game, his relationship with all the players and his terrible looks.

Sam the Slammer — Sam swings the biggest bat in baseball.When he hits a ball, nothing is left but sawdust.The problem is that he rarely hits one. He holds the record of strike-outs.

Speed E. Freak — The fastest freak in baseball… he can actually run the bases twice while his ball is in the air. Opposing teams fear his fantastic speed.

Sylvester the Center Fielder — Sylvester’s main responsibility is to catch flies. HIs teammates know the only thing he can do well is attract them… probably because he washes his hair in ketchup.

Strike Out King — This guy has been struck out more than any other freak.The opposing pitcher knows the safest place to throw the ball is right under his nose. He tries to make friends, but just can’t mainly because he is just too nosey.

The Nose — This freak truly has a nose for the game. In fact, he uses it to catch those pop flies that other players find difficult to handle. He can smell a hit long before it happens.

Sammy Springer — Sammy was an All-American center on the Super Freak High School Basketball team. He switched to baseball last year and started at shortstop because of his ability to jump 20 feet into the air and catch any ball that comes by.Truly a Super Freak.

Super Freaks 5

Pork E. Pine — No opposing player dares to slide into this guy’s base. In his twenty years in the Major Leagues. No one has ever gotten past him without getting the point.

Second Baseman — This player has an unbeatable way of firing a ball back to home plate. He uses a sling shot.The accuracy and speed is amazing. It is really tough for the opposing team to score a run when the ball is hit to this guy.

George the Glob — George has the unusual ability to cover a lot of ground in a short time with his four legs. Even though he is a Glob, he is a real asset in covering the outfield responsibilities.

Gavin the Goof-Off — Even though Gavin has four eyes, he has a tendency to look away just as the pitch is thrown.This is terrible for a catcher, but Gavin has so much to see.

Bernard the First Baseman — This guy plays ball with the spirit of a warrior. He guards first base like he owns it.A tough player to get past.

Alert Albert — Albert never pays attention to the game. He will look away anytime his name is called. Because of this, he has very few teeth left in his head.

Foul Ball Fred — This guy’s responsibility has been to scoop up foul balls and he’s been at it so long that he has become a foul character.The team keeps him around because he works for nothing.

Herman the Hideous

Herman the Hideous — Herman is the most versatile freak. He can play any position… including the coach. He is so ugly that everyone ignores him other times. A Super Freak in every sense!

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I have. My favorites are Norris the Nibbler and Super Scooper. What would we do without cherished memories?


November Meeting

We will be gathering at Iron Works BBQ located at 100 Red River in downtown Austin on Tuesday, November 13 starting at 6:00 p.m. 

There is a small parking lot on-site, a larger lot on the south side of Cesar Chavez plus large pay lots across the street to the east.  Please RSVP to Jan Larson at jan.a.larson@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Hornsby members watch Giants top Tigers for 3-0 lead

2012 WS Game 3 photo

Nine members and guests watched the San Francisco Giants continue their good baseball play, taking a three-games-to-none lead on the Detroit Tigers.

Jim Baker hosted the watch party, supplying a delicious barbeque assortment of ribs, brisket, turkey and sausage, along with yummy sides such as potato salad and baked beans. Special thanks to Jim for hosting for the second consecutive year.

Most of us were impressed with Giants catcher Buster Posey’s inexplicable catch of a fast ball that appeared to have gotten by him. Even home plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth, who was wearing a microphone during the game, thought the ball had gotten past Posey.

Pictured above are (seated, from left): Jan Larson, Michael Bass and Raeanne Martinez; (standing, from left): Ira Siegel, Tom Thayer, Jim Baker and Gilbert Martinez (Photo by Connie Larson).

Below is the graphic Jim Baker modified for the watch party announcement.

World's Series graphic

October Meeting – World Series Watch Party

We will be gathering at the home of Chapter member Jim Baker at 6:30 on Saturday evening, October 27 to watch the third game of the 2012 World Series between the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants.

Food will be provided; please bring along your own drinks.  Jim’s house is located at 207 Cadillac Cove in Cedar Park.  Please RSVP to Jim at jimbaker1066@yahoo.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26 if you plan to attend.

Movie Review : Knuckleball!

Knuckleball! is a documentary film that chronicles the 2011 season for the only two active members of the exclusive fraternity of knuckleballers, R. A. Dickey of the New York Mets and Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox.   As Dickey finally enjoyed some success at the major league level after 15 seasons of one-year contracts Wakefield was wrapping up a 19 year major league career by chasing his 200th win.

The film alternates between the two pitchers; telling the stories of their development as ballplayers in high school and college through the minor leagues and into the majors.  Before achieving major league success both had to make the decision to adopt the mostly misunderstood knuckleball.

Former major league knuckleballers Phil Niekro, Charlie Hough, Tom Candiotti, Wilbur Wood and Jim Bouton are also featured offering advice and sharing baseball tales that only a knuckleballer could appreciate.

Knuckleball! is a must-see for serious fans of America’s pasttime and offers a glimpse at the human side of professional athletes that non-baseball fans can appreciate.  Make no mistake, however, this film is a baseball film.

Available for rental or purchase through iTunes and YouTube.

 

50 Years of Metiness (highlights of 50 years of Mets’ history)

50 Years of Metiness

by Jim Baker

(presented September 20, 2012)

(Move the mouse over the blank space to see the answer)
1.

What is "Mets" short for? (1 pt)

Metropolitans
2.

After the Giants and Dodgers bolted for the West Coast, the concept of the Mets was created for a new league that never came into being.  What was the name of that league? (3 pts)

the Continental League
3.

In 1965, the Mets’ first manager, Casey Stengel, broke his hip and retired.  He was replaced by this former New York Giants catcher. (2 pts)

Was it Alvin Dark, Wes Westrum, Bill Rigney, or Walker Cooper?

Wes Westrum
4.

On September 11, 1966, a fresh-faced, 12th round selection in the very first amateur draft (held the year before) made his major league debut with the Mets with two innings of relief against the Braves.  Who is he?  (2pts)

Nolan Ryan
5.

How many division titles have the Mets won?

How many National League pennants?

How many World Championships?  (2 pts each)

5 division titles.

4 NL pennants

2 Worlds Championships
6.

The Mets have never been known for their sluggers.  Who holds the all-time team record for home runs with 252? (2pts)

Was it David Wright, Dave Kingman, Darryl Strawberry, Howard Johnson, or Mike Piazza? 

Darryl Strawberry
7.

No pitcher has won 200 games in a Mets uniform and only three have won as many as 100.  Which of the following is NOT one of those three? (2pts)

Jerry Koosman, David Cone, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden.

David Cone
8.

The Mets are hosting the All-Star Game in 2013.  When is the last time they were its host?  (2pts)

Was it 1962, 1964, 1978, or "never hosted"?

1964, coincident with the World’s Fair in NY and the inaugural season of Shea Stadium.
9.

Who pitched the only no-hitter in Mets history? (1 pt)

Johan Santana
10.

Since their catastrophic first years in which they lost 100 games five times in six seasons, how many time(s) have the Mets reached the century mark in losses? (2pts)

Is it – four, three, one, zero ?

one
11.

Aside from the aforementioned Casey Stengel, three other Mets managers have also managed the hated crosstown Yankees.  Name them (2 pts each)

Joe Torre, Yogi Berra, and Dallas Green
12.

This man is on the verge of losing his place as the all-time Mets hit leader to David Wright.  Who is he? (1 pt)

Ed Kranepool

 

September Meeting Wrap-Up

Eleven members of the SABR Rogers Hornsby Chapter met at Iron Works in Austin for dinner on the evening of Thursday, September 20.  We enjoyed great weather on the patio and far-ranging discussion of current baseball events.

Hot topics included the continued success of the Orioles, potential roster strategies for the one game wild card play-in game, playoff match-ups, the status of the Astros’ managerial search, Ichiro’s current adventures with the Yankees, and much more.

Jim Baker presented the quiz, "The 50 Years of Metiness", covering highlights over the fifty years of New York Mets’ history.  Jan Larson won the quiz with an outstanding 24 out of a possible 30 points.  The quiz is here.

Our next chapter meeting will be our annual Playoffs Watch Party, to be held Saturday October 27 (which should be Game Three of the World Series).  Jim Baker will host at his house.  More information will be forthcoming.

Also, remember to mark your calendars for Saturday January 12, 2013 for our chapter’s seventh annual Winter Meeting, to be held again at Texas State University in San Marcos.   

September Meeting

We will be gathering at Iron Works BBQ located at 100 Red River in downtown Austin on Thursday, September 20 starting at 6:00 p.m. 

There is a small parking lot on-site, a larger lot on the south side of Cesar Chavez plus large pay lots across the street to the east.  Please RSVP to Jan Larson at jan.a.larson@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Pitching Wins Leaders by Franchise

Pitching Wins Leaders by Franchise

by Bill Gilbert

Presented at Hornsby Chapter meeting, August 23, 2012

(Move the mouse over the blank space to see the answer)
1.

Baltimore Orioles*

Jim Palmer 268 McNally 181 Mussina 147

2.

Boston Red Sox
Roger Clemens 192 Cy Young 192 Wakefield 186
3.

New York Yankees
Whitey Ford 236 Ruffing 231 Pettitte 206+
4.

Tampa Bay Rays
James Shields 84+ Price 57+ Kazmir 55
5.

Toronto Blue Jays
Dave Stieb 175 Halladay 148 Clancy 128
6.

Chicago White Sox
Ted Lyons 260 Faber 254 Walsh 195
7.

Cleveland Indians
Bob Feller 266 Harder 223 Lemon 207
8.

Detroit Tigers
Hooks Dauss 222 Mullin 208 Lolich 207
9.

Kansas City Royals
Paul Splittorf 166 D. Leonard 144 Gubicza 132
10.

Minnesota Twins*
Walter Johnson 417 Kaat 190 Blyleven 149
11.

Los Angeles Angels
Chuck Finley 165 Ryan 138 M. Witt 109
12.

Oakland A’s*
Eddie Plank 284 Grove 195 Bender 183
13.

Seattle Mariners
Jamie Moyer 145 R. Johnson 130 F. Hernandez 97+
14.

Texas Rangers*
Charlie Hough 139 K. Rogers 138 B. Witt 104
15.

Atlanta Braves
Warren Spahn 356 Nichols 329 P. Niekro 268
16.

Miami Marlins
Ricky Nolasco 73+ Willis 68 J. Johnson 55+
17.

New York Mets
Tom Seaver 198 Gooden 157 Koosman 140
18.

Philadelphia Phillies
Steve Carlton 241 Roberts 234 Alexander 190
19.

Washington Nationals*

Steve Rogers 158 D. Martinez 100 B. Smith 81
20.

Chicago Cubs
Charley Root 201 TF  Brown 188 Hutchison 182
21.

Cincinnati Reds
Eppa Rixey 179 Mullane 163 Derringer 161
22.

Houston Astros
Joe Niekro 144 Oswalt 143 Dierker 137
23.

Milwaukee Brewers*
Jim Slaton 117 Caldwell 102 Higuera 94
24.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Wilbur Cooper 202 Leever 195 B. Adams 194
25.

St. Louis Cardinals
Bob Gibson 251 Haines 210 B. Forsch 163
26.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Randy Johnson 118 Webb 87 Schilling 68
27.

Colorado Rockies
Aaron Cook 72 Francis 59 Jennings 58
28.

Los Angeles Dodgers*
Don Sutton 233 Drysdale 209 Vance 190
29.

San Diego Padres
Eric Show 100 Peavy 92 R. Jones 92
30.

San Francisco Giants*
C. Mathewson 372 Hubbell 253 M. Welch 240

 *Includes years in other locations

 +Currently active with franchise