Aaron R. Baggett’s presentation from the 2013 Hornsby Chapter Winter Meeting is available here: MLB Umpire Decision Process
Serie del Caribe 2013 in Hermosillo, Mexico
Estadio Sonora, site of the 2013 Caribbean World Series *
Mexico hosts the 2013 Serie del Caribe and this year’s host city is Hermosillo, the capital of the state of Sonora. The games will be played in Nuevo Estadio Sonora, and this stadium is nuevo — it’s brand new. After its inauguration hosting the Series, the stadium will become the home field for los Naranjeros, Hermosillo’s club in the Mexican Pacific League.
A nice panoramic video of Estadio Sonora, taken during the 2013 Serie del Caribe, is out on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlLKbhpSidQ&feature=youtu.be
The 2013 Caribbean Series will feature a slight change in format. In past years, the four winter league champions (from Mexico, the Dominican, Puerto Rico and Venezuela) played a double-round-robin format. This resulted in a six-day, twelve game tournament, with the team having the most wins at the end of the sixth day being declared the winner. However, that format could lead to ties that would result in a seventh day playoff — or, a team could clinch early making the last two or three games meaningless. In an effort to extend the suspense, a seventh day is being added in 2013. The four country champs will still play the six-day double-round-robin, and then the first- and second-place teams will play for the championship on the seventh day. The new seven-day format will also more easily accomodate any additional leagues or teams that may participate in the future. The 2013 Series game schedule is here.
During the summer “off season” there was considerable discussion about adding participants to la Serie. There were rumors that a team from South Korea might participate, but little came of this. The big news, however, was that Cuba might re-enter la Serie del Caribe. A delegation from the Caribbean Confederation, the governing body of winter baseball and la Serie, traveled to Havana for meetings with Cuban authorities. After extensive discussions, the terms for Cuba’s return could not be worked out for 2013. However, the door was definitely left open for further negotiations.
Winter league play began in October in Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The line-up of participating clubs in these three countries remained unchanged, as follows:
Mexican Pacific League (8 teams): Aguilas de Mexicali, Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Cd. Obregon, Mayos de Navajoa, Caneros de los Mochis, Algodoneros de Guasave, Tomateros de Culiacan, and Venados de Mazatlan.
Venezuelan Winter League (8 teams): Leones del Caracas, Navegantes del Magallanes (Valencia), Tiburones de La Guaira, Bravos de Margarita (Porlamar), Cardenales de Lara (Barquisimeto), Caribes de Anzoategui (Puerto la Cruz), Tigres de Aragua (Maracay), and Aguilas del Zulia (Maracaibo).
Dominican Winter League (6 teams): Leones de Escogido (Santo Domingo), Tigres de Licey (Santo Domingo), Aguilas Cibaenas (Santiago), Gigantes del Cibao (San Francisco), Toros del Este (La Romana), and Estrellas de Oriente (San Pedro)
Puerto Rico began their season in early November. For the 2012-13 season the Puerto Rican League expanded to six teams. This was welcome news, as they were down to only four teams last winter as baseball continues to struggle in Puerto Rico. The concerns are still there at the gate, as most regular league games reported attendance of 1,000 or less.
Puerto Rican League (6 teams): Indios de Mayaguez, Criollos de Caguas, Leones de Ponce, Gigantes de Carolina, Cangrejeros de Santurce, and Atenienses de Manati.
The Winter League regular season runs until late December. This results in a regular season of about seventy games in Mexico, sixty games in Venezuela, about fifty games in the Dominican, and forty games in Puerto Rico. In-country league playoffs consume the month of January, with the four playoff winners then meeting at la Serie del Caribe to play for the championship of beisbol latinoamericano.
Juan and Monte together in Puerto Rico # Plaza Zaragoza in Hermosillo *
I’m especially excited about going to Hermosillo, as it’s the home of some Mexican friends; in particular mi buen amigo Juan Antonio Jasso Rodriguez. Juan and I met in Puerto Rico when Mayaguez hosted the 2011 Serie del Caribe. We have remained in close contact since then. I look forward to seeing him again, this year in his home town.
*** More to come as Monte travels to Hermosillo to attend the Caribbean Series. Look for updates from now through February 8 ***
January 21 playoffs update: The final series are either underway, or the field is set, in each of the four winter leagues. The finalists are: Mexico – Mexicali vs. Obregon; Obregon is the two-time defending champion of the LMP and the 2011 Serie del Caribe champ. Dominican Republic – Escogido vs. Aguilas; Escogido is the current defending champion of la Serie del Caribe. Puerto Rico – Mayaguez vs. Caguas; Mayaguez is the defending PR champion. Venezuela – Magallanes vs. Lara; los Navegantes de Magallanes is a storied and popular club in Venezuela.
In-country playoff finals as of end-of-play Wednesday, January 30:
Escogido swept the final Dominican Winter League series five games to none; they will defend their Serie del Caribe crown in Hermosillo.
In the Mexican Pacific League, Cuidad de Obregon swept to their third consecutive Mexican Pacific League league title – four games to none.
Caguas took the Puerto Rican championship 4-2.
Magallanes prevailed in an exciting Venezuelan final series that went the full seven games. World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval starred for los Navegantes.
Announcements:
Fernando Valenzuela will throw out the first pitch at the opening ceremonies on Friday February 1.
Tickets for the entire Series at Estadio Sonora are SOLD OUT !
It´s also rumored that Tommy Lasorda will throw out a first pitch, but I haven´t been able to confirm that.
Thursday, January 31:
I traveled to Hermosillo this morning. My flights from Austin to Phoenix, and on to Hermosillo were en punto — right on time. My buen amigo Juan Antonio met me at the airport and we went to his house for a home-cooked meal by Senora de Jasso. It was delicioso. I checked into my hotel, and then it was on to Travesias Mundiales, the travel agency that puts together the tours to la Serie del Caribe. The owner Thelma Acosta, daughter Paloma and the staff have been great to me and I got my gear (hat, jersey, and jacket) plus the tickets and schedule — all ahead of time.
My amigo and I then went on a driving tour of several hotels trying to get my press credentials, but were finally told to pick them up at Estadio Sonora Friday. We ended up the day at the lounge at Hotel Gandara, having drinks and watching a Cuban League game on the TV.
Friday, February 1:
Quick results: Dominican Republic 7 – Venezuela 2 , Mexico 3 – Puerto Rico 0.
The Series got off to a great start at the new Estadio Sonora. The new stadium is fantastic. There were more than 5,000 fans already in their seats for the first game, which is usually lightly attended as the host team always plays the nightcap. By the time the between-games festivities began, there were more than 16,000 fanaticos filling the place to capacity. Estadio Sonora is being touted as the finest facility in beisbol latinoamericano, and I have to agree. It’s an impressive facility.
In the first game, Venezuela jumped out to an early lead when the leadoff hitter Reggie Corona hit a first-inning home run. Venezuela made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth, but then the strong Dominican lineup began to produce. Dominicana scored one in the fourth, four in the fifth, and two in the seventh for the victory. The Dominican team is anchored by familiar names such as Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Tejada and Fernando Tatis, among others. Ricardo Nanita led the offensive attack with three hits and two RBI. Venezuela was limited to only three hits, as the Dominicans took the opener 7-2.
The between-game festivities were extensive. Fernando Valenzuela threw out the ceremonial first pitch. We were treated to extensive dancing and music, plus a fantastic fireworks display. It was a spectacular ceremony to officially celebrate the new stadium.
By the time the ceremonies were completed, the Mexican fans were ready for action and they were not disappointed. The Mexican team showed strong pitching and defense, combined with timely hitting to prevail over Puerto Rico 3-0 in a close, exciting game. Jessie Gutierrez and Marlon Byrd provided all the RBIs and Luis Mendoza pitched six strong innings. Mendoza and five relievers combined for the shutout. The home team´s fans went home happy.
Saturday, February 2
Quick results: Dominicana 6 – Puerto Rico 2 , Venezuela 4 – Mexico 3
I started the day with breakfast hosted by my friend Juan Antonio with several of his friends and baseball aficianados, including fellow SABR member Eduardo Almada. It was a far-ranging discussion of beisbol, similar to a monthly SABR chapter meeting. I was told that Tommy Lasorda was traveling to Hermosillo along with the Dodgers Spanish voice Jamie Jarrin and Dodgers president Stan Kasten. They may be at the Caribbean Hall of Fame induction ceremony Sunday morning.
It was then off to Estadio Sonora for more baseball. In the first game, the powerful Dominican lineup overcame an early Puerto Rico lead and the Dominicans once again pulled away late to take the opener 6-2. The stadium filled up prior to the nightcap and was once again at (or over) capacity for Mexico´s game. Mexico took a 3-1 advantage into the eighth inning, but Venezuela rallied late and won the game on a Mario Lisson walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth. My amigos mexicanos were understandably disappointed with the results.
But, it´s early in the tournament and only Puerto Rico appears to be in bad shape now.
Sunday, February 3
Yesterday I was able to get my press pass at the stadium, so I´m now the cronista oficial for SABR here at la Serie del Caribe. One of the perks was that I was able to attend the induction ceremonies this morning for the Caribbean Series Hall of Fame. There were six new honorees, with two key figures being Fernando Valenzuela and the president of the local club, Dr. Arturo Leon Lerma. It was very obvious that both of these men are much-loved in Mexico, with Dr. Leon Lerma getting the most extended applause. The ceremonies were held in the Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Sonora here in Hermosillo.
Quick results: Venezuela 3 – Puerto Rico 1 , Dominicana 6 – Mexico 5 (11 inn.)
Standings as of completion of first round:
Dominican Republic 3 wins, 0 losses
Venezuela 2 wins, 1 loss
Mexico 1 win, 2 losses
Puerto Rico 0 wins, 3 losses
In Sunday´s games — once again Puerto Rico could not generate offense and lost to Venezuela 3-1. The Puerto Ricans had nine hits but could not push runs across when they had the chance. The big blow in the game was a two-run homer by Jose Castillo in the top of the sixth.
In the nightcap, the lead changed hands several times in an exciting game. The Dominican team was leading 5-4 in the top of the ninth with Fernando Rodney on the hill to close out the game. However, after two wild pitches and timely hitting, the Mexicans had pinned a blown save on Rodney and tied the game. But for a huge baserunning mistake, the Mexicans would have taken the lead. In the event, the Dominicans won 6-5 on a two out, walk-off single by Ricardo Nanita in the bottom of the eleventh. Another heartbreaking loss for my Mexican friends.
Monday February 3
Quick results: Puerto Rico 6 – Dominicana 4 (10 inn), Mexico 2 – Venezuela 0
The standings tightened up significantly as Puerto Rico upset the Dominican team for the Criollos´ first win. Mexico rode good pitching, solid defense, and a two-run homer to a victory over Venezuela.
Tuesday February 4
Quick results: Puerto Rico 4 – Venezuela 1 , Dominicana 11 – Mexico 6
OK … I took a half day off from baseball and went to the beach at Bahia de Kino. Very scenic. Back at the ball park:
Puerto Rico continued it winning ways with a solid victory over Venezuela. This result was very positive for Mexico, as it gave them the chance to take over second place with a win in the nightcap.
However, things did not go well for the home team in the second game. Mexico led 6-4 going into the top of the eighth when the Dominican powerhouse unloaded for seven runs. Leadoff man Jose Ramirez blasted a three-run homer to break the game open. Miguel Tejada had an earlier two-run blast. The final score was 11-6 before another sold-out house.
Going into the final day of round-robin play, the standings are:
Dominicana 4 wins – 1 loss
Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico are all tied at 2 wins – 3 losses
This sets up important games Wednesday, with the top two teams then qualifying for a single-game playoff on Thursday.
Wednesday February 6
Quick results: Dominicana 4 – Venezuela 2 , Mexico 10 – Puerto Rico 0
The Dominican Republic and Mexico advance to the one-game final on Thursday evening !! The standings as of completion of the round robin phase are:
Dominicana 5 wins, 1 loss
Mexico 3 wins, 3 losses
Venezuela 2 wins, 4 losses
Puerto Rico 2 wins, 4 losses
The new format has worked out well, as all the games on Wednesday were meaningful (in the old format, Dominicana would have already clinched and the last two games would have had no meaning for the championship).
The highlight of play was the pitching of Mexico starter Luis Mendoza (K.C. Royals). Mendoza carried a no-hitter into the eight inning and struck out nine. A first-inning homer by Barbaro Canizares was all the offense that the home team needed, but they continued to score while displaying great defense behind Mendoza.
Thursday, February 8
MEXICO WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Mexico won the 2013 Serie del Caribe in an 18-inning marathon, 4-3 over Dominicana. Mexico was batting as the visiting team due to DR winning the round-robin phase of the tournament. Douglas Clark hit a solo home run in the top of the 18th and Mexico held on for the win.
Friday, February 9
After a very short night’s sleep, I had breakfast at the airport with my friend Juan Antonio. We encountered Mexico DH/1B Barbaro Canizares at the currency exchange window and Juan was able to get a picture of him with his all-star trophy. My buen amigo and I then bid a fond farewell, hoping to meet again soon.
On my flight from Hermosillo back to Phoenix, there were a number of Arizona Diamondbacks staffers and scouts on the plane. Pitcher Nelson Figueroa was sitting across the aisle from me. I talked with him briefly as we were clearing customs. He told me he would be pitching for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and attending spring training with the D-Backs before and after the WBC.
RECAP
The 2013 Serie del Caribe was the most exciting of the three that I’ve been to so far. The new format of competition kept teams in contention longer, and assured a meaningful final game. The impressive new Estadio Sonora was a great venue, plus the sell-out crowds every day added to the excitement. The Mexican organizers did a great job putting on the event.
Estadio Sonora seemed to “play fair”, with more offense and more home runs generated than in either of the past two years in Mayaguez or Santo Domingo. Perhaps the dry air and “major league average” dimensions (325′ L and R, 400′ in C) helped generate more offense.
The make-up of the team lineups offered interesting contrasts. The Dominican team was “loaded” with well-known names such as Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Tejada, Fernando Tatis, Julio Lugo, and Fernando Rodney among others. On the other end of the spectrum, Puerto Rico had only one player currently on a major league roster – catcher Ramon Castro – and had players from as low as single-A and independent league teams. The Mexican team had many stars from the Mexican summer league, and also sometimes fielded and all-U.S. outfield of Douglas Clark, Chris Roberson and Marlon Byrd. Mexico pitcher Luis Mendoza had an ERA of 0.00 and was 2-0 in his two starts.
One of the fun aspects of the Serie del Caribe is that everyone is so accessible. You may find one of the team managers sitting near you in the stands. Or perhaps have your picture taken with some of the well-known and colorful fanaticos. A staple of Mexican games is Enrique “KK” Estrada and his band of matraqueros, who use huge noisemakers (matracas) to rally the Mexican fans and team.
Monte, KK and his “matraca” and Juan # Mexico manager Eddie Diaz with Juan #
In summary, the Serie del Caribe is an interesting, exciting and different baseball experience for the U.S. fan. My enjoyment was greatly increased by the camaradarie of my good friend Juan Antonio Jasso Rodriguez and the increasing number of friends that I meet each year. Thank you Juan; and thanks to all for the great experience. I hope to see everyone again next year, for Serie del Caribe 2014 on Margarita Island, Venezuela. Adios y buena suerte!
Amigos at Kino Bay + and at lunch in Hermosillo #
CREDITS:
* Pictures of Estadio Sonora and Hermosillo, as well as the Serie del Caribe – Hermosillo logo, are courtesy of the official 2013 Serie del Caribe web site at www.seriedelcaribe2013.com.mx
# Pictures are courtesy of Ing. Juan Antonio Jasso Rodriguez
+ Picture is courtesy of Jose Ciro Soto Hernandez
Largest Winter Meeting Ever
The largest winter meeting of the Rogers Hornsby Chapter had a little bit of everything on Saturday, Jan. 12 – updates on the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, a statistical analysis of the psychology of umpires calling balls and strikes, the Texas League president’s perspective on his duties, a preview of the 2014 SABR convention and a review of 1840’s-era baseball in New York.
Fifty-one SABR members and guests gathered at historic Old Main on the campus of Texas State University for the seventh annual winter meeting – the largest attendance ever, including a dozen members from the Larry Dierker Chapter (Houston), which is hosting the SABR convention in Houston in 2014.
Longtime Astros broadcaster Bill Brown (pictured below) talked about his return to the television booth for the upcoming season, including his thoughts about the Astros chances in the American League West. He also brought and signed his memoir, “My Baseball Journey: A Sportcaster’s Story,” proceeds of which support the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias.
Tom Kayser, president of the Texas League (AA), talked about his activities and duties as a minor league official. He didn’t skip a beat when an unexpected power outage in Old Main darkened the windowless room on the third floor. While organizers scrambled to figure out what to do, Kayser kept the crowd entertained and answered questions about his duties. Shortly thereafter, the group relocated to a classroom with windows and continued with the meeting schedule.
Aaron Baggett, professor of psychology at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, presented his research (co-authored with Grant Morgan of Baylor University) examining umpires’ objective and subjective tendencies when calling balls and strikes. Click here to see the presentation slides.
Connie Mack biographer and former SABR board member Norman Macht (pictured below) kicked off the meeting with another group ice-breaker activity that featured questions involving the names of vice presidents and baseball players. Macht also shared his involvement in the 150th anniversary celebration of Connie Mack’s birth in East Brookfield, Mass. To try your hand at Norman’s creative icebreaker quiz, click here or go to the Contests tab above and select “Quizzes.”
Bob Tholkes, a longtime SABR member active in the Halsey Hall Chapter in Minneapolis, traveled to Texas to avoid the harsh winter in the north. He shared his research about the New York Knickerbockers rules of baseball from the 1840s. His presentation can be viewed by clicking here.
Award-winning radio broadcaster Mike Capps of the Round Rock Express gave his assessment of players in the Texas Rangers’ farm system to watch out for in the coming year.
Bob Dorrill of the Dierker Chapter invited Hornsby Chapter members to participate and volunteer at the 2014 SABR national convention to be held in Houston. An exact date for the convention won’t be set until Major League Baseball announces the 2014 baseball schedule (expected later this year).
This was the Seventh Annual Winter Meeting held at Texas State University-San Marcos, and the sixth consecutive meeting held in Old Main, the oldest building on campus. Dr. Judy Oskam, director of the School of Journalism & Mass Communication, which is housed in Old Main, welcomed the group and shared her softball experience as a pitcher in elementary school.
Much thanks to Monte Cely, Jan Larson and Steve Fall for their hard work in preparing for the winter meeting and ensuring a smooth day on Saturday. Special thanks to “Baseball Jan” Opella for taking photos throughout the meeting, three of which are shared here. To view more photos from Baseball Jan, click here.
Special thanks also go out to those who were able to join us in San Marcos this year. If you missed us, we missed you! It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s winter meeting!
Analyzing the 2013 Hall of Fame Vote
Bill Gilbert’s 2013 analysis of the Hall of Fame Vote may be downloaded here: Analyzing the 2013 Hall of Fame vote
Rating the 2013 Hall of Fame Candidates Based on Win Shares
Bill Gilbert’s 2013 analysis of Hall of Fame Candidates based on win shares may be downloaded here: Rating the 2013 Hall of Fame Candidates Based on Win
Triple Milestones – 2012
Triple Milestones – 2012
By Bill Gilbert
Offensive production in the major leagues was mixed in 2012. The number of runs and home runs per game both increased in 2012 after reaching 20-year lows in 2011. Batting average was the same as in 2011 but on-base average dropped to .319, the lowest figure since the 1980s. However slugging average increased from .399 in 2011 to .405 in 2012
Year Runs/Game HR/Game BAVG OBA SLG OPS Triple Milestone Hitters
—- ——— ——- —- —- —- — ————————
1990 8.51 1.58 .258 .324 .386 .710 2
1991 8.62 1.61 .255 .323 .384 .707 3
1992 8.23 1.44 .256 .322 .377 .699 2
1993 9.20 1.78 .266 .332 .404 .736 5
1994 9.85 2.07 .270 .339 .424 .763 3
1995 9.69 2.02 .267 .338 .417 .755 8
1996 10.07 2.19 .270 .340 .427 .767 21
1997 9.53 2.05 .267 .337 .419 .756 7
1998 9.58 2.08 .266 .335 .420 .755 14
1999 10.17 2.28 .271 .345 .434 .779 19
2000 10.28 2.34 .271 .345 .437 .782 26
2001 9.55 2.25 .264 .332 .427 .759 21
2002 9.24 2.09 .261 .331 .417 .748 12
2003 9.46 2.14 .264 .332 .422 .754 8
2004 9.63 2.25 .266 .335 .428 .763 12
2005 9.18 2.06 .265 .330 .419 .749 10
2006 9.72 2.22 .269 .336 .432 .768 13
2007 9.59 2.04 .268 .336 .423 .759 8
2008 9.30 2.01 .264 .333 .417 .750 7
2009 9.23 2.02 .262 .333 .418 .751 6
2010 8.77 1.90 .257 .325 .403 .728 6
2011 8.57 1.87 .255 .321 .399 .720 7
2012 8.64 2.03 .255 .319 .405 .724 4
Home runs were up in 2012 as several power hitters emerged. Six players hit 40 or more home runs in 2012 compared to two in 2011. The 30 home run level was reached by 27 players in 2012 compared to 24 in 2011 and 18 in 2010.
A useful indicator for tracking offense is the number of players who hit for both power and average by achieving a .300 batting average, 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in. A record 26 players reached all three milestones in 2000, but that figure has dropped significantly in recent years. Only four players reached all three milestones in 2012, the lowest since 1994, as 23 of the players with 30+ home runs failed to reach 100 RBIs and bat .300. Miguel Cabrera and Ryan Braun were the only players who made it in both 2011 and 2012.
Joining Cabrera and Braun in the .300-30-100 club were Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder. It was the second time for Beltre and the first time for Fielder, bringing the total to 171 players who have registered at least one .300-30-100 season starting with Babe Ruth in 1920.
Following is a listing of players who achieved triple milestones in 2012.
Player Times BAVG-HR-RBI Comments
American
Miguel Cabrera 6 .330-44-139 Won the AL Triple Crown.
Adrian Beltre 2 .321-36-102 Last time was in 2004.
Prince Fielder 1 .313-30-108 Had .299-38-120 in 2011.
National
Ryan Braun 3 .319-41-112 Also stole 30 bases..
Four players achieved triple milestones in 2011 but fell short in 2012:
2011 2012
Player Times BAVG-HR-RBI BAVG-HR-RBI
Paul Konerko 3 .300-31-105 .298-26-75
Jose Bautista 1 .302-43-103 .241-27-63
Jacoby Ellsbury 1 .321-32-105 .271- 4-26
Matt Kemp 1 .324-39-126 .303-23-69
Troy Tulowitzki 1 .302-30-105 .287- 8-27
All but Konerko missed significant playing time with injuries.
Billy Butler of the Royals came close to Triple Milestones with.313-29-107.
The following list contains the names of players, active in 2012, who have had multiple .300-30-100 seasons in the past but have not done it in the last three years. Many have been limited by injuries. Some are still very productive players like David Ortiz and Matt Holliday, but not at the same level they were in their peak years. Since this list was started in 2004, not one player has come back with another .300-30-100 season.
Last
.300-30-100 .300-30-100
Player Seasons Season 2012 Comments
Alex Rodriguez 8 2008 .272-18-57 Another injury filled year.
Todd Helton 5 2003 .238- 7-37 Severe decline continues.
Chipper Jones 5 2001 .287-14-62 Still productive in final year.
Jason Giambi 4 2002 .225- 1- 8 Not much left.
Lance Berkman 3 2006 .259- 2- 7 Lost season due to injuries.
David Ortiz 3 2007 .318-23-60 Lone bright spot for Red Sox.
Mark Teixeira 3 2008 .251-24-84 Has become a .250 hitter.
Jim Thome 2 2002 .252- 8-25 Still adding to home run total.
Aramis Ramirez 2 2004 .300-27-105 Almost made it.
Travis Hafner 2 2006 .228-12-34 Not enough for a DH.
Vernon Wells 2 2006 .230-11-29 Continues to disappoint.
Matt Holliday 2 2007 .295-27-102 Came close in 2012.
Aubrey Huff 2 2008 .192- 1- 7 Looks like end of the line.
David Wright 2 2008 .306-21-93 Good enough for big contract.
In his 1988 Baseball Abstract, Bill James referred to triple
milestone seasons as "Hall of Fame Seasons". This was because all of the
eligible players with 5 or more triple milestone seasons had been
elected to the Hall of Fame. This correlation was broken in 2011 when Juan Gonzalez and Jeff Bagwell fell short of election in their first year of eligibility.
The Detroit Tigers had two players with triple milestones in 2012. Twenty nine of the thirty major league teams have now had at least one triple milestone hitter since the year 2000. Kansas City has not had a triple milestone hitter since Danny Tartabull in 1991, but Billy Butler came close in 2012.
Five minor league players also recorded triple milestone seasons in 2012 including two who finished the season in the major leagues.
Player Team (Level) Organization Age BAVG-HR-RBI
Darin Ruf Reading (AA) Philadelphia 25 .317-38-104
Philadelphia (NL) .333- 3- 10
.318-41-114
Will Myers NW Arkansas (AA) Kansas City 21 .343-13- 30
Omaha (AAA) .304-24- 79
.307-37-109
Jedd Gyorko San Antonio (AA) San Diego 23 .262- 6- 17
Tucson .328-24- 83
.311-30-100
John Lindsey Laguna (MEX) Detroit 35 .341-21- 64
Toledo (AAA) .270-15- 47
.310-36-111
Anthony Rizzo Iowa (AAA) Chicago Cubs 22 .342-23- 62
Chicago (NL) .285-15- 48
.310-38-110
No college players achieved triple milestones in 2012
Pitchers also strive for triple milestones – 20 wins, 200 strikeouts and an ERA under 3.00. Three pitchers made it in 2012, the most since 1974, The three who made it in 2012 are:
Pitcher Wins-Strikeouts-ERA
Gio Gonzalez 21-207-2.89
R. A. Dickey 20-230-2.73
David Price 20-205-2.56
Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw both made it in 2011 but fell short in wins in 2012. The three who made it in 2012 all accomplished it for the first time.
A complete list of hitters with triple milestone seasons since 1920 can be found at Baseball-Almanac, with the following link.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/legendary/triple_milestones.shtml
Pre-Holiday Hot Stove
A small but enthusastic group of chapter members gathered at Iron Works BBQ on Thursday, December 20 for some baseball talk, barbeque and holiday treats.
A wide-ranging assortment of baseball-related topics were covered including current topics such as the offseason acquistions by the Toronto Blue Jays, the signing of Josh Hamilton by the Angels, the trade of R. A. Dickey by the Mets and the signing of Carlos Pena by the Astros as well as topics from the past such as the Pythagorean W-L record of the ’62 Mets and the one game career of Houston Colt .45 player John Paciorek.
Monte Cely provided copies of the itinerary for the upcoming chapter Winter Meeting. Gilbert Martinez updated the group on potential construction disruptions that may affect the Winter Meeting venue on the Texas State University campus.
A potential group outing to the Rangers – Padres exhibition game in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio scheduled for March 30, 2013 was also discussed. More information will be forthcoming as the date approaches.
The monthly meeting for January will be the annual Winter Meeting. We encourage all chapter members to attend.
Thanks to Monte Cely (more specfically his wife, Linda) for supplying the assortment of desserts for the December meeting.
December Meeting
We will be gathering at Iron Works BBQ located at 100 Red River in downtown Austin on Thursday, December 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.
Book Review – Cuban Star
Cuban Star
How One Negro-League Owner Changed the Face of Baseball
by Adrian Burgos, Jr.
A Baseball Book Review
Monte Cely
(512) 310-9777
Cuban Star is the story of Alejandro “Alex” Pompez, a baseball Hall-of-Famer who played major roles in the Negro Leagues and in the integration of major league baseball.
Pompez was born in 1890 in Key West, Florida to immigrants who had fled the Spanish colonial regime in Cuba. Pompez’ father was active in the fight for Cuban independence, and this book explains the importance of “beisbol” as a symbol of the resistance struggle against the Spanish and as a means of raising funds to support the 1890’s revolution.
Pompez lived in Key West and in Tampa before moving to Harlem as a young man. He built a business empire that included “running the numbers” as well as promoting sporting events, including his New York “Cubans” ball club. He was instrumental in bringing many darker-skinned Latinos into the Negro Leagues. As integration gradually destroyed the Negro leagues in the late 40’s to early 50’s, Pompez re-invented himself as a “super-scout” for the New York/SF Giants. In that role, he served as both recruiter and mentor for the first wave of dark-skinned Latins joining organized baseball.
This book paints a story of baseball integration that is very different from the well-known version featuring Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey. Alex Pompez was at the center of that integration story, especially as it involved the Dominicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans that entered baseball in the 1950-60s. It’s a compelling and informative story that should be of interest to SABR members.
Here are the key statistics:
Book: Cuban Star – How One Negro-League Owner Changed the Face of Baseball
Author: Adrian Burgos, Jr.
Author’s Credentials: Burgos is a professor of history at the University of Illinois. His previous book on baseball is Playing America’s Game: Baseball, Latinos and the Color Line. His work has also been featured in The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, as well as on ESPN.
Published: 2011, Hill and Wang; ISBN: 978-0-8090-9479-0.
Length: 302 pages.
Price: Retail list – $28.00; Online – from $2.00 (used) + shipping.
Seventh Annual Winter Meeting
Society for American Baseball Research
ROGERS HORNSBY CHAPTER
Seventh Annual WINTER MEETING
at TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
OLD MAIN BUILDING, ROOM 320
San Marcos, Texas
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THE LINEUP (in alphabetical order):
AARON BAGGETT & GRANT MORGAN – will present their research on umpire ball/strike behavior.
BILL BROWN – Houston Astros broadcaster and author of My Baseball Journey: A Sportscaster’s Story. More info on Bill and his book are at www.mybaseballjourney.com
MIKE CAPPS – Director of Broadcasting for the Round Rock Express – AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
BOB DORRILL – will update us on plans for the 2014 SABR Convention to be held in Houston
TOM KAYSER – President of the AA Texas League
NORMAN MACHT – noted author and storyteller extraordinaire will deliver the baseball quiz and tell us about Connie Mack’s 150th anniversary celebration, at which Norman was a featured guest.
JUDY OSKAM – Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University
BOB THOLKES – will present his research on base ball in the 1840s thru the Civil War.
We’ll also have our usual features:
LUNCH – register upon arrival and sign up for your lunch choices; it’ll be delivered — all for a nominal charge. NOTES – we must have your lunch order by 10am in order to get delivery by noontime; we can only accept cash.
BOOK EXCHANGE – members are encouraged to bring a baseball book to exchange.
MEMORABILIA DISPLAY – there is scheduled time after lunch for memorabilia owners to describe & discuss.
DRESS CODE – wearing your favorite team’s cap, jersey, or sportswear is always encouraged.
Contact any member of the organizing committee if you have any questions or need more info:
Gilbert Martinez : gmartinez46@austin.rr.com
Monte Cely : cely@swbell.net
Jan Larson : jan.a.larson@gmail.com
Steve Fall : sportsresource@mindspring.com
COME EARLY, STAY LATE, HAVE FUN !
The meeting will be on the third floor in the Old Main building on the Texas State University campus. Look for the elevator on the first floor, or use the stairs. Here’s a photo of Old Main:
Directions to Texas State University-San Marcos
If you’re traveling north from San Antonio, take I-35 and take Exit 206, Aquarena Springs Drive.
If you’re traveling south from Austin, take I-35 and take Exit 206, Aquarena Springs Drive.
Travel west on Aquarena Springs Drive, which turns into University Drive. After crossing the San Marcos River, you will come to a traffic light. Turn right onto Sessom Drive. Just before the first light, turn left on State Street and go up a steep road toward Old Main. Go through a gate (the gate should be up) and continue up the hill. At the top of the hill, make a sharp left turn and drive up to Old Main. Look for parking on this road that winds around the side and back of Old Main.
You can find additional parking at the Pleasant Street Garage, located at the corner of N. LBJ and Pleasant Street. To reach this garage, after you pass through the gate, continue up the hill, then down the hill to the stop sign on Pleasant Street. Turn left; the entrance to the parking garage will be on your left.
You do not need a parking pass to park on campus – however, do not park in spaces not marked as parking spaces or in handicapped parking (unless you have the appropriate tag displayed).
The meeting room is on the third floor in Room 320. There is an elevator on the first floor, or you can take the stairs.
If you get lost or need help, call Gilbert Martinez (cell phone: 512-963-1263).
Use this link to see a Googe map showing the Texas State campus in relation to I-35:
Use this link to see a closer view of Old Main and the campus:
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