COOPERSTOWN, New York -- While I was standing under the overhang of a souvenir tent trying to stay dry during one of the drenching downpours that hit upstate New York this afternoon and cancelled what's supposed to be the final Hall of Fame Game, I heard one of the T-shirt vendors say, "The baseball gods are angry", apparently referring to MLB's decision to cancel the game after this season.
And if that's true, there never will be a "final" Hall of Fame Game, although it wouldn't surprise me to see them try it again next year just so they can say they had one last game. It won't involve the Cubs, of course, and I was thinking of coming to Cooperstown to see the Hall of Fame anyway after the Toronto series (I'm going to go tomorrow morning, after meeting some friends who also made the trip here for dinner tonight), so it wasn't completely a waste of time to come. In fact, despite the heavy rain, wind and hail, there was some fun to be had this afternoon, as you'll see in the photos below.
About the game itself: as I hinted in the game thread this morning, if you think doing something like this is a waste of time, I think you're wrong. Yes, Cooperstown isn't where baseball was "invented" -- and if they really wanted to honor a place where something resembling modern baseball legitimately got started, the Hall of Fame should be in Hoboken, New Jersey, where a game with codified rules was played on June 19, 1846.
But it's not there and not going there. Despite the non-origins of baseball at Cooperstown, it is undeniably true that the rise of baseball's popularity in this country was in large part because of all the small-town teams that rose up in the last part of the 19th Century and the first part of the 20th. To ignore that heritage is denying and destroying our history, which, unfortunately, is something that we do far too often in this strip-malled, big-boxed nation. There's an old saw that asks, "What's the difference between England and America?" To which the response is, "In England they think 100 miles is a long way, and in America they think 100 years is a long time." That's undeniably true. Playing this game is, inconvenience aside, a nod to our history. A group called Save The Fame Game would like to see the game saved, perhaps by making it a regular season game, rotated among the teams so that they lose one home game every 30 years, and the logistics could be worked out to make it easier. They marched during the pre-game parade:
That's one of the fun things about this game, and the sun was shining while the following, among others, passed down Main Street in Cooperstown, past the Hall of Fame on their way to Doubleday Field, before everyone went into the park for the eventual rainout:
The "Fish People" were fun, but I'm not sure I totally understand the concept
Ivy Man. Not sure I get this one either.
Cubs minor leaguers ride past the crowd on a trolley
After that, most of us went into Doubleday Field -- slowly, because there are only a couple of entrances -- and there were several PA announcements updating the weather, at one point asking everyone to leave because of severe weather in the area, including hail (which got to about large pebble size). They did manage to play the national anthem, do a tribute to the late NBC newsman Tim Russert, and have Greg Maddux present a ball from his 350th win to the Hall of Fame, before they finally called it about 2:30 pm.
Finally, I did get a chance to meet Martin Gandy, who runs the SBN Atlanta Braves blog Talking Chop, who was in town to see this game as part of what he said was a driving trip up and down the East Coast to see baseball.
Martin Gandy & me (I like the concept on his T-shirt, the back of which says "talkingchop.com")
Which is part of what baseball is all about: seeing friends, enjoying good times, and places you wouldn't otherwise see.
Tomorrow, back to the business of winning.
0 recs | 192 comments
first
You lose!
daver - June 16, 2008
That jumped out at me and I posted in the game thread that I was holding on to wait for this to go up to be first so it was almost like you were specifically targeting me.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Perish the thought.
daver - June 16, 2008
My post came out wrong. Dang that boss and wanting me to work!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Too bad
Sorry it got rained out. I was hoping Lou could give Marmol a few innings of much-needed work in this one!
danimal15 - June 16, 2008
LMAO
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Were your seats in the LF bleachers for the game?
They should have the game the Monday after the inductions like they used to as well.
Or make it one of the minor league all star games.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Or make it a regular season game after the All Star break.
By scheduling days off both before and after the game, the HoF Game could be relatively easy to schedule without creating a large disruption. (Choose teams that are going to play in the NE, for instance. They can play the first game of their series in Cooperstown)
Fraggin Judge - June 16, 2008
That might work.
Thought about that myself this afternoon.
My seat was right where those photos were taken from.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Great place.
I haven’t been there in 9 years. My sister-in-law lived a 30-minute-drive from Cooperstown. She doesn’t live there anymore. I recommend the place to every baseball fan. You can spend hours in that HoF museum and not see it all. And the baseball field is a historic relic.
Fraggin Judge - June 16, 2008
I agree, he's getting rusty.
northsider - June 16, 2008
I heard he was going to start him
but was going to limit him to 100 pitches….
LT - June 16, 2008
You missed it he was a guest on Maury, Steve Wilko and the killer on Matlock!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
He and Kerry were the possible fathers in a Not the Daddy episode of Maury and the father turned out to be
MARK PRIOR!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Small town baseball
Have you ever read “The Glory of Their Times” by Lawrence Ritter, Al? It’s a tremendous collection of interviews with players from around the turn of the 20th Century. A lot of them reminisce about playing Town Ball and how it was a big part of rural American life in those days. It’s fascinating reading and I would recommend it to any fan of baseball history.
BTW, the Ivy Guy is great! What’s not to get about him?
Mike Vails Evil Twin - June 16, 2008
There's no doubt that townball was prevalent in a lot of agrarian communities.
But the history of baseball and its rise to popularity seems to be largely a product of increasing urbanism and industrialism. There’s a great article in the Journal of Sports History that I’d recommend to anyone with more interest on the subject.
cwyers - June 16, 2008
I would also recommend
buying Ken Burns “Baseball.” I can hardly believe anyone here hasn’t seen it already, but if one hasn’t, it is a wealth of baseball history. I watch it every spring to fire me up for the season.
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
Yes, I have read "The Glory of Their Times".
Would highly recommend it to everyone here.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Even better
Is the Audiobook. They dug up some of the old tapes from the original interviews and made a compilation of everything. Really good if you’ve already read the book since it’s not as complete.
GSG - June 16, 2008
+1
One of my favorite baseball books.
Bump Bailey - June 16, 2008
I love books on tape/cd
I will have to keep that in mind next time I go to library
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
try audible.com
digital versions of books on tape. I love them.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Thanks for the link
cwyers. Excellent read.
Kegler - June 17, 2008
To clarify my thoughts on the HOF game...
...I don’t think it’s a waste of time. In fact, I think it’s a fine idea. However, I think holding an exhibition game between two major league teams in the middle of the regular season is patently ridiculous.
Granted, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way if my favorite team wasn’t fighting to win its division but, in any case, I don’t think any team should have to deal with the inconvenience and injury risk of having to play a ceremonial game like this while real games are underway.
I’d love to see the HOF game tradition continue in a more reasonable format—maybe either during spring training or simply involving minor league players (after all, who better to honor baseball’s past than its future).
daver - June 16, 2008
One thing is for sure...
... it can only be revived by giving it some meaning. Playing a bunch of minor leaguers who will never make the majors really doesn’t do justice to the idea.
Make it a regular season game between teams that are playing somewhere logistically close (New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Boston) and play it the day after the All-Star Game. That’d make a three-day midseason baseball festival.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Yeah, that's a really good idea actually.
Again, I’m not opposed to the idea, just the execution. Giving the game some meaning and playing it around the All-Star break would make it a lot more palatable.
daver - June 16, 2008
Ivy Man
Maybe the new official mascot of the Chicago Cubs. Eat your heart out philly phanatic
NIUcubbie - June 16, 2008
Ivy Man scares the hell out of me.
I’m not sure I could sit anywhere near the field if I knew that thing was going to be lumbering around between innings. On the bright side, it may freak out opposing teams just as much.
daver - June 16, 2008
He seriously gives me the creeps.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Ivy Guy
Looks like he could be the Swamp Thing’s cousin. Maybe he was looking for Adrian Barbeau…
Mike Vails Evil Twin - June 16, 2008
Ivy-Man On the Prowl!
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
SWL
That is tremendous. Wonderful.
The Ivy Man reminds me of a thing I saw in some early-70s, B-movie horror flick. Something about vines kinda taken over everything, turning people into plants? Maybe it was a Twilight Zone episode. I can’t remember…. Freaky but sweet!
Kegler - June 17, 2008
Looked Like
something Peter Gabriel wore in concert 30 years ago.
CaliCub - June 16, 2008
You didn't get it, Al?
An obvious tribute to Wrigley, with the ‘368’ sign. Looks like those green leafy dancing things on that Alison Goldfrapp video. Somebody’s been smoking green leafy things to come up with some of those parade costumes; wish I coulda been there!
NWIowaCubFan - June 16, 2008
Well, of course I "got" it...
... I just didn’t quite see the point.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
I'm for Ivy Man
Ivy Man would be the greatest thing ever. Wonder who’s idea it was for today’s parade? Just think of how the ordinary mascot occasionally freaks out small children… this creature would be a true terror to all the tots who need to be at home with a baby-sitter anyway.
Hey, if your kid’s too small to wear his glove, and too young to pay attention, give him to the wife or the nanny ‘til he’s ready for the bigs.
Maybe Ivy Man could just hang out on the warning track the whole game, blocking the Under Armor logo.
harrylives - June 16, 2008
There was a guy
that dressed up like that at the 7th Inning Stretch Competition last summer, so it’s not all that original. I didn’t think it was fair considering they said no props. Turns out it didn’t work and a good guy won it. Wonder if they are going to do another contest this year.
love the ivy - June 17, 2008
OT: Is anybody having problems with auto-refresh?
It doesn’t appear to be working for me, even though I have the little box checked.
Mordecai - June 16, 2008
Mine seems OK.
daver - June 16, 2008
It seems to work itself out
Mordecai - June 16, 2008
Today should be a national holiday.
After all it’s Kerry Wood’s birthday!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
EL, IL, NY-PA for HoF Game?
Having an Eastern League or an International League regular season game might make more sense for the Hall of Fame Game. Having a game at Cooperstown to start the New York-Penn League season in June could be a good idea.
memphiscub - June 16, 2008
They play a minor league game on HOF Weekend
At least they did the year Sandberg was inducted. Two teams from the NY-P league.
Ross - June 16, 2008
Oops I forgot. Doh!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Can you guys believe Kerry Wood is 31 today?
It seems like yesterday he was a 20 year old phenom.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Ivy Man may seem strange at first
but…
[wait for it]
...after awhile, he grows on you.
Hey-ohhhhh
ballhawk - June 16, 2008
LOL, I wish you would leaf jokes like that alone.
daver - June 16, 2008
...maybe try branching out a bit.
hokie316 - June 16, 2008
I tried to come up with a joke, but I face-planted.
northsider - June 16, 2008
You guys are really out on a limb here.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Are you guys vine-ally finished?
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
Well actually, I thought the discussion was only starting to blossom.
northsider - June 16, 2008
OK, this is getting ex-seedingly silly.
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
Is that your vinal thought?
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Well we're all responsible for watering it.
northsider - June 16, 2008
The guy walking
next to ivy man was singing “I walk the vine”.
tucsoncubsfan - June 16, 2008
I vinely got the joke
Emelie - June 16, 2008
That's posion Ivy Guy
bubbamike the one and only - June 16, 2008
You know what would be good?
Have Marmol not used the weekend before or after the ASG and him not pitch in it giving him basically a week off mid season.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
ATTN: digitalbenjamin (or anyone else)
I’ve posted video by request of the Edmonds game-tier and Reed Johnson HBP walkoff with the WGN RADIO calls instead of WGN-TV. Rock on. or click for a [new window]
northsider - June 16, 2008
(scroll down to the bottom of the comments)
northsider - June 16, 2008
Attn: digitalbenjamin
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
looks like he's got a new avatar!
northsider - June 16, 2008
beware
I still say beware the redbirds. They play winning baseball. True, they don’t have the “talent” teams like the Phils & Mets have, but they play similar to the A’s & Twins of recent years. They never seem to stray from an even keel. Perfect example this week-end. Giving up 20 runs in a game did nothing to destroy their confidence. Losing Pujols would get most teams making excuses, but not them. It’s like they always EXPECT things will still work out. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen this unpleasant act before.
KedzieKid - June 16, 2008
Killjoy
carmen_fanzone - June 16, 2008
I wouldn’t be surprised if we win the division and they get the wild card.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
There was an article on Fox Sports I think
about that scenario wondering if a possible NLCS match up would actually get any coverage like the Bosox/Skanks does. Ya gotta wonder if it would.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Who?
sue369 - June 16, 2008
This guy?
daver - June 16, 2008
i am....
KILROY!
KILROY!
KILROY!
northsider - June 16, 2008
The mod-ren man.
daver - June 16, 2008
I've gotta secret...
northsider - June 16, 2008
lol
sue369 - June 16, 2008
Two reasons the HOF game should never be part of a regular season game....
Left Field: 296 ft
Right Field 312 ft
carmen_fanzone - June 16, 2008
Z must have been dying to compete in the HR Derby...
northsider - June 16, 2008
They could put up screens...
... like they used to have at the LA Coliseum.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Again, no problem with the HOF game concept or the timing
Just the HOF game concept and the timing.
One or the other. Either it’s an exhibition game not played during the season or it’s a regular-season game that counts. (And you could move the fences out, but it sounds like it’s not much smaller than Citizens Bank.)
This in-season exhibition crap is nonsense.
cocknfire - June 16, 2008
There were two reasons...
... in-season exhibitions were played in the past. One, to raise money for charities. Two, to promote the game in areas where people couldn’t see ML baseball.
Reason two no longer exists. Reason one can be done by other means. I agree with you that in-season exhibitions are really pointless. But the HoF game could be reconstituted as a better idea by making it count.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Reason number two no longer exists Al?
Try telling that to all DishNetwork suscribers. Or the countless number of other fans who live within 3,215 miles of a ML ballpark and who address is an even number (MLB Blackout Rules).
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
I don't even know for sure if you're be sarcastic
about the address part of that. And that in itself should be a reason for MLB to fix this ridiculous issue.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Now, which teams will play in the game?
Playing the HOF game is a real revenue reversal. It probably would cost more for teams to play it than the revenue for the game. It is a great idea, to honor the game. I think having the minors play their all-star games for the HOF game would do that. Rotate years between A, AA, AAA etc. Make it a spectacle, national TV, the kids get the exposure. For MLB teams to play it without being reimbursed for the losses just can’t, in my opinion, be justified. For that matter, the whole salary structure in MLB needs to be addressed…...but that’s a different can of worms, eh?
crazymountain - June 16, 2008
I love that *it's still 755 shirt
That is an all time classic in my book.
HectorVillanueva - June 16, 2008
I'm sorry Al, but your wrong, wrong, wrong.
This game is one of the stupidest thing in professional sports. The timing of this thing is terrible. We stopped in Cooperstown to play an exhibition game between games that MATTER. Really, is just blows my mind. Does anyone think that the Bears would enjoy traveling and playing an exhibition game on their off week? Oh, it’s not the same you say. We’re not really playing our starters you say. Then what’s the point? Why not send the Iowa club instead? The fans that attend wouldn’t know the difference. I know if I were a player this game would piss me off because it has the potential to throw one out of a comfortable routine.
I haven’t waded through all the posts, so if this has been beat into the ground I apologize, but I just had to vent.
This thing is stupid, stupid, stupid.
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
Wait a minute
The Bears did play an exhibition game during the regular season in 2007. They beat Oakland
cocknfire - June 16, 2008
ba doom boom
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
+1
with a snicker coming from a Packer fan
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
All last season was an exhibition of bad football.
I haven’t even paid any attention to the Bears now. But that’s in direct relation to the Cubs.
And on the flip side in 2007 spring training kind of snuck up on me because of the Super Bowl.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Dude, you are
certainly entitled to your opinion but it doesn’t mean Al is wrong. They are only opinions. Try to respect others opinions.
sue369 - June 16, 2008
I can't say he's wrong without disrespecting him?
Give me a break Sue. And yes, I think that is a bad opinion. If you think that’s disrespectful, you must go through life pisssed off all the time.
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
Opinions can't be wrong.
I disagree with you, but that doesn’t mean your opinion is “wrong”. It is disrespectul to say someone’s opinion is “wrong”.
Disagree with me? Sure. But you can’t tell me that my opinion is “wrong”.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
This isn't about which beer goes best with a ribeye.
Personally, I like Miller High Life. There is no logical or quantifiable reason for THAT opinion. There ARE logical and quantifiable reasons that this game shouldn’t be played in the current format. You recognize that and have said as much. MLB knows it too, that’s why it’s history now.
So fine, an opinion can’t be wrong. But this is a poor idea of a game, and if you or anyone else thinks it’s a good idea, well, I think you’re wrong. But that’s just my opinion, so I can’t be wrong. Right?
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
And besides all that....
“About the game itself: as I hinted in the game thread this morning, if you think doing something like this is a waste of time, I think you’re wrong.”
Those are your words. So I’m kinda offended that you would think that I’m a disrespectful person when you said the same thing in your post.
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
Ahem...
A) You are wrong.
B) I think you are wrong.
Two different things. Just sayin’
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
Geez...only in lawyer-land
soonerbered - June 16, 2008
Look...
using absolutes when communicating is always a bad idea. If you had said “I’m sorry Al, but I think you’re wrong, wrong, wrong.” the last 6 replies (7 if you include this one) would probably have never happened. The prosecution rests.
santoswoodenlegs - June 16, 2008
"using absolutes when communicating is always a bad idea"
And, now, ladies and gentleman, please welcome…MDBNIU!!!
daver - June 16, 2008
LMAO
Now stop this. Always.
:)
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
But absolutes are never absolute....relatively speaking.....
And relatives are never absolute either. Now for the things that are ALWAYS true…..my opinions, for instance…..
crazymountain - June 16, 2008
Objection! He's no lawyer! He didn't even enter photographs as evidence!
northsider - June 16, 2008
Clearly High Life is an inferior beverage to that of Pabst Blue Ribbon
dtpollitt - June 16, 2008
WRONG WRONG WRONG! ; )
northsider - June 16, 2008
Oh, I got it, it's a play on words from previous posts!!
(sarcasm)
dtpollitt - June 16, 2008
Both of which must bow
to OLD STYLE
gary varsho - June 17, 2008
I don't go
through life pissed off. You accused Al of being wrong for his opinion. An opinion is not right or wrong. You did disrespect his opinion.
sue369 - June 16, 2008
I agree that an exhibition in the middle of the season is illogical but
each team sacrificing a home game once every thirty years and have the game count seems like a good idea to me.
JEROMEWALTON'SBATTINGSTANCE - June 16, 2008
+1
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
I like that idea too.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Can't believe
they don’t put a tarp over the infield. Must be in bad shape after it rains.
tucsoncubsfan - June 16, 2008
They did have a tarp there.
The field was covered for quite some time. They had just uncovered it and put the tarp away when the second downpour came.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Al will this be your first visit to the HOF?
I’ve been once when Ryno was inducted. Great trip but the flight back forever traumatized me as a certain mr, woo woo was on the fligbt!
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
oh NO. "Sick bag WOO! Beverage cart WOO! Parachute WOO! Open door WOO! Pushed out WOOoooooooo........."
northsider - June 16, 2008
He chanted Pilot WOO! Flight Attendant Woo!
Occasionally I crawl into the corner in the fetal position whimpering at the memory.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Was the flight on time, at least?
northsider - June 16, 2008
Yep. was a nice flight. Saved money because good friend lives near Cooperstown so got to see the induction spend time with friends and had a good time.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Whoever paid for his ticket
should have something equally awful happen to them
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
Post of the day...
Best laugh I had all day.
Ross - June 16, 2008
haha : )
northsider - June 16, 2008
ROFLMAO
that’s gold!
Bump Bailey - June 16, 2008
I think an exhibition game the weekend before the beginning of the season.
Or maybe one of the minor league All Star Games?
Or maybe a double header minor league All Star game and Old Timer’s game.
puckishcubsfan - June 16, 2008
Pictures posted and thoughts
Al,
Judging by your pictures, we must of standing 10 feet away from each other.
Thats parade was pretty lame, would of been nice if they looked at the radar and cancelled the parade and got a few innning’s in.
CTOWN is a nice little village and should be on every baseball fan’s list of places to see if your within a few hours drive.
I just got back to connecticut and drove with those same storms for 4 hours.
I am sure the sun came out at 3:15pm and CTOWN, Doubleday Field and the Lake looked great.
Wish there was a game, we will not see the Cubs until August in Atlanta for a game.
Enyoy the Hall tomorrow when the town is a little back to normal
parrotinct - June 16, 2008
How Far From Albany?
Thinking of flying in there then renting a car to CTown.
CaliCub - June 16, 2008
1 hour drive from Albany
parrotinct - June 16, 2008
Syracuse
Is about an hour and a half also….
Bump Bailey - June 16, 2008
Sorry I missed you there!
Actually, I liked the parade. If they had scheduled everything a couple hours earlier, they would have got the game in.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
No!
Now how will we ever know who is better between the Cubs and Padres
?!
Brett Taylor - June 16, 2008
The Cubs won the season series 5-2. Sadly, that's all we have. : (
northsider - June 16, 2008
Anybody watching the CWS?
northsider - June 16, 2008
yes
Stanford and UGA at the moment. Love the CWS.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Isn't Mikey06 on that team? I think there's only one Michael.
If so, he would have to be this guy.
northsider - June 16, 2008
Do you change your avatar from grey to blue?
Or have I been on crack?
NittanyCub - June 16, 2008
When the Cubs are playing a road game, it's gray. When they're playing home, it's white w/pinstripes. When
Zambrano takes the alternates, I put that up. And when they’re not playing I put up the BP jersey.
northsider - June 16, 2008
In fact, you can even click my user name for Avatar Status...
/taking it way too far
northsider - June 16, 2008
dude you need another hobby!
too much time on your hands!
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
The Cubs ARE my hobby!
northsider - June 16, 2008
i said another hobby!
:-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
D'oh! Any ideas?
northsider - June 16, 2008
Knitting?
;-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Ooh
Gotta better one!
Type funny things to random people on the internet! :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
I'd be terrible at it.
northsider - June 16, 2008
True
Hm… I guess you’re outta luck, buddy! :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
You're stuck with my Cubs matching avatars, I guess!
northsider - June 16, 2008
Keep making everyone feel crazy
Maybe THATS your new hobby.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
scrapbooking?
sue369 - June 16, 2008
I think this dude needs a friend
Maybe you can play dress up with him—I don’t know how you guys Northwesterners roll.
NittanyCub - June 16, 2008
The mere fact that I know that you do that.
proves to me, I also am in serious need of another hobby.
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
Stalking me's not a legit hobby?
kidding, kidding
northsider - June 16, 2008
No one cant really learn that much
it would take a lot of time and effort to on here.
myspace on the other hand… you can learn most anything about someone
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
So you know how...........
lol, kidding!
northsider - June 16, 2008
you don't know how?
lol kidding also
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
lol
TWMCFS
northsider - June 16, 2008
ouch.. that was the perfect burn
Madison Cub Fan - June 16, 2008
It makes me think about
how I change my flags. The W flies on winning days, the regular Cubs flag flies on losing days and off days, and the Red, white, and blue flies on flag day, memorial day, 4th of july and veterans day. religiously. doesn’t matter what shift I am working, it gets done.
love the ivy - June 17, 2008
I guess I am still ok
now that I think about, at least I don’t change it on here too, lol
love the ivy - June 17, 2008
He does
depending on what uniform the team’s wearing. I asked earlier becauseI thought I was going insane. :-)
And this Georgia team hs been impressive. Lots of clutch hitting.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
CWS: Here's Josh Fields, the guy we could have had at 19 but took Andrew Cashner instead.
Now he’s a future Mariner.
northsider - June 16, 2008
A 90mph curve?? Jeez.
northsider - June 16, 2008
He's filthy
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
No command at this point though.
northsider - June 16, 2008
he hasn't had a save situation in like 3 weeks i think Orel said
or something equally long.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Now if only he were in Marmol's place, he'd have plenty of work and be nice and sharp.
northsider - June 16, 2008
Heh.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
He's really wild, probably because he's overthrowing, trying to make a point.
“Oh yeah, Cubs?? Took that Cashner jerk instead of me?? Well watch THIS!!” UNNHH!!!
northsider - June 16, 2008
He's trying to be Woody
All dramatic
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
And there's a HBP.
northsider - June 16, 2008
6-4-3, game over. Georgia wins.
northsider - June 16, 2008
that was a really good game
march madness may bet all the press, but the college world series is more fun to me.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Hank Steinbrenner is a whiny brat
Since Chien-ming Wang got hurt by running around the bases, he says the NL should join the 21st century and not make pitchers run.
How about you get pitchers who can run without hurting themselves? Lame.
halfblindcubbiegirl - June 16, 2008
Well said.
Fraggin Judge - June 16, 2008
George Steinbrenner
He needs to tell his son shut up. Hank is making a mockery out of baseball.
Geo4MVP - June 16, 2008
For all those against the HoF Game...
... here are quotes from major leaguers who get it:
And:
And:
Hear, hear, Tony Clark. Let’s hope they find some way to keep doing this game; finding a way to make it a regular season game would be a good step.
Al Yellon - June 16, 2008
Great quotes by great people, but..
aren’t they really talking about the Hall of Fame (and not the HoF Game) for the most part? Thus, couldn’t they get the same thrill/jolt/vibe by visiting Cooperstown anytime? I’m not sure I’m seeing here some salient points for continuing the HoF game. Not that those points don’t exist – I think they do. But I just don’t see anything here that says “Keep the HoF game”.
I’d like to think that any player worth his salt would make it a point to visit the HoF anyway – whether during their career or after. If they need the regimental structure of a mandatory team visit to get them to go, I think that’s pretty sad…
ballhawk - June 17, 2008
Read the Maddux comment again.
Al Yellon - June 17, 2008
Okay... that's [maybe] one out of three
He does say “The game is a good thing” – I’ll grant you that. But I take his “But once you’re here, you’re kind of glad you’re here. For me, it’s a great place to spend an off-day…” quote to be more about being in Cooperstown, i.e. seeing the Hall of Fame than the playing in the actual game itself. I’m not going to quibble about superlative relativeness – I just don’t see these guys or any players for that matter, as being highly enthusiastic and avid supporters of playing the Hall of Fame game. At best, they’re diplomatically polite.
However, I do see them being very appreciative of the Hall of Fame, and that appreciation, and in Maddux’ case humbleness, is always nice to see. I just hope and would like to think that the players ‘get it’ on their own, as opposed to having it thrust upon them via a meaningless exhibition game in the middle of the season.
ballhawk - June 17, 2008
Why don't they just start playing the All Star game there?
gary varsho - June 17, 2008
There are so many ways to continue the game without impacting the season:
-during spring training
-during the All Star break (if both teams are playing on A-level and rookies anyway)
-between the LCSs and the WS, between two teams not involved
-at the end of the season, ala the Pro Bowl
I actually like the third idea, using it as an off-day between the big games, giving two teams one last game to play with the everyday players.
neverAcquiesce - June 17, 2008
Return of the Redhead Wonder
Murton is called up and Patterson is sent down. I’m glad he’s back and I knew Murton was going to play some important role this season.
Geo4MVP - June 16, 2008
Link?
northsider - June 16, 2008
Here you go
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080616-matt-murton-chicago-cubs,1,6014552.story
Geo4MVP - June 16, 2008
Wow, the Redsox got smoked by the Phillies
Hamels is something else. One of my top 5 favorite pitchers in MLB.
Also, the word on the street is that the Mariners officials confirm that the Cubs have called about Bedard. Since the Mariners are pretty much dead in the water, trading Bedard seems to be their best option. Unless they think they can compete next year, but I don’t see that happening considering they have aging veteran hitters. Getting Bedard would be tough, but more options, the more likely Hendry will pull off a move. That is unless Rich Hill returns and pitches like a number 2-3 pitcher.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/06/gammons-latest.html#comments
Geo4MVP - June 16, 2008
The "word on the street"...
... appears to be from Peter Gammons, who’s wrong more than he’s right.
Al Yellon - June 17, 2008
I think Peter really thinks if he turns on the Cubs he’ll see Roberts at 2nd base. He probably superimposes a picture of Roberts on whoever is playing 2nd.
Of course that’s assuming Peter ever turns on the Cubs.
puckishcubsfan - June 17, 2008
Yeah, I figure that
I know Gammons is not a reliable source, but there were other sources that showed that the Mariners might be willing to trade off Bedard. I don’t think the Cubs called the Mariners about Bedard and it’s most unlikely that Hendry is looking for a trade right now. I really do hope he is available because Hendry would have more options to lean upon.
If I were the Mariners, I wouldn’t even trade Bedard right now. He’s not a free agent till after next year. They just gave a a whole lot of talent for him, but could they be looking for the maximum value out of Bedard? He’s still young and is a hard throwing lefty who could turn out to be a solid number two pitcher. Whatever, I just hope Hill returns to his last year form and the Cubs don’t have to trade away all their talent for a SP.
Geo4MVP - June 17, 2008
You should know as well as anyone, Al...
...that when you’re dealing with trades and free agent acquisitions, even the best-sourced individual ends up being “wrong” if you take an inflated view of what’s wrong; just because something is mentioned as being considered, doesn’t mean it’s wrong if it doesn’t happen. Gammons is one of the best in the business, and sure, Gammons and Rosenthal put enough material out there that some of it’s going to be “wrong,” and some of it will even be wrong.
The alternative, though, is just to put our heads in the sand.
cwyers - June 17, 2008
Bedard
I notice he has exactly one CG in 123 career starts. That must be some kind of record for futility. He’s also 29 and has never had a 200-inning season. Got to wonder about his durability and ability to eat innings.
danimal15 - June 17, 2008
That said, though,
Gammons has def lost a few MPH on the fastball…
gary varsho - June 17, 2008
Bottom line
I don’t expect Bedard to be traded soon nor this season (possibly in the offseason), but I do think the Mariners are WILLING to listen to offers. Same for Billy Beane on the Rich Harden trade talk and Shapiro’s decision on Sabathia.
cwyers, you said it the best. No source is 100 percent reliable, but Gammons is known to get the “inside scoop.” He won’t be right all the time, but other sources do confirm that Bedard is available.
Geo4MVP - June 17, 2008
Bedard
He would be a good edition, but IMHO the Mariners are going to be asking the world for him, if they even consider seriously trading him. Firing the GM is, obviously, a very telling sign that the franchise is heading in a new direction, but trading away a player that still has a year left on his deal, one that they basically traded away the future for, sets the franchise back even further. No amount of talent in return could ease the pain of that move, again IMHO.
Tangled Up In Blue - June 17, 2008
Check out Bavasi's (GM who got fired) comments about Bedard...
per Mariners Insider thenewstribune.com: (keep in mind this is the GM who traded for him)
We asked him about Bedard and his unwillingness to go past 100 pitches…
“You have to ask him and I know that’s no fun. And he’s going to have a stupid answer for you can count on it. He’s going to have some dumb-ass answer.”
“He’s either gassed because he’s laboring. He’s protecting himself because he knows even he sticks around and is mediocre he gets another 2 million bucks lopped onto his salary.”
“Why doesn’t he go longer? It’s a real pointed question. But you need to ask him. And good luck with that.”
Even the man who gave up five players for Bedard can’t stand him and thinks he’s a lazy idiot.
Fishbone2 - June 17, 2008
Bedard=lazy
So I guess the low CG and innings totals are self-directed. Whatever happened to managers asserting control over their players? I would not want such a selfish athlete on my team.
danimal15 - June 17, 2008
+1
Fishbone2 - June 17, 2008
I truly had no idea.
Let me reposition my stance on the issue: Bedard’s talent would be welcome, but if this is the case with his attitude, I hope he stays very far away from the Northside.
Thanks for posting Fish.
Tangled Up In Blue - June 17, 2008
Your welcome...
santoswoodenlegs - June 17, 2008
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