
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Ed Blake, Former Reds and Athletics Pitcher, 83, 1925-2009
April 30, 2009
1943 World Series, 1952 Topps, Cincinnati Reds, Death, Ed Blake, Eddie Blake, Kansas City Athletics, World War II
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Ralph Branca Reflects On Jackie Robinson's Debut
I recently sat down with Ralph Branca to get his reflections on April 15, 1947, the day that Jackie Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Branca was with Jackie that day, and was a key member of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers winning 21 games en route to a World Series appearance. Branca referred to it as, "not only a great moment for baseball, but a great moment for the rest of the world." To hear the rest of the interview, click the play button below.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Brooklyn Dodgers Branca and Pignatano Ring In Sports Angels 4th Annual Spring Kickoff and Sports Auction
April 22, 2009
Brooklyn Dodgers, Ed Stack, Joe Pignatano, Langans, Ralph Branca, Sports Angels, Sprint Kickoff and Sports Auction
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Ralph Branca / N. Diunte |
The legendary Dodger discussed with us his involvement with Sports Angels.
"I was chairman of the board of the Baseball Assistance Team, and worked especially with the dinner committee," Branca said. "When I resigned, they all resigned at BAT. We worked together for 15 years. I said, 'Why don't we continue as another charity?' We decided to organize Sports Angels three-and-a-half years ago. We do different venues, like what we're doing tonight, and our big dinner is on September 23rd at Cipriani's, honoring Rod Gilbert for all of his charitable work. This Saturday we are sponsoring a seminar in Peekskill, for the Lapolla Little League. They needed some help, as they're running out of money, so we bought them some equipment and gave them money to hold a clinic by the Peekskill Tides. They're going to have a dozen guys running a clinic for the Little Leaguers. As we go along, we look for other agencies we can patronize."
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Ed Stack / N. Diunte |
"We aim to be involved with all sports, not just baseball," Stack said. "Our focus is to bring sports to children and adolescents that might not be able to be engaged with sports without financial help to get the tools needed to be successful. In Brooklyn, at Jackie Robinson Middle School, we helped them to get started with a baseball program by supplying the uniforms and equipment. With the current economy, everyone is affected, but we can help identify needs in the community to help."
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Joe Pignatano / N. Diunte |
"I've always worked with kids, I love kids," Pignatano said. "Kids keep me young. It's about the kids today."
He explained how Major League Baseball neglects its young fanbase and is losing out on a golden opportunity to develop lifelong supporters of the game.
"I don't think baseball has done anything for the kids, nothing," he said. "All they're doing is being greedy. A family cannot go to a baseball game. That's what it is all about [the family experience]. It's a shame. Unless the family is rich, the kids can't go to the game. The teams should have ticket prices separate for families that have kids. The kids have to go to the games. Without them, baseball ain't worth a damn. That's why we're here. To help the kids."
Sports Angels will have their 3rd Annual Inspiration Awards Gala on September 23, 2009 at Cipriani's Wall Street, honoring the aforementioned Rod Gilbert. More information will be provided as it becomes available. If you would like to learn more about Sports Angels, or make a donation, visit their website, SportsAngels.org.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca to Headline Sports Angels 4th Annual Sprint Kick-Off and Sports Auction 4/21/09
April 20, 2009
Brooklyn Dodgers, Langan's Restaurant, Ralph Branca, Sports Angels, Sprint Kick-Off and Sports Auction
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Sports Angels, a New York-based charity dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through sports, is proud to announce its 4th Annual Sprint Kick-Off and Sports Auction.
A galaxy of New York sports heroes will be mingling with some of the city's biggest and most charitable sports fans, April 21st, 2009 at Langan's Restaurant and Bar at 150 W. 47th Street. For the fourth consecutive year, owner Des O'Brien and the rest of Sports Angels invites you to enjoy cocktails and his finest buffet with legendary Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca and a host of other favorite athletes. Past years' attendees include Rod Gilbert, Bud Harrelson, Ed Kranepool, Rick Cerone, Greg Buttle, and many more.
This year's benefit includes a silent auction featuring items such as a Joe Namath Hand Signed Limited Edition Super Bowl Football in a display case, Joe DiMaggio "56 Game Hit Streak" shadowbox and hand signed baseball, Derek Jeter autographed bat and display case, as well as many more fabulous items. Tickets for the event are $125, and includes all food and drink. If you would like to attend or need further information, please call 212-243-3265 or visit Sports Angels' website at www.sportsangels.org.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Minnie Minoso And Others To Be Honored In Philadelphia April 25, 2009 For Their Cuban Sports Hall of Fame Induction
April 17, 2009
Autograph, Cholly Naranjo, Cuba, Cuban Baseball, Cuban Sports Hall of Fame, Horsham, Minnie Minoso, Philadelphia Athletics, Spook Jacobs, Tony Taylor
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Admission is free and the festivities are sponsored by the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society. There will be an autograph signing and silent auction will follow the festivities. You can register online for the auction via the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society website.
The proceeds from the auction and silent auction will benefit the Historical Society which is composed entirely of volunteers. They maintain an excellent museum in Horsham, PA which chronicles Philadelphia's vast baseball history.
Stay tuned to Baseball Happenings, as we will bring you photos from the event and interviews with the legends who are being honored.
Autograph Session Details
April 25, 2009 10AM-2PM - FREE Admission
In-Person Prices
Minnie Minoso (Only 7 decade player in baseball) - $20 any item
Tony Taylor (1958-76 Cubs, Phillies, Tigers) - $20 any item
Spook Jacobs - (1954-56 Philadelphia / KC's A's, Pirates) $10 any item
Cholly Naranjo - (1956 Pirates) One free item, $6 extras
Mail Order (Orders accepted until April 24th) - For mail order inquries, contact the Philadelphia A's historical society
Phone: (215)323-9901 Toll Free Phone: 1-800-318-0483
Email - yorkroad6@aol.com
Minnie Minoso:
Our signed baseball - $35, Our signed photo - $25, Your signed item - $25
Tony Taylor:
Our signed ball - $35, Our signed photo -$25, Your signed item - $20
Spook Jacobs:
Our baseball signed - $25, Our signed photo - $12, Your signed item -$10
Cholly Naranjo:
Our baseball signed - $15, Our signed photo - $8, Your signed item -$6
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Former Brooklyn Dodger Ray Hathaway remembers teammate Jackie Robinson
April 15, 2009
1946, Branch Rickey, Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, Jackie Robinson Day, Montreal, Montreal Royals, Ray Hathaway
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Robinson impressed him from day one.
"After I saw him play the first game, I knew [he was going to be a star]," Hathaway said. "He fielded well, ran well and hit well. If you were scouting him, and [sitting] amongst the scouts, the question was 'What can't he do?' And if you saw him play, you would ask yourself the same question."
Hathaway thought Robinson wouldn't have to wait until 1947 to make his debut with the Dodgers.
"I thought he was ready," he said. "I thought he would be up [in Brooklyn] before the season was over."
Unfortunately, Hathaway didn't foresee a return to the major leagues. Plagued by a sore arm, he knew his window of opportunity was closing.
"I had already been there and I had arm trouble," he said. "I saw the writing on the wall."
He was about to embark on a 25 year long managing career the next season. At the end of spring training in 1947, he approached Branch Rickey about becoming a manager.
"We went to a game in Cuba," he said, "Mr. Rickey was there. I asked to speak to him. About the fifth inning, he asked, 'What's on your mind?' I told him I would like to manage. He [Rickey] asked, 'How do I know you can manage?' I said, 'You don't and neither do I. All I can promise is that we'll work.'" Rickey's response was one that left Hathaway with little time to mutter his decision, "If you are going to manage a team for me, be on my plane. I'm leaving in the morning for Miami."
Hathaway spent his early seasons as a player/manager for the minor league affiliates of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
"It was challenging [as a player/manager]," he said. "In spite of pitching, you always had to be ahead of the other manager by two innings."
After 1952, Hathaway took himself out of the rotation to focus primarily on running the ballclub.
"The only time I pitched after that [1952]," he said, "was if the pitching staff was getting their butt beat. I tried to save them."
Despite his previous arm troubles, Hathaway had something of a rubber arm, filling in from time to time until 1965 at the age of 48. He managed many legends including, Hall of Famers Dick Williams, Willie Stargell, and Bill Sharman. He has the second highest win total as manger of the Asheville Tourists minor league club, with his record broken only last season. He retired from baseball after managing the Wilson Pennants of the Carolina League in 1973.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Mark Fidrych, 54, 1976 American League Rookie of the Year 1954-2009
April 13, 2009
1976 AL Rookie of the Year, Detroit Tigers, Mark Fidrych, Mark Fidrych Death, Pickup Truck
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For a deeper look into Fidrych's career, read the following articles:
ESPN Classic: "In '76, Bird Was The Word"
Sports Illustrated: "The Bird Fell To Earth"
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Now Pinch Hitting, The Pitcher! Micah Owings Does Double Duty
April 12, 2009
Brooks Kieschnick, Cincinnati Reds, Don Newcombe, Dusty Baker, Jason Marquis, Micah Owings, Pinch Hitter, Pitcher
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Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bob Scherbarth, 83, Boston Red Sox Catcher 1926-2009
April 11, 2009
Birdie Tebbets, Bob Scherbarth, Boston Red Sox, Catcher, Death, Robert Scherbarth
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Bob Scherbarth |
Scherbarth entered the Boston Red Sox organization in 1946 in Class B Roanoke, and retired from baseball after splitting the 1952 season with Class A Scranton and Class AA Birmingham. Scherbarth is part of a handful of major league position players who never had an at-bat in a Major League game. While Scherbarth's career may equate to a "sip of coffee," he was able to do what many men aspire to do, and that is to get a taste of the majors. Scherbarth will forever be a part of the select group that can call themselves major league baseball players. I attempted in late 2008 to interview him about his experiences that day, to find out if he knew that was going to be the only chance he had in the "big show." Sadly, Scherbarth was recovering from a stay in the hospital and wasn't up to taking the interview. He told me to try back in a few weeks, and my hesitation led me to find his number disconnected and the subsequent obituary detailing his passing. A private service was held to honor Scherbarth in Presque Isle, WI.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Nick Adenhart, 22, Angels Pitcher 1986-2009
At an age when young men are maturing into adults, and a time when ballplayers are just beginning to smell the freshly cut grass of a new season, the flame of career was extinguished just as it was being lit. Adenhart was living the dream of many young men his age, starting during the opening series of the Major League season, while most are finishing up their final semester of college. Expected to start the season at AAA, he was summoned to the rotation when the Angles had injuries to three of their pitchers. He seized the opportunity by pitching six innings of shutout ball against the Oakland Athletics. Sadly, due to the actions of an irresponsible driver, we will never know how long Adenhart would have kept his flame burning in the Major Leagues. The Angels postponed their April 10th game with the Oakland Athletics to mourn the loss of their fallen teammate. Gone, but not forgotten, Nick Adenhart rest in peace.
Below: A photo from the accident.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Where does Gary Sheffield fit in the Mets plans?
April 04, 2009
David Wright, Detroit Tigers, Fernando Tatis, Gary Sheffield, Livan Hernandez, Marlon Anderson, New York Mets, Nick Evans, Ryan Church
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Currently, the Mets are carrying outfielder Nick Evans until Livan Hernandez makes his debut on April 11th. The Mets could send Evans down to the Minors to make room for Sheffield for opening day, however, that will lead to another roster move when Hernandez is activated for his scheduled start. Possible casualties when Hernandez returns include utility player Marlon Anderson and outfielder Ryan Church. Anderson provides a valuable left-handed bat off of the bench, and the ability to play both the infield and outfield. Church was envisioned to be platooned with Fernando Tatis in right field, but there are doubts that Church can hit left-handed pitching and whispers that he is not fully recovered from the multiple concussions he had last year. Tatis was expected to provide a right-handed power bat for the corner outfield positions, but that role will be greatly impacted with Sheffield's arrival.
Sheffield batted .225 in 114 games for Detroit in 2008, and .178 in Spring Training before his release. During the 2008 season, he only played 6 games in the outfield. How long will it take for Sheffield to get in shape to play the outfield regularly? With Sheffield expected to play alongside Daniel Murphy, that gives the Mets two below average defenders in the starting corner outfield positions.
Sheffield comes with a reputation for being outspoken and at times a polarizing figure in the clubhouse, suggesting that Joe Torre treated black and white players differently on the Yankees. A few Mets that were interviewed though, have positive remarks about Sheffield's presence.
"He's a great guy," said Hernandez, who played with Sheffield on the Marlins. "He's a great person. He plays hard every day. That's what I know."
"I've heard great things," third baseman David Wright said. "All the players that have played with him speak very highly of him. I'm sure we're going to welcome him. He's going to be a tremendous addition. He's a guy that just has a presence to him."
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Herman Franks, 95, MLB Catcher and Manager (1914-2009)
April 01, 2009
Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Herman Franks, Joshua Prager, Manager, New York Giants, Roberto Clemente, Santurce Crabbers, Shot Heard Round The World, The Echoing Green, Willie Mays, World War II
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In Joshua Prager's book, "The Echoing Green", Franks was reportedly involved in relaying stolen signals from a hole in the New York Giants scoreboard to the hitters during the 1951 "Shot Heard 'Round The World" playoff between the Giants and the Dodgers. Franks managed what is arguably known as the best Winter League team ever, the 1954-55 Santurce Crabbers. The team featured an all-star Major League and ex-Negro League lineup including: Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Bob Thurman, Bus Clarkson, Don Zimmer, Ron Samford, George Crowe, Valmy Thomas, Ruben Gomez and "Toothpick" Sam Jones. Franks went on to manage the Giants to four straight second place finishes (1965-68) and the Chicago Cubs to a .497 record (1977-79).