In this 1993 interview with Minnie Minoso, Tom Weinberg talks with the Cuban great for an hour at the site of the Old Comiskey Park about his lengthy career in baseball. A relaxed Minoso speaks with his trademark candor that made him a fan favorite during his then six-decade involvement in the game.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Friday, December 30, 2016
Lou Gehrig's last All-Star hurrah
December 30, 2016
1938 All Star Game, Buddy Lewis, Jimmie Foxx, Joe McCarthy, Lou Gehrig
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Buddy Lewis was a ripe 21-year-old in his fourth major league season when he earned the starting nod as the third baseman in the 1938 All-Star Game.The 1938 midsummer classic serves as a historical footnote for not only being the first All-Star Game in which neither team hit a home run, but also the last All-Star contest that featured Lou Gehrig.
As manager Joe McCarthy penciled in Lewis batting eighth at the hot corner, and placed Jimmie Foxx in the cleanup spot at first base, he had the dilemma of how to get Gehrig in the game. When Lewis' second turn at bat came in the fifth inning, McCarthy sent the Iron Horse up as a pinch hitter. Foxx moved to third base and Gehrig as the first baseman finished the game 1-3.
Lewis passed away in 2011 at the age of 94, undoubtedly the last major leaguer to have the honor of Lou Gehrig pinch hitting for him. In a 2008 letter, Lewis spoke with candor about bowing out gracefully to Gehrig in the contest.
"Everybody liked Lou," Lewis wrote in 2008. "They strengthened the lineup when he came in."
Buddy Lewis 1938 All-Star / Baseball-Almanac.com |
As manager Joe McCarthy penciled in Lewis batting eighth at the hot corner, and placed Jimmie Foxx in the cleanup spot at first base, he had the dilemma of how to get Gehrig in the game. When Lewis' second turn at bat came in the fifth inning, McCarthy sent the Iron Horse up as a pinch hitter. Foxx moved to third base and Gehrig as the first baseman finished the game 1-3.
Lewis passed away in 2011 at the age of 94, undoubtedly the last major leaguer to have the honor of Lou Gehrig pinch hitting for him. In a 2008 letter, Lewis spoke with candor about bowing out gracefully to Gehrig in the contest.
"Everybody liked Lou," Lewis wrote in 2008. "They strengthened the lineup when he came in."
Thursday, December 29, 2016
How Dell Curry almost shifted the family legacy from the hardwood to the mound
December 29, 2016
baseball, Basketball, Charlotte Hornets, Dell Curry, Gastonia Rangers, Golden State Warriors, Muggsy Bogues, Steph Curry
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With Stephen Curry lighting up the NBA
with his surreal playmaking ability, it is almost unfathomable to
envision him having an athletic career away from the family trade on the
basketball court. Yet his father Dell Curry, who enjoyed a 16-year NBA
odyssey, almost shifted the Curry legacy from the hardwood to hardball a
quarter-century earlier in 1991 when he suited up for the Class-A
Gastonia Rangers.
The elder Curry was drafted as a right-handed pitcher twice by major
league franchises, first by the Texas Rangers in the 37th round of the
1982 MLB
Draft, and then again in the 14th round of the 1985 MLB Draft by the
Baltimore Orioles after posting a 6–1 record at Virginia Tech during his
junior year. The latter was made even more impressive as Curry did not play baseball during his first two years in college.
Dell Curry 1991 Gastonia Rangers / TradingcardDB.com |
Dell Curry Pitching for the Gastonia Rangers / Archive Photo |
“They built it up around the community quite a bit and I’m sure it was the biggest crowd we had all year,” pitcher Steve Dreyer said during a recent phone interview from his home in Iowa. “Normally we could count the fans on two hands and that would be about it.”
The 46-year-old Dreyer, who is now teaching elementary physical education after playing two seasons in the majors with the Rangers, recalled how Stephen Curry’s recent performance gave him the opportunity to share with his students his role in the events which allowed Dell Curry to have a roster spot on June 21, 1991.
“I was just talking to some of my students about this the other day because Steph Curry is doing so well,” he said. “It was really exciting for us as players because at the time Dell and Muggsy were NBA stars, and just to be around that atmosphere was a lot of fun for us.
"I remember, to put Dell and Muggsy on the roster, they had to take two of us off the roster for one night, and I was one of those players that they took off the roster for one night. My manager was Bump Wills and he basically just told me this is what we’re going to do. I was a starting pitcher and I was not scheduled to pitch that night and would have been watching that game from the dugout anyway. For me to be taken off the roster to allow them play was great and a bit of an honor.”Another teammate who had a bird’s eye view of Curry on the mound was fellow pitcher Terry Burrows. The lefty was in his second season in professional baseball and thought the basketball players taking the field was just another of the myriad of promotions during the course of a minor league baseball season.
"At the time they were at the pinnacle of their profession,” the 47-year-old Burrows said during a recent phone call from his home in Louisiana. “We honestly thought it was just another gimmick to sell tickets.”
Once the 6’4” Curry hit the mound and started to throw strikes, Burrows quickly changed his tune. After watching Curry strike out four batters in three innings, Burrows saw why two separate organizations were convinced Curry had a future in professional baseball.
“When Dell pitched, it was actually pretty good,” he said. “He threw 85–86 miles per hour and for not having thrown in a long time, the guy did pretty well. He showed pretty good stuff at the time, although he was a little unorthodox.”
Curry wasn’t the only NBA player that Burrows crossed paths with on the diamond. In 1994, while a member of the Texas Rangers, Burrows watched attentively as Michael Jordan made his official spring training debut against their club. Based upon his observations of watching both Curry and Jordan try their hand at baseball, Burrows felt Curry was the better prospect.
“He was just an incredible athlete, but it would be like one of us playing in the NBA or NFL,” he said. “You’re good at what you do, but to be a hitter in the big leagues is a different story; it’s tough. Dell Curry might have had a better chance to play in the big leagues if he pursued it from what I saw. It’s such a long road, but he had the ability.”
Both Bogues and Curry stuck around long enough with Gastonia to be photographed for the team’s minor league baseball card set, further cementing their fleeting moments on the diamond. At the time, both hoopsters put their livelihoods in harm’s way at the peak of their respective careers for what amounted to a one day promotional stunt. It is a feat Dreyer feels is unlikely to be repeated.
“There’s too much at risk nowadays to deviate from your one true job,” he said. “As many professional athletes are very capable of performing other sports at a high level, you still can’t take that chance. It was a pretty unique thing.”
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Billy Martin's World Series heroics was fueled by a desire to surpass Robinson
December 27, 2016
1953 World Series, 1955 World Series, Billy Martin, Bob Cerv, Christmas, Death, Jackie Robinson, New York Yankees
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For deep rooted baseball fans, while many are celebrating joyous occasions with their families, the tragic death of Billy Martin on December 25, 1989 is an annual reminder of how one's mortality does not escape the holiday season.
One of the fiercest competitors baseball has ever seen, his fiery temperament resonated with his teammates. Speaking with his New York Yankees teammate Bob Cerv in 2008, he recalled how much Martin was motivated to outperform Jackie Robinson when their clubs met in the World Series.
"The only thing I remember Billy Martin would say was, 'I'm gonna do better than him,'" Cerv recalled. "And he did in the World Series."
Below are Martin's and Robinson's totals from the four World Series in which they faced off. If there was an MVP award in 1953, Martin would have certainly won it. Is it mere coincidence that Martin's best World Series performance came when Robinson also had his, or was Martin hellbent on proving that he was the premier second baseman in the city?
Billy Martin World Series Stats vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Jackie Robinson World Series Stats vs. New York Yankees
One of the fiercest competitors baseball has ever seen, his fiery temperament resonated with his teammates. Speaking with his New York Yankees teammate Bob Cerv in 2008, he recalled how much Martin was motivated to outperform Jackie Robinson when their clubs met in the World Series.
Jackie Robinson and Billy Martin Baseball Card / Upper Deck |
"The only thing I remember Billy Martin would say was, 'I'm gonna do better than him,'" Cerv recalled. "And he did in the World Series."
Below are Martin's and Robinson's totals from the four World Series in which they faced off. If there was an MVP award in 1953, Martin would have certainly won it. Is it mere coincidence that Martin's best World Series performance came when Robinson also had his, or was Martin hellbent on proving that he was the premier second baseman in the city?
Billy Martin World Series Stats vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Series | Opp | Rslt | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1952 ❍ | 24 | NYY | AL | WS | BRO | W | 7 | 26 | 23 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | .217 | .308 | .348 | .656 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
1953 ❍ | 25 | NYY | AL | WS | BRO | W | 6 | 25 | 24 | 5 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | .500 | .520 | .958 | 1.478 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1955 | 27 | NYY | AL | WS | BRO | L | 7 | 26 | 25 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | .320 | .346 | .440 | .786 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1956 ❍ | 28 | NYY | AL | WS | BRO | W | 7 | 28 | 27 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | .296 | .321 | .519 | .840 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Jackie Robinson World Series Stats vs. New York Yankees
Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Series | Opp | Rslt | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS | TB | GDP | HBP | SH | SF | IBB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1952 | 33 | BRO | NL | WS | NYY | L | 7 | 30 | 23 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 | .174 | .367 | .304 | .671 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
1953 | 34 | BRO | NL | WS | NYY | L | 6 | 26 | 25 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .320 | .346 | .400 | .746 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
1955 ❍ | 36 | BRO | NL | WS | NYY | W | 6 | 24 | 22 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .182 | .250 | .318 | .568 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1956 | 37 | BRO | NL | WS | NYY | L | 7 | 29 | 24 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | .250 | .379 | .417 | .796 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Monday, December 26, 2016
John Barfield, former Texas Rangers pitcher murdered at 52
December 26, 2016
2016 Death, Death, Goose Gossage, John Barfield, Nolan Ryan, Obituary, Texas Rangers
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On a day when most are rejoicing in holiday spirits, Christmas Eve turned fateful for former Texas Rangers pitcher John Barfield. The 52-year-old Barfield, who pitched in parts of three seasons for the Rangers from 1989-1991, was murdered at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas after engaging in a dispute with an acquaintance.
Barfield, whose Rangers moundmates included Hall of Famers Goose Gossage and Nolan Ryan, compiled an 8-8 record with a 4.72 ERA in 65 career appearances. According to a statement from the Rangers, Barfield's August 18th, 1990 six-inning relief victory was the last relief victory of 5.1 or more innings, until Diego Moreno accomplished the feat for the Yankees in 2015.
John Barfield / 1991 Mother's Cookies |
Barfield, whose Rangers moundmates included Hall of Famers Goose Gossage and Nolan Ryan, compiled an 8-8 record with a 4.72 ERA in 65 career appearances. According to a statement from the Rangers, Barfield's August 18th, 1990 six-inning relief victory was the last relief victory of 5.1 or more innings, until Diego Moreno accomplished the feat for the Yankees in 2015.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
2016 Topps High Tek Baseball Review Patterns Autographs & More
December 10, 2016
2016 Topps High Tek, Baseball Cards, Hank Aaron, Mike Trout, Review, Topps, Wade Boggs
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Two-thousand-sixteen is quickly coming to a close, but Topps gives collectors a glimpse into the future with this year’s High Tek baseball release. Crafted with a slick opaque design with funky patterns that highlight the on-card action shots, 2016 Topps High Tek breaks the mold of recent trading card designs.
The 111-base card set is divided into two different styles, Spiral Vortex and Maze Grid. If these two were the only options in the set, High Tek would quickly fall to the wayside as one of Topps’ novelty releases, but a closer inspection of the designs reveals at least a dozen additional variations. Some collectors will find this to be a dizzying array of options; others will be enthralled at the challenge of putting together a master set. Further adding to the chase of a complete set is the fact that there are only six base cards in each box.
The major appeal of 2016 Topps High Tek is the on-card autographs. The impressive list includes top modern stars such as Ichiro, Kris Bryant, and Mike Trout, as well as Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Ken Griffey Jr. The box provided for this review produced an autograph of Hall of Famer Wade Boggs in a parallel limited to 25.
With 2016 Topps High Tek, the baseball card magnate aims to give value driven collectors instant autograph hits with the additional chase of the variations that comprise the master base set. While some collectors might frown at the notion that purchasing an entire case might not yield a complete base set, they will be pleased at the quality of autographs and diversity of inserts and parallels.
If you enjoyed 2016 Topps High Tek Baseball, check this review of 2018 Topps High Tek Baseball, complete with patterns, variations and a video box break.
2016 Topps High Tek / Topps |
2016 Topps High Tek Base Cards & Variations / Topps |
Wade Boggs Topps High Tek Autograph / Topps |
If you enjoyed 2016 Topps High Tek Baseball, check this review of 2018 Topps High Tek Baseball, complete with patterns, variations and a video box break.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Melvin Duncan, 87, pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues
December 02, 2016
Buck O'Neil, Death, Elston Howard, Kansas City Monarchs, Melvin Duncan, Negro Leagues, Obituary
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Melvin “Buck” Duncan, a former pitcher and outfielder for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues, passed away November 29, 2016 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was 87.
Born March 31, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Duncan joined the Monarchs at the tender age of 20. The watchful eyes of a future Negro League manager steered him towards one of the leagues most powerful franchises.
“I joined the Monarchs in Monroe, Louisiana,” Duncan wrote in a letter to the author in 2007. “I was scouted by Sherwood Brewer, who was from where I was raised.”
Managing the Monarchs was the legendary Buck O’Neil, who took over the helm in 1948 after Frank Duncan (no relation) retired. With O’Neil serving as a player-manager, the young hurler found that Monarchs’ skipper still took an interest in nuturing the rookies on the club.
“He was strict, gentle, and very nice to be around,” Duncan wrote. “He was like a father to the younger players; full of knowledge and would give to you. I love him very much.”
One teammate he considered a close friend was fellow pitcher Gene Collins. He found Collins special for the camaraderie they built on the road.
“Eugene Collins, he was understanding and like a brother with me, for we were roommates,” he wrote. “Whenever he pitched, he was like the fifth infielder, for he was a good fielder.”
While Collins’ name came to the forefront when recalling his favorite teammate, Duncan hesitated to choose the best player he played with in the Negro Leagues. Instead, he chose to focus on the team aspect of the game.
“It takes nine men to play the game,” he wrote. “Each man has a position to play. I was a pitcher and not a catcher, so [therefore] I was not as good as Elston Howard.”
Duncan played with the Monarchs and Detroit Stars through in 1955 while the league was in decline. Closing his 2007 letter, Duncan had a simple request on how he wanted the memory of his career to survive.
“[I want it to be remembered] that I played in the Negro Leagues and I gave all I had to give.”
* - Video Courtesy of Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Born March 31, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Duncan joined the Monarchs at the tender age of 20. The watchful eyes of a future Negro League manager steered him towards one of the leagues most powerful franchises.
Melvin Duncan / Author's Collection |
Managing the Monarchs was the legendary Buck O’Neil, who took over the helm in 1948 after Frank Duncan (no relation) retired. With O’Neil serving as a player-manager, the young hurler found that Monarchs’ skipper still took an interest in nuturing the rookies on the club.
“He was strict, gentle, and very nice to be around,” Duncan wrote. “He was like a father to the younger players; full of knowledge and would give to you. I love him very much.”
One teammate he considered a close friend was fellow pitcher Gene Collins. He found Collins special for the camaraderie they built on the road.
“Eugene Collins, he was understanding and like a brother with me, for we were roommates,” he wrote. “Whenever he pitched, he was like the fifth infielder, for he was a good fielder.”
While Collins’ name came to the forefront when recalling his favorite teammate, Duncan hesitated to choose the best player he played with in the Negro Leagues. Instead, he chose to focus on the team aspect of the game.
“It takes nine men to play the game,” he wrote. “Each man has a position to play. I was a pitcher and not a catcher, so [therefore] I was not as good as Elston Howard.”
Duncan played with the Monarchs and Detroit Stars through in 1955 while the league was in decline. Closing his 2007 letter, Duncan had a simple request on how he wanted the memory of his career to survive.
“[I want it to be remembered] that I played in the Negro Leagues and I gave all I had to give.”
* - Video Courtesy of Negro Leagues Baseball Museum