This is a photographic portrait of Christy Mathewson from 1910. The quality of this shot  baffles me. And look at his eyes! Even Tyra would be impressed. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs division, via Wikimedia Commons.

I think someday I will need to rename this column “Turn Of The Century Thursday,” because I blatantly happen to marvel at that period of baseball history so darn much. However, Throwback Thursday is quite catchy… so we’ll leave it at that.

I have a friend who has a simple theory about this, about my fondness, my romanticism of the “ages past,” as we shall call them. For instance, I gush to him about 1960′s Ford Mustangs and pine for men’s fashions from the pre-Victorian era (Hello, Mr. Jackman in Les Mis). Then subsequently, I turn my nose up at 1990′s Ford Mustangs, and cringe and scoff at music and movies from the 80′s (I am sorry that you love it).

I try to explain to this friend that I have mature well-rounded tastes for design and engineering, like the way one who is trained and educated enjoys coffee, or craft beer, or pipe tobacco (I imagine).

He tells me I like things that are old because they’re old. He tells me that I don’t like things that are recent because they’re recent.

He tells me that someday the recent things will be old things, and I will like them. And the old things? I don’t know exactly his theory on that, but I assume, they will just be older things, so I will probably still like them.

So this one’s for you.

Christopher “Christy” Mathewson grew up in Factoryville Pennsylvania, the son of farmers, a brother of three brothers, a boy scout. Where many stories start, but none quite like Christy’s. After all, the town of Factoryville, PA is still celebrating Christy Mathewson Day nearly 90 years after his death, and you can’t say that about just anyone,  whether their aura of fascinatingness is derived from their oldness… or perhaps, something more.

» Continue reading “Throwback Thursday: Christy Mathewson’s Quiver Ball”

This year’s new twist of announcing finalists for all the Baseball Writers’ Association of America awards had my imagination running — especially about today’s awarding of the Most Valuable Players for the American and National Leagues.

Maybe I watched too many beauty pageants growing up, or spent too much timing playing with that Miss America Barbie doll I had, but hearing “five finalists” made me think of something like this picture. Well, with their heads perhaps in a little better proportion to the rest of their bodies (especially Ryan Braun’s) — but you get the idea thanks to this Photoshop by Miranda Remaklus. (Yes, sadly, that is not an actual photo. Ryan Braun’s head might be large in real life, but not quite that big. And what else would you expect from a Cardinals fan except insults about Ryan Braun? Other than to say doesn’t Yadier Molina look genuinely pretty in pink? Especially with his red cap on?)

While I still hold out hope for seeing them lined up together in the MLB Network studio tonight wearing beautiful evening gowns and gorgeous jewels, here’s a closer look at the five finalists for Mr. NL MVP. And, unlike other beauty pageants, this award is based strictly on talent. (Because, while it might be appealing to see Andrew McCutchen in a bathing suit — very appealing, actually — I can do without seeing Yadi in one. Sorry, Yadi. But I do still love you.)

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
The numbers (all via Baseball Reference)

• .319/.391/.595, 41 home runs, 112 RBI, 6.8 WAR
• Led the NL in home runs, runs scored, total bases, OPS with .987
• Second in RBI, hits (112)
• Third in batting average, WAR

Can the reigning Mr. NL MVP keep his crown? For 2012 he had more hits, RBI and total bases than last year, as well as 11 more home runs with his league-leading and career-high 41. Will that be enough? Probably not …
» Continue reading “Who Will Be Mr. National League MVP?”

Before the season, the goal of any club is to make the post-season.  Then, of course, the goal is to move up the ladder, and hopefully be that last team standing.  But the Manager of the Year award is given based on the regular season.

With the honor being based on the attrition of a 162-game grind, three managers have come to the forefront as finalists in the National League: Davey Johnson of the upstart Washington Nationals, Dusty Baker of the Cincinnati Reds and, finally, Bruce Bochy who led the San Francisco Giants to a second World Series title in the past three seasons.

Davey Johnson, Washington Nationals

Several weeks ago, Johnson took The Sporting News Manager of the Year honor.  He is most certainly a strong candidate to win the Major League Manager of the Year Award, which is voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

With the old-school, play with swagger, give me your best effort Johnson at the helm, the Nationals took care of business, winning 98 regular season wins to lead all Major League teams.

How difficult was it for Johnson?  Well, the club was expected to cause some problems in the National League East, and possibly even contend for a playoff spot.  The club had a kid by the name of Bryce Harper who would be making his name known as a brash, old-school, five-tool rookie.  The club had to deal with serious injury issues to key players:  outfielders Michael Morse and Jayson Werth suffered injuries, with Werth’s keeping him on the bench for three months.  Catcher Wilson Ramos went out with a season-ending injury. Closer Drew Storen went down in spring training and ended up pitching only 30.1 innings in 2012, as opposed to 75.1 in 2011.  He had only four saves, as opposed to 43 in the 2011 campaign.

» Continue reading “Looking At The National League Manager Of The Year Finalists”

Bruce Bochy just won his second World Series ring in three years, and baseball fans across the country probably recognize his face by this time.  Knowing him as I do, however, I’m sure it wouldn’t bother him if no one recognized him but his players.  Boch’  has stamped his legacy quietly¸ letting  the results speak for him.  From twelve seasons with San Diego to the past six with San Francisco, he has lived in quiet, successful West Coast near-anonymity.

While watching the Giants play – which isn’t often enough here on the East Coast – I see a face and demeanor that I recall clearly.

Boch’ is just a baseball guy that understands the game¸ the business, and the people.  Known for his size and deep voice, he is appreciated as an organization man who is respected by his players.  Honest, up front, fair and decent.  Those would be a few of the terms I would use to describe his style.  And his style makes him successful.

Could you imagine sitting Barry Zito a couple of years ago when it came to the post-season?  And could you imagine using Zito this post-season and getting such great results?  Bruce Bochy was able to make that happen.

And how difficult is it to send a one-time ace, Tim Lincecum, to the bullpen and then call on him to give key innings in the post-season run, along with a single start in the LCS?  Somehow, the big man made it work.

Two different seasons, two World Championships, and two aces that had to take on  roles they might not have been happy with.  And never a ripple of problems.  My guess is that Bochy’s respect for them as competitors led to them respecting him as much or more.  And ultimately, all three were rewarded with two World Series rings.

» Continue reading “Ask The Coach: On Bruce Bochy”

Back in 1975, while playing baseball at Brevard Community College, Bruce Bochy was one of my roommates on road trips.  Actually, the school budget was such that Mike Gallagher and Greg Fairbanks were roomies as well.  Mike and Greg would go on to play ball for Eddie Stanky at South Alabama, and Bruce was in a quandary as to what he should do.

Boch’ had signed with Florida State, a powerhouse, which was a powerhouse way back when as well as today.  And he knew he would be drafted as well.  He asked us for advice, and I remember that I spoke of the importance of getting his education.  Well, he was drafted 24^th in the first round by the Houston Astros, and he made the decision to go straight to pro ball.   Good move.

After nine years bouncing around as a big league catcher, he wound up managing the San Diego Padres for twelve seasons before taking the helm for the San Francisco Giants in 2007.  He has taken his clubs to three National League pennants (one with the Padres), and a World Series Championship two seasons ago with the Gigantes.  This season, his club has won SIX straight elimination games to make it back to the Fall Classic.

It was obvious early on that The Boch’ was meant for the game.  His personality, demeanor, and understanding of the game made him look like managerial material way back when we played together.  He was a quiet leader, never got lost in himself, and lifted the game of those around him.  He was also equipped with a dry, cutting wit.  And I never played with anyone I respected more.

And then, there’s Prince Fielder with the Tigers.  I remember the first time I realized how special he was as a hitter.  He was a freshman at Florida Air Academy, and we were playing at John Carroll in Fort Pierce.  There was a breeze cutting across from the left-field foul pole to right.  And The Prince hit a screaming line drive out of the park to left-center at about the 380’ mark.  Going oppo that far is impressive enough, but against a breeze?  Absolutely crazy.

Prince went on to be a great leader through his three seasons with us at Florida Air (he would attend Eau Gallie H.S. his senior season, playing for Bob Collins, who had pitched for me when I was a JuCo assistant coach at Brevard – small world!).  While people spoke of his power, which was obvious, it was his power in the dugout and off the field that made him so important to our club.  The baseball ability was there for anyone to see, but what they missed was his ability to carry a team on his broad shoulders.  And he’s still at it today.  Do not underestimate the importance of his persona behind the scenes.  He’s a flat-out winner.

So, tonight I am going to begin watching a World Series that means a great deal to me.  A wonderful friend will be writing out the lineup for the Giants.  The number four hitter for Detroit is a young man that played hard and well for me for three seasons.  One will ultimately get the big ring.  One will lose.  But for me, it will be win-win.  And I feel blessed to know both of them.

I’ll be writing more about Bruce and Prince and the World Series again on Sunday.  I have stories – all good – to share about both.

Detroit is in “get-ready” mode, playing low-intensity intra-squad games in preparation for the World Series, and by the time this is posted, we will know who will be facing them in the Fall Classic.

For a baseball fan, this is the time of year offers the greatest intensity as well as the prospect of a winter that will be too long.  Beginning on Wednesday is the end of the annual major league grind.

The post-season saw baseball’s hottest team, Oakland, fall to Detroit, and possibly the game’s youngest, “what are we doing here?” club, Washington, bow to a classic “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over” team, the St. Louis Cardinals.  Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants were handing the Reds their first three-game losing streak at home, coming from two-down to take their five-game National League Divisional Series.  The Yankees put away the upstart Baltimore Orioles in a hard-fought max-limit ALDS.

The Tigers took care of the Yankees with quality pitching – oh sure, you can say the Bronx Bombers simply bombed – in a four-game sweep.  The Pinstripes were obliterated by Jason Verlander and the rest of Detroit’s staff, save Jose Valverde, who allowed four of the Yankees six runs in only 2/3 of an inning.  Verlander was joined by Doug Fister, Anibal Sanchez, and Max Scherzer in silencing the Yankee bats.

» Continue reading “Ask The Coach: Looking Ahead To The World Series”

Giants fans know him as George Kontos. Or Badonktos. Or Kontass. There’s a reason for that.

I’ve had a bit of an unfair advantage of knowing who this week’s Designated Hotter is because my friend had been telling me how great he was at pitching and how good looking he was when he was still with the Giants’ AAA team, the Fresno Grizzlies. But, the word is out now that he’s with the big league team: George Kontos is one fine looking man.

[All photos by Jen Mac Ramos]

» Continue reading “Designated Hotter: George Kontos”

When Bud Selig and MLB came up with the new wildcard system for the playoffs, they couldn’t have dreamed of the first round we experienced this past week.

In all my years of being a baseball fan, I’ve always said that the five-game series is a crapshoot. The best teams don’t always win and that’s what makes baseball so great. Well, at least for the teams that win and advance to the League Championship Series.

Believe me, I’ve lived through many first round exits as a fan of the New York Yankees and it’s not fun especially when your team enters the series as the favorite which brings us to the first series we’re going to discuss.

» Continue reading “A Look Back At The Division Series Round: What A Week For Baseball”

The current NL standings via MLB.com

As of Friday, the MLB Playoffs officially begin! Last time, I went over what some of the Playoff terminology meant and how to actually get to the playoffs, but what about what’s happening right now this season? Well, here’s where we stand:

With the exception of the 2nd Wild Card team, the National League teams are all set.  We have the Washington Nationals representing the NL East (FYI…this is their very first division title as the “Nationals”).  Then we have the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central (who are tied with the Nationals for the best record in all of baseball) and the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

» Continue reading “Baseball For Beginners: So, Who’s Going To The Playoffs?”

Thanks to social media – more specifically Twitter – I have become acquainted with hundreds of new people in the past four years.

Most of those people have one main thing in common with me: they are fans of baseball. Some are fans who have loved it since they were children and others are considered newbies to the sport.

So if are you one of those newcomers to baseball fandom, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

***

I’m part of the old guard of baseball fandom.

I’ve watched baseball since I was a little girl – back when I had no idea what I was seeing on the television screen – and in my admittedly myopic view of the world, I figured all baseball fans were like just like me, lifelong fans. It didn’t even occur to me that people could wait until their teens or in some cases adulthood to start watching the game.

I mistakenly thought the love of baseball was something engrained in you during your formative years. I was wrong.

» Continue reading “Welcome to Baseball Fandom, Newbies.”