Baseball playoffs

[Logan]

Sandra, I think I said this before, but I don't really care who wins. I just pulled for the Red Sox because I like them better than I like the Yankees (then Yankees win too much ), but I know very little about either team because when we watch baseball (which I love too), we're Braves fans, period. Too bad our "boys of summer" didn't fare so well in the playoffs! If the Red Sox are "nasty" looking, their mothers ought to be straightening them out!!!!! I will admit that I really admire the Yankee's manager, Joe Torre.

I think you and Richard ought to send your descriptions of baseball and the playoff to Major League Baseball officials! What beautiful descriptions of America's pasttime!!!!!

[mugsy]

Well, since I would like to see the Yankees and Astros in the Series, I'm relatively certain it will be the Red Sox and Cardinals! lol In all honesty since my White Sox aren't in it, I really don't care!! I just like baseball. Both games last night were good...I watched both in between football breaks! lol

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
YES, YES, YES...It's not just the greasy, long hair, the unhemmed uniforms...it's those helmets!!! OMG! Someone else noticed! ROFLOL! Who's your mom, Richard??? OOOOOPS, make that "WHOSE YOUR DADDY!"

LOL,

The only line that I cannot take credit for is the "pitcher carried off on his shield"...

Vin Scully, the announcer for the Dodgers, is a complete master when he does the games (since 1951!!!!)-- coined that phrase.....
You can literally see the guy, spiked shoes, glove in hand, appendages hanging over the sides as he's taken off...

I am enamoured of his 'painting a picture' when I hear him.

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Affair de couer??

LOL,

Only if it involves the smell of GRILLED hot dogs as you walk into the Blue level of Dodger Stadium..Mustard, onions and relish..
The giant frozen Carnation milk shakes you eat with the flat wooden spoon, peanuts shells that crunch as you shuffle your feet, the organist serenading us by playing "CHARGE" the obligatory three times in a row.. ICE COLD BEER..a score card that looks like third grade math homework????

But I draw the line at Barry Bonds!!!

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And you always wonder why us men have always compared 'wooing' women with first base, second base...etc.

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Who's my Daddy???



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Logan.

You may not believe this, but I am a casual fan....but way back when..

I was a HUGE Dale Murphy fan.......I loved to watch him play...George Brett and Ron Cey, I am an 80's baseball kind of guy!!!
I get pumped up for the playoffs.....

This has been the best week for the game......

The only thing that can top this is if ALL the World Series games go 20 innings......

[tatsxxx11]

I'm with you Mugsy...Houston and New York would be great and I wouldn't mind a bit seeing Houston win!

There is no doubt in my mind that it's not the Yankee "moms' that keep them so spiffy looking but that tyrannt George Steinbrenner! I'm sure it's written into their contracts, the appropriate code of dress for a New York Yankee! My kind of guy

Oh, I know you don't care who wins Logan. Just thought I'd share what came as a surprise to me, that the Yankees are acutally underdogs, having not as good stats as the Red Sox. I enjoy the game, no matter who wins

[Karen]

But the Yankees have such a humongous payroll that any team would be the underdogs compared to them.

That, coupled with the arrogance of certain individuals in management, make me root against them even when they aren't playing my beloved underdog Red Soxs.

Hey, they may be shaggy, but they're real guys!

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Originally posted by Karen
Yay Red Sox!!!!!

I'll hope they'll pull through!! And let's go Cardinals on the other side! (oh no...they can't lose!!!)

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by Karen


Hey, they may be shaggy, but they're real guys!

I like the contrast between the Sox and Yanks..

It's corporate against small business,

Spit shine against plain ol' spit.

Laptop versus Fingers.

City block against back 40.

Limos against Tractors

Martinis against beer.

But in the end, it's All American.

[Rachel]

Originally posted by Logan
Sandra, I think you and Richard ought to send your descriptions of baseball and the playoff to Major League Baseball officials! What beautiful descriptions of America's pasttime!!!!!

I agree! I almost can't wait until next spring to start watching BASEBALL. We have a Midwest Class A team and stadium (Kane County Cougars) right here in Geneva, and I think that's how I will start out. I've never followed any sports but after reading what you wrote, Sandra, I am almost giddy about exploring the possibility.

[tatsxxx11]

Yea, I've got a baseball bud in Rachel Wouldn't that be fun, Rach You know, your Chicago Cubbies have an awesome baseball history! I was SO rooting for you guys to pull it out last year!

But the Yankees have such a humongous payroll that any team would be the underdogs compared to them.

Let me preface by saying this is all in fun

AGAIN, the Yankees are the underdog! Boston went into the series as the favorite, with the best stats, better pitching, bullpen. If they don't win, they have no one to blame but themselves!


Oh, I can hear the violins playing now If you were talking about an expsansion team, Tampa, Arizonia, maybe. But we're talking about Boston here and Boston management has plenty of payroll to pass around, witness: That whining 17 million dollar prima dona/psycho Pedro Martinez! Yes, the Yankees have the largest payroll in baseball, 185 million, but guess which team has the second? Yup, Boston at 127 million. Considering NYC is considered the financial capital of the world, with 8 million people, I'd say Boston's ain't doing too bad!!! But it's also about signing the right players at the right time, to do the job, just not the multi million dollar divas. Here's a little info...Note, but ONE Yankee on the list...2 Red Sox!


History of highest-paid players
Associated Press


The evolution of baseball's highest-paid players since Kirby Puckett become the first $3 million player. Salaries listed are average annual values for multi-year deals.

Show me the money
Date Player Team Salary
Nov. 22, 1989 Kirby Puckett Twins $3,000,000
Nov. 28, 1989 Rickey Henderson Athletics $3,000,000
Dec. 1, 1989 Mark Langston Angels $3,250,000
Dec. 11, 1989 Mark Davis Royals $3,250,000
Jan. 17, 1990 Dave Stewart Athletics $3,550,000
Jan. 22, 1990 Will Clark Giants $3,750,000
April 9, 1990 Don Mattingly Yankees $3,860,000
June 27, 1990 Jose Canseco Athletics $4,700,000
Feb. 8, 1991 Roger Clemens Red Sox $5,380,250
Dec. 2, 1991 Bobby Bonilla Mets $5,800,000
March 2, 1992 Ryne Sandberg Cubs $7,100,000
Dec. 8, 1992 Barry Bonds Giants $7,291,666
Jan. 31, 1996 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners $8,500,000
Nov. 19, 1996 Albert Belle White Sox $11,000,000
Feb. 20, 1997 Barry Bonds Giants $11,450,000
Aug. 10, 1997 Greg Maddux Braves $11,500,000
Dec. 12, 1997 Pedro Martinez Red Sox $12,500,000
Oct. 26, 1998 Mike Piazza Mets $13,000,000
Nov. 15, 1998 Mo Vaughn Angels $13,333,333
Dec. 12, 1998 Kevin Brown Dodgers $15,000,000

From 1989 to 1998, but one Yankee on the highest paid list!

Boston management had all but sewed up the deal to sign ARod last year and they backed out right at the end. Collective bargaining and the player's union would not allow a cut in his previous 252 million, 10 year contract with the Rangers. The Yankees didn't pay him one dime more than his precious contract. They only agreed to honor the contract ARod already had with the Texas Rangers...252 million over 10 years. Gee, wonder where Texas came up with those beau coup bucks???

Think of all of the major mega stars of the past several years; who can name one that's a Yankee? Jeter came up from the minors, a high school/college star out of NYC. How come those teams with the Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosas, the batting title winners, Cy Young award winners, haven't consistently been on top??? Because something magical happens when you become a Yankee. And that's a fact!!! I think Boston needs to reassess it's management, after all, they let go Babe Ruth, Roger Clemmens...you had 'em and you let 'em go and they came to NY and that's where they won. And now Pedro wants to leave the Red Sox too and become a Yankee. Heaven forbid

The Yankees can point to an illustrious history, an incomparable legacy of success for decades before the era of "big bucks baseball." From Babe Ruth to Lou Gehrig to Mickey Mantle. Those guys were paid peanuts but in a Yankee uniform, they were millionaires in the best sense of the word!

And you know, I have trouble rooting for a team that has fans that drive around with bumper stickers on their cars proclaiming YANKEES SUCK and YANKEE FANS, DROP DEAD. Whoa!

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11

Nov. 22, 1989 Kirby Puckett Twins $3,000,000
Nov. 28, 1989 Rickey Henderson Athletics $3,000,000
Dec. 1, 1989 Mark Langston Angels $3,250,000
Dec. 11, 1989 Mark Davis Royals $3,250,000
Jan. 17, 1990 Dave Stewart Athletics $3,550,000
Jan. 22, 1990 Will Clark Giants $3,750,000
April 9, 1990 Don Mattingly Yankees $3,860,000
June 27, 1990 Jose Canseco Athletics $4,700,000
Feb. 8, 1991 Roger Clemens Red Sox $5,380,250
Dec. 2, 1991 Bobby Bonilla Mets $5,800,000
March 2, 1992 Ryne Sandberg Cubs $7,100,000
Dec. 8, 1992 Barry Bonds Giants $7,291,666
Jan. 31, 1996 Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners $8,500,000
Nov. 19, 1996 Albert Belle White Sox $11,000,000
Feb. 20, 1997 Barry Bonds Giants $11,450,000
Aug. 10, 1997 Greg Maddux Braves $11,500,000
Dec. 12, 1997 Pedro Martinez Red Sox $12,500,000
Oct. 26, 1998 Mike Piazza Mets $13,000,000
Nov. 15, 1998 Mo Vaughn Angels $13,333,333
Dec. 12, 1998 Kevin Brown Dodgers $15,000,000

Red Sox Momentum???

Priceless!!!


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Before I forget....

I was driving home last night and was listening to the game on the radio...

As we drove into 'The Valley' the rain stopped and the sky started to clear....I could see the sun shining off the mountains to the east...

There was a line of clouds on the horizon and the sun was just hidden behind them...I was hoping for that last ray of sunlight to peek out and light up the last bit of day....You know, the mythical sign that says, 'everything is going to be O.k.- the Sox will win...."

I didn't get that little bit of sun, But, the Sox did win.

There is a baseball god out there......I know it!

[tatsxxx11]

ROFLOL!!! Oh Richard, just what the Sox need...a little left coast mysticism and you rooting for them! I think they ARE a shoe in I DO BELIEVE, I DO BELIEVE, I DO BELIEVE!!!!

As we drove into 'The Valley' the rain stopped and the sky started to clear....I could see the sun shining off the mountains to the east...

OMG! I think you were on that same long and winding road Regan took us down during his closing remarks at first Reagan/Modale debate Must be a Cali-Fohn-Yah thing...Did I spell that right, Richard?

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
I think they ARE a shoe in

Of course they are..

"Sox" first, "shoe in" second.


At least that's the way mom taught me to dress.


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What are the odds we get another barn burner???

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This is the reason I have to believe.....

Back in '80 I bought tickets to one of the last Dodger games of the year(Saturday). Unbeknownst to me my best friend bought another pair to the same weekend-for Friday night....

Later he picked up a three of tickets to a concert on Saturday night-one for his GF and one for me.....

I didn't think about the baseball tickets until it was too late.

The Dodgers and Astros were in the pennant race and on that last weekend the Dodgers were behind by three games.....

Win three, get a Monday playoff game!!!

Then the Baseball gods began to smile.....

The Satuday game was moved to 10 a.m. for a national TV audience, from a 7 o'clock start on Saturday night.....SOOOOO, If the Dodgers lose on Friday, we give away the tickets for the game and go to the concert...

Friday night,

You could feel the electricity in the stadium.....
They win the game on a late inning home run....I have never hugged so many men and women strangers in one evening!!

Two games behind.

Saturday morning, I wake up and can't move my legs....I rolled out of bed and looked and my shins...(I was also so hung over, it wasn't funny!) I check my legs and they are bruised from smashing into the seat in front of me......Never felt a thing.



We get to the game, more electricity!!! ----- ANOTHER late inning, game winning tater.....

More hugs!!

One game behind..

We get to the concert that night and I was miserable....

The following day, Sunday, I flew to work and just as I walked into the office.....BOOM another game winning home run!!


TIED, ONE GAME PLAYOFF!!

On Monday Tommy Lasorda pitched Dave Goltz and the season ended with a 7-2 loss......

Two games and a concert, three game winning home runs and a playoff game in four days......

Who else but a benevolent sports god would do that for a punk like me???



Good luck and we'll see what happens!!

[tatsxxx11]

Richard...And you call yourself a "casual" fan!!! Hmmm.... Gave me goosebumps! Could it be you're baseball's original "lucky charm?"

Rachel wrote....

I agree! I almost can't wait until next spring to start watching BASEBALL. We have a Midwest Class A team and stadium (Kane County Cougars) right here in Geneva, and I think that's how I will start out. I've never followed any sports but after reading what you wrote, Sandra, I am almost giddy about exploring the possibility.

Oh Rach, wish I could be there to go with you! You know, Class A baseball is AWESOME!!! Cape Cod's league has sent more players to the majors than any in the country! It's great baseball, Rachel. A evening summer game, so close to the field you can almost reach out and touch the players, hear them breathe, see their muscles ripple. The smack of the bat, the umpire yelling.......You'rrrrrrrrrrrrrre out! Heaven! I'm gonna hold you to this

Looks like no rain out! I don't think I can subject myself to this torture again Good luck all!

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
Richard...And you call yourself a "casual" fan!!! Hmmm.... Gave me goosebumps!

We have a Seattle Mariners team out in the desert just to the north of here, the Lancaster Jethawks......In the afternoon the wind blows in from left and there are homeruns that go OVER the fence and FALL BACK IN the field of play.....HONEST!!!
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Well,
Let me astound you with another story...

There used to be a batting cage/arcade in Van Nuys called Buddy's Bat-away..

I'd go over and hit some balls for about an hour, softball practice....

It was about 11 in the morning...I stop for a moment and sit down on a bench when a silver Porsche 911 pills up in front of the gate....

The door opens and this man unfolds himself from the driver's side and goes to the front of the car, opens up the trunk and pulls out a bat....

I've seen this guy before.....and it's......it's.........it's



Dusty 'F.N.' Baker!!!! NOT to be confused with Bucky 'F.N.' Dent!!!


Baker had just been released from the Dodgers and was waiting to be picked up.....The Giants would later benefit from this gaffe....

There were three other kids hanging around and they were waiting for him to finish his hitting.....

He gave one of the kids batting tips....The kid jumped into the "super fast" cage and Baker teased him that 'no one threw that fast'. He went on to finish and when he was done he came right over to the bench where I was and sat down..


I do not do well with famous people. Baker was not a minor god to me, but someone to be worshipped....The kids hung around and got autographs from him, they brought up the questions as to why the Dodgers released him (there was talk that he was on drugs, a charge that was never proven)- He answered with a salty retort....Bucky's middle name!!!

I sat there like a dork, smile on my face and just listening.....He turned to me and asked me, not in that pompous "hey, I'm famous-look at me!!" way, "Would you like an autograph?"

He sensed I was stunned and was trying to work up the nerve!

He did give me two autographs before I left....

I do have to say that he was the nicest sports guys I have ever met....It was a real pleasure to met him!!!!

I hadn't thought about that meeting in years....

It was that story or the time I ran into Herve "da plane, da plane"
Villecheve in the supermarket....

[tatsxxx11]

Dusty Baker!!! No freakin' way That's it, I'm moving He was always a hero of mine too! Dusty AND Herve in one lifetime...every human should be so blessed

Dusty 'F.N.' Baker!!!! NOT to be confused with Bucky 'F.N.' Dent!!!

Oh no, we're not going THERE are we??? lol!

Well, Fox Boston just reported from the stadium that Yankee fans are totally demoralized, silent, hanging their heads and ready for their whoppin'. I wanna go home