Tagged: Lou Gehrig
Jeter Talks Have Gone On Way Too Long, Already
What are the Yankees doing? And what are they thinking? Sign Derek Jeter to a new contract, already. In my view, these drawn-out negotiations are starting to become an embarrassment to the whole New York Yankees organization.
No matter how anyone wants to spin these negotiations, it is very clear the next contract that Jeter signs with the Yankees has very little to do with his overall play on the field and at the plate [which is still better than most shortstops in baseball, by the way]. It’s all about the “Captain” as an all-time iconic player in the history of the Yankees franchise, standing along side the greatest of the greats in pinstripes: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, Mariano Rivera, and many other All-Stars and Hall of Famers.
Of course, Jeter is near the top, right behind: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Berra. And when he finally does retire, he will become the next great link to carry on the awesome Yankees history and tradition at future Old-Timers’ Days at Yankee Stadium over the next 40 or 50 years. It will be Derek Jeter who will be announced last at these events, called out onto the field from the dugout to thunderous rounds of applause from many different generations of Yankee fans. How will the Yankees Universe be altered if the these current contract talks are allowed to degenerate into any form of disrespect of the Yankees Captain?
The Yankees front office talks about staying within a certain payroll budget of around $200 million, and how these talks with Jeter are “strickly business” and “not personal”.
Well, to be perfectly honest, as a Yankees fan, I could care less about how high the payroll is. It is reported that the New York Yankees are worth $1.5 – $2 billion, and the YES Network is worth about $3 billion. So this is a $5 billion organization that just recently increased ticket prices at Yankee Stadium – ticket prices that are already outrageously way too high. Yet at the same time it seems they want to nickel-and-dime one of their best all-time players. I make this comment in context to the overall net worth of the Yankees, and the overall “value” of Derek Jeter to the Yankees franchise. And I really think this is a fair observation based on the facts that are being reported [so far] throughout the sports media.
In my view, I think it is very important for the New York Yankees to sign Derek Jeter to a contract he is totally happy with, somewhere in the range of four to five years at about $20 million per year, because this would be a very “smart” and “good” business decision.
If for some reason the “UNTHINKABLE” happens, and Derek Jeter does not re-sign with the Yanks – a truly unimaginable thought in my mind – I’m sure all Yankee fans will take this “very personally”.
So in the end, these talks with Jeter are personal, “very personal”. But it is also “good business” to give Derek what he wants!
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Babe Ruth Hits 500th HR … August 11, 1929
In 1929, the New York Yankees (88-66) finished in second place, 18 games behind the first place Philadelphia Athletics (104-46). The Athletics were the American League Champions that year, in a League that consisted of eight teams. The A’s then went on to beat the National League Champion Chicago Cubs (4-1) in the World Series.
The Yankees top three home run hitters in 1929 were:
* Babe Ruth …… 46 HR … 154 RBI … .345 BA
* Lou Gehrig …… 35 HR … 126 RBI … .300 BA
* Tony Lazzeri … 18 HR … 106 RBI … .354 BA
The top three home run hitters for the A’s in ’29 were:
* Al Simmons …. 34 HR … 157 RBI … .365 BA
* Jimmie Foxx … 33 HR … 118 RBI … .354 BA
* Mule Haas …… 16 HR ….. 82 RBI … .313 BA
On August 11, 1929, Babe Ruth hit his 500th career home run.
In the book, “The Big Bam” – The LIFE and TIMES of BABE RUTH, by Leigh Montville, the author describes the Babe’s historic homer in such beautiful detail …
“The Babe went back to his long-ball production. Despite missing 17 days and falling nine home runs behind Gehrig, he again would lead the league with 46 and hit .345. He reached a milestone on August 11 in Cleveland when he smacked Indians starter Willis Hudlin’s first pitch in the second inning far and wide over the right-field fence at League Park for his 500th home run. It was a startling figure, more than twice as many home runs as anyone in the majors ever had hit. The clout also was the Babe’s sixth home run in the past six games.”
“The ball ricocheted off a Lexington Avenue doorstep and rolled to the feet of Jack Geiser, 46, who was walking to catch a bus home to New Philadelphia. Geiser was found, brought to the Yankees dugout, and presented with two baseballs and an autographed $20 bill by the Bambino, in exchange for the ball in his possession.”
Just a little bit of [baseball history] and Yankees history on this date.
– Jimmy Curran “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Three Hits By The “Captain”, Ties The “Captain” …
The “Captain” Derek Jeter collected three hits in the Yankees 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the final game of their four-game series at Yankee Stadium [which was swept by the Yanks], that tied the Yankees first “Captain”, Hall of Famer, Lou Gehrig, on top of the New York Yankees all-time hit list with 2,721 hits.
Derek Jeter
Jeter led off the game with a surprise bunt single on the first pitch by Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann that ended the captain’s 0-12 hitless streak.
In the third inning Jeter grounded out to short.
In the fifth inning Derek blasted a shot to straight away centerfield that sailed over the head of B.J. Upton before taking a bounce over the wall for a grounds-rule double.
And, finally, in the bottom of the seventh Jeter stroked a two-out, first pitch, single, past first base down the right field line for his Gehrig tying 2,721th hit.
Lou Gehrig
In the meantime, as this game headed into the eight inning, the Yankees were losing 2-0 to the Rays.
Without doubt, Jeter was happy that he had tied the “Great” Lou Gehrig’s all-time hit record; but, I’m sure Derek would be the first one to tell anybody: a Yankees loss would certainly take the shine off this outstanding accomplishment.
The Yankees had this in mind also, and, once again, provided some late-inning dramatics by first scoring a run in the eight that made the score 2-1, before Jorge Posada hit a solid line drive, one-out, three-run homer, off reliever Grant Balfour, into the lower right-field porch that moved the Bronx Bombers into a 4-2 lead.
Posada’s 21st homer kept the inning going; and, after Melky Cabrera made the second out, Derek Jeter had one more chance to travel past Gehrig’s hit record in this game.
Jeter had a couple of good cuts at the plate, but was walked on a 3-2 count by Balfour.
So, Derek would remain tied with Lou Gehrig until at least Friday night, September 11th, when the Yankees start a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at The Stadium.
The Yankees took their 4-2 lead into the top of the ninth inning; and, in a game that the “Joba Rules” once again limited Joba Chamberlain to only three innings on the mound, [in which he allowed both Tampa Bay runs in the first inning], the Yankees relievers: Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo (5-1), Brian Bruney, and Phil Coke, held the Rays hitless from the fourth inning on, with Coke earning his second save by closing out this win on a final out strikeout.
On this historic night that Derek Jeter tied the “Iron Horse”, Lou Gehrig’s all-time hit record, the Yankees 4-2 victory which completed a four-game sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays, made this special accomplishment even more “special”.
In Mike Puma’s New York Post article, Derek Jeter expressed his feelings on tying Lou Gehrig’s record:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up and to come up through this organization and what [Gehrig] stood for, being the captain, he’s probably one of the classiest people ever to play the game” … “To be alongside him, pretty much anything you can do to have your name next to his is quite an accomplishment” …
“We had so many special moments across the street”, Jeter said … “This is hopefully the first of many memorable moments here at the new Stadium. The fans have been tremendous and it’s just a lot of fun.”
— photo credits:
* google images
* photos. nj. com/star-ledger/2009/09/derek_jeter
* http:// yankeeology. com/yankeefans
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A Game To Just Forget
Blue Jays 14, Yankees 8 …
With this loss, the New York Yankees split a four-game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. But, this was a very successful road trip as the Bronx Bombers (87-50), won five of seven games to remain in first place in the AL East, seven and a half games ahead of the second place Boston Red Sox (79-57).
The Yankees return home to play a Labor Day day/night doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium in the Beautiful Bronx.
The big story, of course, is Derek Jeter’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig’s all-time Yankees hit record.
The “Captain” Jeter is four hits away from passing the Yankees first “Captain”, the Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig on the all-time New York Yankees hit list.
Gehrig has 2,721 career hits; and, Jeter with three hits in yesterday’s loss to the Blue Jays, now stands at a total of 2,718 hits.
“Best Wishes” and “Thanks” to Derek for his many great years in Yankee Pinstripes.
And, Best Wishes to all who have visited my blog …
I hope everybody has a very enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend !!!
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
A’s Shut Down Yankees, 3-0
In a game that took only 2 hours, 15 minutes to play, the Oakland A’s defeated the New York Yankees 3-0, on a seven-hit, shutout, by former Yankee Brett Tomko and three relievers in the first game of a three-game series in Oakland, CA.
It is interesting, Tomko was just released by the Yankees in the middle of July to make room on the pitching staff for Sergio Mitre who has delivered mostly below average performances so far as the Yankees fifth starter.
Tomko did not pitch very well [at all] during his brief time with the Yankees this year; but, when he departed he expressed displeasure on the way he was used [in his role, out of the bullpen] by the Yankees. Maybe if given the opportunity as a starting pitcher, Tomko could have been another fifth starter option at this time. Certainly, though, Brett Tomko did not pitch well enough to be given that chance by Joe Girardi.
There was not much action in this quick baseball contest, other than some solid pitching by the A’s hurlers, and, also, by Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, who actually turned in an eight inning complete game while taking the loss in this game.
A.J. had only one bad inning, in the top of the fourth, when the A’ s scored all three of their runs.
In the fourth, Rajai Davis stroked a one-out double that was almost caught by Nick Swisher on a diving through the air effort in right centerfield; then, Davis stole third base before scoring on a base hit by Kurt Suzuki for the A’s first run.
The A’s scored their second run on a balk by Burnett, when he stopped his delivery right in the middle of his pitch, causing Suzuki to score from third. After the game, A.J. said the balk was the result of a cross-up of the signs from catcher Jorge Posada, but Burnett took responsibility for the mistake. It should be noted, A.J. Burnett has had some problems of late on the mound, as he threw three wild pitches in his last start.
Mark Ellis was the batter at the plate during the balk, and after all the dust cleared, Ellis produced a RBI double to right centerfield that upped the A’s lead to 3-0, which capped the scoring in this game.
The Yankees had a golden chance to score some early runs in the third inning when they loaded the bases with one out, and Alex Rodriguez coming up to the plate … but, A-Rod hit an easy first-pitch grounder to Tomko who fired home to start an inning ending 1-2-3 double play, that killed the Yankees threat and best opportunity to score in this game.
Other than the possible third inning rally, the only other offense by the Yankees was provided by Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher who each had a double but was left stranded; and, Derek Jeter who was (3-for-4), which raised his average to .327, and moved him to only 30 hits behind the great Lou Gehrig on the all-time Yankees hit list.
Jeter now has 2,691 hits, as his path travels to pass Gehrig’s 2,721 career hits.
A.J. Burnett (10-6), pitched eight innings, while allowing three runs, on six hits, two walks, and five strikeouts.
Brett Tomko (2-2), lasted five shutout innings to earn the win, as he gave up five hits, and one walk, while striking out one.
After Breslow pitched the 6th and 7th innings, and Ziegler tossed a scoreless 8th inning, A’s closer Andrew Bailey preserved this victory recording his 18th save in the ninth.
The first place New York Yankees now have a record of (74-45), as CC Sabathia (13-7, 3.64), faces off against Vin Mazzaro (4-8, 5.54) in the middle game vs. the A’s tonight, Tuesday, August 18th.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
For Yankees, The Past Is Always Close To The Future
This past weekend, the New York Yankees won three of four games against the Oakland A’s thus completing a very successful 9-1 homestand that kept the Yanks at the top of the AL East with the Boston Red Sox in second place and the Tampa Bay Rays in third.
Also, over the weekend, the Yankees “captain” Derk Jeter moved ahead of the great Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams on the all-time Major League hits list, passing Williams total of 2,654 hits.
As July 28, 2009, Jeter has 2,661 hits and counting.
Derek Jeter’s next plateau is 2,721 hits, which will tie him with the Yankees first “captain” the great Hall of Famer, Lou Gehrig, who is the New York Yankees leader on the all-time Major League hits list.
It seems like every new baseball season brings many new records, and, or, historical events that brings us all back into the “past” great history of baseball. The New York Yankees have had more than their fair share of new records achieved every year; and, usually, many of these records or events involve a great Yankee player or Yankees team, past or present, that continues the connection to the awesome “greatness” of the New York Yankees “history” and “tradition”.
It is amazing that of all the great players and Hall of Famers who were fortunate to play for the New York Yankees, none reached the magical 3,000 hit mark in their outstanding baseball and Yankee career.
Well, Derek Jeter is now 339 short of the 3,000 hit mark; and, if he stays on his current pace should reach this “golden” baseball number sometime in the middle of the 2011 baseball season, when once again, the “future” will become part of the great “past” of baseball history.
“Congratulations” to the “captain” Derek Jeter for all his many great accomplishments that he has already achieved; and, best wishes for all the many baseball records and achievements that the “captain” will set in the upcoming years, with his path leading all the way to the “Hall of Fame” in Cooperstown, New York.
And, of course, the greatness of Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, and Derek Jeter will always inspire us all, as well as, future generations until the end of time.
Photo Credits:
google images
static. howstuffworks .com
www .esquire .com
blogs .trb .com/ sports/baseball/blog
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
Dedicated In Honor Of “Hall Of Famer” Red Ruffing
The latest mlblogs Fan “Leader’s List” [Feb 5 – Feb 15, 2009] was just released, and my blog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life” was ranked #15 on this new list.
Thank you, to all who have visited my mlblog. I really appreciate all your support; and, also, all the many kind words, comments, and thoughts expressed by viewers of “BY&L”. I always look forward to your great commentary in the comment section of all my posts.
As has been my tradition on previous “Leader’s Lists”, I look forward to dedicating my ranking on each list in honor of a special player, or some other special meaning that number has in relation to the New York Yankees, baseball, or another special meaning in sports or everyday life.
The number 15 is a very special number in New York Yankees history, as it was worn by the Yankees great “captain” Thurman Munson, and retired shortly after Thurman’s tragic death in 1979.
I have already dedicated a post in honor of Thurman Munson from a previous #15 ranking on a past “Leader’s List” — “The Captain” #15 … Thurman Munson.
But, before Thurman Munson wore #15, the number was also worn by 12 other Yankee players throughout the history of the team, starting with Art Jorgens and Hank Johnson, who both wore the number in 1929.
In 1929, the New York Yankees were the first Major League Baseball team to begin wearing numbers on their uniforms on a regular basis. The numbers were assigned based on the position of the starting players in the lineup. So, this is the reason the players on the ’29 Yankees wore the following numbers …
#1 Earl Combs (CF); #2 Mark Koenig (SS/3B); #3 Babe Ruth (RF); #4 Lou Gehrig (1B); #5 Bob Meusel (LF); #6 Tony Lazzeri (2B); #7 Leo Durocher (SS/2B); #8 Johnny Grabowski (C); #9 Benny Bengough (C); #10 Bill Dickey (C).
[note: Dickey, Grabowski, Bengough, all shared the catching duties, with Bill Dickey catching most of the games for the Yanks in 1929. Dickey would later be assigned #8, which was also the number worn by Yogi Berra in the 1950’s and ’60’s. The #8 has been retired by the Yankees in honor of both Dickey and Berra].
After the 1929 season, the following Yankee players wore the number 15 …
Roy Sherid (1930-’31); Red Ruffing (1932-’42; 1946); Hank Borowy (1943-’45); Charlie Keller (1945); Tommy Henrich (1946-’51); Archie Wilson (1952); Joe Collins (1953-’57); Jim Risoni (1959-’61); Jack Reed (1961); Tom Tresh (1961-’69); and, Thurman Munson (1969-1979).
Of all the Yankee players to wear #15, Red Ruffing — probably the greatest righthanded starter in New York Yankees history, along with Hall of Famer, Jack Chesbro, who pitched for the Yanks from 1903-1909, including a (41-12; 1.82 ERA) season in 1904; Allie Reynolds; Vic Raschi; [and, more recently, Mel Stottlemyre and Mike Mussina] — is the only one of the players who have worn #15 to have been enshrined into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”.
Of course, in my view, I truly believe Thurman Munson should also be enshrined in the “Hall of Fame”; and, have stated my opinion in praise of Munson on a previous dedication post in the “captain’s” honor.
Red Ruffing started his baseball career at the age of 19, with the Boston Red Sox, in 1924.
He was (0-0) in his brief rookie season with the Sox. Then, from 1925-1930, Ruffing recorded six straight losing seasons pitching in Boston, including back-to-back years of losing over 20 games, (10-25) in 1928; and, (9-22) in 1929. After a (0-3) start in the beginning of the 1930 season, and an overall (39-96) losing record with Boston, the Red Sox traded Red Ruffing to the New York Yankees for Cedric Durst and $50,000.
Ruffing compiled a (15-5) record pitching for the Yankees the remainder of the 1930 season; and, then, went on to become the ace of the Yankees pitching staff throughout the rest of his career.
Red Ruffing had a lifetime won/loss record of (273-225); but, was (234-129), a .640 winning percentage, pitching for the New York Yankees, including four straight seasons of 20 or more wins from 1936-1939. [(20-12, 3.85 ERA) in 1936; (20-7, 2.98 ERA) in ’37; (21-7, 3.31 ERA) in ’38; and, (21-7, 2.93 ERA) in 1939].
A “very cool” hightlight in Red Ruffing’s pitching career occurred on August 13, 1932, when Ruffing threw a 10 inning, complete game, 1-0, shutout, in which he won the game by hitting a 10th inning homerun off Washington Senators pitcher, Al Thomas, giving the Yankees the 1-0 victory.
According to the story in Wikipedia, this is not the first time this very rare feat was accomplished. And, at least through the 2006 season, no other Major League pitcher has also thrown a complete game, 1-0 shutout, while also hitting the game winning homerun in the victory.
Achieving the above rare feat, Red Ruffing was actually responsible for both scores on the scoreboard in the Yankees victory, which is very difficult to accomplish in any team sport. Just think about it, how would that same feat be accomplished in another sport?
My first thought brought me to the sport of Hockey. A similar rare feat in the game of hockey would be: the winning goalie recording a 1-0 shutout, while somehow scoring the winning, and only goal of the game, in overtime. Or, in football, with the quarterback running in the winning touchdown, in an overtime, sudden-death, 6-0 victory. All three feats are very rare, indeed. Can anyone think of other examples, in other sports?
Well, even though Red Ruffing’s, 1-0, shutout, feat, was very rare, the fact that he hit a homerun was not [at all] rare for Mr. Ruffing.
Red Ruffing was an excellent hitting pitcher, compiling a career .269 batting average over his 22 years in the major leagues. In 882 games, Red Ruffing had 1,937 at-bats, with 521 hits; 36 homeruns; 273 RBI’s, 207 runs; 97 base-on-balls; 98 doubles; 13 triples; .306 on-base percentage; and, a .389 slugging percentage; while only striking out 266 times. Also, Ruffing hit over .300 in a season “eight” times in his career, including: .364 in 1930; .339 in 1935; and, .330 in 1931.
Ruffing also excelled in the post-season, with a 7-2 winning record in seven World Series appearances, in which the New York Yankees won six World Championships, including, four straight World Championships in the years: 1936, ’37, ’38, and ’39.
Other honors achieved by Red Ruffing throughout his career, included …
* Selection to the American League All-Star team six times.
* Induction into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame” in 1967, with 86.93% of the vote on his 15th time on the Hall of Fame ballot.
* Was honored by the New York Yankees at an “Old Timer’s Day” ceremony in 2004 with a plaque dedicated in his memory in Monument Park, beyond the left-centerfield wall in Yankee Stadium.
Mr. Ruffing was called to serve our great Country in the military during Wold War II in 1943 and 1944. After his return to baseball in 1945, Ruffing was not able to regain his former greatness as “ace” of the Yankees pitching staff, and was released by the Yankees at the end of the 1946 season. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1947, which was his final Major League season.
Red Ruffing retired at the end of 1947, ending his brillant career as one of the greatest pitchers, and, also, one of the greatest hitting pitchers, in Baseball history.
After researching the great baseball career of Red Ruffing, one has to wonder why the New York Yankees organization never honored Ruffing by retiring his #15.
The Yankees have retired the numbers of only two pitchers, both lefthanders, throughout their outstanding history. Whitey Ford’s #16; and, Ron Guidry’s #49.
It probably is too late for the New York Yankees to also retire #15 in honor of Red Ruffing, since #15 [rightfully so] will always be remembered as an honor in memory of, the greatness of the Yankees “captain” Thurman Munson.
But, just as I believe Thurman Munson should be enshrined into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”, an honor that Red Ruffing has already received; I also think, the New York Yankees organization should honor their great righthanded, Hall of Fame, pitcher, Red Ruffing, in some other special way, in addition, to the great honor they have already bestowed upon him, dedicating a plaque in his memory in 2004, in Monument Park, at Yankee Stadium.
Thank you, Red Ruffing, for making all Yankee fans proud of your many great performances, and efforts, as an “ace” pitcher throughout your awesome baseball career as a member of the New York Yankees; and, as a major force on the many Yankee Championship teams that you played on.
To view Red Ruffing’s lifetime stats, click on …
http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/ruffire01.shtml
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Baseball Takes Center Stage, In The Movies; In Books
Now that the Football season has ended after one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever, in which the Pittsburg Steelers out-dueled the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23, baseball takes center stage once again.
Baseball is always on center stage, though, 365/24/7, for all of us who have a passion for our great American Pastime. But, now that the winter months are starting to fade away, and pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Flordia’s Grapefruit League or Arizona’s Cactus League in a couple of weeks, all baseball fans can not wait to see the sights of players throwing, hitting, and catching baseballs in Spring Training, marking the beginning of another new baseball season.
Leading up to the start of Spring Training, this is the perfect time of the year to watch some of the many great Baseball Movies that have been produced over the years. We all have our favorite baseball movies that we watch over and over again, but it seems, to me anyway, watching these movies at this time of the year takes on an even more special meaning.
So, with that said, the following is a list of: “My Favorite All-Time Baseball Movies” …
1. “Pride of the Yankees” (1942) – My favorite baseball movie of all-time, which is the classic story about the life of the New York Yankees great, Hall of Fame, first baseman, the Yankees first “captain”, Lou Gehrig. The movie is about more than [just] Gehrig’s passion for baseball, as it also shows the great love Lou Gehrig had for his parents; and, is also a love story between Lou and his wife. Gary Cooper is great in this role as Lou Gehrig, “The Iron Horse”. In the movie, a “special bonus” is seeing Babe Ruth, Bill Dickey, Bob Meusel, and Mark Koeing, all Yankee greats, playing themselves in this classic flim. The movie also features Lou Gehrig’s famous “I’m The Luckiest Man On The Face Of The Earth” farewell speech, that always brings tears to my eyes. The movie was directed by Sam Wood, and also stars, Teresa Wright, as Lou’s wife, and Walter Brennan, who plays a baseball writer, and close friend of Gehrig in the movie. This is a movie that I always looked forward to watching when I was a kid, when it was shown on T.V., back in the day, when we only had seven channels on our black and white television sets. Of course, the movie was filmed in black and white, but now it can be viewed on DVD on wide screen televisions. Either way, “The Pride of the Yankees” is an all-time classic, which always made me proud to be a New York Yankees fan, from the days I was a young child, just starting to follow baseball and the Yankees, to this present day.
2. “Field of Dreams” (1989) – So many great things to love about this movie, especially, the inspiring speech by the James Earl Jones character, Terence Mann, towards the end of the movie, which sums up the game of baseball so perfectly. This movie inspired me to write my “Fields of Dreams” post, in January 2008, which is my favorite post of all the posts that I have written on my mlblog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”. The movie, “Field of Dreams” is truly a magical viewing experience, directed by Phil Alden Robinson, from the W.P. Kinsella book. This classic baseball film feartures an all-star cast of: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta as “Shoeless Joe Jackson”, and Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham. This movie will inspire everyone who watches it to search for their own “Field of Dreams”; and, also, inspire us to keep our passion for our great game of baseball always close to our hearts.
3. “Bull Durham” (1988) – Fun movie that makes you feel like you are part of the fictional minor league team portrayed in the movie, the “Durham Bulls”. All the action, in this baseball comedy, surrounds Kevin Costner’s character, catcher, Crash Davis, trying to get hot-shot rookie pitcher, Ebby Calvin “Nuke” Laloosh, played by Tim Robbins, ready to pitch in the Major Leagues, while both are romanced by baseball groupie, Annie Savoy, played by Susan Sarandon. Many funny sceens in this classic baseball movie written and directed by Ron Shelton, that also includes in the excellent cast, Trey Wilson, Robert Wuhl, and Max Patkin, “The Clown Prince of Baseball”, playing himself in the movie.
4. “The Natural” (1984) – Very mystical story about a fictional baseball player, Roy Hobbs, played by Robert Redford, who as a promising young pitcher becomes involves in a scandal that derails his career for 16 years. Then, he returns out of nowhere to fulfill his dream of playing baseball by signing with a 1930’s team that is in last place. Hitting with a bat that Hobbs himself made from a tree that was struck down to the ground by lighting, he leads his team to a final showdown that is different and more positive then the ending of the book, that will surely inspire and amaze the viewer every time the movie is seen. Also, it is fun to follow the love triangle of sorts between Hobbs, and the characters: Iris Gaines, Memo Paris, and Harriet Bird, played by: Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, and Barbara Hershey, that provides many interesting twists and turns throughout the movie. “The Natural” was directed by Barry Levinson, and also includes in the all-star cast, Robert Duvall, as sports writer, Max Mercy, Wilford Brimley, Richard Farnsworh, Robert Prosky, John Finnegan, Darren McGavin, as “gambler” Gus Sands, and Joe Don Baker playing “The Whammer”, a fictional “Babe Ruth” type player, who is part of one of the best sceens of the movie with Redford, Duvall, and Finnegan. The sceens and music in the movie will transform the viewer back to a romantic look at an earlier time of baseball and our country which is very special indeed.
5. “Eight Men Out” (1988) – A trip back in time to the early days of baseball; and, also, a very sad time in baseball, as this movie re-creates the story of the infamous 1919 “Black Sox Scandal” in which the Chicago White Sox conspired with gamblers to throw the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. An excellent cast directed by John Sayles, that includes: D.B. Sweeney as “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, David Strathairn as Eddie Cicotte, Michael Lerner as Arnold Rothstein, and John Anderson as Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis. “Eight Men Out” is a very entertaining and informative movie with fun music from that era, detailing a very sad time in baseball history.
6. “A League Of Their Own” (1992) – Another fun movie that brings us back to an earlier time in baseball that takes place during World War II, re-creating the story of the “Women’s Baseball League” that was formed during that time. The movie focuses on two sisters, Dottie Hinson played by Geena Davis, and Kit Keller played by Lori Petty, who are both scouted by Ernie Capadino, the Jon Lovitz character, to play in the AAPGL (All American Pro Girls League). A very nice movie directed by Penny Marshall, about a League that provided many baseball fans with entertainment during the war years, but was disbanded a short time after World War II ended. The music of that era is also fun to listen to in the movie. And, the excellent cast also includes: Tom Hanks as manager Jimmy Dugan; Garry Marshall as Walter Harvey, Owner of the League; David Strathairn as Ira Lowenstein, Head of the League; Madonna; and Rosie O’Donnell.
7. “The Babe Ruth Story” (1948) – William Bendix plays “The Babe” in this movie, directed by Roy Del Ruth, about Babe Ruth’s life. This is really not a great movie; but, it is about Babe Ruth, and was always a movie I looked forward to watching on T.V. when I was a kid. There are some entertaining sceens in this black and white film, though, that includes an inspiring sceen towards the end of the movie of Babe Ruth hitting three homeruns in one of his final games, playing for the old Boston Braves, after leaving the New York Yankees.
8. “Bang The Drum Slowly” (1973) – Robert DeNiro in one of his first starring roles, plays a ballplayer dying of a terminal illness, but inspires his team throughout the season in this fictional tale. Good, but sad movie, directed by John D. Hancock, with Vincent Gardenia as the manager of the team. DeNiro gives a great performance in this movie.
9. “Bad News Bears” (1976) – The “original” and “best” of all the “Bad News Bears” movies directed by Michael Ritchie. A very funny movie starring Walter Matthau as the manager of the Little League team; and, also, starring, a very young Tatum O’Neal as the star pitcher and player on the team. Both give excellent performances, as do the other players on the team, in a movie that will make you want to be a kid again.
10. “The Sandlot” (1993) – Written and Directed by David M. Evans. A nice baseball story that will bring you back to your youth, again, to those great lazy days of summer, playing and talking about baseball with your family and friends, all day and all night long, throughout the whole summer. James Earl Jones and Karen Allen play special roles in this movie. And, there is a starring role by a surprise guest on the other side of the fence of the neighbors yard.
* Special Mention Goes Out To The Following Baseball Documentaries …
* “Baseball” (1994) – Ken Burns’ classic 18-hour PBS documentary on the history of our “American Pastime”, the great game of Baseball. Much praise can be given about the greatness of this series. So, the best way to describe this outstanding work of art is to say, very simply, Ken Burns’ “Baseball” is one of the greatest productions in television broadcasting history, along with Burns’ other great works, “The Civil War” and “Jazz”.
* “The Bronx Is Burning” (2007) – “Excellent” eight-hour ESPN mini-series about the 1977 New York Yankees Championship season; but, also, much more, as the series details non-baseball events that took place in the Bronx and New York City during that very interesting year of 1977 … Including: the “Son of Sam” serial killings; the “blackout” in NYC that summer; the “violence” in the streets of the Bronx and NYC that year; the mayor’s race in 1977; and, of course, the Yankees 1977 World Series victory, highlighted by Reggie Jackson hitting three homeruns in Game Six of that series. Great performances by all who had roles in this mini-series.
* “The Ghosts Of Flatbush” (2007) – “Great” two-hour HBO documentary about the (1947-1957) Brooklyn Dodgers. Many excellent details about the team and players during that great era in New York Baseball history, including: the famous 1951 playoff game against the New York Giants; the many World Series’ that the Brooklyn Dodgers played against the New York Yankees; and reasons and events that led to the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles. The old film clips and pictures in this documentary bring back many great memories for all baseball fans to enjoy from probably the greatest era in baseball history.
And, of course, we do not have to limit ourselves to watching only baseball movies during this period of time before spring training starts. There are two new baseball books that were released today, Tuesday, February 3, 2009, that I really look forward to reading …
* “Confessions of a She-Fan” by fellow mlblogger, Jane Heller
* “The Yankee Years” by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci
So, those are my favorite “Baseball Movies” and “Baseball Documentaries”; and, new “Baseball Books” I look forward reading …
What are Your Favorites ???
Everybody, Have A Great Day !!!
Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
“The Captain” #15 … Thurman Munson
The latest MLBlog Fan “Leader’s List” was just posted, and I’m proud to report that my mlblog, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life” was ranked #15 on the list.
Thank You, to all who have visited my mlblog.
I appreciate the many kind words, and excellent comments, thoughts, and opinions that have been offered throughout the past weeks and months that I have been here at mlblogs/mlb.com.
As has been my tradition, I dedicate each new ranking number of my blog in honor of a special player or some other special meaning the number has in relationship to the New York Yankees, Baseball or Life in general.
So, with that said, my #15 ranking on this current Leader’s List is dedicated in honor of the great, all-star, catcher of the NY Yankees, #15, “The Captain”, Thurman Munson.
Thurman Munson was one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, who started his Yankees career by winning the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award.
He led the New York Yankees to three World Series appearances, in 1975, ’76, and ’77, and, helped the Bronx Bombers win World Championship’s in 1976 and 1977.
Munson won the 1976 American League MVP Award; three “Gold Gloves”; and, appeared in seven All-Star games; and, he was named the first Yankees Captain since Lou Gehrig, by Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner, III, in his brief 10 year baseball career.
Tragically, on August 2, 1979, Thurman Munson was killed in an airplane accident, as he was piloting his own jet plane, and died in a crash practicing take-offs and landings.
The whole New York Yankees Organization was present at a very emotional funeral service in Munson’s home town, Canton Ohio, a few days after his tragic death. On that day, August 6, 1979, the Yankees returned home to play a game that night at Yankee Stadium, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the historic ballpark.
Before the game started, the Yankees left home plate empty, and the Yankee Stadium faithful gave Thurman a ten-minute standing ovation that could have gone on for hours.
In the game, Bobby Murcer, who was one of Thurman’s closest friends, drove in all five runs, in a victory that was a tribute to the Yankee “Captain”.
The Yankees retired Munson’s #15, and to this day, his locker in the Yankees clubhouse remains empty, as a memorial to one of the greatest players in baseball history.
But, all these tributes will not be complete until Thurman Munson receives the ultimate honor, enshrinement into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”, an honor that is long overdue.
Maybe, this year, 2009, which will mark the 30th Anniversary of the death of Thurman Munson, a movement will start that will re-focus attention on the greatness of Thurman Munson, and his clutch-hitting abilities, and leadership qualities, that will lead to him being voted into the Hall of Fame.
To view Thurman Munson’s Lifetime stats, click on …
http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/munsoth01.shtml
To view Thurman Munson’s Biography, click on …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thurman_Munson
Thanks again to everybody who has visited my mlblog. It is greatly appreciated.
I will be away for a few days, for a much needed rest. So, please feel free to offer as many comments and thoughts on Thurman Munson, or any other topic, you would like to discuss. I look forward to all your comments, and will offer my responses when I return after this weekend, to this great Baseball Community, mlblogs/mlb.com.
May God Always Bless All Our Efforts !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Mark And Leigh Teixeira Are Now Yankees
Mark, “I want you to be a Yankee” … Leigh Teixeira
The New York Yankees battled the Angels, Red Sox, Orioles, and Nationals, in their quest to sign the best position player in this year’s “free-agent market”. And, in this battle, it has been reported that the Washington Nationals actually offered the highest amount of money to sign Mark Teixeira; and, according to Yankees GM, Brian Cashman, just a couple of hours before the Yankees signed Teixeira on December 23th, “all indications were he was going to be a Red Sox”.
In the end, though, the Yankees offer of: $180 Million over 8 years, was the winning offer in the great Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes of 2008.
But, money aside, ’cause Teixeira was going to get pretty much the same amount of money and number of years from “any” team that he signed with, it was Mark’s wife, Leigh, who turned out to be the major deciding factor in the Teixeira family coming to the “Beautiful Bronx”.
As he was taking questions at his “press conference” yesterday, at the old Yankee Stadium, Mark Teixeira talked about the role his wife had in his decision to accept the Yankees offer to play in New York.
Mark said, during this whole free-agent process he kept asking his wife what her thoughts and opinions were regarding what team he should play for. Leigh would keep telling Mark, “I just want you to be happy.” But, over dinner one night, Mark asked Leigh a more direct question, “if everything’s equal, where do you want to go”?
That’s when Leigh made her now famous quote, “I want you to be a Yankee” !
Well, from all Yankee fans, Thank You, Leigh !!!
Also, at yesterday’s press conference, Leigh added, “I thought it would be special for him [Mark] to be a Yankee” ! “When you think of a baseball team, they’re the team. I knew Mark would love the new Stadium; and, he knew the Yankees as an Organization would do what it takes to win. In the back of his mind, he always knew the Yankees would be a great place for him.”
Viewing the constantly “smiling” Mark Teixeira throughout his introduction to the City of New York at the Stadium yesterday, all could see just how special Mark feels it is to be a member of the New York Yankees, the team of his favorite baseball player, Don Mattingly.
Mark Teixeira looked confident; talked with great pride of now being a member of the Yankees and the great Yankees tradition; and, said all the right things in his brief statements to assembled media.
Teixeira said, “No one’s going to expect more out of me, than me. I believe I have yet tapped my potential; and, I’m trying to get better. I haven’t accomplished anything yet, since I don’t have a World Series ring on my finger”.
And, talking again about his decision to sign with the Yankees, Teixeira said, “in the back of my mind, the Yankees were always at the top. Once Leigh said, ‘I want you to be a Yankee’, it was a done deal”.
Yankee fans have to thank the Steinbrenner family, George, Hank, and Hal; and, GM Brian Cashman for making this deal happen.
Cashman has been very busy this winter, signing the top three free-agents on the market, Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett. And, Teixeira is the “crown jewel” of all the signings.
Talking about Mark Teixeira, in Kevin Kernan’s [Jan 7th] New York Post article, Brian Cashman said, “He’s got that All-American look; he’s Paul Bunyan; he’s well-educated; he’s the All-American high performer; and, he’s not a loud personality. He’s very disciplined, structured, a hard worker that’s got exceptional ability. It kind of fits our clubhouse”. Cashman continued, by saying, “Teixeira kind of has the same qualities as, Captain, Derek Jeter.”
Hal Steinbrenner was on hand, representing the Steinbrenner family; and, in an interview with Ken Davidoff of Newsday, [Jan 7th], said, “we had about $80 Million come off [the payroll]. So we have some money to spend, and we’re going to reinvest it. And, that’s going to continue, whether people like it or not. That’s for the fans. They deserve the best team we can put out there.”
Steinbrenner also said, “We’ve got a lot of great young pitching; Now we’ve got some position players who are coming through the system. We’ve spent as much on player development as anyone. And, we’re going to continue to do that, too. It’s a good balance of veterans and kids.”
So, it’s good to know that Hank and Hal Steinbrenner are going to continue with the same winning philosophy that their father George believes in. And, that’s, spending money; reinvesting it back into the team, by signing top free-agents; and, also, spending on player development.
As we move forward from the Mark Teixeira signing, the Yankees tradition of great first basemen continues …
Lou Gehrig, Chris Chambliss, Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, and now … Mark Teixeira !!!
Manager Joe Girardi was asked where Mark Teixeira will bat in the Yankees lineup, and as of now he is still undecided. Girardi said, “We’ve added a great player who has a lot of character. Where he bats in the lineup will be discussed with my coaches when spring training starts next month in Tampa.”
So, where Mark Teixeira will bat in the Yankees lineup, will be the start of another great debate for the Yankees braintrust, and all Yankee fans, to ponder and discuss the rest of the winter; into spring training; and, into the new 2009 baseball season.
But, for now, all us Yankee fans are very happy that Leigh Teixeira wanted her husband to be a Yankee !!!
To view Mark Teixeira’s lifetime stats on “Baseball-Reference.com”, click on:
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 