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Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

batmagadanleadoff Sep 18 2016 05:58 AM

Only seven 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers are still alive. Six of the seven were pitchers. The surviving seven are: Bob Borkowski Roger Craig Carl Erskine Sandy Koufax Tom Lasorda Don Newcombe Ed Roebuck Four of the surviving seven (Craig, Koufax, Lasorda and Roebuck) made their major league debuts in '55. Koufax, then 19, was still a teen-ager.

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 06:07 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 19 2016 06:59 PM

Over the past three seasons, no Mets pitcher has won more games - 43 - than Bartolo Colon.

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 06:09 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 19 2016 07:00 PM

Let's make this one a quiz question. Eight times in MLB history, a player hit extra inning game tying and game winning HR's in the same game, including Curtis Granderson a few days ago. One player did it against the Mets. Who?

cooby Sep 19 2016 06:12 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Larry jones

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 06:15 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

cooby wrote: Larry jones Wrong player. Right team.

d'Kong76 Sep 19 2016 06:17 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Andruw? (no idea really, just going with Braves clue)

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 06:28 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

d'Kong76 wrote: Andruw? (no idea really, just going with Braves clue) No. I'll post the answer in about five or ten minutes.

Ceetar Sep 19 2016 06:33 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Brian Johnson

Edgy MD Sep 19 2016 06:37 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Brian Jordan

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 06:50 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

The answer is Ralph Garr, who, on May 17, 1971 tied the game in the bottom of the 10th with a HR off of Tom Seaver after Donn Clendenon gave the Mets a one-run lead with a HR of his own in the top of that frame. Garr then won the game two innings later with a solo HR off of Ron Taylor. http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes ... 5170.shtml I'll bet that Chief Knock-A-Homa was quite pleased at the end of that game.

d'Kong76 Sep 19 2016 07:05 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Someone should start a Mets trivia archive thread so when the conversation goes stale at one's next cocktail party you can whip out your phone and perk things up a bit. (I can barely 'see' Lasorda in that image. Koufax and Craig just look like very young images of themselves but I don't really see Tommy.)

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 07:15 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

d'Kong76 wrote: Someone should start a Mets trivia archive thread so when the conversation goes stale at one's next cocktail party you can whip out your phone and perk things up a bit. (I can barely 'see' Lasorda in that image. Koufax and Craig just look like very young images of themselves but I don't really see Tommy.) You mean the image quality is so-so or that you see it but to your eyes it doesn't resemble Lasorda?

d'Kong76 Sep 19 2016 07:20 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Just from a recognizable thing and my eyes, I don't remember seeing a lot of old pictures of him so maybe that part of it. [fimg=450:1y9seok2]http://baseballhall.org/sites/default/files/styles/header_image_1800_w/public/Lasorda%20Tom%202600-68WTa_HS__NBL.jpg?itok=f2mxlm2n[/fimg:1y9seok2] He kinda looks like ceetar, actually. haha

G-Fafif Sep 19 2016 07:24 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 19 2016 07:28 PM

Twenty-two New York Giants remain with us, including the two who became New York Mets -- Willie Mays and Eddie Bressoud. The other surviving big fellas: Foster Castleman Joe Margoneri Joe Amalfitano Bill White Red Schoendienst Al Worthington Ron Samford Johnny Antonelli Jackie Brandt Ozzie Virgil Call Your Sister Gil Coan Harvey Gentry Wayner Terwilliger Pete Burnside Daryl Spencer Windy McCall Billy Gardner Ray Crone Roy Wright Mike McCormick Three major league managers (Gardner, Schoendienst, Amalfitano), one Cy Young winner (McCormick), one who would have won one had it been invented (Antonelli), a league president (White), and two immortalized in The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book. Of course a ballplayer with a name like this is never going to amount to anything. If you have a name like an orthodontist, you're going to play like an orthodontist. I mean, where's the chance for a colorful nickname here? Foster "Night Train" Castleman? Foster "Big Daddy" Castleman? Not on your life. Everybody remembers Wayne Terwilliger. But nobody can remember exactly why. Wayne was the perfect utility man. He couldn't hit his hat size, but he could field every position. He wouldn't help you out very much, but he wouldn't embarrass you either. He had a good disposition, was always sober, and liked to pitch batting practice -- in other words, a manager's dream. He also looked like a utility man -- he had a utility man's face, a utility man's build, and a utility man's outlook on life. And certainly no one could argue the fact that he had a utility man's name. He always looked to me like the sort of guy you might send for to unplug a drain in a large apartment house.

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 07:24 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

d'Kong76 wrote: [fimg=450]http://baseballhall.org/sites/default/files/styles/header_image_1800_w/public/Lasorda%20Tom%202600-68WTa_HS__NBL.jpg?itok=f2mxlm2n[/fimg] That's the actual B&W photo that was colorized on Lasorda's baseball card.

batmagadanleadoff Sep 19 2016 07:42 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

G-Fafif wrote: Twenty-two New York Giants remain with us, including the two who became New York Mets -- Willie Mays and Eddie Bressoud. Antonelli came close to becoming a Met.

G-Fafif Sep 19 2016 07:43 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

batmagadanleadoff wrote: G-Fafif wrote: Twenty-two New York Giants remain with us, including the two who became New York Mets -- Willie Mays and Eddie Bressoud. Antonelli came close to becoming a Met. That's right. Must've broken Mrs. Payson's heart. Didn't realize until just having looked it up that Johnny managed in the Met system (or chain, as Topps liked to say) for seven seasons.

MFS62 Sep 19 2016 10:22 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Not only do I remember Wayne Terwilliger, but I remember that his nickname was "Twig". Later

G-Fafif Sep 26 2016 07:51 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

In Mets "thank you, fans" video, TC is wearing his Spring Training jersey. Kelly Johnson's alone in wearing the blue alternate top. Jon Niese is in a t-shirt and appears happy. I may be going out on a limb, but I'm guessing they may have shot those parts many months -- as many as 12 -- ago. Reyes specifically expresses joy over being back in NY. Familia closes it out...but David puts a capper on it, with his unbiased assessment re Mets fans and their status versus other of the world's fans. He got the biggest cheer yesterday. https://www.facebook.com/Mets/videos/10157548334250078/

batmagadanleadoff Sep 27 2016 05:15 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Mets fans who first entered High School this school season most likely never saw the Mets play a game live at Shea Stadium. For them, 1990's players, like Todd Hundley and Butch Huskey are part of the ancient history that occurred before they were even born. Time is flying.

Mets Guy in Michigan Sep 27 2016 05:43 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Major League caps will have little New Era logos on the side starting next season. I don't like this.

TransMonk Sep 27 2016 05:45 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Mets Guy in Michigan wrote: Major League caps will have little New Era logos on the side starting next season. I don't like this. BOO!!!!!![/bigpurple]

Ceetar Sep 27 2016 06:01 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Don't the uniforms have Majestic on them? not much different.

d'Kong76 Sep 27 2016 06:45 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Mets fans who first entered High School this school season most likely never saw the Mets play a game live at Shea Stadium. For them, 1990's players, like Todd Hundley and Butch Huskey are part of the ancient history that occurred before they were even born. Time is flying. Thanks, like my bout with mid-life crisis needs online stimuli of a Met-ly nature!

Mets Guy in Michigan Sep 27 2016 07:27 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Ceetar wrote: Don't the uniforms have Majestic on them? not much different. They do. And the socks have a logo and the undershirts have a logo and obviously the shoes. Uniwatch noted the caps were probably the last piece of the uniform that didn't have a logo. Still don't like them.

Fman99 Sep 27 2016 07:29 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Mets fans who first entered High School this school season most likely never saw the Mets play a game live at Shea Stadium. For them, 1990's players, like Todd Hundley and Butch Huskey are part of the ancient history that occurred before they were even born. Time is flying. We made sure Fboy got in a game at Shea, age 3, so that he could someday be the oldest living Met fan to have attended a game at Shea. Not just any game, either.

G-Fafif Sep 27 2016 07:35 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Fman99 wrote: batmagadanleadoff wrote: Mets fans who first entered High School this school season most likely never saw the Mets play a game live at Shea Stadium. For them, 1990's players, like Todd Hundley and Butch Huskey are part of the ancient history that occurred before they were even born. Time is flying. We made sure Fboy got in a game at Shea, age 3, so that he could someday be the oldest living Met fan to have attended a game at Shea. Not just any game, either. George Vecsey schlepped his infant daughter (who grew up to be a sportswriter herself) to the Polo Grounds in 1963 so she could say she'd been there.

TransMonk Oct 03 2016 08:40 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Mets Guy in Michigan wrote: Major League caps will have little New Era logos on the side starting next season. I don't like this. It seems as if this may actually start in the postseason: http://www.mlbshop.com/catalog/product/ ... Fitted_Hat [fimg=350]http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productimages/_2594000/altimages/ff_2594156alt3_full.jpg&w=600[/fimg]

Zvon Oct 03 2016 09:27 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

TransMonk wrote: Mets Guy in Michigan wrote: Major League caps will have little New Era logos on the side starting next season. I don't like this. BOO!!!!!![/bigpurple] I very much third (& 4th) this. The side of a cap is reserved space for special events. MLB logo is on the very back, a good place for it. They could put it above that and, although I still wouldn't like it, it wouldn't stop me from buying one. That shit should be inside the cap as far as I'm concerned. If the post season hats still have those on the side I will pass, just as a form of protest. If everyone did that they would re-think it post haste! I have last years World Series cap. It's not like folks in the supermarket are going to run up to see which year it says. I'm covered until we see a cap that says WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS. Now if they stick that Little Era logo shit on the side of that hat I'm still going to want to protest, but I also will really want that cap. Bastages. They always get ya in the end. Could this be the prelude of a slow change towards ads on unis?

d'Kong76 Oct 03 2016 09:36 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Zvon wrote: Could this be the prelude of a slow change towards ads on unis? They'll be like NASCAR wearin' billboards by 2030.

seawolf17 Oct 04 2016 01:19 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Bill Pulsipher's son will be pitching for Stony Brook: https://twitter.com/BaseballLI/status/7 ... 1798795264

RealityChuck Oct 04 2016 01:26 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

The Mets have a minor league pitcher with the delightful name of Nelmerson Xavier Mariano Silvano Angela. No Cal Mclish, but still...

MFS62 Oct 04 2016 01:52 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

John Kruk "is leaving" ESPN. https://www.yahoo.com/tv/mlb-analyst-jo ... 31443.html Later

batmagadanleadoff Oct 06 2016 06:48 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Each team's last MVP award winner: 2015 Nationals/Expos - Bryce Harper 2015 Blue Jays - Josh Donaldson 2014 Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw 2014 Angels - Mike Trout 2013 Pirates - Andrew McCutchen 2013 Tigers - Miguel Cabrera 2012 Giants - Buster Posey 2011 Brewers/Pilots - Ryan Braun 2010 Reds - Joey Votto 2010 Rangers/Senators - Josh Hamilton 2009 Cardinals - Albert Pujols 2009 Twins/Senators - Joe Mauer 2008 Red Sox - Dustin Pedroia 2007 Phillies - Jimmy Rollins 2007 Yankees - Alex Rodriguez 2002 Athletics - Miguel Tejada 2001 Mariners - Ichiro Suzuki 1999 Braves - Chipper Jones 1998 Cubs - Sammy Sosa 1998* Devil Rays/Rays - No Devil Ray/Ray has ever won an MVP award 1998* Diamondbacks - No Diamondback has ever won an MVP award 1997 Rockies - Larry Walker 1996 Padres - Ken Caminiti 1994 Astros - Jeff Bagwell 1994 White Sox - Frank Thomas 1993* Marlins - No Marlin has ever won an MVP award 1991 Orioles/Browns - Cal Ripken 1980 Royals - George Brett 1962* Mets - No Met has ever won an MVP award 1953 Indians - Al Rosen * Inaugural season

batmagadanleadoff Oct 09 2016 07:53 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

One of my all-time favorite Mets-themed apparel -- soiled forever:

Benjamin Grimm Oct 09 2016 08:58 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

You really shouldn't let Chris Christie soil your laundry!

Frayed Knot Oct 09 2016 09:19 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Not to mention how much he'll stretch it out.

Mets Guy in Michigan Oct 09 2016 11:11 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I enjoyed meeting him when he came to Michigan in 2014 to campaign. We had an event at an orchard and he arrived early, shook hands and posed for photos with everyone who wanted to meet him. His wife was very nice, too. Flew in and out on a crazy day just to show his support. It's different when you get to meet these guys and work with them a little. You see them a little differently. I'd probably say nicer things about Eric Campbell if I actually met him....

Zvon Oct 11 2016 08:48 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

G'bye silly hill! [fimg=500:2y2izpso]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cug1yMkVMAAu5As.jpg[/fimg:2y2izpso]

Edgy MD Oct 11 2016 09:03 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

BOOOOOoooooOOO!

Benjamin Grimm Oct 11 2016 09:09 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I'm definitely in favor of the removal of the hill.

Centerfield Oct 11 2016 09:11 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Me too. And I'm surprised that it didn't take a torn ACL to bring that change about. Now I wonder if they'll move the flagpole (or move the fence) before we see a concussion.

Edgy MD Oct 11 2016 09:12 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

More hills in the outfield! And sand pits, while we're at it! And inflatable lawn ornaments! And water hazards! Ice slicks! Oil spills! The possibilities are endless!

Centerfield Oct 11 2016 09:16 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Speaking of politics and baseball, I wonder how MFY fans, who adored Giuliani during this terms as mayor, feel about him now. I just wish he was wearing an MFY hat when he claims men just talk like that sometimes.

MFS62 Oct 11 2016 09:56 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Centerfield wrote: Speaking of politics and baseball, I wonder how MFY fans, who adored Giuliani during this terms as mayor, feel about him now. I just wish he was wearing an MFY hat when he claims men just talk like that sometimes. He wears a virtual MFY hat no matter where he is. And fans of that team probably still love him. You can't underestimate the intelligence of the lower phyla. Later

themetfairy Oct 11 2016 10:18 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Zvon wrote: G'bye silly hill! [fimg=500]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cug1yMkVMAAu5As.jpg[/fimg] Thank goodness! I always thought that the stupid hill would one day ruin someone's career!

Ceetar Oct 14 2016 11:57 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

my pizza place. I gotta stop right?

batmagadanleadoff Oct 25 2016 04:06 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Each team's last World Series title: 2015 Royals 2014 Giants 2013 Red Sox 2011 Cardinals 2009 Yankees 2008 Phillies 2005 White Sox 2005* Nationals - Never won a World Series. Or a pennant. 2003 Marlins 2002 Angels 2001 Diamondbacks 1998* Devil Rays/Rays - Never won a World Series. 1995 Braves 1993 Blue Jays 1993* Rockies - Never won a World Series. 1991 Twins 1990 Reds 1989 Athletics 1988 Dodgers 1986 Mets 1984 Tigers 1983 Orioles 1979 Pirates 1977* Mariners - Never won a World Series. Or a pennant. 1969* Padres - Never won a World Series. 1969* Pilots/Brewers - Never won a World Series. 1962* Astros - - Never won a World Series. 1961* Senators/Rangers - Never won a World Series. 1948 Indians 1908 Cubs *Inaugural season

Frayed Knot Oct 25 2016 01:32 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

The NATIONALS should be listed as NATIONALS/EXPOS and be shifted back to 1969 Only three franchises have not at least played in a league championship series during the last 20 years and all, oddly, are in the NL: Nats/Expos, Reds, Pirates. Every AL team has at least reached baseball's 'Final Four' during that time although the Astros did so as an NL team. The Cubs making it to the series means that the last 20 World Series have involved 20 different teams (Indians had been there in 1997 so them making it doesn't further change the count). The ten teams NOT making a WS from 1997-2016: Obviously the aforementioned Reds/Pirates/Nats, and also the Brewers, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, A's, and Mariners -- five from each league. That 27 of 30 'Final Four' rate in MLB, btw, is higher than what it is in other sports despite claims that 'parity' in sports is impossible without a hard salary cap. Only 23 (of 32) NFL teams have reached an AFC or NFC title game over that same time. And while I'm too lazy to go through the NBA records to see exactly what the numbers show there, I know that even with a couple of first-time champions in their last two seasons basketball still has had something like their last 35-40 championships swept up by the same ten teams, usually at the expense of each other while the bottom feeders for the most part stay bottom feeders.

Centerfield Oct 25 2016 02:03 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

It's funny how the '84 Tigers, '86 Mets and '89 A's were thought to be the start of dynasties.

Frayed Knot Oct 25 2016 02:34 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

The other thing the Cubs making this year's Series does is moves them into a tie with the Tigers for 7th place for most WS appearances with 11 -- 1906, 1907, 1908, 1910, 1918, 1929, 1932, 1935, 1938, 1945, 2016. It merely seems like that franchise has been devoid of success due to the minor fact that they hadn't been there since, as Steve Goodman once sang, 'the year we dropped the bomb on Japan'. [youtube]6HTRxAHfwPY[/youtube] I wonder what Keith Moreland is doing these days? They should bring him back to drop a routine fly as part of the pre-game festivities during one of the games at Wrigley.

batmagadanleadoff Nov 04 2016 06:11 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Each team's most recent Cy Young Award winner: 2015 Cubs Jake Arrieta 2015 Astros Dallas Keuchel 2014 Dodgers Clayton Kershaw 2014 Indians Corey Kluber 2013 Tigers Max Scherzer 2012 Mets R.A. Dickey 2012 Rays David Price 2010 Phillies Roy Halladay 2010 Mariners Felix Hernandez 2009 Giants Tim Lincecum 2009 Royals Zack Greinke 2007 Padres Jake Peavy 2006 D'Backs Brandon Webb 2006 Twins Johan Santana 2005 Cardinals Chris Carpenter 2005 Angels Bartolo Colon 2003 Blue Jays Roy Halladay 2002 Athletics Barry Zito 2001 Yankees Roger Clemens 2000 Red Sox Pedro Martinez 1998 Braves Tom Glavine 1993 White Sox Jack McDowell 1993* Rockies None 1993* Marlins None 1990 Pirates Doug Drabek 1982 Brewers Pete Vuckovich 1980 Orioles Steve Stone 1969* Expos/Nationals None 1961* Senators/Rangers -- None 1956+ Reds -- None * Inaugural Season + First year of Cy Young Award

Edgy MD Nov 04 2016 06:23 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

José Rijo probably deserved more Cy Young consideration than he got in coming in fourth in 1991 and fifth in 1993, both times behind Atlanta Brave winners. In 1993, baseball-reference has him leading the league in Pitcher WAR behind his strikeout crown, and it's not even close. Not a lot of Reds have been serious contenders. Cueto came close in 2012 and 2014. Jack Billingham did good in 1973 and 1974, but that was behind an all-World offense. Tom Seaver, of course, was totally jobbed by Fernandomania in 1981.

batmagadanleadoff Nov 04 2016 06:48 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Edgy MD wrote: José Rijo probably deserved more Cy Young consideration than he got in coming in fourth in 1991 and fifth in 1993, both times behind Atlanta Brave winners. In 1993, baseball-reference has him leading the league in Pitcher WAR behind his strikeout crown, and it's not even close. Not a lot of Reds have been serious contenders. Cueto came close in 2012 and 2014. Jack Billingham did good in 1973 and 1974, but that was behind an all-World offense. Tom Seaver, of course, was totally jobbed by Fernandomania in 1981. And then there was Mario Soto, who might have been the best NL pitcher during the era of the Joe Torre led bad two-button pullover Mets, but never had that one brilliant season where he was without doubt, the best of them all.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 04 2016 06:52 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Edgy MD wrote: Tom Seaver, of course, was totally jobbed by Fernandomania in 1981. And by Ferguson Jenkins ten years earlier. I think Seaver named his cat "Ferguson Jenkins" as a result of Jenkins beating him out for the 1971 Cy Young Award.

Edgy MD Nov 04 2016 07:10 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Sure, but that was with the Mets. Seaver may have debatably gotten jobbed in 1971, but the Reds didn't. On the Jenkins side of the ledger, he pitched 30 complete games that season. THIRTY!

Frayed Knot Nov 09 2016 02:17 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

As the result of a side issue in Tuesday's voting another 1990s era ballpark will go by the wayside. Voters is Tarrant County Texas approved an approximate $500 million commitment (half-cent sales tax, hotel fees, yadda yadda) to go towards a new baseball stadium for the Rangers replacing the current one that was new in 1994. Add this one with the moth-balling (and soon to be destructed) Olympic/Ted Turner stadium in Atlanta, that's now two stadiums from the 1990s that were/will be used for a combined 46 years. Voters in San Diego, on the other hand, rejected a spending plan for a new football stadium almost certainly signaling the exit of the Chargers from that city. ... #Chexit?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 10 2016 06:15 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I'm reading "The Wrong Season" by Joel Oppenheimer. It's basically a memoir of a fan following the 1972 Mets season. I thought I'd share this paragraph. (Oppenheimer, like metsmarathon, writes entirely in lower case.) everybody at shea that day who was of the female persuasion was wearing the straw bonnets the management had given away, it being mother's day, despite the rain. i'm curious as to how well they held up but there have been no reports. these are the same bonnets about which bob murphy, shilling the game the other night before they knew they'd have willie to fill the place, had said: if mom likes to work in the yard or piddle in the garden... Oppenheimer says a couple of derisive things about Bob Murphy. In 1972 I guess he was still just a guy broadcasting Mets games, and third on the depth chart at that. Few then could have known what a beloved legend Murphy would become.

HahnSolo Nov 10 2016 07:15 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

My Grandpops, who I watched a lot of Sunday afternoon games with in the early to mid '70s, HATED Bob Murphy. I never understood why.

batmagadanleadoff Nov 18 2016 01:45 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Each team's last MVP award winner: 2015 Nationals/Expos - Bryce Harper 2015 Blue Jays - Josh Donaldson 2014 Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw 2014 Angels - Mike Trout 2013 Pirates - Andrew McCutchen 2013 Tigers - Miguel Cabrera 2012 Giants - Buster Posey 2011 Brewers/Pilots - Ryan Braun 2010 Reds - Joey Votto 2010 Rangers/Senators - Josh Hamilton 2009 Cardinals - Albert Pujols 2009 Twins/Senators - Joe Mauer 2008 Red Sox - Dustin Pedroia 2007 Phillies - Jimmy Rollins 2007 Yankees - Alex Rodriguez 2002 Athletics - Miguel Tejada 2001 Mariners - Ichiro Suzuki 1999 Braves - Chipper Jones 1998 Cubs - Sammy Sosa 1998* Devil Rays/Rays - No Devil Ray/Ray has ever won an MVP award 1998* Diamondbacks - No Diamondback has ever won an MVP award 1997 Rockies - Larry Walker 1996 Padres - Ken Caminiti 1994 Astros - Jeff Bagwell 1994 White Sox - Frank Thomas 1993* Marlins - No Marlin has ever won an MVP award 1991 Orioles/Browns - Cal Ripken 1980 Royals - George Brett 1962* Mets - No Met has ever won an MVP award 1953 Indians - Al Rosen * Inaugural season 2016 Cubs - Kris Bryant 2016 Angels - Mike Trout 2015 Nationals/Expos - Bryce Harper 2015 Blue Jays - Josh Donaldson 2014 Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw [crossout]2014 Angels - Mike Trout[/crossout] 2013 Pirates - Andrew McCutchen 2013 Tigers - Miguel Cabrera 2012 Giants - Buster Posey 2011 Brewers/Pilots - Ryan Braun 2010 Reds - Joey Votto 2010 Rangers/Senators - Josh Hamilton 2009 Cardinals - Albert Pujols 2009 Twins/Senators - Joe Mauer 2008 Red Sox - Dustin Pedroia 2007 Phillies - Jimmy Rollins 2007 Yankees - Alex Rodriguez 2002 Athletics - Miguel Tejada 2001 Mariners - Ichiro Suzuki 1999 Braves - Chipper Jones [crossout]1998 Cubs - Sammy Sosa[/crossout] 1998* Devil Rays/Rays - None 1998* Diamondbacks - None 1997 Rockies - Larry Walker 1996 Padres - Ken Caminiti 1994 Astros - Jeff Bagwell 1994 White Sox - Frank Thomas 1993* Marlins - None 1991 Orioles/Browns - Cal Ripken 1980 Royals - George Brett 1962* Mets - None 1953 Indians - Al Rosen * Inaugural season

G-Fafif Nov 19 2016 02:15 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Just learned via tweet from CSN Chicago's Christopher Kamka (@ckamka): For 5 of the 30 franchises, the oldest pitcher to start a game is a Niekro. Phil: Braves, Blue Jays, Indians, MFYs Joe: Twins

Zvon Dec 09 2016 12:40 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Maybe you guyz & girls can help me out. What should go down as Thor's career highlights so far? Also, where can I find out his contract status? I don't see it at the MLBmets site.

themetfairy Dec 09 2016 02:24 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Zvon wrote: Maybe you guyz & girls can help me out. What should go down as Thor's career highlights so far? Also, where can I find out his contract status? I don't see it at the MLBmets site. The only Met to notch a save in the 2015 World Series Has the most home runs of any current Mets pitcher

d'Kong76 Dec 09 2016 02:30 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Also, where can I find out his contract status? I don't see it at the MLBmets site. From Rotoworld: 2016-18: Pre-arb. Eligible, 2019-21: Arb. Eligible, 2022: Free Agent

Zvon Dec 09 2016 03:44 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

The only Met to notch a save in the 2015 World Series Has the most home runs of any current Mets pitcher OOO, those are good, thank you TMF. Esp the WS save. Also, where can I find out his contract status? I don't see it at the MLBmets site. From Rotoworld: 2016-18: Pre-arb. Eligible, 2019-21: Arb. Eligible, 2022: Free Agent Rotoworld. Kool, thank you dKong :)

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2016 04:01 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

It wasn't a save, it was a win. Syndergaard was the starting pitcher in the game that the Mets won.

batmagadanleadoff Dec 09 2016 04:02 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Hardest thrower in baseball. Toughest NL pitcher to homer against in 2016. (In the majors, actually) [fimg=333:30k3sy57]https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/296/31378545572_d3763c001b_b.jpg[/fimg:30k3sy57]

Zvon Dec 09 2016 04:44 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Benjamin Grimm wrote: It wasn't a save, it was a win. Syndergaard was the starting pitcher in the game that the Mets won. I was going to add I forgot about the save. lol. Rather have a win anyways. Kool card Batmags.

themetfairy Dec 09 2016 05:35 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Zvon wrote: themetfairy wrote: The only Met to notch a save in the 2015 World Series Has the most home runs of any current Mets pitcher OOO, those are good, thank you TMF. Esp the WS save. I don't know why I typed save. I meant win.

themetfairy Dec 09 2016 05:35 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Benjamin Grimm wrote: It wasn't a save, it was a win. Syndergaard was the starting pitcher in the game that the Mets won. I know. I spaced out - sorry.

Zvon Dec 09 2016 07:04 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Hows this sound? I want it to sound like a card as well as look like one ;). Thank you Kong, Batmags, & TMF for the push start. Wow, this guy sounds good.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2016 07:10 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

This thread has managed to make me realize that the Mets have only won two World Series games in the last thirty years.

themetfairy Dec 09 2016 07:20 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Zvon wrote: Hows this sound? I want it to sound like a card as well as look like one ;). Thank you Kong, Batmags, & TMF for the push start. Wow, this guy sounds good. Superlative - well done Z!

Zvon Dec 09 2016 07:34 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Benjamin Grimm wrote: This thread has managed to make me realize that the Mets have only won two World Series games in the last thirty years. The front of Noah's card was heavily influenced by one of your cards Grimm. The classic Heilman. I couldn't find the exact pose, and yours is a back view, but I wanted to go off center with the photo like you did. For some reason I love when Topps did unconventional things like that. [fimg=600]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/etNRlcxzRqudaneM0eMdkp6E7IKKXuKegzB25ET4MLPmCm5nSjkpRU-PUXjHBeQVtuCjywuYNipB0-ZDMDv7PDRLv25G1DNeYaQ-OQAiTlmB0L-HRSW09hO4Qrl0R5wZ4rUu5hDWyQZbEOf4UqQRLZL-YXyD1OHZcJ6wDNVE0KXyMS-bjChkIqy4hIUbldPOT936DzqlMWMkyMvyM71Csk8pnRs7EFnJUMA97jfCxXZ9NHILtUlYalFY2oavQ9Yd-ZmZZrUQU_RGLHfccLvl7-tdTGynPoWZs18Hy38SBWo5cq6OkuDEJqvKaB7bc07PKbwzoR71roe4FyYrqgIkin1zCB73ykSdNN_KOlisUKUf5WU3QAC5OdjeRWHSSKljn9dce--I2UgTISsJlW6RqCd6kfrOEjKmsyJpblFElvbtCjOIvJgbomwMedtjf1ygiLww8rG7_Hce49dSzCmAyFSjig5BqycCknO5yFVnqD-CEjS77dbR_3JGb3fy3BrMw1pRVMUXUim3usQlDdyK4Qy9P8CFE0bfcyiCKSODGCYMqpWHTEPxuEn1RAXnDvMc4Dgbe0ffUEllIUq5ET2HwpHD3cXnK7zhi5VnlnczwcTQfcnIZ_YVng=w745-h530-no[/fimg] Superlative - well done Z! Thank you Sharon. :)

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2016 07:41 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Wow, thanks for remembering! That card goes back a long long time!

Zvon Dec 09 2016 07:52 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

One of my all time favorites. I made this a long time ago to post on the blog but got busy with actual Mets stuff that was happening and still have yet to run it. [fimg=700:3hyauy09]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6Z3Gldr-iQlMFo1eSuq8-1io88vzkP9meC63Ad3SLtlVM_ljjgQ1hVhVHCA5WKG-3p_WhJUgbA-edO4zeKu0eBHv_WEyxeMN6qFzM4jPhFr81zGOZY-ySaCXFlXeB_EbHveMCXzdhHasODqaOz28MKklhobVwW5fGpyHW6zYtUmcJB6FXBsLon9r-f3tU5UKOv05oNm7wneX0j2R-3r0nD--GKBPZDNeokkuQXM9fYPsE5kI5ntfNl4lwI98Jzl5JM-4F4Z25whkO3K8hfLfsPOSbIc7xJRxuYlYu458kvqR_vU-qRSHgmJoLGwSofMRs2tcugSMbV_x0M4UE2yR6jCr60PqbkT9yogG8k_8odxloBm0dHf_RfE9qyToruNV8gERSD-Og7-XLsDoVEMH8W5XqYq4BRtvvU1IUwyr6qonCspqCSoF3-eidTQ-b9c0pSjpfOP9ZXcFjmZib50Jw0MgXcHEdM4eQ5VSHISlNhZ9JUsGSiPfN-N8fgFH5l50Wz__i78A2RHaT-kdtCqogV5kV-1At_sN1UWFjfL2zbb7NjrviJZln1CscF2npn7SLzW3oHud6vTDjdK5zWyAcYuNQQHc4OBJOrp74RRDRNY83BztdnxsyA=w1506-h1413-no[/fimg:3hyauy09]

batmagadanleadoff Apr 20 2017 11:39 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Apr. 20, 2017 at 5:09 PM Baseball’s New Leadoff Hitters Don’t Need To Be Speed Demons Just look at Kyle Schwarber. By Neil Paine 538.com Intro: Rickey Henderson. Kenny Lofton. Ichiro Suzuki. Kyle Schwarber? Schwarber may not play exactly like those other great leadoff hitters, but he’s been at the front of the Cubs’ lineup in every game he’s played in so far this season, and he currently ranks third in MLB among leadoff hitters in on-base percentage and fourth in OPS. With numbers like those, he’s shaping up to easily replace departed No. 1 hitter Dexter Fowler, who signed a big contract to hit leadoff in St. Louis this past offseason. Schwarber personifies a strange new trend sweeping through lineup cards across baseball: The leadoff guy who bears no resemblance to a prototypical leadoff guy. This modern leadoff man hits for big power, isn’t afraid to strike out and rarely steals bases. He’s essentially a middle-of-the-lineup hitter who happens to hit first — the next rung on the evolutionary ladder of lineup construction. read it all at https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ba ... ed-demons/ Hi. My name is bat Magadan leadoff and I coulda told you most of this stuff more than 25 years ago.

batmagadanleadoff May 18 2017 04:19 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

This season marks the first time in the history of baseball since playoffs were instituted in 1969 that the final four remaining baseball teams from two seasons ago are all under .500 this late in the season. Two days ago, the Mets, Cubs, Royals and Jays were all under .500. The Cubs have since won their last two games and are now 20-19 - one game over .500. Read about it at 538.com.

batmagadanleadoff May 26 2017 05:28 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

If it ain't one ex-Met. it's another. [fimg=555:1ff6e365]https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4221/34735449812_8ea9e39903_z.jpg[/fimg:1ff6e365]

Ceetar May 31 2017 04:08 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I wrote this before the 2012 season about why you'd want to watch a team you might think will suck. Who knows, maybe this is the year the Mets finally pitch that illusive no-hitter. Would you want to miss it because you have the Mets penciled in for last place and decided to spend your Saturday afternoon in June at the zoo?

Edgy MD May 31 2017 04:33 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

batmagadanleadoff wrote: If it ain't one ex-Met. it's another. [fimg=555]https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4221/34735449812_8ea9e39903_z.jpg[/fimg] It's amazing that not that long ago, in the great scheme of things, Murphy and Turner were two halves of a Mets' second base platoon.

batmagadanleadoff Jun 03 2017 05:07 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

From the Summer of 2014, SI's then outrageous prediction is suddenly looking very prescient. [fimg=444:388p8591]http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/10464218_10154263320520431_6241616349984624771_n.jpg?w=1000[/fimg:388p8591]

MFS62 Jun 03 2017 12:28 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I heard a quote attributed to Yogi Berra, but not sure if he said it, "Predicting is hard, especially when its about the future." But it looks like SI may have nailed this one. Of course, the was the magazine whose football expert (Tex Maulle) predicted the Colts would beat the Jets "66-0" in Super Bowl III. Later

Frayed Knot Jun 07 2017 03:12 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

If these batting gloves they wear are so tight that hitters have to pull them off one finger at a time and with great effort once they reach base, how come they need to be re-tightened after each pitch whether they swing at the pitch or not? And why would fans pay hundreds of dollars for a front row seat only to then watch the game through a 5 inch screen?

Ceetar Jun 07 2017 01:53 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Frayed Knot wrote: If these batting gloves they wear are so tight that hitters have to pull them off one finger at a time and with great effort once they reach base, how come they need to be re-tightened after each pitch whether they swing at the pitch or not? And why would fans pay hundreds of dollars for a front row seat only to then watch the game through a 5 inch screen? and why won't they get off my lawn?

Frayed Knot Jun 07 2017 02:09 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Well yeah, that too. But seriously, I'm watching the end of the Yanx/Red Sox last night and a crowd shot in the 9th inning shows the Boston fans behind the dugouts in YSIII all looking at the game through their phones. Now I know we live in a 'Pics or it didn't happen' society, but geez, you spend hundreds to get that seat so you can see a live baseball game and you're watching the crucial 2-out / one-run game Kimbrel vs Judge matchup through a screen approximately (quick guesstimation here) 1/150th the size of your home television. I don't get it.

Ceetar Jun 07 2017 02:32 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Frayed Knot wrote: Well yeah, that too. But seriously, I'm watching the end of the Yanx/Red Sox last night and a crowd shot in the 9th inning shows the Boston fans behind the dugouts in YSIII all looking at the game through their phones. Now I know we live in a 'Pics or it didn't happen' society, but geez, you spend hundreds to get that seat so you can see a live baseball game and you're watching the crucial 2-out / one-run game Kimbrel vs Judge matchup through a screen approximately (quick guesstimation here) 1/150th the size of your home television. I don't get it. If the camera/broadcast is on those fans, you're not watching the game either are you? 95% of them looked up.

Centerfield Jun 07 2017 02:45 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

I don't like how other MLB clubs keep emailing me after I go to a game. Get the hint Pirates. It was just a one time thing. Don't be blowing up my phone afterwards. Next time I'm back in town I know how to find you. Until then, just chill. Last thing I need is for my Mets to start getting suspicious.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 07 2017 03:43 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

MLB is all up my in my guts too. I hit a wrong button on my MLB phone app and so my phone thinks I'm an Indians fan. I foolishly "checked in" so Lunchpail could get a worthless orange dish towel the other night and my phone exploded.

Ceetar Jun 07 2017 03:48 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: MLB is all up my in my guts too. I hit a wrong button on my MLB phone app and so my phone thinks I'm an Indians fan. I foolishly "checked in" so Lunchpail could get a worthless orange dish towel the other night and my phone exploded. It's not exclusive to MLB, though they're definitely "cutting edge" with it. Most of it's garbage, but there is maybe interesting potential, especially to entice repeat visits to places like ballgames, breweries, etc.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 07 2017 04:03 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

No the apps are amazing (if a bit evil). The truth is the market and huge growth is rewarding companies like MLB that have made big-ass innovative tech investments

Ceetar Jun 07 2017 04:10 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: No the apps are amazing (if a bit evil). The truth is the market and huge growth is rewarding companies like MLB that have made big-ass innovative tech investments evil might be a stretch, I dunno. That we're going to be giving up a lot more personal data than ever before is inevitable, the question is going to be how do we protect and manage so that we can keep some modicum of privacy. like medical/genetic records to keep healthcare from dropping us based on our chromosomes? Though that's probably inevitable. If someone gets breast cancer, and has daughters insured with the same company, it's a pretty easy assumption of risk there, and they could drop you? Have companies done this yet? It's only a matter of time. I feel like we might need some sort of black box system. (In my imagination, we all have personal robotic "Alexa"s, and these robots can be authorized to temporarily communicate needed information to other companies, like MLB. But can also serve as a filter in return, so the Pirates might try to email you based on a vacation visit, but your own Alexa will know you have zero interest in seeing it and will block it)

Benjamin Grimm Jun 07 2017 06:32 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Centerfield wrote: I don't like how other MLB clubs keep emailing me after I go to a game. I went to Mets games in Pittsburgh and Seattle in 2014. And, like you, I kept getting e-mail updates from them. The Mariners were far worse than the Pirates. I kept getting e-mails about what the Mariner Moose was up to. But the e-mails have an unsubscribe feature, and when I finally got around to use it, it worked perfectly. No more e-mails from the Pirates or Mariners.

Frayed Knot Jun 08 2017 02:21 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Ceetar wrote: Well yeah, that too. But seriously, I'm watching the end of the Yanx/Red Sox last night and a crowd shot in the 9th inning shows the Boston fans behind the dugouts in YSIII all looking at the game through their phones. Now I know we live in a 'Pics or it didn't happen' society, but geez, you spend hundreds to get that seat so you can see a live baseball game and you're watching the crucial 2-out / one-run game Kimbrel vs Judge matchup through a screen approximately (quick guesstimation here) 1/150th the size of your home television. I don't get it. If the camera/broadcast is on those fans, you're not watching the game either are you? 95% of them looked up. I saw a whole bunch of peeps watching Albert's 600th HR through their tiny screens and they kept those things in their eyes the entire time. It's like their reasoning is: so while history unfolds before me, I'll put this thing in front of my face as it happens because being able to prove that I was there later on beats actually seeing it occur.

DocTee Jun 08 2017 01:58 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Do you think they're watching the game on their phone, or using the device to video-record an historic moment?

Ceetar Jun 08 2017 02:17 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

DocTee wrote: Do you think they're watching the game on their phone, or using the device to video-record an historic moment? recording, tweeting, interacting with friends and fans and watching highlights and looking up stats and talking about the game. Some of them are probably doing other things, particularly in the rich seats.

Frayed Knot Jun 08 2017 03:05 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

DocTee wrote: Do you think they're watching the game on their phone, or using the device to video-record an historic moment? Their main purpose, I'm sure, is to record the moment. But in doing so they wind up viewing said moment on a screen a fraction of the size that those who aren't there can see it on, and it all seems to be based around the idea that having proof you were there for such an event is more important then actually viewing the event itself from the great vantage point you were lucky enough to have in the first place. Personally, I'd just watch the damn game and then maybe record the celebration if I felt it necessary to capture the feeling for posterity. Videos of moments like those usually suck anyway. If I wanted to see vids with a combination of jumpy, poorly-framed, out of focus, and skewed perspective I could just Google up 'The Best of Walmart Parking Lot Fights'.

MFS62 Jun 10 2017 12:40 AM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Tim Teufel - pinch hitting again: http://m.newstimes.com/sports/article/F ... 209361.php Later

seawolf17 May 25 2018 05:22 PM Re: Apropos of Nothing - vBaseball

Gar The Batting Stance Guy here in the ROC tonight. [tweet:2f69jtcq]https://twitter.com/BattingStanceG/status/1000060251381616641[/tweet:2f69jtcq]