FINDING BASEBALL HISTORY & TY COBB

One of favorite baseball activities when I was a kid was collecting baseball cards. It was a quarter a pack and came with a hard stick of gum, but each pack came with the hope of finding a favorite player. If there was a Yankee in the pack, well, that was something to announce to all your friends and celebrate. It was where I first learned the art of trading and negotiating I also learned about the player stats on the back of the card. That was where I learned what a batting average and an ERA was.

Every kid's dream happened this past week at some undisclosed location in "the South" when a family found a crumpled paper bag in an old house containing seven Ty Cobb baseball cards. I have to say that when I heard this, I was immediately filled with jealousy wondering why I never have that kind of luck. At the same time, I was happy that a piece of baseball history was discovered. The cards were in excellent condition - better than the other 15 known Ty Cobb cards - and I hope that at least one of them makes it to Cooperstown so I can see it. As of this writing, a couple of them have been sold to collectors.

I don't know about some of you younger fans, but us old-timers placed a lot more value on cards than fans do today. In fact, if you've followed the value of baseball cards, you know they've been in decline for some time now (read: Fewer Are Investing Hearts and Money Into Baseball Cards). If you had a popular player, you had gold on your hands. If some player was hot in any particular season, you had leverage trading his card in the school yard or in the neighborhood. That's not to mention if you had a rookie card for a rising star. I remember when Thurman Munson died, I took all my Munson cards and I put them in a little safe. I still have them, and regardless of what the price guides say, they are NOT for sale.

I said earlier that I wish I had the kind of luck this family had. The truth is I did once find something that someone put out in the trash. I once started collecting baseball caps, and one particular summer afternoon I saw this plastic bag out back with the trash filled with them my wife thought I was nuts, but I went through them to see if I could find a baseball team's cap. Most were company logo caps. But I saw this one light blue cap with a white B on the front. Could it be? I flipped it to the back where I found an embroidered "1957". I quickly put it in my bag and walked away with what is still one of my favorite baseball collectibles.

I share this story because I think there's something special about these kinds of baseball memorabilia. Items that reflect and act as an historical record of baseball from each era. From my day, I have cards of lots of Hall of Famers - Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, Jim Palmer - as well as Yankee legends like Ron Guidry and Reggie Jackson. On a few occasions as an adult, I added to my collection. My first purchase ever on eBay was a Don Mattingly rookie card that I got for $7. This year, in particular, is going to be a great opportunity to get the rookie cards of Yankees we expect to have great careers.

It's great that they found those Cobb cards. I wish more cards from those years were around. They were special. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to drive to my parent's house and help them clean some closets!

--Ike Dimitriadis, 
BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon






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DECKED IN BALTIMORE!

When you have a bad day... sometimes you think about the good things to help you through it.  What happened today that was good?  Well, Mason Williams hit his first major league home run for the Yanks. That was pretty cool.  Oh yeah, the Baltimore Orioles had their annual Food Drive, and Jim Palmer retweeted our story about it today... that's pretty cool too.

Hmm... other than that... nothing.  The Yankees were literally decked in Baltimore... and I kind of can't believe it.

Michael Pineda just didn't have it.  He went 4.1 innings, he gave up 9 hits and 6 runs, 5 of them earned. He struck out only 2.  Some days you wake up and you realize you should have went back to bed.  Pineda's day was today. 

The Yankees only scored 3 runs to the Orioles 11.  We were 2-12 with runners in scoring position.  We left 10 on base.  In other words, we sucked all around.  Hey, it happens... sometimes you just need to know that there is always a game tomorrow.  We're at that point...

The Yankee run scoring happened like this. In the 3rd, Alex Rodriguez singled in our first run.  Then in the 4th, Mason Williams hit a 2 run homer.  Yup... that's it.

Look, forget it.  We stunk up the joint tonight... we move on to tomorrow now.

Final: Orioles 11 - Yankees 3

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JETER'S UNDER WHERE?

With this being Derek Jeter's final season, most of us are wondering what is next for our beloved Captain. Traveling, settling down, maybe selling some thongs?

Wait... what?

That's right! It seems like Jeter is channeling a certain platinum haired R&B artist.

Jeter happens to be partial owner of Frigo Underwear. Frigo is a high end underwear company with a patent Frigo Pouch, that is adjustable for your uh... frank and beans. They sell mens thongs known as "Tempur-Pedic banana hammocks."

So, is that like a mattress for your nether regions? I hear those new memory foam ones, with the cooling beads are nice.

According to a report (HERE), a source said that his reps have been keeping the fact that he was an investor a secret because "his team is worried about him posing in the underwear a la Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer."

I am now curious if Jason Giambi's gold thong spurred the idea to invest in these jock straps, or if the tight whitey's led to the Giambi gold thong. Ladies, I wouldn't expect Jeet to be flossing any of his products any time soon. Not really our Captains style. I don't see him cracking on this one either. I should note that I did attempt to find a picture that corresponded to Giambi, and the golden thong. I'm fairly certain I would have been banned from the Internet. This is still a family site, guys! I wouldn't want to wedge myself into an uncomfortable position with you all.

I guess retiring Yankees have to make a steady income somehow, right? Michael Jordan has Hanes, why not Jeter with Frigo? They are like Hanes, but classier. I mean, an adjustable pouch! I feel fancy already!

Hey... it's Friday. We're having alittle fun...

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  

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MY FIVE FAVORITE BALLPARKS!

A friend of mine posted a picture of herself sitting happily on the Budweiser Roof Deck in Fenway Park and I immediately got ballpark envy.  Kenny Chesney recorded a song this summer called “When I See This Bar” and one of the lines that I just love is “Pieces of my past slowly slip away, but time just stands still when I walk in this place.” That’s how I feel about ballparks.  They carry with them memories and feelings of games, players and family.  They are monuments to the games and records set over the years.  They are our living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens.  They are our homes, they are our fields of dreams, and they witness the magic of the games of yesterday, today and tomorrow.  You see, ballparks have their own attitudes, their own personalities and their own special flare.  And they are all on display for the spectator who walks through the tunnel that leads to the green fields of America’s pastime.  They are our ballparks and I have my five favs! 

My disclaimer is of course that Yankee Stadium is my favorite ballpark because it is home to the best team in the world- The New York Yankees.  So outside of Yankee Stadium, there are my “other” favorites who are forever in my head, give me chills and make me happy to be a baseball fan.

My #1 Favorite 

Wrigley Field, Chicago, circa 1914 (formerly Weeghman Park and Cubs Park) 

The ivy-filled outfield, roof top views and daytime games make Wrigley Field a unique place to watch a game.  The last time the Cubs were in the World Series was 1945, but fans far and wide continue to fill the ballpark every season, believing that the curse of the goat will be broken and the Cubbies will win the Series.  Wrigley has always been a “friendly to hitters ballpark”, particularly to sluggers Ernie Banks who hit 512 homers with the Cubs and of course Sammy Sosa who slammed 60 or more homeruns in three different seasons.

What’s special?  The Cubs fly a flag on the center field scoreboard after each game- white means the Cubs won and blue means they lost.  And until August 8, 1988, Wrigley Field only hosted day games because the lights were never installed following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The then owner donated the money earmarked for the stadium lights to the war effort.  Wrigley Field is vintage as the second oldest ballpark in baseball and it is must see for baseball fans. 

My #2  Favorite

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD circa 1992 

The statues memorializing the best Oriole players of all time, the village like atmosphere and the proximity of the seats to the action on the field make Camden Yards an incredible experience for fans old and young.  The greatest moment at Camden Yards has to be September 6, 1995 when Cal Ripken, Jr. played his 2131 consecutive game breaking the Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig’s all-time record. 

Screaming Earl Weaver still echoes the walls of the beautiful ballpark, a monument to the greats of the game in Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson and I will even throw in our very own broadcaster Ken Singleton.  Camden Yards quickly became the template for the construction of the new ballparks built over the last twenty years including our very own Yankee Stadium.  You feel like you are on the field, in the middle of the action, with the way the seats are positioned.  And a Natty Boh brew is never far away with the bars and pubs affixed around the interior of the ballpark.  Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a fun place to watch a game and tie one on with friends. 

My #3 Favorite

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA circa 2001

Even though I relished the visit I made to Three Rivers Stadium back in the late 90s, PNC Park in Pittsburgh is absolutely beautiful with the bridges and rivers in the outfield and the city skyline overseeing the architecture of the ballpark.  PNC Park is a great stop on fans’ ballpark tours across the country.

The irregularly shaped field immortalizes its most famous player, Roberto Clemente with an outfield wall that rises up 21 feet behind right field.  The urban-based venue welcomes pedestrians walking to the ballpark from the Clemente Bridge, which is closed to vehicular traffic on game days.  It is also a very intimate ballpark with the highest seat just 88 feet from the field giving every fan a great view of the action. 

My #4 Favorite

Royals Stadium, Kansas City, MO, (also known as Kauffman Stadium) circa 1973 

I have always wanted to go this park.  I really don’t know why because so many people complain about it, but I have to say, I have always been attracted to the fountains in the outfield, the crown scoreboard in center field and just the team itself who really gave us a run for our money in the seventies and eighties.  I am a George Brett fan- there I have said it.

And I am still a George Brett fan following last year’s All Star Game hosted by Royals Stadium.  There is something regal about the 40 year-old ballpark, it’s classy and clean from my vantage point- my living room couch, but truthfully, the newly integrated Outfield Experience gives fans new and exciting vantage points to view the game including new outfield box seats next to the vintage fountains and a trendy bar called the Miller Light Fountain Bar.  The stadium outfield also has the popular Pepsi Porch and Sonic Slam standing room area nearby the fountains.  It’s a party at Royals Stadium, with lots to see and experience. 

My #5 Favorite

Fenway Park, Boston, MA

The only home of the Boston Red Sox, the oldest ball park in baseball and the most historic, most exhilarating place to watch a game. Fenway Park is in a word electric.  Even if you are not a Red Sox fan, like me, you can quickly become a Fenway fan when to step into the streets surrounding the vintage ball park.  It’s a party in the streets every time the Sox are home as the vicinity around the stadium is closed off to non-gamers and ticket holders are greeted by turnstiles in the streets about an hour and half before game time.

The sights and sounds of good ‘ol American baseball reign loud and clear in the streets of Yawkey and Ted Williams Way.  The Ted Williams statue stands proudly behind the infamous Green Monster and the old ticket booths add to the charm of the ball field.  And if you are lucky enough to score tickets on the Monsta, you will see the most amazing view of the game in all of baseball.  You may also spy the only red seat in the park- a dedication to Ted Williams’ last homerun in Fenway and bellow the eighth inning rendition of Sweet Caroline.  Fenway is the place to be all summer long in Boston. 

So, that’s my five favs!  I am sure you have your own favs- share them with us!  Those creaky and shiny stadiums all have a story- and there is no better story than the ones you create with your family and friends at the ballpark.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Opinion Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof




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LET THEM HEAL: THE PRESSURES OF ATHLETES TO GET BETTER

All this talk of lists and out of context accusatory dialogue is blurring the line between healthy methods of injury recovery versus inappropriate and dishonest ones.  Athletes get hurt.  It is a known fact.  It is unavoidable.  And it happens all of the time. 

Many of you may know that I am a runner, a marathon runner to be exact.  I completed my second marathon in November and I am planning my running schedule for the year and it includes yet another marathon towards the end of 2013.  I am very careful about things like hydration, diet, cross training, strength and conditioning and stretching.

According to the article “Don’t Get Hurt” in March’s injury-prevention edition special of Runner’s World, “Most experts agree that to lower injury risk, you need not a magic bullet but a loaded gun.  One with a three-bullet chamber:  a strong body, good form, and the right shoe.”  Although running is not baseball, there are many similarities.

Let’s face it- the marathon 162 game season is grueling.  It is long, it is hot, it includes traveling, it includes germs, it includes workouts, and it includes a pre-season and if you are one of the lucky teams, a post-season.   And it is difficult to maintain a strong body and good form all season long.  The shoes are a bit easier to keep up with, but the first two bullets, take a lot of work.  Runners agree that if it is not difficult, it is not worth it.  No pain, no gain- just visualize the finish line.  Well, baseball players practice this as well and 9-innings take a lot of endurance and a healthy body.

Many of the guys play sick, play through bruises and strains, and yes even emotional trauma.  And it is hard.  And when you get hurt, well, it is whole different kind of battle.  One of the most common injuries is what Eric Chavez regularly experienced- muscle strains.  According to ESPN (HERE), when you are thinking about choosing a fantasy player you have to ask yourself a series of questions, “Is a player you are considering prone to repetitive muscle strains? Or has he experienced a recent string of multiple muscle strains, even in different body regions (like Eric Chavez), which might suggest that he is wearing down physically, especially if his baseball age is climbing? How fit is the athlete? Better conditioning appears to be one factor in maintaining better overall health.”

And conditioning is a discipline, a mind-set.  But when pressure sets in to perform and inflated contracts are staring you right in the face, when does the healthy way of working out and rebounding from an injury go away, and the inappropriate ways of building up step in?

 According to the journal Clinics in Sport Medicine (HERE) “To quote Oriole baseball pitcher Jim Palmer, "cortisone is a miracle drug... for a week!" Perhaps this is because in rheumatologic disease, inflammation is the problem, whereas in sports injury, performance recovery depends on restoration of both the injured tissue and its kinetic environment. The tendency to place an inflammatory label (i.e., "itis") on sports-induced pain has promoted the value of anti-inflammatory treatment while risking a de-emphasis of the role of physical rehabilitation and even well-timed surgical repair.” 

It is faster and easier to use performance enhancement drugs to remedy injuries than rehab using approved medicinal practices and therapy.  Now, I am not saying that all athletes who choose this easier route do so because of injury, I am saying that is one reason why some do.  And pressure is another reason why most try and rush back from an injury before “next guy in” takes over for good.  Not to mention “the you are a star one-day and a bum the next” kind of mentality that many fans and media play. 

So as we continue to watch the drama unveil regarding PEDs in baseball, I ask you to think for a moment about the athlete under the helmet.  The man who grew up loving the game so much that he would give up movies, dates, family functions, and hanging out with his buddies so that he could get stronger, visit this training camp or that college coach in order to get a shot at the dance.  Losing this, whether you are 19 or 39 is not an option because the passion is so raw and so real.  Let’s give our injured athletes time to heal because all this pressure to get better faster is ruining our sport and that’s something that needs some healing.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Opinion Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof




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