When Andy MacPhail announced that Dave Trembley would return as manager of the Baltimore Orioles for the 2010 season, MacPhail made it clear that he had laid much of the groundwork, and that starting immediately, the focus would shift towards winning ballgames, as opposed to being happy simply with progress from the young core. This quote from MacPhail at the time emphasizes this point.

In fairness to Dave and his staff and the players, things shift a little bit here. We’re going to help you as much as we can, but we’ve gone through the very toughest part. Now, I think it’s important that we show our fans some meaningful improvement in the standings.

This is good news for Orioles fans. MacPhail, in 2+ seasons as the O’s general manager, has completely retooled the organization, and the Orioles are in better position now than they have been since they went wire to wire in 1997. They have a very talented young nucleus to build around, they have depth to use in potential trades, and by eliminating most of the expensive contracts that were given to mediocre players under the previous regimes, the Orioles have the most payroll flexibility that they have had in quite some time.

Looking around at various message boards and listening to different talk shows around the city, it is obvious that the majority of fans are ready for MacPhail to deliver. They are ready for him to make the big, bold move to show that the O’s are back on track and committed to returning to winning ways.

While I love the optimism, I am not sure that a big spending spree is the way to go. In fact, I know it’s not.

The Orioles, while concentrating on wins in 2010 more than in years past, need to find a happy medium. It would not be a good idea to give Matt Holliday or Jason Bay 80-100 million dollars when we have 4 talented outfielders already on the team for the long-term.

It would not be a good idea to give the best pitcher on the market in John Lackey 100 million dollars to serve as the Orioles ace. It is not as simple as targeting the best players and giving them whatever it takes.

In the case of Lackey, he is a very big fish in a small pond. It is not smart business to overbid for one product as a result of the whole industry bidding for that product. When this is the case, that value goes down the more the price goes up, and this is the case with Lackey.

It is tough for Orioles fans. They have gone through 12 straight losing seasons, and have witnessed promise after promise shatter before their eyes. However, it is obvious that things are heading upwards under MacPhail, and as Andy likes to say, long-term gain should not be sacrified over a bit of short-term pain.

The question then shifts to, how can the O’s focus on wins and losses without jeopardizing their future?

The Orioles have several short-term needs. They need a 1B to hold the fort while Brandon Snyder finishes up his minor league career. They need a 3B in a similar situation as they await prized prospect Josh Bell. Of course, any team would like to have a very good closer, and given that MacPhail has recently indicated that he believes closers are underrated, it is a fair bet that MacPhail will be evaluating the closer market very closely.

Also, the team is always looking for starting pitching help, and many options that would not require long-term commitments, yet could yield a very favorable gain, are out there, such as Erik Bedard, Ben sheets, and Rich Harden. MacPhail had this to say about the potential of acquiring one of these high risk/high reward pitchers.

We would consider them. They would have to be vetted medically. They don’t get excluded from consideration. We recognize there is a risk that goes with it, but if the potential reward is just as great or greater than the risk, it’s something you have to look at. We are in a position where we can consider some risk.

An offseason that garners, say, Carlos Delgado for 1B, Adrian Beltre for 3B, Rafael Soriano for closer, and Erik Bedard for the rotation, would certainly give Dave Trembley a much improved ballclub, and at the same time, would not put the club at risk financially into the future, and would not sacrifice any of the young depth in some type of trade.

In past years, MacPhail may not consider the potential gain high enough to justify the money that it would take to bring these types of players to Baltimore. However, as the focus shifts to winning, MacPhail is very likely to have a different view regarding this type of situation.

Orioles fans certainly know a thing or two about patience. They have continued to attend Orioles games throughout a 12 year losing streak, during which at many points, fans had pretty much no reason for optimism or hope.

Things are different under Andy MacPhail, and the Orioles are primed for not only their best year since 1997, but for their best decade since the Earl Weaver era.

Just because we may not break the bank this offseason, does not mean that MacPhail is not focused on wins and losses. He is just being the smart baseball man that he has been since he arrived in Baltimore in June of 2007.

At this time of Thanksgiving, all Orioles fans should be thankful that Peter Angelos was able to bring MacPhail to Baltimore. Things are looking up.

The resources are there, and they will continue to be there. Using them all in an offseason where the product is not up to par would not be something to be thankful for. It would be short-term gain, but very well may result in long-term pain. Orioles fans have certainly had enough of that after the last 12 years in Birdland.

Vic Willis vs Jay Hughes 10/10/1898, @Oriole Park III

VIC WILLIS TOSSES 2 HITTER TO KEEP BEANEATERS ALIVE.

Willis threw the last no hitter in the 19th Century. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995.

A 2 out rbi single to Oriole center fielder Joe Kelley put the Birds up 1-0, in the 3rd, but that would be the last hit allowed by Beaneater starter Vic Willis.

Tossing shutout ball for the final 6 innings, and retiring the last 10 Orioles that he faced, Willis sends this series back to Boston for a game 6.

Oriole starter Jay Hughes took a 2 hit shutout and a 1-0 lead into the 7th, but he walked the 1st 2 Beaneaters in the inning. With 1 out Chick Stahl lined a game tieing rbi single to drive in Jimmy Collins.

Hughes ran into some tough luck in the 8th. After Billy Hamilton flew out to start the inning, Fred Tenney bounced a high chop off the plate that turned into an infield single. Hugh Duffy grounded to Hughie Jennings at short, but instead of an inning ending double play, Jennings booted the ball for an error. After a ground out that moved the runners up to 2nd and 3rd, Herman Long hit another high bouncer off the plate that Hughes could only watch float into his glove as Fred Tenney scored the game winner on the infield single.

The Beaneaters added 3 insurance runs off a gassed Hughes in the 9th.

10/10/1898, BSN98-BLN98, Oriole Park III
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1898 Beaneaters        0  0  0  0  0  0  1  1  3     5  7  2     9  0
1898 Orioles           0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0     1  2  2     8  1

Beaneaters           AB  R  H BI   AVG    Orioles              AB  R  H BI   AVG
Hamilton,B        cf  4  1  1  0  .333    Keeler,W          rf  4  0  0  0  .333
Tenney,F          1b  4  1  1  0  .318    McGraw,J          3b  3  0  0  0  .250
Duffy,H           lf  4  0  0  1  .174    Jennings,H        ss  4  0  1  0  .381
Collins,J         3b  4  1  1  2  .278    Kelley,J          cf  4  0  1  1  .368
Long,H            ss  4  0  1  1  .190    McGann,D          1b  4  0  0  0  .211
Lowe,B            2b  4  0  1  0  .273    DeMontreville,G   2b  4  0  0  0  .143
Stahl,C           rf  4  1  2  1  .333    Holmes,D          lf  2  0  0  0  .105
Bergen,M          c   3  0  0  0  .071    Robinson,W        c   4  0  0  0  .381
Pickett,D        ph  0  0  0  0  .500    Hughes,J          p   1  1  0  0  .200
Yeager,G         c   0  0  0  0  .000     Kitson,F         p   1  0  0  0  .500
Willis,V          p   3  1  0  0  .000                         31  1  2  1
                     34  5  7  5
Beaneaters                       INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Willis,V         W 2-1           9.0  2  1  1  3  6 143  84  2.50
                                 9.0  2  1  1  3  6 143  84
Orioles                          INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Hughes,J         L 1-1           8.1  6  5  4  5  1 141  84  3.94
Kitson,F                         0.2  1  0  0  1  0  19   9  2.25
                                 9.0  7  5  4  6  1 160  93
BSN: Pickett,D batted for Bergen,M in the 9th
     Yeager,G inserted at c in the 9th

E-Collins,J, Long,H, Jennings,H 2. SB-Jennings,H(2), Hughes,J(1). K-Duffy,H,
Kelley,J, DeMontreville,G 3, Holmes,D, Robinson,W. BB-Hamilton,B, Tenney,F,
Duffy,H, Collins,J, Long,H, Willis,V, Holmes,D 2, Hughes,J. SH-Pickett,D.
HBP-McGraw,J, Hughes,J. HB-Willis,V 2.
GWRBI: Long,H
Temperature: 66, Sky: partly cloudy, Wind: left to right at 11 MPH.

For me, Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year. It’s one of the few times of the year when all bets are off when it comes to food. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Thanksgiving is also the time of year where we give thanks to what we have in life. It’s no different for all 30 teams of Major League Baseball. Each team has something they can be thankful for.

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies should be thankful that they have one of the best GM’s in the game in Ruben Amaro Jr. A GM who doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves.

Atlanta Braves: The Braves should be thankful the Minor League Player of the Year, Jason Heyward is on his way. The kid looks like a star.

Florida Marlins: The Marlins should be thankful they are getting a new stadium in 2012. Maybe then they can keep their young stars like Josh Johnson

New York Mets: The Mets should be thankful that 2009 is finally coming to an end. 2010 can’t be much worse.

Washington Nationals: The Nationals should be thankful that new GM Mike Rizzo has more of a clue than former GM Jim Bowden

NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals should be thankful for the fact that they get to watch the best player in the game on a day in and day out basis.

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs should be thankful that after so many years of being labeled “lovable losers,” they are finally dedicated to winning. Whether or not they are making the right moves to win is another story.

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers should be thankful that they have an owner in Mark Attanasio, who runs a small market team, but has a big market mentality.

Cincinnati Reds: The Reds should be thankful that Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Joey Votto are young stars, who should provide a solid foundation for the future.

Houston Astros: The Astros should be thankful that Wandy Rodriguez established himself as a solid No. 2 starter in 2009.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates should be thankful for the fact that GM Neal Huntington has the team moving in the right direction. The Pirates are making the right moves to compete in the future.

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers should be thankful for Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, who appear to be the foundation of the Dodgers’ offense for years to come.

Colorado Rockies: The Rockies should be thankful that they have one of the best and exciting young teams in baseball. The Rockies have finally figured out how to win in Colorado.

San Francisco Giants: The Giants should be thankful for being able to watch Tim Lincecum every five days. His unique delivery continues to amaze fans and baffle hitters.

San Diego Padres: The Padres should be thankful that it appears that they will not be trading star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks should be thankful that Brandon Webb is making progress and looks to be healthy in 2010.

AL East

New York Yankees: The Yankees should be thankful that they are the Yankees. No other team in professional sports has the advantage they have.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox should be thankful for their minor-league system, which allows them to trade for players like Victor Martinez and potentially Roy Halladay or Miguel Cabrera.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays should be thankful that they have the most athletic team in baseball and after so many years of losing, they have a winner in Tampa.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays should be thankful for the fact they got to watch Roy Halladay pitch in a Blue Jays’ uniform for the last 12 years. He will go down as the best player in franchise history.

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles should be thankful for that after so many years of not having a clue, they are moving in the right direction. Matt Wieters, Adam Jones, Brian Matusz, and Nick Markakis provide a solid foundation for the future.

AL Central

Minnesota Twins: The Twins should be thankful for Joe Mauer. When it is all said and done, I believe he will go down as the greatest catcher of all time.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers should be thankful for Mike Ilitch. Despite a ravaged economy in Detroit, Ilitch does his best to put a winner on the field in the Motor City.

Chicago White Sox: The White Sox should be thankful for employing Ozzie Guillen. His press conferences have provided baseball fans with hours of comedy. Oh yeah, the guy is a pretty good manager.

Kansas City Royals: The Royals should be thankful that there is only more year left in the Jose Guillen era in Kansas City.

Cleveland Indians: The Indians should be thankful that Grady Sizemore, Carlos Martinez, Azdrubal Cabrera, Matt LaPorta, and Shin-Soo Choo provide hope for the future.

AL West

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angles should be thankful for that they have one of the best run organizations in baseball. The job Arte Moreno and Mike Scioscia have done in Anaheim has been impressive.

Seattle Mariners: The Mariners should be thankful for the fact that if they make a couple of solid moves this offseason, they could win the AL West in 2010.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers should be thankful for GM Jon Daniels. His trades and drafting over the last four years have the Rangers poised to make a run at the AL West crown in 2010.

Oakland A’s: The A’s should be thankful for Andrew Bailey. The 2009 AL Rookie of the Year and a great year and should anchor the backend of the A’s bullpen for years to come–or at least until Billy Beane trades him.

I would like to give thanks to all my readers for taking the time out of their days to read my blog. For that, I am truly grateful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!

1988 Topps Eddie Murray

 This one may be a contender for my ‘Fab 5′ when I complete my Eddie Murray player collection!!

I have always enjoyed the 1988 design.  A little on the bland side, the overall look of the card has a vintage feel to it.  While not being heavy on the graphic element, Topps did a very nice job of making the card’s design elements flow.  Starting with the color schemes used, they added the team colors into the card’s headline and banner in the lower right corners.  When adding the player photos, they put them on top of the graphic which makes the player’s image really pop off of the card.

1988 was a solid year for Murray.  He played in all but one game and managed to hit .284 while collecting 171 hits.  He was also able to crush 27 doubles, 28 home runs, and drive in 84 runs.  Murray’s amazing ‘batting eye’ was once again on display in ‘88 as he struck out just 78 times in 681 plate appearances. 

Kid Nichols vs Doc McJames 10/8/1898, @ Oriole Park III

DOC MCJAMES WINS GAME 4 FOR THE ORIOLES

Doc was a graduate of South Carolina Medical College. He died at the age of 27 from internal injuries after being thrown from a carriage.

Doc McJames spaced out 7 singles and 5 walks to limit the Beaneaters to just 2 unearned runs, while Hughie Jennings doubled twice and drove in 3 for the victors.

Wilbert Robinson once again came through in the clutch. His 2 out 2 run single in the 3rd put the game away for the Orioles. They now take a 3 games to 1 lead in this best of 7 series.

10/8/1898, BSN98-BLN98, Oriole Park III
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1898 Beaneaters        1  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0     2  7  4    11  0
1898 Orioles           2  0  2  0  0  1  0  3  x     8 13  4    10  0

Beaneaters           AB  R  H BI   AVG    Orioles              AB  R  H BI   AVG
Hamilton,B        cf  2  1  0  0  .357    Keeler,W          rf  5  1  2  0  .400
Tenney,F          1b  5  0  2  0  .333    McGraw,J          3b  4  3  2  0  .294
Duffy,H           lf  5  0  1  0  .211    Jennings,H        ss  4  2  3  3  .412
Collins,J         3b  3  0  1  1  .286    Kelley,J          cf  4  1  2  3  .400
Long,H            ss  3  1  0  0  .176    McGann,D          1b  4  0  0  0  .267
Lowe,B            2b  4  0  1  0  .278    DeMontreville,G   2b  5  0  1  0  .176
Stahl,C           rf  3  0  0  1  .286    Holmes,D          lf  4  0  1  0  .118
Yeager,G          c   4  0  0  0  .000    Robinson,W        c   4  0  2  2  .471
Nichols,K         p   3  0  2  0  .500    McJames,D         p   4  1  0  0  .000
Klobedanz,F      p   0  0  0  0  .000                         38  8 13  8
Pickett,D        ph  1  0  0  0  .500
                     33  2  7  2
Beaneaters                       INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Nichols,K        L 0-1           7.1 13  8  4  1  4 131  84  6.75
Klobedanz,F                      0.2  0  0  0  0  0   3   2  0.00
                                 8.0 13  8  4  1  4 134  86
Orioles                          INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
McJames,D        W 1-0           9.0  7  2  0  5  2 142  85  4.80
                                 9.0  7  2  0  5  2 142  85

BSN: Pickett,D batted for Klobedanz,F in the 9th
E-Hamilton,B, Tenney,F 2, Nichols,K, Jennings,H 2, McGann,D 2.
2B-Jennings,H 2. CS-Duffy,H. K-Yeager,G, Pickett,D, DeMontreville,G 2,
Holmes,D, Robinson,W. BB-Hamilton,B 3, Collins,J, Long,H, McGraw,J.
SF-Collins,J, Stahl,C, Kelley,J. HBP-Jennings,H, McGann,D. HB-Nichols,K 2.
WP-McJames,D.
GWRBI: Kelley,J
Temperature: 61, Sky: clear, Wind: left to right at 5 MPH.

Ted Lewis vs Al Maul 10/6/1898, BSN98-BLN98, Oriole Park III

ORIOLES WIN EASILY BEHIND AL MAUL

Al Maul died May 3, 1958. He was 92 years old.

Orioles starter Al Maul tossed a 5 hitter, allowing just an 8th inning run as the Orioles win game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the best of 7 DMB World Series.

Joe Kelley once again kick started the Oriole offense. With 2 outs in the 3rd he banged a 2 run double off the base of the right field wall to give the Orioles an early lead that they would never relinquish.

10/6/1898, BSN98-BLN98, Oriole Park III
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1898 Beaneaters        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0     1  5  3     6  0
1898 Orioles           0  0  2  0  0  2  1  1  x     6  7  2     8  1

Beaneaters           AB  R  H BI   AVG    Orioles              AB  R  H BI   AVG
Hamilton,B        cf  4  0  1  0  .417    Keeler,W          rf  4  1  0  1  .400
Tenney,F          1b  3  0  1  1  .308    McGraw,J          3b  3  1  0  0  .231
Duffy,H           lf  4  0  0  0  .214    Jennings,H        ss  3  1  1  0  .308
Collins,J         3b  3  0  1  0  .273    Kelley,J          cf  2  1  1  2  .364
Long,H            ss  4  0  0  0  .214    McGann,D          1b  3  0  0  0  .364
Lowe,B            2b  4  0  0  0  .286    DeMontreville,G   2b  4  1  1  1  .167
Stahl,C           rf  4  0  1  0  .364    Holmes,D          lf  4  0  1  1  .077
Bergen,M          c   3  0  0  0  .091    Robinson,W        c   4  1  2  0  .462
Lewis,T           p   3  1  1  0  .333    Maul,A            p   4  0  1  0  .250
Klobedanz,F      p   0  0  0  0  .000                         31  6  7  5
                     32  1  5  1
Beaneaters                       INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Lewis,T          L 0-1           7.0  7  6  3  5  2 138  79  3.86
Klobedanz,F                      1.0  0  0  0  0  0   9   6  0.00
                                 8.0  7  6  3  5  2 147  85
Orioles                          INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Maul,A           W 1-0           9.0  5  1  1  1  0 101  73  1.00
                                 9.0  5  1  1  1  0 101  73

E-Hamilton,B, Long,H 2, Jennings,H 2. 2B-Hamilton,B, Collins,J, Kelley,J,
DeMontreville,G. SB-Tenney,F(1), Stahl,C(1), McGraw,J(1). CS-Maul,A.
K-McGraw,J, McGann,D. BB-Collins,J, McGraw,J 2, Kelley,J 2, McGann,D.
SF-Tenney,F, Keeler,W. HBP-Jennings,H. HB-Lewis,T. WP-Lewis,T.
GWRBI: Kelley,J
Temperature: 60, Sky: clear, Wind: out to center at 11 MPH.

1981 Fleer Jim Palmer

Not a great, but not a terrible card for Fleer’s debut set.

While the photography lacks detail, it is a decent posed photo of Palmer.  Judging by the background of the picture, I think it would be safe to guess that this picture was taken during Spring Training.

1981 was Palmer’s 16th season in the majors.  For the year he 7-8 while starting just 22 games for ‘The Birds’.

Another card to scratch off of my needs list – YES!!!

Getting all but one first place vote, Joe Mauer became the fifth Minnesota Twin to win the AL MVP.  Hitting .365, playing gold glove worthy defense behind the plate.  It’s hard to argue with the selection – I can’t, he was my pick, too – because there just aren’t that many players like this guy.  Mauer decided to take advantage of the count when he it was in his favor and added power, enough to lead the AL in batting, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.  Amazing, really…  [ESPN and others...]

Tom Verducci had a vote and explains it for Sports Illustrated…

Ken Rosenthal discusses his vote for Fox Sports…

The real challenge will be this offseason or next when the Twins have to try and keep Mauer around, especially since Mauer has to be worth about $20 million per season on the open market.

And in Other News…

Omar Vizquel signed a one -year deal with the Chicago White Sox.  Vizquel expects to be a mentor to infielders Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham.  [ESPN]

The Nationals say that Stephen Strasburg, who missed his last start in the Arizona Fall League, won’t need surgery on his twisted knee.  Dcctors say it’s a dislocation of the joint and he just needs some rest.  [SI]

The Associated Press released notes suggesting that Ken Griffey Jr. could earn as much as $3.9 million after incentives for the 2010 season.  [ESPN]

The Cubs signed lefty reliever John Grabow to a $7.5 million, two-year deal.  Grabow is a solid eighth-inning guy (though he can pitch in any inning from 5 through 9) who earned the contract after a year with 70 appearances for both Pittsburgh and Chicago.  However, personally I’d be leery of anyone coming off a career high in appearances and a career ERA over 4.00…  [SI]

Cuban Aroldis Chapman has fired his agent, signing with the Hendricks Brothers, agents who represent players such as Andy Pettitte.  Edwin Mejia, of Athletes Premier International, had helped Chapman escape from Cuba, setting up residency in Andorra so that Chapman couldn’t be drafted and would be signed as a free agent.  One expects a lawsuit for tampering in the very near future.  [ESPN]

Look for Roy Halliday to play out the string for Toronto, knowing that he will either be traded or become a free agent after the 2010 season.  Toronto brass fully expect Halliday to hit the road.  [ESPN]

The Marlins and pitcher Josh Johnson couldn’t iron out a deal, and per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, it’s because Johnson wants a fourth year if he signs a long-term contract.  The Marlins are prepared to deal with arbitration, but tried to get Johnson to sign a three-year deal.  Johnson was trying to get a deal similar to the four-year, $38 million deal the Royals gave Zack Greinke.  [ESPN]

Speaking of Marlins named Johnson, the ESPN rumor mill has Nick Johnson getting plenty of interest in the free agency market.  Johnson had a .477 OBA after arriving in Florida in a late season trade with Washington.  Among the suitors?  Boston, Washington, the Mets, Giants and Orioles.  [ESPN]

Let’s stick with stories about my fish…  Former Angels prospect and Marlins minor leaguer, Dallas McPherson, signed a minor league deal with the Oakland A’s.  At 29, McPherson is past his prospect days and has missed two of three seasons with back problems.  [ESPN]

Finally, Peter Gammons compliments the management of the Marlins for winning with a payroll that, over four years, has spent less money – nearly a third less – than the Mets spent in 2009.  [ESPN]

Quick Hits…

Jermaine Dye says he is open to playing first base.  I’d be more worried about how his production fell apart after the all-star break, so this is just something to make him seem more valuable on the free agent market. [MLB]

After signing Chris Capuano and John Halama, two pitchers who have missed time due to injury and really haven’t been on the MLB radar in two or three years, the Milwaukee Brewers are showing interest in Carl Pavano.  There just aren’t enough 4.50 ERA guys with bad backs and shoulders to go around, I guess…  [MLB]

Happy Birthday!

Hall of Famer Joe Medwick was born on this day in 1911.  Joe never liked his nickname “Ducky”, which was shorted from “Ducky Wucky”, which might help explain his surliness…

Others celebrating with cards, cake, or rememberances include:  George Burns (1889) – a fine lead off hitter with the Tigers back in the day…, Billy Rogell (1904), Danny Ozark (1923), Jim Northrup (1939), Fred Beene (1942), Steve Yeager (1948), Randy Velarde (1962), Cal Eldred (1967), Ben McDonald (1967), Al Martin (1967), Dave Hansen (1968) – who could probably STILL lace a single pinch hitting for the Dodgers right now…, and Joel Guzman (1984).

Jay Hughes vs Vic Willis 10/4/1898, @ South End Grounds III

JOE KELLEY TRIPLES THE ORIOLES TO A GAME 2 VICTORY

Hall of Famer Joe Kelley hit .393 with an outstanding .502 on base percentage in 1894.

Orioles’ center fielder Joe Kelley banged 2 long 2-out triples, in the 5th and 7th innings, to drive in 3 runs, and also added an rbi single to lead the Orioles to a 6-4 victory.

Oriole starter Jay Hughes took a 6 hit shutout into the 8th inning before tiring. Hugh Duffy hit a homerun in the 9th to make it close for the Beaneaters.

The series is now tied at 1 game apiece.

10/4/1898, BLN98-BSN98, South End Grounds III
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1898 Orioles           0  0  2  0  1  0  2  0  1     6 11  2     9  0
1898 Beaneaters        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  3  1     4 12  3    11  0

Orioles              AB  R  H BI   AVG    Beaneaters           AB  R  H BI   AVG
Keeler,W          rf  5  2  2  0  .545    Hamilton,B        cf  4  0  2  1  .500
McGraw,J          3b  4  1  0  0  .300    Tenney,F          1b  5  0  1  0  .300
Jennings,H        ss  4  2  2  0  .300    Duffy,H           lf  5  1  2  1  .300
Kelley,J          cf  4  0  3  4  .333    Collins,J         3b  4  1  1  0  .250
McGann,D          1b  4  0  3  2  .500    Long,H            ss  5  0  0  0  .300
DeMontreville,G   2b  5  0  0  0  .125    Lowe,B            2b  5  1  2  0  .400
Holmes,D          lf  4  0  0  0  .000    Stahl,C           rf  4  1  2  1  .429
Robinson,W        c   4  0  0  0  .444    Bergen,M          c   4  0  0  1  .125
Hughes,J          p   4  1  1  0  .250    Willis,V          p   1  0  0  0  .000
Kitson,F         p   0  0  0  0 1.000     Pickett,D        ph  1  0  1  0 1.000
                     38  6 11  6           Klobedanz,F      p   0  0  0  0  .000
                                           Hickman,C        ph  1  0  1  0 1.000
                                                               39  4 12  4
Orioles                          INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Hughes,J         W 1-0           7.2 11  3  3  3  1 113  66  3.52
Kitson,F         S 1             1.1  1  1  1  0  0  18  10  2.70
                                 9.0 12  4  4  3  1 131  76
Beaneaters                       INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Willis,V         L 1-1           7.0  9  5  3  2  5 122  75  4.00
Klobedanz,F                      1.0  0  0  0  0  1   7   7  0.00
Hickman,C                        1.0  2  1  1  2  1  24  14  9.00
                                 9.0 11  6  4  4  7 153  96
BSN: Pickett,D batted for Willis,V in the 7th
     Hickman,C batted for Klobedanz,F in the 8th
     Hickman,C moved to p in the 9th

E-McGraw,J, Jennings,H, Long,H, Lowe,B, Stahl,C. 2B-Hamilton,B.
3B-Kelley,J 2. HR-Duffy,H(1). SB-Jennings,H(1), McGann,D(1). CS-McGann,D,
Tenney,F. K-Keeler,W 2, McGraw,J, Kelley,J, DeMontreville,G 2, Hughes,J,
Long,H. BB-McGraw,J, Jennings,H, Kelley,J, McGann,D, Hamilton,B, Collins,J,
Willis,V. PB-Robinson,W.
GWRBI: Kelley,J
Temperature: 59, Sky: clear, Wind: in from center at 4 MPH.

By Ben Linton

Due to the struggles of many All Metro Sports Teams, I decided to make a poll for the reader to see what you think.

Pending on the results of the poll, whichever topic gets the most hits I will blog about what the team needs to do to accomplish its goal. Feel free to give reasoning for your vote in a comment. Thanks.

1982 Topps Home Run Leaders

This card celebrates the top home run hitters from the 1981 baseball season.

Mike Schmidt led all hitters with his 31 dingers during the 1981 campaign.  In the American League, there was a 4-way tie for the league leader spot at just 22.  The group included Tony Armas, Dwight Evans, Bobby Grich, and Hall of Famer Eddie Murray.

It’s amazing how much the game has changed over time.  During the 2009 baseball season 23 players had more than Schmidt’s tally of 31.  And there were well over 70 players to eclipse Murray’s league best 22.

Doc McJames vs Kid Nichols 10/3/1898, @ South End Grounds III

LONG’S SINGLE IN THE 8TH DRIVES IN GAME WINNER FOR THE BEANEATERS

Herman Long committed 1096 errors during his career, the all-time record for fielding futility.

Herman Long popped a 2 out single in the bottom of the 8th to drive in 2 runs and snap a 9-9 tie. This high scoring opening game featured 20 runs 30 hits and 2 home runs.

The Beaneaters led 8-2 after 2 innings with the big blow coming off the bat of Fred Tenney. His 2 run home run in the 2nd landed just inside the foul pole, just 255 feet down the left field line.

Kid Nichols pitched effectively into the 7th, but could not retire a single Oriole as the 1st 6 batters reached base, capped off by a solo home run off the bat of John McGraw. After batting over 600 times during the regular season without hitting a home run, McGraw managed to coax a fly ball into the short right field porch, giving the Orioles a short lived 9-8 lead.

Errors by the Oriole’s pitcher and 2nd baseman extended the Beaneaters 8th, allowing Jimmy Collins to bat with 2 outs. He was hit by a pitch that loaded the bases, setting up Long’s game winning single.

10/3/1898, BLN98-BSN98, South End Grounds III
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1898 Orioles           2  0  0  0  0  1  6  0  0     9 16  3    15  0
1898 Beaneaters        0  5  3  0  0  0  0  3  x    11 14  6     7  1

Orioles              AB  R  H BI   AVG    Beaneaters           AB  R  H BI   AVG
Keeler,W          rf  6  1  4  3  .667    Hamilton,B        cf  4  1  2  2  .500
McGraw,J          3b  6  1  3  1  .500    Tenney,F          1b  5  2  2  3  .400
Jennings,H        ss  6  1  1  1  .167    Duffy,H           lf  5  1  1  0  .200
Kelley,J          cf  5  0  0  0  .000    Collins,J         3b  4  1  1  0  .250
McGann,D          1b  4  1  1  1  .250    Long,H            ss  5  1  3  2  .600
DeMontreville,G   2b  3  1  1  0  .333    Lowe,B            2b  5  2  2  1  .400
Holmes,D          lf  5  1  0  0  .000    Stahl,C           rf  3  1  1  0  .333
Robinson,W        c   5  2  4  2  .800    Bergen,M          c   4  1  1  1  .250
McJames,D         p   3  0  0  0  .000    Nichols,K         p   3  0  1  1  .333
Brodie,S         ph  1  1  1  1 1.000     Willis,V         p   0  0  0  0  .000
Kitson,F         p   1  0  1  0 1.000     Yeager,G         ph  1  1  0  0  .000
                     45  9 16  9           Klobedanz,F      p   0  0  0  0  .000
                                                               39 11 14 10
Orioles                          INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
McJames,D                        6.0 10  8  8  2  1 111  71 12.00
Kitson,F         BS 1, L 0-1     2.0  4  3  0  0  0  25  19  0.00
                                 8.0 14 11  8  2  1 136  90
Beaneaters                       INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Nichols,K                        6.0 10  8  6  2  1 121  75  9.00
Willis,V         BS 1, W 1-0     2.0  5  1  1  1  2  34  18  4.50
Klobedanz,F      S 1             1.0  1  0  0  1  0  19   9  0.00
                                 9.0 16  9  7  4  3 174 102
BLN: Brodie,S batted for McJames,D in the 7th
BSN: Yeager,G batted for Willis,V in the 8th

E-Holmes,D, Robinson,W, Kitson,F, Collins,J 2, Long,H 3, Klobedanz,F.
2B-Robinson,W, Brodie,S, Kitson,F. HR-McGraw,J(1), Tenney,F(1).
SB-Keeler,W(1), Long,H(1). CS-Keeler,W, DeMontreville,G. K-Jennings,H,
Holmes,D, McJames,D, Duffy,H. BB-Kelley,J, McGann,D 2, DeMontreville,G,
Hamilton,B, Stahl,C. HBP-DeMontreville,G 2, Collins,J. HB-Kitson,F,
Nichols,K 2.
GWRBI: Long,H
Temperature: 62, Sky: clear, Wind: right to left at 14 MPH.

Cal Ripken, Jr. never missed a game in 16 years. He played in 2,632 consecutive games from April 30, 1982 to Sept. 19, 1998. All of those games were for the team he never left his entire career: the Baltimore Orioles. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

- 19 time All Star selection
- World Series champion (1983)
- 2 time Gold Glove Award winner (1991, 1992)
- 2 time AL MVP (1983, 1991)
- 1982 AL Rookie of the Year
- 1992 Roberto Clemente Award
- 1991 Home Run Derby winner
- Baltimore Orioles #8 retired

Ripken, Jr. retired after the 2001 season and remains a legend among the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29, 2007 along with San Diego Padre legend Tony Gwynn.

Cal Ripken, Jr. never missed a game in 16 years. He played in 2,632 consecutive games from April 30, 1982 to Sept. 19, 1998. All of those games were for the team he never left his entire career: the Baltimore Orioles. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

- 19 time All Star selection
- World Series champion (1983)
- 2 time Gold Glove Award winner (1991, 1992)
- 2 time AL MVP (1983, 1991)
- 1982 AL Rookie of the Year
- 1992 Roberto Clemente Award
- 1991 Home Run Derby winner
- Baltimore Orioles #8 retired

Ripken, Jr. retired after the 2001 season and remains a legend among the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29, 2007 along with San Diego Padre legend Tony Gwynn.

Well, baseball season is now been over a couple of weeks,  but the AAA season ended here on September 4th.  What began in March with an exhibition games between the Orioles and Nationals and ended with a win over the Gwinnett Braves was a memorable season.  I have done other posts analyzing the the season which ended with the Tides having a 71-71 record.  This is a photo journal of the season from my seat at the Church of Baseball Harbor Park Parish, the view from 102.

Peace,

Padre Steve+

Opening Day, postponed one day the Tides home opener was played on a beautiful day

Tides 1st Baseman Michael Aubrey on Deck in the Dessert Camouflage Jersey

Tides vs. Rochester Red Wings

Harbor Park at Night

Michael Aubrey about to go Yard

Home Run Trot after the Hit

Manager Gary Allenson in the Dugout

Tides pitcher Jake Arrieta  delivering the pitch

Conference on the Mound

Barry the “Scorekeeper” my fellow Parishoner

Gwinnett Braves Player registering his displeasure on a called third strike

Swing and a Miss

Joey Gathright lays down a Bunt

Scouts for other teams doing their work

Harbor Park Entrance

Charlotte Knights Manager Chris Chambliss after a visit to the mound

Susan Komen Breast Cancer Night Catcher Robbie Hammock delivers a Grand Slam

Right Fielder Jeff Fiorentino the Tides Home Run and RBI Leader Blasts a s 3 Run Homer

Rain Delay

Lonely Vigil…if this was a football game he would fit right in

Tarp Covering the Field

Elliott the Usher

Victor Diaz at the Plate

Jeff Fiorentino Hits a Laser to Right

Marty the Card Dealer

Called Strike

Lead Off

Joey Gathright out at Home

Gary Allenson Arguing His Point

Bartolo Colon Delivers a Pitch for the Knights

Jeff Fiorentino Takes Bartolo Colon Yard

Andy Mitchell Sends on Across the Plate

Downtown Norfolk from Harbor Park

Tides President Ken Young and General Manager Dave Rosenfield

Ground Rules

Chip the Usher

Strike out

Moon Over Harbor Park

Kenny “Crabmeat” the Pretzel Guy

Run Scores

Jolbert Cabrera Down with a Season Ending Broken Ankle

Scout From Japanese Major League Yokohama Bay Stars

Ray and His Crew of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter who Man the Beer Stand Behind the Plate

Base Hit

Terri The Usher for Section 100

Rip Tide Helping the Grounds Crew between Games in a Double Header

Megan the Official Team Photgrapher

Braves Catcher Asking First Base Umpire to See if the Batter went Around

Mugging With Rip Tide

Post Game Fireworks

Japanese Film Crew Filming the “Samurai Umpires”

Gunning down a Runner

Last Home Game of 2009

Congratulations on a Final Home Win

Harbor Park Waiting for Next Season

“It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart.The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.”A. Bartlett Giamatti

All Images Property of Padre Steve c.2009

Recently, I had the pleasure of working out a trade with Ed from Roll Out the Barrel. If you have never traded with him, I highly recommend you trade him Brewers cards. Ed was a great trader and even sent two packages of cards to me.

In the first package he put in a number of Markakis cards. My Markakis collection is slowly growing!

A Goudey Jim Palmer.

A 2009 O-Pee-Chee Adam “Gold Glove” Jones.

An Upper Deck X Guthrie Jersey card.

And two great Brian Roberts cards!

The second package also contained an Oriole relic he just got! Thank you for thinking of me Ed!

3 Adam Jones cards, including the relic card and a great Brian Roberts Turkey Red!

Thank you so much! As soon as I get more Brewers cards, they are on their way to you.

 1978 Topps – Victory Leaders

This card is 31 years old and I have to say it looks pretty good!!  But any card featuring Jim Palmer and honoring him is going to bring a smile to my face…

This 1978 Topps card celebrates the pitchers that won the most games during the 1977 baseball season.  Palmer won 22 games during that campaign. 

1976 was the 7th time in his career that Palmer would match or eclipse the 20-win mark.  By the end of his amazing career, he would accomplish that feat 8 times.

A great pitcher and a great card!!!  A perfect addition to my Jim Palmer collection!!!

Standing: L-R: Charles ‘Kid’ Nichols (P), Bill Clarke, Frank Killen (P), Vic Willis (P), Marty Bergen (C), Ted Lewis (P), Charlie Hickman (P).

Middle row: L-R: Fred Tenney (1B), Jimmy Collins (3B), Jim ‘General’ Stafford (CF), Frank Selee (Mgr.), Hugh Duffy (RF), Billy Hamilton (CF), Herman Long (SS).

Seated on Ground: L-R: Bobby Lowe (2B), Charles ‘Chick’ Stahl (RF)

This is actually a picture of the 1899 Beaneaters, but most of the players are the same. Pictured but not on the 1898 Beaneaters are: Bill Clarke, and Frank Killen. Not included in the picture are: George Yeager, Jack Stivetts, and Fred Klobedanz

Frank Selee’s Boston Beaneaters once again battled the Baltimore Orioles for the entire season. The outcome of the National League Pennant was still in doubt when they met in the 1st week of October. A 2 game sweep and a rainout gave the Beaneaters a lead they would not relinquish, giving them their 2nd straight NL crown.

The Beaneaters hit .290 as a team, 2nd only to the Orioles. Third baseman Jimmy Collins led the league with 15 homeruns, while hitting .328 and driving in 111, good for 2nd in the league. Their 53 team home runs led the league, 17 better than the Washington Nationals, a team that finished 11th. Hall of Famer Billy Hamilton had another strong season, batting .369 with 54 stolen bases, both good for 2nd in the league.

The pitching for the Beaneaters was also very strong as Frank Selee implemented a strict 4 man rotation. Kid Nichols(31), Ted Lewis(26), and Vic Willis(25) all won over 20 games. Fred Klobedanz(19) just missed making it a clean sweep of 20 game winners. Their 2.98 team ERA average was good for 3rd in the league. The 4 starters combined to start all but 6 of the Beaneaters games, and were responsible for all but 1 of the teams 102 victories.

PREDSICTION: The Beaneaters lost the 1897 DMB World Series because of the poor pitching of Kid Nichols, and the offensive fire power of the Orioles. In this series the offense and pitching is fairly even, but the long ball may play a key roll in this series. So I’ll go with the Beaneaters, and as usual, I’ll be rooting for a 7 game series.