The 3rd annual Berken Baseball Camp is January 9 and 10, 2010.

The 2010 Berken Baseball Camp for children in grades 3 to 12 will be held Jan. 9 and 10 at the West De Pere High School field house, 665 Grant St., De Pere.

The camp will include eight hours of professional instruction from Berken and several other professional baseball players, including Orioles pitcher Rich Hill, as well as Orioles minor-league catching coordinator Don Werner, a former major-league player.

Dominic Viola, a scout for the Orioles, will be a special speaker at the camp.

The camp is designed to provide complete instruction on all facets of baseball.

Campers will be divided into two sessions each day: 8 a.m. to noon for those in grades 3 to 7, with lunch served from noon to 12:30 p.m.; and 1 to 5 p.m. for those in grades 8 to 12, with lunch served from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Camp cost is $150 per person. Family specials also are available.

Camp registration includes the instruction, batting-cage use, a camp T-shirt, a Reebok backpack, a signed Jason Berken picture, the two meals and a chance to win various baseball memorabilia.

To register or for information, call (410) 707-9825, send e-mail to berkenbaseball@ gmail.com or go to www.berkenbaseball.com. (Source: Berken baseball camp Jan. 9 and 10 – GBPG)

This year Berken brings some Major League experience, having been called up by the Orioles this past May.

For the first time in the three years he’s put on the camp for area athletes — it will be held Jan 9-10 at the West De Pere High School Fieldhouse — the pitcher will conduct it as a major league player. The “hopeful” part no longer needs to be applied.”It’s a chance for me to give back to the community that supported me so much throughout this past year,” said Berken, who went 6-12 with a 6.54 earned-run average after being called up by the Baltimore Orioles in late May.

“I think it’s the best camp yet,” said Berken, who also will be in town that week as a guest speaker at the fourth annual Green Bay Bullfrogs Hot Stove event on Jan. 7. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids to come and get a chance to interact with guys who are in the big leagues or guys who are very close to the big leagues.

“You are going to learn the game from multiple guys at the professional level, and I don’t think you have that opportunity anywhere else in the area.”

Like last year, there will be pitching, outfield, infield, catching and hitting stations run by a professional player. In all, there will be three pitchers, two catchers, two infielders and four hitting instructors along with several area college coaches and players helping.

“For the older kids, it’s a good opportunity for them to get exposure,” Berken said. “We are going to have college coaches there, an Orioles scout there. With myself and other guys who have gone to Division I programs, it’s kind of an opportunity for them to ask these guys about camps or certain colleges.

“If one of us sees a guy that we think is a legitimate player, I know that they are going to go out of their way to help them out.” (Source: This year, Berken brings major league credentials home – GBPG)

All it took was 8 short days for this baseball card to make a trip from Florida to California and then back to Florida.

And along the way, it stopped off to visit the 1981 Rookie of the Year and Cy Young award winner!  And before heading home, ‘El Toro’ signed the card beautifully.

I have always been a fan of Mr. Valenzuela’s and I have distinct memories of being happy for him when the Dodgers won the World Series in 1988.

And I have to say that the 1987 Topps card looks great signed.  Sure, there are some cards that are part of the set that won’t show off an autograph the way that this one does, but overall it’s a nice card to get signed if possible.  In this case, the Blue Sharpie is a perfect complement to the ‘Dodger Blue’ that is on display!!

Thank you Mr. Valenzuela - this one is great!!!

Purpose: To teach the pitcher to hold an unforced runner when fielding the ball. Additional softball fielding tip is to make your pitcher practice fielding batted balls.

Procedure: This drill will need two softballs, a bat, and gloves.  Place a runner on third base and a batter with a bat in the batter’s box. Other players take their positions in the field. The pitcher pitches the ball. To speed up the drill the batter does not swing, but instead as the ball is pitched, the coach throws a grounder to the pitcher, simulating a batted ball.  The batter runs to first. The pitcher fields the ball and before throwing the batter out at first, “looks back” at the base runner on third to make sure he does not advance of the base too far. The pitcher throws the ball to first base to make the out.

This drill should be done during practice the day before a game. The pitcher should wait for the base runner to take a step back toward third base before throwing the ball to first. The pitcher can take a step toward third to “press” the base runner to commit quickly. This drill can also be done with a runner at second base with no force-out.  Players should practice what to do when the base runner leads of the base too far. In this situation, the pitcher should run toward the third-base runner and get him into a rundown.

1972 Topps League Leaders Card Starring Jim Palmer

How about a nice vintage card celebrating 3 players and their ability to dominate the game of baseball?

This card comes from the 1972 Topps baseball set and honors Vida Blue, Wilbur Wood, and Jim Palmer for their outstanding pitching during the 1971 baseball season.

Specifically, this card celebrates their very low earned run averages.  During the ‘71 season Blue had just a 1.82 ERA, while Wood tallied a 1.91, and Palmer compiled a 2.68 ERA.

3 great pitchers, and 3 dominant performances!!!

Another great Jim Palmer card for my collection – SWEET!!!

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #26

1978 Topps - Card #703 – AKA – ‘The Jack Morris Rookie Card’

Larry Anderson – Lasting just 16 games, Larry Anderson had a very short major league career.  With 41 innings pitched, Anderson compiled a 2-3 record while striking out 23 and walking 22.  A career ERA of 5.66 with 28 allowed runs aided Anderson is his quick dismissal from the big leagues.

Tim Jones – Jones had a very short 3-game major league career.  In those three games, Jones started one game and earned 1 win.  And with 10 total innings pitched, he gave up 4 hits while striking out 5 and walking 3.

Mickey Mahler – Mahler’s career spanned 8 seasons and he suited up for 7 teams during that time.  With a career record of 14-32 with 1 save, Mahler was never able to establish himself as a solid starter.  His biggest opportunity came in 1978 when he got 21 starts; in those starts, he went 4-11.  A career ERA of 4.68 and his 1.38:1.0 K:Walk ratio kept Mahler from getting steady playing time. 

Jack Morris – The winningest pitcher of the 1980’s Morris compiled a 254-186 record during his career en route to 5 All-star appearances and 7 Top 9 finishes for the Cy Young award.  Morris won 3 World Series championship titles during his career – 1984, 1991, and 1992.  In ‘91 he won the World Series MVP award as he led Twins to the championship capturing 2 of the team’s 4 wins.

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come And the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; Before the sun is darkened. and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; When the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, And the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; When the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; When one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; 5 And one fears heights, and perils in the street; When the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, Because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; Before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, And the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, And the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity! (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8)

Commentary here

Photo: ABC News

It took just 8 days for Jeff Reardon to return all 4 cards I sent him – and they are signed perfectly!!

Reardon lives roughly 40 miles North of me.  It’s nice to see how quickly these cards came back.

Jeff Reardon enjoyed a solid 16-year career in the big leagues and was a big-time closer for more than a decade.  While playing for 7 teams, he collected 367 saves and compiled a record of 73-77.  Back when 30 saves was something to brag about, Reardon was surpassing that goal regularly.  In total he had 7 seasons of 30 or more saves, with 3 of them reaching the 40-mark.

Jeff Reardon has a neat signature.  I have never seen a ‘J’ like that before and if you examine it closely it kind of looks like a ‘J’ and a ‘G’ are written on top of each other…

Thanks for the great autographs Mr. Reardon!!!

The 1984 Topps ‘1983 Highlights’ 6-Card Subset – Card #5

Headline – ‘Righetti, Bob Forsch, and Warren Pitch No-Hitters’

Text on the back – Bronx, New York, July 4, 1983: Yankees’ southpaw Dave Righetti today pitched a no-hitter vs. Red Sox.  He’s 1st lefty to hurl gem in Yankee Stadium.  St. Louis, Missouri, September 26, 1983: Cardinals’ right-hander Bob Forsch tonight pitched the second no-hitter of his career.  He whitewashed Expos, 3-0.  Oakland, California, September 29, 1983: A’s right-hander Mike Warren tonight pitched a no-hitter vs. White Sox.  He’s 13th rookie ever to accomplish feat.  

25 years later – 3 no-hitters in the same season – you don’t see that very often anymore.

The 1984 Topps ‘1983 Highlights’ 6-Card Subset – Card #4

Headline – ‘Ryan, Carlton, And Perry Surpass Walter Johnson’

Text on the back – Montreal, Quebec, April 2, 1983: Astros’ Nolan Ryan fanned his 3,509th batter breaking mark of 3,508 K’s by Walter Johnson, 1907-27.  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1983: Philles’ Steve Carlton’s 3,509th strikeout has exceeded lifetime total of Walter Johnson.  Boston, Massachusetts, August 13, 1983: Royals’ Gaylord Perry has recorded his 3,509th strikeout to surpass Walter Johnson’s 3,508.

25 years later – Sine 1984, Johnson’s mark has been passed by 5 more pitchers.

 1984 Donruss Jim Palmer

‘84 Donruss – I don’t love it or hate it.  But I do have strong memories of this being one of the very first packs of cards I ever opened as a kid.  So for that reason, I like the set.

And it’s nice to pick up the Jim Palmer card from that set so I can check one more card off of my ‘Needs List’.

1984 was Palmer’s last year in the majors.  Only appearing in 5 games, and going 0-3, Palmer retired from the sport and the game he loved.  He finished his amazing 19-season career with the Orioles having a 268-152 record.  Palmer is the proud owner of 3 Cy Young Awards, 3 World Series titles, and was a member of the 1990 Hall of Fame class!!!

Star Wars Action Figure Comic 2-Pack Dark Horse: Star Wars Empire #16: Janek Sunber and Amanin Reviews

Includes two Star Wars action figures and comic book.

Star Wars Action Figure Comic 2-Pack Dark Horse: Star Wars Empire #16: Janek Sunber and Amanin Features

• For ages 4+

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Bakugan Bakuflip Starter Pack (Yellow Sandstorm,Tan Thunder Wilda, Tan Mystery Ball) Reviews

Bakugan battle brawlers are here! Answer the call to brawl and decide the fate of the galaxy! Magnetic marbles POP open into power Bakugan warrior action figures when they roll onto the real metal Gate Cards! Use strategy to place your metal Gate Cards as each card affects the battle differently. Master your shooting skills to roll your Bakugan into battle. *Notes: Bakugan figures work magnetically. When you receive a Bakugan figure please do not force it open manually, simply roll the ball onto any metal surface and the figure will pop right open!

Bakugan Bakuflip Starter Pack (Yellow Sandstorm,Tan Thunder Wilda, Tan Mystery Ball) Features

• Bakugan Bakuflip Starter Pack Higher G Power
• 3 Bakugan, 3 Ability Cards, & 3 Metal Gate Cards
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• WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-SMALL PARTS & SMALL BALLS. NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS.

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In 1921, Walter Johnson struck out his 2,804th batter, which moved him past Cy Young as the all-time leader in strikeouts.  His record lasted until 1982, when Nolan Ryan surpassed him.

**factoid courtesy of ‘Armchair Reader – Grand Slam Baseball’

My take – Ryan’s record is safe for a very, very long time!!!

Ingredients

• Egg
• Sugar
• Salt
• Milk
• Vanilla Extract

Quantities

• 6 Egg
• 1/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Salt (optional)
• 1 Qt Milk
• Divided
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Blending Instructions

• In large saucepan, beat together eggs, sugar and salt, if desired
• Stir in 2 cups of the milk
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon and reaches 160 degrees F
• Remove from heat
• Stir in remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla
• Cover and regfigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight
• Just before serving, pour into bowl or pitcher
• Garnish or add stir-ins, if desired
• Choose 1 or several of: Chocolate curls, cinnamon sticks, extracts of flavorings, flavored brandy or liqueur, fruit juice or nectar, ground nutmeg, maraschino cherries, orange slices, peppermint sticks or candy canes, plain brandy, run or whiskey, sherbet or ice-cream, whipping cream, whipped
• Serve immediately

*Serve in a Pitcher

**Good for one drink

Did you know the following facts about Bert Blyleven? “In the modern era, Blyleven’s 287 wins are 19th. His 3,701 strikeouts are fifth all-time. His 60 shutouts are 9th. Since the advent of the live-ball era in 1921, only four pitchers have reached 60 shutouts—Spahn, Seaver, Ryan, and Blyleven.”

“His 2.80 K/BB ratio was established over 4,970 innings! In fact, among the 65 longest careers in history (including the raised mound era and our current era, which is skewing ratios), he ranks fifth!”

“Bert Blyleven toiled in relative obscurity in Minnesota for the first part of his career. But before he was finished, he had helped two teams to World Series victories (Pittsburgh in ‘79 and Minnesota in ‘87). His postseason record is stellar.”

“His curve ball is said to be one of the best in history. It has become the curve against which others are measured.”

The preceding quotation was taken from “The Greatest Pitching Careers of the Modern Era” by Jonathan Stilwell. In this article, Stilwell provides us with his list of the 36 greatest pitchers. He ranks Blyleven at 17, ahead of Phil Neikro (30), Sandy Koufax (25), Pedro Martinez (22), Feguson Jenkins (19) and Gaylord Perry (18), and followed closely by Steve Carlton (16) and Jim Palmer (14).

Stilwell gives a convincing argument for Bert’s inclusion in the hall of fame in his article, “The Best Pitchers NOT in the Hall of Fame: Who Got Overlooked.” He ranks Bert number 1, the best pitcher in the history of baseball not in the hall of fame.  I have composed an edited version of this lengthy article, which highlights the portions of it that treat Blyleven. You can access it here (and download it, too, if you wish).

You also need to check out BertBelongs.com.

I’ll give Stilwell the last word:

“Blyleven is arguably among the top 20-25 pitchers in baseball history. He is one of our all-time greats. Blyleven’s case [for induction in the HOF] is so strong, it would be embarrassing for the HOF voters to miss voting him in the next three ballots.”

Be sure to check out my post, “And So Does Tony Oliva!” I posted it right after I posted this one on Bert Blyleven.

It’s sunshine in a mason jar,
made by hands that leaked her sweet light
as they squeezed sour juice from the fruit.
She added water, crystal-cool and
sparkling as much as her thirsty smile;
then sweetener, not sugar (better for a body
that’s the best I’ve ever seen), goes into the pitcher
and picture-perfect lemonade is made by the work
of a perfect-picture lady. The pitcher is tipped,
her beautiful drink poured over ice, lifted
to waiting lips, and I sip sunshine
from a mason jar.

for and to Beauty

April 10, 2008

*******************************************

I found this today while combing through sent emails, looking for lost writings. . .hope you liked!

VS – 12.13.09

I Finally Got My 1966 Topps Fergie Jenkins Rookie Card – YIPPEE!!!!

I thought that this was a perfect way to end ‘Fergie Jenkins Day’ at 30-YOC!!!

I got this card two weeks ago, and have to say that this is the best card I have bought since my return to the hobby.  When I declared my intent to become a Fergie Jenkins collector more than a year ago I never thought I would spend the money needed to secure one of these great rookie cards.  Well, more than a year later, and displaying a huge amount of patience I am not accustomed to, I have finally picked up one of these 1966 Topps treasures for a price that I would call a bargain!!!

I am very happy to finally own this card.  I have devoted quite a bit of time to learning more about Fergie Jenkins and his career and it’s nice to be able to honor him, on his birthday, by showing off the newest and greatest card in my Fergie Jenkins collection!!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Jenkins!!!

And if you’re counting at home, I am just 1 card away from completing this collection.  The 1969 Topps base card stands between me and the finish line.

Fergie Jenkins was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.  Sitting alongside Rod Carew and Gaylord Perry, Jenkins was a very proud man as he was the first ever Canadian-born player elected into Cooperstown.

Jenkins had a marvelous 19-year career in which he compiled a 284-226 record.  He started 594 games in his career and went the distance in 267 of them – AMAZING!!!  Fergie struck out 3,192 batters and walked just 997.  His career ERA is a solid 3.34.  Sadly, Fergie Jenkins never made a post-season appearance.

Fergie Jenkins And His 1971 Cy Young Award

In today’s game if a pitcher wins 20 games he is almost a shoe-in for the Cy Young award.  But back in the 1970’s, that was not the case.  While still a rare feat four decades ago, the 20-game winner has all but vanished in the 2000’s…

In 1971 Fergie Jenkins won the Cy Young award.  In that campaign, Fergie had a record of 24-13 while starting 39 times.  And of those 39 starts, he completed an amazing 30 games.  He compiled a 2.77 ERA and struck out 263 batters in 325 innings pitched.

Jenkins finished in the Top 3 three other times during his magnificent career.  Had it not been for the amazing careers of Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, and Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter, Fergie may have been a multiple time winner…  We can dream, can’t we??

When the name Ferguson Jenkins is mentioned, 1 of the very first things that someone will bring up is his incredible streak of six seasons in which he tallied 20 or more wins.

This is a remarkable feat, and one worthy of praise and honor!!!  It can be expanded to say ‘In seven out of 8…’ but I too agree that ‘Six straight’ sounds a little better.

Here are the numbers:

Pretty nice huh??  While winning more than half of the games he started for a less than stellar Cubs team, it may be just as impressive that Fergie completed nearly 64% of the those contests.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Fergie won just 14 games in 1973.  It was his final season during his first stint with the Cubs.  But he did follow-up with a 25-win debut with the Texas Rangers in 1974!!

The numbers don’t lie, Fergie Jenkins was a very good hitter!!

Before Fergie made the commitment to pitching during his youth, he was an outstanding hitter.  And since he played in the National League, he got to get his hacks in every few days. 

Although his career batting average is just .165, that is much higher than what the other guys in the NL were hitting at the time.  And even in today’s game, hitting .165 would be very competitive for the top spot in baseball.

Along with his .165 average, Fergie amassed 148 career hits, including 27 doubles, 6 triples, and 13 home runs.  He helped his cause quite a bit too as he scored 54 runs and collected 85 RBI.

Atta boy Fergie!!! 

… strikeout more than 3,000 batters while walking less than 1,000.

A true master craftsman, Fergie Jenkins had the very rare ability to dominate hitters while also maintaining supreme control of his pitches.

For his career, Fergie struck out 3,192 batters and walked just 997.  Good for a 3.20 K:walk ratio, he will go down as one of the most precise and accurate pitchers that the game has ever witnessed.

And the other guy to do it??  None other than former Cubs pitcher and future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.  Maddux retired with 3,371 and 999 respectively.

I am an autograph collector.  And while still not an expert on the topic, I would hope that people value my opinion on the matter since they know what I have in my collection.

With all of that being said, I think it is a very fair statement to say that Fergie Jenkins has a great looking autograph!!

I have learned a lot about Mr. Jenkins after reading 2 of his more recent biographies.  He is and has been very conscious of the autograph collector and takes great pride in providing a quality signature.  He claims to have signed over 2 millions autographs over his lifetime, one million during his playing days, and one million after his retirement from the sport.

I think what I like most about his signature is that it has remained extremely consistent throughout his career.  It looks great each and every time….

I really wanted to insert the word ‘just’ between Was and A…

Incredibly, a player that won 20 or more games 7 times during his career was chosen as an All-star just 3 times.

In today’s game 20 wins puts you into a very rare and elite class.  Cy Young awards will be won, All-star selections will be obvious, and Hall of Fame talk will begin.

But back in the 1960’s and 1970’s, this was not the case.  While the 20-game winner was still held in high regard, it was not as rare of a feat as it is now 30+ years later.  Back then, teams employed a 4-man rotation and if healthy for the entire season, a guy could start 35-40 games a year.  All of a sudden winning half of your games was not that big of a deal.

Jenkins made the All-star team in 1967, 1971, and 1972 – all with the Chicago Cubs.  Based solely on his season-ending numbers, it can and should be argued that he should have had 3-4 more appearances in the mid-summer classic.

In his youth, Fergie Jenkins was a very talented athlete.  Prior to making a full-time commitment to baseball, he excelled at basketball, track, and ice hockey.

Having gained a celebrity-esque status in his hometown and around Canada once he became a major league baseball player, the Harlem Globetrotters came calling.  In an attempt to capitalize on his athletic abilities and soaring popularity, he was asked to participate in a short tour around Canada.

Fan support and ticket sales were so strong that his brief reign as a Globetrotter player lasted more than 2 years and 80+ games.

And now, some 40+ years later you can still find old Globetrotter teammates attending some of the charitable events hosted by their former player.