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Showing posts from June, 2011

Big Series Begins Tonight for the Phillies

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Some call it a World Series preview, as the Phillies host the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. And for big appetites during the big series, one of the park's best food attractions is Bull's Barbeque, hosted by the former Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski. While his staff dishes out the pulled pork sandwiches, ribs and hot dogs, he's available for autographs and photos.

Old Timers Day 2011

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The Yankees 65th annual Old Timers Day was not only a celebration of achievement, but a delightful "class reunion" for those who've worn the pinstripes. The majesty of the men who made these numbers famous lined up shoulder-to-shoulder is only part of this story. (I'll name them all at the end of this post.) Look at the smiles, the hugs, the handshakes and high-fives. Reggie Jackson (above) and Jerry Coleman (below) on the reception line. The players are among friends; then you add the love they feel from the crowd -- and return in kind. (Above) Joe Torre's first time donning his number-6 uniform since the 2007 season. (Below) Bernie Williams, taking part in his first Old Timers Day. (Above) Reggie Jackson has a warm hug for Yogi Berra. (Below) David Wells greets his former pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre. Everyone wanted to catch up with Yogi, who missed last year's Old Timers Day. (Above) Stottlemyre's rookie heroics helped the 1964 Yankees, managed by ...

On the Comeback Trail

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Plenty of Yankee fans made the trip to New Britain Stadium to watch one of the Yankees most important young pitchers made a minor league rehab start. Pitching for New York's Trenton farm club, Phil Hughes lasted just 3-1/3 innings in an uneven appearance against Eastern League rival New Britain. Hughes looked good early, needing just 10 pitches to get the first inning and 17 in the second. Below, a nice touch supplied by the Rock Cats: a cake, decorated Yankee style, for Hughes on his 25th birthday. After the game, Hughes was reminded that he once took part in a rehab game for another Yankee five years ago -- in 2006, Gary Sheffield, recovering from an injury, played a game for Trenton, where Hughes was then a top Yankee prospect. This time, he was the major leaguer that gave a minor league game added importance.

Jack's Back

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Or should I have titled this entry, "Life Begins (Again) at 80?" The under-achieving Florida Marlins, having forced out manager Edwin Rodriguez after the club began June winning just once in 18 games, have brought back a familiar face. Jack McKeon, who led the team to the 2003 World Series title, takes over. A longtime consultant to the organization, McKeon turned 80 last November. Seen above chatting with the Phillies' Charlie Manuel two springs ago in Florida, "Trader Jack" becomes the oldest manager since Connie Mack piloted the 1950 Philadelphia A's. And since Mister Mack was famous for wearing a business suit instead of a uniform, he might be the oldest ever to hold the post and actually suit up!

Feliz Cumpleanos

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June 15th proved to be a very happy 24th birthday for Eduardo Nunez. In his second night starting in place of the injured Derek Jeter, he belted a home run in the Yankees 12 - 4 victory over Texas (yep, the same score as the night before).

The Understudy Gets the Call

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Eduardo Nunez first caught my eye at Spring Training 2009, when, with several Yankee regulars away for the World Baseball Classic, he saw a lot of additional playing time. A couple of regular season games with the Trenton farm club only reinforced the idea that he might be a keeper. After making his major league debut last season, Nunez made the Yankees as a backup infielder this year. On June 14th, with Derek Jeter on the disabled list, Nunez contributed two hits, drove in the game's first run with a 2nd inning single (seen below) and a run scored as the Yankees walloped the Texas Rangers 12 - 4 . It was an early shower for the previously undefeated Alexei Ogando. Though no one can project much -- not even how anyone will do over the next 15 games -- Nunez was a solid contributor. I have a hunch he'll make more positive impressions while "The Captain" is on the shelf.

Tigers Turnaround

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After starting the regular season slowly, the Tigers have moved back into contention in the AL Central thanks to such fine pitchers as Rick Porcello (seen here in spring training).

Angel Stadium

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With the Yankees visiting Angel Stadium this weekend, I thought the time was right to post a few more pictures from my 2008 west coast trip. These are from the Freeway Series exhibition between the Dodgers and Angels. Above, a look from the right field corner. Below, from along the 1st base line just as dusk settled in. Later in the evening, from the upper deck.

Roberto Clemente's Most Unique Fan

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Pirates second baseman Neil Walker is one of the team's bright young stars. And he's bonded in a special way with Pittsburgh baseball icon Roberto Clemente. Walker's dad Tom was Clemente's winter ball teammate and friend. On December 31st, 1972, he was in Puerto Rico helping Roberto load supplies bound for Nicaraguan earthquake victims. He planned to join his teammate on the humanitarian mission, but was talked out of it by Clemente, who told him to go home and enjoy the holiday with his family -- a decision that saved Tom Walker's life more than a decade before Neil was born. USA TODAY has the full story. Nice to see Walker doing well in his first full major league season. Just a year ago, I caught him playing for Triple-A Indianapolis against Lehigh Valley.