Fenway Park and Navin Field Open April 20, 1912

On This Day in Baseball History April 20, 1912: With the nation shrouded in the somber mood following the R.M.S. Titanic tragedy, the new home parks of the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers open for business. After a rain-out the day before in both cities, Fenway Park would play host to the New York Highlanders (aka Yankees) while Navin Field (later known as Tiger Stadium) would play host to the Cleveland Naps (aka Indians). Both home field fans were treated to exciting 11-inning games where the home teams would be victorious.

In Boston, a record 27,000 fans crammed into the new ballpark in order to see the debut contest of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The article ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR THE YANKEES from the New York Times dated April 21, 1912 stated:

The opening of the American League's new grounds in this city, Fenway Park, was marked by the largest attendance ever recorded here, 27,000 people crowding the stands and bleachers and standing behind ropes drawn about the outfield. It was, too, the first appearance at home of McAleer's Red Sox, which added to the enthusiasm.

The Red Sox would win the game in 11-innings by a score of 7-6.

In Detroit, Navin Field was opened with another 11-inning match-up that was also won by the home team. The Detroit Tigers defeated the Cleveland Naps by a score of 6-5. The article 24,000 in New Navin Field from the New York Times dated April 21, 1912 stated:

A record crowd of over 24,000 people jammed Navin Field which replaces Bennett Park, which cost $200,000 and which seats 23,000 people in its steel and concrete stands. 

The box scores of both games are below

 

As we know, Fenway is still in use by the Boston Red Sox. Navin Field which was later known as Briggs Stadium and Tiger Stadium was replaced by Comerica Park in 2000 and torn down in 2009. The only thing that remains is the actual field of play from the stadium which is the center of a movement to restore it for community use. I'll come back to that movement in a future post.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,

Baseball Sisco

#baseballsisco

#baseballsiscokidstyle

Week Two Points and Highlights

Week two of the MLB season is in the books here are a few things that stood out to me:

- Kris Bryant Gets The Call Up
Chicago Cubs phenom Kris Bryant finally got the callup to the big league team on April 17th (which happens to be the anniversary of Mickey Mantle's debut in 1951) and proceeds to go 0-4 in with three strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. What does that mean? Not a damn thing. Chalk his debut to nerves. Bryant finished the weekend batting .300 with three hits including a double. He showed plate discipline by walking three times and only striking out four times, with three of those in the first game he played in. I think Bryant will be fine as long as people realize that he is indeed only 23-years of age.

The expectations by the Cubs faithful need to stay realistic. Winning will take time with the young team they have. They need to do things taking baby steps at first and then developing into a winning team. That takes time and patience. I mean the Cubs haven't won a World Series in over 100-years. What's waiting a few more to get it done right.

- Red Sox’s Rusney Castillo Sidelined Indefinitely With Shoulder Injury
While the buzz is high in Chicago with the promotion of prospect Kris Bryant, the buzz is down with Boston's phenom Rusney Castillo. The word on Castillo wasn't if he was getting called up but when. To the point that on a recent ESPN broadcast, the analysts were debating on which current Boston Red Sox outfielder would become the odd-man out when the eventual call-up was made.

Now the word from Beantown is that Castillo has been shut down due to a shoulder injury. According to the article Red Sox’s Rusney Castillo Sidelined Indefinitely With Shoulder Injury by Ricky Doyle from NESN dated April 14, 2015, Castillo's had an An MRI which revealed only inflammation and no structural damage in Castillo’s right shoulder.

Unlike the aforementioned Bryant who is under contractual control by the Cubs at a bargain rookie rate, Castillo is not. Castillo was signed last August by the Red Sox as a free agent at the tune of seven-year, $72.5 million dollars. While I'm sure there are many a member of the Boston faithful wondering if the Bosox will get their money's worth from Castillo, patience needs to be shown. This injury didn't come through negligence. It came while on the field.

- Alex Rodriguez's Performance
I had a brief discussion about this early last week. It really is hard to root for Alex Rodriguez. For years I rooted for him. I felt that he had hit rock bottom with his admission of PED use in 2009 and that he a reached redemption with his performance coming back from injury and helping the Yankees win the 2009 World Series. But the shenanigans from the last few years including those that led to a circus of a hearing which led to a year long suspension really soured me on him. The joke among Yankees fans was that Derek Jeter was retiring to avoid the A-Rod media circus that would start upon his reinstatement for the 2015 season. But I have to admit, throughout Spring Training and in the first two weeks of the season, A-Rod has been an exemplary and productive member of the team.

He's played everywhere manager Joe Girardi has asked him to play and he has been very productive at the plate, showing flashes of plate discipline and the powerful swing that propelled him to the superstar level in MLB. A-Rod finished this weekend with a slash line of .316/.447/.711 with 12 hits in 38 at-bats including three doubles and four home runs. He does have 15 strikeouts but also 9 walks so he is showing discipline at the plate.

Perhaps A-Rod has gotten tired of the media circus and the drama that he seems to bring upon himself. Maybe he can redeem himself with a productive end to his illustrious and disappointing career, walking off into the sunset with his head held high.

- Defending Champs Losing Ways
Giants' fans are wondering what has happened to their three time World Series Champions. The Gigantes have had a bit of a rough stretch in terms of both injuries to vital players and in games lost. Its best to have a losing streak in April rather than one in September. I know many like to invoke the "Odd Year Curse" for the Giants. In case you don't know what that is, since 2010, the Giants have won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 with a second place 86-76 season in 2011 and a fourth place 76-86 season in 2013. Both odd year seasons resulted in no post-season appearance for the Gigantes. Now if you believe in that sort of thing, then you might as well stop watching now. Even thought the NL West is reloaded for bear this season, the 2015 campaign is only two weeks in. So climb off the ledge fans of the Gigantes and have faith in your team.

- Mike Trout becomes the youngest player to 100 homers and 100 stolen bases
Trout reached the 100 homers/100 stolen base plateau this past Friday night. In doing so, he became the youngest player to do so. at 23-years and 251-days old, he eclipsed the aforementioned Alex Rodriguez who was the prior fastest to 100 homers/100 stolen bases. Rodriguez did so at 23-years 309-days old in 1999. According to Alden Gonzalez in his article Trout Smashes 100th Career Home Run from MLB.com dated April 17, 2015, Trout is the second player in Angels history with triple digits in homers and steals. The other Angel is Darren Erstad who had 114 homers and 170 stolen bases.

Trout had a 30/30 season in 2012 with 30 homers/49 stolen bases and narrowly missed another 30/30 season in 2013 with 27 homers/33 stolen bases. Last season Trout's stolen base production dropped significantly as he became a major run producer. He had 36 homers with only 16 stolen bases. Will Trout utilize his speed more this season to try and steal more bases or will he just focus on driving in runs with his power. That will remain to be seen.

- The Kansas City Royals Finally Lose
And in the most surprising news of the fledgling 2015 season, the American League Champion Kansas City Royals had their hopes for a 162-0 season dashed in a loss against the Minnesota Twins. The same way I tell Giants fans to just chill out about their team losing, I need to tell the same thing to those jumping off the Royals bandwagon after not only losing one game against the Twins, but losing two games and the series to the Twinkies.

Its good that the Royals are feisty (having a bench clearing incident against Mike Trout and the Angels) and are winning games but let's be honest. Its only two weeks in. Historically, how many teams have gone undefeated in the first week or two of the season and not make the playoffs. Probably quite a few. I'm not saying this is what will happen to the Royals. But eight straight wins is only roughly 5% of the games played in the season. There are WAY too many games to be played to stress out. They are playing good ball. Enjoy it!!! We'll check back and see where they are in June.

I know some Mets' fans will take me to task for not mentioning their current run. I don't want to jinx the Metropolitanos. I promise to mention them in the post for the third week of the Major League season.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle

First Baseball Game Played at Yankee Stadium April 18 1923

On This Day in Baseball History April 18, 1923: Colonel Jacob Ruppert's ballpark in the Bronx opened up for business in front of 74, 200 spectators. The anticipation for the stadium's opening was so intense that 25,000 spectators were turned away. 

Yankees starter Bob Shawkey threw a 3-hitter and as a sign of many to come, George Hermann Ruth aka The Babe hit a home run helping the Yankees defeat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. The article 74,200 SEE YANKEES OPEN NEW STADIUM from the New York Times dated April 18, 1923 described the fateful at-bat by the Babe that could be the impetus for the old Stadium eventually being christened as the House that Ruth Built:

Only one more thing was in demand, and Babe Ruth supplied that. The big slugger is a keen student of the dramatic, in addition to being the greatest home run hitter. He was playing a new role yesterday-not the accustomed one of a renowned slugger, but of a penitent, trying to "come back" after a poor season and a poorer world's series. Before the game he said he would give a year of his life if he could hit a home run in his first game at the new stadium. The Babe was on trial, and he knew it better than anybody.

He could hardly have picked a better time and place for the drive that he hammered into the bleachers in the third inning. The Yankees had just broken a scoreless tie by pushing Shawkey over the plate with one run. Witt was on third base, Dugan was on first, when Ruth appeared at the plate to face Howard Ehmke, the Boston pitcher. Ruth worked the count to two and two, and them Ehmke tried to fool him with one of those slow balls the Giants used successfully in the last world's series.

The ball came in slowly, but left quite rapidly, rising on a line and then dipping suddenly from the force behind it. It struck well inside the foul line, eight or ten rows above the low railing in front of the bleachers, and as Ruth circled the bases he received probably the greatest ovation of his career. The biggest crowd in baseball history rose to its feet and let loose the biggest shout in baseball history. Ruth, jogging over the home plate, grinned broadly, lifted his cap at arm's length and waved it at the multitude.

How bad was Ruth's 1922 season that he needed redemption? In 110 games Ruth batted .315 with 35 homers and 96 RBI. Not too shabby right? So why the drama? Well, consider that in 1920 Ruth hit .376 with 54 homers and 135 RBI and 1921 he hit .378 with 59 homers and 168 RBI. Amazing. I know. Even more amazing was that in both 1920 and 1921, Ruth wasn't the league leader in batting average. George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns led the American League in batting with a .407 average in 1920 and Harry Heilmann hit .394 for the Detroit Tigers in 1921.

Ruth parlayed his opening day home run into a career year where Ruth hit .393 with 41 homers and 130 RBI and his only MVP award. Again, his .393 wasn't good enough to lead the league. Heilmann once again led the league in batting, this time with a .403 batting average.

More important than a batting title for Ruth and the Yankees was the achievement of the franchise's first championship by defeating the cross-town rival New York Giants four games to two in the World Series. In doing so, the Yankees avenged the two consecutive losses to the Giants in the 1920 and 1921 World Series and helped to swing the balance of power in New York City baseball to favor the Yankees.

With that I leave you the box score of that game from the New York Times.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle

Hank Greenberg and Jackie Robinson

One of the many stories and anecdotes that stand out concerning Jackie Robinson and his first year in the majors is his meeting the soon to be retired former Detroit Tiger (and at the time Pittsburgh Pirate) Hank Greenberg.

When the Brooklyn Dodgers traveled to Forbes Field for the first time during Robinson's rookie season in May 1947, there were many in both the stands and the opposing dugout who went after Jackie with racial slurs and epithets. Greenberg, who was Jewish and raised in the Bronx, knew first hand how cruel and hateful people could be in terms of their words and actions.

Greenberg came up to the Majors in the 1930's where anti-Semitic slurs could by regularly heard throughout the league by both fans and opposing players. Not only was verbal abuse the norm but physical abuse was often employed as a method to both intimidate and humiliate. Jackie Robinson was continually thrown at by opposing pitchers in his rookie season. During the 1930's, Jewish players (including Hank Greenberg) were the ones being thrown at and beaned. To give you an example of the world that Jewish ballplayers (in general) and Hank Greenberg specifically played in, the book The Baseball Talmud by Howard Megdal states:

But measuring Greenberg has to move beyond simply baseball. For instance, through all of the Jackie Robinson festivities, a secondary point has frequently been made that, while the struggle to integrate baseball was unimaginably difficult, Brooklyn was the perfect place, politically and culturally, for such an endeavor to take place. By contrast, the world, and in particular, the major league city that Hank Greenberg called home when he got to the big leagues, was arguably the toughest time and place a Jew could have gone to establish himself in the public eye. Greenberg got to Detroit to stay in 1933—the year Adolf Hitler took over in Germany. Detroit’s most famous citizen, in fact the city’s raison d’être, was Henry Ford. Ford published a newspaper that unceasingly railed against Jews, and a collection of the newspaper’s columns was published in book form as The International Jew—the World’s Foremost Problem. Reportedly, Hitler was one of his readers and admirers. Ford went on to blame “international Jewish bankers” for World War II after receiving the highest award a foreigner could receive from Hitler’s government. (At least Ford was nice enough to suffer a heart attack when shown films of the Nazi concentration camps, according to a collaborator of his—I suppose it was the least he could do.)

Along with Ford’s presence shadowing Greenberg’s city was the leading voice of reactionary public Catholicism in the 1930s, the Reverend Charles Coughlin, whose weekly radio sermons were estimated to reach more than 40 million people at their peak. Coughlin pinned the Russian Revolution and the Great Depression on the Jewish people from his pulpit in Royal Oak, Michigan, just outside Detroit. Into this situation, and a city ravaged by the Depression and looking for scapegoats, stepped Greenberg. One can only imagine the degree of difficulty...Greenberg, for his career, was the symbol of the Jewish people and all that it entailed.

Reading about what Robinson had to go through in terms of the abuse in his brief time in the majors and handling the abuse in the manner that he did, stood out to Greenberg. According to the book HANK GREENBERG The Story of My Life Edited and with an Introduction by Ira Berkow:

Early in the season, Jimmy Powers in the New York Daily News quoted Greenberg on Robinson: “The more they ride him the more they will spur him on. It threw me a lot when I first came up. I know how he feels. . . . They will keep needling Jackie, and he will react by forcing himself to play over his head. I’ll be awfully surprised if I hear that Robinson fails to hit and hold his job.”

The Brooklyn Dodgers would travel to Forbes Field in Pittsburgh for a three game series from May 15-May 17. It would be during this series that Greenberg and Robinson would meet and give Greenberg a front row seat of the abuse hurled at Robinson. Once again, according to the above quoted Greenberg's autobiography:

Jackie came into Pittsburgh on a Friday afternoon, and the place was jammed. We were in last place and the Dodgers were in first. Our Southern ballplayers, a bunch of bench jockeys, kept yelling at Jackie, “Hey, coal mine, hey coal mine, hey you black coal mine, we’re going to get you! You ain’t gonna play no baseball!” Jackie paid them no mind. He got on the bases and started dancing. It was beautiful to watch. I couldn’t help but admire him. Anyway, we were in last place and these guys were calling a guy on a first- place team names. “We’ll get you next time at bat, you dumb black son of a bitch. We’re going to get you!”

Jackie turned his head. He was like a prince. He kept his chin up and kept playing as hard as he could. He was something to admire that afternoon.

I got to thinking, here were our guys, a bunch of ignorant, stupid Southerners who couldn’t speak properly, who hadn’t graduated from school, and all they could do was make jokes about Jackie. They couldn’t recognize that they had a special person in front of them, a gem. They just kept ragging him and calling him names.

In a way, it was sad that he was so educated because, had he been just an ordinary bumpkin, it might have been easier for him. But the fact that he was a college man, from UCLA, and a football star, a baseball star, and a basketball star made it difficult for him to accept a role of a subhuman being in a world where he felt he was an equal. In every park that he played that spring he was on exhibition. He was the one the fans came out to see, this first black ballplayer in the Major Leagues.

It's not totally clear to me in which game during the series that the collision between Greenberg and Robinson occurred at first base. The article HANK GREENBERG A HERO TO DODGERS’ NEGRO STAR from the New York Times dated May 18, 1947 stated the following concerning the discussion between Greenberg and Robinson:

Jackie Robinson, first Negro player in the Major Leagues, has picked a diamond hero— rival first baseman Hank Greenberg of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here’s why:

Robinson and Greenberg collided in a play at first base during the current Dodger- Pirate series. The next time Jackie came down to the sack, Hank said,

"I forgot to ask you if you were hurt in that play."
Assured that Robinson was unharmed, Greenberg said:

"Stick in there. You’re doing fine. Keep your chin up."
This encouragement from an established star heartened Robinson, who has been the subject of reported anti- racial treatment elsewhere and admits he has undergone ‘jockeying— some of it pretty severe."

“Class tells. It sticks out all over Mr. Greenberg,"Robinson declared.

Greenberg's autobiography delves further into the conversation between the two future Hall of Famers:

I said to Robinson at first base, “Don’t pay any attention to these Southern jockeys. They aren’t worth anything as far as you’re concerned.”

He thanked me and I said, “Would you like to go to dinner?”

He said, “I’d love to go to dinner, but I shouldn’t because it’ll put you on the spot.”

That was our conversation, and we always were friends after that, even though he was in the National League and I went back to the American League as a club executive after that season.

Greenberg further elaborates on his observations concerning the behavior towards Robinson compared to his own experiences:

Jackie had it tough, tougher than any ballplayer who ever lived. I happened to be a Jew, one of the few in baseball, but I was white, and I didn’t have horns like some had thought I did. Jo- Jo White had said to me, “I thought all you Jews had horns on your head.” But I identified with Jackie Robinson. I had feelings for him because they had treated me the same way. Not as bad, but they made remarks about my being a sheenie and a Jew all the time.

Upon Robinson's retirement from the game after the 1957 season, there were many former and current players who wished Robinson well wishes. One of these was Hank Greenberg. According to the book Jackie Robinson: A Biography by Arnold Rampersad:

Hank Greenberg, writing to praise "your long and illustrious career" and the "exemplary manner in which you have conducted yourself--both on and off the field," called Robinson "a credit to baseball and inspiration" to youngsters "who will attempt to emulate your example."

Both baseball legends would once again be tied historically in 1970, when both Greenberg and a Robinson testified in Federal Court against Baseball's Reserve Clause in the Flood v. Kuhn (407 U.S. 258) aka Curt Flood case.

Jackie Robinson would pass away on October 24, 1972 with Greenberg attending Robinson's funeral. Greenberg himself would pass away on September 4, 1986.

It really is surreal to think that players such as Hank Greenberg and Jackie Robinson had to deal with such blatant racism no more than 70-years ago. That such behavior was deemed to be a part of everyday life. That it was acceptable to treat a person in such a manner because of the color of their skin or due to the religion that they choose to practice.

It really is heartening that a player such as Hank Greenberg, who himself was an object of the hatred and ignorance of others chose to support Jackie Robinson. It would have been easier for Greenberg to just forget his own experiences rather than take the positive step forward to lend support and encouragement to Robinson. Thankfully, Greenberg exhibited the qualities of the decent man that he was in reference to Jackie Robinson and it needs to be a story that is told more than just once a year.

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle

1995 Senadores de San Juan

I recently came across the article Remembering the '95 'Dream Team' by Gabrielle Paese from ESPN's MLB webpage and decided to look a little deeper into the Dream Team that made up Puerto Rico's selection for the 1995 Caribbean League World Series. 

Now consider that the 1994-1995 Caribbean League came right on the heels of the 1994 work stoppage that cancelled the 1994 season and World Series. So you can imagine how in Baseball mad places like the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico the sight of real top level Baseball being played was like an oasis to a person lost in the desert. With the final series being held in Puerto Rico, the selection for the Puerto Rican team would have to be one of the best in history. Senadores manager Luis "Torito" Melendez didn't disappoint. Here was the starting lineup for the Senadores:

1B: Carmelo Martínez
2B: Roberto Alomar
3B: Carlos Baerga
SS: Rey Sanchez
OF: Juan "Igor" González
OF Bernabé "Bernie" Williams
OF: Rubén "El Indio" Sierra
C: Carlos Delgado
BD/DH : Edgar Martinez

You have one Hall of Famer in Alomar. A second one (in my opinion) in Edgar Martinez. A borderline third one in Carlos Delgado. A very underrated Bernie Williams, one of the feared sluggers of the era in Juan Gonzalez and defensive whizzes in Carlos Baerga and Rey Sanchez. A young Carlos Delgado was behind the plate, a postition that most fans don't remember he came up to the majors as before being moved to first base by the Toronto Blue Jays. Keep in mind that Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez was not on the roster due to a knee injury. Or else he would have also been playing in this series.

The Puerto Rican dream team went undefeated in the tournament going 6-0 outscoring the opposition by a margin of 49-15. They were led by Series MVP Roberto Alomar who batted .560 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, 9 Runs scored, an .840 Slugging percentage and 2 Stolen bases. Bernie Williams hit .417 with three homers and a .875 slugging percentage, Juan Gonzalez hit .375 with a .667 slugging percentage and Edgar Martinez hit .375 with 9 RBI.

In terms of pitching, the team was led by Puerto Ricans Roberto Hernandez, Ricky Bones, Jose Alberro and imported pitchers Doug Brocail, Eric Gunderson and Chris Haney.

One point stands out to me in the article by Paese. In the article, veteran statistician, historian and journalist Jossie Alvarado is quoted as saying the following:

"I had never before seen a team that so wanted to represent Puerto Rico," said veteran statistician, historian and journalist Jossie Alvarado about the Senadores, who traded the club's name and played with Puerto Rico on their uniforms for the first time in Caribbean Series history. "The front office staff told me that no checks were ever cut for the major leaguers. They all waived any fees they could have charged just because they so wanted the chance to play for the island. It was that big a deal."

Its a shame that Baseball has been on the decline in Puerto Rico since then. There are many reasons such as Puerto Rican players being included in the player draft since 1990, the economics of the island that led to the disruption of play of the Puerto Rican league during the 2007-2008 season and interests in other sports such as Basketball and Boxing. With the possible opening of the Cuban baseball market in the near future, opportunities for Puerto Rican born players will continue to dwindle.

At least we can all look back on the 1995 Caribbean League Champion Senadores de San Juan to see what arguably the peak of Puerto Rican baseball is.

Hasta la próxima, nunca dejaremos de jugar el Beisbol,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle

For Further Reading:
- Remembering the '95 'Dream Team' by Gabrielle Paese from ESPN's MLB webpage dated February 2, 2015
- El Dream Team de Puerto Rico aún despierta emociones by David Venn from El Puro Beisbol website dated February 5, 2014 
- Puerto Rican Dream Teams from the My World of Baseball blogpage
- Un equipo soñado y arrollador presentó Puerto Rico en 1995 by Diobert Tocuyo from El Tiempo Newspaper from Venezuela dated February 12, 2012
- Celebran 20 aniversario del Dream Team by David Venn from the Licey Baseball website dated February 4, 2015
- 1995 Caribbean Series from Baseball Reference

President Taft Starts a Baseball Tradition

On this day in baseball history April 14, 1910: President William Howard Taft starts a baseball tradition by throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. 

How did the President like the experience? According to the article Taft Throws Out Ball from the New York Times dated April 15, 1910 describes how it went for President Taft:

The opening of the American League season in Washington to-day between the local and Philadelphia clubs was a most auspicious one. President and Mrs. Taft, Vice President Sherman, and many other notables being present, and the Nationals won by the shut-out score of 8 to 0. For the first time on record, a President of the United States tossed out the first ball, and what was more he sat through the entire nine innings and seemed greatly to enjoy the contest.

Every United States President has thrown out at least one Opening Day first pitch during their respective presidential terms.

Question I have is: What kind of pitch will Hillary Clinton throw if she is elected President of the United States? I'll let you chew on that for a while.  

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle

For Further Reading:
- Baseball: the presidents’ pastime by Rachel Wellford from the Rundown blogpage from the PBS Newshour website dated April 1, 2014
-  Historic Photographs  ›  Presidents & Baseball: A Remarkable Tradition from the White House Historical Society website

- A President Inaugurates a Remarkable Tradition by Christine L. Putnam © 2003 from the Baseball Almanac website

First Week of the 2015 Is in the Books

The first week of the 2015 season is in the books and here are somethings that stood out to me:

- Miguel Cabrera is back!!!!

Cabrera set the tone for the American League by being on fire. Not counting the first series of the season against the Minnesota Twins, Cabrera against the Indians hit 11-for-14, with a 4-for-4 game on Sunday with two homers, a double and a single. According to the article Detroit Tigers, Miguel Cabrera roll over Cleveland Indians to complete sweep by Paul Hoynes from Cleveland.com dated April 12, 2015:

Cabrera's 11 hits are his most ever in a three-game series. He arrived in Cleveland hitting .182 and left hitting .520. In his career against the Indians, Cabrera is hitting .357 (184-for-516) with 31 doubles, 37 homers and 117 RBI in 133 games.

Now yes, it is the first week, but if Cabrera stays healthy and is batting consistently, a .350+ season batting average is not out of the question.

- Adrian Gonzalez is afire!!!!

While Miggy is being Miggy in the AL, Adrian Gonzalez was tearing up the National League in this first week. Though Gonzalez was kept homeless against the Diamonbacks after belting five dingers against the San Diego Padres, he went four for 10 with four walks in the three games, leaving Arizona with a .609 overall batting average. Again, as with Cabrera, it is the first week, but if Gonzalez stays healthy and is batting consistently, a .350+ season batting average is not out of the question.

- Pitching Suspended For PEDs

What's up with two pitchers being suspended for PED usage. And Stanozolol of all things. In know PEDs are somewhat easier to get in the Dominican Republic and both hurlers (Ervin Santana and Jennry Mejia) are Dominican but man, you really have to wonder what they are thinking. The league is serious about testing that they raised the first time penalty for PED usage from 50 games to 80 games. Why run the risk of losing half a season, without pay. We know why they risk it, it was a hypothetical question by yours truly. So much for pitchers not benefiting from PED usage. Maybe they got a different memo.

- The Billy Hamilton Race is On!!!!

Seven stolen bases in six games. What more can I say than let's see how many swipes he has at the end of this month.

- The Royals Are Undefeated

So much for the Royals being let down after their exciting seven game loss in the 2014 World Series. The team is playing confident ball batting behind young stud Yordany Ventura who leads the AL with a 2-0 record with a 2.31 ERA. Now consider that the Tigers are also 6-0 and both teams play in the same division as the reloaded Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians who just happen to be the favorite of Sports Illustrated (SI's World Series pick: Indians will end 67-year title drought in 2015) to win the World Series. That AL Central race might be the tightest race in the AL.

Ok folks, that's enough for this week. I apologize for the lack of posts. Work has been a killer on the writing. I'm still working on that 1940's Baseball History post focusing on the St. Louis Cardinals. It'll be done soon. I promise :)

Until Then Keep Playing Ball,
Baseball Sisco
#baseballsisco
#baseballsiscokidstyle