I have thoroughly enjoyed the A to Z Blogging Challenge and I'm already thinking about theme possibilities for next year. It has been a wonderful opportunity to make connections in the blogging world. My only regret is that the link I submitted was not a very good one - lesson learned for next time. Nonetheless, a few determined souls found my blog anyway and I'm delighted to have a few new friends.
Count me in for 2012! What is the scheduling plan for an April with five Sundays?
Some final baseball thoughts, too:
I had a great time learning about the history of the Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns franchise. As I wrote in one post, I settled on my criteria before I picked the players, basically picking the player for each letter who had the longest tenure with the club. What I found is that quite a lot of the players who've been with the team for extended stays were better known for their fielding than for their hitting. The lesson: fielding your position well is great for job security.
The one position for which I had no players was second base. There were a few who played some games at second, but no one for whom that was his primary position. Not too many pitchers made the list either: only six. Conversely, shortstops and catchers were over-represented with four and three respectively.
Showing posts with label A to Z 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A to Z 2011. Show all posts
Monday, May 2, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Al Zarilla
Player: Al Zarilla
Years of Service: 7 (1943-44, 1946-49, 1952)
Position: Outfielder
Image via VintageCardPrices.com
Zarilla had his best year in 1948: .329 batting average, 12 home runs, 74 RBI and his only All-Star Game appearance. As today is a celebration of the letter Z, it is worth noting that Zarilla played in the same Chicago White Sox outfield as Gus Zernial for four games in April 1951, marking the only time in Major League history that two players with last names starting with Z played in the same outfield. Zarilla is one of many World War II-era players who enlisted in the military, sacrificing time in the prime of their baseball careers for wartime service.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 7 (1943-44, 1946-49, 1952)
Position: Outfielder
Image via VintageCardPrices.com
Zarilla had his best year in 1948: .329 batting average, 12 home runs, 74 RBI and his only All-Star Game appearance. As today is a celebration of the letter Z, it is worth noting that Zarilla played in the same Chicago White Sox outfield as Gus Zernial for four games in April 1951, marking the only time in Major League history that two players with last names starting with Z played in the same outfield. Zarilla is one of many World War II-era players who enlisted in the military, sacrificing time in the prime of their baseball careers for wartime service.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Friday, April 29, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Mike Young
Player: Mike Young
Years of Service: 6 (1982-87)
Position: Outfielder/Designated Hitter
Image via Baseball Almanac
Alas, the only photo I could find for Young has him in a Brewers uniform. Young played in Milwaukee in 1988. His career stats: .247 batting average, 72 home runs and 235 RBI.
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"Your X is a cop-out," My Wife said to me yesterday morning. That's what she said. What I heard was "Your ex is a cop-out." I was more than a little confused. As far as I know, My Wife isn't in close touch with any of my old flames and, indeed, has only ever met a few of them. What any of them might have done to inspire her disdain was baffling to me.
What she meant, of course, is that I had cheated by using Mike Devereaux as my Letter X post. I anticipated some flack on that one, I must admit. I would argue, however, that an X at the end of a word is no less an X than one at the beginning. There's no shame in bringing up the rear. All hail, the French silent X!
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 6 (1982-87)
Position: Outfielder/Designated Hitter
Image via Baseball Almanac
Alas, the only photo I could find for Young has him in a Brewers uniform. Young played in Milwaukee in 1988. His career stats: .247 batting average, 72 home runs and 235 RBI.
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"Your X is a cop-out," My Wife said to me yesterday morning. That's what she said. What I heard was "Your ex is a cop-out." I was more than a little confused. As far as I know, My Wife isn't in close touch with any of my old flames and, indeed, has only ever met a few of them. What any of them might have done to inspire her disdain was baffling to me.
What she meant, of course, is that I had cheated by using Mike Devereaux as my Letter X post. I anticipated some flack on that one, I must admit. I would argue, however, that an X at the end of a word is no less an X than one at the beginning. There's no shame in bringing up the rear. All hail, the French silent X!
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Mike DevereauX
Player: Mike Devereaux
Years of Service: 7 (1989-94, 1996)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Democratic Underground
Yes, I had to dig for an X but there's no reason the letter can't be at the end of the name, rather than the beginning. Devereaux, a Wyoming native, played center field for the Birds. His best year as an Oriole was 1992: .276 batting average, 24 home runs and 107 RBI.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 7 (1989-94, 1996)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Democratic Underground
Yes, I had to dig for an X but there's no reason the letter can't be at the end of the name, rather than the beginning. Devereaux, a Wyoming native, played center field for the Birds. His best year as an Oriole was 1992: .276 batting average, 24 home runs and 107 RBI.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Bobby Wallace
Player: Bobby Wallace
Years of Service: 15 (1902-1916)
Position: Shortstop
Bobby Wallace is the fifth and final Hall-of-Famer on my A to Z list, elected to Cooperstown in 1953. In fine Oriole/Brown tradition, he was considered the best shortstop in the American League during his prime. He was plenty good with the bat, too, amassing 2,309 hits for his career. He served as player/manager for two seasons: 1911 and 1912.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 15 (1902-1916)
Position: Shortstop
Bobby Wallace is the fifth and final Hall-of-Famer on my A to Z list, elected to Cooperstown in 1953. In fine Oriole/Brown tradition, he was considered the best shortstop in the American League during his prime. He was plenty good with the bat, too, amassing 2,309 hits for his career. He served as player/manager for two seasons: 1911 and 1912.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Elam Vangilder
Player: Elam Vangilder
Years of Service: 9 (1919-27)
Position: Pitcher
Image via Waatp
Elam Vangilder may not be the best player on my A to Z list but I would argue that he has the best name. His career stats, including two years with the Detroit Tigers: 99-102, 4.28 ERA and 474 strikeouts.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 9 (1919-27)
Position: Pitcher
Image via Waatp
Elam Vangilder may not be the best player on my A to Z list but I would argue that he has the best name. His career stats, including two years with the Detroit Tigers: 99-102, 4.28 ERA and 474 strikeouts.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Koji Uehara
Player: Koji Uehara
Years of Service: 3 (2009-present)
Position: Pitcher
Photo via The Orange County Register
Uehara is the second current Oriole player in my A to Z list, the third international player and the first Japanese player. Uehara has a history of bouncing around with pitching assignments, serving as starter and reliever for the Orioles, for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan and in international competition. He is currently the set-up man for the club. However, there is much clamoring for him to get the closer role in favor of the struggling Kevin Gregg. The job was thought to be Uehara's heading into spring training but injuries in March prevented his promotion. One can't complain about his regular season performance thus far: 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 3 (2009-present)
Position: Pitcher
Photo via The Orange County Register
Uehara is the second current Oriole player in my A to Z list, the third international player and the first Japanese player. Uehara has a history of bouncing around with pitching assignments, serving as starter and reliever for the Orioles, for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan and in international competition. He is currently the set-up man for the club. However, there is much clamoring for him to get the closer role in favor of the struggling Kevin Gregg. The job was thought to be Uehara's heading into spring training but injuries in March prevented his promotion. One can't complain about his regular season performance thus far: 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Jack Tobin
Player: Jack Tobin
Years of Service: 10 (1916-25)
Position: Outfielder
Photo via Find A Grave
Tobin finished his career with a .309 batting average. He led the American League in triples in 1921 with 18.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 10 (1916-25)
Position: Outfielder
Photo via Find A Grave
Tobin finished his career with a .309 batting average. He led the American League in triples in 1921 with 18.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Friday, April 22, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: George Sisler
Player: George Sisler
Years of Service: 13 (1915-27)
Position: First Baseman
Photo via HowStuffWorks
Sisler is probably the best player on my A to Z list. He was one of history's best pure hitters. His record for hits in a season, 257 in 1920, stood for 84 years before Ichiro Suzuki finally broke it with 262. He was league MVP in 1922, a season in which he enjoyed a 41-game hitting streak. He led the American League in stolen bases four times, hits twice, batting average twice and runs once. He served as team player/manager from 1924-26. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 13 (1915-27)
Position: First Baseman
Photo via HowStuffWorks
Sisler is probably the best player on my A to Z list. He was one of history's best pure hitters. His record for hits in a season, 257 in 1920, stood for 84 years before Ichiro Suzuki finally broke it with 262. He was league MVP in 1922, a season in which he enjoyed a 41-game hitting streak. He led the American League in stolen bases four times, hits twice, batting average twice and runs once. He served as team player/manager from 1924-26. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Brooks Robinson
Player: Brooks Robinson
Years of Service: 23 (1955-77)
Position: Third Baseman
Image via HowStuffWorks
R is a very important letter in the Orioles legacy. For starters, you have Cal Ripken, Jr. and Brooks Robinson, probably the two most beloved Orioles of them all. Plus, you have Frank Robinson, the single best player to take the field for the franchise since the move from St. Louis. All three have had their numbers retired in Baltimore. All three were elected easily to the Hall of Fame and all three were enshrined as Orioles, even though Frank Robinson played most of his career for other clubs. But I decided in the beginning that years of service would be coin of the realm for my A to Z list so Brooks gets the nod here. Even with all of those consecutive games, Ripken's 21 seasons fall short of Robinson's 23. Brooks Robinson is, in fact, the longest tenured Oriole of them all. Only the Red Sox' Carl Yastrzemski spent as many years with one club.
Brooks Robinson is the best ever to field the third base position and he won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves to back that claim. He did plenty of damage at the plate, too, with 268 career home runs. He was league MVP in 1964 and World Series MVP in 1970. In 1999, he was elected to the All-Century team.
Robinson received his highest praise from opposing players. My two favorite quotes both come from Johnny Bench:
(After Robinson was given a car as part of the World Series MVP award) "Gee! If we had known he wanted a new car that bad, we'd have chipped in and bought him one."
and
"I will become a left-handed hitter to keep the ball away from that guy."
There's also one particularly nice one from teammate Frank Robinson:
"He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make play after play. I used to think WOW, I can't believe this."
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 23 (1955-77)
Position: Third Baseman
Image via HowStuffWorks
R is a very important letter in the Orioles legacy. For starters, you have Cal Ripken, Jr. and Brooks Robinson, probably the two most beloved Orioles of them all. Plus, you have Frank Robinson, the single best player to take the field for the franchise since the move from St. Louis. All three have had their numbers retired in Baltimore. All three were elected easily to the Hall of Fame and all three were enshrined as Orioles, even though Frank Robinson played most of his career for other clubs. But I decided in the beginning that years of service would be coin of the realm for my A to Z list so Brooks gets the nod here. Even with all of those consecutive games, Ripken's 21 seasons fall short of Robinson's 23. Brooks Robinson is, in fact, the longest tenured Oriole of them all. Only the Red Sox' Carl Yastrzemski spent as many years with one club.
Brooks Robinson is the best ever to field the third base position and he won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves to back that claim. He did plenty of damage at the plate, too, with 268 career home runs. He was league MVP in 1964 and World Series MVP in 1970. In 1999, he was elected to the All-Century team.
Robinson received his highest praise from opposing players. My two favorite quotes both come from Johnny Bench:
(After Robinson was given a car as part of the World Series MVP award) "Gee! If we had known he wanted a new car that bad, we'd have chipped in and bought him one."
and
"I will become a left-handed hitter to keep the ball away from that guy."
There's also one particularly nice one from teammate Frank Robinson:
"He was the best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a fan and watch him make play after play. I used to think WOW, I can't believe this."
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Guillermo Quiróz
Player: Guillermo Quiróz
Years of Service: 1 (2008)
Position: Catcher
Photo via enlapizarra.com
Amazingly, Quiróz is the second Venezuelan to make my A to Z list. He served as backup catcher for the Orioles in 2008, behind Ramón José Hernández, also Venezuelan, interestingly enough. At 29, Quiróz has a minor league deal with the Padres for 2011. As of yesterday morning, he was hitting .286 for AAA Tucson.
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My astute pal Mock submitted the following comment in response to yesterday's post, regarding Ted Danson's resemblance to Jim Palmer:
Originally the character [Sam Malone of Cheers] was supposed to be a former football player. Once Danson was cast, they switched sports.
He is right, of course. In fact Fred Dryer, the one time LA Ram defensive end, was initially considered for the role. Dryer did fine, anyway. Hunter was a fun show. He made four guest appearances on Cheers, too.
I, for one, am grateful that they cast Danson instead. I still think his resemblance to Palmer is uncanny. Perhaps Palmer at least inspired the hairstyle...
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 1 (2008)
Position: Catcher
Photo via enlapizarra.com
Amazingly, Quiróz is the second Venezuelan to make my A to Z list. He served as backup catcher for the Orioles in 2008, behind Ramón José Hernández, also Venezuelan, interestingly enough. At 29, Quiróz has a minor league deal with the Padres for 2011. As of yesterday morning, he was hitting .286 for AAA Tucson.
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My astute pal Mock submitted the following comment in response to yesterday's post, regarding Ted Danson's resemblance to Jim Palmer:
Originally the character [Sam Malone of Cheers] was supposed to be a former football player. Once Danson was cast, they switched sports.
He is right, of course. In fact Fred Dryer, the one time LA Ram defensive end, was initially considered for the role. Dryer did fine, anyway. Hunter was a fun show. He made four guest appearances on Cheers, too.
I, for one, am grateful that they cast Danson instead. I still think his resemblance to Palmer is uncanny. Perhaps Palmer at least inspired the hairstyle...
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Jim Palmer
Player: Jim Palmer
Years of Service: 20 (1965-84)
Position: Pitcher
Photo via Baltimore Sports Then and Now
By nearly any measure, Jim Palmer is one of the best starting pitchers in Major League history. Where do you start? Three Cy Youngs, six All-Star games, four Gold Gloves, three World Series titles in three different decades, eight-time 20-game winner, two-time league ERA champ, 2,212 career strikeouts, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, etc., etc., etc. Every ace pitcher who has come through the organization since has contended with the misfortune of inevitable comparison to Palmer and none has come anywhere close.
By the time I was old enough to pay attention, Palmer was just as famous for his Jockey ads as for his on-field heroics. Scantily clad male athletes are hardly surprising anymore but Palmer was the pioneer.
Image via flickr
I have always assumed that Palmer was at least part of the inspiration for Sam Malone of Cheers in light of the fact that Ted Danson looks a lot like him, though I've never actually seen or heard any concrete proof of that.
Photo via Piece of Mind
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 20 (1965-84)
Position: Pitcher
Photo via Baltimore Sports Then and Now
By nearly any measure, Jim Palmer is one of the best starting pitchers in Major League history. Where do you start? Three Cy Youngs, six All-Star games, four Gold Gloves, three World Series titles in three different decades, eight-time 20-game winner, two-time league ERA champ, 2,212 career strikeouts, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, etc., etc., etc. Every ace pitcher who has come through the organization since has contended with the misfortune of inevitable comparison to Palmer and none has come anywhere close.
By the time I was old enough to pay attention, Palmer was just as famous for his Jockey ads as for his on-field heroics. Scantily clad male athletes are hardly surprising anymore but Palmer was the pioneer.
Image via flickr
I have always assumed that Palmer was at least part of the inspiration for Sam Malone of Cheers in light of the fact that Ted Danson looks a lot like him, though I've never actually seen or heard any concrete proof of that.
Photo via Piece of Mind
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Monday, April 18, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Gregg Olson
Player: Gregg Olson
Years of Service: 6 (1988-93)
Position: Pitcher
Image via Mr. Irrelevant
Olson was the Orioles' closer during one of the most pathetic stretches in team history - not that it was his fault. When it's your job to lock down the ninth inning, you can't really be blamed for what happens in the previous eight. I remember them drafting him very clearly. It was 1988, the season of the notorious 0-21 start. The streak was mercifully over by the time the draft rolled around but O's fans were still excited about Olson, a thoroughly dominant pitcher in both high school and college. He had not one but two devastating strikeout pitches: a great fastball and one of the best curves in baseball. That sort of weaponry is ideal for a closer.
Olson was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1989, his first full season. He was the first reliever ever to win the award. Olson might have ranked among the all-time greats if not for injury trouble later in his career. 217 career saves is still pretty good.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, check out my new blogger friend at Wistful Nebulae.
Years of Service: 6 (1988-93)
Position: Pitcher
Image via Mr. Irrelevant
Olson was the Orioles' closer during one of the most pathetic stretches in team history - not that it was his fault. When it's your job to lock down the ninth inning, you can't really be blamed for what happens in the previous eight. I remember them drafting him very clearly. It was 1988, the season of the notorious 0-21 start. The streak was mercifully over by the time the draft rolled around but O's fans were still excited about Olson, a thoroughly dominant pitcher in both high school and college. He had not one but two devastating strikeout pitches: a great fastball and one of the best curves in baseball. That sort of weaponry is ideal for a closer.
Olson was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1989, his first full season. He was the first reliever ever to win the award. Olson might have ranked among the all-time greats if not for injury trouble later in his career. 217 career saves is still pretty good.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, check out my new blogger friend at Wistful Nebulae.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Bob Nieman
Player: Bob Nieman
Years of Service: 6 (1951-52, 1956-59)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Seth.com
Nieman hit home runs in his first two major league at-bats, the first player ever to do so. He is the first on my A to Z list to play in both St. Louis Brown and Baltimore Oriole uniforms. He also played one year in Japan for the Chunichi Dragons.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
My friend and fellow music teacher Marc is jumping into the A to Z Challenge a little late but is doing double-time to catch up. Check him out at Marc Whitman's Blog.
Years of Service: 6 (1951-52, 1956-59)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Seth.com
Nieman hit home runs in his first two major league at-bats, the first player ever to do so. He is the first on my A to Z list to play in both St. Louis Brown and Baltimore Oriole uniforms. He also played one year in Japan for the Chunichi Dragons.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
My friend and fellow music teacher Marc is jumping into the A to Z Challenge a little late but is doing double-time to catch up. Check him out at Marc Whitman's Blog.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Eddie Murray
Player: Eddie Murray
Years of Service: 13 (1977-88, 1996)
Position: First Baseman
EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!
Photo via Camden Chat
By the time I was old enough to pay attention, Eddie Murray was the Orioles' big star. The hair, sideburns and bushy mustache added up to an iconic image of the era. Murray was, quite simply, one of the best switch hitters in baseball history. He was the third player to amass 3,000 hits and 500 homers for his career. The first two? Hank Aaron and Willie Mays - 'nuff said.
Murray was a no-brainer, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer and he is the first inductee on my A to Z list. As extraordinary as he was at the plate, it should not be forgotten that he was also a stellar first baseman. For his career, he won three Gold Gloves at the position. An early scouting report in the organization trumpeted his skill in turning a 3-6-3 double play.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 13 (1977-88, 1996)
Position: First Baseman
EDDIE! EDDIE! EDDIE!
Photo via Camden Chat
By the time I was old enough to pay attention, Eddie Murray was the Orioles' big star. The hair, sideburns and bushy mustache added up to an iconic image of the era. Murray was, quite simply, one of the best switch hitters in baseball history. He was the third player to amass 3,000 hits and 500 homers for his career. The first two? Hank Aaron and Willie Mays - 'nuff said.
Murray was a no-brainer, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer and he is the first inductee on my A to Z list. As extraordinary as he was at the plate, it should not be forgotten that he was also a stellar first baseman. For his career, he won three Gold Gloves at the position. An early scouting report in the organization trumpeted his skill in turning a 3-6-3 double play.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Chet Laabs
Player: Chet Laabs
Years of Service: 8 (1939-46)
Position: Outfielder
Image via The Full Wiki
On the day in 1944 when the St. Louis Browns beat the Yankees for their only American League pennant, Chet Laabs was the star, hitting two home runs on the final day of the regular season. He was an All-Star in 1943. However, his most productive season was 1942: .275 batting average, 27 homers, 90 runs scored and 99 RBI.
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In answer to Mock's question regarding Red Kress, he was traded to the White Sox in 1932 and then to the Senators in 1934. He played minor league ball in 1937 before finding his way back to the Browns in 1938.
Kress's journeyman career is interesting in light of a trend I've noticed on my A to Z list. I set the parameters for selection before I picked the players. For each letter, I chose the player who had the longest tenure with the club. What I've observed is a surprisingly high number of players who were known more for their defense than their offense. Mark Belanger is the perfect example: notoriously weak at the plate and yet considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever. That was enough for him to find a home with one of the era's strongest franchises for the better part of two decades. The lesson is pretty clear: fielding your position well is great for job security. Offensive prowess can be streaky but a good gloveman probably always will be one.
Which brings us to the case of Red Kress, jack of all trades. The Browns shipped him off after he'd had a string of solid offensive years, essentially when his stock was at a high point. He never matched the same success at bat but it seems his versatility in the field helped keep him in the sport for several more years. He played his last professional season in 1946 with the New York Giants at age 39.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 8 (1939-46)
Position: Outfielder
Image via The Full Wiki
On the day in 1944 when the St. Louis Browns beat the Yankees for their only American League pennant, Chet Laabs was the star, hitting two home runs on the final day of the regular season. He was an All-Star in 1943. However, his most productive season was 1942: .275 batting average, 27 homers, 90 runs scored and 99 RBI.
******************
In answer to Mock's question regarding Red Kress, he was traded to the White Sox in 1932 and then to the Senators in 1934. He played minor league ball in 1937 before finding his way back to the Browns in 1938.
Kress's journeyman career is interesting in light of a trend I've noticed on my A to Z list. I set the parameters for selection before I picked the players. For each letter, I chose the player who had the longest tenure with the club. What I've observed is a surprisingly high number of players who were known more for their defense than their offense. Mark Belanger is the perfect example: notoriously weak at the plate and yet considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever. That was enough for him to find a home with one of the era's strongest franchises for the better part of two decades. The lesson is pretty clear: fielding your position well is great for job security. Offensive prowess can be streaky but a good gloveman probably always will be one.
Which brings us to the case of Red Kress, jack of all trades. The Browns shipped him off after he'd had a string of solid offensive years, essentially when his stock was at a high point. He never matched the same success at bat but it seems his versatility in the field helped keep him in the sport for several more years. He played his last professional season in 1946 with the New York Giants at age 39.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Red Kress
Player: Red Kress
Years of Service: 8 (1927-32, 1938-39)
Position: Shortstop
Photo via Fanbase
Kress was the ultimate utility man, playing seven different positions during his major league career - all but catcher and center field. As a minor leaguer, he once played all nine positions in a single game. His professional highlight was a 22-game hitting streak in 1930.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 8 (1927-32, 1938-39)
Position: Shortstop
Photo via Fanbase
Kress was the ultimate utility man, playing seven different positions during his major league career - all but catcher and center field. As a minor leaguer, he once played all nine positions in a single game. His professional highlight was a 22-game hitting streak in 1930.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Baby Doll Jacobson
Player: Baby Doll Jacobson
Years of Service: 10 (1915, 1917, 1919-26)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Juggle.com
Another St. Louis Brown, Jacobson almost deserves inclusion here for the nickname alone. His .311 career batting average is good for 95th on the all-time major league list. He hit for the cycle on April 17, 1924.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Years of Service: 10 (1915, 1917, 1919-26)
Position: Outfielder
Image via Juggle.com
Another St. Louis Brown, Jacobson almost deserves inclusion here for the nickname alone. His .311 career batting average is good for 95th on the all-time major league list. He hit for the cycle on April 17, 1924.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
Monday, April 11, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: César Izturis
Player: César Izturis
Years of Service: 3 (2009-present)
Position: Shortstop
Photo via Dempsey's Army
Izturis is, simultaneously, the first current Oriole and the first international player to be featured in my A to Z list. Not much of a threat with a bat, he is one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball and will serve as utility man for the club this year. He made his first appearance last Thursday, starting at short against Detroit. With regular shortstop J.J. Hardy heading to the disabled list, Izturis is going to get a lot more work. He represented Venezuela in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The Venezuelans did well, making it to the semifinals before falling to South Korea.
Itzuris is a great clubhouse leader, too. Here is a very nice Baltimore Sun piece by Jeff Zrebiec from spring training.
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For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, I hope you'll check out my new blogging friends:
My First Book
Jeffrey Beesler's World of the Scribe
Years of Service: 3 (2009-present)
Position: Shortstop
Photo via Dempsey's Army
Izturis is, simultaneously, the first current Oriole and the first international player to be featured in my A to Z list. Not much of a threat with a bat, he is one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball and will serve as utility man for the club this year. He made his first appearance last Thursday, starting at short against Detroit. With regular shortstop J.J. Hardy heading to the disabled list, Izturis is going to get a lot more work. He represented Venezuela in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The Venezuelans did well, making it to the semifinals before falling to South Korea.
Itzuris is a great clubhouse leader, too. Here is a very nice Baltimore Sun piece by Jeff Zrebiec from spring training.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, I hope you'll check out my new blogging friends:
My First Book
Jeffrey Beesler's World of the Scribe
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A to Z, The Orioles' Legacy: Chris Hoiles
Player: Chris Hoiles
Years of Service: 10 (1989-98)
Position: Catcher
Image via Camden Chat
Hoiles was the prototypical working-class-guy catcher whom true baseball fans can't help but love. He was the regular man in the mask during the Orioles' minor resurgence in the '90s. In addition to his fielding services, Hoiles was a decent power hitter: 151 career homers and a .467 slugging percentage. On August 14, 1998, he hit two grand slams in one game.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, I hope you'll check out my new blogger friend at Oak Lawn Images.
Years of Service: 10 (1989-98)
Position: Catcher
Image via Camden Chat
Hoiles was the prototypical working-class-guy catcher whom true baseball fans can't help but love. He was the regular man in the mask during the Orioles' minor resurgence in the '90s. In addition to his fielding services, Hoiles was a decent power hitter: 151 career homers and a .467 slugging percentage. On August 14, 1998, he hit two grand slams in one game.
******************
For each letter of the A to Z Challenge, I will feature one player from Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns history. I hope you will join me. I hope you'll also check out the other 1200+ blogs participating. See the full list at Tossing It Out.
In particular, I hope you'll check out my new blogger friend at Oak Lawn Images.
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