The Baseball Hall of Fame (courtesy of tumblir.com)

The sun just rose from beyond the mountains at Cooperstown, New York. Howard and Victoria were already dressed and ready for the day to come. It was May 27th and (other than it being Memorial Day) it was the first day of the Cooperstown National Baseball Trivia Challenge. Competitors from all across the country were coming to compete in this challenge. Howard and Victoria had no idea that Grandpa John had signed them up to compete in the challenge. It wasn’t until they arrived in Cooperstown when Grandpa John told them of the events yet to come.

“Why didn’t you tell us about the Trivia contest before today?” Victoria asked Grandpa John a couple of days ago.

“I didn’t want you kids to be nervous. You both love baseball and I didn’t want this contest to make either of you feel sad. Baseball is meant to be enjoyed.”

Howard and Victoria were glad that Grandpa John didn’t mention the contest before they arrived to Cooperstown. The truth was they would’ve been nervous for the contest.

Victoria was hyper the morning of the contest. She couldn’t wait to get to the Baseball Hall of Fame and compete with the other contestants. However Howard didn’t seem as excited as his sister did. Even though Howard didn’t speak about it, Victoria and Grandpa John could tell Howard was troubled by something. They decided to see what was wrong with Howard.

“Howard my boy, what is troubling you? There appears to be so much doubt in your eyes.”

“Yeah bro. What are you worried about?”

Howard saw the concern his family was giving him and decided to speak up about it.

“I’m worried I won’t do well in the contest. Victoria is a baseball history genius. I’ve never once seen her stumped when it comes to baseball history.”

“Howard” said Victoria. “You love baseball just as much as I do.”

“Yes I do, but you’re a prodigy when it comes to the history of the game. How can I compete with that?”

Grandpa John was about to speak when Victoria jumped into the conversation.

“Remember when you and I were afraid to start our baseball seasons because of the fear that we might stink. Then Grandpa John taught us the story of Mickey Mantle and how he overcame his fears to become the greatest switch hitter of all time?”

“Yeah, I remember that. I remember how Mickey Mantle put so much pressure on himself that he did stink for a while. But then he realized baseball was a game meant to be played, not pressured. After he relaxed, Mickey Mantle became one of the greatest Yankees of all time.”

Grandpa John was swelling with pride as his grandchildren were acting with the maturity of any capable adult. As he was thinking this, Victoria continued:

“Exactly. What’s the point of putting pressure on yourself? You and I will go out there and have fun. If one of us wins, great! If not, we’ll be happy with the fact that we did our best and had fun while doing it.”

Howard looked at his twin sister, smiled and gave her a big hug. It was a moment that any Grandfather would be proud of. After a long thirty second hug, Howard looked at Victoria and Grandpa John, saying:

“Why are we sitting here? Let’s get to that Trivia contest!!!”

The drive from the hotel they were staying at to the Baseball Hall of Fame museum took five minutes. Howard and Victoria were stunned by the beauty that was Cooperstown. They found the calm serenity and peaceful atmosphere wonderful. Nearly every building made some reference to baseball. It was as if they were in Heaven.

They arrived at the Baseball Hall of Fame and marveled at its beauty. The brick walls outside the Hall of Fame were the same color as dirt from an infield. The doors stood fifteen feet tall and shined in the serenity of the morning sun. Howard, Victoria and Grandpa John walked into the building where a greeter stood before them saying:

“Welcome to the National Baseball Hall of Fame! Are you kids here for the trivia contest?”

“YES WE ARE!” exclaimed Howard and Victoria.

“Well please follow me and I’ll bring you over to the sign up table.”

As they began to follow the Baseball Hall of Fame greeter, a voice pierced through their ears like nails on a chalkboard. The loud voice called the hostess to come back where he said.

Inside the Hall of Fame Museum (Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org)

“Lady, the winner of the contest would like to enter as well.”

Grandpa John turned around to see the source of this weird voice. Upon seeing the face, his hands shook and cell phone dropped from his hands. Victoria bent down to pick up the cell phone while Howard asked:

“Grandpa, what’s wrong?’

Grandpa John didn’t respond to the question. He only walked up to the man and glaringly stared at him. The mystery man glared back for about a minute until Grandpa John finally spoke.

“What are you doing here Walter?”

“John, the old Yankee security guard. It’s been a long time hasn’t it.”

“Not long enough.”

The attendant cleared her voice and spoke to Walter saying:

“Sir, how can I help you?”

Walter glanced at the attendant, smiled and said:

My grandson is going to win this trivia competition. However I understand there is the formality of competing first. So where do I sign him up?

The attendant looked stunned by the response, but kept up her smile by saying:

“Follow us.”

So Walter and his grandson began to follow the attendant. Howard and Victoria took a look at the grandson. He stood tall and had curly red hair. They then looked at their grandfather who was fuming. Victoria was the first to ask:

“Grandpa, who is that?”

“His name is Walter Chamberlain. He used to be a security guard with the Yankees along side me back in the day.”

Howard then jumped in by saying:

“Grandpa, why do you look angry if he used to work with you?”

Grandpa John took a breath to calm down. He then smiled and said.

“That’s nothing for you kids to worry about. Go have fun with the contest. I’ll be rooting for you from the stands!!!”

Howard and Victoria entered their names in the contest directory. They were then brought to a room along with one hundred other contestants. Howard and Victoria at age 10 appeared to be the youngest competitors. They didn’t see Walter Chamberlain’s grandson and had began to forget about him. It was then an older women brought the contestants to attention. She was a tall women and appeared to be in her seventies. Her voice rang so loud that she didn’t need a microphone. She began to address the crowd.

“Contestants, welcome to the 50^th Baseball Hall of Fame Trivia Challenge. My name is Serena and I am the director of this contest. We look forward to seeing each of compete against one another with honor and skill. The rules of the challenge are simple. We will first test your baseball history knowledge by giving each of you a 100 question quiz. In order to advance to the next round, you must score an 80 or above on this test. Those who do score an 80 or above will move on to compete in the final rounds.”

Howard began to feel nervous again. However he remembered his sister’s advice and tried to calm down. The contestants were brought into an auditorium inside the Baseball Hall of Fame. They spread out through out the room so that no one could cheat. Each contestant was given a pencil and a Scantron. They were told they had two hours to complete the test. Howard and Victoria wished each other luck and took their places. Serena then announced:

“May the contest officially begin!”

The questions on the test were difficult. A good portion of the questions read like this:

What was Mickey Mantle’s batting average in 1956?

How many strikeouts did Whitey Ford have in his career?

Name the original five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Howard took a breath and began to answer the questions. He remembered all the stories that Grandpa John had taught about baseball history. The one thing Howard loved about Baseball History was the story beyond the stats. That’s how Howard was able to answer all the questions; he looked for the meaning of the game, not just the numbers beyond it.

Both Victoria and Howard handed in their questions at the same time. When all the contestants had finished the test, Serena put the answer sheets into a Scranton machine that automatically graded the tests. After the results had been accounted for, Serena stood up in front of the crowd and began to speak:

“Congratulations to all the competitors. We have eight competitors that have made it to the final rounds. I will call each of their names along with their scores.”

Howard and Victoria were nervous and looked at each other.

“Good Luck Sis.”

“Good Luck Bro.”

Serena then read out the names:

“Joe Drury, Hannah Gervaz, Derek Smith, Patti Oyster and Ami Lee all scored an 81.

Howard Orso scored an 85.”

What will happen in Part 2? (Courtesy of proginosko.com)

Howard smiled from ear to ear. He couldn’t believe he had actually made the finals. However there were only two names left to be called and Victoria was still waiting.

“And we have a tie for first place. Both Victoria Orso and Eric Chamberlain received a perfect score.”

Victoria was screaming and Howard left his seat to give his sister a hug. Grandpa John soon followed from the stands.

“I’m so proud of you kids.”

However Walter Chamberlain and his grandson Eric approached Howard and Victoria. Walter had a glare in his eye. He paid no attention to the kids, but stared right at Grandpa John saying.

“Don’t think for one second this means you’re kids have won. Eric is the greatest baseball history prodigy in the world. You’re grandchildren are nothing compared to him.”

Howard and Victoria were stunned. Grandpa John began to fume and Eric just stood there quietly. He had a big grin on his face along with the aura of superiority. It was then Howard said:

“This contest is about the love of the game. May the best boy or girl come out victorious.”

Walter Chamberlain laughed and Eric walked up to Howard. He smiled and said:

“Baseball is about winning and losing; and I’m going to win.”

They then walked away. Serena began to speak again on the podium.

“Congratulations are in order to our finalists. You should all be proud of making it this far. In honor of our 50^th anniversary, the winner of this years contest will be hired as a baseball historian for the summer. The next round will start tomorrow. Good Luck to everyone!!!”

How do Grandpa John and Walter Chamberlain know each other? How will Howard and Victoria do in the finals? Will Eric Chamberlain be able to back up his cockiness? Comment below on what you think will happen! PART 2 will come out on Tuesday May 28^th! 

The State symbol for Oklahoma! (Courtesy of statesymbolsusa.org)

Please comment in the comment section below any thoughts and prayers you would like to give. We are a baseball magazine, but first and foremost we are human. The entire staff at New Jersey Baseball Magazine sends our thoughts and prayers to these innocent people caught in an unbelievable tragedy!!!! May they stay safe and work together to rebuild even stronger than before!

Below is a quote by Jackie Robinson in hopes that people all across the country will help one another during this tragedy:

“A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.” -Jackie Robinson

Miguel Cabrera in action! (Courtesy of sacbee.com)

As great as Joe DiMaggio was, I feel that fans are being given a special treat in baseball today. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers has opened eyes in a way few have done in the history of baseball. I’ve seen many fans compare Miguel Cabrera to Manny Ramirez, another great right handed hitter based on their physical skills and grace (or lack there of) while playing defense. However I believe Miguel Cabrera can be compared to Joe DiMaggio for one specific reason ; the magnificence of his swing.

Miguel Cabrera has the most graceful approach to hitting that I’ve ever seen. The mechanics of his swing are sound and smooth; as if the swing was being produced in rhythm with the classical music of Beethoven. Yet with all the grace of his swing comes a driving force that makes any baseball tremble in it’s seams. It’s the brilliant simplicity but powerful approach that makes Miguel Cabrera’s swing so unique from any other. Joe DiMaggio was the same way. My grandfather has seen every baseball player since the time of Lou Gehrig onward. However he’s always maintained that Joe DiMaggio was the best hitter he’s ever seen.

The stats through their careers are so similar; it’s mind boggling. Joe DiMaggio was a .325 career hitter. He had 361 HR and 1537 RBI in thirteen Major League seasons. Thru a little more than ten seasons, Miguel Cabrera is batting .320 with 332 HR and 1170 RBI. Both DiMaggio and Cabrera have won two batting titles. Another chilling fact is that both DiMaggio and Cabrera have only hit under .290 once in their careers. Miguel Cabrera hit .268 in his rookie season of 2003. Joe DiMaggio hit .263 in his final season of 1951.

Joe DiMaggio was more of a winner than Miguel Cabrera. DiMaggio won nine World Series titles with the Yankees. Miguel Cabrera won his only World Series title in 2003 when the Marlins defeated the Yankees. That is one of the many reasons why Joe DiMaggio is the better player of the two. However no one can doubt pure offensive talent that is Miguel Cabrera.

Many people that are born with talent never use it to their potential. It’s a sad but true reality of life. Miguel Cabrera is not one of those people. Many in the past doubted if Cabrera could be an all star level players. Those doubts have quickly faded into eternity. I believe the only doubt that should remain with Miguel Cabrera is will he become the greatest hitter in the history of baseball? That’s a debate that everyone can discuss.

Joe DiMaggio, one of baseball’s all time greats! (Courtesy of factmonster.com)

Like I said before, my grandfather did tell me he considered it a privilege and honor to watch Joe DiMaggio hit. Well sixty years down the road when I’m old enough to be a grandfather, I hope to have the same conversation with my grandchildren. The only difference is that I will call Miguel Cabrera the greatest hitter I have ever seen.

Who do you think is the greatest hitter of all time? Comment below and you’re answer might be picked in the next edition of NJ or LI Baseball Magazine!!!!!!!

18 month year old CC (Courtesy of blacksportsonline.com)

Matt Nadel tweeted out a video from mashable.com. The video is of an 18 month year old baby girl named CC. Now CC isn’t your normal 18 month year old girl. Besides spending her day eating baby food, sleeping and occasionally learning how to walk, CC recites New York Yankees history.

In the video posted on mashable.com, CC was asked (by presumably her parents) to name former New York Yankee legends based on the numbers they wore. Without any help CC was able to name Billy Martin (#1), Babe Ruth (#3) and Yogi Berra (#8) with no help. However she knew the names Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bill Dickey, Phil Rizzuto and Thurman Munson with help from her relatives.

I was impressed that CC could name all these Yankees. You can tell by watching the video that CC is a future baseball historian in the making. I always say that there are great sports historians starting their careers at a young age (including Matt Nadel, Emily Gruver of fansided.com , Chris Cotillo of Trade Deadliner and myself.) However we had all better step up our game. At an age where most of us were crawling, young CC is becoming a great baseball historian!!!!

(Here is the link to the video of CC. The video is accompanied by an article from Sam Laird of mashable.com. http://mashable.com/2013/05/09/baby-baseball-yankees-fan/)

We join Grandpa John along with his grandchildren Howard and Victoria in Land High Lakes for another edition of Baseball Card Generations.

Howard and Victoria had just finished playing their little league baseball game. Grandpa John had been watching the game from the stands. Howard went 1-3 with a single and a stolen base. Victoria pitched five shutout innings and didn’t allow a run. The team (Land High Yankees) won the game 5-0. Grandpa John expected Howard and Victoria to be happy. However he saw tears in the eyes of Victoria as she made her way down to the stands.

“Grandpa, I never want to play baseball again!” said Victoria.

Grandpa John was astonished. Victoria loved baseball. All she did was eat, sleep and talk baseball.

“Victoria why do you want to quit? You’ve loved baseball ever since you were a little girl.”

This is where Howard jumped in.

“Victoria wants to quit because of what some of our teammates were saying. They were angry that Victoria got to pitch today because she’s a girl. A lot of the other kids were saying that Victoria should play baseball because girls aren’t good at baseball.”

Phil Rizzuto Topps 1953 Baseball Card (Courtesy of 1953toppsset.com)

Grandpa John became angry. He was half tempted to yell at the other children’s parents. However he took a breath and asked Howard and Victoria to sit down. It was then Grandpa John took a baseball card out of his pocket. Victoria wiped the tears from her eyes to see the baseball card. She read the name of the card out loud.

“It’s a Topps 1953 Phil Rizzuto Baseball Card.” said Victoria.

“Yes, you’re absolutely right Victoria. This is a Topps 1953 Phil Rizzuto Baseball Card.” said Grandpa John.

“Phil Rizzuto is a Hall of Fame shortstop, right Grandpa?” asked Howard.

“Yes Howard. Phil Rizzuto is a Hall of Fame shortstop.” said Grandpa John. In fact many consider Phil Rizzuto to be the greatest defensive shortstop of his era. My father once took me to see Phil Rizzuto play. I remember that Rizzuto was so graceful in the field. He made plays that normal shortstops could only dream about.”

Grandpa John sensed that Victoria was starting to become interested in the conversation, so he asked her:

“Victoria, do you know what Phil Rizzuto was most known for as a baseball player?”

Victoria sat up on the bench and thought for a moment. Both Howard and Grandpa John could see that Victoria was thinking rather hard on the subject. It was about a minute before she answered Grandpa John’s question.

“I think Phil Rizzuto was most known for being the heart and soul of the Yankees’ 1940′s-1950′s dynasty.”

“I was hoping you would say that Victoria.” said Grandpa John. “You’re right, Phil Rizzuto was the heart and soul of the Yankees’ dynasty of the 1940′s and 1950′s. In fact Ted Williams once said that the Red Sox would’ve beaten the Yankees if the Red Sox had Phil Rizzuto and the Yankees didn’t. He was highly respected for his love of the game and his will to succeed.”

By this time Victoria was listening to every word that Grandpa John was saying.

“However there were many people who felt Phil Rizzuto wasn’t meant to be a baseball player. Casey Stengel was managing the Dodgers in the late 1930′s when Rizzuto came for a tryout. Casey looked at Phil and told him that he’d never be a baseball player and should pick up a shoe shine kit. Phil was upset that Casey insulted him like this.”

Howard then asked:

“Why would Casey Stengel say that to Phil Rizzuto?”

“Good question Howard.” said Grandpa John. “You see Phil Rizzuto was a very small man. Some children in the 1940′s were larger than Rizzuto was. Casey thought just because Phil Rizzuto was short that he wouldn’t make it as a baseball player. Now while Phil was saddened by what Casey said, he didn’t give up. Phil Rizzuto was determined to make it to the big leagues and prove his doubters wrong. Rizzuto didn’t let a narrow minded person step in the way between him and his dreams.”

Both Howard and Grandpa John looked at Victoria, who seemed to understand what Grandpa John was trying to tell her.

“Phil Rizzuto did prove Casey Stengel wrong.” exclaimed Victoria. “Phil Rizzuto won seven World Series titles from the Yankees in a 13 year career. He won the 1950 AL MVP by batting .324 and smacking 200 hits. Phil Rizzuto also made a career as a baseball broadcaster for the Yankees. And what’s cool about that is a lot of professional broadcasters at the time thought Rizzuto wouldn’t make it as a broadcaster. However he proved his doubters wrong again. Phil eventually made the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.”

“Wow Sis!” said Howard. “Is there anything you don’ know about baseball?”

“Well I don’t know why our teammates were so mean to me today?”

Grandpa John jumped in and said:

Phil Rizzuto playing great defense! (Courtesy of observer.com)

“Those kids were acting like Casey Stengel. They were being narrow minded and didn’t see what was right in front of them. Victoria you’re great at baseball. If you want to play, then play. Don’t let the opinion of some narrow minded kids get in the way of following your dreams.”

Suddenly Victoria smiled. She stood up and gave a hug to Howard and Grandpa John.

“You guys are the best!” she said. “I won’t quit baseball. More importantly, I won’t let the opinions of some narrow minded people stop me from making my dreams come true!”

Grandpa John smiled and said:

“I’m glad to hear it. But I also hear the ice cream truck. Do you guys want some ice cream?”

Howard and Victoria nodded their heads and ran to the ice cream truck. As they were eating their ice cream, Howard and Victoria reflected on the story of Phil Rizzuto. Both Howard and Victoria realized they should always work hard for what they believe in and never give up on their dreams.  

]]> http://www.njbaseballmag.com/index.php/2013/05/baseball-card-generations-phil-rizzuto-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.njbaseballmag.com/index.php/2013/05/baseball-with-matt-sam-mcdowell/ http://www.njbaseballmag.com/index.php/2013/05/baseball-with-matt-sam-mcdowell/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 23:39:54 +0000 Matt Nadel http://www.njbaseballmag.com/?p=1262 Hey baseball fans!

Matt Nadel here of Baseball with Matt with some more baseball history. I know that the Indians don’t have the greatest history of producing winning pitchers, except for Bob Feller and Satchel Paige. However, there was a certain pitcher on Cleveland that was pretty good, and if he had been on a better team, he would’ve been a 200+ game winner and a possible Hall of Famer. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Sam McDowell!

Sam McDowell (Courtesy of http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ )

“Sudden” Sam McDowell (nicknamed because of his soft pitching motion that produced a lightning fast fastball) played for the Indians, Giants, Yankees, and Pirates from 1961-1975. In his 15-year career, the six-time All Star posted a record of 141-134 with a 3.17 ERA. Actually, if not for some bad seasons towards the end of his career, he could have easily had an ERA under three! He led the league in earned run average in 1965 (2.18) and had a career low 1.81 ERA in 1968. However, he went 15-14 that year because his team (the Indians) didn’t give him any run support, but like I said before, if he was on a better club, he would have a lot more wins and a lot less losses.

Overall, Sam is not getting into the Hall any time soon. However, he will always be known by Cleveland fans as one of the best in the business. Anyway, thanks for reading this post and I hope you enjoyed it. Check back in a couple of days for more of “all the buzz on what wuzz.”

However I’ve learned through out the years that I was not the only member of my family to play high school baseball. My grandfather played a couple of seasons when he was a kid. But it was his brother; my great uncle Anthony (“Tony” for short) who excelled at the sport.

Anthony Orso could’ve been the next Joe DiMaggio (Image courtesy of factmonster.com)

I know through my own research and talking with family members that Uncle Tony was an exceptional high school baseball player. He played center field for Fort Lee high school more than sixty years ago. My grandfather told me Uncle Tony had blinding speed and a “DiMaggio like” grace in the outfield. There was no baseball he couldn’t catch. Normally some relatives will exaggerate family stories. However my grandfather never exaggerates. He always tells you like it is. If he said Uncle Tony was fast, then I believe him.

However I know through research that it wasn’t my grandfather alone who thought the world of Uncle Tony; baseball scouts did as well. A lot of scouts came to the games my great uncle played in, including scouts from the New York Yankees. I heard that one scout told my great grand parents that Uncle Tony could be the net center fielder for the New York Yankees. This was around the time where Joe DiMaggio was ending his career and the Yankees were looking for a center fielder. Uncle Tony was offered a contract by the Yankees to attend Spring Training with the club. I don’t have an exact year but I know it was around the 1947 or 1948 season.

Uncle Tony loved everything about the Yankees. The pride and tradition of the pinstripes spoke to him. He loved every minute of baseball and was eager to sign with the Yankees. However my great grandmother had other ideas. She didn’t want Tony to move to Florida for Spring Training. My great grandmother was an Italian immigrant and didn’t understand baseball. She thought Florida was “a million miles away” and refused to give Uncle Tony her blessing on the matter.

Even though he was eighteen and could legally make his own decisions, Uncle Tony chose to listen to his mother. He believed that family was the most important thing in the world to him and would not become a Yankee if his mother refused it. Uncle Tony never signed with the Yankees and became a lifetime grocery store clerk.

My grandfather said everyone was for the idea of Tony going except his mother. Tony respected his elders in a way most people in this generation do. Tony gave up the chance for fame and fortune in order to respect his mother’s wishes. How many of us can look inside ourselves and say we’d do the same thing? While I hope I could, I honestly don’t know. Anthony Orso could’ve been a Yankee and I’m sure wondered it to his dying day. Uncle Tony passed away in the summer of 2012.

I wrote this article with mother’s day in mind. How many of us would give up our dreams to make our mother’s happy? It’s a bold and one that many don’t have to respond to. While Uncle Tony never became a Yankee, I and the rest of my family certainly respect him for the decision that he made. Rest in Peace Uncle Tony; you always had the heart of a Yankee….

The George Washington Bridge connecting Fort Lee to New York (Courtesy of britannica.com)

(HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!!)

Satchel Paige Topps 1952 Baseball Card (Courtesy of 1952toppsbaseballcards.com)

We join Grandpa John along with his grandchildren Howard and Victoria in Land high Lakes for another edition of Baseball Card Generations.

Howard and Victoria were sitting on bench outside of their school waiting for Grandpa John to pick them up. Looks of sadness were apparent on the children’s face as their grandfather pulled up his car. Grandpa John took note of his grandchildren’s frowns and asked:

“Now why are you kids frowning. It’s Friday for goodness sake. You have the weekend to relax.”

Howard and Victoria looked up at their grandfather with wide eyes. Victoria was the first to speak saying:

“I failed my science test even though I studied hours for it.”

Howard followed suit by saying:

“I failed my math test even though I studied hours for it.”

Grandpa John knew his grandchildren put their heart and souls into everything they tried to accomplish. In fact he had seen them study their butts off for each exam. The kids stayed quiet the rest of the way home. When Grandpa John pulled his van into the driveway, he turned to the kids and said:

“Kids I know you both studied hard for those tests. I’m glad that you both worked hard and one day that hard work will pay off.”

Howard looked at Grandpa John with sad eyes and said:

“How do you know that our hard work will pay off Grandpa?”

Grandpa John looked at his kids trying to think of a way to cheer them up. It was then an idea blew into his mind. As they entered the house, Grandpa John told Howard and Victoria to sit in the television room and wait for him.

“I wonder what Grandpa is going to show us?” asked Victoria.

“It probably has something to do with baseball.” asked Howard.

Victoria was about to exclaim “I hope so” when Grandpa John walked into the room. He was rubbing his beard and clearly thinking about something. Howard and Victoria were still bummed about their tests and weren’t paying attention to Grandpa John’s movement. Then all of sudden Grandpa John said:

“Kids I want you to see something.”

So Howard and Victoria walked over to Grandpa John and sat beside him on the coach. It was then Grandpa John pulled out a baseball card. Ordinarily Howard and Victoria would’ve been thrilled to see their Grandfather pull out a baseball card. However the failed tests were still fresh in their minds. They didn’t even read the name of the card out loud. Instead they muttered the name of the baseball player:

“Satchel Paige,” they muttered.

“Kids I know you’re upset you didn’t do well on your tests.” said Grandpa John. “But there’s no reason to give up or be down on yourselves. You know I can remember a time when Satchel Paige was even more disappointed than the two of you.”

Both Howard and Victoria looked up with slightly more interest. Victoria muttered up the strength to say;

“Why was Satchel Paige disappointed Grandpa? He was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history!”

“You’re right Victoria he was one of the greatest in baseball history.” replied Grandpa John. “But there in lies the problem. You see Satchel Paige made his professional baseball debut in 1927 with the Birmingham Back Barons.”

Howard then chimed in:

“The Birmingham Black Barons were a part of the Negro Leagues, right Grandpa?”

“Yes they were Howard. Now at the time Satchel Paige star in the Negro Leagues. The legends say Satchel won more than 1000 games in his professional career. His fastball was rumored to be thrown around 110 miles per hour. Even Babe Ruth himself said Satchel Paige was one of the greatest pitchers he ever faced.”

Satchel Paige: The Legend! (Image courtesy of wikipedia,org)

By this time Howard and Victoria were listening to their Grandfather with great enthusiasm.

“Despite all this success in the Negro Leagues, Satchel was never given the credit he deserved. You see racism ran rampant in the United States during this time period. Many people refused to acknowledge Satchel Paige has a great pitcher due to the color of his skin. It was a horrendous time for many great Negro League players.

Satchel Paige lost his chance of becoming a national icon because of the country’s narrow minded thinking. While he did make the Major Leagues in 1948; Satchel never got to play there in the prime of his career. It’s a sad disappointment that many Negro Leaguers faced. It would’ve been wonderful to see the stars of the Negro Leagues competing in the Major Leagues for the world to see.”

Victoria then blurted out:

“But Satchel Paige was a two-time all star and had a career 3.28 ERA in the Major Leagues. I think that’s pretty good Grandpa.”

Grandpa John smiled at Victoria and Howard; who was nodding in agreement with his twin sister.

“You’re right Victoria,” said Grandpa John “Satchel Paige did have a very good Major League career. However he was well over forty by the time he made the Major Leagues. Imagine if Satchel made the Majors in the prime of his career! It would’ve been a true sight to behold. Satchel had to handle the disappointment of not making the Major Leagues for twenty years. But like you said Victoria; he did make the Major Leagues and was an all star to boot!

Satchel knew that all his hard work and determination would one day pay off for him. He never gave up and pursued his dreams of becoming a baseball star that everyone respected. That dream came true in 1971 when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It was then everyone in the baseball world knew and respected the name Satchel Paige. Satchel had finally become the legend he deserved to be.”

Howard and Victoria finally put smiles on their faces. They looked at their Grandfather and shouted to heavens:

“Thank you Grandpa. We won’t let one test beat us. We’ll continue to work hard and do the best we can!”

Grandpa John smiled at the kids and gave them a hug. He looked at his grand kids and then at his watch and began to shout:

“Holy Cow! The Yankee game starts in five minutes. Kids, you put on the television while I grab some ice cream!”

Howard and Victoria laughed. They ran to couch and turned on the television. While Grandpa John was making their favorite ice cream (double chocolate chip) they reflected on the story of Satchel Paige. Howard and Victoria realized that no matter how disappointed they were about something, giving up would never be an option! 

We join Grandpa John along with his grandchildren Howard and Victoria in Land high Lakes for another edition of Baseball Card Generations.

Mickey Mantle Topps 1952 Baseball Card (Courtesy of newsday.com)

It was a beautiful, sunny day at Land High Lakes. The sun shined brightly in the sky and temperature was perfect to go outside and play some baseball. In fact Howard and Victoria are doing just that. Today is Opening Day for Howard and Victoria’s little league team and the kids were getting ready to head to the field.

Grandpa John walked in to see his grandchildren dressed, but with looks of doubt all over their faces.

“What’s wrong with you kids?” asked Grandpa John. “It’s opening day! You should be happy and excited for the start of a new season.”

Howard and Victoria both looked at the ground and then up at Grandpa John. Then at the same time, they both said “We’re afraid, Grandpa. What if we have a horrible season?”

Grandpa John saw the doubt and fear in his grandchildren’s eyes. He knew something had to be done in order to lighten up their spirits. It was at that moment when Grandpa John came up with an idea.

“You know kids, seeing you worried about your upcoming season reminds me of a baseball card I have. Wait here for a second.”

As Grandpa John walked out of the room, Howard and Victoria began to wonder out loud.

“I wonder what baseball card he’s talking about?” asked Howard.

“I’m wondering how he always has a baseball card that’s able to help us in life?” asked Victoria.

It was then Grandpa John walked back into the room. In his hands, Grandpa John was holding a baseball card. The card was in a double layered protective case. Howard and Victoria looked up at the card and read the name out loud.

“Mickey Mantle” they said together.

“Yes kids this is a Mickey Mantle baseball card” said Grandpa John. “To be more precise, it’s a Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card.

“Why are you showing us a Mickey Mantle baseball card Grandpa?” asked Howard. “Mickey Mantle never worried or stressed about baseball; he’s a Hall of Famer!”

Grandpa John looked at Howard and smiled.

“You’re only half right Howard. Yes Mickey Mantle is a Hall of Fame baseball player. In fact I think he was one of the greatest players in baseball history.”

It was then Victoria decided to chime in.

“Mickey Mantle was a career .298 hitter. He was known “The Mick” by his teammates. His 536 career home runs are second in Yankees’ history; trailing only babe Ruth himself. Mickey Mantle also holds the record for most career World Series home runs with 18. He finished his career with 3 MVPs and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.”

Howard and Grandpa John looked at Victoria as if she had three heads. They both knew that Victoria was a baseball historian at heart; but even she never spouted baseball statistics that quickly.

“Well Victoria, that was a lot of information; even for you!” said Grandpa John

“Yeah sis. How did you know all that?”

“I watched Yankeeography “Mickey Mantle” this morning” Victoria said with a smile.

Mickey Mantle swinging (Courtesy of art.com)

Grandpa John burst into laughter. He had a huge smile on his face. As he fought through the tears in his eyes, Grandpa John said:

“Well you’re absolutely right Victoria. However there was a reason I chose this baseball card to show you. You see Mickey Mantle put a lot of pressure on himself early on in his career. Many people thought Mantle was the next “Joe DiMaggio” and as such Mantle put high expectations on himself.”

Howard and Victoria began to listen even harder as their grandfather continued to talk.

“In fact Mickey was sent down to the minor leagues because he was struggling so badly. Mickey was thinking about quitting baseball until his father told him to “man up” and play the game he loved. It was then Mickey took the pressure off of himself and began to play baseball the way he always did; with passion and pride.

Mantle returned to the Major Leagues later that season and helped the Yankees win the World Series. He never looked back. You see kids; the moral of the story is to never put pressure on yourself while playing baseball. Baseball is the greatest game on earth and should be played for fun and the love of the game. Once Mickey realized that again, he became one of the greatest players in baseball history!”

Howard and Victoria smiled. They realized that putting pressure on themselves was useless. They needed to go out and play baseball to the best of their abilities and have fun while doing it. Then at the same time Howard and Victoria said:

“Thank you Grandpa!”

“You’re welcome kids. Now let’s get a move on. Grandma is already in the car and we got ourselves a little league game to get!”

Howard and Victoria then ran to the car. While sitting in the back as Grandpa John drove to the field; they remembered the story of Mickey Mantle. Howard and Victoria realized that baseball was a game to be played for fun. Never again would they worry about stressing themselves out playing baseball. Baseball was meant to be fun and Howard and Victoria were going of have a lot of fun!    

Coaches should only yell in MLB (Image courtesy of hubages.com)

Apparently in Ocean County (according to NJ.com), a little league manager (10-12 year old players) hit a 17 year old umpire in the face for ejecting him from a game. The manager was arrested at his house and taken to prison.

This is unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone. Coaches for youth sports are supposed to set an example. Kids should be learning about honor, pride and having a hard work ethic from coaches; not witnesses their coach commit a crime.

The good news is that the umpire did not require medical attention. However this shouldn’t have happened in the first place. A 17 year old umpire is not going to eject a coach unless the coach was acting up. This “role model” (using the term loosely) acted inappropriately and was ejected from the game as a result. He should’ve left the game quietly and not made a scene. This isn’t the Major Leagues; it’s little league baseball. These kids deserve better than this moron who was coaching the team.

These are 10, 11, and 12 year old kids. They need coaches to set the right example. For a coach to act so inappropriately is a disgrace to the game of baseball and the badge of honor a coach is supposed to wear. Kids play baseball for the thrill of competition and the passion of the game. They don’t deserve to witness such disturbing behavior by their “mentor and leader.”

The coach (Thomas Murphy) should not be allowed to coach for a long time. His arrogance and disrespect dishonors the central mission of little league baseball. Little League is meant to bring children together in the spirit and competition of baseball. With his actions, Thomas Murphy has brought a black eye to little league baseball. The 17 year old umpire deserves better, the kids deserve better and the great game of baseball deserves better!

We join Grandpa John along with his grandchildren Howard and Victoria in Land high Lakes for another edition of Baseball Card Generations.

Jim “Catfish” Hunter pitching (Courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

Howard, Victoria and Grandpa John were sitting in a hospital waiting room. It was nothing serious; Grandma Theresa was just picking up her medications from the doctors. It always took a while because Grandma Theresa liked to talk to the doctors, so a fifteen minute appointment would often take an hour or two.

As Grandpa John and the kids were sitting, an older gentlemen was making his way towards Grandpa John. The man was walking with a severe limp and a cane. He stood in front of Grandpa John and said:

“John that can’t be you can it?”

Grandpa John looked up and immediately had a big smile on his face. He stood up and gave the gentleman a huge bear hug. Howard and Victoria looked up to see who their grandfather could be hugging in the middle of a hospital room.

“Kids, this is my older partner Vinny from the Police Force. We worked together for many years.” said Grandpa John. “Speaking of which, what are you doing here Vinny?”

“I had to visit my doctors. The ALS has progressed a little quicker than originally thought.”

“You poor thing. Do you have time to sit down?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. My wife is waiting in the car. I’ll talk too you soon John. It was nice meeting you kids.”

With that Vinny walked away to meet his wife. Grandpa John sat down and became deep in thought. After a minute of thinking Grandpa John spoke to the kids:

“Vinny was my partner in the police for for thirty-two years. He’s a good man and a loyal friend. But about a year ago he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. The poor man never saw it coming. What do you kids know about Lou Gehrig’s disease?”

Victoria jumped in first by saying “I know the disease was named after former Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig.”

Then Howard said “I know the disease causes your body to stop moving.”

“Both of you are correct. In fact I happen to have a baseball card with me that will help to explain this disease a little better.”

Howard and Victoria looked up immediately. They always knew their grandfather carried around a baseball card with him, but what were the odds that this card had anything to do with Lou Gehrig’s disease?

Grandpa John took a card out of his coat pocket. The card had a picture of a New York Yankee pitcher. The bottom of the card read “Jim Hunter.” Both Howard and Victoria said at the same time.

“That’s Jim Catfish Hunter isn’t it Grandpa?”

“Yes kids, this is a Jim Hunter; well Catfish Hunter Topps 1979 baseball card.”

Jim “Catfish” Hunter Topps 1979 Baseball Card (Courtesy of proxibid.com)

Howard then suddenly asked “What does Catfish Hunter have to do with Lou Gehrig’s disease?”

“Well Howard that’s a great question,” said Grandpa John; “I’ll start off by saying that Catfish Hunter was an amazing pitcher. He won 224 games for the Athletics and the Yankees.”

Victoria chimed in “He won the 1974 AL CY Young award , right Grandpa?”

“Right you are Victoria. He did win the 1974 AL CY Young award” said Grandpa John. “In fact he also a threw a perfect game. Hunter was considered on of the most consistent pitchers in baseball history. From 1971-1975, Catfish Hunter won at least 21 games every season. There was no pitcher who brought more passion and intensity to the game.”

Howard and Victoria looked intently at their Grandpa as he continued.

“Hunter won five World Series championships. His heart and determination made the fans fall in love with him. In essence Catfish Hunter was a winner and because of that he was inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.”

“But Grandpa I still don’t understand what Catfish Hunter has to do with Lou Gehrig’s disease?” asked Howard.

Grandpa John laughed and said “Well you see Howard, Hunter became ill later in life. As it turns out he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He ended up dying from it. However many fans still remember Hunter because of the impact he had on the game of baseball. It was his spirit and love for the game that separated him from the rest. In fact every year since Hunter died, the town of Hertford, North Carolina holds a charity softball game to raise money for Lou Gehrig’s disease research.

As Grandpa John finished talking, he and the kids noticed Grandma Theresa looking at them.

“Usually I’m the one that talks for a long time. Well I’ve been waiting here for twenty minutes.”

Grandpa John and the kids laughed. Grandpa John then looked at his grandchildren and asked “OK, who wants some ice cream?”

Howard and Victoria quickly nodded their heads and ran into the car. As they waited to get their ice cream, Howard and Victoria thought about Catfish Hunter and the legacy he left behind as a baseball player and as a person.