“I don’t think anyone ever liked to play more than I did.” ~ Nellie Fox
I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Labour Day! I was going to publish something yesterday and quite frankly I didn’t have anything finished and it seemed sacrilegious to “work” on a day dedicated to not working. I knew I wouldn’t have time to finish anything today and so, it was back to notes and little snippets.
Mike Shannon played for and then was the Saint Louis Cardinals announcer for many years. Shannon was an outfielder but was moved to third base. While not being overly familiar at that position, he went to the mound and asked Bob Gibson where he should play the hitter. Gibson told him not to worry about it, he said he wouldn’t let them hit the ball to Shannon at third.
“Nah, Thurman’s not moody. When you’re moody you’re nice sometimes. Thurman’s just mean.” ~ Sparky Lyle, Yankee Pitcher
Only 4 pitchers from Fullerton Union High School, Fullerton, California have played in the MLB. All 4 have thrown a No-Hitter.
MLB seasons and No-Hitter Dates:
Watler Johnson 21 Seasons 7/1/1920
Michael Lorenzen 9 Seasons 8/9/23
Steve Busby 8 Seasons 4/27/73 and 6/19/74
Mike Warren 3 Seasons 9/29/1983
In 1965 Sandy Koufax registered 95 more strikeouts with 382 than runners allowed, 297.
“Someday I’m going to have to stand before God, and if He asks me why I didn’t let that Jackie Robinson fellow play ball, I don’t think saying ‘because of the color of his skin’ would be a good enough answer.” ~ Branch Rickey
On September 3, 1928, Ty Cobb hits a pinch hit double in the ninth inning for the Philadelphia Athletics in their first game of the double-header against the Washington Senators. It turns out to be his last career hit.
“I get the ball, I throw the ball, and then I take a shower.” ~ Mariano Rivera, Yankee Relief Pitcher
Between 1915 and 1935 Babe Ruth had more home runs with 714 than the entire Boston Red Sox team which had 712. Interestingly enough, 43 of those Red Sox home runs were hit by Ruth when he played for them.
When Preacher Roe was asked what the best way is to get Stan Musial out, he replied, “I throw him four wide ones and then try and pick him off first base.”
Tony Gwynn went 1,502 straight plate appearances without striking out in consecutive at-bats.
Johnny Podres, (Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers 1953-1966, Detroit Tigers 1966-67 and San Diego Padres 1969) pitched his last season for the expansion San Diego team. He joked, I had to give them a shot since they went to all the trouble of naming the team after me.
There’s another knuckle-ball pitcher in MLB. Matt Waldron made his major league debut on June 24, 2023, with the San Diego Padres. I hope he sticks; the game needs the knuckle ball.
Vin Scully called a game managed by Connie Mack (born in 1862). Vin Scully called a game pitched by Julio Urias (born in 1996). That’s 134 years of separation.
“I don’t own a gun, but I keep a bag of baseballs near our bed. If someone breaks in, they better be wearing a batting helmet because I’m going to throw at their head.” ~Randy Johnson
Online joke: Stay safe out there everyone. I had 2 tickets for the New York Mets game in my car and someone broke in and left 4 more.
If you are new to “Comments” feel free to browse the Archives for past articles. If you enjoyed this one, please click on the previous posts of this subject, “Hits and Runs”, “Hits and Runs II”, “Hits and Runs III”, “Hits and Runs IV” “Hits and Runs V”. and “Hits and Runs VI”.
Sadly, last Friday, the 1st of September, Jimmy Buffett passed away. He was one of my favourite singer / songwriters. Jimmy was born on Christmas Day, 1946. It was reported that on his tax returns, he declared his occupation as “Professional Misfit. He wrote songs about people he knew, places he had been, and good times. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Rest in Peace Jimmy. I hope there are Cheeseburgers in Paradise, and that you find that lost shaker of salt. Sail well, bubbles up, and thanks for the music and memories. Click the links to hear a few of my personal favourites.
~ Coach Mike
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Wonderful and full of fun facts‼️ Your posts always start my day with a smile and I thank you 🙏 😊🙏
Love the quotes! Especially baseballs by the bed!