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Michael Bencheck's avatar

I wonder what Garcia and Maldanado said to each other when Garcia stomped on home plate to end his trip around the bases? There is a reason he didn't charge the mound ala Robin Ventura and instead immediately turned to the catcher.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

I've heard there was bad blood between them form previous encounters. I'm sure they were just asking about each other's wives and kids. Charging the mound can be a terrible decision at times. Ryan didn't do as much damage to Ventura as it would seems, he really didn't have a good angle. But if you go out there, you'd better be ready.

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Michael Bencheck's avatar

I suspect that therir parentage and mothers may also have been discussed. I wondered if it was because the catcher called for the pitch.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

Good suspicion. Since they've had words previously, it would be safe to assume it was because Maldanado called for it. In my catching days (which still occasionally occur in the 60+ league), I may have suggested one in the fanny from time to time to get a point across or to stop a situation that was getting out of hand.

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Michael Bencheck's avatar

It is a part of the game. Another topic Mike, does this site charge to write here? I'm going to start to blog about my travels, "Travels with Mike and Tanya the Hoe" in my chevy Tahoe.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

It is part of the game, an important part and at times, funny.

Substack.com is a great platform. It's free to the writer as well as readers, unless you want to add a "paid subscription" option. Pretty easy to set up and use. Great analytics. Let me know if you need any assistance and of course let me know so I can subscribe.

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Mark Schultz's avatar

Love the story about Pedro Guerrero, especially the kicker about Steve Sax. And the stats from Nellie Fox's and Tony Gwynn's careers were great reminders of what good hitting looked like.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

Thanks Mark. I always chuckle over Pedro's comments.

Yes, the game has changed. Hitters today don't care if the strike out as long as they put some over the fence. It used to be a matter of pride not to strike out, now it's just "one of those things." Baseball had some amazing average and power hitters, and they weren't mutually exclusive. Gwynn was a hitting machine, close friend of Ted Williams, so he learned from the best.

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Terry McGrath's avatar

Another great article, Mike.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

Thanks for your continued support Terry.

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Sue Wittmann's avatar

Thanks for all your interesting , informative and fun posts. I’m so happy you have continued your columns. Love reading them.

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Mike Wittmann's avatar

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying them.

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