Hits and Runs X

Dec 26, 2023

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” ~ Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Fame second baseman.

I have to say, I’ve been staring out the window lately as well. I miss baseball and unfortunately due to some personal matters I haven’t even been able to write about it lately. My apologies for my absence. I hope everyone has had a joyous holiday season. Happy Merry Everything.

(Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain.)

If you’re a long-time reader of “Comments” you are familiar with the theme of this titled post. But if you are a new subscriber (welcome) or reader, it’s little snippets of baseball “stuff” that I took note of but didn’t feel I could use for a full article which I eventually put into a compilation like this. Sit back and enjoy the read.

Tony Gwynn who played basketball as well as baseball at San Diego State University had more college assists on the basketball court with 590 than he had strikeouts in his 20-year MLB career with 434.

Even though most of his salary is deferred Shohei Ohtani’s annual negotiated salary is more than what the Oakland A’s and the Baltimore Oriels pay their entire rosters.

“I’d play for half my salary if I could hit in this dump all the time.” ~ Babe Ruth talking about Wrigley Field.

Vernon Monroe “Monty” Swartz (aka “Dazzy”) holds the record for the most innings pitched in one appearance with a 12-inning loss for the Cincinnati Reds on October 3, 12920 which was the last day of the season. Monty gave up 17 hits, 2 walks and 6 earned runs while facing 53 St. Louis Cardinal batters. He also went 2 for 2 at the plate. He never played in another MLB game.

“It took me 17 years to get 3,000 hits in baseball. It took me one afternoon on the gold course.” ~ Hank Aaron

I’ve mentioned many things concerning Bob Gibson, pitcher for the Saint Louis Cardinals in the past, but he’s the gift that keeps on giving. In 1968, in 34 starts, he threw 304 2/3 innings, and gave up 38 earned runs, just amazing. In his first two starts of that season he went seven innings, in the other 32 starts he pitched eight or more innings. On top of that, Gibson pitched more career complete games (255) than career wins (251), the Cards bullpen didn’t get much work when Gibby took the mound. Wish today’s pitchers and managers would read those stats.

Babe Ruth became the all-time home run leader at the age of 26.

“During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball.” ~ Mickey Mantle

Benny Distefano was the last left-handed MLB catcher. In 1989 he caught three games.

“Michael (Jordon) had ordered a drink from a cocktail waitress, and he gave her a five-dollar chip. Wayne (Gretzky) took it off the waitress’ tray, gave it back to Michael, grabbed a hundred-dollar chip from Michael’s stack and put it on the cocktail waitress’ tray. Then he said, ‘That’s how we tip in Las Vegas, Michael.’” ~ Rich Strafella, former Vice President of operations at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas

I’ve noted this previously that Cecil and Prince Fielder (father and son) each hit 319 home runs in their respective careers in MLB. They also matched each other with 18 9^th-inning home runs, 29 5^th-inning home runs, 49 4^th-inning home runs, and 97 two-out home runs.

“I take three swings and go sit on the bench”, said Dick Allen when asked how he hit against Joe Neikro’s knuckleball.

More people walked on the moon (12) than men who scored against Mariano Rivera in the post-season (11).

Vincent “Bo” Jackson is the only professional athlete to be selected to play in both the NFL Pro Bowl and the MLB All-Star Game.

Randy Johnson, the Big Unit was a 6’10” left-handed pitcher in the major leagues for 22 seasons. He played for the Montreal Expos (1988-1989), Seattle Mariners (1989-1998), Houston Astros (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999-2004), New York Yankees (2005-2006), Arizona Diamondbacks again (2007-2008), and finally the San Fransisco Giants (2009). He had a career 303-166 win/loss record, a career ERA of 3.29 and recorded 4,875 career strikeouts. He was known for his overpowering fastball and slider that intimidated the best of hitters. He once inadvertently killed a bird with a pitch during a spring training game. CLICK HERE to see the video.

After he retired from baseball, he started a second career as a professional photographer. When Johnson attended the University of Southern California, he studied Photojournalism. He has credits for wildlife photography, did a tour with the Canadian rock band, Rush, and has worked NFL games. This is his logo:

(Randy Johnson’s Logo. Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain.)

Happy birthday wishes to my favourite player Carlton Fisk who turns 76, and to Ozzie Smith the best defensive shortstop I’ve witnessed who celebrates his 69^th today. Thanks for the memories and here’s to many more years.

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 theme, “Hits and Runs”, “Hits and Runs II”, “Hits and Runs III”, “Hits and Runs IV” “Hits and Runs V”. “Hits and Runs VI”, “Hits and Runs VII”, “Hits and Runs VIII”, and “Hits and Runs IX”.

Thanks for your support.

~ Coach Mike

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