In yesterday's spring training game between the Indians and Diamondbacks, Major League Baseball positioned over 60 microphones on the field to broadcast live audio of the game. Among those wired for sound were the players, managers, coaches, umpires, and other key action spots to let the fans hear what a game sounds like from the field. There was limited commentary from the broadcast booth and the people tuning in were able to hear the umpire's calls, some conversation between players, the crack of the bat and other sounds of the game not normally heard during an average broadcast. There was a slight delay and some of the conversations were understandably omitted because of language. The audio also did not include conversations on the mound, or chatter from the bench away from the manager and coaches. There was only need for one announcer in the booth and even the announcements of the hitters were overheard from the speakers at the ballpark.
According to MLB Network CEO, Tony Petitti, the goal of the audio enhanced broadcast was "to make the presentation of the game of baseball as exciting and as new as possible." To the fan who doesn't already see the game of baseball as being exciting, this was a great move in the right direction. However, from a traditionalist's point of view the replacement of commentary from the booth with on field sound, and even at times no audio at all is just annoying and quite frankly, boring. If this on field audio version of the game enters into the regular season, is the network going to tell the great Vin Scully to take a night off? There have been many great announcers throughout the history of baseball, such as Red Barber, Mel Allen, Jack Buck, and Harry Kalas just to name a few, who have made hall of fame careers broadcasting games. These men put in the work to describe the game in such a way that fans tuning in can close their eyes and picture exactly what is happening in perfect detail.
If Major League Baseball wants to provide the viewer with on field audio it should be during the replays and not in place of the broadcaster describing the action. Part of the game of baseball that makes it so intriguing are the stories of the teams and players both past and present, and a mix of opinions toward them. These stories are made even more memorable when told by some of the greatest announcers to sit behind the mic. Their jobs should not be compromised in any way when they are the people adding the color to the commentary.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Small Ball: A Lost Form of Art?
A home run in baseball is arguably the most exciting moment during the course of a game. That brings up the question; if a team is losing a game by six runs how much does that solo shot in the ninth really mean? The answer is nothing at all except to the batter's overall stats. The team still loses by five runs, and if the player is happy about padding his stats in a five run loss he should question his loyalty to the club. A home run might be exciting for the fans, but it's what a team does before that big blast that is the formula for success in baseball.
The dead-ball era occurred between the years of 1900 to 1919, and teams averaged just over 3 runs per game. In those nineteen years, the game was won or lost based on the strategies of the hit-and-run, bunting, stealing bases and other tricks of the trade that have now become known as "small ball". Teams of that era were built around pitching and offensive speed. A club might only score three runs in a game, but that was all that they might need to post a win in the standings. Now teams rely too much on the long ball to produce runs, and steer away from the strategies essential to win games. Stealing a base, a hit-and-run, or a well placed bunt forces the other team into mistakes that might cost them the game.
On February 29, A.J. Burnett of the Pittsburgh Pirates broke his orbital bone near his right eye in a bunting drill. The injury required surgery and the Pirates lost the pitcher for at least 3 months. This just proves that teams, at all levels of the game, do not practice "small ball" enough and bunting is becoming a lost art form in the game today. Some fans might argue that an injury like that is evidence to support the case for the DH to be adopted by the National League. The rule produces a different type of game centered around hitting, and takes some of the strategy away from the manager. Late in the game a manager doesn't have to worry about pinch hitting for the pitcher with the DH in the lineup, and a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up is out of the question unless the manager wants to take the bat out of another hitter's hands. This pitcher-as-a-hitter strategy is basically restricted to the National League.
Since the strategies of "small ball" are becoming a lost art form in the game today, so are the strategies set to defend against them. Why should this part of the game be phased out? Baserunners, speed on the bases, and a baseball genius in the dugout will win games. Sacrifice bunts to move the runners over will produce the runs to win games, and the big hitters will still hit their home runs. When the power hitter comes to the plate however, how much better would it be to have two men in scoring position? Now a base hit could mean two runs with a runner still on base. A stolen base, another hit, and all of a sudden the rally needed to win that game has been ignited.
The dead-ball era occurred between the years of 1900 to 1919, and teams averaged just over 3 runs per game. In those nineteen years, the game was won or lost based on the strategies of the hit-and-run, bunting, stealing bases and other tricks of the trade that have now become known as "small ball". Teams of that era were built around pitching and offensive speed. A club might only score three runs in a game, but that was all that they might need to post a win in the standings. Now teams rely too much on the long ball to produce runs, and steer away from the strategies essential to win games. Stealing a base, a hit-and-run, or a well placed bunt forces the other team into mistakes that might cost them the game.
On February 29, A.J. Burnett of the Pittsburgh Pirates broke his orbital bone near his right eye in a bunting drill. The injury required surgery and the Pirates lost the pitcher for at least 3 months. This just proves that teams, at all levels of the game, do not practice "small ball" enough and bunting is becoming a lost art form in the game today. Some fans might argue that an injury like that is evidence to support the case for the DH to be adopted by the National League. The rule produces a different type of game centered around hitting, and takes some of the strategy away from the manager. Late in the game a manager doesn't have to worry about pinch hitting for the pitcher with the DH in the lineup, and a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up is out of the question unless the manager wants to take the bat out of another hitter's hands. This pitcher-as-a-hitter strategy is basically restricted to the National League.
Since the strategies of "small ball" are becoming a lost art form in the game today, so are the strategies set to defend against them. Why should this part of the game be phased out? Baserunners, speed on the bases, and a baseball genius in the dugout will win games. Sacrifice bunts to move the runners over will produce the runs to win games, and the big hitters will still hit their home runs. When the power hitter comes to the plate however, how much better would it be to have two men in scoring position? Now a base hit could mean two runs with a runner still on base. A stolen base, another hit, and all of a sudden the rally needed to win that game has been ignited.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
You Can't Tell the Players Without a Scorecard
After the last out is made, and the game is over, fans file out of the stadium with their programs in hand. They recount the game and the different plays that took place that day. Ask these same fans 10 years later what happened in that game and most of them probably couldn't tell you. Inside of that gameday program that they bought is a scorecard. If it was filled out, fans at that day's game would be able to tell you play by play for as long as they have it.
Scorekeeping dates back to the 1800's. Not only is it a fun way to track the game, but it also preserves the tradition and history of baseball. However, it seems to be a dying art form in today's game. Teams have an official scorer, and the people in the press box keep their scorecards, but how many fans, either at home or at the game, keep one? Maybe people now are too busy or too preoccupied to sit with a pencil and scorecard and track the whole game. Maybe they simply were never taught how to. There is so much going on at the stadiums now that sometimes it seems like the game is a mere sideshow, lost in a carnival atmosphere. Sure, people know who won or lost the game, and even who hit a home run, but how many people know exactly what happened for the rest of the game? That's why the fans who keep a scorecard are a rare breed, and hold information that would otherwise become lost in time and memory.
Keeping a scorecard may seem difficult and intimidating but is actually pretty simple. Each position is assigned a number; 1-pitcher, 2-catcher, 3-first baseman, 4-second baseman, 5-third baseman, 6-shortstop, 7-left fielder, 8-center fielder, and 9-right fielder. Once you understand this, and know K is a strikeout, the rest is pretty much personal preference and a scorer's own personal stamp on a game. Some scorers might record a great diving play by the third baseman to get the runner at first as 5-3*. The asterisk means that it wasn't just another ground out, third to first, but a great play to get the out. The scorer can make notes during the game to highlight key points to be remembered. Like I stated earlier, keeping score is about personal preferences and documenting the game any way that you want. Although the basic concept of keeping score is the same, no two scorecards are alike, and that is what brings the fan closer to the game, and the game closer to the fan.
Keeping score of a baseball game, in person or at home, is a fun way to connect fans with part of the tradition of the National Pastime. Even though it may seem like a dying art form in this fast paced world that we live in, keeping a scorecard is essential to preserving the history of the game. It is amazing how a simple piece of paper with a grid on it could give you so much insight into and a keepsake of the players and games of years gone by.
Scorekeeping dates back to the 1800's. Not only is it a fun way to track the game, but it also preserves the tradition and history of baseball. However, it seems to be a dying art form in today's game. Teams have an official scorer, and the people in the press box keep their scorecards, but how many fans, either at home or at the game, keep one? Maybe people now are too busy or too preoccupied to sit with a pencil and scorecard and track the whole game. Maybe they simply were never taught how to. There is so much going on at the stadiums now that sometimes it seems like the game is a mere sideshow, lost in a carnival atmosphere. Sure, people know who won or lost the game, and even who hit a home run, but how many people know exactly what happened for the rest of the game? That's why the fans who keep a scorecard are a rare breed, and hold information that would otherwise become lost in time and memory.
Keeping a scorecard may seem difficult and intimidating but is actually pretty simple. Each position is assigned a number; 1-pitcher, 2-catcher, 3-first baseman, 4-second baseman, 5-third baseman, 6-shortstop, 7-left fielder, 8-center fielder, and 9-right fielder. Once you understand this, and know K is a strikeout, the rest is pretty much personal preference and a scorer's own personal stamp on a game. Some scorers might record a great diving play by the third baseman to get the runner at first as 5-3*. The asterisk means that it wasn't just another ground out, third to first, but a great play to get the out. The scorer can make notes during the game to highlight key points to be remembered. Like I stated earlier, keeping score is about personal preferences and documenting the game any way that you want. Although the basic concept of keeping score is the same, no two scorecards are alike, and that is what brings the fan closer to the game, and the game closer to the fan.
Keeping score of a baseball game, in person or at home, is a fun way to connect fans with part of the tradition of the National Pastime. Even though it may seem like a dying art form in this fast paced world that we live in, keeping a scorecard is essential to preserving the history of the game. It is amazing how a simple piece of paper with a grid on it could give you so much insight into and a keepsake of the players and games of years gone by.
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Young Baseball Fan's Rite of Passage
A young fan's first Major League Baseball game is always a special occurrence that is unlike anything experienced in the game. Players take the field and have long careers in the big leagues, but they always remember being a fan first and going to the games. Whether it was your father, mother, grandfather or whoever took you to your first game, the feelings of excitement and awe are never forgotten. A 10-year-old fan tunes into the games on television just to be able to catch a glimpse of his heroes. A lazy, Sunday afternoon in the summer gathering around the television with his dad, and grandfather hoping that Mike Schmidt will hit another moon shot, or make another spectacular play that will provide the dinner conversation for that evening. He sees the stadiums, hears the crowd, and wonders what it is really like to be there in person. Then one season the schedule comes out and he gets to pick a game to see. Finally, he gets to experience first hand the sights, sounds, and smells of the ballpark that have been restricted to his young imagination.
For a young fan of the National Pastime, the first time through the gates feels like a rite of passage into the grown up world of professional baseball that he has heard the "old timers" talk about. He hands his ticket to the attendant, and steps into the home of his present day heroes and can sense the spirits of the other great players that have played there. "PROGRAMS...GET YOUR PROGRAMS!!!!" For a small fee, his father buys him the magazine that holds the information and names of the players set to step onto his "field of dreams" and play in that night's game. Finally, it's time to find the seats and settle in for the game. His first sight of the playing field provides an overwhelming feeling of just how enormous it is. Who can hit a ball that far? Then without warning, over the buzz of the anxious crowd, a voice from the speakers above reads the starting lineups for the quickly approaching contest. The young fan, frantically scrambles to fill in the scorecard with his inexperienced, shaky handwriting. He takes a moment to look at the diamond just in time to see the home club take the field, and to hear the fans approval of that special moment. They look like giants out there, much bigger than on the television.
Now the National Anthem is over and at 7:35 sharp the home plate umpire provides the greatest announcement of the day. It is finally time to play ball. The young man sits in awe as he watches foul balls reach the upper deck, 90 m.p.h. fastballs speed toward home plate and dazzling breaking balls baffle the best hitters he has ever seen. He acknowledges his fathers skillful insight about a batter's stance at the plate, where the fielders are positioned, and the stains left on the turf by a certain hard-nosed, tobacco chewing center fielder. He sits and takes it all in, filling in his grid using the tiny pencil provided when he received the program. Have you ever noticed that a hot dog tastes better at the ballpark? The game continues on until the last out is recorded, and it is in the books. Just one more game in the history of baseball, but that particular one provides that young man with memories that will last a lifetime.
That was me over 21 years ago. On August 28, 1990 I experienced my first Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. I remember it like it was yesterday, and the thing that never seems to stop amazing me is how baseball has a way of bringing you back to those moments in time. The good times, where everything is perfect even if that feeling only lasts for nine innings. Since then I have been to a countless number of games, but the feelings of wonder and excitement never seem to change when I enter a big league stadium.
For a young fan of the National Pastime, the first time through the gates feels like a rite of passage into the grown up world of professional baseball that he has heard the "old timers" talk about. He hands his ticket to the attendant, and steps into the home of his present day heroes and can sense the spirits of the other great players that have played there. "PROGRAMS...GET YOUR PROGRAMS!!!!" For a small fee, his father buys him the magazine that holds the information and names of the players set to step onto his "field of dreams" and play in that night's game. Finally, it's time to find the seats and settle in for the game. His first sight of the playing field provides an overwhelming feeling of just how enormous it is. Who can hit a ball that far? Then without warning, over the buzz of the anxious crowd, a voice from the speakers above reads the starting lineups for the quickly approaching contest. The young fan, frantically scrambles to fill in the scorecard with his inexperienced, shaky handwriting. He takes a moment to look at the diamond just in time to see the home club take the field, and to hear the fans approval of that special moment. They look like giants out there, much bigger than on the television.
Now the National Anthem is over and at 7:35 sharp the home plate umpire provides the greatest announcement of the day. It is finally time to play ball. The young man sits in awe as he watches foul balls reach the upper deck, 90 m.p.h. fastballs speed toward home plate and dazzling breaking balls baffle the best hitters he has ever seen. He acknowledges his fathers skillful insight about a batter's stance at the plate, where the fielders are positioned, and the stains left on the turf by a certain hard-nosed, tobacco chewing center fielder. He sits and takes it all in, filling in his grid using the tiny pencil provided when he received the program. Have you ever noticed that a hot dog tastes better at the ballpark? The game continues on until the last out is recorded, and it is in the books. Just one more game in the history of baseball, but that particular one provides that young man with memories that will last a lifetime.
That was me over 21 years ago. On August 28, 1990 I experienced my first Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. I remember it like it was yesterday, and the thing that never seems to stop amazing me is how baseball has a way of bringing you back to those moments in time. The good times, where everything is perfect even if that feeling only lasts for nine innings. Since then I have been to a countless number of games, but the feelings of wonder and excitement never seem to change when I enter a big league stadium.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Quotable Side of the Game
Today's quotes come from the Hall of Fame owner Bill Veeck. Veeck was a brilliant visionary and promoter in a game built on tradition. His induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991 proves just how much of an impact he has made on the game. Included in his many contributions was the signing of Larry Doby to become the first African American to play in the American League.
"To compare baseball with other team games is to say the Hope Diamond is a nice chunk of carbon. The endless variety of physical and mental skills demanded by baseball is both uncomparable and incomparable."
This one is from Bill Veeck's book The Hustler's Handbook .
"Baseball's unique possession, the real source of our strength, is the fan's memory of the times his daddy took him to the game to see the great players of his youth. Whether he remembers it or not, the excitement of those hours, the step they represented in his own growth and the part those afternoons--even one afternoon--played in his relationship with his own father is bound up in his feeling toward the local ball club and toward the game. When he takes his own son to the game, as his father once took him, there is a spanning of the generations that is warm and rich and--if I may use the word--lovely."
"To compare baseball with other team games is to say the Hope Diamond is a nice chunk of carbon. The endless variety of physical and mental skills demanded by baseball is both uncomparable and incomparable."
This one is from Bill Veeck's book The Hustler's Handbook .
"Baseball's unique possession, the real source of our strength, is the fan's memory of the times his daddy took him to the game to see the great players of his youth. Whether he remembers it or not, the excitement of those hours, the step they represented in his own growth and the part those afternoons--even one afternoon--played in his relationship with his own father is bound up in his feeling toward the local ball club and toward the game. When he takes his own son to the game, as his father once took him, there is a spanning of the generations that is warm and rich and--if I may use the word--lovely."
Exploding Scoreboards and Other Gimmicks That Have Shaped the Game
Baseball has always been a game grounded in tradition, and it has been played basically the same way since the 1800's. Players gain respect from each other and the fans for being hard-nosed, tough, and by playing the game the way that it should be played. The managers and coaches are admired for being "old school" baseball guys. However, as time goes by, and the rules and the game evolve, there is that special place for the characters and innovators that make the National Pastime so intriguing. Many ideas, such as the designated hitter, free agency, and interleague play have become part of the game today. Then there are the other, sometimes notorious, ideas and gimmicks that have become part of the folklore that adds spirit, and color to an "old school" game.
One of the free spirits in baseball was Hall of Fame owner Bill Veeck. He introduced the first "exploding" scoreboard to the game when one was installed in Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White Sox. The scoreboard was created in 1960, and featured pinwheels on the top, and different electrical and sound effects. The most notable feature, however, was how it would set off fireworks each time a White Sox player hit a home run.
The same Bill Veeck who introduced the "exploding" scoreboard to Major League Baseball, also used 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel for a pinch hit appearance in 1951, as owner of the St. Louis Browns. Twenty six year old Gaedel was sent up to the plate as a promotional stunt wearing number 1/8. He was walked on four pitches, was promptly pinch-run for, and that ended his major league playing career. Even though this stunt was declared to be "not in the best interest of baseball," Gadel's 1/8 Browns jersey is displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Another stunt, as the owner of the St. Louis Browns, also took place in 1951. Veeck let 1,115 fans, seated behind the Browns dugout, make decisions during that days contest. The "grandstand managers" made calls during the game using either "yes" or "no" flashcards whenever the Browns coaches presented them with questions pertaining to the strategy. The fans decided to warm up relief pitchers and even benched two Browns players. Veeck also installed showers behind the speaker horns at Comiskey Park for fans to cool off on hot summer days, introduced the picnic area to baseball, and no White Sox fan could ever forget Disco Demolition Night at the stadium.
"The Night Disco Died" occurred on July 12, 1979, at Comiskey Park. A crate full of disco records was blown up on the field, and spurred a riot that caused the White Sox to forfeit the second game of a doubleheader to the Detroit Tigers. This event proved to be one of the most notorious promotional events since the Cleveland Indians hosted "Ten Cent Beer Night" in 1974.
Many other gimmicks introduced to the game of baseball are still in use today. For instance, what would a trip to a Phillies game be like without the Phillie Phanatic and his zany performances throughout. Other ideas have become a part of baseball's past. The bullpen vehicle became part of the game in 1951 and was used until the Milwaukee Brewers drove baseball's last relief pitcher to the mound on a Harley Davidson with a sidecar in 1995. Then, there was Marge Schott's St. Bernard with the Reds, and Charlie Finley's mule, Charlie-O, with the Athletics. Finley also introduced a mechanical rabbit with a basket, named "Harvey", to pop out of the ground, and provide the home plate umpire with baseballs during a game, and a pitch clock to keep the game moving. Whether any of the gimmicks and promotions were well received, or found to be "not in the best interest of baseball," is irrelevant. From 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel in 1951, to the big, green Phanatic in Philly, promotions and gimmicks have always been part of the game. They give color to the line score, and provide great stories to be passed on from generation to generation.
One of the free spirits in baseball was Hall of Fame owner Bill Veeck. He introduced the first "exploding" scoreboard to the game when one was installed in Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White Sox. The scoreboard was created in 1960, and featured pinwheels on the top, and different electrical and sound effects. The most notable feature, however, was how it would set off fireworks each time a White Sox player hit a home run.
The same Bill Veeck who introduced the "exploding" scoreboard to Major League Baseball, also used 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel for a pinch hit appearance in 1951, as owner of the St. Louis Browns. Twenty six year old Gaedel was sent up to the plate as a promotional stunt wearing number 1/8. He was walked on four pitches, was promptly pinch-run for, and that ended his major league playing career. Even though this stunt was declared to be "not in the best interest of baseball," Gadel's 1/8 Browns jersey is displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Another stunt, as the owner of the St. Louis Browns, also took place in 1951. Veeck let 1,115 fans, seated behind the Browns dugout, make decisions during that days contest. The "grandstand managers" made calls during the game using either "yes" or "no" flashcards whenever the Browns coaches presented them with questions pertaining to the strategy. The fans decided to warm up relief pitchers and even benched two Browns players. Veeck also installed showers behind the speaker horns at Comiskey Park for fans to cool off on hot summer days, introduced the picnic area to baseball, and no White Sox fan could ever forget Disco Demolition Night at the stadium.
"The Night Disco Died" occurred on July 12, 1979, at Comiskey Park. A crate full of disco records was blown up on the field, and spurred a riot that caused the White Sox to forfeit the second game of a doubleheader to the Detroit Tigers. This event proved to be one of the most notorious promotional events since the Cleveland Indians hosted "Ten Cent Beer Night" in 1974.
Many other gimmicks introduced to the game of baseball are still in use today. For instance, what would a trip to a Phillies game be like without the Phillie Phanatic and his zany performances throughout. Other ideas have become a part of baseball's past. The bullpen vehicle became part of the game in 1951 and was used until the Milwaukee Brewers drove baseball's last relief pitcher to the mound on a Harley Davidson with a sidecar in 1995. Then, there was Marge Schott's St. Bernard with the Reds, and Charlie Finley's mule, Charlie-O, with the Athletics. Finley also introduced a mechanical rabbit with a basket, named "Harvey", to pop out of the ground, and provide the home plate umpire with baseballs during a game, and a pitch clock to keep the game moving. Whether any of the gimmicks and promotions were well received, or found to be "not in the best interest of baseball," is irrelevant. From 3 foot 7 inch Eddie Gaedel in 1951, to the big, green Phanatic in Philly, promotions and gimmicks have always been part of the game. They give color to the line score, and provide great stories to be passed on from generation to generation.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Greatest Baseball Movies of All Time
Baseball has been the topic of more great movies than any other sport. The first of which was released in 1898 by Thomas Edison entitled, The Ball Game. The movie was about two amateur baseball teams playing in Newark, New Jersey. Since then many ballplayers have even acted in films. For example, Babe Ruth played himself in The Pride of the Yankees, and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris both starred in the 1962 movie Safe at Home! After the season that both Mantle and Maris had in 1961, where they went head-to-head in the home run race until Maris broke the single season record, who wouldn't want to see a movie starring both of the M & M boys? Just like the game itself, baseball movies hold a certain place in the hearts of people everywhere. That is why there is even an exhibit, entitled Baseball at the Movies, on the first floor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This exhibit features video clips of the greatest baseball movies of all time and some of the props used in them.
Since the Major League season is still a month away, there is still time to catch a movie. The following list that I have compiled, provides the greatest baseball movies ever created. So sit back with your peanuts and Cracker Jack and enjoy the show.
A League of their Own-1992
Since the Major League season is still a month away, there is still time to catch a movie. The following list that I have compiled, provides the greatest baseball movies ever created. So sit back with your peanuts and Cracker Jack and enjoy the show.
Top 10 Baseball Movies
1. Bull Durham-1988
2. Field of Dreams-1989
3. For Love of the Game-1999
4. Eight Men Out-1988
5. Moneyball-2011
6. The Stratton Story-1949
7. Major League-1989
8. 61*-2001
9. Cobb-1994
10. Kill the Umpire-1950
Honorable Mention:
A League of their Own-1992
Safe at Home!-1962
The Pride of the Yankees-1942
The Babe Ruth Story-1948
Pastime-1991
The Fan-1996
It Happens Every Spring-1949
For the Kids:
Everyone's Hero-2006
Angels in the Outfield-1994
Rookie of the Year-1993
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