Not Meant To Be: Hall Of Fame Game Rained Out
by Al Yellon on Jun 16, 2008 3:11 PM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
Email
PrintCOOPERSTOWN, New York -- While I was standing under the overhang of a souvenir tent trying to stay dry during one of the drenching downpours that hit upstate New York this afternoon and cancelled what's supposed to be the final Hall of Fame Game, I heard one of the T-shirt vendors say, "The baseball gods are angry", apparently referring to MLB's decision to cancel the game after this season.
And if that's true, there never will be a "final" Hall of Fame Game, although it wouldn't surprise me to see them try it again next year just so they can say they had one last game. It won't involve the Cubs, of course, and I was thinking of coming to Cooperstown to see the Hall of Fame anyway after the Toronto series (I'm going to go tomorrow morning, after meeting some friends who also made the trip here for dinner tonight), so it wasn't completely a waste of time to come. In fact, despite the heavy rain, wind and hail, there was some fun to be had this afternoon, as you'll see in the photos below.
About the game itself: as I hinted in the game thread this morning, if you think doing something like this is a waste of time, I think you're wrong. Yes, Cooperstown isn't where baseball was "invented" -- and if they really wanted to honor a place where something resembling modern baseball legitimately got started, the Hall of Fame should be in Hoboken, New Jersey, where a game with codified rules was played on June 19, 1846.
But it's not there and not going there. Despite the non-origins of baseball at Cooperstown, it is undeniably true that the rise of baseball's popularity in this country was in large part because of all the small-town teams that rose up in the last part of the 19th Century and the first part of the 20th. To ignore that heritage is denying and destroying our history, which, unfortunately, is something that we do far too often in this strip-malled, big-boxed nation. There's an old saw that asks, "What's the difference between England and America?" To which the response is, "In England they think 100 miles is a long way, and in America they think 100 years is a long time." That's undeniably true. Playing this game is, inconvenience aside, a nod to our history. A group called Save The Fame Game would like to see the game saved, perhaps by making it a regular season game, rotated among the teams so that they lose one home game every 30 years, and the logistics could be worked out to make it easier. They marched during the pre-game parade:
That's one of the fun things about this game, and the sun was shining while the following, among others, passed down Main Street in Cooperstown, past the Hall of Fame on their way to Doubleday Field, before everyone went into the park for the eventual rainout:
The "Fish People" were fun, but I'm not sure I totally understand the concept
Ivy Man. Not sure I get this one either.
Cubs minor leaguers ride past the crowd on a trolley
After that, most of us went into Doubleday Field -- slowly, because there are only a couple of entrances -- and there were several PA announcements updating the weather, at one point asking everyone to leave because of severe weather in the area, including hail (which got to about large pebble size). They did manage to play the national anthem, do a tribute to the late NBC newsman Tim Russert, and have Greg Maddux present a ball from his 350th win to the Hall of Fame, before they finally called it about 2:30 pm.
Finally, I did get a chance to meet Martin Gandy, who runs the SBN Atlanta Braves blog Talking Chop, who was in town to see this game as part of what he said was a driving trip up and down the East Coast to see baseball.
Martin Gandy & me (I like the concept on his T-shirt, the back of which says "talkingchop.com")
Which is part of what baseball is all about: seeing friends, enjoying good times, and places you wouldn't otherwise see.
Tomorrow, back to the business of winning.
192 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
That jumped out at me and I posted in the game thread that I was holding on to wait for this to go up to be first so it was almost like you were specifically targeting me.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
My post came out wrong. Dang that boss and wanting me to work!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Too bad
Sorry it got rained out. I was hoping Lou could give Marmol a few innings of much-needed work in this one!
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
Were your seats in the LF bleachers for the game?
They should have the game the Monday after the inductions like they used to as well.
Or make it one of the minor league all star games.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Or make it a regular season game after the All Star break.
By scheduling days off both before and after the game, the HoF Game could be relatively easy to schedule without creating a large disruption. (Choose teams that are going to play in the NE, for instance. They can play the first game of their series in Cooperstown)
by Fraggin Judge on Jun 16, 2008 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
That might work.
Thought about that myself this afternoon.
My seat was right where those photos were taken from.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Great place.
I haven’t been there in 9 years. My sister-in-law lived a 30-minute-drive from Cooperstown. She doesn’t live there anymore. I recommend the place to every baseball fan. You can spend hours in that HoF museum and not see it all. And the baseball field is a historic relic.
by Fraggin Judge on Jun 16, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I heard he was going to start him
but was going to limit him to 100 pitches….
by LT on Jun 16, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions
You missed it he was a guest on Maury, Steve Wilko and the killer on Matlock!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
He and Kerry were the possible fathers in a Not the Daddy episode of Maury and the father turned out to be
MARK PRIOR!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Small town baseball
Have you ever read “The Glory of Their Times” by Lawrence Ritter, Al? It’s a tremendous collection of interviews with players from around the turn of the 20th Century. A lot of them reminisce about playing Town Ball and how it was a big part of rural American life in those days. It’s fascinating reading and I would recommend it to any fan of baseball history.
BTW, the Ivy Guy is great! What’s not to get about him?
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jun 16, 2008 3:25 PM CDT reply actions
There's no doubt that townball was prevalent in a lot of agrarian communities.
But the history of baseball and its rise to popularity seems to be largely a product of increasing urbanism and industrialism. There’s a great article in the Journal of Sports History that I’d recommend to anyone with more interest on the subject.
I would also recommend
buying Ken Burns “Baseball.” I can hardly believe anyone here hasn’t seen it already, but if one hasn’t, it is a wealth of baseball history. I watch it every spring to fire me up for the season.
Yes, I have read "The Glory of Their Times".
Would highly recommend it to everyone here.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Even better
Is the Audiobook. They dug up some of the old tapes from the original interviews and made a compilation of everything. Really good if you’ve already read the book since it’s not as complete.
+1
One of my favorite baseball books.
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I love books on tape/cd
I will have to keep that in mind next time I go to library
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
try audible.com
digital versions of books on tape. I love them.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the link
cwyers. Excellent read.
"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young
To clarify my thoughts on the HOF game...
...I don’t think it’s a waste of time. In fact, I think it’s a fine idea. However, I think holding an exhibition game between two major league teams in the middle of the regular season is patently ridiculous.
Granted, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way if my favorite team wasn’t fighting to win its division but, in any case, I don’t think any team should have to deal with the inconvenience and injury risk of having to play a ceremonial game like this while real games are underway.
I’d love to see the HOF game tradition continue in a more reasonable format—maybe either during spring training or simply involving minor league players (after all, who better to honor baseball’s past than its future).
Nanika Ga Okoru!
One thing is for sure...
... it can only be revived by giving it some meaning. Playing a bunch of minor leaguers who will never make the majors really doesn’t do justice to the idea.
Make it a regular season game between teams that are playing somewhere logistically close (New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Boston) and play it the day after the All-Star Game. That’d make a three-day midseason baseball festival.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yeah, that's a really good idea actually.
Again, I’m not opposed to the idea, just the execution. Giving the game some meaning and playing it around the All-Star break would make it a lot more palatable.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Ivy Man
Maybe the new official mascot of the Chicago Cubs. Eat your heart out philly phanatic
A ugly win is better than a pretty loss-Lou
Ivy Man scares the hell out of me.
I’m not sure I could sit anywhere near the field if I knew that thing was going to be lumbering around between innings. On the bright side, it may freak out opposing teams just as much.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
He seriously gives me the creeps.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Ivy Guy
Looks like he could be the Swamp Thing’s cousin. Maybe he was looking for Adrian Barbeau…
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Jun 16, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Ivy-Man On the Prowl!
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
SWL
That is tremendous. Wonderful.
The Ivy Man reminds me of a thing I saw in some early-70s, B-movie horror flick. Something about vines kinda taken over everything, turning people into plants? Maybe it was a Twilight Zone episode. I can’t remember…. Freaky but sweet!
"Just because you've had enough/ doesn't mean you wanted too much." -Dean Young
You didn't get it, Al?
An obvious tribute to Wrigley, with the ‘368’ sign. Looks like those green leafy dancing things on that Alison Goldfrapp video. Somebody’s been smoking green leafy things to come up with some of those parade costumes; wish I coulda been there!
by NWIowaCubFan on Jun 16, 2008 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, of course I "got" it...
... I just didn’t quite see the point.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I'm for Ivy Man
Ivy Man would be the greatest thing ever. Wonder who’s idea it was for today’s parade? Just think of how the ordinary mascot occasionally freaks out small children… this creature would be a true terror to all the tots who need to be at home with a baby-sitter anyway.
Hey, if your kid’s too small to wear his glove, and too young to pay attention, give him to the wife or the nanny ‘til he’s ready for the bigs.
Maybe Ivy Man could just hang out on the warning track the whole game, blocking the Under Armor logo.
There was a guy
that dressed up like that at the 7th Inning Stretch Competition last summer, so it’s not all that original. I didn’t think it was fair considering they said no props. Turns out it didn’t work and a good guy won it. Wonder if they are going to do another contest this year.
Geovany Soto you're my Hero
by love the ivy on Jun 17, 2008 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions
OT: Is anybody having problems with auto-refresh?
It doesn’t appear to be working for me, even though I have the little box checked.
Old Style is the nectar of life.
EL, IL, NY-PA for HoF Game?
Having an Eastern League or an International League regular season game might make more sense for the Hall of Fame Game. Having a game at Cooperstown to start the New York-Penn League season in June could be a good idea.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
They play a minor league game on HOF Weekend
At least they did the year Sandberg was inducted. Two teams from the NY-P league.
In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband
Oops I forgot. Doh!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Ivy Man may seem strange at first
but…
[wait for it]
...after awhile, he grows on you.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
You guys are really out on a limb here.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Are you guys vine-ally finished?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Well actually, I thought the discussion was only starting to blossom.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
OK, this is getting ex-seedingly silly.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that your vinal thought?
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
The guy walking
next to ivy man was singing “I walk the vine”.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
by tucsoncubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
ATTN: digitalbenjamin (or anyone else)
I’ve posted video by request of the Edmonds game-tier and Reed Johnson HBP walkoff with the WGN RADIO calls instead of WGN-TV. Rock on. or click for a [new window]
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Attn: digitalbenjamin
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
beware
I still say beware the redbirds. They play winning baseball. True, they don’t have the “talent” teams like the Phils & Mets have, but they play similar to the A’s & Twins of recent years. They never seem to stray from an even keel. Perfect example this week-end. Giving up 20 runs in a game did nothing to destroy their confidence. Losing Pujols would get most teams making excuses, but not them. It’s like they always EXPECT things will still work out. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen this unpleasant act before.
"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields
Killjoy
Whoever said you couldn't mix business and pleasure never owned a putt putt course. --Andy Bernard
by carmen_fanzone on Jun 16, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t be surprised if we win the division and they get the wild card.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
There was an article on Fox Sports I think
about that scenario wondering if a possible NLCS match up would actually get any coverage like the Bosox/Skanks does. Ya gotta wonder if it would.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Two reasons the HOF game should never be part of a regular season game....
Left Field: 296 ft
Right Field 312 ft
Whoever said you couldn't mix business and pleasure never owned a putt putt course. --Andy Bernard
They could put up screens...
... like they used to have at the LA Coliseum.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Again, no problem with the HOF game concept or the timing
Just the HOF game concept and the timing.
One or the other. Either it’s an exhibition game not played during the season or it’s a regular-season game that counts. (And you could move the fences out, but it sounds like it’s not much smaller than Citizens Bank.)
This in-season exhibition crap is nonsense.
There were two reasons...
... in-season exhibitions were played in the past. One, to raise money for charities. Two, to promote the game in areas where people couldn’t see ML baseball.
Reason two no longer exists. Reason one can be done by other means. I agree with you that in-season exhibitions are really pointless. But the HoF game could be reconstituted as a better idea by making it count.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Reason number two no longer exists Al?
Try telling that to all DishNetwork suscribers. Or the countless number of other fans who live within 3,215 miles of a ML ballpark and who address is an even number (MLB Blackout Rules).
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't even know for sure if you're be sarcastic
about the address part of that. And that in itself should be a reason for MLB to fix this ridiculous issue.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Now, which teams will play in the game?
Playing the HOF game is a real revenue reversal. It probably would cost more for teams to play it than the revenue for the game. It is a great idea, to honor the game. I think having the minors play their all-star games for the HOF game would do that. Rotate years between A, AA, AAA etc. Make it a spectacle, national TV, the kids get the exposure. For MLB teams to play it without being reimbursed for the losses just can’t, in my opinion, be justified. For that matter, the whole salary structure in MLB needs to be addressed…...but that’s a different can of worms, eh?
by crazymountain on Jun 16, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I love that *it's still 755 shirt
That is an all time classic in my book.
This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
by HectorVillanueva on Jun 16, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions
I'm sorry Al, but your wrong, wrong, wrong.
This game is one of the stupidest thing in professional sports. The timing of this thing is terrible. We stopped in Cooperstown to play an exhibition game between games that MATTER. Really, is just blows my mind. Does anyone think that the Bears would enjoy traveling and playing an exhibition game on their off week? Oh, it’s not the same you say. We’re not really playing our starters you say. Then what’s the point? Why not send the Iowa club instead? The fans that attend wouldn’t know the difference. I know if I were a player this game would piss me off because it has the potential to throw one out of a comfortable routine.
I haven’t waded through all the posts, so if this has been beat into the ground I apologize, but I just had to vent.
This thing is stupid, stupid, stupid.
Wait a minute
The Bears did play an exhibition game during the regular season in 2007. They beat Oakland
+1
with a snicker coming from a Packer fan
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions
All last season was an exhibition of bad football.
I haven’t even paid any attention to the Bears now. But that’s in direct relation to the Cubs.
And on the flip side in 2007 spring training kind of snuck up on me because of the Super Bowl.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude, you are
certainly entitled to your opinion but it doesn’t mean Al is wrong. They are only opinions. Try to respect others opinions.
I can't say he's wrong without disrespecting him?
Give me a break Sue. And yes, I think that is a bad opinion. If you think that’s disrespectful, you must go through life pisssed off all the time.
Opinions can't be wrong.
I disagree with you, but that doesn’t mean your opinion is “wrong”. It is disrespectul to say someone’s opinion is “wrong”.
Disagree with me? Sure. But you can’t tell me that my opinion is “wrong”.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
This isn't about which beer goes best with a ribeye.
Personally, I like Miller High Life. There is no logical or quantifiable reason for THAT opinion. There ARE logical and quantifiable reasons that this game shouldn’t be played in the current format. You recognize that and have said as much. MLB knows it too, that’s why it’s history now.
So fine, an opinion can’t be wrong. But this is a poor idea of a game, and if you or anyone else thinks it’s a good idea, well, I think you’re wrong. But that’s just my opinion, so I can’t be wrong. Right?
And besides all that....
“About the game itself: as I hinted in the game thread this morning, if you think doing something like this is a waste of time, I think you’re wrong.”
Those are your words. So I’m kinda offended that you would think that I’m a disrespectful person when you said the same thing in your post.
Ahem...
A) You are wrong.
B) I think you are wrong.
Two different things. Just sayin’
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Look...
using absolutes when communicating is always a bad idea. If you had said “I’m sorry Al, but I think you’re wrong, wrong, wrong.” the last 6 replies (7 if you include this one) would probably have never happened. The prosecution rests.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 16, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
"using absolutes when communicating is always a bad idea"
And, now, ladies and gentleman, please welcome…MDBNIU!!!
Nanika Ga Okoru!
But absolutes are never absolute....relatively speaking.....
And relatives are never absolute either. Now for the things that are ALWAYS true…..my opinions, for instance…..
by crazymountain on Jun 16, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Objection! He's no lawyer! He didn't even enter photographs as evidence!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Clearly High Life is an inferior beverage to that of Pabst Blue Ribbon
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Oh, I got it, it's a play on words from previous posts!!
(sarcasm)
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Both of which must bow
to OLD STYLE
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
I don't go
through life pissed off. You accused Al of being wrong for his opinion. An opinion is not right or wrong. You did disrespect his opinion.
I agree that an exhibition in the middle of the season is illogical but
each team sacrificing a home game once every thirty years and have the game count seems like a good idea to me.
by JEROMEWALTON'SBATTINGSTANCE on Jun 16, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I like that idea too.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Can't believe
they don’t put a tarp over the infield. Must be in bad shape after it rains.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
They did have a tarp there.
The field was covered for quite some time. They had just uncovered it and put the tarp away when the second downpour came.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al will this be your first visit to the HOF?
I’ve been once when Ryno was inducted. Great trip but the flight back forever traumatized me as a certain mr, woo woo was on the fligbt!
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
oh NO. "Sick bag WOO! Beverage cart WOO! Parachute WOO! Open door WOO! Pushed out WOOoooooooo........."
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
He chanted Pilot WOO! Flight Attendant Woo!
Occasionally I crawl into the corner in the fetal position whimpering at the memory.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep. was a nice flight. Saved money because good friend lives near Cooperstown so got to see the induction spend time with friends and had a good time.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 16, 2008 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Whoever paid for his ticket
should have something equally awful happen to them
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Post of the day...
Best laugh I had all day.
In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband
ROFLMAO
that’s gold!
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
I think an exhibition game the weekend before the beginning of the season.
Or maybe one of the minor league All Star Games?
Or maybe a double header minor league All Star game and Old Timer’s game.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
Pictures posted and thoughts
Al,
Judging by your pictures, we must of standing 10 feet away from each other.
Thats parade was pretty lame, would of been nice if they looked at the radar and cancelled the parade and got a few innning’s in.
CTOWN is a nice little village and should be on every baseball fan’s list of places to see if your within a few hours drive.
I just got back to connecticut and drove with those same storms for 4 hours.
I am sure the sun came out at 3:15pm and CTOWN, Doubleday Field and the Lake looked great.
Wish there was a game, we will not see the Cubs until August in Atlanta for a game.
Enyoy the Hall tomorrow when the town is a little back to normal
I bleed double blue Cubbies & NY Rangers
Syracuse
Is about an hour and a half also….
"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun
Sorry I missed you there!
Actually, I liked the parade. If they had scheduled everything a couple hours earlier, they would have got the game in.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The Cubs won the season series 5-2. Sadly, that's all we have. : (
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
yes
Stanford and UGA at the moment. Love the CWS.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't Mikey06 on that team? I think there's only one Michael.
If so, he would have to be this guy.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Do you change your avatar from grey to blue?
Or have I been on crack?
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
When the Cubs are playing a road game, it's gray. When they're playing home, it's white w/pinstripes. When
Zambrano takes the alternates, I put that up. And when they’re not playing I put up the BP jersey.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
In fact, you can even click my user name for Avatar Status...
/taking it way too far
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
dude you need another hobby!
too much time on your hands!
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
i said another hobby!
:-)
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Knitting?
;-)
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Ooh
Gotta better one!
Type funny things to random people on the internet! :-)
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions
True
Hm… I guess you’re outta luck, buddy! :-)
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep making everyone feel crazy
Maybe THATS your new hobby.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I think this dude needs a friend
Maybe you can play dress up with him—I don’t know how you guys Northwesterners roll.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
The mere fact that I know that you do that.
proves to me, I also am in serious need of another hobby.
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
No one cant really learn that much
it would take a lot of time and effort to on here.
myspace on the other hand… you can learn most anything about someone
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
you don't know how?
lol kidding also
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 16, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions
It makes me think about
how I change my flags. The W flies on winning days, the regular Cubs flag flies on losing days and off days, and the Red, white, and blue flies on flag day, memorial day, 4th of july and veterans day. religiously. doesn’t matter what shift I am working, it gets done.
Geovany Soto you're my Hero
by love the ivy on Jun 17, 2008 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess I am still ok
now that I think about, at least I don’t change it on here too, lol
Geovany Soto you're my Hero
by love the ivy on Jun 17, 2008 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions
He does
depending on what uniform the team’s wearing. I asked earlier becauseI thought I was going insane. :-)
And this Georgia team hs been impressive. Lots of clutch hitting.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions
CWS: Here's Josh Fields, the guy we could have had at 19 but took Andrew Cashner instead.
Now he’s a future Mariner.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
He's filthy
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
he hasn't had a save situation in like 3 weeks i think Orel said
or something equally long.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Now if only he were in Marmol's place, he'd have plenty of work and be nice and sharp.
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
Heh.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions
He's really wild, probably because he's overthrowing, trying to make a point.
“Oh yeah, Cubs?? Took that Cashner jerk instead of me?? Well watch THIS!!” UNNHH!!!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
He's trying to be Woody
All dramatic
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
that was a really good game
march madness may bet all the press, but the college world series is more fun to me.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Hank Steinbrenner is a whiny brat
Since Chien-ming Wang got hurt by running around the bases, he says the NL should join the 21st century and not make pitchers run.
How about you get pitchers who can run without hurting themselves? Lame.
Restraining the urge to get giggly....
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Jun 16, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply actions
George Steinbrenner
He needs to tell his son shut up. Hank is making a mockery out of baseball.
For all those against the HoF Game...
... here are quotes from major leaguers who get it:
"I got an unbelievable tour of the Hall of Fame. I’m blown away," Edmonds said Monday just before severe thunderstorms pelted historic Doubleday Field with a drenching rain and hail, forcing cancellation of the game. "I think all the anticipation of having a rough day of travel in the middle of the season— it’s all worth it once you get here."It would be nice if you could enjoy it more, be here on an off-day or a complete week," Edmonds said. "It’s still special."
And:
"The game is a good thing," said San Diego ace Greg Maddux, a certain Hall of Famer once he retires. "When you look at the schedule back in spring training, you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s a day we don’t want to go.’ But once you’re here, you’re kind of glad you’re here. For me, it’s a great place to spend an off-day. I think the older you get and the more you play, the more you appreciate it."
And:
Padres infielder Tony Clark said he only realized en route from Cleveland that this was the last major league exhibition game, so he made sure to tour the Hall of Fame."Even from the standpoint of just coming up and having an opportunity to go to Cooperstown, the game itself is a bonus," Clark said. "For every ballplayer, having the opportunity to come through and realize all the guys that paved the way to give you the opportunity that you have I think is crucial. To not have that happen going forward means that guys are going to have to take it upon themselves to come up here, and I’m hopeful that they do that."
Hear, hear, Tony Clark. Let’s hope they find some way to keep doing this game; finding a way to make it a regular season game would be a good step.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Great quotes by great people, but..
aren’t they really talking about the Hall of Fame (and not the HoF Game) for the most part? Thus, couldn’t they get the same thrill/jolt/vibe by visiting Cooperstown anytime? I’m not sure I’m seeing here some salient points for continuing the HoF game. Not that those points don’t exist – I think they do. But I just don’t see anything here that says “Keep the HoF game”.
I’d like to think that any player worth his salt would make it a point to visit the HoF anyway – whether during their career or after. If they need the regimental structure of a mandatory team visit to get them to go, I think that’s pretty sad…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Read the Maddux comment again.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Okay... that's [maybe] one out of three
He does say “The game is a good thing” – I’ll grant you that. But I take his “But once you’re here, you’re kind of glad you’re here. For me, it’s a great place to spend an off-day…” quote to be more about being in Cooperstown, i.e. seeing the Hall of Fame than the playing in the actual game itself. I’m not going to quibble about superlative relativeness – I just don’t see these guys or any players for that matter, as being highly enthusiastic and avid supporters of playing the Hall of Fame game. At best, they’re diplomatically polite.
However, I do see them being very appreciative of the Hall of Fame, and that appreciation, and in Maddux’ case humbleness, is always nice to see. I just hope and would like to think that the players ‘get it’ on their own, as opposed to having it thrust upon them via a meaningless exhibition game in the middle of the season.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Why don't they just start playing the All Star game there?
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
There are so many ways to continue the game without impacting the season:
-during spring training
-during the All Star break (if both teams are playing on A-level and rookies anyway)
-between the LCSs and the WS, between two teams not involved
-at the end of the season, ala the Pro Bowl
I actually like the third idea, using it as an off-day between the big games, giving two teams one last game to play with the everyday players.
"Did you think to kill me? There's no flesh or blood within this cloak to kill. There's only an idea. Ideas are bulletproof." -V
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 17, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Return of the Redhead Wonder
Murton is called up and Patterson is sent down. I’m glad he’s back and I knew Murton was going to play some important role this season.
Wow, the Redsox got smoked by the Phillies
Hamels is something else. One of my top 5 favorite pitchers in MLB.
Also, the word on the street is that the Mariners officials confirm that the Cubs have called about Bedard. Since the Mariners are pretty much dead in the water, trading Bedard seems to be their best option. Unless they think they can compete next year, but I don’t see that happening considering they have aging veteran hitters. Getting Bedard would be tough, but more options, the more likely Hendry will pull off a move. That is unless Rich Hill returns and pitches like a number 2-3 pitcher.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/06/gammons-latest.html#comments
The "word on the street"...
... appears to be from Peter Gammons, who’s wrong more than he’s right.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I think Peter really thinks if he turns on the Cubs he’ll see Roberts at 2nd base. He probably superimposes a picture of Roberts on whoever is playing 2nd.
Of course that’s assuming Peter ever turns on the Cubs.
We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.
by puckishcubsfan on Jun 17, 2008 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I figure that
I know Gammons is not a reliable source, but there were other sources that showed that the Mariners might be willing to trade off Bedard. I don’t think the Cubs called the Mariners about Bedard and it’s most unlikely that Hendry is looking for a trade right now. I really do hope he is available because Hendry would have more options to lean upon.
If I were the Mariners, I wouldn’t even trade Bedard right now. He’s not a free agent till after next year. They just gave a a whole lot of talent for him, but could they be looking for the maximum value out of Bedard? He’s still young and is a hard throwing lefty who could turn out to be a solid number two pitcher. Whatever, I just hope Hill returns to his last year form and the Cubs don’t have to trade away all their talent for a SP.
You should know as well as anyone, Al...
...that when you’re dealing with trades and free agent acquisitions, even the best-sourced individual ends up being “wrong” if you take an inflated view of what’s wrong; just because something is mentioned as being considered, doesn’t mean it’s wrong if it doesn’t happen. Gammons is one of the best in the business, and sure, Gammons and Rosenthal put enough material out there that some of it’s going to be “wrong,” and some of it will even be wrong.
The alternative, though, is just to put our heads in the sand.
Bedard
I notice he has exactly one CG in 123 career starts. That must be some kind of record for futility. He’s also 29 and has never had a 200-inning season. Got to wonder about his durability and ability to eat innings.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
That said, though,
Gammons has def lost a few MPH on the fastball…
"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07
Bottom line
I don’t expect Bedard to be traded soon nor this season (possibly in the offseason), but I do think the Mariners are WILLING to listen to offers. Same for Billy Beane on the Rich Harden trade talk and Shapiro’s decision on Sabathia.
cwyers, you said it the best. No source is 100 percent reliable, but Gammons is known to get the “inside scoop.” He won’t be right all the time, but other sources do confirm that Bedard is available.
Bedard
He would be a good edition, but IMHO the Mariners are going to be asking the world for him, if they even consider seriously trading him. Firing the GM is, obviously, a very telling sign that the franchise is heading in a new direction, but trading away a player that still has a year left on his deal, one that they basically traded away the future for, sets the franchise back even further. No amount of talent in return could ease the pain of that move, again IMHO.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 17, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Check out Bavasi's (GM who got fired) comments about Bedard...
per Mariners Insider thenewstribune.com: (keep in mind this is the GM who traded for him)
We asked him about Bedard and his unwillingness to go past 100 pitches…
“You have to ask him and I know that’s no fun. And he’s going to have a stupid answer for you can count on it. He’s going to have some dumb-ass answer.”
“He’s either gassed because he’s laboring. He’s protecting himself because he knows even he sticks around and is mediocre he gets another 2 million bucks lopped onto his salary.”
“Why doesn’t he go longer? It’s a real pointed question. But you need to ask him. And good luck with that.”
Even the man who gave up five players for Bedard can’t stand him and thinks he’s a lazy idiot.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
Bedard=lazy
So I guess the low CG and innings totals are self-directed. Whatever happened to managers asserting control over their players? I would not want such a selfish athlete on my team.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
I truly had no idea.
Let me reposition my stance on the issue: Bedard’s talent would be welcome, but if this is the case with his attitude, I hope he stays very far away from the Northside.
Thanks for posting Fish.
by Tangled Up In Blue on Jun 17, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Your welcome...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jun 17, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Does Billy Beane’s contract extension signal an optimistic dawn for Oakland fans?
- Ask Alex: Will Alex Avila be an All-Star again?
- Create-a-Caption: Matt Cain’s great pair of golf pants
- Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries autographed ball being auctioned by Twins
- George Brett lawsuit claims his company falsely advertises ion necklaces’ health benefits
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
