Yesterday evening I texted my friend Eric: “Be honest, did you know the Home Run Derby was tonight? And are you excited at all?”
He responded by saying he had just found out when SportsCenter showed its Top 10 Derby moments. And no, he wasn’t excited.
If you had told the 10-year-old versions of Eric and me that we’d have that exchange, we would have…not believed you, that’s what!
Continue reading Youth, Innocence, and the Home Run Derby
R.A. Dickey would be a great story even if you stripped some of the elements that make him a great story. He is baseball’s leader in several categories, the likely Cy Young Award winner if the season ended today. His journey—on and off the field—is interesting and unique and full of turmoil, the kind of life that makes for a very captivating autobiography (which was published just before the start of the season). On top of all that, Dickey is the only pitcher in major league baseball who throws a knuckleball, a quirky, unpredictable pitch that, so far this season, has made the best hitters in the world look hopeless.
Continue reading R.A. Dickey and the Knuckleball
Tom Hanks told us there is no crying in baseball. Maybe there shouldn’t be any celebrating either. The latest ridiculous, celebration-related baseball injury involves Aubrey Huff of the San Francisco Giants. The 35-year-old first baseman sprained his right knee on Wednesday and is headed to the disabled list. Huff hurt himself while jumping over the dugout railing to celebrate Matt Cain’s perfect game. Earlier this month, New York Mets relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez injured his hamstring while running in from the bullpen to celebrate Johan Santana’s no-hitter. Ramirez also had to be placed on the 15-day D.L.
Let’s not forget what happened to Kendrys Morales in May of 2010. After hitting a game-winning home run, Morales jogged towards home, where his Angels teammates were waiting to mob him. His last step was a jump, and when he stomped on home plate he landed awkwardly and broke his leg. He missed the rest of the season and all of 2011.
Continue reading Baseball Celebration Injuries
