Category: Opinion

by AspiDimitrov

Since We’ve Been Gone

Recharging batteries after busy inning at third base

As the Jones family flew into the United States last week, what did I most notice out of the plane window?

Was it the skyscrapers? The huge, snaking interstate roads? No, it was the baseball fields. The sight of more and more of those distinctive cut-out diamonds warmed my heart. At one site there were about nine, all clustered together. Not a major league training complex, not a national centre. Just a few diamonds, casually sprinkled in the suburbs. It’s a different world over there.

We actually spent most of the holiday in Canada, where I took in my first Major League game for about five and a half years. The Toronto Blue Jays, who had started the season with a burst of runs and victories, hosted the Oakland Athletics. Jose Bautista was out of the line-up, most of the big stars have long been traded away, but the Blue Jays are still soldiering on. This game was a pitcher’s duel, coming down to a couple of manufactured runs and a wild pitch. Oakland won 2-1.

It didn’t win over the extended family to the joys of the game — “Swing miss, swing miss, swing miss, sit down” is still how my sister characterises baseball — but I certainly enjoyed the experience. And I got within just a few feet of one of those diamonds I had been excited about seeing from the air.

Sadly, while I was gone, the British season got under way without me. And it sounds as if it started badly for Herts. No wins. But it also sounds as if a much depleted Falcons side was only undone by one bad inning, and the Hawks and Raptors faced leading contenders from their divisions. It will take more than a defeat to dissipate the excitement of opening day. I know I can’t wait to get started, and I guess that the players who already have a game under their belts still feel that way too — they want to really get going, and get winning.

Part of the reason for my pwn enthusiasm is the boost from the Herts Spring League. Since we have a weekend off, I thought I would take the opportunity to reach back to the pre-season for some observations which never quite made it to the blog.

First of all I have to ask everyone involved one question — was that fun or was that fun? I usually refer to Spring Training in inverted commas, to suggest in my amusing little way that the experience is often cold and wintry. But it was pretty bright and sunny when I was there, and good baseball was to be found. It was great for Herts to attract another record number of teams for the tournament.

My own ailing physique actually found the experience quite reassuring. Since starting the year by moaning that my 38 year old body seemed to be creaking under the strain, I had tried doggedly to put in hours at the gym or on the streets. I can rarely get to baseball training but I can run home after doing the school drop-off, and my shifts at work have been kind in allowing me to get on the treadmill and lifting (suitably small) weights.

And I felt pretty good after playing two games. I was bleeding after ripping skin off my hand by misfielding a line drive, but what’s a bit of blood between friends? Overall, it’s nothing! I was ready for more.

I made my competitive debut as third base, often referred to as the Hot Corner. And it was like a firing range down there! There were drives over my head, balls along the line, and an infuriating bloop over my head. I managed to stop quite a few, with my legs, my chest and sometimes even my glove. One ball fair knocked me on my backside as it kicked up off the infield grass, and another I had to slide for in the gravel. But they both ended in the glove. The throws were a little too hurried and didn’t make it in time by inches. But that gives me stuff to work on.

For the record and for my ego I should say that I did make some outs, including a tag to cap off some good relay work from the outfield and snag an aggressive Herts Hawks runner.

As for the batting… well, the first against the Hawks was probably the worst I can think of for some time. Hitting second in the line-up and with a runner on first, I would almost never swing at the first pitch. Why would you? Even in any situation I am pretty patient, and won two batting titles basically on the fact that I wouldn’t swing at junk. So did I wait patiently and let my runner steal? Err, no. I watched the pitch, waited, and then the rush of blood became too much to contain so I swung at it. By then, though, it was far too late. It came off like a checked swing and hopped down to the first base man.

Fortunately the runner had enough of a jump that I didn’t hang him out to dry in a double play. And later at-bats were a bit better. My second ground-out to the Hawks was down to Nick Russell’s nifty fielding, and against the Redbacks I got three good hits and I’m pretty sure a walk thrown in too. So there’s another whiff of optimism as I count down to my own Opening Day. See you all there, as soon as I can.

by AspiDimitrov

IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

So, weeks after it started, I actually went back to pre-season training. Twice. And it is already clear to me that the theme of my pre-season blogging — and quite possibly the whole year’s efforts — will be my aches and pains. My old age. Don’t forget it’s all about me, me, me.

Here’s a quick run-down of what we have been doing. There were about ten carefully constructed drills, with the assistance of little plastic cones laid out on the floor. Most of these exercises involved short range throwing and catching. They were designed to improve hand speed and reflexes, I think, but many also seemed to involve knackering my knees and thigh muscles.

There were plenty of options to get the blood flowing (inside the veins, that is — I don’t think there were any mishaps allowing it to escape). Two weeks ago, there was also the Hitting Zone, Pitchers’ Corner, and another curtained off area which I never got to peek inside. Best not ask too many questions about that. Then last week there was intensive infield work. Herts legend Geoff Hare put the crowds of willing victims through their paces, with choppers, bunts and grounders.

All in all, these sessions have been good fun, and certainly a good workout. On each occasion, I was left with a series of persistent aches. For a couple of days after the session, I did only stretching work before getting really adventurous and maybe running. I felt it’s what I most needed, and what I could most easily achieve.

Despite all this middle-aged moaning, there is a saving grace — the aches are in all the right places. They are in my thighs, my calves, my back, my shoulders. And I am counting that as progress. When I first played baseball it would be absolute murder on my elbow. For a couple of nights after a training session, I would even take painkillers to help me sleep because of my throbbing elbow. Whilst even I realised that this pain might be a “bad thing”, I mostly put it down to the fact that I had not played such an impact sport for years. The experience never turned me off baseball, which says something. But I am hoping that my newly-placed aches and pains also say something. I hope they say that I am doing something right, and that I am no longer screwing up my elbow.

Two final notes from the indoor sessions. One is a word of thanks to the coaches. It is always gratifying as a player to find that coaches have put some thought and planning into the training, so that you are not standing idle. That cools you down, which is no use, and also frustrates you if you feel you are wasting a precious opportunity to play ball. These sessions have flown by.

The second note is an illustration of how far I have to go, no matter where my aches and pains are appearing. In one drill I partnered the 2010 GB Cadet call-up, Liam Green. Each of us starting with a ball, we were to throw them to each other simultaneously, then make the transfer and throw it back. It’s a good exercise for keeping your eye on the ball. But also a telling example of a gifted arm. Even twenty feet apart, I was catching Liam’s ball what felt like seconds before my throw arrived at his glove! I was making the catch, then becoming a spectator while he waited to catch mine. I could have gone for a hot dog while I waited. Humbling.

by AspiDimitrov

FRAGILE ARM, FUTURE PROMISE

He came out of college as THE most heralded prospect in history.  His numbers his senior season at San Diego St. were extraordinary.  In 109 innings, he went 13-1 with a 195 strikeouts and a 1.35 ERA.  His repertoire included a triple digit radar gun, a 4 and two seam fastball, a 12 to 6 curve and, when mixed his fastball, a virtually unhittable changeup.  On top of his incredible stuff, he possessed a very competitive spirit, a commanding mound presence.  Stephen Strasburg had the whole package, and was the crown jewel that only comes along once a century.

The Washington Nationals selected Strasburg with the first pick in the 2010 draft, and rewarded him with a record $15.1 million contract, the highest in Major League Baseball history for a rookie pitcher, which far surpassed Mark Prior’s $10 million deal.  After the signing, the club prudently announced that their prize investment would be protected with a strict pitch and inning limit.  Every precaution would be made to insure that he would remain healthy and protect their investment.

After beginning the 2010 campaign in the minors, Strasburg was called up to the Nationals in June.  His debut, against the Pirates, was a gem.  In 7 innings, he struck out 14, issued no walks, gave up 4 hits in a 5-2 win.  He followed that up in his next home start with a 10 strikeout effort against the White Sox.  The kid was attracting a lot of attention, and there was a buzz all through MLB when the rookie phenom took the mound.  His starts at Nationals Park became an event.  The moribund franchise finally had something to brag about as tickets became a premium on his starts.

But there were dark days ahead.  Strasburg initially went on the 15 day DL on July 29 with a shoulder injury. He returned to the mound on August 10th against the Marlins, but there were to be only three more starts.  On August 21st, against the Phillies, he left the game in the 5th inning after complaining of a twinge in his elbow.  Later that week, after he received an MRI, everyone’s worst fears were confirmed.  He had suffered a significant tear to his ulnar collateral ligament.  His season was over, and his career was in jeopardy.  He later had Tommy John surgery, and then began his rehabilitation.

Despite all the precautions the Nationals took, it didn’t matter.  Two trips to the disabled list, a season cut short, and an ominous future.  Strasburg’s rookie numbers, albeit abbreviated, were excellent.  He finished with a 5-3 record in 12 starts, with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts.

The club really can’t be criticized for the precautions they took.  But what is troubling and what needs to be examined are the prevalence of arm injuries in the major leagues.  Despite the advantages in technology, training, and prevention, pitchers are much more fragile these days and break down much more frequently than they did in the past. 

In the 1960’s, four man rotations were the norm.  40 starts and 300 innings were the expectations for most pitchers.  Bob Gibson and Juan Marichal were two of the prominent pitchers in that generation that always picked up the ball every fourth day, gave quality outings, and never seemed to go on the disabled list.  Most of the pitchers in that era wanted to start what they finished, and considered it a personal affront to be pulled for a relief pitcher.  And the pitchers from that era definitely seemed much more durable.

The advent of the 5 man rotation and pitch counts also brought unwanted changes in the game, including specialty pitchers, repeated trips to the mound, continued delays, and three hour plus games.

The prevalence of pitcher injuries is a concern and a troubling question.  What are the causes?  Is it the reliance of the slider, which causes a lot of stress on the elbow?  Is it the year round regimen that pitchers are now expected to participate in?  In the past, most high school athletes were encouraged to play more than one sport. Nowadays, a pitching prospect is expected to work on his game 12 months a year.  This doesn’t permit any rest for the arms, which may be a considerable factor for the avalanche of arm injuries.

Everyone is holding their breath with regards to Strasburg’s long term prognosis.  Most pitchers come back stronger after Tommy John surgery.  The bigger concern is his shoulder.  Shoulder injuries for pitchers are much more problematic, and the long term prognosis seemingly more tenuous.

When he returns, all of MLB will be holding their breath every time Strasburg takes the mound.  It will certainly be great news if he comes back injury free and duplicates his success of 2010. 

Let’s hope that he becomes as durable as Nolan Ryan, and the next Walter Johnson for Washington D.C., rather than another Kerry Wood.

by AspiDimitrov

SPRINGING BACK INTO SHAPE

They came blinking into the watery sunlight from their winter hibernation. From across not only Hertfordshire but also north-west London, Buckinghamshire and even Northamptonshire, HBC ball-players took their first tentative steps into the Spring on Sunday. They gathered at Berkhamsted Sportspace to share tales of Christmas, to compare waistlines — and to start work on shrinking them.

 This is how the 2011 baseball season began for the Herts club, looking to build on its historic 2010. Little Leaguers joined members of the National League Falcons and several novice players trying the game for the first time. It’s always good to see fresh faces at Spring Training. And it’s good to be reunited with last year’s fellow travellers. For the Raptors, where I played my games last year, the manager is back on board and he hopes to retain the core of the team which showed such promise as they were baptised by fire. Arnott, Gover, Drummond. These could be big names for the club by year’s end.

The Berkhamsted hall was a tremendous facility. We were able to create batting cages with the enormous net curtains, and to separate areas for pitching, infield and outfield drills. We revelled in the smooth surface and the even bounce as we practiced fielding ground balls — and we dreamt that Grovehill might one day be just as placid. I still managed to pick up my first bruise of the year, fielding one of those ground balls with my shin. We also recreated the struggles of Minnesota Twins outfielders as we played the ball’s carom off the lights, and the basketball equipment. All good fun.

More than a full team’s worth of players showed interest in the pitching masterclass offered by Eagles MVP, Darrin Ward. Which is a good sign — at this stage in the season, anything seems possible. One of the highlights of the experience was handling a pristine, white ball from a newly-opened box. There is something special about a new baseball, like the aroma of a fresh pack of coffee. In fact, it has an aroma of its own. And it has a texture unlike the practice balls which are worn to a slippy sheen; it has real seams, standing proud. Is it a bit geeky to even notice the new ball? Maybe. But I think it’s one of the most touchable of the game’s intangibles.

And now how do I feel, 48 hours on? An extraordinary aching which had tried to paralyse my body seems to be fading. Slightly. Playing baseball does have a far harder effect on the body than my usual choice of exercise — such as running, or cycling, or even sometimes the weights. I don’t know if it’s the repeated impact involved. And of course part of it is that I am a year older. When I took up baseball I had recently turned thirty, and was training to run 10k races. Several surgeries, two children and many years later, I still look ahead to a year thinking “This time I’ll get in better shape….” At some point reality dawns that I will probably never recapture that youthful elasticity. But at least you know that the waistline may have got the message.

by AspiDimitrov

EVIL EMPIRES

A year after the Yankees signed CC Sabathia and Mark Texeira to multi-year contracts exceeding $340 million, the Red Sox probably felt compelled to follow suit.  The annual winter league meetings are a pre-Christmas bonanza for the MLB GM’s, and this year was no exception.  Boston signed Devil Ray free agent Carl Crawford to a 7 year $142 million deal, and the rumour is that they have signed 1B Adrian Gonzalez to an extension that is worth $150 million, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The Yankees signings paid dividends, as they won the World Series in 2009, their second championship in the decade.  It remains to be seen how the Red Sox main investments will play out.  Theo Epstein is a very astute GM, but eyebrows must be raised, particularly with regards to the Crawford signing.

It took the baseball world by surprise that Crawford signed with the Red Sox.  He is very good friends with the Angels Tori Hunter, and everyone expected him to sign with Los Angeles.  It is also believed that he may not have the temperament suited to play in Boston, where the pressure cooker is intense.

Make no mistake, Crawford is an excellent player.  But there are discernible holes in his game.  He has never hit twenty home runs.  He’s only had one 90 RBI season.  He doesn’t walk very much, and has a very ordinary on base percentage.  And his numbers have been inflated in Tropicana field, which are much higher than his career numbers at Fenway Park.  He also doesn’t hit left handing pitching very well, a hole that will be magnified due to the fact that opposing teams will be throwing all of their southpaws against the likes of David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, J.D Drew, and Adrian Gonzalez

He does steal bases, and is a magnificent outfielder.  His weak arm will be protected in Fenway’s left field, but his range will be minimized due to playing in the smallest left field in the major leagues.

The $142 million contract he signed is the second highest in history for an outfielder.   That’s certainly a lot of money for a left handed slap hitter that doesn’t get on base a great deal.

With Cliff Lee eschewing both clubs overtures and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Yankees big question mark entering the season will be pitching, particularly if Andy Pettitte retires.  That will leave the club with 3 proven starters (Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Phil Hughes) and two question marks.  The Yankees needed Lee a lot more than Boston, who have a surplus of proven starting pitching, including Josh Beckett, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and Tim Wakefield.

Boston’s everyday line-up is relatively intact, particularly if Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury return from the injuries that plagued them in 2010.  With the Gonzalez acquisition, Kevin Youkilis will return to his natural position at 3B. 

The Yankees, having resigned Derek Jeter, will also go into opening day with their position players relatively set. Their bullpen is strong, and will need to carry them if the club is unable to fill their 4th and 5th starters with adequate replacements.

Boston and New York will continue to outspend everyone, and get most of the media attention.  It’s still a long way until spring training, but it will be a very interesting year, full of intrigue and speculation.

Stay tuned

by AspiDimitrov

WHAT THE GIANTS TEACH US

For those of you who did not realise the full glory of the San Francisco Giants' history, my estimable colleague Bruce has written an excellent piece to remind us. I will add that even newer fans of the club felt the void in the trophy cabinet. I came on board in 2001, witnessing Bonds break the single season home run record, and I was still fresh when the team lost to the Angels in 7 games in 2002. But you quickly adopt your team's pain – and there have been plenty of low moments since then.

But I don't want to talk about the past – I want to talk about the future. There are two things which I think the Giants victory teaches us, as we plot our baseball futures.

One is that pitching and defense really does win ball-games. It's practically a cliche, but the Giants proved it is also a  practical plan for success. This edition of the club is built around the double-Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. He opened the post-season with a 14-strikeout effort in a 1-0 win over Atlanta. That game encapsulated the San Francisco experience – not much offense to speak of, but just enough timely hitting to back up the superb pitching. Matt Cain has laboured thanklessly for years at the club, his excellent ERA always being overcome by a lack of run support. But now he's a hero. This post-season, he did not give up an earned run. Let me say that again, because it's extraordinary — Matt Cain did not give up a single earned run in the entire post-season. Add into all of this the home-grown talents of Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner and the Beard that is Brian Wilson, and you have the core reason for the Giants success, both in the regular season and in the playoffs. As an example of the defense, I will cite first baseman Aubrey Huff, one of the off-season acquisitions. He made just three errors all season, fewer than Gold Glover Albert Pujols, and he actually played three positions. Overall, the Giants had the second-fewest errors of any National League team.

Huff also helped bring the X-factor to the club. No, not dodgy karaoke singing (although there was plenty of that at AT&T Park, with Journey a particular favourite). What I mean is that the second thing we learned from San Francisco's victory is that a team is more than the sum of its parts. There were no real marquee stars on the Giants team — barring perhaps Lincecum — and you could easily dismiss them as journeymen, cast-offs even. In my mind, for much of the season, Huff was a Baltimore Oriole, Juan Uribe was a White Sox player, and Pat Burrell was a Phillie. Cody Ross was the star of the post-season — and who the hell is Cody Ross?? But somehow they gelled together in a away that made them contenders, and made them Giants. In the post-season, the team occasionally racked up big scores, but mostly it eked out one-run wins. The timely hit was more important than a torrent of them — Uribe delivered several, but even the slumping Pablo Sandoval delivered when it was crucial. A good team can beat a collection of better players. That's something we can all remember when we next take the field.  

 

by AspiDimitrov

THE GIANTS WIN THE WORLD SERIES, THE GIANTS WIN THE WORLD SERIES

In the 1950’s, baseball ruled in America, and New York City was the center of the baseball universe.  Every year of the decade (except one) the World Series was played in Gotham.  The Yankees were the dominant franchise, but the Giants and the Dodgers were always nipping at their heels. Those two National League clubs were bitter rivals, who were involved in many epic duels.

The most memorable battle occurred on October 3rd 1951, when Bobby Thomson homered off of the Dodgers Ralph Branca, propelling the Giants to the World Series.  The “Shot Heard Round the World” was culminated by the shouts of the Giants radio announcer Ralph Hodges, who screamed “THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT, THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT”.

The Giants then went on to the World Series, where they fell to the Yankees in six games.  Three years later, in 1954, they returned to the Fall Classic, and swept the heavily favored Cleveland Indians.

In 1957 the Dodgers left Brooklyn and moved across the country to Los Angeles.  The Giants followed them in 1958, and ventured west to San Francisco.

New York was left with one team.  The baseball landscape was about to change.  New York was no longer the center of the baseball universe, and the demographics of the sport were about to change, inexorably.

The City by the Bay welcomed their new team with open arms.  They played their first two seasons in Seals Stadium, and then moved to Candlestick Park in 1960, their home for the next 39 years until they moved to PacBell (AT&T Park) Stadium in 2000.

They had very good players, and very successful teams.  Willie Mays was a Hall of Famer, and one of the best center fielders of all time.  Juan Marichal won 238 games and had 244 complete games.  Willie McCovey hit 469 home runs.  There were other great players, including Gaylord Perry, Orlando Cepeda, Jim Ray Hart, Bobby Bonds, and Will Clark. Not to mention Barry Bonds.

Good players and good teams.  But one thing was missing.  No world championships.  Since 1954, the cupboard was bare.  What was even more galling was that the Dodgers, their hated rivals, had attained five World Series championships since moving west.  The former “Bums of Brooklyn” had repeatedly climbed the mountain top.  The Giants were perennially left behind.

There were many close calls.  There was the line drive that Willie McCovey hit in the 7th game of the 1962 World Series that was caught by the Yankees Bobby Richardson, robbing the Giants of the Championship.  Between 1965 and 1969, the club had 5 consecutive second place finishes. In 1971 they lost the NLCS to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  In 1993 the team won 103 games but finished second, one game behind the Braves.  There was the 1987 NLCS loss to the Cardinals with Jeff “One Flap Down” Leonard.  The club also came up short in the1989 and 2002 Fall Classics.

What is astounding about the 2010 Giants is that no one expected much of them.  The team had transformed themselves since the Barry Bonds years, deciding to rely on pitching and defense, but no one expected them to make the playoffs. Trailing San Diego by 7 1/2 games in the NL West on July 4, they meandered in the wild-card race until the stretch run, winning the division and finishing 92-70.

The team was a collection of cast-offs, with no marquee players.  They did have outstanding pitching and good defense, with a stellar bullpen, proving the adage that pitching and defense does indeed win games.

After defeating the Braves in the divisional playoffs and the Phillies in a very exciting NLCS, even the most ardent Giants fans were cautiously optimistic.  History was not on their side.  There was the 54 year drought.  There were the memories of the repeated failures.  However, the other franchises with extended droughts (Red Sox, White Sox) had exorcised their demons, so MAYBE it was to be their year.

And in retrospect, the details of the Giants World Championship are less important than the history of the clubs futility prior to this point.  Of course credit must be given to Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson and Edgar Renteria and Butch Posey and Bruce Bochy and the rest of the club.  The team that FINALLY brought an end to the drought.

But to long time Giants fans, it’s more of a chance to reminisce.  One thinks of many things, including the horrid conditions of Candlestick Park.  Or John “The Count” Montefusco.  Or Herman Franks. And Jeff Kent and his motorcycle excursions as well as his battles with Barry Bonds.  Or the Juan Marichal/John Roseboro incident. Or Sal “The Barber” Maglie.  Or John McGraw and Coogans Bluff.  Or Bobby Bonds and his battles with alcohol and the press.  Or the 1983 All Star experience of Atlee Hammaker, when he surrendered 7 earned runs in 2/3 of an innings, including Fred Lynn’s grand slam.

The great Christy Matthewson also has to be mentioned.

As well as Mel Ott and his 511 home runs.

Also Carl Hubbell, his 253 wins and incredible screwball.

The Giants have an incredible history.  The fans that supported them through their drought now have reason to celebrate.  As does all of baseball.  Because in baseball, hope springs eternal.  Having said that, spring training is just around the corner.

Are there any Cubs fans in the house?

by AspiDimitrov

BUY ME SOME PEANUTS…

Herts Baseball correspondent, Rob Jones, looks back at last weekend’s celebration of British baseball

It was yet another piece of history for Herts baseball — the first ever National Baseball Championships to be held at Grovehill ballpark in Hemel Hempstead. Has any  sort of national championships ever been held in Hemel? I honestly don’t know, but I have to confess to a frisson of excitement as I first pulled up at the venue on Saturday to see crowds, tents and people stretching across the playing fields. This was baseball coming to our home. And here are some of the sights, sounds and smells …

First of all — there was great baseball. There were home runs a-plenty. Most of the action I saw was on the Grove, our oldest field, and balls kept plopping over the fence from the new diamond with regularity. The purist might not love it, but the long ball has helped give the game its vigour in the past decade, and it’s fun to see at the British amateur level. There were games which lived up to the occasion. The clash between Bracknell and London for a place in the NBL final was truly epic, going ten innings before the then-defending champions were able to inch ahead and claim a place in the final. The MK Bucks and Guildford Mavericks were locked at 3-3 going into the final inning of the single-A final, before the Bucks pulled clear. There was great pitching — for example, from Richmond’s Cody Cain, who claimed MVP honours with 12 strikeouts in the NBL final — and great fielding, including a sliding catch I saw Herts’ own Mahendra Prasad make in the shallow outfield.

Richmond Knights’ John Irving looking for his helmet after what could have been an embarassing blooper

Of course, things do not always go smoothly for even the best baseball players. A Richmond Knights base-runner nearly suffered an embarrassing moment as his side took on Leicester for the AA title. He was poised on second base when a team-mate struck out. Everyone thought it was the final out of the inning and started for the dugouts — including the runner, who was almost at third base when the catcher suddenly realised in fact there were only two outs. He seized on the ball, and the runner swivelled, losing his helmet in the process and frantically diving back to second. Fortunately for him the second baseman had also thought the inning was over, so he was not there to claim the strangest put-out of his career!

  

MK Bucks ace pitcher Tom Lloyd retrieving his cap

All these games had proper umpires, but it did not seem to prevent arguments about calls, or about the rules. The balk, for example, is a strange thing. Sometimes it can be really obvious. But once you get beyond those few cases, it seems remarkably subjective. The Eagles’ Louis Hare — who pitched tremendously in two games — was called for a balk in the decisive match-up against the Oxford Kings. It sparked much heated debate. The umpire explained to me that he had not stepped clearly enough towards first base, and was therefore deceiving the runner. But players insisted it was a move Hare had used all season with no problems, and being called for it meant Oxford were able to steal freely. During his game, the MK Bucks pitcher Tommy Lloyd knocked his own cap off during his motion. This, too, sparked a debate — mostly good natured — about whether that should be called a balk. What could be more distracting to the batter than a flying object right in his line of sight? But can a pitcher really deliberately knock off his own hat, and still deliver a pitch? It was a trademark “trick” of the once-notorious Yankees pitcher and diarist, Jim Bouton. Lloyd got the benefit of the doubt. And retrieved his hat.

Herts Eagles Manager, Lee Manning, in discussion with umpires

There was passion on display, and the questionable calls led to the most vivid displays of it — ejections. Bracknell’s manager Rob Rance was ejected from a game for arguing calls with the home plate umpire. He said that the incident had perhaps put “fire in the belly” of his team. But when the Herts Eagles manager, Lee Manning, was ejected in their semi-final against Oxford Kings, it had the opposite effect. In discussions about a controversial interference call, Manning was tossed for apparently asking one too many questions, even though the often combative manager had seemed calm and reasonable. Both teams left the field while the discussions continued and the Eagles rhythm was clearly disrupted. They scored no more runs, gave up several, and made mistakes on the bases. I have great respect for what umpires and refs try to do, but there’s no denying that controversial calls can turn a game.

The Herts fans on the egde of their seats during the AAA League semi-final clash versus Oxford

The big stars of the weekend were the fans and families who turned out to add a buzz to the event. People had come along with tents, garden chairs, and video cameras. There were grandparents, little leaguers, toddlers and babes in arms. My own two boys, who have always shown scant interest in baseball, enjoyed their time at the NBC. After some prompting they shouted “Come on Jon”, and “Go Eagles”, and waved our home-made sponge finger. And when they had finished that, they ran around chasing footballs and baseballs and toy Transfomers, and having a fine time.

Enjoying the hot dogs at Grovehill Ballpark

If I am talking about the overall atmosphere, I have to address the crowning glory of the weekend — the food! The ubiquitous hot dogs were enormous, tasty, sensibly priced and happily devoured by my own two kids. And they were supplemented by a more exotic sandwich — pulled pork. When I first saw this on the adverts for the event I wondered what on earth it was all about and had to Google the answer. When I finally got to eat one for my Sunday lunch it all made sense! A masterpiece of rich meat and tangy sauce which made my weekend experience even better. Compliments to the chefs.

Baseball, like so much that is good in life, is about more than just the result. It is about the endeavour, the humour, the colours and sounds, and the drama. There was plenty of that this weekend. While the club was certainly disappointed not to end up with a team claiming a title, it should be proud of the way it hosted a national event. It was so good I would be happy to come back next year … but there had better be pulled pork!

by AspiDimitrov

DON’T SAY IT’S OVER

The thing about baseball more than any other sport is that having played a game, what you most want to do the next day is play it all over again. My aching bones certainly don't want to do it again, but my mind and heart do. But that is never possible (unless you play in the Major Leagues, and have six games a week). And it is certainly not possible for me this time as, in July, my competitive season has come to an end.

It's good to end with something new — and so on my last appearance I finally played my first game as a Herts Hawk. I have been on their roster all year, but spent most of my time trying to offer wisdom and experience (don't laugh) to the Raptors. Sadly it wasn't to be my first win of the season, as we were outplayed by an eight-man Sidewinders team.

The Hawks are a different bag of fish to the Raptors in many ways. There is lots of talent on the team, and it plays with a positive spirit, but is probably disappointed with its results. I played a role in preventing the win this time around, so I am certainly not here to find fault! As further examples of the “value added” plays I was talking about last week, I caught two straightforward fly balls, but dropped two tougher balls which I had run down successfully but then needlessly put on the ground. It all exemplified the frustration I talked about last week.

It was a busy day in the outfield, and early in the game a booming hit came my way. It was sort of a fly ball, but was a little lower and a little faster than that. At first as I backtracked I thought I would make it, though it would be tough. For anyone who saw Ben Zobrist's catch for the Rays yesterday, it would have looked like that. But I didn't reach it, the ball bounced barely a yard shy of the home run fence and skipped over. I kicked myself about that, so you can imagine what I did later when I carefully chased down a shallow fly ball in left-centre, only to see it bobble out of my glove. I'm still not sure how I dropped it — guru Kal said I had overrun it, so he is probably right, but I maybe just didn't squeeze the glove at the right half-second.

I managed to redeem myself with two catches, and by hitting a 2-RBI double — so imagine my vibes when I then dropped another outfield ball! And that was to be my last actual play of the season. D'oh! Again it was shallow, a sinking liner, but I had seen it early and was running in so called off Tak from left field. I maybe took my eye off it as I saw him, though I should stress he did absolutely nothing wrong! Again I reached it and again the ball went down.

Other Hawks did a far better job than me, I am happy to say. Perrie made good plays from third base and, perhaps more importantly, smart plays. Knowing instantly where to throw the ball is one of the toughest things on the infield, and he did it with a sixth sense. Simon made a tremendous double play from shortstop, catching a bloop over his shoulder then making the quick throw to get the runner straying off second. And Greg showed me how it's done, taking a pop-up on the first base line even as the runner attempted to crash into him and put him off. He did crash into Greg, and they all went down in a heap, but the catch was made and the inning was over. Single-minded fielding.

So, for me, the season is over. Two weeks of work and then a summer holiday will keep me away from our remaining games. Despite my incessant grumbling on these pages, it has been great fun. Herts still shows the ideal way to play amateur sports — with passion to win, but with the ultimate aim of sharing the joy of playing. Raptors players have really come on, and have stuck with baseball despite learning some tough lessons. I don't think my own game has come on much, although I did get my first experiences of pitching and umpiring. On the positive side, I can say that after two years after stepping away from the outfield I can now volunteer myself to play almost anywhere on the diamond. Maybe next year, I'll be pulling on the tools of ignorance as the league's skinniest catcher …. OK maybe not.

 

by AspiDimitrov

SUMMER SUNDAYS

Some people enjoy getting a good thrashing on a Sunday. They maybe even look forward to it. I'm not one of them, but that is what I have endured for the past two weekends. Last week was at the London Tournament in Croydon, so it was in exhibition games really. This week was back in competition, albeit good-natured competition. Whatever you might infer from my calm exterior, I always want to win, and I want to do my absolute best. Getting thrashed rarely gives you the feelings you want.

Last week at Croydon I missed the heroics of Saturday's win, and was only there on the Sunday when we came up against the National League powerhouses of Richmond and Bracknell.  I can't grumble about the final results, however much I dislike a thrashing! But as this blog sees the world through the prism of my own performance, I can grumble a bit. I took one fly ball comfortably in left field, and blocked a ball in the gap. When playing first base I fielded balls thrown perfectly to me by Aspi and Luis, but couldn't bring down those which were thrown slightly too high. One towering pop up came my way which I was very happy with until it completely disappeared in the sun, and fell to earth.  So overall, solid results but no cigar.

I was back at first base as the Raptors returned to league action this Sunday, at home against Richmond. I'm not built like a classic first baseman — being of only average height and far less than average build — but I do enjoy playing first. You feel really close to the action, and feel involved in every play. I managed to collect a bloodied lip and a bruised shin to show for my efforts, but felt that I had little more besides.  I don't think I made any errors as such, but I can't think of a play which I was able to make which a rookie player couldn't.  And therein lies the frustration — having played this game for seven or eight years I feel I should be at a higher level. Learning to play the carom off the fence well wasn't much consolation.

My batting gave me similar concerns.  The rib strain which would probably have sidelined me for the past few weeks (had I not missed them due to work anyway) has been playing on my mind, and probably cramped my swing. At Croydon, I made a connection in my only two at-bats, even if I did get out, so I shouldn't belittle that against such lofty opposition. Facing Richmond this week, I hit the ball all four times I came up — as you should against A-ball pitchers — but never hit it hard.

So what am I driving at here? Clearly we are all limited by our individual talents, and that is certainly true of me. But my frustration is not because I can't play the way Albert Pujols does, it's because I can't play the way I can. And that means I am driving — as usual — at the frustrations of the part-time player, as he tries to balance the hankering to play every game, every week, with the fact that he has a life to live outside the game. Rust seemes to accumulate on my game far more quickly than it shakes off! I have been able to attend just one practice session since the season began.  I have played in five games, with just one more to go. That's not really good enough for the team, or for my satisfaction. Deep thoughts have to be thought about how I address this.

Being away from the action for a few weeks does at least help to highlight the positive changes in the team — rather like seeing a young relative shoot up in stature. Ken's pitching is far more authoritative than when I first saw it; Jim's pitching even more devastating. Steve Patmore caught the whole game in unpleasant heat on Sunday, and was one of our most solid defensive performers. As well as catching two pop-ups — which always look incredibly hard when encumbered by a mask and huge shinpads — he also made a perfect throw to me when a batter ran on a dropped third strike. In theory, it's an easy play but in practice, at our level, it is something else. I would consider that play my own defensive highlight of the day, and certainly one of his. Raptors were better than the scoreline suggested on Sunday, and the team can go on to even better things if they stick with the game. Hopefully the players will be a solid core for the club to build on in coming years.