QUOTE #7: The ageless fireballer, Satchel Paige, once said, “Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter.”
QUOTE #6: As another New Year, 2013, approaches, people tend to look forward to new and exciting challenges. To that, the legendary Babe Ruth’s approach to hitting seems fitting for real life too as he put it like this, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.”
TRIVIA #6: Ron Hassey is the only catcher to call two Perfect Games. He caught Dennis Martinez’ in 1991 for Montreal and Len Barker’s in 1981 for Cleveland. In each of those two seasons, Hassey caught in less than 60 games.
QUOTE #5: Ichiro Szuzki in a 2009 interview with the New York Times, “Chicks who dig home runs aren’t the ones who appeal to me. I think there’s sexiness in infield hits because they require technique. I’d rather impress the chicks with my technique rather than with my brute strength. Then, every now and then, just to show that I can do that, too, I might flirt a little by hitting one out.”
QUOTE #4: In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Ron Shelton, the writer and director of Bull Durham, and former minor leaguer, said, “You live with an edge when you play; then, when you’re out of baseball, you try to replace that edge the rest of your life.”
QOUTE #3: “What a night for the players and Mets fans; I just happen to be both.” Mets OF Mike Baxter on Johan Santana’s No-hitter, who grew up in Queens near Shea Stadium.
TRIVIA #5: What two HOFers are tied for the 3rd highest batting average, at .388, since Ted Williams’ .406 in 1941? HOFer George Brett has the 2nd highest at .390 in ’80. HOFer Tony Gwynn’s .394 in the strike-shortened ’94 season is the closest threat to .400 to date. (See answer lower right.)
A. Stan Musial E. Roberto Clemente
B. Rod Carew F. Ted Williams
C. Joe DiMaggio G. Tony Gwynn
D. George Brett H. Hank Aaron
ANSWER: B in ’77 & F in ’57.
QUOTE #2: In the spirit of the first Spring Training games of the new season set to be played, here is a great quote from journalist George Will, “Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.”
TRIVIA #4: Pitcher Daniel Cabrera holds the MLB record for striking out in 18 consecutive at-bats. The record is 12 for consecutive plate appearances resulting in a long walk back to the duguout (other-wise known as a strikeout). Who was the slugger? (See answer lower right.)
A. Ryan Howard E. Mark Reynolds
B. Sandy Koufax F. Reggie Jackson
C. Randy Johnson G. Pedro Martinez
D. Rob Deer
ANSWER: B.
TRIVIA #3: In 2010, Andre “The Hawk” Dawson was enshrined in the Hall of Fame as a Montreal Expo. Which other Hall of Famer did he join as the only 2 players with the Expos logo on their plaques? (See answer lower right.)
A. Tim Wallach
B. Ken Singleton
C. Tim “Rock” Raines
D. Andres “Big Cat” Galarraga
E. Gary “The Kid” Carter
F. Rusty Staub
G. Dennis “El Presidente” Martinez
ANSWER: In 2003, E.
QUOTE #1: Who said, “A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.” ? (See answer lower right.)
A. Yogi Berra
B. Roberto Clemente
C. Bart Giamatti
D. Jackie Robinson
ANSWER: D.
TRIVIA #2: Which slugger reached base an all-time most 84 games in a row? (See answer lower right.)
1. Lou “Iron Horse” Gehrig
2. Barry Bonds
3. Teddy “Ballgame” Williams
4. Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose
5. Joe “Clipper” DiMaggio
6. Ty Cobb
ANSWER: 3 in 1949
TRIVIA #1: Name the first player who appeared at 4 different positions in the Fall Classic througout a career. The number of Series appearances are next to names. (The answer is at the bottom of page).
1. Mike Lowell (2)
2. Yogi Berra (14)
3. Babe Ruth (10)
4. Chipper Jones (3)
5. Dave Justice (6)
6. Honus Wagner (2)
Despite the nice picture, the answer is NOT Mike Lowell.
The ANSWER: #3–for number three.
Dan,
Well written comments and I’m glad that the Yankees are still good enough to be talked about.
Thanks Kirk. Good or bad, we’ll always have something to say ’bout those Yanks!
Impressive Barn! Like these saw’d off stats. Keep’em comin Fiver!
Thanks Smalls! Ball is all about the numbers, right? Any real saw’d off never quits
Thanks for the positive feedback and glad you like it so far.
Figures…the answer was a Yankee…all the GREAT ones play for them at one point or another. Not too late Barn…we can still convert an old Oriole fan to pinstripes!!!!
Rob, it is. It is way too late. I enjoy rooting against those Yanks way too much to change now! Don’t forget, Ruth won 4 titles in NY and 3 in Boston, not bad for 5 full seasons.