Tag Archives: baseball

Cuba and the U.S. Play Ball!

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(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

A team of collegiate baseball stars are currently representing the United States in a 5-game series in Havana, Cuba after a 16-year hiatus. The match-up between our college hot shots and the veteran Cuban national squad is a revival of a series between two baseball-lovin countries that had been suspended indefinitely.

Players and fans stood together in Cuba’s storied Latin American Stadium on Thursday night as both the Cuban and U.S. national anthems played over loudspeakers — I’m sure the U.S. national anthem is not frequently played in the communist country.

The last time Cuba and the U.S. played a series like this outside of a world tournament was in 1996. Because of the political situation between these two countries, this quick weekend series took years of relationship building to get the ball rolling again.

(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

The U.S. sent 22 players and 5 managers to the Caribbean for a weekend to play ball. The series is considered a warm-up for the upcoming Haarlem Baseball Week in the Netherlands. Jonny Field of the University of Arizona told the AP:

“This is awesome. I’ve never been out of the country before, so this is my first time,” said USA outfielder Johnny Field, a 20-year-old sophomore who won a College World Series title less than two weeks ago with the University of Arizona. “We’ve heard all the hype about how great the stadium is, and Cuba is at baseball, and it’s already shown since we got here. … We’re fired up to be here.”

The ultimate plan is for the Cuban national team to pay a reciprocal visit next summer. Victor Mesa, former star outfielder and current manager of the Cuban national team, explained how important it will be to maintain this match-up between the two countries. He told the AP:

“In the past, the big stars from the United States played against us. Barry Bonds. Mark McGwire. Frank Thomas,” Mesa said. “We are a measuring stick for the major leagues. We are an elite team with pitchers who could pitch at any level, so if one of these boys stands out against us, he has the talent to play in the majors.”

Baseball is considered the “American Pastime” but Cubans are equally as obsessed with the sport. Hopefully the borders will be opened someday soon and U.S. citizens could even go and watch the series!

The Humber Games

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On Saturday, White Sox pitcher Philip Humber accomplished something only 20 other pitchers have ever done in the history of the MLB (making him the 21st), he threw a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners. He pitched all nine innings, not one runner advanced to first, not one walk, not one home run, he was perfect. It’s not every day you get to use the word “perfect” to describe any    sport, let alone baseball.

Here’s how it went down. The count was 3-2 against Mariners’ Brendan Ryan, he swung at Humber’s breaking ball, it was a bit of a wild pitch getting away from the batter’s box, but A.J. Pierzynski looking quick and agile, pounced on the ball and easily threw Ryan out at first (hopefully Humber bought Pierzynski a drink or two to thank him for the sweet play). Humber was then mobbed by his teammates on the field in a celebratory dog pile.

Humber threw 97 pitches to retire all 27 batters. Although he threw a perfect game, he was so incredibly humble, “I don’t know that I dominated them. Obviously the ball was hit at people. I’m thankful for that. It was a well-pitched game. Definitely something I’ll never forget.” He even thanked his wife and little girl on air; too precious.

There were two things missing from Saturday’s success. Being on the road for such a remarkable task is never as great as being on your own home field, however, the Mariners fans gave Humber a standing ovation when he closed out the game (well deserved buddy). Also, for whatever reason, the game was televised on FOX and Sox fans didn’t get to hear Hawk Harrelson’s voice. Hawk IS the voice of White Sox baseball; he would have made the moment so much better.

It was the third perfect game in White Sox history Saturday afternoon. Humber joins Charlie Robertson (1922) and Mark Buehrle (2009) as a White Sox legend. Not too shabby, only 21 pitchers have ever accomplished a perfect game, and 3 of them have been in White Sox uniforms.

Holy Hot Dog!

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This ain’t no Oscar Mayer wiener, this is a monster wiener. The Texas Rangers have confirmed they will be selling this 2-foot, 1-pound weenie at their ballpark this upcoming season. It’s said to serve three to four fans and will cost $26 – that’s one expensive and heavy weenie.

“It has to be a tremendous wiener. And then we’re getting some kind of exotic bread flown in from France. And I don’t know what kind of condiments you put on that. But I do want to look at it,” said team president Nolan Ryan.

The dog is a Coney Island-style wiener that will be topped with shredded cheese, chili and sautéed onions. Not to mention the bun, apparently made of “exotic bread flown in from France.”

Apparently they’re having a difficult time determining a consistent name for this ginormous hot dog. Depending on where you purchase it in the park there are two different names. If you dine at the Captain Morgan Club, it’s a “Champion Dog.” However, concession stands throughout Rangers Ballpark will also be selling the schnitzel, and will call it the “Boomstick.”

This hot dog reminds me of the “Victory Knot” at the United Center – most expensive ($15) and delicious 2-pound soft pretzel around. I mean at least they give you three different kinds of dipping sauces, and yes I’ve eaten one.

The saying holds true, everything really is bigger in Texas. I do wonder how this hotdog makes the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine feel. They’re the ones responsible for putting up this lovely billboard on Chicago’s Eisenhower expressway:

For the sake of Ranger’s fans or any baseball fan, lets hope this billboard is just a publicity stunt.

Third Base Up for Grabs for White Sox

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It’s only day-two of the Cactus League and things seem to be getting interesting over at Camelback Ranch. For the second day in a row the White Sox have Brent Lillibridge playing third base, replacing Brent Morel. He’s only played 17 major-league innings at this position in his career…hmmm.

Third base is a position the White Sox have struggled to fill for at least the past two seasons. Morel was simply mediocre, but a better option than his predecessor Mark Teahen – Chicago wasn’t working with much.

Last season Lillibridge spent most of his time in right field or second base, seeing him at 3rd is throwing me off a bit, but spring training is meant for testing the waters. However, new manager Robin Ventura knows a thing or two about third base so I guess his judgement can be trusted. He was one of the better defensive 3rd basemen the league has seen the past few decades. “It’s tough because you’re the one making decisions,’’ Ventura said. “Some are good; some are bad. Some work out; some don’t. Not every decision, just because it works, you say it was the right decision. The manager has to believe in it, and a lot of other people have to believe in it, as far as the player you’re putting in and the guys on the field.’’ I’m interested to see what he can do for Lillibridge at third.

Here’s today’s lineup against the Los Angeles Angels and their new big man Albert Pujols according to sources at the Chicago Tribune:

1. De Aza CF
2. Beckham 2B
3. Dunn 1B
4. Viciedo LF
5. Fukudome RF
6. Flowers C
7. Gallagher DH
8. Lillibridge 3B
9. Escobar SS
Danks SP

One more thing, I really miss Joe Crede, and not just for his talents at 3rd base.