Ten Days Ago . . .

was the official start of Major League Baseball for 2009; as the Braves beat the Phillies on Opening Night. Just ten days ago . . .

While there have been many surprises (both good and bad) on the field, it is the off field shockers that have been the center of our thoughts.

The most untimely and tragic death of Nick Adenhart to the most recent deaths of Harry Kalas and Mark "the Bird" Fidyrich. Each of these three individuals brought a unique flavor to the game we all love.

Adenhart with his youthful drive, strength and courage to work "harder than most his age" to become a top prospect and leave this world all too early, pitching a masterpiece in his last game on the mound.

Kalas, the "voice of the Phillies", sudden death after he collapses in the announcers booth prior to Mondays game - leaving the game he devoted his life to, a city, friends and fans all around baseball. It was only fitting that the Phillies played and won that day in his honor.

And Fidyrich, who played the game "like a kid", wacky,and quirky, a one year wonder thirty three years ago. He lived and now died in his quiet and simple (after baseball) life as he preferred.

All three of these men, so different as they are, will all be remembered for their accomplishments and long lasting images within the baseball world.

Just ten days ago the season started . . . so much is missing already. I just hope that there are no more off the field shocks like we have just had.

Shock and Reality

The death of Nick Adenhart was a shock but it is also today's reality. My heart goes out to his family, and the Angels organization; I feel sad for so many of his friends and fans. I never knew anything about Adenhart, do not own his cards nor even knew of him before Thursday, but that does not change anything.

I want mention right here that no one should forget the other three persons in this car; two of whom perished and one who is in serious condition. Their situations are no less important or tragic than what we are all focused on. This accident is affecting so many families and so many people inside and outside of baseball.

And maybe that is what bothers me most; outside of baseball circles you hear very little if nothing of this accident. That is the reality of such an accident - we as a society have become very hardened and this sort of accident happens all too often. We are all too willing to accept bad behavior and give second chances. The driver of the minivan was n his second chance.

Maybe it is time for Major League Baseball to take a stand across our nation. What better way to make a long lasting memory for the Adenharts, Angels and the other families than for MLB to send a message to the over 60 million fans who attend games every year and the hundreds of millions who watch and/or listen to games on tv and radio.

Make a stand Major League Baseball - send the message ! It is time we change this reality !

1970 Topps: card # 4

Tom Egan, California Angels backup catcher. Egan had a ten year major league career, all but two with the Angels (1971 - 72 with the Chicago White Sox) and played in total of 373 games; yes only 373 games in 10 years. The epitome of a backup - playing only when the regular needed a rest or as a late inning substitute.
Egan had a career BA of only .200, hit 22 HR's (ten of which were in 1971, when he appeared in the most games of his career in one year at 85). Egan struck out 336 times in his career, almost one per game (not a very impressive statistic at all). At 6'4" and around 220 pounds, he was a "giant" in those days. Maybe he should have stayed with football as he was a high school all-american running back.

The back of his 1970 card highlights his defensive ability with the cartoon in the upper right; at the end of the 1969 campaign he had only made four errors in his five year career - playing in only 88 games though. He would conclude his career with only 27 errors, 1861 putouts and a .987 fielding percentage (not so great by any standards for a "defensive star" or backup).

So that is card # 4 for this 1970 set . . . slowly but surely . . . and at this pace, I should be done chronicling this set by March of 2011 !

Jim Abbott: still an inspiration to many

I have been meaning to do a post on Jim Abbott for some time now and so here goes . . .

For those of you too young to remember, Jim Abbott was born without a right hand yet became a two sport high school star athlete in Flint Michigan; excelling in both American football (yes he played quarterback and led his team to two state championships) and baseball of course. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 36th round of the draft in 1985 but opted to enter the University of Michigan instead.

1989 Topps # 573: I like this card showcasing the Michigan uniform and the Angels logo
as Abbott is indeed a solid # 1 draft pick

He led Michigan to two Big Ten Championships and in 1987 won the James E Sullivan Award for being the nations best amateur athlete. He was the first baseball player and remains the only baseball player to have ever won this award. In 1988, the California Angels made Abboott the 8th player chosen in first round. 1988 was also the year Abbott led the USA to a Gold Medal in the summer Olympics held in Seoul South Korea.

1989 Topps Traded # 11: a USA Olympian

Never pitching in the minors, Abbott went straight to the majors and his rookie season went 12-12 for the Angels, coming in fifth in the ROY award. After four seasons in California, Abbott was traded to the New York Yankees in December of 1992 and on September 4th, 1993 had his "day to remember forever" as he pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians.

1990 Score # 330: a good shot of how Abbott uses his right arm to cradle his glove as he pitches

His last year in the majors was with the Milwaukee Brewers, the only NL team he played for and had to actually stand in the batters box. While he was able to hit the ball over the fence during BP, during the 1999 campaign he did get 2 hits in 21 at bats (coincidentally both off Jon Leiber of the N Y Yankees).

Throughout Abbotts career, teams tried to take advantage of his unusual situation (that of only having one hand) and it proved to be unsuccessful. Abbott defense was as solid as his pitching and actually had a lifetime .976 fielding percentage (having four years of perfect fielding).

Abbotts professional career was not spectacular, going 87-108 with a 4.25 career ERA. However, Jim Abbott will always be remembered for his courage and inspiration to all who saw him play. Today, he continues to be that as he has turned to motivational speaking. Thank you Jim Abbott for what you did for baseball in the late eighties - I know many have been and will continue to be inspired by you.