tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.comments2024-02-10T00:54:17.516-08:00Baseball...numbers, stories and analysisBaseball Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923102098538311436noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-88086512338679166612024-02-10T00:54:17.516-08:002024-02-10T00:54:17.516-08:00The things Vern saved from his time in baseball, t...The things Vern saved from his time in baseball, the things that meant something to him, were passed on to his daughters, their children, and myself.<br />The old batting gloves the guys threw in a bag under the bench in front of his locker, he sent home for my mother to use in the garden.<br />Frank Robinson's glove I wore playing ball growing up.<br />It was huge, but it covered a lot of area.<br />We didn't think to save things like that, because it wasn't ever about the money, it was about friendships and playing ball.<br />I have the Mets ring, and it has my son's name on it. Hoscheit.<br />I've also got his Vern Hoscheit Fan Club shirt.<br />He saved it, along with his A's World Series uniform and his Mets All-Star jersey.<br />Just one more bit of odd info for you, I was born in 1965 when he was with Baltimore and I am named after my father's friends Billy Hunter and Ray Scarborough.<br /><br />Thanks for remembering, <br />Billy Ray Hoscheit<br /><br />Billy Ray Hoscheitnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-51590433042447379112023-05-06T18:14:12.371-07:002023-05-06T18:14:12.371-07:00I just wish his son preserved his legacy. Unfortun...I just wish his son preserved his legacy. Unfortunately there is nothing left but these great stories from the past.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-54759643180352918312022-04-14T07:23:50.996-07:002022-04-14T07:23:50.996-07:00Mike,
Dressen said 'Giants is dead' in 19...Mike,<br /><br />Dressen said 'Giants is dead' in 1953 not 1951.Daniel THomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09741259580612054736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-35231444659510900632020-08-21T09:05:35.143-07:002020-08-21T09:05:35.143-07:00With the wide land coverage area inherent in MF tr...With the wide land coverage area inherent in MF transmission, the "AM Megahertz" would be ideal for a broadband regional data distribution service for the Public Safety community! What a wonderful asset it might become: the ability to push maps, photographs, drawings, and text messages out simultaneously to first responders everywhere, engaged in major disasters and emergencies! And to do so in a way that no VHF/UHF/microwave system could do. <a href="http://www.vssportstv.com/" rel="nofollow">스포츠중계</a><br />Besthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06413761483167233998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-15512113371931608052019-01-27T22:48:23.558-08:002019-01-27T22:48:23.558-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Nicole Wernerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03478199124518153741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-43781294009174397372018-11-17T17:47:23.886-08:002018-11-17T17:47:23.886-08:00Thank you for your kind words. And your support.Thank you for your kind words. And your support.Baseball Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923102098538311436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-53230294065890757622018-11-16T22:06:42.823-08:002018-11-16T22:06:42.823-08:00Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog a...Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. <a href="https://bestsportsgearhub.com/" rel="nofollow">bestsportsgearhub.com</a>Richard C. Lamberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766504022599651016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-44253539042918376982018-11-15T03:29:18.536-08:002018-11-15T03:29:18.536-08:00What is their 'secret'? These people will ...What is their 'secret'? These people will most of the time follow a sports betting system. <a href="https://www.jetwin.com/en-us/sports" rel="nofollow">bitcoin live betting</a> Following are three reasons you should use a sports betting system when making sports wagers.<br /><br />Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01767691539434563701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-4970827330837888262018-08-23T08:20:36.639-07:002018-08-23T08:20:36.639-07:00Great blog. One of the best entries ever on this b...Great blog. One of the best entries ever on this blog. Wonderfully written and great stories. I have to admit most of them I didn’t know and I thought I knew a lot. Cannot give enough praise. Well researched and presented. Thank you.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-59366661930535600312018-08-08T07:50:58.762-07:002018-08-08T07:50:58.762-07:00the players on the Olympic baseball group are for ...the players on the Olympic baseball group are for the most part top small time prospects who have not made it stayed and played broadly in the significant alliances yet amid their playing professions. <a href="https://www.grandslamnewyork.com/derek-jeter-jerseys-and-t-shirts-for-adults-kids-babies/" rel="nofollow">derek jeter jerseys</a><br />Brooklynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01767691539434563701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-22367750676655499542018-05-21T13:16:57.400-07:002018-05-21T13:16:57.400-07:00That was cool. This is a great commentary on today...That was cool. This is a great commentary on today’s game and how it has changed over the years. And an inventive way of doing it. Yes not all change is bad, but wholesale changes of something that is popular and ingrained into the culture may not always be the best thing.<br />This was a great change of pace from the usual enjoyable season specific blogs found here.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-59260021909689729252018-05-21T13:12:20.955-07:002018-05-21T13:12:20.955-07:00Interesting as always. There is always a fact or t...Interesting as always. There is always a fact or two I learn from reading these well researched and thoughtful looks back at specific seasons.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-6740525010567339042017-01-25T14:22:47.990-08:002017-01-25T14:22:47.990-08:00Well we have a few comments. Most importantly I...Well we have a few comments. Most importantly I'd like to commend Mike on another well written, interesting and informative blog. As much as I think I know he does usually educate me with a tidbit or two I didn't previously know. As for the topics covered by the blog, I have a scattering of thoughts. As to the voting results I must first admit my ballot was more restrictive than this blog. My ballot would have contained Guerrero and Kent. As to who got in I have wavered on Bagwell and Pudge solely on the basis on possible PED use. If this was year 10 for both gentlemen I would have probably voted for them. It may not be fair but as long as they have eligibility there was no rush to put them in now, especially Pudge as this was his first year. Personally I am still against any PED user getting in to the Hall and I see no reason to soften or change that sentiment. As to innuendo or non proven players just suspected as users then innocent until proven guilty. And that's where using 6-7 years of eligibility to wait and see what new facts if any appear.<br />As to Raines and also Hoffmann (who will probably be in next season) while they were very good I did not feel they were Hall of Famers. I understand new age stats and sabermetrics that many including this blog subscribe to make a case these two players belong but being of an age to have seen these players over the course of their careers I can use a different set of criteria. It is called the eye test. I saw them play. And while watching players a knowledgeable fan can look and say if they are watching a Hall of Famer or not. When you think of watching Trevor Hoffman what do you remember? Blowing the All Star Game? Blowing the playoffs? Blowing saves like the one I remember giving up a HR to Mike Piazza? Do you remember watching a dominant closer? When you think of Raines in his prime on the Expos was he the guy you feared in the clutch? Over Dawson or Gary Carter? Again I don't think so.<br />As to the Blog's points: Guys are now having 2nd Tommy John procedures and ribs being removed is based upon a medical need. So the argument comparing it to PEDS is more than apples and oranges it is a false analogy.<br />I never understood the NFL rule that 4 players must be elected. That kind of logic leads to players not deserving the honor being enshrined. While it is not desirable from a marketing point of view but if no one is deserving than no one should get in that year.<br />Yes voting for Tim Wakefield may be a wasted vote or an insult to the Hall but the voters are free to vote for their ten. If a player is on the ballot then you can not penalize someone for voting for him. The only answer is creating a committee to reduce the ballot before it is sent to the voters. But what kind of committee would that be? who would be on it? Who gets eliminated? Would the voters be able to vote on borderline players like Al Oliver, Fred McGriff, Vada Pinson, Jeff Kent? I think minimal criteria and ambiguous criteria is the way it should be done. Otherwise get rid of the voters and just leave it to computers. Decide what the WAR value for enshrinement is and when a player reaches that number he's in. Please note that last comment was sarcasm.<br />My final comment pertains to Pete Rose. I would not enshrine Pete Rose for what he did but I still think the agreement between MLB and Rose should have been honored. And when asked at the press conference A Bart Giamatti said it would be up to the writers to decide if Rose went in and that ability was taken away from them at the last minute. Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-82450914155040482382016-10-11T10:34:36.454-07:002016-10-11T10:34:36.454-07:00Sloppy Thurston is a great baseball name. Another ...Sloppy Thurston is a great baseball name. Another interesting column. Informative and well written. I especially enjoy reading about the players who had great seasons at the time but have become forgotten over time. There are players written about who I didn't know about before hand. I'd love to see more written about players who have become forgotten but should be remembered by baseball fans of all ages. Thank you and keep up the good work.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-38714517445089917242016-03-29T14:02:08.846-07:002016-03-29T14:02:08.846-07:00One good thing about the baseball HOF voting as co...One good thing about the baseball HOF voting as compared to the NFL there is no number of candidates that have to be enshrined. Which means unless a voter truly believes there are ten worthy players they do not have to fill up their ballots. It is also the hall of fame not the hall of very good so some very good players will not make it and while that is sad in a way it's better than cheapening the accomplishments that have earned it. This year's ballot is certainly a case of very good players that fall short creating a ballot containing very few names. The players that deserved a vote for the HOF this year were Griffey, Jr., Mike Piazza, Jeff Kent and Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell and Piazza certainly have clouds of suspicions over them but no proof or confessions have been forthcoming in the years since they retired. As to some of the others that were touted by some for enshrinement there are reasons why they did not receive my vote. For Trevor Hoffmann although he had quantity there is a question of quality. His most high pressure save situations are known as some of his most famous blown saves. His quantity includes many saves of 1 inning and a 3 run lead in non-pennant appearances. For all the non-statistical reasons on why Mariano Rivera is a HOFer, none of them apply to Hoffmann.<br />Mike Mussina is another case of compilation. Only once a CY Young candidate and known to put up very good numbers but never great numbers except maybe his last season. <br />Curt Schilling another very good pitcher who did excel in the postseason but does 1 bloody sock equal a HOF plaque? <br />Fred McGriff, Tim Raines? Again very good players. Here's a test unapproved by the sabermetrics crowd. When you watched these platers did you say to yourself "I am watching an all-time great?" If you did then you should vote for them. I think most people did not.<br />Now players like Mussina and Raines are edging closer and may make it. I'm ok with that. Would them getting in be on a par with a Bill Mazeroski or Rick Ferrell getting in? No. Not at all. These were quality players and the requisite number of voters see fit to put them in I won't argue much. Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-82320429263474825662015-11-12T11:58:37.700-08:002015-11-12T11:58:37.700-08:00So Zolio is the MVP in 1965. Why? Looking at the n...So Zolio is the MVP in 1965. Why? Looking at the numbers above he shouldn't have won. Did the writers go crazy? Were they bribed by Castro? Did they feel sorry for him because his name was Zolio? Well taking a look at some reasons and numbers from elsewhere as they were ignored here: First an obvious reason the Twins won. That was important then and still important today for people who understand the game. Zolio had adequate offensive numbers in general but as a SS his numbers are much more impressive and came in an age of limited SS offensive prowess in general. Zolio led the AL in runs, 2b, 3b and TB. He was 3rd in SB and was a gold glove winner at SS. He had a great 2nd half hitting well over 300 in August in September. So an offensive GG SS who produced down the stretch on a winning team and batted lead off pacing the team offensively. I can see why 19 out of 20 writers voted for him. Plus the offensive numbers in the AL were down overall.<br />And again let's not discount defense. I'm sure part of the reason Brooks finished 4th was defense. Was that a "bad" vote as well?Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-1209221223407827642015-11-08T12:12:41.076-08:002015-11-08T12:12:41.076-08:00Those are some really great stats you have made. I...Those are some really great stats you have made. I will follow your posts as well the recommendations of <a href="https://www.fantasysportsdaily.com/" rel="nofollow">fantasysportsdaily.com</a>. Have you heard of them. They are really good. I have been following them for months now.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11932883685961267859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-39359133263284883702015-10-16T03:10:36.119-07:002015-10-16T03:10:36.119-07:00Bautista was playing for an offensive powerhouse, ...Bautista was playing for an offensive powerhouse, the Jays were all over the top of the list at raw numbers, I think they had 5 players in the top 10 of raw numbers. But, when I compare the player's numbers to the rest of his team, their ratings change. It's easier for a guy to have a very productive season when he's surrounded in the lineup by Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin, as Bautista was. Not so easy when you're playing for the Royals, whose offense was good, but nowhere near the potency of the Jays.<br />Then I compare each player's ratings against their team's average, measured against how they do against their league's average, and that is where I get my final numbers.<br /><br />The same theory is used for pitching evaluations.<br /><br />Hope that clarifies the theories...<br />Baseball Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923102098538311436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-68385746271410718052015-10-16T03:09:25.604-07:002015-10-16T03:09:25.604-07:00In 1950, Jim Konstanaty saved 1 game for Robin Rob...In 1950, Jim Konstanaty saved 1 game for Robin Roberts, and in actuality, Roberts saved a game that Konstanty started. Konstanty had 8 saves from August 1st, with 6 wins, and Roberts won 8 in that time. I still have a hard time giving as much credit to saves as everyone esle does. Yes, they're important in some way, but for example this season, Brad Boxberger saved 41 games for the Rays, who won 80 games. He saved more than half the team's wins. The Blue Jays as a team had just 34 saves, but they won 93 games. Since there is no weight added to different save situations, the save stat is just a blanket type of statistic. For each team win, there is a possibility for 2 points per team for each win, one for the winning pitcher, and 1 for the save. <br />Roberts was 3-1 by the time the Phillies made it into the top of the league, where they vacillated between 1st and 2nd for a little bit, and was 5-3 from that point until they secure 1st place for good on July 25th, and then 12-7 from that point on, with the rest of the league playing 'catch up'.<br />The Dodgers made a late run, coming as close as 1 game going into the last game of the season, with Roberts besting Don Newcombe for the pennant in the final game, 4-1. A 10 inning complete game by Roberts. He gave up 5 hits, including a homer by Pee Wee Reese, and walked 3.<br />No Konstanty for a save in the bottom of the 10th.<br />Baseball Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923102098538311436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-72667522404247279442015-10-08T14:05:31.803-07:002015-10-08T14:05:31.803-07:00Full disclosure I write this after the Pirates hav...Full disclosure I write this after the Pirates have lost to the Cubs. Also, given a choice I would have liked to have seen the Pirates win. My comment is the numbers are great and sensible but in a one game playoff like this I would think the numbers have to be more refined as to the starting pitchers. What were the Buccos numbers with Cole toing the rubber compared to the Cubbies with Arrieta on the hill? And even more specific the Cubs with Arrieta during the last two months?<br />And the same logic with the Mets-Dodgers which hasn't started yet. Given the possibility that Kershaw & Greinke are starting 4 out of the possible 5 games that has to skew any numbers the Dodgers way.<br />Something to think about.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-49804115967232077372015-10-08T13:57:10.575-07:002015-10-08T13:57:10.575-07:00As you did I am commenting without a grasp of the ...As you did I am commenting without a grasp of the thinking of the voters for the MVP award. I am also keeping my comments to Konstanty vs. Roberts as you did. Also I would agree on the face of it Roberts had a better season.<br />But Konstanty does have some facts in his favor. His 22 saves and 16 wins gave him a hand in 38 Philly victories far outpacing Roberts. Also, since Konstanty (according to Baseball Reference) only blew one save opportunity and if that was a team loss with his own 7 losses that would make him responsible for only 8 team losses, again better results than Roberts. And yes he did not qualify for the ERA title but he was only 2 innings short of qualifying. Also we should appreciate that he averaged over two innings an appearance signifying a much different usage pattern than closers today. I would be curious to see how many of Roberts' wins were saved by Konstanty. Because those saves ironically allow Roberts' more points, thanks to Konstanty.<br />Now the more subjective question is the ebb and flow of a season. Did Roberts wins come mainly in the first half? Did Konstanty "carry" the team pitching wise down the stretch? Did Konstanty come up "big" in important games while Roberts came up "small". There is more to this than numbers. If you went by numbers alone a computer could decide the MVP and others and there would be no need for writers voting. Maybe Konstanty received more credit because what he did with saves and finishing games was a newer concept in baseball. And maybe he deserves points for being a pioneer.Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-901221402685349572015-10-08T13:27:15.702-07:002015-10-08T13:27:15.702-07:00I agree with you on Verlander. An earlier return t...I agree with you on Verlander. An earlier return to form by him would have effected the playoff chances of two teams, the Tigers and by extension the Blue Jays as the Tigers would have probably kept him for their own playoff run. Stanton on the other hand is a different story. Given their record and position when he went down I don't think he would have led a playoff drive in Miami.<br />How does Wacha rate being #6 when he is not even in the top 7 pitchers?<br />Miguel Bautista #10? Are we flashbacking? I presume that should be Jose?<br />Also, we would be interested in reading your reasons for digressing from your numbers. An example would be Cain being #7 among AL hitters and Bautista #2 but Cain outpolling Bautista on your ballot. They both played on winning teams so what were your subjective criteria on your ballot?Squignyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779149477335519274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-47620580509158984962015-07-23T17:14:28.940-07:002015-07-23T17:14:28.940-07:00What an amazing story about a great man.What an amazing story about a great man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563106330945060787.post-72778380787032682522015-06-17T15:19:37.939-07:002015-06-17T15:19:37.939-07:00At first I agreed with the author that there was n...At first I agreed with the author that there was no way the Yankees could win in arbitration and that this was just a long shot "nothing ventured nothing gained" taken by the Yankees, but they may have a wobbly leg to stand on.<br />Assuming this is accurate, my understanding now is that the wording of the contract is that it is in the Yankee's sole discretion if any of these "marketing milestones" are in fact milestones. That is the reason why leading up the "momentous" occasion the Yankees did not list it as an upcoming milestone in their pre-game press notes. I still think A-Rod will come out ahead in this squabble when it eventually reaches arbitration or the courts afterwards. Unless A-Rod is scared of what negative facts will come out of the proceedings forcing a compromise saving the Yankees some green. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com