Talkin' Jeffrey Maier with the Ballhawks

Sixteen years ago, Jeffrey Maier became a household name in both New York and Baltimore.

Alright, it might be a stretch to call dude a "household name", but the 12-year-old did, at the very least, get his fifteen minutes of fame.

You see, on October 9, 1996, Maier stuck his glove over the rightfield fence at Yankee Stadium and snared what would be a Derek Jeter home run ball.  It was that home run that tied up the game between the Yankees and Orioles and, ultimately, led to the Bombers having the chance to win the contest in extra innings.

And, as is customary when you're reminded of an incident like this (the Steve Bartman fiasco also comes to mind), you've gotta track down those who have "been there" and "done that" and no one epitomizes that more than baseball's premier ballhawk, New York native Zack Hample and Charm City's finest, fellow ballhawk, Tim Anderson.

HOVG:  Gentlemen, as guys spend part of your time at the ballpark trying to get your hands on baseballs...do you agree or disagree with what Jeffrey Maier did 16 years ago?

HAMPLE:  I totally disagree with what Jeffrey Maier did.

ANDERSON:  Do I agree with what he did...interfering with a ball that was in play? Absolutely not. I have never been presented with that exact situation during a game, but there have been a few times where I tracked a ball down the aisle and, as I realized it would be close to wall, made a conscious effort to make sure I was behind the wall.

HOVG:  But can you blame the kid?

ANDERSON:  Do I blame Maier for, at 12 years old, reaching out to catch a ball hit toward him? Not really. He was twelve and he didn't know; as much as I hate to say it.

HAMPLE:  I can't really blame him for interfering, though, because he was pretty young at the time, and it's only natural to reach for a ball in that situation. What bothers me about the whole thing is that (a) the ball clanked off his wrist and he has always been credited with "catching" it and (b) he has been glorified for breaking a rule that I've obeyed countless times over the years.

HOVG:  You've had something similar happen to you, Zack, have you not?

HAMPLE:  I was nearly ejected from Yankee Stadium in 1992 for ALMOST interfering. I was sitting in that exact same spot and reached over the wall for a deep fly ball off the bat of Joe Orsulak that I easily could've caught. At the very last second, I yanked my glove back, enabling Yankees right fielder Dion James to jump and make the catch...and I was STILL berated by security. As they were walking me out of the section, the highlight was shown on the jumbotron; I made them stop and watch it, and they saw for themselves that I pulled my glove back before the ball reached me. Only then did they allow me to return to my seat, so yeah, I'm pretty annoyed by the whole thing.

HOVG:  Tim, you're a fixture at Camden Yards.  Is Jeffrey Maier still a topic of conversation among Orioles fans?

ANDERSON:  Of course Maier is mentioned here around Baltimore and at Camden Yards, mostly to describe how a catch was made, or as a joke when something like it happens during the game. But it still hurts because who knows what the Orioles could have done if that call is overturned? Thank God we have redemption in 2012; this time with replay.

HOVG:  Is there anything teams can do to prevent something like what happened with Jeffrey Maier from happening again?

HAMPLE:  Ultimately, stadiums should just be built better to prevent fans from interfering. Just separate the stands from the outfield wall by a few feet a la Turner Field. That's all it takes. It's so easy. But it's rarely done.

Zack Hample has snagged 6452 baseballs at 50 different Major League stadiums since 1990. You can check out his website (The Baseball Collector) or follow him on Twitter at @zack_hample.

When Tim Anderson is not at Camden Yards, he is online contributing to both The Diamonds Edge and Baseball and Things.  You can find "Mr. Shagtastic" on Twitter at @TimmyWade94.

Adam Jones Hits Up Twitter for Fashion Advice

Even with the Playoffs upon us, don't think for a second that baseball players don't have the important issues on their minds.

Case in point...Baltimore Orioles centerfielder Adam Jones who hit the Twitters Sunday morning and asked his legions of followers for suggestions on how to wear his pants.

Seriously?

Seriously.

Sure, dude entered the game with a lifetime .341 batting average (14-for-41 with three homers) against New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia, but still...something tells me that even Richard Blackwell would suggest focusing on Game One instead of hitting up the interwebs for fashion advice.

Oh, and in case you're curious...Jones went with "up" and subsequently went 0-for-4 with a strikeout while his O's fell to the Bombers.

Me thinks "down" might be in order Monday night against Andy Pettitte.

Jim Palmer to Auction Off Awards

If you've ever wanedt to say you've got a Cy Young Award or Gold Glove...now is your chance.

Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher (and current TV analyst) Jim Palmer is auctioning off his three Cy Young Awards and two of his four Gold Gloves.

From now until July 8, Hunt Auctions will be taking bids online and over the phone for the Cy Young Awards the Orioles ace won in 1973, 1975 and 1976, as well as the Gold Gloves he earned in 1976 and 1979.  On July 10, the trophies will go to live auction.

Each of the Cy Young Award trophies are expected to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000. The Gold Gloves are expected to receive bids up to $15,000.

But the 66-year-old Hall of Famer says he isn't strapped for cash (although I've gotta think the return will be quite nice)...he's simply parting with the items because his "priorities have changed."

"At this juncture of my life, I would rather concern myself with the education of my grandchildren," the 19-year big leaguer said. "I also have a stepson, (15-year-old) Spencer, who is autistic and will need special care for the rest of his life."

A portion of the profits will also be given to the autism project of Palm Beach County.

Up until recently, Palmer kept his three Cy Young Awards on a wall in his Florida home. The Gold Gloves were in storage, mainly because his wife, Susan, didn't want them in their home.

"Gold doesn't go with my wife's design," Palmer said. "She has a design shop for women's ware in Palm Beach, and she doesn't do gold."

In the future, the 268-game winner might want to stick to the "doing it for charity" routine, since the decor angle might not go over as well.

Orioles Draft Cal Ripken's Kid

The thing I like most about this time of year is seeing whose kid gets drafted by what team. 

And, it should come as no surprise, the Baltimore Orioles went ahead and drafted Ryan Ripken, son of Charm City hero Cal Jr. in the 20th round of this year's MLB Draft.

Sure, Ryan wasn't the first second generation ballplayer to get selected, but let's not kid ourselves, the names Lee Mazzilli and Lance McCullers aren't really setting the interwebs on fire.

You see, their offspring got drafted as well.  But, more about that younger Ripken!

The 6-foot-6 high school senior batted .377 with 25 RBIs and 20 runs scored this past season. And as a pitcher...dude went 4-1 with 2.30 ERA.

This past November, you might recall, Ryan signed his letter of intent to play baseball for the University of South Carolina.

Gary Sheffield Visits Orioles Camp...as an Agent

***The picture above was borrowed from The Baltimore Sun.***

Hey, Baltimore Orioles fans, that familiar face you saw bumping around Sarasota this week was, indeed, Gary Sheffield.

But, no, he wasn't tryng to make the team.  Far from it.  The nine-time All-Star was in camp pitching (get it?) his latest client...righty Josh Banks.

Wait..client?

That's right, it appears "Sheff" picked up a thing or two during his 22-year big league run...dude is now the brains behind the Sheffield Management and Entertainment Group.

And, apparently, he knows what he is doing.  The 29-year-old Banks got an invite to tryout with the birds.

“(Sheffield) brought him here,” Orioles GM Dan Duquette told The Baltimore Sun, “because he sees the opportunity for pitchers to help our major league team. So Gary's been paying attention, I'll tell you that.”

This wasn't Sheffield's first foray into agenting (is that even a word?) either.  In 2003, he brokered his own deal with the New York Yankees...getting $39 million over three years.

Hall of Famer Hurt After Fall

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is said to be "resting comfortably" after suffering a fall this past weekend at a Florida casino.

According to witnesses, The Baltimore Orioles legend was seated on an elevated stage during a baseball dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino when he leaned backward and fell about six feet to the floor.

Robinson fractured his shoulder in two places. Paramedics treated the 74-year-old and transported him to a nearby hospital.

No word as to whether or not the ghost of Anna Nicole Smith is what forced Robinson off the stage.  But I don't mind starting the rumor.

The 16-time Gold Glove winning thirdbaseman was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame 1983.  This past October, the Orioles unveiled a statue of Robinson to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards.

"Pawn Stars" Meets Baseball?

It looks like reality TV is setting up shop in Baltimore..."Ball Boys" debuts on ABC in a couple of months.

Unfortunately, it doesn't focus on The Hall's favorite Charm City resident...Timmy Anderson.

Apparently, "Ball Boys" is the next in a long line of "Pawn Stars" rip offs, but, this time (according to the Washington Post) it's not a pawn shop...it's a sports memorabilia shop called Robbie's First Base.

Each week, we’ll see staffers Robbie Sr. and Jr. — along with sidekicks Sweet Lou and Shaggy — as they negotiate, buy and sell various sports merchandise, both at the store and other locations. Plus, appearances from athletes such as Jim Brown and Pete Rose, who visit for some banter and “smack talk.”

And look for a Baltimore Orioles shout-out in the first episode — a customer is convinced that a baseball caught over right fielder Nick Markakis’s glove is worth lots of money, though Robbie Sr. has different ideas.

But why wait until March 24 to see what Robbie's is all about...check out their website!

Antonelli Gets the Old "Cough Test"

I like Matt Antonelli...and I don't mean that I "like" him on Facebook.

I also don't mean that I like the infielder because we follow one another on Twiiter.

Simply put, I like the dude because, from time to time, he clues us in as to what it's like to be a professional baseball player.

Case in point.  This past week, the newest member of the Baltimore Orioles was in "Charm City" getting checked out and let us know what exactly what is meant by "pending physical".

From his blog:

They put you through about fifteen different tests, not only to check your vision, but also to check the health of your eyes in general and make sure you won't have any problems a few years down the road. You might assume that the blood work and "cough test" would be the shitty parts of my day, but spending thirty minutes with laser beams and bright lights shining directly in your eyes definitely takes the cake.

After passing those I gave some blood and was asked to pee in a cup for probably the 400th time in the past five years. The process started around 9 AM and finally finished right around 3 PM.

It's an interesting read...you can check out the rest over at his site.  You'll thank me later.

An Open Letter to MLB.com

You remember our buddy Tim Anderson, right?

Sure you do.  He was that cat at Camden Yards who caught home run balls on three consecutive nights in August.
Yeah, you read that right...three consecutive nights!  And then, later in the season, snagged another pair in the same night.

Have you ever heard of such a feat?  Well, the folks at MLB.com must have because they forgot to include the young ballhawk's accomplishment for this year's Greatness in Baseball Yearly Awards (GIBBYs).

Here is Tim Anderson's "Open Letter" to the folks at MLB.com.

To Whom It May Concern at MLB.com:

I'm not vain.  It's impossible; I'm an Orioles fan.

But when I visited Orioles.com this evening, stumbled across the voting for the GIBBYs and began voting, I was fully expecting to vote for myself for the "Must C Fan Moment of the Year".

I was sincerely disappointed.

Personally, I feel as if my accomplishments as a fan in 2011 outrank most of the so-called accomplishments by the fans nominated by MLB.com for the Fan Moment of the Year Award.

You're telling me that the guy who dropped his daughter at a Dodgers game to then ultimately drop a ball that was lobbed underhand to him was a good fan moment in baseball this season?

I want a second opinion; ask his daughter.

How about that other Dodgers fan who caught her foul ball in her ice cream? The ball was deflected by her boyfriend who only offered protection by sticking his bare hand out. Be a man, use your body.

By the way, the Dodgers thank you for buying a concession.

Then there's that kid who gave his baseball away to the other kid who dropped it at a Diamondbacks game. He was quite obviously pressured into giving the ball to the crying kid by a stadium employee. Peer pressure strikes again.

Where are these kids' morals?

And that guy who gave his sunglasses to Prince Fielder? C'mon!

I once gave a homeless man a quarter leaving an Orioles game. Were there cameras there? Nope! And “fans” don't wear collared shirts to baseball games and sit in the front row behind home plate.

If this were “Rich Guy Moments of the Year,” then, by all means, deliver that trophy to his office overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

Now, that Rangers fan who caught a screaming foul ball down the first baseline with ease while chatting away on his cell phone (that's his official title these days, right?) really gets on my nerves. I'm all for acting like you've been there before, but judging by that cell phone in your had and those earbuds dangling on your chest, I think you're confused as to where you are in the first place.

This a baseball game, not the office.

He's that guy that sits behind you at the games, chatting away on his cell phone about John at work. You came to watch the American League Champion Rangers and instead, you know what Frank does for a living, where he works and how big of a “jackass” John is.

And look closely at his attire. That's right, he has his iPod Nano clipped to the right leg of his shorts. He can't even watch a baseball game without Kenny Chesney in his ear.

Steve Bartman anyone?

I'm not bitter, MLB.com. Everybody makes mistakes sometimes.

I'm sure ESPN is a little more diligent with those ESPY nominations.

Sincerely,
Tim Anderson
Orioles Fan

Let's help Anderson and see if we can get MLB.com to right this wrong.

And if we can't...perhaps a "Get Tim to the ESPYs" campaign is on the horizon...immediately followed by a "Get a Hot Girl to Go to the ESPYs with Tim" campaign?

And in case you missed it...here's young Timmy in action during that epic three-game stretch in August.

Baltimore Signs Matt Antonelli

It's been a while since our good friend Matt Antonelli made some news.

Well, Antonelli fans...wait no longer!  As the gang over at MLB Trade Rumors reports...the former San Diego Padres infielder (and prolific blogger) looks to be competing for a job with the Baltimore Orioles next season.

The Orioles have signed Matt Antonelli to a Major League contract, pending a physical. Antonelli was taken 17th overall by the Padres in the 2006 draft and has 65 Major League plate appearances to his name, all in 2008 with San Diego. 

The 26-year-old posted an .847 OPS in the Nationals' system last year, playing almost all his games with Triple-A Syracuse. Antonelli was originally drafted as a second baseman but spent time at second, third, shortstop and left field last year and is expected to compete for Baltimore's third base job next season.

"I'm really excited to have an opportunity with Baltimore," the newly signed Antonelli said, "I think they are a team that will be on the rise in the next few years and I'm looking forward to contributing any way I can."

Of course, the signing of Antonelli isn't the only new development to hit Baltimore.  Ealier this week, the club unveiled their new uniforms.

"I think they look pretty sweet," the infielder added. "Looks like it will be a cool old school look. I like it."

Hopefully, a return back to the Majors and some exposure in the American League East will mean fewer autograph requests for "Mark" Antonelli.

Cal Ripken's Kid Commits to South Carolina

Do you know how hard it is to write a catchy lead to a story about a Hall of Famer's son signing a letter of intent to play collegiate baseball without including some hackneyed "like father, like son" reference?

Damn hard.

If only Gilmore (Baltimore) High School senior Ryan Ripken's dad was Billy "Uncle F***face" Ripken...I wouldn't have this problem.

Anyhoo.

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks landed one of the game's most recognizable names in baseball when the junior Ripken (NOT Cal Ripken Jr.) signed his letter of intent Monday.

The six-foot-six Ripken, a first baseman who also pitches, is a three-year starter who batted .353 as a junior.

“He’s been terrific for us and it’s a wonderful opportunity for him and I’m sure he’ll make the most of it,” Gilman's head coach Larry Sheets told the Baltimore Sun. “He had a few choice, quality schools who pursued him. Who wouldn’t want to go to school of the caliber of South Carolina?”

According to South Carolina fan site The Big Spur (was the Big Cock taken?), Ripken chose the Gamecocks over Coastal Carolina, Maryland and Wake Forest.

And if this whole baseball thing doesn't work out...the kid is also a monster on the basketball court, averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 boards a game.

"I want to prove myself in one, and that's baseball," the lanky lefty said in some random interview I dug up. "Baseball, in my opinion, is the tougher sport. It's the greater challenge for me.  And it's something I want to do."

Some online scouting websites have Ripken ranked as the top player in the state of Maryland and the tenth best at his position in the country.  Dude's also reportedly got a 3.7 GPA...not too shabby!

And, yeah, Ripken's coach Larry Sheets is the same Larry Sheets who played alongside Cal (and sometimes Billy) from 1984 to 1989 for the Baltimore Orioles.

Friday 5: Tim Anderson

Raise your hand if you've ever caught a ball at a baseball game.  Raise your hand if you've ever caught a home run ball.

How about three?

Now that I've got your attention, 17-year-old Tim Anderson did the unthinkable last week.  Not only did he catch homers on three consecutive nights...but he made ballhawking cool.

HOVG:  Break it down for me.  Over the last week, you've gone from being a 17-year-old Baltimore Orioles fan to a Sportscenter conversation piece.  How has this all played out...and what is it like?

ANDERSON: It all really happened so fast. Getting the first home run was nothing special of course.  I had done it before. Getting the second was just cool because I had never gotten multiple game home runs in the same month, let alone back-to-back games. When I caught the third, I was thinking that it was just a really big deal, and that no one would really notice it. Who at any news outlet is going to notice the same fan getting a home run in three games in a row? It's not like I did some crazy dance or anything to get noticed. 

(Fellow ballhawk and author) Zack Hample, who knows a thing or two about being noticed for catching home runs, told me as we were leaving that I shouldn't be surprised if it goes national.  Boy did it ever.  First it was the Orioles' TV broadcast station, MASN, who noticed that I had gotten all three. Then it rocketed to ESPN where I was the #9 top play of the night, then to Baseball Tonight. All of a sudden, I have interviews lined-up for the next day with MASN, ESPN, Orioles.com and the Baltimore Sun. People then tell me that I'm the top story on Yahoo!, a topic on Around the Horn, and mentioned on Intentional Talk on MLB Network. 

Now, I'm just kind of back to being that 17-year old Orioles fan...as hard as it may be to do that. 

HOVG:  What is your strategy when it comes to ballhawking?

ANDERSON: My strategy is pretty much having my glove and giving myself some space. I don't want to have to climb around people to catch a ball, and I definitely don't want to hurt anybody. Besides that, I feel as if it's out my hands. 

HOVG:  You impressed many with the three-straight home runs last week...how many home runs have you snagged overall and this season?

ANDERSON: The third homerun of the streak was my sixth on the season and ninth overall. Here's what I've caught/picked up off the ground:

1 - Adam Rosales - 5/27/10*

2 - Adam Jones - 9/14/10*

3 - Brandon Inge - 10/2/10

4 - Vladimir Guerrero - 4/20/11*

5 - Johnny Damon - 6/12/11

6 - Nolan Reimold - 7/15/11

7 - Carlos Quentin - 8/9/11

8 - J.J. Hardy - 8/10/11*

9 - Alexei Ramirez - 8/11/11*

(* means I caught them on the fly)

HOVG:  And how many balls total are in your collection?

ANDERSON: Unofficially, since I have only been counting for the last season and a half, I have 317 balls (229 this year).

HOVG:  What do you do with your baseballs?  How do you store them?  Do you catalog them?

ANDERSON: Most of the balls I end up giving away during the games. The ones I take home end up going in a large green bucket...which is almost over flowing at this point. I really don't catalog them besides updating my My Game Balls account. 

HOVG:  Outisde of the three straight homers, what has been your greatest feat so far...any memorable stories?

ANDERSON: I'd have to say the Vladimir Guerrero home run that I caught. I made a pretty athletic catch on it and celebrated a good bit afterwards, landing me extended TV time as well as MASN to make a commercial of the celebration. 

HOVG:  Lastly...is ballhawking "luck" or "skill"?

ANDERSON: It's a little bit a both. Let's just say you enhance your luck with the more skill you have. 

When Tim Anderson is not at Camden Yards, he is online contributing to both Sports Nickel and Baseball and That Other Good Stuff.  You can find "Mr. Shagtastic" on Twitter at @sportsnickelTim.

In a few weeks, Anderson will be entering his senior year at Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore.

Bowie Baysox to Honor Mustached Americans

Much like Pamela Anderson and Hepatitis-C, since the 1970s the rich tradition of baseball and mustaches go hand-in-hand.

While the 1980s were a dark time for people of Mustached American heritage, it did not deter the Baltimore Orioles organization from strongly supporting those with lower nose accoutrements.

Lip-warming stalwarts like Eddie Murray, Rick Dempsey, Scott McGregor, Sammy Stewart and Mike Flanagan embodied a culture of acceptance in the Orioles landscape during a dark decade for the Mustached American community.

It is with this flavor-saving commitment that the Orioles Double-A affiliate, the Bowie Baysox, are collaborating with the American Mustache Institute to honor the Mustached American community on Wednesday night, May 4 at 7:00pm with the Baysox’s third annual “Mustache Mania” at Prince George’s Stadium.

The AMI’s Washington, D.C.-area Associate Steward Nathan Wilson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and people wearing mustaches real and fake will receive half-price admission for Lower Reserve tickets.

The offer is available on game day only at the Baysox ticket office and is valid for one half-priced Lower Reserved Seat Ticket per person donning a mustache or Mustaches For Kids (M4K) business card to the game.

The team will honor participating fans with mustache competitions including “Best Mustache” and “Most Pathetic Mustache.”

It’s a hairy deal indeed, and for more info call (301) 805-6000 or visit Baysox.com.

Carry on.

***This post is on loan from Dr. Aaron Perlut of the American Mustache Institute.***

2011 Milestone Preview: American League East

With the heated contract negotiations between Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees now a distant memory...it is safe to turn our attention to what is probably the biggest milestone on the horizon this baseball season, right?

Let's face it, Jeter cementing himself as one of the (if not the) greatest Yankee of all-time is going to turn a few heads.

And with 2926 hits...I know I'll be watching the boxscores, counting down to 3000 right alongside everyone else.

But enough about Jeter...let's focus on the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST.


BALTIMORE ORIOLES

When Buck Showalter took over the O's last season, he proved to many that he could still win.  Of course, with 916 career victories...we're probably going to be waiting until the last week of the season to see whether or not the skipper will get to 1000.

Newly acquired Vladimir Guerrero brought his bat to the crowded AL East set on adding to his already Hall of Famer worthy statline.  Right now, dude is on the cusp of 2500 hits, 450 home runs and 1500 RBI...sitting at 2427, 436 and 1433 respectively.

Last season, because of injuries, second baseman Brian Roberts played in just 59 games.  While still plagued by said injuries, the All-Star is looking to get back to form...amassing extra base hits 50 or more doubles at a time. Should “B-Rob” hit that mark again, he’ll be one of only two players (Hall of Famer Tris Speaker is the other) with four seasons with 50 or more doubles.

BOSTON RED SOX

There's been a lot of talk about the Red Sox and their expectations this upcoming season.  That said, the oldest player in the Majors, pitcher Tim Wakefield, is on the verge of a few milestones...both good and, well, dubious.

With 193 career victories, the knuckleballer is staring down 200.  His Wakefield’s 175 wins in Boston is just behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens’ 192 on the all-time Red Sox list. But getting 17 Ws out of Wakefield this season (or the next two for that matter), might be a pipedream. 

On the flipside of the coin...Wakefield is just seven longballs away from becoming just the 12th pitcher to have surrended 400 home runs.

Speaking of the dubious, with 1842 career strikeouts, centerfielder Mike Cameron sits tenth all-time…100 away from cracking the top five.

Hooray?

And since I brought it up with Showalter earlier...it warrants mentioning that Sox skipper Terry Francona is 61 wins away from career victory number 1000.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Every year, the Yankees seem to have something to celebrate and 2011 is no exception.  You've already heard about Derek Jeter chasing down 3000 hits.

How about all the ghosts Alex Rodriguez is chasing?

With 613 career home runs, "A-Rod" is only 18 homers from being fifth all-time.  His 1831 RBI puts him 17th all-time, but should he get to 100 this season (something that's not happened only once), he'll jump into eighth place.  Lastly, Rodriguez is, by far, the active leader in runs scored with 1757.  With 90 runs scored...he'll end the season 13th all-time.

On the other side of the diamond, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is closing in on 1500 hits, 300 home runs and 1000 RBI.  Currently, he's at 1321, 275 and 906.  A duplication of either one of his two seasons in the Bronx should push him past the milestones. 

Almost as important (arguably, it might be MORE impressive) as the Jeter milestone is what Mariano Rivera is closing (see what I did there?) in on.  At 559 career saves, he's 43 saves away from becoming the all-time leader in the category.

Can he do it?

He's topped 43 or more six times in his career...so it isn't out of the realm of possibility.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

Thank God the Rays decided to capture 2004 lightning in a bottle when the signed Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon or they would be merely a footnote when discussing milestones.

There's no reason to think that Ramirez won't continue his assault on the record books.  He might not reach 3000 career hits (he's currently at 2573) anytime soon...but with 555 career home runs and 1830 RBI, he's poised to be well entrenched atop many career lists for a long time.

With 2571 hits, Ramirez's partner in crime Damon might get to 3000 for his career.  It won't happen for a few years...but it could happen if a resurgence in Tampa Bay is in the cards.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

At 6'11"...pitcher Jon Rauch is the tallest player in the Majors.  He now calls Toronto home!  Not good enough for you?  Well...the Jays aren't exactly the most exciting team in the world now are they?

Vladimir Guerrero Settles on Baltimore

The move had been rumored for a while, so when it was announced Friday that plans were in place for the Baltimore Orioles to ink Vladimir Guerrero...no one should have been surprised.

The surprising part of the whole thing...the Orioles have had, quietly, a fantastic off season.

Seriously...an off season like the one that had makes the paltry efforts of division foes, the New York Yankees, look comical.

Now, the beleaguered O's won't compete in the American League East (that job belongs to the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays), but they'll beat up on some of the other American League teams.

Consider this...by signing Guerrero, Baltimore is adding a pretty sizable bat to a lineup that already added some bulk in the form of Mark Reynolds, Derrek Lee and J.J. Hardy.  And at only 35 (he'll turn 36 next week), dude is poised to add to an already Hall of Fame worthy career.

Last year, after signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers, Guerrero slugged 29 home runs, knocked in 115 and hit .300.  The nine-time All-Star will enter 2011 with 2427 hits, 436 home runs and 1433 RBI for his career.

After 15 years in the bigs, Guerrero has a lifetime .320 batting average and it's worth mentioning that the free swinger is just one of four players (Frank Robinson, Dave Winfield and Fred McGriff are the others) to record 1000 hits in both the American and National Leagues.

So if Guerrero can avoid the injuries that limited him to just 100 games in 2009 and moved him from the outfield to designated hitter...are we looking at baseball's next 3000 hit-500 home run guy?

Perhaps.

And without a hint a steroids surrounding Guerrero (and let's face it, you almost have to think that about with everyone nowadays)...is it possible we're looking at a future Hall of Famer?

Most definitely.

Kevin Millwood to the Bronx? Why?!?

Alright, gang...raise your hand if you're getting a little tired of the daily "which All-Star from a decade ago is heading to the Yankees now" stories.

All of you?

Well...here comes another.

According to ESPN New York, the Bronx Bombers are now setting their sites on Kevin Millwood.

According to a baseball source, (agent Scott) Boras has pitched 36-year-old right-hander Kevin Millwood as a possible rotation stopgap in the event Andy Pettitte doesn't come back -- and the Yankees have at least listened.

Now, are you ready for the major wrinkle in the story? 

Millwood is also being linked to his 2010 team, the Baltimore Orioles.  MASNSports.com reports that the 1999 All-Star has been playing golf with Orioles manager Buck Showalter this offseason.

Scandalous!

Alright, I'll be the one that says it...who cares?

This is the same dude that went 4-16 last season with a 5.10 ERA...all the while leading the league in losses. 

So let's be honest with one another...Kevin Millwood, Yankees?  Seriously?!?

Baseball Road Trip of a Lifetime: Baltimore and Washington

Years ago, in what was probably the last true family vacation of my youth, we went out east to our nation's capital.

We drove and stopped everywhere we were supposed to. We caught an Indians game at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium, saw the Amish in Lancaster County, skipped Baltimore and ended up in DC.

All the while, I was in the backseat knocking out scores upon scores of Strat-O-Matic games at a feverish pace.

Good friend of The Hall Navin Vaswani is in the midst of his own trip across the country and his latest sojourns found him taking that same route down I-295 that I took many a year ago. And like in many a city, Navin learns that Yankee hating is alive and well in Baltimore and that the Expos are all but non-existent in the District of Columbia.

Read his account of Camden Yards HERE and his re-cap of his stint in Washington HERE.

You can follow Navin's exploits on Twitter at @eyebleaf or visit his piece of the interwebs over at Sports and the City.

2010 Milestone Preview: American League East

It would be really, really easy to sit here and write on and on about Alex Rodriguez.

The fact that, at 33, he’s just 17 home runs away from becoming the youngest player to hit 600 home runs.

Too easy.

The fact that he’s about to leapfrog plenty of Hall of Famers as he climbs up the all-time RBI list.

Like taking candy from a baby.

The fact that, last year, by finishing with 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the 13th time in his career, he broke a tie with Manny Ramirez, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx for the most in MLB history.

Fish in a barrel.

Like I said, coming up with praise for A-Rod would be easy and that’s why I’m choosing to, again, ignore his efforts and focus on the rest of the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST.


BALTIMORE ORIOLES

In just their 110th year of existence, the Orioles don’t have a ton to talk about this season.

Among the only milestones worth mentioning…newly re-acquired Miguel Tejada enters 2010 with 285 home runs. And with back-to-back seasons with 13 and 14 home runs…it remains to be seen if the 2002 American League MVP can get his old stroke back.

Also of note for the O’s is Brian Roberts and his ability to amass extra base hits 50 doubles or more at a time. Should “B-Rob” hit that mark again, he’ll be one of only two players (Hall of Famer Tris Speaker is the other) with four seasons with 50 or more doubles.


BOSTON RED SOX

When the Red Sox travel to Baltimore May 2, newly acquired Mike Cameron will celebrate the eighth anniversary of becoming just the thirteenth player to hit four home runs in a game.

With 1798 career strikeouts, the 37 year-old centerfielder sits eleventh all-time…18 behind Dave Kingman. With any luck(?), Cameron, could finish the season fifth overall.

Hooray?

And speaking of Ks (weren’t we?), Fenway’s favorite octogenarian Tim Wakefield is a mere 21 punchouts away from becoming the third knuckleballer with 2000 or more strikeouts.

Also within reach for Wakefield is 200 wins. Nestled behind Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez and the awesomely named Brickyard Kennedy and Urban Shocker, Wakefield is sitting at 189…good for third (fifth if John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez find work) on the active list.

Wakefield’s 175 wins in Boston is just behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens’ 192 on the all-time Red Sox list. But getting 17 Ws out of Wakefield this season (or the next two for that matter), might be a pipedream.


NEW YORK YANKEES

The big news last season (for some reason) was Derek Jeter surpassing Lou Gehrig as the Yankees hit king. Now that that is has come and gone…all we can focus on is the All-World shortstop’s countdown to 3000 hits.

Which, unfortunately, won’t come until 2011.

With 2747 hits to his credit…let’s all agree to re-visit this topic a year from June shall we.

And given only one American League pitcher has notched 21 wins or more in the last four seasons, it isn’t likely that Andy Pettitte is going to get the 21 necessary to raise his career total to 250.

What is likely, however, is that CC Sabathia WILL get the 14 wins he needs to get to 150 for his young career. At only 28 (he turns 29 in June), the big lefty has the best shot among all young hurlers to end up in that 250-300 range.


TAMPA BAY RAYS

Carl Crawford is the Rays career leader is just about every offensive category. With 92 triples to his credit, he is third among active players (Johnny Damon and Jimmy Rollins each have 95), but probably the most likely to reach 100 first.

One category that doesn’t see Crawford atop the leaderboard is home runs. Going into the season, for Ray Aubrey Huff is 12 home runs ahead of current first baseman Carlos Pena.

With an average of 39 home runs in each of his years in Tampa Bay, odds are Pena will be the Rays all-time leader before Memorial Day.


TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Now that the constant Roy Halladay trade rumors that plagued the Blue Jays last season are a thing of the past…Toronto fans can focus on Vernon Wells inching toward 200 home runs for his career.

Sure, Halladay and his amazing track record north of the border was something of Canadian folklore, but this is Vernon Wells, people.

Vernon. Wells.

Nevermind.

The National League Central is next on the docket…feel free to check out the National League East HERE.

Talkin' Baseball with Chris Hoiles

The above photo was borrowed from www.yorkblog.com thanks!

Much was made when Cal Ripken, Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s “Iron Man” streak September 6, 1995. To this day…many say he “saved baseball”.

For the next three years, he did what he did 2632 games prior…he went to work. Last Saturday (September 19) marked the 11th anniversary of Ripken playing the last game of his historic games played streak.

Outside of Ripken himself, only four other players played in both games: Rafael Palmeiro, Brady Anderson and Chris Hoiles for the Orioles…Chili Davis suited up for the opposition (the Angels in the first game and the Yankees in the second).

I had the chance recently to talk with Hoiles, a 2006 inductee to Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.

HOVG: So, what was it like taking the field as the starting catcher for both game 2131 and 2632 of Ripken’s streak?

HOILES: It was a once in a lifetime thing. Being the starting catcher for those two dates was unbelievable. Everything leading up to that date, you knew it was something special. Watching Cal play during my time there for ten years, you appreciate him for his desire to play and his dedication to the sport to be able to do this.

HOVG: In Ripken’s run to surpassing Gehrig’s record…he delivered at the plate as well. He could have mailed it in, but he went deep three consecutive nights. Was he that amped up or did he just get good pitches to hit?

HOILES: I think it was a matter of both, being amped up and getting good pitches. That’s the way he approached each and every game. He prepared himself for those games, just like he did for any other games.

HOVG: When you joined the Orioles full-time in 1991, Ripken was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career…but so were some other teammates of yours. Let me throw some names your way and you let me know what your thoughts are of them. I’m a HUGE Baines guy, so, first off…Harold Baines. Hall of Famer?

HOILES: Harold Baines, I feel should be in the Hall of Fame. His numbers compare or are better than a lot of guys that are already in. Being able to do what he did at the DH position, speaks for itself. Very hard thing to do and he excelled at it.

HOVG: After Jorge Posada’s 183 games behind the dish…you caught Mike Mussina more than anyone else out there at 175. What are your thoughts on “Moose” as a pitcher and a potential Hall of Famer?

HOILES: I enjoyed catching “Moose” as long as I did. He is a guy that just knew how to pitch, and later in his career he showed that by having to adjust to what he couldn’t do when he was younger. He won 20 games in his last year! He had an arsenal of pitches that he could throw at any time and throw them for strikes. I think he should be a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame.

HOVG: Rafael Palmeiro…does he still have a chance at Cooperstown or is his steroid suspension going to lead to him being made an example of?

HOILES: I don't know about Raffy. He really screwed up through the whole process. I think the numbers would get him in, but I don't know if he will get in.

HOVG: And since I mentioned Palmeiro…I’ve gotta ask about Brady Anderson. Is a guy like Brady a victim of all the steroid talk because of his 1996 season or is it warranted?

HOILES: Brady was a good hitter. I don't think we would have been able to do what we did as a team without Brady in the leadoff spot. I don't know if he did steroids or not, but he had a great year in 96, and I don't think he ever hit over 20 homers in a season again, but sometimes players just have that one great year and that’s it.

HOVG: You had some success against Randy Johnson. What are your thoughts on the recent 300 game winner?

HOILES: Randy Johnson is a future Hall of Famer. A first ballot inductee I think. He was very intimidating on the mound and had nasty stuff. I don't know how I had so much success off of him, but I saw the ball very well off of him.

HOVG: Is there a certain at bat that sticks out in your mind?

HOILES: One at bat that sticks out is…one game I got a hit off of him in my first at bat and drove in two guys. The next at bat, first pitch, he drilled me in the back of my front leg. The at bat after that, I hit a long home run to left center field of old King Dome.

HOVG: And if that wasn’t big enough…you kinda became known for some big ones while with Baltimore. In 1998, you became only the ninth player to hit two grand slams in one game. Walk me through that. It has to be a thrill.

HOILES: Well, the two grand slam game was special to me, because I went from playing every day to part-time with Lenny Webster. I hadn't played in a few days, and that was my first start in a while. Plus it was in Cleveland, where I have a lot of friends and family come to because of where I grew up. The first one was a 2-0 count split finger from Charles Nagy and the second was a 3-2 fastball from Ron Villone. Very special night, especially after it was all over and I found out that I was only the ninth person to do it. Three of the nine were Orioles and I was the first catcher to do it.

HOVG: Two year prior (May 17, 1996), you ended a pretty crazy game with what some call the “ultimest” grand slam. Full count, two outs, base loaded…down three. What was that like?

HOILES: It was an awesome feeling, knowing that the game was on the line when I came to bat. Nothing like it.

HOVG: On a serious note, you’ve recently resigned from your post as manager of the York Revolution. You led them to the playoffs last season and were the only manager the young franchise ever knew...will we see you again as a manager or coach?

HOILES: I don't know if you will see me on the field again or not. I enjoyed my time in York and enjoyed the manager’s post, but I just don't know right now. I enjoy the game and I enjoy helping young men get better, whether at the major league level or the minor leagues.

HOVG: Tell me about your latest venture. What’s keeping you busy?

HOILES: I also have started a new company with my business partner Adam Gladstone called "The Hoiles-Gladstone Group" or HGG. Our website was launched recently and is a great way to keep in touch with us on all our events. We are combining professional athletes from all sports with the sports fan. We have our first event October 21-25, a bow hunting trip to Northeast Pennsylvania including Ben McDonald, Will Clark, Jamie Walker and myself. We are looking to get 16 paying customers to join us. We have a Cajun chef cooking all the meals.

Chris Hoiles was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1986 and made his way to Baltimore via a 1988 trade. He was a career .262 hitter with 151 home runs…his career slugging percentage (.467) is the ninth best in Orioles history.

If anyone is interested in joining the gang on their hunting trip…all the information is available at their website. Hoiles says that if someone is the first one to sign up…he might even be able to throw a discount their way. And if you do end up going on the HGG hunting trip…drop The Hall a line at hallofverygood@yahoo.com.

Milestone Preview: American League East

Now that we’ve all got the Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy in our rearview mirrors…it’s time to focus on the upcoming baseball season.

It would be cliché to say that this year, just like every other season, begins with a clean slate…but I’d be lying to you. Rather I’ll tell you this...just like every other season, we’ve got a number of milestones that look to be eclipsed. From now until the start of the season, The Hall of Very Good will be breaking now each division, team by team, and lay out what milestones you SHOULD be watching for this upcoming season.

For example, did you realize that Randy Johnson is within shouting distance of becoming only the second player ever to notch 5000 strikeouts? Clearly not as monumental, but did you know that both the Houston Astros have three players that are inching closer and closer to 300 home runs?

Let's start with the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

It pains me to say it, but since Cal Ripken, Jr. saved baseball in 1995, packed up his 3184 hits and retired following the 2001 season, Baltimore hasn’t had much to cheer about. Sure, Rafael Palmeiro notched his 3000th hit as an Oriole, but given the way he ended his career, I’m not sure “Monument City” is about to put up a plaque to honor his accomplishments.

BOSTON RED SOX

Last season at this time, we’d be counting down the games until Manny Ramirez joined the 500 home run club. This year, there is no Manny and, more than likely, no Curt Schilling (3116 Ks) gearing up to surpass Pedro Martinez (3117), Bob Gibson (3117) and Fergie Jenkins (3192) on the all-time strikeout list.

In their place is slugger David Ortiz and his 289 home runs. It’s safe to say that he’ll get his 300th sometime in early to mid-May. Should Ortiz slump early on…I’m wagering number 300 comes the weekend of June 12-14 when the Sox travel to Philadelphia. The last two seasons, “Big Papi” has hit his 11th home run of the season off former Oakland (and current Phillies) hurler Joe Blanton.

Newly acquired John Smoltz looks to draw some attention as he and his surgically repaired shoulder take the bump to add to his 3011 strikeouts. Currently fourth on the active list, he is not very far from overtaking Schilling (3116) and Martinez (3117).

NEW YORK YANKEES

Considering we don’t actually know the severity of Alex Rodriguez’s hip injury, it’s hard to speculate how far up the home run ladder, “A-Rod” will climb. If he wasn’t starting the season injured…I’d say that moving up five spots on the all-time list and surpassing Frank Robinson was a probability.

So here's a pop quiz, hotshot…who is going to be the next member of the 3000 hit club? If you answered "Derek Jeter" you’d be right. Sure, he’s currently at 2535 and listed as seventh on the active list, but let’s be honest…Barry Bonds isn’t getting those last 65 hits anytime before Jeter gets his next 465. And the other five (Ken Griffey, Jr., Omar Vizquel, Gary Sheffield, Ivan Rodriguez and Luis Gonzalez) are either (A) not every day players or (B) not currently under contract.

Mariano Rivera is 18 saves away from joining Trevor Hoffman as the only two closers with 500 saves. Next on the active list…Bill Wagner with 385. Savor save number 500 baseball fans…it’ll be a while until we see it again. Saves are tricky to predict because it’s all dependant on how the Yankees fair this season. If you’re curious, Rivera has been awarded with his 18th save as early as May 29 (in 2004) and as late as August 6 (in 2007).

TAMPA BAY RAYS

The 2008 American League champion Rays will have two reasons to follow their bullpen beginning in a couple of weeks. Closer Troy Percival (352 saves) is 15 saves away from surpassing former all-time saves leader Jeff Reardon (367) for seventh on the all-time saves list. I’d make a prediction as to when he’ll top the bearded one, but given he has Jason Isringhausen (himself only 7 saves away from becoming the 22nd player to get 300 saves) battling him for the closer job…I think I'll I’ll pass.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Ummm…third baseman Scott Rolen is 28 home runs from 300. Does that suffice?

No?!? Damn.

Sure, manager Cito Gaston has led his Jays to four AL East crowns and back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, but jumping up and down when he gets win number 50 this season and passes up Buck Rodgers to become 70th on the all-time list for wins would be a little much.

Later this week, I’ll cross another division off the list…stick around. In the meantime, surf on over to Comedy Central and enjoy the roasting of the very unfunny Dan Whitney.