Jamie Moyer to Start Throwing May 1

I'm not going to pretend to know how long it takes to come back from Tommy John surgery since I've not really read that much on the subject.

That said, I'm pretty sure that 48-year-old Jamie Moyer shouldn't be preparing to throw a ball around the yard.

Yet that's exactly what the pitcher says he is planning on doing:

Hope everyone is enjoying their spring. The baseball season has begun - for some it’s been exciting & others it's been a let down so far. Everyone should keep their hopes up, it's a long season. The ESPN gig has been exciting for me. A lot to learn in a new profession. Rehab is going well & I anticipate starting to throw May 1st. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, I'm a gigantic fan of Moyer's and I hope that he comes back and pitches into his fifties...I just hope his desire to return doesn't ruin his chances.

If you recall, Moyer had Tommy John surgery back in December after injuring his elbow pitching in the Dominican Winter League.

Moyer Monday: April 4

Last Thursday was the first Opening Day since Opening Day 1985 that Jamie Moyer wasn't on a professional roster somewhere.  And the number one song back in April 1985..."We Are The World". 

So while you quietly hum that to yourself...here comes this month's "Moyer Monday.

Question: When you can get away from your busy schedules, what do you and Karen like to do for fun?

Moyer: Hanging out at the beach in Florida is very relaxing. We always enjoy hanging out with our kids too.

Question: I used to be a Mariners Ballgirl/Fielder and loved listening to Dave Niehaus broadcast the games while hanging out with the kids.  Do you have a favorite Niehaus call?

Moyer: My favorite Niehuas call would have to be “get out the rye bread and the mustard, Grandma because it’s grand salami time!”

Question: What Spring Training facility is your favorite?

Moyer: Each location has its perks, but overall I prefer Phoenix facilities over Florida.

Question: We loved seeing you on Baseball Tonight this week! What’s your favorite part about being an MLB analyst so far?

Moyer: It’s still very early in this experience for me, but I certainly respect and appreciate all the effort that goes into producing the show.  People are very passionate about baseball and passionate about their jobs.

Question: Will we be seeing you at any Phils home games?

Moyer: Yes, I really enjoy Citizens Bank Park and love seeing the passion of the Phillies fans.

Question: Which Phillies starter do you think will post the best numbers by the All-Star break?

Moyer: There are a lot of factors that play into winning baseball games, but it would be really cool to see five guys have ten wins at the All-Star break.  (That) would probably make baseball history!

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: February 14

For the first time since the middle of the Reagan administration...pitcher Jamie Moyer has Valentine's Day dinner plans that don't involve working out with teammates.

While most pitchers reported to Spring Training today...Moyer answered your questions.  Here is this month's "Moyer Monday.

Question:  Do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day?

Moyer:  A nice family dinner will be in store for Valentine's Day.

Question:  What do you think of the 2011 Phillies rotation?

Moyer:  The Phillies rotation will be very exciting to follow throughout the year. A very talented group of pitchers. Wish I was there to witness in person.

Question:  What are your favorite restaurants in Seattle and Philadelphia?

Moyer:  There are many great restaurants in both cities. Barolo in Seattle is great. Morimoto in Philly has great sushi.

Question:  What was your first car? What has been your favorite car to own?

Moyer:  My first car was a Pinto station wagon. Currently my favorite cars I’ve owned are my Escalade pick-up and Range Rover Sport.

Question:  What is your best clubhouse memory of the Mariner's historic 2001 season?

Moyer:  My favorite memory with the Mariner’s team from 2001 was the clubhouse unity by all involved.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: January 10

Once again, in conjunction with the great Moyer Foundation...The Hall is pleased to present this month's "Moyer Monday".

Question:  What player(s) do you recall as being a challenge to retire? Are there hitters you are most proud of having gotten out?

Moyer:  The players that have good comprehension of the strike zone are always the toughest hitters to get out. Any Major League hitter I am proud to have gotten out!

Question:  I’ve heard that one of your hobbies is collecting wine. What is your favorite kind of wine and/or winery?

Moyer:  My favorite type of wines are bordeaux, super tuscans, piedmonts, barolos, cabernet and merlot.

Question:  When you were younger, did you ever consider playing a different position in baseball? If so, what position other than pitcher do you think would best suit you?

Moyer:  Being left-handed limits the positions you can play so pitcher has become my favorite.

Question:  Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? What are you most looking forward to in 2011?

Moyer:  Getting through another rehab while enjoying my family. Also becoming more involved with The Moyer Foundation.

Question:  What do you think of the most recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductees?

Moyer:  I think all of this year's inductees are worthy of the honor including Pat Gillick. They have all greatly contributed to the game of baseball.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: December 6

Last week, Jamie Moyer underwent Tommy John surgery for his injured left wing.  This week, he's back answering your questions..and looking to return.

Question:  How are you feeling after your surgery last week?

Moyer:  I’m feeling good. I will be getting my stitches out on Thursday and will be fitted into a new brace until January 5th.

Question:  What is the thing you like most about Camp Erin?

Moyer:  The thing I like most about Camp Erin is that it is a safe place kids come to learn that it is okay to grieve. They also are surrounded by others who are going through the same thing and they learn that they can empower each other by supporting each other.

Question:  Does your family have any special holiday traditions that you'd like to share?

Moyer:  One tradition we have as a family is to take our kids to visit Santa and sit on his lap.

Question:  What historical/sports figures have inspired you over the course of your life?

Moyer:  As a young boy, I liked Roger Staubach, Steve Carlton, and Dr. J.

Question:  What was the hardest pitch for you to learn?

Moyer:  My change-up was the hardest pitch for me to learn, but they all take time to develop.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: November 8

Last week was wicked crazy, so all apologies go out to The Moyer Foundation for not getting this up and on the site in a timely fashion.

But, hey, it's Monday (again) so, naturally, it time for the monthy Q&A with Jamie Moyer!

Unfortunately, given the news from this past weekend...this might be the last Moyer Monday with Jamie as a professional ballplayer. Keep in mind that these questions were asked BEFORE Moyer suffered what looks to be a career ending elbow injury.

Question: Are you enjoying Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic?

Moyer: It’s an enlightening experience. Caribbean baseball is very entertaining and fun. The Dominican people are very happy, it’s unbelievable. I’m pitching tomorrow. So far so good!

Question: I am a teacher in Philly with summers available. How can I help with camp?

Moyer: There are lots of ways to help with Camp Erin other than volunteering for camp weekend. Host a teddy bear drive, do a fundraiser, or volunteer with the local Camp Erin group to help with year round support. Visit the foundation’s website to find a camp close to you.

Question: Have you thought about what you might like to do after baseball? Does being on TV or radio interest you?

Moyer: I’m going to keep all doors open and will see what opportunities arise.

Question: It’s obvious you enjoy playing the great game of baseball. Are there any goals you have yet to achieve for yourself?

Moyer: I enjoy playing! I’m living a dream that I’ve always had and that’s to play baseball. As we speak, I’m devoted to doing so.

Question: As a fellow Souderton Area High School grad, what is your most vivid memory of your high school years?

Moyer: My fondest high school memories were the Friday night football games and the great friends I hung out with.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: October 4

When the Philadelphia Phillies open up the Playoffs Wednesday night against the Cincinatti Reds...something will be missing.

And that something is (again) veteran lefty Jamie Moyer.

Last year, it was surgery on three torn groin muscles. This year, the 47 year-old is still nursing an elbow injury. Thankfully, he's still able to answer questions.

Thanks to my partnership with the good folks over at The Moyer Foundation, I present to you this month's "Moyer Monday".

Question: What would you say was your favorite moment playing ball? In particular, your favorite Phillies moment?

Moyer: Winning the World Series in 2008, and the celebration and parade that followed.

Question: What words of wisdom do you have for a young high school pitcher?

Moyer: Get in good shape, learn mechanics, throw strikes and have fun!

Question: Jamie, how do you find time for your family with all that travel over the long season?

Moyer: It’s difficult, but we try to make the best of the time that we have. On occasion, my family travels to the cities that I’m playing in. This past summer they spent most of the summer with me in Philly, but it’s never easy.

Question: You're an inspiration to everyone in Philly. What inspires you? What keeps you motivated to go to the ballpark every day?

Moyer: From the baseball side, the competition that being an older player brings. Being able to compete with younger players...the competition is important to me. Also, giving back and trying to help people inspires me. It is very inspiring to help people (especially children) in less fortunate situations and leading by example.

Question: If the umpire has a small strikezone, how do you overcome the challenge and get batters out efficiently?

Moyer: I try to rely on my ability to present pitches that are strikes, force the hitter to swing the bat, and exclude the umpire from the equation.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: September 6, 2010

Coming off of the Labor Day holiday last season, the Philadelphia Phillies were up six games in the National League East and ended up coasting all the way to the World Series.

This year, they're battling Atlanta in the East and if that wasn't enough...they have to do their best to stave off the San Francisco Giants for the Wild Card.

While the Phillies would surely take all the help they could get, one member of that National League Championship team who, unfortunately, won't be able to help down the stretch this year is crafty veteran Jamie Moyer.

Thanks to my partnership with the good folks over at The Moyer Foundation, I present to you this month's "Moyer Monday".

Question: Is there a reason you chose to wear Number 50?

Moyer: No...that was just the number I was given at the start.

Question: What advice did you give to your son Dillon, who is starting college ball this year?

Moyer: First...realize that you have a great opportunity ahead, education-wise, and make the best of it. Second...this is a great opportunity for you to grow as a baseball player, to hone your skills and fine tune them. Also, enjoy playing college baseball on the west coast.

Question: Did sports technology help you with your Major League longevity?

Moyer: Video has the ability to help depending on how you use it. It can be a very beneficiary tool if used appropriately.

Question: I heard you are a big wine expert. What is one of your favorite wines or winemakers?

Moyer: I wouldn’t say I am an expert, but I enjoy dabbling and sharing. One of my favorites is Lafite Rothschild one of the five great French wine producers of the world.

Question: What is the status of your injury?

Moyer: As of today, I’ve thrown/played catch for the third time in the last five days. I feel pretty good. It’s going to be a process, but each day has been a positive move for me. My goal is to be healthy by end of the season.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.

Moyer Monday: August 2, 2010

We're hours away from the first Tuesday of the month, so it must be time for "Moyer Monday".

Wait...what?!?

Thanks to my partnership with the good folks over at The Moyer Foundation, I present to you this week's "Moyer Monday". It's a few hours later than I wanted it to be, but here we go!

Question: Jamie, how has the atmosphere in the clubhouse changed in light of this recent win streak and now the addition of Roy Oswalt?

Moyer: Everything is upbeat...has been all along. We’ve been playing better and on the right path. Oswalt is going to be a big help and everyone is excited for him to be aboard.

Question: What are some of your favorite keepsakes, baseball-related or not?

Moyer: Pitching rubber from World Series, ball from major wins like 1st, 50th, 100th, 150th, 200th and 250th. I also keep a uniform from every year that I pitch.

Question: Would you ever want to be a pitching coach?

Moyer: All doors are open for my future. I plan to continue to play, and as far as coaching...haven’t crossed that path yet.

Question: Are any of your children interested in following in your footsteps and becoming professional athletes?

Moyer: All of the children enjoy playing sports and are involved in playing sports...from our youngest, who are just having fun, to our oldest son Dillon who was drafted this year as a shortstop to the Twins. While he plans to pursue education right now and play at the college level for UC-Irvine this fall, playing professionally is a goal.

Question: Jamie, if you weren't a pitcher what would you be?

Moyer: Working outside. Maybe a career in landscaping.

Remember, you can follow The Moyer Foundation on Twitter at @moyerfoundation. To learn more about the foundation or make a donation to support one of their programs, please visit them online at The Moyer Foundation.