Tommy Lasorda Released from the Hospital

Well that didn't take long.  It's being reported that Tommy Lasorda has already been released from the hospital.

But if you're looking for the cause of the former skipper's heart attack Monday...you can cross where he ate Sunday night off the list.

Thankfully, the Thirty Mile Zone is on the case!

Anthony Bamonte, owner of Bamonte's in Brooklyn, told the website that the 84-year-old Hall of Famer's "coronary catastrophe" on Monday had "nothing to do with the food here. A heart attack is a heart attack."

Bamonte is probably right, but to be on the safe side, don't order the same dish that the Los Angeles Dodgers legend did...fresh mozzarella with tomato, linguini and clam sauce, and veal scaloppine pizzaiola with mushrooms.

Oh, he also had some red wine.

Naturally, I had to put on my detective hat and make a quick trip over to the Googles to see what causes heart attacks.  And not knowing the former Los Angeles Dodgers manager's family history...I've narrowed it down.

• Age
• Gender (apparently men are more prone to heart attacks than women)
• Obesity
• Lack of Physical Activity
• Alcohol

So, for what it's worth, I guess I kinda agree with Bamonte.  I'm positive that Lasorda's lifestyle (and his heart attack in 1996) has nothing to do with why he ended up in the hospital earlier this week.

Get well soon Tommy...Twitter misses you!

Tommy Lasorda Kills Off Former Dodger

It wasn't that long ago that paying attention to Tommy Lasorda's Twitter feed was a daily requirement.  I think it's time to re-visit that stance.

Today, the former long-time Los Angeles Dodgers skipper killed off Jim Wynn.

Happy birthday to Raul Mondesi, 2004 HR hero Steve Finley, Darryl Strawberry, and Jimmy Wynn who would have been 70 years old today.

Problem is, you guessed it, the diminutive outfielder (and former Dodger!) is still among the living.

It has come to my attention that Jimmy Wynn is not dead. Sorry for the error. Hey, not even Babe Ruth batted 1.000.

This whole thing is funny to me for two reasons. 

One.  It reminds me that, as I said, I need to pay closer attention to Lasorda's Twitter feed.  That's a given.

Two.  Not only was Wynn the Dodgers every day centerfielder in 1974 and 1975 when Lasorda was the team's third base coach, he scored 184 runs.  Meaning, only Davey Lopes (and his 203 runs scored) saw Lasorda more while rounding third and heading home.

But, hey, not even Babe Ruth batted 1.000, right? 

On the flip side, though, when it comes to life and death...I'd actually prefer a higher percentage than the .342 career average Ruth carried.

Tommy Lasorda Has Lost His Marbles

...or is the funniest, most self-aware and confident person on Twitter.

Now...I've made my fair share of Tommy Lasorda jokes here at The Hall.  Hell, I once garnered national attention (thanks FOXSports.com!) for a post about the randomness of his tweets.

But none of that could have prepared me for the tweet the old man send out (with picture attached, of course) Friday afternoon.

If you don't love Lenny Harris, you don't love Christmas or the Easter bunny!

Yes!  I don't know a Sklar Brother or Batting Stance Guy who could've or would've come up with that one.

Seriously.

The legendary Dodgers skipper just dropped "Lenny Harris" into the same tweet as the birth of Christ as the resurrection of said Son of God and if you're not following Lasorda...you're missing out.

So in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Pinch Hitter...please, please, please follow Tommy Lasorda.

Chuck Tanner (1928-2011)

I'm not sure why...but whenever I picture baseball managers, I always think of those from my formative years.

I blame that primarily on the Topps company who, during the 1980s, used to put their grizzled mugs on baseball cards.  Last year, the baseball world lost three managers that appeared in the 1983 Topps card set...Ralph Houk, Clyde King and Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson.

Friday...my heart sunk when I read this tweet from former Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Tommy Lasorda.

Rest in Peace Chuck Tanner. I loved you like a brother. You taught me a lot about managing, and I always appreciated it.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette, the manager of the 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates, died Friday at his home in hospice care after a long illness. 

Tanner was 82.

Prior to his managerial career, Tanner played eight seasons (1955–1962) for four different teams...the Milwaukee Braves, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels.  In 396 games, the outfielder batted .261 with 21 home runs.

While with the Braves, Tanner hit a home run in his first big league at-bat on April 12, 1955...the only Braves player to accomplish the feat in Milwaukee.

But he was best known as a manager...having managed four teams from 1970 to 1988.  Over those 19 seasons...Tanner's overall managerial record was 1352-1381.  His 711 with the Pirates ranks him fourth on the franchise's all-time list.

You'll read plenty of quotes from Tanner's former players over the next couple of days...but I think Ed Herrmann (who played for Tanner from 1970 to 1974) summed it up well.

"RIP Chuck Tanner," the former Chicago White Sox catcher posted on his Facebook wall.  "Best 'Players' Manager I ever played for. He was a great man."

Twitter Tuesday: Tommy Lasorda

If you've been following Twitter Tuesday at all, you know that the prevous incarnation had a weekly "The Wisdom of Tommy Lasorda". Well, folks, I've been waiting a long time to say it...the wisdom is back, baby!

Simply put, Lasorda is one of the best people to follow on Twitter. Hands down. From his random pictures to his even more random references...the guy is awesome.

Plus, dude has had his picture taken with everyone!

TWITTER HANDLE: @TommyLasorda

SAMPLE TWEETS:

I like Connie's Pizza in Chicago!

On May 10, 1996 I managed my 3000th game. We won in 12 innings.

Did you know that the studio SportsCentral uses now used to be for the lagoon in Gilligan's Island?

I have met seven U.S. Presidents during my life.

If you need a haircut in NY go to Spiotta on 38&7 and ask for Rocky. Italian barbers are the best!

But nothing, I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for the back-to-back gems from this past weekend.

On this day in 1948 I was pitching for the Schenectady Blue Jays. I struck out 25 batters in 15 inn

We were playing the Amsterdam Rug Makers and I struck out their left fielder six times

I'm not even sure those are real teams, people! That said...you've got to follow Tommy Lasorda. The old man is as entertaining as Jose Canseco is bi-polar and somehow, Lasorda has 326,000 LESS followers...and two or three less personalities.

Twitter Tuesday...March 2, 2010

After a brief hiatus, Twitter Tuesday is back in full force. I'd like to compare this return to that of Jay Leno and The Tonight Show, but never once did I screw Conan O'Brien out of his gig.

Although I probably should...my guess is that it pays better.

It would have been really easy to have Olympic hockey dominate the Chatter, but spring training is in full force...spring training it is!

CraigBreslow (Craig Breslow): I am very excited for the season to start and am looking forward to playing with Ben Sheets

str8edgeracer (CJ Wilson): we had our first int. squad today- got to pitch an inning. cutter was cutting too much, sinker was sinking too much! need to tone it down

GrillCheese49 (Jason Grilli): Ahhh the sounds os spring - mitts popping, cleats on pavement, & laughter. Good session today off mound facing hitters.

HOFJoeMorgan (Joe Morgan): Chapman has looked good in Spring Training. If he looks this good during the season then he will be successful

Maholm28 (Paul Maholm): Good day at the park now off to the golf course for a relaxing round

hyphen18 (Ryan Rowland-Smith): Am I seriously eating at outback steakhouse right now?Might have to put on a fake american accent so I don't look like a major tool!

Remember when Miley Cyrus stopped tweeting and the world didn't know what to do with itself? Worry no more, kids...Ozzie Guillen has joined on to fill the void.

And this is what you had to say about it.

MJH_79: I wonder how long it will take Ozzie Guillen to tweet something that gets his ass in trouble?

MRVEGAS1234: If Ozzie Guillen is tweeting...it's time for me to check out this new phenonomon. Let the fun begin!!!!

neilcarrier: Ozzie Guillen has almost 30,000 followers in a week. Like everyone, I'm also waiting for his profanity laced rant towards Alex Rios.

petervader: Oh my god Ozzie is hilarious. I love the sport already but it's another 100 percent more interesting with Guillen around

watsonitis: Ozzie Guillen is not following a single person on Twitter. I have a feeling it is because he cannot read.

Roarinatyou: Ozzie Guillen's tweets is worth having twitter for

NorthstarBball: I mean, I have nothing against Ozzie Guillen and I actually find him quite comical...but my goodness he's bad with Twitter

tstafford: Dear Ozzie Guillen: Twitter is not for everybody.

Ozzie Guillen is fun to follow and all, but let's not forget the original big league skipper to hit Twitter.

TommyLasorda: Jose Vizciano and Mariano Duncan. Dos jugadores excellente y dos amigos bueno.

I'm not sure what all that means, but somewhere...Jose Offerman just kicked a catcher in the chest for not being included.



Last week, The Hall announced its partnership with Padres infielder Matt Antonelli. This week...I'm recommending you follow him over on Twitter.

Seriously, if you're looking for someone to clue you in on the nuts and bolts of spring training...Matt's your guy!

Have someone you think everyone should follow? Perhaps you yourself have read some interesting tweets in the past week…drop me a line or leave a comment below. See you next Tuesday!

Twitter Tuesday...February 16, 2010

This past weekend brought us Pebble Beach, the kickoff of the Winter Olympics and the Daytona 500.

None of those will be discussed here.



Spring training is around the corner...so why not check in with some thoughts on how guys are preparing for 2010.

EYJr (Eric Young, Jr.): Spring training week is finally here! Going to get my work in and make this team! Pray 4 me!

mattkemp27 (Matt Kemp): It doesn't get any better than this!!! Workin out wit 2 great outfielders Torii Hunter and Future Hall of Famer Gary Sheffield.

DrewStoren (Drew Storen): Good bullpen this morning now just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day in Melbourne.

Gator4God (Matt LaPorta): I just passed the sports test here in vail. I able to resume full activities.

thisisdspan (Denard Span): I hit today with ryan Howard.

MattAntonelli9 (Matt Antonelli): Pissed we missed 24 tonight...I need me some Jack

I realize that Tommy probably has thousands of pictures...but some days, I just want to see the entire collection and not just one.

TommyLasorda: Twitpic of the Day: Fernando and I started a mariachi band.



I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest to everyone that they follow good friend of The Hall Jon Adkins. Jon is beginning his second tour of duty with the Reds this spring training but this time...he's not going by "Jon Adkins".

Twitter Tuesday...February 9, 2010

First off...a big thanks to those of you who hit the site to check out the interview with Batting Stance Guy. If you didn't read it, you can check it out HERE.

The plan is to have another winner up tomorrow...so please check back.



Sunday was the SuperBowl and it seemed like everyone had a prediction...some better than others.

ESPY_TEAHEN (Mark Teahen): I'm pissed the 2 weeks of talking about every possible detail of the Superbowl is almost over.

JarrodBParker (Jarrod Parker): Let's go colts!

TheMayorsOffice (Sean Casey): Diggin out of the snow in Pitt but gonna watch SB...Colts gonna win!! Just think in end Peyton manning is gonna be to much!!

DrewStoren (Drew Storen): Colts by 14. That's my call. What's yours?

thisisdspan (Denard Span): I want the saints to win for the city but they got lucky against the vikes so I think they will lose by a modest margin of 2 tds

hanrahan4457 (Joel Hanrahan): I'm gonna throw my prediction out there now, I got the colts, 18 Is really good, not good enough o beat the gators but good

TheRealBJUpton (BJ Upton): Watching the game at the crib- i say colts by 3

realjustinupton (Justin Upton): OK so here is my Super Bowl Prediction- Saints 31- Colts 24- MVP is Drew Breeeeeeeeees.

What the fu...?!?

TommyLasorda: I met this guy at a disabled vets event. He lost his eye and replaced it with a Dodger eye!



Based solely on this tweet..."If New Orleans deserved the Super Bowl, how many gold medals does Haiti deserve in the Winter Olympics? All of them?" I am suggesting you follow OverTheBaggy.

Sure, Parker and I are both members of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance, so maybe I am biased...but any way you slice it, the dude brings the funny.

Twitter Tuesday...February 2, 2010

Alright, so what in the world happened around here while I was away...can't a guy take a week off without craziness ensuing?

Twitter Tuesday regulars Mike Bacsik was accused of grooving number 756 to Barry Bonds, with no hint or preview, Seth McClung got picked up by the Marlins and lastly, one of my favorite tweeters, Jose Canseco is talking about wanting to fight Herschel Walker.

God...I loveTwitter Tuesday.



Because Canseco is proving to be one of the most random tweeters out there (dude posts everything from pictures of his girlfriend to re-tweets of people praising him)...and I love him for it.

In 1989, I had a 40-40 poster hanging on my walls...and I was nowhere close to being an A's fan. Because of that, this week's Chatter is all you, Jose!

"This day in history: January 31st, 1865 ~ House passes 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the US."

"Just came back from horse riding with my daughter & GF. My ass is chapped & my balls are bruised! Damn i hate riding horses."

"Meetings starting up tomorrow to kick start my next move. Everyone keep your fingers crossed it goes as planned!"

"I have a few television projects and a couple different movie opportunity's coming to life."

"I guess I may have to show Herschel Walker who the real bad Boy of the Sports industry is. If the powers that be are reading, I want in."

So...Nick Swisher appears in an episode of How I Met Your Mother and people are going nuts about it. Here's hoping that CJ Wilson achieves his lifelong dream of appearing on LOST before it ends in May.

Earth2Kim: Nick Swisher on How I Met Your Mother?!? I didn't recognize him without his A's uniform.

swarheely: nick swisher on how i met your mother was hilarious! hahah

SnapTheJap: Could Nick Swisher LOOK like a bigger douche??

Jessie__Louise: Nick Swisher is on How I Met Your Mother. He's got a lame fauxhawk though. Looks good otherwise

mpaynethird: If How I Met Your Mother wasn't my favorite comedy before it definitely is now that it has had a Nick Swisher cameo

houtexmajorin: how the hell did Nick Swisher get a spot on HIMYM? was Quinton McCracken unavailable? John Vander Wal?

ayetortuga: i was really enjoying tonight's episode of himym right up until the point where Nick Swisher walked into the bar

15munson15: Nick swisher for an Emmy

Raise your hand if you knew Tommy Lasorda was Canadien. Wait...what?!?

TommyLasorda: Congrats to Paul Quantril and Alan Roth for being inducted into the Canadian Baseball HOF. I was inducted in '06



Not that I usually do the old "Follow Friday" thing (I reserve it for Tuesdays), I DO have to give a good friend his due (again) and suggest that you all follow Gar Ryness.

You see, Gar has the "least marketable skill in America" and with that, comes a gazillion YouTube hits, a book deal (more on that later...stay close to this site) and an invite to appear on David Letterman's show.

If you're not following him already, please check out Batting Stance Guy.

Twitter Tuesday...January 19, 2010

What a boring week.

Seriously...it's been Snoresville. Yawn. On to the Chatter!

Like I said, not much has been going on since the Mark McGwire revelation from last week. We're about a month from pitchers and catchers reporting an, like always, not everyone is thinking baseball.

Yet.

73_MC (Seth McClung): Finding myself watching the history channel a lot! Pawn stars, madhouse, axemen and monsterquest!

JoseCanseco (Jose Canseco): Time for a little bowling with some friends! See you on the lanes!

JLannan31 (John Lannan): Everytime I get my car washed it rains the next day. I mean everytime. Like clock work

str8edgeracer (CJ Wilson): I need a break from last week/routine. going to disneyland tomorrow afternoon/evening after my workouts.

BlakeHawksworth (Blake Hawksworth): Lost or 24?

Sure, Jose Canseco has outed some of baseball's biggest names.

Sure, he quoted the oh-so-trite "there's no crying in bseball" on national TV.

But, like him or not (and let's admit it, gang, the guy hasn't been proved wrong yet), he is one of the mot polarizing characters out there...and EVERYONE seems to have an opinion.

radiorah3000: Jose Canseco is a lame dude...he's so jealous of Mark Mcgwire it's insane

theshirtyhatter: How is it that Jose Canseco might be the only one telling the truth?

BigDaddyBuddha: We can no longer call Jose Canseco a "Lying Scumbag". We must now call him a "Scumbag"

dbartiromo: Never thought I'd say this but I agree with Jose Canseco. La Russa & McGwire are full of it.

cotardelusion: Hey Jose Canseco, you don't have to get mad at McGwire cause steroids actually worked for him. You hack.

tehdingo: Is it just me, or has Jose Canseco become the most credible contributor on tv news ever?

Tomato_tAMATO: i LOVE Jose Canseco and all he stands for

In the same week that the baseball world gets turned upside down because of steroids...the manager that, apparently, knew nothing of what was going on gets awarded by Tommy Lasorda.

Seems about right.

TommyLasorda: Congrats to Tony LaRussa for winning the Tommy Lasorda Manager's Award.



As I mentioned before, Jose Canseco is one of the most polarizing guys out there. Recently, he got back on Twitter and tweeting like a mad man. Follow him...I'm sure it can only get more and more entertaining as we embark on the new season.

Have someone you think everyone should follow? Perhaps you yourself have read some interesting tweets in the past week…drop me a line or leave a comment below. See you next Tuesday!

Twitter Tuesday...January 12, 2010

Must. Resist. Urge.

Throughout the vast history of the world, there have been plenty of surprises that shook us to our collective core.

In 1522, Magellan proved the world was round. December 7, 1941 quickly became a day that would "live in infamy". And in 1995, it was revealed that Verbal Kint was really Keyser Soze.

Unfortunately, Mark McGwire's admission that he used steroids does not belong in the above list.

I hate to bring up McGwire (again)...but it is what people are talking about.

Sorry, gang.

BrentMayne (Brent Mayne): Big Mac comes clean. Read my take.

GrillCheese49 (Jason Grilli): Is anyone shocked at the news about McGuire? Is he paving the way for more of the same?

Jerry_Remy (Jerry Remy): McGwire finally admits taking steroids when he broke HR record-to be honest I find steroid issue so played out it bores me to death

str8edgeracer (CJ Wilson): I need to start wearing my dare shirts

Last week, McGwire, again, couldn't get a third of the votes necessary to get into the Hall of Fame. That being said...I'm not sure this mix of Twitterers (Tweeters?) know what it takes to get enshrined.

joshuacmurphy: So Mark McGwire copped to using steroids. Oh well. Hopefully this finally gets him his deserved (yes, deserved) place in the Hall of Fame.

MlbPitching: This is a obvious case of double standards. Mark McGwire came clean with his steriod use only after exhausting his Hall of Fame hopes.

xoxoslamma: Mark Mcgwire "admits" to using steroids&yet Pete Rose cannot be initiated into the Baseball Hall Of Fame.. What is wrong with this picture?

ssegal22: finally mark mcgwire comes clean...u may now enter the hall of fame

segansca: If steroids keep Mark McGwire is kept from the Hall of Fame for cheating, then Gaylord Perry needs to be removed for throwing spitballs.

RonKMiller: I think St. Louis fans would give Mark McGwire a hall pass if he murdered their children.

ZhenZhen09: Putain de merde Mark McGwire! I wish he could be removed from the Hall of Fame.

Wow...really? I would have thought it would rank third behind "good health" and three-for-one specials at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

TommyLasorda: Lenny Harris thanks God every night that he was a Dodger.



For years, I've been a fan of Randy and Jason Sklar. From their scattered television and movie appearances to their own shows and stand up specials...I love 'em! You'd be hard pressed to find a pair of comedians that know more about the game of baseball.

Check them out on Twitter, but only after you catch up with their antics as Leyland and Leif Topps.

Have someone you think everyone should follow? Perhaps you yourself have read some interesting tweets in the past week…drop me a line or leave a comment below. See you next Tuesday!