Hall Of Fame

It was nearly 20 years ago that Rickey Henderson took that first step towards second.

In a Sunday afternoon game against the Texas Rangers, the Athletics left fielder started his career off with a double.  But two innings later, Henderson would do one of the many things he became known for -- a single followed up by a stolen base.

Continue reading "Rickey Henderson Slides in Easy -- ..."

I like to write longer, more thoughtful pieces, but I had a few thoughts in my head that don't really relate.  That means it's time for a Blogger Special (AKA bullet article).  I was rig

Continue reading "A's Bullets"

Entrance into the Hall of Fame is the highest individual honour that baseball has to offer. Getting into Cooperstown means that without a doubt you are one of the greatest players of your generation and have earned the right for children to stare at your plaque as parents tell tall-tales of your abilities for years to come.

Continue reading "What makes someone a hall of famer?"

Mussina is on the hill today for the Yanks and, while I admire him and think he's a very good pitcher and a modest, intelligent, generally good fellow, I wonder about his Hall of Fame credentials. Dave Niehaus, the mellow-toned broadcaster, has repeatedly called him a shoo-in or a lock for the Hall during the game today, and it's made me wonder. To me, a player in the HOF represents someone who was genuinely and consistently feared (on the field, not off) during his career, the kind of pitcher that batters hated to face (and vice versa). And not for one year, but for several; you can be Sandy Koufax and be unhittable for four or five seasons (and merely outstanding for a handful more) or Nolan Ryan and be unhittable for twenty years.

Continue reading "Mike Mussina for the HOF?"

To be an Athletics fan, one has to understand why Billy Beane makes the decisions that he does, that until Cisco Field in Fremont is built, the Elephants will be a small market, low revenue team that is constantly in the position of being unable to sign our big name free agents to extensions and coax others to move to the East Bay.

Continue reading "Pledging Allegiance"