Spike's Takes

Spikes's Takes

by Cameron Matheson, FN Contributor, Webmaster, spikesballparks.com

Johnny Pesky is an icon in Boston, known throughout the New England area as a former player (and manager, coach, broadcaster) for the Red Sawx. His career began in 1942, as a shortstop on a team that had players (future Hall of Famers) such as Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx, Bobby Doerr, and player-manager Joe Cronin on the roster.

Pesky's entry into the big leagues had Hall of Fame possibility stamped on it. In the 605 offical at-bats that he had that year, he scored 105 runs, hit safely 205 times (leading the American League), which resulted in a batting average of .331 (which was second to none other than his teammate, Ted Williams), stole 12 bases, drove in 51 runners, and struck out only 36 times. He also was the league leader in singles, with 165, and sacrifice hits with 22.

His effort was recognized at season's end by the sportwriters when it came time to select the AL MVP. He placed third in the voting, behind Joe Gordon amd Ted Williams. A fine showing for a rookie. However, he wasn't just concentrating on playing ball in 1942, he spent time taking courses, begining in May, to become a naval aviator; in the same class as Ted Williams.

The distraction no doubt had an impact on his rookie season productivity. Of course, looking back on his career, it is now apparent that his commitment to country, and status as a naval aviator during WWII had a much bigger impact. It took him away from baseball for the next three years. From the age of 23 through 25, he wore the wings of a pilot over his left breast, rather than "Boston" across his chest.

Those years...may, may have altered his baseball destiny. They certainly affected his marital status, as he met his future wife while on active duty (Ruth Hickey).

Upon rejoining the Red Sawx in 1946, he continued his assault on American League pitching with a batting average of .335, which was third, and a league leading 208 hits. However this sterling return from the war performance would be overshawdowed by a play on defense in the post-season.

In the final inning of Game 7 of the World Series, a relay throw to him, allowed Enos Slaughter to score the winning win from 1st base on Harry Walker's hit to left center. Game over. Series over. The streak that began in 1918 continues (to 2004).

In 1948, Pesky demonstrated once again his willingness to put the team, and the goal of victory, above his own pursuit of individual achievement. When Vern Stephens (and Billy Goodman) arrived, he switched positions with Stephens, and even took himself out of the lineup to allow Goodman to obtain the requisite at-bats to qualify for the batting title in 1950.

His change in position no doubt affected his play, and impacted his batting average, which fell to .281; thus causing Cronin to cut his salary from $20K to $17,500. See what happens when you are a nice guy, you get a pay cut!.

Oh...the guy that he took himself out of the lineup for, so that he could get his shot at earning a batting title, eventually took Pesky's job! "Nice guys do finish last!"

His first three years were his best. In each of these seasons he led the American League in hits, and singles, plus scored over 100 runs (he and Ted Williams would be the first players to score over 100 runs in their first six seasons). If you add the three lost years to WWII, he would have added an additional 600 hits and 300 runs scored to his career totals: 867 runs scored, 1455 hits, and a batting average of .307.

Now...you see, we're talking about a player who would most likely have been on the cusp of being a Hall of Fame inductee.

It's possible that in the three years that he missed, he could have padded his overall numbers with the inferior pitching that was prevalent during the war. It's possible that he may have missed out on a batting title as well.

When Johnny Pesky signed the dotted line and served his country, he began a long life of putting his needs aside and serving the needs of others. These acts perhaps cost him enshrinement in Cooperstown. However, the Red Sox organization has honored him with induction into their team Hall of Fame, as well as officially naming the right field foul pole ("Pesky's Pole) after him in September of 2006.

Even now, past his mid 80's, Johnny Pesky serves others. He attends many events/functions on behalf of the Red Sox, and is very giving to the faithful at ballgames by autographing items.

Johnny Pesky, ballplayer, naval aviator, American icon.

1-2 Punch

by Cameron Matheson, FN Contributor, Webmaster, spikesballparks.com

If you asked any fan of baseball (with indepth knowledge of the hitters and their statistics), in any city of the United States, to name the most lethal, one-two hitters in a lineup, they would, if they spoke the truth, say Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz (Puhols and Rolen would also come to mind-but they aren't as productive as conjuring up game winning hits).

These two players combine for more offensive output, more clutch hitting that wins games in the late innings, than any other two players on a major league roster.

Any Yankee fan doesn't require a review of statistics to know this, we see the damage that these two can inflict on a pitching staff. When these two are hitting well in sequence, they can turn around a game, or a series. It has happened often enough...remember the American League Championship Series of 2004? (Ortiz had 3 home runs and 11 Rbi's, batting .387; with Manny being held homerless, with no Rbi's, but nine hits in 30 at-bat's).

If you were take one away from the other, it would definitely impact (to a resonable degree) their individual productivity, and potential threat to alter the outcome of a game. Eliminate them both from the lineup, and you would see the Sawx begin to struggle against teams that they would normally win against.

Their absence from the team, coupled with injuries to a few other players (in this example, an additional six players), and you would see a near collaspe of the team (the Sawx record in August was 9-21), as the lineup would be filled with September callups, reserves, and players on the down side of their career.

That is where the team stands at this point, a few days into September-contention for the AL East (9.0 games behind the Yankees), or a Wild Card option (0.5 behind the Twins, and 6.5 games behind the White Sox) all but abdicated as no longer realistic. Or is it?

Reportedly Manny will be back in the lineup, as will "Papi," Mo Pena, Nixon and Varitek as of the 4th (September). With less than 30 games remaining, and the Yankees needing 18 (their magic number) to win the AL East, can the Sawx manage to win another Wild Card option?

We'll have a pretty good idea in the next week. With the Sawx pretty much back as a cohesive whole, albeit a wee bit rusty with the layoff (due to injuries), it will all come down to the Sawx's main offensive duo; their 1-2 threat, Manny and "Papi."

And as any Yankee fan will (grudgingly) tell you, if it can be done, these two guys can ignite an offense. And just like that, a lead of 6.5 games, and maybe even a 9.0 game lead can be overcome. Remember, it ain't over, till it's over (or until the fat lady sings).

Schilling...HOF-Bound

by Cameron Matheson, FN Contributor, Webmaster, spikesballparks.com

Schilling is on the doorstep of achieving 3,000 strikeouts in his career. As a Yankee fan, his accension towards this Hall of Fame benchmark (all the members of the 3,000 strikeout club are inductees-except for the active members; Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, and Greg Maddux) escaped my notice until he had 2,999. Which leads me to ponder the obvious...is he worthy of the Hall of Fame? Will his numbers garner the respect of the writers who cast their vote for selection to the Hall?

He's never been selected as the Cy Young Awardee, but he has been named "The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year," in both 2001, and 2002, and he has six All-Star selections. Though he reached the major leagues at 21 years of age with the Baltimore Orioles in 1988, success eluded him for four years, when he began to win in double digits (14-11 win loss record).

After Baltimore came Houston, then he very quickly went back east to
Philadelphia, where he began to put up astonishing strikeout numbers: like in 1997, when he struck out 319 opposing batters, and the following year when he sent a flat 300 back to their dugout to ponder their last at-bat. Like strikeouts, reaching the 20 win plateau also came to him late in his career. It wasn't until he was 34 years of age, in 2001, with the Arizona Diamondbacks that he exceeded 20—by 2. His success in numbers was also coupled with his jointly leading the team to the World Series, resulting in a championship (against the Yankees, of course).

His success continued into the next season, when he went 23-7, and he once again reached the 300 strikeout club (316). However, the Angels would be the world champions, and not the Diamondbacks. In 2003, injuries left him with a record of 8-9, and he is traded at season's end, and finds himself wearing the uniform of the team that had drafted him in the 2nd round of the 1986 amateur draft: the Boston Red Sox. Which brings us to 2004. A year that no Boston Red Sox fan alive will ever forget; nor any Yankee fan. The year of the "bloody sock." The year of the most incredible come back in sports history, ever! Unless you spent the last several years on a desert island, or were held hostage by terrorists, you know how the upset unfolded; hence there is no need to repeat it here.

Suffice to say, if Schilling doesn't take the mound and pitch, against
medical advice, and against the odds; in the process tossing the remainder of his playing career into the winds of fate, the Sawx lose, and the Yankees are in the World Series for the 40th time. But he did take the mound. The Sawx won the ALCS, and the momentum was overpowering. They swept the St.Louis Cardinals. Schilling is a hero, and he is then damaged goods. In 2005, he goes 8-8. He is not the same dominant pitcher that he had been. He put his career, his livelihood on the line for the team, and the gamble worked. The team won the World Series for the first time since 1918, yet the next season he couldn't get back to the same winning ways—and who could expect him to?

Fortunately for the Red Sox, (and for him personally) time, and sound medical attention resulted in his injury healing, and his winning ways (14-6 in 2006 so far) have returned. Now, he finds himself on the verge of 3,000 strikeouts. An achievement that many consider to be a key element in induction to the sacred Hall of Fame. So...is he worthy of induction? If I had the opportunity to cast a vote, I'd say "yes". A record of 206-137, with a lifetime ERA of 3.43 as of 26 August, 2006; coupled with two world championships on his resume, in addition to being a member of the 3,000 club. How can you argue against that? You can't.

Signing On

by Cameron Matheson, FN Contributor, Webmaster, spikesballparks.com

June 8, 2006—Obtaining the signature of a ballplayer has become extremely difficult in the present day. This isn't an era where the player's are well known for mingling with the common folk, and granting an autograph.This may be due to the fact that the players are aware of how much they can make by attending sports collectors trade shows, and signing items for hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. Simple economics would say that to maintain a high value for the product (autograph), the demand must be high, and to dillute the value by flooding the market with one's signature would be contrary to a player's self interest. Hence, the reason why it can be extremely challenging for today's baseball fans to obtain an autograph from their favorite player(s). For example, Barry Bonds, with 722 career home runs is a player whose signature is highly sought by fans of the national past time. However, Mr.Bonds is well paid on the trade show circuit, and that may be the reason why, on the one occasion that I waited for him to exit the Scottsdale Stadium (Giants Spring Training Complex), he barely acknowledged the gathered fans, and left the facility without rendering a single signature?

In fact, during my travels of the various parks comprising the Cactus League, during Spring Training 2006, it was apparent that there are many players (and former players, who happen to be members of the Hall of Fame) that are unreachable. Yet, there are some players who are all too willing to sign-Dave Roberts, and Mike Cameron of the San Diego Padres were very gracious, as was Mike Piazza. Huston Street of the Oakland A's is another player who didn't hesitate to sign (unlike some of his fellow pitchers on the team who jogged by the fans and into the clubhouse), and Freddy Garcia signed for 10-12 straight minutes, for well over 150 fans prior to one game that I saw (Harold Baines a White Sox coach, as well as many players also signed autographs for their fans).

Yet, though my observations are not the definitive statement of reality, it did appear that it was extremely hard to not only posiiton one's self to request a signature, but to be lucky enough to be selected by the player to receive one. It is for that reason, why it means so much to be able to obtain an autograph from a player whose signature is extremely desirable to the fans. Despite my being a life long follower of the New York Yankees, I definitely respect the performance of Pedro Martinez, and count myself very fortunate to have a contact within the Boston Red Sox organization who facilitated the acquisition of his autograph. Due to Tommy Harper's involvement (as well as the assistance of his sister, Rogie), I received a semi used National League baseball in the mail, several weeks back.

Most likely, it may very well have been impossible for me to obtain Pedro's autograph. Sure, I could have returned to New York, and waited outside Shea Stadium, along with the dozens of other hopeful fans, but what are the odds of that happening? An actuary would probably state that the odds were against me, and he/she would be right. Stangely enough, though I was able to obtain the hard to obtain autograph of a future Hall of Famer, Pedro Martinez, it is just as difficult for me to convey a personal "thank you" to Tommy Harper. Which would be just as satisfying as having received the ball. So...fans of the game, value the signatures that you are able to obtain. Whether it be the autograph of a "name" player such as Pedro, or a former player, who once played (like Tommy).

Cherish the moment. Savor it, and make sure to communicate a "thank you" to the player. Make eye contact, if you can, and truly let him know that you are grateful, because if you don't, then you will dillute the value of the experience of being granted an autograph.

A Fenway Experience

by Cameron Matheson, FN Contributor, Webmaster, spikesballparks.com

June 8, 2006—Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, a field that has seen the likes of Sox players like Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper, Babe Ruth, Smokey Joe Wood, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Johnny Pesky, Yaz, Jim Rice, and Papi Ortiz, grace the field with their presence (as well as the infamous: like Eddie Cicotte who pitched in 9 games back in 1912. Eddie was later banned from the game when he was with the other Sox team in 1919), is a gem among today's major league ballparks.

A gem, as well as a survivor. She came on line in April of 1912 (and the Sox would christen her with a a World Series Championship at season's end), her arrival overshadowed by the sinking of the cruise liner, Titanic. Decades later, nearing 100 years of age, she remains, while other ballparks of her era have been demolished: such as Ebbets Field.

She still stands, though there have been efforts to replace her. In the late 1990's there was a concerted effort to build a new Fenway, one that had all the elements of the retro-modern ballparks proliferating across the nation since Camden Yards was introduced to great fanfare in April, 1992.
A diverse group of Bostonians formed a grass roots campaign to save their historic ballpark, under the banner "Save Fenway Park" (.com). Their involvement is largely credited with preventing Fenway Park from being a ballfield that baseball was played on, once upon a time....It is definitely my good fortune that events turned out as they did! Despite my being a lifelong fan of the "Evil Ones," not the Empire, (that would mean the
team, not the organization if that makes sense) I've always respected the Red Sox organization, and admired Fenway Park as a very special place to play baseball. A place that I wanted to see a game at.

Prior to my seeing my first game at Fenway (a game in which the Sox would manhandle the Orioles: 9-4) on 6 May 2006, my previous two visits to Fenway, were extremely brief. My first occurred on 2 September 1987, while traveling with an army buddy (we departed Ft.Benning, Ga, and arrived 18 hours later), we stopped just outside E Gate, to do a "map check."Stepping outside the vehicle to stretch, I quickly realized that we were 15 feet away from Fenway Park (this is when I first felt the magic of the ballpark)! No sooner had I started to look over the area, than my ranger buddy (we both served in the 1st Ranger Battalion), Paul Chreitian, a native of Waterbury, Connecticut, got back in the Mazda, and the engine roared to life. It was time to go.

It would not be until the day after the World Series victory in October 2004, some 17 years later, that I would return. This time, I took the ballpark tour, and it was during this 45 minute walk through of this historic ballpark that I discovered that the magic of the place still prevailed.Fenway Park is still magical in my opinion. She stands alone from all the ballparks due to her intimate dimensions, and the long list of luminaries who
have taken center stage on her field.

Of course, I see Fenway through the prism of the "outsider." I am a fan who has only had the briefest of moments to cherish her, thereby my eyes have not been tarnished by the reality that the "local fans" experience on a regular basis.That reality being the challenge of finding parking; it can range from $20.00-$30.00 close to the ballpark. Also, the streets are densely congested. Now, a savvy visitor can park, 8-15 blocks away (if you're familiar with the Fens) and simply walk in, avoiding the high price to park near the ballpark itself; which is exactly what I will do next time I visit Boston, and see a game at Fenway.

Another diminishing factor that detracts from the "locals" near every home game experience is the extremely cramped conditions on the concourses (to such a degree that they compartmentalize the park by cordoning off the seats on top of the wall, and seating around the RF upper deck (near the Budweiser sign) to prevent overcrowding in those areas; allowing only ticket holders to come and go.

Oh, by the way, the seats were made for Americans in an era when walking was the norm, and slimness was the rule, not the exception. Rides in the family SUV to travel a block a way for cigarettes, beer, and munchies to watch the ballgame on the TV, while reclining on the coach for three hours-and inhaling 3,000 calories, have fattened our keisters to the point where we are essentially forced into our seats here, then suck in our guts, and only breath when we stand up. It's not that bad...just close to it.Lastly, there are the obstructed views...and the constant meandering of fans on
the field level concourses who interfere with your view, just at the very moment that "Papi", or Manny launches a rocket into the sky. The crowd is roaring, rising to their feet, and you missed not only the pitch, but the entire swing sequence.

Despite this, the magic prevails....The locals come out to support their team, and worship them with a near "rock star" icon like status, and the out of towners come for their "once a year event" to see, and feel the magic.I felt the magic, and consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to personally experience a game at Fenway. It was a special moment that ranks at the top of my baseball memories.

In my opinion, no other ballpark offers the experience that Fenway can. There are the negatives; parking, cramped conditions, "conga lines" forming and blocking your personal view. As well as the numerous positives: historical link to the past, knowledgable fans who can be friendly, or distant-if you're wearing an NY on your hat, as I was. Though it was a retro hat of the NY Giants baseabll club; coupled with the opportunity to see a highly productive offensive team score runs.

Fenway is a shrine. She is beautiful, extremely intimate, full of yesteryear charm, laced with a rawness and sense of possibilty that "it's not over, till it over." Her fans are passionate, and supportive of the players, and they in turn respond back, in a away that I've never seen at another ballpark, by interacting with them in an almost casual manner (this was my observation during batting practice).

As my french speaking mother would say, Fenway Park has "Jen Sui Qua (that certain, undefinable something)." I would definitely agree with her.

May 19, 2006—At 41 years of age, with 20 seasons of baseball behind him, Barry Bonds, now has 713 home runs, one shy of tying Babe Ruth, two shy of eclisping the man who altered the national past time in his time between the white lines.

Despite his sluggish start in 2006, it is generally expected that Bonds will pass Ruth, perhaps Aaron in 2007 (if he remains in the uniform of the Giants, or as a member of an American League team that would use him in the DH Role). Only a shocking decision to "retire" at this point, could upset that.

No doubt, the occasion of surpassing Ruth (hell even tying Ruth), will be cause for celebration, for Bonds, and the San Francisco Giants. It would also allow Bonds to move beyond the current obstacle that he is trying to surmount: the number 714, and escape the enourmous media attention that dogs his every day, and focus on getting the at-bats (good pitches) to inch closer to Aaron.

Each day that passes, brings us closer to his final destiny. What number will Barry leave the game with? Will his acculmulated injuries (right knee, left elbow-assorted aches and pains that come with being 41 and playing baseball) allow him to merely pass Ruth, or will he be capable of playing beyond this year, into next? Vainly trying to get numbers 755, or 756.

When the day comes that he realizes that he can no longer play, that his bat speed is no longer there, that the pain in his body is too much to contend with any longer, that it is time to leave the clubhouse for the last time as an active player, what will his final home run tally be?

And...what will his legacy be? Beyond the number "714," what is there in store for Barry Bonds? The inevitable moment that will be faced by the Baseball Writers of America five years after he has left the field for good (for selection into the Hall of Fame), will certainly be cause for much debate on his performance. How will the writers come to grips with his legacy, more importantly, how will they vote?

How will they view Bonds, his legacy, beyond the number 714? In five years there could be information revealed to the public domain that impacts their decision on how they see him; thus affecting how they vote: for induction, or not for induction.

More importantly, how will he be viewed by the general public, and the San Francisco Giants organization? How will they see his final destiny, and how will he be remembered?

Will they do as they have done for Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal, and errect a larger than life statue of Bonds? Possibly placed just outside the ballpark (known as AT&T this year, and most likely will be known by another name five years from now), on an axis with the right field line; where so many of his home runs were deposited in McCovey Cove?

Many may wonder how the Giants could not recoginize Bonds with a statue? With over 700 home runs it would appear to be "a slam dunk." However, they don't have a statue for a man who won 373 games for them, Christy Mathewson, nor legendary manager, John McGraw (who led the team to 10 NL Pennants,and 3 World Series victories. A record of 2,583-1790=.591 over 30 years). Most likely, they will. How could they not honor the man for his accomplishments?

What could possibly prevent Bonds from being eternally recognized with a statue that would stand for decades, perhaps a hundred or more years, near a Giants ballpark (whereever that may be, known by whatever corporate name)?

Only outright evidence of chemical enhancement (but don't they have knowledge of that already...his acknowledged "unknowing" use of a substance known as "the creme and the clear" in grand jury testimony) could change the public perception, and even then, there would be the voices that would speak out on his behalf.

"Hey, cut the guy a break." "Everybody in his era was doing it, so let it be." Let it be. Then let there be no rules, and no consequences for all of us. Let it all be. Let us run amok and violate all sorts of social norms (and laws) with no fear of facing judgement.

Beyond 714, I hope that we will not let it be. Let there be truth, and consequences for all. Public outrage over betraying the rules of the game (or violating the ethical boundaries of not using substances, though not at the moment banned by Baseball, though banned by the International Olympic Committee), or vindication of an individual for wrongful perception and persecution.

Beyond 714, let it be.

May 2, 2006—Steroids have corrupted the game of baseball. Most fans of the game would probably agree that steroid use is rampant, though many may declare that they are not concerned...simply because they just want to see monsterous laser shots ringing off the bat, and out of the ballpark (it would seem that baseball owners don't care either, just so long as the fans come to the ballpark to see their product).With Barry Bonds on the cusp of eclisping Babe Ruth, needing only six more long shots to tie the universally revered "Sultan of Swat," it seems that many folks are eager to see the national pastime's most sacred record challenged, and surpassed.

The fact that he is one of several reknown players over the last 10 years, whose exploits on the field have been suspected of chemical enhancement, doesn't appear to bother many San Franciscans; who have been interviewed at AT&T Park so far this season.All seem eager to be on hand for the making of history, regardless of the moral issue that Bonds' quest for 715, has conjured up for baseball, sports writers (who will have to ponder his selection into Cooperstown), and for the young men around the globe, who seek to play the game professionally.

That issue being the decision to seek physical growth through the use of banned substances. Growth which results in a player achieving the current
physical composition to be considered to play in the major leagues, for some older players the ability to remain in the major leagues (for a few seasons past their prime, to continue to receive a pay check), and for one giant of the game, the incredible strength to hit the ball longer than just about every other player in the major leagues.The decision to use a banned substance is a difficult one. One has to accept the (unknown) risks of damage to one's health, in the search for physical development that may be the factor that gets them a big league contract, conceivably worth millions of dollars.

Needless to say, the pressure to thousands of aspiring ballplayers around the world, must be enormous. More so to those who live in severe conditions of poverty such as in Latin America. To a young teen living in poverty, the decision to use steroids/banned substances (once he has been contacted by scouts who marvel at his ability, but suggest doubt about his making it due to a lack of size) may actually not be one that is too challenging. It might just be a "no brainer."

The issue of steroids is now one that the baseball writers of America will have to wrestle with as well. Several players suspected of the use of banned substances are now entering their first year of eligibiity for selection into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.It will be interesting to see how Mark Mcgwire fares, if he will receive a phone call stating that he's made the grade, been approved as worthy of the standards of conduct required for entry into Cooperstown?

It must also be recognized as a nightmare scenario for the commissioner of baseball. How to resolve an issue objectively and impartially, that will secure some semblance of integrity for the game, damaging as it may be to the individuals who are publically confirmed as abusers of steroids (stanozolol), like the case of Rafael Palmiero last year.Absolute truth is too much to hope for. Definitely too much. Most likely we
will see partial truth, half truth, a slight semblance of truth.

The corruption of the game is so great, that the fact that baseball wants to investigate itself is laughable. The powers that be would not accept a fair investigation that could actually make public the full truth of the cancer that has emasculated the game. Absolute truth would require the owners and executives of baseball to accept responsibility, for they were aware of the changes happening before their very eyes.This moral decay, in the pursuit of financial reward, has corrupted the game of baseball from the inside. It has made liars out of many men who play the game, those who manage the game (and owners too) as well as those charged with oversight of the playing of the game.

This state of corruption is a reflection of our society unfortunately. We accept and value the end result of this corruption of the game. We condone it. We praise and worship it. We flock to the ballparks of America in record numbers to see the games, and we fail to challenge the corruption.
In essence, we are corrupt as well, for failing to take exception to the way the game has changed. Our voices for the most part silent, not wanting to confront the corruption of the game, our game, our national pasttime.