Chicago Sports Day » Baseball

Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso Deserves Enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown

Howard Goldin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:36:51 +0000

New York—The majority of people reading this article probably never saw “Minnie” Miñoso play baseball. Many may have never heard his name. Saturnino Orestes “Minnie” Armas Miñoso Arrieta was a great baseball player. He was the only professional player to suit up and enter a ballgame in each of seven consecutive decades. He was one of only two players, along with Nick Altrock, to appear in a major league game in each of five decades.

While the above facts may seem only to be matters of trivia, they reflect Miñoso’s love of the sport of baseball and his dedication to it. At a press conference held by the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame, to which Miñoso has been elected, on September 1, the star player and humble gentleman said the following, “I don’t know how to express how I feel. Coming to the United States to play baseball was great. Without baseball, I don’t think I would be able to live because it’s in my blood. I gave 100 % not for the money; it was for the fans. I’m proud that I came here to play baseball. God bless the United States. God bless baseball.”

Minoso’s years in the majors when in his 20’s and 30’s were anything but trivial. Baseball and America were very different in the 1940’s than they are today. After starring with the famed Marianao club in his native land in 1945-6, Miñoso left his native Cuba to play baseball in the United States. At that time, he was barred from playing in organized baseball because the color of his skin was dark. Thus, he joined the New York Cubans, a team in the Negro League. He played his home games at the Dyckman Oval, the Polo Grounds and at Yankee Stadium, but he lived on Lennox Ave. because choices of residence were restricted.

He made an immediate impact as the third baseman and lead-off hitter for the New York Cubans. His efforts and ability led to success for the Cubans as they won the Negro National League pennant in 1947 and defeated the Cleveland Buckeyes in the World Series. He also earned personal recognition for his outstanding play. Mioso was selected as the starting third baseman in the 1947 and 1948 East-West All-Star games.

In 1948, after three seasons in the Negro League, when Miñoso was 25 (he was born on November 29, 1922) he signed a minor league contract. After a short stint in the minors, he made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians on April 19, 1949. He played nine games that season and did not return to the majors until the start of the 1951 season.

On April 30^th of 1951, Miñoso was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he played in 12 of his 17 big league seasons. The young man demonstrated his ability as a major leaguer in his rookie year, 1951. He batted .326, scored 112 runs, drove in 76 and led the American League in triples (14) and stolen bases (31). The very impressive stats were not enough to convince the baseball writers as Miñoso finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Gil McDougald, even though Miñoso’s numbers were clearly superior. The Sporting News did give the Chicago left-fielder its Rookie of the Year Award.

On May 1, 1951, at Yankee Stadium, the Cuban outfielder became the first black player to wear a White Sox uniform. He not only played superior baseball but had the pressure of being a pioneer thrust upon him.

During the next decade, Miñoso remained consistent in his high level of play. In his first 11 years in the majors, Miñoso placed second in the American League in hits (1,861), runs scored (1,078), extra base hits (579), stolen bases (193), triples (81), total bases (2,879) and times on base (2,806). He was fourth in on-base percentage (.395) and fifth in batting average (.305). He connected for double figure totals in home runs in each of the 11 years, and drove in 80 or more runs in eight of the seasons.

In his first three years in the big leagues, he led the AL in stolen bases and three times paced the league in triples. In 10 of the 11 seasons, Miñoso led the league in being hit by pitches. Did the color of his skin or his nationality cause him to be so frequent a target of pitchers or did he wisely use this as another means of reaching base successfully? He was also an American League leader in hits (1960), doubles (1957), sacrifice hits (1960 and 1961) and games plated (1960).

There was recognition at that time of his excellence on the field as he was a nine-time All-Star (two games were played in 1959 and 1960) between the years, 1951-60. He was cited for his superior defensive abilities with the Gold Glove three times. Also, during the years from 1951-60, Miñoso finished in the top 10 of AL voting for the MVP five times (1951, 53-54, 57 and 60).

Miñoso’s superior performance during that era takes on even more luster when considering the high level of competition. His excellence was achieved in the post-integration and pre-expansion epoch of the late 1940’s and 1950’s, a period of years called by many observers “the golden age of baseball”.

After his career in the majors concluded, Miñoso played ball and managed in the Mexican League through 1973. He also played Winter Ball for many years in his native Cuba and in othe Latin American nations during most of his big league career.

Not only did Miñoso prove to be superior to his contemporaries on the field, but his statistics fit in quite well with position players who have been installed in Cooperstown. According to the statistics published in the 2010 National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Yearbook, Miñoso had a career major league batting average, .298, superior to 62 of the 161 position players already in the Hall.

Fans and players who saw Miñoso on the field understand that even the impressive statistics are not sufficient to describe the effort and skill displayed by the sterling player and the excitement he provided. Tany (Tony) Pérez, the Hall of Fame first baseman of the Big Red Machine on September 1^st said of his fellow countryman, “Every young player in Cuba wanted to be like “Minnie” Miñoso and I’m one of them.” Bill Stimers, 64, a lifelong Yankees fans, remembers seeing “The Cuban Comet” play against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, “I love Miñoso. He was a great player. He played with a lot of energy because he loved baseball, not to earn big money like the most of the ballplayers today. I hope he makes the HOF because he deserves that honor.”

In October, a new means of electing previously neglected candidates to the Hall of Fame, the Golden Era Ballot (1947-1972) will be unveiled. Miñoso’s name deserves to be placed as one of the ten candidates on the Golden Era Ballot. Miñoso has earned a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The 88 year old former baseball great deserves to receive this honor this year.

Cuban Baseball Legends Honored at Cuban Cultural Center Conference

Howard Goldin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:08:48 +0000

The Cuban Cultural Center of New York (CCCNY) [El Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York] presented its 10^th Congress on Saturday at the McNally Auditorium of Fordham University’s Law School. The all-day event, from 8 AM until 8 PM, was held at an appropriate site as Esteban Bellán, the acknowledged “Father of Cuban Baseball’, graduated from the Rose Hill campus of St. John’s College, now Fordham University in 1868.

In the following year, the native of Havana, Cuba joined the Troy Haymakers, making him the first Cuban player in professional baseball in the United States. After six seasons in the U.S., he returned to Cuba, where he had a major influence upon the growth of the sport in his native land. Rafael Pi Román, of Channel 13, the program’s moderator, officially dedicated the conference to Bellán, who died in 1932, moments after the proceedings began.

Nine hours later, another legendary Cuban ballplayer was honored. Fortunately, 88 year old Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso, was present to hear the accolades. After Miñoso modestly responded to a standing ovation that began upon his entrance into the auditorium, he was presented with an award for his outstanding career by Iraida Iturralde, the vice president of the CCCNY.

The octogenarian was gracious in his appreciation for the recognition and spoke of his pride in being a player and a Cuban. Miñoso reminisced about his lengthy career and his time in New York as a member of the New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues.

Before beginning his sterling career in the majors, Miñoso played with the Cubans at the Dyckman Oval, the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium. During those years, 1945-9, he lived on Lennox Ave. From 1949-1964, Miñoso displayed his skills on the major league level. He batted .298, drove in 1,023 runs, produced 1,983 hits, scored 1,136 runs and thrilled the fans who watched him with his outstanding defensive skills as well. The star outfielder was awarded three Gold Gloves and was a six-time All-Star.

Miñoso played in the Cuban Winter League during the off-season during his sojourn in the U.S. He also was a star in the Mexican League (1965-73) after his career in the majors concluded. He was elected to the baseball hall of Fame in Cuba and Mexico. Many who saw him play in the U.S. believe he was worthy of election to the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown as well.

Miñoso briefly appeared twice more as a major league player, in 1976 and 1980, to tie Nick Altrock as the only two men to play five decades in the majors. He again appeared on the playing field in 1993 and 2003, for the St. Paul Saints in the Independent League, making him the only man to play during seven decades in professional baseball.

The extremely gracious and seemingly tireless former player signed autographs, posed for photos and answered questions from the guests at the conference long after his presentation ended.

El Centro Cultural Cubano’s Fascinating and Comprehensive Re-Visiting of Cuban Baseball History

Howard Goldin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:07:28 +0000

New York—Although it is impossible to review nearly 150 years of history in a single day, the nine hours of the conference between the honoring of Esteban Bellán at 9 AM and the tribute to Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso at 7 PM at Saturday’s X Congress of the Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus made a sincere effort to comprehensively view Cuban baseball history.

Part I-Morning program

The keynote address delivered by Roberto González-Echavarría was entitled “The Origins of Baseball in Cuba: A Historical Context”. The distinguished professor of Hispanic and Comparative Literature at Yale University traced the game from the 1860’s and spoke of Bellán’s importance in its development within Cuba.

The professor told of baseball’s growing popularity in Cuba in the late 19^th century based upon its connection to the modernistic United States as opposed to the sport of bull fighting that many in Cuba considered a symbol of the backwardness of the mother country, Spain.

He also explained that baseball was intricately tied to other forms of culture in Cuba. Unlike baseball in the U.S., literature recitals and dance programs followed directly after ball games concluded. He spoke of a shortstop on the Almendares club who was a minor novelist and then quipped, “How many novels has Jeter written?” The literature scholar described baseball as a “mock war in which heroics are performed” and as being vastly “different than back and forth sports such as football, soccer and lacrosse.”

Professor González-Echaverría, who wrote an award winning volume on the history of baseball in Cuba in 2002, summarized major events in the sport’s history far beyond its beginnings in his discourse. He concluded his address on baseball within his homeland by discussing the changes in the sport made by Fidel Castro, “Castro revolutionized Cuban sports to their detriment. Cuban baseball endures. It runs deep in the Cuban’s soul. It came with the promise of democracy and, I believe, it will be there when democracy returns.”

The keynote address was followed by the morning panel at which five papers were presented detailing several diverse topics regarding Cuban baseball history. The moderator of the panel, César Brioso of USA Today, read a statement of greeting from Conrado Marrero. Marrero is presently hospitalized in Cuba with a broken hip suffered in a fall. The former pitcher is the oldest living former major leaguer at the age of 100. Marrero’s doctor emailed a message in which he said Marrero is lucid and is expected to be able to leave the hospital. The former pitcher, an idol in Cuba, sent his greetings to the conference and offered “his compatriots a fraternal embrace.”

The first panelist to speak, Manuel Márquez-Sterling, a professor emeritus at Plymouth State University, discussed the two conflicting schools of baseball offense in Cuban history. Scientific baseball or little ball was typified by Ty Cobb and the prodigious long ball by Babe Ruth. Both barnstormed in Cuba, but Ruth’s appearance in Cuba did not have the effect upon the game as it did in the U.S. He explained that Dick Sisler, a major leaguer in the late 1940’s and 1950’s, helped popularize the home run in Cuba. He explained the convergence of factors that led to the change in Cuban baseball strategy, “Political stability and economic prosperity grew the Cuban middle-class and lessened the resistance to smaller parks and home runs. Social, cultural, economic and political changes in Cuba together with Dick Sisler led to the baseball changes.”

Marino Martínez, a newspaper reporter from El Nuevo Herald in Miami spoke of the La Liga de la Uniόn Atlética (Cuban amateur baseball) that ran from 1914 through 1960. The speaker detailed a number of successful teams and star players of the various eras and locales within the nation. He, like all of the others who addressed the gathering, made ample and effective use of photos to bring the times and people of the past to life and create additional interest. Audio visual materials, including films were quite effective supplements to the spoken word at the conference.

The topic of amateur baseball in Cuba was brought to the present by Rogério Manzano of Univision, who explained the changes instituted by Castro, after assuming control of the Cuban government. He cited the Cuban National Team’s record in international competition during this era to exhibit the ups and downs. He believes amateur baseball is in a crisis situation today and that Raúl Castro, a more pragmatic leader than his brother may institute needed changes.

Gary Ashwell, a young baseball historian, used statistics displayed on the large sized-screen behind the speaker’s platform to help inform the audience of the marks achieved by Cuban players during the Negro leagues epoch. Interestingly, the first back team (1885) was called the Cuban Giants, although none of its members were Cuban. Ashwell highlighted the records of pitcher José Mendez and slugging outfielder Christóbal Torriente, both of whom excelled during their years in the Negro League.

Leslie Heaphy of Kent State University discussed a much neglected topic of Cuban women in baseball. She talked on the history of women’s baseball with emphasis on Cuban women who played in the AAGPBL (All American Girls Professional Baseball League) during the 1940’s and 1950’s. One of the women, Luisa Gallegos, was in the audience. Gallegos was a teenager when she and several of her countrywomen joined the league in 1948. She did not fear going to a new land to work as she was not alone. The youngster found the experience interesting and appeared pleased that people asked her to reminisce about that time in her life.

Part II-Afternoon program

After a delightful almuerzo, the afternoon session began with an interesting and entertaining documentary, “Greener Grass: Cuba, Baseball and the United States”. The film, produced in 1999, focused on two nations in conflict, two economic and political systems and one sport loved in both lands, baseball. The film focused on the reaction on the island to the first visit of a major league team, the Baltimore Orioles, since the Castro era began. The many interviews with people on each side of the 90 mile shoreline showed the wide diversity of opinions and feelings. Many telling facts were given that produced greater understanding of Cuban baseball history and are worthy of further study. In the years 1911-1947, before the color barrier was broken, only 58 Cubans played in the majors, yet 223 played in the Negro Leagues during those same years. In 1991, Luis Arocha became the first baseball defector from Castro’s Cuba, but in the next decade, 40 baseball players defected from Cuba.

The speakers at the afternoon panel were all former big league players who were born in Cuba. Tony Pérez, the only living former player in the Baseball Hall of Fame born in Cuba was the first guest. The first baseman and the players that followed were interviewed by José Roig of Uniivision and also responded to questions from the audience. Pérez modestly gave credit to managers Dave Bristol and Sparky Anderson and to the pitching staff for the success of the Big Red Machine of which he was an important component. Despite belting 377 homers, Pérez said he never considered himself to be a home run hitter. When asked why there are so few Cubans in the HOF, he replied, “I think there’s a person sitting here who should be in [he pointed to Luis Tiant].”

Julio Bécquer, 79, was the next player to join the panel. Bécquer was one of the many Cubans signed by scout Joe Cambria for the Washington Senators in the 1950’s. He played in the American League from 1955-1963. He recalled the glory days of the Marianao club he played for in his native land as well as his experiences in the majors.

“Cookie” Rojas, born in 1939 in Havana, began his lengthy time in the majors in 1962. He has been successful as a player, coach, manager and currently as a broadcaster in a variety of venues in the bigs. In addition to very intelligently responding to perceptive questions from members of the audience, Rojas recounted his experiences as a member of the Havana Sugar kings in its final years of existence.

Jose Cardenal, the youngest of the former players present had a fine big league career from 1963-80. After his playing days ended, he coached for five teams. Cardenal was exceptionally good humored in his responses.

A big favorite of baseball fans everywhere, Lusi Tiant was interviewed by Grammy winning jazz musician Paquito D’Rivera. The second generation baseball great openly replied to questions on many of his experiences. When speaking about his visit to Cuba several years ago, Tiant broke down into tears after talking about his family.

The program ended with a festive reception held in the Fordham Law School Atrium. The entire long day’s proceedings were an educational treasure. The CCCNY certainly fulfilled its mission of being an “organization devoted to the preservation, advancement and dissemination of Cuban and Cuban-American culture with this superlative 12 hour conference.

Nats Do The Right Thing By Hiring Davey

Joe McDonald — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 05:23:09 +0000

It’s hard to believe Davey Johnson is turning into the company man.

Back in 1986, Johnson tore up a $30,000 for plane damages the Mets caused after winning the National League Pennant, essentially spitting in the face of owner Fred Wilpon.

It took three and a quarter more years for the Mets to have the slow start to get rid of Johnson, and then another three years to get another job when he took over the Cincinnati Reds. He fought with Marge Schott and then Peter Angelos in Baltimore, only lasting a few years at each stop.

Now, Johnson is the man who is coming in to save the Nationals.

And frankly, this may be the best thing to happen to that beleaguered franchise.

If you think the Mets are cursed, try being a Nationals fan. No winning seasons, since moving from Montreal in 2005, and every time the club shows some form of life, bad things happen.

They bring up their savior Stephen Strasburg and he proceeds to get put on the shelf with Tommy John surgery. They sign Jayson Werth to be the backbone of the offense with an obscene contract and he’s hitting only .237 with 10 homers in his first year.

And then the Jim Riggleman decides to nuke his managerial career. Just when the erstwhile skipper has the team over .500 and playing its best ball since moving to the 202 area code, he promptly resigns because his contract is not picked up.

It makes business in Queens look downright efficient.

But the Nats seems to have done the right thing here in hiring the 68 year-old Johnson. They got a manager who has done nothing but win in his career. A 1148-88 (.564) record ranks among the highest of any active manager out there. He finished less than second only twice in 14 seasons – with one coming after taking over for Tony Perez 44 games into the season for the Reds in 1993 – and was only under .500 three times in his career – two of them during partial seasons (1990 and 1993).

“All I can say is they got a good man,” Mets first base coach Mookie Wilson said to Adam Rubin of ESPNNY.com. “That much I can say. We’ll see how they respond to him. I spoke to him in the spring and he was very energetic, like his old self. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

“I think he’s up for it. I know he’ll do a good job. I played under him, so I know it. To be successful as a manager or a coach, you have to adjust from year to year and to your personnel. The key to managing or coaching is not actually managing the game, but managing personalities. Davey is a good judge of that. He’s known as being a players’ manager. So let’s just see how that all works out.”

With Johnson reportedly signed through 2012, he will have some time to put his mark on the Nats. With Strasburg coming back and Bryce Harper waiting in the wings, the Nats just may be turning the corner in the National League East.

Of course Johnson comes with some caveats. He hasn’t managed in the majors since 2000 when he helmed the Dodgers, which was the worst of his four stints and he does seem to wear out his welcome after a while with the Reds, O’s, and Dodgers all jettisoning Davey even with some success on the field.

But as we have seen with Buck Showalter in Baltimore and even Terry Collins with the Mets, old managers can change their stripes and maybe Johnson can too.

Heck who would have thought he would have been the stable internal choice to replace Riggleman, but he will be there starting on Monday.

And now the Nats will be a relevant watch in baseball.

With win over St. John’s Pecora may be ahead of his plan at Rose Hill

Rich Mancuso — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:55:28 +0000

Tom Pecora the first year men’s basketball coach at Fordham University reiterated how important the game was Wednesday evening up at Rose Hill. The annual “Battle of the Bronx” against Manhattan College went his way 76-59, the 103rd meeting between the Bronx schools and a two game wining streak for Fordham in almost three years.

The meeting with Big East New York City power St. John’s University, in which the Rams won up at Rose Hill Saturday evening, may have put Pecora ahead of his plan. Fordham certainly is a dominant squad and not showing any effects of a team that won five games the past two years.

The game was sold out, a rarity at Rose Hill. Fordham overcame a 20-point deficit, and showed no signs of a team that would quit. It was perhaps one of the most memorable games up at Rose Hill. And after their 84-81 triumph, that put Fordham over the .500 mark at 5-4, many in the crowd stormed the court

They were not storming the court for the “Red Storm” of St John’s. It was the Rams of Fordham, believe it or not, who can truly say they are right now the premiere college basketball team in New York City.

“This wasn’t about me,” Pecora would say afterwards about the most significant win for a Fordham basketball team in the past five years. “This was for these kids, for the fans,” he said. Truly, after Saturday, at least for the time being the suffering was over up at Rose Hill.

There is still a competitive Atlantic 10 conference schedule to come in January, That will determine how good this Fordham team is, or if they truly are going to be a competitive basketball program once again in New York. Pecora has definitely seen the competiveness of his team and a revival of the interest since taking over the program last March.

“Saturday is going to be fun to play and fun to watch,” said Pecora after his team defeated Manhattan College earlier in the week up at Rose Hill in the annual “Battle of the Bronx.” “These matchups revitalize New York college basketball,” he said about consecutive games against Manhattan and St. John’s.”

After that win over Manhattan, Fordham reached the .500 mark for the first time in three years. Pecora said more than once, something special is happening at Rose Hill. There is no talk about the dismal past after an abysmal, 2-26 overall mark and 0-16 record in the Atlantic 10 Conference of last season under former coach Dereck Whittenburg.

They have already equaled their win total of the last two seasons. The players, many who have been a part of the previous losing seasons up at Rose Hill, believe there has been a change of culture. Their coach wants them to believe that.

“We don’t look at what happened here in the past,” said senior Brenton Butler had a game high 21 points for the Rams against Manhattan and was a big part of a 16-0 run against St. John’s that narrowed the gap. Butler averaging 15.3 points per game has now scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games and had 22 in the win Saturday.

The last Fordham win against the Red Storm came in December of 2000. The entire campus anticipated the matchup, a buzz about Fordham basketball that hasn’t been heard in a long time.

“It’s a great environment, it’s awesome, it’s exciting,” said Butler who had not heard this reaction about an upcoming game, the one with St John’s in his four years at Rose Hill. He is a five year player that wanted to stay and be a part of this new culture that Pecora has preached.

Pecora said his team stayed around and stole one late against St. John’s. To the contrary Fordham did not steal this one. They have convinced their faithful and suffering fans they are ahead of the plan to revitalizing basketball up at Rose Hill.

NOTES: Butler was named Most Valuable Player of the Manhattan game by writers at press row and received the Mike Cohen Award, a trophy in memory of the late New York City public relations executive and former Manhattan Sports Information Director….

Before tipoff prior to the Manhattan game, a moment of silence was observed for Freddy Schuman, “Freddy Sez” a fixture at Fordham and Manhattan games and also at New York Yankee games with his trademark frying pan and motivational sayings. Also silence was observed for former New York Yankee and former Fordham baseball coach Gil McDougald who passed away last week.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring76@aol.com

With win over St. John’s Pecora may be ahead of his plan at Rose Hill

Rich Mancuso — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:55:28 +0000

The last Fordham win against the Red Storm came in December of 2000. The entire campus anticipated the matchup, a buzz about Fordham basketball that hasn’t been heard in a long time.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring76@aol.com

With win over St. John’s Pecora may be ahead of his plan at Rose Hill

Rich Mancuso — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:55:28 +0000

The last Fordham win against the Red Storm came in December of 2000. The entire campus anticipated the matchup, a buzz about Fordham basketball that hasn’t been heard in a long time.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring76@aol.com

Bill Shannon Was A New York Baseball Icon In The Press Box

Rich Mancuso — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 05:53:08 +0000

Back in May, outside Gate 4 at Yankee Stadium, where members of the media enter and leave, Bill Shannon was observing a sign situated at Babe Ruth Plaza. The longtime official scorer employed by Major League Baseball who sits up in the press box would question, “Look carefully. What is wrong with the spelling here…?”

Joyce Kilmer Park was spelled incorrectly, “Klimer” on a destination map that fans hardly notice. But Bill Shannon noticed things like this, the name of a famous American journalist and poet spelled incorrectly at Yankee Stadium. It was one of the many great memories that this writer had with Shannon who tragically passed away Tuesday morning.

A three-alarm fire at his small home in West Caldwell, NJ became news to all of us who were blessed to know Shannon as a colleague and friend. The 69-year old journalist, historian, and master when it came to the game of baseball could not get rescued from a second floor bathroom window that he tried to shatter.

Shannon had a 93-year old mother, who he tended to daily. She was able to get out of the house safely and was taken to a nearby hospital. Her only son, Bill would leave to attend to his duties as an official scorer for Mets and Yankee games at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, and also assisted the Associated Press with clubhouse reporting.

So we, those in the media that were his friends and colleagues are feeling the loss. Hours after word came about the tragic news, there were the many tributes and a feeling of loss as to how the press box won’t be the same when we converge again at the ballparks in April.

Howie Karpin of the Bronx, a radio reporter, became a successful official scorer and will miss his mentor Bill Shannon. It was always the concept of an official scorer to come from the ranks of print media and not from radio and television reporters.

“I had been covering Mets and Yankees games since 1980 and got to know Bill from being at the ballpark,” says Karpin who writes a daily baseball blog, ’3Balls-2 Strikes.’ “I was always fascinated by the official scorer’s role and like anyone who sits in the press box I would add my two cents to any of the scoring decisions that were being made.”

It was the beginning of what Karpin describes as he and Bill Shannon “being on the same page.” The crazy idea of becoming a scorer came to fruition. “Bill Shannon went on the limb in the late 1990’s and convinced Phyllis Merhige, who was in charge of the official scorers through out Major League Baseball to give me a chance to be a scorer.”

“The rest is history,” as Karpin says. Since that first game at the old Yankee Stadium in September of 1998, Bill Shannon was always there as a mentor and friend. And it was that way with yours truly, to all members of the media who made a habit of greeting Bill when he arrived for the first pitch and took his perch in the official scorer’s seat that determines a hit or an error.

There was the detailed explanations about the rule book, and stories about the game he covered so well when writing for the Associated Press and other publications. When we had a question, Bill Shannon was the one who had the answer.

But you had to be prepared for an extensive explanation. You asked one question and there was more to come. Enough to write a book, some he wrote so well including “The Ballparks” about the history of Major League ballparks. Versatile also in other sports, he assisted with statistics at New York Jets football home games, at his alma mater, Columbia University, and editing “The Official Encyclopedia of Tennis” for the United States Tennis Association.

Recall when this reporter was a rookie in that same year of 1980 with Howie Karpin. One of the first to say hello in the press rooms at Yankee and Shea Stadiums was Bill Shannon. “Welcome,” he would say with that voice of authority and sincerity.

And he would always be the first to say hello when passing through a crowded press box with a Pepsi cup in his hand. He knew the rules when it came to a potential postponement of a game, and was good for conversation to pass time until they took the tarp off and resumed play. Always receptive to explain a rule after a controversial play and loved being around his extended family of friends who cover the game of baseball from April until late October.

In essence, Shannon was as an official scorer for Major League Baseball and an ambassador to all of us in the press box.

That unique style of reading the pitching line that could be imitated but never duplicated. He gave the pitching line numbers and the unique pause, “and…twooo strikeouts” at the end of the line. You heard that the first time and wanted to hear it again for the other starting pitcher, and those who came out of the pen.

Karpin will always have his mentor looking down on him, and surly the Yankees and Mets will pay tribute to Shannon who was truly the dean of official scorers in New York.

There would always be the conversation. “Bill, you will die at the ballpark,” because he missed very few games during the course of a New York baseball season. We never expected to hear that it would end the way it did on Tuesday at his home in New Jersey.

And something says on next opening day in the Bronx, when the pitching lines are read and when the final lines are read, someone will try and duplicate what Shannon always did.

It will be a deserving tribute as we try and comprehend why Bill Shannon is no longer scoring games in the press box. And one thing is certain. He left the scoring seat in good hands with guys like Karpin and a few others.

God Bless You always my friend!

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com-

Remembering My Friend Bill Shannon

Joe McDonald — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:07:40 +0000

Back in 2007, on a random night at Shea Stadium, I got into a conversation after the Met game about the Brooklyn Dodgers with my friend Bill Shannon.

We sat in the cafeteria and gave me – and radio reporter Bob Trainor – a blow by blow description on why Walter O’Malley moved his team to Los Angeles and how much it differed to the current version circulating today.

I didn’t get home to 2:30 that morning and it was maybe the best three hours I spent talking baseball, because if you had a question on the sport, Bill knew it and it was not just baseball, but football, basketball, hockey and even tennis.

Unfortunately, those days are gone as Bill passed away in a house fire at his home in West Caldwell, NJ this morning. The New York sports community lost a great today as Shannon was not just any sports writer, but one who was as big as the game itself.

I only know my experience with him and that was of a very kind man who was willing to lend a hand to anyone in the press box. Bill was a resource everyone used. If there was a rules clarification, we went to Bill. If you wanted to know something that happened in baseball history, you went to Bill. And of course, if you just wanted good conversation, you went to Bill.

It was that kindness that made working some of these games very, very enjoyable. While many writers are out for themselves, Bill was willing to help no matter what. So when a time this season, he needed someone to cover the Mets clubhouse because the AP was a reporter short, I easily agreed. How could I not?

Bill’s knowledge, though, is just part of the story. His dedication to his craft made him a mentor to many a New York area sports writer. I sat next to him on numerous occasions during the past five season and frankly, those three hour games became educations. A class with Professor Shannon where you enjoyed learning and were afraid to fail. And you wouldn’t because of his easygoing style and ability to explain the intricacies of the game.

And when I started research on a baseball book last year, Bill was the first person I called. He sat down with me for three hours and explained the history of all the New York stadiums . It helped lay a foundation for me that eventually will lead into my first historical publication.

Sadly, those days are over as the first of West Caldwell silenced one of baseball greatest minds. I am only consoled by the fact that there is a baseball game going on in the sky where Joe McCarthy just took Cy Young out of the game and Bill is there scoring the game and calling out the line of Young in his patented way – “2 runs – both earned – 2 hits, 3 walks and Nooooo Strikeouts!”

Rest in peace my friend. The press box won’t be the same without you.

Lazzari’s Baseball Awards

Bob Lazzari — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:05:13 +0000

Yes–as autumn baseball winds down with most players now hanging out at the golf course, recognition is in order based on the 2010 regular season:

*The STAY AT FIRST Award: No doubt–goes to Torii Hunter of the L.A. Angels. Hunter tried to steal 21 times this year and was thrown out on TWELVE occasions–a SB success rate of just 43%. Just a reminder, Torii: You’re NOT 25 anymore.
*The PETE ROSE/GEORGE BRETT HONORARY THROWBACK PLAYER Award: Roy Halladay of the Phillies. When I see this guy pitch, I think it’s 1970 again. A stud, a horse–you get the picture. Led ALL MLB pitchers in complete games, innings, AND shutouts; when he DOESN’T go nine, he looks like Clint Eastwood in a “Dirty Harry” scene. Yeah–my kinda guy.
*The TONY BENNETT/BEST YEARS BEHIND HIM Award: Without question–goes to Brewers reliever Trevor Hoffman. In 50 relief appearances at age 42, the all-time saves leader blew five saves, went 2-7, and pitched to an ERA of 5.89. This is a guy who used to average around 40 saves per season and pitch to an ERA of at least three runs LESS than the inflated # he put up this year. Yes, Trevor–it’s time.
*The LITTLE BUCKS/BIG NUMBERS Award: Goes to Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies. The man earned the league’s minimum salary and put up MVP-type #’s: 34 HR’s, 117 RBI’s, .336 batting average. Yeah–a MAJOR return on the team’s investment. Milwaukee’s Casey McGehee and Trevor Cahill of the A’s finished high in this category.
*The BONNIE AND CLYDE/HIGHWAY ROBBERY Award (for stealing large sums of money): Sadly, goes to Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies. Once the best hitter in the game, Helton hit .256 with just 8 HR’s and 37 RBI’s in the thin air of Coors–and was paid almost $18 million (ouch). Helton could have easily qualified for the aforementioned Tony Bennett Award, too. Barry Zito finished second–earning even MORE than Helton and winning just nine games.
*The BLACKSTONE/HOUDINI DISAPPEARING ACT Award: Ubaldo Jimenez of the Rockies. When he was 15-1 at the All-Star break, it was simply a question of if he’d win 20 by Labor Day. He proceeded to go 4-7 the rest of the way–failing to hit the 20-win mark while making Colorado fans wonder if burnout will be an issue with him as his career unfolds.
*The PITIFULLY PUNCHLESS Award (for lack of offense): Hands down–goes to the Seattle Mariners. They hit a pathetic .236 as a team and finished last in the majors in runs, hits, OB %, total bases, doubles, triples,–well……EVERYTHING. Somewhere, Felix Hernandez is weeping.
*The ARSONIST OF THE YEAR Award: I’ll give this one to George Sherrill of the L.A. Dodgers. Appearing in 65 games, he pitched to an ERA of 6.69 while hitters tallied a .311 batting average against him; right-handed hitters hit a blistering .427 off Sherrill. Yes, vs. right-handed batters, Sherrill might have been better off letting them hit off a TEE–and Joe Torre would concur.
*The BUM OF THE YEAR Award: Oliver Perez of the N.Y. Mets. The man pitched 46 innings and walked 42 hitters in 2010. In fact–since signing a 3-year, $36 million pact before the ’09 season–”Ollie” has now put up ERA’s of 6.82 and 6.80 and won just THREE games. I don’t know a SINGLE Mets fan who wants this guy to even SHOW UP at spring training in five months–and he’s owed another $12 million.
*The second annual EARL WEAVER/FULL PACK Award: This one goes to Hideki Okajima of the Red Sox. If manager Terry Francona DID smoke, he would have gone through a pack of cigarettes QUICKLY (like Weaver did with Don Stanhouse) every time Okajima pitched. He gave up 59 hits in 46 innings, was susceptible to the HR ball, and opponents hit .314 against him. Red Sox Nation collectively holds its breath EVERY time he jogs in from the bullpen. Simply a Double-A pitcher at this juncture.
*The HIT OR MISS Award: A “no-brainer” as D’Backs infielder Mark Reynolds wins this award for the third year in a row–in a LANDSLIDE. The man slugged 32 home runs but also struck out 211 times–the third year in a row he’s topped the 200 mark. Winning this award is usually only “slightly” embarrassing; the REAL embarrassing part of Reynolds’ 2010 campaign was that he hit .198–yes, below the famed “Mendoza Line.”
*The MAYTAG/DEPENDABILITY Award: As mentioned last year, Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners is a shoe-in for this award YEARLY–as long as he’s breathing. Once again, he played in ALL 162 games; he also garnered 200+ hits for the TENTH year in a row. Also played great in the outfield once again and stole 42 bases at the age of 36. Bottom line with this guy? When you have an “off” year and hit at a .315 clip, Cooperstown will be calling in the near future.
*The AVERSION TO WALKING Award: Pedro Feliz–who split time with the Astros and Cardinals in 2010. The man came to bat 409 times this season and walked just THIRTEEN times–yes, just once every 31 at-bats. This guy takes pitches about as often as yours truly dates supermodels.
*The GERITOL/AGE DOESN’T MATTER Award: The Yankees’ Mariano Rivera wins this award for the second year in a row. At age 40, he gave up just 39 hits in 60 innings–allowing just two home runs and pitching to an ERA of 1.80. Opponents hit .183 against him as he saved 30 or more games for the thirteenth time in his career. I’m beginning to think that Rivera is aging just as well as Christie Brinkley–well, ALMOST.
*The RODNEY DANGERFIELD/LACK OF RESPECT Award: Paul Konerko of the White Sox. Made the All-Star team only because Justin Morneau got hurt–yet put up huge #’s this year: 39 HR’s, 111 RBI’s, .312 BA. Plays a decent first base, too–though that’s overlooked at times. Adam LaRoche of the D’backs received votes in this category–going ‘under the radar’ while driving in 100 runs for a last-place club.
*Finally, the DOLLY THE SHEEP/REASON TO CLONE Award: Albert Pujols of the Cardinals. What more can you say about a guy who’s hit 30 or more HR’s/drove in 100 or more runs in EACH of his ten big league seasons (seemingly in CLEAN fashion, too)? Rarely misses a game–and a slugger who’s NEVER struck out 100 times in a season. Great fielder (almost underrated) who made just four errors in 2010. Good family man, too, who launched the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005 (dedicated to Down’s syndrome) with his wife Deidre. Congrats, Albert–to a guy who does it on the field AND off.

Enjoy the rest of the postseason, folks.