Author Archive
4th Blogging Anniversary. Haikus to my Dodgers and Baseball
February 13, is my fourth blogging anniversary. Yes, it was four years ago, a day before Valentine’s Day that I decided to start a blog. Four years later and 500+ blog posts, I am still here learning and blogging.
I have never tried before to write haikus but I decided to read about them and attempt to write some so here are three
Baseball giddiness
Players report back to camp
Spring sure is coming!
Pitchers and Catchers
A sure sign of Spring Training
Warms my heart alright!
Vin Scully will say
It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!
I can hardly wait
Dodgers reported to Spring Training. 
Chad Billingsley looks good!
the kid Kershaw speaking to the media.
Good to see Belisario is already at Camelback Ranch. Here he is with Cochito Luis Cruz.
In addition to Pitchers and Catchers, other players are already in camp like Matt Kemp and Carl Crawford. Happy training boys! See you this coming weekend!
Love is Blue song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9FYD1dlw4E
Happy Pitchers and Catchers! Happy Valentines to all my boys and to all my friends and family
pictures from Camelback Ranch by Jon SooHoo at http://Dodgersphotog.mlblogs.com
Brooklyn Dodgers. Where are they now. Eddie Basinski
Eddie Basinski then
Basinski was born on 11/4/1922 in Buffalo, NY. He wore uniform #3 for the Dodgers.
Eddie was signed after a tryout by the Dodgers out of the University of Buffalo even though he hadn’t played baseball in either high school or College.
Eddie debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944. He was the Dodgers regular shortstop while Pee Wee Reese was in the military in 1945 but lost his job when World War II ended an Reese returned.
According to Baseball-Refernces:
He made a prototypical rookie mistake when first coming up to the National League: hitting .389 after two weeks, he told a reporter that “Any man who can’t hit .300 in this league ought to go get a lunch bucket.” Opposing pitchers never let him live down those words.
Eddie spent the off-season as a violinist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Eddie Basinksi now
Here is a video of Portland Baseball history with Eddie Basinski and Vince Peski. Eddie tells some wonderful stories that had me cracking up.
Ad here is a another video. A wonderful interview of Eddie Baskinksi by KrisPorterSports. In there he talks about Branch Richie & Leo Durocher.
Ref: NewYorkTimes.com, Oregonlives.com, KrisPorterSports
Brooklyn Dodgers. Where are they now. Chuck Kress
Chuck Kress then
Charles Steven Kress was born in Philadelphia on December 9, 1921. He wore uniform #5.
Chuck Kress served in the U. S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Kress was a first baseman 17 seasons from 1940 to 1959, four in the Major Leagues and 16 in the minors.
He played first base for the Cincinnati Reds in 1947 & 1949.
With the Chicago White Sox from 1949 to 1950.
Detroit Tigers 1954.
On 06-09-1954, The Brooklyn Dodgers traded Wayne Belardi to the Detroit Tigers for Ernie Nevel, Johnny Bucha and Chuck Kress. Kress had 12 at bats with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954 and batted .083.
Kress managed the following teams in the Minor Leagues:
1957: The Erie Sailors from the New York-Pen League of the Detroit Tigers.
1958: Durham Bulls from the Carolina Leagues of the Detroit Tigers.
1959: Des Moines Demons of the Three-I Leagues of the Philadelphia Phillies
1960: Asheville Tourists of the South Atlanta League of the Philadelphia Phillies
1961: Des Moines Demons of the Three-I Leagues of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Chuck Kress now
From Kentuckybaseball.blogspot as posted on November 2, 2009:
Chuck Kress, who played with the Reds, White Sox, Tigers and Brooklyn Dodgers responded to some questions for me.
He mentioned that his favorite team is the Mariners. His favorite recent player is Edgar Martinez.
Chuck did say that he had a lot of great memories relating to his time with that legendary Brooklyn team. Mr. Kress notes that he is proud of the fact that he got to play with Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Duke Snyder, and manager Walter Austin.
He does remember playing in Louisville when he was with Columbus of the American Association.
ref: baseball-fever.com, fangraph, kentuckybaseball.blogspot, baseball-reference, OOtbaseball, WalterOMalley.com, baseball-almanac
Mike Piazza Book Signings
Mike Piazza will be signing copies of his new book “Long Shot” at two Barnes and Noble locations in New York, at Norristown, PA and at Vroman’s in Pasadena, CA Here is more information on the locations:
New York Locations:
Monday February 11th at 12:00pm Click Here For More Info Barnes & Noble 555 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017 // 212-697-3048
Tuesday February 12th at 7:00pm Click Here For More Info Barnes & Noble 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514, 516-741-9850 Wristbands will be distributed starting at 9:00 am on Tuesday, February 12. The former New York Mets catcher will be at Barnes & Noble Carle Place to sign copies of his autobiography, Long Shot. No memorabilia to be signed at this event.
Norristown, PA Location
The book, available for purchase Feb. 12, is available for preorder on the Towne Book Center WebsiteWristbands will be distributed starting at 9:00 am on Thursday, February 14. No memorabilia to be signed at this event only copies of Long Shot purchased from Barnes & Noble in Carle Place. Four books per person.
Thursday February 14, 2013 7:00 PM
Country Glen Center
91 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514, 516-741-9850
Mike Piazza will sign copies of his new book, “Long Shot,” at Towne Book Center in Collegeville on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
The Norristown-born, Phoenixville-bred catcher’s new autobiography tells his story of being selected in the 1988 baseball draft as a 62nd round “courtesy pick,” end eventually becoming the greatest-hitting catcher in the history of baseball.
In the book, Piazza discusses his local upbringing, his 2000 World Series with the Yankees, the steroid controversy, gay rumors, and the thrill of hitting the game-winning homerun on Sept. 21 2001, the first game in New York after Sept. 11, 2001, according to the book description.
The Towne Book Center, located in the Providence Town Center, is asking that customers RSVP by calling 610-454-0640.
Piazza will be available to sign books, but no memorabilia.
Pasadena, CA location (My neck of the wood)
- Event Details: (updated 2/5/13) - This is a signing only. Mike Piazza will not be speaking. - Tickets will be available at the Will Call department at the main store & at the Hastings Ranch location beginning Tuesday, February 12, the release date for the book. - Mike will only sign copies of his new title, Long Shot, no memorabilia. - Each customer can get up to 4 copies of Long Shot signed. - No posed photos, but photos from the line are ok. A Vroman’s employee will be present at the signing table to take unposed photos for customers while getting their book signed.
- Last time I was at a baseball book signing at Vroman’s in Pasadena was for Tommy Lasorda’s book “Is Good to Be Alive” Is on my calendar. I guess I need to drive to work that day so I can head to Pasadena afterwards. It is on my way home. I am glad this bookstore is still open. They have very nice selection of books and magazines. Also other nice merchandise upstairs.
Brooklyn Dodgers. Where are they now. Marv Rackley
Marvin E. Rackley then
| Name | DOB | Birthplace | Uniform # |
| Marv Rackley | 07/25/1921 | Seneca, SC | 35 |
At age 19, Marv Rackley was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1941. He played for the Valdosta Trojans, the Durham Bulls and the Dayton Ducks.
On October 5, 1942, Rackley entered the military service with the Army Air Force at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He spent the next three years in service.
Sergeant Rackley returned to the Dodgers organization in 1946. He joined the Montreal Royals where he played alongside Jackie Robinson. Rackley batted .305 with the Royals and was in the Dodgers line-up for the second game of the season in 1947. In 18 games as a pinch-hitter and runner he batted .222 before joining the St. Paul Saints where he batted .316.
In 1948, Rackley played 88 games with the Dodgers, batted .327, but with Hermanski, Reiser, Furillo, Snider, Shuba and Whitman all vying for outfield positions there was little room for him.
On May 18, 1949, Rackley was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for first baseman/outfielder Johnny Hopp plus $25,000. Rackley reported to the Pirates with a sore throwing arm. Pirates complained they had traded for a player who was unfit. Hopp was returned to the Pirates and Rackley went back to the Dodgers (wonder what happened to the 25K) where he played in 54 games, batted .291 and appeared in two World Series games against the Yankees.
Gene Hermanski, Pee Wee Reese, Marv Rackley and Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers base stealers of 1948
In October 1949, the 28-year-old was purchased by the Reds for $60,000 but appeared in just five games the following season, spending most of the year with the Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. He spent most of 1952 with the Birmingham Barons and joined the Baltimore Orioles of the International League in 1952. 1953 he batted .320 in 111 games with the Orioles. 1954 he batted .328 with the Richmond Virginians. He ended his career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1955 when he also managed for part of the year.
Marv Rackley now
Marv Rackley still lives in his native South Carolina. I could not find a current picture of Marv Rackley.
I just noticed this is my blog post #500 !!
ref: baseballinwartime.blogspot.
MLB Blog Latest Leaders for January 2013. #14 Dedicated to Gil Hodges
February 13 is my MLB Fan Blog 4th anniversary. During these four years my blog has ranked between #16 to #52 in the monthly ranking. I was surprised that I came in at #14 for the month of January 2013!
Thank you everyone that visits my blog and if you just happen to stumbled up on it well welcome! 
I dedicate my blog coming in at #14 to Gil Hodges
Hodges was the Major League premier first baseman making eight career All-Star teams.
He had 370 career home runs, which by 1962 ranked second all-time for right-handed hitters behind Jimmie Foxx.
From 1949 to 1959 he averaged 30 homeruns and 101 RBI’s
The only players in his time to drive in 100 runs in seven straight season.
He had five straight season with 30 homeruns and eleven straight with 20 homers tying a league record.
He had at least 23 doubles and 23 homeruns for nine straight years.
For the 1950s, he ranked second in the majors in homers and RBIs behind Duke Snider, and third in total bases behind Snider and Stan Musial.
Hodges was the recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1959, the perfect credential for a Hall of Fame member.
He ranked in the top 10 in runs, hits, and walks
He also received the first three Gold Glove awards given to a first baseman
he helped the Dodgers capture seven pennants and two world titles.
Hodges’ managed the Miracle Mets and in 1969, led them all the way to the World Series Championship.
His managerial career was prematurely cut short when, while golfing in Florida, he suffered a massive heart attack two days before his 48th birthday.
Vin Scully said this about Gil Hodges:
“I can’t understand why Gil Hodges isn’t in the Hall of Fame.”
Ref: http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/10/gil-hodges-and-the-elusive-hall-of-fame
From Mark Langill, Dodger historian: http://dodgershistory.mlblogs.com/2012/07/18/gil-hodges-and-the-hall-of-fame/comment-page-1/
Dodgers September 2013 Schedule
Ok, so here is the final scratch that. the last of the regular season schedule:
1-Star =9/1 SD, 9/10 AZ, 9/11 AZ
2-Star = 9/15 SF, 9/27 COL, 9/29 COL
3-Star = 9/9 AZ, 9/12 SF, 9/13 SF, 9/14 SF, 9/28 COL
4-Star = none
A trip to San Diego for the weekend 9/20 to 9/22 would be nice.
Thank you Mike from www.theLFP.com for the calendar!
Dodgers August 2013 Schedule
I learned something new to me. If I create a category you can have all the related posts together so if you go to the right to category “Dodgers Schedule” I can scroll down to all the the Dodgers Schedules here. Haha Silly me, should have realized that sooner.
1-Star = 8/12 NYM, 8/26 CHC
2-Star =8/9 TB, 8/11 TB, 8/14 NYM, 8/28 CHC, 8/30 SD
3-Star = 8/10 TB, 8/13 TB, 8/27 CHC, 8/31 SD
4-Star = 8/23, 8/24, 8/25 BOS.
Ref: www.theLFP.com that guy Mike is talented guy
They are giving me a hard time at work because I have my Jackie Robinson jersey on (only day I can wear casual clothes) This guy tells me “Is Super Bowl weekend and lots of people at work are wearing Football gear but not Emma” “She could wear football or hockey but noooo….” I do have my purple and gold Dodger hat
Happy 94th Birthday Jackie Robinson. What Happened to that Jackie Robinson autograph?
I got excited when I opened Google and saw the google doodle with Jackie’s picture
Happy 94th birthday Mr. Robinson
At Citi Field in 2011. Picture taken by Abby.
Gerry Goran: What Happened to his Jackie Robinson autograph?
Here is a video I recorded of Gerry where he explains what happened to his Jackie Robinson autograph. Jerry, his son James and James kids, Stew and William sit in the Top Deck. You can see a little of James in the video.
Brooklyn Dodgers. Where are they now. Andy Pafko
| Name | DOB | Birthplace | Uniform # |
| Andy Pafko | 02/25/1921 | Boyceville, Wi | 22,48 |
Andy Pafko then
During a 17-year career Andy Pafko was one of the handful of players to appear in four World Series with three different teams, the 1945 Cubs, 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers, and the 1957 and 1958 Milwaukee Braves.
Andy’s first year with the Dodgers ended on a sad note. That’s him in left field, dwarfed by the huge wall at the Polo Grounds, looking up in vain at Bobby Thomson’s pennant-winning home run off Ralph Branca. His luck changed in 1952, however, when he got into his second World Series, playing in all seven games for the Dodgers against the Yankees.
From Baseball- reference:
Notable Achievements
- 1943 MVP Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels
- 5-time NL All-Star (1945 & 1947-1950)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1948, 1950 & 1951)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 2 (1950 & 1951)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 2 (1945 & 1948)
- Won a World Series with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957
Andy retired as a player after 1959 and coached for the Braves from 1960 to 1962. He began his minor league managerial career the following year, and by 1968 he had skippered teams in New York, North Carolina, and Florida for the Braves organization. He did some scouting for the Braves for a few years after that and then he his wife moved to Chicago.
Andy Pafko now
From baseball savyy:
Widowed in 2002, Pafko is active at charity events, golf outings, baseball appearances and banquets, and is the 2005 President of the Chicago Old Timers Baseball Association. He attends Cubs games frequently and shuns the spotlight, but is usually hounded by fans and media. He recently found time to write the foreword for “Wrigley Field’s Last World Series: The Wartime Chicago Cubs and the Pennant of 1945,”
Ref: Baseballsavvy, baseballreference
crzblue
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