Veteran’s Day Special: The Story of a Never-Was

I want to ask each and every one of you a question. What becomes of the never-was? Not the has-beens, the drop-outs, or the draft-day busts. I speak of the men who were never given their chance to compete at the major league level. They were robbed of the chance to play the game they loved. I present to you, on this Veteran’s Day, the story of one such man.

I consider this man to be a friend. I do not know his family, or his friends. I merely know him as the man who cleans, sells, and ships my glasses. I come in to have my lenses cleaned and listen to one of his clever jokes. One day, I sit down, and he takes my glasses, and begins one of his classic yarns.

“Did I ever tell you I was drafted by the Phillies?”

I just stared blankly in bewilderment. I knew that he was a big baseball fan, but I assumed he would have said something if he had been a big-leaguer.

“Unfortunately, I was drafted by the Army, too.”

I gave him that sorrowful look, one of pity that you give someone when you know you can’t help what ails them. You can only listen to their story.

“I was a catcher. Back then we didn’t have “bonus-babies,” so when I found out I was going to be a Phillie, all I could think about was playing. When could I get on the field? Would I meet Robin Roberts? Would I catch Robin Roberts? These guys were my heroes, and pretty soon, I was gonna be one of them.”

“When they Army came calling, I was…less enthusiastic. I couldn’t break my arm, like some kids did. No arm meant no baseball. So I went.”

He doesn’t want to talk about the war. It’s tough. I let him be. He is a veteran, and he deserves our respect.

“I still think about it sometimes. What coulda’ been. I coulda’ been the next big thing. Well, at least the next guy who when he comes out on the field, you tap your dad on the shoulder and ask, ‘Who’s that, Dad?'”

“By the time I got out of Vietnam, I was too old for the Phillies, and plus I couldn’t crouch down, on acounta’ a metal plate in my knee. I still hear the choppers sometime.”

He hands me back my glasses. Topics change to lighter times.

“My son’s got season tickets to the Orioles. Box seats. You know who Brady Anderson is?”

I nod my head, trying not to interrupt his train of thought.

“I came thiiis close to catchin’ one of his foul balls. We were at a Orioles-Phillies game, and I had to go to the bathroom. Anderson’s up to bat. I come back out, and my sons says to me, ‘Dad, Brady Anderson just hit the ball right off your seat’. I think , ‘You gotta be kiddin’ me’. Thiiis close.”

Next time you run down to your neighborhood grocery, or to the movie theater, think about the people you see. How many were thiiis close to being major-leaguers? More important than baseball, did they serve our country?

Today, Veteran’s Day, is a day to celebrate the men and women who gave their blood, sweat, tears, and maybe even their futures to this country. A Happy Veteran’s Day to all!

This story is 100 percent factual. The name of my friend has been removed to protect his identity.

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Phillies Looking to Upgrade Third Base and Bullpen As Nov. 20th Nears

The Phillies begin the long process of the offseason as we take a quick look at what is on the horizon for the team, and what could come in the next couple of weeks.

Awards and Accolades

With Wednesday comes the announcement of the Gold Glove Awards with Jimmy Rollins having his sights set on a third win as a major front runner. Rollins won the past two years in a row and had his best fielding year yet.

Thursday marks the announcement of the Silver Slugger Awards with Chase Utley leading the way in hopes of winning his fourth straight. Utley hit .282 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI, making him a favorite.

J.A. Happ has a good chance of winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award on November 16th with his stellar performance in which he went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts.

Ryan Howard, who has already won the NL MVP Award, should receive plenty of votes for MVP, but is considered to be second to Albert Pujols when the award is announced on November 24th.

Bumps and Bruises

Raul Ibanez ’s sports hernia surgery went well on Monday as well as Scott Eyre ’s surgery to remove “loose bodies” from his elbow and both are expected to be ready for spring training.

Brad Lidge will undergo “loose bodies” removal in his elbow, and he will have his flexor/pronator evaluated today to determine if surgery is necessary.

No other major extenuating medical issues surround the team at this point, which is excellent news.

The Rumor Mill

According to Phillies.com, the likelihood of bringing in Roy Halladay is more unlikely than originally thought. The Blue Jays are asking for a bit too much from the Phillies, just as they were the first time the Phils entertained the trade.

Despite a lackluster postseason performance by Cole Hamels , the Phillies are going to keep their original ace around and have also picked up the option on Cliff Lee , making a potent one-two punch for next season.

For a complete breakdown of what the Phillies need to do before November 20th, please feel free to visit my column here !

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Eagles Red With Envy As Phillies Topple Birds From Perch

We waited nearly three decades to celebrate a winner in Philadelphia. A quarter century of tormenting coulda’s, maddening woulda’s, and hopeless shoulda’s.  

Every team had their chance.

Allen Iverson led a no-holds-barred attack at the mighty Los Angeles Lakers, only to be shackled in five quick games.

After blitzing their way through the Eastern Conference playoffs in 1997, the Flyers were shown the door by the Detroit Red Wings in a four game shellacking.

The Eagles knocked on the doorstep to the Superbowl three consecutive years before finally making it to Jacksonville to face the Tom Brady-led Patriots in a loss that has defined Donovan McNabb’s legacy as an Eagle thus far.

The 1993 Phillies made sure they would be a part of the discussion, ending up on the wrong end of a series winning, walk-off home run.

As those gut-wrenching losses began to pile up, a cloud of doubt and speculation hovered over the stadium complex on Broad St. Was this city cursed? Did they know how to win?

Then came the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, vanquishers of all that was wrong in Philadelphia. On the left arm of Cole Hamels and the slider of Brad Lidge, the Phillies reminded the city what it was like to be on top.

It was a feeling many fans had never experienced. Those fans that were born immediately following the 76ers championship in 1983 hadn’t a clue how to react when that final pitch dodged Eric Hinske’s bat.

The party that proceeded on Halloween day will go into Philadelphia lore as one of the most memorable and remarkable days in the history of the city.

The Phillies were the toast of the town. It no longer mattered how goofy Uncle Cholly sounded in a press conference, or how many times Ryan Howard struck out, or how the moves the GM didn’t make at the trading deadline cost us a Championship.

Our day had finally come. Our time was finally here.

Vindication.

Finally.

The following April, the 2009 Phillies took the field to do something Philadelphia hadn’t seen in twenty-five years: defend a title. Defend it valiantly they did, but to no avail.

The Phillies ultimately yielded their crown to the New York Yankees in Game Six of the World Series.

Along the way, somewhere amongst the mass hysteria that accompanies a championship win and the misery that that follows another NFC Championship Game loss, the Phillies did something perhaps even more impressive than being the best team in baseball: they stole the top spot in Philadelphian’s hearts.

In a town that bleeds midnight green, and perhaps even orange and black before red, the losingest team in the history of North American sports had somehow stolen the show.

Winning, of course, will certainly aid in that journey. But, this theory was reified this year when, following the sixth game of the World Series, there was no outrage. There were no calls for the manager’s head, and there were no complaints about crooked referees/umpires.

Rather, there was appreciation and thanks for such a gifted and likeable team.

Sure, this could have been the product of leftover goodwill from last year’s victory, but this is Philadelphia.

Ask Cole Hamels how long goodwill lasts. One lousy season, a shrew of questionable remarks, and his days of LCS and World Series MVP were long forgotten.

But not for this team. Somehow, this team has touched Philadelphia in a unique way. They mean more to us than a reason to get completely barbecued eight sunday’s out of every year.

We sympathize with the players, see eye-to-eye with the management, and embrace all that is the Phillies.

How much of that can be said about the Eagles?  Again, winning is the remedy for all ailments, but this franchise has been a model of consistency amongst a parity-ridden league.

Since the Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid era begun over a decade ago, this team has competed for Superbowl nearly every year.

They’ve visited the NFC Championship game five different times. They, until last week, have dominated their foremost rival in Dallas, and even the Giants.

Yet, following every inexplicable loss, the cynics came out. They call for Andy Reid’s head, they beg Jeff Lurie to pull the plug on Donovan.

Sure, it’s passion in a way that only Philadelphia knows how to display. But where was the outrage over Charlie Manuel’s decision to leave a lifeless Pedro Martinez on the hill to face a hitter in Hideki Matsui that had absolutely dominated him?

Why was Ryan Howard treated to a free pass after breaking the record for most strike-outs in a single World Series? How many more times would Jimmy Rollins have to lazily pop-out for someone to speak up?

One possible explanation could be the distrust in the Eagles organization when, after 42 Superbowl’s, they have yet to claim a single one.

It could be that Andy Reid hasn’t yet let anyone even close to him understand his reasoning. Perhaps Lurie’s perceived frugality has cost this organization their reputation.

Whatever the reason may be, Philadelphia now belongs to the Phillies. They are an easy organization to love.

Following the departure of Ed Wade, everything the team has done had a clearly articulated and reasoned explanation. Pieces began to fall into place. The fans were a part of the clearly growing powerhouse.

Now, on the heels of a third straight NL East crown and second consecutive NL title, the Phillies are poised to remain a power for years to come.

With a core of players all firmly in their primes, potential stars littered across their farm system, and a young, aggressive GM who understands his team, this Phillies franchise is one of the best to ever call Philadelphia home.

A Superbowl ring can certainly change all of this, but until that day, the Phillies reign supreme.

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The Phillies Must Trade Ryan Howard Now! (Their Future Depends on It)

I know the title of the article will be controversial, especially among Philly fans, but I honestly believe it’s the best course of action for the Phillies to take.  My hope is that the Phillies will not heed my advice, because as a Mets fan, the sooner they stink the better. 

Hear me out before you tune me out! 

Let’s get some basic points down that we can agree on:

• The Phillies offense is powerful and has some speed. 
• Their defense is terrific (even with a black hole like Howard at first base). 
• Their rotation is very good (though GM Ruben Amaro thinks it could be better). 
• Their bullpen stinks. 
• Their farm system is solid. 
• This offseason Ruben Amaro, Jr. is looking for a third baseman, bullpen help, and some solid role players for the bench.  

I think almost everyone can agree on these basic points. 

Now, let me try and break down why I think the Phils’ best bet is to move Howard as soon as possible.  Outside of his deplorable World Series, Howard’s value is at its peak.  He is seen as a sure power bat for the middle of ANY order.  An almost guaranteed 40 HR every year.  His defense is not good but has shown signs of improvement. 

So why would the Phillies even consider trading Howard? 

Howard is a beast when it comes to HR but let’s think about some other aspects of his game.  His defense is anecdotely below average (though his career UZR shows him to be, at worst, average). 

His career batting average is .279 but over the last three years it’s been a roller coaster (.268 in 2007; . 251 in 2008; .279 in 2009).  Since Ryan Howard has become a full time player, no one has struck out more than he has. 

And while other sluggers with high strike out totals generally draw a lot of walks, Howard does not find himself on that leader board with totals of 75 and 81 in each of the last two years (over his career Howard has averaged 90 walks a year…but that trend is down). 

The biggest reason to trade Howard, though, is this: He will make $19 million in 2010, and $20 million 2011.  That is a big burden on a Phillies roster that has only recently started spending big market money.

Wrapping it up… the Phillies are a good offensive team, and the loss of Ryan Howard would not cripple them.  In fact, if you swapped Howard with a replacement level first baseman the Phillies are probably still a playoff team. 

I, however, am not suggesting a replacement level player.  If the team that the Phils deal Howard to does not have a major league-ready option at first, then the Phils should sign one of the following: Carlos Delgado, Adam LaRoche, or Chad Tracy.

Let’s look at a couple of options for trade partners.

First, the Dodgers.  The Dodgers seem to have run out of patience for James Loney, as the power that they hoped would develop has just not come.  I would offer Howard to the Dodgers for James Loney, Chad Billingsley, and Ramon Troncoso. 

Troncoso helps with that bullpen problem, and Billingsley slots in quite well into that Philly rotation.  Meanwhile Loney’s defense is a plus, he is patient at the plate, and his bat will not hurt the team.  For the Dodgers, the draw is simple: an awesome power bat sitting in the middle of their already very dangerous lineup.

Or how about the San Francisco Giants?  Ryan Howard for Matt Cain, Angel Villalona, and a pitching prospect.  It would quickly fix the Giants’ first base problems, as well as turn their offense from anemic to dangerous.  Matt Cain could slot into the rotation right behind Cliff Lee, and Angel Villalona could fill Howard’s spot in a year or two.  Meanwhile, Carlos Delgado, Adam LaRoche, or Chad Tracy can keep his spot warm.

The Seattle Mariners used Russel Branyan at first base in 2009, and he is an option for them in 2010…but given the chance, they would jump to add Howard to their roster, especially now that Adrian Beltre is coming off the books. 

The Mariners would need to give up first baseman Mike Carp, RP Josh Fields, third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo, and SP Stephen Hensley and Michael Pineda.  Carp could contribute immediately, but should probably back up a free agent pick-up at first.  Fields could also be an immediate help in the bullpen.

Word is that the Red Sox are hot and heavy for Adrian Gonzalez.  Well, what if Ruben Amaro Jr. gave them a call before any deal with the Padres could go down?  The Red Sox would love to get Howard’s big bat at first base. 

What would a deal between the two look like?  How about the Red Sox sending RP Josh Bard, SP Micheal Bowden, first baseman Lars Anderson, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo to Philly.  Bard, Bowden, and Anderson can help the Phillies within the year, while Rizzo projects to a little further out.  The Red Sox get the power bat they need to keep up with the Jones’, namely the Yanks.

You might think that the Phillies would miss Howard’s prodigious power, but other than the Yankees the Phillies are the team in the best position to subtract his kind of power. 

The Phillies were second in baseball in HR in 2009, behind only the Yankees with 224 bombs.  If you subtract Howard’s 45 bombs, they fall back to eleventh in the majors (still better than average), and that’s without replacing a single HR.  Let’s say we replace Howard with a below-average power hitter like James Loney who had 13 bombs.  With Loney the Phils slide right back up to seventh in the majors in home runs last year. 

It’s starting to sound like the home runs may be a bit of a luxury for a team with a few other glaring needs.  Trading Howard and his $40 million over the next two years would give the Phillies a lot of breathing room to sign some major help.  Think of what $20 million each year could bring back for the Phillies at various positions, and then debate the logic of trading Ryan Howard.

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Red Sox make a few moves; Trade Rumors around the Majors

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Hot Rumors Follow Hot Stove as Phillies and Others Try To Improve

Less than a week after the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win their 27th World Championship, the Hot Stove League has begun in earnest.

Even before the general managers meeting in Chicago on Nov. 10-11, trades have been made in the fresh offseason.

The Pirates and the Rays made a deal on Nov. 3, with Tampa Bay sending second baseman Akinori Iwamura to Pittsburgh for reliever Jesse Chavez. Two days later, the Marlins traded outfielder Jeremy Hermida to Boston for left-hander Hunter Jones.

The next day, the Royals sent infielder-outfielder Mark Teahen to the White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields.

The Phillies, among other teams, did some internal housekeeping in the past week. They exercised the option of pitcher Cliff Lee for $9 million, declined the option on third baseman Pedro Feliz, and told pitcher Brett Myers that they would not re-sign him.

Again, as it was during the trade deadline over the summer, rumors have started about Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay. A rumor heard on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia teased of a possible deal involving Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels and Halladay.

Rumors are usually just that, but let’s take a look at this deal:

Hamels was 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA. Halladay was 17-10 with a 2.79 ERA.

Hamels will be 26 two days after Christmas, and Halladay will be 33 in May.

Me? I would not do it but would accept it if the deal happened. Hamels is a head case but too good a pitcher to give up on.

As with most rumors, it probably will die in the rumor mill.

When the Phillies did not exercise the $5.5 million option on Feliz, I thought they would have a replacement on hand Monday. There was none, likely because free agent signings cannot happen until Nov. 19.

The Phillies kept their options open with Feliz, who after Sunday’s decision by the club filed for free agency.

The Phillies are looking at the Angels’ Chone Figgins, Seattle’s Adrian Beltre, and the Cardinals’ Mark DeRosa to replace Feliz.

Figgins remains one of the key free agents this year.

Some interesting names could help the Phillies infield as a starter or in backup roles in some cases: Placido Polanco and Miguel Tejada, who both could play third base; Mark Loretta, Craig Counsell, and Fernando Tatis.

White Sox pitcher Octavio Dotel, a right-hander, could shore up the Phillies bullpen but is a Type A free agent and would cost a draft choice.

Pitching, both starters and relievers, is a concern to the Phillies, along with the bench and third base.

With the exception of third base, however, slight adjustments are needed for the National League champions.

What would I do? I’d sign Figgins of the Angels as a free agent third baseman, pick up some free agents for the bench and as infield backups, such as Loretta or Tatis, to replace Eric Bruntlett, and a left-handed bat to replace Matt Stairs, if possible.

I’d also add an arm to shore up the bullpen.

The closer spot remains an issue, but knowing Phillies manager Charlie Manuel’s loyalty, Brad Lidge will remain the closer in 2010.

But could you imagine if Lidge blows up and midseason the Phillies need to find a closer?

Teams would and should hold the Phillies for ransom.

You have to let this situation ride. If it is not right by May, consider Ryan Madson for the job and go out and get another bullpen guy.

One publication or web site called Lidge’s three-year deal signed in 2008 “silly.”

Funny, it seemed like a pretty good deal to me considering Lidge was in the midst of a 41-for-41 save season in 2008.

As much as the club says it is keeping the lines of communications open with Feliz and his agent, general manager Ruben Amaro’s comments have made it clear that the club will make a change at the hot corner.

I’d be happy with the Phillies signing Figgins or Beltre.

Figgins would probably become the leadoff hitter, and Jimmy Rollins would move down in the order. Figgins would thrive in Philadelphia as a base stealer, as he had 42 stolen bases last year for the Angels.

Beltre, if healthy, is a productive hitter with more pop than speed and has an excellent glove.

One thing is clear: With the departures of Myers and Feliz, the Phillies will have a different look next year.

** Information gathered from MLB.com

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Georgia Bulldog fans Were Too Loud for Amelia Island

Here’s to hoping the right police officer is the first to lose his job when the tax revenues decline. This is just ridiculous.

Fernandina Beach, FL, News-Leader newspaper. The local news source for Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, FL

The Florida House Inn and Green Turtle Tavern renewed their rivalry last weekend, overshadowing a rather dull football game between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs.

Gators fans are loud, Bulldogs fans sometimes even louder, and the racket cost a Green Turtle bartender a ticket for a $1,000 fine for violating the city noise ordinance.

According to a city police report, “The complaint was received from a William Miller, who claimed he was a guest staying at the Florida House Inn and declined to speak with an officer.” The call was recorded at 1:02 a.m. Saturday, as fans warmed up for the game later that day.

Richard Myers of Tybee Island, Ga., in a letter to the editor (see page 7A), wrote, “During my family’s annual visit to beautiful Amelia Island for Georgia/Florida weekend, we left our hotel and went downtown for a late meal and some local color. The town was abuzz with many fellow Bulldogs enjoying the local nightlife.”

He maintained, “There was no live music and an older crowd of well-behaved locals and visiting Bulldogs” at the Green Turtle.

A police officer, however, reported, “I could clearly hear loud talking and yelling coming from the outside porch area of Green Turtle by bar patrons

. . . I was standing over 100 feet away.” The city ordinance proscribes noise outside a 25-foot limit.

Officer M.S. Mazuryk said “due to loud music inside the bar” the bartender was asked to come outside and talk. Informed of the complaint, bartender Jeffrey James Werder told police “in his opinion his patrons were not being loud and that the complaint was fictitious,” according to the report.

During their conversation “a bar patron yelled, ‘The Florida House sucks!’ at an extremely loud level,” the officer wrote, but which of the 15 bar patrons could not be determined.

Werder then received a notice to appear in court with a fine of $1,000 for a second violation (he previously received a written warning and $250 fine for a noise violation).

The Bulldog letter writer dissented. “The only loud noise that occurred was when police antagonized the exiting patrons by treating us like cattle! I am sorry to say that next year my family and my money will visit Ponte Vedra Beach or St. Augustine for Georgia/Florida weekend,” Myers wrote.

The next day, at 7:02 p.m. Sunday, police received another noise complaint from Florida House owner Dianne Warwick. She said the Green Turtle had a band “playing amplified music that could be heard over 100 feet from the establishment.” Police responded but the band had stopped playing and no noise violations were observed, according to the report.

It wasn’t just Bulldogs fans that objected to the city crackdown on noise. Mark Osteen of Philadelphia also wrote a letter to the editor about World Series baseball, complaining, “God forbid you cheer for your Phillies a little too loud in the city limits, you might get fined or arrested! Your noise ordinance is anti-business and anti-American! Your city won’t get my tourist dollars ever again!”

After numerous loud and sometimes heated public hearings, the city revised its noise ordinance earlier this year following years of complaints by the Florida House Inn about noise emanating from the Green Turtle next door on Third Street.

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Philadelphia Phillies-Florida Marlins: More Surgeries on Tap This Week

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Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Madson Deserves a Fair Shot To Win Closer’s Role

I feared throughout the regular season that Brad Lidge would blow the Phillies’ chances at becoming the first team to repeat since the 2000 Yankees.

My fears came to fruition in Game Four of the World Series against the Bronx Bombers. Lidge surrendered three runs as the Phils went onto lose 7-4 a half an inning after they tied the game at four. That game was crucial.

If the Phillies win that game, the series is tied at 2-2. Anything can happen. Instead, New York took a commanding 3-1 lead and went on to win in six games.

While a lot of things went wrong against the Yankees and even that inning, Lidge played his role in losing the Fall Classic.

Lidge will have surgery on his elbows, and might be ready for Spring Training; however, who says he should be automatically handed the closer’s role? I’m not.

Any closer who blows 11 saves in 33 opportunities, has a 0-8 record and a 7.21 ERA doesn’t deserve any kind of security. Charlie Manuel is a loyal man, but sometimes loyalty ultimately costs you championships.

Enter Ryan Madson.

Madson has been one of the better set-up guys in baseball the past two years, and has developed a 97 mph fastball to go along with one of the better changeups in the league among relievers.

Madson could be a very capable ninth inning hurler because he certainly has the stuff to handle the job, and I believe that he has the mental makeup to do so too if he knows he is the closer

The 29-year-old righty had 26 holds, 10 saves, 78 strikeouts and a 3.26 ERA in 77-1/3 innings. He was 10-for-16 in save situations. He was 1-3 in save situations with a 3.48 ERA, and 14 strikeouts in 10-1/3 innings. .

The Phillies played musical roles with him a few years ago, yanking him from the bullpen into the rotation and back. He was shaky at best as a reliever and a starter when he didn’t know what he was.

Then, in 2008, Madson knew that he was going to be the eighth inning guy; that he was going to be the guy that gets to Lidge. We called him the “Bridge to Lidge,” but that was when Mr. Perfect was on his A game.

If you think that Madson doesn’t want to be a closer someday, you’re crazy. Every reliever wants to be the guy that his club turns to when the game is on the line.

For me, I don’t think Lidge deserves anything for 2010. He pitched terrible, and blew a lot of games and a big one in the postseason. Madson deserves, and should get a chance to become the Phils’ closer.

What’s the harm having an open competition? It can’t possibly hurt, can it?

For more Phillies’ coverage, please go to my blog: Phillies Phandom

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Philadelphia Phillies: What If Brad Lidge Had Started Game One?

The Yankees’ manager, in his second season at the helm, was confident that his team would beat the Phillies in the World Series.

The Phillies Were a Fast, Hustling Team

“Not that I’m underestimating these Phillies. My reports show they are a fast, hustling club and they have good pitching.

In fact, I respect their pitching more than anything else and if they do beat us it will be pitching alone that will turn the trick.

But we’re going to have some pretty good pitching too, and as I figure our club much the stronger at so many other points, I feel pretty sure that we’ll win.”

The Yankees Were the Favorites

The experts agreed, citing the Yankees’ solid pitching, outstanding long-ball power, and excellent defense. Almost every player on the roster had big-game experience.

Some National League players expressed the opinion that the Dodgers would be a more formidable opponent for the Yankees, and a few experts have given the Phillies less of a chance of winning than any team since the 1914 Boston Braves, who beat Connie Mack’s “invincible” Philadelphia Athletics.

The Phillies’ Game One Starter

The day before the first game, Phillies’ manager Eddie Sawyer announced that his starting pitcher would be the man who hadn’t started a game in more than two years, and who had made 74 relief appearances for the National League champions.

It was a sudden announcement that stunned the baseball world.

“Konstanty will start the first game. The decision was made in a conference just concluded among coaches Benny Bengough, Dupsty Cook and Cy Perkins, George Earnshaw, Jack Sanford, and myself. Konstanty is starting because we thing he is the best choice.”

Robin Roberts Needed More Rest

Phillies’ ace Robin Roberts had started on Sept. 27 against the Giants in the first game of a doubleheader.

He started again the next day against the Giants in the second game of a doubleheader, and then he started on the last day of the season, Oct. 1, against the Dodgers in the game that won the pennant.

Manager Eddie Sawyer explained to reporters that “We felt that one more day of rest for Robin would make him more fit for the second game, which he will pitch.”

Brad Lidge Against Mariano Rivera

Yes, let’s compare the game that was played almost 60 years to the entertainment spectacle that is watched today.

Imagine the reaction if Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel announced that Brad Lidge would be his Game One starter, or Mariano Rivera were to start for New York.

Jim Konstanty Was a Relief Pitcher, Not a Closer

There was surprise when Jim Konstanty was picked to start Game One, but few doubted that he was up to the task of pitching nine innings.

Konstanty was not a closer. He was a relief pitcher.

On Aug. 25, Konstanty worked the final nine innings against the Pirates in a 9-7, 15-inning win.

A few weeks later, he pitched 10 innings against the Reds. In his 74 relief appearances, Konstanty pitched 152 innings, winning 16 and losing 7, with a 2.66 ERA.

Game One Start

Jim Konstanty shut out the Yankees for the first three innings of Game One, but In the fourth, Bobby Brown doubled, moved to third on a Hank Bauer fly ball to center field, and scored the game’s only run when Jerry Coleman hit a fly ball to left.

Jim Konstanty pitched eight innings before being lifted for a pinch hitter.

He allowed the single run, four hits, and four walks, but Vic Raschi pitched a two-hitter as the Yankees won, 1-0.

Yes, the game has changed.

References:

RASCHI SELECTED FOR OPENING GAME. (1950, October 3). New York Times (1857-Current file),47. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 89754416).

By JOHN DREBINGER The New York Times . (1950, October 3). Yanks Favored to Beat Phils in World Series. New York Times (1857-Current file),48. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 89754426).

By ARTHUR DALEY. (1950, October 4). Sports of The Times :Awaiting the Series. New York Times (1857-Current file),51. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 89755740).

By ROSCOE McGOWEN Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES .. (1950, October 4). PHIL MOUND CHOICE DICTATED BY LOGIC :Sawyer Explains Selection of Konstanty at Conference With His Coaches. New York Times (1857-Current file),50. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 89755728).

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