Baseball Play America

BASEBALL PLAY AMERICA

Volume XI	August through October, 2010	Issue 36

The Year of the Pitcher

This season, most any hit in the majors is a cause for celebration, be it Ubaldo Jimenez, David Price, Roy Halladay, or anyone else on the mound. Clearly, 2010 is the year of The Pitcher, the perfect games by Halladay and Dallas Braden, the near-miss by Armando Galarraga, the no-hitter by Jimenez, and the stellar pitching of David Price and Josh Johnson. Runs, homers and batting averages are at their lowest rate since 1998. Shutouts and strikeouts are at their highest point. Some writers, however, forecast a change as the season progresses. For the stories, go to Major Leagues

This season, most any hit in the majors is a cause for celebration, be it Ubaldo Jimenez, David Price, Roy Halladay, or anyone else on the mound. Clearly, 2010 is the year of The Pitcher, the perfect games by Halladay and Dallas Braden, the near-miss by Armando Galarraga, the no-hitter by Jimenez, and the stellar pitching of David Price and Josh Johnson. Runs, homers and batting averages are at their lowest rate since 1998. Shutouts and strikeouts are at their highest point. Some writers, however, forecast a change as the season progresses.
For the stories, go to Major Leagues

The Men on the Mound

	The 1968 season will always be the Year of the Pitcher. For one magical summer, golden-arm hurlers had reign over the game. Bob Gibson boasted a 1.12 ERA for the Cardinals, and Denny McLain won 31 games for the world champion Tigers. The Dodgers’ Don Drysdale tossed 58 straight scoreless innings. After nearly two decades of being crushed under the spikes of sluggers, pitchers are taking the game back this year – if not to ’68, then to the early 1990s before the full onset of the Steroid Era. The Year of the Pitcher II is here. It’s not the summer of ’68, but baseball’s balance has been restored. For the article, go to Major Leagues

The 1968 season will always be the Year of the Pitcher. For one magical summer, golden-arm hurlers had reign over the game. Bob Gibson boasted a 1.12 ERA for the Cardinals, and Denny McLain won 31 games for the world champion Tigers. The Dodgers’ Don Drysdale tossed 58 straight scoreless innings. After nearly two decades of being crushed under the spikes of sluggers, pitchers are taking the game back this year – if not to ’68, then to the early 1990s before the full onset of the Steroid Era. The Year of the Pitcher II is here. It’s not the summer of ’68, but baseball’s balance has been restored.

For the article, go to Major Leagues

An Electrifying Start for the Rockies’ Ubaldo Jimenez

Equipped with a 100 mph fastball and an assortment of other nasty pitches, Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies is in the midst of a season for the ages. At 15-1 on July 14, the Dominican right-hander is just the sixth pitcher since 1920 with that quick a start. His ERA just over 2.00 as Jimenez makes a run at Bob Gibson’s memorable season of 1968. Jimenez, who threw a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves in April, also had a 25 1/3 inning scoreless streak this season. With his big, traditional pitching wind-up, Jimenez is on pace to become baseball’s first 30-game winner since Denny McLain in 1968. To read, go to Major Leagues

Equipped with a 100 mph fastball and an assortment of other nasty pitches, Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies is in the midst of a season for the ages. At 15-1 on July 14, the Dominican right-hander is just the sixth pitcher since 1920 with that quick a start. His ERA just over 2.00 as Jimenez makes a run at Bob Gibson’s memorable season of 1968. Jimenez, who threw a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves in April, also had a 25 1/3 inning scoreless streak this season. With his big, traditional pitching wind-up, Jimenez is on pace to become baseball’s first 30-game winner since Denny McLain in 1968.

To read, go to Major Leagues

National League Ends All-Star Game Loss Streak

	The National League’s winless streak in the All-Star Game endured through parts of three presidencies. So naturally, when the NL finally won for the first time since 1996, edging the American League 3-1, the players were most enthused about something else – finally getting the home-field advantage in the World Series. Atlanta Braves’ Brian McCann, pictured here, won Most Valuable Player honors by hitting a two-out, bases-clearing double in the seventh inning that drove in all of the NL’s runs. Starting pitcher David Price of the Rays matched that. Once the NL had the lead, it was an adrenaline rush of closers pouring out of the bullpen. For story, go to Feature Stories

The National League’s winless streak in the All-Star Game endured through parts of three presidencies. So naturally, when the NL finally won for the first time since 1996, edging the American League 3-1, the players were most enthused about something else – finally getting the home-field advantage in the World Series. Atlanta Braves’ Brian McCann, pictured here, won Most Valuable Player honors by hitting a two-out, bases-clearing double in the seventh inning that drove in all of the NL’s runs. Starting pitcher David Price of the Rays matched that. Once the NL had the lead, it was an adrenaline rush of closers pouring out of the bullpen.
For story, go to Feature Stories

Josh Hamilton’s New Approach is a Big Hit

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers can hit the ball a long, long way. His 468-foot home run on June 27, pictured here, was the second-longest ever at the Rangers’ ballpark. “At first, I was trying to hit the ball far, but that wasn’t working,” said Hamilton. “Now, I’m working on being more patient, on getting my swing more level.” With that approach, Hamilton hit .477 (41-for-86) during a three-week stretch, raising his BA to .347, as of mid-July. For the article, go to Major Leagues

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers can hit the ball a long, long way. His 468-foot home run on June 27, pictured here, was the second-longest ever at the Rangers’ ballpark. “At first, I was trying to hit the ball far, but that wasn’t working,” said Hamilton. “Now, I’m working on being more patient, on getting my swing more level.” With that approach, Hamilton hit .477 (41-for-86) during a three-week stretch, raising his BA to .347, as of mid-July.

For the article, go to Major Leagues

Justin Morneau, the Makeover of a Big League Star

Justin Morneau has struggled in recent seasons. The first baseman’s workout regimen is the stuff of legend around the Minnesota’s Twins clubhouse, an exhaustive routine. After ignoring requests to take it a little easier, Morneau has found a compromise, and it appears to be paying off. At the All-Star Game break, he was batting .345, with 18 homers and 56 RBIs. “I think he’s learned a little about not killing himself now, taking all these swings,” said his manager Ron Gardenhire.

To read, go to Feature Stories

Phillies Roy Halladay Throws Perfect Game

Roy Halladay’s expression, stoic as always, never changed. Until there was history – a perfect game, the marquee performance of his All-Star career. The Phillies’ ace threw the 20th perfect game in major league history, beating the Florida Marlins 1-0. With his big, traditional pitching windup, Halladay struck out 11, and was cheered by a crowd of 25,086 much of the night. It was the second perfect game in the majors in May alone, the first time in the modern era that there was a pair of perfectos in the same season. Other stories are “The A’s Dallas Braden Pitches Perfect Game,” and “Edwin Jackson No-Hits Rays.” For the article, go to News Release and Feature Stories

Roy Halladay’s expression, stoic as always, never changed. Until there was history – a perfect game, the marquee performance of his All-Star career. The Phillies’ ace threw the 20th perfect game in major league history, beating the Florida Marlins 1-0. With his big, traditional pitching windup, Halladay struck out 11, and was cheered by a crowd of 25,086 much of the night. It was the second perfect game in the majors in May alone, the first time in the modern era that there was a pair of perfectos in the same season. Other stories are “The A’s Dallas Braden Pitches Perfect Game,” and “Edwin Jackson No-Hits Rays.”

For the article, go to News Release and Feature Stories

Pitchers Are Using Bigger, More Traditional Wind-ups

	A major change is occurring in the game of baseball. More and more, major league pitchers are switching from the no wind-up to bigger and more traditional styles, like Gaylord Perry, pictured right, and other greats did years ago. Three of the four pitchers who threw no-hitters early in the 2010 season, Roy Halladay, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Edwin Jackson begin their pitching deliveries with a fuller traditional wind-up. The number of major league pitchers using a traditional type of wind-up continues to grow, following the success of Adam Wainwright, shown left, David Price, Yovani Gallardo, Andy Pettitte, and many others. For the report, go to Coaching Clinic

Ernie Harwell, Home-spun Baseball Broadcaster, Dies

	Ernie Harwell, the acclaimed Tigers broadcaster whose eloquence and kindness made him a beloved Michigan institution, died May 4 at his home in Novi, Michigan. Harwell, who delivered the play-by-play of more than 8,510 major league baseball games over 55 years, was 92. He conveyed warmth through a relaxed and humorous style that mixed the precise details of the game, player anecdote tales, about his wife, Lulu, that defined him to millions of his listeners. For the story, go to Feature Stories

Ernie Harwell, the acclaimed Tigers broadcaster whose eloquence and kindness made him a beloved Michigan institution, died May 4 at his home in Novi, Michigan. Harwell, who delivered the play-by-play of more than 8,510 major league baseball games over 55 years, was 92. He conveyed warmth through a relaxed and humorous style that mixed the precise details of the game, player anecdote tales, about his wife, Lulu, that defined him to millions of his listeners.

For the story, go to Feature Stories

Robinson Cano, One of the Greatest Slugging Second Basemen

Robinson Cano, at 27, has become one of the best players in the game and one of the greatest slugging second basemen since Hall of Fame legend Rogers Hornsby more than 80 years ago. In mid-July, Cano was batting .342, with 16 homers, and 58 RBIs. The one element about Cano that is even more inspirational than his stroke is his story, the elite player nobody saw coming. In the minors, Cano was a free-swinging .278 hitter. In the majors, he has a .312 career batting average, one of 18 active .300 hitters with a least 3,000 plate appearances. To read, go to Newsletter

Robinson Cano, at 27, has become one of the best players in the game and one of the greatest slugging second basemen since Hall of Fame legend Rogers Hornsby more than 80 years ago. In mid-July, Cano was batting .342, with 16 homers, and 58 RBIs. The one element about Cano that is even more inspirational than his stroke is his story, the elite player nobody saw coming. In the minors, Cano was a free-swinging .278 hitter. In the majors, he has a .312 career batting average, one of 18 active .300 hitters with a least 3,000 plate appearances.

To read, go to Newsletter

Evan Longoria, an Impact Player at Bat and in the Field

	The circle is an imaginary place where Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays goes to, before every pitch, a place where the only thing that matters is the challenge before him. Longoria is an impact player offensively and defensively at a position where there are not a lot of great players. In 2009, he was the unanimous pick as the AL Rookie of the Year. His potential as a hitter is unlimited. “Evan is one of the best young talents in the game,” says Rays manager Joe Maddon. “He’s someone all of major league baseball can look to as a champion of how to do things properly.” For the article, go to News Release

The circle is an imaginary place where Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays goes to, before every pitch, a place where the only thing that matters is the challenge before him. Longoria is an impact player offensively and defensively at a position where there are not a lot of great players. In 2009, he was the unanimous pick as the AL Rookie of the Year. His potential as a hitter is unlimited. “Evan is one of the best young talents in the game,” says Rays manager Joe Maddon. “He’s someone all of major league baseball can look to as a champion of how to do things properly.”

For the article, go to News Release

George Steinbrenner, who Built Yankees into a Powerhouse, Dies

George Steinbrenner, who bought a declining Yankees team in 1973, promised to stay out of its daily affairs and then, in an often tumultuous reign, placed his formidable stamp on 7 World Series championship teams, 11 pennant winners and a sporting world powerhouse valued at perhaps $1.6 billion, died Tuesday morning, July 13. He was 80 and lived in Tampa, Fla. It came eight months after the Yankees won their first World Series title since 2000. Steinbrenner was one of the most powerful, influential executives in sports. For the story, go to Major Leagues

George Steinbrenner, who bought a declining Yankees team in 1973, promised to stay out of its daily affairs and then, in an often tumultuous reign, placed his formidable stamp on 7 World Series championship teams, 11 pennant winners and a sporting world powerhouse valued at perhaps $1.6 billion, died Tuesday morning, July 13. He was 80 and lived in Tampa, Fla. It came eight months after the Yankees won their first World Series title since 2000. Steinbrenner was one of the most powerful, influential executives in sports.

For the story, go to Major Leagues

Armando Galarraga Loses Perfect Game on Faulty Call

Armando Galarraga squeezed the ball in his mitt, stepped on first base with his right foot and was ready to celebrate. After catching first baseman Miguel Cabrera’s toss, the Detroit Tigers’ pitcher smiled, knowing what he had just done. Galarraga held up his glove hand. What happened next will be the talk of baseball for a long time: The perfect game that wasn’t. Umpire Jim Joyce emphatically called Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe. Galarraga looked stunned and the crowd went silent in disbelief. Joyce then emphatically said he was wrong and later in tears hugged Galarraga and apologized, saying, “I just cost that kid a perfect game.” Other BPA stories are “Fans Want Umpire Blown Call Over turned,” and “Perfect Reason for Baseball Replay.”

To read, go to News Release

Sixty Years in Dodgers Booth and Vin Scully Is Still in Awe

As the popular voice of the Dodgers since 1950, Vin Scully has covered his share of games. He called the last four innings of Don Larsen’s perfect game against the Dodgers but there have been calls more satisfying, like the one Scully proclaimed: “We go to Chicago!” In 1959, the Dodgers clinched their first pennant in Los Angeles, and that became a battle cry for fans. “I do love my job,” Scully said. “Can I give it up? I don’t know.” Baseball would go on without Scully, but it would never be the same. For the article, go to Newletter

As the popular voice of the Dodgers since 1950, Vin Scully has covered his share of games. He called the last four innings of Don Larsen’s perfect game against the Dodgers but there have been calls more satisfying, like the one Scully proclaimed: “We go to Chicago!” In 1959, the Dodgers clinched their first pennant in Los Angeles, and that became a battle cry for fans. “I do love my job,” Scully said. “Can I give it up? I don’t know.” Baseball would go on without Scully, but it would never be the same.

For the article, go to Newletter

Bobby Cox Enjoying Last Stand as Braves Manager

Bobby Cox will become a Braves special adviser after the season, focusing on player development and talent evaluation. The 68-year-old Cox helped build the Braves that made a record 14 playoff appearances in a row from 1991 to 2007, including a World Series title in 1995. Cox’s patience and willingness to live with the inconsistence associated with young players dovetails with his desire to win. Cox entered this season ranking fourth in career wins with a 2,413-1,930 record and trailing Tony La Russa. For the story of another major league manager, Edwin Rodriguez of the Florida Marlins, go to World Baseball.

To read, go to Major Leagues

Stephen Strasburg Strikes Out 14 in Major League Debut

	Stephen Strasburg lived up to his billing in a much anticipated major league debut with the Washington Nationals on June 8, as the 2009 top draft pick struck out 14 batters to help his team to a 5-2 victory. In one of the most talked about big league debuts in years, the 21-year-old right-hander retired nine of the first 10 Pittsburgh batters he faced in front of a standing room-only crowd at Nationals Park. Strasburg, who signed a four-year, $15.1 million contract, proved he was worth the interest. To read, go to Newsletter

John Wooden’s Secret Love for Baseball

“Baseball’s my favorite game – always has been – but basketball’s the harder game to play,” said Coach John Wooden, the “Wizard of Westwood,” the man who built the pyramid. His UCLA teams won NCAA basketball titles – seven of them in a row! “Had I been in a ‘baseball state’ like Texas or California instead of a basketball hot bed like Indiana. I might have become a professional baseball players or college baseball coach because not only did I love to play baseball, I loved to coach it too." Wooden, who became one of the most revered coaches ever, died Friday night, June 4. He was 99. His death marked the loss of a legend.

For the stories, go to Newsletter

Ken Griffey Jr. Retires After 22 Seasons

Ken Griffey Jr. arrived in baseball a fresh-faced teenager with a radiant smile, a careful attitude and unlimited potential. He spent 22 seasons becoming lauded as the greatest player of his generation. Even as his career declined through injuries and age, Griffey left the game on his own terms and still held in the highest of regards. His greatest seasons came in Seattle. In 1,685 games with the Mariners, he hit .292 with 417 homers, and won the AL MVP in 1997.

For the article, go to Feature Stores

Yadier Molina Has Added Bat to his Gold Glove Skills

Defense has always been enough to keep Yadier Molina in the St. Louis Cardinals lineup. The youngest of three catching brothers in the major leagues has also been impressive with his bat. Molina has won the last two National League Gold Gloves with an arm that dissuades base stealers from even trying and a devastating pick-off move to first. Since 2005, he is the majors’ best against the steal with a success rate of 42 percent.

To read, go to Major Leagues

Don’s Photo Gallery Features Batting the Major League Way

	“A good, quick swing is the secret to good hitting,” wrote Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston, in the textbook he co-authored with Don Weiskopf. “By shortening the stride and stroke of the bat, a hitter can compensate for the off-speed pitches and get better contact and better wood on the ball." From their two editions published in 1972 and 1984, they provide instruction from the batting chapter of their book, attractively illustrated with numerous photographs, including many sequence-series pictures taken by Weiskopf of Tommy Davis, Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew, Mike Schmidt, and Bill Buckner. To read and view, go to Photo Gallery

Robin Roberts, Hall of Fame Pitching Great, Dies at 83

Robin Roberts, the Hall of Fame pitcher who led the Philadelphia Phillies Whiz Kids to the 1950 National League pennant, died May 6 at his home in Temple Terrace, Florida. Throwing from a smooth, seemingly effortless motion through 19 major league seasons, Roberts displayed an outstanding fastball and extraordinary control and stamina. Long before pitch counts, set-up men and closures, he usually finished what he started. Roberts won 286 games and had six consecutive 20-win seasons. His best season was 1952, when he was 28-7 for a fourth-place team and completed 30 of his 37 starts.

For the story, go to News Release

Prince Harry Throws out First Pitch at Mets Game

	Far from home, Britain’s Prince Harry has a pretty good pitching arm. Harry threw the ceremonial first pitch with a bit of zip before the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, June 26. Without much fanfare, Harry walked to the mound when the Mets ran onto the field before the first inning. After the announcer said, “Prince Harry, it’s your pitch,” his Royal Highness loosened his shoulders and threw the ball solidly into the catcher’s glove. The 25-year-old prince, who served in Afghanistan with British forces, walked with wounded veterans in Central Park during his three-day visit to the United States. For the article, go to News Release

Far from home, Britain’s Prince Harry has a pretty good pitching arm. Harry threw the ceremonial first pitch with a bit of zip before the New York Mets played the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, June 26. Without much fanfare, Harry walked to the mound when the Mets ran onto the field before the first inning. After the announcer said, “Prince Harry, it’s your pitch,” his Royal Highness loosened his shoulders and threw the ball solidly into the catcher’s glove. The 25-year-old prince, who served in Afghanistan with British forces, walked with wounded veterans in Central Park during his three-day visit to the United States.

For the article, go to News Release

The Outfielder by Walter Alston and Don Weiskopf

“The outstanding outfielder is a great asset to his team, just like the slugger at the plate and the star pitcher on the mound,” said Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston. Bobby Bragan, who managed many years in the majors, said, “Check every pennant-winning team and you will find a deer-footed fly-chaser in centerfield.” From the popular textbook Alston co-authored with Don Weiskopf, are many of the sequence-series photos that appear in the Outfielder chapter. Demonstrating the basic skills of outfield play in BPA’s Skills and Strategy page are Bill Russell, Ron Fairly, Jim Northrup, Paul Blair, Mickey Stanley, Willie Mays, Jose Cardenal, and Rick Monday.

To read and view, go to Skills and Strategies

Dorothy Kamenshek, League of their Own Star, Dies

Dorothy Kamenshek, a star player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League who helped inspire the lead character in the movie, A League of their Own, has died at her home in Palm Desert, California. She was 84. She was 17 when Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley founded the league in 1943. She played first base and was named among the top 100 female athletes of the century by Sports Illustrated. She struck out only 81 times in 3,736 at-bats and had the highest lifetime batting average in the league. For the story, go to Feature Stories

Dorothy Kamenshek, a star player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League who helped inspire the lead character in the movie, A League of their Own, has died at her home in Palm Desert, California. She was 84. She was 17 when Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley founded the league in 1943. She played first base and was named among the top 100 female athletes of the century by Sports Illustrated. She struck out only 81 times in 3,736 at-bats and had the highest lifetime batting average in the league.

For the story, go to Feature Stories

Minor Leagues Are Attracting More Fans than in 2009

	Minor League Baseball clubs have attracted nearly 7.9 million fans, an increase of 943,704 fans over last year’s total, entering June. “Minor League Baseball’s increase in year-to-date attendance is significant, given the fact our country continues to battle a sluggish economy,” said MiLB President Pat O’Conner. “Through it all, our teams and our fans continue to enjoy America’s Pastime in impressive numbers.” Other minor league stories include “Old ballparks overflowing with charm”, “Nashville’s Chase Wright Dazzling in One-Hitter”; and Greg Riddoch’s 10th Eugene Ems’ Season Is his Last.” For the stories, go to Minor League

Minor League Baseball clubs have attracted nearly 7.9 million fans, an increase of 943,704 fans over last year’s total, entering June. “Minor League Baseball’s increase in year-to-date attendance is significant, given the fact our country continues to battle a sluggish economy,” said MiLB President Pat O’Conner. “Through it all, our teams and our fans continue to enjoy America’s Pastime in impressive numbers.” Other minor league stories include “Old ballparks overflowing with charm”, “Nashville’s Chase Wright Dazzling in One-Hitter”; and Greg Riddoch’s 10th Eugene Ems’ Season Is his Last.”

For the stories, go to Minor League

Fisher Cats’ Kyle Drabek Tosses No-Hitter

New Hampshire’s Kyle Drabek wasn’t thinking no-hitter while warming up on Sunday, July 4. “All I knew was my arm felt great,” he said. Drabek pitched the first nine-inning no-hitter in team history, as the Fisher Cats blanked the New Britain Cats, 5-0. “Everything seemed to work out pretty good,” he said. “(Catcher Brian) Jeroloman noticed my two-seam fastball is what helped me because I was able to get a lot of ground balls." Drabek’s father, Doug, won the 1990 National League Cy Young Award with the Pirates. Other stories on the minors include Stephen King’s new book, “Blockade Billy,” “Eric Yoshida, First Woman to Play Pro Ball in Two Countries.” To read, go to Minor Leagues

New Hampshire’s Kyle Drabek wasn’t thinking no-hitter while warming up on Sunday, July 4. “All I knew was my arm felt great,” he said. Drabek pitched the first nine-inning no-hitter in team history, as the Fisher Cats blanked the New Britain Cats, 5-0. “Everything seemed to work out pretty good,” he said. “(Catcher Brian) Jeroloman noticed my two-seam fastball is what helped me because I was able to get a lot of ground balls." Drabek’s father, Doug, won the 1990 National League Cy Young Award with the Pirates. Other stories on the minors include Stephen King’s new book, “Blockade Billy,” “Eric Yoshida, First Woman to Play Pro Ball in Two Countries.”

To read, go to Minor Leagues

Germany Hopes CEB Success Carries Over

	Excitement and anticipation are on the rise in Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neurenburg, the three German cities hosting the European Baseball Championship this summer. Germany’s head coach Greg Frady, pictured here with his German catcher, was pleased to hear that the German club teams ended their European cup duties with very good results. Other articles include: Dennis Cook, New Head Coach of Sweden’s National Team; and Fire fox Baseball Power in Germany’s Play Ball League.” For the story, go to World Baseball

Excitement and anticipation are on the rise in Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neurenburg, the three German cities hosting the European Baseball Championship this summer. Germany’s head coach Greg Frady, pictured here with his German catcher, was pleased to hear that the German club teams ended their European cup duties with very good results. Other articles include: Dennis Cook, New Head Coach of Sweden’s National Team; and Fire fox Baseball Power in Germany’s Play Ball League.”

For the story, go to World Baseball

War on Performance-enhancing Drugs Has No End in Sight

So much is not known about disgraced Canadian doctor Anthony Galea and the interesting house calls he made to some of the world’s top athletes. “What we do know,” wrote Jim Litke of The Associated Press, “is enough to restate the obvious for those who want to believe we’re winning the war on performance-enhancing drugs. We’re not.” Other articles include: Phillies Lenny Dykstra Admits Use of Anabolic Steroids, New Blood Test for HGH Expected Soon, and MLB Delays HGH Testing. For the stories, go to Test for Steroids

So much is not known about disgraced Canadian doctor Anthony Galea and the interesting house calls he made to some of the world’s top athletes. “What we do know,” wrote Jim Litke of The Associated Press, “is enough to restate the obvious for those who want to believe we’re winning the war on performance-enhancing drugs. We’re not.” Other articles include: Phillies Lenny Dykstra Admits Use of Anabolic Steroids, New Blood Test for HGH Expected Soon, and MLB Delays HGH Testing.

For the stories, go to Test for Steroids

South Carolina Wins College World Series Over UCLA

	Whit Merrifield’s RBI single with one out in the bottom of the 11th inning gave South Carolina its first baseball national championship with a 2-1 victory over UCLA in the College World Series on Tuesday night, June 29. The Gamecocks (54-16) won six straight games after losing their CWS opener against Oklahoma. It was the fifth championship in an extra-inning final, and the third time in five years that a school was a first-time winner in Omaha. In another story, Division I College Coaches Prefer Metal Bats to Wood, but Division II commissioners are studying the possibility of going to wood. To read, go to High School/College/Senior

Bryce Harper, 17-Year-old J.C. Slugger, Picked No. 1 in Draft

The Washington Nationals selected the much-hyped Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old with prodigious power from the College of Southern Nevada, with the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft. He can play catcher but was announced as an outfielder. Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo envisions Harper as a No.3 - type power hitter with a strong arm in right field. “We’re going to take the rigor and the pressure of learning the position away from him,” said Rizzo, “and really let him concentrate on the offensive part of the game." Additional stories on the draft are: “MLB Teams Hope to Reduce Risk with International Drafting,” and “MLB Announces New Regulations in Dominican Republic.” For these articles, go to High School/College/Senior

The Washington Nationals selected the much-hyped Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old with prodigious power from the College of Southern Nevada, with the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft. He can play catcher but was announced as an outfielder. Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo envisions Harper as a No.3 - type power hitter with a strong arm in right field. “We’re going to take the rigor and the pressure of learning the position away from him,” said Rizzo, “and really let him concentrate on the offensive part of the game." Additional stories on the draft are: “MLB Teams Hope to Reduce Risk with International Drafting,” and “MLB Announces New Regulations in Dominican Republic.”

For these articles, go to High School/College/Senior

Former Major League Stars Now Coaching College/HS

	Former Yankee star Scott Brosius is now coach Brosius, guiding the baseball team of his alma mater, Linfield College in Oregon. The Divison III Wildcats went 30-10 to claim the Northwest Conference. Scott's office holds photos from his playing days when he was named MVP in the 1998 World Series. The Houston Astros outstanding infielder Craig Biggio is finding early success as a high school coach. The second-year coach guided St. Thomas (Houston) to the TAPPS Class 5A State Championship with a 7-5 victory over Houston Christian. For the stories, go to High School/College/Senior

Ambassador Greg Frady Finds Success from Georgia to Germany

	Last year, Greg Frady led the Georgia State University baseball team to its best season in school history and an NCAA Regional bid in May. In August, he coached the German National team to a second place finish at the World Baseball Challenge. Frady has a knack for turning programs around which led Court Hall, an international scout for the Atlanta Braves, to recommend him for the head coaching job in 2003. Though coaching two programs on two continents requires careful planning, long hours of work and travel and being away from home, Frady relishes the challenge and the opportunity. For the article, go to High School/College/Senior

Last year, Greg Frady led the Georgia State University baseball team to its best season in school history and an NCAA Regional bid in May. In August, he coached the German National team to a second place finish at the World Baseball Challenge. Frady has a knack for turning programs around which led Court Hall, an international scout for the Atlanta Braves, to recommend him for the head coaching job in 2003. Though coaching two programs on two continents requires careful planning, long hours of work and travel and being away from home, Frady relishes the challenge and the opportunity.

For the article, go to High School/College/Senior

Sandlot Day 2010 Gives Kids the Gift of Pick-up Baseball

	Throughout America this summer, Sandlot Day 2010 is giving young ballplayers in organized youth leagues the gift of pick-up baseball that their coaches and parents experienced. Sandlot baseball, backyard ball, street ball, stickball, and other low organized games were the type of baseball played by generations of kids. Tim Donovan, director of the SUNY Youth Sports Institute, has organized and is promoting Sandlot Day 2010. The idea is that adults should cede control to the players for one-day this season. Following this article is “On Sandlot Day 2010, Children Are Calling their Shots,” by Mark Hyman in The New York Times. For the stories, go to Youth Baseball

Throughout America this summer, Sandlot Day 2010 is giving young ballplayers in organized youth leagues the gift of pick-up baseball that their coaches and parents experienced. Sandlot baseball, backyard ball, street ball, stickball, and other low organized games were the type of baseball played by generations of kids. Tim Donovan, director of the SUNY Youth Sports Institute, has organized and is promoting Sandlot Day 2010. The idea is that adults should cede control to the players for one-day this season. Following this article is “On Sandlot Day 2010, Children Are Calling their Shots,” by Mark Hyman in The New York Times.

For the stories, go to Youth Baseball

How We Can Bring Back Pick-up Baseball Games

In his article, Brent Mayne, a major league catcher for 16 years, gives some reasons why young children have drifted away from pick-up games (free play) and explores the possibility of bringing them back. Mayne asks, “How come the modern kid doesn’t know the rules for “3 Flies Up?” One reason is because most parents have unrealistic goals. They see baseball as a stepping stone to stardom. In sharp contrast, a kid in the Dominican might go home after a day of pick-up ball with 20 at-bats under his belt. The kid in the U.S. playing Little League goes home with 4. Brent says we should not be surprised that the best players in the world are coming from a tiny island. Another article on pick-up baseball is “Let Them Play Ball,” by Emily Tipping, RecManagement.Com. To read, go to Youth Baseball

In his article, Brent Mayne, a major league catcher for 16 years, gives some reasons why young children have drifted away from pick-up games (free play) and explores the possibility of bringing them back. Mayne asks, “How come the modern kid doesn’t know the rules for “3 Flies Up?” One reason is because most parents have unrealistic goals. They see baseball as a stepping stone to stardom. In sharp contrast, a kid in the Dominican might go home after a day of pick-up ball with 20 at-bats under his belt. The kid in the U.S. playing Little League goes home with 4. Brent says we should not be surprised that the best players in the world are coming from a tiny island. Another article on pick-up baseball is “Let Them Play Ball,” by Emily Tipping, RecManagement.Com.

To read, go to Youth Baseball

Let Them Play Ball, Says Batter’s Up USA

	Youth league games are played throughout the spring and early summer, but there are many children who never get a chance to swing a bat. Batter’s Up USA is changing that. The non-profit organization based in Taos, New Mexico, is helping to introduce boys and girls to baseball. “Our program provides equipment grants to local park and recreation agencies and organizations in the community,” says Jess Heald, executive director of Batter’s Up USA. The most popular types are the summer recreation center and after-school programs. To read, go to Youth Baseball

Getting Kids Back to Sandlot Baseball

The key to the revival of the sandlot baseball game are the thousands of public recreation and park agencies across the country. Children today do not play enough park and school playground baseball, and there is a long, overdue need to revive the concept and promote a nationwide movement. In his superb article in BPA’s News Release, “On Sandlot Day, Children Call their Own Shots,” Mark Hyman, author of “Until It Hurts,” asks the question, “Have adults reached a point where they are too involved? Tim Donovan, director of the Youth Sports Institute, thinks they are, and he is promoting Sandlot Day 2010. Tim’s Institute is located at the State University of New York in Courtland, New York. To learn more, go to Youth Baseball

The key to the revival of the sandlot baseball game are the thousands of public recreation and park agencies across the country. Children today do not play enough park and school playground baseball, and there is a long, overdue need to revive the concept and promote a nationwide movement. In his superb article in BPA’s News Release, “On Sandlot Day, Children Call their Own Shots,” Mark Hyman, author of “Until It Hurts,” asks the question, “Have adults reached a point where they are too involved? Tim Donovan, director of the Youth Sports Institute, thinks they are, and he is promoting Sandlot Day 2010. Tim’s Institute is located at the State University of New York in Courtland, New York.

To learn more, go to Youth Baseball

Revival of Baseball Pick-up Games

	The best way to get children to play more baseball on their own is to promote the return of pick-up games. The youth of America need to be taught how to organize pick-up games. In the Youth Baseball page, Don Weiskopf, publisher of Baseball Play America, explains the rules on how eleven favorite pick-up games are played. They include Work-up, Over the Line, Scrub, Catch-a-Fly and You’re Up, and a couple of Brent Mayne’s favorites, First to Ten and Play Catch. To learn how to play pick-up games, go to Youth Baseball

The best way to get children to play more baseball on their own is to promote the return of pick-up games. The youth of America need to be taught how to organize pick-up games. In the Youth Baseball page, Don Weiskopf, publisher of Baseball Play America, explains the rules on how eleven favorite pick-up games are played. They include Work-up, Over the Line, Scrub, Catch-a-Fly and You’re Up, and a couple of Brent Mayne’s favorites, First to Ten and Play Catch.

To learn how to play pick-up games, go to Youth Baseball

Baseball Teams Up with Peanuts

Good ol’ Charlie Brown: Baseball was a recurring theme in Charles Schulz’s comic strips. This year, in honor of Peanuts’ 60th Anniversary, some major league teams are having bobble head giveaways and other Peanuts-related events. This year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the comic strip created by the late Charles Schultz. Since it is the diamond anniversary, it is logical major league ballparks would want to celebrate the occasion. To read, go to Newsletter

Good ol’ Charlie Brown: Baseball was a recurring theme in Charles Schulz’s comic strips. This year, in honor of Peanuts’ 60th Anniversary, some major league teams are having bobble head giveaways and other Peanuts-related events. This year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the comic strip created by the late Charles Schultz. Since it is the diamond anniversary, it is logical major league ballparks would want to celebrate the occasion.

To read, go to Newsletter