Yesterday was a birthday for several active players, two being Williams Perez and Matt Wieters. Perez led the Braves to a 2-0 shutout of the Phillies at a sodden Citizens' Bank Ballpark. The loudest noise when the Phillies were up was the rain pounding on the broadcast equipment used by the TV commentators. On the ...
Numerous Baseball Birthdays Today
We have a larger than usual number of baseball birthdays today. GianCarlo Stanton is 26. After a lost season due to injury last year, we need to see how good he can be going forward. The Marlins are praying, since they have him under contract for the next 12 years. yes, 12 years. A lot of ...
For Those who Mute their TV During the Game
I've been reading on Facebook where LCS viewers have muted their TV's and listened to the radio broadcasts of the games. We did that in our house since we could only stand so much of Cal Ripken calling the Mets' shortstop "William" Flores instead of his right name Wilmer. Mercifully Ripken is done for the ...
Meet Joe Block, Brewers Broadcaster
When I began this column, I promised profiles of major league broadcasters from time to time. Today, let me introduce you to Joe Block, (born John Joseph Block,) who broadcasts with Bob Uecker on Milwaukee Brewers games on WTMJ, AM 620 in Milwaukee. Joe Block originally hails from Roseville, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State. His first ...
Who is this Thor the Yankees Hammered
Since I heard the Mets' pitcher Noah Syndergaard had been nicknamed Thor, it struck me as a misplaced nickname. In Norse mythology, Thor's Hammer was said to be capable of knocking mountains down. I thought the nickname ought to belong to a mighty slugger, be it Trout, Harper, Cespedes or any of the best hitters left in ...
A Moment for Milo
I had no idea who Milo Hamilton was the first time I heard his voice. I had just turned 11. Getting ready for school in New Jersey on that April morning, April 9, 1974 I had the radio on, and heard these famous words. "He's sittin' on 714. Here's the pitch by Downing, Swinging, there's ...
Little players, Big Dreams Described by Big Men
This afternoon is the final of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, PA. A number of MLB players have passed through Lamade Statium on the way to the top. Todd Frazier of the Reds, who recently put up his 30th home run, made a name in the late '90s as his home town team, Toms River ...
Remembering Harry Kalas
Instead of profiling one of today's baseball broadcasters, I have been requested by Miss M. A. Middleton of Brookhaven, PA. to write my memories of Harry Kalas, the longtime voice of the Phillies. I first heard Harry Norbert Kalas in his first year with the Phillies, 1971. At that time Byrum "By" Saam was the ...
Introducing Tom Hamilton of Cleveland
The first time I went to Canton, Ohio to broadcast a AA game, it was the opener of the 1993 season. This was before the Internet, so going to a different city meant hearing a baseball announcer I had never heard before. While my partner and I broadcast our game, I recorded the Indians game ...