by Rick Young | Oct 21, 2014 | Poem
C- Manuel "Trans" Mission
(first transgender major leaguer)
1B- Lancelot "Red" Cox
(crusty vet)
2B- Levelone Bitterson
(never forgave pressure of name)
SS- Valenzuela "Dough" Meaney
(mom from Mexico, dad from Detroit)
3B- Conner Store
(hot prospect)
LF- Phlint "Striker" Locke
(well-travelled player rep)
CF- Marlon "Jackson" Martinette
(moonwalks the substantial pasture)
RF- Peter "Gray" Harris
(has got the arm)
P- Bumbershoot "Perry" Winkles
(never been rained out)
[LET THE GAMES BEGIN]
by Rick Young | Jun 30, 2014 | Poem
Ron Swoboda, Baltimore born, played right field for Mets.
Helped beat O’s in a series with a catch no one forgets.
Bud Black pitched for fifteen years, won one ring with K.C.
He manages the Padres now, succeeding Bruce Bochy.
Tony Fernandez helped Jays to series win at short.
He was perhaps the skinniest switch hitter in the sport.
Garrett Anderson played the most games in Angel history.
He won a series, Home Run Derby and the All-Star MVP.
30
by Rick Young | Jun 29, 2014 | Poem
Wilbert Robinson breathed baseball; life was just a hobby.
Eighteen years he managed Brooklyn, nicknamed "Uncle Robbie."
"Nippy" Jones was hit on foot by pitch in series game.
A turning point, shoe polish on the ball confirmed his claim.
Harmon Killebrew was six times A.L. homer champ,
The Hall-of-Famer’s best years spent in Senator/Twin camp.
Bob Shaw beat Sandy Koufax in a one-oh series duel.
He once balked five times in a game and that was not too cool.
by Rick Young | Jun 28, 2014 | Poem
Fred Gladding pitched for thirteen years as Tiger and Astro.
His lifetime batting average, oh-sixteen, is record low.
Al Downing, little lefty, came from Trenton to the Yanks.
He served up Hank’s seven-fifteen. For that we owe him thanks.
Don Baylor played in series three straight years with different clubs.
The power hitter later managed both Rockies and Cubs.
Mark Grace, as Cub in nineties, had most hits in the decade.
He finally won a ring after a Diamondback upgrade.
by Rick Young | Jun 27, 2014 | Poem
Gus Zernial was A.L. homer champ in fifty-one.
His baseball card the next year, balls-on-bat, was really fun.
Eddie Kasko, ex-infielder, helmed Red Sox for four seasons.
Had winning record but no first place for Oriole reasons.
Rico Petrocelli played both short and third, Red Sox his team.
He and Yaz were all stars in the Sox failed "Impossible Dream."
Jim Edmonds won eight gold gloves as an Angel and a Card.
He hit with power, won a ring. He could patrol that yard.
