by Rick Young | May 22, 2014 | Poem
Al Simmons, nicknamed "Bucketfoot," was twice World Series champ.
He had his best years at the plate in Connie Mack’s A’s camp.
Tommy John, soft-throwing lefty, pitched twenty six seasons.
A sinker ball and ligament replacement were the reasons.
Jose Mesa’s best year closing came with Tribe, no doubt.
But in series seventh game could not get Marlins out.
Julian Tavares labored for eleven teams.
The righty won a ring with Sox, but was quite odd, it seems.
by Rick Young | May 21, 2014 | Poem
Earl Averill was an Indian who often got to third base.
He once got on an airplane with a bat inside a gun case.
Bobby Cox, famed manager, was very well respected.
He holds the record for the skipper who’s been most ejected.
Kent Hrbek could hit like heck and was a lifetime Twin.
He got them to the series twice, and both times helped them win.
Bob Molinaro, Newark born, played outfield for five teams.
He hit two-sixty-four in eight years, not the stuff of dreams.
by Rick Young | May 20, 2014 | Poem
Wilcy Moore, as rookie, had the league’s best E.R.A.
His twenty-seven Yankees were the best team of their day.
Ken Boyer could field third like Clete, but hit a whole lot more.
His grand slam off Al Downing turned the series, sixty-four.
Bobby Murcer replaced Mantle out in center field.
He played, coached and broadcast games ’til cancer made him yield.
Todd Stottlemyre served Toronto’s Blue Jays well.
He was an o.k. pitcher, not as good as father Mel.
by Rick Young | May 19, 2014 | Poem
Curt Simmons was a lefty who toiled fourteen years for Phils.
He then went on to three more clubs. This guy has seen some hills.
Gil McDougald won five series rings, played in three more.
But he’s most remembered for his liner that hit Score.
Rick Cerrone: backup catcher’s what his stat line blares.
But, in ninety-eight, he resurrected Newark Bears.
Brandon Inge came up a catcher, then changed to third base.
The tattoos on his arms are for his sons, Tyler and Chase.
by Rick Young | May 18, 2014 | Poem
Carroll Hardy played eight years. Perhaps the only fame he has
Is that he pinch hit for Williams and, a season later, Yaz.
Brooks Robinson, the "Human Vacuum," played a mean third base.
His sixteen gold gloves recognize how well he’d guard his space.
Reggie Jackson hit three homers in a series game,
With a swing so sweet a candy bar bore his first name.
Jim Sundberg caught for sixteen years, until his bones were creaking.
He makes his living nowadays with motivation speaking.
