by Rick Young | May 17, 2014 | Poem
Cool Papa Bell could run like hell, a Negro League sensation.
It’s said he scored from first base in a sac bunt situation.
Ozzie Virgil, first Dominican to make the show,
Had son who made the majors with more power, but real slow.
Billy Hoeft, with seven teams, had four less wins than losses.
Won twenty as a Tiger, though, with tricky left-hand tosses.
Carlos Pena had his best years with the Tampa Rays.
He played in the Cape Cod League back in Northeastern days.
by Rick Young | May 16, 2014 | Poem
Dave Philley was a Phillie once, and if that seems prophetic,
He also played in Philadelphia as an Athletic.
Rube Walker, as a Dodger catcher, didn’t play a lot,
But was behind the plate for Bobby Thompson’s famous ‘shot.’
Billy Martin always had a temper that was quick.
Was traded by the Yankees, a bad influence on Mick.
Jack Morris, with the Tigers, was a complete game machine.
Won one ring there, two with the Jays, and one with Twins, between.
by Rick Young | May 15, 2014 | Poem
Bill North’s speed and defense helped the A’s win back-to-back, son,
Despite famous clubhouse fight with Mister Reggie Jackson.
George Brett, a lifelong Royal, thirteen times took All Star stage.
Today, the Hall-of-Famer’s known most for his pine tar rage.
John Smoltz pitched twenty years for Braves, part of a great rotation.
Now spends his time in broadcast booths, awaiting Hall citation.
Justin Morneau, Twins first baseman, came down from B.C.
First Canadian to win an A.L. MVP.
by Rick Young | May 14, 2014 | Poem
Earle Combs was leadoff hitter for the Yanks’ murderers’ row.
He played eleven years, replaced by Joe DiMaggio.
Dick Howser played and managed for the Yankees and K.C.
He guided Royals over Cards to series victory.
Tony Perez was the "Big Dog" in the Reds Machine.
Amongst its gnashing cogs he seemed to always be serene.
Roy Halladay, hard throwing "Doc," could pitch without fatigue.
He had two rings, a perfect game and won Cy’s in each league.
by Rick Young | May 13, 2014 | Poem
Dusty Rhodes was noted for his many clutch pinch hits.
He was a Giant at the plate. His fielding was the pits.
Leon Wagner, "Daddy Wags," hit homers for five teams.
He wound up homeless in L.A. and died with shattered dreams.
John Roseboro was battered by the Giants’ Marichal.
The Dodger was forgiving, though, and Juan became his pal.
Bobby Valentine, indeed, was no flash in the pan.
He played with five clubs, managed three, including in Japan.
