by Rick Young | Apr 17, 2014 | Poem
Alexander Cartwright wrote the early rules of play.
But credit, as inventor, went to Abner Doubleday.
"Cap" Anson may have been the first superstar of the game.
But gambling and his racist bent have long since soiled his name.
Solly Hemus was a battler. He could give and take it.
Not too wise, he told Bob Gibson he would never make it.
Marquis Grissom hit in fifteen straight world series games.
Yet, in lists of his time’s stars, he’s not amongst the names.
by Rick Young | Apr 16, 2014 | Poem
Paul Waner was "Big Poison" and his brother Lloyd was "Little."
He holds a record, fourteen straight games with extra base hittle.
"Dutch Leonard" had the lowest single season ERA.
He feuded with Ty Cobb, as did most players in his day.
Jim Lonborg made Sox dream come true with Cy Young victory.
He could have had a long career, but he preferred to ski.
Bob Montgomery, backup backstop, career BoSock Red,
Was the last to bat without a helmet on his head.
by Rick Young | Apr 15, 2014 | Poem
Willie Davis sailed the center pasture like a glider.
Played thirteen years for L.A., taking over for Duke Snider.
Woody Fryman was a portly lefty from Kentucky.
That he pitched four one-hitters proved that he was not lucky.
Ted Sizemore was the rookie of the year in sixty-nine.
Was traded for Dick Allen once, like swapping teak for pine.
Milton Bradley played for eight ball clubs in just ten years.
Was strung a little tighter than most of his game day peers.
by Rick Young | Apr 14, 2014 | Poem
Pete Rose broke Cobb’s hit record, but won’t make the Hall of Fame.
It seems that "Charlie Hustle" got caught gambling on the game.
Greg Maddux won 355 and four Cy Young Awards.
His pitches had late movement and cut corners just like swords.
David Justice spent some time on t.v. commentary.
He won two Series rings, but, even better, Halle Berry.
Steve Avery was the youngest guy to win a playoff game.
He pitched too much, blew out his arm, and never was the same.
by Rick Young | Apr 13, 2014 | Poem
John Stephenson played ten years but not many know his name.
He pinch hit the last out in Jim Bunning’s perfect game.
Jeff Bittiger won just four games, an unimpressive stat.
He did, however, hit a homer in his first at bat.
Wes Chamberlain got into one World Series as a Phil.
Got traded to the Red Sox when he was over the hill.
Doug Strange is strange in that he went ten years with little trace.
Though in the field it could be said he played most every place.
