by Rick Young | Apr 25, 2014 | Poem
"Pop" Lloyd, the greatest shortstop in Negro league history,
Is in the baseball Hall of Fame, his average: three-four-three.
Fred Haney played just seven years, is not well known for them.
He gained his fame as Braves skipper and then Angels’ G.M.
Lew Krausse came up when just eighteen, a righty for the A’s.
He had one good year, fought with Finley: goodbye playing days.
Tony Phillips played for eighteen years in six positions.
Five years he topped a hundred walks, made good strike zone decisions.
by Rick Young | Apr 24, 2014 | Poem
Omar Vizquel had fielding skills no shortstop could approach.
He once won nine straight gold gloves. Now he’s a Tiger coach.
"Chipper" Jones, a lifelong Brave, is destined for the Hall.
His switch-hit stats rank him amongst the best in all baseball.
Bill Singer was a righty slinger, mostly on the coast.
Won twenty twice and had a no-no, of which he can boast.
Carlos Beltran has a great post-season history,
Despite an NLCS series-ending called strike three.
by Rick Young | Apr 23, 2014 | Poem
Harry Coveleski’s pitching record wasn’t great.
Was called "The Giant Killer" for his exploits in oh-eight.
Jim Bottomley was so upbeat that "Sunny" was his name.
He still co-holds the record for most ribbies in a game.
Warren Spahn amassed more wins than any lefty, ever.
A longtime Brave with high leg kick, he was both fast and clever.
Andruw Jones won ten gold gloves for Braves in center field.
He’s still a DH in Japan, will bend but will not yield.
by Rick Young | Apr 22, 2014 | Poem
Mickey Vernon, two-time bat champ, played a slick first base,
Loved by Senators and fans, though often in last place.
John Orsino was a catcher whose stats were so-so.
Ten years after playing days he became a golf pro.
David Clyde, whose career died of shoulder injury,
Pitched just five years, a burned-out phenom now his legacy.
Terry Francona played for five teams over ten seasons.
Gained fame as Bosox manager, two series wins the reasons.
by Rick Young | Apr 21, 2014 | Poem
Joe McCarthy helmed the Yanks from Babe up to The Clipper.
Bomber bats and pennant runs made him a happy skipper.
Gary Peters, savvy lefty, pitched for both White and Red Sox.
Also hit nineteen home runs, a menace in the batter’s box.
Jesse Orosco has two rings and many accolades.
He pitched more games than anyone and lasted four decades.
Ken Caminiti, when on steroids, blew up like a moose.
He won one N.L. MVP, but lost to drug abuse.
