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.
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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.
by Rick Young | Jun 26, 2014 | Poem
Babe Herman hit for the cycle a co-record three times.
His fielding and base running were considered minor crimes.
"Home Run" Brown, a longtime Monarch, is now in the Hall of Fame.
Better-known Josh Gibson gave Willard the powerful nickname.
Bill Robinson played sixteen years and got one series ring.
As hitting coach for Mets and Marlins, later got more bling.
Derek Jeter, twenty-year Yanks’ shortstop will step down.
Wearing five rings, his next destination’s Cooperstown.