Spring training for readers: It’s time to report!

While major league teams are breaking out the bats and balls in Arizona and Florida, it’s time for fans to break out the baseball books. About 20 years ago, I started a personal tradition as spring approaches of finding a new book about baseball to read in anticipation of Opening Day. I have my 2011 […]

Iconic baseball caps: The original New York Mets

A pickup truck carrying a couple of young guys from a neighborhood softball team broke down on our street today. Eying their blue and orange uniforms, my wife asked, “Who are these guys, the New York Mets?” If my wife, who pays attention to baseball only by virtue of being married to an all-in fan, […]

Adrian Gonzalez in the American League East: This should be interesting

Is this guy eager to play ball or what? Adrian Gonzalez checked in to the Boston training camp in Florida yesterday, the first Red Sox player to do so. It will be fascinating to see how Gonzalez does in his first season for the BoSox after five seasons with the San Diego Padres. I have […]

Baseball is greater than football

A simple message for Super Bowl Sunday, 2011: Baseball is greater than football, and I can prove it. Has anyone ever watched a baseball game for the commercials? Q.E.D.

Google’s news archive a treasure for baseball researchers, fans

For the baseball fan and the baseball researcher, the Google News Archive is a dream come true. Point your browser to news.google.com/archivesearch and at your fingertips you have access to an unimaginable bounty of newspaper and magazine clippings on the grand old game, not to mention just about any subject you might care to […]

“Seinfeld” and baseball: A zany reverence for the game

During its long run on TV the “Seinfeld” show had a hilariously entertaining take on urban life, baseball included. With George working for the New York Yankees and the occasional Keith Hernandez appearance, “Seinfeld” embraced the game in its own zany way. I was reminded that last night while watching a rerun of Episode 37 […]

With Duchsherer signing, Baltimore Orioles get a glimmer of hope

If he can stay off the injured reserve list, Justin Duchsherer can shore up the pitching rotation for the Baltimore Orioles. Duchsherer, who seemed forever on the DL in his years with the Oakland Athletics, signed with the Orioles this week. I never saw Duchsherer pitch at the Coliseum, but he made many a quality […]

Peering past Super Bowl Sunday to the start of Spring Training

We have one more week of bread-and-circus hoopla leading up to the Super Bowl, and then we can shift our full attention to what really matters: baseball. Spring training is just around the corner. Knowing that pitchers and catchers will soon be breaking out the balls and mitts keeps us going through the cold months. […]

Tribe denies Grady Sizemore trade rumors

It’s good to hear the Cleveland Indians deny emphatically rumors that they might trade away Grady Sizemore. It’s even better news that Sizemore will take the field about mid-March during spring training as he continues rehabilitation from knee surgery last season. The Tribe needs Sizemore. He’s a dynamic presence in the lineup and a fan […]

A great matchup for Super Bowl XLV

The best teams in football advanced to the Super Bowl today – Green Bay and Pittsburgh. On paper this appears to be an epic matchup between franchises with great legacies, and it’s likely to draw a huge TV audience in the U.S. and around the world. The pairing of the Packers and Steelers also underscores […]