Despite our usual "spring" weather here in Southern Alberta, I do have baseball on my mind. I always feel bad for our high school baseball and softball teams in our region, who are just as likely to be on the diamond as they are to have a game snowed out.
In gentler climates, the Major Leagues are well under way. Weird things are happening, as they always do early in the season, the San Diego Padres, of all teams, are in first place in their division. I still expect them to finish last in the National League West, however, one never knows. I think in total, the entire Padres team is making less than Alex Rodriguez this season. Man is it easy to hate on A-Rod.
The Toronto Blue Jays are up and down thus far. Despite a pretty good run of late the Jays are still third in the American League East. It’s just not fair for the club having to fend off the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. At least Baltimore still knows its place in life.
As a youngster, I did play little league baseball. I came up through the ranks from T-Ball on at Dave Elton Park on the Northside. I was a member of the wildly successful Norcrest Giants. We won our fair share of games, usually in 75-kilometer-per-hour winds.
As I got older, I morphed into an undersized utility player. I suited up everywhere on the diamond that the coaches asked me to. I played every position except for catcher because, believe it or not, when I was younger the equipment was too big.
I had just one stint as a pitcher. It was in farm-pitch. As a member of the Firebirds, my coaches continued to ask if I wanted to take the mound one spring. I was pretty much against it, but I finally relented.
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In my only inning of work, I beaned the first 3 batters I faced. Naturally, I felt rather awful. Thankfully, the coach took me out and put me somewhere else in the field. I was relieved, yet I must admit; it was somewhat tough leaving the bump throwing a no-hitter.
When it comes to baseball I do have a huge regret. I am left-handed, however, my father taught me to throw right-handed. Little did I know when I was only five a potential major league baseball career was already cut short. Seriously, I am positive I could have been a mediocre, situational left-handed reliever in the big leagues. You know, I should have had a nice 20-year career, trying to get one out a game before hitting the showers.
In fact, I can imagine it right now….
The legendary voice of Harry Caray
Harry: Welcome back….we’re in the top of the 7th inning with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals tied at 3. The Cubbies have made a pitching change….and this call to the bullpen is brought to you by Budweiser….you know it…I’m a Cubs fan…and I’m a Bud man….in fact…I’ve already polished off a case and a half.
And it’s Marty Berkada trotting in from the ‘pen. It’s the lefthander’s 73rd appearance of the season; he’s pitched 23 and a third innings….with a 7.56 ERA. What a great decision for this young man to throw left-handed. You can never have too many lefties on your pitching staff because they pitch from the opposite side of righties.
Manager Don Baylor loves the fact Barceda always wants the ball….what must be somewhat concerning for the Cubs manager is left handed batters are hitting a robust .412 off of him.
Blameda is warmed up now and he’s facing Jim Edmonds. The Cardinals centre fielder is 7-8 in his career versus Bantito with 5 home runs….a double…and a triple…one single away from a career cycle.
Here’s the pitch….ball one…..Bacheezeda bringing the heat….a sharp fastball just missing the outside corner at 56 miles per hour. That’s some serious smoke folks.
Here’s the pitch….the breaking ball in the dirt….and Edmonds takes it for ball two. Nice change of pace by Bosephus….although the offering landed about 10 feet in front of home plate. 2-0 the count….two away with runners at first and second.
Here’s the pitch….oooh….he went with the eephus ball. That pitch going about 20 feet over catcher Todd Hundley’s head….as the Cardinals now have runners at second and third. I’ve got to say that’s the best eephus Daceba has thrown in weeks.
And yep…with the base open the Cubs will intentionally walk Edmonds…..as he trots down to first base to fill ‘em up. And here comes Baylor out of the dugout….he’s motioning for the righty Kyle Farnsworth….as Baceda trots to the dugout….after what I think of as another successful appearance.
I just think what may have been. Oh well…
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