On March 5, 2009 the second World Baseball Classic kicked off as Japan shut out China. The clear favorites in this year’s pool are Japan and Korea, two countries with well-known baseball histories, but today Richard looks at less baseball-oriented Asian countries.

On Feb. 23, 1960, demolition began on Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Nearly 50 years later, demolition is nearly finished on Shea Stadium, the home of New York’s most recent National League franchise. Richard looks back at other past stadium sites.

The week of Feb. 15 featured a number of notable events in baseball history. Richard looks back at several.

As always, Valentine’s Day will be Feb. 14. In the past, Richard has looked back at baseball Valentines. This year, he celebrates players who share their name with the emotional center of the holiday.

On Feb. 5, 1934 Hank Aaron was born in Alabama. Aaron is the all-time leader in RBI, total bases and extra-base hits. Of course, not all records are quite as notable. This week Richard looks back on some lesser-known all-time leaders.

On Jan. 31, 1891, Goat Cochran was born. Cochran was just one of the players born on this date who would go on to earn a memorable moniker. Richard looks at some of the more distinctively dubbed players.

On Jan. 21, 1972 Alan Benes was born. In his major league career, he would win 29 games, or 126 fewer than his older brother Andy. Richard returns to one of his favorite subjects, looking at the “other brother” of great pitching families.

On Jan. 16, 1980 Albert Pujols was born. The greatness of “Prince Albert” is in no dispute—his second MVP attesting to the fact—but this week Richard looks back to see just how Pujols compares to great hitters of the past.

On Jan. 10, 2000, Aaron Sele signed a two-year contract with the Seattle Mariners—but only because Orioles owner Peter Angelos nixed a four-year contract due to his concerns about arm trouble. Angelos’ moves have reduced his once-proud franchise to embarrassment.

On Dec. 15, 1967, Mo Vaughn was born. Vaughn would be a solid hitter, but also would make 139 errors in his career. As a first baseman, Vaughn topped the table in errors a record six times. Richard did not err quite so frequently this year, but he is only human. Read on….