Not a lot going on this afternoon, so how about a little history? First, Frank Fitzpatrick at the Philly Inquirer remembers the summer of ’69: This is a remarkably rich anniversary summer. Even now, from the distance of 40 years, 1969’s seems a little unreal. There was simply too much jaw-dropping news to digest: Man […]

Nothing makes baseball better than gambling! The final spot for the National League All-Star roster is up for grabs, and the governors of Hawaii andPennsylvania have made a friendly wager to rally online voting support for Phillies’ outfielder Shane Victorino, also known as the Flyin’ Hawaiian. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. […]

You know you’re not livin’ right when your own brother sues you: Former professional baseball player Lenny “Nails” Dykstra refused to pay his brother a 10 percent stake in car wash partnerships that the outfielder sold for more than $50 million, Kevin Dykstra claims in Superior Court. Lenny allegedly convinced Kevin to give up a […]

Here I am talking Phillies-Braves (mostly Braves) over at Crashburn Alley. This is by far my most humiliating day as a blogger. I posted very few things, and what I did post consisted of two interviews of me and a post about my mail. If I had a publicist I’d give him a raise right […]

This morning in ATH, I asked why Philly fans hate Rod Barajas. It was explained to me in the comments that it was because Barajas wussed out when he should have been blocking the plate against the Marlins a couple of years ago, allowing a run to score. The great Bob Timmermann — a librarian, […]

On June 14, 1982, the San Diego Padres signed Mitch Williams. Most people know the “Wild Thing” for the home run he allowed in the 1993 World Series. This week Richard looks back at Williams’ other defining characteristic, the one that earned him his nickname.

The latest in the business of baseball.

Because the universe and my cable company hate me, I don’t get the MLB Network. I’m not sure, though, whether not having it is a good thing or a bad thing in this instance: The Pen, debuting Sunday on MLB Network, might be something like the 11,000th TV reality series. But David Gavant of MLB […]

On May 21, 1962, the Baltimore Orioles signed Robin Roberts. It seemed to be the marriage of a player on his last legs with a franchise in need of any body capable of taking the field. Instead, it would launch a second wind for the long-time Phillie.

I’ve enjoyed Doug Glanville’s New York Times’ pieces quite a lot since he began them last season. As one of the rare ballplayers who was an intellectual without being marginalized or considered an eccentric (See, Bouton, Jim and Lee, Bill) he provides a unique view into the game. Unlike so many other retired players, he […]