As we pulled together this year’s Hardball Times Annual, I left something out on purpose. In every previous Annual, we had included league graphs, the ones I created on Baseball Graphs for all previous years. We had decided to pull back on the book’s stats and graphs, so they were left on the drawing room […]

Twenty years ago today, one of the biggest and best—probably the best—free agent signings of all-time occurred. The Giants inked a deal with left fielder Barry Bonds, formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yeah, that was a pretty good deal. In the 1992-93 offseason, Bonds was as big a free agent as there could be. He’d […]

Now that winter is upon us, it’s time to resume our series of baseball card mysteries. We’ve been profiling 1972 Topps throughout our bi-monthly Card Corners, so let’s begin there with our first edition. As part of its 1972 set, Topps included 72 specially designated “in action” cards, which featured stars, journeymen, and even bit […]

Ten years ago today, the Cubs made one of their best deals in recent times. On that day, they got half an infield virtually free. On Dec. 4, 2002, the Los Angels Dodgers gave the Cubs first baseman Eric Karros and second baseman Mark Grudzielanek in exchange for catcher Todd Hundley and prospect Chad Hermanson. […]

50,000 days ago, a Hall of Fame outfielder was born: Elmer Flick. No, he isn’t an especially well-known name, but he could play. Born Jan. 11, 1876 (yep, that’s how far back you have to go to make it to 50,000 days), Flick made it to the majors in 1898 and immediately became an everyday […]

Throughout the winter, I’ll be examining the National Pastime from the standpoint of popular culture, in particular through movies, television appearances, memorabilia and advertisements. It’s remarkable how often baseball and pop culture intersect, sometimes in ways that are curious or funny or even downright bizarre. While some ballplayers have achieved notoriety for appearing in mass […]

Today marks the 50th birthday of one of the highest profile baseball players—or athletes in any sport—of the 20th century. He didn’t have the greatest career nor did he even come close to Cooperstown, but for a few years his star was among the brightest in the sky. It’s Bo Jackson. Today, Bo knows AARP […]

One of my colleagues in Cooperstown asked me on Tuesday: Does Marvin Miller deserve a place in the Hall? I answered without delay. Yes, I would vote for him. In considering all of the history, how could I not? That is not to say that I am Miller’s biggest fan. He had an arrogant and […]

MLB.com, the official web site of Major League Baseball, is seeking stats stringers to cover these clubs in 2013 and beyond: {exp:list_maker}Baltimore/DC (both clubs) Houston Kansas City Oakland/San Francisco (both clubs) Philadelphia Pittsburgh San Diego Seattle Texas (Arlington) Toronto {/exp:list_maker} Stats stringers are responsible for digitally scoring games from major league ballparks, providing the data […]

40 years ago today, one of the most one-sided trades of the 1970s occurred. It was among the best deals the Yankees have made – and among the worst the Cleveland Indians agreed to. On Nov. 27, 1972, the Yankees sent Cleveland Rusty Torres, Charlie Spikes, Jerry Kenney, and John Ellis in exchange for Jerry […]