Al Raffo- 1969 Phillies

Al Raffo played for the Phillies in 1969. He let me know a great story recently.

"In my only win as a 27 year old rookie, I came to bat with the bases loaded" he tells me.

Jim Bunning was pitching for the opposing team, the Pirates at Forbes Field.

Al drove in 2 runs!

When Al proudly returned to the dugout, he said to Bob Skinner, his manager, Pretty good hit, huh Skip?"

Skinner mentioned that he noticed Al's backside "in the dugout."

Mr. Raffo notes that his manager obviously noticed that Al was nervous, and backing away as he hit the ball.

"However, I'll have you know, that later I also squeezed the runner on 3rd in and managed to pick off the newly acquired Freddie Patek on 1st!"

Al's closing comment is, "How do you like them apples, Skip?!!"

John Grubb- 1972-1987 Major Leaguer

John Grubb played for the Padres in 1972-1976. He spent 1977 and part of 1978 with the Cleveland Indians, and spent 1978-1982 with the Rangers. From 1983-1987 He was in Detroit.

I asked him recently about his very brief time in the minors, especially in 1986 when he played with the Nashville Sounds.

He says that he played there briefly while rehabbing from a shoulder injury. He said it was a nice place, but he was glad to be back in Detroit.

Concerning Kentucky, he says that his oldest son, Chris, went to UK and still follows them closely.

Jimmie Schaffer- 1961-1968 Major Leaguer

I got a great note from Jimmie Schaffer!

Jimmie has a couple of cool connections to Kentucky. He played his first AAA game in 1959 in Louisville as a member of the Omaha Cardinals playing against the Colonels.

He played there again in 1970 while playing with Rochester. He says that he enjoyed his visits to the bat company!

He also lived in Covington while playing for the Reds in 1968!

Jimmie managed in the Orioles minor league system, and got to know Blake Doyle who is from Cave City!

Mr. Schaffer says that he is a Phillies fan, as he played there a short time and he lives very close. He mentions that Allentown has their AAA team too!

Jimmie says that, these days, he spends a lot of time working in Limeport PA at the Limeport Stadium! He volunteers time there to help maintain the park! He sent a nice brochure on it too!

Wild Pitches

OK, so spring training is going on right now! I know, you are also excited about finally seeing some games again! It was a long winter.

For some reason, it seems that all of the sports radio and TV shows are still talking about football! ARGH!

I guess there is just more interest in that sport right now.

Still, lots going on. There is a new team in the Frontier League out of Illinois. That is exciting! I love that league.

One thing I miss about living in a major league city is the coverage of the team. I remember in Cleveland, one station had people at spring training covering the games, and interestingly, the atmosphere.

Still, I am glad that baseball is happening right now!

Ted Savage- 1962-1971 Major Leaguer

Ted Savage played for 7 different teams during an almost 10 year career in the majors. He sent me a very nice note recently.

Sometimes, short letters pack a big punch! This was one of those notes.

He talked about all of the greats he played with or against. He named Rose, Clemente, Mays, Gibson, Flood, Brock, and Mudcat Grant, "just to name a few."

Concerning Kentucky and playing in Louisville, he gives an honest story. He was playing for the Buffalo Bisons in 1961, and the team beat Louisville in the championship. He says the black players were not allowed to celebrate downtown.

Garry Roggenburk- Pilots and Twins

Garry Roggenburk played for the Twins at various points during the 60s, and he played with the Pilots during their year.

I asked him about playing in Kentucky. He said that he enjoyed playing for the AAA Louisville Colonels when they were the top Red Sox farm team.

He says that he also played college basketball for the University of Dayton from 1958-1962. At that time, he played against the Louisville Colonels basketball team.

Fred Rico 1969 Kansas City Royals

"My first day in the big leagues was a memorable one."

He hit a line drive over third base for a double in his first at bat. His next at bat, he hit another line drive between third and short for a single.

Fred tell s a great story about standing on first after that first career single. He says that he thought to himself that the big leagues were going to be easy.

The very next pitch he was picked off of first.

Fred says that Mickey Mantle was his favorite player.

Postcard: Memorial Stadium, Baltimore

"Completed in 1954 at a cost of over $6 million, with a permanent seating capacity of almost 50,000, this modern double-decker stadium is the home of the American League "Orioles" and the National Football League "Colts".

WOW! How times change!

Ray Rippelmeyer- 1962 Washington Senators

Ray Rippelmeyer, who played for the Senators in 1962, the Louisville Colonels in 1959, and the Evansville Braves in 1954 sent a great note to me recently!

He says, "I spent a lot of time playing in Louisville as an opposing player in 57, 58, & 61."

Ray tells me that he was the opening day pitcher for Louisville in 1959, but it was cold, and he felt that he did not do well. He was sent to Atlanta after 5 weeks and an ERA around 5.

He mentions that he played against Louisville, while playing for the Indianapolis Indians, in 1961 and he had some success, as they beat Louisville for the pennant that year.

Ray did something else very cool in the area he says. "I also refereed several games for Denny Crum."

Ray also mentions that his buddy Doug Flynn lives in Lexington! (Jimerado's note: Doug Flynn is an asset to the area!).

Mr. Rippelmeyer says that he has been to the new park in Louisville as a roving coach for the Mets!

Clyde Parris- Negro Leagues Star

Clyde Parris played in the Negro Leagues mostly in the mid to late 1940s.

Clyde very kindly sent me a note about baseball recently.

He notes that the last time he went to a game it was at Shea Stadium. His favorite player is Mariano Rivera.

I asked Clyde about playing in Kentucky. He is noted as a member of the Louisville Buckeyes. He said that he doesn't remember ever playing in Kentucky.

Of course, the team was transitioning between Louisville and Cleveland at that time.

Thanks for the note Mr. Parris!

Reds Caravan in Lexington

I took a few pictures at the Reds Caravan event
in Lexington a couple of weeks ago. The place was crowded!

I really love the mall area connected to Rupp Arena, and I would like to see this area get utilized more! This is a great area in Lexington. Downtown is just as attractive as any other downtown in any other city, but it is easier to get around, in my opinion. The mall is VERY crowded during concerts and UK basketball games, but go there on an off day. You will feel like you have the place to yourself! Plus, they have several cool and unique shops!

The caravan was fun too. Jay Bruce was the main attraction, along with Tom Bowning. The unannounced addition of Joe Morgan was a real treat for most.

The crowd was massive, and they did cut the autograph line promptly at 1:30, leaving some without autographs. The good people with the Reds did give free game tickets to those who did not get autographs.

Al Severinsen 1969 Orioles and 1971-1972 Padres

Al Severinsen sent me a great note recently. I liked it a lot, so I am going to simply quote most of it.

"My favorite team in the majors was and still is the Baltimore Orioles and the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Louisville was also a great city to play in."

Al does mention former players he likes. "I really loved to watch the Atlanta Braves when they had Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz, they always produced exciting, well pitched games."

I specifically asked Al about playing for the legendary Hawaii Islanders.

"Hawaii was the most unbelievable minor league experience, if you have to go to the minors, send me there."

Mr. Severinsen gives me another great story.

"As far as a story about baseball I like to say my wife and I 'baby sat' for a Hall of Famer for three years, and by my records I'm glad we did a good job. By the way, his name Cal Ripken Jr."

Randy Schwartz- 1965-1966 KC Athletics

Randy Schwartz played for the Athletics in 65-66.

He sent me a note answering some questions.

He says his favorite team is the Padres. He doesn't follow the minor leagues.

Adrian Gonzalez is his favorite player.

His favorite former players are Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn.

Thanks Randy!

Jack Smith- Milwaukee Braves and LA Dodgers

Jack Smith played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, and the Dodgers in 1962 and 1963.

He sent me this VERY cool photo of him at Wrigley Field. Check out his background! Probably every young player dreams of posing at Wrigley with ivy behind them!

Thanks for the photo Jack!

Wally Wolf - 1969 & 1970 California Angels

Wally Wolf spent a bit of time in the majors, and he took a moment recently to answer some questions for this blog!

I asked Wally about playing for that fun, pre-major league San Diego Padres team. The team was part of the Pacific Coast League then. Wally tells me that he remembers Dave Bristol was the manager.

I asked Wally about his favorite player, and his favorite team. Wally says that Johnny Bench was his favorite. He says that his old team- The Angels- are his favorite.

Concerning Kentucky, Mr. Wolf tells me this:

My first professional start was against the Louisville Colonels at the Fairgrounds.

He also says that he was in the horse business, and he has spent time in Lexington and Paris. He loves the farms and ranches!

Thanks Wally!

New jersey Cardinals 8/21/05

Yeah, I am going through CDs of photos from baseball road trips from a few years ago.

We stopped at Skylands Park to catch the New Jersey Cardinals on one of those road trips.

The outside of the park looks like a big red barn. It is very unique.

Again, I wasn't taking a ton of pictures at this venue, the way I do now, but I still took some fun ones. We were there on military appreciation night, and they had a helicopter fly off of the field, which is darn cool. I saw kids there asking some of the military guys for their autographs! That's the way our military should be treated!

They did an eyeball race (which is a fun tradition at the Florence park too).

I know the year after our visit, the Can-Am team the Sussex Skyhawks moved in, as the NYPL Cardinals moved. I hoped to eventually get back to the area to catch that team, but it was just announced that the Skyhawks will not be back for another season.

I hope someone moves in. This is a very nice little area worth a stop.

For any horror movie fans out there, this ball park in Augusta New Jersey is VERY close to filming locations for the first two Friday the 13th films!

Book: When a Star Fell on Alabama

I sent a note to Jack Kubiszyn not too long ago, and he sent a note back about his book. I figured it looked like a good read, so I picked it up!

Jack had a very short stay in the majors, spending parts of two seasons (1961-1962) with the Cleveland Indians. I really enjoy reading books by and about the guys that had brief careers, especially during the 60s! Sure, they had the major league career, but they had a real life too.

Jack had a very successful college sports career, playing basketball and baseball. He had a preference for basketball, and the first half of this book talks mostly about his basketball days at the University of Alabama. He played on a very successful team and met his wife (and the author of this book) Lucy while at a college party!

The second half of the book covers Jack's signing with the Cleveland Indians, and his bouncing around their minor league system while trying to start a family. I especially enjoy reading about the old minor leagues, and the characters at those levels. He covers his time in Nicaragua which was different (money is stolen and a monkey is almost purchased!).

I don't want to give too much of this book away (because YOU need to buy it and read it!) but Jack and Lucy talk very openly about Jack getting hit by a pitch in the eye, their adopting their first child, and they give an account of the difficulties of walking away from pro baseball.

I really like this book because it is honest, and it is a safe book for anyone in the family. Jack is a happily married young man in baseball, and his time in the pros is very family focused. He is not running around partying. Also, Jack's faith is mention, but the book doesn't get preachy. Jack and Lucy give a very nice description of their time in baseball. I think it is very sweet that Lucy is the author of a book about her husband.

I must say that there is one thing I don't like about this book. Jack does mention a basketball rivalry between the University of Alabama and the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He even talks about one game where the Wildcats take a loss to the Crimson Tide. Again.

I think Jack is a good guy though and a UK fan can still appreciate reading about a Wildcats loss.

Akron Aeros 2005 Eastern League Championship game

Here are some pictures I took at the last game for the Akron Aeros (and the Portland Sea Dogs) in 2005.

This was the last game of the championship series between the 2 teams. The home team Aeros won.

I mentioned that I caught the Sea Dogs at their home field earlier in the year. That was just a legendary AA team. The Aeros were great too, but I know the Indians let go of a number of guys from that team that seemed to have "it" to me. There were some guys on that team that I expected to make it to the show that never have.

Still, this was a fun series. There was a good atmosphere that night, but, unlike the playoffs and championship games at higher levels, the crowd was a bit small in my opinion. Check out the totally empty bleacher seats in the photos. I love how nearly everyone dances during the playing of the YMCA (I am still not sure that song is appropriate for ball parks, but most play it- AND they play the uncensored part).

I took several pictures of the Aeros celebrating after their win. I love how the board in the background is a bit off. That is so minor league. And, finally, the photo of the Sea Dogs bus after the loss. I am sure it would be a long way to Maine for those guys. That's OK though. I am sure most of the team thought about their future major league careers on the ride home.

Wild Pitches

http://www.njherald.com/story/news/12SKYLANDS

I have been thinking a lot about all of the problems going on in society. There are a lot of sad headlines in the papers.

If you are like me, there is one headline that brings you down quicker than any other. That is right, nothing is more sad than reading about a vacant ballpark.

It looks like the Sussex Skyhawks of Augusta, NJ have vacated Skylands park. There is hope for the park though. Read the article linked above. Other teams have interest in this fun park. I will get a review of my visit to Skylands (back in 2005) up soon.

Portland Sea Dogs & Hadlock Field 2005

The first time I made it to Hadlock Field in Portland Maine was in 2005.

At that time, I was just getting back in to appreciating baseball.

Even then, I enjoyed taking pictures of parks. I wasn't as obsessive about it though. On any given vacation, I would take my camera with me to the park and just click and shoot whatever.

These days, I try to get pictures of all of the players, mascots, and pretty much every section of the park.

Lester, Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez and David Murphy were on the Sea Dogs lineup sheet then. Ramirez was white hot at that time, and the team just seemed loaded.

I loved this park, the team, the mascot, and the feel.

Don Wert 1963-1970 Detroit Tigers

Don Wert had a great run with that legendary 60s Detroit team. He ended his career playing briefly for the Senators in 1971.

Don took the time to send me a note recently!

He says that he doesn't follow any team closely these days, though the Phillies and the Orioles are local teams. He does say that he will check to see how the Tigers are doing.

Concerning his trade to Washington, he says that he was notified by a call from a sportswriter. He says that he really didn't get a chance with the Senators.

Gordy Lund- 1967 Indians & 1969 Pilots

Gordy Lund sent a very fun note recently!

"I don't have a favorite team but I do follow the Chicago teams."

"I go to 4 or 5 Kane County Cougars in the Midwest League."

I asked him about his favorite players, and he said, "my favorite player was Nellie Fox with the White Sox."

I also asked Gordy about his time with the legendary PCL Hawaii Islander. He said that the players with that team were "a great bunch of guys."

That team's manager was Chuck Tanner. Gordy calls Chuck a "great guy to play for."

He also mentions that the information on baseballreference.com is incorrect. He tells me he, "went to Taft HS in Chicago from 55 to 59 when we won two city championships."

Book: Gary Carter- Still A Kid At Heart

So, I have read the other 2 autobiographies on Gary Carter. I had to ask myself if I really wanted to read a third one.

"Do you really wanted to hear the Kid talk about the 86 World Series again?"

Well, my answer was yes.

This book came out in 2008. If you are a fan of Carter, you already know about his growing up, playing baseball and football, his trade to the Expos, etc.

He does talk about all of that. I was glad that Gary did not talk too much this time about Bill Buckner, or Tommy Lasorda. In fact, he seemed a bit more sympathetic to Buckner this time around.

As Carter has been trying to break in to the majors again, this time as a manager, he talks a lot about that. I did enjoy his discussion of getting jobs in the minors, interviewing, etc. He mentions that he did talk to the Columbus Clippers at one time about managing there! I would have really loved seeing my favorite 80s player working with one of my favorite minor league teams!

Gary has a good amount of success managing. As a fan of Carter, I did feel frustrated at times with his decisions. At one point, he passes on managing a AA team because he would have to be too far from his home. I wanted to yell at the book, "Gary! That's not the way to climb the ladder to the majors!"

Gary Carter has always been Gary Carter. I have admired his character and style forever. I think he has a big heart, and even when he doesn't make the best decisions, I think he makes those decisions for the right reasons.

If you are a casual baseball fan, reading one of the books about Gary will be enough. If you are a fan of Carter, read all three.

Baseball Sculptor Tom Tsuchiya

Tom Tsuchiya's exciting sculptures can be seen in many places. If you have been to Great American Ball Park, you have had the chance to admire his sculptures of some of their best players.

Tom sent a very nice note saying that he is always happy to hear from fans. He also mentions that he is working on a NEW series of sculptures for GABP!

Thanks Tom! We can't wait to see your new work!!!

Joe McClain 1961-1962 Washington Senators

Joe McClain gave me this great story about playing in Louisville on opening day!

"Playing in Colonels Field and it had new sod infield. During the game a ball was hit and no one could locate the ball- It disappeared! The ball was found under the sod. I was playing for Charleston W. Va. and Herb Moford was pitching for us. This was the American Association League then."