Ed Hearn- Conquering Life's Curves

It is no secret that one of my all time favorite teams is the 1986 Mets (though, as history goes on, I find the Red Sox and Astros from that year just as fascinating and worthy of admiration- but I hated them back then).

The whole team was great. I remember the names of the all of them.

Ed Hearn was the catcher behind Carter, which made him pretty cool. AND, he was an 86 Met!

Ed jokes in his book about David Leterrman making a joke one night about how all of the 86 Mets put a book out. Dave jokingly mentions that even Ed Hearn has a book out. This was BEFORE Ed actually published his book.

Ed gets traded to the Royals in a trade that many consider very lopsided, with the Mets getting the better deal.

Ed has some physical problems and his career winds down more quickly than he expected.

He comes through a lot, and survives some very close calls, with the help of his wife and religion.

Ed receives a kidney transplant, and becomes a motivational speaker.

This is a really nice book (it reads a lot like Gary Carter's books). He keeps his head up through a lot, and seems grateful for all he has. The last chapter is the best, as he is able to connect to the family of the person who's kidney he receives.

Gary Ross 1968-1977

Gary Ross played in the majors from 1968-1977, spending time with the Cubs, Padres, and Angels.

I received a note from Linda Ross recently for Gary.

I asked Gary about his time with the Hawaii Islanders. Linda told me that Gary was on the All Star team for the Islanders, and he was the MVP of the game!

Gary was also in 2 books, "Cubs of 69" by Rick Talley and "Tales of the San Diego Padres" by Bob Chandler and Bill Swank.

Wild Pitches

I am still trying to squeeze in a few more games before the season is over!

Here are a couple of things you might enjoy....

Check out Ben's Blog this week (linked to the left side of the screen under my favorite baseball blogs). He has a fun video of Seals parachuting into Victory Field in Indianapolis!

Also, go to the Akron Aeros site. They have a contest going to rename the team! I am split on this one. They have been the Aeros for some time now.... but.... Aeros is kind of an iffy name. I kind of like the Rubber Ducks suggestion. They do have a cool Star Wars parody video promoting their upcoming fireworks night that is pretty cool. Check that out!

Stan Naccarato- Tacoma Washington Legend

Stan Naccarato has been involved with baseball in Tacoma for decades! He pretty much ran the franchise there forever! If you follow the PCL, or baseball in Washington, you know him!

He very kindly took a moment to let me know about his career recently.

I tells me that he wears World Series rings from the 89 and 90 A's, and the 78 Yankees. He received them as Tacoma had their AAA teams those years. He says that working with those teams was "top dog fun"!

He says that the Yankees and the Mariners are his favorites.

Chris Green- 1984 Pirates

Chris Green played pro baseball from 1980-1987, spending some of 1984 with the Pirates! He sent me a great note recently!

He tells me about his very first major league game.

"It was against my hometown LA Dodgers". He comes in to the game to pitch to a lefty and strikes him out on three pitches! Catching for the Pirates was Tony Pena.

Chris knew that, after a his relief appearance, a pinch hitter would probably be batting. Well, Chris' teammates let him get a batting helmet and head on to the on deck circle. He had his bat ready!

When he looked back, he noticed that the entire team, including manager Chuck Tanner, was getting a big kick out of the situation!

Thanks Chris!

Sandy Vance 1970-1971 Dodgers

Sandy spent some time in the eary 70s with the Dodgers.

He sent a brief note telling me about some of his favorites in baseball.

His favorite team is still the Dodgers, and his favorite former player is Sandy Koufax.

Interestingly, this Dodgers fan says that his current favorite player is Tim Lincecum.

He also notes that his favorite books are "Lefty's Legacy" and "I Live for This".

Tom Walker 1972-1977 Major League Pitcher

Tom Walker played for the Expos, Tigers, Cardinals, and A's during his major league career.

He let me know recently that he was in a book, "61 Humorous and Inspiring Lessons I Learned from Baseball" by Howard Kellman.

Roberto Clemente

"My God, Blass thought. Clemente! He's invincible. He doesn't die. He plays as long as he wants to and then becomes governor of Puerto Rico."

I FINALLY got around to reading the Roberto Clemente biography by David Maraniss titled, "Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero."

This is just a cool book. First off, it is about Clemente. Personally, I love number 21. he is such a mythical figure. He died way before I even came along, but he is so fascinating.

Maraniss shows us a lot about Roberto in this book. The title alone really gets Clemente right. Words like grace, passion, and hero are all very appropriate for the Pirates legend.

I think anyone stopping by this blog knows the story of Roberto Clemente, but if you don't, pick up this book. Sure, it is huge, but it is so good you will read it in no time.

Roberto Clemente is one of the few characters in history who truly sacrifices everything for a cause that he believes in. He personally tries to take food and medical supplies to Nicaragua after a major earthquake. He wants to accompany the supplies himself to make sure that the people get the needed items.


I can think of people in our modern times who might sign a check, or help out a little, but I can't think of someone actually going to a devastated area to make sure the government does not take the supplies.

Maraniss does a great job of covering Roberto's career. He also details the state of the people in Nicaragua. I was not aware of the details concerning the bad condition of the aircraft.

Two of my other favorite baseball characters make appearances in the book. I have met Steve Blass and Manny Sanguillen a couple of times. I love these guys and their connection to Clemente. If you attend a Pirates game in Pittsburgh, Manny is pretty easy to locate. Blass is around too, and it is so great still having these guys around.

St. Cloud Stadium Huntington, WV

West Virginia is a great area with a ton of history! They have had some amazing minor league teams and venues.
I did stop by St. Cloud Stadium recently. This nice little park has been through a LOT and the area has kept it up, but it is especially in need of some care right now.
Check out digitalballparks.com for a very thorough write up on its history.
I am hoping this park still has some life left in it!

Smokies Baseball- Again

West Virginia Power- Charleston WV

There is something really cool about this area of West Virginia. I can't put my finger on it exactly.

And, to be honest, I wasn't really impressed the first time I visited the Charleston and Huntington area. I have heard others express that the area is uneventful.

Well, both Huntington and Charleston have nice malls, cool bookstores, and cool places to eat (I have mentioned Hillbilly Hot Dogs and Billy Bob's Pizza on my other blogs). Plus, for those fascinated with strange events, the area has the Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster!

AND, there is baseball. The Power play at Appalachian Power Park which is barely half a decade old, but it feels like a more mature baseball venue.

The old buildings and the brick do a lot for the place. it is not as fancy as some other parks that have gone up in the last 5-10 years, but that is nice in my books. The area and the park have a very retro feel.

I love this organization and area for many reasons. I have had great experiences with the friendly staff, and the friendly locals. As we went up to buy our tickets, a guy with a group of young kids asked us if we were about to purchase tickets. I told him we were, and he gave us an extra he had!

We thought this was very kind! I have had that happen before in Harrisburg. I have also bought cheap tickets from season ticket holders in different cities for a few bucks or so. Anyway, I just really thought it was nice that someone just gave us a ticket.

The night we were there, the Power were wearing the very retro Charleston Charlies jerseys. I really thought this was great, and it added to the over all throw back feel.

Oh, and the Power have a new mascot since my last visit (and the team was in desperate need of a new one). Chuck is their new giant furry mascot and he is great! I have mentioned before that- in my opinion- the more muppet like the better. Chuck is perfect.

They also had a VERY Erie Seawolves like mascot. In fact, I thought that the Seawolves mascot was at the game for some strange reason. Anyway, he was great too, and I think he is a radio station related mascot involved with the team.


I love the teams small but stocked gift shop. They have $10 pull over jerseys which was nice.

You can walk all the way around the field, and feel very comfortable here. I saw some guys in the bleacher seats who had brought in a radio to listen to the game. There are some great fans in Charleston.

I can't stress enough how much I like this area. Like I said, there is a mall, and a ballpark- two huge pluses. But, I didn't see as many cell phones or texters. The fans were setting and enjoying the game. it is a relaxed area. This is the kind of place where you can go, and truly trick yourself in to thinking you are watching a AAA game in the late 70s.

Florence Freedom

There is a casual party like atmosphere at a Florence Freedom game. The crowds and the security are, in my opinion, a bit more cool than at some of the other parks. The Freedom have a bit more of a sense of humor, and the team plays more small ball than most- making for a very enjoyable evening at the park.

I love the restroom artwork that they display. Check out the Bigfoot painting! TOTALLY COOL!

I love the eyeball race. It is fun..... and creepy. When I am around giant eyeballs, I feel like I am being watched by giants in a Twilight Zone episode.

The Freedom do a better job than most with their on field staff and games. There are some new faces. Check out the guy in the pink shirt. he did a great job of getting the crowd involved. I must admit that I miss the girl they have had the last couple of years. Back flips are awesome.

The Freedom have some of the best mascots too (and I LOVE mascots). Some of their mascots area bit odd (I have no idea what the green guy is- and Sponge Bob is around a lot for some reason too).

Anyway, I am glad the the Florence Freedom are at it again this year!

Juan Valdes

There are many players working their way up through the minor leagues. Thousands.

That is one of the cool things about the minors. Each year, there are some new guys hoping to make it.

I now follow the Kentucky minor league teams closely, and a few others. I like to keep tabs on the Lexington Legends, Indianapolis Indians, and the West Virginia Power.

I did spend a chunk of time in the Cleveland area and became very familiar with their major league team, and pretty much their entire minor league system.

At one time we had season tickets for the Lake County Captains. We really enjoyed the team, the park, and the area. In fact, when we visit other teams and parks, we compare them to the Captains.

One of the Captains players we really pulled for was Juan Valdes. We liked his scrappy style of play, and his happy attitude. We saw him play with the Captains often.

Well, things happen. Some guys get promoted, and eventually have their major league careers or their cups of coffee. Some guys get released.

Juan kind of disappeared from affiliated baseball. I was happy last year to see his name appear on an independent league team's roster. I was even happier to see his name appear on the roster for one of my favorite teams this year, the Florence Freedom!

Sure, the chances of Juan making it to The Show are not as good these days as they were when he started out, but thats OK. he is coming up on a decade long professional baseball career, and that is cool. That does give a guy some bragging rights.

I have enjoyed catching Juan with the Freedom this year and no matter where his career takes him, we are still pulling for him.

Wedding at the park

Oh yes, we have a theme going on this week!

A wedding happened before the Florence Freedom game a few weeks ago!

Bro, you need to thank your wife for letting this happen! Not just the wedding at the ballpark, but also for mixing in the Star Trek theme too! WOW!

Seriously, I could see a bride reluctantly agreeing to getting married before a game. I could see a bride VERY reluctantly agreeing to a Star Trek wedding. Getting both to happen is just too cool. She's a keeper!

More love at the park

Oh yeah! That's ANOTHER marriage proposal at a park this season! Congrats to Tara and her guy!

I think this is great! For what its worth, I proposed to my wife at Natural Bridge.

I would love to hear from anyone involved in a park or stadium marriage proposal!

Love at the Park

OK, I have watched TWO marriage proposals AND a wedding at games this year!!! Both proposals were at Kentucky Parks (Lexington and Bowling Green) AND the weeding was in Florence before a Freedom game!

Congrats to all! Very nice! Oh, and if you were one of the couples at these games, feel free to contact me, I took a few (low quality) photos.

The two pics above were from the Bowling Green game.

Babe Ruth by Rebecca Clark Rau

I have not read a thorough biography on Ruth. Recently, I was looking at books at Joseph Beth and I came across this one by Kentucky author Rebecca Clark Rau.

This is a nice, easy to read volume on Ruth. It is pretty to the point, giving a fun account of each season, of his growing up in Baltimore, and his last days.

Rau does add a little creativity to the account, assuming some of Ruth and his family's thoughts at times, but you can tell where the creative assumptions occur and where the facts are.

I enjoyed reading about Ruth's early days with the minor league Orioles team, and his desire to pitch less as his career went on.

Another thing I like about this book is that the author mentions locations of some of the Ruth landmarks (his dad's bar, for example).

I was happy to see a Kentucky author put such a nice book together! If you have not read up on the Babe, check this book out!

babethelegend.com

Wild Pitches

The Lexington Legends got in to a little fight the other night in Charleston! Check it out!

You know, I do love keeping the game clean and all, but a fight is a fight. AND, fights start because people care about what they are doing. I would like to encourage all players to not fight..... but I am sure as heck glad that these guys feel so passionate about the game. Hats off to both teams.

wchstv.com/newsroom/sports/bbs/bbs110627_680.shtml

Thanks to Josh Lewis and Channel 8 news in Charleston for keeping the cameras going!

Anyone catch Wade Boggs in the SyFy Channel monster movie "Swamp Shark"? The SyFy channel, in my opinion, does a good job on their movies. I thought this was an enjoyable movie. Wade Boggs plays a wimpy cop though. he only appears towards the end of the movie and has a few lines. Still, it was good seeing him!

I heard a few weeks ago about the current situation with Gary Carter. Carter is one of my all time favorites, and I really think the world of him. If you aren't up on his career, or his health issues, go to his web site.

garycarter.org

Obviously, I am hoping things get better with him.....

Tennessee Smokies near Knoxville

I FINALLY had the chance to catch a game at Smokies Park near Knoxville!

I have been through the area before, and I have stopped by to check out the park, but the times before have been on non-game days.

There are a lot of things to like about this park and this team. The park has several very unique features.

The Smokies have one of the coolest souvenir shops around. It is very upscale, unlike some teams that have a kiosk, or stand. They have a great selection of hats, shirts, jerseys, etc. They have always had game used jerseys for sale when I have been there, and they offer game used bats! Their programs are very attractive and reasonable at $2 each.

They have some unique items too, like baseball clocks.

There is a very green hill behind the outfield wall. I like a nice city skyline view at a park, but I love green too. It has a very relaxing, rural feel to it.

Let me take a moment to mention the hotel where we stayed. There is a great Hilton right next door to the park. Walking distance! These days, I have a personal preference for Hyatts in general, but this is a really nice, friendly hotel.

Plus, many of the rooms have a nice view of Smokies Park! I talked to the Assistant GM Timothy there for some time and he was great! The place almost feels like an independent place more than a chain.

Oh, the legendary Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas are close by. Very close to the park here are a great Bass Pro Shop and some other cool little shops.

I did have a little trouble at the concessions. I got a pretzel at the pretzel stand. they did not have cheese, but they said I could try to get some at the main concession area, depending on who I talked to. My drink mix was a bit off too. Then again, it was a hoppin' day when I was there. They were busy.



They do have a cool, refillable cup program thing going on. You buy their travel mug for $10, then refills are a buck after that.

The park itself is just really nice. It has a nice open feel, and it is spacious. You can have a seat on the grass area about the outfield wall, AND you can walk all the way around the park. That is a feature I really appreciate at any park.

So, check out these photos! I will probably be back here soon!

Reggie Baldwin- 1979-1978 Astros

Reggie Baldwin played for the Astros in the late 70s.

He says that his best time in Baseball was hitting his first major league home run in the Astrodome off of Jim Bibby.

Reggie is now pastor of Antioch International Ministries in Ann Arbor.

http://antiochint.org/