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."

Wild Pitches

I had a lot of fun going to games this year. It was, in general, a good baseball year, but I am looking forward to seeing some games again soon!

As the year ends, I have been thinking about some of the parks I visited this past season.

The day we were in August, our game was rained out. Still, the cool staff there stuck around to let us get a look at the park, and they opened the gift shop up for us.

In Asheville, NC we caught a Tourists game an a very good night. Nice crowd and fun staff. The community feel here was very noticeable, as I saw a lot of fans chatting with all of the other fans all over the park. The tourists have one of the funnest vendor personalities in the minors. Tommy Dembinsky is a character and a half. He even took a moment to stop by this blog and comment some.

We saw the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field. The park was perfect. Lots of green. The staff here really impressed me too, as I talked baseball with several of them. The park was upscale yet still very cozy.

We stopped by both of the legendary parks associated with the Durham Bulls. These are must stops on any baseball pilgrimage.

We made it to Knight Stadium to see the Charlotte team play. The park has an outdated feel, but, as newer parks keep getting built, the older ones become more appealing. This park was meant to eventually be transformed into a major league park which really makes it a fun place.

While in Savannah, we swung by the home of the Sand Gnats. VERY cool park with much history. We were given a tour on a non-game day by Chase at the park.

We went to Five County Stadium to see the Carolina Mud Cats. Cool mascot. There was a very small, but enthusiastic crowd there when we visited. The park is covered in netting too. I am not a fan of nets but I understand why parks use them so much.

We saw the indy league Kansas City T-Bones play on a field that can double as a soccer field. GREAT organization with good local support. This is a very fun area too. Kansas City (both of them) are underrated areas.

At the major league level, we saw the Royals and Cardinals at home. We got great seats in Kansas City at a great price. They have a very unusual park, and their Royals Museum is free to visit during games, which is classy! The Cardinals are a great organization in a fun area. With the Arch, the skyline, and a nice downtown area, St. Louis is becoming one of my favorite cities in general.

We visited the Negro League Museum in KC and had fun. I mentioned here that there were a few concerns, curator Raymond Doswell went out of his way to contact me to discuss them. The organization represents a lot of history and they take pride in that. This is another "must see" stop for even the casual baseball fan.

During our Georgia trip, we made it to Royston to see the Ty Cobb Museum. My opinion of Cobb has changed this year. I still think he was a dirty player, who no doubt did some bad things. I do think that his casual attitude in selecting a biographer did some damage to the way he has been viewed in history. After visiting the very nice town of Royston, seeing the hospital that he helped to establish, and reading more material on him than the Al Stump book, I think he was a better person than he gets credit for.

Bruce Look 1968 Minnesota Twins

Bruce Look played for the 1968 Twins, but he also played for the Evansville Triplets from 1970-1971.

"Evansville is a great city. I enjoyed playing there very much and the people were nice."

Don Pepper 1966 Detroit Tigers

Don Pepper played for the Tigers, and he spent 1966-1967 playing for the Toledo Mud Hens!

He sent me a note about the Mud Hens.

"I still follow the Toledo Mud Hens and visit usually at least 1x a year."

"We had 2 great years at Toledo winning the Cup 1 year and the pennant the next."

Ron Locke- 1964 Mets

Ron sent a great note about his career, and his team that he cheers for these days.

"I like to follow the Boston Red Sox and the Pawtucket Red Sox."

"I like to watch Pedroia for the Red Sox because he gives you 110%."

Ron compares him to Pete Rose.

"In 1966 I played with Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, and Tug Mcgraw. That was a big thrill for me because they all played in the Big Leagues."

Wild Pitches

Check out the Astros Daily site. My pal Glynn who runs the Colt .45s Collection of baseball cards site sent them an article mentioning my blog!

Here is a link to Glynn's site:

http://colt45scards.info/

and here is a link to Glynn's article at Astros Daily:

http://astrosdaily.com/column/11012161724fan.html

Check it out. Glynn talks about his efforts to make a baseball card of the player Don Bradey, as no card was ever made of him. It is a cool article, and a cool card!

Moe Morhardt 1961-1962 Chicago Cubs

I got a great witty note from Moe Morhardt recently.

"You baseball fans amaze me about things you dig up... you should be working for the C.I.A."

He does some instructional work these days.

"One of the things I ask the kids I instruct now is, 'What is the first thing that enters your mind when you get a hit?" (They say 'run', I say that is third). They sometimes say 'happy' I say that's second. The first thing that goes through every hitters mind is surprise! It never fails. So what that shows is you really don't have any control over getting a hit. If a single is a surprise, what is a home run supposed to feel like?"

He says that he does not follow the minors, though his grand son bought a hat of the Montgomery Biscuits.

Moe lives in New England, and says he follows the Red Sox. He also likes Chase Utley.

I asked Moe about playing for Lancaster Red Roses.

He says, "I remember quite a bit about playing in Lancaster."

"On August 1st we were in 2nd place, by Labor Day, we were in last."

"We had all our valuables stolen at Springfield after a game including mgr. Phil Cavaretta's All-Star and NL Champion rings."

Continuing about Lancaster, "We were losing a game in Binghamton 13-2 in the 6th inning on Phil's birthday. One of our pitchers told him not to worry, we were 'going to get this one for you'.

Moe says they ended up winning 16-15.

"We had a willow tree hanging over the CF fence. We were down 6-3 in the 9th with the bases loaded. One of our catchers pinch hit a ball that clipped the branch of the willow tree, hit their center fielder between the eyes and knocked him out. Our guys circled the bases for a game winning grand slam."

Moe says that center fielder was Joe Pepitone.

Moe tells me he moved around a lot, especially during his first full year in the pros. He spent time playing and training with the Cubs, Houston AAA, San Antonio AA, and Lancaster A. He was in Arizona too. At one point he went to Nova Scotia and got married!

"Baseball makes you a gypsy."

John Miller- 1966 Yankees and 1969 Dodgers

John Miller played with some great teams, and he spent some time playing with the Harlan Kentucky Smokies in 1962!

"My first year of pro ball I played for Harlan," he says.

He tells me that there is not enough time or paper to describe the town.

I asked him about playing for the legendary Mud Hens.

"I only played in Toledo for a month of the 66 season. I just remember it was cold in April and hot and sticky in August. We did have a big chicken on the front of the ballpark."

Going back to Harlan, he tells me, "in 1962 we would by our beer from May the bootlegger and the sheriff of Harlan county would get shot about every month."

Thanks for the honest and interesting stories John! I do not know May (but I would love to hear more about the bootlegger selling to the team!)!

I can relate about Toledo. I remember a Toledo game in early April of 06 or 07. We had coats on and all, but we had to find blankets! It was freezing! Only a few hundred fans showed up that night.

Wild Pitches

I am glad the Yankees didn't get Cliff Lee.

Bob Feller

I am sure most baseball fans know that the legend, Bob Feller, died last night. Click on the link to the Cleveland Indians web site for more info.

I spent a lot of time in Cleveland myself and had the chance to meet Bob a couple of times. If you ever met him, you know how cool he was. He always looked, and acted about 30 year or more younger than he really was. He was tough.

He was also friendly and generous, yet not afraid to let you know his opinion.

I can't think of another player that would take time out of a pro career in baseball l to join the Navy during a war, and he served proudly during WWII.

If you are not familiar with Feller, read up on him. He is a baseball legend and an American hero. Again, unlike many other players, especially today, he spent his entire career with the Cleveland Indians. He was, in many ways, the ambassador of the team and the city.

One thing that I feel gets over looked at times concerning his career is how he was pushing for racial integration of baseball before many others.

Bob Feller did what he felt was right every time. There are no scandalous stories to plague his record. No rumors of drug use, betting, etc. to tarnish his legend. He was a great baseball player who gave it everything, and who always did what he thought was right. His career was never interrupted by a suspension, or by suspicion, only by service to his country.

Bob Feller had 92 years with us, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were glad to have him.

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20101215&content_id=16328458&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

Mike Lee- 1960 Indians and 1963 Angels

Mike Lee spent a couple of years at the major league level. He sent a nice little note.

He says that he likes his home town Padres as a team.

I asked him about playing for the legendary Hawaii Islanders.

"Hawaii was a long time ago" he said.

His favorite memory was pitching to Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle.

Al Neiger 1960 Philadelphia Phillies

Al Neiger sent a note answering some questions and telling me a great story involving Louisville!

Al says that his favorite team is his old team, the Phillies. Chase Utley is a current favorite player. Stan Musial is his favorite former player.

I asked Al about playing with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

"1961 we were the league champions. 1963 I had a good year pitching even though we finished next to last place."

Concerning any time in Louisville, Al tells me he, "played for Buffalo in 1960 (International League). We were playing Louisville (at Louisville). Both teams shared the same trainer in those years. I was waiting for the trainer to finish with one of the Louisville pitchers."

Al and the Louisville pitcher introduced themselves to each other and they discovered that their names were spelled similarly, though they were pronounced differently.

Al's Swiss-German name is pronounced "Nigh" ger. The other player had the Polish name "Nee" kro.

Man, I have asked several players if they have a good Kentucky story, and I keep getting stories about Phil Niekro! Phil spent some time with the Louisville Colonels, and it seems he made a lot of friends during that time!

Wild Pitches

Just keep thinking to yourself, "pitchers and catchers report in February."

Just a quick note on Bob Feller. I have heard that his health is not the best.....

The guy is a legend, taking time out of an amazing baseball career to contribute to the efforts in WWII.

He has already squeezed in several lifetimes worth of living in his life. Word is he is at the Cleveland Clinic right now dealing with those health concerns.

I am sure all baseball fans are thinking about one of the toughest guys ever in sports right now.

Ken MacKenzie- Mets, Braves, Astros and Giants

Ken MacKenzie spent time with several teams in the 60s.

"I'll tell you a little about 1960- and the Louisville Colonels."

"I came north with the Braves in '60- we played the Reds on the way up- Jacksonville, Atlanta, Columbus SC and Louisville. I was still a non-roster player. Charlie Dressen left me in Louisville when the Braves went on to Milwaukee. The Colonels were still in Florida."

He went home for five days.

"The Braves called me up about 3 weeks later- I pitched in 3 games- 1/3, 2/3, and 10 innings. The 10 inning stint we won in the 18th. Dressen asked me about my record as I was signing my first big league contract."

Dressen asked Ken about his record, which was 1-0, with 11 innings pitched and a perfect 0.0 ERA.

"If I'd given up a run in the 10th of the 18 inning game, I'd have pitched 2 innings."

Ken ended up staying 62 days, and was then sent back to Louisville because, management felt, he was a relief pitcher and they needed a starter.

"That was in St. Louis. Nottebart started- gave up 7 runs in 7 innings. His only start. He got sent down and a relief pitcher called up- Chi Chi Olivo."

Ken stayed in Louisville.

"We had a good run. We won the pennant, playoffs and Junior World Series. Of the 12 wins in the playoffs and JWS, I had 8 saves and wins. Never pitched better. Bob Uecker was catching. We beat Toronto in the JWS- 4-2 I believe- Sparky Anderson played second for the Maple Leafs. That was 50 years ago."

Ken's older son, Kenny, will be 50 in October he says. He was born in Toronto when Ken got a job for the winter.

"I had spoken at a Rotary meeting while we were playing in Toronto and mentioned that I'd be looking for a job for the winter. Got one. Kenny was born about 3 1/2 weeks after we went north."

"1960 was a good year. I got to the majors (before expansion), we won the JWS (I was the MVP of the Colonels), Kenny was born- a healthy bonus baby, and we thought I was going to have a big league career."

Thanks for letting me know about your great connection to Louisville Ken!

Jeff Long, 1963-1964 Cardinals, and 1964 White Sox

Kentuckian Jeff Long sent me a very nice note about his career, and Kentucky.

He says his, "best Kentucky memory is being signed by a fellow Kentuckian to a contract with the Cardinals."

Mo Mozzalli signed him.

"I loved all the players in my era- I met a lot of wonderful people."

Locally, he says, "I always hit well in Indianapolis and Columbus while at Atlanta in triple A."