Harold Friend
Living in Mount Kisco, NY
Total page views: 32,271
Published Content: 348
Fans: 4
On AC since: 10.18.06
Bio:
I am a science teacher who loves baseball. More likely, I am a baseball fan who became a science teacher because I couldn't hit or throw a baseball.
I received my doctorate in science education from NYU in 1968.
I am a science teacher who loves baseball. More likely, I am a baseball fan who became a science teacher because I couldn't hit or throw a baseball.
I received my doctorate in science education from NYU in 1968.
Education/Experience:
NYU Doctorate
NYU Doctorate
Motto:
We might not win, but we must ensure that we never, ever lose.
We might not win, but we must ensure that we never, ever lose.
Affiliations:
None
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Showing Results 1 - 200 of 348
Chris Davis is on a pace to strike out about 240 times, which would easily eclipse Mark Reynolds' record of 204 set last season.
By Harold Friend | Published 7/2/2009 | Read more »
It is impossible to compare the relief pitchers of yesteryear to modern closers.
By Harold Friend | Published 7/1/2009 | Read more »
Under the bonus player rule, Koufax had to be with Brooklyn for two years before the could be sent to the minors. Koufax received $20,000 to sign.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/30/2009 | Read more »
The Cardinals, Dodgers, and Reds were embroiled in a tight pennant race when the Cardinals sent Medwick to Brooklyn
By Harold Friend | Published 6/29/2009 | Read more »
Two plays that occurred within a month of each other in 1951 have highlighted Phil Rizzuto's career.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/25/2009 | Read more »
Kenny Rogers won over 200 games because he pitched for 20 years. He was an average pitcher at best, and had as many poor seasons as good ones.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/24/2009 | Read more »
Upon close scrutiny, it would not be out of the question for Kenny Rogers to wind up in the Hall of Fame.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/23/2009 | Read more »
One never knows what is going to happen in a baseball game. Pennant-winning teams might struggle against cellar-dwellars, or a play that has never been seen could occur. There are no guarantees.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/20/2009 | Read more »
Willie Mays' greatest play was a brilliant catch and a seemingly impossible throw against Brooklyn in 1951.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/18/2009 | Read more »
Joe DiMaggio was more effective than Mickey Mantle in getting runners home, and Joe was more likely to score runs than Mickey.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/17/2009 | Read more »
When comparing similar players whose careers spanned the same era, many variables exist that cannot be controlled. It is impossible to definitively determine the better player.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/16/2009 | Read more »
Mickey Mantle called his 1959 season the worst of his career, but in 2009, it doesn't seem so bad.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/15/2009 | Read more »
Brian Bruney laced into former Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez for his actions when he finishes a game.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/14/2009 | Read more »
Now that Andy Pettitte is near the end of his pitching days, there is speculation with respect to whether Pettitte is a Hall of Famer.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/13/2009 | Read more »
The first time he saw Mickey Mantle play, Tom Greenwade said,"He was kind of a bitty thing and not too much to see."
By Harold Friend | Published 6/11/2009 | Read more »
Red Barber told fans the truth. The Yankees didn't like the truth.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/8/2009 | Read more »
Carlton Fisk's dramatic game-winning home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 has been viewed so often, it is likely that most younger fans think it won the 1975 World Series
By Harold Friend | Published 6/7/2009 | Read more »
Statistics must be evaluated. Omissions must be identified.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/6/2009 | Read more »
Ted Kluszewski's back problems began in the spring of 1956. He thought it was a pulled muscle, but it hampered him all season and changed his career.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/5/2009 | Read more »
Modern baseball fans that evaluate baseball players using statistical methodologies recognize the value of Nick Swisher.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/4/2009 | Read more »
In 1969, as part of baseball's centennial celebration, Pie Traynor was named the greatest third baseman in baseball history.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/3/2009 | Read more »
The funeral service for Lou Gehrig was as simple and as modest as the man. On a rainy day in New York, only about 100 relatives, friends, and associates were at Christ Church in Riverdale.
By Harold Friend | Published 6/2/2009 | Read more »
"He made all his money in the American League, so why doesn't he stay there? I don't believe he was ever worth $80,000 a year."
By Harold Friend | Published 5/31/2009 | Read more »
The New York Yankees attempt to project Lou Gehrig as the team's image, but John Sterling announces their games.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/30/2009 | Read more »
Danny Murtaugh had scouted the Orioles for the Pirates. He didn't go along with the experts' predictions of an easy Dodgers' World Championship.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/29/2009 | Read more »
A column Arthur Daley wrote before the 1966 World Series serves as a template for all who do consider them baseball authorities.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/28/2009 | Read more »
Home run totals must be presented in context. It is possible for 30 home runs in a season to be more impressive than 40 home runs in a different season.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/27/2009 | Read more »
Contrary to popular belief, Pete Rose was considered a great guy and was one of the most liked players in the majors.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/26/2009 | Read more »
Pete Rose tied Ty Cobb's career hit record in Chicago on a dreary, dark day in a game that was not played to a decision.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/25/2009 | Read more »
Joe DiMaggio told reporters that he had played his last game. "I have made up my mind to retire and that is my present intention. I have given it considerable thought."
By Harold Friend | Published 5/24/2009 | Read more »
The beauty of two managers matching wits is rarely seen in American League games. So much is eliminated because the designated hitter rule has not been and never will be eliminated.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/23/2009 | Read more »
Al Simmons was one of the greatest left fielders in baseball history. He was a major player in Philadelphia's three consecutive pennants from 1929-31.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/22/2009 | Read more »
Willie Mays returned to New York in May 1972 when the San Francisco Giants traded him to the New York Mets for pitcher Charlie Williams.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/21/2009 | Read more »
The Braves avoided the most ignominious loss in playoff history in 1999, when they played the wild card New York Mets.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/20/2009 | Read more »
Paul O'Neill wanted to win, but he hated to lose so much, he would do anything to win. As a character in The Wire once said, "You like to win. I don't like to lose. It's not the same thing."
By Harold Friend | Published 5/19/2009 | Read more »
Teflon Joe would not change one lineup decision, pitching move, or strategic approach.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/18/2009 | Read more »
The Red Sox were in their clubhouse after having beaten Kansas City to run their record to 27-15, but most of the players were not showering or changing into street clothes. They were watching television.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/17/2009 | Read more »
Neither Hal Steinbrenner nor Randy Levine has to worry about clearing a date on their busy calendars during the off season to receive an award that Phil Wrigley received in 1957.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/16/2009 | Read more »
Despite having three solid seasons following a mediocre rookie year, Mickey was still only the third best New York center fielder, ranked below the Giants' Willie Mays and Brooklyn's Duke Snider.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/15/2009 | Read more »
There was a time when the all-star game was a game that each league wanted to win.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/13/2009 | Read more »
Enos Slaughter, who had been with the Cardinals since 1938, broke down and cried when he learned that he was traded to the Yankees.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/12/2009 | Read more »
It is possible for a pitcher to pitch a shutout but not be credited with a complete game.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/11/2009 | Read more »
Alex blasted Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie's first pitch into the left field stands for a 3-run home run. The extraordinary feat brought back memories of August 4, 1963.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/9/2009 | Read more »
Mickey Mantle has often said that opening day at Yankee Stadium in 1951 was the worst day of his baseball career.
By Harold Friend | Published 5/8/2009 | Read more »
On Dec. 5, 1978, the Philadelphia Phillies made Pete Rose baseball's highest paid player when they signed him to a four-year contract worth $800,000 a season.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/25/2009 | Read more »
WHIP and ERA are two excellent measures of a pitcher's skills and effectiveness.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/24/2009 | Read more »
"The Red Sox were one of the most racist teams in baseball. You've got a 50-year legacy of difficulties between the Red Sox and the African-American population." Howard Bryant
By Harold Friend | Published 4/24/2009 | Read more »
Batting average, on base average, ERA, and wins help refute the conclusion that the best all time players were the best old timers.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/20/2009 | Read more »
Jackie Robinson, one of the fiercest competitors to have ever played the game, had no qualms about joining the New York Giants.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/17/2009 | Read more »
The key play of the Yankees-Rays game came on a 3-0 pitch to Pat Burrell with Rays runners on first and third and no outs in the seventh inning.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/15/2009 | Read more »
The 21-year-old Mantle connected as only Babe Ruth had ever connected. The ball exploded off the bat and landed more than 560 feet from its point of origin.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/12/2009 | Read more »
Many players had played for the other team, the pitcher hit seventh, and the manager was criticized for taking out his pitcher after only seven innings.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/11/2009 | Read more »
The seller of the house Willie Mays wanted to purchase was afraid he wouldn't find work if he sold it to Willie.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/8/2009 | Read more »
Only 3 of the top 21 career leaders in on base average batted right-handed. The 7 leaders batted left-handed. Among the top 30 on base average career leaders, only 5 batted right-handed.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/7/2009 | Read more »
The most difficult decision fans had to make was the selection of the National League's center fielder. Willie Mays was having a great season, but so was Duke Snider.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/5/2009 | Read more »
Pedro Martinez had two of the greatest consecutive seasons of any pitcher in baseball history, when he pitched for the Red Sox in 1999 and 2000.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/2/2009 | Read more »
Ned Garver, pitching for the 52-102 Browns, and Murray Dickson, who worked for the 64-90 Pirates, each won 20 games.
By Harold Friend | Published 4/1/2009 | Read more »
From 1972, his first season with the Angels, through 1974, Nolan Ryan averaged 314 innings pitched, 1300 batters faced a season, 174 walks, and 360 strikeouts.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/30/2009 | Read more »
Miguel Tejada and Buck Weaver both kept quiet. Tejada was put on probation. Weaver was banished from baseball forever.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/27/2009 | Read more »
There is a tendency to excuse or even disregard Mickey Mantle's last few seasons, which has resulted in Mickey being ranked higher today than when he played.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Evaluating players statistically has resulted in Mickey Mantle becoming better in 2009 than he was when he was an active player.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/25/2009 | Read more »
Mention Bobby Thomson's home run and people think of Ralph Branca, but not too many fans talk about Don Newcombe, who started the game.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/24/2009 | Read more »
Mr. Steinbrenner has frightened fans away. He has told them time after time that they are risking their lives if they go to a game in the Bronx.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/23/2009 | Read more »
Whitey Lockman was a solid performer who appeared in the 1951 and 1954 World Series with the Giants. Lockman was the type of player who typified an "unsung" hero.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/22/2009 | Read more »
Manny Ramirez is one of the greatest players of all time. The 21st century is the era of statistics and Manny Ramirez' accomplishments rank with the best.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/19/2009 | Read more »
The Marines' Public Information Office claimed that Williams' selection was a chance event. An IBM machine went through the cards and Williams' name went into the hopper.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/19/2009 | Read more »
The Yankees wanted to cut Mickey Mantle's salary from $72,000 to $60,000 following Mickey's disappointing 1959 season in which he hit .285, with 31 home runs and 75 RBIs.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/18/2009 | Read more »
Writer Arthur Daley believed Bill Terry, Harry Heilmann, and Dizzy Dean rated automatic selection because Terry and Heilmann each had batted over .400, while Dean had won 30 games.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/17/2009 | Read more »
In 1953, Al Rosen led the league with 43 home runs, and 145 RBIs. He trailed Washington's Mickey Vernon in hitting .333 to .336 with one game left to play.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/16/2009 | Read more »
If Alex Rodriguez played the entire 2009 season in good health, a rough comparison could be made to his other Yankees' seasons. That will not happen.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
The Philadelphia Athletics used only Jack Coombs and Chief Bender in winning the 1910 World Series.
By Harold Friend | Published 3/9/2009 | Read more »
Joe Torre believed that he had four consecutive bad years. His problems started after he led the National League in batting with a .363 average, in hits, with 230, in RBIs, with 137 and in total bases, with 352.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
When the season ended on September 27, 1959, the Dodgers and Braves were tied for first, which necessitated a best of three playoff series opening in Milwaukee.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
The Mets acquired Joe Torre from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitchers Ray Sadecki and Tommy Moore in 1974.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/16/2009 | Read more »
The Seventh Game of the 1940 World Series Was a Game For the Ages.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/13/2009 | Read more »
The Long Season was Jim Brosnan's diary of the 1959 season that conveys the grind of a baseball season and the experiences of the average player.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/12/2009 | Read more »
Jeff Kent's offensive production is eerily similar to Jim Rice's. Their batting averages, home run totals, and RBI totals are almost the same.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/12/2009 | Read more »
At the end of play on October 6, 1904, the Boston Americans led the New York Highlanders by a 1/2 game. Boston had won two more games than New York, but had also lost one more game.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/5/2009 | Read more »
Bucky Dent became a Yankee on April 5, 1977. Dent's home run against the Red Sox occurred in a game that was a tie breaker playoff, not a playoff for the pennant.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/3/2009 | Read more »
George Steinbrenner replaced Bucky Dent with Stump Merrill on June 6, 1990.
By Harold Friend | Published 2/2/2009 | Read more »
There is much debate with respect to whether a player belongs in the Hall of Fame, but almost nothing is discussed about those who have the power to decide.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/29/2009 | Read more »
The most intense enemies in baseball history were the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. Events at the end of the 1941 season graphically illustrate the depth of hatred.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/22/2009 | Read more »
The 1941 American League season was different in many ways. The Yankees won the pennant by 17 games over the second-place Red Sox
By Harold Friend | Published 1/19/2009 | Read more »
The dugout conversation at the Polo Grounds before the 1954 New York Giants' home opener was typical of players and managers who have yet to experience their first loss of the season.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/15/2009 | Read more »
Roger Kahn called Joe DiMaggio the last American Knight. He was a quiet, private individual who let his bat and glove do his talking, which was admired in the 1940s, but American values have changed.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/12/2009 | Read more »
The 1927 Giants' Bill Terry, Rogers Hornsby, Fred Lindstrom and Travis Jackson made up the best infield combination ever assembled when one considers their entire careers.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/8/2009 | Read more »
McGinnis, Collins, Baker and Barry were the $100,000 infield. The $100,000 referred to the money Philadelphia Athletics' owner Connie Mack could get for the players if he were to sell their services, which he eventually did.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/8/2009 | Read more »
On December 31, 1974, Catfish Hunter signed a five-year contract with the Yankees for $3.75 million. "Just walking into Yankee Stadium chills run through you. No matter how much money is offered, if you want to be a Yankee, you don't think about it."
By Harold Friend | Published 1/5/2009 | Read more »
Dom DiMaggio robbed Joe DiMaggio of many potential hits, but he loved and admired his older brother.
By Harold Friend | Published 1/5/2009 | Read more »
Rogers Hornsby died on January 5, 1963. His obituary headline simply repeated what no one questioned. "Hornsby, in Death, Acclaimed for Great Hitting. He Is Called Greatest Right Handed Batter in History."
By Harold Friend | Published 1/2/2009 | Read more »
C.C. Sabathia is being paid about 9 times what Allie Reynolds was paid when the numbers are adjusted. A.J. Burnett is receiving about 6 times Allie Reynolds' salary.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/23/2008 | Read more »
Laughing Larry Doyle was an outstanding second baseman who played most of his career with the New York Giants from 1907-1920. He was the first slugging second sacker.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/18/2008 | Read more »
Immediately after signing C.C. Sabathia in December, it was revealed that the Yankees were interested in Mike Cameron and Bill Hall.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/18/2008 | Read more »
During the time Joe Gordon was eligible to be voted into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, he never received more than 28.5% of the votes.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/17/2008 | Read more »
Sandy Koufax was referred to as "probably the greatest pitcher of modern times" by a number of baseball writers as well as by many opponents.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/17/2008 | Read more »
Nellie Fox looked like a little boy playing second base, but no one was tougher than Nellie Fox. With his trademark chew of tobacco making his jaw jut out, the 5'9", 150 lb. Nellie Fox did whatever was necessary to win.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/12/2008 | Read more »
Zoilo Versalles was the American League's Most Valuable Player despite 39 errors and 122 strikeouts. He also won a gold glove.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/9/2008 | Read more »
Ernie Banks played shortstop for the Cubs from 1954-1961. He hit 44, 28, 43, 47, 45, and 41 home runs from 1955-1960, which topped the totals of Henry Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays for that time period.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
On October 5, 2001, a record was set that will never be broken. The greatest home run hitter since Babe Ruth hit his 71st home run of the season off Los Angeles' right hander Chan Ho Park, breaking Mark McGwire's single season home run record.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/4/2008 | Read more »
The Red Sox announced in October, 1980, that Ralph Houk would be Don Zimmer's replacement as their manager. Ralph Houk had managed the Yankees and then the Tigers before retiring after the 1978 season.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/4/2008 | Read more »
New York City Mayor David Dinkins: "I understand rules are rules, but it is not inappropriate to inquire as to the rationale for a rule, and that one beats me. I want to know if he can take two and hit to right."
By Harold Friend | Published 12/3/2008 | Read more »
Mike Mussina was a better pitcher than Tom Glavine. Statistically, Mike Mussina tops Tom Glavine in EVERY major category, except career wins.
By Harold Friend | Published 12/2/2008 | Read more »
Without Boyer's grand slam, the Cardinals would not have won the game or the World Series, but neither would they have won if it were not for Roger Craig and Ron Taylor.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
With the exception of Alex Rodriguez, David Wright is the greatest third baseman in New York baseball history. The conclusion is based only upon seasons played with a New York team.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Yogi Berra was criticized as not being smart, not being able to handle his players, and not being able to enforce rules.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
The Yankees face the real possibility that Nick Swisher, the player who hit .219 -- a Steve Balboni type batting average -- will be the first baseman.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/21/2008 | Read more »
After Bob Watson left, thirty year old Brian Cashman became the general manager. When asked about his strength as a talent evaluator, Mr. Cashman replied, "It's not a strength."
By Harold Friend | Published 11/21/2008 | Read more »
Preacher Roe was 93-37 with Brooklyn, which is an incredible .715 winning percentage. He was a "junk ball" pitcher who was a winner.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/20/2008 | Read more »
Roger Maris was a great defensive player. It is too bad that the most important play he ever made has not received the recognition it deserves.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/20/2008 | Read more »
Rose slid into the bag with his hands high, his elbows made contact with Harrelson, the 140 pound shortstop went after the 200 pound Rose, and they tumbled to the ground trying to kill each other.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/20/2008 | Read more »
The Indians were overwhelming favorites to become World Champions, but a great catch and a 250 foot home run changed everything.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/16/2008 | Read more »
On September 24, it was reported by the United Press that Durocher and the Giants would part company after the season by mutual consent. Neither Durocher nor the Giants would comment.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/15/2008 | Read more »
Trading Hero Bobby Thomson was unpopular with the fans, but winning the World Series made them happy.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/13/2008 | Read more »
Fans who left Shea Stadium on July 8 knew that these were not the same Mets.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/12/2008 | Read more »
The Mets were in first place for the first time in eight years. From the time the Mets trailed the Cubs by 9 1/2 games, the Mets went 22-6 while the Cubs were 11-16.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/12/2008 | Read more »
The largest crowd in Shea Stadium history was tense as Seaver went to the mound in the ninth. He had a great fastball which was overpowering the Cubs' batters. Three more consecutive outs and Seaver would be perfect.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/12/2008 | Read more »
Andy Hawkins no-hit Chicago for eight innings but lost 4-0. A year later, MLB ruled that it was not a no-hitter.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
The 1960 baseball season was the last in which each league consisted of eight teams. There are now 30 teams, three division winners and a "wild card" in each league. Six expansion teams have been World Champions at least once.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
Jamie Moyer pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs, but statistics must be put in the proper context to be meaningful.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
The Tigers finished at 90-63, which was ½ game better than the Indians 90-64. In 1908, there was no provision to make up a rained out game, even if it had a bearing on the pennant race.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/5/2008 | Read more »
By the middle of the second inning, most of the 45,123 paying customers were ready to go home. Boston scored 4 runs in the first and 5 in the second, staking Clemens to a 9-0 lead.
By Harold Friend | Published 11/1/2008 | Read more »
The second game of a Tigers-Yankees doubleheader on July 28, 1957, has become a prime example of how the game used to be played.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/29/2008 | Read more »
Bill Skowron played from 1954-67 for the Yankees, Los Angeles, Washington, the White Sox, and the Angels. He was a powerful right handed hitter who played a major part in his team's winning 8 pennants and 5 World Championships.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Yankees' manager Miller Huggins made some radical line up changes. The most significant replacement was twenty-two year old Lou Gehrig taking over at first base for the veteran Wally Pipp.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
On May 22, 1963 Mickey Mantle came within six feet of hitting a fair ball out of Yankee Stadium. Mickey hit a 2-2 Bill Fischer pitch off the upper facade in right field.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
In 1963, the Yankees lost four consecutive games to Los Angeles. It hurt less than losing the seventh game in 1960.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Sisler is one of many outstanding players whose career is slowly but surely fading away as the years pass. It is a shame.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Allie Reynolds started the first game with the chance to clinch a tie for the pennant. The Yankees had an 8-0 lead in the ninth, but things were far from comfortable.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
The New York Times reported that the decision did NOT foreshadow a shift to another city, but did acknowledge that the team could move at some future date.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Stoneham suggested that city-owned park should be constructed in the East Bronx, near the Whitestone Bridge, to house his Giants as well as the New York Yankees.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Winners may not like those who help them win, but they prefer teammates whom they hate if they help them win.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
We are starting a Fantasy Baseball Hall of Fame team. The only rule that is that any player selected to the team must be a member of the Hall of Fame.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Being an ex- teammate of Posada, Jeter, Pettitte, Rivera, and Farnsworth had no effect. Joe's problem was starting pitching thinner than a young Twiggy.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
They were one of the greatest, most dominant World Champions since World War II, yet they are almost never mentioned when outstanding teams are discussed.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/27/2008 | Read more »
Don Larsen lost more games in his career than he won, but his World Series perfect game makes him unforgettable.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/26/2008 | Read more »
Gene Woodling has become almost unknown as the years have passed, but he is one of only twelve players who has played on five consecutive World Champions.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Derek Jeter and Mariano spoke with Hawkins and LaTroy exchanged number 21 for number 22, but that number has a more illustrious history than number 21.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
If a player thinks he will be sent to a contender at the trading deadline, will his play against that team be affected before the trade?
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Dave Martinez, Dave Kingman, and Wes Covington are among the "select" group whose members have played on four teams during the same season.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Evers was a good player but not even close to being a Hall of Famer. Neither he nor shortstop Joe Tinker should be Hall of Famers.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
The 1948 Indians, with Ken Keltner, Lou Boudreau, and Joe Gordon, had an all-100 RBIs infield.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Elston Howard, a great catcher, made an outstanding catch playing left field for the Yankees in the 1958 World Series. It led to the World Championship.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
A portion of the American population couldn't to be employed by major league baseball teams because their skin contained too much of the pigment melanin.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
In 1996 Paul Molitor hit 9 home runs with 113 RBIs. In 1985, Tommy Herr had 8 home runs with 110 RBIs. And in 1950, George Kell hit 8 home runs with 108 RBIs.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Roger Maris irritated many with his angry stubbornness and his fierce, combative integrity.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
Koufax's best years came at the END of his career. Mattingly's came at the beginning. What if that had been reversed?
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
The pitcher, the catcher, and the hitter were all Jewish. It is the only known time in major league baseball that has occurred.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
The Cubs needed a big break to get to the 1908 World Series, which might be the real reason that the Cubs have not won the World Series in 100 years.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
For three consecutive years, the Mets added a great young pitcher. First Tom Seaver, then Jerry Koosman, and finally Gary Gentry. And Nolan Ryan was also there.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
The young fire baller said that the Mets failed to help him develop, partially because manager Gil Hodges and pitching coach Rube Walker were uncommunicative.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
In the near future, there will be an international baseball tournament, and a short time after its inception, there may be a "foreign" World Champion.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/25/2008 | Read more »
The Red Sox and Mets won pennants after finishing ninth. The Twins and Braves won pennants after finishing last.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Mike Mussina has concluded that a starting pitcher who wins 50 percent of his starts is successful. He is right on target.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Government interference in a private enterprise has occurred as long the game has been played. Baseball and its fans can manage without politicans.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Today's older fans enjoy telling young fans how much the old players cared, but that is simplistic. Players cared about winning, but primarily because of money.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Bonds batted 30 times as his Giants battled the Angels in a memorable seven game set. Barry had 8 hits, including 4 home runs and 13 walks. He hit .471 with a .700 OBA.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Barry Bonds became a free agent after the 1992 season. His original team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, had no chance of signing him because they could not come close to meeting his demand of about $43 million for six years.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/24/2008 | Read more »
Willie Mays played baseball because he loved the game. It didn't matter if he played at the Polo Grounds, on the streets of Harlem, or on the sandlots
By Harold Friend | Published 10/23/2008 | Read more »
Is it possible that some baseball players use Viagra? Is it possible that some players, especially pitchers, had their performances enhanced by using Viagra?
By Harold Friend | Published 10/23/2008 | Read more »
The Yankees are the most successful business venture among baseball teams, but generating revenues must be the means to an end.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/23/2008 | Read more »
From Friday, August 12 through and including Saturday, August 27, the Yankees played 10 doubleheaders and 23 games. When is the last time you saw free baseball?
By Harold Friend | Published 10/23/2008 | Read more »
After the Yankees won Game 4 in 1938, Joe McCarthy said, "The best club won. We had everything. We are the greatest ball club ever assembled.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/22/2008 | Read more »
6,917 fans were in attendance when Gehrig's consecutive games played streak reached 2,000. Compare that to the game in which his record was eclipsed.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/22/2008 | Read more »
Roger Clemens pitched for Boston from 1984-1996. Most of his awards were achieved as a member of the Boston Red Sox and his best seasons were with the Sox.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/22/2008 | Read more »
Vince DiMaggio struck out too much but he was a fine outfielder with power.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/22/2008 | Read more »
Roger Maris would have been happy being a solid player on a good team in a small city. He never wanted to be the straw. He preferred being part of the drink.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/22/2008 | Read more »
On September 6, 1981, George Steinbrenner, knowing that his team would soon be in the playoffs, fired Yankees' manager Gene Michael. Less than a year later, Michael was again the Yankees' manager.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Joe DiMaggio had a great sophomore season, the Yankees usually bludgeoned the opposition, but Gehringer was voted the Most Valuable Player.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Yankees' owner Jacob Ruppert was adamant that Joe would receive no more than $25,000, despite batting .346 with 46 HRs and 167 RBIs.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Gaylord Perry admitted that he cheated. He is in the Hall of Fame, but the Hall of Fame does not acknowledge that he broke any rules.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Yankees' owner Colonel Jacob Ruppert's personal physician recommended that Joe have his tonsils removed to cure his bad arm.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Joe Torre's 2004 Yankees are the only team to lose a playoff series after leading, three games to none.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Babe Ruth informed everyone at Wrigley Field in the fifth inning of the third game of the 1932 World Series that he was going to hit a home run.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
After the Yankees blasted the Giants in Game 2, Freddie Fitzsimmons lost a heartbreaker at Yankee Stadium in the third game.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
Lou Gehrig was the MVP and Joe DiMaggio was the majors' top rookie, yet the possibility of a pay cut for Gehrig was not considered a ridiculous possibility.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
Before a rain drenched crowd of 42,000 fans at the Polo Grounds, the New York Giants, behind the screwball of lefty ace Carl Hubbell, defeated the Yankees, 6-1.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
A line drive that might have won the game was caught as DiMaggio disappointed in his first all-star game appearance.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
The Yankees' hitters, led by Gehrig, DiMaggio, Dickey and Lazzeri, were matched against Carl Hubbell and a great Giants' pitching staff.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/18/2008 | Read more »
The sensational rookie asserted himself with positive results to give the league leading Yankees an overtime triumph over the Yawkey minions.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/18/2008 | Read more »
Joe DiMaggio was a great defensive outfielder, but even the best have bad moments.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/18/2008 | Read more »
After his contract was sold to the Yankees in 1934, DiMaggio played in the Pacific Coast League in 1935, hitting .398 with 34 home runs. He joined the Yankees in 1936.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/18/2008 | Read more »
1929, the Chicago Cubs were National League champions. Managed by Joe McCarthy, the Cubs met Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics in the post season, which at that time consisted of a best of seven set called the World Series.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/17/2008 | Read more »
DiMaggio, whose work afield was sparkling all afternoon, made a spectacular ninth inning throw to home, cutting off the potential game tying run.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/17/2008 | Read more »
The 1961 Yankees were one of the best of all teams, but the 1962 Yankees are a forgotten World Championship team that didn't approach its previous season statistically.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/17/2008 | Read more »
Both are among the greatest of all players, but Joe DiMaggio was a better hitter and a clearly superior fielder compared to Mickey. The facts support that contention.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/17/2008 | Read more »
After winning the 1962 Rookie of the Year Award, it was expected that Tresh would join the other Yankees greats. It was not to be.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/17/2008 | Read more »
Torre's teams finished first as many times as Stengel's, but Torre won 4 fewer pennants because he was defeated in the playoffs, which didn't exist when Stengel managed.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/16/2008 | Read more »
The drugs they legitimately hunt down should not be those that enhance performance but those that endanger health. That should be the only criterion.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/16/2008 | Read more »
A starting pitcher wins but doesn't pitch at least five innings, the Cubs blow an 8 run lead, and the Athletics win the Series in their last at bat.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
The 1986 Boston Red Sox World Series defeat remains the worst in baseball history. There is virtually no chance that any team will ever suffer a more agonizing loss.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
Sports writing was different in the 1930s and 1940s from what it is today. The general attitude during most of Joe DiMaggio's career was heroic coverage of heroes.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
If Ted had one more hit or one less at bat, he would have become the first player to win the Triple Crown three times. Since 1901, only he and Rogers Hornsby have won it twice.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
Alex Rodriguez's contract is merely another example of the disingenuousness that exists in society. Baseball is a reflection of society.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
Minnie Minoso was one of the best players of the 1950s. He was a pioneer who had a Hall of Fame career, but he will never be voted into the Hall of Fame.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/15/2008 | Read more »
There was a time when people went to the ball park to see a baseball game. They wanted to be in "their ball park," and they wanted to leave the ball park happy, which meant that "their" team had to win -- or at least try as hard as possible to win.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/14/2008 | Read more »
The Yankees had to beat Toronto five consecutive times to win the Division title. They didn't.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/14/2008 | Read more »
There is no arguing the point. Iron Man Joe McGinnity and Christy Mathewson had the greatest season of any pitcher teammates in baseball history. Each won over 30 games.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/14/2008 | Read more »
Raines is an admitted former cocaine addict. Bonds and McGwire have not been proved of using steroids. Guess who has the best chance of becoming a Hall of Famer.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/14/2008 | Read more »
In 1957, Willie Mays became only the fourth player to hit at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, and 20 home runs in the same season.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/14/2008 | Read more »
Bert Blyleven and Ferguson Jenkins have similar lifetime statistics, but Jenkins had many more dominating seasons . Johnson was better than either of them.
By Harold Friend | Published 10/13/2008 | Read more »
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