May 22, 1998, was a big day in New York Met history.
The Mets traded a bunch of minor leaguers to the Florida Marlins for Mike Piazza — who would lead them to the Subway Series in 2000.
One week prior to that, the Marlins acquired Piazza and Todd Zeile from the L.A. Dodgers for a package that included Gary Sheffield and Bobby Bonilla.
The Marlin Firesale, much a like The Masters, a tradition like no other.
Zack Greinke broke his collarbone last night in an insane brawl that was perpetrated by Carlos Quentin.
If legendary brawler Ray Knight played for the Dodgers, things might have shook out differently.
Although kudos to Matt Kemp for attempting a postgame fight with Quentin in the bowels of Dodger Stadium. Bonus points for insulting Stanford, Quentin’s alma mater.
“I think Carlos Quentin went to Stanford, something like that?” Kemp said after the game. “I heard there’s smart people at Stanford. That wasn’t too smart. Greinke didn’t do anything wrong. That stuff happens in the minor leagues. It doesn’t happen in the big leagues.”
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On this date in baseball in 1985, Cal Ripken missed an exhibition game against the Naval Academy after injuring his ankle against the Texas Rangers the night before.
You think Lou Gehrig got hurt on pickoff attempts?
More importantly, do you think his disease was contagious a la fictional George Steinbrenner?
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It’s Opening Day… It’s April Fool’s Day… It’s the day Tony Pena cried when he found out he was being traded to St. Louis.
Play Ball!
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Jim Palmer, ace arm.
Money Store, corporate schill.
Bless you, late-night cable.
Another 80s Baseball Player of the Day haiku.
Just hope Jesse Orosco is still the all-time leader in games pitched, or did #Topps decide to strip him of his records as well?
Today is the day pitchers and catchers report for the Atlanta Braves.
In celebration of this joyous occasion, here is former Bravo southpaw phenom Steve Avery wearing a baseball jersey that strongly resembles the Montreal Canadiens’ iconic sweater.
