In case you have been living under a rock, here is Jonny Gomes speech. You don’t really need a lot to win, all you need is a good team. I love Jonny attitude, I love the fire he has. I could see how in the clubhouse how he would pump up his team. Congrats again Royals!!
MLB Commissioner handing the World Series Trophy
The Royals did it, they took the crown. They are the World Champions.
Congrats to Salvador Perez for MVP, I could not think of anyone more deserving.
Royals catcher @SalvadorPerez15 named the #WorldSeries MVP! pic.twitter.com/XgKCE7uM3u
— Obsev Sports (@ObsevSports) November 2, 2015
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I cheered for the Royals and the Mets all season long. I have been a fan of David Wright since be became a Met. I have mixed emotions on this World Series. I am sad for David and the Mets. I thought they were going to win. I knew what the Royals were capable of. This is a team that will never quit and if you give them an inch they will take a mile. This World Series was exciting and heartbreaking. This is also a series of redemption. While the Mets lost they can come back next season. They should be proud of where they ended up and they will only get better. The Royals well this could be the start of a dynasty. Something that will be talked about for years. Baseball is over now. That will do baseball, that will do.
Welcome MLB playoff fans! Come on in and sit yourself down. Someone get them a beer and a dog.
For you Dodger fans, we have the classic Dodger Dogs.
For those enjoying the Cubs, we have the best version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Here is a quick bio of Harry Caray. Do not go to WRIGLEY FIELD and not know Harry Caray.
Baseball playoff season is upon us. In the NL, the Cardinals are already in. The Dodgers are in, thanks to Clayton Kershaw. The Mets are coming in from the East. A battle for the wild card is going on between the Cubs and the Pirates. Will this finally be the Cubs’ year? In the AL, the Blue Jays are in, as are the Royals, who have been dominant this year. There is a battle in the West for who will go on to win the division, who will play the Yankees in a one-game winner-take-all and who will just go home.
Now here come the FANS. You know the fair-weather fans, the ones who about the end of August realize that people are playing baseball. They flip on the channel and suddenly become fans, watching the teams get better and better.
The fair-weather fan comes into our house. For the die-hard fans, it feels like an invasion of privacy, and honestly, there’s a little bit of jealously. We suddenly become bitter girlfriends.
“Oh no, you cannot come in here. This is my team. You just need to step off. I have been cheering for them all season. You think you can just come in here and think you are as good of a fan as me!”
I have always been a die-hard Rangers fan. But last year, with the Rangers nowhere near the playoffs, I turned my attention to my favorite player Jayson Nix. He was picked up by the Royals, and so I picked up my fandom and became a Royals fan. For the first time, I was a fair-weather fan. Social media and fandom can be a wonderful combination. I was embraced by the Royals fans online, forgiving me for being a Nix fan once they found out I met him and that’s why I cheered for him.
The Royals went on an impressive streak, and the fair-weather and die-hard fans were sent into a frenzy. And I was so excited I even bought a shirt and had it customized for Nix. I like being unique. I wore my shirt proudly and was again embraced by the real Royals fans. High-fives and”love your shirt.” They made me a real fan, while the Rangers still have my heart. The Royals brought me back to baseball.
Baseball can be an elitist sport sometimes. We have our own jargon and rules and no real reason of why we do things. Our job as the die-hards is to show the fair-weather fans what they have been missing, encourage and teach them all about what makes the team great. Let’s embrace the fair-weather fans, and maybe they will become real fans.
I hate making predictions. It’s a hard thing to do. You take a roster of men, and based on stats and previous performance and/or scouting reports, you make a prediction. There is an element in baseball that no one talks about but everyone knows: The Surprise Factor. While self-explanatory, it has many examples: the 1951 Giants — “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” — a dream when on the bottom that you can work your way to the top of the standings.
In more recent years, the 2004 Red Sox, during the ALCS, down three games to none, came back to beat the Yankees ( which you know I am always happy about) and later win the World Series against the Cardinals.
This year, I tried my hand at predicting the winners and wildcards. My NL Predictions and AL Predictions. I admit fully that I was blinded by Cub fandom. I just really want to see the Cubs in the World Series. I was surprised at Lester. I thought he had a pickoff move. This is essential in small ball in the NL. No one could have guessed what the Astros have done. I mean, if I weren’t a huge Ranger fan, I would be cheering for these Texas boys. The Astros have made the AL West a real division, with some real competition.
Who would I pick to win now? Well, being a glutton for punishments, I would say this:
My new AL predictions:
West: I would like to see the Astros beat the Angels, and I predict Astros will win the division. I think that if they make some trades, there could be real Wild West fun. I see the Angels being the wild card again, like last year.
Central: Royals Royals Royals. They still have the magic from last year, and, no surprise, what make a great team great: camaraderie.
East: If you going to spend some money, you might as well get something for it. The Yankees should be on top, for all they put into the team.
My new NL predictions:
West: I love the Dodgers, where pitching is king. There is going to be some back-and-forth in the standings with the Giants, Dodgers will prevail.
Central: I think we will see The Surprise Factor at work. The Pirates are coming back in a big way. It’s going to make for some fun baseball.
East: Chocolate sauce all around. The Nationals have this in the bag. That being said, I see the Mets coming in as the wild card.
The Miami Marlins have hired a new manager, a manger with no professional baseball experience, no manger experience. Now he is going to take on a team who needs help with management. Confused? I know I am.
Miss Baseball is no stranger to mangers getting fired it happens. Some of the greatest mangers were fired. In recent news it has surprised me how quickly a manager is being fired. It is just barely mid May and we have lost two managers. Owner and the front office think the problem is the mangers.
Mangers have often been the scapegoat of the team. We can’t blame the big bat we paid a small country GDP on, or the All-Star pitcher we traded our top 5 prospects no it has to be the manager.
Owners have forgotten what it take to have a successful baseball team. Here are the three things you need as a team to create a solid foundation for a winning season.
Build a cohesive team. When everyone has a position it build confidence. I think two examples of this is the Kansas City Royals and the LA Dodgers.
Create a well stocked farm system. Players are going to get hurt. It is a fact. Who you sign might not be there in September, you have to be prepared. Also if there is a position that is lacking a call up might get the chance to make your team shine.
Hire a good manager. Noticed I didn’t say experience. While experience helps it is not a requirement. I have to say I feel sorry for Dan Jennings, he has been set up to fail.
Miss baseball is tired, Allergies have me a little sick but mostly I am tired because I have been staying up way past my bedtime to watch some baseball. I watched the Royals and the Tigers go at it till wee hours of Monday morning, and when 5am hit to start getting the kids ready for school well lets just say that hurt. Enough about me. Last night as I watched the Red Sox beat the A’s and it got me thinking Which game is more important to win?
Last night the Royals lost to the Texas Rangers, (Go Rangers!) and while the Rangers are making a much needed comeback I am sorry the Royals were exhausted from the long game the night before. I knew the Royals were going to lose the game but the Tiger game was more important. Why? Well real baseball people know why, but Miss Baseball always wants to bring everyone into the fold. Lets talk about standings.
Major League Baseball has 30 teams and they are divided into two leagues the American League and the National League. Each of those leagues are divided up into divisions. Here is a pretty picture to help you out.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/
Standing are important because if you are in the first on the standings you go to the playoffs. To answer the original question which game to win. You always will pick the team in your division. While no on likes losing it was more important for the Royals to beat the Tigers because they are in the same division. This means they would be one whole game down in the standings and because they are on top and the Tigers are number two then the Tigers would lead the division. The Rangers are not in the same division so they would only lose .5 of a game, which is why on the chart you see the .5.
So a little sample math,( now I should put that if no other teams were playing because all the other teams playing do change standings)
The Royals play three games with the Tigers and the Rangers
The Royals have a great series and win
They would stay at first and the tigers would be 4 GB
Tigers: GB:1+3 losses = GB: 4
If they did the same for the Rangers they would only add 1.5
.5+.5+.5=1.5
If you are going to go all out do it for someone in your division.
Oh lets have some fun today. I love baseball, I love everything about the game, and I love the long rich history of the game. So MLB has a ballot online at :http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/ .jsp
Well I thought I would give you my picks for each team. Now i have to say this was hard. My love of the game and some personal morals and knowledge of the game really made some of these choices hard. In some cases I would cry out to the baseball gods and ask how am I supposed to choose. (toughest teams were Yankees and Red and Cardinals)
So being a life long Texas girl lets start there
Texas Rangers: When I think of Ranger baseball who comes to mind. Now I don’t know if the team made the list or if MLB made the list but my first three choices were no brainers.
Micheal Young, Ivan Rodriguez, Nolan Ryan and my write in because I don’t know how you can talk about Ranger baseball and not mention him. RUSTY GREER!
Astros: I really thought about who do you think about when you think about the Astros, Nolan Ryan is a given. Then you have to pick the killer Bees. Bagwell, Berkman and HOF Biggio
Angels: Anderson, Guerrero,Finley,Salmon
A’s: Simmons, Foxx, Henderson, Eckersley
Mariners: Griffey, Johnson, Martinez, Suzuki
White Sox: Minnie Minoso,Harold Baines,Frank Thomas,Paul Konerko
Indians: Bob Feller,Jim Thome,Omar Vizquel,Tris Speaker
Tigers: Ty Cobb,Alan Trammell,Hank Greenberg,Justin Verlander
Royals:George Brett,Bret Saberhagen,Alex Gordon,Write In: Bo Jackson
Twins:Kirby Puckett,Walter Johnson,Rod Carew,Harmon Killebrew
Red Sox: Cy Young,Carl Yastrzemski,Ted Williams,Pedro Martinez
Orioles: Cal Ripken Jr,Brooks, Robinson,Frank Robinson,Jim Palmer
Yankees: Joe DiMaggio,Lou Gehrig,Babe Ruth,Mickey Mantle
Rays: Evan Longoria,Carlos Pena,David Price,James Shields
Blue Jays: Jose Bautista,Joe Carter,Carlos Delgado, and because I can write in my favorite Blue Jay Frank Catalanotto
National League
Braves:Hank Aaron,Greg Maddux,John Smoltz,Eddie Mathews
Marlins: Livan Hernandez,Giancarlo Stanton,Josh Beckett Write in: Rick Helling
Mets: John Franco,Dwight Gooden,Mike Piazza,David Wright
Phillies: Chuck Klein,Jimmy Rollins,Mike Schmidt,Chase Utley
Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman,Andre Dawson,Vladimir Guerrero,Gary Carter
Cubs: Ernie Banks,Ryne Sandberg,Ferguson Jenkins,Ron Santo
Reds: Johnny Bench,Barry Larkin,Joe Morgan,Frank Robinson
Brewers:Prince Fielder, Rollie Fingers,Paul Molitor,Robin Yount
Pirates: Roberto Clemente,Ralph Kiner,Willie Stargell,Honus Wagner
Cardinals:Lou Brock,Dizzy Dean,Rogers ,Hornsby,Stan Musial
Diamondbacks: Luis Gonzalez,Randy Johnson,Curt Schilling,Matt Williams
Rockies: Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla,Todd Helton,Larry Walker
Dodgers: Steve Garvey,Sandy Koufax,Jackie Robinson,Fernando Valenzuela
Padres: Adrian Gonzalez,Tony Gwynn,Trevor Hoffman,Jake Peavy
Giants: Christy Mathewson,Willie Mays,Buster Posey, and I don’t know how you can talk about the Giants and not mention Will Clark so he is my last write in vote.
Ok so that’s the list, Who would you pick?
Each year MLB teams have one day for Autism Awareness, When is your favorite team having their Autism Awareness Day? Well, I asked that question and went to the web. Only to find out some of the teams had the information on the web.I then hit the phones and called the teams.Bookmark this post as I will update it when I have more information.
Well home is where the heart is. I will start off with my town San Antonio, Home of the Double A San Diego Padres affiliate The San Antonio Missions. Go Missions! (who said that?,Oh yeah! Its me, Big fan!)
Their Autism Awareness night is April 18, and it benefits The Autism Community Network. During the game player will wear puzzle piece jerseys and after the game will autograph and auction them.
Now for the MLB Autism Awareness Night Guide
April
11 Baltimore Orioles
12 Arizona Diamondbacks:
Support Autism Awareness and come out on April 12 for the D-backs Autism Awareness Day! MLB is partnering with Autism Speaks to recognize April as National Awareness Month. A portion from every ticket sold will be donated to Autism Speaks.
For the first half hour when gates open (11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), the D-backs are reserving Phoenix Children’s Hospital Sandlot play area for children with Autism. If you would like to be part of the pre-game Autism Awareness parade meet outside through Gate J/Section 110 no later than 11:55 a.m.
Should a quiet area be needed, please go to our suite level concourse, there are couches by sections 202-203. Enjoy Gluten-Free ballpark items from the stand by Section 107.
For more information on Autism programs in Arizona, stop by the Autism Resource Area in centerfield behind the scoreboard until the 7th inning.
You don’t want to miss any of the action! Get your tickets and grab your glove now! We will see you at the ballpark!
For groups of 12 or larger or for accessible seating, please contact Johanna Imperial at 602-462-4113 orjimperial@dbacks.com.
For more information go to: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/ticketing/ticket_dugout.jsp?loc=autismaware
14 Texas Rangers
Autism Speaks Night is Tuesday April 14 vs Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Members, colleagues, family, and friends are invited to take advantage of discounted tickets in Lower reserved or All You Can Eat seating areas. $3 from every ticket you purchase will be donated to Autism research and awareness. Come join your Texas Rangers for a night of great baseball
For additional questions about any of the above information please call Stephan Morales at (817) 273-5250 or email smorales@texasrangers.com
For more information go to: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/ticketing/community_business_discounts.jsp
Scroll down to Autism Awareness
19 Washington Nationals
25 Philadelphia Phillies:
The Phillies are once again teaming up with Autism Speaks to host Autism Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park. Please join us on Saturday, April 25 at 7:05 p.m. when the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves.
Tickets (subject to availability) are available in locations regularly priced $47 and under. In addition, $8 from each ticket purchased through this event will benefit Autism Speaks.
For more info go to:http://mlb.mlb.com/phi/ticketing/theme/autism_awareness.jsp
25 Milwaukee Brewers
25 Colorado Rockies:
The Colorado Rockies and Autism Speaks would like to invite all individuals, family members, employees and volunteers to come and enjoy an exciting game at Coors Field. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Autism Speaks’ work in the Colorado Community. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a game at Coors Field while supporting the leading autism science and advocacy organization.
Please come help increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families!
For more information go to http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/ticketing/group_offers.jsp?offer=autismspeaks
26 Miami Marlins:
Sunday, April 26th vs. WAS – 1:10 PM
Lexus Legends Level: $25
Join the Marlins as we partner with local organizations in an effort to raise awareness about this developmental disorder. VIP Special Event Package includes:
Gift item redemption is located on the Lexus Legends Level and must have a valid Special Event ticket. Please email groups@marlins.com for more information
For more info go to:http://miami.marlins.mlb.com/mia/ticketing/special_events.jsp#aad
May
2 LA Dodgers
Join us as we team up with Autism Speaks to bring you Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to concerns and take action against this urgent global health crisis.
For more information go to: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ticketing/theme_games.jsp#autism
3 New York Mets:
Join us in raising awareness for autism, a disorder that affects 1 in 68 American children.
For more information go to :http://mlb.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/group_offers.jsp?group=autism_awareness&partnerId=Z114411FB-15J
17 Minnesota Twins:
This is a fundraiser for local autism groups with a pregame parade
24 Boston Red Sox
29 St. Louis Cardinals:
The St. Louis Cardinals and Autism Awareness have teamed up for Autism Awareness Night at Busch Stadium when the Cardinals face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, May 29th at 7:15pm. Loge level tickets are just $17 and $5 of each ticket purchased will benefit Autism Awareness. Tickets are limited so come and support a great cause at the ballpark on May 29th.
For more information go to: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ticketing/group_theme.jsp?loc=autism&partnerId=ZB11W6G251-80
June
2 San Francisco Giants:
Tuesday, 6/2 vs. PIT 7:15 p.m
In Community Partnership with Autism Speaks, The Arc, and Anova
Join the Giants as we partner with Autism Speaks, The Arc, and Anova, among other organizations in the community, in an effort to change the future for all those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. With the help of Giants legend Will Clark, who is a great supporter of the cause, the Giants hope to raise awareness about this developmental disorder that affects more children than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Your special event ticket package includes a ticket to the game against the Pirates, as well as a limited-edition Will Clark-themed Giants hat! Proceeds from every Autism Awareness Night Special Event ticket will be donated directly to non-profits in the Autism community to aid in their ongoing mission.
Now the Giants also have a special VIP package for this event, Details are here:n Community Partnership with Autism Speaks, The Arc, and Anova
The Giants invite you and your family and friends to a special Autism Awareness Night VIP experience, where you can join them in an effort to change the future for all those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders, through both the raising of awareness and proceeds. Each VIP-ticket holder will receive admission to the Triples Alley Premium Location from 4:45-6:45 p.m., complimentary food and beverage (including beer and wine), as well as a Will Clark-themed hat, and a Will Clark mini helmet, each individually autographed and only available to ticketholders of this VIP offer! Proceeds from every Autism Awareness Night VIP Special Event ticket will be donated directly to non-profits in the Autism community to aid in their ongoing mission. Unlike any other ballpark setting, this on-field space is the perfect place to enjoy all of the pre-game excitement at the ballpark. Triples Alley, the Giants newest Premium Location has it all, including on-field access from which to watch batting practice, early access to the ballpark, and at the conclusion of the pre-game event, a walk along the warning track on the field to get to your seats for the game.
For more information go to: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ticketing/group_special_events.jsp#autism
7 Atlanta Braves
Join the Atlanta Braves and help raise awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children and adults with autism may receive a $1 ticket with the purchase of a regularly priced Outfield Pavilion ticket. A portion of every ticket will go to support Autism Speaks.
For more information go to: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/ticket_specials.jsp?loc=autism
7 Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox, in partnership with Autism Speaks, are offering specially priced tickets for the White Sox game against the Detroit Tigers in support of MLB’s Autism Awareness Initiative.
$10 from every ticket sold in Lower Box and $5 from every Outfield field reserved will support the funding of research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism.
For information on Sensory Friendly club level seats, please email grandslamgroups@chisox.com.
Quiet Areas have been designated for those who need it on the 100 level concourse by section 155, and by section 354 in the sensory friendly club level concourse.
Please note that orders will NOT be redeemed at the U.S. Cellular Field ticket windows or the White Sox administrative offices
I spoke with Scott Gbur of the White Sox and he was very kind and understanding of the issues with Autism. If you have any questions you can contact him at SGBUR@CHISOX.COM or 312-674-1000
13 Tampa Bay Rays
23 Cleveland Indians
There will be a future update on what will be offered during this event. including pregame activities. so stay tuned to this channel for further updates.
September
25 Kansas City Royals
This is not a complete list. I will be calling and checking website for further updates.
OK, well not always, as I have seen fans who don’t behave nicely. Miss Baseball is going to be Miss Manners today and give you some Crash Davis advice on handling fans. Some Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Say Goodbye. We have cheered for you for a season or for years. Say goodbye. Billy Butler put out a full-page ad in the paper to say goodbye to the KC fans.
Don’t: Bash your former team or their fans. You know, what is sad as a Ranger fan is there is more than one player who left and insulted me (as a fan) and my city and my team. I don’t have to worry about pointing fingers at any one person.
Do: Smile. Be happy. You are playing baseball.
Don’t: Be arrogant or overly modest. Both make you appear fake and mean.
Do: Sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
Don’t: Blow fans off. If you can’t talk, tell them that. Some of them don’t know.
Do: Get on social media,
Don’t: Follow the wanna-be Playboy girl, she’s not real, and do you want your young fans to see that?
As a Ranger fan, I have been very blessed with some great players, and while we didn’t always win, we had heart, and I am still and always will be a fan.
Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
Raul Ibanez is currently up for the manager’s job for the Tampa Bay Rays. He’s 42 and played last season for the Kansas City Royals. Now, my title might have grabbed you. I am not saying the skill sets are not there because a manager is young. If fact, some young blood may help a club. But the reality for me is, I am not old enough to have seen guys who play ball become managers. I am floored at the signing of Paul Molitor. I remember when he played. I remember the big hitting streak in 1987. Now he’s going to lead the Twins, and I feel old. Brad Ausmus, Robin Ventura (every Texas Rangers fan knows Robin Ventura; seriously dude, why did you charge the mound on Nolan?) Joe Girardi … The list goes on. I AM NOT THAT OLD! I am a little surprised at the fact that a player who recently stopped playing would jump right in the manager chair. I would think of a break and some time to recoup after a long career before jumping into another one. I hope Ibanez gets the position. Now, where is my cane that I can swing at the TV and say, “I remember when he played.”
Miss Baseball 