First Word

George Mitchell has finally issued his report on the use of “performance enhancing drugs” or PEDs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Predictably, this has set the nattering talking heads into a new buzz, some defending this or that of the accused, but most just tutt-tutting. It is hard to find anyone actually discussing the question, “what’s wrong with using PEDs?” So, like the Little Red Hen, but more importantly: in keeping with First Word’s mission, I will set out to do so. (more…)

The Pennant has been decided by a best-of-seven series since 1985, before which it was best-of-five. Last week, the Red Sox won the ALCS, but would have lost it if the series were still decided by best-of-five – that is, assuming the psychology would not have been different in a determinative way. This leads us to reflect on how much more accurate a best-of-seven criterion is, compared to best-of-5. (more…)

Everyone that cares knows the Phils were swept by Colorado in the division playoffs. Colorado outplayed the Phils in every department — hitting, fielding, pitching, coaching, scouting. They deserved to win, and it is therefore good that they did win.

However, listening to the away-game on the radio, I heard something that froze me in my tracks. Thinking about it caused me to learn yet again something about pasture management. Let me give a little background. (more…)

It was completely unexpected. With 17 games left in the season, they were seven back. Team #14 playing in City #1 had dominated the National East since the very first game of the season. For the last month, we were hoping to catch up with and hold the wild-card spot. There was no hope of taking the division. Nevertheless, when the last game was played, the group commonly known as the “Phillies” were on top, one game ahead of the group commonly known as the “Mets.” (more…)

As everyone that cares already knows, the St. Louis Cardinals took the 2006 World Series, four games to one.

It was a good series to watch. Only the first game came close (more…)

Normally, one assumes the Atlanta Braves will win the National East. This year, they fumbled. But the Mets were ready (more…)

I grew up in the golden era of baseball. At least it was golden for me. The L.A. Dodgers and N.Y. Yankees met in three out of five World Series (1977, 1978, and 1981). My team, the Dodgers, beat the Yanks only once, but just getting there was a thrill.

In college I gradually drifted away from following baseball except in 1988 when the Dodgers were in the Series once again. They beat the A’s in five. But the Series really ended after the first game. That was when Kirk Gibson “the gimp” (he had pulled both hamstrings, hurt both knees and could barely walk) (more…)

There are reasons to restore baseball as the National Pastime. These are especially important to point out as the seasons of the main alternative candidates, football and basketball, are getting revved up.

1. It is simple enough to explain to a child, yet subtle enough in its strategy to keep even old men guessing. (more…)