That House That Phat Albert Built

Busch Stadiums II & III in 2005

Albert Pujols most likely sealed a new deal after his 2nd Cardinals championship. It would seem unlikely that any amont of money would make him want to soil his St. Louis Legacy. Surely, the Cards will make him the highest paid first basemen (until Prince bolts Milwaukee). The Cards second title in New Busch got me to thinking... which current stadium has housed the most World Series titles? The Cards (2006) and Yankees (2009) each christened their new stadiums with a first season title. The Braves waved goodbye to Fulton County Stadium with a title in 1995 (is it just me or do the Rangers look like Braves impersonators?) Anyways, here is a list of the ten (!?!) stadiums that have been the home to the most titles (you'll notice Wrigley is not on the list):
Fenway Park- 6
Oakland-Alameda County- 4
Dodger Stadium- 4
Rogers Centre- 2
Busch Stadium III- 2
Citizens Bank Ballpark- 1
Yankee Stadium- 1
Pac Bell/AT & T-1
Comiskey Park II- 1
Kauffman Stadium- 1
Angel Stadium- 1

Cards in Seven

Some are calling it the greatest game ever!? Five errors, eleven innings, countless big hits. In the end, the Cards came back in the 9th and 10th before winning it on...a homerun by David Freese. Freese went from goat to hero in innings with a dropped popup followed by a triple and walkoff. He'll either become a flash in the pan or an all-star. In my opinion the Rangers are cooked and about to lose two in a row for the first time since August. Pujols will return and the Cards will coast at home tonight in a game made possible by Prince Fielders all-star homerun and lack of homeruns in the N.L.C.S. Game Seven here it comes!!!
Final Out 2011: David Murphy

Got the Motte!

Cardinals "Closer" Jason Motte and I are both Iona College Alum. However, any similarities end there. Rit took this pic of me in 2008 when I was helping Sgobbs out on the bench. I mostly helped out with stats and was an extra pair of eyes. It was a blast and I miss the coaching staff and talking baseball on a daily basis. As for the Series...the Cards have an early Game Five lead after losing 4-0 yesterday. Game Three included a record night from Pujols who went 5-6 with three homeruns. Lance Berkman went on record saying Albert was the best of all-time and better than the Babe who played in all-white league. The former Yank, Fat Elvis impersonator had a tremendous season and turned down a return to Texas with Rangers to play with Cards. Shira and I just looked over some previous World Series logos and are just taking it easy until the baby arrives!

The Rhodes Less Traveled

Arthur Rhodes is about to make his World Series debut after 20 major league seasons. He'll face Josh Hamilton in the top of the 8th of a 3-2 Game One moment. I've been going through baseball-reference the whole game. I noticed that Michael Young just turned 34 and has 2061 hits. He just had his 4th 200-hit season, so with five more solid seasons he'll give 3000 a run. And there is the out. Rhodes gets Hamilton to pop out. This bullpen has been unreal, how long will this last?

1979

This is the 39th  World Series in my lifetime! Just missed out on the Brewers joining the party, but seven errors in two games won't get you there. With the baby on the way it's a good thing I didn't have to deal with the temptation of flying to Milwaukee. The first Fall Classic I remember vividly was the 1979 edition. The once-proud Pittsburgh and Baltimore franchises played a classic and I spent weeks imitating Kent Tekulve's side arm delivery. I bought the "Pops" Pirate hat Cyrus is wearing just outside of Wrigley in 2000. I'll be rooting for the Rangers over the Cards and think they should take it within five. However, this is baseball so it's probable the Cards have one more magical Series in them. Cyrus was excitedly painting when I got home today. He was then singing and dancing to his new Yo Gabba Gabba Volume 3 CD.

Who would've thought that when St. Louis lost Adam Wainwright and the Rangers lost out on Cliff Lee that these two teams would square off in the 2011 World Series? Cliff Lee's 4-0 blown lead vs. Cards was the pivotal game that kept Cards alive.

Larussa makes it to his 6th Series, here's hoping he gets swept again. At his side is Mark Mcgwire, who I Hope doesn't win a title. Just heard that the all-time leaders for manager-player homers is Big Mac-Larussa first, Ruth & Huggins 2nd, and Pujols-Larussa third.

For the second year in a row a player will win a ring regardless of who takes the trophy. Bengie Molina played for Giants and Texas last year. While, Cards Arthur Rhodes played with Texas earlier.

While the Rangers celebrated on the field with their families and ginger ale, the Red Sox fried chicken and beer saga continues. What a debacle that has turned into.

Dirk Nowitzi will not be allowed to throw out first pitch. It has some foolishness to do with NBA lockout. Get a clue owners!

Family!

My ever growing family and wife!!! My nephew took this pic of us today. It looks like I won't have to turn down tickets to see the Brewers in the World Series. Cyrus loves visiting my hometown! He loves driving through the tunnel to get there. We are not to far away from the birth of our baby. Cyrus will be a big bro sooner than he thinks.

Suds Series Duds

Not looking good for the Brewers after Game Six first inning. Already trailing 4-0...ouch. That's eleven first inning runs in this series. After the '82 series I said, "Damn you Willie McGee." It looks like this year it'll be "Damn you David Freese." The good thing is its only the first inning so maybe the Cards will finally go cold and the Brewers will explode over the course of the next two games. That's a big "IF" As I'm writing this Corey Hart finally does something...leadoff homer! I'm hoping Larussa gets swept again in the World Series, I'm even more hopeful he doesn't even make it that far. Ron Darling just said a three-run lead means nothing in this ballpark. As I explained to Shira, this is the reason I wanted the Phillies in the NLCS, I knew I'd be very aggravated if they lost to the Cards. *UPDATE* Chris Narveson is in, let's see if the Crew can comeback from 4-1 deficit...No Cardinal starting pitcher has made it out of five innings...The Braves slump allowed the Cards to get in, the Phillies created their own demise by beating Braves to allow Cards into playoffs. **Update** Five homers in first two innings...Weeks and Lucroy each homer...it's 5-4 Cards... *UPDATEx3* Bott 3rd...9-4 Cards...not much fan, not much pitching...feels like a beer league softball game...is the gong rule in effect...I thought this was a new pitching era we are in?!? *Last Update* Barring a ridiculous comeback it looks like Rangers v. Cards. A very memorable run for Brewers halted.

Cruz Missle

I was on the phone for awhile with my dad as the Rangers were pummeling the Tigers 15-5. They return to the World Series as the Nelson Cruz blasts 6 homeruns and 13 RBI. Meanwhile, B-Hop just hurt his shoulder in another Philly Phlop. First, Phillies...then Eagles...now Hopkins. But back to the Rangers...this team has moved to the upper echelon for sure, especially now that they may even go after CC Sabathia. The Brewers look to stay alive vs. the Cards in Game 6 at home. What a flop last night was...today was more enjoyable. As Shira gets closer to deliver, Cyrus enjoyed a day at Nature Center Harvest Festival. He had a blast climbing, running, and hugging animals. *Update* Just realized Nelson Crus was traded by Mets, A's, and Brewers.

Power Rangers

A few random thoughts:
-A baby and a book on the way! The Brewers in the playoffs...can't complain!
-Speaking of the playoffs...it's cool to hear Brewers announcer Brain Anderson call the games with Darling and Smoltz...not so cool to see them trailing for two games now.
-One thing we all learned...don't pitch to Rangers Nelson Cruz in the 11th...he has two hrs and 7 RBI. Can you say A.L.C.S. M.V.P.
-Red Sox dysfunction continues...Theo leaves to try and end curse in Cubbie-land. Francona allegations along with beer and fried chicken in the clubhouse.
-Received my second Triumph check yesterday! Looking forward to the next editing phase. Really enjoyed the writing process and would love to do it again!

Suds Series, Game One

Wishing Princess Mommy A Happy Birthday!

The Brewers and Cardinals renew their rivalry in another phase. It started in the 1982 World Series, continued in the N.L. Central, and now re-emerges in the 2011 N.L.C.S. Yesterday, we missed the live action of the game, but for good reason. We threw an amazing birthday bash for Shira. When I spoke to our family and friends I mentioned I figured everyone would be giving up Week Five NFL and the day in between Yom Kippur and Columbus Day. Little did we know the Brew Crew would be scheduled for Game One. Cyrus et. all had a blast...the food, the venue, the DJ...all were excellent. It was so great to see everyone on this festive day. I got a few updates from Jon, Mike, and Greg. We caught a few of the final outs at Grandpa Rays. The Beer makers scored six runs on 22 pitches in the fifth inning. The game included homers from Braun and Prince. When they both homer the Crew is 28-9. Jerry Hairston, Jr., son of former major leaguer and grandson of Negro Leaguer, had two hits in the two-hole. The Cards, ironically, give me hope in the post-Prince days that will follow the playoffs. As long as Braun is healthy (and signed through 2020), and the Brewers have pitching (Gallardo, Greinke, Marcum) they should remain competitive in the NLC and able to lure some decent players. Game Two is moments away. I'm looking for another home victory as the playoffs move at a quick pace.

Lions and Tigers and Red Wings...Oh My!

Allie, circa 2000 at Comerica

In the USA Today, there was an article about the return of Detroit's economy and sports teams. While the Red Wings have been to the playoffs 20 straight years, the same cannot be said about the Tigers and Lions. The Lions (4-0) play Da Bears tonight, and the Tigers are up 3-2 in the 7th right now of Game Two of the ALCS. The Lions might actually be in a meaningful game on Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, we are almost at the halfway point of October and still waiting for the fall to show up. Cyrus enjoys watching baseball. He asked me at 10am today if we could watch the Brewers. He is very organized in his thoughts, laying out five or six things in order that he wants to do. Play baseball. Take a bath. Get dressed. Take a nap. Wake up. Read. Play baseball. He pointed at a picture of Earth and said, "That's where we live." **Update** Game Two is going ten! Ex-Red Sox galore...Francona in the booth, Beltre on Texas, Victor Martinez with Tigers. My dad is a Texas Rangers fan now. He likes Nolan Ryan's pitching philosophy and he's tired of pathetic Mets.

Here Come the LCS!

A strange thing happened on the way to the LCS...All Four division winners were outscored by their opponents yet they won enough games to move on. Game One of ALCS is currently on rain delay, the weather and Rangers have gotten to Verlander for a 3-0 lead. Tomorrow we will be throwing Shira a festive "excigen" birthday party. The Brewers-Cards will start during the game, the teams are already passing along nasty comments to each other. I'm really looking forward to the party, I love having family and friends get together like this. Maybe Cyrus will sing!

Tony Plush F Yeah

I remember exactly where I was in 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers won their only other playoff series. White Plains with my walkman on listening to the 0-2 comeback vs. the California Angels. Tonight I'll remember exactly where I was when Tony Plush aka Nyjer Morgan  knocked in Carlos Gomez to advance the Brew Crew to their first NLCS. The Brewers become the first team to make the ALCS and NLCS in baseball history, but they will face their heated rival and 1982 World Series opponents, The St. Louis Cardinals. I had a feeling only Brewers or Phils would win tonight after Yankee defeat yesterday.  In two nail-biter games that included some pacing and edge of my seat sitting, the Brewers prevailed 3-2 in ten, while the Phils lost 1-0 in a game in which Chris Carpenter threw a gem against his friend Roy Halladay. The Brewers game had all the makings of a choke. The announcers reminded us that Axford had 43 straight saves , the Brewers were 83-1 when leading after nine...well they coughed up the lead. But with Greinke warming up and Gomez on first I finally started to feel confident. Morgan stepped up and I was hoping he'd beat Braun to the game winning punch. Fielder and Nyjer couldn't even speak afterwards, but Braun composed said this is what you play for, it's fun isn't it? I still can't get over this, with Philly loss they now have homefield advantage as long as they play. As I was getting aggravated about Brewers possible blowing game I went into Cyrus' room and gave him a kiss, I can't wait to watch playoff games with him! As my mom pointed out Shira will have to have another baby since each time she has been pregnant the Brewers have been in the playoffs!?

I Love the Red Sox, I Hate the Yankees

Belt Tre

Maybe the easiest headline in baseball history as Adrian Beltre knocks three homeruns to send the Rangers to their second straight ALCS. The magic finally ran out for the Rays who vaulted the Bosox just under a week ago. In Sox news, Theo will soon be talking to Cubbies to try and end that cursed streak. Phils just went up 3-0 on Ben Francisco pinch-hit homer, but now it's a battle of the pens. In what is the last four game day of the baseball season the Brewers and Tigers look to end their series. My guess is they both loss and that A.J. Burnett throws a gem. We are busy getting ready for Shira's birthday party. Cyrus wanted to party todayFeist's album arrived on vinyl today, she personally told me to play "Cicadas and Gulls" as the baby's first song.

Brewtober Time

Signs at Miller Park..."I've waited my whole life for this"...kid, you are ten years old how about me or the fat guy in the row behind you with the kielbasa? Robin Yount threw out the first pitch then went into Beast Mode. Another sign read "Brewers send those snakes on a plane". Ha. A much needed 9-4 victory. The sideline reporter asked Yount who he was rooting for because he briefly coached Arizona. Really? Do some better research. The Crew is up 2-0 for their first post season series lead ever, BUT they were once trailing 0-2 so i'll take nothing for granted here. Braun and Prince already have more hits than last post season, here's hoping they can keep producing. Meanwhile, my dad made his new Yankee Stadium debut. He went with Mike and the boys. The Yanks almost pulled it off as Tigers catcher slipped on wet Yankee logo. Cyrus enjoyed watching some of the game with me, while Shira inches closer to due date!

Bob McClure Blues

2B Jim Gantner batted .333 in the 1982 World Series.

The other night I was thinking about how most of the eight playoff teams had recently been to the World Series. Then I realized more specifically seven of the eight teams had arrived at the Fall Classic in the 2000's. the only team on the outside is the Milwaukee Brewers. Their last visit is the well-mentioned 1982 team. Harvey's Wallbangers were up three games to two in the '82 World Series (the last post season series lead until last night). Without Rollie Fingers though the team faltered as Darrell Porter, Keith Hernandez, and Willie Mcgee doomed the Brew Crew. I'm really pulling for a Brewers-Phillies LCS because I don't want to see anymore success for the Cards, they've had their fair share. Below is listed the most recent World Series appearance for the 2011 playoff contenders:
Texas Rangers 2010
Philadelphia Phillies 2009
New York Yankees 2009
Tampa Bay Rays 2008
Detroit Tigers 2006
St. Louis Cardinals 2006
Arizona Diamondbacks 2001
Milwaukee Brewers 1982

Homefield Beasts!

The Brew Crew fought hard for the home field advantage and it paid off early with a Game One 4-1 victory over Arizona. Yovani stymied the D'backs and Braun and Fielder had five of the Brewers eight hits. After spotting the Cards a field goal, the Phillies roared back for an 11-6 victory. But back to the Brewers, not too long ago we started to show Cyrus some Pixar movies. He's seen all three Toy Story movies, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. This morning Yahoo ran a story about Brewers Beast Mode connection to Sully and Mike Wazowski. The series continues today at 5pm and you can be sure i'll be donning some Brewers gear.

Rays of Light

Cyrus back in March with his Baseball Guys.

The Tampa Bay Rays might be onto the new market efficiency ...draft picks. As they watch free agents depart the Rays are hoarding picks and parlaying them into prospect studs. Arm after arm seem to be appearing on an as needed basis. Need someone for Game One of ALDS...sure try Matt Moore. In his second major league start Moore held the majors best hitting team to zero runs. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 8th only 48 hours earlier, the Rays were easy 8-0 victors in the playoff opener. Kelly Shoppach became the latest entrant into baseball's roll call of little known players turned playoff legend. With a stress on player development and a dozen picks in the first 85 this past draft, it's no mystery why the Rays allow Kazmir, Crawford, and Pena leave. Youth has been served with the Rays, according to the TBS broadcast the last time they started a 30-year old pitcher was Jae Seo in 2007. This team should be competitive for years to come. Meanwhile, Yanks-Tigers only made it through one plus inning ruining each team's rotation and most likely assisting the Yankees.

Not So Amazin'

Mets history littered with mundane news

The first half day of MLB playoffs in the books and now a brief look at the 2011 fortunes of the leagues worst teams.
Reds- Votto is for real, but decimated pitching was no match for the Brew Crew and Cards. Bronson Arroyo led the league in homers allowed while graciously lending quotes for our book. A return to Fenway in the future for Arroyo?! Brandon Phillips made a lot of Twitter friends, but not enough to overtake Rickie Weeks for starting 2b spot on the all-star team.
White Sox- Ozzie Guillen trade was not the first time a manager has been shipped. Lou Piniella, Chuck Tanner, Gil Hodges, Joe Gordon have been dealt as managers. Possible landing spot for Terry Francona? Adam Dunn suffered from historically bad season that erased Rob Deer from the record books.
Mets- Since when is a 77-85 season for a large market team a successful season? Terry Collins had his team playing hard until the end, or in Jose Reyes case ...playing hard until he ran off the field in the first inning after bunting his way to batting title. The selfish Reyes most likely made his last appearance as a Met, and the franchise will be better served heading in the "Wright" direction without him.
A's- Possibly one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Highlight of the season arrived on newstand when Brad Pitt appeared in A's hat on the cover of SI to promote Moneyball. Much traveled franchise might soon be heading to San Jose.
Rockies- Just as Andy Reid knew Donovan McNabb was cooked, the Rox knew Ubaldo Jimenez has seen better days. Car-go had a tough start to the season and the Rox didn't have one of their blazing September finishes of seasons past.
Pirates- Flirted with .500 around all-star break, even made some deadline acquisitions to bolster competititness. End result...another sub .500 season. Here come the Steelers and Penguins.
Marlins- The Miami Marlins bring their two franchise World Series titles into a new stadium. Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson killed the hopes of many a fantasy owner. Logan Morrison tweeted his way into the Minor Leagues and Trader jack briefly returned to the managerial ranks.
Royals- Kansas City was featured in an SI article casting them as a dominant team in a season or two. Royals brought up several players who they hope will be a part of this future success. Melky Cabrera and one-time prospect Alex Gordon were among hit leaders.
Cubs- Starlin Castro led the majors in hits. Carlos Zambrano led the majors in coolers hit. Did this team drop the ball in hiring Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg?
Padres- Held onto Heath Bell so they could recieve more valuable draft picks when he signs elsewhere. Future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman rejoined franchise as Mariano Rivera surpassed him for all-time saves lead.
Orioles- 95 losses but one monumental win that sent Red Sox Nation reeling for days and months to come. Will this once proud organization ever win the AL East?
Mariners- Ichiro misses 200 hits for the first time. Dustin Ackley soon to be the new face of the franchise.King Felix and Michael Pineada anchor the staff.
Twins- Concussed and Injured, at least they won't get swept by the Yankees in the playoffs.
Astros- First 100-loss season in franchise history. Hunter Pence joins Roy Oswalt on Phillies team favored to win it all.