Since last week’s announcement of the National (San Francisco Giant ace Tim Lincecum, 15-game winner) and American League (Kansas City Royal pitcher Zack Grienke, 16-game winner) Cy Young Award winners, a bubbling debate has begun over the value of a “win” placed on a pitcher’s statistical line.
“This whole thing about McGwire simply permits sportswriters to imagine themselves to be Woodward and Bernstein, people who see themselves as guardians of a sacred portal, the last best hope for truth and justice – and it’s all hogwash and baloney.” – John Thorn, baseball historian
On November 26, 1961 the rules committee for Major League Baseball voted 8 to 1 against legalizing the spitball. Four months later, Gaylord Perry — the most-celebrated of all spitball pitchers — made his major league debut.
If the New York Mets expect to turn the page on a 70-92 season and redeem themselves in 2010, today will not be the day fans will point to as the turning point in the team’s fortunes.
Today, Black Friday, the Mets will stock their team store with a new retro-style jersey. Last week the Mets announced they will wear the new uniforms in 2010, “inspired by the early years of the franchise,” according to a team press release, “… and combining design elements from the original 1962 and 1969 World Champion Mets.”
Maybe the economy will save the New York Mets from their own ignorance.
Maybe, but history – and they intense pressure to win now – suggest otherwise. When push comes to shove and dollars to sense, ignorance will likely prevail and the Mets will sign free agent pitcher John Lackey.
I am a 25-year media/marketing/public relations professional. I have worked in radio, television, print and digital media. I contnue to pursue journalism as a freelance sports reporter for print and digital publications. You can follow me on Twitter @johnstrubel, friend me on Facebook or +John Strubel on Google. Story ideas? Comments? Questions? Email me at: john@johnstrubel.com.© 2012 John Strubel | Powered by JGS MEDIA INC.
