Category Archives: Basbeall

Basbeall, MLB

MiLB legend Mike Hessman — the real life Crash Davis — retires

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The casual baseball fan probably doesn’t even know who Mike Hessman is. The Minor League Baseball junkie that I am thinks he’s one of the greatest stories of his generation.

Hessman didn’t have a luxurious Major League Career to tell his grandkids about one day. No, Hessman grinded away for 19-years in the Minor Leagues. Tagged the real life Crash Davis, since being drafted by the Braves in 1996, Hessman got his cup of tea in the bigs on five different occasions, but would later become a mentor to bright-eyed, young prospects pursuing the same dream he had years earlier.

This past July, Hessman became the American Minor League home run king, blasting a grand slam for his record-setting 433 home run. He would finish the season, but never hit another blast.

At 37-years old, Hessman decided to hang it up this past weekend and pursue his next endeavor… coaching. I’m sure he will be a welcomed addition to any organization, especially the Detroit Tigers who he played for both in the Majors and Minors.

Hessman lived the dream. He didn’t hang it up when he realized that he wasn’t ever going to be the next Frank Thomas. No, he kept on grinding and playing the sport he loved. Say what you will about a 19-year Minor League career, but you can never take that away from him.

I recently recapped his illustrious career at minorleagueball.com. The link below will take you to his story:

The end of an era: A look back at Mike Hessman

Basbeall, MLB

The Miami Marlins and Barry Bonds: to hire or not to hire

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When news broke that the Miami Marlins were interested in bringing one of baseball’s most prolific home run hitters in as their new hitting coach, you could be sure that the ol’ information highway exploded. Some people are completely disgusted, others think it’s time. So, should Major League Baseball welcome back Barry Bonds?

Are the Marlins prepared for the ensuing chaos of hiring Bonds?

Basbeall, MLB

The Red Sox Mookie Betts heading to the World Series… of bowling?

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Deion Sanders. Bo Jackson. Drew Henson. Mookie Betts?

Major League Baseball has a rich history of two sport stars. Some were as big as Neon Deion and Bo Jack, others — like Brian Jordan — didn’t steal the spotlight, but were still impressive. Since Henson hung up the baseball cleats back in 2004, the art of the two-sport superstar has all but disappeared.

Until now.

Mookie Betts: the next two sport superstar

Basbeall, MLB

Robinson Cano and the Seattle Mariners buyer’s remorse

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When Robinson Cano left the New York Yankees, he felt the wrath of many fans. And coaches. Former hitting instructor Kevin Long lashed out about how lazy he was and that he wasn’t a team player. I defended Robbie for a long time, saying that the Yankees biggest mistake was letting him get away. Maybe I was wrong…

What is wrong with Robinson Cano

Basbeall, MLB

The Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz: how will he be remembered?

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Well, on the eve of David Ortiz‘s 40th birthday, he announced that he would announce his retirement today on his 40th birthday.

The announcement will come via The Players’ Tribune  at some point Wednesday. Approximately eight seconds later, Hall of Fame discussion will begin.

What is David Ortiz’s legacy?

Basbeall, MLB

The Atlanta Braves still celebrate Bruce Sutter Day

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(Note to Wayniac Nation. The following link takes you to the November digital issue of Baseball Magazine. Baseball Magazine was the first monthly baseball magazine published in the United States. Founded by Boston sportswriter Jake Morse prior to the 1908 season, the magazine ran for 49 years before shutting down for good. My colleague and former editor Billy Brost decided to take on the daunting task of bringing back one of baseball’s treasures from the dead. Moving forward, I — along with several other writers I have worked with in the past and present — will contribute pieces looking at the history of the game and human interest stories of superstars that time may have forgotten. Hopefully, you follow along the journey.)

The New York Mets made it back to the Fall Classic for the first time since the Subway Series against the New York Yankees in 2000 this past October/November. I incessantly joked around with the Mets’ fans who are my friends and family that Bobby Bonilla — a member of that 2000 squad — was still making more money than Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom combined.

But you know me by now. I said, “Hey Wayniac, there has to be a worse contract than Bobby Bo, right?” Sure enough, there was… and is, as a contract signed long before Bobby Bo’s is still being paid to this day. In fact, it is being paid by a team that is disappointing its loyal fanbase by tearing it down and trading away every fan favorite in order to cut salary for their new stadium. Oh, life’s sweet irony.

Every July 1st my friends — especially The Thread and Holloway — text out Happy Bobby Bonilla Day. Well, Braves fans, you won’t be happy, but it is time for you to recognize Bruce Sutter Day.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN THIS MONTH’S DIGITAL EDITION OF BASEBALL MAGAZINE BY CLICKING THIS LINK!

 

 

Basbeall, MLB

Breaking down the Braves trade: Simmons heads to the Left Coast

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When John Hart continued to restructure the Atlanta Braves in his image yesterday, I made it immediately known on social media, how we at Wayniac Nation felt.

But I hesitated writing a post until I slept on it. I didn’t understand trading away Jose Peraza at the deadline for Hector Olivera, but after seeing Ozzie Albies play in person (and snagging this interview with him) I understood that there was a bigger picture and a better prospect to fill the void left by Peraza.

So, I slept on it. And I still don’t understand it.

Why I don’t understand the Braves trade…

Basbeall, MLB

The WN Fantasy Football Report: out of Luck

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This NFL and fantasy football season has simply been amazing when it comes to injury. This past Monday, I gave you a list of the new walking wounded who didn’t make it out of Week 9 standing, but the bigger blow came out of left field yesterday.

Andrew Luck will miss two to six weeks with a lacerated kidney and a torn abdominal muscle. Most of us weren’t aware of it because Luck didn’t show any signs of serious pain or remove himself in the fourth quarter after the scramble that caused the injury to occur. Now the Colts and many fantasy teams — like one of yours truly — are left without a quarterback.

While the Colts have an answer in Matt Hasselbeck, he is not the best option for fantasy football, especially down the playoff stretch. You can wheel and deal and get yourself into a position that you have a mid-level quarterback, but what happens if you have to play the waiver wire?

Rest assured, there are still some options out there. Let’s take a look at a few that — if you are like myself and only have Tyrod Taylor on your bench behind Luck — could save your season.

Ready to save your season?

Basbeall, MLB

The Atlanta Braves Andrelton Simmons was robbed of gold

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MLB’s awards season started last night with the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards announced. As with any award ceremony that presents gold statues — whether it’s the Oscars or some sort of music awards — there are going to be snubs.

Some of the usual suspects took home the award as expected. Yadi Molina snagged his remarkable eighth straight Gold Glove, while Nolan Arenado — the Sharknado — grabbed his third in a row. There were nine new recipients of the Gold Glove Award this year — which for baseball — is good. You can see the full list of winners at MLB.com.

See why Simmons was snubbed in the voting!