So far in our fun little trip around the family affair that is Major League Baseball, we have looked at some of the games’ fathers who are getting to watch their sons climb the minor league ladder. We have also taken a look at some baseball DNA that was shared between cousins. Today, we turn our attention to some brotherly love.
Category Archives: Basbeall
Sons of Baseball-archy: Jose Vizcaino, Jr. looking to follow his pops to the bigs
Not every player is going to be a Hall of Famer. Not every player is even going to enjoy an All-Star season. Some players just bide their time, waiting for their moment to shine when their team needs them most.
Jose Vizcaino etched out an 18-year baseball career behind solid contact, sound defense and becoming one of the best utility players in baseball. He was well-traveled, playing for eight teams over the course of his career, picking up his lone World Series ring in 2000 as a pivotal member of the New York Yankees bench. That 2000 ALCS against the Seattle Mariners showed Vizcaino’s true value as a player. He came off the bench in four of the six games that series. Twice he delivered crucial RBI pinch-hits, and another, as a pinch-runner, he stole a base and scored. That’s who Vizcaino was.
The First Annual “The Thread” World Series Prediction Special
The regular season is in the books. Tonight starts the MLB Playoffs, a playoff that went right down to the very last day to decide who would be playing. That means everyone is giving their predictions.
Who are we not to play along?
Atlanta Braves: My plea for Brian Snitker
I have no problem admitting it. At the beginning of September, I was 100 percent against bringing Brian Snitker back for 2017. This organization was heading in a new direction, and that meant they needed a fresh voice at the helms. It was time for the Atlanta Braves to do something they don’t normally do and step outside of the organizational box and bring in a young, fresh voice to lead these young, fresh prospects.
Now in October, I feel like the Braves would be foolish to do anything but hand Snitker the reigns for 2017 and this new era of baseball.
Keep reading as to why Snitker is the right guy for the job.
Goodbye TED: Memories from Turner Field
It was a bit surreal this past Saturday night. I walked out of Turner Field, my eight month old daughter in my arms, and said goodbye for the last time. They would close their doors for good the following day, and in doing so, put to rest one of the greatest eras in the franchise’s long history.
They are heading to the suburbs outside the perimeter of the city, a feat no other baseball city has ever pondered. I didn’t like walking out of The TED Saturday night. Sure they won. But you see, anyone who has been there will tell you that Turner Field was always more than a baseball game.
Sons of Baseball-archy: Mo III becomes the Son of Sandman
Thus far in our Baseball Bloodlines series, we have taken a look at how two fathers — Dante Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero — passed down their legendary big bats to their bouncing baby baseball-playing boys. Today we look at a pitcher, and although he may not have inherited the infamous deadly cutter from his dad, he is learning the ropes as a closer behind a 2016 All-Star season.
Sons of Baseball-archy: the Bichettes power up
Yesterday, we began our look at the rich, family tradition in the MLB. Baseball DNA is alive and well, and has long been passed down from generation to generation. One former Colorado Rockie has passed his genes down twice.
Sons of Baseball-archy: Vlad, Jr. looks sharp in his debut
Baseball has long been a family affair. As early as the brotherly love of the DiMaggios to the back-to-back home run prowess of the Griffeys, baseball DNA is prevalent in every era. Already this season, for example, we looked at Luke Dykstra, the Son of Nails (Lenny of course), and how that hard-nosed, gritty approach to the game seemed to have been passed down through the bloodlines.
Today’s minor leagues are full of the second comings of their fathers before them. One may have just inherited his pop’s legendary big swing.
Continue reading for more on the Sons of Baseball-archy Vl. I.
RIP Jose Fernandez
I’m not going to pretend to have the words to write about the young life of a man I only knew from what I saw on the field and read online. He was a kid who risked it all to do what he loves for a better life for his family, and seemingly enjoyed every minute of it as evidenced by his infectious smile.
Wayniac Nation is terribly saddened by Fernandez’s passing and we wish our condolences to every life he touched.
Statement from the Miami Marlins organization: pic.twitter.com/6A4Rv6m2g9
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 25, 2016
When Jose Fernandez burst onto the scene a few years ago, he gave us one of my favorite GIFs ever. He instantly became appointment viewing. pic.twitter.com/ZWo9QvruIG
— Gino Zarrillo (@GinoBambino23) September 25, 2016
If you’ve never read how Jose Fernandez made it from Cuba to the majors, you really should. https://t.co/l8bZVZt5hN
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 25, 2016
Jose Fernandez was the type of pitcher that crushed your favorite team every time out… and you paid to watch. #RIPJoseFernandez
— Wayniac Nation (@UofDWayne) September 25, 2016
Prayers out to Jose Fernandez & his family. I never met him but he was a role model to me & our whole organization, & I thank him for that.
— Braxton Garrett (@BraxGarrett) September 25, 2016
What a beautiful planet this would be if we all smiled as often and as brightly as Jose Fernandez.
— Jason Benetti (@jasonbenetti) September 25, 2016
wow very sad new this morning…hands down one of my favorite guys to watch pitch! He brought nothing but intensity and passion #ripjose
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) September 25, 2016
I tend to stay off of Twitter on start days but I cannot believe the news about Jose Fernandez. The game and the world just lost a great one
— Jon Lester (@JLester34) September 25, 2016
2016 Prospect Breakout Series: The Tampa Bay Rays Willy Adames
It’s hard to call a team’s top offensive prospect a breakout candidate, but that is precisely what Willy Adames did this past summer. While playing his first full season above A-Ball, Adames showed that the potential many saw in him was reality, as he had a career-year across the board.
Keep reading for more on one of MLB’s best second base prospects.
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