The Mets Police

A cool article from MLB.com remembering when Lee Mazzilli was in the All Star Game.




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Jeter, Wright lead locals on All-Star teams

Wright, Beltran, K-Rod, Santana.   Teixeira, Jeter, Rivera.

I'm still recovering from last night - left the Stadium at 2 am and got home at 3:30. But a quick snapshot of the last several days.

From Saturday through Tuesday, the tally for me is:

• 2 stadiums (Yankee & Shea)
• 4 games
• 40.875 innings (two 8 1/2 inning games, one 9 inning, and one 14 5/6)
• I don't know how many players, pitches, etc.
• 6 hours waiting in lines for autographs at FanFest
• 4 HOF autographs (Earl Weaver, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, & Gary Carter)
• 3 children of HOFers met (Mantle's sons and Jackie Robinson's daughter)
• Several Team USA autographs
• I think a dozen hot dogs and eight beers
• Almost 1,000 pictures taken (which will be reduced to probably 150 once I go through them)
• One new David Wright jersey (home, blue pinstripe, with Shea patch, size 44)
• An undisclosed amount spent on souveneirs
• About 28 hours total of baseball activities

(And last night's 15 inning adventure was my SECOND 15 inning game this month. I saw one at SafeCo a few weeks ago too.)

I think I need a few days for everything to sink in but man, did I enjoy this weekend.

Made it to the 14th inning and passed out - gimme a break. Went to the HR Derby the night before - I have a job and am old so sue me.

Lot of chatter about the game today around the water cooler - I guess that is mission accomplished for MLB.

Comments:

Willie Mays - why so angry Say Hey?? Are you bitter the Giants left NY and only 3% of the people in the stands realized you are one of the top 5 players of all time?

Is it a Barry thing?? He is the godfather of the guy, maybe he is carrying a grudge.

Willie McCovey - sad to see 'Stretch' in that state. He's only 70. Loved that he pulled himself up for the introductions. Mind over matter Willie. Thanks for the effort coming out to NY for the event, it was appreciated by anyone who loves baseball. That guy must have made pitchers crap the bed, friggin guy was a monster in a day when hitting wasn't the joke it is today.

Ralph Kiner!! It was great seeing him out there in left field. Ralph to Met fans is beloved, glad to have him with us. Still love to hear him on the air. The guy knows the game and can still whip off a quick story between pitches.

Robin Roberts - still alive! I thought he was dead to tell you the truth. 286 wins! Look up his innings pitched and your shoulder will actually ache.

Missing guys! Bench, Seaver, Morgan, Koufax. Heard Joe Morgan was at the parade in midtown yesterday afternoon. Joe, take the D train at 47-50th and you're there in a half-hour.

Loved seeing Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson together - I think Frank Robinson is the most underrated player of all time. That he wasn't on that All Century team in 1999 confirmed that the whole thing was a joke. Pete Rose makes it and Frank doesn't ?? We won't even get into Tom Seaver not making it.

I will take 586 home runs over Pete's Punch and Judy business every day. Interesting contrast - Frank Robinson retires 14 short of 600 HR's so he can manage - Pete Rose manages and plays himself just so he can get the all-time hits record. Frank recognized he was past his prime - Pete didn't and played for the record. The only team that would have run Pete Rose and his 3HR, 42rbi averages from 1982-1985 would be a team managed by Pete Rose.

Billy Wagner - any Met fan who isn't on the Kool Aid knows this guy will give it up in a game that counts - so why not in a game that technically doesnt count in the standings?? Way to make us look good Billy Boy.

Check out www.uniwatchblog.com for some All Star uniform tidbits. The greatest site ever for those pathetic lot of us who obsess over what they wear on the field. And the owner hates the fact Black uni's and hats on our NY Mets so I love him.

Nice touch mentioning Bob Sheppard last night.  

With all this talk of putting George in the hall...how about Bob!

A little late this morning, stayed up late and have this whole job thing etc...

As always I loved the All Star Game.

I hear some chirping on WFAN about A-Rod leaving early.   As a fan of leaving work early and days off, I am not going to begrudge the man for leaving - assuming he even did leave.   Maybe he just wants to spend today and tomorrow, full days, with his kids.

WHERE WAS SEAVER?  In the interest of fairness maybe he had a family emergency or something.

Wright would have pitched next?  Cool!   I would have loved to see that, and a pitcher playing a position.

I suspect that's the last we will see of George Steinbrenner.

Poor Yogi is getting up there too.  He'll soon need to stay out of the spotlight the way Scooter did.

Kinda cool that FOX didn't bombard us with "and look who is in the second row, the stars of Fringe!" nonsense.  Unless they did it at midnight when maybe I nodded off for a pitch or two.

I was surprised there were/are only four living Yankee Hall of Famers. 

Quiet day.   See ya tomorrow.

I know a lot of people don't, but I love it. I especially love the pregame ceremonies and the intros.

The Ted Williams year - awesome.

Ripken returns to short.

Kruk turns around against Randy Johnson.

Staying up late to see the one 70s Met in the game (Mazzilli or Stearns).

Lee Mazzilli homering in an ASG!

Can't wait for this one and hoping for a ticket to fall from the sky today.

What can you say about the Mets - They are playing great!   Clearly the managerial change has made a big difference,  The players aren't throwing Willie under the bus, but they keep talking about being relaxed.  Jerry has gotten more out of the scrubs, I mean role players.   If he can only get into OverReyes's head and straighten him out we might have something.   This other Reyes, UnderReyes, seems spunky.   They could use another outfielder, and I don't see Four Inning Pedro lasting until November 1st, so if there's a scrap heap pitcher out there - grab him.

Maybe Jerry could threaten to stab Shawn Chacon if he acts up.   Don't roll your eyes at the suggestion - if the Mets could get Manny Ramirez they would - both guys shoved an executive - one just happens to be a better ballplayer.

Then again I wouldn't mind seeing Omar go all Queens on Chacon if he pushed him.   Maybe Chacon could push Charlie Samuels for issuing the hideous black uniforms.

A shout out to ESPN for the 8pm start.   I predict the Mets and Rockies will break the record (51 minutes) for shortest game ever played.  A night game before the break - you'll see a lot of first pitch swinging.   Seriously, don't be surprised if this game is like two hours and ten minutes.


Dare I even think to wish for 9 in a row, AND first place?  That would truly be amazing and a good job of Jerry and The Gangstas.


Wayne Hagin: Do we dig him?   I'm still not sure.  He seems nice, but somehow generic American sportscaster.   He doesn't annoy me at all, but every now and then he says something that reminds me that he ain't from these parts.  On Friday night he said "down in the Bronx" while sitting at Shea.    Nope.  On Saturday, Howie was talking about how shea looked nice when full.  Although Wayne said it was "charming" he didn't seem convincing - again that "nor from 'round here" vibe I get.   If anyone has any thoughts on Wayne click comments below.

I was trying to learn more about Wayne and found some mixed reviews here:  Wayne

I love David Wright and he should be the captain but let's be real - he was the 33rd person put on the All Star team.

Of course there are no pictures but the Mets claimed there were 48,000 (paid) at Shea on Thursday.   I was watching on TV and saw a lot of empty upper deck.

The "kids" in my office tell me they love the Home Run Derby and don't care about the All Star Game.  I on the other hand have zero interest in the derby.

The players hate that once again This Time It Counts.

Loge 13 had some great 1964 articles about Shea this week.   Click:  Loge 13

Mike's Mets wrote about John Stearns.  These darn kids who don't know who Lee Mazzilli is and like the Home Run Derby won't know Stearns.  Isn't he due back in June?  (you either appreciate that line or have no idea what it means.)   Link:  Stearns 

Still sad about Bobby Murcer's death.  In the 70's I was paying attention to Lee Mazzilli and John Stearns so I'm not hip to all things Bronx Bombers - I didn't realize how well he played in the game after Thurman Munson's funeral.   A three run homer and the walk-off hit.   Cool.

The New York Sun had a decent piece about the end of Yankee Stadium: Sun Article

USA Today wrote about the price of tickets at Yankee Stadium III:  Yankees Tickets

COO Lonn Trost says about 24,500 seats won't incur a price increase going into next season, including the grandstand ($20-$25) and bleachers ($12). That means nearly 28,000 seats will cost more. Trost says about 26,000 seats will be priced at $50 or less. Still, word of the pricier seats has gotten out, rankling some fans.

Who are the Packers kidding?  They say they won't let Favre be a free agent....and they won't make him the starter.   Yeah there will be no pressure on Aaron Rodgers with Favre QB2 on the bench.

Even Joe Montana went to Kansas City (ugh).   I guess Favre will be traded.   Glad Marino didn't go to the Browns that time.

Speaking of Joe Montana - his son  Nicholas Montana is a QB.  Maybe there's hope for the 49ers some day.

Poor 7 year old kid got hit by a foul ball at his first game.  I hope he's OK.  I hope baseball doesn't overreact and add too much netting.   Story here:  Kid Hurt At Wrigley.   Get healthy Dominic.

Very sad to see that Bob Sheppard has told the Yankees he will not be able to return for the All Star Game. Best wishes to you Mr. Sheppard.

Fake mustaches? Really? If the Mets had done something like that I'd have 50 posts about it. Next time someone brings up 'tradition' remind them of this.

Mets are rocking. I worry today would be a loss they'd be ok with. Weekday day game, been playing well, it's just one game. Don't go there - the formerly NY Giants are the walking dead, it's time to go on a big run. Show up today gangstas.

I dig the Mets Guy in Michigan. He brings it in this great sarcastic Yankee post.

Mets Guy in Michigan: If Bob Klapisch ran the All-Star Game

Among the sarcastic suggestions for the All Star Game....

All opposing players must wear No. 26 in tribute to the 26 world championships the Yankees have won. Did you know they’ve won 26 world championships? That’s right, 26. This will be mentioned over the loud speakers between each half-inning, which is only slightly more frequently than normal. I repeat, 26 world championships. But don't mention that they’ve lost the last two World Series they’ve appeared in to expansion teams.

Speaking of the Yankees - I'm rooting for them to sweep the Rays. I like watching playoff baseball and I hope the Yankees are there. I'd like to see the Rays make it too, that would be cute. And Torre just so he can be righteous. Boston can stay home.

The Mets Police are always right.   Look back to June 4th and you'll see a post warning that Wagner might be the only All-Star.    Wright might still squeak in, but OverReyes does not deserve it.

Across town I feel bad for Mike Mussina.   With 11 wins and the game in his home stadium, he deserved to be there.

This nonsense where fans vote for the 32nd man is silly - didn't we all just vote for two months?

Mike Mussina pitched great again.   Poor guy is stuck on 10 wins.  Cliff Lee has 11. 

Let Moose start the All Star Game at home!

In the updated voting:

Wright is third.
Reyes is 5th.
Beltran is 8th.

I suspect we're looking at Wagner and that's it unless there are mercy picks because the game is in New York.

Why did the Yankees tell us to try to get tickets at 10am this morning?

Three people at work all got through immediately on Ticketmaster.

We were all told in under one minute that there was not even one ticket available.

Why bother with the charade? Was it just to put a stub-hub ad in my face.

It's 10:02 and I've already been shut out twice and posted to a blog.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am fully supportive of the All-Star Game being played at Yankee Stadium this year. No other ballpark (or at least site of a ballpark) has had as much history as that building in the Bronx. It deserves it this year.

That said however, how come MLB has completely ignored Shea Stadium over the years? Look, I know Shea has never been the shining star of baseball, but neither have a lot of other places where MLB has hosted the mid-summer classic.

Shea hosted the All-Star Game in the first year of the ballpark, 1964. Since then, 38 ballparks have been used for the game - including six of them TWICE! The list of stadiums selected more than once by MLB is:

Yankee Stadium - 1977 for the reopening and this year. No argument
Anaheim Stadium - 1967 & 1989 - What makes it worse is that the game is going back here for a THIRD time in 2010
The Astrodome - 1968 & 1986 - Twice? Here? I can understand 68 for the opening, but why 86? This place made Shea look like a palace. If anyone can explain to me why this happened I would be very interested to hear.
Riverfront (1970 & 1988)
Three Rivers (1974 & 1994)
Veterans (1976 & 1996) - So three of the four cookie cutters each got in twice. OK, Three Rivers was nice, but the Vet? And the second time was in 1996!

The Mets have often been called the step-child of NY baseball. From MLB's perspective it would almost seem as if they were baseball's step-child.

I love the fact that the All-Star Game is coming to NY and even though I am a Mets fan, I think it is completely appropriate that the game be held at Yankee Stadium given the historic significance. (Why Shea has been shafted for many years - another time).

However some of the over-the-top festivities/promotions that MLB and the city have cooked up are just too much.

This past weekend, 42 replica Statue of Liberties (about 6 feet tall) were deposited at significant locations throughout the city. The replicas have the same design as Lady Lberty, but have been painted/overlaid with garish colors and pictures/emblems of the 30 current MLB teams as well as 12 other New York baseball-related themes (the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants count as baseball-related theme apparently).

Aftet the All-Star Game these statues are to be auctioned off for charity. OK, of course I am going to say that is great. But have you seen these things? They look HORRIBLE.

MLB has already started to hear some criticism that by defacing Lady Liberty in such a way is unpatriotic. I disagree. Small replicas of each of the 42 are available for purchase at mlb.com and there is nothing more patriotic than selling a version of a national icon.

But seriously, these things are ugly and do nothing to celebrate the reverence that is supposed to be the All-Star Game. (I actually got through that last part with almost a straight face).

There is a vacancy on the NL All-Star Team coaches staff.

Add Joe Torre.

If they don't have the guts to do that, add Piniella.

Go back to April 1st and write that headline...but he's at the top of the league in wins, and the game is at The Stadium. Amazing. Why not?

The Mets Police comment that there may not be any Mets on the All-Star team got me to thining. Yes, the votes are still coming in so this could change, but thought I'd take a shot at what players will make up the NL All-Star team next month (assuming the current vote leaders remain so).

All teams are represented. There are 11 pitchers (7 starters and 4 relievers)

The Cubs have 5 players, while six teams are represented by only one.
For the record the Mets have 3.

Starting Lineup
C - G. Soto, Cubs
1B - L. Berkman, Astros
2B - C. Utley, Phillies
3B - C. Jones, Braves
SS - H. Ramirez, Marlins
OF - A. Soriano, Cubs
OF - K. Fukudome, Cubs
OF - K. Griffey, Jr., Reds

Backups
C - R. Martin, Dodgers
C - B. Molina, Giants
1B - A. Pujols, Cardinals
1B - A. Gonzalez, Padres
2B - D. Uggla, Marlins
3B - D. Wright, Mets
SS - M. Tejada, Astros
SS - J. Reyes, Mets
OF - M. Holliday, Rockies
OF - R. Ludwick, Cardinals
OF - N. McLouth, Pirates
OF - R. Braun, Brewers
OF - A. Rowand, Phillies

Pitching Staff
B. Webb, Diamondbacks (Starter)
C. Zambrano, Cubs
A. Cook, Rockies
E. Volquez, Reds
T. Redding, Nationals
T. Lincecum, Giants
T. Hudson, Braves
B. Wagner, Mets
K. Wood, Cubs
J. Valverde, Astros
B. Lidge, Phillies