A Quarter-Century After the Cardboard, Volume 4
For the first installments of this series, click HERE and HERE and HERE. Thanks for all the great feedback thus far, and feel free to comment freely on this one as well! (Your memories of ’87 Topps, the players involved, the Minor League teams involved, etc).
25 years ago this month, Topps’ 1987 baseball card set was unleashed upon the world. I was eight years old at the time, and like many others of similar age and disposition I quickly became obsessed with this 792-card collection.
The cards were sold in iconic green wax packs, at a cost of 40 cents per:
And the cards contained therein? They were, quite simply, destined for baseball immortality.
With the exception of aspiring Colorado Rockie Jamie Moyer, all of the players contained in the set have long since retired. But many are still within the professional ranks, working as Minor League managers and coaches. This series of blog posts represents an attempt to bring the general public up to speed on who among the 792 are currently toiling within the vast world of Minor League Baseball.
Volume 4: Players Now Coaching In An NL East Organization
Card #48 Wally Backman
Then: Second baseman, New York Mets
Action shots are few and far between in the 1987 Topps set as a whole, but if anyone was going to be shown kicking up dirt it may as well have been Wally Backman. The diminutive (by baseball standards) infielder personified the gritty determination of the equally beloved and despised mid-80s Mets. ’87 would be his eighth season with the club, and he then went on to stints in Pittsburgh, Philly, and, finally, Seattle.
Now: Manager, Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets)
You could practically make a movie out of Backman’s managerial career. It starts off with four seasons (1997-2000) in the independent leagues, during which he was nearly killed by a spider bite. He recovered, of course, and broke into the affiliated ranks with Winston-Salem in 2001. This led to a rapid ascent up the ladder, culminating with the November 2004 hiring as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This was not to be, however, after it was quickly revealed that Backman had a criminal record and had filed for bankruptcy. The Diamondback, embarrassed, quickly fired Backman and he next surfaced as an independent league manager/reality TV star (note: NSFW).
And now? Now he’s back with the same Metropolitans organization that drafted him way back in 1977. Backman managed the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2010, Binghamton in 2011, and next year he’ll be leading the Triple-A Bisons of Buffalo. Could a big league job be next? If so, you know the NYC tabloids will go with: WALLY’S BACK, MAN!
Card #135 Mike Easler
Easler, coiled and ready to strike
Then: Outfielder/Designated Hitter, New York Yankees
Easler played 14 Major League seasons, but it certainly took him a while to find his footing: between 1973 and 1979 he only appeared in 112 games (total), but from 1980-87 he was a regular with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and (briefly) Philadelphia Phillies. When this card was produced Easler was coming off a solid 1986 campaign in the Bronx (.302-.362-.449), but 1987 was nonetheless his final campaign. All told, he accumulated 1078 hits and retired with an average of .293.
Now: Hitting coach, Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets)
Easler was known as “The Hit Man” during his career, so it’s fitting that his current occupation is teaching others how to be better “hit men.” 2012 marks his second campaign as the Bisons’ hitting coach, the most recent stop in a decades long coaching career that has included stints in the Florida State, Southern, and Pacific Coast Leagues as well as the independent Frontier and Atlantic. And in addition to all that, he spent 1992 as the Brewers hitting coach and 1993 with the Red Sox.
Card #310 Frank Viola
Then: Left-handed starting pitcher, Minnesota Twins
“Sweet Music” Viola played 15 seasons in the Majors, and from 1984-93 was one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. He won the 1988 A.L. Cy Young after going 24-7 with a 2.64 ERA for the Twins, and logged another 20-win campaign as a member of the 1990 Mets. Viola was a workhorse, too — from 1984 through ’92 he never pitched less than 231 innings in a season!
Frank Viol' Blue Eyes
Now: Pitching coach, Brooklyn Cyclones (Class A Short-Season affiliate, New York Mets)
After some time spent coaching prep school and in collegiate leagues, Viola re-emerged with the Mets organization last season as pitching coaching for the short-season Cyclones. As a New York native who later pitched for St. John’s University, this was a homecoming of sorts for the now 51-year-old. And, as the picture above makes clear, Viola is still a proud proponent of upper lip hair. Some things never go out of style.
Card #408 John Mizerock
Then: Catcher, Houston Astros
Mizerock’s time in the Major Leagues was brief, as over four seasons (1983, ’85-86, ’89) he appeared in just 103 games. This card was produced after a 1986 campaign in which he set career-highs in games (44) and plate appearances (107), although he hit just .185. But — and this is a significant “but” — he walked 24 times and finished the season with an on-base percentage (.374) that was more than double his average! Mizerock spent the remainder of his career in the Atlanta organization, mostly with Triple-A Richmond.
Now: Hitting Coach, Clearwater Threshers (Class A Advanced affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies)
Mizerock has had a long and varied post-playing career, managing in the Northwest, Midwest, Carolina, Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues as well as stints as the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen coach, third base coach, and even interim manager (for 13 games in 2002). 2011 marked his first season teaching swing science to Clearwater batsmen, and he’ll pick up where he left off in 2012.
Card #454 Luis Salazar
Then: Third baseman/shortstop/outfielder Chicago White Sox
Although the reasons why are lost to time (injury, most likely), Salazar only played four games for the White Sox during the 1986 season. But Topps, possessing a generous nature and genial disposition, included him in the 1987 set anyway. In the card, Salazar sports a perplexed look and is gazing into the distance. Perhaps he knew that his time with the White Sox was coming to a close? In April of 1987 he signed with the Padres (who he had played for from 1980-1984), and from there he went on Detroit, San Diego (again!) and Chicago’s North Side before hanging up his cleats following the 1992 campaign. All told, he had played in 1302 games over the course of 13 seasons.
Now: Manager, Lynchburg Hillcats (Class A Advanced affiliate, Atlanta Braves)
Salazar’s managerial career dates back to 1996, and he has logged time in all areas of the country and all levels of play. He became a national news story last March, however, after he was struck in the face by a foul ball in the dugout while coaching for the Atlanta Braves during Spring Training. The impact was so severe that he ended up having his left eye removed, but less than a month later he resumed managerial duties for Lynchburg. He’ll be back in 2012, now possessing one of the most harrowing — yet ultimately triumphant — stories in all of professional sports.
Card #651 Benny Distefano
Then: First baseman, outfielder, pinch-hitter, Pittsburgh Pirates
First of all, let’s all wish Benny Distefano a very happy birthday – this past Monday (January 23) he turned 50 years young. But a quarter century ago he was only a quarter of a century old, and coming off a season in which he appeared in 31 games for the Pirates. This was par for the course for Distefano, who played in the Majors in 1984, 1986, 1988-89, and 1992. In between these sporadic stints in “The Show” he spent time in some exceedingly diverse Triple-A locales: Hawaii, Vancouver, Buffalo, and Tuscon among them.
And this is worth noting: On the back of this baseball card, it is noted that “Benny’s leisure activities include dancing.” For a humorous analysis of this, and much more, click HERE.
Now: Hitting coach, Savannah Sand Gnats
Dancin’ Distefano is two-steppin’ his way through America, with recent gigs including the GCL Tigers (2006), West Michigan Whitecaps (2007-08), Brooklyn Cyclones (2010) and now, Savannah. That Brooklyn stint must have been particularly meaningful to Benny — that’s where he’s from, after all, and it was in that borough that he first made a name for himself as a Cyclone of the dance floor.
Card #667 Ron Hassey
Then: Catcher, Chicago White Sox
In 1986 Hassey was part of a trade deadline deal, one that sent him from the Bronx to Chicago’s South Side. And once he arrived he came on like gangbusters, hitting a robust .353 over 49 games. Hassey returned to the ChiSox in 1987, then spent three years with the “Bash Brothers”-era Oakland A’s dynasty before wrapping things up in 1991 as a 38-year-old Montreal Expo. He caught Dennis Martinez’s perfect game that year, making him the only backstop in history to be behind the plate for two (he caught Len Barker’s while with the Indians in 1981).
Hassey, with his previous club the Jupiter Hammerheads
Now: Manager, New Orleans Zephyrs (Triple-A affiliate of the New Orleans Zephyrs)
Hassey has had a long and winding post-playing career, working as a scout, front office executive, Major League coach and Minor League manager. The 2012 campaign will be his first in New Orleans, no word yet on whether he’ll demand that nutria be served as part of the post-game clubhouse spread.
Card #680 Ryne Sandberg
Then: Second Baseman, Chicago Cubs
Now here’s a man who needs no introduction. Sandberg, one of the preeminent infielders of the late 20th-century, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of a distinguished 16-season Major League career (2386 hits, 282 home runs, 10 consecutive All-Star Game appearances, eight consecutive Gold Gloves and one MVP Award). When the above card was produced Sandberg was coming off a relatively lackluster season (.284-14-76), at least by his elevated standards.
Hall of Fame attire?
Now: Manager, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies)
After some time away from the game, Sandberg embarked on his Minor League career in 2007 and systematically worked his way through the Cubs system (Class A Peoria in 2007-08, Double-A Tennessee in 2009, Triple-A Iowa in 2010). In the eyes of many observers (that’s what people with eyes do — they observe), Sandberg was in line to be named the Cubs’ manager in 2011 after Lou Pinella departed during the 2010 campaign.
But it was not to be. Chicago went with Mike Quade, and Sandberg defected to the same organization that first drafted him in 1978 — the Philadelphia Phillies. 2012 will mark his second season at the helm of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, but he continues to be “in-the-mix” when it comes to big league managerial openings. His time will come — make no bones about it.
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Four down, two to go! When I started this particular blog series, I had no idea what a monstrous undertaking it would be. But there’s no turning back now! To those who have stuck with it, I commend you.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
In the Year 2013…
My current “making do with what I’ve got” logo stance continues unabated with today’s post, as the lead item is this:
For those who need things spelled out for them — this is the logo for the 2013 Triple-A All-Star Game, an annual contest which pits two historically rich but misleadingly-named leagues against one another (International vs. Pacific Coast). As you can see, the 2013 edition will be taking place in Reno. The “biggest little city in the world” is home to the Aces, who played their inaugural season in 2009.
The lines orbiting the baseball in the above logo directly reference the sculpture that greets fans upon arriving at Aces ballpark:
Photo: DAVID CALVERT/RENO ACES
The logo was designed by Brandiose, who once upon a time in a faraway and distant land were known as Plan B Branding. Those looking for more insight into the company’s philosophy and history would do well to read this supremely simile-laden interview with co-founder Jason Klein on apennysworth.com
A sample:
Q: Logo designers sometimes fight disparaging perceptions ranging from proverbial snake oil salesmen to glorified finger painters. How do you persuade clients of the tangible benefits of identity design?
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Let’s move away from eloquent analogy and distant 2013 talk and back toward the present. Or, more accurately, the recent past. Whatever. Writing 500+ segues a year is exhausting.
Have you ever wanted an expedient tour of a Major League team’s offseason publicity event? The Frederick Keys have you covered, and then some:
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And how about something that could be happening in the near future. On Monday, the Tri-City ValleyCats put out the following on Facebook:
We are thinking about a Jimmy Fallon bobblehead this year at “The Joe!” He has ties to the area attending the College of Saint Rose and is a huge hit on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Would you come for a Fallon bobblehead?
“Artists” rendering of said bobblehead:
As I remarked on Twitter: “Hopefully this idea doesn’t Fallon deaf ears!”
See, there’s a reason I get paid the big bucks. But if it’s small bucks you’re into, let it be known that the State College Spikes are desirous of a new Ike!
Guess that gives new meaning to the term “deer hunting season.”
Blogger…OUT!
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
Recommended Reading
The posts on this blog are rarely team-specific during the offseason, simply because there is rarely enough content from one team to comprise an entire post.
Today is one of those rare occasions, as the Reading Phillies have unleashed a torrent of notable news upon the world. First and foremost, the team’s plans for the 2012 Eastern League All-Star Game Home Run Derby are downright hallucinogenic.
The above visual (yes, that is an intern on a crane out in left field) will all come to life on July 10. Perhaps some extensive quoting from the press release would be warranted at this juncture:
[P]layers will be trying to hit select targets around the field to earn points….targets include outfield dunk tanks, R-Phils fanatics jumping on a trampoline, and pink flamingo yard ornaments sprinkled around the outfield.
Conversely, there will be obstacles hitters will want to avoid in order to not lose points. The Reading Phillies mascots will be scattered around the field, trying to snag balls hit by the all-stars. For each ball the mascots catch, the hitter will be penalized with negative points.
While the hitting challenge is going on, an exclusive VIP party will actually take place right on the infield. These VIP quests will be protected by a net as they party away with homerun balls sailing over their heads.
Grammy Award-winning musician and Berks County resident David Cullen will also be performing uncomfortably close to the pitcher’s mound in a protected area as he entertains fans and all-stars in attendance.
Those desirous of a detailed visual explanation would do well to watch the team’s five-minute explanation video, linked to in the aforementioned press release.
My guess is that the R-Phils were influenced by the Quad Cities River Bandits, who last season put some very unique twists on the Midwest League Home Run Derby. Any other 2012 All-Star Game hosts planning something similar? Let me know!
Meanwhile, a new logo has come out of Reading as well. This:
Because nothing says "charity" like meat with a malicious smirk?
The above frankfurter, designed by the artists formerly known as Plan B Branding Brandiose, is the new mark for the club’s Baseballtown Charities. Some explanation:
Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, was launched ten years ago in association with the Reading Phillies in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization was also founded to pay tribute to Reading’s rich baseball history.
Since its inception in 2002, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.
And, finally, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon the R-Phils have put out a video in which team employees explain the significant role that mascots have played in their love lives.
Maybe one of these days I’ll put out a video explaining how mascots played a role in mine.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
Making Do With What You’ve Got
It is of course not something that I can control, but I’ve received several complaints this offseason regarding the relative paucity of new logo unveilings.
And, indeed, times have been tough (especially when compared to a particularly fertile 2010-11). This year’s crop has been limited to the Daytona Cubs, new franchises in Pensacola and Grand Junction, and two Blue Jays affiliates (Dunedin and Bluefield) who responded to changes made by the parent club. The rest have been anniversary marks, All Star Games logos, and various subtle tweaks.
But if it’s logos you want and logos you demand, I’ll do my best. For example, the Billings Mustangs recently unveiled a logo celebrating 60 seasons of professional baseball.
In honor of the club’s 60th Season, the Mustangs, in association with Studio Simon, have developed a 60th Season commemorative logo, which will be featured on multiple applications and platforms throughout the season. The logo will serve as a sleeve patch for both the home and road jerseys, and it will also be available on team merchandise and souvenirs.
Keep in mind that there have been a few small gaps in Billings’ baseball history, which is probably why the words “Since 1948″ don’t appear on the logo. That would be confusing, as would the slogan “Celebrating 60 Mostly Consecutive Years of Baseball Since 1948.”
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes will be sporting new uniforms in 2012, and it’s easy to find “fault” with them. The logo remains the same, but the team is emphasizing its affiliation with the (relatively) nearby Los Angeles Dodgers.
Try this on for seis
Arguably the most noticeable change will take place on the numbers in the uniform, as the 2012 uniforms will feature the Quakes’ customary “fault line” running through the middle of each digit, giving it a unique and truly “Quake” look.
An addition to the 2012 uniform will feature a red number on the lower left-half on the front of the jersey, which is also a popular feature of the current Dodgers’ uniform.
Quakes’ jerseys will have sleeves in 2012, a change from the sleeveless style worn in years past. The jersey will no doubt be “Dodgerized”, as the left sleeve will feature the traditional “LA” logo.
Missing from the pants this year will be any piping down the sides, as the new pants will be solid white, also emulating that of the Dodgers’ home pants.
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I’ve put my weekly Twitter Round-Up on ice for a bit, as I’m not sure if people were getting/enjoying the concept. But I remain committed to that form of social media, and hope that @BensBiz slow march to 1500 followers transitions into a tidal wave to 10 million. I mean, let’s be honest here, I’m worthy of far more followers than I have.
Follow @BensBiz on Twitter!
One new Twitter account that should be of interest to readers of this blog is @milbstaffprblms — a compendium of, you guessed it, Minor League staff problems. A few samples:
when you see your season ticket holders more than your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend #MiLBStaffProblems #noweekends #noholidays
the shoes under your desk covered in orange clay and the mildewy smell that accompanies them #MiLBStaffPrblms
chicken fingers are a staple of your summer diet #milbstaffproblems #fatgut
I would like to note that I am not the one running this account, despite my (subtle) presence in the @milbstaffprblms avatar.
Update! And, wouldn’t you know it, @broadcastrprobs has now emerged. Follow that one too!
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Let’s end the week, as we often do, with a video. This one hails from Tennessee, land of the Smokies, and is to be lauded for its commitment to absurdity. (Another Update! Episode Two of the McGinty and Cunningham series is out, and can be viewed HERE.
Commitment to absurdity: a Ben’s Biz Blog guiding principle since 2007. Thanks for reading.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
A Quarter-Century After the Cardboard, Volume 3
For the first installments of this series, click HERE and HERE. Thanks for all the great feedback thus far, and feel free to comment freely on this one as well (your memories of ’87 Topps, the players involved, the Minor League teams involved, etc).
25 years ago this month, Topps’ 1987 baseball card set was unleashed upon the world. I was eight years old at the time, and like many others of similar age and disposition I quickly became obsessed with this 792-card collection.
The cards were sold in iconic green wax packs, at a cost of 40 cents per:
And the cards contained therein? They have proven to themselves to have a Phil Niekro-esque endurance.
With the exception of the indomitable Jamie Moyer (who signed with the Rockies on January 18!), all of the players contained in the set have long since retired. But many are still within the professional ranks, working as Minor League managers and coaches. This series of blog posts represents an attempt to bring the general public up to speed on who among the 792 are currently toiling within the vast world of Minor League Baseball.
Volume 3: Players Now Coaching In An AL Central Organization
Card #176 Steve Buechele
Then: Third baseman/second baseman, Texas Rangers
Like a man drinking premium soda, Buechele had above-average pop. He was a steady presence in the Rangers line-up from his July ’85 debut through 1991 and then went on to the Pirates and Cubs before ending his career back in Arlington. The final game of Buechele’s career was July 29, 1995, when he went 0-for-4 against Tim Wakefield (who pitched a complete game as Boston cruised to a 7-1 victory).
Now: Manager, Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A affiliate, Texas Rangers)
Begging to differ
2012 marks Buechele’s third season at the helm in Frisco, and his fourth overall as a manager in the Rangers’ system (he spent 2009 in bucolic Bakersfield). His pitching coach is a man by the name of Jeff Andrews, not to be confused with this glorious baseball name.
Card #192 Cory Snyder
Then: Outfielder/Shortstop Cleveland Indians
As denoted by that impressive piece of gold-plated hardware in the lower right-hand corner, Snyder was named to Topps’ “All-Star Rookie Team.” He received this coveted honor after hitting 24 homers and driving in 69 runs over 103 games, numbers which set the stage for his career-high 33-homer season in ’87. Snyder ended up playing five seasons for the Indians, and then played for four teams over the next four years before reaching the end of the line in ’94.
(apropos of not-quite-nothing: I used to have a VHS baseball blooper video which included a segment on Snyder’s inability to hit Roger Clemens. And, indeed, Snyder struck out in his first nine at-bats against the Rocket)
Now: Hitting coach, Jackson Generals (Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners)
Snyder spent two seasons managing in the Golden Baseball League, in 2010 guiding the Hawaii-based Na Koa Ikaika Maui. 2011 was not only his first season in Jackson, it marked the first time he had held a coaching position anywhere in affiliated ball. He’s no longer an Outsnyder, in other words.
Card #249 Jim Pankovits
Then: Second Baseman/Outfielder, Houston Astros
When Pankovits made his Major League debut with the Astros on May 17, 1984, he was certainly no spring chicken. He was a man! By that point, the 28-year-old was in his ninth professional season and had already logged time with an abundance of Houston’s alliterative affiliates (Covington, Cocoa, Columbus, and Charleston, not to mention five seasons in the PCL with Tucson and Hawaii). But once he made it to the bigs, Pankovits found a way to stay. He spent 1984 through 1988 in a reserve role with the Astros, fully aware that in the Majors they were less likely to mess up his name.
What, me have dignity?
Now: Manager, Jackson Generals (Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners)
“Planouits” has been managing or coaching for over two decades, beginning with some truly awful New Britain squads in the early ’90s. 2011 was his first season in Jackson, and he has now accomplished the rare feat of managing a squad in all three Double-A circuits (Eastern, Southern, Texas).
Card #297 Don Schulze
Then: Right-handed starter, Cleveland Indians
Schulze was one of those on-the-fringe Major League starters, playing in 76 games for five teams over the course of six seasons. He never appeared in more than 20 games in a season, never cracked the 100-inning mark, and never compiled a winning record. Not surprisingly he logged a lot of time in the Triple-A ranks, suiting up within diverse locales such as Iowa, Maine, Tidewater, Buffalo, Toledo, Columbus, and Rochester.
Now: Pitching Coach, Midland RockHounds (Double-A affiliate, Oakland A’s)
Since 2006, Schulze has been methodically working his way through the A’s Minor League system. He coached in the Arizona League in 2006, Kane County in 2007-08, Stockton in 2009-10 and is now tutoring hurlers wearing the uniform of the Midland RockHounds.
Card #349 — Storm Davis
Then: Right-handed starter, Baltimore Orioles
Storm Davis is, unquestionably, in the top one-percentile when it comes to the topic of “awesome baseball names.” But how did he get this name? The back of Davis’ 1987 card provides the answer: “Storm’s nickname was derived from a character in a book his mother was reading while pregnant.” (Yes, just a nickname unfortunately. His given name is “George Earl”).
Anyhow, Storm was a Baltimore Oriole starter for five seasons (1982-86) before becoming something of a journeyman. He went on to play in San Diego, Oakland (twice), Kansas City, and Detroit, and even made a return to Baltimore for the 1992 campaign (by this time he was a reliever). Davis was a member of two World Championship teams — the ’83 Orioles and ’89 A’s (for whom he won a career-high 19 games).
Now: Pitching coach, Hickory Crawdads
photo: John M. Stetzler, Jr (stetzler.net)
Davis turned 50 last month (Storm of the half-century!), and as the above photo makes clear he’s got some serious salt and pepper facial hair style. The 2011 season marked his first as a coach in the world of professional baseball, and here’s hoping that there’ll be many more to come. (Rumor has it that he’s being pursued by Omaha).
Card #369 — Brian Dayett
A pull-hitter throughout his career, which led to the nickname "Dayett Don't Spray It" (note: not true).
Then: Outfielder, Chicago Cubs
Dayett was fortunate to have been included in the 1987 Topps set, as the season before he had appeared in just 24 games for the Cubs. He received what was by far the most playing time he’d ever enjoyed with the ’87 Cubs, however, appearing in 97 games in a pinch-hitting and reserve role. But that was the end of the line for Dayett’s Major League career — following the season, he made his way to Japan in order to play for the Nippon Ham Fighters.
Now: Coach, Spokane Indians (Class A Short Season affiliate, Texas Rangers)
A quarter-century ago, Dayett and Tim Hulett (see below) were making their living playing Major League Baseball in Chicago. Now, the two work together on the coaching staff of the Northwest League’s Spokane Indians. Dayett has been with the club since 2009, and prior to Spokane he logged time in Hickory, Clinton, Lexington, Tri-City and Winston-Salem.
Card #501 — Craig Lefferts
Then: Left-handed reliever, San Diego Padres
As you probably recall, Topps cards of this era denoted league-leading stats by listing them in an italicized font. And while Craig Lefferts pitched in 696 games over 12 seasons, only once were one of his stats italicized. That stat would be the “games” column for the year 1986, when he pitched in 83 contests for the Padres (going 9-8 with a 3.09 ERA). But it wasn’t all downhill from there — Lefferts hung around the bigs through the 1994 season, even enjoying one season as a starter (going 14-12 over 32 starts split between San Diego and Baltimore).
(And, apropos of close-to-nothing, Baseball Reference notes that Lefferts is the last Major League pitcher to have hit a walk-off home run.)
Now: Pitching coach, Stockton Ports (Class A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland A’s)
Since 1999, Lefferts has served as a pitching coach for five different Minor League teams (including, in 1999, the now-defunct Medicine Hat Blue Jays). 2012 marks his second campaign with the Stockton Ports, and I highly suggest that sometime during the season the team stages a “Killer Tomatoes Strike Back” night in his honor.
Card #502 — Dick Schofield
Then: Shortstop, California Angels
Schofield, the son of MLB-er Dick Schofield (Senior, natch) and uncle of Jayson Werth, played for four teams over the course of his 14-season career. But it is the Angels with whom he made his mark, as he suited up for Anaheim from 1983-92 and again in 95-96. A career .230 hitter, Schofield was never much with the bat (the Steve Jeltz of the American League?) but he sure could pick ‘em out there at the 6-hole.
Now: Hitting coach, Arizona League Angels (Rookie-level affiliate, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
After a couple of coaching gigs in independent ball, Schofield broke back into the affiliated ranks in 2002 as manager of the South Bend Silver Hawks. In each of the last five seasons, he’s worked with raw Angels talent amidst the sweltering back lots of the Arizona League.
Card #566 Tim Hulett
Then: Third baseman/second baseman, Chicago White Sox
Hulett played in the Majors from 1983-87 and again from 1989-1995, appearing in 720 games overall. And a major chunk of those games (291) came over the course the 1985 and 1986 campaigns. ’86 was particularly memorable, with Hulett suiting up in the South Side of Chicago and bashing a career-high 17 homers while sporting his uniform number on his upper left thigh. His average (.231) and on-base percentage (.260) left something to be desired, but hopefully he didn’t Hulett that bother him.
Now: Manager, Spokane Indians (Class A Short-Season affiliate, Texas Rangers)
Hulett is the longest-tenured manager in Spokane Indians history, and 2012 marks his sixth season with the club. He led the short-season franchise to a championship in 2008, the same season in which his son, Tug, made his Major League debut as a member of the Seattle Mariners en route to being the first Tug in the bigs since McGraw.
Card #591 Spike Owen
Then: Shortstop, Boston Red Sox
The Mariners’ first round draft pick in 1982, Owen made his Major League debut with the club the following year. He was traded midway in the ’86 campaign to Boston (just in time to live in infamy), and later logged time with the Expos, Yankees, and Angels. While not the most fearsome hitter in the world (he retired with a .246 career mark, and never hit more than seven homers in a season), Owen nonetheless ranked second in the National League in intentional walks in 1989. Also during that season, he set a record for “consecutive errorless games at shortstop,” with 61.
Now: Coach, Round Rock Express (Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers)
Owen’s a Texas native who went on to play collegiately at the University of Texas, so it’s likely he feels right at home in his current position as coach for the Round Rock Express. He first coached with the club from 2002-05, and then returned in 2011. He serves as the right-hand man for manager Bobby Jones, although in his playing days he was a switch-hitter.
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We’ve now reached the half-way point, and there’s no turning back now. Stay tuned next week for Volume 4: Players now coaching in NL East organizations.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
What Goes Around Comes Around
This time around, the “again” that is “happening” are two staples of the Minor League Baseball winter time news cycle: Valentine’s Day mascot delivery and snow-covered field photos.
My days of exhaustively documenting all mascot delivery offers throughout the Minors have long since passed, as I need to maintain a facade of professional growth and momentum. Nonetheless, it remains my duty to note some of the more intriguing developments in the field. For instance, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs remain the only team that offers “Pork-o-Grams” to their fan base.
Two Pork-O-Grams packages are offered, but I would opt for “Package B” as it includes both a dozen roses and a pair of pig noses. Also, I can’t help but wonder if Diggity (pictured above) is related to the self-cannibalizing fellow who has long served as the logo for Lehigh Valley-based Yocco’s Hot Dogs.
Meanwhile, I’ve got to give the proverbial head nod to the Trenton Thunder. So far as I can discern, they are the first club to include a charitable component along with their mascot Valentine’s Day delivery package.
The $150 package includes a dozen roses, a night in a luxury suite, and “as an added “heartfelt” bonus, a 25 ticket donation will be made in your name to the Trenton Thunder Charities Tickets For Kids Program.“
And now we must move on the snow-covered field photo, an enduring staple of the Minor League Baseball offseason experience. These pictures of vast white expanse are meant to convey a sense of longing, for what has been and, yes, what will be.
The current kings of this subgenre are the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, with announcer/media relations man Chris Mehring leading the charge. Last week, as Appleton WI was blanketed by snow, his Rattler Radio blog was updated by the hour with new snow-covered pics. Here’s a 4 p.m. specimen.
If there’s snow on the ground you can’t play ball, so alternate forms of recreation are needed. Fort Wayne TinCaps mascot Johnny overcame his feelings of cold-infused melancholy by dusting off the ol’ American Flyer.
And speaking of melancholy, this is certainly the feeling pervading the city of Denver after the Broncos lost to the Patriots this past weekend. The loss also scuttled the JetHawks’ planned “Tebow Tuesday” promotion, detailed in Friday’s post. That’s a disappointing turn of events, to be sure, but at least it’s the first Tebow promotion to NOT result in a cease-and-desist letter.
For example:
And that’s going to be it for today — stay tuned tomorrow for the eagerly anticipated (?) third installment of “A Quarter Century After the Cardboard.”
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
The Big, the Old, and the Beautiful
Me: Today I have a really big news item to share with all of you.
You: Well, how big is it?
Me: 3600 feet.
You: [Blinks incomprehendingly]
Look, I don’t know why you’re confused. I really do have a 3600-foot news story to share.
This!
The above is a rendering of the scoreboard that, in March, is scheduled to be installed at AutoZone Park in Memphis. Per the team:
The scoreboard will be the largest HD board in minor league baseball at 3600 square feet (60’ X 60’). The current largest belongs to the Buffalo Bison, standing 80’ x 33’ (2640 square feet). The Redbirds video board also beats several of the NFL team boards installed by Daktronics. The board is made up of 1,440,000 pixels and weighs over 20 tons.
Indeed, it was just last season that the Bisons’ laid claim to the oft-contentious title of “biggest scoreboard in Minor League Baseball,” but it now appears that the Redbirds are wresting it from them. But for how long? There’s always someone out there lurking, just waiting for that opportunity to claim the throne. For now, however, pixellated supremacy belongs to Memphis.
Congrats.
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Let’s move on from big news to old news. In fact, this is some of the oldest news I’ve ever had the pleasure of reporting. Regular readers of this blog are well aware that each of the past two Minor League seasons have included a centenarian first pitch.
In 2010, 102-year-old Chris Nocera fired a strike for the Round Rock Express.
Then, last season, 109-year-old Violet Smith threw one down the middle prior to a Great Lakes Loons game.
DOB: April 7, 1902
But 2012 will usher in a new age of elderly first pitches: that of the supercentenarian!
On March 31, Shelby Harris of Rock Island, IL will turn 111 years old. Five days later, he’ll throw out the first pitch at the Quad Cities River Bandits home opener! Harris is the oldest man in America, and it’s fantastic that the River Bandits have extended the invite and that he’s in good enough shape to do it.
Harris celebrating his 110th (photo: www.army.mil)
—And now let’s move on to news from the department of “It was bound to happen eventually.”
The Lancaster JetHawks, a Houston Astros affiliate in the state of California, have put together a promotion inspired by the exploits of a Colorado quarterback who first made a name for himself in Florida.
This:
After last weekend’s thrilling overtime victory against the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers, [JetHawks mascot] KaBoom has convinced the JetHawks Front Office to put together a special “Tebow Tuesday” Promotion that gives JetHawks fans the opportunity to buy 15 tickets for only $15.
The Tebow Tuesday Promotion will activate if the Denver Broncos can pull off another upset this weekend against the New England Patriots. The package will only be available next Tuesday, January 17, and includes 15 undated ticket vouchers for any JetHawks home game in April. In addition, any fan who wears their Tim Tebow Jersey to the Tuesday, April 17, game against the High Desert Mavericks will have the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch and take a picture “Tebowing” with KaBoom on the field prior to the game.
According to my records, this is the first Tebow-related promo in Minor League Baseball since the Fort Myers Miracle announced (and were later forced to rescind) “What Would Tebow Do?”
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And now, apropos of nothing, let’s end with a photo. This shot depicts one of the perks of being a mascot: being on the receiving end of sensuous acts initiated by Miss America contestants.
Silver Swoop of South Bend is one lucky bird:
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
A Quarter-Century After the Cardboard, Volume 2
For the first installment of this series, click HERE. Thanks for all the great comments on that post, and feel free to comment freely on this one as well (your memories of ’87 Topps, the players involved, the Minor League teams involved, etc).
25 years ago this month, Topps’ 1987 baseball card set was unleashed upon the world. I was eight years old at the time, and like many others of similar age and disposition I quickly became obsessed with this 792-card collection.
The cards were sold in iconic green wax packs, at a cost of 40 cents per:
And the cards contained therein? They were far more memorable than Steve Carlton’s stint as a member of the Chicago White Sox, that’s for sure.
With the exception of the indomitable Jamie Moyer (aiming for a 2012 comeback at the age of 49!), all of the players contained in the set have long since retired. But many are still within the professional ranks, working as Minor League managers and coaches. This series of blog posts represents an attempt to bring the general public up to speed on who among the 792 are currently toiling within the vast world of Minor League Baseball.
Volume 2: Players Now Coaching in an AL Central Organization
Card #21 — Mark Davis
Then: Left-handed reliever, San Francisco Giants
Probably the most eye-catching stat on the back of Davis’ 1987 Topps card was the fact that he led the league in earned runs allowed in 1984 (as part of a miserable 5-17, 5.34 campaign). But before the decade was out, he went on to win a National League Cy Young Award as a member of the Padres (he led the league with 44 saves). This was clearly the highlight of Davis’ career, but he pitched through the 1994 season and then made a short-lived comeback with the Brewers in ’97.
Now: Pitching coach, Arizona League Royals (Rookie-level affiliate, Kansas City Royals)
Davis, a professional coach for more than a decade, is still listed as a member of the AZL Royals staff. He’ll end up somewhere in the Royals system in 2012 (most likely a short-season club), teaching Kansas City prospects how to win Cy Young Awards while avoiding leading the league in earned runs allowed.
Card #61 — Bobby Thigpen
Then: Right-handed reliever, Chicago White Sox
This was Bobby Thigpen’s rookie card, as he debuted with the Sox in August of 1986 and went on to post a 1.77 ERA while accumulating seven saves over 20 appearances. This was a harbinger of things to come — in 1990, he recorded 57 saves to establish a new Major League record. Thigpen’s final appearance was with the 1994 Seattle Mariners, a stint that lasted all of 7 2/3 innings.
Now: Pitching coach, Birmingham Barons (Double-A affiliate, Chicago White Sox)
2012 will mark Thigpen’s debut as the Barons’ pitching coach (after three years with the Winston-Salem Dash), but he’s no stranger to Birmingham. Before getting his call-up to the White Sox, he spent the 1986 season within the Barons’ starting rotation (going 8-11 while toeing the mound at venerable Rickwood Field).
Card #246 — Jim Dwyer
Then: Outfielder/First Baseman/Pinch Hitter, Baltimore Orioles
One of the most effective pinch-hitters of the ’70s and ’80s, Dwyer played 18 seasons in the Majors before finally retiring at the age of 40 in 1990. He never exceeded 300 at-bats in a season, and ranks 17th on the all-time pinch-hit list with 103. 1987 marked his seventh and final full season with the Orioles, during which he slugged a career-high 15 homers (while, improbably, only driving in 33 runs in the process. Is this the fewest RBIs ever in a season in which a player hit at least 15 home runs? Someone out there has the answer; could it be you?)
Rock Solid: Dwyer, circa now
Now: Hitting coach, Fort Myers Miracle (Class A Advanced affiliate of the Minnesota Twins)
Dwyer, who for reasons I’m unable to ascertain is nicknamed “Pig Pen,” wasted no time in transitioning to a coaching career. He coached for Triple-A Portland in 1991, and then managed for three seasons in the Midwest League before becoming the Twins’ Minor League hitting coordinator. Since 2006 he has taught the tools of the trade with the Fort Myers Miracle.
Card #247 Jeff Reed
Then: Catcher, Minnesota Twins
Reed made his Major League debut in 1984, but his first appearance on a Topps card was this pensive-looking number seen above. He ended up carving out a surprisingly long career, appearing with six teams over 17 seasons before finally hanging ‘em up in 2000 at the age of 37. In his career he appeared in 1071 games as a catcher — good for 94th all time (but first in our hearts).
Now: The coaching staff of the Elizabethton Twins is nothing if not consistent. Ray Smith has managed or coached with the club since 1987, with Jim Shellenback serving as pitching coach for 16 seasons before retiring in 2011. And then there’s Reed, who has coached the club’s hitters since 2002 while dispensing invaluable catching advice to those for whom said advice is applicable.
Card #290 — Leon Durham
A Starting Lineup figurine come to life: Durham in '86
Then: First baseman, Chicago Cubs
Durham was a fixture of the Cubs’ starting line-up from 1981-87, and during this time he enjoyed five 20-home run seasons. He was an All-Star in ’82 and ’83, but his best season was ’84 (.279-23-96). Durham both began and ended his career with the Cardinals, however — making his first MLB appearance on May 27, 1980 and his last on Sept. 17, 1989.
Now: Hitting coach, Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A affiliate, Detroit Tigers)
The back of Durham’s 1987 card notes that he is “affectionately” known as ‘The Bull.’” This is an obvious nickname so far as baseball monikers go (Bull Durham, get it?) and one that has stuck with him. These days “Bull” Durham works as a hitting coach for the Toledo Mud Hens, who play in the same league as the Durham Bulls. He has held this position since 2001, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in the International League.
Card #298 — Larry Herndon
Then: Outfielder, Detroit Tigers
Herndon played 14 seasons at the Major League level, largely split between San Francisco and Detroit. 1987 was his penultimate campaign, during which he hit a stellar .324 over 89 ballgames. Throughout his career his output was steady, but never spectacular. 162-game averages: 11 home runs, 58 RBIs, 10 stolen bases.
Now: Hitting coach, Lakeland Flying Tigers (Class A Advanced affiliate, Detroit Tigers)
Having stolen 32 bases over seven seasons with Detroit, Herndon was hardly a “Flying Tiger.” Yet that is the uniform he wears these days, tutoring Tigers’ prospects at the Class A Advanced level. Herndon has worked in this capacity since 2005, a somewhat significant downgrade from his seven-year stint (’92-’98) coaching at the big league level in Detroit.
Card #626 – Joel Skinner
Then: Catcher, New York Yankees
Skinner, the son of Major Leaguer Bob Skinner, enjoyed a nine-year career as a big league catcher. 1986 represented a high water mark (at least in terms of playing time), as the then-25-year-old split the season between Chicago and New York en route to setting career highs in games (114), at-bats (336), hits (73), home runs (5), and RBIs (37). He last played in the Majors as a member of the 1991 Indians, and his final professional appearance was with the 1994 Charlotte Knights. Speaking of which…
Now: Manager, Charlotte Knights (Triple-A affiliate, Chicago White Sox)
Skinner has been managing in the pros since 1995, when he piloted the now-defunct Watertown Indians of the New York-Penn League. He went on to log quite a bit of time at the big league level, as interim manager of the 2002 Indians and, later, a coach. 2012 will be his first season in Charlotte, aside from that six-game stint as a player in 1994.
Card #696 — Gary Lucas
Then: Left-handed reliever, California Angels
Quick! Who led the National League in games pitched during the strike-truncated season of 1981? It was, of course, Mr. Gary Lucas, who appeared in 57 games as a member of the San Diego Padres. He was effective throughout that campaign (compiling a 2.00 ERA), and, moreover, was effective throughout his eight-season career. 1987 was Lucas’ final season; he went 1-5 with a 3.63 ERA over 48 appearances with the Angels.
Bid for this card on eBay!
Now: Pitching coach, Beloit Snappers (Class A affiliate, Minnesota Twins)
Lucas joined the coaching ranks in 1991 with the San Jose Giants, and has gone on to work in Clinton, Quad Cities, and New Britain. He’s helped to coax Beloit Snappers hurlers out of their shells since 2008, so that their pitches will have more bite.
Card #720 — Richard Dotson
Then: Right-handed starter, Chicago White Sox
A staple of the White Sox’s rotation throughout much of the ’80s, Dotson was coming off a season in which he led the American League with 17 losses (this coming three years after his 22-7 record in ’83). He finished his career as a member of the 1991 Kansas City Royals, an unfortunate eight-game stint that pushed his career mark below .500 (he went 0-4, to finish at 111-113).
Now: Pitching coach, Charlotte Knights (Triple-A affiliate, Chicago White Sox)
Skinner and Dotson were batterymates on those mid-80s Chi-town squads, and now they are re-united in Charlotte. But, unlike Skinner, Dotson isn’t a Charlotte newcomer. He’s served as the Knights pitching coach since 2007.
(personal aside: In the song “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit,” I used to think Rza’s verse contained the lyric “Causin’ more family feuds than Richard Dotson.”
Card #762 — Gary Ward
Then: Outfielder, Texas Rangers
A late bloomer by the standards of professional baseball, Gary Ward didn’t have his breakout season until age 28 as a member of the1982 Minnesota Twins (.289-28-91). His ’87 Topps card depicts him as a member of the Rangers, but on Christmas Eve of 1986 he signed with the Yankees as a free agent. He went on to play three seasons in the Bronx, before finishing his career as a member of the 1990 Detroit Tigers.
Now: Hitting coach, Winston-Salem Dash (Class A Advanced affiliate, Chicago White Sox)
Ward started his professional coaching career in 1998 with Port St. Lucie, and 2012 marks the first time since that stint that he’s worked at the Class A Advanced level. In between, gigs as Charlotte’s hitting coach have sandwiched a big league job with the White Sox as well as an assistant position at the collegiate level. Gary’s son, Darryl, went on to play in the Majors as well, and Baseball Reference notes that Pete Incaviglia, Rickey Henderson, and Kevin Brown were teammates of both Wards.
Card #776 — Tom Brunansky
Then: Outfielder, Minnesota Twins
Brunansky was at the peak of his powers in 1987, a year in which he slugged 32 home runs as a member of the World Champion Minnesota Twins. This marked the seventh of eight consecutive seasons in which he hit 20 or more homers, and he retired in 1994 with an impressive 271.
Now: Hitting coach, Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A affiliate, Minnesota Twins)
Brunansky returned to the Twins organization in 2010, coaching in the Gulf Coast League. He was promoted to Double-A New Britain in 2011, and in 2012 will serve as the hitting coach for Triple-A Rochester. In his coaching career, Brunansky has thus far shown no inclination to return to his glory days as one of baseball’s most formidable mustachioed men.
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This train’s just gonna keep on rollin’! Stay tuned next week for Volume 3: Players now coaching in AL West organizations.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
From Hip-Hop to Defunct
No matter what your opinions may be regarding Carter IV, there’s certainly no disputing the fact that Lil Wayne remains one of the most influential hip-hop stars in the world.
And, last week, this taste-maker par excellence was spotted wearing the following ballcap:
Yes, that would be an Omaha Storm Chasers “O-Bolt” away cap! Wayne is clearly a big fan of manager Mike Jirschele and his PCL-championship winning squad, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts dropping Storm Chasers references into his raps.
Maybe something like “Put away the uzi, cuz, my lumber’s what weighs a ton/They call me Batman, Clint Robinson“
(See, the Public Enemy reference doubles as an analogy to heavy lumber, leading to interpretation of “Batman” as someone swinging a powerful stick. This would certainly include Storm Chasers heavy hitter Clint Robinson, whose name doubles as “Robin, son” ie Batman’s sidekick).
And as if a Lil Wayne endorsement wasn’t enough, the Storm Chasers once again capitalized on their meteorological nomenclature and made a live appearance on the Weather Channel. On Thursday morning, assistant G.M. Rob Crain appeared live in order to promote the following deal: if temperatures hit 60 degrees that day, then the team would offer 60 season tickets at a 60% discount.
Indeed, this is just what happened.
Let’s move from 60% back into the world of hip-hop: 50 Cent, specifically.
Did you know that in recent video for “Wait Until Tonight”, Fiddy is wearing an Idaho Falls Chukars cap? This is the best picture I could find:
So we’ve got Lil Wayne reppin’ Omaha, 50 Cent reppin’ Idaho Falls. Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to the next rapper to give an unexpected endorsement to an MiLB team, but Snoop and the Charleston RiverDoggs seems like an obvious choice.
Finally, congratulations to Barry Larkin on being elected to the Hall of Fame. The star shortstop only played 175 games in the Minors before getting the call-up to the Reds; 72 with the ’85 Vermont Reds and 103 with ’86 Denver Zepyhrs.
Courtesy of Wikipedia, here’s the Vermont logo:
Larkin was MVP of that ’86 Zephyrs squad, who played within the cozy confines of Denver’s Mile High Stadium. While I could not locate an image of the logo, here’s a look at the iconic train that the team could was named for.
You’ll note that it says “Burlington Route” in the center of the train, which is appropriate. The Vermont Reds were based out of Burlington, so that is indeed the route that brought Larkin to Denver.
benjamin.hill@mlb.com
twitter.com/bensbiz
A Compelling Compendium
It’s the first Friday of 2012, and what better way to celebrate than by doing the same sort of thing I’ve always done? That’s right — it’s time for another rollicking blog bouillabaisse! This particular bouillabaisse will take the form of the third edition of the Ben’s Biz Twitter Top 10!
The purpose of such an endeavor is to provide a compendium of the most intriguing @BensBiz tweets and re-tweets of the past week (or three weeks, in this case). The tweets, as they appeared on Twitter, are italicized. Let’s do this!
Follow this guy on Twitter: @BensBiz
10. Gum included
For those living in NYC, let it be known that @EconomyCandy in Lower East Side sells wax packs of ’87 and ’89 Topps for .75 cents.
My ’87 Topps-themed post from earlier this week was met with much enthusiasm, and I was very gratified to read the various emails, Tweets, and Facebook and blog comments that were issued in response. If the post got you feeling nostalgic for that era of baseball cards AND you live in NYC, then head over to Economy Candy in the Lower East Side. It is a truly wonderful establishment.
9. And speaking of ’87 Topps and how it relates to Minor League Baseball…
RT @blueclaws: @bensbiz did feature on ’87 Topps set (25th anniversary) – Claws gave out these replicas in 2010: http://twitpic.com/83hxkk
8. Offseason drama
One of my favorite Tweets from a Minor League player, ever.
RT @murraywatts: Hey lady down the street yelling at me to get out of her yard…it’s cool, I brought a bag for the dog poop
Watts to lady: "It's cool."
7. They’ve got the Clapp!
Fans of Canadian baseball icons with hilarious names rejoice: Stubby Clapp returns as @ValleyCats mgr in 2012 http://bit.ly/AwtqiT
Hopefully, Stubby will find something to get riled up about during the 2012 season. This, from last year, was classic:
6. Dance Dance Revolution
Overlooked logo sub-genre! RT @shorebirds: Check out the new Shorebirds Dance Team Logo! http://twitpic.com/832cga
Yes, check it out:
5. The Original Odd Couple
The @RPhils Opening Day bobblehead features Ryan Howard and his best friend the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor: http://bit.ly/vZPr7y
4. What to wear while Googling “Santorum”
Tis the Season! NH @FisherCats offering “New Hampshire Primaries” merch http://bit.ly/zyUNnQ (“Primaries” was team’s original name)
3. A Most A-peel-ing Individual
This year’s best Hot Stove Banquet guest? @Crosscutters welcoming Dave “The Great Potato Caper” Bresnahan http://bit.ly/Ar5Ult
If you don’t know anything about the “Great Potato Caper,” then it’s really time to educate yourself. Click on the above link to start…
2. Christmas in July, in January
On 7/27, @LCCaptains staging 3rd annual “Christmas Story”-themed giveaway. Meet “The Pink Nightmare” http://yfrog.com/h4vd4cdj
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