Pittsburgh Pirates

Archive for June, 2010

Born on November 3, 1918 in the rural farming community of Van Meter, Iowa, Bob Feller has left a lasting impression not only upon the baseball world, but upon the people who have have the privilege to have met him – in his sincerity and genuine concern for those around him. At the age of 17, Feller was discovered and signed by the Cleveland Indians, and quickly found himself pitching in the major leagues without every playing a single game in the minors. In his rookie season of 1936, Feller won 5 games and lost three, and incredible feat for an inexperienced youngster facing seasoned professionals.

Over the next 18 seasons, Feller cemented his legacy as one of the hardest throwing and best pitchers in the history of baseball, all while playing for only one team – the Cleveland Indians. Feller won 20 or more games 6 times to lead the American League, and led the league in strikeouts 7 times. He pitched 3 no-hitters in his storied career and had 12 1-hitters which is still a major league record. Selected to 8 all-star games Feller finished his career with a 266-162 won-lost record, a 3.25 ERA, and over 2,500 strikeouts. In his first year of eligibility, Feller was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame after being named on 93.8 percent of the ballots cast.

On December 8, 1941 that day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Bob Feller was one of the first to enlist, joining the U.S. Navy. While serving as a gun captain on the USS Alabama, Feller saw considerable combat action and was awarded 8 battle stars and 5 campaign ribbons for his contribution. It has been widely speculated as to the number of games Feller could have won had he not lost 4 baseball seasons to military service. It would not be far fetched to assume that he would have easily won over 300 games and added another 1,000 strikeouts to his career totals. Upon his return to baseball in 1945, Feller picked up where he had left off and played until 1956. When he retired, Feller’s number 19 jersey was retired by the Cleveland Indians.

To this day Bob Feller remains a fan favorite in Cleveland, and resides in the Cleveland suburb of Gates Mills, Ohio. Feller is still active in the community and is very approachable to fans of all ages who desire to “rub elbows’ with the all-time great. There’s a saying in Cleveland that if you don’t have a Bob Feller autograph it’s not because you can’t get one – it’s because you don’t want one.

When I was a young man I was an athlete. I loved playing football, basketball, baseball and tennis. I served in the military and was in terrific shape. But after years of focus on my career, family and bills I realized that I had totally not focused on my personal health at all. I think we tend to see ourselves as the person we used to be instead of the person we have become. It is easy to do, as parents with full time jobs, we tend to spend a lot of time on auto-pilot just to navigate all the things that must get done everyday.

Reality bites! Ok, it took years for me to get into such a state of disrepair so it will take a while to get out of disrepair. I began searching the internet looking for a workout program that met my needs. I gave serious thought as to what my needs really were. I came up with what I thought the program would have to look like in order for me to have the highest chance of success. So here they are:

The program had to be affordable, and done at home. I knew I was not going to drive to the gym everyday and I was not going to go into debt to get into shape. It made no sense to damage my financial health for the sake of my physical health when I can have both. This was also a determing factor because the program would have to require very little equipment. No way was I going to pay 0 for a set of dumbells or thousands on a fancy machine that would need it’s own room in the house.

The program would have to be unique and engaging. I think we have all seen the countless numbers of exercise videos with some fake looking people jumping around and counting reps. You will surely get bored after just a few workouts and the odds of you sticking with the program will decrease dramatically. So the ideal program will have real, down to earth, motivational instructors and it will have a wide variety of workout options so you won’t get bored.

The program would have to include a nutrition plan. I have read enough to understand that you can workout everyday for hours but if you are filling your body with junk, your results will be poor. I needed a nutrition plan that was realistic, easy to follow and affordable. I am not going to get in the door from work and spend 2 hours preparing Caribbean Chicken with Pear and Cranberry Chutney perfumed with coriander leaf, bathed in lemon and with an excess of garlic. I needed 20 to 30 minutes for dinner prep and the ingredients had to be normal stuff that you would find in the local grocery store.

The program would have to offer technical and motivational support. I want to be able to go online and read posts, ask questions and mingle with experts and users like me. I needed to be able to see normal everyday people that are in varying stages of the program, to see results and learn from others mistakes.

So where did all of this research take me? The P90X workout. It met every single one of my criteria, it was the only program that did. I just ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive. I know it won’t be easy, it will take lots of discipline and determination but by finding a program that met all my needs I have set myself up for success. I encourage you to go to http://www.beachbody.com and see for yourself if this might be the workout program you need to change your life.

Article by Torry Wilson

Baseball equipment is utmost necessary for baseballs games. A good pitching machine can be the best example. With the help of this machine, one can build effectively arm, back, shoulder, upper body batting stamina etc. One can even improve the hand eye co-ordination and the batting technique. Even the softball equipment renders the same advantages and benefits. But such kind of appendix should be used properly in order to execute an effective output. The appendix should be chosen determining the age group of the players. For example, if the players fall in age group between 5 to 8 years old then the pitch should be made within a speed range of 20 to 40 meter per hour. The machine should be effective enough in order to deliver the desired pitch considering the surrounding factors.

People often get confused and wonder which ball to use while using a baseball equipment. They get confused whether to go for a real ball or a practice ball. They should go for practice ball, as its tire does not hit any seams. A seam present on a real ball can enable the pitch to vary on every ground. However, such kind of variations hardly alters the playing frequency of the older and experienced players. Synthetic balls are a strict no for pitching machine. They usually leave behind a build up on the tire, which becomes hard to remove and also affect the pitch. Baseball training aids also include bags. The bags play a vital role in the player’s gear. These are available in an array of fabric, shades and designs. Such kinds of accessories are recommended for every athlete, who is involved in this game. These softball training aids are available in various types such as basic, club, functional, backpack, batting carriers, roller, duffel style etc. These kinds of junkies can be easily fetched at cheaper prices from online shopping zones. The softballs are associated with such kind of softball equipments, which are usually light in weight, besides rendering maximum space for storing fence clips, cleats, money, i pods, wireless phones etc. Moreover, these baseball equipments are comprised of ventilated foot wear tunnel sections for storing valuable items.

Article by kity

Nowadays, more and more people love the sports, not only attracted by the entertainment they offered, but also want to have a healthy body by do the sports. And there are many sports that you can choose, such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. If you were interesting in the baseball and having been a baseball player yet, and want to become a better player than what you can already do right now, then you must go to find many methods to improve your abilities.. The very first thing you can do is to comprehensively look at your training and the way you are playing. From there you can easily move on to hone your abilities. You need to read some material about baseball and playing baseball, or go to watch some MLB games to see how the MLB players playing baseball. As much as possible, include those that have information on hitting or if you are a pitcher then pitching lesson could do. You can even browse videos, watch games and probably get some tips from online coaches.Next, you need to do more exercises. I have always believed in an old adage that Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. But practicing to become better is perhaps the one that you go beyond what you usually do but stop before going into a dangerous tunnel of over exerting yourself. Just go in between your usual routine and the extremes. If you can increase your routine from 4 times to 5 or perhaps 6 times in a week then it is better. Do not be afraid to mix your routine up but you have to ensure that you can keep in mind to balance the muscle groups that you are developing. Do a reasonable practice just as the famous MLB team- St.Louis Cardinals usually do, then you can have a better physical ability.Moreover, you must continue to practice even if you are out of the game season. The routine training shouldn’t been suspended, but you can do some other physical activities to maintain your conditioning. Always bear in mind that you have to perform better in the next season than the previous one so there is no time for you to slack off. Just remembering not to stop practicing and be satisfied with the success achieved yet. Then, you can make yourself be a better baseball player.

If you follow professional baseball at any level then you may have heard about the independent minor leagues.  You even may have attended one of these games if you enjoy going to minor league baseball stadiums.  What you may not know, however, are some of the funny, unique, and historical trivia questions about the history of independent minor league baseball.  Here are some reasons why taking a few moments to discover this type of baseball trivia is worth your time.

First, people who enjoy baseball trivia do so for many reasons.  Sometimes they learn and remember these historical facts to impress other sports fans.  Other fans like the humor of certain baseball trivia questions; and other people enjoy obscure facts about baseball in order to enhance their appreciation for the game.  The independent minor league baseball industry provides ample amount of trivia for all of those reasons.

Independent pro baseball relies heavily on extremes in order to maintain financial solvency.  The extremes can take the form of unique promotions, trades, player signings, and owner activities.  The independent league teams do not get any money from the Major League clubs, so each team is forced to survive on ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, and sponsorships.  Therefore, memorable events – which translate into worthwhile trivia – happen frequently.

Here are just a few of the memorable events which have taken place in the independent leagues since 1993:

A player was approached by the Jay Leno show after having been traded for cash and catfish
A player was traded for cash and a Muddy Waters album
The oldest player in pro baseball history had an at bat in an independent league All Star game
The oldest pitcher to ever win a pro baseball game took place in an independent minor league game
A national TV commercial fictional athletic character was traded to another league for beer
Famous celebrities are, or have been, owners of independent baseball teams

If you want to impress your friends and fellow baseball fans with unique, and sometimes hysterical trivia, then you should take some time to learn more about the history of independent professional baseball.  You just may laugh out loud and want to attend an upcoming game if you know that a unique trivia event may take place!

Article by Caroline Forbes

Baseball is a fun and exciting sport to watch and an even more exciting sport to play. If you are interested in the game of baseball then you will have to buy some baseball equipment. Baseball equipment includes bats, balls, gloves and helmets. All this equipment can be found at a sports store and it will not cost you a fortune. If you prefer you can shop online for this equipment and avail of further discounts.The first thing you should buy is a bat. You will need a bat to hit the ball and score all those home runs. When buying a bat it is important that you first check the length of the bat. The rule is that when placed on one end, should come up to your waist. So when you are buying a bat you will have to put it against your body to check if the length is correct. If you are ordering the equipment online then you will have to measure yourself and then compare it with the measurements if the bat, if done correctly there is no way you can go wrong. You should also take into account the weight of the bat. You should be able to take a good swing. If the bat is too heavy then your swing will be too controlled. The bat should also not be too light otherwise it will have little effect when you hit the ball. When you are practicing swinging the bat it is important that you make sure that the grip on the bat is good as well. It should be firm in your hand and should not slip even when you sweat.When playing base ball safety is a must so you will have to buy a baseball helmet. In case the ball is thrown astray it can cause severe damage to your face because the ball is moving at such high speeds. Helmets come in all sorts of sizes and colours and picking one out is not hard. You have to try them on and make sure that the helmet is not too big or to tight for you, it has to fit just perfectly. You have to be able to see clearly and not have to adjust it all the time to see.Baseball will require that you wear gloves. They come in all sizes so try each one on to see which fits you best. When wearing the gloves your hand movement has to be free and not too restrictive. Make sure you buy the glove accordingly.

Article by Joyce

Obtaining Baseball Remembrances inside the Preferred Solutions StoreWork gloves may also be acceptable, however, not important; they may be, nonetheless, proposed for many who want around simply being goalkeepers. Many devices have to be name brand to ensure their own stability. Considering a might be when using the package on a regular basis despite the fact that playing rugby, it’s always best to opt for equipment which might be heavy-duty as well as tough. The gear really should be methodically maintained simply because hockey kits cost a lot, and additionally it will be the waste products of bucks to obtain to prevent interchanging a form of destroyed devices. Getting a great MLB guides stash, you’ll have extra potentials to buy your preferred hockey memorabilia designed for low-priced selling prices from it. In depth homework and additionally recommendations with football fanatics will help verify an excellent save. Just after having the apparatus, you can as a final point start out trying to play little league. As a result, make sure you mindfully acquire an excellent soccer retail outlet to find better rugby trophies. When MLB can be a preferred recreation cherished by just people around the globe, you will have progressively more baseball enthusiast would prefer to view hockey game and even uncover trying to play baseball. They wish to give most of the very existence to back up the actual hockey sport. Nonetheless, most of them do not know where you start. Can a person understand you’re manually operated, or perhaps confer with some sort of personal trainer, or perhaps get apparatus initially? In case you are a proper MLB buff, that can be done just about anything very first to begin with your career for a hockey fan. You will find an excellent baseball equipment shop to get certain NFL relics. There are numerous baseball sets suppliers trading the actual hockey equipment. How to locate the best soccer solutions store is actually a critical problem you must take into consideration first. Just after seeking the most adjacent baseball equipment shop, it’s always best to establish jewel efficient. That is conducted at the actual retail outlet and thinking about the choices. Devices outlet stores that happen to be an integral part of the well-known cycle do not need to be supposed; nonetheless somewhat undiscovered outlet stores could be promoting pretend kits. The best little league packages retail outlet can supply you the normal accessories that is certainly important to get baseball game enthusiasts. You ought to thoroughly exam in the entire soccer guide they decide to order, simply by evaluating material plus equipment. When many suppliers supply the FOOTBALL jerseys at wholesale prices that will football fanatics, hence you will need to ensure that the standard of all the jerseys. You need to look just for substantial usage of your system, along with picking out imitation famous brands or possibly fake art logos. Suppliers of which sell off unbranded equipment with regard to substantially cheaper really should not be counted relating to, as opposed to many suppliers will probably make an effort to move out fakes simply because name brand products and solutions.

Article by Brian

Helmets For Little League Baseball Players Need an Update

So if you are like many we do not believe that the helmets that are used for little league are good enough right now. No way they are not the hard plastic hats that the pros wear because they would be to heavy.

The reason they say for that is that the little league players cannot hit as hard as the pro baseball players. But there is also a counter for that too. They cannot hit as hard but their skulls are not as hard either. So this goes back and forth through little leagues all over the place.

Do you think they will ever meet the expectations of the coaches and parents. I do not think so. The problem is America is starting to become wusses. They want all the protection they can get and if their child gets hurt. Oh man you are going to get a court order and that will be the end of your kids little league baseball journey as he is ridiculed by his parents.

If the protection does not change many parents are saying they will stop letting their kids playing baseball all the time. Now that will stop nothing.

This will be an ongoing issue when it comes to baseball players and they will never be able to grow to their full potential.

The parents are definitely interfering with the flow of all the baseball games. You people are wondering why other countries are not catching up to us in all sports. This is because we are not doing this for talent we are doing all these sports for money and a way to grow our real estate. Most other countries do it for passion and love of the sport. There is no way America has the passion like other countries when it comes to sports. They only seem to have it and baseball is one of its number one sports.

Article by Bonnie Bennett

Baseball equipment: Some Information Baseball is a fun and exciting sport to watch and an even more exciting sport to play. If you are interested in the game of baseball then you will have to buy some baseball equipment. Baseball equipment includes bats, balls, gloves, helmets and even batting cages. All this equipment can be found at a sports store and it will not cost you a fortune. If you prefer you can shop online for this equipment and avail of further discounts. The first thing you should buy is a bat. You will need a bat to hit the ball and score all those home runs. When buying a bat it is important that you first check the length of the bat. The rule is that when placed on one end, should come up to your waist. So when you are buying a bat you will have to put it against your body to check if the length is correct. If you are ordering the equipment online then you will have to measure yourself and then compare it with the measurements if the bat, if done correctly there is no way you can go wrong. You should also take into account the weight of the bat. You should be able to take a good swing. If the bat is too heavy then your swing will be too controlled. The bat should also not be too light otherwise it will have little effect when you hit the ball. When you are practicing swinging the bat it is important that you make sure that the grip on the bat is good as well. It should be firm in your hand and should not slip even when you sweat. When playing base ball safety is a must so you will have to buy a baseball helmet. In case the ball is thrown astray it can cause severe damage to your face because the ball is moving at such high speeds. Helmets come in all sorts of sizes and colours and picking one out is not hard. You have to try them on and make sure that the helmet is not too big or to tight for you, it has to fit just perfectly. You have to be able to see clearly and not have to adjust it all the time to see. Baseball will require that you wear gloves. They come in all sizes so try each one on to see which fits you best. When wearing the gloves your hand movement has to be free and not too restrictive. Make sure you buy the glove accordingly. You can improve your batting skills by investing in batting cages.

ith the baseball season coming in a full swing, baseball tickets for the New York Yankees game will become the hottest gate pass for this sporting event. The opening day of the baseball league opens with a New York Yankees versus Detroit Tigers- with the event taking place at the new stadium and with team captain Derek Jeter, this season will definitely get more exciting than ever. If you want to be a part of the 2011 Yankees game, be sure to get your baseball tickets while they are still up for grabs.

With the current lineup and a reputation to uphold, the questions for the New York Yankees performance are endless. Will they garner victory from Derek Jeters leadership? Can they make it to World Series with Joe Girardi on the lead? Or will Alex Rodriguez continue to become an invincible force to help them ascend to a powerful end?

A lot of baseball fans will surely purchase their baseball tickets even before the league has started. New York Yankees fans will definitely want to watch how their favorite underdog team will succeed to rise above the stronger teams. As for fans of the opposing teams, baseball tickets for Yankees game will still be very much in-demand. Apparently, with their teams playing against what they consider as Bronx Bombers and Evil Empire, cheering on a real-life game will be much more gratifying than watching it on-screen.

So if youre either side of the cheering team, why not get your hands on one of these baseball tickets? Of course, ESPN, YES and other sports channels on TV can pretty much show you the happenings during the event but nothing beats shouting your heart out behind the stands. Get to hear the vendors bellow Crackerjack! or get yourself a bleacher seat and sit next to the leaders of the Bleacher Creatures. Surely, youd never find any other sporting event which starts their game with a roll call of these hardcore New York Yankees fans. If rowdy isnt your type, try getting baseball ticket seats in the front row, or the upper deck. Whichever you choose to watch the game live, you are sure to find good deals on baseball tickets.

Remember, theres nothi8ng more classic than spending one fine summer evening with a hotdog and a large drink in hand and cheering like your good youthful days. After all, summer nights are meant to make anyone feel younger and more carefree.

For a more fun experience get a few more baseball tickets and cheer heartily with your family, kids, and your friends. Group packages to a Yankees game is a surefire inexpensive way to spend a friendly sporting night-out with your fellow Yankees fans.