Did The Mets Invent The Rally Cap?

[RBI Magazine] - The rally cap has been a baseball tradition for years serving as a good luck icon for the losing team during a baseball game. You can find such a cap at Little League games, high school games, and at all levels of professional baseball. If you do not know what a rally cap is, hopefully, you are not a baseball fan. If you are a baseball fan and you still do not have a clue-shame on you! The definition basically sums it up. According to Everything.com, the rally cap is defined as a cap worn inside out and backwards in support of a team who is losing a game by a few runs. What a ridiculous concept right? Wrong! Any baseball fan will argue that the rally cap is effective most of the time and if you disagree you may have to put your lawyer skills to use.

So where did the idea originate? The great year of 1986. The Mets were playing the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. The Mets were trailing the Sox in game six, already down 3 games to 2 in the series. In the 7th inning for some unknown reason the entire Mets dugout turned their hats inside out and backwards in support of a rally. Soon the fans caught on also turning their hats inside out and backwards. Then the amazing happened. The Mets began to score run-after-run eventually winning the game and forcing the 1986 World Series to a game 7. The Mets rally continued, blowing the Red Sox away in game 7 and winning the World Series that year. Since then, the rally cap has been a baseball tradition and continues to be used as a late game secret weapon.

The Mets could have used a rally cap this weekend as they fell two games short of the National League East Championship and one game short of the National League Wild Card heading into the final game of the season. They were eventually eliminated from playoff contention as they lost their final game to the Florida Marlins 4-2. Not a single rally cap was spotted in the Mets dugout during the game, but rally caps were a common sight in the stands late in the game.

FELIZ NAVIDAD! Phillies Clinch NL East

[RBI Magazine-Philadelphia] Bases were loaded with 1 out in the top of the ninth. The score 4-3, Phillies lead, as Ryan Zimmerman stepped to the plate and delivered a hard sharp ground ball to Phillies short-stop Jimmy Rollins. Rollins slid on his knees and willingly fell forward as he flipped the ball towards Chase Utley hovering over second. Utley elevated himself above the bag to avoid the slide and threw the ball across his chest.

When the ball hit Ryan Howard’s glove across the diamond, the Philadelphia crowd erupted like a volcano that has been dormant for years. Fireworks exploded from the outer perimeter of Citizen’s Bank Park while 45,000 fans plus threw rally towels, cup holders and those rather tasty buckets of Chickies & Petes crab fries were also tossed into the late September sky as the Phillies repeat of Division champions became a reality.

When the game began, Phillies fans had already heard about the performance of Johan Santana up in New York, shutting out the Florida Marlins 2-0. The Phillies knew however, that it was time to take care of their own business. Jamie Moyer took the mound and allowed only 1 run and 6 hits over six innings. Moyer earned his 246th win tying Joe McGinnity for 47th on the all-time career win list. When 45 year old Moyer was removed from the game in the sixth, 45,000 fans rose to their feet applauding their season long hero. Jamie finished the season 22-11 after 33 starts.

The game progressed with a few scary moments. In the eight, pitcher Ryan Madson delivered the ball with runners on second and third with no outs. Washington National Lastings Milledge slapped the ball to shallow center. Rollins had a great jump on the ball and made an incredible grab over his right shoulder. However in the process, center fielder Shane Victorino also had a great start at the ball and collided with Rollins after the grab was made. Victorino tried to avoid Rollins by sliding on his back but made heavy contact with Rollins near the shin area. Victorino fell to the ground favoring his left leg but still remained in the game. 

As the night continued, Citizen’s Bank Park was nothing short of electric. Not a single fan sat. Rally towels waved continuously between every pitch. The beer vendors that circulated throughout the stands all unoticabley stopped their alcohol distribution to take part in the last few innings. What was taking place on the field seemed to be better than looking for that next beer. Hard to believe! Pedro Feliz stepped to the plate in the bottom of the eight and delivered a key base knock with 1 out. Victorino followed using his Gap gift card as he launced a bullet into the left-center gap. Feliz scored the insurance RBI that lifted the Phils 4-2 over the Nats. The stage was now set. Three outs. National League East Champions.

The ninth inning followed producing ups-and-downs of the century for Phillies fans. The first out did come easy, but after the Nationals loaded the bases, Phillies fans began to expect the worst. However, the waving of rally towels and the roar from the crowd never ceased except when Zimmerman connected with the infamous 2-2 pitch. You could have heard a pin drop as the ball appeared to be in slow motion, traveling from Rollins to Utley and then finally floating to Ryan Howard completing the succesful 6-4-3 double play to win the NL East!

At the games conclusion not a single fan left the stadium. Jimmy Rollins expressed his appreciation to his teammates and the fans of Philadelphia. When Ryan Howard took the mic the chant of “MVP” echoed throughout the entire stadium. Pedro Feliz rode a bicycle around the warning track thanking the fans for being a huge part of the Phillies success this season. Champagne rained inside the Phillies clubhouse and the celebration of the Phillies season began all across the city of Brotherly Love.

Mets Need Santana Miracle

[RBI Magazine] - With two games remaining in 2008, the Mets will need Johan Santana to have nothing short of a stellar performance today as New York hosts the Marlins at Shea. Today’s game could have a historical impact on the organization as well as deciding their playoff fate as New York enters a “must win” situation. If the Mets fall to the Marlins, their playoff hopes are almost certainly shattered and Sunday will be the last game ever scheduled to be played at Shea Stadium.

The worst night for the Mets, last night, may have buried New York’s chances once again. The Phillies won a crucial game against the Washington Nations as the Mets lost to the Brewers. With the Phillies now two games up on the Mets in the NL East, the “Fightin” Phils can clinch their division with a win or a even a New York loss. So who woke up before the end of September? Phillies.

In the Wild Card, the Mets trail the Brewers by a single game. With a Brewers win and a Mets loss, the Mets can kiss October goodbye and say farewell to 44 year-old Shea Stadium on Sunday. With a Mets win however, playoff hopes and dreams will still be kept alive, but as we all know the odds of October baseball will still not be in their favor. The probable pitcher for Sunday’s game looks to be Oliver Perez. 

RBI Magazine will be in attendance at both Shea Stadium and Citizen’s Bank Park as the 2008 playoff picture unfolds. 

A Solemn Yet Hysterical Farewell To Yankee Stadium

[RBI Magazine] - A cup of dirt worth $29.00? This week that crazy misconception became a reality as the closing ceremonies at Yankee Stadium concluded on Sunday September 21st, 2008. On the first day of Autumn, sports fans all over the world traveled to the Bronx to witness one of the greatest, yet solemn moments in baseball history - to say goodbye to an era of baseball that Yankees fans made sure will never be forgotten.

I may be generalizing here, but I guess you could say New York does not do well with change. Immediatley that night, the Internet became a prime time market place for sports fans wanting a real piece of history. The items up for bid? Cups of dirt, paint chips scraped off the exterior wall with a screw driver, broken pieces of the main entrance gate, cup holders, and a flattened piece of old chewed gum 3 inches in diameter, all purchased for a five finger discount that night at the stadium.

Those fans fortunate enough to swipe a piece of the stadium in the Bronx should consider themselves of having the utmost luck. Those who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar faced harsh penalties as they tried to walk away with noticable items from inside the stadium.  Security was strengthened that night to a force of 2,000 police to make sure the guts of the baseball cathedral remained intact after the fans departed for one last time. And trust me they made it tough!

One shady Yankees fan actually made it onto the field after the game and posed as a grounds crew member. Imagine that! A shady Yankees fan! He tried to net as much grass and dirt from the field as possible, stuffing it into his sweatshirt and pants pockets. Greediness however did smack him in the grundle.  While running off the field back to the stands he decided to take a nab at third base. Needless to say the stands were further away then expected for the rookie thief. Security sunk him into the turf before he made it into foul territory. So far since Sunday, 20 people have been arrested for possessing stolen property. Some fans caused more than $1,000 in damage while trying to disassemble souvenirs. These lucky fellas were arraigned last night and all have been released from jail after posting bail.

Even though the last game was played Sunday night, Yankee Stadium security is far from being off the hook. Construction workers and the occasional passer-by still need to be discouraged from taking parts of the stadium. You also need to remember we are dealing with Yankees fans. Do not put it past any of them (and yes I am stereotyping) to have a formulated plot to aid in captivating dirt, wood chips or whatever it is they want on the shelf at home.

On Ebay, at this exact moment, you can purchase bullpen gravel for $29.00. I rest my case! The seller claims to have been in the press box, the Yankees locker room, and ultimately the Yanks bullpen on Sunday night. With the purchase of the dirt the seller will supply pictures of himself filling the bags with what he collected from the different locations. It can’t get more authentic than that folks! $29.00 could be a great deal for all of you sentimental sports fans out there. You can also buy from other dirt sellers for the hefty price of about $50.00. Also, plans to auction off the left field foul pole are already in the making by stadium officials. The word on the street is; Mike Mussina will be the first person to place his bid. Don’t get me started on the urinals! That’s just plain old nasty and is the perfect way to get worms. Go with an official Yankee Stadium dust bunny instead!

Admit tingly, it was tough to see Yankee Stadium leave Major League baseball forever. However, the memories and the history will never leave the hearts of millions. Those trying to steal parts of the stadium do not need old gum or paint chips to remind themselves of how great the stadium was. They merely need to look back upon history and look at the memories, highlights, and players that made Yankee Stadium the baseball cathedral that it is today.

And as old Frankie said…..

“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, It’s up to you , New York, New York.”

8 Game Rollercoaster Awaits NL EAST

By: Vincent Anzideo

September 20, 2008

[RBI Magazine] - The battle has begun with less than 8 games remaining; the Phillies and the Mets are once again in a last lap dash to see who will become the NL East division champions. Can the Phillies stay on their hot streak and will the Mets continue to avoid an inevitable collapse like last year?

History does repeat itself and if you can remember on Sept 12th of last year we saw the Phillies fall 7 games back from the Mets, then within a matter 5 days they were only 2.5 games out of first in the NL East. This year on Sept 10th the Phillies were 3.5 games back and in 7 days they passed right by the Mets taking the lead by a half a game.

What is up with the Mets? The Mets made improvements with the addition of Johan Santana during last years off-season hoping to strengthen the pitching rotation and help stabilize the Mets come October. However, the only time the Mets seem to be stable is when the offense is hitting the ball.

Last night against the Braves, Johan Santana cruised through 7 innings striking out eight while Brian Schneider had one of his best outings at the plate this season. Schneider lead the 11-hit attack with his second ever multi-homerun game of his entire career crushing the Atlanta Braves. If the Mets can balance pitching with their offensive strategies throughout the remainder of the season, they will have two opportunities to make playoff baseball by advancing through the NL East or the Wild card. One thing is certain, another monumental collapse needs to be avoided by the Mets organization as the final games of the 2008 season come to a close.

So what exactly are the Phillies doing that they were not doing before? For one,  their pitching staff is smoking in public. Brett Myers is back in sync and unstoppable. Since Myers was bumped back up from the minors he seems like the old Brett Myers Phillies fans know - on target and absolutely on fire! The last game against the Brewers is proof that Myers is back to his old self with a full gamed pitched allowing only 2 hits.

The Phillies also seem to be working the bats as good as any team can in September. The Phillies need to repeat what they accomplished near the end of last season by keeping their pitching and hitting consistent. During the last few weeks it seems as though everyone is contributing their part to the Phils defensive and offensive attacks. In the last six games Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Jason Werth and Ryan Howard all have an average over 400. Seems like they are doing something right and if they can keep it that way they will be calling themselves the NL East Champions once again. The Fightin Phils are ready to fight.

 

 

 

Major League Baseball Releases 2009 Schedule

[RBI Magazine-September 17th, 2008]- Many interesting changes are in the works for the 2009 baseball season. Most of you baseball fans are probably interested in the much anticipated outcome of the 2008 season this October, but the 2009 season already has thrown a few surprises our way.  Two brand new stadiums will open in New York, one stadium will close, and the first All-Star game will take place in St. Louis for the first time in 44 years. Can it get any better than this?

The 2009 MLB season will kick off later than usual next year beginning the second week of April and ending in early November.  Let me translate this for you. Trick-or-Treat 2009 will be spent indoors watching post season baseball! No if, ands or buts. If you have kids be sure to let them know ahead of time that next year they will be stuck managing the doorbell and handing out candy. Thanks to Major League baseball for extending the offseason. Now it will only feel like 20 years instead of 10.

Sports fans will also face an unfamiliar challenge when the realization sets in that the Yankees are no longer playing at the infamous Yankee Stadium. Count em! 85 amazing year of baseball have been played at Yankee Stadium. This will be a hard concept to grasp for those who love and hate the team from the Bronx. The Yanks will also travel to Atlanta for the first time in eight years. RBI Magazine plans to be in the crowd for that one! We know a few Braves fans that might just hook us up. If we play our cards right, maybe we can bring a few of our readers along for a hot dog and a taste of history.

Being that it is September, and the 2008 playoff race is in full swing, it would be shameful to get too far ahead of ourselves, but RBI Magazine wants to know what you are looking forward to the most in 2009!

Brewers Fire Manager Ned Yost With 12 To Go

[RBI Magazine]- With 12 games left in the 2008 MLB Baseball season the Milwaukee Brewers have fired manager Ned Yost. Yost got canned after the Brewers “fell into a can” losing their last 11 of 14 games, and sacrificing a 4 game lead over the Phillies in the NL wildcard race. In the meantime, third base coach Dale Sveum will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season.

The Phillies brought their brooms and Brett Myers brought his slider to Citizens Bank Park this past weekend taking not three but all four games away from the Brewers. Myers threw a two-hitter to grab the final victory away from Milwaukee. 

How much is Ned Yost at fault for the recent collapse? Some say 100 percent,  others say none. If you look at the numbers that Ned Yost has accumulated over the past couple of years you might want to reconsider. Ned has been one of the best managers the Brewers have ever had.  Yost has lead Milwaukee with a total of 457 wins in the last 6 years. That’s second only to Phil Garner’s 563. According to ESPN - Ned knows how to win.  He was part of the Atlanta Braves organization for 12 years winning titles every year that he was there. Was this just a bad case of -”We want change?” Unfortunately, it looks as if the wrong Neddy paid the price.

With 12 games left, the Brewers will head into a very critical series with the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley. The Cubs are hot and if you ask me the Brewers look like they are headed for a collapse much like the Mets of last year. RBI is not sure that the Brewers organization should have made a distraction in the clubhouse this late in the season while the Brewers flirt with a playoff run.

Who Will Wake Up Before September Ends?

[RBI Magazine] - The month of September has proven itself as one of the most crucial times during the 8 month Major League baseball season. Playoff contenders filter their way to the top of their respected divisions and try to preserve or advance into the top position. September 2008 has all ready begun to show which teams have the power to be a playoff contender.

The National League East has no other teams but the Phillies and Mets duking it out once again game-by-game. The Mets are showing resiliency as the Phillies offense begins to pick up. Rollins, Utley and Howard have improved their swing and ended their hitting slumps while the Mets continue to stay hot. New York has won 20 out of the last 27 games and 6 of the last 8 games. However, their are two sides to every story. Injuries are still holding the Mets talented reserves hostage as the DL still plagues Billy Wagner. Surprisingly, the Mets are 21-8 with Wagner on the DL.

Delgado has been the man so far for Mets in late August and now September hitting the ball in key situations and forcing runs across the plate. As long as the Mets do not have an internal collapse like last year’s team, the Phillies will need a huge spark to blow past the Mets and preserve 1st place in the NL East.

Expectations have never soared higher in the American League East. The underdog Tampa Bay Rays have dominated the American League for the last few months in search of their first AL East Championship. To accomplish such a great feat, the Rays will have to knock out the “Green Monster” at Fenway Park this week, as they travel to Boston for a critical 3 game series against the Sox. You can see game three on Wednesday night baseball (ESPN) with Josh Beckett taking on Andy Sonnanstine at 10 p.m. EST. The Red Sox trail the Rays by 1.5 games as they will try to force a momentum swing in the American League East.

Out in the AL West the Angels have stolen any possibility for any competition. As of right now this second, the Angels may be the best team in the American League, leading the second place Texas Rangers by 17 games. With 19 games remaining, the Rangers will need an angel from above to come within even 5 games of the guys in sparkling pajamas.  J.P from Angels In The Outfield must be happy as it looks like “It could happen” for the Angels in September and October of 2008.

Now let’s talk snakes. The Arizona Diamondbacks bring a trio of venomous pitchers to the mound including Brandon Webb, Dan Heran, and “The Big Unit” Randy Johnson. A solid rotation like this will be tough to beat as the month of September comes to a close. The D’Backs recently added Adam Dunn to the now stellar offense. Dunn has 36 home runs and 89 RBIs so far in 2008. The D’Backs trail the LA Dodgers by 1.5 games in the NL West. Will they be able to slither into 1st place by the time September comes to a close? RBI Magazine thinks so. Watch for Dunn and the venomous trio to be a baseball power house come October.

As we all know history will always stand in the way of the Cubs and their chances at a World Series run. This year however, could be different. Mark DeRosa is having a career year contributing 20 jacks and 83 RBI so far this season. Chicago leads the Brewers by 4.0 in the NL Central. The Brewers, with 20 games remaining, need to find a spark or hope that history will repeat itself for the Cubs.

So what team will wake up before September ends and take over top spot in their respected division?

RBI Magazine wants to hear your predictions!!

Instant Replay Used On A-Rod Hit For First Time!

Mark September 3rd, 2008 down in the Major League history books as the night instant replay was baptized to the game of baseball. The ball in question was hit by no one other than Yankees 3rd baseman, Alex Rodriguez, in the ninth inning against the Rays. The Yankees were leading 6 to 3 in the top of the ninth with Bobby Abreu standing on second base as A-Rod came to the plate.

The 2-2 pitch was delivered by Tampa Bay Rays reliever Troy Perciva and was driven over the left field foul pole giving the Yanks the lead 8-3. Rays catcher Dioner Navarro immediately protested the call and asked for the play to be reviewed. Rays manager Joe Maddon also gave his two cents worth demanding that the play be reviewed.

And there you have it. After a quick meeting around home plate, the umpires decided to uphold the A-Rod homerun and review the call on the field. The replay showed that the ball was hit inches above the foul pole but tailed right at the last possible second landing in fair territory. The call on the field stood and the Yankees went on to beat the Rays 8-4 in this historical game. 

Not only was the game historical for  Major League baseball, A-Rod also picked up his own chunk of MLB history.  A-Rod’s 31st homerun surpassed Mike Schmidt on the all-time homerun list breaking Mike’s record of 549 all-time jacks.

One shot, two broken records. Not too bad for the Yank they call A-Rod.

Sabathia Screwed By One Scorer?

When you compare the NFL’s scoring and record keeping process against the MLB’s process we infact notice huge differences. The most obvious difference besides the two games being complete different from one another is that the MLB only allows instant replay to be used when a homerun ball is in question. So why doesn’t Major League baseball allow other plays, such as the play that may have cost C.C. Sabathia a no-hitter this past Sunday to be reviewed? Who knows! 

Scoring decisions are tough to make. However, it occured to RBI Magazine that only ONE, yes I said ONE, scorer is incharge of the official scoring process at each Major League baseball game. Interesting huh? Keep this in mind as you read the rest of the article.

The play occured in the fifth inning when a ground ball was hit sharply at Sabathia. He bobbled the ball not once, but a few times, dropped it again, and then made no attempt to throw it to first. Pirates’ Andy LaRoche was awarded an infield SINGLE crushing Sabathia’s chance at a no-hit game. Ok, not a big deal,  it is only the 5th inning right? The odds of a no hitter are still not on any pitcher’s side at this stage in a game.

So let’s put this into perspective. If Milwaukee manager Ned Yost had a red challenge flag in his posession, would he have thrown it challenging the call on the field? Hell no.  At this stage in the game it was a routine play that virtually meant nothing. The killer is; Sabathia finished the game throwing a now questionable one hit shut out.

The shocking part of the story is that the Milwaukee Brewers are asking Major League Baseball to turn CC Sabathia’s one-hitter into a no-hitter. Could a play like this be a candidate for instant replay? Can’t that one scorer take a few minutes or seconds to review the play instead of making a questionable scoring decision. In most cases similar to this situation using instant replay will not even affect the play on the field.

Not only does the Brewers GM want Sabathia to be awarded a no-hitter, he is sick of  the entire scoring decision process!

According to CBSsports.com, GM Doug Melvin said he thought there should be a committee to decide scoring decisions like the one that may have cost Sabathia a no-hitter in the Brewers’ 7-0 victory over the Pirates on Sunday. One official scorer is used in all baseball games until the World Series, where a three-person panel reviews scoring plays.

If you ask me, that’s alot of pressure on one guy and too much room for mistakes to be made. Taking the spotlight off the umps and focusing the use of instant replay on scoring decisions or adding a few more “joe shmoes” to the scorers table might be a smooth move on the MLB’s part.

Whether or not C.C. Sabathia got screwed by one scorer or not, this issue needs to be addressed to alievate such incidents in the future. Is Doug Melvin on to something?