baseball
Sabermetric analysis of all things baseball - on-and-off the field. Barry Bonds fan club.
Are the Seattle Mariners Cursed?
As an avid sports fan, there are a select number of teams who I can't help but be fascinated by, for different reasons. Regarding the Seattle Mariners, it amazes me how unlucky that team is, as well as what little success they've had. The Mariners were actually Seattle's second attempt at a Major League Baseball franchise, following the Seattle Pilots, who debuted in 1969 and ended up moving to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers in 1970. It was seven years later that MLB returned to the Pacific Northwest in the form of the Seattle Mariners, who were one of two teams added to the American League in 1977--joining the American League West while the Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League East.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
25 Years of Interleague Play
When I was a kid watching baseball, I once asked my dad, "Why is it that the Dodgers and Angels don't face each other?," and I was told that it was because they're in different leagues. That was the norm back then. American League teams faced American League teams. National League teams faced National League teams. The only AL vs NL action was preseason, the All-Star Game, and the World Series.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
A Look at the Atlanta Braves' Division Title Streak
One of the most memorable streaks in sports history (especially in my lifetime) was the Atlanta Braves' 14 straight division championships, finishing first from 1991 until 2005. Since then, the Braves' postseasons have been scarce, but once upon a time, they were one of the constants throughout the 1990s. Here's an at-a-glance look at the Braves' streak.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Ichiro Suzuki: From Skepticism to Baseball Immortality
On a cold April day in 2001, Bret Boone jogged to second base for Opening Day at Safeco Field in Seattle. The roof was open, and the Oakland Athletics were in town for what promised to be a thrilling game. ESPN2 was broadcasting the event live, but the buzz wasn’t just about the game—it was about the Mariners' newest addition, Ichiro Suzuki.
By Jayuabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Story #250: My Experience at The Ballpark in Arlington
250 stories on Vocal! I've come a long since I first started writing stories on this platform back in 2018. For my 250th story, I'll be sharing of how I became a fan of a Major League Baseball team. But first, a bit of history.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
This Is the Moment You've Been Waiting For...
Greetings, baseball nerds! The most exciting moment has finally arrived: the announcement of the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Class. After much anticipation, the players who will be inducted this summer are the following players:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
2025 Texas Rangers Predictions
I know that y'all miss baseball so much. Believe me, I know the feeling. It won't be long until Spring Training arrives, also known as the unofficial start of baseball. The Texas Rangers may not have repeated as World Series Champions last year, but it's a new year and we're wiping the state clean. The Rangers have been busy during the offseason by signing several players. I won't go through every single one, but the most notable ones. In case you missed it, here are the new additions:
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Ways To Prepare for Your Ceremonial First Pitch
Opening Day in Major League Baseball is not until late March, but if you happen to be chosen to throw the first pitch at a baseball game, whether it's at a Major League or Minor League Baseball game, I have some helpful tips to make sure your experience goes successfully smoothly. In the summer of 2023, I got a chance to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game. It was an opportunity that I was excited and also looking forward to. So, the night of taking part of this wonderful experience, one of my coworkers tagged along with me, as well as others from a local non-profit organization, which they asked me to take part in this.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
My Thoughts About the Los Angeles Dodgers
It's still the offseason, but Spring Training is just around the corner. Teams have been busy with signing players to improve their rosters. No team has been more busier than the Los Angeles Dodgers. In case you haven't heard, the defending World Series Champions have signed Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. I've been following the signing of several players since the offseason began, with one being Blake Snell, which was the only move I agreed with. To refresh your memory, Snell threw his first career no-hitter last season while he was with the San Francisco Giants. As you can tell from the title of this story, I have more to say about the Dodgers and the reasons why I have such a huge dislike of them. You must be wondering why I've been so harsh towards them in previous stories. My criticism of them will never ease up and won't anytime soon. Once you see the following reasons, you'll have a better idea of why I'll never look at them the same, nor respect them again.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
Beloved Brewers Broadcaster Bob Uecker, ‘Mr. Baseball,’ Passes Away at 90
Bob Uecker, the legendary voice of the Milwaukee Brewers and a beloved figure in baseball, has passed away at the age of 90. Known affectionately as "Mr. Baseball," Uecker’s influence on the sport and his hometown of Milwaukee is immeasurable. The Brewers announced his passing on Thursday morning, describing it as "one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history."
By Jayuabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Mike Vrabel. AI-Generated.
Mike Vrabel: A Pillar of Perseverance and Leadership in Football Mike Vrabel’s journey in football is a tale of resilience, skill, and the enduring spirit of leadership. From his early days as a college athlete to his current role as an NFL head coach, Vrabel’s life offers invaluable lessons on dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. His story resonates with football enthusiasts and serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone striving to achieve greatness in their field.
By Mutonga Kamauabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Hanna Cavinder: Rising Star in the World of Sports and Social Media
Hanna Cavinder has become a well-known figure both in the world of sports and on social media, garnering attention for her athleticism, charisma, and partnership with prominent figures in the sports industry. As the twin sister of Haley Cavinder, the two have made a significant impact in the sports world, particularly in basketball. However, Hanna Cavinder's journey to fame goes beyond just her athletic prowess—she’s also a digital influencer with a strong social media presence. This article takes a deeper look into Hanna Cavinder's background, her rise in sports, her relationship with Carson Beck, and her involvement with the NCAA and the transfer portal.
By Minecraft APK Download (Android, Pro Unlocked)about a year ago in Unbalanced
