Is the next Vin Scully in high school?

High school seniors Nick Berman and Jake Reiner (son of Rob and grandson of Carl) will alternate play-by-play duties of Dodger games in a new program that the organization is launching Sunday. The Jr. Dodgers Broadcast program offers members of the Jr. Dodgers Kids Club the chance to be live color commentators.

Berman is a senior at Harvard-Westlake, where the McCourts have developed strong ties, while Reiner is a senior at Wildwood.  Both called a handful of Dodgers games last season while working in the team’s Fan Services department and plan to study broadcast journalism in college. 

In addition to calling games from the Vin Scully Press Box, all the broadcasters will get press credentials to conduct pregame interviews with Dodgers players and staff and provide content for the Jr. Dodgers website. 

Fans of all ages will be able to listen to the live audio feed starting Sunday, with Berman working alongside seventh-grader Fabian Ardaya.

* * * 

• I didn't think I'd be alone, but the reaction by Dodger Thoughts commenters to the insertion of "God Bless America" in the middle of every game was even more negative than I thought: about 90 percent against as of 10 a.m. I'm not exaggerating. I couldn't tell you if this is representative of the larger Dodger fan base, but I have to admit that I'm curious how committed the Dodgers are to the song.
• The Dodgers are No. 1 in the majors this week in Jay Jaffe's team rankings for Baseball Prospectus. 
• Fire Ned Colletti Now has an update on several Dodger minor leaguers.
• Sons of Steve Garvey analyzes the Dodgers' choice not to pay for the Union Station-Dodger Stadium trolley this year.
• Via Diamond Leung, it's quite a sad time to be a Giants fan, if this game story by Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News is any indication.  

First, the good news: The Giants have plenty of talent to challenge the Dodgers once more.

Now, the bad news: It's assembled at Class A San Jose. So check back in 2011 or so. ...

The Giants return home exposed after a winless six-game trip to San Diego and Los Angeles in which they didn't lead at the conclusion of any inning. Even the club's two biggest bundles of joy, Pablo Sandoval and Tim Lincecum, have become significant concerns.

In other words, good seats are still available.

Odds are the Giants won't be this wretched all season. But the difference between their pressing youngsters and the Dodgers' rising stars was striking during this series. And the Giants don't have anything like Manny Ramirez providing horsepower in the middle of their lineup, either.

Ramirez, by the way, didn't drive in a run in the series. ...

Comments

[KG16]

you can count me as opposed to the singing of God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch.

I'm intrigued by the Jr Dodgers program. Kind of wish there was something like that when I was younger. Though I'm sometimes told I have a voice made for print.

[Kevin Lewis]

Now if I could only get some program for the "not so junior anymore" fan that wants to be a ball boy on the side of the field.

[dzzrtRatt]

I hope the God Bless America singing is just an "Opening Week" festivity. I suspect that's the case.

Nothing wrong with the song, and I think it would be okay to sing on Sundays, as some teams do. But, as you said Jon, it diminishes the jolly "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" mood brightener. It's a slow, somber melody that will long be associated with 9/11. To plug it into the middle of a game shows a tin ear for drama.

If it must be sung, I would put it before the National Anthem.

[VA Blueblood]

the thoughts about "not wanting Minky at first, but loving his hustle now" are spot-on. I am sorry we have to replace him. But, this leads to Big Questions:

Is the future of Xavier Paul better served by being a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement BEHIND Juan Pierre, or by continuing to play everyday in AAA?

If Paul is brought up, would that mean we could actually give our other OFs days off and let him play full games? Would he actually leap-frog Pierre on the depth chart, or would Pierre's PVL and/or Torre's loyalty prevent that?

Has Paul ever played 1st? Would we need him too, or are we sold on Loretta being the 1b backup if Loney is injured?

If we could trade Paul for, say, Roy Halladay, should we? Is his benefit to the organization going to be as a Dodger or as trade value? This probably hinges on the Ramirez or Other High-Priced OF in 2010 question...

If we are in fact looking to trade some current Triple AAA talent this season, who would we rather deal: Paul or DeWitt?

This Minky injury has really opened up a can of worms here...

[Hollywood Joe]

VA

This season and spring have me rethinking my position on Paul, but I always thought of him more of a 4th outfielder type than an everyday guy on a good team...but I hope, and it appears that I may be, that I was wrong about that

[KG16]

VA - if we can trade one prospect for Halladay, that's a no brainer, regardless of who the prospect is. Halladay is an innings eater, and would be a monster in the NL West's pitcher friendly parks. I also think it makes more sense to trade Paul, rather than DeWitt. The Dodgers are looking at a couple of holes in the in field over the next couple of years (does Hudson come back next year? what about Blake? how long until Furcal breaks down?). But I'm also a mark for DeWitt, so take it for what you will.

[kinbote]

Someone in the last thread brought up a good question about DeWitt: Will he get any more at-bats now than he would before? That was the stated reason why he was sent down in the first place. In the same comment, a case was made for Repko, and frankly, I can see the logic in that move. Besides, we already have Mark Loretta and Juan Castro backing up the infield. (Has Loretta even played in the field yet?)

[hendrix]

I still don't see how Minky injured the right shoulder. Looking at replays, it was his left arm that went into the bag. Must have been the impact of hitting the infield dirt, as that is all his right hand contacted. Of course, slow motion doesn't show the degree of impact as his arm came down. In any event, he needs to take that out of his repertoire and go feet first.

[kinbote]

"[S]omewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs"

Was Yeats anticipating Mitch Jones's arrival at Dodger Stadium? Feel free to discuss.

[underdog]

dog bless him but it's not like Mitch Jones is tearing it up in Albq so far. There is zero chance he's the one getting the call. It'll be DeWitt, Paul or Repko. Someone already on the roster.

[Hollywood Joe]

On the Vinny subject - I love the idea and I hope it works that we get someone cradle to grave as the next voice of the club

Nothing would make me happier than for the Dodgers to have two main broadcasters for my entire life and both of them coming of age behind the mic for the Dodgers (assumes I live another 40 years or so *knock on wood*)

[DL]

It probably won't be Paul, knowing how sensitive the Dodgers are to service time issues. They don't want to start his clock before they absolutely have to.

[Humma Kavula]

Kinbote: either Yeats, or Shelley....

"My name is Mitch Jones, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

[kinbote]

Bench is currently:

C-Ausmus (R)
OF-Pierre (L)
IF-Loretta (R)
IF-Castro (R)

It would seem a LH hitting OF would be the best choice here, but if Paul gets the call, Repko might as well ask for his release, 'cause it just ain't gonna happen for him in L.A.

I'm predicting Repko, with a slight chance of Paul. My earlier prediction of DeWitt should be disregarded on the basis of my 76 IQ.

[Eric Stephen]

VA,

If Loney ever got hurt, Blake would slide over to 1B and we could just call up DeWitt.

[Eric Stephen]

Having Paul on the roster gives us another legitimate pinch runner on the bench. Right now, Pierre is the only candidate for that, and since he is the only other OF one would expect his PR usage would be limited.

Also, Paul could be a true defensive replacement.

[Marty Leadman (LAT)]

I don't even like the seventh inning stretch. Who thought up that scam? I'm guessing the original idea was to get people to buy more food and beer. Now it's some patriotic tonic. And why the seventh inning? It's not like it's half-time or something.

[Dane Bramage]

For those sitting in the All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion, it's the seventh inning retch.

[kinbote]

And what's the deal with Ovaltine? The jar's not oval; the cup's not oval. Why don't they call it Roundtine?

[tleonp]

On God Bless America, I am 100% opposed to injecting the singing of it, or any other patriotic anthem, into an afternoon or evening at the ballpark. What happens in New York is borderline fascism. Plus, it's an irritating song, unless you can exhume Kate Smith to sing it. If we're gonna sing GBA, we might as well sing "Over There" or "John Brown's Body Lies a'Moldering in the Grave", or, for that matter, "Amazing Grace". Same difference, same lack of proper context. True patriotism is in the heart of every man or woman, to whatever degree they feel it, and it should stay there.

In other news, I vote Repko, because in addition to having potential as a stick, he is an EXCELLENT defensive outfielder, a TRUE late innings defensive replacement.

[MC Safety]

Milton Bradley getting some love from Kurkjian on Espnews. It's weird how now that he is a Cub he's just "passionate". I love America.

[Hollywood Joe]

Marty
I was always told that the portly President Taft was the originator of the stretch. He got up between innings and the crowd who assumed he was leaving all came to their feet in a show of respect.

When he returned to his seat, so did the crowd

Not sure I buy it, but it makes a good story

Paging Bob Timmerman, Bob Timmerman to the presidental inquiry desk please

[twerp]

Don't have the time to follow DT these days that I did, so one or both items below may have been posted. Whatever.

1) I was asking whatever became of Brian Mazone out of spring training. Not finding anything anywhere, I e-mailed Gurnick who responded that Mazone "has an infection." Medical privacy isssues and such may be why the Dodgers have said little to nothing. But you would think at some point they make some sort of move with him and announce it.

2) Oldie but a goodie, vintage 1981, from SI.com vault--early Fernandomaina.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124469/index.htm?eref=sisf

[fanerman]

The 7th Inning Stretch is like baseball's version of Handel's Messiah.

[GoBears]

I posted my feelings about GBA at ballgames in one of the earlier threads, but something else just occurred to me.

A couple days ago, we were talking about the scourge of bad behavior by fans, and some of us were wishing that the Dodgers would do more to enforce the rules and impose a norm of civility. I personally used the word "abdicate," accusing the team of negligence.

Now, some of the same commenters (including yours truly) think that management is abusing (or might abuse) its powers over a captive audience by imposing GBA on us, and perhaps enforcing (a la the Yankees story) norms about hats, bathroom use, and, presumably, concessions (I know that all business, even at the turnstiles, halts during the SSB, and I could see that happening during GBA as well).

These positions (management oughtta do more and management oughtta do less) are not incompatible, since the subjects at hand differ, but the juxtaposition of the two discussions struck me as interesting.

As you were.

[Eric Stephen]

Twerp,

Diamond Leung noted Mazzone was placed on the minor league DL on his blog.

Usually these minor league transactions can be found on Baseball America, or the specific minor league team sites themselves.

[Jon Weisman]

Here's a funky stat from the Dodger press notes:

"Despite six quality starts, Dodgers’ opposing starters are just 2-5 with a 5.24 ERA (33 ER/56.2 IP)."

Six quality starts, two wins. That's what I call funky!

[Eric Stephen]

I don't mean to question Phil Jackson, he of the soon-to-be ten titles, but on the Dan Patrick radio show this morning, Jackson said if he were starting a team today, he'd take Dwight Howard over Lebron.

[MC Safety]

I'm with the majority on the singing of GBA. It's out of place, plus TMOTTBG is obviously the proper song for that moment. I thought Shimmin's Otis Redding comment was bang on, as well.

[tjdub]

I posted my specific thoughts on the "God Bless America" issue on the other thread, but I want to add a follow-up comment here. To me, true patriotism can be found in the scores of posted comments on the subject, each expressing an opinion, none denigrating the ideas of others. Well done everyone. Man, I love this place.

[Jon Weisman]

A long story on Andrew Thomas Gallo:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4076998

[Hollywood Joe]

Interesting Eric - Howard is a year younger, but that ain't much...

Must be importance of the center position plus the lack of true dominant big men, right? This has to be a rarity of reasource argument....

Maybe he is thinking that the combo of Howard plus average starting small forward would be better than the combo of LeBron plus your average starting center

Not saying I agree, but that this the only thinking that makes any sense

[D4P]

Jackson said if he were starting a team today, he'd take Dwight Howard over Lebron

Doesn't Phil have a history of providing inflamatory locker room bulletin board material for opposing teams...?

[Dane Bramage]

My take on GBA:

As a former musician who in high school was required to play all three referenced songs ad infinitum (or at least ad nauseum) I would rate GBA the lowest on the scale, and would rather not have it performed in the 7th inning stretch. The National Anthem has much more musical "tension" and drama. America The Beautiful is the most interesting and refined compositionally of them all, especially if the arrangement done by Carmen Dragon is the one performed (high on the "drama" scale). Count me among those who yearn to have America The Beautiful as our national anthem...

[fanerman]

Is this something LeBron should be offended by...?

[berkowit28]

Eric S:

But twerp's point about Mazone, which I've been following, is that *he wasn't put on any specific minor league's team roster*, so there was no specific minor league team's transactions to check. Mazone had just evaporated after being "sent down to the minor leagues" along with all the others. He just disappeared. I had asked Tony Jackson to check. It looks like Gurnick and Leung got to it instead.

Well, when he comes off the DL, is there any indication which team he'll be sent to? It doesn't look like it.

[underdog]

That's a really good story on Gallo, Jon. It gives the human side to the demonized perpetrator of that horrible accident. I've found it hard to find any sympathy for him but that story comes close. It's just a tragedy all around.

[Jon Weisman]

Words like "monster" are metaphorical, and obviously Gallo had a traumatized youth. It's still hard for me, however, to work up much sympathy for the grown-up Gallo, with all the warnings he has had about his alcohol use. Alcoholism is a disease, but I don't think that excuses his getting behind the wheel.

[cargill06]

I haven't read the Gallo story yet. I'll read after I post but I have no sympothy for someone who was driving under the influence on a suspended license for driving under the influence. Also, he was kicked out of an alochol recovery program for "gang banger behavior."

[Hollywood Joe]

I appreciate how hard it must be for his family, but I don't know that I expected anything different on the Gallo story. Seems like another hard luck tale of a young man gone bad.

People get broken emotionally, sometimes those people become alcoholics and sometimes those alcoholics drive cars that kill people.

We sometimes get this same kind of story about kids that join gangs, they weren't bad kids, just wanted a place to belong...

I know the accident wasn't intentional on Gallo's part, but it really wasn't an accident either. There was a sober choice at one point in the evening that could have stopped the string of increasingly more impaired choices. We have to hold him responsible for that sober choice and when I do my sympathy for him all drains away

[tjdub]

I don't feel sorry for Gallo. Sure it was an accident, but an accident made so much more likely by the stupid and reckless decisions made prior to the event itself. I do feel for his parents however, and the fact that they are receiving death threats is pretty sickening.

[fanerman]

I pretty much feel the same way as everybody else. No, he's not a monster, but he made a mistake that he shouldn't have and now people are dead.

[Eric Stephen]

Maybe Mazzone was kept back in extended spring training.

[cargill06]

I haven't seen any recent updates on Schmidt other than his 4 consecutive starts on 4 days rest. Anything new since than?

[oshea2002]

I have zero sympathy for Gallo, but I certainly don't regard him as a monster, or hold him in remotely the same esteem as the majority of a murderers. I guess it's that whole law school thing, but lacking any mens rea to actually take away human life puts him in a completely different category.

[underdog]

The last update on Schmidt was on Dodgers.com a couple of days ago:

Jason Schmidt threw a five-inning, 73-pitch game in extended spring training on Wednesday. If he comes out of it healthy and is able to throw a bullpen session Friday, at least one more extended spring outing is likely before he would begin a Minor League rehab assignment.

"A lot depends on how he feels," said Conte. "He sounded encouraged."

[jpg]

As someone who has vented about crowd behavior on this forum I'd just like to say that on Wednesday night the crowd was as great as the game. Roving all over the loge a good time was being had by all. Then again it was not a very big crowd, lots of empty seats.

Singing GBA during the 7th inning stretch seems unnecessary to me and a bit heavy handed for a baseball game. Thanks to Mr. Guthrie I'd rather sing TLIYL any day of the week.

[oshea2002]

When and where would Schmidt even contribute? Once Hiro returns, I'd really like to see them give Stults an extended look - not some "you had a bad outing at Coors, so you're done" type of treatment like last year. I really hope Stults isn't cast aside b/c Schmidt made some decent rehab starts.

I also really like McDonald out of the pen.

[underdog]

That's great to hear, jpg. :-)

Also, condolences again on your cat, :-(

I agree, oshea. Though I'm certainly curious about Schmidt once he comes back. As we all know, you can never have too much pitching. I'm just skeptical as to how effective he'll be. And I don't want to see Stults cast aside either. he's been terrific so far.

[fanerman]

When I click on the "comment" box, the page kind of.. jumps up, so I no longer see the comment box. So I have to scroll back down to see the comment box. It's kind of annoying. Does that happen to anybody else?

[GoBears]

On Phil Jackson: If the question was about "starting a team" and he took that to mean for the long-haul, and not just for a single season, I could see an argument against LeBron James. LBJ is a big guy - much bigger than Jordan or Bryant. I would be more worried that his body will break down in a few years than Howard's. I also think that Howard is still further away from his upside potential than James. Right now, James is the better player, and more likely player to lead a team to a championship. IN five years? I dunno.

[jpg]

Per Rotowire:
"Over 28 starts in his career, Oswalt is 23-1 with a 2.47 ERA against the Reds."

Not bad considering they are both hitter parks.

[GoBears]

I mentioned this about "This Land..." in a previous comment, but here's the Wikipedia page. I know that Wikipedia is not the last word on anything, but this jibes with what I've learned about the song over the years, and what the political theorists I share a department with tell me.

I offer this without editorial comment - just as a reason that I think "This Land..." will never become an alternative offered by the powers that be. Of course, that doesn't make GBA any more appropriate...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Land_is_Your_Land

[BHSportsguy]

I just thought about this, Andrew Bynum has a chance to crack the All-Time home grown LA Laker first team.

Guards, West and Magic
Forwards: Kobe (cheating but he could play here) and Worthy
Center: Right now Divac

The three best LA Laker centers, Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq were all trades or free agents, since the Lakers have made the playoffs for all but a few seasons, they never were in position to draft a great center.

[Marty Leadman (LAT)]

When I click on the "comment" box, the page kind of.. jumps up, so I no longer see the comment box. So I have to scroll back down to see the comment box. It's kind of annoying. Does that happen to anybody else?

It appears to be a bug with firefox.

[fanerman]

Thanks Marty.

[BHSportsguy]

When I saw that Jeter was up with 2 out in the bottom of the 8th, I just had a feeling on a day when the Yankees had already hit 4 home runs, he was going to hit one out to hand the game to Rivera.

So this time, it happens. Baseball is funny that way.

[VA Blueblood]

Eric Stephen--the Blake to 1st if Loney was injured had not occurred to me. Makes total sense.

DL--the service time thing is a huge organizational aspect that is rarely mentioned. Nice observation.

kinbote--given the Paul-service-time thing, I love the Repko idea. A true defensive replacement. And we could conceivably showcase him for a trade, which would probably be good for the guy in the long run.

HJ--that Taft story is too good not to be true. I say run with the legend.

KG--I guess I have to agree, even if it is just a rental. A guy like Halladay would be so huge in the playoffs.

As for Schmidt, I feel the same way this year as I did last year: anything we get from him is gravy. If he does end up making a start for us (a big if), I think the biggest benefit would then be keeping McDonald in the pen, which both protects his arm for the long term and significantly improves our bullpen (drop Troncoso?). I would also like to see Stults continue to be used as a starter if Kuroda is hurt or Wolf becomes ineffective (knock on wood).

I think tonight is a big test for Wolf as it is probably the best lineup he's faced so far; Arizona's K proclivity really played into Wolf's strengths, and I don't think Colorado will be similarly affected by his mojo.

[BHSportsguy]

My only doubt about the service time issue is that the Dodgers have not really played that card, even if Kemp and Loney stayed on the 2007 25-man roster for the entire year, they still would not have been eligible for Super 2 status. Kershaw might have been close but ithink he would have barely missed it.

Also, whomever is brought up, unless Eyechart is out for the year, he will probably go back down at some point this season.

[LogikReader]

Off topic question: Is the Loge Level and Reserve Level upgraded to match the wider concourses and better facilities on the Field Level?

I was excited about the Field Level Last year!

[BHSportsguy]

No, the renovations were put on hold. The story was that with WBC (and I also think the playoffs) cut down the time they had to make the chages. We'll see what happens this off -season but for now, the size of the concourses remain the same. Some food choice have changed (new pizza vendor) but that's about it.

[Harold]

The loss of CPK means the CPK Meter is now called the Brooklyn Dodger Pizza K meter... which makes less sense. Also I assume that Brooklyn Dodger pizza is owned by the team so the ad space there wasn't sold.

I haven't tried the new pizza, didn't care for the old one. Dodger stadium's food offerings could be better that's for sure.

So far I've been to two games this year and had the absolute best time. Opening day, game-wise was the best in years (love stomping on the Giants) and last night was a lot of fun as well. I'll be out there Saturday afternoon with the kids, can't wait!

[Kevin Lewis]

My first game will be the DT one

[fanerman]

"The loss of CPK means the CPK Meter is now called the Brooklyn Dodger Pizza K meter... "

Surely they could have come up with a better name than that...

[LogikReader]

The Dodgers are undefeated at home this year. I jinxed it!

[Eric Enders]

In addition to the story Jon linked, Amy K. Nelson also wrote another, even longer, story detailing the events of that night. It's terrific, and will likely stand as the definitive article about Adenhart's death.

http://tinyurl.com/c3pnzs

[Eric Enders]

I once had to write an article that dealt with the origins of the seventh-inning stretch. Here's the relevant excerpt.

The most popular story goes that in 1910, President William Howard Taft attended a game and left in the middle of the seventh inning. Out of respect for the president, the rest of the crowd reportedly stood up as he made his exit, and the tradition stuck. But the actual origins of the stretch may go back as far as 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first all-professional team. “The spectators all rise between halves of the seventh inning, extend their legs and arms and sometimes walk about,” Red Stockings manager Harry Wright wrote at the time. “In so doing they enjoy the relief afforded by relaxation from a long posture on hard benches.” The musical component of the stretch is a much more recent phenomenon, though: Fans didn’t begin singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” until White Sox broadcaster Harry Caray started the practice in 1976.

[fanerman]

Thanks for the link, Eric E.

[DougS]

"It appears to be a bug with firefox."

Not just Firefox; it happens in Safari, too.

[Kevin Lewis]

Thanks for the link, Eric. What a sad, sad story.

[kinbote]

That Amy K. Nelson story is stunning. I can't even imagine how the Angels can be expected to compete this year with the freshness of the tragedy. Just reading that article makes me not even care about tonight's game. Any man's death diminishes me . . .

[DougS]

Anyone think Stults could have made it another inning or two last night?

I ask mainly in context of Jon's question about the relative worth of Stults and Zito. Stults got pulled earlier and did not, strictly speaking, have a 'quality start.' But although Zito stayed in longer, he eventually got smacked.

[Craig88USC]

Regarding "God Bless America" it appears that a vast majority here don't want it as a new 7th inning tradition. Now I'm in the minority that kinda likes it preceeding "Take Me Out..." I don't see the harm. BUT, a compromise might work better -- Ray Charles heartfelt rendition of "America The Beautiful" would make all (left or right or middle) happy, imo. I love how baseball brings Americans together no matter what problems we may have. Baseball has been in the forefront of great changes to indeed make America beautiful. Go Dodgers!

[AKtheFan]

I have two tickets for tomorrow's day game, and I can't make it. They are in Loge 153, section P. These are apart of my mini plan, and I sat here on Opening Day. The seats are just barely under the overhang of the Reserve level so that you get the shade but no obstructed view. I'm asking $75 for the pair, which will cover my cost. (I believe face value is $40.) e-mail anupum dot kumar at gmail dot com if you're interested.

[Eric Stephen]

Doug,

Stults was only at 89 pitches through 5, but he was getting hit pretty hard in the 5th, so even though 7-8-9 were due up for the Giants in the 6th, that's why they took him out.

Also, since Zito didn't get an out in the 6th he pitched the same length as Stults. :)

[evenatriple]

eric's post at 2:11 is incredible --we didn't sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame until after 1976? That means my memories of singing the song with my dad are entirely made up. Well, I'll cherish the memories I have, even if they are fictional. Eric's post astonishes me -- it seems like this song has been part of the game as long as bats and gloves, but apparently not.

[AKtheFan]

Section P = row P.

oops.

[Eric Enders]

"it seems like this song has been part of the game as long as bats and gloves, but apparently not."

It pretty much has been part of the game that long -- just not that particular spot during the game. I think before that it was pretty much just sung/played at random times.

[Hollywood Joe]

evenatriple at 02:55 PM

I am trying to come to terms with the same. I seem to have memories of singing the song before 1976 but now I am not really sure.

I also kind of remember a cousin from New York visiting in the 70's who didn't know the song and said that they didn't play it at Mets games

[Craig88USC]

Has a call-up been made yet or are the Dodgers going to play tonight - 1 man short ???

[Lex in the Dena]

While I may not feel sorry for Gallo (I try to have empathy for all. try), I do feel upset that his family has received death threats.

[Hollywood Joe]

Baseball and Presidents Quiz

Taft was the President that started the tradition of current Commander and Chief throwing out the first pitch, who is the only President since Taft not to do so?

[fanerman]

Since Howard Taft is the man of the hour, none other than Phenomenal Smith reviews his biography at:

http://allthepresidentsbooks.com/

[fanerman]

I don't know why I referred to him as Howard Taft and not William Howard Taft.

[Eric Enders]

Woodrow?

[Hollywood Joe]

nope

[Kevin Lewis]

"While I may not feel sorry for Gallo (I try to have empathy for all. try), I do feel upset that his family has received death threats.

Posted by: Lex in the Dena | April 17, 2009 at 03:10 PM"

Who are these people that take the time to send death threats or make calls on the phone?

[Craig88USC]

(A) President Obama

[Craig88USC]

04-06-1973 President Richard Nixon throws out the first pitch in Anaheim and is the first President to toss an Opening Day pitch outside of Washington.
04-02-1984 President Ronald Reagan is first to watch a major league game from the dugout (Baltimore Orioles).
09-30-1988 President Ronald Reagan broadcasts an inning and a half becoming the first to call play-by-play while in office.
04-10-1990 President George Bush is the first to attend a game and throw a first pitch in Canada.
04-04-1993 President Bill Clinton is the first to throw the first pitch from the pitcher's mound and make it to the catcher.
09-06-1995 President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore attend Cal Ripken's 2,131 game and become first to attend a game together while in office.
01-20-2001 President George W. Bush is the first managing general partner of a Major League team (the Texas Rangers) to become President of the United States.

[fanerman]

"04-04-1993 President Bill Clinton is the first to throw the first pitch from the pitcher's mound and make it to the catcher. "

Interesting.

[Hollywood Joe]

James Earl Carter is the answer we are looking for, President Obama has 7 years left to get it done

Hmmm Craig, maybe Ford too?

[Craig88USC]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/10/president-throw-first-pitch/.

[Craig88USC]

Oh, trick question? I see.

[Craig88USC]

Other presidential first pitches

1937 - Franklin D. Roosevelt - All-Star Game - Washington, DC
1970 - Richard Nixon - All-Star Game - Cincinnati
1976 - Gerald Ford - All-Star Game - Philadelphia
1979 - JIMMY CARTER - Baltimore Orioles (World Series)
1992 - George H. W. Bush - All-Star Game, Jack Murphy Stadium
2001 - George W. Bush - New York Yankees - Yankee Stadium (World Series)

[Hollywood Joe]

Not really a trick - I first heard the question before Obama was elected so he just didn't come to mind

I just know (or at least think I know) that Carter didn't during his term

What a missed opportunity for him. If was President I would throw from the mound every chance I got (reason 50671 HJ will never be Pres)

[Keven C]

Posted by: Bleacher Seats | April 17, 2009 at 03:25 PM

I assume the ability to tiptoe around Rule 5 was strictly for the previous discussion.

[Craig88USC]

HJ - Sadly it looks like a dying tradition -- "Nationals' fifth home opener since the franchise relocated from Montreal in 2005. Only twice has the sitting president thrown out the ceremonial first pitch. George W. Bush performed the duty in 2005 and again in 2008. Vice President Dick Cheney handled the 2006 opener."

[Keven C]

Speaking of the rules, maybe it's just me but they're gone. And did Jon grow about two feet and a beard?

[Hollywood Joe]

WOW - 1979 - JIMMY CARTER - Baltimore Orioles (World Series)

I have found 2 US History based sites on the web that say Carter didn't throw out a first pitch and about 1000 that say he did throw about the first pitchin the 7th game of that series.

I think that confirms not only did the question not consider Obama but my original answer was wrong.

I wonder where I first heard it???

[Kevin Lewis]

Ha, that is awesome. Jon does look very different