Baseball Notes

Just a couple of notes and commentaries about the current baseball season;

-Last night, Atlanta Braves skipper, Bobby Cox, was ejected from a game for the 136th time in his career, setting a new Major League Career Record. Normally getting thrown from a sporting event isn't much to brag about, but for those who've followed the Cox lead Braves since the 1991 Season have learned to appreciate this record. Pretty much every ejection has come in the defense and protection of his players. The professionalism of the Braves organization is alot about Bobby Cox, who expects the best of his players, and will give it all to defend and protect them. Last night, the record setting ejection came as Bobby was keeping All Star (and future Hall of Fame) 3rd Baseman, Chipper Jones from being ejected as he debated a bad call from the Homeplate Umpire (Replays clearly supported Chipper and Bobby's position on the matter.)
Bobby Cox, sure 1st Ballot Hall of Famer himself as a Manager, is and will forever be a players Manager.

-Speaking of my beloved Bravos, they showed great championship contending form in beating the SF Giants thanks to a walk-off double off the bat of the afore mentioned Chipper Jones. The NL East Div has been put on alert, with the addition of 1st Baseman, Mark Teixiera, The Brave arguably have the most potent line up in the National League, possibly even in both Leagues.

-In the shadows of the tainted efforts of a Outfielder we'll not name comes a truly inspiring story in St Louis. For those not paying attention, may still remember the disastrous ending of the Pitching career of South Florida (Treasure Coast) Phenom, Rick Ankiel. Some remember the wild pitches so far off that, it would make my 4 yr old nephew look like Greg Maddux. Well, note I specified the PITCHING with the career, because 3 years later, Rick is back in the Majors with the STL Cardinals, playing OUTFIELD. This is no gimmick! And trust me when I tell you that the value of my Rick Ankiel rookie cards are about to go back up! The kid can hit! Not just for average either, check these stats from Ricks first 5 Games, 22AB, 7 Hits, 3 HR's, .773 SLG, and .318 Avg. Not bad for someone who was ready to walk away 2 years ago. Rick has had at least one hit in every game he's played so far (knock on wood), and is playing solid defense in Right Field, where his strong arm will come in handy!! Those of you out there looking for a truly inspiring story from this years baseball season, you need to look no farther than Rick Ankiel.