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batting practice at busch stadium: Curveballs & Changeups K.P. Kmitta, 2015-05-18 Robert Campbell, a businessman from St. Louis, heads to Chicago in 1867 and meets William Hulbert, a mysterious man who tells him he plans to build a baseball field. Hulbert claims that baseball in America will be a grand new pastime and a grand new business opportunity. In 2006, Scott Banks is a devoted Cubs fan even though hes moved to St. Louis and is married to his well-meaning, Cardinal-loving wife. Life for Banks is on cruise control until he gets the chance to fulfill a dream of a lifetimebut it comes with a curveball. Suddenly, hes forced to face the gut-wrenching realities that have him swinging and missing lifes off-speed pitches. Modern time is intertwined with a nineteenth-century depiction of the birth of a storied rivalry in Curveballs and Changeups. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Taking Flight Rob Rains, Whitey Herzog, 2016-04-01 Written by veteran sportswriter and Cardinals insider Rob Rains, Taking Flight answers two basic questions – what makes the Cardinals different from other organizations, and why are they so successful? Perhaps the most important man in the history of the organization was George Kissell. Among the future managers who came under Kissell's tutelage were Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and the Cardinals' current manager, Mike Matheny. Kissell's imprint is still everywhere on the Cardinals' organization, nearly five years after his death. So too is the work of longtime coach and catching instructor Dave Ricketts, the man who first trained Matheny and later, Yadier Molina. It is the men such as Kissell and Ricketts, who worked for years without fame or notoriety, who helped mold the Cardinals into the franchise it is today. |
batting practice at busch stadium: If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers Bill Schroeder, Drew Olson, Craig Counsell, Bob Uecker, 2023-05-09 Now fully revised and updated for 2023! Chronicling the Brewers from the Suds Series of 1982 to the MVP season of Christian Yelich in 2018, and from Bambi's Bombers of the late '70s to Harvey's Wallbangers of the early '80s, Bill Schroeder, a longtime Brewers color commentator and former Brewers catcher, provides insight into the Brewers inner sanctum as only he can. Read about what goes on in the equipment and training rooms, how batting practice can be chaotic, what it's like to travel with the team, and off-the-wall anecdotes, like the time Steve Sparks injured his shoulder trying to rip a phone book in half after listening to a motivational speaker. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Insiders' Guide® to St. Louis Dawne Massey, 2009-05-19 With this guide, readers will get an inside perspective on St. Louis--the city's more than 170 parks, a thriving live music and local arts scene, an abundance of nightclubs and casinos, and world-class sports teams, not to mention the Gateway Arch. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Intentional Walk Rob Rains, 2013-04-29 An inside look at the faith that guides the all-stars. The St. Louis Cardinals have long been one of the most successful franchises in the major leagues. They have won 11 World Series titles and some of the most famous players in the history of the game have worn the storied “Birds on the Bat” uniform. While that on-field success has been well documented, Intentional Walk is the first book which goes beyond the story of what happens on the field to take an in-depth look at the men inside the Cardinal uniforms, and examine how their strong Christian faith is one of the driving forces behind their success. Intentional Walk features the stories of Adam Wainwright, David Freese, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday, Carlos Beltran, Jason Motte and other members of the 2012 Cardinals, written as those players and the rest of the team tried to repeat the 2011 world championship. The book talks about how they became Christians and offers their testimony about what it means for them to have God play such a prominent role in their lives. Playing for first-year manager Mike Matheny, a strong Christian as well, these men talk about their success and failure, about the challenges that come from playing baseball at the highest level, and how thankful and blessed they are to have that God-given ability. In the end, however, what is far more important to them is their life-long relationship they have established with Jesus Christ. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Runnin' Redbirds Eric Vickrey, 2023-11-21 The 1982 St. Louis Cardinals played an entertaining style of baseball built on speed and defense. The roster was constructed and piloted by Whitey Herzog, a baseball visionary who tailored his team for the AstroTurf and spacious dimensions of Busch Stadium. Herzog traded for closer Bruce Sutter, speedsters Lonnie Smith and Willie McGee, and defensive wizard Ozzie Smith, adding to a talented roster that included the likes of Bob Forsch, Keith Hernandez, and George Hendrick. The result was an exhilarating season filled with winning streaks, numerous obstacles, and one unforgettable steal of home. The Cardinals won the National League pennant despite hitting the fewest home runs in the major leagues, then overcame baseball's most powerful team--the Milwaukee Brewers--in the World Series. This exhaustive account chronicles the Cardinals from Herzog's rebuild to the final out of the Fall Classic. Hundreds of sources, including original interviews, were compiled to revisit a championship season and tell the backstories of an eclectic group of players who reached baseball's pinnacle. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Batting 10th for the Yankees Kenneth Hogan, 2010-08-04 There have been well over 100 books written on the New York Yankees. However, this one takes a popular subject and looks at it from a very different angle. Batting 10th for the Yankees; Recollections of 30 Yankees You May Not Rememeber contains in depth interviews with former ballplayers who had brief careers or were bench players. These largely unknown men shared the unique privilage of having worn the pinstripes and played at Yankee Stadium. Stories and books aplenty have been written about Mantle, Berra, Ruth, Gehrig, Ford, Jeter, Munson and Torre. Now, in their own words, here the Yankee experiences of Tepedino, Silvera, Bladt, Ausanio, Klimkowski, and more. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Cardinal Points Joseph Stanton, 2002-09-30 In every video replay of the game till the end of time Todd Worrell's foot slaps first And the Cards win the Series They lost the next day. --from The Cardinals Win the 1985 World Series The St. Louis Cardinals, whom many called America's Team in the early to mid 20th century, are a franchise with a winning past and a fan base that runs coast to coast. A handful of teams, perhaps, can say as much. The club's importance is better shown in its all-time roster, one of the better maps to baseball lore: Alexander marks the spot where Lazzeri and the murderous Yankees were bowed, Gibson where the hitters gave up hope and at last sent the rules framers to bat for them, McGwire where the haughty Ruth was made to doff his cap. This book is a collection of poems devoted to the Cardinals and their fans. It covers more than 100 years of Cardinal people and moments, including celebratory poems for the triumphant squads, detailed portraits--the book's lush prints, as well as the poet's interest in the visual arts, justifies the term--of standout players, and memorial pieces for some of the greats who have passed from the Cardinal Nation. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Moon Baseball Road Trips Timothy Malcolm, 2021-05-04 Sunshine, hot dogs, friends, and the excitement of the game: Baseball is called America's pastime for a reason. Experience the best of the MLB cities and stadiums with Moon Baseball Road Trips. Flexible Itineraries: Explore the 30 major league cities with a variety of road trip options, including a Boston to DC route, a loop through the Midwest, a dip into Toronto, a cruise along the West Coast, and more Visit all the Ballparks: From the ivy walls of Wrigley to Fenway's Green Monster and Dodger Stadium's gorgeous mountain views, experience every ballpark in the league and dive into local fan culture Catch a Game: Find valuable tips for snagging tickets and get the inside scoop on the best places to park or catch public transit, where to eat and drink nearby, and events like music festivals, the Hall of Fame Weekend, Fourth of July celebrations, and more Explore the Major League Cities: Get to know the MLB hometowns with full chapters on each city. Pay respects to Babe Ruth in Baltimore, visit Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and stroll through the Boston Common. Find the best local craft breweries, and chow down on chili dogs, barbecue, fresh crab, and more foodie specialties. Hold back a tear at the Field of Dreams, grab a seat for a Spring Training game, or rent a kayak on the bay and try to catch a fly ball from San Francisco's Oracle Park Expertise and Know-How: Former baseball writer and avid Phillies fan Timothy Malcolm shares his advice for planning the perfect baseball road trip Maps and Driving Tools: Easy-to-use maps, along with mileages, driving times, and directions, with full-color photos throughout Helpful resources on COVID-19 Planning Tips: Where to stay, when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, and tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, plus suggestions for seniors, families with kids, and more With Moon Baseball Road Trips' practical tips, local expertise, and flexible itineraries, you're ready to step up to the plate and hit the road. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Home Run! Associated Press, 1998-12 Home Run: The Year the Records Fell chronicles the record-setting home run chase of 1998 and features every home run by Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. This attractive hardcover book is filled with interesting sidebars and loaded with color graphics and pictures. Some highlights include features on Ruth and Maris, McGwire's son Matt, Sosa's 20-homer month in June, statistics, notes, quotes, the All-Star Game home run contest, plus much more. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Pride of Park Avenue Toriano Porter, 2008-11 The True Tales of Shorty Stevens tells the adventures of three best friends during the great depression . The story is situated in the Ico Community of southwest Arkansas.Some 25 miles south of Little Rock, just outside of Sheridan, the town is full of hard working railroad and timber industry families. Shorty Stevens, nine years old and full of life is the leader of the group. Blessed with the gift of gab, he tells stories almost too big to be true. His best pal since the time they could walk is Easter Rhodes, also nine. He loves to read, and someday wants to be a writer. He's usually stuck smack dab in the middle of one of Shorty's schemes, but he doesn't seem to mind too much! The last in the group is Scooter McElroy. He's eight and sometimes a little shy. He and his folks moved down to Ico from Little Rock a few years before, so he hasn't known the others as long as they've known each other, but they're all as close as peas and carrots just the same. The year is 1933. No television. No video games. No magic Wizards, with magical powers. These boys have to find their own adventures in and around town. It doesn't take long before an adventure jumps up and finds them! Shorty's Pa, Johnny was over at the Ico Grocery when it all started. He told the folks there about a ghost story he'd heard when he was a boy. The others just looked in amazement as Johnny Stevens went on and on about a Ghost Gal that was killed on bad roads going to her honeymoon. Why, she'd be seen for years and years, just standing by the side of the road with a suitcase in her hand waiting for a ride to meet her Mister. Of course, once they got there, she'd disappear from the car leaving the driver surprised and confused. Shorty overhears his Daddy telling this story with great enthusiasm, and it definitely piques his interest in Ghost Hunting! He tells the others about what he's heard that fateful day. After lots of convincing, they decide to go on a ghost hunt some 12 miles away through the backroads and over the highway to find the mysterious curve, and a Ghost Gal! The boys not only go looking for a ghost story, they find out about themselves as well. They have a lot of other adventures along that road. They have some laughs as they tell stories, and have fun doing something exciting and different with their best friends. They also learn some things about themselves that they never knew before. Like how strong they were when they needed to be. Or how close the three really were. Life was different in 1933 Arkansas, but the adventurous spirit of boys was not. These boys want to see everything, and do things the grown-ups either can't or wont. Read all about their adventures in The True Tales of Shorty Stevens due out in bookstores in the Spring of 2006, by Authorhouse books. |
batting practice at busch stadium: If These Walls Could Talk: St. Louis Cardinals Stan McNeal, 2023-05-09 Fully revised and updated for 2023! The St. Louis Cardinals are one of baseball's most storied franchises, and as much a part of St. Louis as Anheuser-Busch and the arch. From Lou Brock to Matt Carpenter, Ozzie Smith to Yadier Molina, Bob Gibson to Adam Wainwright, from Hall of Famers to rookie busts, the Cardinals are beloved in St. Louis. In this book, Stan McNeal provides a closer look at the great moments and the lowlights that have made the Cardinals one of the baseball's keystone teams. Through the words of the players, via multiple interviews conducted with current and past Cardinals, readers will meet the players, coaches, and management and share in their moments of greatness and defeat. This book shares stories behind such Cardinal memories as the little-known clubhouse antics of backup catcher Bob Uecker during the teams' memorable run in the 1960s, the excitement at Busch Stadium in the 1980s as the Cardinals reached the World Series three times, and the elation of the 2006 and 2011 World Series championships. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip, 2nd Josh Pahigian, Kevin O'Connell, 2012-03-27 The most entertaining and comprehensive guide to every baseball fan’s dream road trip—including every new ballpark since the 2004 edition—revised and completely updated! |
batting practice at busch stadium: Baseball's Even Greater Insults: Kevin Nelson, 2011-01-11 A grand slam of a book. The sequel to the bestselling Baseball’s Greatest Insults, with hilarious put-downs and outrageous wisecracks about America’s national pastime. There are no lyrical passages here, no fond reminiscences about childhood games, no tributes to inspiring players. Too much real stuff has happened since Kevin Nelson collected Baseball's Greatest Insults in 1984. This hilarious all-star review reveals how the players, managers, umpires, owners, and the sports media really feel about one another. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Celebrating 70 Bernie Miklasz, Mike Eisenbath, Dave Kindred, 1998 Presents a homer-by-homer review of the St. Louis Cardinal slugger's single-season home run record. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Jerome Holtzman Baseball Reader Jerome Holtzman, 2003-04 Jerome Holtzman has covered the sport of baseball for the Chicago Daily Times, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Tribune since the mid 1940s, now his thoughts and best columns are collected together in one edition as an official history of Major League Baseball. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Get Up, Baby! Mike Shannon, Rick Hummel, 2022-07-19 An unforgettable look at a lifetime of Cardinals baseball packed with Mike Shannon's passion for the game Mike Shannon's voice served as the soundtrack of St. Louis Cardinals baseball for 50 years. Millions of fans have enjoyed his observations, insight, and magical storytelling on radio broadcasts. Now, with the help of Hall of Fame baseball writer Rick Hummel, the St. Louis native and lifelong Cards fan takes fans behind the mic, into the clubhouse, and beyond as only he can. Shannon weaves countless unforgettable tales, from childhood memories growing up in south St. Louis to champagne-soaked World Series celebrations as a player in 1964 and 1967, plus encounters with Cardinals legends ranging from Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith, to Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. This unmissable autobiography gives fans a rare seat to over six decades of Cardinals history, hijinks, and lore. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Heart of the Game Rachel Spangler, 2015-03-16 Sometimes baseball is just a metaphor for life, and sometimes it works the other way around. All Sarah Duke ever cared about was baseball, and she’s finally earned her shot as a full-time sports writer. She loves the work, she loves being one of the few women to ever gain access to a man’s world, but most of all, she loves the game. When Duke meets Molly Grettano and her two sons at the ballpark, she instantly connects with the young family, but Molly isn’t sure Duke’s ready for something more. Molly wants someone softer, more feminine, and more importantly, someone steady. She and her boys have been abandoned before, and she’s vowed to never to put them in that position again. If she were ever to trust anyone, it would have to be someone fully dedicated to her and her children. Duke has a lot of heart, but neither woman is sure there’s enough room left in it for anything other than baseball. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Cultural Encyclopedia of Baseball, 2d ed. Jonathan Fraser Light, 2016-03-25 More than any other sport, baseball has developed its own niche in America's culture and psyche. Some researchers spend years on detailed statistical analyses of minute parts of the game, while others wax poetic about its players and plays. Many trace the beginnings of the civil rights movement in part to the Major Leagues' decision to integrate, and the words and phrases of the game (for example, pinch-hitter and out in left field) have become common in our everyday language. From AARON, HENRY onward, this book covers all of what might be called the cultural aspects of baseball (as opposed to the number-rich statistical information so widely available elsewhere). Biographical sketches of all Hall of Fame players, owners, executives and umpires, as well as many of the sportswriters and broadcasters who have won the Spink and Frick awards, join entries for teams, owners, commissioners and league presidents. Advertising, agents, drafts, illegal substances, minor leagues, oldest players, perfect games, retired uniform numbers, superstitions, tripleheaders, and youngest players are among the thousands of entries herein. Most entries open with a topical quote and conclude with a brief bibliography of sources for further research. The whole work is exhaustively indexed and includes 119 photographs. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Cardinals Encyclopedia Mike Eisenbath, 1999 This encyclopedia of the Cardinals baseball team includes extensive profiles for the top 200 players, a synopsis of the careers of every team player, stories, statistics, game-by-game accounts of every season, and information on every manager. |
batting practice at busch stadium: 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out Josh Pahigian, 2015-02-10 A brand new edition of the finalist for the 2008 Casey Award, presented annually to the best baseball book, 101 Baseball Places to See Before You Strike Out profiles America’s greatest baseball museums, shrines, sports bars, pop culture landmarks and ballpark sites. From sandlots and skyboxes to TV rooms and sports bars, America’s love for baseball has inspired countless memories, discussions, and tributes. Josh Pahigian takes us across America to explore the places where the game’s history, culture, and lore come to life. Whether we travel by car or sit in the comfort of our favorite armchair, the book guides us to 101 amazing baseball places—including Ted Williams’ boyhood home, the Field of Dreams movie site, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Chicago bar where the Cubs’ “Curse of the Billy Goat” was born, Babe Ruth’s grave, and scores of other captivating landmarks and curios. Replacing the now-extinct sites from the previous edition, updating entries for attractions that have moved, re-assigning coveted chapters to more inspiring baseball venues that have since opened, and including stunning color photos for nearly all of them, Josh Pahigian has created the perfect gift for any baseball fan. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Reversing the Curse Dan Shaughnessy, 2006-04-06 “A true insider’s perspective on the 2004 Red Sox” and their World Series win, from the bestselling author of Curse of the Bambino (USA Today). On October 27, 2004, the Red Sox won their first World Series Championship in eighty-six years—breaking the infamous Curse of the Bambino and giving diehard fans the thrill of a lifetime. Reversing the Curse preserves one of the greatest stories in sports history with an absorbing account of the team—a raggedy lineup of motorcycle-riding, whiskey-drinking rogues—and the key events that led to their incredible championship victory. A more epic sports saga could not have been invented: Here we have the curse that began with Babe Ruth; a team of comeback kids determined to prove their mettle; the perennial rivalry against the Yankees; and a historic win that was celebrated around the world. Dan Shaughnessy captures the Sox triumph in all its drama and euphoria with penetrating insight, a keen sense of history, and unparalleled insider access. With photographs by the Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Stan Grossfeld, Reversing the Curse is the definitive record of a landmark moment in baseball history. “[Shaughnessy is] adept at capturing the mood, the emotion, the palpable feel of the Boston-New York showdown.” —The New York Times “In story after story of near-triumph, the book should delight the team’s most fanatically loyal followers.” —Publishers Weekly |
batting practice at busch stadium: Ultimate Baseball Road Trip Josh Pahigian, Kevin O'Connell, 2012-03-27 The most entertaining and comprehensive guide to every baseball fan’s dream road trip—including every new ballpark since the 2004 edition—revised and completely updated! |
batting practice at busch stadium: The 34-Ton Bat Steve Rushin, 2013-10-15 An unorthodox history of baseball told through the enthralling stories of the game's objects, equipment, and characters. No sport embraces its wild history quite like baseball, especially in memorabilia and objects. Sure, there are baseball cards and team pennants. But there are also huge balls, giant bats, peanuts, cracker jacks, eyeblack, and more, each with a backstory you have to read to believe. In The 34-Ton Bat, Sports Illustrated writer Steve Rushin tells the real, unvarnished story of baseball through the lens of all the things that make it the game that it is. Rushin weaves these rich stories -- from ballpark pipe organs played by malevolent organists to backed up toilets at Ebbets Field -- together in their order of importance (from most to least) for an entertaining and compulsive read, glowing with a deep passion for America's Pastime. The perfect holiday gift for casual fans and serious collectors alike, The 34-Ton Bat is a true heavy hitter. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Swing and a Hit Paul O'Neill, Jack Curry, 2022-05-24 This fun and fiery New York Times bestselling memoir tells the life story of All Star Yankee and five-time World Champion, Paul O’Neill, like you’ve never seen him before. In Swing and Hit, O’Neill elaborates on his most important hitting principles, lessons, and memories—exploring those elements across ten chapters (to align with the nine innings of a baseball game and one extra inning). Here, O’Neill, with his intense temperament, describes what he did as a hitter, how he adjusted to pitchers, how he boosted his confidence, how he battled with umpires (and water coolers), and what advice he would give to current hitters. O’Neill has always been a tough out at the plate. Recalling how he started to swing at bat as a two-year-old and kept swinging it professionally until he was thirty-eight, O’Neill provides constant insights into the beauty and frustration of playing baseball. The legendary Ted Williams said using a round bat to hit a round ball is the most difficult thing to do in sports. Naturally, O’Neill, who once received a surprise call from Williams that was filled with hitting advice, agrees. Swing and Hit features O’Neill’s most thoughtful revelations and offers clubhouse stories from some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball—hitters, managers, and teammates like Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, Pete Rose, and Bernie Williams. Remember, O’Neill, ever the perfectionist, was the type of hitter who believed that pitchers didn’t ever get him out. For that incredible reason and so many others, Swing and Hit is essential reading for any baseball fan. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Barry Bonds: Baseball's Superman Steven Travers, 2003-04-10 Barry Bonds: Baseball Superman is the biography of the game's first four-time Most Valuable Player. In 2001, Bonds broke the greatest record in sports, the all-time single-season home run record held over the years by Babe Ruth, Roger Maris and Mark McGwire, and arguably had the greatest season in baseball history. There is no doubt that for most fans, Barry Bonds is a man of mystery. Author Steven Travers documents the superstar's 2001 campaign as Bonds defied the very bounds of conventional logic and perfected the art of long-ball hitting. Travers also describes Bonds's childhood in Riverside, California, the hometown of his father, Bobby; his successful high school career in the Bay Area, and his All-American career at Arizona State. Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Arcade, Good Books, Sports Publishing, and Yucca imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. Our list includes biographies on well-known historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Alexander Graham Bell, as well as villains from history, such as Heinrich Himmler, John Wayne Gacy, and O. J. Simpson. We have also published survivor stories of World War II, memoirs about overcoming adversity, first-hand tales of adventure, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Home Run on Wheels Ron Clements, 2019-07-23 Home Run on Wheels Chronicling the Baseball Trip of a Lifetime while Raising Awareness of the Needs of Children in the Foster System By: Ron Clements In Home Run On Wheels, Ron Clements shows readers what is needed for charities to successfully help children in the foster care system. As he and his wife, Patti, take to the road to visit every MLB stadium in a single season, the story recounts their cross-country adventure, their efforts to get foster families to MLB games, and highlights the generosity of others. This book will open your heart to those in foster care, but also share the Clements' love of baseball and passion for traveling. |
batting practice at busch stadium: It Happens Every Spring Ira Berkow, 2017-04-15 Culled from 50 years' worth of columns from one of the country's most popular sportswriters, It Happens Every Spring stands as a remarkable and evocative anthology that is guaranteed to delight baseball fans of all ages. Former New York Times columnist Ira Berkow captures the spirit of America's pasttime in this collection of opinions, stories, and observations from his long and distinguished career. From memories of Ted Williams and Satchel Paige to reflections on Jackie Robinson, Barry Bonds, and the soul of the beloved game, this work combines Berkow's eye for detail with the comedy and drama revealed by the subjects themselves, bringing to life some of the most famous baseball personalities from the last half century. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Sports Illustrated , 1962 |
batting practice at busch stadium: Three Nights in August Buzz Bissinger, 2005 Showing that human nature--not statistics--dictates the outcome of ballgames, the authors watch from the dugout as a spectacular series unfolds between theCardinals and their archrivals, the Cubs. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Midnight Angels Lorenzo Carcaterra, 2011-05-24 Kate Westcott, a gifted American art student, has come to Florence to study Michelangelo. Exploring the cobbled streets of the Renaissance city with her fellow student Marco, Kate feels the pull of destiny. And when the two uncover a chamber in a corridor sealed since the time of the Medicis, they make a stunning discovery: Michelangelo’s Midnight Angels—three small, exquisite sculptures long rumored to exist but never before seen. It is the find of a lifetime—and the beginning of a nightmare. Pursued by criminals, suspected by the Rome Art Squad, and navigating the underground network of a secret society, Kate and Marco must use all their cunning to protect Michelangelo’s work—and their lives. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Me and My Dad Paul O'Neill, Burton Rocks, 2010-09-14 Paul O'Neill was the undisputed heart and soul of the four-time World Series-winning New York Yankees from 1993 to 2001. O'Neill epitomized the team's motto of hard work and good sportsmanship, traits instilled in him by his friend, confidant, lifelong model, and biggest fan: his dad, Chick O'Neill. In Me and My Dad, O'Neill writes from the heart about the man who inspired in him a love for the game and a determination to always play his best. O'Neill remembers the highlights of his own amazing career: the Cincinnati Reds calling him up to the majors, his first World Series, being traded to the Yankees -- and taking part in their recent championship wins. He also reflects on his father's untimely death during the 1999 World Series and on the farewell tribute his fans gave him during his last game in Yankee Stadium. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Seasons Bill Gilbert, 2004-02 - Features interviews with Dom DiMaggio, Bob Feller, Jim Palmer, Maury Povich, Tom Seaver, Duke Snider, and George Will |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Sizzler Rick Huhn, 2013-09-25 “Gorgeous George” Sisler, a left-handed first baseman, began his major-league baseball career in 1915 with the St. Louis Browns. During his sixteen years in the majors, he played with such baseball luminaries as Ty Cobb (who once called Sisler “the nearest thing to a perfect ballplayer”), Babe Ruth, and Rogers Hornsby. He was considered by these stars of the sport to be their equal, and Branch Rickey, one of baseball’s foremost innovators and talent scouts, once said that in 1922 Sisler was “the greatest player that ever lived.” During his illustrious career he was a .340 hitter, twice achieving the rare feat of hitting more than .400. His 257 hits in 1920 is still the record for the “modern” era. Considered by many to be one of the game’s most skillful first basemen, he was the first at his position to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Yet unlike many of his peers who became household names, Sisler has faded from baseball’s collective consciousness. Now in The Sizzler, this “legendary player without a legend” gets the treatment he deserves. Rick Huhn presents the story of one of baseball’s least appreciated players and studies why his status became so diminished. Huhn argues that the answer lies somewhere amid the tenor of Sisler’s times, his own character and demeanor, the kinds of individuals who are chosen as our sports heroes, and the complex definition of fame itself. In a society obsessed with exposing the underbellies of its heroes, Sisler’s lack of a dark side may explain why less has been written about him than others. Although Sisler was a shy, serious sort who often shunned publicity, his story is filled with its own share of controversy and drama, from a lengthy struggle among major-league moguls for his contractual rights—a battle that helped change the structure of organized baseball forever—to a job-threatening eye disorder he developed during the peak of his career and popularity. By including excerpts from Sisler’s unpublished memoir, as well as references to the national and international events that took place during his heyday, Huhn reveals the full picture of this family man who overcame great obstacles, stood on high principles, and left his mark on a game he affected in a positive way for fifty-eight years. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Game of Shadows Mark Fainaru-Wada, Lance Williams, 2006-03-23 In the summer of 1998 two of baseball leading sluggers, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, embarked on a race to break Babe Ruth’s single season home run record. The nation was transfixed as Sosa went on to hit 66 home runs, and McGwire 70. Three years later, San Francisco Giants All-Star Barry Bonds surpassed McGwire by 3 home runs in the midst of what was perhaps the greatest offensive display in baseball history. Over the next three seasons, as Bonds regularly launched mammoth shots into the San Francisco Bay, baseball players across the country were hitting home runs at unprecedented rates. For years there had been rumors that perhaps some of these players owed their success to steroids. But crowd pleasing homers were big business, and sportswriters, fans, and officials alike simply turned a blind eye. Then, in December of 2004, after more than a year of investigation, San Francisco Chronicle reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams broke the story that in a federal investigation of a nutritional supplement company called BALCO, Yankees slugger Jason Giambi had admitted taking steroids. Barry Bonds was also implicated. Immediately the issue of steroids became front page news. The revelations led to Congressional hearings on baseball’s drug problems and continued to drive the effort to purge the U.S. Olympic movement of drug cheats. Now Fainaru-Wada and Williams expose for the first time the secrets of the BALCO investigation that has turned the sports world upside down. Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroid Scandal That Rocked Professional by award-winning investigative journalists Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams, is a riveting narrative about the biggest doping scandal in the history of sports, and how baseball’s home run king, Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, came to use steroids. Drawing on more than two years of reporting, including interviews with hundreds of people, and exclusive access to secret grand jury testimony, confidential documents, audio recordings, and more, the authors provide, for the first time, a definitive account of the shocking steroids scandal that made headlines across the country. The book traces the career of Victor Conte, founder of the BALCO laboratory, an egomaniacal former rock musician and self-proclaimed nutritionist, who set out to corrupt sports by providing athletes with “designer” steroids that would be undetectable on “state-of-the-art” doping tests. Conte gave the undetectable drugs to 28 of the world’s greatest athletes—Olympians, NFL players and baseball stars, Bonds chief among them. A separate narrative thread details the steroids use of Bonds, an immensely talented, moody player who turned to performance-enhancing drugs after Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals set a new home run record in 1998. Through his personal trainer, Bonds gained access to BALCO drugs. All of the great athletes who visited BALCO benefited tremendously—Bonds broke McGwire’s record—but many had their careers disrupted after federal investigators raided BALCO and indicted Conte. The authors trace the course of the probe, and the baffling decision of federal prosecutors to protect the elite athletes who were involved. Highlights of Game of Shadows include: Barry Bonds A look at how Bonds was driven to use performance-enhancing drugs in part by jealousy over Mark McGwire’s record-breaking 1998 season. It was shortly thereafter that Bonds—who had never used anything more performance enhancing than a protein shake from the health food store—first began using steroids. How Bonds’s weight trainer, steroid dealer Greg Anderson, arranged to meet Victor Conte before the 2001 baseball season with... |
batting practice at busch stadium: El Birdos Doug Feldmann, 2010-03-22 In 1953, August A. Busch purchased the St. Louis Cardinals for nearly four million dollars. His dream included not only the best players money could buy but a brand new Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis. The early sixties found Busch working on both, and by May 1966, when the new Busch Stadium was opened, the St. Louis Cardinals were on the cusp of greatness. A world championship would follow in 1967, and in 1968 the Cardinals battled the Tigers in a classic seven-game series, narrowly losing their bid for back-to-back titles. This volume looks back at the outstanding Cardinal teams of the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Beginning with the ownership shift in the early 1950s, it examines the events leading up to the opening of the new stadium and tracks the various player trades, policy changes and inside dealings of baseball that produced one of the era's great teams. The effects of Branch Rickey's farm system on both the franchise's success and the sport of baseball are discussed, as are the rumblings of labor trouble that would directly involve one of the Cardinals' own. An appendix contains detailed statistics from the 1967 and 1968 seasons. An index and period photographs are also included. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The 50 Greatest Players in Cincinnati Reds History Robert W. Cohen, 2025-03-04 In The 50 Greatest Players in Cincinnati Reds History, sports historian Robert W. Cohen examines the careers of the fifty men who made the greatest impact on one of Major League Baseball's oldest and most iconic franchises. Biographical, anecdotal, and statistical information about each player are provided along the way, as are quotes from opposing players and former teammates and summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements. Special features include photos of the fifty players and a list of twenty-five honorable mentions. |
batting practice at busch stadium: White Rat Whitey Herzog, Kevin Horrigan, 1988-03 Filled with stories of such baseball legends as Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle and Satchell Paige, this compulsively readable autobiography of Whitey Herzog does not shy away from controversial opinions, but offers Whitey's own views on drug problems, troubles of the game, and managing theories. 16 pages of illustrations. |
batting practice at busch stadium: Bill DeWitt, Sr. Burton A. Boxerman, Benita W. Boxerman, 2021-08-20 In 1954, one year after Baltimore bought the St. Louis Browns, the New York Yankees hired former Browns executive and owner William O. DeWitt as assistant to general manager George Weiss. DeWitt, the news announced, was considered an astute baseball man who would have a definite role to play with the Yankees. Baseball fans had assumed that once the Browns were no longer the American League's doormats, DeWitt would quietly retire. But for DeWitt, a shrewd protege of Branch Rickey, his years with the Browns began a long and fascinating career, including his years as owner and general manager of the Cincinnati Reds. This first ever biography focuses on the career of a baseball executive who contributed greatly to America's pastime. |
batting practice at busch stadium: The Franchise: Atlanta Braves Mark Bowman, 2024-06-04 In The Franchise: Atlanta Braves, take a more profound and unique journey into the history of an iconic team. This thoughtful and engaging collection of essays captures the astute fans' history of the franchise, going beyond well-worn narratives of yesteryear to uncover the less-discussed moments, decisions, people, and settings that fostered the Braves' one-of-a-kind identity. Through wheeling and dealing, mythmaking and community building, explore where the organization has been, how it got to prominence in the modern major league landscape, and how it'll continue to evolve and stay in contention for generations to come.Braves fans in the know will enjoy this personal, local, in-depth look at baseball history. |
Batting (baseball) - Wikipedia
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher.
10 Baseball Batting Tips To Hit Like the Pros - Baseball Training World
In this post, we will take a look at 10 baseball tips for hitting like the pros. 1. Choose the Right Batting Gloves and Bat. 2. Have Confidence at the Plate. What does it mean to have the right …
2025 MLB Player Hitting Stat Leaders
The official source for player hitting stats, MLB home run leaders, batting average, OPS and stat leaders
Batting Order Strategy In Baseball: Batting Line-Up Explained
Jun 14, 2024 · Mastering the batting order in baseball is a blend of art and science, determining the flow and potential success of a game. This post will explore strategies behind the lineup, …
Proper Batting Stance for Baseball (6-Step Guide) - Baseball …
Jun 16, 2020 · All good baseball hitters first learn the proper batting stance . While there are many variations, our six step guide will make sure you're ready for every pitch.
How To Take Batting Practice - The Ultimate Guide | JustBats
Sep 19, 2023 · Taking batting practice is an essential component of a baseball player's journey toward mastery. By preparing mentally and physically, choosing the right practice setup, …
How to Swing a Baseball Bat: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
Nov 1, 2024 · The pros on ESPN might make it look easy, but in reality baseball is a difficult sport that requires a lot of conditioning, muscle memory, and hand-eye coordination. However, …
BATTING | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
BATTING definition: 1. the act of trying to hit the ball, especially in baseball or cricket: 2. in cricket, the part…. Learn more.
Baseball Batting Rules and Other Baseball Rules to Know
May 20, 2023 · Discover the art of batting in baseball with our comprehensive guide. Learn the rules, types of batters, and scoring strategies. Explore the infield fly rule, fair and foul balls, and …
Good Batting Average Explained – Baseball Mode
Feb 22, 2024 · Baseball uses batting averages to compare batters' success across different eras and determine the batting champion in a season. However, it's important to note that this stat is …
Batting (baseball) - Wikipedia
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher.
10 Baseball Batting Tips To Hit Like the Pros - Baseball Training World
In this post, we will take a look at 10 baseball tips for hitting like the pros. 1. Choose the Right Batting Gloves and Bat. 2. Have Confidence at the Plate. What does it mean to have the right …
2025 MLB Player Hitting Stat Leaders
The official source for player hitting stats, MLB home run leaders, batting average, OPS and stat leaders
Batting Order Strategy In Baseball: Batting Line-Up Explained
Jun 14, 2024 · Mastering the batting order in baseball is a blend of art and science, determining the flow and potential success of a game. This post will explore strategies behind the lineup, …
Proper Batting Stance for Baseball (6-Step Guide) - Baseball …
Jun 16, 2020 · All good baseball hitters first learn the proper batting stance . While there are many variations, our six step guide will make sure you're ready for every pitch.
How To Take Batting Practice - The Ultimate Guide | JustBats
Sep 19, 2023 · Taking batting practice is an essential component of a baseball player's journey toward mastery. By preparing mentally and physically, choosing the right practice setup, …
How to Swing a Baseball Bat: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
Nov 1, 2024 · The pros on ESPN might make it look easy, but in reality baseball is a difficult sport that requires a lot of conditioning, muscle memory, and hand-eye coordination. However, …
BATTING | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
BATTING definition: 1. the act of trying to hit the ball, especially in baseball or cricket: 2. in cricket, the part…. Learn more.
Baseball Batting Rules and Other Baseball Rules to Know
May 20, 2023 · Discover the art of batting in baseball with our comprehensive guide. Learn the rules, types of batters, and scoring strategies. Explore the infield fly rule, fair and foul balls, …
Good Batting Average Explained – Baseball Mode
Feb 22, 2024 · Baseball uses batting averages to compare batters' success across different eras and determine the batting champion in a season. However, it's important to note that this stat …