SB Nation User Blog: ballhawk

Virtual ballhawking at Wrigley Field via Twitter

ballhawk — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:11:27 -0000

Virtual ballhawking at Wrigley Field via Twitter

* * * shameless self-promotion disclaimer * * *

If you'd like to augment your virtual game day experience, feel free to "ballhawk" with me via Twitter as I provide a semi-running commentary of the game from the streets of Waveland and sometimes Sheffield. My twitter ID is "Ballhawk_Ken" and the above link should take you to my twitter page.

Southeast winds tomorrow and a lot warmer so maybe there'll actually be some street homer activity to report. If not, I'll try to keep you amused with the daily trials and tribulations from "As The Waveland Turns"...

Bud Light, Cap'n Morgan, Smirnoff - maybe Cubs fans ARE a bunch of drunkards...

ballhawk — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:43:27 -0000

Bud Light, Cap'n Morgan, Smirnoff - maybe Cubs fans ARE a bunch of drunkards...

Kinda surprised this hasn't been posted yet - did a BCB search but didn't find anything.

Anyway, Wrigley Field should be in high "spirits" this year with the latest corporate sponsorships - the Cap'n Morgan beer garden and the Smirnoff upper deck patio.

I can only imagine the pride Joe Morgan will feel, thinking he has been feted by the Cubs as their latest captain instead of that other second-baseman. Not sure what the Commissioner or Yakov is thinking...

Interesting Q&A with author of "As They See 'Em", behind-the-scenes look at umpiring.

ballhawk — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:56:43 -0000

Interesting Q&A with author of "As They See 'Em", behind-the-scenes look at umpiring.

Link takes you to the Tribune's Eric Zorn's blog (Change of Subject) where he has posted a very interesting Q&A exchange with NY Times reporter Bruce Weber, who has written a behind-the-scenes look at umpiring. Weber actually went through umpiring school and spent considerable time with umpires at all levels.

Fascinating stuff. My favorite part was reading about the "professional method" for arguing with Earl Weaver and Billy Martin. Something to watch for next time Mt. Lou erupts...

Twins no longer pursuing Cruz

ballhawk — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:28:07 -0000

Twins no longer pursuing Cruz

According to this article, their latest offer to Cruz was unacceptable, which means they never even got a chance to talk "sign and trade" specifics with Arizona. Which means Cruz is still available if the Cubs can come up with an acceptable offer to both Cruz and Arizona.

More likely though is the Twins still needing bullpen help. Maybe Vizcaino for one of their backup infielder types? Paging DGU...

Ventura calls for Selig's indictment (Fox Sports)

ballhawk — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:40:16 -0000

Ventura calls for Selig's indictment (Fox Sports)

The three ring circus continues...

Ex-governor (and ex-pro wrestler) Jesse "The Body" Ventura wants Selig to be indicted just like Vince McMahon (CEO of WWE) was in 1993.

Ignoring the absurdity factor for a moment - not to mention the irony - at first blush, his reasoning makes a lot of sense.

Hang on kids, the fun is just beginning!!!

Selig considers suspension of ARod (USA Today)

ballhawk — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:22:03 -0000

Selig considers suspension of ARod (USA Today)

Oh, this is rich. USA Today says Bud is considering suspending ARod over his recent admission of using PEDs.

Later in same article he says he's also considering reinstating Henry Aaron as the home run king, due to Bonds' ongoing troubles.

Finally, to complete the trifecta of idiocy... Selig says "This is breaking my heart, I don't mind telling you that."

Hey Bud, here's a thought - suspend yourself!

"Hall of Fame Unemployment Line?" (NYT article)

ballhawk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:07:47 -0000

"Hall of Fame Unemployment Line?" (NYT article)

NYTimes baseball writer Jack Curry's take on why all these potential HoFers (Pudge, Junior, Thomas, Pedro, etc.) are still unsigned.

Depression Deja Vu all over again? (NYTimes article)

ballhawk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:02:37 -0000

Depression Deja Vu all over again? (NYTimes article)

Interesting article in today's NY Times about baseball in the '30s during Great Depression. Several mentions of the Cubs. Cool pictures too. Loved this part:

"Despite the need for new sources of revenue, many of baseball’s hidebound owners continued to resist allowing live radio broadcasts of their games, fearing fewer fans would attend in person. This attitude persisted even though radio had helped generate interest in, as well as money for, minor league teams."

Now we know where Dollar Bill Wirtz got his ownership acumen from... ;-)

Happy Holidays from Kerry Wood

ballhawk — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:30:50 -0000

Happy Holidays from Kerry Wood

Try to ignore the hat, unless you're also an Indians fan like me.

Dear Santa, please bring me Kerry facing down ARam in Game 7 next year. At least half of me will be happy...

Baseball Hall of Fame Needs to Change 5 Percent Rule (NYT article)

ballhawk — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:26:57 -0000

Baseball Hall of Fame Needs to Change 5 Percent Rule (NYT article)

Interesting perspective on HoF voting. The Grich vs Carew argument in particular is thought provoking...