R.I.P Phil Niekro

 When someone mentions knuckle ball pitchers the first name that pops in my mind is Phil Niekro. He was pitching well before I was born. However, as a Braves fan it wasn't long before I knew who he was. Later in his career I was able to see him pitch in person, he was playing for the Cleveland Indians and I saw him pitch in Baltimore.

He won 318 games, threw a no hitter, struck out over 3000 batters and is in baseball's Hall of Fame. He lead the league in wins twice, won 5 Gold Gloves, was a 5 time All Star, simply put he was a good pitcher.

He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

                                                        Highlights...

His Hall of Fame Speech...

Cubs win the curse is over!

108 years is a long time to wait for a World Series Championship. The wait is over, the Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Series Champs. It is fitting that the series went seven games and was decided in extra innings. Fans even had to wait though a rain delay.

The Cleveland Indians were a worthy opponent. It is probably a good thing the series is limited to seven games as winter was probably knocking on the door to both cities.

Interesting connections:

Addison Russell's hometown is the same town I live in. Russell plays for the Cubs and now will be receiving a World Series ring.

Here is his Grand Slam...

Ben Zobrist I met when he was in the minor leagues and he did something very cool for my stepson. Zobrist ended up being the World Series MVP!

His game winning hit in game seven...

Highlights in general:

Game 7:

Game 6:

Game 5: 

Game 4:

Game 3:

Game 2:

Game 1:

Well baseball is over until Spring Training! Congrats to the Cubs!

The Cleveland Indians first half dissapointment

Since this is the first weekend after Major League Baseball's All-Star game, I thought I would blog about some of the teams that have been major dissapointments so far in 2008. One team that jumps out at me is the Cleveland Indians. Last year the Tribe won the AL Central by 8 games. The lost out to the World Serries Champion Boston Red Sox. Here is a link to my article previewing the Indians in the playoffs last fall.

Currently the Tribe is 42-54 and in the cellar of the AL Central 12.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox. The Tribe did trade away CC Sabathia, who went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA last season. Fausto Carmona has been battling issues and is 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA but hasn't pitch since May. Last season Carmona went 19-8. Cliff Lee is a bright spot for the Indians returning to form this season with a 12-2 record and 2.31 ERA.

Sizemore's average is down this season batting .272 but his power numbers are up with 23 home runs, he only had 24 last season. Martinez isn't batting .301 this season or having the numbers he hit last season. Travis Hafner also hasn't played since May.

The Tribe are having ac disappointing season due to injuries and management has turned away from this season trading away CC Sabathia. A move the Tribe used to add some talent on the farm. The Indians may not have a winning season this year but they should be in the mix next year with Carmona and Lee in their rotation.