Monthly Archives: April 2011

Thought of the Day

Posted on April 29, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

The following observation from Gideon Haigh’s thoughtful piece on the history of cricket’s spread around the world, struck me. It remains true that while no former British colony has won soccer’s World Cup, only former British colonies have won cricket’s. … Continue reading →

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The Greatest Student Batter in New York City History?

Posted on April 28, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

The New York Times reports Manny Ramirez’s high-school batting average as .650. The main photo accompanying this Times article shows a determined teenager in 1991. Some of the other legendary batsmen in New York-school history include Hank Greenberg, Ed Kranepool, … Continue reading →

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Lights! Camera! No Ball!

Posted on April 26, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

Away from the hurly-burly of the Indian Premier League, the bright lights of Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies, Sri Lanka’s forthcoming tour of England, and any of the professional domestic tournaments, the game of cricket continues to be played … Continue reading →

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Let’s Not Forget April 23

Posted on April 23, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

April 23, 1952, Hall of Fame knuckleball relief specialist Hoyt Wilhelm hit a home run in his very first time at bat in the big leagues. Even though he played in 1,069 more games, it would be his only home … Continue reading →

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This Bud’s for You

Posted on April 23, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

Bud Selig and Major League Baseball are taking over operation of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s a story told by ESPN in about as much detail as one could want. Frank McCourt and his wife Jamie, partners in life (until … Continue reading →

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I Sit in One of the Dives on 52nd Street Rooting for My Team

Posted on April 19, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

Even at this joyous time of year, I (Evander) cannot help remembering the terrible-Yankees years: the tsunami of 1965 (25 games out of first place); 1966 (26.5 games out and in the cellar! just below the Red Sox); 1967 (20 … Continue reading →

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Baseball Historian Weighs in on Barry Bonds

Posted on April 18, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

“We live in a time when we think everything can be cured by a medication. If you want to talk about a performance-enhancing culture, let’s look at Viagra, let’s look at Levitro…all of these things that are advertised on daytime … Continue reading →

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The Bryan Stow Incident in Los Angeles

Posted on April 16, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

The story of fan Bryan Stow, badly beaten at a Los Angeles Dodgers game for displaying his preference for “the wrong team,” gives all so-called fans a bloody eye. We at Right Off the Bat condemn violence, in any form, … Continue reading →

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The “I Can’t Believe It” Department

Posted on April 16, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

A writer friend points out that Carl Crawford has made more in salary with the Boston Red Sox, thro a mere 12 games in 2011, than Ted Williams pulled down over an entire career. Cricket followers: Ted Williams may be … Continue reading →

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A Word about Jim Thorpe

Posted on April 16, 2011 by rightoffthebatbook

One of the greatest Americans played Major League Baseball for the New York Giants, the Cincinnati Reds, and (ironically) for the Boston Braves. I’m speaking of Jim Thorpe. Of mixed race (as are today’s Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red … Continue reading →

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