PRESENTED BY:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
EVENT SPONSOR
Ogden, USA
Honoring our Nation on this 9/11 rememberance event
Heritage Theatre Utah
Ensuring
Providing
Inspiring
OFFICAL ROSTER
Raptors fans can enjoy baseball more this summer by keeping score of the game. All you need is a basic knowledge of baseball’s rules. Experts us a simple code, based on numbering players by their positions.
Batting Average: A players batting average is figured by
1-Pitcher; 2-Catcher; 3-First Baseman; 4-Second Baseman; 5-Third Baseman; 6-Shortstop; 7-Leftfielder; 8-Centerfielder; 9-Rightfielder; DH-Designated Hitter.
Everytime a batter goes to the plate, use the numbers to indicate how he was retired or how he reached base. Fielding plays and retiring batters or runners also calls for the use of the number.
For instance, the batter who grounds out to the shortstop is retired 6-3 in your scoring. If he flies to the rightfielder, merely us the figure 9. If it is foul, 9F. Use a heavy line after or under a box to indicate a change, either of a pitcher or a batter.
Earned Run Average: A pitcher’s ERA is figured by multiplying his number of earned runs by nine. (9 innings per game). This number is then divided by the number or innings he has pitched. Here’s an example: The pitcher pitched 250 innings and gave up 55 earned runs. His earned run average is 1.98.
Slugging Average: A player’s slugging average is figured by dividing his total bases by his times at bat. Here’s an example: the player has four homers, a triple, three doubles and ten singles in 50 times at bat. His slugging average is .700.
Fielding: A player’s fielding average is figured by compiling his total chances and dividing this number into his total putouts and assists. For example: The infielder made 20 putouts, 40 assists and 2 errors. His fielding average is .9677.
BIOS
EVAN PARKER
Born and raised in Ogden, Evan Parker’s baseball journey came full circle as he was hired as the Raptors Field Manager in November 2023. In 2021 and 2022 he served as bullpen/assistant pitching coach, and in 2023 was hired as head pitching coach.
“The last 3 seasons with the Raptors have been a dream come true,” Parker said. “Bringing a championship back to Ogden is one of the greatest moments in my career. I love everybody in this organization and I will do anything to put a competitive product on the field every single day.“
As a player, Parker prepped at Bonneville High School where he was a first team allstate selection, holds the record for most career Wins (18), and helped lead Bonneville to the best back to back seasons (40-15) in the school’s 64 year history.
His first 2 years of college were spent under D.J. Whittemore at powerhouse junior college Western Nevada College. In 2 years, Parker’s teams racked-up an 86-36 record, a top 8 finish nationally in 2012 (JUCO World Series), and a Region XVIII championship in
2013. Parker pitched to a 1.53 ERA in 29.1 innings out of the bullpen in 2013. Parker was signed by Chris Pfatenhauer at Utah Tech University for his junior and senior seasons. In 2014 and 2015, Parker’s teams went 68-36, clinching two PacWest Conference championships, and two NCAA regional bids. Parker’s career flourished under Pfatenhauer as he went on to become the all-time Saves leader (26), single season Saves leader (13, in 2014 and 2015), NCBWA All-American, and multiple first-team all conference and region selections.
In 90 college innings, Parker holds a career 1.90 ERA out of the bullpen. Parker was subsequently signed by the Milwaukee Brewers where he accomplished his dream of playing professionally.
From 2015 to 2020, Parker required 3 elbow surgeries, a 2-time Tommy John surgery recipient. During his rehabilitation process, Parker opened his baseball training facility in Ogden. He returned to the mound for the Raptors in 2022, where in his final game closed out a Raptors win at Lindquist Field.
ED CAMPANIELLO
Ed Campaniello joins the Raptors staff as Hitting/Bench coach for the 2024 season. Ed brings with him nine years of experience as a professional player, and an additional 20 years in coaching and development.
Campaniello on joining the Raptors staff, “I’m looking forward to putting on the Raptor uniform, representing Ogden and the rich tradition of winning professional baseball.”
Ed’s professional career began as a player in 1995. He batted .339 for the Welland Aquaducks, where his contract was purchased by the Cincinnati Reds organization. Ed had the opportunity to take his talents overseas and play in the Italian Baseball League. In the IBL, he helped Semenzato
Casa d’Aste Rimini to the A/1 title in 1999 by hitting .329 and taking home MVP honors in the championship series. He recorded 644 career minor league hits, and a career .309 average.
After his playing days, Ed began coaching and player development in 2004. He has coached in many capacities throughout the last two decades, including time as a coach in the Oakland A’s organization.
Raptors Manager Evan Parker on hiring Campaniello, “Ed and I clicked from the first day. He has been around every facet of baseball, and more importantly is a quality human being. He’s a necessary part to a winning coaching staff. We will continue to build our winning culture together.”
GAME INFORMATION
TICKET PRICES
Reserved Box Seats
General Admission
Adults .................................................................................................
$14.00
$10.00
Military Personnel w/ ID ................................................................
Children (ages 4–12) .......................................................................
$8.00
$8.00
Children (under age 4) ...................................................................... Free Fans 80 and over ................................................................................. Free
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
WILL CALL
Will call is available for those who want to purchase their tickets over th e phone. There will be a $4.00 handling charge on all phone orders. The will call window is at the main ticket office on non-game days and located at one of the outside ticket booths before the game. Will call is designed for those who have prepaid. Tickets left in will call must be picked up by the person who they are intended for. I.D. is required. Tickets left in will call and not picked up will still be charged.
GAME TIMES
Monday–Saturday: 6:30 p.m. Sundays: 2:00 p.m. August 25 through remainder of season Monday–Saturday: 6:30 p.m, Sundays: 4:00 p.m. All games canceled due to weather conditions will be rescheduled as a doubleheader. All doubleheaders begin two hours earlier than regularly scheduled games.
TICKET OFFICE HOURS
Non-Game Days: ...................................Mon.–Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday & Sunday Game Days: Mon.–Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
RAIN CHECK
Tickets for any rained-out or canceled game may be exchanged for another ticket of equal or lesser value for any remaining regular-season game excluding playoffs. Seating will be subject to availability. No cash refunds will be given. The completion of 4 1/2 innings constitutes a complete game.
NON-USED TICKETS
All non-used, past-dated tickets can be exchanged for general admission tickets good for any future home game (playoff games excluded).
CONTESTS
Each game night, the Raptors hold many on-field contests. To participate in these contests, you must fill out an entry slip located at the Customer Service booth in the First Aid/Security Station.
FOOD AND DRINK
Absolutely no outside food and beverages are permitted inside the stadium. Arrangements may be made for those with special diets. Notify the Raptors front office prior to the game.
CONCESSION STANDS
Full-service concession stands are located throughout Lindquist Field. Food and drink vendors will be going through the stands on a regular basis each game.
BEER / ALCOHOL SALES
Alcohol and beer is available at Lindquist Field. Utah law prohibits the selling or purchasing of alcohol and beer by or for minors. The Raptors management reserves the right to prosecute any person who violates these laws or is deemed intoxicated. Anyone purchasing alcohol or beer for minors is subject to a minimum of $25,000 fine. Alcohol purchasing and consumption will take place in the designated area. Patrons are not allowed to leave designated area with alcohol.
LOST AND FOUND
Items found should be turned in to the Customer Service booth in the First Aid/Security Station behind third base bleachers.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located on the lower concourse level.
CHILDREN
All children are the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Children must obey all stadium rules. No running is permitted in the stands or tunnel area. To help in locating parents of lost children, wristbands with your child’s name and information are available at the First Aid/Security Station. Remember, Oggie loves children... they taste just like chicken!
FIRST AID/SECURITY
First Aid/Security is located behind the third base bleacher. Any emergencies should be reported immediately to a member of the Raptors staff. All bags, purses, backpacks, blankets, etc. are subject to search.
PRESS BOX
The press box has many activities taking place while the game is in progress. Therefore, please refrain from going to the press box for any reason. Take questions or requests to the Customer Service booth located behind third base bleachers.
NO FANS ON THE FIELD
Fans are not allowed on the playing field for any reason without authorization. Those who do will be evicted from Lindquist Field.
THROWING OBJECTS
The throwing of any items in the stands or onto the field is expressly forbidden. Raptors management reserves the right to evict any person throwing objects.
FOUL BALL WARNING
On occasion, line-drive foul balls can enter the stadium at a high rate of speed. Fans in seats with no protective screening must pay careful attention to the batter, as line-drive foul balls leave limited reaction time. All types of foul balls including high fly balls, bloop -
ers and line drives may leave the playing area and enter the stands during the course of the game. To avoid being struck by the ball, please always focus your attention towards the baseball while the game is in progress. Cars parked within the Lindquist Field area are parked at their own risk.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions regarding the Raptors, please ask any member of the Raptors staff. If they don’t know the answer, they will find someone who does.
AFFILIATE ............................ Professional Independent
HOME FIELD ............................................ Lindquist Field
CAPACITY .................................................................... 7,000
DIMENSIONS ....................................... LF=335, LCF=390, RCF=387, RF=335
PRESIDENT ................................................. Dave Baggott
RAPTOR OWNERS
DAVE BAGGOTT
Ogden, Utah Raptors President
JOHN E. LINDQUIST Ogden, Utah Businessman/ Owner of Lindquist Mortuaries
ED MATTES
Manhattan, New York Corporate Recruiter
RON YENGICH
Salt Lake City, Utah Lawyer/Author
RAPTOR STAFF
President ....................................................................................... Dave Baggott
Vice President ...................................................................... John E. Lindquist
General Manager Trever Wilson
Facilities & Clubby Dave Ackerman
Audio/Video Streaming Radio Broadcaster Richard Armstrong
Social Media Director/Team Photographer ................... Kevin Johnson
Head Groundskeeper ................................................................ Ken Kopinski
Assistant Head Groundskeeper .............................................. Frank Patrick
Director of Environmental Control .................................. Scott McGregor
JOHN STEIN
Ogden, Utah Restaurant Owner
JIM O’HARA
San Diego, California Corporate Consultant
IT Guru .............................................................................................
Chris Greene
3rd Alternate IT Specialist Helper Guy ................................... Bill Baggott
Official Scorekeeper
Jakob Armstrong
Official Team Photo Taker Guy Kevin Johnson
Propane Procurement Keith “Gas Man” Hanchett
Mr. Obvious ........................................................................................ Jim Berger
Assistant to Press Box Coffee Agent ...................................... Chip Nelson
Field Maintenance ............................................... Greg “Mr. Clean” Gilmore
Press Box Coffee Agent ..................................................... Robert Lindquist
OGDEN RAPTORS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL, INC. 2330 Lincoln Ave., Ogden, Utah 84401 www.ogden-raptors.com e-mail: homerun@ogden-raptors.com
PIONEER LEAGUE DIRECTORY
YEARS OF OGDEN RAPTORS BASEBALL
OGDEN RAPTORS
Classification ............. Major League Partner League
President ...................................................... Mike Shapiro
Roster Limit ...................................................................... 25
Number Of Games ........................................................ 96
Season Opens ............................................ May 25, 2022
Season Ends ................................. September 10, 2022
Playoffs Begin .............................. September 11, 2022
Years in League ...................... 1939–42; 1946–55; 1966–74; 1994–Present
Ballpark .......................... Lindquist Field
Website ogden-raptors.com
BILLINGS MUSTANGS
Affiliation ..................... Cincinnati Reds
Years in League ....................... 1948–63, 1969–Present
Ballpark Dehler Park
Website billingsmustangs.com
BOISE HAWKS
Years in League .............................. 2021
Ballpark ............. Brent Brown Ballpark
Website ...................... boisehawks.com
IDAHO FALLS CHUKARS
Years in League 1940–42, 1946–Present
Ballpark ........................ Melaleuca Field
Website ........................... ifchukars.com
GRAND JUNCTION JACKALOPES
Years in League .............................. 2012
Ballpark ................... Sam Suplizio Field
Website .................... gjjackalopes.com
NORTHERN COLORADO OWLS
Years in League .............................. 2022
Ballpark ..... Future Legends Complex
Website ... northerncoloradoopwlz.com
GREAT FALLS VOYAGERS
Years in League ...................... 1975–83, 1992–Present
Ballpark ................................ Legion Park
Website ....................... gfvoyagers.com
MISSOULA PADDLEHEADS
Years in League ....................... 1975–83, 1992–Present
Ballpark ......... Missoula Civic Stadium Website .............. gopaddleheads.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIBES
Years in League .............................. 2019
Ballpark Security Service Field
Website vibesbaseball.com
GLACIER RANGE RIDERS
Years in League .............................. 2022
Ballpark ........................... Flathead Field
Website ................. gorangeriders.com
BASEBALL TRIVIA
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
So you think you know baseball trivia? Try your best with these questions, they might even stump you!
WHO DID IT TWICE?
Five of the following ten players have won one National League batting title; the other five have won two. List the one-time winners in the left-hand column and the two-time winners in the right-hand column: Willie Mays, Lefty O’Doul, Tommy Davis, Harry Walker, Dixie Walker, Henry Aaron, Carl Furillo, Jackie Robinson, Ernie Lombardi, and Richie Ashburn.
WOULD YOU PINCH HIT?
Some of the best pinch-hitters in the history of the game are listed with their averages as substitute batters. Were their lifetime averages higher (yes-no) than their pinch-hitting marks?
1. (.320) Tommy Davis
2. (.312) Frenchy Bordagaray
3. (.307) Frankie Baumholtz
4. (.303) Red Schoendienst
5. (.300) Bob Fothergill
6. (.299) Dave Philley
7. (.297) Manny Mota
8. (.286) Steve Braun
9. (.283) Johnny Mize
10. (.280) Don Mueller
THE PERFECT GAME
ONCE IS NOT ENOUGH
Eight of the following sluggers have hit four home runs in a major league game: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Rocky Colavito, Hank Aaron, Gil Hodges, Pat Seerey, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, Joe Adcock, Mike Schmidt, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Horner, and Hank Greenberg. Who are they?
Ten of the following 20 pitchers have thrown perfect games: Walter Johnson, Tom Seaver, Carl Hubbell, Ernie Shore, Babe Ruth, Jim Hunter, Sal Maglie, Whitey Ford, Jim Bunning, Cy Young, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, Bob Feller, Addie Joss, Sandy Koufax, Wes Ferrell, Don Larsen, Charlie Robertson, Mike Witt, and Len Barker. Name them.
WINDING UP
Mark “L” in the space provided for the pitchers who threw left-handed and “R” for the hurlers who threw right-handed.
1. Hal Newhouser
2. Vernon Gomez
3. Mike Garcia
4. Eddie Lopat
5. Virgil Trucks
6. Ellis Kinder
7. Billy Pierce
8. Herb Score
9. Bucky Walters
10. Van Lingle Mungo
FIRST NAMES
Substitute the player’s first names for their nicknames.
Bill Joe Larry Johnny
Jerome Paul Lynwood
Edwin Elwin George
“Moose” Skowron
“Daffy” Dean
“Dizzy” Dean
“Yogi” Berra
“Preacher” Roe
“Snuffy” Stirnweiss
“Flash” Gordon
“Pepper” Martin
“Schoolboy” Rowe
“Duke” Snider
MULTIPLE NAMES
Supply the whole name.
“Dr. Strangelove”
“Daddy Wags”
“The Say Hey Kid”
“Charlie Hustle”
“The Vacuum Cleaner”
Supply the nickname.
Walter Williams
Jim Hunter
John Powell
John Odom
Jim Grant
MASCOT
OGGIE T-RAPTOR
Birthplace: Lindquist Field
Birth Date: Jurassic Period
Eye Color: Raptor Blue
Height: Roughly 6’6”
Weight: 553 lbs
Diet: Hawks, Voyagers, Jackalopes, Vibes, Chukars, Mustangs, Moose, Range Riders and Owlz, both pitchers and batters
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Hobbies: Racing kids, dancing, entertaining fans
OGGIE FACTS:
Favorite Food: Hangin’ curveballs from opposing pitchers, Raptor Burgers from the Hardball Café and children (He says they taste like chicken!)
Favorite Colors: Raptor Teal, Red & White
BASEBALL HUMOR
A baseball manager who had an ulcer was in his physician’s office for a checkup. “Remember,” the doctor said, “don’t get excited, don’t get mad, and forget about baseball when you’re off the field.” Then he added, “By the way, how come you let the pitcher bat yesterday with the tying run on second and two out in the ninth?”
How to Diaper a Baby: First, place the diaper in the position of a baseball diamond, with you at bat. Fold second base over home plate. Place baby on pitcher’s mound. Then pin first base and third base to home plate.
In an attempt to stimulate the interest of the boys in her classroom, an English teacher suggested they write an account of a baseball game as their assignment in English composition. The boys threw themselves into the task with enthusiasm. Within a few minutes, the first paper was handed to the teacher. When she looked at it, the story read in its entirety: “Rain - no game today.”
The conceited new rookie was pitching his first game. He walked the first five men he faced and the manager took him out of the game. The rookie slammed his glove on the ground as he walked off and yelled, “Darn it, the jerk takes me out when I have a no-hitter going!!”
A British visitor to Yankee Stadium, unable to understand the game, left as the scoreboard read:
When asked by a kid outside the gate, “What’s the score?” the Briton shrugged. “Oh, it’s up in the millions.”
Any baseball team could use a man who plays every position superbly, never strikes out and never makes an error; but there is no way to make him lay down his hot dog and come out of the grandstand.
“Baseball is our national game.” — Calvin Coolidge
30th President of The United States
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MAKE THEM NOTICE YOU:
THE STORY OF RYLAN BANNON
Since 2017, I have been telling players “Make Them Notice You!” I tell them this all the time. Of course I am referring to making Major League Baseball teams notice them. The players know what I mean when I say it, but when the Average Joe hears it, they always ask me to explain, so here it goes.
Back in 2017, third baseman, Rylan Bannon, an 8th round draft pick of the Dodgers, was in the middle of a decent season. He was hitting over .300 and playing a solid third base. However, there was nothing truly special about him. He blended in with all his teammates. I wouldn’t say he was standing out by any means until, a specific defensive play he made. I cannot recall the date or who we were playing but that doesn’t matter. I recall Rylan playing third base when a right handed hitter smoked a ground ball down the third base line.
From my view from the press box, I thought for sure it would be a double. However, Rylan dove to his right, backhanded the ball and ended up on the grass side of the third base line, closer to the outfield than the actual third base bag. Now lots of players can do that but it’s what happened next that shocked me. Rylan got to his feet like a ninja, and without hesitation, he set his feet, then threw that ball over the top of his shoulder, in a wind mill fashion, and threw a laser across the diamond to throw out the runner. It wasn’t even close either.
It beat the runner by like five feet! The runner actually stopped in his tracks and looked around as to what just happened. The sound of the ball hitting the first baseman’s glove made a loud popping sound that even all the fans couldn’t believe what just happened. It was a play that stunned everyone who saw it.
Why do I tell this story? Because from then on, Rylan became a legitimate major league prospect. He made the Dodgers notice him! He made the Baltimore Orioles notice him too because Rylan became one of the players that the Dodgers traded to the Orioles in the Manny Machado deal. So, on one specific play, Bannon made them all notice.
Now why is this such a cool story? Because Rylan is still making them all notice. Back on Friday May 13th of this year, I woke up and made my customary cup of mocha coffee. I take a sip, say ah, then open my app for the Standard Examiner. When I get to the sports page, there’s a full color picture of Rylan running after getting a base hit in his first major league at bat for the Orioles.
Now you might say, what’s the big deal? Lots of players do that. Not so fast! Rylan singled on the very first pitch he saw. Now that’s a rare thing that happens which is why his picture was posted by the AP nationally. What I’m trying to say is, Rylan not only achieved his goal of making the big leagues, but he’s still making them all notice.
Making them notice is so poignant. So in closing, know this: Whether you’re in school or at work, or playing the sport you love, it’s never too late to “Make Them Notice”. Kids, make your parents notice you by doing your chores before you are told. They will notice, I promise. There maybe even a little extra allowance waiting for you. Rylan sure made them notice, so can you!
DID YOU KNOW? UNDER THE LIGHTS
Baseball has long been a favorite pastime, but the game was once only enjoyed during daylight hours. That all changed on May 24, 1935. The Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 on this night in Major League Baseball’s first-ever night game, played courtesy of recently installed lights at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. 2025 marks the 90th Anniversary of the first baseball game played under the lights.
FIRST ALL-STAR GAME
The first All-Star game in Major League Baseball was played on July 6, 1933. The game was an effort to make professional baseball more popular, and it remains a beloved event on the MLB calendar today. According to History. com, attendance at professional baseball games fell 40 percent between 1930 and 1933. That decline likely had little to do with the game of baseball and much to do with the Great Depression, which ultimately proved to be the longest depression of the twentieth century. The Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted a decade, and the fallout from the depression was felt in every corner and industry, including professional baseball. Many onceardent baseball fans, who helped to establish record attendance in the 1920s, could no longer afford tickets during the Great Depression. Arch Ward, sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, was tasked with devising a sporting event that could be held in conjunction with the 1933 World’s Fair. Ward ultimately proposed a game featuring baseball’s biggest stars, and fans were even encouraged to vote for who would play in the game. Several eventual Hall of Famers, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx, were voted into the game, which was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Nearly 48,000 fans attended the game, which ended with a 4-2 American League victory. Baseball owners and executives took note, and the game has been played nearly every year since 1933, with only war and a global pandemic preventing the league from hosting its annual Midsummer Classic.
FIRST MLB ALL-STAR GAME WAS A HOME RUN
Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as baseball fans await Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game. On July 15, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, the best players from the National League and the American League will face off in the Midsummer Classic. The All-Star Game is a celebration of the season’s top talent.
While the All-Star Game may seem like something that has been cemented in baseball history, the tradition of the Midsummer Classic is less than 100 years old. Here are some fun facts about the inaugural MLB All-Star Game.
• The first All-Star Game was held on July 6, 1933 for a crowd of around 50,000 fans.
• The game took place at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. This was the historic home of the Chicago White Sox from 1910 to 1990, and was often referred to as the “Baseball Palace of the World.” Comiskey was demolished in 1991 to pave the way for a new stadium.
• Arch Ward, a sports editor, was the brainchild behind the MLB All-Star Game. The event was designed to boost interest in baseball during the darkest years of the Great Depression. Attendance at games had plummeted starting in 1930, and the average player’s salary fell. The All-Star Game was an attempt to draw fans back to the game.
• This year marks the return of All-Star players wearing their own team jerseys, a change from custom-designed All-Star jerseys. During the first All-Star Game, the National League wore gray NL uniforms, while the American League wore the home uniform of their respective teams.
• Babe Ruth played in the first All-Star Game. In fact, Ruth hit the first All-Star home run in the bottom of the third inning when he launched a two-run shot.
• Some other players who showcased their talents during the game included Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Jimmy Foxx, Joe Cronin, Al Simmons, Charlie Gehringer, and Lefty Grove for the American League. The National League featured Bill Hallahan, Gabby Hartnett, Chick
Hafey, Carl Hubbell, Pie Traynor, and Chuck Klein.
• The American League won the game 4-2.
• The game’s popularity prompted Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis to establish the MLB All-Star Game as an annual event. The game also set a precedent for similar all-star exhibitions in other sports.
• The first MLB All-Star Game didn’t feature a Home Run Derby. That event was added in 1985 and has undergone some format changes since then. Many of baseball’s most prolific hitters have competed in the Home Run Derby, including Carl Ripken, Jr., Barry Bonds, Ryan Howard, David Ortiz, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Pete Alonso. Teoscar Hernández of the Dodgers won the Home Run Derby in 2024.
Baseball fans will be eager to see who makes headlines this year. With its 92-year history, the MLB All-Star Game is a tradition that has endured and excited fans for nearly a century.
UNIQUE MOMENTS IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Few sports cherish their histories as much as baseball. Avid fans of America’s pastime are seemingly born with some knowledge of the game’s extensive history, which is an undeniable testament to the popularity of baseball over the last century and a half. As Major League Baseball prepares for yet another exciting postseason, here are some unique moments in the history of America’s pastime.
• Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier (1947): Jackie Robinson forever changed the landscape of American professional sports when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15. In so doing, Robinson broke the color barrier, becoming the first African American to play in an MLB game. The end of racial segregation within professional baseball was a moment so significant that MLB continues to celebrate it and honor Robinson every April 15.
• Babe Ruth is sold to the New York Yankees (1920): In a trade that some baseball fans insist resonated into the 21st century, cash-poor Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold George Herman “Babe” Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000. Now remembered largely for his prowess as a home run-hitting slugger, Ruth also was a dominant pitcher during his days with the Red Sox, winning 20 games in both 1916 and 1917. The sale of Ruth is still considered the worst trade in professional baseball history and might have contributed to Boston’s lengthy World Series title drought, which lasted from 1918 until 2004.
• Joe Dimaggio’s streak begins (1941): Though the game would end in a 13-1 defeat for Yankees outfielder Joe DiMaggio and his teammates, a first-inning, runscoring single by DiMaggio on May 15 marked the beginning of one of the greatest accomplishments in MLB history. That single was DiMaggio’s first hit in what would become a 56-game hitting streak. It was a record at the time and remains so today.
• Tommy John goes under the knife (1974): Though it didn’t happen on the field, in hindsight Tommy John’s then-revolutionary surgery would be one of the game’s more impactful events, forever changing the game of baseball. John, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974, was 13-3 when he was forced to leave a game against the Montreal Expos with an apparent elbow injury. Doctors soon discovered John had a torn ulnar collateral ligament, a potentially devastating outcome for John, as the injury had effectively ended the careers of countless pitchers before him. However, John ultimately gave the go-ahead to Dr. Frank Jobe to perform a revolutionary operation on his arm. Though his recovery was long and slow, John eventually found his way back onto the mound, pitching into the late 1980s and ending his career with 288 wins. “Tommy John Surgery” is routinely performed today and pitchers typically are back on the mound within 12 to 15 months of their surgeries.
• The Cubs win the World Series (2016): Attempting to capture their first World Series title since 1908, the Chicago Cubs didn’t make it easy on themselves. Or their fans. In winning the deciding seventh game 8-7 in 10 innings, the Cubs became just the sixth team in MLB history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit to win a best-of-seven World Series. The game 7 victory ended the longest championship drought in North American professional sports history.
“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.”
— George W. Bush
“On September 11, I always take the day off. I want to be in a peaceful quiet place praying. It is a day I both mourn and celebrate.”
— Genelle Guzman-McMillan, 9/11 Survivor
“Remember the hours after Sept. 11 when we came together as one! It was the worst day we have ever seen, but it brought out the best in all of us.”
— John Kerry
“September 11 impressed upon us that life is a precious gift…. And I think we all have a duty to devote at least a small portion of our daily lives to ensuring that neither America nor the world ever forgets September 11.”
— Bill Frist
“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.”
— Geraldine Brooks
IT HAS BEEN 24 YEARS SINCE THE DEVASTATING ATTACKS BROUGHT TRAGEDY TO NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, D.C., AND PENNSYLVANIA. MAY WE NEVER FORGET THE LESSONS WE LEARNED ON SEPT. 11, 2001.
IN MEMORY OF OFFICER LEE
SORENSEN
