TidbitsMOV Issue #1296 Baseball Greats by Tidbits MOV

TIDBITS® CHEERS FOR SOME BASEBALL GREATS

by Kathy Wolfe

March 28 marked the Opening Day of Major League Baseball, and this week, Tidbits pays tribute to some of the greatest baseball players of all time with some on- and off-diamond facts.

• When Willie Mays passed away at age 93 in 2024 as the oldest living Hall of Famer, only five other MLB players had hit more home runs than he had. With 660 homers and 3,293 hits, after 23 seasons, the Alabama-born Mays retired with a batting average of .301. Mays was the 1951 Rookie of the Year, played in 24 All-Star games and four World Series, and led the National League in home runs four times. The only player to do so, Mays earned a combination .300+ career batting average with 600 home runs and 12 Gold Gloves.

• Carl Yastrzemski is in second place for the most career MLB games played with 3,308, and third place overall for number of atbats, at 11,988. He played his entire career with the Boston Red Sox from 1961at age 21 until his retirement at age 44 in 1983, during which he achieved 3,419 hits (8th place in career hits), 452 home runs, and 18 selections to the All-Star Game. He remains the Red Sox’s all-time leader in career RBIs, runs, hits, singles, doubles, total bases, and games played, and also has the record for the most games with a single team.

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BASEBALLS GREATS

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• In his 27 seasons in the MLB, Nolan Ryan pitched in four different decades, racking up a record number of strikeouts, at 5,714, and a record 7 no-hitters. He played first for the New York Mets, followed by the California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. The Angels, Astros, and Rangers have retired Ryan’s uniform number. His first nohitter was in 1973 while pitching for the Angels. His final no-hitter came along in 1991 when as a Ranger. In 1979, Nolan Ryan was the highest-paid MLB player, with a four-year, $4.5 million contract with the Astros. The Mets drafted Ryan when he was 19 and he retired at age 46 with the Rangers in 1993. He still holds 51 MLB records.

• Lou Gehrig was the first MLB player to have his uniform number retired. The New York Yankees retired No. 4 six months after the slugger’s retirement following his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis , now commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” During his 17 seasons with the Yanks, he played in 34 World Series games as winner in 6 out of 7 Series. Gehrig still holds the record for the most seasons with at least 400 total bases, a feat achieved five times. In 1932, he was the first 20th -century player to hit four home runs in a game. He was a seven -time All-Star, a two-time MVP, and had a career batting average of .340. Gehrig began experiencing symptoms of ALS midway through the 1938 season, and his performance began to steadily decline. By the end of April, 1939, he had an astounding record of 2,130 consecutive games, (the previous record was 1,307), but on May 2, he benched himself, in his words, “for the good of the team.” He never played another game. ALS claimed Gehrig’s life in 1941, 17 days before his 38th birthday.

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BASEBALL GREATS

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• Not only did the legendary Ty Cobb hit .300 in 23 consecutive seasons and reached .400 three times, his record career batting average of .367 still stands. There was only one year that Cobb didn’t bat .300, his rookie year (.238) when he was mourning the death of his father. Cobb’s father named him after the ancient city of Tyre, now part of modern -day Lebanon. Cobb played 24 seasons in the majors, 22 of them with the Detroit Tigers. During that time, he set 90 MLB records, and still held 43 of them when he retired in 1928. His combined total of runs scored and RBI’s (4,065) remains the highest, as does his record of 54 times stealing home.

• Hank Aaron was 40 years old when he broke the career home run record set by Babe Ruth in 1935. Ruth’s record of 714 was shattered by Aaron on April 8, 1974 when the famed Milwaukee Brave hit his 715th before a crowd of 53,775 spectators, an attendance record for the Braves stadium. During the previous off-season, “Hammerin’ Hank” had received hate mail and death threats from fans who did not want to see Ruth’s revered record broken. Aaron ended his 23-year MLB career with 755 homers, including 16 grand slams, a record that would endure for 33 years. He continues to hold the record for the most RBIs with 2,297, extra base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856), as well as the most All-Star selections with 25.

• With 2,654 hits, 521 home runs, and a career batting average of .344, it’s no surprise that Ted Williams is considered one of the best hitters in the history of baseball. Williams played his entire career, 1939 to 1960, with the Boston Red Sox. In 1941, he achieved a batting average of .406, and is the last player to have a batting average over .400 in a single season, a feat that remains unsurpassed to this day.

BASEBALL GREATS

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• Ted Williams’ baseball career was voluntarily interrupted twice, the first time to serve as a Marine Corps pilot during World War II, and then again as a combat aviator in the Korean War when he successfully landed a burning, shot-up plane. In 1958, at age 40, this 19-time All-Star was the AL batting champion for the sixth time. Following his retirement from baseball, Williams became a renowned fisherman, authoring three books on the subject and hosting numerous TV shows. Upon his death in 2002, Williams donated his body to science.

• One week after his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners, Ken Griffey, Jr. hit the first of his 630 home runs. He had been the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB draft. When Junior was 3, the Griffey family had moved to Cincinnati where Ken Griffey Sr. was playing for the Reds. In 1989, Ken Griffey Sr. joined the Seattle Mariners, creating the first father/son duo to play side-by-side in MLB. The pair were teammates for 51 games between 1990 and 1991, and hit back -to-back home runs in a 1990 game against the California Angels. Junior became a Cincinnati Red in 2000 and remained there until 2008. He finished his career back with the Mariners, after a 22-year career of honors, including 13 times as an All-Star selection, 10 Gold Glove Awards, 1992 MVP of the All-Star Game, and 1997 AL MVP. When he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, he achieved 99.3% of the vote on his first ballot.

• Fifteen-time All-Star Roberto Clemente had recorded 3,000 hits, two World Series championships, and four NL batting championships by the end of the 1972 season, during 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates. On Dec. 31 of that year, the 38-year-old set out on a humanitarian mission to Nicaragua, which had been hit by a devastating earthquake. His plane, loaded with supplies for the victims, crashed shortly after takeoff, taking the lives of all five aboard.

Spring Bliss in a Bowl: Roasted Carrot Coconut Soup

As we happily say goodbye to winter's chill and welcome the warmth of spring, nothing complements the season quite like a bowl of Roasted Carrot and Coconut Soup. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch, a starter for your Easter table or a light dinner, this recipe captures the essence of freshness and comfort.

Fresh carrots are key. Unlike frozen, they bring caramelized sweetness and robust flavor to every spoonful. Roasting them until golden intensifies their natural sugars, infusing the soup with a depth that watery frozen carrots can't match. The secret to any truly exceptional soup lies in building layers of flavor. Begin by caramelizing onions to a golden perfection, then add smashed garlic and freshly grated ginger. These aromatic ingredients not only elevate the soup's fragrance, but also enhance its complexity. Remember, the key is to season generously and let each ingredient shine. Once the vegetables are tender and fragrant, blend them into a velvety smooth consistency. Coconut milk adds luxurious, dairy-free creaminess that complements the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots. A touch of apple cider vinegar and optional maple syrup achieve a perfect balance of subtle tanginess and deep sweetness, harmonizing the flavors. Garnish with green onions and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant, visually appealing finish that enhances the soup's deliciousness. You

could garnish with green peas for color and extra protein.

Perfect for busy schedules, this soup can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently to preserve its flavors. Whether enjoyed steaming hot or refreshingly chilled on warmer days, it's a versatile addition to any meal plan.

ROASTED CARROT AND COCONUT SOUP

Yield: 4 servings

Total Time: 50 minutes

2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

1 sweet onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, smashed

1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced

3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk, divided 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

2 green onions, thinly sliced, for topping Parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Place the carrots on a baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, until golden and delicious. While the carrots are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a stockpot set over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes, until softened. Lower the heat to medium-low, add garlic and ginger with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until fragrant. Once the carrots are done, add them (along with any oil from the roasting sheet) to the pot. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool for a few minutes. Either use an immersion (stick) blender to blend or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Puree until smooth (use caution with hot liquids). Return the soup to the pot and place over low heat. Stir in most of the coconut milk (reserve some for garnish), the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, if using. Heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with as needed. Serve hot, warm or cold, garnished with a drizzle of reserved coconut milk, sliced green onions and chopped parsley or cilantro.

With its nourishing blend of flavors and health benefits, Roasted Carrot and Coconut Soup bridges the gap between seasons with every spoonful, a gentle reminder that good food can be both simple and sublime. ***

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Enjoy the flavors of spring with every spoonful of Roasted Carrot and Coconut Soup.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.JasonCoblentz.com

God challenges the Devil to a game of baseball.

“How can I lose?” God said, “I have all the best players up here!”

“How can I lose?” said the Devil. “I have all of the umpires down here.”

SPORTS STORIES: MLB HALL OF FAME

Situated at the southern tip of New York State’s Otsego Lake, the small village of Cooperstown, population about 3,000, is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, one of America’s most popular destinations.

• The Hall became an idea in 1935, when plans were formed to celebrate the upcoming centennial celebration of baseball in 1939. At that time, Cooperstown was considered the birthplace of baseball, the site where American army officer and Cooperstown native Abner Doubleday had developed the game in 1839. (That story was later discredited by historians.) The Hall was established by Stephen Carlton Clark, heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. Clark’s idea was to bring tourists to the community that had been deeply affected by the Great Depression and Prohibition. He was responsible for its construction, and the building was dedicated on June 12, 1939.

• The first five inductees into baseball’s Hall of Fame were Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson, all chosen in 1936. About 20 more were selected before the Hall’s official opening. Ty Cobb received more votes than any of the other first four inductees, with 98.2% of the votes. Ruth and Wagner collected 95.1%, Mathewson 90.7%, and Johnson at 83.6%. No other inductee received as high of a percentage as Cobb until Tom Seaver received 98.84% in 1992. Ken Griffey passed up Seaver’s record in 2016 with 99.32%,

• Only about 0.6% of MLB players have been elected to the Hall of Fame since 1936. It’s not always an easy task to be elected – it took Joe DiMaggio three times on the ballot. (Continued page #7)

Tick season shifts into full gear are you ready?

DEAR PAW'S CORNER: My dog "Happy" and I went hiking this weekend, and when we got back to the car, I did the usual check for bugs and burrs on his long coat. I was shocked to find 12 tiny ticks clinging to his fur. I brushed them off and found five more scurrying around my boot laces. These are baby ticks, right? Should I be worried about tick bites for both of us? Karl M., Roanoke, Virginia

DEAR KARL: You should continue to be vigilant over the next few days, but don't worry too much unless Happy shows signs of illness. Doing a "tick check" after each trip outdoors is important, and you did exactly what you needed to do.

Over the next few days, brush through Happy's coat frequently to dislodge any additional ticks. Newly hatched ticks are indeed tiny and hard to see. Run your hand through Happy's coat so that you can check his skin for visible bites or lodged ticks. If you notice a bull's-eye rash around an area, contact the veterinarian. If you haven't treated your hiking boots or clothing with permethrin yet, now is the time to do so. Spray the treatment outside, away from Happy or any other animal, and do not let Happy near those clothes until they have dried completely. The permethrin will stay effective through a few washes.

To keep ticks out of the house, follow similar procedures to flea prevention. Give Happy a regular flea and tick preventative; vacuum and mop the house regularly, and terminate any ticks you find.

A new edition of "Fighting Fleas" is coming, and 10 lucky readers will get a free, signed copy! To enter, email ask@pawscorner.com.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

MLB HALL OF FAME

(continued):

• The Baseball Writers Association of America is the organization responsible for electing Hall of Fame members. About 450 writers participate every year. Each writer may vote for up to 10 players. As of January, 2025, there are 351 members of the Hall, including 277 former players. 118 members have been inducted after their death, including four who died after their selection was announced. Players, managers, umpires, executives, and baseball pioneers are all eligible for induction.

• A player must be named on at least 75% of the voters’ ballots. If a candidate is named on at least 5% of the ballots cast, he is eligible to be named again, but will be removed if he has been on the ballot 10 times without election. The player’s name is also removed if he has been retired 15 years.

• Up until 1945, all players were eligible, including active ones. In 1946, a waiting period of one year after retirement was instigated. Since 1954, a player must be retired five years and have 10 years of major league experience to be eligible for the Hall of Fame. The five-year waiting period was waived for Roberto Clemente, who had played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons. Clemente was elected to the Hall of Fame in March, 1973, about 2 ½ months after his death in a plane crash en route to Nicaragua on a humanitarian mission following a devastating earthquake there.

• Yankee slugger Lou Gehrig was elected to the Hall of Fame in a special election in 1939 following his diagnosis of ALS.

• Only one baseball player has ever been elected unanimously, Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera in 2019. Eight others have achieved over 98% Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Ty Cobb, George Brett, and Ichiro Suzuki. Suzuki was elected in 2025 with 99.7%, just one vote shy of unanimous.

* Got fresh herbs? Try this drying tip/car freshener in one: Lay herbs flat on newspaper in your car. Keep windows closed, and after a nice sunny day, you'll have a delicious-smelling car and dried herbs to store for later dishes.

* "Raised beds are a nice addition to our garden area, but it seems the gophers liked them too. To combat the problem of the beds being attacked from below, we lined them with chicken wire this time, and everything is going really well so far."- J.J. in Illinois

* When starting plants from seeds, you can use an old cupcake pan. Use paper liners or coffee filters to line the cups. Add soil and seeds. Water as necessary. When the seedlings are ready for replanting, simply lift out and break the bottom seal of the paper or filter, and plant as-is in the ground. It's east to transport them in the pan, and no leaks.

* Two things your garden should have: a rain barrel and a compost pile. Both are rela-

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tively easy to set up, and pay big dividends. You can get a book at your local library on how to set up a compost pile. Some cities will give away rain barrels or hold workshops. Find out today!

* "To keep track of what is planted in your garden, you use garden markers. Make your own by writing the type of flower, plant or herb on a brick or large flat stone. Use permanent marker and cover with clear acrylic if you want it to last longer. You can even use both sides for different seasonal items." Z.M. in Georgia