In short, Terry Francona managed Michael Jordan during his brief baseball stint. Ozzie Guillen was with the White Sox, so he spent time with Michael Jordan during Spring Training.
Michael Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons during the 1994 season. He played in 127 games, posting a .202 BA with 51 RBI, 51 BB, 30 SB (out of 48). Struck out 114 times out of 436 AB. He played in 119 games in the OF, primarily in right (not sure if he played elsewhere in the OF). He made 11 errors, but also had 6 assists. And posted a .952 fielding percentage.
Michael Jordan's minor league statistics at Baseball Reference
I've been meaning to write this post for a while. Found the following article prior to starting writing this.
Jordan's effort a marvel 15 years later
Also included is a link to a Michael Jordan baseball photo gallery.
A video about the bus Michael Jordan got for the team, with Terry Francona in it. Includes game footage.
Harry Caray interviewing Michael Jordan, and Michael playing at Wrigley in a White Sox/Cubs exhibition game. Also includes game footage. I think that is perhaps the only time Cubs fans have cheered for a White Sox player!
Tom Brokaw interview with Michael Jordan for MSNBC News. Game footage included as well.
Showing posts with label minor league baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label minor league baseball. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Flight of the Molina's
This post has been in my head for a while, so since it is the offseason, there is plenty of time for various posts.
Oldest brother Bengie was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (July 20, 1974), while José and Yadier were both born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico (José: June 5, 1975, Yadier: July 13, 1982). Making the older two, Bengie 35, and José 34, while younger brother Yadier is 27)
I may as well just list how they got to where they are now.
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the California Angels in 1993.
José Benjamin Molina Matta: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round in 1993. 390th overall, from Ladislao Martinez High School (Vega Alta, Puerto Rico).
Yadier B. Molina: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 4th round in 2000. 113 overall, Maestro Ladi (Vega Alta, Puerto Rico).
MLB Debuts:
Bengie: September 21, 1998
José: September 6, 1999
Yadier: June 3, 2004
Bengie worked his way up the minors from 1993 to 1998. He played Triple-A ball in 1995 only for one game and two at bats. He did not reach Triple-A again until 1998. Both were with Triple-A Vancouver. He also played Triple-A in 1999 for Edmonton.
From 1998 to 2005 he was with the Anaheim Angels/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Even if 1998 he only had two games with 1 AB.
He was Signed as a free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in February 2006. That did not last long as in December he was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco Giants. He has been in San Francisco as the starting catcher since the 2007 season.
José, in the year of his MLB debut, 1999, had 10 games making for 19 AB for the Chicago Cubs. in those 10 AB he went 5 for 19, with one 2B, and 2 BB.
He remained with the Cubs organisation, playing for Triple-A Iowa in 2000 (76 games).
January 2001, he signed as a free agent by the Angels of Anaheim. José stayed with Anaheim/L.A from 2001 until 2007. Although in 2001 he only had 15 games making for 37 AB. During which time he hit .270. All of his time with the Angels he was pretty much the backup catcher.
July 21, 2007, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim traded José Molina to the New York Yankees for Jeff Kennard. In 2008 with the Yankees he was finally the starting catcher, or at least based on games played. This year he backed up Jorge Posada, playing in 52 games, starting 42.
Yadier is the easiest of the three brothers, as he has spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals organisation.
In 2001 he played 44 games for 158 AB. His BA was .259. This was with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Appalachian League. They play Rookie League ball. From 2002 to 2004 he spent each season moving up the ladder, 2002 with A Peoria, 2003 with Double-A Tennessee, and 2004 with Memphis. 2004 also saw his MLB debut as noted above. In 2004 he played 37 games with Memphis, and 51 with the Cardinals, starting 39.
MLB.com currently shows Bengie listed at 5'11", 225 lbs. José at 6'2" 235. And Yadier at 5'11" 230. All three bat and throw right.
Bengie and José are currently free agents. Yadier will be starting year three of a four year deal which is set to end after the 2011 season.
Some stats:
Bengie: 1244 G, .276 BA, 32 CS%, 74 PB, .059 PB%
José: 554 G, .235 BA, 40 CS%, 32 PB, .057 PB%
Yadier: 669, .269 BA, 46 CS%, 35 PB, .052 PB%
Bengie has two Gold Gloves, back to back in 2002 and 2003. As does Yadier however in 2008 and this year, 2009.
I think that about summarises everything well. The reason I thought of this post was so I would not confuse them. Moreso with Bengie and José. I have also learned Yadier has the potential to be an elite catcher, as he is probably already on the way. Bengie is a quality starter, and José is a quality backup catcher.
Random stat, Bengie is the only one of the three who had not played another defensive position besides catcher (he has been DH several times). José has 13 games at 1B, starting one, and one game at 3B. Yadier has 14 games at 1B, starting one as well. José has only been the DH 6 times, while Yadier has only once been the DH.
Oldest brother Bengie was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (July 20, 1974), while José and Yadier were both born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico (José: June 5, 1975, Yadier: July 13, 1982). Making the older two, Bengie 35, and José 34, while younger brother Yadier is 27)
I may as well just list how they got to where they are now.
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the California Angels in 1993.
José Benjamin Molina Matta: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round in 1993. 390th overall, from Ladislao Martinez High School (Vega Alta, Puerto Rico).
Yadier B. Molina: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 4th round in 2000. 113 overall, Maestro Ladi (Vega Alta, Puerto Rico).
MLB Debuts:
Bengie: September 21, 1998
José: September 6, 1999
Yadier: June 3, 2004
Bengie worked his way up the minors from 1993 to 1998. He played Triple-A ball in 1995 only for one game and two at bats. He did not reach Triple-A again until 1998. Both were with Triple-A Vancouver. He also played Triple-A in 1999 for Edmonton.
From 1998 to 2005 he was with the Anaheim Angels/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Even if 1998 he only had two games with 1 AB.
He was Signed as a free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in February 2006. That did not last long as in December he was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco Giants. He has been in San Francisco as the starting catcher since the 2007 season.
José, in the year of his MLB debut, 1999, had 10 games making for 19 AB for the Chicago Cubs. in those 10 AB he went 5 for 19, with one 2B, and 2 BB.
He remained with the Cubs organisation, playing for Triple-A Iowa in 2000 (76 games).
January 2001, he signed as a free agent by the Angels of Anaheim. José stayed with Anaheim/L.A from 2001 until 2007. Although in 2001 he only had 15 games making for 37 AB. During which time he hit .270. All of his time with the Angels he was pretty much the backup catcher.
July 21, 2007, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim traded José Molina to the New York Yankees for Jeff Kennard. In 2008 with the Yankees he was finally the starting catcher, or at least based on games played. This year he backed up Jorge Posada, playing in 52 games, starting 42.
Yadier is the easiest of the three brothers, as he has spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals organisation.
In 2001 he played 44 games for 158 AB. His BA was .259. This was with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Appalachian League. They play Rookie League ball. From 2002 to 2004 he spent each season moving up the ladder, 2002 with A Peoria, 2003 with Double-A Tennessee, and 2004 with Memphis. 2004 also saw his MLB debut as noted above. In 2004 he played 37 games with Memphis, and 51 with the Cardinals, starting 39.
MLB.com currently shows Bengie listed at 5'11", 225 lbs. José at 6'2" 235. And Yadier at 5'11" 230. All three bat and throw right.
Bengie and José are currently free agents. Yadier will be starting year three of a four year deal which is set to end after the 2011 season.
Some stats:
Bengie: 1244 G, .276 BA, 32 CS%, 74 PB, .059 PB%
José: 554 G, .235 BA, 40 CS%, 32 PB, .057 PB%
Yadier: 669, .269 BA, 46 CS%, 35 PB, .052 PB%
Bengie has two Gold Gloves, back to back in 2002 and 2003. As does Yadier however in 2008 and this year, 2009.
I think that about summarises everything well. The reason I thought of this post was so I would not confuse them. Moreso with Bengie and José. I have also learned Yadier has the potential to be an elite catcher, as he is probably already on the way. Bengie is a quality starter, and José is a quality backup catcher.
Random stat, Bengie is the only one of the three who had not played another defensive position besides catcher (he has been DH several times). José has 13 games at 1B, starting one, and one game at 3B. Yadier has 14 games at 1B, starting one as well. José has only been the DH 6 times, while Yadier has only once been the DH.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Montreal Expos on the mlb.com front page
Well, sort of. It relates to Randy Johnson, and his attempt at getting win number 300 in his MLB pitching career. It will be against the Washington Nationals, what used to be the Montreal Expos, Johnson's first MLB club.
His first MLB affiliated club was the Jamestown Expos, now the Vermont Lake Monsters, back in 1985.
His MLB debut came September 15, 1988. In his debut, he earned the win, pitching 5 innings, giving up 6 hits, and 2 runs, all earned. His counterpart, Dave LaPoint was credited with the loss, also going 5 IP, but giving up 8 hits, and 7 runs, 6 earned. Both gave up 2 home runs, but Johnson struck out 5 while LaPoint only struck out 2. Both of the home runs Randy Johnson allowed were from Glenn Wilson.
He was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round in 1982 89th overall, but did not sign. He went in the second round to the Expos in 1985, 36th overall. With the Braves it was out of Livermore HS (CA), and with the Expos out of the University of Southern California.
He only played in 33 games as an Expo. His transaction to the Mariners was as follows:
May 25, 1989, he was traded by Montreal with Brian Holman and Gene Harris to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Mark Langston and a player to be named later. The PTBNL was Mike Campbell, July 31, 1989.
Randy Johnson as an Expo on the mlb front page
Trying for 300
Win 299.
Full coverage.
If that was not enough Canadian Content, the front page also links to this:
Quest for the Cup sparks MLB debate: Many personalities have strong hockey ties, give Finals picks. So there are no Canadian teams, but everyone knows we like our hockey. Despite no Canadian teams, I would not be surprised if the ratings are better for the Finals up here.
His first MLB affiliated club was the Jamestown Expos, now the Vermont Lake Monsters, back in 1985.
His MLB debut came September 15, 1988. In his debut, he earned the win, pitching 5 innings, giving up 6 hits, and 2 runs, all earned. His counterpart, Dave LaPoint was credited with the loss, also going 5 IP, but giving up 8 hits, and 7 runs, 6 earned. Both gave up 2 home runs, but Johnson struck out 5 while LaPoint only struck out 2. Both of the home runs Randy Johnson allowed were from Glenn Wilson.
He was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round in 1982 89th overall, but did not sign. He went in the second round to the Expos in 1985, 36th overall. With the Braves it was out of Livermore HS (CA), and with the Expos out of the University of Southern California.
He only played in 33 games as an Expo. His transaction to the Mariners was as follows:
May 25, 1989, he was traded by Montreal with Brian Holman and Gene Harris to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Mark Langston and a player to be named later. The PTBNL was Mike Campbell, July 31, 1989.
Randy Johnson as an Expo on the mlb front page
Trying for 300
Win 299.
Full coverage.
If that was not enough Canadian Content, the front page also links to this:
Quest for the Cup sparks MLB debate: Many personalities have strong hockey ties, give Finals picks. So there are no Canadian teams, but everyone knows we like our hockey. Despite no Canadian teams, I would not be surprised if the ratings are better for the Finals up here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Minor League (Triple A) affiliation changes for 2009
This was a post I have been meaning to write for a little while ago. I'd probably write more about the minors if I knew more! Anyway, there are a few changes worth noting. I'll start with Triple A.
The Syracuse Chiefs are now the Triple A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Their triple A club prior was the Columbus Clippers for 2007 and 2008. The Jays end their long 31 year affiliation with them, and now have the Las Vegas 51s. I mentioned this in a past post. That won't be too convenient unless the Jays are playing on the West Coast. The 51s were the Dodgers affiliate from 2001 - 2008.
The Dodgers now have the Albuquerque Isotopes (named after the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were supposed to move to Albuquerque). They were the Marlins affiliate before that, from 2003 - 2008. Said Simpsons (Hungry, Hungry Homer) episode aired March 4, 2001. At that point the Albuquerque Isotopes were still the Calgary Cannons. On another note, Canada should have more minor league ball, not to mention major league ball (*cough*Montreal*cough*), maybe the World Baseball Classic will help bring more ball back to Canada, as that is the goal of the tourney, or one of. That and when Selig leaves, but this all deserves a post of its own.
So the Marlins have a better affiliate now geographically, the New Orleans Zephyrs. They were affiliated with the Mets for 2007 and 2008, Nationals for 2005 and 2006, and the Astros from 1997 - 2004 (to go a little ways back). They were the first professional team to return after Hurricane Katrina (from Wikipedia). I actually helped with that Wikipedia article around that time! Anyway...
The Mets now have the Buffalo Bisons as their Triple A squadron. It was a possibility that the Jays would get Buffalo, but I suppose that obviously did not work out, or happen. They were the Indians affiliate from 1995 - 2008. So now the Indians have the Columbus Clippers.
I think that covers it. I will end this post now, and cover more affiliation changes soon. I had a lot of help from this article, Baseball affiliation changes don’t follow the script, and accompanying graphic!
The Syracuse Chiefs are now the Triple A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Their triple A club prior was the Columbus Clippers for 2007 and 2008. The Jays end their long 31 year affiliation with them, and now have the Las Vegas 51s. I mentioned this in a past post. That won't be too convenient unless the Jays are playing on the West Coast. The 51s were the Dodgers affiliate from 2001 - 2008.
The Dodgers now have the Albuquerque Isotopes (named after the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were supposed to move to Albuquerque). They were the Marlins affiliate before that, from 2003 - 2008. Said Simpsons (Hungry, Hungry Homer) episode aired March 4, 2001. At that point the Albuquerque Isotopes were still the Calgary Cannons. On another note, Canada should have more minor league ball, not to mention major league ball (*cough*Montreal*cough*), maybe the World Baseball Classic will help bring more ball back to Canada, as that is the goal of the tourney, or one of. That and when Selig leaves, but this all deserves a post of its own.
So the Marlins have a better affiliate now geographically, the New Orleans Zephyrs. They were affiliated with the Mets for 2007 and 2008, Nationals for 2005 and 2006, and the Astros from 1997 - 2004 (to go a little ways back). They were the first professional team to return after Hurricane Katrina (from Wikipedia). I actually helped with that Wikipedia article around that time! Anyway...
The Mets now have the Buffalo Bisons as their Triple A squadron. It was a possibility that the Jays would get Buffalo, but I suppose that obviously did not work out, or happen. They were the Indians affiliate from 1995 - 2008. So now the Indians have the Columbus Clippers.
I think that covers it. I will end this post now, and cover more affiliation changes soon. I had a lot of help from this article, Baseball affiliation changes don’t follow the script, and accompanying graphic!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Major League Baseball Spring Training 2009
With Spring Training 2009 getting underway, I updated my little Google Maps mashup, hopefully I will get around to make it somewhat better, but it works anyway.
MLB Spring Training 2009
So a few changes were made since last year. Most notable is the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach and Holman Stadium for the Cactus League. Spring training was held in Dodgertown for 61 seasons, from 1948 to 2008. Going back to when they were still in Brooklyn. Their brand new Cactus League park is Camelback Ranch in Glendale, just outside Phoenix.
The Cleveland Indians are the other team leaving the Grapefruit League for the Cactus League. There new location in Arizona is the Goodyear Park in Goodyear, AZ. They are returning to the Cactus League after 16 seasons in Florida. They were in Winter Haven, Florida, at the Chain of Lakes Park.
The Tampa Bay rays move slightly south, from St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte. They move to the "newly renovated state-of-the-art" Charlotte Sports Park after having been in the Progress Energy Park, Home of Al Lang Field.
The Chicago White Sox move from Tucson to Phoenix (Glendale to be more specific) to share Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers.
So now in 2009 the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues are closer to the same number of teams. In 2008 there were 18 teams in Florida, and obviously 12 in Arizona, now however the ratio is 16 to 14. Next year the Cincinnati Reds will leave the Grapefruit League, and join the Indians in Goodyear.
For the geeks: Maps showing each teams move in plain old Google Maps (as I don't have the javascript knowledge to do a DIY site!).
Los Angeles Dodgers: Vero Beach, Florida to Glendale, Arizona.
Cleveland Indians: Winter Haven, Florida to Goodyear, Arizona.
Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte.
Chicago White Sox: Tucson to Glendale.
MLB Spring Training 2009
So a few changes were made since last year. Most notable is the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach and Holman Stadium for the Cactus League. Spring training was held in Dodgertown for 61 seasons, from 1948 to 2008. Going back to when they were still in Brooklyn. Their brand new Cactus League park is Camelback Ranch in Glendale, just outside Phoenix.
The Cleveland Indians are the other team leaving the Grapefruit League for the Cactus League. There new location in Arizona is the Goodyear Park in Goodyear, AZ. They are returning to the Cactus League after 16 seasons in Florida. They were in Winter Haven, Florida, at the Chain of Lakes Park.
The Tampa Bay rays move slightly south, from St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte. They move to the "newly renovated state-of-the-art" Charlotte Sports Park after having been in the Progress Energy Park, Home of Al Lang Field.
The Chicago White Sox move from Tucson to Phoenix (Glendale to be more specific) to share Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers.
So now in 2009 the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues are closer to the same number of teams. In 2008 there were 18 teams in Florida, and obviously 12 in Arizona, now however the ratio is 16 to 14. Next year the Cincinnati Reds will leave the Grapefruit League, and join the Indians in Goodyear.
For the geeks: Maps showing each teams move in plain old Google Maps (as I don't have the javascript knowledge to do a DIY site!).
Los Angeles Dodgers: Vero Beach, Florida to Glendale, Arizona.
Cleveland Indians: Winter Haven, Florida to Goodyear, Arizona.
Tampa Bay Rays: St. Petersburg to Port Charlotte.
Chicago White Sox: Tucson to Glendale.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Watch "The Rocket" Roger Clemens free tonight on mlb.com
Roger Clemens is making his second minor league start tonight, and probably his last, this time for the Yankee's Double A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder. The Thunder will host the Portland Sea Dogs. The game will be streamed free online at mlb.com and milb.com, and more specifically milb.tv, as far as the minor league site goes. The Sea Dogs are a Boston Red Sox affiliate, so although not nearly as fierce as the MLB rivalry between their respective teams, I'm sure there still is somewhat of a rivalry, at the very least at the fan level for sure.
His first minor league start this year was May 18th for the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees. In that game he pitched a solid four innings, he did not get the win officially as he only pitched the four innings, despite leaving the game with the lead which Tampa went on to win by. The Tampa Yankees hosted the Fort Myers Miracle, who are a Minnesota Twins affiliate.
Roger Clemens pitching for the Yankees attracted a Florida State League record attendance of 10,275, when the previous game between the same two teams attracted 1108 fans. A large crowd is expected tonight in Trenton.
They've been saying he may be the best pitcher ever. I won't go into numbers, but at best it would only be arguable, as there's plenty of other great pitchers to choose from. Anyway, if anyone wants to catch the game, and cannot see it in person, or on ESPN2, it can be seen (yes I am repeating myself) on mlb.com, and milb.com/milb.tv.
His first minor league start this year was May 18th for the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees. In that game he pitched a solid four innings, he did not get the win officially as he only pitched the four innings, despite leaving the game with the lead which Tampa went on to win by. The Tampa Yankees hosted the Fort Myers Miracle, who are a Minnesota Twins affiliate.
Roger Clemens pitching for the Yankees attracted a Florida State League record attendance of 10,275, when the previous game between the same two teams attracted 1108 fans. A large crowd is expected tonight in Trenton.
They've been saying he may be the best pitcher ever. I won't go into numbers, but at best it would only be arguable, as there's plenty of other great pitchers to choose from. Anyway, if anyone wants to catch the game, and cannot see it in person, or on ESPN2, it can be seen (yes I am repeating myself) on mlb.com, and milb.com/milb.tv.
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