Harold Kasselman's Blog, page 5
June 5, 2013
New baseball movie based on book classic
Billy Crystal, who directed "61" a television movie about the great Mantle/Maris race to break Babe Ruth's record, is set to direct again. His next effort will be to direct a baseball movie based on a novel that was inspired by a true story. The book, "A Man on Spikes" was written by Eliot Asinof who also wrote "Eight Men Out".
The book fictionalizes the 17 year journey of a utility ball player who finally makes the majors. I'm excited about it and looking forward to reading the book before the movie.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainme...
The book fictionalizes the 17 year journey of a utility ball player who finally makes the majors. I'm excited about it and looking forward to reading the book before the movie.
http://www.independent.ie/entertainme...
June 3, 2013
Baseball's unwritten code
Below are two timely articles about retaliation and the "unwritten code" of baseball. The articles speaks for themselves, but it is significant for a few reasons.One,the players expect some pay back for Carlos Quentin's charge to the mound against Zach Greinke, and for the pitches that hit Puig and Greineke.
Secondly, there is a recognition of how dangerous "purpose pitches" can be when they are thrown at vulnerable areas of the body.
Thirdly, there is a consensus that even a pay-back pitch must not be thrown in the neck/head area.
These issues are examined in a fictional setting in A Pitch For Justice on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Do...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Do...
Secondly, there is a recognition of how dangerous "purpose pitches" can be when they are thrown at vulnerable areas of the body.
Thirdly, there is a consensus that even a pay-back pitch must not be thrown in the neck/head area.
These issues are examined in a fictional setting in A Pitch For Justice on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Do...
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Do...
May 17, 2013
The Guy who writes sports books
This is a review of my book A Pitch For Justice by Lance Smith a sports blogger.I thank him for his thoughtful review.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Review - A Pitch for Justice by Harold Kasselman
A good mix of baseball and the legal system makes this book a winner.
Title/Author: “A Pitch for Justice” by Harold Kasselman
Genre: Fiction, sports, baseball, courtroom, murder
Published: February 20, 2012
Length: 326 pages
Rating: 4 1/2 of 5 stars – very good
Review:
An intense rivalry between two Major League Baseball teams is boiling over. The action on the field is getting nastier as runners are sliding with their spikes up and pitchers are throwing closer to hitters. When one of these pitches strikes a batter in the head and the batter subsequently dies two days later, which laws should be enforced – the laws of baseball, that would state this is part of the game and it was a tragic accident, or the laws of the state, and this was a criminal act that resulted in the death of a human being?
That question is addressed in this novel that is one part baseball story, one part legal drama, a bit of gang crime and a sprinkling of romance as well. Harold Kasselman combined all of these elements to produce a very interesting and well-researched novel.
The baseball part is well-researched and written. The author shows his knowledge of not only baseball history, but also of the strategy, the dynamics of teams when placed in tough spots, and also the workings of the front office. There are the fictional players on the current Phillies and Mets teams (“current” means 2015, when the story takes place), but they are interwoven well with real baseball personnel. An example is when the current Phillies manager replaced the retired Charlie Manuel.
There is precedence to this, as one player, Ray Chapman, was killed as a result of action on the field in 1920. There is an extensive section describing this event as part of the build-up to charge Phillies pitcher Tim Charles with murder when Ken Leyton of the Mets suffers a brain hemorrhage and subsequently passes away after being hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Charles. The bad feelings and brawls that led to the incident are wonderfully painted by Kasselbaum. The reader will feel like he or she is on the field, in the dugout and in the clubhouse during these scenes.
The legal parts of the story are written just as well. Kasselbaum’s experience in the courtroom is evident in the excellent writing here. Details of the judicial events are described in a manner that the reader will understand and enjoy. These include a grand jury trial, a surprise switch of prosecutors for the trial and the reasons why, and the interactions that take place in these proceedings. The reader also is a part of the conversations that take place between clients and lawyers.
A lot of the actions on the part of the prosecuter are not pleasing the widow of the deceased player. Theresa Leyton’s character is a fascinating person to follow in this book as she gradually becomes more unstable in her quest to secure justice for her husband’s death. Equally compelling is the character of Tim Charles, who at 20 is seeing his world crumbling before him.
I will not spoil the story and give away any results, but I can say that both sides of this issue were presented in a balanced way. It was so balanced that I never was leaning one way or the other how the story would end. For a book like this, that was perfect. It was a very good read.
Did I skim?
No
Did I feel connected to the characters?
Yes. The character to whom I was most connected was Tim Charles. His overwhelming sadness when Ken Leyton was taken off the field and his fear during the arraignment and trial was described vividly. All the other characters were portrayed realistically as well. There were only two characters who seemed to be overly dramatic. These were Meyer, the rogue grand jury member who was living a life of crime, and Theresa Leyton, who went from grieving widow to a very angry woman bent on revenge as the book progressed. Even with these two characters, however, I could understand their gradual changes, especially Mrs. Leyton.
Pace of the story:
Excellent – even during the pre-trial and grand jury proceedings, the reader is engrossed in the dialogue and characters.
Positives:
There were many, as described in the review. I enjoyed the three game series between the Phillies and the Mets as not only was the baseball action exciting, I felt like I was in the Phillies clubhouse as they were planning how they were going to even the score with the Mets – and it had nothing to do with how many runs were scored.
Negatives:
Personally, I felt that the romance between the district attorney Jamie and Barbara, a member of the grand jury who had to be excused because she didn’t live in the district, was not really necessary. I understand why it was included, and it may appeal to many readers. I just felt it was simply included for a diversion. It was a typical romance that many books include, however, and was tastefully written.
Do I recommend? Yes. Not only will sports fans enjoy this book, readers who like legal stories will be engrossed as well.
Book Format Read: ebook (Kindle)
Author Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/APitchForJus...
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Review - A Pitch for Justice by Harold Kasselman
A good mix of baseball and the legal system makes this book a winner.
Title/Author: “A Pitch for Justice” by Harold Kasselman
Genre: Fiction, sports, baseball, courtroom, murder
Published: February 20, 2012
Length: 326 pages
Rating: 4 1/2 of 5 stars – very good
Review:
An intense rivalry between two Major League Baseball teams is boiling over. The action on the field is getting nastier as runners are sliding with their spikes up and pitchers are throwing closer to hitters. When one of these pitches strikes a batter in the head and the batter subsequently dies two days later, which laws should be enforced – the laws of baseball, that would state this is part of the game and it was a tragic accident, or the laws of the state, and this was a criminal act that resulted in the death of a human being?
That question is addressed in this novel that is one part baseball story, one part legal drama, a bit of gang crime and a sprinkling of romance as well. Harold Kasselman combined all of these elements to produce a very interesting and well-researched novel.
The baseball part is well-researched and written. The author shows his knowledge of not only baseball history, but also of the strategy, the dynamics of teams when placed in tough spots, and also the workings of the front office. There are the fictional players on the current Phillies and Mets teams (“current” means 2015, when the story takes place), but they are interwoven well with real baseball personnel. An example is when the current Phillies manager replaced the retired Charlie Manuel.
There is precedence to this, as one player, Ray Chapman, was killed as a result of action on the field in 1920. There is an extensive section describing this event as part of the build-up to charge Phillies pitcher Tim Charles with murder when Ken Leyton of the Mets suffers a brain hemorrhage and subsequently passes away after being hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Charles. The bad feelings and brawls that led to the incident are wonderfully painted by Kasselbaum. The reader will feel like he or she is on the field, in the dugout and in the clubhouse during these scenes.
The legal parts of the story are written just as well. Kasselbaum’s experience in the courtroom is evident in the excellent writing here. Details of the judicial events are described in a manner that the reader will understand and enjoy. These include a grand jury trial, a surprise switch of prosecutors for the trial and the reasons why, and the interactions that take place in these proceedings. The reader also is a part of the conversations that take place between clients and lawyers.
A lot of the actions on the part of the prosecuter are not pleasing the widow of the deceased player. Theresa Leyton’s character is a fascinating person to follow in this book as she gradually becomes more unstable in her quest to secure justice for her husband’s death. Equally compelling is the character of Tim Charles, who at 20 is seeing his world crumbling before him.
I will not spoil the story and give away any results, but I can say that both sides of this issue were presented in a balanced way. It was so balanced that I never was leaning one way or the other how the story would end. For a book like this, that was perfect. It was a very good read.
Did I skim?
No
Did I feel connected to the characters?
Yes. The character to whom I was most connected was Tim Charles. His overwhelming sadness when Ken Leyton was taken off the field and his fear during the arraignment and trial was described vividly. All the other characters were portrayed realistically as well. There were only two characters who seemed to be overly dramatic. These were Meyer, the rogue grand jury member who was living a life of crime, and Theresa Leyton, who went from grieving widow to a very angry woman bent on revenge as the book progressed. Even with these two characters, however, I could understand their gradual changes, especially Mrs. Leyton.
Pace of the story:
Excellent – even during the pre-trial and grand jury proceedings, the reader is engrossed in the dialogue and characters.
Positives:
There were many, as described in the review. I enjoyed the three game series between the Phillies and the Mets as not only was the baseball action exciting, I felt like I was in the Phillies clubhouse as they were planning how they were going to even the score with the Mets – and it had nothing to do with how many runs were scored.
Negatives:
Personally, I felt that the romance between the district attorney Jamie and Barbara, a member of the grand jury who had to be excused because she didn’t live in the district, was not really necessary. I understand why it was included, and it may appeal to many readers. I just felt it was simply included for a diversion. It was a typical romance that many books include, however, and was tastefully written.
Do I recommend? Yes. Not only will sports fans enjoy this book, readers who like legal stories will be engrossed as well.
Book Format Read: ebook (Kindle)
Author Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/APitchForJus...
April 28, 2013
Author Mike Sowell's review of A Pitch For Justice
Mike Sowell,Journalism Professor and author of The Pitch that Killed a factual account of the 1920 American League pennant race, and the tragic death of Ray Chapman by a pitched ball,has this to say about my novel.
" I really enjoyed A PITCH FOR JUSTICE. It kept me hanging until the end. Great story and excellent job telling it". Mike Sowell, Author of THE PITCH THAT KILLED,(soon to be a major motion picture called DEADBALL)
My book is a fictitious portrayal of what could happen today if a batter were beaned after the team's manager calls for retaliation.
The next step is the investigation and prosecution of the rookie pitcher for homicide. What effect would such a prosecution have upon the game of baseball and how it's played? Should the baseball commissioner soley handle the matter or is it really criminal conduct.
What was in the heart of the rookie pitcher when he threw the pitch?
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
" I really enjoyed A PITCH FOR JUSTICE. It kept me hanging until the end. Great story and excellent job telling it". Mike Sowell, Author of THE PITCH THAT KILLED,(soon to be a major motion picture called DEADBALL)
My book is a fictitious portrayal of what could happen today if a batter were beaned after the team's manager calls for retaliation.
The next step is the investigation and prosecution of the rookie pitcher for homicide. What effect would such a prosecution have upon the game of baseball and how it's played? Should the baseball commissioner soley handle the matter or is it really criminal conduct.
What was in the heart of the rookie pitcher when he threw the pitch?
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
April 16, 2013
Cheating in Baseball without steroids
I began to wonder about the bright line in baseball that differentiates those acts that are accepted as part of the unwritten code of baseball, and those that violate that code. The impetus was the July discussion about the role of steroids and induction into the Hall of Fame. I began to question whether there was a valid distinction between those players who used "greenies" or amphetamines in the 70's, those pitchers who admitted scuffing baseball when they pitched, or used the spitball, and those who cheated by using steroids.
I just finished reading Joshua Prager's book about the 1951 NL pennant race and "the shot heard round the world". It further raised issues for me because of the type of cheating that occurred.Here is my take:
This is an exhaustively researched story about the 1951 NL pennant race, the two most prominent protagonists, and the unrivaled loyalty of the fans of the Giants and Dodgers.I thoroughly enjoyed the insights into the quasi-fanatical and all-encompassing raison d'etre that the game had for the people of Coogan's Bluff and Brooklyn.
The story of the sign stealing scheme that manager Leo Durocher implemented on July 20th unfolds in a compelling manner. The rumors of the stolen pennant lasted for almost 40 years before it was made public. This was true despite the many cast of characters who were involved or aware of it.
It is also a a fascinating look into the psychological effects that the secret had upon Ralph Branca, who became aware of the tainted pennant race a few years later, yet kept the potentially personally liberating secret to himself for decades.
And what of the "hero" Bobby Thomson who lived with the guilt and the rumors and the press questions for so long? He knew of the tainted season because he admitted taking advantage of the sign stealing. Yet, despite maintaining that his homerun was based soley on his skill, he at times prevaricated(or at least left opaque) over whether the homer was tainted by the theft of a sign. I was left to wonder whether he could not admit to himself that he had eyed the signal from the bullpen.The man who was raised to do the right thing may have been unable to accept the realization that his homerun and Branca's trauma was aided artifically by a telescope and buzzer.
The conflict between the men was tense for years because of the secret they shared but still were able to use the homer to mutual advantage and at the very end were able to adjust and perhaps enjoy each other's company.
There is also the ethical question which was never memorialized into a rule in baseball. How far can a team go in stealing signs? A buzzer sign stealing system has been documented to go as far back as 1903. At what point does it go from a crafty custom and skill to one that all would say trancends the bounds of fair play.For me the telescope meets the latter test.In fact there is only a memo written in 2000 by Sandy Alderson (then Exec VP) which condemned the use of "electronic devices" but not mechanical ones during a game.No penalties were set forth for a violation of same.Would the game be forfeited, suspensions given, or merely fines? No one has been caught stealing, although the Phillies were suspected in 2010 of using binoculars to steal signs.
I don't have the answers to my questions but it is something worthy of the commissioner's time.
This is a wonderful book despite the often awkward sentence structure. There were multiple times I needed to reread sentences that were so oddly composed. For that, I must rate it 4.5 stars.It is nevertheless a must for baseball history buffs.
I just finished reading Joshua Prager's book about the 1951 NL pennant race and "the shot heard round the world". It further raised issues for me because of the type of cheating that occurred.Here is my take:
This is an exhaustively researched story about the 1951 NL pennant race, the two most prominent protagonists, and the unrivaled loyalty of the fans of the Giants and Dodgers.I thoroughly enjoyed the insights into the quasi-fanatical and all-encompassing raison d'etre that the game had for the people of Coogan's Bluff and Brooklyn.
The story of the sign stealing scheme that manager Leo Durocher implemented on July 20th unfolds in a compelling manner. The rumors of the stolen pennant lasted for almost 40 years before it was made public. This was true despite the many cast of characters who were involved or aware of it.
It is also a a fascinating look into the psychological effects that the secret had upon Ralph Branca, who became aware of the tainted pennant race a few years later, yet kept the potentially personally liberating secret to himself for decades.
And what of the "hero" Bobby Thomson who lived with the guilt and the rumors and the press questions for so long? He knew of the tainted season because he admitted taking advantage of the sign stealing. Yet, despite maintaining that his homerun was based soley on his skill, he at times prevaricated(or at least left opaque) over whether the homer was tainted by the theft of a sign. I was left to wonder whether he could not admit to himself that he had eyed the signal from the bullpen.The man who was raised to do the right thing may have been unable to accept the realization that his homerun and Branca's trauma was aided artifically by a telescope and buzzer.
The conflict between the men was tense for years because of the secret they shared but still were able to use the homer to mutual advantage and at the very end were able to adjust and perhaps enjoy each other's company.
There is also the ethical question which was never memorialized into a rule in baseball. How far can a team go in stealing signs? A buzzer sign stealing system has been documented to go as far back as 1903. At what point does it go from a crafty custom and skill to one that all would say trancends the bounds of fair play.For me the telescope meets the latter test.In fact there is only a memo written in 2000 by Sandy Alderson (then Exec VP) which condemned the use of "electronic devices" but not mechanical ones during a game.No penalties were set forth for a violation of same.Would the game be forfeited, suspensions given, or merely fines? No one has been caught stealing, although the Phillies were suspected in 2010 of using binoculars to steal signs.
I don't have the answers to my questions but it is something worthy of the commissioner's time.
This is a wonderful book despite the often awkward sentence structure. There were multiple times I needed to reread sentences that were so oddly composed. For that, I must rate it 4.5 stars.It is nevertheless a must for baseball history buffs.
April 12, 2013
Can we expect another escalation between the Dodgers and padres next week?
Escalating retaliation in Baseball-Dodgers and San Diego
By harold kasselman
Zach Greinke is lost for possibly 8 weeks during a fight on the field.
Last night San Diego pitcher Jason Marquis threw a pitch over the head of LA center fielder Matt Kemp which shook up the Dodgers MVP. Apparently, some observers presumed that the Dodgers or LA pitching great Zach Greinke took exception to that "purpose pitch". Then with a 1 run differential, Greinke hit the Padres lead off batter Carlos Quentin in the shoulder.
It does not seem logical, or as Don Mattingly later said, "stupid", that Greinke deliberately tried to retaliate and hit Quentin in a one run game in the 6th inning by walking the leadoff hitter.
Nevertheless, Quentin apparently thought it was deliberate(the two players have a history)or took exception that Greinke said to him after the pitch.
Quentin charged the mound like a raging bull(he is built like one).Quentin barreled into Greinke and in the fray, Grienke's collar bone was broken.He signed a 147 million dollar contract in the off season. Meanwhile Kemp, joined in the fray because of the ball thrown over his head by Jason Marquis.
This was the third time Greinke had hit Quentin and the latter admitted that played a role in his charging the mound.(IT must be pointed out that Quentin leans into the ball and stands close to the plate)
After the game, Kemp and Quentin found themselves in the exit corridors at Safeco Park and had to be separated. Fortunately the Dodgers didn't lose another heavyweight (in terms of money and impact to the team.) The teams meet next week in LA and there is already talk by some pundits about the need to retaliate.
If you would enjoy a fictional account of how retaliation, the unwritten rules of baseball, and the societal laws could be impacted from such cascading events, please read my novel. It is called A Pitch For Justice and it is available as an e-book on Amazon etc. for just $2.99 or download it for your IPAD
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
By harold kasselman
Zach Greinke is lost for possibly 8 weeks during a fight on the field.
Last night San Diego pitcher Jason Marquis threw a pitch over the head of LA center fielder Matt Kemp which shook up the Dodgers MVP. Apparently, some observers presumed that the Dodgers or LA pitching great Zach Greinke took exception to that "purpose pitch". Then with a 1 run differential, Greinke hit the Padres lead off batter Carlos Quentin in the shoulder.
It does not seem logical, or as Don Mattingly later said, "stupid", that Greinke deliberately tried to retaliate and hit Quentin in a one run game in the 6th inning by walking the leadoff hitter.
Nevertheless, Quentin apparently thought it was deliberate(the two players have a history)or took exception that Greinke said to him after the pitch.
Quentin charged the mound like a raging bull(he is built like one).Quentin barreled into Greinke and in the fray, Grienke's collar bone was broken.He signed a 147 million dollar contract in the off season. Meanwhile Kemp, joined in the fray because of the ball thrown over his head by Jason Marquis.
This was the third time Greinke had hit Quentin and the latter admitted that played a role in his charging the mound.(IT must be pointed out that Quentin leans into the ball and stands close to the plate)
After the game, Kemp and Quentin found themselves in the exit corridors at Safeco Park and had to be separated. Fortunately the Dodgers didn't lose another heavyweight (in terms of money and impact to the team.) The teams meet next week in LA and there is already talk by some pundits about the need to retaliate.
If you would enjoy a fictional account of how retaliation, the unwritten rules of baseball, and the societal laws could be impacted from such cascading events, please read my novel. It is called A Pitch For Justice and it is available as an e-book on Amazon etc. for just $2.99 or download it for your IPAD
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
April 6, 2013
Pete Rose and the "unwritten rules of baseball" Hypocritical?
This is a from an article published April 6th 2013by Ricky Doyle of NESN
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/pe...
In the article,
Rose calls the unwritten rules of baseball"stupid".
“I used to get screwed when we had a seven- or eight-run lead, because I couldn’t bunt for a single or I’m ‘showing up the opposition,’ ” Rose told Grantland.
Rose referenced an example when the Reds led J.R. Richard of Houston by 7-1.Rose singled but took second base on the play.Extending the single with a big lead offended the so called "sacred rules of baseball and Richard threw at the next two Reds' batters.
Ricky Doyle the author of the article says about Pete, "Leave it to Charlie Hustle to tell it like it is".
There's only one problem.Charlie hustle was and apparently still is a bit of a hypocrite. The unwritten rules suited him just fine when it was in his best interests.It was 1978 and Rose had a 44 game consecutive hitting streak; the best in NL history.
Many of you, as did I, may have seen Rose's last at bat against the Atlanta Braves on August 1st, 1978 against the very fine relief pitcher Gene "Gino" Garber.It is important to note that the Braves were winning 16-4. When Garber got Rose out on off speed pitches, Rose glared at Garber and yelled at him for throwing junk balls to end his streak.
Rose was greatly upset by the Braves pitchers and blasted them in the press for not challenging him with any fastballs. He argued that the unwritten rules of baseball called for Garber to throw their best pitch to challenge him since he was in the midst of a landmark streak.The facts though, Pete, are that Garber's best pitch was the change-up. What was Garber supposed to do Pete? Was he supposed to throw his lesser effective pitch so you could extend your streak?
Rose was quoted as saying" those guys were pitching like it was the 7th game of the world series". Does that sound like the same guy who denounced the unwritten rule when he took second base on a single in the Houston-Reds game?
Well Mr. Doyle, maybe you forgot August 1st 1978.Charlie Hustle didn't always tell it like it is.
If you'd like to read more about the unwritten rules of baseball, I'd offer my novel A PITCH FOR JUSTICE http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus... as a read on when the unwritten rules can go too far with tragic consequences.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/pe...
In the article,
Rose calls the unwritten rules of baseball"stupid".
“I used to get screwed when we had a seven- or eight-run lead, because I couldn’t bunt for a single or I’m ‘showing up the opposition,’ ” Rose told Grantland.
Rose referenced an example when the Reds led J.R. Richard of Houston by 7-1.Rose singled but took second base on the play.Extending the single with a big lead offended the so called "sacred rules of baseball and Richard threw at the next two Reds' batters.
Ricky Doyle the author of the article says about Pete, "Leave it to Charlie Hustle to tell it like it is".
There's only one problem.Charlie hustle was and apparently still is a bit of a hypocrite. The unwritten rules suited him just fine when it was in his best interests.It was 1978 and Rose had a 44 game consecutive hitting streak; the best in NL history.
Many of you, as did I, may have seen Rose's last at bat against the Atlanta Braves on August 1st, 1978 against the very fine relief pitcher Gene "Gino" Garber.It is important to note that the Braves were winning 16-4. When Garber got Rose out on off speed pitches, Rose glared at Garber and yelled at him for throwing junk balls to end his streak.
Rose was greatly upset by the Braves pitchers and blasted them in the press for not challenging him with any fastballs. He argued that the unwritten rules of baseball called for Garber to throw their best pitch to challenge him since he was in the midst of a landmark streak.The facts though, Pete, are that Garber's best pitch was the change-up. What was Garber supposed to do Pete? Was he supposed to throw his lesser effective pitch so you could extend your streak?
Rose was quoted as saying" those guys were pitching like it was the 7th game of the world series". Does that sound like the same guy who denounced the unwritten rule when he took second base on a single in the Houston-Reds game?
Well Mr. Doyle, maybe you forgot August 1st 1978.Charlie Hustle didn't always tell it like it is.
If you'd like to read more about the unwritten rules of baseball, I'd offer my novel A PITCH FOR JUSTICE http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus... as a read on when the unwritten rules can go too far with tragic consequences.
March 10, 2013
What does the World Baseball Classic and "A Pitch For Justice have in common?
In yesterday's thumping of Mexico by Canada in the WBC, a hugh fight broke out. With Canada leading 9-3 in the top of the ninth,a Canadian batter bunted with a 6 run lead.
Mexico's third base coach allegedly pointed to his pitcher and then towards home plate. The result was the Mexican pitcher drilled the next batter.
Why the fight? It is attributable to the unwritten rules of baseball.Simply stated, when your opponent tries to show up your team, in this case running up the score when ahead by six runs, you retaliate. It is part of the accepted code of baseball.
The same rule applies if your opponent show-boats after admiring his home run too long, slides unnecessarily hard into a fielder, or after your opponent's pitcher beans your batter.You are expected to retaliate. It is the baseball code
In my novel, A Pitch For Justice
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus..., a series of incidents during a three game series occur that demand retribution in an exponential manner. Suddenly tragedy occurs and society's mores and customs must challenge the unwritten rules of baseball.
Mexico's third base coach allegedly pointed to his pitcher and then towards home plate. The result was the Mexican pitcher drilled the next batter.
Why the fight? It is attributable to the unwritten rules of baseball.Simply stated, when your opponent tries to show up your team, in this case running up the score when ahead by six runs, you retaliate. It is part of the accepted code of baseball.
The same rule applies if your opponent show-boats after admiring his home run too long, slides unnecessarily hard into a fielder, or after your opponent's pitcher beans your batter.You are expected to retaliate. It is the baseball code
In my novel, A Pitch For Justice
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus..., a series of incidents during a three game series occur that demand retribution in an exponential manner. Suddenly tragedy occurs and society's mores and customs must challenge the unwritten rules of baseball.
March 7, 2013
Brush back pitch is rediscovered by Doc Halliday
In a game between the Phillies and Nationals yesterday, Roy Halliday threw a high fastball over the head of a Nats' batter. It has been suggested that it was intentional. It came soon after Nats phenom Stephen Strasburg cracked Chase Utley in the shins with a 99 mile per hour fastball.
The news is that Utley had suggested to Halliday earlier in spring training that the pitcher utilize the "purpose pitch" more often as part of his arsenal.
Fotunately there was no further retaliation. Charlie Manuel Phils manager was quoted as saying the brush back is a necessary part of the game. True, but waht happens if retaliation gets out of hand?
See my novel A PITCH FOR JUSTICE that imagines a criminal prosecution for homicide.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
The news is that Utley had suggested to Halliday earlier in spring training that the pitcher utilize the "purpose pitch" more often as part of his arsenal.
Fotunately there was no further retaliation. Charlie Manuel Phils manager was quoted as saying the brush back is a necessary part of the game. True, but waht happens if retaliation gets out of hand?
See my novel A PITCH FOR JUSTICE that imagines a criminal prosecution for homicide.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
February 20, 2013
Pitchers who intentionally hit batters
Future Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez was quoted today in his new role as an advisor to the Boston Red Sox.
He intends to teach his pitchers about the necessity of pitching inside and dominating the plate.
In fact Pedro admitted that 90% of all the many batters he hit were intentional. To him, it is a fact of baseball self-preservation.
Perhaps that's why the players union agreed to the 2013 MLB contract for 2013 that makes the new safety enhanced Rawlings helmet mandatory.The new helmets are expected to withstand 100 mph fastballs.
This raises the question of the unwritten rules of baseball and the danger of causing serious injury to a batter during a game.
If you'd like to read more about that conflict, please see my novel A Pitch For Justice.http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
He intends to teach his pitchers about the necessity of pitching inside and dominating the plate.
In fact Pedro admitted that 90% of all the many batters he hit were intentional. To him, it is a fact of baseball self-preservation.
Perhaps that's why the players union agreed to the 2013 MLB contract for 2013 that makes the new safety enhanced Rawlings helmet mandatory.The new helmets are expected to withstand 100 mph fastballs.
This raises the question of the unwritten rules of baseball and the danger of causing serious injury to a batter during a game.
If you'd like to read more about that conflict, please see my novel A Pitch For Justice.http://www.amazon.com/A-Pitch-for-Jus...
