Monday, September 15, 2008

Baseball Ramblings

I realize this was a Northern Nash player, but I met Mike Tyson, former second baseman for the St Louis Cardinals, during the summer of 2007.

I met him when he came home for his father's 80th birthday party (Wayne Tyson) at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church.

What is all this leading to?


Coaches in the minor leagues hope to work their way up just like players do.

I am happy to report today that Torre Tyson, son of Mike and grandson of Wayne, who this past summer was the manager of the Charleston Riverdogs, was called up to be a part of the Yankee coaching staff this September - just like several players were called up.

Torre, who is named after Joe Torre who played with Mike in St Louis, may be the next manager for the Yankees. The way the Steinbrenners go through managers, it may be sooner rather than later since it doesn't look like the Yankees will make the playoffs.

Even though Torre was born in St. Louis, there is a Rocky Mount connection.

Remember Joey Devine, the N.C. State fireball relief pitcher who was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and made history by being the first pitcher to give up two grand slams in his first two appearances. Well, don't look now, but Devine won his sixth game of the season Sunday and in 36th relief appearances for the Oakland A's. He has an ERA of .066, one of the tops in the league.

Now that the era of the juice ball is over is there a better home run hitter that Ryan Howard of the Phillies?

Looks like Tampa Bay and Milwaukee are running out of gas toward the end here in their bids to bring the little guys in baseball back to prominence.

If you think Rocky Mount should be a big favorite Friday, Hertford County is coming to town averaging 50 points per game which includes a big win over Winston-Salem Parkland.

There could be a 100 points scored Friday!