Longtime baseball manager Ralph Houk has passed away at the age of 90. His career spanned twenty years including one stint with our very own Tigers (1974-78).
His claim to fame was becoming the New York Yankees manager who replaced the legendary Casey Stengel, during the year that Mantle and Maris battled Babe Ruth’s record of 60 homers.
He broke into the major leagues as a catcher with the Yankees but caught less than 100 games in his career. He spent eight seasons as backup to Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
After becoming manager in 1961, Ralph Houk would go on to win two world series titles with the Yanks.
A legend has passed in our baseball community. New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, dead at the age of 80.
He took over the Yankee dynasty around 1973 and brought them seven championships throughout the years. There was never a dull moment, especially with the escapades of manager Billy Martin who was always fired and rehired. “Once a yankee, always a yankee”, was the oft repeated saying.
I thought he was a straight shooter who ran his club the way he determined was best. Rest in peace, George.
In the local scene, ex Red Wing player, Bob Probert passed away recently at the age of 45. Many of us remember him fondly, especially all the fights he had as a player here. Thanks for the memories Bob.
Well, it’s the talk of Tiger town and the country; even the President has chimed in on it. I am sure that our Friday show will revolve around, “the play heard round the world”.
On a warm June night at Comerica Park, history was set to unfold, for the 21st time in baseball history. It would’ve been a first for any Tiger pitcher … to pitch a perfect game. With twenty-seven batters up, twenty-seven batters down, and two outs in the ninth; after some great defensive help a lonely grounder between first base and second lead to the call that everyone dreaded… “Safe”.
How could that be? He was out by at least a step. Major league umpire James Joyce missed the call. Tiger pitcher Galarraga just smiled, first baseman Cabrera put his hands on his head, and Cleveland’s Jason Donald did the same in disbelief, wondering if he really beat out the play.
It was human error… a split decision on a bang bang play. The umpire had no luxury of instant replay, he made a call and thought he was right, until he saw the replay after the game and knew he had made a mistake.
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Hey gang!
As you know, the world of baseball has lost a legend, with the passing of Ernie Harwell. When you think of Tiger baseball, Ernie has to be one of the first thoughts that run through your mind, with his distinct voice and the many colorful phrases he used to describe a homerun or strike out.
My memories of Ernie will always be the summers in the driveway listening to the Tigers on WJR with my dad. We could be working in the yard or just sitting there and that voice just made summer. He will be truly missed by many. The Olde English D has a crack in it today - Rest well - you have touched many, many fans of Tiger baseball and can never be replaced.
Leave us your favorite Ernie story.
Hello all! Spring is beginning to get to me … and to prove it, I let Kevin (of our Sports Talk 60 crew) talk me into attending the Fantasy Campers Luncheon at Comerica Park with him today. I was his guest, as Kevin has played in this event for the last few years.
Every year the Detroit Tigers host a Fantasy Camp, where you can play baseball under the watchful eye and coaching of some of the Tiger all time “greats”. When I say “greats”, it does have something to do with their stats and the way they played, but it also is a dedication to the fans, that they prove, by doing these events year after year.
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When I chaperoned Chip, Kevin and Big Daddy to Florida last week for our coverage of spring training, the ground was covered in snow and temperatures were in the 30’s. When we arrived in Florida the temperatures were in the 50’s and 60’s with clear skies everday.
On the first day of our trip, Kevin and I were in the press box at Joker Marchant Stadium, while Chip and Big daddy worked the stands. It was in the press box that Kevin and I met Jim Hendricks who was a longtime sport media person in Detroit and still does sports in Lakeland. He passed on some great stories to us, one of which included his start as a Tiger bat boy in 1951 and all the great players he had interaction with.
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Being a member of the sports media has its perks. Locker room access, press box, standing on the field during practice, but Tuesday afternoon I had a unique experience.
Sports Talk 60 has just acquired a new sponsor; Kickers Entertainment Complex in Livonia, an establishment run by two brothers who were football kickers. I stopped in there today to pick up some giveaways and was introduced to Pete Stoyanovich.
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As I’m starting to write this post, there is a hint of spring around the corner and I wonder what memories this season stirs in you. There is still snow on the ground, but next week the ST60 crew is off to Florida to cover our Tigers and various other Major League ball clubs.
When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for the Tigers to start spring training. I knew that I would soon be spending time with my dad, watching Tiger baseball or listening to Ernie Harwell on the radio. My dad worked hard his whole life and even on his days off we would work together in the garden or the garage, but the radio would always be tuned to WJR and Tiger baseball. That was a connection I always had with my father who was born in a different time and world.
Even today, close to eighty years old he makes his comments about what they should do or who isn’t performing. I can talk to my father for hours about baseball and it makes no difference that I do a sports show, he always thinks he’s right.
Please, tell us what spring training or baseball has meant to you. Till next time….
Our annual Sports Talk “60″ spring training trip is scheduled for March 3rd. Chip, Kevin, Paul “Big Daddy” and I will be heading down for some action packed baseball. Of course we will be covering the Tigers, but also we want to see the Phillies, Astros and Nationals. It will be 4 days of games, checking out the new players and the veterans.
There are some changes to our own Tigers, as in we now have Johnny Damon in the lineup. We will be sending back some live feed to Jimmie James everyday from each game site.
Stay tuned and don’t forget, Sports Talk “60″ T-shirts are now available.
Is everybody as ready for playoff football as I am? The superbowl is just weeks away with lots going on. The Sports Talk 60 crew will be in Southgate on Jan 30th for a pre Superbowl bash that will benefit a charity.
At the “No Child Without a Christmas” fundraiser we held December 3rd at “Jake’s Again”, a Sports Talk 60 package was auctioned off that included a day in the studio with the Sports Talk 60 crew. We are looking forward to working with the winner of our “in studio” guest spot on January 22nd.
I haven’t mentioned my career as an actor recently, so I’ll just let you know that I am polishing up my acting by taking a workshop in Royal Oak that features Bill Marinella from Los Angeles.This workshop is filled with some talented people and Bill is working us hard and giving us the benefit of his great knowledge in this field. I just cant believe he chose the playoff’s to do it in; those Californians.
