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[Golfingboy]

9 minutes ago, Aqualung said:

And baseball bat's. What are they made of? , wood I assume. 

Are they similar to cricket bat's in the way of having a " sweet spot"? 

I would love to see a few of the world's top cricketers have a crack at baseball and visa versa. 

Yes wood, sweet spot is about 6 inches from the end. Americans are huge on all college sports, and allow aluminum bats, and every student player uses one. Never agreed with this, as if you are indeed lucky and talented enough to reach the professional ranks, why use what will be disallowed later on? I played from 6-17 years old, and had a few wooden bats, French kids I played with thought I was nuts. No doubt the metal ones go further…..but it’s similar to a golfer who uses blade irons vs. cavity backs - we all know what yields more distance, but the feeling of the “inferior tool” cannot be beat

Edited October 4, 2022 by Golfingboy

[happyfalang]

Baseball bats are made of wood.  Yes there is a sweet spot.  Typical woods are maple, ash, birch and oak,

Gloves help of course.  Can't comment on if it makes it too easy.  it just is.

I am surprised none of the cricket bowlers have tried to cross over.  But the motion is very different.  For one thing your guys have to stiff arm throw it.  No such restriction in baseball.  But ours can't run up.  Plus our pitchers have to have pinpoint control to succeed.  Being a little wild on occasion is OK but come crunch time better be able to hit your spots.

Cricket there are lots of scores.  Outs are rarer and to be avoided as much as possible with batsmen trying to prevent the ball from hitting the wicket.  Baseball is 180 degrees opposite in that the game is hard to score and outs happen with regularity. 

Other than native athleticism I don't see that much crossover in the games.  Guessing a world class athlete could play either but then we have no leagues here for cricket (at least none that pay real money) so our athletes will play only baseball and I don't think you have any professional baseball in UK. 

I think it's always funny the defensiveness some have about "their games".  All sports are fun for those who like them,  I don't care for soccer/footie.  Doesn't make it a bad game.  I just never played it and don't understand the skills and strategies.  You probably don't like ice hockey.  I played a bit and understand what's happening.  For the record I hate basketball.  Not like I am into all US sports. 

 

 

[happyfalang]

5 minutes ago, Golfingboy said:

Yes wood, sweet spot is about 6 inches from the end. Americans are huge on all college sports, and allow aluminum bats, and every student player uses one. Never agreed with this, as if you are indeed lucky and talented enough to reach the professional ranks, why use what will be disallowed later on? I played from 6-17 years old, and had a few wooden bats, French kids I played with thought I was nuts. No doubt the metal ones go further…..but it’s similar to a golfer who uses blade irons vs. cavity backs - we all know what yields more distance, but the feeling of the “inferior tool” cannot be beat

I think the current forged cavity back clubs can give the same feel as the old blades.  Not the workability but feel is there.  And of course you don't HAVE to hit the sweet spot to make the ball go with the newer stuff.

 

[Golfingboy]

1 minute ago, happyfalang said:

I think the current forged cavity back clubs can give the same feel as the old blades.  Not the workability but feel is there.  And of course you don't HAVE to hit the sweet spot to make the ball go with the newer stuff.

 

Yes hence my point. You’re intentionally punishing yourself playing blades, but like a wood bat, there is an intangible element that still draws people to still buy them. Kind of like a 6 speed manual and a Tiptronic

[happyfalang]

I agree they should not use aluminum bats in college.  Not sure why they do?  I mean are wood bats so expensive they can't afford the fact they break on occasion?  Never got that.

On golf I know I've always played forged clubs for feel.  But I like the cavity for forgiveness.  I play PXG 0311s now and think they are the best clubs I ever had.

 

[Golfingboy]

Funny thing is, if he actually played a few more years, even part time, he COULD reach Bonds and 762. But the last few dozen would not be easy. Have a happy retirement Albert…..

 

[happyfalang]

Tow months agi I would have said there is no way Pujols could reach 762.  His body is failing.  This latest hot streak won't continue into next year at age 43.  His recent success versus RHP is just a streak.  BTW, I grew up in STL area and am a massive Cardinals fan saying this.

But I'm not saying it.  This year he has so massively surpassed what I thought he would do in the field I give up predicting what he could still achieve.  But I do not believe he will return. 

Couple of reasons.  He and Yadi going out together and this victory lap around the league (and away stadiums were very appreciative of the tour) would be cheapened if he returned.  And if he did fizzle and the Cards had a poor year he would be retiring on a down note.  lastly, he himself has repeatedly said he is DONE.  He said it before he reached 700 HRs. 

This is it.  Today will be his last ever regular season game.  As  a Cards fan I hope he gets to win at least 13 more post season games and hoist a trophy after winning the last game of the MLB season. 

 

[Golfingboy]

[Yessongs]

This guy is going to have several teams " backing up the truck' to his house wanting to pay him big bucks this offseason. He turned down the Yankees offer....I think the Dodgers are going to make a big play for him this offseason. 

[Glasseye]

On 10/4/2022 at 7:47 PM, happyfalang said:

Tow months agi I would have said there is no way Pujols could reach 762.  His body is failing.  This latest hot streak won't continue into next year at age 43.  His recent success versus RHP is just a streak.  BTW, I grew up in STL area and am a massive Cardinals fan saying this.

But I'm not saying it.  This year he has so massively surpassed what I thought he would do in the field I give up predicting what he could still achieve.  But I do not believe he will return. 

Couple of reasons.  He and Yadi going out together and this victory lap around the league (and away stadiums were very appreciative of the tour) would be cheapened if he returned.  And if he did fizzle and the Cards had a poor year he would be retiring on a down note.  lastly, he himself has repeatedly said he is DONE.  He said it before he reached 700 HRs. 

This is it.  Today will be his last ever regular season game.  As  a Cards fan I hope he gets to win at least 13 more post season games and hoist a trophy after winning the last game of the MLB season. 

 

 

I think the accomplishments Pujois has made this year are amazing. 

As you can see I am a Cubs fan, but I also like the Cardinals and follow them closely (have since I was a kid). 

I never have given any thought really on the notion he may or may not return next year. In fact this is the first time I have even heard it mentioned. In my mind any discussion of it from the press (or whoever) would be a real distraction.

Really is something incredible when looking at baseball history. I mean the guy is in the gears with Aaron and Ruth. Can't get much better than that. And a real delight to see that he was able to follow through like he did with the Cardinals. And that the Cardinals gave him the opportunity. 

Big win win win win for Pujois, the Cardinals team, the Cardinals fan base, and for MLB. 

[happyfalang]

2 hours ago, Glasseye said:

 

I think the accomplishments Pujois has made this year are amazing. 

As you can see I am a Cubs fan, but I also like the Cardinals and follow them closely (have since I was a kid). 

I never have given any thought really on the notion he may or may not return next year. In fact this is the first time I have even heard it mentioned. In my mind any discussion of it from the press (or whoever) would be a real distraction.

Really is something incredible when looking at baseball history. I mean the guy is in the gears with Aaron and Ruth. Can't get much better than that. And a real delight to see that he was able to follow through like he did with the Cardinals. And that the Cardinals gave him the opportunity. 

Big win win win win for Pujois, the Cardinals team, the Cardinals fan base, and for MLB. 

I am out the door in minutes to watch the Cubs Arizona Fall league affiliate play against the Cardinals affiliate.  I am going with a close friend who is a Cubs fan.  Unlike some sports, baseball rivalries don't have to contain hate.  Just good competition.

[tommy dee]

My ex Father I Law was the fastest pitcher in Softball (for the US Army) , baseballs little brother game.  he played for the US army and had a field named after him.  softball is underarm not over arm as far as I know, thats the only difference

 

[Golfingboy]

42 minutes ago, happyfalang said:

I am out the door in minutes to watch the Cubs Arizona Fall league affiliate play against the Cardinals affiliate.  I am going with a close friend who is a Cubs fan.  Unlike some sports, baseball rivalries don't have to contain hate.  Just good competition.

Now I’m jealous! Haven’t been back to AZ since 2008, the same year I discovered Thailand. Lived in Marana/Tucson for a year, what a golfers’ paradise! Had a little fling with a Filipina stripper from Litchfield Park, was fun. Then the market crashed and I had to haul ass to Canada…..vacation over! Best time of my life, wake up, book a tee time, drop a few bills at Tens or Curves, finish the night with Taco Bell or Jack in the Box….. Hope I get back one day but it’s not looking promising 

 

[Glasseye]

10 hours ago, tommy dee said:

My ex Father I Law was the fastest pitcher in Softball (for the US Army) , baseballs little brother game.  he played for the US army and had a field named after him.  softball is underarm not over arm as far as I know, thats the only difference

 

 

One of my greatest childhood memories (high school years) was playing softball. However, it was 16", slow pitch, no gloves.

 

In the Chicago area 16" is the game. There are many leagues throughout the Chicago land area.

 

My times were limited to intermural high school league. Our team was made up of basically a bunch of misfits.... Freaks we were called back then, hippies, etc. But most of us on the team were actually quite athletic, we just didn't go for the official school sports. We all hated most of the coaches and their attitudes, so we f***d them all off. The school lost a lot of potentially excellent players because of their "dick headedness". 

But we did play softball and were able to make up our own team. 

Man, did we kick the shit out of the jock teams. Humiliated them. It was one of the most satisfying things I have ever been a part of.

A big reason we were so successful was we had a first basemen that had hands of steel. That guy could catch anything thrown at him. Try catching a new 16" softball out of the box. Hard as a rock. The guy was brilliant.

[Glasseye]

11 hours ago, happyfalang said:

I am out the door in minutes to watch the Cubs Arizona Fall league affiliate play against the Cardinals affiliate.  I am going with a close friend who is a Cubs fan.  Unlike some sports, baseball rivalries don't have to contain hate.  Just good competition.

 

Cheers ! My feelings exactly.

[Yesitisdakid]

17 hours ago, tommy dee said:

My ex Father I Law was the fastest pitcher in Softball (for the US Army) , baseballs little brother game.  he played for the US army and had a field named after him.  softball is underarm not over arm as far as I know, thats the only difference

 

When I was 18 I played shortstop for the San Francisco post office in the post office League. We went to Los Angeles to play a championship game against a team from a little suburb down there. They kicked our ass but we were able to say we were second best in the state. I loved playing softball

[Yesitisdakid]

On 10/4/2022 at 7:51 AM, happyfalang said:

I'm one who thinks Bonds belongs in the HOF.  BUT - all of the top 6 on that list accomplished those numbers under conditions of a live ball, and PED assisted.  Judge and Maris are IMO the all time single season HR leaders. 

Although based on how dead the ball was in Ruth's day, and they played fewer games, it's hard to not tip the cap to the true king of all time.

Edited October 6, 2022 by Yesitisdakid
Sorry double post

[Yesitisdakid]

On 10/4/2022 at 7:51 AM, happyfalang said:

I'm one who thinks Bonds belongs in the HOF.  BUT - all of the top 6 on that list accomplished those numbers under conditions of a live ball, and PED assisted.  Judge and Maris are IMO the all time single season HR leaders. 

Although based on how dead the ball was in Ruth's day, and they played fewer games, it's hard to not tip the cap to the true king of all time.

 

You can't blame any of the batters if the balls are live they have no control over that. And even if bonds did and of course he did use Peds you still have to hit the ball that's being pitched to you at some times 100 miles an hour and you've got to hit it just right it doesn't matter how strong you are in my opinion. And you've got a picture that's throwing it to you doing his best so you can't. anyway you still got to hit it just right. I'm not a fan of Barry Bonds and I'm not defending him it's just my thoughts.

[happyfalang]

4 hours ago, Yesitisdakid said:

You can't blame any of the batters if the balls are live they have no control over that. And even if bonds did and of course he did use Peds you still have to hit the ball that's being pitched to you at some times 100 miles an hour and you've got to hit it just right it doesn't matter how strong you are in my opinion. And you've got a picture that's throwing it to you doing his best so you can't. anyway you still got to hit it just right. I'm not a fan of Barry Bonds and I'm not defending him it's just my thoughts.

Yeah I am no fan of his either.  But he accomplished so much not having him in the HOF is a travesty and shows the voters are more interested in a popularity contest or in signalling virtue "look at me I don't vote PED users".   Heck, anyone that feels no PED users belong in the HOF need to adjust their thinking.  NO ONE from 1980 to 2010 belongs in then.  We will never know how prevalent the use was but it was wide and deep. And yes, if PEDs were THAT much of an aide why didn't everyone hit 700 HRs?  Because as you point out there is still something called talent.  And he was the best of his generation.

Vote him in.  And at his little shrine point out all the numbers of that era are inflated compared to many other eras due to PED usage.  Simple.  And done.

 

[Golfingboy]

4 hours ago, happyfalang said:

Yeah I am no fan of his either.  But he accomplished so much not having him in the HOF is a travesty and shows the voters are more interested in a popularity contest or in signalling virtue "look at me I don't vote PED users".   Heck, anyone that feels no PED users belong in the HOF need to adjust their thinking.  NO ONE from 1980 to 2010 belongs in then.  We will never know how prevalent the use was but it was wide and deep. And yes, if PEDs were THAT much of an aide why didn't everyone hit 700 HRs?  Because as you point out there is still something called talent.  And he was the best of his generation.

Vote him in.  And at his little shrine point out all the numbers of that era are inflated compared to many other eras due to PED usage.  Simple.  And done.

 

People wanting to keep Barry out of the HOF…….is like using the same logic that a 100MG Viagra can turn you into a successful porn star. To my knowledge, yes of course steroids add muscle tissue and speed up recovery, which explains the freakish numbers he put up even after 40. Don’t  forget, he spent one or 2 years not retired, but kind of a free agent and had the BALCO case hanging. Watch the video from the playoff game against Anaheim, where they read Salmon(I think) lips “ that’s the furthest I’ve seen a ball ever hit”. Guy was PULLING 102 MPH fastballs foul……so people start saying “some drugs increase reaction time”. Bullshit, methamphatine maybe, not testosterone. 
 

Anyway, I played the game, it’s not easy to even make it to the MINORS. This man was being walked every 3rd at bat, at the highest level of competition, and probably saw a single hittable pitch the other TWO combined…….and hit 73 out of the park in a season! 
 

Case closed…….he belongs in the Hall. As does Pete ! 

Edited October 7, 2022 by Golfingboy