Jim Robley Wins Ground Ball Competition

Jim Robley was this week's winner of the Ground Ball Competition. Jim topped Matt LeVigne in the championship round of the competition. Patrick O'Connor and Steve Sismelich were the previous champions.

Pete Rose

Our team goals include respecting the game. Hustling is a way to show respect for the game. Playing hard (giving it your best effort) regardless of the score (whether winning or losing) is something our team strives to accomplish.

Putting aside his gambling issues (which took place after his playing years), Pete Rose was respected by many for always giving it his best effort on the field. Even when he drew a walk, Rose would sprint to first base. His extraordinary effort earned him the nickname "Charlie Hustle".

During the course of his long career, Pete Rose set many career records which still stand today. He is the all-time hit leader with 4,256. Pete Rose played in 17 All-Star games--in which many of those selections were based upon votes from his peers (other Major League players).

Pete Rose only knew how to play the game one way...and that was all out. It didn't matter to him whether the game was a Spring Training scrimmage or the seventh game of the World Series.

In an All-Star game (which is mostly considered to be just a showcase today), the National League trailed the American League by a score of 4-1 in the ninth inning. But, the National League scored three runs to take the game into extra innings.

In the bottom of the 12th inning, Pete Rose stood on second base as the Cubs' Jim Hickman stepped to the plate with two outs. Jim Hickman singled to centerfield. Pete Rose sprinted around third base on his way to score the winning run, but catcher Ray Fosse was about to receive the throw and positioned himself up the third base line.

Rose knew that his only chance to score was to collide with Fosse--and hopefully dislodge the ball. Although this is not a legal play at the Pony level, it is legal at the professional level of play. Rose drove into Fosse and separated him from the ball just before it arrived in his glove. Fosse fell backward and Rose fell over the catcher onto home plate to score the winning run.

Pete Rose missed a few games due to an injured knee, but unfortunately Ray Fosse was never the same after the collision.

Today, many people consider the All-Star game to be an exhibition of sorts. Yet, Pete Rose only knew how to play baseball one way--and that was with maximum effort.

Dropped Third Strike

In the Sunday League (Official Baseball Rules apply), hitters may attempt to advance to first base on a dropped third strike in the following situations:

• Whenever there are two outs
• When there are less than two outs with first base unoccupied (at the time of the pitch)

Pitches that hit the dirt and are then caught by the catcher are still considered to be "dropped" third strikes. In the event of a dropped third strike, the hitter should run hard towards first base while staying on the right side of the foul line. If the batter is on the foul line (or anywhere to the left of it in fair territory), he places himself at risk of an interference (out) call should he get hit by a throw down the line.

This rule is designed to protect the offense against easy double plays. If it were not for the rule (and batters were always eligible to advance on dropped third strikes), catchers would intentionally drop the third strike and then fire the ball down to second for the force out---which could then result in a double play on a subsequent throw to first base.

So, anytime the easy double play scenario exists (less than two outs with a runner on first), the hitter is out immediately on the third strike, whether it was dropped or not.

Bat Restrictions

For the 2011 season, the Chicagoland Metro League has announced the following bat restrictions:

1. The diameter of the bat cannot exceed 2 5/8". 2 3/4" bats are no longer allowed.
2. Bats are limited to a -3 length to weight drop differential.
3. Composite bats are discouraged, but allowed, for the 2011 season.

Warriors Receive First Sponsorship

The Warriors would like to thank the Papoose Children's Center, courtesy of the Sismelich family, for its generous sponsorship of the team for the 2011 season. This contribution makes it possible for the team to play some additional games or perhaps register for another tournament this summer.

Steve Sismelich Wins Fielding Competition

In this afternoon's Ground Ball Competition, Steve Sismelich edged out Matt LeVigne to win the Warriors' second fielding contest. A notable mention goes to Rick Sisco who remained alive for a long time with some outstanding defensive plays. Patrick O'Connor was not present to defend his title.

Hit By Pitch: The Ron Hunt Story

When any part of a batter's body (including the hands while placed on the bat) is hit with a pitched ball, he is awarded first base. There are some exceptions. It is not considered a hit batsman if the pitch hits the batter inside of the strikezone (that is a strike), or if the hitter makes no attempt to avoid the pitch (that pitch is called either a ball or a strike depending upon the location of the pitch). Also, if the batter swings at the pitch, it is considered a strike even if the hitter is hit by the pitch.

Note that it is still considered a hit by pitch if the pitch bounces from the ground into a player. If a pitch hits a batter's clothing, that is also considered a hit by pitch.

A hitter is not credited with an at bat or a hit. But, he is credited with a time on base and a plate appearance. So, a HBP improves a player's on-base % without lowering his batting average.

The hit by pitch can be a painful way to reach base. In the modern era, no player was hit by more pitches than Ron Hunt of the Montreal Expos. Hunt's motto was, "Some people give their bodies to science; I give mine to baseball." Hunt led the National League in getting hit by pitch in each of his final 7 seasons. Most years, he was hit about 25 times. But, in 1971 Ron Hunt set the modern day record by getting hit 50 times in one season!

In 1969, Ron Hunt tied a record by getting hit three times in a single game! When he retired, his 243 HBP's were a career record. Hunt insisted that he never deliberately got hit by a pitch, but many opposing pitchers disagreed with his claim. Since then, Craig Biggio topped that career record by getting hit an astounding 285 times.

"Stay in the Game" Clinic

The University of Chicago Physicians is hosting a free "Stay in the Game" clinic led by Tony Garofola, former head Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Cubs. The session will provide information regarding how to prevent shoulder and elbow injuiries.

The event will be held on March 2nd in Tinley Park. Click here for more information.

How Baseballs Are Made

CLICK HERE to view an interesting video which shows how baseballs are manufactured.