Brent Mayne

Cool Old Gear

Just working my butt off lately. Trying to get a new website up and running and I’m doing it all by myself. It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me. I am learning a lot about the computer though. 

As I was browsing the internet looking for stuff, I came across these cool images of old catcher’s gear. They come from a site selling antique equipment…I’m not vouching for them but if you want to dress up like Thurman Munson next Holloween, check out their site.

I remember when all of the catchers wore the same colored gear regardless of their team’s colors. And that mask is so Bob Boone circa 1980 isn’t it?  

Those cleats are a little before my time but I remember my dad having a pair exactly like that. Leather soles and all of the metal spikes connected as one. I thought that type of cleat was extinct – but then I found this great photo of a play at the plate.

Check out the bottom of the catcher’s kicks. As I’ve told you before, the Japanese make the best cleats and it looks like the 1960 style spike might be making a comeback….or did it ever leave in Asia?

Boras’ Plan

Here’s an interesting article I read in the LA Times which they got from Playboy. In it, agent Scott Boras talks about what he would do to change the World Series.

Boras replied: “I’d modernize it, make it five out of nine games, with the first two in a neutral city. Announce the MVP and Cy Young awards at a gala held between the playoffs and a new World Series weekend. Move the home-run contest from the All-Star game to that week too.”

“The gala and home-run derby would lead to Game 1 of the Series on Saturday, with Game 2 on Sunday. Then the Series would go on with the final seven games in the Series teams’ cities. This way, different places get part of the Series. I want the World Series in Pittsburgh, Texas, Seattle. Teams in those markets would sell more season tickets. World Series weekend would be a major stage for corporate events; it could advance the game to the next level.”

Very interesting. I must say, at first glance, I don’t mind his ideas at all. The only major problem might be the weather in Pittsburgh. I really like the idea of introducing the Cy Young, MVP, Rookie of the Year, etc. to a larger audience.

I think that MLB fails to capitalize on the significance and fan interest of these titles. As it is now, they just kind of let it drip out. If you happen to open the paper the day it’s announced, you might know who the winner is. If not, you’ve got to rely on rumor.

Quickly tell me who won the American League Cy Young award last year. Who was the Rookie of the Year? The only reason I know Lincecum won the Cy in the NL is because I bought the video game and love his commercial. There must be a better way, and I think Boras is right. Revealing the winners to open the Series will elevate the awards and pump up the energy and interest of the games… it’s a win-win situation.

As far as the Home Run derby, I’m indifferent. I like it in the middle of the season, but wouldn’t complain if it got thrown into the World Series gala.

What do you think?

Congratulations Mustangs

A big congratulations to the Costa Mesa High Mustangs for winning their first league championship since 1978.  I graduated in 1986 and we never came close. Outside of badminton and water polo, the Mustangs were never really known as an athletic powerhouse…until now!  Good on you guys.

I also wanted to include this article I came across the other day from the Mets Guy In Michigan blog.  Now I’ve never actually sat in the stands at Wrigley (though I aspire to someday) but I’ve played a lot of games there and it was my favorite field.  I can say that out of all the Grande League stadiums, Wrigley features the drunkest fans. No other stadium even comes close. This blog actually says what I always imagined it would be like to see a game at Wrigley. Enjoy….

Alternative place No. 52A: Wrigley Field, seats behind home plate.

Here’s another tale from the archives!

My assignment was to check out a charter school in Chicago that was run by a company setting up a similar school in Flint, where I worked at the time.

It was just a coincidence that the Cubs were in town on the day we were scheduled to be there.It also was just a coincidence that I wrapped up the last interview in time to make it to Wrigley before the first pitch.

These things happen.

What also happened that day was one of the strangest things I’ve ever seen at a ballpark.

Since I was buying just one ticket, the Cubs were able to sell me a seat about five rows right behind home plate — among the best seats I’ve ever scored. Chris Berman of ESPN was in the next section.

It was a beautiful May day, and Jon Leiber was throwing against the Braves and future Hall-of-Famer Tom Glavine.

Glavine was not at his best that day, giving up five runs including a blast from Sammy before being chased in the fifth. Not that we Mets fans have ever seen anything like that from Glavine.

But the real story took place in the seat in front of mine.

Early in the game, a guy wandered to his seat with a beer in each hand. He looked a lot like the Jim Belushi character in “…About Last Night,” wearing a Starter red Bulls jacket and sweat pants.

He didn’t spend much time in his seat, disappearing for an inning at a time to buy more beer and smoke in the concourse — which was fine with me. I was enjoying the unobstructed view of Chipper Jones taking a collar with two strikeouts.

Later in the game, the guy came back and slumped down in his seat to take a nap. I remember thinking, “What a waste of one of the best seats in Wrigley.”

As this guy slept, he apparently tried to get more comfortable, stretching out instead of slumping. His arms went out over the seats on either side of him. Keep in mind, Wrigley is an old ballpark with small seats and narrow rows. His head now stretched back so far into my personal space that I had a hard time keeping score in my program.

This went on for an inning or so, with people sitting around me making jokes.

Suddenly the guy’s arms started shaking and bubbly spittle was forming on his lips. I knew this wasn’t good.

Then we heard something spilling and saw a puddle forming under his seat. Did he knock over his beer? No. He was wetting himself.

Now, one of the things I remember best from Mr. Ousteckey’s eighth-grade science class is that the first thing you do after dying is wet your pants — the body just releases everything.

I remember thinking, “This guy is dead. There is a dead Cub fan practically in my lap.”

The guy in the seat next to me started freaking out, waving frantically for an usher. One came over and radioed for the paramedic on duty. A lot of people in the section were trying to move away.

I was scared, but apparently had the presence of mind to continue keeping score, as my program would indicate.

The paramedic was pretty calm. He leaned over the guy, poked him a little and said. “Hey, chief. I work for the Cubs. Let’s go for a walk.”

The guy — apparently not dead — woke up, groggily stood up and started walking with the paramedic. Then he stopped, turned around and went back for the half a cup of beer in the cup holder. He walked off, oblivious to what had transpired. Someone came by with a cup of water to pour under his seat and dilute the puddle.

Another Interview

I’ve been Joey Media Guy Lately. Just trying to build a business! Here’s an interview I did with Steve Stewart of Royals Radio. It was kind of a tough interview because did it in the dugout and my buddies were trying to distract me while I talked….enjoy.  Click brent-mayne-interview.

Happy Mother’s Day

Went to a GREAT baseball game yesterday….KC vs. Angels.  To sum it up, it was a classic and quick two hour pitching duel between Saunders and Grienke.  Saunders and the Angels came out on top 1-0 and it was one of the best games I’ve seen in years.

I was there as a guest on the Royals pre-game show and did the TV broadcast for a few innings. It was fun. I’ll try to get a copy and post it on the blog. In the meantime, here’s an interview I did a couple days ago with Mike Silva of NY Baseball Digest. Click the-art-of-catching to check it out.

I also wanted to show you the WORST first pitch ever. I’ve seen a lot of ‘em and this is hands down the best of the worst. Click 1st pitch to see it….enjoy.