Phillies 2008 World Champs
October 30, 2008
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies – 2008 World Champions. And a big thank you to the Rays and all of the playoff teams for some great baseball action the last month or so. I enjoyed this series so much, just some good old fashioned baseball played by guys whose bodies I think we all could relate to. For the first time in a long time, the players on the field looked like they were in their own bodies – not that of a cartoon character. I hope you enjoyed it while you could cause I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that guys are being extra careful right now. Once the steroid heat backs off, look out – I’m sure there’s an undetectable enhancer out there somewhere and it’s just a matter of time before someone is on to it. But for right now, that was a great October for me. These last games really had the feel of a great boxing match. My mind kept drifting back and forth between great recent fights like Vazquez vs. Marquez or Pacquiao vs. Marquez and the ball game. Just when you think the other guy is done, he lands a big blow and the momentum shifts the other way. Jenkins doubles off the wall, Rollins bunts him to third, Werth drives him in….the stadium is going ballistic, the Rays are obviously done, the KO punch has been delivered and the Cinderella story is finally over right? But NO…Baldelli comes up in the next inning and somehow pulls his hands in on a 95mph Madson heater that’s chasing in on him and goes yard. Game tied, the momentum shifts and you can hear a pin drop in Philly. Iwamura makes a unhuman diving play to save a run, Utley answers with a phenomenal play of his own to save a run. And on and on. Just two quality teams throwing haymakers. The Sweet Science and The Ballet In the Dirt definitely paralleled themselves for me in this series.
On a business note, I’ve had some nice reviews of the book lately. One in Collegiate Baseball mag and one from a great website called Baseball Play America www.baseballplayamerica.com. Here is the one from the later…..
Former big league catcher authors new instructional book
By Don Weiskopf, Publisher, Baseball Play America
 A new book, The Art of Catching, by former major league catcher Brent Mayne features the secrets and techniques of baseball’s most demanding position. Reviewers of the book say it is the essential instructional manual for coaches and aspiring catchers on all levels of play. “Catching is the most important defensive position on the field,” said Mayne, “but little expert instruction about how to succeed as a catcher is now available.”
Mayne’s book is the result of 16 years of major league experience in providing cutting edge overviews of all the crucial technical aspects of the position. A keen student of the game, he has devoted considerable time to vividly explaining and showing through photos how the most demanding position in baseball can be mastered. Brent was a big league catcher for 16 seasons (1989-2004) that caught 1,143 games with the Kansas City Royals and six other big league teams. An All-American in college with the Cal State-Fullerton Titans, Mayne was drafted in the first round and inducted into the Orange Coast College Hall of Fame in 2006. Lou Pavlovich, Jr., editor of Collegiate Baseball, wrote, “This book gives the reader the most cutting-edge information ever presented on the art of catching. Mayne does not hold back in telling the secrets that allowed him to enjoy a long major league career. His book should be required reading for every baseball coach and catcher in the nation.” Among the key teaching points in the twelve chapter book are: · History of catching and gloves used in the past and present
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Brent,
Well done! I could’nt have articulated it better myself. Guy’s I work with did’nt like it because someone did’nt strike out every batter or there was not a home run derby every night. I loved it! Many times I found myself trying to call pitches or make moves. It was truly a thinking man’s series. You got to tip your cap to Manuel and Maddon. Two lifer’s who have worked at every level in every aspect of the game for the right reasons doing their best Bobby Fischer this series. One of the highlights for me(since I like to watch the ‘hinecatchers’) was the play Ruiz made on the throw from Utley;which was a tad up the line. If he gets excited and goes towards the ball, the runner keeps his momentum and slides backdoor; but by stepping across the third baseline the runner had to alter his course, slowing him down and once Ruiz could move into the throw now he had the momentum to keep moving forward for the tag; a split second instinct decision that may( did ) save the game.
I saw the play but got so excited by Utley’s end of it that I didn’t really pay attention to the play Ruiz made. I would have to see a replay to agree or debate you. But since you’re a nice guy and comment often and since Ruiz is a really good little player, I’m going to agree with you and give you five stars. Make it six. Good comment too on Maddon and Manuel…they’re both excellent managers and fun to listen to in interviews to boot. Thanks for writing in.