Baseball in the "olden" days

[warbirdlover]

Was thinking back when I was young and (because of many relatives in the Chicago area) used to go to lot's of Cubs games. The game is so different today and not necessarily better.

One of my favorite players was Ernie Banks. The guy was so smooth. And he never disappointed. Always popped a homer in every game (many) I saw him. Always seemed like they only played the Phillies back then. And I think Gene Conley (also played BB for the Celtics) always pitched for them.

Another thing I noted was that many of the great pitchers back then (Spahn, Koufax, Marichal and others) used a very high kick on their windup. I think this helped throw off the batters timing. (Of course the downside is it gave baserunners more time to steal). Now they just throw like an infielder and even though they have alot of stuff some could be so much better. Imagine Randy Johnson with a high kick. Terrifying for a batter!

Overall got to see alot of the all time great players over the years. Mays, Aaron, Banks, Spahn, Burdette, McCovey, etc. Baseball didn't seem as boring back then as it does now.

[JEFF4i]

I miss the suicide squeeze. My all-time favorite play in baseball.

[zaphod]

Yo, WBL

Went to Wrigley field in 70's when it did not have lights. All day games. 1 hour before game walked up and got box seats for Mets game. 3rd base side 2 rows off the rail even with the bullpen rubber. Got to see Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins warm up. Dave Kingman was playing left field. He was responsible for 3 runs for the Mets through his atrocious defensive play. But he won game with grand salami onto Waveland Avenue..Hey, Hey, Hey, Cubs Win, Cubs Win. A attribute to Jack Brickhouse. Along with this enthusiastic quote,"Well Cub fans, its the bottom of the ninth and the Cubs need 17 to tie 18 to win". They lost to Pirates.

BTW the worst ball park food ever was those off color white Oscar Meyer Ball dogs. Yuck.

Look-- Arnie the camera man has got another hat shot. WGN telecast.

Many good memories of those games. Saw Aaron play for BREWERS, Robin Yount his rookie year, Pete Rose, Teddie Simmons steal second base (he could not win a race with a glacier).

Warren Spahn's leg kick was just plain weird. Great pitcher though

Great day for ball game Let's play two

[warbirdlover]

Yup, no lights at Wrigley back then. Never had the hot dogs. Always peanuts and soda. Was always a good time there unless the wind was blowing in off of the lake. Brrrrrrrrrrr.......

[The bomber]

Hey neighbor

[The bomber]

You guys have a location and time for the golf outing?

[zaphod]

Which outing??? Waushara Country Club in Wautoma Wisconsin 11AM OCT 7th See the post in shot talk category under Wisconsin shot talkers. Hope to see you there!

[warbirdlover]

The Bomber (make sure you bring Jim to keep the number even for the two man scramble format)...

Wisconsin Shot Talkers (and Illinois too)

You need an avatar! Use your face from one of those Brown Deer Park pictures I gave you!!

Also, you need to put your "what's in the bag" stuff in your signature.