An interesting post on the Angel’s blog Halo’s Heaven about an old glove the writer found, and some interesting things he learned about the player whose name was on it, and some questions he has about how equipment has changed statistics…
Anyway, back to the glove. When you put on, the “fingers” barely extend past my own, and doesn’t feature much of a pocket. The webbing consists of a lone strap of leather about 2 inches long between the thumb and index finger. Compared to modern-day gloves, the gloves from this era could not match the advantages players had with gloves made over the last 40-50 years. How much did this impact pre-1950 hitting stats when diving plays by an infielder were not benefited by gloves that extended an additional 3 to 4 inches and featured a deeper pocket and webbing? How many home runs are brought back into the park by outfielders reaching over the fence with over-sized gloves?
While most people were enjoying the World Series, we were glued to our TV with Tivo in hand so we could check on the gloves all the players were wearing. All so that we could serve you - our fans, with this 2009 World Series Glove Guide.
He’s a photographer, and he needs his computer there, so I can’t blame this particular guy whos computer feel victim to a foul ball. But as more sports arenas are talking about and implementing wifi in the stands, encouraging fans to bring technology to their seats, the video is worth a look. There’s some a slapstick entertainment factor (rewind a couple times and enjoy the THUD, but in the end it looks like damage to expensive equipment. We all know to beware of bats and batted balls when we’re in the stands, I think this video is a reminder that unless we’re working the game, we should leave our valuable devices at home. Just bring your glove.
Earlier, I if you still bring your glove to the game. I admitted that I don’t usually bring it anymore. But I’m probably not the only one sitting there with my baseball cap, ready to improvise should a foul ball finally make it my way. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m as prepared as this fan, who may not have impressed his date when he bought the pizza, but he wowed the crowd with what he did with the box.
Back to school shopping is usually focused on supplies and maybe new clothes, but especially for high school athletes, it often means time for new equipment. Though it’s a tough time for baseball equipment to still be getting even more expensive, the best products can still break your budget.
A recent top ten from the Today show has some good tips for saving money on sports equipment in general. Should you buy used? How can you get your kids involved so they’ll learn a financial lesson from the experience?
My second favorite glove is (quite literally) on the shelf, with the lacing blown out after too many sessions of “Sure, I’ll catch you with my infielders glove” ball. Lacing a glove isn’t too tough, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. If you’ve been lazy like me, the tips in this ehow video might motivate you to pick up a baseball glove needle and finally get it done.
In tonight’s MLB draft, is your team drafting for defense? Will it pan out? From Grant Green to Ryan Jackson, we’re all rooting for the young players who can bring their college fundamentals to the big show. Recent drafts have had plenty of busts, but that doesn’t mean we don’t always hold out hope for our team’s first- and second-round picks, let alone the hidden gems of the later rounds. Who are you following in tonight’s draft?
