Editor's note: This is the first in a series of posts that will help my in-laws and other non-baseball fan readers understand the game. This one will concentrate on the teams that play in the big leagues.
There are actually two Major Leagues. The American League and National League are early 20th century rivals that survive to this day, partially because they agreed to play in the World's Series in 1903.
The National League was the first of the Major Leagues. At times, it faced competition from the Players League, Federal League, American Association and Union Association.
The American League - sometimes called The Junior Circuit - formed in 1901.
To make a long story very short, the leagues combined under the umbrella of Major League Baseball over the years. They still play under different rules, the major one being that a designated hitter is allowed in the American League.
After baseball began expanding, things changed. In 1969, each league was divided up into two divisions, the East and the West. A third division, Central, was added in 1994.
Here is a look at the teams that play in the American League East.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Game 23 Wrap up - Good game, let's go eat
Thanks to Placido Polanco, the eighth inning was a big one for the Philadelphia Phillies. Thanks to Mom, it was also a big one for Michael.
The second baseman cracked a two-out, two-run single that propelled the Phils to a 6-4 win over the Chicago Cubs.
While the Phils were cooking up the rally, Mom had something new on the stove. She mixed up some milk and cereal for Michael. It was the first time he's eaten anything other than his mother's milk (Other than a quick taste from The Creamery).
Dad gave him his first couple spoonfuls. He seemed to like eating from the spoon. He sure grabbed it enough. Mom fed him some more too. Then we went to the bottle as Jonathan Papelbon (Mom says, "Didn't they call him Big Pappy in Boston?") brought home the save.
It's good to see Polly hitting. He was batting below .200 just last week, but has been 6-for-15 in his four games.
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| Placido Polanco got a big hit. |
While the Phils were cooking up the rally, Mom had something new on the stove. She mixed up some milk and cereal for Michael. It was the first time he's eaten anything other than his mother's milk (Other than a quick taste from The Creamery).
Dad gave him his first couple spoonfuls. He seemed to like eating from the spoon. He sure grabbed it enough. Mom fed him some more too. Then we went to the bottle as Jonathan Papelbon (Mom says, "Didn't they call him Big Pappy in Boston?") brought home the save.
It's good to see Polly hitting. He was batting below .200 just last week, but has been 6-for-15 in his four games.
Game 22 Wrap up - A sub-.500 April
It should always be enjoyable watching a game, 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs, with a 5-month-old.
When your team only gets one hit through eight innings, that can be tough.
The Phils have fallen back to two-games below .500, a 10-12 record.
When your team only gets one hit through eight innings, that can be tough.
The Phils have fallen back to two-games below .500, a 10-12 record.
Game 21 Wrap up - A day in DC
The Phillies moved within a game of .500 after a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Mike and I didn't even see a pitch.
He spent the day chilling with Grandma Stevens while Mom and Dad spent the day gallavanting about Washington, D.C.
I finally saw The Watergate, which was a big deal for us. I've been obsessed with the Watergate scandal since college. Molly swears that it was during a conversation about Richard Nixon that she first fell in love with me.
Yeah, she's nowhere near right in the head.
Well, the big highlight of the day was seeing Bill Cosby perform at the Kennedy Center. The Cos is getting up there in age - which was a big part of his dialogue - so I doubt Michael will ever see him in person. But "The Cosby Show" was regular viewing in the Abdalla and Stevens/Kane households in the 80s. I've also read most of his books. There's no doubt we'll watch "The Cosby Show" reruns as a family. At least during rain delays
He spent the day chilling with Grandma Stevens while Mom and Dad spent the day gallavanting about Washington, D.C.
I finally saw The Watergate, which was a big deal for us. I've been obsessed with the Watergate scandal since college. Molly swears that it was during a conversation about Richard Nixon that she first fell in love with me.
Yeah, she's nowhere near right in the head.
Well, the big highlight of the day was seeing Bill Cosby perform at the Kennedy Center. The Cos is getting up there in age - which was a big part of his dialogue - so I doubt Michael will ever see him in person. But "The Cosby Show" was regular viewing in the Abdalla and Stevens/Kane households in the 80s. I've also read most of his books. There's no doubt we'll watch "The Cosby Show" reruns as a family. At least during rain delays
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Game 20 Write up - Two steps forward; one step back
The Phillies still haven't won three straight.
Philadelphia opened a weekend set with the Chicago Cubs with a 5-1 loss. It was one of those rare days when Roy Halladay wasn't dominant. Of course, a stronger offense might have meant that would not have mattered.
Despite the rough day for the Phillies, it was a good day in the Abdalla household. I took a trip with my good friend Chuck to see a Frederick Keys game and we met Lavar Arrington.
On an unrelated note, Grandma is coming down to babysit while Mom and Dad head to Washington for a show.
Philadelphia opened a weekend set with the Chicago Cubs with a 5-1 loss. It was one of those rare days when Roy Halladay wasn't dominant. Of course, a stronger offense might have meant that would not have mattered.
Despite the rough day for the Phillies, it was a good day in the Abdalla household. I took a trip with my good friend Chuck to see a Frederick Keys game and we met Lavar Arrington.
On an unrelated note, Grandma is coming down to babysit while Mom and Dad head to Washington for a show.
Game 19 Wrap up - Offensive outburst continues
After the Phillies' 7-2 win over the Arizona Diamonbacks, you can't help but feel good.
The offense appears to be clicking. The Phils took 2-of-3 from a very good team.
Time for 3-in-a-row.
The offense appears to be clicking. The Phils took 2-of-3 from a very good team.
Time for 3-in-a-row.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Game 18 Wrap up - Back on the winning side
The Phillies' offense has erupted, scoring eight runs tonight after a 5-run outburst last night.
It's progress as the team moved to 8-10 in the record book.
Bad Aprils are not uncommon for this bunch. As 2007 and 2008 proved, they can overcome them.
April is proving to be an interesting month from the fatherhood angle.
We're learning a lot about Michael.
He loves reading time. His mom reads kids books to him every night. I try to read some adult stuff too, a bit of Thurber here, some Rowling there.
Darlene and Jessica at daycare said they've never seen a baby that young follow along in a book.
He also loves to see himself in the mirror.
Oh, and eating Roy Halladay.
It's progress as the team moved to 8-10 in the record book.
Bad Aprils are not uncommon for this bunch. As 2007 and 2008 proved, they can overcome them.
April is proving to be an interesting month from the fatherhood angle.
We're learning a lot about Michael.
He loves reading time. His mom reads kids books to him every night. I try to read some adult stuff too, a bit of Thurber here, some Rowling there.
Darlene and Jessica at daycare said they've never seen a baby that young follow along in a book.
He also loves to see himself in the mirror.
Oh, and eating Roy Halladay.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Game 17 Wrap up - Kyle Kendrick everyone
Let me start by saying I like Kyle Kendrick
The beleaguered right-hander has been the whipping boy of Philadelphia fans, who seem to forget he's a fourth or fifth starter and its unnecessary and imprudent to compare him to All-Star caliber pitchers.
If Kendrick pitches for 60 percent of Major League teams, he's a No. 3 or 4 starter.
But the Philadelphia Faithful refuses to warm up to him.
Well, he gave them reason on Monday, serving up seven runs on 11 hits in three innings in a 9-5 loss that dropped the Phils three games below .500.
He was downright terrible.
Now here's the thing most Phillies fans don't realize about Kendrick.
He's started 99 games for the club since 2007.
That means he's gotten the starting nod for the Phillies more times than:
John Denny (95)
Tommy Greene (89)
Marty Bystrom (64)
Kevin Millwood (60)
Paul Byrd (56)
Hard to believe.
The beleaguered right-hander has been the whipping boy of Philadelphia fans, who seem to forget he's a fourth or fifth starter and its unnecessary and imprudent to compare him to All-Star caliber pitchers.
If Kendrick pitches for 60 percent of Major League teams, he's a No. 3 or 4 starter.
But the Philadelphia Faithful refuses to warm up to him.
Well, he gave them reason on Monday, serving up seven runs on 11 hits in three innings in a 9-5 loss that dropped the Phils three games below .500.
He was downright terrible.
Now here's the thing most Phillies fans don't realize about Kendrick.
He's started 99 games for the club since 2007.
That means he's gotten the starting nod for the Phillies more times than:
John Denny (95)
Tommy Greene (89)
Marty Bystrom (64)
Kevin Millwood (60)
Paul Byrd (56)
Hard to believe.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Game 16 Wrap up - The day I couldn't care less about a Phillies loss
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| Dad, in the tie, before I was born. |
But the five M&Ms are distinct. Two browns, a yellow and two oranges. I'm fascinated by the lowercase "M" on each of the candies. I eat them one-by-one, asking myself different questions: Are there candies with other letters on them? Why aren't there any greens or blues?
A whistle blows. The players gather around their coach. I'm not paying much attention to the basketball game that's going on. The M&M's are what is important. I ask my brother if I can have more. He pours a few more into my hand. With them comes an answer. There are green ones. My brother squeezes the bottom of the paper bag so that the top opens up. He pours the rest of the M&Ms into his mouth.
Sneakers squeak on the hardwood floor. I turn one of the candies upside down and and decide, no, that's not a "W." These all have "M" on them. My grandfather and grandmother sitting nearby. I abandon my brother, who had just seemed so cool popping open the bag of M&Ms, to see them. My grandfather smiles at me. He always smiles at me. Well, one time he was mad when I crawled under the table during dinner at a restaurant. I was looking for a gun from one of my GI Joe toys. "Get off the floor," he said. "It's dirty down there. Don't get your hands dirty before you eat." That's as close as he ever came to yelling at me.
My father yells. I stop what I'm doing and turn away from my grandparents. I follow his voice to the other end of the gym. He's not yelling at me, but he's yelling to one of the players. I don't understand what he's saying. Realizing I'm not in trouble, I turn my attention back to my grandfather. I show him my new toy.
Game 14 Wrap up - Back to .500
A conversation between dad and Michael around 10 p.m. Friday night:Michael (Looks at Dad): Aaahaaa
Dad (taking that to mean, "Who's Pitching tonight?"): Cole Hamels.
Michael smiles.
Hamels goes on to lead the Phillies to 4-1 victory and a trip back to the .500 mark.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Game 13 Wrap Up - Do you get half a win for this
Another strong pitching performance, this time from Vance Worley, and the Phillies are back within a game of .500.
The Refrigerator pitched seven shutout innings, walking three, scattering four hits and striking out a career-high 11 as the Phils beat the San Diego Padres, 2-0.
Worley continues to impress, improving his record on the season to 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 21 strikeouts against 17 hits and eight walks in 17 innings.
Then again, he was pitching against the Padres, who have as ineffective an offense as the Phillies.
The Refrigerator pitched seven shutout innings, walking three, scattering four hits and striking out a career-high 11 as the Phils beat the San Diego Padres, 2-0.
Worley continues to impress, improving his record on the season to 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 21 strikeouts against 17 hits and eight walks in 17 innings.
Then again, he was pitching against the Padres, who have as ineffective an offense as the Phillies.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Game 12 Wrap up- Seriously?
OK, Cliff Lee tossed a shutout and the Phils still couldn't get the win, falling, 1-0, in 11.
The Phillies have scored 35 runs in 11 games. That's just a tad more than 3 per.
Pafreakinthetic.
As a team, they are in the bottom thee in the National League in runs scored, on-base percentage, doubles, triples, slugging and OPS.
But you probably figured that out.
The Phillies have scored 35 runs in 11 games. That's just a tad more than 3 per.
Pafreakinthetic.
As a team, they are in the bottom thee in the National League in runs scored, on-base percentage, doubles, triples, slugging and OPS.
But you probably figured that out.
Game 11 Wrap up - Go West
West Coast trips suck when you have responsibilities. You can't watch the games.
You have to read the recaps. All I know is the boys lost 4-2. I've still got hope.
You have to read the recaps. All I know is the boys lost 4-2. I've still got hope.
Game 10 Wrap up - This Roy Halladay kid is pretty good
So Roy Halladay pitched again. The ace dominated again.
This time his victim was the San Francisco Giants. He got some help, though, as the Phillies scored four first inning runs during the 5-2 victory.
That makes me worried they won't score the rest of the week.
In Michael related news, the kid laid in the grass for the first time. I've seen some kids freak. Not Mike; he's smooth like Doc
This time his victim was the San Francisco Giants. He got some help, though, as the Phillies scored four first inning runs during the 5-2 victory.
That makes me worried they won't score the rest of the week.
In Michael related news, the kid laid in the grass for the first time. I've seen some kids freak. Not Mike; he's smooth like Doc
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Game 9 Wrap Up - Beat the Mets
The Phillies beat the Mess, 8-2.
More importantly, Dad, Matt and Jordan spent most of the Phillies game playing Whiffleball in the sun.
Doesn't get much better than that.
More importantly, Dad, Matt and Jordan spent most of the Phillies game playing Whiffleball in the sun.
Doesn't get much better than that.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Game 8 recap - Michael's worst day ever
Michael began the day getting two shots at the doctor's office.
Then he had to watch the Phillies get shutout by the New York Mess.
Well, at least he got to watch "Casablanca" at night.
Then he had to watch the Phillies get shutout by the New York Mess.
Well, at least he got to watch "Casablanca" at night.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Game 7 Recap - Back under .500
The night was not without it's special moment however.
Even Michael had to laugh at Josh Thole.
Oh, you haven't heard about Josh Thole.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Game 6 Wrap Up - Treading water never felt so good
And you thought the season was a lost cause.
You forgot the Phillies had Joe Blanton.
The Big Fella scattered just three hits over seven innings while walking one and striking out three.
It was, so far, the best performance by a starter not named Roy Halladay.
Thanks to Blanton's effort, the Phillies earned a 3-1 victory over theFlorida Miami Marlins that included a perilous ninth inning that saw Jonathan Paplebon allow two runners to reach base before getting a ground ball double-play to end the game.
This season isn't over yet. Your Fightin' Phils are back at .500 and have 156 games left to capture the division.
On a side note, Michael did not finish eating Roy Halladay.
Don't worry, Joe. There are no Blanton figures from MacFarlane.
But keep it up, and we'll see one.
You forgot the Phillies had Joe Blanton.
The Big Fella scattered just three hits over seven innings while walking one and striking out three.
It was, so far, the best performance by a starter not named Roy Halladay.
Thanks to Blanton's effort, the Phillies earned a 3-1 victory over the
This season isn't over yet. Your Fightin' Phils are back at .500 and have 156 games left to capture the division.
On a side note, Michael did not finish eating Roy Halladay.
Don't worry, Joe. There are no Blanton figures from MacFarlane.
But keep it up, and we'll see one.
On Hilary Rosen, Ann Romney, Bill Donohue and parenting
My son was
born four months ago, just before Christmas.
It was the
most transformative moment of my life.
As I held
him for the first time, I felt so much joy, but also so much fear. Every
decision I would make from there on out had to be at least somewhat based on
how it would affect his life.
I do not
have the ability to put into words how much I love him.
And I don’t
care if you’re married or a single parent, gay or straight, millionaire or
poor, once you’ve felt that love, your life is forever changed. The responsibility
of parenthood is immense.
That’s why
the recent hubbub between some politicos bothers me first.
In case you
weren’t paying attention, here’s the run down:
Ann Romney,
the wife of presumed Republican Party presidential nominee Mitt Romney, defended her husband, saying he wasn't anti-woman.
Democratic strategist
Hilary Rosen responded by saying “Ann Romney never worked a day in her life.”
For what it’s
worth, Romney has multiple sclerosis.
A somewhat serious interview with Michael's mom
|
| Cole Hamels |
But it just took five games for her to cave.
She discusses her love of left-hander Cole Hamels, the possibility of trading her first born to keep the ace in Philadelphia and why she's so attached to the little bugger. (The baby, not the pitcher.)
High Hopes: So, who do you like more? Cole Hamels or Baby Abdalla
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Game 5 Wrap Up - Roy Halladay wins again; gets slimed
Roy Halladay breaks faces; Baby A eats faces.
The Phillies hurler extraordinaire dominated the Marlins over seven innings, allowing one run and five hits in the 7-1 victory.
The performance inspired Michael, who took the opportunity to introduce himself to the Good Doctor.
The Phillies hurler extraordinaire dominated the Marlins over seven innings, allowing one run and five hits in the 7-1 victory.
The performance inspired Michael, who took the opportunity to introduce himself to the Good Doctor.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Game 3 Wrap Up - These things happen
The Philadelphia Phillies continued their struggles in Pittsburgh Sunday, falling to the Pirates on a Andrew McCutchen walk-off hit.
I tried to explain to Michael how absurd this is. The Phillies are 475-340 since the beginning of the 2007 season, yet 7-12 at PNC Park in the same span.
But his 4-month old mind hasn't fully wrapped itself around sabermetics.
Back to the game:
Vance Worley pitched well. Very well. He left with a lead and should have gotten the win. The Phillies did score a season-high four runs.
Remember when they had 20 hits in two games in 2008? That's not happening in 2012.
So Worley left after the sixth, having scattered five hits. He also struck out five and walked one.
No, you can't ask for anything more from him.
Or Juan Pierre, either.
I tried to explain to Michael how absurd this is. The Phillies are 475-340 since the beginning of the 2007 season, yet 7-12 at PNC Park in the same span.
But his 4-month old mind hasn't fully wrapped itself around sabermetics.
Back to the game:
Vance Worley pitched well. Very well. He left with a lead and should have gotten the win. The Phillies did score a season-high four runs.
Remember when they had 20 hits in two games in 2008? That's not happening in 2012.
So Worley left after the sixth, having scattered five hits. He also struck out five and walked one.
No, you can't ask for anything more from him.
Or Juan Pierre, either.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Game 2 Wrap up - Two games, two runs, one win
For the second straight day, the Philadelphia Phillies got another dominant performance from their starter, but just one run on offense.
This time, that recipe led to a 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates as the Fightins fell to 1-1 on the young season.
Cliff Lee pitched six shutout innings as Phillies starters have yet to give up a run.
Well, technically.
This time, that recipe led to a 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates as the Fightins fell to 1-1 on the young season.
Cliff Lee pitched six shutout innings as Phillies starters have yet to give up a run.
Well, technically.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Game 1 Wrap up - Halladay starts strong
In case you missed it....
This one went in the win column, thanks mostly to Roy Halladay.
Good ole No. 34 tossed eight solid against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The history books will mark this one down 1-0, with Carlos Ruiz getting the game-winning RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Freddy Galvis made his Major League debut. It was a bit less bloody than Michael's earthly debut.
Southpaw Jr., however, did have something to say about Jimmy Rollins, who laid down a beautiful bunt in the first inning.
Michael and I watched the first few frames together during my lunch break. Sure, I would have loved to watch the entire game with him. But just getting a couple innings in was great, especially since it was his first real Phillies game. But we've got plenty of years ahead of us.
All in all, a good day.
Good ole No. 34 tossed eight solid against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The history books will mark this one down 1-0, with Carlos Ruiz getting the game-winning RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Freddy Galvis made his Major League debut. It was a bit less bloody than Michael's earthly debut.
Southpaw Jr., however, did have something to say about Jimmy Rollins, who laid down a beautiful bunt in the first inning.
Michael and I watched the first few frames together during my lunch break. Sure, I would have loved to watch the entire game with him. But just getting a couple innings in was great, especially since it was his first real Phillies game. But we've got plenty of years ahead of us.
All in all, a good day.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Happy Opening Day
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| Happy Opening Day |
Monday, April 2, 2012
Roll over, Beethoven ... or something like that
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| Phillies infielder Michael Martinez cannot roll over. |
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