The first time I went to a Met game, I was a young boy and I went with my father. That certainly is not surprising, or should not be. My dad taught me that in order to truly enjoy the game, one needs a bag of peanuts. Growing up watching the Brooklyn Dodgers play, he always had a bag of peanuts. So, now, to this day, when I go to a game, I always get a bag of peanuts.
Of course, now it is not just peanuts. Beer, pizza, and ice cream have become some of my staples when I go to the game. If you stop, however, to add up the calories, it can get downright depressing. I certainly put on some weight attending ball games.
There is some good news, however. It should come as no surprise that there are various diet plans out there. A number of these plans allow you to plan such feasts or binges into your diet. The important thing is to pick an eating plan that is right for you. The Weight Loss Diet Help website(Sponsoring this post), does a nice job of providing information to consumers.
What I like about this site is it does not recommend one plan over the other. It gives the reader information about the different programs and allows the individual to decide for him or herself. Personally, I have had good luck with Weight Watchers, and that is one of the links on the site. There, are of course numerous other links on the site. For example, e-diets has a link.
Another aspect that I like about this site is, it has a section for articles. Among the articles you can find here are ones about why diets fail and diet plans for diabetics.
So, the next time you are at a ballgame, eating a hotdog and drinking a beer, don’t feel guilty about what you are eating. Just make sure you are involved with an eating plan that allows you to enjoy these foods when you are there. They do exist.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Le Grand Orange
Today I was thinking about Met hitters. I have been discussing pitching, both past and present, as well as some teams of the past. Well, today I was thinking how the Mets offense for this coming year will compare to last year. I have seen some stuff written on this and honestly, I do not think their offense will be as potent next year as it was this year and this year it was not as strong as it was last season.
Still, thinking about the offense situation got me thinking about hitters of the past. I think, perhaps, one of my favorite hitters to watch growing up was Rusty Staub (Le Grand Orange). Rusty was a throw back. He was a student of the game. By watching pitchers, he would pick up on tip offs and know what pitch was coming. Stuab was a master. He was fun to watch as an everyday hitter and when he came back to the Mets and became a pinch hitter at the end of his career, he was a pinch hitter extraordinaire.
Of course Rusty was not great in every aspect of the game. Staub was perhaps the slowest runner the Mets have ever had. Still, in between stints with the Mets, Staub played with the Detroit Tigers. During that time I remember reading a quote from Ron Leflore, the Tigers speedy outfielder. Leflore said he learned more about stealing bases from Rusty Staub then from anyone else.
Leflore was not being sarcastic or obnoxious. He indicated that Rusty learned to read the pitchers on the base paths as well, just as he did at the plate. Stuab knew when a pitcher was going to throw over, when you could get a jump off him and when you should stay close.
In a previous post, I talked about numbers the Mets should have retired. Perhaps they should have retired either #4 (the uniform number he wore during his first stint with the Mets) or #10 (The uniform number he switched to and the number he wore in Montreal) in honor of Rusty Staub.
Still, thinking about the offense situation got me thinking about hitters of the past. I think, perhaps, one of my favorite hitters to watch growing up was Rusty Staub (Le Grand Orange). Rusty was a throw back. He was a student of the game. By watching pitchers, he would pick up on tip offs and know what pitch was coming. Stuab was a master. He was fun to watch as an everyday hitter and when he came back to the Mets and became a pinch hitter at the end of his career, he was a pinch hitter extraordinaire.
Of course Rusty was not great in every aspect of the game. Staub was perhaps the slowest runner the Mets have ever had. Still, in between stints with the Mets, Staub played with the Detroit Tigers. During that time I remember reading a quote from Ron Leflore, the Tigers speedy outfielder. Leflore said he learned more about stealing bases from Rusty Staub then from anyone else.
Leflore was not being sarcastic or obnoxious. He indicated that Rusty learned to read the pitchers on the base paths as well, just as he did at the plate. Stuab knew when a pitcher was going to throw over, when you could get a jump off him and when you should stay close.
In a previous post, I talked about numbers the Mets should have retired. Perhaps they should have retired either #4 (the uniform number he wore during his first stint with the Mets) or #10 (The uniform number he switched to and the number he wore in Montreal) in honor of Rusty Staub.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Greatest Disappointment
The Mets website refers to this past year as the “Greatest disappointment” in their history. This led me to think if that is the way I feel. I still am not sure.
Certainly the Mets have had worse years. As mentioned in recent posts, suffering with them through the late 70’s and early 80’s, the Mets had terrible years. The thing is, at the time, they were never expected to do something. So, is the disappointment greater when you expect to do something, come close but fall short, or is it greater when you are just terrible?
The later years of Steve Phillips, when the Mets were expected to do something and nothing happened, were those greater disappointments. The days of Mo Vaughn at first and Roberto Alomar at second and Jeromy Burnitz in the outfield, those were years when people thought the Mets had a good team, but they fell short.
Of course, the years following 1986 were disappointing. We, as fans, were looking towards a dynasty but it never happened. Sure, we came close in 1988, but we could not even get back in the World Series. That was disappointing.
Honestly, let’s not forget 2006. The Mets were clearly the best team in the NL but we could not even get to the World Series. Game Seven against the Cards, with Beltran striking out, maybe the single greatest disappointment I suffered as a Met fan. Still that was one game.
Don’t expect me to answer the question. I cannot tell you what year was the greatest disappointment I faced as a Met fan. I guess, though, if you stay a Met fan long enough, you deal with disappointment. Still, we pull for them because we love them.
So, what do you think was your greatest disappointment as a Met fan?
Certainly the Mets have had worse years. As mentioned in recent posts, suffering with them through the late 70’s and early 80’s, the Mets had terrible years. The thing is, at the time, they were never expected to do something. So, is the disappointment greater when you expect to do something, come close but fall short, or is it greater when you are just terrible?
The later years of Steve Phillips, when the Mets were expected to do something and nothing happened, were those greater disappointments. The days of Mo Vaughn at first and Roberto Alomar at second and Jeromy Burnitz in the outfield, those were years when people thought the Mets had a good team, but they fell short.
Of course, the years following 1986 were disappointing. We, as fans, were looking towards a dynasty but it never happened. Sure, we came close in 1988, but we could not even get back in the World Series. That was disappointing.
Honestly, let’s not forget 2006. The Mets were clearly the best team in the NL but we could not even get to the World Series. Game Seven against the Cards, with Beltran striking out, maybe the single greatest disappointment I suffered as a Met fan. Still that was one game.
Don’t expect me to answer the question. I cannot tell you what year was the greatest disappointment I faced as a Met fan. I guess, though, if you stay a Met fan long enough, you deal with disappointment. Still, we pull for them because we love them.
So, what do you think was your greatest disappointment as a Met fan?
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Shea Stadium
2008 is just around the corner and like many people, I hope the new year is a good one. 2008 will bring many joys and many sorrows, as any new year does. 2008 will mark some firsts, and some lasts. We will have to wait to find out what many of those firsts and lasts are, but some we already know about.
In the world of sports, 2008 will mark the last game played at Shea Stadium. The field, which the Mets have called home since 1964, since leaving the Polo Grounds, will be replaced by a new stadium. Certainly this is the way of sports. It is amazing that the Mets have not received a new stadium in their history. So, it is with a lot of joy, but also some sorrow, I look towards Citi Field.
The first time I saw Shea Stadium, I thought it looked like a donut with a bite taken out of it. The “Horseshoe” shaped stadium was something with which I was not familiar. It is probably something with which today’s fan is even less familiar.
I also am looking forward to seeing a stadium model after Ebbets Field, as I never saw the Brooklyn Dodgers play. My dad would have probably been excited, although he never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn and deserting their fans.
Still, it is not with pure joy that I look forward to the opening of a new stadium. Shea holds lots of memories for me. The first live baseball game I ever saw was at Shea Stadium. I have memories of leaving school early on opening day and heading out to the park, with a few friends, to watch the game. I remember being in the stadium the day Pete Rose tied Tommy Helms for the longest hitting streak in the National League (at 37 games). I remember all the fans giving him a standing ovation, but I still refused to stand for the man who got into a fight with Bud Harrelson during the 1973 playoffs.
Perhaps the greatest Shea Stadium memory I have was September 17, 1986. That was the day the Mets beat the Chicago Cubs to clinch the NL East. I was at the game and, like the rest of the fans, following the victory made my way onto the field. I still have my grass and dirt from that day. It is protected, in a glass jar.
So yes, I acknowledge it is time to get a new stadium. Yes I am excited. Still, a part of me is sad to say goodbye to Shea Stadium.
In the world of sports, 2008 will mark the last game played at Shea Stadium. The field, which the Mets have called home since 1964, since leaving the Polo Grounds, will be replaced by a new stadium. Certainly this is the way of sports. It is amazing that the Mets have not received a new stadium in their history. So, it is with a lot of joy, but also some sorrow, I look towards Citi Field.
The first time I saw Shea Stadium, I thought it looked like a donut with a bite taken out of it. The “Horseshoe” shaped stadium was something with which I was not familiar. It is probably something with which today’s fan is even less familiar.
I also am looking forward to seeing a stadium model after Ebbets Field, as I never saw the Brooklyn Dodgers play. My dad would have probably been excited, although he never forgave the Dodgers for leaving Brooklyn and deserting their fans.
Still, it is not with pure joy that I look forward to the opening of a new stadium. Shea holds lots of memories for me. The first live baseball game I ever saw was at Shea Stadium. I have memories of leaving school early on opening day and heading out to the park, with a few friends, to watch the game. I remember being in the stadium the day Pete Rose tied Tommy Helms for the longest hitting streak in the National League (at 37 games). I remember all the fans giving him a standing ovation, but I still refused to stand for the man who got into a fight with Bud Harrelson during the 1973 playoffs.
Perhaps the greatest Shea Stadium memory I have was September 17, 1986. That was the day the Mets beat the Chicago Cubs to clinch the NL East. I was at the game and, like the rest of the fans, following the victory made my way onto the field. I still have my grass and dirt from that day. It is protected, in a glass jar.
So yes, I acknowledge it is time to get a new stadium. Yes I am excited. Still, a part of me is sad to say goodbye to Shea Stadium.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Living In The Past
As I entered my last post, talking about numbers that should be retired got me reminiscing. Many of my memories with the team are not ones of them winning. As a Met fan growing up in the mid-70’s and dearly 80’s, I suffered through many bad years with the team. Still, I enjoyed watching the games.
Yes, the Mets over the years have been known for pitching but I also remember watching pitchers like Nino Espinosa, Pete Falcone and Harry Parker. I remember watching Willie Montanez, Roy Staiger, Elliot Maddox and Alex Trevino.
I remember the Seaver trade where the Mets got pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn, and outfielders Steve Henderson and Dan Norman. Dan Norman years later was used in the Ellis Valentine trade and Steve Henderson years later was used to bring Dave Kingman back to New York.
In 1979 the Mets had Montanez at first, Flynn at second, Frank Taveras at shortstop and Richie Hebner at third. John Stearns was the catcher and the outfield was made up of Joel Youngblood, Lee Mazilli and Steve Henderson. Craig Swann was the ace of the staff. The Flushing Flash, Ed Glynn was in the bullpen and amazingly enough, I was watching as many games as I could.
I would argue with my friends as to why the Mets were going to win it all, why they were a better team than the Yankees, why we should all be Met fans.
It was frustrating, and yet, it was fun. And that team never had the chance to choke in the clutch, so maybe it was easier being a fan then, than it was this past year. I guess I still take the team we had (and even the one we will have next year) over the team of 1979.
Yes, the Mets over the years have been known for pitching but I also remember watching pitchers like Nino Espinosa, Pete Falcone and Harry Parker. I remember watching Willie Montanez, Roy Staiger, Elliot Maddox and Alex Trevino.
I remember the Seaver trade where the Mets got pitcher Pat Zachry, second baseman Doug Flynn, and outfielders Steve Henderson and Dan Norman. Dan Norman years later was used in the Ellis Valentine trade and Steve Henderson years later was used to bring Dave Kingman back to New York.
In 1979 the Mets had Montanez at first, Flynn at second, Frank Taveras at shortstop and Richie Hebner at third. John Stearns was the catcher and the outfield was made up of Joel Youngblood, Lee Mazilli and Steve Henderson. Craig Swann was the ace of the staff. The Flushing Flash, Ed Glynn was in the bullpen and amazingly enough, I was watching as many games as I could.
I would argue with my friends as to why the Mets were going to win it all, why they were a better team than the Yankees, why we should all be Met fans.
It was frustrating, and yet, it was fun. And that team never had the chance to choke in the clutch, so maybe it was easier being a fan then, than it was this past year. I guess I still take the team we had (and even the one we will have next year) over the team of 1979.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Retiring Numbers
It is time for a post that has nothing to do with the Mitchell report; nothing to do with moves the Mets have made, or are trying to make, during the off-season, nothing to do with the Mets awful decline this past season.
Growing up, as a big baseball fan and much less interested in other sports, this time of year was tough for me. I would actually start counting down the weeks until pitchers and catchers report, then to the start of spring training games and ultimately to the start of the season. So, in that vain, this post is just one to allow fans to recall some of their greatest memories, but in a round-about way.
This past season, when the Mets brought Ricky Henderson on board, he was given the number 24 to wear. It was the first time since Willie Mays wore that number for the Mets that anyone has been given that number to wear. Of course Mays only finished his career with the Mets and his brilliant numbers were put up with the Giants (both in New York and San Francisco). Mays’ number was never retired, and it can probably be debated whether it should have been (of course it should be with the Giants, but he really did not accomplish much in a Met uniform).
Still, that brings up the fact that the Mets have only chose to retire three numbers (and four altogether). The Mets have retired Casey Stengel’s 37, Gil Hodges’ 14 and Tom Seaver’s 41. They have also retired, as has all of baseball, Jackie Robinson’s 42.
So, are there any other numbers you feel the Mets should have retired? It doesn’t mater if it is a moot point because others have worn them since. It is just your feelings about who the team SHOULD have honored by doing this. There are a few players, for me, who come to mind. Of course you are free to disagree (isn’t it nice of me to give you permission).
I would have liked the Mets to retire 36 in honor of Jerry Koosman. He was one of the best left handers of his generation. He had a great pick-off move for which he never received credit (but Steve Carlton did say he stole Koosman’s pick-off move). He played on some terrible teams and he kept his focus. He was fun to watch, and a personal favorite.
Another man I thought the Mets should have honored was Tug McGraw. Not only, as a reliever, did he have good numbers, he was the backbone of the ’73 Mets, coming up with the phrase “You gotta believe”. He also understood the importance of being a showman. So I would have retired 45 in honor of Tug!
I still debate the next two but I think it would be appropriate for the Mets to honor these next two players. One is Keith Hernandez. While, by things Hernandez has said, I don’t think he is one of the nicest human beings and I still have not forgiven him for admitting that he game up on the ’86 Mets in game 6, he had very good numbers and his leadership was crucial. As a result, I think he earned his number 17 being retired.
The final player I think deserves the honor is Mike Piazza. Number 31 should be retired because Piazza put up strong numbers, was fun to watch, understood how to play in New York and for years was the face of the team.
So there you have it, the additional numbers I think should be retired. Again, I may have left some out, but feel free to voice your opinion on the topic.
Growing up, as a big baseball fan and much less interested in other sports, this time of year was tough for me. I would actually start counting down the weeks until pitchers and catchers report, then to the start of spring training games and ultimately to the start of the season. So, in that vain, this post is just one to allow fans to recall some of their greatest memories, but in a round-about way.
This past season, when the Mets brought Ricky Henderson on board, he was given the number 24 to wear. It was the first time since Willie Mays wore that number for the Mets that anyone has been given that number to wear. Of course Mays only finished his career with the Mets and his brilliant numbers were put up with the Giants (both in New York and San Francisco). Mays’ number was never retired, and it can probably be debated whether it should have been (of course it should be with the Giants, but he really did not accomplish much in a Met uniform).
Still, that brings up the fact that the Mets have only chose to retire three numbers (and four altogether). The Mets have retired Casey Stengel’s 37, Gil Hodges’ 14 and Tom Seaver’s 41. They have also retired, as has all of baseball, Jackie Robinson’s 42.
So, are there any other numbers you feel the Mets should have retired? It doesn’t mater if it is a moot point because others have worn them since. It is just your feelings about who the team SHOULD have honored by doing this. There are a few players, for me, who come to mind. Of course you are free to disagree (isn’t it nice of me to give you permission).
I would have liked the Mets to retire 36 in honor of Jerry Koosman. He was one of the best left handers of his generation. He had a great pick-off move for which he never received credit (but Steve Carlton did say he stole Koosman’s pick-off move). He played on some terrible teams and he kept his focus. He was fun to watch, and a personal favorite.
Another man I thought the Mets should have honored was Tug McGraw. Not only, as a reliever, did he have good numbers, he was the backbone of the ’73 Mets, coming up with the phrase “You gotta believe”. He also understood the importance of being a showman. So I would have retired 45 in honor of Tug!
I still debate the next two but I think it would be appropriate for the Mets to honor these next two players. One is Keith Hernandez. While, by things Hernandez has said, I don’t think he is one of the nicest human beings and I still have not forgiven him for admitting that he game up on the ’86 Mets in game 6, he had very good numbers and his leadership was crucial. As a result, I think he earned his number 17 being retired.
The final player I think deserves the honor is Mike Piazza. Number 31 should be retired because Piazza put up strong numbers, was fun to watch, understood how to play in New York and for years was the face of the team.
So there you have it, the additional numbers I think should be retired. Again, I may have left some out, but feel free to voice your opinion on the topic.
Monday, December 24, 2007
What's On The Farm
So, I am left wondering what the Mets have down in their farm system. As we ended the baseball season, I thought they looked pretty good. Carlos Gomez proved he could play at the major league level and he showed he could hit and play defense. Lastings Milledge put up some strong numbers late in the year and was one of the clubs best clutch hitters in the last month or two of the season.
I didn’t think Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey looked great when they pitched this season, but I did not think they devalued themselves either. I thought this was, in large part, a problem of rushing them to the majors because they didn’t have the pitching the needed. In addition, I hear great things about Kevin Mulvey and I believe Carlos Muniz is supposed to be the real deal.
There is also Rueben Gotay who struggled against lefties but hit .318 against righties, certainly some impressive numbers. He seemed to play the game with a lot of flair and excitement. Once, however, the Mets picked up Luis Castillo, Gotay’s time was seriously reduced.
Still, I am clearly missing something. No one seems interested in trading with the Mets when it comes to get a pitcher. Yes, the Mets are looking at getting a special pitcher, still it seems to me they have some chips, but nothing is happening.
The Mets traded Milledge for a lot less than what they should have, as far as I am concerned. The Mets have not been able to land a pitcher either. No one seems interested in what they have to offer. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know Omar needs to do something. This is a franchise that has been known for its pitching.
There were, of course, Seaver and Koosman. You can certainly through Nolan Ryan into that group as well, although he never put up strong numbers in New York. There was Jon Matlock and even in the terrible years of the late 70’s (and early 80’s) there was Craig Swann (not a household name but good enough to lead the league in lowest ERA for a season or two—and be in the running for a number of other ones). Of course there were Doc and Ron and Sid, Bobby O and David Cone. The history of the Mets is rich with pitching and now we cannot seem to land one.
It is ironic and more importantly, it is frustrating.
I didn’t think Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey looked great when they pitched this season, but I did not think they devalued themselves either. I thought this was, in large part, a problem of rushing them to the majors because they didn’t have the pitching the needed. In addition, I hear great things about Kevin Mulvey and I believe Carlos Muniz is supposed to be the real deal.
There is also Rueben Gotay who struggled against lefties but hit .318 against righties, certainly some impressive numbers. He seemed to play the game with a lot of flair and excitement. Once, however, the Mets picked up Luis Castillo, Gotay’s time was seriously reduced.
Still, I am clearly missing something. No one seems interested in trading with the Mets when it comes to get a pitcher. Yes, the Mets are looking at getting a special pitcher, still it seems to me they have some chips, but nothing is happening.
The Mets traded Milledge for a lot less than what they should have, as far as I am concerned. The Mets have not been able to land a pitcher either. No one seems interested in what they have to offer. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know Omar needs to do something. This is a franchise that has been known for its pitching.
There were, of course, Seaver and Koosman. You can certainly through Nolan Ryan into that group as well, although he never put up strong numbers in New York. There was Jon Matlock and even in the terrible years of the late 70’s (and early 80’s) there was Craig Swann (not a household name but good enough to lead the league in lowest ERA for a season or two—and be in the running for a number of other ones). Of course there were Doc and Ron and Sid, Bobby O and David Cone. The history of the Mets is rich with pitching and now we cannot seem to land one.
It is ironic and more importantly, it is frustrating.
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