N.Y. Yankees: Astros Pitching Short Circuiting Bomber Bats

From the desk of: BLAME CARLOS MAY

AMERICAN LEAGUE 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

ASTROS LEAD YANKEES; 2-1

I - NYY 7; HOU 0

II - HOU 3; NYY 2

III - HOU 4; NYY 1

GAME FOUR

Houston Astros

vs.

New York Yankees

FROM

BRONX COUNTY

Having now faced Houston's big three, the Yankees trail the ALCS (1-2) with two games left to play at Yankee Stadium.  Baring a pinstriped implosion this series is heading back to Houston where the Yankees in game one score seven runs on 13 hits against Zack Greinke.  However, New York's momentum at the plate only carries them as far as the next game's opposing pitcher.  In game two Justin Verlander and five Astros relievers join in limiting the Yankees to six hits and a pair of runs.  On Tuesday Gerrit Cole and a trio of relievers yield just one run on five hits.  That's three runs on eleven hits for the Yankees over their last two games.  Not very Bomber like, save for Gleyber Torres.

• Gary Sanchez: 1 for 13 (.077); six strikeouts; and presently a defensive liability.

Game four strikes me as a coin flip.  Each manager has limited pitching options and none seem terribly promising.  The tentative plan is to bring Tanaka back on short rest.  Plan B would be to bullpen the game.  There's always C.C. Sabathia.  Or just pray for rain.

For what it's worth, Paxton would be on his bullpen day three days after being yanked from game two after allowing an earned run on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts in just 2.1 innings pitched.

Meanwhile the Astros appear only slightly more well off handing the ball to Wade Miley.  This all remains to be determined.  But it sure looks like game four is building up to be a hitter's game.

Famous last words ...

Which ever team wins game four I believe seizes the advantage.  Houston, obviously, because they'll have three opportunities to win one game.  But if the Yankees should take game four, Masahiro Tanaka is in line for game five.  Tanaka pitches brilliantly against the Twins, and more so in game one at Houston in which he allows the Astros just one hit and one walk, with four strikeouts through six scoreless innings pitched.

Rewind back to the final weeks and days of June.  Brian Cashman turns his back on what he believes to be a rigged trade market, electing instead to hold his ground.  Luis Severino perhaps plays a part in Cashman's decision.  But we just witnessed the consequences of his decisions in game three and now leading into game four.  It's clear Severino is nowhere near mid-season form, much less ALCS ready.  But in lieu of pitching upgrades, this is precisely why Brian Cashman acquires Edwin Encarnacion ...

... to win game four.

Amazin' Date 10/15/1969: Tom Seaver Goes Ten In Game Four Victory

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME FOUR

Orioles   1

Mets       2

10 INNINGS

SHEA STADIUM

TOM SEAVER TEN INNING GEM LIFTS METS TO 3-1 SERIES LEAD OVER BIRDS

The unflappable Gil Hodges and his amazin' Mets are one victory away from clinching baseball's world championship.

• GAME FOUR: Wednesday, October 15, 1969 - BR

In a rematch of game one, Tom Seaver toes the rubber at Shea Stadium opposed by Baltimore's Mike Cuellar.  If you recall it was Seaver making an early exit from the series opener at Baltimore, and Cuellar going the distance for the win.  This time it is Cuellar making an untimely exit while Seaver pitches triumphantly through the tenth.

Also getting his second look at Cuellar is Donn Clendenon who goes 2 for 4 with a double in game one.  On Wednesday leading off the second Donn hits his second home run in his last three games.  Cuellar exits after seven innings having yielded the lone run on seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts in a no-decision effort.  Meanwhile the score remains unchanged through eight.  With one out in the top half of the ninth Tom Seaver yields consecutive singles to Frank Robinson and Boog Powell.  Then with runners on the corners Brooks Robinson strokes a low sinking liner to right field.  Ron Swoboda racing furiously to his right makes a full extension backhanded diving catch for the out.  Frank Robinson tags and scores the tying run from third.  But anything less than Swoboda's amazing catch means that ball bounces all the way to the wall.  Seaver then fans Elrod Henricks ending the threat.

Into extra-innings they go ...

Manager Hodges sends his ace back out for the tenth inning.  Tom Seaver obliges with another scoreless frame.  Leading off the bottom half of the inning against Orioles reliever Dick Hall, Jerry Grote flares an excuse me double up along the left field line.  Al Weis is intentionally walked, and the Orioles then summon reliever Pete Richert.  Pinch-hitting for Seaver, J.C. Martin pushes a bunt up along the first base side.  Richert fields it, but his attempted throw to first hits Martin.  Pinch-runner Rod Gaspar rounds third and when the ball gets away he hustles home scoring the winning run.

Tom Seaver puts forth New York's third straight dominant performance against a seemingly over matched Baltimore lineup.  He faces 38 batters, allowing just one earned run on six hit and two walks with six strikeouts through ten full innings pitched.  The Mets have now limited Baltimore to just a pair of runs and twelves hits over their last three games.  New York's defense also should not go under spoken.  Superlative glove work from Tommie Agee, Bud Harrelson, Cleon Jones, and Ron Swoboda, no doubt have had a deflating effect upon Orioles hitters.

N.Y. Giants: Danny Downer Needs a Lift

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Downward Daniel

WEEK SIX

Giants      14

Patriots    24

FINAL

Like I say, you can't be disappointed with what you do not expect.  Of course New England was going to pose a huge problem.  Did you think otherwise?  The defending Super Bowl champions are the measure of all teams, after all.  That being said, it's still nice knowing how well Big Blue stacks up against the best ... or not.

Now we know.

Dave Gettleman still has lots of work to do.  I'll leave it at that.

In the meantime Daniel Jones needs to study last Thursday's game film for the rest of the season.  The more he understands what happened to him the better off the Giants will be.  Just one sack, but three interceptions - that's what Bill Belichick does to young quarterbacks.  With eight other QB hits Daniel Jones was under duress and sufficiently confused.  The numbers prove that out: 15/31 for 161 yards, with 64-yards coming on a touchdown connection with Golden Tate.  Take away that play and Jones goes 14/30 (46%) for 97 yards.  That's a hard lesson.

Through four starts Daniel Jones is 82/136 (60%) for 904 yards, with five touchdowns and six interceptions.  Two touchdowns come in his first start.  Three interceptions occur last week.

Since his starting debut against Tampa, Daniel's attempts, yards per game, and completion percentage, have fallen incrementally over his last three games.  He now needs a performance that bucks these trends.

The Giants next host the Arizona Cardinals; a manageable opponent.

N.Y. Jets: Gang Spleen Finally Takes Flight

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Cowboys  22

Jets           24

FINAL

Sam, I am, and despite my ponderous mononucleosis I am the man..!

Darnold leads the Jets to their first victory of the season with a heart matching the size of his swollen spleen.  He doesn't just beat the Dallas Cowboys, he befuddles them, eluding the rush and completing rather miraculous passes.  Darnold finds Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson eleven times for 233 yards and a 92-yard touchdown play.  He connects with Ryan Griffin for another.  In all he targets six different receivers not named Le'Veon Bell.  Sure he threw an INT, but who cares!  Sam completes 23/32 (72%) attempts for 338 yards in his first game back.  He even makes the offensive line look good.  Behind them, Bell rushes 14 times for just 50 yards.  But Sam is only sacked twice (by Robert Quinn), and sustains just two other hits.  The extra time allows Sam to generate almost as much total yardage as Dallas in 21 fewer plays from scrimmage.

• PROBLEM: Just 56 yards on the ground, and 2/12 on third down conversions.
• QUESTION: Why isn't Bilal Powell being utilized more?

Much to my surprise coach Gregg Williams undermanned defense turns back the NFL's top offense.  They generate just one sack, but get in eight QB hits.  They yield 105 yards on 28 rushes by Ezekiel Elliott.  But with Amari Cooper hurt, the Jets coverage is blanket.  Tavon Austin leads all Dallas receivers with five receptions and 64 yards.  Dak Prescott throws no touchdowns.  And of course, there is Gang Green's decisive goal line stand.

It's not often teams get to defeat the Cowboys on Jerry Jones' birthday.

A job well done ...

Next Up: the New England Patriots.

Amazin' Date 10/14/1969: Tommie Agee and Gary Gentry Star in Game Three Victory Over Birds

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR.MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME THREE

Baltimore Orioles    0

New York Mets        5

FINAL

SHEA STADIUM

METS WIN FIRST EVER WORLD SERIES GAME AT SHEA STADIUM; TAKE 2-1 LEAD OVER BIRDS.

TOMMY AGEE TAKES FOOD FROM THE BIRDS

• GAME THREE: Tuesday. October 14, 1969 - BR

Six months after crushing perhaps the most majestic home run of his career, Tommie Agee puts forth arguably the greatest performance of his career in game three of the World Series at Shea Stadium.  The Mets lead-off batter puts New York on the board straightaway when he deposits Jim Palmer's fourth offering of the game far beyond the center field wall for a prompt 1-0 New York lead.  His domination of game three continues not at the plate, but in the field.  With two outs and runners on the corners in the fourth, Agee races far to his right making a running backhand stab of Elrod Hendrick's deep fly to left/center field.  Then with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh, Tommie Agee this time runs far to his left punching the palm of his glove twice before making a remarkable diving catch of Paul Blair's liner hit towards the right/center field gap.

Mets starter Gary Gentry helps his own cause in the second inning with a two-out double scoring Jerry Grote and Bud Harrelson giving the Mets a 3-0 lead.  Jerry Grote's run scoring double in the sixth, and Ed Kranepool's home run in the eighth give the Mets a 5-0 final margin of victory.

Gary Gentry limits the Birds to just three hits through 6.2 scoreless innings pitched, with five walks and four strikeouts.  Nolan Ryan fans three while yielding just one hit through 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of Gentry.  In taking a 2-1 series lead, Mets pitchers have limited the Orioles to just one run on six hits over their last two games.

Game Four Starters: Mike Cuellar (23-11; 2.38) vs. Tom Seaver (25-7; 2.21)

Brooklyn Tip Tops Inaugural 1914 Season Draws to a Close

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

SEASON FINALE

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Baltimore Terrapins

FROM

TERRAPIN PARK

GAME ONE VICTORY AT LEAST SECURES A .500 FINISH

• GAME ONE: Saturday, October 10, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn wins their penultimate game of the season.  The Tip Tops overcome a two run deficit with a six run outburst in the fifth en route to their 77th victory of the season.  Making his 42nd and final start of the season, Ed Lafitte improves to 18-15 with a representative 2.63 ERA.  Left fielder George Anderson, center fielder Al Shaw, and first baseman Solly Hofman each drive in two runs apiece.

THREE FINGER BROWN TAKES LOSS IN SEASON FINALE

• GAME TWO: Saturday, October 10, 1914 - BR

The Tip Tops are held scoreless in their season finale.  Baltimore starter Kaiser Wilhelm limits Brooklyn to just seven hits and no walks with seven strikeouts in a complete game shutout effort.  Mordecai Brown, the 37-year old former National League great, concludes a strong finish with Brooklyn.  He allows Baltimore just one earned run on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts through eight innings.  The Miner finishes the season 14-13 with a 3.52 ERA.

1914 BROOKLYN TIP TOPS - BR

INAUGURAL SEASON
77-77 (.500)

WASHINGTON PARK

THE SEASON

After opening their inaugural season on the road, on Monday, May 11, Kings County gets its first glimpse of the borough's newest baseball enterprise.  The Tip Tops take the field in front of 15,000 fans at refurbished Washington Park where they are whitewashed by the visiting Pittsburgh Stogies on Opening Day.  Onlookers are left pondering what's so new and unique about that, after all, the nearby Superbas lose games all the time.  But Gowanas locals are soon treated to their first alternative circuit victory on Thursday, May 14, with a 4-1 decision over the St. Louis Terriers.

What follows is something as weird, wild, and wondrous, as any summer side show at Coney Island.  There are odd and curious times to be had at Washington Park, for sure.

The Tip Tops are under performers for much of the spring months.  And by the end of June they're in sixth place with a 25-32 record, nine games out of first place.  On Independence Day they win their third straight over Buffalo.  One week later upwards of 30,000 cranks packing Washington Park witness the home Feds sweep a twin bill from the Pittsburgh Stogies.  Brooklyn goes on to post a stellar 21-8 record in July.  Moreover, from July 16 through Aug. 20, the Tip Tops remain anchored no more than 4.5 games out of first place, at one point closing to within 1.5 games.  That is until they arrive at Indianapolis on Aug. 21, for a pivotal six game showdown against the first place Hoosiers.  Indianapolis rolls to a series sweep sending Brooklyn on their way one game under .500 and 8.5 games out of first place.  The Tip Tops exercise one last measure of resilience winning seven in a row.  On September 12, they again close to within three games of first place.  But they can not sustain, and begin a sure and methodical descent down the Federal League ranks.  As the calendar changes to October the Tips Tops are officially eliminated from title contention.

The Brooklyn Tip Tops finish the season at par with a 77-77 record.  However, they play .500 or better against all league opponents with the exception of two: Joe Tinker's second place Chicago ChiFeds, and the pennant winning Indianapolis Hoosiers, against whom they post a combined 12-32 (.272) record.  And therein lies the discrepancy in their final standing, as Brooklyn otherwise posts a 65-45 (.591) against all other competition.

THE MANAGER

Brooklyn secures well respected Bill Bradley as their player/manager.  Back in baseball after a three year absence the 36-year old former Cleveland Indians third baseman limits himself to just six pinch-hit appearances all season.  As a rookie in 1899 with the Chicago Cubs he bats .310 in 129 at-bats.  In 1901 he jumps to the Cleveland Indians of the upstart American League where he spends the next ten seasons.  In 1902 he bats .340 (the first of three straight .300 seasons) with 11 home runs and 77 runs batted in.

THE TEAM

A renown glove man as a player, manager Bill Bradley can only watch in dismay as the Tip Tops commit the league's second most errors and tie for worst fielding percentage.  This is made all the more ponderous by the pennant clinching Hoosiers whom lead the league in both categories.

But whereas Indianapolis posts a second best 3.06 ERA, Brooklyn posts a 3.33 team ERA which is sufficiently below league average.  This, despite yielding the second least home runs.  Otherwise it can be said Tip Top pitchers were out of control, surrendering a league high 559 base on balls, and  plunking a league high 52 batters, while striking out the third least batters.

Right-hander Tom Seaton is Brooklyn's ace.  In 1913 his 27 victories and 168 strikeouts lead the National League.  But after spending two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies he jumps to the Federal League nearly tripling his salary.  In his first season with the Tip Tops the 26-year old goes 25-14 with a 3.03 ERA, and 172 strikeouts through 302.2 innings pitched.  He ties for third most wins, and finishes fourth in strikeouts.

Before joining the Tip Tops, Ed Lafitte pitches parts of three seasons with the Detroit Tigers.  But it's the 1914 season which essentially marks his first full campaign as a big league starter.  The 28-year old goes 18-15 with a ninth best 2.63 ERA.  His 137 strikeouts through 290.2 innings are eleventh best.  He also owns the distinction of issuing a league high 127 walks.

After eleven seasons National League great Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown jumps to the St. Louis Terriers.  Prior to his arrival in the Federal League, Brown posts six straight 20-win seasons as a member of the Chicago Cubs.  In 1906 he leads the National league with a 1.04 ERA and nine shutouts.  In 1909 he leads the league with 27 victories and 342.2 innings pitched.  And from 1908 through 1911 he also leads the league with 32 saves.  At 37-years of age, the Miner posts a 12-6 record and 3.29 ERA in 26 appearances and 175 innings pitched for the Terriers.  In late August Brown is acquired by Brooklyn.  He makes his first appearance in a Sept. 2 loss at Buffalo.  The Tip Tops are 58-57 at the time, and 7.5 games back of first.  The team does well to close within three games of first by Sept. 12, however, Brown is largely ineffective when they need him most.  His stint with Brooklyn takes a turn towards the positive with the onset of October but only after they're eliminated from contention.  He posts a 2-5 record and 4.21 ERA with 32 strikeouts through nine appearances and 57.2 innings pitched as a member of the Tip Tops.

At the plate, Brooklyn makes one think what could have been, as they boast the second most potent lineup in the league.

• Runs: #2 (662)
• Hits: #2 (1,402)
• Home Runs: #2 (42)
• Total Bases: #2 (1,923)
• Team AVG: #2 (.269)
• Team SLG: #2 (.383)
• Stolen Bases: #3 (220)

After five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Evans jumps to the BrookFeds where he becomes their leading hitter.  At 29-years of age the lefty swinging right fielder enjoys his finest season, finishing second in the batting race with a .348 average.  He posts a league leading 15 triples and .556 slugging percentage.  He is also second with 41 doubles, and second with 96 runs batted in, and his twelve home runs rank third.

Al Shaw has a brief three year career between 1907 and 1909 with the St. Louis Cardinals.  After a four year absence from the game, he returns to roam center field for the Tip Tops.  An early season injury keeps him out of action for more than three weeks.  But the now 33-year old returns to bat .324, with 27 doubles, five home runs, 49 runs batted in, a representative .473 slugging average, and 24 stolen bases.

First baseman Solly Hofman enjoys a career season in 1910 while with the Chicago Cubs, batting .325 with 43 extra-base hits and 86 runs batted in.  But after eleven seasons with the Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hofman jumps leagues.  Now 31-years old, Solly plays in a career high 147 games for Brooklyn, batting .287 with 42 extra-base hits, 83 runs batted in, and 34 stolen bases.

THE LOCALS

The Tip Tops season slightly surpasses that of the neighboring Brooklyn Robins whom in their second season at new Ebbets Field and their first campaign under manager Wilbert Robinson finish the 1914 National League season with a 75-79 (.487) record.  In fact, the Tip Tops even outperform the nine year old New York Yankees who finish in sixth place of the American League with a 70-84 (.455) record.  Only John McGraw's New York Giants enjoy a better season, finishing in second place of the senior circuit with an 84-70 (.545) record.

THE PARK

WASHINGTON PARK IV

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE NOW!

Amazin' Date 10/12/1969: Al Weis and Jerry Koosman Lift Mets to Game Two Victory at Baltimore

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME TWO

New York Mets     2

Baltimore Orioles  1

FINAL
MEMORIAL STADIUM

Mets Draw Even With The Birds on Jerry Koosman's Gem

• GAME TWO: Sunday, October 12, 1969 - BR

Baltimore's Dave McNally and Jerry Koosman duel to a one all tie through eight innings in game two Sunday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.  Donn Clendenon connects on a long home run to right off McNally in the fourth.  Jerry Koosman's bid for a no-hitter is broken up by Paul Blair's base hit leading off the seventh.  Brooks Robinson similarly ruins Koosman's bid for a shutout with a game tying single scoring Blair.  With two outs in the top of the ninth, Orioles manager Earl Weaver allows McNally to yield three straight hits from the bottom of the Mets line-up.  Ed Charles and Jerry Grote slash consecutive singles to left.  Al Weis then plates Charles with the go-ahead run on yet another base hit to left.  With two outs in the last half of the ninth, Koosman issues consecutive base on balls to Frank Robinson and Boog Powell.  Gil Hodges then emerges from the dugout summoning Ron Taylor from the bullpen, who induces Brooks Robinson into a game ending ground ball to third.  Jerry Koosman earns the first ever World Series victory in Mets history, allowing just one run on two hits and three walks with four strikeouts. 

The series now shifts to Shea Stadium, Queens, for game three.  Baltimore's Jim Palmer and Gary Gentry are Tuesday's scheduled starters.

• GAME ONE

Mrs. Babe Ruth throws out the ceremonial first pitch.

PIGSKIN 2019: Week Six

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Six

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two
Week Three

Week Four
Week Five

SCOREBOARD
Week Five Record: 7-6
Overall Record:  30-38
Schmear of the Week: 3-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -5

1st and Ten

• Don't look now, but the Patriots are 6-0, and have allowed just 48 points.
• Can the Niners stay undefeated?
• Race for Number One (draft pick): Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, Snyders.

2nd and Long

• New York's Real Team: the second place Buffalo Bills are 4-1; undefeated (3-0) on the road.
• The Jets better second-guess this whole special pads plan for their franchise quarterback.  Starting Sam Darnold is a really, really, bad idea!
• The Gronk begins his second career on FOX.

No Gain

• Pass Interference!
• Falcons easily biggest disappointment in NFL, not necessarily the worst team (eh hem ... Dolphins).
• More parity on tap for London.

PUNT!

• The Legion of Loon: If Richard Sherman says he didn't shake hands, then he didn't shake hands, video evidence be damned.
• Jay Gruden fired as head coach of the D.C. Snyders.

WEEK SIX
Friday Line NYDN

Cowboys -7 1/2 JETS
Jerry's Kids are desperate to halt a two game skid.  What better opponent than the Jets with which to get back on track.  The Cowboys are working with far more offensive weapons than the Jets defenders are presently staffed to handle.
Loss; 24-22 Jets

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE 

GASE HASTE MAKES WASTE

Gang Spleen are still looking for their first victory of the season.  They've only scored two offensive touchdowns through four games.  Meanwhile Le'Veon Bell is working harder than ever with nothing really to show for his efforts.  This week will be no different.  I do not anticipate the Jets rushing through Dallas with the same effectiveness demonstrated last week by Green Bay.  In fact, I expect the Cowboys defensive front to again overwhelm the Jets beleaguered offensive line and wreak havoc throughout Sam Darnold's ill advised return under center.  I'm no doctor, but starting Darnold after missing four weeks strikes me as a risky proposition.  I understand with the return of Darnold there will be expectations for Adam Gase to elevate his play calling.  But if I'm Christopher Johnson I'm telling my head coach do not force anything out of desperation.

Panthers -2 Bucs  *London
The Panthers leave me no choice but to finally lean their way.  I thought for sure Ron Rivera was on the hot seat.  He's quickly changed the narrative at Carolina.
WIN; 37-26 Panthers

Bengals +11 1/2 RAVENS
This is more about not trusting the Ravens to cover nearly twelve points.
WIN; 23-17 Ravens

Seahawks -1 1/2 BROWNS
Consistency and maturity vs inconsistency and immaturity.
WIN; 32-28 Seahawks

CHIEFS -5 Texans
I believe the Texans can control the clock via the run, and thereby minimize Pat Mahomes' time on the field.  Just don't have the guts to follow through.
Loss; 31-24 Texans

Saints +1 JAGUARS
I'll take the Saints and their underrated defense getting a point any day.
WIN; 13-6 Saints

VIKINGS -3 Eagles
Eagles will not be sacking Kirk Cousins ten times like the did against Luke Falk and the Jets.  They're also not as good offensively as their 28-points per game might indicate.  I believe the Vikings defense will prove me right.
WIN; 38-20 Vikings

D.C. Synders -3 1/2 DOLPHINS
Hold your nose for Sunday's Toilet Bowl.  The Sea Mammals are trying to lose.  The Snyders are actually trying to win.  There's the difference.
Loss; 17-16 Snyders

49ers +3 1/2 RAMS
The second best thing the Rams do best is give up points.  If it weren't for the Patriots, the Niners defense would be a lead story.
WIN; 20-7 Niners

CARDINALS +2 1/2 Falcons
Emotions will be running high with the passing away of owner Bill Bidwell.  Falcons do not seem able to get out of their own way.  Their defense allows Arizona to stay in this game.  Head coach Dan Quinn might soon be joining Jay Gruden on the unemployment line.
WIN; 34-33 Cardinals

BRONCOS -2 1/2 Titans
The Titans have over extended their credit.  I have no more patience for them.
WIN; 16-0 Broncos

Steelers +7 CHARGERS
No Big Ben; AB; or Le'Veon Bell; yet the Steelers are arguably still better than the Bolts.  With no fans and no home field advantage to speak of, I have no love for the Chargers this week.
WIN; 24-17 Steelers


Schmear of the Week: (3-2)
D.C. Snyders -3 1/2
LOSS

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday, everyone!

Post Game
Week Six Record: 9-3
Overall Record: 39-41
Schmear of the Week: 3-3
Bagels in the Basket:  -2

Amazin' Date 10/11/1969: Mets Bow to Mike Cuellar and the Birds in Game One at Baltimore

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

1969

WORLD SERIES

GAME ONE

NEW YORK METS           1

BALTIMORE ORIOLES    4

FINAL

MEMORIAL STADIUM

Just as pundits anticipated, the Mets bow to the mighty Baltimore Orioles in game one of the 1969 Fall Classic at Memorial Stadium.

• GAME ONE: Saturday, October 11, 1969 - BR

Baltimore southpaw and 23-game winner Mike Cuellar stays true to form, limiting the visiting Mets to just one earned run on six hits and four walks with eight strikeouts through nine complete innings pitched.  Cuellar also helps his own cause at the plate with a hit and a run batted in.  Otherwise left fielder Don Buford leads the Birds with a double, home run, and two runs batted in.  Shortstop Mark Belanger accounts for the Orioles fourth run batted in.  Baltimore makes the most of their opportunities going 3 for 4 with runners in scoring position.  The Mets on the other hand leave eight runners on base and bat just 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  They score their lone run in the seventh on a sac fly from Al Weis plating Donn Clendenon.  Suffice it to say the afternoon does not go well for Tom Seaver.  He yields four earned runs on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Don Cardwell and Ron Taylor quiet down the Orioles over the final three frames.

In Search of a Skipper w/ Greg Prince on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Out of the Bullpen Hosting for Sam

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

SPECIAL GUEST

Greg Prince of 

Faith and Fear in Flushing

122-minutes

STUFF

Mickey Callaway and the Replacements

Potential Candidates for Manager #22 of the New York Mets

Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Jeff Wilpon

Frank Howard? ~ Pete Alonso ~ Jacob deGrom ~ Jerry Koosman ~ Frank Thomas!

The Dog Days of Spring

The Who's Who of Mets Blown Saves ~ Edwin Diaz Apology?

New York Giants ~ Ray Perkins ~ Michael Ray Richardson ~ New York Knicks

and so much more..!

#LFGM

N.Y. Yankees: A Twin Killing

From the desk of: BLAME CARLOS MAY

YANKEES AT THE GATES

Yankees defeat Twins; 3-0

I - NYY 10; MIN 4

II - NYY 8; MIN 2

III - NYY 5; MIN 1

With a three game sweep of the A.L. Central champion Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees are heading to their 17th ever American League Championship Series.

What's old is new again ...

Minnesota never stood a chance.  After jumping ahead 2-0 in the top half of the third inning of game one at Yankee Stadium, the Twins never again mount a lead at any point in the series.  In fact they are outscored more than threefold by 23-7 margin.  The Twins generate 22 hits and four solo home runs; the Yankees generate 29 hits, four solo home runs, and one grand slam off the bat of Didi Gregorious.

The Bombers of game three more resemble the Bronx teams of seasons past: one walk, nine strikeouts, four extra-base hits, and at least two home runs.  I say that partly in jest because through games one and two the Yankees bat .297 with seven extra-base hits, 16 walks, and 18 strikeouts.  Of their 19 hits, only three go for home runs which suggests they were exercising discipline at the plate and stringing together hits.  Through three games the Yankees bat (11 for 34) .323 with runners in scoring position.

Now they must wait patiently for a winner to emerge between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.  While those clubs continue taxing their pitching, Aaron Boone gets to rest and refresh the bullpen and align the starting rotation to his liking for the upcoming championship series.

OTD 10/8/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Tom Seaton Wins 25th of Season

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Last Series of the Season

GAME ONE

Tip Tops    5

Terrapins  3

FINAL

Tom Seaton Gains 25th Victory of Season

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, October 8, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn wins their series opener versus Baltimore, as Tom Seaton earns his 25 victory of the season.  He allows three runs on 15 hits and two walks with three strikeouts through nine full innings.  Brooklyn turns just one double-play, yet the Terrapins leave 13 runners on base.  Seaton ends the season with a 25-13 record and 3.03 ERA.  Getting the start in center, Felix Chouinard goes 2 for 3 with a triple and three runs batted in.  Seaton helps his own cause with a hit and two runs scored.  In his bid to capture the batting title, Steve Evans strikes out four times in four at-bats.  The fifth place Tip Tops get back above .500 with a 76-75 record with three left to play.

N.Y. Jets: Offensive Line Puts Futility on Full Display

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

!MAY-DAY !! MAY-DAY!

.   .   .   -   -   -   .   .   . 

WEEK FIVE

Eagles   31

Jets         6

FINAL

I don't know who I feel more sorry for, Luke Falk or Le'Veon Bell. 

Philadelphia brought the pain against Falk, sacking him ten times but essentially hitting and harassing him all game long largely without utilizing the blitz.  Poor guy was lucky to complete 15 of 26 attempts for 120 yards, with two INT, and two fumbles, and still live to tell about it.  Jets quarterbacks have now been sacked 23 times, and hit another 43 times this season.  The offensive line allows 13 sacks against their first three opponents, therefore Sunday's performance is no aberration. 

The same offensive line tasked with protecting Falk is also yet to create any detectable daylight for Le'Veon Bell.  Through four games the Jets have rushed 83 times for 264 yards.  That averages to 21 attempts and 66 yards per game.  Le'Veon Bell has rushed 71 times for 206 yards, and has caught 20 passes for 121 yards.  That averages out to 18 rushes for 51 yards, and five receptions for 30 yards.  All told he is averaging 23 touches for 81 yards per game.  These are hardly Le'Veon Bell numbers.  Coming off a bye week their performance is made even more ponderous. 

But Adam Gase would have us believe everything instantly changes once Sam Darnold returns under center.  The problem I have with quarterback gurus is they're just that: quarterback specialists.  Put them in charge of a whole team, and they become a little short for answers.  In the meantime Gase completely blundered an entire week of practice giving Sam Darnold the majority of practice reps knowing he'd be out for Sunday's game.

There seems to come a point in every Jets season where we ask ourselves: can it get any worse?

We are there ...

OTD 10/7/1914: Modecai Brown Lifts Brooklyn Tip Tops Over Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

BufFeds/Tip Tops Draw; 2-2

I - BUF 4; BTT 3

II - BUF 3; BTT 1

III - BTT 10; BUF 4

IV- BTT 10; BUF 4

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Buffalo BufFeds

If nothing else Mordecai Brown's effort against Buffalo opponent Harry Moran helps lift Brooklyn back to .500 and snaps their three game skid.

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, October 7, 1914 - BR

The Tip Tops score early, often, and late, in a commanding 10-4 victory at Buffalo's International Fair Association Grounds.  Catcher Yip Owens leads the charge going 3 for 3 with a double, home run, and three runs batted in.  Brown helps his own cause with a hit in four plate appearances and a run batted in.  George Anderson, Al Halt, and Steve Evans, each drive in a run apiece.  Making his seventh start for the Tip Tops, the 37-year old Mordecai Brown yields four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts over eight innings for his 14th victory of the season against 12 losses with a 3.61 ERA.  Manager Bradley's bunch improve to 75-75 with four games remaining on Brooklyn's schedule.  Their sole mission now is to avoid slipping into the sub-par second division.

INDIANAPOLIS HOOSIERS CLINCH PENNANT

Otherwise the inaugural Federal League season is drawing to its conclusion.  With their seventh straight victory the Indianapolis Hoosiers clinch the league's first ever pennant by a 1.5 game margin ahead of the Chicago ChiFeds.  The Hoosiers improve to a league best 87-65 with Wednesday's defeat of the St. Louis Terriers, while the ChiFeds sat idle after losing both games of a double-header against the Packers on Tuesday.  The season comes to an end on Thursday, but there's nothing more Chicago can do.

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE NOW!

Long Island Ducks Are 2019 Atlantic League Champions

From the desk of: THE WEBBED CHAMPIONS NINE

GONNA NEED A NEW SIGN

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FIVE
Ducks      8

Skeeters  4

FINAL

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2004           2012           2013

2019

A dominant season comes to an appropriate end.  The Ducks sweep the Liberty Division standings this season, winning both the first and second half pennants.  They win an all-time Ducks record 86 games during the regular season.  Then go on to defeat the High Point Rockers in the first round of playoffs to capture their fourth straight Liberty Division championship.

After bowing to the Skeeters in the 2016 Atlantic League championship series, then losing again last season to the Skeeters in five games, the Long Island Ducks win their fourth ever Atlantic League championship and their first since winning back-to-back titles during the 2012-2013 seasons.

They split games one and two at Bethpage Ballpark.  Long Island then loses game three at Constellation Field.  In game four on Saturday, the Ducks win their first ever playoff game at Sugar Land.  On Sunday they gain their most glorious of all victories on Texas soil.

• BOXSCORE: Sunday, October 6, 2019 - ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Sugar Land starter Mike Hauschild pitches himself into immediate trouble.  He commits one of the cardinal sins of baseball: walking Vladimir Frias leading off the game.  Frias steals second then advances to third on Steve Lombardozzi's sacrifice bunt.  With one out Hauschild hits Lew Ford with a pitch, then walks L.J. Mazzilli to load the bases.  After a mound visit, Hauschild walks Hector Sanchez forcing in the game's first run.  But the Skeeters escape further damage when Deibinson Romero bounces into an inning ending 5-2-3 double-play.

In the bottom of the second Skeeters designated hitter Denis Phipps homers to left tying the score at one.

With two runners in scoring position and one out in the third, Deibinson Romero redeems himself with a line single to left scoring Lew Ford and L.J. Mazzilli.  In the fifth, runs batted in by Hector Sanchez and Deibinson Romero respectively widen Long Island's lead by four.

Leading off the bottom of the seventh, Skeeters right fielder Zach Borenstein singles off the leg of Ducks starter Vin Mazzaro.  Mazzaro strikes out the next batter, but manager Backman elects to remove his pitcher anyway.  Joe Iorio closes out the inning but not before Sugar Land reduces their deficit to three.  That is until David Washington manufactures his own run in the top of the eighth with a lead off base hit, a stolen base, then advancing and scoring on sacrifice flies for a 6-2 Ducks lead.

With one out and one on in the bottom half of the eighth, Wally Backman summons Cody Mincey from the bullpen.  Two walks, two stolen bases, a fielder's choice, and one wild pitch later Sugar Land makes it a 6-4 game.  But it's too little too late.  Deibinson Romero punctuates Long Island's triumph in the top of the ninth with a two run home run to deep left/center off Skeeters reliever Matt West.  Cody Mincey adds the finishing touch in the bottom of the frame by striking out the side.

Infielders converge, outfielders come darting in, the rest of the Ducks come busting out of the dugout as the bullpen empties with haste en route to a jubilant celebration taking place just in front of the pitchers mound.

Vin Mazzaro yields two runs, one earned, on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts through 6.1 innings for his third victory of the playoffs.  The one man gang Deibinson Romero ends the night 2 for 4 with a home run and five runs batted in.  Hector Sanchez goes 1 for 2 with two walks and two runs batted in.  The ageless one Lew Ford goes 2 for 3 with a walk and three runs scored.

The Ducks Exact Their Revenge!