From the White Center Blog First pitch of new Highline Bears Semi-Pro Baseball at Steve Cox Park May 30 On Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m., the Highline Bears will bring Semi-Pro baseball back to the Highline Community for the first time in over 30 years, when they take on the Snoqualmie Hurricanes at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center. The Bears hope to pack the stadium … [Read more...]
Tokyo opens bidding for sports to be added to 2020 Olympics
From Yahoo News: TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Olympic organizers opened the application process Monday for sports hoping to be added to the 2020 Tokyo Games. The Tokyo organizing committee launched a two-stage procedure that gives the host city a chance to add one or more sports to the program. "Baseball and softball, which have been off the Olympic program since the 2008 Beijing … [Read more...]
For Kerian, it’s his son’s turn
From the Herald-Review By Mark Tupper CHAMPAIGN – He knows what it feels like to chase a national championship, to stand in the batter’s box and realize his bat could be the reason his team wins one. He knows what it’s like to be smack dab in the middle of a storybook season he’ll remember for the rest of his life. That’s why Steve Kerian is able to rein in his nervousness … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day
"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."– Tenneva Jordan Happy Mother's Day to all, whether you are blessed with the chance to spend the day with her, or cherishing the memories of her, as I do mine, Madeline Higgins. … [Read more...]
Al Doran, a pioneer in men’s fastball (story by Bob Otto)
Great piece on Al Doran at Bob Otto's "Otto in Focus RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO – In the world of fastball, Al Doran is known as a visionary, a game changer, a technology expert. And if you were to fix a title on him, “Friend of Fastball,” fits pretty well. For he certainly has been that and more; especially to the International Softball Congress (ISC) and legions of fastball … [Read more...]
Steamer Flanagan Postscript – Mystery of the Babe Ruth ball
Yesterday, I posted my annual homage to James "Steamer" Flanagan (1881-1947), my namesake who had a cup of coffee in the major leagues as a September call up for the 1905 Pittsburgh Pirates, as a teammate of Hall of Famer Honus Wagner. Starting with my acquisition of my 1905 Steamer baseball card, his story has been one of interest to me. This year, I decided to dig a little … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, Steamer Flanagan (1881-1947)
It's April 20, so that means it's time for me to pay homage to my namesake, James "Steamer" Flanagan, whose 28 at bats represents but a cup of coffee in the bigs, but nonetheless a spot in the Baseball Almanac. (and a long career compared to Moonlight Graham) Today is Steamer's birthday. I know. 420 is a funny birthday to have. But on April 20, 1881, I'm doubtful that … [Read more...]