Diamond Notes from Saturday

Interesting notes from a Saturday of baseball.

You learn a lot of things just from listening which was the case during a baseball telecast Saturday. I learned interesting things about baseball as this season winds towards its mid point.  For example, I learned that catcher Brian McCann has made more consecutive all star appearances than any Brave in modern history. It shows I need to keep up with my team a little better. I have known McCann was a good player, just didn't realize he was making Braves history. I would have bet on names like Niekro, Murphy, Maddux, Glavine and Jones.

I learned Bobby Cox has been thrown out of more games than any other manager in major league history. As the announcers said he starts chirping at the umpires from the first pitch of the game so it is no surprise he holds that record. Surely he will be missed by the men in blue next year. Move over Earl, Billy and Lou, Bobby is in the hot seat now.

I learned that the National League hasn't won an All-Star game since 1996. Wow, that one blows the mind. It shows that there is a different kind of baseball played in the two leagues, The American League, with its designated hitter rule is much more of a hitter's game. That doesn't mean it is better, just means there are more hitters because pitchers don't bat. Heres to the National League, hopefully making a statement this year with a signature win.

I learned, through observation, that it will be a hot summer in Atlanta, in more than one way. The Braves really look for real if the pitching can hold out. I hope by the time I make it later ib in the year they are on their way to Hotlanta history!