Question of the Week

Todd, Oakland, CA
Subj: Jack of all trades
Has there ever been a major league player who has played every position on the baseball field?

You bet, Todd. That unique feat was accomplished by José Oquendo, a sweet-fielding utility man who played all nine positions for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988. “The Secret Weapon,” as he was affectionately known, further cemented his place in baseball history that year when he became the first position player in 20 years to earn a decision in a 19 inning loss to the Atlanta Braves. Despite turning in a solid four innings of work, Oquendo was less than thrilled with having to take the mound. “I hope this never happens again because it means that something has gone wrong,” he said after the game. Apparently his manager didn’t bother to listen because Oquendo made another relief appearance in 1991, giving up three runs in a single inning of work. He finished his career with 14 homeruns, 254 RBIs, a .256 batting average and a record of 0-1.

Question of the Week

Andy, Rice Lake, WS
Subj: Irvin in the Hall Of Fame???
Why is it that Big Mac couldn't get into the Baseball HOF when he didn't break any rules about anything, but Michael Irvin got in the Football HOF when he was suspended for cocaine? Sounds like someone's getting screwed.

Last I checked, Andy, cocaine wasn’t a performance enhancing drug. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, the short-term effects of Bolivian Marching Powder include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased temperature, blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, anxiety and an overwhelming desire to knock over 7-11’s. Granted, Michael Irvin wasn’t exactly a model citizen, but unlike Mark McGwire, his drug of choice didn’t give him an unfair competitive advantage. If anything, it just made him talk a little bit faster during his post game interviews.

Speaking Of Sports...

Our latest quote of the week comes from Tim McCarver, who offers some interesting insight into his relationship with former Cardinals teammate Bob Gibson. Take it away Tim!

“I remember one time going out to the mound to talk with Bob Gibson. He told me to get back behind the batter, that the only thing I knew about pitching was that it was hard to hit.”