baseball vip

1958 Indians Gene Woodling, Dick Williams and Bud Daley are traded to the Orioles for Larry Doby and Don Ferrarese. 1959 The Pacific Coast League proposal to use a designated hitter is voted down by the Professional Baseball Rules Committee. Prompted by the Cubs' college of coaches, the committee also rules each team must name a manager 30 minutes prior to the game.1968 The AL's new franchise in Seattle chooses Pilots as its nickname.1982 Rangers trade outfielder/first baseman Al Oliver to the Expos for outfielder/third baseman Larry Parrish and minor league first baseman Dave Hostetler.1993 Bill White, the first black to serve as a league president, resigns from his NL post. The former Cardinal first baseman will remain at the job until March of 1994.1994 Mets trade hard-luck righthander Anthony Young to the Cubs for shortstop Jose Vizcaino. Young holds the major league record for the most consecutive losses by a pitcher.1994 The White Sox assign NBA superstar Michael Jordan to Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern League.1996 For the first time in history, the major league season opens in March with Mariners beating the White Sox in 12 innings, 3-2.1998 At Atlanta's Turner Field, all-time home run leader and fan favorite, Hank Aaron, helps to mark Milwaukee's historic return to the National League with a rare on-the-field appearance.1998 In front of a sellout crowd of 47,484 at Bank One Ballpark, the Arizona Diamondback lose to the Rockies, 9-2. The seven run difference matches the '62 Mets and the '77 Mariners for the most-lopsided lost by an expansion team in their first game.1998 The Brewers play their inaugural game as a National League team and lose to the Braves at Turner Field, 2-1. Milwaukee is the first team since the inception of the American League in 1901 to switch leagues.2005 The Orioles and MLB agree on a deal which will allow Nationals games to be televised. A joint venture backed by MLB will allow fans in the Baltimore-Washington area to enjoy telecasts of both franchises and will ensure the Orioles fans in the nation’s capitol will still have an opportunity to watch their ‘Birds’. 1903 In an afternoon game called because of unusual darkness, Giants' pitcher Leon Ames, making his major league debut, tosses a five inning no-hitter against the Cardinals.1913 Despite giving up fourteen hits, Cubs' pitcher Larry Cheney blanks the Giants, 7-0.1914 After being ejected for swearing, Johnny Evers claims he was talking to the ball and not to umpire Mal Eason, but the Braves' shortstop is still suspended for three days.1923George Burns of the Red Sox completes an unassisted triple play against the Indians as the first baseman gathers in Frank Brower line drive, tags Rube Lutzke coming from first, and beats Riggs Stephenson back to second.1951 In a 9-6 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park, rookie Bob Nieman hits consecutive dingers off Mickey McDermott becoming the first player to hit home runs in his first two career at bats in the majors. In his third trip to the plate, the St. Louis Browns' freshman beats out a bunt for a base hit.1968 The Tigers rally in ninth to beat the A's 5-4 making Denny McLain the first thirty-game winner since Dizzy Dean reached the milestone in 1934. 1975 Mel Ott's forty-seven year old record is broken as Brewer shortstop Robin Yount plays his 242nd major league game as a teenager. 1987 In an 18-3 Blue Jay blowout which features Toronto hitting a major league record ten home runs, Orioles' manager Cal Ripken Sr., in the bottom of the eighth inning, puts Ron Washington at shortstop ending Cal Ripken's record consecutive-innings streak of 8,243, spanning 904 games.1986 Giant third baseman Bob Brenly, usually a catcher, ties a major league record by making four errors in one inning, but makes amends by hitting two home runs, including the game-winner, as San Francisco beats the Braves, 7-6.1986 At Royals Stadium, Kansas City rookie outfieder Bo Jackson’s hits his first major league home run. The 475-foot blast hit by the NFL running back is the longest homer ever hit in the ballpark.1988 In his first start against his former club, Mike Boddicker beat the Orioles, 4-1, as Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell hits for the cycle.1990 Mariner Ken Griffey and his son, Junior, become the first father and son to hit homers in the same major league game. The back-to-back blasts are given up by Angel hurler Kirk McCaskill. 1994 Due to the strike, owners vote to cancel remainder of the season including the World Series. 1996 Todd Hundley passes Roy Campanella as the all-time leader for homers by a catcher. His homer helps the Mets come back from a five-run deficit and eventually beat the Braves, 6-5. 1996 Mark McGwire hits his 50th home run off Cleveland hurler Chad Ogea becoming the 13th player in major league history to reach that plateau. The Cardinal first baseman gives the milestone ball to his eight-year-old son, Matthew.1998 At Kauffman Stadium, the Royals become the fifth team in baseball history to score in every inning. The eight innings of consistency leads to 16-6 win over the A's.2002 Barry Bonds ties Hank Aaron for the most 100-RBI seasons by a National League player as he drives in his 100th run of the season for the 11th time in his career. The major league record is13 shared by Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth.2002 Chin-Feng Chen becomes the first Taiwan-born player to appear in the major leagues as he walks and scores as a pinch-hitter for the Dodgers against the Rockies. The 24-year-old first baseman-outfielder played for the 1990 Taiwan team which won the Little League World Series.2003 Homering in his final at-bat, Vladimir Guerrero hits for 'Le Carrousel' at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. Facing Mets' southpaw Tom Glavine , the Expos' right fielder doubled (2nd), singled (3rd) and hit a triple (5th) and completed the sixth cycle in team history going deep off Dan Wheeler (7th).2003 At Comerica Park, Detroit set a franchise record for losses as they drop their 110th loss to the Royals, 7-2. The 1996 Tiger squad finished the season with a 53-109 record.Regardless of where the WCBF is held, the baseball clinics are the highlight of the event each year. This year's IBAF coaching staff arrived in Puerto Rico with 182 years combined teaching and coaching experience. The IBAF coaches were from Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan and the United States.
The 170 children, representing 14 countries, participated in the six days of clinics that taught a variety of baseball skills. Basic fundamentals were taught in a progression format which made teaching and learning productive and fun. At the end of each day, games were played to help reinforce what had been taught and the opportunity to learn the rules and strategy of playing baseball.
This year's clinics were held at five different locations. While some may have viewed this as a challenge, each local host made it a positive and smooth transition from site to site. This clinic schedule gave the coaches, chaperones and children the chance to visit other beautiful areas of Puerto Rico.
I would like to thank the following: Mr. Oh, Mr. Aaron, and Dr. Agishi for their ongoing involvement and support; the WCBF offices in Japan, Puerto Rico and North America; and Mizuno, Decente and Kenko, the equipment sponsors.
My compliments to the children for giving their best effort each day...I tip my hat to the chaperones for their cooperation and patience...and I truly appreciated the never ending enthusiasm of the IBAF coaches. A special thanks to Coach Larry Bryant, my right hand man,whose experience and humor helped make this year's WCBF an event to remember! Tracy Sheehy, 2007 USA 2 Chaperone: It’s been awhile and I’m still in total shock of what a terrific experience it was being a Chaperone for the 2007 WCBF in Puerto Rico. It has left me nearly speechless. I would never have imagined that even with as much work as was involved that I would have had as much fun as I did. As time goes on I miss the kids more and more each day. Being a part of this event has given me a whole new outlook on reality. Seeing nearly 200 kids from all over the world join together to become close friends, teammates and world ambassadors in just a short period of time is truly amazing. Even the shy and homesick kids at the beginning of the week opened up and really seemed to enjoy themselves. The sad part was seeing all the tears the last two days as everyone started to part ways. But not only do we have just the memories and photos to remind us of this great experience, we now have new friends from all over the world. Oh and I think we even learned a new basic food group: Rice and Beans. And yes, let’s not forget that the kids have new baseball skills that they can use while pursuing their dreams of playing in the big leagues someday. On a personal note: I would like to say Thank You to the entire WCBF staff (the Japanese staff you guys rock-you pulled out some amazing miracles during the week), to all the other chaperones, coaches, the entire host staff from Puerto Rico, and all the behind the scene players for all of their help and support , but most importantly I want to thank all of the kids for making this a truly wonderful experience and to Jason, Aaron, Daichi, Liam and Brandon a special thanks to them for giving me a few more gray hairs. They match the ones my kids give me! 2006 COACH & PARTICIPANT REMARKS Justine Siegal, IBAF Coach / WCBF 2006 - It is hard to explain to someone who was not there how an eleven day event can change your life. But the WCBF does just that. For eleven days we are a family; focused on the beauty of children and dedicated to their development. As an IBAF coach, I have the opportunity to meet hardworking WCBF staff, generous sponsors, and committed baseball leaders. Co-Founder of the WCBF, Dr. Akiko Agishi, is a hero of mine; her vision of international exchange and friendship through baseball inspires me to become a better coach, leader, and person. Everyday in Hokkaido, I saw the differences that the WCBF made in the lives of the children. While playing baseball, participating children made friends with others from around the world. These children are our future leaders, and with memories of their WCBF friendships, they will lead our world to a better place of peace and friendship. The eleven days of the WCBF, does not only change the lives of its participants, but also the landscape for global harmony. 2005 COACH & PARTICIPANT REMARKS Greg Kosloff, 2005 WCBF Sub Head CoachWhat beautiful country we visited for the 2005 WCBF. Once again the WCBF did a wonderful job in ensuring this year's Fair to one of the best ever. The trip to the mountain top to the children's home took my breath. Truly one of the most beautiful sights this side of heaven. Although very hot on most days the weather was perfect for baseball. The clinics this year were again taught by some of the best coaches in the world. I feel very honored and thankful to be a member of the IBAF coaching staff. The opportunity to share baseball and life lessons with children from all over the world gives me so much joy and happiness. Although I struggled with health issues, this year the Fair was the best medicine I have ever received. The highlight of my trip was my one on one meeting with the greatest home run king of all time, Mr. Oh. We shared thoughts, laughter and hugs. Mr. Oh is truly a hero of mine. I thank Mr. Oh, Mr. Aaron, and Dr. Akiko Agishi for having the courage and fortitude 16 years ago to initiate this program to help promote world peace and happiness through baseball. Their continued support along with the tireless efforts of the WCBF Staff has proven that through baseball, all can be achieved. I know that because of the WCBF I'm a much wiser person. Thank you WCBF. May God bless all of you always! Justine Siegal, 2005 WCBF Coach & Womens Baseball LeagueThe WCBF children are my greatest memories in Maebashi. Although we all spoke different languages, the language of baseball brought us together. With 20 different countries represented, it is amazing to see how much we are all alike rather than different. In the end, the smiles on everyone’s faces, including the children, volunteers, staff, and coaches proved the success of WCBF 2005. This is my favorite picture at the WCBF.