Scoreboard Gourmet

Red Sox and A's in Japan

The Red Sox and A's landed in Japan today. They both play two exhibition games against Japanese teams on March 22nd and 23rd. Then, on March 25th, they face each other in the regular season opener.
That's the earliest the earliest start in MLB history. That scares me a little. No one wants year-round seasons of any sport, not even this one. The teams also play March 26th, which should give me enough time to find out if their going to ramen shops or tempura bars or what. Anyone know anything about it?

Daytona Baseball: Cubs and Bethune-Cookman

One afternoon in Daytona, TFMJ and I walked around the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, which is on a little island between the mainland and the beach. I'm pretty sure I already mentioned the history there - it's where Jackie Robinson first played outside of the Negro Leagues.
Anyway, when we saw the maroon-gold-yellow uniforms on the players in the field, we were confused. Daytona's Jackie Robinson Ballpark is home to the Daytona Cubs (Adv-A Cubs); we expected blue-white-red. We watched the practice and felt the team was at about A-level, which didn't answer any questions for us. Finally we had to ask.

We spoke to Assistant Coach Jose Vazquez and realized we were watching the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. Jose is fantastic. He told us about the school (which went from a school for black girls, to a co-ed high-school, to a junior college, to a 4-year university), and the team (they won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title last year), and places to eat in the area (one of Jose's suggestions - Boondocks - was so great we went twice in three days).

In case you didn't guess, the Wildcats and the Daytona Cubs share Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Bethune-Cookman is home again Friday March 28th v Savannah State at 6pm. The Daytona Cubs first game of the season is April 3rd v the Brevard County Manatees  (Milwaukee Brewers) at 7:05p.

More about the Ballpark's food and Jose's restaurant suggestions to come...

Baseball in Beijing; it's just like home, if everyone spoke Chinese and was new to MLB

Baseball Wraps Up First China Trip By Stephen Wade, AP...

Now that Major League Baseball has completed its first trip to China, it's looking ahead to a repeat visit.
"I would love to come back," Dodgers chairman Frank McCourt said Sunday, when Los Angeles lost to the San Diego Padres 6-3 in the finale of a two-game exhibition series. "I feel we would be making a mistake if we felt that by playing these exhibition games the job was done. The job has just begun."

Both had the feel of games played almost anywhere in America with hot dogs and peanuts on sale and vendors selling beer and soft drinks.

The first ball used in Saturday's game will go into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Read the full story here.

I am so sorry I was not part of this event. It must be so interesting to be in Beijing these days. Has it really been 8 years since I was there? Wow. I need to get more Beijing info up before August. Anyone want to help? Contact me. Thanks.

Clemens Ate Dinner at My House

It was 2000, or maybe 2001. I saved the silverware he used, in case you don't believe me (because surely you'll believe that). There's still some saliva on the soup spoon. He loves carrot ginger, by the way. There's also half a fork (he threw the other half at Piazza, who was there too, so I guess it was 2000).

Um, I'm no doctor but isn't it unmedical or unhygienic or something to save bloody syringes? Brian McNamee was just hanging on to this stuff in case one day he needed it? sheesh. imagine what his house (or office) looks like if he's such a pack rat. gross.

Bud Light Wine & Cheese Party Commercial

did You see it? I tried to get it from myspace but that's a bunch of crap (that little ad they ran at the bottom of the screen). I am determined to get that Bud Light Wine & Cheese Party Ad for ScoreboardGourmet; it's fantastic.
come back.

most plays in opening drive in SuperBowl history. cool.

Mickey Mantle's Restaurant (and some History)

On January 16th 1961 Mickey Mantle signed a contract that made him the highest paid baseball player in the American League: $75,000 for the 1961 season.

and 2008 is the 20th anniversary of Mickey Mantle's the restaurant (that's a link, btw).

what more can I say? my mom still loves him.

MLB Countdowns in honor of New Year's

Opening Day for everyone else is March 30th, btw.

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History at Giants Stadium Saturday?

obviously the game is sold out; it was sold out before the possible history-making...just because the Giants are an incredibly frustrating team to support doesn't mean they don't sell tickets. if you're lucky enough to be going to the game, click above and get yourself one of those excellent bottle jerseys. I love those things. they're sold in 2-packs. get one even if you aren't going to the game.

if you're watching from home and are supporting the other team, see/click below. by the way, is this going to be another Barry Bondsesque conflicted moment of history? or is everyone over the cheating?

in case you've been under a rock, Saturday's Giants v 15-0 Patriots game is 8:15pm and will be broadcast on CBS, NBC, and the NFL network.

12 Minutes to George Mitchell Report

check out what TFMJ just sent me - came to him in email...

Steiner Sports would like to offer its sincerest apologies to those who were offended by our George Mitchell email special that was sent out last night.  The investigation into performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball is a serious matter that we fully support.  The special that was announced is now expired but we will honor the offer to those of you who chose to participate. 

!why? don't back down - it was excellent

30 Minutes to George Mitchell Report

TFMJ got an Andy Phillips signed baseball for me! I love it. Hopefully he will, um, you know, actually be playing for my favorite team.

Why do I mention my new baseball to you? Because Steiner (the Sports Memorabilia people) have the greatest offer ever happening right now. Actually, it happened last night but it's so fantastic I must mention it...

Anyone who bought an autographed baseball between 7-midnight last night is eligible for a $50 gift certificate if the player whose ball they purchased ends up on the George Mitchell Report.

I know it's not about food, but aren't you glad you know?