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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > May > 10 > Entry
Fun at the ol’ ballyard (for some)
St. Louis radio broadcaster Mike Shannon, one of my favorite people, invited me on his pre-game show today and, believe me, he is a converted Cincinnati Reds admirer.
“Pitching,” he said. “It’s all about pitching. And the Reds have it.”
Had to laugh. When he talked about the Injuries and illnesses of the Reds infielders, he referred to Encarnacion as Concepcion. And wouldn’t it be nifty for the Reds to actually have Concepcion at his prime right now.
For my appearance, I received a $100 gift certificate to Mike Shannon’s Steakhouse, a great establishment within a block of Busch Stadium III. Prime rib and steaks are excellent - and I’d say that without the gift certificate because I actually have spent money in there.
Stopped in to see St. Louis manager Tony La Russa before today’s game. He’s not happy. Grumpy might be the operative word. But you would be, too, if you see your team permitting first place to go slip-sliding away without the help of Paul Simon.
ALSO saw former Reds outfielder Hal McRae, now a St. Louis coach. He was traded by the Reds after the 1972 season. I began covering the Reds in 1973. For the first couple of months on the road, when I stayed at the team hotel, I kept getting phone calls. Sexy voices would say, “Hell-o, Hal.” And I’d say, “Who is this?” And they’d say, “Is this Hal McRae?” And I’d say, “No, this is Hal McCoy.” Click.
AS MUCH as I love to relate travel stories, here is one of my favorites and it involves Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. He once went to the counter of an airline and told the agent, “I want a ticket to Pittsburgh and send my luggage to Philadelphia.” Said the clerk, “Sir, we can’t do that.” Said Lasoda, “I want a ticket to Pittsburgh and send my luggage to Philadelphia.” Again, the clerk said, “Sir, we can’t do that.”
Said Lasorda without hesitation, “Why not? You did it last time.”
MANAGER DUSTY Baker sent the same lineup on the field Sunday as he sent Saturday: Taveras, Hairston, Bruce, Phillips, Nix, Hernandez, Rosales, Hanigan. The pitcher is Edinson Volquez.
That means no Joey Votto for the fourth straight game. And the Reds won the first three.
Votto figures to be ready for Monday’s game in Arizona, his flu all but gone. But he asked Baker Sunday, “What if we win again Sunday, our fourth straight?” Said Baker, “If we were not playing so well, you’d play today. But we’ll let you get some strength back. But if we win today, you’re still playing tomorrow.”
Wise move, ol’ sage manager.
BAKER SAID he wants to put .500 behind the team, go as many games over .500 as possible. “And we want to stay in the rear view mirror of the Cardinals.” Somebody added, “Yeah, objects may be closer than they appear.”
Baker liked that one. Laughed and said, ‘That’s a good one.” And he bumped fists with the guy.
Ah, isn’t it fun to win?
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By Steve F
May 11, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
Back in the 70’s I would try to pick up the Cardinal radio broadcast when the Dodgers were in St. louis. I enjoyed listening the Jack Buck and Mike Shannon. Mr.Shannon is one of the best.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
May 10, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
That was the longest 10-inning game in the history of baseball … at least, by farmer’s time … but it sure was an exciting game. But I wish Baker would STOP bunting with Taveras on base and I wish he would STOP bringing in Cordero in tie games. Most of all, I sure wish Uncle Walt would STOP this nonsense of playing a man short waiting for Gonzalez to magically heal in less than 15 days.
By Pete
May 10, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this
Well, J Mark: Your nemisis “Headcase” Owings just jacked one to tie the game in the 9th. I got news fer ya, dude.I dont’ give a rats what you think. You can’t take anything away from him for hanging in there & o by the way, bringing his bat w/ him. Suck on that one, fool!