Todd asks the question about how many inside the park homers Rickey Henderson has hit in his career?

In a surprise answer, thanks to David Vincent, the home run guru, he informs us that Rickey has only one inside the park homer, hit on July 6, 1980 against the Chicago White Sox.

For my part, I will tell you the starting pitchers in that game:Lefty Ken Kravec started for the White Sox and Steve McCatty for the A’s. Chicago won the game 5-4. sweeping a doubleheader. Steve “Rainbow” Trout pitched a five hit shutout in game one, beating Mike Norris.

Interesting that you asked the question today (May 1st), the anniversary of Rickey breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record in 1991 and also one year later on this date, Henderson stole the 1000th base of his career against the Tigers in Detroit.

Bet you are glad you asked.

Marty [Read more →]

Karl from Sonora, California writes

Why did the Mets choose the colors they did for their uniforms…orange and light blue? Leonard Koppett, Hall of Fame writer answered this one for me. The colors are the official colors of the city of New York, not to remind folks of the old Dodger (which was a darker blue) and Giant hues. Check the New York Knicks uniforms and the flag of the city of NY. Same colors.

Michael from Phoenix,

Why did the A’s switch from the elephant mascot to the mule when Charlie Finley bought the team in Kansas City?

Charlie was very stubborn and realized that a stubborn Missouri Mule reminded him of himself. Hence, Charlie O, the mule was named and the elephant was gone until the Haas family brought it back in Oakland.

Two that I need help with: Jon and Heather from Alameda ask,

Ichiro can tie a record this season that has only been accomplished once in the early part of the twentieth century, what is it? Hint Ty Cobb..

Hallie from Oakland asks,

Who was the last lefthanded player to play third base in a major league game?

First correct answers receive two vouchers to any A’s game. [Read more →]

Sherry from El Cerrito asks “Why don’t players ever slide into first base?”

Sherry, believe it or not, the experts say you reach first base from home plate more quickly if you simply run through the bag. I think most umpires get distracted if a runner slides into the bag on a close play and will call the runner out. The umpire is trained to listen for the sound of the ball hitting the first baseman’s mitt while watching the feet of the runner. If the runner slides, the umpire doesn’t know what to do and will probably call the runner out and then walk away like he saw the play perfectly. [Read more →]

We love hearing from you, our fans. Send us you comments, questions, and challenges. Only requirement – it’s all about baseball.

Submit a Stumper

Winners of our ‘Stump Marty’ program (if we publish your question, thoughts, ideas… on our web site, you are a winner), will receive a small token of appreciation from us. It could be a one of a kind ‘Right off the Bat’ T-shirt or a CD of Baseball Memories,… So, don’t delay, submit those Stumpers now! [Read more →]

We love hearing from you, our fans. Send us you comments, questions, and challenges. Only requirement – it’s all about baseball.

Submit a Stumper

Winners of our ‘Stump Marty’ program (if we publish your question, thoughts, ideas… on our web site, you are a winner), will receive a small token of appreciation from us. It could be a one of a kind ‘Right off the Bat’ T-shirt or a CD of Baseball Memories,… So, don’t delay, submit those Stumpers now! [Read more →]