Cowtipper

Finished watching this game in its entirely. Very boring, I nearly fell asleep. I was listening to spooky videos on YouTube, they were much more entertaining.

Edgy MD wrote: =Cowtipper post_id=169415 time=1725932872 user_id=166] See? Told you. Blood pressure. It's never easy with Diaz. It's never easy with anybody. At all. Blood pressure is part of the package. It always has been.

Magic number to lock up that Wild Card spot down to 18 with 18 games to play. I keep saying "second Wild Card spot" because I keep forgetting they watered down the playoffs even more by adding a third one.

See? Told you. Blood pressure. It's never easy with Diaz. If this is what we have to rely on in October to shut down games, we won't be going deep into October.

Gary is sounding extra Kermit-y tonight.

My blood pressure remains stable.

Here comes Diaz to raise our blood pressure.

Finished watching this game in its totality. A high-quality excursion. Quintana is still a high-quality hurler sometimes.

Fernandez and Bailor are correct! The given correct answer for #5 was Jon Matlack, but Bud Harrelson works, too. 1. Who am I? I had stints with the Mets four times But my ABs maxed at 176 Despite some solid performances I was never much in the mix Then I disappeared a while But never did I relax And after a few years away I returned with the D-Backs Hint: A fifth round pick in 2004, he played for the Mets from 2008 to 2011. He returned to the majors with Arizona in 2014. He played outfield and first base. 2. Who am I? "This player contributed a bunch of home runs and plenty of youthful enthusiasm to the Mets as a part-time outfielder in '90. He platooned a lot with Daryl Boston in center field as the season progressed, and smashed six home runs in his first 16 starts. A disciplined hitter with a quick bat and excellent power, this player was tremendous coming off the bench in '89. He led the NL with our pinch-hit home runs and batted .370 as a pinch-hitter. The son of Camilo, a major league catcher for eight seasons, this player was a Triple-A International League All-Star for two seasons ('87 and '88). He topped the league with a record 19 game-winning RBIs and 41 doubles in '87." 3. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/EX7NkZg.png> 4. From the back of a baseball card: "When the Mets traded Kevin Baez and Tom Wegmann to the Orioles for this player, they obtained a first-rate first baseman and considerably tightened up their infield defense. A contact hitter, he has power to the gaps." Who am I? 5. I wasn't a Met for long Appearing in just two games Don't be mad if you get this wrong Not many remember my name I was a catcher from CA Who went and took my licks I went at it every day And got the call in '76 Who am I? Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 128 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 79 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 14 The Hot Corner: 11 metsmarathon: 9 Benjamin Grimm: 6 MFS62: 4 Batty31: 2 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1 Methead: 1

Current magic number to seal up that second Wild Card spot is down to 20.

I'm here to educate.

They're all 2024 passings.

Today's offering. Who was Don Gullett? Don Gullett was a left-handed pitcher who achieved early success in Major League Baseball, playing for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees. Known for his incredible talent, Gullett helped his teams win six World Series titles before injuries cut his career short at age 27. Growing up in Lynn, Kentucky, Gullett was a standout in baseball, football, and basketball, throwing a perfect game in high school and earning a first-round draft pick by the Reds in 1969. He debuted in 1970 and quickly became a key player, especially during the Reds' "Big Red Machine" era. Gullett's best years were marked by consistent winning percentages, a powerful fastball, and postseason heroics. Despite shoulder injuries, he signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Yankees, leading them to a World Series victory in 1977. His career ended prematurely due to rotator cuff surgery, but he amassed 109 wins, a 3.11 ERA, and was part of four consecutive World Series championship teams. After retiring, Gullett worked as a pitching coach for the Reds from 1993 to 2005 and was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2002. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 73 from heart complications. Who was Jim Hannan? Jim Hannan was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1962 to 1971 for the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1940, Hannan attended Saint Peter’s Preparatory School and the University of Notre Dame, where he studied economics and played baseball. He began his professional career after signing with the Boston Red Sox in 1960, but his MLB debut came with the Senators in 1962. Over his ten-year career, Hannan compiled a 41-48 record, a 3.88 ERA, and 438 strikeouts. His best season was in 1968, when he recorded 10 wins and a 3.01 ERA. After brief stints with the Tigers and Brewers, Hannan retired from playing in 1971. Post-baseball, Hannan earned a master's degree in finance from New York University and contributed to improving MLB’s pension system. He co-founded the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) in 1982 and served as its first president. Hannan passed away in February 2024 at the age of 84. Who was Bud Harrelson? Bud Harrelson was an American professional baseball shortstop, coach, and manager, best known for his 16-year playing career, primarily with the New York Mets. Born in 1944 in California, he played college baseball at San Francisco State University before signing with the Mets in 1963. Harrelson became the Mets’ regular shortstop in 1967 and was part of their 1969 World Series-winning team. A strong fielder, Harrelson earned two All-Star selections and won a Gold Glove in 1971. His career highlights also include a memorable brawl with Pete Rose during the 1973 NLCS. After leaving the Mets, he played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers, retiring in 1980. Harrelson later coached the Mets, contributing to their 1986 World Series championship, and managed the team from 1990 to 1991. In 2000, he became part-owner of the Long Island Ducks, an independent league team, where he also served as a coach. Harrelson was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986, making him the only person to participate in all of the Mets' first three World Series appearances. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, he passed away in 2024 at age 79.

I just watched this one in its entirety, with video (it was blacked out on game day). Vientos got all of the game-winner...you knew right off the bat. Quite a high-quality game.

:-(

He was a pretty good speed skater back in the day, having participated in the Olympics.

Ariel Jurado, who pitched for the Mets in 2020, is 10-7 with a 3.25 ERA in 28 starts for the Kiwoom Heroes in Korea. Anthony Kay, who pitched for the Mets in 2023, is 5-6 with a 2.90 ERA in 20 games for the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan. He is 2-0, 1.54 in 2 games for their minor league club. Franklyn Kilome, who pitched for the Mets in 2020, was 0-0 with a 10.13 ERA in 5 games (1 start) for the Pericos de Puebla in Mexico. He was signed June 11 and released June 25.

Johnson and Fernandez are correct! 1. Who am I? I had stints with the Mets four times But my ABs maxed at 176 Despite some solid performances I was never much in the mix Then I disappeared a while But never did I relax And after a few years away I returned with the D-Backs Hint: A fifth round pick in 2004, he played for the Mets from 2008 to 2011. He returned to the majors with Arizona in 2014. He played outfield and first base. 2. From the back of an old card: "When this player is in charge on the mound, he is one of the stingiest pitchers in baseball. For example, in '90, he tossed his fifth career two-hitter, a 5-0 victory over the Expos. Want further proof? In '89, this player ranked second in the league with an opponents batting average of only .198; his .191 opponents BA in '88 was the lowest in the majors. Throwing with a quirky delivery, this player mixes a riding fastball and a big, sinking curveball to great effect. In '89, he tied for the league lead in winning percentage (14-5 for a .737) and ranked third in strikeouts (198). His average of 8.1 K's per nine innings came in second." Who am I? Hint: Played in the majors from 1983 to 1997. He was a Met from 1984 to 1993, having been traded to New York with Ross Jones for Bob Bailor and Carlos Diaz. He was Hawaiian. 3. I was a man of the O's and also the Jays Before it was in New York that I would play I came aboard for a guy named Roy Lee Then the Mets got two guys for Carlos and me Who am I? Hint: Played in the majors from 1975 to 1985. Traded by the New York Mets with Carlos Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Sid Fernandez and Ross Jones. Appeared on Hall of Fame ballot in 1991, but received no votes. Was a utility guy who played significantly in the outfield, at third, second and short. Played for the Mets from 1981 to 1983. 4. Who am I? "This player contributed a bunch of home runs and plenty of youthful enthusiasm to the Mets as a part-time outfielder in '90. He platooned a lot with Daryl Boston in center field as the season progressed, and smashed six home runs in his first 16 starts. A disciplined hitter with a quick bat and excellent power, this player was tremendous coming off the bench in '89. He led the NL with our pinch-hit home runs and batted .370 as a pinch-hitter. The son of Camilo, a major league catcher for eight seasons, this player was a Triple-A International League All-Star for two seasons ('87 and '88). He topped the league with a record 19 game-winning RBIs and 41 doubles in '87." 5. I was an unsung number 3 There was Tom and Jerry Then there was me Who am I? Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 127 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 79 batmagadanleadoff: 34 DocTee: 12 The Hot Corner: 11 metsmarathon: 9 Benjamin Grimm: 6 MFS62: 4 Batty31: 2 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1 Methead: 1

1. Who am I? I had stints with the Mets four times But my ABs maxed at 176 Despite some solid performances I was never much in the mix Then I disappeared a while But never did I relax And after a few years away I returned with the D-Backs 2. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/1aCBovf.jpg> 3. From the back of an old card: "When this player is in charge on the mound, he is one of the stingiest pitchers in baseball. For example, in '90, he tossed his fifth career two-hitter, a 5-0 victory over the Expos. Want further proof? In '89, this player ranked second in the league with an opponents batting average of only .198; his .191 opponents BA in '88 was the lowest in the majors. Throwing with a quirky delivery, this player mixes a riding fastball and a big, sinking curveball to great effect. In '89, he tied for the league lead in winning percentage (14-5 for a .737) and ranked third in strikeouts (198). His average of 8.1 K's per nine innings came in second." Who am I? 4. I was a man of the O's and also the Jays Before it was in New York that I would play I came aboard for a guy named Roy Lee Then the Mets got two guys for Carlos and me Who am I? 5. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/5lSJsCf.jpg> Running tally of correct guessers: Johnny Lunchbucket: 127 Edgy MD: 87 stevejrogers: 79 batmagadanleadoff: 34 The Hot Corner: 11 DocTee: 10 metsmarathon: 9 Benjamin Grimm: 6 MFS62: 4 Batty31: 2 Marshmallowmilkshake: 1 Methead: 1

Stewart's up. Game's over.

I hope the Mets win.

Today's offering: Who was Billy Gardner? William Frederick "Billy" Gardner (July 19, 1927 – January 3, 2024) was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager. A second baseman during his ten-season MLB career, Gardner played for teams including the New York Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. His most significant years were with the Orioles from 1956 to 1959, where he led the league in doubles and at-bats in 1957. Known for his strong defensive skills, he won the 1961 World Series with the Yankees as a utility infielder. After retiring as a player, Gardner transitioned into coaching and managing, spending over two decades in those roles. He managed the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 1985, incorporating future stars like Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett, and later managed the Kansas City Royals in 1987 after Dick Howser’s illness. Gardner finished his managerial career with a record of 330–417. His son, Billy Gardner Jr., followed in his footsteps as a minor league manager. Gardner passed away at the age of 96 in Waterford, Connecticut. Who was Wayne Graham? Wayne Leon Graham (1936–2024) was an influential American baseball coach and former Major League Baseball player. Born in Yoakum, Texas, Graham grew up in Houston and played briefly for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets in the early 1960s. After his playing career, he earned degrees in physical education and began coaching at the high school level before moving on to junior college baseball at San Jacinto College, where he led his teams to five NJCAA World Series championships and was named Junior College Coach of the Century. Graham later took over as head coach of the Rice Owls baseball team in 1992, transforming the program into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, Rice made 23 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, won 20 conference championships, and claimed the College World Series title in 2003. Known for developing top talent, including several MLB first-round draft picks, Graham retired in 2018 with over 1,600 collegiate coaching victories. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 88. Who was Jerry Grote? Gerald Wayne Grote (October 6, 1942 – April 7, 2024) was an American professional baseball catcher known for his outstanding defensive skills and leadership on the field. He played in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1981 for teams including the Houston Colt .45s, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kansas City Royals. Grote's career is highlighted by his pivotal role with the Miracle Mets, the 1969 World Series champions, and his two-time All-Star recognition in 1968 and 1974. Beginning his career with Houston, he was traded to the Mets in 1965, where he became a key figure in the team's turnaround. Grote's defensive prowess, particularly his strong arm and handling of pitchers, earned him a reputation as one of the best catchers of his era. He contributed significantly to the Mets' success in both the 1969 and 1973 seasons, helping guide the pitching staff through key victories. Later in his career, Grote played part-time for the Dodgers, participating in the 1977 and 1978 World Series before briefly returning from retirement to play for the Royals in 1981. Following his playing days, Grote was involved in coaching and was inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 1992. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 81, remembered as a key player during the Mets' most iconic seasons.

Answering the unanswered: 1. I had a T-Shirt night in the 2010s and was traded away the night of the T-Shirt giveaway. Marlon Byrd 2. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/X4gPaD4.png> John Strohmayer 3. My last name consists of three words The last one meaning 'goose' I'm a pitcher, so you've heard That the Mets have yet to cut loose Who am I? Bryce Montes de Oca 4. Who am I? https://i.imgur.com/6bvfKwk.png> Keith Miller 5. From the back of a baseball card: "This player, a well-seasoned journeyman, gave the Mets strong relief from the bench in '90. He became especially valuable in August when Kevin Elster went on the disabled list and Howard Johnson moved to shortstop. This player filled in at third base and handled himself well. Earlier, his 11th-inning home run defeated the Expos 6-5. In '89, this player was the International League MVP as he led the league with 84 RBIs, ranked fifth with 15 homers and batted .295. At 21, he was the youngest player in the NL when he made his major league debut in '82 for the Giants at, ironically, Shea Stadium." Who am I? Tom O'Malley

Chin-Lung Hu, who played for the Mets in 2011, is still going at 40 years old, hitting .358/.388/.407 in 81 at-bats for the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in Taiwan. Travis Jankowski, who played for the Mets in 2022, is hitting .201/.264/.238 with 1 home run, 10 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 164 at-bats for the Rangers. Tyler Jay, who made his major league debut with the Mets in 2024, departed the team in July and is now in the Brewers organization. He has a 0.00 ERA in 2 relief appearances with the Brewers and a 3.75 ERA in 11 games with their Triple-A club in Nashville.

This could be legit. Magic number to clinch that second Wild Card spot down to 20. At the very least, it seems all but assured we'll have a .500 season, and I'm not even convinced they were aiming for that at the beginning of the year.