Maverick Hiker

I went to the first game of that WS as a 13 year old and that was the only one the Orioles won. But yes they got ripped off with the non interference play and especially the shoe polish play. I can't believe the ump would just accept that the ball with shoe polish proved the Mets player had been hit by the pitch.. Of course the Mets rubbed that ball against their shoe. How about a challenge for both of those plays now based on replays.

Buck's postseason record isn't the best . MLB should take another look at their playoff system. In MLB , unlike the NBA, an inferior team can easily win a game or a short series. The Cardinals won their division and were 6 games better than the Phillies.. The Mets won 101 games and were eliminated by an 89 win San Diego team. Too many teams in the playoffs. Also all these teams making it takes the drama out of pennant races.

You're probably right it was more likely an acculation of games especially those 100+ pitch games. I give Means credit for being willing to stay in that long in all those games unlike a recent pitcher who wanted to be pulled after like 80 pitches in a perfect game. In the old days when I was a kid pitchers like Denny McClain and Bob Gibson had to be dragged off the mound they didn't mind going way over 100 pitches. I read one extra inning game McClain threw over 160 pitches. He had a shortened career due to arm trouble. Same as Sandy Koufax. Oddly some pitchers like Gibson throwing all those innings actually seemed to help him, it was like exercising his arm. And he'd be at his best in October even after throwing 300+ innings.

I wonder if Means went way over his usual pitch count in his no hitter and that contributed to this injury. This I did not expect: Tommy John surgery! I hope Means has a successful rehab and can come back full strength. It would be interesting to know what the success rate is for this for coming back, going back to Tommy John.

I don’t care for either team but 5he Yankees are always worth rooting against. Judge going for home with one out: why? Looks like they again failed to buy a championship. im glad the Yankees lost but this one game playoff thing is not the best way to decide things.

As I recall it Girardi pulled the rug out from under the Orioles after pretty much agreeing to take the job. I think there were rumors he got a call from the Yankees who didn't want him managing the Orioles and sure enough a few months later Girardi replaced Torre. I never cared for Girardi as a manager or a player. He said the right things such as the incident you cited when he didn't want to be seen as making excuses. But there was a certain arrogance and not a very likable guy nor did he want to be. The Yankee players didn't complain when he was let go as manager.

Speaking of the Phillies it looks like Joe Girardi's days there are almost done, after their meltdown to the Rockies at home last weekend. I recall before managing the Yankees Girardi rejected the Orioles manager job, as if he was above coming here and he would wait for the Yankees job instead./ Well he won only one WS in NY with all the years he was there with that loaded team, and getting fired by the Yankees. Now on thin ice with the Phillies. Girardi showed the Orioles up by indicating he would take the job then pulling out so good riddance.

I was thinking Mancini's was the HR derby throwing off his swing but upon reflection that was before he started slumping. It's probably because coming back and the long season after his illness he's wearing down..

Sounds like a great evening I wish I had gone. Breaking that long losing streak such a relief.

That's great I like it! I wish I had been there. It's funny how all those losses make one W so sweet.

I'm so happy this 19 game losing streak is over and no records were set, not even the team record (0-21). This team is not good but not historically bad and at least the franchise will not be subject to national ridicule by setting such an ignominious record. Congratulations Orioles, let's make it two in a row!

How can a team hit 4 HR and lose 5-4 . It's almost like this team has been jinxed. Perhaps if I avoid watching or reading the internet for a few days this streak will be over next time I look.

Yes I used to hate losing to the Yankees but losing to the Rays is even worse. I know I should be for the small market teams but the Rays are so boring and unlikeable to me I wouldn't care if the Yankees or Red Sox beat them for the AL East title.

This is becoming so bad I think MLB may do something. After this year, what they could do is restructure the draft so that teams are not rewarded for losing and having the worst record.

I hate seeing the Orioles set records for futility such as losing streaks and Chris Davis' 0-54. (I had forgotten Davis' streak was that bad actually going 54 AB without a hit that is unbelievable. Even when pitchers used to bat most of them were a lot better than that.) I think I was spoiled because I grew up with the Orioles powerhouse teams of the late 60's and early 70's. Back then with the naivety of youth I just assumed the Orioles would always be a good team.