Inge, Clemente & travel plans
Brandon Inge
Kate asked about Detroit’s Brandon Inge. Well I’ve been pretty excited about Brandon Inge, too, and to see him play in post season – that’s even better. In talking to Al Kaline, a good friend of mine who I keep in touch with – he thinks that Brandon has a chance to be an outstanding 3rd baseman for a long time. I do know he hit some homeruns. I think he’s made some errors because he’s played a lot of games at 3rd base this year and I think that he’ll be more consistent in the years to come. Some of his errors came from over-hustling. Anyway, he’s another guy that I’ll be taking a closer look at in post season. I hope he does well. My wife is from Detroit and we pull for the Tigers now, too.
Roberto Clemente
Stan asked about memories of Roberto Clemente. Roberto Clemente was one of my favorite players. I got to play against him in spring training and then again in the 1971 World Series where he was MVP of that series. When you hear about a guy who can do everything the game demands – hit, hit with power, run, field and throw and then see him do it in the World Series against you makes you respect him even more. People ask me who are the greatest players I’ve played against and certainly I always say, Mantle, Mays, Aaron and I think Clemente and Frank Robinson should also be in that group. I think they get less publicity than anyone else but they were both truly great players. Clemente might not have hit the homeruns. He was basically a doubles, triples and gap hitter but when he wanted to hit a homerun he could do it. He had a great arm and was a great outfielder and I can’t say enough good things about him.
Huntington Beach
Sid shared a story with us about my inpromptu visit to his baseball card shop in Huntington Beach. Well, I’m glad I made your day by saying hello. I was probably in Huntington Beach visiting my middle son, Chris. I’m glad I stopped in the store, said hello and signed your ball. I’m glad that that sparked your interest in baseball. I never wanted to do anything else. I had a passion for the game. I knew the history of the game and I agree with you. Baseball has a true connection with history that cannot be duplicated in the arena of other American pro sports. I’ve always felt like baseball has served as both a reflection and a shaper of American society. Baseball is the most resilient sport of all. They are setting attendance records in both the Major and Minor leagues. It’s still healthy despite all its problems.
What I'm Up To
This week I’m playing golf in the American Airlines Golf Tournament benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in San Diego, CA. I participate every year and my wife and I really enjoy the trip. I’m heading to Minnetonka, Minnesota, for a banquet on October 8th and I’ll be in Chicago on October 11th for a private appearance. On October 14th I’m heading back to San Diego to appear at CJ’s Sports Cards. I’ll be participating in the 1966 Orioles Reunion sponsored by the Babe Ruth Museum on October 19th. It will be great to see all of my old teammates. On October 22nd, I’ll be at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA for Collector’s Showcase. October is turning out to be a pretty busy month.
Mr. Robinson
We have an 18-month-old boy named Brooks. His middle name is Ryan (after Nolan). My wife is a baseball fan, too, so it didn't take too much convincing. I have always loved the defensive aspect of baseball, and I have seen a lot of footage of your prowess at third. I am 38, so I did see you play a little when I was younger. We live in Detroit and are big Detroit Tiger fans, so we have watched Brandon Inge all year. His ability to get to balls to his right, sometimes diving and landing in foul territory seemed to conjure up comments about you by commentators throughout the season. Anyway, thanks for the memories and inspiration for our first son's name, Brooks Ryan Donaldson. We are hoping to buy a Brooks Robinson Jersey to have framed in his room one day.
People are finally calling him Brooks instaed of Brook. Did you ever have that?
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Mr. Robinson, I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy reading your blog. You played a bit before my time but your appearances since then, as well as your favorite player (Stan Musial) assure me that you are every bit of the Hall of Famer.
Thanks for your contributions to the game.
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Mr. Robinson-
I'm about to name you one of the best players on my best player ever series of postings.
http://baseballstuff.mlblogs.com
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Dear Mr. Robinson,
Thank you for your response about Roberto Clemente. I am in a household with a Nationals fan and he enjoys watching Mr. Zimmerman play. I tell him, "You haven't seen anything until you watch Brooks Robinson play."
Again, thanks and keep up the great work.
Stan
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Hi Brooks
First of all thank you for taking the time to chat with me in Chicago a few weeks ago. The DVD of you and I doing "play-by-play" is a priceless memory for me. Secondly I wanted to say that your comments this week about McGwire's HOF chances in the SUN were right on target. You were my hero when I was growing up for everything you did on the field and the example you set off of it. Even though the playing days are just memories, you're still my hero. The kindness you continue to show to the fans and the leadership you demonstrate by speaking up and saying the right thing about the "juicers" who've tarnished our game are some of the reasons why you are so loved and respected. Thanks again #5!
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Hi Brooks,
This is your friend Bruce from Spring Grove. It's been awhile since I've written to you, so thought I'd jot a line or 2. About 1/3 through 2006, I decided to enter a new phase in my life, and have taken a 2nd job with an agency that I soon found out was owned by a friend of yours names Russ Wantz. I was fortunate to meet Russ once since I started with his agency, and I have made mention to his managers about hopefully getting with the new stadium in York.
I am in hopes that we get to serve you and yours, and maybe get the chance to say hello again.
I sincerely hope that you and your family had a safe, Happy Holiday Season, and I look forward to 2007 being a Great year.
Hope to see you soon. Bruce
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Mr. Robinson:
I know of your great love for the game and its history. I hope you are sitting down when I tell you this.
I need your help. There is a 20 foot wall in Brooklyn that is the last standing wall of Ebbets Field. The bad news its not on the National Registry of Historic land marks and could be taken down. Could you share this story wit h your readers and friends have them read and comment here:
http://savedodgerhistory.blogspot.com/
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Can it be true?
http://mlbinsidesource.blogspot.com/
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