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- As the 2007 MLB season is still in its infancy, it was a treat to look back on how the game has evolved over the years. Sunday was the 60-year anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s first game in the Majors as a Brooklyn Dodger. As a civil rights pioneer in the world of sports, #42 was an inspiration, as well as proof that white athletes were not the only ones who belonged in the realm of pro sports. Without Robinson integrating MLB, who knows where sports would be today? In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, Curtis Granderson, Craig Monroe, Ivan Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon wore the number 42 for the Tigers in Detroit’s matchup against the Blue Jays. Marcus Thames also donned the retired jersey number, but was a scratch due to a case of the flu. Throughout the Major Leagues, at least a handful of players on every team saluted Robinson with his jersey number, and in the case of a few teams, every player on the roster took the field with 42 on their backs.
- Grapefruit League in Florida saw a record high attendance number in 2007. Spring Training facilities for 17 teams in America’s hurricane magnet drew over 1.7 million fans for games, an increase of over 100k from the previous record, set in 2006.
- Cleveland did play their home opener in Milwaukee a while back, and it was an interesting affair. The Indians mascot even got to use the slide they have in the outfield — plus there was a playable field that had not been taken over by snow, which is always a plus.
- If you have been a regular reader of DSU for any amount of time, by now you’re aware of the love I have for stadiums, arenas, and sports venues in general. With that, I am proud to announce that the dream is becoming a reality — the Twins will no longer call the Metrodome home, hopefully as soon as 2010. That is when their new stadium is expected to open, and it looks like it will be a great ballpark. Unfortunately, the Twins did not opt to add a $100 million retractable roof to their already $522 million building costs, so expect games to be cold. Perhaps even snowier than Cleveland…
- After a major meltdown in a ninth inning save opportunity against the Tigers, Jays closer BJ Ryan was placed on the disabled list with an elbow sprain. Quick to follow were all-star third baseman Troy Glaus and leftfielder Reed Johnson. All of the sudden, things are looking a tad chilly in Toronto baseball-wise.
- The Yankees are evil. Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano joined starter Chien-Ming Wang on the Evil Empire’s disabled list. Let them bask in their expensive yet injury-prone roster!
