By all rights George Steinbrenner should be elected to the Hall of Fame the first time he is eligible.
…Even if that is true, let’s look at this scenario. Pete was in fact in debt many times for gambling. Do you think it’s possible that a bookie said: “Pete, if you’d like us to forget what you owe us, on Tuesday’s game, which you’re NOT betting on, do you think you could push the game our way? We are gonna bet against the Reds that day.” A pitching change, a signal to bunt or steal in an odd place in the game, and Pete’s off the hook for his gambling debt. AND he still “never bet against his team.” You may think that’s impossible. I don’t. And even if you feel sure that never happened, the rule is still completely clear. He broke it, and he’s permanently ineligible….
Original post:
George Steinbrenner, Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe
A little over 24 years ago today, a Cubs outfielder named Rick Monday made what is unquestionably the most patriotic play in the history of baseball, preventing the American flag from being burned.
…I don’t say many nice things about the Chicago Cubs on this blog. However, seeing as how today is the birthday of our great nation, I feel compelled to do just that.
Why? Well, a little over 24 years ago today, a Cubs outfielder named Rick Monday made what is unquestionably the most patriotic play in the history of baseball.
During a game in LA between the Cubs and the Dodgers, two men ran onto the outfield with designs on burning the American flag. They were just about to be successful when Monday swooped in and grabbed the flag, foiling their plans.
Kudos to you Rick Monday for your spontaneous and inspiring act of patriotism.
Somehow, I had never seen the highlights of this play and just caught them five minutes ago on the MLB Network.
Here is the full story:
It takes a lot for me to shower plaudits upon anyone or anything associated with the Cubs, but this certainly qualifies.
Here is Monday’s statement after the incident:
If you’re going to burn the flag, don’t do it around me. I’ve been to too many…
Read more here:
The Most Patriotic Play in Baseball History [video]