Saturday Cup of Mojo – Vol. 3

When this is posted, I’ll be on a ferry headed to the San Juan Islands.

Let’s pretend, though, that you and I are sitting in a coffee shop. You take a small sip of your Mojo as I tell you baseball stories. We both smile, share a laugh and enjoy our newfound baseball bond.

In this issue:

• Where Are They Now: Jeffery Leonard
• Around the Horn: Pitching is So Different

• Where Are They Now: Jeffery Leonard

Leonard may best be known for his “one flap down” method of trotting the bases after hitting a home run, where one arm laid motionless at his side.

He was the lone Mariner representative in the 1989 All-Star Game, where he served as a DH. He went 0-1 in the game, striking out in his only at bat.

After leaving baseball following the 1990 season, Leonard coached for the Antelope Valley College baseball team, north of Los Angeles, California, from 2002-2005.

These days, he’s retired and living in California.

• Around the Horn: Pitching is So Different

We all know this to be the case, but sometimes you see little blurbs that make you realize how different the pitching game is now. Five man rotations instead of three. Complete games being rare. Pitch counts and inning counts. Slower development.

It’s understandable, though. Pitchers are the riskiest of players and when they start commanding top earner dollars, that investment has to be protected.

Check this ot though. On this date in 1917, Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched for the Phillies. Not just once, byt twice! Alexander pitched two complete games that day, sweeping the Brooklyn Dodgers in the doubleheader. He only allowed three runs combined, winning the games 5-0 and 9-3 respectively.

Kind of a short issue this week, but thanks for reading. Now, go start the BBQ and crack open a cold one. It’s a three day weekend, baby!