However, photo #13 is a puzzle to me. It's dated 12/13/56 and shows Jackie and his family holding a NY Giants banner. I always thought Robinson had decided to retire before his trade to the Giants. If that was the case, why would he be holding their banner?

http://tinyurl.com/2xjgb4

I repeat nothing.

As for the photo, Robinson had already decided to retire well before the trade was made and sold the exclusive rights to his retirement story to Look Magazine. In order to keep the fee of (I believe) $5,000, he had to keep the news under wraps until the magazine issue hit the newsstand. The trade took everyone by surprise, and Robinson had to play along until the magazine came out.

By the way, those of you attending the game on Sunday will be receiving a commemmorative program of sorts as a handout at the gate. This is being distributed at all the MLB stadiums. Look inside and you will find an article by an author who may be familiar. Unfortunately, and of course coincidentally, it covers much of the same material as Jon's story, even down to quoting the same New York Times passages. Apologies in advance, Jon.

You might want to reconsider. If I remember correctly, it did not go well for Pharaoh during or after the plagues.

7 - Probably, I should apologize to you.

(This pitcher) is, roughly speaking, the worst pitching prospect in the history of the world. There is nothing about his record that would cause a prudent person to suppose that he could pitch in the majors, but he throws hard, so he keeps getting chances. His control record is awful, and he's been hurt a lot, and he's never been effective anywhere.

Answer to the Bill James quiz: Padres journeyman reliever Rudy Seanez . . . <<<

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6676154

You'd think a guy writing for FOX though would be aware that Rudy is no longer a "Padres journeyman." Unfortunately, he's our journeyman. :-)

I kind of figured you weren't serious about it, I just wanted to make sure.

http://insidethedodgers.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/2007/04/furcal_is_back.html

Furcal, SS
Pierre, CF
Nomar, 1B
Kent, 2B
Gonzo, LF
Martin, C
Clark, RF
Martinez, 3B
Lowe, P

Furcal, SS

Pierre, CF

Nomar, 1B

Kent, 2B

Gonzo, LF

Martin, C

Clark, RF

Martinez, 3B

Lowe, P

I speak facetiously, but in view of the elaborate and I believe well and tastefully executed observance of the 25th anniversary, including the grand gesture of retiring the number for all teams, it's a little bit difficult to work up a similar level of enthusiasm so soon.

Juan Pierre batting #1: .300/.345/.389/.734 (1868 ABs)
Juan Pierre batting #2: .252/.304/.290/.594 (107 ABs)

I don't claim to know whether this is meaningful or not.

I actually expected this. Unless Ethier does something with any opportunities he gets over the next two weeks I won't be surprised to see him exchange places with Bigbie in the near future so that Ethier can work on his batting stroke at Las Vegas.

http://tinyurl.com/2qx5zy

Here you get a chance to hear the man himself.

"My fight was against the barriers that kept Negroes out of baseball. This was the area where I found imperfection, and where I was best able to fight. And I fought because I knew it was not doomed to be a losing fight. It couldn't be a losing fight-not when it took place in a free society."

There is nothing else to say except listen to the man who wore number 42.

"In other news, it's almost opening day!!! Yay! Baseball makes me so happy. But man, the Dodgers are driving me nuts this Spring Training. Colletti if you are reading this – we need a power hitter!!!! "

http://www.safesearching.com/alyssamilano/blog/

:o)

Danica or Alyssa...?

She's also featured prominently in the MLB apparel catalog I just received today, modeling all the fine gear she has her name stamped on.

We really need to send the Punctuation Police to visit her, though.

37 - Who's the boss? Danica. But don't forget Jan Smithers.

Danica in a heartbeat. I always crushed on Jan Smithers as a little one, too. (Assuming we're requiring the Siren to be from 80s culture...)