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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here at Between the Lines! The perfect day to give thanks, which is where I want to start- with all of you! From my mom who inspires me everyday to see beyond the sport and into it’s soul, to my dad who is always available for baseball talk and teaches me something new everyday, and especially to all of my friends, old and new, and my family who read my blog every day and support me through it all! This past year has been one that has had it fair shares of downs, but because of all of you it’s had it’s highest ups.

Friends, family, health, and good times… I’m always thankful for you!

But what am I most thankful for? Yes… Major League Baseball. Each team, at some time in their history has done something for each one of us die hard fans that makes us thankful day in and day out. Some things we rarely think about, but they are with us and we are reminded of them today.

A-Y of thankfulness
Angels- In 2009 the Angels reminded us what it means to be a family. They showed us how to support one another, and how to rise above and win in the name of a fallen teammate. When they Angels ran out to centerfield to touch the wall with Adenharts memorial, they made me thankful for my family and remind us all to cherish the time we have with one another. For that, I will always be thankful.

Astros- To the Houston Astros, who gave us an opportunity to see an organization support a player like Craig Biggio while he played his entire 20 season career with the same team. The baseball purist in me likes to believe that this game is more than just a business and I’m thankful for organizations that remind us of this.

Athletics- I’m thankful for Billy Beane, who’s work ethic inspired Major League Baseball in “Moneyball” and continues to challenge the ways in which scouts and statisticians think outside the box. Because of Billy, the front offices of baseball run more effectively and have contributed to baseball as we know it today.

Blue Jays- From 1977-2004 Tom Cheek was the voice of the Blue Jays. His voice is still associated with anyone to remember’s Torontos first World Series in 1992 to his famous call when they repeated the next year. As a passionate fan himself, he called 4,306 consecutive games. A Ford C. Frick finalist, we should all be thankful for his colorful and historic contributions to baseball.

Braves- I’m thankful to have seen a team win so many penanents in my life, that isn’t the Yankees. From Hudson, to Smoltz, to the Miracle season of 1914. I’m thankful for any team with history that has provided a basis of excellence in the majors today.

Brewers- I’m thankful for Bob Uecker, one of my favorite best baseball broadcasters ever! He’s been in baseball for over half a century and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cardinals- I hate to admit it, but thank you to Albert Pujols for being perfect.

Cubs- Thank you for being my family and introducing me to my best friends in the world. Thank you for Mark Grace, the Tinker-Evers-Chance combination, Greg Maddox, and Charlie Grimm. Thank you for being broadcast on TV when most teams weren’t, you gave me a great excuse in 2nd grade to fake sick and watch opening day every single year!

Diamondbacks- Thank you for helping Mark Grace win a World Series, even if it wasn’t with the Cubs.

Dodgers- Thank you for Tommy Lasorda, one of the most inspirational figures in baseball. Someone who thinks with their heart and isn’t motivated by money. A hero of mine, Tommy is someone who lives and breathes with baseball and without him baseball would be missing a big part of it’s soul.

Giants- The New York Giants, who were one of baseballs first ever teams, helped make baseball into America’s Pastime. All the books I’ve read in the past year have all be centered around baseball from the early 1900’s and the common theme is the Giants, who’s legends like John McGraw could never be replaced. The Giants captured America with moments like in 1951 with “The Shot Heard Round the World” to 1954 with Willie May’s “The Catch.” I’m thankful for this organization, even if they are in SF now.

Indians- I’m thankful for an organization that supports its fans as much as they suppor their team. When I first asked what “455″ meant on the outfield wall, I didn’t believe it… but it’s true.

Mariners- Thank you to the Mariners for producing guys like A-Rod and Griffey then losing them to free agency and trades.

Marlins- When I think of the Marlins, I’m thankful for the small market mentallity of putting together a staff of pitchers that are young and can compete against some of the highest markets in the league. The 2009 Marlins starting rotation was one of my all time favorites. Josh Johnson, Andrew Miller (UNC Alumn), Ricky Nolasco (former Cub), Anibol Sanchez, and Chris Volstad.

Mets- I’m not ever thankful for the Mets. Especially not for 1969 or 1986. If Ron Santo hates them, thats enough reason for me, too.

Nationals- Thank you to the Nationals for coming back to Washington, where they once played and where a cherish ballclub from 1901-1960 as the Senators. Mostly memorable for their 1924 World Series which had stars like Joe Cronin and Walter Johnson. I’m thankful when I see small market teams with bright futures like the Nat’s who will have a powerhouse team with a core group of guys to lock down the rotation for years to come.

Orioles- Thank you for giving Felix Pie a home. Oh, and for Cal Ripken and his streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games not only helped build a franchise but also gave way to the longest standing ovation ever at a ballgame of 22 minutes.

Padres- Besides the 1984 season, I’m thankful for Tony Gwynn and Dave Winfield, two of the games greatest players who both came out of San Diego.

Phillies- Thank you for winning a World Series for Harry Kalas before he passed away. He was another true voice of the game and died happy as a World Series Champion.

Pirates- Well if it wasn’t for the Pirates, who knows how long it would have taken to get baseball on the radio. And thank you to Branch Rickey who instilled rules with the Pirates that remain in effect today- like the mandatory use of batting helmets.

Rangers- Thank you for giving Josh Hamilton a second chance.

Rays- The Rays are responsible for giving small market teams hope. Without their 2007 season, we might have seen a push for a salary cap or worse for Major League Baseball. Their World Series appearance gave fans of teams like the Marlins and Nationals faith in the rebuilding process.

Red Sox- Thank you for 2004! I was there in person when they won it all and to this day has been the best day of my life and for that I am eternally thankful.

Reds- Thank you for George Foster and Pete Rose, two players I have enjoyed learning about for the past 23 years of my life. The Big Red Machine that marked the 70’s, thank you!

Rockies- Finally a team that makes baseball possible in Colorado! After many failed attempts the Rockies played their first game in 1993 and have made progress since. Plus, they’ve become a team to watch out for and their growing fan base has led to the popularity of baseball along the western states. Plus you have to love a town that Larry Walker is a hometown hero as voted by the residents!

Royals- Well they started off on the right foot in 1969 with George Brett and Lou Piniella. They were once a dominant franchise, which many don’t think of when you hear Royals since their downward spiral in the 90’s to current. But you never know, guys like Zack Greinke can turn a ballclub around and thankfully the Royals have that shot.

Tigers & Twins- Thank you for Game 163 this year. As I told Nick Punto a week ago, it was the best game I have ever seen in my life.

White Sox- Thankful for a class act like Mark Buehrle and being able to see from start to finish a perfect game in Chicago!

Yankees- Thank you for Derek Jeter, one of the most motivating and hardest working players in the Majors.

To every player that takes the field everyday, thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving to all & remember today to at least spend some thought remember what it is that you are thankful for =)
-S

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