BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???

Subject: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: GUEST,boab
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 09:04 AM

Hullo all,
We were in Canada after a tour and went to watch the Toronto Blue Jays in action and they kept on going on about RBI's. Now me being Scottish means that I dont particularly keep all that well informed about baseball, so can someone out there please help me and tell me what it means
Thanks and Cheerio for now
Dylan

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 09:52 AM

Stands for "Run's Batted In"

In other words, an RBI is a hit that allows another player to advance to home plate and score a run.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 09:54 AM

An RBI Means Run Batted In. If the batter gets a hit and a base runner scores because of that hit, the batter is credited with a run batted in. This is one feature in baseball that helps to keep players as team players instead of just individual stars.

Boab, if you are British, could you please explain Cricket to us?

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Bagpuss
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 10:01 AM

Cricket Rules.

AS EXPLAINED TO A FOREIGN VISITOR.

You have two sides, one out in the field and one in.

Each man that's in the side that's in goes out and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out.

When they are all out the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out.

Sometimes you get men still in and not out.

When both sides have been in and out including the not outs.......

THAT'S THE END OF THE GAME......HOWZAT !!!

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Amos
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 10:19 AM

Good introduction. I think its the details that keep confusing us!

A

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: artbrooks
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 10:19 AM

Oh, I understand, Bagpuss...exactly like baseball....

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: MMario
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 10:33 AM

But are the wickets sticky? and why?

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: jeffp
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 11:02 AM

It should also be noted that it is not necessary to hit safely to get an RBI. If a batter hits a long fly ball that is caught deep in the outfield, a runner may attempt to score from third base by running to home after the ball is caught. If he is successful, the runner scores a run, the batter is credited with an RBI, and the play becomes a "sacrifice fly."

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 11:44 AM

Thanks Jeff, saved me the explanation....

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 01:21 PM

To further confuse you, not only does a "sacrifice fly" score an "RBI" on a player's "stats", it is not charged as an "at bat" so it doesn't adversely affect his personal "batting average".

If you feel your head spinning, please go lie down.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: jeffp
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 01:42 PM

Shall we next explain the infield fly rule?

Just kidding

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 01:55 PM

Picky, picky, picky! (;->)!

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 03:16 PM

I had an analogy about the Queen's genitals, but I think I'll go with the Sports Freak analogy instead. "The Infield Fly Rule is very good. If a fly lands in the infield, the home team is responsible for supplying the fly-swatter, bug spray, or whatever it takes to get rid of the pest. If the fly lands on your hotdog, it's your responsibility."

Actually, the Infield Fly Rule is called when there are less than two outs and runners are on first and second, or the bases are loaded. The umpire signals an infield fly when a fair fly ball (bunts and line drives don't count....oy....) is ruled catchable by an infielder. The batter is automatically out, and the runners can advance at their own risk because the ball isn't dead, only sleeping.

The Infield Fly Rule prevents infielders from dropping pop-flies on purpose to get a double play, which would be ridiculously easy, because runners have to wait on or near their bases to see if the ball is caught before they can run.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 09:34 PM

running but intoxicated

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Blackcatter
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 10:48 PM

So what is everyone's favorite baseball song?

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 07 Mar 03 - 10:55 AM

I like all of the sort of dreamy songs that were in Field of Dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Mar 03 - 11:53 AM

well, I think I remember someone doing this song about the Chicago Cubs..... captured the essence, so's to speak...

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Devilmaster
Date: 07 Mar 03 - 09:58 PM

Blackcatter -

No doubt that one of the best baseball songs of all time, and Bill D hinted at it, is Steve Goodman's 'A dying Cub fan's last request.'

The website below has the lyrics to the song, and a half decent realaudio clip of the song.

song link

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Mar 03 - 04:08 PM

But what is a WAMBSGANS?

What did the Yankees cover up with "The belly ache heard round the world"?

Why were the Boston Red Sox players more impressed with Luis Tiant in the clubhous than on the mound?

Why do you never want to cross the "Mendoza Line"?

What is the finest book ever written about baseball? No question here...it's "The Glory of their Times" by Lawrence Ritter. So what's the next best?

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 08 Mar 03 - 04:15 PM

Devilmaster, thank you so much for posting that! I heard Steve do that in Philadelphia (yes, I, too, knew the joy of growing up with a [mostly] losing team) but had forgotten all but the last line. Hearing that clip was wonderful. I know Steve is enjoying his season ticket to watch the Angels...

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 12:13 AM

Rick -

Babe Ruth's hangover was blamed on hotdogs - hence the bellyache heard around the world.

Not sure about Tiant - it seems like I can figure out where it is leading.   I guess it wasn't his age?

If you can't hit for a better average than the Mendoza line (.200) you probably aren't long for the game.

The Glory of their Times was a great book. I also think Ball Four, Boys of Summer, Once Upon the Polo Grounds (hey, I'm a Mets fan!) and the Unforgettable Season are great books.   For fiction, nothing beats Mark Harris' Henry Wiggins books or Ring Lardner's You Know Me Al.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 01:07 AM

And just for a bit of stats info, the alltime single season RBI record is 190, from the bat of Hack Wilson.

How about that Coca Cola ad in Glory Of Their Times, back when it had that special ingredient, living up to its name. "A glass for you will cure that headache, rundown and exhausted feeling." Rube Waddell: "I find Coca-Cola stimulating to both body and mind...."

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:23 AM

And coke is still popular in the locker rooms.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:28 AM

Ron, Bill Lee in his funny book "The Wrong Stuff" claimed that a couple of young ladies visited the clubhouse during a game while "El Presidente" and Lee were gettin' some therapy. Shall we say they were impressed with Tiant's stogie.

Oh man......"Ball Four" I have LIVED that book! Dedicated a Folk-Legacy album of mine to Jim.....and even got to chat with him a few times.

....but how about The 'Wambsgans"?

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 01:39 PM

What was it like talking to Jim Bouton? Cool.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 04:34 PM

Hi Ranger.

A bit strange. I'm a HUGE believer in NOT getting close to the heroes in your life,......for many reasons. One night, Heather and I were watching TV and the phone rings....."it's for you", she says "Jim Boooby...."

It takes me a mili-second but I click in, cuz I sent him an autographed album with the dedication about a month before!

He's very pleasant....says thanks and for ten minutes I try to keep the conversation going with questions that I DON'T think he gets asked every day.

He's oddly more involved than I feel he should be....after all this guy is a HUGE celebrity....and this embarrasses me a bit. Heather reminds me afterwards that it's because he DOESN'T know who the hell I am that he was probably being so nice and courteous.....after all maybe I outsell NEIL YOUNG!!!

Ok....move to the present. Nope, nuthin' like that....he's simply a very nice guy (chatty to the max) and really appreciates how many kids' lives were affected by his book. I still haven't MET him.....there was a tragedy of the loss of a child in his family and I thought better about dropping in for a visit. Still might though.....he lives in New England, and our most recent phone chat was fun.

He's FINALLY been invited back to Yankee Stadium for an oldtimers game. He's very happy about that.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 05:54 PM

Jim Bouton used to live in Teaneck and was a listener to the show. He came to several benefit concerts during the early 80's. We chatted briefly, a very nice guy. He knows his music, especially blues. He was also up on folk music as well.

My brother-in-law was very close with one of his sons and also speaks glowingly of Bouton.   He was treated as a pariah after writing the book, but he was just being honest. The book really was a breakthrough for sports journalism and it is still a great read.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 06:08 PM

Wambsgans? Either a 2nd baseman for Cleveland or a recent inductee into the "Rockabilly Hall of Fame"...a thread that has gone missing........or possibly an acronym for some batting order?

Tell me Mr. Bones!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 07:10 PM

Unassisted triple play! THAT'll get you into everything but the Baseball Hall of Fame, Spaw!

Thanks for the story, Ron.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 10:55 PM

Thanks, Rick and Ron. Yeah, it's hard knowing what to say to a celebrity you admire, but I imagine he respected the fact that you didn't ask him the same old questions.

Good for the Yankees! What took them so long? Grudge because of Ball Four?

Best,

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: GUEST,chin music
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:02 PM

I think that Ball Four is my favourite baseball book, but I recently read Richard Ben Creamer's book called 'The Hero's Life' on Joe Dimaggio. An fascinating look into this superstar's life. Here's a quick story. When I was a young lad, the Montreal Royals played in Toronto against the Maple Leafs of the Int'l League, and I asked Sandy Amoros for his autograph after a game. The ex-Dodger couldn't have been nicer, and even invited me to sit on the bus, and we talked baseball for about 10 minutes before the rest of the team boarded. I'll never forget his kindness and generosity of spirit to a wide eyed kid. This was in a time before the business of the game turned it rather ugly. I'm still a fan, but look back fondly when there was more of a connection between player and fan.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:10 AM

One more item about Bouton.   Apparently just before he died Mickey Mantle sent Bouton a nice note. The two hadn't spoke since the book came out from the stories I've heard.

I never cared for Mantle from a personal encounter I had with him as a youth, but I do think it was classy if he was able to forget the past.

I still hate the Yankees with a passion.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:16 AM

Ron, when I was a kid, I lived and DIED for the Yankees.....I have no idea why. I guess their broadcasts came in clearer. I knew EVERY player, their numbers, anecdotes etc.

Great story Chin Music. When my Dad would take me to Delormier Downs in Montreal I was in Heaven! Got autographs from "Rock em Sock em" Tommy Lasorda, Eli Grba (!) and George "Shotgun" Shuba!

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: GUEST,chinmusic
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:34 AM

Jeez Rick, seeing the name Eli Grba on the Mudcat proves all things are still possible in this world. He also pitched for Toronto, and I got whiplash from watching his pitches get turned around and take flight over to Toronto Airport. Gotta love his last name though. Also, give me a day or two, and I think I can find it in my heart to forgive you for being a Yankee fan. That's almost as bad as being a member of the Alliance Party here, or a Republican south of the border. So, when you were a kid, who did you imagine yourself at the plate? Was it Phil Linz or Gene Woodling?

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: stevetheORC
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 05:00 AM

When is Baseball going to forgive Pete Rose and put him where he belongs in the HOF. I have never understood why a bit of gambling should cloud everyone as to what a great player he was??????

Orcs luv Baseball n Hockey

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 09:14 AM

Screw Pete Rose!   Keep him out!!   The Hall of Fame is more than just stats, otherwise Dave Kingman should be let in.

It isn't just "a bit" of gambling. He lied and it appears that he bet on games that involved a team he is managing.   He is not the type of person that belongs in the HOF. There are other disgraces that have been enshrined, and adding Rose does not make it right.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 09:26 AM

So that'd be a "NO" from you then Ron? I wasn't sure so I thought maybe I ought to ask..................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 10:04 AM

I thought I was being subtle, you are very observant Spaw!!!!!

Rose is a loser. IF he was honest and admitted his problem upfront I would have some sympathy.   Now he is willing to admit he made the bet after years of denial. What kind of man is this? A piece of self-indulgent trash.   I want to see him go to his grave knowing that his actions forever tarnished his image.

Maybe I'm still a little bitter for the way he treated Bud in '73.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 11:30 AM

The "Rose thing" is such a bummer because he really WAS a great great "little ball" player. (as opposed to "Little" ballplayer.)

If he'd been on the bubble like that whackball Dave (the dead rat) Kingman, or Jose (I slept with Madonna) Canseco....eventually we'd just forget about it.....and his case would be taken up again forty years from now.

Bit of (constantly repeating irony) apparently they were trying to reach Rose recently about ANOTHER meeting with the Commish......and he was in the Casino!

Chin....I was ANDY CAREY (!!) Yes, I didn't have the ego or the speed to be Gil McDougald, and I played third base when not pitching, in Little, Pony, and Babe Ruth League. As a sidearming Righty, I was JOHNNY KUCKS!! (now THERE'S a forgotton name....maybe I'll do a Google search on him)

When I moved to Toronto, I watched Mike Goliat, Sparky Anderson, ROCKY NELSON (the Babe Ruth of the minors) and Sparky Lyle!

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 11:39 AM

Rose was a great ballplayer, no doubt about it. But the HOF is SUPPOSEDLY about more than just stats.

I do think it is a crime that Gil Hodges is still not a member.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 11:51 AM

I'm not alone in my distaste for re-instating Rose.

USA Today

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:25 PM

Well look Ron, how about if a few of us go together and pay for an induction into the "Rockabilly Hall of Fame?" I don't think he ever made a bet on halfassed music shrines...............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:35 PM

Jeez, that's a well written article, Ron. Almost a million bucks in HALF a season?!

Hodges eh? Anything we don't know about? Is The Duke in? I guess Gil's numbers are all a bit below the bubble.....but...everything I've read about him says he was a great leader.

Rick (geez guys, I gotta prepare a radio show for tonight!)

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:47 PM

Don't fool yourself Spaw - a lot of HOF members paid to get in one way or the other.

Hodges came closer this year, but there were no veterans that made the grade.   Hodges numbers are about the same (and in some instances better) than Phil Rizzuto.   His leadership qualities alone warrant his admission.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:57 PM

For those that are fans of the game from its earliest times, IF I NEVER GET BACK by Darryl Brock is a great read. It really has several subplots, one involving the Fenian Uprising of 1867, Mark Twain is a character, and great descriptions of the game in its earliest times.

I believe it was 50/50 drawings at these early games that generated the seed money that was used to establish what eventually became THE ROCKABILLY HALL OF FAME.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 01:12 PM

Mick, I'll tell "ya" something. I don't know much about Irish politics or 'the troubles', but my goodness, there was a cauldron boiling at the turn of the century around "The Bostons". It was VERY political, threats were made and Huge sums of money were bet.

The New York Highlanders (England) and New York Giants (Ireland) also had their ties in the old country, as well.

There are great photos in "The Glory of their Times" of Boston's "Smokey Joe Wood" warming up with THOUSANDS of Irish fans (and organization members) standing right next to him! Oh what an atmosphere that would have been!! On the other side of the absolutely CHOKED field was "Matty" (The Christian Gentleman!!) throwing on the sideline.

I think their was a TON of betting goin on (possibly by "hall of Famers") but my guess is that MOST of it stopped when Judge Landis came in.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 01:26 PM

Landis was brought in to "clean up" the game after the "Black" Sox scandal of 1919.   He had the authority to make the decisions banning players for life as the owners needed him to restore the games image.   In 2003 the owners have re-taken control and we will never see another strong commissioner with power to make change.

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: stevetheORC
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 04:40 AM

Please forgive my obvious ignorance but I thought that the criteria for the HOF was how well a player had played and not that he might have bet on a game!! I can understand getting upset over a player throwing a game for money, That is undoutably wrong and deserves the harshest sanctions. Was there any evidence that Rose had done this as manager? or was it just the fact that he placed a bet (which I believe he still denies) He was convicted of tax evasion ( a honrable crime:-)but even the commision (other than Giamatti) said that there was doubt about his betting on the game, even Prez Jimmy Carter has come out and said that he should be eligable for the HOF

I am by the way a british fan

ORC'S Rule

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 09:32 AM

No Orc, it is not JUST how well a player plays the game. If it were based on stats there would be no need for voting.

From the HOF:

"5. Voting — Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played"

While none of us are certain, apparently there was at least enough evidence to enforce these sanctions. evidence

Are these major crimes? In the grand scheme of things, no. However, Rose knew the rules. Because of its past, baseball has STRONG sanctions to prevent betting.   The Hall of Fame has standards. Rose knowlingly jeopardized his career and reputation and got caught. Too damn bad.   The man is not a role model, he has turned into a pathetic loser.

For the complete rules for HOF election go to:
HOF rules


Keep Rose out!!!

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: What in Baseball is an RBI???
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 10:16 AM

So Ron........Was the football HOF wrong to induct Karras and Hornung then?

Spaw