Showing posts with label ryne sandberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ryne sandberg. Show all posts

Sunday, June 9, 2013

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies' Ryne Sandberg Completes 30-Year Odyssey

With the Philadelphia Phillies' 2013 season likely being one of continuing transition, I thought it would be worthwhile to review a piece that I wrote last fall about Ryne Sandberg. 

Hardcore fans loved that 'Ryno' returned to the organization a few years ago and that he was promoted to a coaching position with the big club last fall. Now, what's next?...

Sandberg has finally returned to the Phillies' infield.
(Photo credit - Sean O'Brien, 2012)

(This feature was originally published by Yahoo Sports on October 4, 2012.)

The Philadelphia Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. knows that a number of targeted moves are needed to improve his club's chances of rebounding into the playoffs next season. One of those changes includes today's hiring of Ryne Sandberg as the team's new third base and infield coach.
Amaro announced at a press conference that the team will go without a bench coach next season and that Sandberg's hiring means that Juan Samuel will shift to the first base coaching box. Charlie Manuel also said that Sandberg would assume the managerial duties if he were to be thrown out of a game.
Slightly more than three decades after being traded to the Chicago Cubs, 'Ryno' is sure to receive a strong ovation from the fans at next season's home opener. Regardless of job titles, it's also now obvious that he'll be second-in-command and the clear managerial heir apparent.
Sandberg's return to Philadelphia finally realized
Long after retiring, fellow Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt decided that he would like to try his hand at managing. So, he agreed to become the Clearwater Threshers' skipper in 2004. Schmidt lasted one season (59-77) with the Phillies' Single-A team and then decided to resign.
It's hardly appealing to lurch through the minor leagues for an indefinite period of time. But, that's exactly what Sandberg chose to do when the Chicago Cubs hired him to manage their Single-A Peoria Chiefs team in 2007. Deposed Phillies' bench coach Pete Mackanin also managed that team in 1985 and 1986, leading the Chiefs to the League finals in those successive seasons.
While Sandberg's 2007 and 2008 teams didn't fare well, he did lead the Double-A Tennessee Smokies to the League finals in 2009 and finished tied for first in the division while managing the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2010. Sandberg's 2011 Triple-A Lehigh Valley team advanced to the League Finals. While his 2012 squad finished above .500 (75-68), the Iron Pigs didn't qualify for the playoffs.
Ryno earned his second major league break
This 53-year-old doesn't need a job and didn't toil in the bushes for the past six years to boost his ego. Sandberg decided to learn his managerial craft step-by-step, which enabled him to earn this second major league opportunity.
Manuel seems likely to complete the final year of his contract next season unless his team truly falters. That scenario sets up well for the team's newest coach to then take over.
As a long-time Phillies' loyalist, I was happy to see Sandberg return to the fold when he was hired in November 2010. Today fully marks the completion of a thirty-plus year odyssey for one of the team's most lamented alumni. Welcome home 'Ryno'.
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Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
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Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
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Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Friday, October 5, 2012

What's Next on the Philadelphia Phillies' Agenda?


Headline Topic: Phillies

We have no way of knowing how the 2013 season will go, but hiring Ryne Sandberg surely feels like the right move to make. 

Ruben Amaro, Jr. seems to be making carefully considered moves during the past year, which somewhat veers away from his more impulsive past gambles. (And yes, we all know that he gave a ton of money to Papelbon last offseason.)

This roster will be shaken up. For my part, I wouldn't mind seeing both Darin Ruf and Domonic Brown start in next year's outfield. But, that would also mean adding a solid CF and 3B. Of course the bullpen needs to be solidified with veteran arms as well. 

 Recent Headline Topic:  Hope for Phillies' Darin 'Babe' Ruf 

Seeing Darin Ruf hit numerous home runs out of a Double-A park in Reading was thrilling. Seeing him hit his first major league home run, during the first game that he started in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies was priceless (to coin an advertising cliche.)  

Will he actually develop into a major league player? Could that happen by next season? No one knows the answers to these questions, but personal stories have always drawn me to this specific game.

Here is my feature article about him.
Classic Headline Topic:  The Best Phillies of the Current Era

-->>Due to the volume of interest generated in this specific article, it has been re-posted. If you have read it, or choose to open this link now, I hope that you enjoy:  
The 10 Best Philadelphia Phillies of This Era

Classic Headline Topic: The anniversary of Pete Rose's 4,192 hit.

Pete broke Ty Cobb's hit record on 9/11/85. The man was unique in the annals of baseball history. 

For those who are interested, my recent feature comments on Rose's time with the Phillies and the complex feelings that many of us have about his gambling issues:
Phillies' great Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and baseball justice
Classic Headline Topic: Three Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own feature article:

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

Recent Headline Topic: Eagles-Giants' Game

Both teams are 2-1. This looks to be a game the Eagles should win. 

Divisional and Conference games matter just as much now as they do later in the season. The Birds can't let this one slip away. 

It will be interesting to see how Vick performs in what has been an erratic effort to-date.

Recent Headline Topic: Tony DiLeo 

The hiring of DiLeo as GM promotes from within and represents another feel-good move that the newest Sixers ownership group has made. 

With Doug Collins seemingly likely to continue to have strong influence on this team, all signs remain positive for the resurgence of this basketball franchise. 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank You to over ---3.7 Million Readers---of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me:

I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter  @SeanyOB

Connect to my Yahoo: Featured Contributor Page

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert





The Always Fashionable Biana DeMarco


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember
When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.

Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like:
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, October 4, 2012

With Sandberg Back, What's Next for the Philadelphia Phillies?


Headline Topic: Sandberg Deal Done  

 We have no way of knowing how the 2013 season will go, but hiring Ryne Sandberg surely feels like the right move to make. 

 Ruben Amaro, Jr. seems to be making carefully considered moves during the past year, which somewhat veers away from his more impulsive past gambles. (And yes, we all know that he gave a ton of money to Papelbon last offseason.)

 This roster will be shaken up. For my part, I wouldn't mind seeing both Darin Ruf and Domonic Brown start in next year's outfield. But, that would also mean adding a solid CF and 3B. Of course the bullpen needs to be solidified with veteran arms as well. 
Recent Headline Topic:  Hope for Phillies' Darin 'Babe' Ruf 

Seeing Darin Ruf hit numerous home runs out of a Double-A park in Reading was thrilling. Seeing him hit his first major league home run, during the first game that he started in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies was priceless (to coin an advertising cliche.)  

Will he actually develop into a major league player? Could that happen by next season? No one knows the answers to these questions, but personal stories have always drawn me to this specific game.

Here is my feature article about him.
Classic Headline Topic: Three Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own feature article:

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 
Recent Headline Topic: Eagles-Giants' Game

Both teams are 2-1. This looks to be a game the Eagles should win. 

Divisional and Conference games matter just as much now as they do later in the season. The Birds can't let this one slip away. 

It will be interesting to see how Vick performs in what has been an erratic effort to-date.

Recent Headline Topic: Tony DiLeo 

The hiring of DiLeo as GM promotes from within and represents another feel-good move that the newest Sixers ownership group has made. 

With Doug Collins seemingly likely to continue to have strong influence on this team, all signs remain positive for the resurgence of this basketball franchise. 

Classic Headline Topic:  The Best Phillies of the Current Era

-->>Due to the volume of interest generated in this specific article, it has been re-posted. If you have read it, or choose to open this link now, I hope that you enjoy:  
The 10 Best Philadelphia Phillies of This Era

Classic Headline Topic: The anniversary of Pete Rose's 4,192 hit.

Pete broke Ty Cobb's hit record on 9/11/85. The man was unique in the annals of baseball history. 

For those who are interested, my recent feature comments on Rose's time with the Phillies and the complex feelings that many of us have about his gambling issues:
Phillies' great Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and baseball justice

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Thank You to over ---3.7 Million Readers---of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me:

I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter  @SeanyOB

Connect to my Yahoo: Featured Contributor Page

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert





The Always Fashionable Biana DeMarco


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember
When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.

Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like:
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Have the Philadelphia Philles Given Ryne Sandberg Two Assurances?


Headline Topic: Sandberg-Phillies reunion 

Okay, the 2012 season is now over. Like all good politicians, the Phillies will now attempt to steer away from a bad subject (this season) and toward next year. 

 With three coaches being fired, there's more than enough space for Ryne Sandberg to be hired. 

 I hope that he has already accepted an offer and then doesn't interview for any subsequent managerial jobs. The only way that scenario can happen is if Sandberg has been told that he will not only be a coach next season, but also that he will take over in 2014, or during the season if any change is made. 

 No one can know what is being said. 

 I, along with countless long-time fans want this particular guy to be our next manager. I'm not a Charlie Manuel detractor, but I also know that 2014 (at the latest) needs to be Sandberg's time to shine.

Recent Headline Topic: Eagles-Giants' Game

Both teams are 2-1. This looks to be a game the Eagles should win. 

Divisional and Conference games matter just as much now as they do later in the season. The Birds can't let this one slip away. 

It will be interesting to see how Vick performs in what has been an erratic effort to-date.

Recent Headline Topic:  Hope for Phillies' Darin 'Babe' Ruf 

Seeing Darin Ruf hit numerous home runs out of a Double-A park in Reading was thrilling. Seeing him hit his first major league home run, during the first game that he started in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies was priceless (to coin an advertising cliche.)  

Will he actually develop into a major league player? Could that happen by next season? No one knows the answers to these questions, but personal stories have always drawn me to this specific game.

Here is my feature article about him.
Classic Headline Topic: Three Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own feature article:

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 


Recent Headline Topic: Tony DiLeo 

The hiring of DiLeo as GM promotes from within and represents another feel-good move that the newest Sixers ownership group has made. 

With Doug Collins seemingly likely to continue to have strong influence on this team, all signs remain positive for the resurgence of this basketball franchise. 

Classic Headline Topic:  The Best Phillies of the Current Era

-->>Due to the volume of interest generated in this specific article, it has been re-posted. If you have read it, or choose to open this link now, I hope that you enjoy:  
The 10 Best Philadelphia Phillies of This Era

Classic Headline Topic: The anniversary of Pete Rose's 4,192 hit.

Pete broke Ty Cobb's hit record on 9/11/85. The man was unique in the annals of baseball history. 

For those who are interested, my recent feature comments on Rose's time with the Phillies and the complex feelings that many of us have about his gambling issues:
Phillies' great Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and baseball justice

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank You to over ---3.7 Million Readers---of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me:

I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter  @SeanyOB

Connect to my Yahoo: Featured Contributor Page

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:

A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert





The Always Fashionable Biana DeMarco


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember
When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.

Hockey

Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like:
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Philadelphia Phillies Announce That Charlie Manuel Will Be Back


Headline Topic: Phillies - Charlie Manuel to be retained 

If you are interested, you can read more about my take on the Phillies' apparent decision to keep Charlie Manuel as their manager in my Yahoo Sports feature:
Philadelphia Phillies indicate that Charlie Manuel Will Return Next Season

I hope that Ryne Sandberg is promoted to the coaching staff (assuming he accepts the job). I really don't want to see this great baseball man slip away for a second time.

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I've enjoyed connecting with many people through social media. Feel free to click on the links below if you would like to:

Add me on Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter   @SeanyOB


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Headline topic #2: Flyers' Fans NHL Lockout Plans

If the NHL Lockout happens, people will have extra hockey time on their hands. Here are five recommendations for Flyers' fans from my recent Yahoo Sports Featured Contributor digital assignment files:
5 NHL Lockout Recommendations for Philadelphia Flyers' Fans

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TY to over ---3.6 Million Readers--- of my Yahoo Sports, Interview and News articles since 2/1/11. Every click has helped my freelance position to be a better one. Thank you for your ongoing support in that regard! If there is any way that you feel I could be of help to you, feel free to get in touch with me. 
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html


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Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.



Flyers

What is the name of the Flyers ECHL affiliate?

For those who don't know, the answer is found in my Yahoo Sports article:
NHL lockout could serve some Philadelphia Flyers' Purposes


Eagles

All the best to Andy Reid and his team tonight. This season isn't just about football this year for the Eagles' head coach.

I wish him a SUPER BOWL year.


Sixers

The 76ers major summer trade should help the remaining members of last season's playoff group to become that much better.

This has become a far more balanced squad through all of the offseason moves. Most importantly, they will be led by Doug Collins who is ready to take his basketball team to new heights.


Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo Voices features that might interest you:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

A model's life: An interview with Kourtney Reppert

Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency





Thank you for reading any of my Yahoo sports stories that might interest you: 

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans


My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent



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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Philadelphia Phillies Potential Trade Scenarios and Managerial Moves

Over ----2.8 Million---- hits since my first Yahoo story was published on 2/1/11. The influence of positive social media friends matters.


All Yahoo Sports/News/Voices page can be found here:
http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/977720/sean_obrien.html

Add me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeansInsight

Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB


Phillies

As the losses mount and no true fix appears to be in sight, many fans are beginning to accept the fact that trades will be made in the near future.

Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels, Jim Thome and others could all be on the block sooner rather than later.

I don't blame Charlie Manuel for the position the current team is in, as he is playing the cards that were dealt to him. No one is saying that he is Connie Mack, but he stimulated this dugout's ego for many years.

Ryne Sandberg needs to be incorporated into the Phillies minor league plans as soon as possible. I would make him a coach this season and then take things from there.


Baseball cards

For those of us who are old enough to remember When Baseball Cards were King, the spring is always a special time of year.

Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away.


Hockey


Here is a hockey story that all ice fans will like: The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed.


Thank you for clicking on any of my Yahoo sports articles that are shown below:

Five traits old school Flyers fans possess

Five traits of hardcore Phillies fans


My interview with Flyers' Hall of Famer Bernie Parent





Thank you for also clicking on one, or more, of my Yahoo Voices articles that are shown below:

Model Management Agency - MMA Has Another Rising Star in Megan Irminger

Behind the scenes of the modeling world: An interview with Ellen Wasser-Hrin - MMA/Model Management Agency





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