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DEPARTMENTS THE NEW Netflix documentary about minor league baseball owner Mike Veeck, called The Saint of Second Chances, is a mashup of talking heads, old footage and re-created scenes. Mike grew up one of nine children of baseball owner and showman Bill Veeck. After Bill sells the White Sox, Mike goes on a 10-year bender that includes lots of drinking, drugs and losing money on jai alai, not to mention fathering a son he names Night Train. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses various aspects of the life and career of Major League Baseball (MLB) scout Pablo Cruz, and it mentions Cruz's connection to the death of then-18-year-old minor league baseball player Alfredo Edmead in 1974. According to the article, Edmead died from a fractured skull and cerebral hemorrhage after colliding with then-teammate Cruz on the field. It states that Cruz and Edmead were playing for the Salem (Va.) Pirates minor league baseball team at the time of the accident.

The article discusses the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on minor league baseball teams in America, and it mentions the Sacramento River Cats baseball team's president Jeff Savage and the Major League Baseball shutdown which began in March 2020. According to the article, 160 minor league baseball teams are concerned about whether baseball games will be played and whether the teams will be able to pay their employees. It states that many minor league baseball teams received small business loans through the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program.

The article discusses how the 72.5 million dollar contract deal that Cuban baseball player Rusney Castillo signed with the Boston Red Sox team in 2014 has prevented Castillo from playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as of 2019, and it mentions how only the salaries of the players on an MLB 40-man roster count towards a team's luxury tax under MLB's collective bargaining agreement. It states that Castillo remains a member of the Pawtucket Red Sox minor league team due to his contract.

There are two unspoken competitions among minor league baseball teams. For years, clubs have been shoving Tater Tots into unexpected vessels, slathering tortilla chips in unholy cheeses and forging sandwiches the size of a mascot's foam head. B PAPPY VAN WING-KLES b B Louisville Bats b Bourbon glaze is an elevated way to enjoy your chicken wings, and the Bats have figured out a way to make them even more classy: The bourbon in this glaze is the ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle. [Extracted from the article]

The article profiles former minor league baseball players Aaron Pointer and Darryl Brinkley, noted for achieving a batting average over .400. Topics covered include Pointer's experience as the only black player on the Class D Salisbury Braves in 1961, Brinkley's career playing baseball in Europe and the U.S., and the difficulty of batting .400.

The article discusses the Atlantic League and examines how the independent minor league is being used to test changes to how baseball could be played in the future. It notes that the professional Major League Baseball (MLB) will test experimental rules and equipment changes in the Atlantic League.

The article discusses ex-Major League Baseball pitcher Michael Schwimer's Big League Advance LLC (BLA) investment company which offers minor league baseball players lump-sum payments in exchange for a share of the athletes' future earnings. According to the article, the average payment offer from BLA is close to 350,000 dollars. It states that BLA stands to make the most money from Major League Baseball players who reach salary arbitration and free agency.

Scorecard: Life On and Off the Field GAMEPLAN: THE SMART FAN'SGUIDE TO RIGHT NOW: READ Few things in the sports world are as romanticized as minor league baseball, a universe of young people chasing a dream while being paid a mere pittance. In recalling that season, McGee - who ultimately struck it big with ESPN - has crafted a memoir that is charming and heartfelt. In late 1993, McGee, dreaming of becoming the next Mel Allen, instead hooked on with the Asheville Tourists in a front-office gig that paid $100 a week in cash and required him to do everything from shepherding Elvis impersonators to dealing with mascot brawls. [Extracted from the article]

The article profiles several Major League Baseball (MLB) prospects who are the sons of former MLB players. Individuals featured include Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, son of Vladimir Guerrero, Nick Gordon of the Minnesota Twins, son of Tom Gordon, and Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays, son of Dante Bichette.

The article discusses former minor league baseball player Cliff Panezich's fraudulent scheme involving sports memorabilia sales, and it mentions the Operation Stolen Base investigation conducted by Canfield, Ohio Detective Brian McGivern and U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent Anthony Sano. Autograph signings featuring University of Alabama football players are addressed, along with Panezich's forged signatures and his associates C.J. McCormick and Jason Lenzi.

The article discusses the Houston Astros Major League Baseball team which won its first World Series championship title in 2017, and it mentions the history of the Astros organization, as well as information about baseball team management and the use of data mining in baseball. Baseball drafts and players such as George Springer and José Altuve are examined, along with the Astros' young farm (minor) league baseball players such as outfielders Derek Fisher and Kyle Tucker. Manager A.J. Hinch, baseball team general managers, and the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball squad are assessed.

The article discusses former National Football League (NFL) quarterback Tim Tebow's decision to pursue a professional baseball career as of 2017, and it mentions Tebow's minor league contract with the New York Mets Major League Baseball team. Tebow's role on the Columbia Fireflies baseball squad is addressed, along with his religious faith and the attitudes of Realists. Sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen is examined, along with Tebow's Showcase public baseball tryout event.

The article discusses Major League Baseball's 2016 American League Rookie of the Year award winning pitcher Michael Fulmer from Oklahoma who works as a plumber during the off-season, and it mentions Fulmer's role on the Detroit Tigers baseball team and his pitching-related off-season workouts. Minor league baseball, pitching skills, and Fulmer's relationship with teammate Justin Verlander are assessed. Fulmer's off-season boss Larry Wright is also mentioned.

The article discusses the performance of U.S. baseball outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. of the Boston Red Sox Major League Baseball (MLB) team in 2016, and it mentions how Bradley has hit 12 home runs and has recorded 45 runs-batted-in (RBIs) in the first 64 games of the MLB season. According to the article, Bradley achieved a 29-game hitting streak in 2016. It states that Bradley began the 2015 season in the minor leagues. The Boston Red Sox's pitchers and batters are also assessed.

The article discusses a minor league baseball game on May 7, 2014 in the Class A Midwest League between the Burlington, Iowa Bees and Clinton LumberKings. The final seven innings of the game, in which Clinton rallied from being behind 17-1 to win the game 20-17 in 12 innings to set a baseball record, are described, with the most attention paid to the game's impact on the losing team.

The article discusses deceased baseball player Brian Cole, his legacy as told by several professional players, and his prospects as a major league baseball player after being signed by the New York Mets team. Topics include statistics from minor league games, his speed and ability as an outfielder, and reflections by player Albert Pujols on Cole.

The article focuses on minor league baseball player Wil Myers. It is noted that Myers hit the most home runs in the minor leagues in 2012 A 2012 trade in which Myers became a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organization is considered. Myers is compared to former Atlanta Braves player Dale Murphy in terms of his vatting style. It is forecast Myers will become a rookie for the Rays in 2013.

The article focuses on baseball player Andrew McCutchen, an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Changes made in McCutchen's batting techniques by minor league batting coach Gregg Ritchie in 2007 when McCutchen was in a deep slump and McCutchen's subsequent success, particularly in the 2012 season, are discussed as an example of the dilemma teams face on when to insist on further instruction for their most talented minor league players. McCutchen's willingness to change is noted.

The article focuses on Kelly Jack Swift, a minor league baseball pitcher of the early 1950s. Swift's career, particularly his 1953 season with a team in Marion, North Carolina in which he won 30 games, is examined in terms both of Swift's own accomplishments and the role of minor league baseball in the smaller towns of the U.S. South in that period and the subsequent decline of the minor leagues in the 1950s.

The article focuses on minor league baseball player Bryce Harper. Criticism Harper has received from former players and fans for alleged immaturity is compared to the fact he is 18 years of age. Harper's abilities as a batter and on defense as an outfielder, particularly his throwing ability, are considered. Harper expresses equanimity about his unpopularity with fans and opposing players.

The article focuses on minor league baseball manager Luis Salazar, an employee of the Atlanta Braves team. A March 9, 2011 accident in which Salazar was struck by a foul ball while sitting in the Braves' dugout in spring training in which Salazar lost his left eye is described. Salazar's positive attitude following the accident, particularly his relationship with Brian McCann, the batter who hit the foul ball, is discussed. Salazar discusses his enjoyment of managing minor league players.

The article focuses on the Kansas City Royals baseball team. An article set in the future in which the team has dominated the sport in the 2010s is used to discuss the Royals' development of promising rookies including Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and John Lamb. The management of the Royals' minor league farm system by general manager Dayton Moore is considered.

The article presents a profile of Roy Halladay, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. It discusses his experience pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays, which took a bad turn in 2000, and resulted in his getting sent down to the minor leagues. His dedication to training and his successful return to the major leagues is described.

The article focuses on minor league baseball pitcher David Price. Price was the first round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2005, and is considered the team's brightest prospect in the minors. Price is an African American. The Rays history of drafting African American players and the decline in the number of such players in major league baseball is examined.

The article profiles the Alaska Baseball League and presents a history of the Midnight Sun Game. It is reported that the Midnight Sun Game is played each year in Fairbanks, Alaska on the summer solstice to take advantage of the fact that the sun is visible for a continuous 24 hours. Details of Major League Baseball (MLB) players that have played for the Alaska Baseball League including Tom Seaver, Jason Giambi, and Barry Bonds are presented.

The article discusses the 2008 Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighting the Diamondbacks pitcher Max Sherzer. Sherzer moved from the minor league Tucson Sidewinders baseball team to the Diamonbacks in April, 2008. The youthfulness of the Diamondbacks players is noted. Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin discusses his strategy for recruitment and training.

The article discusses the death of Mike Coolbaugh, a first base coach for the Double A Tulsa Drillers baseball team who had briefly played for the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals. A foul ball struck by Driller's player Tino Sanchez hit him in the head and killed him. Sanchez' feelings of horror and guilt are discussed, as is the bereavement of Coolbaugh's wife and children.

The article focuses on Major League Baseball (MLB) designated hitter Jack Cust who is finally reaching his potential in the major leagues. Cust, a high school hitting phenomenon, spent ten years in baseball's minor leagues with occasional call-ups to the major leagues without meeting his potential. In 2007 though, MLB team the Oakland Athletics acquired Cust and he is leading the team in home runs. INSET: Surprise, Surprise.

The article discusses Alex Gordon, a rookie prospect with Major League Baseball's (MLB) Kansas City Royals. Gordon is considered the top prospect in baseball. Gordon played college baseball at the University of Nebraska, and was drafted by the Royals second overall in the 2005 draft. Gordon is expected to start 2007 in the minor leagues. The Royals are a small market team and must develop their own players.

The article profiles the U.S. baseball team the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Baseball analysts say the Devil Rays have one of the richest minor-league farm systems in the major leagues. The team's history of troubled player development is highlighted. Triple-A rightfielder Delmon Young threw his bat at an umpire and received a 50-game suspension. Elijah Dukes, Tampa Bay utility outfielder, was suspended for misconduct during the 2006 season.

The article discusses how Major League Baseball has instituted roster restrictions which could impact manager Craig Counsell and his Milwaukee Brewers team as of 2020, and it mentions the Brewers' back-to-back playoff appearances in 2018 and 2019, as well as information about Counsell's management of his squad's roster on a game-by-game basis. According to the article, the Brewers have expertise in leveraging expanded rosters and transferring players between the minor and major leagues.

The article discusses how there are a greater number of coaching opportunities for women in Major League Baseball (MLB) as of 2020, and it mentions how coach Alyssa Nakken, who was hired by the San Francisco Giants squad, is the female coach in MLB history. It states that coach Rachel Balkovec accepted a position as a minor league hitting coach for the New York Yankees organization. Women coaches in football and basketball are assessed.

Profiles Mike Veeck, one of minor league baseball's most successful owner-operators. History of baseball in his family; Description of his company, Goldklang Group, which has built an empire of six teams across the U.S.; Profile of Veeck's daughter, Rebecca, who is blind from retinitis pigmentosa; How Veeck uses his career to raise awareness of Rebecca's disease; Consideration of Veeck's contribution to the game of baseball.

Focuses on the relationship between baseball player David Newhan and his father, baseball sportswriter Ross Newhan. Review of Ross Newhan's relationship with baseball players when he was a beat writer for the California Angels in the 1980s; Impact of an increase in the number of media outlets covering sports on the relationship between players and beat writers; Review of David Newhan's career as a baseball player, including his stops with minor league teams; Comments from Ross about the communication between he and his son; Comments from David regarding the challenges he overcame in the minors to become a major league baseball player.

The greatest leadoff hitter of all time is beating the bushes, trying to get back to the majors--and still leaving 'em laughing at every stop. Nobody in baseball history has scored more runs, stolen more bases, drawn more walks or provided more entertainment (some of it unintended) for so many teams than Rickey Henley Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter ever, a superstar so big that his middle and last names became superfluous. The legend of Henderson is real, all right, as real as the check-cashing service with the metal security gates on Broad Street in downtown Newark, which is about all the local color there is in the neighborhood of the mostly empty Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home to the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League--and, at the moment, to Henderson. Henderson signed a minor league deal last year with the Boston Red Sox that included an invitation to spring training and a $350,000 salary if he made the team. After he played his way onto the Boston roster with an impressive spring, Henderson groused that the Red Sox were underpaying him. Interim general manager Mike Port reminded Henderson of the conditions he had agreed to. "Oh, that?" Henderson replied. "I canceled that contract." Says Port, "It was the first and only time I've ever had a player tell me he canceled his contract." Red Sox president Larry Lucchino telephoned San Diego G.M. Kevin Towers, asking how Towers had appeased Henderson during their contract squabbles in the past. A road without gravy is no sort of place for this kind of story to end. And so, at 44, ever independent, the legend goes on. INSET: RICKEY BY THE NUMBERS.

Focuses on the prospect of minor league baseball players who hope to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers team. Biographical information on players Sean Pierce and Andres Astacio; Efforts of Pierce to improve his hitting; View of Astacio that he may have the chance to raise his family out of poverty; Competition between players for spots on the roster.