I usually stick to MLB news, but I’d like to share this anecdote about college ball.

Williams College and Amherst College – both Division III schools located in Massachusetts – played each other in the 150th anniversary of college baseball this past weekend.  The very first college baseball game took place on July 1, 1859, and was played between the same two schools.

Among those in attendance – in addition to yours truly – were Pittsburgh Pirates owner Robert Nutting (Williams ‘84) and former Red Sox (and Expos) GM Dan Duquette (Amherst ’80).  Williams won 8-5.

How ‘bout that?

How about Yovani Gallardo?  On April 29th, the Mexican-born right-hander threw eight shutout innings while striking out 11, surrendering just two hits and one walk, and hitting a homerun in the bottom of the 7th inning to account for all the scoring in the Brewers 1-0 victory over the Pirates.

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What is going on with all these position players pitching in big-league games this year?  Usually a phenomenon that, as I recall, occurs once or twice a season, in 2009 there have already been five such instances.  Nick Swisher (Yankees), Cody Ross (Marlins), Jonathan Van Every (Red Sox), Josh Wilson (Diamondbacks), and Paul Janish (Reds) have taken the hill with their teams down late in the game.

Just three position players were called on to pitch in 2008, but the 2009 season is well on its way to witnessing double-digits.

It’s worth noting that infielder Josh Wilson has now pitched for two teams (Tampa Bay in ’07 and Arizona in ’09), but Wilson, who was recently picked up by the Padres, has a chance to separate himself even further from the rest of the pack.  Wouldn’t it be cool to see a position player pitch for two different teams in one season?

Continue reading "Put me in, Coach! I’m ready to…pitch?"