Brief introduction to MLB(Major League baseball): 2015

2015年12月2日星期三

Summary of my blog posts.

That’s pretty surprising that I have posted 9 posts already!

Okay, I got to admit that I’ve already typed my tenth post in advance lol. But, anyway, this journey still need an ending.

In these weeks, I have posted a lot about MLB, including many aspects. Though baseball may not be fascinating to the majority, MLB is way beyond that. According to a survey conducted in 2014, MLB is the second most-popular professional sports in the USA. So, if you are interested in economic activities, it’s very useful for you to do some research on their marketing strategies and the detailed rules of player’s contracts.

As for pure baseball lovers like me, watching MLB is definitely a feast. The greatest players all over the world are almost signed by MLB teams. (Gossip: David Price, a CYA class left-handed starter is signed by BOS with an unprecedented 7year/ 217Million contract.) During a game, there will always be incredible plays or fantastic performance. Needless to say, if you are addicted to baseball, watch MLB will make you more indulged!

Last but not least, if you care about social issues, MLB also holds many philanthropy activities to help raise the awareness of diseases or cultivate youth baseballs.

Well, the worst part of being a baseball fan may be that you need to see your idol retire in person, and struck by the flow of teenage. At that moment, you will realize the importance of farewell.

Hope you guys was joyful when reading these blog posts, and THANK YOU!

Taiwanese Players that Have Ever Ascended to MLB.

Asian players are rare in MLB, not only because of figures, but also different culture and contrary playing traditions, such as Japan.

It is much harder for Taiwanese players for following reasons.

1. Twisted training system: A plenty of coaches or parents urge players to do what beyond their limits in early years for their own flatter or under the pressure of sponsors. In this way, these players may act like an ace in his teenage, nevertheless, they easily get hurt as a result of inappropriate moves or the overuse of joints, muscle, and ligaments. What’s worse, on account of injuries in adolescence period, this kind of hurts are usually more malign and chronic, inducing catastrophic impacts on their career. This problem can also widely applied to Japan.

2. Malfunctioned government organization: Needless to say, we can hardly find an international standardized baseball stadium in Taiwan. As for the cultivation of young players, they almost ignore it. The income of many baseball teams in Taiwan (especially for elementary school and remote areas) rely on the donation of parents or corporations. And this deteriorate the symptom above as well.

Let’s back to our topic. I think the most renowned Taiwanese player that have ever ascended to MLB is

1. Chien-Ming, Wang.

As a Yankee fan and Taiwanese, I can never forget the time staying up or waiting for the newspapers just to watch the game of him.

In the two seasons he sparkled in MLB (2007,2008), Chien-Ming, Wang both obtained 19 wins, causing the frenzy of MLB in Taiwan.

However, he got hurt in one game in 2009 versus ATL. Since then, his career has been declining. In recent years, he has been striving in minor league, searching for proper opportunities to rise again. No matter what, I personally hope he can get back to MLB soon!!

2. Wei-Yin, Chen.

Wei-Yin Chen is now the only Taiwanese player in MLB. Wei-Yin Chen initially striving in the professional baseball league in Japan (named NPB) , in 2012, he decided to challenge MLB.

In his three-year MLB career by now, Chen shows that he owns the most precious character of a left-handed starter- stability.

Chen has become Free Agent in 2015 winter, hope he can get a long term contract and congratulates to this amazing Taiwanese starter!

3. Hong-Chih, Kuo.

A talented reliever who owns incredibly fastball. Nevertheless, he suffered from his elbow injury and had come back to Taiwan in 2013.

Except for these players, like Chin-Feng, Chen, Che-Hsuan, Lin, and other players, have the records in MLB. No matter what their performance are, they are always our pride!

Clips:

1.Hong-Chih, Kuo:

2.Wei-Yin,Chen:

3. Chien-Ming, Wang---Remember the old times.:

Photo sources:

1. http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/03/new_york_yankees_sign_pitcher.html

2. http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/05/wei-yin_chen_leads_baltimore_o.html 3.

3.http://www.truebluela.com/2011/10/26/2517318/hong-chih-kuo-elbow-surgery-friday

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chien-Ming_Wang

2. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%99%B3%E5%81%89%E6%AE%B7

3. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%83%AD%E6%B3%93%E5%BF%97

4. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%99%B3%E9%87%91%E9%8B%92

5. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9E%97%E5%93%B2%E7%91%84

2015年11月19日星期四

Divisional Introduction (IV)-AL East

Time flies! It is time to introduce the most familiar division to me, the AL East.

AL East is comprised of New York Yankees (NYY), Baltimore Orioles (BAL), Tampa Bay Rays (TB), Boston Red Sox (BOS), and Toronto Blue Jays (TOR)(Jays is also the only team whose stadium is located in Canada).

#1. The logos of AL East teams (from left above to right below): TB, TOR, NYY, BAL, and BOS.

As for the team I will bring some introduction is NYY, because I am a Yankee fan.

#2. Yankee Stadium. (In Bronx, N.Y.).

Yankees, sometimes nicknamed as The Bronx’ bomber, is one of the oldest team in MLB. Years ago, NYY is referred as evil empire because the boss then, George Steinbrenner, is deeply convinced that once he invest money on prominent players, they will be invincible. Nevertheless, after he had passed away, the new boss of NYY decided to put more emphasis on minor league, cultivating their own prospects.

#3. Re2pect!!

Derek Jeter, an iconic all-star shortstop in NYY history. He is dubbed the fame of “ The Captain” not only because of his charisma, but for his legendary career in NYY.

Speaking of my favorite player in NYY, undoubtedly, I would say the name of Mark Teixeira.

He is known by his awesome defense, exceptional slugger ability, and positive attitude.

#4. Mark Teixeira, an outstanding firstbaseman. (2015 Stats: 0.255AVG, 31HRs, 79RBIs.)

#5. Masahiro Tanaka, a beyond-average starter of NYY (2015 Stats: 12W 7L, 3.51 ERA)

By the way, Yankees possesses most WS champions of all time (27 champs).

Some prestigious players from other teams in AL-East.:

BAL:

#6. Wei-Yin Chen !!

Needless to say, just amazing!!

(2015 Stats: 11W8L, 3.34 ERA)

TOR:

#7. Josh Donaldson, a powerful thirdbaseman, also the silver slugger winner of 2015. (2015 Stats: 0.297AVG, 41HRs, 123RBIs).

TB:

#8. Evan Longoria, the iconic player of Tampa Bay Rays. (2015 Stats: 0.270AVG, 21HRs, 73RBIs)

BOS:

#9. Big Papi! David Ortiz is 39 years old, but he is still devastating! By the way, he had reached the milestone of 500 career HRs, congrats to him! (2015 Stats: 0.273 AVG, 37 HRs, 108 RBIs).

Video clips:

1. Royals won the WS of 2015!!

2. This is ATTITUDE!

Photo sources:

#1. http://bostonblogger.sportsblog.com/posts/1856929/who_wins_the_al_east_.html

#2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Stadium

#3. http://www.designntrend.com/articles/16715/20140714/jordan-brand-pays-re2pect-derek-jeter-new-campaign-video.htm

#4. http://www.northjersey.com/sports/klapisch-yanks-mark-teixeira-hopes-to-turn-back-time-1.538527

#5. http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb-news/4646192-masahiro-tanaka-dominates-fashion-yankees-mariners

#6. http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Wei-Yin+Chen/Baltimore+Orioles+v+Tampa+Bay+Rays/gmbqD2x0kwe

#7. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2553759-mike-trout-vs-josh-donaldson-who-is-al-mvp-leader-after-head-to-head-battle

#8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Longoria

#9. http://webn.tv/2015/09/15/david-ortiz-blasts-500th-career-homer/

Official Sites of AL East teams ( also the source of statistics):

1.NYY:http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy

2.BOS:http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos

3.TB:http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tb

4.TOR:http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tor

5.BAL:http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bal&tcid=mm_mlb_sitelist

2015年11月12日星期四

Divisional Introduction III-AL West

American League – West is composed of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(LAA), Houston Astros(HOU), Texas Rangers(TEX), Seattle Mariners(SEA), and Oakland Athletics(OAK).

#1. The team logos of AL West teams (left to the right: HOU, LAA, OAK, SEA, TEX).

This week, I will give a brief introduction of LAA.

As one of two teams in Los Angeles area, Angels’ stadium is located in an outskirt place instead of center of Los Angeles.

Angels is renowned for is mascot, the Rally Monkey, which means they can always come back to the game when they are falling behind in a game. If u come and watch games, you can witness the videotaped Rally Monkey! Absolutely CUTE!

#2.The Rally Monkey.

And it’s time to know the supernova!

Mike Trout is an incredible young player who demonstrate his talent of baseball. He won the AL MVP in 2014, ASG MVP in 2015, and the Rookie of the Year in 2012. He possess monstrous power, brilliant decision, and extraordinary speed! Needless to say, Mike Trout, a young soul with mature baseball skills, will continue to shine in later years.

#3.Mike Trout!! (2015 Stats: 0.299AVG, 41HRs, 90RBIs)

By the way, Angels can also nicknamed “Halos”, and if u can be there, do not forget to buy the hotdog( a bit salty, though)!

Some prominent players from AL West teams:

HOU:

#4. Dallas Keuchel, a Cy Young Award class young pitcher. He lead HOU to the Postseason. (2015 Stats: 20W 8L, 2.48ERA)

SEA:

#5. Felix Hernandez, nicknamed as King Felix because of his dominant performance.

He is undoubtedly one of the greatest pitcher in MLB now (2015 Stats: 18W 9L, 3.53 ERA. Career: 143W 101L, 3.11ERA).

OAK:

#6. Sonny Gray, another prospect from Oakland. In first three years, he have performed impressive stats. (2015 Stats: 14W7L, 2.73ERA)

TEX:

#7. Yu Darvish, a strong starter in Texas, but suffering from injury in 2015 season.

#8. Remember This guy?

Instead of making fun, Prince Fielder is a fantastic hitter (2015 Stats: 0.305AVG, 23HRs, 98RBIs)

Clips:

The Rally Monkey.:

Photo sources:

#1.http://www.coachsbet.com/2015-al-west-prediction/

#2.http://metstradamusblog.com/2014-articles/dodging-monkey-feces.html

#3.http://monkeywithahalo.com/2015-articles/what-if-the-angels-traded-mike-trout.html

#4.http://www.sportsv.net/articles/20610

#5.http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/04/12/king-felix-silences-as-in-seattles-6-4-victory/7633129/

#6.http://barfblog.com/2015/07/as-pitcher-sonny-gray-had-salmonella/

#7.http://www.chinapost.com.tw/print/336361.htm

#8.http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/texas-rangers-move-prince-fielder-to-cleanup-spot.html/

Official Sites of AL West teams:

1. LAA:http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ana

2. HOU:http://houston.astros.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=hou

3. SEA:http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=sea

4. OAK:http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=oak

5. TEX:http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tex

2015年11月2日星期一

Awards Introduction.

Have you ever wondered that except for playoffs and champions, what encourages players to spare no efforts to obtain the best stats?

Well, maybe some awards are able to do that.

1. Cy Young Award (for Pitchers). : The Cy Young Award is in memory of the pitcher who possessed the most wins in MLB history, Denton True “Cy” Young. The award is honored annually, and each for AL and NL. CYA is considered one of the most majestic award for a pitcher.

#1. Denton True “Cy” Young, wins 511 games in his MLB career.

(Cy is added as his nickname because when he pitched, the ball flied like cyclones).

2. Silver Slugger Award. (for hitters) : The honor goes to who owns a great hitting score in his position(infielders, outfielders, even pitchers).

#2. Jose Altuve, the Silver Slugger winner of secondbaseman in 2014. He is also the shortest players in MLB, whose height only around 168 centimeters (same as mine haha).

3. Rawlings Golden Glove Award (Known for Golden Glove, awarded for defense ):

As its name, the award is given to the players who have outstanding fielding performances and abilities. Annually, like Silver Slugger Award, it will be awarded to every position in AL and NL.

#3. Mark Teixeira, the Golden Glove winner of firstbaseman in 2012.

There are still a lot of awards that I did not mention above like Rookie of the Year, Hank Aaron Award and so on. If you are interested about this, just google and find some information!

Funny Clips or splendid performance:

1. Kevin Pillar:

2. Mark Teixeira:

Photo sources:

#1.http://www.wallpapermaven.com/cat/sports/Cy-Young-Pitching-21.html

#2.http://m554991.pixnet.net/blog/post/56452296-2014-%E4%BC%91%E5%A3%AB%E9%A0%93%E5%A4%AA%E7%A9%BA%E4%BA%BA%E9%9A%8A-houston-astros-%E5%AD%A3%E5%89%8D%E5%88%86%E6%9E%90

#3.http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/22432556/mark-teixeira-leaves-game-will-sit-a-few-games

Reference:

1. Cy Young:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cy_Young

2. Silver Slugger Award:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Slugger_Award

3. Rawlings Golden Glove Award:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rawlings_Gold_Glove_Award

2015年10月29日星期四

Division and Team Introduction (Ⅱ)

Recently, many people are discussing about Chicago Cubs, no matter their fans or an outsider just because they have entered the postseason. So, I will present NL Central, which comprised of Chicago Cubs (CHC), St. Louis Cardinals (STL), Pittsburgh Pirates (PIT), Milwaukee Brewers (MIL), and Cincinnati Reds (CIN).

The movie, Back to The Future 2, predicted that Cubs will win the WS Champion of 2015.

(Unfortunately, Cubs was eliminated in NLCS by Mets)

#1.The team logos of the teams in NL Central.

1.Chicago Cubs(CHC).

Established in 1876, Cubs owns a historical stadium, Wrigley Field, widely known as its outfield fence with prosperous growing ivy.

#2. Wrigley Field.

Another renowned feat of CHC is the prominent “Curse of the Billy Goat”, which was “spelled” in 1945.

To sum the incidence briefly, that was a bar owner (Billy Sianis) always bring his goat, Murphy, to the game. Nevertheless, in the game 4 of WS in 1945, it suddenly rained. Then Murphy’s long hair started to emit some odor. Before long, Billy and Murphy was expelled by the owner of Cub’s owner and insulted Murphy. After the incident, Billy Sianis stated to the owner in a rage which says, “You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again. You are never going to win a World Series again because you insulted my goat.”

(Reference: Wikipedia- Curse of the Billy Curse).

Mysteriously, since 1945, Cubs have never entered WS again……

(Note): The coincidence of NLCS is that the hero in Mets is also named Daniel Murphy.

Maybe we can never explain the curse.

#3. Murphy, the goat.

The most popular player in CHC now is Kris Bryant (nicknamed as LAODA by PTTer in Taiwan because of his similarity in name to a famous NBA player Kobe Bryant).

#4. LAODA!!

Kris Bryant, an extraordinary rookie from CHC, possesses an amazing record in his FIRST year in MLB. (2015 Stats: 0.275AVG, 26HRs, 99RBIs).

Some prestigious from other teams in NL Central:

#5.Andrew McCutchen from PIT, an exceptional outfielder. (2015 Stats: 0.292AVG, 23HRs, 96RBIs)

#6. Base Machine!

Joey Votto, an infielder from CIN holds a incredible stat of OBP (means the chance you can on base in one at bat chance).

(2015 Stats: 0.314AVG, 29HRs, 80RBIs, astounding 0.453OBP)

#8. Ryan Braun(nicknamed as The Hebrew Hammer) is a widely known outfielder from MIL, he was involved in the drug controversy few years ago. (2015 Stats: 0.285AVG, 25HRs, 84RBIs)