Johnnie in the minors
Johnnie with the San Francisco Giants
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Birthday to Johnnie LeMaster
The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster would like to wish Johnnie LeMaster himself, a very happy birthday. Johnnie was born on June 19, 1954, and he celebrates his 57th birthday!
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Another celebrity sighting wearing the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee
This photo was taken today (Thursday, May 9) prior to the Reds v. Giants game. Brian Murphy, Brad Mangin, and Andy Baggarly were at MoMo's for a double book signing.
(L to R) Andy Baggarly, Brad Mangin, and Brian Murphy
Photo courtesy of Brian Murphy
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Our moment with Gary Carter (SF Giants: 1990)
This morning it was reported by the New York Post that Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter has inoperable brain cancer. We have heard that Gary was in poor health in recent months, but the news of Gary's condition hit a cord with us here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster.
In his 19 years in the Big Leagues, Gary spent one with the Giants in 1990. In that year, Gary played part time and appeared in 92 games and batted .254 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. Gary would end up playing another two years before calling it quits after the 1992 season.
In the summer of 1990, a group of us attended a Giants game (April 30, 1990) at Dodger Stadium, and we got there early to watch some batting practice. As we walked to the front rail of the left field pavilion, the Giants were taking BP, and Gary Carter was in the outfield playing catch. At which point, we yelled at Gary, "how about those Mets?!" His quick reply was, "what about them?" We retorted back, "they miss you and need you back." Remember, Gary spent the previous five seasons with the Mets and helped bring a World Championship to Flushing Meadows in an epic World Series vs. the Boston Red Sox. Gary, didn't respond back, and we continued to watch BP. As BP was concluding, I was talking to my friend next to me, when I heard the crowd in our section yell, "heads up," ... Gary tossed a ball to my direction, and I saw it at the last second to catch it.
Later that summer, I returned home after the spring semester ended, and when the Giants were returning home from a road trip, I drove down to SFO to see the team and get some autographs. After waiting for about 45 minutes, the team finally arrived and walked down to the baggage claim area. At that point, I asked Gary to sign the ball that I caught from the April game. I didn't mention to him that I heckled him a bit, but he was gracious in signing the ball and his Giants photo that he had in his briefcase.
Even though Gary spent just one year with the Giants, it was a joy to see "The Kid" wear the orange and black for just one season. The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster send our prayers and thoughts to Gary and his family, he was a class act, and we wish him well.
In his 19 years in the Big Leagues, Gary spent one with the Giants in 1990. In that year, Gary played part time and appeared in 92 games and batted .254 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. Gary would end up playing another two years before calling it quits after the 1992 season.
In the summer of 1990, a group of us attended a Giants game (April 30, 1990) at Dodger Stadium, and we got there early to watch some batting practice. As we walked to the front rail of the left field pavilion, the Giants were taking BP, and Gary Carter was in the outfield playing catch. At which point, we yelled at Gary, "how about those Mets?!" His quick reply was, "what about them?" We retorted back, "they miss you and need you back." Remember, Gary spent the previous five seasons with the Mets and helped bring a World Championship to Flushing Meadows in an epic World Series vs. the Boston Red Sox. Gary, didn't respond back, and we continued to watch BP. As BP was concluding, I was talking to my friend next to me, when I heard the crowd in our section yell, "heads up," ... Gary tossed a ball to my direction, and I saw it at the last second to catch it.
Later that summer, I returned home after the spring semester ended, and when the Giants were returning home from a road trip, I drove down to SFO to see the team and get some autographs. After waiting for about 45 minutes, the team finally arrived and walked down to the baggage claim area. At that point, I asked Gary to sign the ball that I caught from the April game. I didn't mention to him that I heckled him a bit, but he was gracious in signing the ball and his Giants photo that he had in his briefcase.
Even though Gary spent just one year with the Giants, it was a joy to see "The Kid" wear the orange and black for just one season. The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster send our prayers and thoughts to Gary and his family, he was a class act, and we wish him well.
Signed Gary Carter photo that we obtained in the summer of 1990
Signed Gary Carter ball - from the April 30, 1990 game
Poor penmanship, but we wrote the date on the ball. April 30, 1990.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sons of Johnnie LeMaster t-shirt giveaway
This giveaway is an in-person event ... I have one men's XL shirt for the first person to spot me (in a LeMaster tee) at Pete's Tavern on Friday before the A's game. Individuals that have received shirts in the past are ineligible - you know who you are.
Disclaimer: if you appear psycho-ish, you're not gonna get one.
Disclaimer: if you appear psycho-ish, you're not gonna get one.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Photo Essay: Sons of Johnnie LeMaster at Wrigley Field
The Sons of Johnnie LeMaster were at Wrigley Field this past weekend to see the Giants for all three games. Unfortunately, Sunday's game was postponed, but we still had a great time. Pictured below are some shots we took while we were there. Enjoy!
Outside of Wrigley Field
Waveland Avenue beyond the LF wall, bleachers on the rooftops
Entrance to the bleachers
Murphy's Bleachers across the street from Wrigley Field
Old Style is to Chicago, like Anchor Steam is to San Francisco
The marquee at Murphy's Bleachers before Saturday's game
We got a ball during Friday's BP, Ryan Vogelsong tossed the ball up to us
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Commentary: Keenan Cahill and the SF Giants
Several weeks ago, the Giants released a promo video of YouTube sensation, Keenan Cahill with cameos by Brian Wilson, Cody Ross, and Lou Seal.
The "Dynamite" video was to promote the upcoming Cody Ross night at the yard, so we thought. In addition to that, the Giants are raising funds for Keenan's medical treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as MPS-VI.
This disorder, which affects one in 25,000 people, has no known cure. Those with the disorder usually stop growing at about age 8 and are characterized by a shortened trunk and restricted movement.
At first, we thought that was kinda cool, but then we learned Keenan is not from the Bay Area nor is he a true Giants fan. In fact, he's made quite a gig of having various recording artists and teams fundraising for him.
So our thought is this, aren't there kids in the Bay Area that are terminally ill that could use some support or financial assistance for their medical bills as well?
Raising funds for Keenan doesn't make sense when he's not a Bay Area resident or a Giants fan. We think other kids in the Bay Area would be far more deserving.
The "Dynamite" video was to promote the upcoming Cody Ross night at the yard, so we thought. In addition to that, the Giants are raising funds for Keenan's medical treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy Syndrome, also known as MPS-VI.
This disorder, which affects one in 25,000 people, has no known cure. Those with the disorder usually stop growing at about age 8 and are characterized by a shortened trunk and restricted movement.
At first, we thought that was kinda cool, but then we learned Keenan is not from the Bay Area nor is he a true Giants fan. In fact, he's made quite a gig of having various recording artists and teams fundraising for him.
So our thought is this, aren't there kids in the Bay Area that are terminally ill that could use some support or financial assistance for their medical bills as well?
Raising funds for Keenan doesn't make sense when he's not a Bay Area resident or a Giants fan. We think other kids in the Bay Area would be far more deserving.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Where are they now ... Greg Litton (SF Giants: 1989-1992)
Utility man, Greg Litton, was drafted by the Giants in the first round (10th pick) of the 1984 amateur draft. Litton would spend the next five seasons in the minors before joining the big club in 1989.
Litton's career doesn't spark any Hall of Fame discussions, but he served his purpose as a spot starter and pinch hitter. His best year as a Giant was in 1990 when he batted .245, with one home run and 24 RBI. he also hit a home run in 1989 World Series vs Oakland.
Litton spent a total of four years with the Giants before being granted free agency. He then spent the next two seasons in Seattle and Boston before calling it quits in 1995.
All told, Litton spent six years in the Bigs and had a career batting average of .241, while belting 13 home runs and 97 RBI.
Where is he now?
After his baseball career ended, Litton went into the jewelry business. He received a post-graduate degree in diamond grading and appraisal from the Gemological Institute of America. Currently, he's the general manager of Meadows Jewelers in Pensacola, Florida. In addition, he's also a motivational speaker with the Studer Group.
Litton's career doesn't spark any Hall of Fame discussions, but he served his purpose as a spot starter and pinch hitter. His best year as a Giant was in 1990 when he batted .245, with one home run and 24 RBI. he also hit a home run in 1989 World Series vs Oakland.
Litton spent a total of four years with the Giants before being granted free agency. He then spent the next two seasons in Seattle and Boston before calling it quits in 1995.
All told, Litton spent six years in the Bigs and had a career batting average of .241, while belting 13 home runs and 97 RBI.
Where is he now?
After his baseball career ended, Litton went into the jewelry business. He received a post-graduate degree in diamond grading and appraisal from the Gemological Institute of America. Currently, he's the general manager of Meadows Jewelers in Pensacola, Florida. In addition, he's also a motivational speaker with the Studer Group.
Greg Litton - 1990 Big Topps
Greg Litton today
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
2011 SF Giants All-Stars
So, we here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster were looking at the schedule and noticed that this year's All-Star Game is in Phoenix. At the same moment, we remembered that as the National League representative in the World Series, that Bruce Bochy will get to field his NL roster, once the starting position players are voted in.
It's probably safe to say that several Giants will be on the roster based on their contributions last year, and performance this season. So here's our guess on which Giants will be on the 2011 NL All-Star team.
Buster Posey - voted in
Tim Lincecum
Matt Cain
Jonathan Sanchez
Brian Wilson
Pablo Sandoval
Freddy Sanchez
It's probably safe to say that several Giants will be on the roster based on their contributions last year, and performance this season. So here's our guess on which Giants will be on the 2011 NL All-Star team.
Buster Posey - voted in
Tim Lincecum
Matt Cain
Jonathan Sanchez
Brian Wilson
Pablo Sandoval
Freddy Sanchez
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee
I think it's time to give away another Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee ... this time we'll give away one of our ladies tees. So here we go ...
How much did it cost to build Candlestick Park, and how long did it take to build it?
How much did it cost to build Candlestick Park, and how long did it take to build it?
2012 San Francisco Giants
So while we were watching the Braves sweep the Giants yesterday, we here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster couldn't help but think how many players currently on the roster will not be on the team next year.
Based on Cots Baseball Contracts spreadsheet on the Giants, and assuming the direction the Giants are headed, we're going to say the following players will not be wearing the black & orange in 2012.
Miguel Tejada ($6.5 M) 2011 salary in parenthesis
Cody Ross ($6.3 M)
Mark DeRosa ($6 M)
Ramon Ramirez ($1.65 M)
Santiago Casilla ($1.3 M)
Mike Fontenot ($1.05 M)
Pat Burrell ($1 M)
Guillermo Mota ($945 K)
Based on Cots Baseball Contracts spreadsheet on the Giants, and assuming the direction the Giants are headed, we're going to say the following players will not be wearing the black & orange in 2012.
Miguel Tejada ($6.5 M) 2011 salary in parenthesis
Cody Ross ($6.3 M)
Mark DeRosa ($6 M)
Ramon Ramirez ($1.65 M)
Santiago Casilla ($1.3 M)
Mike Fontenot ($1.05 M)
Pat Burrell ($1 M)
Guillermo Mota ($945 K)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
San Francisco jerseys, not named the Giants
If you're like us, you probably appreciate the history of the Giants franchise, but also of the baseball history in the city of San Francisco. Most fans are aware of the San Francisco Seals, the Pacific Coast League (PCL) team, that ruled the city for decades and boasted one of the greatest players in the history of the game as one of their alumni, Joe DiMaggio.
But most are probably unaware of a second club that was in the city called, San Francisco Missions. The history of the Missions is some what short-winded, and they eventually moved to Southern California to become the Hollywood Stars of the PCL.
In any event, both of these clubs had colorful jerseys that would be worthy even in today's standards. In fact, a boutique company up in Seattle called Ebbets Field Flannels has included the San Francisco teams to their line of throwback jerseys and caps. We here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster even own a few of Ebbets' products, and they're top notch in our book. So while you're out looking to add another Posey, Lincecum jersey to your collection, why not take a nod and acknowledge the rich history of San Francisco baseball and wear a DiMaggio #10 throwback? Trust us, you'll receive more positive comments and compliments than any other jersey.
But most are probably unaware of a second club that was in the city called, San Francisco Missions. The history of the Missions is some what short-winded, and they eventually moved to Southern California to become the Hollywood Stars of the PCL.
In any event, both of these clubs had colorful jerseys that would be worthy even in today's standards. In fact, a boutique company up in Seattle called Ebbets Field Flannels has included the San Francisco teams to their line of throwback jerseys and caps. We here at the Sons of Johnnie LeMaster even own a few of Ebbets' products, and they're top notch in our book. So while you're out looking to add another Posey, Lincecum jersey to your collection, why not take a nod and acknowledge the rich history of San Francisco baseball and wear a DiMaggio #10 throwback? Trust us, you'll receive more positive comments and compliments than any other jersey.
SF Seals - 1933 home jersey
SF Missions - 1930 home jersey
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tim Lincecum sportin' Mizuno cleats for 2011
In a previous blog post, we mentioned that Tim Lincecum had changed his cleat supplier from Reebok to Nike for the 2011 season. It appears it was only a test run. During spring training, Timmy was actually wearing cleats from numerous manufacturer's to see how they felt and performed. In one televised game, Timmy was wearing cleats made by Nike, but when opening day rolled around he was wearing cleats from Mizuno. So go figure! The pictures below show him wearing Mizuno, Nike, and in one picture he's wearing a New Balance cleat on the left, and a Nike cleat on the right.
It should be noted that Matt Cain and Barry Zito also wear Mizuno cleats so maybe they had an influence on him. We also checked the mizunousa.com baseball site, and Timmy wasn't listed as of one their players on the Mizuno roster. In addition, based on the April 18 photo, Timmy is wearing a Nike undershirt underneath his jersey. In seasons past, Timmy has typically "cut out" the Nike swoosh logo since he was under contract with Reebok. So our guess is that he hasn't signed a full endorsement deal with Mizuno - not yet anyways.
It should be noted that Matt Cain and Barry Zito also wear Mizuno cleats so maybe they had an influence on him. We also checked the mizunousa.com baseball site, and Timmy wasn't listed as of one their players on the Mizuno roster. In addition, based on the April 18 photo, Timmy is wearing a Nike undershirt underneath his jersey. In seasons past, Timmy has typically "cut out" the Nike swoosh logo since he was under contract with Reebok. So our guess is that he hasn't signed a full endorsement deal with Mizuno - not yet anyways.
Timmy from April 18, 2011 - Mizuno cleats, Nike undershirt
Timmy with Mizuno
Timmy with Nike
Timmy with New Balance and Nike
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sons of Johnnie LeMaster is on Twitter too!
For those of you that don't know, we're also on Twitter @sonsofjohnniele, so follow us! For those of you asking for an official Sons of Johnnie LeMaster tee, we'll post a contest on our Twitter account shortly. Stay tuned!
Business news involving the SF Giants
Not earth-shattering news here, but something to note nevertheless. The Giants have reached an agreement with United Airlines for UA to serve as the official charter airlines for the club. The team previously used Delta Airlines. The arrangement will also give United Airlines some additional signage within AT&T Park, and on the schedule page of the sfgiants.com website. Financial terms were not disclosed, but when you're the World Champs, I guess everyone wants a piece of you.
United Airlines - the official airline of the SF Giants
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Did the Giants win the World Series because of Bochy's strategic dipping habits?
Could "Giants Baseball ... Torture!" be tied hand-in-hand with Bruce Bochy's dipping habits? There's a great article on ABC News/ESPN that was written last year about Bochy's dipping habit, and he even details some of superstitions he had with dipping. Last I checked, Bochy was still dipping, as was some of the other players that I listed in a previous blog post.
Bruce Bochy with two tins of Young's Chew
Celebrity pics with the Johnnie LeMaster shirts
Thanks to Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle for posting pictures of his new Sons of Johnnie LeMaster shirt. We're stoked that he likes it!
Follow him on Twitter @peterhartlaub and read his articles on sfgate.com.
Follow him on Twitter @peterhartlaub and read his articles on sfgate.com.
Photos courtesy of Peter Hartlaub
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Pics and videos from Opening Day weekend
National Anthem and Fly Over
Championship Flag Ceremony
Banner at the Willie Mays gates
Opening Day from the LF Bleachers
Opening Day National Anthem
Championship Flag from the Portwalk
From the Field for the Flag Ceremony Practice
On the Field During the Ring Ceremony
Standing next to 365
World Champs!
Friday, April 08, 2011
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Former SF Giants coaching & managing in the Bigs
So, I was watching today's game and noticed that Dave Roberts was the first base coach for the Padres, and then it donned on me, that I've seen a lot of former Giants on the coaching staff for various Major League clubs. After some quick research, I was able to create a list of current coaches and managers that PLAYED for the Giants during their respective careers.
Managers:
Dusty Baker, Cincinnati Reds
Bud Black, San Diego Padres
Coaches:
Joe Pettini, bench coach, St. Louis Cardinals
Dave Righetti, pitching coach, San Francisco Giants
Mark Gardner, bullpen coach, San Francisco Giants
Dave Roberts, first base coach, San Diego Padres
Ken Oberkfell, bench coach, New York Mets
Glenallen Hill, first base coach, Colorado Rockies
Chris Speier, bench coach, Cincinnati Reds
Matt Williams, third base coach, Arizona Diamondbacks
Eric Young, first base coach, Arizona Diamondbacks
Dave Anderson, third base coach, Texas Rangers
Dave Martinez, bench coach, Tampa Bay Rays
Robby Thompson, bench coach, Seattle Mariners
Rick Rodriguez, bullpen coach, Oakland A's
Managers:
Dusty Baker, Cincinnati Reds
Bud Black, San Diego Padres
Coaches:
Joe Pettini, bench coach, St. Louis Cardinals
Dave Righetti, pitching coach, San Francisco Giants
Mark Gardner, bullpen coach, San Francisco Giants
Dave Roberts, first base coach, San Diego Padres
Ken Oberkfell, bench coach, New York Mets
Glenallen Hill, first base coach, Colorado Rockies
Chris Speier, bench coach, Cincinnati Reds
Matt Williams, third base coach, Arizona Diamondbacks
Eric Young, first base coach, Arizona Diamondbacks
Dave Anderson, third base coach, Texas Rangers
Dave Martinez, bench coach, Tampa Bay Rays
Robby Thompson, bench coach, Seattle Mariners
Rick Rodriguez, bullpen coach, Oakland A's
Monday, April 04, 2011
AT&T Park concessions - 10th cleanest in the Big Leagues
Based on a recent Business Insider article, the concessions at AT&T Park ranked as having the 10th cleanest operation in the Bigs. AT&T was listed as having 8 critical violations, and 117 minor violations.
Violations included the following:
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/mlb-stadium-food-safety-violations-2011-3#att-park-8-critical-violations-11#ixzz1Ia06NbuR
Business Insider article
Violations included the following:
- Hot dogs kept below the required legal holding temperatures.
- Food contact surfaces were not cleaned.
- Evidence of either roaches, rodents, or flies (unclear as to which).
- Hands of at least one employee not washed or gloved when handling food.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/mlb-stadium-food-safety-violations-2011-3#att-park-8-critical-violations-11#ixzz1Ia06NbuR
Business Insider article
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)