John Fischer's Philadelphia
Vol. 1 - Number 21 - 07/14/99
As I write this column I am watching the major league baseball All Star Game from Boston. This game is being hyped as the last All Star Game of the century, which of course is not accurate since the century does not end until December 31, 2000. It is also hyped as the last All Star Game in Fenway Park in Boston.
Many cities, like Philadelphia, are working to build downtown stadiums in a classic style. Boston already has it and yet they are going to build a new stadium rather than renovate Fenway Park. Who can make sense of any of this?
It was really great to see three former Phillies introduced as part of the 100 "All-Century" players in baseball - Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts and Mike Schmidt. I never saw Robin Roberts play. Despite what folks may tell you he was before my time. I did, however, grow up watching Steve "Lefty" Carlton and Mike Schmidt.
I'll always recall how we were always told that Carlton hated the media hence he gave no interviews. Having read some interviews with him since he retired, maybe we were best served that he did not speak while he played. Schmidt also had his battles with the press but always found a way to get his opinions in the media.
Then to make things even more exciting, after years of suffering with horrid Phillies teams, the Phillies have three players on this year's National League All Star Team. We all expected that Curt Schilling would make the team but how great is it that he was the starting pitcher? He is clearly the favorite for this year's Cy Young Award with 13 wins already. Tuesday was not his night. He got hit pretty hard in the first inning, but had a great second inning with two strikeouts. All of Philadelphia is proud of him.
Many of us really felt strongly that Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal deserved to make the team. From a pure statistical point of view he is the top catcher in the National League this year. It was great to see him get into the game even if he did hit into a double play in his only at bat.
Who would have thought a year ago that Paul Byrd would even be in the major leagues much less be on the All Star team? He has clearly established himself as the number two starting pitcher for the Phillies and a player that would be a number one or two starter on many teams in baseball. A year ago he was waived by the Atlanta Braves and his future in baseball appeared quite bleak indeed.
The National League lost there third straight All Star Game in what was not at all the slug fest that many had expected. As impressive as the pre-game ceremonies were, baseball should consider the fans a bit more when starting a game at 8:50 p.m.
Well, that's my spin on things. You can join me in our chat room almost every evening - Philly Chat - or drop me a note at philadelphia.guide@about.com. Also, be sure to check out our new Philadelphia Forum where you can share your comments and feelings, ask questions, post classifieds and much more.
If you missed any of our recent columns you can still catch them:
John Fischer's
Philadelphia 06/28/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 07/05/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 07/07/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 07/09/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 07/12/99