August 15, 2007 [LINK / comment]

RFK Stadium updates

RFK Stadium I've made some overdue (minor) corrections to the RFK Stadium diagrams, based in part of the superb 1960s-era photographs in John Pastier's book, Historic Ballparks. That showed clearly that the big old scoreboard in right field was right next to the rear wall, and that for a while, one of the bullpens was in the gap between the scoreboard and the fence. I'm still not sure when it was that both bullpens were located in left field. Another minor change is in the football version diagram, showing the dirt/gravel areas as they were in the 1980s. The text on that page has been updated as well.

Shawn Hill returns

The Nationals' best pitcher early in the season was Shawn Hill, but he had elbow problems and spent two months on the DL. Hopes were high as he returned to the rotation last night. He performed superbly, allowing only one hit in six innings, but it was all for nought as the Phillies scored three runs in the eighth inning, and that was all they needed to win, 3-2.

Orioles clobber Yanks

Just when it looked like the Pinstriped Juggernaut was making a move to catch up with the first-place Red Sox, disaster strikes. Somehow the Baltimore Orioles totally flummoxed them with an embarrassing 12-0 win in Yankee Stadium. Since Roger Clemens will be returning to the rotation this weekend, the Yanks' starting pitcher, Jeff Karstens, may have to look for a new job. See MLB.com.

R.I.P. Phil Rizutto

The Yankees' regular shortstop during most of the 1940s and 1950s, Phil Rizutto, has passed away at the age of 89. He began his major league career in 1941, but served in the military during World War II. See MLB.com.