History

Looking back, I'd have to say that Phil Rizzuto was the "voice" of my youth. It was the "Scooter's" unmistakable, high-pitched voice that would be resounding throughout the steamy living room during those summers in the late 60's when I first started following America's pastime. Whether it was his trademark "Holy Cow!" (which, at times, could be heard a block away) or his sending of birthday wishes to the "average Joe" in New Jersey or New York, you just KNEW it was summer when you heard Phil Rizzuto.

Derek Jeter is the shortstop for the New York Yankees. That's how it's always been, and we figured that's how it always would be. However, come 2011, this may no longer be the case, as there are talks about moving Derek Jeter to center field.

Now, anyone who followed the complaints about Derek Jeter winning a gold glove in 2010, can't feel too bad about this move. After all, he's never been that good as a shortstop in terms of fielding. Still, he's never played center field before, so who knows if it will be implemented.

Major League Baseball features some of the most talented athletes in the entire nation, and it has done so for over a century.  Over the years, stories are told about Major Leaguers having dominant seasons and becoming champions, but being a winner does not make a player unique.

Anyone who has been watching the Mets this decade remembers him, a.k.a. the guy with the weird name (he also went by Thrilledge and L-Milz). The Mets took him in the 2003 draft with their 12th pick after he was passed on due to his sex allegations with a minor.

No doubt controversial, he was hyped up as a major part of the future of the Mets team, a replacement for Floyd/Green in the future. He was raw, but packed immense talent and promise.

Anyone who says size does not matter has clearly missed out on some key moments in baseball history.

In the early 1900's, President Roosevelt borrowed an old African proverb by stating, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." And while he may not necessarily have been referring to baseball, the saying seems to have made impact on the sport anyway.

The following is a list of the top 10 "big" moments, statistics and feats in baseball throughout the years.

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The Houston Astros have always had a team that was based on strong pitching. From the 1980s with Mike Scott, J.R. Richard and Nolan Ryan to their most recent World Series run with Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.

When the Astros have had success, you can bet they had one or more superb pitcher behind it. The Astros have used strong pitching to secure six division titles, two wild card berths and one National League pennant. I have compiled a list of who I think are the top 15 starting pitchers in the history of the Houston Astros.

Most Americans (at least before the current depression) retired in their late 60s or early 70s, or not at all. Baseball players, even those with the most longevity, retire while they are still young.

Mickey Mantle retired in 1968 at the tender age of 36. Like old generals, old players never die, but unlike old generals, Mickey Mantle never fades away.

The accident scene was eerily similar to his reckless existence. Steven Roy Howe lay dead on a California highway with his late-model vehicle resting on top of him; a witness told cops that Howe's truck simply drifted off the roadway.

When I first read of the death of this once promising athlete from Michigan in 2006, I immediately concluded that the last few moments of the 48-year-old's life ironically mirrored the Steve Howe that the baseball world knew all too well.

After 103 years of failure and disappointment, there have to be some excuses as to why the Chicago Cubs cannot win a World Series, let alone make it to one. Cubs fans have suffered, but remained loyal for inexplicable circumstances, including injuries and blunders. It has been a highlight reel of misfortune. This will discuss the top five reasons as to why the Cubs cannot win.

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Good pitchers can throw a baseball through the bats of even the greatest hitters.  Great pitchers have the ability to paint corners at any speed with any pitch.  Not every pitcher is like Nolan Ryan and can walk 150 batters per season and get away with it.  Pitchers who can compile lofty strikeout totals while still limiting free passes have power and finesse.  These ten pitchers are the greatest power/finesse pitchers in the history of the game: