History

"As time passes, my story fades away."

-Dave Dravercky

Dave Dravecky made his major-league debut with the San Diego Padres on June 15th, 1982.

The Oakland Athletics have been one of the most interesting franchises since their move from Kansas City in the 1960's. Since 1968 the Oakland A's have had many great moments. However, some of these moments were so amazing (or heartbreaking), that A's fans still remember them today. But, which of these moments are the most unforgettable? We'll start with number 5.

As I grow a little bit older, I've begun to realize what most people my age start to.

There are now people in our past that have gone on to a better place and we are left with just the memories of them.

Memorial Day can start to really take meaning on all levels of personal importance.

I reflect on memories of my grandmothers, aunt, and my grandfather.

"Gramps" I called him and he was my main man.

I named my son after him and he wears the name proudly.

I'll admit, sports captivate my soul.

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Cap Anson was born April 17, 1852 in Marshalltown, Iowa, as Adrian Constantine Anson. He later would be called “Cap” which was a short name for Captain.

An outstanding batter and clubhouse leader, Anson is widely regarded as one of the foremost baseball figures of the 1800’s. He was the National League batting leader three times and was the first player ever to get 3,000 hits, ranking him number 7 in career hits with 3,418.

When Anson was 14 he was sent to a boarding school of the University of Notre Dame for high-school aged boys.

Joe DiMaggio played his last game on Oct. 10, 1951.

William Earl "Bill" Essick, the Yankees' West Coast scout who signed Joe DiMaggio, died in his sleep two days later at the age of 69 as a result of a heart ailment. One can romanticize the events, but they were merely coincidental.

Bill Essick Hated to Lose

Essick was known as "Vinegar Bill" because he hated to lose so much. It was not unusual for him not to say anything for hours after a loss.

(Author's note:  This is the first in a series of articles designed to educate the younger readers about some of the greats from years gone by.)

Jack Chesbro does not hold the Major League record for wins in a season, as most people believe. In fact, he doesn’t appear in the Top 10. He does own the record beginning with the Dead ball era which started in the year 1900.  In 1904 Chesbro won 41 games for the New York Highlanders (an ancestor of the Yankees).

Continuing on with my series, I ranked my top ten first basemen in Cubs franchise history.

While the rankings are somewhat subjective, as they always are, I looked closely at the players 162 game average during his tenure with the Cubs, as well as whether he was a part of any Cubs playoff teams.

I hope you enjoy this, and follow the series as it continues. As always I look forward to your input.

Al Simmons was one of the greatest left fielders in baseball history.

He spent most of his career with Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's, and was a major player in Philadelphia's three consecutive pennants from 1929-31, but Al Simmons' first choice was to play for John McGraw's Giants.