Baseball Talk

Jackie Robinson Day has generated large sums of media coverage since it was incorporated eight years ago.

The day, which is celebrated by Major League Baseball every April 15, honors the day that Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier when he broke into the league with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

In honor of Robinson, every April 15, all players wear No. 42, which was retired by MLB in 1997.

Jackie Robinson in uniform for the Brooklyn Dodgers, wearing his #42. (Photo from: http://www.metshotcorner.com/nostalgia/jackie-robinson-breaks-the-color-barrier-64-years-ago-today/)

In that days that had led up to this year’s celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, there were numerous stories and press releases that could be found in newspapers and on the internet.

One press release that was put out by MLB.com, announced that it would launch a website to commemorate Robinson.

The website, ‘IAM42.com’, “features video tributes from MLB All-Stars Jason Heyward, Prince Fielder, David Price, Mariano Rivera and David Wright,” according to the release.

The press release by MLB was not the only place fans could find out about the launch of the website.

A story on Emissourian.com also made news of the new website, adding that the site was designed to “celebrate Robinson’s legacy, and give thanks.”

The press release from MLB contains all of the qualities of a typical news stories.

It is newsworthy as Robinson is obviously one of the most prominent figures in the sport of baseball, and the announcement of this website is fairly big news to the baseball world.

The release is well-written and follows AP style, just as any online story or a newspaper story.

It was not clear whether or not this particular press release generated other stories about the launch of the new website, however, it is very possible that it did have an impact on other stories that were written.

The story that was found to be related to the press release is considerably shorter than the release itself.

The news story only mentions that MLB has launched this new website in honor of Robinson, but the press release goes into much more detail, and explains what Jackie Robinson Day is all about, and what the new website is all about.

Here is an excerpt from the press release explaining the new website, www.IAM42.com:

“‘IAM42’ (www.IAM42.com) is a new digital campaign designed for fans to make a personal connection to the legacy of Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson through online video sharing and social networking via Twitter and Facebook. IAM42.com features personal video tributes from more than 60 current players and legends to honor the 64th Anniversary of Robinson’s historic moment, including Baseball Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Lou Brock and Andre Dawson; and MLB All-Stars Jason Heyward, Prince Fielder, David Price, Mariano Rivera and David Wright. Launching on Jackie Robinson Day, fans of all ages are encouraged to share their thoughts on the enduring impact of Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier. The site will be updated throughout the year, in the lead-up to the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, April 15, 2012. ‘IAM42.com’ is the latest MLB initiative aimed at educating all fans about Jackie Robinson and supporting his enduring legacy, joining Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI); Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life; Diverse Business Partners; and the MLB Urban Youth Academies. IAM42.com is powered by MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball.”

NOTE:

New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera is the only player who still wears No. 42 everyday. When the number was retired by MLB, players who still wore the number were told that they could continue to wear the number until they retired.

On Wednesday Carlos Delgado is expected to announce his retirement from Major League Baseball, according to a story on ESPN.com.

The 38-year-old played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, and New York Mets over his 17-year career in which he collected 473 home runs, 30th on baseball’s all-time home run list.

Carlos Delgado with the Toronto Blue Jays. (Photo courtesy of: http://wassupsports.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-free-agent-guessing-game/)

In his first year with the Mets in 2006, Delgado led the team to its most recent playoff appearance as he hit 38 home runs and accumulated 114 RBIs.

But as of late, Delgado has battled hip injuries and hasn’t seen major league action since the 2009 season.

The article says:

“He was unbelievable for us when he was healthy, and he taught me how to play the right way,” former Mets teammate Jose Reyes said, according to the Daily News. “We were one victory away from the World Series and he did everything he could to get us there.”

Perhaps Delgado’s best season came in 2000 with the Blue Jays.

He played in all 162 games while collecting 196 hits, as well as 41 home runs and 57 doubles, while compiling a career-best batting average of .344 and a slugging percentage of .644, also a career-high.

The article also says:

“He still owns Blue Jays team records for most runs (889), doubles (343), home runs (336), RBIs (1,058), walks (827), and strikeouts (1,242).”

Delgado’s last attempt at a return to the big leagues was denied after only five games with Triple-A Pawtucket last season.

Bowling Green – There are millions of baseball fans throughout the world and most have been waiting for this particular week since the 2010 World Series ended last November.

Opening day has come and gone for the 2011 Major League Baseball season and many students at Bowling Green State University have had their baseball “itch” fulfilled, while others still have no interest in one of baseball’s most exciting weeks.

“This is my favorite week of the year,” said Clay Rolf, 19, a freshman education major from New Rochester, Ohio.

“I have loved baseball ever since I was a little kid. I always wanted to play at the collegiate level, but I chose to play football here instead,” Rolf added.

With the new season comes a new rule for MLB.

According to a story on ESPN.com MLB has created a new 7-day disabled list for players with concussions.

Though the rule change is significant, it still doesn’t take away the fact that opening day marks a new beginning for all 30 teams.

For the teams that didn’t perform very well in the previous season, the fresh start brings optimism to some dedicated fans.

“I have been [a Cleveland] Indians fan my whole life,” said Eric Gerwin, a 21-year-old senior actuarial science major from Pemberville, Ohio.

“It gives me hope that the Indians will have a good year like they did in 2007. Even though they’re young, I think they can still make the playoffs.”

But there are still the fans out there that are not necessarily looking forward to the season.

“Since I’m a New York Yankees fan, I really don’t even get excited for the season anymore,” said Matt Schlumbohm, a 20-year-old education major from Stony Ridge, Ohio.

“I mean it’s almost a given that the Yankees are going to make the playoffs every years, so I don’t get really excited about the season until playoff time gets closer.”

Though the beginning of baseball season seems to be exciting to most, there are the few others out there who really don’t care for the sport to begin with.

“I never played baseball or softball when I was younger and I still have no interest in baseball,” said Olivia DeFiesta, a 21-year-old junior from Bowling Green, Ohio.

“It’s just pretty boring to me. It’s slow and there’s too much just standing around.”

Now that baseball season is finally here, many of the fans at BGSU can sit back and enjoy the long 2011 season.