Ruth, Rose, and Pena

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 5:51 am

I watch some of the press conferences after players are signed. One thing is always said. In one form or another, every player says, 'This is where I should be'.

Makes me laugh every time.

If that is where they should be, than why did they waste their time where they came from?

During Carlos Pena's press conference, he said the line that makes me giggle. That giggle turned into outright laughter when Pena said that he had never been to Wrigley Field.

Sure, he is meant to be where he has never been.

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Sorry, I didn't want to make this a post about players and press conference demeanors...

No, I was watching the Carlos Pena press conference and a lightning bolt struck me...

10 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A GUY WHO BATTED BELOW THE MENDOZA LINE!!!

Mario Mendoza is doing cartwheels somewhere.

It made me think of some other contracts thought to be outrageous at the time. After Babe Ruth hit 59 home runs for the Yankees in 1921, he given the unGodly amount of $52,000.

Ruth was always self-righteous about how much money he made. At the time. he was quoted as saying, "A man who knows he's making money for other people ought to get some of the money he brings in."

Way ahead of his time, that Babe. Well, that and prostitutes charged him more than 'the regulars', but that's another story.

Anyway, the Babe made a little less than $1,000 per home run. The Yankees knew he was worth it. Besides Ty Cobb on a lesser level, The Babe was the only player to put a lot of fannies in the seats.

Now, lets fast forward to 1970.

Pete Rose is on his way to becoming the all time hits leader. In 1970, he becomes the first 'singles hitter' to receive $100,000.

He was quite proud of that. Telling every reporter that interviewed him about his salary. Rose, who had hit double digit home runs from 1966-71 would only reach 10 home runs once more.

Maybe, he took it to heart a little much, or the change from Crosley to Riverfront changed his approach, who knows.

Rose had 205 hits in 1970, gives him about $500 per hit. To me, this shows how much salaries hadn't really changed much in 50 years. Really Ruth's salary in 1921 and Rose's salary 50 years later is likened to a cost of living increase. Owners had it good, didn't they?

Of course, so did fans, the cost of a ball game didn't match a Beatles concert.

Now, let's fast forward again to the present and get back to our press conferencing friend, Carlos Pena. Of course no other hitter in baseball has been paid as much for hitting below the Mendoza line. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I think Andruw Jones got a huge amount after hitting .222 one year, the closest I could recollect.

Now, I know comparing Ruth, Rose, and Pena is blatantly unfair to Pena. And this isn't a post to run down Pena, more to be amazed at how numbers have changed, or not changed, over the years. And how much players are getting paid for those numbers.

Anyway, so far we have Ruth with less than $1,000 per home run and we have Rose with $500 per hit.

Now, get this,

CARLOS PENA GETS PAID $50,100 PER POINT OF BATTING AVERAGE

Again, not picking on Carlos. He hits home runs and is above average defensively. Like the Babe said, he's making money for other folks. Of course, unlike the Babe, there are no extra fannies in the seats, Wrigley is packed every day with or without Carlos Pena.

On another scale, players like ARod make even more per point of average, given that they make twice the salary and do not double Pena's average.

For some reason, that is more ok with me.

By the same token or another scale, it is similar to a Starbucks employee getting paid $1,000 per coffee served.

Asked about his one year contract, Pena called it a 'platform' year. A Boras term for, "I improve this year, to make more next year'.

When asked about hitting below the Mendoza line, he took the McGwirish approach and said, "I don't look back".

C'mon Carlos!

Political correctness abounds now, I know, but get a little of the Ruth self-righteousness or a little of the Rose pride, stand up and say,

"Hey, I am the first $10 million dollar player to hit below the Mendoza line!"

[ December 12, 2010, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 1:55 pm

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I watch some of the press conferences after players are signed. One thing is always said. In one form or another, every player says, 'This is where I should be'.

Makes me laugh every time.

If that is where they should be, than why did they waste their time where they came from?

During Carlos Pena's press conference, he said the line that makes me giggle. That giggle turned into outright laughter when Pena said that he had never been to Wrigley Field.

Sure, he is meant to be where he has never been.

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Sorry, I didn't want to make this a post about players and press conference demeanors...

No, I was watching the Carlos Pena press conference and a lightning bolt struck me...

10 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A GUY WHO BATTED BELOW THE MENDOZA LINE!!!

Mario Mendoza is doing cartwheels somewhere.

It made me think of some other contracts thought to be outrageous at the time. After Babe Ruth hit 59 home runs for the Yankees in 1921, he given the unGodly amount of $52,000.

Ruth was always self-righteous about how much money he made. At the time. he was quoted as saying, "A man who knows he's making money for other people ought to get some of the money he brings in."

Way ahead of his time, that Babe. Well, that and prostitutes charged him more than 'the regulars', but that's another story.

Anyway, the Babe made a little less than $1,000 per home run. The Yankees knew he was worth it. Besides Ty Cobb on a lesser level, The Babe was the only player to put a lot of fannies in the seats.

Now, lets fast forward to 1970.

Pete Rose is on his way to becoming the all time hits leader. In 1970, he becomes the first 'singles hitter' to receive $100,000.

He was quite proud of that. Telling every reporter that interviewed him about his salary. Rose, who had hit double digit home runs from 1966-71 would only reach 10 home runs once more.

Maybe, he took it to heart a little much, or the change from Crosley to Riverfront changed his approach, who knows.

Rose had 205 hits in 1970, gives him about $500 per hit. To me, this shows how much salaries hadn't really changed much in 50 years. Really Ruth's salary in 1921 and Rose's salary 50 years later is likened to a cost of living increase. Owners had it good, didn't they?

Of course, so did fans, the cost of a ball game didn't match a Beatles concert.

Now, let's fast forward again to the present and get back to our press conferencing friend, Carlos Pena. Of course no other hitter in baseball has been paid as much for hitting below the Mendoza line. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I think Andruw Jones got a huge amount after hitting .222 one year, the closest I could recollect.

Now, I know comparing Ruth, Rose, and Pena is blatantly unfair to Pena. And this isn't a post to run down Pena, more to be amazed at how numbers have changed, or not changed, over the years. And how much players are getting paid for those numbers.

Anyway, so far we have Ruth with less than $1,000 per home run and we have Rose with $500 per hit.

Now, get this,

CARLOS PENA GETS PAID $50,100 PER POINT OF BATTING AVERAGE

Again, not picking on Carlos. He hits home runs and is above average defensively. Like the Babe said, he's making money for other folks. Of course, unlike the Babe, there are no extra fannies in the seats, Wrigley is packed every day with or without Carlos Pena.

On another scale, players like ARod make even more per point of average, given that they make twice the salary and do not double Pena's average.

For some reason, that is more ok with me.

By the same token or another scale, it is similar to a Starbucks employee getting paid $1,000 per coffee served.

Asked about his one year contract, Pena called it a 'platform' year. A Boras term for, "I improve this year, to make more next year'.

When asked about hitting below the Mendoza line, he took the McGwirish approach and said, "I don't look back".

C'mon Carlos!

Political correctness abounds now, I know, but get a little of the Ruth self-righteousness or a little of the Rose pride, stand up and say,

"Hey, I am the first $10 million dollar player to hit below the Mendoza line!" Dough, I only can dream about having the kind of time you have to post this **** every day

. I am envious in that I too wish to have no life or the kind of life that allows me to do this some day. Perhaps it is your way of fighting the onset of senility and boredom that comes with old age. LOL. C'mon! 4564 posts and counting is a career. They should just cave and put you on the payroll

for godsake.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 11:57 pm

Looks like someone's enjoyed one too many Jersey brews this weekend.

Keep up the good work Dan, glad you make the time.

Glenn

[ December 13, 2010, 06:19 AM: Message edited by: Glenneration X ]

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:41 am

Originally posted by Glenneration X:

Looks like someone's enjoyed one too many Jersey brews this weekend.

Keep up the good work Dan, glad you make the time.

Glenn Glenn,

Don't get me wrong, I do too. It's personalities like Doughboy that make this stuff even more fun and enjoyable. Just wish I could be as awesome as him

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:09 am

Really enjoyable write-up. I got about four hours sleep last night and tried to read something else before giving up but this was quite palatable.

Yeah, I know it's the lovable losers and all, but if Carlos Pena gets them enough extra wins to get them to the playoffs they'll get that money back in extra revenue. The real tragedy is that in reality, they probably don't have enough to make the playoffs so they won't get much of that money back. My point is just that signings really do put butts in seats if they are done by the right team at the right time.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:34 am

Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

quote:Originally posted by Glenneration X:

Looks like someone's enjoyed one too many Jersey brews this weekend.

Keep up the good work Dan, glad you make the time.

Glenn Glenn,

Don't get me wrong, I do too. It's personalities like Doughboy that make this stuff even more fun and enjoyable. Just wish I could be as awesome as him

[/QUOTE]Don't we all wish we could be as cool as Doughy.

Looking forward to meeting you in AC or NYC this year Mike. Keep pumping Jersey (even if it's pretty much just NY's little brother ... ).

Catch you soon,

Glenn

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 6:41 am

Originally posted by bjoak:

Yeah, I know it's the lovable losers and all, but if Carlos Pena gets them enough extra wins to get them to the playoffs they'll get that money back in extra revenue. The real tragedy is that in reality, they probably don't have enough to make the playoffs so they won't get much of that money back. Huh!

I have the Cubs winning the division. Of course, I have the Cubs winning every year.

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 8:19 am

I'm just here to lend moral support for these posts....

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 9:49 am

Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I watch some of the press conferences after players are signed. One thing is always said. In one form or another, every player says, 'This is where I should be'.

Makes me laugh every time.

If that is where they should be, than why did they waste their time where they came from?

During Carlos Pena's press conference, he said the line that makes me giggle. That giggle turned into outright laughter when Pena said that he had never been to Wrigley Field.

Sure, he is meant to be where he has never been.

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Sorry, I didn't want to make this a post about players and press conference demeanors...

No, I was watching the Carlos Pena press conference and a lightning bolt struck me...

10 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A GUY WHO BATTED BELOW THE MENDOZA LINE!!!

Mario Mendoza is doing cartwheels somewhere.

It made me think of some other contracts thought to be outrageous at the time. After Babe Ruth hit 59 home runs for the Yankees in 1921, he given the unGodly amount of $52,000.

Ruth was always self-righteous about how much money he made. At the time. he was quoted as saying, "A man who knows he's making money for other people ought to get some of the money he brings in."

Way ahead of his time, that Babe. Well, that and prostitutes charged him more than 'the regulars', but that's another story.

Anyway, the Babe made a little less than $1,000 per home run. The Yankees knew he was worth it. Besides Ty Cobb on a lesser level, The Babe was the only player to put a lot of fannies in the seats.

Now, lets fast forward to 1970.

Pete Rose is on his way to becoming the all time hits leader. In 1970, he becomes the first 'singles hitter' to receive $100,000.

He was quite proud of that. Telling every reporter that interviewed him about his salary. Rose, who had hit double digit home runs from 1966-71 would only reach 10 home runs once more.

Maybe, he took it to heart a little much, or the change from Crosley to Riverfront changed his approach, who knows.

Rose had 205 hits in 1970, gives him about $500 per hit. To me, this shows how much salaries hadn't really changed much in 50 years. Really Ruth's salary in 1921 and Rose's salary 50 years later is likened to a cost of living increase. Owners had it good, didn't they?

Of course, so did fans, the cost of a ball game didn't match a Beatles concert.

Now, let's fast forward again to the present and get back to our press conferencing friend, Carlos Pena. Of course no other hitter in baseball has been paid as much for hitting below the Mendoza line. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I think Andruw Jones got a huge amount after hitting .222 one year, the closest I could recollect.

Now, I know comparing Ruth, Rose, and Pena is blatantly unfair to Pena. And this isn't a post to run down Pena, more to be amazed at how numbers have changed, or not changed, over the years. And how much players are getting paid for those numbers.

Anyway, so far we have Ruth with less than $1,000 per home run and we have Rose with $500 per hit.

Now, get this,

CARLOS PENA GETS PAID $50,100 PER POINT OF BATTING AVERAGE

Again, not picking on Carlos. He hits home runs and is above average defensively. Like the Babe said, he's making money for other folks. Of course, unlike the Babe, there are no extra fannies in the seats, Wrigley is packed every day with or without Carlos Pena.

On another scale, players like ARod make even more per point of average, given that they make twice the salary and do not double Pena's average.

For some reason, that is more ok with me.

By the same token or another scale, it is similar to a Starbucks employee getting paid $1,000 per coffee served.

Asked about his one year contract, Pena called it a 'platform' year. A Boras term for, "I improve this year, to make more next year'.

When asked about hitting below the Mendoza line, he took the McGwirish approach and said, "I don't look back".

C'mon Carlos!

Political correctness abounds now, I know, but get a little of the Ruth self-righteousness or a little of the Rose pride, stand up and say,

"Hey, I am the first $10 million dollar player to hit below the Mendoza line!" Dough, I only can dream about having the kind of time you have to post this **** every day

. I am envious in that I too wish to have no life or the kind of life that allows me to do this some day. Perhaps it is your way of fighting the onset of senility and boredom that comes with old age. LOL. C'mon! 4564 posts and counting is a career. They should just cave and put you on the payroll

for godsake.

[/QUOTE]To be fair, almost half of the posts were from the recently concluded board mock

But the larger point is there is a reason why I put Mr. Doughboys on my NFBC "Hall of Fame" ballot. With all the extra-curricular activity on these forums and others, Dan is a perfect example of someone who just does his thing in a genuine fashion.

[ December 13, 2010, 03:49 PM: Message edited by: ToddZ ]

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 1:35 pm

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Just for you, Dan. I didn't know you could play the guitar?

MadCow Sez · Post by **MadCow Sez** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 1:49 pm

I was on night shift when Greg Maddux left my Cubbies and signed with the Braves.

On a very dull section, I calculated that during the length of his initial Atlanta contract, he got $3.64 for every inch traveled by one of his pitches based on his salary vs the distance between the mound and the plate and his average pitch count.

Did I mention that was a very dull night?

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 2:58 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Just for you, Dan. I didn't know you could play the guitar? [/QUOTE]Thanks Wayne!

The guitar is a prop to hide my 'feelings'.

Looking for a drooling graemlin...

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 3:13 am

My number of posts is of little importance, no, make that no importance.

I've run mock drafts since 2005 and that takes a lot of posts.

Before Gekko changed his name he had more posts than I have now. Again, of no import. He was a debater and had a lot of one word posts.

In the end, it is the quality of the posts, not the number.

If worried that I don't have a life...don't. I've been happily married for 35 years, retired, and spoil grandchildren.

Baseball and fantasy baseball are passions. That passion spills on to the Message Boards.

I enjoy it and hope others do as well.

No big deal.

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 3:31 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Just for you, Dan. I didn't know you could play the guitar? [/QUOTE]Thanks Wayne!

The guitar is a prop to hide my 'feelings'.

Looking for a drooling graemlin... [/QUOTE]

Winston's Empire · Post by **Winston's Empire** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 4:01 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

I've been happily married for 35 years, retired, and spoil grandchildren.

Baseball and fantasy baseball are passions. That passion spills on to the Message Boards.

I enjoy it and hope others do as well.

No big deal. What else could a guy want?

I am a young guy, only married 5 years with 2 small children, but find baseball and fantasy baseball to be my passions as well and a little bit of my escape from the daily grind that is life! I haven't been doing the message boards very long, but I do enjoy them and the thoughts they provoke!

I always enjoy the posts Doughboys! Keep em' coming!

Tarpon30 · Post by **Tarpon30** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 4:11 am

I'm just hoping one day I have the time to read all these posts-I have to say it's very enlightning to see so many enthusiastic people talking baseball all hours of the day-all seasons of the year.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 4:18 am

Originally posted by Navel Lint:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Describes me and Ann-Margret.

Just for you, Dan. I didn't know you could play the guitar? [/QUOTE]Thanks Wayne!

The guitar is a prop to hide my 'feelings'.

Looking for a drooling graemlin... [/QUOTE] [/QUOTE]Perfect Russ!

And an excuse to put this picture on the second page too!