Update 3-20-2025

MLB Dodgers and Cubse and "Square Jaw"

Mar 20, 2025

In case you missed Pat Seerey, “Square Jaw” Ramsey, and “Little Koa” and “Big Koa” Link to this week’s Backroads and Ballplayers Weekly.

Ohtani, Wicks, A Summer with the Cardinals, and Mystery Photo Reveal

A friend commented yesterday that the season is over. The Dodgers have won the West and the Cubs are last in the Central. I guess that means the Cardinals are not going to be in the Central Division Cellar. We shall see.

I have already seen “Future Hall of Famer” used to describe Shohei Ohtani. I have not gotten used to it, but of course, in the story-book career of the 30-year-old superstar, he hit a home run in the Dodgers/Cubs series. I guess it is a done deal. I can’t get past the 30-year-old part. Is he a DH/Pitcher or a DH? In my senior logic, he has not cinched a ticket to Cooperstown as either. BUT he is getting close!

This from Dave Roberts in response to a question about Ohtani pitching in May:

"It might be earlier,” Roberts said via MLB.com, “But I think that the first thing I said earlier this offseason was it wasn’t going to be in the Japan Series. … Once he gets to spring training and we see where the throwing program is, I think we’ll just go from there.”

Jordan Wicks made the Cubs roster for the Japan trip. I doubt he was able to relax and enjoy the trip when he seems to still be in the gray area for the final roster. He has had a good spring. You never know what the decision-makers are thinking, but in my opinion, he has done what he needed to do to open in Chicago.

This from Cub Blogger Brendan Miller:

“Jordan Wicks’ brief outing in Japan was encouraging. His five fastballs averaged over 93.5 MPH—up more than 1 MPH from the last two years—and had the kind of carry shape you’d want from him.”

Watching the Cards

My guy for all things Cardinals advised me that if I am not interested in spring stuff, FanDuel might run a discounted season subscription to what used to be Bally Sports Midwest. That subscription would include the Cardinals, Royals, and OKC in the NBA. That offer may be live today for about $100. Information is available at FanDuel or Amazon Prime.

If you are a St. Louis Cardinals fan, consider Cardinal70 for all things Cardinals.

March Mystery Photo Reveal

Yes, these monthly photo posts are going to be a challenge. I am proud to say that this one produced no correct guesses. Google does not have every photo from the Ronnie Clay collection.

No, it is not Jerry Jones or Mel McGaha, but those are good guesses. Well, McGaha is a good guess. Jerry…? The answer to this month’s Mystery Photo is revealed at the end of this post. What if I gave this hint…Suspenders and a butch haircut?

Date night 1977: Susan and I are in our first summer in Russellville. Although I am now a college basketball coach, we are on a budget. Our second son will arrive in the fall.

Arkansas Travelers games are a good choice. No one pays. We pick up our tickets at a bank or a restaurant and sometimes splurge for the “Raise the Flag” special at Casa Bonita. I think it was about two bucks. I recall when it was $1.49 on Sunday. I would pay double that today!

Another choice was a traditional ballpark meal at the game. Hot dogs and soft drinks were 50 cents at Ray Winder Field. If Captain Dynamite was going to blow himself up at second base between games, the ballpark meal was always the best option.

It was, after all, “The Greatest Show on Dirt” Our host was the fellow pictured in the March Mystery photograph. I would venture a guess that many of you have similar stories.

Jim’s Substack (Backroads and Ballplayers)

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