Baseball
Harvey Frommer
Author and Sports Journalist
Friday, April 09, 2004; 11:00 a.m. ET
This year's Post Baseball preview section features 2004 as baseball's "golden age of pitching." How will the Orioles fare this season? Any team can emerge this year to make the playoffs, but the Orioles are optimistic that they could claim baseball's ultimate prize.
Author Harvey Frommer will be online Friday, April 9 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss major league baseball, its history and his latest book, "Red Sox vs. Yankees: The Great Rivalry."
Submit your questions and comments before or during the discussion.
Frommer is a noted sports journalist and the author of more than 30 sports books, including "Growing Up Baseball," "Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball," "New York City Baseball," The New York Yankee Encyclopedia and "A Yankee Century: A Celebration of the First Hundred Years of Baseball's Greatest Team." A professor at Dartmouth College, he wrote for Yankees Magazine for 16 years.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Harvey Frommer: Go morning:
It is very nice being on Washington Post.com again and also being around to see another baseball season launched. Lots of exciting things this spring. All teams start out equal and all fans start out equal. Unfortunately, soon a lot of hearts will be broken. There is special new hope in Baltimore. And for Red Sox fans - - -this may be their year. But the Yankees will have a lot to say about that.
Any way - - -play ball!
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New York, N.Y.:
George Steinbrenner has celebrated several championships as owner of the
Yankees. In your opinion, have they won because of him - or in spite of him?
Harvey Frommer: When he doesn't meddle with managers and players - they win because of him. He put his money where his mouth is.
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Washington, D.C.:
Do you think the Red Sox will ever be World Series champs, with the Yankees organization spending as it does?
Harvey Frommer: Hope springs eternal in New England - and money is not allthere is to winning - look st the Marlins.
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Washington, D.C.:
There has also been a lot of animosity between fans of these teams.
Which is a more hostile environment for visiting fans - Fenway or Yankee Stadium?
Harvey Frommer: Both ball parks can be hostile environments depending on who packs them on any given day.
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Frederick, Md.:
I read today that Mayor Williams has proposed a public funding for a stadium that would be built near RFK.
What are the prospects for that plan, and can we count on the Expos moving here in 2005 or 2006?
Harvey Frommer: I hope for your sake and for others fans in the area that a team does come to DC. Write your Congressman.
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Bangor, Maine:
1. Why is the Red Sox and Yankee Rivalry so magical?
2. Why are you a Yankee fan Harvey? (Seriously)
Harvey Frommer: The rivalry is magical and mystical and good for baseball - -it is a clash of fans, teams, cities, owners, players, media personnel. It is good for baseball.
I am a Yankee fan because I am a native New Yorker and winning is better than losing. Less frustration rooting for the Yanks.
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New York:
What is special about this book after all the books you have written.
Harvey Frommer: RED SOX VS. YANKEES: THE GREAT RIVALRY is a special book because of the timing, the content, the photos, the production job. We have celebrities speaking as well as ordinary fans in the oral history component. It is a book that my son Frederic and i are very proud of.
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Washington, D.C.:
What was it like writing this book and having your son as a co-author?
Harvey Frommer: It was a kick having my son as a co-author. We had no disagreements and only smooth sailing working together on this huge project. Usually, my co-author has been my wife Myrna - we did five oral histories together. But working with Fred - we kept it all in the family.
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Alexandria, Va:
Your new book is about the Red Sox and Yankees - -and their rivalry - --do you think Baltimore has a chance to finish ahead of these teams.
Harvey Frommer: Sorry, no.
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Brooklyn, N.Y.:
Can the Red Sox do it this year? And if so who will George Steinbrenner buy off of the Red Sox roster next off season? - Oral History Circle 2004 D.Y.
Harvey Frommer: If all things hold - the Red Sox may do it this year.
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George will not buy off of the Red Sox roster.
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Kensington, Md.:
When will the Red Sox ever beat the Yankees and win the World Series?
Harvey Frommer: One of these years - - -have faith my son!
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Brooklyn, N.Y.:
How does this compare to the Subway Series rivalry of the late 1940s, 1950s?
Harvey Frommer: There really is no comparison. I go into much detail in my book New York City Baseball 1947-1957 on those Subway Series. Back then there were 3 baseball teams in one city. The Red Sox and Yankees are in close geographical proximity -- -but not that close as the old Brookly Dodgers, New York Giants and New York Yankees.
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Illinois:
In your opinion, who is the greatest Red Sox player of all time, and who is the greatest Yankees player of all time? Are they the same man--Babe Ruth?
Harvey Frommer: Excellent question. If forced to agree with you - I would. But I would actually vote for T Williams as the top BOSOXer.
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Arlington, Va.:
Who was a greater player - -- Ted Williams or Joe DiMaggio?
What do you think of the steroids situation in baseball?
Harvey Frommer: DiMag was the greater all around player.
==
Something serious must be done about steroids.
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Boston, Mass.:
Many people claim that the Red Sox/ Yankee
rivalry isn't a rivalry at all because the Yankees
always come out on top, but this rivalry, the
longest and greatest in sports, I would argue, is
metaphorically about standing up to a bully for
Sox fans. How real do you think the animosity is
between Lucchino, our geek from the North and
Steinbrenner that bossy bully?
Harvey Frommer: It is the greatest rivalry in sports in the USA. The Red Sox are a very good team today and they have been competitive for many deacades. It is just a case of their having to go through the Yankees to get anywhere.
I do believe the animosity is real - -a lot of money, pride and ego is involved.
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Chicago, Ill.:
Would it be possible to even have a winner in a Red Sox versus Cubs World Series, or would the final game just end with Hell freezing over?
Harvey Frommer: The latter.
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Goshen, N.H.:
How hard was it for you to get the access to everyone that you wanted to speak with?
Harvey Frommer: Most people were very nice, cooperative. I cannot say that about Rick Cerrone, the PR guy for the Yankees. You wonder what he is getting paid for aside from pushing people around in a parking lot. He was not cooperative at all -in fact - he was downright rude.
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Staten Island, N.Y.:
I would have to say the Yankee/Red Sox is the biggest rivalry in sports. What would you consider #2?
Harvey Frommer: Probably Cubs/Cardinals. And # 3 Dodgers/Giants
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Arlington, Va.:
How well will Lee Mazilli do as O's mgr?
Harvey Frommer: He is an ex-Yankee and he knows his way around the game. If he gets the players - he should do well. Look at his nice win over Boston last night in extra innings. That showed something.
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Portland, Maine:
I am curious what the Yankees plan on doing with
their struggling farm system. With their financial
clout, they can afford virtually any player they
desire without having to use a young lightning rod
arm or a hot bat for trade bait. For every other
team in baseball the farm system can be the key
to sustained or future success. For the Yankees it
seems borderline irrelevent.
Harvey Frommer: True.
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Washington, D.C.:
In your new book about the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, you talk to a lot of famous fans and regular Joes. Who did the best job at capturing the rivalry, and why do you think so?
Harvey Frommer: We never did a count of the number of people we interviewed for the book but there were probably more than a hundred. We had former governors Mario Cuomo of New York and Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, former press secretary Ari Fleischer, former New York City Mayor Rudy G. All of them were eloquent and articulate. But no more so than ordinary fans who have lived the RED SOX VS YANKEES: THE GREAT RIVALRY through the decades. I think our best interviews were those who has a passion for the rivalry, a feel for the game of baseball, a sense of history, a way with words.
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New York:
Did you ever read David Halberstam's book SUMMER
OF '49?
What do you think of the Yankees having opened the
season in Japan?
Harvey Frommer: Halberstram is terrific. I read the book and it terrific,too.
The Japan opening was good for baseball and international relations.
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New York:
Did you watch the Break Up the Bombers mock-trial on ESPN last night? If so, what was your opinion on the outcome?
Harvey Frommer: I started watching and I must confess I got bored and switched to baltimore/boston baseball. sorry
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Falls Church, Va.:
First, rooting for the Yankees requires no effort or struggle. It's like rooting for the sun to come up in the East.
Second, what do you think of 'Moneyball' and the Billy Beane/Bill James disciples now emerging? It's hard to argue with the A's success on such a limited budget, and it does seem like the poorer teams who go with the old philosophy are worse off.
I'm a Dodgers and Orioles fan, if that matters.
Harvey Frommer: "Moneyball" works in some quarters but not all. It is a complicated question and my short answer would not do it justice. The book is terrific.
George keeps all those rooting for the Yankees honest . . .you never know what will happen next.
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Portland, Maine:
Is baseball still America's Pastime, or has football
eclipsed it?
Harvey Frommer: Football.
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Boston, Mass.:
Game 7 of the World Series, two outs and the
Yanks down by 1 run, which Yankee do you want
at the plate?
Harvey Frommer: No or then?
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Hartland, Vt.:
Will you be doing any book signings in NY or New England?
Harvey Frommer: Many. I do not want to be accused of shameless promotion so I won't mention them here, but there is info on the internet regarding where the book signings will be. Thanks for the question.
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Hartland, Vt.:
I've heard that the rivalry is somewhat one-sided, that the Red Six fans dislike the Yankees much more than toehr way around. What's your thought?
Harvey Frommer: I agree.
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Washington, D.C.:
Your Red Sox-Yankees book is so well-timed. Did you have an inkling of the A-Rod trade as you wrote it or otherwise think that some big rivalry news was on the way?
Harvey Frommer: Thanks for the compliment on the book being well timed and it is moving into a third printing which will have up to minute developments in it like the A-Rod trade. Fred and I had no inkling of it .. .we were as stunned as most fans. But there is always something going on as regards the RIVALRY and that is what makes it so fascinating.
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Portland, Maine:
Of all the heated moments during the Sox/Yanks
rivalry, which was the hottest? Is this season
sizing up to be the most intense of them all? Will
you look into updating your new book as time
goes on?
Harvey Frommer: I would guess there are several "heated" moments. The Fisk-Muson physical confrontation is one that lots of people talk about. The Bucky Dent homer. The Boone blast.
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I do think that with the two teams so evenly matched this season, with A-Rod and Schilling in the mix, with the owners at each other's thorats - - -intesnsity is on parade.
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The book is updated already as it gets ready to go into its third printing...and will be updated as we move through the season(s).
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Washington, D.C.:
Re: Baseball in DC
"Harvey Frommer: I hope for your sake and for others fans in the area that a team does come to DC. Write your Congressman."
Write my Congressman? Your kidding, right?
Harvey Frommer: No, I am not kidding. I think any pressure that can be brought to bear might be helpful. The Dc area does deserve a team. There is a long and interesting history of baseball in Washington. Letters, political pressure, petitiions, contacts with MLB .. .all of these might help pressure things to that end.
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Boston, Mass.:
There are a number of dominant pitching rotations
this year including the Yanks, the Bo Sox, the
Athletics, Cubs, and Astros. How would you rank
them? washingtonpost.com:
Hitting Has Been In Power for Years, but That Could Change This Season (Post, April 2)
Baseball Preview: Pitching Prospects
Harvey Frommer: Cubs, Astos, Athletics, Boston, NY - - -but injries, slumps, trades, etc., all can affect the rankings and the staffs. This is only my opinin - many might disagree with me. But I do agree with your selection of these as top staffs.
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College Park, Md.:
Hi,
I'm a native New Yorker/Yankee Fan, have lived in Boston and seen many Sox games, and now (strangely) enjoy Orioles games on the radio, but when the O's score a run, etc., I think I hear a chant on "You Suck" in the crowd. This is simmilar to chants I hear at U. of Md. soccer, basketball, and football games. I don't recall such negativity in NY or Boston. What's wrong with these people, and why don't they expend a little more energy cheering rather than jeering? Maybe then their team would win a championship.
Harvey Frommer: Well, the negative stuff never turned me on. It is not good wherever it appears. There is such negativity in NY and Boston and other places. It is not restricted just to the Maryland region. it takes all kinds. But common behavior like this is a turn off for many of us especially at baseball games which are generally filled with families.
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Boston, Mass.:
On the Game 7 two outs question, I was speaking
of the current Yanks team.
Harvey Frommer: On the current Yankee team - -- for clutch - -I would want A-Rod or Jeter. They can both go deep in the count,handle the bat, wait for their moment. And there are others on the current Yankee team who can decide a game with one flick of the bat. That is why the team is so dangerous. That is why Boston fans should not be starting to celebrate just yet.
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Hartland, Vt.:
You cited growing up in NYC as the rationale for being a Yankee fan. Were you a Dodgers fan at any point?
Harvey Frommer: I grew up in NY and was never a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers but I was a Jackie Robinson fan. I had the honor of going to Ebbets Field and seeing him play, the honor of being able to write my book RICKEY AND ROBINSON on Jackie and Branch Rickey and the breaking of the color line in baseball.
The Yankees with Mantle, Maris, Stengel, Berra, Howard, Ford, Reynolds, Kubek, Lopat . .. .and others were just such a tremendous collection of talent, such an appealing group, that they had so many fans then and still do.
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Kevin King, Ill.:
Harvey,
Love the book, are there any events that I
can get a signed copy? Lasty what is your
greatest memory of the Rivalry?
Harvey Frommer: Well, since you are the second or third person who asked - -here are a few events coming up next week:
Monday April 12 at 7:00 pm. HOWE LIBRARY, Hanover, NH
Thursday April 15 6PM Virgin Megastore 360 Newbury Street Boston 617.896.0950
Friday April 16 3:30-4:30pm Boston Public Library 617-536-5400, x2339 Conf Rm. 5 & 6
Saturday April 17 10:30 am- 12:30 pm Hotel Commonwealth. Boston
***SPECIAL AUTOGRAPHING APPEARANCE BY FORMER YANKEE AND RED PITCHER LUIS TIANT
-
I guess the Bucky Dent homer - - -shocking as it -- will always stay with me. Next to the Bobby Thomson homer in 1951 - -Giants Vs Dodgers - it is probably the signature home in baseball history.
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Arlington, VA:
How would you respond to opponents of baseball in DC who say that having had two different Senators teams relocate proves that DC is not a baseball town?
Harvey Frommer: Different times, different contexts.
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Chantilly, Va.:
Hi Harvey: great chat. Long time Red Sox fan (since '66) and avid baseball history reader here.
In your book do you name all the Red Sox, in addition to Babe Ruth, who became stars or at least important players for the Yankees in the 20s and 30s? The list is absurdly long. If it had ended at the Babe history would have been very different.
Harvey Frommer: The book covers what you ask for and so many other things. We have a RIVALRY TIMELINE that accurately depecits the ebb and flow of the rivalry. You make a very intelligent point.
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Harvey Frommer: Thanks to all who posted. It was a pleasure for me to hear from so many. Hopefully, we will do it again in the near future - -especially if you tell Washington Post.com that you would like a Part II.
Best,
Harvey Frommer
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