Have you ever played baseball?

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mattmitchl44
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by mattmitchl44 »

Talkin' Baseball wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:07 am
mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 03:46 am
AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have noted before, in this CT environment, it isn't what your opinion is, it is how well you can marshal facts and logic to support your opinion that matters.

And I'm counting down to retirement next month (just short of age 57). :D
Congratulations! Hope that goes well for you. Maybe we should throw a Cards Talk party for you?
It just means I will have more time to come up with my occasional "studies" to post on CT. :D
Adam2
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Adam2 »

mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:21 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:07 am
mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 03:46 am
AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have noted before, in this CT environment, it isn't what your opinion is, it is how well you can marshal facts and logic to support your opinion that matters.

And I'm counting down to retirement next month (just short of age 57). :D
Congratulations! Hope that goes well for you. Maybe we should throw a Cards Talk party for you?
It just means I will have more time to come up with my occasional "studies" to post on CT. :D
congrats! I have 16 more to go
sikeston bulldog2
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Adam2 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:25 am
mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:21 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 17 Feb 2026 07:07 am
mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 03:46 am
AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have noted before, in this CT environment, it isn't what your opinion is, it is how well you can marshal facts and logic to support your opinion that matters.

And I'm counting down to retirement next month (just short of age 57). :D
Congratulations! Hope that goes well for you. Maybe we should throw a Cards Talk party for you?
It just means I will have more time to come up with my occasional "studies" to post on CT. :D
congrats! I have 16 more to go
Retirement is a learned behavior. Most do it backwards- jump into everything, stay busy, always on the go.

Others, take a little longer to go, if at all. They have learned that the day will come to you, as opposed.

Both work.
Bomber1
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Bomber1 »

mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 03:46 am
AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have noted before, in this CT environment, it isn't what your opinion is, it is how well you can marshal facts and logic to support your opinion that matters.

And I'm counting down to retirement next month (just short of age 57). :D
That’s great! You’ll never regret retiring.

I retired at 63, best decision I’ve ever made.

As for AZ, you’re my idol!
scoutyjones2
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by scoutyjones2 »

Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.

Wow, so insightful...

We'd all be lost without this


Thank tou
Shady
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Shady »

Collegiate baseball.
Absolut
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Absolut »

AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Never post again. Never. In fact banish thyself to hermitville
Absolut
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Absolut »

Shady wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:16 am Collegiate baseball.
Well, it was just a working theory.
Voldemort
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Jatalk
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Jatalk »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Good to know your background and certainly your knowledge will make me value your opinion more. There are a lot of nitwits on here like me that like to express opinions and discuss Cardinal issues. We have a right as FANS. I know you agree. There are a few posters on here I take seriously. It’s obvious they have more knowledge than me. But it’s pretty obvious I am in the majority. Just fans discussing baseball.
rockondlouie
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by rockondlouie »

Adam2 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 05:38 am I played college and independent league, but i certainly wasn't a prospect. Nor do i think my experience playing makes me any smarter about baseball than anyone else (other than realizing how sore playing day after day makes you)
Ditto sans the I.L. play.
WLTFE
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by WLTFE »

Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:04 am
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Good to know your background and certainly your knowledge will make me value your opinion more. There are a lot of nitwits on here like me that like to express opinions and discuss Cardinal issues. We have a right as FANS. I know you agree. There are a few posters on here I take seriously. It’s obvious they have more knowledge than me. But it’s pretty obvious I am in the majority. Just fans discussing baseball.
+1...it's an anonymous forum will fans talk about baseball...it always annoyed me someone would play 'I played college and semi-pro ball ' when you disageed with their opinion...how difficult is it to ignore opinions you don’t agree with?
Voldemort
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:04 am
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Good to know your background and certainly your knowledge will make me value your opinion more. There are a lot of nitwits on here like me that like to express opinions and discuss Cardinal issues. We have a right as FANS. I know you agree. There are a few posters on here I take seriously. It’s obvious they have more knowledge than me. But it’s pretty obvious I am in the majority. Just fans discussing baseball.
Thank you, but I am an ex-expert and a nobody. I have found, along my journey coaching baseball, that many of the experts really don't know much at all. Back in the day, I could go to Busch Stadium II and walk in to talk to Ted Savage or Joe Cunningham. I used to collect baseball equipment for Ted's RBI Program. Joe used to give me tickets a few times a year when he had extras. That seems like an eternity ago; may both RIP. BTW, a lot of people don't know that Ted was born in Venice, Illinois.
sikeston bulldog2
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:15 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:04 am
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Good to know your background and certainly your knowledge will make me value your opinion more. There are a lot of nitwits on here like me that like to express opinions and discuss Cardinal issues. We have a right as FANS. I know you agree. There are a few posters on here I take seriously. It’s obvious they have more knowledge than me. But it’s pretty obvious I am in the majority. Just fans discussing baseball.
Thank you, but I am an ex-expert and a nobody. I have found, along my journey coaching baseball, that many of the experts really don't know much at all. Back in the day, I could go to Busch Stadium II and walk in to talk to Ted Savage or Joe Cunningham. I used to collect baseball equipment for Ted's RBI Program. Joe used to give me tickets a few times a year when he had extras. That seems like an eternity ago; may both RIP. BTW, a lot of people don't know that Ted was born in Venice, Illinois.
Your third line rings true. Nobody really knows nothing. We just do it.

Jackson Browne- when the morning light comes steaming in; we’ll get up and do it again; amen.
Voldemort
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

sikeston bulldog2 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:18 am
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:15 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:04 am
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Good to know your background and certainly your knowledge will make me value your opinion more. There are a lot of nitwits on here like me that like to express opinions and discuss Cardinal issues. We have a right as FANS. I know you agree. There are a few posters on here I take seriously. It’s obvious they have more knowledge than me. But it’s pretty obvious I am in the majority. Just fans discussing baseball.
Thank you, but I am an ex-expert and a nobody. I have found, along my journey coaching baseball, that many of the experts really don't know much at all. Back in the day, I could go to Busch Stadium II and walk in to talk to Ted Savage or Joe Cunningham. I used to collect baseball equipment for Ted's RBI Program. Joe used to give me tickets a few times a year when he had extras. That seems like an eternity ago; may both RIP. BTW, a lot of people don't know that Ted was born in Venice, Illinois.
Your third line rings true. Nobody really knows nothing. We just do it.

Jackson Browne- when the morning light comes steaming in; we’ll get up and do it again; amen.
Wow, lyrics from Jackson Browne's The Pretender. One of my favorite songs.

I'm gonna be a happy idiot
And struggle for the legal tender
Where the ads take aim and lay their claim
To the heart and the soul of the spender
And believe in whatever may lie
In those things that money can buy
Though true love could have been a contender
Are you there?
Say a prayer for the Pretender
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender
jcgmoi
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Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by jcgmoi »

It's not true that every opinion is equal but I'll listen to all opinions even the crazy ones as long as they have a fact or two attached.

If you rate opinions by the level of ball you've played, then we should all shut up until the HoFers to show up, and expect the Bruce Sutters to move over when the Lee Smiths arrive.

I never played pro or college ball, not even close. My baseball career topped out in LL and pony league, and I wasn't nearly a star there.

But my friends and I played ball at recess and in backyards and pastures with trees and rocks and cowpies for bases. We used balls so dirty they looked like doves over a field when thrown. We tacked together broken bats and restrung gloves. We played every day we could.

We played because it was fun and because we dug it. Still do. That's my experience.
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