Today Lenny Dykstra of the Mets was named the NL Rookie of the Year.

Apparently Rob Deer finished 2nd in voting and I finished 3rd!

The Giants have quite a future!

I officially received my new contract. I will be making $73,600 next year.

That works for me.

A bunch of teammates have field for free agency.

John Castino, Lee Mazzilli, Mike Krukow, Mike Hargrove, and Ron Davis might all be gone.

It has begun. We will have anew closer next year as Ron Davis has signed with the Phillies.

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It looks like Lee Mazzilli will be back! He signed a one year deal with the Giants!

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The draft was today!

The Giants picked up a pitcher from college in Texas named Bruce Ruffin.
Next was another college pitcher, Kevin Tapani.
A college first baseman, Jeff King.
A college pitcher, Mike Perez.
A college outfielder, Daniel Grunhard.
A college pitcher, Bryan Hickerson.
A college 2B, Tommy Hinzo.
A young pitcher, Scott Service.
CF, Wayne Housie.
A young pitcher, Dennis Moeller.
A college pitcher, Tim Swob.

And lots more. Possible future teammates.

But no shortstops.

Good.

The team is opening its pocket book! They just signed starting pitcher Dennis Eckersley! He has been a solid starter for the Red Sox for quite a while and he will be a welcome addition to the team!


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Two days before Christmas, the Giants announced another signing... but it is an odd one.

They signed vet Hal McRae. The 40-year old is pretty much just a DH, so what is he doing in the NL? A pinch hitter?

Mike Krukow signed... with the Dodgers.

Wow. The fans are going to ROAST him when he comes to town!

Christmas in Victoria was really nice. Getting to spend time with family is even more important now that I am away for half of the year.

And the team got a New Year's gift as they signed Ben Oglivie to a one year deal! He may be a bit past his prime, but a know the value of veteran leadership.

Guy Sularz, who I played with a bit in September, was removed from the 40-man and placed on waivers.

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The Hall of Fame results were announced and Lou Brock did NOT make it in!

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As Spring Training was starting I heard that David Linton was released by the organization.

the 1986 season starts here

year 2

Spring Training is VERY different this year.

Last year I just wanted to show the organization that I was a real player in the making... and instead I made the team!

The year I want to develop my hitting. If I can get on base more, I can help the team more.

March 3rd, 1986

It is our first Spring Training game and wouldn't you know it, we're facing the Dodgers.

We get to see Dennis Eckersley for us for the first time.
The Dodgers are pitching Orel Hershiser.

But I'm not in the lineup! Nestor is going with Fran Mullins at short.
That's okay. It i shout spring. Not all the regulars are playing today.

We ended up losing 4-1.


March 4th, 1986

Today it is the Expos.

We are using Atlee Hammaker. The Expos have Bill Gullickson.
Today I am starting and back in my lead-off spot.

I got in on the action right away, throwing out Toby Harrah for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by working a walk. Lee Mazzilli smacked a single behind me and I went to 3rd. One of the minor leaguers in camp. Steve Stanicek, grounded out but I was able to cross.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Atlee on 1st.
I did the worst possible thing - I hit into a double play.

The Expos tied it up in the 4th when Chris Bando doubled home Bill Moore.

Game tied 1-1.

Frank Williams came in for the 5th. He pitched one and when he was due up in the bottom half, Mike Aldrete pinch hit for him and blasted three-run homer!
I was up next, facing a minor leaguer named Eric Mustad. He struck me out.

Giants lead 4-1.

Randy Morse was the next pitcher for us.
I got the 1st out for him, taking a Danny Heep grounder. A couple of batters later I was the turn on a Rabb - Priske - O'Malley double play.

I was lifted for Hal McRae in the 7th, about as expected.

We ended up winning 5-2.


March 5th, 1986

We are taking a look at another new pitcher today as Bruce Ruffin takes on Erik Hanson and the Phillies.

I have the day off... until the 8th anyway, when I came in defensively... at third! The order never came back around to me and we lost 3-2.


March 6th, 1986

Terry Mulholland is in to face Scott McGregor and the Padres.

I'm not starting again.
It seems that Nestor doesn't think he needs to see me play as much as Fran Mullins, but I need my reps!

I never got in the game and we won 9-7.


March 7th, 1986

Today it is Eric King facing the Cardinals and Dave Masters.

Fran Mullins is starting again.

What is going on?

I didn't get in the game. We lost 11-4.

I went to talk to Nestor. He assured me that I am still the guy.
I am spending lots of extra time with Antonio Lucero, but I need game time!


March 8th

Today it is the Pirates. Colin Ward vs Bob Walk.

And I am in the line-up!

So, of course I fly out to start the game.

In the bottom of the 1st Keith Moreland smashed a three run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0.

I got the last out in the 2nd, snagging a liner off go Kirk Gibson's bat.

In the 3rd I got the 2nd out off a Dale Berra grounder.
The Pirates truck again that inning as Sam Khalifa pushed Moreland across with a single.

Pirates lead 4-0.

I led off the 4th by smacking a double into the left field corner. It was the first hit of the game for us and my first hit of the spring. Lee Mazzilli walked behind me. With two out, one of our minor leaguers, Scott Bradley, singled and I scored. Lee scored on an error as well.

Pirates lead 4-2.

In the bottom half Tony Pena hit a two run double to restore the margin. A rough outing for Colin as he didn't even finish his scheduled for innings. Randy Morse took over for him. He almost gave up another run but Lee gunned Pena down at home.

Pirates lead 6-2.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Brian Harper on 2nd and Morse on 1st. Dan Spillner got me to hit into what looked like a double play, but I outran it and turned it into a fielder's choice. Lee walked and loaded us up. Steve Stanicek hit into another fielder's choice, but this one scored Brian from 3rd.

Pirates lead 6-3.

I got eh 1st out of the bottom half, off a Khalifa grounder. I then got the 3rd out on a Dusty Baker grounder.

More of the same in the 6th as I took a Free Lynn grounder for the 1st out.

I was lifted in the 7th as planned.

We ended up losing 7-3.

I shouldn't have to go asking for playing time.

March 9th, 1986

We lost to the Braves 5-1.

I did not play.

March 10th, 1986

We beat the Cubs 10-4.

I did not play.

March 11th, 1986

We beat the Reds 9-1.

I did not play.

March 12th, 1986

Finally!

I am starting against Ron Darling and the Mets!
Terry Mulholland is going for us.

I got into it right away, taking a Gerald Young grounder for the 1st out.
Then a Herm Winningham grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the home half by singling into centre. I then was thrown out trying to steal on a pitch out.
THIS is why I need playing time!

The Mets open the scoring in the 2nd when Billy Beane doubles, scoring Joe Redfield.

Mets lead 1-0.

Terry had some real control problems in the 4rd, with multiple wild pitches and a hit-batsman before Kevin Mitchell singled home Young.

Mets lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and John Rabb on 2nd. I flew out to Mitchell in left.

In the 4th I got the 2nd out, taking a Darling grounder.

Randy Morse took the mound for us in the 5th.

I came up that inning with two out and the base loaded... and struck out.

Mark Grant took the mound for us in the 6th.

I got the 2nd out in the 8th, off a Steve Kemp grounder.

I was pulled for a pinch hitter that inning.

I went 1 for 3.

We lost 2-1.

March 13th, 1986

We lost 6-3 to the Astros.

I did not play.


March 14th

We were crushed by the Dodgers, 12-0.

I did not play.


While I was worrying about playing time, one of our big new pick-ups, Ben Oglivie, broke his kneecap. He will be out until late April.

March 16th

We lost to the Expos 9-7.

I did not play.

March 17th

Finally! Some action!

I started against Charles Hudson and the Phillies. Atlee Hammaker went for us.

The Phils struck early when Tim Raines doubled home Keith Miller from 1st.

Phillies lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to John Russell at 1st.

We took the lead in the 2nd when Steve Stanicek scored on a Tom O'Malley triple, who the scored on an error.

Giants lead 2-1.

I made my first defensive play in the 3rd when I made a pretty niece catch on a Hudson liner.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to shortstop Ken Dowell.

I got the last out in the 4th by dealing with a Raines grounder.

In the bottom frame Chili Davis pinch hit singled home Terry Harper. I made the last out off the inning on a groundout.

Giants lead 3-1.

Scott Garrelts took over for us in the 5th. I was the pivot on a Rabb - Priske - O'Malley double play behind him.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th.

We ended up losing 4-3.

I am 2 for 11 this spring in VERY limited action.

March 18th

We beat the Padres 10-2.

I did not play.


March 19th

We lost to the Cardinals 8-2.

I did not play.


March 20th

We beat the Pirates 5-1.

I did not play.


March 21st

We beat the Braves 4-0.

I did not play.


March 22nd - Otherwise known as my 18th birthday.
I don't feel much like celebrating. Nestor keeps claiming that I am still his starting shortstop but it is Fran Mullins and Robby Thompson who are getting all the playing time.

And I am finally getting another start!

We have Dennis Eckersley going and we are facing Rob Williams and the Cubs.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by striking out.

In the 2nd we got the lead off a Steve Stanicek two run homer.

Giants lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and lined out to Dave Owen at short.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th, snagging a little fly by Bob Dernier for the 1st out.

Mark Davis took over pitching in the 5th.

I go the 2nd out in the 6th, handling a Reggie Patterson grounder.

I led off the bottom half, facing Patterson, by grounding out to Billie Merrifield at 3rd.

I was pulled in the 7th.

We won 3-0.

I am 2 for 14.

March 23rd, 1986

We beat the Reds 3-1.

I did not play.

After the game Atlee Hammaker was placed on the D.L. That is bad. Word is that he will be out until late May.

A bunch of guys were sent down to the minor league camp. Mostly they were people I hadn't played with yet, other than Guy Sularz.


March 24th, 1986

I didn't start the game but I came in as a pinch runner for Tom O'Malley in the 7th and stayed to play short. We were beating the Mets 3-2.

I got on the defensive score sheet quickly, getting the 1st out for Pat Perry on a Mike Fitzgerald grounder. Gorman Thomas singled home Tom Paciorek that inning to tie the game. I took a Dave Cochrane grounder for the 2nd out.

We had a good 8th.
Hal McRae started with a pinch-hit single. Lee Mazzilli did the same. Alonzo Powell took over for Hal as pinch runner. Bob Brenly pinch hit and walked, loading the bases. Robby Thompson pinch hit and flew out but a throwing error allowed everyone to advance, including Powell scoring. Jessie Reid pinch hit and singled, scoring both Mazzilli and Brenly. I got my first at bat and I ALSO singled.
As nice as THAT was, I was later thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

Giants lead 6-3.

Scott Garrelts came on in the 9th in his new role as closer. He loaded the bases with one out. I got the 2nd out for him, off a Gerald Young grounder, but Fitzgerald scored.

We won 6-4.

I went 1 for 1 with a caught stealing.

March 25th, 1986

I came in as aping runner for Kenny Oberkfell in the 11th and ended up scoring the walk off run on an Alonzo Powell single. We beat the Astros 7-6.

March 26th, 1986

I got the start vs Bob Forsch and the Dodgers.

Colin Ward was starting for us.

I grounded out to Forsch to open the game.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, catching a Mike Marshall pop.

In the 2nd we fell behind when Franklin Stubbs hit a solo shot.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and dropped a curve into short left for a single. I stole 2nd but stopped there.

In the 4th Stubbs did it again, hitting his 2nd home run of the game!

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Scott Bradley on 3rd and Chili Davis on 1st, now facing Moose Haas. He struck me out. We never managed to push Bradley across.

Mark Davis took over for Ward in the bottom half.

In the 6th the Dodgers struck again as pinch hitter Greg Brock singled home Reggie Williams from 2nd.

Dodgers lead 3-0.

In the 7th Lee Mazzilli struck back, hitting a lead off homer.

Dodgers lead 3-1.

Frank Williams took the mound for us in the bottom half.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 8th. Jessie Reid hit a three-run homer for us that inning and we beat the Dodgers 4-3!

I went 1 for 3 with a stolen base. I am hitting .222 so far this spring.

March 27th, 1986

We lost to the Expos 6-1.

I did not play.


March 29th, 1986

We beat the Phillies 4-3.

I did not play.


March 30th, 1986

We are facing the Padres and Joe Bitker. We are going with Bruce Ruffin.

And a sophomore shortstop, me.

I made the 3rd out in the first frame, snagging a liner of the bat of Tony Gwynn.

I led off the bottom half by launching a deep one to left, but no deep enough as Randy Ready caught it out there.

The Padres started strong against Bruce in the 2nd. They loaded the bases with none out and then Darrell Miller kept it going with an RBI single. Ready scored on a wild pitch. Doug Gwodsz walked to reload the bags. Bitker with an RBI single. Lou Frazier with an RBI single. Tom O'Malley really bailed Bruce out as he snagged a liner and caught Bitker off for a double play. Bruce got Gwynn to end it.

Padres lead 4-0.

In the 3rd I got the1st out, nailing Kevin McReynolds off a Ready fielder's choice. We followed it by a nice little Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play.

In the bottom half I came up with one out and Scott Bradley on 2nd. I worked a walk. They got Robby Thompson out but then Rob Deer singled to load us up. Unfortunately Mike Aldrete popped out to end it.

I got the 1st out in the 4th off a Miller grounder.

Our end went well as Steve Stanicek doubled and then Lee Mazzilli doubled him home and Bradley hit a two run homer. I came up with two out and grounded out.

Padres lead 4-3.

Bill Laskey took the mound for us in the 5th. He has had a nice spring. Not so great today as Gwynn doubled home Harold Reynolds from 1st.

Padres lead 5-3.

They kept at it in the 6th as Carmelo Martinez pushed Juan Beniquez across on a groundout. Mark Gillaspie singled, scoring Miller.
Willie Fraser took over on the mound for us and got the 3rd out.

Padres lead 7-3.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th.

We ended up losing 7-6.

I went 0 for 2 with a walk.

March 31st, 1986

Into the home stretch of spring training an apparently I am finally going to start getting my playing time. I am starting today against Bob Kipper and the Cardinals.
Terry Mulholland is pitching for us.

In fact, it is tarting to look like we know who the starting lineup will be. Mostly familiar faces but it seems Robby Thompson will be my new DP partner. He is 23 and making his debut. We could turn some heads if things go well.

A couple of hits and an error by Kenny Oberkfell loaded the bases. Then Willie McGee singled, scoring Tom Herr. That's all they got.

Cardinals lead 1-0.

I led off by singling to right. I quickly steal 2nd. Kenny O strikes out and Chili Davis walks. Rob Deer flies out but then Mike Aldrete doubles, scoring both Chili and I. He tries to stretch into into a triple and is thrown out.

Giants lead 2-1.

I came up next in the 3rd, with one out. This time Kipper struck me out.

The Cards tied it up in the 4th when McGee scored on a Jose Uribe sac fly.

Game tied 2-2.

We got the lead right back in the bottom frame as Rob Deer hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 3-2.

Pat Perry took over for Terry in the 5th.

I was the pivot on a nice Thompson / Priske / Aldrete double play to get Andy Van Slyke and Pat Bailey to end the inning.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and now facing Jeff Lahti. I worked a walk. I stole 2nd again. Lahti made it moot by walking Kenny O on four pitches. So, what to do next? Double steal! That makes six swiped bags for me this spring. Then Chili reached an error and I crossed for the 2nd time today. A few batters later, Chili also crossed on an error.

Giants lead 5-2.

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 6th.

We ended up winning 9-6.

Nice day for me, going 1 for 2 with a walk, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.

A bunch more players were sent to minor league camp after the game. Nobody I have spent any time with.

With a couple of exceptions (Willie Fraser, Brad Wellman), we are down to the 40-man.

With Hal McRae taking a roster spot as apparently a full-time pinch hitter, I wonder how all of Chris Brown, Tom O'Malley, and Fran Mullins can stay.
Will Steve Stanicek get a spot?

It looks like Terry Mulholland and Colin Ward will be the only rotation holdovers from last year, with Dennis Eckersley, Bruce Ruffin, and Eric King joining. Scott Garrelts is the new closer, but it seems like mostly familiar faces behind him.

Only a few days left.

April 1st, 1986

I started against Dennis Martinez and the Pirates.

Eric King pitched for us.

I led off the game by whiffing.

In the bottom half Keith Moreland crushed a three run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0.

They struck again in the 2nd when Joe Orsulak singled home Bip Roberts.

Pirates leads 4-0.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and Martinez struck me out again.

In the bottom half Fred Lynn singled home Kirk Gibson. I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Moreland and Tony Pena.

Pirates lead 5-0.

We got a couple back its eh 4th when Mike Aldrete hit a two run dinger.

Pirates lead 5-2.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Brian Harper on 1st. Dave Johnson was pitching. Different pitcher, same result. I struck out for the 3rd time in three at-bats.

Jeff Robinson relieved for us that inning. Lynn singled home another run, this time in the form of Ozzie Smith. Pena knocked Gibson in. Jason Thompson hit a grand slam. Jeff faced six batters. They all scored.
Nestor went with Frank Williams.

Pirates lead 11-2.

Back to back solo homers by Chili Davis and Rob Deer made up a bit of the gap.

Pirates lead 11-4.

I handled a Dale Berra grounder for the 2nd out in the home half of the 6th.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 12-6 and I struck out three times. A bad day all around.


April 2nd, 1986

It was the penultimate game of the spring schedule and we were facing Tom Glavine and the Braves.
Colin Ward was going for us.

I led off the bottom half by working a four-pitch walk. I tried to steal 2nd but ran into a pitchout and was gunned down.

In the 2nd Andres Galarraga led off with a s solo homer. I got the 1st out off a Ron Cey grounder. I then did the same on an Ozzie Virgil grounder.

Braves lead 1-0.

In the 3rd Gerald Perry singled home Milt Thompson for another run.

Braves lead 2-0.

I came up in the bottom half with two out and grounded out to Cey at 3rd.

In the 4th Virgil walloped a three-run shot. I got the 2nd out off the bat of their rookie shortstop, Gary Sheffield.

Braves lead 5-0.

Things can turn around in a hurry, however, as Bob Brenly connected with a Grand Slam in the bottom half to narrow the lead to one run.

Braves lead 5-4.

Mark Calvert took over for us in the 5th. He did no better than Colin as he gave up a two run double to Galarraga before recording an out.

Braves lead 7-4.

I led off the bottom of the 5th, now facing Jeff Dedmon. I grounded out to Ron Oester at 2nd.

I made the 2nd out of the 6th, off a Paul Runge grounder.

Randy Morse relieved for us in the 7th.
He gave up an RBI single to Brad Komminsk before recording an out. Jeff Blauser pushed him across with a two out triple.

Braves lead 9-4.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 10-4.

I am hitting below .200


April 3rd, 1986

We are wrapping up the spring schedule with a game vs Bill Swift and the Cubs.
We are pitching Mark Grant.

I led off by flying out to Bob Dernier in right.

I got the 1st out onto other side, taking a Billy Hatcher grounder.
We did not emerge unscathed as Mel Hall hit a two run homer. (There is something about that guy I just don't like. He is creepy.)
I got a Jody Davis grounder to end the inning.

Cubs lead 2-0.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Gary Jones at 2nd.

Jody Davis hit a solo homer in the 4th.

Cubs lead 3-0.

I came up in the 5th with two out and Rich Bordi pitching. I managed a walk. Robby Thompson singled and I hustled to 3rd. THat's as far as I could get.

Bill Laskey relieved for us.
He walked Dernier and gave up a two run homer to Ray Knight. One out later he did the same thing - walked Shawon Dunston and gave up a gopher ball to Jody Davis.

Cubs lead 7-0.

We got a couple dingers of our own the next inning as Mike Aldrete hit a two-run shot and Bob Brenly hit a solo bomb.

Cubs lead 7-3.

Mark Davis relieved in the 6th. I got the 3rd out for him, off a Day eOwen grounder.

I was lifted in the 7th.

We lost 7-3.

Wow, spring training has kind of sucked.

I don't feel ready for the season at all!

With spring out of the way, how are we heading into the season?

Well, a lot happened. A lot of stuff that I wasn't expecting.

A bunch of guys that had a shot to make the roster were designated for assignment instead.

Fran Mullins, Burt Brown, Brian Harper, Mark Calvert, Hal McRae, Terry Harper, and Eddie Vargas.

Sent to Phoenix:

Colin Ward, Randy Morse, Bill Laskey, Steve Nicosia

We are going into the season like this:

Rotation

Dennis Eckersley
Bruce Ruffin
Terry Mulholland
Eric King
Mark Grant

Bullpen

Scott Garrelts (Closer)
Jeff Robinson
Mark Davis
Pat Perry
Willie Fraser
Frank Williams

(Surprised about Fraser. He was a starting pitcher in A ball last year.)

Primary lineup:

SS - Rusty Priske
3B - Ken Oberkfell
RF - Chili Davis
LF - Rob Deer
1B - Mike Aldrete
C - Bob Brenly
2B - Robby Thompson
CF - Lee Mazzilli

John Rabb is the back-up catcher. Chris Brown, Tom O'Malley, and Brad Wellman are backing up the infield with Mike Jones and Steve Stanicek for the outfield.

The experts are predicting we will finish 3rd in our division, 3 games behind those damned Dodgers.

Some are calling for Eckersley to be the favourite for the NL Cy Young.

We are starting out on the road, in Houston.

April 8th, 1986

Here we go. Opening Day in Houston.

New star Giant, Dennis Eckersley is pitching.
The Astros have Mike Scott.

I have gone 3 for 13 vs Scott.

Opening day under a roof seems wrong somehow.

Anyway, I lead off the game by grounding out to Doug DeCinces at third. No 1.000 batting average for me this year, I guess.

I got involved early on the defensive side, getting the 2nd out on a Ken Griffey grounder.

I cane up next in the 3rd, with two out, and Scott struck me out.

In the home half I got the 1st out off a Jerry Mumphrey grounder. Houston opened the scoring that inning when Bill Doran doubled home Dickie Thon from 2nd.

Astros lead 1-0.

I came up with one out in the 6th, We still have yet to record a hit. I changed that! I singled to right and got to 2nd when Harold Baines overran the ball. And what do I do when I get on base? Stolen base #1!
Unfortunately, I couldn't get past 3rd.

I came up next in the 8th with two out and Chris Brown, who had pinch walked for Ecks, on 1st. Scott struck me out again.

Mark Davis took the mound for us in the bottom half.

Dave Smith took over for Houston in the 9th to close thing out, but we had a different idea in mind.
Kenny Oberkfell and Chili Davis led off the inning with a pair of singled. Mike Jones took over for Kenny as a pinch runner. Smith struck out the next two but then Bob Brenly singled and Jones scored, tying the game. After Robby Thompson walked Lee Mazzilli singled, scoring Chili.

Giants lead 2-1!

Scott Garrelts came in to get his first save as our closer. He didn't.
Doug DeCinces doubled home Keith Hernandez with two out to tie it back up. Then Mark Bailey singled and DeCinces crossed for a walk-off 3-2 win for the home team.

Ugh.

I went 1 for 4 with a stole base.

After the game we heard that a couple of our teammates from last year had been claimed by other teams. Fran Mullins was heading off to Detroit. Brian Harper would be showing up right here, in Houston. (Well, more likely he would be in AAA, but he is on their 40-man.)

April 9th, 1986

For the second game of the season, we are going with the rookie, Bruce Ruffin.
The Astros have John Candelaria.
I am 3 for 12 vs Candelaria.

I kicked off the game by whiffing.

I led off again in the 3rd and I hit one hard but Jerry Mumphrey tracked it down in deep centre.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom half, grabbing a Dickie Tom grounder for the 1st out. I also got Bill Doran the same way, for the 3rd out.

I came up with one out in the 5th and this time I wore a Candy fastball, getting 1st. I wasn't able to get any further.

In the bottom half I snagged a Doran liner for the 3rd out, to save a run.

We were still tied 0-0 in the 7th when Nestor lifted me for a pinch hitter.

It didn't help. We ended up losing 1-0.

Pulled for a pinch hitter in our second game?

April 10th, 1986

We really hate to start the season off on a low note. Two games in an don win yet.

Today the Astros are pitching Bert Blyleven. The Giants have Terry Mulholland.

I am a goose egg for seven vs Bert.

I led off the game and made it 0 for 8 as I grounded out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

In the 2nd we staked a claim as Mike Aldrete, Bob Brenly, Robby Thompson, and Lee Mazzilli hit consecutive singles, scoring two.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the bottom half, grabbing a Ron Hassey grounder for the 2nd out.

I led off the 3rd by swinging through a Blyleven fastball for the K.
Before the inning was up, Aldrete singled home Chili Davis, who had walked.

Giants lead 3-0.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Robby on 3rd. A good time to break my Blyleven slump, but nope. I grounded out to Bill Doran at 2nd.

In the bottom half I pivoted on a Thompson / Priske / Aldrete double play to get Doug DeCinces and Ken Griffey out.

Mike Aldrete was at it again in the 6th as he smacked a solo home run.

Giants lead 4-0.

In the home half the Astros got on the board with a two run homer by Glenn Davis. Later Chuck Jackson hit a pinch hit single to score Griffey. Then Bill Doran singled to score both Hassey and Dickie Thon.

Astros lead 5-4.

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Mike Flanagan. I worked a walk. Steve Stanicek pinch hit for Kenny Oberkfell and I ran right into a pitchout for a caught stealing.

Pat Perry relieved for us after that.

In the 9th Brenly showed us how it is done as he hit a lead-off homer to tie the game!

Game tied 5-5.

Frank Williams came it to pitch the 9th, and try to force extras. I did my part as I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Thomas Mitchell and Harold Baines out. Then I took a Keith Hernandez grounder it end the inning.

I lead off the 10th, facing Frank DiPino. I ground out to DeCinces at 3rd.

Scott Garrelts came in for us. I got the 2nd out for him, off a Griffey grounder. I also got the 3rd out, off a former teammate of ours, Kenny Smith!

I then got the 1st out in the Astros' 11th, off a Thon grounder.

In the 12th I came up with two out and now facing Jeff Heathcock. I grounded out to DeCinces again.

Willie Fraser took the mound for us in the 12th. He got all three he faced that inning, but in the 13th he gave up a solo shot to DeCinces for the walk-off.

Three straight losses to start the season.

I am hitting below .100

And now we are heading to L.A. to face the Dodgers.

April 11th, 1986

We are in L.A. to face Bob Forsch and the Dodgers.

Eric King is pitching for us.

Forsch pitched for Oakland last year so I have never faced him.

I led off the game by swinging through the third strike.

I got the last out of the inning by grabbing a grounder from Darrell Evans.

In the 3rd Eric walked Evans with the bases loaded to score Mike Scoscia.

Dodgers lead 1-0.

I led off the 4th by eating a Forsch curveball that curved a little too much. The way I have been hitting, I'll take it! Then came stolen base #2. I moved to 3rd on a Kenny Oberkfell grounder. I wasn't able to move up the last 90 feet.

I came up in the 6th with one out and pinch hitter Tom O'Malley on 1st. I grounded out to Steve Sax at 2nd, but moved O'Malley up. He wasn't able to come around.

Frank Williams relieved for us.
He gave up a run when RJ Reynolds hit a sac fly to score Mookie Wilson.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

Jeff Robinson took over pitching for us in the 8th, after Frankie was lifted for a pinch hitter.
I got the 2nd out for Jeff, snagging a liner by Evans.

I led off the 9th, now facing Tom Niedenfuer. I struck out. I am hitting .071

We lost 2-0 and are now 0-4.

April 12th, 1986

Mark Grant is making his first start of the season.
We are facing the Dodgers and Orel Hershiser.
I have had lots of trouble against him. I went 1 for 13 against him last year.

To start the game it was more of the same. He struck me out.

The Dodgers hit early with Franklin Stubbs smashing a two run homer before we recorded an out.
I got the last out if the inning of a Tim Wallach grounder.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

We got one back in the 2nd when Rob Deer scored on a double play.

Dodgers lead 2-1.

I got the 2nd out in the bottom half, shopping a Jon Debus grounder.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Orel pitched a little too far inside, giving me the base on a hit-by-pitch. Next came stolen base #3. That was it.

They got another run when Mike Marshall doubled home Darrell Evans from 1st.

Dodgers lead 3-1.

We tied it up in the 4th! Deer walked and then Mike Aldrete tripled him home before scoring on a Chris Brown groundball.

Game tied 3-3.

I came up with two out again in the 5th. I grounded out to Hershiser.

In the 6th Rob Deer singled home Robby Thompson to give us the lead!

Giants lead 4-3!

In the 7th I made the 2nd out off an Even grounder, but Steve Sax scored on the play to re-tie the game. I got Marshall for the last out.

Game tied 4-4.

I led off the 8th, now facing Ken Howell. He struck me out.

Jeff Robinson relieved for us that inning. I got the last out for him, taking a Mookie Wilson pinch hit grounder.

I came up with one out in the 10th, now facing Tom Niedenfuer. I grounded out to Keith Lockhart at short.

Scott Garrelts relieved for us in the 10th. I got the 1st out for him, taking a Franklin Stubbs grounder.

In the 11th Rob Deer hit a solo homer to put us back in front!

Giants lead 5-4!

I got the 1st out in the bottom half (a Dave Anderson pinch hit grounder) but only after Tim Wallach doubled. He moved to 3rd on the play. Scotty shut them down after that, I we finally had a win.

I am now hitting .056

April 13th, 1986

A big day in L.A. as Dennis Eckersley (0-0, 1.29) faces Fernando Velenzuela (1-0, 1.12).

I am 1 for 20 vs Fernando.

I didn't change anything to kick off the game - I grounded out to Steve Sax at 2nd.

Eck wasn't quite as successful in the bottom half as he coughed up a two-run blast to Candy Maldonado.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and Robby Thompson on 2nd. Fernando walked me on four straight. Mariano Duncan flubbed a grounder from Kenny Oberkfell to load the bases. Chili Davis grounded out and we were all left.

In the bottom half Duncan doubled, scoring Sid Bream. Then Fernando singled, scoring both Tim Wallach and Duncan.

Dodgers lead 5-0.

It got worse in the 4th when Darrell Evans launched a two-run shot.

Dodgers lead 7-0.

I came up in the 5th with pinch hitter Chris Brown on 2nd and none out. I grounded out to Fernando, but at least I moved Brownie up. He later scored on a wild pitch.

Dodgers lead 7-1.

Willie Fraser took the mound for us after that.
He did okay for one inning but in the 6th he gave up a two-run shot to Franklin Stubbs.
I made my first defensive play after that, retiring Evans on a grounder. I did the same to Wallach for the 3rd out.

Dodgers lead 9-1.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Robby on 3rd and pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli on 2nd. I struck out.

Pat Perry took the mound for us after another fail of an inning.

It never got any better for us.

After getting beat up by the Dodgers, we were now 1-5.

I am now hitting .048

This is getting... desperate.

Tomorrow is an off-day and then we are at the stick for our home opener.

April 15th, 1986

The home opener and the fans were out big! They are looking excited, despite our tough start.

The Astros are in town and pitching John Candelaria.
We have rookie Bruce Ruffin.

I have gone 3 for 14 vs Candy. That is better than I have done against most.

I kicked off the bottom of the 1st by ling out to Harold Baines in right.
Things went better right away as Mike Aldrete smacked a three-run smash for us.

Giants lead 3-0.

In the 2nd I was the pivot on a Thompsn - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Glenn Davis and Ken Griffey.

The 'Stros got some back in the 3rd when Jerry Mumphrey singled home Ron Hassey and Dickie Thon. Then Baines tripled to tie it up.

Game tied 3-3.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Thon at short.
Mike Aldrete came up big for us again, doubling home Kenny Oberkfell and Child Davis. Then Bob Brenly singled Mike across.

Giants lead 6-3.

I got the 3rd out in the 4th, taking a grounder from Hassey.

I came up in the home half with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 2nd. I grounded out to Doug DeCinces at 3rd.

In the 5th Jerry Mumphrey singled home punch hitter Keith Hernandez. Then Glenn Davis did the same with Bill Doran.

Giants lead 6-5.

In the 6th I kicked off a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Hassey and Thon.

In the 7th Jeff Robinson took the mound for us. I should have gotten the 3rd out for him but I threw away a ball to 1st, making my first error of the year.
Thankfully it didn't cost us.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Mike Flanagan. He struck me out.

In the 8th the Astros tied the game up off a Hassey sac fly.

Game tied 6-6.

With one out in the 8th Scott Garrelts took the ball for us. He double switched John Rabb in behind the plate. Mike Jones was in centre after Lee Mazzilli was lifted last inning.

I came up with now out in the bottom of the 9th. It was Frank DiPino pitching for Houston. I grounded right back to him.

In the 11th we got a nice Thompson - Priske - O'Malley double play to get Hassey and Thon. I then got ex-teammate Kenny Smith for the last out.

In the bottom half, while I stood in the on-deck circle, John Rabb knocked Robby Thompson home for a walk-off 7-6 win!

Nice home opener!

Of course, I am now hitting .038.
How can Nestor keep playing me?

We heard after the game that Hal McRae had been released.

If a vet like him doesn't get the benefit of the doubt, how does a kid like me stay in the line-up?

April 16th, 1986

Today the Astros are pitching Bert Blyelven.

The Giants have Terry Mulholland.

I am 0 for 10 vs Bert.

Houston opened the scoring right away as Glenn Davis singled home Harold Baines. I stopped them by taking a Doug DeCinces grounder for the last out.

Astros lead 1-0.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Dickie Thon at short.

We tied it up in the 2nd when Robby Thompson singled home Mike Aldrete.
I came up with two out and two on. I struck out.

Game tied 1-1.

I got the 1st out in the 3rd, off a Bill Doran grounder.

In the 4th Ken Griffey smacked a two run homer to grab the lead back for Houston. I got the 2nd out after that, off a Thon grounder.

Astros lead 3-1.

I got the last out in the visitor's 5th, off a Glenn Davis grounder.

I then led off our half by grounding out to DeCinces at 3rd.
What did you expect at this point?

I tried to make up for it on defies, but making a highlight catch off a DeCinces liner.

Pat Perry took the ball for us with two out in the 7th. He double switched in Tom O'Malley for Kenny Oberkfell at 3rd.
Perry couldn't strand the inherited runner as Jerry Mumphrey singled home Bill Doran.

Astros lead 4-1.

I got the 1st out in the 8th off a Davis grounder.

I led off our half by striking out.

Frank Williams took the mound in the 9th.
I got the 2nd out for him, on a pinch hit Keith Hernandez grounder.

In the bottom of the 9th, down by three, we started things off with a Bob Brenly single, a Robby Thompson reached-on-error, and a Steve Stanicek walk. That brought Tom O'Malley up with the bases loaded and none out. He lined out but Brenly scored.
Nestor did the right thing, and pinch hit for me. Lee Mazzilli walked the bags back full. Mike Jones pinch hit a single to bring us within one. Chili Davis hit a sac fly to score Stanicek to tie the game. Rob Deer walked and we are tied again. Mike Aldrete grounded out and the game was going to extras.

Without me in it.

In the 10th the Astris scored three times, unanswered. We had lost another one. We are 2-6. (We aren't even in last. The Padres are 1-9. And they are coming to town tomorrow.)

I am .033.

Tim Raines finished a 38 game hit streak yesterday.

I can't even get one measly hit in a series.

April 17th, 1986

Today we are battling it out to see who is really the worst team int he league thus far.

The Padres are pitching Dave Dravecky (0-1, 4.05).
The Giants have Eric King (0-1, 1.80).

I have gone 3 for 13 vs Dravecky.

I led off the home half of the 1st by grounding out to Frank White at 2nd.
We got onto board that frame when Mike Aldrete hit a sac fly to score Kenny Oberkfell.

Giants lead 1-0.

In the 2nd I was the pivot on a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Kevin McReynolds and John Kruk.

In the 2nd Eric King doubled home Robby Thompson. (Is Eric King hitting better than me?!?!)
Then I came up with Eric on 2nd and one out. I hit a little squibbed that I outran for an infield single. Hey, I'll take it! Eric went to 3rd opening up 2nd for me to... get thrown out trying to steal.

Sigh.

Giants lead 2-0.

In the 3rd we continued out trend when Bob Brenly doubled home Child Davis.

Giants lead 3-0.

In the 4th I came up with two out and nobody on. I got a legit single to left!

Benito Santiago threw me out trying to steal again. What is going on?!

We got another double play - this time it was Priske - Thompson - Aldrete, to get Santiago and White.

Despite pitching a shutout, Eric ran out of gas in the 6th and was replaced by Frank Williams on a double switch that also saw Tom O'Malley replace Kenny O.
Frankie took the shutout away from Eric when he balked home Randy Ready - who was inherited.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 3rd and O'Malley on 2nd. Ed Wojna was pitching. This was a big chance for me.
I grounded out to Wojna, advancing nobody.

Frankie was lifted for a pinch hitter after that (though we didn't score), so Jeff Robinson came it to pitch in the 7th. He was in top form, striking out the side.

In the home half Robby Thompson singled home Mike Aldrete.

Giants lead 4-1.

I got the 3rd out in the 8th by getting under a McReynolds pop.

I came up that inning with one out, facing Bob Patterson. I flew out to Tony Gwynn in right.

Scott Garrelts came in to close things out in the 9th.
With one out O'Malley muffed a grounder by Juan Beniquez to give the Pads a baserunner. A quick Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play on Santiago took care of that.

The Giants won!

All it took was playing the one team playing worse than us!

I got two hits, which is great. I got thrown out stealing twice, which is terrible.
The defensive side was good.

I a am now hitting all of .086, but when you are in as big a hole as I am, it takes a while to dig out.

We are 3-6.

It looks like we are finally go to see our other big offseason acquisition in action. Ben Oglivie was activated form the D.L. after the game. Mike Jones was sent down.

April 18th, 1986

Ben Oglivie has joined the team but he isn't starting today.

We have Dennis Eckersly (0-1, 5.73) pitching.
The Padres have Eric Show (0-1, 6.00).

I am a miserable 0 for 15 vs Show.

The Padres struck early when Tony Gwynn doubled home Randy Ready in the 1st.

Padres lead 1-0.

I led off the home half by stretching my futility record against Show to 0 for 16. I grounded out to him.

We took the lead in the 2nd when Chris Brown walloped a two-run homer.
I came up with two out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. 0 for 17.

Giants lead 2-1.

We got a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Show and Carmelo Martinez in the 3rd.

I came up in the 5th with two out and a grounder to Ready at 3rd made me 0 for 18.

I got the 2nd out in the 6th off a Martinez grounder. I then caught a Gwynn pop for the 3rd.

I kept it up in the 7th, getting a Kevin McReynolds grounder for the 1st out. John Kruk singled but then Frank White hit it to me for a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play.

We had a 37 minute rain delay that inning.

Nestor turned to Scott Garrelts in the 8th.
He gave up one hit but that was all.

I led off the bottom half with Kent Tekulve now on the mound. I didn't hit any better against him but Randy Ready muffed it and I reached on his error. Stolen Base #4. I moved to 3rd on a Robby Thompson groundout and scored on a Rob Deer double.

Giants lead 3-1.

I took a Kruk grounder for the 2nd out, but we had runners on 1st and 3rd.
Scotty struck out White and had the win.

I did well on defense and on the base paths but my batting average is down to .077

April 19th, 1986

Today we are going with Mark Grant (0-0, 4.91).
The Padres are using Mark Langston (1-1, 2.51).

I have never faced him.

The Padres have lost nine in a row. We are trying to make it ten.

I led off the bottom half of the 1st by working a walk. Ben Oglivie made the most of his first at-bat as a Giants and shot on through for a single. I went to 2nd. Chili Davis doubled and I crossed. Later Oglivie scored on a Mike Aldrete sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 2nd. I legged out an infield hit, moving Kenny up a bag. That's all we got.

I made the 3rd out in the top of the 3rd, taking a Kevin McReynolds grounder to end things.

In the 4th I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Juan Beniquez and Ozzie Guillen, to save a run and end the inning.

In the bottom half I came up with Robby Thompson on 2nd and two out. I flew out to John Kruk in left.

I got the 3rd out in the 6th, off a pinch hit Frank White grounder.

In the bottom half I came up with pinch hitter Lee Mazzilli on 1st and one out. Jerry Reuss was pitching. I struck out.

Mark Davis took over on the mound for us in the 7th. I got the 3rd out for him, retiring McReynolds on a grounder with a man on 3rd.

I came up in the 8th with two out and Robby on 1st. I hit one into centre for a single, moving Robby to 3rd.We stopped there.

Jeff Robinson came into to close out the 9th! (I guess Scott needed a day off.)
That didn't got the way we would hope as Guillen led off with a triple, followed by a Carmelo Martinez pinch hit double. Jeff got the next two out but then Tony Gwynn singled and Martinez scored, tying the game.

Game tied 2-2.

It ended up going to extras. Pat Perry took the mound for us in the 10th.

I came up in the bottom half with two out and facing Goose Gossage. I flew out to Gwynn in right.

Willie Fraser received for us to kick off the 12th.

I got a big chance in the bottom half. I came up with one out and Brad Wellman on 3rd and Robby Thompson on 2nd. My chance to be a hero... was curtailed by Lance McCullers giving me the intentional pass. John Rabb came up with the bases loaded and McCullers threw a wild pitch on a 1-0 count, scoring Wellman and giving us the walk-off win!

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of walks! My average was now up to .114!

We have won three in a row!

April 20th, 1986

Today the Padres are pitching Dan Petry (0-2, 5.73).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-0, 3.46).

I have never faced Petry.

The Padres struck first as Frank White singled home Carmelo Martinez, who had reached on an error.

Padres lead 1-0.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Martinez at 1st.

We had a 44 minute rain delay in the 2nd. That is going o be tough on the pitchers and us fielders.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Ozzie Guillen at short.

In the 4th we ended the Padres half with a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Benito Santiago and Darrell Miller.

We tied thing sup int he bottom half when Steve Stanicek singled, scoring Rob Deer from 2nd.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up in the 5th with one out and John Rabb on 2nd. I dropped own into centre for a single, scoring Rabb - my first RBI of the season.
With two out I grabbed my 5th steal, but stopped there.

Giants lead 2-1.

Our lead was short lived as Randy Ready hit a solo shot to even things back up.

Game tied 2-2.

In the bottom of the 5th thing swung right back our way as Deer singled and still 2nd before being pushed across by a Stanicek single. He managed to also cross on a Rabb single before the inning was up.

Giants lead 4-2.

I saved a run in the 7th, throwing out pinch hitter Harold Reynolds at 1st as Guillen was trying to score.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Lance McCullers, who struck me out.


Frank Williams relieved for us in the 8th. We got him out of the inning with another Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play, nabbing Juan Beniquez and Frank White.

In the bottom half Chris Brown hit a pinch hit double, scoring Robby Thompson from 1st. I came up next, with two out, and I lined out to White at 2nd.

Giants lead 5-2.

With Scott Garrelts needing some rest, Willie Fraser came in to close. This didn't work with Jeff Robinson yesterday. Hopefully Willie can get it done.

Fly ball, strikeout, fly ball and he got the save and we got the win.

We have made it back to .500 at 6-6. The Padres have lost 11 in a row.

I went 1 for 5 with an RBI. I am now hitting all of .122. Hey, its an improvement.

But we go from the worst in the league to the best as the Dodgers are coming to town.

April 21st, 1986

The Dodgers are in town and they are pitching Rick Honeycutt (0-0, 2.89).
The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (0-0, 6.39).

The Dodgers are 11-2 and have yet to lose a game on the road.

I have gone 4 for 14 vs Honeycutt. Better than most pitchers I have faced.

I led off our half by whiffing on a full count changeup.

I got the 2nd out of the 2nd off a bouncer by RJ Reynolds.

The Dodgers kicked off the scoring in the 3rd when Steve Sax tripled, scoring Mariano Duncan. Sax then scored on a Tim Wallach sac fly.

Dodgers lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with two out and struck out again.

I got a Sid Bream grounder for the 1st out in the 4th.

In the 5th I came up with two out and Robby Thompson standing on 2nd. I struck out for the third straight time.

Mark Davis relieved for us in the 7th. I got the 2nd out for him off a Duncan grounder. He pitched down and then Nestor turned it over to Jeff Robinson.
We had a rain delay of nearly a half hour during the 8th.
Bream singled home Wallach on the 3rd straight hit given up by Jeff. He got Reynolds to hit into a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to end that streak.

Dodgers lead 3-0.

I led off the bottom of the 8th, now facing Moose Haas. After striking out three times against Honeycutt, that seems a relief. It wasn't. Haas struck me out too.

Then came the 9th. Tom Niedenfuer was pitching for L.A. and we were down by three.
Mike Aldrete and Bob Brenly led off with singles. Kenny Oberkfell grounded out, moving them both into scoring position. Robby Thompson struck out and we were down to the final out. Steve Stanicek pinch hit for Jeff and Niedenfuer pitched around him, giving him 1st. They brought me up. I was honestly surprised that Nestor didn't lift me for a pinch hitter. I had already struck out four times.
I blasted the 2nd pitch into the right field corner.
Aldrete scored.
Brenly scored.
Stanicek scored.
While they were throwing home I trie to go to 3rd but the ball was cut off and I was thrown out, but not before THREE RBI and a tie game!!

Game tied 3-3... extra innings!

Scott Garrelts took the mound for us in the 10th.
I got the last out for him off a Mike Marshall pinch hit groundout.

He pitched two and then Nestor went with Pat Perry for the 12th.
Things went bad there. Marshall hit a two-out, three run homer.

Dodgers lead 6-3.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Alejandro Pena. Platinum sombrero. Strikeout number five.

We couldn't get it back. We lost 6-3.

A 3-run double is good.

FIVE strikeouts is not. The record for strikeouts in an extra-inning game is six.

April 22nd, 1986

Today the Dodgers are pitching Bob Forsch (2-0, 1.29).
The Giants are using Eric King (1-1, 1.80).

I have gone 0 for 2 vs Forsch.

I NEED to bounce back from yesterday.

I got the 1st out of the game, making a leaping grab on a Steve Sax liner.

I led off our half by bouncing one through the right side for a single. I worked stolen base #6 on a run & hit. Kenny Oberkfell then singled and I scored from 2nd. Before the inning was up, Kenny O had scored on a Mike Aldrete double and Rob Deer scored on a Bob Brenly single.

Giants lead 3-0.

In the 2nd I was the pivot on a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Sid Bream and Tim Wallach out. After that Mike Marshall scored on a Franklin Stubbs single.

Giants lead 3-1.

Tha tinnign I came up with one out and Lee Mazzilli on 2nd. I shot one through the right side again! Mazzilli scored and I moved to 2nd on the throw! I was thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

Giants lead 4-1.

We got through the 3rd without giving up a run, but it is notable that Steve Sax has now hit in 25 straight games.

In the 4th Marshall hit a lead off home run.

Giants lead 4-2.

I came up with two out and Robby Thompson and Mazzilli both in scoring position. I singled to right AGAIN! Robby scored! Lee went to 3rd!

Giants lead 5-2!

Mark Davis relieved for us in the 7th.

I led off the bottom half, now facing LaMarr Hoyt. This time I singled to left! FOUR HITS! I went to 2nd on a Kenny O grounder. I tried to score on a Rob Deer single with two out but I overextended.

I got the 2nd out in the 9th off a Sid Bream grounder.

We beat the Dodgers and I went FOUR FOR FOUR!!

I got thrown out twice. I think I was a little keyed up.

April 23rd, 1986

Today the Dodgers are pitching Orel Hershiser (1-0, 4.74).
The Giants are going with Dennis Eckersley (1-1, 4.00).

I have only gone 1 for 15 vs Orel.

But I am coming off a great game.

I led off our half by striking out.

I got the 3rd out in the 2nd off a Tim Wallach grounder.

I then got the 1st out in the 3rd off a Hershiser grounder.

I came up in the 3rd with one out. I grounded out to Mariano Duncan at short.

We were the first ton eh board in the 5th when John Rabb singled Steve Stanicek home from 2nd.
I came up with two out and Rabb on 2nd. I flew out to Sid Bream in left.

Giants lead 1-0.

I got the 2nd out int he 7th, off a Mike Marshall grounder.

I finished things off in the 8th with a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Darrell Evans and Tim Wallach.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and now facing Ken Howell. I walked.
I picked up stolen base #7 despite running on a pitchout. I hone stole 3rd for #8. I couldn't get the last ninety feet.

Scott Garrelts came in to finish things off. He didn't just get it done, but he did so with three straight strikeouts!

Wow! What a game! We beat the Dodgers 1-0!
Eckersely was amazing! We even stopped Steve Sax's hit streak!
No hit for me, but it was that kind of game for everybody.

We beat the first place team two in a row!

We passed the Braves and are sitting in 4th at 8-7.

Tomorrow is a travel day and then we are down the coast to San Diego. They have lost 13 in a row.

April 25th, 1986

We are in San Diego facing Mark Langston (1-1, 2.79) and the Padres.
The Giants are sending up Bruce Ruffin (1-0, 2.70).

I have gone 1 for 2 vs Langston. No much of a sample size.

I started off the game by making that 2 for 3 as I singled into centre. I easily picked up stolen base #9. I scored on a Ben Oglivie single.

Giants lead 1-0.

I next led off the 3rd by working a four pitch walk. With one out I nabbed stolen base #10 AND 11! I then scored on a Chili Davis sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0.

I made my first defensive play in the 4th and it was a gem, grabbing a liner to rob Ozzie Guillen of a hit.

I came up in the 5th with one out and Robby Thompson on 2nd. I flew out to Tony Gwynn in right. Ben Oglivie came up behind me and doubled home Robby.

Giants lead 3-0.

I handled a Darrell Miller grounder for the 1st out in the bottom half. I then took Carmelo Martinez grounder for the 3rd.

In the 6th not only did Gwynn score on a Guillen sac fly, but Oglivie hurt his hand on the play and had to leave the game. Steve Stanicek took his spot in left. I hope for Ben's sake that he is okay. He has had trouble since signing here.

Giants lead 3-1.

I came up in the 7th with two out and singled through the right side. Stanicek took over where Ben left off an dropped one into the left field bleachers for a two run homer!

Giants lead 5-1.

Frank Williams relieved for us in the bottom half. He had some immediate problems, leading to Miller scoring on a John Kruk sac fly.

Giants lead 5-2.

In the top of the 8th Bob Brenly hit a solo shot!

Giants lead 6-2.

The Padres got it right back as Frank White doubled home Gwynn. Then Kevin McReynolds scored on a Juan Beniquez sac fly.
Mark Davis took over after that, with a double switch that put John Rabb behind the plate.

Giants lead 6-4.

I came up int he 9th with one out and Rabb on 1st. Goose Gossage was now pitching. He struck me out.

Scott Garrelts came it to look for the save. We helped him out with a Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to end the game!

Things are looking up, both for the team and for me! I went 2 for 4 with a walk, two runs scored and three stolen bases!

We are up to 9-7!

It turned out after that Ben's hand wasn't so bad. He is nursing a bit of a blister is all.

April 26th, 1986

Terry Mulholland (0-0, 5.30) is pitching for the Giants today.
The Padres (who are now 1-16), are using Dan Petry (0-3, 6.06).

I am 1 for 3 vs Petry.

I kicked the game off by whiffing.

In the bottom half, Carmelo Martinez hit a solo shot with one out to give the Pads the lead.

Padres lead 1-0.

In the 2nd Frank White scored on a Juan Beniquez groundout.

Padres lead 2-0.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Mulholland on 1st. I replaced him on 1st with a fielder's choice. I picked up stolen base #12, outrunning a pitchout. I moved to 3rd, and Kenny Oberkfell was safe at 1st, on a White error. Chili Davis dropped a ball into right and I crossed.

Padres lead 2-1.

We started the 4th off strong as Mike Aldrete tripled and then Bob Brenly homered, to put us ahead.

Giants lead 3-2.

In the bottom half we made a nice Thompson - Priske - Aldrete double play to get Tony Gwynn and Kevin McReynolds out.

I led off the 5th by singling up the middle. Despite another pitchout, I picked dup stolen base #13 easily. I went to 3rd on a Kenny O grounder. Chili doubled into the right field corner and I scored again. Later Aldrete singled him home and Brenly hit his second homer of the game.

Giants lead 7-2.

I came up in the 6th with two out and Bob Patterson now pitching for San Diego. I grounded out to Martinez at 1st.

San Diego came back in the bottom half as White singled home both Martinez and Gwynn.

Giants lead 7-4.

In the 7th we got those runs back and more as Aldrete singled home Kenny O, Robby Thompson walked with the bases juiced, and Lee Mazzilli singled home Aldrete.

Giants lead 10-4.

Willie Fraser replaced Terry on the mound for us.

I led off the 8th, now facing Jerry Reuss. I flew out to McReynolds in centre.

I got the 1st out int he bottom half, taking a funky bounce to throw out McReynolds. Turn about and all that.

We held on for the win, putting us to 10-7.

I went 1 for 5 but scored twice and stole a couple of bags.

We have passed the Astros into 3rd in the NL West, 3 games behind the leading Dodgers.

[SIDE NOTE: I am looking at the daytime photo of Jack Murphy Stadium and remembering that back in 1985, I was actually STANDING on that field. I was part of the colour guard for the Canadian flag when the Expos were in town. I was in San Diego as part of a cadet exchange.]


April 27th, 1986

One thing I haven't talked about much is the fact that I have been finishing my school while playing for the Giants.

I am nearly there. I don't get an actual graduation ceremony but I will be done with high school pretty soon.

But today, I am in San Diego, facing Dave Dravecky (0-3, 4.26), and the Padres.
We are pitching Eric King (2-1, 2.25).

I have had a lot of success against Dravecky, going 5 for 16.

Today I lead off on a sunny afternoon by trying to stretch the Padre's losing streak to 16 games. I start the right way, by dropping a single into short left.
Stolen base #14 follows. I then score on a Ben Oglivie single. Both he and Chili Davis later score on a Mike Aldrete single.

Giants lead 3-0.

Oglivie also came up big in the Padre's half as he gunned down Randy Ready trying to score on a Tony Gwynn sac.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and singled into left again! This time, though, I was thrown out trying to steal. Oh well. When you steal as much as I do, that is going to happen.

In the 3rd Rob Deer hit a solo shot!

Giants lead 4-0.

I got the 2nd out in the 3rd, throwing out Darrell Miller at 2nd on a Harold Reynolds fielder's choice. Ready then singled, scoring Juan Beniquez from 3rd.

Giants lead 4-1.

Robby Thompson led off the 4th with a homer! I came up with one out and grounded out to Ready at 3rd.

Giants lead 5-1.

I got the 1st out in the bottom frame off a Kevin McReynolds grounder.

In the 6th Ready doubled home Reynolds.

Giants lead 5-2.

I came up with one out in the 7th and reached on an error to Ready. This time I was thrown out due to a pitchout.

Mark Davis relieved for us that inning.

In the 8th Robby singled with the base loaded, scoring Chili and Deer.

Giants lead 7-2.

Willie Fraser came in to pitch for us in the 8th.

I led off the 9th, facing Ed Wojna. I dropped one into short centre for my third single of the game. This time I not only picked up stolen base #15, but moved to 3rd when Miller threw the ball away. Oglivie singled me home. We kept it going with the boys loading the bases for Bob Brenly, who singled home Ben and Chili. Later Robby singled home Deer. I came up with Brenly on 3rd, Steve Stanicek on 2nd, and Robby on 1st. I took one for the team and ate an inside pitch. Hey, I'll take the RBI!

Giants lead 12-2!

Pat Perry took the mound for us in the 9th. Maybe there was a bit of overconfidence and a walk, hit, and error later and the Padres had loaded things up with none out. Darrell Miller then smacked a triple, wiping all three runners across home. Carmelo Martinez walked. Pat uncorked a wild pitch, scoring Miller. Pat got the next two out but then Tony Gwynn doubled, scoring Martinez.
Nestor had seen enough and went and got Frank Williams to pitch.
He got the last out and we picked up the win, 12-7.

Bad day for Pat Perry but a good day for everyone else. I went 3 for 5 with an RBI, two runs scored and a pair of stolen bases. (All right, I also had two caught stealing.)

I am hitting .224, which may not sound like much, but it is a big upswing.

We are now 11-7 and only two games behind the Dodgers. We have won five in a row. (And the poor Padres have lost SIXTEEN in a row.)

Tomorrow we are home to face the Cardinals.

April 28th, 1986

We are going strong but now the Cardinals are bringing in a hot pitcher, Dave LaPoint (4-0, 2.77).
Luckily the Giants are able to answer with Dennis Eckersley (2-1, 2.77).

I have struggled mightily against LaPoint, going 0 for 13.

I led off the bottom half and made it 0 for 14 as I grounded out to Bruce Bochte at 1st.

I came up again in the 3rd, with one out, and made it 0 for 15 with a strikeout.

In the bottom of the 4th Rob Deer opened the scoring with a nice solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0.

I next came up with two out in the 5th and made it 0 for 16 with a grounder to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.

I made my first defensive play in the 6th, taking a grounder from Vince Coleman for the 1st out.

In the bottom half, Rob did it again! This time he hit a two-run blast!

Giants lead 3-0.

I came up with two out again in the 7th. This time I broke that goose egg as I belted it to deep centre and scampered all the way to 3rd with a triple!
A great play by Oddibe McDowell robbed Ben Oglivie of a hit and stopped me from scoring.

Scott Garrelts relieved for us in the 8th.

He lost the shut out right away as he gave up a lead-off homer to Jose Uribe.

Giants lead 3-1.

Scott also gave up a couple of walks win the 9th, but that was it as he closed out the game for a 3-1 win!

We are now 12-7 and have won six in a row!

I went 1 for 4 with a triple.

The sportswriters are putting us at #6 on the Weekly Power Rankings, once spot below the Dodgers and the 3rd best team in the National League!

It is pretty tight with the Dodgers topping the NL West, the Reds trailing them by one game, and us one game behind the Reds.

April 29th, 1986

Today the Cardinals are pitching Danny Cox (2-1, 3.86).
The Giants are sign with Mark Grant (0-0, 2.70).

I have gone 4 for 10 vs Cox!

The Cards struck first when Bruce Bochte scored on an Andy Van Slyke sac fly in the 1st.

Cardinals lead 1-0.

I led off the bottom half by flying out to Oddibe McDowell in deep centre.

Bad news in the 3rd. Mark Grant came off the field after the third out complaining about a sore elbow.

Frank Williams took over for Mark in the 4th.
I got the 1st out for him, handling a Mark Salas grounder. I then did the same to Tom Herr for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the 4th by grounding out to Terry Pendleton at 3rd.
We tied it up when Robby Thompson manufactured a run. He started with a single and then stole 2nd AND 3rd before scoring on a Chili Davis groundout.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up in the 6th with two out and I worked a four pitch walk. Next came stolen base #16. I was left there.

Mark Davis relieved for us in the 7th. I got the 2nd out for him, handling a Jose Uribe grounder.

In the bottom half we got the lead when Chili scored on a Chris Brown single.

Giants lead 2-1.

The Cards tied it back up in the 8th when Van Slyke tripled home Vince Coleman.

Game tied 2-2.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and I legged out an infield single. Next came stolen base #17. Once again, I got no further.

Scott Garrelts took the ball for us in the 9th. Neither team could score and we went to extras.

Scott got the first two outs in the 10th before leaving for Jeff Robinson. It was a double switch with Robby leaving for Brad Wellman.

I came up in the 10th with two out and Bob Brenly on 3rd. Todd Worrell was pitching.
He struck me out.

In the 11th we turned a nice Rabb - Priske - Mazzilli double play to get Pendleton and Salas to end the inning.

Jeff was lifted for a pinch hitter, to no avail, so Pat Perry came in to pitch in the 12th.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and the bases loaded - Brown on 3rd, repping the winning run. Greg Minton was pitching. I grounded to Pendelton at 3rd, who got Chris at home, giving me a fielder's choice. We couldn't score and the game continues.

In the 14th Willie Fraser took on pitching duties for us.

In the bottom half I got another chance to win it. Men on 1st and 3rd, with Steve Stanicek reaping the winning run, One out and Terry each on the mound. I grounded out to Pendleton again. Steve had to hold and Lee Mazzili moved up to 2nd. We missed another chance.

I got the 1st out in the 15th, catching a pop up by Kelly Paris.

And then... FINALLY... Steve Stanicek singled with the base loaded in the bottom of the 15th for the walk-off, 3-2 win!

That is seven wins in a row.

I went 1 for 6 and really folded in the clutch. I stole two bags.

Both the Dodgers and Reds lost so we are now tied with the Reds, one game behind L.A.

No word on Mark Grant.

Tomorrow the Pirates are in town.

April 30th, 1986

Today the Pirates are in town. They are pitching Jose Deleon (1-1, 3.18).
The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (2-0, 2.42).

I have gone 3 for 9 vs DeLeon.

I am looking for a big day, both for me and the 8th win in a row for the team.

Maybe we can even catch the Dodgers today.

I got the 1st out of the game, throwing out Ozzie Smith as Bip Roberts advanced to 2nd on a hit & run. Bruce struck out the next two to deal with that.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

I came up next in the 3rd with one out, Robby Thompson on 2nd and John Rabb on 1st. The first pitch wen thorough the wickets on Tony Pena to advance both runners on a wild pitch. I hit a liner that was caught by Ray again. Thankfully Kenny Oberkfell doubled behind me to score both of the guys I left there.

Giants lead 2-0.

In the 4th I snagged a grounder by Keith Moreland to get Fred Lynn at 2nd for the 2nd out.

In the bottom half Robby Thompson doubled home Mike Aldrete for our third run.

Giants lead 3-0.

The Pirates struck back in the 5th when Roberts tripled, scoring Jason Thompson from 1st.

Giants lead 3-1.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out to Keith Moreland at 3rd.

I got the 1st out in the 6th, snatching up a Johnny Ray grounder.

Nestor relieved Ruffin in the 7th, bringing in Willie Fraser to pitch and Steve Stanicek to play centre, in a double switch. Lee Mazzilli had also had some concerns with his elbow last inning anyway, which are probably nothing, but this was good timing.
Unfortunately, the first batter Willie faced was Jason Thompson, who put one into the right field bleachers with a man on. Tie game.

Game tied 3-3.

I came up in the bottom half with one out and Stanicek on 1st. I got the lead back by blasting one into the right field corner. Steve scored but I was thrown out trying to stretch my double into a triple.
That's okay. The important part still happened.

Giants lead 4-3.

And once again, our lead was erased by Pirate power as Fred Lynn hit a solo shot in the 8th to tie it back up.

Game tied 4-4.

Bottom of the 8th, Mike Aldrete says that two can play that game and he swats a solo homer to put us back up.

Giants lead 5-4.

Willie was lifted for a pinch hitter that inning so Jeff Robinson came in for the 9th to try and grab the save.
A hit, a balk, an error.... but then three straight strikeouts to close things up and give us our 8th straight win!

I went 1 for 4 with an RBI double.

We are 14-7 and are now in a three-way tie with the Dodgers and Reds for the top of the NL West!

There is a lot of baseball still to come, but this feels good!

We got word after the game that Mark Grant's elbow is sending him to the D.L. for about a month.

Bill Laskey was called up from Phoenix. Willie Fraser is taking Mark's spot in the rotation.

May 1st, 1986

Today the Pirates are pitching Chuck Rainey (1-2, 6.00).
The Giants are pitching Terry Mulholland (1-0, 5.47).

I have gone 3 for 8 vs Rainey.

We are looking for our 9th win in a row and holding onto the division lead!

The Bugs struck early, as Ozzie Smith and Kirk Gibson scored on a Johnny Ray double. It got worse as a couple of batters later Keith Moreland hit a three run homer.
I got the last out on a Willie Aikens grounder, but this is not a good way to keep our streak going.

Pirates lead 5-0.

I led off our half by grounding out to Ozzie at short.
Chili Davis got us on the board with a solo homer.

Pirates lead 5-1.

I got the last out again in the 2nd, snagging a Kirk Gibson grounder.

In the 3rd Fred Lynn scored on a Jason Thompson sac fly.

Pirates lead 6-1.

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by working a walk. I got stolen base #18 (barely), and then scored on a Kenny Oberkfell single.

Pirates lead 6-2.

In the 5th Lynn scored on a wild pitch by Terry. Keith Moreland then scored on a Thompson groundout.

Pirates lead 8-2.

I came up in the bottom frame with two out and I was robbed of a hit by a diving catch in the corner by Kirk Gibson.

Bill Laskey relieved a beleaguered Terry in the 6th.

I got the 1st out in the 7th, grabbing a Johnny Ray grounder.

I came up in the 8th with none out and Lee Mazzilli on 2nd and Steve Stanicek on 1st. Aaron Carlie was now pitching. Carlie's first pitch was a wild one and both Lee and Steve moved up. With an open bag he pitched around me a bit and I earned my second walk. Kenny O did the job, doubling to deep centre and letting all three of us score. He later scored on a Mike Aldrete single.

Pirates lead 8-6.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th. Tom O'Malley took over for Kenny at 3rd in a double switch.

I came up in the 9th with it all on the line. Down by two and two out, with O'Malley on 1st. Cecilio Guante was pitching.

I struck out.

I got a couple of walks and runs today but couldn't get it done when the chips were down. Our winning streak ends at eight and we trail eh Dodgers by a game again.

Tomorrow the Cubs come to town.

May 2nd, 1986

The Cubs ar win town and they are pitching rookie, Rob Williams (2-1, 5.09).
The Giants are going with Eric King (3-1, 2.45).

Neither pitcher has faced the other team before.

I led off the bottom of the 1st an dry first meeting with Williams turned out to be a line out to Mel Hall in left.
(The rumours about that guy are... not good.)
The guys got the scoring going behind me, though, as Mike Aldrete singled home Chili Davis.

Giants lead 1-0.

I led off again in the 3rd and this time I flew out to Warren Cromartie in right.

I got the first out in the 5th, pulling in a Cecil Cooper pop-up. Jody Davis tied the game up right after, with a solo jack.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up in the 5th with one out and King on 1st. I had the worst possible outcome, hitting into a double play.

After giving up a hit to open the 6th, King gave way to Frank Williams. He couldn't strand the inherited runner as Billy Hatcher scored on a Hall single.

Cubs lead 2-1.

We got the lead back in the bottom half as Chili singled and Aldrete smacked a two run homer.

Giants lead 3-2.

I came up in the 7th with none out and John Rabb on 2nd (pinch running for Steve Stanicek), and Chris Brown on 1st (pinch hitting for Frank Williams). Aurelio Lopez was pitching. I shot it through the left side for a quick single, loading the bags. Kenny Oberkfell lined out. Chili hit a sac fly to score Rabb. Rob Deer flew out.

Giants lead 4-2.

We had a big fielding shuffle that put Rabb at 1st and Aldrete in centre. Scott Garrelts came in to pitch.
The Cubs got him when Hatcher scored on a Dave Owen single. I got the 2nd out behind him off a Ray Knight grounder.

Giants lead 4-3.

Scott got all three he faced in the 9th to finish off the win over the Cubbies!

I went 1 for 4.

We are tied in 1st again!

May 3rd, 1986

Today the Cubs are pitching Bill Swift (0-3, 3.41).
The Giants have Dennis Eckersley (3-1, 2.18).

I am 1 for 1 vs Swift!

Let's get it in!

I led off the home half of the 1st by grounding out to Ray Knight at 3rd.

In the 2nd I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get that scuzzy Mel Hall and Shawon Dunston.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and flew out to Hall in left.

I came up in the 5th with two out and John Rabb on 2nd. I fouled out to Cecil Cooper on the 1st base side.

In the 6th we finally got on the board when Chili Davis smacked a solo bomb.

Giants lead 1-0.

Jeff Robinson relieved for Eck in the 8th (and Steve Stanicek came in for Lee Mazzilli in a double switch. Tom O'Malley also replaced Mike Aldrete in a defensive move.)

I came up in the 8th with none out and Stanicek on 1st. Dennis Lamp was pitching. I flew out to Mickey Hatcher in centre.

I mad even more defensive play - an easy grounder from Hatcher - to get the 3rd out in the 9th to finish off our 1-0 win.

Not a great day at the plate, but that goes for nearly everybody in a great pitching duel.

We are now 16-8 and... in sole possession of 1st place in the NL West!

May 4th, 1986

Today the Cubs are throwing Mark Ambrose at us. 0-1, 6.75).
The Giants are answering with Willie Fraser (3-1, 3.46).

Neither has faced the other team before.

The Cubs struck first when Mel Hall hit a two run homer in the 1st.

Cubs lead 2-0.

I led off the bottom half by grounding out back to the pitcher.

Chili Davis hit a solo shot that inning to narrow the gap.

Cubs lead 2-1.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Lee Mazzilli on 3rd. Ambrose walked me. We were left there.

The Cubs struck again in the 4th when Warren Cromartie hit a two-out double to score Cecil Cooper from 1st.

Cubs lead 3-1.

We got one back in the 4th when Chris Brown scored on a passed ball by Chris Hoiles.

Cubs lead 3-2.

I got the 2nd out in the 5th, catching a Ray Knight pop.

I led off the bottom half by wearing an Ambrose change-up, and getting on base the hard way. He paid with my 19th stolen base. I moved to 3rd on a Chili grounder for the 2nd out. I stopped there.

I got the 1st out in the 6th with a nice play on a Shawon Dunston grounder.

In the bottom half Chris Brown smacked a two-run homer, scoring Mike Aldrete, to give us the lead!

Giants lead 4-3.

I handled a Dunston grounder for the 3rd out in the 7th.

I led off the bottom half, now facing Jim Phillips. I grounded out to Cooper at 1st.
After that Robby Thompson walked, setting Rob Deer up for a two-run blast.

Giants lead 6-3.

During the 8th, Fraser and Chris Brown left in a double with for John Rabb at 3rd and Scott Garrelts on the mound.

I came up in the bottom frame, facing Dennis Lamp with two out. I legged out an infield hit to Cooper. Stolen base #20 despite a pitchout. I then scored on a Robby Thompson single.

Giants lead 7-3.

I got the 2nd out in the 9th, taking a Knight grounder. Mel Hall singled home Gary Jones for a run before Dunston grounded out to me again to end it and give us the 7-4 win.

I went 1 for 3 with a walk and two stolen bases.

We maintained a half game lead not he Reds, while the Dodgers are falling back.

We found out after that Bill Laskey had a sore shoulder that was sending him to the D.L. for a spell.

Curt Brown was called up from AAA. I like Curt. Nice guy.

Tomorrow is a travel day. We are heading to Pittsburgh.

It look likes you had a hard paper round. :D




Just realised how long this thread has been going!

May 6th, 1986

We are in Pittsburgh to face Jose DeLeon (1-2, 3.23) and the Pirates.

The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (1-1, 6.67).

I have gone 4 for 13 vs Deleon!

I kicked off the game by by wearing a DeLeon slider. The fix is in!
I tried to steal 2nd but Tony Pena beat me on a pitchout.

In the bottom of the inning I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to erase Ozzie Smith and Keith Moreland. I then handled a Johnny Ray grounder for the 3rd out.

We opened the scoring in the 2nd when DeLeon thumped Bob Brenly and gave ups double to Kenny Oberkfell, scoring Bob.
I came up with two out and Kenny still on 2nd. I struck out.

Giants lead 1-0.

The 2nd also brought us another double play - this time the Thompson - Priske - Aldrete variety, getting Kirk Gibson and Pena out.

In the 3rd I caught a DeLeon pop for the 2nd out.

In the 4th I came up with two out and Kenny O on 1st. I grounded out to Ray at 2nd.

We got another Thompson - Priske - Alredete double play in the 4th but this time the bases were loaded and Keith Moreland scored on the play.

Game tied 1-1.

In the 5th we got yet another Thompson - Priske - Aldrete d.p., getting Big Roberts and Jason Thompson out. It was starting to rain a little. Hopefully it does not get any worse.

It only lasted for about half an inning.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Mulholland on 1st. Bruce Sutter came in to face me. I singled to right, moving Terry to 2nd. Mike Aldrete did the same but Gibson had trouble with the ball out there and we got an extra base on his error. Terry scored and I was on 3rd. Sutter struck out Chili Davis and Rob Deer to get out of the jam.

Giants lead 2-1.

The rain came back and we ended up having to wait out an 18 minute delay in the 8th. It was a tough inning for Terry, culminating in a two run double for Ray, scoring Thompson and Moreland.

Pirates lead 3-2.

I came up in the 9th with one out and the potential tying run in the form of pinch hitter Chris Brown, on 2nd. I struck out.

We were unable to get that last run.

We are now 18-9. We now trail the Reds by a half game.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and a walk. I was also involved in FOUR double plays.

May 7th, 1986

Today Eric King (3-1, 2.67) is pitching for us.

The Pirates are sending up Dennis Martinez (1-2, 2.55).

I have yet to face El Presidente, who was in the other league last year.

I kicked off the game by working a walk. I didn't get to stay on the paths long as Mike Aldrete hit into a fielder's choice on the first pitch.

I caught an Ozzie Smith liner for the 2nd out in the bottom half.

In the 2nd I came up with two out and Kenny Oberkfell on 3rd and Robby Thompson on 1st. I grounded out to Jason Thompson at 1st.

In the 3rd I started a Priske - Thompson - Aldrete double play to get Martinez and Ozzie out.

I led off the 5th by striking out.

Mark Davis took over for us in the 7th, after Eric was lifted for a pinch hitter.

I led off the 8th, now facing Jim Winn, as Martinez was also lifted for a pinch hitter.
I flew out to Kirk Gibson in right.
We finally opened the scoring that frame as Steve Stanicek doubled, scoring Mike Aldrete and Chili Davis.

Giants lead 2-0.

The Pirates also broke their goose-egg that inning. Johnny Ray singled home Bip Roberts from 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1.

I came up in the 9th, facing Bruce Sutter, with two out. I blasted one to deep centre which I legged out for a triple! I did not score.

Scott Garrelts took the mound to try and close it out. He allowed a two out infield single, but that was all.

Giants win 2-1!

I went 1 for 4 with a triple and a walk.

We are 19-9 and still trail the Reds by a half game.

May 8th, 1986

Today the Giants are going with Dennis Eckersley (4-1, 1.80).

The Pirates are pitching Chuck Rainey (2-2, 5.04).

I have gone 3 for 10 vs Chuck.

I led off the game by walking for the second straight day.
Mike Aldrete singles, moving me to 2nd. Then Chili Davis singles and we are loaded with none out. Rob Deer is next and he JUST misses a grand slam, but he does triple, scoring the three of us.

Rainey left the game after that. Apparently he was having shoulder troubles.

Giants lead 3-0.

Maybe there is something in the air as Ozzie Smith tripled home Bid Roberts in the bottom half and then scores on a Johnny Ray sac fly. I took a Keith Moreland grounder for the 3rd out.

Giants lead 3-2.

I came up int he 2nd with one out and Eck on 1st. Aaron Carlie was pitching. He struck me out.

I led off the 4th, now facing Dan Spillner. I grounded out to Jason Thompson at 1st.

I got the 3rd out in the bottom half, off a Tony Pena grounder, with the potential tying run at 3rd.

I led off the 7th with Gary Lavelle pitching. I grounded out to Johnny Ray at 2nd.

The Pirates tied things up in the bottom half when Tony Pena hit a solo homer.
Pat Perry and Tom O'Malley came in on a double switch, with Aldrete leaving.

Game tied 3-3.

I came up in the 8th with Bruce Sutter pitching, one out, and Robby Thompson and Tom O'Malley on 2nd and 1st, respectively. On the 1st pitch they pulled off a nice double steal, to put them both in scoring position. I grounded out to Ray at 2nd, unable to push a run across.
Chris Brown pinch hit for Perry and did what I could not, singled home both runs.

Giants lead 5-3.

Scott Garrelts took the mound int he bottom of the 8th. He got the six outs he needed, including a groundout to me by Denny Gonzalez to end things.

Giants won 5-3.

We are now 20-9. The Reds also won.

I went 0 for 4 with a walk and a run.

We are off to St. Louis!

May 9th, 1987

We are in St. Louis to face Danny Cox (3-1, 3.15) and the Cardinals.
The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (3-0, 2.13).

I am 5 for 13 vs Cox!

I kick off the game by striking out.

I led off the 4th by grounding out to Jose Uribe at short.

I got the 1st out in the bottom frame, nabbing a Terry Pendleton liner with a man on 3rd. Oddibe McDowell scored on the next play - a sac fly by Mark Salas. Later Andy Van Slyke scores on a Bruce Bochte double. Bochte scores on a single by Cox.

Cardinals lead 3-0.

I came up in the 6th with two out and singled into short right centre. I quickly grabbed stolen base #24 but was left at 2nd.

We got right back in it with a big 7th. It all happened with two out. First Steve Stanicek singled. Bob Brenly was hit by a pitch and then Kenny Oberkfell doubled, scoring Steve. Robby Thompson singled, scoring both Brenly and Kenny O.

Game tied 3-3.

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Vince Coleman pop up. Still with one out, the Cards loaded the bases and Nestor gave Bruce the hook. Mark Davis came in to try and stop them there.
He couldn't. After a tough at bat, Van Slyke walked, pushing pinch hitter Juan Bonilla across. Then Terry Pendleton smacked a three-run double. After a stolen base, Pendleton scored on a Salas sac fly. I got the last out, throwing out Uribe on a grounder, but the damage was done.

Cardinals lead 8-3.

I led off the 8th, now facing John Stuper. I popped out to Tommy Herr at 2nd.

Mark gave way to Curt Brown in the 8th.

We were not able to make up any ground and lost 8-3.

I went 1 for 4 with a stolen base.

We were now 20-10. The Reds also lost so we still trailed by a half game.

May 10th, 1986

Today the Giants are pitching Willie Fraser (4-1, 3.54) and the Cardinals have Mike Schooler (2-1, 5.79) in a battle of rookies.

I have never faced Schooler.

I led off the game by grounding out to Jose Uribe at short.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Fraser on 1st. I worked a walk. Then Mike Aldrete walked to load the bases. Chili Davis hit a sac fly, scoring Willie. I went to 3rd. Rob Deer walked to re-load the bags. We were left like that.

Giants lead 1-0.

It didn't take long for the Cards to even it back up as Bruch Bochte singled home Vince Coleman from 2nd in the bottom of the 3rd. Then Bochte scored from 2nd on a Terry Pendleton single.

Cardinals lead 2-1.

Things got worse in the 4th as Uribe tripled with Mark Salas and Tom Herr on base. I held him at 3rd when handling a Schooler ground ball for the 1st out. In fact, we held him there completely, but the damage was done.

Cardinals lead 4-1.

I led off the 5th by taking another walk. Then came stolen base #25, on a pitchout. Mike Aldrete got out firs this of the game, a single, and I scored. He was later doubled home by Steve Stanicek.

Cardinals lead 4-3.

I led off the 7th by grounding out right back to Schooler.

Pendleton led off the bottom frame by hitting a solo shot. Pat Perry relieved Willie that inning.

Cardinals lead 5-3.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 8th. I got the first out for him, grabbing a Coleman pop.

I led off the 9th, now facing Todd Worrell. I grounded out to the pitcher for the 2nd straight time.

We lost, 5-3.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks, a run, and a stolen base.

We are now 20-11 and trail the Reds by 1.5 games.

May 11th, 1986

Today the Cardinals are pitching Bob Kipper (2-3, 4.71).
The Giants are going with Terry Mulholland (1-2, 5.97).

Kipper is a rookie. I have never faced him.

I led off the game by grounding out to Tommy Herr at 2nd.
Ben Oglivie came up behind me and hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 1-0.

I made the 2nd out of the bottom half, on a turnabout play, throwing out Herr.

I also got the 2nd out in the 2nd, off a Terry Pendleton grounder.

I led off the 3rd by whiffing on a Kipper cutter.

I got the 2nd out in the 4th, catching an Oddibe McDowell pop. The Cards tied it up that inning when Jose Uribe singled home Andy Van Slyke with two outs.

Game tied 1-1.

I came up in the 5th with two out and struck out again.

Woof. My batting average is back down to .194

In the 8th Steve Stanicek pinch hit for Kenny Oberkfell (who is hitting worse than even me), and it paid off with a solo homer!
I came up with one out and Kipper struck me out for the third straight time! He has my number!

Giants lead 2-1.

Scott Garrelts took over pitching duties for us that inning. I got him the 1st out, taking a Vince Coleman grounder.
I was in a collision at 2nd when pinch runner Jim Reboulet barrelled into me to break up a double play. It was painful, but I shook it off.

Scott did the job for the save and we won 2-1!

Wow, I am in a slump!

We are at 21-11 and still trail the Reds by 1.5.

The team made a change on our off day. Curt Brown was sent back to AAA (after only facing one batter, and getting him out). They called up a pitcher named Randy Bockus. He is a 25 year old rookie, who wasn't tearing it up.
Randy seems like a smart guy and he is going in the rotation over Willie Fraser.

We are off to Chicago!

May 13th, 1986

We are in Chicago!

The Cubs are pitching Bill Swift (0-5, 3.68).
The Giants have Deenis Eckersley (4-1, 2.12).

I am 1 for 4 vs Swift.

I lead off the game by taking a walk. I move up to 2nd on a Mike Aldrete ground out. I pick up stolen base #26 going to 3rd. I score on a Chili Davis single. Rob Deer follows with a home run. Before the inning is up, Lee Mazzilli singles, scoring Robby Thompson.

Giants lead 4-0.

I make the first out of the bottom half, off a great play on a Billy Hatcher grounder.

I come up in the 2nd with one out and ground out to Swift.

In the 3rd Chili crosses on a Kenny Oberkfell single.

Giants lead 5-0.

I come up in the 4th with one out and single into right. I quickly get stolen base #27 AND #28. I score on an Aldrete sac fly.

Giants lead 6-0.

I come up in the 6th with two out and Mazzilli on 1st. Scott Bailes is now pitching. I am left standing there as Lee is throw out trying to steal 2nd.

In the bottom half Hatcher smacks a solo shot to put the Cubs on the board.
We got Dave Owen out in a sweet Mazzilli - Oberkfell - Thompson - Priske run down.

Giants lead 6-1.

I led off the 7th by flying out to Hatcher in centre.
Before the inning was up, Robby Thompson smacked a Grand Slam!

Giants lead 10-1.

Willie Fraser took over for Eck in the bottom half.

I came up in the 8th with two out and grounded out to Ray Knight at 3rd.

Pat Perry came in to pitch the 8th.

In the 9th Robby hit his 2nd home run of the game. This time it was a two-run shot.

Giants lead 12-1.

Pat allowed a couple of hits in the bottom half, but no runs and we had the decisive win!

We are 22-11!

We trail eh Reds by one game.

I went 1 for 4 with a walk, 2 runs scored, and 3 stolen bases.

Robby was named Player of the Day, across both leagues, by the media!

May 14th, 1986

Today the Giants are pitching Bruce Ruffin (3-1, 3.05).
The Cubs are pitching Greg Maddux (3-2, 4.00).

I have only gone 0 for 2 vs Maddux.


I kicked off the game by... HITTING MY FIRST HOME RUN OF THE SEASON! WOO-HOO!!

Before the inning was up, Mike Aldrete scored on a Rob Deer sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0.

I got the 2nd out of the bottom half, off a Mel Hall grounder. (scum bag...)

I then got the 1st out in the 2nd off a Jody Davis grounder. I then got the 2nd out by snatching a Warren Cromartie liner.

I led off the 3rd by working a walk. I moved to 2nd on an Aldrete single. I picked up stolen base #29 and scored when Davis threw it away trying to catch me. Aldrete scored on a Deer single.

Giants lead 4-0.

The Cubs got on the board not he home half, when Billy Hatcher scored on a Gary Jones single. Then Jones scored on a Hall double. Ray Knight scored on a Shawon Dunston ground out. Hall scored on a Cecil Cooper ground out.

Game tied 4-4.

I came up in the 4th with two out and singled through the right side. I got no further.

In the bottom half I got the 2nd out on a Hatcher grounder.

Oh no! Robby Thompson led off the 6th and took a Greg Madddux fastball to the head! He had to be taken from the field! John Rabb took his spot, but there are some Giants who want a piece of Maddux!

Ben Oglivie pinch hit for Ruffin and hit into a double play so I came up with two out and nobody on. I grounded out to Knight at 3rd.

Frank Williams relieved for us. I got him the 1st out off a Dave Martinez grounder, who was pinch hitting for Maddux. Getting him out of the game was probably safest.

In the bottom of the 7th I started a Priske - Rabb - Aldrete double play to get Knight and Hall.

I came up in the 8th with two out, Rabb on 2nd, and pinch hitter Chris Brown on 1st. Aurelio Lopez was pitching. I grounded out to Dunston at short.

Jeff Robinson took over for us after that. Davis scored on a pinch hitter Marvell Wynne's sac fly. I grabbed a Hatcher liner to end the inning.

Cubs lead 5-4.

Things looked bad but in the top of the 9th, Rob Deer doubled home Aldrete and Child Davis to give us the lead!

Giants lead 6-5.

Scott Garrelts came it to close out the game. He walked the first batter he faced but handled the next three to give us the win!

We are 23-11.

Big day for me, going 2 for 4 with a home run!

But the big news is Robby. We have to wait and find out how scrambled his noodles are.

Tomorrow is a travel day and then we are home to face the Phillies... and apparently we are facing Greg Maddux's brother.