Chasing History: Jimmie Foxx

Friday night, Jimmy Foxx did something that only one other person in history has done...he hit his 896th home run, tying him with Mickey Mantle for the most all time. Breaking the record and becoming the all time home runs leader was part of the reason that Foxx signed on to come back for another year with the Twins. "Now it's here," he said. "I have looked forward to the possibility of this point in my career for a long time, and it has finally come. I can't wait to get back out there and break the record."

Mantle was in attendance Friday as Foxx hit the bomb that tied them. "This is what baseball is all about," Mantle said. "Breaking records. Chasing history. These are the things that make the game great." Amazingly, when Foxx hits his next home run, he could likely break another record...most RBI's all time. Foxx currently has 2330 RBI's, whereas Mantle, the current leader, has 2331. How interesting...that both records would fall so close, perhaps the same week, maybe even the same game or at bat. This will be an historic week in Habla.

How long these records will stand is unclear. Babe Ruth, currently only 29 years old, is only about 200 HR and less than 1000 RBI's behind Foxx. Once Foxx retires, Ruth will gain ground at an amazing rate, and both records could fall quickly. But Foxx isn't worried about that for now. He says he will just enjoy the time with his teammates and family. "This is the kind of thing that players dream about, and I am lucky enough to experience it."

Rookie of the Year Predictions

After a long drought of posts, we are back to report on the top Rookie of the Year candidates. Hopefully we will be back to our regular posting schedule. Enjoy checking out and debating the rookie of the year candidates. We noticed a lot of pitchers are pitching well, but have no run support so their records are suffering. Get some bats guys!! (Thanks to Steve PGH for helping compile this list)

AL ROY Candidates

1B Derek Lee (Rangers)- Is showing off bat with .293 average and belting 14 homers in first 2 months of season.

SP Jimmy Key (Red Sox)- Already 8-1 with a 2.16 ERA; opponents hitting just .131 off of him.

RF Hector Luna (Angels)- Batting .252 with 19 thefts in the 2 hole.

SP Chief Bender (Angels)- Has a 3.62 ERA and 82 k's to boot.

2B Brian Roberts (Athletics)- Has 6 homeruns and 12 sb’s as new Oakland leadoff hitter.

Others in the running: LF Cito Gaston (Angels), SP Joe Blanton (Angels), SP Kevin Ritz (Orioles), SP Ray Washburn (Tigers), RP Jay Powell (Yankees), 2B Bip Roberts (Indians)

NL ROY Candidates

SP Steve Barber (Braves)- He’s been sensational with 9 quality starts and a 3.01 ERA, but club is slow in getting him victories.

2B Robbie Alomar (Cardinals)- Has piled up 16 doubles already.

SP Mike Mussina (Mets)- His 4-7 start and 3.47 ERA have Mets fans excited about the future.

3B David Wright (Marlins)- Still waiting to cut loose, but has tremendous talent.

SP Jack McDowell (Mets)- Solid start (3.84 ERA) has been overshadowed by Mussina’s.

Others in the running: SP Jack Morris (Pirates), LF Jason Dubois (Cubs)