It’s impossible to go watch any sports news report or surf over to ESPN the last few days without hearing or reading about the pending statements and affidavits circling around the house committee’s steroids investigation. Of all the names being tossed around during this investigation, one intriguing player particularly caught my eye. This blast from the past was none other than Chuck Knoblauch.
As a Yankee fan, Knoblauch was, as much as I hate to admit it, a key catalyst in the 1998 World Series. He was a former Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove Award winner; however, the unfortunate truth is that he will always be remembered for his throwing troubles. Yes, he along with a handful of other Major League players contracted the career fatal…dum, dum, dum…Steve Blass Disease!
Steve Blass, eh? Yes, Steve Blass. Blass was a solid starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1960s and early 1970s posting 18 wins, a 2.12 ERA, and 7 shutouts in 1968 followed by 60 wins between 1969-1972 including a 19 win 1972 season. In the 1971 World Series, Blass pitched 2 complete game victories against the Orioles and finished second in the series’ MVP voting. Then in 1973, Blass totally lost it. Blass’ ERA skyrocketed from 3.24 to 9.81 as he walked 84 batters and struck out only 27 in 88 innings. Blass never fully recovered from this mental lapse and the term Steve Blass Disease was coined for any player who just inexplicably completely lost their skills (most notably throwing). It typically leads to the demise of careers and some medical experts even consider it more devastating than Groat’s Syndrome.
As a Yankee fan, Knoblauch was, as much as I hate to admit it, a key catalyst in the 1998 World Series. He was a former Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove Award winner; however, the unfortunate truth is that he will always be remembered for his throwing troubles. Yes, he along with a handful of other Major League players contracted the career fatal…dum, dum, dum…Steve Blass Disease!
Steve Blass, eh? Yes, Steve Blass. Blass was a solid starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1960s and early 1970s posting 18 wins, a 2.12 ERA, and 7 shutouts in 1968 followed by 60 wins between 1969-1972 including a 19 win 1972 season. In the 1971 World Series, Blass pitched 2 complete game victories against the Orioles and finished second in the series’ MVP voting. Then in 1973, Blass totally lost it. Blass’ ERA skyrocketed from 3.24 to 9.81 as he walked 84 batters and struck out only 27 in 88 innings. Blass never fully recovered from this mental lapse and the term Steve Blass Disease was coined for any player who just inexplicably completely lost their skills (most notably throwing). It typically leads to the demise of careers and some medical experts even consider it more devastating than Groat’s Syndrome.
This Week…The Top Five (In No Particular Order) Steve Blass Disease Patients1. Chuck Knoblauch
Once hit Keith Olberman’s mother, who was sitting behind first base, in the face with one of his wild throws.
2. Rick Ankiel
Co-Holder, along with Bert Cunningham of the 1890 Player’s League, of the dubious record for throwing 5 wild pitches in an inning.
3. Mackey Sasser
Unable to throw the ball back to the mound properly. Bret Butler once embarrassed him by stealing a base on one of his lobs back to the box.
4. Steve Sax
Committed 30 Knoblauch-esque errors in 1983. “You don't know when to keep your mouth shut, do you, Saxxy Boy?”
5. Rube Baker
Much like Sasser before him, Baker had trouble getting the ball back to the pitcher. Luckily, a few reads of “Playboy” got him over his yips.
Now to this week’s If That’s What You’re Into’s…
Coach Who Squeezed the Most Out ofHis Her Players’ Mind Grapes:
C. Vivian Stringer – Despite the “loss,” C Viv, had Rutgers within 0.2 seconds (sort of) of upsetting number one Tennessee last night. But they did lose.
Ace of the Week:
Alexander Ovechkin – Alexander the Great has led the recent Washington Capital surge scoring 4 goals and recording 2 assists in 3 Capital wins last week. It’s no wonder he leads the NHL in goals and points.
The Jake Plummer Best Press Photo of the Week:
Primoz Brezec – This guy plays in the NBA??? Shouldn’t he be doing my geometry homework?
Coach Who Squeezed the Most Out of
C. Vivian Stringer – Despite the “loss,” C Viv, had Rutgers within 0.2 seconds (sort of) of upsetting number one Tennessee last night. But they did lose.
Ace of the Week:
Alexander Ovechkin – Alexander the Great has led the recent Washington Capital surge scoring 4 goals and recording 2 assists in 3 Capital wins last week. It’s no wonder he leads the NHL in goals and points.
The Jake Plummer Best Press Photo of the Week:
Primoz Brezec – This guy plays in the NBA??? Shouldn’t he be doing my geometry homework?
Old Wrestler to Waste 10 Minutes Wiki-ing:
Tony Atlas – And as an added “MTV True Life: I’m a Pro Wrestler” Bonus, check out http://www.lesthatcher.com/ – very informative website, especially if you are interested in buying your own wrestling ring!
Here Comes Treble – Song I am Listening to Right Now:
The Beatles – I’ve Got a Feeling
Humorous Sports Blooper of the Week:
Hhhhwhat?
Social Gaffe of the Week:
Just when you thought it was safe to stop hating Massachusetts after the Pats loss, this just in: for the second time in two months a convicted felon has won the Massachusetts lottery. This time, it was convicted sex offender Daniel Snay who won $10 million which will most likely be used to build an intricate practice green in his backyard to help give neighbors valuable golf tips.
Creepy Fact of the Week:
Those aren’t Buoys!
Classic SNL Skit of the Week:
In honor of the Shaq trade last week.
Fearless Prediction of the Week:
Tonight’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA will be pre-empted for an impromptu Gilbert Gottfried hosted Silk Stalkings marathon. Come on, like I was the only one who achieved an erection while watching USA "Up All Night" (sadly enough, last weekend, not when I was 13).
Tony Atlas – And as an added “MTV True Life: I’m a Pro Wrestler” Bonus, check out http://www.lesthatcher.com/ – very informative website, especially if you are interested in buying your own wrestling ring!
Here Comes Treble – Song I am Listening to Right Now:
The Beatles – I’ve Got a Feeling
Humorous Sports Blooper of the Week:
Hhhhwhat?
Social Gaffe of the Week:
Just when you thought it was safe to stop hating Massachusetts after the Pats loss, this just in: for the second time in two months a convicted felon has won the Massachusetts lottery. This time, it was convicted sex offender Daniel Snay who won $10 million which will most likely be used to build an intricate practice green in his backyard to help give neighbors valuable golf tips.
Creepy Fact of the Week:
Those aren’t Buoys!
Classic SNL Skit of the Week:
In honor of the Shaq trade last week.
Fearless Prediction of the Week:
Tonight’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA will be pre-empted for an impromptu Gilbert Gottfried hosted Silk Stalkings marathon. Come on, like I was the only one who achieved an erection while watching USA "Up All Night" (sadly enough, last weekend, not when I was 13).
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