February 22, 2012
Now Available for 2012 THT Essentials: Now Available The Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2012, an annual "must buy" for all baseball fans, is now shipping. Read this article to learn more about it.
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About Richard BarbieriBorn and raised in New York City, Richard still lives there to this day. He works full-time at a large New York City government agency, a job which funds both his apartment and the many, many baseball books that occupy that space. But not much else.Note: This page displays up to 100 articles at a time. To view a subset of a writer's work, click on one of the following years: 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Richard Barbieri's ArticlesClick here to view an RSS feed of this writer's articles. The all-month team: FebruaryFebruary 02, 2012Can the shortest month of the year field a team to compete with the others? On Edgar MartinezJanuary 19, 2012Does Edgar Martinez deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame? The all-month team: JanuaryJanuary 05, 2012Continuing his project of finding which month is best, Richard takes a look at January's gang The all-month team: DecemberDecember 15, 2011In the first of a series, Richard looks at the best players from the year's final month This annotated week in baseball history: Dec. 4-Dec. 10, 2011December 08, 2011Less than 20 shopping days left until Christmas. In the spirit of the (off) season, Richard suggests some books. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 13-Nov. 20, 1862November 17, 2011From Weihe to Bass; follow the path Offseason decisions: Should the Yankees sign CJ Wilson?November 10, 2011Is the Ranger lefty the missing jewel in the Yankee crown? This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 30-Nov. 5, 2009November 03, 2011On November 4, 2009 the Yankees won the World Series. For the Yankees, this represented their twenty-seventh championship, but was also an important win in another tally. Richard explains why. Postseason Yankees: CC and the question marksSeptember 26, 2011The offense is strong as usual, but who will take the bump behind Sabathia? This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 11-17, 1941September 15, 2011On September 17, 1941, Stan Musial made his debut for the St. Louis Cardinals, the only franchise for which he would ever play. This annotated week in baseball history: Sep. 4-Sept. 10, 1999September 08, 2011On Sept. 10, 1999, Pedro Martinez pitched the greatest game Richard has ever seen. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2011September 01, 2011In honor of the blackouts caused through the East Coast by Hurricane Irene, Richard looks at some hitters who were lacking power themselves. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 21-Aug. 27, 1970August 25, 2011On Aug. 25, 1970, Doug Glanville—perhaps the most prominent of recent Ivy League ballplayers—was born. In his honor, the All-Ivy team. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 14-Aug. 20, 50 BCAugust 18, 2011August 17 is the traditional Roman celebration of Janus, the god with two faces. In honor of this, Richard looks at the best of switch-hitters. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 7-Aug. 13, 1952August 11, 2011This week Richard’s column goes to the birds as he looks back on some of the notable aviary events in baseball history that centered on this week. THT Live: Steve Rogers goes to Ebbets FieldAugust 04, 2011This annotated week in baseball history: July 24-July 30, 2011July 28, 2011On July 30, 2011 Richard will be running a half-marathon. In honor of his run, he looks at the distance travelled by some notable players. This annotated week in baseball history: July 17-July 23, 1901July 21, 2011On July 20, 1901 Heinie Manush was born. Richard looks back at his Hall of Fame career. This annotated week in baseball history: July 3-July 9, 1859July 07, 2011On July 4, 1859, Mickey Welch was born. He became one of just five pitchers to win 300 games before the 20th century. This annotated week in baseball history: June 26-July 2, 1936June 30, 2011On June 29, 1936, Harmon Killebrew was born. Richard looks back on his Hall of Fame career. This annotated week in baseball history: June 19-25, 2011June 23, 2011A look at Jack McKeon's path to managing again at 80 years old This annotated week in baseball history: June 12-18, 1938June 16, 2011On June 15, 1938, Billy Williams was born. This week Richard looks back on his life and career. This annotated week in baseball history: June 5-11, 1925June 09, 2011On June 8, 1925, Eddie Gaedel was born. This got Richard thinking about other famous one-game players. This annotated week in baseball history: May 22-28, 2008May 26, 2011On May 23, 2008, Richard went to his first game at Coors Field. Today, he writes about the park's history. This annotated week in baseball history: May 15-21, 1902May 19, 2011On May 21, 1902 Earl Averill was born. "The Earl of Snohomish” would become a six-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer. This annotated week in baseball history: May 8-14, 1935May 12, 2011On May 12, 1935 Felipe Alou was born. He was the first of the Alou dynasty to reach the majors, but where does the family patriarch fall on the scale of similar players? This annotated week in baseball history: May 1-7, 1994May 05, 2011On May 6, 1994, Anthony Young won a game he started for the first time in more than two years, linking him to Ike Pearson and Dolly Gray, to say nothing of Spud Chandler and Jon Lester. This annotated week in baseball history: April 24-30, 1788April 28, 2011On April 28, 1788, Maryland ratified the U.S. Constitution, the seventh state to do so. In honor of its joining the Union, Richard creates the All-Maryland team. This annotated week in baseball history: April 17-23, 2011April 21, 2011Looking through a pack of baseball cards to see what history can be found in Topps’ 2011 set. This annotated week in baseball history: April 10-16, 1880April 14, 2011On April 12, 1880, Addie Joss was born. Joss played only nine seasons and won just 160 games but still earned Hall of Fame election in 1978. Book Review: The House That Ruth BuiltApril 07, 2011Taking a break from writing history, Richard reviews The House That Ruth Built, the story of the original Yankee Stadium's inaugural season. This annotated week in baseball history: March 27-April 2, 1869March 31, 2011On April 2, 1869, Hugh Jennings was born. Through his life, he would be known as Hughie, Ee-Yah and finally as a Hall of Famer. This annotated week in baseball history: March 20-26, 1951March 24, 2011On March 24, 1951, Tommy Hilfiger was born. What does that have to do with baseball? Surely he could have designed better uniforms than these. This annotated week in baseball history: March 13-19, 1906March 17, 2011A two-for-one special recapping the careers of “Little Poison” and “Big Poison.” Five questions: New York YankeesMarch 14, 2011The first of a series looking at the keys to the 2011 season for all 30 teams. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 27-Mar. 12, 2011March 03, 2011In honor of his upcoming 27th birthday, Richard looks back at some of the great seasons ever posted by men that age. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 20-Feb. 26, 1975February 24, 2011On Feb. 20, 1975, Livan Hernandez was born. He's is part of a rare club: pitchers with more than 150 victories despite an ERA+ less than 100. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 13-Feb. 19, 1915February 17, 2011On February 18, 1915, Joe Gordon was born. The 1942 Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star, “Flash” was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Richard looks back at his life and career. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 5-Feb. 12, 1895February 10, 2011On Feb. 6, 1895 Babe Ruth was born. Many would consider him a no doubt choice for the list of 10 most influential figures in baseball history, but does he deserve it? This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2011February 03, 2011On Jan. 30, 2011 the NFL Pro Bowl was played. Though that football game is Hawaii's sports highlight, this does not mean the state has not produced baseball players. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 16-Jan. 22, 1960January 27, 2011On January 29, 1960 Steve Sax was born. Sax’s career took him from Rookie of the Year to Simpsons guest star to “Steve Sax Syndrome.” Richard looks back on these moments and more. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 16-Jan. 22, 1916January 20, 2011On Jan. 21, 1916 Germany Schaefer was purchased by the New York Yankees. For a simple transaction, there are a number of good stories involved. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 9-Jan. 15, 1939January 13, 2011On January 13, 1939, Jacob Ruppert died. Ruppert was a National Guard colonel, a four-term Congressman and a Brewery owner, but his real fame came from ownership of the New York Yankees. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 2-Jan. 8, 1982January 06, 2011On January 7, 1982 Francisco Rodriguez—K-Rod to his fans—was born. This is just one of the historically important closer births this week. This annotated week in baseball history: Dec. 12-Dec. 18, 2010December 16, 2010This week Richard moves into his new apartment. In honor of the move, he looks back at the first season by players who moved to a new home and did so for many millions of dollars. This annotated week in baseball history: Dec. 5-Dec. 11, 1976December 09, 2010On December 7, 1976 the Seattle Mariners traded Grant Jackson to the Pirates for Craig Reynolds and Jimmy Sexton. The trade is notable, but not for the players involved. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 1998December 02, 2010On November 30, 1998 Randy Johnson signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This would prove to be one of the great contracts of all-time for a pitcher. Richard looks at this and other deals. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 14-Nov. 20, 1892November 19, 2010On Nov. 19, 1892 Everett Scott was born. Scott is the answer to a trivia question that puts him in common with players like Steve Garvey and Matt Kemp. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 6-Nov. 13, 1896November 11, 2010On November 8, 1896, Bucky Harris was born. Richard continues to fill in the gaps in his Hall of Fame education with a look back at the life and career of the "The Boy Wonder." This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2010November 04, 2010November 5 is the birth date of players who earned seven All-Star appearances, hit more than 800 home runs, and won more than 400 games. But it is also the birthday of a number of players with a memorable name. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 24-Oct. 30, 1922October 28, 2010On October 27, 1922 Ralph Kiner was born. As with many Hall of Famers from before his time, Richard knows only the basics of Kiner’s career. This week he looks back to learn more. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 17-Oct. 23, 2010October 21, 2010While the League Championships Series continue this week, Richard looks back at some notable leaders in those series, which are often overlooked. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 3-Oct. 9 1927October 07, 2010On Oct. 8, 1927 the World Series ended in a rather unusual way, giving the powerhouse Yankees the title. Richard looks back at this and other last moments of the fall classic. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 19-Sept. 25 1958September 23, 2010On September 20, 1958 Hoyt Wilhelm threw a no-hitter against the New York Yankees. That remains the last time a single pitcher no-hit the Bronx Bombers. Richard looks back at this and other franchise no-hitter records. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 12-Sept. 18 1960September 16, 2010On September 17, 1960 John Franco was born. Franco recorded 424 saves in his career, a number which still stands as a record, one under fire this season. Richard looks back on his life and career. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 6-Sept. 11, 1999September 09, 2010On September 11, 1999 the Minnesota Twins gave any pajama-clad fan free admission. Richard looks back at this and other unusual promotions. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 22-Aug. 28, 1960August 26, 2010On August 24, 1960 Cal Ripken Jr. was born. After a 21-year career, justly rewarded with a plaque in Cooperstown, Ripken continues to be involved in the game at both the youth and professional levels. Few in baseball can compare with Ripken’s fame; Richard looks at them this week. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 15-Aug. 21, 1940August 19, 2010On Aug. 17, 1977 Mike Maroth was born. Maroth holds a dubious distinction: He was the last pitcher to lose 20 games. This annotated week in baseball history: August 8-August 14, 1940August 12, 2010On August 12, 1940 Ernest Lawrence Thayer, the author of Casey at the Bat died in California. Richard looks back at the history of the man himself, and the work that made him famous. This annotated week in baseball history: August 1-August 8, 1914August 05, 2010August 3 has seen several events in baseball’s past which are unlikely to be repeated any time soon. Richard looks back at the unusual history which accompanies this day. The Indie SceneJuly 22, 2010This Sunday Richard went to see the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League play. He comes back with some observations on the nature of baseball outside the major league hierarchy. This annotated week in baseball history: July 11-July 17, 1999July 15, 2010On July 15, 1999 Safeco Field opened in Seattle. That meant the end of major league baseball at the Kingdome, which hosted the game from 1977 until that date without ever seeing a title. Richard looks at other, similar parks. This annotated week in baseball history: June 27-July 3, 1962July 01, 2010On June 28, 1962, Mickey Cochrane died. In honor of his passing, Richard looks back on the man known as "Black Mike." This annotated week in baseball history: June 20-June 26, 1953June 24, 2010June 20 was Father’s Day this year. In honor of celebrating Dad, Richard looks back on some of the notable Senior and Junior pairs in major league history. This annotated week in baseball history: June 13-June 19, 1953June 17, 2010On June 13, 1953, Bob Elliott was sent to the Chicago White Sox. This was the last major league franchise the man known as “Mr. Team” would play for, but that does not mean his story is worth passing up. This annotated week in baseball history: June 6-June 12, 1947June 10, 2010On June 10, 1947, Ken Singleton was born. Richard looks back on his life and career. This annotated week in baseball history: May 31-June 5, 1993June 03, 2010On June 3, 1993, Alex Rodriguez was drafted as the first pick in the first round of the amateur draft by the Seattle Mariners. He is the best player taken in that spot since the draft began in 1965. Richard looks at some others. This annotated week in baseball history: May 23-May 30, 1973May 27, 2010On May 26, 1973, Louis “Chicken” Hawks died in California. Hawks had a limited career, so he did not make the cut for Richard’s All-Bird Team. Read on to find out who did. This annotated week in baseball history: May 16-May 22, 2010May 20, 2010This past week, both Mariano Rivera and Jonathan Papelbon suffered blown saves. This got Richard to think about some of the playoff blown save superlatives in baseball history. This annotated week in baseball history: May 2-May 8, 1893May 06, 2010On May 8, 1893, Edd Roush was born. Before his major league career ended in 1931 he would win two batting titles, top forty doubles and thirty steals, and win a World Series. Richard looks back at his career. This annotated week in baseball history: April 25-May 1, 1983April 29, 2010On April 27, 1983, Nolan Ryan broke the all-time strikeout record previously held by Walter Johnson. Richard looks back on the Ryan Express and his career. This annotated week in baseball history: April 18-April 24, 2010April 22, 2010On April 23, St. George’s Day will be celebrated around the world. In honor of the man himself, Richard presents the All-George Team, the best of the best of those who share their name with the dragon slayer. A PitchSight To SeeApril 14, 2010This week Richard takes a break from looking at the history of baseball, and interviews a pair of men—including a 300-game winner—seeking to help define baseball's technological future. This annotated week in baseball history: April 4-April 10, 1966April 08, 2010On April 8, 1966, the Houston Astros had their home opener. Though this was the second Opening Day at the Astrodome, it was the first to be played on AstroTurf. In honor of this event, Richard looks back on the history of "artificial grass." This annotated week in baseball history: March 28-April 3, 1989April 01, 2010On April 3, 1989, Ken Griffey Jr. made his major league debut. Since then he has created a Hall of Fame career for himself, but one honor—a World Series title—has eluded him. Richard looks at other great players with no ring. This annotated week in baseball history: March 21-March 27, 1951March 25, 2010On March 25, 1951, Eddie Collins died. Richard looks back at the career of this all-time great player. This annotated week in baseball history: March 14-March 20, 2010March 18, 2010On March 18, 2010, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will begin. In honor of this event, Richard looks back on the handful of players who saw time in the big leagues of both baseball and basketball. This annotated week in baseball history: March 7 - March 13, 2009March 11, 2010On March 10, 2009, the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic squad lost its second game to the unheralded Netherlands, knocking the Dominicans out of the tournament. But all is not lost for the DR, as this week Richard looks back at the best pitchers to come from the country. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 28 - March 6, 1944March 04, 2010On March 4, 1944, the Philadelphia Phillies officially changed their name to the Philadelphia Blue Jays. Obviously, it failed to take. Richard looks back on that and other name changes across baseball history. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 15 - Feb. 27, 1926February 25, 2010On Feb. 24, 1926, Eddie Plank died in Gettysburg, Pa. Gettysburg Eddie, nicknamed for the town where he was born, educated and died, won 326 games and two World Series during his 17-year career. Richard looks back at the A’s lefty. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 14 - Feb. 20, 1874February 18, 2010Fifty different men who have played in the major leagues were born on Feb. 20. And as luck would have it, several of them earned a memorable name. Richard looks back on a few. This annotated week in baseball history: Feb. 7 - Feb. 13, 2010February 11, 2010As "Snowmageddon" continues, paralyzing much of the East Coast, Richard looks at players who might be at home in such weather. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 1909February 04, 2010On Feb. 4, 1909, John Clarkson died in a Massachusetts psychiatric hospital. It was an unfortunate and inglorious end to the life of a man who is still one of the five winningest right-handed pitchers in National League history. Richard looks back on his life. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 1813January 28, 2010On Jan. 26, 1813, Juan Pablo Duarte was born. Duarte would go to a life as a leader in the movement to establish the Dominican Republic as an independent nation. In his honor, Richard brings you the All-Dominican Team. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 17 - Jan. 23, 2010January 21, 2010This week Richard received his copy of Chris Jaffe’s Evaluating Baseball’s Managers. In honor of the work, he attempts to assemble the "All-Manager Team." This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 1884January 14, 2010The past two years have seen the NHL stage the Winter Classic at two of baseball’s most famous parks. But on Jan. 16, 1884, a legendary baseball figure helped stage a baseball game unlike any you have ever seen, but one fans of the NHL could appreciate. This annotated week in baseball history: Jan. 3 - Jan. 9, 2010January 07, 2010As the first week of 2010 begins, Richard rolls back the clock to look at what stories might be news around this same time a century ago. This annotated week in baseball history: Dec. 13-Dec. 19, 1963December 17, 2009On Dec. 14, 1963, the final game at the Polo Grounds—a 19-10 defeat of the New York Titans by the Buffalo Bills—took place. Richard looks back at the park, and visits the location where it once stood. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 1969December 03, 2009On Nov. 29, 1969, Mariano Rivera was born. Richard looks back at the career of the greatest short reliever of all time. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 22-Nov. 28, 1951November 25, 2009On November 25, 1951 Bucky Dent was born. Dent had his brief, memorable moment in the sun, and of course, that is practically the only thing people know about him. Richard looks at other, similar players. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 15-Nov. 21, 1967November 19, 2009On Nov. 18, 1967, Tom Gordon was born. Gordon is one of only a handful of pitchers in the "3-100 Club"—those with 100 games started, wins and saves. Richard looks at the entire group. This annotated week in baseball history: Nov. 8-Nov. 13, 1993November 12, 2009On Nov. 12, 1993, Bill Dickey died. The former Yankee catcher was an all-time great, a Hall of Famer, 11-time All-Star and career .313 hitter. Dickey also played on eight teams that won a World Series; only two players have more. But this week Richard looks back on the unfortunate souls not so lucky. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 25-Oct. 31, 2009October 29, 2009Oct. 31 is Halloween, the day when people everywhere dress up and head out to trick-or-treat and maybe put a scare into their neighbors. Richard looks back at the men born on this day and what might scare them. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 18-Oct. 24, 1988October 22, 2009On Oct. 18, 1988, a walk-off home run was hit in the World Series off of an All-Star reliever. But this isn't Kirk Gibson off Dennis Eckersley, it is Mark McGwire and Jay Howell. Richard looks back at this and other memorable postseason series featuring multiple walk-offs. This annotated week in baseball history: Oct. 4-Oct. 10, 2009October 08, 2009As it turns out, the final regular season game of 2009 would not take place until Oct. 6, 2009—and what a game it was. But that hasn’t been enough to change Richard’s All-Decade team; today he completes the roster started last week. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2009October 01, 2009On Sept. 27, the final week of the games for the 2009 season began. This is also, of course, the last week of games for the decade that began in 2000. Richard looks back and presents the first half of his team of the decade. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 13-Sept. 19, 1853September 17, 2009On Sept. 14, 1853 Jake Goodman was born. He is the earliest born man from that date to debut in the Major Leagues, while the latest is Delmon Young, born on this date in 1985. Richard looks back at the players who connect them. This annotated week in baseball history: Sept. 6-Sept. 12, 1913September 10, 2009On Sept. 9, 1913 Hugh Mulcahy was born. Or, as he was known during his nine-year career "Losing Pitcher" Mulcahy. That is what happens when you have the misfortune of pitching for some of the worst teams in baseball history. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 1945September 03, 2009When it comes to great moments, historic games and memorable plays, Richard will admit that Sept. 4 does not notably stand out. But that doesn't mean the history of what took place on that isn't worth hearing, especially if you appreciate the more unusual bits in baseball history. This annotated week in baseball history: Aug. 23-Aug. 29, 2009August 28, 2009On Aug. 23, 2009, Eric Bruntlett turned just the 15th unassisted triple play in major league history. Richard, who was there to see it, looks at the history of of one of baseball's rarest plays. | ||||