All Things Bubba

I don't think I like the idea of a World Series game on Halloween night. Kids have to choose between the game and trick-or-treating. And adults keep getting interrupted when the doorbell rings.

In the Halloween "spirit" - a New York ghost story.

The Dakota is an apartment complex in uptown Manhattan. It's a spooky-looking building; Rosemary's Baby was filmed there. But it's best known for being the building where John Lennon was gunned down by Mark David Chapman.

And it's Lennon's ghost that is seen at the Dakota. In particular, people report that they see him come out of the building and walk to the Imagine mosaic at the Strawberry Fields memorial, directly across the street in Central Park.

A Central Park hot dog vendor reported that he saw Lennon cross the street, singing "Give Peace a Chance." The ghost stopped at the Imagine mosaic, then vanished into thin air.

Would have posted this sooner, but I've been having major connectivity problems. I think squirrels are chewing on my DSL line. :-P

Anyway, if you're wondering what Bubba's doing these days...there's a video here. Or watch it on YouTube here. It's one of those Christian testimony things, and he talks a bit about what happened after his baseball career ended.

Yes, I'm sorry to say for those who are still hoping he'll return to baseball - it sounds like he really is permanently retired, and happy to be so. He says his career ended in 48 hours, when he failed his physical with the Mariners. After playing baseball since he was four years old, it was all over at age 31. He was scared at first, but says he's happier now than he's ever been, working in the family business in a 9-to-5 job, able to spend time with his family and with his church.

One cute thing...he talks about when he was drafted, and says it was 28th overall. Actually, it was 23rd overall. I'm kind of surprised he wouldn't remember that; it's kind of endearing.

Anyway, it's nice to hear about what he's up to these days, and I'm glad he's happy.

Labels: Bubba Crosby

Well, the good news is that Bubba Crosby got his photo in Sports Illustrated.

The bad news: it’s in the MLB Postseason Bloopers feature.


Yup, that freakin' collision again. At least Mr. Corcoran correctly puts the blame on Sheff, not Bubba.

The Yankees had a 2-1 lead in the second inning of the decisive game of the 2005 ALDS in Anaheim when, with two out and two on, Adam Kennedy lifted a fly ball to the warning track in right-center off Mike Mussina. Speedy center fielder Bubba Crosby settled under the ball, but Gary Sheffield, tracing the ball while looking over his shoulder and away from Crosby, who didn't appear to call for the ball, made a leaping attempt for the catch. Sheffield landed on Crosby and the ball fell for a two-RBI triple, giving the Angels a lead they never gave back.

That truly was the game from hell. All anybody remembers is that collision, but there was Torre calling a hit and run, and Bernie missing the sign, hanging Cano out to dry. Cano being called out for running outside the box by crabby Joe West. That crushing A-Rod GIDP. Had any of those gone differently, the game and the season might have been a very different story. Alas.

Labels: Bubba Crosby

The Arizona Fall League starts today. Nine years ago, Bubba Crosby got an invite. He was one of a handful of players John Sickels took a special interest in.

Bubba Crosby, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Peoria Javelinas)

Another 1998 first-rounder, Crosby was a major disappointment in 1999. He played better in 2000 but still hasn't reached Double-A. A good AFL showing will revive his prospect status, but if he doesn't do well you can expect his stock to drop even more than it already has.

So, how'd Bubba do? He kicked butt:

Bubba Crosby, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Peoria Javelinas)

Crosby has been a bit disappointing since being drafted in the first round in 1998. But he was anything but in Arizona, hitting .346 with a .510 slugging percentage. He was caught stealing seven times, but the Dodgers have to be happy with the bat he showed.

And another first round draft pick, Eric Duncan, was chosen MVP of the AFL a few years later, in 2005. Duncan is now a six-year free agent, so he may never even get a cup of coffee with the Yankees.

Labels: Bubba Crosby