Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now



Biancalana and Yellin Share Thoughts on Geeks vs. Traditionalists 2

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Todd Civin

By Buddy Biancalana and Steve Yellin

I just returned from the Winter Baseball Meetings in Indianapolis.  The gathering is always an interesting few days for

OBP and OBS are the key baseball stats of the 2000's

OBP and OBS are the key baseball stats of the 2000's

me due to my partner, Steven Yellin, and my working to introduce new methods of teaching sports.

Baseball traditionalists, as one general manger told me are very slow to change, whether it has to do with technology or something pertaining to training techniques.  I understand the resistance to new ways in our fast changing world.

A day doesn’t pass for me that I don’t think that I should be taking greater advantage of social media. I know it’s the quickest and most economical way to spread information, but I still don’t utilize it to the degree I could and should. Why? No good reason, except that I just haven’t decided to stretch myself in that direction yet.

Another interesting experience for me at the Meetings was looking around and seeing so many “non baseball looking” people.   The Geeks as we know have infiltrated baseball and have brought great creativity, analytical methods and knowledge. Read the rest of this entry →

Through The Eyes of…Buddy Biancalana: Forever A World Series Hero 4

Posted on September 07, 2009 by Todd Civin

The following is part of a weekly series called “Through the Eyes of…” In each segment, I share interviews with or stories about those I view to be the “Good Guys.”

“Through the Eyes of…” is a part of my personal crusade to present baseball in all its beauty, splendor, and goodness, instead of through hashing and rehashing all that is broken with our national treasure.

1983 Baseball Card of our hero, Buddy Biancalana

1983 Baseball Card of our hero, Buddy Biancalana

After spending twenty minutes and twenty dollars in the batting cage with my son this weekend, I exited the cage with several quarter sized blisters on my Avon Skin So Soft hands and a case of heartburn after ingesting a huge dose of humility.

I came to several conclusions as I tossed my batting helmet and bat in disgust.

Aging is a cruel, cruel reality that I simply haven’t yet come to grips with. How a man can get winded, while swinging and missing at a slow pitch softball is beyond me.

Second, when your wife tells you that she’s not laughing at you, she’s laughing with you, she’s only being kind.

Third, hitting a round object with a wooden stick that is hurled in your direction at 90+ miles an hour, must be the most difficult accomplishment in sports. For those of us who sit at home cursing at any of these athletes who still manage to hit one ball in four, should take a few cuts in their cleats before playing arm chair manager. Read the rest of this entry →

  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Archie Griffin: 2-Time Heisman Winner
      December 11, 2022 | 1:42 pm
      Archie Griffin

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is the only football player ever to capture college football’s top individual award twice.

      As a star running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Archie Griffin claimed the Heisman Trophy during his junior season in 1974 and then was able to repeat the honor the following season.

      Griffin joined the Buckeyes for the 1972 season, which happened to be the first in which freshmen were eligible to play varsity football, and made an immediate impact. After fumbling in his only carry of his first game, Griffin more than made up for it in his second game by rushing for 237 yards against North Carolina. By the end of the season, Griffin had rushed for 867 yards.

      Read more »

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