A key contributor from the glory years got lost in the debate over whether Jackson Holliday should wear Cal Ripken Sr.'s uniform number. But that's typical for Mark Belanger.
Thank you for being an integral part of not only Orioles history, but the Ravens as well, not to mention fueling this (then) 13 year old boy's passion for the game with your insightful and entertaining articles. Aside from school, I loved reading 'The Sun,' and educating myself on baseball and what articles I could find on US/USSR relations.
Forgive my initial reticence on the Mark Belanger post, I did not want to be appear recalcitrant by posting negative stories within this forum, or even links to stories. Here is the overview: Mark lambasted Earl on 30 Sep 1981 in a 'Washington Post' and 'UPI' story (I am not a press man, I assume UPI picked this off the wire, and printed it). Earl fired back on a 02 Oct 1981 articles (same outlets) but the damage was done. Mark's career was effectively over. On 13 Nov 1981, after 17 seasons, Mark was officially released. He was signed by the Dodgers for 1982 on 11 Dec 1981 for $250,00 (Look into those articles, it was a huge shock to all that Mark spoke out as he did. I understand, being reserved is not the proper approach in all situations, but tact is key to communicate, along with "I statements").
My metal health & addictions background showing itself, occupational hazard. Thank you again, John, for making my formative years about the greatest game I have known, plus your contributions to the horse racing industry, and numerous other ventures as well (Smithsonian Magazine, very cool). Yes, I am a fan, but I try not to become a fanboy, but it is not easy to suppress. Kept up the amazing work, John, it is much appreciated.
From Allegany County, Maryland, I bid you a good night.
His contributions to those Orioles teams should never be overlooked. That left side of the infield,with Brooks and the Blade,is the best defensively ever. Period. What also should never be forgotten is his contribution to the MLBPA. He was a strong advocate for the players, pretty much until he passed away too young.
John:
Thank you for being an integral part of not only Orioles history, but the Ravens as well, not to mention fueling this (then) 13 year old boy's passion for the game with your insightful and entertaining articles. Aside from school, I loved reading 'The Sun,' and educating myself on baseball and what articles I could find on US/USSR relations.
Forgive my initial reticence on the Mark Belanger post, I did not want to be appear recalcitrant by posting negative stories within this forum, or even links to stories. Here is the overview: Mark lambasted Earl on 30 Sep 1981 in a 'Washington Post' and 'UPI' story (I am not a press man, I assume UPI picked this off the wire, and printed it). Earl fired back on a 02 Oct 1981 articles (same outlets) but the damage was done. Mark's career was effectively over. On 13 Nov 1981, after 17 seasons, Mark was officially released. He was signed by the Dodgers for 1982 on 11 Dec 1981 for $250,00 (Look into those articles, it was a huge shock to all that Mark spoke out as he did. I understand, being reserved is not the proper approach in all situations, but tact is key to communicate, along with "I statements").
My metal health & addictions background showing itself, occupational hazard. Thank you again, John, for making my formative years about the greatest game I have known, plus your contributions to the horse racing industry, and numerous other ventures as well (Smithsonian Magazine, very cool). Yes, I am a fan, but I try not to become a fanboy, but it is not easy to suppress. Kept up the amazing work, John, it is much appreciated.
From Allegany County, Maryland, I bid you a good night.
I remain,
Sincerely,
Brian Shea, Sr
Thanks for these kind sentiments, Brian. They're much appreciated after many years of cranking out all sorts of stuff. It has been a pleasure.
Very true, Ron. His years of union work is what many players from his era remember most about him.
His contributions to those Orioles teams should never be overlooked. That left side of the infield,with Brooks and the Blade,is the best defensively ever. Period. What also should never be forgotten is his contribution to the MLBPA. He was a strong advocate for the players, pretty much until he passed away too young.
Why Mark left the Orioles is a story worth remembering as well.....
Feel free to elaborate if you want, Brian.