As documented in Episode 87 of the Beer Baseball Blogcast, we have selected our 2021 Beer Baseball Blog Diamond Icons.
Out of 32 nominees, and a randomized head-to-head competition, Angelo Trinidad, Kevin Lyon, Cowboy Jack Durango, Daniel Garcia (from Halo Haven/All Angels Podcast), and Michael Mondragon have selected three inductees.
Congratulations to Bob Uecker, Dock Ellis, and Reggie Jackson for joining the 1st Class of inductees for this annual award. Note: Seth Beer was also selected as the Charter Member of the Beer Baseball Blog Diamond Icons.
In addition, the 1st 2021 Beer Baseball Blog Legacy Award goes to John Magdaleno (aka Johnny Mags) from Halo Haven and the All Angels Podcast who unfortunately passed away this year. Note: Brody Stevens was also selected as the Charter Member of the Beer Baseball Blog Legacy Award.
Also, the very first two 2021 Beer Baseball Blog Silver Chugger Awards go to musician Bob Log III and comedian Jackie Martling.
Thank you, to the judges, nominees, and winners for a great 2021.
2021 Beer Baseball Blog Diamond Icons
To honor the top members of the baseball community that has greatly impacted our year at the Beer Baseball Blog
Bob Uecker (1st Diamond Icon Class, 1st Ballot) – A catcher for the Milwaukee Braves (1962–1963), St. Louis Cardinals (1964–1965), Philadelphia Phillies (1966–1967), and Atlanta Braves (1967) with a lifetime batting average of .200, 14 home runs, and 74 RBIs. Broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers (1971–present). Most talked about moments: Uecker also appeared in a series of Miller Lite commercials starting in the 1980s and was a guest commentator for WrestleMania III and WrestleMania IV (Video)
Dock Ellis (1st Diamond Icon Class, 1st Ballot) – A pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1968–1975, 1979), New York Yankees (1976–1977), Oakland Athletics (1977), Texas Rangers (1977–1979), and New York Mets (1979). On September 1, 1971, Ellis was part of the Pirates lineup that became the first Major League franchise to field an all-black and Latino starting nine. Most talked about moment: Pitching a no-hitter on June 12, 1970, under the influence of LSD (Video)
Reggie Jackson (1st Diamond Icon Class, 1st Ballot) – ‘Mr. October’ is a Hall of Fame outfielder/designated hitter for Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (1967–1975), Baltimore Orioles (1976), New York Yankees (1977–1981), California Angels (1982–1986), and Oakland Athletics (1987). A 14× All-Star, 5× World Series champion, 2× World Series MVP (1973, 1977), and AL MVP (1973). Most talked about moments: Jackson appeared in the film The Naked Gun portraying an Angels outfielder hypnotically programmed to kill the Queen. He also was a part of the Beer Baseball Blogcast One Year Anniversary Gala (Video)
Seth Beer (Diamond Icon Award Charter Member) – We are honored to announce that outfielder/first baseman Seth Beer of the Arizona Diamondbacks has secured Charter Member status in the Diamond Icon club. How can we not love a baseball player with the last name ‘Beer’? Seth made his MLB debut in 2021, hitting a home run in his first at-bat in Seattle. But we know him from chasing him down in the minor leagues. We finally caught up with him in Corpus Christi, Texas when he was playing for the Double-A Hooks. Most talked about moment: We were able to secure an interview on the USS Lexington where Seth and his teammates were taking batting practice on a ship. Yes, a ship!! Watch it here: (Video)
2021 Legacy Award Winner
To honor and remember a fallen member of the baseball community
John Magdaleno aka Johnny Mags (1st Recipient of Award) – John began his California/Los Angeles Angels fandom at a young age with the 1986 American League Championship Series. His passion continued through the late 80s until his passing in 2021. John’s incredible reputation as an Angels’ trivia whiz was often heard on the All Angels Podcast which began airing in 2016. Most talked about moments: Beer Baseball Blogcast Ep. 44 (Tribute to Johnny Mags from Halo Haven/All Angels Podcast): (Video)
Brody Stevens (Legacy Award Charter Member) – A comedian’s comedian who played college baseball at Arizona State University. He was in Hangover 1, Hangover 2, and cut out of Funny People (this was a popular joke from Brody’s standup act). Unfortunately, Brody passed away in 2019. Most talked about moments: Every Beer Baseball Blog video is dedicated to Brody for his mantra to ‘Push and Believe’ (Video)
2021 Silver Chugger Award Winners
To honor outstanding achievement for the Beer Baseball Blog in the field of entertainment
Bob Log III (1st Silver Chugger Award Class) – Bob Log III is a one-man slide guitar band based in Tucson, Arizona, and Melbourne, Australia. His performance is described as a blues-punk-guitar dance party. He wears a full-body human cannonball suit and a helmet wired to a telephone receiver, which allows him to devote his hands and feet to a Silvertone archtop guitar and drums. Bob Log III continues to tour internationally, averaging 150 shows each year. Most talked about moments: Bob Log III created an incredible birthday song and video for Michael Mondragon on Episode 36 of the Beer Baseball Blogcast: (Video)
Jackie Martling (1st Silver Chugger Award Class) – ‘Jackie the Joke Man’ is best known as a former writer and in-studio comedian for The Howard Stern Show from 1983 to 2001. Most talked about moments: Martling wished the Beer Baseball Blogcast a Happy 1 Year Anniversary with a classic video that featured jokes about baseball and beer: (Video)
2021 Beer Baseball Blog Diamond Icons Nominees
Bob Watson (2021 Nominee) – A first baseman/left fielder for the Houston Astros (1966–1979), Boston Red Sox (1979), New York Yankees (1980–1982), and Atlanta Braves (1982–1984). Most talked about moments: Watson was credited with scoring the 1,000,000th run in MLB on May 4, 1975, and won $10,000 and one million Tootsie Rolls provided by the event’s sponsor. And he also had a cameo appearance in the 1977 movie ‘The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training’ (Video)
Bobby Valentine (2021 Nominee) – A utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. Later a manager for Texas Rangers (1985–1992), Chiba Lotte Marines (1995, 2004–2009), Mets (1996–2002), and Boston Red Sox (2012). Won the Japan Series in 2005. Most talked about moment: Valentine was ejected from a June 9, 1999, 14 inning game and returned to the dugout in a disguise. (Video)
Dave Winfield (2021 Nominee) – A Hall of Fame player for the San Diego Padres (1973–1980), New York Yankees (1981–1988, 1990), California Angels (1990–1991), Toronto Blue Jays (1992), Minnesota Twins (1993–1994), Cleveland Indians (1995). Most talked about moment: Winfield, unfortunately, killed a bird with a warm-up toss in Toronto on August 4, 1983. But the police treated the incident as if he did it on purpose (Video)
Earl Weaver (2021 Nominee) – A Hall of Fame manager for the Baltimore Orioles (1968–1982, 1985–1986). In 11 of his 17 seasons, the Orioles won 90 or more games, winning the 1970 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Most talked about moment: Weaver was known for his cigarette smoking habit in the dugout and fiery temper with umpires that were often captured on video (Video)
Eddie Gaedel (2021 Nominee) – Weighing 60 pounds and standing 3 feet 7 inches tall, Eddie Gaedel gained recognition in the second game of a St. Louis Browns doubleheader on August 19, 1951. He made a single plate appearance and was walked with four consecutive balls before being replaced by a pinch-runner. Most talked about moment: Gaedel became the shortest player in the history of Major League Baseball (Video)
Fred Lynn (2021 Nominee) – A center fielder for the Boston Red Sox (1974–1980), California Angels (1981–1984), Baltimore Orioles (1985–1988), Detroit Tigers (1988–1989), and San Diego Padres (1990). A 9× All-Star (1975–1983), AL MVP (1975), AL Rookie of the Year (1975), ALCS MVP (1982), 4× Gold Glove Award (1975, 1978–1980), and AL batting champion (1979). Most talked about moment: Kevin Lyon (Field Correspondent & Senior Research Analyst of the Beer Baseball Blog) once accidentally bumped Fred’s wife in the head with a bat at an autograph signing (Video)
Gaylord Perry (2021 Nominee) – A Hall of Fame pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. Perry has a 314–265 Win/Loss record and is a 2× Cy Young Award winner (1972, 1978). He pitched a no-hitter on September 17, 1968. Most talked about moment: Perry was widely considered to use the effective (yet illegal) spitball pitch. His 1974 autobiography was called ‘Me and the Spitter’. He was not ejected for the illegal pitch until August 23, 1982; the 21st season of his career (Video)
George Brett (2021 Nominee) – A Hall of Fame player for the Kansas City Royals (1973–1993). He is a 13× All-Star (1976–1988), World Series champion (1985), AL MVP (1980), and 3× AL batting champion (1976, 1980, 1990). Brett’s 3,154 career hits are second-most by any third baseman in major league history and rank 18th all-time. He is one of four players in Major League Baseball history to accumulate 3,000 hits, 300 home runs, and a career .300 batting average. Most talked about moments: The Pine Tar Incident (Video) and this unfortunate incident (Video)
Hal McRae (2021 Nominee) – McRae was an outfielder and designated hitter for the Cincinnati Reds (1968, 1970–1972) and Kansas City Royals (1973–1987). The manager for the Royals (1991–1994) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001–2002). A 3× All-Star (1975, 1976, 1982), 2× World Series champion (1985, 2006), and in the Royals Hall of Fame. Most talked about moment: McRae was known as a VERY aggressive baserunner (Video) and an even MORE aggressive manager (Video)
Harry Caray (2021 Nominee) – A Ford C. Frick Award winner as a broadcaster for the St. Louis Cardinals (1945–1969), St. Louis Browns (1945–1946), Oakland Athletics (1970), Chicago White Sox (1971–1981), and Chicago Cubs (1982–1997). Caray is credited with popularizing the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch of Cubs games at Wrigley Field. Most talked about moments: Caray would often announce the game from the outfield bleachers surrounded by beer cups and fans during his tenure with the White Sox. He also filmed commercials for Budweiser beer as a ‘Cub Fan, and a Bud Man’ (Video)
Joe Niekro (2021 Nominee) – The younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro, Joe played for the Chicago Cubs (1967–1969), San Diego Padres (1969), Detroit Tigers (1970–1972), Atlanta Braves (1973–1974), Houston Astros (1975–1985), New York Yankees (1985–1987), and Minnesota Twins (1987–1988). He is the Astros all-time leader in wins (144), walks (818), and wild pitches (128). Most talked about moment: during a game against the California Angels on August 3, 1987, Niekro was caught with an emery board and a piece of sandpaper that flew out of his pocket as he emptied it (Video)
Jose Canseco (2021 Nominee) – An outfielder / designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics (1985–1992, 1997), Texas Rangers (1992–1994), Boston Red Sox (1995–1996), Toronto Blue Jays (1998), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1999–2000), New York Yankees (2000), and Chicago White Sox (2001). He is a 6× All-Star, 2× World Series champion (1989, 2000), AL MVP (1988), AL Rookie of the Year (1986), and 2× MLB home run leader (1988, 1991). Most talked about moment: On May 26, 1993, against the Cleveland Indians, a fly ball that Canseco lost sight of as he was crossing the warning track hit him in the head and bounced over the wall for a home run (Video)
Kenny Rogers (2021 Nominee) – A pitcher for the Texas Rangers (1989–1995, 2000–2002, 2004–2005), New York Yankees (1996–1997), Oakland Athletics (1998–1999), New York Mets (1999), Minnesota Twins (2003), and Detroit Tigers (2006–2008). A 4× All-Star (1995, 2004–2006), World Series champion (1996), and pitched a perfect game on July 28, 1994. Most talked about moment: His unprovoked attack of cameramen during pre-game warmups (Video)
Kevin Youkilis (2021 Nominee) – The ‘Greek God of Walks’ was first and third baseman for the Boston Red Sox (2004–2012), Chicago White Sox (2012), New York Yankees (2013), and Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2014). Youkilis is a 3× All-Star (2008, 2009, 2011), World Series champion (2007), Gold Glove Award (2007), AL Hank Aaron Award (2008), and in the Red Sox Hall of Fame. Most talked about moment: Youkilis transitioned after retirement to owning a craft beer brewery called Loma Brewing Company in Los Gatos, California (Video)
Lars Nootbaar (2021 Nominee) – Nootbaar is a rookie outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a three-year starter for the USC Trojans and named the 2018 All-Pac-12 Conference as a sophomore after hitting .313 with 34 RBIs, 33 runs scored, and seven home runs. Most talked about moment: As documented in Ep. 55 of the Beer Baseball Blogcast, Angelo Trinidad (VP of Content Development of the Beer Baseball Blog) saw Lars play in Triple-A for the Memphis Redbirds against the Nashville Sounds on May 14th, 2021. Lars went from a heel to babyface in the course of a few innings (Video)
Lou Piniella (2021 Nominee) – ‘Sweet Lou’ was a left fielder for the Baltimore Orioles (1964), Cleveland Indians (1968), Kansas City Royals (1969–1973), and New York Yankees (1974–1984). Piniella was manager of Yankees (1986–1987, 1988), Cincinnati Reds (1990–1992), Seattle Mariners (1993–2002), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003–2005), and Chicago Cubs (2007–2010). He was the AL Rookie of the Year (1969), 3× World Series champion (1977, 1978, 1990), and 3× Manager of the Year (1995, 2001, 2008). Most talked about moment: Like Hal McRae and Earl Weaver, Piniella has a fiery temper and short fuse with umpires (Video)
Mal Fichman (2021 Nominee) – A minor league baseball manager notable for leading multiple championship teams in the Frontier League in the mid-to-late 1990s. Most talked about moment: On June 29, 1989, the Boise Hawks’ manager is suspended for one game for returning to the field after being ejected in the sixth inning disguised as the team’s mascot Humphrey the Hawk. The impostor gave instructions to his team for the remainder of the Northwest League contest against Salem (Story)
Morganna (2021 Nominee) – Morganna the Kissing Bandit was an entertainer who disrupted sporting events from 1970 through the 1990s. She famously rushed the field on many occasions and kissed players from Major League Baseball, the NBA, and even the NHL. Most talked about moment: Morganna has too many great moments to list here. Suffice to say, she is a legend (Video)
Ozzie Smith (2021 Nominee) – ‘The Wizard’ is a Hall of Fame shortstop for the San Diego Padres (1978–1981) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1982–1996). A 15× All-Star (1981–1992, 1994–1996), World Series champion (1982), NLCS MVP (1985), and a 13× Gold Glove Award winner (1980–1992). Most talked about moments: Ozzie was a part of the Beer Baseball Blogcast One Year Anniversary Gala and was a regular on The Baseball Bunch (Video)
Pete Rose (2021 Nominee) – The ‘Hit King’ played outfield and infield for the Cincinnati Reds (1963–1978, 1984–1986), Philadelphia Phillies (1979–1983), and Montreal Expos (1984). And was the manager of the Reds (1984–1989). He was the NL Rookie of the Year (1963), NL MVP (1973), World Series MVP (1975), 17× All-Star, 3× World Series champion (1975, 1976, 1980). He is the all-time hits leader in Major League Baseball with 4,256. Most talked about moment: Rose also has too many accomplishments to list here and is a constant source of baseball inspiration (Video)
Phil Niekro (2021 Nominee) – ‘Knucksie’ pitched for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1964–1983, 1987), New York Yankees (1984–1985), Cleveland Indians (1986–1987), and Toronto Blue Jays (1987). Niekro and his younger brother Joe amassed 539 wins between them (the most combined wins by brothers in baseball history). Phil’s 121 career victories after the age of 40 is an MLB record. He is a 5× All-Star (1969, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1984) and pitched a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres on August 5, 1973. Most talked about moment: An inspiration to all of us old guys with his knuckleball and upbeat personality (Video)
Phillip Wellman (2021 Nominee) – Wellman is the current manager of the San Antonio Missions, a Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. He has also managed the Winston-Salem Warthogs (1996), Burlington Bees (1997–1998), Chattanooga Lookouts (1999, 2001–2003), Mississippi Braves (2007–2010), Arkansas Travelers (2014), and the Amarillo Sod Poodles (2019–2020). Most talked about moment: On May 26, 2016, in a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, he was ejected after protesting a runner called out. The aftermath became an instant classic (Video)
Randy Johnson (2021 Nominee) – ‘The Big Unit’ is a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Montreal Expos (1988–1989), Seattle Mariners (1989–1998), Houston Astros (1998), Arizona Diamondbacks (1999–2004), New York Yankees (2005–2006), Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–2008), and the San Francisco Giants (2009). He is a 10× All-Star, pitched a no-hitter on June 2, 1990, and pitched a perfect game on May 18, 2004. Most talked about moment: In a freak accident on March 24, 2001, during the 7th inning of a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants, Johnson threw a fastball that struck a dove (Video)
Rollie Fingers (2021 Nominee) – Rollie was a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Oakland Athletics (1968–1976), San Diego Padres (1977–1980), and Milwaukee Brewers (1981–1982, 1984–1985). Known for his neatly groomed handlebar mustache, Rollie finished his career with a 114–118 Win/Loss record, 1,299 strikeouts, and 341 saves. He is a 7× All-Star, 3× World Series champion, AL MVP (1981), and AL Cy Young Award (1981). Most talked about moment: Rollie was a part of the Beer Baseball Blogcast One Year Anniversary Gala (Video)
San Diego Chicken (2021 Nominee) – The San Diego Chicken is a sports mascot played by Ted Giannoulas. He is also known as The Famous Chicken, the KGB Chicken, or just The Chicken. The success of the Chicken helped lead to mascots becoming widespread throughout pro sports, particularly Major League Baseball. Most talked about moment: The Chicken appeared at WrestleMania XV and WrestleMania 2000. The costume was worn by Pete Rose at WrestleMania XV, during which he was given the Tombstone Pile Driver by Kane. He was also a standout character on the Baseball Bunch and many sporting events (Video)
Tsuyoshi Shinjo (2021 Nominee) – Was an outfielder for the Hanshin Tigers (1991–2000), New York Mets (2001), San Francisco Giants (2002), New York Mets (2003), and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2004–2006). Shinjo is the second Japanese-born position player to play a Major League Baseball (and the first in the National League) game and was the first Japanese-born player to appear in the World Series. Most talked about moment: In 2022, the flamboyant Japanese celebrity, model, and clothing mogul will manage the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Video)
Wally Backman (2021 Nominee) – Wally was an infielder for the New York Mets (1980–1988), Minnesota Twins (1989), Pittsburgh Pirates (1990), Philadelphia Phillies (1991–1992), and Seattle Mariners (1993). He managed the Binghamton Mets, Las Vegas 51s, Buffalo Bisons, Acereros de Monclova, Brooklyn Cyclones, New Britain Bees, and Long Island Ducks. Most talked about moment: As manager of the South Georgia Peanuts he had this very Earl Weaver-ish meltdown caught immortalized on the TV series ‘Playing for Peanuts’ (Video)
Wade Boggs (2021 Nominee) – ‘The Chicken Man’ is a Hall of Fame third baseman for the Boston Red Sox (1982–1992), New York Yankees (1993–1997), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998–1999). A 12× All-Star (1985–1996) and 5× AL batting champion (1983, 1985–1988) retired with a .328 batting average with 3,010 hits, 118 home runs, and 1,014 RBIs. Most talked about moment: Boggs is rumored to have once consumed 107 beers on a cross-country flight. This was featured in an episode of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ in which Boggs had a cameo role (Video)
Alex Rodriguez (2021 Nominee) – ‘A-Rod’ was a shortstop/third baseman for the Seattle Mariners (1994–2000), Texas Rangers (2001–2003), and New York Yankees (2004–2013, 2015–2016). He was a 14× All-Star, World Series champion, 3× AL MVP, 2× Gold Glove Award, 10× Silver Slugger Award, 4× AL Hank Aaron Award, MLB batting champion, and a 5× AL home run leader. He ended with a .295 batting average, 3,115 hits, 2,086 RBIs, and 696 home runs (4th all-time). Most talked about moment: Alex is often a punchline on the Beer Baseball Blogcast for his questionable photoshoots (Link)
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