Baseball Banter

     One of the most dominant hitters of the 1990s, a feared power hitter but did not get nearly the recognition that players like Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, and Barry Bonds. 3 teams benefitted from the services of Belle, the Indians, White Sox, and Orioles over a 12 year career. For Albert, it all got started when he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1987 MLB Amateur Draft by the Indians out of Louisiana State University. The college experience led to a quick rise through the minor leagues and he made his debut on July 15, 1989. Belle got off to a bit of a rough start playing in 62 games in 1989 batting only .225 with 7 home runs and 37 RBIs. 1990 did not fare much better as off the field issues got in the way causing Belle to only play in 9 games in the majors. Belle spent 2 months in a Cleveland Clinic for alcohol rehabilitation an early derailment to what was thought to be a very promising career. 1991 was the beginning of something special and a b...

Derrek Lee. A pivotal part of a championship team, nearly 100 extra bases hit in another season, he was one of the least appreciated star hitters over the past 30 years. Here's to some love for the former 1st baseman of the Marlins, Cubs and 4 other teams he spent roughly a season with. For Derrek, it all got started as an 18 year being drafted with the 14th overall pick in the 1993 MLB Amateur Draft by the San Diego Padres. He made his debut in 1997 playing 22 games, the only 22 games he'd play in a Padres uniform and hitting his first career home run on September 28th, 1997 on the final day of the season off of Cory Bailey in the top of the 11th inning. Less than 3 months later he was being packaged in a deal that would send star pitcher Kevin Brown to San Diego. The Florida Marlins were getting a young hitter with a lot of upside and became the everyday first baseman. In his first full season, Lee struggled to hit for average but showed flashes of power with 17 Home Runs and...