Note: This section is now in read-only mode.
Please use our new community site for future posts.

Back To Board

Not established

Posted By Garth

I don't think its either fair nor accurate to just say there's more injuries. I think there are a lot of reasons that it may appear so -- our being jaded by the salaries at the top of the list. But I immediately remembered Reggie Jackson missing a World Series (73?), Sandy Koufax having to quite after only six good (well, very good) seasons, Micky Mantle always hobbled and quitting at age 35. I think what is different now is the science -- understanding the risk and therefore more 2-14 day injuries, and the better play. I guy like Mantle could not play hurt against today's better fit, better trained, and better role-defined teams. And I really don't think they played as hard as the do now, at least not before 1947. You just don't remember the injured guys from your youth because they were injured. I remember Ray Fosse never being the same offensive player after that little All-Star Game incident, Dick Green being out when he slipped on a wet floor breaking up a clubhouse fight, and the slick-fielding top shortstop prospect who came up with the A's but never panned-out because of a softball-game injury. What was his name? Oh, La Russa.