What’s Happening in Baseball Today

The First Pitch: November 6, 2024

Don’t panic when you read the next line, Dodgers fans: Shohei Ohtani has surgery on his left shoulder. The procedure is done to repair a labrum tear which occurred in his stolen base attempt during the World Series. It’s anticipated that Ohtani will be healed and fully ready when Spring Training begins in a little over three months—but whether the surgery will affect his return to the pitching mound remains a question mark, even if it was the non-throwing shoulder that was damaged.

Not expected to be ready on Opening Day for the Braves are two of their top stars, outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and pitcher Spencer Strider. Acuna tore an ACL near the end of May; Strider underwent season-ending elbow surgery after just two starts. Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos told reporters, “We’re planning that they will not be part of the Opening Day roster, and how soon after that, we’ll know more as we get deeper into the offseason.”

It Was Whatever-Something Years Ago Today

2007: It’s not comprehensive, but at least it’s a step in the right direction; MLB approves limited video replay for the 2008 season, with reviews confined to disputed home run calls only.

You Say It’s Your Birthday

Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk is 26; Boston pitcher James Paxton is 36; first baseman of 255 home runs Adam LaRoche is 45; 177-game winner John Candelaria is 71. Born on this date is man of a single pinch-run appearance and TGG interview subject John Oldham (1932), pitching icon Walter Johnson (1887) and turn-of-the-century outfielder Danny Green (1876).

Shameless Link of the Day

Our full review of the 2024 season is live, with our encapsulated look back at all 30 MLB teams—who thrived, withered and surprised. Check it out!

This Great Game in Print

Baseball Cards at the Edge of War is the new book from author Todd Marcum that focuses on baseball’s legendary 1941 season and the “three bubble gum titans” that took on one another in an attempt to rule the burgeoning baseball card market. Marcum provides an introductory orientation with content from our 1941 Yearly Reader page, which is why you’ll find the names of TGG creators Eric Gouldsberry and Ed Attanasio on the book’s cover as co-authors. The core of the book that follows is devoted to the players and their baseball cards who graced the 1941 season. Baseball Cards at the Edge of War is now available on Amazon.

Temporarily Hacked

Our This Great Game Facebook page remains in a frozen state following a recent hack, while we attempt to revive it amid a lack of customer support. (Facebook literally has no customer support. None.) Be aware of receiving any messages from the FB page, until we get it sorted out.

To Whom It May Concern

We are proud of what we have built at This Great Game, but we also admit it is not perfect. Occasionally, fans from all walks of life check in and point out errors, and we are grateful to these external editors. Our site is all the better because of you.

Also, we have had many folks chime in on our various lists in the Lists and Teams sections, many of them disagreeing with some of our choices. Since all lists are made to be argued, this is to be expected. If your arguments are respectful, we will respond in kind and join in a civilized debate—and we’ll often see your viewpoints, since no list should qualify as The Gospel. But if your responses contain the sort of vitriol found so often these days in social media circles, you’re going to get ignored. So please, respond respectfully, engage in polite conversation with us, and enjoy the site!