A Memorable Season

Robert Fettgather, PhD, joined Mission College in 1979 and continues to teach psychology courses as an associate faculty member. Robert Fettgsther holds advanced degrees in both psychology and educationIn his spare time, Robert Fettgather enjoys sports and the history of baseball.

The year was 1962- a special year for San Francisco Giants fans.

The 1962 San Francisco Giants were one of the most memorable teams in the history of the franchise. Led by the legendary Willie Mays, the team finished the regular season with a record of 103-62, which was the second-best record in the National League that year. They won a thrilling three-game playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series, where they faced off against the powerful New York Yankees.

The Gians had exceptional hitting and pitching throughout the line-up. The Giants had a number of future Hall of Famers on their roster in 1962. In addition to Willie Mays, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the team featured Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry. Marichal was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, winning 25 games that season and posting a remarkable 2.41 ERA. Cepeda was the team's cleanup hitter, driving in 142 runs and hitting 35 home runs, while Perry was a young pitcher who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career of his own.

But all that was not enough- the Giants ultimately fell short in the World Series, losing to the Yankees in seven games. However, their remarkable season and memorable playoff run are still celebrated by Giants fans to this day, and the team's many Hall of Famers are remembered as some of the greatest players in the history of the franchise and the sport as a whole.

The Legacy Of Satchel Paige

Robert Fettgather's writings have been published in the Transactional Analysis Journal (Translated to French per the Centre Pour La Formationet L'intervention Psycho-Sociologiques), Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, and Lifelong Learning. He is a adjunct professor of psychology at Mission College. Robert Fettgather is also a baseball fan.

Some baseball lore seems almost impossible to believe. But the legacy of this pitcher is quite true and important to the game.

Leroy “Satchel” Paige is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of American baseball. Born in 1906 in Mobile, Alabama, Paige's career spanned five decades and broke significant barriers in the world of sports, particularly for African Americans. He was a pitcher known not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his charismatic personality, his showmanship, and his incredible longevity. Despite the obstacles he faced due to segregation and racial discrimination, Paige left an indelible mark on baseball, both in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball (MLB). 

Paige was in some ways "bigger than life". He was not only a great pitcher, but also a charismatic and entertaining personality. He drew large crowds wherever he went, even participating in barnstorming tours, where he would pitch against major league players in exhibition games. These barnstorming tours were significant because they allowed Paige to showcase his talent against white players, many of whom openly admitted that he was among the best pitchers in the world, regardless of race. These games demonstrated that the talent gap between the Negro Leagues and the major leagues was nonexistent, but the racial barrier was firmly in place.

Paige’s popularity transcended the baseball diamond. He often engaged with fans, making witty remarks and providing colorful commentary on the game. One of his most famous quotes, "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you," became a metaphor for his approach to life—always moving forward, never dwelling on the past. His larger-than-life personality endeared him to fans of all races, and his popularity laid the groundwork for the eventual integration of Major League Baseball.

Satchel Paige’s career defied conventional notions of athletic peak and decline. While most pitchers retire in their 30s, Paige pitched well into his 40s and even made an appearance in the major leagues at the age of 59, in 1965, for the Kansas City Athletics. His longevity, along with his enduring skill, made him a marvel in the world of sports.

Paige's legacy extends far beyond his statistics, which are difficult to fully capture due to the lack of complete records from the Negro Leagues. However, his contributions to baseball are immeasurable. He became an ambassador for the sport, bridging the gap between the Negro Leagues and the major leagues, and inspiring future generations of Black athletes. His success helped pave the way for the full integration of baseball and the eventual recognition of Negro League players in the Baseball Hall of Fame, where Paige was inducted in 1971.

Trouble With...The Fastball

Robert Fettgather, Ph.D. is a counselor, educator, writer and activist residing in Grass Valley, California.  He holds a doctorate in psychology and master degrees in both psychology and education and teaches at Mission College. In his spare time, Robert Fettgather enjoys Major League Baseball.

In the domain of athletics, few trials rival the formidable feat of hitting a fastball in baseball. The resounding crack as bat meets ball, the instantaneous timing, and the sheer velocity of the pitch forge a a split second moment demanding skill and nerve from batters. Think of it! Facing a fastball necessitates more than mere physical prowess; it necessitates mental sharpness and psychological toughness. Batters must sustain acute focus, following the ball's trajectory from the pitcher's hand to the strike zone, and making instantaneous judgments regarding whether to swing or hold back. The pressure to react with immediacy against blistering speed can be overwhelming, pushing the boundaries of composure. A batter must maintain his cool.

Despite its daunting nature, hitting a fastball embodies as much artistry as it does science. And remember that there is a four seem fastball and a two seem fastball. And the cutter and split-finger. It necessitates a delicate blend of technique, instinct, and intuition honed through hours in the batting cage. Accomplished hitters harbor a profound understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of their adversaries, enabling them to anticipate pitch sequences and guess at the next pitch.

For batters, mastering the art of hitting a fastball constitutes an experience punctuated by victories and setbacks (7 outs in 10 at bats is very good hitting). It demands an unwavering dedication to improvement, a readiness to glean wisdom from defeat, and an unshakeable confidence in one's abilities. Every at-bat presents an opportunity to improve as hitters try to unravel the mysteries of timing, pitch recognition, and plate discipline that differentiate the elite player from the ordinary.

While triumph may prove elusive and the odds may appear formidable, the pursuit of laying solid wood on a fastball is as good as it gets!

Boys Of Summer

Robert Fettgather's writings have been published in the Transactional Analysis Journal (Translated to French per the Centre Pour La Formationet L'intervention Psycho-Sociologiques), Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, and Lifelong Learning. He is a adjunct professor of psychology at Mission College. Robert Fettgather is also a baseball fan.

It is baseball season again!

In the lexicon of American sports, few phrases evoke nostalgia and reverence quite like "the boys of summer." Coined by the legendary baseball writer Roger Kahn in his book (a worthwhile read) of the same name, this phrase encapsulates the timeless allure of baseball and the enduring legacy of the players who graced the diamond during the golden era of the sport. In this essay, we will explore the significance of "the boys of summer," their impact on the cultural landscape, and the lasting memories they have left behind.

"The boys of summer" refer to the baseball players who competed in the Major Leagues during the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. This period is often romanticized as the golden era of baseball, characterized by iconic players, fierce rivalries, and a sense of innocence that permeated the game. Stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams became household names, captivating the nation with their athleticism, skill, and unmatched charisma.

As the years pass and the game evolves, the legacy of "the boys of summer" endures, cherished by fans young and old who revel in the nostalgia of bygone days. Their feats on the field and their larger-than-life personas continue to captivate the imagination, serving as a reminder of the timeless allure of baseball and the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire, and transcend.

"The boys of summer" occupy a very special place in the annals of American sports history, their legacy immortalized in the hearts/minds of fans around the world. As we celebrate their achievements and honor their memory, we pay tribute to the enduring spirit of baseball and the enduring legacy of the players who graced the diamond during its golden era.

The Season Has Begun

Residing in Grass Valley, California, Robert Fettgather has been part of the adjunct faculty at Mission College in Santa Clara for more than three decades. Over his tenure, he has imparted knowledge in various subjects, including developmental psychology and abnormal psychology. Outside the academic realm, Robert Fettgather finds pleasure in keeping up with Major League Baseball (MLB).

California boasts five professional baseball teams, surpassing any other state in the nation. Los Angeles hosts both the Angels and Dodgers, while the Oakland A’s, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants round out the lineup. And the season has just started again!

The Dodgers' history traces back to 1884, originating in Brooklyn until their move to Los Angeles in 1958. The relocation proved fortuitous, resulting in a World Series triumph in 1959, followed by additional titles in 1963 and 1965. The franchise has claimed six of its seven championships while based in LA. In contrast, the Angels have spent 63 seasons in Los Angeles, clinching their sole World Series victory in 2002 against the Giants.

Meanwhile, the Giants have seen success both in New York and California. Originating in New York, the Giants secured seven championship series out of 16 and added three World Series victories, along with three more appearances in the championship series after relocating to San Francisco.

Another transplant to California, the Oakland Athletics, originated as the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901. Despite their success in Philadelphia, the A's have thrived in California, winning three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Another three straight appearances in the World Series resulted in another championship in 1989. That was the championship played around the tragic Loma Prieta earthquake.

On the other hand, the Padres franchise, established in 1969, has yet to win a World Series championship. Maybe this year?

Play Ball!

 

Robert Fettgather, Ph.D. is a counselor, educator, writer and activist residing in Grass Valley, California.  He holds a doctorate in psychology and master degrees in both psychology and education. In addition, Robert Fettgather is a baseball enthusiast.

Spring Training in baseball has become a revered tradition tracing its roots to the early days of baseball and evolving into a crucial component of the sport's annual calendar. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, teams began to recognize the advantages of heading south for their preseason preparations. The warmer climate in the southern United States provided an ideal environment for players to shake off the rust accumulated during the offseason. The Chicago White Stockings (now Cubs) are credited with being one of the first teams to organize an official Spring Training camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1886.

The mid-20th century saw the integration of Spring Training, as Major League Baseball teams began welcoming African American and Latino players to their camps. Spring Training became a microcosm of the changing dynamics within the sport, reflecting broader societal shifts. The integration of Spring Training camps played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in baseball.

Spring Training has become more than just a preparation period for players; it has evolved into a fan-friendly spectacle. The "Grapefruit League" in Florida and the "Cactus League" in Arizona draw baseball enthusiasts from around the country who relish the opportunity to watch their favorite teams up close in a more intimate setting. The economic impact on host cities is substantial, as Spring Training brings in tourism revenue and boosts local economies.

What began as informal workouts has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with Spring Training serving as a bridge between the offseason and the regular season.