Canada defeated Czech Republic, 8-7, with a 9th-inning rally to clinch first place in Pool B yesterday .  Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was on the verge of capacity, with the home fans getting a glimpse of the baseball to follow in the playoff round.  Pool B also saw the Netherlands suprise Cuba, 9-8, and South Korea toppling Panama 12 -2.  Pool play finished with the hosts claiming first place, followed by South Korea, The Netherlands and Cuba.

Game recaps, complete results, statistics and live play by play can be found here.

Pool play saw crowds in excess of 30,000 over the six-day period, and the playoff round is expected to see capacity crowds for most games.

Thursday will be a day of rest for the teams, leading into the round of 8 on Friday, that will see one of baseball classic rivalries with Cuba set to take on the United States.  Korea will also take on Australia, Canada vs. Italy and Chinese Taipei vs. the Netherlands to round out the fixtures.

“Stand Up to Cancer is thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Major League Baseball, through MLB.com and Stand Up Stadiums. It’s a platform that allows baseball fans everywhere to help make real progress against cancer,” says SU2C co-founder Laura Ziskin. “As a person living with cancer, I also know that this tribute space will make a personal difference in the lives of patients, survivors, and all of us in the fight.”

The program, MLB.com Stand Up Stadiums, will be supported at launch by a public service announcement created by MLB.com and SU2C that will be shown on ballpark video boards and available at MLB.com and Club Web sites. This initiative will give fans the opportunity to make a donation to SU2C online at MLB.com/standupstadiums and receive virtual seats, suites, bases and pitcher’s mounds from any of the 30 Major League Baseball ballparks, each with customized branding and personal messages to honor loved ones impacted by cancer.

After choosing their favorite team and ballpark, fans can select the virtual piece of the stadium they’d like to dedicate. The minimum donations will be tiered based on the items available, including $5 per ballpark seat, $100 per suite, $200 per base and $500 per pitcher’s mound. Individual donations at each tier may be increased as desired.

Before completing the donation, fans can enter a dedication name, write a personal commemorative message and upload a digital photograph to customize their virtual items.  Fans will be able to preview their items before ordering in a special team-branded gallery page. The donor will have a unique web page link to display and share the virtual item with friends, families, co-workers and others touched by cancer via e-mail and across social networking platforms.

Major League Baseball was the founding donor to contribute to Stand Up To Cancer in 2008 when Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig pledged the industry’s resources to support this innovative cancer research model.

Between a home run derby, team autograph sessions, batting practice, memorabilia auctions, a cap giveaway and post-game fireworks, fans who love the minor leagues and a chance to see the most promising youngsters on their way up the baseball chain will have plenty to keep them occupied at the home of the Staten Island Yankees.

The other minor league detail is the price: just $16.  Groups of 10 can get tickets and all-you-can-eat ballpark fare for $18.00 each.

“The Staten Island Yankees consistently provide affordable entertainment value to our fans and our hosting of the New York-Penn League All-Star Game promises to deliver one of the greatest sports and entertainment values ever for families in the metropolitan area,” said Joseph Ricciutti, President of the Staten Island Yankees.

The New York-Penn League, whose roots go back more than 100 years, has been the gateway for many stars.  In conjunction with the All-Star Game, the league is asking fans to help select the All-Time N.Y.-Penn League team, with players dating from the 1960s.

The best of the American League will take the field for batting practice followed by an autograph session. Next up, the National League standouts will take the field for batting practice and an autograph session where fans get their chance to meet the future stars of the MLB.  Fans will then be treated to a Home Run Derby starting at 5:45 p.m. and first pitch is at 7 p.m.

A limited edition Staten Island Yankees All-Star Game commemorative cap will be given away to all paid admissions and the 2009 New York Yankees World Series Trophy will be on display.

Cuba’s starter Eddy Valentin held Panama to two hits over seven innings, striking out five on his way to the complete game shutout.  The game ended after the seventh per IBAF 10- run rule.

Click here for boxscore.

First pitch of the 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championships is tomorrow in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, with teams representing 11 countries set to participate through August 1.  A total of 46 games are to be played between Port Arthur Stadium and Baseball Central, both in Thunder Bay.

The 2010 field includes USA, Cuba, Panama, Australia, Italy, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Korea, Taiwan and host Canada.  The Canadians are the two-time defending champions and have won four of the past six titles.

The event, first played in 1981 when Newark, N.J. hosted, is the rough equivalent of the World Junior Hockey Championship and the FIFA Under 20.  It was an annual event through 1997 and has since been held bi-annually.

BaseballDigest.com will have daily updates on the action through to the final.

Youth between the ages of 8 and 16 will have a first-come, first-served chance to experience shooting bows and arrows. Those interested in this opportunity should report to the Game Commission information booth, starting at 5 p.m. through 5:25 p.m., in the concourse behind home plate to be escorted to the archery range that will be set up in the outfield. Also, thanks to a donation from Mathews Inc., one right-handed bow will be awarded to one participant.  Doors open at 5 p.m. for those wanting to participate in these activities.

Throughout the game, kids of all ages are invited to use the Game Commission’s Laser Shot and BeamHit Systems, which are shooting simulators designed to teach safe and effective shot selection and basic marksmanship fundamentals.

After the game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, special camouflaged autographed jerseys worn by the Barnstormer players during the game will be auctioned off, and many Game Commission fine art prints and other items will be given away as well.

Proceeds from the special ticket sales and auction will go to the Lancaster Federated Sportsmen to support the club’s Youth Field Day and Conservation Camp. To learn more about this promotion, and to get tickets, visit the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the Lancaster Barnstormer’s logo, and then follow the directions, using “hunter” as the promotion code.

To take advantage of this promotion, field box seat tickets, which cost $10, are available through the Game Commission website, and a limited number of deluxe tickets are available for $44. The price of the deluxe ticket covers seating in a luxury suite with many Game Commission representatives, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages.

The game on Aug. 31 also is “Dollar Dog Night,” when hot dogs are only $1.

The newly-minted All Star visited more than 120 kids at Union League on Thursday, speaking with them and watching as they participated in gym, computer, library and art activities.

In the interactive session, Byrd talked about how he grew up going to the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta and even worked there as a teenager, and that it was nice to be back at the Union League Boys & Girls Club.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” said the popular outfielder, in his first season with the Cubs after three standout years in Texas.

When a youngster asked how he made it to the Major Leagues, Byrd’s reply was simple but instructive.  “Hard work, every day.”

Marlon Byrd

Kids from the Club’s Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) program were then invited to attend a clinic at Wrigley Field yesterday, with Byrd and teammate Randy Wells helping launch the Cubs-Steiner Collectibles community outreach program.  The day included the clinic, Wrigley Field Tour and the Cubs-Astros game last night.

The new Cubs-Steiner Sports joint venture gives fans and collectors the opportunity to own game-used artifacts from the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.  Products include game-used baseballs, Certified Authentic Wrigley Field dirt, lineup cards from the Cubs’ dugout, bases, pitching rubbers, home plates, locker room chairs and game-used bats.

The sale of the strip was a highlight of the Major League Baseball All-Star Auction.  The T-206 piece includes four other players: Mordecai Brown (HOF), Frank Bowerman, Cy Young (HOF), and Johnny Kling, along with Wagner.

“We are thrilled that we have been able to help our client obtain this iconic object in the field of baseball card collecting,” said David Kohler, president and CEO of SCP Auctions.  “The continued interest in T-206 Wagner legacy continues to transcend popular culture.”

The legacy of the T-206 Honus Wagner Card dates to its creation and initial release by the American Tobacco Company in 1909 as part of a series that included more than 500 different cards.  T-206 tobacco cards are among the most widely collected, popular and sought after cards among current collectors.

According to SCP, it is estimated that only 50-60 examples of the T-206 Wagner have surfaced, and the many theories about the reasons for its scarcity have made it among the most sought-after sports collectibles ever.  One is that Wagner insisted on being paid by American Tobacco for the use of his image.  The prevailing popular belief for years has been that Wagner didn’t want to be associated with the tobacco company and its undue influence on kids.

SCP also notes that the proof had recently been graded by the professional grading service SGC and certified with an “Authentic” designation.  This is the first time that this iconic strip has been professionally graded.

As part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, each (Pepsi) Club has outlined an idea – from creating Milwaukee’s first universally-accessible baseball league for those with a physical or mental disability to cultivating an urban garden that would grow fruits and vegetables to be donated to various local non-profit organizations to feed the hungry – that will vie for fan votes and an ultimate $200,000 Pepsi Refresh grant to fulfill the project. Launching today thru Tuesday, August 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can cast their votes at www.mlb.com/PepsiRefresh or via text by typing the team’s name to 76462 (e.g. R-A-Y-S) for the ideas they believe should receive a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

To lead off the promotion, the players will team up with Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, Jenny McCarthy, and local community representatives for a special Pepsi Refresh Project event in Anaheim, the site of the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.  In partnership with LA Commons, an organization which engages communities in artistic and cultural expression, participants will paint a mural that embodies the essence of the Pepsi Refresh Project. The mural, created by artist Roberto Del Hoyo will be constructed at El Salvador Community Center in Santa Ana, stand almost 10 feet high by 86 feet wide, take 500 hours to complete and leave a lasting legacy in the community. Additionally, today MLB All-Star FanFest will be Presented by Pepsi and feature player appearances and clinics.

“The Pepsi Refresh Project makes it easy for fans to make a difference in America’s communities,” said Gwynn. “We hope fans will get behind the team ideas and support them off the field as much as they do during each and every game to help make this project a huge success.”

A new television spot titled “Jocks” will break tonight during the All-Star Game broadcast on FOX highlighting the team ideas and player representatives which include:

* Arizona Diamondbacks/Justin Upton – Help Best Buddies program build social skills and increase independence of those with developmental disabilities
* Chicago Cubs/Geovany Soto – Allow hundreds of kids of all ages to participate in baseball through the Humbolt Park Little League
* Chicago White Sox/Gordon Beckham – Supply much-needed school supplies to participants of Chicago’s Inner City Youth Baseball Program
* Cleveland Indians/Grady Sizemore – Expand The Cleveland Baseball Federation, which provides 4,200 kids ages 5-19 with 20 minute sessions about personal responsibility, money management and college preparations
* Detroit Tigers/Johnny Damon – Work with Detroit Tigers Youth Baseball to Refresh Recess and fight childhood obesity by introducing the game of baseball to nearly 20,000 students in 40 elementary schools
* Kansas City Royals/Billy Butler – Restore 37 baseball/softball fields in small communities in the Midwest region with Royalty Fields
* Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim/Torii Hunter – Partner with Orange County United Way to work toward the goal of graduating 100% of at-risk high school seniors who are four-year college eligible with a clear career path plan
* Milwaukee Brewers/Prince Fielder – Construct Milwaukee’s first universally-accessible baseball league for children with any physical or mental disability with the Miracle League of Milwaukee
* Minnesota Twins/Michael Cuddyer – Create a specialty softball field for Courage Center’s Rolling Twins softball wheelchair team
* New York Mets/Jeff Francoeur – Partner with City Year New York to improve educational outcomes for low-income communities by focusing on attendance, behavior, course performance and civic involvement
* New York Yankees/CC Sabathia – Work with Out2Play, Inc. to provide children throughout all regions of the New York City public school system with safe, fun and developmentally beneficial playspaces
* Oakland Athletics/Andrew Bailey – Build an adapted sports field and community park for differently-abled people with the Miracle League of the Alameda East Bay
* Pittsburgh Pirates/Andrew McCutchen – Partner with the City of Pittsburgh to plant and cultivate an urban garden that would grow fruits and vegetables to be donated to various local non-profit organizations to feed the hungry
* Seattle Mariners/Felix Hernandez – Team up with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence to mentor young male athletes and promote positive messages of honor and respect
* Tampa Bay Rays/Evan Longoria – Work with the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation to provide cancer education for kids

The FanFest has something for all ages, including historical exhibits, autograph sessions, opportunities to buy/sell/trade memorabilia, meeting and taking photos with MLB mascots, and youth skills clinics.

The 2010 event marks the 20th anniversary of the MLB All-Star FanFest, and the success of such an event speaks to the expansion of activities surrounding the game, including tonight’s Home Run Derby, the Futures Game and the Celebrity Softball game.

Some other FanFest features that are of particular interest include:

– “The Diamond,” daily clinics and appearances by MLB players, managers and other experts

– “Legends Autograph Program,”  in which fans have the opportunity to receive free autographs from Hall of Famers and MLB Legends

– “The Negro Leagues,” a compelling visual journey back in time as the exhibit brings to life the heroic history of some of the game’s proudest and most talented players;

– “Hometown Heroes,” which showcases the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim history, roots in the community and promise for the future

– “World’s Largest Baseball,” a signature white leather, red-laced ball measuring 12 feet in diameter and featuring signatures of baseball greats including Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter and Ozzie Smith

And, since many fans, particularly on the West Coast, may not have had the opportunity to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in upstate New York, the Hall of Fame has come to Anaheim, with a substantial exhibit from Cooperstown.  Those include items from the World Baseball Classic, game-worn bats, gloves, jerseys, etc.  A sampling includes Fred Lynn’s bat he used to hit the one and only grand slam in All-Star Game history (1983), the shoes worn by Nolan Ryan when he struck out his record 383rd batter in 1973, the jersey worn by Rod Carew when he recorded his 3,000th hit in 1985, the first player to do so with an expansion club, the cap worn by Mike Witt when he threw the 10th perfect game in MLB history, and game-worn jerseys from Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Nap Lajoie, Herb Pennock and Ray Schalk, among others.

But for Lynn, the enduring memory of that season wasn’t any of those awards or the 47 doubles, 21 home runs and 105 RBI he accumulated.  It wasn’t even the team’s magical run to the precipice of the franchise’s first World Series championship in almost 70 years.  It was the sting of losing Game 7 to the Reds in what many consider the greatest series ever.

“All those things I accomplished individually and that we achieved as a team are nice, but my biggest memory was watching ‘Yaz’ fly out to end the game,” remembered Lynn as he prepared to coach Little Leaguers today in the SUBWAY Restaurants’ Little League Baseball Appreciation Game, a special four-inning exhibition game featuring two All-Star teams from both Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif.  “That sinking feeling, I had never experienced before, since I had never lost a championship game at any level, so it was the first time for me.”

Perhaps his highlighting that memory is not as surprising as it might sound, when one considers the kind of competitor Lynn was in his 17 years in the majors.  While the nine-time All-Star was certainly productive, hitting more than 300 home runs and driving in more than 1100 runs with the Sox, Angels, Orioles, Tigers and, briefly, the Padres, Lynn’s all-out style led to debilitating injuries and disabled list stints that curtailed what could have been.  But Lynn has no regrets about how he played the game.

“I had managers specifically say, ‘We need you in the lineup, don’t do anything crazy, diving for balls,’” he said.  “I’d say, ‘OK, Skip,’ but how can you do that to your team, to your pitcher, knowing that if I can make a play on a ball I will do it.  Even though I wasn’t a big guy, 175-180 pounds, I was a football guy that played baseball.  Anything that was in my area, I wasn’t going to let it drop.”

What Lynn’s style lost him in service time, it made up for in fan admiration.

“People remember my style of play,” said Lynn.  “The second half of my career, I put up some numbers, they were in a limited number of games, but they remember how hard I played.”

Fred Lynn - Subway DeSIGNS baseball

Lynn is hoping to impart a little of that in kids as he assists with the Subway Baseball DeSIGNS Tour, kicking off with today’s game, in which his squad of youngsters will take on a team coached by fellow superstar Orel Hershiser.  Lynn played the game because it was fun, and that’s the idea he wants to impart on the kids through the program.

“The number one priority is to have a good time,” he explained.  “If I see a kid that needs some coaching, a mechanical error, I’ll help out a little but the idea is to have some fun.”

Lynn is also helping the program by signing a baseball specially designed by a youngster and available at www.subwaybaseballdesigns.com.  Lynn is 40 celebrities and athletes to have added their signatures to unique pieces.  The tour will make stops in four U.S. cities (Los Angeles; Anaheim, Calif.; New York and Williamsport, Pa.) from July through the Little League Baseball World Series in late August.

“I almost didn’t want to put my name on it,” joked Lynn about his ball.  “You don’t normally think of a baseball as a work of art, but these kids have a lot of talent, and I’m excited to be a part of the program.”

That the kickoff is in Southern California around All-Star time has special meaning to Lynn as well, as it was as a member of the Angels that Lynn’s historic grand slam helped the American League win the 1983 All-Star Game in the 50th anniversary of the first Midsummer Classic in Chicago.  For Lynn, winning that game had even more significance to players than it does today.

“I didn’t even know at first that it was the first grand slam, our big concern was that the NL was beating us like a drum for 10 years,” said Lynn, whose third-inning shot off lefty Atlee Hammaker propelled the Junior Circuit to a 13-3 win.  “In those days, the leagues were separate, we had our own League Presidents, own umpires, we didn’t need any incentive to beat those guys.”

Lynn may have been an Angel by then, but he never left the hearts of Red Sox fans, even when he was peddled off to California in a purge of the cohesive late 70′s group that included the exile of Carlton Fisk and Rick Burleson, favorites with the fans but not management.  The biggest challenge for Lynn in making the move West, near his Southern California roots, was, of all things, the playing field, as Anaheim Stadium was then the home of the NFL’s L.A. Rams and the site of motocross and other events that changed Lynn’s aggressive style in center, particularly on ground balls.

But later, a new ownership in place in Boston, Lynn was welcomed back to the Red Sox fold, earning a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame and is now a frequent host for Sox charity events and the new “Legends Skybox” at Fenway Park.

Newly-minted Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, eight-time MLB Gold Glove outfielder and four-time MLB Silver Slugger, will serve as honorary chairman for the 2010 showcase.

In addition to helping promote the Aflac All-American Baseball Classic, Dawson will be on site in San Diego for game week activities, including player practice sessions and the annual awards banquet. This will be Dawson’s first time serving as honorary chairman; the roster of past chairs includes Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith (2007, 2008, 2009), Reggie Jackson (2006), Cal Ripken Jr. (2004, 2005) and Stan Musial (2003).

“I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve as the 2010 honorary chairman,” said Dawson. “I look forward to interacting with these young men to pass along the knowledge I gained during my career and help them prepare for a bright and positive future, whether on or off the field.”

The coaching staff for the contest includes East manager Larry Knight of Sumrall High School in Hattiesburg, Miss., who was named USA Today’s 2010 High School Coach of the Year after leading Sumrall a third consecutive Class 3A State Championship finishing as the No. 1 ranked team with a 35-1 record.  Managing the West squad will be Bill Hutton of Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif. Hutton is in his 28th season as head coach at Archbishop Mitty, where his team has secured four West Catholic Athletic League Championship titles and four Central Coast Section Championship titles.

Among the players who have competed in previous Classics are Justin Upton, Tim Beckham and Bryce Harper, all overall No. 1 MLB draft selections.

Participants must have just completed their junior year of high school, be in good academic standing and display qualities off the field that embody baseball’s ideals, including discipline, determination and hard work.

The Aflac All-American Baseball Classic also supports the insurance provider’s ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer, with ticket proceeds benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Since 2003, the event has generated nearly $805,000 for charity, according to Aflac.

“The Aflac All-American Classic gives baseball’s stars of tomorrow a national stage to display their immense talent,” said Danny Fleishman, vice president of sponsorships and emerging markets at Aflac. “More important, by using the game to raise awareness and funds for local pediatric cancer hospitals, Aflac is allowing these young players to use their talents for meaningful impact off the field as well.”

The full roster can be viewed here.

The honorees will be inducted on Friday, August 6 at Noon, when their plaques will be unveiled at a ceremony held at Foley’s NY Pub & Restaurant (18 W. 33rd St.), which houses the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame.  Voters include past inductees and a panel of baseball historians.

“This deserving group includes successful executives, a beloved voice of the New York Mets, a four-decade player and Emmy-winning broadcaster, and an early legend that time has nearly forgotten,” said Shaun Clancy, president of Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame and owner of Foley’s, which features one of the country’s most extensive public displays of baseball memorabilia.

With a blessing from Cooperstown, Foley’s, a popular destination among baseball players, executives, umpires, media and fans, created the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame to recognize players, managers, executives, journalists, and entertainers.  Inductees are chosen based on a combination of four factors: impact on the game, popularity on and off the field, contributions to society, and ancestry/connections to the Irish community.

McCarver was a two-time All-Star selection (1966, 1967) and World Series champion (1964, 1967).  During a career that spanned from 1959 until 1980, McCarver also played for the Phillies, Expos and Red Sox.

During Cashman‘s tenure as GM, the Yankees have won six AL pennants and four World Series championships (1998-2000 and 2009).  began his career with the New York Yankees as an intern in 1986.  He moved up the ranks and eventually succeeded Bob Watson as General Manager in 1998.

Bill James has authored more than two dozen books on baseball history and statistics.  He coined the term “sabermetrics” for his innovative statistical analysis of player performances.  In 2003, James became a senior advisor for the Boston Red Sox and is credited with advocating moves such as the team’s emphasis on on-base percentage.

Murphy was a TV and radio announcer for the New York Mets from their inception until his retirement in 2003.  Beloved for his sunny disposition and “happy recaps” of Mets’ victories, he and colleagues Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner described both the ineptitude of the 1962 Amazin’s and the ecstasy of the 1969 World Series. He died of lung cancer in 2004.

Widely regarded as the game’s first superstar, Kelly was a colorful catcher, outfielder and manager and one of America’s first sports celebrities.  He was the subject of a hit song, Slide Kelly, Slide, and a Vaudeville star.  A two-time batting champion and daring base runner, historians credit Kelly with developing the hit-and-run, the hook slide, and the catcher’s practice of backing up first base.

The game of baseball has long welcomed immigrants from its earliest days, when an estimated 30 percent of players claimed Irish heritage.  Many of the game’s biggest stars at the turn of the 20th century were Irish immigrants or their descendants, including Kelly, Roger Connor (the home run king before Babe Ruth), Eddie Collins, Big Ed Walsh and NY Giants manager John McGraw.  Today, major league teams regularly sign players born in Latin America, Japan, Canada, and elsewhere.

Clancy, an amateur baseball historian, created the Hall after learning about the rich heritage of Irish Americans in the sport dating from its infancy – a legacy that has been overshadowed in recent years by other ethnicities.  He decided to celebrate his roots and those who helped make the game great by creating a shrine to Irish Americans in baseball in 2008.

But it was one guest in particular, Sandy Koufax, whose presence most inspired Selzer to gather the information for a book about Black’s life.

“I never knew that he was friends with Sandy Koufax,” said Selzer.  “Joe was so humble, he’d never drop names.  But he was close with many, many people.  He was a giver.”

The title — and in particular the subtitle — of Selzer’s new book, Meet the Real Joe Black: An Inspiring Life: Baseball, Teaching, Business, Caring, sums Black’s life up perfectly.  Sometimes forgotten by fans as a pioneer in helping integrate baseball, Black, the 1952 National League Rookie of the Year and first black pitcher to win a World Series game, preached humility and civility above all else.

Selzer, now an attorney living outside of Washington, D.C., recently discussed his new book and Black’s influence on his own life with Baseball Digest.

BBD: Something very striking about the book is the breadth of people you were able to speak to about Joe. What do you think endeared him to such a diverse group?
SS: He had the common denominator of being able to talk to anyone.  He was so giving of himself.  He was the most unselfish person I knew, and so genuine.  That attracts people.  Even when he was a star, he never let it go to his head.

Just look at the people who considered him their friend.  Bill Cosby [who wrote the book's foreword] considered [Black] to be his big brother.  Dusty Baker revered Joe.  Dusty has said that if he had a problem, Joe would call him and solve it.  Joe and his friend Joe Garagiola founded BAT, to help down and out players.  He set up scholarships when he worked as an executive at Greyhound.  He enjoyed giving others opportunities, or showing them the way.  He was so articulate, so bright, such a great student in high school and college.

BBD: The stories of Joe’s interaction with students and players really add depth to the book. Which story do you think best exemplifies Joe’s way with people?
SS:  He called me one day in the mid-70s; he was pleased that i had passed the bar.  But I was struggling — it was a good thing my wife had a good job.  There was no internet, no advertising, so I was having a hard time getting clients.  I would sometimes get rejects from some other attorneys, but it wasn’t going well.  Joe sensed that, and next thing I know, I was invited to speak at “D.C. Salutes Joe Black Night” in 1976.  I rented a tuxedo and brought 400 business cards.  Joe gets up with his booming voice and announces “Steve Selzer was my student at Hubbard Junior High.  He’s now an attorney” — and he cupped his hands so no one could forget — “in Rockville, Maryland!”  After that, I ran out of business cards, I was writing my number on napkins.  Everyone was saying, “if you’re good enough for Joe,  you’re good enough for me.”

BBD: What was the tipping point for you, when you knew you wanted to do a book about Joe, and when did you start to gather material?
SS: I wrote a book in 2000,  By George, Mr. Washington’s Guide to Civility Today, which was based on George Washington‘s 110 Rules of Civility, which he wrote when he was young.  In the acknowledgments, I pointed to Joe Black as a great influence in that direction.  I was taken with him as a teacher, and so pleased that he was willing to mentor me, and I just felt that was so special and exemplary of the things i believe in, and so when he passed away, I stared thinking about it.  At [the memorial celebration] Koufax said he thought I did a good job of capturing Joe.  I thought maybe I could extend his legacy with a book.  I think he’d be pleased that the lessons of his life plus the lessons he gave me would be in a book.  The family gave me pictures and articles.

BBD: Joe Black was one of the first prominent black pitchers, which as you noted gave him an extra disadvantage.  His role as a pioneer isn’t as well known outside the game or by younger fans. Do you know why that is?
SS: I think it’s because he never sought fame or the limelight.  He was happy to be Jackie Robinson’s roommate.  Jackie Robinson, rightfully so, is overwhelmingly the symbol of the era.  Joe was a pallbearer at Jackie’s funeral, he knew the family well, supported the foundation, but he was a very humble person.  He had great confidence in his inner self and also knew he was a good pitcher but also knew that he had pitched his best ball in the Negro Leagues with the Baltimore Elite Giants.  He never did anything to promote himself, he didn’t care about that.  He was concentrating on ways to improve things, to help others.

He also came up in 1952, five years after Jackie Robinson.  When Jackie came up, it didn’t open the floodgates, there were still only a few black players, and Joe was one of the first pitchers.

BBD: Do you think Joe felt like he was mismanaged at all, either from a baseball or medical standpoint, in his career?
SS: Charlie Dressen, who was a stubborn, dictatorial type manager, insisted that Joe needed to develop a third pitch, even though he’d been so successful as a rookie.  He had a great fastball and curve, but Dressen said he needed to do that.  Joe had defects in his finger that kept him from throwing other pitches, but Joe was team man, he listened to the manager, he didn’t want to buck the manager, and he tried to develop a third pitch.  Dressen didn’t realize about the defect, and Joe was completely off by then, and it really ruined his career.  Joe was not a blame type guy — if anything, he blames himself for not protesting.

BBD: How do you think growing up in Plainfield influenced Joe? Did he return occasionally after moving away?
SS: He came back often.  His sister Phyllis [Greer] still lives there, she’s the only one left of the six siblings.  At the memorial celebration, so many teachers showed up, and he hadn’t been teaching for a long time.  He was one that would keep contact.  He loved Plainfield, even though he grew up in the poor part of town, it was a part of him, teaching and coaching.  Plainfield was integrated, nicely mixed, living there you got to know all kinds of people.  It was a good place to grow up in that way. The education was excellent at the that time, and he knew it.

BBD: What do you think is the primary lesson in JB’s life?
SS: The lesson is that if you realize that even though you might be disadvantaged in some respects, that if you make yourself into a person of substance, through education, through learning, to respecting others, then what happens is that you improve your life and the lives of others.

Ed note: Tonight at Nationals Park, prior to Washington’s game against the New York Mets, Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo will present the inaugural Joe Black Award, created to honor an organization or person who is instrumental in promoting the game of baseball in African-American communities.  Greer, Selzer and Blacks two children will be in attendance at the on-field ceremony.

Scandaglia’s grandfather Frank Gallinaro died of the disease 20 years ago.  It was then, as a preteen, that the Brooklyn-born and Staten Island-raised Scandaglia became a baseball fan — and Yankees fan — after learning more about the disease named for the Yankees hero.

“Reading about Gehrig at what a wonderful baseball player and person he was and learning that the Yankees had such a storied past is what started me as a fan,” said Scandaglia, who has helped raise over $18,330 for the ALS Association Greater N.Y. Chapter in the last four years, including $7480 for the Bocelli event alone.

It was another personal connection to the Yankees that helped bring the trophy to the event.  A former media assistant under current Yankees PR director Jason Zillo, Scandaglia wrote a letter to Yankees COO Lonn Trost, who facilitated its presence.  In addition to the display of the Trophy, the event was enhanced by the appearance of former major league catcher and longtime coach Joe Pignatano.

“I am really pleased to have raised so much money, and proud of the dinner we had this year,” said Scandaglia, a licensed account manager for the Steven Schneider Allstate Agency in Brooklyn. “Having the World Series trophy at my fundraiser really brought a touch of elegance to the already special event.”

The program launched last year and has expanded significantly for 2010.  Smith, Ken Griffey Sr., football legends Jim Kelly, Len Dawson and Rod Woodson, hockey champion Mike Bossy and celebrated boxing referee Joe Cortez are the other sports celebrities assisting with the cause.

Smith and Griffey are making a particular push around the All-Star Game.  “The Wizard” took a few minutes to talk to Baseball Digest about the campaign and his career.

BBD: Why is the Depend Campaign to End Prostate Cancer such an important cause for you?
OS: As an African-American male I have an increased risk for the disease. Knowing that one in four African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 27,000 were affected last year alone, it’s so important for men to be proactive about their prostate health.

The statistics speak for themselves, but I also have many friends, numerous within the MLB community, that have been diagnosed with the disease, so it is personal for me. If I can use my work with ‘The Depend Campaign to End Prostate Cancer’ to get just one man to get his yearly PSA (prostate specific antigen) test, I’ll feel my involvement has meant something.

BBD: What are some of the risk factors that men should be aware of?
OS:  Age, race and family history all play a part in determining your risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Once men reach age 50, their risk for prostate cancer increases significantly and nearly two in every three instances of prostate cancer are found in men over the age of 65. At age 55, I am right in the age range where being proactive and talking to my doctor to determine my risk is all the more important.

As I mentioned previously, prostate cancer is even more prevalent in African-American men, with one in four at a lifetime risk, compared to one in six for the population on the whole.

Finally, family history also plays a key role in determining your risk for getting the disease. If a man has just one immediate male family member diagnosed with prostate cancer, his chances of getting it jump to one in three. This is why it is so important for men to talk about their family history with relatives.

One of the best resources out there right now is our campaign web site, www.depend.com, there’s tons of good information about prostate cancer as well as first-hand testimonials, including yours truly, about our involvement in the campaign.

BBD: At what age should men begin testing and how often should they be tested?
OS: Generally, those with family history should begin getting screened at age 40 and it is suggested that the general population should start at age 50 to get a baseline of their PSA reading.  I encourage all men to consult with their family doctor to decide on what the best course of action is for them.

I know men don’t like going to the doctor, but a simple blood test can alert a physician to conduct further testing, and ultimately save their life. When I was at the height of my playing days, we were getting physicals ever year, so it’s not even something you think about. I realize that’s not the case for all men, which is why they really need to be proactive about their health. We all want to be around as long as we possibly can to see our families grow – so it’s really about making the commitment not only for you, but for those you care about.

BBD: Even though you grew up in Los Angeles for the most part, you are one of 10 Hall of Famers born in Alabama, a list that includes fellow Mobile natives Hank Aaron and Willie McCovey.  Why do you think that area has produced so many stars?

OS: I have no idea, I think its just coincidence more than anything because I don’t think we all had the same coaches or anything to that nature. I’m just proud to be part of a heritage that includes players like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.

BBD: Do you think your election to the Hall of Fame legitimizes the importance of defense in the game, particularly from the demanding position of shortstop?
OS: Well, it surely adds to that legitimacy. Defense is extremely important in baseball as it is in all sports but the baseball writers who vote for the Hall of Fame have always held defensive prowess in its rightful place., I am very proud of the fact that when I ended my career in 1996 I was a complete, well rounded player.

BBD: You had almost 2,500 hits and stole almost 600 bases.  Do you think that being such an outstanding defender obscured your offensive contributions?
OS: No, I think my offensive contributions contributed greatly to my overall success as well as to my first ballot election into the Hall of Fame.

BBD: Leaving yourself out of the equation, if you were asked to rank the top three shortstops of all time, all-around, who would you list?
OS: Luis Aparicio, Garry Templeton, and Omar Vizquel

BBD:  Your career is full of highlights that most players can only dream of:  dazzling plays, a game-winning post season home run, Hall of Fame induction and a statue immortalizing your likeness.  Which do you consider the most memorable and important for you?
OS: I can honestly say that one is no more important than the other.  All of them combined to make my baseball career complete, consistently successful, hugely satisfying, and extremely memorable.

BBD: You played for five managers in your career, including such notables as Joe Torre, Whitey Herzog and Tony LaRussa.  Who was your favorite?  What did you learn from some of them?
OS: Whitey Herzog is my favorite. He came out to San Diego and let me know how important I could be to the Cardinals success in 1982.  His strong confidence in me is what made me make that choice to give up my no trade clause with the Padres and make that leap of faith. We won the World Series that year, and I never looked back.

What did I learn from some of my managers?  From Joe Torre, I learned how to win and lose with class.  From Whitey I learned what it meant to be a professional. I also admired his ability to improvise in any situation and it taught me how improvisational skills are a huge part of success, not just in baseball, but in life.

The Lutz family of East Setauket, N.Y., which first found out on June 20 that they would be the recipients of a complete home remodeling courtesy of the ABC-TV program, was surprised on Sunday to find that Steiner Sports, the leader in sports memorabilia, had contributed several items to the home makeover for the devoted Yankees fans.

“We are pleased and excited to be helping to make the Lutz family’s dream come true by enhancing their ‘Extreme Makeover’ experience in a significant way,” said Brandon Steiner, founder and CEO of Steiner Sports.  “Their house will now have a few pieces of the House that Ruth Built.”

Among the items the Lutz’s received from Steiner Sports are a pair of Yankee Stadium Seats, 2009 tapered World Series Dirt Crystal, Goldrick brick from the Stadium, Monument Park Brick, Robinson Cano Locker Chair and two game-used baseballs from the 2009 Yankees Season.

The Lutz family residence was in serious disrepair before being rebuilt last week by the program and an army of volunteers.  The Lutz family episode of the Emmy-winning program is scheduled to be shown in the upcoming 2010-2011 television season.

The show helps change the lives of families and inspire remarkable community support by constructing a new home for a deserving family in less than a week.

Josh Hamilton of the Rangers and Colby Rasmus of the Cardinals both hit tape-measure home runs on Sunday, earning the pair each a set of Callaway Diablo Edge golf clubs as part of a season-long promotion by the golf company in which any major leaguer will receive the clubs after hitting a home run of more than 470 feet.  Hamilton’s blast, off Houston’s Roy Oswalt, traveled 485 feet while Rasmus’s, off Blake Wood of Kansas City, was measured at 483.

The duo join Atlanta’s Jason Heyward and Washington’s Adam Dunn, whose long homers earlier this season made them the first two recipients in the program.

“Driving the ball longer than anyone else during competition takes talent and a bold approach that we want to reward during the 2010 season,” said Jeff Colton of Callaway Golf in a statement. “Ballplayers that embody the attitude and skill that it takes to drive a ball 470 feet and longer are exactly the type that would want to play our new Diablo Edge clubs, which are perfect for anyone looking to blast the ball longer and straighter than ever before.”

Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers (468 feet) and Ryan Braun of the Brewers (467) have come closest to reaching the mark, according to www.hittrackeronline.com.  Mark Reynolds of Arizona and Marlon Byrd of the Chicago Cubs each have hit two home runs of 457 or more feet but just short of the 470-foot mark.

Last year, nine home runs traveled more than 470 feet, including two by Reynolds.

During the Home Run Challenge, MLB and PCF encouraged baseball fans to make a pledge, ranging from $0.10 to $10, for every home run hit during select games. This year 112 home runs were hit, raising over $2.2 million for accelerated research and scientific discovery that can lead to better treatments and cures.

“We are dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for prostate cancer,” says Michael Milken, founder and chairman of the PCF. “This year’s Home Run Challenge will help make tremendous progress towards this goal thanks in part to Major League Baseball, the Players Association and baseball fans everywhere who showed enormous support and generosity year after year.

“Since its inception, the Home Run Challenge has raised nearly $36 million; we’re looking forward to adding to this total in 2011,” Milken added.

One out of six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, making it the most common non-skin cancer in America. In the time it takes to play nine innings of baseball, 63 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and nine men will die from the disease.

To show their support, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers wore blue wristbands and blue ribbon decals on Father’s Day. There were also blue jewels on bases and some teams had blue awareness ribbons placed on the field. In addition, teams showed their support in a variety of ways including hosting pre-game ceremonies, running public service announcements, holding auctions and donating tickets.

A number of key past and present players signed on to actively promote this year’s program including retired player co-chairs: Terry Steinbach, Tim Salmon, Sean Casey and Robin Ventura as well as current player co-chairs: Derrek Lee, Scott Rolen, Jason Giambi, Todd Helton, Lance Berkman, Jason Kendall, Torii Hunter, Jim Thome, Aaron Rowand, Mike Sweeney, Carlos Peña and Ryan Zimmerman.

In addition, each team had a designated player representative, including Conor Jackson, Chipper Jones, Nate McLouth, Cesar Izturis, Nick Markakis, Miguel Tejada, Mike Cameron, David Ortiz, Paul Konerko, Mark Teahen, Jay Bruce, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Inge, Jorge Cantu, Billy Butler, Jose Guillen, Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Joe Mauer, Jason Bay, Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, Kurt Suzuki, Chase Utley, Ryan Doumit, Jason LaRue, Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, Will Venable, Jack Wilson, Michael Young and Vernon Wells.

Lead managers for the 2010 Home Run Challenge include Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox, Ron Gardenhire, Ozzie Guillen, Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker, Mike Scioscia, Lou Piniella, Jim Tracy, Manny Acta, Charlie Manuel, Ron Washington, Terry Francona, Bud Black, Joe Maddon, Joe Girardi, Don Wakamatsu and Jerry Manuel.

To make an additional donation to the Home Run Challenge, click here.

After nine seasons with the Montreal Expos, Cromartie played for Japan’s Yomiuri Giants under world career home run record holder Sadaharu Oh and later signed on as manager of the Samurai Bears in an effort to jumpstart his managerial career.   He also played for the Kansas City Royals in 1991 after his successful Japanese league career.

Cromartie is not the only former Major Leaguer to participate in the Golden Baseball League: 60 others have played in the league, including Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who played for the San Diego Surf Dawgs in 2005 and is featured throughout Season of the Samurai.

Season of the Samurai was directed and produced by Danny Gold and Matthew Asner of Mod 3 Productions.  The film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Comedia Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, Canada.