Fun Facts About Joey Meyer

Since Joey Meyer came up in my last post about longest homeruns in MLB history, I remember Mr. Meyer from back in 1988, when I was opening up packs of Topps card, and I was getting his Future Star cards, because he was going to be a beast for the Milwaukee Brewers. So had to see what he was up to since his Future Stars days. ChatGPT didn’t have much, but we can fondly look back.

Joey Meyer is a former professional baseball player who had a brief stint in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the late 1980s. While there aren’t many widely known facts about Joey Meyer, here are a few interesting details about his career:

1. Towering Home Run Hitter: Joey Meyer was known for his incredible power and the ability to hit towering home runs. He stood at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 225 pounds, making him an imposing presence at the plate.
2. College Baseball Star: Meyer attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and had a remarkable college career. In 1987, he set an NCAA record by hitting 31 home runs in just 48 games, earning him the Division III Player of the Year award.
3. Brief MLB Career: Meyer was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 1987 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut on September 14, 1988, and played a total of 19 games for the Brewers during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Despite his power potential, Meyer struggled to find consistent success at the major league level and ultimately ended up with a .180 batting average.
4. Triple-A Success: While Joey Meyer’s MLB career didn’t pan out as expected, he had considerable success in the minor leagues, particularly at the Triple-A level. In 1988, he hit an impressive 32 home runs and had 101 RBIs for the Denver Zephyrs, the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate.
5. Post-MLB Career: After his MLB career, Meyer continued to play in the minor leagues until 1992. He also played independent league baseball and spent some time in Japan’s professional league. Meyer retired from professional baseball in 1997.

Although Joey Meyer’s MLB career was short-lived, his remarkable power and college records continue to make him an intriguing figure in baseball history, especially among fans who appreciate prodigious home run hitters.

Longest Homeruns in MLB History

Wanted to know who crushed the longest homeruns in MLB history, by distance, and I think ChatGPT wasn’t having it today, Only gave me 5 answers, and one was in the minor leagues. We will come back to this another day, to see what else comes up. But here’s what we got today.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, here are some of the longest home runs in MLB history:

1. Mickey Mantle: On April 17, 1953, Mantle hit a home run at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. that was estimated to have traveled 565 feet (172 meters). This is widely regarded as the longest home run in MLB history.
2. Babe Ruth: Ruth hit numerous long home runs during his career, but one of the most famous is the shot he hit out of Navin Field (now Tiger Stadium) in Detroit on July 18, 1921. It was estimated to have traveled 575 feet (175 meters), although there is some debate about the actual distance.
3. Joey Meyer: On July 16, 1987, while playing for the Denver Zephyrs, Meyer hit a home run at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado that was estimated to have traveled 582 feet (177.4 meters). This is the longest home run ever hit in a professional baseball game, although it was not in the MLB.
4. Jim Thome: Thome hit a home run on July 3, 1999, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio that was estimated to have traveled 511 feet (156 meters). This is the longest home run ever hit during an MLB game, according to the calculations by ESPN’s Home Run Tracker.
5. Giancarlo Stanton: Stanton hit a home run on August 6, 2016, at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado that was estimated to have traveled 504 feet (153.6 meters). This is the longest home run hit in the Statcast era (since 2015) and the longest recorded by MLB’s advanced tracking system.

Please note that there may have been other long home runs hit since my knowledge cutoff date.

Top 10 Red Sox Of All Time

Since I brought up Wade Boggs in the last post, let’s see if ChatGPT does the right thing and ranks Mr. Boggs in the the top 10 Red Sox off all time.

The Boston Red Sox, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, has had numerous talented players throughout its history. While it’s subjective to determine the exact ranking, here is a list of ten outstanding Red Sox players who have made a significant impact on the team and are widely regarded as some of the best in franchise history:

1. Ted Williams: Considered one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, “The Splendid Splinter” spent his entire career with the Red Sox. Williams won two MVP awards and six batting titles, finishing with a career .344 batting average and 521 home runs.
2. Carl Yastrzemski: “Yaz” played his entire 23-year career with the Red Sox and was a key figure in the team’s “Impossible Dream” season in 1967. He won the Triple Crown that year and accumulated 3,419 hits and 452 home runs during his career.
3. Pedro Martinez: Widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, Martinez had a remarkable six-year stint with the Red Sox. He won three Cy Young Awards and helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 86 years in 2004.
4. David Ortiz: Affectionately known as “Big Papi,” Ortiz was a cornerstone of the Red Sox’s success in the early 2000s. He played primarily as a designated hitter and was instrumental in three World Series championships, earning World Series MVP honors in 2004.
5. Cy Young: Though he played during the early 1900s, Young’s impact on the game is undeniable. He won over 500 games during his career, including 38 shutouts, and was a key contributor to the Red Sox’s first World Series victory in 1903.
6. Roger Clemens: Clemens spent 13 seasons with the Red Sox and won three Cy Young Awards during that time. He recorded 192 wins and 2,590 strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in franchise history.
7. Jimmie Foxx: Foxx had a brief but remarkable stint with the Red Sox from 1936 to 1942. During his time in Boston, he won two MVP awards and hit 222 home runs, showcasing his prodigious power.
8. Tris Speaker: A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Speaker was an exceptional outfielder known for his defensive prowess. He played for the Red Sox from 1907 to 1915 and was a crucial part of the team’s World Series victories in 1912 and 1915.
9. Bobby Doerr: Doerr was a highly regarded second baseman who spent his entire 14-year career with the Red Sox. He was a nine-time All-Star and played a significant role in the success of the Red Sox in the 1940s and 1950s.
10. Wade Boggs: Although Boggs played the majority of his career with the Red Sox’s rival, the New York Yankees, he had a remarkable stint in Boston. He won five batting titles with the Red Sox and had a career .338 batting average.

This list represents just a few of the many exceptional players who have donned a Red Sox uniform over the years, and there are certainly other deserving individuals who could be included as well.

Fun Facts About Wade Boggs

So I wanted to find out some fun facts about one of my favorite players of all time, Wade Boggs. I was hoping for some baseball tidbits, and stories about his friendship with wrestling superstar Curt Hennig. I got the baseball stats, but thanks to ChatGPT input, now I want to see Mr. Boggs 4 World Series rings.

Wade Boggs, born on June 15, 1958, is a former professional baseball player who had an illustrious career in Major League Baseball (MLB). Here are some fun facts about Wade Boggs:

1. Consistent Hitter: Boggs was renowned for his exceptional hitting ability and consistency at the plate. He achieved seven consecutive seasons with 200 or more hits, which is an impressive feat. He led the league in batting average five times throughout his career.
2. Superstitious Routine: Boggs was famously known for his superstitious pregame routine. He would eat chicken before every game, often opting for chicken as his meal of choice. This peculiar ritual earned him the nickname “Chicken Man.”
3. Hall of Fame Inductee: In 2005, Boggs was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This honor recognized his outstanding career and contributions to the sport.
4. Red Sox Legend: Boggs played the majority of his career with the Boston Red Sox from 1982 to 1992. He is regarded as one of the greatest Red Sox players in franchise history.
5. Championship Success: After leaving the Red Sox, Boggs joined the New York Yankees in 1993. He experienced great success with the Yankees, winning the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Boggs played a vital role in the Yankees’ championship-winning teams.
6. 3,000 Hits Club: On August 7, 1999, Boggs recorded his 3,000th career hit, becoming the 23rd player in MLB history to achieve this milestone. It was a significant accomplishment and solidified his status as one of the game’s elite hitters.
7. High Batting Average: Boggs retired with a remarkable career batting average of .328, which is the highest among third basemen in MLB history. His ability to consistently make contact and reach base was truly exceptional.
8. Avid Aviation Enthusiast: After retiring from baseball, Boggs pursued his passion for aviation. He became a licensed pilot and even flew with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the aerial demonstration team.
9. Tampa Bay Devil Rays Connection: In 1998, Boggs joined the newly established Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the final two seasons of his career. He contributed to the team as a player and mentor, helping to establish the franchise’s early identity.
10. Unique Achievement: On June 11, 1997, while playing for the Devil Rays, Boggs hit his 3,000th career hit as a home run. He joined an exclusive group of players who accomplished this feat, making it even more memorable.

Wade Boggs left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball, known for his hitting prowess, memorable superstitions, and successful career.

How Many Homeruns COULD Alex Rodriguez Have Hit Without a Suspension???

OK, I wanted to see if ChatGPT would give an answer, and it did not disappoint, as it even gave calculations. So the question was “If Alex Rodriguez never received a suspension in MLB, what would have been the expected number of homeruns he would have hit in his career?”

I guessed 733 before I submitted the question.

To estimate the expected number of home runs Alex Rodriguez would have hit in his career if he had never received a suspension in Major League Baseball (MLB), we need to make certain assumptions and consider various factors.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Alex Rodriguez officially hit 696 home runs during his MLB career. However, he did receive multiple suspensions, including a full-season suspension in 2014 for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. If we assume that he missed approximately 162 games due to suspension (equivalent to a full MLB season), we can attempt to estimate the impact on his career home run total.

To make a reasonable estimation, we can calculate Rodriguez’s average home run rate per game played before his suspensions and then apply that rate to the games he missed. However, it’s important to note that player performance can fluctuate throughout a career, and assumptions made here may not perfectly reflect reality.

Let’s assume that Rodriguez’s career home run rate before his suspensions remained consistent. By dividing his total career home runs (696) by the number of games played (2,784), we find that he averaged approximately 0.25 home runs per game.

If we then apply this average to the 162 games missed due to suspension, we can estimate that he would have hit around 40 additional home runs during that period (0.25 home runs/game * 162 games = 40.5 home runs).

Therefore, if Rodriguez had never received a suspension in MLB, the expected number of home runs he might have hit in his career could have been approximately 736 (696 + 40).

It’s important to remember that this estimation relies on several assumptions and simplifications, and it’s impossible to know the exact outcome. Actual results could have varied based on various factors such as aging, injuries, changes in performance, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Top 10 Chicago Cubs of All Time

So the best way to start the questioning, is to start local. So let’s start with the Northside of Chicago, where I have spend many summers at Wrigley Field. Let’s ask ChatGPT who the best Chicago Cubs of all time are.

The Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have seen numerous talented players throughout their history. While opinions may vary on the exact ranking, here is a list of 10 notable players who have left a significant impact on the Cubs organization:

1. Ernie Banks: Known as “Mr. Cub,” Banks is one of the most beloved figures in Cubs history. He played his entire career with the team (1953-1971) and became a Hall of Fame shortstop and first baseman.
2. Ron Santo: A dominant third baseman, Santo spent 14 seasons with the Cubs (1960-1973) and was known for his exceptional defense and offensive production. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.
3. Ryne Sandberg: Sandberg was a second baseman who played the majority of his career with the Cubs (1982-1994, 1996-1997). He was an exceptional defensive player and a consistent offensive threat, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
4. Billy Williams: Williams, an outfielder, played 16 seasons with the Cubs (1959-1974). He was a consistent hitter and a fan favorite, earning six All-Star selections and the 1961 NL Rookie of the Year award.
5. Fergie Jenkins: Jenkins, a right-handed pitcher, had two stints with the Cubs (1966-1973, 1982-1983) and was the team’s first Cy Young Award winner in 1971. He recorded over 3,000 strikeouts during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
6. Greg Maddux: While Maddux played the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves, he had two separate stints with the Cubs (1986-1992, 2004-2006). Maddux was a highly skilled pitcher, known for his incredible control and ability to paint the corners of the strike zone.
7. Gabby Hartnett: Hartnett was a catcher who played for the Cubs from 1922 to 1940. He was a strong offensive player and a respected team leader. Hartnett famously hit the “Homer in the Gloamin'” in 1938, securing a crucial win for the Cubs.
8. Sammy Sosa: Sosa played for the Cubs from 1992 to 2004 and became one of the most electrifying players in the game. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in home runs, hitting over 600 during his career, and won the NL MVP award in 1998.
9. Hack Wilson: Wilson was an outfielder who played for the Cubs from 1926 to 1931. He had a remarkable 1930 season, setting a single-season record with 191 RBIs—a record that still stands today.
10. Andre Dawson: Dawson played for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992 and made an immediate impact, winning the NL MVP award in his first season with the team. He was a power-hitting outfielder known for his strong arm and defensive prowess.

It’s important to note that this list is subjective and based on various factors such as overall performance, impact on the franchise, and historical significance. Other notable Cubs players, such as Phil Cavarretta, Charlie Grimm, and Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, could also be contenders for a top 10 list.

Bringing Baseball and ChatGPT Together For Fun

In anticipation of ChatGPT of taking over my job in the future, I figured I would take the opportunity to learn how the platform works, to see if we can work together, instead of against each other. So might as well get started, and ask questions on a subject I’m interested in, baseball.  

As of right now, ChatGPT only has knowledge of the world and events until about 2021, so good time to dwell into the past, before the platform is current and drafting a fantasy baseball team for me.  

As this is a work in progress, not even sure what questions to ask, or what kind of answers ChatGPT will give me, but that’s part of the journey. Plus, the fun part will be if we agree with the responses, or if we need to teach the A.I. better answers. So this will start with random questions, until I find the constant questions that bring great answers or scenarios. 

So come along for the ride, feel free to agree or disagree, but come for the fun, and let’s learn about baseball and ChatGPT.