Mark Grace was open about his August arrest for suspected DUI and driving with a suspended license

“I realize that nobody did this to me. I did it to myself, and I’m the one to blame,” Grace said in an interview with MLB.com. I love the fact that Mark came out to the public and really opened up during this stressful, and frankly embarrassing time for him and his family.This article is not intended to bash Mark Grace for making a stupid decision and drive while intoxicated…again, but really to show that the way he has handled this has been with class and humility. I have, and will always be a Mark Grace fan and I loved hearing him and Darron Sutton (who also won’t be returning to the booth) talk D’backs baseball.  This roller coaster of an off season is certainly not over but the fact that Grace was able to participate in D’backs fantasy camp for another year showed that baseball will heal anything, even if only for one week.

“There’s still a long ways to go in this thing. But whatever happens, I’m going to accept and do what needs to be done.”

I see Mark Grace returning to baseball in some capacity and if it’s in Arizona, all the better! Fans and colleagues have embraced Mark through this tough time, which shows how respected he is not only in the Phoenix area, but in the baseball world as well. For now, the FS Arizona press box belongs to Steve Berthiaume and Bob Brenly but a Mark Grace sighting is not out of the question.

Until then, Grace will be in court on March 19th on four felony counts of aggravated DUI.

Gracie’s full interview can be found here:  http://bcove.me/3bnmsoc1

Sept. 10, 2011; Phoenix AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks former pitcher Curt Schilling before the game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Image: Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE

Today marks the 68th anniversary of D-Day, one of the most famous days in our great country’s history. This was the day the Allies landed on the beach in Normandy, France to push German forces back across the European continent, one of the most important missions during World War II. Less than a year later, America and her allies were victorious over Germany ending one of the most evil reigns in history. Since I love the date of June 6th, I decided to see how the Arizona Diamondbacks fared on game day 10 years ago today. I found…..nothing. They were off. So I decided to do the next best thing: look up their game from June 6th, 2001.

On that date, the D-Backs defeated the Dodgers 4-1 behind Curt Schilling’s  complete game six-hitter in which he struck out eight and did not walk a batter. Schilling improved to 10-1 and Luis Gonzalez continued his amazing season going 2 for 4. Damien Miller and Jay Bell  contributed solo home runs and Mark Grace added an RBI double. The only Dodger run came courtesy of a Shawn Green home run. Luke Prokopec started and was the losing pitcher with Eric Gagne pitching the final two innings. The win increased Arizona’s lead in the NL West to two games over LA boosting their overall record to 35-24. It also snapped a minuscule two game losing streak. They finished their series against the Dodgers with a 13-9 victory the following afternoon before playing nine games against three American League teams. Click here for a look at the box score and play by play.

I have always enjoyed reading over old box scores and checking out names that and saying, “Oh yeah, I remember him”. Hopefully some of the D-Back names (and Dodger names for that matter) causes you to have one of those moments.

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May 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully at press conference to announce their sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Guggenheim baseball management team at Dodger Stadium. Image: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

When we watch baseball on television, the game is the most important part of the broadcast.  Almost as important is who is announcing the game from the booth.  If you have more than option, life is even better.  For example, if I am driving and the Yankees are playing the Mets and I have to choose radio teams, it’s a no-brainer.  I will be tuning in to the Met two man crew of Howie Rose and Josh Lewin.  And if the Diamondbacks are playing the Dodgers and MLB Extra innings is carrying the feed for both teams, you can be sure I will be listening to the one and only Vin Scully.

This is not meant as a slight to the Arizona duo of Daron Sutton and Mark Grace.   I happen to think they are very good at what they do.  They are entertaining but not silly.  They are knowledgeable about the game but are not condescending.  In short, watching a D-Back game with those two at the mikes is a quality experience.   But they are not Vin Scully. No one in baseball, heck no one in broadcasting is like Vin Scully.  He is a living legend, now in his 62nd year calling games for the Dodgers.  When men and women decide they want to enter the field of television or radio be it in sports or news, they should be forced to listen Scully’s work every day for at least a month.   He never tries to make himself a part of the game, he just calls the game.  Many announcers today would be well-served to follow Vin-Man’s lead.

As the season continues, I will try to make a point to catch at least one inning a game of each Dodgers game.  I am not a fan of those Boys in Blue, I just want to hear Vin Scully tell another story about Sandy Koufax, Duke Snider or  Steve Garvey.  One never knows if 2012 will be the finale on one of the most storied careers we will see in our lifetimes.

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