The Bears beat the Buccaneers 24-18 here at Wembley Stadium in London. ESPN America’s Aaron Murphy had a chat with Julius Peppers in the Chicago locker room following the win:
To tie in the with the start of the 107th World Series ESPN America asked the MLB Fan Cave Guys – Ryan Wagner and Mike O’Hara – for their Top Five highlights from their season in the Cave in Manhattan.
Click here for a chance to win MLB Fan Cave merchandise.
RYAN WAGNER’s
Top Five Moments from the MLB Fan Cave
Asking me to pick my five favorite moments of life inside the Fan Cave is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I have loved every second, and the memories are so abundant that trying to think about each and every one is difficult.
But if you’re going to make me choose just five, here are the ones I’ll go with, in no particular order.
Boyz II Men
I have been a fan of these guys since I was just a kid, and even went to one of their concerts at the age of 11. Meeting them, and getting the chance to chat with them, was something I won’t soon forget. Also, getting Wanya to call my brother and leave a voicemail made me my big brother’s hero, if only for a day.
Adam Jones and Jeremy Guthrie
As most of you know, I love my Orioles. So getting to meet two of the best players on the team was an amazing experience, and more so, getting to hang out with Guthrie a few times was a lot of fun. He even made a childhood dream of mine come true a few weeks ago when he came to the Cave, made me put on catcher’s gear, and threw some pitches to me. Unbelievably awesome guy.
Playing pool against the Black Widow
I grew up playing a lot of pool in Baltimore, and my Dad was a champ at one point. Getting to play against one of the best players in the world, and even dropping five balls, was thrilling. Even better, she signed a picture to my Dad, who I’m sure will frame it and hang it in the house somewhere.
Catching fly balls at the All Star Game
It may not have taken place in the Cave, but getting the chance to take batting practice and then shag fly balls at a big league stadium was a blast. It took me a few minutes to remember how to track them, but it was smooth sailing after that. Bucket list item: checked off.
Watching DJ3K
As I wrote in a blog earlier this year, watching DJ3K was less about Derek Jeter’s feat and more about experiencing the unique opportunity to witness true fandom and elation, simultaneously. Watching my buddy Mike go bonkers when Jeter’s home run cleared the left field fence is a memory I will carry with me wherever I go. It will always be a reminder of what being a true fan is all about.
DEREK JETER 300: A memory shared by Ryan and Mike, who were there to witness history.
MIKE O’HARA’s
Top Five Moments from the MLB Fan Cave
I will truly never forget the 2011 Major League Baseball season. It’s not only because of the amazing moments on the field, but because I experienced it in the most unique way possible. This year I hosted the MLB Fan Cave show and web series … oh and watched every game of the season to boot.
The Fan Cave is a place like no other. A baseball die-hard or just the casual fan would agree that my office on 4th and Broadway in New York City is one outstanding place to go to work each day.
During my time here, I have met, interviewed and performed sketches with some of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball, movies, television and music, and it’s surreal to say the least. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the help and support. You’ve all really been amazing.
I’m often asked what are the moments I’ll remember most … this list would probably change 100 times over if I sat and thought about it, but here’s what I’m thinking today.
Reggie Jackson interview
Getting to interview “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson, at the Home Run Derby in Arizona tops the list. Reggie was a boyhood hero of mine and to get to talk to him while Robbie Cano crushed pitch after pitch over our heads was amazing. I asked Mr. Jackson how he’d do if he were in this year’s field in the Derby and in classic Reggie form he took a quick look at me and said, “I’d win it, Mikey.” Awesome!
The Hitman
I’ve always loved writing and performing sketch comedy, and the Fan Cave gave me the chance to have some fun with it this season. I will always recall the day that Jose Bautista became mob enforcer “Joey Bats” in a sketch we came up with called The Hitman. With the help of Sopranos star, Steve Schirripa, I got to see the Toronto slugger become a seasoned actor … he was a believable wise guy to everyone in the room that day. It was a blast.
DJ3K and Mo 602
As a life-long Yankees fan, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are two of my all-time favorites. I got to watch them both reach milestones in their Hall of Fame careers and it was something I won’t forget not only as a fan of the Bronx Bombers but as a fan of the game. These are two guys who play baseball the right way, and it has been great to be a fan of theirs. Their days will go down in Yankees’ History and that ain’t too damn shabby when you think of the company they’ll keep.
Ken Casey comes to the Cave
Interviewing Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys was a highlight. He is a guy I admire for the way he has driven his band and career. He’s an Irish/American Punk rocker, family man and business owner … if it wasn’t for his devotion to the Red Sox, Casey and I would have a lot in common. In all seriousness, Ken is a great guy and the Dropkick Murphys are an amazing band. They set the bar high, so I’ll put my Yankee cap on and take a page from the Book of Casey. Hopefully the band I play in will get a chance to play a bill with Kenny and the boys soon.
Advice from the Goose
Goose Gossage named my dog. Just reading that makes me laugh. Goose was my first interview at the Fan Cave opening day. When I was a kid he was superhuman. He was a mythical Baseball Hero who would emerge from the Yankee bullpen the way Batman does from the Bat Cave. Whenever my dad took me to The Stadium as a kid he would ask, “I wonder if we’ll see The Goose today, pal. What do you think?” My answer was always, “I hope so.”
I told Mr. Gossage that I was planning to get a dog (an English Bulldog to be exact) and I was going to name him after one of the great Yankees. The choices were Whitey, Gator, Thurman, Yogi, Reggie or Goose. I asked the Hall of Famer why I should chose Goose. He took a second and said, “You shouldn’t. You should name that dog Thurman. Thurman was our captain and one of my dearest friends. If you are naming a friend, that’s a pretty strong name to go with, Mike. Name him Thurman.”
I now have a bulldog puppy named Thurman Mattingly O’Hara. To have one of your heroes name your dog … nothing like it. Thanks, Goose.
Again, thanks for all the support and kind words the MLB Fan Cave received this season. We appreciated it more than you know. Cheers.
ESPN America’s Aaron Murphy met the Fan Cave Guys
at the All Star Game in Phoenix.
ESPN America’s own Michael Kim and Aaron Murphy take in all the action in Trafalgar Square on Saturday ahead of the NFL game at Wembley between the Bears and Bucs on Sunday.
A full house at Chase Field was more than ready for the opening pitch here in Phoenix Tuesday. After all, the Fan-Fest and Futures, and even Celebrity games were just a prelude to the big boys taking centre stage! The HR Derby also just a warm-up for some of MLB’s biggest names.
National League starter Roy ‘Doc’ Halladay did not let the crowd down as he came out strong and threw two perfect innings Tuesday. It marked just the sixth time since 1980 that a starting pitcher was indeed perfect in two innings in an All-Star encounter.
Murph and the ESPN America crew got as close to the Diamond as possible!
The crowd were definitely behind the National League squad, hoping that a win may mean home field advantage in the World Series if the Diamondbacks can get that far!
There was certainly a feeling that this could be a low scoring affair, as we didn’t see any fireworks until the fourth inning. That’s when Home Run Derby finalist Adrian Gonzalez stepped up to the plate and hit a solo blast into the seats to give the American League a 1-0 lead.
It looked as if the AL could get some momentum in hostile territory and start to put up some runs. The sentiment was short lived! Gonzalez’s blast in the top of the inning was quickly answered by a three run shot in the bottom of the fourth. NL HR Derby Captain Prince Fielder hit a huge jack to give his side a lead they would hold to the death. The homer by Fielder was the first in MLB history by a Brewers player in the Midsummer Classic.
The crowd loved the turn of momentum, and the NL bullpen seemed to sense blood. It was indeed a great performance in a game where the pitchers are usually fodder for the immense talents of the hitters they face. When Heath Bell came sliding to the mound to do his bit, followed by the ‘Beard’ Brian Wilson, the NL knew that it was almost a done deal.
Wilson is an intimidating figure – even in a game like this that is supposed to be more friendly than hostile. He came in glassy eyed and went about his business as if it were last season’s World Series final appearance all over again. You can see that he’s more than a ‘Beard’ and a gimmick – a true warrior for sure.
After the dust had settled and Wilson sat the AL down for the final time, the NL had an impressive 5-1 win. The NL spoils (as mentioned before) will be home field advantage in the World Series to whichever club gets that far. It’s actually great incentive for these guys…it makes the game much more than an exhibition. After all is said and done, a home advantage in the final is a nice prize to play for. The victory also marked back-to-back wins for the NL at the All-Star Game.
Prince Fielder captured the All-Star Game MVP trophy for his efforts, and was humble afterward.
Prince Fielder was the MLB 82nd All-Star Game MVP.
“It’s always nice to win, so to get the MVP too is a good honour,” Fielder said afterward, “it’s always nice to be successful, and we wanted to get a win here tonight for the fans and the National League, so I’m pleased with the way it turned out.”
An event like this does bring a lot of attention to MLB. Muhammad Ali and Justin Timberlake got loud ovations from the crowd Tuesday, as well as Larry Fitzgerald and Jordin Sparks.
Enough can’t be said about the fans, and staff here at Chase Field. An absolutley brilliant exhibition of baseball by a city that is a true sports town.
“They did a great job here” Reds star Joey Votto told me afterwards, “it was a pleasure to be in Phoenix for the past few days.”
I agree with Votto’s sentiment. What an experience for the ESPN America crew! 40 degree heat, an eight hour time difference, and wall to wall baseball. It truly was a magical few days here, and an event that really is a special one on the MLB calender.
Well we’re back to London now. Follow us the rest of the MLB season as we continue to bring you all the news and info, and of course more behind the scenes action from the Diamond.
You can also follow Murph and the MLB on ESPN America’s Facebook and Twitter
Murph joins Reds superstar Joey Votto in the National League clubhouse after their 5-1 win over the American League in Tuesday’s 82nd Annual MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix Arizona! Joey and Murph talk about the importance of a win here, and the great job the city did hosting all the festivities.
You can also follow Murph’s Arizona All Star Adventures on ESPN America’s Facebook and Twitter
It was a great day of baseball here on Monday. Everyone loves the Home Run Derby – you just want to see how far these guys can hit the baseball! It’s like the hardest shot at the NHL skills competition…we just want to see the maximum ability of these All-Stars.
Our day started at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel and Resort, as we had access to all the MLB All-Stars, and of course the HR Derby contestants. We were fortunate to chat with some of the players in the morning to get a feeling of what it means to be a part of the Festivities from a players’ perspective.
Murph prepares for media day at the Biltmore hotel ahead of the HR Derby.
“It’s nice to be recognized as an All-Star at any level,” Red Sox star Jacoby Ellsbury told me, “and to be recognized at this level is very special. You dream of that growing up playing ball, so to get here now is something else.”
No doubt there was an air of excitement with all the players here yesterday. The promise of an exciting HR Derby helped to keep everyone smiling.
“I’m looking forward to getting on the field now,” Jays slugger Jose Bautista said, “hopefully we can deliver lots of home runs, and raise some money too. It’s a neat event and I’m really happy to be a part of it. It will be fun to see some of the guys trying to hit the ball very far!”
Indeed the prevailing mood was one of anticipation for the long ball contest. It was also nice to see that some of the All-Stars had included there families here at the Biltmore. Prince Fielder had his two kids with him here for the press conference. They were both kitted out in All-Star uniforms with their dad’s name on back. Their smiles as big as Prince’s!
It was also great to see how accessible MLB made the players to the media. The media horde here in Phoenix was able to chat with all the guys, and of course have some fun. David Ortiz was full of jokes and smiles as he took question after question about the HR Derby.
“I’m going to tweet about all you guys later,” Ortiz joked to the media crush, “I might ask you some questions!”
It was then on to Chase Field, and the Derby itself did not let us down.
It was one of the most hotly contested Home Run Derby’s of all time. The new format was a nice touch and spin as Prince Fielder was the NL captain, and Ortiz was the skipper for the AL.
Right from the start the showmanship was o n hand. Big smiles and pranks all around as Ortiz changed his lineup order to have his Red Sox colleague Alex Gonzalez bat first to put “pressure” on Fielder’s NL squad.
The players take batting practice Monday for the Home Run Derby at Chase Field.
It worked as Gonzalez got the AL off to a great start with nine big bombs. The NL responded with Matt Holliday, and we were off and swinging at Chase Field.
It has to be said that Phoenix fans are immense baseball supporters. Their knowledge and passion is hard to miss. They love the Diamondbacks, and everytime legend Luis Gonzalez was shown on the big screen the crowd went bonkers. Gonzalez is the the only D’Back with his number retired (#20), and he again recieved an ovation when he brought the HR Derby Trophy onto the field.
As the rounds went on Monday evening it was clear that Yankee Robinson Cano was on a mission. In a nice gesture, he brought his dad to be his pitcher for the big derby. They clearly had a rythym, and Cano’s display was impressive. Adrian Gonzalez was not to be outdone though, and when the dust had settled we had a very fitting Red Sox versus Yankees final.
The HR Derby’s final-round record for homers was 11 coming into Monday’s finale. Gonzo went first, and proceeded to tie that record and bring the noise inside Chase Field to a deafening level. Cano would have to break the record to win the event. He looked relaxed and in the zone, and promptly hit a 474 foot blast to serve notice that this would be his title for the taking.
The players stalls are stocked and ready for the 82nd MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field.
When all was said and done, he pounded 12 over the fence to take the crown, and was emotionally embraced by his father in what was the nicest moment of the evening here in Phoenix. Job done for Cano – the 2011 Home Run Derby Champion.
Well it’s been a great experience so far here in Arizona. The ESPN America crew are now turning our attention to the 82nd MLB All-StarGame on Tuesday evening. Keep it locked here with us as we continue to bring you all-access, behind the scenes coverage from beautiful Chase Field.
Well MLB fans – what a night here at Chase Field in Phoenix! We saw one of the most exciting, and hotly contested Home Run Derby’s of all time. Murph caught up with Jays slugger Jose Bautista after the Final Monday to get his thoughts on both the HR Derby and the All-Star Game!
MLB legend Nomar Garciaparra joins Murph at Chase Field to discuss the HR Derby and the MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix! ESPN America – giving you all-access and behind the scenes content like never before!
