Clips

Kimbrel coming of age for Braves

By Teddy Cahill

MLB.com

ATLANTA — Craig Kimbrel is bent over at the waist, staring straight ahead. He leans so far forward his torso is parallel to the infield grass unfolding in front of him. His right arm juts out, bent at the elbow to almost create a right angle. His forearm hangs loose, fingertips almost scraping the dirt of the pitcher’s mound.

The pose seems better fit for a yoga studio than a baseball field, but this is how Kimbrel takes signs from his catcher. He never holds it for long — there are, after all, only two signs for Braves catchers to cycle through when their closer is on the mound — but it has become Kimbrel’s signature, even more than his 97 mph fastball or devastating breaking ball.

Kimbrel made the All-Star Game in each of his first two full seasons, won the National League Rookie of the Year Award last year and leads all of baseball with 27 saves this season. He is considered by some to be the best closer in the Major Leagues. And yet, the pose is what captures imaginations… READ MORE

Emotional finish for Chipper at Turner Field

By Teddy Cahill

MLB.com

ATLANTA — Chipper Jones had the opportunity to dictate when he would leave Sunday’s 6-2 victory against the Mets, his final regular-season home game.

He said manager Fredi Gonzalez asked him three times if he wanted to be called back from the plate for a pinch-hitter or a pinch-runner and receive one last, deafening ovation from the sellout crowd at Turner Field.

Each time, however, Jones demurred. He wanted to finish what he started. And besides, he had his own plans for what he would do once the game was over…READ MORE

Nola Brothers Face Big Decisions

By Teddy Cahill

Baseball America

In the dream, Aaron Nola stands on the mound in Omaha as fans rise to their feet. Louisiana State holds a lead in the ninth inning of the deciding game of the 2012 College World Series. He throws a pitch and the batter hits a ground ball up the middle, which is fielded by Aaron’s older brother Austin. Austin throws to first, ending the game, the season and his college career. For the second time in four years, the Tigers dogpile in Omaha, national champs once again.

The dream is LSU coach Paul Mainieri’s. At its core—Aaron and Austin both wearing purple and gold next year—the dream is shared by the Nolas…READ MORE

Receiver proves he belongs in FBS despite small size

By Teddy Cahill

The Ball State Daily News

In the press conference following Jamill Smith’s best day as a college football player — the one that saw him catch the game-winning touchdown and break one long kickoff return after another — he was asked to explain what had sparked his big game. Maybe he had eaten a special breakfast Saturday morning, a reporter suggested.

Smith laughed, which he does easily and often. Before he got a chance to answer, his coach cut in.

“He doesn’t eat enough,” Pete Lembo said.

Smith laughed again.

“That’s a good answer,” he said.

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Jamill Smith is 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 138 pounds, according to Ball State’s official roster. That makes him the lightest player to appear in a Football Bowl Subdivision game this season, which Smith has done eight times as Ball State’s backup slot receiver and kick returner…READ MORE

Voice of the Cardinals

By Teddy Cahill

Ball Bearings Magazine

Morry Mannies has just taken off his headset at Mancino’s, his guest spot on “Cardinal Talk” over. On this rainy fall afternoon, the topic of discussion with Jeff Weller, the show’s host and Mannies’ longtime radio partner, had been Ball State football.

For 56 years, Mannies has been the “Voice of the Cardinals.” He has called Ball State football and men’s basketball games on WLBC. Ball State fans have turned to him to know if the Cardinals won or lost. For 56 years, Mannies has been Ball State.

Soon, all of that is coming to an end. Mannies announced in August this would be his last season broadcasting Ball State football and basketball on the radio. He would retire in spring after basketball season ended…READ MORE