High Heat Stats turns one year old today!

This blog, on highheatstats.com, has been around since February, but I first opened our temporary home on Blogger 1 year ago today.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of our great readers and writers for making this such a great place.

Also, here’s a little more info on the project I’m working on. I mentioned before that something big is brewing. I told you that some of our writers will be involved. I have also commissioned several artists to produce original artwork, and this artwork is a key part of what we’re doing–meaning it’s NOT that I’m just getting a few book illustrations. I can also share that the final product of this effort will be something physical, as opposed to an e-book, web site, or other electronic medium.

All will be revealed in the first week of December when we launch a major campaign around this project.

Sad and shocking news today that Pascual Perez was killed during a home invasion robbery in his native Dominican Republic. Here is  a brief tribute to one of the most entertaining players of his (or any other) time.

Perez came up in the Pirates’ organization, getting off to an impressive start in 1981, going 2-0 with 1.38 ERA in his first 3 starts. But, it was all downhill from there, going 0-7, 5.07 the rest of the way. Starting 1982 in the minors, the Pirates dealt Perez to Atlanta in mid-year, where he posted a fine half-season of 123 ERA+ and only 1.9 BB/9. That showing earned Perez a rotation spot in a fine 1983 season that garnered him an All-Star selection in his first year as a full-time regular.

In 1984, his performance started to slide, down to 103 ERA+, although he finished the season on the upside with a 3.00 ERA in August and September. The wheels came off in a dreadful 1985 season of 1-13, 6.14, and the Braves released Perez in the spring of 1986.

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As I’m a bit of a Hall of Fame fanatic, and there is no shortage of discussion about the BBWAA ballot, but not nearly as much when it comes to the Veterans Committee, I thought I’d take a look at the upcoming Pre-Integration Era Ballot.

The Pre-Integration Committee will consider candidates for the Hall of Fame who made their greatest contributions to the game in the era spanning 1871-1946. This, of course, will include a number of seemingly forgotten 19th century players. Surprisingly, though, it hasn’t been that long since a 19th century player was inducted, as Bid McPhee was so honored in 2000. Continue reading →