Monday, July 4, 2011

MLB and the Fourth of July: A fan’s guide from YCN

MLB and the Fourth of July: A fan’s guide from YCN


Nothing says America like baseball and apple pie. Cliche? Of course, it is.

With the Fourth of July upon us, America's birthday has been home to many Major League Baseball milestones, moments, and, yes, birthdays. You could say baseball has provided plenty of fireworks over the years.

Not only that, but when it comes to war and our nation anthem—two things iconic with America—MLB bleeds red, white and blue.

Yahoo! contributors have it all covered.

Check it out:

3,000 not once, but twice

You're kidding, right? The Fourth of July is the anniversary of many MLB highlights, including the 3,000th strikeout for Nolan Ryan and Phil Niekro.

Read Yahoo! contributor Daniel Barber's piece for more MLB unforgettable games, plays, etc., on July 4.

So long, Lou

Every baseball fan has read, watched or listened to a clip of Lou Gehrig's historic "Farewell Speech." Ah, but did you know the New York Yankees great expressed he was the "luckiest man on the face of the earth" on July 4?

Check out Yahoo! contributor Eric R. Ivie's article for a recap of Lou's speech, and more baseball feats to take place on the July Fourth.

It's my birthday, too

OK, so a list of baseball players born on the Fourth of July isn't going to rival an All-Star team.

But…

Don't discount the careers of Vinny Castilla, Jose Oquendo and Bill Tuttle. All three were born on July 4, joining a list put together by Ivie, a Yahoo! contributor.

Happy birthday, George

The New York Mets and Yankees have a few ties to the Fourth of July, as well. The late George Steinbrenner grew up blowing out candles on this day.

But he was just one of a few New Yorkers to call July 4 their birthday. Read Yahoo! contributor Karen Barnes' piece for proof.

With liberty and justice for all

The Fourth of July isn't just about the holiday itself. No, no—it's much more than that. It's about celebrating the this great nation of ours, past and present.

Unlike most professional leagues, MLB has been around for well over 100 years. And unlike other professional leagues, some of the greatest players to ever play had to miss valuable time on the diamond—and not because of injury.

As Barber writes, Christy Mathewson and Bob Feller just two of hundreds of players who sacrificed for this country.

Oh say can you … sing?

What's more symbolic of the Fourth of July and baseball than our national anthem? Fact is, not everyone has mastered the "Star-Spangled Banner," according to Yahoo! contributor Rick Limpert.

Here are some "Star-Spangled Banner" stars.
Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

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