Last night in Seattle, Spencer Turnbull became the 6th Tiger pitcher as he threw the 8th no-hitter in Tiger history in a 5-0 Tiger victory. He will go down in the history books along with Virgil Trucks (2), Justin Verlander (2), George Mullin, Jim Bunning and Jack Morris. Turnbull’s no hitter is not a surprise as he has “electric stuff” with a four-pitch repertoire, dominated by a plus 95 MPH fastball, and a wipeout slider. He struck out the last batter after 117 pitches with a 95 MPH fastball. He has come a long way since he led the major leagues in losses with a 3-17 win/loss season in 2019. Hopefully, this will be the start of something big for Turnbull.
Whenever you talk about Tiger no-hitters, I cannot help but think about the one that got away on June 2, 2010, when Tiger starter Armando Galarraga threw a 28 out no-hit perfect game, which unfortunately did not go down in the record book as a no-hitter or a perfect game because Jim Joyce, the first base umpire, “kicked” the call at first base when he called the Cleveland Indian batter Jason Donald safe at first with two outs in the ninth inning, as stunned Tiger players, spectators, and thousands watching on TV could clearly see Donald was out. Replays showed he was out by a half of step (which is not even close in umpire standards). Galarraga calmly went back to the mound and retired the next hitter. Although, Galarraga didn’t get credit for a no-hitter or a perfect game, he did receive a car from the Tiger owners and he along with umpire Jim Joyce received an ESPY during ESPN’s annual award show as a result of the sportsmanship they showed immediately following the game and at the home plate meeting the following day.
Golf lost a great one yesterday as Arthur Hill, golf course architect extraordinaire, died at the age of 91. Hill who designed golf courses all over the world has been a key architect for Boyne Golf and the 10 courses in the Boyne group of courses. He designed the Hills course at Boyne Highlands which is my favorite course in northern Michigan. He also designed the three courses at Bay Harbor and 5 years ago he redesigned the 16th, 17th and 18th hole at Crooked Tree, which is where Leah and I live when we are not in Ypsilanti. His legend will live on for years.
Former New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie is entertaining the idea of seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. This is very interesting as Christie was a close Trump adviser, but Christie turned very sour on Trump following Trump’s insistence that he won the 2020 election. Christie turning on Trump increased significantly following the January 6 insurrection. Christie has always reminded me of Newt Gingrich. Christie listens to the other side and is not afraid to compromise. I believe the work Christie did for ABC during the 2020 election, moved Christie closer to the center.
Trump’s legal troubles continue as the NY Attorney General has expanded her investigation into the Trump organization and has notified Trump representatives that her investigation will now include criminal activities as well as civil activities.
Stay safe, wash your hands regularly, social distance, wear your mask properly and schedule your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: To the Michigan Softball team who dominated the BIG awards, as junior outfielder Lexie Blair was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Year, Alex Storako was the unanimous selection as Pitcher of the Year, and Carol Hutchins earned Coach of the Year, taking three of the conference’s top individual awards.
Special Orchid of the Day: Spencer Turnbull for his no-hitter last night in Seattle
Quote of the Day: “Old Bull, man, he’s out there. Yeah, he’s like how you feel when you drink Red Bull,” former Tiger manager Ron Gardenhire’s comments following Spencer “Red Bull” Turnbull’s no hitter.