Michael Clair
@michaelclair
I like baseball and I write about it for MLB.com. Special focus on the World Baseball Classic, culture, and freaky little oddities. My book, WE SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO BASEBALL, is out April 1!
If you’re at #SABR54 in Cleveland today, stop by the @univnebpress.bsky.social booth this afternoon! I’ll be signing copies of WE SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO BASEBALL. Copies are 40% off for convention attendees.
Amazing poster presentation from @adarowski.bsky.social on the pitchers who have won 400 games all around the world at #SABR54
The inning marker is incorrect, but Slovakia has the bases loaded with no outs right now against the hosts Poland and are down by just two. A big moment for two teams fighting for a chance to play in the A Pool Euros next year.
I wouldn’t usually recommend Amazon but with just one copy of WE SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO BASEBALL left, it’s an insane 68% off. This is close to half what it costs me to order books with my author’s discount!
Some of our conversation from back at the WBC that has become newly relevant now that he's in the postseason hunt.
The rain is coming down HARD in Wroclaw as Poland -- who has put a lot of resources into its national team in recent years -- is tied with Norway, 3-3. Poland can't drop a game like this and have high hopes of getting into Euros A pool.
Speaking of records, just shipped one of the last copies of UNDERGROUND MUTANTS we have left. Hear the musical stylings of me, @davyandrewsdavy.bsky.social, @mikepetriello.bsky.social, and @depstein1983.bsky.social and grab a copy for yourself. thesubwayghosts.bandcamp.com StreamIng everywhere
First few listens to REALITY AWAITS, the new Strokes record: Reminds me a lot of Future Present Past EP and I enjoy that Julian Casablancas and Co. refuse to give people the album they want and instead try to push new boundaries. But don't love all the autotune and Voidz-esque flourishes.
Ashton Lansdell skipped the eye black and instead opted for eye stars and stripes.
I simply cannot accept that there's a player on the US Women's national team born IN 2009!!!
BIg game from Hyeonah Kim, the 4th overall pick in the WPBL Draft for the Boston Hunters. She went 4-for-5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs in Korea's 16-10 victory against Hong Kong earlier today. Korea gets its first win of the World Cup. (Photo by WBSC)
Yesterday's stars: 🇺🇸 Ashton Lansdell: 3 H, HR, 4 R, 7 RBI, SB 🇺🇸 Denae Benites: 2 H, HR, 4 R, 6 RBI 🇦🇺 Caitlin Eynon: 3 H, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, SB 🇨🇦 Lucie Anctil: 4 H, 2B, 2 R, 7 RBI 🇨🇦 Claire Eccles: 3 H, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB (Photo: Meggie Meidlinger & Ashton Lansdell by WBSC)
And hey, if you’ve read the book, think about reviewing it somewhere. It’s a huge help!
Flight is delayed by a few hours, but at least now I can see the TWA Hotel
USA - Korea starts now! Superstar Kelsie Whitmore leads off for the Americans.
4 2/3 one-hit IP from Canadian ace Raine Padgham (2 BB, 7 K) and 3 RBIs from leadoff hitter and CF Camille Proulx see Canada move past Hong Kong, 13-0, to open the Women's Baseball World Cup. AUS vs. MEX are up next. Three teams advance to next year's final. US/CAN are likely top 2. Photo by WBSC
Here are the captains for the teams competing in the Rockford pool of the Women's Baseball World Cup that begins NOW. Alex Hugo of the USA and one of the most recognizable figures in women's baseball is at the front. Photo by WBSC. Stream games here: gametime.sport/events/uvbgq...
New INTERNATIONAL BEAT newsletter going out shortly about my experience at @honkbalweek.bsky.social. Make sure you're signed up here: www.mlb.com/fans/newslet...
The @univnebpress.bsky.social summer sale is still going on! Get 50% off with code 6SUMM26. There's my book and plenty of other of great baseball books to snag, too! www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/978...
The sign for the men’s room at the train station pub in Choceň? Joltin’ Joe, of course
Doctors may not prescribe it but an afternoon beer on a sunny patio may just cure all ailments. (It helps when it’s a fresh Pilsner Urquell in Czechia too.)