Article No. 100: The Last One ?

Any time a person arrives at a milestone, it is worth mentioning.

I realize I am only one of thousands of writers who have used the Bleacher Report readers as a springboard with which to fan his or her passion.

It is fulfilling to realize I have actually written 100 articles now. Obviously none were masterpieces, but I do hold high hopes that not many were complete stinkers.

By sharing our mutual knowledge and experiences, I feel I am a little better at it now than I was when I began. Not to mention, the gifted writers I have come in contact with.

I have received guidance and help from J.C Ayvazi, my colleague from the Dodger fold. Even though we enjoyed a rough start, through reasoning and civilized discussions we are now very good friends.  Thank you for your help J.C.

Michael W is a writer I have come to respect and love to read his articles. We both share a love for the "Mayflower" boys of the game. That is a name I put on the pre-1900 players. We have discussed the ancient mariners of the game at length. If you need to know something about Addie Joss or John Clarkson, he is your man.

John Cate, who authors too few articles, is one of the most knowledgeable writers in the entire MLB community.  He has been a very strong influence on me, and I appreciate his comments, corrections and knowledge of the history of the sport.

Illya Harrell, a fellow Cincinnati Reds Featured Columnist, and also a Hometown boy, has made me attempt to become a better writer.  He has a rare mixture, of knowledge, wit, independence, and "snarkiness". 

The latter is a term one of his commentators used on him earlier, and of course I had to remind him of it.  Even though he has only been here a short while, I feel I have known him for years.  Watch out for him!  He has what it takes.

Tim Coughlin is an editor I truly respect. He has kept me focused on the game and not the players, if that makes any sense. Everybody has their own style, and sometimes the styles do not quite fit the cog that is connected to it. He has been very instructive, civil, courteous, and I look to him for all things concerning editing. Thank you Tim.

I wonder if this is the way a baseball player feels after crushing his 100th home run.   Probably not, since every one he hit cleared the fence. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing about my pieces.

I have 84 writers and readers, who I am proud to say are my fans. That is really quite humbling when you stop and think about it.

I remember when I first saw my name in the rankings of the MLB writers, I was No. 34. I am now No. 11, with no bullet.  When you see who all is ahead of me, you can see the company I am humbled to be a part of.

I could go on with accolades for the other great writers, but hey, today is all about me.  Today I am a Centurion!  I would like to see another 100 in the next three months, but we will have to wait and see.

Whether I ever become a writer of any stature or significance, I still find it therapeutic and gratifying.

I thank each one of you who have taken the time to read an article that I published, whether you liked it or not.  I also thank each of you who have debated me in one of my articles or someone else's.

If it were not for the valleys, there would be no mountaintops.