June 3, 200818 yr Betting on Baseball Betting on the game of baseball has historically been a third rail issue for the league, its players and even its fans. Of course everyone knows about the infamous problems Pete Rose got himself into by betting on the game and how he was made an example of by Major League Baseball and denied entry into the hallowed halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. But I must confess today, I have benefitted directly from someone who betted on baseball and more specifically ?against? the Florida Marlins. You may have a hard time finding bigger fans of the Florida Marlins than JC and myself even as JC boycotts going to see them live on the grounds of their current organization and their decision to trade Cabrera amongst other things. Well having said that, the love for baseball and the love of the Florida Marlins were largely instilled into both JC and I by JC?s father. It is important to bring him into the conversation because it was he who bet ?against? his own team. The History of the Bet Back in 1997, JC Perez Sr. decided to bet against his own team?s odds of ?winning the World Series.? He told me if the Marlins win the World Series he would take everyone, (JC & his family and my family and I of course) to Disney World. Now I know this doesn?t truly stack against Pete Rose?s famous transgressions but nonetheless it was important to me because If I won this bet it would have meant that I was getting two of the biggest things I could ever ask for?the first triumphant Florida Marlins World Series Championship Series and well, a trip to my favorite place in the world, Disney. My memory is not the greatest and I don?t remember the stipulations on my end of the bet had the Marlins not won the World Series. Luckily for me Renteria would famously single into center field to score Counsell and send the entire city of Miami into euphoria and me on a trip to Disney. Well it would seem that I have already had my perfect ending but what if I could relive it once more. That is exactly the opportunity JC Perez Sr. has given me again! 81 Wins? I have yet to mention how much Senior dislikes Disney, although he did enjoy the trip as he relished in the Marlins World Series victory. But trust me when I say he does not want to go again today, tomorrow or the next day but yet he still happened to make a critical blunder while watching a Marlins? telecast with JC Perez Jr., Stephanie Diaz and of course myself to witness it. He said, ?If the Marlins Win 81 games I will take you all to Walt Disney World.? With disbelief about to set in on me, I quickly answered??you?re on!? And just like that it?s like ?97 once again, with the same old group all hoping for different reasons that the Marlins can achieve this plateau. Tough Road The Marlins have only had 4 seasons where they won 81 games or more: 2005- 83-79 (.512) 2004- 83-79 (.512) in 16 Seasons! 2003- 91-71 (.562) 1997- 92-70 (.568) The Marlins are having a tough road trip that has brought their record to 31-25 (.554) and are 1 ? games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for 1st place in the NL East. To reach 81 wins they would need go 50-56 (.472) the rest of the way. Do You Believe? Sure there are holes on this team that even a fan can?t deny but the Marlins have shown an incredible ability to battle back in games with their bat and if they can find some rhythm in their pitching staff not even greatness they can beat up on the mediocre teams of the MLB and battle it out in the NL East and reach the 81 Wins. In essence, I Believe. The question of course is simple, do you? How many wins do you predict for the Marlins this year? Make sure to leave comments about the latter and while you are at it I have a special request. I haven?t told JC Perez Sr. what he gets if the Marlins don?t reach 81 wins. If I see a good idea come up from one of your comments I will make that the prize and announce it right here on my blog. Also make sure to read the follow up blog post at the end of the MLB regular season. I Hope you enjoyed this edition of Ralph?s Hot Corner?make sure to check back often!
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