This Week's Doggerel
Gambling, calculating, fumbling and enjoying fresh tomatoes off the vine
July 27, 2026
After the All-Star Break
by Claire Taylor
tomatoes
straight off the vine
sun-ripe and wet as
a lover’s July skin
the day runs its
humid tongue up
my thigh
we are only sweat
and angles—exposed
elbows, bare knees, sharp
anger that hangs
heavy in the still
night air
I read once that on
hotter days
a pitcher is more likely
to hit a batter
remind me in October to apologize
for how I always
pitch it inside
aiming straight for your heart
Claire Taylor is a writer for both adult and youth audiences. Her poetry collection, April and Back Again is available now from Publishing Genius. Claire is the founding editor of Little Thoughts Press, a literary magazine for young readers. She lives with her family in Baltimore, Maryland, in an old stone house where birds love to roost. You can find her online at clairemtaylor.com. You can read my interview with Claire about baseball, parenting and writing here.
July 28, 2026
If You Have Baseball in Your Soul
by Dick Enberg
Baseball is the best
announcer game,
the game that I first
enjoyed playing,
and the game I had
a passion for.
If you have baseball in your soul,
it doesn’t go away.
It’s there forever.
Thanks for the quote go to the estimable Jim Koenigsberger (@Jimfrombaseball).
July 29, 2026
Yankees Injury Report
by Raphael Badagliacca
With both Achilles sidelined
what plague is this
the gods have sent
that has put us back on our heels
that only touches outfielders
and left-handed hurlers?
July 29, 2026
Calculating Moves
by Fred Lovato
As trade deadline looms
GMs anxiously work out
how to beat Dodgers
Fred is Bardball’s overseas correspondent, based in Okinawa.
July 30, 2026
A Short, Humorous Tale of Ruin
by James Finn Garner
I was curious to have a look
Thought it was a lark
Stuck my head in the vast sportsbook
Attached to my ballpark.
Screen upon screen filled the air
Showing every game (some in Spanish)
I placed bets with an insouciant flair
And soon all my credit vanished.
A no-brainer, it seems, on the Yanks and Mets
But the Amazin’s pulled it out.
Soon it was soccer, cricket, Wimbledon sets,
Every sport there was — but no payout.
One last chance to regain my nut!
Then my hopes set like the sun.
I bet all I had on the pink donut
But that frickin’ bagel won.
July 31, 2026
Nickname Hall of Fame #12
by Jim Siergey
In his managerial career with Cincinnati (1970-78), Sparky Anderson gained his nickname for his reluctance to leave in starting pitchers when he saw signs of trouble. In an era that valued complete games, he didn’t hesitate to bring in relievers.
July 31, 2026
Chicago
by HoraceClark66
With apologies to Graham Nash
So Cashman’s left us bound and gagged
And he’s chained us to a chair
Won’t you please turn off Chicago
So I can save my mind?
For a team that’s known for winning
How can such a thing be fair?
Won’t you please turn off Chicago
Before it leaves us blind?
We can change this team
Rearrange this team
It’s dying
To get better
(Can’t get any worse…)
Aaron Boone, sit yourself down
There’s nothing for you here
Won’t you please just leave Chicago?
No, we’re not being snide
Don’t ask Hal to help us
‘Cause he’ll turn the other ear
Won’t you please just leave Chicago
Or join the other side?
(We can change)
Yes, we can change the game
(Or at least the channel)
Rearrange the game
(It’s dying)
And if you believe in baseball
(It’s dying)
Play the game like you’ve got half a brain
(It’s dying)
Analytics who needs them?
Throw ’em out the door!
Somehow the Yankees must be freed
I hope the day comes soon
Won’t you please turn off Chicago?
I can’t find the channel anyway
From the back of the bullpen
To the lumps sitting on the bench,
Won’t you please just leave Chicago
And rejoin the human race?
We can’t find the game
(Believe me, you don’t want to)
We can’t stand the game
(When we do find it)
If you believe in greatness
(It’s dying)
If you believe in more than money
(Not Hal or Pal)
Analytics, who needs ’em?
Throw ’em out the door.
Reposted from the indispensable Yankee blog, It is High, It is Far, It is…caught.