Michael Clair
@michaelclair.bsky.social
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!
Pinned
Michael Clair
@michaelclair.bsky.social
· Feb 17
We're six weeks away from the release of WE SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO BASEBALL and I've got a new discount code for you. Enter code 6AS26 at @univnebpress.bsky.social for 40% off! Then email receipt and mailing address to WeSacrificeEverythingATGmailDOTcom and receive some Baseball Czech bookmarks
The Queens were down 4-1 in the 2nd and already had to go to the 'pen. This was not how they wanted to start the championship series.
But Jamie Mackay - who hit the third-most HRs this season -was ready. She went the rest of the way, retiring the last 9 batters.
www.mlb.com/news/queens-...
But Jamie Mackay - who hit the third-most HRs this season -was ready. She went the rest of the way, retiring the last 9 batters.
www.mlb.com/news/queens-...
Los Angeles Queens take Game 1 of WPBL championship behind Jamie Mackay's relief work
Jamie Mackay is best known as a power-hitting catcher. It’s the position she plays most regularly for the Los Angeles Queens in the Women’s Professional Baseball League, smashing five home runs during...
www.mlb.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:58 AM
The Queens were down 4-1 in the 2nd and already had to go to the 'pen. This was not how they wanted to start the championship series.
But Jamie Mackay - who hit the third-most HRs this season -was ready. She went the rest of the way, retiring the last 9 batters.
www.mlb.com/news/queens-...
But Jamie Mackay - who hit the third-most HRs this season -was ready. She went the rest of the way, retiring the last 9 batters.
www.mlb.com/news/queens-...
Met Everett at the Athena Keke’s watch party. Not only was he keeping score … he was doing it THE RETROSHEET METHOD. Unreal dedication to the grind.
September 17, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Met Everett at the Athena Keke’s watch party. Not only was he keeping score … he was doing it THE RETROSHEET METHOD. Unreal dedication to the grind.
LA needs just three outs to win the first game in the WPBL championship. They'll likely turn to their star closer and USWNT veteran Meggie Meidlinger to close it out.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 7th. On ESPN+ if you're ready to tune in.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 7th. On ESPN+ if you're ready to tune in.
September 17, 2026 at 1:49 AM
LA needs just three outs to win the first game in the WPBL championship. They'll likely turn to their star closer and USWNT veteran Meggie Meidlinger to close it out.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 7th. On ESPN+ if you're ready to tune in.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 7th. On ESPN+ if you're ready to tune in.
Reposted by Michael Clair
Mackay is locking it down right now! The bullpen battle is gonig in favor of the #LAQueens! But no lead is safe in the #WPBL. Still three outs to get.
The #LAQueens bringing in Mackay in the second inning might be scary, given the 15.19 ERA. But her peripherals are really solid -- 8th best Strike%, 6th best K/BB ratio. The #Firebells will still need to be on their game.
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
September 17, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Kelsie Whitmore smashes a fly ball to the wall in left field, but it dies at the track. Jamie Mackay retires the side in order -- she's set down six in a row -- and we head to the final inning. Queens will look to tack on some insurance runs.
7-6
7-6
September 17, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Kelsie Whitmore smashes a fly ball to the wall in left field, but it dies at the track. Jamie Mackay retires the side in order -- she's set down six in a row -- and we head to the final inning. Queens will look to tack on some insurance runs.
7-6
7-6
Caitlin Eynon gives the Queens the lead. 3 hits in her first 3 AB, this time she skies a sac fly to center field to drive in the Queens' go ahead run.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 6th.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 6th.
September 17, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Caitlin Eynon gives the Queens the lead. 3 hits in her first 3 AB, this time she skies a sac fly to center field to drive in the Queens' go ahead run.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 6th.
7-6 heading to the bottom of the 6th.
Ashton Lansdell smashes a grounder down the third base line and we have a tied game! Queens still threatening with runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs against Liz Gilder.
September 17, 2026 at 1:28 AM
Ashton Lansdell smashes a grounder down the third base line and we have a tied game! Queens still threatening with runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs against Liz Gilder.
Rosí Del Castillo’s knee buckled when trying to field a bunt and she is now being stretchered off the field.
It’s the second Mexican national team player to go down with the Queens’ Samaría Benitez getting hurt in the semifinals and missing the finals.
Runners on corners and no outs for LA in T6
It’s the second Mexican national team player to go down with the Queens’ Samaría Benitez getting hurt in the semifinals and missing the finals.
Runners on corners and no outs for LA in T6
September 17, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Rosí Del Castillo’s knee buckled when trying to field a bunt and she is now being stretchered off the field.
It’s the second Mexican national team player to go down with the Queens’ Samaría Benitez getting hurt in the semifinals and missing the finals.
Runners on corners and no outs for LA in T6
It’s the second Mexican national team player to go down with the Queens’ Samaría Benitez getting hurt in the semifinals and missing the finals.
Runners on corners and no outs for LA in T6
Wow! Firebells get runners to second and third but Jamie MacKay strikes out the side to keep the Queens down just by one.
Two innings left to play and there are surely a few more runs left in this one.
Two innings left to play and there are surely a few more runs left in this one.
September 17, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Wow! Firebells get runners to second and third but Jamie MacKay strikes out the side to keep the Queens down just by one.
Two innings left to play and there are surely a few more runs left in this one.
Two innings left to play and there are surely a few more runs left in this one.
The Queens cut the lead to one, but with runners on the corners, Kelsie Whitmore gets Maggie Foxx to roll into the inning ending 6-4-3. It’s not 6-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth.
We’re going to have a good one tonight! Can the Firebells roll with Whitmore for all 7?
We’re going to have a good one tonight! Can the Firebells roll with Whitmore for all 7?
September 17, 2026 at 1:05 AM
The Queens cut the lead to one, but with runners on the corners, Kelsie Whitmore gets Maggie Foxx to roll into the inning ending 6-4-3. It’s not 6-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth.
We’re going to have a good one tonight! Can the Firebells roll with Whitmore for all 7?
We’re going to have a good one tonight! Can the Firebells roll with Whitmore for all 7?
Firebells answer back with two more in the bottom half and they lead 6-2.
In the five game series this summer between these two teams, whoever scored 8 went on to win. So that’s the number to work toward!
In the five game series this summer between these two teams, whoever scored 8 went on to win. So that’s the number to work toward!
Caitlin Enyon legs out a dribbler to third to drive in Ashton Lansdell and the Queens cut the lead. It’s not 4-2 heading to bottom of the third.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
September 17, 2026 at 12:33 AM
Firebells answer back with two more in the bottom half and they lead 6-2.
In the five game series this summer between these two teams, whoever scored 8 went on to win. So that’s the number to work toward!
In the five game series this summer between these two teams, whoever scored 8 went on to win. So that’s the number to work toward!
Caitlin Enyon legs out a dribbler to third to drive in Ashton Lansdell and the Queens cut the lead. It’s not 4-2 heading to bottom of the third.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
September 17, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Caitlin Enyon legs out a dribbler to third to drive in Ashton Lansdell and the Queens cut the lead. It’s not 4-2 heading to bottom of the third.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
Considering the league ERA is around 6, this game is far from over.
Reposted by Michael Clair
The #LAQueens bringing in Mackay in the second inning might be scary, given the 15.19 ERA. But her peripherals are really solid -- 8th best Strike%, 6th best K/BB ratio. The #Firebells will still need to be on their game.
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
September 17, 2026 at 12:13 AM
The #LAQueens bringing in Mackay in the second inning might be scary, given the 15.19 ERA. But her peripherals are really solid -- 8th best Strike%, 6th best K/BB ratio. The #Firebells will still need to be on their game.
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article...
Amanda Gianelloni, who had done a virtual event at Athena Keke’s — where I’m watching the game tonight — smashes a grand slam to center and the Firebells are up 4-1.
Amira Hondras’ day is done after 1.1 IP.
Amira Hondras’ day is done after 1.1 IP.
September 17, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Amanda Gianelloni, who had done a virtual event at Athena Keke’s — where I’m watching the game tonight — smashes a grand slam to center and the Firebells are up 4-1.
Amira Hondras’ day is done after 1.1 IP.
Amira Hondras’ day is done after 1.1 IP.
Mo’ne Davis! The Little League World Series superstar drives in the first run in the championship with a two-strike, two-out single to center. She drives in Sarah Edwards, who singled, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch.
1-0 Queens in T2
1-0 Queens in T2
September 16, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Mo’ne Davis! The Little League World Series superstar drives in the first run in the championship with a two-strike, two-out single to center. She drives in Sarah Edwards, who singled, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch.
1-0 Queens in T2
1-0 Queens in T2
Two great defensive plays from the Queens in the first: a diving catch from Mo’ne Davis to rob Kelsie Whitmore in center and then a leaping snag from Caitlin Enyon to steal an RBI single from Jill Albayati to end the first.
0-0
0-0
September 16, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Two great defensive plays from the Queens in the first: a diving catch from Mo’ne Davis to rob Kelsie Whitmore in center and then a leaping snag from Caitlin Enyon to steal an RBI single from Jill Albayati to end the first.
0-0
0-0
Catching the first championship game in @wpbl.bsky.social history at Athena Keke’s in Brooklyn. Good food, good drinks, great lighting (it’s really nice in here!) and even better vibes.
Women’s Sports Rally is hosting a watch party
Women’s Sports Rally is hosting a watch party
September 16, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Catching the first championship game in @wpbl.bsky.social history at Athena Keke’s in Brooklyn. Good food, good drinks, great lighting (it’s really nice in here!) and even better vibes.
Women’s Sports Rally is hosting a watch party
Women’s Sports Rally is hosting a watch party
The WPBL championship begins at 7 ET. With Kelsie Whitmore and Jill Albayati, I think Firebells’ offense and pitching depth will be too much. But if Ayami Sato pitches as she can and with Meggie Meidlinger at back of pen, Queens have a chance.
My pick: SF in 4
Preview:
www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
My pick: SF in 4
Preview:
www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Will the Queens or Firebells emerge victorious in the first WPBL championship?
The Los Angeles Queens certainly made things interesting. Their 9-2 lead during Monday’s Game 3, winner-take-all Women's Pro Baseball League semifinal matchup against the New York Heights soon disappe...
www.mlb.com
September 16, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The WPBL championship begins at 7 ET. With Kelsie Whitmore and Jill Albayati, I think Firebells’ offense and pitching depth will be too much. But if Ayami Sato pitches as she can and with Meggie Meidlinger at back of pen, Queens have a chance.
My pick: SF in 4
Preview:
www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
My pick: SF in 4
Preview:
www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Spain's roster for the Premier12 qualifier next month in Barcelona is in! Some familiar names on here, including Luis Guillorme and the Cuban-born Hernández brothers! www.instagram.com/p/DdW7pa8Dac...
September 16, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Spain's roster for the Premier12 qualifier next month in Barcelona is in! Some familiar names on here, including Luis Guillorme and the Cuban-born Hernández brothers! www.instagram.com/p/DdW7pa8Dac...
Reposted by Michael Clair
The first @wpbl.bsky.social championship begins tonight. Who will win it all: The Queens or the Firebells? Here's a quick preview to get you ready. (I'll also be watching the game at Athena Keke's in BK who are hosting a watch party for those in the area): www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Will the Queens or Firebells emerge victorious in the first WPBL championship?
The Los Angeles Queens certainly made things interesting. Their 9-2 lead during Monday’s Game 3, winner-take-all Women's Pro Baseball League semifinal matchup against the New York Heights soon disappe...
www.mlb.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:51 PM
The first @wpbl.bsky.social championship begins tonight. Who will win it all: The Queens or the Firebells? Here's a quick preview to get you ready. (I'll also be watching the game at Athena Keke's in BK who are hosting a watch party for those in the area): www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Somehow, having a baby just turned @davyandrewsdavy.bsky.social's brain up a notch
September 16, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Somehow, having a baby just turned @davyandrewsdavy.bsky.social's brain up a notch
Reposted by Michael Clair
Hey, just reminding everyone about this fun thing I'm helping host for SABR tonight. It'd make me feel much better if a bunch of people showed up. And even better still if they all talked in the chat about what a good job I'm doing.
I'll be revealing SABR's All Time Team from the Free Agency Era on Wednesday night at 8:00 Eastern after Dan Gilbert talks about "The Making and Meaning of Free Agency." Zoom is available to all SABR members. Gonna be a great time. I hope you can make it.
September 16, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Hey, just reminding everyone about this fun thing I'm helping host for SABR tonight. It'd make me feel much better if a bunch of people showed up. And even better still if they all talked in the chat about what a good job I'm doing.
The first @wpbl.bsky.social championship begins tonight. Who will win it all: The Queens or the Firebells? Here's a quick preview to get you ready. (I'll also be watching the game at Athena Keke's in BK who are hosting a watch party for those in the area): www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Will the Queens or Firebells emerge victorious in the first WPBL championship?
The Los Angeles Queens certainly made things interesting. Their 9-2 lead during Monday’s Game 3, winner-take-all Women's Pro Baseball League semifinal matchup against the New York Heights soon disappe...
www.mlb.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:51 PM
The first @wpbl.bsky.social championship begins tonight. Who will win it all: The Queens or the Firebells? Here's a quick preview to get you ready. (I'll also be watching the game at Athena Keke's in BK who are hosting a watch party for those in the area): www.mlb.com/news/wpbl-ch...
Hell yeah, kid
September 13, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Hell yeah, kid
I don't care, this man deserves to be in the Hall of Fame on name alone.
September 13, 2026 at 8:11 PM
I don't care, this man deserves to be in the Hall of Fame on name alone.