1.
Mark Loretta accomplished which feat for the first time during the 2001 season?
Correct Answer
D. Played In The All-Star Game
Explanation
While Mark Loretta had a solid season in 2001 with the Houston Astros, his first All-Star selection actually came a few years later, in 2004, when he was playing second base for the San Diego Padres. That year, he showcased his versatility by playing both second base and third base, and he boasted a .335 batting average with 16 home runs. This earned him his first and only All-Star game appearance.
2.
Baseball's Matt Holliday was recruited to play football at what college?
Correct Answer
C. Oklahoma State University
Explanation
Matt Holliday was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football. He was a highly sought-after quarterback prospect and initially committed to play college football at Oklahoma State University. However, he was also drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 MLB draft. Holliday ultimately decided to pursue a professional baseball career, a decision that proved wise as he went on to become a seven-time All-Star and a World Series champion.
3.
Who was the first Montreal Expo to play in all 162 games in a season twice?
Correct Answer
B. Orlando Cabrera
Explanation
Orlando Cabrera, a talented shortstop, achieved this impressive feat of endurance and durability not once, but twice during his time with the Montreal Expos. He played in all 162 games in both 2001 and 2003. Playing a full season without missing a game is a testament to a player's commitment, health, and value to their team. Cabrera was known for his reliable defense and consistent offensive contributions.
4.
In a "Penthouse" interview, baseball's Pat Burrell said he had a crush on whom?
Correct Answer
B. Jennifer Lopez
Explanation
This interview, which garnered some attention for its candid nature, took place in 2000, during Pat Burrell's early years with the Philadelphia Phillies. Burrell, a rising star at the time, revealed his admiration for Jennifer Lopez, who was a major pop culture icon at the turn of the millennium.
5.
Which baseball player was named the 2005 ALCS MVP?
Correct Answer
D. Scott Podsednick
Explanation
Scott Podsednick, a speedy outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, played a pivotal role in their 2005 ALCS victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was named the series MVP for his clutch hitting and game-changing plays. Most notably, he hit a walk-off home run in Game 2 to give the White Sox a 2-0 series lead. This was a surprising outcome, as Podsednick wasn't known for his power hitting. His performance throughout the series helped propel the White Sox to their first World Series title since 1917.
6.
What happened when Ty Wigginton made his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter in 2002?
Correct Answer
C. He Struck Out
Explanation
Ty Wigginton's MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2002 didn't go exactly as planned. He entered the game as a pinch hitter but unfortunately struck out in his first at-bat. Despite this initial setback, Wigginton went on to have a respectable major league career, playing for several teams over 10 seasons.
7.
Who finished runner-up to Vladimir Guerrero in the 2004 American League MVP voting?
Correct Answer
C. Gary Sheffield
Explanation
The 2004 AL MVP race was a close one, with Vladimir Guerrero of the Anaheim Angels ultimately taking home the award. However, Gary Sheffield of the New York Yankees gave him a strong challenge, finishing as the runner-up. Sheffield had an exceptional season, hitting .330 with 36 home runs and 121 RBIs. Both players were offensive forces for their respective teams.
8.
Who was the first player in baseball to hit 50 home runs in a season and not lead the league?
Correct Answer
B. Babe Ruth
Explanation
This might come as a surprise, but it was indeed the legendary Babe Ruth who first accomplished this unusual feat. In 1921, Ruth hit a then-remarkable 59 home runs for the New York Yankees. However, his teammate, Bob Meusel, outdid him by hitting 64 home runs that same year. This highlights just how potent the Yankees' offense was during that era.
9.
What baseball player batted .401 in 1922 and did not win the batting title?
Correct Answer
A. George Sisler
Explanation
George Sisler, a first baseman for the St. Louis Browns, had an incredible season in 1922, hitting .401. However, he lost the batting title to Rogers Hornsby of the St. Louis Cardinals, who also hit .401. In those days, the batting title was awarded to the player with the most hits, not necessarily the highest batting average. Hornsby had 250 hits to Sisler's 246, giving him the edge.
10.
In which stadium did Chone Figgins hit his first inside-the-park home run?
Correct Answer
D. Angel Stadium
Explanation
Chone Figgins, known for his speed and base-running prowess, hit his first inside-the-park home run at Angel Stadium while playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This type of home run is quite rare, requiring a combination of hitting the ball into the right spot in the field and having exceptional speed to round the bases before the fielders can retrieve the ball.
11.
The total number of double plays for the entire 2006 season?
Correct Answer
D. None of the above
Explanation
While the exact number can fluctuate slightly depending on the source, the actual number of double plays turned in the 2006 MLB season was significantly lower than the options provided. It was around 5,613.
12.
The 2007 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Game took place where?
Correct Answer
A. Doubleday Field
Explanation
The Hall of Fame Game is an annual exhibition game played as part of the Hall of Fame induction weekend festivities. It is traditionally held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York, the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
13.
In 2007, Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes pitched a seven-inning no-hitter before being sidelined by what?
Correct Answer
D. Hamstring Injury
Explanation
In a promising start to his major league career, Phil Hughes nearly threw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 2007. However, he had to leave the game after seven no-hit innings due to a hamstring injury. This unfortunately cut short what could have been a historic performance.
14.
What team did Carlos Pena wear #23 for in the 2012 MLB season?
Correct Answer
B. Tampa Bay Rays
Explanation
Carlos Pena had two stints with the Tampa Bay Rays. He first played for them from 2007 to 2010 and then returned for the 2012 season, wearing his familiar #23 jersey. Pena was known for his power hitting, particularly his home runs, during his time with the Rays.
15.
Which is the only MLB team to host spring training and regular season games in the same city?
Correct Answer
D. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Explanation
The Arizona Diamondbacks have the unique distinction of playing both their spring training games and regular season games in the same city, Phoenix, Arizona. Their home stadium, Chase Field, serves as the venue for both. This is convenient for the team and fans, as they don't have to relocate for spring training.
16.
What team won the rights in 2006 to negotiate a contract with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura?
Correct Answer
D. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Explanation
In 2006, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays secured the negotiating rights to Akinori Iwamura, a star infielder from Japan. Iwamura joined the Devil Rays in 2007 and played three seasons with the team. He was known for his solid defense and contact hitting.
17.
Who signed Ty Cobb to take over for Hughie Jennings as manager for the 1921 Detroit Tigers?
Correct Answer
D. Frank Navin
Explanation
Ty Cobb, one of the greatest players in baseball history, transitioned to a player-manager role with the Detroit Tigers in 1921. He was signed to this position by Frank Navin, who was the owner of the Tigers at that time.
18.
What team had the worst won-loss record for the 2012 MLB regular season?
Correct Answer
B. Houston Astros
Explanation
The Houston Astros had a difficult season in 2012, finishing with the worst record in Major League Baseball. They were in a rebuilding phase and struggled throughout the year, ultimately leading to a major roster overhaul in the following seasons.
19.
What team had the best won-loss record for the 2012 MLB regular season?
Correct Answer
B. Washington Nationals
Explanation
The Washington Nationals had a stellar 2012 season, finishing with the best record in Major League Baseball at 98-64. This marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, which had struggled in previous years. Led by young stars like Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, the Nationals captured their first National League East division title and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
20.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were managed in 2008 by which first-time MLB manager?
Correct Answer
A. John Russell
Explanation
John Russell was hired as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2008 season. This was his first managerial role at the Major League level. Russell had previously managed in the minor leagues and served as a coach for the Pirates. He managed the team for three seasons, from 2008 to 2010.
21.
Which Giant hit a 2008 home run but was not credited with a run scored on the play?
Correct Answer
D. Omar Vizquel
Explanation
This unusual situation occurred due to a baserunning mistake by Omar Vizquel. After hitting a home run, Vizquel, in his excitement, inadvertently passed teammate Emmanuel Burriss, who was ahead of him on the basepaths. In baseball, when a runner passes another runner, the runner who is passed is called out. As a result, Burriss was ruled out, and Vizquel was not credited with a run scored, even though he hit the home run.
22.
Which of these teams had two of the top ten 2008 National League base stealers?
Correct Answer
B. Colorado Rockies
Explanation
The Colorado Rockies boasted two of the National League's top base stealers in 2008: Willy Taveras and Clint Barmes. Taveras, known for his exceptional speed, led the league with 68 stolen bases. Barmes, a shortstop, also contributed significantly on the basepaths, stealing 23 bases. The Rockies' aggressive baserunning was a key part of their offensive strategy.
23.
Whose .571 slugging percentage in the AL in 2008 was second only to Alex Rodriguez?
Correct Answer
B. Miguel Cabrera
Explanation
Miguel Cabrera, then playing for the Detroit Tigers, had a monstrous offensive season in 2008, showcasing his incredible power. His .571 slugging percentage was second only to Alex Rodriguez in the American League. Slugging percentage measures a hitter's ability to hit for extra bases, and Cabrera excelled in this area, hitting 37 home runs and 40 doubles.
24.
Which Texas Ranger threw seven innings and 103 pitches in a July 2008 relief appearance?
Correct Answer
B. Scott Feldman
Explanation
In a game against the Seattle Mariners in July 2008, Texas Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman came out of the bullpen and delivered a remarkable relief performance. He pitched seven innings, throwing 103 pitches in the process. Long relief outings like this are uncommon, especially in modern baseball, where pitchers are often on stricter pitch counts.
25.
Carlos Beltran reached which milestone during the 2008 season?
Correct Answer
B. 300th Home Run
Explanation
Carlos Beltran, a talented outfielder, achieved a significant milestone in 2008 when he hit his 300th career home run. He accomplished this feat while playing for the New York Mets. Beltran was a consistent power hitter throughout his career, known for his ability to hit for both average and power.
26.
Which was the only team to shut out three consecutive opponents in 2008?
Correct Answer
B. Cleveland Indians
Explanation
The Cleveland Indians' pitching staff put together an impressive streak in September 2008, shutting out three consecutive opponents. Shutouts are relatively rare in baseball, so achieving three in a row is a testament to the dominance of the Indians' pitching during that stretch.
27.
Jake Woods's one pitch went for a home run in a game for which team on September 10, 2008?
Correct Answer
B. Tampa Bay Rays
Explanation
In a rather unfortunate and memorable outing, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jake Woods faced only one batter in a game against the Baltimore Orioles on September 10, 2008. That one batter, Adam Jones, hit a home run off Woods's very first pitch. It was a tough break for Woods, but it became a quirky moment in baseball history.
28.
Gary Sheffield reached which of these milestones in 2008?
Correct Answer
C. 500 Home Runs
Explanation
Gary Sheffield, a powerful slugger known for his distinctive batting stance, reached a major milestone in 2008 when he hit his 500th career home run. He achieved this accomplishment while playing for the Detroit Tigers. Sheffield was one of the most feared hitters of his era, and joining the 500 home run club solidified his place among baseball's elite power hitters.
29.
Who had the most hits in any 2008 game after coming in off the bench?
Correct Answer
D. Chris Coste
Explanation
Chris Coste, a backup catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, had an unforgettable game in 2008. After entering the game as a substitute, he went on to collect 5 hits, the most by any player in a single game that season after coming off the bench. It was a remarkable offensive outburst for a player who wasn't known for his hitting prowess.
30.
Which of these MLB players received the most Hall of Fame votes in 2009?
Correct Answer
D. Jack Morris
Explanation
In the 2009 Hall of Fame voting, Jack Morris, a dominant pitcher known for his postseason heroics, received the most votes among the eligible candidates. However, he fell short of the 75% threshold required for induction, garnering 52% of the vote. Morris eventually was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 2018.