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19th hole eh?
National A$K Slappers Association (NASA) lmao
thats funny GSSS! Good memory bud
lol
Dogs !
I just slapped it again at 44 !!! For the TEAM !
The church always gets a piece....LOl
WoW whats with the volume surge..nice
Slap that A$K boys and girls..
Go ETIM !
I love this little calm befor the storm. It remindes me of PinkFloyd in Pinkyland !
Hello funeralguy!
Welcome aboard
iknowaetimguy !lol
I paid 38, so there ya have it..
I should change my name to mirrorman38 ! LOL
Got Slap?
I just did...LOL 260k
Very funny MM's taking it to 37 real quick, for a whole 2 seconds and then bounce to 40.
Not loaded yet, sitting and waiting!
GM
Now for something more interesting..
Well here is a 'thread'...of information into International Baseball...-
Observation: Eternal Image seeks International licencing agreements for its products and for the most part we discuss the various possibilities that exist or 'speculate' which direction the company will head (internationally speaking).
That said, EI may very well maintain the same approach already established with the MLB line. Taking the same idea internationally seems logical.
Speculation:
The list of possible markets may very well come from the members & participants of the World Baseball Classic. These teams and organizations around the world appear to share a common bond with our US Major League Baseball.
The following supports the aformentioned Hypothesis...LOL
[} iknowaguys' Sunday Night Read.
04/19/2007 6:02 PM ET
World Baseball Classic, Inc. approves eight invitations for March 2009 tournament
Remaining eight invitations to be determined by year's end; More than $4 million contributed to international development from 2006 tournament revenues.
World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) today announced, with the endorsement of the tournament's Steering Committee, that it would once again hold the 16-team tournament in March, 2009. Also, with the approval of the Steering Committee, WBCI announced its intention to extend initial invitations for the 2009 World Baseball Classic to eight of the 16 teams. The remaining eight teams will be invited in December, 2007. Additionally, the distribution of proceeds from the inaugural tournament was finalized.
The teams that advanced to the second round in the 2006 World Baseball Classic - Cuba, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela - will receive the eight initial tournament invitations. The remaining eight invitations will be determined following a period of evaluation and consultation among Steering Committee members.
"We are extremely pleased with the impressive results of the 2006 World Baseball Classic and excited about the momentum and anticipation it has generated for the upcoming 2009 event," said Bob DuPuy, Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer. "As international baseball continues to develop and thrive, and the supply of quality baseball nations grows, the task of selecting the 16 deserving teams has become increasingly difficult."
Commenting on the decision to limit the number of initial invitations, Eugene Orza, Chief Operating Officer of the Major League Baseball Players Association, said: "Numerous countries, far more than we currently can invite, are clamoring to get in. Given the limitations on the size of the field that we face at this date, we want to make sure that the widespread interest in participation gets the attention it deserves."
WBCI also announced the distribution of more than $8 million in proceeds from the inaugural tournament to the participating countries and territories and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). The monetary awards were distributed based on predetermined percentages of the net revenue corresponding to each team's finish in the tournament. The national federations are set to contribute a minimum of $3.3 million to local baseball programs. In addition, the IBAF received close to $1 million for global game development initiatives.
More than half of the net proceeds of the event went to the participating federations, the IBAF and the charitable partner of the inaugural World Baseball Classic, Habitat for Humanity. The remaining proceeds were divided among the tournament's organizing entities.
WBCI also announced today, with the concurrence of the Steering Committee, that the bid process to determine host venues for the 2009 World Baseball Classic will commence immediately.
About the World Baseball Classic Steering Committee
The World Baseball Classic Steering Committee consists of 12 members representing professional baseball leagues, Club owners, players, international baseball federations and other international organizations affiliated with the game of baseball (for a complete list of members, see below). The Steering Committee provides ongoing guidance regarding the development of the premier international baseball tournament, the World Baseball Classic. The focus of the committee is to assure that the tournament continues to maximize its potential to develop the game of baseball worldwide.
Steering Committee Members
Major League Baseball (2)
Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business
Rob Manfred, Executive Vice President, Labor Relations
Major League Baseball Players Association (2)
Gene Orza, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Weiner, General Counsel
International Baseball Federation (2)
Harvey Schiller, President
Eduardo de Bello, Panama
Nippon Professional Baseball (1)
Kazuo Hasegawa, Executive Secretary
Japan Professional Baseball Players Association (1)
Toru Matsubara, Executive Director
Korean Baseball Organization (1)
Il-Sung Ha, Secretary General
Korean Professional Baseball Players Association (1)
Jin-kyun Na, Secretary General
Members-at-large (2)
Gyo Ishiguro, Chief Officer, Culture & Sports Projects, Yomiuri Shimbun
Roland Betts, President & Founder, Chelsea Piers, L.P.
About World Baseball Classic Inc.
World Baseball Classic, Inc. is a company created at the direction of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to operate the World Baseball Classic tournament. The tournament, which is sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), is supported by MLB, the MLBPA, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), their respective players associations and other leagues and players from around the world.
About the World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic is the premier international baseball tournament and features the best players in the world competing for their home countries and territories. In March 2006, 16 teams from across the globe competed in the inaugural event, which was sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). More than 740,000 fans from 48 states and 15 countries attended games and millions more watched on TV as Team Japan was crowned the first-ever World Baseball Classic Champion. The next tournament is scheduled for March 2009 and will be held every four years thereafter.
Well keep it in the fairway and good luck on the short game.
later
lmao
I'm happy with knowing the company is busy working on the current product line. Their pipeline is full of things to do and their plate is full for now. I just want them to continue to succeed with the deals on the table. More good things in due time. For now MLB products etc are just getting underway.
Whoa Seabiscut !
LOL
Hey, I just thought of Equestrian Funerary Products.
Now there's a group of loyal fans, owners and trainers.
The Kentucky Derby Urn !!!
Note: Everything you need to know is in the IBOX. It is updated as soon as news comes out. Its a good reference as to what is going on.
No Harley or Betty sorry. Just MLB, Vatican, AKC and Precious Moments at this time.
I bought part of that boat, The "504" out of Michigan Harbor.....lol I think I own some of the wood triming and maybe a seat...oh and one of the life vests too...and one of the beers in the frig is mine too...\ Cheers !
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/fab_fifteen.jsp
BOSTON -- In the battle between the High Socks and the Green Sox, it was a spectacular draw.
Alex Rodriguez and his stretched hose stretched reality two more times on Friday night at Fenway Park, but then the discolored home team completely shattered that reality with five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring four of them with Mariano Rivera on the mound.
Hey, we had told you to not expect any six-run ninth-inning rallies in this series. Didn't say anything about five in the eighth, though.
So the season's first meeting of American League East behemoths was an absolutely perfect example of why this rivalry is the best of both American sports and drama.
Rodriguez, baseball's most underpaid superstar, began the night on a pace to hit 116 home runs, which, obviously, was a ridiculous notion. Then he stepped up that pace; after Nos. 11 and 12, he is on track for 130.
Yet, as Rodriguez furthers the fairy-tale start to his season with two more home runs, danged if the Sox will let him enjoy it. Take your clouts, and take a 7-6 loss, too.
"He's on an unbelievable run," said Andy Pettitte, who benefited from Rodriguez's double shots with a 6-2 lead that didn't survive. "I'm glad he's on my side. He's crushing the ball all over the field. Amazing."
Everyone in the record crowd of 36,786 left happy after getting both sides of the coin. They wanted to see their Old Towne team win, and they also wanted to see Rodriguez stay high. They really did; the obligatory antagonism toward A-Rod melted into appreciation and awe.
"I'll really be surprised if he doesn't homer," said a Red Sox jersey-clad fan on Yawkey Way shortly before first pitch.
He wasn't surprised, twice.
While the afternoon was still warm, Rodriguez walked out of the clubhouse tunnel and onto the field -- trust us, he was walking, not floating -- and one of the Yankees fans bunched behind their dugout focused on his retro-chic socks style.
"Keep those socks up!" yelled the fan, implying some connection between Rodriguez playing all season with navy socks pulled just below his knees and hitting home runs at a Bunyan-esque pace.
Yes, yes. They used to refer to such feats as Ruthian. But Babe Ruth never did anything like this. Paul Bunyan didn't play baseball, but if he had, he might have cut people down to size the way Rodriguez has for three weeks.
Socks up, Rodriguez clocked two more home runs, for four more RBIs, against the Boston Green Sox, who wore green to honor Red (Auerbach).
Rodriguez joins Mike Schmidt, who hit 12 homers in the first 15 games in 1976, as the fastest to reach a dozen in baseball history.
Rodriguez's weakest at-bat against Curt Schilling produced a first-inning fly ball to the warning track in straightaway center, which here is about 380 feet from the plate. That was his worst. Late, he chipped in a double off J.C. Romero.
He has 23 hits this season. Five of them are singles.
"He isn't even getting singles," said Pettitte, who had been in Houston for Rodriguez's first three Bronx seasons. "I've never played with him before, but no one could expect this. Hope he grinds it out as long as he can."
Alex Rodriguez's 2007 home runs
Game Pitcher Inning Situation Outcome
4/2 vs. T.B. Juan Salas 8th 1 on, 2 out 9-5 win
4/7 vs. Bal. Steve Trachsel 1st 1 on, 2 out 10-7 win
4/7 vs. Bal. Chris Ray 9th 3 on, 2 out 10-7 win **
4/8 vs. Bal. Erik Bedard 1st 1 on, 1 out 6-4 loss
4/9 at Min. Sidney Ponson 6th 1 on, 2 out 8-2 win
4/10 at Min. Boof Bonser 1st 1 on, 2 out 10-1 win
4/14 at Oak. Joe Blanton 5th 0 on, 0 out 4-3 win
4/17 vs. Cle. Jake Westbrook 2nd 1 on, 2 out 10-3 win
4/18 vs. Cle. Tom Mastny 6th 1 on, 2 out 9-2 win
4/19 vs. Cle. Joe Borowski 9th 2 on, 2 out 8-6 win **
4/20 at Bos. Curt Schilling 4th 0 on, 0 out 7-6 loss
4/20 at Bos. Curt Schilling 5th 2 on, 2 out 7-6 loss
** -- A-Rod walk-off homer
NOTE: Albert Pujols, who set a Major League record with 14 April homers in 2006, accomplished the feat in 67 at-bats. Ken Griffey Jr. hit 13 homers in April 1997 for the AL record in 76 at-bats. A-Rod's 12 homers this month have come in 62 at-bats through April 20.
Ever wish you were around when Einstein was giving physics lectures, or when Edison screwed in the first bulb? Ever wonder what it would have been like to witness a man do things beyond anyone else's imagination?
You can stop wondering, because Alex Rodriguez is performing at that high, inconceivable, indelible level.
Is there a Nobel Prize for hitting home runs?
There probably isn't enough crow in the world to feed all the people who for two years had doubted Rodriguez and piled on each of his missteps. Who reveled in his failures and castigated him for his virtues -- seeking approval, having the perfect haircut, being a sharp dresser.
In somebody's eyes, even Rodriguez's latest two home runs may blur next to the ninth-inning opportunity he didn't cash. With the tying run on first and one out, Hideki Okajima retired Rodriguez -- on a line drive to leaping second baseman Alex Cora.
"You're hoping he can produce again, but ... come on," Pettitte said with a shake of his head. "How many times can a guy hit a home run?"
With the current Rodriguez model, that almost sounded like a trick question.
A hitter going good is said to be "unconscious." Well, Rodriguez is in a coma.
To a hot hitter, the ball ostensibly looks as big as a grapefruit. Rodriguez is swinging at pumpkins.
Capturing the essence of his player's historic spree, New York manager Joe Torre said, "Right now, Alex is in a good place."
Yes, and that place is Wonderland.
Have some perspective: Rodriguez's first home run of the evening was career homer No. 475, tying him with Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 23rd on the all-time list. The company of a couple of pretty good Hall of Famers -- except that both were 42 years old when they got to No. 475.
Rodriguez hit No. 475 at 31 ... and was only about a half-hour older when he added No. 476.
There was a lot more green to Fenway Park on Friday than the Green Monster. The home team was paying a rainout-delayed tribute to late Boston basketball legend Red Auerbach and the Celtics, so the usually Red Sox played in green jerseys and under green caps.
Earth Day comes late (on Sunday) this year. It should have been on Friday, with Fenway Park dipped in green. The lawn, the fence, the stands -- not to mention the $2 billion combined value represented by the two creative and diligent competitors, according to Forbes Magazine's latest assessment.
There even was at least one green Yankees cap, on the head of Colin Lama, who stood during batting practice in the box-seat section that corners the visitors' dugout and watched wide-eyed as the Yankees bustled to and fro.
Rodriguez was sitting on the bench at the opposite end of the dugout when he spotted him. He crossed the dugout to Colin, reaching for the ball in his hand.
While autographing the ball, Rodriguez made small talk with the 8-year-old.
"Are you from New York?"
"No," Colin said, "I live here. I just like the Yankees."
"We're from Boston," Colin's mom said a little later. "I have no idea how he became a Yankees fan."
We have a pretty good idea how he will remain a Yankees fan, every time he looks at Rodriguez's blue signature under the red stitching across that white ball.
Rodriguez has a better chance of getting those 130 home runs than does that ball of ever getting sold.
Thats for sure. I think you will enjoy it here. Our Mod's do very good work here and this thread is watched carefully by IHUB. Good site all around, but not with out a little turbulance now and then...such as life where there is money involved...LOL
Go ETIM !
Hey Pita.. howdy howdy howdy... Looking forward to a good couple of weeks ahead. May should be good! Up Down Up Down... Thats the deal... Looking for another entry point.. Mondays opening will be interesting from the 45/46 spread at close. Gap up maybe then a little drop and channel. Some buying but unless we get hit with a lot of volume the mm's will just sit on it as usual. They are clearly forming the chart according their program..
OT: Prayers for the family of the pilot on the Blue Angles crash today. We love the Blue Angles, they used to fly over MCAS in our area since I was a kid..
I have family that has their's in an IRA, so your not alone. Its a good investment IMO and experience.
Welcome to a classy group. Lot of good folks in EI and on IHUB. We try to take care of our own here. Yes we are individual investors buy many or most I should say are on the same page most of the time, which is a positive thing.
GL and welcome aboard !
iknowaguy.
At least we are not amoung the pop and drop. Most are in the long category. It is also important to note the we dropped to a resistance area as kindly pointed out by MKA charts and in the longer term is a healthy thing for a stock. We begin anew moving forward.. Best to you TFN. Carry on I say. and to those in a short period of time.. Don't worry, be happy. We've been riding the storm nearly 8 months and we're still here working on our first year as EI shareholders and as a result we are more educated in the company, the business, its future and a tad bit wealthier. Remember, its a process not a destination.
Slap That A$K !!! Grab all the sub penny shares you can get. One day we will look back at the .00 range rider days and be quite thankful. Go ETIM !
I'll be slapin on Monday !
iknowa.
PS, give your wife a kiss and hug from me...LOL
Wish my wife left checks laying around, she the one usually looking for checks I leave laying around.
Eternal Image Welcomed as a Member of the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America
January 24th, 2007
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eternal Image, Inc. (OTC:ETIM.PK - News), a public company engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of licensed image caskets and urns, has been accepted for membership in the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America (CFSAA). The organization represents the interests of member suppliers to licensed funeral homes and licensed funeral directors and is one of the industry's top trade groups.
"Membership in the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America represents an opportunity to interact with nearly all the major manufacturers and distributors in the funerary industry," said Clint Mytych, president of Eternal Image. "Our distribution formally began this month with the launch of our first urns, and we are on track to debut a number of different products in February, March and early summer. It is an exciting time for us and the right time to join CFSAA."
CFSAA seeks to provide useful information and perspectives on the funeral industry and the funeral supply industry to support manufacturers and suppliers of funeral goods and/or services. For more information, visit www.cfsaa.org.
About Eternal Image
Eternal Image, founded in 2002, is headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI. The company is the first and only manufacturer and marketer of licensed image funerary products. Currently, the company offers urns and caskets that feature licensed images from Major League Baseball®, Precious Moments(TM) and the Vatican Library Collection(TM), as well as pet urns featuring the American Kennel Club(TM). For more information about EI, visit www.EternalImage.net or call 1-888-6-CASKET.
JPSmooth, do you think EI will get a booth?
(this question is open to all)
CFSA 2007 Fall Conference
Nov. 5-6, 2007
Crowne Plaza Hotel @ Historic Union Station
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Save the date now for CFSA's 2007 Fall Conference to be held on Nov. 5-6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Historic Union Station in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Speakers at this year's educational program include NFDA president Michael St. Pierre and customer service expert Howard Hyden. Mr. St. Pierre will provide an update on NFDA events and important issues facing the death care profession. Mr. Hyden will lead attendees to a full understanding of the concepts required to take a business from average customer service to "Wow" customer service.
You'll have a unique opportunity to interact with businesses selling products or services within the death care community. Last year nearly 300 decision-makers attended the exhibition represented by more than 40 organizations.
Exhibitors
Registration for exhibit space will open in mid-May. Discounted registration rates for exhibit space will be available until July 9.
Registration
Attendee registration will open soon. Check back for more information.
Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel @ Historic Union Station
123 W. Louisiana Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 631-2221
Information
Contact Mark Allen or Barbara Russell at (847) 295-6630 for more information
About CFSA:
Founded in 1913 as the Casket Manufacturers' Association of America, the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America is proud to represent the interests of member suppliers to licensed funeral homes and licensed funeral directors. CFSA has long been established as the trade assocation for the funeral supply industry. The Association's objective is to provide useful information and perspectives on the funeral industry and the funeral supply industry to support manufacturers and suppliers of funeral goods and/or services. CFSA also provides proprietary information to individual members via its sales statistics program.
Members of the Association manufacture or distribute virtually every type of product used by funeral directors. The Association also includes among its members suppliers to casket companies.
I'm buying on Monday too.
([>)) ...lool...double chin strap and helmet on..
we're 45 x46 tight, but that will change.... will have to slap some at ask and some at bid or maybe the middle if the spread is wide enough later in the am...
Thats the spirit....
Stoch RSI 32, when will it curle upward....? thoughts?
Analysis
Moving Average Price Compare
No current signals
Moving Averages
The 13 and 50 day moving averages indicate that ETIM is in a bullish trend. This is because the 13 day moving average is above the 50 day moving average.
Bollinger Bands
ETIM has been relatively stable recently. This is evidenced by the width of its Bollinger Bands which are tighter than normal. Additionally, ETIM is trading within its Bollinger Bands. This is a normal condition and suggests that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold relative to the recent price action.
Price Channel
ETIM is trading at its lower price channel band. This suggests that the stock price is low relative to the action over the last 5 day period.
Good for you Mr Sparks, my gun isn't loaded until Monday. Get as many as you can!!!!!
lol
.0025 how do you base this opinion or are you spreading a little fear?
been busy. will be buying on Monday. We will stay in this channel for a minute and then strap your seat belts for another run. I don't underestimate this stock. We'll be back to 65x70 before you know it. As far as seeing 25 again. I disagree unless everyone dumps the stock. I'm not dumping my teens/twentys/thirties/45's, so they can shake that tree all they want and rant and rave all day and put out fear and oooooh and aaaah, doesn't mean jack !!!
GLTY
Industry related- Important dates, LOL make sure you attend...
Crematory Operators Certification Program
___May 2, 2007
___Millennium Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona
CANA’s 12th Annual Cremation Marketing Seminar
___May 3-4, 2007
___Millennium Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona__
CANA 89th Annual Convention
___August 15-18, 2007
___Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, California
Who is CANA?
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America is an International organization of over 1200 members, composed of cemeterians, cremationists, funeral directors, industry suppliers and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for Memorialization.
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) was originally formed to promote the "modern way" and the "safe and hygienic way" of dealing with a dead human body. It was a form of disposition and had nothing to do with the funeral and memorialization of the deceased.
At that time, and up into the early 20's, cremation was the choice of the wealthy and the well-educated. All crematories were located on cemetery property and elaborate columbariums were built for the elaborate urns then being used. They looked as if someone had won the Olympics and Breeders Cup.
After it became apparent, through scientific investigation, that proper in-ground, full body burial was safe, cremation fell out of favor and remained in the 3 % to 5% range. It wasn't until the early 1980’s that the rate reached double digits and started to increase on the average of about 8% annually.
In 1985 CANA, which had been monitoring the annual national and states cremation rates, projected the cremation rate for the year 2000 would be a little over 25%.
This prediction made a real impact in the death care profession because that would project to over 600,000 cremations in 2000 compared to under 300,000 in 1985.
CANA projection was actually a little under the actual cremation percentage for 2000 as the rate was 26.19% with 629,362 cremations. Since 2000, CANA has projected the cremation rate to 2010 and 2025, which based on current confirmed figures of 2002 (27.81%) and preliminary 2003 figures (28.63%), stand at 35.07% for 2010 and 42.96% for 2025, which equates to nearly 1.4 million cremations in 2025.
A CANA survey done in 1998 showed that 26% of those cremated were Catholic, and recent survey results from other groups now put that figure at 30%, which would mean that approximately 420,000 Catholic cremations would occur in 2025, with over 200,000 Catholics being cremated in 2003.
CANA members have recognized this steady growth of cremation and have been active in promoting the importance of memorialization when cremation is chosen.
CANA is no longer a ‘pro-cremation over burial’ association, but now is concerned with the proper treatment and respect for those who have chosen cremation and that cremation is preparation for memorialization. Following is CANA’s Code of Cremation Practice that all CANA members must sign:
CANA Code of Cremation Practice
In the practice of cremation, we believe:
In dignity and respect in the care of Human Remains, in compassion for the living who survive them, and in the Memorialization of the dead;
That a Cremation Authority should be responsible for creating and maintaining an atmosphere of respect at all times;
That the greatest care should be taken in the appointment of crematory staff members, any whom must not, by conduct or demeanor, bring the crematory or cremation into disrepute;
That cremation should be considered as preparation for Memorialization;
That the dead of our human society should be memorialized through a commemorative means suitable to the survivors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CANA also feels that the word “cremains” should not be used when referring to “human cremated remains” as “cremains” has no real connection with the deceased whereas a loved one’s “cremated remains” has a human connection.
During their annual convention and trade show in August, 2004, the International Cremation Federation met with CANA for, the first time to discuss the topic of cremation.
A membership in CANA is the best way for any cemeterian or funeral director to stay abreast of what is going on in cremation and how to deal with an aging population that is choosing cremation in greater and greater numbers.
MKA, you around???....Chart If you will...
thanks!
yes it is a great time to buy on these dips...lol
GL
56,748,800
MM's have their boots firmly planted on ETIM's neck !
are you painting today at close? Just wanted to watch the show down...lol
keep the faith.... and remember you are 'fivestar' !!!!
We'll get that J_U_ICE Y PR soon enough. It may be next week but EI is busy at work...gettin it done ! LOL
Good Read MLB/ETIMer's
Voting is now under way for the 78th Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be played July 10 at AT&T Park in San Francisco. As you welcome back that powerful punch-click-text process, first it is worth remembering what life was like the last time the Midsummer Classic was played there.
In 1984, a culture of silicon technology was growing fast and a revolution was taking shape. Programmers named Bill Gates and Paul Allen were developing software that would make a computer easy to use. The Commodore 64 was still the big seller, but the Apple Macintosh had just come out that January and became the first commercially successful, mouse-driven, fully GUI-based home/personal computer.
Then one day the Senior Circuit, the Junior Circuit and the motherboard circuit all came together to form the most perfect life imaginable for a baseball fan. Now the All-Star Game is practically run by millions of people worldwide who vote for the starting position players, for the final roster spots and -- in part -- for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet.
Remember last summer? Fans cast more than 11 million ballots online with more than 141 million online votes -- and that included more than 1 million ballots in the last 24 hours online, resulting in two lead changes in the online portion of the overall balloting program.
It is the largest and most traditional of all All-Star voting campaigns in any sport, and it is the ultimate example of fan participation in sports. "Fans have attended Major League Baseball games in record numbers for three consecutive years, and during that time, both the appeal and the reach of the largest balloting program in professional sports have grown tremendously," said Tim Brosnan, executive vice president of business for Major League Baseball. "We are thrilled to continue this great baseball tradition and to give fans this remarkable outlet to connect to the Midsummer Classic."
The All-Star Game. There is nothing like this one, and being able to help decide who goes will be almost as much fun as watching players yank balls into McCovey Cove during the CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby or seeing which league wins World Series home-field advantage in the big game a night later. Now that the season is well under way, it's truly your time to perform.
How the voting works
Balloting symbolically began Wednesday with a special on-field ceremony prior to the Cardinals-Giants game at AT&T Park. And, oh, how much fun that place is going to be come early July. Twenty-one million ballots will be distributed at Major League ballparks and an additional 1.9 million ballots will be distributed to 95 Minor League clubs that are in season during the balloting period.
VOTE NOW > | Complete All-Star Game coverage >In-stadium balloting at Major League ballparks will start no later than May 3, while balloting at Minor League parks will begin from May 7-17. Each Major League club will have 25 home dates during which it will conduct balloting, while each Minor League club will have 15 home dates for balloting. The in-stadium program will conclude at Minor League ballparks by June 16 and at Major League parks no later than June 22.
Starting now, fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the Monster 2007 All-Star Online Ballot here at MLB.com and all 30 club sites. Online balloting will continue until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 28.
Pepsi, which has been the title sponsor of the retail balloting program since 1997, will again be joined by Frito-Lay and Quaker for 2007 MLB Retail All-Star Balloting, providing additional exposure for the entire balloting program. Pepsi, Frito-Lay and, for the first time, Quaker -- all divisions of PepsiCo Inc. -- will distribute 12 million ballots exclusively at more than 3,400 Wal-Mart stores, where balloting begins on May 13 and concludes on June 17 across the U.S.
Rogers Centre in Toronto will feature in-stadium balloting, sponsored by Rogers Personal TV, from April 27 through June 16. Balloting in Puerto Rico, sponsored by DirecTV, will run from May 3 to June 10.
The 2007 AL and NL teams will be unveiled on Sunday, July 1 on the 2007 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show Presented by Chevrolet, which will be televised on TBS at approximately 4 p.m. ET -- or immediately after that day's 1 p.m. ET game between the Braves and Marlins. Each All-Star squad will have a total of eight elected starters, as determined by the fan balloting program, and 23 pitchers and reserves, as determined by a "Player Ballot" and the two All-Star managers -- Jim Leyland of the AL and Tony La Russa of the NL -- in conjunction with MLB.
Immediately following the announcement of the rosters, fans will have the opportunity at MLB.com to select the final position player for each league's 32-man roster. The Monster 2007 All-Star Final Vote will provide fans the opportunity to cast their votes from a list of five players from each league over a four-day period. Nomar Garciaparra of the Dodgers was the fans' choice in the NL last season, and A.J. Pierzynski became the second consecutive White Sox player to win that vote for the AL. Leyland and La Russa will designate those five nominees from each of their leagues.
Also, for the third year, fans will be able to vote for their Final Vote selections on their mobile phone. Both winners of the Monster 2007 All-Star Final Vote will be announced after the voting has concluded on Thursday, July 5.
And fans once again will have the opportunity to participate in the official voting for the Ted Williams MVP, via the Monster 2007 All-Star Game MVP Vote on MLB.com.
"The great thing about baseball's All-Star balloting process is that it begins now with voting for your starters and ends in July with you voting for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player. So fans are involved at every stage of the game," said Brian Phillips, director of club initiatives for Major League Baseball Advanced Media. "The balloting gets bigger every year at MLB.com, and we're always on the edge of our seats going into those last couple of days of voting to see who will win key races.
"It's really engaging for the fans. They can watch the players at the ballpark and vote there, and they also can follow all the candidates by watching live with MLB.TV Mosaic and immediately casting one of their 25 online votes based on a performance they just saw on their computer. It's fun to see the local campaigns -- whether it's a grassroots campaign to back a Joe Mauer or a Nomar Garciaparra as we saw last year -- as fans rally around their star players. The All-Star balloting is designed for the fans, and they have responded en masse over the years."
One of the most fun parts of the whole campaign is the release of the weekly balloting updates along the way, and that will begin with the NL on Tuesday, May 29, and the AL a day later. Thereafter, it will always be NL on Monday and AL on Tuesday into the final week of voting for starters.
It leads to more and more intense debate each year, and especially in this age when that same technology has turned so many fans into baseball writers. Everyone will have an opinion, everyone will talk about popularity contests -- and then right at the wire, it is almost a given that once again there will be major changes in the voting order as the ballot becomes online-only and as final ballpark ballots are tallied.
Meet your 2007 candidates
The first reaction to the release of the All-Star ballot every year is the same: "It's time for that already?" The second is usually: "He has to be in the lineup." The third is: "Wait, there's no DH this year so I have to write in Big Papi?"
From there, you are truly a goner. You become the Professional All-Star Voter.
That is a privilege most people take very seriously. MLB.TV is made for it, a way to educate oneself by toggling back and forth from one game to another and seeing who's got the Midsummer mojo. You pore over the stats. You just get a feel for it by being out at the ballpark or listening to the games on the radio. You know.
Many strong candidates will emerge, and many will be right there because they are the players you think of when you say "All-Star." Some call that a popularity contest. It is almost a given that much of North America is going to be complaining about Yankees and Red Sox representation, because it seems to happen every year. Citizens choose. The criteria is your own, whether you pick a my-team ticket or whether you analyze every strength and weakness.
There are no runaway teams so far, but there are some players off to fabulous starts. Here is a first look at the races:
AL first base: After winning the AL MVP award, will this be a next show of respect for Minnesota's Justin Morneau? What's going on with first basemen in general so far, and not just by league? This has not exactly been the Month of the First Baseman in the Majors. Morneau had four homers so far. Tampa Bay's Ty Wigginton has gotten off to a nice start.
NL first base: Anyone who thinks Albert Pujols' rough start will cost him here hasn't followed the Pujols voting trend this decade. He's always there. But what about Ryan Howard in Philly? Better get to know San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez, who has three homers and huge upside. Derrek Lee and Todd Helton have also jumped out to quick starts.
AL second base: Ian Kinsler is wasting absolutely no time making sure the voting populace knows who he is. The Rangers infielder already has seven homers (out of 14 hits) in his first 39 at-bats. Robinson Cano will be there for the Yanks, and Placido Polanco was off to a hot start for the Tigers. But keep an early eye on Howie Kendrick of the Angels; he was hitting .340 with some pop and speed.
NL second base: Don't be surprised to see a lot of love for Craig Biggio, because he should be closing in on career hit No. 3,000 while the voting is intensifying. Orlando Hudson has been the Diamondbacks' leader so far, leading the Majors in batting most of April. Rickie Weeks had four homers and three triples for the Brewers, and he could be fun to watch in San Francisco. Chase Utley of the Phillies came in as perhaps the guy to beat and has been so-so, so far. Perhaps a surprise force so far has been Colorado's Kaz Matsui, who was hitting .361 with five steals before going down with an injury.
AL shortstop: There are no obvious early choices here. Julio Lugo of Boston had one error in 49 chances, and Derek Jeter had six errors in 58 chances. They're pretty even at the plate, at least for those comparing the rivals. So far you almost have to look at fielding heavily because no one's really raking it at this position. Orlando Cabrera of the Angels was errorless in 66 chances. Yes, fielding can matter in your All-Star vote.
NL shortstop: Gotta like that left side of the Marlins infield so far, including reigning Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez. Jose Reyes of the Mets was MLB.com's No. 2 overall fantasy pick before the season, and he's justified all the hype with a brilliant start. Reyes' rival in Philadelphia, Jimmy Rollins, jumped out to a solid start with six early long balls.
AL third base: If Alex Rodriguez keeps this up, it won't be close. Unless you really, really don't like A-Rod and the Yankees. Akinori Iwamura has been pretty impressive so far in his first Tampa Bay season, hiting for average, showing speed and being patient at the plate. Mike Lowell has sparkled, as usual, with the glove. But really: If you say anyone other than A-Rod so far, you just like doing that.
NL third base: Miguel Cabrera broke out almost as fast as A-Rod this season. Chipper Jones has been a catalyst for Atlanta's resurgent ways. David Wright was homerless in his first 47 at-bats for the Mets, but there are going to be people who liked watching him perform at least year's All-Star Game so much that he is going to get support.
AL catcher: Mauer of the Twins was hitting for average in defense of the first AL batting title for a catcher. But Jorge Posada of the Yankees had a similarly high average and more pop. In Detroit, Pudge has been Pudge: around .300 with good power numbers while handling a young staff. Kenji Johjima's .400 average for Seattle might get some punches and clicks.
NL catcher: If you are looking for Mike Piazza as usual, sorry. You'll have to write him in as an AL DH with Oakland. Brian McCann of the Braves was the only NL catcher with more than one homer (two) starting Wednesday. Russell Martin was hitting well for the Dodgers. But will Paul Lo Duca and the Mets dominate voting again?
AL outfield: No one made a quicker impression here than Grady Sizemore of the Indians, with three quick homers the first week. Hey, Sammy Sosa is a choice again on the ballot with Texas; he used to be a lock in the other league. Vlad Guerrero is doing what he's expected to do, hitting .364 with three homers and 12 RBIs before being plunked on the right wrist. Ichiro is usually a magnet for All-Star votes, and many are waiting to see if Manny Ramirez's slow start is just a slow start. Don't overlook Kansas City's David DeJesus, who is blossoming at the plate, or Minnesota's Michael Cuddyer, who has a hot stick and cannon in right.
NL outfield: Carlos Lee has had a quick impact in Houston, taking over the early lead in RBIs. His average was on par with Cincinnati's Adam Dunn, who has flashed speed along with his usual power. It will be interesting to see what kind of support Barry Bonds gets during his pursuit of the all-time homer record. Chris Duncan is on the ballot for St. Louis, and he was off to a great start both at the plate and in the outfield. Jose Cruz Jr. has been raking for San Diego.
Last year's top vote-getters were Pujols (3,418,555 votes) of the Cardinals and Ramirez (3,101,161) of the Red Sox.
Those are just some of the names that come to mind. The voters will decide again, and the time to start doing that is right now. Just remember that you get up to 25 votes online, and that's per MLB.com registration. It's all about deciding the best players to send to the Midsummer Classic in San Francisco, and then seeing whether anything will be different this time about the outcome of that big event.
The All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage. XM Satellite Radio will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM All-Star Futures Game.