The phone rang. But it wasn’t Cooperstown on the other end. It was his son, Richard. Allen had once again fallen short, this time by a heartbreakingly close margin: He needed 12 votes from the 16-person committee. He received 11.

It was December 2014, and Dick Allen had been on the ballot for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame 17 times. And each time he had lost definitively, never getting more than 19% of the vote.Seattle Mariners Face Coverings

Schoenfield: The four-team trade in 1977 involving the Rangers, Pirates, Mets and Braves, involving 11 players. Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven was the best player, going from the Rangers to the Pirates. The Rangers acquired outfielder Al Oliver, a three-time All-Star at the time, from the Pirates, and Jon Matlack, one of the best lefties in the game, from the Mets. The Braves acquired prospects from the Rangers and sent first baseman Willie Montanez, an All-Star in 1977, to the Mets. The big winner? Pittsburgh, as Blyleven would help the Pirates win the 1979 World Series. We definitely need more four-team trades! (Make it happen, Jerry Dipoto.)Colorado Rockies Face Coverings

Do I need to wear a face mask and what’s the difference between the various masks on the market?

Essentially there are 2 main types of face masks. The 3 Ply Surgical Mask and the Respirator Mask. Surgical masks and respirator masks serve different purposes and are designed and manufactured in different ways.

Surgical masks also are known as 3 Ply medical masks are essentially small pieces of cloth people use to keep the germs from their coughs and sneezes to themselves or to prevent picking up other people’s viruses and bacteria.

They are made of 3 layers which serve different purposes. The outer hydrophobic non-woven layer is intended to repel water, blood, and body fluids. The middle melt-blown layer which is the key piece of a surgical mask is designed as the filter to stop germs from entering or exiting the mask. Lastly, the inner soft absorbent non-woven layer is intended to absorb water, sweat, and saliva. These masks are the most affordable and recommended to wear if you are feeling unwell and or around people that might be unwell. It is prudent also to wear when you are likely to be in close proximity to people. These are disposable masks and typically worn between 3 to 8hours per day.

Respirator masks also are known as FFP2 and FFP3 Masks are more robustly designed than surgical masks. They contain a respirator that prevents much smaller particles from passing through to a person’s respiratory system. Three of the most common respiratory masks are N-95, KN-95 masks, and N-99 masks, which, when used correctly, prevent 95 percent and 99 percent, respectively, of airborne particles from entering a person’s mouth or nose. When in very close proximity to people or when working as a first responder or as a healthcare professional, it is advised to wear these more protective masks.

Respirator masks can be further divided into two categories: insulating and filtering. Filtering respirators includes a face piece and a filtering device. The filter element is integrated into the facepiece, sometimes. The mask will either be effective only against particles, only against certain gases, and vapors, or against particles, gases, and vapors depending on the type of filter.

Filtering respirators can sometimes also be provided with an exhalation valve to improve user comfort. The valve prevents moisture inside the mask, misting on the glasses, and helps the user breathe in and out easily. Respirators can be disposable or reusable. In another case, it is possible to replace the filter when it is full.

The NCAA enforcement staff confirmed that Funes “arranged employment beginning in 2012 for the parents of a then football student-athlete and paid the father $180,000 during 2012-17 for a no-show job.”

Or, consider this: The 2018 Phillies won only 80 games but were in first place into August, before a September collapse. The 2019 Phillies won only 81 games but were in first place before a summer collapse. The 2020 Phillies, for that matter, were two games above .500 and in the sixth seed in the National League’s playoff race going into the final eight games of the season. They collapsed, going 1-7 and falling away from the eighth and final playoff spot.Los Angeles Angels Face Coverings

The Hall of Fame announced last week it was postponing the upcoming Golden Days Era Committee elections to next year. When the committee next meets in the autumn of 2021, though, it won’t just be a referendum on Allen’s career, but an opportunity for the Hall to confront the fraught history of systemic racism in baseball.New York Mets Face Coverings