NOTES: Integration Investigation

Sass subject of wide-spread baseball investigation
By Beth Sass / hereforthesass.blogspot.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- With Jackie Robinson Day a week ago, baseball began looking into integration. The number of players of African descent in baseball has dropped in recent years, leading some to suspect some segregation issues. Initially the Sass were suspected of four play because neither owner could provide information on the ethnicity of their players.

“Um, we’re pretty sure the Baldelli kid is Italian?” said Co-Owner Beth Sass, trying to be helpful.

League Commissioner Nick stepped in to defend the Sass, “They spend a lot of time with their players. I don’t think it’s a racism issue if they have no idea. I think it’s more cluelessness on Beth’s part, really.” Between the work of the Commissioner and Sass lawyer, the Sass were cleared of any wrong-doing.

“It’s kinda cool to have the support of the Commissioner’s office,” gushed second baseman Placido Polanco. “We were missing that last year. Nick is definitely competitive, but he believes in fair play, too.”

Mikko Koivu Day! Beth has long expressed her joy over Minnesota Wild hockey player Mikko Koivu--specifically, saying his name. In honor of the end of the Wild season, losing in the first round of the playoffs, the Sass welcomed Wild forward to Sass Stadium to celebrate Mikko Koivu Day.

“Beth’s going to walk around saying his name, anyway,” said Sass Photographer Bobbi Gobble. “She might as well have a reason for it.”

Mikko Koivu was amused, but embarrassed to be the focus of so much attention.

“I’m honored, but this is the craziest thing I’ve seen. American women are real crazy,” Mikko Koivu said.

“But it’s just fun to say,” said Beth, as she gleefully demonstrated. “Mikko Koivu!”

Cookies! Although the Sass are missing the services of Carlos Guillen at shortstop, they are quite thrilled that Mrs. Guillen still regularly sends cookies. Recently she sent a box of oval sugar cookies with yellow frosting for the Sassians to share.

“It’s amazing. These are totally my favorite!” said outfielder Moises Alou. “I mean, I didn’t even play baseball with her husband, and she still cared enough to find out what my favorite cookie was and send them to me! She’s one amazing lady.”

Coming up: Monday night Jeremy Sowers took the mound for the Sass, and left the game with no decision. Tuesday night, Aaron Harang will try to get the Sass their first win of the week as they compete against Go Boom!