In an effort to have a little fun with the Coop Scoop blog, I am producing a (somewhat) daily trivia quiz called "Mud Hen Mindbender." No prize; this is just a way to get your day moving. Ready? Here we go ...
With Sunday’s loss to Louisville, the Mud Hens now have the worst record in the International League. What was the last season that saw the Hens have the IL’s worst record?
The answer to Thursday’s question? Last week the Tigers traded for Omar Infante, who played for the Mud Hens from 2002-03 and in 2007. How many other players whose last name begins with the letter “I” have played for the Mud Hens? The answer is nine, although I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t remember Ed Ignasiak from 1944-45 and Clarence Iott from 1946. The others are Jesse Ibarra (1998), Brandon Inge (2000-03, 2008, 2011-12), Riccardo Ingram (1992-94), Cale Iorg (2010-12), Dane Iorg (1974-75) and Luis Isaac (1977).
Do you think you know the answer to today’s question? Click on the "comments" link below and give us your answer! I'll post the answer tomorrow along with another trivia question. Looking forward to hearing from you!
How about 2001, the final year at Ned Skeldon Stadium?
Posted by: Phil | 07/30/2012 at 12:38 PM
In 2001 the Mud Hens finished 12th in the 14-team league.
Let me help with a hint: It is MORE recent than that.
Posted by: John_Wagner | 07/30/2012 at 02:49 PM
Is it 2004?
Posted by: Steve | 07/30/2012 at 02:54 PM
Can't remember which year, but I think in 2008 or 2009 they got hit with injuries and call-ups and won very few games post-All Star break.
Posted by: Phil | 07/30/2012 at 03:21 PM
Phil: In 2008 the Mud Hens had league's sixth-best record, while the 2009 team fell to ninth.
Steve: It is indeed 2004, when a 6-26 finish left them with a 65-78 record, one-half game worse than THREE other teams.
So the obvious follow-up ... when was the most-recent last-place finish BEFORE 2004?
Posted by: John_Wagner | 07/30/2012 at 05:35 PM
1999 with a record of 57-87...those Skeldon '90's...
Posted by: Pepper Leach | 07/30/2012 at 05:41 PM
Pepper is correct, so I'll ask the follow-up to the follow-up: Before 1999, when was the last time the Mud Hens had the worst record in the IL?
Posted by: John_Wagner | 07/30/2012 at 06:07 PM
Here's a hint: It wasn't too many years before that 1999 debacle ...
Posted by: John_Wagner | 07/31/2012 at 02:26 PM
I'll guess 1998 and have it come full-circle with an answer from the previous question since the man the myth the legend Jesse Ibarra played in 1998.
Posted by: Phil | 08/01/2012 at 11:57 AM
Phil: Your guess of 1998 is CORRECT! Just trying to prove a point ... and that point is that before this recent run of success there were more than a few worst-in-the-IL finishes.
I'll have a new question this afternoon.
Posted by: John_Wagner | 08/01/2012 at 12:22 PM