Weaver On Weaver

Here's a shot of Jeff and Jered Weaver's parents in the stands at Angel Stadium on Saturday before their sons were about to battle each other on the mound for the first time in their pro careers. Papa Weaves looked completely uncomfortable the whole time his sons were playing and he had to ease his tension by downing a few brews (which TV cameras nicely caught). I say, why the tension? Be glad you have not only one son, but TWO in the major leagues. That would have me smiling regardless of what happened on the field.


In case you're wondering, there have been only 20 other instances in major league history where two brothers opposed each other as starters on the mound. Here they are:

• 09-06-2002.....Alan Benes, Chicago Cubs vs. Andy Benes, St. Louis
• 08-29-1996.....Ramon Martinez, Dodgers vs. Pedro Martinez, Montreal
• 07-31-1988.....Greg Maddux, Cubs vs. Mike Maddux, Philadelphia
• 09-29-1986.....Greg Maddux, Cubs vs. Mike Maddux, Philadelphia
• 09-13-1982.....Joe Niekro, Houston vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 05-11-1980.....Joe Niekro, Houston vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 05-31-1979.....Pat Underwood, Detroit vs. Tom Underwood, Toronto
• 09-26-1979.....Joe Niekro, Houston vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 09-26-1978.....Joe Niekro, Houston vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 05-29-1976.....Joe Niekro, Houston vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 07-03-1973.....Jim Perry, Detroit vs. Gaylord Perry, Cleveland
• 07-13-1969.....Phil Niekro, Atlanta vs. Joe Niekro, San Diego
• 09-26-1969.....Joe Niekro, San Diego vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 04-23-1968.....Phil Niekro, Atlanta vs. Joe Niekro, Cubs
• 07-04-1967.....Joe Niekro, Cubs vs. Phil Niekro, Atlanta
• 06-25-1926.....Virgil Barnes, N.Y. Giants vs. Jess Barnes, Brooklyn Robins
• 09-11-1926.....Jess Barnes, Brooklyn Robins vs. Virgil Barnes, N.Y. Giants
• 04-23-1925.....Jess Barnes, Boston Braves vs. Virgil Barnes, N.Y. Giants
• 06-26-1924.....Jess Barnes, Boston Braves vs. Virgil Barnes, N.Y. Giants
• 06-29-1924.....Jess Barnes, Boston Braves vs. Virgil Barnes, N.Y. Giants