As part of our continuing series on
the remarkable people and clubs who make up the fabric of the
Oakland A’s fanbase, OaklandClubhouse.com’s Rachel Afraimi
catches up with Andrea Mallis, the Oakland A’s official
astrologer.
I remember vividly the first time I heard
the “Astrology Minute” with Andrea Mallis on the “Extra
Innings” Oakland A’s post-game show with Robert Buan on KFRC
radio. Her insightful comments about Arthur
Rhodes’ control problems were very poignant and
insightful. Andrea has established herself as the official A’s
astrologer, writing for the Oakland A’s magazine, appearing as
a guest on Marty Laurie’s ”Right off the Bat” radio program
and, of course, the “Astrology Minute” on “Extra Innings”. I
had the chance this week to sit down with Andrea and pick her
brain about the upcoming season and some of the new faces we
will see on the field this year.
When did you
become a baseball fan and which was your favorite
team?
I became a devoted baseball fan back in 1973.
I’m a Queens, New York native who grew up near Shea Stadium. I
caught baseball fever during the New York Mets “Ya Gotta
Believe” magical season in 1973. The Mets were in the cellar
all summer but managed to win the NL East, playing just
over.500 ball. I was in the stands at Shea when the sign man
held up the “Ya Gotta Believe” sign and Tug
McGraw (the closer for the Mets) and the fans adopted the
chant. It was such a hopeful, optimistic message, and it
taught me never to give up on things in life and your
team.
How ironic that I’m an A’s fan now, as I was
crushed when the A’s beat the Mets in the 1973 World
Series.
When did you start following the A’s and
what attracted you to the team?
I was out of
baseball for awhile, focusing more on my path of women’s
spirituality. I became a certified astrologer in 1983 and
started Virgo In Service Astrological Consulting. I got
back into baseball during the summer of 2001, when I went to
an A’s game with some friends. I bought a copy of Athletics
Magazine and read about Barry
Zito’s interest in yoga and meditation, and realized there
was a whole new generation of baseball players that were open
to spirituality. The A’s seemed like a young, hip Bay Area
team -- after all they arrived in Oakland in 1968, a very
revolutionary time on the planet. They have that innovative
zeitgeist, plus I’m always attracted to the
underdog.
What inspired you to combine astrology and
baseball and what fascinates you about their
connection?
Since athletes are always looking for a
competetive edge, I realized by blending my passions for
astrology and baseball I could provide a useful, valuable map
of optimum timing.
In baseball, as in astrology,
timing is everything. Baseball and astrology both run in
cycles. There are predictable planetary cycles that astrology
ascertains, so athletes and regular folk can capitalize on
certain cycles and minimize challenges.
Although
astrology predicts energies, not necessarily events -- and I
usually work without the benefit of accurate birth times --
I’m still able to flesh out the major planetary cycles players
are currently experiencing. (Dominican Republic birth charts
can be tricky.) By comparing and contrasting players birth
charts (where the planets were when they were born) to where
the planets are now -- known as forecasting -- I can determine
what cycles players are currently experiencing.
I
particularly focus on Mars, a crucial planet for an athlete,
as it rules energy and aggression. Utilizing the metaphysical
science of astrology, I created a whole new ballgame! I could
uncover whose bat was heating up, whose injury prone, who may
be heading into a slump, etc. As a revealing map for optimum
timing, I can see whose star is on the rise.
Sports
astrology can maximize investments, advantageous trades, draft
choices, free agents, clubhouse chemistry, etc. It illuminates
the mental, emotional and physical game, and untaps players
potential in a more holistic way. It’s the 21th century and
it’s time to step up to the plate and take a fresh look and be
open to integrating more novel methods. I’m suggesting that
sports astrology is a supplement for what baseball is already
doing [in evaluating talent].
What is your favorite
Oakland A’s memory?
My favorite A’s memory has to
be the 20 game winning streak. I remember one summer game at
the Coliseum in particular, when Miguel
Tejada hit a walk off home run and I saw grown men cry in
the stands. That streak was some of the most inspiring,
magical baseball I have ever experienced.
When did
you become “The A’s Astrologer” and how did that come
about?
I began calling in on Robert Buan’s
post-game radio show “Extra Innings” in the summer of 2001,
sharing my unique blend of baseball and astrology. Robert, a
curious Scorpio, bless his heart, was open-minded, and my “one
of a kind” perspective was a hit. Currently in my 4th season,
I present the “Astrology Minute” on his show on KFRC. I have
also prognosticated on Marty Lurie’s A’s pre-game radio show
“Right Off the Bat,” KNBR Sports Talk Radio and ESPN
Radio.
I began writing for the A’s web site in the 2002
season and planetary profiles for half of the official major
league baseball magazines. Shortly thereafter, ESPN contacted
me for appearances on SportsCenter, Baseball
Tonight, ESPN News, and Cold Pizza. I also
appeared on the Bay Area’s CBS Channel 5 Game Day show
and KRON Channel 4’s Sports Final and have written
articles for ESPN.com’s PAGE 2 and MLB.com. I most recently
contributed to a forthcoming book on fantasy baseball, and
attended the baseball winter meetings in Anaheim, CA. My
various writings are located on my web site
www.virgoinservice.com under “Baseball
Articles”.
In your opinion, what player possesses
the most fascinating chart?
I would have to say
Barry Zito; he’s the most eccentric Taurus I know. While he
possesses the Taurus work ethic and determination, he also has
this whole other part of his personality that is off the
beaten path and totally unconventional. He hears a different
drum and embraces his non-conformity. Astrology can be a great
permission giver. People are so much more complex than their
sun signs, and Barry is a great example of
that.
Tim Hudson’s a tenacious Cancer (July
14 1975), so no, I was not surprised about Hudson being
traded. He’s going through his Saturn Return, an auspicious
astrological rite of passage that occurs at age 29. A career
turning point, it’s a cycle of increased ambition and
responsibility. A four year, $47 million deal close to home
makes security minded Cancers happy. A lot of significant
changes, especially career changes, happen during our Saturn
return. Life may feel like an endurance test, yet he is
building for future goals. However, Saturn also rules the
bones, knees teeth and joints, and Huddy is has already
experienced challenges with his hip and may be more injury
prone during this karmic phase.
On Mark Mulder (August
5 1977): I was surprised about Mulder being traded. A prideful
Leo who never liked to admit a weakness, he was caught in an
exhausting low energy cycle the second half of the year,
losing all of his starts in September and October with a
bloated ERA of over 6. Dispirited and discouraged, nebulous
Neptune, the planet of confusion, unraveled his strength, yet
they kept running him out there. This season, his meltdown is
a distant memory, as Jupiter makes positive aspects to his
Mars (a very important planet for an athlete). Physical
vitality returns and there is an abundance of energy to
achieve goals, and he’ll make the most of those opportunities.
Health is strong and he’s eager to achieve, confident and
highly effective. Dynamic and inspiring, he should be back to
the Leo glory days he knew so well.
Will Barry Zito
have a Cy Young like season this year?
Barry Zito
(May 13, 1978) should be rounding back into Cy Young form, as
his enervating and dispiriting Neptune (planet of
nebulousness) oppose Mars (energy) cycle is now officially
over, which cast a pall during his past two sub-par seasons.
Confidence was at an all-time low, and this cycle lasted for
two full years. There was no way out but through with
planetary cycles, and now in 2005 the true Zito returns. Now
experiencing a strong Mars cycle in 2005, he should be more
purposeful and steady, with renewed vigor and intensity. Zito
can tap back into enthusiasm, optimism and abundance, and
should rise to the challenge of the ace role with flying
colors.
What new player may have a break-out
year?
I like Joe
Blanton’s astrology forecast for the 2005
season.
Joe Blanton’s an ambitious Sagittarius (Dec.
11, 1980) and a breakout year is possible as he embraces his
responsibilities, bringing heightened concentration and
discipline. As a result, his stature and reputation may
rise.
What are your own personal predictions for
this year?
Fearless Aries General Manager Billy
Beane, who also has several planets in visionary Pisces,
is an imaginative strategist thriving on challenge. He’s made
some bold moves and I think they can work in the A’s favor in
the long run.
A big question on A’s fans minds seems to
be how will the re-tooled A’s make up the 40 some odd game
they may have won with Hudson and Mulder?
Some
of the players that look promising to help the A’s overcome
those losses for 2005 (based on the information at my
disposal) are:
Scott
Hatteberg, (Dec. 14, 1969) Optimistic Sagittarius,
should still be plugging away, thanks to some positive Jupiter
(planet of expansion) aspects, he has not yet maxed
out.
Nick
Swisher, (Nov. 25, 1980) another athletic Sagittarius,
is in a positive Jupiter (expansion) cycle with increased
ambition.
Rich
Harden, aspiring Sagittarius (Dec. 30, 1981) obsessed
with winning, is ready to step up thanks a powerful Pluto
(power) aspect to his Mars (energy).
Dan
Haren, hard-working Virgo (Sept. 17, 1980), more
confident and sure of himself and blossom in
2005.
Chad
Bradford, dutiful Virgo (Sept. 14, 1974), should fare
better in 2005.
Kiko
Calero (Dec 9, 1975) quite driven and determined in
2005.
Juan
Cruz (Oct. 15, 1978) a big year for Libras, thanks to
a fortuitous Jupiter (planet of good fortune)
cycle
Seth
Etherton (Oct. 17, 1976) this is a huge year for
Libras and Seth is at the right place at the right
time.
I’m concerned about the following
players:
Mark
Ellis, dexterous Gemini (June 6, 1977) the best made
plans can go awry in August, as Saturn (limitation) makes a
difficult aspect to his Mars (physical energy). His power may
be thwarted, he should be mindful of reinjuring himself,
unbalanced energy, mishaps and acrimonious ego disputes.
Platooning with Ginter may work, as it looks like Ginter will
be stronger after the All-Star Break, and vice versa for
Mark.
Tim Harikkala, instinctive Cancer (July
15, 1971) looks like he’s off to a slow start as Saturn
(planet of limitation) makes a challenging aspect to his Sun;
energy and vitality can be low.
Jeremy
Brown, intense Scorpio (Oct. 25, 1979) and “Moneyball”
catcher, Neptune (planet of nebulousness) oppose Mars
(physical energy). Can have trouble fulfilling his desires,
may become more frail and tired. His energy is low, and his
health is more delicate than usual.
Bobby
Crosby, serious Capricorn (Jan. 12, 1980), may be off
to a very slow start in 2005. Not quite the dreaded sophomore
slump, after wining the Rookie of the Year award, but,
nonetheless, Bobby starts the season slow due to a Saturn
(planet of limitation) cycle. Confidence energy and vitality
may be low; he feels a lot of internal pressure. Since Saturn
also rules the skeletal system, it would be wise to be extra
cautious in those areas.
Keith
Ginter, determined Taurus (May 5 1976), should have
more success after the All-Star Break, as Saturn (planet of
limitation) makes a challenging aspect to his Mars (planet of
energy) May and June. His assertiveness and desires are put to
the test, actins meet with resistance. A frustrating cycle,
also problems with bones, knees are probable.
Dan
Johnson (Aug. 10, 1979) Neptune (confusion) to Sun
(basic personality) may be more moody or confused now, because
he is so idealistic and impressionable, he is subject to
serious disappointment. He may feel a general lack of power,
authority and control.
OaklandClubhouse.com thanks
Andrea Mallis for taking the time to speak with us. To learn
about Andrea and the work she does, please visit her website
at www.virgoinservice.com
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