Baseball

Baseball. 


The one word that brings the kid out in any one. Ok, bare with me, I'm going to ramble for a bit...


Growing up in Plainview, I played baseball. I loved it. We all did. Playing for the Reds or Astros, didn't matter...it was baseball. I somehow was always on Mr. Simmons' team...Dad would co-coach the team. I never played on the same team as Laton but we'd play catch in the front yard or driveway. Outfield, infield, or catching...to play the game was an escape of the day-to-day run-of-the-mill kid's life in Plainview. BTW, I hear the new Spudnut shop is open...sorry, I digressed.


I've been to minor league games: OKC, Bowie & Omaha. Watching them play was fun because they played to get the call...the one call that everyone always wanted to get...the call-up to the big leagues.


Some of my favorite major league parks include: Camden Yards (the best), The Ballpark at Arlington, Safeco Field in Seattle and Jack Murphy Stadium (where the Padres - my fav - used to play).


Some of my favorite players growing up (and now): Hank Aaron (I have a signed baseball from him that was Dad's), Cal Ripken, Jr, Joe Morgan, Goose, Steve Garvey, Ozzie, Pete, the Niekro's, Nolan, George Brett, Fisk, Catfish, there are SO many more.


One of the best dialogues ever performed was Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First". ..I've heard many people try it but no one ever delivered it like them. Their timing was impeccable. 
Here's a sample:

Costello: Well then who's on first?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: I mean the fellow's name.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy on first.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The first baseman.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy playing...

Abbott: Who is on first!

Costello: I'm asking YOU who's on first.

Abbott: That's the man's name.

Costello: That's who's name?

Abbott: Yes.

it goes on and on...If you want to watch the whole, just search for it on youtube...there are plenty of them out there.

I went to many a Padres game during my first tour in San Diego. Yes, I remember watching Goose Goosage routinely pitch a 98-102 mph fastball. Yes, he was the master on the mound. Now, in Seattle, a young kid, Michael Pineda, is throwing the same speeds...that kid can pitch. I've been to three games so far in Seattle...can't get enough.

Some of my favorite baseball movies include:

The Rookie

The Natural

61

Angels in the Outfield

Bad News Bears

Fields of Dreams

Mr. Baseball

The Sandlot

The Pride of the Yankees - oldie but goodie

Well, as you can see, I really enjoy baseball. I used a quote last week from Steve Garvey (1st base for San Diego in the early '80s) - he difference between the old ballplayer and the new ballplayer is the jersey. The old ballplayer cared about the name on the front. The new ballplayer cares about the name on the back." How true it is. Sad point: San Diego was swept by the Tigers in 1984 in the World Series...happy point, San Diego BEAT the Cubs in 1984 for the National League Pennant! Happy dance when anyone beats the Cubs.

I loved to coach (in Sicily and Japan)...watching those kids play just made me a kid again! Loved it.  I think one team in Sicily was the Mariners...poetic isn't.

Ok, for the baseball fans out there, if I'm ever selected to be the Commissioner...I'm reinstating Pete Rose for membership into the Hall of Fame. Ok, he confessed. He deserves to be in the Hall. He is the all-time MLB leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (over 14k)...and more. BTW, he made 17 (yes, 17 All-star appearances). Everyone makes mistakes and should be forgiven and let's move on people.

If you ever have a boss that has the opportunity to throw a 1st pitch at a ballgame, make sure he practices! I've seen too many "I know how to throw" people who really "don't know how to throw!"

Well, it's late, the Mariners games was postponed and I'm heading to bed...

When I wake, I'll be scooting...play ball!