World Series

-

Jorge Soler became the first person ever to hit a first inning home run as the first batter in the first game of the World Series.

As a kid I was all in on checking stats in World Series games. The Yankees lost to the Pirates in the 1960 World Series on a homer and I wasn’t alive for that but man, I felt the pain of that loss.

As a kid, the Orioles were good, the A’s were great and so were the Reds.

Gun to my head and I can name 90% of the players on all those teams and could give you the batting order.

Then came the ‘77 and ‘78 Yankees.

Reggie hit those 3 homers in game 6 to end the series on my 13th birthday - game 6 was played on October 18th that year.

Game 1 was last night on the 26th. 

November baseball.

Too late!

And same gun to my head and I can probably give you all the World Series winners from 1969 through 2020.

I didn’t always watch each game.

I certainly didn’t catch a single pitch of the Red Sux wins. Didn’t miss a pitch of any of the Yankees wins - and there were 7 wins out of 10 appearances since 1969.

My favorite World Series ever during those times would have to be the Yankees over the Braves in 1996.

They hadn’t been there since 1981. I was just happy that they were there.

The Braves had Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. They took a two game lead just battering the Yankees in New York.

As they headed to Atlanta for games 3 through 5 I was on a ledge, ready to jump…

…I never saw the 4-game win streak coming.

Girardi hit a huge triple in game 6 and the stadium crowd went absolutely crazy.

I did too.

Now, I’m rooting for the Braves because the Astros cheated to win a few years back.

I haven’t forgiven them because those players didn’t pay the price and never truly apologized.

Their rallying cry has been:

“Get over it!”

Nah!

Braves in six.

But I also hate the tomahawk chop.

(That’s gotta’ go).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more