Ultimate Disruptor

"They've got a lotta trouble on that ship."
--Admiral Bates

During the CV19 shutdown this past spring, the local Reds TV affiliate replayed the great 1975 World Series vs the Red Sox. 

I was watching Game 5 with the Reds up 2-1 in the bottom of the 6th. Joe Morgan led off. Sox starter Reggie Cleveland got ahead on the count. Morgan, who had the best eye in the game, took a couple of close ones for balls--the last one on a 3-2 count that had both Cleveland and catcher Carlton Fisk complaining about a missed strike call.

Down at first, Morgan took his characteristic huge lead off the bag with his right foot far out of the sliding pit onto the astro turf carpet. Cleveland picked to first, again and again--a couple of times almost uncorking wild ones. Completely distracted, Cleveland served a fat one to next hitter Johnny Bench, who promptly lined a hit to right center field. Challenging RF Dwight Evans' cannon arm, Morgan rounded second and headed for third--which he took with a headfirst slide and a cloud of dust. Bench went to second on the throw.

Clearly rattled, Cleveland now looked in at Tony Perez, who had already homered earlier in the game. A couple pitches later, Perez deposited a Cleveland fastball into the seats in left centerfield, blowing the game open.

Watching the inning unfold, I was thinking one thing: that was consummate Joe Morgan. He could wreak havoc in so many ways. The ultimate disruptor. The true driving force of the Big Red Machine.

Joe Morgan passed away today at age 77. We'll miss you, Little Joe.

Gibby

Billy Chapel: Don't crowd me, Sam. I hate being crowded.
Vin Scully: So, one and two the count, and, whoops, Tuttle has really moved up on the plate. He's all over the plate right now.
Billy Chapel: Now you got the idea (in response to catcher's signal for up and in pitch).
Vin Scully: Uh-oh, down goes Tuttle! What a knockdown pitch that was! There's a message being delivered.
--For Love of the Game

The first World Series that I remember is the 1967 Fall Classic between the St Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox. Cards pitcher Bob Gibson threw games 1, 4, and 7. He won all three, throwing complete games in each and giving up only one run in 27 inning pitches while striking out 26. He also added a home run at the plate on his way to being named the series MVP.

This was Gibson's second World Series MVP, btw. In 1964 he led the Cardinals to a seven game series win vs the Yankees. He started three games in that series as well--striking out 31 in 27 innings pitched.

In 1968 the Cardinals returned to face the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. There was Bob Gibson again, throwing three complete games while striking out 35. Unfortunately, the Cards lost game 7 when a fly ball was misplayed by centerfielder Curt Flood.

His lifetime World Series stats: 3 series, 9 games started, 8 complete games, 7-2 record, 81 innings pitched (9 game x 9 innings/game), 92 strikeouts, 1.89 ERA.

Gibson also pitched one of the first games I saw at Crosley Field. Gazing from behind Crosley's bulletproof backstop behind home plate, I marveled at Gibson as he spun like a top off the mound toward first base after his delivery.

As fierce a competitor that you'll ever see ('up and in' never a prob for him), Bob Gibson passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

RIP Gibby.

We're In!

"You know what we get today, Brooks? We get to play BASEBALL!"
--Jimmy Morris (The Rookie)

Big shout out to the Cincinnati Reds on clinching a playoff birth last night. Left for dead a couple weeks back, the Reds strung together a big streak culminating last night with a dominating performance against the Minnesota Twins.

Now hoping we can win at least one of the final two games of the series to seal an above .500 season.

False Case Counts

Yeah there's a storm on the loose
Sirens in my head
Wrapped up in silence
All circuits are dead
--Golden Earring

As predicted by some, lots of false positives showing up in pro sports CV19 testing. Of course, they have the resources to get more tests.

77 NFL players tested positive for the coronavirus. All of them were false positives. So how many people in America have tested positive but never actually had Covid? Most people don’t have the resources to get their tests double checked.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 24, 2020

Everyday people, however, usually get just one test. And false positive or not, that record goes into the official case count data base.

How many case counts being reported are the result of testing error?

Reinforces the lunacy of using case counts to assess pandemic severity.

Zero Tolerance

Who would be the fool to take you
Be more than just kind
Step into a life of maybe
Love is hard to find
--Culture Club

On the back of a Red's announcer being quickly suspended (and perhaps worse) for language used when he thought he was off mike, I am once again reminded of the irony associate with so-called 'zero tolerance' policies for using words deemed 'offensive' by particular groups. The logic goes something like this:

Diversity is good.

Differences between groups should be tolerated.

However, if you use language about those groups that differs from ours...

...then that won't be tolerated.

SMH

Zero tolerance policy is juvenile folly.

This One Belongs To Marty

The time has come 
For closing books and long last looks to end
And as I leave
I know that I am leaving my best friend
--Lulu

When Marty Brennaman called his first game as the Cincinnati Reds play-by-play announcer, I was listening. It was Opening Day, 1974. Although Opening Day is always a gala in Cincinnati, this one was extra special. The Atlanta Braves were in town and my favorite player, Braves slugger Hank Aaron, needed one home run to tie Babe Ruth's all-time record.

Because it was a school day, I wasn't allowed to go to the game. For that same reason, it would have been unusual to hear the game as well. However, a few of my friends coaxed our 7th grade science teacher, who was also our junior high baseball coach, to let us listen to the game on radio during our afternoon class.

In the first half inning of his first regular season game as a Major League Baseball announcer, Marty Brennaman called Hank Aaron's historic 714th home run.

An appropriate harbinger of what was to become a Hall of Fame career behind the microphone.

Today, as he completes his forty sixth season as the Reds announcer, Marty Brennaman will call his final game this afternoon in Cincinnati.

Marty Brennaman calls his final Reds game this afternoon after 46 seasons on the job. 📻#ThanksMarty pic.twitter.com/ncdhXy2FrX

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 26, 2019

If there is a single word that captures Marty Brennaman's style, then that word is genuine. Marty has captured the hearts of generations of Cincinnatians with his no nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get approach. With no premeditation or political correctness, Marty has called it as he's seen it for listeners.

Today, Cincinnati celebrates, with a pang of sadness of course, a beloved institution who is moving on. Today, Marty, this one belongs to you.

Indomitable Spirit

Went the distance
Now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man
And his will to survive
--Survivor

After being gunned down on a practice field two years ago and enduring months of hospital time and physical therapy, Steve Scalise is back to work--and on the diamond once again.

Two years ago, my colleagues and I were attacked while practicing for a charity baseball game, simply because we’re Republicans. Thanks to countless heroes, miracles, and prayers, I’m still here today getting to do the job I love in Congress—and play a little baseball. pic.twitter.com/4DWeeFrc76

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) June 14, 2019

This is what indomitable spirit looks like.

Young Minds and Socialism

They're seeing through the promises
And all the lies they dare to tell
Is it heaven or hell?
They know very well
--Journey

Young people are routinely cited as favoring socialism. This is largely due to the pro-socialist, anti-market bias of the education system. However, it is easy to expose young minds to truth by proposing some 'what if' scenarios.

For example, what if your favorite sports team were forced to surrender half of their points scored to their opponents?

Or better yet, what if each student in a class received the average grade compiled from all individual student marks?

Sprinkling in stories of colonial experiments with socialism adds extra flavor.

Ask them to predict what is likely to happen to productivity (runs scored per game or average grade) , incentive to succeed, and tendency for free-riding (moral hazard), and young minds begin down the path toward truth.

Heaven's Opener

Ray Kinsella: Is there a heaven?
John Kinsella: Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true.
Ray Kinsella: Maybe this is heaven.
--Field of Dreams

Opening Day in Cincinnati. If you haven't grown up here, then the vibe can be difficult to grasp. Winter done. New beginnings. Tradition. Celebration. Joy.

Even more meaningful this year, as a special version of Take Me Out to the Ball Game streams from heaven.

Play ball!

Eternal Rights of Spring

And now that your rose is in bloom
A light hits the gloom on the grey
--Seal

With Spring Training doors opening this week, thought I'd post another pic in honor of Frank Robinson. Pulling his equipment bag along with some R161s out of his convertible Caddy in 1950s Tampa.

A happy reminder that the rights of spring rest eternal.

Robby

And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
'Cause no one can take away your right
To fight
And never surrender
--Corey Hart

By the time I was old enough to recognize and remember baseball players, Frank Robinson had already been traded from the Reds to the Orioles in what was perhaps the worst trade in MLB history. But he was still my favorite.

He played hard. He hit the ball hard. In fact, my Dad used to say that he always knew when Robinson was hitting during batting practice by the sound--the ball sounded different coming off his bat.

One of my favorite Frank Robinson stories wrote itself during 1961 season. The Reds were in LA in the midst of a neck-and-neck late summer pennant race vs the Dodgers. Don Drysdale was on the mound for the Dodgers and twirling a gem shutout in a 0-0 game. Robinson came to the plate late in the game and Drysdale flipped him--as Drysdale was prone to do. Robby got up, dusted himself off, and deposited the next pitch far over the LF fence for what became the game winning HR.

The Reds never looked back after winning that game and took the NL flag.

Frank Robinson died yesterday at the age of 83.

Open Season

I must've dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can hear the marching feet
They're moving into the street
--Genesis

Breitbart project documents nearly 600 acts of violence and harasment against Trump supporters and associates. Acts range from shooting Republican senators on a practice baseball field, to beating up people on the street wearing Trump shirts, to threatening remarks made about the president.

The list likely under-reports the number of incidents. For example, the assault against Rand Paul at his home in Kentucky last year does not appear on the list as far as I can tell. Also, because the mainstream media has largely been derelict in its reporting duties here, there are surely some incidents that simply have not been documented.

Open season has been declared on Trump supporters.

Projecting where this goes from here is not pleasant.

Baseball's Back

"You know what we get to do today, Brooks? We get to play BASEBALL!"

--Jimmy Morris (The Rookie)

Opening Day in Cincinnati used to happen on the first Monday in April. The tradition also had the Reds opening before any other team seeing as it was the first professional baseball team--founded in 1869. 

Modern MLB scheduling has has done away with much of that, although the Reds are still afforded the privilege of opening at home. 

This year has been extra strange, with Opening Day slated for the last Thursday in March just shy of an early Easter weekend. The Findlay Market Parade was even moved to the following Monday due to downtown merchant concerns that the parade festivities might spook Easter shoppers. On Wednesday, forecasts of rain on Thursday prompted the Reds to postpone the game until Friday (follow that?), thereby marking the first Opening Day rain out since 1966 (which is a year or two prior to where my Baseball Memory kicks in).

But here we are. It's Friday noon and skies appear to be clearing to the west right on cue. Although playing the opener on Good Friday will likely cut into hot dog sales at the ballpark, and folding chairs may not be set up in the outfield as they were for Robby's first in 1956 at Crosley Field, we prepare to shed the shackles of winter once again.

Baseball's back.

Old Crosley

"I've heard that old men wake up and scratch itchy legs that have been dust for over fifty years. That was me. I'd wake up at night with the smell of the ball park in my nose, the cool of the grass on my feet...The thrill of the grass."
--Shoeless Joe Jackson (Field of Dreams)

Always captivated by old photos of Crosley Field.

Notice the building density.

Almost as if they had to shoe horn the field into the surrounding neighborhood.

By the time I went to my first ball game as a seven year old, much of the neighborhood had been bulldozed over to make room for the freeway beyond the outfield wall:

The wrath of eminent domain strikes again.

Meanwhile, less than 2 weeks till Opening Day!

Rock On

And where do we go from here?
Which is a way that's clear?
--Dave

When I was playing baseball, I constantly scanned all major league hitters for ideas that I might incorporate into my approach at the plate. In the later years of my game, two players in particular had out sized influence. One was Don Mattingly. I liked how he got ready at the plate.

The other was Rafael Palmeiro. Since first seeing him in the star studded College World Series of 1985, I liked his stance, how he cocked his hands as he lifted his foot, and that pretty swing and one-handed release. I borrowed profusely.

After putting up Hall of Fame numbers that included 569 HRs and over 3000 hits, Palmeiro's career sadly ended in a controversy over PEDs. His name quickly left the Hall of Fame ballot after garnering little support from the writer/voters.

About a week ago I was stunned to learn that Rafael Palmeiro has been training for a comeback. While not sure any team will take a flyer on a 53 year old, even one who looks to be in excellent shape, I am certain that his swing is still sweet.

Bat speed coming along. Swing feels great. pic.twitter.com/D18vLJhDKC

— Rafael Palmeiro (@Rafael_Palmeiro) January 11, 2018

Watching a guy not too far from my age still rockin' 'em like that makes me want to hit the cage...

Bravo Votto

And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
'Cause no one can take away your right
To fight and to never surrender
--Corey Hart

Special shout out to Reds first baseman Joey Votto on the completion of a spectacular season--particularly considering the team's dismal endpoint.

Of all the eye popping achievements Votto booked this year, starting all 162 games--the first Red to do so since Pete Rose in 1975--stands out most. A couple years ago, knee issues caused Votto to miss parts of two seasons, casting doubt about his durability.

No doubts now about the smartest and hardest working player in the game today.

Red to Bronze

"You know what we get to do today, Brooks? We get to play baseball!"
--Jimmy Morris (The Rookie)

One year ago the Cincinnati Reds retired Pete Rose's number and inducted him into the Reds Hall of Fame. Yesterday, the Reds once again honored Rose with a statue of Charlie Hustle laying out into one of his patented head first slides.

Pete was there being Pete. No prepared remarks. Speaking from the heart. Mixing it up with his former Big Red Machine teammates. Even spending time in the TV and radio booths.

Several times he indicated that he would love to spend more time with team, talking, for example, about hitting with Billy Hamilton and others. He wished he could set foot in the Reds clubhouse.

Of course, Major League Baseball has banned Pete from doing any of this.

It may go down as one the most foolish moves in sports business history. Locking out the game's greatest living ambassador and prohibiting him from doing what he does best: dedicating his being to advance the game of baseball.

Thankfully, MLB could not stop the conversion of the brightest Red of all into bronze.

Bullets and Baseball

"How do you like someone shooting back at you?"
--Rafe McCawley (Pearl Harbor)

This morning a gunman opened fire on Republican congressmen as they were practicing on an Alexandra baseball diamond for the upcoming annual game against congressional Democrats at Nationals Park. One congressman, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA) was shot in the hip. Several others, including two Capitol Police officers and an aide, were also reported as sustaining non-life threatening injuries.

Details are still emerging on the shooter, who was wounded and taken to a local hospital under custody where it is now being reported that he has died from his injuries. What does seem apparent from the accounts of several congressmen on the field is that the shooter was using an AR-type rifle and got off at least 50 rounds (implying multi mags) as players on the diamond scattered and sought cover.

The Capitol Police officers who returned fire and brought down the shooter were there because Scalise's leadership position merits a security detail when he travels locally.

Clearly, if guns were not on the scene to fire in a self-defense capacity, then this baseball field quite likely would have become a killing field.

Misplaced Celebration

Trim life shadows flicker and fall
But you still can't turn away
Get up and run before you stall
Before the edges fray
--Ric Ocasek

One of the more amusing vids I've seen in some time:



Also a lesson in misplaced celebration. The runner surely thought the crescendo of cheers as he neared the finish line was for him and he let up and lost his focus as he sought to pump up the volume.

No matter what the situation, stay the course and power thru the tape.

Kids Opening Day

"The game doesn't stink, Mr Wheeler. It's a great game."
--Billy Chapel (For Love of the Game)

Couple of the pics posted this morning of the first Kids Opening Day happening at GABP.

This is how to build the game.

Well done, Reds.