“What’s My Line?” December 1953

Today a classic episode of “What’s My Line?” which aired on December 20, 1953.

Kirk Douglas is the mystery guest.

Panelists are Dorothy Kilgallen, Peter Lind Hayes, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.

John Charles Daly is the host.

Enjoy watching.

March 3, 2021

Some More Coincidences

A bit rough these days with certain realizations, however, I opt for the two vaccines, despite fear of feeling bad in the second one’s aftermath.

Earlier “That Girl” on Antenna T.V. (reduced to it, though it was a good show and I shut it right off) is about Marlo Thomas’ “Ann Marie,” (full name, not just her first) hiring a press agent, played by Jesse White, who was intro’d on and as one of the “100 stars” part 3 and for so long was the “Maytag repair man.”

Tonight all about a press agent and that world in the brilliant, written by Ernest Lehman, “Sweet Smell of Success.” It airs on TCM at 8 P.M. Eastern Time. Do not miss it, especially if you have not seen it.

Next, struggling and reading on this thing called a phone/internet, Jerry West is touched by and was close to Kobe Bryant, who of course died just over 13 months ago, a beginning to a very bad span.

Also dead in that crash, people named Altobelli. I was reminded of that fact after also reading that Joe Altobelli, who guided the Orioles to their last crown in ’83 and also as many as Earl Weaver did, died at age 88.

Push hard, stop eating, get out and walk, knowing it is a world in which people do not return calls and care about themselves.

One more and a cessation of complaining. In a Brian Aherne led “Twilight Zone” about an actor “Booth-an actor/assassin’s name if there ever was one–Templeton,” the young, firm director is an actor, who eventually turned great director, Sydney Pollack.

“That’s All Folks.”

The above, a little different than the “Bugs” opening theme video, posted weeks back.

March 2, 2021

Inspired By Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Today I am so happy and inspired, having heard Debbie Wasserman Schultz speak as The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center presented a “Zoom” meeting as part of their excellent “Women Inspiring Women” series.

Of course, I agree with her politically and part of the inspiration is inherent in the values, Ms. Wasserman Schultz espouses, most notably, caring for and helping others, usually the less fortunate among us.

Also inspiring and you “caring for money only,” likely Republicans (sorry typical fiscal Republicans–you allowed the “pig of pigs,” to take over your party and still kiss his fat a–, so you lose the little moral high ground you had) unfortunately might use and that is a belief in yourself.

I needed it and still do. If you get it or have it, it is so powerful!!

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, blessed with a wonderful husband named Steve, living wonderful parents and 3 children has done good with it. I hope I get it and do! Those just wanting “the bread,” you will learn giving is better!!

March 1, 2021

My 1989 Interviews/Coincidences

Mind you all three were in the Dodgers’ spring training complex area that March day in 1989 when I interviewed among others, (Mike Huff, I believe a career minor leaguer and Franklin Stubbs), pitchers Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, John Podres, Claude Osteen and Burt Hooton. However, the coincidences of their “backround appearances” astound if not “message” me, these 32 years later, which was the time between the Dodgers 6th and last year’s “in a 50 game reg” 7th crown.

While talking with Sandy and citing his first 18 strikeout game and just after or before Sandy references it with “18,” number 18 Bill Russell, a long time Dodgers’ shortstop and a fine player, walks by behind Sandy and me to get on the practice field.

I am about to end the interview with “Big D”/Don Drysdale when I know I must reference Kirk Gibson and Mr. Drysdale’s call on his epic home run, as Kirk had walked behind us.

Yesterday in watching my chat with Burt Hooton a 4 game winner during the strike caused 3 round ‘offs of 1981, I saw that Burt at first, said his game 2/1978 W.S. win (of course the Yankees came back to title and it seemingly will forever haunt because as with Trump’s win in ’16, I had no “protection” see God/G-d/the force seems to demand it, however I have begun to “stand up,” NOT easy, especially at this late date but on we go) that put L.A. up (2-0) ended with Bob Welch getting Reggie SMITH out, when ’twas Reggie Jackson.

So help me, not long after Reggie Smith is seen in the backround. Perhaps there is a reason, minimum those in total three, are quite a coincidence, if not a sign.

Anyway, I read it go on!!

February 27, 2021

Please Lower The Levels Of Prejudice And Stem Racism

As stated here before and by me so often, the level of prejudice on this planet and glaringly disturbing and evident in this country, most notably and in the worst case by uniformed officers, yes the cops, as far too often their “attitude” manifested in innocent people dying, is far too high.

Kudos to Steve Kerr for speaking out in support of Jeremy Lin doing same, when he was a victim of such disgusting, truly stupid attitudes.

Even sans shirt and full of tattoos (his right, but Leb, you can not be buried in a Jewish cemetery) praise to Mr. James, for continuing to speak out. That is far more important, than where you rank among the great players in your sport.

For the record, I over emphasized that largely due to the sickening hype James, “the jump to other teams thrice and hopefully not counting, player,” has received from “jump street.”

Speaking of hype, I truly hope Tiger Woods is well.

I hope he, Serena Williams and James all retire. Why someone like me, who while not being black and thus unable to fully grasp all that entails, completely is for the cause with it hurting me, as I unfortunately have interacted among far too many with far too high levels of racism, is VS these three superb athletic performers, is seemingly surprising.

However, in addition to the inordinately, disproportionate hype each has received over these many “anos,” I feel all three never had to really “sweat” (other than in their sports games/matches/tournaments?) to get overwhelming rewards.

I feel the same way about Peyton Manning and definitely despite his talent, can live without John McEnroe, to name another.

So what is the point here?

Number one my best praise came from the late Arthur Curry, an invaluable member of HBO in most things boxing, who happens to be/was Black/black.

He said to me, “you don’t see color, do you?!!” I do not, just as the great running back Larry Brown said about his Washington coach, Vincent T. Lombardi.

I am very proud of that and one way or the other, I will try to help stem racism and lower levels of prejudice.

February 26, 2021

A Great Night As Jerry Izenberg Spoke At A New York Giants Preservation Society Event

Last night, thanks to Gary Mintz and The New York Giants Preservation Society, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the legendary sportswriter and I believe national treasure, Jerry Izenberg regale the rather large “Zoom” audience, with great stories and information.

Mr. Izenberg talked specifically about Monte Irvin, with a great nod to his other “brother/tremendous man and player,” Larry Doby.

On the 102nd anniversary of his birth, Irvin was remembered as a kind man, a friend to all, especially players who at one time, were on his side of the field.

Next, a brief recap from Gary Mintz and a link to books by Mr. Izenberg. There will be much more here regarding Mr. Izenberg in the days ahead.

From Gary Mintz, The President of the New York Giants Preservation Society:

What a great evening last night as close to 60 NYGPS Members attended our Zoom meeting with legendary sports journalist Jerry Izenberg. Jerry discussed his relationships with Monte Irvin (Who would have been 102 yesterday) and Larry Doby, as well as discussing his illustrious career. Jerry also discussed some of the books he has authored and here they are:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JERRY+IZENBERG&ref=nb_sb_noss

The masterful writer with a wealth of knowledge/great stories, Jerry Izenberg, is pictured above. His great recall, stories and vivid telling thereof were “front and center” at a great New York Giants Preservation Society event last night.

February 25, 2021

What’s My Line With Mystery Guests, Sargent Shriver and Van Cliburn

Today, a classic episode of “What’s My Line?” that aired on March 11, 1962.

The mystery guests were Sargent Shriver and Van Cliburn.

Panelists were Dorothy Kilgallen, Tony Randall, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.

John Charles Daly is the show’s host.

Certainly thoughts on the life and tragic death of John F. Kennedy abound as surely Shriver, Cliburn and Kilgallen evoke such memories.

Life goes on, mine to attempts to survive, hopefully others to be more giving and thoughtful.

February 23, 2021

I Think “Wow” Notes Regarding Great Pitched Games

In “reviewing” Sal Maglie’s no hit game, which was in a crucial game, in another great pennant race (the likes of which we are denied by the wild card presence), in 1956, I learned what I think are incredible/”wow” facts/coincidences.

Simply and for once succinct here, Maglie’s no hitter in a Brooklyn Dodgers’ September 25, 1956 win vs the Philadelphia Phillies, occurred 13 days before Don Larsen’s perfect game vs Brooklyn, whose starting pitcher in that (2-0), pivotal game 5 Yankees’ win was Maglie.

In the ninth inning of Maglie’s no hitter, the great catcher and player, Roy Campanella makes a very good catch on a foul pop up near the Brooklyn Dodgers’ dugout. It is Dale Mitchell, (cited here just days back in another juxtaposition/coincidence regarding the ’48 W.S. and of course the Larsen perfect game) who helps him from falling.

The “of course” an exaggeration and it refers to the fact Larsen got Mitchell on a called third strike to complete his perfect game.

After “Campy’s” nice play, the Phils next batter, a pitcher, but a good hitter was Harvey Haddix. Need I “type” more.

Of course I do, as Rabbi Wise often intoned “do not confuse ignorance with stupidity,” and I add that while some younger people today knowing so little about history, not sports history, but say this country’s history is not good–not knowing that about two and a half years later, Harvey Haddix lost in what was not so arguably the best pitched game in big league’s history.

He hurled 12 perfect innings, but mound opponent that May 26, 1959 Lew Burdette also allowed no runs, in fact he did so for 13 innings and when his Milwaukee Braves’ team, (have to?– cite they were the team Brooklyn beat out in the above referenced, great N.L. race in 1956 and that the second year version of L.A. Dodgers, did same in a playoff that ’59 season. In between they won it all in ’57 and were denied in 7 by the Yankees, reversing the ’57 result, except that the Yankees overcame a (3-1) W.S. deficit to do so. No matter, despite underachieving, those Braves teams which included such as Henry Aaron, Ed Mathews, and Warren Spahn were truly great) scored B13 (the rather strange details another time), Haddix and his Pirates, who were to be World Champions the next season, also in a 7 game W.S. but one whose game 7 was so dramatic, and with Harvey Haddix getting the win in a relief pitching role, lost the game.

February 21, 2021

Ralph Terry, Bobby Richardson, Pennant/World Series Winning And Losing Notes

I believe, more than somewhat incredibly, Ralph Terry and Bobby Richardson, each members of great New York Yankees’ teams were involved directly (also a 6th time, all but “directly”) in a total of five last plays in either last World Series or in one case, a pennant clinching game.

Terry, many people know, yielded the game winning home run to Bill Mazeroski, (tied B9–please read about Hal Smith’s 3 run home run that transformed a one run Pirates’ deficit, into a two run lead with two outs/B8 in #7/’60 World Series) that ended the 1960 World Series.

Two years later, Terry pitched a brilliant 3 hit shutout as the Yankees won game 7 at San Francisco, vs the Giants, to cop an incredible 20th title in 40 seasons. You think going vs Brady is tough, try that!!

Bobby Richardson, a tremendous player, who happened to shine in two Yankees’ World Series losses, the aforementioned ’60 “Classic,” when he was voted the Series MVP, despite being on the non winning team (see Chuck Howley, still disgracefully not in the Football “Hall” and Jerry West in basketball. Are Richardson, Howley and West the only ones in those 3 major sports/leagues to do so? Off the top of my head, goaltenders Roger Crozier and Ron Hextall did so in the National Hockey League) and 1964 when he got a record, he shares with Marty Barrett (1986) and the sensational Lou Brock, 13 hits in that 7 game World Series vs the Cardinals, a team Brock was famously or infamously dealt (deal and cards) to that season. (Lou tied Bobby’s single WS hits mark in defeat vs the Tigers in ’68), caught the last out in Terry’s masterpiece. Another tangent, however, one I believe is noteworthy: All 3 13 hits in one W.S. record holders did so for the non winning team–Richardson in ’64, Brock in ’68 and Barrett in ’86, all being 7 game World Series.)

In addition to snaring another baseball great, Willie McCovey’s line drive to end the game (the Giants had Mateo Alou on third and the nearly 90–(God/G-d or “force” willing the New York Giants Preservation Society, a fine organization, will wish/sing Willie a happy 90th on May 6th) member of baseball’s pantheon of greats Willie Mays on second), Richardson and Roger Maris (why not he in the diluted no Pete, face it Barry Bonds and Clemens, baseball “Hall”) each made big plays/throws as Alou could only get to third on Mays’ 2 out double to right field. (On the “football” Saturday on which Maris’ death was announced–the eventual champion Bears winning the December tilt at the eventual AFC wild card game losing Jets, only Bob Costas, among the 3 major network reporters/reports of Roger dying, cited that ’62 World Series play.

So we have Richardson and Terry involved in the same last play of the ’62 World Series, Ralph also in ’60’s last play. That makes 3. “4” is operative, as Bobby popped out to Dax Maxvill to end the ’64 World Series, the so great Bob Gibson and the Cardinals hanging on (7-5).

The 5th “direct” and one “almost such” is certainly the least known and one I “discovered” last night. The Yankees clinched their 25th pennant and a record tying 10th and last for their legendary manager, Charles Dillon “Casey” Stengel (“You could look it up”) when third baseman (Bobby played most of his career at second base and was at that position when the ’62 WS ended) Bobby Richardson caught that season’s A.L. batting champion, Pete Runnells foul pop.

Terry was the winning pitcher in that ’60 pennant clincher, hurling 8 and 2 thirds innings, before Luis Arroyo came in (a foreshadowing of his great relief work in the legendary Yankees’ ’61 season) and retired Runnells.

The Yankees won 10 pennants in the 12 seasons in which Stengel was their manager. They went on to cop an incredible 14 in 16 seasons (Al Lopez, each time, with the eventual, non-winning World Series team was the only other manager to win an A.L. “flag” in that span. See Alex Hanumn, in the NBA, as his titles with the Bob Pettit led St. Louis Hawks in ’58 and the Wilt Chamberlain led ’67 Philadelphia 76ers were the only non Celtics crowns in a 13 season period from ’57-’69. Again and Brady is so great, a 7-11 (often I stop there and not so much “gulp” but “munch, ” mark in winning it all in playoffs appearances, but consider Bill Russell, who was on 11 title winners in 13 seasons and put in, as he often did with big shots, Sam Jones, who won 10 crowns in 12 seasons. There is Joe DiMaggio, Henri Richard, and the classy great Jean Beliveau, all greats on great teams with great title and title round records).

Finally, I once got director Oliver Stone to laugh visibly when I told him on my birthday in 2012 (I think if he cares and he did, Mr. Stone is a Red Sox fan and surely not one of either the Yankees or the Republican Party) the Yankees, despite having a “by a good margin,” major North American sports league record 27 crowns, have not won one with a Republican as U.S. President since 1958.

I will “stop right there” as the Meat Loaf song, “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights,” (Michael Lee Aday aka Meat Loaf is a Yankees’ fan) intoned in a different vein, regarding politics but add this ties the longest/most glaring Yankees’ 20 season title drought (they won their first World Series in 1923, the first season of Yankee Stadium and the 20th if not for the Highlanders/Yankees franchise, certainly the 20th in which they played with a World Series win a possibility. (That encompasses 1903-1923, with no World Series having been played in 1904).

The current Yankees’ pennant “drought” (they of course, have been a very good team for almost every year of this span and their great winning history is unmatched!!) is not quite their worst, but with just one, that in 2009, when they also won their lone title in the aforementioned 20 year period (’01-2020), it is their second least number of pennants over any 17 year span, topped only by an 18 year period from 1903-1920. However, since there was no World Series in 1904, the current span of one pennant in 17 seasons matches the ’03-1920 17 years of the least number of Yankees’ pennant with a World Series appearance, a possibility.

I know, I need to get a life!!

February 19, 2021

Ripping Thomas And Barrett With An Ode To “Love Story” And ’48/’56 W.S. Notes

Oh do I have stuff for you, suffice now that one needed only to look at ’91’s Clarence Thomas, swallowing hard and I will not say the rest. He is, in my unsolicited opinion, a traitor to the cause and to his race, not to mention one of the utmost hypocrisy. Add “Squeaky” BARRETT and there is hate, perhaps, even likely, too much and misplaced, but dealing with these types and having barely (if we did) survived Trump, “being an activist vs these,” means NEVER relaxing.”

Alas I wish there was love, a love story, so since there is not, but as an ode, I say I am (at least a bit) SORRY.

OK it is #3, 1948 World Series and you will only get these notes here. Juxtapose ’56 with ’48, another presidential election year.

That year, (’56) Don Larsen hurled a perfect game, as the Yankees took a (3-2) W.S. lead with a (2-0) victory in game 5, en route to a 7 game triumph, vs the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Larsen fanned pinch hitter, Dale Mitchell to end the classic and soon after, was embraced by “10 player titles” Yogi Berra.

It was a called, perhaps questionable, third strike. In his last game behind home plate, the umpire was Babe Pinelli.

Back to #3, ’48 which was so different, but again involves Mitchell and Pinelli. Dale starts for the game and series winning (their last to this point) Indians. Pinelli, at the most active umpiring position (home plate) in ’56, is on the right field line for this one.

Bob Lemon is on the winning team in both American League non scheduled, at least one fourth/one game playoffs (I think any # of games), thirty years apart, as a Cleveland Indians’ pitcher in ’48 and Yankees manager in ’78. Each was at Fenway Park, vs the Boston Red Sox.

After winning the one game ‘off to win the ’48 A.L. Pennant, Lemon and the Indians (hint and so help me, not pitching and in the middle, Lemon is cited as I type regarding him. My “Cheese” “The Stranger” comparison is a tough NO this day.”) stayed in Boston, to meet the Braves in the World Series.

Lemon’s Indians lost game 1, but won #’s 2,3,4 and 6, the first and last of those on the road, to claim the title.

In ’78, the Lemon managed Yankees were in the ALCS after the heart stopping and for me, still heartbreaking, win in the one game ‘off at the Red Sox. The (ALCS) was best of 5, the Yankees claiming their 32nd pennant, winning game 1 on the road and #’s 3 and 4 at home.

Next Lemon’s Yankees won games (3-6) to win their 22nd title. They raised their W.S. record to (8-2) at that point, vs the Dodgers. They clinched it on the road.

Andy B Sports