The New York Yankees up (2-0) for a 6th time in 19 ALCS appearances, are now (550/800–roughly 7 or “Mantle” to 1 “faves” and you can see the edge that the “house” gets) to capture their 41st American League Pennant and first since 2009. (Oh do I have some increments by 3 #’s and those are forthcoming).
Essentially the Cleveland Guardians have given both games to the Yankees, however give the Aaron Boone, managed team credit as Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres and Luke Weaver 3, among many not named Giancarlo Stanton, who all of a sudden is drawing George Ruth comparisons, have contributed to a (5-1) ‘offs run that leaves the Yankees, so likely to grab a first pennant in 15 years.
Those 3 (year) increments, largely regarding Yankees’ “droughts” (in Cleveland the title drought, a truly long and harsh one is very likely to reach 77 (WABC once) as they last won a baseball crown in 1948) will now (try to) follow.
The last Yankees’ title or pennant was 15 years ago in 2009. That is the “9,” they had a 12 year (3 more than 9) pennant “drought” from ’64-’76, and went 15 years sans a title/World Series win from ’62-’77.
In 1996, the yankees won their first crown in 18 years (’78-’96) and I “fudge” a bit regarding 21. The first World Series was played in 1903 and the Yankees nee Highlanders won their first of 27 in 1923 in what would have been the 21st W.S. had the 1904 World Series been played.
This is 2024, you do the math, I did but what does it get me?
That is current Yankees’ player Anthony Rizzo (2 key hits in #2 vs “Cleve”), pictured while with the Chicago Cubs, above.
It was his glove in which the ball arrived in #7/2016 W.S.– ending the Cubs’ 108 year title drought and prolonging the then Indians’ such to 68 (a la the ’86 Red Sox in not quite as excruciating fashion but in an extra inning 7th game loss for a second time since winning it).
Rizzo was with the ’22 Yankees and thus has been a member of two of the three teams that handed Cleveland an “even year” ‘offs series defeat with a fourth in 5 such “possis” again a top heavy “fave.”
“Honeyland” now playing at The Triad Theater (158 West 72nd Street, New York), through November 2nd, is a highly entertaining, fabulous show that has woven some resounding musical numbers with a story about 4 friends, being “60’s people,” amidst those turbulent times.
I cite the young, truly magnetic foursome that comprise the cast. Three are making their Off-Broadway debuts and all three plus “veteran” Abby Goldberg (she appeared in Dear Mom, I’m Gay last summer) showed poise and presence, to go along with their considerable talent.
The three performers, making their Off-Broadway debuts are Anika Buchanan, Jacob Higdon and Ben James Tyrrell. All four were inspiring in their roles.
The Music and Lyrics Producer is Clarry Evans while the Book and Lyrics Director is Denny Lawrence.
“Honeyland” combines a story about an epic period in our history and the relationships among 4 “committed to the (just) cause” friends. Add the excellent musical numbers and “Honeyland” manifests as a highly recommended, excellent show.
Click below for more information including that involving ticket purchases.
About — Honeyland The Musical
Some years back, I was at The Paley Center (get in the elevator and see all that is “Gunsmoke,” in that building, (Mrs. Paley loved the show and I liked it), however, juxtapose GUNS-moke with its reality!!) having viewed an excellent documentary recalling Robert F. Kennedy addressing a crowd in Gary, Indiana on the tragic April 4th,1968 night Dr.King was killed, when I saw Mrs. Ethel Kennedy, RFK Sr.’s widow, who died days back at age 96, seated near the back of the auditorium.
As was also the case when I saw Lauren Bacall– “an honor,” were the 2 words I uttered upon meeting each.
Forget politics, which I know, even among my favored/”lesser of two evil” parties is a dirty game, credit Mrs. Kennedy with the strength and dignity that she manifested, despite so much sorrow.
She deserves to walk on that hill with her husband, Abraham, Martin, John and others.
Maybe one day I can get into one of those touch football games that Ethel so enjoyed.
Speaking of “touch,” sister-in-law Jacqueline quipped that, even “less” re Ethel, manifested in babies, 11 in all, who sadly, as with almost all prodigy, produced good and so often in Mrs. Kennedy’s life, including in this her last year, profound sorrow and disappointment.
Click below to view, introduced with Dion pronounced as Dionne as in the great NHL’er, Marcel by Dick Smothers, sing “Abraham, Martin And John” on the seminal and so cruelly canceled “Smothers Brothers” television show.
Both League Championship Series are set after both the Dodgers and Guardians nee Indians won home decisive 5th games well within 24 hours as Cleveland’s game vs the Detroit Tigers was moved up 7 hours to a 1 P.M. Eastern Time start today Saturday October 12th.
Next the Dodgers are roughly 9 to 5 favorites vs the Mets in a 1988 NLCS redux, which was won in the maximum 7 games by L.A. en route to their one totally “legit” or one can say full season crown since winning in 7 at Minnesota in 1965.
The Mets swept the Dodgers in 3 straight “div” series games in 2006 before losing to the eventual champion Cardinals in a 7 game NLCS.
Nine years later, this time the Mets won a decisive game at L.A. doing so in #5 of a 2015 division series. All three previous Mets/Dodgers post-season series ended in L.A. where a fourt such entity will begin tomorrow night.
New York (Yankees) have also “opened” as about 9 to 5 “faves” vs the Guardians nee Indians, who first on Thursday past, rode David Fry’s key 2RHR (5-4) at Detroit, ending an 11 game ‘offs losing skein when facing elimination and then today broke an eight game “decisive” game losing streak, getting another multi run, Saturday afternoon home tilt home run from Lane Thomas, today a “slam” off presumptive A.L. Cy Young winner, Skubal in a (7-3) win.
Only once before had the Guardians won a decisive tilt, that in ’97 when they 5’d the Yankees in the “div” series.
Bernie Williams flew out to end the 1 year reign of the Yankees but 3 years later caught Mike Piazza’s drive to center, clinching a 4th Yankees crown in 5 seasons.
The Yankees are (4-2) vs “Cleve” in post-season entities, winning the lone previous LCS between the teams in ’98 and also winning “Div” series in 2017 and 2022 plus a bubble “B.S.” 16 to 8 round? in 2020.
Cleveland’s other series win vs the Yankees, who have won 27 crowns to the Cleveland franchise’s two was in a 2007 “div” series, most famous for the invasion by bugs during game 2 in Cleveland.
Above, left to right, pitcher Steve Gromek and Larry Doby are in a picture that as with an Elton John, I guess Bernie Taupin song, “sad songs,” SAID SO MUCH.
On another Saturday afternoon 1 P.M. start in Cleveland Gromek won and Doby homered in a (2-1) “Cleve” win that put them up 3 games to 1 in the ’48 World Series, the last one and second that Cleveland won.
They failed to wrap in #5 the next day before their huge Municipal Stadium throng but did so in Boston, where they had won a 1 game ‘off vs the A.L. Red Sox to win the pennant, the next day.
The New York Yankees (3-1) and (3-1), and now (4-1) in series, 80 percent, “only” (12-9) 57 percent in post-season games vs K.C. , have joined fellow N.Y. team, the Mets, who are to be in their (10 less), 9th LCS, as the two known 2024 LCS entrants.
They will play the winner of tomorrow’s decisive 5th game with series underdog Detroit (Tigers) a “Skubal driven” slight “fave,” at Cleveland (Guardians, nee Indians, hoping to, as Michigan did earlier in fateful, same calendar as certainly fateful, ’68, can title for the first time since 1948).
Once before their great glory, still by far– they have baseball’s best history was tarnished at least a bit, when Boston overcame (3-0)– they were (10-1) in LCS play and are now (11-7) with 5 straight losses.
Detroit is (3-0) vs the Yankees in post-season, topped only by the Astros, who they eliminated this year and are (4-0) vs the Yankees.
The “Det” manager, A.J. Hinch guided the “Stros” to 3 of the 4 series wins vs the Yankees, Dusty Baker en route to his lone managerial and non strike season crown, managed the other.
The Yankees clinched victory in their first ALCS, that also vs K.C. (Royals) when tied B9 and after bottles were thrown, Chris Chambliss “solo’d” the Yankees to a (7-6) #5 victory.
ABC coverage on this video.
I started my remembrance of the great, exciting, (is it redundant to say colorful?), Luis Tiant, who died days back at age 85, with a positive video of Luis facing Pete Rose as the first batter of what turned into a classic 1975 World Series. (Broadcasters in order of “appearance” are Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek and Dick Stockton).
Of course each starred in that World Series, Tiant winning twice and the Red Sox 3 wins in the 3 Tiant starts while Pete was the Series MVP.
Alas another of course is that neither Luis or Pete made the Hall of Fame while alive. Sad and wrong and I will leave it there.
Mr. Tiant, (another Mr. Tiant, his father was a great pitcher, denied opportunity, who I believe was lauded by Babe Ruth), had an incredible 1.60 ERA in 1968.
He was not allowed back in Cuba and did not see his parents for 14 years, setting the scene for Mr. Tiant Sr. to watch son Luis shutout the mighty Reds in game and also entertain with his baserunning after getting a base hit.
Truly memorable the game, the inning and the great Luis Tiant.
Luis Tiant, pictured above.
It is a 3 year Philly team, in this case the Phillies, regression, a la the one of the Erving (Julius) (how many did he “owe” before they bought Moses and he “Malone’d” them to the “promised land” in ’83) teams of (’77-’79) and (’80 and ’81), which lost final rounds, semis and then “qtrs” then a final, semi then final before ’83), as in 3 straight years they have lost a final, semi, and “qtr.”
Meanwhile the Mets now (5-0) in “division series,” rode Francisco Lindor’s (he has been incredible during this frenetic 10 days/8 meaningful games, (6-2) Mets run that has manifested in their 9th NLCS appearance (5-3) in previous) 1 out grand slam HR/B6 to (4-1) and 3 games to 1 the Phillies, the regressed Phils.
Elsewhere, while the Tigers (3-0 vs the Guardians, the latter scored 5 runs, B1 of #1 and have scored but 2 runs in the 26 subsequent innings, both in the (7-0) game 1 win, and Yankees, winning a first Wednesday ‘offs game vs K.C. (Royals) in 5 tries, took (2-1) series leads–’twas L.A. (Dodgers) early and often at San Diego (Padres) to force a decisive 5th game Friday/Kol Nidre night in L.A.
Probably more subtle and less effective (ode to Casablanca), but above, view Bill Walton one of 7 sports greats I shall cite now, surely there were others, the other six– (Jerry West, O.J. Simpson, Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda Pete Rose and now with a remembrance post forthcoming Luis Tiant and alas think of Hall of Fame “discussions/arguments” regarding all but Mr. West. Can you? Write in.), we lost this year, and his Blazers 6 ing #6, Julius Erving and Philly, the first of 6 such fails/owes after Erving, with promise to win the title, jumped to Philly, before they annexed Moses, from the burning bush, I mean Houston and he led their arrival in the ’83 “Promised Land.”
Both the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, each a wild card entrant who have done this before, won home game 3’s yesterday and lead their best of 5 division series vs teams that finished well ahead of them in the ought to count for more, I say all regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies and L.A. Dodgers (their situation is a “joke” as year after year they finish ahead in their one eighth “div” only to be toppled by a team with a lesser record) respectively.
Let’s give Mets notes. They are in their 11th post-season in this their 63rd season, 62 completed (no completed season in ’94) as they started, 62 years ago in 1962 with me having good memories of listening to their games on radio, having loved their broadcasters, unfortunately a near opposite is the case now.
In their previous 10 post-season appearances, twice with legitimate 100 or more wins teams (100 in ’69, 108 a magical good luck # in ’86) they won it all.
Twice they lost early in bogus, even more so than “div” series, in which they are (4-0) in previous and up (2-1) in this (by the way, I predict a la 2015 they will lose #4 today at home but win on the road in decisive #5) 10 to 8 in 2016 and 12 to 8, 2 years ago in 2022.
They lost thrice each in LCS (there they are (5-3) and World Series play (2-3) having lost in the ’88,’99, and 2006 NLCS in respectively 7,6 and 7 games while their W.S. losses were in 7 games to the second of three straight Oakland A’s title teams (now again playing off Gertrude Stein–there is no A’s team THERE) in 5 to a Yankees team under former Mets manager Joe Torre won a third straight crown and 4th in 5 seasons and to K.C., their second, 30 years after their first, that in 2015.
A first, in this the 30th possibility (’95-2024) as all four, best of five, baseball division series are tied at one game apiece.
First the Phillies at home and then in chronological order and on the road, San Diego (Padres), Detroit (Tigers) and K.C. (Royals) bounced back from game 1 losses to win game 2.
Today now at the Mets, it is #3 vs the Phillies, as the two are meeting for the first time in post-season play.
Later at San Diego, the Dodgers now series underdogs and with only 1 crown and that in a questionable “sitch,” to say the least, to show for their previous 10 one eighth “div” titles starting in 2013, before garnering (ode to the fine actor, James Garner, who I once saw driving a cool sports car, when as a 13 year old on a last vacation with my parents probably as a “Ba” Mitzvah reward, from a bus, Universal? Studio(s) tour) an eleventh this season, play #3 at S.D.
Tomorrow in a fourth out of 5 such, (1-1) Yankees/K.C. series, a # 3 Yankees at K.C. tilt (only other #3 at K.C. was a Royals win, however, the Yankees with Al “Sparky” Lyle hurling 5 and one third scoreless innings in relief in game 4, won the next 2 and the series, before (4-2 ‘ing) “my,” then Dodgers, to cop the ’77 crown) follows #3 Cleveland at Detroit.
In this baseball post, I impart that Detroit and Cleveland clashed in 4 NFL final round entities/NFL Title games from (’52-’57) and 3 straight from (’52-’54).
Detroit’s Lions beat Cleveland’s original Browns in 3 of those, (’52,’53 and ’57) with a late Bobby Layne to Jim Doran TD pass the decisive play in the at Detroit, ’53 tilt, one that remained an indelible early life memory for the late, excellent broadcaster, Dick Enberg.
This is the first ever Cleveland vs Detroit baseball post-season clash.
Andy B Sports 