The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York is a truly inspirational place. Despite the fact that all time great Pete Rose is still not a member of the Hall, which is a disgrace on so many levels, I still felt the “old pride in baseball” when walking among the floors full of wonderful history and memories. The museum is located in a beautiful, peaceful town with trolley cars and other museums.
“Know it all” me learned a great deal including the fact that Tom Lasorda delivered an early scouting report on Tom Seaver. This was on display next to a scouting report on Sandy Koufax. The irony is that Lasorda, a pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers, was sent down to the minor leagues to keep “bonus baby” Koufax on the major league roster. The displays and text regarding great teams for an era though brief, were very informative. Connie Mack’s (1929-1931) Philadelphia A’s are fairly well known as a great team but lesser known are the A’s under Mr.Mack from 1910-1914. The display on that team was really great. The team boasted the “One hundred thousand dollar infield,” an ungodly sum 100 years ago.
Another team that moved me were the New York Giants (1921-1924), still the only National League team to win 4 straight pennants. Names such as Ross Youngs and outfielder Casey Stengel were invoked. I thought of my father Norman, (1914-1994) and that those Giants were his first “team.”
I watched the reaction of the many people laughing long and loud as the classic “Who’s on first?” by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello was shown on a continuous loop. This version ended with a list of the lineup something I always wanted to see included in the incredible bit. It never grows old and represents timeless comedic genius.
The people enjoyed themselves and I overheard their reaction to some extraordinary baseball facts and history. Ryan Nadel of Staten Island, New York was surprised to learn there are still 8 teams that have never won the World Series. He put this information into his phone and soon memorized the 8 teams. That exchange of learning and inspiration sums up the positive Hall of Fame experience.
Some random notes from around town and in the world of sports.
Any time you can see Janeane Garofalo perform, go out and see her. Ms. Garofalo can be seen at the Eastview Comedy Club. I saw a recent show and without missing a beat, Janeane talked about certain beautiful actresses, an anonymous naked woman walking toward her, and really did a public service pointing out the abundance of non clipped toe nails on display. Her observation especially relevant with the plethora of open shoes being worn. This “lecture” to the guys was brilliant, funny, but also needed. Garofalo’s power of observation makes her an enduring figure in comedy. She is also very sweet and I hope she is enjoying Frank Langella’s book “Dropped Names” as I “drop in” that I recommended the book to her. I strongly suggest seeing Janeane Garofalo perform.
This was the 7th consecutive Presidential election year in which the NBA title was clinched at home. In 12 of the last 13 years in which there were both NBA and NHL seasons, (there was no NHL season in 2005) the NHL finals have gone longer(10 times) or as long (twice) as the NBA finals. This information and $2.25 will get you on the New York City subway.
Finally, I saw the first two parts of Julian Schlossberg’s “Witnesses to the 20th Century” and really want to see not only the other 3 parts but all his footage. Mr. Schlossberg, whom I hope to meet, interviewed myriad figures of the 20th century. Among the diverse figures he interviewed were George H.W. Bush, Robert McNamara and Gore Vidal. There were so many others including two women who were over 100 years old at the time of the interview. It was truly fascinating to see.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” is a classic, brilliantly written play by Tennessee Williams in 1947. Its theme and lessons apply for all time. I recently saw the current version at the Broadhurst Theatre and felt great to see the characters come alive on stage. Directed by Emily Mann, and with Blair Underwood as a mesmerizing, modern Stanley Kowalski, the story resonated for me yet again. I have seen the movie with Marlon Brando as Stanley and Vivien Leigh as Blanche Du Bois but never the play. I was truly glad that I had the opportunity.
The entire cast was excellent with Nicole Ari Parker earning special kudos for bringing out the essential Blanche. Her humor with some terrific lines was well timed and brought laughs. It was the pathos that stood out, however. She rendered true emotions with the timeless caution by Williams that “deliberate cruelty is unforgivable.” The play’s conclusion yielded a hope that “the kindness of stranger’s could happen.”
Sentiment aside, the magnetism needed was there. The sexual and violent components were provided by Underwood, a true presence on stage. Daphne Rubin-Vega as Stella and Wood Harris capturing “Mitch” with his lean look also were excellent. Add Amelia Campbell, the daughter in law of the great Alan Arkin and I came away entirely pleased.
For the second time in their history, the Miami Heat are NBA champions. Both times the Heat won the middle three games of the NBA finals at home. They certainly are deserving champions lead by finals and regular season MVP, LeBron James. Shane Battier in game 2, Mario Chalmers especially in game 4 and Mike Miller in the series clincher all made tremendous contributions to the Heat title.
Pat Riley has now been a part of 8 NBA championship teams, six with the Los Angeles Lakers and two with the Heat. He has 5 titles as a coach and one each as a player, assistant coach and now as an executive. He has been to many losing finals as a player, coach and last year as an executive.
The game 1 winner of the NBA finals has won 47 of the 66 finals that have been contested. However, in all 3 finals involving the Heat, the game 1 winner lost the finals.This was the 4th finals for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise with the first three being when they played as the Seattle SuperSonics. In three of those four finals series, the game 1 winner lost the series.
The team with home advantage in the NBA finals has also won 47 of the 66 finals. Again, however, the Heat especially but also the Thunder/Supersonics deviate from the “norm” by a huge percentage. The team with home advantage has lost all 3 NBA finals involving the Heat and 3 of four involving the Thunder/SuperSonics.
Recently a nice baseball signing event was held at Empire Racetrack and Casino in Yonkers, New York. I saw Ralph Branca, Ed Kranepool, and waited on a long line to get a chance to tell Darryl Strawberry how big a factor he was in the Mets winning their last World Series in 1986. He really liked my recalling his stolen base in the historic Game 6 victory. Also attending was Ron Swoboda, who proved to be an amiable, considerate gentleman and who of course made one of the greatest and most important catches in World Series history.
It was game 4 of the 1969 World Series and the Mets, leading 2 games to 1 in the Series had a (1-0) lead. Eventual World Series MVP Donn Clendenon (he and Willie Stargell were on the same baseball card, “Bucco Belters” and when I think of that it makes me smile) had homered giving Tom Seaver a lead which he took to the top of the 9th inning at Shea Stadium. However, both John “Boog” Powell and the great Frank Robinson had reached base. The Orioles, who won 109 games that year, (remember the Mets were no slouches with 100 wins) had runners on the corners with just one out. Brooks Robinson hit a low line drive toward right center when out of nowhere Ron Swoboda dove and made an incredible catch. Frank Robinson tagged up and scored but there were now 2 outs and a runner on first. At the event Swoboda talked of the nightmare that would have manifested had he not caught the ball.
He did catch it and the Mets went on to win both games 4 and 5. This completed one of the most remarkable seasons in sport’s history. Today, Swoboda looks great, and is interested in musical talent in the New Orleans area. The entire event brought back some nice memories. Some numbers stick and I do recall he hit 19 home runs as a rookie.
At the event Swoboda warmly greeted Kranepool–the two teammates will always share that remarkable season. That heartfelt feeling went through me as I recalled a tremendous team that was a big part of an incredible time.
Coffee, tea, bakery items, sandwiches or specials, my suggestion for a truly great place is Panera Bread. There are so many delicious options there and this is less a review than telling about a true personal favorite. There are many good reasons to try Panera Bread.
I frequent the Panera Bread in Scarsdale, New York which offers a great atmosphere and a truly personable staff. Breakfast is my favorite and having experienced all the “franchise” establishments I find Panera Bread to be the best. I like tea but am one of the many people who “must” have coffee; and at “Panera” one can choose from hazelnut (my choice), light and dark roast. The price is reasonable as I usually get a medium coffee and a bagel with butter for three and a half dollars. At times, I order a delicious cinnamon chip with my coffee for an additional dollar.
I have tried the soup and sandwich and other specials for lunch. They are excellent. Often included with the meal are delicious potato chips. Whether for lunch or dinner and in my case breakfast, one can choose items from the bakery. My friend orders a cheese danish for breakfast the two time a week I join him at the wonderful Panera Bread in Scarsdale, New York. He does two things that I should do. He exercises at a nearby gym and he goes to Panera Bread each weekday.
Atmosphere, a friendly, efficient staff and great food. I wish I could be at Panera Bread each day.
Not surprisingly the NBA Finals are even at one game apiece. After the Oklahoma City Thunder won by 11 as about 5 point favorites in Game 1 every so called expert I heard picked the Thunder to win game two.This includes the great Rick Barry, who was far ahead of the curve as a critical analyst. The Thunder were 5 and a half point favorites, they were(9-0) at home in these playoffs but the Miami Heat prevailed and with the next three games in Miami, the series is now considered a toss up.
I wrote that I hoped for a short series but expected a long one. No surprise it is (1-1) and I would be shocked if the series does not go back to Oklahoma City. My pick is 6 games and I will settle for that. Cynicism aside and even allowing my strong distaste for the ABC/Disney announcing team, why can’t I just sit back and enjoy some great talent on both teams colliding on the basketball floor?
The Thunder were one win shy of the most consecutive home wins in one playoff year. That mark, unscathed for another year, is shared by three teams who went (10-0) at home in winning the title.Those teams are the 1986 Boston Celtics, 1987 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1996 Chicago Bulls. I believe those three teams are the only teams to go unbeaten at home throughout a playoff year in the 29 seasons, starting in 1984 when it became mandatory to win 4 series to become NBA champions.That goes for any NBA team advancing past the first round.
Finally, this is the 28th year of the current 2-3-2 format in the NBA Finals where the team without home advantage plays the middle three games at home. Thus far, only two home teams, the 2004 Detroit Pistons and 2006 Miami Heat have ever swept those three games. Surprisingly, perhaps, since the road team in those three games is usually considered better, three teams (the 1990 Pistons, 1991Bulls and 2001 Lakers) have won all three “middle” games on the road. Again cynicism aside, these are two strong, not great teams, who are pretty equally matched. Thus I would be very surprised if the series does not go back to Oklahoma City.
The Los Angeles Kings won their first Stanley Cup going (16-4) in the playoffs and (10-1) on the road. It is a great achievement for the Western Conference 8th seed; the Kings beat the top 3 seeds in the West before winning the Cup in six games vs the New Jersey Devils.
Los Angeles won the two Monday games in Los Angeles easily; (4-0) in game 3 and (6-1) in the clincher. Otherwise the series was really competitive with three games decided by one goal, two in overtime. The Kings won both overtime games to open the series in New Jersey with Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter netting the overtime goals. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, who shared a touching moment with the Devils great goaltender Martin Brodeur on the handshake line, was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner. Meanwhile coach Darryl Sutter, in his 5th game with a chance to win the Stanley Cup, finally did so.
Overall the playoffs were very exciting with both semi final series ending in overtime and 50 of the 87 games decided by one goal. The Kings clinched at home which ended a 4 year streak of the Cup being clinched on the road. I do not believe there has ever been a 5 year streak of road, Stanley Cup clinchers. The Stanley Cup was clinched by the home team 9 straight years from (1949-1957).
Los Angeles becomes the 6th city to have a Title in all 4 major sports leagues with the football title belonging to the Rams, (who are now in St.Louis,) in 1951. The other cities are the four United States cities that had hockey teams when the NHL had only six teams namely New York, Chicago, Detroit and Boston. Philadelphia like Los Angeles, granted an NHL franchise that began play in the 1967-1968 season, also has a title in all 4 major sports leagues. This Kings’ title with its varying perception (they were underdogs to the Vancouver Canucks and St.Louis Blues and favorites vs the Phoenix Coyotes and the Devils) and their incredible play especially on the road, is certainly one to remember.
It will be the Miami Heat vs the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 66th NBA Finals and 2nd that will conclude a partial season. The other such season was in 1999. Each team features a trio of outstanding players. Miami has LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Bosh impressed by returning from injury to hit many big shots in the Heat’s 7th game win vs the Celtics. Oklahoma City has Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden leading the way.
Oklahoma City will have the home advantage in a series that could end as late as June 26th. The series has a 2-3-2 format meaning the Thunder will host the first two games while games 3, 4 and 5 if necessary will be in Miami. Games 6 and 7 would be back in Oklahoma City, if necessary. I hope it ends quickly, but likely it will go at least 6 games–let’s really hope not 7. I do not really care about Disney stockholder’s getting richer, do you?
I missed Johan Santana’s no hit game vs the world champion Cardinals which was the first in Mets’ history. My mind wandered to the three times George Seaver took a no hitter into the 9th inning. “Tom” yielded hits to Jimmy Qualls, Leron Lee and Joe “Tarzan” Wallis.
In the “Wallis game” the Mets did not even win the game. As I recall the first one vs Qualls, I watched on television while the other two I heard on the radio. I know the “Wallis” game was not televised but likely the July 4th “Leron Lee” game was televised. Maybe I just remember the radio call and certainly remember my Yankees fan acquaintance cheering when Lee broke up Seaver’s no hit bid.
