Sunday, February 11, 2024

The Love and the Awful Longing for Baseball

There is a sense in which we all identify with baseball.  That is the best way to summarize my passion for the game.  So many more can say it so much better than I can.

Baseball is so woven into the American past…it has a history in this country as long as the Republic itself.” George Will

It is about time and timelessness….it is a haunted game, where each player is measured by the ghosts of those who have gone before.”            Ken  Burns

Ken Burns
It is played everywhere. In parks and playgrounds and prison yards. In back alleys and farmer’s fields. By small children and by old men. By raw amateurs and millionaire professionals. It is a leisurely game that demands blinding speed. The only game where the defense has the ball. It follows the seasons, beginning each year with the fond expectancy of springtime and ending with the hard facts of autumn.”   Ken Burns        

During its long hibernation the longing for the game is immeasurable.

The old game waits under the white. 

 Deeper beneath frozen grass;

 Down at the frost line – It Waits.

 To return when the birds return.

 It starts to wake in the south where its never quite stopped;

 Where winter is a dose of hibernation.

 The game waits gradually;

 Furthering a figure to itself as the day’s lengthen  late in February  - And grow warmer.

Old Muscles grow limber – young arms throw strong and wild

Clogged vein systems and veteran oaks and leftfielders both unstop themselves putting forth leaves and line drives in Florida’s March.

Migrating North with the Swallows;

 Baseball’s winter grasses first green 

enter Cleveland, Kansas City and Boston.”  

Donald Hall (1928-2018)

Speed And Grace
 “…It is about… speed and grace, failure and loss, imperishable hope, and coming home."  Ken Burns   

Most American men have played baseball and thus most American males are failed baseball players.  The game is steeped with failure.  The most successful teams in 2023 lost between 58 to 62 games.  Yandy Diaz the American League batting champ failed 67% of time at the
plate.  Luis Arraez the National League and reigning baseball batting champ failed in 64% of his at bats.  Much of our success in life comes from knowing how to deal with failure.  Every kid should play baseball if for no other reason than it introduces them to failure and indelibly itches in their minds how to deal with that imposter. 

There is VERY little bravado heard from those who play the game.  Players understand that there is a very fine line between success and failure.   What we find instead is humor that teaches us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Baseball is 90% mental the other half is physical.”       Yogi Berra

 A man once told me to walk with the Lord. I told him I'd rather walk with the bases Loaded." Ken Singleton 

When Casey Stengel was fired by the Yankees because they said he was too old to manage, Stengel said; I’ll never make the mistake of turning 70 again. 

I never took the game home with me. I always left it in some bar.” Bob Lemon


Little League baseball is a very good
thing because it keeps the parents off the 
streets.”  Yogi Berra
Leo Durochermanager of the Giants, 
said of Willie Mays: If he could cook, I’d marry him.


                                HOW ABOUT THAT!!!!”      Mel Allen

                                                    C’est La Vie at the ballpark.                                                        

                             

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Dynasties Are Needed

 Have always stated and always will, that a person who says he loves baseball can’t then say he hates the New York Yankees.  It’s an oxymoron, it is incongruousness.  No single team has done more for creating interest and excitement in the game than the Yankees. 

When the Twins opened shop in 1961 the Twin Cities became electric with excitement whenever the Yankees came to town.  Everybody wanted to go to the games, even those who would NEVER attend another game the rest of the season.  Those who were fortunate enough to have tickets when Camilo Pascual pitched would be treated to a curve ball that could, and did, on more than one occasion, shut out the greatest team on the plant.  More than 25 years later a baseball sage had season tickets to Minnesota Twins in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  He naturally could not attend all 81 games.  So, he offered the tickets to friends, relatives, and various associates.  The team most in demand was the Yankees, even though they were cellar dwellers. 

The real beauty of dynasties is the tremendous interest they can create in their sport.  Every fan wants to see firsthand their excellence on display and carries with them the overwhelming anticipation in the possibility that their team might beat the dynasty or, at the very least, challenge them to a competitive contest.  Dynasties filled the stands wherever they went.  No team of deceitful marketing gurus could ever, or will ever, be able to create that level of interest or elation. 

In 1971 Bill Musselman had brought with him a brand-new Gopher basketball team and along with it, his pledge to Minnesota fans that the Gophers would win a Big Ten Title – UNHEARD OF!!!  Indiana was one of the kings in college basketball.  On January 8, 1972, Williams Arena was filled to the rafters.  Musselman not only won the very first Big Ten game he coached, but beat the fifth ranked Indiana Hoosiers.  This swung the doors wide open for tremendous support for a team that couldn’t give tickets away before Musselman arrived.  Beating Indiana imparted serious credibility to Musselman’s contention that they would win a Big Ten Title, which they did in 1972. 

It was the same scenario for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins basketball team; for the Lakers and Celtics, the Green Bay Packers, and, of course, the golden era of Vikings football which were all awe inspiring.  Let’s not be misled; the New England Patriots were one of the best things that ever happened for the NFL. 

All this support doesn’t just highlight entertainment value.  It also clearly indicated that Americans cherished, highly respected and admired excellence for it is one of the cornerstones if not the entire foundation for American excellence that has so richly benefited the world.   

Looking at this year’s crop of division one college basketball teams is disillusioning.  Its landscape is littered with mediocrity from top to bottom.  Times have dramatically changed.  Many outstanding high school seniors no longer opt for playing the division one game.  The transfer portal has all but killed any hope of seeing the creation of marvelously exceptional teams.  The loss of dynasties is inestimable.  It doesn’t just hurt athletics but diminishes our thirst for excellence, acting as a real deterrent to American pride and achievement.





Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Minnesota Wild Future

 

The Wild will need rocket science knowledge, patience, creativity and a healthy dose of Good luck to reach an elite level. 

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Has anyone else been thinking about how the remainder of this Wild season would best play out and/or what would be in the Wild’s best interest??  Should the Wild be willing to abandon the rest of schedule with wholesale changes in players and focus on the future beyond this year???? Unless God drops everything else, there is very little chance the Wild will make the playoffs and if they do they will only be beaten (probably in the first round) once again.  

Here are the Wild options.  

For openers there are only four players that should be considered untouchable.  Kapirzof, Faber, Boldy and Rossi.  Many would include Ericksson Ek, Hartman and Zuccarello.  But if these players have “no trade” clauses in their contracts the Wild will have no real chance of acquiring a player or players that would have any serious, positive impact to the team????  Moving the support players alone will never provide much of an upgrade to the current roster unless the team gets lucky and finds some jewels in the rough.  So, the poorer the team record at the end of the season, the better the draft picks and thus the ability to use them in securing the kind of players they desperately need. 

Next big consideration is the money.  On this front, understanding all the intricacies requires a rocket science education.  To simplify; the Wild salary cap is badly hampered by the remaining obligations to Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The buyout penalties for both this season and next season are almost $15 million.  That obligation expires in the summer of 2025with a $1.7 million obligation until 2029. This not only shackles any efforts to secure an elite NHL player but also impedes increased salary demands (such as Dumba) from existing players.  Faber may be the thorniest of the untouchables.  His current market value is $64 million - $8 million over 8 Years.  Even though the Wild have the financial ability to handle this increase, Faber could reject it.  He has one more year on his current contract and could wait to test the open market.  YES – it would be risky  to do that but it would also be risky for the Wild not to sweeten the pot beyond his current value. 

The next option for the Wild is Russia or other foreign countries. To be sure, the Wild got lucky with Kirill Kapirzof.  While this option can pay big dividends it also requires great patience. NHL teams have been wary of using premium draft capital on Russian prospects. The Russian player could be under contract to a Russian team and might not be readily available.  In addition, there is always the risk he will not leave mother Russia for the U.S. 

Michael Russo reported the following on the Wild and their current Russian prospect:

“…the Wild may sign Marat Khusnutdinov after his season ends Feb. 25, burn the first year of his entry-level contract and start him right away in the NHL. He has 16 points in 38 games for KHL Sochi (three points a game), can play wing and center and has a ton of pro experience already at 21, so it would make sense for the Wild to get a head start on seeing what they have in him heading into next season." SOOO, is  Khusnutdinov agreeable to showing up on March First??? 

In the final analysis, the Wild are at least two years if not four to five years away from any possibility of becoming an elite NHL team.  What is therefore the crucial mindset for us Wild fans is to recognize we are watching one of the greatest sports ever conceived and that it is being played by the most talented athletes on the planet. That is where the true thrill of Wild hockey can be found.  




Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Joe Mauer

 

Americans love baseball more than any other sport and always will.  As such we tend to place those inducted into the Hall of Fame on a much higher pedestal.  Some twenty-thousand-five-hundred (20,500) players have played in the major leagues.  Only 273 players have made into the Hall of Fame.  That’s a mere 1.3%.

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                         St. Paul Cretin H.S. to the Hall of Fame

Everyone believes that Joe Mauer’s talent was so incredible that his trip to the Hall of Fame came relatively easy – Piece of Cake.”  We need to challenge that belief. 

Yes, he excelled in football, basketball and well…as far as baseball is concerned, we will let Justin Morneau capsulize that in the video below.     

Let’s begin with his being the number one draft choice in baseball by the Minnesota Twins.  Many of us thought that was simply a ploy by the Twins to sell tickets.  Major league team drafts hometown boy.  One avid baseball fan who questioned that pick was told by a minor league pitcher, after playing against Mauer that; Mauer is the real deal.”  So, Joe came to the majors amid speculation that his ability and talent were blown out of proportion.  What Joe had to prove and what we quickly learned is that Joe Mauer was no Miguel Sano or Byron Buxton.  

Next, he signed the richest contract in baseball.  Many, to this very day, begrudge his getting paid what he was worth.  That jealous anger will never subside.  What always made this interesting is when the question was posed; If Joe doesn’t get the dough who does?”  The answer to that question is even more distasteful than the dough Joe was paid. 

Then came all the injuries. The time Mauer missed playing was a real annoyance.  During one prolonged absence it was impossible to know what was really ailing him and whether he was receiving the correct treatment.  The Twins told us one thing while Mauer told us yet another.  Mauer was so frustrated that he sought medical advice and treatment beyond the Twins organization.  

His presence in the lineup was crucial.  When he finally did return, he could have been slated to be the team’s designated hitter.  Joe didn’t take the easy way out.  Even though he was the very best catcher of his era he agreed to learn a new position.  As such he moved to first base.  He struggled when learning the position but eventually turned himself into an excellent first baseman.

Then there was the one time he bunted the ball.  We hadn't  seen ridiculous outrage like that since Roger Maris bunted home a winning run for the New York Yankees in 1961. 

Finally, there was the never-ending criticism surrounding his demeanor.  Many believed he should be the team leader.  He should be the most vocal element in the clubhouse.  He should lead the way in marshalling the forces when needed.  Mauer never allowed anyone to compromise or force abandonment of his quiet humility.

 “Easy – Piece of Cake????”  Joe Mauer earned every penny he was paid for beyond his remarkable performance were the many struggles and adversities he had to endure and overcome.  Through it all, he never failed to perform more than adequately.  Mauer hit over .300 with men on base, men in scoring position and when the bases were loaded.  He has clearly earned the Hall of Fame.

Yet, in the end, what so very many of us have admired most about Joe Mauer is that for fifteen (15) years the only uniform adorned by the superstar was that of the Minnesota Twins. 

Way to go Joe.  We love ya!!!!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrT7btR22CM

     Grandson Drew " The Slugger" Wolfson With Joe Mauer



  

Monday, January 15, 2024

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

 

Final Words for the Final Journey

  I've Been to the Mountaintop

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Delivered Mason Temple (Church Of God)

Memphis, Tennessee - April 3, 1968

The night before he was shot and killed

 Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.  Longevity has its place.  But I'm not concerned about that now.  I just want to do God's will.  And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain.  And I've looked over.  And I've seen the Promised Land.  I may not get there with you.  But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land !     


"Drum Major Instinct" - Ebenezer Baptist Church - 4 February 1968

 

Every now and then I guess we all think realistically about that day when we will be victimized with what is life's final common denominator—that something that we call death”….” And I don't think of it in a morbid sense.  And every now and then I ask myself, "What is it that I would want said?"

 

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral.  And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long.  And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say.

 

Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize—that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards—that’s not important.  Tell them not to mention where I went to school.

 

I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others.

 

I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody."




 


Monday, January 1, 2024

Minnesota Wild Fans Are Not Idiots

 Let’s start with one indisputable fact.  The Minnesota Wild played one of their very worst games of season in Winnipeg against the jets on Saturday December 30th.  Only Dallas was a bigger embarrassment.  What follows could explain, at least in part, what transpired during the game.  

Apparently, something untoward occurred in the Minnesota Wild locker room between the second and third periods of that Saturday game 

Filip Gustavsson started the game in goal.  He played the first two periods.  The Jets scored three goals in the first two periods.  None of those goals can be attributed to any ineptness by Gustavsson.  They were a direct result of inept Wild defense by not covering the slot in front of the net.  At the end of the second period Gustavsson skated off the ice unincumbered in any manner. He did not return to the bench during the third period. 

Marc-Andre Fleury replaced him at the start of the third period. When Fleury was asked by CBS sports about Gustavsson's sudden departure, Fleury responded by saying Gustavsson; "wasn't feeling great."  

John Hynes was asked in the post-game interview if there was anything he wanted say about Filip Gustavsson's  departure.  Hynes very curt response was; No.”  He refused to talk about it using the time-honored Sargent Schultz and Donald Trump escape slogan of I know Nothing.”   We can at least give Hynes credit for refusing to lie to us. 

Meanwhile, the company (Wild) line is that Gustavsson has a lower body injury and is day-to-day. 

No sports franchise will jeopardize the gate by airing their dirty linen in public.  While that may be admirable to a degree, sports fans get tired of being lied to and treated like the most naïve idiots on the planet. We get to the point with these organizations where we must beg the question; is there no way to skirt the truth without lying???  Who will ever forget the Minnesota Viking telling us in 2013 that we should NOT be concerned over any rumored departure of Percy Harvin.  They assured us he was NOT going anywhere. On March 11, 2013 Harvin was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.  

It would be refreshing if just once one of these public organizations stopped demanding we read between the lines and then attempting to insult us further when we refuse to do so.  

Monday, December 4, 2023

One Of American’s Biggest Evils

Yes – It’s TRUE – We are in big trouble in this country the nature of which we have never experienced before.  In addition there is no perceived solutions for future improvement. We can sugarcoat it all we want but let there be no mistake that that is reality.  Liz Channy has stated it most aptly.  Either you are in favor of our constitution as the guiding force within our way of life or you are not.  Bingo!!!! 

The New Deal, The New Frontier and The Great Society are dead and buried.  This leaves little or no voice in governance for the poor, the underprivileged and the middle class.  This has all been replaced with obstructionism, polarization, intransigence, and strict partisan  thinking and behavior for financial gain.  It has eliminated any thought process motivated by humanitarian ideals, honor, or character.  

Eight unhinged House Republicans with the FULL support of every single Democratic member in the house removed the speaker.  The vote was 216 in favor and 210 opposed. This was nothing but hatred and pure partisanship toward a man who refused to shut down the government.  There weren’t even Four (4) Democrats capable of doing the right thing, only partisan brainwashing and ignorance. 

No true outrage by America was expressed regarding the removal of the speaker yet we now have outrage over the expulsion of Representative George Santos.  Article I Section 5 gives each body of congress the authority to self-govern.  It states specifically that these bodies can and will determine if a sitting member is fit to serve and whether their election is legitimate. No where within the constitution does it state they must be found guilty of a crime by a court of law meaning that the body can establish the criteria for the fitness of its members to serve. It also states that removal requires two-thirds agreement among its members for expulsion.  The vote on Santos was 311 in favor and 114 opposed.  Santos was the sixth representative to be expelled from the House. 

There is no mystery or question as to Santos’ indiscretions or all his lies motivated to achieve his fraudulent election. The House not only has the authority to expel him but the right to establish a proper code of conduct and integrity that its members must adhere to.  To oppose the Santos expulsion is paramount to saying that we shouldn’t care about the morality, character, or honesty of our representatives. What would that signal and say about America???  Yet there are those among us who are perfectly comfortable with whatever ugliness that would create.  After-all, partisanship is what really matters.