Happy Gilmore 2

Last night we watched the new Happy Gilmore 2 movie. Very funny. Even Ceil liked it. One cameo after another by golfers and celebrities: Jack Nicklaus, Couples, Faldo, Collin M, Rickie Fowler, Will Z, Scottie, Rory, Bryson, Brooks K, Finau, Sergio, Nancy Lopez, Xander S, Paige Spiranac, Nelly Korda, etc etc etc. 

Several female athletes that I did not recognize. Kelsey Plum was in a couple of scenes. John Daly lived with Happy Gilmore, and was in all the family scenes. Dan Patrick, Verne Lundquist, Rob Schneider, Kevin Nealon, Steven A Smith, Ben Stiller, Jon Lovitz, Travis Kelce. Actor Haley Joel Osment played a turncoat golfer. Sandler’s wife and daughters had supporting roles.

The waiter (Kelce) asked Nicklaus what he’s like to drink. Jack replied “half iced tea, half lemonade”. The waiter asked “Arnold Palmer?” Jack said “No, I’m Jack Nicklaus – but I get that a lot”.

Shocker opening scene involving Happy's wife, played again by Julie Bowen. Later Rickie Fowler was given a funny line to deliver. Will Zalatoris was given a large role, as Gilmore’s former caddy who was now a professional golfer, who still carried a grudge against Gilmore. Justin Thomas was playing in Gilmore’s group, and acted like a huge Gilmore fan, constantly snapping pictures throughout the round. Funny scene near the end of the movie: as Gilmore hit the climatic winning putt, the camera flashed around to everyone’s reaction. Everyone was jumping up and down – except Nicklaus, Couples, Trevino, and Faldo – who had fallen asleep on the couch, watching on TV.

Scottie got into a fight and was arrested by the police. As the officers approached with their handcuffs, Scheffler moaned “Again?” He spent the rest of the movie watching the tournament from jail.

After the movie we watched the last half of Bryson and Sandler trying to break 50. They shot 11 under on the front nine. They parred the par three 17th hole. On the par five 18th Sandler’s approach rolled to a foot from the cup. Had it rolled in they would’ve shot a 49. The eagle putt gave them a 50.

C fixed Greek turkey meatballs for supper, with lemon orzo and creamy feta yogurt sauce, and grilled peppers and onions.

Up early to work out at the gym. Stopped by Wendys for their $1 biscuits.

Augusta National was recently overwhelmed by floodwaters, newly released video shows. The subcontractor who shared the video was fired from his job. Evidently the “devastation” was actually mostly caused by the work in process on Amen Corner – not the floodwaters. Speaking of the Masters, last week I received my annual rejection letter, saying I missed out on yet another ticket lottery. A tradition like no other.

An online Groundhog Day Theory Makes Bill Murray’s Comedy Much Darker. Near the end of the movie Phil agrees to buy insurance from Ned Ryerson – who these theorists say is Satan, who breaks the spell, allowing Phil’s life to move past the infinite Groundhog Day time vortex loop. Sounds like a stretch to me.

In honor of the passing of their longtime owner Virginia McCaskey, the Chicago Bears will only be wearing their primary home and road uniforms this season: no color rush, no “rivalries”, no throwback. A rare thing in football these days, much less any other sport.

Ken Jennings and Matt Damon successfully answered the final question on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Pretty pathetic how Jimmy Kimmel kept harassing Matt Damon, who never poked back at Kimmel.

Casey Stengel managed Brooklyn from 1934-36. After pitching from 1916-1934, BURLEIGH GRIMES [SABR Bio] was the next Dodgers skipper from 1937-38. Grimes is the first pitcher to surrender a World Series home run to another pitcher. In the 4th inning of G #5 of the 1920 WS (10-Oct-1920), Cleveland’s Jim Bagby hit a 3-run HR off Grimes following an IBB to catcher Steve O’Neill. It was the first home run ever hit by a pitcher in World Series play.  Final score: CLE 8, BRO 1. In 13 of his 19 seasons in the majors, he threw more than 200 innings, leading the league 3 times. Grimes exceeded 200 IP in 1918, 1920-1931, leading in 1923 (327), 1924 (310-1/3), & 1928 (330-2/3).

Denison on the attacks in Cincinnati: what I hope was not at work: a Critical Theory ideological belief that because the attackers were part of a racial minority, as a “victimized collective” they have the right to oppress their oppressors without consequences to themselves. Such “racism to combat racism” is the opposite of Dr. King’s vision of a nation in which people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” It undoes what the civil rights movement sought to achieve by returning us to a culture of racially-divided subcultures.

BBQ Mexican Burgers

Team member Jonathan was in the office today, so the four of us ate lunch at Que. At least I skipped breakfast this morning. The feasts never end. Tomorrow night we’re eating hamburgers over at the Earharts. Their friends from Morocco are back in town.

Taqueria Tuesday: Caleb ordered the pot pie. I think. I wasn’t paying close attention when he ordered, but I remember that he ordered one of the specials. Looked interesting. Anna ordered The George. George wasn’t there last night. Neither was Rich Morris. Anna said that she after sees Rich at the Westside location. Big crowd. A good time.

Caleb recently played golf with an 81 year old Texan named Doug Bolls, who has played at over 1000 golf courses. He travels around the country played different courses, and heads home when his medicine is about to run out. When Bolls was getting close to 1000, the Callaway corporation flew him to their headquarters and outfitted him with custom equipment. Several national golf publications wrote stories about him. Caleb said that Bolls doesn’t hit it very far, but he does hit it straight.

That golfer has played over 1000 courses…not sure I have played more than 20 courses in my life: Candler Park, Bobby Jones, Ansley, Steel Canyon, Browns Mill, Royal Lakes, Griffin, Macon, a state park, Aiken SC, White Plains, Boscobel, Lake Hartwell, Mrytle Beach, Birmingham, Little Rock, Dallas TX, North Georgia, and two courses in Duluth.

On the way home last night we drove through that bad thunderstorm. Later C finished watching the season of Ludwig, a Britbox detective show that I kind of watched out of one eye. I went to bed early. Then up early to lift weights at the gym this morning. Sounds like the rest of the work week will be quiet. But plenty of work to do. Trying to get ahead before my vacation. A machine keeps breaking, and I have orders that are like 6 weeks old that have yet to be cut. 

In 2025 Charlie Morton is 6-8 with a 5.48 ERA. Compared to other pitchers, he is below average, with a negative 0.4 WAR (wins above replacement). Going into last night’s game, Max Fried had lost 3 of his last 4 starts.

A few years ago I spotted Braves reporter Paul Byrd wearing a cool Braves needlepoint belt, made by Smathers & Branson. Asked for one this last Christmas but rarely wear it, since I rarely tuck in my shirt any more. Before that I had spotted a Smathers & Branson American flag belt at a thrift store, and added it to my collection.

These belts sell for $175.00. This week I found another Smathers & Branson belt in my size, with birds and hunting dogs. Usually I wear a baseball belt, since its so stretchy.

Young people these days just aren’t getting as married as much, and when they do they are waiting years later to do so. And then, fewer and fewer and having kids. The US population is getting older and more diverse. Meanwhile people from other cultures and religions continue to produce offspring. Not a good sign for Christianity or the United States as we know it.  Fortunately God is working and winning souls elsewhere around the globe.

DIZZY DEAN [SABR Bio] is the only pitcher since the Dead Ball Era to win 30 games in a season for a National League team, going 30-7 for WS champion STL in 1934. He played high school baseball, even though he had dropped out of school in the 4th grade. He said, “I got as far in school as the Second Reader, only I didn't learn it all.” Dean was the MVP in 1934; then 2nd in 1935 to the Cubs’ Gabby Hartnett, and in 1936 to the Giants’ Carl Hubbell.

“To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer” —Martin Luther. While it is nice to be able to view distant worship services on line, I’m pretty sure the gathering together admonition was meant to be in person for those who are physically able, as opposed to remotely viewing from your couch at home.

First Bite: Craft Burger

Lunch today was Craft Burger, with coworkers Daniel, Angie, Dray, and Dany. Lunch at Craft Burger was good. They had a 30% off grand opening special all July. Smash burger on a nicely toasted bun, loaded with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and special sauce. Fries were good too. My only complaint: no ketchup bottles or a ketchup pump. Only the little packets of ketchup. Too much trouble to bother with.

The Pleasant Hill Craft Burger looks like a typical franchise, more Moes than a sit down and order place. Plus several nearby locations – they have surely oversaturated the market: downtown Alpharetta, the Forum, Johns Creek, Old Milton Parkway, and Suwanee. Kinda too expensive for my lunch tastes, and not fancy enough to be a date night destination. But the food is good.

Afterward Daniel steered us to a Korean bakery for dessert. The Moo Tea near the Duluth WalMart. He talked me in to a peach oolong milie crepe, which was good. Plus someone brought donuts and key lime bars in to the office, so it was good that I skipped the Wendys biscuits this morning. 

Kelly Curran’s mother Sue passed away this past Saturday. She was 81. Sue had been living in Colombia SC. They’ll be having a private service at a later date.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbia-sc/sue-mcleese-12466182 

Buford High has big bucks. The children of a few of my coworkers have gone there. The first football game of the preseason is a day after tomorrow: the hall of fame game.

Taqueria: we are going back tonight with A&C. I’ll probably stick to my usual enchilada tonight. Last night C cooked BBQ chicken out on the gas grill. Also corn on the cob, grilled okra and broccoli. And a cucumber/onion/tomato salad.

I was sneezing a bunch yesterday, I think from all the going in and out from the outside heat to the air conditioning, and having cold feet from not wearing socks. So this morning I wore a long sleeve shirt and took a pill – which is rare for me.

Ceil’s cousin Phil just retired from Nucor Darlington, after over 40 years of service. Man more and more of my friends have retired: Reid, Phil, his brother Dic Dak, Lee, Rob, my other friend Reid, John, Steve, and probably more. Ceil’s brother Rusty works a cushy 3 days a week. Coworker Kenn will be retiring soon.

The Braves won last night. Acuna hit a 468 foot home run. They keep picking up pitchers from the scrap heap to start games. This Saturday night is the big Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. There have already been over 85000 tickets sold, which will set a MLB attendance record. Sure would be fun to go.

DENNIS ECKERSLEY [SABR Bio] was the first to make two All-Star teams as a starting pitcher and two as a reliever. Eck made the AL All-Star team as a starter for Cleveland in 1977 & 1982 then as a reliever for Oakland in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992. He is the first relief pitcher with at least 40 saves in each of four separate seasons: 1988 (45), 1990 (48), 1991 (43), & 1992 (51). In 1989 he had 33 saves and he gave up only 32 hits all season. In 1990 his 48 saves exceeded the 41 hits he allowed that year.

Ryne Sandberg passed away at 65. Gulp. Hulk Hogan was 71. When someone passes away these days, I check for how old they were. Sue Curran was 81. She was only 15 years older than me.

Article: preferring solitude over constant socializing is a sign of these unique traits:

1. Heightened self-awareness and clarity of self-concept, whatever that means.

2. Enhanced creative thinking.

3. A strong sense of autonomy and self-reliance.

4. Advanced emotional regulation skills.

5. Deep focus and mastery orientation

6. Preference for relationship depth over breadth.

7. Intrinsic motivation and psychological resilience.

Bryson & Sandler

Watched Bryson DeChambeau try to break 50 with Adam Sandler. The comedian started the round reserved, perhaps feeling the pressure of performing a sport he’s a novice at. Bryson peppered him with questions, drawing Sandler out of his shell. Usually Sandler would then ask Bryson the same question. 

Sandler knows he lives a blessed, easy life that he doesn’t take for granted. He wants to continue to work hard, making the best movies possible, giving credit to others for writing hilariously funny lines that became famous – including a late child actor who quipped about wanted chocolate milk to get “a chocolate high”. Sandler loved the line, but explained to the kid that it would be even funnier if his little sister in the movie delivered the line. The boy didn’t care, wanting whatever was best for the movie.

After hearing Bryson’s story of playing golf every day as a kid, Sandler said he’d like to make a movie about the parent taking his child to daily practices, with hopes that one day they become a professional athlete. Sandler played in an XXL Hawaiian shirt and baggy kaiki patns that he constantly had to hitch back up. I looked up the clunky pink and black sneakers he wore: New Balance Steph Curry 11 Girl Dad basketball shoes. At one point Sandler and Bryson discussed the shoes. Sandler has these 11’s in every colorway, and wears them on talk shows and everywhere else. You gotta appreciate Sandler’s consistency.

Have a good weekend? Didn’t seem to be much sports on my TV. I was looking for WNBA but guess I didn’t look hard enough. I didn’t know anyone on the leaderboard for the 3M golf tourney.

Saturday: got the emissions done in both cars. Also got my car washed. Got a jamoca milkshake at Arbys, and lunch from Wendys. Did some laundry. Watched the Freddie Freeman special on MLB Network. Very good.

Yesterday after church we watched the Hall of Fame induction speeches. Former Brave Billy Wagner used to ride to Shea Stadium with Tom Glavine. Wagner’s son is a big leaguer now. CC Sabathia led both the AL and the NL in complete games – in the same season. Dick Allen had elite offensive stats back in the days when Gibson and Koufax dominated the game. Ichiro delivered his speech in English. Then we watched the last hole of the 3M Open.

Also watched the Hallmark movie “Following Yonder Star”, which included a kid’s Christmas nativity scene, and much talk of prayer. Actually better than average, for a Hallmark movie. Of course the lead actress had previously appeared on the Charlie Sheen sitcom Two And A Half Men.

Up early this morning to lift weights at the gym, but then stopped by for two $1 biscuits from Wendys.       

Today Colorado Buffalo head football coach Deion Sanders called a press conference, to address his recent cancer surgery. In an earlier video he lamented that he had to make out a will. For sure in his condition it may be a closer reality, but with all the financial dealings that he’s had over the years, it surprises me that he hadn’t had one made up before.

Meanwhile on social media, obnoxious Tech fans are predicting an opening day blowout out on the road up in the higher elevations of Colorado. Classy.

Archie. Peyton. Eli. Arch. And the next Manning QB: 14 year old Marshall, Peyton’s son.

Bryce Harper cussed out baseball commissioner Rob Manfred in a meeting in the Phillies clubhouse. Manfred cussed back. Later the two shook hands.

JOE DUGAN  [SABR Bio] was the first player to wear number 25 for the Tigers, in 1931, his only year with the team. He was the first Yankee to hit an inside the park home run in the World Series in Yankee Stadium, in Game 5 of the 1932 World Series, against the Giants. Casey Stengel, playing for the Giants, had hit an inside-the-park home run at Yankee Stadium in Game 1. 

The girlies were cray cray today.

Top Baseball Movies

On 680 Chuck and Chernoff posted their top five baseball movies, and Eddie posted his. Here are mine.

1. Field of Dreams

2. A League of Their Own

3. Eight Men Out

4. The Sandlot

5. Fever Pitch

6. Bull Durham

7. The Natural

8. Moneyball

9. Bingo Long

10. The Rookie

11. For the Love of the Game

12. The Slugger’s Wife

13. The Babe

14. Mr Baseball

15. Fear Strikes Out

16. Bang the Drum Slowly

17. Pride of the Yankees

18. Seven

I am not a fan of Major League, or other baudy movies of that genre. Eddie suggested Long Gone, on HBO. I also need to watch the Jackie Robinson movie filmed in Macon, plus the last three on my list.

REGGIE JACKSON [SABR Bio] was the first Hall of Famer to play in two perfect games: on 08-May-1968, when A’s teammate Catfish Hunter—who had 3 more hits than Jackson that day—set down the Twins and their three Hall of Fame batters, in order. Then Mike Witt brought the Angels up to .500 for the season on 30-Sep-1984 by preventing any Texas Ranger from reaching first base. Jackson again went hitless. Reggie is the only player to homer in four consecutive World Series at-bats. In game 5 of the 1977 Series in Los Angeles, Jackson homered off Don Sutton in the 8th inning, his last at-bat of that game. Two days later in New York for game 6, Jackson went deep in his first three at-bats. He had received a walk his first time up—a plate appearance, but not an at-bat. In spite of his postseason success, he once said, “The only reason I don't like playing in the World Series is that I can't watch myself play.”

Note: Reggie once appeared in the baseball scene in the movie The Naked Gun, trying to kill Queen Elizabeth. But that wasn’t a baseball movie.

Essential Baseball Cards from the 1987 Topps set. I probably have all five. Bo Jackson, Barry Bonds, Barry Larkin, and - manager Jim Leyland? 

MLB HOF "Throwback" Caps

This weekend for the Hall of Fame induction, all MLB teams will wear throwback caps. Some are cool, like the Padres and White Sox. Dodgers will wear Brooklyn caps. Braves will just be wearing their all navy road cap. Next weekend the Braves play the Reds on the NASCAR racetrack in Bristol Tennessee. Would be a cool road trip.

Ozuna’s contract is up at the end of the season. He has a hurt hip. While the Braves may resign him for next year, with the development of young Drake Baldwin, they may not re-sign Ozuna. What do you think about that? Also the Braves may trade Ozuna before next week’s trade deadline – only because his contract is expiring. The Braves may still re-sign Ozuna next season.

My coworker Daniel is a popular guy. Lots of people circle around him. Spent time in Texas, then went to Georgia Southern and Georgia Tech, if I remember right. Lives with his parents, but that may be a Korean thing. Drives a nice pickup. Eats his big meal at lunch every day, and several coworkers go with him. He is always researching various restaurants. Yesterday I mentioned the Mr 01 Pizza place to him. He had been there already. Sometimes he meets Angie and other coworkers at night or on weekends. Daniel is also a sneaker guy, a subject we often discuss. He has more sneakers than me. He takes long vacations to places like Japan and Australia. I might spend the next five months detailing some of his ongoing exploits, if I remember.

As the oldest guy in our section of the office, while my coworkers interact with me, I’m not exactly the guy they choose to hang around most of the time. The younger people naturally drift together. I tend to stick to myself, but may join a conversation if its interesting. They don’t mind if I tag along for lunch, though they rarely ask. That’s just the way it is, and that’s okay.

CRAIG KIMBREL [Youtube Bio] was credited with more than 30 saves in each of his first 8 seasons. From 2011 through 2018 Kimbrell had 46, 42, 50, 47, 39, 31, 35, & 42 saves. He pitched for the White Sox in 2021. After 15 seasons, pitching for eight teams, he rose to fifth on the all-time leader board in career saves. Kimbrel has 440 career MLB saves. Kimbrel has an odd stance when peering in for the catcher’s sign. See here. 

Shohei Ohtani  [B-R Bio] is the only player ever to have a 50/50 season. He hit 54 home runs with 59 stolen bases in 2024. When he won the NL MVP in 2024, only he and Frank Robinson had an MVP in both leagues. If, as everyone predicts, he wins the MVP this year, he will have two MVPs in both leagues.

Saturday night supper.

The Girlies Sleep Over

Skipped the gym this morning. The girlies slept over last night. We filled up the little plastic swimming pool and they jumped in and played. Read books. I slept on the couch because Millie’s little playpen was in the way from when I would be getting up in the middle of the night. Winnie stayed downstairs with me. Didn’t want to wake them up getting my gym clothes, so I skipped. My excuse anyway. Today they are going over to see Noelle’s new puppy. 

Lang looks like he has lost more weight. Making me jealous. In a related note, I went to Wendys this morning for two $1 biscuits, then back at lunch for two $1 chicken sandwiches. I really need to cut back. At night we’ve been eating the leftover homemade peach ice cream that C had made.

My understudy Leo will be on vacation next week, so I will be at my desk more. My other understudy Josh was on vacation this week. 

Grind House Killer Burgers: last time we ate there we had to park down that street. Maybe going early was helpful.

Nothing on tap for the weekend, that I know of. Need to pay some bills and trim some hedges. I made a TO DO list. Includes several big projects.

C wants to fly to NYC for a long day trip, to see an art exhibit before it closes. I’m not good at coordinating flights and stuff like that. Shoot if we take the trouble to fly up there, we might as well spend at least one night. Might look into it tonight.

When will Caitlin Clark return to action – any idea? I hear she is day to day. But as Vin Scully said, aren't we all?

NEWS: right now I am down to only 5 emails in my in box, which means I need to take action on them. Three emails are personal, that I use every day. I'm not the only one getting caught up on a Friday afternoon.

National League Rookie of the Year Award pitchers who were also All-Stars in their rookie season.

NL Pitcher               ROY     Team RWAR Career WAR

Jose Fernandez .........2013...MIA.....6.2.......14.2

Doc Gooden...............1984...NYM....5.5.......53.0

Craig Kimbrel.............2010...ATL.....2.5........22.4

Tom Seaver................1967...NYM....6.0......109.9

Paul Skenes...............2024...PIT.......5.9........10.7

Fernando Valenzuela 1981...LAD.....4.8........41.4

Dontrelle Willis...........2004...FLA......3.9........19.7

Scott Williamson …….1999...CIN.......2.7........ 8.5

ROGERS HORNSBY  [SABR Bio] holds the highest single season batting average of the modern era in the National League, with .424 in 1924. He replaced Branch Rickey as Cardinals manager in 1925. In 1926 the Cardinals won their first World Series when Hornsby tagged out Babe Ruth trying to steal second in the 9th inning of game seven. Hornsby began with the Cardinals in 1915, ended with the Browns in 1937.

“The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.” — C.S. Lewis