The Good Old Days

Every now and then a store will celebrate an anniversary and roll back prices, or offer a free deal. Usually the lines are long of folk clammering for the deal. Last week for National Cheeseburger Day I went to Cheeseburger Bobby's for a free burger. Had to buy fries and a Coke. I wanted to go to Ted's Montana Grille for a $6.00 burger and fries, but I was at the Braves game with Will.

 

Occasionally a minor league team will roll back prices and play an old timey game, with old throwback uniforms, announcements made from the field through a megaphone, and cheap ticket and concession prices. If I hear of one we will go, though it will probably be at night.

In June the Phillies wore their all red 1979 uniforms, and dressed the Braves in their own 1979 unis. The Reds are celebrating their 150th season and throughout the season, twice per month wore 12 different throwback uniforms, including the Big Red Machine uniforms from the mid-70's and the sleeveless Ted Kluszewski-era vests from the 60's.

 

Yesterday M called. He had taken a shower and the water wouldn't turn off. I told him how to turn off the water. Later I talked to Ceil, who was trying to work the problem. M hadn't turned off the water, just turned a different knob to turn off the cold water. Left work at 507. We went to Home Depot. The plumber who'd installed the fixture had stripped the screw, so we'll have to wait on a plumber to come today.

 

I'd offered to take Ceil out to dinner but she just wanted to go home. At 8:05 I called Pizzeria Lucca and placed an order. Arrived at 8:16, and walked back out with my pie 2 minutes later. Was home by 8:21. Watched some Braves and the sitcom Schooled.

 

Hopefully I don't have to go home today for the plumber. Lunch meeting: Jason's Deli BBQ sandwich. Tomorrow lunch meeting is Spiced Rite BBQ.

 

Drew Kelly posted the topic of SPDLU but it didn't tickle my fancy that much. Plus we were having a "situation" at home last night. Details to follow.

 

I will check out the GT Collins took Temple to the White House article. On the drive home last night I took a break from my book Gary Sinese (Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump) to listen to a GT podcast by a fan. The guy just talked and talked and rambled and rambled. Made sense but kept repeating himself. Too long. Sure Tech is rebuilding and Collins admitted to mistakes in the loss to 0-2 Citadel. Repeated taunting penalties while losing to an FCS opponent is inexcusable. You don't see UGA or Bama or Clemson do that. 

 

Collins needs to take the redshirt off his freshman QB and play him. If not, Collins may not be around in 2023 when the kid is a senior. Collins will have plenty of time to recruit even better QB's if GT is successful.

 

And of course Tech is unveiling their new gold face masks on the road against Temple. Not even a conference game. Not at home. Who is making the decisions on North Avenue? 

 

Marty Brennaman is 77 years old. Been broadcasting the Reds since 1974. 45 years. Today was his last game. A couple of his contemporaries: Bob Uecker is 85. Broadcasting the Brewers games since 1971. 48 years. Vin Scully is 91. Broadcast the Dodgers from 1950-2016. 67 years.

 

Dennison: Whatever our view of President Trump or his opponents, let's remember two biblical imperatives as the impeachment inquiry proceeds.

One: We are called to pray for our leaders and respect their office even if we do not respect the person (1 Timothy 2:1–2). This principle applies to leaders of both parties across the political spectrum. If they are in public office, they are to receive our intercession.

Two: We are to speak truth in ways that glorify God and advance the common good. This verse is a perpetual command from the Lord: "When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you" (Ephesians 4:29 NCV). Such speech will be a powerful witness in these polarizing days. Frederick Buechner: "If you want to be holy, be kind."

CHARLIE GRIMM  [SABR Bio] his wife was allowed to spread his ashes over the playing surface of Wrigley Field after his death. Charlie died in 1983 and his wife, Marion Sayers Grimm, obtained permission to spread his ashes on the field in April of 1984. Former Cubs owner Bill Wrigley assisted Mrs. Grimm. He led the league in fielding percentage more times than any other National League first baseman. Led in fielding % 7 times. Was never lower than .993% in the years he led: 1920, 23, 24, 28, 30, 32 & 33. He was incorrectly credited with a run-batted-in during a game in 1930, that when corrected almost 70 years later would alter one of baseball most revered records. In the game on 28‑Jul‑1930(1) Grimm was credited with one of Hack Wilson's 2 RBI. When the typo was discovered in 1999 by Cliff Kachline, one of SABR's founding members, it changed Wilson's already unbreakable record for RBI in a season from 190 to 191. Babe Ruth correctly predicted that his record of 60 HR in a season would be broken before Wilson's RBI record. No one has come within 25 of that record since 1938.