The East Heats Up

Braves swept three straight in St. Louis. Dock's dad Neil was at the game. Braves season record 55-54. Only 1-1/2 behind the first place Mets. Braves host the Nats this weekend. Mets have lost 7 of their last ten games. Currently rehabbing at Gwinnett: Ynoa, d'Arnault, and Ian Anderson (below, rocking the Thursday night Xolos uniform).

On the way home yesterday I stopped by Steak & Shake for a Snickers milkshake. Good. Need to stick to plainer shakes so the bits of candy don't get stuck in the straw. Later supper was hamburger patties with grilled onions (no bun). Also baked potatoes, black-eyed peas, and squash. Kind of a brown meal. After supper Ceil and I went outside to work in the yard. While we were outside Winnie snatched a zip lock bag with a burger inside.

Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

R.I.P. J.R. RICHARD [B-R Bio] The first NL right-hander in the Modern Era to strike out three hundred batters in a season - 303 K in 1978. Set a franchise pitching record by being the Opening Day starter five years running, in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 & 1980. Record since broken by Roy Oswalt with eight in a row (2003-2010). In his first game Richard tied a MLB record set 17 years earlier. With 15 K on 05-Sep-1971 (including Willie Mays 3 times), Richard tied the MLB record set by BRO's Karl Spooner 24‑Sep‑1954. A strikeout of Reggie Jackson was a career highlight, in the first inning of the 1980 All-Star Game. Watch here (AB 05:30 to 8:30 mark). Richard still holds the MLB record for most wild pitches in a single game, against the Dodgers on 10-April-1979 (a complete game win with 13 strikeouts). Phil Niekro and Bill Gullickson later since tied Richard's mark.

Opposing players often "fell ill" on the days they were scheduled to face him. Reported by Richard's teammates, opponents, knowing they were in for a rough day, chose to fabricate an excuse not to play. Richard also played a part in the origin of the high-five gesture. Batters Glenn Burke and Dusty Baker collaborated on the first two high fives in MLB history after Baker homered off Richard on 02-Oct-1977.

Former GT punter Pressley Harvin had a nice professional debut in last night's Hall of Fame Game. Wonder why he wasn't wearing HARVIN III on his back like he did at Tech. Perhaps Pittsburgh doesn't go for such foolishness, since Pressley is the only Marvin on the roster. Might've been a more slimming look had he opted for a double-digit number. Like I'm one to talk.

"Never ruin an apology with an excuse" - Benjamin Franklin. Doing research on what makes up an acceptable apology. The internet is full of good articles on the subject. More details tomorrow.

Seven Steps to a Sincere Apology.

1. Ask permission.

2. Let them know you realize you hurt them.

3. Tell them how you plan to right the situation.

4. Let them know that your apology is a promise that you won't do what you did again. If you don't do this, you're not apologizing – you're just making excuses. .

5. Ask for forgiveness.

6. Write your apology down, to make sure you get it right.

7. Keep your promise not to repeat your behavior.

https://www.etiquetteschoolofamerica.com/how-to-apologize-the-7-steps-of-a-sincere-apology/