Honoring the Hammer?

The Braves City Connect uniforms were inspired by Hank Aaron, and are modeled after the iconic feather unis worm in the early 70’s. Why they can’t just simply wear those exact feather uniforms any more is a shame. Those 70’s unis were white with royal sleeves. The story goes that when designer Wayland Moore showed drawings of the feather unis to Hank, the sleeves and other trim were red. Aaron disliked all the red, and suggested Moore change the red to blue. The rest is history.

This year MLB has added new City Connect batting practice caps for every team. One more cap to sell in the team store, to go with dozens of other cap designs. The Braves new CC BP cap is – what for it – RED. Doesn’t exactly honor Aaron, does it?

HANK AARON [SABR Bio] debuted on the first day players were required to take their gloves with them when they left the field at the end of each half inning, on 13-Apr-1954. Gloves-on-the-field rule changed in the 1953 Winter Meetings. In Rookie-of-the-Year voting, he finished behind a teammate who would go on to play professional basketball. Aaron finished 4th in NL ROY voting in 1954. His teammate Gene Conley, finished third. Hank is in the 500-home-run club, yet never hit 50 home runs in any season. He hit 755, but topped out at 47 in 1972.

A&C went to the Braves game last night, so Anna asked Ceil to keep Goose. It is impossible for C to say no. Disaster to have all three dogs together. Okie couldn’t stay away from Goose. C finally had to put the dogs in separate areas of the house. A&C picked Goose up around 1030. They stayed and chatted for 15 minutes or so, which was nice.

After the rain delay, the game didn’t start back until after 1130. Ozuna hit his walkoff around 150 am, I heard. Tim Kurtz was at the game, and stayed to the end. He was probably staying at a nearby hotel.

Braves have won 2 of their last 3 games, making them one of the hottest teams in baseball. Since they won last night, today I’m wearing the same black BravesVision quarter zip that I wore yesterday. I’ll keep wearing it every day until they lose (which could be tonight). Wore it out this evening.

Sports Siblings

Question of the day: who’s your favorite sports sibling? Know of any? Dom, Joe, & Vince DiMaggio. Frank & Joe Torre.

Felipe, Matty, & Jesus Alou, Cal & Billy Ripken, John & Pat McEnroe, Rick & Mickey Mahler.

Hank & Tommie Aaron.

Phil & Joe Niekro. The Van Arsdale twins.

Jon & Scooter Barry. Justin & BJ Upton. Peyton, Eli, & Cooper Manning, Charlie & Pete Gogalak.

Nick & Steve Mike-Mayer. The Kelce brothers. The three Berras.

Chase & Travis d’Arnaud. The Selmon brothers. Walter & Eddie Payton. The Fridge played with his brother Michael Dean at Clemson. Dizzy & Daffy Dean.

Jim & Gaylord Perry. 

Sandy & Roberto Alomar. George & Ken Brett.

The placekicking Gramatica brothers. The Boone brothers. Clete, Ken, & Cloyd Boyer. 

Dominique & Gerald Wilkins. Never a fan of that Cardinals catcher Molina, nor his brothers. Not a fan of Tiki & Rhonde Barber.

Braves lost last night, so I’m trying out a different quarter zip to change their luck – my black Braves Vision qtr zip.

Six former Braves are struggling with their new teams: Charlie Morton, Dansby, Ramon Laureano, Travis d’Arnaud only has one hit, Ian Anderson, and Luke Jackson.

Currently reading Kaliane Bradley’s “The Ministry of Time”, a time travel novel set in England. New York Times bestseller. Highly regarded by Good Morning America, Parade Magazine, NPR, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Obama, and me. So it must be good.

Article: how to spend a day at the Masters.

Speaking of the Mannings, Arch Manning signed a NIL deal with Viori.

ICHIRO SUZUKI  [SABR Bio] broke George Sisler’s 82-year-old record with 262 hits in 2004. Sisler had broken Ty Cobb’s record of 248 in 1911 with 257. From 2001-2019, Suzuki played in 2623 MLB games plus 19 in the postseason, but never reached the World Series. He was the first rookie to lead the majors in All-Star voting, with 3,373,035 in 2001.

When baseball’s Hall of Fame held its inaugural election for enshrinement TY COBB  [SABR Bio] received the most votes of any candidate—222—98% of the vote.  Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner received 215 votes apiece (95%). Christy Mathewson got 205 votes (90.7%) and Walter Johnson received 189 (83.6%). In Cobb’s triple crown year of 1909, he led the majors in HR (9), RBI (107), and average (.377). His career highs were 12 HR (1921, 1925), 127 RBI (1911), & BA of .419 (1911). Casey Stengel said of Cobb “He was the greatest all time ball player. That guy was superhuman, amazing.” In 14 of his 24 seasons, Cobb’s doubles outnumbered or equaled his strikeouts.

Year/2B/K/Difference

1911 47 42 5

1912 20 20 ~

1914 22 22 ~

1917 44 34 10

1919 36 22 14

1920 28 28 ~

1921 37 19 18

1922 42 24 18

1923 40 14 26

1924 38 18 20

1925 31 12 19

1926 18 2 16

1927 32 12 20

1928 27 16 11

Wednesday: worked till 6 pm. Wore my black adidas. Called C as I was leaving. She was headed to small group. My group wasn’t meeting, so I crashed on the couch. Watched Elsbeth. So good. Up early to hit the gym this AM.

Article: things parents of adult children should do.

My Masters Picks

My Masters picks.

1. Shane Lowry 6

2. Jon Rahm 4

3. Rory McIlroy 3

4. Collin Morikawa 5

5. Scottie Scheffler 2

6. Xander Schauffele 10

7. Ludvig Aberg 1

8. Bryson DeChambeau 8

9. Tommy Fleetwood 11

10. Russell Henley 12

11. Joaquin Niemann 14

12. Victor Hovland 19

13. Hideki Matsuyama 22

14. Sepp Straka 23

15. Will Zalatoris 27

16. Sungjae Im 30

17. Corey Conners 31

18. Justin Thomas 7

19. Patrick Cantlay 13

20. Daniel Berger 17

All 96 Masters players, ranked. I’ve added these totally arbitrary rankings above right, and sadly let them influence my picks ever so slightly.

This year’s article on who the Augusta National members are. Recent additions include Annika and Eli, joining his brother Peyton. I have added this info to my own Augusta National member blog post, which over time has become one of my most well read posts ever. Perhaps the most comprehensive list in existence, I am proud to say. I’m still waiting on my invitation to join.

Interesting that Tiger was not at the Champions dinner last night, after chairman Fred Ridley had announced a joint venture between ANGC and Tiger just the day before. After viewing the huge noggin on Sir Nick Faldo (back row, thank goodness), I don’t feel so bad about the size of my head. Peyton Manning might be hiding there behind Faldo, who was recently interviewed by former Brave Peter Moylan.

Great Coaches

Question of the day: Who is the greatest coach ever? Some of my picks: Wooden. Lombardi.

Paul Brown. 

Nick Saban.

Casey Stengel. 

Red Auerbach. Bobby Dodd. 

Bobby Cox.

Where does Carmelo Anthony rank among all time great New York Knicks? Stephen A Smith ranks him third. Is he better than Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bernard King, Earl Monroe, Allan Houston, Charles Oakley, John Starks, and Patrick Ewing?

I am almost finished with my 10+10 but want to do a little more research. Come back tomorrow.

Monday: worked until 555. Leftovers for supper – spaghetti & meatballs. Went to bed at 930. Skipped the gym this AM. Pancakes for sup.

Wearing my light grey Braves quarter zip today. We’ll see if it has a win for the Braves in it. If so, I’ll wear it again tomorrow.

So many Christians these days are distracted by politics and other things of the world, and not focusing on God. Me included. Here in these weeks leading up to Easter, JFBC is focusing on prayer and fasting.

Article: Simple Health Tips:

(1) focus on blood sugar levels: eat vegetables first, walk after meals, prioritize sleep, manage stress.

(2) quality sleep is the foundation for mental clarity, emotional regulation, immune function, & metabolism. Poor sleep fuels stress and impulsive decisions.

(3) gut health influences mood, digestion, & inflammation. Eat garlic, bananas, yogurt, omega 3. Avoid processed foods.

(4) having purpose reduces inflammation, balances hormones, strengthens immunity, helps you live longer.

(5) eat for brain health to avoid dementia: berries, leafy greens & vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts.

(6) manage raw emotions so they don’t ruin your life.  

(7) don’t skip these basics, which are the foundation for lasting change. I have a friend who could benefit from this information.

Tricks the Car Dealership Finance Guy Might Try to Pull.

Denison: the Wall Street Journal writes: “…President Trump has in less than three months in office. . . . He has moved with astonishing speed to enact an immigration crackdown, cut the federal workforce, and demolish federal agencies.” The writers note that Mr. Trump is doing what he said he would on the campaign trail and that aspects of his agenda, including deportations, have broad public support.

Did Dr Alsup go to SPdL? There used to be a member of Revelation named Ronnie Alsup back in the Carl Bedingfield days. Speaking of the Bedingfields, Jayne participated in some kind of March on Saturday but didn’t say where, or what it was for. Guess it was affiliated with the anti Trump protests going on across the nation, but she didn’t mention that. She carried a sign, which I heard paid extra.

Retired NL Rookie of the Year Award winners who never played for another team. This is a variation of the theme of 24/30-Oct-2024.

ROY                      Year   Team   Until   WAR

Jeff Bagwell.........1991....HOU...2005....79.9

Johnny Bench......1968....CIN.....1983...75.1

Ryan Braun..........2007....MIL.....2020...47.2

Jose Fernandez...2013....MIA.....2016...14.2

Jim Gilliam...........1953…LAD.... 1966...14.2

Ryan Howard.......2005...PHI......2016...14.5

Ken Hubbs...........1962...CHC....1963... 1.2

Jim Lefebvre........1965...LAD.....1972...17.1

Buster Posey........2010...SFG....2021...45.0

Jackie Robinson..1947...BRO....1956...63.9

Future qualifiers?

Ronald Acuna...... 2018...ATL....2025...25.6

Pete Alonso..........2019...NYM...2025...19.9

Jonathan India..... 2021...CIN.....2025...16.7

Michael Harris...... 2022...ATL....2025...11.8

Corbin Carroll....... 2023...ARI....2025.... 9.9

Paul Skenes......... 2024...PIT....2025.... 5.9

New York Times interview with Bill Murray. Says he’s not the man he used to be. Looks like he wears black Hokas similar to mine.

Fun With the Girls

C fixed the girls cheese quesadillas, mango, and blueberries. They ate some but left some on their plates. After lunch we went into the other room to play. When I went back to clean off the table, I’d noticed that Okie had eaten everything they’d left on their plates. Spaghetti and meatballs for supper, Matthew arrived first, then Mary-Clayton.

Watch the final four? Would’ve watched Florida def Auburn but it was over by the time we got back from the movies and Publix and Trader Joes

We watched Duke v Houston. That Cooper Flagg is something. Can’t believe how Duke faded at the end. Watch the womens final yesterday? We were tied up with the girls. We won’t watch the final. Doesn’t even tip off until almost 9 pm. . I am not a fan of especially Florida. Coworker graduated from Houston. The Cougars fought hard against Duke. Some are calling Duke’s loss an all time flop.

I was surprised how few people where at the movie theater on Saturday night. Besides The Chosen, few of the movies looked interesting. Might have a little to do to the $12 adnission fee when people got Netflix at home. Didn’t seem right to be all reclined back in comfy chairs watching Jesus being persecuted.

In Sunday School my small group leader Dan was teaching. He casually worked the fact that he’d recently been diagnosed with leukemia into his lesson. People were shocked. Afterward we laid hands on him and prayed.

On the way home from church I swung by Wendys for two burgers for $3, as well as RaceTrac.

Lifted weights at the gym this morning. Stopped by Cozy Coop for two biscuits for a buck. Was raining so hard that I skipped my usual RaceTrac stop. Went to Wendys for lunch again, for the 2 burgers for $3 deal. And a drink from RaceTrac. When I was out in the parking lot I saw coworker Sam put his old green 4Runner into reverse and make a longer circle perfectly into an open spot, backing up a total of about 100 feet. Backup job of the century. My jaw dropped. It was like jumping off the high dive. He nailed it.

I don’t want to look at my finances.

Had an old friend call me out of the blue today, and we had a nice chat. I think he must’ve been reading my blog. Hated to hear that his kids aren’t speaking to them. Sadly, he’s not my only friend in that boat. Patience, and prayers. Ceil and I have been blessed, as the bumps in our road have not been as large.

Denison: our “post-truth” culture is convinced there is no such thing as absolute truth, despite the illogic of this claim. In this view, reality is what we believe it to be. But believing something doesn’t necessarily make it true.  

JIM GILLIAM [SABR Bio] earned his nickname for being the youngest member of his team. He was known as “Junior”. He was only 17 years old when he joined the Baltimore Elite Giants of the Negro National League II. He led the majors in triples as a rookie, with 17 in 1953. He was a Dodgers coach when died just before the start of a World Series the Dodgers were playing in. Gilliam died 08-Oct-1978 of a brain hemorrhage. The team wore black armbands in his honor, and retired his number 19.

All Star Cap

Sold a Braves All Star cap that I’d had for sale on Poshmark. Actually maybe an Independence Day cap. Not my favorite, but darn, with the all-star game in town it might’ve been an appropriate cap to wear.

Wednesday: I had volunteered to lead our small group Bible study. Our leader is dealing with an illness. I studied extra hard. Yesterday I finalized all my notes, and worked to print them out all nice and extra neat. All always type them up because with my poor vision it makes them easier to read. Arrived at Dan's house, went in, and put my Bible, notebook, pen, and phone down at my usual seat. We chatted for awhile, then went to sit down and start our study. As we started I leafed through my notebook looking for my notes. They weren't there. Great. I could've looked them up on my phone but decided to forge on without them. I waited until we were all finished to tell the guys what I'd done.

Thursday: worked until 555. Drove home and cut the grass, blowing up all kinds of pollen. Went inside and showered before supper (Mexican). Washed the dishes and didn’t plop down until after 9 pm. Ugh.

Friday: up early to golf one last weekday, before the course closes until like July. As I was putting on my shoes, Professor Chee drove up. Teed off before 7 am. For the most part I only played one ball.

1. As usual not a good first hole.

2. Decent chip.

3. Two bad shots so I gave up.

4. Tee shot went left for the 4th straight hole. Chip was long but made a great lag putt back to save bogey.

5. Tee shot to fringe. Poor lag putt, but then I sank a 20 footer for par.

6. Flubbed my tee shot but got a decent roll. Then a super great 5 iron to the front fringe. Shot of the month. Just missed holing a long birdie putt, and tapped in for my second straight par.

7. Popped up my tee shot but hit a good mulligan. Flub. Worm burner. Decent chip. Two putt for a double.

8. Mulligan got a good roll, then a 7 iron onto the green.

9. Flubbed the tee shot. Flubbed the approach. Decent chip and lag putt. Double.

After being outside so much Thursday and Friday (and golf again on Saturday morning), so far the pollen hasn’t had too much of an effect on me. At work I spent 1:45 in with my boss going over inventory to make sure what’s at our fabricator was showing on our computer. It all matched up pretty well, but that was 1:45 that we could’ve been doing actual needed work. Did get to Facetime with Millie.

Worked until like 545. Had the Mexican leftover for supper. We watched the Braves. I don’t think I can get all the games on our TV, but we had that one to watch. That Schwellenbach kid is something. Zero walks and ten strikeouts. Think he did ok? See the postgame show with Charlie Culbertson, Peter Medlin, Fred McGriff, and Paul Byrd? Byrd took last year off due to his wife’s illness.

Golf again Saturday morning. Teed off at 650. Not the greatest round. Decent chip on five. Perhaps my best drive ever on six. Flubbed my second shot but made a good long chip onto the green, giving me a par putt. Missed. Decent drive second shot, and chip on the long 7th hole. Missed that par putt as well. Finished at 810. 

Had missed the first 2 days of the St Ann’s Catholic Church yard sale, but stopped by on the way home. Nothing I could live without. Fixed myself quesadillas for lunch, with leftover ground beef, black beans, cheese, my secret sauce, and red peppers. Watched Georgie & mandy, as well as Elsbeth with guest Mary Louise Parker. Working, but have the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on the TV in the other room.

JACKIE ROBINSON [ SABR Bio] was the last MVP before Maury Wills in 1962 to also lead the majors on stolen bases the same season. Robinson was NL MVP in 1949 and led baseball with 37 stolen bases. Like Wills, he did not debut until he was more than 26 years old. When Robinson debuted on 15-Apr-1947, he was already 28 years old. Maury Will was 26 when he finally came up. While serving in the Army, Robinson refused to move to the back of a segregated bus at Fort Hood in Texas. He was court-martialed but then acquitted—a courageous, pivotal stand in the civil rights movement. In 1955, a black 41-year old Alabama teacher sat in the front of a local public bus, refusing to move the back when asked then ordered. Read the Rosa Parks story here.