hiway29

Based on the first games, we may be seeing Manny back at Fenway. The thing I dislike most about playoff coverage is the obsessive focus on fans of losing teams. It's only game one, but already, the camera was finding the most depressed Cub fans at Wrigley, and sullen Angels fans in Anaheim. It will only get worse as the series progress. Unless, of course, teams win on their home field. But I really tire of close ups of fans ringing hands, staring at nothing. I'm ringing my hands over the financial crisis and upcoming election. If my baseball team loses, I'll feel bad for a little while then move on and wait til next year.

That 10 pm start time is brutal. I remember staying up late on school nights to watch Yankee-Angels games. It seemed almost surreal then. Now it just seems exhausting.

good grief-I'm here at work for 2 more hours-basically missing the first game at Wrigley I'll be home in time for Angels-Sox though

I googled my name and the first 2 references were about me, somewhat to my surprise. Then there's a whole lot of references to an ice cream business.

That theme was from the Abbott and Costello TV show, which I'm surprised George has never seen. It ran for 2 seasons in the 50's. Jerry Seinfeld has referred to it as an inspiration for his series. Bud and Lou played 'themselves', living in a NY apartment building. They were always out of work, and several shows revolved around them trying to pay the rent. A bizarre cast of characters, including pseudo Stooge Joe Besser as a little boy named Stinky , and lovely Hillary Brooke were regulars. Their landlord, the amazing Sidney Fields, also played a number of other roles -often a relative of Fields, who Bud and Lou are sent to see for a job. They often worked their old radio routines into the show, including of course, "who's on first". Oh, and I wasn't surprised that George didn't see it in the 50's. It was rerun forever, back in the day when local channels ran old shows. I've noticed there isn't much of that anymore.

I do-"who's on first ?"

Happy Birthday, Nostalgic one. Keep those clips coming.

I find the AL Central situation exciting, and interesting. While it's nice to have your team in the playoffs, for me it's not necessary in order to enjoy them and get into them. Let's hope other fans feel that way, since most teams only have a few or no championships in their history. Some years I almost prefer not being emotionally involved. Last night they had a 'pep rally' at Dodger Stadium. 6000 showed up and it was televised live. Tommy Lasorda fired up the crowd like an old time preacher, as only he can. Tommy has always been full of it, and he was in rare form. In Tommy's world, if you're not a Dodger, you're not worth nothing. In fact, the only people in heaven are Dodgers-no one else earns the right when they go. He started off with 'We hate the Giants", and almost started a riot pointing out a few 'spies' wearing Angel gear there. I hope they made it out in one piece. Joe Torre is accepted as ok, because he has 'changed his ways', though all his accomplishments before were booed. The crowd loves Manny, and I'm sure Tommy didn't realize the implications when he said Manny was 'injected' with Dodger Blue. The team showed up from SF , and spoke to the crowd. Manny told the crowd they have to keep him here. I thought Torre found it all a little premature and 'quaint', and is looking forward to celebrating after they win. He's clearly enjoying laid back LA.

Yikes-the Mets once again lost their play off hopes on the last day of the season. I can only imagine how gloomy the post game farewell to Shea was. The Dodgers open up in Chicago. They could be almost done by the time it comes back to LA. But in the year of Manny, who knows ? Then there's the Bosox opening at the LA team of Anaheim. They always give the Angels fits, but we'll see. I still contend that the nightmare series would be Rays -Brewers. It's so bizarre, that if I didn't have teams to pull for, I'd be hoping to see it.

I learned over the years, at least to a limited extant, to filter the genuine friendships in the way, from those that were conditional and 'manufactured'. The latter usually due to the 'committed believers' focused on 'climbing the ladder' ( though no one would ever admit to that term). I did enjoy some wonderful relationships, as well as too many 'conditional' ones. I would most likely still be friends with several people if not for moving away, time and 'real life' getting in the way. Life in the way often meant annual shake ups . I moved at least 12 times in the 13 years I was involved ( and have now lived in the same place for 14 years , Thank God). With all that shuffling around, you could still look forward to "see you at the Rock", which was a stronger glue for the outfit, than I think they realized. I still have a few treasured friends from back then, but just like high school and college friends, it takes more work to keep it alive. A year ago, an old branch leader who I had stayed in casual contact with over the years contacted me. She had just got involved with a marketing group selling phone and internet connection deals. She was going to be at a convention center near me, and we met for lunch. After years of being 'normal'(my term, and opinion), she was suddenly on fire again, with this group that looked cult like to me. She was as excited as a new pfal grad (ha) and tried selling me on the 'program'. I told her I wasn't interested, just was glad to see her, and wasn't interested in joining any new 'cults'. Over the next month, I got calls from her every week, wanting to know if I'd changed my mind.She had that old Way Corps fire back, only with a new mission. Wouldn't take no for an answer, and making me feel guilty for not supporting her. I finally bought into the least expensive and intrusive part of her package, and felt like I had just been played for a sucker. I didn't want it, I told her that from the start, but I was worn down. Of course once I bought in, the phone calls stopped.

Congrats to the Rays. Dropping the "Devil" worked out for them-even though everyone, including sportscasters still call them the Devil Rays. Some interesting potential Series match ups. Of course the media, especially espn, and fox, want Cubs-Bosox. Dodgers-Bosox for the Manny factor, and oh yes, JD Drew, Derek Lowe, and others-but it's really about Manny. I would find Dodgers-Angels great-I wonder if the rest of the country would care. I guess we're still waiting to see how the rest plays out. The nightmare series for the media is maybe Rays-Brewers

Strange night at Chavez Ravine. Everyone was happy and relaxed-maybe a little TOO relaxed. It was a meaningless game, and felt like it. Lots of good cheer though. Some nice touches. Tommy Lasorda, and Frank McCourt (and a lot of security), walked through the stands,giving the folks in the "all you can eat" pavilion a good look at Tommy, who has long given up the slim-fast diet. Joe Torre has learned how to handle big moments from his Yankee years. He started the "A" team, then replaced them one by one throughout the game, allowing the 'stars' to come off the field to ovations . Needless to say, Manny got the biggest cheers. My oldest friend from back east, who is a Met fan, told me he now has respect for Torre. He thought his success in NY, was because of the payroll and that "half of them were juiced". Torre has brought the same professionalism, and steadiness to the Dodgers. Between that and Manny-the players all are crazy about him-it's a whole new Dodger team. Doesn't mean they'll win a thing in the playoffs , but we'll see. Here's hoping I can get to the playoffs. It's 60-40 right now.

The Dodgers are in ! I wonder if Manny will play tonight ?

I appreciate the gracious words Rocky. Of course, I'm glad the Dodgers have made it this far (especially since I MIGHT have playoff tickets). I'm not sure I qualify as a die hard Dodger fan, though. A Yankee fan yes, but that's mainly because it's the team I loved when I was 10, and old loyalties are the strongest. Still, I've invested an amazing amount of time, and money in the Dodgers, and I am digging the Torre, Manny, led group. I also love Dodger Stadium, and of course, Vin Scully. I will admit that if lightning strikes, and the Dodgers meet the Angels in the Series, I'll be pulling for the Angels. I'm still an American Leaguer at heart, the Angels are a real nice organization, and they will forever play second fiddle to the Dodgers here, so I like to root for the 'underdog'. I doubt it will get that far . I'm going to the Stadium tonight. If the Dbacks lose today it will be a night long celebration. I think I'd rather see the Dodgers win the deciding game to get in.

I wonder how much time sportscenter spent when the Angels won their spot ? They can't even get any coverage in the LA Times, let alone Bristol, CT.

That's a great link to Fred Merkle, Mstar. It's going to have to wait until I can give it the time and attention it deserves, though. What will be the fate of the Dodgers and Dbacks ? It really is up for grabs right now. The Dodgers are heading south, and the Dbacks are heading north. Will Joe Torre and Manny right the ship? Will I kiss my playoff ticket hopes goodbye ? I did get an unexpected opportunity to get to the last home game on Thursday, and I'm figuring I better go "just in case".

I don't think anyone is worried that the Yankees are going to make the playoffs. That was some send off. After ESPN signed off, I wondered how long the crowd was going to stay.I thought Derek Jeter handled it with class. It suddenly seemed wrong not to have Joe Torre there, but of course he's a little busy. The reality that once you left-that was it, set in, and people were reflecting , and not wanting to go. I know from my seat 3000 miles away, it was an emotionally draining day. It took me a long time to get to sleep after. I'm hoping the joint next door doesn't turn into a giant lemon.

I'm watching the day long farewell to Yankee Stadium, on ESPN. This is harder than I thought it was going to be. There were times, especially as an adolescent, when Yankee Stadium was a source of comfort and even security for a really screwed up kid. It's not much fun watching another piece of my life go away.

At Dodger Stadium last night, for my last game of the year (unless I and the Dodgers are fortunate enough to get to the playoffs. Keeping fingers crossed on both counts). All Manny did was hit 2 home runs, for 5 rbi. The Dodgers have to sign him, or there will be a revolt in Chavez Ravine.I can just picture next season opening with no Manny, but Andruw Jones once again in center field.

It had been decided (as far as I know ) that Bobby Murcer would throw out the first ball at the new stadium. He had played in both the old , and renovated stadium, but it was chiefly to honor his fight against brain cancer. Unfortunately, he didn't make it to the closing today. It seems obvious that it will be Yogi, but if they ask for my opinion, I would have Whitey Ford throw to Yogi catching. I'll be watching tonight, but I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

As I've said, the only positive I can find, is that the new stadium looks like Yankee Stadium, more than the 70's renovation. I would have preferred a cavernous left center field, but you can't have everything. I'd have also liked to be able to see the subway go by in the outfield, like you could before they closed it off. I notice the track still goes right by it. I honestly don't know if I can sit through tomorrow's game-I also know I can't miss it. :(

I'll make a wild guess that's probably wrong, but what the heck- "My Favorite Martian"

I didn't know they were preserving the field. Very nice.

thank you, Kimberly

Sherry Jackson-who was Danny Thomas' daughter on 'Make Room For Daddy', is the lovely android there. come to think of it, Danny's other tv daughter, Angela Cartright, went on to play Penny on 'Lost in Space' as far as I know, none of Danny's REAL daughters, (Marlo, Terry ) ever made it to the stars. don't mind me-it's a slow work day.