Category: Chicago Cubs (Page 12 of 26)

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Retirement is not without Hassles: Wedding Plans #858

March 2, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s my wife’s weekend but just another day of retirement for me. We’ll start out her Saturday with the dogs and exercise with them on our “Schnauzerthon.” Tinker, our oldest schnauzer, just turned 15 and is limping badly. Her 105-year old little legs deserve a carriage ride. This is why we bought the Air Buggy that we push her in while sister Tally scampers ahead. The “Schnauzerthon” combines my morning run with a long walk for my wife. We take turns pushing the stroller and trying to contain Tally on her leash. It takes about an hour and is part of my working wife’s weekend routine. There are Marathons and Triathlons, but every great endurance athlete should try a “Schnauzerthon.”

My wife is taking her oldest daughter shopping later this afternoon for a wedding dress. She and I are also going to a birthday party luncheon for a 70-year old friend – at least he won’t be keeping us up late. Both of these life events were once hard to imagine – 70 year old friends and married children. We must be growing old. I’m only a little over my two years from my 70th “blowout.” Weddings are about as positive as it gets any more, since at this age it’s mostly funerals.

The birthday event today was at McMenamin’s Edgefield, a venue that we had always wanted to check out. It’s the historic site of a former “Poor Farm,” as well as a vineyard, golf course, spa, and popular summer concert hot spot. I read a custom poem as part of the traditional “old man” birthday roast that highlighted the drawn-out ceremonies. It made fun of the proper pronunciation of the birthday boy’s name – silent “k” and “i before e.” As a fellow Cubs fan, I buy some of my baseball cards from him, so it’s not been a long-standing relationship. I got a few scattered laughs for my efforts:

KNEIS not Niece

Seventy-year old friends,
Are rare for me.
I like to hang around
With younger folks, see?

Parties are for kids,
Not those turning gray.
But now that I’m here.
Happy Birthday anyway.

Turn up your hearing aids,
And lean on your canes.
Enjoy some cake
Forget about your pains.

You went over the hill,
Twenty years ago.
Social Security is now,
Your main source of dough

This makes you desperate,
To sell us KNEIS cards.
To protect our life savings,
Needing more than shin-guards.

Ernie couldn’t make it,
Or any top draft picks.
Sherm would be here,
But he died at fifty-six.

Bryzzo was busy,
Joe Maddux sends regrets.
Wrigley Field Management,
Warns of optimistic bets.

Nice-ler or Niece-ler?
It’s pronounced how?
As long as you’re buying,
Either version you’ll allow.

This has been an issue,
All of your KNEIS life.
Then you shared this problem,
With your daughters and wife.

For the “Mr. Cub” title,
You’re next in line.
They’ll win it again,
In year 2109.

Crib to Classroom,
Office to Booth.
Your career has focused,
On educating our youth.

You’re a kid again,
Every baseball season.
Being close to the game,
Gives all if us “reason.”

Buying and selling,
Making a trade.
Just like in teaching,
Comes down to a grade.

You get us together,
To share what we love.
We bring our leather wallet,
Instead of a glove.

Thanks for the invite,
And not keeping us up late.
Now take out your dentures,
And Step up to your Plate.

His last name is memorable because it is pronounced the same as one of my college fraternity brothers, who eventually stole and married my girl friend. He probably did both her and me a favor, so I held only a short grudge. It was great to get out of the house on a beautiful, sunny afternoon and see some of the Portland area peaks that have been recently hidden by rain clouds. From a couple wearing bath robes to those holding golf clubs, we got the full perspective of the property. My wife will spend the rest of the day with her daughter talking wedding plans. I’m glad they’re getting together because it keeps me from going to a local production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. I’m free to join a friend for fried chicken and beer tonight. Cheers to both the bride and my birthday buddy!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Thy Will Be Done #823

January 29, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

One of the gravest responsibilities of retirement and life for that matter is preparing and maintaining a Last Will and Testament. Even those four words sound rather ominous as you think about laying out all of your dying wishes. The fact of the matter is that if you don’t leave a will then you dump that responsibility on your loved ones, or worse yet people that don’t care. I’ve prepared four different wills in my lifetime, working with both attorneys and even Legal Zoom. One of my wife’s recent employment benefits includes legal services, and we certainly want to take this opportunity to update our will in particular.

Our last legal paperwork was done in Texas, so this will be the Oregon version. My wife’s daughter lives here in Portland so it’s an easy decision to make her “Executor” or “Successor Trustee.” Where we end up next is always in question, so chances are we will be making future changes that might involve moving this role to one of our two other children. Our plan this time is to prepare a “Living Trust.” I’ve filled out all the forms and will take them to the attorney tomorrow. My wife and I will then work with him to determine our best strategy based on cost and effectiveness.

I tried to explain some of this back in Post #166, so like most people I’ve been procrastinating on this Last Will update for some time now. As I discovered, a living trust (inter-vivos” or “revocable” trust) is a written legal document through which your assets are placed into a trust for your benefit during your lifetime and then transferred to designated beneficiaries at your death by your chosen representative, called a “successor trustee.” It means faster distribution as the successor trustee pays your debts and distributes your assets. Also, If you become ill or incapacitated, the living trust is written so that your trustee can automatically begin making decisions, as opposed to a will, that without a durable power of attorney, the court will be in control of all related decisions, including appointing an overseer. We definitely want control of our assets and the means by which they are distributed.

The “Living Trust” seems to be the most hassle-free course of action. I mentioned this to my son on the phone today and he immediately jumped to the conclusion that this was all about my recent trip to the Emergency Room. That is not the case – I’ve simply been putting it off, and my wife’s recent legal insurance package essentially removes any cost concerns.

Preparing any will is not a pleasant process. This is why it’s too often avoided. Thoughts of leaving behind all the material goods that you’ve collected in a lifetime can be disturbing. All that you’ve worked for given away to others that probably don’t want them and certainly won’t appreciate them in the same way you did. After all, who wants a 1955 Sherm Lollar White Sox jersey other than me? Even my son is a die-hard Cubs fan. The Egyptians believed you could take them with you, but those were real treasures. (See Post #805). I’m also not a religious man, but I can’t help but think of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.

I highlighted the most important words, “Thy will be done.” After my meeting with my attorney tomorrow, I will have fulfilled this important passage. My Will will be done! Amen.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Coins and Cards #804

January 13, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

At a baseball card show yesterday, I found a unique addition to my collection. It combines my passion of coin collecting with the growing assemblage of baseball cards in my possession. I attribute my interest in both of these areas to my childhood neighbor, the late Robert P. Herzberg. Bob showed me my first 1909 S V.D.B. penny and flaunted his enviable stack of baseball cards bearing the likeness of Mickey Mantle, another Triple Crown winner. I still don’t have either one of these coveted memories of youth in my collection.

I had a crush on Bob’s little sister, who was in my kindergarten class. I also maintained a friendly relationship with his younger brother into adulthood. Bob, who was three years older, passed away at the age of 54 as a consequence of congestive heart failure. I still bear a scar in the center of my forehead thanks to a war game we were playing as kids. I was dodging rocks he was throwing at a playhouse in the park behind our house. He hit me square in the head as I carelessly looked out a window, requiring several stitches, and I remember him having to apologize to my parents and me. He brought a box of unopened baseball cards as a peace offering, so it was probably worth the pain.

I bought a unique 2003 Topps Ty Cobb baseball card at yesterday’s show, commemorating the Hall of Famer’s 1909 American League Triple Crown achievement (.377 batting average, 9 home runs, 107 RBI). His Detroit Tiger ball club lost the World Series to Honus Wagner and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Chicago Cubs also beat the Tigers in the previous two World Series, making him a “Triple Loser” in the game’s crowning moment. The card is die-cut to accommodate a 1909 Indian Head penny. I was immediately intrigued since 1909 was the last year of Indian Head production and the first year of the Lincoln cent. The change occurred to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

Bob taught me long ago that the 1909 S VDB Lincoln version was the most valuable penny in any collection. Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer included his initials between the wheat ear stalks on the back during its inaugural year, but the San Francisco (S) mint makes it particularly valuable because only 484,000 were made. Even as a young child, a penny worth $100 was mind-boggling and Bob actually owned one. Today, depending on condition, it would probably cost me at least $500 to buy one. I’ve looked through thousands of pennies since I was a kid and never found one. It was the closest thing to treasure hunting that I have ever experienced. In fact, anytime I see a penny on the ground or get one in change, I pick it up to check.

The Tyrus Raymond Cobb Currency Connection card brought back many childhood Bob memories about both baseball cards and pennies. Ty was a great ball player but a miserable human being. I would have never bought the card if it weren’t for the penny. I carefully examined it to see if it had the S mint-mark on the back below the wreath. The designer of that coin was James B. Longacre, whose “JBL” initials graced a number of U.S. coin designs of the late 19th century. To this date, Lincoln’s portrait still is identified with the penny, although the back of the coin changed to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959, designed by engraver Frank Gasparro to celebrate the 150th anniversary. On the front side, the VDB initials have appeared below Lincoln’s shoulder since 1918.

To honor the Lincoln bicentennial in 2009, 4 different designs by four different artists were introduced on the back of the penny and in 2010 it was again changed to represent the unity of the states. This “Union Shield” look was designed by Lyndall Bass. I would not anticipate another design change until 2059, 150 years after Ty Cobb won baseball’s Triple Crown and Lincoln’s first penny was minted.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Happy New Year #790

December 31, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s traditional for me to list my New Year’s resolutions every year. Many times it’s just a matter of revising the prior year’s list, but I still believe that “if you write it down you do it.” (See Post #415). Tonight we visit a restaurant favorite, Holdfast, to celebrate the occasion. I enjoy wishing others “Happy New Year,” especially since it has no religious or political implications. Here is my annual plan:

Get Tooth fixed
Florida trip/Adam/Miami to Keys
New glasses/hearing aids
I-Phone 10
Less Drinking 1 instead of 2
Weekly Friday Leadership Meeting lunch
Compliment my wife more
See the Beauty in Life
Get To Run Everyday to 11th Anniversary
Daily push-ups, crunches, and stretching
King Tut exhibit at OMNI
Return to Vegas
Be a better dog owner
Drink More Water-Less pop
Weight maintain at <190. White diet.
More connections with old friends and family
No Debt Continues
Win writing contest
Chew slowly/suck/soft foods/protect teeth
Celebrate each day with my wife
Stay in touch with Adam/be good Granddad
Contribute 1k+ to each grandchild’s education fund
Limoges/poem each month
Poem to johnstonwrites monthly
Daily blog post
Weekly Date Night
Complete 67 things to do before 68 list (See Post #642)
Brooklyn Bridge run
Cubs & IU/OSU Seattle/Bowl and or Tourney Game
Alaska Northern Lights
Call Judy on Mondays
Meet T. Grimshaw & J. Marthai (Diary of an Adoptee)
No car payments continue
Find volunteer work
Cooking on Tuesdays
Cut down on expenses
Continue laundry/vacuum/dust/mop
Baseball card collection additions
Thailand trip
NY/Phoenix/Maui/Indiana trips
Springfield/indiana HS Hall of Fame visits
Vancouver Gardens/Coast/Ianai Weekends
Read a book a week
Drive to SF w/dogs
Write a novel
Do some drawing, sketching, painting
Learn to play the uke

Retirement is not without Hassles: Zebra Reunion #743

November 20, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Last night, it was my wife’s turn to joyfully reconnect with an old high school friend. They were Zebras together back in Rochester, Indiana, just down the road from my high school in Elkhart. While they chatted about the good old days over dinner & wine, her classmate’s husband and I tried to establish some common ground. We had all gotten together for the first time back in Austin where all of us lived nearly 10 years ago, and I remembered very little about our initial conversation. It takes some time to loosen the rust from a school girl relationship, so we let the women catch-up while we made small talk. We politely got along, obligated to keep each other entertained while the two of them got back together again after all these years.

I have two high school classmates that live here in Portland, so I know the value of lasting friendships. We were also together at Indiana University, so our connection dates back over 50 years. My wife is 5 years younger, and at our age many former friends are lost through attrition, so getting together is often now or never. Fortunately, in every circle of friendship there’s always at least one that forms the glue that keeps everyone together. My wife’s friend is one of those people, who happened to be visiting Portland. In this case, their reunion took place over 2200 miles away from our original Hoosier homeland. It made me reflect on my own past.

My 50th high school reunion is approaching next summer and I have mixed feelings about attending. Three of my best friends from high school have died, and I have not done a good job of staying in touch with the rest – nor have they with me! The two friends here in Portland are a year younger and therefore part of the graduating class behind me, so they are not part of this upcoming reunion plan. There were over 1000 people in my senior class and only a few that I miss or ever even think about. I was known by the nickname “Smiley” that I could never find endearing. Many probably only know me by that name, so it may not be a reunion at all but rather just another networking event, with me wondering why I never connected with all of these fellow students that also roamed the hallowed halls?

I have but only one Facebook friend out of these 1,000 in my class alone, and she was never part of my inner-circle back then. She organizes our reunions and simply uses social media to communicate with her fellow EHS Blue Blazers. I have one other indirect FB connection through the daughter-in-law of who was once my closest pal. I now know of his grandchildren, but little is left of our friendship that seemed to have deteriorated as a result my divorce nearly 20-years years ago. We’ve only gotten together on occasion since that time, with my new marriage and moves to Illinois, Texas, and Oregon. I can’t really explain what happened other than the fact that life got in the way. I have to smile when I see his grandson on Facebook because it reminds me of how he looked when we first met in elementary school- braces and all!

I have stayed in touch with the wife of a close high school friend. My wife and I had dinner with the two of them just before he passed away suddenly. We had sadly discussed the death of another best buddy before I took her to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Together we ceremoniously spread her husband’s ashes along the right field line – something I will never forget. My wife’s reunion with her friend last night was a somber reminder that neither of these great friends will be attending my high school reunion. Another close friend that I would have enjoyed seeing was found dead at his laboratory office on Thanksgiving morning long ago, so he will not be there either. I have a photo with these three lost com-padres at our 20th reunion, the last time we all got together. I could also not help but think of how close the spelling was of the last name of my wife’s classmate compared to my friend’s widow – double “pp” instead of “tt.” It was a subtle reminder of how precious friendship can be, and that some reunions unfortunately never come to pass!

Old Sport Shorts: Round Ball Rainbows #734

November 11, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

There has been surprisingly little rain here in Portland in October and November, so far. Yet, I continue to see Rainbows, at least the variety my good friend equates with a positive attitude. I had struggled with a lot of black clouds in my world of sports, starting with the shortcomings of the Cubs in the Wildcard playoff, and a disappointing last-minute Brett Favre touchdown pass to beat my Bears. There was a rare 3-0 loss by the IU soccer team against Kentucky and another miserable stretch of IU Football to darken my spirits. To add to my despair, the once-hated Purdue Boilermakers were having some success on the gridiron, including an envious victory over the even-more-evil Ohio State Buckeyes. The Oregon Ducks, my adopted team on the West Coast were proving to be a bad choice for a favorite, and Notre Dame, an equally detested IU foe, remained undefeated. I can’t seem to get behind the Seattle Seahawks, but that would prove to be just another losing personal cause. My sports mood was clouded with emotions of envy, jealousy, loathing, and dislike, as my teams continued to falter. There might have been rainbows, but I couldn’t see them.

In the past few weeks, the sun has broken through and the birds are beginning to sing. Basketball season has tipped-off with the Hoosiers, Ducks, Indiana Pacers, and Portland Trailblazers all off to fast starts. The round ball has led to rainbows, and that good fortune has extended to other sports. After that brief Wildcat soccer set-back, the IU soccer team rebounded with nine straight games and completed the BIG Ten Double as both regular season and tourney champs with a perfect conference record. Even the perennially pathetic IU football team is now 5-5 thanks to a victory over Maryland. Unfortunately, they face-off against Michigan in Ann Arbor next, but can still be bowl eligible if they can somehow get by PUrdue for the Old Oaken Bucket. To make the rainbows even brighter and the beer taste better, the Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS Conference Championship against Kansas City that they won just 3 years ago on their way to the title. It all came down to penalty kicks over the arch-rival Seattle Sounders. The miraculous finish happened on the same day that streaking IU defeated Maryland in a similar penalty-kick scenario. Double Rainbows thanks to another round ball!

As icing on the rainbow cake, the Chicago Bears just won their third straight game to stay on top of the Vikings and Packers. The Indianapolis Colts also won their third straight game against the Jaguars. Purdue football has slipped back to reality, the 8-5 Pacers bested the Heat, and the Trailblazers topped the Clippers to go 9-3. It’s chilly here in Portland but the sun is shining on all my teams right now. It doesn’t even matter if it’s a round ball or a sphere, it’s still bouncing my way. For once, it’s good to be me when I’m surrounded by rainbows!

Old Sport Shorts: Streaks #728

November 6, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Today marked 3600 consecutive days of my current running streak, approaching the ten year anniversary of when it started in Austin, Texas. It’s been a much cooler experience these last few years in Portland without the 100-plus degree days. It’s the first thing I do every morning, so I finished my 3.1 mile run, joined my wife for breakfast, and got the painters started. College basketball starts today and I’ll join some friends at Buffalo Wild Wings this afternoon where we are regulars. The good thing about watching sports on the West Coast is that the games start early, so I’m not wasting my evenings by the TV or missing anything when we got out.

I’m in the midst of a travel-free streak of now 23-days, but my daily routine has been constantly interrupted by contractors. There are painters in our home from 8 to 5 every day, so this means very little “me time.” It’s not like I’m working hard, but I still have to answer questions and move things around, resulting in very little privacy. Our dogs are also restless, with strangers in the house and their napping areas disrupted with tarps, paint cans, and ladders. I seek refuge in my office, but that area is about to be painted, as well. They are just going to paint the ceiling so I can avoid having to take down my prized sports memorabilia collection. In other rooms, pictures and mirrors are scattered about and my once tidy garage is littered with plants, glassware, and furniture. By next week, I should be able to continue this travel-free streak, expected to extend another 17 days. That will mean 40 straight days at home; a retirement record, and time to enjoy the sports-related memories that surround me every day.

Later this month we’ll head to Bend, Oregon with the dogs, followed by Los Angeles and Disneyworld. I just got my annual maintenance bill from the Marriott Vacation Club, a timeshare arrangement we have yet to take advantage of using. Our first experience will be Thailand in the spring, but right now I feel like I’m paying for nothing. It’s supposed to be a travel investment that will eventually pay-off, but I’m having some regrets. It will not be until my wife retires that we will have enough time to fully benefit from what is currently just a financial hassle. Our plan is to sell our residence, reinvest the proceeds, and rent. This will relieve some of the cost concerns about this “second home,” that we can utilize anywhere in the world when the time comes. Sporting events on my bucket list are a major part of my retirement travel plans.

I went to an unofficial old-timers baseball breakfast yesterday morning, if for no other reason to get away from the contractors for a few hours. It’s interesting to hear all the stories about players from the past and to share the love of baseball with others my age. Each of us collects something different in the way of memorabilia, and we often exchange gifts. I came home with a 1950’s era Luis Aparicio glove and a Chicago White Sox pin-back. I also have his autographed Louisville Slugger as part of my collection. One guy brought some old pictures of the Dodgers team as they transitioned from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. The father of a friend of my wife and I pitched for that 1955 World Series champion team by the name of Karl Spooner. He still holds the record (tied with J.R. Richard) for the most strike-outs in a Major League debut, but was credited for the loss in his last World Series appearance in a promising career hampered by injury. I was also excited that the Indiana University baseball team is coming to Seattle in March for a tournament, including a game against College World Series champion Oregon State. I will probably add that to my travel plans for next year, fulfilling another item on my list of 67 things to do before I’m 68. (See Post #642).

67 years and 3 months of continuous breathing is my most important streak of all at 24,543 days or 589,032 hours. Within this fortunate vein of longevity are all these other streaks that I often write about. To me, maintaining a streak is motivation to continue. However, I certainly wouldn’t want a streak of bad luck or a losing streak. I’ve been pretty successful at avoiding these in life. When I think of streaks, I mostly think of sports and the statisticians that keep track of these things. Even my hapless Chicago Bears have a current two-game winning streak. Here are the ten considered to be the greatest and perhaps the most unbreakable in sports history:

1. Cal Ripken Jr.

Baltimore Orioles’ legend Cal Ripken holds the record for the most consecutive games played in MLB history. His record is 2,632 games straight over a career of more than 16 years. September 6, 1995 marked the day Ripken passed the previous record of 2,130 made by Lou Gehrig. Ripken still holds the record today and is MLB’s Iron Man.

2. Doug Jarvis

Former NHL player for the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and Hartford Whalers Doug Jarvis holds the record for the most consecutive games started. Between 1975 and 1985, Jarvis started in 964 straight games. He surpassed the Garry Unger’s previous top record of 914 in the 1985-1986 season.

3. Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is an especially dominate played on clay courts, and between 2005 and 2007 he won 81 consecutive games on clay. Player Guillermo Vilas held the previous record of 53 that Nadal largely passed, and no one has come close to beating his record yet.

4. UCLA Basketball

Under head coach John Wooden, the UCLA Men’s Basketball team made some impressive records. In the 1970’s, they won 88 consecutive games. They also won ten NCAA championships in Wooden’s 12 years of head coach, and hold the record for the most consecutive NCAA championship titles, winning seven in a row from 1967-1973.

5. Joe DiMaggio

New York Yankees player Joe DiMaggio holds the record for the longest hitting streak of at least one base hit in 56 straight games from May 15, 1941 to July 17, 1941. His record is still unbeaten. DiMaggio beat Willlie Keeler’s 1897 streak of 45 games, and the closest anyone has gotten to either record since was Pete Rose’s streak of 44 games in 1978.

6. Brett Favres

NFL player Brett Favres holds many NFL records, including the most consecutive starts by a player. Favres started in 297 straight games between 1992 and 2010 during his time on the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. He has also won the Associated Press NFL MVP Award three years in a row (1995-1997) and holds the record for the most career pass completions.

7. Glenn Hall

NHL player Glenn Hall, also known as Mr. Goalie, holds the record for the longest streak of games started by a goalie. During his career he started in an impressive 502 consecutive games, a record left untouched.

8. Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs hold the record for the longest World Series drought, playing 108 seasons before finally breaking it and winning in 2016. Other MLB teams have experienced long droughts as well (such as the Red Sox, 85 years before broken), but none come close to the Cubs’ record.

9. Rocky Marciano

Rocky Marciano retired as the World Heavyweight Champion with a record of 49 straight wins between 1952 and 1956. To end a career undefeated is an impressive feat and one envied by many athletes.

10. Oklahoma Sooners Football

Between 1953 and 1957 under head coach Bud Wilkinson, the Oklahoma Sooners won 47 games in a row and also two national championships. No team has beaten this winning streak, though University of Southern California recently game the closest with a 34 game winning streak from 2003 to 2005.

Credit TBA by Seat Geek

Old Sport Shorts: Rainbows #720

October 28, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I feel that my Sports fortunes changed today, so I experienced the overwhelming need to gloat or at least rejoice. I tuned into Indiana University soccer just in time to watch them win an overtime thriller over Michigan State. I had just sent a note to my college friends to remind them that the game was on and they, in turn, warned me not to watch in the interest of the team. I texted back that it was too late, I actually saw them win live, so my luck had certainly changed. I’m sure my skeptical friends were caught by surprise, especially after listening to me bitch about the misfortunes of my favorite teams, and knowing that I could could once again watch and win.

My good friend always speaks facetiously about rainbows. Seeing them in his mind’s eye is how he supposedly maintains his cool as our teams often falter. He always encourages me to “think rainbows” instead of spouting profanities, as I often do. He’s the optimistic alternative to my pessimistic ways. He follows similar teams that I do, and has watched our I.U. football consistently forget there’s a fourth quarter, our basketball team stumble the last ten years, and the University of Oregon Ducks fall short too frickin’ often; not to mention the Cubs, Mariners, White Sox, Pacers, and Trail Blazers, so there must be merit in his words. I, on the other hand, don’t see how it really matters how I react to a loss – it’s still a damn loss! Rainbows – Schmainbows!

We’ve all had to to go outside the traditional boundaries of our interest growing-up to end the losing drought of the past few years, although the Cubs brought some relief with a long-overdue World Series Crown two years ago. We put our support behind the Oregon State baseball team to celebrate a National Championship, and have had to find solace with soccer through the Portland Timbers and our Alma Mater. The problem is that Hoosier soccer has seen great success these past few years but there are few trophies to show for it. The Timbers won it all in 2015, while I.U. lost the National Championship with only one loss all year! I saw no rainbows in that! To make matters worse, despite 35 consecutive BIG Conference victories, it was the ties that cost us the hardware. How does a true competitor react to a worthless tie that only soccer sees as an appropriate way to settle a match?

The storm has apparently passed and today marked the first signs of a rainbow. The Bears, Colts, and Hoosiers all won today, and as icing on the cake, the Packers lost. I.U. won the BIG regular season trophy for the first time in eight years going a perfect 8-0. For 31 consecutive years, the team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament, and 10 straight years before that one off-year in 1986. They have not won the BIG tournament in five years, and have never won it in basketball, that finally starts again this week. I’m hoping this optimistic rainbow over my head leads to many victories in 2019. Unfortunately, the National League could not prevail in the World Series, so my Cub’s favorites were never really in serious contention. This will have to change in years to come!

Here’s to rainbows throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019. 2018 has been a tough year, so I’m looking forward to future prosperity in my world of sports. I don’t expect the Bears to win the Superbowl, but I’d like to see an end to the endless criticism about draft choices, and I’d like to see the Colts see a full year of benefits out of Andrew Luck. Maybe more in 2020? Furthermore, I’d like to see freshman Romeo Langford exceed all expectations at Indiana on the basketball court, and lead the team to a pot of gold. In addition, I would wish for another Hoosier NCAA soccer title, their 9th and first in 6 years. I’d like to see another I.U. football bowl bid, and back-to-back Oregon State College World Series titles. I’d also like to see the Timbers take it all, and the Cubs or White Sox back in division contention. The Ducks and Trail Blazers are not necessarily a priority for me personally, but local favorites certainly deserve success. At least, providing a fall-back if my other favorites fail. I’ve certainly seen enough rain here in the Northwest, but not enough rainbow aftermaths to make it all worthwhile. Show me the colors of the Rainbow!

Old Sport Shorts: Post Season #707

October 17, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I could have, or rather should be watching the Cubs play today. I’ve got the Post Season Blues! My wife and I were in LA last year at this time, to watch them be painfully eliminated by the Dodgers. This year was even worse, losing the Central Division to the Brewers in a Tie-Breaker game and then falling to the Rockies in a Wildcard showdown to quickly end the season. As a result, the Brewers have claimed their Championship trophy as well as their dugout seats at Chavez Ravine, and I’m watching at home. I’m certainly glad they have afternoon games for the benefit of us retirees.

I haven’t written about sports in two weeks now since nothing positive has happened in my world, and I’m still probably in mourning. Even the always reliable I.U soccer team gave up an unprecedented three goals in a loss to Kentucky. In fact, it’s been more than two years since Notre Dame beat them 4-0 in 2016. I.U. Football got off to a good start, but sputtered badly these past couple weeks. My Chicago Bears have lost their last two games. Basketball season hasn’t officially started yet, and I would need to stretch my interests to include the Portland Timbers to find any recent promise. The only news out of the Cubs was the firing of their hitting coach, John Mallee, and consequential hiring of Anthony Iapoce – if that’s anything to get excited about?

I continue to root for the Brewers, despite my sour grapes tendencies to be a bitter loser. It’s easier to stomach since the Astros, Red Sox, and Dodgers are not among my team favorites. The Milwaukee Brewers have never won a World Series, and the franchise has been deprived since 1957, so they continue to have my sympathetic support. Also, it’s nothing new but I’m not optimistic about the I.U. Hoosier football chances against Penn State this week, although they are still on-track for a minor Bowl bid.

Regarding the top-heavy NBA, the Portland Trailblazers will probably have another underwhelming season, while the Indiana Pacers are too far away to generate any sustained interest. Despite my current pessimistic view about sports in general, I actually have high expectations for Coach Archie Miller and his much-talked about recruiting class at Indiana University, my Cream & Crimson Alma Mater. It’s only 15 short days until their exhibition debut against Southern Indiana and anticipation is running high.

To cover one more aspect of my sports interests, we’re starting to receive some wine shipments from our recent visit to Napa Valley. The one I’m anticipating the most is from the Andretti Vineyards. I had no idea the Mario and his family were in the wine business, but it makes sense with the Sonoma Raceway in his back yard. I’m adding a couple of Andretti-produced Indy 500 100-year anniversary bottles to my sports collection that already includes some Cubs wine celebrating the 2016 World Series Champions. I did enjoy going to the Portland International Speedway a few months ago, and seeing the impressive Andretti garage and hospitality set-up. Unfortunately, nephew Marco Andretti was eliminated in the very first turn of the track, a familiar curse that has plagued the family on race day. Son Michael, a current team owner, is related to one of my wife’s co-workers. Mario was great at qualifying and still holds a record with 67 poles, but experienced a lot of misfortune on Sundays. The classic announcer line was always, “Mario is slowing down!” Although he is one of my racing heroes, I once wrote this silly but short poem, that I’m sure the family wouldn’t appreciate:

Mar-i-o

Mar-i-o,
Oh Mar-i-o.
Please tell me,
It Ain’t so.

Round and round,
You’d quickly go.
Then suddenly,
You’d start to slow.

Became a fan,
In Sixty-Nine.
When your Lotus,
Ran just fine.

Granatelli’s kiss?
Is this curse true?
They took Eighty-One,
Away from you.

Bad Valve?
Or out of gas?
You had to sit,
And watch them pass.

You’ve lost a wheel,
Burned your face.
Mechanical failures,
Cost many a race.

Exhaust pipe,
Or another crash.
Indy became,
A Mario bash.

Could you win,
Another crown?
No, Mar-i-o,
“Is slowing down.”

Mar-i-o,
Oh Mar-i-o.
Please tell me,
It Ain’t so.

Old Sport Shorts: Rocky #685

October 2, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

We all know the Rocky Balboa movie-story of strength and persistence. He was down for the count, but somehow managed to ultimately fight his way to victory. The Chicago Cubs are taking on a similar role, as they battle the Rockies in the Wildcard elimination game. It’s Rocky vs. Rockies in my book, with both teams trying to rebound from devastating set-backs in the quests to claim Division Championship. There is not doubt that either squad would gladly give up that honor to get to the World Series. They both have an opportunity, with a win, to eventually face the team that won the regular season. It happened to the Brewers in 2011 when they lost to the Cardinals, who went on to win the World Series.

With that bit of optimism, let me get back to reality. The Cubs don’t have a closer, nor have they had much of an offense down the stretch. They are plagued with injury, lack of rest, and a tricky personnel issue. To make matters worse, they often fall behind early and have been forced to come-from-behind in nearly half of their victories this season. Their opponent has been hot down the stretch, winning 9 out of 10 before falling to the Dodgers in the tie-breaker. The Rockies also have Cubs closer, Wade Davis, their sole All-Star last year that they’ve failed to adequately replace. Hopefully, late innings will not be Chicago’s downfall like it was against the Brew Crew. As the game got underway at the Friendly Confines, there was little room for error by either team.

The game started in a predictable manner with runners on base, as Jon Lester was not getting the strike calls and the Rockies were hitting the ball hard. Things looked ominous after a lead-off walk to Charlie Blackman and quickly followed by a lucky break for the Cubs. The potential scoring liner by DJ LeMahieu was ruled a ground-rule double after it disappeared in the center field ivy. Lester was able to escape after giving up only one run, but the Cubs were faced with another come-from-behind effort, as has been the pattern all year long.

A leaping grab by Albert Almora on a near home run, coupled with a reversed-call on a pick-off play by the Rockies were the only Cub highlights early in the game. Both teams were successful in getting lead-off hits, while the Rockies just missed on solid shots down the first and third foul lines. Colorado seemed to be making better contact with their bats, but at least the Cubs were getting a few hits. Unfortunately, they weren’t putting them together.

After the third inning, I badly needed a glass of wine. The first third of the game was all Rockies. With a one-run lead and Wade Davis lurking in the bullpen, the Rockies continued to send Cub outfielders to the warning track. Lester’s pitches were getting absolutely crushed, including a double by Matt Holliday, but the Rockies continued to strike-out in critical situations. He was credited with eight after just five innings of work, but his teammates failed to produce even one run in support, dribbling grounders that barely cleared the pitching mound. Kyle Freeland, matched him stride-for-stride, giving up only 2 hits on five strikeouts.

A big turning point came in the bottom of the sixth when the decision was made to pull Jon Lester in favor of pinch-hitter Ian Happ. He had just allowed another double to Trevor Story but got out of trouble with his 9th strikeout against Holliday. It was a shame that his teammates had wasted his outstanding performance and that all Happ could make happen was a walk. Zobrist failed miserably in advancing the runner by striking out, and I took a walk with the dogs to cool off my temper. By the time I got back, Rizzo hit into a double play. No Hits, No Runs, No Lester.

Jesse Chavez replaced Lester in the 7th and immediately gave up a hit. It looked like Joe Maddon’s decision had backfired, but a deep fly to Kris Bryant in left by David Dahl resulted in a double-play as Ian Desmond tried to put himself in scoring position.

Albert Almora got his second hit of the night off Freeman, who was nearing the end of his evening but managed one last big out as Daniel Murphy lined to the shortstop. It was the Rockie’s turn to make a critical pitching change. Adam Ottavino got the call and proceeded to throw a wild pitch followed by a walk to Willson Contreras. For the first time, the Cubs were mounting a threat, as pinch-hitting ace Tommy LaStella stepped to the plate. He reached first on catcher’s interference. It was all up to Jason Heywood, but he struck out Might-ally. No runs. One Hit. No Clutch.

It was the top of the eighth, an Achilles Heel for the Cubs in recent games, without a legitimate closer. It was just yesterday in the 8th when the Brewers put the game away. Randy Rosario entered the game and predictably gave up a walk before facing Charlie Blackman. He surprisingly popped out to Bryant, allowing yesterday’s goat, Steve Cicek, to face LeMahieu. Hey! Hey! Double Play.

Then came the biggest stolen base in Cubs Playoff history, as Terrance Gore replaced Anthony Rizzo after a critical base-hit and promptly swiped second base. It set the stage for Javier Baez to hit a two-out RBI double and tie the score. It took former Cub Wade Davis to end the inning, shortly after he watched Baez steal third. Two Hits. One stolen base. No Rizzo.

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop then attempted his come-back from injury, hoping he could preserve the tie, and give the Cubs a chance to win it in the bottom of the ninth. A single by Trevor Story, put the Rockies in scoring position after Gerardo Parra bounced out to Murphy for out number two. Ian Desmond then struck out, giving Strop his second K of the inning after three weeks of rehabilitation.

Wade Davis got the Wrigley faithful excited when he walked Willson Contreras, bringing powerful Kyle Schwarber to the plate. However, just like the “Mighty Casey,” he sadly struck out, while Jason Heywood at least made contact but grounded out to Davis. It was now up to Cole Hamels in extra innings to contain the dangerous Rockies. Dahl grounds out. Carlos Gonzalez single. Butera pops out. Valaika strikes out. No Runs. One Hit. No Wade Davis.

The Rockies next called on Sueng-Hwan Oh to pitch the bottom of the 10th. One-Two-Three. Zobrist grounds out. Bryant out to a diving Arenado. Gore strikes out. Another chance for the Rockies in the 11th, as the Cubs fail again to capitalize on a walk-off victory, and certainly can’t afford to fall behind. LeMahieu out. Arenado clean base hit. Story popped out to second. Parra walks, moving Arenado into scoring position. Desmond had already stranded two, but beat out an infield single on a Bryant mental error. Bases Loaded. Two Outs. Dahl fails to deliver. It’s getting late in Chicago, approaching the witching hour.

And so it goes…Baez walks. Almora Sacrifices. Murphy walks. Contreras cramps up then grounds into the force out. 47 games in 49 days is beginning to take its toll on the exhausted Cubbies. Baserunning interference (a hug) nearly ends the Cubs rally, and Oh is replaced by Chris Rusin. Victor Caratini hits for Cole Hamels, but fails to end it. No Cubs hits again!

To start the 12th, Justin Wilson replaces Hamels and promptly gets Gonzales, then benched for a more reliable Kyle Hendricks to handle Drew Butera. Two Outs. Two Strikes. Can of Corn to center. Cubs turn. Two quick outs and another Rockies pitching change to face Kris Bryant, who is one for five, and Scott Oberg strikes him out for the third time on the night. No Rizzo. How will the Cubs ever score?

Fortunes may be running out? Hendricks is facing “Batman and Robin,” the dynamic duo of the Rockies. Two down. Story (Robin) sneaks one through the infield. Baez with more grass stains on his jersey while attempting to run it down. Parra at the plate and puts runners at first and third. Tony Wolters, who just entered the game in the 13th, gets the third straight single with two outs. Unlucky 13 for the Cubs? Hendricks out…Jorge De La Rosa in, the Rockies all-time winning pitcher is now a Cub, trying to keep the lead at only one run.

Once again, can the Cubs possibly score more than one run? It’s all they were able to cobble together yesterday in the loss to the Brewers. Things aren’t going well for Maddon as Gore, with one career hit, stands at the plate instead of Rizzo, who gave the Cubs their only run yesterday. He almost gets away with a hit-batsman but instead, he strikes out. Baez and Almora are the last two chances to win or extend the game and the season. Too Much Swing. Strike Two. Strike Three. Almora strikes out as well, and there’s stunned silence on the North Side of Chicago. The Rockies are the second team in two nights to celebrate on sacred Cubs turf. The Rockies are this year’s Rocky!