Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 50 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Old Sport Shorts: Em-Bear-Ass-ment #658

September 10, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Talk about embarrassing, I’m not sure there could have been a worse night for Bears’ fans. I didn’t get a chance to watch the game because I was on a flight home from Austin. When we landed, the 3rd quarter was about to end, and I said to my wife “there’s a shocker!” pointing to the Chicago vs. Green Bay score on my phone. She couldn’t have cared less, but I had to show it to someone. It was 20-3 and admittedly I had visions of a Bears victory. After all, the Browns had actually achieved a stunning tie against the Steelers. I had been expecting a Packer’s blowout, with the thought of Billionaire Cheese Head, Aaron Rodgers, on opening night at Lambeau Field after signing a record-setting contract with the team. I didn’t know any of the details of the game as I got off the plane.

I wasn’t that Rogers had been carted off the field before halftime, and had come back into the game after what was thought to possibly be a season-ending knee injury. All I knew was the score. By the time I left the restroom, it was already 20-10, and by the time I got my luggage it was 20-17. The Bears kicked a field goal while I was on the shuttle, but a 6-point lead with a little more than 2 minutes to go and a hot-handed Aaron Rodgers spelled doom. It was just a question of how would the Bears blow it? Thirty seconds later, we had the answer, a 75-yard touchdown pass with still two minutes remaining. The defense blew the coverage, and the offense couldn’t recover on the final drive. Packers 24 Bears 23.

It wouldn’t have been as devastating if they had lost 34-0. I was speechless in the car driving home, with no one to vent to about what happened. My wife will never understand my moods when it comes to sports, so it had to be expressed in this blog. Indiana University had won their second straight football game the day before, and that picked me up despite a double-header loss by the Cubs. I would have never expected a Bears victory in Green Bay, until I saw that third quarter lead. Yet, there was something dark inside me that foresaw the highlights that I finally watched today. 75 yards for the winning touchdown, as if Aaron Rodgers needed another highlight against the lowly Bears. Can you imagine how excited Chicago fans would have been today, if Da Bears had somehow pulled this off. It would have been the greatest sport moment for the city since the Cubs World Series. Life there will be different today, and probably for the rest of the season, while the Packer’s have taken their first step to the Super Bowl, even if it was a limp. Packers 24 Bears 23.

I was sure that it was only a bad dream, but now I’m having similar concerns about the Cubs. It would have been a completely different atmosphere at Wrigley Field tonight, where the Bears played their final game in 1970. The Cubs have a slim two-game lead against the hungry Brewers, who are being pushed by the streaking Cardinals. It’s a similar scenario: up by six with two minutes to go, but this is the Cubs not the Bears, and hopefully it will have a better ending. A Cubs sweep might make up for Em-Bear-Ass-ment.

I made the mistake of feeling optimistic going into the fourth quarter of last night’s game. Granted, I didn’t know the circumstances at the time. Nonetheless, the Bears made an “Ass” out of me – no “Butts” about it! As a result, I have reduced expectations about this upcoming series against the hard-hitting Brew Crew, who have had their share of disappointment. I’m sure they have extra hope after watching their Packers turn the Bears’ prevent defense into Swiss Cheese. Let’s hope that I have more positive things to write about tomorrow rather than: Packers 24-Bears 23.

Old Sport Shorts: Closure #654

September 6, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubs were not exactly “closers,” emphasizing my biggest fear with this year’s team. As Brandon Morrow remains on the DL, they’re struggling with inconsistent relief by committee, an undesirable position to be in down the stretch. They had their largest division lead headed into Milwaukee and lost two straight, also suffering from ineffective run production. They could not afford a Brewer’s sweep headed into the finale. The red-hot Cardinals are also lurking, but have sputtered at the Nats. They blew a lead in the bottom of the 9th in the opener to a Bryce Harper game- tying homer and lost it in the 10th. They didn’t allow history to repeat itself in game 3 and took the series after squandering a 6-1 lead. The Cubs head there next for a four-game series, after narrowly escaping that Brew Crew sweep, following a predictably poor relief effort by recent acquisition Jesse Chavez, giving up a two-run homer in the 7th to Curtis Granderson. Cishek and Wilson combine to get them through the 8th, but the Cubs need insurance and don’t get it. In the bottom of the 9th Strop walks the leadoff hitter on four straight pitches and allows a clean hit to Christian Yelich. You can almost see the two-run lead once-again slipping away, with only Carl Edwards Jr. in waiting. Me of little faith is surprised when a Strop strike-out wins the game, and extends the Cubs lead to 4-games.

Kris Bryant is finally back in the line-up for the Cubs, but showed some defensive rust with a bad decision not to get the lead runner at home that cost them the opening game. This was after Rizzo had given them their first lead with another 2-run shot late in the game. His timely offense was not enough to counter the poor pitching that allowed a Brewer comeback victory without a single hit. This is what worries me come playoff time, and why I don’t think the Cubs have what it takes to win it all this year. Please prove me wrong.

With all the come-from-behind victories and shaky finishes, it’s been an edge-of-your-seat kind of year. 82-victories is certainly respectable, in fact there’s nobody better in the National League. The Cards are 4 1/2 games out and remain a Wild Card contender, just behind the Brewers. 23-games remain on the Cub schedule including 3 more against the Brewers and 3 versus the Cards, all at the “Friendly Confines.” Let’s hope that Cubs’ pitching finds a way to “close” things out this season, and helps us grab another gold ring. “Pass the coffee please.”

Retirement is not without Hassles: Race Day #650

September 3, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I remember how excited we would get on Race Day in Indianapolis. We had black-and-white checkered flags decorating the yard and a Valvoline banner over the garage. We’d get up at 3 a.m. to head to the Speedway, anticipating problems with traffic and parking. The unwritten rule was that if you don’t go early – don’t go at all. The very first couple of years I went, we didn’t even have seats, so we wandered around the infield with the rest of the masses. In those days, race fans put together elaborate canvas villages on the inside of the track with furniture, carpeting, bars, and unbelievable spreads of food. Cars were even allowed inside the two-and-a-half-mile oval. Everything was usually left behind at the end of the day like an abandoned homeless camp. It was the closest thing to Woodstock that I could ever imagine.

Getting to and from the track was the biggest challenge, no matter how much experience you had with attending the event. You could easily sit for hours in traffic before you finally found a parking spot. There was a Coca-Cola lot directly across from the track that served us for the first couple of years, but it was often muddy, congested, and relatively costly. It was even more difficult to navigate at the end of the day. Also, your seats could be clear on the other side of the track, so you needed to be prepared to walk several miles hauling a heavy cooler. Concession prices were high in those early days of living on a strict budget and the lines to get food & beverages daunting. You also never knew what you might witness in an infield restroom. It was a great sense of relief once you finally found your seats and settled in for the start, after 6 or 7 hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic, suffocating crowds, long walks, stairs, and dealing with seat poachers who were hoping you wouldn’t show-up.

Radio was king since television coverage of the race was blacked-out in the city, and the sounds of driver and owner pre-race interviews filled the air. Festivities started at 9:30 a.m with parade laps, dignitary recognition, a balloon release and the traditional singing of “Back Home Again In Indiana” by Jim Nabors. These activities would be followed an Air Force jet fly-over and the now chauvinistic words of, “Gentlemen start your engines.” I was usually enamored by the start of the race, and then would lose interest until the finish. There were no big screen monitors at that time, so everyone only witnessed a small window of the competition, unless you could observe the constant activity in the pits. The radio announcers kept you informed of what was happening where you weren’t.

Those were the good old days. before I had the connections and cash to get to the track by police escort and even on one occasion a helicopter. I had badges and parking passes that eased the way through security, and access to the pit area, garages, hospitality and suites. I could leave a little later, eat a little better, and see more of the race. It was a much better experience, but I’m sure I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much if I didn’t pay my dues. I usually had access to any kind of tickets through the media and rarely had to pay, so I’ve always been spoiled in that regard. However, everyone was on their own getting to the track and a parking pass was the most valuable asset you could possibly own.

It was a completely different experience at the Portland International Raceway yesterday. Of course, it’s in no way comparable to the massive size and crowds of the Indy 500, but it has the distinct advantage of being conveniently located directly on the public transportation rail-line. We paid an “Honored Citizen” rate of $2.50, parked for free, and rode to and from the entrance of the track hassle free. We left two hours before the race and got there in time for the pre-race ceremonies. It was probably the best track navigation experience I’ve had, other than the helicopter, and certainly the cheapest. Even some of the drivers indicated that it took them more time to get into the track then me, as eager fans stuck to the old-fashioned rule of arriving early. I might even think about going back next year and leaving a little later!

Also see Post #330

Retirement is not without Hassles: Let’s Go Racing #647

September 1, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s been 10 years since Indy Car racing has been in Portland and 30 years since I’ve been to a race here. At that time, I was part of a sports marketing group cleverly called BRG Sports Marketing. There were just four of us in the operation, the three founding partners and myself. I was kind of the tag-a-long “weekend warrior,” who worked out a few small deals for the team, but got to experience the not-so-glamorous life of traveling from circuit to circuit. As a result, I’ve been to most of the racetracks around the country, and one time even got to be part of the pit crew, although my main role was to develop and entertain our sponsors. Yesterday, I was back on pit row, reliving some of the memories of that busy time in my life.

A buddy of mine got us Paddock passes for the practice session, qualifying, and the race on Sunday. Our seats are in the inside of the track at the chicane that you see on the layout of the course that headlines this post. We took the MAX to avoid any parking problems usually associated with an event of this size. I was able to hook-up with an old friend from the radio business, who really introduced me to sponsorship aspects of the sport. Her husband was a driver, and now so is her son, so she owns her own sports marketing firm back in Indianapolis. I had not seen her in at least 20-years but we eased back into the friendship. I had arranged to meet her at the track after a mutual friend, who couldn’t come to Portland, put us back in touch with each other over the phone. I also got together with two other pit crew “teammates,” and spoke with the current manager of the facility, who was my radio advertising account a few years ago before my retirement. The other thing I noticed was that while it was a work day for most people, I did not feel that guilt of sneaking away from the office to go network at the speedway. I remember being at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway almost every “work” day in May, and would often go into the office very early to get my “real” work done before heading to the track for my “play” job.

Thirty years ago it was names like Andretti, Foyt, Unser, Coyne, Daly, Fittipaldi, and Rahal. These racing families are still active in the sport, but today it’s sons and grandsons, while the former stars are now owners. It was amazing to see some of the massive pop-up garage and suite structures that have been developed to house equipment and entertain clients. It’s like the old days when the circus came to town, but modernized with hydraulics, sleek transporters, and luxury motor homes. It’s very different from the permanent garage facilities at the larger speedways. I haven’t been to an Indy Car race for probably 16 years, but I have attended the Brickyard 500, Formula One races in both Indy and Austin, plus the Daytona 500 since my last Indy Car event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In each case, it’s an adventure just trying to have a normal conversation, and probably one of many reasons why my hearing is suffering. What did you say? I said…”Let’s Go Racing!” “What? Who’s singing?”

Retirement is not without Hassles: 67 Things #642

August 27, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Today is my 67th birthday and a big day for Portland area school kids, who returned to classes this morning. All throughout my 66th year I made many references to Route 66 as a personal theme for the year. Well, all good things must come to an end, as does Route 66 at the Santa Monica Pier. In thinking back, I’ve been able to establish a theme for the last four years, including Medicare at 62, Twenty-one for the third time for 63, the Beatles tune, “When I’m 64”, Social Security at 65, and last year’s nostalgic highway references. Coming up with a theme for 67 is a much more difficult task, as nothing comes directly to mind. Google searches have not been successful, as yet, since no songs, movies, athletes, or books have made the number memorable. There’s Buddy Arlington’s NASCAR, the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, and Chicago’s song “Questions 67 and 68,” but nothing worth writing about.

In honor of the occasion, I decided to steal a page from New Year’s Eve and write some resolutions. So, break out the champagne, and bear with me until I come up with a better idea.

67 Things to do before I’m 68 (with a few more for good measure)

Tell my wife “I Love her” a million times (well maybe 114x a day is a bit excessive, but you get the point)
Get my grandkids to Portland (maybe when the Cubs play the Mariners in Seattle)
Buy a new tank-less water heater
Take my wife to French Laundry in NAPA for dinner and then for a Wine Country weekend
10 days in Thailand
Cubs vs. White Sox in Chicago
Run and exercise everyday (celebrate 10 consecutive years at the end of December)
Portland Indy Car race
Write at least 25 new poems (plus 10 exclusively for my wife)
Maintain daily blog (blog.johnstonwrites.com)
Gift at least 10 Limoges boxes
50 Wednesday Date Nights
Watch 50 movies
50 Sister calls on Mondays
40 Dinners cooked on Tuesdays (or at least one night a week when not traveling)
Reunite with friends in Austin
Meet at least 10 Banister relatives
Read 50 books
Go to Vancouver Gardens
St. Louis for a baseball game
Drink 52 bottles of Walleye Wine and help 4 times
Go to Disneyworld with wife
Spring Training game in Arizona or Florida
IU Basketball Game (tournament season please)
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
Las Vegas weekend to celebrate 18 years of marriage
Buy some new casual shoes (to make my wife happy)
Buy a second pair of running shoes (to make my feet happy)
New rain suit for running
Repair Solara and Lexus dents
Visit a National Park (but don’t camp there)
Get a BIG Network subscription (or change internet/cable providers)
Go to a Ducks football game
See 3 Oregon State baseball games
Take the dogs to the coast at least 4 times
Go 8 Broadway Shows (including NYC)
Go to at least 5 major concerts
Go to a Timbers game
Go to a Trailblazers game
Organize 50 Leadership Meetings
Write a book
Watch 20 new television series
Buy some new eyeglasses
Buy my wife a new ring
Drink Diet Coke whenever possible
Go kayaking
Visit my sister and friends in Elkhart
Ski at Steamboat
At least 5 ski trips to Mt. Hood
Visit Jessica Fletcher’s House
Book Marriott Vacation Club trips for 2019 and 2010
Travel to Hawaii
Get together with friends in Indy
Attend at least 7 baseball card shows and continue collecting
Go to at least 5 antique shows to look for sports memorabilia
Compliment my wife at least a million times (see item #1)
Gift Angel Delicious Hand Cream four times a year
San Diego for a baseball game
Go to a Hops Game
Attend a high school football game
Go to my 50th High School Reunion
Get the interior and ceilings of the house painted
Get the windows washed (inside and out)
See an NFL game
Go to a high school basketball game
Add another 1000 names to my Ancestry tree
First class flight upgrade
4 Oregon Wine Country trips
See Zanna four times
Clean the house 30 times and hire some help
60 nights away from home
Visit Bend

They are in no particular order, except for the most important – Item #1. They include the important things in life like spouses, family, friends, food & drink, travel, sports, music, domestic responsibilities, home, clothing, car, gift-giving, and entertainment. It starts tomorrow with window cleaning, Indy Car racing this weekend, and friends in town, followed by a trip to Austin next week for a wedding. I feel pretty confident that I can achieve most of this list of 67, but I added a few more, just in case. To describe my age, I do prefer the word “Vintage” as opposed to “Fossil.” Here’s to another great year of retirement!

Old Sport Shorts: Thanks Reds #640

August 26, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubbies got a much needed 4-game sweep against the last place Cincinnati Reds to get to 15 wins in August. Their 15-8 record so far this month is keeping their heads barely above water, considering the Cardinals just won their 19th today against only 5 losses. A strong August record tends to propel a team into the homestretch of the playoff drive, and the Red Birds are the hottest team in baseball. The Brewers also continue to be a threat for the Central Division Championship and Wild Card race despite only their 10th August victory. The Reds are not the worst team in the National League this year, but four straight losses to the Cubs does not help their confidence. I would have to say “Thank You” for being there on the schedule when the Cubs needed it most.

Despite their 76 wins this season, the most in the National League, the team has struggled. Too many games have been decided by comeback victories and late-inning heroics to make me comfortable. A key moment in the Reds sweep was another walk-off homer by rookie David Bote. It was a remarkable encore to his decisive grand slam a few weeks ago, serving as a replacement for injured Kris Bryant. Also, the addition of Daniel Murphy into the lineup was an essential factor in earning these key victories. He has seven hits in four games, including 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Cole Hamels has already won 4 games with a .79 ERA and a complete game since his recent acquisition from the Rangers. These were three guys that were not regularly in the lineup until after the All Star break. Yu Darvish is done for the season, Brandon Morrow continues on the DL, and Addison Russell just joined him. It’s been a struggle, with masterful replacement moves to the rescue.

The Mets are the next challenge on the home schedule, with roads trips to Philadelphia, Washington, and Washington to follow. It will be interesting to see how Joe Maddon continues to juggle the lineup. By the time I get to Chicago in late September to watch them play at Guaranteed Park against the White Sox, another sweep against a weak opponent may be just what the doctor ordered. However, the White Sox just won three straight against the Tigers and have brought up their top pitching prospect, Michael Kopech, to finish the season. He earned his first win today against Detroit, and I hope to see him against the Cubs in the Windy City.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Fossils #639

August 26, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

As the sun sets over Lincoln City, I’m reflecting on today’s activities. I got my 12 cents worth out of this morning’s run and my wife found a fossil older than I am. I also spent some time writing a portion of this while sitting on a campfire log on the sandy beach. Whales were playing once again about 100 yards offshore, as the rolling waves collided with the shoreline. There is a wonderful healing effect that only comes with time at the beach, even though my comfortable retirement life isn’t exactly filled with stress. As I look at the photos my wife posted, it almost appears as if I actually enjoy the outdoors.

Neither of our dogs were as active as I expected when turned them loose on the beach. Tally played in a freshwater drainage pond, while Tinker tried unsuccessfully to coax her to the other side. The hills were too steep for our escape-artist to work her magic. Tinker was content just being at our side. I was monitoring the world of sports on my phone, as technology prevailed over inner reflection. The Cubs, White Sox, Colts, and Bears all won today, a very rare team favorites sweep for me.

Lunch was at the Wildflower Grill and dinner at the Bay House. My wife tried to make it special with a candle on a scoop of chocolate ice cream, another violation of my low-carb “diet.” I’ve far surpassed my weight loss expectations, so a bit of Birthday decadence is in order. As a birthday surprise, she found an autographed Portland Trailblazers basketball at a nearby antique store, while she was out shopping for fossils at Prehistoric Rocks. To find something older than me was apparently easy in that shop, as they carefully loaded our trunk with her heavy load. I guess if we hit snow on the way home, I’ll get plenty of traction.

I often look for change on the ground while I’m running, so the dime and two pennies that I found is not unusual. Some find religious significance in rescuing coins from abandonment, citing the “IN GOD WE TRUST” message that money delivers. Others believe that finding a coin on the ground is a “wink” from an angel. Honestly, I just like finding things, or maybe it’s a fear of being penniless? Nonetheless, I always put it in my pocket for good luck. By the way, none of these coins were older than me!

Old Sport Shorts: Dubious Record #636

August 22, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I have to rant a little bit about the Cubs today. They set another Major League Baseball record, scoring only one run in each of their last five games, all via solo home runs. A good 10-5 start to August, a critical month in the drive to a pennant, is getting ugly, especially considering these games have been against the struggling Pirates and Tigers. Happ, Zobrist, Rizzo, and Schwarber (2x) have provided the lowly offense, while Cub pitchers have been effective, giving up only 7 runs in 47 innings of work. The result: a rocky 10-8 August push, while the Cardinals have gone 16-4 in the same time span. Hopefully, yesterday’s acquisition of Daniel Murphy from the Nationals will stop the bleeding, as he’s been an offensive terror in Wrigley Field as an opposing hitter.

As a baseball card collector, you have to narrow your focus because you can’t buy everything. I decided early this season to buy highlight cards that are printed in limited quantities. Topps Now offers such cards that are unique to collectors and sold only for 24 hours. They usually only sell five different cards a day based on record-breaking and outstanding individual achievement. I decided from the beginning of the season to buy any cards they issue for the Cubs, White Sox, and Angels’ rookie Shohei Ohtani. So far, with the injuries to Ohtani, the lack of highlights by the White Sox, and the inconsistent Cub play, I haven’t spent much, even with a $10 individual cost. It will be interesting to see if they issue a card for this dubious Cubs record of five straight one-run games. Also, it looks like I’ll avoid having to buy the debut card of White Sox rookie, Michael Kopech, who had an uneventful start last night. Ohtani hit well but the Angels lost. I probably will not be adding to my collection today, although even after the Cubs lost the other night, they sold an exclusive Living Set of cards for Ryne Sandburg and Anthony Rizzo to get my money anyway. It was interesting that the Rizzo card was bundled in a package with a Daniel Murphy card the day before it was announced he would be a Cub. These cards give me something to look forward to in the mailbox each day.

Speaking of collecting baseball stuff, here’s a lesson in investing that might be of interest. My son sent me some photos of a baseball that his Grandmother found in her sister’s attic. It was hidden in a box with a bunch of Christmas ornaments and was nearly thrown-out with the trash. As it turns out, the ball was a gift to my former mother-in-law’s sister from a group of co-workers that went to Yankee Stadium for the World Series. She was left behind to run the office in their absence. After some research, the autographs on the ball were from the 1937 champions, including a rare signature from skipper Joe McCarthy, plus Lefty Gomez, Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Gehrig . It was recently valued and authenticated by Antique Roadshow at $45,000. By the same token, Mickey Mantle’s 1964 World Series jersey recently sold at auction for 1.32 Million.

As I told my son, the value is only what someone else is willing to pay for it. Most of my collection is only worth something to me, but who knows? There may be something that I pass on to him someday that might be worth more than the $10 that I paid for it. The things in my office make me smile, as do the baseball cards that come in the mail. That’s all I can ask for as a collector of treasured junk. I just hope the Cubs can “collect” a “W” today against the Tigers, even if it just takes one run…again.

Old Sport Shorts: Poetic Baseball #632

August 18, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubs are doing what they need to do in August – Win! They’ve been nerve-wracking, gut-wrenching victories verging on “Ugly,” but so far they’re somehow 10-5 this month. I prefer to call it poetic, referring to the two most famous poems in baseball history. First, there was David Bote’s “Casey at the Bat” moment where he actually did what Casey was expected to do, and there was joy in Wrigleyville. (See Post #626). Last night, it was a Major League record-tying 7 double plays, reminiscent of the days of the famous Tinker, Evers, and Chance infield (See Post #54) that inspired the poem “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon.”

It was not typical Cubs “come-from-behind” baseball these past couple of days in Pittsburgh. Two consecutive 1-0 road wins also has to be some kind of record, since these have been the only back-to-back shutouts all season for Cubs pitching. It was also not Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance that brought home the “W” but rather Zobrist-to-Addison-to-Rizzo, Baez-to-Rizzo, Baez-to-Zobrist-to-Rizzo, Zobrist-to-Russel-to-Rizzo, Baez (4)-to-Russell (6)-to-Rizzo (3), Russell (6)-to-Baez (4)-to-Rizzo (3), and Bote (5)-to-Rizzo (3) to finally end the game. Seven-DPs have only been executed on two other occasions in baseball history, involving the 1969 SF Giants and 1942 Philadelphia Athletics. Both of those teams lost, so Kyle Schwarber’s solo shot in the second inning home run gave the Cubs the only seven-double-play-victory in history. Fly the “W” for Cubs starter Cole Hamels. Jon Lester had 8 strikeouts, Ian Happ homered, and there was only one double-play the night before for the exact same 1-0 result.

That many double plays in one game hadn’t happened in 49 years of baseball, just as Bote’s Ultimate Grand Slam a week ago was last done by Chris Hoiles on May 17, 1996 – 22 years ago, and Alan Trammel June 21, 1988 – 30 years ago: “Bases loaded, two outs, full count, bottom of the ninth, and down by three runs at the crack of the bat.” It’s been poetry in motion, watching the accomplishments of the Cubs in August. The month is only half over, as they continue their drive to win the Central Division over the slugging Brewers and streaking Cardinals. It will take even more heroics to win the World Series. David Bote, who has played a major role in this stretch in place of the injured Kris Bryant, has shown both offensive and defensive prowess. I saw him less than a month ago tie the game against the Diamondbacks in the bottom of the ninth with a center field blast, enabling Anthony Rizzo to win it in walk-off style.

It was that moment at Wrigley Field that I enjoyed with my 3 grandchildren, son, and nephew. The only thing that went wrong that day was that we couldn’t find our commemorative brick that my wife gave me as a gift eleven years ago. “3 Generations: Mike, Adam, Gavyn 9/10/2007. All three of us were in the stands that afternoon for an exciting 12-3 thrashing of the Cardinals. Gavyn was just a baby. Ted Lilly got the victory for the Cubs. Derek Lee went 3-5 and hit his 18th homer, while Aramis Ramirez was 4-5 at the plate and clubbed his 21st and 22nd round-trippers. My grandson Gavyn posed with the actual brick on our next visit after we located it in the Leo Durocher section along Clark Street. Last month, we wanted another picture of our brick with ten-year-older Gavyn, but due to all the construction the past couple years around the park, it was no longer in the Durocher section that had been relocated to Sheffield Avenue. I called the Cubs office to complain, and it took them about two weeks to find the brick’s new location. Unfortunately, we never got the picture, but the brick is now in the Frank Chance section. He is of course part of that poetic double-play 6-4-3 trio that helped win “back-to-back” 1907 and 1908 World Series titles. I feel our brick is in a better place now than enshrined with a guy nick-named “Leo the Lip.”

Old Sport Shorts: Grand Slam “W” #626

August 13, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubs seem to have gotten themselves in a difficult pattern. They tend to fall behind early in games and rely on late inning heroics to bail them out. It happened again last night, trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the 9th to the Nationals. Washington ace, Max Scherzer struck out 11 and gave up only 3 hits over 7 innings to take a 1-0 lead over heavyweight contender Cole Hamels, making his Cubs debut at Wrigley Field. Hamels only allowed one hit and struck-out 9, but that hit after a walk allowed the Nats to score on a sacrifice fly. Cubs reliever, Brandon Kintzler, then put his team in an even bigger hole when two more runs scored in the top of the 9th after Kyle Schwarber misplayed a double off the brick wall on the third base side. The Nats had all but wrapped-up the series….but wait!

As David Bote stepped to the plate to pinch-hit last night, I couldn’t help but think back eighteen days ago when I was at Wrigley Field with my family. He hit a two-run ninth inning homer to tie that game against the Diamondbacks, allowing Anthony Rizzo to win it with a walk-off. It was one of the most amazing finishes I’ve ever witnessed. At that point in the season, they had just registered their league-leading 31st come-from-behind-victory. Last night marked the 35th time in 68 victories where the Cubs somehow bounced back to win. It’s not good for the heart, but it takes a lot of heart to do!

It was a classic “Casey At The Bat” moment for David Bote. (See Post #64). The bases were loaded with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and strike two had just crossed the plate. The “Mighty Bote” made Wrigley Field magic with a game winning Grand Slam. There was little doubt when it left his bat, and little left of his jersey as he crossed home plate. I had almost given up on the Cubs at that point, so I’m glad I was still tuned-in when he was announced as the pinch-hitter. It was fun to be a Cubs fan last night, and I’m envious of those that were there to experience the moment live – like Bill Murray who gave him a hug after the game. Bote made our day special at Wrigley Field with my three grand kids as we sang “Go Cubs Go,” following his two-run homer, so I can just imagine how the place erupted for a Grand Slam “W.”