Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 52 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Retirement is not without Hassles: Fireworks #585

July 2, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s soon to be another Fourth of July, and like everything else I’ve kept track of the fireworks my wife and I have watched throughout our nineteen years together. Of course, I see animated fireworks frequently after winning a game of “Spider Solitaire,” but these were all occasions of celebration with each other, family, and friends. This will be our 20th 4th of July as a couple, and this year we’ll be entertaining my stepdaughter’s boyfriend for dinner at the house. We live in a quiet neighborhood where the dogs won’t have to spend the night in panic, so seeing fireworks this year would require a bit more planning. Here are 44 special moments in time when fireworks made our day:

My wife’s birthday dinner at Dunaways’ Indianapolis rooftop as part of Indy Jazz Fest
Rochester, Indiana Airport 4th of July display on a blanket
Epcot Center Disneyworld
Rochester 4th of July celebration with my wife’s mother
Cinderella’s Castle Disneyworld
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Disneyworld my 50^th
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Gershwin Conner Prairie concert Symphony on the Prairie
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Rochester lake deck 4th of July with my wife’s mother
Side of road on way back to Rochester from the Strongbow Turkey Inn Valparaiso with my wife’s mother
Huatulco Beach wedding party for strangers
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Rochester 4th of July with my wife’s mother
Venetian Festival Chicago Cruise
Labor Day Sky Concert Indy
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Disneyland Anaheim
Par Tee fundraising event Decatur, Illinois
Conner Prairie 4th of July concert Symphony on the Prairie
Busch Stadium St. Louis vs. Cubs
Drive-by US Cellular on way to Orchid Show
Navy Pier Chicago after business meetings
Decatur bridge drive during 4th of July celebration
Decatur Country Club Fireworks on the 4th through the trees at our neighbor’s house
Rochester 4th of July with my wife’s mother
Auditorium Shores Austin, Texas 4th of July celebration
South Padre Island, Texas – Steamers dinner on dock Memorial Weekend
Rochester 4th of July fireworks with my wife’s daughter and our own Tennessee-bought display
Guest Bedroom Window through the trees– Austin New Year’s Eve
Rochester Fourth with family on lake house deck
Corpus Christi, Texas festival fireworks – Toastmaster’s convention
University of Texas Graduation fireworks off tower
Cinderella’s Castle Disneyworld with grandkids
Harbor in Port Aransas, Texas 4th of July – dogs cowering out of fear
Rochester 4th of July from inside lake house living room – sadly no longer in the family
Labor Day Indigo West apartment distant viewing
Steamboat Mountainside Winter Carnival
Blues Festival Portland
Labor Day Oregon Symphony at Willamette
White Sox Guaranteed Park scoreboard
Steamboat Mountainside Winter Carnival year 2
Busch Stadium Cubs v Cards

Symphony on the Prairie was a must-go concert event when we lived in Indianapolis. The shows typically ended in an impressive fireworks display, particularly as the William Tell Overture played each Fourth of July. We saw at least 7 of these shows in the early years of our relationship. It was an annual tradition to go to Conner Prairie before or after traveling up to my mother-in-law’s Rochester lake home for more fireworks. We did this for at least 9 years, making my wife’s hometown the place where we’ve seen the most pyrotechnics. My wife’s mother always enjoyed our 4th of July weekend visits to Lake Manitou and her pier is where I made my July 1st marriage proposal 18 years ago. We could see and hear the Rochester fireworks show clearly from the small airport directly across the lake from her house. In the early years of going, we would also drive her to some of the neighboring town celebrations. She liked these shows as much as we did, but the house has now been sold and she’s in Assisted Living, while we’re unable to get there again this year. Hopefully, my wife’s sister will drive her to a viewing spot where she can relive 96-years of 4th of July memories.

For my wife and I, Disney probably provided the next most frequent place for us to watch fireworks magic, having enjoyed their displays on at least five different occasions. Ballparks, carnivals, festivals, weddings, events, and ceremonies also made our Firecracker Hall of Fame list. Then, there were those unexpected moments when we were driving along in the car and happened upon a fabulous aerial explosion of color. The most memorable of all impromptu spectacles was the first birthday dinner that I planned for my wife-to-be. We were enjoying dessert on the roof-top of an Indianapolis restaurant when the sparks flew from the neighboring Jazz Festival finale. We knew at that moment that we were in love, and that fireworks would always be an important part of our relationship. Unfortunately, dry conditions in both Austin and Portland, where we’ve spent the last ten years, have reduced or cancelled many of the planned fireworks shows, so our recent experiences have been limited to brief bursts at ballparks and the unforgettable Winter Carnivals in Steamboat Springs, Colorado the past few years. However, there are still plenty of fireworks in our marriage every day.

Have a Safe & Happy Fourth and remember those that have given us Freedom!

Old Sport Shorts: Dog Pile #583

June 29, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I wasn’t there to see it, but my good friend was in the crowd. We had gone to Omaha together, but a rain delay moved the final game back a day, and I simply couldn’t stay. I watched the game on my I-phone at 30,000 feet, in the terminal, at baggage claim, on the parking shuttle, and in the parking lot. I also listened to the radio broadcast on the way home from the airport and watched the replay of a stunning 5-0 win over Arkansas and their “Pig Sooie” shenanigans. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the victory, having suffered for 6 days in Omaha as a major minority. There were Omahogs everywhere, and they were confident that they would finally win the College World Series on their ninth attempt. They almost did! Some divine intervention changed the course of history as a catch-able foul ball that would have ended the game in their favor dropped harmlessly to the ground. The rest was history.

Oregon State won their 6th consecutive elimination game, tying their own College World Series record. In the process, they handed the Hogs their first shutout of the season. Freshman pitcher Kevin Able went a record 4-0 in the World Series tournament with 23 strikeouts and 2 runs allowed in 21 innings of work. His battery mate, Adley Rutschman, responded with a record 17 CWS hits, 13 RBIs and the Most Outstanding Player Award. The resilient Beavers came back the night before in the top of the ninth on a Razorback team that was 44-0 when leading after eight innings. They did it despite the injury to center fielder, Steven Kwan, and without a single hit in Omaha from their Senior leader, Nick Madrigal, who will go on to make millions in the pros. The traditional season-ending dog pile was exactly what the Arkansas’ fans were anticipating the night before for their team….but the ball somehow eluded three players rushing to catch it.

I’d like to write more but I’m headed to Crater Lake. A hard-to-get reservation was the reason that I had to leave Omaha and miss the dog pile. I also had to take the dog to the vet. I’m glad it worked out for my travel companion, who was able to get me one of the first National Championship t-shirts. GO BEAVS….Au revoir Omahogs!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Crater Lake #582

June 28, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Tonight I’ll watch the final game of the College World Series, but it won’t be from the stands. With an arrival time of 6 p.m. in Portland, the game will be two hours old when I finally arrive at the terminal. My friend is sitting in the same section we did last night but about 10 rows higher. He will pay another $600-$700 for that extended time in Omaha. Plus, his flight will not arrive until very early Saturday morning. By that time, my wife and I will be asleep in our Crater Lake cabin, anticipating an afternoon boat tour followed by dinner at the lodge.

We’ll spend a second night at the popular Oregon National Park before heading back to Portland, and will look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, that will gladly break-up her work week. I have a baseball card show to attend that following weekend, and can then maintain homebody status for a couple of weeks. The next stop on the retirement tour is Wrigley Field, where I’ll meet my baby grand daughter for the very first time. Next, it’s off to our Nation’s Capital to meet my step daughter’s potential fiancé. It will be good to be home for awhile this month before the next wave of coast-to-coast travel.

I hope my friend’s additional investment in Omaha pays off, and that he brings home the bacon, stealing it from the greedy Hogs. That would mean a happy ending and a “hot night in the old town tonight,” at least for Beaver fans. Temperatures could exceed 100 degrees, and I could feel the stifling humidity on my 3-mile run this morning. It will of course be relatively cool and pleasant in Portland for me.

It may be too late for me to help the Beaver cause by the time I arrive. There will be a guaranteed gathering of Beav fans around the bar TV’s at the airport. Regardless, of the outcome, I should be able to avoid the “Pig Sooie” chants of the Omahogs. (See Post #578). I at least left town a winner, as Crater Lake is calling.

Retirement is not without Hassles: B’s #580

June 28, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Baseball, Beavers, Brats, Bars, Beer, Bricks, Beefsteak, Burgers and Botany. These Nine B’s pretty much sum-up my trip to Omaha and our College World Series experience. I’m going home with a no-decision, but nearly left with the bitter taste of defeat. Thanks to 9th inning heroics, Oregon State will have one more game this season. It’s Hogs versus Beavers for all the marbles, while I navigate my way back to Portland and attempt to find a TV screen to catch-up on the action. I should get back for the final few innings. My friend decided to stay in Omaha, and fend for himself in that endless sea of Arkansas red. I probably shouldn’t say “Red Necks,” but many prefer that title.

I cannot wipe the smile off my face after last night’s stunning victory. Razorback fans were ready to storm the field and join the dog-pile of team jubilation. We were once again surrounded by chants of “Pig Souie,” outstretched arms, and gyrating fingertips reminiscent of a Baptist Church congregation. They were loud & obnoxious, and had long before gotten on my nerves. There were only brief moments of silence, but you could have heard a pin drop in the outfield stands after the misplayed foul ball that would have won the Razorbacks their first CWS title.

It was sweet revenge, after the previous night of multiple breaks for the Arkansas squad. The Beavs made some uncharacteristic errors and the umpires didn’t help matters. After the game, we went to a nearby bar packed with obnoxious Razorback boosters, celebrating our misfortune and their victory. I was annoyed with both their shenanigans and their accents. I even lost my fondness for bacon. Sooie!

If it weren’t for the stadium vendors dressed in the bright orange shirt colors of Oregon State, we would have been even more outnumbered in the stands. It was hard to spot anything but red shirts and hats in the crowd. Even the locals sported Nebraska red, a color that I’m used to wearing fondly in support of Indiana. I bought my first orange shirts in Omaha, forever cementing my devotion to Beaver baseball. However, I’m surprised that Hog fans weren’t asking me to vend them a beer.

I at least got to see the Beavers win twice in Omaha, along with “cultural” visits to the Botanical Gardens and Durham Museum. I think we stopped at least once in every bar, since there was little else to do but walk around aimlessly. The rain delay spoiled any chance to see tonight’s third and final game. However, I’m sure it was good for the local economy to stretch the event another day.

I sampled the local fare like Brickway Pilsner, Omaha Steak, Ricky’s Omelet, a Hangover Burger, and Ted & Wally’s ice cream. I also registered over 135,000 steps around town and even into the next state, while completing day 3,469 of my running streak. Finally, I’m taking home some College World Series souvenirs, including a Beaver team autographed baseball, and a lot of great memories. Give me a B…..

Retirement is not without Hassles: Omahogs #578

June 27, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The wheels came off in Omaha yesterday, as the “Omahogs” took over the town. The restaurants and bars where we wanted to go were closed for “private” parties and there was Arkansas Red everywhere you looked. They acted like starved people who hadn’t won anything in a long time and yet felt a sense of entitlement. The school was once a football and track powerhouse, but they’ve had little to cheer for in many years, so the “Whooo! Pig Sooie!” chant was more obnoxious than ever, and the hex-like out-stretched arm gestures more pronounced. I couldn’t even imagine myself in their shoes, wallowing happily in muddy, pig slop. Only the Florida Gator Chomp and the Atlanta Braves’ Tomahawk Chop rival their silly, fourth-grade behavior. I’m sure they make fun of the name “Beavers” in a grade school mindset.

I got in nearly 35,000 steps yesterday, as we walked to the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens, in addition to my morning run. It is definitely one of Omaha’s best visitor attractions. They used a lot of limestone in its construction, as opposed to the brick structures in the downtown area. The day before we walked down to the Durham Museum, where I proved beyond a doubt that this “homebody” could survive in the wilderness, if I really wanted to go outside. I was particularly impressed with the Byron Reed coin collection and the manner that it was displayed in dark, wooden, cases from the 1880’s. The museum was formerly Omaha’s Union Station, along the Union Pacific railroad tracks, and decorated in an Art Deco style with massive chandeliers suspended from colorful ceiling murals. You can also walk through the dining, lounge, and sleeper train-cars with their original interiors from the 1940’s. Apparently, Union Pacific has also brought in modern trains to house their customers attending the College World Series. They, too, probably ended up being pig sties.

In the five days that we’ve now been in the city, I think we’ve seen most all there is to see. There is a lot of open space with bridges, fountains, historical statues, and pathways that make it an ideal setting for active families. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,000-foot long walkway over the Missouri River that connects Omaha with Council Bluffs, Iowa. You can actually walk, run, or bike over the state-line that is painted in the center of the cable-stayed bridge that curves over the water. There is also a Harrah’s Casino and Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs, if you’re feeling lucky. I think I’ve already got enough money invested in baseball this week, so rolling the dice would not be a wise financial move, especially considering that I’m only 1-1 in games attended so far.

Right now in Omaha, it’s impossible to avoid the Arkansas fans, who have the advantage of being able to easily drive to the games. Oregon State fans are strongly outnumbered for this reason. Our scattered cheers for “O…S….U” are drowned out by the pig snorts and squeals of “Sooui.” Also, our bright orange shirts of “OMADAMHA” or “Leave it to the Beavers” are part of a sad minority, especially after last night’s loss. This only fueled the “Omahogs” into that next stage of frenzied, obnoxious behavior. “The Greatest Show on Dirt” has turned into the “The Greatest Show in Mud,” as the hogs flex their muscles and wallow in victory, If they win again tonight, they will finally get their National Championship, on this their 9th appearance in the College World Series.

Old Sport Shorts: Rain #577

June 26, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Everything had gone so smoothly with our timing around coming to Omaha for the College World Series. We arrived on Friday to see Oregon State win their fourth straight game by beating Mississippi State in back-to-back elimination games. Just prior to the Beavers’ opening loss to North Carolina in the tournament, we had invested a lot of money in game tickets, noncancellable hotel rooms, and airline tickets. We were going to Omaha, regardless of if Oregon State was still playing, and were not feeling particularly optimistic about their chances. Well, somehow they managed to survive, and earned their spot next to undefeated Arkansas in the final best-of-three series to determine the National Champion.

Oregon State has won the College World Series twice, in both 2006 and 2007, while this is Arkansas’ very first appearance. We were feeling good about our chances of seeing the Beavers win it all again, until last night’s game. Unfortunately, it never happened…because of the rain and lightening. As a result, we will not be able to see all three games here in Omaha. My wife and I are headed to Crater Lake on Friday morning, having secured a hard-to-get cabin, so if the series goes to game three I won’t be here. To make matters worse, I might also be on a flight home, and unable to even watch. We went through all this trouble and stress to get to Omaha, and so far only the rain has gotten in our way.

We have tickets for tonight and tomorrow – weather permitting. It would take victories on both nights to secure the title in our presence. Otherwise, they’ll have to do it on their own. I’ll be feeling a bit let down if they lose one or the other and devastated if they really stumble and lose both. Can they make it six in a row? Last night during the rainstorm we were confined to the beer tent. Maybe not a bad place to be in a storm, but far from the stadium where we hoped to be watching. After the game was cancelled, there was little left to do but watch but the Cubs, who lost their fifth straight to the Dodgers. It was a frustrating night of baseball all around, and now the pressure is on to sweep the Razorbacks, a formidable challenge. The rain at least looks like it will hold off tonight. Another delay would be almost as bad as a loss, at least to fans like us that were here to watch World Series baseball, not the Weather Channel radar.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Greetings from Omaha #573

June 23, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Oregon State baseball has somehow found its way through the loser’s bracket of the College World Series. Three straight victories have enabled us to actually watch them play in Omaha, something that seemed unlikely after we had booked flights, paid for a room, and secured tickets. I was beginning to search for an alternate team to support, should that second loss have happened. Instead, I’m sending a Big Beaver Greeting from TD Ameritrade Park in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. We’ve brought along our bright orange and black rally towels.

We watched yesterday’s game from the edge of our seats at Buffalo Wild Wings, where we typically gather for our Friday “Leadership Luncheons.”. Our server gave us the towels and some posters, left over from the previous game. The young couple sitting next to us were wearing College World Series t-shirts and hats. They had just returned from Omaha where they bought the merchandise, while witnessing that disappointing opening loss and then the much-needed first win. They couldn’t stay in Omaha any longer and miss work, so Wild Wings in Beaverton was their option of choice. It was their go-to, lucky viewing spot during the season, and where they celebrated Wednesday night’s revenge against North Carolina. As it turned out, her brother got the pitching win yesterday against Mississippi State, reinforcing their superstitions about wearing the same clothes, sitting in the same seats, and ordering the same food. I’m sure that’s where they’ll be tonight. She also may be able to help us with tickets for tonight’s game, since the rest of her family is still in Omaha. Regardless, it was great to have a personal connection to the Beaver Nation. We felt like “dam” family!

If the Beavers win tonight, we’ll get to see them play at least two more games, but a loss will send them packing, as has been their tense predicament these last three games. At least, they weren’t already on the way home like four of the seven other competitors, as we were just arriving. Also, with the elimination of top-seed Florida, the later game time will allow us to see the entire re-match against the Mississippi State Bulldogs this evening. Everything in Omaha has gone our way since that opening game set-back. It’s now MSU’s turn to face the pressure of elimination with a loss. Oregon State is used to it, and can hopefully prevail once again.

We got here via Salt Lake City, after a 2:30 a.m. wake-up call. We’ll get our money’s worth no matter what happens on the diamond, but it would be icing on the cake to see three more Beaver victories.If they should lose tonight, it would be like going to a basketball Final Four and not getting to play for the Championship. It’s still quite an experience to simply participate, but not the ultimate objective. Everyone wants to win here, especially Arkansas that has yet to lose a game. They are already in the final game, with only their opponent yet to be determined. Beavers, Hogs, and Bulldogs…Oh My…….AHA.

Old Sport Shorts: Bananas #570

June 20, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

As I anticipate our trip to Omaha and the College World Series, I continue to watch the television coverage. There have been many lengthy rain delays, including the Oregon State Beavers game against the Pac-12 rival Washington Huskees. Fortunately, OSU staved off elimination by rallying after lightening left them waiting for hours with the bases loaded and two outs. Finally, a walk allowed them to tie the score and then rally in the following innings for 9 more runs and the must-win victory. This at least kept my hopes alive of seeing them in the final games of the tournament. They will have to keep winning in games against North Carolina and then Mississippi State for us to see them play this weekend. The Beavers were upset in their opening game against North Carolina, with the Tar Heels getting partial revenge for two heartbreaking Championship losses to OSU in 2006 and 2007. As a result, North Carolina has never won a College World Series, and could gain some additional retribution by putting an end to the Beavers title quest this year.

We’re headed to Omaha despite the outcome of this critical game. Airfare, hotel rooms, and tickets have already been pre-paid. However, I might not be seeing my favorite teams, one of which has already been eliminated. Texas lost to Florida in a record-tying 13-strike-out Rocket-like pitching performance by Jackson Kowar. Unfortunately, Roger Clemens son Kody was the victim of two of these K’s. Ironically, all of the Clemens’ boys were given names starting with a “K” to honor their father’s strike-out reputation. In fairness, Kody batted .419 (13 for 31) in the NCAA Tournament with five home runs, two doubles and 11 RBIs, but Jackson Kowar’s full name is spelled with two “K’s.” Texas lost their opener to Arkansas, putting them in the vulnerable loser’s bracket where they failed to respond.

Will Oregon State still be playing by the time we touch-down in Omaha on Saturday? Or should I leave all my orange shirts that I planned to wear at home? Should I take my plastic hog hat, rally bananas, Gator gear, red hat, or powder blue pom-poms? Personally, if I can’t wear the orange and black of Oregon State, I prefer the banana story of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Apparently, the banana trend started June 3 during a doubleheader in the NCAA regionals when MSU Freshman Jordan Westburg gobbled a banana in the dugout as a snack. Once he noticed that the ESPN cameras were on him, he got another and started to have a little fun, holding it to his ear like a phone and pretending it was a radar gun. The team won and the Bulldogs have gone bananas ever since!

Florida is the defending champion, and I’ve never liked their obnoxious Gator Chomp, just as I detest the Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Chop. UF would be my least favorite team. Also, ever since I went to the 1982 NCAA Final Four in New Orleans, the NC cheer-block dressed in powder blue with white gloves became an instant turn-off. “Powder Blue” is not a power color, and I couldn’t possibly incorporate it into my wardrobe. Mississippi State, Arkansas and Texas Tech players all sport my favorite color of red, and as an Indiana fan most of my gear is right in line with these three remaining programs. Right now, I’m watching Arkansas leading Texas Tech on the TV and the Cubs beating the Dodgers on my smart phone. Both scores are 4-0. If those scores hold up, the Cubs will win the series with the Dodgers, Texas Tech will play Florida in an elimination game tomorrow, and Arkansas will join Mississippi State as the undefeated winner’s bracket leaders. Hogs love bananas, don’t they? Beavers certainly do!

Retirement is not without Hassles: It’s a Wrap #568

June 18, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

We wrapped-up our 1,100 mile drive through the Midwest, with a Cubs victory over the Cardinals and a flight out of St. Louis. This included an unexpected stop at the Route 66 museum in Litchfield, Illinois. With my 66th year of life coming to a conclusion in a few short months, this famous road has been an unplanned lure during our travels throughout the country. (See Post #235). Next month, I will get a picture at Lake Shore Dr. and Jackson Street in Chicago where the highway originally started. A Cubs game will also be part of that trip.

Speaking of baseball, Litchfield turns out to be the home town of Chicago White Sox Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk, who preceded Sherm Lollar by 25-years behind the plate at Comiskey Park. Both were known for their defense, but Sherm never made it to Cooperstown (yet). Ray made his debut with the Sox on August 11, 1912 and played in the 1919 World Series loss that became known as the “Black Sox Scandal.” He also coached the Chicago Cubs in 1930 & 1931, and served as a scout for the team in 1944, and spent the last 18 years of his career as the baseball coach for the Purdue Boilermakers.

The drive to and from St. Louis passed through Indianapolis, Rochester, Kokomo, and Decatur, Illinois. We stayed two nights with my wife’s sister, one night in a Quality Inn, and 5 nights in a variety of Marriott properties, using a bank of points I received for joining the Marriott Vacation Club. My wife claims that I love my Marriott points more than her, so I wrote this poem to recap our adventure:

Marriott Tour

A week together,

Back Home Again.

It ends with the Cubs,

Who pulled off a win.

Their “Arch rival,”

Didn’t play well.

All that Cardinal red,

Randy and Noelle.

Started and ended,

With nights at The Grand.

Would have rather,

Had our toes in the sand.

Mom business,

Had us on the run.

Errands and Appointments,

Were not much fun.

But there were moments,

Like meeting Cole.

And dinner with friends,

Your fav Dover Sole.

Blasts from the past,

More plans for travel.

Cemetery moments,

Emotions unravel.

A run on the Nickel Plate,

And through the canals.

Food and beer,

With my old pals.

Two Dyer nights,

Plenty of wine.

Murphy’s for steak,

Family time.

Ribs on the grill,

And at the Roadhouse.

Dietary support,

From your Spouse.

Some bad Chinese,

Near the Courtyard Kokomo.

Plus a ton of silver,

In our luggage to stow.

A few surprises,

Along the way.

“Would you give up your pay,

For a view of the Bay?”

Covington Beef House,

The one-hour tower.

Animal Shelter,

Boob-friendly shower.

A room atop Indy,

Then the fall to Fairfield.

The smell of Decatur,

Great friendship its yield.

Dinner at R-Bar,

With Ray as our host.

Just one of many a,

Shared Facebook post.

Kit’s retirement poem,

Talk of Rubberware.

Ninety-three degrees,

Humidity in the air.

Robbies for a nightcap,

Will we ever return again?

And If we do come back,

We’ll book the Residence Inn.

Museum in Litchfield.

Route 66 detour.

In my 66th year,

This road is a lure.

Father’s Day finish,

San Diego’s on our route?

With this Marriott Tour,

The points have run out.

Old Sport Shorts: More Hot Dogs #566

June 18, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 1 Comment

I’ve decided to fulfill another bucket list sports dream. This after seeing a Cubs World Series win, the Daytona 500, and both the major and minor league All-Star games, after retiring just a year-and-a-half ago. It’s not a major travel destination this time, but certainly greater than those on my “pail” list. (See Post #279). By the way, I did cross off the Carl’s Jr. sausage, biscuit, and cheese entry off that pail list on my last ski trip to Mount Hood. This upcoming adventure is much bigger than that accomplishment.

Yes, I will be having a hot dog in Omaha. I had one last night at Busch Stadium, watching the Cubs beat the Cardinals. My wife put catsup on it, and even though I covered over my portion with lots of mustard, the taste was badly compromised. She will not be going to Omaha, so I can have it “my way” at TD Ameritrade Park, modern home of the College World Series. Rosenblatt Stadium hosted the event from 1950 to 2010.

The College World Series started in 1947 and was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It then moved to Wichita before settling in Omaha. I’ve been to the NCAA championships for college hoops many times (See Post #400), but have not witnessed finals in any other sport. College championships generate unmatched energy, so I expect quite an experience. I would also like to go to the Little League World Series one of these years. Maybe a relative will give me a reason to make it a destination?

My teams may very well be eliminated by the time I get there for the Finals, and I’m disappointed that my Indiana Hoosiers didn’t make the field. However, a good friend wanted to make the trip, and I decided to go with him. This will be my first trip to the city of Omaha that has invested heavily in building a reputation around college baseball. We’re lodging in the very robust downtown area at a Courtyard by Marriott, of course. Prices triple for this popular event, and we’re lucky to have a close place to stay. While the players are seriously competing, the fans will be partying.

IU went to the annual, double-elimination affair 5-years ago for the first time in school history, bolstered by the bat of current Cub slugger, Kyle Schwarber. The University of Texas from our former Austin home has been a 36x tourney mainstay with x titles, while Oregon State is my new local favorite, hoping to earn a third National Title. Second baseman Nick Madrigal of the Beavers was the #4 pick in this year’s draft, selected by my Chicago White Sox.

I went with another friend to Surprise, Arizona to watch the Oregon State Beavers kick-off their 2018 season against Cal Poly. This particular tournament caught my eye last year because it involved a match-up between OSU and IU, as I began following both teams in their quests to get back to Omaha. Only Oregon State accomplished that goal, and proved their superiority with that early-season victory over IU. My Hoosiers went on to win the BIG conference but failed to win the conference tournament or advance past Kentucky in the Regional. On the other hand, The Beavers were one of the top-seeds going into the World Series, but a controversy over their ace pitcher led to his withdrawal from the tourney. They lost to LSU twice to end their 56-win season.

When Oregon State makes their annual jaunt to Portland University, we go to those games. I have never been to an IU baseball game, but they were not very competitive until recent years. As a student, only basketball, swimming and bicycle racing were popular sports on the Bloomington campus. My interest in baseball has peaked since retiring in Oregon and joining some card-collecting clubs while attending more games. The Mariners are just a few hours away, and I join my wife on her business trips, going to games in Anaheim, LA, and SF this past year. We will also go back to Chicago for both Cubs and White Sox games later this year, to add to my hot dog consumption this year.

I remember going to see some regular season games involving UT when we were living in Austin, and cheering for The Longhorns on TV with friends during the post-season. One of the home games I saw was against Nebraska, who has played in nearby Omaha. At that time, the late, great Augie Garrido was the Longhorn coach. Coach David Pierce of Texas is wearing his familiar #16 as a tribute to the man that took teams to the CWS 15 times and won it on five occasions. “Hook ‘Em Horns!” is their rally cry. Football has taken a back seat to winning baseball these past few years on campus. Kody (with a K) Clemons, Roger Clemen’s youngest son is their leading hitter this year. While in Austin, I was also able to sneak over to see the Astros when the Cubs or Sox came to town, or run up to neighboring Round Rock to see Nolan Ryan’s Express play ball. I even tried to get a sales job for the AAA club.

So while some people are “going to Disneyland” for a bucket list adventure,” I’m going to Omaha! Oregon State already lost their opening round game to North Carolina, so they face impossible odds to make it to the final series. Texas is in the same boat after coming up short against Arkansas. Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Florida, and Washington round out the final 8 contenders for the championship. We arrive Saturday, hoping to still see The Beavers and Longhorns in contention. Florida is the defending champ, and the only other finalist to have won a championshp. None of the teams and their fans have much of a travel advantage, since Midwest teams are rarely in the hunt.

We had a “bucket of beers” before last night’s Cub victory, but the severe heat and humidity put us old farts to bed without any semblance of a victory celebration. While the Cubs’ faithful were waving their “W” flags and singing “Go Cubs Go,” we were headed back to the comfort of our air-conditioned Marriott Grand suite. I hope it will be cooler in Omaha and that my teams get hot. Pass the mustard, please!