Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 53 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

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!

Diary of an Adoptee: Father’s Day #564

June 14, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I have been a father for 43-years and a grandfather for twelve. I have two step-daughters that honor me every year, along with three grandchildren. There have also been two fathers, only one of which I’ve known and loved, and another that gave me life. I remember both of my grandfathers fondly as I was growing up, and just recently there are “grand-strangers” that have sprouted branches on my new or “second family tree.”

I have written of my “second family,” that decided not to get to know me, but allowed me life. I could have been aborted rather than adopted, so for that family decision I’m forever grateful. Somehow, I don’t feel that I would have been better off staying with my birth mother, but I also feel that I missed something. I missed getting to know her and her family and that natural blood connection that most people experience with family.

Trust me, I got anything and everything that I needed from my first family, including great love and abundant opportunity. What I didn’t get was a family that looked or sounded like me. I can’t really even speak about other characteristics or a common demeanor that might have been missing, as most people take for granted.

I have a few pictures of my birth mother, her sisters, and parents. I’ve even had a conversation with a cousin, where she recognized familiarity in my voice. I don’t quite understand this yet, but it gives me hope that I will find more connections with these people who share my DNA. I will continue this quest despite the fact that the woman I’m 100% certain is my birth mother is unwilling or unable to admit any connection.

What I don’t know (and may never) is the identity of my birth father. I know that he was of Irish decent with dark features like mine, a few inches taller, and enjoyed sports like I do. He was supposedly a Marine when I was born, so a veteran like my adopted father, who served in the Army as a medic in WWII. I guess I’m lucky to have had two legitimate fathers, when most people I know just have one. There is, however, only one man that I would ever call “Dad.”

For several years I haven’t had anyone to call on Father’s Day or even send a card. Even the last few years my dad was alive, he tragically couldn’t always remember who I was. I honestly don’t know if my birth father even knew that I existed or how long he may have lived. He could have died as a soldier, or never spoken again to my birth mother. She was presumably carted off in secrecy to the big city to give birth, leaving me only with the name Jerry Lee.

Once again, I’m positive that I’ve found my 85-year old birth mother after all these years, but she is denying any relationship, perhaps out of embarrassment. Only she knows the true identity of the father. It’s really all I want for Father’s Day this year, but I’m sure I’ll get something Cubs-related instead.

Happy Father’s Day to my one and only Dad. May he rest in peace, along with my grandfathers, and the great grand-strangers I never knew. Thank you for accepting me as your only son, and for making me the man I am today. You are my teacher, mentor, life- model, and hero. Sorry you didn’t live long enough to see your Cubs win the World Series or the birth of Nora Grace. Just know that you are loved every day.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Hoosier Corn #560

June 11, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The corn is waist-high already in Indiana as a result of an abnormally wet May. The Mnemonic rhyme was always, “knee-high by the 4th of July,” so growth is well ahead of schedule this year. “Hoosierisms” like this were a big part of growing up in the only state with a basketball hoop in every driveway and on the side of any barn. “Them apples,”” warshing machine, “ and “crick” are only found in the Hoosier dictionary. I guess you could also refer to our wacky language as “Indiana Corn.”

I grew up by the Michigan border in the very northern part of the state where fish were not “feesh” and I didn’t trudge through 2-feet of snow to get to “keendergartin,” however “further” south a Hoosier twang is endearingly prominent. I did drink pop as opposed to soda, but the brand Ski was somehow not popular “in my neck of the woods.” Squirt was one of my favorites. Notre Dame was “down the road aways, while I.U was “pert-near” to Kentucky. Only northern Hoosiers know about Volcano Pizza, Nelson’s Golden Glow Chicken, and Lookwell Dairy. Tenderloins are truly ”the size of your head.”

Movies like Hoosiers and Breaking Away are authentic portrayals of Indiana culture. We went to the license branch rather than the BMV, and had a hamburger sandwich or chili soup for supper. TV dinners were my favorite meal, served on a TV tray. I ate Quaker Oats for breakfast only because it came in a cylindrical container that could be “recycled” into a basketball hoop. All I had to do was fashion some aluminum foil into the shape of a ball, remove the bottom of the container and secure it to the basement wall. It was time for some “Hoosier Hysteria.” 3…2…1…swish!

The single-class high school basketball tournament is always my favorite memory of growing up in Indiana. The championship game was always in the state capital of Indianapolis every March – known to even hicks as “Indy,” “Naptown” or “india-no-place, even though it was a popular big-city destination. The sectionals, regionals, and semi-states were held in massive gyms throughout the state such as North Side Gym, The Anderson Wigwam, and The Muncie Fieldhouse. Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse was typically the host site of the championship, but the Hoosierdome, Market Square Arena, and, Conseco Fieldhouse (now Banker’s Life) have been used to accommodate larger crowds. Since the elimination of the one-class tournament, crowds are no longer an issue and large gyms are dying. Basketball is still king (and queen) in Indiana – Go Pacers and Fever, sorry Colts and Indians.

Yes, Mr. Hoover, there is a Hoosier Dam, but it’s not in Indiana but rather Chatham County North Carolina. Maybe it was built by Hoosier’s strong, reliable men, who were responsible for building the canals in Metamora, Indiana and gave Indiana University it’s unique nickname, synonymous with champions? (Also see Hoosier’s Nest.”) Speaking of which, only a Purdue Boilermaker fan, even though they’re still a Hoosier, would ever say, “Those Damn Hoosiers!” I always try to practice “Hoosier Hospitality” when I refer to a Boilermaker. As such a good sport, I deserve to win the Hoosier Lottery!

I married a Hoosier Mama, had a Hoosier baby, but never lived in a “Little Pink House,” as fellow-Hoosier John Cougar Mellencamp describes his hometown. I honestly also don’t know who my Hoosier Daddy is yet? (See Diary of an Adoptee). Finally, no one would even know where Indiana is on a map if it weren’t for the Indy 500. It’s given our state capital world-wide recognition. Every year in May, just prior to Memorial Day you’ll hear the familiar strains of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” followed by the words, “Ladies and Gentlemen…start your engines!” I’m surprised that the winner doesn’t have corn on the cob, warshed down with that traditional swig of milk.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Arches #559

June 10, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

A glimpse of The Arch, veal marsala at Charlie Gitto’s downtown, a morning run to Washington University, and KSHE on the radio. These were the highlights of our overnight stopover in St. Louis. Since the Marriott Grand only serves Pepsi products, I had to go to McDonald’s for my Diet Coke favorite. Five hours of driving later, we arrived at our Indiana destination for dinner with my wife’s mother.

Along the way, we saw the modern new Mississippi River bridge, known informally as the “Stan Span” after Cardinal great Stan Musial, Effingham’s Giant Cross, the familiar Indy skyline, Gas City whose name always makes me giggle, endless cornfields, and the remains of the elephant barn that once served as the winter headquarters for the Barnum & Bailey circus. We did some reminiscing about our time together in Indianapolis and Central Illinois. We’ll make a stop in Decatur, Illinois on the way back, following several Hoosier nights in Rochester, Kokomo, and Indy. “Wander Indiana” was once the poorly thought-out state tourism slogan that implied aimlessness. My wife’s valuable vacation time will be spent “wandering,” as she kindly attends to the needs of her 96-year old mother.

As my wife currently “wanders” along down the flat, rough Hoosier highways, I’m writing and monitoring a couple of baseball scores. We’ll finish this trip at Busch Stadium back in St. Louis, my reward for helping her cope between the Assisted Living facility to restaurants, medical centers, the cemetery, hairdressers, and her sister’s house. I will go home disappointed if the Cubs lose to the evil Cardinals, but will act like I didn’t really care if they do.

I will enjoy drinking excessive amounts of wine with my brother-in-law, meeting his first grandson who is also his namesake, and getting together with old friends throughout the week. It will of course be hot and humid, a good reminder not to bitch so much about the cool, cleansing Portland rain. Then again, what would I have to write about when in homebody mode? After all, I’ve used the words “rain” or “gray” in at least half of my blog posts to describe the days in Portland.

Old Sport Shorts: Winning ways #558

June 10, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

The Cubs are on a roll, 12 games over 500 and winning again today over the Pirates. They are only a half-game behind the division-leading Brewers and face them next prior to the Cardinals. This next week of baseball will determine the Central Division standings going into the All-Star break.

The Cubs have been winning in card-worthy fashion, as Topps Now has issued commemorative baseball cards, highlighting game-winning performances by Jason Heyward and Ian Happ. Heyward hit a walk-off grand slam against the Phillies and Happ made three diving catches to beat the Pirates yesterday. These will “Now” be in my collection, especially since the Angels’ rookie-sensation, Shohei Ohtani is on the DL and won’t be dominating card production for a few weeks.

Even the White Sox beat former teammate Chris Sale and the Red Sox 1-0 yesterday. It’s rare when both Chicago teams, my favorites, win on the same day. Oregon State also beat Minnesota in yesterday’s Super Regional to put the finishing touches on a great day of winning baseball.