AMERICA'S Pastime!

Thanks Mick for this article and reminder that heroism is found in unlikely places, like Dodger Stadium.

Old photo.

Just stuck this here so I could update my profile.

Oh, How Times Have Changed

I was browsing on the OCPD website today, looking through the "fallen heroes" section where there is a short tribute to each of the Oklahoma City officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

The entry for our very first in-the-line death was especially interesting. It recounts the death of City Marshall John Howard, only two months after the Land Run.

June 14, 1889


One day after John S. Howard was appointed the City Marshal of South Oklahoma [City], he was confronted by his predecessor who was in a drunken rage, angered by his dismissal. A gunfight ensued in the 100 block of West Reno and the previous Marshal fatally wounded Marshal Howard.

The 100 block of West Reno, where the Marshall was gunned down by the former Marshall is now home to the Ford Center, where the Blazers and the Hornets play. Isn't that something.

Minor League Opener: Redhawks and Redbirds

I played hooky tonight. Instead of working like I was supposed to and instead of sleeping, which is what I should have been doing, I took in the Opening Night of the Redhawks AAA season.

The hometown Hawks took on the team from my other Hometown, the Memphis Redbirds. The game looked like it was off to a quick start when the Redhawks scored 3 runs in the first then Memphis answered with 3 in the seconds and another on the forth to make it 4 to 3 Memphis. But then the pitchers settled down. The pitchers settled down. The Redhawks scored one more off an RBI double again in the 6th. Then nothing happened except bush-league play.

The Redbirds committed three errors, all of which proved harmless against a stifled Oklahoma offense which went 3 for 20 with men in scoring position. (The Redbirds posted an almost as stunning figure of 3 for 18.) The twelfth inning was the Redhawks load the bases with no outs and somehow squander the opportunity.

Oklahoma's lack of production was coupled with some great defense against the Redbirds (3 double plays, 10 srikeouts) made for a long game. Finally, the Redhawks pulled it out in the 13th inning with another RBI double and a play at the plate.

Redhawks beat the Memphis Redbirds 5-4 and are now 1-1 in the young season. Tejeda gets a no decision but earns an ERA of 9.00. Durocher gets the win. Benes gets the loss and an ERA of 27.00 (faced four batters in 1/3 of an inning. Gotta love lopsided stats after the first game or two.)

I'm Bad Luck

For the past two years now I've picked a day and driven down to Texas to see my beloved Sox. And both times, the team has lost in heart breaking fashion. That's about all I can say about that. Allen Wood sums it up on his blog and I grace his post with a reply. But since it hurts too bad to talk about it, I'll just show you some good pics from the game.

The Big Boys!

Coco Crisp stretches with the Rangers Mascot.

Spruills and Pastrans in patriotic regalia.

Opening Day in Review

Red Sox at Texas Rangers

The two big stories here were both from old men who throw the ball. Curt Schilling looked like the pitcher of the 2004 series. He pitched 117 pitches to last seven innings allowing five hits and two runs, both earned, while posting five strike outs. He had great command and threw consistently at 92 to 93 MPH. He pitched his highest at 94 MPH. If this is a sign of things to come, I am very optimistic that our ace has returned.

The other story was Roger Clemens's visit to the redsox clubhouse. He insisted that he still considers himself retired though his agent continues to wheel and deal around him. Apparently, his playing future has been a topic of conversation in his household as well:

My two little ones are warming up to the idea [of Boston]. Boston is very special to me. The video they made had a little bit of everything and brought back a lot of memories. I got to see the young me.

If I end up coming back and playing with that club, it has nothing to do with the offer, it has to do with my mind-set. But I have a fondness for all these teams we're talking about.

It would be something special. Extremely special. No doubt.

One other note on the Sox opener. Keith Foulke. Very Scary.

Controversy!

It's no secret that I am no fan of Barry Bonds, but the actions of one Padres fan took it a step too far when he threw a syringe onto the playing field a few feet from Barry.

I hate the guy but I also think that the players must feel safe to walk onto the field without objects flying at them. Even though there was no needle in the syringe, it could hit a player in the eye, ending his game. Not to mention it's just class-less and disgusting. Make your signs, shout your insults but keep your objects in your pockets.

OPENING DAY!!!!

It's finally arrived. Since the first chilly day after baseball I've waited for the new season and now the new season is finally here. Schilling is healthy (he says) the lineup is set and the bullpen is improved.

What I love about opening day is that anything is possible. This could be the year that we finally break the Yankees winning streak in the AL east. This could be the start of the season that leads to the Sox second World Series in three years.

And of course, tomorrow I will be in Arlington with Charissa and Tina and Ronnie.

Probable Opening Day lineup:
1. CF Coco Crisp
2. 2B Mark Loretta
3. DH David Ortiz
4. LF Manny Ramirez
5. RF Trot Nixon
6. C Jason Varitek
7. 3B Mike Lowell
8. 1B Kevin Youkilis
9. SS Alex Gonzalez
P Curt Schilling