World Series Champions from 2023 Rangers & the 2024 Champion Dodgers IN a Series!

 

What happens when the last two World Series Champions meet in a series during the regular season?

Well, first, you buy your tickets early, otherwise you will not have a seat, second, who come to the game wearing your gear, and in this case, a LOT of Dodger blue in the stands, and lastly—you listen to the crowd, because, even though you are in N. Texas.., This crowd was mostly DODGER FANS!

The mere announcement of players such as Ohtani, Freeman , and Betts—and this crowd at Globe Life Field, almost turned this place into Dodger Stadium—it was that loud.

The three game set, saw the Dodgers outscore the Rangers 7-4, and of those runs—they win game one –3 to 0, lose game two 4-3 and win the third game 1-0.

Tyler Mahle for the Rangers goes 7 innings and throws shut out baseball, gives way to the bullpen, and the allow the one run with pinch hitter Will Smith in the 8^th inning starts it off with shot up the middle, then goes to second on a walk drawn by Shohei Ohtani, and Sacrifice Fly to left field when Smith sits at third, and scores—and that’s the ONLY run allowed in the game!

Chris Martin who entered the game in the 8^th, takes the loss on that one—but still the Dodgers, who’s starter Tyler Glasnow, left the game in the 4^th with soreness in the legs—and gave way to six relievers who threw 5 innings of shut out baseball to preserve this for the Bums that once called Brooklyn home! Now Los Angeles.

The Rangers will head out west to take on the A’s (they are not called Oakland or for that matter Sacramento as they have moved to, Just plain o’ A’s) and then Travel to the Bay area and take on the San Francisco Giants, both series are three games a piece—then return home at the end of the month to face the A’s and the Mariners at Globe Life Field.

Speaking with Rangers Skipper Bruce Bochy—his concern (if you call it that) is not so much about the offense—but to get something started with the guys that he knows can produce. Just when a team like the Dodgers can throw the types of games that they have, its never easy to win—just remember—in Baseball, GOOD Pitching will always beat GOOD Hitting. It’s a cliché but none the less, it provides the best way to explain it.

Just a thought

Death KNOWS NO COLOR

 

Last week two 17 year old young men had their lives altered—one because of death the other, because he CAUSED the death.

Two Frisco High School Students, from TWO different high schools were at a track meet sanctioned by the U.I.L. (in Texas), and during that meet, a young man walked over to another schools area (sectioned off by a tent) and those students from that particular school informed this “intruder” that he did not belong there.

A confrontation ensued, and words were exchanged--- according to Eye Witness accounts, one young man challenged the other by saying “touch me and see what happens…” and continued to push the matter. The other young man put his hands on the first, and somewhere, the one young man pulled a knife and strategically plunged it into the other’s chest, causing massive destruction in his body.

Now those are the facts, they are irrefutable!

Plain and simple, Karmelo Anthony, 17 years of age,  attends Frisco Centennial High school, showed up to the track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, and entered it with a bag and with in that bag held a knife. They (police) have not described the knife in detail, but suffice to say it was long enough, sharp enough, and deadly enough to take Austin Metcalf’s life.

Metcalf, a Junior at Frisco Memorial High School, was entered in the meet that was taking place, there has been NO confirmation that Anthony was entered in any events.

The other fact that should be noted, is that the FRISCO area of Collin County is a well versed community, but the average income in the household is well over six figures, and the Anthony family, has a family unit of a Mother and a Father, this is not some inner city family, this is a family that chose to live in a community with better schools, better surroundings and a way from the influences that we hear and see on the evening news.

Lets face it, this is not the type of area, in North Texas, that a crime such as THIS would occur, nor would we expect.

High school events have their share of tension, but usually it is a rivalry and there are “words” tossed back and forth, from the student body that attend. Go to any Friday Night Football game in Texas in general, and you are well versed in some of the chants that the sections filled with student will go through.

However, on this particular day, there were no Student Body Sections at the meet- on this particular day, there were tents set up to mark the areas where the schools participants were to hang out in the stands, and someone walked over and sat down in an area they truly didn’t belong.

IT was pointed out, and words were exchanged, then, as said before, a gesture from one person to the other to “make me”… and then a weapon was drawn and a life was ended.

Austin had a twin brother, who was also at this meet, and that Hunter Metcalf held his brother in his arms and tried to stop the bleeding, but couldn’t and watched his brother die in his arms.

That young man will need the help of not just his family but the community to get over that burden, and that memory.

As for Karmelo Anthony, after he was detained by Frisco Police, they stated that they had the Alleged Suspect, to which Anthony stated—“I ain’t alleged, I did it”… now under most circumstances, a good lawyer would get that thrown out, however, the officers had not Mirandized the young man, so he did not have the RIGHT to REMAIN SILENT, that right had not be read to him, nor did he wait for it to be presented.

Once he was arraigned, his bond was set at 1 Million Dollars, and there are those who state that it was TOO MUCH.

The Judge must have felt, that he was a flight risk, and that if released, he would set out and commit another crime.

There was a fund set up for his defense, but his family stated that THEY DID not set that up, and wish that the money be returned to those who donated.

There have been false narratives to this story, the facts are as they have been presented.  Ther was an opinion piece written with a photo of Hunter and Austin Metcalf dressed in hunting gear, with rifles, and looking like two teenagers on a hunt for either deer or other wild animals. There father Jeff Metcalf, even stated, that he had gone hunting with the two boys the weekend before the tragedy, and considered it one of the best times the three spent together.

The Anthony family, Karmelo’s family, will have to face the reality that the act in which he performed, was a stupid act, and the fact that a weapon was brought onto the grounds of a school activity, regardless that this young man was a straight A student, and had accolades to his resume’, it all goes down the drain when he does the act of murder.

His family will be torn apart, and his life will be in shambles, but the life he took, will not have a life at all, no more tomorrows, and not more dreams a 17 year old’s life cut short, and all because of another young man’s inability to walk away from a situation he had no business being in, to begin with.

There is a higher being, there is a G-d, and even if you don’t believe in that, then believe in this, that justice will be served one way or another, should this young man be put to death (which could be asked for by the D.A.) that is strictly up to a jury to decide. Twelve people made up from a pool of hundreds who will listen to the evidence and the facts and make that decision and it will rest on their shoulders.

Karmelo Anthony’s fate lies with in them, but his CHOICE, on that day, was to terminate a life all because he was in a place he was informed he did not belong in.

The streets of heaven are already crowded enough with angels that have left this world too soon, and for even far worse reasons that what happened to Austin Metcalf. Mass shootings, and killings at schools, malls, theaters, churches and synagogues. Think about it, we read about death on a daily basis, and the message is still not getting through to any of us.

STOP THE INSANITY!

There was a time, that we would drive our pick up trucks to school with a “gun rack” in the back window, and our Winchesters, and 30.6, or 12 gauge shot guns were strapped to those racks and we would drive to school, and park in the student parking lot and show off the weapons without thinking one bit of turning that weapon on to someone and shooting them.

The worse weapon we worried about in those days was an AFRO RAKE, that someone would stab our hands with. No Knifes, no Guns, just fist or a Rake. 

Now we have to have metal detectors at the schools and events, and armed security (off duty Police, and in some cases ON DUTY officers) to protect the patrons or the students in and out of school and events.

GONE are the similar days, gone is the way of life that we grew up knowing, and here in its stead, the use of deadly force to settle a simple situation.

You all try and make sense of this, because some of us have given up.

 

Just a thought!

Like the Song Goes—“THEY DID IT THEIR WAY!”

 

The 2024 Home portion of the MLB Season for the Defending World Series Champions, Texas Rangers is coming to an end this weekend—with the final six games to close it out at Globe Life Field, have the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Seattle Mariners coming through town, the Rangers who start this final series at home are 9 games out of first place in the American League West, and they are 7 games out of the Wild Card race… either way there will be NO post season for this team this year.

The bright side of this, is that Chris Young, their GM has been given an extension on a contract and a new title of President and oversees Baseball Operations, so that will help, and that Manager Bruce Bochy will return to the dugout for another season (it will be his third in that capacity).

The Rangers will go into the off season, with more questions than answers, the first being, if certain players return to the Rangers for the 2025 season, that would include names such as Catcher Jonah Heim, Outfield- Adolis Garcia, some pitchers might not be back like Nathan Eovaldi—but that pretty much is still up in the air, all of those names are actually still possible to stay with the Rangers, but the Winter Meetings in December, in Dallas, Texas—will be very telling.

The celebration of the opening game of the 2024 season against the Chicago Cubs, at home, the presentation of the Commissioners Trophy, the dropping of the World Series Banner from the rafters, the fans enjoying the excitement of reliving that Championship feel, one more time.

The season showcased, because of the likes of Chuck Morgan, the promotional items through out the year, the replica Championship rings, the bobble heads that showcased the Gold Glove Winners, the moments of the Post Season, the replica Jerseys of  players that made an impact during the post season and the World Series—and again the joy and delight of the fans that were able to participate with receiving those items.

The ALL STAR GAME, that was held in July at the home of the World Series Champions, from the previous year, that was special, only the third time in baseball history, has that happened, once with the New York Giants the other was the New York Yankees, and now the Texas Rangers can add their name to that very small list of teams to have done that feat.

Alas, though this season is coming to an end, and this team, will not be able to repeat as Champions, and this team, will lick their wounds and prepare for the off season that is about to come, and set their sights on what will be available with either trades, free agency, or better yet in the amateur draft come June of 2025.

For now, though, those of us that have suffered the slings and arrows of previous years of, “Wait til next year”—we did and we got there, and we were just full of the joy and the thrill, that North Texas claimed another championship in the area, the Dallas Cowboys are FIVE TIME Super Bowl Champions, the NHL’s Dallas Stars, Stanley Cup Champions, the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, and now the Rangers are a part of that lore. HOWEVER! Let us not forget the minor league champions in the area as well, the TWO TIME Texas League Champions Frisco Roughriders, the CHL Ft Worth Brahmas, the CHL/ECHL 4 time Champions Allen Americans.

So this is a CITY OF CHAMPIONS—a METROPLEX of Champions…. And the Texas Rangers, added to that compliment of trophies in the trophy case.

Lets see what happens in 2025, and if Bruce Bochy once again, can show that he is indeed the Mad Scientist, and recreate once again, what he did in the city by the Bay, and replicate the same magic and bring home another championship with the name Rangers attached to it!

 

Just a thought

 

Looking up at Seattle!

 

That’s what the DEFENDING WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS are doing right now—looking up at the Seattle Mariners—in second place in the American League West 4.5 games out of first as the Tuesday night begins with the second game of a three game set against the Detroit Tigers.

The Rangers though have (and this is a recent count TWELVE players on the Injured List!

That’s more a M*A*S*H unit than a baseball team- with the latest member joining that injury ward is Evan Carter the Rookie sensation from last season!

Pitchers are one thing—but position players and bats, that’s something totally different. Dependability—you count on those players to be in your lineup or sitting on the bench to be used when you need them. When they are sitting out of games it weakens your chances to maintain the winning percentage you count on!

I know the mad scientist, in Bruce Bochy, is trying to figure it out and maintain the optimum from this team, but its hard to do.

There is the MLB Draft coming up in July (same time as the MLB ALL STAR GAME to be held at Globe Life Field) and the trade deadline has been pushed back to August 1^st, as opposed to the beginning of July as it was normally held.

Robert Manfred, who, like most people, am not a huge fan of, the changes that he instilled in the game, I believe has cheapen the game. The PITCH CLOCK, the BIGGER bases, the ability to look at calls from New York and change them on the field, and removing the human element from the game. DOES it really make the game BETTER? Frankly I don’t think so, but then again I am a purest of the game.

Yes this is MY Opinion, and like most opinions, they are like belly buttons, we all have one—but the fact is, I am not a fan of the Commissioner of Baseball!

Here’s another thought—recently the commissioner of the game has suspended FIVE players, for gambling- ONE for LIFE—Tucupita Marcano from the San Deigo Padres—his career is gone—never to be associated with MLB ever again,  four others are gone for 1 year, for the same thing!

Ohtani for the Dodgers who’s former friend and interpreter was fired and arrested and indicted on gambling charges as well as others, was not named in this investigation, so he was cleared of any wrong doing.

The more you want this team to start streaking, the more you see the holes in the lineup.

Its still early in the season, just the start of June, come mid July that should be the tale tell sign of what this team is made of, and if they will charge towards the end of the season to make it to another post season.

In the meanwhile, it seems winning begets other teams to do the same thing in the city—Like the Dallas Mavericks who find themselves in the NBA FINALS against the Boston Celtics, as the Dallas Stars run to the Stanley Cup came up short, against the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals.

And Speaking of Hockey—the Allen Americans (ECHL) dismissed their General Manager/Head Coach, Chad Costello, after exiting in the first round of the Kelley Cup playoffs. And with NEW OWNERSHIP, they most likely wanted someone that was THEIR man and not one that they inherited from the previous ownership.

The Arlington Renegades finished their season in the UFL, the defending XFL champions won just three games out of 10, and never really got on track for the 2024 season.

All in all, it will be interesting to see if the Rangers bounce back, if the Mavericks can bring the O’Brien trophy back to the Metroplex, and if the Cowboys can actually absorb any of the good Ju- Jue to make a run for their “PROMISED LAND” (AKA—SUPER BOWL)—

Its just a thought !

What do you to STOP a SKID! YOU GO GRAY!

 

Arlington, Texas—The Texas Rangers amid a five game losing streak—go into a Wednesday night game against the Cleveland Guardians (aka the Indians for those of us that recall) and after losing the opener by being shut out—and again the next night losing 7-4 – the Rangers blanked the Guardians 4-0 behind the masterful pitching of Jon Gray and the bullpen.

They only gave six hits and struck out 9 walking 2 for the entire game and the furthest that Cleveland got on the bases was 2^nd base—the Rangers on the other hand—well they launched two BIG HOMERS in the game, one by Marcus Semien with one on in the 5^th the other by Adolis Garcia (who else) in the bottom of the 6^th with one on—and there’s your scoring for the night.

The star of this game though was indeed, Jon Gray who went 6 and a third inning, giving up a total of four hits, gave up 2 walks, and struck out 3, but it was ground ball outs that helped him the most with several struck to the first basemen Nathaniel Lowe, who lobbed toss to the sprinting Gray to cover the bag, and for the out. One double play that Seager took to the bag at second unassisted and then fired to first to get the batter, those are the plays that make a team get out of a slump in a hurry.

This team will meet up with the Angels of Anaheim on the weekend before hitting the road for several games.

With the Angels, you get the return of former Ranger Manager Ron Washington who is now the Skipper of that team, and as always, for us, its good to see him, not thrilled to have him in the other dug out—but none the less he is always been a friendly face to see, and he makes it a point to say HI to us when he is in town.

Just a quick side note—the REPLICA Championship rings (such a hot item) are going to be given away throughout the season, INCLUDING the June 4^th game when Texas takes on the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field—that will be Marcus Semien’s ring first 15000 will get that prize!

Its Just a thought

Enough is Enough Already!

 

The fall of great products has occurred…. BUD LIGHT—fell because they thought that putting a TRANSGENDER female on their advertising would increase sales--- how did that work out for you Budweiser? OH and NOW the GREAT AND MIGHT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED has fallen by the way side after close to 70 years in publishing because they chose to go with ARTIFICAL INTELLEGENCE! FALSE NAMES—FALSE WRITERS! FALSE READERS!

Yep, how the mighty have fallen!

IT makes one sick of this NEW society, of the ENTILED generation, I have no idea how the “KARENS” of the word got started, when did manners go out the window, when did hard work and ethics just get dumped on the side of the road like trash?

Never mind the lives that are ruined by this, never mind that there are mouths to be fed, or roofs to be kept over their heads, never mind that CORPORATE CHIEFS believe that they KNOW better! BECAUSE THEY DON’T!

Look at media in general, no more daily news papers in certain parts of the country, no more magazines to be kept on the racks, hell, this generation has no idea of the type of magazines we  depended on as a youth, be it BOYS LIFE if you were a Boy Scout, or LOOK, LIFE, and TIME magazines were a must in not just the homes but in offices and such, There was stories, and photos, and images that, yes you can see them on line, but to hold it in your hands and smell the freshness of that magazine when you purchased it. OH and yes there was Playboy, that, lets face the facts, that pretty much kept a lot of young men yearning to return home from their tour of duty in Southeast Asia.

But for those of us that lived and died with Sports Illustrated, their stories and photos brought to life the moments that took place, like World Series, and Super Bowls, the NCAA Final Four, the Kentucky Derby, the Triple Crown, the Champions of Wimbledon, and the Finish line at the INDY 500.

Just those few out of the thousands of events that Sports Illustrated covered with not just their photographers, but their writers, their feelings, their emotions, that is what made that “Rag” as some called it the best to be delivered! NOW its all just cut cost because this generation that is with us right now, has no appreciation of the art and the integrity that one has to have to be a journalist!

Go into any school that offers class in journalism, be it on the high school level, writing for your school paper- oh wait they don’t have that any more, now its video and showing a NEWS cast from the “studio” in the school, but its not journalism, its, what is my friend doing in the hall and lets ask them just random questions!

College level journalism, there used to be a class on ethics, and the do’s an don’ts of journalism, we already had one SIDELINE REPORTER admit that they made up quotes from coaches at half time to go on the air say that the coach told them in the second half what they had to do to. YES its coach speak, but really??? I have been a sideline reporter before, and if the coach didn’t wish to speak with me or didn’t have time as they are running out onto the field for the second half I would tell my producer/director, hey—I got nothing! YES I could have made something up, but that’s not right. Its not ETHICAL!

SO AI is NO BETTER! IF its not there, then how can write about it--- because some one, somewhere fed it to them through their system? That makes it better????

ENOUGH ALREADY with the WOKE and the ENTILED crap! GROW THE HELL UP and be at least honest and loyal to who pays the freight!

YOU complain about advertisers, and you complain about the lack of income—look at radio, Audicy the company that purchased CBS RADIO—they are BROKE! They are going under—and the hundreds of stations will suffer—in Dallas/Ft, Worth alone there are like several stations under that banner—Starting off with the Flag Ship Station(s) of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers—KRLD FM 105.3fm and their sister station on the am side KRLD 1080… what once was KLUV is now the SPOT, 98,7FM, KVIL 103.7 or ALT Radio, 107.5 FM Hispanic Radio,

We watched as BALLY SPORTS were purchased by Amazon Sports, and wow—Bally before them was FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST.

The change owners like you and I change shirts. You can’t tell who owns who until it comes out in the trades of even the Wall Street Journal.

Who—really WHO is going to stop this madness—is it going to be YOU or someone that has had their fill of this crap!

I stated earlier about Karen’s- and where the hell did that all start? I mean I know there are those who feel like they are being wronged- but to just outburst and go nuts, where did that come from, who in their lives did them wrong like that?

When did it become the “TEACHERS” fault for YOUR child failing, its not the school, it’s the HOME that failed, your child spends their life on their phone and not interacting with another human being, in school is the ONLY time that they have, to interact. YOU!!!! YOU!!!! THE PARENT—did you live like that when you were growing up, most likely NO! You had a life outside of your house, only because YOUR parents made it that way—both your parents worked and that made you more self reliant on being independent… and because of that, when you became a parent you had no idea of what it was like to discipline your child to make them respect those in charge of their lives inside the walls of a school.

THE GENERATION known as Baby Boomers, we were the last of the breed that respected the teacher, the school and what they meant to us, we forged our way through that and became better people, but somewhere along the line—we lost our mind! Really—the generation has just left the sanity of life somewhere in the dust!

I for one, am just sick of this crap—and would love for someone to stand up, take a hold of the reins of this run away horse and pull back on it and just kick some sense into this Society, and bring order to it, and settle it down a bit and work our way through the issues and the problems.

This rambling is more of a man venting his frustrations and for the love of all that is sane—grow up and, grow some balls, and stop being offended by every little thing that comes down the pike!

Man its to the point where you can’t joke about anything or anyone without offending them—or worse you can’t have mascots of our American Indians, because you are offensive to them—has it EVER occurred to you, that maybe its honoring that heritage and not smearing it, has it EVER occurred to you that maybe the NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN is proud to have that emblem emblazed on uniforms and hats, that NO ONE FORGETS who they were and are, and are proud to be held in esteem honor that way!

NO-- all you see is the crap that YOU want to see and hear—GROW THE HELL UP!

ENOUGH ALREADY—STOP BEING “WOKE” and “WAKE UP”

 

Just a thought

TEXAS RANGERS WORLD CHAMPIONS!

 

The 2023 Texas Rangers became the WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS for 2023 for the first time in franchise history! Since this club was back in Washington DC as the Senators in 1961 then 11 years

later they moved to N. Texas because of a Mayor with a dream, Tom Vandergriff!

That move brought Major League Baseball to the Dallas/ Ft. Worth Metroplex, and to have TWO major sports in the area, the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers!

51 YEARS later, after their arrival to the area, they hoist the Commissioners Trophy high above their heads!

There are so many names that come into our minds, that wore the Ranges uniform, that suffered the many years of losing records, then there was the first year that they won the Division and go up against the New York Yankees—1996 then again in 98 and 99, then wait another decade to win the America League Pennant in 2010 against those PINSTRIPES and the Yankees and the first trip to the World Series, again in 2011 and missing out in game six—to the St. , Cardinals, this team waited for 12 years to get back to that dance—and this time the walk off with the BIG BRASS RING!

Lets think about guys like Toby Harrah, Paul Linblad, Pete O’Brien, Al Oliver, Buddy Bell, Pete Incavilia, Ruben Serria, Bobby Witt, Chalie Hough, Jim Sundberg, Pudge Rodriguez, Will Clark, Mickey Tittleton, Dave Hostetller, David Clyde, Steve Beuchel, Rusty Greer, Kenny Rogers and then there are managers like Ted Williams, Frank Luccessi, Billy Martin, Doug Rader, Bobby Valentine, Buck Showalter, Ron Washington, Jeff Banister, Johnny Oates, and everyone that was ever a part of this franchise.

There are friends and family that have left this world without seeing this day come, one is my Dad, who taught me the game, and the love of the game, and the purpose of the game! My dad passed away in September 1980, but then there are those like my friends, Frank “Doc” Moorefield, Mike Young, Ted Nichols-Payne, David Crome, Judge Jonathan Hayes, Mark Holtz, Dick Reisenhoover, Joe Macko, and so many more that come to mind!

My first game inside ol Arlington Stadium with my Dad and four of my buddies on KIDS DAY against the Boston Red Sox, only to see them lose—but the fact is that game, that moment, instilled my love for the game!

They say there is no crying in baseball, I am here to tell you.. BULL!!!!!!!!!!! There are tears that streamed down my face in the bottom of the 9^th inning, and with two outs, and watching the final out being made on a breaking ball from Josh Sborz and the final strike out! THE SHOCK through my body and the emotions of knowing that this moment is here finally and the joke of- “HELL HAS FINALLY FROZEN OVER” Since the Rangers won the World Series!

There now is a moment when you say—that DFW is a CITY OF CHAMPIONS they have now hit the Grand Slam of Champions—the Cowboys with Five Super Bowl Champions, the Dallas Mavericks with their Championship in 2011, the Dallas Stars with the Stanley Cup Championship in 1999 and NOW The Texas RANGER  WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS 2023.

 

Consider the fact that other than Super Bowls, where those games are played on somewhat neutral ground… The Teams that call Dallas and the Metroplex home, the Dallas Stars won their Stanley Cup won their championship in Buffalo, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Miami, and now the Texas Rangers won their World Series in Phoenix.  Like we said, the Cowboys won their Super Bowls in New Orleans (twice), Pasadena, Atlanta, and Tempe to bring home their Lombardi Trophies.

Being a fan and enjoying the parade, to celebrate the win by your team, but it sort of misses the mark of how this place would have exploded, if they were in the building and with that last strike out, sort of what happened in 2010 when Neftali Feliz struck Alex Rodriguez for the final out in the American League Championship at the old Globe Life Park, the eruption that was heard from that building of 50,000 plus was ear splitting! BUT OH—IT WAS WORTH IT!

We said it then that, 2010, that ALCS was the Rangers World Series, because they beat the Yankees and that monkey came off their backs, then the following year, they went back to the Series, and they lost to the Cardinals, as we said before, how sick it made us on that last out in game Six only to lose the next day, and the Cardinals secured their 11^th Title.

2023, we said it at the beginning of the season when they opened up against the Philadelphia Phillies and walking around the stadium, speaking to players, and other media people, that this season had a special feel, and there was that moment when you meet the Manager Bruce Bochy on the side, shook his hand and introduced yourself to him, and said that what happened in 2010 is in the past, and see if he can bring that same magic to the Rangers.

Question—ANSWERED! LOUD AND CLEAR! WHY, YES HE CAN and DID!

So now we relish the win, celebrate the moment, and look forward to the next season and see if those who will be with this team come 2024 will produce another magical moment, and to steal from Baseball Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Eric Nadel “ WAKE UP RANGERS FANs—YOU’RE NOT DREAMING!” that phrase ranks up there with Chuck Coopersteins “The Mavericks have Planted their Flag on top of the NBA MOUNTAIN TOP”! same feeling to it!

If this was a dream, I don’t wish to wake up, and if I am awake, may I never sleep!

Just a thought!

2023 World Series Tied at 1 game a Piece!

 

This 119^th edition of the World Series is going to be an epic battle, at least its turning into such, as the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers have split the first two games of the series in Texas, and now move to Phoenix to start GAME 3 on Monday evening.

The first game goes extra innings, and in doing so, represents the anniversary of Game SIX of the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals with the Texas Rangers, battling back and getting the lead on Josh Hamilton’s home run and then Nelson Cruz loses the ball and it goes for extra bases for the Cardinals then bottom of the 11^th, David Freize goes yard to end the game in walk off fashion. Well Game one  of this series, goes into extra innings, after the Rangers tied it up in the bottom of the 9^th with a two run bomb by Corey Seager with Leody Taveras on base after a walk, and the Rangers extend the game.

THEN the DRAMATIC happens. The Bottom of the 11^th inning, no one on and one out after Evan Carter flies out to right field, the man, the myth, the NOW—LEGEND—Adolis Garcia, launches a shot into the right field seats and seals the come from behind win with a walk off home run, and send the Game ONE crowd of 42,472 into an ear splitting roar, and celebration!

Fast forward, game two!

The Diamondbacks start to play the brand of baseball that is more accustom to the National League style of play, that’s small ball. Bunting runners over a base, sacrificing themselves to do so, a home run here, a stolen base there, a bunt single, a fielders choice now and then, and the next thing you know the D’backs have a 2-1 lead, and then Mitch Garver steps up to give a bit of hope to the Ranger hopeful with a home run to cut that lead into half.

That doesn’t last very long as, the offensive barrage continues for the Snakes, they’re coiled were ready to strike and when the dust cleared they held a 9-1 lead and final over the Rangers in Game Two.

More so than that, the pitching for the Rangers in the beginning of the game, was spot on—three sold innings, even giving a couple of runs, still was able to shut it down, but the other side of the diamond.. the Diamondbacks, their pitching staff, indeed handcuffed the Rangers bats, not allowing a runner in scoring position all night, and what did score was on the solo shot as we mentioned before by Mitch Garver.

Asked the key players, like Jonah Heim, the All Star Catcher for the Rangers, what was the difference, he put bluntly, “I don’t comment on the Umpiring….” Which is code for, the strike zone changed throughout the evening, and what was once a strike was now being called a ball! And that cost the Rangers pitching staff throughout the night.

Matin Perez, who came on in relief in the later innings, was asked if he would be ready to start if needed in a game four or five, he stated, “whatever is required of me, I will answer the call”.

The Team as a whole doesn’t see a problem, they all pretty much say, that this team is a road team, and plays that way, after eliminating Tampa, Baltimore, AND Houston, to get to this point in the post season.

From here they travel to the home of the Diamondbacks and games 3-4-and 5 will take place, and if by some chance the Rangers find themselves having to come back to Texas those games six and seven will be Friday and Saturday nights at Globe Life Field in November.

The 2023 World Series, now its serious business!

 

Just a thought!

This Turns into a Best of THREE SERIES!

 

Arlington, Texas—The American League Championship Series becomes a best of THREE series with the Astros tying it up 2 games a piece, after the Texas Rangers had gone up TWO Games to NONE in Houston.

These two teams have swapped the home field advantage, and in doing so, now this becomes a best of three games series!

The Astros beat the Rangers in Game 4—10-3, and mainly behind home runs by Jose Abreu, who lit the scoreboard in the 4^th with a Three run shot to left field to make it 7-3 at the time, after the Rangers fought back after being down 3-0—to tie the game after getting 2 in the second inning with a home run and then a SAC fly to left field—the HOMER by Adolis Garcia and the SAC FLY RBI by Josh Jung to score Mitch Garve who had walked earlier in the inning—the Tying run on a solo shot to left center by Corey Seager, and it was a brand new ball game.

Well, at least that’s what the Rangers thought—until the ceiling came in on them with that aforementioned four run 4^th, and two more in the 7^th including a home run by Chas McCormick that scored two more runs to make it 9-3 and then another run in the 8^th that was scored from a lead off double by Jose Altuve, and that was the final run for the Astros needed to make it a 10-3 final.

The Bullpen for the Rangers just could not get the Astros down—one shut down inning in the 3^rd with a one-two-three inning, but after that—not so much walks, and home runs did this Ranger team in. Their bullpen, though was pretty much “starter by committee”, with the starter Andrew Healey going only 2/3 of an inning (never getting out of the 1^st inning is not a good sign to start with), and then giving way to Dane Dunning, then Cody Bradford, followed by Chris Stratton, Will Smith, and finally Martin Perez. All of which (outside of Stratton) gave up runs.

The 2-2 series now has one more game in Arlington, then the final two in Houston, and then the Series will start NEXT Saturday, and the match up is still up in the air, it could be a rematch of last years series with the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies, or if the Diamondbacks from Arizona can make it a series even though they are down 2-1 after game three. Rangers vs Diamondbacks would be an interesting series, but none the less, they have to get past a very good and determined Astros Team that has shown that they might be down, but not out, after their win in game four.

The final thought is, that the Rangers, having won 7 games in a row going into game three the night before, and losing 5-4, it was bound to happen, but getting shellacked 10-3 in game three—it will take some BRUCE BOCHY magic to get this team off the mat, and make this a series for the ages against a very good Houston Astros team that Dusty Baker has put together.

It will have to come down in the next three games—that’s what this has come down too, the best of three.

Just a thought.

The American League Championship Series—Game THREE in the Books

 

Arlington, Texas—The third game of any seven game series is crucial, if you are the team that finds themselves down 2 games to none—you want to win the third game and keep the opportunity from being swept by the team with that advantage, that is what the Houston Astros needed to do without fail and, without fail they prevailed!

Winning game three by a score of 8-5 behind an outstanding pitching performance of Christian Javier, who, at one time had a no-hitter going into the 5^th inning, and for the most the part, a perfecto, into the third before giving up a walk.

For all of that—the Rangers were still able to keep the game with in reach for a little bit, especially with TWO home runs from a ROOKIE third basemen, Josh Jung, who battled for his team with a home run in the fifth and again in the 7^th inning, and bot of them with a runner on base. Four RUNS batted in on two swings of the bat, and this kid is being SNUBBED for a Gold Glove award at his position, five Rangers have been nominated, and rightfully so, but there should be a sixth and that is JUNG!

Beyond that, it was the Rangers starter, Max Scherzer who saw his first action in a month after going down with an injury in September. Manger Bruce Bochy stated, that “he’s one of our guys—and the ball was in his hands”.. to which his first inning out, 8 pitches and looked solid, it was the top of the 2^nd inning that got Scherzer into trouble, when he struck Yordan Alvarez on the left foot and then the another walk a single and a double that netted the three runs and the Astros never looked back,

The feeling is still that of optimism for the Rangers, and seeing that this team a year ago only won 68 games, here comes Bruce Bochy and crew and they harped on fundamentals, defense, because that is what wins games, the points on the board—as long as you outscore the other team you will see the wins mount up, and up until late August and through September, the Rangers held first place for over 160 days of the season.

Game four is set for Globe Life Field on Thursday and then Friday might be the closer if the Rangers win game four and lock game five up.

Still baseball to be played.

Just a thought

Rangers Are Playoff Bound!

 

For the first time since 2016, the Texas Rangers are headed to the American League Playoffs, and in doing so, after leading the American League West Division for over 140 out of 149 days, and they have regained that first place with one game LEFT in the season, they still have the chance to clinch the Division and be the NUMBER 2 seed in the playoffs.

A quick recap of the 2023 season, has to start with opening day against the Philadelphia Phillies, at Globe Life Field, and there was a feel in the air, something that hasn’t been felt since 2010, or maybe even 2011, under Ron Washington as the Manager of the Rangers.

New BOSS on the bench—Bruce Bochy, who after winning three World Series when he was the skipper of the San Francisco Giants—including the year that he faced Texas in 2010.

The Rangers also secured some arms with  Jacob deGrom (who later was lost to Tommy John , Surgery) a mid season pick up with Max Scherber from the Mets, and a couple of pieces for back up catcher and some outfield help, but the truth is, that this team had all the components that Chris Young wasis  able to put together before the Trade Deadline.

This season also gave us a chance to see what this offense could produce, such as 4 ALL STARS (including a Rookie Third Baseman) but solid All Stars like Marcus Semien at 2^nd base, or Corey Seager at short stop, Adolis Garcia in right field, Jonah Heim behind the plate, and Pitcher Nathan Evoldi… that’s a pretty good line up all on its own!

Go through the season and be at the top of the heap in the West for the majority of the season until August—when they go into a tail spin and Houston catches up, Seattle is in the hunt- and the eroding of the Angels falling by the way side—with Otani closing out his locker before the last week of the season, and also seeing Mike Trout of the Angels not being a factor in that three game series at the end of the season. BUT after sweeping the Mariners for the last series at HOME to close out the home side of the 2023 season, it looked promising that the Rangers would secure 1^st place in the West once again!

BUT WAIT! Its not over, losing 3 of four games to the Mariners in Seattle to close out the season and the Astros winning their last games against the Diamondbacks to move a game ahead of the Rangers to become the Western Division Champs on the LAST DAY of the season.

The Rangers will now take on the Tampa Bay Rays starting on the 3^rd of October in Tampa and it’s the best of three series for the Wild Card, and IF there is a third game to settle the score, it will also be played in Tampa. The Rangers WILL NOT play a home playoff game until the Divisional Series.

The Feel is the same as opening day—the thought is the same as that day as well.

Bring out the Brooms—RANGERS SWEEP the ROCKIES!

 

Yes break out the brooms—as the Rangers take the three game series against the Colorado Rockies at Globe Life Field over the weekend of May 19^th through 21^st, and twice in the series scoring double digits—11 runs on a Saturday afternoon and then 13 more runs on Sunday afternoon as well. TWENTY FOUR RUNS in two games, that’s says something about this Ranger offense.

Home Runs by Corey Seager, Josh Jung, and Josh Smith—not to mention extra base hits by a slew of Rangers to help push runs across the plate—five in the 2^nd inning and another six in the fifth. Tack on a couple of more in the 8^th and that’s your 13 runs in the game!

Andrew Heaney on the mound for the Rangers gave up ONE run but it was unearned since it was a Fields Choice and error on the 1^st baseman (Nate Lowe) trying to throw out the lead runner going into second base—however the Rockies did get a couple of more runs across when they faced reliever Jose Leclerc.

It’s the same song with the bullpen, you never know which one will show up for a game—the red hot guys or the ones that will get shell shocked and give up either a big lead and make it closer than it should, or the absolute worse, give UP the lead all together and lose it on the tail end of the late innings, where your offense is not able to break through.

Those are the frustrating games and the bullpens ineptness. Some blame Bruce Bochy the manager of the Rangers, for not managing the bullpen properly—or they point fingers at Chris Young for not getting the right arms, lets face it, the team has lost for the time being, Jacob deGrom with his injury, catcher Mitch Garver is still not back yet though he might start a rehab assignment soon, then there is the 60 days—those are the ones that the team might see sometime in July—Glen Otto, Bret martin, Jake Odorizzi, Spencer Howard, every one of those names are Pitchers—Jake Jankowski is on 10 days—along with Garver—so again, might see those guys play in either Round Rock or Frisco for rehab assignments.

For the most part however, the Rangers win three in a row against the National League Rockies, and their interleague play continues as they hit the road to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates for a set then travel to Baltimore for three games then to Detroit for another three games, back home June 2^nd when the Seattle Mariners come into Arlington to take on the Rangers for a three game division match up—then the RED BIRDS from St Louis come to town—not that any one of us still stings from GAME 6 of the 2011 World Series--- ONE OUT away—ONE STRIKE away from bringing home the hardware only to lose it in extra innings, to the Cardinals, and then game 7 was more a less an afterthought with the Cardinals in St. Louis win the whole thing for their 11^th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP in club history, and the Rangers once again come in second place for the 2^nd year in a row. (2010 lose to San Francisco Giants, led by, current Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy. (I told him at the beginning of this season, that I would not hold it against him) But I did mentioned it—so I got it out of my system!

So we turn our attention to the road games coming up and see how they fare with the Pirates, Orioles, and Tigers, before they come back home to face the Mariners.

For now it’s a good feeling to sweep a team (any team) and take that momentum with you to the next game(s).

Just a thought

Rangers Putting Together WINS!

 

The Texas Rangers in the month of April are showing their toughness by scoring runs and winning games, the did it again over the week with taking 2 of three from the Defending World Series Champions Houston Astros, in Houston, and then coming home to take on the Oakland A’s at Globe Life Field in Arlington, taking again, 2 of three from the Swingin A’s.

ON a Saturday night, the Rangers EXPLODED with 18 runs and giving up 3 runs, and still ending the game in under 2 and half hours. The STAR of that game alone, with THREE home runs and 8 Runs Batted In was Adolis Garcia, so much was he the star of the game, that the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York has requested the batting helmet (City Connect version) to be placed in the Hallowed Hall!

On Sunday, the former New York Met, Jacob deGrom takes to the hill for the Rangers and, after a shorten outing in Houston, where he stated that he had soreness in his wrist, he returned with six solid innings of work, giving up 3 hits on two runs, of which only ONE was earned, no walks, and struck out 11 on the day—one home run that led to the two runs that crossed the plate, and according to Manager Bruce Bochy, it was really not a choice to just let deGrom come out after the 6^th inning after throwing 80 plus pitches and the 11 strike outs on the board.

Though the Runs exploded again for the Rangers in the second inning when Robbie Grossman stepped to the plate with two Rangers on the base paths, Leody Taveras was on second after a single and stolen base, then Marcus Semien walked and Grossman launched a rainbow into the left field seats that traveled an estimated 432 feet, to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead, they tacked on another run in the forth on a single again by Taveras and a Sacrifice to Center that scored from third—and it was 4-0, the mistake pitch by deGrom in the top of the fifth with one on for the A’s and it was a homer to left and it was 4-2. The Rangers weren’t done with their scoring on a wild pitch with the bases full of Rangers, in the bottom of the 8^th inning, and Taveras once again scores and it is 5-2 which was the final score.

The Rangers hit the road for a three game set with the Cincinnati Reds, then return to the home field on the 27 for a four game set with the EVIL EMPIRE also known as the New York Yankees, and the return of Aaron Judge, who in October, he’s last time to visit Arlington, hit home run number 62 to become the ALL TIME American League Home Run leader for a single season, and beating Roger Maris’ record of 61 that was set back in 1961.

Judge will come back to Texas, and most likely the local media will bombard him with the same questions that have been following the young New York Captain since the end of last season, are you capable of doing it again or MORE? To which, the answer is most likely to be “I don’t know”.. and honestly, that is the best answer of all, because no can predict what his talents can provide, last year for Judge, that was magical, 2023, different season, different story.

For now the Rangers head out and then return home—closing out the month of April that has been surprising to some, and expected by others.

As stated before, there is a different feel of this ball club, similar of that in 2010 and 2011, when the Rangers were American League Champions, and appeared in TWO World Series, it is believed to be the changing of philosophy of Skipper Bruce Bochy, who has three World Series Rings to prove it, and he motivates from the standpoint of- this team can be a champion if it believes in itself.

Just a thought!

There UGLY and then there is U G L Y!

 

The Texas Rangers dropped a truly ugly performance on Wednesday night in Arlington, Texas, to the Kansas City Royals 10-1.

Though the start of the game had promise to it, as Nathaniel Lowe went yard into Center Field for a Solo Home Run, that traveled 430 feet into the stands, but that was the last time that the Rangers saw the lead.

Nathan Eovaldi, the starting pitcher for the Rangers started the game with a bit of promise for himself, with striking out two out of three hitters,  throwing all strikes, and not one ball across the plate for a 9 pitch inning… however that didn’t last either, as he gave up hits and runs in the 2^nd inning and through the 5 innings that he pitched—he gave up 10 hits, 6 runs and struck out 7 batters (all swinging strike outs) As the Royals tacked on four more runs against reliever Taylor Hearn and that was the tally for the Royals on the night—10 runs on 14 hits and they left six men on the base paths.

The Rangers, the ONE lowly run, on 4 hits and left 5 on the bases, with Brad Keller shutting down the Rangers offense that was potent through out the first two games of the series, scoring 11 runs on Monday night and coming from behind in extra innings on Tuesday night to win 8-5 on a Jonah Heim three run blast into right center field to win that in walk off fashion—but Wednesday evening—2 hours 24 minutes of baseball and 10 runs on the wrong side of the ledger—makes for a long night for the Home Team.

Rangers are packing their bags and getting ready to head down I-45 to take on their Intrastate Rival, the Houston Astros for a weekend series starting on Friday night and takes them through the annual Jackie Robinson celebration, on the 15^th of April, where everyone wears 42 on their back. Its usually a home game for the Rangers, but this year 2023 , they are the road team in this particular celebration.

Its also a time to teach the younger generation of the struggles that a young African-American went through to play the game of baseball, not ever seeing the prejudice that faced him in certain areas of the country like the south, or in towns such as Cincinnati, St Louis, and even Chicago. Jackie Robinson played his college ball out in California, where he was accepted as an athlete, and as an equal to his teammates.

When Branch Rickey reached out to him, asked him to sign with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he was told that he was going to face harsh opposition to him playing baseball, in what was considered in those days, a “White Mans” game only, and that there was already a Negro League, where players such as Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, and many others were established players.

Robinson however was going to be the person to step over the line, the imaginary line, of prejudice, and hatred, and show people that HE is the one that can not only play the game, but keep his head above all the noise and nay sayers, and become a hero to not only African-American children, but to white children too, who immolated the young man with his batting stance, or stepping out and grabbing dirt and rubbing his hands in it, and then spread it on the handle of the bat, those were and are the things that make little boys dreams come true, and they, for that moment BECOME that person!

So this April 15^th, as every April 15^th, its not just Tax Day- its Jackie Robinson Day, and we remember the man, that lead Major League Baseball out of the darkness of their own sight and into the light of a new dawning of what the great American Past Time has become! EVERYMANS GAME!

Just a thought!

ITS BASEBALL TIME IN TEXAS! Season number 51 for the Texas Rangers!

 

2023 is the 51^st season in Arlington, Texas for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, and with THIS season, there is a feel in the air, something that has not been felt since, back in 2010, and Ron Washington at the helm (manager) of the Rangers.

However this is 13 years later—a new manager in Bruce Bochy—formally of the San Francisco Giants with three World Series Rings on his hand—more so than that—the Rangers went out and got some arms—former New York Met ace Jacob deGrom and they resigned Martin Perez—along with others—their infield pretty much the same as a year ago with Jung at 3^rd—the middle infield remains the same from a year ago with Semien and Seager with Lowe at first.

The outfield has some question marks but that will shake out through out the season.

But the feeling is of optimism or at least it felt that way through the first inning when deGrom threw 10 pitches and struck out two batters and the roof caved in in the 3^rd when he gave up four runs in two innings. The Mets fans must be watching this game and thinking “WE TOLD YOU SO!” but truth is—1 game—first game does a season not make!

For what it is worth—the Rangers have had the Phillies number over the last couple of years as they have gone 9-0 including sweeping them last year in four games. Though so far the game is still young and deGrom has finished his outing going 3 and 2/3 with 6 hits 5 runs all earned and  7 strike outs!  Ya hate to see the 5 runs in just four innings of play—but it will see the toughness of the Rangers in the later innings to see what they can do.

The Rangers explode in the 4^th inning and put a 9 spot on the board to take the lead—and hold to it through out the game, even though Jacob deGrom left the game early—and even said that he thought he was throwing well, just that the Phillies were hitting the ball even better and that’s what let them score the four spot on the team, and eventually a five run lead.

Bruce Bochy in his first game as a Ranger Manager and back in the dug out after two years of “retirement” from the Giants, said that it was an atmosphere that he truly appreciated—and that the Fans were the best part of the game, 38, 300 plus in the house for opening game, and the first three dates will be a tail tell sign of things to come for this 2023 edition of the Texas Rangers.

The POMP and the CIRCUMSTANCE to open the game, with the TEXAS RANGERS Law Enforcement coming out—the Honor Guard and the Horse Patrol, the singing of the State Song, “Texas Our Texas” then our National Anthem, the ROOF open—then closed (first time in the history of Globe Life Field that they closed the roof DURING a game) the Texas Rangers Hall of Famers that came out onto the field, Tom Grieve, Pudge, Nolan Ryan, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and then you have Governor Abbott and former President George W. Bush to be on the field for the ceremonial first pitch.

Before the game, you’re on the field, talking to both Teams, players and managers and finding out the fun stuff, like the new guys just moving into the area, asking about shopping and eating places, and giving them your opinions and just getting to know the guys as people and not just athletes.

They will wipe the lines clean from the field and repaint them for the next game on Saturday and then on Sunday evening.

Just a thought!

Saying Good-bye to a Comfortable Sound!

 

On August 2^nd, around 8pm PDT, the news started to filter through the world that a long time voice, and a sound that was comfortable to listen to, on a warm (or hot) summer evening.

This voice started out in Brooklyn, New York, with a team called the Dodgers, and with names like Pee Wee, and Bragen, and Robinson. DEM BUMS as some would call them moved in the 50’s to Los Angeles, and started his tenure that lasted between Brooklyn to LA, 67 years behind the microphone for not only radio but Television broadcast as well.

The ONE and THE only- Vin Scully, who passed away at the age of 95, and with that, the microphone grew silent once again.

Our lives—if you are a fan of sports, sometimes, can be associated with the sound of a voice, through the magic of radio, that kept us company at night—or when we were younger--- tuning in to listen to the World Series during school (if you could get away with it, or better yet your Teacher was a fan of the game as well)

The voice at the other end was comforting, and like a warm blanket that would wrap itself around you and give you that solace that, everything was alright in the world.

When you think, and reflect, on the voices of your life, what impacted you, what were the sounds that were comforting. It might have been the voices of your parents, or grandparents. It might have been the voices that were that of your friends, or someone close to you!

I had the opportunity to meet Vin Scully when the Dallas All Sports Association honored him in the early 2000’s at a dinner. Listening to him talk about his career, and the greats that he had been associated with, and being at the microphone for monumental moments, such as World Series, Perfect Games, No Hitters, then there were College Games, and Football games, and Golf Tournaments—his voice was marking that of time that we spent watching the those events.

He lent his voice and talent to a movie with Kevin Costner in it, called “For the Love of the Game” which also starred the late Kelly Preston (John Travolta’s wife). A sports movie with a Love Story twist and turn, about an aging pitcher, in the twilight of his career, and staring at the perfect game, and every line uttered by Vin Scully was an absolute gem. Now its not as quoted as those of Bob Eucker in “Major League”, but none the less they are gems, such as “Pushing the Sun back up into the sky” or my favorite, “The Cathedral that is known as Yankee Stadium--- belongs to a Chapel!” In reference to the fictional pitcher, Billy Chapel in the movie.

During his talk at the DASA banquet, he spoke of his broadcasting style, and to this day I have stolen some of this thoughts, one was—” A picture may paint a thousand words, but we use a thousand words to paint a picture” referring to radio broadcasters, and the other was about the game of baseball, that while broadcasting the game its more about the drama you bring to the game through your words, and therefore a baseball game is nothing more than a good story interrupted by a game.”

His was about poetry, and how he could weave the stories into the game, and make them a part of his style and his ability to bring YOU the listener into the game.

He will be remembered for calling Kirk Gibson’s Home Run against the A’s in the World Series, where Gibson was hobbled, and hurting and took a swing and sent it to the right field bleachers—the Fist Pump of Gibson rounding second, and the sounds of Vin Scully just ever so slightly come across to emphasize the moment.

He was the master of being subtle, let the crowd tell the story best, and you just absorb, as a listener or a viewer, to the event.

He was the same when Sandy Kofax threw a perfect game, or when the Dodger or any other team won the World Series, Scully knew to let the moment have its own, and let the fans enjoy what was transpiring.

Eighteen NO Hitters 3 Perfect Games- Three World Series, and countless Game of the Weeks broadcast, along with being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Ford Frick award winner, and other accomplishments.

What will be missed the most, well since he fully retired in 2016 from the booth, and his age of over 90 years of age, when you think about it, most of what he had done in broadcasting is still archived, and we can still go back and listen to it over and over again. So in reality, Vin Scully, much like, Mel Allen, or Red Barber, or Jack Buck—Harry Carry, John Facenda, Pat Summerall, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, and the list goes on of those voices that shaped our lives and brought to life the games that we watched or listen to. (Didn’t wish to leave out Keith Jackson).

Its “So Long for now”, and until we meet again—from that great Press Box in the sky—Vin Scully you have been and always be a part of our time line of our lives.

Just a thought.