Some idle thoughts while waiting for the start of the fall classic tonight between the Dodgers and Astros in 100-degree heat…
Hot Stove #56 – The Dodgers and the World Series – Is This Next Year
The Dodgers defeated the Cubs last night and now will move on to the 2017 World Series. Or, if we must, the “World Series Presented by You Tube TV.” This had to be sweet revenge for the Dodgers who lost the NLCS last year to the Cubs who were on their way to winning their first World Series in 108 years.
Hot Stove #55 – The 2017 National League Division Series presented by T-Mobile; The 2017 American League Division Series presented by Doosan
Last night, as midnight approached, I watched former Royal Wade Davis record a 7-out save to move the Cubs toward a repeat as World Series champions. In a game both ugly and beautiful, the Washington Nationals were eliminated to reduce the 10-team playoffs to the final four.
Hot Stove #54 – I Hope Cleveland Wins the 2017 World Series
In 2016, I rooted for the Cubs to beat the Indians in the World Series. If the Indians make it to the Series this year, I want them to win.
Hot Stove #53 – Best All-Time Lineup
At long last, a decision on best all-time catcher. It’s been complicated.
Best All-Time Catcher: In Hot Stove #48, I discussed how grandson Ian and I had assumed we would settle on Johnny Bench as the best catcher. As I researched the history, I was reminded of my childhood appreciation for Yogi Berra. I wavered. Also, the imposing presence of Negro Leagues great Josh Gibson gave me pause – Gibson was listed by stats guru Bill James as one of the top 10 players (not just catchers) of all time while Berra and Bench were down in the 40’s. So I procrastinated and put off a final decision. I got a little help from Hot Stove reader David Von Drehle who put this in perspective for me:
Hot Stove #52 – One Baseball Video Plus the Telluride Film Festival
For the seventh straight year, Rita and I spent Labor Day Weekend in Colorado at the Telluride Film Festival. Rita likes to call it our sport of extreme sitting. We were joined this year by long-time friend Marsha Murphy who now lives in Naples, Florida. As the festival ended and Hurricane Irma approached Florida, Marsha wisely changed her plane ticket and is now visiting friends in Kansas City.
Hot Stove #51 – Moses Lithograph and Van Horn High School – 50 Hot Stoves
Hot Stove #51 – Moses Lithograph and Van Horn High School – 50 Hot Stoves
Though little remarked in the press, Lonnie’s Hot Stove reached #50 in the last post. This all started in the afterglow of the 2015 World Series with the inaugural post going out on November 30, 2015. I can’t believe Hot Stove is now at #51. Of course I also can’t believe I turned 76 this month. Time flies when you’re having a good time. A list of the first 50 is at the end of this post.
Hot Stove #50 – Hitler, the Klan and Baseball
Hot Stove #50 – Hitler, the Klan and Baseball
“Why did Hitler get hit with a baseball? He did ‘Nazi’ it coming.”
Hot Stove #49 – One Hundred Years Ago – Schmelzer’S All Nations Team – Forerunner of the Kansas City Monarchs
In 1917, there was a barnstorming team based in Kansas City that was very good – three of its players are in the Hall of Fame. The owner of that team is also in the Hall of Fame. The sponsor of that team is not as well remembered, but I became intrigued when I heard about a baseball jersey.
Hot Stove #48 – Photo Ops
I’m going to give you (and myself) a break from the long form post. Mostly photos. “Write less, show more.” [Inside Hamilton joke]
The Polsinelli Firm: I joined my law school friend Jim Polsinelli at his Plaza firm in 1979. We had nine lawyers. Today we have around 800 lawyers in 20 offices around the country. If you are wondering what that has to do with baseball, take a closer look at the photo below. At first glance, you are watching Yadier Molina complete his home run trot. Now let your eyes follow down the left leg of the arch…to our St. Louis office. Wayne Tenenbaum was watching a Cardinals game on TV and gave me the heads-up that the Polsinelli name is in full and constant view at Busch Stadium. I’m guessing Coca-Cola paid more to be seen there.