[I’m pausing postseason baseball talk to honor two of Kansas City’s finest. More baseball talk soon – Astros and Phillies in the World Series.]
Last Thursday, October 20, 2022, two of Kansas City’s greatest storytellers died. Paul Vardeman at age 92. Bert Bates at age 96. In this Part One, Continue reading
In Hot Stove #204, I expressed my hope that the four underdogs would win the National League Division Series (NLDS) and the American League Division Series (ALDS). In the NL, this meant San Diego and Philadelphia. In the AL, Seattle and Cleveland. Continue reading
Today at noon, the second round of the MLB playoffs will begin. Like this past Friday and Saturday in the first round, there will be four games spread out over the day and night, giving a feeling of March Madness. For baseball nuts, it’s heaven. Our own October Madness. Continue reading
[Excerpt from Hot Stove #202, posted on September 30, 2002.]
Lonnie’s Jukebox – Gary and Rita Shalton Edition: My brother Gary, two years younger, was two grades behind me at Van Horn High School. Continue reading
The regular season has ended, and the playoffs begin today. There are 12 playoff teams, and my sentimental favorite is Seattle. It is the only franchise that has never been to a World Series. Next in line would be San Diego and Tampa Bay who have been to the Series but have not won. But the odds are not good for any of them. For an entertaining preview of the first round games, check out Joe Posnanski here. Continue reading
Harry Truman and Albert Pujols. Two guys who started their careers in Eastern Jackson County. Continue reading
The baseball season is winding down, the playoffs are coming, and new MLB rules have been announced for 2023 (pitch clock, limited shifts and bigger bases). Continue reading
My goodness. Hot Stove #200. To celebrate this milestone, I’m going to feature someone very special. Continue reading
Remember the headlines about the Royals in mid-July? Continue reading
Last Tuesday night, the Dodgers were in San Francisco playing the Giants at Oracle Park. During the game, the Dodgers announced that Vin Scully had died. When the game ended with a Dodger victory, the L.A. players lined up for post-game handshakes, and at that moment, the Giants ran a tribute to Scully on the scoreboard (click here; 1:09). It was at this same stadium (then called AT&T Park) that Scully broadcast his final game in 2016. Continue reading