The World Series begins tonight. The Houston Astros, first seed in the AL, host the Philadelphia Phillies, sixth seed in the NL. Continue reading
Hot Stove #208 – 2022 World Series Begins Tonight
Hot Stove #207 – Raconteur Hall of Fame (Part Two) – W. H. “Bert” Bates
[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 the last Hot Stove, I covered Paul Vardeman. Today, Bert Bates. Continue reading
Hot Stove #206 – Raconteur Hall of Fame (Part One) – Paul E. Vardeman
[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
Hot Stove #205 – 2022 MLB Postseason – The Final Four
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
Hot Stove #204 – October Madness and Long-Suffering Fans
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
Gary and Rita Shalton
[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
Hot Stove #203 – Bronx Bombers – Ruth, Maris and Judge
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
Hot Stove #202 – Harry Truman and Albert Pujols – Still Going Strong in 2022
Harry Truman and Albert Pujols. Two guys who started their careers in Eastern Jackson County. Continue reading
Hot Stove #201 – 2022 Telluride Film Festival
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
Hot Stove #200 – Managing Editor Rita
My goodness. Hot Stove #200. To celebrate this milestone, I’m going to feature someone very special. Continue reading