In 1976-77 when I was a young, unmarried Enquirer scribe covering the UC football and basketball beat, my hangout after home games was Dollar Bill’s Saloon on short Vine near the campus. Cool place, cold beer. It was right across from Bogart’s. Many times, the music from Bogart’s leaked over the street into the saloon (“What the hell is that noise?” “New band. Called Boston.”) and so did the performers. One night, Commander Cody’s new outfit finished its set and some members of the group rolled into Dollar Bill’s. One of them was a backup singer, a petite lady with long hair who was quiet and attractive. I asked if I could buy her a drink. She smiled and politely declined. I wasn’t crushed. It wasn’t the first time I’d been thwarted in my romantic pursuits. A few years later when I was watching a TV show and saw her again, I realized that the petite young backup singer had been Nicolette Larson, who was now a solo artist and was having a big hit with a Neil Young song about . . . well, a lotta stuff that hits home in your early 20s. Right? Our true loves showed up eventually and made our lives very happy. But thanks for reviving that memory.
Once again, some good thoughts, Doc. I do agree that Cincinnati is definitely an EVENT town, no doubt. But I also think it is a town that desperately wants and needs to love their Reds, yes, more than the Bengals. Most of us from Nati grew up with the Reds. We really do need them. Now, all that said, I’m an OG who now lives some 500+ miles to the east. Maybe it’s just me who need them to win.
I was a “Justified” fan throughout its run and had no problem with the exaggerated depiction of my deeper Ky. brethren; poetic license and all that. However, I do agree with you that selling the new location being Detroit is gonna take some doing. But, then again, I’ve been a Timothy Olyphant fan for a long time.
Paul (Doc), You're back! I really enjoy your comments re Reds and general life. My wife, Mrs. Terri, was Jillian's preschool teacher over at Montgomery Baptist years ago. She was very pleased to see you at Hickory Woods last week with our neighbor, John O'Neill. Keep on keep'n on!
FWIW, I lived five minutes from Angel Stadium from 2002 to 2007. Reds fan first and foremost, but at least the Angels during that period were fun and interesting.
I think the baseball rule changes impact Cincinnati fans more than other markets. The long games were a deterrent to locals attending week night games because they lasted too long and ended too late. Cincinnatians don't like staying up late and getting up for work early the next day. Now the games are more exciting and end at a reasonable time, and more workers have flexible schedules can work remotely.
It is funny how we associate certain songs with getting dumped by girl friends. During my younger years, I listened to 'Diary' (Bread) or many Bee Gee songs. When my long-term relationship ended unexpectedly, I wore out Uriah Heep's Sweet Freedom album. This music made it more bearable to be depressed.
I don’t know about other cities but he’s not far off. There’s a big difference early in the year while the school year wraps up vs mid summer, also. He’s right about cincy folks…many of them see going downtown for a game as an “ordeal” or more trouble than things to do in the burbs. I don’t agree but lots of people seem to feel that way.
Solid column today. I wonder what attendance was like during some of the bleak 80s seasons. Those of us who are older have fond memories of the Big Red Machine and they had some good crowds, but not so good that they stopped handing out Straight-A tickets. Those were generally when the Padres or Expos were playing, but even so, they didn't always sell out.
I for one would probably attend more games except I'm getting to an age where I detest any kind of hassle. Plus, why does a cup of pop have to cost $7.50? Why do events always feel the need to stick it to us? Yes, I know I can bring my own, but sometimes I want a fountain drink with ice. 1st World problem, but aren't most of the gripes in these columns that? LoL! Oh, well. Have a nice day all.
Doc, your last two TML’s have been spot on! Reds fans will always love their team. But aren’t going to spend their money unless they have a product worth it. DLC has the “IT” factor, he just elevates those around him. The same thing happened here in Louisville. Talking about event towns, when minor league baseball came back in 1982, we broke the minor league attendance record (867,418). In 1983 the team promoted to hit the million mark and we did at 1,052,437. The funny thing is that’s all that mattered. The team made the playoffs, but most folks didn’t go because they just wanted to set the record.
Artistic license has always been a Hollywood specialty so Justified in Detroit? Why not? Have you ever seen Next of Kin? Patrick Swayze and Liam Neeson as certified hilljacks in Chicago! Swayze didn’t really sell the persona to me, but I thought Neeson could pass for anyone I might meet on a blood feud in Menifee County back in the day. Swayze did have the best line when a mobster told him it was “too bad” his younger brother had been murdered, “you ain’t seen bad, but it’s coming”. Hollywood at its overblown best!
Amazing what winning and exciting baseball will do for ticket sales. My brother and his friend have tickets for tonight. Hope the weather plays nice for a change.
Detroit was Elmore Leonard's real stomping ground. Justified grew out of a short piece titled Raylan. I always loved that Leonard was involved in the series until his death before the final season. The quality of the writing holds up.
Some scenes are shot in West Virginia in the old show. I know the characterizations bug you badly, but my friends from Eastern Kentucky laugh their butts off when there is opportunity. Lots of Florida nincompoops and other transplants who think they rule the yokels. Many of them die learning the truth.
We always laugh about the Tates Creek Bridge and Raylan running back and forth from Lexington to Harlan like it is a short trip. They pulled that same distance shtick in the movie Elizabethtown. Louisville to Etown and Nashville seemed to take about twenty minutes.
The cat is mad at me because thunder and lightning kept both of us awake most of the night. Still managed to get to yoga this morning, a bit late. Blacktopping/resurfacing going on in front of our driveway and at least a mile altogether. Planning on a nap myself. Both of us are grumpy.
Haven't you ever seen Raylan drive? He'd punch that pedal down to the floor in that Lincoln and hit 'bout 190 between Harlan and Lex. Trip goes quick when ya do that. He drove like Hunter T. did in Vegas, spreading fear and loathing. Kentucky boyz is raized on NASCAR. They pick em up and put em back down so quick groundhogs aint got a chance. Drivin in the mountains is serious business: 'shine gotta get where it's goin'.
Gotta thank you, IB, for the Tour de France doc suggestions. Unchained was off the hook and gave me a better insight as to who is running some of the teams and how race strategy unfolds. I was inspired enough to start watching the Tour live instead of tape delay. I skipped the first half of the TT this morning knowing the race was toward the end. Hard to believe Vin’ crushed Pog’ and I think Pog’ had a hard time believing it too. Maybe the mid race bike exchange wasn’t a good idea with the wind. This rest of the week is going to be fun to watch.
Was surprised that Jonas was so dominant yesterday although I’d heard that Jonas had never lost a TT to Pogi the last week of the Tour. Jonas is a machine but it’s hard to dislike him. Seems like a good guy. I like how Pogi likes to race and is always smiling and congratulating other riders. Reminds me of Tiger and Phil if Phil was nearly as equal in ability and had Tiger’s drive and focus.
If you have not done so, check out Lance’s post stage analysis on The Move. It’s on YouTube and as a podcast. It is very insightful.
I was just thinking last night that the TdF needs an evening review show. I tried to watch recap video links embedded in online articles but they were all euro and country specific.
I'd have to politely disagree. The Angels have no clue on how to build a program nor an MLB roster. They're always chasing the shiny objects (like a Rendon) and getting minimal ROI. They've effectively wasted Trout's prime years. He's a 10 yr vet, 3 time MVP and have nothing to really show for it. The best thing for the Angels fan base would've been if Arte had actually followed through on his sale of the team.
Both can be true. Angels have wasted Trout’s prime, chase shiny objects (Pujols) and under achieve AND they have been more successful than the Reds since 2002. 7 playoffs + 1 WS title > 3 playoffs with no wins. They seem to want to compete. I’d have been more satisfied rooting for the Angels this century based on results.
Any criticism on the Reds wasting Votto’s career? And Bruce and Cueto?
Facts talk but apparently we can’t agree on basic stats that show one is better than the other.
I get that Elly is a wonderful addition to the Reds, but as exciting as he is, I am more excited by Matt McClain. He seems like a 15 year player that, baring injuries, could be a 3000 hit guy playing great defense.
Yes I remember that column and I thought it was accurate at the time and still is . I also thought the new ownership would be different they weren’t . No to OGs playing in any kinda sports event including golf . Think you’re dead wrong on muscle cramps as a former Collegiate distance runner who drank everything possible during the season it didn’t help cramps happened.
Yeah, too much straight water depletes the electrolytes and bioflavinoids that hold off the heat cramps. Freshest, pulpiest OJ, cucumbers, pickle juice, lime juice water, bananas, kiwis, pineapple juice and your sports drinks in the days before and avoiding caffeine and/or energy drinks, too much beer over the all-star break, etc ... plus there may have been medications not accounted for could have contributed to an electrolytes deficit
In 1976-77 when I was a young, unmarried Enquirer scribe covering the UC football and basketball beat, my hangout after home games was Dollar Bill’s Saloon on short Vine near the campus. Cool place, cold beer. It was right across from Bogart’s. Many times, the music from Bogart’s leaked over the street into the saloon (“What the hell is that noise?” “New band. Called Boston.”) and so did the performers. One night, Commander Cody’s new outfit finished its set and some members of the group rolled into Dollar Bill’s. One of them was a backup singer, a petite lady with long hair who was quiet and attractive. I asked if I could buy her a drink. She smiled and politely declined. I wasn’t crushed. It wasn’t the first time I’d been thwarted in my romantic pursuits. A few years later when I was watching a TV show and saw her again, I realized that the petite young backup singer had been Nicolette Larson, who was now a solo artist and was having a big hit with a Neil Young song about . . . well, a lotta stuff that hits home in your early 20s. Right? Our true loves showed up eventually and made our lives very happy. But thanks for reviving that memory.
Once again, some good thoughts, Doc. I do agree that Cincinnati is definitely an EVENT town, no doubt. But I also think it is a town that desperately wants and needs to love their Reds, yes, more than the Bengals. Most of us from Nati grew up with the Reds. We really do need them. Now, all that said, I’m an OG who now lives some 500+ miles to the east. Maybe it’s just me who need them to win.
I was a “Justified” fan throughout its run and had no problem with the exaggerated depiction of my deeper Ky. brethren; poetic license and all that. However, I do agree with you that selling the new location being Detroit is gonna take some doing. But, then again, I’ve been a Timothy Olyphant fan for a long time.
Yes, I stay up to watch Angels' games but only to watch every Ohtani at-bat. And they've
been playing some exciting games lately, including Monday night's 4-3 win over the Yanks
on a walkoff hit by Michael Stefanic after Shohei's 35th, and rare bat flip, had tied game earlier.
I should add I live in the Mountain Time Zone, so it's easy for me to watch late games.
Regardless, seeing Ohtani is definitely must-see viewing, no matter who he's playing for in two weeks.
Bo Belinsky
Frank Tanana
Bobby Grich
Don Baylor
Dean Chance
Paul (Doc), You're back! I really enjoy your comments re Reds and general life. My wife, Mrs. Terri, was Jillian's preschool teacher over at Montgomery Baptist years ago. She was very pleased to see you at Hickory Woods last week with our neighbor, John O'Neill. Keep on keep'n on!
Present or past Angels?
Chone Figgins
Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
Tim Salmon
David Eckstein
Adam Kennedy
FWIW, I lived five minutes from Angel Stadium from 2002 to 2007. Reds fan first and foremost, but at least the Angels during that period were fun and interesting.
I think the baseball rule changes impact Cincinnati fans more than other markets. The long games were a deterrent to locals attending week night games because they lasted too long and ended too late. Cincinnatians don't like staying up late and getting up for work early the next day. Now the games are more exciting and end at a reasonable time, and more workers have flexible schedules can work remotely.
It is funny how we associate certain songs with getting dumped by girl friends. During my younger years, I listened to 'Diary' (Bread) or many Bee Gee songs. When my long-term relationship ended unexpectedly, I wore out Uriah Heep's Sweet Freedom album. This music made it more bearable to be depressed.
Because people on other MLB cities don’t have jobs that start in the morning?
I don’t know about other cities but he’s not far off. There’s a big difference early in the year while the school year wraps up vs mid summer, also. He’s right about cincy folks…many of them see going downtown for a game as an “ordeal” or more trouble than things to do in the burbs. I don’t agree but lots of people seem to feel that way.
Solid column today. I wonder what attendance was like during some of the bleak 80s seasons. Those of us who are older have fond memories of the Big Red Machine and they had some good crowds, but not so good that they stopped handing out Straight-A tickets. Those were generally when the Padres or Expos were playing, but even so, they didn't always sell out.
I for one would probably attend more games except I'm getting to an age where I detest any kind of hassle. Plus, why does a cup of pop have to cost $7.50? Why do events always feel the need to stick it to us? Yes, I know I can bring my own, but sometimes I want a fountain drink with ice. 1st World problem, but aren't most of the gripes in these columns that? LoL! Oh, well. Have a nice day all.
Doc, your last two TML’s have been spot on! Reds fans will always love their team. But aren’t going to spend their money unless they have a product worth it. DLC has the “IT” factor, he just elevates those around him. The same thing happened here in Louisville. Talking about event towns, when minor league baseball came back in 1982, we broke the minor league attendance record (867,418). In 1983 the team promoted to hit the million mark and we did at 1,052,437. The funny thing is that’s all that mattered. The team made the playoffs, but most folks didn’t go because they just wanted to set the record.
Artistic license has always been a Hollywood specialty so Justified in Detroit? Why not? Have you ever seen Next of Kin? Patrick Swayze and Liam Neeson as certified hilljacks in Chicago! Swayze didn’t really sell the persona to me, but I thought Neeson could pass for anyone I might meet on a blood feud in Menifee County back in the day. Swayze did have the best line when a mobster told him it was “too bad” his younger brother had been murdered, “you ain’t seen bad, but it’s coming”. Hollywood at its overblown best!
If you build it, they will come. Simple logic.
Love Nicolette's version of Neil's song, off of my 2nd favorite NY album, Comes a Time. Sweet girl, gone too soon.
Very underrated album.
Amazing what winning and exciting baseball will do for ticket sales. My brother and his friend have tickets for tonight. Hope the weather plays nice for a change.
Detroit was Elmore Leonard's real stomping ground. Justified grew out of a short piece titled Raylan. I always loved that Leonard was involved in the series until his death before the final season. The quality of the writing holds up.
Some scenes are shot in West Virginia in the old show. I know the characterizations bug you badly, but my friends from Eastern Kentucky laugh their butts off when there is opportunity. Lots of Florida nincompoops and other transplants who think they rule the yokels. Many of them die learning the truth.
We always laugh about the Tates Creek Bridge and Raylan running back and forth from Lexington to Harlan like it is a short trip. They pulled that same distance shtick in the movie Elizabethtown. Louisville to Etown and Nashville seemed to take about twenty minutes.
The cat is mad at me because thunder and lightning kept both of us awake most of the night. Still managed to get to yoga this morning, a bit late. Blacktopping/resurfacing going on in front of our driveway and at least a mile altogether. Planning on a nap myself. Both of us are grumpy.
Haven't you ever seen Raylan drive? He'd punch that pedal down to the floor in that Lincoln and hit 'bout 190 between Harlan and Lex. Trip goes quick when ya do that. He drove like Hunter T. did in Vegas, spreading fear and loathing. Kentucky boyz is raized on NASCAR. They pick em up and put em back down so quick groundhogs aint got a chance. Drivin in the mountains is serious business: 'shine gotta get where it's goin'.
I’d rather be an Angels fan. 7 playoffs and one WS title since ‘02. Reds have three appearances in same time (not counting wild card game in ‘13).
Was hoping your girl friend was named Sharona.
😏…Sharona.
Gotta thank you, IB, for the Tour de France doc suggestions. Unchained was off the hook and gave me a better insight as to who is running some of the teams and how race strategy unfolds. I was inspired enough to start watching the Tour live instead of tape delay. I skipped the first half of the TT this morning knowing the race was toward the end. Hard to believe Vin’ crushed Pog’ and I think Pog’ had a hard time believing it too. Maybe the mid race bike exchange wasn’t a good idea with the wind. This rest of the week is going to be fun to watch.
You’re welcome,JP. Glad you enjoyed it.
Was surprised that Jonas was so dominant yesterday although I’d heard that Jonas had never lost a TT to Pogi the last week of the Tour. Jonas is a machine but it’s hard to dislike him. Seems like a good guy. I like how Pogi likes to race and is always smiling and congratulating other riders. Reminds me of Tiger and Phil if Phil was nearly as equal in ability and had Tiger’s drive and focus.
If you have not done so, check out Lance’s post stage analysis on The Move. It’s on YouTube and as a podcast. It is very insightful.
:)
I was just thinking last night that the TdF needs an evening review show. I tried to watch recap video links embedded in online articles but they were all euro and country specific.
I'd have to politely disagree. The Angels have no clue on how to build a program nor an MLB roster. They're always chasing the shiny objects (like a Rendon) and getting minimal ROI. They've effectively wasted Trout's prime years. He's a 10 yr vet, 3 time MVP and have nothing to really show for it. The best thing for the Angels fan base would've been if Arte had actually followed through on his sale of the team.
Both can be true. Angels have wasted Trout’s prime, chase shiny objects (Pujols) and under achieve AND they have been more successful than the Reds since 2002. 7 playoffs + 1 WS title > 3 playoffs with no wins. They seem to want to compete. I’d have been more satisfied rooting for the Angels this century based on results.
Any criticism on the Reds wasting Votto’s career? And Bruce and Cueto?
Facts talk but apparently we can’t agree on basic stats that show one is better than the other.
I get that Elly is a wonderful addition to the Reds, but as exciting as he is, I am more excited by Matt McClain. He seems like a 15 year player that, baring injuries, could be a 3000 hit guy playing great defense.
what did the Reds draw the last 3 seasons. Is the curve going down?
Yes I remember that column and I thought it was accurate at the time and still is . I also thought the new ownership would be different they weren’t . No to OGs playing in any kinda sports event including golf . Think you’re dead wrong on muscle cramps as a former Collegiate distance runner who drank everything possible during the season it didn’t help cramps happened.
Yeah, too much straight water depletes the electrolytes and bioflavinoids that hold off the heat cramps. Freshest, pulpiest OJ, cucumbers, pickle juice, lime juice water, bananas, kiwis, pineapple juice and your sports drinks in the days before and avoiding caffeine and/or energy drinks, too much beer over the all-star break, etc ... plus there may have been medications not accounted for could have contributed to an electrolytes deficit
I wonder if the Elly analytics are showing that he is struggling with low inside pitches.
My observation watching him on TV that this is the case.