Streaks are made to be broken. Lets see if the USA can accomplish that this Ryder Cup.
The Buccos awfully frustrating. My fandom remains dormant. But I did attend a game this year for the first time in five years. A great game against the Phillies that went back and forth. Fans of both teams cheering alternatively as their team surged ahead. Bottom of the ninth, winning runs on base with just one out. Bednar the closer throws the pitch, and Pittsburgh turns the double play. Fireworks erupted to end a great July night. Already book my next game for next season.
Atlanta Rhythm Section was a great band - not as jammy as Skynyrd but better songs. Spooky, Large Time, I'm not Gonna Let it Bother Me, Doraville, Angel, etc are all classics. Another forgotten "southern" band that was great was The Dixie Dregs. They were unfortunately promoted as a southern rock band but, in reality, were more of a jazz rock fusion jam band. Thanks for the memories!
I will miss knowing the Reds are playing. Have watched /listened to multiple innings of many games. Bits and pieces of more. Sometimes full games. Love checking the app on my phone while watching something else.
Yoga teacher was talking about sleeping more than usual. I reminded her the season was changing and we were moving into the dark time. Other people were happy to be reminded of that simple fact.
Now we wait for the promise of spring training. Football and basketball will have to do. And shows, lots of shows. Series, movies.
Pogo here for a minute. Howdy! The Reds have a hidden issue to contend with if they try to sign guys early, like the Braves. No only do they have to project who will develop and avoid signing duds, as well as avoid difficult agents like Boras, they have to avoid letting the old man meddle. I call it ownership sentimentality. That's been a huge drain since Castellini took over. They can't let the old man keep guys around just because he likes them. Votto's money for next year needs to go into a package for a long term deal on one of the kids, or a decent free agent arm. Joey's gotta go. He's done.
As one of the only people on this blog historically not afraid to criticize Bell, once again last night we saw another huge mental error that a good manager would have stopped immediately weeks ago. Sloppy baserunning and defensive mental errors have plagued this team for months. Bell has let it go on unchecked. It's his managing style, and it's bad. Marte had no business trying to take 2nd in the 9th. Down a run in a can't lose game, he has to be certain he can get there. Bell once again limped a contending home to a weak finish. Great year, typical Bell sloppy finish. We can disagree forever on this, Doc but I will assure you, there are plenty in town who agree with me. They just don't speak up here. Bell does some things right, sure, but far too many things wrong. Sloppy baseball and David Bell are tandems. The way I see it, the kids were so young and good they succeeded in SPITE of Bell. He's a good guy, but lousy manager. I added this sentence to illustrate I bear no hate for Bell. I just like wins, playoffs, and intelligent managing even more.
Excited about the Ryder cup. Rome. The legendary heart of an Empire. Saw a piece about some odd-ball rodents that live around the golf course. Imagine that bidness running across the green just as you get ready to putt. Yowzer! Maybe our boys should have pellet rifles in their bags. I look for a Justin Thomas led victory. Bounce back time for the Ky kid from just down the road. Wondering if bad boy Sergio puts in a cameo on the sidelines. That would stir the European pot. Always a fun golf weekend. Looking forward.
Being a golf nut as well makes the Ryder Cup a biennial joy for me with the new TV camera methods and the hoopla that goes with it. I’m not as keen on the stadium cheering as most people but then some of the fan behavior is so laughable that it does become entertaining even if clowning is so not golf in the normal sense. What will I be watching for?
• Putting takes on a new philosophy, for sure. If you’re staring at the loss of a hole without making a 15–20-footer, you will see these ultra professionals pour it down a tighter line with a little more speed and courage. Therefore, I maintain that the average length of made putts increases. In other words, we’re all better putters when where it stops is irrelevant.
• The difference between the top and bottom of the Europeans is significant. It will be notable if Nicolai Hojgaard gets the call in the first two days of alternate shot and fourballs in my opinion. Even Robert MacIntyre might be a question. Who will be the next Oliver Wilson who was on the 2008 team and only played singles?
• Alternate shot may be tradition, but I have never been a fan. If you’ve ever played it in a club setting, you know how difficult it can be unless your partner is a pretty much superman. When money is involved and you let your team down, it becomes unbearable. Even these top players seem to be challenged in the format, so I watch but secretly wish it was scramble style for better entertainment.
• Finally, Go Yanks! Winning in Rome won’t feel like St. Andrews or Troon but so what? It’s the same piece of silver!
Took my dad to see White Sox play for his 90th bday in August. He commented it would be his last time in a major league park.
He recalls sitting at Wrigley in 1945 watching Cubs lose World Series. He remembers participating in a tryout for the White Sox in 1954 and getting a contract offer to play in minor leagues.
Now I just pray for another season in the sun with dad. Baseball has been dad’s life. And he imbued that love in his sons, and I in mine. My brother and I and dad talked on phone while we watched dad’s beloved Cubbies blow another game to Braves.
Here’s to 2024 and more competitive baseball. Mostly to a sunny day in June at the ball field.
Speaking of Teddy Ballgame. Saw an interview he gave to Bob Costas where he was reminded if baseball had the sacrifice rule in 1941 he would have hit .412 Can’t imagine that in these times.
Sep 28, 2023·edited Sep 28, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty
Ms. Positive here...to say I haven't given up on the Reds. Isn't there still time for someone to lose to let them in, or is it time to stick in the fork? Guess I need to be sure to wear orange and keep my head high this winter. Good song....music is good for the soul, for sure. Oh, The Ryder Cup...the Americans lose it on the greens almost every year. I say we lose again. Rather practice with their driver than mess with the short game...especially the dreaded putter, that we blame for everything.
Another well- written piece and you should be very proud. Also, thanks for the freebie on Thursday, comes from a retired educator on a fixed income. If I win the Powerball I’ll take your entire family to dinner at Jeff Ruby’s. Not much I know but what can you expect from a guy from St. Bernard that has to watch his quarters? Enjoy your weekend and never take these compliments for granted!
Paul, when you worked for the Enquirer you always said you were not a fan of local teams, that you reflected upon and wrote about what you saw. Now that you are retired, your not going to become a fan of local teams?
Sep 28, 2023·edited Sep 28, 2023Liked by Paul Daugherty
Nice column today on a freebie-Thursday! As a Braves fan of nearly 40 seasons, I appreciate their long-term build because postseasons are always a crapshoot (ask me how I know this). Thus, I’ve tried to enjoy the little moments of the season (clinching the division, 100 wins, 40-70 season, etc) because the playoffs are no guarantee and rear up next week. Also seems the Bengals could take more of a lesson from the Braves’ philosophy in quality-of-place and fan experience than the Reds, in a football hotbed to boot.
Re. Ted Williams, he was despised (the feelings were mutual) by the Heathen Media, which also lionized DiMaggio. Nit-pickers might also point out that 1941 was the year he hit in 56 straight for the pennant-winning Yanks, so maybe not a complete robbery by the writers.
The feeling between last season's end and this one is a full 180. While I felt they'd get to the low 70's in wins this year, what they've accomplished is amazing, considering all the injuries and inevitable youthful mistakes. The off-season discussions will be drastically different as well. Lastly, kudos to Marte for his hustle. Took a perfect pick up and throw to get him. But they didn't, truthfully.
Over 11 years ago, Joey Votto hit a walk-off grand slam on Mother's Day. My wife and I, heavily pregnant with our 1st, and scheduled for delivery that Monday, attended the game. We actually went, went home (due to rain delay), went back (as the Reds were getting crushed), then went home once she started feeling very uncomfortable. As I watched Votto hit the game-winning dinger on TV, my wife announced that her water had broken. It was nearly simultaneous. At 11:59pm--the last minute of Mother's Day, our son was born-brought into this world on the heels of Joseph Daniel's grand slam.
Now that boy is a young man who has known nothing but #19 at 1B. It made me tear up the other day when he noted, "When you think of the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto is THE player you think about." His birthday story was significant at the time because we knew that given Votto's contract, my son would grow up with him as a Red. Well all that has come to pass-and it is the definition of bittersweet. My last game at Riverfront was a couple innings of a week day game that I took in at lunch with some co-workers. It wasn't a grand event by any stretch and was largely anti-climactic given the decades of memories I had there. For this reason, I've shied away from getting too sentimental over Votto and the closing of this season. It's about the body of work, not the final farewell.
As far as the season ending goes, it is a maudlin time, but without the descent into darkness, the new hope of spring means nothing. I'll leave it to the Reds brass to figure out the best path forward. Just make sure that when I'm raising a pint at Arnold's on Opening Day it's done with a sense of legit optimism.
We watch Bengal's games in my neighbor's garage. Once the sun hangs low enough, you can smoke a cigar in the driveway and still see great. Let's hope the Bengals give our Delhi neighborhood a reason to convene long into winter.
The Ryder Cup is amazing. I love watching all golf, but rarely have a legit rooting interest. The team aspect and the lack of straight up stroke play makes the Ryder Cup truly awesome.
Streaks are made to be broken. Lets see if the USA can accomplish that this Ryder Cup.
The Buccos awfully frustrating. My fandom remains dormant. But I did attend a game this year for the first time in five years. A great game against the Phillies that went back and forth. Fans of both teams cheering alternatively as their team surged ahead. Bottom of the ninth, winning runs on base with just one out. Bednar the closer throws the pitch, and Pittsburgh turns the double play. Fireworks erupted to end a great July night. Already book my next game for next season.
"But I'm not allowed to smoke inside. From the couch I can't see the stars." Brilliant.
Atlanta Rhythm Section was a great band - not as jammy as Skynyrd but better songs. Spooky, Large Time, I'm not Gonna Let it Bother Me, Doraville, Angel, etc are all classics. Another forgotten "southern" band that was great was The Dixie Dregs. They were unfortunately promoted as a southern rock band but, in reality, were more of a jazz rock fusion jam band. Thanks for the memories!
I will miss knowing the Reds are playing. Have watched /listened to multiple innings of many games. Bits and pieces of more. Sometimes full games. Love checking the app on my phone while watching something else.
Yoga teacher was talking about sleeping more than usual. I reminded her the season was changing and we were moving into the dark time. Other people were happy to be reminded of that simple fact.
Now we wait for the promise of spring training. Football and basketball will have to do. And shows, lots of shows. Series, movies.
Pogo here for a minute. Howdy! The Reds have a hidden issue to contend with if they try to sign guys early, like the Braves. No only do they have to project who will develop and avoid signing duds, as well as avoid difficult agents like Boras, they have to avoid letting the old man meddle. I call it ownership sentimentality. That's been a huge drain since Castellini took over. They can't let the old man keep guys around just because he likes them. Votto's money for next year needs to go into a package for a long term deal on one of the kids, or a decent free agent arm. Joey's gotta go. He's done.
As one of the only people on this blog historically not afraid to criticize Bell, once again last night we saw another huge mental error that a good manager would have stopped immediately weeks ago. Sloppy baserunning and defensive mental errors have plagued this team for months. Bell has let it go on unchecked. It's his managing style, and it's bad. Marte had no business trying to take 2nd in the 9th. Down a run in a can't lose game, he has to be certain he can get there. Bell once again limped a contending home to a weak finish. Great year, typical Bell sloppy finish. We can disagree forever on this, Doc but I will assure you, there are plenty in town who agree with me. They just don't speak up here. Bell does some things right, sure, but far too many things wrong. Sloppy baseball and David Bell are tandems. The way I see it, the kids were so young and good they succeeded in SPITE of Bell. He's a good guy, but lousy manager. I added this sentence to illustrate I bear no hate for Bell. I just like wins, playoffs, and intelligent managing even more.
Excited about the Ryder cup. Rome. The legendary heart of an Empire. Saw a piece about some odd-ball rodents that live around the golf course. Imagine that bidness running across the green just as you get ready to putt. Yowzer! Maybe our boys should have pellet rifles in their bags. I look for a Justin Thomas led victory. Bounce back time for the Ky kid from just down the road. Wondering if bad boy Sergio puts in a cameo on the sidelines. That would stir the European pot. Always a fun golf weekend. Looking forward.
Being a golf nut as well makes the Ryder Cup a biennial joy for me with the new TV camera methods and the hoopla that goes with it. I’m not as keen on the stadium cheering as most people but then some of the fan behavior is so laughable that it does become entertaining even if clowning is so not golf in the normal sense. What will I be watching for?
• Putting takes on a new philosophy, for sure. If you’re staring at the loss of a hole without making a 15–20-footer, you will see these ultra professionals pour it down a tighter line with a little more speed and courage. Therefore, I maintain that the average length of made putts increases. In other words, we’re all better putters when where it stops is irrelevant.
• The difference between the top and bottom of the Europeans is significant. It will be notable if Nicolai Hojgaard gets the call in the first two days of alternate shot and fourballs in my opinion. Even Robert MacIntyre might be a question. Who will be the next Oliver Wilson who was on the 2008 team and only played singles?
• Alternate shot may be tradition, but I have never been a fan. If you’ve ever played it in a club setting, you know how difficult it can be unless your partner is a pretty much superman. When money is involved and you let your team down, it becomes unbearable. Even these top players seem to be challenged in the format, so I watch but secretly wish it was scramble style for better entertainment.
• Finally, Go Yanks! Winning in Rome won’t feel like St. Andrews or Troon but so what? It’s the same piece of silver!
Thank you. Can’t afford the upgrade. Loved getting “the rest of the story” today.
Hope the US can get it done in Rome. 🤞🤞
Bart Giamatti reading “Green Fields of the Mind”. I listen at end of every season.
https://youtu.be/uH2_dUboyBA?si=BI07hS5qzJIkyCVQ
Took my dad to see White Sox play for his 90th bday in August. He commented it would be his last time in a major league park.
He recalls sitting at Wrigley in 1945 watching Cubs lose World Series. He remembers participating in a tryout for the White Sox in 1954 and getting a contract offer to play in minor leagues.
Now I just pray for another season in the sun with dad. Baseball has been dad’s life. And he imbued that love in his sons, and I in mine. My brother and I and dad talked on phone while we watched dad’s beloved Cubbies blow another game to Braves.
Here’s to 2024 and more competitive baseball. Mostly to a sunny day in June at the ball field.
Speaking of Teddy Ballgame. Saw an interview he gave to Bob Costas where he was reminded if baseball had the sacrifice rule in 1941 he would have hit .412 Can’t imagine that in these times.
Ms. Positive here...to say I haven't given up on the Reds. Isn't there still time for someone to lose to let them in, or is it time to stick in the fork? Guess I need to be sure to wear orange and keep my head high this winter. Good song....music is good for the soul, for sure. Oh, The Ryder Cup...the Americans lose it on the greens almost every year. I say we lose again. Rather practice with their driver than mess with the short game...especially the dreaded putter, that we blame for everything.
Another well- written piece and you should be very proud. Also, thanks for the freebie on Thursday, comes from a retired educator on a fixed income. If I win the Powerball I’ll take your entire family to dinner at Jeff Ruby’s. Not much I know but what can you expect from a guy from St. Bernard that has to watch his quarters? Enjoy your weekend and never take these compliments for granted!
Paul, when you worked for the Enquirer you always said you were not a fan of local teams, that you reflected upon and wrote about what you saw. Now that you are retired, your not going to become a fan of local teams?
Nice column today on a freebie-Thursday! As a Braves fan of nearly 40 seasons, I appreciate their long-term build because postseasons are always a crapshoot (ask me how I know this). Thus, I’ve tried to enjoy the little moments of the season (clinching the division, 100 wins, 40-70 season, etc) because the playoffs are no guarantee and rear up next week. Also seems the Bengals could take more of a lesson from the Braves’ philosophy in quality-of-place and fan experience than the Reds, in a football hotbed to boot.
Re. Ted Williams, he was despised (the feelings were mutual) by the Heathen Media, which also lionized DiMaggio. Nit-pickers might also point out that 1941 was the year he hit in 56 straight for the pennant-winning Yanks, so maybe not a complete robbery by the writers.
The feeling between last season's end and this one is a full 180. While I felt they'd get to the low 70's in wins this year, what they've accomplished is amazing, considering all the injuries and inevitable youthful mistakes. The off-season discussions will be drastically different as well. Lastly, kudos to Marte for his hustle. Took a perfect pick up and throw to get him. But they didn't, truthfully.
Over 11 years ago, Joey Votto hit a walk-off grand slam on Mother's Day. My wife and I, heavily pregnant with our 1st, and scheduled for delivery that Monday, attended the game. We actually went, went home (due to rain delay), went back (as the Reds were getting crushed), then went home once she started feeling very uncomfortable. As I watched Votto hit the game-winning dinger on TV, my wife announced that her water had broken. It was nearly simultaneous. At 11:59pm--the last minute of Mother's Day, our son was born-brought into this world on the heels of Joseph Daniel's grand slam.
Now that boy is a young man who has known nothing but #19 at 1B. It made me tear up the other day when he noted, "When you think of the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto is THE player you think about." His birthday story was significant at the time because we knew that given Votto's contract, my son would grow up with him as a Red. Well all that has come to pass-and it is the definition of bittersweet. My last game at Riverfront was a couple innings of a week day game that I took in at lunch with some co-workers. It wasn't a grand event by any stretch and was largely anti-climactic given the decades of memories I had there. For this reason, I've shied away from getting too sentimental over Votto and the closing of this season. It's about the body of work, not the final farewell.
As far as the season ending goes, it is a maudlin time, but without the descent into darkness, the new hope of spring means nothing. I'll leave it to the Reds brass to figure out the best path forward. Just make sure that when I'm raising a pint at Arnold's on Opening Day it's done with a sense of legit optimism.
We watch Bengal's games in my neighbor's garage. Once the sun hangs low enough, you can smoke a cigar in the driveway and still see great. Let's hope the Bengals give our Delhi neighborhood a reason to convene long into winter.
The Ryder Cup is amazing. I love watching all golf, but rarely have a legit rooting interest. The team aspect and the lack of straight up stroke play makes the Ryder Cup truly awesome.