Pitchers and catchers report
The four greatest words in the world are - pitchers and catchers report. As winter continues to grind these words give me a glimmer of hope. Spring is on the horizon.
I watch a bit of football, not much basketball and I don't follow hockey. Baseball is my sport. I'm a horrible player but I love to watch, listen and follow. I'm a true blue, brew crew fan and have a ton of "I remember where I was" moments because I follow baseball.
I watched game one of the 1982 World Series at a friends house on Wilshire Drive. A few days earlier I listened to game 5 of the ALCS in the backseat of the car heading home from Madison. Is it odd that I remember that detail but can't remember where I left my keys last night?
Easter, 1987. I was sitting in the backyard on Eisenhower Avenue after lunch. Dale Sveum homered and extended the Brewers winning streak to open the season. That same month I was bowling at Blackbridge when Rockin' Robin stretched out to save a no hitter.
I was in the stands when Robin Yount collected his 3000th hit. That was great, but hits 2997-2999 are special for me. Dad was able to get out of work and we traveled to County Stadium. I still remember the roar of the crowd each time Robin came to the plate and I'll never forget the quality time I spent with Dad at the ballpark.
As a Brewers fan, the memories have been few and far between for the last 15 years. Ryan Braun gave me hope when he blasted an eigth inning homer to help push the Crew into the playoffs in 2008.
Pitchers and catchers report. It's all even. Everyone has a chance. If you have the unfortunate Cubs fan gene, even you have hope. I hate to tell you but I think this year won't be your "next year".
Do you follow baseball? Any special moments you care to share?
Steve Knox was born, raised and landed back in Janesville. He encourages you to participate as he writes on Janesville and beyond as this Generation X guy supports his Janesville mission, global vision. Steve is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.
Feb 20, 2010 at 10:02 a.m.
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makr, yes I have that book and where I got my information, Iam old but not that old. it is a good book I recommend reading.
Feb 19, 2010 at 11:01 p.m.
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Steve - I was also bowling when Robin stretched out to save the no-hitter; but I was in Racine.
Feb 19, 2010 at 7:23 p.m.
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Ho, Hum. Baseball season on us already? Let's see my level of interest in descending order: A. watching fresh paint dry, B. watching professional wrestling on TV, C. listening to my wife's weekly honey do list, D. watching race cars go endlessly in circles, E. mowing the lawn in endless little circles,zig-zag pattern or neat diagonals, F. watching baseball on TV, G. fishing in an empty pond on a hot summer day, H. watching professional golf on TV. Baseball ranks a little higher than some things but a little beer helps to alleviate the monotony of another summer day. Now seeing a game in person or playing it is quite another story!
Feb 19, 2010 at 6:35 p.m.
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My son and I were at the game in Sep 2008, when Ryan Braun put us into the play-offs for the first time in 26 years. It was a great moment. Games 1, 9 and 10 of the 13 game winning streak were fun..Molitor's hitting streak. Lots of great memories, but having my son with me to see them clinch a play-off spot was great. Oh, by the way, the Brewers were still the better team in 1982, and 2010 compared to the Cards. This is the year! GO CREW!
Feb 19, 2010 at 3:27 p.m.
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Oldtimer--There is a great book, currently in stores, called "The First Fall Classic" which is about the 1912 Series you are speaking of. Of course, the Series began a decade earlier, but the book is so titled because, the author says, the 1912 Series was the first truly great, competitive one.
Feb 19, 2010 at 3:25 p.m.
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82 Series....Ahh, yes. Made a bunch off of dreaming Brewer fans in that one. Go Cards!!
Feb 19, 2010 at 1:34 p.m.
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Baseball season was the same as football or basketball or any other ball game. My dad was glued to the tv set, and all I heard was the rumble of the crowd and alarmingly annoying sports commentators. I still hate tv games. Luckily, Mr. Wicket is not a tv sports fan. (Mrs. Wicket)
Feb 19, 2010 at 1:03 p.m.
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Did until steroids put the balls out of the park.
Feb 19, 2010 at 12:20 p.m.
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Oops I forgot I sold a car to a New York Giant-William Peterson. His Agent is in Madison.
Feb 19, 2010 at 11:01 a.m.
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oldtimer, did you have a good seat?
Feb 19, 2010 at 10:18 a.m.
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The 1912 world series between the giants and red soxs. went eight games and was won by the red sox. the second game was tied and called because of darkness.
Feb 19, 2010 at 10:12 a.m.
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I saw a Brewer at JcPenney once long ago. That is the best I can do sorry. I like HGTV better than sports.
Feb 19, 2010 at 8:59 a.m.
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I was at the Easter 1987 game. Very cool. At the time I was a big fan, but I have lost interest over the years.
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