Some days there is so much fodder for comment out there in the world that I am loath to choose which content to post about. Today is one of those days. So, rather than “either-or,” I’m going with “both-and.” You got a problem with that? Guess you’ll just have to take it up with my editor then. Ahem.
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Last night Astros starter Cristian Javier and a trio of relievers threw only the 2nd no-hitter in World Series history. (The first was Yankee Don Larsen’s perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956.) And Javier-&-Co’s gem came just one night after Phillies sluggers hit a record-tying 5 home runs in a 7-0 blowout at Citizens Bank Park. Go figure.
I like to joke with my wife that, although I don’t really care which team wins this thing, I do have strong feelings about a number of the individuals involved. For instance, I love Astros skipper Dusty Baker, who holds the record among active managers for most games (currently 3,979) without winning a World Championship. On the other hand, I hate the Astros – both individually and collectively – for what they did (cheating scandal) during their 2017 Series win. Are you listening Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman? Good, ‘nuf said.
Then there’s ageless wonder Justin Verlander, Astros ace, who pitches tonight, but comes in with a lifetime 0-6 record in the Fall Classic. Ya just gotta love a guy who never listened to all the naysayers when they advised against his marriage to Sports Illustrated cover-model Kate Upton. “Gonna mess up his concentration,” they said. “Never gonna return to top form,” they said. Oh yeah? Well take THAT, ya dang naysayers: Verlander will probably win his 3rd American League Cy Young award this year at the ripe old age of 39. And Upton? Yeah, she’s still got those award-winning curves. (Hmmm – maybe it’s the Phillies hitters that need a concentration tune-up? Ahem.)
Speaking of wives, I couldn’t help but notice Jill Biden in the crowd last night. I gotta assume she was rooting for the Phillies. (Sorry, Dr. Jill.) As for me… I say ya just gotta love that FLOTUS. And let’s go… Joe! (Fooled ya, didn’t I, “Brandon” lovers? So take THAT – HA!)
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On the other end of the current events spectrum, the obit for beloved New Yorker cartoonist George Booth appeared in the NY Times recently, here. Often described as “zany,” and famous for his off-beat depictions of animals (see above), I will always remember his offering from the week after the terror attacks of 9/11/2001. It was the only cartoon run in the NYer that week, and deservedly so. (Hey, I’m not crying – YOU’re crying.)
