Douche Bag of the Year (2011)

Been a good year for Douche Bags…Here are the nominees for Douche Bag of the Year for 2011...

Casey Antony & other baby killers: There seemed to be an inordinate amount of people suspected of murdering their children. Casey Anthony became the poster child for this lot. In her case, another stupid jury decided to acquit as opposed to use common sense. The Anthony Jury’s infamy ranks with the O.J, Michael Jackson, and Robert Blake juries.

Charlie Sheen: ‘nuf said.

Herman Cain: Cain served as a lesson to those looking to run for presidency without really expecting to win.

Kim Kardashian: A total waste of space.

Barack Obama: Entering the fourth year of a failed presidency, Obama decides to attack Washington and engage in bigoted class warfare…even though he’s been part of the Washington establishment for a decade. He is no longer interested in governing.

Occupy Wall Street: A vacuous movement that has railed against capitalism and big banks. While most can sympathize with the attacks on banks, the movement has engaged in a number of crimes and vandalism leading to over 5000 arrests.

Justin Bieber: Is his 15 minutes up yet?

Donald Trump: The term media whore applies here.

Eric Holder: Holder sues Arizona while shipping guns to Mexican drug cartels. He absolves voter intimidation in 2008 while attacking states for trying to ensure people’s voting rights.

Ashton Kutcher: Not quite Charlie Sheen, but he did replace him on TV.

The NBA: Anyone notice the lockout?

The Philadelphia Eagles: They dubbed themselves the Dream team…hubris.

Pedophiles in sports: Penn State, Bill Conlin, & Syracuse all had their own scandals involving underage abuse.

Congress: Osama Bin Laden may be more popular than Congress.

and the winner: Casey Anthony

Former winners: Reality TV people (2009), LeBron James (2010)

Person of the Year (2011)

I have been doing this since 2006 (all winners listed at the bottom)....

Here are the candidates for 2011:

Justin Verlander: Won the AL Triple Crown, MVP, and Cy Young Awards. He won 24 games, led the Tigers to the ALCS, and no-hit Toronto. It was the best season for a MLB pitcher since 2000.

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers is setting all sorts of passing records and won the Superbowl. Going into Sunday’s season finale against the Lions, Rodgers had not lost a game in over a year.

Mike Kryzewski: Coach K became the winningest coach in NCAA history and he did it scandal-free.

Seal Team 6: These anonymous guys wacked Osama Bin Laden.

Adele: She was omnipresent on the pop charts and had a song that would not go away. Thank god it was not Ke$ha.

Gabrielle Giffords: Representative Giffords survived a vicious attack by a deranged gunman. The assassination attempt killed six others and wounded 13, including the congresswoman. Since recovering from surgery, she has attended congress and watched he husband’s shuttle launch.

Paul Ryan: Congressman Ryan put forth a plan to save Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. It also established a blueprint toward fiscal solvency. The Democrats savaged Ryan for his efforts while dramatically cutting these very programs themselves.

Tim Tebow: Through 12 game starts, Tim Tebow was 8-4 with a record six come-from-behind fourth quarter victories. Tebow accomplished this with old school talents. At times, he looked like something from the 1945 Army squad. Tebow wins ugly, wins late, and sometimes wins pretty. On top of this, “Tebowing” has become a fad around the nation.

And the winner is…Justin Verlander!

Past winners: Rahm Emmanuel (2006), Al Gore (2007), Barack Obama (2008), Leonard Nimoy (2009), Drew Brees (2010)

Frank Chance: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: September 9, 1876

Debut: April 29, 1898 (Cubs)

1905: Became Cubs manager

1906: Cubs win 116 games, but lose World Series to White Sox

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: Tinker to Evers to Chance is written by Franklin Pierce Adams

1910: Cubs win Pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1912: Left Cubs to manage Yankees Cubs record: 768-389 (.664) 4 pennants & 2 championships

1913-14: Managed Yankees 117-168 (.411)

1916-17: Managed in Pacific Coast League and became part owner of a team

1923: Managed Red Sox 61-91 (.401)

Died: October 15, 1924

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:

As a Manager:
946-648 (.593) with 4 Pennants and 2 World Championships

11 seasons as a manager

100 win seasons: 4

MLB record 116 wins (1906)

90+ win seasons: 7x

As a player:
2x World Champion

.296 average

20 HR

596 RBI

403 steals

1274 hits

798 runs

556 walks-319 strikeouts

.394 OBP

Led league in runs (103): 1906

10+ triples: 4x

Led league in steals: 2x

20+ steals: 9x

30+ steals: 5x

40+ steals: 3x

50+ steals: 2x

67 steals (1903)

.300+ average: 4x

.400+ OBP: 4x

Led league in OBP (.450): 1905

Postseason: .300, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .774 OPS (4 World Series-70 AB)

Jack Chesbro: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: June 5, 1874

1892: Began playing sandlot ball

1894: Earned nickname “Happy Jack” while working at a mental hospital

1895: Began minor league ball

1896: Cooperstown newspaper changed his name from Chesebrough to Chesbro to fit the boxscore

Debut: October 2, 1899 (Pirates)

1899: Traded to Louisville Colonels

1900: Sent to the Pirates after Colonels ceased to exist

1901: Pirates win the Pennant (No World Series)

1902: Pirates win the Pennant (No World Series)

1903: Jumped to the Highlanders (Yankees)

1904: Began throwing a spitball

1904: 41-12 record (next closest pitcher won 26)

1904: Won 14 straight games

1904: Threw a wild pitch on the last day of the season costing NY the pennant. Some claim it was a passed ball. The controversy continues…

1905: Involved in first squeeze play in MLB history

1909: Selected off waivers by the Red Sox

1910: Returned to New York, but refused a minor league assignment and was placed on ineligible list.

1910: Returned to his farm and pitched semi-pro ball

1912: Tried a comeback, but teams passed on him.

1924: Coach for the Senators

1927: Player/Manager for a minor league team

Died: November 6, 1931

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
198-132 (.600)

2.68 ERA

1265 strikeouts

15+ wins: 7x

20+ wins: 5x

41-12. 1.82 ERA (1904)

Most single season wins (41) in history

Led league in wins: 2x

Led league in win %: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 8x

1.82 ERA (1904)

Led league in games: 2x

Led league in GS: 2x

260 CG

10+ CG: 10x

20+ CG: 8x

30+ CG: 3x

48 CG (1904): Led league

35 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 2x

2896.2 IP

200+ IP: 9x

300+ IP: 4x

454.2 IP (1904): Led league

1.152 WHIP

0.937 WHIP (1904): Led league

239 strikeouts (1904)

Jesse Burkett: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: December 4, 1868

1888-90: Played in New England League

Debut: April 22, 1890 (New York Giants)

1891: Purchased by Cleveland Spiders

1899: Assigned to St. Louis Perfectos (Cardinals)

1902: Jumped to the St. Louis Browns

1904: Traded to the Red Sox

1905: Retired after season

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: May 27, 1953

Accomplishments:
.338 career

3x batting champ

Holds MLB record for most inside-the-park HR (55)

Hit .300: 10x

Hit .350: 7x

Hit .400: 2x

75 HR

952 RBI

1720 runs

2850 hits

182 triples

389 steals

.415 OBP

.446 Slugging

.861 OPS

2067 games

Led league in games played: 2x

Led league in PA: 3x

Led league in AB: 2x

Led league in runs: 2x

100+ runs: 9x

150+ runs: 2x

Led league in hits: 3x

200+ hits: 6x

20+ doubles: 10x

10+ triples: 10x

10 HR (1901)

20+ steals: 10x

30+ steals: 5x

41 steals (1895)

1029 walks-613 strikeouts

.400 OBP: 9x

.500 slugging: 5x

1.000 OPS: 2x

300 TB: 2x

Led league in TB: 2x

Postseason: .320, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4 SB (6 games-25 AB)

Pitching: 3-11, 5.56 ERA

Johnny Evers: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: July 21, 1883

Debut: September 1, 1902 (Cubs)

1905: Began feud with Joe Tinker. It started over cab fare.

1906: Cubs win Pennant (Lost World Series to White Sox)

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Alerted umpires about “Merkle’s boner” costing the Giants the pennant

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: “Tinker to Evers to Chance” is written by Franklin Pierce Adams

1914: Ejected 9 times during the season

1910: Cubs win Pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1913: Player-Manager of the Cubs: 88-65 (.575)

1914: Traded to Braves

1914: Braves win World Series

1914: NL MVP

1914: .279, 1 HR, 40 RBI, .390 OBP

1917: Selected off Waivers by Phillies

1917: Retired after season

1920: Coached for the NY Giants

1921: Managed Cubs for second time: 41-55 (.427)

1922-23: Coach for the Chicago White Sox

1924: Managed White Sox: 51-72 (.415)

1929: Made final appearance

1929-32: Coach for the Boston Braves

After 1932: GM for Albany Senators “for a time.”

1938: Spoke to Joe Tinker for first time in 33 years while doing radio broadcast of the World Series

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: March 28, 1947

Accomplishments:
3x World Champion

1914 NL MVP

.270 career hitter

12 HR

538 RBI

778 walks-292 strikeouts

324 stolen bases

919 runs

1659 hits

11 triples (1912)

20+ steals: 7x

30+ steals: 3x

40+ steals: 2x

108 walks (1910)

Hit .300: 2x

.400 OBP: 3x

.873 OPS (1912)

Postseason:
.316, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .718 OPS, 11 runs, 8 SB, 24 hits (4 World Series)

Hit .438 in 1914 World Series

Managerial:
180-192 (.484)

Clark Griffith: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: November 20, 1869

Debut: April 11, 1891 (St. Louis Browns)

1891: Jumped to Milwaukee

1891: Signed by the Boston Reds as a free agent

1893: Signed by Chicago Colts as a free agent

1901: Led players exodus to the American League

1901: Jumped to the White Sox as player-manager (157-113 record)

1901: White Sox won Pennant (No World Series)

1903: Traded to the New York Highlanders (Yankees) as player-manager (419-370 record)

1907: Retired as a player, but made occasional appearances until 1914

1909: Managed Reds (222-238 record)

1912: Managed Senators and purchased a stake in the franchise (693-646 record)

1920: Moved to Senators Front Office. He rented out his stadium to the Redskins for additional income.

1924: Senators win World Series

1925: Senators win Pennant (Lose World Series to Pirates)

1933: Senators win Pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: October 27, 1955

1955: Ownership of the Senators passed to his son

1961: Senators move to Minnesota

Accomplishments:

Owned Washington Senators (1912-1955)

As a manager:

1491-1367 (.522) and 1 pennant

Claimed to have invented the screwball

Known for doctoring the balls

As a player:

237-146 record

3.31 ERA

.619 Win %

Won 15+ games: 8x

Won 20+ games: 7x

Led league in win % (.774): 1901

Led league in ERA (1.88): 1898

Sub 3 ERA: 6x

Sub 2 ERA: 2x

372 GS

Led league in GF: 3x

337 CG

Led league in CG (38): 1897

10+ CG: 11x

20+ CG: 10x

30+ CG: 5x

22 Shutouts

Led league in Shutouts: 2x

3385.2 IP

200+ IP: 11x

300+ IP: 5x

955 Strikeouts

1.313 WHIP

0.954 WHIP (1905)

Tommy McCarthy: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: July 24, 1863

Debut: July 10, 1884 (Boston Reds)

1885: Signed by Beaneaters as a free agent

1885: Sent to Haverhill

1886: Ended up with Philadelphia Quakers

1888: Traded to Browns

1888: 93 steals (may have been over 100)

1890: Managed Browns (15-12 record)

1892: Traded to Beaneaters

1895: Purchased by Brooklyn Grooms

Died: August 5, 1922

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

2001: Rated worst Hall of Famer of all time by Bill James

Accomplishments:
.292 career average

44 homers

732 RBI

Led league in PA: 2x

Led league in AB (604): 1889

Scored 100+ runs: 7x

1066 runs scored

1493 hits

20+ doubles: 6x

13 HR (1894)

100+ RBI: 2x

30+ steals: 7x

40+ steals: 6x

50+ steals: 4x

80+ steals: 2x

93 steals: 1888

Led league 83 steals (1890)

536 walks-163 strikeouts

Hit .300+: 4x

Hit .350 (1890)

.400+ OBP: 3x

Postseason batting: .290, 1 HR, 11 RBI (2 postseasons)

Pitching: 0-8, 4.99 ERA

As a manager: 15-12

Joe McGinnity: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: March 20, 1871

Debut: April 18, 1899 (Baltimore Orioles)

1900: Sent to Brooklyn Superbas

1900: Brooklyn won the pennant (No World Series)

1901: Jumped to Orioles

1902: Signed as Free Agent by New York Giants

1903: Started both games of a doubleheader three times in a month earning the nickname “Iron Man.” (He went 6-0)

1903: 31-20

1904: 35-8, 1.61 ERA

1905: Giants win the World Series (McGinnity 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 0.765 WHIP)

1908: Plays final Major League game, but continues in the minors until age 54

1925: Finally retired from baseball with 453 wins

Died: November 14, 1929

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

2009: Don Doxsie publishes Iron Man McGinnity: A Baseball Biography

Accomplishments:
1905 World Champion

Pitched both ends of three doubleheaders in one month (1903)

Pitched 5 hit shutout, 1-0 win vs. Giants (Game 4 1905 WS)

246-142 (.634)

Led league in wins: 5x

15+ wins: 9x

20+ wins: 8x

30+ wins: 2x

Led league in Win %: 2x

.600 win %: 6x

.700 win %: 2x

.814 win % (1904)

Led league in ERA (1.61): 1904

Sub 3 ERA: 9x

Sub 2 ERA: 1904 (1.61)

465 games

Led league in games: 6x

Led league in GS: 2x

314 CG

Led league in CG: 2x

10+ CG: 9x

20+ CG: 9x

30+ CG: 7x

44 CG (1903)

Led league in saves (5): 1904

32 shutouts

Led league in shutouts (9): 1904

3441.1 IP

200+ IP: 9x

300+ IP: 9x

400+ IP: 2x

Led league in IP: 4x

100+ Walks: 2x

Led league in walks (113): 1900

1.188 WHIP

1.000 or lower WHIP: 2x

0.963 WHIP: 1904

Postseason: 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 17 IP, 10 hits, 3 walks, 6 Ks, 1 CG, 0.765 WHIP (1905 WS)

Eddie Plank: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: August 31, 1875

Debut: May 13, 1901 (A’s)

1905: A’s win Pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1910: Sat out season due to sore arm

1910: A’s win World Series

1911: A’s win World Series

1913: A’s win World Series

1913: Pitched 2-hitter, 1 unearned run, to defeat Christy Mathewson (Game 5 World Series)

1914: A’s win Pennant (Lose World Series to Braves)

1914: Jumped to Federal League after World Series loss

1915: Becomes first lefty to win 300 games

1916: Purchased by Browns

1917: Final game: 1-0 11-inning loss to Walter Johnson

1918: Traded to the New York Yankees. Retired rather than play.

Died: February 24, 1926

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

1999: Finalist for All Century Team

Accomplishments:

First lefty to 300 wins

3x World Champion

326-194 record

2.35 ERA

2246 strikeouts

Won 15+ games: 15x

Won 20+ games: 8x

Led league in Win % (.760) in 1906

Sub 3 ERA: 15x

Sub 2 ERA: 2x

Led league in games (43): 1903

Led league in game starts: 2x

10+ CG: 16x

20+ CG: 13x

30+ CG: 5x

Led league in CG (35): 1905

69 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 2x

Led league in saves (4): 1911

200+ IP: 15x

300+ IP: 5x

200+ Strikeouts: 2x

1.119 WHIP

Led league in WHIP (0.991): 1915

Postseason: 2-5, 1.32 ERA, 32 strikeouts, 54 2/3 IP, 6 CG (4 World Series)

Ed Walsh: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: May 14, 1881

Debut: May 7, 1904 (White Sox)

1906: White Sox win World Series (Walsh 2-0)

1906: 12 strikeout game in 1906 World Series

1908: 40-15 record

1910: Set record for lowest ERA (1.27) for a pitcher with a losing record (18-20)

1912: Requested a year off to rest his arm

1913: Began experiencing arm problems

1916: Suffered a “dead arm”

1917: Attempted comeback with Braves, but failed. He retired in 1917. Walsh later pitched in the minors, served as an umpire, and became a White Sox coach.

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame by Old Timers’ Committee

Died: May 26, 1959

Accomplishments:
195-126 Record

1906 World Champion

Won 20+ games: 4x

Led league with 40 wins (1908)

Led league in losses (20) in 1910

.607 win %

Led league in win % (.727) in 1908

1.82 ERA is lowest ever

Led league in ERA: 2x

Sub-3 ERA: 7x (154+ IP)

Sub-2 ERA: 5x

Lowest ERA ever for a pitcher with losing record in 1910 (1.27)

Led league in games played: 5x

Led league in game starts: 3x

Led league in games finished: 3x

Led league in CG: 2x

20+ CG: 7x

30+ CG: 5x

250 Complete Games

57 shutouts

Led league in shutouts: 3x

10+ Shutouts: 2x

Led league in saves: 5x

10 saves in 1912

200+ IP: 7x

300+ IP: 5x

400+ IP: 2x

Led league in IP: 4x

2964 1/3 IP

1736 Strikeouts

200+ strikeouts: 5x

Led league in strikeouts: 2x

1.000 WHIP

1.000 WHIP or less: 4x

Led league in Whip: 2x

Postseason: 2-0, 1 shutout, 15 IP, 17 Ks, 0.60 ERA (1906 WS)

12 strikeouts in Game 3 1906 WS (2-hit shutout)

Rube Waddell: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: October 13, 1876

Debut: September 8, 1897 (Louisville Colonels)

1898: Loaned to Detroit Wolverines for “seasoning”

1899: Returned to Colonels

1899: Traded to Pirates

1900: Loaned to Milwaukee and later returned to Pittsburgh

1900: Won both games of a doubleheader. He pitched a complete game victory in 17 innings in the first game.

1901: Purchased by Cubs

1901: Jumped to Los Angeles

1902: Jumped to Philadelphia A’s

1902: Struck out three batters on nine pitches

1902: A’s win pennant (No World Series)

1902: Played pro football

1905: Won Triple Crown (27 wins, 1.48 ERA, 287 strikeouts)

1905: A’s win pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1905-06: Experienced serious injuries. Alcoholism and mental problems exacerbated his relationship with teammates. He suffered severe mental health issues for the remainder of his life.

1907: Pitched 13-inning scoreless tie against Cy Young

1908: Purchased by Browns

1908: 16 strikeout game vs. A’s

1910: Released due to personal problems

1911-13: Pitched in minors

1914: Died of pneumonia

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
193-143 record

2.16 ERA

2316 Strikeouts

1905 Triple Crown

Led league in strikeouts: 6x

200+ strikeouts: 6x

300+ strikeouts: 2x

Set record with 349 strikeouts (since broken)

.574 win %

10+ wins: 10x

15+ wins: 7x

20+ wins: 4x

Led league with 27 wins (1905)

Led league in win % (.730) in 1905

Led league in ERA: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 10x

Sub 2 ERA: 3x

Led league in games pitched (46) in 1905

261 CG

Led league with 34 CG in 1903

50 shutouts

200+ IP: 11x

300+ IP: 3x

1.102 WHIP

Led league with 1.107 WHIP in 1900

Joe Tinker: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: July 27, 1880

1900: Played in Pacific Northwest League

1901: Purchased by Cubs

Debut: April 17, 1902 (Cubs)

1905: Began feud with Johnny Evers over a cab

1906: Cubs win pennant (Lose World Series to White Sox)

1907: Cubs win World Series

1908: Hit pennant winning double off Christy Mathewson

1908: Cubs win World Series

1910: Tinkers to Evers to Chance poem is published by Franklin Pierce Adams

1910: Cubs win pennant (Lose World Series to A’s)

1912: Salary dispute led to his sale to the Reds

1913: Player/Manager of Reds (64-89)

1914: Jumped to Federal League

1914-15: Managed in Federal League (173-133)

1915: Won Federal League Pennant

1916: Purchased by the Cubs

1916: Managed Cubs (67-86)

1916: Retired

Retirement: Scouted, managed, real estate and club management.

1938: Tinkers and Evers talk to each other for the first time since 1905 when reunited to broadcast the World Series

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Died: July 27, 1948

Accomplishments:
2x World Champion

.262 career

31 HR

783 RBI

Led league in games played (157) in 1908

Hit .317 in 1913

114 triples

10+ triples: 5x

336 stolen bases

20+ steals: 11x

30+ steals: 5x

41 steals in 1904

Postseason:
.235, 1 HR, 6 RBI (4 World Series)

As a Manager:
304-308 (.497) 1 Pennant

Sci-Fi History: Dracula (1931)

Bela Lugosi defined the vampire for the next century. Every incarnation of the creature has been influenced by Lugosi either as a knock-off or as a reaction to. Lugosi dominates the film and is a presence even when not on screen. The classic spawned several sequels including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The film is now in the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVPxAgy7lBA

The 200 Greatest Albums of All Time: "R" artists

OK Computer: Radiohead (1997)
Few bands can get away from changing their sound. Fans and critics excoriated U2 when they turned to electronic music. On the other hand, Radiohead enhanced their reputation with OK Computer. They used a wide range of influences to craft the album and moved away from more guitar-driven tracks. Now, the work represents a transition to Radiohead’s later efforts.

Key Tracks:
Paranoid Android
Karma Police
No Surprises

Kid A: Radiohead (2000)
Kid A lacked a lead single, but still went platinum in a week. The band decided to market the album with a coordinated internet leak, which built anticipation. Musically, Radiohead incorporated jazz, classical, and Krautrock and mixed it with more abstract concepts and lyrics. It is amazing the album experienced any success at all and did not kill Radiohead’s career.

Key Tracks:
Everything in the Right Place
The National Anthem
Optimistic
Idioteque

Rage Against the Machine: RATM (1992)
Rage Against the Machines’ freshman effort is considered one of the heaviest albums ever recorded. In addition to the musically hard edge, the songs all contained leftist political messages. Maynard from Tool provided guest vocals on “Know Your Enemy” and has been known to join the band onstage to perform the song.

Key Tracks:
Bombtrack
Killing in the Name
Bullet in the Head

The Ramones: The Ramones (1976)
By 1976, rock appeared to be dying. With the exception of Springsteen, whom some consider the genre’s savior, disco and pop fluff dominated the music scene. In 1976, the punks returned rock n roll to its roots. The Ramones led the charge. Although their sound was reminiscent of the fifties, their attitude and subject matter led to the punk label. The Ramones established the genre and later popularized it.

Key Tracks:
Blitzkrieg Bop
I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Judy is a Punk
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue

Blood Sugar Sex Magik: Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)
Rick Rubin produced and guided the Red Hot Chili Peppers throughout the making of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Critics praised Rubin for steering the band away from a more metal sound and refocusing their energies. “Under the Bridge” made the band superstars and recounted lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ drug addiction. Drugs, death, lust, and sex provided the album’s themes which played well during the alternative explosion of the early 1990s.

Key Tracks:
Give it Away
Under the Bridge
Suck My Kiss
Breaking the Girl

Lou Whitaker

A timeline...

Born: May 12, 1957

Debut: September 9, 1977

1978: Won Rookie of the Year

1983: Appeared in episode of Magnum P.I. with Alan Trammell

1983: Lou’s best season (.320, 12, 72, 94 runs, .380 OBP, .837 OPS)

1984: Tigers win World Series

1985: Cleared the Tiger Stadium roof with a homer

1985: Whitaker forgot his jersey for the ASG. He bought a replica and used a magic marker to fill in the #1 on the back. It currently resides in the Smithsonian.

1986: Homered in All Star Game

1986: Entire Tiger infield hit 20 homers

1987: Tigers win AL East (Lose ALCS to Minnesota)

1989: Hit career best 28 homers with 85 RBI

1992: 2000^th hit

1992: 200^th homer

1995: Whitaker and Trammell become longest running double play combination in history

1995: Retired

2001: Removed from HOF consideration after garnering 2.9% of the vote. 5% was needed to remain on the ballot.

2015: Eligible for review for HOF candidacy

Accomplishments:
1984 World Champion

1978 ROY

5x All Star

4x Silver Slugger

3x Gold Glove

.276 career average

Hit .300+: 2x

Led league in games played (109) in 1981

100+ Runs: 2x

1386 career runs scored

2369 career hits

206 hits (1983)

420 doubles

30+ doubles: 3x

40 doubles (1983)

244 home runs

20+ home runs: 4x

1084 RBI

20 steals (1979)

1197 walks-1099 strikeouts

.363 career OBP

.412 OBP (1993)

.518 slugging (1995)

Postseason: .204 with 1 HR and 1 RBI (2 postseasons)

Sci Fi History: Frankenstein (1931)

The 1931 film, Frankenstein, deviates dramatically from Mary Shelley’s book. In the literature, the monster can read and displays an interest in classical works. The film portrays him as a grunting beast. Additionally, the monster’s behavior is the result of poor treatment. The film makes it clear that it was the result of an abnormal brain being implanted. Lastly, the book ends with the monster plotting suicide while the movie sends a lynch mob to eliminate him.

Today, people might giggle at some of the scenes in the film, but in 1931, it scared people senseless. In fact, the film opens with a warning. Although tame by today’s standards, the flower girl scene remains disturbing and creepy to this day. The film has spawned many sequels, parodies, and imitations.

It’s Alive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H3dFh6GA-A

Girl in the pond:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9opHsLACk

The Monster’s end:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoL6a37d1Rg

Quotes of the Month: November 2011

Quote of the Month:

"If we were trying to run a regular offense, he'd be screwed."

-Broncos coach John Fox on Tim Tebow

Stupid Quote of the Month:

“We’ve been a little lazy over the last couple of decades.”

-Barack Obama

And the rest:

“So if you win, you suddenly produce what sounds like 1984 from their brief."

-Stephen Breyer

"It’s not gonna happen.”

-Jorge Posada on his returning to the Yanks

“This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”

-Joe Paterno

"How can you pick against SMU? Look at that one there — red, white and blue. [Picks up SMU megaphone] U-S-A! … Ah, f___ it!

-Leo Corso on College GameDay

“Go get a job right after you take a bath.”

-Newt Gingrich to OWS

“I’m a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing.”

-Nancy Pelosi

“What the hell are we paying you for?”

-Chris Christie to President Obama

"Unfortunately, we at www.elviscostello.com find ourselves unable to recommend this lovely item to you as the price appears to be either a misprint or a satire."

-Elvis Costello to his fans

"We have to do an assessment as to whether or not this is going to create too much of a cloud, in some people's minds, as to whether or not they would be able to support us going forth."

-Herman Cain

History Shorts: The Jewish Revolt (66-73 A.D.)

Greek-Jewish tensions over taxation led to a general revolt. Jewish rebels quickly overwhelmed Roman garrisons launching a general war. It took nearly a decade for the Romans to suppress the revolt. In 70, Titus broke resistance in Jerusalem and then moved steadily on other strongholds. The war ended with the fall of Masada.

In the aftermath, Christianity and Judaism split forever. The Christians did not wish to be associated with the unpopular Jewish religion and began playing up the differences between the two groups. At the same time, the Romans inadvertently wiped out Christian leadership in the Holy Land. As a result, Christians in Rome assumed leadership of the religion.

For the Jews, it led to a new Diaspora. Many died, fled, or sold into slavery. Judaism itself went through a reformation. For the first time, Rabbis did not inherit their positions. Lastly, it led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. To date, it has not been rebuilt.

The first two links are from a documentary. The final clip is of Massada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3-jIjrQ1XM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cn9bP06KFs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKe3pXCjCy0

Jim O'Rourke: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: September 1, 1850

Debut: April 26, 1872 (Middletown Mansfield)

1873: Signed with Boston Red Stockings

1876: Had first hit in NL history

1879: Signed with Providence Grays

1880: Re-signed with Boston Red Stockings

1880: Signed with Buffalo Bisons for 1881

1881-1884: Managed Bisons: 206-169 (.549)

1884: Traded to New York Gothams

1892: Jumped to the New York Giants

1892: Sent to the Senators in September

1893: Final full MLB season

1893: Managed Senators: 40-89 (.310)

1894: Played in minors for several years

1904: Played one game for the Giants at age 53. He got a hit.

1905: Became president of the Connecticut League

1912: Played a minor league game at age 60

Died: January 8, 1919 of pneumonia

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
.310 career hitter

62 Home Runs

1208 RBI

1729 runs scored

2639 hits

513 walks-362 strikeouts

Led league in Games Played: 2x

Played 1999 games

Led league in runs in 1877 (68)

100+ runs: 4x

Led league in hits in 1884 (162)

30+ doubles: 3x

468 doubles

10+ triples: 3x

Led league in triples in 1885 (16)

Led league in home runs: 3x

115 RBI in 1890

20+ steals: 4x

30+ steals: 2x

46 steals (1887)

Led league in walks in 1877 (20)

Hit .300+: 13x

Hit .350 +: 3x

.400+ OBP: 1877 (.407)

Led league in OBP: 2x

.515 Slugging in 1890

Postseason: .306, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB (19 games)

Pitching: 0-1 record, 4.12 ERA (6 games)

Managerial Career:
246-258 (.488)

Wilbert Robinson: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: June 29, 1863

1885: Played in New England League

Debut: April 19, 1886 (Philadelphia Athletics)

1890: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

1892: Had 7-hit game with 11 RBI

1894-96: O’s win three straight titles

1896: Caught a triple-header

1900: Purchased by Brooklyn Superbas and then St. Louis Cardinals

1901: Signed with Baltimore Orioles (New York Yankees)

1902: Managed Orioles (24-57)

1914-31: Managed Brooklyn Robins (1375-1341)

1916: Won NL Pennant, but lost WS to the Red Sox

1920: Won NL Pennant, but lost WS to the Indians

1931: Retired from managing and became president of the Atlanta Crackers

Died: August 8, 1934

1945: Elected to the Hall of Fame as a Manager

Accomplishments:
First catcher to play directly behind the batter

7-hit game

11-RBI game

.273 career hitter

18 home runs

722 RBI

196 stolen bases

20+ steals: 3x

33 steals (1886)

Managerial Career:
Record: 1399-1398 (.500)

1916 NL Champions

1920 NL Champions

King Kelly: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: December 31, 1857

1873: Played amateur ball

1873-75: Played Semi-pro

Debut: May 1, 1878 (Cincinnati Reds)

1878: Began a Vaudeville career

1879: Signed with Chicago White Stockings

1881: Began to “cut” bases (there was only one umpire)

1887: Purchased by Boston Beaneaters

1887: Managed Beaneaters (49-43)

1888: “Casey at the Bat” is published. Kelly may have been the inspiration.

1888: Published his autobiography

1889: Inspired the song “Slide Kelly Slide” (one of the first pop hits)

1890: Jumped to Boston Reds

1890: Managed Reds (81-48): Won Pennant

1891: Signed with Cincinnati Kelly’s Killers

1891: Managed Kelly’s Killers (43-57)

1891: Signed with Boston Reds

1891: Jumped to Beaneaters

1893: Signed with New York Giants

1893: Sent to Beaneaters, but retired

1894: Died of pneumonia

1927: Slide Kelly Slide becomes a film

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
Credited with creating the hit-and-run and hook slide

Popularized the autograph

2x batting champ

.308 career average

69 home runs

950 RBI

368 stolen bases

Led league in runs: 3x

100+ Runs: 5x

Led league in doubles: 3x

30+ doubles: 4x

41 doubles in 1889

10+ triples: 4x

Hit .300+: 8x

Hit .350+: 2x

Led league in OBP: 2x

.400+ OBP: 5x

.500+ slugging: 2x

1.018 OPS (1886)

Postseason: .241 with 1 HR and 1 RBI (15 games)

As a manager: 173-148 (.539)- 1 pennant

Hughie Jennings: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: April 2, 1869

Debut: June 1, 1891 (Louisville Colonels)

1893: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

1896: Set ML record with 51 hit by pitches

1896: Hit .401

1896-98: Hit 202 times. One beaning left him unconscious for 3 days.

1898: Suffered arm injury which limited his fielding ability

1899: Sent to Brooklyn Superbas

1899: Traded back to the Orioles and then immediately returned to Brooklyn

1899: Attended Cornell Law School; on one occasion, he dove into an empty pool causing a skull fracture

1901: Sold to Phillies

1903: Returned to Brooklyn

1903: Traded to Baltimore

1905: Passed the Bar Exam

1906: Signed by the Detroit Tigers to manage

1907-09: Tigers won the pennant, but lost the World Series each time

1911: Involved in bad car accident

1912: Tigers went on strike forcing Jennings to play. The umpire noted on the lineup card: “Jennings batted for exercise”

1920: Stepped down as Tiger manager. He was the Tigers’ all-time wins leader until passed by Sparky Anderson.

1920: Final Tiger record: 1131-972 (.538)

1921-25: Served as coach and sometimes as manager of New York Giants.

1924-25: Record as Giants fill-in manager: 53-23 (.697)

1925: Suffered an illness forcing his retirement

1926: Claimed it would be easy to fix games…his statement caused a controversy. He was forced to issue a statement claiming he never cheated or threw games.

Died: February 1, 1928

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1992: Sparky Anderson passes Jennings as the Tigers winningest manager

Accomplishments:
.312 career hitter

18 home runs

840 RBI

359 stolen bases

Scored 100+ runs: 5x

200+ hits: 2x

41 doubles (1895)

100+ RBI: 3x

Hit .300+: 5x

Hit .350+: 3x

Hit .401 in 1896

Led the league in HBP: 5x

Led league in sac hits (28) in 1895

.391 career OBP

.400+ OBP: 7x

.512 slugging (1895)

Managerial Record:
1184-995 (.543) 3 pennants

Hugh Duffy: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: November 26, 1866

1886: Played in New England League

Debut: June 23, 1888 (Chicago White Stockings-NL)

1890: Jumped to the Chicago Pirates

1891: Moved to the Boston Reds

1891: Moved to Chicago Colts

1891: Moved to the Boston Beaneaters

1894: Won Batting Crown

1894: Set major league record with .440 average

1894: Won Home Run crown (18)

1897: Won Home Run crown (11)

1901: Jumped to the Milwaukee Brewers and player/manager (48-89 record)

1904: Joined the Philadelphia Phillies

1904-06: Managed Phillies (206-251 record)

1906: Retired

1910-11: Managed the White Sox (145-159 record)

1917-19: Coached Harvard baseball

1920: Managed the Toronto Maple Leafs (International League)

1921-22: Managed the Boston Red Sox (136-172 record)

1924-53: Red Sox scout

1945: Elected to the Hall of Fame

1954: Died

Accomplishments:
.326 career hitter

.440 in 1894 is highest single-season average of all time

1894 batting champ

Hit .300: 11x

Hit. .350+: 3x

Led league in games played: 2x

Led league in at-bats: 2x

1554 runs scored

Led league in runs (161) in 1890

100+ runs scored: 9x

2293 hits

Led league in hits: 2x

200 hits: 2x

30+ doubles: 3x

Led league in doubles (51) in 1894

119 triples

10+ triples: 4x

106 home runs

Led league: 2x

10+ home runs: 3x

1302 RBI

100+ RBI: 8x

Led league in RBI (110) in 1891

574 stolen bases

20+ stolen bases: 11x

30+ stolen bases: 9x

40+ stolen bases: 8x

50+ stolen bases: 4x

70+ stolen bases: 2x

85 steals in 1891

664 walks-265 strikeouts

.386 career OBP

.400+ OBP: 5x

.502 OBP (1894)

.694 slugging (1894)

1.196 OPS (1894)

3174 total bases

374 in 1894

Led league in total bases in 1894

Postseason batting:
.462, 1 homer, 9 RBI 1.328 OPS (6 games)

Managerial Record:
535-671 record and no pennants

Ed Delahanty: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: October 30, 1867

1887: Signed pro contract in the Ohio State League

Debut: May 22, 1888 (Phillies)

1890: Jumped to the Player’s League

1891: Returned to the Phillies

1892: Got stuck in a doghouse trying to retrieve a ball hit by Cap Anson. Anson’s shot is known as the “inside-the-doghouse” home run.

1893: Home run champ (19)

1894: Hit .404

1895: Hit .404 for second straight year

1896: Hit four home runs in a game (all inside-the-park)

1896: Home run champ (13)

1899: Hit four doubles in a game. Delahanty is the only man with a 4-homer game and a 4-double game.

1899: Had a hit in 10 straight games.

1899: Batting champ (.410)

1901: Jumped to Washington Senators of the American League after the season.

1902: Won batting title (.376)

1903: Died when he was swept over Niagara Falls.

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1992: Mike Sowell publishes July 2, 1903: The Mysterious Death of Big Ed Delahanty

Accomplishments:
.346 career hitter

2x Batting Champ

101 Home Runs

1466 RBI

2597 hits

1600 runs

741 walks-437 strikeouts

3794 total bases

.411 career OBP

.505 career slugging

.916 career OPS

Scored 100+ runs: 10x

200+ hits: 4x

Led league in hits (238) in 1899

522 career doubles

30+ doubles: 11x

40+ doubles: 5x

55 doubles (1899)

Led league in doubles: 5x

186 career triples

10+ triples: 10x

21 triples (1892)

Led league in triples (21) in 1892

10+ home runs: 4x

Led league in HR: 2x

100+ RBI: 7x

Led league in RBI: 3x

20+ Stolen bases: 12x

30+ Stolen bases: 7x

40+ Stolen bases: 2x

58 stolen bases (1898)

Led league in stolen bases in 1898 (58)

Hit .300: 12x

Hit .350+: 8x

Hit .400: 3x

.400+ OBP: 9x

.500 OBP (1895)

Led league in OBP: 2x

.500+ slugging: 8x

.600+ slugging: 2x

Led league in slugging: 5x

1.000+ OPS: 6x

Led league in OPS: 5x

300+ Total Bases: 3x

Led league in Total Bases: 2x

Jimmy Collins: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: January 16, 1870

Debut: April 19, 1895 (Boston Beaneaters)

He emerged as a pioneer in defense at third base.

1895: Loaned to Louisville Colonels

1896: Returned to Boston

1897: Beaneaters win Pennant

1898: Won Home Run crown (15)

1898: Beaneaters win Pennant

1901: Jumped to the Red Sox

1901-06: Managed the Red Sox (455-376 record)

1903: Won World Series

1904: Won Pennant, but Giants refused to play the World Series

1907: Traded from Boston to the Philadelphia A’s

1908: Retired

Died: March 6, 1943

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame (Old Timer’s ballot)

Accomplishments:
1903 World Champion

Played on four pennant winners (Only one World Series)

.294 career hitter

65 home runs

983 RBI

1999 hits

100+ runs scored: 4x

30+ doubles: 4x

42 doubles (1901)

10+ triples: 6x

1898 HR champ (15)

100+ RBI: 2x

23 steals (1903)

426 walks-267 strikeouts

.400 OBP (1897)

Led league in total bases with 286 (1898)

Led league in games played in 1900 (142)

Postseason (1903 World Series): .250, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Managerial Record:
455-376 (.548) with 2 pennants and 1 Championship

Roger Bresnahan: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: June 11, 1879

Debut: August 27, 1897 (NL’s Washington Senators)

1900: Played for the Cubs

1901: Moved to the Orioles (Yankees)

1902: Released by the O’s; signed by the Giants. Later pioneers the use of Catcher’s gear.

1904: Giants win the Pennant, but John McGraw refused to play in the World Series

1905: Giants win the World Series

1909: Traded to the Cardinals before the season.

1909-1912: Managed Cardinals (255-352 record)

1911: Cardinals involved in train wreck. Fourteen people, but no Cardinals, died in the crash.

1913: Purchased by the Cubs

1915: Managed Cubs (73-80 record)

Died: December 4, 1944

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame (7^th ballot)

Accomplishments:
.279 career hitter

26 HR

530 RBI

1905 World Champion

Revolutionized catcher's equipment and position

714 walks and 406 strikeouts

.386 career OBP

30 doubles (1903)

20+ steals: 2x

34 steals (1903)

Led league in walks in 1908 (83)

Hit .300: 2x

.350 (1903)

.400+ OBP: 4x

Led league HBP in 1906 (15)

4-1 Pitching record with 3.93 ERA

As a manager:
328-432 record (no pennants)

Dan Brouthers: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: May 8, 1858

1877: While playing semi-pro ball, he collided with catcher Johnny Quigley killing the other player. He was cleared of any wrong doing.

Debut: June 23, 1879

1881: Traded (?) to Buffalo Bisons

1881: Won Home Run Crown (8)

1882: Won batting title

1883: Won batting title

1885: Sold to Detroit Wolverines

1886: Won Home Run Crown (11)

1887: Wolverines win championship

1888: Sold to Boston Beaneaters

1889: Won batting title

1891: Won batting title

1892: Traded to Brooklyn Grooms

1892: Won batting title

1894: Traded with Wee Willie Keeler to Orioles

1895: Sold to the Louisville Cardinals

1895: Sold to the Phillies in December

1904: Played final game with Giants

Died: August 2, 1932

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1999: Society for Baseball Research named him 6^th best player of 19^th century.

Accomplishments:
.342 career hitter

1887 World Champion

5x batting champ

Hit .300: 16x

Hit .350+: 6x

1523 runs scored

100+ runs: 8x

Led league in runs: 2x

2296 hits

Led league in hits: 3x

30+ doubles: 8x

40+ doubles: 2x

Led league in doubles: 3x

460 career doubles

205 career triples

Led league in triples with 17 (1883)

10+ triples: 11x

20+ triples: 3x

106 home runs

Led league in home runs: 2x

10+ HR: 3x

1296 RBI

100+ RBI: 5x

Led league in RBI: 2x

256 (known) stolen bases

30+ steals: 5x

840 walks-238 strikeouts

.423 career OBP

Led league in OBP: 5x

.400+ OBP: 11x

.519 career slugging

.500+ slugging: 11x

3484 Total bases

Led league in total bases: 4x

Pitching:
0-2 7.83 ERA

Fred Clarke: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1945

Born: October 3, 1872

1892: Signed with a pro team

Debut: June 30, 1894 (Louisville Colonels)

1895: 35-game hitting streak

1897: Became player-manager (180-212 as Louisville manager)

1899: Traded to the Pirates (1422-969 as Pirates manager)

1901: Won the NL Pennant

1902: Won the NL Pennant

1903: Won NL Pennant; Lost the first World Series to the Red Sox

1909: Pirates won the World Series

1910: Tied ML record with 4 outfield assists in a game

1915: Retired. He spent time as a coach and Pirate executive following his playing days.

1926: Served as assistant manager for Pirates leading to a player revolt. Pirate management released the players including Babe Adams and Max Carey.

1945: Elected to Hall of Fame

1947: Involved in ice fishing accident and survived a gas furnace explosion

1960: Died

Accomplishments:

Managerial Record:
1602-1181 (.576)- 4 pennants and 1 world title

Two 100-win seasons

103-36 (.741) record in 1902

110-42 (.724) record in 1909

1909 World Champion

.312 career hitter

35 game hit streak (1895)

67 Home runs

1015 RBI

2678 hits

1622 runs scored

220 triples

100+ runs: 5x

200+ hits: 2x

30+ doubles: 2x

Led league in doubles in 1903 (32)

10+ triples: 14

Led league in triples (13) in 1906

20+ stolen bases: 14x

30+ stolen bases: 7x

40+ stolen bases: 4x

59 steals in 1897

509 career steals

Led league in walks (80) in 1909

Hit .300+: 11x

.400+ OBP: 5x

.500+ Slugging: 2x

Led league in slugging (.532) in 1903

Led league in OPS (.946) in 1903

Led league in HBP (14): in 1902

Postseason: .245 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI (1903 and 1909 World Series)

Sci Fi History: Buck Rogers (1928)

Buck Rogers was created in 1928. He was originally a World War I vet. In 1978, he worked for NASA.

Anthony Rogers was trapped in a mine cave-in. The gas froze Rogers for 500 years and he awoke in 2419. Buck saves Wilma Deering from a gang and is welcomed into her clan. Deering’s gang enlists Rogers’ help, and World War I combat experience, to battle the evil Hans who conquered America.

The story proved popular leading to sequels, novels, comic strips, radio shows, movies, and two television series. There was even a Daffy Duck version of Buck Rogers. A 2010 web series was produced and there is talk of another film.

History Shorts: Paul's Conversion (36 A.D.)

Paul of Tarsus persecuted Christians for blasphemy. One day, on the road to Damascus, a vision of Christ blinded him. He converted on the spot and changed the course of history. There are a variety of theories as to what happened to Paul, but what matters is he believed he talked to Christ.

Paul enjoyed Roman citizenship and wealth. As a result, he could travel the empire unencumbered and used his connections to spread the word. Additionally, he reworked Christianity making it more palatable for pagans. For example, he eliminated the need to circumcise new converts. He also argued that salvation came from faith and not works. Paul was executed by the Emperor Nero who needed a scapegoat for the Great Fire of Rome. In 2009, the Vatican announced an excavation of Paul’s tomb, which included carbon dating confirming the remains date to the 1^st century A.D.

The first link is "Saint of Me" by the Rolling Stones. The song mentions St. Paul and tells his story. The second is a cartoon dramatization of Paul's conversion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ej0D0NHfMI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZJxb4uW-E

Kenesaw Mountain Landis: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1944

No one was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1943.

Born: November 20, 1866 (named after a Civil War battle where his father was wounded)

1887: Applied to bar

1888: Went to Law School

1893-1895: Secretary to Senator Walter Q. Gresham

1895-1905: Law practice

1905-1922: U.S. District Court Judge for Northern Illinois (Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt)

1907: Fined Standard Oil $29 million for violating federal rebate laws

1915: Presided over hearings regarding the Federal League and the Reserve Clause

1916: Baby Iraene Case

1917-1919: Issued stiff sentences to draft dodgers and those opposed to World War I

1919: White Sox conspire to throw World Series

1920-1944: Baseball Commissioner

1921: Banned 8 White Sox for life

1921: Forced John McGraw to sell his interest in a race track

1921: Banned Eugene Paulette for life for throwing games

1921: Banned Joe Gedeon for his involvement in the Black Sox affair (Landis banned 18 players total for involvement with gambling)

1933: Landis supported first All Star Game

1934: Ejected Ducky Medwick from Game 7 of the World Series for the player’s own protection

1941: Offered to shut the major leagues down for World War II.

1943: Banned Phillies owner William D. Cox for betting on his own team

Died: November 25, 1944

1944: Elected to the Hall of Fame

Captain America: Tales of Suspense #72-81

Continuing the Adventures of Captain America in the 1960s...

Tales of Suspense #72-74: Cap battles the Sleepers. In 1945, the Red Skull programmed three robots to return in 1965 to destroy the world. Cap defeats them. One of the sleepers was a flying wing...kudos to Stan Lee for predicting the stealth bomber.

#75-76: Cap teams with the mercenary Batroc to stop the city from exploding. The pair are caught in an espionage battle between SHIELD and THEM. Cap saves the city in the end and Batroc runs away. Meanwhile, Cap meets a girl reminding him of someone in his past.

#77: Cap backstory about a lost love

#78: Cap and Nick Fury battle THEM

#79-81: The Red Skull emerges from 20 years of hiding and captures the Cosmic Cube. He had allied himself with THEM and bided his time. After capturing the cube, he became invincible (think Emperor Joker-lite). Cap uses the Skull's own vanity against him and manages to negate the cube. The Skull falls into the ocean and supposedly drowns...

Sci Fi History: Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis is a film set in an urban future in which workers and capitalists struggle against one another. The film is Marxist in viewpoint and demonstrates class warfare. On one hand, the capitalists live an easy life while the workers struggle for survival. In the end, the two sides reach an accommodation as a mediator intervenes. The human body serves as an allegory for society. The brain represents capitalists, the hands represent workers, and the mediator (the heart) brings them together.

The film has proved influential over the years. Blade Runner borrowed the cityscape. Star Wars appropriated the golden robot. Queen used scenes from the film in their “Radio Ga Ga” video. In the end, almost every Sci Fi film owes something to Metropolis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSExdX0tds4

Quotes of the Month: October 2011

Quote of the Month:

“It’s hard to accept being liked.”

-Andy Rooney

Dumb Quotes of the Month:

"Murder will continue to rise. Rape will continue to rise. All crime will continue to rise."

-Joe Biden on what would happen if the Jobs Bill fails

“I believe all the choices we've made have been the right ones.”

-Barack Obama

Twilight Zone Quote of the Month:

"Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). Need to write my will today."

-Former Weezer Bassist Mikey Welsh one week before he suddenly died.

Slam of the Month:

"Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero.”

-Magic Johnson

And the rest…

"I was thinking about it in the outfield last night. With all of the stress and everything of that game yesterday, you know, thinking about and actually made some amends with trainers and with staff from the other side, from the Rays' side, because I don't think I ever had, as far as what I did and when I was here and my time. And they put a lot of time and effort into me, so just made an apology, a few yesterday."

-Josh Hamilton

“I’d kill Kurt Cobain for killing himself.”

-Courtney Love on what she’d do if he came back from the dead

“We want sweeping unspecified change.”

- A sign in the Occupy Wall Street protests

“I left the Democratic plantation a long time ago.”

-Herman Cain

"10 years ago, Steve Jobs was alive, Bob Hope was alive, Johnny Cash was alive. Now we're outta jobs, outta hope &outta cash"

-Peggy Noonan

“Without trade, Jerome Harrison doesn't get physical. Without physical, doctors don't find brain tumor. Trade might have saved his life.”

-Adam Schefter

“You’re headed for a one-term presidency.”

-Steve Jobs to Barack Obama

"After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over."

-Barack Obama

“Do you know right from wrong?”

-Moammar Khadafy (last words)

“We came. We saw. He died.”

-Hillary Clinton celebrating Khadafy’s death

All Time single season baseball leaders (in my lifetime)

Batting Average:
George Brett .390 (1980)

Tony Gwynn .394 (1994)

OBP:
Barry Bonds .609 (2004)

Non-Steroid OBP:
Frank Thomas .487 (1994)

Wade Boggs .476 (1988)

SLG:
Barry Bonds .863 (2001)

Jeff Bagwell .750 (1994)

Larry Walker .720 (1997)

At Bats:
Jimmy Rollins 716 (2007)

Runs:
Jeff Bagwell 152 (2000)

Hits:
Ichiro: 262 (2004)

Doubles:
Todd Helton 59 (2000)

Triples:
Curtis Granderson 23 (2007)

Home Runs:
Barry Bonds 73 (2001)

Ryan Howard 58 (2006)

RBI:
Manny Ramirez 165 (1999)

Andres Galarraga 150 (1996)

Walks:
Barry Bonds 232 (2004)

Jeff Bagwell 149 (1999)

Strikeouts:
Mark Reynolds 223 (2009)

Steals:
Rickey Henderson 130 (1982)

OPS:
Barry Bonds 1.421 (2004)

Frank Thomas 1.217 (1994)

Larry Walker 1.171 (1997)

Pitchers

ERA :

Dwight Gooden 1.53 (1985)

Wins:
Steve Carlton 27 (1972)

Bob Welch 27 (1990)

Games:
Mike Marshall 106 (1974)

Saves:
Francisco Rodriguez 62 (2008)

IP:
Wilbur Wood 376 2/3 (1972)

Strikeouts:
Nolan Ryan 383 (1973)

Complete Games:
Catfish Hunter 30 (1975)

Shutouts:
John Tudor 10 (1985)

Game Starts:
Wilbur Wood 49 (1972)

Walks:
Nolan Ryan 204 (1977)

Losses:
Steve Arlin 21 (1972)

Steve Bahnsen 21 (1973)

Mike Maroth 21 (2003)

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: Queen

A Night at the Opera: Queen (1975)
Brian May claims Queen would have broken up if A Night at the Opera flopped. At the time, it was the most expensive album ever recorded. They had little to fear as it debuted at #1 in Britain and #4 in the U.S. This album is an extravaganza that culminates with “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “God Save the Queen.”

Key Tracks:
You’re My Best Friend
Bohemian Rhapsody
Love of My Life
Death on Two Legs

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Public Enemy

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back: Public Enemy (1988)
It Takes a Nation of Millions is one of the most influential hip hop/rap albums ever recorded. The album not only included social and political critiques, but was complimented for its production, which is crucial for this genre. It is the highest ranked hip hop album on Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Key Tracks:
Bring the Noise
Don’t Believe the Hype

Captain America:Tales of Suspense #63-71

The next nine issues of Tales of Suspense starring Cap featured some of his WWII adventures and the first appearances of the Red Skull.

Tales of Suspense #63: The Origin story and first appearance of Bucky. During the 1940s, and Cap's original run, Bucky was another in a long line of teen sidekicks. Perhaps comic writers hoped to introduce a young hero for fans to identify with. Also, we see Steve Rogers as a bumbling private (think Christopher Reeves' Clark Kent). Bucky is the camp "mascot."

#64: Steve Rogers does KP while Captain America busts up a sabotage ring.

#65: The Red Skull's first appearance and he has a hit list.

#66: The Red Skull captures Cap, drugs him, and turns him into a Nazi operative. Also, his origin is revealed!

#67: Cap helps the Nazis break into Allied HQ to assassinate a high level general. Bucky escapes the firing squad.

#68: Cap escapes the effects of the drug and saves the general's life. The Nazis get ahold of a particle weapon, but are thwarted.

#69: A British scientist agrees to help the Nazis kill Cap and Bucky. They capture Bucky and lure Cap to Greymore Castle.

#70: Cap arrives, is captured, and the Nazis plan to launch him, Bucky, and the Scientist's sister in a V-2 rocket.

#71: Cap escapes, stops the Nazis, and uses the rocket to save American troops in Normandy. The scientist's sister is shot and killed by the Nazis and he goes insane. The castle explodes when the now-mad scientist blows it up. Only Bucky and Cap escape.

Thurman Munson: Timeline

Born: June 7, 1947

1965-67: Attended Kent State (teammate of Steve Stone)

1967: Played in Cape Cod League

1968: Drafted by the New York Yankees

Debut: August 8, 1969 (Yankees)

1970: Won Rookie of the Year (.302 average)

1971: Committed only 1 error all season and that occurred after he was knocked out

1973: Fight with Fisk

1976: Named Yankee Captain (first since Lou Gehrig)

1976: AL MVP

1976: Yankees won pennant and lost the WS to the Reds (Munson hit .529)

1976: Controversy over Sparky Anderson’s comments about embarrassing Munson by comparing him the Johnny Bench.

1977: Hit .308 with 100 RBIs making him the first catcher to do so for three consecutive years since Bill Dickey.

1977: Bronx Zoo: Feud with Reggie Jackson

1977: Yankees win World Series (Munson hit .320 with one home run and three RBI)

1978: Yanks come back from 14 games down to win the AL East in Game 163

1978: Yankees win World Series (Munson hit .320 with 7 RBI)

Died: August 1, 1979 (plane crash)

August 2: Yanks honor Munson in pregame ceremony

August 6: Entire team attends funeral; Bobby Mercer delivers eulogy

August 6, 1979: The Thurman Munson Game: Bobby Mercer drives in all five runs in New York’s 5-4 victory over Baltimore.

1980: Plaque honoring Munson is dedicated (his number was retired immediately after his death)

Accomplishments:
First Yankee Captain since Lou Gehrig

2x World Champion

1970 ROY

1976 AL MVP

7x All Star

3x Gold Glove

1 error in 1971

.292 career hitter

Hit .300+: 5x (11 seasons)

1558 career hits

Led league 151 singles (1975)

113 career home runs

20 HR (1973)

701 RBI

100+ RBI: 3x

.357 career postseason hitter with 3 HR and 22 RBI (30 games)

Top 200 Albums of All Time: Prince

1999: Prince (1982)
1999 broke Prince making him a star. The album created the pop sound of the mid-80s. It was synth-and-drum heavy resulting in many imitators and influencing house and techno music for 30 years.

Key Tracks:
1999
Little Red Corvette
Delirious

Purple Rain: Prince (1984)
While 1999 made Prince a star, Purple Rain elevated him to superstar. Prince continued his Minneapolis sound mixed with R&B, but included rock, pop, dance, and even the psychedelic. Despite being a popular “pop” album, it was also avant-garde. While a soundtrack to a movie, Purple Rain also served as a soundtrack to 1984 and 1985.

Key Tracks:
Let’s Go Crazy
When Doves Cry
Purple Rain

Prince: Sign o the Times (1987)
Sign o the Times is one of Prince’s more eclectic albums. It is funkier and more electronic than Prince’s earlier work. The album mixes rock, pop, funk, dance, soul, electronic, and even jazz. The themes are also eclectic ranging from world politics to androgyny to sex to enlightenment.

Key Tracks:
Sign o’ the Times
U Got the Look
I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man

Captain America: Tales of Suspense #59-62

Marvel resurrected Captain America in the 1960s. The company rolled out Cap in solo adventures in Tales of Suspense. In those early adventures, he shared the comic with Iron Man. Each character got his own solo story. As a result, the stories were compact and half the size of a normal issue. The following is a recap of his first four appearance.

Tales of Suspense #59: Cap hangs out in the Avengers mansion. Some bad guys decide to break in and challenge the superhero believing he'd be a pushover since he did not have the same powers as his teammates. Cap defeats the gang relatively easily. The issue was clearly meant to introduce Cap and focused on the action. The issue also hinted at Cap's WWII past and sadness he experienced when looking back.

Tales of Suspense #60: Baron Zemo is introduced. The Baron sends a group of underlings to capture Captain America. They fail and Cap taunts Zemo in his South American lair.

Tales of Suspense #61: Cap goes to Vietnam to rescue a downed pilot. The main villain is a communist general/sumo wrestler. I thought Sumos were Japanese and not Vietnamese.

Tales of Suspense #62: A group of prisoners commit a jailbreak and Cap stops them.

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley: Elvis Presley (1956)
Elvis Presley was the first rock record to go to #1 on the Billboard charts and the first platinum rock album. Interestingly, the album was mostly covers of other artists. However, Elvis had the ability to take R&B hits and country them up that resulted in his own version of rock n roll.

Key Tracks:
Blue Suede Shoes
I Got a Woman

Elvis Presley: From Elvis in Memphis (1969)
Elvis enjoyed amazing success with a Christmas album motivating him to release a non-soundtrack album. The Memphis album marked Elvis’ return to rock records. Once again, Elvis tied R&B to country music during the height of rock’s popularity. While others were taking rock in many different directions, Elvis brought the genre back to its roots.

Key Tracks:
In the Ghetto
Any Day Now

Elvis Presley: The Sun Sessions (1976)
The Sun Sessions features songs recorded by Elvis at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records in the fifties. He recorded 20 songs and 15 appeared on the album. It includes “That’s All Right” which some consider the first rock song and “I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine” which had never been released on an album before. The album is a time capsule of rock’s origins.

Key Tracks:
That’s All Right
Mystery Train
Blue Moon of Kentucky
Good Rockin’ Tonight

Top 10 Battlestar Galactica episodes

No television show captured the zeitgeist of the 2000s like the re-imaged Battlestar Galactica. Humanity experienced a 911 on an unprecedented scale resulting in a flight from home to escape the Cylons. The show dealt with issues ranging from military tribunals to the role of democracy in a crisis. Every episode resulted in an exploration in the human condition. The focus on humanity in unimaginable circumstances made the show great.

Here are my top 10 episodes in no particular order:

The Miniseries (2003):
Ron Moore reimaged the old 1970s Battlestar Galactica giving it a grittier up-to-date look. He reworked the mythology and made the Cylons a human creation. Rather than a Pearl Harbor-esque attack, the Cylons use a computer virus to disable human defenses. They launch the attack hoping to exterminate humanity. The show echoed events of 911 and took it to a genocidal level.

33 (2005):
The fleet has fled the colonies and the Ragnar Anchorage for deep space. Despite being thoroughly defeated, the Cylons are bent on exterminating the humans and relentlessly attack the fleet forcing them to jump every 33 minutes. The crew has to battle not only the Cylons, but lack of sleep as well. In the end, they are forced to destroy a civilian ship not knowing if it had been hijacked by Cylons or not. The episode won a Hugo and is one of the best, most intense television episodes I have ever seen.

Kobol’s Last Gleaming (2005):
In part one, the fleet discovers Kobol. A survey team crashes on the planet while Roslyn sends Starbuck back to Caprica to find the Arrow of Apollo. In the second part, Adama overthrows Roslyn, Starbuck fights Six, and Boomer admits to being pregnant. The episode ends with Adama being shot by another Boomer.

Flight of the Phoenix (2005):
In a wonderful episode that provided some relief and hope to the beleaguered fleet, Chief Tyrol creates a ship from scratch. The so-called Blackbird is a stealth ship later dubbed Laura in honor of the president. However, before they can celebrate, the fleet has to ward off a major Cylon attack, which they do with Boomer’s help. After she reversed a virus, the Cylon fleet lay defenseless allowing the Viper pilots to destroy them at will.

Scar (2006):
Scar was a Cylon pilot that killed many colonial pilots. The title also represents Starbuck’s unhealed wounds. Starbuck is the best pilot in the fleet when functional. However, pressures and guilt turned her into a shell of her former self. She makes bad choices and is called out for it by Kat. The episode recounts the struggles of some war vets who return home and are never quite the same. In the end, Kat destroys Scar, who is also brandishing his own issues.

Lay Down Your Burdens (2006):
Starbuck is given permission to return to Caprica to rescue Anders and other survivors. Along the way, they discover a planet capable of supporting human life. Once on Caprica, they find Anders and are almost immediately attacked by the Cylons. They eventually escape to the fleet where Cavil is discovered to be a Cylon. Meanwhile, Baltar defeats Roslyn in an election after Gaeta discovers attempts to rig the election Chicago-style.


Exodus (2006):

Humanity fled to what they believed was a safe harbor. The Cylons discovered them and an outnumbered Galactica and Pegasus flee. Colonel Tigh is forced to lead a resistance against the occupation and discovers his wife is a traitor. He poisons her to save humanity. Later, Galactica returns to rescue the survivors in an amazing sci-fi rescue. Unfortunately, Lee is forced to sacrifice the Pegasus to save Galactica and the fleet.

Crossroads (2007):
Tory, Tigh, Anders, Tyrol can’t get “All Along the Watchtower” out of their heads! At the end, they discover they are actually Cylon. Meanwhile, Baltar is tried and acquitted for treason. The music usage could have been cheesy, but Moore and the producers handled it perfectly. I was miffed that Tyrol was a Cylon and had a problem believing Tigh was a toaster.

Revelations (2008):
The Galactica discovers Earth, but it turns out to be a radioactive wasteland. Making matters worse, Tigh admits to Adama he is a Cylon. He is arrested and a frustrated heartbroken Adama rips his office apart. The interplay between Adama and Tigh is one of the most intense and memorable scenes in the show’s run.

The Oath/Blood on the Scales (2009):
An embittered Felix Gaeta sides with Tom Zarek to stage a coup. After the political hierarchy refuses to support him quickly enough, Zarek murders them and then moves on Adama. Gaeta assumes command of the ship and Adama is taken away for execution. He is soon rescued and marches on the C-I-C where the coup collapses. Gaeta and Zarek are later executed. Gaeta emerges as a tragic figure while Zarek proves to be a thug as opposed to an idealist. At the time, Zarek’s brutality shocked me. Although, I probably should have seen it coming!

The Top 200 Albums of All Time: The Police

Zenyatta Mondatta: The Police (1980)
Zenyatta Mondatta marked the end of the Police’s early period. It demonstrates the influence of reggae and punk and features two instrumental compositions. The Police also investigated current events with “Driven to Tears” (poverty) and “Bombs Away” (Soviet invasion of Afghanistan).

Key Tracks:
Don’t Stand So Close To Me
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
Driven to Tears

Ghost in the Machine: The Police (1981)
The album was inspired by Arthur Koestler’s novel, The Ghost in the Machine. The book deals with the concept that the mind is not independent of the body and humankind’s tendency toward self-destructive behavior. Twelve years after the album’s release, “Demolition Man” became a belated hit.

Key Tracks:
Invisible Sun
Spirits in the Material World
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

Synchronicity: The Police (1983)
The band moved away from reggae and their earlier influences creating one of the seminal albums of the 1980s. Synchronicity made The Police the biggest band in the world. The albums multiple hits made the band an omnipresent force on the radio and MTV for two years. Alas, Synchronicity helped destroy the band as tensions between Sting and Steward Copeland came to a head as the Police reached the peak of their popularity.

Key Tracks:
Synchronicity II
Every Breath You Take
Wrapped Around Your Finger
King of Pain

History Shorts: The Crucifixion (c 29 B.C.)

Christ’s crucifixion is a key moment in world history. The Romans used crucifixion to punish treason. Since Christ played the messiah role during Passover, and many believed the messiah would be a military figure like Spartacus, the Romans believed Christ planned a revolt. The key moment was Jesus’ attack on the moneychangers, which demonstrated his potential for violence.

After the execution, Christ’s followers claimed he rose from the dead. The belief in the resurrection is the key concept in Christianity. Whether the Apostles meant Christ physically rose from the dead or that his ideas lived on through them is debatable. Either way, it served as a resistance toward the Romans. To the early Jesus movement, the resurrection, whether physical or otherwise, meant Christ defeated the Romans.

There have been many on screen depictions of the crucifixion. The following is a bit over-the-top, but is probably the most famous.

From The Passion of the Christ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LILfRem4Q4I

Pete Rose: Timeline

Pete Rose

Born: April 14, 1941

1960: Signed with Reds

1963: During Spring Training, Whitey Ford called Rose “Charlie Hustle” deriding the rookie’s playing style. The nickname stuck.

Debut: April 8, 1963 (Reds)

April 13, 1963: First big league hit after starting 0-for-11

1963: Won Rookie of the Year

1963: Joined army reserves at the end of the season

1964: Reached on an error and scored on an error to beat Houston’s Ken Johnson. Johnson no-hit the Reds, but still got the loss.

1968: 22-game hitting streak and a 19-game hitting streak

1968: Won Batting Title

1968: Won Hutch Award

1969: Won Batting Title

1969: Won Lou Gehrig Award

1970: Injured Ray Fosse at a play at the plate during the All-Star Game.

1970: Reds won the pennant

1972: Reds won the pennant

1973: Won Batting Title

1973: Fought Mets Bud Harrelson on the field during the NLCS

1973: NL MVP

1975: Rose moved to 3b to make room for George Foster’s bat

1975: Reds win World Series

1975: Won World Series MVP

1975: SI’s Sportsman of the Year and Hickok Belt winner as best pro athlete

1975: Reds win World Series

1976: Reds win World Series

1976: Roberto Clemente Award

1978: 3000^th hit off Steve Rogers

1978: 44-game hitting streak

1979: Joined Phillies as a free agent

1980: Phillies win World Series

1980: Makes iconic play with Bob Boone in Game 6 World Series

1981: Breaks Stan Musial’s NL hit record

1983: Phillies win pennant

1984: Joined the Montreal Expos

1984: 4000^th hit off Jerry Koosman

1984: Traded to Reds for Tom Lawless. Becomes player-manager

1985: Breaks Ty Cobb’s hit record

1986: Retires as a player

1988: Suspended 30 days for bumping umpire Dave Pallone

1989: Banned for life for betting on baseball based on information gathered in the Dowd Report

1990: Rose plead guilty of income tax evasion and sentenced to 5 months in prison

1991: The Baseball Hall of Fame voted that permanently ineligible players could not be elected

1997: Rose applied for reinstatement

1998-2000: Rose appeared in various WWE events

1999: Elected to All Century Team. At the ceremony, NBC’s Jim Gray harassed Rose trying to get him to confess on national television resulting in a backlash from players and fans against Gray.

2002: John Dowd (author of the Dowd Report) claims Rose may have bet against the Reds

2004: Rose admits to betting on baseball

2010: Appeared on WWE Raw

Accomplishments:

3x World Champion

3x Batting Champion

1973 NL MVP

1963 Rookie of the Year

1975 World Series MVP

44-game hitting streak (1978)

17x All Star

2x Gold Glove winner

1981 Silver Slugger

.303 career hitter

Hit .300 +: 15x

4256 Hits (#1 all time)

200+ hits: 12x (led league 7x)

3562 Games played (#1 all time)

Led league in GP: 5x

14053 ABs (#1 All time)

Led league in ABs: 4x

2165 runs scored (Led league: 4x)

100+ runs: 9x

746 doubles (led league: 5x)

30+ doubles: 15x

40+ doubles: 7x

51 doubles: 1978

135 triples

160 home runs

1314 RBI

1566 walks

106 walks (1974)

.375 OBP (led league 2x)

.400+ OBP: 5x

.512 slugging (1969)

5752 total bases

300+ total bases: 3x

.940 OPS (1969)

Postseason:

.321, 5 HR, 22 RBI, .828 OPS

Managerial Record:

412-373 (.525)

The Incredible Hulk #1-6

The Hulk is another example of culture addressing the nuclear age. The Incredible Hulk is very different in the first few issues from the behemoth readers and audiences grew used to. This is a simple recap of the first six issues of the Incredible Hulk with some commentary on how it relates to the period and changes across the six magazines.

Issue #1: Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk when an accidental overdose of Gamma Radiation alters his genes. Banner is exposed when a Gamma bomb explodes. He had run onto the test range to rescue Rick Jones, a teenager that wandered onto the range on a dare. Why they could not stop the test was not explained, but one would think that there would be safeguards against something like this. Anyway, the issue also introduces Thunderbolt Ross, an army general that chases the Hulk, and plays the J. Jonah Jameson role. Ross’ daughter, Betty plays a potential love interest in her Jackie Kennedy attire. In the beginning, she is a non-entity.

At first, the Hulk is gray to reflect a mood. However, gray did not translate well to the page and Stan Lee changed the color to green. In addition, the Hulk only changes at night. He is a bit like a werewolf as Banner returns at daybreak. This version of the Hulk is not a mindless brute. He is more like an angry Ben Grimm. He is sophisticated, thinks through problems, and can operate machinery.

At the end of #1, the Hulk matches wits with the Gargoyle. The villain is a deformed Soviet agent that eventually befriends the Hulk after kidnapping him. Banner finds a cure for Gargoyle’s deformity and returns to New Mexico. By this point, Ross is determined to capture the Hulk.

Issue #2: The Hulk takes on the Toad Men. This time, he is green. The Toad Men come from outer space and kidnap Betty to force the Hulk to comply with their demands. Eventually, he rescues Betty and Banner uses the Toad Men’s weapons against their invasion force.

Issue #3: The Hulk is lured into a space rocket by Ross and shot into space. Rick Jones sneaks into the launch facility and manages to crash the rocket on Earth. During the flight, Banner is exposed to more radiation making the Hulk susceptible to Jones’ commands. Later, the pair defeat the Ringmaster.

Issue #4: Banner and Jones create a machine that allows the pair to control when the Hulk appears. The machine changes Banner to the Hulk and back. However, the radiation severely weakens Banner and as time passes, the transformations take longer to happen. This is a nod to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde who transformed via a potion. Afterward, the Soviets pretend to be Martians and are defeated by the Hulk.

Issue #5: 1000 years or more ago, Merlin banished Tyrannus to the underworld. Little did he know, Tyrannus would find allies that built him an empire and the Fountain of Youth. In 1962, he threatens the Earth leading the Hulk into action. Hulk defeats Tyrannus, and in a second adventure, beats the Chinese Communist armies of General Fang.

Issue #6: The Metal Master travels to Earth and easily defeats the Hulk and the world’s armed forces. Where the Fantastic Four were during the crisis is anyone’s guess. This seems to be more up their alley. Anyway, the Hulk defeats the Metal Master with a cardboard gun. The issue also debuts Rick Jones’ teen brigade. Meanwhile, the damage to Banner’s use of the changing machine appears to be accumulating.

The first six issues of the Incredible Hulk deal with all the themes of the early 1960s. There is the communist threat, nuclear fears, and Kennedy fashion. Meanwhile, the Hulk himself is not yet the brainless monster we all know and love. Instead, he is more of an angry Ben Grimm that despises the “puny humans” that hunt him.

Rogers Hornsby: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1942

No one was elected in 1940 or 1941.

Here's Hornsby:

Born: April 27, 1896

1911: Playing semi-pro ball

1914: Signed a minor league deal

Debut: September 15, 1915 (Cardinals)

1918: Given a deferment in World War I as a sole provider for his family.

1920: Converted to second base from shortstop

1920: Won batting title

1921: Won batting title

1922: Became only man to hit 40 homers and hit .400

1922: Won Triple Crown

1923: Got into a fight with his manager over a take sign.

1923: Won batting title

1924: Hit .424 to set a live ball record and won the batting title.

1925: Won Triple Crown

1925-1926: Managed the Cardinals (153-116 record)

1925: NL MVP

1926: Won the World Series and then was traded to the Giants (Hit .250 in World Series)

1927: Managed the Giants (22-10 record)

1928: Managed the Braves (39-83 record)

1928: Won batting title

1929-32: Played for the Cubs

1929: NL MVP

1929: Cubs won pennant, lost World Series (Hornsby batted .273 with 1 RBI)

1930-32: Managed the Cubs (141-116 record)

1931: Hit 3 homers in a game against Pittsburgh

1932: Boils on his feet sidelined him until the end of May

1933: Returned to the Cardinals and then moved to the Browns until retirement as a player

1933-37, 1952: Managed the Browns (255-381 record)

Final game: July 20, 1937

Moved to the minors. He gambled away too much money to retire.

1942: Elected to Hall of Fame on fifth ballot

1949: Color analyst for Cubs

1950-51: Managed in minors

1952-53: Managed the Reds (91-106 record)

1958-60: Cubs coach

1962: Mets coach

1963: Died of a heart attack

1999: Elected to All Century Team

Accomplishments:
1926 World Champion

7x Batting Champ

2x Triple Crown Winner

2x MVP

Greatest Right Handed hitter of all time

.358 career hitter

2259 games

Led league in games played: 3x

Led league in runs scored: 5x

Scored 1579 runs

Scored 100+ runs: 6x

2930 hits

200+ hits: 7x

Led league in hits: 4x

541 doubles

Led league in doubles: 4x

30+ doubles: 11x

40+ doubles: 7x

169 triples

Led league in triples: 2x

10+ triples: 9x

20 triples: 1920

Led league in home runs: 2x

30+ home runs: 3x

42 home runs (1922)

1584 RBI

Led league in RBI: 4x

100+ RBI: 5x

Led league in walks: 3x

107 walks (1928)

Hit .300+: 19x

Hit .350+: 9x

Hit .400+: 3x

.434 career OBP

Led league in OBP: 9x

.400+ OBP: 12x

.507 OBP (1924)

.577 career slugging

Led league in slugging: 9x

.500+ slugging: 11x

.600+ slugging: 7x

.700+ slugging: 2x

1.000+ OPS: 8x

1.010 career OPS

Led league in OPS: 11x

Career Postseason: .245, 0 HR, 5 RBI (12 games)

Managerial Record:
701-812 (.463) 1926 World Champs