Dock Ellis

Dock Ellis, the only known Major Leaguer to have pitched a no-hitter on LSD, has died. He was one of my favourites in the '70s. Of course, he was known for much more than pitching while high, but I remain astounded that he could pitch a no-hitter on LSD when it's so rare to do it at all.

Manny Dreads

See, I'm not the only one worried about the fate of Manny Ramirez' infamous dreads now that he's playing with the Dodgers, who infamously require their players to fashion themselves after the LAPD.

Jays Win!

Wendy's mom Kathy and I made our semi-annual trip last night to see the Blue Jays. It was a fantastic game (Blues Jays 6, Red Sox 3 ... on an 8th inning, two-run double by Frank "The Tank" Thomas)! It was also the home opener and there were almost 50,000 fans packing the Rogers Centre, which is unusual for most Blue Jay games. Everyone was screaming their heads off and waving white rally towels during the game -- probably the closest it's going to feel like the World Series in Toronto this season!

Now Reading... 3 Nights in August

Back in the late 70s, I used to go to Dodger games with my girlfriend Sharon and her family. I used to stare at Dodger outfielder Rick Monday and think, "What a job that guy has. He gets to stand out in a grassy field all day, getting a nice tan. He makes good money. Girls love him." I thought, since I had to choose a career anyway, why not be a baseball player? Seems like a good job. Somebody has to do it.

Well, I never made any steps in that direction, so consequently, imagine my surprise when I never made it to the big leagues. Now, I'm thinking I may be a little too old. I guess I will have to be a manager.

3 Nights in August is a great book for prospective major league managers like me to read. It looks at St. Louis Cardinal manager (and vegan) Tony LaRussa, examining how he coaches through every pitch, every at bat, every situation in a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs in 2003.

If I were a manager--say of the Boston Red Sox in tonight's World Series game in Colorado where they can't use their designated hitter--my first decision would be to sit slugger David Ortiz and stick with the red-hot Kevin Youkilis ("The Greek God of Walks") at first base. That way you get great offense along with great defense---and of course base running, which Ortiz doesn't offer. Ortiz would then be available to pinch hit.

The real manager of the Red Sox, Terry Francona, must have access to some esoteric stats I don't have. He's going with Ortiz at first and benching Youkilis. Hope it's the right move, Terry. You're on your own on this one.