Wednesday, October 5

Yesterday afternoon the Texas Rangers advanced to the American League championship series by beating the Tampa Bay Rays three games to one in their best of five series.  Nothing better than October weekday baseball.  Cal Ripken, Jr. provided analysis on the pre-game show.  It reminded me of the great Baltimore Orioles teams just before he played for them, that I would rush home from school on an autumn day to watch.  They always seemed to be in the post-season.  I still have the baseball cards.  I can still see them.  Jim Palmer’s big leg kick then overhand fastball.  Brooks Robinson at third catching everything.  Boog Powell hitting home runs.  Earl Weaver chewing out the umpires.  That great four man pitching rotation that would win 20 games each in the same season.