BRONX, NY – We’re in the middle of yet another heatwave here in the Northeast and, while it’s nothing compared to the ridiculous temps my friend JG Clancy is currently having to endure in “The Land that God Forgot” (Arizona), it’s still no picnic. It’s days like these where you’re best served staying indoors, watching sports, shows, movies… or trying to avoid the absolutely hilarious outpouring of phony-baloney tributes for Lindsey Graham. For the sake of everyone, I’ll do my best to stick to sports.
French Fried. Yesterday’s first World Cup semifinals match saw Spain beat the fancy pantalones off of France. The final was 2-0, but Spain outplayed the flaccid French team from beginning to end. To put it another way, they kicked their derrières. Tomorrow it’s England vs. Argentina and, while this draw is shaping up nicely for the Brits, I kinda hope Messi and Co. send Harry Kane (not a fan) and his mates back to their favorite UK chip shops.
Jordan Walker Wins Home Run Derby. Full disclosure, I did not watch Monday night’s Home Run Derby and I really never heard of Jordan Walker before yesterday, but I’m glad he won and even happier that his winning upset Phillies fans who were all set to crown their guy Kyle Schwarber. But my favorite thing about Walker winning was what he said afterwards: “I want to be a role model for the Black kids, you know, and I want more Black kids in baseball.” This quote got to me. As someone who grew up watching baseball in the 1970s and ’80s, it was a MUCH better game when more African-Americans were playing it. In fact, SO much better.
MLB All-Star Game. I didn’t watch it, which is sad. As I’ve said many times before, this used to be far and away the best All-Star game, but now it’s no different from all the rest. No one seems to care anymore. Inter-League play was the beginning of the end. Bringing the DH to the NL was probably one of the final nails in the coffin. There is no AL/NL individual league pride and built-in league rivalry anymore. With all of that gone, no one really cares about playing in the once-called Mid-Summer Classic.
Okay, I’m done for today. Gonna go grab an ice cream and watch a summer movie. Any recommendations? There’s only so many times I can watch John Candy in Summer Rental. Just kidding, I can watch it an unlimited amount. Come back tomorrow for Buddy Diaz, who once had a bit part in Dirty Dancing.
