Queens Baseball Convention Today

 The annual Queens Baseball Convention, a fan fest for Mets enthusiasts, was held at the Sheraton Four Points which was within walking distance of my apartment.  So obviously, Lee and I had to go.  The first presentation was the State of the Mets panel hosted by Mark Healey.  The big topic of discussion was the signing of Jacob deGrom by the Texas Rangers and what the Mets do as a result.  The consensus was that giving Jacob a 5-year contract was just too risky considering his history of injuries.

The next speaker was R.A. Dickey who pitched for the Mets from 2010-2012.

Roger Clark of NY1 interviewed R. A.

He talked about the knuckleball, his three years with the Mets, and his ranch near Nashville.

Howard Johnson of the 1986 Mets was interviewed by Lori Rubinson of WFAN radio.

Jay Horwitz, the public relations, and alumni director of the Mets was presented with the Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award.

The final player who was introduced to the audience was the popular pitcher, Bartolo Colon, also known as Big Sexy.  He pitched for 11 teams including the Mets in 2014-16.

Dwight Gooden was in the back signing autographs.  The three players mentioned above also signed autographs.  I was never an autograph hound, so I wasn't interested in getting signatures from the players.

SNY presented Mets Hot Stove featuring Gary Apple, Sal Licata and John Harper who also discussed the loss of Jacob deGrom and the 2023 Mets.

Lee with Sandy the Seagull, the mascot of the Brooklyn Cyclones

Last, but not least, Lee with Mr. Met

Time Will Tell if the Mets Made the Right Decision in Not Signing Jacob deGrom

Last night we received the news that Jacob deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers for five years and $185 Million.  It is certainly disappointing for all Met fans that he is jumping ship.  It shows that players do not show loyalty.  He certainly has an excellent record in his nine seasons with the Mets as he won two Cy Young Awards.

The drawback is that deGrom has been injury prone throughout his career.  In 2021-22 he missed 13 months as the Mets paid his salary of over $30 million for that period.  As any athlete ages, he/she becomes more prone to injuries.  deGrom will be 39 years old at the end of his contract.  Will he show the same effectiveness for the Rangers as he did for the Mets?  Will he spend substantial time on the injury list?  Only time will tell.

At least he didn't sign with the Yankees or a team in the NL East.  The Texas Rangers are scheduled to play at Citi Field at the end of August.  Will deGrom do what Syndergaard did in 2022 are conveniently be skipped in the rotation at that time? 

 

Fleetwood Mac Covers Dylan's Love Minus Zero/No Limit

 

Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac passed away yesterday.,   It is not necessary for me to post it on my Facebook page.  I  found Fleetwood Mac covering Dylan's Love Minus Zero/No Limit originally released in 1965 on the Bringing it All Back Home album.

Everybody Wants My Money on Giving Tuesday

 

Over the past week, I have received umpteen e-mails asking for money today which is Giving Tuesday.  Most of these organizations are reputable and deserve support.  Over the course of a year, I donate to several organizations including radio stations, medical research associations, cultural institutions, and universities.  I also donate to groups supporting the help required after natural disasters.  Once I have made a donation to an organization, I am constantly bombarded by email and snail mail asking for more money.  Charitable organizations should lower their overhead by refraining from sending requests for donations via postal mail.

Today I donated to the Coalition for the Homeless.  I am saddened when I see homeless people sleeping on the street.  If I gave money to a single person I don't if that person will use it to buy food, liquor, or illicit drugs.  I know that the money given to an organization will be spent wisely.

2023 Will Be a Big Baseball Year for Bruce and Lee

Today I signed up for a Jay Buckley Baseball Tour that will stop in Tampa Bay and Miami.  It will be the first time I will be at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.   In 2015 I saw a game in Miami, but this year I will see the Mets for the first time on the road.  I will see their 2023 opener in Loan Depot Stadium.  I also bought a 20-game package of games at Citi Field that includes the home opener.  My package also includes a game against the Yankees.

In the meantime, I'll be watching basketball and hockey.

 

Today's Radio Log

 

On Saturdays, I have more time to listen to the radio.  So here is my list of stations for today.

• WINS-FM - the lead story was about a kid being stabbed in Staten Island.  So, what else is new
• WFUV - with Janet Bardini
• Elvis Radio on SiriusXM - I must keep Lee happy
• The Bridge on SiriusXM - light classic rock
• WBGO - Rhythm Revue with Felix Hernandez
• Q-104.3 - playing their listening voted top 1,043 classic rock hits
• WABC with the ageless Cousin Brucie

Trailblazers 132 Knicks 129 at Madison Square Garden

It has been several years since I last attended a Knick game at the Garden.  Including the Ticketmaster fee, I had to pay $228 for two tickets.  The prices don't prevent people from coming as there was a full house last night.

Jerami Grant scored a career-high 44 points, Anfernee Simons had 38 and the Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the New York Knicks 132-129 in overtime on Friday night.

Jalen Brunson scored 32 points and Julius Randle had 23 for the Knicks, who have lost three of their last four games. RJ Barrett added 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

The Knicks lost the game on the free throw line as they hit 24 for 28 while the Trailblazers were 38 for 51.

The game was tied in regulation, but Portland opened the overtime period with an 11-3 run.  They were able to hold on to the victory.