The Number 1 Song on May 19, 1973, A Significant Date For a Former Friend - You Are The Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder -

 

On May 19, 1973, a former friend of mine got married. I was the best man at his wedding. Exactly one year before he met his wife at a Cometogether dance in Queens. After he was married, our friendship deteriorated.  He looked down upon me as I was not married at that time and didn't even have a girlfriend.  In November 1974, he made a snide remark over the phone.  After that, we never contacted each other, and our friendship ended.

I never had any desire to reconnect with him.  I found his son on Facebook and noted that my old friend has two grandsons.  I don't harbor any bitterness toward him, but I was disappointed our friendship ended.  Relationships can be very fragile.  I think of him every May 19.

Mets Come From Behind to Beat Yankees 7-6 in Subway Series Finale

 

No matter how well or poorly the New York teams are doing, the Subway Series is a highlight of the season.  Until today, the Mets had lost 91 consecutive games when trailing after 8 innings.  The Mets were training 6-3 in the bottom of the 9th when Tyrone Taylor hit a 3-run homer to tie the game.  In the 10th inning, Carson Benge hit a walk-off fielder's choice to win the game for the Mets.

The Mets' record is still poor at 20-26, but they have won 5 of 6 on their concluding homestand after A.J. Ewing was recalled from the minor leagues.  This reminds me of 1983, when the Mets improved after they recalled Darryl Strawberry.  There is still a long way to go to get into the pennant race.

Today is the 60th Anniversary of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde and the Beach Boys Pet Sounds

 

When Blonde on Blonde was released, it may have been the first double album.  Obviously, the price was double.  I had to scrape up more allowance money to buy it.  It was a very hot day in July when I went to the record department at Alexanders to buy it.

I didn't purchase Pet Sounds when it first was released.  I don't remember exactly when I bought it.

Mets 3 Tigers 2 in 10 Innings

 

Last night's game was part of my 20-game package, so I decided to go.  It was a pretty dull game as neither team could generate an offense.  It was Italian Heritage Night at Citi Field, so John Franco threw out the first ball.  Carson Benge hit a single for the Mets in the 10th inning to drive in the winning run.

Box Score

Should There Be More Rule Changes in Major League Baseball?

 

Rules in Major League Baseball have changed over the years.  A couple of rules in recent years:

• Banning the shift in the infield
• A pitcher must face at least 3 batters
• There is a free runner on second base in extra innings during the regular season

The Athletic (now published by The New York Times recently polled their readers for suggestions on new rules.  You can offer your own opinion as to which of those suggestions makes sense.  I like the institution of a "mercy rule" when teams can "surrender" instead of using a position player as a pitcher.

Here are my suggestions that were not in the article:

• A starting pitcher can be the winning pitcher after 4 innings instead of 5
• After strike 2, a batter is only allowed 6 foul balls. After that, he is out.

Some Thoughts on Group Dynamics

 

Over the years, I have been involved in many professional and social groups, both virtual and in person.  Inevitably, people come and go.  Some stay forever, others come sporadically, while a few come just once and disappear as they feel the group is not for them.  In any event, nobody has any obligation to the group.

I have been involved in a video chat group for Bob Dylan enthusiasts.  We started meeting in person at NYU in Fall 2019.  The group became virtual in 2020 when everyone confronted the COVID-19 pandemic.  We use Google Meet once a month for our gatherings.  It allows a free video chat for one hour.  Several people have come and gone over the past 6 years.

I just accessed a Bob Dylan Facebook group to try to recruit new people.  I gave the login information to 5 people who expressed an interest.  Another issue is that people say they will come and then not show up.  We will see what happens.  Many groups disband after losing too many people.

Happy 80th Birthday to Donovan

 

Donovan has appeared many times in Bruce's Journal.  My readers can refer to my previous comments about him.  I vaguely remember that about 30 years ago, I saw him in concert at Carnegie Hall.  I wish him a happy birthday with many more.

Season of the Witch is more appropriate for Halloween, but I don't want to post songs already in this journal.