Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center - It was more for kids and collectors

 

Over the past few weeks, I saw numerous Facebook ads for this Fanfest, so I decided to attend.  When I bought the tickets online, I was sent a QR code with instructions to look for the Will Call window at the Javits Center.  When I arrived this morning, I had to wait 45 minutes in line to show my QR code and get a badge to attend the show.

Much of the show was devoted to vendors selling collectables, especially baseball cards.  I haven't collected baseball cards since I was a kid growing up in Rego Park.  There were many activities for kids, such as hitting a baseball, kicking a soccer ball, and throwing a football.  Sports stars were available for autographs.  We just bought two New York Mets t-shirts.

It was very crowded and noisy.   I was likely the oldest person there.  We stayed for about 3 1/2 hours,  but there were few places to sit.  I left the place very tired.

Two Faces Have I by Lou Christie - Oldie of the Day

 

I guess I've known many "two faces" in my lifetime.

Lou Christie Passes Away at 82

 

Cousin Brucie with Lou Christie

It has been a tough month for oldies artists, as Lou Christie is the third singer to pass away.  Cousin Brucie interviewed Lou several times over the years on SiriusXM and WABC.  I am sure the Cuz was devastated when he heard the news.

Lou had several hits, including:

• Lightning Strikes
• The Gypsy Cried
• Rhapsody in the Rain
• I'm Going to Make You Mine
• Two Faces Have I

I always remember how Lightning Strikes moved up the chart so quickly in late 1965.

Obituary in the New York Times

Received a New Air conditioner Today

This journal entry is for my own use only, so I can keep track of when I received the new unit.  The last air conditioner lasted 11 years.  If today's purchase lasts 11 years, I will be 87 years old when it conks out.

The service from PC Richards was excellent.  I ordered the unit on Friday, June 1,3, and it arrived today, the 18th.  The message stated. it would arrive between 8:15 AM and 12:15 PM, and the driver and installer came at 11:30 AM.  It took them about 1 hour to remove the old unit and install the new one.  It came in the nick of time as the weatherman predicts a heat wave for next week.

 

Ron Taylor of the 1969 Mets Passes Away at 87

 

It has been 56 years since the Amazin' Mets won the World Series in 1969.  From an actuarial perspective, it is expected that many people in their 20s or 30s would have passed away by now. Deceased members of the 1969 Mets include (please forgive me if I have omitted anyone):

• Ed Charles
• Ed Kranepool
• Jerry Grote
• Tom Seaver
• Don Clendenon
• Tug McGraw
• Gil Hodges (Manager)
• Joe Pignatano (coach)

Yesterday we learned of the passing of relief pitcher Ron Taylor, who later became the team doctor for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Please see the following links for more information:

• Biography from SABR (Society for American Baseball Research)
• Career statistics from Baseball-Reference

Mets Were Swept by the Tampa Bay Rays as they Lose 9-0 on Father's Day

Any team will have hot and cold streaks in the course of a 162-game season.  The Mets have hit a skid, losing a 3-game series to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Met pitchers walked a season-high nine as they were dealt their most lopsided loss this season and were swept in a series for the first time since last Aug. 9-11 at Seattle. Starting pitcher Shane Baz allowed three hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings while striking out six.  He held the Mets hitless in 12 at-bats with in scoring position.  This has been a problem for the Amazins this season.  After Junior Caminero hit a three-run homer in the ninth against Ryne Stanek, Carlos Mendoza brought in position player Jared Young to pitch.  I didn't see the point in putting a position player to get the last out, especially since there is an off-day tomorrow to rest the bullpen.

As a diehard, I stayed until the very end.  On August 12, 2023, I stayed until the end to see the Mets lose to the Atlanta Braves 21-3.  In that game position player Danny Mendick gave up 8 runs.  At least Jared Young didn't give up any more runs in today's game.

Box Score

 

The Beach Boys - That's Why God Made the Radio

 

Bob Radil played my request for this on his 60s 70s show, even though it was released in 2012.  I suppose God created the radio to provide entertainment and information for its listeners. Sadly, radio broadcasting has deteriorated over the years due to the major corporations that own radio stations.  They must cater to the advertisers, not the listeners.