Remembering Chip Ordway for His Kindness

 

Today, by reading the New York Radio and TV Board on Facebook, I found out that radio and railroad enthusiast Chip Ordway passed away.  I had a brief but kind online encounter with Chip in 2018.

First, I must turn back the clock to 1996 when I was an avid listener to the late Bill Brown on WCBS-FM.  He had a feature called the Brown Bag, where listeners would suggest a theme set for Bill to play during the noon hour. If your set list was picked, you would win a WCBS-FM tote bag. I knew that May 24th, Bob Dylan’s birthday, was coming up. I asked Bill to play a set list of Bob Dylan covers on May 24 that were top 40 hits. I requested

• It Ain’t Me Babe - The Turtles
• Mr. Tambourine Man - Byrds
• The Mighty Quinn - Manfred Mann
• Don’t Think Twice - The Wonder Who
• Blowin’ in the Wind - Peter. Paul and Mary

On May 24th I was on vacation and was ready to record the Brown Bag hoping that Bill would play my set.  I was very disappointed that it was not played.  A few weeks later, I received the tote, figuring that they played it on another date.

Nothing happened for 22 years, but in May 2018, I received a Facebook message from Chip stating that heard my name on the Bill Brown aircheck.  I assume Chip knew my name from radio message boards.  He sent me an mp3 file of the theme set that I missed.

I was forever grateful for his kindness.

Obituary of Chip Ordway from News10 Albany

For National Coffee Day - One More Cup of Coffee, a Dylan Song Covered by Roger McGuinn and Calexico

 

Since today is National Coffee Day, Corny O'Connell on WFUV asked listeners on his "Question of the Day" feature to suggest songs that are about coffee.  The following songs were selected:

• Hozier "Too Sweet"
• Roy Ayers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wayne Garfield "Coffy Is the Color"
• k.d. lang "Black Coffee"
• The Ink Spots "Java Jive"
• Cowboy Junkies "Anniversary Song"

He did not select One More Cup of Coffee by Bob Dylan.  I featured it in my journal entries on National Coffee Day in 2022 and 2024.  In 2021, I featured a cover of that song by Tom Jones.  Today, I am featuring a cover by Roger McGuinn and Calexico that was heard in the movie "I'm Not There."

The Agony is Over as the Mets Lost to the Miami Marlins 4-0 and Miss the Playoffs

 

Today, as in 2007 and 2008, the Mets lost game 162 to the Marlins and were eliminated from the playoffs.  In today's game, the hitting was not there, but the slide began in June after the Mets had the best record in MLB at 45-24.  The pitching fell apart at that point as injuries began to affect the staff.  I wonder if pitchers should throw 100 MPH fastballs.  The human arm just wasn't designed to throw an object at that speed consistently.  So many pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery, which means that they cannot pitch for a complete year.  46 players pitched in at least one game this season.  David Stearns liked to bring up a pitcher from the minors for one game and then send him down to pad the pitching staff.  A pitcher would pitch well for 3 innings or so and be rewarded with a demotion.

Throughout the season, the Mets did not hit well with runners in scoring position.  They just can't lose series to losing teams like the Marlins and Nationals.

Looking forward to next season:

• Pete Alonso has an opt-out clause in his contract.  Will he return?
• Lindor, Soto, and  Nimmo will return.
• I will blame David Stearns since he made poor trades at the deadline and bad roster moves that didn't motivate players.
• Will injured pitchers, including Griffub Canning, Kodai Sengai, Max Krnick, and AJ Minter return.
• What role will Nolan McClean, Johah Tong, and Brandon Sproat play?  Will they be sene to the minors for more seasoning?

We shall see what we shall see.

How Many Roads: Bob Dylan and His Changing Times, 1961-64 at NYU

 

The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa started a traveling exhibition featuring Bob Dylan's early career in New York City.  It was held at NYU in Greenwich Village, where Dylan performed in the early 1960s before he became famous.  There were photos, videos, and artifacts demonstrating:

• Dylan and other folk singers at the March on Washington in August 1963
• Dylan's early concerts in NYC
• Robert Shelton's articles in the New York Times
• Dylan singing "Only a Pawn in Their Game."
• Dylan refused to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show when the producers would not let him  sing Talkin' John Birch Society Blues.

This exhibit will close on October 15, so my readers in NYC should see it before then.  I assume it will shown in other cities.

I learned that there was supposed to be an album featuring his performances at Town Hall and Carnegie Hall in 1963.  The cover is below.

Pitcher Bobby Shantz Turns 100 Years Old Today

 

Bobby Shantz pitched from 1949-64 for the following teams:

• Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics
• New York Yankees
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• Houston Cost .45s
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Chicago Cubs

Career Statistics from Baseball-Reference

A search in SABR's Baseball Index  yielded 126 articles about Bobby

Bobby is the second-oldest living baseball player.  Bill Greason at 101 years and 23 days (as of 9/26/25) is the oldest living player according to the Baseball Almanac.

For One-Hit Wonder Day - Hey Baby by Bruce Chanel

 

I didn't know today was One-Hit Wonder Day until Corny O'Connell mentioned it on WFUV this morning. It was established in 1990 by music journalist Steve Rosen to encourage people to discover and appreciate those musical gems.  Since I am Bruce, I chose to feature Hey Baby by Bruce Chanel.  There are likely hundreds of one-hit wonders in my favorite era (1955-79).

To qualify as a one-hit wonder, an artist must have only one top-40 hit.  The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix are one-hit wonders, but are better known for their albums.

3-Alarm Fire at H-Mart, a Grocery Store Around the Corner from My Home

 

At about 4 AM last night, I was awoken by sirens.  When I went downstairs this morning, I saw there was a big fire at H Mart, a Korean grocery store.  Fortunately, no civilians or firefighters were injured, but I assume that all the food in the store was destroyed.  Since H Mart carries very little American food, I only shop there when I need bananas.  Likely, the store's employees will be laid off as it would take a long time to repair the damage

There are other H Marts within a short drive of this location, thus the Korean community will have other places to purchase their ethnic food.

Nationals 3 Mets 2 on Closing Day at Citi Field

 

For many years, I attended the last Sunday game of the regular season at Shea Stadium or Citi Field.  The worst was in 2007 and 2008 when the Mets were eliminated from the playoffs on that day.

Jacob Young made a pair of sensational catches in center field to prevent extra-base hits Sunday as the Washington Nationals hung on and handed the New York Mets a costly 3-2 defeat.  The Mets, who have lost 11 of 15 and are 35-52 since mid-June, dropped into a tie with the streaking Reds for the final National League wild card.  The Mets no longer control their own destiny, as both New York and Cincinnati have the same record, with the Reds having the tiebreaker.  The Mets have 6 road games left, and must get hot, or else they will miss the playoffs.

Game Recap

Bob Dylan Performed at Farm Aid 40 in Minneapolis

 

The entire concert was shown on CNN, which aired commercials during the performances.  Dylan arrived around 11 PM EDT wearing his black hoodie.  We could barely see his face as he performed 5 songs.

Minneapolis, Minnesota Huntington Bank Stadium September 20, 2025

1.	All Along The Watchtower (Bob on piano, Doug on acoustic guitar, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
2.	I Can Tell (song by Samuel Smith) (Bob on piano, Doug on Acoustic Guitar, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
3.	To Ramona (Bob on piano and harp, Doug on Acoustic Guitar, Tony on standup bass, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
4.	Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on piano, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)
5.	Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Bob on piano and harp, Tony on standup bass, Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard)

The First Amendment to the Constitution

 

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I read the newspaper and watch TV news with great sadness as I observe that the current administration is attacking the constitutional rights of citizens, whether they are TV personalities, elected officials, or ordinary people.  Everyone has a right to criticize the president and his policies without facing retribution.

I never watch late-night TV and am only familiar with Jimmy Kimmel from his role as host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire".  He has a right to express his opinion on a TV show viewed by millions.  “Taken together, the attacks on all of our media institutions is certainly unprecedented in modern American history,’’ said Victor Pickard, a professor of media policy at the University of Pennsylvania. “I can’t think of any parallel.”

I never heard of Charlie Kirk until his assassination.  I don't know what his impact was while he was living, but he became a martyr to the MAGA people.  He did not deserve to die.  He was assassinated by one individual.

Public officials have a right to peacefully protest the conditions imposed on immigrants who were arrested and detained.

I pray for the future of our nation.  

Bob Dylan The Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Through The Open Window, 1956-1963 is Officially Announced

 

There have been rumors about this for some time, but since I saw it on BobDylan.com today, I know it is really being released on October 31.  The deluxe version will comprise 8 CDs with 139 tracks, featuring never-released performances, rare cuts, and a hardcover book containing exclusive photographs.  This set obviously covers Dylan's very early years as a folk singer.  I just saw it on Amazon.com for $160.  I might as well pre-order it, since I already have all the other Bootleg Series CDs.  I will await the Amazon delivery man on Halloween and not the trick-or-treaters.

Random Thoughts of the Day September 16, 2025

• My online chats with younger women have finally come to an end.  They found me by accident on Telegram or WhatsApp.  After I tell them that I am twice their age, they insist on chatting, saying they can learn from an older person.  For several days, we exchanged small talk and pleasantries, but nothing substantial.  Finally, the chat ends.  In most cases, there is no malicious intent, but I suspect a few were assuming fake identities.  No more.  The best way to stop is not to start in the first place.
• It is so sad that there is so much polarization in today's society.  All this started when Trump came on the scene in 2016.  Charlie Kirk's assassination was tragic, but he will be a martyr to the ultraconservatives.  His death was caused by a deranged individual, not the liberals.
• It is a shame that the notorious get so much media attention.  Luigi Mangione's court appearance today is a hot topic in the news.  Pretty soon we will know Tyler Robinson's life story.
• I wish that the war in Gaza would come to an end.  Palestinian civilians should not suffer.

 

We Were There to See Pete Alonso's 3-Run Walk-off Home Run in the 10th Inning

 

Things were looking bad for the Amazin' Mets as their 8-game losing streak was taking them out of the last wild-card berth.  Today's game was part of our Sunday package, so we were there. The Mets backed rookie Nolan McLean with a 2-0 lead only for Joc Pederson to tie the score with a two-run single in the seventh off Reed Garrett.  The rookie was excellent, but again, the bullpen was ineffective until Edwin Diaz pitched a scoreless 9th inning and Ryne Stanek didn't let the Rangers' free runner score in the 10th inning.

Alonso now has five walk-off homers in his career.  His most notable walk-off was on October 3, 2024 when he led the Mets to victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild card series.

Game Recap

Oy Vey - The Mets are on an 8 Game Losing Streak

 

I guess I am a glutton for punishment as I watched on TV the Mets lost their 8th game in a row.  This is 2007 and 2008 all over again as the Mets lost their lead for the final wild card position.  I am not optimistic about their turning it around during the last two weeks of the season.  I blame two people:

1. Carlos Mendoza for not motivating the team.
2. David Stearns for making poor player transactions in the last off-season and at the trade deadline.

I will be at Citi Field tomorrow.

I am Saddened Every Time I Watch or Read the News - Please Listen to What Bernie Sanders Says

 I certainly keep abreast with the news via the New York Times, NY1 News, the Today Show, and a multitude of apps on my phone.  I am saddened by any type of violence, whether it is in a war, on the street, or against a political figure.  I suggest my readers view this 4-minute video by Senator Bernie Sanders who tells it like it is.

Random Thoughts of the Day - September 10, 2025

 

• Over the past 76 games, the Mets are 31-46.  As of today, they are only two games ahead of the San Francisco Giants for the third wild card.  I think the problem has been injuries with the pitching staff.  David Stearns made some bad trades at the deadline as he gave up 11 prospects for 4 players with expiring contracts.  He made so many roster moves with relief pitchers this season.  If the Mets make the playoffs, they will not advance.
• The woman described as "Phillies Karen" was stupid and obnoxious for taking the ball away from the kid. To say the least, the situation has "gone viral" in this era of cell phone videos and the internet.  Let's put it to rest.  How come "notorious" people get so much media attention?
• I am sick and tired of young women finding me on Telegram and WhatsApp, and wanting to start a chat relationship that will eventually die out.  My sense is these young ladies just have nothing to do.

Why Does Bob Dylan Hide at Concerts?

 

Bob Dylan at Mansfield, MA, Sept. 7, 2025

Bob Dylan at Hartford, CT Sept. 6, 2025

When people go to concerts, they want to see the recording artists.  They can always hear the recordings at home, but a concert is a unique experience.  At his last two concerts at the Outlaw Music Festival, Dylan wore a black hoodie and is barely visible to the audience. Last month at Jones Beach, Dylan was wearing a white cowboy hat, but refused to allow the video screens to operate while he performed.  Why is he hiding?

Remembering Davey Johnson - Best Known for Manager of the 1986 NY Mets - He Had a Phenomenal Career

 

The four-minute video concisely describes Davey Johnson's career as a player and manager.  Condolences to his family.

Davey Johnson's record as a player from Baseball-Reference

Davey Johnson's record as a manager

Obscure Oldie of the Day - Run Run Run by the Supremes

 

Run Run Run only reached #93 on the Billboard singles chart in 1964.  I can't remember the last time I heard it on the radio and don't know why it came to mind today.

Trevor Story's Controversial Pesky Pole Home Run Yesterday

 Fenway Park's famous right field foul pole, AKA the Pesky Pole, required necessary structural repairs. Named after Johnny Pesky's playing career in the 1940s and officially named in 2006, the Pesky Pole became a notable feature of the ballpark.

It is unusual when I post something about baseball not related to the New York Mets.  I am certain that Bill Nowlin, Red Sox Fan #1, is aware of this.  He was likely at the game.  It was originally ruled a foul ball, but the replay showed that it hit the foul pole first, making it a home run.  There would have been a heated argument with players and managers ejected without replay.