America by Simon and Garfunkel - Good Song for the July 4th Weekend

 

Random Thoughts of the Day - July 1, 2026

• Today is Bobby Bonilla Day as the former player receives a check for $1,193,248.20 from the Mets.  He will receive these payments every year until 2035. What people don’t know, by deferring Bobby Bonilla's contract, the New York Mets had the money to sign Mike Hampton, who became the NLCS MVP that season. Hampton played a significant role for the 2000 Mets, who lost the World Series to the Yankees.
• I am taking an online defensive driving course to save money on my car insurance.  Everything in the course is common sense to experienced drivers.
• I had another crazy dream about attending a professional meeting 8 years after I retired.  This is one of the few dreams that I remembered after I woke up.

 

Half Moon by Janis Joplin - It is Halfway Through 2026

 

Where does all the time go?  We are halfway through 2026.  The days just fly by.  The days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years.

Phillies 5 Mets 4 - New Manager Same Result

On the way to the game, there were signal problems on the #7 train.  So what else is new after all these years of riding the trains?  We arrived in time for the start of the game, as with other Met games this season.  The Mets left 14 men on base and batted 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position.  The only highlight for the home team was a two-run pinch-hit homer by A.J. Ewing that tied the game at 3-3.  But Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer to put the Phillies ahead 5-4 in the 7th inning.  He now leads MLB with 30 home runs.

There were many Phillie fans in the stands.  It is an easy drive or train ride from Philadelphia to Queens.

Game Recap

 

David Stearns Should Have Been Fired - The Manager is Always the Scapegoat

 

This man should be on the unemployment line

. 

As a Mets fan since 1962, I should throw my two cents in at this time.  I thought of an analogous situation. In October 1960, the Yankees lost the World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games.  Shortly thereafter, Casey Stengel was fired as manager, even though he won several World Series for the Bronx Bombers in the 1950s.  Casey managed the expansion Mets from 1962-65, who were big losers.  The players on the two teams were the difference.

David Stearns made several offseason player moves that turned out to be disasters.

• He signed Jorge Polanco to play first base, even though he had very minimal experience there.  He has missed most of the season so far to injury.  Did Stearns examine his medical history?
• Luis Robert Jr. was signed to be the centerfielder, but he too, has missed most of the season to injury.
• He traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for a low-level minor leaguer.  If you make a trade, get something of equal value back.
• He traded for an aging Marcus Semien to play second base.

This week he traded pitcher David Peterson to the Cubs for another low-level minor leaguer.

I don't like how Sterans has handled the roster.  A pitcher comes in and does well.  A day later, Stearns sends him back to the minors.  How can a pitcher develop confidence when that happens?

Several players, including Bret Baty, Mark Vientos, and Bo Bichette are playing new positions.

The world's greatest manager can not win if he doesn't have good players.  Carlos Mendoza was made the scapegoat for David Stearns' mistakes.

Adam Remsen - Latest Jeopardy Superstar

 

Adam Remsen, an attorney and theater producer from Memphis, won his 10th game to qualify as a Jeopardy Superstar.  Most of his victories were runaways.  Of course, he qualifies for the next Tournament of Champions.

Adam Remsen, career statistics:
263 correct, 29 incorrect
23/28 on rebound attempts (on 44 rebound opportunities)
42.11% in first on buzzer (240/570)
11/14 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $36,400)
6/10 in Final Jeopardy

We have to watch one show at a time to see how far he goes.  I assume there are 4 more weeks in this season.

Cubs 9 Mets 6

 

Last night's game was part of our 20-game package so we were in our usual seats in section 516 in the upper deck behind home plate.  It was a disaster for Kodai Senga, who gave up 7 runs in 3 2/3 innings.  In 7 games that he pitched this season, his record is 0-6 with an ERA of 10.08.  What was David Stearns do now?  The highlight of the game for the Cubs was a three-run home run by Pete Crow-Armstrong. At the trade deadline in 2021, the Mets traded Pete to the Cubs and received Javier Baez, who just stayed with the Mets until the end of the season.  He then signed with the Detroit Tigers.

I can't see the Mets having a decent record this season, even after Francisco Lindor returns.

Game Summary

Following Up On a Journal Entry I Wrote in 2015 - Just a Random Thought

 

Every day, I check Blogger, which lists the journal entries that were accessed over the last day.  I never know if they were accessed by real people or robots.  On July 22, 2015, I wrote an entry listing Facebook friends I would like to meet.  Here is my list:

• Gary Brefini - radio enthusiast extraordinaire.  He runs an internet radio station XL5 which features current hits.
• Amy Kearns - a New Jersey librarian and a big Met fan.  She was actually at the same Met game as me about a month ago
• Joanna Ente - I knew her late husband Bernie and brother-in-law Phil back in high school.  She is also a big Met fan.
• Michael Judge - his Facebook postings remind me of the late Alan Berman
• Joy Jeong - a young radio enthusiast.  He actually lives in Queens
• Kate Kosturski - a graduate of the Pratt Institute School of Information and Library Science who lives in Connecticut
• Dave Stein - an oldies enthusiast extraordinaire
• Steven Jay Gilinsky - owns a radio station in Binghamton and is a personal friend of Harry Harrison
• Terry Morgan - a radio enthusiast who works at the New York Public Library
• Dave Freeman - another radio enthusiast who is a big aircheck collectorose 10 

Out of those 10, I only met Joanna Ente and Kate Kosturski, both at Citi Field. Sadly, David Stein passed away. In recent years, I haven't had much online contact with the people listed.  I guess "out of sight, out of mind" also applies to online relationships.

Fathers Day Song - Color Him Father by the Winstons and Keb Mo

 

Last night, Phil Tolotta, an original member of The Winstons, was Cousin Bruce Morrow's guest.  The Winstons had the hit version of Color Him Father that charted in 1969.  This morning on the syndicated radio show, The Acoustic Storm, I heard Keb Mo's version of it.

Wikipedia entry for Color Him Father

Whitestone Lanes is Definitely Closed Permanently

 

In March 2024, I was interviewed on NY1 News about the closing of Whitestone Lanes.  Finally, 27 months later, the bowling alley closed permanently.  There was a Facebook post about a week ago saying it was closed, but I know there is often fake news on social networking sites.  I drove past a few times, but I couldn't tell for sure whether the alley was open or closed.  I decided to walk over today and saw a small handwritten sign stating Whitestone Lanes is permanently closed.  There were no stories about this yet in the local Queens newspapers.  I think if the owners gave a few weeks' notice, they could have earned some extra bucks from bowlers making one last trip.

The next step would be to gut the building and dispose of the bowling equipment.  Could anyone else use that stuff?   Now Jib Lanes on Parsons Blvd. is the only bowling alley left in Queens.  Once the building is demolished, construction will begin on affordable housing.

Would You Believe There Was No Parade for the 1970 and 1973 Champion New York Knicks?

 

There were reports that about 2 million people tried to get to the New York Knicks parade on Thursday.  Many could not get to see it since it was too crowded.  They had to stand about a block away.  The people who stayed at home and watched on TV were better off.  This article in the New York Times explains why there were no parades in 1970 and 1973 when the Knicks were champions.

I guess for both the parade and the watch parties, fans had to jump on the bandwagon.

Happy 84th Birthday to Paul McCartney - Featuring Penny Lane

 

I decided not to comment today about the parade of the century.  June 18th is Paul McCartney's 84th birthday.  I decided to feature Penny Lane, which is one of my favorite Beatles songs with Paul singing lead.  The other three Beatles are also shown in this video.

A Few Comments About the Knicks Winning the NBA Championship

 

• I was more excited about the Knicks winning the NBA Championship in 1970 and 1973.  I guess the kids get more excited over sports teams.  Older people realize there are more important things in the world than sports.
• It was really disgraceful to see violence during the celebrations.
• I sense there are many "fair-weather" fans out there.  Where were they when the Knicks were mediocre?  I guess everybody loves a winner.
• The Mayor, Governor, and other elected officials should not gain popularity when a team wins a championship.  We should judge them on how they handle problems that face everyone.
• How many kids are going to play hooky from school on Thursday to come to the victory parade?  The mayor is not postponing Regents exams scheduled for Thursday.  I am surprised that the Regents exams were never cancelled.  The curricula had to be geared to the standardized test.

Mets 8 Braves 1

It was nice to watch an easy victory for the Mets at Citi Field during this disappointing season.  A. J. Ewing was the hitting star of the game as he finished a triple short of the cycle.  Ewing and Marcus Semien had home runs on consecutive pitches to open the fifth inning.  There were plenty of fans dressed in New York Knicks garb in the stands.

 

Knicks Win NBA Championship

 

Congratulations to the New York Knicks for winning the 2025-26 NBA Championship.  There is no sense for me to repeat what has been written in other places.  Everyone loves a winner, but where were these people when the Knicks were losers?  I haven't attended Knicks games in a few years since ticket prices are so high.  They were at least $200 for seats in the 200 level.

It is so sad that the celebrations after the victory had to be violent. A crowd set school buses on fire in Times Square last night.  Why?  The victory parade is scheduled for Thursday.

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music

 

My readers may also want to see this video from PBS

I was never that much of a Bruce Springsteen fan.  I am so much into Bob Dylan, the Beatles and other acts that started in the 1960s.  Thus, I never developed an interest in Springsteen and his music.  I did buy a few CDs of his over the years, but it is a small fraction of my collection.

Today, the Springsteen Center is opening on the campus of Monmouth University in New Jersey.  It is very similar to the Dylan Center in Tulsa, but there are some differences.

Monmouth University is in the general vicinity where Springsteen was born and started his musical career.  Dylan performed a few concerts in Tulsa, but has no roots there.

The Dylan Center contains artifacts that the George Kaiser Family Foundation purchased.  I believe the Springsteen Center is an outgrowth are artifacts from a local collector that was once housed in a local public library.

Bob Dylan nevert foot into the center in Tulsa and never gives interviews.  Springsteen was interviewed in his center in the video from PBS.

Monmouth University is about a 90 minute drive from home.  I will have to check it out sometime.

I Always Hate Looking for a Parking Spot

 

I am grateful that my co-op offers parking garages.  For $75 a month, it is a blessing since I never have to hunt for a parking spot when I get home.  However, when I travel, I must find parking upon arrival.  I often take public transportation, so I don't have to worry about parking.  I refer my readers to this article in the New York Times that discusses parking in the city.  It states that on the average, a New Yorker will spend 107 hours a year looking for parking.

Thoughts About Spectrum News NY1

 

I have watched NY1 News since its launch in 1992.  I guess I am "devoted" to it as I am to the New York Mets, whom I have followed since their beginning in 1962.

Certainly, like any organization, there are changes over time.  Originally, it was owned by Time-Warner, which later spun off its cable TV division, including NY1. It was sold to Charter Communications, which branded it as Spectrum News.  I usually watch it at 10 PM.

Most of their reporters over the years were excellent.  Some have stayed for many years, while others have made career moves to other news organizations or left the news business.  Some are now working for public relations firms.  I admire the 5 women who sued the organization, believing they were victims of ageism and gender discrimination.  They settled out of court, resigned, and have moved on.  Those 5 were excellent journalists.

I was interviewed twice by the station.  In 1996, as I was walking by the 109th Precinct, a reporter stopped me and interviewed me about stolen cars in Flushing.  I detailed my interview about Whitestone Lanes in 2024 in a previous journal entry.  After two years, the bowling alley is still standing.

I intentionally did not give names of reporters or anchors.  The people who work behind the scenes are also essential to any news organization, but are unknown to viewers.

I wonder if anyone from NY1 will see this journal entry.

Random Thoughts of the Day - June 7, 2026

 

• Best wishes to Mary Ellen Brown, companion to Bob Radil, for a speedy recovery.  She is a big New York Mets fan.
• Fadi Deek found my review of his latest book, Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story, in this journal.  I revised and edited my review and had it published on Amazon.com.  As of today, my journal entry has received 88 hits.  I don't know how many are from real people and how many are from NJIT people.
• My Bob Dylan friends report that " Baby, Won’t You Be My Baby, which was played in the last 2 concerts, had never been played in concerts before.  It first appeared on The Basement Tapes box set and was recorded in 1967.
• Some of those "baseball nuts" really amaze me.  One guy traveled to Seattle and San Diego to see the Mets.  On the way home, he stopped off in Chicago to see a game at Wrigley Field.  What is he trying to prove?  Where does he get the money to cover travel expenses?

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Resumes

Above is the setlist from the first concert of this leg of the tour in Troutdale, Oregon.  I assume this will be the same setlist on July 21, when I will see him at Forest Hills.

 

Ode to Billy Joe - This Song Mentions The Third of June

 

I don't want to mention another event on June 3.

It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton, and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat
And mama hollered out the back door, y'all, remember to wipe your feet
And then she said, I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge
Today, Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And papa said to mama, as he passed around the blackeyed peas
Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense; pass the biscuits, please
There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow
And mama said it was shame about Billy Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billy Joe MacAllister's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And brother said he recollected when he, and Tom, and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
I'll have another piece-a apple pie; you know, it don't seem right
I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge
And now ya tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And mama said to me, child, what's happened to your appetite?
I've been cookin' all morning, and you haven't touched a single bite
That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today
Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way
He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge
And she and Billy Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge

A year has come and gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe
And brother married Becky Thompson; they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round; papa caught it, and he died last spring
And now mama doesn't seem to want to do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge
And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge

History of the Polo Grounds

 

Since my last journal entry was so long, I'll make today's very short.  I found this video by accident when I accessed YouTube.  I am sure that Gary Mintz and everyone in the New York Giants Preservation Society know everything discussed here.  This video did not describe any non-baseball events at the Polo Grounds.

I received an email from Fadi Deek saying he read review of his book and appreciated my comments.

Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story by Fadi Deek. - This is Not a Traditional Book Review

 

Yours truly, with Fadi Deek at My Retirement Luncheon in December 2017

I was perusing LinkedIn and received an announcement of a new book Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story by Fadi Deek.  I knew that I had to read this book as I knew him throughout my 25 years at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).  I bought the Kindle version of the book as very little room in my apartment for print books.  It was the best $3.99 I ever spent for a book.  I highly recommend anyone associated with NJIT, past, present or future read this book.

I don’t want to make this journal entry a tradition book review but use it to reflect on my interactions with Fadi during and after my NJIT years.

Near the end of the book he states “This book is not a ledger of accomplishments, but an acknowledgement of a life that was made better by those who shaped me, believed in me, and stood with me.  For all of it, I am deeply humbled and eternally grateful.”

Fadi was born in Lebanon in 1961.  Then and now, that was a very volatile part of the world.  He details his childhood, family, and academic goals in his formative years.  Late in his college years he emigrated to the United States and completed his studies at NJIT.  Much of the book relates how his academic career developed from undergraduate to professor, to researcher, to mentor, to university administrator, and back to researcher.  I am amazed at the multitude of positions he held at NJIT including Provost, the highest academic office in a university.

Let me list my comments about Fadi:

• ·       Everyone called him by his first name.  Nobody addressed him by any of his academic titles including Professor, Dean, or Provost.
• ·       He was an impeccable dresser as he always wore a suit and tie while many of his colleagues dressed informally at NJIT.
• ·       In his early years as a researcher, I helped the interlibrary loan people verify the articles he needed to order from other universities.
• ·       When he applied for a promotion to Distinguished Professor he specifically asked me to compile his cited reference report which was a long and tedious task for me.

·       My only disappointment in reading the book is that it did not mention at all the NJIT Library that reported to him.  He mentioned several university administrators, but not the two University Librarians who reported directly to him (the late Richard Sweeney and Ann Hoang).  Shortly after Rich Sweeney’s tragic accident, he visited him at the hospital.  He spoke at a memorial gathering for Rich.

·       He came to my retirement luncheon in December 2017.  I understand that he changed an appointment to come to it.  Please see the photo above.  That was the last time I wore a suit and tie.

·       After I retired from NJIT, I had two email exchanges with him.  After I received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who in October 2019, I sent emails to several former colleagues at NJIT.  Fadi was one of the few who responded. He said, “Bruce, this is marvelous news for an award that is well-deserved by you. I am happy to learn that you are enjoying your retirement. I also
appreciate very much that you stay in touch. Have a great weekend.
Fadi”

·       Last year he wrote a book titled The Enduring Presence of Christianity in Lebanon.  I sent him a message congratulating him, which he acknowledged.

This passage made me laugh:

“Now let me conclude with what is “not acceptable”.  Starting with micromanagement.  I observed how it can undermine trust, stifle creativity, and create a demoralizing work environment.  Leaders must avoid and reject the temptation to micromanage because it can prevent team members from growing and developing their own leadership skills.”

Did he realize that Richard Sweeney was a micromanager?

After 5400 journal entries over 20 years, I never know who reads Bruce’s Journal. Perhaps Fadi will find my thoughts about his book.  Fadi, thank you for sharing your thoughts with everyone.  I hope your children and grandchildren will bring happiness and joy to you.  I am sure that at age 65 you may begin to think about retirement.  Keep on doing what you enjoy no matter what your age.  I know that a few NJIT professors didn’t retire until age 90.  I look forward to your next book

If anyone wants to contact me, I can be reached at Bruce@BruceSlutsky.com 

 

 

Tale of the Broken Air Conditioner

 

Just one year ago, I purchased an air conditioner from a reputable manufacturer at a reliable retailer.  Thankfully, I added a warranty.  On the first hot day of the season, nothing happened when I turned on the unit.  I called up the retailer, who referred me to a company that repairs air conditioners.  They picked up the AC a week ago and took it to their shop.  Today, I received a phone call saying the unit needs both the indoor and outdoor fan motors.  It is disappointing that two major parts would break down after one year of use.  What aggravated the situation is that both parts are on back order until October.

I called the retailer's customer service, who said they would honor the warranty but would have to pick up the broken AC.  I arranged for the repair company to bring it to my home, but they cannot come until Friday, June 5.  After that, I will have to go to the store to get a new AC.  That will obviously take time until the new unit arrives. I hope the weather will be cool over the next few weeks.

I think this qualifies for an Oy Vey!

Steve Cohen is Paying over $32 Million to Players No Longer on the Mets Roster

I guess the Mets' owner, Steve Cohen, just likes to give away money.  As you can see he is paying over $32 million to former Mets. The biggest bust is $17 million to pitcher Frankie Montas, who is injured and can't pitch.  I blame David Stearns, President of Baseball Operations, for this mess.  I assume if Stearns is fired, Cohen will have to pay him millions.

Oy vey.

 

Rain by the Beatles - Appropriate Song for this Memorial Day Weekend

 

I have written several posts in this journal about rain, but never posted Rain by the Beatles.  I am sure that the rain over the Memorial Day weekend spoiled the plans of many people who wanted an outdoor barbecue.  Tomorrow is another day.

Something Different for Bob Dylan's 85th Birthday

 

I know I am a day early for this, but I just couldn't wait.  Bob Dylan's birthday has been discussed many times in this journal.  I have never posted a song written about Robert Zimmerman.  I will even post the lyrics.

Ah, hear this, Robert Zimmerman

I wrote a song for you

About a strange young man called Dylan

With a voice like sand and glue

Some words had truthful vengeance

They could pin us to the floor

Brought a few more people on

And put the fear in a whole lot more

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Verse 2]

You gave your heart to every bedsit room

At least a picture on the wall

And you sat behind a million pair of eyes

And told them how they saw

Then we lost your train of thought

The paintings are all your own

While troubles are rising, we'd rather be scared

Together than alone

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]

Now, hear this, Robert Zimmerman

Though I don't suppose we'll meet

Ask your good friend Dylan

If he'd gaze a while down the old street

Tell him we've lost his poems

So we're writing on the walls

Give us back our unity

Give us back our family

You're every nation's refugee

Don't leave us with their sanity

[Chorus]

Ah, here she comes, here she comes, here she comes again

The same old painted lady from the brow of the superbrain

She'll scratch this world to pieces as she comes on like a friend

But a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

[Outro]

Ah, a couple of songs from your old scrapbook could send her home again

Oh, here she comes

Ooh, here she comes

Oh, here she comes

Ooh

Bob Dylan at Newport (1965) Singing Maggie's Farm on an Audi Commerical

 

Will any of the Dylan fanatics run out to buy an Audi?

Tristan Williams Latest Jeopardy Superstar

 

Since Tristan Williams has won 10 games, he qualifies as a Jeopardy superstar.  To date, he has won $221,000.  Here are his statistics compiled by https://thejeopardyfan.com/ :

244 correct, 35 incorrect
18/22 on rebound attempts (on 45 rebound opportunities)
39.82% in first on buzzer (227/570)
13/20 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $15,300)
6/10 in Final Jeopardy

There is a biographical sketch of him on  TVInsider.

We will have to take things one game at a time to see how many games he will eventually win.

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.

Random Thoughts of the Day - May 8, 2026

 

• I blame the Mets' problems on David Stearns, as I believe he made the wrong moves in the offseason.  Again, he made the mistake of acquiring a future Hall of Fame pitcher at the end of his career.  Yesterday, Craig Kimbrel gave up a grand slam home run in the 8th inning, allowing the Rockies to beat the Mets 6-2.
• Some of my radio friends are a little too fanatical about oldies countdowns.  How many are enough?  It is very difficult to pick my favorite songs and then view the results.  I agree with the late Philadelphia radio personality Jerry Blavat, who said play from the heart, not the chart.
• Some radio friends will commemorate the 44th anniversary of the end of the music format on WABC on May 10, 1982.  This is not a milestone anniversary.
• Some baseball fans are too fanatical about attending games.  Some attended the Yankee game that started at 12:30 PM and then traveled to Philadelphia to see the Phillies at night.  What are these guys trying to prove?

Time Won't Let Me by the Outsiders - Random Oldie of the Day

 

I chose this one for no particular reason.

John Sterling Did a Sports Talk Show on WMCA in the 1970s

 

This recording is 12 minutes long, but the segment with John Sterling begins at about 6:45

Today, we received the sad news that long-time broadcaster John Sterling passed away at age 87. I don't want to repeat what has been written on many websites or social media reports.  In the 1970s, WMCA was a talk station.  In 1975, John Sterling hosted a sports talk show. This segment precedes the New York Yankees game broadcasted on WMCA.

Inappropriate Oldie of the Day - Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum

 

I heard on the news this morning that Spirit Airlines has ceased operations effective immediately.  This situation does not affect me at all.  I never flew on this airline, but since I live only a few miles from LaGuardia Airport, I have seen their planes in the sky with the distinctive yellow fuselage.  They could have given their customers some notice before they shut down.

Since it is May 1, Why Not May I by Bill Deal and the Rhondels

 

May I by Bill Deal and the Rhondels first charted on January 8, 1969 and stayed on the charts for 10 weeks.  Thus, it was not on the charts on May 1, 1969.  It peaked at #39 on the Billboard national chart, but did better on the WABC and WMCA charts in early 1969.

Beer For My Horses - An Obscure Willie Nelson Hit for His 93rd Birthday

According to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, this song peaked at #22 on the Pop chart in 2003.  It likely peaked higher on the Country Music chart.  I don't think I ever featured a hit from the 2000s in this journal.  The video above is from a tribute to Willie on ABC-TV.  It was a duo with Toby Keith who sadly passed away in 2024 at the age of 62.

Happy Birthday Willie!

The 30 Greatest Living Songwriters - What is Your Choice? - Pick up to 10

 

There was an article in the New York Times discussing this unranked list.  Of course, it is very debatable who is the absolute best since the 30 chosen by the New York Times are from different genres of music.  Deceased songwriters were not evaluated for this list.

You can vote for your 10 favorites.  I even included Leonard Cohen who paased away.  I even included a few songwriting teams.

Congratulations to Mike Casiano for Attending His 10,000th Baseball Game

 

He made the message board at Citi Field

It Looks Like He Is Sleeping

I have observed Mike at Shea Stadium and Citi Field for years.  I assume that it took him about 60 years to attend so many games.  As I have followed him on X (formerly Twitter), I observed:

• Very often, he attends 2 games in one day.  He can go to a Mets game in the afternoon and travel to Philadelphia to see a night game.
• He often sees regional minor league teams, such as the Brooklyn Cyclones and Somerset Patriots.  There could be a Yankee game during the day and a Patriots game at night.
• He takes many road trips.  Perhaps he has visited all 30 MLB parks and many defunct stadiums.

He certainly deserves to be interviewed by Steve Gelbs on SNY.  It is a shame that game 10,000 was a loss for the 2026 Mets, who are rapidly becoming the worst team money can buy.  Game 10,001 will be the second game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies.

Detailed article about Mike and his enthusiasm for sports.

Article in MLB.com about Mike's quest to attend 10,000 games

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly by Hugo Montenegro - Random Instrumental Hit of the Day

 

This movie theme actually hit #2 on the Billboard chart in 1968.  I don't remember seeing the movie.

Bob Dylan Will Play at Forest Hills Stadium in July and I Got Tickets

 

Bob Dylan will be 85 years old next month and continues to tour.  The Never Ending Tour will stop in Forest Hills this July, and I got my tickets today.  I paid close to $200 for each ticket, but I only see him once a year.  I reported in this journal last December that I am aware of some fanatics who travel to all ends of the earth to see him in concert.  To each his own.

We did see Dylan in Forest Hills in July 2016.  He was supposed to return in July 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of that concert.  There was a controversial concert at Forest Hills in August 1965, when he went electric while the folk music fans hated it.

There are 3 months to go.

Dave Mason - Founder of the Group Traffic and Solo Artist Passes Away at 79

 

Obituary from the New York Times

Thinking of 77 WABC Radio on My 77th Birthday

 

So, I am 77 years old today.  Where did all of these years go?  I remember listening to Music Radio 77 WABC all those years ago.  They had plenty of legendary personalities, including Cousin Bruce Morrow and Dan Ingram, but the playlist was very short.  You can read about Music Radio 77 in this detailed article written by Allan Sniffen.  In 1982, the station dropped the music and became a talk station.  Talk radio was never my "cup of tea," so I stopped listening.

In 2020, Cousin Bruce Morrow returned to WABC and is heard every Saturday from 6 PM - 10 PM.  I listen to his show whenever I can.

Bruce's Journal is Always Free - No Patreon or Substack for Me

 

Since October 2005, I have published this journal to freely share my thoughts with others, whether or not they are acquainted with me.  The entries may be about:

• My Background
• Baseball Games
• Bob Dylan
• Oldies
• Radio broadcasting
• Unusual experiences
• Anything else

I can consider it a vanity press.  I don't have to worry about fact-checkers or copy editors.

I never wanted to monetize this journal.  I write it mostly for fun and am not concerned about making money from it.  I always wonder if my writings have any impact on anybody.  Do people think I am some kind of a nut?

There are services called Patreon and Substack where writers charge readers.  They offer a few paragraphs for free and then ask the reader to subscribe, usually for a year, to read their entire articles.  This is just not for me.