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.

Casey Stengel Chapter of SABR Holds a Meeting at the 14th Street Y

 

Every year, the NYC Casey Stengel Chapter of SABR holds an in-person meeting.  This year the meeting was held at the 14th Street YM-YWHA on East 14th Street.  There were several speakers on topics of interest to New York baseball fans.

• Eric Weiss ran his yearly trivia contest
• Jay Goldberg discussed his project, The Memory of America: Remember Your First Baseball Game. He interviewed many fans who talked about the first game they saw in person.  My first game was on July 15, 1957 as the Brooklyn Dodger beat the Milwaukee Braves 20-4 at Ebbets Field.
• Lee Lowenfish, a noted author, discussed his biography of Frankie Frisch who once played for the New York Giants.
• David Fenichel talked about his campaign to build a statue of Jackie Robinson at the site of Ebbets Field.
• Journalist Ken Davidoff discussed his book 101 Lessons from the     Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us About the Game of Life
• Scott Tanenbaum, Professor of Sports Studies at Manhattanville University, discussed his book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites, which examines Americans’ changing understandings of urban areas, inclusion, and the body politic.

The turnout at this meeting was somewhat disappointing since only 30 or so people came.  When I was first involved with the chapter, it drew over 100 people to meetings held at the New York Public Library.  It remains a challenge for the chapter to get more involved in the society.

Are Mets Fans Too Critical Over the Lack of a Jewish Heritage Day?

This website lists Theme Games and Heritage Nights at Citi Field in 2026.  There is no Jewish Heritage Night.  Does this imply anti-semitism by the Mets management?  The last such event was held in 2023.  Was there an outrage in 2024 or 2025?  I have seen many posts on social media criticizing the Mets.

Sadly, anti-semitism has grown tremendously in recent years.  My only comment is that Met owner Steve Cohen should address this issue.  He was raised in a Jewish household, but I have never observed him expressing a Jewish identity.

OK, Steve - let us hear you.

 

I am Glad I Didn't Stay Up to Watch the Mets Last Night

 

The Mets just started a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the West Coast, meaning the games start at 10 PM in NYC.  They lost 4-0 and were able to get just 3 hits as they lost their sixth game in a row. Will Sammon of The Athletic gives a good analysis of the Mets' woes.  Juan Soto is not expected back anytime soon, but one player can't turn the team around.  There are 145 games to go.

Athletics 1 Mets 0 as the Losing Streak Hits 5

 

The only scoring of the game was a home run by Nick Kurtz in the third inning.  The pitching of Freddie Peralta and Sean Manaea was good, but the offense was limited to 4 hits.  Posters on social media are already calling for manager Carlos Mendoza to be fired after a record of 7-9.  I think it is a little premature, but podcaster Kelley Franco, aka @threeinningfan, explains what the Mets need to do to turn things around.

Box Score

My Comments on Bruce's Journal

 

This is journal entry #5400 since October 2005, so I thought I should make some comments about this journal:

• There have been over 8,500,000 hits to this journal, but how many of them are real and how many of them are from robots?
• What people access this journal regularly?  I understand that people choose to be anonymous when they surf the web.  I am aware of a few regular readers who access it after I post the most recent entry on Facebook. Are my readers acquaintances or complete strangers?
• Very few people make comments either on the journal directly or on Facebook.  Does my journal have any impact on anyone, or is it just a vanity press for me?
• Some of the things I reported never happened.  Paul McCartney never teamed up with Bob Dylan.  There was never a movie based on Dylan's album Blood on the Tracks.
• Many of the YouTube videos I posted were taken down for various reasons.  It would be a very time-consuming project for me to revise the entries with "defunct" videos.
• Likewise, many of the linksin my entries are no longer valid.

Diamondbacks 7 Mets 1 at a Cold Citi Field

 

Last night's game was part of our 20-Game package, so we went and dressed warmly as the temperature was in the 40s.  The two earlier games in this series were moved up to 4 PM due to the cold weather, but Thursday's game started at 7 PM.

The game started well as Luis Robert Jr. hit a first-inning home run.  That lead held up until the 7th inning when the starting pitcher, Nolan McLean, began to falter.  The following relief pitchers, Luke Weaver and Luis Garcia, were ineffective.  The Mets lost 7-1.

Game Recap

Bob Dylan and Question Mark

 

The other day Bob Dylan performed in Saginaw, Michigan, the home of Rudy Martinez, professionally known as Question Mark.  His group, The Mysterians, had a big hit in 1966 called 96 Tears.

Len Levin of SABR Has Passed Away at Age 95 (Society for American Baseball Research)

 

For several years after my retirement, I was active in the SABR Games Project.  Authors would research and write accounts of professional baseball games.  As Coordinator of Fact Checking, I either reviewed the game myself or sent it to another team member.  After the game was fact-checked, I would send the manuscript to Len Levin to copyedit before publication.  I must have exchanged hundreds of emails with him over the years. I did meet him at two SABR National Meetings. It was always a pleasure to work with him.

Obituary by Jacob Pomrenke, SABR's Director of Editorial Content

Comments about Len by John Fredland, Coordinator of the Games Project:

Sad news for the Games Project and SABR in general: Len Levin, who served as copy-editor on a remarkable variety of SABR publications, including nearly every Games Project article during my five-and-a-half years as committee chair, died today at age 95. Len's reviews of our articles facilitated our weekly output until he broke his hip last December, and he struggled with his health after that.

I will miss how Len's revised articles arrived in my inbox overnight, with countless improvements in phrasing and citations brought into compliance with the SABR Style Guide. He once told me he worked on the articles after his wife Linda went to bed at night. He was born about a month after Ernie Banks and three months before Willie Mays, when the Philadelphia Athletics were defending World Series champions. He was a great teammate, and it is heartbreaking that he is gone.

Radio Log Saturday April 4th

 

Here is a list of radio stations I heard today:

• 1010 WINS
• WFUV
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Passover Seder in the NYC Subway

 

The story on the TV News last night states that this seder took place on the #6 train.

• A rapper known as Kosha Dillz started hosting pop-up Passover Seders on subway trains three years ago.  It is obviously an abbreviated version.
• The moving celebration brings together riders of different backgrounds, including some attending their first Seder
• Organizers say the quick, unconventional format is designed for people who might otherwise skip the holiday
• Participants say the experience is both meaningful and uniquely New York

I think there should have been a seder on a New Jersey Transit train.  With their history of long delays, there could have been a complete seder.

Everybody Plays the Fool by the Main Ingredient on April Fools Day

 

I have to be careful about what I read on the Internet on April Fools Day.  Somebody stated that the Mets traded Richard Lovelady to the Baltimore Orioles for Pete Alonso.

Pirates 4 Mets 3 in 10 Innings

Since we hold a Sunday partial ticket plan, we were at today's game after being at the home opener just 3 days ago.  Like yesterday, today's game had to go into extra innings.  The Pirates did not hit well with runners in scoring position in the first 9 innings, but in the 10th inning Ryan O’Hearn singled to left field, driving in automatic runner Bryan Reynolds.  Four batters later, Pittsburgh added to the lead when catcher Henry Davis singled to right-center field, scoring pinch-runner Billy Cook.  With runners on first and second with no outs in the bottom of the 10th, Juan Soto doubled to left-center field, scoring automatic runner Francisco Alvarez, but relay throws from center fielder Oneil Cruz and shortstop Jared Triolo were able to nail Francisco Lindor at the plate.  Jorge Polanco flied out to Cook in right field to end the game.

The Mets are now 2-1, but there are 159 more games to play.

Box Score

 

Jamie Ding - Latest Jeopardy Superstar

 

Last night, Jamie Ding won his 10th game qualifying him to be a Jeopardy Superstar.  Here are his statistics compiled by The Jeopardy Fan.

Jamie Ding, career statistics:

306 correct, 20 incorrect

22/24 on rebound attempts (on 42 rebound opportunities)

48.42% in first on buzzer (275/568)

12/17 on Daily Doubles (Net Earned: $34,200)

8/10 in Final Jeopardy

Average Coryat: $25,540

Total winnings for the first 10 games: $272,810

He now ranks #18 in all-time winnings in regular play.  He made one mistake when he bet and lost $30,000 in a Final Jeopardy.

We must take Jeopardy one game at a time, so we don't know how many games he will win.  It depends on the categories, Daily Doubles, and competition.

Opening Day at Cit Field Mets 11 Pirates 7

 

Since we bought a 20-game package for 2026, we got tickets for Opening Day.  There was a full house at Citi Field.  I saw reports of horrific traffic jams in Queens, but, as usual, we took the #7 to the ballpark.  The Mets made several roster changes in the offseason, so this was obviously the first time to see the new players in action.

Freddy Peralta, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, gave up two home runs in the first inning, but it was uphill from there for the Mets.  They scored 5 runs in the first to knock out the 2025 Cy Young Award Winner, Paul Skenes. The Mets were helped by defensive mistakes by centerfielder Oneil Cruz.

Rookie Carson Benge hit his first career home run, while catcher Francisco Alvarez also homered.  Brandon Lowe hit two home runs for the Pirates.

It is a very long season, but so far, so good.

Box Score

Two Years Later, Whitestone Lanes is Still Open

 

Two years ago, I was interviewed on NY1 about the closing of Whitestone Lanes.  In 2019, I started an online petition opposing the use of that site for affordable housing, as it would create congestion at that intersection and overcrowd the local schools. The reporter was able to track me down and interviewed me and two others for the story.

After two years, Whitestone Lanes is still there.  I see many cars in the lot when I pass there on Saturday mornings.  It must be profitable, or else the owners would have closed it.

I advised the reporter that it may be premature to run the story, but she wanted to do it.  NY1 did a story about the demise of the College Point Multiplex, but in that case, a closing date was announced.

MJ The Musical

 

It is a family tradition to see a Broadway show for Lee's birthday, which is coming up this Saturday.  He picked MJ The Musical.  We decided to go on a weekday since the ticket prices were significantly less.  It is a Tony Award-winning Broadway jukebox musical focusing on Michael Jackson's creative process during rehearsals for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and featuring 25 of his hits.  The choreography was excellent.

Nervous Breakdown - Eddie Cochran ----- Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown Rolling Stones

 

Bob Dylan covered Eddie Cochran's Nervous Breakdown on his first two concerts of 2026.  According to Joel Whitburn's Top Pop, it was released in 1958, but did not chart.  Eight years later, Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown by the Rolling Stones hit #2 on the Billboard chart.

Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Resumed Last Night in Omaha, Nebraska

 It is still branded as the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour that started after the COVID-19 pandemic.  Within minutes after the end of the concert, the setlist was posted on the Internet. As you can see below, most of the songs were from Dylan's latest album.  There were a few older Dylan songs played along with covers of Bo Diddley and Eddie Cochran songs.  Will future concerts on this leg of the tour have the same setlist?

1. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
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2. Man in the Long Black Coat
   (First Live Performance Since 2013)
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3. All Along the Watchtower
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4. I Contain Multitudes
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5. False Prophet
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6. Black Rider
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7. Love Sick
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8. Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
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9. I Can Tell
   (Bo Diddley cover)
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10. I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
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11. Crossing the Rubicon
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12. When I Paint My Masterpiece
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13. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
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14. Soon After Midnight
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15. Nervous Breakdown
    (Eddie Cochran cover)
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16. Every Grain of Sand