I Pre-Ordered Bob Dylan's 39 CD Boxed Set From Rolling Thunder Revue Tour of 1976

 

I'm crazy for doing this, but I may as well spend my money.  I can't take it with me when I pass away which hopefully will be many years from now.  I should do my best to try to enjoy myself.  Likely I will listen to one CD a week for 9 months.  I already own the much smaller boxed set from the 1975 leg of the tour.

Yellow Submarine - John Lennon on Vocals

 

I found this version of Yellow Submarine with John Lennon on lead vocal on YouTube.  I have a talent for finding things accidentally.  It is not AI generated.

2022 remix with Ringo Starr on lead vocal

Ignoring Chats from Telegram

 

Telegram is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app with a focus on security and speed.  Over the past week I have received 17 chat requests from this app and I ignored all of them.  Some of the opening lines were:

• Hey, what's new
• This is me, Lily. May I know your name
• I am Greta, nice to meet you.
• Hello
• Can I steal a tiny moment?

I looked at a few photos they sent.  Most of them were young Asian women.  I assume most of them are looking for dates.  Some of them may lead to romance scams.  I just ignore all of them.

The Stupidest Post I Have Ever Read on the Internet

 

At last night's Subway Series game at Yankee Stadium a pro-Palestinian protester at 9:11 PM ran on the field with a Palestinian flag.  The police promptly tackled him and escorted off the field. The fans yelled out "USA"  He will likely face several criminal charges.

This morning a well-known radio personality on a major AM station posted this on X:

The difference between the Yankees and Mets was evident last night and it had nothing to do with the final score. If that Pro Palestine clown would have run on the field at Citi  Field instead of Yankee Stadium

Mr. and Mrs. Met would have hugged him!!!!!!

If this had happened at Citi Field, the police would have done the same thing and the Met fans would have yelled out "USA" as well.

I have never listened to this guy in all the years I have been a fan of radio.  In any event I don't listen to political talk radio.

Previous Posts in Bruce's Journal About September 11

 

Today we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001 on its 25th anniversary.

Here are links to my previous journal entries on September 11.

We shall never forget

That Was Some Game Last Night as the Mets Beat the Marlins 15-14

 

I watched most of the game on TV since it was in Miami.  The Mets coasted to an 8-0 lead, but the Marlins tied it up.  The Mets took a 14-8 lead and still lead 15-11 going into the bottom of the ninth inning.  The Marlins scored 3 runs to make the score 15-14.  They had the tieing run on second and the potential  the winning run on first, but Tobias Myers got the last two outs for the save.

The Mets scored 6 runs in 2nd and 7th innings.  Christopher Morel came in the game in the second inning as a pinch runner for Bret Baty.  He hit a single, double and home run and would have been the first player to hit for the cycle who did not start the game if he hit a triple in his last at bat in the 8th inning.  He struck out.

Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf - Random Oldie of the Day

 

When I can't think of anything to say, I just post a random oldie.

Mets Come from Behind to Beat the Giants 4-2

 

Mets starter Christian Scott lasted 4 2/3 innings. He permitted three of his four hits in the fourth, when the Giants went ahead on Jung Hoo Lee’s bloop single that scored two runs.  Nothing happened until the 8th inning when ht a pinch-hit homer for the Mets' first run.  With Francisco Lindor on third base the Giants intentionally walked Juan Soto.  That turned out to be a mistake as Bo Bichette hit a three-run homer to give the Mets a 4-2 lead.  Kodai Senga pitched a perfect 9th inning for the save.  It was nice to see a come from behind victory in this disappointing season.

Random Thoughts of the Day - September 4, 2026

 

• Strange younger women are still trying to contact me on Telegram.  I know better and immediate ignore them.  I don't know what they are trying to accomplish.  Likewise I get text messages on my cell phone number that I ignore.
• So far no success on dating apps.  I don't want to travel 30-40 miles to meet a woman when likely it won't work out.  I'll hang in there until my subscription expires.  Perhaps dating apps work better for younger people since I heard of some people meeting their future spouses that way.
• I still have crazy dreams about visiting my former employer.  I feel that I have nothing to gain by traveling to the past.  Many of my former colleagues have retired or moved on to other jobs.

The Bots Have Taken Over Web Traffic

 

Data from Google states that Bruce's Journal has received over 11 million hits since it began.  But how many are from real people and how many are from bots.  An article from NBC News states that 57.4% of web traffic is from bots.  I think for my journal it must be even higher.  I post that I wrote in 2008 about the Broadway show Jersey Boys received 156 hits in the last 24 hours.  Why would so many people search that in one day?  I assume there are bots from all over the world.

I always wonder how many real people who hit this journal are from people who know me.

September Morn by Neil Diamond

 

It is September 1 already and 2/3 of 2026 is gone.  Where does all the time go?

Astros 6 Mets 3

 

It was another Sunday at Citi Field. but the result was typical for this 2026 season.  First inning home runs by Lindor and Soto gave the Mets an early 2-1 lead, but it did not hold up.  They were ahead 3-2 in the 6th inning, but  pinch-hitter LaMonte Wade Jr.'s two-run homer put the Astros ahead for good.

For the first time this season we received bobble head dolls of Mr. Met standing next to the Unisphere.  We arrived at 2:35 PM for a 3:10 PM start and there were still dolls being given out.  Since the bobble heads are only give to the first 15,000, usually people arrive 2 hours before game time and have to wait on line to get their prize.

Game Recap

Ron Parker Formerly of WCBS-FM Passes Away

 

A short biography of Ron Parker may be found at Radioinsight.  I met Ron at a WCBS-FM BBQ in August 2009 in Staten Island.  I also listened to him on SiriusXM, but he worked at many radio stations over the years.

Recorded in 2012, this features Ron Parker as host and includes guest call ins from Herb Oscar Anderson and others.   Lots of aircheck flashbacks included!

Dolly Parton Sings Knockin' On Heaven's Door with Ladysmith Black Mambazo:

 

I never heard this before.

Bruce's Journal Posts Linking Dolly Parton to Bob Dylan

 About an hour ago as I was looking at my phone I saw the sad news hat Dolly Parton passed away at age 80.  There will be many tributes written about her, so I should not repeat what is being said elsewhere.  I just found a YouTube video of Dolly covering Dylan's Don't Think Twice.

Here are two other posts in this journal linking Dolly to Bob:

Dolly Parton talks about Bob Dylan - January 2009

Dolly Parton singing Blowin' In the Wind - January 2020

RIP Dolly

Random Thoughts of the Day - August 25, 2026

 

• A wooden fence was constructed around Whitestone Lanes and its parking lot.  The next step will be to demolish the building.  I assume the apartment building will not be completed for at least two years.
• There is construction underway for apartments in the parking lot of the Bay Terrace Shopping Center.  That neighborhood will be more congested.
• Rookies on the Mets including Carson Benge, Nolan McClean, Zac Thornton, and A.J. Ewing have had promising seasons.  I hope this bodes well for the 2027 season.
• It seems that when I drive around Queens there is always construction going on somewhere.  I guess it is necessary.  We all most cope with inconveniences in our lives.

The Trade of Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the Worst in Team History

 

The Mets have made some very bad trades in their history.  For example:

• The Tom Seaver Trade
• Nolan Ryan for Jim Fregosi
• Amos Otis for Joe Foy

The trade of Pete Crow-Armstrong was made July 30, 2021 at the deadline.  The Mets were leading the NL East at that time and were looking for an infield partner for Francisco Lindor. Crow-Armstrong was ranked the #5 Mets prospect at that time. Let's review what happened since then:

• Javier Baez signed for the Detroit Tigers for the 2022 season and beyond making him a 2-month rental for the Mets
• Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a perennial all-star and is even considered as a future Hall of Famer

Statistics for Crow-Armstrong from Baseball-Reference

The Mets received several prospects at the deadline this year.  Time will tell how they will work out.

Beatles Rarity - Sweet Georgia Brown with Tony Sheridan

 

The story of this recording may be found in the Beatles' Bible.  It was recorded on May 24, 1962.  I requested it on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show last night.

For National Radio Day - Turn Your Radio On by Roger McGuinn

 

For many years I have turned my radio on.  I have listened to plenty of AM, FM, and internet radio stations.

I Renewed My New York Mets Ticket Plan for 2027. I guess I am too loyal

 

I guess I have been to loyal of a Mets fan since day 1 in 1962.  I stuck with them through the bad years including the early days of the franchise, the years after the Seaver trade, and the early 1990s.  I also remember 2007 and 2008 when they lost several games in September and missed the playoffs.

For the last few years I purchased a 20 game plan that includes 13 Sundays.  We have been sitting in section 516 which is in the upper deck behind home plate.  I renewed my plan for next season.

There is likely to be a lockout since the collective bargaining agreement will expire after this season.  The owners will insist on a salary cap while the players oppose it.  The question is how long the lockout will last.  The owners learned their lesson in 1994 when a work stoppage in August prevented the playoffs and World Series from occurring.  Hopefully, the labor dispute will be resolved before spring training.

Tommy John Was a Pitcher Not a Surgery

 

Yesterday Tommy John passed away at age 83. He was a pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics. He was a four-time MLB All-Star and has the second-most wins (288) of any pitcher since 1900 not in the Hall of Fame.  Obviously, he deserved to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

He is best known for Tommy John Surgery, medically known as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, a surgical procedure that replaces a torn ligament on the inner side of the elbow with a tendon harvested from elsewhere in the body.  More than 2400 athletes have undergone that procedure since 1974 when Tommy was the first recipient.  In an interview some years ago Tommy said it should really be called Frank Jobe Surgery and named after the doctor who developed it.

Tommy John's career statistics from Baseball-Reference

Michael Fallon's biography of Tommy John from SABR's Bioproject

Mets 4 Nationals 3 with the Jay Buckley Baseball Tour In Attendance

 

Over the years the family has attended 6 Jay Buckley Baseball Tours seeing games all over the country.  There are many entries in this journal documenting our trips.  Today, Tour 20 was at Citi Field to see the Mets play the Nationals.  We stopped by the group sitting in Section 125 and chatted with Jay for a while;

Lee took a photo with Jay

Christian Scott started the game for the Mets and pitched into the 7th inning.  The highlight of the game was Luis Torrens’ 407-foot homer to straightaway center off Jake Irvin (2-7) put the Mets ahead for good in the fourth.  Kodai Senga struck out 2 in the 9th inning to earn his third save.

Box Score

The crazy thing is the Mets' record is 9-3 after the trade deadline.  Maybe they can end the season with a respectable record.

Cunningham Park in Queens

 

On most Saturday mornings Lee and I like to walk around Cunningham Park in eastern Queens.  I found some information about the park:

• Website from the NYC Department of Parks
• History of Cunningham Park
• Wikipedia Entry

Random Thoughts of the Day August 13, 2026

 

• A neighbor who drives the Q44-SBS told me that about 70% of customers don't pay the fair.  People on SBS buses enter through the back doors that allows loading faster to hasten the trips.  But doesn't that defeat the purpose when so much money is lost to the MTA?
• I don't understand why people talk about their medical problems  through social media.  Some even post photos of themselves in hospital beds.These issues should be private.
• I don't know who is worse, the Dylan enthusiasts or the baseball superfans.  Two young ladies who do a Dylan podcast say they enjoyed the film Hearts of Fire.  I think it is just about the worst thing Dylan ever did.  Some of the baseball "nuts" will travel to all ends of the USA to see games over many years.  They often will see two games in a day.  They'll see the Mets in the day and the Brooklyn Cyclones at night.

Patches by Dickey Lee - Random Oldie of the Day

 

Random Thoughts of the Day - August 8, 2026

 

• Last night I had a dream about visiting the University of Rhode Island, where I was a graduate student from 1972-74.  I last visited the campus in 1978.  I still get snail and email from them asking for money.  Why does my dreams bring me into the past?
• Since the trading deadline, the Mets are now 4-0.  Are they going to do what the Red Sox are doing now, by getting hot?  I doubt it.  Nobody says anything about the human side of professional athletes.  Where do a player and his family live after they are traded in the middle of the season and not know how long the team will keep them? Likewise, many players move from the majors to the minors and back several times in a season.
• I still don't know what percentage of hits to this journal are from real people and how many are from bots.

I am Giving Dating Apps One Last Try

 

I have written about my disappointments with dating apps several times in this journal.  After Karen passed away in 2021, I didn't even want to think about dating for at least one year.  I always thought that it would be nice if I found someone, but it was OK if it didn't happen.  All those years ago, my parents brainwashed me so I wouldn't even think of dating a gentile girl.

I did try a Jewish dating site, but nothing worked out.  Many of the matches were from women who lived 200 or more miles away.  You can't travel so far for a first date.  A friend convinced me that if the intention is not marriage or cohabitation, the difference in religion is not that important.  At my age, I don't think I'll remarry.  At first, I thought I should only seek out widows.  Someone else convinced me that I should not be dismissive of divorced women since the mourning process after a divorce may be similar to mourning after a death.

Since Eharmony was rated the #1 dating app for older adults, I decided to sign up with them.  So far, the results have been the same.  There is a chatting relationship that dies out quickly.  Ghosted again.  I'll stick with it until my agreement with them concludes.  I will not renew and am not optimistic right now.

There are more important things in the world.

Is David Stearns Being Fair to the Loyal Fans of the New York Mets?

 It is part of MLB culture that, at the trading deadline, teams not in contention for a playoff spot get rid of players with expiring contracts.  In this way, the losing team gets prospects in exchange.  Here are the moves the Mets made:

Nobody knows how these prospects will work out in the long ron

This obviously created openings in the roster that were filled:

Dedniel Núñez (RHP) – Returning after pitching in the minors on a Tommy John surgery rehab assignment.

Jefry Yan (LHP) – Bullpen reinforcement brought up to fill vacated pitching spots.

Nate Lavender (LHP) – Left-handed reliever called up following bullpen departures.

Chayce McDermott (RHP) – Acquired from the Dodgers in the Ben Rortvedt trade and immediately brought up.

Xzavion Curry (RHP) – Recalled just days after being optioned back to Triple-A

Obviously, the team has been weakened for the rest of the 2026 season.  No team wanted Polanco, Robert, or Senga.  What moves will David Stearns make in the offseason?  With a lockout looming, we don't know waht will happen.

Here We Go Again Miami Marlins 2 Mets 0

 

I think David Stearns should have fired the hitting coaches instead of the manager, since the Mets managed only 5 hits today.  As usual, they could not hit with runners in scoring position as they left the bases loaded in the 7th inning.  Joe Mack homered, Xavier Edwards added an RBI single, and Sandy Alcantara tossed six-plus solid innings for the Marlins, who won the final three games of the four-game series.  Now it is off to Cleveland.

Box Score

Article in the New York Times Summarizing Films by or About Bob Dylan

 

This article, written in December 2024 by New York Times film critic Alissa Wilkinson provides brief descriptions of films concerning Bob Dylan.  It is written for casual fans, not my Dylan scholar friends.  I was intrigued by this statement by Wilkinson:

"Somehow it’s not the worst movie (referring to Hearts of Fire) from this period, though. Dylan made a cameo as a painter in the 1990 drama “Catchfire” (a movie its director, Dennis Hopper, disowned). But the real stinker is “Masked and Anonymous” (2003), directed by Larry Charles and co-written by Charles and Dylan (under the pseudonym Sergei Petrov, for some reason). Dylan also stars alongside a bizarrely stacked cast. It’s set in a dystopian near-future America ruled by a dictator. Dylan is (yet again) a washed-up musician, this time named Jack Fate, who is bailed out of jail by some cynical entertainment promoters to perform a benefit concert for … America?

It’s very badly crafted, with clunky editing and a ponderous structure, but if you’re itching to hear old 1960s Dylan songs performed in weird new ways, you’re in luck."

Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.

Is Snail Mail Returning? I don't see it

 

There was a story on the Today Show about the return of snail mail.  I just don't see that as people are in love with text messaging.  I rarely send out letters via the postal mail.  I remember at the 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Parker Pen had a pavilion where you could find a pen pal from a foreign country. In the early 1970s, when I was a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island, I sent letters to my friends in NYC.  I just don't see the return of snail mail.

Forest Hills High School Class of 1967 Reunion is Announced for June

 

I have mixed feelings about reunions.  I don't hate them, but I am not jumping for joy over them either.  I've been to a few over the years, but also passed on some others.  Shelly Gabel Dinstein is organizing this one.  I knew her better in PS 139.  This reunion will be at the World's Fair Marina, which is a 10-minute drive from home.

The announcement above includes selected photos of classmates.  There were about 1000 students in FHHS class of 1967, so it is hard to predict how many will come.  Many are indifferent to reunions, while others are willing to travel long distances to reconnect with old friends.  Sadly, many of my classmates have passed away.

Check in next June for a report.

I Just Love the Bo Diddley Beat - Say Man

 

The "lyrics" are somewhat silly, but I love the Bo Diddley beat.

Mazel Tov - The Mets Beat the Dodgers 8-3

 

Of course, this has been a lost season for the Mets.  Most of the stories speculate on who will be traded at the deadline.  Nobody talks about what players the Mets should get back in return.  Let's get back to today's game.

As I entered Citi Field and walked to my seat, I observed there were as many Dodger fans as Mets fans. A Facebook friend stated Dodger fans are travelers. You see lots of them at Camden Yards as well.

The Mets fell behind 3-1, but Tyrone Taylor put the Mets ahead with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and Marcus Semien added a three-run drive in the seventh.  The bullpen closed the doors on the Dodgers, and the Mets held on to an 8-3 victory.

Box Score

Jeopardy Season #42 is Over

 

Jeopardy is unique since its season lasts for 46 weeks into late July, while other game shows end in June.  Thus, there are 230 episodes every season.  For 6 weeks, the show will be airing reruns of various tournaments.  This season featured several big winners including:

• Jamie Ding - 31 wins
• Harrison Whittaker - 14 wins
• Caleb Groen - 12 wins
• Adam Remsen - 10 wins
• Tristen Williams - 10 wins
• Chris D'Angelo - 8 wins

Those and several others will compete in the next Tournament of Champions.  Jamie will be the favorite, but you never know what will happen.

The Mets Should Be very Careful About Making Trades at the Deadline

 

Needless to say, this season has been a disaster for the Mets.  As of today, their record is 43-60.  I put the blame on David Stearns, whose off-season moves did not work out.  This article by Jason Burgos prompted me to write this entry.  He has a good point in saying that the Mets' farm system is just not producing.  Few minor leaguers can be impact players within a year or two.  There is a temptation to trade players with expiring contracts for prospects.  These include:

Freddy Peralta (SP): Earns an $8 million salary in 2026. He is considered one of the Mets' top trade chips despite a down season.

A.J. Minter (RP): Playing under an $11 million salary. He is an impending free agent expected to move to a contender

.Brooks Raley (RP): Playing on a $4.75 million contract after his 2026 club option was exercised.

Tyrone Taylor (OF): Playing on a one-year, $3.8 million deal and hits free agency at the end of the year.

If you are going to trade them, at least get good players in return.  Last winter, Stearns traded Jeff McNeil to the Athletics and got a 17-year-old in return.

I hope the Mets will sign Clay Holmes, who holds a player option for 2027, to an extension.

Stearns should ensure that the Mets have a competitive team for the rest of 2026.  I have several games left on the Sunday package and do not want to see a bunch of minor leaguers.

I Had Shelter for the Storm at Home Last Night

 

Bob Dylan at Forest Hills 2026

The weather forecast for yesterday was terrible, calling for heavy rain, wind, and the possibility of tornadoes.  I grappled all day on whether I should go, as the venue's policy was the show goes on rain or shine.  At about 4 PM, there was heavy rain in Queens.  Although I have been a big Dylan fan for 60 years, I decided to stay home and not have to sit in the rain for hours. I was looking forward to this concert, but safety and comfort must come first. In any event, you barely see Dylan since he hides wearing a hoodie, as seen above.  I was willing to lose the money I spent for the tickets.

Even though events at Yankee Stadium and Jones Beach Theater were postponed, the show went on.  Facebook posts indicated it was delayed, but Dylan and the opening acts played.  Many people also didn't come and complained, but there is nothing we can do.

YouTube Recording

Queens, New York Forest Hills Stadium July 21, 2026

1.	To Be Alone With You (Bob on electric keyboard)
2.	Man In The Long Black Coat (Bob on electric keyboard)
3.	It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on electric keyboard)
4.	False Prophet (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
5.	I Can Tell (song by Samuel Smith) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
6.	Black Rider (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
7.	Share Your Love With Me (song by Alfred Braggs and Deadric Malone) (Bob on electric keyboard)
8.	When I Paint My Masterpiece (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
9.	I'll Make It All Up To You (song by Charlie Rich) (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
10.	Crossing the Rubicon (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
11.	Soon After Midnight (Bob on electric keyboard)
12.	Under The Red Sky (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)
13.	I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
14.	Goodbye Jimmy Reed (Bob on electric keyboard, Tony on standup bass)
15.	I Shall Be Released (Bob on electric keyboard and harp)

Boom Boom by the Animals While Thinking About Freddy Cannon

 

I will request this on Bob Radil's 60s 70s show on Friday

Remembering Freddy Cannon (1937-2026)

 We found out today that Freddy Cannon passed away at age 89.  Back in 2014, I posted his hit Abigail Beecher in this Journal. Today, I am posting the Dedication Song.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by the Platters - Appropriate Oldie of the Day

 

Hopefully, the smoke from the Canadian wildfires will dissipate soon.

Report in the New York Times

Caleb Groen - The Last Jeopardy Superstar of Season 42

Caleb Groen won his 10th game yesterday to qualify as a Jeopardy Superstar.  Most likely, Season 42 will end on Friday, July 24th, so Caleb will be the last big winner of the year.  With his total of just over $300,000, he is already #18 on the all-time winners list for regular-season play.  Most of his victories were runaways.  He will be a formidable contestant in the next Tournament of Champions.

 

I am Not on the Bandwagon for World Cup Soccer and Other Things

 

According to Merriam-Webster, A bandwagon is a popular cause, movement, or trend that attracts growing support. It is most commonly used in the phrase "jump on the bandwagon," which means to adopt a popular trend, activity, or belief simply because it has become fashionable or successful.

It seems that everyone and his brother is following the World Cup Soccer tournament.  But do these people follow soccer at other times?  I never developed an interest in soccer, so I am not following the tournament.  I am not on the bandwagon.

Some other examples:

• The Super Bowl. Many people follow pro football just once a year.  I marginally follow football.  I guess I am so much into baseball that I neglect other sports.
• The Triple Crown of Racing.  So many people follow only the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.  I was never into horse racing.
• The Knicks' victory parade drew about 2 million spectators.  How many of them followed the Knicks during their losing seasons?  I do follow basketball, but not as closely as baseball.

What a Way to Lose a Game - Red Sox 3 Mets 2 in 10 innings

 

Rookie pitcher Zach Thornton was pitching an excellent game as he pitched 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits, 2 walks, and no runs.  Now, I predict David Stearns will option him to the minors. Luke Weaver pitched a clean 8th inning, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead in the top of the 9th.  With one out and a man on first Francisco Lindor allowed Romy Gonzalez's grounder to shortstop to bounce off his chest. That would have been a game-ending double play.

Caleb Durbin and Andrew Monasterio walked, forcing in a run, and Jarren Duran blooped a tying single that dropped just in front of sliding right fielder Carson Benge.

In the 10th, automatic runner Masataka Yoshida moved to third on Connor Wong’s sacrifice against Brooks Raley (4-4) before racing home on Siegler’s liner to left.  The Mets could not score in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Red Sox a 3-2 victory.

The Red Sox completed a 9-0 road trip while the Mets' record dropped to 40-57 at the All-Star break.

Box Score

Random Thoughts of the Day - July 10, 2026

 

Since we are getting closer to the MLB trading deadline of August 3, there is more speculation about whom the Mets will trade.  I think no team should make a trade for the sake of making one. A good trade benefits both teams.  The deadline trades the Mets made last season did not work out.

I just hate the way David Stearns brings up a pitcher, lets him pitch one game, and then immediately sends him back to the minors.  I never know who is still on the team.  This action will hurt a player's professional development.

Yesterday, I engaged in an online chat with Gary, who was the Court Officer, when I was on jury duty in October 2010.  I am surprised he remembered me.

According to Blogger, Bruce's Journal has received over 10 million hits.  I just don't know how many of those are from bots. An entry I wrote about approaching my birthday in April 2017 received over 300 hits in one day.  Those have to be from bots.

Royals 16 Mets 12

 

Oy vey.  What happened to the Mets' pitching?  First of all, I don't understand the concept of an "opener" when a relief pitcher starts the game and is taken out after one inning.  Cionel Perez was the opener for the Mets last night and just pitched one inning.  He was relieved by Kodai Senga, who was  a disaster as he gave up 4 runs in 3 innings.  The Mets had a 9-4 lead at the end of 4 innings, but Austin Warren gave up 5 runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at 9.  Matt Seelinger made his major league debut after 9 years in the minors and gave up 7 runs in 2 innings.  The hitting came through, scoring 12 runs, but what good is that when the pitching gives up 16 runs?

Tyler Tolbert of the Royals set an MLB record getting hits in 12 straight plate appearances.

Game Recap

Happy 86th Birthday to Ringo Starr

 

I have saluted Ringo on his birthday several times in the past.  For this year, I am featuring the Beatles version of Boys where Ringo sings lead.  The Shirelles had the original version of  Boys in the early 1960s.  

17 Years of the Fans of Cousin Bruce Morrow Page on Facebook

 

Yesterday, I received a message from Facebook stating it was the 17th anniversary of my starting the Fans of Cousin Bruce page.  I never remembered the exact date that I started it.  Since that time, 14,400 people have joined the group.  The overwhelming majority are lurkers, as relatively few post there.  Thankfully, there have been very few inappropriate posts over the years.  Cousin Bruce also set up his Official Friendship Page, which has 85,000 members.

Random Thoughts on July 4, 2026

 

• I remember my friend Mike H from CCNY had  birthday barbecues from 1969-71
• Happy Birthday to my grandnephew, Teddy Shapiro, who lives in northern California
• We live in a culture enamored by celebrity weddings.  I think the excitement over Prince Charles's wedding to Diana in 1981 was greater than that of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
• On July 4, 1976, I was living in New Brunswick, NJ.  There were more activities for the Bicentennial than the 250th anniversary today.

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

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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.