Today's Visit to the Museum of the City of New York Was a Milestone

The COVID-19 crisis has created much unhappiness for all especially for the families of those of died from this dreadful disease.  The death total is approaching 200,000 in the United States while millions have been taken ill.  Millions of others lost their jobs or businesses during this crisis.

A secondary effect was the closing of museums and other cultural attractions.  Today we went to the Museum of the City of New York especially to see the exhibit City Game/Basketball in New York.  According to my records in this journal, I last visited this museum in October 2019.  Likely, my last visit to any museum was in February of this year.

We had to make reservations in advance and had to follow social distancing guidelines.  Fortunately, this museum offers free admission until September 14.  I gave them a donation as I support cultural institutions.

The basketball exhibition captures the excitement and evolution of this quintessentially urban game and the energy of the diverse New Yorkers who play it and love it.  It covered the sport played at the high school, college, and professional levels in NYC.  It featured players and coaches including Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Nancy Lieberman, Chris Mullin, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Nat Holman, and Red Holtzman.

We also perused some of the permanent exhibits in the museum that we saw during previous visits.

Mets Sweep Yankees in a Weird Doubleheader at Yankee Stadium

In previous years I always wrote up games that I attended in person in NYC or on vacation in other baseball cites.  Since I obviously can't do that this season I will describe selected games that I viewed on TV.

Last weekend the Yankees and the Mes were scheduled to play at Citi Field, but the series was postponed since personnel on the Mets were tested positive for COVID-19.  So a doubleheader was scheduled for last night at Yankee Stadium to make up for one of those games.  MLB determined that for this season all doubleheader games would be 7 innings.

In Game 1 the Yankees took a 4-0 lead after two innings as Met pitcher Michael Wacha was not effective.  After 5 innings the Met still trailed 4-1.  Pete Alonso hit a 3-run homer in the 6th to tie the game.  Dom Smith and Jake Marisnick homered later that inning to give the Mets a 6-4 led that held up as Edwin Diaz got his second save of the season.  Walker Lockett was the winning pitcher but was designated for assignment after the game so that Dave Peterson could be activated from the injury list to start Game 2.

In the second game, the Mets batted last even though the game was away for them.  They fell behind early 3-1 but got one run back in the 5th inning.  In the bottom of the 7th inning, Jeff McNeil walked and was replaced by pinch-runner Billy Hamilton.  Amed Rosario homered off Aroldis Chapman to win the game 4-3 for the Amazins.

The Yankees have now lost 7 in a row while the Mets are now 15-16.  What will happen next in this weird 60-game season>

Baseball Comments of the Day

Edwin Diaz got another blown save last night as the Mets lost a 4-1 lead to the Miami Marlins in the 8th inning.  Fortunately, they scored a run in the bottom of the 8th to win the game 5-4.  The Mets are now 13-16, but since 16 of the 30 teams make the playoffs, the Mets have a chance.

I am not impressed with the deals that Brodie Van Wagenen has made as GM.  Edwin Diaz is a bust, although Robinson Cano is hitting this season.  The Mets have benefited by the National League's use of the designated hitter during this short season.  I think it is about time for MLB to play under one set of rules.  The worst thing that Brodie did was to sign Jed Lowrie who has spent almost all of his time on the disabled list.

The Mets are aggressive in trying to sell season tickets for 2021.  The issue is that we don't know if the Coronavirus will disappear next year.  It is possible that games will be played with no fans in the stands or with a percentage of the stadium's capacity allowed.  Why should they hold fans' money for several months?

Most games are still over 3 hours so the rule that requires a pitcher to face 3 batters is not shortening games.  I don't care for the rule putting a runner on second base during an extra inning.  I am certain that it will only apply for this season.

Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson

It looks like I have writer's cramp again as I don't know what to report in my journal.  I certainly don't want to talk about the Republican National Convention.  Right now, I am listening to Willie's Roadhouse on SiriusXM which plays classic country music.  This station also features country crossovers like Always on My Mind and A Boy Named Sue.

Should Baseball Teams Sell Tickets for 2021 This Early?

The Mets and Yankees are already selling full and partial season tickets for 2021.  Starting next week the Mets will be selling single-game tickets.  I think it is much too early for them to do this.  The Coronavirus will not end when the calendar turns to 2021.  There could be a serious resurgence this fall.  It is quite possible that 2021 games will have to be played without fans or possibly with a fraction of the stadiums' capacity.  Why should the teams hold the fans' money for several months?

I finally received all my refunds from the Mets, but it took me a number of months and several phone calls to get them.  As I stated once before in This Journal I will have to go to the Yankee ticket office in 2021 to get an exchange.  I think it would be futile to complain to the New York Department of Consumer Affairs.  They must be swamped with people making complaints about not getting refunds.

Another thought - Is there a digital divide for people buying tickets for any kind of event.  How can you buy tickets if you don't have a computer, internet access, or smartphone?

Random Thoughts of the Day

disinfect 

I passed by Whitestone Lanes a few days ago and observed that it was still closed even though they can open on August 17.  I assume that they had to do a deep cleaning and disinfection before they can open.  They will have to disinfect the bowling balls after each customer.

I got a little grin yesterday when I found out that the woman who succeeded me at my position at my former employer left after 2 years on the job since her commute was very long.  I stuck it out there for 25 years despite a long and complicated commute.  About 18 years ago another librarian left after one year since his commute was very long.  Both traveled from South NJ.  I am New York Strong!

I agree with the restaurant owners that indoor dining should be allowed in NYC.  The infection rate here is the lowest since the pandemic began.

I am really upset that the Coronavirus hit the New York Mets.  Hopefully, the people involved are asymptomatic and play can resume soon.

Today is National Radio Day

I own this Sangean HD Radio

August 20th is National Radio Day.  I have been an avid listener of radio of different formats and methods of transmission since the early 1960s.  This includes AM, FM, HD, SiriusXM, Shortwave, and internet (streaming).  In recent years it has grown by leaps and bounds,  but the impact of traditional terrestrial radio has declined with the phenomenal growth of the internet with its multitude of streaming services and online stations.

On National Radio Day this enthusiast would like to thank all in the radio business for their devotion to their professional or avocation.  There are just so many to list, and I would want to slight anyone so I will not mention any names.  There are:

• On the air personalities
• Corporations that own radio stations
• Program Directors
• News Directors
• Hobbyists who run internet radio stations with their own funds
• Music Directors
• Engineers
• Sales Men and Women
• People involved with promotions
• Jingle producers
• Please forgive me if I have omitted anyone.

Keep up the good work!