They said it would be warmer. I was thinking early 60’s, a lovely spring night. Then I heard it was going to be windy. So, there I was with four layers sitting in low 50’s weather with the wind blowing. It felt like the temperature was in the 30’s. At least that was my impression. I’m just recovering from a bad cold that my doctor told me on Friday might be “pneumonia.” A cold night in Philadelphia, indeed, but I had to observe Jackie Robinson Day in a ballpark.

These are my impressions of the rather short night.

Jackie Robinson Day

Remember, I planned to go south in the early part of the season and avoid the cold northeast. I slightly amended my plan because of the Jackie Robinson Remembrance.

Los Angeles would have been a better choice. Jackie was a Dodger, and it would be warm in L.A. However, I tied my L.A. trip to the series in Mexico so I couldn’t go in mid-April as well. Philadelphia seemed easy – I could drive. The Mets were playing the Phillies, why not go?

I needed to remember and celebrate Jackie Robinson in a ballpark, finally. My last post “My Father and Jackie Robinson’s First Game” should have made it clear how special I think Jackie is. I had to see everyone wearing the same number 42. And I had to join the baseball community and pay my respects.

I didn’t drive. I wanted something easier. So, instead, I used some points to fly to Baltimore and drive up to Philadelphia. Baltimore is much more affordable than Philly, and it’s an easy drive to and from. Moreover, I would offset the cost of my rental car by losing a night in a hotel. I was so happy I made that choice. Driving six hours from Rochester to Philadelphia while recovering from pneumonia would not have worked well at all.

It’s a beautiful sight. Tonight, the out of town scoreboard that lists the probable pitchers by number only contains the number 42. Oddly, all except for Los Angeles which is showing a number 22. Obviously, a mistake, but I’m standing there saying “WTF Kershaw.”

Then the players appear wearing number 42 with no names on their backs. We are all equal, no? Honorable mention goes to Bryce Harper who wore UCLA (Jackie’s alma mater) Bruins accessories.

All in all, I was moved.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an interesting place to celebrate Jackie’s debut. After all, in 1947, Philadelphia was managed by the notorious Ben Chapman. Chapman’s insulting taunts were awful, one of the few times Robinson reconsidered his no retaliation promise with Branch Rickey. When the Dodgers got to Philadelphia, Chapman was forced to make nice grudgingly. Sixty-nine years later the city apologized. ¹

Additionally, the Phillies and Philadelphia had a long history of poor relationships with the black community for a long time. In 1969 Curt Flood would not accept a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia. “The Phillies were a second division club known for their hostility toward black players.” ² He sued the league and the rest is history. Yes, Flood hated the Reserve Clause ³ and the idea of being forced to change teams, but the idea of moving to Philadelphia was galling.

The point is that times change. More importantly, people change.

It was moving to see black families happily enjoying an evening at the ballpark. I watched as they posed for pictures next to a statue of Jackie. But it was also moving to see everyone enjoy the moment. “Moving?” you likely will ask. It is the anniversary of the event that instigated the change. We celebrate the occasion together. We rejoice in it.

History Normalizes Events and Attitudes

History normalizes things. Most of us were born and raised in an integrated society; to us it is normal. To some, it may be either embarrassing or insulting to remember those bad days. It was so long ago.

Really, how long ago?

• It’s the 72nd anniversary of Jackie breaking the color barrier. Roughly the same for the integration of the armed services by Harry Truman.
• It’s 65 years since Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954
• 62 years since the Montgomery bus boycotts
• 56 years since the Letter from the Birmingham Jail and the March on Washington
• 54 years since the Voting Rights Act
• 51 years since Martin Luther King’s assassination
• 48 years since the forced busing decisions

I could go on, but clearly, the days of segregation were a long time ago.

But think about it this way. The so-called “Gentleman’s Agreement” that segregated baseball can be traced to 1887. Segregation was a 60-year tradition that was as normal then as integration is now. Yet the practice ended. And when it broke, there was a tidal wave of other changes that followed.

However, I sense that in hindsight we assume that integrating baseball was a fait accompli. That we just needed a Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson to come along to make everything right. I don’t think so.

What if the player chosen wasn’t a great player? Robinson was. What if the player selected didn’t understand the mission and had overtly challenged the forces of resistance? Robinson understood his task. What if the player chosen couldn’t handle the pressure? Robinson could. What if the player selected didn’t draw fans and make the owners money? Robinson did.

That’s what made me emotional. Segregation didn’t have to end. We have Jackie Robinson to thank for the world we live in.

Citizens Bank Park

I like it! It’s a bandbox, but I like it. The promenade around the stands is fun. The food selections in “Ashburn Alley” are good. I love “The Yard” where kids can play in a small version of the stadium. There is leg room between the rows – so much room that I, frankly, couldn’t believe it.

The scoreboards are where scoreboards should be. They provide great information.

The stadium is not too loud, it’s not too quiet.

The fans seem to know what’s going on. It appears to be a community. As I was hunkered down under my four layers of clothes trying to stay warm, I heard a woman yelling behind me. It’s her grandmother’s birthday. Grandma is sitting there under a few blankets looking like she may have been a young adult when Jackie broke in. The woman asks us to all sing happy birthday, and we do. Fun!

Bryce Harper

Don’t tell anyone, but I like Bryce Harper. I’m not sure he’s worth the money they paid for him. He is a bit full of himself, and he isn’t Mike Trout, but I like him. It was a cold night, a lot of empty seats, but not in right field, where Harper plays. Those seats seemed full. I enjoyed Bryce charging out to right, his dramatic bow and then pumped fists inciting the fans.

I also like that when I watch him hit, I see a little bit of Babe Ruth. He starts with his feet back in the box and as the pitch comes in and he starts to swing, his entire body flows into the act.

Finally, I like his commitment. A few years ago, we saw the Nats – with Bryce – play the Mets in Spring Training. It’s the seventh inning. All the starters have hit the showers. To quote Bob Dylan “as the crowd thinned out, (and) I’s just about to do the same.” ⁴ Yet, there’s Bryce, still in right field. I’ll never forget that.

The Great Hot Dog Challenge

I’m trying to watch my weight, so I’m trying to be careful. However, I did commit to testing a hot dog in each ballpark. So, I need to find a unique one that fits my criteria. I also need a Cheesesteak. I mean we’re In Philadelphia – how can I not get a cheesesteak. Also, how many ballparks ensure that the food they are known for is in the park? Rhetorical question, we’ll find out this summer.

I have two cheesesteak choices – both in Ashburn Alley. Ashburn Alley is the section along the left field side that opens early for people to hang out, take their kids to “The Yard” and stuff their faces with unhealthy things that make one glad to be alive. My choices are either Tony Luke’s or Campo’s Steaks.⁵ I chose Campo’s and got the basic cheesesteak. Steak, provolone and grilled onions on a delicious bun. I loved it.

The Hot Dog is from the “Boardwalk Eats” section. Instead of the “Phillies Frank,” I choose the “South Philly Dog” a dog with “sharp provolone, roasted red peppers, and broccoli rabe. Is broccoli rabe a south Philly thing?

The South Philly Dog isn’t bad – the broccoli rabe provides a bitter counterpoint to the sweet red peppers. It comes on a doughy, crusty bun. Complaints? The dog isn’t crispy enough for my taste, the bun is a bit too big, so it overwhelms the dog, I couldn’t taste the cheese, and there is only yellow mustard. Not bad, I would do it again. I’m ranking it slightly behind Washington’s offering.

The Game

Yes, there was a game. Possibly due to to the cold, the Aaron Nola – Noah Syndergaard matchup did not materialize into a great pitching duel. Nola is still trying to locate his breaking pitches and gave up five runs in four innings. Syndergaard was dominant in the first inning but gave up a three-run lead in the second and another two-run lead in the third. He was gone after five innings.

The Mets finally won in the eleventh on a Rhys Hoskins error. By then I was back at the hotel, having hung up my authentic Jackie Robinson jersey that no one saw since it was the second of four layers.

I’m glad I went to Citizens Bank Park but I need to go back when it’s sunny. After all, there is a cheesesteak from Mr. Luke’s to try. Next stop is two games in sunny Florida, one in Miami and the other in Tampa Bay. I’m guessing I’ll be able to watch more ball there.

On Thursday, many teams played their first game with 161 more to go. I visited the first stadium of 30 I will see this season. My story recounts the day – the glory of opening day, the National’s odd legacy “The Tale of Two Cities,” and my first installment in the “great hot dog debate”. Yes, I also had visions of the “Swinging Friar.”

When designing my travel schedule, I originally didn’t consider going anywhere on Opening Day, but how could I not go? I couldn’t say I did it all (baseball-wise) if I didn’t go to Opening Day. Then I saw that my Metsies were playing the Nationals in Washington and I like Washington. Most importantly, I knew in November that the Mets opening against the Nationals likely meant a Scherzer vs. DeGrom encounter. That could not be missed! And long after I purchased my ticket I found out my pitching matchup hunch was right.

Opening Day – Morning:

5:00 AM Rochester International Airport – TSA Pre Check Line

I’m in the security line when I pass a priest (maybe a monk – but in Rochester? Do we have monks?). He’s decked out in full regalia (no offense intended) in a full cassock, skull cap, big cross, and rosary beads. I’m only thinking about baseball. Thus, my first thought is:

“He must be heading to a San Diego Padre’s game dressed like their mascot the “Swinging Friar¹.” All I have is my Nats hat and my camera. What if he plans to go to all the stadiums dressed like the home team’s mascot? That’s more than I’m doing.”

5:15 AM Rochester International Airport, Gate B1

I realize I’m going incognito, I’m a Mets fan in a Nationals cap. I bought the hat last year during a family outing to a Nats game and a weekend in DC. That was when I was trying the slow approach to “collect ballparks.”

At the gate I see the usual — a few Yankee hats but no Mets gear. How do I explain if asked? “Going to Opening Day? Are you a Nats fan?” Do you think they will play the Yankees in the series?”

“Actually no, I’m a Mets fan going to DC for the game. I’m wearing the cap because my goal is to get a selfie in the home team’s cap at every major league stadium. I have a blog, and I’m raising money for youth baseball.”

7:00 AM Delta Sky Club LaGuardia Terminal C

I’m eating the standard hard-boiled eggs and bagel surrounded by business people and vacationers. The business people are talking on phones and pounding keys on their laptops. I used to do that – might do so again. Today I don’t miss it and wonder how many of them want to join me at the ball game instead of doing business.

11:30 AM Outside Nationals Park

I can’t do it. My misgivings started when I saw all the fans at the L’Enfant Plaza metro station. Most were in Nationals attire, but a significant few were wearing Mets shirts and hats. Today, I’m not representing appropriately. I don’t feel like I am part of my tribe. I can’t greet my brothers and sisters and wish them luck for the season in a Nats cap. I’m somewhat embarrassed, somewhat ashamed of myself.

Luckily I pass a street vendor selling Nats and Mets caps for $10. The caps have a tab back so I can expand the Mets one to fit over my original Nationals one.

Other than taking my ritual selfie with the Nats cap, I spend most of the day, wearing two hats. I have no place to put the Nats hat except on my head, so I cover it with the Mets cap. The sight draws attention. “So, you’re a Mets fan, but live in Washington?” Or “you’re a fan of both teams, how is that possible?” I explain:

“Actually no, I’m a Mets fan, only in DC for the game. I’m wearing the cap because my goal is to get a selfie in the home team’s cap at every major league stadium. I have a blog, and I’m raising money for youth baseball.”

The explanation is getting redundant, but the spectacle enables me to pass out a few cards and maybe garner a few more followers – all is good.

Later, on the way out, I pass the vendor who sold me the Mets cap. “I remember you,” he says. I express my thanks, “you saved my day.” I’m superstitious, wearing the Nats cap may have jinxed the Mets season and my journey. He’s my mythical angel.

Opening Day – The Day Before

To prep for Opening Day, I am thinking about three things – the bliss of Opening Day, the history of the two cities that spawned the Nationals, and hot dogs.

Opening Day

“There is no sports event like Opening Day for beating back the forces of darkness and the National Football League.”

George Vecsey ²

Previously, I wrote that life begins anew when the pitchers and catchers report to spring training. While that is true, spring training only happens because of the impending baseball season. Spring training is only the first sign that winter is over and that it’s time for baseball. Opening Day confirms our spring training thoughts, that the sun will shine, and all things will be good again. Or, when things aren’t good, you can endure the hardship at a ballgame with a beer and a dog.

Moreover, Opening Day is a time of optimism. On day one, anyone’s team has a chance to win it all. Everyone is undefeated and the future is bright.

Baseball is glorious and Opening Day is rebirth:

“In our sun-down perambulations, of late, through the outer parts of Brooklyn, we have observed several parties of youngsters playing “base,” a certain game of ball … Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our close rooms … the game of ball is glorious.”

– Walt Whitman, from the 23 July 1846 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle ³

Baseball is back in all its glory. I am partial, but the first game of the NFL, NBA or NHL is just that – a first game. Opening Day of the baseball season is rebirth, time to enjoy the summer’s warm air and relish in the optimism.

Washington and Montreal: The Tale of Two Cities

The Misery Index

Despite many great players and some successful seasons, the Nationals represent a long history of sad baseball. Depending on how you calculate it, the Nationals heritage includes two cities and four to six franchises. Over 160 years they have won only one major league championship, and that was 95 years ago. To be fair, their Montreal antecedents won some minor league championships. However, so did the precursor to the major league San Diego Padres and their fans long for more as well.

Think of it this way. The last time a Washington team played in the World Series was during the summer before my father was born. He lived for 86 years without seeing a team from Washington or Montreal in the World Series.

This history is why The Atlantic listed the Nationals third on the “Fans Misery Index.” They are behind only the Padres (yes those Padres) and the Mariners.

Washington’s Sad Baseball Legacy

Before the musical “Damn Yankees” George Washington was considered “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” The play transformed the saying to describe the Washington Senators’ sad legacy. The Senators were “first in war, first in peace and last in the American League.” ⁴

Unfortunately, the current version of the Washington Nationals has continued to disappoint somewhat. Even though they have won four NL East titles, they have never won a playoff series. They are also the city’s third franchise (possibly fourth depending on how you classify the 1901 incarnation).

A Brief Washington Chronology

Consider this brief history:

• 1892 – 1899: The Washington Senators play in the National League until the league reduces from 12 teams to eight.
• 1901: The Senators join the new American League. I’m not sure why this team is not counted as the second Washington franchise.
• 1905: The “Senators” change their name to the “Nationals”, but everyone continues to call them the Senators.
• 1925: The lowly Senators win their only World Series
• 1926: They win their last pennant but lose the Series.
• 1955: The aforementioned “Damn Yankees” opens on Broadway and becomes a hit. Note that the play references the “Senators” even though the team name has been the “Nationals” for 30 years.
• 1956: The Nationals officially change their name to the Senators but continue to play in front of increasingly fewer fans.
• 1960: The Senators move to Minnesota and become the Twins. ⁵
• 1961: Version two (three? see 1901) of the Senators replaces the first one (second?) but is not successful either.
• 1972: After eleven years of difficulty, the team moves to Arlington and becomes the Texas Rangers.
• 1972 – 2005: The city tries to lure a new franchise to the capital. ⁶
• 2005: Washington’s third (fourth?) franchise is born when the ownerless Montreal Expos move to the capital and become the Nationals. They play in a new stadium, and the team is popular.
• 2005 – 2018: Although winning many games, and four division championships, the Nationals never win a playoff series.

Montreal – A Prouder Tradition?

Others may disagree, but my read is that Montreal has a prouder tradition than Washington but ultimately suffered a similar fate.

Montrealers started playing baseball in 1860. They formed the Montreal Base Ball Club (MBBC) in the 1870s and an amateur league in 1898. ⁷

Professional ball started in 1897 when a minor league team from Rochester, NY moved to Montreal and became the Royals. After disbanding in 1917, the Royals reformed in 1928. They soon started affiliations with major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers. ⁸

In 1933 and 1934 the Royals were the AA Affiliate of the Philadelphia Athletics.⁹ Then in 1937, they became the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.¹⁰ In 1939 they started their famous association with the Brooklyn Dodgers, serving as their top farm team through 1960. Between 1935 and 1958 the Royals played in 11 league championships winning seven of them.

As you can imagine, the Royals’ association with the Dodgers enable Montreal to host many future hall of fame members. Campanella, Robinson, Drysdale, Snider, and many more greats (including Roberto Clemente) played in Montreal and thus offered the city a great brand of baseball. I didn’t know that Clemente played in the Dodgers organization. Talk about the one that got away!

The Montreal Expos

Due to baseball’s continued popularity in Montreal, the Expos were formed in 1969 as the Leagues expanded. Their history is fraught with inadequate financial and municipal support. However, they were able to develop and acquire a stable of excellent ballplayers and future hall of famers. These include Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Tim Raines.

Although it took ten years to achieve their first winning record, the Expos won 95 games in 1979. In 1980 they almost won the National League East and in 1981 came within one game of the World Series.¹¹

After an uneven rest of the 1980s, the Expos developed another strong team. In 1994, they had the best record in baseball (74 – 40) when the players went on strike. Since the strike canceled the rest of the season, playoffs and World Series, the Expos’s never capitalized on their strong team. The strike discouraged fans and attendance dwindled. Ten years later the Expos moved to Washington.

Montreal is now in the barren, baseball purgatory that Washington was in for 32 years. They are lobbying for a new team to play in their city.

Hope Springs Eternal – A New Start?

Despite the sad history and losing Bryce Harper to free agency, many still predict them to do well in 2019. Most think they are better than the Phillies who engaged the priceless (“bryceless“) one for the next 13 seasons. I think they are right.

The Nationals have pitching, Victor Robles, Juan Soto, and two new catchers. The Phillies are good, but I think they’re overrated. Sure, they have made many additions, more than just Harper. But winning the offseason doesn’t always mean you will win a pennant.

Opening Day – Reactions to the Game

Tale of Two Pitchers

”There are opening day pitchers, and pitchers who start on opening day.”

– Roger Craig¹³

What many misunderstand is that a great pitching matchup is like a “Mano a Mano” heavyweight fight. Each pitcher goes out to outdo the other with as few pitches as possible. The fans anticipate who will get hit first, possibly “knocked out” of the game.

I don’t know if today’s game was the greatest Opening Day pitching matchup, but it was impressive and record-breaking.

I have nothing but respect for Max Scherzer. Scherzer is relentless as he storms around the mound like a bull, breathing steam out of his nose. Today he was no different. He dominated the Mets striking out 12. However, the Mets were able to plate two – one in the first and one in the eighth.

Jacob DeGrom is brilliant, but today in a less commanding way than Scherzer. DeGrom pitched six shutout innings, striking out 10. However, he faced more challenges than Scherzer, as he had to deal with more men in scoring position. He was able to keep the hitters off balance with an assortment of pitches including his amazing fastball and changeup.

For the record, today’s game was the first time in almost 50 years that both opening day starters struck out at least ten men.¹⁴ DeGrom also extended his streak of consecutive games allowing three or fewer runs. He’s now at thirty and passed Jake Arrieta for the most in history. ¹⁵

Robinson Cano

The Mets acquired Robinson Cano for his power bat and leadership. Mets fans question how much he has left. Today he proved his worth:

1. He homered off Scherzer in the first to give the Mets the early lead – all that was needed.
2. He singled in the eighth to produce the Mets’ second run and the insurance they needed.
3. Most important, he was “pivotal” (pardon my pun) in the 5-4-2-5 double play that ended the third inning and the Nationals’ biggest threat. It’s worth reading Anthony DiComo’s piece about Cano’s day and this play

The Great Hot Dog Debate

A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.

– Humphrey Bogart ¹⁶

I’ve decided to taste and rank hot dogs from each ballpark this summer.

In the next few days I will post the rules for the “contest”, but in the meantime lets discuss Washington’s entry.

I tried the “BANH MI” Hot Dog from Haute Dogs and Fries. The “BANH MI” is a beef dog on a grilled New England style bun, with sriracha mayo that is topped with a Vietnamese style slaw made from Jalapeños, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro.

I found it to be quite good, a nice way to open the hot dog season. The dog had a nice crunch, the grilled bun had a wonderful buttery taste and the slaw was nice and spicy. A refreshing change from the traditional sauerkraut.

However, Haute Dogs and Fries loses points because their signs don’t describe the dog choices. It would be nice to review the menu and know what you are ordering without having to ask. Imagine how many times the counter people had to explain what the “BANH MI” was. Also, the service was slow. They had a great group of people handling the orders but only one cashier.

Opening Day – Midnight:

I fall into bed roughly seventeen hours after I left home on this wonderful day.

The Mets and Nationals have 161 games to go. I have 29 more ballparks and 40 more stops to go. Can’t wait. Philadelphia is next on April 15th.

”The game of ball is glorious”

Walt Whitman