“Fall Frenzy” began in the fall of 2020 – the worst year ever. It was a marketing ploy by Major League Baseball to drum up interest in the playoffs after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in the spring. The season had been shortened to sixty games, beginning in late July. Recall, games were then played with cardboard cutouts representing fans, real people, who were still not allowed to congregate.
I wrote about it, here, on WordPress. Additionally, I’ve written many posts about baseball and my attachment to it, and my brother. How he, me, and baseball are intertwined.
Baseball: impossible to predict, always to love.
61*: Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and one magical summer
Games We Used To Play: book review
Four Years
have passed since the Fall Frenzy of 2020. Overall – for me – they have not been good years. My brother died, in April, from complications of LONG COVID.
That first year of Fall Frenzy, Jack and I were planning on getting together if the Dodgers and Yankees made it to the World Series. Neither did – so we didn’t – get together. Later that year he contracted the virus at a wedding gathering and was hospitalized, in December, after he collapsed.
Jack wrote about his COVID “long haul” right up until the end.
I am here now, still; and it’s Fall Frenzy time again. Moreover, the LA Dodgers and the New York Yankees are in the mix. Words, I lack, to express how I feel. I miss him.
Last Monday his daughters and I chatted, on-line, as the games were played. All day long! However, both the Dodgers and the Yankees lost. Furthermore, it’s not looking good for either team.
This time
might be the last time. For me, too. I’ve written before about how we never know when those time’s are. Jack used to quote Vin Scully, the Dodger’s fifty-year, Hall of Fame broadcaster. Scully had a way of weaving in philosophy when he called the games. “We are all day-to-day” said Vinny, when referencing a player’s status on the injured list (IL).
This time it looks like the last time–for the Yankees. Their great super star, Aaron Judge, is hitting like he usually does in the playoffs. Which is to say not much.
He has struck out more times than any other player in history. In the playoffs. Moreover, more frequently.
Baseball, more than any other sport, is as much mental as it is physical. Yes, you must have the athletic skills; but day-to-day what happens depends upon your confidence.
In a few hours I’ll watch the Yanks take on the Kansas City Royals. The best-of-five series is tied one game apiece. Historically, the team that wins game three takes the series 80% of the time. So … it’s a big game.
If only
Jack were here. He and I have the same knowledge, history, and understanding of the game. I could call him up, and talk about the famous Yankee/Royal rivalry of the late 70’s and 80’s. The George Brett meltdown.
Furthermore, the greatness of Reggie Jackson, Mr. October. Those two went head-to-head and unlike Judge–rose to the occasion.
Maybe, “nice guys finish last” has some truth to it?
Judge is the nicest of teammates and persons. Brett and Jackson, not so much.
Nevertheless, Jack’s daughters and I are planning a trip back east, next year. to Yankee Stadium. Take in a ballgame. Yankees / Royals? maybe.
What’s wrong?
What’s wrong today is that with all that is added, something is missing. I do want to go back. To the “Good Old Days.”
Watching Fall Frenzy, 2024, live, chatting in real time with my nieces? Was? Okay, but different.
Last Christmas my brother gifted me Joe Posnanski’s book, The Baseball 100. (Via Amazon.) In it George Brett is #35, and Jackson #59. Where will Judge land?
Additionally, what is wrong is the takeover of baseball by political correctness and corporations. In my opinion.
Tuesday
I watched; and decided to track the advertisements. The postmodern stage of baseball, if you will. My word!
I began in the 4th inning of the Dodger/Padre game. There were 76 commercials–ads. Those ads pay for the game now. (See … never mind. Jack would know …)
All were corporate. Most were food/drink related. And then health related. The overall message was, “Eat, drink, & be merry”. We, the Medical, Media, and Financial Fields got your back.
Go team!
In Conclusion
I’m gonna watch Fall Frenzy today and tonight; and root for the Yankees. And be both happy and sad. Knowing it’s all just day-to-day. As always.
MAGA. “Once a upon in the west.”
I wish I had pictures of the cardboard cutouts. If you watched the Dodger/Padres game wherein the left fielder for the Padres … yeah. I miss my brother.
Mark, such a loving tribute to your brother. I did read many of his Long COVID Train posts. What a long, tough, tough journey. I’m so sorry. We’re also watching the Yankees-Padres game after watching the Mets clinch their series. I grew up a Brooklyn Dodgers fan (so not Yankees, to say the least!) and now root for the hapless Blue Jays. But I sure admire Aaron Judge for both his talent and his strength of character, so I’m happy to root for him. My husband is currently working his way through The Baseball 100, one player each morning while the coffee perks. He loves it, thanks for the recommendation. My sincere sympathies for your loss and grief. I can imagine your shared baseball experiences bringing lots of memories to the surface for the rest of your life.
Thanks, Jane. That means a lot to me. Yes, Jack, too, was a Brooklyn Dodger fan. Duke Snider was his man. Funny how brothers naturally compete. Now, his daughters and I text during the games. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book. 🙂
Morning update. both the Dodgers and Yankees won their games – so it’s looking like maybe THIS year is the year they both make it back to The Series? The NY Mets are moving on to the next round. Maybe a famous Subway Series? And Detroit?
Indeed, Fall Frenzy! We’re all “day-to-day”. Enjoy it. And you all in the Southeast – take care and watch out for each other.
All right. We’re all set.
NY Mets at LA Dodgers, Sunday.
Cleveland at the Yankees, Monday.
Best of seven, now.
It’s been good = exciting!
“Day to day.” Wise words, Mark.
I’m sorry again about your brother, but glad you got to share the experience of the playoffs with your nieces. I’m sure your brother would have appreciated that.
I have to be honest though, I’m a Mets fan. And if it ends up a Subway Series…we have been waiting 24 years for revenge.
The Yankees are favored to get there- they just have to get it done. Then, Dodgers or Mets will be so exciting! Should be great!
Always good to hear from you. I enjoyed your review of North Dallas Forty. Read way back when.
Yeah, Gladiators with pain killers. I think it’s better now. At least they get paid. (Probably too much.)
Mantle just drank, to kill the pain.
Take care of yourself.🍻👍🤞