This column is eight hours late because of an electricity power outage that hit our neighborhood about thirty seconds before we were able to complete its publication. The outage then stayed with us until a few minutes ago. For this “natural” act of our humans-in-error-again ways, we neither thank nor blamc God. As Frank Sinatra used to croon, “it was just one of those things.” Stuff happens.
The World Series
It all started with a round ball that stole the heart of a great nation.
Although it won’t be with us for more than seven games, tops, baseball returns tonight on its biggest stage, the World Series. And what a relief it will be from the tedium of Houston Texans football, in which our local club has been able to turn slow and fast offensive starts in two consecutive losses by two opponents who racked up Houston foe record-setting quarter 24-point totals that sealed Houston’s demise. Last night the Steelers did by scoring 24 points in a little less than three minutes prior to the half after the Texans had taken an early 13-0 lead and seemed on their way to victory.
At least, our football locals are playing consistently with Houston professional and collegiate teams in all sports. We are famous nationally for our “almost champions” game outcomes.
All we got out of last night’s 31-24 loss by the Texans to the Steelers was the sudden realization that, if they ever make a movie about the life of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, actor Omar Epps, the current star of television’s popular “Resurrection” series, is the only choice for the role. Take a glance at these two look-alike photos:
Omar Epps
Actor
Mike Tomlin
Steelers Coach
The World Series is a whole other ticket for those of us who prefer baseball, of course. As per usual in these non-Houston events, The Pecan Park Eagle doesn’t really have a dog in this fight beyond the desire to see an exciting, well-played fight for the biggest trophy baseball has to offer. Hopefully too, it will the kind of series that allows us fans to remain in denial that baseball is about to end for late fall to early spring break of 2015. We don’t like the thought of of games involving our favorite teams will be out of reach again on a daily basis for almost five months. Although, we must add that the Comcast restriction on televised Astro games from many of us over the past two seasons has negatively vaccinated many of us from the old withdrawal symptoms. – It’s harder to miss what you’ve been denied for two whole seasons. Speaking personally, I still love the game of baseball and its history, but that ancient sandlot-born affection has nothing to do with the later idea that this marriage of affection to the sport has to include daily access to Astros games. I mean, I still like the Astros, even though I saw only one game in person in 2014. I just no longer am addicted or dependent on the idea that I have to see the Houston Astros play to enjoy baseball in so many other ways.
Who wants to be hooked on needful things?
At any rate, the World Series takes center stage in Kansas City tonight. The 8-0 American League wild card Kansas City Royals will be hosting the feisty National pennant winning San Francisco Giants in the Best 4 of 7 Games World Series – and it ought to be a lot fun. The Royals haven’t been to a World Series since they won their only one over St. Louis Cardinals back in 1985, but they are good, fast, powerful, and high-spirited. And they have been the reputation redemption of much maligned manager Ned Yost and a tribute to the success of small market city’s efforts in putting together a serious World Series contender. The San Francisco Giants, on the other hand, are a talented and scrappy team, much like the other two that manager Bruce Bochy guided to World Series victory in 2010 and 2012. To these guys, grabbing a third World Series trophy for both the City of San Francisco and manager Bochy, plus a ring for themselves is nothing less than a dedicated cause. Plus the Giants have two major historical connections to the Astros. Manager Bruce Bochy was, once upon a time, the Astros’ back-up catcher, and right fielder Hunter “Wear My Pants Above the Knees:” Pence is an ex-Astro system player who got traded away for either being too old or too expensive. I forget which dish was served for public consumption when Pence was moved to Philadelphia, before later coming to te Giants.
At any rate, it’s here. So, we hope you get home today in time to watch it from the start. And don’t forget to call in your order a delivery pizza. This is no night to eat out or cook.
Long live baseball! – And may the 2014 season finale have a full seven games left in its tank!
The Pecan Park Eagle 
October 22, 2014 at 11:27 am |
Looks like the Royals might need Brett and Saberhagen to suit up.
October 23, 2014 at 2:26 am |
The 1985 I-70 Series was especially memorable for us. We were privileged to be invited by Gov. John Aschroft to join him and others to board a train in KC and make “whistle stops” across the state to St. Louis ! Our good friends, Jerry & Vivian Lumpe were also invited to come along—Jerry had played for the old KC A’s and Bill had been with the KC Blues when they were the AAA club of the Yankees as well as having been with the Cardinals in 1955.
It was great fun traveling across the state and seeing all of the fans cheering for their favorite team at each stop!
It should be a good series and though we are quite fond of Bruce Bochy, ( he was with the Astros when Bill managed them) we have to say: Go Royals!