Sports Rap

 


Hey, MLB, major-market usually wins World Series...

In Memoriam
“Rollie”
My Dad from Nova Scotia, Canada
1930 to 2022
  He’s smiling down from heaven.
I just wish I could have watched these games with him...

(Tap the Scores, then the Gameday tab in the MLB app for best viewing, without charge, on the cheap.  Another option is 880AM, ESPN, in New York (not for every game), or WNYW Fox 5, in New York [free, over-the-air broadcast, or cable].  Here’s the schedule.  Journal is in reverse chronological order.)

Game 7 tonight in Toronto, decides the whole shebang.  “I think I got a bit ahead of myself yesterday.  I thought the Jays had it won already.  Too cocksure.” “Toronto is doing really well though.  I’m surprised they got this far.”  “Dad, next year is the World Cup.” “If I’m still here.”  “You will be.”  “To god’s ear.  Watching Canada struggle is tough to watch.  I’m more a soccer fan anyway.”  “Remember we saw Pélé?”  “Yes, with the Cosmos.”  “You still remember.”  “Old memories stay with me.  I can’t remember where I put my slippers...”  Bottom of the 3rd, Toronto hits a homer with two men on, 3-0.  “That’s a relief.”  “Sure is.  That could be the margin of victory.”...  “You were saying something about L.A. being a major market?”  “That’s right, dad.  They have the most money, first in salary in the Majors, so they get the best players.  Yankees are fourth in total salary, Toronto is seventh.  The Jays win on heart essentially.”  “Gees, how do you know this, about salary?”  “Researching my blog.”  LA brings in a run on a sac fly, 3-2 Toronto.  “Dad, before you reach for the blood pressure meds, see if the Jays can get an insurance run or two.”  “This game sure gets exciting.”  And what do you know, Toronto gets an insurance run on a double by their weak-hitting shortstop.  LA has six outs to produce two runs, or Canada is the world champions in baseball.  “What do you think, Dad?”  “I’m debating going to bed, too exciting.”  “Suit yourself, but I think they can definitely win this.”  LA homers, top of the 8th, Toronto ahead 4-3...  “Tell me how it goes.”.  Extra innings, a LA homer, top of the 9th, bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, one out, Toronto cannot bring in the winning run...  Another homer from LA, great catch by LA outfielder stops Canadian victory.  “Sorry, dad.”  “It’s just a game.”  11/01/25

Game 6 in Toronto with the Blue Jays ahead 3 games to 2.  If they win tonight, Toronto is the World Champions.  “I already think the Jays have this won.” “I agree.”  May have spoke too soon, Jays down by two runs, 1-3 in the top of the 6th.  Top of the 8th, LA with bases loaded, strikes out for the 3rd out, still 3-1 Dodgers.  “What do you think, Dad?” “I’m going to bed, it’s been a long day.  It’s just a game.” “Thanks for everything, Dad.”  Jays fall short, 2nd and 3rd on base, none out in the 9th, then a flyout and a double play.  Saturday in Toronto decides the Series.  “Best ever Dad.”  10/31/25.

Game 5 in LA tonight, after the Blue Jays tying the series last night, the deciding game will now be in Toronto...  First two batters for Toronto hit homers.  Jays ahead 2-0, top of the 1st inning.  “Do you believe that, Dad?”  “Unbelievable.”...  Bottom of the 2nd, Jays starting pitcher, Trey Yesavage, strikes out the side.  He looks really sharp tonight...  Just as I write that, LA hits a homer with no one on, bottom of the 3rd, 2-1, Toronto...  Top of the 4th, triple, then a sacrifice fly, 3-1, Blue Jays...  Top of the 7th, Toronto scores 2 runs, now 5-1, Jays.  “I think Toronto has this one, Dad.”  “I agree.”...  Top of the 8th.  “Hey, Dad, this could be the Series.  LA has six outs, they lose, Jays just need to win one of two at home.  Canada is in.”  “I sure hope so...”  Jays now lead 6-1 in the 8th.  Yesavage relieved by the bullpen after 12 strikeouts with 7 innings pitched, the 22-year old had a great night...  “Dad, watch the rest of the game, it’s kinda early to go to bed.  Bask iGame 6 in Toronto with the Blue Jays ahead 3 games to 2.  If they win tonight, Toronto is the World Champions.  “I think the Jays have this won.” “Not too early to say?”  10/31/25.

n Canadian victory.”  “I’m really surprised.  We’re not known for baseball at all.  I’d call my brother, but...”  “Sorry, dad.”  Final 6 to 1, Jays, with the margin of victory by the third pitch of the entire game.  Blue Jays lead the World Series, 3 games to 2, the championship to be decided in Toronto, Friday or Saturday.  10/29/25.

Game 4 tonight in Los Angeles, with LA having a 2-1 lead in the late October, World Series.  Last night’s 18-inning win for LA must have left both teams spent...  Me and my dad are hoping last night’s marathon didn’t break Toronto’s will, or competitive spirit.  We’ll be watching the game from our side-by-side barcaloungers with a TV dinner table in the middle, where there’s two bottles of high blood pressure meds, and two glasses of water.  We don’t drink suds...  LA ahead 1-0 on a sacrifice fly.  Into the top of the 3rd with Guerrero, their home run hitter, up 3rd in the lineup.  And what do you know?  Guerrero delivers with a home run blast to left center, and a man on, Toronto ahead 2-1...  Toronto getting it done tonight, singling in another run, up 3-1 in the top of the 7th, and another, 4-1, Jays, now 5-1, Blue Jays, yet another in the 4-run 7th, 6-1, and looking real good for O’ Canada.  Dad”s happy, I’m happy, a fine day in sport.  A great day in sport, Toronto is walking away with this one, going into the 9th, 6-1.  Ya gotta believe!  “I’m going to bed.”  “Dad, take your blood pressure pill.”  “Tell me how it goes.”  “Okay, dad.”...  LA keeping it interesting, score a run, 6-2, Toronto, and that’s the final...  “ Hey, dad, Toronto evened the Series!”  “No way!”  For my dad, and even more so for me, careers, city, and national pride were at stake.  It was more than just a game.  10/28/25.

Tonight at 8pm, the two-nation World Series resumes in Los Angeles, tied one game apiece.  “This game gets so intense, I can’t watch it start to finish.”  “Me, too, Dad, well, we’re Canadian, much pride is at stake...”  Bottom of the 1st, LA leads-off with a double, but the side is retired...  Top of the 2nd.  Jays single, then runner gets picked off at first base..sp.  Bottom of the 2nd, LA homers with none on, 1-0, Dodgers.  “Dad, you want your high-blood pressure meds?”  Toronto gets out of the inning after pitching two strikeouts.  “No, that’s okay...”  Bottom of the 3rd, LA hits a second homer, none on base.  “Now, I need a glass of water, and one of these.”  “Sure, Dad”...  Man on second singled home, but thrown out at the plate.  To the top of the 4th, we go, walk, single, and a 3-run homer, 3-2 Toronto lead.  Sacrifice fly brings in another run, 4-2, Jays.  Can’t count ’em out, lotsa action”...  Bottomm of the 5th, LA ties the game at 4...  Shortstop to 1st base to 3rd base for the final out of the 6th, nice play, Jays...  May not have to go to extra innings, power-hitter Guerrero scores from 1st on a single, wow!  Toronto leads 5-4, top of the 7th.  Bottom of the 7th, Dodger home run, score tied...  Bottom of the 9th, score tied.  “I’m going to pack it in.  This is too intense.  Tell me how it goes.”  “Okay, Dad...”  Going into extra innings, score tied at 5...  “Hey, Dad, bases loaded, 2 outs, couldn’t bring in the run.  I’m going to bed.” “We’ll find out in the morning.  It’s just a game...”  “Dad, walk-off homer in the 18th, LA.”  “No!  Too bad.”  “But like you said, ‘it’s just a game.’  Canada is a major league underdog.”  10/27/25.

1-0 Dodgers, bottom of the 2nd.  I hope Toronto takes the lead, and keeps it, this could be a real nail-biter, three hours worth.  Dad agrees...  Bottom of the third, sacrifice fly brings home the tying run.  Blue Jays are back in it...  Not much offense on either side, six hits altogether going into the 6th, with the heart of the lineup (Guerrero) coming up for the Jays...  L.A. homers with no one on base, and again, top of the 7th, 3-1, Dodgers.  The Jays have nine outs to win this...  Top of the 8th, Dodgers get 2 more runs, no extra bases, 5-1.  That’s the final, 5-1.  The Series is tied at 1, Monday is game 3 in Los Angeles.  For L.A., Yamamoto retired his last 20 batters, to pitch a complete game (without any relief pitcher from the bullpen).  “There is no crying in baseball.” —Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own.  10/25/25.

The Jays load the bases in the bottom of the 1st inning, but cannot capitalize.  We’re going to the top of the 2nd in Toronto, no score...  Dodgers get on the board first, with a one-out single...  Bases loaded for the Dodgers.  See how the Blue Jays manage this, would be an easy double-play ball at any base, with a grounder.  Strikeout, two men down.  Groundout, Toronto gets out of the inning...  I keep telling my guys, wait for your pitch, just get it in play, don’t swing for the fences.  “That’s my son...”  In the top of the 3rd, the Dodgers score a run.  So far, Toronto is struggling, a bit...  Well, they were struggling.  Bottom of the 4th, single, then a homer, game tied at 2!...  “What do you think, Dad?”  My Dad would say something like: “I thought it was getting out of reach for Toronto...”  LA shortstop up, hear cries of: “No batter, no batter, batter can’t hit.” (Shortstop singles.)...  Toronto’s Guerrero is up third this inning.  He’s already singled and walked, when you’re known as the Franchise, you produce...  Of note here: bottom of the 6th, bases loaded, none out, c’mon Blue Jays!  Get it done!  3 runs, Toronto,5-2, ...  A pinch-hit (substitute batter) grand slam home run, 9-2.  Then a second homer, 11 to 2, CANADA!.  “Hey dad, what do you say?  Toronto broke it open.”  “Where’d we park the car, lets beat the traffic going home...”  Dodgers get a 2-run homer in the top of the 7th, to keep it interesting, 11-4...  That’s all folks!  Toronto takes game one, 11 to 4 with a 14-hit barrage.  I’m surprised Toronto is doing so well, they’re minor market compared to major market, L.A., and it’s baseball not ice hockey...  (The last time me and my dad went to a baseball game was in the 1970s.  I mostly played soccer, dad refereed the sidelines.  A friend of mine had explained baseball to me.)  10/24/25.

Friday, October the 24th in Toronto, versus the “best team money can buy,” Los Angeles, in the first game of the 2025 World Series.  O’ Canada!  The last time that Toronto went to the World Series (and won as well) was in 1992 and 1993, 32 years ago!

The entire season for Seattle and Toronto hinges on tonight’s best-of-seven game.  You got this, Canada.  Well, hmm, the Jays are struggling, and have been since the 1st inning — now, 3-1 Mariners.  This is tough for Canada fans.  I don’t even want to watch, this is grim (okay, Gaza is grim, this is just painful).  Hold everything, the Blue Jays hit a 3-run homer in the 7th to go ahead 4-3.  WOW!  WOW!  I’m speechless!!!  I think they got this one, and will be taking on the Dodgers!...  Three outs left!  To paraphrase George Carlin, or George Will, a baseball game is not over until the 27th out is tallied...  They’re in.  Canada is going to the World Series!  10/20/25.

The Blue Jays have to win this game at home to tie the best of seven series, 3-3, and then win another to make it to the World Series, and face the L.A. Dodgers.  No score at the end of the 1st inning...  Bottom of the 2nd, 2-0, Toronto!...  Bottom of the 3rd, 4-0, Blue Jays!...  Second double play against Seattle tonight, top of the fourth with bases loaded...  Top of the Fifth, a 3rd double play against Seattle — talk about baseball fundamentals...  Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., “the franchise,” with his fifth homerun of this postseason, 5-0!...  [ALCS action, Mariners with 3 errors]...  Top of the 9th, Toronto leads 6-2, we got this, Dad...  Final: 6-2 Canada!  Game 7 tomorrow, again at Toronto.  Let’s do this, Blue Jays!...  10/19/25.

A five-run eighth inning was the difference for the Mariners.  They lead the Jays, three games to two.  The next game is Sunday in Toronto at the Rogers Centre.  The Blue Jays have their work cut out for them.  10/17/25.

The Jays are still in this ALCS, leading 3 to 1 in the top of the third, bases loaded...  Bottom of the 7th, Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2.  The final score: 8 to 2, Jays, the ALCS tied at 2 games apiece.  Toronto is still in the hunt for the pennant.  Remember the ’69 Miracle Mets?  Okay, maybe not.  Next game, Friday, again at Seattle.  10/16/25.

Ah, gees, the Jays are behind by two already, in the 2nd inning of game 3 at Seattle, down 2 games to none...  Now, middle of the Sixth, 12 to 2, Toronto in a rout!...  The final 13-4, with Toronto having the game won in the Third, 5-2...  The Blue Jays are back in business, winning convincingly away at Seattle, now down two games to one...  (Following using the MLB app.)  10/15/25.

Seattle took the first game of the ACLS, 3 to 1, and they’re in the 7th of the second game, with Toronto behind 9 to 3.  (Final: 10 to 3, Seattle.)  Seattle looks to be very strong competition.  10/13/25.

Toronto walks away with the division series, 5 to 2, away at Yankee Stadium, winning three games to one.  Up next is the Seattle Mariners, in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series.  The winner there goes to the World Series.  Go Blue Jays!  10/8/25.

Yanks took game 3, 9 to 6.  With the run-up in scores, this series is not quite a pitcher’s duel.  Game 4 is Wednesday.  (880 AM radio in New York carries the game, et al.)  10/7/25.

Teams down 2 to none after two games of a best-of-five series, lose the series 89% of the time.  We’ll see if Toronto can take the third of five, and wrap this up on Tuesday in New York.  10/5/25.

Toronto Blue Jays take a 2 to nothing game lead (13-7 and 10-1) over the best team money can buy, the New York Yankees!  Wait just one second, Other Letter, aren’t you a New Yorker?  Well, my dad was from Boston, think Red Sox Nation, and the curse of the bambino, and his dad was from Canada.  I am not a Yankees fan.



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We’re nearing spring training already.  Here’s a trivia question for Red Sox fans, or anyone else who’s into baseball.  What is the rally song for Beantown?  You know that one?  Then why is Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond the rally song of the Boston Red Sox?

Well, the song is about Caroline Kennedy.  The Kennedys have their Hyannisport compound, and because of JFK, they own which city to this day?  Boston — get it?  As a rally song, it works really well.  The Yankees rally song is Madonna’s Poppa Don’t Preach.  Go figure.

(My Dad was from Boston.  This is a Boston-New York rivalry thing, from 1920 — Boston went minor market with Babe Ruth’s exit — and the Curse of the Bambino.)

Live report.  Super Bowl LIX (59) doesn’t look good for Kansas City Chiefs fans.  At halftime, the score is 24-0 Philadelphia Eagles.  KC’s Quarterback Mahomes is not invincible so far; he’s been sacked three times, and threw an interception for a touchdown, and another one deep in KC territory that was converted for a touchdown.  The time of possession has been in Philly’s favor (twenty minutes to ten), they’ve mostly had the ball on offense.

Okay, halftime, and Kendrick Lamar brings his hypnotic rap music.  I’ll be honest, I’ll take Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, or Marvin Gaye, over rap (except only Wonder is alive).  The latter understood music theory, rappers don’t seem to know much about melody, and harmony.  Samuel L. Jackson was fun to watch as emcee (master of ceremonies).  It was an impressive production, except for the music.  I’m an old guy.

The Nike women empowerment commercials were progressive, enjoyable.

Back to the game: field goal, Philadelphia, they lead 27-0.  KC was the favorite going into the game, and Philly the underdog, so this lopsided score in favor of the Eagles was not at all expected.  What do sports writers do when nature calls: 34-0, Eagles, somehow...

The Chiefs get on the scoreboard (took awhile), 34-6.

The Eagles make a field goal from 48 yards, 37-6.  It’s been a long night for Chiefs fans.  The KC three-peat may be out of reach.

Chiefs turnover the ball on a sack.  This has been the pattern: Mahomes scrambles out of the pocket for the big yardage gain, playing defensive catch up football.  Then these high-risk maneuvers resulted in sacks, or turnovers like interceptions.

The Eagles field goal kicker puts another one, this time 50-yards, right between the uprights, 40-6, Philadelphia.

I don’t know if I should gloat, but I wanted the Eagles to win, and the Chiefs didn’t really show up.  They fell so flat.  This Super Bowl wasn’t really close.  Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, retires with two Super Bowl rings, not three.

The Chiefs try to keep it interesting with a touchdown, two-point conversion successful, 40-14, Eagles.

Mahomes shows off his arm and connects with his wide receiver, sixty yards away, two-point successful, 40-22.  Too little, too late.

(I’m watching on Tubi.)  2/09/25.

Trump will be the first sitting President to attend the Super Bowl.  Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, offensive tight-end, raised a few eyebrows when he said “it’s a great honor” to have the President in attendance.

Trump and Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, have never gotten along.  In fact, Trump said he “hates Taylor Swift,” after she endorsed Kamala Harris for President.

I get the impression that Kelce wants to stay out of the fray, and not openly comment about Trump’s contempt for Ms. Swift.  A President would be an honor, not necessarily this President though.  Kelce is thinking, no game day distractions...

If Travis Kelce wins his third consecutive Super Bowl ring, will an engagement ring for Taylor Swift be soon to follow?  Did you see Ms. Swift’s thigh pendant, a “T,” at the Grammys?  Damn!

In the National Football League, who do you like this Sunday? There’s these conference championship, elimination rounds: Washington Commanders versus Philadelphia Eagles (final, Philly, 55-23), and Buffalo Bills versus Kansas City Chiefs

Will the Chiefs three-peat in the Super Bowl?  I like underdogs, and you cannot get a bigger underdog than the Buffalo Bills, this year, or any year.  Sorry, Taylor.  (She’s dating Chiefs offensive tight end, and future Hall of Famer, Travis Kelce.)

In real time: KC 29-22, 4th, 10 minutes remaining, when it’s a really tough team, comebacks aren’t going to happen, so says I...  Final, KC 32-29...

Super Bowl 59: KC vs. Philly, February 9th; KC is a slight favorite to win.  1/25/25.

At Orchard Park today, the Buffalo Bills, at home, stopped the Kansas City Chiefs unbeaten streak at nine games.  Even though Chiefs’ Travis Kelce is a future Hall-of-Famer, and the boyfriend of Taylor Swift (America’s sweetheart), I was backing the Bills, from start to finish.  Buffalo is a minor-market, and a decided underdog, yet they were able to pull off the victory, 30 to 21.

Buffalo is a powerhouse in football this year, yet it is 81st most populous city in America.  I am surprised Buffalo gets a national stage in sports.  I am by no means disappointed, just surprised.

Salary parity is what the National Football League does better than Major League Baseball.  Kansas City is also a minor market, but check out baseball, who perennially wins?  Just look at this year’s World Series, New York, and Los Angeles, the East and West Coast giants.

(You’re probably wondering how I watch the NFL.  Do I have a cable NFL package costing hundreds of dollars every season?  Do I listen to a call of the game over the radio? : No, I watch it via an over-the-air (OTA) broadcast received with my television antenna, and it costs nothing; I have no pixelating, or static, either.

Okay, one side of my house is closest to New York City, and the TV there gets the best signal.  Plus, I use a signal amplifier, a small, inexpensive device ($10-$15) that plugs into an electrical outlet, and interfaces between the antenna coaxial line, and the TV.  It may take a little trial and error to maximize signal strength, but the result might save you hundreds of dollars per year.)

 


“Play ball!”

Here is a log of the pennant chase, and the World Series for 2024.  Also included, is why Major League Baseball would be better off with salary parity.


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