Oscar Gamble, R.I.P.

Former major league outfielder and DH Oscar Gamble has passed away of a cancerous tumor in his jaw. He was 68.

The Alabama native was discovered by Buck O'Neil in 1968 and would be drafted by the Chicago Cubs that year making his big league debut with the club the following year at the age of 19. The Cubs traded Gamble to the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 1970 season for outfielder Johnny Callison. After spending three seasons with the Phillies, Gamble was traded to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Del Unser.

It was in Cleveland where Gamble first garnered significant notice. In his inaugural season with the Tribe in 1973, Gamble belted 20 home runs as the team's primary DH. Indeed, it was also the inaugural season of the DH. As a below average defensive outfielder, Gamble was ideally suited to the new role. Gamble gained even more notice for his long Afro and his unique use of the English language.

When Gamble was traded to the New York Yankees prior to the 1976 season for pitcher Pat Dobson he had to shear the Afro. However, he would play in his very first World Series that season. The Yankees would deal Gamble to the Chicago White Sox along with a future Cy Young Award winner in LaMarr Hoyt in exchange for a light hitting shortstop named Bucky Dent. Gamble would enjoy his best big league season with the South Side Hitmen hitting a career high 31 HR and 83 RBI on a Chisox team which won 90 games in 1977.

In 1978, Gamble signed with the San Diego Padres as a free agent. However, his offensive numbers fell to 7 HR and 47 RBI. The Padres traded Gamble to the Texas Rangers for Mike Hargrove. Gamble would split the 1979 season with the Rangers and the Yankees. His second tour of duty with the Yankees would last through 1984 during which he would appear in one more World Series in 1981. Gamble finished his big league career in 1985 with a second tour of duty with the Chisox. In 17 big league seasons, Gamble collected 1,195 hits for a .265 lifetime batting average with 200 home runs and 666 RBI.

Gamble's legacy (and hair) have been kept alive for new generations in Dan Epstein's 2010 book Big Hair and Plastic Grass, the cover of which prominently features Gamble's fro. Here is Epstein talking about his favorite player. R.I.P.

Joe Kennedy III is Nearly Half Donald Trump's Age & More Than Twice as Mature

Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III's SOTU response was a fairly boilerplate liberal speech with homages to Black Lives Matter & #MeToo. The grandson of RFK, his voice quivered as if he were on the verge of tears. With that said, at age 37, Kennedy is nearly half President Trump's age but is more than twice than mature.

I don't imagine that we will hear Kennedy accuse Ted Cruz's father for culpability in the assassination of his great uncle, refer to Latin American or African countries as "shitholes" or otherwise engage in demagoguery.

I don't know what kind of political future Kennedy has and I don't know if I would ever vote for him, but he is a better man than Donald Trump will ever be.

Seven Observations of Trump's 1st SOTU Speech

I watched President Trump's first State of the Union address. Here are six observations.

1. Many focused on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi 's stone faced (myself included), but when House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was proud to "present" President Trump he nearly said "prevent." A near Freudian slip of national proportions.

2. Trump isn't the first President to take credit for things that had nothing to do with him and won't be the last. But wages aren't growing at an all time high, he hasn't presided over the largest tax cut in history, is not responsible for Apple or Fiat Chrysler bringing jobs to the United States nor has he cut more regulations than any other President. A lot of sound and fury, but little significance.

3. For more of the speech, Trump played nice. But this was not the case where it concerns illegal immigration. He made every effort to equate illegal immigrants with MS13, drugs and murders. He's done this from the day he launched his presidential campaign and shows no signs of stopping. Demagoguery 101.

4. With regard to the opioid crisis, Trump pledged to get tough with pushers and drug dealers. But many Americans became addicted by way of their family medicine cabinet. Is Trump going to go after doctors who prescribe prescription drugs or pharmacies that distribute them? Trump prefers easy answers.

5. Trump will keep Gitmo open. This will, of course, offend Democrats. Yet for all of President Obama's talk about closing Gitmo, he never closed it. Obama was content to talk about closing Gitmo during his SOTU addresses while releasing dangerous terrorists.

6. When it came to North Korea, Trump was at his most eloquent when he spoke of the tragic death of Otto Warmbier following his release from captivity and the bravery of North Korean dissident Ji Seong-ho who was in attendance. I wish Trump would display this kind of eloquence where it concerns dissidents in Russia and Turkey and refrain from praising despots in those countries as well as the butchers of Tiananmen Square.

7. Trump did an effective job of highlighting civilian and military heroes, patriotic children and families of murder victims (so long as the murders were committed by illegal immigrants). It made for a great visual image. His declaration that we should stand for the Star Spangled Banner will also resonate with most Americans even those not necessarily inclined to support him. Words and images like this will make him difficult to defeat in 2020 even with a thousand ugly tweets in between.

Abbas Makes a Clown of Kerry; Trump Makes a Joker of Haley

As the old song goes, "Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right".

In this case, former Democrat presidential candidate and Secretary of the State John Kerry is the clown while UN Ambassador Nikki Haley is the joker.

Kerry beclowned himself by telling Mahmoud Abbas through an intermediary to "hold on and be strong" and "not to yield to President Trump's demands"?  Aside from the fact that Abbas is in the second decade of his four year term, could you imagine what Kerry would have said had Dick Cheney told Bibi Netanyahu to stay strong and not yield to President Obama's demands? Kerry's support of Abbas is reminiscent of former President Carter's support for the late Yasser Arafat and is every bit as foolish.

As for Haley, she started out fine when she spoke to the UN Security Council yesterday comparing Abbas unfavorably to the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. But then she said this with a straight face:

A speech that indulges in outrageous and discredited conspiracy theories is not the speech of a person with the courage and the will to seek peace.

While Abbas certainly indulges in outrageous and discredited conspiracy theories he has nothing on President Trump in that department whether it be peddling Obama birther conspiracies, Ted Cruz's father being involved in the assassination of JFK, the thousands of Muslims cheering the 9/11 attacks in the streets of New Jersey or claiming he lost the popular vote because "millions" of illegal immigrants voted.

For Haley to chide Abbas for peddling conspiracy theories while her boss does the same not only undercuts the effectiveness of her speech, but renders her a joker. She too comes off as foolish.

President Trump and Abbas have that effect on people.

Brewers Land Both Christian Yelich & Lorenzo Cain

Today was a big day for the Milwaukee Brewers.

They began by acquiring outfielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four minor league players. That outfield would be strengthened with the signing of free agent Lorenzo Cain to a five year deal with $80 million contract.

Yelich's numbers actually went down in 2017, but had a respectable campaign with a .282 batting average with 18 HR and 81 RBI. At 26, the best is yet to come much to chagrin of Marlins fans who have now lost Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, Dee Gordon and, of course, Giancarlo Stanton.

As for Cain, this signing is a homecoming. Cain was originally drafted by the Brewers in 2004 in the 17th round. After toiling in the minor leagues for five seasons, Cain had a cup of coffee with the Brewers in 2010. Cain was sent to the Royals prior to the 2011 season in the Zack Greinke deal. Cain became a star in Kansas City as an integral part of a team that won back to back AL pennants in 2014 and 2015 and a World Series ring in 2015. In 2017, Cain hit .300 with 15 HR and 49 RBI along with 26 stolen bases.

The Brewers came within a heartbeat of an NL Wild Card berth. The addition of Yelich and Cain to the Brewers' lineup which includes Eric Thames, Travis Shaw, Keon Broxton, Domingo Santana and even Ryan Braun will make them a force in the NL Central in 2018.

First Neil Diamond, Now Elton John

Only 48 hours after Neil Diamond announced his retirement from touring, another musical giant followed suit.

Fortunately, Elton John will be going on a three year, 300 date farewell tour which begins in September. Fittingly, it will be called Farewell Yellow Brick Road. Hopefully, I will get to see him having never seen him perform. Diamond's Parkinson's diagnosis precludes such a farewell. However, John did have a health scare in March 2017 when he contracted an unknown infection while touring in South America. Now 70, John wants to spend time with his husband and two adopted children.

Both Diamond and John have been giants in the music industry with a multi-generational appeal. But all things must come to an end. At least with John, fans will have chance to say farewell.

Chipper, Vlad, Thome & Hoffman Elected To The Baseball Hall of Fame

Earlier this evening, the results of BBWAA voting was released resulting in four additions to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Chipper Jones, who spent his entire big league career with the Atlanta Braves, garnered 97.2% of the vote in his first year on the ballot. Jim Thome, another first year ballot candidate, also got in with 89.8% of the vote. After narrowly missing the cut in 2017 with 74% and 71.7% of the vote, Trevor Hoffman and Vladimir Guerrero got the call with 79.9% and 92.9% of the vote, respectively.

Seattle Mariners DH Edgar Martinez missed this year's class with 70.4% of the vote. In order to be inducted, a player must receive 75% of the vote. Next year will be Martinez's last year of eligibility.

Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds went up modestly in the ballot to 57.3% and 56.4%, respectively, but fell well short of the 75% required. Curt Schilling's vote total went up to 51.2%, but it seems being a Trump supporter is more suspect with many in the BBWAA than being accused of using PEDs.

Throw in Jack Morris and Alan Trammell, who were voted in last month by the Veterans Committee and you have the largest Hall of Fame contingent since the inaugural class of 1936. They will be inducted on July 29th.

My 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot (If I Could Vote)

If there is one group I wish would have me as a member it would be the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). This, of course, is the group which casts ballots for both the AL and NL MVP, Cy Young Awards, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year. But best of all they get to vote for players to be enshrined into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. In about 12 hours from now, the BBWAA announces the Class of 2018 who will be inducted in July. BBWAA members can vote for up to 10 players. In order for a player to be enshrined, he must earn at least 75% of the vote. A player can be on the ballot for up to 10 seasons. If he fails to get in after 10 years then his case can be heard by the Veterans Committee. If I had the right to vote this would be my ballot:

1. Trevor Hoffman

Hoffman narrowly missed enshrinement a year ago earning 74% of the vote in his second year on the ballot. As one of only two relievers to save 600 plus games and one of only two relievers to save 200 or more games in two different decades, Hoffman is sure to become the third San Diego Padre to be enshrined into Cooperstown after Dave Winfield and Tony Gwynn.

2. Vladimir Guerrero

In his first year on the ballot in 2017, Guerrero garnered 71.7% of the vote. Like Hoffman, he will likely be part of the Class of 2018. Guerrero had a lifetime batting average of .318 with 449 career home runs and nearly 1500 RBI with 9 All-Star Team selections and the AL MVP in 2004.

3. Chipper Jones

This is the Atlanta Braves legend first year on the Hall of Fame ballot. One of the greatest switch hitters in MLB history, Jones was a lifetime .303 hitter with 468 home runs with 1623 RBI. He earned 8 NL All-Star Team selections, the NL MVP in 1999 and a World Series ring in his rookie season in 1995. There is a paucity of third basemen in Cooperstown and there is a good chance Chipper will get in his first time on the ballot.

4. Jim Thome

Like Jones, this is also Thome's first year on the BBWAA ballot. With 612 career home runs and nearly 1700 RBI, there is a good chance that he too will get in on the first try. While Thome played in the Steroids Era, he was not included in the Mitchell Report. He had good old fashioned country power.

5. Omar Vizquel

Thome's former Cleveland Indians teammate is another first ballot candidate. He is simply the Luis Aparicio of this era and quite arguably better. Vizquel earned 11 Gold Gloves at shortstop compared to 9 for his fellow Venezuelan countryman. While Vizquel came up in an era which included shortstops with strong offensive credentials such as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra, Vizquel did finish with 2,877 hits. Unfortunately, defense isn't valued as much as offense. As such, Vizquel will be lucky if he gets 25% of the vote. But in time I think he will eventually get his plaque as Aparicio eventually would too.

6. Scott Rolen

While Chipper Jones was the best offensive third baseman of much of the 1990's and 2000's, Rolen was the best defensive third baseman over this same period earning 8 Gold Gloves. His offense was none too shabby with 316 career home runs and 1287 RBI plus 7 NL All-Star Team selections. But again defense is considered less valuable than offense so like Vizquel, Rolen will be on the outside looking in for now. But given the scarcity of third basemen in Cooperstown, Rolen might get in sooner rather than later.

7. Curt Schilling

The former Phillies, D'Backs and Red Sox hurler was the only player who saw a significant drop in his vote total on the 2017 ballot. As I argued in my very first article for NRO, I believe this drop was motivated by his vocal support for Donald Trump. While I loathe Trump, I don't believe Schilling's support for him should have any bearing on his candidacy. Certainly not a candidate with 3,000 plus strikeouts and three World Series rings to his credit.

8. Fred McGriff

Seven home runs is all that is keeping this power hitting first baseman out of Cooperstown. If not for the 1994 strike, McGriff would have had his 500 home runs and a Hall of Fame plaque. But time is running out for McGriff who is now in his 9th year on the BBWAA ballot and will probably not get beyond his usual 20% of the vote.

9. Jeff Kent

He is simply the greatest offensive second baseman in the history of MLB having the most home runs of any player at that position as well as 8 100 RBI seasons not to mention a NL MVP with the San Francisco Giants in 2000 at the height of teammate Barry Bonds' peak. Unfortunately, Kent was never popular with the media during his playing career and the BBWAA seem to hold that against him like they do with Schilling's politics.

10. Larry Walker

A career .313 hitter with a NL MVP in 1997, three NL batting titles not to mention 7 Gold Gloves for his work in right field. Unfortunately, wearing a Colorado Rockies uniform is evidently is disqualification from being in Cooperstown. It shouldn't be.

Players Who Narrowly Missed My Ballot

This year was more difficult than most. Given that we can expect at least four or five players to go in this year there is a good chance I will put these players on next year's ballot.

1. Edgar Martinez

There is a possibility that Martinez could go in this year, his 9th on the ballot. What has worked against him is being a DH. Like being in a Colorado Rockies uniform, this should not disqualify him from Cooperstown. However, I did not pick him because I wanted to support defensive stalwarts like Walker, Rolen and Vizquel.

2. Andruw Jones

I came very close to putting the other Jones on the Braves on my ballot. Ten Gold Gloves in center field is hard to ignore. But so is Walker's three NL batting titles. I do hope Jones gets beyond the 5% threshold and remains on the 2019 ballot.

3. Mike Mussina

Moose might have been the best pitcher in the AL during the 1990's and 2000's to not win a Cy Young Award. He would win 270 games, strikeout 2,800 plus batters and earn 7 Gold Gloves during the Steroids Era. But third basemen are scarcer than pitchers in Cooperstown. So I picked Rolen. Perhaps I will pick both next year.

The Elephants in The Room - Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Manny Ramirez

Both Clemens and Bonds got above the 50% mark in the BBWAA vote last year. In fact, they proved to be less controversial than Schilling's politics. It will be interesting to see if their vote goes upward this year.

I am not precluding Clemens and Bonds from a future ballot. After all, they did not fail any drug tests and the federal government's case against both of them was weak tea. But I am giving priority to unsung players like Kent and McGriff.

The same cannot be said of Manny Ramirez who failed two drug tests and also physically assaulted a member of the Red Sox front office. Despite the many thrills Manny gave in a Red Sox uniform, these transgressions make it very unlikely he will ever appear on my ballot.

And with that, I look forward to the results later today.

Hugh Masekela, R.I.P.

Hugh Masekela, arguably South Africa's greatest musical export, died today following a battle with prostate cancer at the age of 78.

Inspired to play the trumpet as a teenager after watching Kirk Douglas play it in Young Man With a Horn, during the 1950's Masekela would become the father of South African jazz. Masekela, however, was also an anti-Apartheid activist and a member of the ANC. Following the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, Masekela left South Africa for London and then eventually New York.

Masekela would be catapulted to international stardom in 1967 following his appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival. In 1968, Masekela would earn a number one hit with an instrumental version of "Grazing In The Grass". Masekela would also collaborate with The Byrds on "So You Want To Be a Rock 'n Roll Star" and "Lady Friend".

During the 1980's, Masekela would get renewed attention for touring with Paul Simon to promote Graceland and with his international hit "Bring Him Back Home", his tribute to his then imprisoned friend Nelson Mandela. Masekela would return to South Africa in 1990 shortly after Mandela was released.

Sad to say, I never saw Masekela perform and was kicking myself when I learned of his passing this morning for not having done so given that he would often perform in Boston. But what's past is past. At least Masekela's music is forever. Have a listen to his horn on The Byrds' "Lady Friend".

My Neil Diamond Concert Memories

I was saddened to learn that Neil Diamond's half century performing career has come to an abrupt end due to being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Diamond turns 77 on Wednesday.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to see hear Diamond in concert thrice. I first saw him perform at the TD North Garden here in Boston in August 2005. Nearly four years later, I would hear him perform on back to back days during Fourth of July festivities on The Esplanade attending both the dress rehearsal concert on July 3rd and the fireworks show on the 4th.

In light of this news, I wish I had saw him one more time so I could have written it up in The American Spectator or on this blog.

Perhaps the greatest memory Bostonians will have of Diamond is when he showed up to Fenway Park unannounced to sing "Sweet Caroline" in person on April 20, 2013, the day after the Boston Marathon bomber was captured.

Red Sox fans will now have to be content to sing "Sweet Caroline" during the middle of the 8th inning. The good news is that Diamond still plans to write and record music "for a long time to come."

Pence Tells Knesset That U.S. Embassy Will Move to Jerusalem By End of 2019 (I'll Believe It When I See It)

The Knesset, save for a few Arab MKs, was delighted when Vice President Mike Pence announced the U.S. Embassy would move to Jerusalem and be opened by the end of 2019.

While I agree with the move, I'll believe it when I see it.

Aside from the fact that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has to sign off on safety plans before this can proceed and I don't see that happening. And then there's Trump himself who can continue to exercise the six month waiver provision in the Jerusalem Embassy Act. After all, last week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the embassy move would take place at the end of this year only to be contradicted by Trump. Who can say Trump won't contradict Pence like he contradicts his other White House underlings?

In which case, the joy of the Knesset might very well be short-lived.

Patriots Will Play in NFL Record 10th Super Bowl With Comeback Win Over Jaguars

It wasn't as dramatic as their comeback win in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons a year ago, but the New England Patriots made a remarkable comeback against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags, lead by plucky quarterback Blake Bortles and the strongest defense in the NFL, had the upper hand against the Pats in the first half just as they did last weekend in the AFC Semi-Final against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Between Tom Brady's injured hand and a concussion to Rob Gronkowski and the Jaguars having twice the possession time, the Pats were down 10 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter. But Danny Amendola rose the occasion with four critical catches including two touchdown passes to give the Pats a 24-20 victory and their 10th AFC Championship. It will be the 8th Super Bowl appearance for Brady and head coach Bill Belichik. 

In the next few hours we will know who the Pats will face in a fortnight as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game. If the Vikings win, they will become the first team to host a Super Bowl game. It will be tough for the Pats to overcome, but they haven't won five Super Bowl titles for nothing.

Note: The Eagles crushed the Vikings 38-7. So the Pats and Eagles will meet in Super Bowl LII. They previously met in Super Bowl XXXIX back in 2005. Tom Brady led the Pats to their third Super Bowl title. Eagles QB Nick Foles had just turned 16. 

Donald Trump Has Not Made America Great Again

A year has now passed since Donald J. Trump took the oath of office to become the 45th President of the United States.


The sun still rises in the east and still sets in the west, but President Trump has not made America great again during his 12 months in office. In fact, he celebrates his anniversary in office by shutting down the federal government. So much for the art of the deal.


Many conservatives, of course, are happy with his deals such as they are. They are happy with his appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, signing a new tax bill into law and gains made against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. These things are all well and good. But I think it is fair to say that conservatives were happy with President Bush's appointment of John Roberts to the Supreme Court. Who can say that Gorsuch won't write a majority opinion which upholds an unpopular policy of a future Democrat President? Whatever the reductions in marginal tax rates will surely be offset by the limits in deductions of state and local income, property and sales taxes not to mention healthcare premiums as Obamacare remains intact. It would also be premature to declare victory in Iraq and Syria as it was in 2003 or when President Obama declared al Qaeda on the run in 2012. ISIS might be in retreat today, but by this time next year it might have regrouped as terrorist organizations are want to do.


Some conservatives are undoubtedly happy with Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. But this recognition is nothing more than gesture politics so as long as Trump continues to exercise the presidential waiver keeping our embassy in Tel Aviv. The recognition of Jerusalem is also meaningless so long as the Iran nuclear deal remains in effect.


Whatever Trump's accomplishments this past year they are woefully overshadowed by his appalling behavior in public and on social media. Conservatives can argue that Trump's presidency has not resulted in a fascist takeover. Nevertheless this is a man who only last month said "I have absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department." Trump certainly thought he had the absolute right to prevent permanent residents and dual citizens of Muslim majority countries from re-entering the country due. Fortunately, these measures were temporary, but only because of the much maligned judiciary.


Even more maligned than our judiciary is our media which Trump has seen fit to call "the enemy of the American people." If the media is our enemy than what does this make ISIS? If Trump believes both the media and ISIS are our enemies then how is that any different than when Hillary Clinton characterized Iran and Republicans as enemies?



President Trump has seen fit to accuse President Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, berating Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over the phone, firing FBI Director James Comey after he wouldn't pledge loyalty to him and refer to white supremacists as "good people" following the death of a protester in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump would eventually condemn racist organizations, but he does so with the same enthusiasm Obama had in condemning Islamic terrorism.



How about when Trump saw fit to tell the pregnant widow of a fallen soldier "he knew what he had signed up for" and subsequently called her a liar on Twitter? White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders might call it fighting fire with fire, but what kind of leader fires upon a Gold Star Widow?



And now we have the spectacle of a President who refers to immigrants from countries like Haiti, El Salvador and Nigeria as "shitholes". NRO's own Deroy Murdock contends, "His supposed words apparently were aimed at shithole nations, rather than shithole people." Given the fact that Trump recently ended Temporary Protected Status for people from these countries while expressing a preference for immigrants of Norwegian origin it is quite clear what Trump meant just as he was clear when he said that Mexicans were rapists and bringing crime to America. Let us not pretend otherwise. President Trump governs out of malice.



With this in mind, I do not harbor any romantic illusions about the Obama presidency. Indeed, there would not be a Trump presidency if not for Obama's condescension, disinterest and general incompetence. We have merely exchanged one thin skinned man who overestimates his talents for another thin skinned man who overestimates his talents. Those who like Trump's tax cuts and lifetime sinecures for conservative jurists can have their thirty pieces of silver. When those pieces are spent what can be really said of the Trump presidency. Of course, Trump has three years left in his term and anything can happen. But I don't see Trump's behavior changing over that time and so long as conservatives see fit to enable that behavior it will result in the destruction of America's conservative movement. This is not a recipe for greatness.

Jo Jo White, R.I.P.

Boston Celtics legend Jo Jo White has passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 71.

After a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Kansas and a gold medal in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, White was drafted by the Celtics in 1969. An all around athlete, White was also an excellent baseball and football player and was drafted by both the Cincinnati Reds and the Dallas Cowboys. Following the retirement of Bill Russell, White would become the Celtics' premier player during the 1970's as he was named to seven straight NBA All-Star teams and would lead the team to two NBA titles in 1974 and 1976 and was the finals MVP of the latter series. One of the most dependable players of all time, he holds the franchise's record for 488 consecutive games played. Amazingly, it would not be until 2015 that White was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame. But at least he lived to see the day. R.I.P.

Canadian Politicians Shouldn't Be Thankful & Relieved About a Hoax

Global headlines were made on Friday when an 11-year old Muslim girl from Toronto stated she was twice accosted by a man carrying scissors who cut her hijab as she and her brother were walking to school. The incident was condemned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto Mayor John Tory.

The only problem is that Toronto Police have concluded the attack did not occur.

What I find interesting is the reaction of Trudeau, Wynne and Tory following the revelation.

A spokeswoman for Trudeau stated, “We are thankful and relieved that this incident did not take place.”

Premier Wynne told The Canadian Press in a statement almost identical of that from the PMO, "I join all Ontarians in being thankful and relieved that this assault did not take place."

Mayor Tory took to Twitter and stated, "It is good to know that this event didn't happen."

These statements are a bunch of garbage.

First, Trudeau, Wynne and Tory are trying to distance themselves from buying into a hoax.

Second, there is nothing to be thankful about where it concerns a hoax. This girl, whether on her own or with the encouragement of a family member or another party, told a lie and filed a false police report thereby wasting precious public resources. In so doing, it gave Trudeau, Wynne and Tory to cast aspersions of bigotry and so-called Islamophobia upon the voters of Toronto, Ontario and all of Canada. All three jumped the gun to ensure their share of the Muslim vote rather than let justice take its course. But why let justice take its course when there is an opportunity for self-serving virtue signalling?

Under Canadian law, the girl is too young to be charged with a criminal offense. But she should be disciplined for bearing false witness. Of course, perhaps the people who are responsible for disciplining her put her up to this in the first place. For their part Toronto Police have indicated they concluded their investigation. But did they conclude their investigation before determining if someone put her up to filing a false report? If someone did, in fact, put up the girl to file this report they should be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and the facilitation of filing a false report.

Whatever the circumstances, no Canadian politician should be thankful or relieved about a hoax.

Andrew McCutchen Takes a Giants Leap

It's been a tough 24 hours for Pittsburgh sports fans. First, the Steelers get upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Semi-Final. Now, the Pirates have traded their star player Andrew McCutchen to the San Francisco Giants for two minor league players.

McCutchen has been with the Pirates for his entire professional career. He was their first round draft pick in 2005. In 2009, McCutchen reached the majors and would be named to five consecutive NL All-Star teams between 2011 and 2015. He was in the top five in NL MVP balloting in each of those seasons including 2013 when he won the honor. McCutchen was the centerpiece of a team that would earn its first winning season in two decades with three straight NL Wild Card berths.

Some perceive McCutchen as a superstar on the decline. After hitting a career low .256 in 2016, he rebounded to a .279 mark with 28 home runs and 88 RBI. Unless the Giants sign him to a contract extension, he will be a free agent at the end of this coming season. After a terrible 2017, the addition of McCutchen and ex-Ray Evan Longoria could give the Giants' offense a big shot in the arm and make them competitive in the NL West. A change of scenery could do wonders for McCutchen.

But the Pirates are a different matter. In the space of 72 hours, the Pirates have dealt away Gerrit Cole and McCutchen, their two best players for very little in return. It looks like the Pirates will be rebuilding. Bucs fans who spent 20 years waiting for a winning club might not be willing to wait that long this time around. The highlight of the Pirates' 2018 season might very well be when McCutchen returns to PNC Park wearing a Giants' uniform the weekend of May 11th-13th.

Edwin Hawkins, R.I.P.

Gospel pianist and arranger Edwin Hawkins has passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 74.

In 1969, Hawkins was responsible for one of rock 'n roll's most unlikely hits. Hawkins' Northern California State Youth Choir of the Gospel of Christ in Berkeley, California would record a gospel album with the intent to sell a few hundred albums to raise money for their church. One of the songs on Let Us Go Into The House of The Lord was "Oh, Happy Day". Somehow radio stations in San Francisco picked up the song and started playing it over the air. Before anyone knew it would become a counterculture sensation and soon a become a hit in both North America and Europe and would earn a Grammy. The following year, they would accompany Melanie Safka on her Woodstock inspired hit "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain"). Hawkins would never reach the charts again, but continued to record gospel albums well into the 1990's. R.I.P.

Will Gerrit Cole Get a New Lease on Life in Houston?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded their ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros in exchange for four players, most notably pitcher Joe Musgrove.

The Bucs have been trying to unload Cole during the entire off-season. It appeared Cole was headed to the Bronx, but the Yankees backed away a few days ago and appear to be pursuing free agent Yu Darvish.

I think Houston is a better landing spot for Cole who was the number one pick in the 2011 MLB draft. Cole reached the majors in 2013 and had his best season in 2015 when he went 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA. However, three stints on the DL in 2016 saw his record fall to 7-10. Cole was healthy in 2017 making a NL leading 33 starts but was a so-so 12-12 with a career high 4.26 ERA.

Although the Astros are the defending World Series champions, Houston won't be the media circus that New York is. Cole will have the added benefit of not being viewed as the staff ace. He will be sandwiched in between two Cy Young winners in Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel and fireballer Lance McCullers, Jr. and World Series hero Charlie Morton. If the Astros go to a six man rotation then Brad Peacock could also be in the mix.

Whether the Astros have a five man or six man rotation, Cole is now in a really good situation. At 27, he has a good opportunity to return to his 2015 form and for post-season success.

As for the Pirates, now that Cole is gone, will Andrew McCutchen and Josh Harrison follow him out the door? If so then Pirates fans will once again be back in rebuilding mode. In which case it will be Pittsburgh, not Houston, that has a problem.

Chelsea Manning's Senate Bid Is a Gift to Republicans

If Democrats in Maryland are smart they won't nominate Chelsea Manning as their candidate for the U.S. Senate this fall. Manning, who was pardoned by President Obama in the final days of his administration, plans to challenge two term Democratic Senator Benjamin Cardin.

Manning is a left-wing activist's dream candidate. She's got the identity politics down, she hates the military and she hates the police.

But if Manning unseats Cardin no one will happier than Republicans. Every time President Trump calls Haiti a shit hole, the GOP can point to Manning saying "fuck the police" on Police Appreciation Day. The last thing Democrats should want is to have a candidate who hates law enforcement and military. Not only would Manning's presence put Maryland in jeopardy, but she could be an albatross around the neck of every Democrat seeking re-election or seeking to unseat a Republican. The presence of Manning on the ballot might be enough to guarantee Republicans hold onto to the Senate. And if Manning somehow wins, she will vastly improve Trump's odds of being re-elected in 2020.

Admittedly, Cardin is the odds on favorite in this race and certainly has a campaign war chest. But we are in an age of populism and activism. A 30-year old transgendered so-called whistle blower is a lot more attractive to young political activists than a 75-year old Jewish career politician. Under the circumstances, it would be foolish to discount Manning's political ambitions.

Keith Jackson's Best Baseball Moments

College football fans all across America are mourning the death of Keith Jackson who passed away last night at the age of 89.

Jackson was considered the voice of college football having broadcast games for over half a century calling his last game in 2006.

But Jackson was so much more than college football. If you watched ABC Sports then you would have seen call the Olympics, college basketball with Dick Vitale or perhaps on ABC's Wide World of Sports. Jackson was also part of the original Monday Night Football crew.

Naturally, I remember Jackson best for baseball during the 1970's and 1980's. He was part of ABC's Monday Night Baseball crew. He covered five league championship series, three All-Star Games and three World Series.

Jackson was present for some of baseball's most seminal moments such as Bucky Dent's home run in the one game playoff between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for the AL East title in 1978, George Brett's three home run game in Game 3 of the 1978 ALCS between the Yankees and Kansas City Royals, Reggie Jackson's three home run game in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series which saw the Yankees triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as the 16-inning marathon in Game 6 of the 1986 National League Championship Series between the New York Mets and Houston Astros.

But perhaps the zaniest call Jackson had to make was on Chris Chambliss' walk off home run in Game 5 of the 1976 ALCS in which the Yankees beat the Royals to win the AL pennant. The crazy part was Chambliss trying to circle the bases with 20,000 fans mobbing him. This scene could not happen today and has to be seen and heard to be believed. Although, we hear far more Howard Cosell than Jackson it is well worth looking at again.

I leave you with a voice over intro Jackson did at the beginning of a Monday Night Baseball telecast from Fenway Park on July 23, 1979 when the Red Sox faced the California Angels. The Red Sox lost that game 9-2 to the eventual AL West title winners. Win or lose, Keith Jackson was an ornament in any sport he covered. R.I.P.

Our Shithole President (Or With Malice Towards Some)

Should it really surprise anyone that President Trump would refer to El Salvador, Haiti and various nations in Africa as "shithole countries"?

Should it surprise anyone that Trump would tell lawmakers pleading with him to restore immigration protections to individuals from those nations by asking “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”

Should it surprise anyone that Trump would use such vulgar language when he launched his presidential campaign by describing Mexicans as rapists and murderers and when he stated Judge Gonzalo Curiel's Mexican heritage disqualified him from presiding over the Trump University case?

Should it surprise anyone that Trump would use such vulgar language when one considers his championing of the Muslim travel ban?

Should it surprise anyone that Trump would turn around and say it would be more desirable to have immigrants from countries like Norway? Of course, I think he might reconsider that thought given the large number of Muslim immigrants who have arrived there in recent decades.

There are those like Mark Krikorian of National Review Online who believe that the end of Temporary Protected Status for El Salvadorans, Haitians and Africans is long overdue. The Krikorians of the world are, of course, entitled to hold such views. But they ought to wonder why President Trump has seen fit to act in this manner. The fact that Trump has now reported to have uttered the phrase "shithole countries" demonstrates that he governs out of malice. If Abraham Lincoln believed in malice towards none and charity for all, Trump believes in malice towards some and charity for the rich. President Trump's words corrupt us all and leave a stain on America which cannot be so easily cleansed.

The only shithole here is President Trump.

Bob Bailey Should Have Been an NL All-Star

Bob Bailey, an original member of the Montreal Expos, passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 75.

Bailey began his professional career as a bonus baby signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1961. He would make his MLB debut the following year at the age of 19. Bailey became a Pirates regular in 1963 primarily playing third base. However, his offensive numbers didn't live up to expectations. Prior to the 1967 season, the Pirates traded Bailey and future New York Yankees manager Gene Michael to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Maury Wills. Unfortunately, Bailey's numbers didn't improve. The Dodgers sold Bailey's contract to the Expos prior to their expansion season in 1969 and collected the team's first hit off no less than Tom Seaver.

It was in 1970 that Bailey came into his own hitting .287 with 28 HR and 87 RBI. Between 1970 and 1974, Bailey drove in at least 70 runs four times and hit 20 or more home runs thrice during that period. Despite these good offensive numbers, Bailey was never selected to a NL All-Star Team.

Bailey's offensive numbers would slip in 1975 after he lost the third base job to Larry Parrish. The Expos traded Bailey to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Clay Kirby prior to the 1976 season. Despite limited playing time, Bailey would earn his only World Series ring with the Big Red Machine. Late in the 1977 season, the Reds traded Bailey to the Boston Red Sox where he would finish his playing career in 1978. In 17 big league seasons, Bailey collected 1,564 hits for a lifetime batting average of .257 with 189 HR and 773 RBI. His 118 HR for the Expos are seventh on the Expos/Nationals all-time list. R.I.P.

Trump vs. Oprah in 2020 is More Depressing Than Trump vs. Hillary in 2016

Oprah Winfrey makes a speech and now the mainstream media wants her to run for President.

Haven't we been all through all of this before? I guess its impossible to tell the difference between the 2018 Golden Globes and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

As much I loathe President Trump, the prospect of a Trump vs. Oprah race in 2020 doesn't exactly fill me with joy either. In fact, I find it more even more depressing than Trump vs. Hillary in 2016.

I first became aware of both Trump and Oprah in 1986. Both struck me as self promoters and that impression has remained for more than three decades. Oprah might not be so uncouth in her presentation, but her charitable endeavors seemed to be more about her than anyone she might actually help. Charitable giving ought to be done behind the scenes, not for one's own glory. I did find it telling that she shuttered her charitable foundation after The Oprah Winfrey Show went off the air in 2011.

From where I sit, Trump and Oprah (and for that matter Barack Obama) are nothing more than cults of personality who invoke idol worship. Should we have a Trump vs. Oprah match up in 2020 then we will have two presidential candidates who launched magazines bearing their names. Trump and Oprah represent nothing more than a choice between Coke and Pepsi or McDonald's and Burger King and once you get past the packaging, both taste the same. In which case, I'll settle for water and ramen noodles.

Jerry Van Dyke, R.I.P.

Actor/comedian Jerry Van Dyke passed away yesterday at the age of 86. His health had declined following a car accident two years ago.

The success of his older brother Dick Van Dyke opened doors for him particularly with a recurring role as Rob Petrie's brother on The Dick Van Dyke Show, frequent stand up appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and a regular on The Judy Garland Show. 

The younger Van Dyke could have attained stardom as Gilligan on Gilligan's Island and as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, but he turned down both roles much to the delight of both Bob Denver and Don Knotts. Van Dyke would star in My Mother The Car which would air on NBC during the 1965-1966 season. Considered among the worst shows in the history of television, My Mother The Car did considerable damage to Van Dyke's career.

Van Dyke spent the 1970's and 1980's working as stand up comedian and doing occasional guest TV spots. The 1990's would prove to be Van Dyke's best decade when he was cast as Luther Van Dam in the hit ABC sitcom Coach starring Craig T. Nelson. Van Dyke would receive four Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Van Dam.

Following the end of Coach, Van Dyke became a fixture on the celebrity poker scene and made recurring appearances on the sitcoms Yes, Dear and The Middle. 

Last night, someone on Twitter was talking to me about this December 1975 appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and decided to make a point of watching it. And now he's gone. I'm glad I watched. R.I.P.

Rob Picciolo, R.I.P.

Former big league infielder and coach Rob Picciolo passed away on New Year's Day of a heart attack. He would have turned 65 next month.

Picciolo is probably best remembered for his 16-year stretch on the San Diego Padres' coaching staff under several different managers from 1990 to 2005. He was part of the 1998 Padre team which won the NL pennant. Picciolo later spent four seasons on Mike Scioscia's coaching staff with the Los Angeles Angels.

But I remember him best as the classic good field, no hit shortstop for the Oakland A's in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Picciolo was drafted thrice by the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers before signing with the A's as their number one draft pick in 1975. When he reached the majors in 1977, the A's were a shadow of their former selves and would lose 90 or more games in each of their first three seasons including their 54-108 campaign in 1979.

But Picciolo got to see his share of winning in his career once the A's hired Billy Martin as their manager. He would be part of the Billy Ball teams in 1980 and 1981 reaching the post-season in the latter season. The A's would collapse in 1982, but he would be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers early that season in a deal that included pitcher Mike Warren who would throw a no-hitter late the following year. It is easy to forget Picciolo was a member of Harvey's Wallbangers. He had the unenviable task of being the back up to Robin Yount who was that year's AL MVP and appeared in only 22 games and none in the post-season.

After spending one more season in Milwaukee, Picciolo had a stint with the Angels in 1984 before returning to Oakland to finish his playing career in 1985. Sabermetricians would have hated Picciolo. In 1720 career plate appearances, Picciolo walked only 25 times. That's once every 68.9 plate appearances. In 731 big league games over nine seasons, Picciolo hit .234 with 17 HR and drove in 109 runs.

Affectionately known as Peach, Picciolo would find his calling as a coach and mentor to young players. Rob Picciolo might have not become a star but he helped make a few shine. R.I.P.

Steve Bannon Has Everything To Do With Trump's Presidency

I love how President Trump is acting like he hardly ever knew Steve Bannon:

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

Now I don't feel the least bit sorry for Bannon. But this is utter lie on Trump's part. Steve Bannon had everything to do with Donald Trump and his presidency. He wasn't a mere staffer, but rather the campaign's Chief Executive from August through November 2016. Following Trump's election, Bannon became the White House Chief Strategist located next to the Oval Office and attended National Security Council meetings on behalf of the President before departing in August 2017. If Bannon was fired as Trump states, the White House certainly did not say so at the time. In fact, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated at the time, "We are grateful for his service and wish him the best,"

It is most curious to hear Trump note his GOP opponents as "the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party" when you consider he likened Ben Carson to a child molester, mocked Carly Fiorina's physical appearance and where it concerned Ted Cruz mocked his wife's physical appearance and suggested his father was involved in the assassination of President Kennedy. But when has Trump ever let facts get in the way of an argument? The President went on to say:

Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesn’t represent my base -- he’s only in it for himself.

Well, last I checked, when other Republicans shied away from Moore, Trump forcefully endorsed him. Had Moore prevailed last month do you think Trump would credit Bannon for his victory now that he has seen fit to call the June 2016 meeting between Donald Trump, Jr., Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner and Russian government officials at Trump Tower treasonous?

President Trump can minimize Steve Bannon and call him Sloppy Steve all he wants. But would Bannon be a household name if Trump hadn't appointed him his Chief Executive and then his White House Chief Strategist? If Bannon had lost his mind it certainly doesn't say a great deal about Trump's judgment.

In any case, Bannon might have the last laugh if he sees fit to talk to Robert Mueller. Of course, this is provided that Trump doesn't fire Mueller first.