We remember General Omar Bradley (1893-1981)

We remembered the great World War II military leaders with Barry Jacobsen...One of those men was General Omar Bradley,..born in Clark, Missouri, on this day in 1893 and died in 1981.......click to listen....... https://t.co/aQrzBqblZF

— Silvio Canto, Jr. (@SCantojr) December 4, 2016

Remembering Ray Manzarek (1939-2013)

We remember Ray Manzarek who was born on this day in 1939 and died in 2013.

The Doors were so closely identified with Jim Morrison that it was tough to continue playing after his death in 1971.   Nevertheless, The Doors were very talented specially keyboards player Ray Manzarek.

They recorded their first LP  “The Doors” in one  week.   “Light My Fire", one of the tracks, hit # 1 that summer.   They followed that LP with several more best sellers.

From 1967 to 1971, the Doors had a prolific and stormy career. 

He was good, very good.  He was the man who "opened The Doors."  

 P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.

Baseball and memories of Cuba

Let me share two childhood memories of growing up Cuba. 

The first one is the political turmoil and upheaval that turned Cuba upside down in the early 60's.   It finally led to our departure in '64.

My second memory is more pleasant or baseball.

It seems that my dad took my brother and I to the baseball doubleheader every Sunday.

I don't remember a lot but I do recall Orestes "Minnie" Minoso getting booed because the fans did not think that he was running out a ground ball.

My favorite player was Camilo Pascual, who would go on to win 174 games in the majors with the Senators/Twins.

There were many young Cuban players who who were destined for the majors----Cookie Rojas, Leo Cardenas, Pedro Ramos, Mike Cuellar, Tony Gonzalez, etc. I remember watching them before they left the island and pursued careers in the majors.

Before Castro, great players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Satchel Paige played in the island. 

The Yankees played spring exhibitions. The Negro League teams were very popular because many Cubans were on the rosters. 

In the 50's, Tommy Lasorda, Willie Mays, "Rifleman" Connors and Brooks Robinson played winter ball in Cuba.

Every Cuban baseball fan should check out this great book about the history of Cuban baseball.    Better than that, buy your Cuban mom or dad an "Almendares" or "Habana" baseball cap!

P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.