Tuesday, August 13, 2024
The week in review with Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda
Guest: Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda.........the Trump vs Harris contest, Trump and Musk on X, Israel vs Iran, US economy concerns and other stories..
My late mother knew best
My late mother knew best - American Thinker https://t.co/AZG7Qj3YTI
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) August 13, 2024
1969: Jim Palmer threw a no-hitter against the A's
In 1966, Jim Palmer won 15 games and became the youngest pitcher to throw a World Series shutout.
He struggled with injuries in 1967-68 but came back to the starting rotation in 1969: 16-4 with a 2.34 ERA.
On this date in 1969, Jim threw a no-hitter against the A's.
From 1969 to the early 1980's, Jim Palmer was one of the very best pitchers in baseball.
Jim was inducted to The Hall of Fame in 1990.
Long live Mickey Mantle!
(My new American Thinker post)
We remember that Mickey Mantle died in Dallas this week in 1995.
The Mick, as many called him, was the most famous Yankee in those Charlie Stengel teams that dominated baseball from 1949 to '64. They won the A.L. pennant 14 times and the World Series nine times during that run. He joined The Hall of Fame in 1974 along with teammate Whitey Ford.
In 1964, our family made it to the U.S., and I remember peeking at the TV to catch the Cardinals play the Yankees in the World Series. It was the thing to do in grade school back then, especially when the super-nice teacher was interested in the game, too. Afternoon baseball had its benefits.
So I never saw him play, but I enjoyed watching every Mantle video that I could get my hands on.
Mickey's "last at bat" was his greatest. He handled his cancer gracefully and spoke candidly about the reckless behavior that contributed to his disease. Mickey's candor humanized him, especially for so many of us who thought he was superhuman. This is from Bart Barnes:
Early in 1994 — warned by doctors that his next drink might be his last — Mantle checked himself into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for a 28-day program of rehabilitation from alcohol abuse. He later wrote about that experience in a cover story for Sports Illustrated magazine. "God gave me a great body to play with, and I didn't take care of it. And I blame a lot of it on alcohol," he declared.
After leaving the Betty Ford Center, Mantle remained sober, but the damage to his body from years of heavy drinking had been done. He developed liver cancer, and a long-dormant hepatitis C infection flared up. On June 8, he underwent a liver transplant, which appeared to have been successful.
Early in August, the cancer from Mantle's diseased liver was detected in his lungs, and he was readmitted to Baylor Medical Center. Doctors soon discovered that it had spread to other parts of his body. Drugs he had taken to prevent his body from rejecting the new liver had weakened his immune system, making it easier for the cancer to spread, doctors said.
At a news conference several weeks before his death, the man idolized by millions for his grace and power expressed remorse for his years of heavy drinking. He declared that he was no role model for America's youth. "Don't be like me," he warned.
Well, I appreciated his honesty and forgave him as well. Yes, he made mistakes, but who does not? In my case, I regret that I did not get to see him play or catch his 500th home run. I heard about #500 when my father picked up the paper and told my brother and me about it. I guess that's the way it was before iPhones.
How many home runs would he have hit with better knees? Your guess is as good as mine. Long live Mickey Mantle!
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1961: Remembering The Berlin Wall
This is a story that will make no sense to “under 30” readers. It’s a shame that so many have forgotten about The Berlin Wall, its meaning and how many perished trying to escape communism.
“In an effort to stem the tide of refugees attempting to leave East Berlin, the communist government of East Germany begins building the Berlin Wall to divide East and West Berlin. Construction of the wall caused a short-term crisis in U.S.-Soviet bloc relations, and the wall itself came to symbolize the Cold War.”
We remember Jim "Mudcat" Grant (1935-2021)
James Timothy Grant was born in Florida on this day in 1935 and quickly became known as Mudcat. He died in 2021.
Grant broke with the Indians in 1958 and did quite well: 10 wins and 11 complete games. In 1964, Mudcat was traded to Minnesota and pitched the Twins to the AL pennant in 1965: 21-7, 6 shutouts, 14 complete games and 3.30 ERA.
August 13, 1995: Mickey Mantle's last "at bat" was great!
We remember that Mickey Mantle died on this day 1995.
Where did the years go?
The Mick was the best Yankee in those Charlie Stengel teams that dominated baseball from 1949-64. They won the AL pennant 14 times and The World Series 9 times during that run.
As every baby boomer kid remembers, Mick used to hit long homeruns, make outstanding plays in center-field and slide without fear.
I never saw him play but I enjoy watching every Mantle video that I can get my hands on.
Mickey's "last at bat" was his greatest. He handled his cancer gracefully and spoke candidly about the reckless behavior that contributed to his disease. Mickey's candor humanized Mick, specially for so many of us who thought that he was superhuman.
Long live Mick!
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.