A few weekend thoughts …
Posted: May 2nd, 2008 | Filed under: Baseball, Media | 56 Comments »
1. On W.C. Heinz: The classy and wonderful sportswriter writer Steve Wulf (who, among many other things, co-wrote Buck O’Neil’s autobiography “I Was Right On Timeâ€) wrote in to confirm my theory that Heinz absolutely would be a prominent blogger in today’s new world.
He wrote: “Heck, in (Heinz’s) day, with multiple editions and lots of friendly competition, newspapers were the blog equivalents.â€
This is really a great point, and one that just gets overlooked. There have always been blogs. What do we think Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense†was? He wasn’t working for any mainstream media — there really wasn’t a mainstream media. It was a blog written long before the Internet. It was a published as a pamphlet and published anonymously — and James Chalmers (playing the role of Revolutionary Buzz) called him a “political quack.†You could certainly argue that Paine’s blog, more than any single work, spurred the Colonies to break from England.
What do we think Martin Luther’s “95 Theses“ was? A blog. Of course. There was no WordPress for him to post, so he nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. The door, he found, was a better operating system than Vista.
It isn’t that I miss what people don’t like about the blogosphere. I get it. There are some dirty words out there. There are some rather embarrassing photographs*. There are some nasty and unfair rips out there. Hey, I would love to see the tone lighten up a bit. I would love to see people enjoy sports more and scream less. But that’s not the blogosphere. That’s just America. It’s been that way for a long time. In 1975, people vented by throwing whiskey bottles at players and fighting on 10 cent beer night. Now, they write angry blogs. I think that’s an improvement.
*You know, I keep hearing people rip Will over at Deadspin for running those photos of quarterback Matt Leinart in the hot tub. Look, this is worth a much longer discussion about privacy and good taste and all that but in this context … give me a very small break. People have been running these sorts of photos before Internet Founder Al Gore was even BORN. This is not a new Internet thing. Do I need to see any more photos in magazines and papers of a messed-up Britney Spears? There have been tabloids, sure, but newspapers have created entire pages dedicated to photos of people partying. Of all people, John Salley made this point when he talked about Joe Namath. Well, papers CONSTANTLY ran photos of Joe Namath partying, right?
Now with cell phone cameras and everything — you’re always on Candid Camera, people. It’s reality, folks. You’re famous, you’re out, people will take your photograph and put it on the Internet. Here’s a weird thing: Every so often someone will write something about me, and they will run a photo of me, and I will have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA where they got it. These photos have not been of me in a hot tub, and I think we all can be thankful for that.
2. I hate the Internet: I see a couple of you — dammit, I thought you people were my FRIENDS — went back to find the horrendous, embarrassing, humiliating article I wrote for The Charlotte Observer about the Bob Costas game. See, this is why the Internet sucks. Nothing ever disappears.
So, fine. Here it is. My first big article ever for the Observer. I was 21. Mock away. Friend. Feh.*
*It turns out it was not gymnast Kurt Thomas, but gymnast Bart Conner who was there. I apologize to whichever one of them I offended.
By Joe Posnanski
Staff Writer
Without any stars, a little bit of nostalgia came to Salisbury.
They came to watch and play baseball, celebrities and children, college players and legends. A game in a busy grandstand in an old-time park with wooden benches and brick dugouts; a tiny radio booth – maybe big enough to hold three people – behind home plate, and a scoreboard with cardboard numbers in right field.
It was NBC sportscaster Bob Costas`s team, the Washington Senators, against Catawba College. On the Senators, a celebrity team, N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano played shortstop, NBC football analyst Paul McGuire was at third. NBC Sports executive producer Michael Weisman played first. Olympic gymnast Bart Conner was in the outfield, along with comedian Robert Klein, basketball analyst Bucky Waters and David Letterman writer Jeff Martin. From the building near right field, Mickey Mantle limped toward the plate. He didn`t look like the Mickey Mantle who played with the New York Yankees. He walked slowly, deliberate in each step. He smiled for the fans as they stood and applauded, but he couldn`t do much more. The fans didn`t want more. Willie Mays and Catfish Hunter were scheduled to appear but didn`t make it. The fans didn`t seem to mind.
Mickey Mantle was in Salisbury.
“Hey, that looks like Tom Watson,“ a fan yelled, pointing at a reporter.
For a day in Salisbury, everyone looked like a star.
* * *
The players met at the Holiday Inn in Salisbury a few hours before game time.
It is a basic Holiday Inn – small rooms, a swimming pool, pink flowers and green bushes.
It`s a modest hotel in a small town. To get to the Holiday Inn, you get off I-85 and turn right on Holiday Inn Road. From the swimming pool, you can see the highway, where many more cars pass than stop and take a look at Salisbury. “I just have a nice feeling about Salisbury,“ Costas said. “It just seems to have a Southern hospitality, a gentle charm.“
Two years ago, Costas, who was in Salisbury to pick up his award as sportscaster of the year, saw the baseball field on the Catawba campus and told Catawba coach Jim DeHart he`d like to play there. DeHart told him to get up a team. Costas did.
Last year, he brought in a group of celebrities, including comedian Joe Piscopo, and former major-leaguers like Jim Kaat and Al Hrabosky, and played the Catawba team.
So he did it again this year. He had hoped to play with Mays and Mantle and Hunter, but one by one, he watched them become no-shows. It hurt him; baseball is special to Costas.
Still, the team played. He named his team the Senators after the old Washington Senators of the American League. He handed out uniforms at the Holiday Inn, white with Senators scripted across the front in red letters. He put shoeblack below his eyes and put on four batting gloves.
“I don`t know about our pitching,“ Costas said after learning Hunter wouldn`t play. “I suppose we just want to last the game, and end it by nightfall.“ He smiled and looked over to his team. McGuire played catch with a beer in his right hand.
Valvano was talking to some players. “If I don`t play shortstop,“ he screamed, “I don`t play.“
Klein was laughing about how badly the team would lose. Others concentrated on the food, the swimming pool and the uniforms, which were so hard to put on. “Mickey Mantle looked at this team and said, Are you kidding, this is what I have to work with?` “ McGuire said.
Mantle sat in the dugout during the game, wearing his old No. 7 from Yankees days, signing autographs for a line of people that seemed to go on forever.
“How does it feel to put on the old uniform Mick?“
“It don`t fit anymore,“ Mantle said. “It`s kind of embarrassing.“
* * *
Mantle was the hero of so many. The long, quick strides, the power from both sides of the plate. He was Costas`s hero, Klein`s hero, Valvano`s hero. In his old uniform, the pinstripes, the Yankees hat, you could almost see the old black-and-white highlights, the old magic. Almost.
“I`m rarely speechless,“ Valvano said, sitting next to Mantle. “I`m speechless now.“
Now Mantle sat in the dugout, tired, old – unable to play in the game the young enjoy. Mantle was supposed to be designated hitter. He wasn`t. No reason was given to the fans, but as he gingerly walked to his place during introductions, they knew he wouldn`t play. They had to know.
Still the game went on. It was too nice a day not to play baseball.
Without the stars of the past, the field was filled with laugh-makers and kids grown up. McGuire, a former NFL player, hit a short pop-up to the pitcher then charged out to the mound and knocked the pitcher down before he could catch it. Valvano kicked dirt at the umpire`s leg after a close call. Costas let his 2-year-old son, Brian Michael Kirby – as in the Twins` Puckett – hit during the game.
But beneath it all was baseball, the highlights Costas dreamed as a child. This was his game. He once said baseball was the surest sign of God`s existence because “Man could not have created something so perfect.“ Now he went into the old ballpark and played.
There were moments. Conner drilled a double down the left-field line. Valvano made several tough plays at shortstop. Weisman made a diving catch in foul ground.
And sometimes, between the laughs and the pranks, the game brought out dreams long forgotten.
“The last time I played organized baseball was 30 years ago,“ Klein said as he practiced his batting swing. “It was in Police Athletic League in New York. I was 14 or 15. God, it`s been a long time.“
The Catawba pitchers weren`t throwing hard – taking it easy on the celebrities, but the Senators still found the ball hard to follow. Catawba would win 9-5.
But as the game went into the late afternoon and fans started leaving, Valvano grabbed a tough grounder and threw out a Catawba runner and Costas slapped him on the back and McGuire cheered.
Costas worked his way into the on-deck circle with the bases loaded, hoping, just hoping, for a chance to knock in some runs. His eyes lit up with hope. Perhaps he remembered running out to the car as a child and listening through static to old Yankees games. He took some hard practice swings.
And Mickey Mantle slowly limped off the field.
3. Ugh. I cannot believe I just posted that. What I won’t do for my brilliant readers.
4. Facebook: So here’s a good idea … if you create a Facebook entry, don’t mention that on your blog unless you want 549 people to immediately email you and ask to be your friend. I don’t even know HOW to confirm all these friendships. And I don’t know the etiquette of friends on Facebook (do you just take in everyone?) And I don’t know what being a friend on Facebook means (can you ask a Facebook friend to lend you money or bail you out of jail or what?).
But hey, it’s always good to have more friends, right? I should just make the qualifier: If you buy my current book, and promise to buy The Machine (you don’t have to promise in blood — a DNA sample will suffice), you can be my Facebook Friend forever.
5. Moderation: Someone asked if moderate comments here. I want to make this point: Mostly, no, I do not. I have erased probably five comments since starting this thing because they seemed libelous or too mean (I may have erased a couple more thinking they were spam … man, this site gets a lot of spam).
I want to say this because, frankly, this blog has definitely given me a very different view of the Internet than some might offer on certain HBO shows. That is … the commenting on here never seems to drop below testy (that’s usually over Jim Rice), and is mostly funny, thoughtful, well-written, well-spoken. It really is something. People tell me this all the time.
I mean this. I would love to say that it’s just because my writing draws the most thoughtful and brilliant sports fans in this great country — and I’m sure you would agree. But more, I think it says that the nastiness some people are constantly complaining about is really the vast, vast, vast minority on the blogosphere.
At least that’s what I think.
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What I like about criticizing deadspin, is that all the papers immediately ran the same pictures. Thus giving them 1000 times more exposure than they would have gotten. But still they get to slam deadspin for posting them first.
Hey Joe, thanks for posting the article. I’ve read old writing of mine and I always cringe. But it’s always easier to be magnanimous with someone else’s work. I thought it was sweet, and everything you said about the context– your first assignment, a serious case of hero worship– came though loud and clear!
“It is a basic Holiday Inn – small rooms, a swimming pool, pink flowers and green bushes.”
… the giggling really went into full force about here and didn’t stop until well after I finished. Thank you Joe, laughter relieves stress right?
“In 1975, people vented by throwing whiskey bottles at players and fighting on 10 cent beer night. Now, they write angry blogs. I think that’s an improvement.”
Indeed.
“The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization.” – Freud
I am not quite ready to say that Deadspin is the spiritual heir to Thomas Paine, but I think the main point is accurate — people without access to mainstream forms of communication will create their own. What should be judged is the caliber of their content, not the medium they use .
Also, if Martin Luther was the first blogger, I wonder if his hand-written texts had ads for pharmaceuticals down the sides. Maybe he had a subscription-only service where he gave out five or 10 additional Theses. Perhaps on his more controversial writings he would add “NSFC” (not suitable for Catholics).
The problem with MSM is that they deserve some of the blame themselves. They acted as gatekeepers and unique people who wanted to be heard found a place for their voice. Media companies would have been well served to follow the American model that when some small competitor gains customers and is doing certain things better than you, purchase them.
Joe that is the purplest prose i’ve ever seen. thanks for the laugh. and yet it is really obvious that your gift was present at such a young age, it just needed some taming, or maturity, or just to be a lot less over the top.
Editorial
Deadspin is reprehensible for showing Matt Leinart partying (legally) with friends of drinking age (presumably).
Entertainment
Guess which 19 year-old starlet/heiress/singer was partying at New York’s exclusive club! Without panties!!!
Joe if you don’t stop posting well thought out pieces like this the internet will be forced to revoke your blogging rights.
Joe,
While I can tell it was a much younger you writing that story, it clearly was you. Without getting all gushy, you have a fantastic ability for writing columns/articles/stories/entries that are not only insightful but funny and thought provoking.
To your point about the commentors on your blog, even the ones that I see on KC Star (who can be obnoxious KU/MU or Yankee/Royals or Chiefs/Non-Chiefs fans) don’t seem to flow to your blog. I can tell you as I write this comment I feel the pressure to keep up the standards of your other commentors.
I am fortunate to live in Kansas City and have read your columns for years. I still have the one from when you older daughter was born. As I read it, my wife couldn’t understand why I was tearing up while reading the sports page. I should add that I have 2 boys born about the same time as your daughters.
Joe, when you mentioned that you were friends with Will Leitch on Facebook I knew everyone would “friend” you, leaving you swamped with requests, but I went ahead and “friended” you anyway. I’ll totally buy your book, man.
I swear.
Wasn’t God, channeled through Moses, the first blogger? He created everything!
Anyhow, thanks for sharing the Salisbury story Joe. Do you suppose that having spoken with you, then having followed through to read the story you wrote, that Costas saw in you the potential you’ve now realized or are realizing? I think its germ is in that story, and maybe Costas wanted to help bring it out. Kind of like Terence Mann telling Ray Kinsella about his misdirected passion in Field of Dreams.
As usual, this and the Costas post were brilliant. Keep on blogging Joe.
And the six week radio show? Is that next? Please Joe, please?
Joe, I sure wish you’d jettison the “Al Gore invented the internet” gag. Here’s why:
1) He never said it like that
2) He really did sponsor legislation that led to the internet’s development
3) Exploitation and distortion of his actual statement led to the ‘election’ of our current President
4) This makes me angry every time, still.
Aw, geez. That wasn’t that bad at all. It didn’t even try to reach out and strangle me. I was hoping it would be much, much, much worse.
And don’t worry, I won’t “friend” you or whatever it’s called. I have no idea what Facebook’s for either. Throwing trout at people just doesn’t appeal to me for some reason.
I might buy your book anyway, though. You’re a one heck of a writer! I’ve *really* enjoyed what I’ve read the last few days. And I’ve emailed your link far and wide.
I think the whole “debate” is actually very shallow — it is SO apparent that people like Buzz are threatened by today’s “youth;” it’s just an “us vs. them” generational argument, because that’s what happens when media or art that tugs at peoples thoughts or emotion degrades to — whether it’s painting vs. photography or Impressionists in the late 19th century, those crazy “talkies” in the 1930s or those long-hair rockers in the 1960s, it’s a generational argument, nothing more. It’s not intellectual, it’s not a debate. It’s just old people wishing they weren’t getting old.
Also, Buzz does realize that Will Lietch did study journalism in college, right? That, you Poz, are a journalist by day, and vampire blogger in your mother’s basement by night? I can’t think that Buzz doesn’t realize the majority of well put together or entertaining blogs are written by people who also either studied or practiced journalism. I think THAT may be the biggest issue overlooked during this entire “debate.” The majority of bloggers ARE writers, or, say lawyers trained in writing (ala Craig C. at shyster). Or does Buzz not read about that kind of thing?
Written below the 95 theses:
Gunther Nov 1, 1517
Totally agree with number 46. There is no ****ing way I’m squandering anything on pardons. Not sure about #29 though, you could have worded that one better. Also, there’s no way Jim Rice should be in the HoF. You’re nuts Luther.
As a follow-up, the Pope quoted Gunther when he asked Luther to recant some of his theses, using it as an example of how terrible the “church door posting” medium is.
If the Poz School of Writing ever comes to fruition
1.) Mine would be the first application;
2.) 99% of the essays wouldn’t be as good as your Costas’ Salisbury Senators selection;
3.) Bissinger, Blogs, and Bull would be a requirement, and;
4.) You’d need to put your face in cement in front of your office.
Obviously the fact that you mentioned how you were overwhelmed with Facebook friend requests didn’t stop me from clicking away.
Please excuse the pictures of me passed out cold with writing all over my face thanks to some overzealous friends and a few too many drinks. I don’t want it to get all over the Internets for fear that Buzz Bissinger will ask me if I’ve ever heard of Grantland Rice.
Your article on Costas’ game was better written than most blogs.
Also, I can’t believe there are three MLB teams that have hit fewer doubles than the Royals. That’s astounding. Of course, the Devil Rays, who’ve hit the least amount, have hit 14 more home runs than the Royals.
Can you post the article about when your daughter was born? I couldn’t find it on the KC Star website.
I’m glad to hear you don’t have to moderate your comments, since it does show a correlation between the content of the site and the content of the comments. Give them reasonable, polite, well thought out writing, and you’ll see reasonable, polite, well though out responses.
Either it’s that, or the average internet jackass comes to Joe’s blog, sees a giant wall of text, and is frightened away by all those words.
Joe – Yes, I sent you a friend request on facebook, despite knowing you were going to get swamped with requests. Behold the power of the Internet…and don’t worry I’ve already bought Soul (and bought it for my dad as well), and looking forward to The Machine as well.
Heard from a coworker that you were going to answer some questions for his Gazette blog here in Montana. Looking forward to seeing how that turns out…I’m projecting an over/under of 3000 words for your answers.
Name drop much?
Pat, Here are the first few paragraphs of Joe’s Column on his first daughter:
There comes this amazing and terrifying moment in your life when, if you are charmed, you find yourself holding an angel in your arms. And in the moment, this angel looks up to you. My angel’s name is Elizabeth Ann, Beth for short, 6 pounds, 7 ounces, 201/4 inches long, four days old, beautiful just like her mother, balding just like her dad.
She had been crying, probably because of world hunger or the homeless or the Royals, and then suddenly she stopped, and she looked up at me, and this is the thing: There was no gloom in her blue eyes. No fear. There was not even slight doubt. She looked up at me, and those eyes said, ever so clearly, “OK now, here’s a guy you can count on. He would never let anything bad happen to me. This is a man with all the answers.”
And it’s in that moment when you have to look hard at yourself. Answers? What do I know? What can I tell my Beth, you know, that matters? Sure, I know it’s not a good idea to run the prevent defense, not ever, not even if you are ahead by 37 points with 12 seconds left. Not sure quite how far that advice can take a person. Knowing when and when not to bring in the infield also seems a limited skill.
This is another piece on advice that Joe got from his many real (not facebook) friends:
Buck O’Neil speaks a poem. He does not mean it as a poem, but he’s Buck O’Neil, and he can’t help himself.
Have you ever noticed
That everybody smiles at babies?
Yeah?
You know why?
Babies have no hatred in their hearts.
They don’t know black from white,
Rich from poor.
They don’t want to take your money,
Or steal your girl
Or get your job.
Try to keep that, Little Baby.
Keep that baby’s love in your heart.
Uh huh.
Make a difference in this world.
Joe,
I think the infamous Nickel Beer Night took place between the Indians and Rangers in Cleveland in 1974, not 10 cent beer in 1975 as your wrote. Do you have any memories of that game as a kid?
Also, I like that John Pontoon-Bridge doesn’t like your joke about Al Gore and the internet. We all know Al Gore didn’t invent the internet. He invented the paperless toilet and burlap recyclable clothes.
The Internet was invented by the Advanced Research Projects Agency well before Al Gore was ever in a position to sponsor any legislation.
Feel free to delete this comment.
Holy Crap!! That article was awesome!!
I think thats Bill Simmon’s definition of Unintentional Comedy. Still, though, one of the main reasons it is so is because of the people involved and the preface inserted prior to the article itself. It is, despite this hillarious-ness, well-written, vintage Poz.
I forget who said this, and I know it probably didn’t go anything like this, but…
You could spend three months on a story, go thru hundreds of drafts, run it by three sditors, have friends and colleagues scrutinize it to no end…and it still wouldn’t be half as good as what Joe Posnanski could write in five minutes about his morning bowel-movement.
Just visualizing “The Mick” slowly moving around the field, brings a weird feeling to my soul. I saw him come off the bench to hit a game winner against the Tribe one summer, and he could hardly make the trot around the bases. The knees were gone, but the guy could still stroke it. By the way Joe, my copy of “Soul” arrived today. Can’t wait to get into it.
Please tell us that Costas had Brian Michael Kirby suited up as number 1/16.
Also, I trust that by the end of the weekend there will be a rock ‘n roll band somewhere named “Revolutionary Buzz”.
Your (supposed) worst is so much better than my best; thanks for posting that bygone delight.
I like the name “Catawba.”
Joe: “…the commenting on here never seems to drop below testy (that’s usually over Jim Rice), and is mostly funny, thoughtful, well-written, well-spoken. It really is something. People tell me this all the time.”
I LIKE POOP
DO YOU LIKE POOP?
~~~LOL ~~~ ROFL~~~
Check out my website!!!
Free Mumia!
If you say POOP enough times in a blog comment stream, Buzz Bissinger comes into your room late and night and thrashes you about the head and torso with a copy of W.C. Heinz – The Fireside Book of Boxing.
Just watch how many times you say POOP.
Aw crap.
Joe, you may find that old story cringe-inducing, but that’s just because you are so close to it. I work with young writers and I can tell you, I would be astonished to see such quality coming from any of them.
A) For some reason when I hear “fighting on ten cent beer”, I think of the Philadelphia Flyers.
2) I *do* think that the tone of the comments here reflects the tone of this blog, as exemplified by your statement that you wish people would just enjoy sports more, and scream less.
RE: photos of athletes during their down time
In many cases, these photos aren’t malevolent at all. I mean, if I got to hang out with a pro athlete and it was probably my only opportunity to do so, I’d probably take a bunch of pictures, even though I don’t know where my camera is half the time.
There are also photos that are meant to draw irony, such as Joel Zumaya playing Guitar Hero (you know, because he once got injured presumably by playing Guitar Hero). And then there’s the “WiTF ARE YOU DOING YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING FATHER” photos of Matt Leinart and some college coeds, some of whom were under the age of 21, which would mean that Leinart supplying them alcohol was illegal.
Also, Bill Conlin, of whom I had much respect (and still somewhat do), kind of made the same point you did Joe a while ago in an e-mail exchange with the Crashburn Alley blog. He said “bloggers” were called “pamphleteers” back in colonial times, though this was meant to be negative, and he also said (later saying it was in jest) that Hitler would’ve wiped out all bloggers, so you know that nastiness does indeed exist all throughout the Internet.
I agree with your point about the level of discourse in the comments section, but you’re also benefiting from your relative obscurity (no offense) and the fact that this blog is on the upswing of popularity. As the audience grows and more people read the blog, the quality of the comments will spiral downwards, with the noise drowning out the signal, forcing you to take dramatic action (like turning off comments or requiring administrator approval). It’s not you, it’s just the way sites evolve.
Editor’s note: This is an excellent point … but no fear. This site will never get that popular.
Joe’s subject matter was a little below the 2 mile high pedestal he placed it on. Even if Jesus himself decided to return in the middle of the game and hit a grand slam, it would have been overwritten.
“…green bushes.”
Sorry, that last part of the Holiday Inn description cracked me up.
Thanks for posting the article Joe. It’s amazing to see the growth of your craft. I can see why Costas was a bit bent. What I really want to see is the letter on his fridge. (PLEASE POST THAT- I DARE YA! – Although, come to think of it you probably didn’t save a copy on your hard drive back in ‘88. Someone call Bob!)
Anyway, I bet that letter came more from your heart than your head. In that young article I can practically see your head exploding trying to get it “right”.
Thank Heaven you stuck with it.
(P.S. When I saw the intro to Costas’ show and topic my first thought was – Hey! Maybe I get to see Joe on TV tonight… Shucks! You would have put Buzzie in his place Joaldo!)
What’s Buzzie in Brazillian anyway?
“Buzziincha”
For a 21-year-old writing a story, it really wasn’t that bad. There were some good things.
I feel like the manager of Nuke LaLoosh. He struck out 19, but he also walked 19. Some great, some bad. At least you know what’s the good stuff now. Oh my, did I just invoke a title?
Damn, Joe. I wish I could write now the way you did when you were 21…
Yeah, you laid the sauce on thick, but it’s good sauce.
Joe
The article may have been overwritten, but in a good way, kind of like “Blinded by the Light”. I think they are both examples of a young writer getting his chance and letting everthing spew (and I do mean spew in a good way).
And in response to John in comment #29, you are completly right in your facts, but the legislation that Al Gore sponsored provided seed money to allow the technologhy developed at ARPA to grow into the Internet. That is exactly what Al Gore said, and one of the people who agreed with his statement was Vincent Cerf, who was one of the leading scientist working at ARPA.
Joe
It’s easy to overwrite that. And as much as you overwrote, I can’t say it could’ve been otherwise given your obvious hero worship. Full disclosure: Met Bob Costas (my hero too for his sheer love of baseball) once while working as a PA at the Kentucky Derby. I was filling his trailer fridge up with soda and water and from behind me came that voice. Discreetly, I think I started crying. Holding it together, I returned the hello, said it was good to meet him and that was it. Best. Moment. Ever. So I’ve been there. As you can tell, I’d overwrite it too.
I thought the Al Gore thing was a joke. I say the same thing in jest. Saying “Internet Inventor Al Gore” is the same thing to me as saying “All-Star third baseman Shea Hillenbrand” or something. You’re mocking the masses by invoking something other people take seriously.
I wanted to weigh in on the comments comment, because we had a lengthy discussion on the same idea over at BaseballThinkFactory and I made a similar point. But I think you’ve got it right the first time, Joe; the character of comments on this blog is much more due to the quality of the readership than it is to the actual nature of the blogiverse (or whatever it’s called) at large. At BTF I cited yourself as an example of this phenomenon. Easy exemplar: compare the quality of the comments on this blog to the quality of the comments on any randomly selected Posnanski column posted on the KC Star website. Interestingly, you’ll find that the KC Star comments are full of crap, which can’t be due to the quality of the material. It’s the location of the medium that makes the difference. The closer the blog gets to being connected in the mainstream media, the worse the comments will be because the commenters are closer to the “lowest common denominator” of the available population. Exclusive, elitist, but true.
Keep up the Al Gore references. A gentle jab at a pompous soul like Albert is good for society, I think. After all, it’s not like you accused him of personally profiting off of his Inconvenient environmental stance by owning shares in a company that sells carbon credits…
Given the subject matter, I don’t think the article was egregiously overwritten. Costas put together a team comprised in part of his own personal heroes, to play a game he reveres, in a small southern town for which he admittedly has a soft spot. That’s got sappy, syrupy, sentimentality written all over it, and your article seems to be written very much in that light. It seems a bit duplicitous of Costas to sponsor an event that is so abjectly corny and then be critical of the guy who wrote an abjectly corny article about that event.
But what do I know? I’m just some guy on the Internet.
Yes, it would be tragic if our policy makers were able to profit personally from their decisions.
That could lead to some real screw-ups.
If Al Gore were President we probably would have invaded Holland to get their solar and windmill technology. Think what a quagmire that would be!
Just as we discuss the high level of commentary, you can see the seeds of name calling and idiotic black/white, yes/no, great taste/less filling banter planted in the greatest Us v. Them of politics. The day this comment page is filled with that garbage will be the day I read Joe’s blog entry and then move on.
Daniel-
Best comment I’ve seen in a while my man. Made me seriously laugh out loud at my desk and get suspecting glances from nearby coworkers. Thanks for the laugh!!
Amen KCJoe (#53), I watch sports and read Joe’s blog to get away from all the partisan hackery that dominates most sites, I’d love for it to stay away.
Also, Joe, the snippet from the article you wrote (#26) about your daughter brought tears to my eyes. Just brilliant.
“Joe, I sure wish you’d jettison the “Al Gore invented the internet†gag. Here’s why:
1) He never said it like that
2) He really did sponsor legislation that led to the internet’s development
3) Exploitation and distortion of his actual statement led to the ‘election’ of our current President
4) This makes me angry every time, still.”
1) He sure meant it like that.
2) He sponsored some legislation that sort of, kinda, said that, hey maybe we should look into putting some fiber down, so we can transfer data faster.
How that somehow gets translated to “it developed the internet” is beyond comprehension.
3) You’re absolutely right. Al Gore lost the election because the stupid internet people intentionally distorted his quote. What?
4) 7.5 years later, you’re still angry that your preferred candidate didn’t get enough votes? Don’t you have anything else to get upset over? At all? How long do you hold a grudge? Forever?