Major League Baseball's Trade Deadline, Remembering Yoenis Cespedes, & an Olympic Games/Bucket List Tidbit

Tipping Off My Engrossing Ramblings: Well...it appears my wife has officially added an item to her Bucket List. You guessed it, attending the Olympics in person! With the 2024 Olympics coming near us on the West Coast (Los Angeles) in 2028, the current odds place this coming to fruition at a 50-50 wager. The 2032 Games will take place in Australia, which sounds like a fabulous excursion...one item on My Bucket List you say? (Thank You for asking!)...um, I am still leaning to catching a hoop game at the Mecca, Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple! Currently I have a Knicks game at the top of the list, however a college hoop game or a NYR (New York Rangers!) Hockey tilt would do the trick. When I reminisce of the Garden, I recall the grandest sporting events, such as Ali vs. Frazier, and Big East Basketball. Now that we have visited the the Taj Majal on the left coast--Dodger Stadium--I look forward to the sitting in the granddaddy on the East Coast!

MLB Draft Shoutout: A Tip of the Cap, with a subsequent Standing Ovation, to local Reedley Ca. product Will Gagnon! The Reedley High Pirate & Reedley College stalwart was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th round of the recent Major League Baseball Draft! Prior to the draft, Will had plans to pitch for UCLA. Tremendous, tremendous accomplishments Will! (You would think UCLA could outbid the Dodgers, waka waka!) Will has subsequently signed with the Dodgers, and we look forward to the possibility of the right-hander on the bump in the California League in the near future!  My guy, Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) with the story on the new Dodger! Reedley to The Show! Speaking of the draft...the more I read about the Rox's first pick Mile High Charlie Condon (I might be the only one calling him Mile High now, however if the name sticks with just one other human...it's on!), the greater my affinity for the possibility of watching this stellar young man and Dude-knock the ball around Coors Field! Mile High Charlie in the Denver Post, Story by Kyle Newman (@KyleNewmanDP).

MLB Trade Deadline: My new fav writer, Josh Suchon (@Josh_Suchon), nails the essence of the Trade Deadline in his "Scribbled Notes on a Cocktail Napkin." Among other enthralling stories, Josh recalls Rickey returning to Oakland in 1988. I remember that trade fondly...I remember thinking in my best Tom Hanks impersonation ("We're gonna win...).  Josh also writes that Rickey could have been a San Francisco Gigante--Say What!?!@!  Giants fans...how do you feel about Rickey almost joining the Black & Orange? I thoroughly enjoy reading Josh's "scribblings" each and ever Sunday! However...while I recall the A's trade with the Yanks gleefully, it was another A's trade that broke me. Ten years ago, Billy Beane (where did he disappear to by the way? Inquiring A's fans want to know!)...I digress...Yoenis Cespedes. Our guy. The underdog. Masher. Crazy arm. He was an A('s) all the way. An Oakland A('s). The swag the homers, the way he loved the home run competition....ugh...and Billy trades him for a pitcher who in no way shape or form wanted to be a part of the Swinging A's landscape--John Lester. (We won't stroll down memory lane of that Epic Wild Card game loss to the Royals in '14, a game Lester an Co. could not close out!). Billy sold our soul. The Curse of Cespy perhaps...I all know is when the A's traded Cespy, by A's soul was ripped unceremoniously from my pancreas. (Years later when they traded Mr. Wonderful Matt Olsen-also my wife's fav player...well, my A's body essentially perished too)...here is a melancholy jaunt down memory lane I am happy to take & share with you! Cespedes in the Big A!  Oh what could have been, what might have been...A Tip of the Cap to you Cespy!

    Cespy taking his trademark Masher's Cut in the Coliseum above, and living large at the Mid-Summer Showcase Home Run Derby below....

                                                                                   

*Around the Horn: Our fav Big Leaguer Sam Long looking pretty good in July-our #1 lefty sporting a 1.23 ERA in his last 7 innings. (However he was touched up for a long ball on Saturday 7/27 by those pesky Cubbies in Kansas City. My paperwork is "under review' to be President of the Sam Long Fan Club by the way! Will the Royals make a trade for reinforcements?!? We would love to see Sam and his mates in the postseason!...Locally, for the upcoming week of Tuesday-Saturday, July 30-Aug. 4: The scuffling Fresno Grizzlies, 11-18, return home after 2 weeks on the road, the Rockies Single-A farm will host California South Leading Lake Elsinore (Padres). The Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks), 15-15, will also be home to host the Stockton Ports (A's). The Ports currently own the Cal League's worst record at 10-19 (The Curse of Cespy lives on).

*On Deck: Next we will have a Special Edition 100% 3G from the Bullpen, as I provide a Fab 4 of hotels for all sports fans when traveling to the "Cradle of Liberty," Boston Massachusetts!

     With my wonderful spouse (Master Editor/Proofreader) LeAnn, and my favorite son Noah...@ the Taj Majal, Dodger Stadium, June 2024! 

                                                             To Your Bucket List! 

"Be well, Safe Travels, & Here Is To A Productive Week! Laugh or Cry"--BFonz 

A Potpourri of Golden Memoires....While An Aztec Rules!

 Tipping Things Off--& Teeing The Ball UP Today...

*Throughout the week the amount of football chatter on sports programming seems to be building; well, it's still summer people! (Although the Hall of Fame Game is scheduled for August 1, with the Bears battling the Texans!) The Olympics in Paris are now on deck, with events beginning on Friday, July 26. I am old enough to fondly remember the exploits of the great American swimmer Mark Spitz! I lift my Mocha to Olympians past, present, and future--thank you for the memories and all of your inspiration!

*Congrats to San Diego State Alum Xander Schauffele for capturing the British Open! The 30 year-old native Southern Californian carded a 65 on Sunday to prevail on the course at Royal Troon. As I love strolling in the rain-I love the sound of the rain gently pattering on my hood-I may have to add the British Open and Scotland to my Bucket List!?! As my name is Brian Kelly, I guess we will have to make a stop in Ireland too!?! (As my family is well aware, I tend to be a zealous fan of dogs--I would like to witness the Irish Working Sheepdogs on the job!). 

*Last week, I failed to mention one of my favorite sites on "X" (formerly Twitter); if you are a fan of baseball, you have just got-sta follow Jerry Weinstein, @JWonCATCHING. Everytime I read or listen to Coach Jerry, my IQ spikes! Some of you may remember the Catching Guru for building a baseball power at Sacramento City College, in Sacramento Ca.! Years ago....(I want to say 1983 or '84, yikes!), I attended a Spring Baseball Camp at the home of the Panthers, and man oh man was I enthralled. Those who know well, can attest that paying attention may not exactly be my best attribute; however Coach Jerry and his staff were spell binding. Paul Carmazzi was one of the other coaches I simply adored. I love those guys, and I was fascinated with the endless stream of baseball nuggets they kept serving up! Jerry tweets primarily about catching, however you may want to have a read here: Weinstein Baseball. A Tip Of The Cap To You Coach Jerry. Keep the content firing away!

*Alright I said no....but another characteristic of mine is that I may not be the best at setting limits!?! One of the first football games I remember...was watching the Boise State Broncos take on the Chico State Wildcats in the 1971 Camelia Bowl at Hughes Stadium on the campus of SCC. For some reason my father purchased me a Blue Bull Horn--I kept it for years in my room-and I loved that instrument! The game was nuts, as Boise State rallied from a big deficit late to upend the Wildcats (yes the Wildcats had a football team back in the day!). I found this on Reddit, with some cool, vintage links. We attended the game as I recall, because my father's relationship with a good friend and colleague and Boise native, Stan Davidson. Recalling this story, made me think of my favorite Chico State football player, Chris Anderson. Chris suddenly passed this year in December...bringing this full circle, Chris' son Brady is a linebacker for--you guessed it--those personable and formidable San Diego State Aztecs! To Friends New and Old, Past, Present and Future--luvyaman! (Big Dog, Football season and tailgating won't quite be the same without you man!) I am not sure if all of the facts are accurate here, but hey, as my peeps like to say, "don't let the facts get in the way of a good story." 1971 Camelia Bowl

Finishing up the back 9 with some local CenCal items....

*Only two more weeks of the Fresno Pro-Am being held at Fresno City College. The undefeated "Chill Suite", and the one loss "Call My Agent" appeared headed for a clash in the championship game to be held Saturday August 3. Both of these teams, play some pretty good ball...and if the A/C blast at Fresno City, just saying!?! Follow the league on X @FresnoProAm...

*The Fresno Grizzlies (Rockies Single-A) will be on the road this week, traveling up to Stockton to take on the Ports (A's) in a 6-game series beginning Tuesday. The Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) will be traveling to Lake Elsinore, to take on the 66ers (Padres). The Rockies were thrilled to land Georgia Slugger Charlie Condon with the 3rd pick in draft. If all goes well...perhaps this young prospect will spend a little time in downtown Fresno!?! The more one hears about Mile Hile Charlie (Thank You very much as I came up with this moniker all by lonesome!), the more there is to like! The young Dude, was a walk-on at Georgia, and simply sounds like a model young person! Condon most likely becomes the Rockies #1 Prospect!?! (With Chase The Ace Dollander in the #2 spot!) The Midseason Top 50 Prospects for all MLB teams will be out soon in Prospects1500! (Prospects1500.com)

*Shout-out to Bryan Welch for all of his broadcasting gigs and coverage. Bryan currently streams all of the games of the local collegiate Summer League Team, the Fresno Athletics. Follow Bryan on X at BryanWe94586914 and on You Tube (bryanwelch4600). I appreciate the tremendous amount of time Bryan--and the players, spend mastering their craft! The Athletics will wrap up their season with a doubleheader at Chuchanski Park (See pictured below)--the home of the Grizzlies--Wednesday Evening, July 24. First pitch of Game 1 is set for 5 p.m. Fresno Athletics Baseball.

Pictured below: Fresno Grizzlies pitcher Stu Flesland III heating up in the bullpen before being called up to face the San Jose Giants Saturday, July 20. Flesland is a tall, lefty, with an adept ability to change speeds and keep opposing hitters off balance. Flesland was an 11th round selection from Washington in 2023. Stu is one of many talented young arms in the Rockies system!

          

You may notice the slightly turned "frame" of my Master Class Photo! One reason for the tilt....in a Yearbook Conference years ago, a world class photographer mentioned to take photos from all angles and all locales--you just never know when a great pic will present itself. Additionally, my dear mother--the family picture taker--often had a unique way of framing her shots! Thus, this angle represents a little reminder of the future, while subsequently paying a little homage to the sports loving home of my childhood.

To Favorites, Along with A Busy Sports Sunday, July 14!

Tipping Things Off: With the MLB slated for this upcoming Tuesday, July 16, allow me to share my favorite All-Star moment...allow me to take you back to 1971; before he was Mr. October, Reggie Jackson blasted a drive on the roof of the "old" Tiger Stadium! Attached is the call from legendary broadcaster Curt Gowdy. I can honestly say, this is one of my earliest recollectable memories. Ladies and Gentlemen, here you go, a monumental blast from the past: Reggie, Reggie, Reggie!

Growing up an Oakland A's fan (and attending Isleton Elementary in Northern California), the vivid Green an Gold colors are special to my psyche! Reggie sporting that yellow A's helmet is a classic look. I owned and kept one of those yellow bad boys for years....while we're on the topic of yellow, naturally I am quite fond of Boston's and Nike's "City Collect" jerseys. The bright yellow glistens gloriously in mid-afternoon sunshine, and the "UCLA" lightish blue adds a vintage dimension to the ensemble. I across an article you may find interesting if you too are a fan of the Red Sox's alternate look!?! I came across this article from MassLive.com which shares some insight into the colorful look. Boston's Yellow & Blue!

Speaking of the Red Sox, I have been fortunate to spend the past couple of days soaking in Fenway Park. Fenway simply a majestic, grand, and bit of a quirky stadium! This weekend was particularly magical as the Kansas City Royals visited New England. One, one of my former basketball players-Trent Long-well, Trent's son Sam, is currently a reliever for the Royals! Quite a thrill observing Sam in The Show! Friday Night 7/12 brought a wonderful twist. My Rock Star Daughter-a senior at San Diego State-earned her way to a summer internship with the club! As fate would have it, my son and I were invited to join my little "freckle" for a photo on the field! Fan-flipping-tastic! A tip of the cap to Sam, both of my kiddos, and the Red Sox personnel for the memory of a lifetime!!!

Our "Freckle", Boston Red Sox Intern, Summer 2014

                              My Favorite Big Leaguer in the pen @ Boston 7/12/24. Lefty Sam Long!

Earlier this summer (6/15/24) I was giddy to watch my favorite Big-Leaguer warm-up, and subsequently enter the game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seeing Sam in the Pen, and later on the bump, made my first trip to Dodger Stadium a memorable one! I was giddy when Sam entered a tight game-to face Shohei Otani nonetheless! Sam quelled the rally by retiring another MLB all-star, Freddie Freeman. Wow! I was jazzed and terrified simultaneously as Sam faced the creme de creme of the bigs!!! Now being raised a Northern California, I was always skeptical of the hype surrounding the Dodger Stadium! Au Contraire! I felt like we were visiting the Taj Majal of Stadiums. The size, the buzz, the sigthlines, oh la la, what a spectacle. In the future I will have to rank the stadiums and venues I have attended...but Oh My, Dodger Stadium is a dandy!

Around the Back 9-Busy Day on Sunday, July 14:

*With the MLB Draft less than 24 hours away-I love the professional drafts-who will the struggling Rockies at #3, and Scuffling A's at #4 select? The Guardians own the #1 selection, and the Reds will follow with the #2 pick. From my seat-how can Colorado NOT take a pitcher. The consensus top two pitching prospects are Wake Forest's Chase Burns, and Arkansas' Hagen Smith. My prediction, the Rox will nab Burns, after the Cleveland and Cincy go with college mashers Travis Bazzana and Charlie Condon. Who will the A's select...as I look into the my crystal ball, all I can see is $$. I can envision the Sacramento A's of Oakland via Las Vegas selecting a high school player "overslot" to save some money. Overslot-the way I understand it-simply means a player takes a little less money upfront to be drafted higher and accepts a little less salary. However, my guesstimate: The A's select college standout SS/2B JJ Wetherholt of West Virginia! 

*If you are up early, the Men's Wimbledon should be delightful with Mr. Never Say Die/GOAT Novak Djokovic battling Spain's Carlos Alcaraz! Breakfast at Wimbledon might be a little spicy Sunday morning (7/14). I can never pick against the Djoker...

*Also on Sunday across the pond, the European Soccer Championship on the pitch. Spain versus England. Does anyone like the English? Does anyone NOT have a good time in Spain!?! I will go with team Espana to be victorious 2-1. 

*In the Copa America Final, it's Argentina vs. Columbia. Call me crazy, but I think Colombia lifts the cup Sunday! I appreciate the greatness of Lio Messi...I just have a feeling, Colombia holds on in penalty kicks!

Until the next time, laugh or cry!

(With the news of the sad and tragic scene in Pennsylvania surrounding former President Trump-prayers to all involved and affected by the violence. America...we simply need to do better. Every day...in every way.)

Thanks for reading, please share with your friends, and most importantly To Family, Friends & Kiddos!

                                                                              

          

With my favorite intern Eleanor, and my favorite son Noah. (7/12/24 Fenway Park)