Stu Miller, RIP -- January 7, 2015

I was sad to learn that Stu Miller, who pitched for the New York and San Francisco Giants has died.  He was an excellent right-handed relief pitcher who was Sporting News National League Reliever of the year in 1961.    No one remembers that.  People remember that the wind blew him off the mound at Candlestick Park during the first 1961 All Star Game.  Actually, the wind caused him to balk. 

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Yesterday in Fresno, Governor Jerry Brown broke groups for the California High Speed Rail Project. 

Dual Canonization -- April 27, 2014

Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II are being canonized today.  I don't remember Pope John XXIII when he was alive, but I remember people talking about him after he died, and I remember reading about him in an issue of Life or Look at my grandparents' house.  He convened Vatican II, saying the church needed to "open the windows...and let in some fresh air.".  Among the results of the council were mass in the vernacular, the presider facing the congregation during mass, involvement of the laity during mass and in many operations of the church and countless other changes.  Some paleo-Catholics still find the results of the council controversial.   I think he saved the church. 


In 1987, my wife and I participated in the mass at Candlestick Park which was celebrated by Pope John Paul II.  I remember the part he played in the fall of the Communist Party in Poland.  He carried on bravely through his long illness.  Some people feel he did not do enough about the sexual and monetary scandals that wracked the church. 


A commentator recently mentioned that both men were from the television age, and both had outgoing personalities.  I think it would not hurt if we went back to the rule that a person had to be dead for 50 years before we could open a case for sainthood. 


Pope John XXIII was Time Magazine's Man of the Year in the 04-January-1963 edition.

Candlestick Park -- December 23, 2013

The San Franisco 49ers played the last regular season game at Candlestick Park.  They beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-24.  The last 49ers game I attended was played at Kezar Stadium before the 49ers moved to Candlestick in 1971.  I went to many Giants games at Candlestick and have fond memories of watching Willie Mays, Bobby Bonds, Jack Clark, Will Clark, Bobby Thompson, Barry Bonds and many others. 

My wife and I often talk about a 14-inning game against the Astros.  We gave up in the 13th when we couldn't feel our feet anymore.  The Giants won in 14.  I got rid of my thermal longjohns a few years after the Giants moved to their current ballpark. 

I used to go to day games while I was in college.  I sat in a certain section so I could run up the aisle and get right on a 28-Ballpark Express home. 

I remember the three flags in the outfield blowing in three different directions. 

I don't think I'll feel bad when the park gets torn down.