Lovely, as always. So sorry about the Covid! Did you see the statue of Willie Mays outside the stadium? One of my favorite local landmarks. The park itself is a lovely place to take in a game, though my curmudgeonly self is still a little bitter that today’s fans don’t have to suffer to watch the Giants, as we did at that miserable excuse for a ballpark known as Candlestick Park.
I know that during his career Mays had a reputation as a bit of a spiky, distant character, as Tim mentioned, but he does seem to have mellowed in more recent years. My one personal contact with him came almost sixty years ago, and was a bit more personal. His son Michael was a kindergarten classmate of mine at Town School for Boys, and one day after a play date at our apartment my father and I drove Michael home. We rang the doorbell and Willie himself answered the door and greeted us, whereupon according to my father I lapsed into a catatonic state, incapable of speech or movement, and just stood there gawping at the great man. (I’d just like to say I don’t remember this.) At age five, of course, I don’t think I couldn’t have really known who he was or why he was famous, but I knew I was in the presence of a true giant (and Giant).
I love this story Martin! Thanks for sharing it with us. I’ve seen his statue in the past but didn’t in the drive by this time.
We have been so lucky to live in the place and time we did to get to see these fabulous players. Personally, I like the much more accessible stadium. Weirdly, the first time I went to the new stadium was to see an opera!
Wow, peanut butter whiskey...I admire your bravery.
Regarding Willie Mays, I, often with our mutual friend John Duncan, was lucky enough to watch him play during his later years in SF, circa 1968-1972. By then, his body was slowing down and his playful exuberance had waned. I did not love him like I loved Willie McCovey. One time, I and a friend waited after a game at the players parking lot at Candlestick, which was inside a chain link fence, hoping for autographs. One by one the players emerged from the stadium. When Willie Mays appeared many of us clamored to him, but he remained brusque and stone-faced, bee-lining into his gold Chrysler with the "Say Hey" plates. Of course, I "get" why. But a little while later Willie McCovey came out. He smiled at me and cheerfully autographed my program. McCovey magically always seemed to hit a 3-run home-run when the chips were down, whereas a lingering memory I have of Mays is him striking out with men on base to end a close game. Such anecdotes are of course unfair, but they are part of my memory. My love of both Willies was something I shared with fellow fans—most of them black—as we rode to the stadium on the Muni bus. I was emotional when both of them died.
I love hearing these stories Tim. These were amazing men who had their own lives to juggle in a very public and not always supported way. I’m sorry Willie Mays let you down, and delighted that Willie McCovey lived up to your dreams. We need both examples to keep our hero’s real, don’t we? Thanks so much for sharing your memories!
So true! My mother always said these trials all build character. So just imagine how characterful you must be by now dear Prue! You have had your fill of trials recently...I do hope you are on the final mend! ❤️
Proxy voting?! That’s wild! And nerve-wracking (finding someone to trust with this sacred duty - yikes!) And a lot of hoops to jump through. But I am so glad you were able to get it all organized.
I’m also glad that I live in a state that makes voting so easy for every citizen (unlike many that are actively throwing up roadblocks or purging registrations). I’m not looking forward to the days between now and November.
I had Skrewball whisky a couple weeks ago, for the first time. Like you I'd never heard of it but it sounded much better than Fireball which seems to be all the rage. It was tasty and I had a couple shots.
Yes, new homeowners seem to be getting younger. Go figure, Boomer.
Awesome you were able to find a way to make your voice heard in your new country.
I was saddened to hear of Wille's passing. I see a fellow dogwalker at the dog park who is an avid (borderline rabid) Giants fan. We discussed Willie and unfortunate he wouldn't be able to attend nor witness the MLB game in Birmingham, AL between the Giants and Cardinals. Willie had declined an invite to the game so clearly he wasn't well leading up to it. Willie started his career in Birmingham.
Wow, a true whiskey drinker! I'm impressed! I've never heard of fireball but I don't like the sound of it. And yes, a Boomer I am, and I can't run away from that fact. All us baseball fans will be thinking about Willie the night of that Giants-Cardinals game this week, that's for sure. Thanks for sharing that story, Crowell.
I'm so glad you've made it possible to cast your vote! We do ours by post - and first did so during the pandemic, when we were shielding. And actually, it's way more convenient because with our unpredictable schedule we always run the risk of being away on polling day. I'm really pleased you've found a proxy!
My parents have always had what we call 'the rack' for drying and airing clothes. We've only ever called it that - like the torture instrument - I had no idea that it's actually called a Pulley Maid! 🤣
I learned it was called a pulley maid when the people we bought our previous house from had removed it before we moved in. And what's a room with an Aga without 'the rack'??? So I had to find and order a new one ....
And yes, yes to mail voting! I've been doing that since I left the US, as I can still vote there, but have to vote by mail. I used to do it even when I still lived two blocks from my polling station because, like you say, you never know what that one day will be like, and it is so important to always cast your vote.
And, well, let's just say I'll probably never willingly drink whiskey again, peanut butter or otherwise!
I wish you had taken a picture of that hearty sized salad to see if it was big enough for me. I doubt it.
I applaud your determination to vote come hell or high water (which is what we'll face in the US elections). When I'm able to vote in Spain, I would do the same. Or plan my vacations around voting day. I'm all signed up to vote in the US elections and I have the fax machine identified as that's the only way those absentee Florida residents like me (sorry to say) can vote.
How symbolic that you passed by Oracle Field. I feel so fortunate that Willie Mays and Willie McCovey shaped my enjoyment of baseball and honored to have seen both of them so many times. What a fine man and baseball player.
Looking forward to reading about more adventures next week.
The salad was smaller than you might have liked but mighty in its contents!
It was so amazing to have passed by Oracle Field that very afternoon. We were cursing the traffic that led us there, but I enjoyed the view as we were stuck there, and of course in hindsight it was a blessing.
We had planned our trip long before the election was called, so we had no choice. But as they say in the UK, 'needs must'! Voting these days is one of the most important things we CAN do.
Wow! Proxy voting. Good work. I’m impressed and jazzed up by your courage and persistence. You rock! My one question was going to be “why the sheep on the whiskey bottle?” but your caption set me straight. We voted Tuesday in primaries up and down the Old Dominion in Virginia. Some races really mattered. Our local one was pretty mild on that scale. Felt all the feelings in the warm up to the big day coming in November…
Thanks Patti! It was nerve-wracking but as you know, so important to do. And yes, I’m relieved that I can vote from afar for the US election later this year.
Lovely, as always. So sorry about the Covid! Did you see the statue of Willie Mays outside the stadium? One of my favorite local landmarks. The park itself is a lovely place to take in a game, though my curmudgeonly self is still a little bitter that today’s fans don’t have to suffer to watch the Giants, as we did at that miserable excuse for a ballpark known as Candlestick Park.
I know that during his career Mays had a reputation as a bit of a spiky, distant character, as Tim mentioned, but he does seem to have mellowed in more recent years. My one personal contact with him came almost sixty years ago, and was a bit more personal. His son Michael was a kindergarten classmate of mine at Town School for Boys, and one day after a play date at our apartment my father and I drove Michael home. We rang the doorbell and Willie himself answered the door and greeted us, whereupon according to my father I lapsed into a catatonic state, incapable of speech or movement, and just stood there gawping at the great man. (I’d just like to say I don’t remember this.) At age five, of course, I don’t think I couldn’t have really known who he was or why he was famous, but I knew I was in the presence of a true giant (and Giant).
I love this story Martin! Thanks for sharing it with us. I’ve seen his statue in the past but didn’t in the drive by this time.
We have been so lucky to live in the place and time we did to get to see these fabulous players. Personally, I like the much more accessible stadium. Weirdly, the first time I went to the new stadium was to see an opera!
Wow, peanut butter whiskey...I admire your bravery.
Regarding Willie Mays, I, often with our mutual friend John Duncan, was lucky enough to watch him play during his later years in SF, circa 1968-1972. By then, his body was slowing down and his playful exuberance had waned. I did not love him like I loved Willie McCovey. One time, I and a friend waited after a game at the players parking lot at Candlestick, which was inside a chain link fence, hoping for autographs. One by one the players emerged from the stadium. When Willie Mays appeared many of us clamored to him, but he remained brusque and stone-faced, bee-lining into his gold Chrysler with the "Say Hey" plates. Of course, I "get" why. But a little while later Willie McCovey came out. He smiled at me and cheerfully autographed my program. McCovey magically always seemed to hit a 3-run home-run when the chips were down, whereas a lingering memory I have of Mays is him striking out with men on base to end a close game. Such anecdotes are of course unfair, but they are part of my memory. My love of both Willies was something I shared with fellow fans—most of them black—as we rode to the stadium on the Muni bus. I was emotional when both of them died.
Have a great trip to USA!
I love hearing these stories Tim. These were amazing men who had their own lives to juggle in a very public and not always supported way. I’m sorry Willie Mays let you down, and delighted that Willie McCovey lived up to your dreams. We need both examples to keep our hero’s real, don’t we? Thanks so much for sharing your memories!
Things are sent to try us, aren't they?
The message is always, it seems, be adaptable and go with the flow.
Golly, I'm trying so hard to do that, I swear... ;)
So true! My mother always said these trials all build character. So just imagine how characterful you must be by now dear Prue! You have had your fill of trials recently...I do hope you are on the final mend! ❤️
I should know this morning, Sabrina. Waiting with baited breath.
I'll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!
Proxy voting?! That’s wild! And nerve-wracking (finding someone to trust with this sacred duty - yikes!) And a lot of hoops to jump through. But I am so glad you were able to get it all organized.
I’m also glad that I live in a state that makes voting so easy for every citizen (unlike many that are actively throwing up roadblocks or purging registrations). I’m not looking forward to the days between now and November.
I had Skrewball whisky a couple weeks ago, for the first time. Like you I'd never heard of it but it sounded much better than Fireball which seems to be all the rage. It was tasty and I had a couple shots.
Yes, new homeowners seem to be getting younger. Go figure, Boomer.
Awesome you were able to find a way to make your voice heard in your new country.
I was saddened to hear of Wille's passing. I see a fellow dogwalker at the dog park who is an avid (borderline rabid) Giants fan. We discussed Willie and unfortunate he wouldn't be able to attend nor witness the MLB game in Birmingham, AL between the Giants and Cardinals. Willie had declined an invite to the game so clearly he wasn't well leading up to it. Willie started his career in Birmingham.
Wow, a true whiskey drinker! I'm impressed! I've never heard of fireball but I don't like the sound of it. And yes, a Boomer I am, and I can't run away from that fact. All us baseball fans will be thinking about Willie the night of that Giants-Cardinals game this week, that's for sure. Thanks for sharing that story, Crowell.
Peanut butter whiskey?! 🥃🥜😍
I'm so glad you've made it possible to cast your vote! We do ours by post - and first did so during the pandemic, when we were shielding. And actually, it's way more convenient because with our unpredictable schedule we always run the risk of being away on polling day. I'm really pleased you've found a proxy!
My parents have always had what we call 'the rack' for drying and airing clothes. We've only ever called it that - like the torture instrument - I had no idea that it's actually called a Pulley Maid! 🤣
I learned it was called a pulley maid when the people we bought our previous house from had removed it before we moved in. And what's a room with an Aga without 'the rack'??? So I had to find and order a new one ....
And yes, yes to mail voting! I've been doing that since I left the US, as I can still vote there, but have to vote by mail. I used to do it even when I still lived two blocks from my polling station because, like you say, you never know what that one day will be like, and it is so important to always cast your vote.
And, well, let's just say I'll probably never willingly drink whiskey again, peanut butter or otherwise!
Gee, I wonder why you were buying Fever Tree.
I wish you had taken a picture of that hearty sized salad to see if it was big enough for me. I doubt it.
I applaud your determination to vote come hell or high water (which is what we'll face in the US elections). When I'm able to vote in Spain, I would do the same. Or plan my vacations around voting day. I'm all signed up to vote in the US elections and I have the fax machine identified as that's the only way those absentee Florida residents like me (sorry to say) can vote.
How symbolic that you passed by Oracle Field. I feel so fortunate that Willie Mays and Willie McCovey shaped my enjoyment of baseball and honored to have seen both of them so many times. What a fine man and baseball player.
Looking forward to reading about more adventures next week.
The salad was smaller than you might have liked but mighty in its contents!
It was so amazing to have passed by Oracle Field that very afternoon. We were cursing the traffic that led us there, but I enjoyed the view as we were stuck there, and of course in hindsight it was a blessing.
We had planned our trip long before the election was called, so we had no choice. But as they say in the UK, 'needs must'! Voting these days is one of the most important things we CAN do.
Wow! Proxy voting. Good work. I’m impressed and jazzed up by your courage and persistence. You rock! My one question was going to be “why the sheep on the whiskey bottle?” but your caption set me straight. We voted Tuesday in primaries up and down the Old Dominion in Virginia. Some races really mattered. Our local one was pretty mild on that scale. Felt all the feelings in the warm up to the big day coming in November…
Thanks, it was daunting but my goodness so important. Glad you got out to vote too!
Thanks Patti! It was nerve-wracking but as you know, so important to do. And yes, I’m relieved that I can vote from afar for the US election later this year.