My Very First Major League Baseball Game

Posted by golfkat on August 13, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. 1 Comment

Written in 2008, a recollection of my first professional baseball game in the summer of 1959.  It was at old Seals Stadium in San Francisco.  Over the years, we went to many games at Candlestick, before ATT Park was built.  We also went to games at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, the LA Coliseum, Dodger Stadium, and Anaheim Stadium.

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The Giants and Dodgers moved to California in 1958 as I recall.  I went to my first game in the summer of 1959 at Seals Stadium, 16th Street and Bryant, in San Francisco.  Seals Stadium was very small, seating about 20,000.  It was right in the middle of a bunch of breweries, like Falstaff.  It was also a pretty rough neighborhood.

My Aunt and Uncle from LA offered to take me and a friend up to San Francisco.  They were going on a night club tour.  My friend Phillip and I would go to the game that night.  We were actually going to stay in San Lorenzo with his relatives.  We even dropped our clothes off there, and headed into the City with my Aunt and Uncle.

They checked in to a Motor Lodge, actually only a few blocks from Seals Stadium.  I think it was called the Franciscan Civic Center Motel.  As things happened, we decided we would try to get seats for the game, and stay with my Aunt and Uncle in the motel room.  So, after a dinner, who knows where, we got in line for bleacher seats outside of the left field pavilion.

As I recall, the wait was not long.  Everyone was talking about this minor league sensation, Willie McCovey, since he was hitting over .400.  We were able to buy two seats, and proceeded to watch the Giants take batting practice.  I do not remember who they played that night.  But they were in the National League pennant race, but did not have much pitching, other than their ace, Ruben Gomez.

During BP, several players hit the ball over the fence to our general area.  One ball came really close.  It hit someone in the aisle, then started rolling on the floor toward us.  I missed it, but Phillip was able to grab it.  Unfortunately, he grabbed it at the same time as the kid next to him.  His parents prevailed and he had to give the ball up to this snotty kid.  What a bummer.  Our first big league game, and we should have had a ball.

Anyway, we saw a great game, but the Giants lost.  McCovey got several hits, and it was fun to watch this big guy hit the ball.  We stayed to the very end.  I do not know how late it was.  We were told to take a cab back to the motel.
But neither of us had ever done that before, so we walked back.

The motel owner was shocked that we walked back in the dark, through a bad neighborhood, at the age of 11 or 12.  We got into the room, locked the door, and fell soundly asleep.  Sometime that night, my Aunt and Uncle came back from their tour.  As they tell the story, they could not get in since I had pressed a button that prevented the key from entering the lock outside the door.  They had to get the manager, take a window apart, and get in that way.  We missed the whole thing since we were sound asleep.!!!

While they were not upset with us, we did hear about it the next morning.  I guess they tried to wake us, but we did not hear them.  All was forgiven, when they took us to the Cliff House for breakfast.  We got to see the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time.  We drove through Golden Gate Park.  It was a glorious day.

Fast forward to today:  There is always some of that boyhood excitement when attending a game.  Even when our home town boys are not having their best season, we still enjoy the ballpark, the food, and the game.  Getting to go with my brother is special, a reminder of all the games we attended with our Dad over the years.
I recall we often took a bus from Kingsburg, up to the ball park.  It was a Moyers bus, who remembers that?  We always stopped at Fisherman’s Wharf on the way home for dinner.  It was a very long day, but the excitement of seeing a game made the day very special.
When our Dad drove us to San Francisco or Los Angeles, it was even more special.  With four kids wanting attention, having a day with our Dad for ourselves was special.  And we always got to stop somewhere fun after the game for a nice dinner.  While we were not rich, getting to stop at a fine restaurant was a real treat.  We learned to sit at a table in a nice restaurant, and behave like little gentlemen.
Living in the central valley, it is a much longer trek to the game.  When I lived in the east bay, it was merely 45 minutes on BART to SF, and a transfer to Muni to Third and King Street.  I often went to games at the last minute back then.  Now, it takes some planning.  Or in this case, a gift of two tickets from one of my brother’s high school friends.
Many times, the highlight of our visit to ATT is the crab sandwich, out in centerfield.  We add a beer, and just revel in the atmosphere of baseball, the City, seafood, and the cool breezes of San Francisco Bay.  Our team will definitely not make the playoffs this year!
While this may not be another “even” year miracle, we will enjoy the game.  Maybe we will see a star of the future, like Austin Slater, or Derek Rodriquez.  Or maybe we will just sit in the cool breezes of the Bay, thinking about how warm it is back home.  While we will not see Willie Mays or Juan Marichal, we both remember the old days with our Dad.  Thank you Dad for introducing us to sports.  We miss you every day, but even more, on days like this!

Favorite Airport Dining

Posted by golfkat on August 13, 2018
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You Think It Is Hot Here?

Posted by golfkat on August 13, 2018
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We tend to complain about the heat here in the great valley.  But it could be worse.  We have a good amount of solar panels, and most homes and businesses are air conditioned.  But this is not the case around the world.  Take a look:

The mercury is expected to hit the mid- to late-40s in Spain and Portugal, and there could even be a new record-breaking top temperature of 48C.

The current highest temperatures were hit on 13 July 2017 in Montoro, Spain, when the mercury reached 47.3C (117F) and in Amareleja, Portugal, on 1 August 2003 when the temperature reached 47.4C (117F).  The temperature surge is down to a mass of hot air moving from Africa, and has been referred to as the first heatwave in the region this year.

But the all-time highest record for continental Europe is 48C (118F) set in Athens, Greece, on 10 July 1977.  However, climatologist Fatima Esphot europehot europe1hot europe2hot europe3írito Santo told the Observador that the increase is not a heatwave, because the spell of higher temperatures will only last three days, not five.

She added heatwaves will likely occur every two years because of the impact of climate change.

The warm weather has had an geological impact on Sweden, where the country’s tallest peak will change as the ice on top of it melts.

A glacier on Kebnekaise mountain is melting, meaning the 2,111m (6,925ft) peak will not be the tallest for much longer.

In Poland, high temperatures have forced power plants into emergency mode and in Germany there are fears of serious harm to crops as some wheat fields have been devastated by high temperatures.

In Italy, some parts of the country reached 38C (100F) with tourists staying close to fountains to keep cool.

Do you see why I go to Europe only in the Spring or Fall?

Having been to Spain and Portugal on numerous occasions, I can tell you that many places of business are NOT air conditioned.  A large two bedroom apartment we rented in 2012 had only ceiling fans.  Many places of business rely on the cool breezes of the Mediterranean.  Nicer hotels and pensiones may not be air conditioned.

A dear friend just returned from a month over in Europe.  She said she lost 5 pounds every day due to the heat!!!!  Perhaps summers are best spent where it is cooler, or where AC is more prevalent.  Even places like Seattle and Newport Beach have apartments and condos without AC.

But there is one rather redeeming feature to the hot weather on Spanish beaches.  What might that be?  Topless swimming and sunbathing by beautiful women, of course!!!!

Eating Cheaply on the Road

Posted by golfkat on August 5, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

When many of us travel, we seek out well known or popular places to eat.  I am guilty of this some of the time as well.  But if you are in an expensive place, or trying to economize, and eat a little healthier, you do have options.

First, take advantage of the freebies in the hotel.  Often breakfast, or at least, a continental breakfast is offered.  And in foreign countries, the breakfast is substantial.  In the evening, the hotel happy hours often provide cold and hot appetizers, as well as free or inexpensive beverages.  If I get upgraded to the club floor, the food often serves as a meal replacement, particularly when the weather is bad  outside, or your time is short.

Two things I always carry, make that three.  One is a refillable bottle for water, an energy bar or two, and some of my own home made trail mix.  While not a meal replacement, it can bridge the gap between meal times whenever necessary, such as plane delays, bad weather, or waiting for a train or bus.

Your next best friend is a local farmer’s market, food trucks, or food court.  While these are best found on the west coast, I have found healthy and decent food at food stalls in Russia, South America, and Japan.  Any of these tend to be less expensive than “dine in” places.

I tend to gravitate to happy hours when I am on the road.  It has two things I like:  cheap drinks, and free or cheap food.  It also provides another way to meet locals, and get the lay of the land quickly and inexpensively.

But, like you, there are times when I like to sit down at a favorite or well known restaurant.  One easy way to economize is to find the “early bird” specials.  Or, if that is not an option, I tend to go for a salad, and have a substantial appetizer or side as my main dish.  During my travel working days, I would often have two appetizers rather than a big, expensive entrée.  Not only do I save some green, I tend to eat less, and feel better after.

If you know me, you know that I do not always dine cheaply, but I do pride myself on dining smartly.  While there are no set rules that I follow, I still want to enjoy the culture of the country, while staying relatively healthy, and somewhat economical.

Another go to meal on the road:  sushi or noodles.  Both are relatively cheap, fast, and ubiquitous.  Sushi can be purchased at food stalls, convenience stores, and most grocery stores.  Ramen and pho are available anywhere Asian food is available.

This is where street food makes its rather convenient and uber-interesting appearance.  It matters not where you are.  Just pick the longest line, and you will find the freshest food.  I always talk to the other people in line as well.  They will tell me what to order, and why it tastes so good.  And I may learn a few others things as well!

I was in San Diego for an overnight.  My only full meal was a late breakfast on the second day.  On the evening of the first day, I went to the happy hour at Oceanaire in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. I had their oysters, grilled shrimp, and two glasses of Champagne.  While not inexpensive, I just had a small snack at the ballpark later that evening.

I also discovered that two meals are perfect for most days on the road.  I start with a decent breakfast, usually around 8 or 9am.  A couple light snacks during the day usually hold me until dinner, usually early as well.  Three meals are just too much, unless I walk or use a bicycle sharing service.

Certainly, most of you have secrets to keeping meal costs under control on trips.  Many of you do not eat breakfast.  Some, like me, have a light lunch.  Others must have three meals a day, no matter what.  Some of you get carried away with economizing.  And others still, want to find every gourmet corner in the world.  I assume there are no right answers.happy hourstreet foodfood truckhuevosoysters

Where in the World Is Gerry San Diego?

Posted by golfkat on August 5, 2018
Posted in: Health, Travel. Leave a comment

Since this has been an annual trip for so many years, I really am at a loss as to what to say or write about this fine American city.  Our dear friends are in Italy, so I will not be visiting them.  And a few folks from back home will be around for a few beers and laughs.  Mostly, I am here for the Giants short two game series against the Padres.

The trip is a little different, in that I am flying down from home, rather than driving.  I am staying in the Gaslamp area, using public transportation, and walking most everywhere, once I land.  When we drive, we usually head out of the city for shopping, wine tasting, beaches, and other points of interest.

I have listed the famous people from San Diego previously, many times.  But one in particular stands out to me, Dr. Jonas Salk.  From his biography:  “Jonas Salk was born October 28, 1914, in New York City. In 1942 at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, he became part of a group that was working to develop a vaccine against the flu. In 1947 he became head of the Virus Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh. At Pittsburgh he began research on polio. On April 12, 1955, the vaccine was released for use in the United States. He established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in 1963. Salk died in 1995.”

Most of you reading this are much younger, and perhaps do not recall the period around 1955.  The polio vaccine developed by Dr. Salk was approved for general use.  President Eisenhower gave him a special citation at a ceremony held in the Rose Garden at the White House.  And of course, President Franklin Roosevelt had contracted polio in 1921, while on a summer vacation on Campobello Island, his summer vacation home.  He also helped crate the “March of Dimes Foundation” that became the primary funding source for Salk’s studies and vaccine trials.

But what makes this most memorable is that we received the vaccine at school.  Back in 1955, I would have been about 9 years old, and attending Lincoln Elementary School in Kingsburg, in the 3rd or 4th grade.  I can recall lining up like we did for lunch, alphabetically, of course. We marched over to the cafeteria/multi-purpose room for our shots.  This was before the oral vaccine was available.

Obviously, there was no controversy about vaccinating children, much less at school.  There was no choice.  And for the most part, polio became an afterthought on the American health scene.  Despite this, I found out later that several of my classmates actually contracted polio prior to this period.  In 1952, there were 57,000 cases of polio.  The number dropped to less than a thousand a decade later.

Thankfully, the oral vaccine came along about a decade later (1962), when the live virus replaced Salk’s vaccine. Dr. Albert Sabin developed the oral vaccine, which was both less expensive and easier to use.  A drop of vaccine was placed on a sugar cube.  What a great idea!  By the way, Sabin and Salk were rivals as you might expect.

People probably don’t know that, in 1952, Salk tested the vaccine on himself, his wife, and his three children.  He actually boiled the needles and syringes on his kitchen stovetop!  And to his credit, he did not feel justified in patenting the vaccine, since much of the studies were publicly funded.

Salk went on to establish the Salk Center for Biological Studies in 1963.  He went on to study both multiple sclerosis and cancer. He moved on later to HIV and AIDS.  He died of heart failure in 1995 in La Jolla.  But he will always be remembered as the man who stopped polio!!

So, while I am here for baseball, I try to remember hat the area is known for great scientific breakthroughs in the biological sciences.  Now they need to control the Hepatitis outbreak here.  The homeless situation here is staggering!!  The weather is too good, and the streets are too friendly.

 

Been to San Diego? Done That!

Posted by golfkat on August 5, 2018
Posted in: Action, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

One of my favorite summer trips is San Diego.  We have been driving lately, but I decided to fly down for the short, two game series between the Giants and the San Diego Padres.  One reason:  the traffic between San Diego, and almost anywhere north in LA is simply awful.  Make that really awful.

But once in San Diego, the weather is fantastic, Petco Park is a great place to see a ball game, and I love the San Diego vibe.  The city is easy to navigate with both public transportation, and on foot.  I am staying in the Gaslamp area, walking to the game, and taking the bus to and from the airport to my hotel.

Speaking of Gaslamp, once downtrodden, redeveloped back to life, and now heading back south.  Our last few visits have revealed an ugly under belly, lots of cheap bars and cheesy souvenir shops, and not much quality.  And as with most major cities, homelessness is a growing problem.  To top it off, they had a big Hepatitis scare last year!

Having done all the tourist things, like the famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, famous Torrey Pines golf course, the beaches of La Jolla, and points in between, this is decidedly a baseball trip.

But I must tell you a funny story.  Skip this is you read it before.  I was working for the California Hospital Association back in the early 80s.  We had a big annual meeting down here, and arranged for Andy Rooney of “60 Minutes” to be the main speaker.  A small bunch of employees were asked to join him for dinner at a famous seafood place near the harbor, Anthony’s Star of the Sea, as I recall.

As the evening progressed, and the wine was consumed, we became quite the most interesting and funny group in the place.  The waiters were playing along just fine, until we finally asked one of them who he thought our guest star was.  His answer?  “Mickey Rooney, of course.”  The place went bonkers, including Andy himself!!!

Needless to say, the week down there was a raucous good time.  We even found a guitar and sang the night away after the bars closed.  Those were some good times!

But I digress.  We must get back to baseball.  I started coming to games down here when my kids were young, back when the Padres played out at old Jack Murphy Stadium in Mission Valley.  You might recall, this is the reason the NFL San Diego Chargers are now in LA.  Petco is a big improvement, a downtown ballpark that has revitalized an old downtown area, much like San Francisco, Denver, Arizona, and Seattle.  Is it coincidence they are on the west coast?

Most people do not know that one of the greatest hitter’s in baseball is from San Diego.  That would be Ted Williams!  The area also produced Craig Nettles, Alan Trammell, Adrian Gonzalez, Cole Hamels, and the Boone family.

I never get tired of visiting this great city.  The weather is great, the attractions numerous, the seafood excellent, and the people are so very friendly.  What more can you ask for?  How about a two game sweep of the Padres?

 

The Grumpiest Travelers

Posted by golfkat on August 2, 2018
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment

According to The Actives Times:

Spain may have a reputation for being a relaxed country and culture, given all the siestas they have to nap away their worries, this apparently stops at the country’s border. Spaniards abroad are impressively ornery: not only are they but most likely to leave one- and two-star reviews (11.73 percent), they are sixth most likely to leave an unimpressed three-star review (18.68 percent) and the fifth least likely to leave a five-star review.

While in Spain itself, I found locals to be extremely friendly, helpful, and otherwise good citizens of the world.  But get them outside of their country?  Having encountered groups of Spanish tourists in several countries leads me to believe the above findings about their hotel reviews and travel philosophy.

First, the Spanish tourists tend to take over.  They move chairs and tables without asking, they are loud and obnoxious, and they are extremely demanding of service staff.  Second, they like to make a “show” of whatever they do.  In other words, “look at me” like teenagers might do.  Third, and worst, they have no inhibitions about emitting gas in a confined space!  And not feel a bit embarrassed when they are  caught!!!!

Another favorite tactic of theirs is to block everyone from boarding or passing through a bottleneck.  Somehow, they think they deserve to be first, no matter what.  Forget letting the elderly or handicapped pass through first.  I find this really upsetting, when I should just really let it go.  They are so bossy!!!

But far and away, the worst is the farting.  On planes, trains, and anywhere else, they just let loose.  And they never get embarrassed!!!  I guess I should be thankful I do not have many friends from Spain.

 

Airplane staff walking in the seat isle.