~ TheOldBarbershop ~: Boys Of Summer ...

"TheOldBarbershop" - created along the lines of the old barbershops, same but different, where folks would gather to visit with friends - share life experiences - tall tales - or maybe discuss politics, religion, sports, news, weather, current affairs or just about anything interesting or imaginable

- "the free right to unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion" - characters with character preferred ... "the only barbershop in the civilized world with such a veritable smorgasbord of divers and sundry features, all perpetrated by the most incomparable and sapient, albeit infamous, conglomeration of colorful characters ever assembled" ... with a little help from the misadventures of our friends in Washington, the Media, Major League Baseball, and the Atlanta Braves.

We thought it might be good to tell folks a bit about the old barbershop, its history and its barbers ... somehow I got elected ... that's another way of saying that the Southern Jackass is a whole bunch bigger than me!Miss Carol says I'm an old rambling wreck from Georgia Tech ... and all four are true, but I ain't no engineer! It ain't by intent that I ramble but as you'll see, it takes me four pages to write what others do in less than one ... advance sincere apologies! If you've read our story then welcome back! If not ... you don't know what you been missing ... Oh Boy! Please take a moment and find out why we call it Plato's Place!

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hello all

The Old Barbershop, circa 300 b.c. ... its first proprietor was also the founder of the Democratic Party though I understand he didn't attend this year's convention, some say it was due to gas prices but, I don't think he was invited ... nice fellow by the name of Democritus, though his shop didn't really start out having no name. Methinks you'll recognize the names of some the lead barbers during those early days: Anaxagoras, Empedocles, Parmenides, Xenophanes, and Socrates. Plato watched Socrates who taught him everything he knew about cutting hair ... turned the shop over to Plato and went fishing with Isaac Newton. Plato designed a complete set of new bowls ... of different sizes and shapes, and some high quality cutting tools too ... truly an advancement in the technology of the day ... and, man could he cut hair ... that was in about 387 b.c., based on some of his manuscripts recently sold on EBAY, that were so dated. He got so famous that the shop became known as Plato's Place, and the lead barbers that followed were famous too ... Speusippus, Xenocrates, Polemon, Crates, and Crantor ... every one a member of the Barbering School Hall of Fame. Plato's Braves

That's right, Plato's Place was a barbering school ... that's why some folks called it Plato's Academy ... he set the standard for barbershops ... they even had music for the barbers and patrons to listen to ... they talked about most anything and everything, including the Athens' Braves ... free candy and grapes too, same as us ... only different. Aristotle was a long time patron, cut a good head of hair, and made the hall too, but was never the Place's lead barber. Arcesilaus bought out Plato's Place in 265 b.c. ... remodeled and renamed it "The New Barbershop" ... ever since then, folks have referred to Plato's Place as "The Old Barbershop" ... it was before my time but folks say Plato hung a sign over the door to his Place ... "No free Hair Cuts" ... no, methinks that was something Polonius said to Laertes ... Plato's sign supposedly read "Let no one who cannot think geometrically enter". We looked for that sign all over the shop ... even under the floor and in the attic ... never did find it ... but, back in the Back Room under all the trash was a battered old sign ... so caked with dirt and crud that you couldn't even tell it was a sign ... not until we used some ST37 to clean it up ... "No Free Hair Cuts" ... it's true! we checked the county records and they show that Laertes owned the old barbershop long before we bought it. Dang! Double Dang!! Well that's a mighty valuable artifact ... and it would be neat to use it, but the Southern Jackass(SJA) thought it best that we hone our skills and get more patrons before adopting such a rule. Most folks would've been satisfied but finding that old sign really piqued my interest and I renewed the search for other treasures ... more money in finding such things than in barbering, methinks ... and besides, no folks to get mad when you snip off a piece of their ear. I finally found what I was looking for ... that's right, the ancient old sign that Plato hung up in the shop, back when it first opened ... "never give up" ... no, that's what I say, not the sign ... the sign reads "Let no unfair or unjust person enter" ... well, that's not exactly what folks thought it said ... but it was Greek to them so they didn't really know. old barber

Yes, I misuse and abuse this language I love ... sometimes even intentionally ... but, we must first laugh at outselves if we are to laugh with others ... and even were that not the case, folks usually see and hear what they expect and/or desire. Where am I headed? ... only TheShadow

The ShadowThe Shadow knows for sure, and he hasn't told me a thing ... there may be some misdirection for effect, but chances are it'll simply be me getting my bearings and changing course ... gee, haw, mush, whoa! We in the old barbershop like both Grand Opera and the Grand Ole Opry ... ain't much difference ... good barbershop too! Oops, almost forgot ... here in the new old barbershop, you have to stay alert ... else, no telling what you're liable to miss! We, especially me, like to embed hidden polls, audio, and video ... other stuff too! Them poles is pretty easy to spot ... you'll know when you see one ... just remember to toggle the pole to open and close. Whenever you see words in blue, likely as not there's an audio, video, or something else hidden behind it ... a single click is all it takes, well sometimes two. Speaking of getting your bearings and changing course ... you see where it says pages followed by them numbers in purple boxes ... I sometimes use multiple pages and this is just page one! Luckily for you, I'm the only one what does ...

Sometimes I think all great thoughts have done been thunk ... and all great deeds done been did ...Methinks it's as easy to become victimized by an overwhelming sense of irrelevance as it is by an unwarranted sense of relevance or self-importance ... I'm not sure which claims more victims, but there are a whole bunch of us that have tasted both ... that's for sure! ... Seems the old barbershop is all about history ... Our old friend the Christmas Stealer writes about it ... The "Weed's" dad teaches it ... Miss Carol studied it and we're all living it, whether or not we so realize. And, from a baseball perspective, for the last three years, come the All Star break, the Braves were it ... history. What we are, we are ... what we've been is history ... what we're going to be ... and do ... is history waiting to be written. As a result of what is, it's anticipated that changes are in store for the Braves ... we've already had some ... and more are yet to come, or so methinks ... ... and yes, for the old barbershop too! Dang, Double Dang! Oh the humanity!! ... There's nothing wrong with the Braves!! We can win it all, mostly with what we've got ... it's not a matter of money ... the talent hasn't disappeared ... it's the heart, soul, leadership and those things above the neck that may need fixing! We're still on the outside looking in ... but, close your eyes, use your ken ... there's nothing wrong with your vision, the picture's crystal clear ... No, I don't think this is going to be about baseball ... maybe, but rather what we've been ... what we are ... and what we can or will be. Mama always said ... and Daddy agreed ... first impressions are important, only in that they're hard to overcome ... and Daddy emphasized that it may take a man some time to establish his good reputation ... but only a moment to destroy it! Many of us can attest to the validity of that ... including me, Bobby Cox and the Braves methinks ... at least one or two Understood perhaps by few, and rejected by those who are victims of an unwarranted sense of self, is that we ourselves are the ones most responsible for the perceptions held of us by others ... Why all this talk about baseball and the Atlanta Braves here in the old barbershop? The answer is simple ... history! Jimmy Smith (JJS), The Southern Jackass (SJA) and I first "met" on a baseball blog sponsored by a "fishwrap" known as the "Atlanta Journal & Constitution" or the "AJC" ... yes, and young Matthew too. Miss Carol and I met long ago, back when Plato was still running the Shop, methinks I was intrigued by that blog ... well, to be honest, mostly it was this poor, befuddling Africian journalist from Uganda who seemed to be preoccupied with toes and their relevance to baseball performance. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed for him ... but, he had his tiger by the toe and wasn't about to let go, I thought. Because of my friendship with others from East Africa, I was aware of some of the many cultural differences, including their thinking and manner of self expression ... though I must admit that his were unique. While my experiences with them had never involved baseball ... soccer, a game of the feet, was a different story ... and of course, they were all into walking, running and bicycling. It did help explain his preoccupation with toes, I thought ... In spite of his awkwardness; his strange third person and lowercase manner of self expression ... for some reason I found him rather humorous and insightful. It wasn't until some time later that I found out that all that was but a sham ... there was no Jimmy Smith, Ugandan journalist ... that was just a character he made up to fool folks, like the screen masks the others wore, only different! His real name is James Jeffery Smith, born right there in Georgia, same as me ... his grandfather had brought his family over from Uganda back in 1941 as things were heating up in North Africa, settling in Cordele. All this knowledge he had about Africa came from what he was told by his daddy and granddaddy growing up ... and more recently, visits to his relatives back in Kampala. No matter what you may have heard, that's the real skinny! Regardless of the sham, or perhaps because of it, ... for better or worse, he's the real reason for my participation on the AJC's Braves' blog! Regarding the changing of perceptions held by others, Mama said "tain't easy McGee" Fibber McGee

... after the 'Fibber' ... "but, telling folks they're wrong is a knife that ain't gonna cut soft butter, much less the cake" ... Speaking of which, I can attest to that too ...

I knows that my abilities at self-expression are severely limited, and my bouts of "hoof-in-mouth" disease are infamous in some circles ... but, mine are always good intentions, at least I so rationalize, and do certainly so hope ... No, tain't easy McGee, but that's life and it's a ride that's been worth the taking, methinks ... and I'm appreciative of all who have tried to understand ... me, us and what we're about. I'm especially appreciative of the few crazies who have an understanding and appreciation of my own distorted sense of humor and what I sometimes try to seriously convey ... and all the resulting friendships ... goodness ... This isn't where I was headed ... how did I get here? ... or is it hear?

Yes, the insights, imagination and wit of James Jeffery Smith, the Ugandan journalist of Cordele (JJS) ... these are among my most favorite things. More importantly, he's my friend! Jimmy Smith

Nobody knows what Jimmy really looks like, at least until now ... he can say more with a couple of words and a picture than most of us can in two or three pages ... you'll find proof positive on the walls of the Shop and his frequent comments!

There you'll also find his ward and our favorite columnist, Baby Seal ... and his entourage of some very special friends! Like the wonderful Sarah Cannon said more often than I say "methinks" ... "Howdeeee! I'm jest so proud to be here!" with these two unbelievable talents ... and if that sounds contrived to you, then kiss my grits! No, I wouldn't wish my grits on anyone ... I don't eat 'em myself ... but, it's true, every word, give or take a lie or two!

Yes, the "Southern Jackass" was there too when I arrived ... No need to put up no picture, everybody knows what he looks like ... he's made sure of that and he's self named too ... did his best to convince folks he was what he seemed to be! Did a good job, he did ... some may wonder how it is that "SJA" received total and unequivocal acceptance from Bob, journalist ... while others did not? Have you ever pondered that? ... I'm sure some have and their conclusions would be most interesting. Could be it's because we're so much alike ... or maybe that opposites attract. I'll never tell ... but, I started calling him "The Southern Jackass, Most Honorable", almost from the beginning! I will tell you too that when he asked if I would like to help him fix this place up and maybe cut some hair, I thought he was plum crazy ... but being his friend, I couldn't rightly say no! It would have helped some had he told me that he was a master barber and the best danged wordsmith and story teller in the whole wide world! We're all unique ... it's just that the Southern Jackass and the Ugandan Journalist are so much more unique than others! It's hard to comprehend such creative genius ... but it's awfully easy to enjoy! ... For some strange reason, JJS gave me the title of "journalist" ... maybe because we took the Atlanta Journal when I was a little boy ... I thought it was a joke but it made me feel good that he did! The original Bob, journalist was far more of a character than a mask ... though that was never understood, for better or for worse, regardless of my repeated efforts to make it clear. However, my preoccupation with the importance of understanding meaning, motivation and intent rather than words was, and is, me ... like Jeffery says, what a man says is more than just a bunch of words strung together. The rumor that I psychoanalyze is ill founded too, a misconception and a joke ... indeed, it's something about which I know nothing, except that it's a big word ... but I do know the "why" is usually more important than the "what" ... as is effective use of the third eye and ear more important than the use of the other two, or is it four? Excluding those most severely victimized by an overwhelming sense of irrelevance, most of what the majority of us do is either agenda or self-interest driven. That's both good and bad depending on how well it's kept in proper perspective, or so I honestly believe ... of course I do support some agendae, oppose others ... stand up, stand up I say ... for that in which you believe ... better that than staying seated, methinks ... the King of England and taxes you know. "When you don't stand up for what you believe in ... it's much the same thing as standing up for those things you don't!" ... we didn't find no such sign but my guess is that Plato probably taught that in his barbering school. It seems to me that among those many forces deep down inside that causes the Southern Jackass to be what he is ... is a true blue, foursquare compulsion ... God didn't pass that around to everybody. For some, nay for many, friendships are a matter of convenience ... friends are but bedfellows based on agenda, and when the chips are down or adversity must be faced, those folks come up short, or at least those friendships become fractured ... not so with SJA and JJS ... They have that compulsion while most of us do not ... perhaps they do because we don't ... I believe we should, but I'm not sure it's a reasonable expectation. Compulsion or no, my friendships are not agenda based, and I treasure my friends ... all of them! I'm somehow reminded of having once been told of someone's disappointment in my liking folks who didn't like them ... 'twas the wrong thing to say! ...

In the Shop, I talk a lot about mirrors and self-portraits ... the perception that others have is one thing, how we see ourselves is another. The notion of mirrors and self-portraits ... seemed rather easy to grasp ... but, when you try to grab hold of it, things just ain't as simple as they might seem, ... ; Registration code (if you have it) ; Reglink opened in new frame? ; Name of new frame for reglink ; resolution (1-8) ; pause (value = milliseconds). ; Num. of horizontal tiles ; Num. of vertical tiles ; Num. steps for tile rotation (8 .. 32) ; Optional background image ; Red in background (0 .. 255) ; Green in background (0 .. 255) ; Blue in background (0 .. 255) ; Optional image over applet ; Over image X offset ; Over image Y offset ; Memory deallocation delay ; Task priority (1..10) ; Min. milliseconds/frame for sync Please download Java(tm). danged if some self-portraits aren't almost photographic in their reproduction while some mirrors give distorted renderings of reality. It's not enough to just use any old mirrors for reflection ... they must be of the right stuff and kind. I talk a lot about things of which I know nothing too, but if I didn't, I wouldn't have anything to say ... it's another thing that differentiates SJA and JJS from most methinks ... SJA's ability to reflect and look deep down inside ... and to be honest with himself ... is rare ... at least my experience has been that most either cannot or are unwilling to so do ... it is not just coincidence or happenstance that Polonius, a secondary character, is among the best remembered of the Bard's creations ... for his advice to his son Laertes ... "to thine own self be true" Why? Methinks it's because of recognition, not only of it's importance, but also it's rarity as an innate quality ... and for those who try, the difficulty lies within it's effecting ... I'm envious of this jackass, true blue and foursquare, who knows himself so well ... it's that for which I always strive but almost always fail ...

Most of us hear it ... then knowingly nod, hardly giving it another thought ... but, nothing much compares with it's profundity ... It's hard to find a post I've written that doesn't mention me mama. It's true that I sometimes take a little license when referring to Mama ... but, my mother is the picture I try to paint. She admonished me, it seems like 10,000 times, when I articulated and/or apologized for my weaknesses, limitations and faults ... "that's my boy you're talking about ... careful what you say"! She did far more than that when others joined in and articulated my weaknesses, limitations and faults! ... Now you have my perception of JJS and the true blue and foursquare Southern Jackass ... but after so writing and reflecting, I'm not sure that I can answer the questions ... truth is, I've forgotten what they were! However, it was rather obvious that them two were something other than how they were being perceived ... honest, consistent, of good heart, and opposed to apathy was the impression I then shared with others and I can assure you that I am now sure that they are indeed that ... that, and oh so much more! They're my friends, JJS and SJA ... so careful what you say!

Mother knew Polonius ... and agreed with him too ... though she would loan anyone in need anything she had, without expectation of it being returned, including money. Like Houseman's wisdom ... Mama's words weren't truly appreciated until long after they were received .. though they were the topic of frequent discussion ... Being true to yourself ... knowing yourself .. the individual behind the many masks ... it's a rare gift, perhaps the rarest of all .. the trick methinks, is knowing how to use it ... Knowing who and what we are ... recognizing our limitations ... shortcomings ... and weaknesses ... that's power that the majority of humanity does not possess. Unfortunately, those few so gifted frequently turn it into a liability rather than an asset. They allow the realization of their limitations ... shortcomings ... weaknesses ... and past failures or rejections to give them fear of failure rather than confidence in success as it should ... and when adversity is encountered, they see history repeating itself ... oftentimes giving up in frustration rather than defining and addressing the problems ... Those who confuse self-portraits with mirrors admire themselves and blindly go forth with total confidence, for they believe they possess all the answers, usually surrounding themselves with non-threatening, kindred spirits ... they are the truly enlightened! ... Say it ain't so Joe! ...

Back to the trick ... Thanks to Prince Albert Gore's invention ...

that which he purloined from Vinton Cerf methinks ... everyone has a potential audience of millions ... nay, billions I say ... and with such potential, folks can easily get disciples and a flock, no matter what it is they're preaching ... Polonius ... Mama ... Jesus Christ ... Buddha, and the Dalai Lama too ... they each said ... to thine own self be true! In plain talk, don't apostatize! Mama's admonishment was out of concern that I would allow critical self-evaluation to undermine my self-confidence, thus preventing me from being all that I could be ... and though I protested, methinks her concerns were probably well justified ... just think, I coulda been a contender ... I coulda been somebody! I'm still uncertain of where I was going and not really sure of where I've been ... but here we are, right back where we started again ... Yes, "TheOldBarbershop" is about history too ... we are what we are as a result of our experiences! Our views ... interests ... memories ... stories ... decisions ... beliefs, our likes and dislikes too ... all reflect our past history ... I hope others will share theirs with us ... in so doing, they'll be making history too ... TheOldBarbershop is diverse from most ... or I would so hope ... if not, you can rest assured that's it's soon going to be. "No Free Hair Cuts Here" ... well, maybe one or two, but everybody carries his weight ... our sign, all polished up and ready to be hung, is the one methinks Plato first so did, right here in the shop some 875,000 days ago, give or take a few ... "Let no unfair or unjust person enter." No, we ain't replacing no mirrors ... though we're going to watch them close ...

and if you can't think geometrically, that's okay ... the three of us can't cut hair neither, were it not for them bowls, but as you can see ... it was that or jail for Jimmy, SJA and me! It's done wonders for us too ... I've slept at the Holiday Inn Express twice, methinks SJA's becoming more famous than Chill Wills and jimmy smith is getting ready for a serious run for the Presidency! We truly love sports and our team(s) and that will always be on the agenda ... but for goodness sake, there are so many Braves' blogs already out there ... and Tigers ... and Mets ... and Yankees ... and Cards ... and Orioles too, just to name a few ... Ashu, our young barbering buddy from India loves Cricket and is a Manchester United fan too ... so have no fear, you can always talk sports here! Our vision is to feature a flow of diverse topics such as world affairs, politics, religion, tall tales, current events, true stories pertaining to actual life events and sports, including the Braves ... some topics that aren't presently being discussed on most of the other sites, and those which may not be warmly welcomed on many others ... topics such as those you might find if you walked into an old barbershop on a busy Saturday morning ... just a friendly and lighthearted atmosphere, with everyone being treated equal ... simply a place where folks feel welcome and comfortable discussing whatever might be on their minds ... a place that ultimately stands on no other foundation than that of the strength of it's characters and quality of it's content ... To this end we've added some "Special Features" and as with the Braves, more changes are yet to come and the future looks mighty bright indeed!

We've been truly blessed to add first Matthew then Miss Carol and now Ashu too ... to help with the barbering chores ... from three characters to six! There's always room for one or 100 more ... whether it be occasionally or all the time! You got a story to write, a memory to share ... or something important to say where comments won't do it justice, we'll find a barber's chair ... put your name on it, and figure out a way to git her did! It don't really have to be important ... What is important is that we share ... thoughts, ideas, memories, stories, and yes, recipes too ... if we don't, chances are, one day they'll be lost forever! Plato and them boys knew that. If we can bring a smile or two, maybe sometimes a tear ... cause somebody to pause and ponder ... and in the process make a new friend ... beats making money, now don't it?! Well, that's a bit about us ... folks that have read what I've writ know that Daddy said "you can't tell much about a man by listening to his well rehearsed and memorized spiel" ... he said that a long time ago but it's still true ... maybe more than ever before! For the few who have read this far ... you're either a glutton for punishment, a relative, or a throwback as rare and treasured as any antique, regardless of your age! The fad these days seems for everybody to network and add as many FRIENDS as possible ... we too want to add as many friends as possible ... we have no ads for you to see or click ... we're looking to make friends, real friends ... we hope you'll visit often and will take the time to leave a comment or two, if only to say hi, each and every time you do! Your comments are important to us barbers ... how else can we know if you want a Flattop, Mohawk or Mullet ... your nails polished or buffed? And besides, they make our day! While time changes most everything, our Proprietor's original greeting was truly

inspired ... and it's one thing that won't ... "Welcome to "TheOldBarbershop" ... characters with character preferred, ladies too ... please take a seat and wait your turn ... leaf through a magazine or shoot the breeze with a friend ... when it's your turn in the barber's chair, be ready to share an interesting story, a tall tale or whatever is on your mind ... tips encouraged and appreciated ... no topic off-limits ... if you can't behave, use profanity, pick fights or spit on the floor you will politely be shown the door" ... "Let no unfair or unjust person enter." That means we welcome all beliefs and points of view ... just keep it fair and keep it just ... that's a must! No free haircuts except on special occasions but the candy's always on the house! No matter the grandiloquence, regardless the form ... this is what "TheOldBarbershop" is to us ... this is where our passions lie ... it's of little significance whether we have a multitude of visitors each day ... or just a few ... as one good friend said, "to thine own self be true, to hell with the naysayers!"

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One of Miss Carol's favorite expressions ... reserved especially for me is You're a crazy person!! She knows me well ... the simple truth is that I'm crazy ... about her!! She wants you to know how much you all mean to her ... Matt, Jimmy and John, but especially all those who have visited the shop and had reason to pause reflect and smile!

TheSouthernJackAss' Stall!	Issues Facing Sports	Thoughts From Centerfield	Barbers International	Miss Carol's Salon ...
Links To The Old Barbershop's Special Features
Humor, Satire, Tall Tales ... all with a kick ... from the one and only ...	Tiger Woods	Braves Making Noise, Covering MLB Rumor Mill	Our Man In India	Ask Miss Know It All Incident At Niihau
Barbershop's Cookbook	Barbershop Poles	Magic Moments	Gone - Not Forgotten	Non-Political Politics
... Favorite Family Recipes ... Grandma's Teacakes		Priceless!	Alex Lees

Monday, June 16, 2008

Boys Of Summer ...

The brumous August morning that dawned bearing a foreboding threat of rain had reluctantly given way to radiant sunbeams threading their way through billowy clouds floating proudly across a cerulean sky ... gentle breezes conducted the dulcet redolence of yellow honeysuckle intermingled with the delightful aroma of hot buttered popcorn, hot dogs, boiled peanuts, cotton candy and candied apples all throughout the old ballpark ... the temperature had risen to a pleasant 71 degrees ... a perfect day for baseball ... and for the boys of summer ...

There was nary a vacant seat in the place ... many folks were standing wherever they could gain a suitable view of the playing field ... excited fans had stocked up on food and cold drinks before settling in for the game ... a beautiful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" had just concluded, players had all been announced, and the visiting nine had assumed their respective positions on the field as the pitcher took his final warm-up tosses ... the opposing hitter strolled into the batters' box as the ump gave the signal while shouting "play ball!" ...

Butterflies were dancing a frenzied version of the "Jitterbug Waltz" in the pit of the young ace's roiling stomach inducing waves of galling nausea, however this was not uncharted territory for the lanky right-hander as he posed on the mound, peering in with a sneer toward the catcher crouching behind home plate ... those butterflies had little to do with fear, but much to do with a desire to compete, and to win ... the husky catcher dropped the sign, and Gibson unleashed a beautiful bender far from the strike zone which danced back in painting the corner of the plate, freezing the stupefied batter in his tracks as the implacable umpire sternly bellowed "Stee-rike!" ... time to showcase the patented fast ball ... the scowling flamethrower let loose with a grunt, and you could hear the blistering sphere buzzing like an angry bumblebee as it approached the dish, veering in on the hands of the unnerved hitter, coercing him to swing through the pitch, then slapping the catcher's overstuffed mitt with an emphatic pop for yet another exigent "Steee-rike!" ... the now confident hurler received the fuming ball back from the catcher with a smart snap of his Rawlings glove before taking a leisurely stroll like a haughty peafowl around the dusty mound ... he was finally coming to the welcome realization that those fluttering butterflies were mercifully settling down ... and so was he ...

For the strapping batsman, his soul had also been seared amidst the raging flames of that same competitive fire, he had faced notorious pitchers of this caliber countless times in the past, many with great success, and was determined to thwart the efforts of this worthy opponent poised defiantly on the mound from getting the better of him ... not on this perfect day for baseball ... Williams believed that the crafty righty would in all likelihood deliver another filthy curve ... he dug in ... waggled his bat ... and waited ... but instead it was a hard scorcher, too high and called for a ball ... alright, maybe next pitch ... again he took the sizzling heat for a ball ... Williams was now wondering if Gibson had finally lost command of his "good stuff", and may be incapable of getting his fast ball over for a strike ... he was convinced that a breaking ball would assuredly be forthcoming ... he took a long, deep breath, firmly planting his nails in the sandy soil as he anxiously waited like a coiled viper stalking it's prey ... Gibson toed the rubber while coldly staring Williams squarely in the eyes, and with a scowl on his determined face, he propelled the baseball toward the plate with a menacing growl ... the seasoned slugger had gauged it just right, and the ball looked as large as a watermelon floating seemingly in slow motion toward him ... Williams unleashed his trusted Louisville Slugger as smoothly as a lumberjack laying the keen edge of a broadaxe to the root of a decaying jack pine as he made lethal contact with Gibson's meandering curve ball ... the clobbered orb arched skyward as it tauntingly disappeared over the left field wall before the eyes of the jeering throng ...

As Williams triumphantly rounded the diamond, he was showered with a deluge of stinging condemnation from th

e dispirited, hometown faithful ... Gibson stood motionless on the lonely mound, his head lowered toward the ground in humiliation ... the home team eventually went on to win the game that day 5 to 4 ... but there is a thin line between the thrill, and the agony ... at first glance you might think this story is touching on some fantasy match-up involving the great Hall of Fame pitcher Pack Robert "Bob" Gibson, born in 1935, or the incomparable Hall of Fame slugger Theodore Samuel "Ted" Williams (1918-2002), also known as "The Thumper" ... far from it ... this brief narrative pertains to a game played by a ten-year-old pitcher by the name of Grant Gibson of the Pocahontas Warriors and an eleven-year-old slugger named Jackie Williams of the Clarksville Mudhawks, one in a series of games held in the Little League regional championship tournament in Nashville, Tennessee ... truly a perfect day for baseball ... and for the boys of summer ...

"Baseball gives every American boy a chance to excel, not just to be as good as someone else, but to be better than someone else. This is the nature of man and the name of the game" --Ted Williams

--sja

22 comments:

journalist jimmy smith said...: reading beautiful things about baseball can be emotionally draining. journalist is currently drained. like a radiator, only different.

blogging about baseball is great fun. it is true that for a time, jimmy smith had no blogging home. banished! "get thee to a nunnery, er, another blog."

"Let the doors be shut upon him, that he may play the
fool no where but in's own house. Farewell."

then, miraculously, jimmy smith was invited to blog here with sja and journalist bob! and now the three undesirables of local baseball blogging are all here blogging together.

sort of like three tenors or three stinkys. stinkies? stinky would make that four undesirables.

and what is so objectionable about jimmy smith? practices good hygiene. regular tooth brushing. can spell. always wares shoes. loves baseball. just likes to think for jimmy smith's own self.

not too much into absolutes. can accept more than one way to do things. can accept more than one way to think. can accept others' beliefs and opinions. never tries to impose jimmy smith's beliefs on others. not so much into absolutes. not really.

have known some bright people. will meet some more. always open to others' ideas and opinions. always somebody out there a little faster, a little smarter, a little stronger. calls for humility - not brashness. not for absolutes. makes sense, right? probably to bob and to sja.

now, blogging here suits jimmy smith just fine. sja and jimmy smith used to spar and fight but always with respect. good adversaries. better friends. bob, journalist is genuine. picks bob journalist's friends, and is true to the friendship. jimmy smith hopes to be that way, too.

many good friends and many good bloggers here and there. hope some will visit here and become regulars.; June 20, 2008 11:33 AM
Katy T. said...: Is this the blog with Baby Seal? I would like to ask Baby Seal a question about interviewing famous baseball players. Baby Seal, if you are reading this I want to talk with you. Maybe you can come to my place and we can have dinner and drinks. Yes, I know that means whelk and root beer. I like 'em both. Leave me a message so I can contact you personally - or let me know where we can meet. Your friend and admirer, Katy; June 20, 2008 3:31 PM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: I juSt goT a caLL froM gRinch teLLing me to reaD the bloG. I aM sO exciteD! Is thiS Katy thE KaTy I thInk?

SecreT coDe foR KaTy onlY: I wiLL be iN frOnt of tHe HaNk AaRon sTatUe toNigHt beFore tHe gAme staRts aNd I wiLL be eaSy to sPot becAuse I wiLL haVe on a Braves caP. WhEre is YoUr plAce? ShoUld I brINg a tOOthbrusH?; June 20, 2008 3:40 PM
Bob, journalist said...: Well said esteemed journalist ... and taken to heart ... succinct and center on spot ... I can't top that!!

Jimmy, I too admit to being spent ... but, what with being on a limited fixed income and rising prices, I guess that's to be expected ... don't take much at Kroger's these days to get it all spent ... radiator's fine, it's me batteries what's needed recharging ... and me tank refilled ... yikes!

I asked Polonius about being so shunned ... he said "I told them to be true unto themselves and they called me a fool ... well, the company of fools is oft times better than that of the enlightened ... and 'tis always wise to consider those who shun ... remember, that young man who wanted to put me under house arrest also thought my daughter should be a nun ... now who's the fool?"

While Polonius' "to thine own self be true" is a tough road to hoe, it's what differentiates folks, methinks ... and of those ... them what are true to others, are a rare breed indeed ... it gives me goose pimples to be in such company!

I thought this was just a barbershop ... but methinks it's a full service station too ... thanks for filling the tank with "Ethel", cleaning the windshield, and recharging the batteries ... time to put it into overdrive!; June 20, 2008 3:56 PM
Bob, journalist said...: I got a note from Grinch too ... said he was writing a book ... didn't mention the blog ... but, he did offer me a 10% discount when it's published ... wonder if he'll autograph it too?; June 20, 2008 4:01 PM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: SENT FROM MY BLACKBERRY: impoRtant meSSage foR KatY. I forGOT my BravEs caP! YoU caN stiLL finD me I wiLL be caRRying a fOAm tomAhawk. I aM stanDING heRe waiTing foR you noW in frOnt of the Phil NIEkRo stAtue. I aM so exCited! GO BravEs!; June 20, 2008 6:47 PM
Smythe Wellington said...: One cannot hit a three run homerun with no men on base. One cannot hit a three run homerun with only one man on base. A three run homerun can only be hit with two men on base. Trying for the three run homerun at any other time is an exercise in futility. Waiting for the three run homerun is foolish baseball strategy. My name is Smythe Wellington and I live for this.; June 20, 2008 8:11 PM
Bob, journalist said...: One cannot hit into a double play with no men on base either but I think Jeff would if he could ... what is the season record for double plays hit into with the bases loaded? Jeff wants to know if he has a chance.

Smythe, trying for a home run is like trying to hit a golf ball farther by swinging harder, dumb ... the Braves' waterloo, methinks.; June 20, 2008 9:01 PM
Bob, journalist said...: Well, when you're down 9-1, in the eighth ... an nine run homer would be nice ... it's not like we were underperforming or anything like that.

Our 3rd base coach needs to be replaced, along with ...; June 20, 2008 10:08 PM
Smythe Wellington said...: There is no joy in Mudville - or in Atlanta for that matter. Coaching seems to be a problem here. Conditioning, too. Not many players on the other teams get hurt running to base. These are not criticisms, merely observations from blogger Smythe Wellington.; June 20, 2008 10:34 PM
Gil in Mechanicsville said...: Escobar is not really hurt... Just embarrassed to be seen playing with this bunch of turkeys...; June 21, 2008 12:12 AM
Bob, journalist said...: Escobar is not really hurt ... Just embarrassed to be seen playing with this bunch of turkeys... ... hee hee ... but, I do believe that they've gotten into his head.

Were I managing, Andruw Francoeur would be wearing an "I are and Idiot" T-Shirt, riding the bench, and bringing me coffee ... I haven't been keeping track of his stats but he leads the world in strikeouts and hitting into double plays when I'm watching, especially when the bases are loaded.

According to Bradley, Mark not Milton, he is having a rough year.

You have to feel sorry for the kid ... they brought him up mid-season in a crisis ... got off to a lucky start ... made the SI Cover ... was told repeatedly how wonderful he was ... got himself a high visibility contract with Delta and a Business Baseball vulture ... I mean agent.

From what I'm given to understand, he's a very nice young man ... it's a shame, ... conventional wisdom robs yet another of any real chance of potential fruition. His illness need expert attention ... and fast, if radical surgery is to be avoided.

Methinks the Braves should immediately implement a rule ... no more interviews with players until after the season.

They're a talented group of individuals ... they could, if but they would, be a team ... too many chiefs and not enough Indians ... and the big chief is letting it happen ... it's sad.; June 21, 2008 4:12 AM
Berigan said...: Another homer by SJA!!!!

Great illustrations as well!!!; June 21, 2008 6:26 AM
Berigan said...: Bob, earlier you said...Our 3rd base coach needs to be replaced, along with ...

What made you say that??? I understand the 2nd part, but the 3rd baseman??? I ask because when I saw the replay of Yunel scoring that important 2nd run to cut Seattle's lead to 7, it looked like he didn't have a stop sign, or an arm waving go home move either...have you noticed this before??? I never have bothered to look for that before, but that stinks if he does that a fair bit...or even just a few times a year!; June 21, 2008 6:31 AM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: KAty, I waiTed by tHe sTatue buT you nevER came. Is iT beCause I aM a seAl?; June 21, 2008 10:10 AM
Smythe Wellington said...: "For some reason I just can't hit with bases loaded right now," said Francoeur, hitless in his past 15 at-bats with bases loaded and 2-for-19 for the season -- more than twice as many opportunities as any other Braves player.

Maybe T.P. could reveal the reason to young, Mr. Francoeur. This blogger can see it, surely the hitting coach can see it as well.

What would happen if the players played as a team? What if Francoeur served those outside pitches to right field rather than trying to pull the every pitch into the stands?

Getting chubby did not produce the desired results (homerun power). It looks as if Francoeur now has warning track power and an inability to make contact.

"C'mon kid."; June 21, 2008 11:40 AM
Bob, journalist said...: "What would happen if the players played as a team? What if Francoeur served those outside pitches to right field rather than trying to pull the every pitch into the stands?" ... well, for one thing, we'd stop commenting about it ... and for another, we'd win more games!

"...have you noticed this before??? ... well, Mr. Lincoln Man, truth is truth and while the truth is sometimes complex ... in this case, it isn't ... the simple truth is yes, many times and in many ways has the 3rd base coach failed in his responsibilities and in others, his judgment has been suspect ... or so methinks.

"... that stinks if he does that a fair bit...or even just a few times a year!" ... trust me, it's a stinkeroo!

Master Seal, methinks it could be a simple case of mistaken statue identity ... after all, Kathy T. did describe herself as "Your friend and admirer" ... strange, but I got an email from a "Katy T" last night ... congratulating me on winning a platinum credit card ... and I didn't even know I had entered the contest.; June 21, 2008 1:48 PM
Bob, journalist said...: I told you the Media shouldn't have Braves' player access ... but Jeff did stumble upon the answer ... "anytime you play for a new manager, you want to play hard, with a lot of intensity" ... however, I don't consider it feasible for us to change managers each game ... sad that it may explain things ...

Strange, I always thought playing hard with a lot of intensity was a prerequisite for being allowed to don the leotard ... how I do wish that these were Boys of Summer rather than business men.; June 21, 2008 2:09 PM
Katy T. said...: Baby Seal, I thought we were supposed to meet at the Hank Aaron statue. Sorry. Tonight, I will met you at the Niekro statue, just before game time. Fondly, Katy; June 21, 2008 4:37 PM
baBy sEal, coLLumist said...: brAKINg NEWs!

"Uh, I'm going to be down for a couple (games)," ... "It's pretty bad. I missed a couple last time and it's worse now"

thiS, frOm ChiPPer JoNes.

Can ChiPPer pLay in 150 gAmes this seAson? WeLL, thiS collumist knOWs foR a faCt thAt chipPer has beeN usiNg a tooth whiTener thAt maY haVE caUSed guM irRitatioN that maY havE caUsed tHE qUad inJury.

I WiLL rePort moRE soON I havE to huRrY oveR to thE hAnk AarOn stAtue to mEet soMEbudy.; June 21, 2008 5:30 PM
BOB said...: Well, I asked the Boss to back up the template ... haven't heard back ... sure hope he did ... while there's been no activity of late, I don't want to be arrested for imploding the shop!

Yes, I'll be trying to post in just a few minutes ... if it doesn't explode, ... give my your feedback ... please.

Thanks!; August 17, 2008 11:34 AM
Breath Holder, LHP said...: My name is Breath Holder, LHP. I have 3 pitches and one of them is an out pitch. Most Braves pitchers don't have an out pitch - I do. I am available to pitch next season. I also can blog here some and get the numbers up before HK does another chart. Let me know if you are interested.; August 21, 2008 9:54 PM

Asleep At The Switch ...

During a chat this evening, I told the Boss that I was going to the nursing home to visit with Carol and pick up my son after they watched this week's episode of LOST.

He said he understood and suggested we cut our conversation short.

He understood ... I didn't ... I had no idea that Daylight Savings Time was already in effect!

One example of being asleep at the switch!

I only found out when I arrived and caught flack for being late ...

Earlier in the week, I wrote a short post entitled "Asleep at the switch" ... a bit like me, only different.

It was prompted by something I had read in the Nashville Tennessean regarding how some of the area's leading banks that received Federal Financial Aid were dramatically increasing the compensation packages of their executives.

Well, the Boss saw a copy of the draft and next thing I knew, the piece appeared in his Stall ... like old Joe Biden, only different ... SJA, gave me full credit!

He said he liked it, mumbling something about blind monkeys ... made me feel real good that he liked it! Visit TheSouthernJackAss' Stall! and see for yourself ... maybe you will too.