Big game, little event, and a couple of boneheads

Am toddling off the Buffalo today to set the scene for the big NFL match coming to Toronto on Sunday and got to thinking:

Are neutral site games such a big deal any more?

I mean, if you’re in a major city like Toronto (where the Mayor isn’t nearly as well liked as she is in Hazelville; nyah, nyah, nyah) is a visit from a team like the Bills to play a regular season game something that’s important?

Can’t imagine it really is any more, although Silvio at the Rogers Centre tells me here that ticket sales are up, which I would think has to do as much with the Bills not sucking as it does any sense of “event.”

Back in the day, when you couldn’t see basketball, baseball or hockey games every night from the comfort of your home or every game every Sunday either in some local or on that same couch, it would be a big deal when something new and exciting came to the city.

I imagine there were people who very much looked forward to, say, a visit by the Buffalo Braves to the Gardens back in the day because it finally presented a chance to see something live that you couldn’t normally see.

Now, so many people don’t care about the drive to Buffalo, games are so prevalent on your television every night, the sense of big time event seems to be gone.

That’s not to mean it’s not a good thing that they’re here to play, though.

(Speaking of, we’ve got a little poll thing going on over at the Facebook Bureau; I know some of you are adverse to it and that’s cool, there’s not much there that you can’t get here, but if you want to take part, we’d be glad to have you. If the ‘likes’ increase, the Tall Foreheads are happy and if they’re happy, I’m happy and we know it’s all about me).

Anyway, back to the Bills.

It’s certainly not going to be like a “real” NFL game because all the ancillary stuff can’t match what you can do in a parking lot at, say, Orchard Park and that’s what makes it a unique experience for so many of you.

I guess the thing that makes it a bit hum-drum for some is that it’s not really a one-off event. They’ll be back n ext year, probably, and the year after that and they’ve already been here three times so the draw has to now be the game, rather than the event.

I’d imagine promoters would have a difficult time drumming up much interest if the Bills were their usual below-average selves; they’ve kind of been rescued by a quick start to a traditionally average team.

And that’s what’s making this a special game, not the event.

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So it’s 5:25 a.m. when I get in the car to start the journey (Niagara Falls and then Buffalo to continue to my role as Mr. Football) when I learn there’s something called:

National Sleep In Day!

How could no one have told me?

People!

Here’s the deal, I’d appreciate some warning when it’s:

National Take The Afternoon Off And Go Golfing Day.

Figure that’s a biweekly occurrence in the spring, summer and fall, right?

National The House Buys Many Rounds Day.

In celebration of regularity.

National Don’t Leave The Couch Night

Oh, wait. We celebrate that often. Never mind.

National Super Son Does Everything Around The House Day

May never happen but a guy can dream, right?

National The Leaves Magically Disappear From The Backyard Day.

See “a guy can dream, right?”

What have you got?

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Man, are we getting old or what?

It was 25 years ago today – a quarter of a freaking century – that Bill Buckner let that ball go through his legs in Game 6 of the Red Sox-Mets World Series.

Now, Irregulars will know I was a bit of a Bosox fan back then, sitting quietly in Super Dad’s living room watching by myself, a small bottle of champagne at the ready.

Wonder what kind of vinegar that’s turned in to?

Anyway, the Buckner news – and I’d almost forgotten about the Bob Stanley wild pitch that preceded it that was almost as disgusting – got me thinking about the major gaffes we’ve seen in the game, not including Tony LaRussa’s mental meltdown with his bullpen and phone the other night.

Fred Merkle?

Ever hear of him?

Well, it’s detailed here and if Buckner’s a goat, Freddy Boy might be the goat of all time.

And I know for years Buckner, a former batting champion and pretty darn good ballplayer who probably should be remembered for things other than one error, took some umbrage at the abuse he was dealt.

Well, imagine how Fred felt when he woke up one day and saw this.

Yes, newspapering may never be the same; we should find ourselves a good sports cartoonist.

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First call for mail, folks.

Please do your thing here, it’s much appreciated, as always.

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Okay, debate time.

On this day in 1962, The Rolling Stones recorded their first demo tape (it wasn’t the version we know now but you get the point).

On this day in 1965, the Beatles were invested with their MBE’s (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by The Queen.

Now, I don’t know about you, but as a wee tot and into my mis-spent youth years, there used to be a discussion every now and then:

Beatle fan?

Stones fan?

Not sure that then, as you can now, you could swear allegiance to both; if that was the case for Irregulars Of A Certain Vintage, which side did you come down on?

Me?

Beatles. All the way.

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Comments

[sam]

You have to go with the Beatles - Part of the reason the Stones are still in the conversation today is their longevity and endless touring. Good for them. . . .
But something tells me John, Paul, George and Ringo are held in higher esteem around the world than the Stones will ever be.
Having said that I just picked up a copy of Kieth Richards new book.

[Zow]

I have always been a Stones fan,could never really get behind Mcartneys old lady tunes like When i am 64.But as i age, The Bugs, have taken hold of me !Everyday,i listen too them both, 55-45 split in favor of of Mick and Keef.I am sure the numbers are due to the fact the Stones have 92 more records out.

[Lorie]

Good Day, Doug!
Well, being of A Certain Vintage, I was there when it all began (but very, very young!): the Sunday night appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, screaming through their entire performance to my parents shock and outright fright. And my sisters and I had many discussions about which group was better. And you are so correct. You HAD to choose one of them - you could not say both were FAB in their own way. And I'd like to say that it was because of their superior song writing talents that I, too, preferred The Beatles. But back then, for the preteen me, it was all because Paul was soooo cute. Now, of course, it's because of the music. :) And did you know it's "National Ask A Stupid Question Day"? So here goes: Can you tell me, O Wise Grunt, what happens to the 2012 NBA Draft??? (You had to know that one was coming today!) Cheers!

[Dave in BG]

Beatles all the way. Not even a fair fight.

[Kevin]

Hi Doug,

Let me begin that by saying that I am diehard who has been following you're online presence since the days of "Nothing but inter-net" and I appreciate that fact that you are staying dedicated to the blog here but it's pretty clear that you don't have anything of true substance to talk about at this point. Other NBA sites are focussing on the lockout and the ppl involved or even going back in time and having discusions about various era's of basketball but you're not very interested in that. My question is, how are we supposed to keep visiting here when the only substance you're providing is list after ridiculous list of absolute drivel? What you're doing right now is extremely watered down and honestly, annoying. I hope the lockout ends soon so that we can see you back at your best.

Blogger's note: See ya when it's over, then

[Gene]

Hi Doug,

I know you mentioned your feelings on the PAN AM games etc, but the boys from CANADA won gold yesterday beating the USA! Pretty good accomplishment from the boys managed by Ernie Whitt!

Blogger's note: Solid performance, indeed. Congrats

[james]

What was your rebellious quotient? Even my granny liked the Beatles, and I did too. Then I left home and gained a greater appreciation for their grungier colleagues, particularly when Mick Taylor was the guitarist.

[billy]

You Trana media types are a laugh.
When the Buffalo Bills signed the deal with old Ted Rogers, your Dave Perkins said they would sell out any price.
All other Trana media types chimed in with a similar opinion.
Because Trana was a "major league only town".
Now that this thing has proven to be a major bust, you guys in the media now try to tell us you're too big for neutral site NFL games?
Face facts.

Blogger's note: We've got trains that go under the ground, you'd be amazed. No tractors, either
You guys in the media were 100% wrong.
The reason?
You're too busy looking south all the time.
You haven't got a clue about the Canadian sports scene.
Can't wait for another of your get out of your basement responses.
Just hides the fact you ain't got no response.

[LogicalDude]

I love both bands but the Beatles win in a landslide.

[511]

You might’ve weighted things against the Stones with the video you selected. If I may, here’s one (among a number) that I might’ve chosen for comparison’s sake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQ9FCVmPaI

[Paul]

Stones all the way... I'll listen to more Beatles when I am 64... I have a couple years left, I think ;)

[Nasko]

@Kevin, seriously dude, you don't like it, don't read it. I do not really like some of the baseball talk (well most of it) so I skip it, no need to be all negative.
I like the rest => I keep coming every day.

[ditch]

Sorry, Doug Smith. Can't do the Facebook thing. I don't undertake activities that make me join a club or buy new clothes.

I'm a blogman.

I think that's an old blues tune, isn't it?

[Mike kovacs]

Beatles!

Don Cline, a Londoner and previous Ref for BBall at 2 Olympic Games died suddenly this week:http://www.lfpress.com/sports/columnists/morris_dalla_costa/2011/10/25/18877266.html

[Cluck Kent]

Beatles. I didn't even take the Stones seriously until they released 'Angie'.
And I still believe, just as I did then, that the Stones won't last. They're nothing more than 100 hit wonders.
@Kevin, there is really only one good reason I keep coming here everyday and that's to save my place in line. When basketball gets started again, everyone is going to want to be on this bus and I've got a real nice seat. Oh, and I like to read the comments.
@ Billy, don't embarrass us gential country folks. Everyone knows it's 'Tore on Toe.'

[Mohamed]

There is a good book that came out just last on the beatles vs. stones debate by NPR hosts for the Sound Opinions show. This is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Beatles-vs-Rolling-Stones-Opinions/dp/B005K5KKE6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319644252&sr=8-1

[Lorie]

@Mike kovacs: Thanks for the mention of Don Cline. I knew him as a neighbour and school parent, and my thoughts are with Jocelyn, Emily and Becky right now. Our kids played on the same elementary school basketball teams and I recall one occasion where he volunteered to referee their game as the assigned referee had to cancel at the last minute. Well, didn't he officiate that game with the same professionalism as we'd seen him do at Olympic, Pan American, university and high school contests. (I believe he spoke with the two team captains before the game to make clear to them what his areas of emphasis were going to be; for a pair of 10 year old girls, this was heady stuff! Up to this moment, they were more concerned that their socks matched their hair accessories.) One of the big thrills for us was watching as he officiated one of the Dream Team's games at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He was forever a celebrity at our basketball-mad house after that one.
And @ditch, I don't think that tune was called "Blog Man" but your comment made me think of Otis Redding and this classic tune.
http://youtu.be/EMOlixiCnzk

[The J]

The problem with the Bills in Toronto, and you touched on most of it already, is that it's the same game, but not the same experience. Tailgating is a major part of the game. I know some will sit on their high horse and look down their noses at a statement like that, but at the end of the day, I like to hang out with my friends, bar-b-que my own food, and drink a whole heck of a lot of my own beer before heading into the stadium. MLSE/Rogers, couldn't or didn't know how to recreate that. They tried with thier own organized tailgating, but it was still a case of buying their food and buying their beer. Meanwhile, they priced the games outside of the realm of logic, while selling a sport played in a stadium not well suited for it. I like going to Bills games, however, I will only do it in Buffalo as it's the only place to get the right NFL experience in this area.

billy - Trana sports media doesn't need to have any idea of your interpretation of the Canadian Sports Scene. They serve Trana sports fans. Go to the city on a Sunday and you'll find bars filled with patrons watching NFL games. Wouldn't that be enough to suggest that interest in the city does lie down south. You can tell me that's right or wrong to focus on the NFL, but you can't tell me it isn't logical.

[GM]

The Stones are a glorified bar band. Nothing against bar bands, it's just that Mick can't really carry a tune and their songs are pretty simple. But some people are into that. Most of their stuff sounds like early Beatles, who were similarly rough around the edges. But the Beatles progressed and grew.

I won't be as rude as @Kevin, but I kinda agree (don't tell me to go away, though!; this is just one man's opinion). Being a hoops-head, I'd love for there to be more basketball talk, be it about the lockout, lists or old time remembrances. It doesn't have to be news. I like the other non-basketball stuff more when there's also basketball stuff to offset it.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

I always considered my Beatles and my Stones a both/and thing, not an either/or thing. I'd say the Beatles hold the larger spot in music history though, by a good shot. Social 'irresponsibility' aside, I've always liked this Stones number best, mostly for its unique beat and percussion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t_98QRcPqo
Cheers. Go Bears!

[The J]

It's funny hearing the Jays fans complain that Napoli, who has been a hero in the WS, was a Jay for a few days.

Tyson Chandler was essentially a Raptor, as was Peja Stojakavic, and we saw how that worked out for Dallas last June. It's just a Toronto tradition.

Come to think of it, didn't Kaberle just win a cup?

[Kevin]

My apologies for the rude tone I struck, it wasn't intentional but man these were really starting to get to me. Doug, with all the years you've been covering this sport I know you have more knowledge to share than what's been displayed lately. Just sayin....

[Nick M]

You don't need to be part of a certain vintage to get in on the Stones v. Beatles debate. It must be a type of music thing. I remember the topic being brought up over a few pints in University - and that was the early 2000's. Me, I take the Stones all the way even after having watched their superbowl performance and a concert A.D., err, after 2005.
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And I have to agree with @GM's view of @Kevin if that makes sense.

[doug]

@Kevin, there really is no b-ball talk, in regards to the negotiations no one knows really what's going on it's all guessing and conjecture and also tiring, as far as the roster goes or moves everything is again speculation based on type of cap, amnesty clause etc....and we do talk about old time players, games etc...so what else is there???....the biggest problem as far as the NFL game in Toronto goes is this, and it's as you said no tailgate party, if there was a tailgate party then I'd be there in a sec, to me I am tired of the Rogers center, the Jays are running into the same problem the Expos did, they need a new stadium, but Rogers owns the stadium, so that won't happen and up here governments don't build them, i wish we had a pure baseball facility.....comparing the Beatles and the Stones is like comparing a Mercedes and a Lada in my opinion and the Beatles are the Mercedes.....ok I have polished up my crystal ball and i think the strike will be over by this time next week, as the owners and the executive met yesterday, then requested a meeting today, i think the owners have made a significant move as a group and are ready to deal....just a premonition...cheers

[doug]

this was a funny moment in the last baseball game when Holland did his Harry Caray impression, it's quite funny especially given teh situation etc.....good to see players can still have fun...

http://awfulannouncing.com/2011-articles/october/derek-holland-harry-caray-arnold-fox-announcing.html