MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Warren Thompson]

I remember World Series back to 1954, Dusty Rhodes and the Giants ....

You guys are way too young. I listened to my first World Series in 1946, Cardinals v. Red Sox. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I remember reading about the Earthquake in the newspaper, back when I wasn't even following baseball and just reading the box scores.  I think the first world series I actually remember watching was in '91 with the twins.  It was Kirby's year.  I guess I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too young.

[David Collinge]

I remember World Series back to 1954, Dusty Rhodes and the Giants [...]

Ugh.  The worst week of my life, even though it was 6 years before I was born. 

You know those TV commercials where they show famous plays (e.g., Dwight Clark's TD catch over Everson Walls, etc.) as if they had not been made (e.g., Clark drops the ball)?  I want to see Vic Wertz's drive land in center field just beyond Willie Mays' outstretched glove.  I'd buy their product if I could just see that fantasy play. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

WHAT??!!  Take away that catch from the Say Hey Kid?!

Even for a fan of the Cleveland Professional Baseball Club that is Beyond the Pale!

[Pat Coleman]

I believe 1982 is the first Series I remember. I should remember 1981 because I remember the strike vividly and painfully ... but I can't say for sure that I do.

[gordonmann]

I have very faint memories of the 1984 season.  But my most vivid postseason memories are 1986.

Hence my allegiance to the Tigers and Mets.  I've been paying for those "fair weather" choices ever since.

[Knightstalker]

I believe 1982 is the first Series I remember. I should remember 1981 because I remember the strike vividly and painfully ... but I can't say for sure that I do.

Well the yankees lost, Dave Winfield got labeled Mr. May and I missed all of it because I was sitting off the coast of the other Evil Empire poking holes in the ocean.  I got to miss the 82 and 83 series in similar manners.  We did get game updates over the floating wire anntenna.

[joehakes]

Hey April,

Didn't the Orioles pick up that Sosa guy and that Palmeiro fella last year?  How did that work out?   

I can remember the '59 series because the White Sox were in it.  I was confused enough as a six year old to think that you could be both a Cub fan and a White Sox fan at the same time.  When I reached the age of accountability I started to dislike the White Sox and since then I have lubbed the Cubs.  Ernie Banks is still my favorite athlete of all time, and I have a few of his autographs in my office along with Michael Jordan, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Ralph Branca, Bobby Thompson, Stan Mikita and Brad Faxon  (won as a door prize). 

This Sunday I will be within reach of the Green Monster in Fenway Park to watch the Hometown Team play the Mariners.  My wonderful wife grabbed the tickets when someone offered them, beating out a few other folks. 

Fenway can't compare to Wrigley as far as comfort, but the sense of history there is unreal.  Baseball really brings out those memories from a younger time better than any other sports.... at least for us grandpas.

[Mr. Ypsi]

The first World Series I am SURE I saw was 1956 - including Don Larsen's perfect game.  I THINK I saw Wllie Mays catch in 1954 live, but have seen it so many times in replays that I am not absolutely sure.  But I have no memories of 1955, so '56 may be the first.

[Ralph Turner]

The first World Series I am SURE I saw was 1956 - including Don Larsen's perfect game.  I THINK I saw Wllie Mays catch in 1954 live, but have seen it so many times in replays that I am not absolutely sure.  But I have no memories of 1955, so '56 may be the first.

Actually, the only way to enjoy the World Series is with your transistor radio and its ear piece.

I guess my first World Series was probably 1957--Milwaukee and the Yankees, and definitely 1959 with the Chisox, because I had Early Wynn's baseball card.

I do wish that I could be listening to another baseball game with my Dad over the radio in his bedroom.   

[Jim Matson]

Since we've obviously gone baseball around here, I'll have to remind a few posters of their love of the Twins.  I loved every minute of the 87 World Series, and Ypsi, every minute of the series that led up to it!!

[Mr. Ypsi]

I well remember the 1968 Series, but being then still a Cardinals fan, I have rather different memories of it!  How could Bob Gibson NOT win game seven?

If he had lost to 31-game-winner Dennie McLain, well OK - but fat Mickey Lolich?!  (Since that time, McLain has gone to prison for looting the retirement savings of hundreds of employees at a meat-packing company, while Lolich has been a model citizen, so attitudes [ESPECIALLY around Detroit] have changed a bit!!)

But, OH!, the 1984 Tigers!  I was at a jazz festival in Ypsilanti where many folks were taking time out from the music to check the game.  They were already something like 32-5 when they won AGAIN - the crowd drowned out the band!

[Mr. Ypsi]

Hiker,

Making the play-offs in '87 was so unexpected that Detroit was only mildly disappointed in not making the Series.  We knew it was the last hurrah with the 1984 guys - the team was out of gas, and has remained so to the present day.

Still, having finished several (7?) games above the Twinkies, losing WAS a disappointment!

[JACKB]

A little breaking news this off-season. Trost is gone. Will be announced in the next couple of days. Can't say where. I'll just say you all will be surprised if not shocked. Most will consider it a step back.

Let the rumors begin on the next IWU coach.

[augiedad]

Scott Trost is the new coach at Lewis University, a Division II school in Romeoville, Illinois that competes in the nation's top D2 league.  Trost should do very well there.

Who will be the next coach at Illinois Wesleyan?