JR Richard, RIP -- August 6, 2021

 

While the Giants were making a huge comeback against the Astros last night -- down 4-0 going into the ninth, tied it in the ninth and won it in the tenth -- Mike Krukow announced that JR Richards had died. I remember when he pitched for the Astros. He was almost impossible to hit. Then he had a stroke when he was 30. I remember reading in the Sporting Green that he had been complaining about his neck hurting and his arm feeling heavy. Some people accused him of being a malingerer. He tried to come back, but didn't make. He lost his money and was homeless for a while. He became a minister. 

Frank Robinson and John Dingell, RIP -- February 8, 2019

I was sorry to hear about the death of Frank Robinson.  He grew up in Oakland.  I don't remember when he played for the Reds, but I remember when he played for the Orioles.  I didn't see the American League much except for the Game of the Week and the World Series, but he often turned up.  He was the first black manager in the majors when he managed Cleveland.  Then he managed the Giants from 1981 to 1984. Giants broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow tell many stories about his fearsomeness.  He was active in the Civil Rights movement.

I was also sorry to learn of the death of retired Representative John Dingell of Michigan.  He served as an officer during World War Two and then became the longest-serving Representative, holding the office from 1955 to 2015.  He fought for civil rights and health care.  He was a vocal opponent of our current so-called president:

"I signed up to fight Nazis 73 years ago and I'll do it again if I have to.  Hatred, bigotry, and fascism should have no place in this country."

"“Crooks like Donald Trump will steal a hot stove and come back for the smoke. There’s no bar too low.”"

Joe Panik Wow -- August 28, 2016

We took BART and Muni Metro to see the Giants play the Braves.  We had nice seats.  Madison Bumgarner gave up a run in the first inning, and then settled down.  The Giants tied it, then went ahead.  The Braves came back, but the Giants scored eight runs in the seventh.

Joe Panik had two home runs.  

It was Mike Krukow Day.  We received bobble heads honoring his 20-win season.  They played a video and everyone gave him an ovation after. 

After the game, we paused to look at the recently unveiled statue of Gaylord Perry.

We had dinner at the Surf Spot.  We sat out back.  A surf band was playing.