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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 16, 2024 14:57:25 GMT -5
Thanks for stirring up more memories of that wonderful California League, Rizz. The Quakes were actually the closest professional team to where I lived in the San Gabriel Valley, about a twenty-minute drive. In addition to Matthews Jr. I remember future major league catcher Ben Davis playing there, and Wally Joyner and Steve Finley doing rehabs. It was a Padres Advanced A-level team at that time. I got to all the parks in the South Division, which also included the Lake Elsinore Storm, San Bernardino Stampede, High Desert Mavericks and Lancaster JetHawks. Visalia I recall in the North Division, along with teams from San Jose, Stockton, Bakersfield and someplace I'm forgetting. Not Fresno, which had a team in a higher league. I didn't get to any of those parks -- with the Dodgers and the Angels both only about an hour away, most of my baseball time and budget was spent going to Dodger Stadium or The Big A. But Minor League baseball is such fun. I think overall I get a more pleasant experience from a minor league game than a major league game. Remember the old Jack Benny Show shtick (announced by Mel Blanc) -- "Train on Track Five leaving for Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga"? There was of course no such train, but Benny and Blanc loved the name. In fact Cucamonga is mentioned in many Looney Tunes cartoons (by Mel Blanc of course, usually as either Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck.) There is a statue of Jack Benny and a Jack Benny Drive in what is now called Rancho Cucamonga (which combined Cucamonga, Alta Loma and Etiwanda for real estate and tax-generating purposes.) And just to steer this thread gently back to its intended topic of music, there was a well-known recording studio in Cucamonga in the 60s where The Surfaris recorded "Wipe Out" and The Chantays recorded "Pipeline." It was called PAL Studios, and Frank Zappa did his first recording engineering there. He liked it so much he bought the studio and did a lot of his work there. It was no longer an active studio when we lived out there, but of course I dropped by to pay homage. And in 1964 Jan and Dean had one of the longest titles for a song that made the Billboard charts, "The Anaheim, Azusa And Cucamonga Sewing Circle Book Review And Timing Association." It was their follow-up to "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena." I think that exhausted the stockpile of songs mentioning places in the San Gabriel Valley. Pipps, you are one of several board members who I would like to see on Jeopardy! You are a very nice guy 55, and you generate a lot of great discussions. And I truly appreciate your Mopar knowledge, which is more useful than anything I know about. I assure you that I wouldn't cut it on "Jeopardy" but I am flattered that you think I would. And I like to think by now you are well into your Yosemite adventure. We'll look forward to your after-action report. |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 16, 2024 15:04:26 GMT -5
Pipps, you are one of several board members who I would like to see on Jeopardy! Categories: The World (and saving it) 60’s Music Old Television Shows Late 50’s Baseball Bullshit What Women Really Want… Inger, I have no interest in the first category and no knowledge of the last. I don't even know what my wife really wants, although we've only been married 45 years, so there's still time. The others I'm pretty good at, especially BS, but not at the level of genuine experts. Not being modest, just that I know people who are far better at these things. |
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Post by azbob643 on Jun 16, 2024 15:08:20 GMT -5
I don't recall the thermometer, but that's not to say I didn't see it. We're talking approx. 50 years ago. I have a pretty good memory for most things, but not everything. I did some work with Bob's Big Boy restaurants...was "Bun Boy" one of their franchisees? When I was going past it regularly it was the mid to late 90s, so it may not have been there when you were driving by. It would have been impossible to miss it, right alongside I-15 between Barstow and the Nevada Line, dominating like the Eiffel Tower. Barstow was as far east as I went on I-15 back then. Regardless, you're right...apparently it was built in '91; I left California in '77. |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 16, 2024 15:24:15 GMT -5
Thanks for stirring up more memories of that wonderful California League, Rizz. The Quakes were actually the closest professional team to where I lived in the San Gabriel Valley, about a twenty-minute drive. In addition to Matthews Jr. I remember future major league catcher Ben Davis playing there, and Wally Joyner and Steve Finley doing rehabs. It was a Padres Advanced A-level team at that time. I got to all the parks in the South Division, which also included the Lake Elsinore Storm, San Bernardino Stampede, High Desert Mavericks and Lancaster JetHawks. Visalia I recall in the North Division, along with teams from San Jose, Stockton, Bakersfield and someplace I'm forgetting. Not Fresno, which had a team in a higher league. I didn't get to any of those parks -- with the Dodgers and the Angels both only about an hour away, most of my baseball time and budget was spent going to Dodger Stadium or The Big A. But Minor League baseball is such fun. I think overall I get a more pleasant experience from a minor league game than a major league game. Remember the old Jack Benny Show shtick (announced by Mel Blanc) -- "Train on Track Five leaving for Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga"? There was of course no such train, but Benny and Blanc loved the name. In fact Cucamonga is mentioned in many Looney Tunes cartoons (by Mel Blanc of course, usually as either Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck.) There is a statue of Jack Benny and a Jack Benny Drive in what is now called Rancho Cucamonga (which combined Cucamonga, Alta Loma and Etiwanda for real estate and tax-generating purposes.) And just to steer this thread gently back to its intended topic of music, there was a well-known recording studio in Cucamonga in the 60s where The Surfaris recorded "Wipe Out" and The Chantays recorded "Pipeline." It was called PAL Studios, and Frank Zappa did his first recording engineering there. He liked it so much he bought the studio and did a lot of his work there. It was no longer an active studio when we lived out there, but of course I dropped by to pay homage. And in 1964 Jan and Dean had one of the longest titles for a song that made the Billboard charts, "The Anaheim, Azusa And Cucamonga Sewing Circle Book Review And Timing Association." It was their follow-up to "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena." I think that exhausted the stockpile of songs mentioning places in the San Gabriel Valley. Right back at you regarding stirring up memories: my dearly departed friend Joe Simas and I would always mimic the Jack Benny/Mel Blanc bit every time the Oaks played Rancho CU-ca-monga. You are correct about the Fresno Grizzlies (now in the California League) back then, as they were a AAA team. Really nice ballpark they built in Fresno, but the sun is a killer for the first few innings until night falls. Unfortunately, the Visalia Oaks (Sarah loved the mascot of the acorn-seeking-squirrel) are now the Visalia Rawhide and an Arizona Diamondbacks' affiliate. You are also spot on about the north and south division - ten teams total. Inland Empire is the one you are missing. I agree that there is something pure and nostalgic about watching minor league baseball, and people who attend those games do so for the love of the game, not to sport their brand-new jersey top and look at their cell phones for most of the game. And, the food is usually better in single A because it is often being prepared by family and friends of the players and long-time fans of the minor league team. Very family-oriented feel, and in Visalia (old ballpark), my seats were right by the home dugout and on-deck circle, so you could chat with players and get to know their personalities. All of them hungry and heads filled with dreams of the big leagues. Off the top of my head, Craig Counsell, Eric Chavez, and Barry Zito were the best players I saw there, but of course all of those home grown Minnesota Twins' championship team players passed through Visalia, including Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett, Mark Guthrie, Eddie Guardado, Rich Garces, and Chuck Knoblauch. I also recall watching Bobby Bonds, Jr., who had all of the humility that his brother Barry lacked, but not much of the talent. Ben Grieve looked like sure-fire big leaguer in single A, when Modesto came through for road games in Visalia. I can still see that no-doubter home run he launched to right field with such an easy left-handed stroke. You perfectly captured the ambiance of A ball Rizz. For sure Ben Grieve was touted to be a superstar. How cool that you saw all of those future Twins in their embryonic stage. I do remember seeing Johnny Damon in A ball playing for the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League when they were a Royals affiliate. He was the only player on his team who got to the major leagues. Shows how hard it is. Like you said, in the minors it's easy to talk to the players. I used to talk to Ben Davis at Cucamonga when I learned he was from my general neck of the woods. Many years later I would see him at one of my favorite watering holes back home and had some nice conversations with him. His kids went to the same high school as I did, so it was funny to come full circle there. These days he does pre and post-game shows for the Phillies. Hah, any fan of Mel Blanc is a friend of mine. I often took deserving visitors to his grave, which really was inscribed with "That’s All Folks." |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 16, 2024 15:28:10 GMT -5
When I was going past it regularly it was the mid to late 90s, so it may not have been there when you were driving by. It would have been impossible to miss it, right alongside I-15 between Barstow and the Nevada Line, dominating like the Eiffel Tower. Barstow was as far east as I went on I-15 back then. Regardless, you're right...apparently it was built in '91; I left California in '77. Wow, impressive research Bob. It looked like something from the 50s. Thanks for the info. |
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Post by azbob643 on Jun 16, 2024 15:36:09 GMT -5
Barstow was as far east as I went on I-15 back then. Regardless, you're right...apparently it was built in '91; I left California in '77. Wow, impressive research Bob. It looked like something from the 50s. Thanks for the info. Frankly, I started thinking I might need to stock up on Prevagen. As I said, I've always had a pretty good memory, and it was bugging me...so I did some quick research. |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 16, 2024 15:48:18 GMT -5
Categories: The World (and saving it) 60’s Music Old Television Shows Late 50’s Baseball Bullshit What Women Really Want… Let's not forget his vast culinary experience and, of course, the world of leisure and libation.  World of leisure I plead nolo contendre. Just the way the ball bounced and I have made no effort at a course correction. I guess it's too late now. C'est la vie. Perceptive as always on libations Rizz. As we speak my better half and I are enjoying daiquiris and enjoying a perfect June day on our deck and watching a great duel at the US Open at Pinehurst #2. Real daiquiris (as opposed to the frozen Slurpee-like dessert concoction) are among the great mixed drinks. Papa Hemingway style -- two ounces light rum, one ounce hand-squeezed lime juice, three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup made with Demerara sugar, shake in ice-filled shaker, serve in a coupe glass and garnish with lime slice. Although Papa would have consumed about ten of them instead of our two apiece. As always, subject to correction from desousa. |
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Post by rizzuto on Jun 16, 2024 16:10:35 GMT -5
Let's not forget his vast culinary experience and, of course, the world of leisure and libation. World of leisure I plead nolo contendre. Just the way the ball bounced and I have made no effort at a course correction. I guess it's too late now. C'est la vie. Perceptive as always on libations Rizz. As we speak my better half and I are enjoying daiquiris and enjoying a perfect June day on our deck and watching a great duel at the US Open at Pinehurst #2. Real daiquiris (as opposed to the frozen Slurpee-like dessert concoction) are among the great mixed drinks. Papa Hemingway style -- two ounces light rum, one ounce hand-squeezed lime juice, three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup made with Demerara sugar, shake in ice-filled shaker, serve in a coupe glass and garnish with lime slice. Although Papa would have consumed about ten of them instead of our two apiece. As always, subject to correction from desousa . Sounds wonderful, Pipps! I am no longer a devotee of frozen Margaritas - much prefer the real thing these days - and as such no longer must negotiate the dreaded brain-freeze after every few slurps. On Friday, I helped my buddy pack his Uhaul on his way to the gulf coast of Texas and the life of a bachelor once more. Afterward, we went out for dinner and drinks. He opted for his usual beer mug (Blood and Honey), and I went with a wonderfully refreshing Grapefruit Rickey, made with fresh Texas Red Ruby grapefruit juice and slices. It was such a hot day, and a couple of those really extinguished any lingering heat complaints. The restaurant was on the shores of a lake, so it was very nice scenery as well. |
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Post by inger on Jun 16, 2024 16:12:32 GMT -5
Categories: The World (and saving it) 60’s Music Old Television Shows Late 50’s Baseball Bullshit What Women Really Want… Inger, I have no interest in the first category and no knowledge of the last. I don't even know what my wife really wants, although we've only been married 45 years, so there's still time. The others I'm pretty good at, especially BS, but not at the level of genuine experts. Not being modest, just that I know people who are far better at these things. You’ve traveled a good portion of the world, so that was really where I got that category for you. But, as I’m sure you’re aware 90% of my posts are half mental, and it’s getting late early in inger’s mind… |
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Post by bumper on Jun 18, 2024 21:35:14 GMT -5
you can blame azbob for this  . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
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Post by bumper on Jun 18, 2024 21:37:20 GMT -5
you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link: you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link ...
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Post by kaybli on Jun 18, 2024 21:57:55 GMT -5
you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link: you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link ...
Thats awesome bumper! I wish I had the skills to play guitar like you can! Keep it up! |
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Post by Renfield on Jun 18, 2024 22:10:17 GMT -5
Thats awesome bumper! I wish I had the skills to play guitar like you can! Keep it up! Nicely done, bumper! Some serious picking going on there. Enjoyed that! |
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Post by azbob643 on Jun 18, 2024 22:31:51 GMT -5
you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link ...
Who knew John Bolton was a Deadhead?  |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 19, 2024 9:20:33 GMT -5
you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link: you can blame azbob for this . i had shared some clips of my playing with him on the yes forum and in a recent thread he asked that i put something up. so here's 5 min of your life you won't get back . hold the rotten tomatoes ...
here's the link ...
Outstanding, bumper. You did Garcia proud. Such smooth and graceful picking and noodling. I was expecting some Pat Metheny or Wes Montgomery, but this does the trick. Thanks for posting. |
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