Epic. I’m visualizing David, a man small of stature who plays music and turns it into a knife in the ankle of a wayward, larger than life giant. (Actually, a non-Giant. A Dodger.) Clever use of music to communicate what many were thinking.
Had Garvey played for SF, the organist would’ve kept his thoughts and fingers to himself. Bottom line, try to help your team win by exploiting opponents’ weaknesses however you can. Even if you’re the organist. It’s a team effort.
And it’s wild that your intuition said to keep watching this thing.
Larry, what a treat to start my day reading this. I grew up with those teams and players. Love the detail and Ron Cey batting before Garvey. You didn’t need to include that but it gave fabric to the story.
And of course this, epic:
"Why, do you ask? Let’s just say it had to do with one man’s, shall we say, “libidinous misstep” and another man’s Academy Award–winning soundtrack."
I appreciate the support (my ego thrives on it!!). I honestly don't recall if Cey batted before Garvey, but "The Penguin" was the first other Dodger I thought of.
Shifting gears: Today I was able to access your Substack page, after being blocked yesterday. (I have no idea what that was about...) The tribute you wrote for your mother is wonderful. She must've been an extraordinary person. And, frankly, I was in awe of your writing talent alone as I read your essay. Wonderful.
I lost my mother at 95 a year ago, and today it still seems otherworldly.
Ah, yes, the penguin :) Another beautiful aspect of your story Larry, is that you didn't know if he batted before Garvey - it didn't matter in the big picture, but the detail of you including it did. Sign of maturity as a writer my friend.
Thank you for your note back on my mom and my writing. It's funny, It's been a heck of a summer, my daughter broke her ankle, I've hurt my back and have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow, yet we took a few family vacations, and I've been writing a lot, just not publishing anything as I don't think it's worthy yet. And then my mom passes - which is sad as it was is also a relief. It was like smelling salts under my nose to galvanize the clarity of her impact on me and to put a tribute to her out there into the world.
It made me smile hearing your mom made it to 95! That's awesome.
Aw that's harsh. Your daughter's ankle, your messed-up back (good luck with the MRI!!), and now your mom. Tough summer, indeed! Take care of your back; those can be tricky, as you know.
Truth be told, when I read your essay about Mom, it reminded me of a post I did several months ago, about my own mom's passing. Given the depth and breadth –the loving humanity – of what you shared, in such a very eloquent manner, I was a bit embarrassed about the relatively shallow nature of my own reflections. In case you're curious, the URL is below (and it's also a shameless plug).
I like to look at life, and especially pain, from a goofy/humorous perspective. But essays like yours inspire me to look deeper.
By the way, about publishing your writing that "you don't think is worthy": Based on what I read yesterday, I can say THEY'RE DEFINITELY WORTHY, sight unseen. Go for it!
Crazy how intuition works! How could you have known that something as off-the-wall as this was about to happen? It makes the story all the better that it was witnessed and narrated by someone who was most decidedly NOT a baseball fan. What you definitely are, though, is an extremely humorous writer. My laugh count was high on this piece!
Thanks, Simon. I appreciate your kind words an ongoing support.
Honestly, I don't think I've watched a baseball game since that incident. But rest assured: I think about the sport every time I hear "The Entertainer."
Had I seen that live I might have converted to a Giants fan on the spot. That is awesome!
I knew that song when you’d mentioned “The Sting” but never knew that story. Outstanding. The world is missing more of this kind of creative, pre-social media beef.
I've *never* heard anyone mention this, before and since. And it KILLS me that I was alone when I saw this, since it would've been better to share this crazy moment (or moments, one for each at-bat) with someone else.
Also, I really enjoyed your podcast. Very interesting.
Thank you, Rachel. Honestly, I don't think I've watched a baseball game since. Too boring. But the "non-coincidence" I stumbled across back in the day really got my attention!.
Classic! As one always who has always been annoyed by baseball park organists, you've renewed my faith in their role (if only more of them had the wit and willingness to poke jabs at the players through song, a new element of suspense could be added to the "national past time").
Thanks, Rick. Perhaps this tale of woe will help them see the light, and they can switch their allegiance to a more engaging sport ... like Watching C-SPAN ... :)
Wow! Great story, Larry. Quite a sting to Garvey from that organist! Also, nice awareness and understanding of your intuition which led to this humorous story.
🤣 Any "crime" perpetrated upon the Dodgers is, for me, poetry in motion. Being a lifelong Yankees fanboy it can be assumed I love the game on so many levels. One thing I have in common with dear old Steve Garvey is my love for getting to third base. That said, the correct term is "walk-up" music.
I'm *still* in therapy over the Dodgers vs. Yankees in the '77 and '78 World Series. Those memories hurt almost as much as the '84 Lakers vs. Celtics (the latter being the Klingons of the NBA). Let's hope the Boys in Blue do it again this year!
By the way, about "walk-up" music: I knew that; I was just testing my readers. Well done! (Seriously, I'm going to fix those references shortly.)
LOL! The incident, the recounting of it, the organist with a keen sense of humor, and you not letting it get lost in the shuffle or kerfuffle of domestic disputes on the outcome of organized sporting events. Now about that televised examination of inductive versus deductive reasoning… Perhaps the place for that is Substack?!
Truth be told, "inductive versus deductive reasoning" is the first thing that popped into my noggin while writing. I had to actually *look up* what these terms meant! So if someone creates a home about this scintillating topic here on Substack, it ain't gonna be me. (But thanks again...)
Bob, I'm a lifelong Tar Heel. I KNEW you looked familiar!!
Just kidding.
My understanding is that the Cameron Crazies were – and are – beyond brutal. You guys never held back, and I respect that! (By the way, Christian Laettner is EVIL.)
Seriously, I'm glad you enjoyed my little slice of baseball insanity.
I'll never forget how Satan's Power Forward STOMPED on an opponent lying on the floor and got away with it. Irrefutable proof that the sports world, like the world at large, is a crazy place ...
This is great, Larry. I'm a fan of baseball fans. People who love the game are people who love community, who are fascinated by interwoven histories, stories of longing and triumph, rivalries and romance, all in a tidy package, with hats, shirts, and team affiliation. The enthusiasm and devotion is what we all have or wish we had for our families, or whatever group we're connected to. I suspect you of a similar appreciation, of humans doing what humans do, especially with this kind of clever, understated snark!
Alden, I am definitely a "snark-mesiter," guilty as charged! :>)
You actually bring up something about baseball that has eluded me: the sense of community, the commitment to a team, the social aspect, etc. It makes me want to revisit my perception of the game, something I've only viewed from the action on the field.
This makes me chuckle in recognition. The game itself is a puzzle I’ve never been curious to solve, but I’ve enjoyed sitting in the stands and watching the people on a beautiful summer day! So much of what people do as they sit there while nothing much happens, is tell each other stories, and if they don’t get too bogged down in reciting names of players and their stats, the stories can be so funny and heroic, so thoroughly human. And the people telling them, often complete strangers in nearby seats, can be such characters… Hmmm. Here’s me with my romantic view of baseball and baseball fans. Let me know if your perception changes next time you brush up against a fan!
I'm with you about baseball. I wonder though how you knew the back story about this Garvey guy to make that connection? Did you do you still you keep up with the gossip columns?
It was fairly common knowledge that Cyndy Garvey had taken up with Marvin Hamlisch. Although I was, nor will I ever be, a baseball fan, it was just dumb luck that one day I heard "The Entertainer" song while Garvey was approaching the plate that one day. And I knew it couldn't have been coincidence!
This is a great story Larry! I’m not a sports fan but my Dad is a huge Dodgers fan (for many years he had a Dodgers bath mat framed in his bedroom) and I’ve been grappling with playing The Entertainer on the piano for the past year. Your story is well-written and witty and has won me over completely!
Epic. I’m visualizing David, a man small of stature who plays music and turns it into a knife in the ankle of a wayward, larger than life giant. (Actually, a non-Giant. A Dodger.) Clever use of music to communicate what many were thinking.
Had Garvey played for SF, the organist would’ve kept his thoughts and fingers to himself. Bottom line, try to help your team win by exploiting opponents’ weaknesses however you can. Even if you’re the organist. It’s a team effort.
And it’s wild that your intuition said to keep watching this thing.
If that in-stadium organist had been at Dodger stadium, that would surely been his or her LAST game!
I don't know if the organist gave the Giants any advantage; on the face of it, it was just plain mean.
Anyway, thank you for your support & comments!
Larry, what a treat to start my day reading this. I grew up with those teams and players. Love the detail and Ron Cey batting before Garvey. You didn’t need to include that but it gave fabric to the story.
And of course this, epic:
"Why, do you ask? Let’s just say it had to do with one man’s, shall we say, “libidinous misstep” and another man’s Academy Award–winning soundtrack."
Keep up the great writing and storytelling.
Thanks, James.
I appreciate the support (my ego thrives on it!!). I honestly don't recall if Cey batted before Garvey, but "The Penguin" was the first other Dodger I thought of.
Shifting gears: Today I was able to access your Substack page, after being blocked yesterday. (I have no idea what that was about...) The tribute you wrote for your mother is wonderful. She must've been an extraordinary person. And, frankly, I was in awe of your writing talent alone as I read your essay. Wonderful.
I lost my mother at 95 a year ago, and today it still seems otherworldly.
My deepest condolences. Hang in there.
Ah, yes, the penguin :) Another beautiful aspect of your story Larry, is that you didn't know if he batted before Garvey - it didn't matter in the big picture, but the detail of you including it did. Sign of maturity as a writer my friend.
Thank you for your note back on my mom and my writing. It's funny, It's been a heck of a summer, my daughter broke her ankle, I've hurt my back and have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow, yet we took a few family vacations, and I've been writing a lot, just not publishing anything as I don't think it's worthy yet. And then my mom passes - which is sad as it was is also a relief. It was like smelling salts under my nose to galvanize the clarity of her impact on me and to put a tribute to her out there into the world.
It made me smile hearing your mom made it to 95! That's awesome.
Thank you again for your touching comments.
Aw that's harsh. Your daughter's ankle, your messed-up back (good luck with the MRI!!), and now your mom. Tough summer, indeed! Take care of your back; those can be tricky, as you know.
Truth be told, when I read your essay about Mom, it reminded me of a post I did several months ago, about my own mom's passing. Given the depth and breadth –the loving humanity – of what you shared, in such a very eloquent manner, I was a bit embarrassed about the relatively shallow nature of my own reflections. In case you're curious, the URL is below (and it's also a shameless plug).
I like to look at life, and especially pain, from a goofy/humorous perspective. But essays like yours inspire me to look deeper.
By the way, about publishing your writing that "you don't think is worthy": Based on what I read yesterday, I can say THEY'RE DEFINITELY WORTHY, sight unseen. Go for it!
https://thepositivepessimist.substack.com/p/goodbye-mom
Crazy how intuition works! How could you have known that something as off-the-wall as this was about to happen? It makes the story all the better that it was witnessed and narrated by someone who was most decidedly NOT a baseball fan. What you definitely are, though, is an extremely humorous writer. My laugh count was high on this piece!
Thanks, Simon. I appreciate your kind words an ongoing support.
Honestly, I don't think I've watched a baseball game since that incident. But rest assured: I think about the sport every time I hear "The Entertainer."
Had I seen that live I might have converted to a Giants fan on the spot. That is awesome!
I knew that song when you’d mentioned “The Sting” but never knew that story. Outstanding. The world is missing more of this kind of creative, pre-social media beef.
I've *never* heard anyone mention this, before and since. And it KILLS me that I was alone when I saw this, since it would've been better to share this crazy moment (or moments, one for each at-bat) with someone else.
Also, I really enjoyed your podcast. Very interesting.
What a story! This line got me:
"Why, do you ask? Let’s just say it had to do with one man’s, shall we say, “libidinous misstep” and another man’s Academy Award–winning soundtrack."
I'm not a huge baseball fan myself, but this is one piece of sports trivia I won't forget ◡̈
Thank you, Rachel. Honestly, I don't think I've watched a baseball game since. Too boring. But the "non-coincidence" I stumbled across back in the day really got my attention!.
And thanks again for your helpful feedback.
Classic! As one always who has always been annoyed by baseball park organists, you've renewed my faith in their role (if only more of them had the wit and willingness to poke jabs at the players through song, a new element of suspense could be added to the "national past time").
Thanks, Chris. I actually hadn't thought of this incident in many, many years. Not sure what conjured it up, but there you have it ...
This is a hilarious story Larry. I have a handful of baseball lovers in my circle who are going to be getting this in their inbox.
Thanks, Rick. Perhaps this tale of woe will help them see the light, and they can switch their allegiance to a more engaging sport ... like Watching C-SPAN ... :)
Wow! Great story, Larry. Quite a sting to Garvey from that organist! Also, nice awareness and understanding of your intuition which led to this humorous story.
Thank you.
I almost fell out of my chair when that organist started up!
🤣 Any "crime" perpetrated upon the Dodgers is, for me, poetry in motion. Being a lifelong Yankees fanboy it can be assumed I love the game on so many levels. One thing I have in common with dear old Steve Garvey is my love for getting to third base. That said, the correct term is "walk-up" music.
There. All fixed.
It was done in 2 minutes ... just like my first wedding night.
And that included the postgame smoke, yes?
Just a couple of nasty bong hits ... but you're on the right track. :)
I'm *still* in therapy over the Dodgers vs. Yankees in the '77 and '78 World Series. Those memories hurt almost as much as the '84 Lakers vs. Celtics (the latter being the Klingons of the NBA). Let's hope the Boys in Blue do it again this year!
By the way, about "walk-up" music: I knew that; I was just testing my readers. Well done! (Seriously, I'm going to fix those references shortly.)
This
LOL! The incident, the recounting of it, the organist with a keen sense of humor, and you not letting it get lost in the shuffle or kerfuffle of domestic disputes on the outcome of organized sporting events. Now about that televised examination of inductive versus deductive reasoning… Perhaps the place for that is Substack?!
Thanks, Lisa.
Truth be told, "inductive versus deductive reasoning" is the first thing that popped into my noggin while writing. I had to actually *look up* what these terms meant! So if someone creates a home about this scintillating topic here on Substack, it ain't gonna be me. (But thanks again...)
As a former Duke Cameron Crazie, I love this. We used to invent cheers about opposing players “issues”. Such fun.
Bob, I'm a lifelong Tar Heel. I KNEW you looked familiar!!
Just kidding.
My understanding is that the Cameron Crazies were – and are – beyond brutal. You guys never held back, and I respect that! (By the way, Christian Laettner is EVIL.)
Seriously, I'm glad you enjoyed my little slice of baseball insanity.
Laettner was evil, and he loved it. If basketball didn't call him, pro wrestling would have.
I'll never forget how Satan's Power Forward STOMPED on an opponent lying on the floor and got away with it. Irrefutable proof that the sports world, like the world at large, is a crazy place ...
This is great, Larry. I'm a fan of baseball fans. People who love the game are people who love community, who are fascinated by interwoven histories, stories of longing and triumph, rivalries and romance, all in a tidy package, with hats, shirts, and team affiliation. The enthusiasm and devotion is what we all have or wish we had for our families, or whatever group we're connected to. I suspect you of a similar appreciation, of humans doing what humans do, especially with this kind of clever, understated snark!
Alden, I am definitely a "snark-mesiter," guilty as charged! :>)
You actually bring up something about baseball that has eluded me: the sense of community, the commitment to a team, the social aspect, etc. It makes me want to revisit my perception of the game, something I've only viewed from the action on the field.
This makes me chuckle in recognition. The game itself is a puzzle I’ve never been curious to solve, but I’ve enjoyed sitting in the stands and watching the people on a beautiful summer day! So much of what people do as they sit there while nothing much happens, is tell each other stories, and if they don’t get too bogged down in reciting names of players and their stats, the stories can be so funny and heroic, so thoroughly human. And the people telling them, often complete strangers in nearby seats, can be such characters… Hmmm. Here’s me with my romantic view of baseball and baseball fans. Let me know if your perception changes next time you brush up against a fan!
Thanks Alden. Your thoughts really do shift my overall perception of the game. ⚾️
I'm with you about baseball. I wonder though how you knew the back story about this Garvey guy to make that connection? Did you do you still you keep up with the gossip columns?
It was fairly common knowledge that Cyndy Garvey had taken up with Marvin Hamlisch. Although I was, nor will I ever be, a baseball fan, it was just dumb luck that one day I heard "The Entertainer" song while Garvey was approaching the plate that one day. And I knew it couldn't have been coincidence!
This is a great story Larry! I’m not a sports fan but my Dad is a huge Dodgers fan (for many years he had a Dodgers bath mat framed in his bedroom) and I’ve been grappling with playing The Entertainer on the piano for the past year. Your story is well-written and witty and has won me over completely!
Thank you, Emily!
Baseball is simply too slow for my taste. But that incident really got my attention way back when.
I'm looking forward to more of your essays. That last one was tremendous.
Great fun story, Larry. Very well written.