1974. I was a sophmore in high school and watching on with the nation as Hank Aaron closed the gap on Babe Ruth and the all time home run mark of 714. It was on this date that Aaron tied the Babe by slamming his 714 shot. Trust me when I tell you this was a huge deal back then. Ruth was an iconic figure and Hank was, well, black. The hate mail streamed in as well as the death threats to Aaron. The country has taken tremendous strides in this department, thankfully, but in 74 there was still a strong racial divide in much of the country. I was brought up in a home where race was not a determining factor in judging a person, simple as that. I still thank my parents for that. I know years later we had the home run assaults by Bonds, McGwire and such but many, many people were already smelling that something was rotten. It was not the same, not even close. In the end the rumors were true. The guys were juicing and lying about it. They got caught and their images forever tarnished. Now the game is back to the way it was intended and gee what a shock, the scores have come back to earth. In a dramatic way.
Okay, a free selection. Had a free winner last time with the eventual NIT champion Minnesota Gophers. Let's get another today. I'll take the Astros in the role of dog as they host the Angels.
On the business side. I have my one & only March Madness Game of the Year loaded up for saturday. I've had two games of the year in 2014. One Bowl game of the year and it was a winner. Also had an NFL playoff game of the year and it also won. I don't toss these around loosely. My long term clients know I speak the truth here. That's all I have to say about that. Except to add one final note. It's NOT a lock. Don't invest in a game of the year and put half your roll into play. Good grief, a key player could get injured in the first moments. It's sports guys, there are no certainties. My clients and I do things kind of old school. We use sound money management and self discipline. We also win money.
Okay, that's it for now. A handicappers day is similar to a farmers. The work is never truly done. Best of luck to everyone this weekend. Enjoy the games fellas.
Year to Date: 219-179 +43.63 Units.