If you want to spark a lively bar discussion one simple question will generally get it started. It's about as basic as it gets. Ask folks who the most famous athlete of all time is. Plain and simple. Even though he has been dead for decades the guy who generally most often garners the majority of votes seems to be The Babe. Just say, the Babe and nobody wonders who you are talking about. Well, it was on this date clear back in 1915 that Ruth hit his very first dinger in the show. It also marked his debut on the bump as a pitcher. Many people still forget just how good a pitcher Ruth was. There are few ball players from that era that could compete against today's players. Sorry old timers but it is just a stubborn fact. The one possible exception to that law of nature would possible be Babe Ruth, he was that far ahead of his time. Would be a beautiful thing to watch Ruth did in against Clayton Kershaw.
One other item caught my eye, It was on this date back in 1946 that the Yankees became the very first team to travel by plane. People often forget for how long those teams traveled around the country by train. Baseball was not nearly the glamour job it is today. Traveling conditions were long and hot by train and frankly the pay was nothing special with the rare exceptions of the stars. The vast majority of players went back home to their regular jobs once the season concluded. Many were farmers. Playing in the big's was something they could not take for granted. Obviously there was no union then, not even close. And most teams had over ten minor league ball clubs to if any one player got to feeling too full of themselves they were readily replaced. I have watched specials on baseball history on both HBO as well as PBS with the Ken Burns special and both were stellar. If you are interested in the history of the game I highly suggest both. If not, that's cool too. Some people could not care less. Different strokes.
Okay, a free release for tonight. I will stay with baseball and suggest a small wager on the Cardinals as they open a series at Busch against the Pirates. The Buc's come limping into St Louis having lost four straight games. Not good as they go up against Carlos Martinez in the opener tonight. The stubborn fact is the Cardinals usually win the game when Martinez takes the ball. The Cardinals are in fact, have won 21 of 27 games he has started for them. Kind of of tough trend to ignore. The Pirates have had some success against the Cards of late and I expect some pay back here tonight in St Louis.
On the business side we cashed another Rabid dog last night in the NBA playoffs. I have another featured release up and loaded for tonight. I am still looking hard at the bases. We have a nice 8 of 10 streak going with baseball. I may add another featured release with a baseball game.
Happy friday and I hope everyone has a great weekend. Best of luck with your action.