Johnny Blanchard, 76, who set a Major League record in 1961 by hitting four home runs in consecutive at-bats over the course of three games, died March 25, 2009.
Blanchard, known as "Super Sub" was a catcher/outfielder who played in five consecutive World series for the New York Yankees in the 1960's. He was a third string power-hitting catcher, playing behind Hall of Famer Yoggi Berra and Elston Howard.
His feat was overshadowed during the season by the legendary pursuit of Babe Ruth's single season home run record by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Blanchard's feat was equaled in 1995 by Jeff Manto of the Baltimore Orioles.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Lil E. Lee - Two Minutes to Immortality
It's not often that the death of a race horse makes the sports pages, but such was the case of 1992 Kentucky Derby winner, Lil E. Lee. The 20 year old horse was euthanized on March 18, 2009 at his residence, a horse farm in Lexington, KY as a result of complications from surgery.
On a Saturday afternoon May 2, 1992 Lil E. Lee overcame 17-1 odds out of the 10th pole position to catch heavily favored Arazi down the stretch on horse racing's biggest stage.
This moment of less than two minutes ensured the immortality of himself and jockey Pat Day in the legacy of the Kentucky Derby.
This year's race is also on May 2nd. Who is destined for immortality?
On a Saturday afternoon May 2, 1992 Lil E. Lee overcame 17-1 odds out of the 10th pole position to catch heavily favored Arazi down the stretch on horse racing's biggest stage.
This moment of less than two minutes ensured the immortality of himself and jockey Pat Day in the legacy of the Kentucky Derby.
This year's race is also on May 2nd. Who is destined for immortality?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Alan Livingston, reshaped American Pop Culture
Alan Livingstone, 91, died on March 13, 2009 at his home in Beverly Hills. He was an entertainment executive who had significant roles in bringing Bozo, The Beatles, and Bonanza to American audiences.
While he was president at Capitol Records, he declined three times to release singles by a British band know as The Beatles. After another executive turned down a fourth opportunity to release"I want to Hold Your Hand," Mr Livingstone took a phone call from Brian Epstein who was the band's manager. During their discussion, Mr Livingston admitted that he had never listened to the song. He later listened and the rest is history. Capitol released the single and brought Beatlemania to America.
When he first came to Capitol, he wrote and produced a series of records known as Record Readers for children. One of the story books was Bozo at the Circus and was the origin for the TV character.
He was the co-writer of the novelty song I Taut I Taw a Putty Tat featuring cartoon characters Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird, recorded by voice specialist Mel Blanc in 1951.
In 1953, he signed singer Frank Sinatra whose career was on the down-side. He paired him with arranger Nelson Riddle.The pair would create some of Sinatra's greatest hits.
He went to NBC in 1955 and hired a writer who developed the pilot for the hit TV western series Bonanza which ran from 1959-1973.
While he was president at Capitol Records, he declined three times to release singles by a British band know as The Beatles. After another executive turned down a fourth opportunity to release"I want to Hold Your Hand," Mr Livingstone took a phone call from Brian Epstein who was the band's manager. During their discussion, Mr Livingston admitted that he had never listened to the song. He later listened and the rest is history. Capitol released the single and brought Beatlemania to America.
When he first came to Capitol, he wrote and produced a series of records known as Record Readers for children. One of the story books was Bozo at the Circus and was the origin for the TV character.
He was the co-writer of the novelty song I Taut I Taw a Putty Tat featuring cartoon characters Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird, recorded by voice specialist Mel Blanc in 1951.
In 1953, he signed singer Frank Sinatra whose career was on the down-side. He paired him with arranger Nelson Riddle.The pair would create some of Sinatra's greatest hits.
He went to NBC in 1955 and hired a writer who developed the pilot for the hit TV western series Bonanza which ran from 1959-1973.
Whitey Lockman, Baseball Player
Whitey Lockman, 82 died on March 17, 2009 in Scottsdale Arizona. Although he spent more than 50 years in baseball, including 15 seasons as a player, he is best known for setting the stage for Bobby Thompson's pennant-winning home run for the New York Giants against the Brooklyn Dodgers on Oct 3,1951. He also served as a manager, coach, executive and scout for several major league teams.
That day was a culmination of the Giants coming back from 13 1/2 games in August to tie for first place in the National League . It forced a three game playoff with the Dodgers.
The Giants trailed the Dodgers 4-1 in the final game going into the last half of the 9th inning. With one out and runners on first and second, Lockman lined a double off starting pitcher Don Newcombe scoring one run and leaving runners on 2nd & 3rd.
Now trailing 4-2, Bobby Thompson hit a dramatic 3-run homer off reliever Ralph Brana, giving the Giants a trip to the World Series. Thompson's home-run was forever known as "The Shot Heard 'Round the World".
That day was a culmination of the Giants coming back from 13 1/2 games in August to tie for first place in the National League . It forced a three game playoff with the Dodgers.
The Giants trailed the Dodgers 4-1 in the final game going into the last half of the 9th inning. With one out and runners on first and second, Lockman lined a double off starting pitcher Don Newcombe scoring one run and leaving runners on 2nd & 3rd.
Now trailing 4-2, Bobby Thompson hit a dramatic 3-run homer off reliever Ralph Brana, giving the Giants a trip to the World Series. Thompson's home-run was forever known as "The Shot Heard 'Round the World".
Friday, March 20, 2009
Jimmy Boyd, Singer
Jimmy Boyd, 70, best known for his hit "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" died March 13, 2009 of cancer in Santa Monica,CA. Boyd recorded the song at the age of 13 in 1952. Within three weeks of its release, it soared to #1 on Billboard charts and sold 2 million records in fewer than 10 weeks.
He started playing the guitar when he was 4 and appeared on the Frank Sinatra Show in the late 1940's. He was signed to a recording contract with Columbia. He appeared in several television shows in the 60's including Bachelor's Father with John Forsythe. His recording career ended at the age of 28 in 1967.
He started playing the guitar when he was 4 and appeared on the Frank Sinatra Show in the late 1940's. He was signed to a recording contract with Columbia. He appeared in several television shows in the 60's including Bachelor's Father with John Forsythe. His recording career ended at the age of 28 in 1967.
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