Sunday, March 31, 2024

Blood Brothers

I have played a lot of musical theater shows in the Pit Orchestra. This was the only time I was mentioned in a newspaper review.

Blood and guts

Palo Alto Players take risks, succeed with dark musical 'Blood Brothers'

By Joan Burdick - Correspondent  - The Independent (serving Redwood City) - May 8, 1999

The Palo Alto Players is currently presenting a truly beautiful and artistic production of the London smash hit "Blood Brothers". The Players have to be given credit for taking the risk and producing this modern dark piece of musical theater.

While the story - twin brothers separated at birth by a mother who can afford to keep on one - could delve too deeply into melodrama, this production is focused, well-etched, and beautifully staged.

Not knowing of their relationship, the siblings grow up in Loverpool divided by the invisible barrier that keeps wealth and poverty apart. By the rules of mythology, the two eventually meet and become instant friends and blood brothers. Their fate, however, is a hero myth that ends in tragedy, not redemtion.

The stark Liverpool setting is visible upon entering the Lone Star Theater in Palo Alto, signaling to the audience the stylish nature of the production, which plays through May 16.

Subtle lighting bathes the set. An old brick wall at stage left is aglow in red (portent of the play's ending). The industrial skyline against the far wall is lit in varying shades of turquoise and grays with a rust-red grid in the foreground that spans the entire width of the stage. In the center is a half-round platform that angles down into the floor at its center. This makes for a very actor-friendly set design - every action is totally visible. Scenic designer Ron Gasparinetti and sighting designer Michael Palumbo get the credit for bringing a professional polish to the Palo Alto Players.

"Blood Brothers" demands a strong ensemble and it was clear director Sid Cato brought one to the boards at the May 1 performance. The musical begins in stark silhouette as the ending vignette enters this strange story of wrong decisions leading to bitter conclusions. By the time the two mothers, played by Narelle Yeo and Lan McKenna, moving sing the duat "My Child," it's obvious that the ensemble is secure in its singing ability. The case, acting as children playing children's violent games in "Kids Game," eerily pre-dates the dialogue nationwide following the tragedy of Littleton, Colo.

At the end of Act I, when G. Scott Kaufman as Mickey takes the stage and delivers "Long Sunday Afternoon," there occurs a perfect ensemble moment with actor and plaintiff and exceptional soprano saxophone (Syd Polk).

Several lead performers stand out, including Natalie Yeo, who brings a wam, womanly quality that hints at her idol, Marilyn Monroe, to the character Mrs. Johnstone. Her voice is velvety and strong.

David Sattler, as the narrator, has a charismatic presence, striking good looks, and unusual voice quality. However, he needs to clarify his Liverpool accent since some of the story is lost in his diction.

Lane McKenna works well as the neurotic, selfish adoptor of the twin, Edward, while Eli Borggraefe carries of the difficult part of the softer twin with poise, grace, and a beautiful voice.

G. Scott Kaufman in the demanding roles of Mickey supplices the cap on this potent case. His energy, vitality, and physical agility create an endearing Mickey, the unlucky twon. With a strong baritone, and great audience rapport, his is the magnet performance - hard to keep one's eyes off him. Khanh Doan as Lind and Jun Fernandez as Sammy are solid. Doug Brook is believable as the absent father, Mr. Lyon.

This production is artistically directed (Sid Cate), choreographed (Bob Macke) and technically well-executed. The musical direction by Mark Hansen brings this modern score to lfie with the help of sound designer Grant Huberty.


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Futility at the All-Star Break

I guess I should update this now that we are at the All-Star Break. Since I wrote my last article, the A's have gone 3-5, and now stand at 25-67 (.271). I track starts by the A's because I am a weird nerdy stathead A's fan.

After 92 games, the all-time worst Athletic start was in 1916, where Connie Mack's original sell-off team were 19-72-1 at this point. They finished 36-117-1, a .235 winning percentage. I am pretty sure the 2023 A's are a better team than this one, relative to their league.

Since they moved to Oakland, the worst A's team was the 1979 team, who finished 54-108, a .333 winning percentage. However, that team was 25-67 (.271), just like the 2023 A's. They went 29-41 the rest of the way, an almost respectable .483 pace. I sincerely doubt the 2023 A's will play at that pace. Projecting their current winning percentage puts them at 44-118; their Pythagorean is 43-119, which would tie them at 119 wins for second-worst in the 20th century, with the 2003 Detroit Tigers.

I don't track the Kansas City Royals nearly as closely, because unlike Bill James and Rany Jazayerli, I am not a fan of the team, and don't think much about them normally. Since my last article, they have gone 3-6, and now sit at 26-65, a .286 pace. Still terrible, but they are not actively sabotaging their team in an attempt to extort a new stadium (well, not yet. They are making rumblings, though. They are just not good.

So, let's look at the all-time standings, shall we?

By Wins

All-time: The 2023 A's, 25-67, are tied with three two other teams at 59th-worst all-time win totals, with the 2020 Arizona Diamondbacks and the 2020 Baltimore Orioles. They are ahead of 3 teams with 24 wins, two of which were not in pandemic seasons. They are one win ahead of the 2023 Royals (26-65) and 9 other teams, 2 of which are not from 2020, the 1890 AA Brooklyn Gladiators (26-73) and the 1877 NL Chicago White Stockings (26-33). In 2020, the Rockies, Royals, Angels, Mets, and Nationals all finished 26-34. Next at 27 wins are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111, yuck), the 1879 NL Cleveland Blues (27-55), and the 2020 Seattle Mariners (27-33).

Since 1876: #27 1880 NL Buffalo Bisons (24-58), 1878 NL Indianapolis Blues (24-36), and the 2020 Red Sox (24-36). #30 2023 Oakland A's (25-67), 2020 Diamondbacks (25-35), and 2020 Orioles (25-35). #33. 1890 Broolyn Gladiators (26-73), 2023 Kansas City (26-65), 2020 Rockies, Royals, Angles, Mets, and Nationals (26-34), 1877 Chicago White Stockings (26-33). #41 1899 Lousiville Colonels (27-111), 1879 Cleveland Blues (27-55), and the 2020 Mariners (27-33).

American League: #3 2020 Red Sox (24-36); #4 2023 A's (25-67) and the 2020 Orioles (25-35). #6 2023 Roayls (26-65), and the 2020 Royals and Angels (26-34). #9 2020 Mariners (27-33)

Since 1901: (tired of the Pandemic teams yet?) #4 2020 Red Sox (24-36); #5 A's (25-67), the 2020 Diamondbacks and Orioles (25-35), #8 2023 Royals (26-65), 2020 Rockies, Royals, Angels, Mets, Nationals (26-34); #14 2020 Mariners (27-33)

Since 1871, >100 games: #1 Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .130), #2 2023 Oakland A's (25-67, .272), #3 2023 KC Royals (26-65, .286); #4 1889 Louisville Colonels (27-111, .196)

By Winning Percentage

All-time: #47 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78, .271), #48 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (25-67, .272), #49 1872 NA Cleveland Forest Citys (6-16, .273) .... #59 1915 AL Philadelphia Athletics and the 1928 NL Philadelphia Phillies (43-109, .283). #61 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30, .286) and the 2023 AL Kansas City Royals (26-65, .286). #63 1896 NL Louisville Colonels

Since 1876: #31 1884 Hoosiers (29-78, .271), #32 2023 White Elephants (25-67, .272), #33 1890 NL Buffalo Bisons (36-96) and 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112) at .273

American League: #4 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119, .265), #5 2023 Oakland (25-67, .272), #6 1909 Washington Senators (42-110, .276) ... #9 1915 Philadelphia Athletics (43-109, .283), #10 2023 KC (26-65, .286), #11 2018 Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .290)

Since 1900: #6 2003 Tigers (43-119, .265), #7 2023 A's (25-67, .272), #8 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112, .273) ... #14. The Philadelphia losers, 1915 A's and the 1928 Phils, 43-109, .283; #16 2023 Royals (26-65, .286), #17 2018 Orioles (41-115, .290)

Since 1871, >100 games: #16 1884 Indianapolis (29-78, .271), #17 2023 Oakland (25-67, .272), #18 1890 Buffalo (36-96) and 1952 Pirates (42-112), .273 .... #27 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (43-109, .283), #29 2023 Kansas City (26-65, .286), 1896 Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290)

Finally

The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and the Seattle Mariners all now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. I am sure that they are all sleeping better at night. The leaves seven teams, including the two under scrutiny, who have not won more than everybody's favorite bad team, those Lovable Losers from Queens.

Realistically, the A's and Royals will clear that hurdle, but there is no guarantee. And they still could finish 41-121, thus winning more games and losing more games than the Mets, who had one tie, and one rain-out that was not made up.

The A's need to win 16 out of their last 70 (.229 pace) games, and the Royals need to win 15 out of 71 (.211 pace). In normal years, one might scoff that those goals might not be met, but these are not normal times.

 


Saturday, July 01, 2023

More futility; Less futility

The Oakland Athletics have actually gone 2-3 since I last wrote, and now stand at 22-62, a .262 winning percentage. They should easily pass the 1962 New York Mets (40-120) in wins at this pace. Of course, this also happened. Not everyday a scumbag tosses a perfecto against you. It's so on brand for this team to have good news and a gut punch in the same week.

The other really bad team, the Kansas City Royals have gone 1-4 since I wrote last, and are now at 23-59, a .280 winning percentage. That is starting to creep into the winning percentage of some fairly recent teams, like the 2018 Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .292). Of course, their owner is now doing the charade of "Build me a new ballpark because I can't make a real estate empire where our currently awesome ballpark is located right now" dance. Some things never change.

I think that some franchise moves needed to happen. The Boston National League team moving to Milwaukee, the Browns moving to Baltimore, and the Philadelphia Athletics leaving Philadelphia made some since. Even the Giants leaving New York made some sense.

But usually, it just stinks. The owner is very greedy, and wants new shiny toys, and they get the league behind them, and they go on a sabotage campaign with their current city, and either get a shiny new ballpark out of the deal (Marlins Stadium, Citi Field, New Yankee Stadium), or they move (Expos->Nationals, Senators->Rangers, KC A's->Oakland, Milwaukee-Atlanta). This is a hugely profitable business, propped up by laws that exist for no other business, and a LOT of public money.

The only team I somewhat admire for how they got their most recent stadium is the Giants. They built what is now Oracle Park themselves. The city did do improvements around the neighborhood (some), but taxpayers were not soaked terribly much. And the Giants have been building their own real estate empire themselves. While I hated what they were doing before the current ownership bought the team and built the stadium, I admire what they did to stay in San Francisco.

None of the other 29 teams have such a clean story about their stadiums.

Sometimes I wonder why I follow this sport. Oh, yeah. That's right. It's about the players. Go watch the good ones. They are all kinds of fun.

On to the LeaderLoser boards.

By Wins (sorted from worst to best)

We are going to be seeing all of the pandemic teams over the next few weeks. That season generated a lot of stat pollution, that's for sure.

All-time: The A's are in a four-way tie for 51st worst with the 1879 NL Syracuse Stars (22-62), the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38), and the 1874 NA Brooklyn Atlantics (22-33). They are ahead of a five-way tie with 21 wins which I am not going to enumerate. Next with 23 wins are the 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113), the 2020 AL Detroit Tigers (23-35), and the 2023 AL Kansas City Royals (23-59), all tied for 55th worst all time. Next for the Royals at 24 wins are the 1880 NL Buffalo Bisons (24-58), the 1878 NL Indianapolis Blues (24-36), and the 2020 AL Boston Red Sox (24-36).

Since 1876: 4-way tie for 19th, then at 23rd, the A's (22-62), 1879 Syracuse (22-48), and the 2020 Rangers (22-38). Next is 1890 Pittsburgh (23-113), the 2023 Royals (23-59), and the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next up: The 1880 Bisons (24-58), 1878 Indianapolis (24-36), and the 2020 Red Sox (24-36).

American League: The White Elephants (22-62) are still the worst all time, although they are tied with the 2020 Rangers (22-38). Next at 3rd are the Royals at 23-59, and the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next on the leaderboards are the 2020 Red Sox. Whee.

Since 1900: The A's are 2nd, ahead of the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41), and tied with the 2020 Rangers (22-38). The Royals are tied for 4th with the 2020 Tigers (23-35). Next is the 2020 Red Sox (24-36).

Since 1876, >100 games (otherwise known as the list I actually care about): The A's are 2nd, ahead of the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). The Pale Blue Hose are next. 4th on the list are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111).

By Winning Percentage

All-time: #41 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260) (there have been many many different franchises in Baltimore called the Orioles); #42 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (22-62; .262); #43 1880 NL Cincinnati Stars (21-59; .263)... #56 (3-way tie) 1941 NL Philadelphia Phillies, the 1939 AL St. Louis Browns, and the 1932 Boston Red Sox (43-111, .279); #59 2023 Kansas City Royals (23-59; .281); #60 1915 NL Philadelphia Athletics and 1928 AL Philadelphia Phillies (43-109; .283).

Since 1876: Same list except the 1882 Orioles are #25, the A's are #26, the Stars are #27... the three way tie at #39; Royals at #42; and the Wonder Twins of Philadelphia at #43.

American League: #3 1919 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-104; .257); #4 A's (22-62; .262); #5 2003 AL Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265)... #7 (tie) 1932 Red Sox and 1939 Browns (43-111; .279); #9 Royals (23-59; .281); #10 1915 A's (43-109; .283)

Since 1900: #5 1919 A's (36-104; .257); #6 2023 Mt. Davis Specials (22-62; .262); #7 2003 Tigers (43-119; .265)... #11 Dynamic Trio of badness (43-111; .279); #14 The Fountain Drainage Sludge (23-59; .281); #15 Two forgotten Philadelphia teams (43-109; .283)

Notes

The 2023 Red Sox, Twins, Brewers, and Phillies all now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. Hurray! They don't suck!


Sunday, June 25, 2023

Update on the 2023 futility teams

Since I last wrote, the Oakland Athletics (who had just won seven in a row) followed that with an eight game losing streak and went 1-9, and now stand at 20-59, a winning percentage of .253. The good news is that they have now tied the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134, .123) in wins, and they will almost certainly win one of their last 83 games to pass them. They are also playing considerably better than the Spiders, but that's not saying much. The key question is, are they going to be better than the 1962 New York Mets (40-120, .250). They are playing slightly better, but they have to win 21 of those last 83, and that is still in doubt.

On the news front, the Nevada Legislature passed the public funding of the proposed stadium plan. The fans held an emotional reverse boycott, and more than 27000 showed up. And Rob Manfred showed his butt with his tone deaf remarks. What a train wreck (really trying not to curse. It's hard.)

The Kansas City Royals had just lost eight in a row, but since I last wrote, they have gone 4-6, which is not actually terrible. They stand at 22-55, a .286 winning percentage. It looks like they are going to be merely bad, but not historically so. We will see.

On to the history.

By Wins

All-time: The A's are tied for 44th all time with 20 wins with the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), and the 1871 NA Boston Red Stockings (20-10). They are ahead of four teams. Next on the list are five teams: the 1880 NL Cincinnati Stars (21-59), the 1884 UA Philadelphia Keystones (21-46), the 1876 NL New York Mutuals (21-35), the 1891 AA Milwaukee Brewers (21-15), and the 1871 NA Philadelphia Athletics (21-7). The 2023 Royals (22-55) are next, tied at 52nd with 3 other teams, the 1879 NL Syracuse Stars (22-48), the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38), and the 1874 NL Brooklyn Athletics (22-33). Next on their list are the truly execrable 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113), and the 2020 Detroit Tigers (23-35).

Since 1876: The A's (20-59) are tied for 18th with the Spiders (20-134). Next, the 1880 Cincinatti Stars (21-59), the 1884 UA Philadelphia Keystones (21-46), the 1876 NL New York Mutuals (21-35), and the 1891 AA Milwaukee Brewers (21-15). Next are the Royals (22-55), tied at 24th with the 1879 Syracuse Stars (22-48), and the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). And after that, the 1890 Pittsburghs (23-113), and the 2020 Tigers (23-35).

American League: A's are worst at 20-59; Royals (22-59) are tied for 2nd-worst with the pandemic-era 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). Next on the list is the 2020 Detroit Tigers (23-35). We are going to see a lot of pandemic teams in these reports the next few weeks.

Since 1900: The A's are 2nd-worst, ahead of the 2020 Pirates (19-41). Royals and 2020 Rangers are tied for 3rd. Next up after them are the 2020 Tigers (23-35).

Since 1871; >100 games: The A's are 2nd, ahead of the Spiders. Royals are 3rd. Next on the lists are the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111). I thought that a good book could be written about that Louisville team, but they were really bad, and owned by a syndicate, and I realized that it would be entirely too depressing.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (.2532) is 38th worst, ahead of the 1904 AL Washington Senators (.252), and behing the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (.2533). Kansas City (22-55; .286) is tied for 61st with the 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30; .286), ahead of the 1915 AL Philadelphia A's and the 1928 NL Philadelphia Phillies (both 43-109; .283). Next on their list are the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93; .290)

Since 1876: #21. 1904 Washington Senators (38-113; .252), #22 2023 Oakland Athletics (20-59; .2532), #23 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .3533).... #42 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (43-109; .383), #44 (tie) 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30; .286) and 2023 KC Royals (22-55, .286), #46 1896 Louisville Colonels (38-93; .290)

American League: #2 1904 Senators (.252), #3 2023 Oakland (.2532), #4 1919 A's (.257)... #9 1915 A's (.283), #10 2023 KC (.286), 2018 Baltimore Orioles (.290)

Since 1900: #4 1904 Senators (.252), #5 Oakland (.253), #6 1919 A's (.257)... #14 (tie) 1915 A's and 1928 Phillies (.283), #16 2020 Royals (.286), #17 2018 Orioles (.290)

Since 1871; >100 games: #11 1904 Senators (.251), #12 2023 White Elephants (.253), #13 1919 A's (.257)... #27 1915 A's/1928 Phillies (.283), #29 2020 Powder Blue Wonders (.286), #30 1896 Louisville (.290)

Last Note

Since I last wrote, the following teams have won more than the 1962 New York Mets: Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, and the Cincinnati Reds. They can sleep better, knowing that they won't be the worst team in the past 123 years.

I am traveling, so my resolve to write every time the A's win until they pass the '62 Mets may not be strictly kept. I'll do my best. Fortunately for me, they only won 1 since the last time I wrote, and I am only a day late.



Wednesday, June 14, 2023

A's have won 7 in a row; Royals have lost 8 in a row

Well, then. The A's (19-50; .275) have more wins than the Royals (18-49; .269), and now have a better record. Will either team end up with more wins than the 1962 New York Mets?

Frankly, it's looking almost certain at this point. The Mets were 40-120, for a .250 winning percentage, and both teams are doing better than that right now.

It certainly looks better for the A's now than it did 10 days ago.

I will track this with every win either team posts until they both win more than 20 games, which is the threshold of the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123). I will then post sporadically until they have each won more than the Mets. I will pick it up again when any team has lost 100 games. I have been updating every A's win, but I think I will just do every few days.

By Wins

All-time: Kansas City is tied for the 39th all-time wins total with the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs. Next on the list at 41st, are the 2023 A's, the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), the 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260), and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41; .317). Next on the list is the legendary 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123), and the 1871 NA Boston Red Stockings (20-10; .667)

Since 1876: KC is tied for 14th worst with the good ol' Ruby Legs, and the A's are next on the list at 16th, tied with the Trojans, Orioles, and Pirates listed above. Next on the list are the 1899 Spiders (20-134).

American League: The Royals and the A's are #1-#2. Next on the list is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38; .367)

Since 1900: Kansas City #1; Oakland tied at #2 with the Pirates. Rangers are #4.

Since 1871, >100 games: Royals #1; Oakland #2; Spiders next.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: KC (18-49; 269) is 47th worst all-time, at .269. They are ahead of the 1895 NL Louisville Colonels (35-96; .267), and behind the 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271). The A's (19-50; .275) are 52nd-worst of all time, ahead of the 1872 NA Cleveland Forest Citys (6-16; .273), the 1890 Buffalo Bisons (36-96; .273), and the 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112; .273). They are behind the 1909 Washington Senators (42-110; .276).

Since 1876: 1895 Lousiville #30; 2023 Royals #31; 1884 Indianapolis #32; 1890 Bisons and 1952 Pirates #33, 2023 Oakland #35, 1909 Senators #36.

American League: #4 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265), #5 Royals, #6 A's, #7 1909 Senators

Since 1900: 2003 Tigers #6; Royals #7; 1952 Pirates #8; A's #9; 1909 Senators #10

Since 1871, >100 games: 1895 Lousiville #15, Royals #16, 1884 Indianapolis #17, 1890 Buffalo and 1952 Pirates #18, Oakland #20, 1909 Senators #21

And finally

The surprising Arizona Diamondbacks (41-26) have now won more games than the 1962 Mets.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Six

The Oakland Athletics (18-50; .265) have won six in a row; the Kansas City Royals (18-48; .273) have lost seven. that means the A's have caught up to the Royals in wins, and are only one game back.

Oakland through 68 games now has a better record than the 1916 and 1920 Philadelphia A's, which were 17-50-1 through 68 games. They are still behind the worst Oakland start through 68 games; the 1979 A's were 20-48.

So, let's go to the history.

By Wins

All-time: The A's and Royals are tied for 39th worst win totals with the 1883 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66; .214). They are ahead of the 1873 NA Brooklyn Atlantics and the 1883 Philadelphia Quakers, and they are behind the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), the 1882 NL Baltimore Orioles (19-54; .260), and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41; .317).

Since 1876: They are tied for 14th with the 1882 Ruby Legs. Ahead of the 1883 Philadelphia Quakers. Next on the list are the Trojans, Orioles, and Pirates.

American League: Tied for worst. Next on the list is the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38, .367).

Since 1901: Tied for worst. Next on the list is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirages (19-41; .317)

Since 1876, >100 games: Tied for worst. Next on the list are the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134; .123)

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (.265) currently sports the 45th worst all-time winning percentage, ahead of the 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (15-42; .263), and behind the 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119; .265). The Royals are tied for 49th with the 1872 NL Cleveland Forest Cities (6-16; .273), 1890 Buffalo Bisons (36-96, .273), and the 1952 Pittsburgh Pirates (42-112). They are ahead of the 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271), and behind the 1909 AL Washington Senators (42-110; .276).

Since 1876: The A's are 29th worst, ahead of the 1877 Reds (.263), and behind the 2003 Tigers (.265). Kansas City (.273) is tied for 33rd with the 1890 Bisons and the 1952 Pirates. Ahead of the 1884 Hoosiers (.271). Ahead of the 1909 Senators (.276)

American League: #3 1919 Philadelphia Athletics (36-104, .257), #4 2023 Oakland Athletics (18-50; .2647), #5 Detroit Tigers (43-119, .2654), #6 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-48; .272), #7 1909 Washington Senators (42-110; .276)

Since 1901: #5 1919 A's (.257), #6 2023 A's (.2647), #7 2003 Tigers (.2654), #8 (tie) 1952 Pirates and 2023 Royals (.273), #9 1909 Senators (.276)

 Since 1876, >100 games: #13 1898 NL St. Louis Browns (39-111, .260), #14 2023 Oakland (.2647), #15 2003 Detroit (.2654), #16 1894 NL Louisville Colonels (36-94; .277), #17 1884 AA Indianapolis Hoosiers (29-78; .271), #18 (tie) 1890 Bisons, 1952 Pirates, 2003 Royals (.273), #21 1909 Senators (.276)

Note

The Arizona Diamondbacks (41-25) are the fourth team this season that can rest easy because they have more wins than the 1962 NL New York Mets (40-120).


Monday, June 12, 2023

(Yawn) Oakland wins its fifth in a row.

At 17-50, they are becoming merely a very bad team rather than an historically bad team.

Notes:

  • Their winning percentage (.254) is now better than the 1962 New York Mets (.250).
  • They are one win behind the Kansas City Royals, who have lost six in a row.
  • This is their longest winning streak since they won five in a row since September 15-September 19, 2021, against the Royals and Angels.
  • Their Pythagorean Projection is now 41-121, which is still more losses than the 62 Mets (40-120), but is much closer than they were a couple of weeks ago.

By Losses

All-time: The A's are tied for 37th worst win-total all-time with the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (17-81), and the 1873 Brooklyn Atlantics (17-37). They are ahead of the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), the 1874 NA Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NA New York Mutuals (16-17). Next up are the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66), and the 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-66). Next up for the Royals are four teams, three from the nineteenth century, and one from the 2020 pandemic season.

Since 1876: Oakland is tied for 13th with the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (17-18). They are ahead of the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys. They are one behind the Royals and the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66). The Royals are one behind the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56), the 1882 AA Baltimore Orioles (19-54), and the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

American League: Oakland #1; Kansas City #2. Next on this list is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1900: Oakland #1; Kansas City #2. Next on this list is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1871, >100 games: A's #1; Royals #2. Next on the list is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). Both of these teams will finish ahead of the Spiders.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: Oakland (17-50; .254) is #39 all time, ahead of the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56; .253), and behind the 1919 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-104; .257). Royals (18-47; .277) are tied at #53 with the 1894 NL Louisville Colonels (36-94; .277). They are ahead of the 1909 AL Washington Senators (42-110; .276), and behind the 1884 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (30-78; .278).

Since 1876: The same teams surround both the A's and Royals, but the A's are #23 and KC is tied for #36.

American League: The White Elephants are #3 ahead of the 1904 AL Washington Senators (38-113; .252) and behind the 1919 Philadelphia A's (36-104). The Royals are at #7, ahead of the 1909 Senators (42-110; .276) and ahead of the 1932 Boston Red Sox (43-111; .279).

Since 1900: Oakland is #5, ahead of the 1904 Senators and ahead of the 1919 A's. The Royals are #10, ahead of the 1904 Senators, and behind the 1942 NL Philadelphia Phillies (42-109; .278).

Since 1871, >100 games: A's are #12, ahead of the 1904 Senators, and behind the 1919 Philadelphia A's. The Royals are #21, ahead of the 1894 Louisville Colonels, and ahead of the 1884 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

Note: The 2023 Baltimore Orioles (41-24) now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets (40-120). They are third team to be clear of infamy.


Sunday, June 11, 2023

Four in a row! This team is becoming less interesting by the day...

So, at 18-50 (.242), the 1923 Athletics are virtually guaranteed to finish with more wins that the 1899 Spiders; they only need to win 3 out of their final 94 games. That seems easy enough. If you project out their current winning percentage, however, they would still project to 39-123, which would be worse by wins, losses, and winning percentage than the 1962 New York Mets. Still worth writing about. And they are beating their Pythagorean expectation of 38-124 by one win. So hang on.

However, their winning percentage is now better than the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117, .235). We'll see if they can sustain this breakneck pace.

And they are catching up the with the 2023 Kansas City Royals (18-46), who are on a losing streak.

As usual, let's see how they stack up historically.

By Wins

All-time: The 2023 Oakland Athletics are now tied for 34th for the worst all-time wins total. They are ahead of the 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (not the same Reds; 15-42), the 1876 Milwaukee Grays (15-45), the 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19), and the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15). They are tied with the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), the 1874 NL Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NA New York Mutuals (16-17). Next on the list are the 1883 NL Philadelphia Quakers (now the Phillies; 17-81), and the 1873 NA Brooklyn Athletics (17-37). The Royals are tied for 40th on this list.

Since 1876: The A's are tied for 12th worse with the 1884 KC Cowboys, ahead of the 1878 Grays, 1877 Reds, and the 1890 Orioles. Next on the list are the 1883 Quakers. The Royals are tied for 15th on this list.

American League: Oakland #1, Kansas City #2. Next on the list are the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1901: Oakland #1, Kansas City #2. Next on the list are the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1876, >100 games: A's #1, Royals #2. Next on the list are the worst reasonably modern team, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134).

By Winning Percentage

All-time: The White Elephants at .242 currently have the 30th worst all-time winning percentage, ahead of 1884 US Altoona Mountain City (6-19; .240), and behind the 1872 NA Brooklyn Atlantics (9-28; .243). The Royals (.281) are 59th on this list.

Since 1876: The East Bay team is 15th on this list, ahead of Altoona, but behind the 1886 NL Kansas City Cowboys (30-91; .245). Kansas City is 42nd on this list.

American League: Here is where things get interesting. The 2023 A's now have a better winning percentage than the 1916 Philadelphia A's (36-117; .235), the second worst-team of the 20th century. The A's are still behind the #3 1904 Washington Senators (38-113; .252). The Royals are 9th on this list.

Since 1900: 1916 A's #1; 2023 A's #2. Next on this list is the 1935 Boston Braves (38-115), the second worst National League team of the 20th century. KC is 14th on this list.

Since 1876, >100 games: Oakland is now #7 on this list, ahead of the 1916 White Elephants, and behind the 1886 Kansas City Cowboys (30-91; .245). The Kansas City Royals are 27th on this list.

When and if the A's pass the 1962 New York Mets in wins, I will stop writing about it until they have lost 100 games. Actually, I'll start writing about this topic again when any of the teams have lost 100 games.

And note, the Texas Rangers (41-22) now have more wins than the 1962 New York Mets. They are the second team that has past that threshold.


Saturday, June 10, 2023

What is going on?

The Oakland Athletics have won three in a row! For the first time since they won the last 4 games of the 2022 season against the Mariners and Angels.

If they keep this up, I won't have anything to write about. I will write until their win total and winning percentage are better than the 1962 New York Mets. We have a ways to go; Oakland is 15-50 (.231), and the Mets were 40-120 (.250).

Oh, and the Kansas City Royals (18-45, .286) are also in danger of being worse than the Mets, although they are on pace to be merely very bad, not historic.

By Wins

All-time: Oakland (15-50) is 29th worst on the least-wins list, tied with the 1876 NL Milwaukee Grays (15-45), 1877 NL Cincinnati Reds (15-42), 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19) (who were the only AA team not to finish the season), the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15), and the 1872 NA Troy Trojans (15-10). Next on the list is 16 wins by the 1884 UA Kansas City Cowboys (16-63), 1874 NA Hartford Dark Blues (16-37), and the 1871 NL New York Mutuals (16-17). The Royals (18-45) are 40th on this list, ties with the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (18-66), whose team was taken away from their owners in the offseason. There are four teams with 19 waiting for them.

Since 1876: The A's are tied at 9th with the 1878 Grays, 1877 Reds, and 1890 Orioles. Next are the Cowboys. Royals tied at 15th; next on the list is the 1879 NL Troy Trojans (19-56).

American League: The White Elephants have the least amount of wins all-time in the AL, followed by the Royals at #2. Next on the list is the 2020 AL Texas Rangers (22-38).

Since 1900: Both teams are #1-#2. Next on this list is the 2020 NL Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41)

Since 1871, >100 games: #1-#2. Next on this list is the first interesting team, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), the worst modern normal full season team in baseball history.

By Winning Percentage

Note that if any team is over .300, I am not tracking them hear. The Royals have sometimes been that high, but they aren't now.

All-time: Oakland (15-50; .231) is 26th worst, better than the 1872 NA Washington Olympics (2-7, .222), and worse than the 1886 NL Washington Nationals (28-92, .233). Kansas City (18-45, .286) are ahead of the 1884 AA Richmond Virginians (12-30, .286), and ahead of the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290).

Since 1876: The A's are 11th worst, ahead of the 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now Cardinals; 29-102 .221), and worse than the 1886 NL Washingotn Nationals (28-92 .233). The Royals are tied at 44th with the 1884 Richamond Virginians (12-30, .286). They are ahead of the 1915 Philadelphia Athletics (43-109, .283), and the 1928 Philadelphia Phillies (43-109, .283), and behing the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (38-93, .290)

American League: Oakland has the worst AL winning percentage so far. Next on the list is the team that gave up completely, the 1916 AL Philadelphia Athletics (36-117, .235). Kansas City is the 10th worst, better than the 1915 Athletics (.283), and worse than the quite recent 2018 AL Baltimore Orioles (47-115, .290).

Since 1901: Oakland worst here as well, behind their 1916 counterparts. Royals are #16, ahead of the 1915 A's and 1928 Philles (43-109, .283), and behind the 2018 Baltimore Orioles (.290)

Since 1871, >100 games: Oakland is #5 on the worst wining percentage list, ahead of the 1897 St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals; 29-102, .221), and behind the 1886 Washington Nationals (28-92, .233). Kansas City is #29, ahead of the two Philly teams from 1915 and 1928 (.283), and behind the 1896 NL Louisville Colonels (.290)

By Losses

Not significant yet. I only have lists down to 100 losses. Oakland has 50; KS has 45.

BTW, I am NOT rooting for either team to be bad. I would be happy to stop writing about these teams being this depressing. It is interesting seeing the carnage of 19th century "major" league non-integrated teams, and see broken team from the 20th century, but I don't want any modern team to ever be this bad.

I had Oakland Athletics 2000 post-season tickets, and season tickets from 2001-2006. I was at the Moneyball game and the other home games in that magic 20-game win streak. I was at the game with the famous Derek Jeter play. While I don't live there anymore, I still root for them against every time except my hometown Astros.

I am documenting this because this might actually be historic. Hopefully, it won't be.

I don't approve of what the A's are trying to do here. They are playing in the Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Even in it's best days, it wasn't the best stadium. When they added Mt. Davis, they destroyed any charm it had. I loved the view of the Oakland Hills and the BART line, and the flower boxes i the outfield. I did love how easy it was to get in and out of your seats (I could use the bathroom or get a hot dog most games during the inning break), and having it on BART was great as well. Oakland weather is spectacular, so having outdoor baseball there makes all kinds of sense.

The A's should logically be in San Jose now, but MLB screwed that up when they bent over backwards to keep the Giants in the Bay Area in the early nineties, declaring that Santa Clara county was "Giants territory", prohibiting any other team from moving there.

The current stadium is rotting in place. The plumbing is backing up, and there are feral critters in the stadium. It's also not in the best neighborhood. There is nothing in walking distance (except one bar near the steps up to BART). It is bounded by a freeway on the west, and BART on the east, with warehouses on the north and south.

The team is not interested in remodeling the stadium. I think they could have probably worked with the city to take down Mt. Davis, and maybe destroy the arena where the Warriors used to play, and make that a multi-purpose business park, with shops, apartments, and the like. But the team wants a new stadium/real-estate complex, like the one they built in Cobb Country Georgia.

The team has raised ticket prices, and sold off all interesting parts, driving down attendance. They, of course, can then complain that they can't support there team with that attendance. And with regional sports network revenue drying up, they are feeling the pinch.

But the city isn't taking the bait. The Bay Area already has a team who build their own stadium, and built their own real estate empire across the Bay. The city was willing to negotiate when it was just a stadium, but they don't seem to have an appetite for the BS claim that a new stadium complex would generate a lot of tax revenue and jobs, something that many many studies have shown doesn't actually happen.

So the A's are trying to get Las Vegas to give them billions and billions of dollars, and acres of high-priced real estate. And they could not keep that quiet, so they announced that they were moving without having a deal in place. 

The Nevada legislature has not played ball like expected, so now they are in limbo. I can't imaging that that Oakland and Alameda County will renew the least on the Coliseum, which is expiring soon. And they don't have a stadium deal in place yet.

This has totally blown up in their face. I can't imagine this ownership group can fix this situation; somebody else is going to have to buy this team and build a stadium.

We are going to see a lot more very bad baseball out of this team. And it's really a shame; they went to the playoffs from 1970-1975, 1988-1992 (with one year skipped), 2000-2003, 2006, and off an on from 2012-2020), and won 6 pennants and 4 World Series during their time in Oakland. That's outstanding.

And it's over.


Thursday, June 08, 2023

Oakland wins their third series of the year

The A's won 2 out of 3 from the surprisingly good Pittsburgh Pirates. They have now won one series against a bad team (Kansas City Royals) and two verses good teams (Atlanta and Pittsburgh). Of course, they have won 8 games against the rest of the field, and sit at 14-50. Still, they outscored the Pirates 24-12. Their run differential is still terrible, at -200, and their Pythagorean projected record is 36-126. At least they are projected to be better than the Spiders.

Let's see how they are doing on the historical charts.

By Wins

All-time: They are tied at 28th with the 1876 NA Philadelphia Athletics (no relation) (14-45). Next on the list is a group of five nineteenth century clubs at 15 wins: 1878 NL Milwaukee Grays (15-45), 1877 NL Cincinatti Reds (not the modern Cincy) (15-42), 1890 AA Baltimore Orioles (15-19), the 1871 NA Washington Olympics (15-15), and the 1872 Troy Trojans (15-10).

Since 1876: 8th on the list, tied with the 1876 Athletics. Next is the three teams mentioned above not in the National Association.

American League: 1st worst win total. Next on the list is 2023 Kansas City Royals (19-43). Next after that is the 2020 Texas Rangers.

Since 1900: 1st worst win total. Next on the list is is the Royals (19-43) and the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41).

Since 1871 > 100 games: A's 1st, Royals 2nd. Next on this list is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). Which, of course, is the race I actually care about.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: A's are 24th on this list, sandwiched between the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (the National League would take this team away from their owners, and a new ownership group used the wreckage to establish the Philadelphia Phillies) at .214, and the 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals) at .221.

Since 1876: 10th between the Ruby Legs and Browns.

American League: Still worst, behind the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (.235), a good blueprint for tanking.

Since 1900: #1 Oakland; #2 1916 Philadelphia

Since 1871 > 100 games: Sandwiched at #4 between the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (.196), and the aforementioned 1897 Browns (.221)

By Losses

Too soon.

If the A's keep winning, I won't have a reason to write about them any more!


Wednesday, June 07, 2023

Oakland Lastletics Update - Win #13

The 2023 Oakland Athletics won their 13th game last night and are now 13-50. Since they won their 12th game, they have gone 1-5 and have been outscored 23-34. Ugh.


Let’s see where they are historically.

By Wins

All-Time: This team is now now tied for 27th all time for the least amount of wins, tied with the 1871 NA Troy Haymakers (13-15). Next on the list is the 1876 NL Philadelphia Athletics (14-45)  (not the same franchise). The Kansas City Royals (18-43), BTW, are now tied for 40th.

Since 1876: Oakland is alone at 8th worst total all time. Next on this list is those same 1876 Philadelphia Athletics (14-45). The Royals are tied for 15th.

American League: Oakland currently has the worse win total, and the Royals are #2. Next on the list is the 2020 Texas Rangers at 22-38.

Since 1900: Oakland #1, Royals #2, 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates #3 (19-41)

All-Time > 100 Games: Oakland #1, Royals #2. The next team on this list is the team everybody hates to see that they have not passed, the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134). All other 2023 ML teams have more wins than the Spiders now.


Another note: The Tampa Bay Rays (44-19) have blown past the 1962 Mets (40-120), and the Texas Rangers (40-20) now have as many wins as the Mets. Doubt they will go 0-100.

By Winning Percentage

All-time: The A’s are 21st worst all-time winning percentage (.206). They are ahead of the 1873 NA Washington Blue Legs (8-31 .205), and behind the 1872 NA Middletown Mansfields (5-19 .208). The Royals are 70th worst (.295).

Since 1876: The Green and Gold are 9th worse since 1876. They are ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (16-63 .203), and being the 1882 NL Worcester Blue Rays (18-66 .214). The Royals are 53rd worst.

American League: The 2023 A’s are the worst. Next worse are the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117 .235). Imagine having a goal of having a goal of putting out a team worse than the worst deliberately tanking team in history. The Royals are 12th worst.

Since 1900: 2023 A’s #1, 1916 A’s #2. Royals #20.

Since 1871 > 100 games: #1. 1899 Spiders (20-134 .123), #2. 1890 NL Pittsburgh Alleghenys (23-113 .169), #3. 1889 AA Louisville Colonels, #4. 2023 AL Oakland Athletics (13-50 .206), #5 1897 NL St. Louis Browns (now Cardinals) (29-102 .221). Look at all of those 19th century teams. Kansas City is 35th on this list.

By Losses

The A’s are 50 losses away from 100. When they reach 100 losses (late July? Early August?), I will track them on the losses leader board.

Remember the Spiders!


Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Well, well, well - Look who has won two in a row!

So the A's have won 2 in a row, and are now 12-45. This is actually the second time they have won two in a row; they beat the Royals two in a row in early May. This time, beat a really good team in Atlanta.

Baseball is weird.

So where does this put them in my tracking?

By Wins

All Time: Oakland is tied for 12th with the 1884 UA Washington Nationals (12-51) and the 1884 AA Richmond Viriginians (12-30). They are two ahead of the 1871 NA Cleveland Forest Cities (10-19). Next on the list is the 1871 NA Troy Haymakers (13-15).

Since 1876: The A's are tied for 6th with the same 1884 Washington and Richmond teams. They are 3 ahead of the 1876 NL Cincinnati Reds (9-56) (not related to modern Reds). Next on the list is the 1876 Philadelphia Athletics (14-45) (not related to the current Athletics).

American League: The A's are first on the list for least wins. The next team is the 2023 Kansas City Royals (17-39), who are also probably going to lose at least 100 games this year. Next after that is the 2020 Texas Rangers (22-38). The next non-pandemic, non-2023 team on the list is the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117), the original tanking team.

Since 1901: The A's are first on this list as well, and KC is 2nd. 3rd is the 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates (19-41). The 1916 A's are the next non-pandemic, non-2023 team on the list. Boy, were those A's bad.

All-time, at least 100 decisions: The A's are on this list, and KC is second. Third is the 1899 NL Cleveland Spiders (20-134), the team that broke syndicate ownership, where the same owner owned two teams and would move all of the good players to one team and the bad players to the other. The National League owners shed this team for 1900, as well as the moribund Louisville Colonels and Washington Senators. They also got rid of the Baltimore Orioles, who were good. I really need to read up again on what happened during the stretch from 1899-1904. The structure of baseball changed more dramatically at any other time except (maybe) 1993-1998, during which 4 expansion teams were added, 4 divisions were made 6, one team changed leagues, interleague play was introduced, and we got the wild card.

By Winning Percentage

All Time: The A's are tied for 22nd with the 1875 NA St. Louis Red Stockings (.211). They are better than the 1872 NA Middletown Mansfields  (.208; where is Middletown, anyway?), and are ahead of the 1882 NL Worcester Ruby Legs (.214), who would be disbanded after one more season, and the players remaining were moved to a new team called the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Since 1876: The A's are 9th on this list, ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (.203), and behind the 1882 Ruby Legs mentioned above.

American League: A's are worst. Next is the 1916 A's at .235.

Since 1900: The same.

All-time, at least 100 decisions: The A's are 4th, ahead of the 1889 Louisville Colonels (.196), and behind the 1897 St. Louis Browns (now the Cardinals) (.221).

More the next time the A's win. Could be tomorrow. Could be in two weeks. We'll just have to see.

 

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

The Oakland Athletics have won their 11th game...

After an 11 game losing streak, the A's won one yesterday, making their record 11-45.

In other news, every other team except the Kansas City Royals (17-38) now have more wins than the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. No teams have caught the 1962 Mets yet, but the Tampa Bay Rays are now close (39-17).

Back to the A's, let's see what that does to their futility quest standings. Note that this does not include the Negro Leagues, although it probably should. I will see about adding them in the next week or so as I write these progress reports.

Least Wins

Least wins all time: They are now in 25th place all time, one more win that the 1871 Cleveland Forest Cities (10-19) of the National Association, and one ahead of the 1884 Union Association clubs, the Washington Nationals (12-51), and the Richmond Viginians (12-30).

Least wins since 1876: They stay at 6th all time, ahead of the 1876 National League Cincinnati Reds (9-56) (not the same team as is playing now), and behind the aforementioned 1884 Nationals and Virginians.

Least wins in the American League: They are first. Kansas City Royals are 2nd. The Chicago White Sox (22-34) are third, tied with the 2020 Texas Rangers.

Least wins since 1900: Oakland 1st, Kansas City 2nd. This list is polluted with pandemic teams, at least for wins less than 40.

Least wins all-time for teams > 100 decisions (gets rid of all of the NA/UA teams and the pandemic records): Oakland 1st, Kansas City 2nd, and the notorious 1899 Cleveland Spiders (20-134) is 3rd. The next historical team after them is the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (27-111). The next current team is the 1897 St. Louis Browns (1897) (now known as the Cardinals). And the next current team since 1900 is the Connie Mack fire sale 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (36-117). They set the standard for tanking!

Lowest Winning Percentage

All-time: The A's (0.1964) are 19th-worst all time, ahead of the 1889 AA Louisville Colonels (0.1957). Somebody should write a book about the hapless Colonels of the last 15 years of the 19th century. They were bad. The A's are ahead of the 1884 NL Kansas City Cowboys (.203).

Since 1876:  A's are 8th worst since 1876, still sandwiched between the Colonels and the Cowboys.

American League: 1st worst all-time, ahead of those 1916 A's (0.235).

Since 1900: Same as AL

All-Time > 100 games: They are 4th, ahead of the Spiders, the 1890 Pittsburgh Alleghenys (Pirates), and those same Louisville Colonels. The are ahead of the 1897 St. Louis Browns (Cardinals) (0.221).

Most Losses

Will start tracking this when the A's reach 100 losses. Probably early August at this point. There are 165 teams to date that have lost 100 games; it pretty much happens every year.


Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The train wreck that is the 2023 Oakland Athletics

This post is not about why the A's are terrible, nor is it about raising ticket prices, pursuing multiple land deals in another city, nor trading away absolutely every player throughout their entire system that is not nailed down.

No, this is the post setting the groundwork for periodic (maybe daily?) updates to see how far this team can fall compared to other teams all time.

At the end of the year, we can just watch the losses mount up and see where they end up all time. Will they lose 100 games (almost certainly)? 110 (probably)? 117, like the franchise record 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (it could happen)? 120, like the 1962 New York Mets (they are on pace to pass it)? 134, like the 1899 Cleveland Spiders (probably not)?

 But we have to wait until August and September to see them roll up that list.

I want to know when they pass milestones in fewest wins. When do they win their 21st game, passing the Spiders? 36th, passing both the 1916 and 1919 A's? 41st, like the Mets?

So I started tracking the least number of wins all time. It turns out that this is frustrating.

Using Baseball References's Stathead service, I got a list of all MLB teams ever, and sorted them by wins ascending. As of this writing, the A's have 10 wins, and sit 24th on this all-time list. On first blush, this does not seem possible. However, this list includes teams from the National Association, which had a short schedule and had teams not finish the season, and the Union Association, which had many teams not finish the season. Here is the top 10 from that list:

Rank W L % Year Team Lg
1 0 6 0.000 1873 Baltimore Marylands NA
1 0 11 0.000 1872 Washington Nationals NA
3 1 12 0.077 1875 Keokuk Westerns NA
4 2 42 0.045 1875 Brooklyn Athletics NA
4 2 21 0.087 1873 Elizabeth Resolutes NA
4 2 16 0.111 1884 Wilmington Quicksteps UA
4 2 12 0.143 1875 Philadelphia Centennials NA
4 2 7 0.222 1872 Washington Olympics NA
4 2 6 0.250 1884 St. Paul White Caps UA
10 3 26 0.103 1872 Broolyn Eckfords UA  

Boy, that's a lot of dreck. That's not really major league baseball in my mind. On this table, the A's are #24:

Rank W L % Year Team Lg
21 9 56 0.138 1876 Cincinnati Reds NL
21 9 38 0.191 1875 Baltimore Canaries NA
21 9 28 0.243 1872 Brooklyn Atlantics NA
24 10 40 0.200 2023 Oakland Athletics AL
24 10 19 0.345 1871 Cleveland Forest Cities NA
26 12 51 0.190 1884 Washington Nationals UA
26 12 30 0.286 1884 Richmond Virginians UA   

Hmm. The 1899 Spiders lost 20. Where are they on this list? They are #46. The A's have some ground to make up. 1916 A's are #144; 1962 Mets are #174.

Other drawbacks with this list: Every 2020 team except the Dodgers is on this list before the Mets since nobody else won more than 40 during the Pandemic. All of the 2023 teams are still on this list.

BTW, the Kansas City Royals are 15-35, and are #30 on this list. They have to win 6 more games to pass the Spiders.

OK, so this is still not that useful a table. How about only doing the American League? Of course, that gets rid of the Spiders and the Mets. However, the A's currently are #1 on this list. Woohoo. Of course, #2-25 are all from 2020 or 2023. The next team not from those years on this list are those 1916 Phildelphia A's (36-117), at #26. Even after the 2023 teams mostly pass the 1916 A's, those 2020 teams won't. Still not really want I want.

How about since 1900? Well, that still excludes the Spiders, but it captures a lot of the really famous bad teams. However, it is still polluted with 2020, and temporarily, 2023. The A's are #1 on this list,  and those 1916 A's are at #56, but everything in between is still from 2020 and 2023. Yuck.

So, I reran with everything from 1871, but with a minimum of 100 games, except for 2023. Those teams will pass most of the really bad teams, so the table will clean up eventually. In this table, the A's are #1, the 2023 Royals are #2, and the Spiders are #3. All but five teams have won more than 20 games in 2023 so far, and three teams have won 20, so the next games they win will put them past this putrid excuse of a team. The next one not from 2023 in the table is the 1889 Louisville Colonels (27-111), at #23. Nine 2023 teams have passed them so far.

The next target for the A's is thus winning 21 games, passing the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. I am confident this will happen. Just wondering whether it will happen in June, July, or August!


Sunday, January 01, 2023

2022 Year in Review

This year was a year of triumph for me professionally and for our kids in marching band.

In January, I applied for an internal position at Indeed. I had missed doing IOS development since 2017, the last time I worked on the IOS app at Indeed. A position came open on the team. It was a promotion. And after interviewing, I got it! Started that in April, and am having a lot of fun.

In March, the family went to New York for Spring Break. We wanted to see Hugh Jackman in the Broadway revival of The Music Man. We also knew that the marching band was going to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade later in the year, and we wanted to see stuff in the city that we knew we were not going to see in November. We went to the Empire State Building. We saw Randy Brecker at Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, a teen-friendly jazz club. And we just walked around a lot. Had a blast.

In April, I went to an Astros game in Houston.

In June, I went to San Francisco to meet with my new team. Went to a Giants game as well.

I played in Cedar Park Winds, a local community band, primarily populated with band directors. It’s a great band. In July, we performed at the Texas Bandmaster’s Association Convention in San Antonio with Dareen Ketchens, a famous New Orleans jazz clarinet player. It was a superb musical experience.

Summer band started for the kids about the same time.

The kids had just about the best season a marching band could hope for. Vandegrift won the Texas UIL 6A State Marching Contest. Then, a few weeks later, the band marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They continued to play for the Vandegrift Varsity Football team as they advanced to the finals before they finally lost.

On other news:

  • On 1/1/2022, I weighed 298 pounds. On 12/31/2022, I weighed 248 pounds. I got as low as 242 pounds right before the holidays. My A1C and triglycerides came up as normal the last labs I did. My blood pressure is under control. I feel great. Jade also lost quite a bit of weight.
  • In August, I started playing with the Austin Jazz Band again.
  • Jade and I were both chaperones for the Macy’s trip with the band. It was hard work, but it was a blast.


It was a good year.


2022 Death Roll

Every year, I post a message about those people who have passed in the previous year who were noteworthy to me. I usually post RIPs to personal friends individually in social media, but this is the full list for 2022:

Friends

Sam Goldenhar
Rudy Roberson (Mr. Rudy)

Athletics

Jeremy Giambi
Ray Guy
Franco Harris
Pelé
Odalis Perez
Gaylord Perry
Bill Russell
Bruce Sutter

Government

Madeline Allbright
Queen Elizabeth II
Mikhail Gorbachev

Hollywood

Kirstie Allie
Peter Bogdanovich
James Caan
Gilbert Gottfried
Philip Baker Hall
Anne Heche
Howard Hessman
William Hurt
Sally Kellerman
Angela Lansbury
Ray Liotta
Bob McGrath
Nichelle Nichols
Sidney Poitier

Music

Don Coffman
Ronnie Cuber
Naomi Judd
Meat Loaf
Loretta Lynn
Christine McVie
Olivia Newton-John
Vangelis
Alan White

Media

Roger Angell
Vin Scully
Barbara Walters

 

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Vandegrift Band Chaperone Log (long)

UPDATES: 

  • Updated name of travel company. Lots of copy editing, correcting verb tense, formatting, and spelling mistakes

 

2022-11-10 (Thursday) Chaperone Meeting, Vandegrift High School

The first part of the evening was a meeting with all 385 students plus parents, ~40 chaperones, and ~30 band staff and others about the upcoming trip. After that, the band staff and the travel agent met with just the chaperones. 

This trip was insane.

The students, chaperones and staff were being split over 5 flights from Austin to all 3 New York airports, with a full itinerary including buses, subways, Broadway shows, museum visits, a dinner cruise, oh, and by the way, a parade. As chaperones, my wife and I were each in charge of 12 students, including our own. This was going to be exhausting. The sheer level of planning involved was overwhelming; I am glad Perform America-TX is doing all of that work. Oh, and there was another entire group called "Friends and Family" which Perform America-TX was also handling. They had their own itinerary, with planes, and buses, etc. Jade and I were overwhelmed. This was going to be some trip.

2022-11-18 (Friday) - Vandegrift vs. Converse Judson Playoff Game 

The night before the weekend we left, the band had to play at a playoff game for the Viper football team. Fortunately, this game was local, at the Kelly Reaves Athletic Complex in Round Rock. This meant that the kids were home by midnight. However, Jade was volunteering for the uniform group, and had to deal with getting the uniforms back from the kids from the playoff game, and getting them setup for the next day.

2022-11-19 (Saturday) - Sendoff concert; Meet the kids; Load the truck; Pack

It was raining. Band staff wisely moved all band activity to the competition gym instead of the football field or the band practice field. 

  • 7:30 AM Band hall opens 
  • 8:00 AM Run through rehearsal for Macy's show
  • 9:00 AM Get dressed for preview performance 
  • 10:00 AM Band presents preview performance. The gym does not have the correct shape to do the choreography for the show, so the kids just played it through for us twice without drill. It is awesome. 
  • 10:30 AM Opportunity for kids to pose with parents for pictures. 

Jade was dealing with uniforms in the band hall, so I tracked down both kids and got pics. 

  • 11:00 AM Kids shed uniforms, packed their shakos and instruments, made sure they had their flip folders, and left. Loading crew packed the semi, and it got on its way. It had to be in Stamford, CT by Monday morning for a rehearsal. 
  • 11:30 AM We met the kids we are in charge of. 

I knew my son, of course, and one of his friends. I had met one of the other kids once, and I am acquainted with the mother of two of the other boys, but most of these guys were strangers to me. I had them text me selfies with their names and pictures, and asked them for parents' phone numbers. I tried to setup a group chat with them, but for some reason, I could never get it to send to all 12 of them at once. It ended up being a real annoyance throughout the trip. Then we went home and start packing. Actually, we went shopping to get the last of what we needed. My wife overbought on long underwear and winter socks, but it did promise to be cold, so it was good to be prepared.

2022-11-20 (Sunday) - Let's go! 

  • 3:00 AM - Woke everybody up. Tried to stuff some food down sleepy, not hungry, children's throats. Loaded the car. 
  • 4:00 AM Met at Band Hall. 

This was half of the band; the other half met at 3:00 and had already departed. We were given our trip packets, consisting of a folder with an incredibly detailed itinerary, and a large manila envelope. Inside the envelope is a set of smaller manila envelopes, one for each day. Inside those are envelopes, one for each room of kids, and one for us, that had per diem money, Metrocards, and any tickets or wrist bands we would need. Handy! We also picked up our boarding passes for the flight to New York. Our flight would depart at 7:40 and would land at JFK at 12:25 PM EST. We loaded the buses (school buses). Since Jade and I were both going, Jade and the other chaperone on our school bus agreed to watch my kids while I drove the car to the airport myself. They were not providing transportation home from the airport on Friday, so we needed to do this so we would have a car when we got back. If this hadn't been allowed, I would have had to drive the car to the airport the day before, and we would have had to leave a second car parked at Vandegrift all week. And it would have been a really tight fit with all of our luggage in the second car.

  • 5:00 AM We arrived at ABIA, and the fun began. 

I parked the car in off-airport parking, and got to the terminal just in time to meet our bus. We overwhelmed security at the Austin airport. They eventually gave us a dedicated security line, and directed other passengers to the others in the airport. It took quite a while to get through, and two of the boys I was in charge of had their bags more thoroughly searched because they violated some minor TSA rule or other. The plan was to give them per diem money, and allow them to get food somewhere in the terminal. However, as we were walking towards the gate, they announced "Final boarding call". Two of my boys didn't yet have seat assignments, so we all waited while the American agent quickly took care of that problem. We were the only ones boarding, so I was convinced that plane was already full, and Jade and her girls were going to miss the flight. We got on board, and there was nobody there. Fortunately, this was a non-stop, so they held the plane long enough for the other 5-6 chaperone groups to get their students on board.

  • 7:40 AM We are on our way. 

Nobody got food. On the flight, we were each given a package with two cookies. And we could have drinks. This was going to be a long, hungry day.

  • 12:25 PM EST Landed at JFK with no incident. 

Band staff was telling everybody to get to baggage claim as fast as possible, so we did not get a restroom break or food inside the secure area of the airport. Got to baggage claim and got all of our bags OK, but the buses weren't there yet. And then they announced that they were stuck in traffic, and would be 1-2 hours. There were no bathrooms in the baggage claim area. We escorted kids up to the ticketing concourse so that they could go. In the baggage claim area we were, there was a Dunkin Donuts, a local pizza place, and a little sundries shop that had sandwiches. We overwhelmed them; they were not used to needing to feed 70+ people. After 45 minutes, the airport people moved us against the walls because more flights were arriving and their luggage was coming out onto the conveyors, and we were in the way. 

  • 2:30 PM - The buses got there, so we loaded, and headed out to Times Square. 

There was still traffic. Sunday before Thanksgiving and all. 

  • ~5:30 PM - Arrived at hotel.

 We were not allowed to get off the buses. A tour guide loaded the bus, and we proceeded to drive up 8th avenue to Harlem, then back down 5th avenue back to Times Square while the tour guide told us what was what. 

Independently of our other circumstances, I enjoyed it. We passed Columbia University. We heard about Duke Ellington's house. We heard about the history of Harlem. We passed the Apollo Theater. We heard about the industrialists who built mansions on 5th Avenue across from Central Park.

However, this was still too much. I bet most of the kids were asleep for more than half of that tour.

  • ~9:00 PM - Got off buses and flooded the New York Marriott Marquis. 

We went up the 3rd floor, where they passed out room keys. Told our kids to take their luggage upstairs, splash water on their faces, and meet back down at the 3rd floor. 

  • ~9:30 PM - All of my boys came back down.

We were starving. The boys were supposed to be back in their rooms for the night at 11:00, so we did not have much time. We went to Junior's across the street, and got on the list with three tables, but it was apparent that we were not going to finish in time. So we went to McDonald's at 45th and 7th. It was incredibly crowded as well, but at least we finally got some calories. One of my boys did not eat there, and got some felafel from a street vendor on the way back. We all had to wait for it to cook, and it was cold and windy. The boys got on his case a bit. It sure smelled good, though. I got them back to their rooms by 11:00. 

Jade and I felt bad that our kids did not get much to eat that day, so we bought each room a Junior's cheesecake for the night. We ended up with one extra, so we gave it to the head band director. She seemed overjoyed. 

2022-11-21 (Monday) 

  • 4:45 AM - Alarm went off 
  • 5:00 AM - Banged on kids' doors and make sure that all 12 were awake. 
  • 5:15 AM - Walked to Dallas BBQ on 42nd to get a catered breakfast. It was probably the only venue that we could use, since the entire band was eating there. 
  • 5:30 AM - Most buses were there to pick up kids, but our bus was not. Once again, we were waiting for buses. 
  • 6:15 AM -  Load buses 
  • 9:30 AM - Arrived at Chelsea Piers Athletic Complex for rehearsal. 

This was an incredible place. Two hockey rinks, squash courts, all kinds of stuff I did not get to see, and the 3rd floor was an indoor soccer field, where the band rehearsed. The band directors marked off the dimensions of the Herald Square area where the band was going to do its TV performance. Instruments, uniforms, and shakos had already been unloaded and were waiting for the kids. They get their instruments, and went inside. And the band rehearsed. This was the first time the chaperones get to see the drill for the show. And it was jaw-dropping. The also practiced being in a parade, practicing both turning left (turning from 7th Ave to Central Park South) and turning right (turning from Central Park South to 6th Avenue). 

  • 12:30 PM - Rehearsal finished. 

Kids came outside, put up their instruments, retrieved their uniforms and shakos, and put them all on buses. There were Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and water waiting for them; while Jade helped with uniforms, I got the food and water for our bus, and passed them out. I also helped (a little) the five tuba players on our bus get their horns in cases under the bus. We then go back to the hotel. 

  • 3:00 PM - Arrived back at hotel. 

Kids took instruments up to a storage on the 4th floor, and then took uniforms and shakos to their rooms, where the kids hung out the rest of the afternoon.

  • 5:30 PM - Got the kids for dinner. 

They had to have better-than-sweats-or-pajamas, since we would be going to a show afterwards. I walked my boys up to Ellen's Stardust Diner, but I made a mistake. That was for lunch the next day. Oops. So I had to walk them back and then go the other direction to John's Pizzeria. 

  • 7:15 PM - We walked to Radio City Music Hall. 
  • 8:00 PM - Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes started. 

Kids really sat up and took notice of the Wooden Soldiers number. They marveled at how straight the lines that the Rockettes made really were. For me, I was really impressed with the flute and piccolo playing, but the bari sax/bass clarinet player was disappointing. They played all of the correct notes, but they did not have that sound that grabs you and won't let go. 

  • 10:00 PM - Made our way back to Times Square for a big group photo. 
  • 10:45 PM - Walked the very short distance back to hotel. 
  • 11:00 PM - Chaperone meeting 11:30 PM Room check. We brought the kids bagels. They were most enthustastic about them. 
  • 12:00 AM - Bed time 

By this time, kids were starting to get sick. We have a doctor in our chaperones, and a few others who are "medically-trained chaperones". The doctor had brought many flu kits, and was trying to get sick kids tamaflu or equivalent. We ran the local pharmacies out.

2022-11-22 (Tuesday) - The Slog 

  • 6:30 AM - Alarm 
  • 6:45 AM - Woke up rooms 

We were supposed to physically see all of the kids in the rooms at wake-up. When I got to one of my rooms, one of the boys was in the shower, so I waited. Everybody (including me) was reading their phones.

One of my Facebook memories was a video of me playing bass clarinet in a Cedar Park Winds rehearsal, and so played it. All three boys wanted to see it. One of them is a bass clarinetist himself, and he enjoyed the video.

I got to talk to all three of them about playing music "on the side" as an adult. It was fun, at least for me.

  • 7:00 AM - Walked to Dallas BBQ 

Breakfast was mediocre. Industrial hydraulic scrambled eggs. Bacon was pretty good, but not cooked enough for Jade. Greasy sausage links. French fries. Mediocre toast. Cereal in little individual serving packages. Bananas and oranges. Bad coffee. No diet soda. I don't normally do hot drinks, so I was going through caffeine withdrawal. 

  • 8:15 AM - Loaded buses to go to Central Park for concert for parents 
  • 8:45 AM - Arrived Central Park. Unloaded and walked to Naumburg Bandshell and setup. 
  • 9:30 AM - Performed.
  • 10:00 AM - Photo op.
  • 10:30 AM - Loaded instruments on buses.
  • 10:45 AM - Back to hotel.
  • 11:15 AM - Unloaded.
  • 12:30 PM - Walked to Ellen's Stardust Diner.

The show was great. The food was OK, although the people that got cheeseburgers complained that they were not cooked enough, and that evidently caused some kids some distress. No diet soda here; only Pepsi or water.

  • 2:15 PM - Took the subway to the American Natural History museum. 

I handed out subway Metrocards on the subway platform, but was short one. I did not realize I could simply use my watch for Apple Pay, so I bought another Metrocard. And then one of my boys discovered that I had given him two that were stuck together. So now I had two. Which came in handy later, as one of her girls lost hers. The boys and I had to try a few times to get the hang of swiping Metrocards. Some of them never did really figure it out. Got to Natural History Museum without further incident. 

  • 2:45 PM - Went into Natural History Museum. 

I headed straight for the dinosaurs, as I knew about their collection since I was a little kid. It did not disappoint. The bathrooms were hidden. Jade, the uniform manager, and I spent a long time trying to find them. The rest of the museum consisted of stuffed animals in weird little displays attempting to show them in their habitats. It was really, really dated, and I did not spend much time there. We also had very little time in general. 

Dinosaurs: Yes!; rest of museum: pass 

  • 4:45 PM - Assembled at subway to go find dinner.

A friend of Jade's (who was the mother of two of my boys) had recommended a place called Urban Hawker. It was an indoor food court on 50th near 6th that had a variety of stands of street food from Singapore. Looked great, so we decided to go there with both of our groups. However, this meant we were getting off of the subway one stop sooner than the other chaperone groups, who were going down to Times Square to scrounge. When we got off the subway, we ended up with one extra kid! Oops. He contacted his chaperone, and we did too, and we just took him with us. 

Urban Hawker was a treat. I had some coconut chicken curry that was delicious. It was enclosed, large enough to spread out, but small enough to be able to find all of the kids easily. We setup a table near the door we came in at so we could see the kids if they were going to try to leave. They are great kids, and did not try, of course. Thoroughly yummy, and since the Asian food scene in Austin is small and far away from Steiner Ranch, Jade and I really enjoyed it. 

  • 6:00 PM - Met at hotel to redistribute children. 

We had tickets for three different Broadway shows, Aladdin, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Beetlejuice. But the kids got to pick their shows, and the chaperones got to make a list of preferences. What that meant is that we had to reallocate kids to chaperones based on which shows we were all going to. And the band staff were also taking kids. 

This meeting was a zoo. All 400+ of us were there, trying to get kids we did not know to join our groups for the walk to the various theaters. I got my kids together, and we headed ot to the New Amsterdam Theater for Aladdin. Once I got away from the crowd on 45th Street, I had six extra kids! I asked them where they were supposed to be, and they said that the head band director had told them to find a group with tickets who were going to Aladdin, and attach themselves. 

Great. 

So now I had 20 kids, 8 of which I did not know, to navigate. And other chaperone groups were also doing the same thing. I asked the kids I did not know to keep track of each other. We made it to the theater OK, but it was chaotic.

I had packed my pocket knife in my checked bag, because I normally always carry it, because it is so darned handy and useful, so I had it on me. Oops. So much for that pocket knife; theater security would not let me take it in. 

  • 7:00 PM - Show started.

It was great. This pit had a great bari sax/bass clarinet player. Played with sass and authority. The cast was talented and funny. The genie, of course, was the big star, and he was hilarious. The actor who played Jasmine had an essentially perfect voice. It was great.

  • 10:00 PM - Started walking back.

After I assembled my original theater group (the add-ons weren't there), the head band director was also trying to assemble her group, and was not succeeding (she was missing half of her kids). She asked me to take about a dozen more kids back with me. We made it. 

  • 10:45 PM - Chaperone meeting.

Head band director said "Thanks for doing 3 days worth of stuff today" and thanked us for being flexible during the chaos of getting to and from the theater. 

  • 11:15 PM - Room check.

One of Jade's girls got sick this day, and the doctor tested her for flu, and she was positive. Our daughter was one of her roommates. So, we had our daughter sleep on our fold-out sofabed, one of the other girls sleep on the couch in their room, and the sick girl and the other girl sleep in individual beds rather than two in a bed. And hoped.

2022-11-23 Memorium Day

  • 7:00 AM - Departed to Dallas BBQ for breakfast.

Band director had said if all of our kids wanted to sleep in and stay in the hotel, perhaps going to Starbucks, we could. But if any kids wanted to go to breakfast, we all had to go. One of my rooms did. The other two rooms accepted that gracefully, so we all went. It was pretty empty that morning. 

Another one of Jade's girls got sick and stayed in the room all day. The first one felt much better, and joined us for the day.

  • 8:30 AM - Back to hotel.
  • 9:00 AM - Subway down to the Freedom Tower and One World Observatory.

One of the chaperones left the subway one stop early and all of the kids followed him. So we got a nice walk in the west side of Lower Manhattan. 

  • 9:50 AM - Went up to One World Observatory.

The elevators had screens on the walls and displayed a cool montage of the development of lower Manhattan. It went up 108 stories in 47 seconds. My ears felt it. Great views all around. Kids were pretty wiped, though, so we spent maybe 30 minutes there. Got downstairs, and one of my kids had left his jacket. Took him back up to find it. Jade came down with her group while we were doing this, and took my group and hers outside to wait for us. We got the jacket back, and rejoined the rest of the group. 

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch.

We went to Brookfield Place, and let the kids wonder the mall in groups of 3 or more, and find the food courts to eat. Jade went to high school at an American school in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most of her classmates' families were either diplomats or missionaries. One her classmates, the daughter of the Swedish ambassador to Argentina, now works for SAS Airlines, and was in town. She met us at Brookfield Place, and we got some food from one of the food courts there. They hadn't seen each other in 40+ years! We had a very pleasant lunch. 

  • 1:00 PM 9/11 - Museum and Memorial.

Took the kids into the 9/11 Museum.

I have not been watching replays the past few years when they come around in September; I have seen most of them, and I don't feel I need to relive that day very often. I am fortunate; I know nobody who died that day, nor any first responders who died later. But it was a painful day.

The museum is very good. It has artifacts from the World Trade Center site, and it actually has a marker inside for the ground level location where the first plane hit the North Tower 1200 feet higher. But the inside rooms are what the museum is about. Basically, it is a blow-by-blow timeline, with video replay, audio replay, text quotes painted on the walls, and artifacts. It has a room set off of the main aisle that has warnings about disturbing images where they show pictures of the people who jumped rather than be burned up. 

It was hard to take.

I had tears most of the way through. At one point, I was overcome, and stood staring at a blank wall, letting the sadness go through me for a few minutes before collecting myself again. I do feel, though, that it was cathartic and necessary, and some part of me is more at piece now with what happened that horrible day. 

  • 3:00 PM - Meeting kids at the memorial sites.

We looked at the reflecting pools. I quietly chided a couple of kids who were carrying on a pretty loud, inconsequential conversation, and reminded them of the people that died on the site. A few kids started asking me and Jade questions about that day, so we told our stories; Jade about being sick in Kentucky and not really understanding what was going on in her fevered daze, and me being woken up by Jade in California a few minutes after the Pentagon was hit (she called at 7:35 AM Pacific Time). We talked about what we saw on TV, what it was like at work at Apple that day, the emptiness of the skies from not having airplanes or contrails, and Jade's impressions of being one of the first flights out of Louisville back to San Francisco a few days later. The kids were respectful, listened, and asked really good questions. A great conversation. There is hope in this generation. 

  • 5:00 PM - Subway back to hotel.
  • 6:00 PM - Box supper.

Well, the hotel would not let the restaurant bring the box lunches in because of union stuff, so the kids, already in pajamas or sweats, all came down, and got their box dinners on 46th St right outside the hotel, and went back up. There were plenty of chaperones and band staff to help out. The sandwiches were from a local place, and they were delicious. 

  • 6:30 PM - Chaperone meeting. Big day tomorrow. Had to get up much too early. 
  • 7:00 PM - Room check.

We took the kids pastries from Carlo's Bakery. 

  • 8:00 PM - Bed time.

2022-11-24 Thanksgiving Day - Let's Have a Parade!

  • 1:15 AM - Alarm.
  • 1:30 AM - Room check.

All of my boys were awake and ready. It's amazing.

  • 2:15 AM  - Loaded buses in uniform with shakos and instruments out of cases except tubas and drums. Tubas took their bells on the bus...
  • 2:45 AM - Arrived near Herald Square for rehearsal.

Unloaded buses and proceeded to designated area. As I was doing so, daughter was coming back. She was not aware that she had to leave her cymbal bag on the bus. I took it from her, and she ran back. Put the bag on the bus, and ran myself.

Chaperones were herded to the side. There was a band in front of us rehearsing, and another one was assembling behind us.

Our Vandegrift High School sign had some problems. It was built for flat road, and New York streets are crowned.

  • 3:25 AM - Macy's Rehearsal.

They did two run-thoughs. This was the only chance that non-senior chaperones got to see the show live.

  • 3:50 AM - Loaded buses to go to breakfast.

This one is insane. Everybody, including drums and tubas, had to take instruments on board the bus. And they had to take off their performance tops and put them in garment bags, so that no food got on them at breakfast. 

Reminded me of the Marx Brothers stateroom scene in A Night at the Opera.

Fortunately, the drive back to 42 St was not very long, especially at 4:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day.

Meanwhile, some chaperones fixed the rolling sign. There really were some miracle workers in this crowd.

  • 4:00 AM - Arrived at Dallas BBQ for breakfast.

Tubas and drums had to leave their stuff on the ground floor of the restaurant. They were being asked to tape a promo for the reboot of Fraggle Rock for NBC/Peacock.

  • 5:30 AM - Tubas and drums left to prepare and film promo for Fraggle Rock.
  • 7:00 AM - Departed Dallas BBQ for Central Park and the parade.

Chaperones with no seniors were led to a subway, which we took to the east side of Central Park. We then walked Central Park South, and allowed into special grandstands to watch the parade.

The weather was great, but it was about 40 degrees F. I was dressed warmly enough normally for this, but the bleachers were aluminum, and sucked the heat out of me through my bottom. And when I stood in one place too long, I got a numbness in my leg and my back started hurting. I was not very happy right then.

  • 9:00 AM - Parade started.
  • 9:47 AM - Vandegrift passed us! They were awesome!

I started to show symptoms of hypothermia now. I was shivering and had balance problems. Jade, the uniform manager, and I decide to try to get back to hotel so I could get warm, and so we could watch the Herald Square performance on TV.

We made a fatal mistake, though. I wasn't thinking clearly, and the others decided not to go all the way back up to the 59th St. Subway station (the N line cross 6th Ave and was the right choice), and instead go down 5th and try to catch a subway there, or find a way to cross 6th, perhaps by going down into the subway and coming back up.

Well, the subway goes down 6th. And so does the parade.

We walked for a while down 5th, and I got some hot chocolate. Once it cooled down enough that I could drink it without burning my tongue, I basically guzzled it. It was great.

Of course, crossing 6th on street level was impossible. The subway entrances were blocked off. Supposedly, we could cross on 48th, as the would put a break in the parade and let people cross every once in a while. We got caught in the middle of the crowd, unable to move. My back was killing me, me leg was numb, and I really needed a bathroom.

But we had to wait until the parade was over. Jade and the uniform manager needed to meet the band back at the hotel to handle uniform stuff, so it was a race.

Finally got back to the hotel. I had to get up to the room; I was in bad shape. The band was just arriving, so Jade and the uniform manager went to the buses.

There was a long line just to get into the hotel. They had to meter it because otherwise the elevators would be too crowded. So I had to wait another 20 minutes.

Got back in, finally could use the bathroom, and collapsed on the bed, and slept about 30 minutes. Did not meet my boys at the bus, but Jade and other chaperones took care of that for me. Thanks!

  • 2:00 PM - Parents "checked out" some of the kids to spend some family time on Thanksgiving. Five of my boys do so. 

None of the kids who were left wanted to go out and eat. We got takeout from Juniors for them.

My son expressed interest in heading over the Bryant Park with his some of his friends. Once we got everybody food, I texted him and asked if he was ready, and he said he was in the bathroom.

I texted him again about 35 minutes later, and he said he was working on it.

I waited another hour, and told him that time was limited, and that if he wanted to go we needed to go right then. He texted that he understood.

And then, about 6:00, I told him it was too late. He said everybody chose to sleep instead.

  • 6:00 PM - Checked out kids returned.
  • 6:30 PM - Boarded subway to go down to Chelsea Piers for our dinner cruise. Reasonably long walk from subway station at the other end.
  • 7:00 PM - Dinner cruise started. 

Got to see most of lower Manhattan, and the shore of Jersey City. Saw the Staten Island Ferry terminal, and Governor's Island. The skyline was spectacular, of course, and could see most of New York's famous buildings. Saw the Brooklyn Bridge and Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Then we pulled up fairly close to Ellis Island and had good photo opportunities for the Statue of Liberty.

The kids got to dance on the second floor. It was fun seeing the ceiling bow down when the music said, "Left foot - STOMP!"

The food was decent. It was cold outside, but the views were stunning. And the kids got to blow off steam.

  • 10:30 PM - Full Group Meeting.
  • 10:45 PM - Chaperone Meeting.
  • 11:00 PM - Room check.
  • 11:15 PM - Bed time.

2022-11-25 Travel Day - Jade's and my 20th Wedding Anniversary

We were told all students had to go to Dallas BBQ no matter what. Our flight was leaving in the afternoon, so we had to get our stuff to the buses by 12:45 and we would leave at 1:00. I told my boys that I would wake them at 7:45 and we would go over at 8:00. We would not stay long; just put in our required appearance.

  • 7:15 AM - Alarm
  • 7:30 AM - Room wake up
  • 7:45 AM - Met downstairs

Band director informed us that there was a change of plans. Hotel was sold out for the weekend, and we need to get all of our stuff out of our room by 11, and load it on the bus, which would wait for us, and would leave to go to airport at the originally scheduled time.

We also got our boarding passes; however, they all said "See Gate Agent for a seat assignment". There were at least fifty people on this group; those gate agents were going to be swamped.

  • 8:00 AM - Walked to Dallas BBQ. A couple of the boys could not wait and ate something, but we did not stay long.
  • 8:15 AM - Walked to Juniors. They had six tables close to each other for us, so both Jade's and my kids could be seated!

I loved my omelette. The kids ate really well. Jade and I thought that this was a better alternative than relying on airport food for lunch. Have a big, good breakfast, and then they could scrounge in the airport. We got per diems for lunch and dinner; we used the lunch one at Juniors, and gave them their dinner one at the airport, when we finally got there. 

  • 10:30 AM - Back to hotel. Kids went upstairs, and waited for me to look at their rooms. I came up and inspected each room (found stuff they missed in 2 out of 3 rooms). We went downstairs, and they got their uniforms, instruments, and shakos and proceeded down to the lobby area.
  • 10:45 AM - We were told that our bus was Bus 3, and was on 46th.

Got down to 46th, and there was one bus there labelled Bus 9, not bus three. Driver said there were other buses on 45th, so went through breezeway over to 45th. Bus 3 was on our left. We were just starting to load when somebody told us that this was the Friends and Family Bus 3.

When we went the other way, there were a couple more buses, and one was labeled Bus 3. So we loaded everything onto it. The driver said to me, "OK, we are going to Newark, right?"

I said, "No, we are going to JFK. We are going to load the bus, and you are going to wait for us. We will be back in time to leave at 1:00".

He knew nothing about this. I explained what I was told a couple more times. Finally, the bus supervisor came over, and I told him what was going on, and he said, "Your bus is on 46th."

I responded, "But that is Bus 9".

He said, "We don't place those signs, but that is your bus. It is going to JFK at 1:00".

So we unloaded the bus, schlepped everything back through the breezeway and came up to the other bus. Somebody was replacing the sign as we walked up. We had a bus! Meanwhile, one of Jade's kids had a FedEx package in the lobby. Jade had to take the kid in to get it. I made sure Jade's and that girls stuff got on the bus, and that Jade's girls got everything loaded.

Dropped all of our stuff off. The girl who had marched the parade with the flu stayed on the bus, and the doctor stayed with her.

So I asked the boys where they wanted to go, and they said the M&M Store, and off we went.

They were only in the store 15 minutes or so, when they asked if we could go to the Nintendo store. I told them we did not have much time, and their time in the store would have to be limited to 20 minutes, and they said OK.

We walked over there, they melted into the store, and I set my timer for 20 minutes.

All but 2 came back early, clutching bags of loot that they had purchased. The last two boys were first in the checkout line, so I let them finish.

We high-tailied it back to the bus.

  • 12:45 PM - Loaded and boarded bus.
  • 1:00 PM - Jade and her girls were not back yet, and band director asked me to call her. Jade was close and they were hurrying back.
  • 1:04 PM - Jade and the last girls board bus, and we are off to JFK.
  • 2:15 PM - Arrive at JFK.

Passed out boarding passes and we got in line to check our bags. Once that was done we got in the TSA line. About 10 girls had boarding passes that would not scan, including four of Jade's charges. She asked another chaperone to look after the other eight.

This time, four of my boys had additional screening. 3 of them were false positives. Sigh.

We got to the gate and there was no agent. Let boys wonder around and get food.

  • 5:15 PM - Gate agent showed up and was immediately swamped as our entire entourage needed seat assignments. While we were in line, the other girls with the invalid boarding passes showed up.

The plane was oversold, and they could not get seat assignments for a couple of our girls. Another chaperone, a lawyer, calmly explained the situation to the gate agent, and stated that none of the remaining girls would get on the plane until they all had seat assignments.

On the plane, I ended up sitting next to the girl from Jade's group who was very sick. Poor dear was running fever, and was miserable.

Eventually, the gate agent came aboard the plane, and stated:

Folks, we have a large group with 49 children. We need two volunteers to give up their seat so that these children don't get separated from their group with no parents in site. American Airlines will give $900 for each of two volunteers who agree to give up their seats and fly at 8:00 to Austin.

 Two older women sitting next to each other, popped up, and volunteered.

All of us had seats.

Of course, the teenagers had been trading seats like crazy, so there was a scramble to seat the last dozen people SOMEWHERE.

  • 5:50 PM (20 minutes late) - Plane left gate and departed for Austin.
  • ~9:00 PM CST - Arrived in Austin. Made sure all of my boys had rides. We had agreed to take the girl who ended up being sick home. I went and got the car.
  • 10:00 PM - Pulled up in Terminal. Loaded car.
  • 11:00 PM - Dropped off sick girl.
  • 11:15 PM - Home.

What a trip. 

Epilog

This was an amazing trip. Jade and I both agree that it was the best anniversary trip we could have hoped for. Our kids are glowing and telling stories non-stop about the trip. Everybody is tired. But everybody is very happy.