The last time I recall I threw it in anger was a playoff game between my beloved Steelers and Patriots, when Troy Brown broke off a 2nd punt/kick return for a touchdown, keeping the Steelers home, while the hated (to me) Pats advanced to the Super Bowl.
Hell, I forget the year, and after today’s latest Mets debacle, am too ‘pissed off’ to look it up. (Sorry for the slang Joe D. I always promised to keep it clean. Man, it‘s hard right now) I’ve always had that little sponge in my magazine holder, which held my remotes as well… The sponge, always seemed to be ever ready for my next angry sports outburst. As if it had life and could feel. If it were a real brick, I’d be shopping for a new flat panel today…
On yesterday’s beautiful NJ Shore day, I found myself, from present health challenges, relegated to my oversized two person chair, the last relic from my marriage along with that stupid TV brick’ and a laptop on my…where else, lap.
I’ve stayed connected via the Internet and watched so many highlights over 4 days I feel I could be a capable fill-in for SNY, ESPN or MLB Network. Joe Magrane, Steve Levy, Gary Apple and Chris Carlin have nothing on me knowledge wise I told myself… Only Gary, Keith and Ron, could bring a fresh perspective, but Ron was in NY, so I turned to my 7 year old son…
I digress to our beloved Mets again however…
When the Mets flew to Florida, and I saw the 4 game set on the schedule the week before, I thought to myself, “Easy 3 of 4.” I figured, in my minds’ eye, ‘Santana will beat Johnson as the Mets have solved J.J. especially after the opening day victory…Wrong. Ok…a tough loss, we’ll bounce back…
On Friday, I thought Ollie would give a good effort. We’d been sold a ‘bill of goods’ that the climate conditions had affected ‘Ollie’ most of this year, As an optimistic fan with blinders on, I put my hopes in OP and said, ‘Ok, give him a chance, he hasn’t been half bad’. After his performance, I wanted a real brick to throw at the TV. Honestly, it was the most trying experience of all time as a Met Fan…Until the next night…
My little boy, who is 7, asked me repeatedly, “What’s wrong Daddy?” on Saturday night. I just grumbled and told him ‘everything’s fine son’ he kept asking as I watched the game “Are Mets losing again?” that was after 2 batters. I told him it’s only the 1st inning. When Maine walked the 3rd place hitter on 4 pitches, the brick, magazines, and remotes, along with the whole basket flew towards the TV. 12 pitches 3 walks. ‘What disease is afflicting him I thought Maine must be Steve Blass incarnate…without the previous success…
I next heard the phrase “I’m telling Mommy” after the remote and brick and basket and magazines crashed off the bottom of the TV stand. I explained to my boy, that adults sometimes say and do silly things, his response nearly made me cry with laughter “Like John Maine?” he said.
I told him no after my hearty laugh… I said sarcastically “like Jeff Wilpon, Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel.” He said “Who are they? ” I didn’t want to tell him, ‘Why spoil his future I thought?’
We can all point fingers. I too, thought today would be different. It wasn’t. John Niese’s injury may force 2 moves in a rotation who’s depth was in question in December before player procurement was completed. Preemptive…Welcome aboard R.A. Dickey…
