Chavez Ravine En Fuego

We love ESPN's The Bronx Is Burning for many reasons, but overall have to grade the mini-series a shaky B-, teetering on a C+ so far. Cut the 'Son of Sam' nonsense, slap this baby on HBO, and we've got an A+. Going into the series, I was primed and ready to be disappointed. After all, an actor I had never heard of was going to portray my boyhood idol. Yes, I was a weird kid growing up here in So Cal. Mr. October was my guy. Try going to grade school in La Puente with a Yankee cap on during the fall in the late '70s. At age 7, the 1977 World Series was the first sporting event that I vividly remember caring about, and Reggie Jackson made an impression on me that lasts to this day. That being said, Daniel Sunjata has done a remarkable job in portraying Jackson, and John (Jesus) Turturro deserves an emmy or three as Billy Martin.

Enjoy this in-game audio clip we found on You Tube while searching; 1977 World Series. Whoever decided to mic-up Tommy Lasorda was a genius. It's the top of the 2nd inning, game 4 with the Yanks holding a 2-1 series lead. Lefty Doug Rau had just given up one earned run on three consecutive hits, resulting in runners at 2nd and 3rd with Craig Nettles coming to the plate. That's all Tommy needed to see, as he headed out to the mound to yank Rau and stall for time while Rick Rhoden warmed up. Turn up your speakers and enjoy, as Lasorda and Rau get into it on the mound in front of the entire Dodger infield. As with all manager rants, make sure the room is free of children and bosses. Count the F-blasts for fun.