alexandriacardinals

OK, we’ve been away for while.  It was time to escape the heat and humidity of Minnesota for the heat and humidity of Florida and the Caribbean.  Yeah, our timing was off by a tad.  (To the best of my knowledge, the length of a “tad” has never been scientifically determined.)  But it was the time of the year in which we Minnesotans usually endure the change of seasons – and the winter sports season is over – so we . . . leave!  [Need to look into getting a Brazilian on those eyebrows! – A sister-in-law (The editor will admit to cultivating the Edward Teller look.)]

And this year was also the last spring break for the grandson before he matriculates to Purdue next year.  So, the cruise was his idea – and grandma and grandpa decided to horn in on the party.  The ultimate group, as pictured above, included Tom’s parents and The Biddies!

I can hear you now – what does the Belgrade Crow have to do with any of this?  Well, initially, for some reason the Crow was one of the few “highlights” in this part of the continent I had yet to capture in pixels.  But also it was on the way to the Cities where our adventure would begin . . . and, as previously noted, the winter sports season had just ended with the boys’ state basketball tournament . . . and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa had just been crowned class A state champs, an undefeated season (their only loss last year was in the state championship game) . . . and for some reason a number of subscribers to this site have ties to Brooten and Elrosa.  So, for all of you, the following is the B-B-E high school in Belgrade.

The next logical stop, of course, was Como Park . . . in St. Paul.

We were joined on this adventure by brother Cam, who is now working on his second college degree – this time majoring in “growing green things.”

[The supervisor said, “Our yard could look like this if you would be the laborer, grounds maintenance guy!”]

[Cam proved to be a good guide as he knew the common names of almost all the plants (though he will admit the scientific names are a work in progress).  Here he and the supervisor stand in front of the proposed new Japanese gardens, designed by the Cuningham Group.  Cam’s wife, Karen, works for the Cuningham Group.  The Cuningham Group also designed the new Alexandria high school.  There’s that Kevin Bacon thing again!]

[Through no fault of his/her own, his/her species name has negative connotations when used to describe homo sapiens sapiens.]

[Closer-than-you-think relatives, particularly on bad hair days.]

Then it was on to the annual flower show at Macy’s, initially established way back when by Dayton’s.

[We then left “Wisteria Lane” (she watches, not me) and went outside for a visit with MTM.]

[ . . . it all began in a 5,000 watt radio station in Fresno, California.]

OK, I hear you.  I thought this was going to be about a cruise, and you haven’t even left Minnesota yet?  But every journey begins with just a single step.  The supervisor and I then motored to our overnight accommodations where we had our usual travel difficulties.  We made motel reservations close to the airport for our early morning flight – and were told at the time of those reservations we could leave our car there free of charge.  Of course, when we checked in we were told there is a $105/week charge for leaving the car!  After a sleepless night, the supervisor resolved the issue in our favor the following morning.  The car was still there upon our return, but that’s a story for the end of our saga . . .

[Please stay tuned for the continuing cruisin’ adventures of grandma and grandpa.]

[Uncle Dick firing up his patented two-handed set shot, Donaldson Run Park, Arlington, Virginia, 1975.]

Basketball:

[Edgerton, the “Hoosiers” of Minnesota, small town state champions, 1960.  Photo from the Strib.]

[Edina, two-time state champs in the mid-60’s led by the bespectacled 6’7″ Bob Zender.  Photo from the Strib.]

[I was neither tall nor fast, but I made up for it by being weak.  And smart?  We were class B intramural champs at the U of M in 1966 because I had to foresight to play with two guys who would ultimately be the starting defensive tackles for the Gophers.  Jim Pahula from Buhl, on the left, and Jim Wrobel, from Browerville, next to him.  I believe both those metropolises made the state basketball tournament this year.]

Classic arenas:

[Williams Arena, U of M, on the left; Mariucci Arena (hockey), on the right.]

[Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler University, Indianapolis.  Where the Indiana state tournament used to be held, and where “Hoosiers” took place.]

[“The Drum,” University of Texas, Austin.]

[The Gophers v. Iowa, Willliams Arena, 1973, the Jim Brewer years.]

[The Gophers v. Indiana, Williams Arena, 1973, the Bill Musselman years, Basketball Dan (ever the basketball purist) could not abide by the Gophers’ Globetrotter-like pre-game warm-ups.  That’s three hyphenated words in a row – perhaps a personal-record?]

[First ever basketball road trip.  B’ball Dan coerced me into going to a college doubleheader at Chicago Stadium, 1973.  The first game was Notre Dame v. Indiana.]

[The 2nd game was UCLA v. someone.  That is indeed Bill Walton jumping center for the Bruins.]

[And since we’re in Chicago – B’ball Dan in the John Hancock Building observation deck.]

[Where you can look down upon another famous Chicago landmark.]

[And this was so long ago, the Sears Tower, or whatever it is called now, was still under construction.]

[Brother Cam at the aforementioned Donaldson Run Park, 1975.  At 6’3″, he could dunk before the take-off load reached critical mass.]

[B’ball Dan in 1982, contemplating the Final 4 the next year in . . .]

[1983 in Albuquerque.  “The Pit.”  I have to admit – I was not a fan of the place.  A city at the bottom of a sandpit?]

[This was the year NC State upset Houston for the championship.  Jim Valvano ran around the floor looking for someone to hug.  And in at least one of these photos, Akeem “The Dream” is jumping center.]

[But let’s face it.  It’s always about eating.  And few better than Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City, 1986.]

[“The Nanner” in ’86 – has been on roadtrips with B’ball Dan.]

[And Arthur Bryant’s again in ’92.]

[Ruthie at her alma matter, IU, in ’91.  In the mid-60’s, Ruthie never missed a game in her four years on campus, wildly cheering for Bobby Knight teams.]

[With Final 4 regulars, Mary, Gus, and Dan in New Orleans, ’93.]

[Indy in ’91 – the state capitol]

[And again in ’97, when our Gophers made the Final 4.  That was a mad dash at the last instant.  We weren’t going to go to the Final 4 that year – because we were going to Europe the next week.  The Gophers made our appearance mandatory – we were able buy tickets on the street from some Kentucky fans.]

We’ll end in Indy in ’10.  Because by consensus of us, and the media who cover it, Indianapolis is the best venue for the Final 4.  Everything is right there!  And besides, it’s home for the supervisor.

[Showalter Fountain on the campus of IU, Bloomington.]

[IU football stadium, Bloomington.]

[Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, home of the Colts and the ’10 Final 4.]

[The supervisor gets so excited by the event!]

[Why we don’t actually go to the games anymore.  You can see it better on TV!]

[The hometown team was there.]

[We got Dan a Sycamore cup from Indiana State, making almost complete his collection of such and media guides from all D-1 schools.]

[And there’s always eating.]

[And sightseeing – the Indianapolis Museum of Art.]

[“LOVE,” by Robert Indiana!  😉 ]

[“Stumbling Man”]

[And the home of Kurt Vonnegut.]

[For the supervisor.]

[The Gopher’s NIT run is ongoing.  Strib photo.]

A couple more as yet un-rediscovered at the time baseball went to press:

[Brother Cam (r) with “Dave Winfield” at the new Twins stadium.]

[Ally Teclaw, Cardinal centerfield, making a great catch in ’09 – best Echo sports photo!]

Football:

[Probably not from this century.]

[With Uncle Dick and sister Gretch at a game at the Central High School field, c. ’55-56.]

[On an Alexandria Golf Club menu, I got signatures of Gopher stars Bobby Bell, Sandy Stephens, and Bill Munsey, c. ’62.  My only other collected signatures were from the ’64 St. Louis Cardinals – I wanted Stan Musial’s!  😉 ]

[Gophers playing Colorado (I believe) at Memorial Stadium in ’72.  Is that Mike Steidl (No. 36) playing middle linebacker?]

[The Gophs lost as I recall.  This looks like a Buffalo TD on this play.]

[Yup, here’s the extra point.]

[“Slingin’ Sammy Baugh” for the Gophs?]

[Band Day – but then that’s just a guess.  😉 Score looks bad for the Gophs!]

[World’s No. 1 Fan – Dickie T!!!]

[Gopher game at Memorial Stadium in 1974.  The IDS Tower was the Minneapolis skyline.]

[Hans climbing the stairs to join us.]

[Dickie T and Hans at the end of the game.]

[We got the “OK” sign – Gophs must have won.]

[Basketball Dan trying to recover from all the excitement.]

[Well, actually there was some close-by excitement . . .]

[Calhoun’s ribs in Knoxville, Tennessee, 1993.  Mmmmmm!  But I didn’t like “Rocky Top Tennessee” before that day.  After witnessing a game in Neyland Stadium, I grew to absolutely despise it.  It’s really easy to be in the band there – it’s the only song they EVER play!]

[Basketball Dan’s internationally-famous annual turkey day, this from ’03, when people from his distant, and obscure, past get together to dine on bird and watch a raft of football games on TV.]

[Building the new TCF Stadium, a/k/a The Bank, for Gopher football in ’08.]

[Every county in the state is named on the exterior walls – here’s Douglas.]

[And our first game at The Bank in ’09.]

[A slight change in the skyline from Memorial Stadium days.]

[But a campus constant going back to my days of pretending to be a student – Campus Pizza!]

[We’re No. 1!!]

“Ballgame” drew beaucoup responses (some “amended” for purposes of a family-friendly document):

Tom Anderson: I think Bert Campaneris was #19. . . I’m guessing that #2 on deck was the “ever-dangerous” Angel Manguel who played some outfield.　 I believe he became a “Sandinista” and helped bring Oliver North down!!!　 Just kidding!!

I think Mr. Pohl is correct and the Yankees catcher is Thurman Munson. . .my guess was Graig Nettles at 3rd, however, if it was a year before he arrived in NY, it could be a guy named Cox. . .can’t remember his first name but he was supposed to be another Mickey Mantle. . didn’t make it.　 Even though Dave Duncan was a catcher on the A’s at that time I think the guy in the picture is #36 which would have been Gene Tenace.

In any regard, great photos of the Met. . . brings back great memories of going to games there with my dad and the rest of the family. . . not many fans in the Griffith era though!!

Danny Thompson at short for the Twins did die of leukemia at age 29.  Little known fact about him. . . he teamed at SS with Alexandria’s own Rusty Rolandson at 2B for a two years in the minor leagues in St. Cloud in the Twins organization.　 Don’t know if they had more double plays than the Deleski/Rolandson combination though!!!!

Seeing the photo of Bob Hawkins brings back great memories of a wonderful guy!!!　 Always nice whenever you saw him.

Little know fact about me. . . I was the Clipper baseball batboy for about 5 years in the 1960s!!!

Mike Scarborough: I meant Brye, not Braun. Darwin wore #2…Zoilo was long gone by ’72. He played short for the pro softball team in ’73 or ’74—the “Goofies”, slow pitch. Their rover was my teammate who was also the SCSU basketball captain…he once threw out a runner at first from left center, what a frickin’ gun. He and I played “burnout” where one guy stands at first the other at catcher—throw as hard as you can and step closer to one another with each throw. After about 4 throws and with the rest watching I hollered “I quit! That was . . . smoke!” He was Smoke from then on..That summer we were 68-14, went all over MN and the Dakotas…

If it is 1972 that is probably Steve Braun in left field..As for that Bobby Darwin photo, didn’t Zoilo wear #2? Or was he 1? Maybe in ’72 he was gone…

Catcher is Gene Tenace..he played first and caught. Don Mincher was an A then, too…

Jim Pohl: Your baseball quiz.　　 In 1971, the A’s catcher would have been Dave Duncan, and I’m guessing the 1st base coach was the long-time Yankee’s 3rd base coach, Frankie Crosetti although it could be Quilici.　 At the Yankee’s game in 1972 the catcher would have been Thurmon Munson, the 3rd baseman would have been somebody like Gene Michaels (one year later, it would have been Graig Nettles), and the Twins’ left fielder was probably Bobby Darwin, although it could have been Charley Manual.　 Close?

Me: I have no idea?　 But I think you done good!　 Now, who was catcher for the ’86 Mavericks?

Jim Pohl: Ooo, ooo, I got this one.　　That was Harley “Hard-Hands” Hattselford, who　left after one year in disgrace after . . . made the tabloids.

Me: Correctomundo! Ole Harley was subsequently detached from his job as an investigator for MSHA when it was discovered he didn’t know what a “mine” was.

Crazy Dave: Just a bit of trivia…it isn’t Bobby Mercer…it’s Bobby Murcer.　 Hell of a ballplayer and one hell of a man.　Regards, Grantland Rice

ANSWERS TO “WHERE IN THE WORLD IS RUTHIE, II”:

1 – Chatel, France (1997, as are all the Europe sites); 2 – Chamonix, France, with Mount Blanc (the highest mountain in Europe) in the background; 3 & 4 – Vevey, Switzerland, on the north side of Lake Geneva, and where Charlie Chaplin moved (another story); 5 – Indianapolis – the Gophers were in the Final Four!; 6 – Central Park in Brussels, Belgium; 7 & 8 – Grand Place in Brussels; 9 – Chamonix; 10 – Manneken Pis, Brussels; 11 & 12 – ‘t Serclaes, Brussels – rub the bronze statue for luck and to keep in shiny; 13 – Chamonix; 14 – Lake Geneva (Lac Lemon) in Geneva; 15 & 16 – Chatel (home base in a chalet); 17 – Manneken Pis; 18 & 19 – Evian (the water source); 20 – Geneva; 21 & 22 – Yvoire, medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva where the supervisor and Michelle bought hats; 23 – Thun, Switzerland (a storybook town); 24 – Zermatt, Switzerland; 25 – Baccarat, France; 26 – Brugge, Belgium (an all-time favorite); 27 – Thun; 28 & 29 – Jungfrau region @ Grindelwald w/ the Eiger, Monk, and Jungfrau Mountains; 30 – The Matterhorn; 31 – Newseum, Arlington, VA (now in D.C.); 32 – The Matterhorn; 33 – Netherlands-Belgium border; 34 – Netherlands; 35-37 – Ghent, Belgium.