Beat the Streak 2011 MLB Contest ~ Don't pick Manny Ramirez

I'm not one to play fantasy sports, but I came across this "Beat the Streak" contest for the 2011 MLB season.  The object of the contest is simple.  For each "game day" pick a player who you think will get a hit.  Be the FIRST to beat the streak of 56 games with a correct pick, and you win $5,600,000.00  Yes, that number is typed correctly.  I double-checked it.  I don't know about you, but I could use $5.6 million.

Jason Heyward at bat v the Cubs
on April 8, 2010.  He went 0-4.

So far the longest streak is 8 games.  Atlanta Braves' Jason Heyward was hitless last night against the Milwaukee Brewers and killed my streak of 4 games...  Ugh.  ****  Actualy, I just took a look at my photo files, and just last year I saw him against go hitless against the Chicago Cubs...  Great.

Good thing, I checked my upcoming picks today because I had selected Manny Ramirez for an upcoming game. With Manny's retirement announcement today, I doubt he'll be hitting again ~ period.  Don't get me wrong, I liked Manny. 

Manny Ramirez debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1993.  1993 was also my freshman year of college, in Northeast Ohio, so I spent many a night at Jacobs Field (i.e. now named Progressive Field).  Manny was loved in Cleveland.  1993-2002 were some great days for the Cleveland Indians.  Those were the days of David Justice, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, Sandy Alomar, Roberto Alomar, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez...  I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks, but you know what I'm talking about.

Come to think of it, my best friend (i.e. Chubs) had a picture of Manny Ramirez in his spare bedroom.  He loved that picture.  It may have even been autographed.  Oh well. 

Manny Ramirez at bat v Pirates, April 30, 2010

The last time I saw Manny Ramirez play was less than a year ago against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  In addition to it being my first time at Dodgers Stadium, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar threw out the ceremonial first pitch.  ****  Kareem's presence made the game extra special for me since I'm an "old school" Laker fan.

But I digress...  So, let's get back to this blog post's topic.

Play the Beat the Streak contest and test your luck.  Further, with ANOTHER announcement of an issue relating to baseball's drug policy, it's hard to love a cheater ~ especially a cheater who's calling it quits.  Therefore, if you have Manny in any of your fantasy baseball contests, replace him now.


THE WIRK

Dodgers defeat the Pirates at Dodgers Stadium ~ My 65th venue

I decided on Thursday night to go to LA.  After finding a really inexpensive fare on Orbitz, I was ready to go.  Lucky for me, I have someone in LA that wanted to do the same things I did over the weekend, so I was in business.  On Thursday night, he and I looked at tickets for the Pirates v Dodgers game...  Stubhub to the rescue!  We had excellent seats and a parking pass.  ****  Getting the tickets ahead of time was a good plan, since I didn't see a single scalper.

I'd never been to Dodgers Stadium.  It was my 65th venue, and I could not have dreamt of a better time.  Upon arriving to the ballpark, we were given free LA Dodgers hats in UCLA colors.  Random.  Turns out it the Dodgers are trying to "partner with" or associate themselves with UCLA or something like that, because there were plenty of UCLA tie-ins throughout the night.  

As we walked around the concourse to our seats, Scott (i.e. who I've known since I was 6 years old, in 2nd grade!!!) said, "Look, there's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar."  What?!?!  How random was that?  I thought he was kidding, but sure enough Kareem was down on the field.  

For those of you that don't read this blog (i.e. shame on YOU!) and don't keep up, you should know that I love the old school Lakers.  Plus, I'm a huge Kareem fan.  ****  I once skipped a day of medical school to go to the local MC Sporting Goods to get Kareem's autograph.  It was worth it.  I even drug my friend, Brian, with me ~ but honestly he needed little convincing.  

Scott and I had excellent seats (i.e. right behind home plate, row H). 

Kareem threw out the first pitch. 

Here's the video that I shot of Kareem's first pitch.  You might want to turn your head to the side.

There were homeruns and the Dodgers ended their losing streak.  Weather was perfect and the Dodger dogs didn't disappoint!

Great seats @ Dodgers Stadium

Dodger Dog

Vin Scully

Dodgers win!

An excellent experience for my 65th venue and a trip to LA... What a great Friday night!

THE WIRK