Baseball Toaster The Griddle
Help
A place where a man can slow down to a walk and live his life full measure, but he has to keep his watch on Pacific Time.
Frozen Toast
Search
Google Search
Web
Toaster
The Griddle
Archives

2009
02  01 

2008
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2007
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2006
12  11  10  09  08  07 
06  05  04  03  02  01 

2005
12  10  07 
06  05  04  03 
Suggestions, comments, ring the catcher's interference alarm?

Email me at btimmermann@gmail.com

The stuff I keep track of
Random Game Callbacks

Select a date:

Personal favorites that I wrote
FAQs
Old woman dies, sets off semantic argument and argues about Sugar Bowl as well
2007-01-03 09:39
by Bob Timmermann

The headline on MLB.com reads "Lifelong Red Sox fan dies at 112". But the Boston Red Sox franchise didn't start until 1901, which is 106 years ago.

So did Kathryn Gemme root for the Boston Braves (they didn't use that name in the 19th Century) before from 1894-1900? Did she switch over immediately in 1901? Did she teach the Dropkick Murphys how to sing "Tessie"? Did she start the early 20th Century Red Sox discussion group "Sons of Olaf Henriksen"?

Comments (121)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-01-03 09:48:18
1.   Ken Arneson
Why was Olaf Henriksen nicknamed "Swede" if he was born in Denmark?
2007-01-03 09:58:09
2.   D4P
Why are there so many "n"s at the end of "Timmermann"...?
2007-01-03 10:03:40
3.   Bob Timmermann
1
Because "Dane" sounds stupid.

2
In the 18th Century, Germans decided to add two Ns to the end of a lot of words. Most notably "mann". I imagine that it has something to do with pronunciation. The Germans spell the city of Hanover with two n's "Hannover"

2007-01-03 10:13:13
4.   Chyll Will
Would she have been the oldest fan to live between championships?
2007-01-03 10:13:27
5.   Ken Arneson
3 I don't think "Dane" is such a bad nickname. "Norwegian", on the other hand...
2007-01-03 10:19:39
6.   kylepetterson
2 3 I'm more concerned with all the m's
2007-01-03 10:22:36
7.   D4P
6
Look who's talking, Mr. T...
2007-01-03 11:10:19
8.   Shotupthemiddle
Can anyone be considered a "lifelong" fan? Does that require being wrapped in an authentic replica jersey right out of the womb?

I've been a Dodger fan since I was four. I consider it "lifelong". However, most conservative groups define "lifelong fandom" as starting at conception....

2007-01-03 11:10:54
9.   dianagramr
5

"The Griddle"... sponsored by 3M

2007-01-03 11:15:35
10.   dianagramr
8

Well .... one's blood (while inside the veins) IS Dodger Blue in your case

2007-01-03 11:36:53
11.   Humma Kavula
2 In the 18th Century, Germans decided to add two Ns to the end of a lot of words.

They added two Ns to the end of a lot of words?

In the 17th Century, would you have been Bob Timmerma?

I see your semantic argument... and I raise you a style point that does not affect the reader's comprehension!

2007-01-03 12:44:43
12.   dzzrtRatt
Jay Leno had a "Headline" like this last night...something about a woman who, after 8 years, was finally reunited with her 6-year-old child.
2007-01-03 13:10:49
13.   scareduck
8 - However, most conservative groups define "lifelong fandom" as starting at conception....

This sounds like being confirmed or getting baptized before you're old enough to know what's happening.

2007-01-03 13:19:38
14.   Bob Timmermann
13
I always knew this site would devolve into a discussion of Anabaptism.
2007-01-03 13:40:39
15.   Ali Nagib
14 - Isn't that what you started the site for in the first place? Admit your true motivations!

8 - Oh man, that was funny.

2007-01-03 14:24:40
16.   For The Turnstiles
14 - As the CID man asked Chaplain Tappman (note the double "p" but only 1 "n"):
"Chaplain, I once studied Latin. I think it's only fair to warn you of that before I ask my next question. Doesn't the word Anabaptist simply mean that you're not a Baptist?"

But to return to the original point, couldn't "lifelong" refer to the life of the franchise?

2007-01-03 14:35:55
17.   dianagramr
16
ana-

prefix
Definition:
1. up, upward
anamorphic

2. back, backward, away
anaphase

3. again
anaplastic

2007-01-03 14:57:21
18.   For The Turnstiles
17 Take it up with the late Joseph Heller or with his fictional CID agent.
2007-01-03 14:57:45
19.   Bob Timmermann
16
Sigh,

What are they teaching the kids now in Reformation history classes?

2007-01-03 15:29:20
20.   El Lay Dave
19 Something about Marrtinn Luttherr. (and Phil and Don.)
2007-01-03 18:16:41
21.   Linkmeister
Hey! Isn't this where the ND-LSU discussion's supposed to be held?
2007-01-03 18:20:33
22.   Bob Timmermann
You may feel free to discuss the Sugar Bowl between the scholar-athletes of Louisiana State University and the Prime Source of Evil in the World.

I've watched about five minutes of the game and I believe that Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long have already deified Charlie Weis. But Weis had planned that several months ago.

2007-01-03 18:31:22
23.   trainwreck
Please do not draft Quinn, Al!
2007-01-03 18:33:00
24.   Bob Timmermann
Karl Dorrell is a candidate for the Atlanta Falcons job?

What are they smoking/snorting/ingesting/mainlining in that state?

2007-01-03 18:33:17
25.   Greg Brock
I believe this game will end very poorly for the greatest Catholic University in all the land, so that should keep some people's interest.

Charlie Weis has really got to do something about that midsection situation. Gadzooks, Charlie, put down the mayonnaise sandwiches.

2007-01-03 18:34:12
26.   Greg Brock
I think Karl would be a fantastic hire for the Falcons.

I endorse his hiring without reservation.

2007-01-03 18:36:36
27.   trainwreck
24
Where did you hear that?

Oh please, oh please, oh please.

2007-01-03 18:36:37
28.   Bob Timmermann
25
But Boston College isn't playing in the Sugar Bowl.
2007-01-03 18:38:08
29.   Bob Timmermann
27
Don Banks on SI.com. Its part of a longer story about NFL assistants who could move up. The story is mainly about Norm Chow being a strong candidate for the Cardinals job.

That would actually make a lot of sense. If Chow had been the offensive coordinator for USC this year, the Trojans would likely have slaughtered UCLA.

2007-01-03 18:44:32
30.   Bob Timmermann
In Richard Sandomir's review in the NY Times of Thom Brennaman's call of the Fiesta Bowl, he wrote:

"He quickly identified players and whether they held onto a pass or not. He knows to say a runner heading downfield is "inside the 30," not crossing it."

What's the big deal about that?

2007-01-03 18:46:33
31.   Greg Brock
Brennaman makes everything he says sound like it's the most important thing ever uttered.

It's a little much for me.

2007-01-03 18:48:10
32.   Bob Timmermann
But I'm as much of a nitpicker about grammar as the next guy, but what's the difference between being "inside the 30" and "crossing the 30"?
2007-01-03 18:50:18
33.   Bob Timmermann
There's no such thing as "down by contact" in the NCAA. You're just "down".
2007-01-03 18:50:29
34.   Greg Brock
You have to fill space, Bob. You know that. Hmm, what can I say here to take up a few lines?
2007-01-03 18:53:51
35.   Bob Timmermann
Sandomir actually liked Brennaman for the most part! Yet, Brennaman went on a loud rant about why there should be a playoff. Despite the fact that his employer is bankrolling the BCS for the next four years.
2007-01-03 18:57:39
36.   Greg Brock
Southeastern Conference football. Just wow. Academics rule!
2007-01-03 19:01:27
37.   trainwreck
35
Yeah, that made me laugh. I was wondering if his producer was in his ear telling him to shut up.
2007-01-03 19:01:43
38.   Bob Timmermann
Darius Walker couldn't do anything when he ran against UCLA or USC. 53 against the Bruins and 56 against the Trojans.
2007-01-03 19:06:10
39.   Greg Brock
I am completely baffled. LSU should be attacking the terrible corners of Notre Dame.
2007-01-03 19:08:32
40.   Bob Timmermann
Samardzija's 27 career touchdown passes may be a Notre Dame record, but it would only tie the NCAA single season record.

Troy Edwards had 27 TD catches for LA Tech in 1998.

Edwards caught 11 TD passes in his career, so apparently the skill was not transferable. Sort of like Mike Williams's skills.

2007-01-03 19:09:01
41.   Bob Timmermann
Insert "in NFL" in the last paragraph in 40
2007-01-03 19:09:08
42.   Greg Brock
There you go.
2007-01-03 19:09:19
43.   D4P
Brennaman makes everything he says sound like it's the most important thing ever uttered

Kinda like how Steiner makes every play sound like the most exciting play he has ever seen.

2007-01-03 19:10:07
44.   Bob Timmermann
42
The Notre Dame corners were overmatched by the UCLA receiving corps. And that's not a good thing. They let a converted defensive tackle get by them.
2007-01-03 19:10:49
45.   Greg Brock
Troy Edwards is 5'9". That was his biggest problem. Mike Williams is just two slow, and should be playing tight end in the NFL.
2007-01-03 19:12:16
46.   Bob Timmermann
45
Mike Williams can't catch anything. It's really sad. He had great hands at USC, but I guess the year off really messed him up.

Note to self: don't take career advice from Maurice Clarett.

2007-01-03 19:12:28
47.   Greg Brock
Too slow, not two slow. Jesus.
2007-01-03 19:12:57
48.   Bob Timmermann
47
That should be Touchdown Jesus.
2007-01-03 19:16:59
49.   Greg Brock
Congrats to the Fighting Irish for not getting blown out in the first half.

Good luck with that in the second half.

2007-01-03 19:18:24
50.   Bob Timmermann
But Charlie Weis will be able to adjust his team so it will magically perform better. Sort of like how he got Notre Dame on track in the second half against USC.
Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-01-03 19:23:07
51.   Greg Brock
Only 26 more days until the national championship game.
2007-01-03 19:25:33
52.   Bob Timmermann
You'll have to indulge me and tell me what 51 means.
2007-01-03 19:27:08
53.   Greg Brock
Oh, I was just commenting on the seemingly interminable wait for the BCS Title game. January 8th?

Just a little sarcasm.

2007-01-03 19:28:04
54.   Bob Timmermann
I was trying to figure out what was happening on January 29th.

I will cease doing that.

2007-01-03 19:30:30
55.   Bob Timmermann
Remember the advertising:

Notre Dame: College football's most famous fight song "The Notre Dame Victory March"

USC: College football's most famous battle cry "Conquest."

I wonder if they had a summit meeting to decide that.

The sad part is that "The Victors" is college football's best fight song and/or battle cry.

2007-01-03 19:32:05
56.   Greg Brock
Nothing like a natural disaster themed halftime show in New Orleans.

You stay classy, Sugar Bowl.

2007-01-03 19:32:06
57.   Bob Timmermann
This link will be handy for Greg Brock's next barbecue:

http://tinyurl.com/yj93h3

2007-01-03 19:32:51
58.   trainwreck
I miss ABC's college football commentators.
2007-01-03 19:33:40
59.   Greg Brock
You are a sick man, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Very funny. LOL.

2007-01-03 19:34:32
60.   trainwreck
57
Do they send the mascot to effigies?
2007-01-03 19:39:20
61.   Greg Brock
That mascot would be okay for a Brock BBQ, but I'm trying to cut back on my horse meat intake.

Once a month. Doctor's orders.

2007-01-03 19:42:45
62.   Greg Brock
My late Christmas present to Bob is in the mail.

http://tinyurl.com/vyu7f

2007-01-03 19:44:02
63.   Bob Timmermann
I, for one, am looking forward to seeing a freshman Jimmy Clausen facing the wrath of Davis and Hickman at the Rose Bowl next year.
2007-01-03 19:46:22
64.   Greg Brock
Speaking to several fans and alumni, Clausen's starting role is far from guaranteed. I'll bet he ends up starting, but it may be a close competition.

I too look forward to Mr. Clausen's introduction to Division I football.

2007-01-03 19:50:02
65.   Bob Timmermann
Mr. Weis is not happy. However, I am happy.
2007-01-03 19:52:54
66.   Bob Timmermann
JaMarcus Russell appears to be a very large human being.
2007-01-03 19:55:21
67.   Bob Timmermann
Ahh, the old option pitch with the kicker as the trail runner!
2007-01-03 20:00:27
68.   Greg Brock
It was a great day when the Imperial March was added to the college band repertoire.
2007-01-03 20:00:39
69.   Bob Timmermann
Colt David - LSU kicker
Colt McCoy - Texas QB
Colt Brennan - Hawai'i QB

Does anyone name a daughter "Filly"?

2007-01-03 20:02:08
70.   Greg Brock
Don't forget Colt Seavers, TV's "The Fall Guy"

Lee Majors. Don't forget Lee Majors.

2007-01-03 20:04:20
71.   trainwreck
No Brady Quinn!

Of course we have to assume what his own coach says is the most accurate assessment.

2007-01-03 20:04:56
72.   trainwreck
If Weis says he will be third best QB it has to be true.
2007-01-03 20:05:29
73.   Bob Timmermann
Marshall Colt co-starred with Ben Murphy in the short-lived ABC series "Lottery". Murphy went around finding people who had winning lottery tickets, but didn't know it and Colt played his IRS agent sidekick.

1980s TV wasn't all "Hill Street Blues"

2007-01-03 20:06:25
74.   Bob Timmermann
Brady Quinn would be the third best QB in the NFL, only if Patrick Cowan comes out early. If not, he will be the second best.
2007-01-03 20:07:21
75.   trainwreck
73
lol what an exciting premise
2007-01-03 20:08:14
76.   trainwreck
Especially if Cowan is playing for the Karl Dorrell coached Falcons.
2007-01-03 20:09:05
77.   Greg Brock
The 80's were a great time for television. You could never make "The Greatest American Hero" today.
2007-01-03 20:11:22
78.   Bob Timmermann
"Hey Vick, take a seat. You may have a great arm and great speed, but this Cowan kid beat USC with his guts and determination!"
2007-01-03 20:25:08
79.   trainwreck
Wow, I could be a first team academic all-american if only I could play college football.
2007-01-03 20:26:49
80.   Greg Brock
I'm waiting to hear about LSU's commitment to academic excellence.

I hear they have classrooms and stuff.

2007-01-03 20:27:35
81.   trainwreck
I got to agree with a person on another sportsboard. When I see Charlie Weis I think cheeseburgers.
2007-01-03 20:27:40
82.   Greg Brock
I'm going to hold a charity drive for Charlie Weis's belt.
2007-01-03 20:28:14
83.   Greg Brock
The rout...She is on.
2007-01-03 20:30:59
84.   D4P
I don't know about you guys, but I like it when Notre Dame loses
2007-01-03 20:31:06
85.   Bob Timmermann
80
Huey Long made sure they had classrooms.

Bill Conti, who wrote one of UCLA's fight songs, is an LSU alum.

Steven Soderbergh went to LSU!

2007-01-03 20:31:33
86.   trainwreck
10th year in a row without a bowl win.
2007-01-03 20:32:01
87.   Bob Timmermann
84
Not me. I have a great deal of respect for the fine young Catholic men from NW Indiana.

Or maybe not.

2007-01-03 20:32:48
88.   D4P
10th year in a row without a bowl win

Yet always ranked in the top 10...

2007-01-03 20:35:24
89.   trainwreck
88
They did beat UCLA at home.

That better be offensive pass interference.

2007-01-03 20:36:09
90.   trainwreck
Well that was stupid.
2007-01-03 20:37:08
91.   trainwreck
Keep screwing up Quinn. Stay away from the silver and black.
2007-01-03 20:37:13
92.   Greg Brock
This is going about as well as Weis's gastric bypass surgery.

Sorry.

2007-01-03 20:37:43
93.   D4P
I remember rooting for ND as a youth. Some channel (ESPN?) used to replay all their games, I think on Sunday mornings. This was back when they had the green uniforms. I also rooted for the Dallas Cowboys back then.

Things have changed...

2007-01-03 20:39:07
94.   Greg Brock
93 They wear the green jerseys very sparingly. Once every three or four years, though Weis is making it a once a year thing now.

They wore it against Army this year. I was hoping for a better game. They usually brought it out for the huge games.

2007-01-03 20:40:24
95.   D4P
I seem to remember a time (probably early 80s) when they only wore green. But I could be wrong.
2007-01-03 20:41:29
96.   Greg Brock
I love the green jerseys. I'm sure they make Bob several different kinds of nauseous.
2007-01-03 20:42:58
97.   trainwreck
Boooo
2007-01-03 20:45:35
98.   trainwreck
Oh well. This gives Brady another chance to screw up.
2007-01-03 20:47:37
99.   Greg Brock
Don't worry, the Raiders won't draft Quinn. They don't believe in drafting quarterbacks that high. They'll trade down in order to fill their many needs in the second and third rounds.

But I hate the Raiders and don't care about the NFL until we get a team, so you know...

2007-01-03 20:47:58
100.   Bob Timmermann
For the record, Notre Dame has not finished season ranked in the Top 10 since 1993.

A friend thinks that Notre Dame loses so many bowl games because they always get placed in one too good for them. They need to fatten up on the New Mexicos of the world.

Tonight's quiz: What are the two schools to have defeated Notre Dame in football more than once without a loss?

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-01-03 20:51:33
101.   trainwreck
yes, bo will never die.
2007-01-03 20:52:23
102.   Greg Brock
A friend thinks that Notre Dame loses so many bowl games because they always get placed in one too good for them.

You're friend is exactly right. Not just because I agree with him, but look at Notre Dame's last seven or eight bowl appearances.

2007-01-03 20:53:02
103.   trainwreck
99
We do not, but we are also incredibly stupid.
2007-01-03 20:58:45
104.   twerp
A couple times during the Sugar Bowl telecast there have been shots of a camera trailing across the field.

It has the letters "DLP" on it.

Every time I see it I do a double take, thinking it says "D4P."

I've been spending too much time on DT...

2007-01-03 21:03:31
105.   Bob Timmermann
Saint Louis U made its first appearance at St. Bonaventure in over 50 years and the Billikens were upset by the Bonnies, 74-69.

I hope my brother is enjoying the drive back to Buffalo from scenic Olean, NY.

2007-01-03 21:03:37
106.   Greg Brock
And then the "Overrated" chants come out, and Bob Timmermann sheds tears of joy.
2007-01-03 21:05:20
107.   Bob Timmermann
Longest losing streak in bowl games in NCAA history.

South Carolina and West Virginia are off the hook now!

2007-01-03 21:10:22
108.   Bob Timmermann
No takers on the question in 100?
2007-01-03 21:10:58
109.   D4P
108
You're supposed to answer that kind of question, not ask it...
2007-01-03 21:12:15
110.   Bob Timmermann
Sigh...

Oregon State is 2-0 and Chicago is 4-0.

Chicago hasn't played Notre Dame in a long time.

2007-01-03 21:12:39
111.   Greg Brock
108 I'll guess Miami and some other school.

I have no clue.

2007-01-03 21:13:08
112.   Greg Brock
You could have waited the extra 24 seconds.
2007-01-03 21:15:54
113.   D4P
You could have waited the extra 24 seconds

But that would have been a shot clock violation...

2007-01-03 21:16:21
114.   Bob Timmermann
112
Sorry, shot clock expired.

Notre Dame is 15-7-1 against Miami

2007-01-03 21:16:23
115.   Greg Brock
113 We play college rules at The Griddle.
2007-01-03 21:17:10
116.   Greg Brock
114 Wow, I had no idea they played MAC schools that often.
2007-01-03 21:20:33
117.   Bob Timmermann
Notre Dame is 15-7-1 against the University of Miami and 1-0 against Miami University.
2007-01-03 23:13:40
118.   El Lay Dave
32 I'm sure it's dawned on you by now that "crossing the 30" is ambiguous and "inside the 30" is not. This is an especially important distinction for radio listeners.
2007-01-03 23:16:22
119.   El Lay Dave
73 Ben Murphy of "Alias Smith and Jones" fame, co-starring Pete Deuel, the tragic suicide victim.
2007-01-03 23:17:02
120.   El Lay Dave
104 Now THAT is funny!
2007-01-04 08:39:38
121.   Bob Timmermann
118
That hadn't dawned on me and I don't think I've ever been confused by that.

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.