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Neela 🌶️'s avatar

Jackie Robinson Day always leaves me a bit torn, too. On one hand, seeing every player wear #42 is a symbolic tribute. But I get where Torii Hunter is coming from. When everyone wears the number, does it become more camouflage than commemoration?

It's a bit like how DEI got tuned out. The real goal behind the program, anyway.

America’s struggle with racism is a relay race, and sadly, the baton is still being passed.

Also, shout out to your inner sci-fi nerd for clocking that poetic coincidence about 42. Somewhere, Douglas Adams and Jackie Robinson are clinking metaphorical glasses.

As for your Twins...oof, dah indeed. It seems they’re honouring Robinson by stealing bases and hearts off the field only. At least they’re consistent Wyrd :)

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Wyrd Smythe's avatar

Heh, yeah. I may have mentioned that being a Twins fan is an exercise in stoicism and unconditional love.

Torii Hunter was a man after my own heart. A bit of a jokester and often said what he really felt — a trait you can imagine I admire. One of those public figures I wish I knew personally.

Ha! I love the idea of Adams and Robinson toasting to #42. In general, somewhere out in that famous cornfield is one *hell* of a ball team. And joining them in the toast might James Earl Jones, and if they ask nicely, he might just give them that great speech, "People will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. ..." (I think it's worth posting as a Note. Stay tuned.)

We just have to keep passing our own baton and never take our eyes off the ball.

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Neela 🌶️'s avatar

Torii Hunter was the vibe.

That rare blend of grit and joy that made you feel like baseball still had soul. And yes to James Earl Jones joining the toast because if we’re building an eternal lineup in that cornfield, we need both players and poets.

I am going to look for your note.

Passing the baton and keeping our eyes on the ball feels like wisdom we all need right now.

Happy Wednesday Wyrd

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Wyrd Smythe's avatar

Yeah, Torii was one of my favorite Twins players. They had him in the announcer’s booth for a while, which was a delight.

Here’s a link to that Note:

https://substack.com/@wyrdsmythe/note/c-109110120

You have a happy Wednesday, too, Neela. Mine will be happier once we get the “all clear” about Bentley, who is having surgery today.

https://substack.com/@wyrdsmythe/note/c-109317315

I’m counting the minutes…

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Neela 🌶️'s avatar

so are we happy today?

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Wyrd Smythe's avatar

Yes, on multiple accounts. The Twins beat the Mets Tuesday and Wednesday (winning the home series; first season series win against an NL team, and the 10th inning walk-off was our first walk-off of the season). We're still fourth in the League (playing .368), but at least the games don't hurt so much to watch.

More on Bentley in reply to your reply to that Note.

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