Personal – Page 14 – John J Langan

October 2, 2013

My Beautiful Game

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A few weeks ago I posted my thoughts about baseball, and what I missed about the game I loved as a child. This elicited some great responses, and may have caused a blood vessel to burst in the heads of one or two people. I like the conversations my posts create, and find great joy in providing a forum to respectfully share views.

In the interest of fair play, I’ve decided to turn my keen eye to the game I love… soccer. My beautiful game. Don’t worry, I’ll only allow myself to gush for one paragraph. Or two. Maybe three…

When I coached young players I would always say, “It’s a simple game… If the ball is in their end, kick it in. If it’s in your end, kick it out.” Maybe I over simplified, but I believe soccer is the ultimate team game – a choreographed dance where each member has an equal share in the success and failure of the team. There are star players on teams at every level, but they can’t excel alone. Behind every great goal scorer several players who serve the ball. Accordingly, in front of the best goalkeepers are three, four or more players working together to minimize shots. Eleven players, working as one.

No sport in the world requires more athleticism and fitness, and puts more emphasis on playing for your country. Beyond that, I still love the simplicity… forty-five minute halves, no stoppages, no time-outs, no instant replay, only three subs per team, and the unrivaled pure energy that exists in a soccer stadium.

That’s the good stuff… nuff said!

But soccer isn’t without faults. Some are inherent in all sports, some are soccer specific. Things that need to improve…

Faking Injuries – I hear about that more than anything else from soccer skeptics. I’ve lost respect for more than a few talented players because they get hurt when brushed by a feather. Thirty seconds later they are running like nothing happened. I’d love to see referees empowered to caution these players and get this out of the game.
Racism / Hooligans – Mostly in Europe, this continues to be a problem and clearly says more about the countries involved than the sport. Nothing makes me cringe more than video of players being subjected to this, or fan violence in the stands. Always newsworthy for soccer detractors, it needs to be dealt with.
Corruption – There are increasing stories about corruption in the game, from match fixing to bribery. FIFA has been the subject of numerous questions through the years, and now it looks like a major investigation will be underway about the choice of sites for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Obviously, when there is a great deal of money at stake, doors can open for some people to cut corners. Since soccer hasn’t reached a fever pitch here in the states (yet), U.S. Soccer and MLS haven’t been associated with such problems. We could probably learn some lessons from England, arguably one of the most rabid soccer countries in the world and virtually free from this type of scandal.
Winning – Yes, believe it or not winning is a problem… but only at the youth level. And this is a problem for all youth sports. Too much emphasis on building winning teams erodes the skill level of all our athletes. Basic fundamental teaching of a sport is giving way to a “win at all cost” mentality, and the players are suffering. It’s a broken system that needs correcting. It’s not a coincidence that the United States produces the most talented athletes in the world, but doesn’t compete at the highest level in soccer.

I always draw a distinction between the sport and the game. When I spoke about baseball, my commentary mostly concerned what the sport has done to adversely affect the game. Truthfully, I love the game of baseball, of soccer… and also hockey, football, basketball, etc. You have to admire the competition on the field, the pitch, the ice or the court.

I’ll have to keep an eye on these bad things about soccer, and hope they don’t adversely affect what happens between the white lines. And I’ll continue to love my beautiful game, unless it becomes too much of a sport.

August 19, 2013

Missing My Baseball

I love the sport of baseball. I just don’t like it lately…

Some of my best memories from growing up in the 60’s and 70’s have to do with baseball. I played ball from ages 5 to 15 at my local youth organization. After that I still had some choose-up games with friends, and then played softball into my late twenties. These were great times… Harry Kalas’ silky smooth voice on the radio, sitting behind that pillar at Connie Mack Stadium, watching Rick Wise’s no-hitter in my basement on that small b&w TV… with my Dad.

I’ve said before that one of the worst things about getting older is that you can’t get enough guys for a 9v9 baseball game. Even worse is watching the game that is played today. I miss the game of my youth, so here’s MY list of some of the things that I think are wrong with baseball… maybe other sports as well. In no particular order…

Performance Enhancing Drugs – It would be easy for me to point to Alex Rodriguez and make him the poster boy for this issue. But MLB had a “nod, nod, wink, wink” attitude towards PEDs from the beginning. It’s funny now to see them come down so hard on players when they let it happen for so many years. Any entry in the baseball record book in the last 30 years has been rendered meaningless. While I’m not suggesting that all players achieved success with a boost, you just never know for certain. And by the way… A-Rod is still a douche bag.

Free Pete – Cut the bullshit, Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. The absence of one of the top five players in history diminishes the institution. He’s not O.J. Simpson, who’s still in Canton, by the way…

I’m Pro DH – Bring doubleheaders back. Lots of them. And not the day/night crap either. Screw what the player’s union says… they are getting paid millions of dollars to play a kids game. Two games in one afternoon won’t kill them.

I’m Anti DH – Lose the designated hitter. Pitchers are ballplayers and should be made to hit. And if you can’t play the field anymore, its time to retire. But why stop there? Let’s have courtesy runners for players who can’t run the bases. Maybe let them hit off a tee when the hand-eye coordination starts to go. The only thing that the DH rule accomplished was taking a good deal of strategy out of the game. There is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt… a lost art in the majors.

Jewelry – Oh good God, what is with the jewelry? Seriously? I guess those rope things are fashion statement that I am missing. But wait a doggone minute… I’m reading now that the ropes “stabilize your electric current inside the body” by “allowing the flow of energy.” Sounds like another performance enhancer to me!!

Crappy Game Giveaways – I’ll never forget leaving Connie Mack Stadium that summer day… so pissed that I got a bat signed by Johnny Briggs, and my cousin got Johnny Callison. Bat Day was the best ever, but probably gone because of security issues. I know that’s not baseball’s fault. But giveaways and promotions only exist now to court corporate sponsorship… “Modell’s Sporting Goods Kids Run The Bases”, for example. I’d still like to see a cap, or a ball, or a batting glove adorned only with the logo of my team… not a company. Crap at it’s finest.

All-Star Game – It used to be the event of the summer, full of trash talk and hard play. Now it is a joke, long ago ruined by too many free agents and trades. There was a sense of pride to play for your league, against the “other” league… with nothing on the line except bragging rights. Home field advantage in the World Series is just plain stupid, and clearly hasn’t given the players any incentive. If there is nothing to play for, why play?

Managers In Uniform – This is one of my biggest pet peeves. In no other sport in the world do managers and coaches wear the same uniform as the players. Picture, if you will, the svelte Andy Reid wearing a white Eagles jersey and silver pants during the game. I’m still scrubbing my brain to erase the image of 80 year-old Don Zimmer in that form-fitting Red Sox uni…

Bench Clearing Brawls – Mister Batter, if you’re hit by a pitch, shut up and go to first (watch Chase Utley). Mister Pitcher, that’s a warning… do it again and you’re out of the game (you’re a major league pitcher… have some control). Field players, don’t take one step in or you’re out of the game too. Everyone else stay on the bench and in the bullpen, including coaches. No reason to be on the field anyway. Now all of you… grow up and set a better example for young fans.

Umpires – News flash to all MLB Umpires… not one person in the stadium has plunked down their money to see YOU officiate the game. Stop getting in players faces when they disagree with a call. Stop with the flamboyant signalling of outs and strikes. The fact is… if you have done your job well, no one should even notice you are there.

A LOT of Games – I’m hoping this is the year that the World Series gets cancelled because of snow. Well… not really… but I’d love to see my point proven. The boys of summer should not be playing in the winter. Adding yet another round of playoffs is owner’s greed, pure and simple. Plus… is it all necessary? After 162 regular season games, do we not know who is the best team?

That’s my view… please comment below. And at least give me some props for not mentioning soccer…

August 13, 2013

B-MUSINGS… Cool August Night Edition

“B-Musings”… random blurbiage and ping pong balls rattling around my dome. Why? Because I can, and I have a blog!

Beachin’ It – In a previous post, I mentioned my new found longing to be at the beach. It hasn’t waned. Fortunately I was able to get to the shore a couple of weeks ago and quench that thirst. My friends know that I am not one to stay at the beach for more than an hour… two tops. So the 10 hours over two days I spent sitting on the sand was a revelation. Granted, I was blessed with the right mix of great weather and great company… the perfect storm. It also came at the right time, in what has been a very hectic few months.

I’m going back next week, to plop my ass on that chair again. Can’t wait… I seem to be a poster boy for change lately, and I have to say I’m enjoying it. Look out, fudgy wudgy man…

Culling the Facebook Herd – I like to go into my social media contacts periodically, and “unfriend” some people and places with whom I no longer interact. Recently I cleaned out a bunch of brands, bands, movies and other assorted “Likes”. Alas, I also jettisoned about 10 people who have thus far failed to enrich my social media experience. But as I was going through the exercise I came to four Facebook friends who are deceased. Obviously I was aware of them in my list, and each had very different levels of friendship for me. It’s nice that friends and family still drop comments on their pages for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.

So… those four will remain. Until I see them again.

The Soccer Supporter Mentality – I spend a decent amount of time explaining this concept to my non-soccer friends, so I thought I would throw it out for some comments. I fully expect Philadelphia Union striker and rising star Jack McInerney to be playing somewhere else next year, and I’m okay with it. If he moves to Europe, he will develop faster and better than in MLS. And that is good for U.S. Soccer, the priority.

Unlike any other sport, the true fan places country over club. I think it is the best way to go, we support our national team first, then we have favorite domestic and/or overseas club teams… and we are rabid about all of them!!! For me… USMNT, then Union, then Manchester United. The goal is always to fortify the national squad. Nuff said…

Wedding of the Century – I often call Joe O’Hagan my faux cousin, when in fact he is my oldest and dearest friend. Our Moms were best friends growing up in Belfast, and travelled to America together on the Mayflower (well… that’s what they led us to believe). So Joe, myself, his and my sisters grew up as cousins. He’s been a swinging bachelor for all these years until the fair Jennifer finally lassoed him to the ground. When I got news of their pending nuptials I expected an epic event, and was not disappointed.

It was a grand day, epic in its tradition and simplicity. I was honored to be asked to do a reading at the traditional Catholic ceremony, and I delivered it with my usual panache. The reception was held at the same classic venue that hosted my Senior Prom 35 years ago, and the place hasn’t changed one bit! The flashback feeling was aided by a great DJ who played Sinatra and other standards during dinner, and pulled out all the classic wedding reception dance hits… “Celebrate good times, come on!!” Joe’s nephew gave what might have been the greatest best man toast ever, and the newly married couple danced to an absolutely perfect song choice – the beautiful “At Last” by Etta James.

It truly was an epic event. All that was missing was a whiskey sour fountain and the garter / bouquet tossing, omitted I assume because of the groom – throwing anything is dangerous at his advanced age. But there were four other things missing… Joe and Marie, and Bunty and James. No doubt they would have been delighted that after a half century we are all still together. Real family… no faux, mofo.

Good times, good people, good craic.

Meet Herb… Official “Face” of the B-Musing Blog Post. Are you B-Mused now? A-Mused? Both?

Let me know by commenting below… Herb needs to know!!!

August 5, 2013

Tier Drops

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.” – Bob Marley

There are thousands of songs, poems, stories, TV shows and movies about friendship. Add this blog post to the list if you like… just my thoughts on the subject.

I consider myself to be a good friend. I love all of my peeps. Some more than others and that is only fair. To be honest, I have several tiers of friends… a Friend Pyramid, if you will. You have one, though you may hesitate to admit it. The besties are at the top, followed by good friends, then acquaintances and friends of friends, and so on… Levels are determined by the amount of intimacy, honesty and/or truth you offer them, and what they return to you. Most days you don’t make clear distinctions, but the levels are always there. I like the pyramid metaphor because of the size… and filling that space is satisfying to me.

Even the strongest friendships are amazingly fragile. In my life, friends have come and gone. And some have moved up and down the pyramid. I’ve learned that over the years, and was reminded of it during my high school reunion a couple of weeks ago. Most of my top-tier friends were there, and many others. I saw and talked to some great people that weekend. Many, many “Remember the time…?”, and “Do you ever see…?” conversations. And lots of talk about careers and family… great stuff! It’s gratifying to realize that although many years (decades, in some cases) have passed, a very comfortable symmetry is still there. While we have changed so much as individuals, our connection together has not.

Friendships are like that. My best friend today is also my oldest friend, but we spent about ten years estranged from each other. It’s interesting that a person you may have felt so close to back in the day is not at all present now. And it happens faster than that… here today and gone tomorrow.

I recently saw this quote on Facebook… “If someone actually wanted you in their life, they’d actually put some effort into showing it. So don’t bother reserving a space in your heart for someone who doesn’t make an effort to stay.” At a glance it made some sense, but further reading gave me pause. Yes, I do expect the same love that I am so happy to give. That will determine your position in my heart. But there is no need reserve a space there… it’s a big place. I always have vacancies.

Like a pyramid. It’s friggin’ huge!

“Broken Glass” photo courtesy of Hermin Abramovitc. Find his work at http://ahermin.deviantart.com/.

July 21, 2013

Grapes Makin’ Waves

“The vine bears three kinds of grapes: the first of pleasure, the second of intoxication, the third of disgust.” – Diogenes

In a few days I will be travelling to North Wildwood, NJ for what has become an annual pilgrimage. My high school holds a fundraiser at the shore, inviting close to fifty years worth of graduates to gather for a big party. It’s a hot time, packed with alumni and former teachers reconnecting. The motto of our school is In Vite Mane, Latin for “Remain On The Vine”. It fits… the idea is that everyone who has ever been a part of the school is connected, like grapes on a vine.

A lot of these grapes go to every reunion, planning their vacations so they can attend. But each year I see someone new, someone I haven’t seen for many years. This will be my fourth shore reunion, and it’s always a great night. It is THE summer event.

Old friendships are a funny thing. That common ground we walked over thirty years ago is warm and familiar. And even though that vine of life separated us at some point, we are basically the same people. If you were fun and friendly then, you still are now. And if you were an asshole then, well… “So good to see you!!”

Recent Ryan High School graduates are all still connected through social media, so maybe this event will not be so popular in future years. Some of us older Raiders and Ragdolls are social-active too, and I think that is part of the reason this gathering has grown so much in recent years. While interest and attendance may have peaked, I hope to see this event continue to grow and remain vital. Nothing beats seeing that person, talking face to face, and giving hugs. Yes, I’m a hugger… prepare thyself.

The closest friendships I have today were cemented in that very town of Wildwood. That rite of passage known as Senior Week forged my personal vine after graduation in 1978. While most of us were friendly acquaintances going into that week, it all changed there and then. Now… after marriages, divorces, kids, and – coming soon – kids getting married… the core group is still together. Not as often as we’d like, but as often as we can.

Of the people in the above photo from Senior Week ’78 at the Red Garter (that’s me on the bottom left), I know I will see Ness and Laff this weekend. But I also hope to see Matty, Franny, Novo, Lumpy, Scull, Clifton, Dick, Pomo and the Businessman. To the OCD people who are counting heads… yes, there is one guy whose name escapes me. Not bad recall after 35 years, is it?

Flashing forward, these shore reunions have rekindled relationships that I cherish and know will be with me forever. It must be something about Wildwood. Too much heat, and too much of Diogenes’ first two kinds of grape… from that vine, I guess.

Last year it was great to have my son, and fellow Ryan grad, attend his first shore reunion. I got to meet and hang with a few of his friends and former teachers, and had the great pleasure of introducing him to a few of my Ryan grapes. As a bonus I was “privileged” to pick up his drink tab for the night… not a pittance!

I’m looking forward to a couple of days filled with great conversation and renewals of friendship. Plus some beach time that I sorely need!! As most know… I love to laugh, talk, tell stories… and occasionally I do like to have a cocktail. This weekend will be all of that – times ten! It will be fun, exhausting and probably very hot.

Hot is fine… nothing grows wilder and sweeter in the heat than grapes, on the vine.