Jaybird's Jottings

National Book Festival

The National Book Festival, held today on The Mall for the ninth straight year, doesn’t have an official motto.  Borrowing from a classic, we recommend, “So Many Authors, So Little Time.” 

Instead of sitting down for a handful as I have done in the past,  I decided to move around.  This way sacrificed getting to hear an author in full, but quite frankly, the only one who ever kept me still in my seat was Ken Burns. 

Anyway, the event, which stayed dry until about 2 pm, featured the usual heavyweights such as John Grisham, David Baldacci and James Patterson, and other award-winners such as Annette Gordon-Reed.   The early birds got a seat for Grisham, who packed the large, white pavilion tent marked for Fantasy and Fiction.   After the Library of Congress presented him with their first ever Creative Achievement Award, which ties into his helping Hurricane Katrina victims and his work to free imprisoned innocents with the help of DNA, Grisham spoke about his childhood.    The family moved around a lot so he judged the new towns by how many books they let him check out of the library, and the Little League baseball fields.   

Wanted to stay for Jodi Picoult, but moved over to see Patterson.   Also checked out Douglas Brinkley, who introduced David Taylor.   Dan Balz, who would speak later, stood in the back.  

Long lines at the book signings.    Ate some lunch, decided to head home as the gray clouds puffed up.   Listened in the car to Gordon-Reed being interviewed via C-SPAN radio.  Got home and watched her on C-SPAN's Book TV.    

Continued the full day geek-out and watched Patricia Sullivan who wrote a book on the NAACP.   Both her and Gordon-Reed spent 10 years working on their books.  

After a nap, watched Gwen Ifill and Balz and Haynes Johnson who teamed to write their best-selling book on the 2008 Presidential election (wow, do you think race was a thread today?)  

Last and certainly not least were Ken Burns and his co-author Dayton Duncan.     This was my favorite listening, Burns talks with such passion and Duncan brought himself and some in the audience to tears.    

Baseball fans will be glad to know Burns said he’s working on a Baseball sequel, referring to it as the tenth inning.  

All in all, another great National Book Festival.    The weather did put a damper on things.   Of course, for book lovers, the falling leaves and temps are cozy companions we welcome, like this fun event, every autumn.

National Harbor Visit

Had a good time with Michael last night, the son of Roberta’s cousin from San Francisco.   The convention he’s attending is being held at National Harbor.   Not everybody in these parts likes National Harbor, but we’ve always had a good time there.   Last night was no exception.   The convention put on a great spread of food including Maryland blue crabs.  

Thanks for the invitation Michael, great to see you!

AA Giants Headed to Richmond

As expected, the Connecticut Defenders, affiliated with the Giants at the AA level since 2003, will transfer to Richmond, Virginia for the 2010 season.  The Defenders won the Eastern League Northern Division championship but experienced poor attendance.  The team, managed by ex-Giants catcher Steve Decker was 81 and 56, but attendance averaged 2,966. 

As I said in a previous note, I really feel for the Defender fans, especially since this was a great season for the team.    

News Channel 6 in Richmond has a video report.    Improvements will be made to The Diamond and fans can vote for the team nickname.    Ballpark Digest has their usual excellent reporting.  

The team can expect some knowledgeable and hungry fans.  The AAA Braves, who called Richmond home from 1965 to 2008, were dissatisfied with the old stadium and moved to Georgia.  

One Defender’s fan who will miss the team greatly is Greg Fogg of Uncasville, who has blogged the team since July 2005.  He answered these questions. 

I know it must be tough to see the Defenders departing?  What are your feelings?

I've gone thru all the stages of grieving by now.  The process of the team leaving has been pretty drawn out.  I made a conscious effort to go to as many games as possible this season (63 games in all) because I wanted to savor as much as possible.  In seasons past I went from anywhere from 35-45 games a year.  I'm upset that the Eastern League basically hijacked the franchise out of here.  I'm also upset that not enough people in this part of the state went to games to avoid this even happening. But I'm left with a ton of pictures that I took, great memories of players and friends made, and a couple of  blogs that covers, in fairly good detail, the life of the franchise since mid July of 2005.  So there's plenty to look back on.

Will you pull for them next year?

No, it's impossible for me to root for Richmond and I'll explain why.  I love minor league baseball and before Double A baseball came to this part of the state I'd go to New Britain, CT a couple of times a year and root for the Red Sox farm team there even though I'm a Yankee fan.  Why?  Because the team represented Connecticut.  When Double A baseball first came to Norwich, CT  to play at Dodd Stadium in 1995 the team was known as the Norwich Navigators, a New York Yankee farm team.  I'm a life long Yankee fan (I'm 54 years old) and this was a dream come true for me, to have future Yankees in my back yard almost plus rehab assignments etc.  However when the affiliation changed for the 2003 season and the parent club of the Navigators became the Giants I still rooted for the Navigators because they represented my region.  It did turn out to be a bonus that the Yankee farm team stayed in the Eastern League and I still saw plenty of future Yankees come through Dodd Stadium.

Will you blog them?

I won't blog the Richmond team.  My Connecticut Defenders blog will run at least thru Opening Day 2010.   I'll continue to post franchise news, player news and pictures daily in the meantime.  Come Opening day 2010 I'll make a decision about the future of the Defenders blog.  I'll follow some of the players for sure in 2010,  will go to New Britain when they play the RockCats and take a ton of pictures but that's about it in terms of the Richmond team.

How did you get started with blogging them?

I was editor of my high school paper many moons ago and around 2002 I got involved in digital photography.  The world of  blogging reveal itself to me in 2005 and blogging seemed like a good way of combining the two since I was going to a ton of games and always taking my camera along with me.  I meant it to be a mostly a mental exercise for myself.  Fans, players, player's families,  found it and the readership has grown and grown.

What prominent Giants players came through Norwich?

Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz, Main Cain, Brian Wilson, Travis Ishikawa to name a few.  But I'll always remember a bunch of other guys like Chris Curry, Jake Wald, Pat Misch (now with the Mets), Mike Cervenak who didn't go as far as that first group I mentioned.

Why did Norwich lose this team?

Not enough people came to the games, pure and simple.  There are plenty of factors that sportswriters and fans will list in addition to that: poor ballpark location, lack of population, the affiliation with a west coast team, the loss of the Yankees, a history of losing teams at Dodd since 2002 until this past season, poor front office marketing, an absent owner, poor media coverage, the weather in April and May and a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting.  And each of those reasons have familiar arguing points both pro and cons.  But if everyone around here went to one or two games a season this day would not have happened.

What are the prospects for Dodd Stadium and baseball next year and beyond?

Hopefully a short season New York-Penn League team sets up shop in 2010 and the region gets a chance to redeem itself.  There is also talk of a college summer league also playing at Dodd in 2010. I'll be blogging the short season team and rooting for them, whoever they are, that's for sure!

 

Capitol Hill Tree Walk

I forget the when and where, but someone once described a scene as taking place in a “leafy neighborhood in Washington, DC.” 

Yea, like that narrows it down.

Yes, it’s well-known here, at least, that a great number of our neighborhoods have lots of trees.  Lesser known, is that one of the places with a great variety of trees is Capitol Hill.   

I can say that now, having taken a Tree Walk yesterday morning, put on by Cultural Tourism DC.  On another splendid day, about 20 of us met at the Capitol South Metro stop.    Carol Herwig of Casey Trees took us along quiet streets, as well as stops at Folger and Garfield Park.   We saw trees I’m familiar with such as elms, maples, sycamores, cedars and oaks, as well as ones I didn’t know about such as yellowoods, hackberrys, and ginkos.   28 different kinds in all, with excellent guiding by Herwig.  

The tour lasts for about two hours, with an option to break off at the one and a half hour mark.    The Cultural Tourism DC tours are free, and they accept donations.

  

 

River East

As a resident of Ward 8 I am tired of Ward 8 being the backyard or the spare closet of the District of Columbia… What we want (and thank goodness it is happening) is more diversity. Diversity in terms of race, socioeconomic standing, jobs, dining, shopping, etc.  Ward 8 is a community of residents with hopes and dreams -not a social experiment. – Nikki Peele, Author, Congress Heights On The Rise

In Washington DC, at places like RFK Stadium and Nationals Park, millions of non-residents have set foot in the Southeast part of the District, where the overwhelming majority are African-American.    A smaller percentage, however, have ventured across the river to the historic neighborhood of Anacostia or nearby ones like Congress Heights.

Slowly, things are changing, as this part of the District is finally beginning to see some redevelopment come their way.   The biggest and most recent example is the ground that was broken last week for the new Department of Homeland Security HQs, which will rise on the campus of St Elizabeth’s Hospital. 

Bloggers are also bringing a lot of attention to the area.  Three were spotlighted on The Kojo Nnamdi Show several weeks ago.   David Garber’s story is particularly compelling.  Described by City Paper as “one of Anacostia’s few white guys,” he moved there in 2007 after growing up in the suburbs of Northern Virginia.   A pioneer of sorts, Garber has organized events in the community.   His blog (And Now Anacostia) has documented life there and has served as a rich source of information. 

Curious to see first-hand what I’ve been reading and hearing about, I decided to pay this area a visit yesterday morning.    Departing from our Alexandria home, I crossed the Potomac on the new Wilson Bridge, then zipped along a mostly empty I-295 North.  I’d taken this route before on my way to parts north, but for the first time, when I saw the sign for Malcolm X Avenue, I took that exit.

It’s never easy talking about race, but that was somewhat on my mind as minutes later my car stopped at the light to make the left on to Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.    Seeing this black world, I employed a technique to deal with my prejudices.   When a stereotyped, heuristic-driven thought ignites prejudice and fear, I say to myself, those thoughts are wrong.   

At the bottom of the hill, as Martin Luther King Jr Blvd approaches Good Hope Road, I drove past a fascinating scene.   One new building there signals the change that is coming to Anacostia.   Other older ones reminded me of what I had seen in developing countries.   And all this within walking distance of our white-domed Capitol where billions in spending are set forth each year. 

Waiting for the signal that was obviously not timed for the slower weekend traffic, I then took a right on to Good Hope Road.  On the sidewalks, local citizens exchanged smiles and pleasantries, perhaps noting how beautiful the day had begun.   At the next light a short distance away, I turned right on to 14^th Street.  

I was getting excited now.   Ahead lay houses and a firehouse, and my destination up on the top of the hill.  Reaching W street I turned left and there it was, Cedar Hill, the home of Frederick Douglass (National Historic Site).    I had read about the dramatic view of the city from there, and when I took it in, I scolded myself.   Almost 15 years we’ve been here in Washington, and only now was I standing where one of our greatest citizens helped guide the course of our country in its most difficult times. 

Anacostia has a rich history, including being the first suburb of the city, periods when it thrived, and the intense pride residents have felt for Douglass, who called Cedar Hill home for his last eighteen years. If you do anything in this area, visit this place.  It has a visitor’s center on W Street that includes a gift shop with books.

The guided tour was excellent and we were allowed to take photos.   Walking the grounds afterwards, I met a group of bikers who were taking Cultural DC’s tour of Anacostia.     I felt a tinge of jealousy because that’s got to be the best way to see it, provided you can handle the hill work.    If you drive, be aware that slowing down on the major streets to gaze is a tricky adventure.   Try to stay in the right hand land and be aware that a slow driver is a nuisance.    Having said that, Saturday morning seems best.

In their book, The Guide to Black Washington, authors Sandra Fitzpatrick and Maria Goodwin write:

Anacostia is frequently referred to as the city’s forgotten neighborhood.  Construction of the long-awaited Metro Green Line subway will, it is hope, bring the economic development to transform Anacostia into a thriving neighborhood.

They made that observation 20 years ago.   It’s good to see that this part of our area is poised to see some needed change.

      

Will Washington Be "Dan Browned"?

“Washington may never be the same again.” 

Those words were spoken by NBC Evening News anchor Brian Williams Tuesday night, part of the media coverage of Dan Brown’s new book The Lost Symbol.    Personally, I’m more interested in John Brown than Dan Brown, but hey, sales of Brown’s new book will be counted in the millions. 

Earlier this week I was prepared to simply ignore the book's pre-release hype, but last week the Washington Post went and plastered page one of their Style section with two juicy pieces on the way the nation’s capital is about the get “Dan Browned.”    That is to say, docents can expect to be asked questions about the book, presumably annoying the other tourists who could care less.

Hyperbolic, fear-based reporting it was, although tongue-in-cheek too. Destination DC and others here have embraced the excitement, offering specialized tours.   My interest perked up because one of the sites in his new book is the George Washington Masonic National Monument.   In every city, there’s always that one spot the locals never or rarely go to.    I’ve always felt that this place high on the hill above Old Town fits the bill.   We live just minutes away, have passed by it countless times, but only once did we go there, a brief little thing I hardly remember.

Anyway, I have to admit I've been caught up in Brownmania.   In addition to every thing else, I recalled my Dad being proud to be a Mason.  So on Tuesday morning I snuck over to George’s Tower on the west side of Old Town.    I took a quick, self-guided tour that covers just the first two floors.   

The guided tours cover it all and start at 10 am.   If you go, it’s very convenient to Metro, as you can see in the photo I took.   They also have parking in the back.   Free admission and a great view from up there.

I’m not a conspiracy theory type, but I did find it interesting that on Tuesday, which was release day for TLS, we had some interesting weather.   As you can see from my photo, clear blue skies prevailed over the nation’s capital in the morning.    But by afternoon, clouds moved in, and we’ve been in a cloudy and rainy pattern all week.   

A coincidence I’m sure, but could someone check and see if Brown has been visiting NOAA?

 

New Monroe Avenue Bridge

“When are they ever going to finish this bridge?” 

That’s the question thousands of commuters have been asking in Alexandria these last few months.   The new Monroe Avenue Bridge on Route One between Old Town and Potomac Yard actually went up pretty fast, and has improved that small portion of the daily slog a bit.   The two sharp curves are gone, replaced by a straight shot.   The new span also sports a pedestrian/bicycle sidewalk.   

The finishing touches, however, lagged behind.   Northbound, only two out of three lanes were open, and access to Monroe Avenue remained unfinished.  

All’s well that ends well though.   Last week that third lane Northbound opened up and motorists regained access to Monroe Ave.   The third lane actually becomes a turn lane only that loops around to the right, goes under the bridge and connects to Monroe Avenue.  

For heavy-footed commuters with eyeballs on the horizon all this is probably not a big deal.   And the old way of getting to and from Monroe Avenue was quicker.   But northbound traffic will flow better if those turning left and headed for Del Ray use this new pattern or the dedicated turn lane at Howell.   

The other aspect of the new bridge is related to the development at Potomac Yard. At least one piece of new real estate is ready to open its doors.   The large red building you see in the third photo is The Station at Potomac Yard, a unique combination of fire house and affordable housing.    I talked to some firemen who said the firehouse is supposed to open up in a couple of weeks. 

There’s also an interesting historical footnote to this area.   Back in the late 80s, the late Jack Kent Cooke, owner of the Redskins, wanted to build a new stadium for his team at Potomac Yards.    Cooke strutted in to the meeting, convinced things would go his way.  

If you’ll pardon two awful puns, the City of Alexandria straightened the magnate out, and sent him out on a rail...

Statistical Databases and Websites

Searching for baseball statistics used to mean heavy lifting for baseball fans.   Ten-pound behemoths like Total Baseball and STATS All-Time Baseball Sourcebook are now collecting dust on their shelves while the information seamheads crave is a click and query away.  But even with blogrolls and google, it’s not easy for some to know if they have all the right sites.   

Enter workhorse Tom Ruane, who has put together such a list at Retrosheet. This effort is part of a larger one by SABR to update their wonderful 2000 publication, How to Do Baseball Research. 

In the chapter Using the Computer For Baseball Research, Ted Hathaway offers up some good advice on Internet Realities:

“The tools and resources currently available are enormous; what comes later may even be more wondrous.”

Indeed.

 

Arts on Foot

If you believe that Washington is the best place to be right now (we do!, we do!), and that the Penn Quarter is the area’s best neighborhood (we do!, we do!), and that fall is the best season (we do!, we do!), and that a free arts festival is the best way to usher in those autumn feelings (we do!, we do!), then you just had to go to Arts on Foot, Washington’s 17^th annual celebration of the arts (we did!, we did!).   

We got surprised by the Tea Party crowds, but hey, this is the good ol USA and they were exercising their right to shout it out loud.   Three streets to the north of Pennsylvania Avenue, all was calm for the street festival, set up in the shadows of the Verizon Center and the National Portrait Gallery.  Actually, there were no shadows, as the exit clouds lingered.   

We enjoyed some really tasty food being offered by local restaurants such as Rasika, 701 and Marvin, and while Roberta shopped, I pulled up a hubby chair and listened to the lovely sounds of The Sweater Set.   This pop/folk duo, who are DC natives, kept me in my seat longer than I thought I would with their sweet melodies. 

Thank you ladies, thank you chefs, and thank you DC.

Tye on Paige

Last night, author Larry Tye spoke at the National Museum of American History.  His book on Satchel Paige has been well-received by the critics and has spent weeks at Amazon’s Top Five baseball history books.

Wil Haygood, Washington Post columnist and author of several books, introduced Tye before the two sat down for a question and answer session (Fans of Sugar Ray Robinson will be pleased to know Haygood’s book on him will be out in October).   Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, was scheduled to appear.   Esther Washington, Director of the NMAAHC, said he was not able to attend due to being under the weather.

The event was held at the Carmichael Auditorium, just inside the building on the Constitution Avenue side.  At one point, Larry Bland, a Washingtonian who played for the Indianapolis Clowns, stood up and pleasantly surprised the audience of about 50 people.   He introduced himself and spoke briefly about getting a hit off Paige.  Bland also said he wanted to sign with the Giants in 1951, but ended up in the Army.  

One of Haygood’s questions stood out as being very important. The truth for Satchel Paige was like clay.  He molded it in many ways.   This myth versus fact problem created a huge obstacle for Tye.   His book is the best explanation, but his short answer was Paige probably did 80% of the things he said he did.

One of the most compelling things Tye said about his subject was the way he paved the way for Jackie Robinson. The newspapers gave scant coverage of the Negro Leagues, but Paige drew in the reporters and photographers.    On this subject, Tye is quoted as saying:

“This is the first book to really come out and say that it was on his shoulders that Jackie Robinson stood, and if Jackie was the father of the integration of baseball, then Satchel was most certainly the grandfather.”

The author, who calls Boston home and who displayed a sense of humor throughout, also discussed why he wrote the book.  When he was researching his previous book on Pullman Porters, a lot of them told him that Paige was one of the most interesting persons to ride the train.  Also, when Tye was young and a fan sitting in Fenway Park, his father and other older fans would talk about how great Paige was. But when Tye pressed for details, none were forthcoming.

On my way back to the metro at L’Enfant Plaza, I walked along the dimly-lit Mall with the Capitol in front of me.   I wondered what Satchel Paige would think of this night.  He had come to Washington in ’42 and electrified the huge crowds at Griffith Stadium.   Black pride swelled and the Washington Post actually covered the games.  One photo shows a huge throng trying to get into the ballpark to see Paige and Josh Gibson, and the famed Monarchs and Grays.

Satchel Paige is a baseball story, but it is also a story about America.  Next year ground will be broken beside the National Museum of American History for the new National Museum of African American History that is slated to open its doors in 2015.   This legendary pitcher deserves a special spot there.   Sure, there’s been some tall tales, but that’s just the residue of greatness.