Okay, so this isn't actually Fenway Park's "Green Monster," but since a cursory Google search didn't turn up a decent shot of the fabled wall in its 70s splendor, I decided to go with Lou Ferrigno in his star turn as the Incredible Hulk — another green monster I was quite intrigued by in those days.
Anyway, the Green Monster comes to mind because this week's "High and Tight" — the weekly baseball column I write for Rolling Stone Online — deals with outfield walls and ballpark dimensions, which have become a hot subject of debate in recent years. Five out of the 13 ballparks that have opened since 2000 have undergone some sort of alteration to the height or distance of their outfield walls, and now fans and players alike are bemoaning the hitter-unfriendliness of the new Marlins Park. So this week, I ask my esteemed panel of rock n' roll seamheads (including Scott Ian, Steve Earle, Ben Gibbard, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Tom Morello and the Baseball Project dudes): Should all ballparks be made hitter-friendly, or more uniform? Or should each park have a different layout — and maybe some different quirks to go with it? Click HERE to find out what they have say...
In other news, the paperback edition of Big Hair & Plastic Grass is still coming out on June 5, and will still make an excellent Father's Day gift, hint hint. And if you're gonna be in NYC on Tuesday, June 12, don't forget to swing by my paperback-release celebration at Manitoba's Bar in the East Village. The shindig (which, not entirely coincidentally, takes place on the 42nd anniversary of Dock Ellis' LSD-assisted no-hitter) will run from 6:30-9 pm. I will be reading from the book and signing copies (Booked By Harriet will be selling copies at the bar), and the legendary Handsome Dick Manitoba himself will be MC-ing and hosting the proceedings. While I can't promise that I will be tripping on acid, I can guarantee a good time for all, including 70s jams (courtesy of DJ Mr. Tim), "dirty water dogs," peanuts, crackerjacks, popcorn, and of course liquid refreshments. (The latter of which you'll haveta pay for, but hey — this ain't some expensive yuppie joint!)
The event itself is FREE, so long as you're of legal drinking age and can prove it accordingly. Come on out and let's celebrate the funky glories of 70s baseball... or Hulk will smash!
great man :D
Posted by: bedroom furniture | July 28, 2013 at 07:03 PM