Author Archives: danielshankcruz

The Baseball Hall of Fame’s New Ballot Eligibility Rule

The Baseball Hall of Fame announced today that candidates for election will only be allowed to stay on the ballot for ten years rather than fifteen. Three players who have already been on the ballot for more than ten years (Here they are, along with my opinion on whether or not they should be elected:Continue reading “The Baseball Hall of Fame’s New Ballot Eligibility Rule”

Magazine Acquired Recently: Baseball Cards, April 1990

My favorite hobby as a boy was collecting baseball cards, and in my infinite nerdiness–present even then–my first-ever magazine subscription was in 1990 to the now-defunct Baseball Cards magazine. I have been unable to ascertain when Baseball Cards stopped publication, though a safe guess is that the major mid-1990s sports card market crash caused itsContinue reading “Magazine Acquired Recently: Baseball Cards, April 1990”

The All-Star Game and Baseball Fandom

The All-Star Game is tomorrow in Minnesota. I have loved this game since I became a baseball fan, and still try to watch it every year. Honestly, I make more of an effort to watch it than to watch the World Series some years, depending on who is playing. I love the pageantry of theContinue reading “The All-Star Game and Baseball Fandom”

Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions

The 2014 World Cup came to a close today with Germany beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. The final was fairly exciting despite the scoreline with each team having a number of good chances go untaken. It was the same score as the 2010 final, but a much better match. Although the match today wasContinue reading “Brazil 2014: Germany Worthy Champions”

Book Acquired Recently: Roger Bernard Smith’s did music die

Smith, Roger Bernard. did music die. Denver: Tiger’s Eye, 2014. I just bought this book at the Tramontane Cafe in Utica. Smith is an acquaintance of mine who reads regularly at the Tram’s Thursday night open mic poetry readings. It is always a pleasure to buy a book by someone you know! I haven’t beenContinue reading “Book Acquired Recently: Roger Bernard Smith’s did music die”

Reflections on the Exciting 2014 World Cup Group Stage

Today is the first off day of the 2014 World Cup as the survivors of the group stage prepare to begin the round of 16 tomorrow. To be honest, I do not mind having a day off from watching matches because this tournament has been intense! There have been unexpected results and goals galore. NearlyContinue reading “Reflections on the Exciting 2014 World Cup Group Stage”

Books Acquired Recently: World Cup Edition

As a long-time soccer fan, I am currently experiencing a major bout of World Cup fever, and the only prescription… is more soccer books! Davies, Pete. All Played Out: The Full Story of Italia ’90. 1990. London: Mandarin, 1991. As I mentioned in a recent post, I have a lot of nostalgia for the 1990Continue reading “Books Acquired Recently: World Cup Edition”

U.S.A. 2 Portugal 2: Another Crazy Day in the Group of Death

The U.S. drew Portugal 2-2 in Manaus, Brazil this evening, with Portugal getting a (beautiful, it must be said) goal in the 95th minute to keep the U.S. from advancing to the second round with one match to play in the group stage. It was yet another thrilling, high-scoring match in an incredibly exciting WorldContinue reading “U.S.A. 2 Portugal 2: Another Crazy Day in the Group of Death”

The Uni Watch Fifteenth Anniversary Party

Last Tuesday I went down to New York City for Uni Watch’s fifteenth anniversary party. I’ve written here before about how I love Uni Watch because of its attention to the tiny details of material culture, thus it was exciting to meet its creator, Paul Lukas, and some fellow fans. I have always wanted toContinue reading “The Uni Watch Fifteenth Anniversary Party”