I am really enjoying these additional tidbits about TCBN and agree with Paul - the visiting Japanese chefs in the crowd may top the list (do the Japanese have an expression for "take the cake"?). As I wrote and researched Ten Cent Beer Night, I loved hearing about various groups in the crowd - one Indians employee - Randy Adamack, who would go on to have a very long career with the Mariners - was there that night as a fan. He recounted how there was a group of nuns in front of him and they were (predictably) horrified as the game went on. Also, while I was in Cleveland last week promoting the book, it was a treat to have some guys come up to me and tell me they were there and add some memories. One told me that he was there with a group that I thought might no longer be around. They were "Indian Guides," a '70s program that was sort of like the Boy Scouts sponsored by YMCAs. First, it turns out the program is still around but now called Adventure Guides. Second, back to June 4, 1974, this guy went to the game that evening with his Indian Guides group. They were, he said, seated in the upper deck and shortly after watching some guys pee off of the upper deck onto the fans below, the leader of the group decided it was time to lead the boys to an early exit. Thanks, Paul (and everyone adding their anecdotes).
All in all it starts to feel like how Mel Brooks would do a movie about baseball. Pan from the Benihana delegation, past the nuns, and the Indian Guides (which I actually remember from my own youth, though I was not a member) and onto the nudist marathon in the outfield. It certainly seems like one of the fruitful interview questions for people who were there that night is: "When did you decide to leave, and why?"
I know Stroh’s was a Detroit beer, but in our Chicago household, Stroh’s was the relatively inexpensive beer of choice. And, I remember the jingle well.
That jingle was a nightmare. I heard it just the one time I played that video and I think it's in there forever. Somebody didn't get paid enough for coming up with that.
Loved reading all of these personal accounts. I had forgotten about how often people would streak at certain events back in the early 70’s. I don’t think anyone has that kind of ‘courage’ anymore. But they don’t have TCBN anymore,ha!
If there was one thing I learned from "Rich" during the TCBN interview, it was how many naked people there were that night and how crazy it was to see something like that. He reminded me several times: "We did NOT have internet back then." At one point I described them like "a herd of gazelles" and everybody nodded vigorously. Those were the days!
I am really enjoying these additional tidbits about TCBN and agree with Paul - the visiting Japanese chefs in the crowd may top the list (do the Japanese have an expression for "take the cake"?). As I wrote and researched Ten Cent Beer Night, I loved hearing about various groups in the crowd - one Indians employee - Randy Adamack, who would go on to have a very long career with the Mariners - was there that night as a fan. He recounted how there was a group of nuns in front of him and they were (predictably) horrified as the game went on. Also, while I was in Cleveland last week promoting the book, it was a treat to have some guys come up to me and tell me they were there and add some memories. One told me that he was there with a group that I thought might no longer be around. They were "Indian Guides," a '70s program that was sort of like the Boy Scouts sponsored by YMCAs. First, it turns out the program is still around but now called Adventure Guides. Second, back to June 4, 1974, this guy went to the game that evening with his Indian Guides group. They were, he said, seated in the upper deck and shortly after watching some guys pee off of the upper deck onto the fans below, the leader of the group decided it was time to lead the boys to an early exit. Thanks, Paul (and everyone adding their anecdotes).
All in all it starts to feel like how Mel Brooks would do a movie about baseball. Pan from the Benihana delegation, past the nuns, and the Indian Guides (which I actually remember from my own youth, though I was not a member) and onto the nudist marathon in the outfield. It certainly seems like one of the fruitful interview questions for people who were there that night is: "When did you decide to leave, and why?"
Got some good starts here for the sequel, Scott!
Paul,
Thanks for giving me a reason to get out of bed on Mondays. In the spirit of things, I read your column in the nude. I'm 67, I avoided the mirrors.
It's going to take me a while, but somehow I'm going to figure out how to use this as a testimonial quote.
Please feel free.
I know Stroh’s was a Detroit beer, but in our Chicago household, Stroh’s was the relatively inexpensive beer of choice. And, I remember the jingle well.
That jingle was a nightmare. I heard it just the one time I played that video and I think it's in there forever. Somebody didn't get paid enough for coming up with that.
Loved reading all of these personal accounts. I had forgotten about how often people would streak at certain events back in the early 70’s. I don’t think anyone has that kind of ‘courage’ anymore. But they don’t have TCBN anymore,ha!
If there was one thing I learned from "Rich" during the TCBN interview, it was how many naked people there were that night and how crazy it was to see something like that. He reminded me several times: "We did NOT have internet back then." At one point I described them like "a herd of gazelles" and everybody nodded vigorously. Those were the days!