Manny Ramirez: When News Isn’t News

by James Finn Garner

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Erstwhile Dodger savior Manny:
Did we doubt it’d come out like this?
If a story leaked you were a tranny,
The world would maybe feel amiss.

Our revulsion might yet arise
If cameras caught you fondling grannies,
But frankly it’s no big surprise
That juicing’s Manny being Manny.

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Posted 5/11/09

The Wings of the Bird

by James Finn Garner

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Every kid thinks that he
Could mow down the heart of the Yankees order
If given the chance,
And someday everybody gets that chance,

And it’s good luck to talk to the ball,
And cheers are love that never dies,
And the world would love you if you showed them who you really are,
And magic can happen at any time.

That kid never dies.
That kid was the Bird.

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In memory of Mark Fidrych (1954-2009)

Posted 4/15/09

Phillies Postgame

By Stuart Shea

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There will be no wrapup.
There will be no highlights.

There will be no lamplights or postgame beers;
After 39 years
The Phillies have laryngitis.

Does God give us life to spite us?

Or is it stupid to hold to our fear
Of eternal nothingness?

If even a voice like Harry’s can be silenced in the great hall of life and death,
Then what’s the use of taking another breath?

In memory of Harry Kalas (1936-2009)

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Posted 4/14/09.

God Talks to Detroit

by James Finn Garner

For all the times you’ve prayed to me,
Beseeching for a victory–
“Let him strike out,” “We need this hit” –
And clogged my in-box with this stuff,

You choose to hold Opening Day—
Praise be to me—on Good Friday?
People, watch you don’t make me mad,
Or the Tiges will get what the Lions had.

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Posted 4/9/09.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST 2009 HAIKU FORECASTS

By Stuart Shea

ANGELS
Without its K-Rod,
Sun-dappled Orange County
Prepares for a fight.

ATHLETICS
Green-and-gold adorned
Athletes play in stadia
Named for software.

RANGERS
In football country,
The titans of summer’s game
Proceed unnoticed.

MARINERS
Tho Junior returns,
Creaky knees and failing sight,
The M’s will blow chunks.

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Posted 4/3/09