Classic American West Coast Boxing

[coach greg v]

Off to the doctor to check on my ticker . . . Have a great day guys.

> keep punchin champ I will keep u in my prayers

[Rick Farris]

Hmmmmm . . . let's see:

The Cardinals have won 10 world series. Not sure how many the Dodgers have won, but it's less than 10. We last won a world series in 2006. It's been at least 20 years since the Dodgers won one. Hmmm . . . I just checked the MLB standings: Cardinals are second in the NL Central with a 67-60 record, but the Dodgers are last in the NL West with a 57-69 record . . . Hmmm . . . Cardinals are 3-1 over LA this year.

Let's see, the Rams went to the Super Bowl twice for St. Louis; didn't ever make it for LA . . .

You're right! Bunch of losers out here . . .

Since we must dig deep into the archives to find something exciting about St. Louis sports, let's not forget that Henry Armstrong hailed from St. Louis.
He was known as Melody Jackson back then.
Once he came west, he found fame and fortune in Los Angeles.
This is where he chose to live and die.
The LOS ANGELES Dodgers have existed since the late 50's. In the years since, who has won more World Series?
I don't know the answer, enlighten me?
And you might also tell me who produces more world class athletes over all, Southern Cal, or the entire state of Mo.?

The Dodgers were from Brooklyn. The combined Brooklyn and LA records don't beat the Cards record of accomplishment. But since you are the "what have you done for me lately" kind of guy . . . Cardinals last won a world series in 2006 and the Dodgers in . . . geez, I can't remember that far back . . .

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

[coach greg v]

Since we must dig deep into the archives to find something exciting about St. Louis sports, let's not forget that Henry Armstrong hailed from St. Louis.
He was known as Melody Jackson back then.
Once he came west, he found fame and fortune in Los Angeles.
This is where he chose to live and die.
The LOS ANGELES Dodgers have existed since the late 50's. In the years since, who has won more World Series?
I don't know the answer, enlighten me?
And you might also tell me who produces more world class athletes over all, Southern Cal, or the entire state of Mo.?

The Dodgers were from Brooklyn. The combined Brooklyn and LA records don't beat the Cards record of accomplishment. But since you are the "what have you done for me lately" kind of guy . . . Cardinals last won a world series in 2006 and the Dodgers in . . . geez, I can't remember that far back . . .

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

>rick by any chance did u see the hbo documentary on the dodgers one of the best on baseball and the times I have seen....

[Rick Farris]

The St. Louis Browns . . .

There was a time when the St. Louis baseball franchise was the St. Louis Browns, and when my mother was in high school they conducted their spring training camp in Burbank.

A few months back, I was talking with actor Clint Howard, who grew up with his older brother Ron in Burbank, just a few blocks from my grandparents home. Clint loves baseball, as does Ron, and he and I were discussing the recently torn down stadium on Olive, where we used to play ball as kids. That's where the Browns practiced, held spring training. Just a few miles from Jeffries Barn, which was the West Coast's premiere amateur boxing venue under the Martels, Art & Babe.

Thought I'd trade the bullsh*t for a little history.

[coach greg v]

The St. Louis Browns . . .

There was a time when the St. Louis baseball franchise was the St. Louis Browns, and when my mother was in high school they conducted their spring training camp in Burbank.

A few months back, I was talking with actor Clint Howard, who grew up with his older brother Ron in Burbank, just a few blocks from my grandparents home. Clint loves baseball, as does Ron, and he and I were discussing the recently torn down stadium on Olive, where we used to play ball as kids. That's where the Browns practiced, held spring training. Just a few miles from Jeffries Barn, which was the West Coast's premiere amateur boxing venue under the Martels, Art & Babe.

Thought I'd trade the bullsh*t for a little history.

> don't forget rick a ton of championship fights were held up north in colma and daly city. some even in fairfax ca.

[Rick Farris]

The St. Louis Browns . . .

There was a time when the St. Louis baseball franchise was the St. Louis Browns, and when my mother was in high school they conducted their spring training camp in Burbank.

A few months back, I was talking with actor Clint Howard, who grew up with his older brother Ron in Burbank, just a few blocks from my grandparents home. Clint loves baseball, as does Ron, and he and I were discussing the recently torn down stadium on Olive, where we used to play ball as kids. That's where the Browns practiced, held spring training. Just a few miles from Jeffries Barn, which was the West Coast's premiere amateur boxing venue under the Martels, Art & Babe.

Thought I'd trade the bullsh*t for a little history.

> don't forget rick a ton of championship fights were held up north in colma and daly city. some even in fairfax ca.

Of course. Northern Cal has it's own history.

[coach greg v]

The St. Louis Browns . . .

There was a time when the St. Louis baseball franchise was the St. Louis Browns, and when my mother was in high school they conducted their spring training camp in Burbank.

A few months back, I was talking with actor Clint Howard, who grew up with his older brother Ron in Burbank, just a few blocks from my grandparents home. Clint loves baseball, as does Ron, and he and I were discussing the recently torn down stadium on Olive, where we used to play ball as kids. That's where the Browns practiced, held spring training. Just a few miles from Jeffries Barn, which was the West Coast's premiere amateur boxing venue under the Martels, Art & Babe.

Thought I'd trade the bullsh*t for a little history.

> don't forget rick a ton of championship fights were held up north in colma and daly city. some even in fairfax ca.

Of course. Northern Cal has it's own history.

. we used to have alot of good boxing writers up here ricky not a one today

[raylawpc]

Since we must dig deep into the archives to find something exciting about St. Louis sports, let's not forget that Henry Armstrong hailed from St. Louis.
He was known as Melody Jackson back then.
Once he came west, he found fame and fortune in Los Angeles.
This is where he chose to live and die.
The LOS ANGELES Dodgers have existed since the late 50's. In the years since, who has won more World Series?
I don't know the answer, enlighten me?
And you might also tell me who produces more world class athletes over all, Southern Cal, or the entire state of Mo.?

The Dodgers were from Brooklyn. The combined Brooklyn and LA records don't beat the Cards record of accomplishment. But since you are the "what have you done for me lately" kind of guy . . . Cardinals last won a world series in 2006 and the Dodgers in . . . geez, I can't remember that far back . . .

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

Since you're the "what have you done for me lately" guy, all I know and all that should matter is that you guys are mired in last place in your division and your stands are empty. St. Louis? Second in the central division, and with good crowds in the stands every night.

We are glad to have the Rams. With Sam Bradford and some additions to Rams personnel obtained in the off-season, things are looking up.

[raylawpc]

Off to the doctor to check on my ticker . . . Have a great day guys.

> keep punchin champ I will keep u in my prayers

No worries. Just before you joined our little crew here, I had a stent put in one of my coronary arteries. I am doing fine, and this was just a check-up. But thanks for your kind thoughts . . .

[raylawpc]

The St. Louis Browns . . .

There was a time when the St. Louis baseball franchise was the St. Louis Browns, and when my mother was in high school they conducted their spring training camp in Burbank.

A few months back, I was talking with actor Clint Howard, who grew up with his older brother Ron in Burbank, just a few blocks from my grandparents home. Clint loves baseball, as does Ron, and he and I were discussing the recently torn down stadium on Olive, where we used to play ball as kids. That's where the Browns practiced, held spring training. Just a few miles from Jeffries Barn, which was the West Coast's premiere amateur boxing venue under the Martels, Art & Babe.

Thought I'd trade the bullsh*t for a little history.

I'm told by St. Louis old timers that the Cardinals were always the most popular team of the two. But, I wouldn't know of my own personal experience because I didn't move here until 1986 - about the last time the Dodgers won a world series, if memory serves.

[Panzerfaust]

The Dodgers were from Brooklyn. The combined Brooklyn and LA records don't beat the Cards record of accomplishment. But since you are the "what have you done for me lately" kind of guy . . . Cardinals last won a world series in 2006 and the Dodgers in . . . geez, I can't remember that far back . . .

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

Since you're the "what have you done for me lately" guy, all I know and all that should matter is that you guys are mired in last place in your division and your stands are empty. St. Louis? Second in the central division, and with good crowds in the stands every night.

We are glad to have the Rams. With Sam Bradford and some additions to Rams personnel obtained in the off-season, things are looking up.

Think ill have to cheer for Tom in this one... The Ram (s) just sound much cooler

[raylawpc]

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

Since you're the "what have you done for me lately" guy, all I know and all that should matter is that you guys are mired in last place in your division and your stands are empty. St. Louis? Second in the central division, and with good crowds in the stands every night.

We are glad to have the Rams. With Sam Bradford and some additions to Rams personnel obtained in the off-season, things are looking up.

Think ill have to cheer for Tom in this one... The Ram (s) just sound much cooler

I knew I'd have your support!!

[Rick Farris]

Since the first days of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 1958, they have won nine world championships.
During that same period, St. Louis has won six. That makes L.A.'s world series success 50% greater than St. Louis.
The St. Louis Cards date back to the 1800's.
Without the help of six decades worth of numbers accumulated before the L.A. Dodgers existence, the cards don't measure up to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nobody seems to miss football here, either. We have USC, which is usually on top when not mired in sanctions. The Bruins.
And of course, the Lakers. And who is better than Kobe?
There was a day when we were the boxing capitol of the world. We out hustled NY in the 70's.
Of course, boxing is dead here, along with the Dodgers this year, no pro football, we have the Kings and Ducks, but I'm a Chicago Black Hawks fan these days, thanks to Pug. But I love the Staples Center better than anything I have seen anywhere, arena wise.
And they are going to build a stadium soon in the same neighborhood, nothing official, but it will happen.
And hopefully we'll not get a team from America's heartland. They will just be disappointed when the learn that in LA, we don't need football. We have miles of beautiful beach, where you can surf early in the morning, before breakfast, and then go snow skiing before lunch at nearby mountain resorts. The true Angelinos, those who have been here for generations, are some of the finest people on earth, and solid.
The great thing about the motion picture industry is it has made it possible for me to travel and work around the country.
I've filmed in 37 different states thruout the country. This is what I have learned:

Every state in the Union has beautiful women, every major city, and most smaller cities as well.
However, we have a lot more here. Becasue in addition to all the home grown beauties, the most beautiful in the world come here for what we have to offer. Or what they hope we have to offer. When it gets right down to things, I really don't give a damn about sports as much as I do the easiness in which I can lay my eyes on some of God's most beautiful creations.
That's important!

[Rick Farris]

The Dodgers & Cards packed Dodger Stadium in 1963 . . .

With Koufax on the mound for L.A. and the great Stan Musiel in the outfield for the Cards, the fans turned out.
1963 was a great year for the Dodgers. They whipped the Yankees 4-0 in the world series.
But this was mid-summer when my dad brought home a couple Dodger tickets one night.
It was a night game, in the middle of the week and I recall the attendence was always posted on one of the outfield scoreboards.
On this night: 52,898. That was pretty close to a sell out. All these years, and I still recall that figure.
Seeing that brand new stadium (it was the Dodger's 2nd season at Chavez Ravine) lit up at night really impressed this 11-year-old.

[Rick Farris]

I know all about Brooklyn, I grew up with the Didgers.
But my question is, since the Dodgers have become an L.A. team, the only team we are talking about, how have they stack up against St. Louis in World Series titles? From the late 50's to present? And which team has generated the most money? Today the Dodgers are mired in controversy. It's all corporate BS today. But when the O'Malleys were in charge, the Dodger made more money than any team in baseball, and that includes the great NY Yankees. The St. Louis Cards are a great team, but do you really want to compare their accomplishments with the Los Angeles Dodgers? Who has had more success in the years since the Dodgers have been in L.A. not to mention who has generated the most money. Today the stands are empty, because some rich idiot and his wife have put the Dodgers in the middle of their divorce proceedings. The Dodgers aren't winning, so they get no support. Ironically, the first ball game I ever saw at Chavez Ravine was the Dodgers vs. Cards, in '63, when they had Musial. But we know the Dodgers will be back. Teams like the Rams, they couldn't make it in L.A. they are in the right place today.

Since you're the "what have you done for me lately" guy, all I know and all that should matter is that you guys are mired in last place in your division and your stands are empty. St. Louis? Second in the central division, and with good crowds in the stands every night.

We are glad to have the Rams. With Sam Bradford and some additions to Rams personnel obtained in the off-season, things are looking up.

Think ill have to cheer for Tom in this one... The Ram (s) just sound much cooler

They are definitly much "cooler" in St. Louis as is everything else. They are also big fish in a much smaller bowl.
Not as many distractions, that's for sure.

[CNorkusJr]

Boy, I wish I got in earlier on this one.

Bklyn Dodgers history-no other teams made World Series appearances like The Yanks & Dodgers did throughout the 1940's & 1950's. If you were a Yankees fan-you got any arguement beat by a mile, but the Dodgers wrapped up the National League solid during that time period. The only problem was that they came away from all those series as losers except one-1955.
Brooklynites had Brooklyn and Queens solid,Yankees the Bronx,The Giants had Manhattan and let the good times roll.
You could see the animosity that O'Malley brought to Bklyn feelings still to this date.
When the Giants left-Giant fans cried, but eventually went over to the Yankees.
But Dodger fans still hate OMalley with a passion even though he rolling over in a grave for years.To make matters worse, 2 years ago, there were several bars & Restaurants here in the New York area that in some form or another used "Ebbets Field" in their names, not "Dodgers",just Ebbets Field. LA Dodgers sued those small-time bars and rests. as they (LA Dodgers) owned the "Ebbets Field" property name. After a few months of legal posturing-LA Dodgers won, causing changes to the names.
Best advice for anyone visiting Bklyn these days-dont wear any LA Dodger shirts or hats !
Us Boxing Fans remember that the sport of Boxing in those days ran a close 2nd behind baseball in US sports interests then. Now football,then baseball ans all the rest and boxing coming up at the bottom behind water polo, I feel.

Tom, correct me if I'm wrong-didnt the St Louis Cardinals football team bail out on St.Louis awhile back to go to Arizona, thus opening a need for the Rams.
I will not argue that St Louis baseball is one of the biggest and most successful franchises in history,behind the Yanks.Stan The Man,still draws a standing room only crowd.

Rick, there is a Jets ticket here with your name on it whenever you wish to use it. !!!

[Rick Farris]

Since you're the "what have you done for me lately" guy, all I know and all that should matter is that you guys are mired in last place in your division and your stands are empty. St. Louis? Second in the central division, and with good crowds in the stands every night.

We are glad to have the Rams. With Sam Bradford and some additions to Rams personnel obtained in the off-season, things are looking up.

Think ill have to cheer for Tom in this one... The Ram (s) just sound much cooler

I knew I'd have your support!!

Remy, I think you just found yourself a manager!

[Rick Farris]

Boy, I wish I got in earlier on this one.

Bklyn Dodgers history-no other teams made World Series appearances like The Yanks & Dodgers did throughout the 1940's & 1950's. If you were a Yankees fan-you got any arguement beat by a mile, but the Dodgers wrapped up the National League solid during that time period. The only problem was that they came away from all those series as losers except one-1955.
Brooklynites had Brooklyn and Queens solid,Yankees the Bronx,The Giants had Manhattan and let the good times roll.
You could see the animosity that O'Malley brought to Bklyn feelings still to this date.
When the Giants left-Giant fans cried, but eventually went over to the Yankees.
But Dodger fans still hate OMalley with a passion even though he rolling over in a grave for years.To make matters worse, 2 years ago, there were several bars & Restaurants here in the New York area that in some form or another used "Ebbets Field" in their names, not "Dodgers",just Ebbets Field. LA Dodgers sued those small-time bars and rests. as they (LA Dodgers) owned the "Ebbets Field" property name. After a few months of legal posturing-LA Dodgers won, causing changes to the names.
Best advice for anyone visiting Bklyn these days-dont wear any LA Dodger shirts or hats !
Us Boxing Fans remember that the sport of Boxing in those days ran a close 2nd behind baseball in US sports interests then. Now football,then baseball ans all the rest and boxing coming up at the bottom behind water polo, I feel.

Tom, correct me if I'm wrong-didnt the St Louis Cardinals football team bail out on St.Louis awhile back to go to Arizona, thus opening a need for the Rams.
I will not argue that St Louis baseball is one of the biggest and most successful franchises in history,behind the Yanks.Stan The Man,still draws a standing room only crowd.

Rick, there is a Jets ticket here with your name on it whenever you wish to use it. !!!

[coach greg v]

Off to the doctor to check on my ticker . . . Have a great day guys.

> keep punchin champ I will keep u in my prayers

No worries. Just before you joined our little crew here, I had a stent put in one of my coronary arteries. I am doing fine, and this was just a check-up. But thanks for your kind thoughts . . .

>glad to hear you are fine and that I am accepted in the crew.... those feisty red headed bantamweights come out smokin lol

[CNorkusJr]

The Dodgers & Cards packed Dodger Stadium in 1963 . . .

With Koufax on the mound for L.A. and the great Stan Musiel in the outfield for the Cards, the fans turned out.
1963 was a great year for the Dodgers. They whipped the Yankees 4-0 in the world series.
But this was mid-summer when my dad brought home a couple Dodger tickets one night.
It was a night game, in the middle of the week and I recall the attendence was always posted on one of the outfield scoreboards.
On this night: 52,898. That was pretty close to a sell out. All these years, and I still recall that figure.
Seeing that brand new stadium (it was the Dodger's 2nd season at Chavez Ravine) lit up at night really impressed this 11-year-old.

Love this story Rick. I would think most boys have some kind of special feeling of going to their first ballgame. Emerging from the stadium entrance hallways to get that first glimpse of green sod of the ballfield.
My first game was a Mets vs Cubs game at Shea Stadium in 1967 my dad brought me to. Seeing Ernie Banks and Billy Williams hitting. But what was really memorable was a 1967 Mets game that my father brought me to by a local bar-bus.The Cherrywood Lounge where my father bowled on the pubs bowling team. All the men kept talking boxing with my dad,and all the men kept telling me on the bus was how great my father was to them as a boxer.I was 12 and didnt know much about my fathers boxing career back then.
I went to see my beloved Mets and we sat in box seats down the leftfield line just a row or two from one of my favorite players on the Mets-Tommy Davis,who the Mets just got from The Dodgers.
After that night, I started asking more questions about my fathers boxing career with him.

[coach greg v]

The Dodgers & Cards packed Dodger Stadium in 1963 . . .

With Koufax on the mound for L.A. and the great Stan Musiel in the outfield for the Cards, the fans turned out.
1963 was a great year for the Dodgers. They whipped the Yankees 4-0 in the world series.
But this was mid-summer when my dad brought home a couple Dodger tickets one night.
It was a night game, in the middle of the week and I recall the attendence was always posted on one of the outfield scoreboards.
On this night: 52,898. That was pretty close to a sell out. All these years, and I still recall that figure.
Seeing that brand new stadium (it was the Dodger's 2nd season at Chavez Ravine) lit up at night really impressed this 11-year-old.

Love this story Rick. I would think most boys have some kind of special feeling of going to their first ballgame. Emerging from the stadium entrance hallways to get that first glimpse of green sod of the ballfield.
My first game was a Mets vs Cubs game at Shea Stadium in 1967 my dad brought me to. Seeing Ernie Banks and Billy Williams hitting. But what was really memorable was a 1967 Mets game that my father brought me to by a local bar-bus.The Cherrywood Lounge where my father bowled on the pubs bowling team. All the men kept talking boxing with my dad,and all the men kept telling me on the bus was how great my father was to them as a boxer.I was 12 and didnt know much about my fathers boxing career back then.
I went to see my beloved Mets and we sat in box seats down the leftfield line just a row or two from one of my favorite players on the Mets-Tommy Davis,who the Mets just got from The Dodgers.
After that night, I started asking more questions about my fathers boxing career with him.

> My dad died when I was very young. I never had a dad to take me to games but my best friends dad did. He was like a dad to me. Everybody in my family kept saying where does he get his love of boxing. Maybe because i used to watch the friday night fights with my grandpa. It was not until before thanksgiving of last year that I met my stepbrother for the first time in my life. He is 10 years older than me. he told me what nobody else in my family did. that our dad had boxed golden gloves in the 30s and he was a nut on the fights.seeing a pic of dad in boxing stance brought tears to my eyes. I knew I got it from somewhere because when I young I mean really young. I wanted to try it. Finally my uncles took me to the boys club when I was 8. I guess my family realized they had to do something when i swiped a book called better boxing for boys. altho my mother was dead set against it.......you guys should always be grateful your dads took u places and did stuff with you......

[raylawpc]

Since the first days of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 1958, they have won nine world championships.
During that same period, St. Louis has won six. That makes L.A.'s world series success 50% greater than St. Louis.
The St. Louis Cards date back to the 1800's.
Without the help of six decades worth of numbers accumulated before the L.A. Dodgers existence, the cards don't measure up to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nobody seems to miss football here, either. We have USC, which is usually on top when not mired in sanctions. The Bruins.
And of course, the Lakers. And who is better than Kobe?
There was a day when we were the boxing capitol of the world. We out hustled NY in the 70's.
Of course, boxing is dead here, along with the Dodgers this year, no pro football, we have the Kings and Ducks, but I'm a Chicago Black Hawks fan these days, thanks to Pug. But I love the Staples Center better than anything I have seen anywhere, arena wise.
And they are going to build a stadium soon in the same neighborhood, nothing official, but it will happen.
And hopefully we'll not get a team from America's heartland. They will just be disappointed when the learn that in LA, we don't need football. We have miles of beautiful beach, where you can surf early in the morning, before breakfast, and then go snow skiing before lunch at nearby mountain resorts. The true Angelinos, those who have been here for generations, are some of the finest people on earth, and solid.
The great thing about the motion picture industry is it has made it possible for me to travel and work around the country.
I've filmed in 37 different states thruout the country. This is what I have learned:

Every state in the Union has beautiful women, every major city, and most smaller cities as well.
However, we have a lot more here. Becasue in addition to all the home grown beauties, the most beautiful in the world come here for what we have to offer. Or what they hope we have to offer. When it gets right down to things, I really don't give a damn about sports as much as I do the easiness in which I can lay my eyes on some of God's most beautiful creations.
That's important!

Every place has its advantages, and, in most cases, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I've visited all the contiguous 48 state except four (Vermont, Idaho, Ohio and Oregon), and I've liked something about all of them. I can't think of a single place that I've visited that I couldn't find something I liked. We live in a great country!

[raylawpc]

The Dodgers & Cards packed Dodger Stadium in 1963 . . .

With Koufax on the mound for L.A. and the great Stan Musiel in the outfield for the Cards, the fans turned out.
1963 was a great year for the Dodgers. They whipped the Yankees 4-0 in the world series.
But this was mid-summer when my dad brought home a couple Dodger tickets one night.
It was a night game, in the middle of the week and I recall the attendence was always posted on one of the outfield scoreboards.
On this night: 52,898. That was pretty close to a sell out. All these years, and I still recall that figure.
Seeing that brand new stadium (it was the Dodger's 2nd season at Chavez Ravine) lit up at night really impressed this 11-year-old.

Love this story Rick. I would think most boys have some kind of special feeling of going to their first ballgame. Emerging from the stadium entrance hallways to get that first glimpse of green sod of the ballfield.
My first game was a Mets vs Cubs game at Shea Stadium in 1967 my dad brought me to. Seeing Ernie Banks and Billy Williams hitting. But what was really memorable was a 1967 Mets game that my father brought me to by a local bar-bus.The Cherrywood Lounge where my father bowled on the pubs bowling team. All the men kept talking boxing with my dad,and all the men kept telling me on the bus was how great my father was to them as a boxer.I was 12 and didnt know much about my fathers boxing career back then.
I went to see my beloved Mets and we sat in box seats down the leftfield line just a row or two from one of my favorite players on the Mets-Tommy Davis,who the Mets just got from The Dodgers.
After that night, I started asking more questions about my fathers boxing career with him.

> My dad died when I was very young. I never had a dad to take me to games but my best friends dad did. He was like a dad to me. Everybody in my family kept saying where does he get his love of boxing. Maybe because i used to watch the friday night fights with my grandpa. It was not until before thanksgiving of last year that I met my stepbrother for the first time in my life. He is 10 years older than me. he told me what nobody else in my family did. that our dad had boxed golden gloves in the 30s and he was a nut on the fights.seeing a pic of dad in boxing stance brought tears to my eyes. I knew I got it from somewhere because when I young I mean really young. I wanted to try it. Finally my uncles took me to the boys club when I was 8. I guess my family realized they had to do something when i swiped a book called better boxing for boys. altho my mother was dead set against it.......you guys should always be grateful your dads took u places and did stuff with you......

I saw my first baseball game when I was ten-years-old. My dad and his uncle - my Great-Uncle Floyd - took me to see the Kansas City A's. I don't remember who they played, or who won, but I remember it was a day game and Uncle Floyd bought me a Kansas City A's baseball cap. And I remember we sat on the first base side. Dad and Uncle Floyd are both gone now - and I miss them both.

[raylawpc]

Tom, correct me if I'm wrong-didnt the St Louis Cardinals football team bail out on St.Louis awhile back to go to Arizona, thus opening a need for the Rams.

Yes, a long time ago - I think around the last time the Dodgers won a world series.

Everybody hated Bill Bidwell, the owner. And in those days, the football Cardinals shared Busch Stadium with the baseball Cardinals. In the 1980s, Bidwell began squawking about how he needed a state-of-the-art football stadium, or he'd leave St. Louis. The city fathers refused to pony up the money for the stadium, so he left. It wasn't about the money, it was about getting Bidwell out-of-town. Because as soon as he was gone, the city fathers began making plans to build a state-of-the-art football stadium to lure in an existing or new NFL franchise.

Again, I may be a little hazy on all the details because it was a long, long time ago. Like I said, it was around the last time the Dodgers won a world series.

[Rick Farris]

Beautiful . . .

Since we're talking beauty, I'm writing this from a a sound stage.
I can't discuss the project, on friday I signed a confidentiality agreement.
But I can tell you that I just lit the face of actress Rooney Mara.
Life is good!