Spring training, fallback plans
March roared in like a lion but before long it'll give way to warm weather and the sweetest thing of all: possibility
If you’ve known me for a while, you’ve probably been out with me in some real-world situation that involves a line and heard me say “Dave doesn’t do lines” — and I generally don’t. Sure, if I have a ticket to a game or a concert and I have to stand in line while everyone passes the security check or navigates a bottleneck I’ll wait and do so patiently, but if I’m interested in procuring a table at a restaurant and I’m asked to wait more than 90 seconds, I’m out of there.
Waiting is hard and if I don’t absolutely have to do it I generally don’t.
The COVID-19 pandemic stunned and then stopped the world, and we’ve all been playing the waiting game for about year. Yes, there are some signs that life will return to normal (“normal”) within the next twelve months (or so), but I don’t think any of us knows what normal is anymore. It’s hard to be a person at the best of times, and these are not the best of times, but it’s important to remember that the best of times never feel like The Best of Times™ when you’re in them because joy is meant to be experienced. Accurate documentation is for the statisticians, so let’s all silently thank them for relieving us of the burden and move on, because there are games to watch and storylines to watch unfold.
Hold on.
— DJ
Answers from last week’s issue
A reminder: to properly answer last week’s questions, you were meant to add “while wearing the #23 jersey” to the end of each one.
Over a 17-year career, what former Montréal Canadien scored the most points of any NHL player?
Brian Bellows wore the #23 for his entire NHL career, scoring 1,022 points.
What former NL MVP has accumulated the most career WAR?
Ryne Sandberg has the most career WAR (both by the Fangraphs and Baseball Reference measures) among players wearing #23. “Ryno” was also Dave’s favourite player growing up, and he has a t-shirt bought at Cooperstown in 1991 to prove it.
What NBA player has collected the most rebounds?
Four-time All-Defensive Team member and 2006-07 DPOY Marcus Camby racked up 7,868 boards wearing #23 for 14 seasons of his 17-year career.
What running back has scored the most touchdowns (all types, not just rushing)?
The #23 is primarily used by defensive backs, but that didn’t stop Arian Foster from scoring 65 touchdowns (51 rushing, 14 receiving) in six seasons with the Houston Texans.
#quoimorant
What three outfielders were in the starting lineup for both the final Expos game played in Montréal in 2004 and the first Nationals game played in Washington in 2005?
Only two players have appeared in the Pro Bowl as a member of all the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, and Tennessee Titans. One is an offensive lineman and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; the other is a strong safety. Who are the players?
Who came off the bench for both the final Grizzlies game played in Vancouver and the first one played in Memphis? (Hint: he is also the joint record-holder for most NBA franchises played for.)
What goaltender led the Nordiques in wins during their final season in Québec, and during their first season in Denver?
#postscript
Many thanks to Ja Morant for being named his name and to you for being named your name, unless your name is Aron Baynes because for a brief moment, no respect was put on it. (If you’re reading this Aron, please learn to make your bunnies.)
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Until next week, be the Ezequiel Carrera you wish to see in the world — or at very least the Ezekiel 25:17 you wish to see in the world.
— DJ/JY