Mike O'Connell

Sometimes you read a book and think damn, I wish I’d written this first. That’s what I think with every line I read from my “new” book, Dan Schlossberg’s Baseball Bits. I say new because it was written in 2008, but most of the bits are from like the 1930s so it still plays. Basically just imagine a giant list of interesting things about baseball. And yeah, that’s it. It’s perfect.

The only trouble is, it takes me about 20 minutes to read each page, as I have to look up every little fact and take a deeper dive into the stats and circumstances. Invariably it leads down a weird rabbit hole (is there any other kind?) and I find myself investigating airspeed velocities of unladen swallows or some such thing.

So yeah, it’s just about perfect.

But damn I wish I thought to write it first.

At times I play the role of baseball purist, insisting that novelties such as “wild cards” and “divisional playoffs” and “designated hitters” are mere dumbshows and noise.

Then there are days like today, where the MLB playoff slate rivals March Madness, and I cannot help thinking, yeah, this is pretty damn great.

And tell that old codger to stay off my lawn.

Have you ever wondered about the most popular Halloween candy in the state of Utah?

Today on Math and Musings Franklin and I try to outdo each other with some weird but true Halloween facts.

I’d listen, because you never know when these things are going to come in handy.

My hometown NFL team (that would be the Washington Commanders) were absolutely commanding yesterday and are now in sole possession of first place in the NFC East.

In baseball, the National League has an interesting two-games-in-one-day “playoff” this afternoon before the actual playoffs begin later this week. Delicious.

But the real story today is from Dublin, Ohio, home of The Wendy’s Company, makers of the iconic Frosty dessert.

According to wild Internet rumors, Wendy’s soon may have another in its arsenal of chilled perfection.

Pineapple, anyone?

Like anything on the Internet, these things aren’t always a guarantee, but I’m already the guy checking the Wendy’s app every day to see whether Pineapple Frosty has been added to the menu.

Supposedly a collaboration with the folks at SpongeBob SquarePants (now 25 years old), it sounds more like a Dole Whip knockoff, but hey, Wendy’s is seven for seven on Frosties so far and I’m willing to bet eight will be great.

I’ve already got my heart set on it.

No more mikeoconnelljr.com curse, no more primetime curse, no more curses cast by those deeming their name offensive… my hometown NFL team (that would be the Washington Commanders) have won two straight and are tied atop the NFL East.

Pardon my jumping the gun on this excitement, but D.C. sports fans haven’t had much to cheer about recently and I’m willing to hang onto anything I can.

And enjoy it while it lasts.