Unless the Yankees make a miracle-run into the playoffs, today marks the last game between the greatest rivals in sport at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees host the Boston Red Sox for the final time in “the house that Ruth built.”

What a blunder by Major League Baseball.

The inaugural game at Yankee Stadium was played on April 18, 1923, with 74,200 fans in attendance. Appropriately, Babe Ruth hit the first home run at the Stadium – a 3-run shot in a Yankees 4-1 win. Their opponent? The Boston Red Sox.

So, tell me, why the hell are the Red Sox playing the Yankees for the final time at Yankee Stadium on August 28th – and the Yankees visit Fenway Park for the last series of the regular season in September? Does that make any sense?

Baseball is a game of tradition. History is supposed to play a major role in the sport. How did MLB screw this up so badly when it was obvious that closing Yankee Stadium as it began – with a Yankees-Red Sox match up, was apropos?

Sadly, it appears Yankee Stadium will see it last game on September 21, 2008 between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.

What was Major League Baseball thinking? They obviously weren’t.

Ni Hao!

It’s another late night in Beijing but, with my days numbered, let me give you a quick synopsis of the past few days.

It has been all about Volleyball the past few days. I’ve been able to sneak out to Chaoyang Park for Beach Volleyball and cheer on our favorite American teams. I don’t know if you saw me at the Walsh/May final…I was wearing a blue poncho. (I hope you know that is a joke, as there was a sea of pastel ponchos there). Unfortunately, it was pouring rain, but it didn’t dampen our sprits. It was a thrill to be there. To top it off, we went to the USA house to celebrate their win (a big frat-type party for US Athletes).

Today was the Men’s turn….they took the Beach Volleyball gold, too. We also struck an agreement with the team. If they signed 75 volleyballs, we’d pick up all their room incidental charges. Everything is negotiable these days!

Tonight I went to cheer on my beloved Men’s Water Polo team – and let me tell you, they look even better with their striped Speedos on than they did around the baggage carousel three weeks ago! It was a small venue compared to most of the others around town. There was a huge American crowd there going crazy - and we soundly beat the Serbian team, who were favored to win. U.S. is now in the running – and they came in ranked #9. Nobody wanted to leave after the game, as everyone was singing and taking pictures. Such an electric night. I have a great feeling that they will win the gold.

There was a ton of buzz around our hotel two days ago, as Michael Phelps checked-in. We had a private reception with him for our group! Every staff member of the Hilton came out of the woodwork. You would have thought it was the “2nd coming.” Phelps is a great kid…very gracious. It was nice to see.

As thrilling as it was to meet Phelps, we were all heartbroken to see Wallace Spearman Jr. get DQ’d in the 200 Meter final. He is sponsored by our client, and has been staying at our hotel along with his family. It makes the loss tougher when you actually know the person, but he is a great guy and I think we will see him again in four years.

The Lopez family and friends are all in our lounge celebrating their kids medals in Taekwondo. There is such joy and excitement in the air.

So with all I did today, I did find time to run across the street for a massage, and then got my neck adjusted (and my wrist) by the traveling Volleyball team doctor. It’s nice to know people.

Okay, I know this wasn’t my most clever, witty writing, but my bed is calling… it is 2 a.m.

Good night from Beijing,

Jan

During one’s life, the thought of mortality eventually hits home. It has happened to me a few times, but none more prevalent than on Tuesday, August 19th.  Interestingly, it was also my father’s birthday. I visited his grave sight that day, which heightened my emotions, but it was not what ignited them.

On Tuesday, August 19, Carl Yastrzemski was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital where he had triple by-pass surgery. Fortunately, reports state that the operation was a complete success – and Yaz rests comfortably.

I was 11 years-old when Yaz began his career with the Boston Red Sox in 1961. He took over guarding the Green Monster at Fenway Park from Red Sox icon Ted Williams, “the greatest hitter who ever lived.” While my Sox fanhood began in the mid 1950s, it was those early Yaz-years that I best remember, as my love for baseball took shape in the 60s.

Yaz wasn’t my favorite player. That distinction belonged to Tony Conigliaro, who joined the Sox in 1964. However, Yaz was the leader of the Sox – and it was he that should be credited with founding what today is called Red Sox Nation.

It was 1967, Boston’s “Impossible Dream” year. It forever changed the Red Sox organization. Yastrzemski had one of the great years in Major League Baseball history. He won the American League MVP and the Triple Crown. It was a season I will always remember. It was also the year we got our first color television! My brother and I talked my Dad into buying a color TV for the World Series – arguably the greatest World Series ever played.

So when thoughts of mortality hit, it isn’t always a bad thing. Thought of mortality is really remembrance of life. Yaz and baseball played a big role in my early years. It brought back some fond memories.

Be well Yaz

Ni Hao!

Beijing is finally getting the days they prayed for…sunny skies (mostly blue) and cool mornings and evenings.  I had such a bonus day yesterday as I was lucky to go back to the beach volleyball venue and watch Misty May and Kerri Walsh win again. Also, an angel from heaven made sure I got tickets to go see the Gold Medal matches at the Tennis Pavilion. I brought some work associates with me, and we had seats five rows up from the service line! I had the biggest, dopiest grin on my face all night. We watched the Russian ladies sweep the medals and, I hate to say it, but it was not the best tennis I’ve ever seen. Neither Dementiava nor Safina would come to the net to save their lives. I’m sure my idol and their former country woman, Martina Navratilova, was seriously disappointed too!

Without question, the highlight of the evening was watching Rafael Nadal and Fernando Hernandez. Watching Rafa play is a thing of beauty and, I must say, Fernando was easy on the eyes, too. It was a great match. I sat next to two Spanish girls who played field hockey. I was practicing my bad Spanish on them. We swapped pins, took pictures together, and were best friends by the end of the night.

Once again, the Americans were consuming plenty of $1.10 US beer. We had to buy two-at-a-time because the food and beverage outlets are so pathetic. Watching their operations is very painful – and is a lesson as to how inefficient a country can be when capitalism is not practiced.  Here’s what’s offered at every Olympic venue: Chips (barbequed), Presidential Noodles (Top Ramen with no hot water), Moon Pies (but they call them something else), Hot Dogs (on the menu, but have never seen one), cold sausage link (boy is that tempting), and Yili Ice cream. So, now do you know why beer is all we consume at these events.

Speaking of food…people keep asking me what we’re eating. I hate to disappoint you, but I am not eating fish heads or monkey brains. However, I do eat dumplings with my breakfast (sometimes). As I always say, “The Breakfast of Champions”.

Sorry, I strayed from the subject at hand…

This was my first time witnessing a medal ceremony. It was beautiful to watch, structured and formal as only the Chinese can do. The worker-bees take down the tennis net, roll out the red carpet, put up the threee flag poles, and bring in the podiums…like a well-oiled machine.  Next, the pretty ladies walk out in their “prom dresses” with medals and flowers on trays, followed by the athletes. The presenting and hanging of the flags in done by six military men attired in their dress whites and marching as they do in the Chinese Army. We watched the William sisters get presented their gold medals. It was pretty sweet. They held hands while the National Anthem was played.  And no, I did not watch them play, as I knew what the outcome would be and I did have to squeeze work into my day.

My Beijing bed is calling. Good night.
Jan

Ni Hao from Beijing,

I have been so remise in writing, but I have been so busy “living” these games that I don’t have much time to write about them.

I’ve been fortunate to attend quite a few Olympic events. You have to know, since I was a child, I dreamt of being in the Olympics, so to be part of this is such a thrill for me. There are no words. I was a swimmer in my former life – and these games have been on fire with swimming – and not just Michael Phelps.

We have current and former Olympians staying at our hotel. Last night, I had a great conversation with Lenny Krazelburg, who was a gold medal winner from the Athens games. Our hotel is also the hub for the men’s and women’s sand volleyballs teams. So, besides escorting my group to many of the events, I’ve made friends with the beach volleyball manager who keeps handing me tickets (and the venue is only 10 minutes from our hotel). Going to sand volleyball is a hoot… very intimate, great music playing between every point, bikini clad girls dancing in the sand during time outs, and lots of beer being consumed (it cost the equivalent of about $1.10 US). Needless to say, this venue is a favorite of the Americans and the Aussies!

Today I went to the National Stadium, better known as the Birds Nest. It was an absolutely stunning day in Beijing today with blue skies and a cool breeze. It was a freak- of-nature (kind of like Michael Phelps). Our group had access to a skybox suite, which was air-conditioned, catered, with free beer…pretty sweet.  However, for track and field events, we were way too far away from the field to enjoy it. So, I hate to admit it, but I spent most of my time in front of the TV. I first watched Misty May & Kerri Walsh play volleyball – then watched all the swimming medal events. It was great day for the Americans, so I would not walk away from that TV for all the tea in China.

Later, I did walk to the top of the Stadium to check out the view. It truly is an architectural wonder. It’s stunning from the inside and out.  It was hard to imagine the center of the track was where the amazing opening ceremonies had taken place. It now just looks like a big slab of turf.

I could go on and on, but once again I’m looking at only five hours of sleep.

I love hearing from all, so keep the fun replies a-comin’.

Hugs,
Jan

A few upcoming auctions to check out:

August 22… Inside the Park Collectibles
516-747-7932)

August 22… Collectible Classics
(724-446-3079)

August 27 & 28.Mastro
(630-472-1200

Bob McCann is currently having a sports sale (not auction). For more information you can call (610) 367-1827.

Recently, one of the T206 Honus Wagner Cards was auctioned for $1.62 million. It was not the Gretzky T206 card, but was one of the T206 cards in better condition.

For what its worth:
In a recent Harris Poll of 245 American adults conducted between June 9-16, Democrats favored the New York Yankees, Republicans the Atlanta Braves, and Independents the Boston Red Sox.

The FBI seems to be underway in a new fraud investigation “much bigger” than Operation Bullpen.

Stay tuned.

Jeff Figler

If there’s an industry with more passion than the Collectibles Industry let me know.

The National Sports Collectors Convention recently convened at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. It took place from July 29th to August 2nd.

Hall of Famers and super stars were everywhere. The Tri Star Autograph Pavilion saw plenty of action the entire show. There were appearances by several Super Bowl MVPs including: Joe Namath, Bart Starr, Randy White, John Riggins, Franco Harris, and Terry Bradshaw. Baseball Hall of Famers included: Rod Carew, Whitey Ford, Lou Brock, Bruce Sutter, Ralph Kiner, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, and Red Schoendienst. Other guests included hockey greats: Gordie Howe, Phil and Tony Esposito, and Chriss Chelios. And that’s just a sampling of great athletes in attendance.

With hundreds of booths on display, it was a collector’s heaven. From signed balls, bats, gloves, photos, and paintings – there was everything there a collector would enjoy perusing or buying. There were small, one-man/women booths to large dealers and auction houses such as: Upper Deck, Tri Star Productions, eTopps, Heritage Auction Galleries, and Sportsbuy.com, just to name a few. One of my favorite booths was Art of the Stars, a leader in sports artwork with some truly unique pieces.

I attended the convention to introduce HOFN.com’s new social-networking community, www.HOFcommunity.com. HOFcommunity will be dedicated to building a vibrant community of dealers, collectors, memorabilia aficionados, and those interested in the Hall of Fame Industry. It was well-received.

And, after attending The National Sports Collectors Convention, I’m convinced that we couldn’t have picked a more passionate industry to build an online community. Come join us!

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Jan Barranco-Grams is a well-traveled, professional business woman in the travel industry. She is currently on assignment at the Olympics in Beijing. Jan will post Blogs, “Bites from Beijing,” exclusively for HOFN.com that will keep us abreast of her fun lifestyle while in China during the 2008 Olympic Games.
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Our group had tickets to see men’s tennis play today. As a tennis player, I would have loved going, but it was my turn to hold down the fort, plus I had work to get done. Also, having gone to Opening Ceremonies plus Gymnastics, I was okay about staying back.

The irony is that it was Sunday morning when I traditionally go to the “Church of the Tennis Court” with my favorite tennis pals. So after the group left for tennis, my friend, Claire, asked if I wanted to join her at BICF – Beijing International Christian Fellowship Church. While a welcomed idea, it was difficult seeing the broken hearts of the Volleyball Team.

I’m trying to be “PC” and not talk politics or religion, but this was a wonderful experience that I have to share. As most of you must know, religious freedoms are squashed in China, so to attend church you must be a foreign national or an international visitor. You must present a passport to enter and go through security screening. This church was huge, more like a big multi-tiered theater. When we entered, there was a great band playing….none other than the Gatlin Brothers! They played a handful of songs, then the “house band” came on, who were equally wonderful. When the minister came out, he asked the audience to turn to their neighbors and introduce yourself. I met people from Hong Kong, Chicago, Singapore, and California. It truly was an international church – and a very comforting morning. I had a good cry, prayed for peace and healing, and I left with a lighter heart. I was where I was supposed to be this morning.

And, btw, tennis got rained out – and James Blake was scheduled to play. …So, all-in-all, I’m feeling a whole lot better now.

In the afternoon, we headed up to the Great Wall to prepare for our dinner at the old school house – and walked up The Wall to set up our party. We had previously worked out the details, with a timeline that was down to the minute. We had darling little girls who danced, plus men dancers who did the traditional Dragon Dance. Unfortunately, plans changed multiple times, as it continuously rained. However, it was still a great night!

Time for bed. As I predicted, once the games began, sleep and workouts would be minimal.

Wan An!
Jan

Have the Olympics passed the point of no return? Watching the opening ceremony resplendent with fireworks and a multi-million dollar production budget, I got to wondering about the point.

What exactly are the Olympics? The games are certainly are not the world wide celebration of amateur sport the Greeks envisioned when the Summer Games were reconstituted back in 1896 in Athens.

Do we really care about Kobe vs. Yao vs. Pau? Didn’t we just get a winter of that? Do we really need Sharapova playing for Russia when we’ve just had a summer of Wimbledon and look forward to Forrest Hills?

And now, the talk is about golf becoming an Olympic sport in eight years – as if we already don’t know who the best golfer in the world will be in 2016. And as for Olympic soccer, the teams consist of professional players younger than 23, except each team can have two players older than 23.

That’s how 36-year-old Brian McBride found his way on to the US Men’s Olympic Soccer Team. In women’s soccer, however, teams such as those from the US were allowed by rule to send its full professional women’s national team, not that you could tell in our 2-0 opening round loss vs. Norway.

Anyway, what’s the point? Why are we talking about tennis, soccer, golf, basketball or baseball? Things change, I get that, but I liked it better when the Olympics were more about nationalism than commercialism.

Are the Olympics past the point of no return? Probably. But I’ll watch.

Dear family, friends, and readers:

A very sad incident has happen really close to home for our program. The father-in-law of the head coach of the Men’s US Volleyball team was killed today in a “random act of violence.” His wife was also injured in the attack, and we do not know her condition. This happened at noon today. It was at the Bell Tower in Hutong, a tourist attraction that our group had just visited.

We knew about it, but there was nothing being released to the public until now. We are now beefing up security and in a state of high alert. This coach was due to check in to our hotel today. It is obviously very difficult for me to write about the Opening Ceremony when our hearts are so heavy right now. I hope you all watched, as it truly was spectacular, and I do not have enough superlatives to describe it.

I will write more soon. I plan to watch the Gymnastics competition tonight. It will be a nice deviation to what is going on.

Peace,
Jan