peter gammons

EPISODE 78: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN

A-Block (1:45) SPECIAL COMMENT: 12 Republicans join the Democrats to give the codification of Marriage Equality a filibuster-proof majority. The Respect for Marriage Act will be law by Christmas (2:37) It seems so obvious; it is in fact breathtaking. 14 years ago a Democratic candidate could be elected POTUS without endorsing same-sex marriage. 26 years ago a Democratic president could sign legislation defining marriage as only between a man and a woman (4:02) And 14 years and exactly one week ago, I could startle viewers, my bosses, and some liberals by decrying the passage of Prop 8 in California - which TOOK AWAY Marriage Equality awarded by the courts - in a Special Comment called "A Question of Love" (12:15) This is how far we have come: Two months later I was approached by Sir Ian McKellan who said that the fact that I was able to incorporate those opinions into an American cable newscast meant "some of my hope for the future is restored." Today, with the path to codified Marriage Equality assured, some of MY hope for the future is restored.

B-Block (17:48) EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY: Penny, in Missouri (18:50) POSTSCRIPTS TO THE NEWS: Mike Pence defies Congress (and logic), now it's Stu Varney trashing Trump (to Trump's daughter-in-law), and a Democrat beats a Faux Democrat in LA (20:22) IN SPORTS: Two unanimous Cy Young Winners for the first time since Bob Gibson's 1.12 ERA and Denny McLain's 31 wins, Virginia cancels its football game, Kyrie coming back - but why? (23:11) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Laura Ingraham continuing to try to make the fabricated Pelosi Conspiracy Theory happen and Chris Licht drowning at CNN, compete with the executives of MSNBC, NBC News, and NBC. After getting fricasseed for firing Tiffany Cross to appease fascists like Tucker Carlson, they knew what to do: Trash her anonymously in The New York Post.

C-Block (32:21) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: 30 years ago today, the Colorado Rockies and then-Florida Marlins were born in the baseball expansion draft which I anchored on ESPN. The draft followed one of the weirdest you're-gonna-die-on-THAT-hill things I ever witnessed in sports broadcasting. But most importantly: I can now confess that to get the scoop as to who would be the first pick, I did a terrible, terrible thing ;-)

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About a year ago we had the great opportunity to speak with Baseball Writer’s hall of famer and longtime musician Mr. Peter Gammons at his annual event celebrating the Peter Gammons College Scholarship.  This scholarship, which allows Boston and Chicago area high school students a cash scholarship to the college of their choice has sent 150 Boston and Chicago area students to college by awarding them over $600,000 in scholarships.

But this wonderful foundation is only one piece of the puzzle – just one beneficiary of many in Boston and Chicago under the umbrella of the Foundation To Be Named Later.

After Theo Epstein became the general manager of the Red Sox in 2002, being a guitar player himself, Peter Gammons asked Theo to join him onstage for the next Hot Stove event. 

And so the Foundation to be named later was born. The foundation – now celebrating its 20thyear, is dedicated to improving lives through education and leadership and works to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies serving urban youth and families.  Funds would be raised through unique events focused on baseball and music, two of the twins’ passions.

This years events begin February 7th.  Get more info and purchase tickets at www.foundationtobenamedlater.org.

Business of Baseball Lunch – DEVELOPING PITCHING IN AN OFFENSIVE ERA presented by GIVING Grousbeck Fazzalari
February 7th — Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane Boston – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Includes reception, lunch, panel with Q&A

Moderators: Peter Gammons, Alex Speier

Panelists:Tom Verducci, Analyst, MLB Network; Craig Breslow, Director of Pitching, Chicago Cubs; Rich Hill, Pitcher, Minnesota Twins; Aaron Civale, pitcher, Cleveland Indians; David Bush, Pitching Coach, Boston Red Sox; Matt Blake, Pitching Coach, New York Yankees; Ryan Dempster, Former Major League Pitcher and MLB Network Analyst

VIP TICKET: Hot Stove Cool Music 20th Presented by GIVING Grousbeck Fazzalari – celebrating music, baseball and giving–Buy Tickets $500
February 8th — Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave. Boston – 5:30 pm

FEATURING: Letters To Cleo and Belly’s Tanya Donelly & Gail Greenwood and are joined by Peter Gammons, Theo Epstein and the Hot Stove Cool Music All Stars, BOTO. With Bill Janovitz, Bernie Williams, Kay Hanley, Tanya Donnelly, Jake Peavy, Lenny DiNardo and Will Dailey.

EMCEES:The Mike O’Malley and Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox Legend

April 3 – Off The Mound at Big Night Live Theatre at the Boston Garden
with Ryan Dempster, Pedro Martinez and Mike O’Malley

Ortiz goes from rock bottom, after the death of his mother and his unceremonious release by the Minnesota Twins, to a chance encounter that would change the trajectory of his life forever. But once again, the road for David Ortiz to become "Big Papi" had its obstacles. Certainly, the New York Yankees were one of them. Another, a tradition of losing in heartbreaking fashion would, once again find a new and creative way to break Red Sox Nation's collective heart. Along the way, take a deep dive into the "The Curse," and learn what it's really all about.

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“Big Papi” becomes an "Idiot." His personality puts him at the center of the Sox's crew of hilarious misfits, and he is the key ingredient.  His power carries the team, miraculously, to its first World Series title in 86 years. His confidence immediately washes away decades of dread in The Town that seemed to never catch a break. The Sox finally stand up to the bullies, "The Curse" is broken, and in doing so, Papi becomes a sensation in Boston, and a Red Sox immortal. 

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