The MacDeskBlog

At today’s [company party], we’ll be celebrating the 117th anniversary of the
publication of “Casey at the Bat” in the San Francisco Examiner.

(With apologies to Ernest Lawrence Thayer:)

The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Giants nine that day:
The media was after them, and they hadn’t had their say.
And when Yorvit said a swear word, and J.T. did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

The fans all watched their TVs, praying that Alou
Could give out the right answers, as their coach should do.
Fans thought, if only Barry could get but a whack at that -
We’d pit up even money, now, with Barry at the bat.

“Drugs!” cried frenzied reporters, “Your hits were all enhanced!”
But one scornful look from Barry and they felt like they’d been pantsed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they all knew that Coach Alou wouldn’t let that go by again.

From the back row, a reporter, with nerves of purest steel,
Shouted out at Bonds, “Hey Barry! Your talent can’t be real!”
“That does it, I am outta here!” Mighty Barry cried,
And the hopes of all the Giants fans quickly up and died..

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy at Pac Bell: Mighty Barry is still out.

Originally Published: San Francisco Examiner, June 3, 1888
(And I don’t care if the park is SBC now, it’s still Pac Bell to me.)