Winning Words 4/8/11
“A hot dog at the game beats roast beef at the Ritz.” (Humphrey Bogart) Sometimes the simple things are those that occupy the most prominent place in our memory. I’ve been to several opening day ballgames, but I’ve had the most fun watching my children and grandchildren participate in their games. …and I agree with Bogie when it comes to eating a hot dog (with mustard) at a ballgame. ;-) Jack

FROM PRJS IN MICHIGAN: I always order a Brat.... FROM JACK: ...and a $7 beer? I once had a church member whose family owned the brat concession at the ballpark in Milwaukee.

FROM PL IN MICHIGAN: Is there anything better than a "good" hotdog a a baseball game? I like HB even better now! FROM JACK: Funny.....but I never envisioned Bogart as a baseball fan. I wonder which team was his favorite.

FROM PASTY PAT IN THE WEST BANK: Yes........even here in Yanoun I was thinking about a hot dog and beer at Comerica Park when I return. FROM JACK: Is there such a thing as a hot dog in the Holy Land, kosher or otherwise? MORE FROM PAT: Actually yes ...but it does depend on where you are.

FROM GOOD DEBT JON IN OHIO: I disagree with Bogart. I'll take the roast beef, broccoli, good coffee and conversation of a friend or loved one. FROM JACK: I imagine they serve that stuff at the Ritz, but not at the ballpark. But, to eat with friends and loved ones is best...anywhere.

FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: Naturally, I will be there today. It'll be my 23rd Opening Day and I was only born in '84! Thank Gary for giving me a day off! FROM JACK: Now, you're what I call, a TRUE Tiger fan. Will you have a kosher hot dog?

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: Don't know if my memory is accurate or not, but didn't Bogart always act the sort of
down-and-outer, the heroic person facing all kinds of obstacles from "the comfortable" people of power and influence? Wonder if he deliberately chose those parts or if they were foisted on him and he had to do them in order to be able to work? I'll take Bogart and his hot dogs. FROM JACK: In my mind, he's identified by his roles in The African Queen and Casablanca. Winners, but no wieners.

FROM MOLINER CF: Ya still can't beat a "Coney Island" from Dallos's. Remember? FROM JACK: They didn't serve them at Browning Field. BTW, on 16th St, between 5th & 6th Ave?

FROM PRDL IN OREGON: Coney Islands are the best!!! FROM JACK: We are fortunate in the Detroit area to have many places where "coneys" are available. My favorite is Pete's, where a coney is placed in front of you in less than a minute after you order it. And it's better than roast beef at the Ritz.

FROM BLAZING OAKS: With mustard? What about also catsup, relish, & chopped onion??! YUM! :-) I've never had roast beef at the Ritz, but a ball game hot dog is pretty hard to top. With a husband, three boys, three grandsons, and one "great" playing ball games, I speak from experience. You are so right...the "home-town" games with relatives playing make precious memories, but don't rule the CUBS (or BEARS) out. This may be the year!! HOPE is the name of the game.... FROM JACK: Back in '45 the Tigers played the Cubs in the World Series. I was a Cubs' fan then. I have since moved to Detroit and changed my allegiance. How nice it is to celebrate a championship now and then. If only it would work for the Lions.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: I'm not much for hot dogs but being at the ballpark or soccer field with kids and grandkids is the best! (I loved African Queen!) FROM JACK: I wonder if Bogie's style of acting would "cut the mustard" in today's world.

FROM INDY GENIE: Son Jason and his fellow Cubs fan friend just had their 14th annual Home Opening Day party! Hot Dogs, peanuts and beverages from 9 am to 1 pm and then all walk to the game. FROM JACK: As the old song puts it: "Memories are made of this." Over 45,000 showed up for Opening Day in Detroit. Daughter Jeanne was able to get away from work to be there with her friends.

FROM JT IN MICHIGAN: There is no steak - nothing - that beats a hot dog at a Tigers game (two is even better!!) FROM JACK: How about two coneys at Pete's?