wHAT BAsEBAll NEEDs Now

Elly De La Cruz stole second base. Then, a pitch later, he took off for third and swiped it, without a throw, and when the Milwaukee pitcher wasn’t paying attention, darted home and, before the throw arrived, had another run.

Two nights later, amid the hype of the Home Run Derby in Seattle, Adley Rutschman pounded 21 home runs in his three allotted minutes lefthanded. Then, for his 60-second bonus round, he switched it up, went right-handed – and hit seven more. Both of these moments were electric, exciting – and generated by players from small-market teams exceeding expectations in 2023, perhaps offering baseball, as a whole, a glimpse at a more hopeful and equitable landscape.

Too far-fetched? Well, in one respect, yes, because as Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and Cleveland have all shown us in the past decade, it’s possible to win, perhaps win big, maybe even win it all, without gigantic revenue streams.

However, what has not changed much is the notion that the really big money is reserved solely for the big cities, the big TV markets and, failing that, owners (say in Detroit or San Diego) willing to spend big.

So when a player like, say, Shohei Ohtani nears or reaches free agency, the names bandied about as possible destinations rarely, if ever, get past the Los Angeles-New York-Boston axis, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

To fans in smaller markets, this can prove depressing, not l

Random Thoughts

Phil blackwell

just because owners in these locations won’t or (more likely) can’t offer these kinds of riches, but because a silent perception emerges, that these are places from which great players leave , not to where great players go And here is where what takes place the rest of 2023 might prove so important, especially given what happened in Oakland, when an owner all but gave up on a smaller market to chase the dollars in Vegas.

When Elly De La Cruz was called up in June, the Cincinnati Reds were already showing plenty of improvement and was proving itself flush with young talent, but fans turned off by a long, slow malaise were slow to return.

But with his power (a first MLB home run that nearly flew out of the park), versatility (he hit for the cycle), blazing speed and unmatched energy, De la Cruz fueled an 11-game win streak that catapulted the Reds to the top of the NL Central, battling with the far more established Brewers.

Meanwhile, Rutschman, emerging as perhaps the game’s best all-around catcher, is at the heart of the resurgence of the Baltimore Orioles, flailing at the bottom of the AL East just a couple of years ago.

The Birds contended all the way to the final week of the season for a playoff spot in 2022, and many expected a step (or five) back this spring. Instead, with Rutschmann anchoring a powerful lineup, Baltimore, and not the Yankees or Blue Jays, is of Syracuse, about two city blocks from the legendary Marble Farms where, in the summer of 1979 I was with child, and craving ice cream. Marble Farms made the best ice cream, using fruits in season. That summer, I ate a giant waffle cone (is there any other kind?) filled with peach ice cream at least once a day, sometimes more than once a day.

One has to think of sampling a wide variety of ice closing in on suddenly slumping Tampa Bay for first place. creams as having historical and scientific connections. As you sample, you are recreating Thomas Jefferson’s delight as well as measuring how much air the maker added to the ingredients. Or … you could just admit, in all transparency, it just tastes so good

These are the kind of special players a franchise can build around, and if there’s any wisdom in these front offices, they’ll make sure De La Cruz and Rutschmann are paid, a lot, soon and long-term the way Atlanta has done with so many of its top young stars.

With more ways than ever to have yourself get known to the world, a big city is not necessary, either for drawing attention or for establishing a legend. In fact, it’s more authentic to go somewhere and stay, something more possible in the NFL, NBA and NHL given their salary-cap structures.

Of course, these are long-term questions. Here and now, the quest is to see if Cincinnati and Baltimore can keep it up so that, come late October, maybe these are the two sides battling it out for World Series glory instead of the usual suspects.

Both the Reds and Orioles are franchises steeped in history in towns passionate about their sports and quite willing to show their zeal and ardor to a younger generation that’s never known what that looks like.

Other possible World Series match-ups may bring more viewers. None, though, would mean as much, and just the thought of Elly De La Cruz setting off for the plate, Adley Rutschman waiting, perhaps to try and tag him, is something every sports fans should welcome, wherever you may live.

Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.

Ann Ferro is a mother, a grandmother and a retired social studies teacher. While still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, she lives in Marcellus with lots of books, a spouse and a large orange cat.

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Nancy o. Richards, 89

Helped run family dairy farm

Nancy O. Richards passed away peacefully at home on July 13th after just celebrating her 89th birthday a few days prior.

Nancy grew up in Marcellus and graduated from Marcellus High School in 1952. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Cornell University in 1956.

After graduating from Cornell, she married Elmer Richards in August of 1956 and taught Home and Careers at Homer High School for a year.

What ensued was Elmer Richards and Sons Dairy farm, a successful dairy farm in Skaneateles that is currently being run by the second and third genera - tions Nancy kept busy with calf chores, baling hay and bookwork, amongst the other demands of raising a family and running a farm, but always managed to prepare a family meal at noon for everyone to enjoy.

Despite her early start to every day, she always made time to visit with friends, family, and especially her grandchildren with her kitchen table serving as the family gathering point. Nancy was an amazing soul who always had a smile on her face and an unforgettable laugh that just made you feel good inside

Nancy was predeceased by her husband Elmer in 1994.

Nancy’s legacy is not the dairy farm she built with Elmer but the family she leaves behind.

Golf addiction… Is it even possible?

Recently, someone accused me of being addicted to “golf”. When I asked them to explain their ridiculous claim, the only thing they could come up with was to say, “you’re addicted because you play every day”. I immediately denied that lie and informed them that although I like to practice and try to have a club in my hands as often as I can, the only time I play 18 holes is in a tournament, unless it is a very special occasion…maybe 3 times a year. If this person had accused me of being addicted to playing in tournaments, I might have agreed. Nevertheless, because I am the “most open minded person I know”, I decided to research the topic and find out what health professionals have to say about golf addiction. I believe most of us look forward to playing golf because it is a way of getting rid of the “cobwebs” that accumulate during the day in our minds and helps us to “escape”…for a little while…to “clear our heads”.

Charlie Blanchard,The Golf Doctor says, “Just about all addictions have fundamentally the same underlying habits, thought distortions, denials and emotions in common”. Compulsive golfing seems a more “socially benign affliction than say gambling or drug use”. Mr. Blanchard believes more people are addicted to golf in one form or another. He says if that thought concerns you, there are a few warning signs and symptoms that suggest you could be addicted:

* Have you let golf interfere with your work so that your job or business is suffering?

* Has golf affected your personal relationships with loved ones resulting in friction, resentments, and arguments?

* Do you have more than 500 golf balls in your garage?

* Have you secretly bought clubs and hid them?

* Have you suffered any injuries due to stupidity or self-flagellation?

* Are you compelled to go out and play in the rain, snow, cold or otherwise weather conditions dangerous for golf?

* Have you put your golf ball “in the rack” in the middle of the night and then sleep a few hours in your car after reading golf articles ?

Did you know…Bob Hope was a member of the board of the Golf Nut Society and “The Most Famous” Golf Nut Society member (#0023)… is basketball legend Michael Jordon. He earned the “Title” in 1989 by not showing up for his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award because he was at Pinehurst Country Club playing two, back-to-back rounds.

And then there is Dr. Lawrence Conell, a psychiatrist, addictionologist and avid golfer who believes that, “many of us are physiologically and psychologically addicted to this beautiful, aggravating, consuming game we call golf”. He doesn’t want us to immediately jump to conclusions but he does want us to understand the criteria for something to be classified as an addiction:

1. The behavior is repetitive.

2. The subject will persistently pursue the behavior, even in the face of adverse consequences.

3. The subject feels compulsion to satisfy the need to do the behavior.

4. The behavior grants the subject an initial sense of well being.

5. A subject feels a craving for the behavior.

6. The subject creates a tolerance to the behavior over time.

7. Ending the behavior yields a form of emotional/physical withdrawal.

8. Continuing the behavior can upset the subjects relationships and life responsibilities. In other words, “golf taken to an extreme, can definitely be classified as an addiction”, according to Dr. Conell. And if that isn’t bad enough, he believes, “excessive golfing can be compared to gambling and alcohol consumption on the course, effectively combining addictive behaviors”. He also acknowledges, “there are positive aspects of the game like being immersed in nature, exercise and being with friends that can be a fulfilling experience with lasting positive effects”. The Doctor’s last words on the subject are his best…”This game can teach us many of golf’s life lessons for success and failure. Rather than letting golf rule our lives, let’s make sure we guide golf to take us to greener pastures of mental health”. Amen Doc.

My final thought…I believe I am addicted to golf, but only in a good way. How about you?

Share your milestone celebrations!

Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.

She is survived by her four children, Craig (Rhonda), Jim (Peg), Sue (John Duppert) and Brenda (Chris). Ten grandchildren, Chris (Anna), Marcus (Anna), Cassie (Paul Mead), Eric (Erika), Pete (Karen), Michael, Nancy, Sarah, Connor and Alex. Ten great- grandchildren, John, Lydia, Grace, Sadie, Paige, Elmer, Emma, Evan, Ty and James.

She is also survived by her sister-inlaw Eleanor Pearsall and several nieces and nephews.

Our deepest gratitude goes to her amazing health care providers, Dee, Pearl, Donna, Nicole, Jessica, Jessica and Linda.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Services were private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to S.A.V.E.S or the Skaneateles Fire Department.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

John R. Bednarski, 86

Former marcellus town supervisor

John Richard Bednarski, 86, of Marcellus, died July 12, 2023, at St. Camillus nursing home.

Born Sept. 26, 1936, John graduated from Marcellus High School in 1954 where he played on the football, basketball and baseball teams. He attended LeMoyne College, graduating in 1958 with a degree in history and political science. He earned a masters’ degree in education in 1960 from Syracuse University. John then began a teaching career, working first for a year at Messina High School in Messina, N.Y., and then for two years at Eastridge High School in Rochester, N.Y. It was in Rochester that he met his future wife, Geraldine Frederico. In 1963 they married and the couple moved to Marcellus where John and Geraldine began raising a family and John began teaching high school social studies at his alma mater, retiring in 1998.

In 1969, John was appointed to the Marcellus Town Council, and then was elected in 1971 to a two-year term. He was then elected Town Supervisor in 1974, serving in that position until 1990.

In his retirement, John served on the board of the LeMoyne College Gold Wave and the board of directors of Tuscarora Golf Club. He also spent time travelling with his wife. He spent time with friends and spent countless hours babysitting his five grandchildren as well as devoting his time to his true passion, the game of golf.

John was first introduced to the game as a youngster by his uncles, the owners of Tuscarora Golf Club in Marcellus.

He worked on the course’s grounds crew as a teenager and quickly took to the sport.

John played on the golf team at LeMoyne, earning his way to the 1956 NCAA National Championship Tournament at the Scarlet and Gray Course at Ohio State University.

He won the Syracuse District Golf Association Championship in 1967, 1968 and 1974 and he won the Herald Amateur in 1969.

He won 14 club championships at Tuscarora, the first in 1954 and the last in 1996, taking the crown in five consecutive decades.

He won the Senior Club Championship at Tuscarora twice. He won numerous Member Guest tournaments at Tuscarora and several other club events, as well as member guest tournaments at several other clubs.

He qualified for and played in the U.S. Senior Men’s Amateur Championship at Prairie Dunes, Kansas, in 1992 and in 1993 he won the Syracuse District Golf Association Senior Stroke Play Championship.

In 2001 John was inducted into the LeMoyne College Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2008 he was inducted into the Syracuse District Golf Association Hall of Fame, having served many years on its board of directors, including as the district’s president in 1990 and 1991. He was named the district’s Golfer of the Year in 1986.

John was extremely proud of his Polish ancestry and was a longtime member of the Syracuse Polish Heritage Club, serving as its president. He was a lifetime communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church in Marcellus where he served as a lector.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine, his sons Chris Bednarski (Maria), Mark Bednarski (Erin) and his daughter Maryellen Sullivan (Tim) as well as grandchildren Kyra Pesci (Dan), Abby, Adam, Mariana and Peter and his sister, Carol Collins.

Calling hours were held at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 East Main St., in Marcellus from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 and a Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 19 at St. Francis Xavier Church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim and Mary Entwistle Scholarship Fund c/o Tuscarora Golf Club, 2901 Howlett Hill Road, Marcellus NY 13108 or MAVES, P.O. Box 203, Marcellus, NY 13108.