Natural and Blonde

If you're lucky, maybe once in your lifetime you'll see an unknown player emerge seemingly from nowhere and dominate the game when the stakes are highest. This week, from the cornfields of East Longmeadow, there came a post and a man that set Brewster's Millions on its sweet, buttery ears. Some would call him a Natural. We struggle to search our memories for an adequate precedent. When is the last time something like Jim's post was both a first and a phenomenal effort?

Thirty years ago the Boston Red Sox called up a young outfielder named Fred Lynn who took the American League by storm and garnered not only Rookie of the Year honors but also MVP - a feat still unmatched [103 runs, 47 doubles, and a gawdy .566 slugging percentage; second in batting, with a .331 average, swatted 21 home runs with 105 RBI and 175 hits]. The 23 year old Lynn joined Fisk and Yaz and brought the Red Sox to the very edge of their first world series crown in 57 years... only to fall short to Cincinnati's Big Red Machine. Despite their own magical run, so too Jim and his entry fall just short. He came so painfully close, the decision was even more excruciating than this extended metaphor.

My darling young Annie, I suppose this makes you Pete Rose. I realize this erodes all credibility I ever had (if any) with the community but I have in fact named my wife the winner. In fairness it was Mary's choice too which probably doesn't help my cause. Anyway, the other bloggers may come at me with pitchforks and torches, Ann, so I need to write fast. Congrats on a great post. Jim made me laugh more but yours was just a little more refined and found amusing common ground between two disparate subjects. Good form, old man.

A close third goes to the Captain incidentally. Definitely the most influential post - it set the tone for the rest to come. At first blush I was going to name this entry as the winner. But as you've likely noticed I can't do anything fast (assuming I can do it at all-does it involve being outdoors?). So my deliberation hurt your cause but it was a post good enough to win on most days.

Now, young Jas. Blanchard, you have a raw talent, son. And I think I speak for the rest of the establishment when I say we would love to see it develop. So, for your 2nd place prize, I hand over the judging of the next caption contest to you. I hope it will instill an appreciation and interest in Brewsters Millions that will result in many posts to come. Knock the cover off the blog, Hobbs.

Jim you will have to work with Ann on that contest as I pass the reigns of all Caption Contests in their totality to Ann to administer according to the whims of her unique caprice. That's the first place prize and the price you pay for the talent you flaunt. You wear the daddy pants now. Unlike Pete Rose you gambled and actually won. Enjoy. Also, I think that post warrants another modest prize when I find one that's just right (possibly your own red leotards - that's a nice look).