Beta-Pi-Blog

Friday, July 5, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.02 – Vandy Boys World Series Champions!

Beta Pi:

IS BETA PI BLOG without any redeeming social or artistic merit?:

YEA . . . . or

NAY?

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together. The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for fun.

The Beta Pi Blog is non-political. It includes

pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

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VANDY BOYS WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

By Tom Lovinggood

It was a season that could only be described as "Magical." A season that was culminated in a dog pile on the pitcher's mound, after game three in Omaha, Nebraska. The Vanderbilt baseball team was nothing less than spectacular the entire 2019 season. Picked pre-season as the number one Division I baseball team, they went wire-to-wire to finish the season as the best baseball team in the NCAA. With an SEC-leading 59 victories, the Vandy Boys proved to be unstoppable in their quest for another trip to Omaha.

Led by freshman phenom--Kumar Rocker--who pitched his way into the history books, the Vandy baseball team will be one that will never be forgotten. On a team full of talent and five seniors, and arguably better than the 2014 Championship team, the Vanderbilt baseball team broke records that will stand for many years. They chewed up the SEC conference, beating every other team. Never been done. They won the SEC Tournament with a come-from-behind victory over Mississippi. Couldn't happen. They went on to the Regional Play Offs to sweep Ohio State and Indiana State. Not imaginable. Next for the Vandy Boys was the Super Regional Play-offs where they would meet Duke for a three game set. After a Game 1 loss to the Blue Devils, Kumar Rocker took the mound for Game 2 and threw a no-no. The last time a Vanderbilt pitcher threw a no hitter was against Belmont in 1971. In Game 3, Mason Hickman slammed the door shut on Duke. Winning the Super Regionals would pave the way to the College World Series in Omaha. After beating Mississippi State and Louisville, only Michigan would stand between our boys and the trophy. After losing the first game, Game 2 would once again put K Rock on the hill, and he quietly punched out 11 Wolverines in 6 innings of work. Tyler Brown, our sophomore closer came on and would seal the deal on Game 2. Game 3 would again place Mason Hickman on the mound and he was nothing less than phenomenal in his win over the formidable Michigan Wolverines.

The season could have not have gone any better for Tim Corbin and the Vandy Boys. The baseball season of 2019 was one that may never happen again, but it will be one that will never be forgotten.

Tom, thanks for this awesome article!

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MIKE McCARTY SENDS HIS REGARDS

Out of the blue, this came in from Mighty MIKE McCARTY. . .

with surprise appearance by D. PRICE. . .

and banjo virtuoso BEN PEDIGO:

“Larry:

I have attached a picture and video from D Price’s youngest son Walker’s Louisville wedding this weekend.

You may recognize the banjo player as Beta Pi alum Ben Pedigo - , our own ATO picker - and his son Harrison Pedigo - who sends his regards to all. Please post it on the blog when you get a chance.

The attached are the other two ATOs (McCarty & Price) at the wedding where we listened to Ben Pedigo. Our wives Jodie and Kathy respectively are also pictured. Pretty formal for a June wedding in Louisville thankfully it wasn't the typical hazy hot and humid. Hope all is well in Nashville and with you and yours.”

Much appreciated Mike!

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GEORGE JOE SAYS TO SAY HELLO

I got a Text message, and pictures from the Great GEORGE JOE . . .

With a once-in-a-lifetime appearance by ultimate “mystery-man” TIM CUSACK:

“Hanging out with Tim, Cusack in Roswell, NM just before the game yesterday. He’s gone through a lot over the years as one can imagine, but he’s still keeping up his law practice, and is funny and quirky as ever!”

Thanks George!

* * *

BOSS STEIN CHECKS IN

John Stein sent me these great pictures:

Coach and Rocker before Game 1 of Championship in Omaha

Beth happy with winning total game in Omaha

Thanks John!

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017
Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: Dec. 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May. 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died April 9, 1977.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.25, Lowenstein Essay Contest. Archive: Aug. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.33, Honoring Alex and Laura. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.45, Tale-o-Pig-Roast. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.50, Winner Essay Contest. Archive: Oct. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, Alexander Wilson. Archive: Sept. 2017
Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

To explore the “Archives” in this Blog – go to the top of the latest “blog issue”, on the right. You access it by clicking on the Month and Year, and it will drop down with choices. For example, if you click on December, 2006, a list will drop down listing all issues that were published that month. Click on an issue, and you can then post a comment to that issue. It’s never too late to post a comment, right?

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HOW TO POST, OR READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments – below my signature block.

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BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of July 5, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.01 – News from Buck and Claude

Beta Pi:

IS BETA PI BLOG without any redeeming social or artistic merit?:

YEA . . . . or

NAY?

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together. The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for fun.

The Beta Pi Blog is non-political. It includes

pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

* * *

BASEBALL – VANDY BOYS vs. UT: SMASH – FRIDAY NIGHT

Buck called me one day and said “Larry, Vandy and UT are playing a 3-game series at Vanderbilt, I wanna go, are you in?” How can there be any other answer than… “DUH?”

So we line up tickets, and Buck arrives. Always great to see Buck, my absolute best friend on the planet!

The games were for Friday- night game, Saturday- night game, Sunday- day game. Friday was a beautiful night for TROUNCING UT.

Buck and I and Ann had such a good time.

Refreshments were had…

The Vandy Boys gave us a great victory!!

FOOTBALL – VANDY BLACK & GOLD GAME – SATURDAY MORNING

Ann – by virtue of her job working at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital - got us tickets to the Vandy Black & Gold Game Saturday morning. Thanks Ann!

It was exciting, the fans got to go on the field and be close to the players. This gave Buck a hard-on, and I promised not to tell anyone, to which he said “Go ahead and tell, and then I will let them know your eyes were on my pants instead of the field. J

The Vandy Football Team was looking fabulous, great sunny weather.

BASEBALL – VANDY BOYS vs. UT: SMASH – SATURDAY NIGHT

Another perfect evening, another victory for the Dores!

* * *

BETA PI BLOG WELCOMES J.D. STRICKLAND

It took J.D. 7 years to graduate…or not? This is one of the mysteries of life.

Is it any wonder that the Blog is in its 13^th year and J.D. is just now learning how to use the Internet?

Buck and I and Ann were at the VU vs. UT Baseball Game when…we had a J.D. sighting. Great to see J.D., one of the All-Time Greats.

Later Friday night, as Buck and I and Ann were going to dinner, we park, and get out of the car, and…

J.D. appears…right beside my car in the parking lot! It was a little freaky, and a little too coincidental…just kidding, J.D. is a lot of things, but not a stalker. J

So we went to dinner together. It was at this meeting that J.D. informed me he finally, and recently purchased a smart phone, and is learning to surf the Internet. So, I showed him how to find Beta-Pi-Blog, and the rest is history!

J.D. at the 2017 ATO Bash

…so without further ‘To-Do’…Beta Pi Blog welcomes the one-and-only J.D. STRICKLAND!! Welcome aboard J.D.!

* * *

Speaking of J.D., the other day FRANK COLLINS texted me....

he had a “J.D. SIGHTING” on ESPN…J.D. sitting in choice behind-Home-Plate-seats for the VANDY vs. OLE MISS Game in Hoover, Alabama…so he sent me the "screen shot"... It's like..."Where's Waldo" except it's J.D.!

This is, of course, confirmation of J.D.’s one admirable character trait…he is a devoted, die-hard Vandy Fan! ROO-RAH J.D.!

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NEWS FROM CLAUDE CODY

Claude Cody called, always great to hear from Claude. I’m still healing from the PTSD I got freshman year,

from “the look” Claude gave to us freshmen, the look on his face said “Just breathe the wrong way and I’ll finish you…” yeah – back in the day Claude commanded respect, yes?

So, Claude said his middle son Braxton is a wrestler – 4 years at Northwestern - there was a Wrestling Banquet in Evanston,

and the Heme would be there, could I put him in touch with Buck? Of course!! The Heme looks A LITTLE WELL LIT here, yes?

Claude wanted to introduce Braxton to Buck. How is that for a compliment? Here are the pictures Claude sent me from that event. Claude’s words… "Braxton is the one with the beard!”

* * *

REUNION 2019 FORECAST

Vandy Reunion this year will be October 17-19. So far, several Greats have sent me an “In-but-in-but-in”…as follows:

BUCK BILLER – renowned founding member of “The Three Stooges”. (photo by Clark Thomas)

LAWRENCE A. SIMONS, a.k.a. "Bozo" – second string member of “The Three Stooges”.

STEVEN STARR, a.k.a. "Vinny" – third string member of “The Three Stooges”.

JACK MUENCH – Jack has confirmed his accommodations.

JEFF PEROUT – I have exchanged several messages with Jeff, possibly Jeff will show, hopeful of his attendance.

CHESTER BREWER, a.k.a. "Chet" – “Headed there in Sept.” – not sure Chet knows Reunion is in October, but we’ll take it.

J.D. STRICKLAND - (well…J.D. never commits to anything due to Peter Pan Syndrome, but he has an excellent track record of showing up to our events in the last 13 years)

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017

Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: Dec. 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May. 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died April 9, 1977.

Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

* * *

HERE'S HOW to “JOIN THIS SITE”: All you need to do is give me your email address. “Google+” went out of business.

* * *

HOW TO POST, OR READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments – below my signature block.

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of May 29, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72