Things to celebrate, as well as to keep in mind.

Also always, every day on your barstool has some occasion to celebrate.

 

So, let's start with the birth on this day in 1815 of Georg August Krug, who founded Milwaukee's August Krug Brewery, which later evolved in the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. 

 

Ahhh, yessss!

 

Not only was Schlitz "the beer that made Milwaukee famous," but also the one they promoted as: "Schlitz, one beautiful beer." So, on this day, remember that "you only go around once in life, so grab all the gusto that you can!" Or was that "gusto in a can"? Find yourself a Schlitz and hoist a cold one to Gus on his birthday.

 

Meanwhile, on this date in 1896, the "Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association" first began use of the name "Michelob" for its "draught beer for connoisseurs." Michelob is the name of a village near Saaz, Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic. The Saaz region is famous for its hops, which are used in Pilsener (pilsner, pils) pale lagers. So, after you find yourself a Schlitz, grab a Michelob.

 

I'm thinking, a GIQ of Schlitz at Cranberry Liquors in Harwich Port, then stopping into the Hot Stove right next door for a Michelob draft from Peggy. Gotta have some of those nachos, too.

 

And then, you'll need to play 42 sometime today in some lottery or Keno. All of MLB will be celebrating "Jackie Robinson Day" TONIGHT, and some entire teams will be sporting that number. So, don't think you're seeing double. (Even though you might be.)

 

Regrettably, though, know this about your Olde Towne Team in Fenway. TOMORROW marks the anniversary of the day that the Red Sox held a tryout for Jackie behind closed doors at America's most-beloved ballpark. Though attendance was very limited, Jackie was heckled so much that he left the park in utter humiliation. Needless to say, the Red Sox did not sign him. And to add insult to injury, the team was the LAST in MLB to sign any black player to its roster . . . TWELVE YEARS LATER. Yes, that was Pumpsie Green.

 

Nonetheless, let's recall Jackie Robinson for the pioneer that he remains, along with the Brooklyn Dodgers.