04/25/24
July 26, 2003
Twins Fan: - Dick Ericson, superintendent of the Metrodome from the late 80s to early 90s, has admitted to manipulating the ventilation system in an effort to help the Twins win.
Damn it, I knew it! The Cardinals got jobbed in 1987, and it was by the damn grounds crew!
posted by wfrazerjr at 07:50 PM on July 26, 2003
Word wfrazerjr. :) That was the first thought that popped into my head.
posted by gyc at 12:56 AM on July 27, 2003
dead spots in the parquet floor . . . the moisture that would accumulate from the Bruin ice below Well, no one had control over the dead spots; it was a home court advantage only insomuch as Celtic players knew to avoid them. The Bruins ice was very rarely left below the parquet, though that's a common misconception. I can only think of one time and that's because it caused a Celtics-Hawks game to be cancelled halfway through due to puddles.
posted by yerfatma at 09:49 AM on July 27, 2003
yerfatma, enlighten us on the common misconception. The ice DOES rest below the floor. Sure, it's hidden under layers of plywood and insulation, but it's there. I don't think there is any magic or witchcraft at work.
posted by usfbull at 10:03 AM on July 27, 2003
Back in Ty Cobb's day, the area of dirt in front of home plate in Tiger Stadium (actually, I think it was called Navin's Field at that time) would get soaked down to mud just before a game. Called Cobb's Lake, it would slow his bunts down to just the right amount of slowness that would allow him to run those out for hits. "It's a fact!"
posted by NoMich at 12:26 PM on July 29, 2003
Interesting to wonder if this had any effects, and kind of adds to the charm of homefield advantage. I remember visiting teams to the Boston Garden would constantly complain of the dead spots in the parquet floor and the lack of air conditioning throughout the building. Not to mention the moisture that would accumulate from the Bruin ice below. Anyone else have comments about their favorite teams alleged advantages? THESE are the kinds of posts I enjoy reading, not the front page of cnnsi.com and espn.com. Good post mrbula.