The tagline of the show “Mad Men,”(“Where the truth lies”) accurately describes the recent controversy surrounding National League MVP Ryan Braun. Did the Brewers slugger tell the truth regarding his steroid use? Or did he escape due to a testing technicality? Never mind that, Ryan should hire Don Draper to remake his image (“If you don’t like what people are saying about you, change the conversation.” -Don). Regardless, the game goes on.
Two of the biggest premieres are coming to a television near you soon: “Mad Men” and Opening Day of Major League Baseball. Both will mystery, intrigue, and lots of drama.
Here’s a look back at some of the more Mad Men-esque moments in recent history. (Warning: contains spoilers from previous seasons for both Mad Men and Major League Baseball).
Red Sox Pour Another One: There is nothing more Mad Men than drinking on the job. However, the 2011 Red Sox could not handle their on the clock imbibing as well as the folks at Sterling-Cooper-Draper-Price (SCDP). Don Draper and Co. could handle their three (or four, or five) martini lunches. The Red Sox routinely consumed fried chicken and beer in clubhouse and failed to make the playoffs. New manager Bobby Valentine shook things up by placing a ban on alcohol. I’m just glad none of the lawn care equipment made it in to the Boston clubhouse.
Who is Fausto Carmona?: Life imitating art is sometimes quite eerie. Cleaveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona is not actually Fausto Carmona. His real name is Roberto Hernandez. He is awaiting legal action in the Dominican Republic before he can return to his team. The funny coincidence is that a man named Dick Whitman (Don Draper’s real name) played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1946-1949.
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/#!/TheClevelandFan/statuses/160119739434287104″]
Change the Conversation: The Florida Marlins were a decent team with a terrible PR staff. The team has won two World Series’ in the past 15 years. Yet, they haven’t finished higher than 13th in National League attendance since 1997. In 2012, they have a new-ish name, a new logo, and a new stadium. Don Draper couldn’t have done it better.
No More Smokes: Jim Leyland without cigarettes? Unfathomable! SCDP without the Lucky Strike account? Insanity! Believe it or not, both of these things happened. Lucky Strike left SCDP at the end of Season 4, which left the firm in dire straits. The Tigers manager did not actually quit smoking, but said that he would comply with the city of Detroit’s ban on smoking in public places. Whose loss of cigarettes is going to hurt the most?
“You want some respect? Go out there and get it for yourself.” -Don Draper: The St. Louis Cardinals did just that in 2011. The team with a high profile superstar came back from the brink to win the championship. Its the same story for SCDP, who is coming back from the brink of bankruptcy. Peggy Olson landed a big account for women’s pantyhouse at the end of Season 4. Is she the David Freese of SCDP.
A Suprise Marriage: Legions of Mad Men fans hoped that Don would finally have a stable and healthy relationship. Dr. Faye Miller and him seemed perfect for each other. However, fans were taken aback when Don proposed to his youthful secretary, Megan, while on vacation in California. Another suprise marriage in California happened between former Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (for a cool $240 million). Fans expected Pujols to stay in St. Louis or head to Miami. Fans of both entities are anxiously awaiting how these marriages will turn out.
Jon Hamm: Dick Whitman?: An even funnier coincidence is that Jon Hamm recently embellished his baseball playing resume while on the David Letterman Show. Don Draper mentioned that his dreams of playing University of Texas baseball were thwarted by Roger Clemens. This couldn’t have happened because Clemens left UT when Hamm was still in Middle School. Hamm later clarified his comments. I’m just happy he stuck with acting.
The drinks have been poured, the ink is dry on the contracts , fans are anxious. Let’s play ball.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeUAhuSzSDs[/youtube]
Like what you see? Check us out over at midwestbias.com
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/midwestbias
Follow the sweet tweets @mid_west_bias
(Main Photo Credit: Michael Yarish/AMC)
