Thoughts for the Day, December 14, 2020: A historic day

All days are historic, but some like today are much more historic than others.

In unprecedented speed, a vaccine was developed, tested, and distributed in less than 11 months. Today, the Pfizer vaccine was administered for the first time in the U.S. and Canada. The end of this pandemic is near.

Up until this year, I cannot recall any publicity related to the actual electoral vote which took place today. However, today was so much different. As of 6 PM tonight Biden and Harris are officially the president and vice-president elect.

For the first time in the history of our country, we have a women vice-president elect. Not only a women, but a women of color. Susan B. Anthony must be smiling down just a little bit.

Major League Baseball and the Cleveland Indians announced today that beginning in the 2022 season, the Cleveland Indians will no longer exist. They will remain in Cleveland but they will no longer be the “Indians”. The future name is to be determined.

The U.S. exceeded 300,000 deaths today, a number that no one could have a imagined eight months ago. We are fortunate that the vaccine is now available.

Congratulations to all those electoral college members who did what they were supposed to do today. Inspite of tremendous pressure, including threats, they did their job and democracy won.

Still no word on Lion’s quarterback Matthew Stafford’s injury. Inspite of being such a tough player, Matthew might consider not playing in the Lion’s final three games. Matthew has a family that he needs to consder and he only has a few good years left in his career. I would hate to see him permanently injured and his stellar career cut short by playing in three meaningless games with the Lions.

In honor of the Cleveland Indians changing their name, my quotes for today are from the craziest of all Cleveland Indians, Jimmy Piersall. He was diagnosed late in his career with bi-polar disorder.

“Probably the best thing that happened to me was going nuts. Nobody knew who I was until that happened.”

And then there is Jimmy’s instruction on how to put a diaper on a baby. “Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.”

Jimmy Piersall