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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > October > 30 > Entry
Cancun becomes Can’t-cun
Never, never, never take a trip with me — not on a bet, not on your life, not ever, ever, ever.
Just returned from Cancun and the worst vacation of my life. The highlights: It rained every day but one, so Nadine and I were on the beach once. I contracted food poisoning the third day and spent one entire day getting right with The Almighty because I was sure I was in the last days of my life on earth.
It started when we landed in Cancun and they told departing passengers to “declare” any prescriptions they were bringing in. Nadine was the only passenger on our flight to say she had prescription drugs, so we were stopped and her luggage was searched. Everybody else — most carrying pX drugs, walked through.
The hotel sent a van for us, and as we left the airport the policia, or the federales, stopped our van. They took our driver back to their car to scan his papers. Then one of the officers walked around the van peering in the windows at us. Satisfied that we were not unsavory, they let us go.
Our hotel was excellent, except it was $20 via cab to the nearest civilization that had restaurants and shops. Everybody took U.S. dollars, but gave change in pesos — which was 12 pesos to one dollar. I nearly choked at the first restaurant when I saw my meal was $875 on the menu. But that was pesos — about $40 U.S.
Nadine had a club sandwich at the hotel and had a Cracker Jack-type prize between the bread — a piece of plastic.
The food was below average and I’m sure the chicken mole I ate one night was the culprit that knocked me off my feet — diarrhea, fever, cold sweats, chills, dizziness that had me bouncing off the walls as I tried to walk to the bathroom.
One plus: They sold Cuban cigars (fairly cheap) out of backpacks on the beach. And they were legit, not phonies. For $50, I got five pyramids from a guy on the beach. For the same cigars, they wanted $27 FOR ONE at a shop downtown.
They told us to be at the Cancun airport three hours in advance to go home. We were there. It took us 15 minutes to check in. We figured we still had to go through customs. Wrong. You go through customs on your first stop in the States, for us it was Charlotte.
So we had to kill almost three hours at the airport. When we got to Charlotte, we had 1:20 to make our connecting flight. Customs, of course, was jammed. Took us 1:10 to get through and we sprinted to the gate and were the last to get on our Dayton flight.
Alas, as we pulled from the gate and headed for the runway, a young passenger up front had a panic attack or a seizure. He was screaming. They took us back to the gate and we sat for an hour. US Airways did give us a cup of water and one cookie and didn’t charge us, as they usually do for coffee ($1), soft drinks ($2) and adult beverages ($7).
Amazingly, after an hour, they announced that there had been a medical emergency on board, but all was OK now and they were putting him back on board. After another 20 minutes to add fuel, we left. The guy began screaming again.
But he stopped and apparently the drugs kicked in and he fell asleep until the end of our Trip From Hell.
Did get to see bits and snatches of the World Series, broadcast in Spanish.
And what did the 2008 World Series prove?
ONE — The season needs shortened. How about 148 games and some Sunday and holiday doubleheaders?
TWO — A neutral site for the World Series, such as a warm climate in California or Florida or in a domed stadium.
Watching Game 5, played in a downpour, convinced me. Baseball is not meant to be played under cloudbursts and in cold, cold weather. The only gloves that should be worn at a baseball game are the ones players use to catch baseballs. Gloves to keep hands warm are not for baseball games.
Sorry Tampa Bay didn’t win, but happy for the much-deprived Phillies fans.
One questions: Why did Joe Maddon start Grant Balfour when Game 5 resumed? Why didn’t he go with David Price right way? From what I saw, Maddon was outmanaged throughout the Series by baseball lifer Charlie Manuel.
More later.
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Comments
By Brian Becker
November 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal, How about those Phillies?By Michael in Monterey, CA
November 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
The Reds have Weathers right where we, the fans, want him. Don’t screw up a good thing by re-signing him.By Mike-Cinci
November 3, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
I would be very surprised if Hopper, Freel, Dickerson, or Hannigan make a major contribution to the Reds in 2009 or beyond. They are all in their late 20’s or early 30’s and have been buried in the minors or have been bench MLB players for good reason. The Reds need catching, a center fielder, a left fielder, and possibly a third baseman if they trade Encarnacion. The bullpen will have serious holes if Weathers, Affeldt, and Lincoln leave as free agents. There is no such thing as too much good pitching. The Reds are in the same position as the Pirates. They have a few good players but their talent is far less than the the Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, and Astros. Just look at the home grown players on the Phillies and Rays rosters and you can see the importance of developing your own players. Building the farm system is the only way a small market team like Cincinnati can compete. Wishing and hoping is not a winning strategy. Talented pitching and hitting with speed and defense wins. it takes hard, smart work by the front office over several years. Hopefully O’Brien, Krivsky, and now Jocketty have been doing the right things.By Pedro F
November 3, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
Yo John…did you happen to notice Hal’s blog entry was all about Mexico? Duh, dude! Hey, you forgot to comment on Pete October 31, 2008 9:33 AM. You’re slipping John, you actually missed an opportunity to be petty and do some more whining. ROFLMFAO!By Mike
November 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Every time the weather is bad for one World Series game, all you hear about is shorten the season, play the games in neutral southern or domed stadiums, start the season earlier … folks it’s been 70 degrees in Dayton for the first two days of November and will be all week. Relax, baseball is fine.By mark
November 2, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Hal, I agree the season should be shortened. Baseball was not meant to played wearing ear muffs but I disagree with the series played only in areas with favorable weather. I can’t imagine the Reds returning to the fall classic and none of the games played in Cincinnati. Shorten the season, but let the home towns celebrate traditionally.By Chris
November 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
WOW!! Sorry to hear about your bad vacation. My husband and I leave next Saturday for, we hope, another wonderful trip to Cancun. This will be our 4th trip in 2 years. We love it and have never had anything but a WONDERFUL time.By crosley
November 2, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Shoppach would be a good fit at catcher but I doubt the Indians would give him up easily due to Martinez being injury prone. I’m still advocating Ramon Hernandez from the Orioles who could be available due to Matt Wieters coming on. Hernandez has right-handed power and even though he is pricey (8 mil for next year), he’s what they need if they are “really serious” about contending. The Orioles need a shortstop and the Reds have a surplus. Also would consider Saltalamacchia of the Rangers for Bailey,2 prospects who have been disappointing thus far. Salty is a switchhitter whose best side is left so he could platoon with Hanigan.By MAC
November 2, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Ya, I like Dickerson and Hopper both; each showed an above avg ability to get on base and bring a “spark” to the team in limited duty. ? is can they do it over the long haul? Will the Reds consider moving Votto to LF in order to add a power element to 1st base; if so, who? Even though I Rod’s clutch bat and outstanding Def would be welcomed, I doubt he’d consider it…the team just isn’t far enough along IMO & the $$. Perhaps Shoppack or Martinez from Cleveland might be an option @ Catcher? Sad part is, I get the impression already that only minor moves are being considered??By Y-City Jim
November 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I’d say at present it looks as if Dickerson is the leadoff man. I don’t see the Reds going after Holliday.By MAC
November 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
I’m not so sure Maddon was out managed; but Tampa sure was out played. I didn’t watch all of it, but every time Tampa pulled even or went ahead, they’d give it up the very next inning; Phillies deserved the win. On to the Reds: can they afford I Rod or Holiday & who will be our Lead Off man?By John
November 2, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Yo Pedro…this is Hal’s BASEBALL BLOG. Don’t go polluting it with stuff that belongs in another chat room!By Pedro Flannigan
November 1, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Mexico hates the USA and Mexicans hate gringos. I lived 5 very recent years in Phoenix (a.k.a. Phoenexico) and illegals are all over the place…and they truly hate Yankees. When the USA played Mexico in soccer, the Mexicans chanted 9-11, and made fun of the USA and laughed that we were attacked. They thought that attck was real funny and that we deserved to have our noses rubbed in it. Also, all those illegals here? They do NOT wish to be US citizens. They want to work, get a check, mooch as many freebies as they can and then eventually go home. Hell, they don’t even want to learn the language, except for ‘Where’s the free hospital and healthcare?” Have you heard about Reconquista? It’s the Mexican movement to take back the Southwestern US. Check out http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/04/28/155535.phpBy HuberTucky
November 1, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
What if the Rays still had Josh Hamilton in CF? Imagine an outfield with Hamilton, Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton! With the rest of that young team and their pitching … we’d be talking dynasty!By Brian B
November 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I know you didn’t mean to slight Joe Maddon when you called Charlie Manuel a “lifer,” but Maddon deserves the same title. It’s just that Manuel is older. Also, I didn’t disagree with leaving Balfour in. If they brought Price in, and the game ended up tied in the ninth, the Rays would have been without one pitcher and Maddon would have been blamed for having wasted Balfour.By Peter I.M. Becile
November 1, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Pete, You, sir, are perhaps the biggest redneck, xenophobic, myopic poster I’ve ever come across on a chat board. You evidently take great pride in your ignorance. Do you know why people in other countries “hate the USA”? Look in the mirror; you’re Exhibit A.By MAC
November 1, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
All, I see the Reds talking about adding a LH SP (perhaps Mulder) why not Affeldt? He has a plus 90 FB, hammer CB and simply needs to add change up and be stretched out to be an effective SP IMHO. I wouldn’t mind them bringing in some one else in addition, but I think Affeldt should get an offer; what say U?By Steve F
November 1, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
I have been saying for years the baseball season is too long. It’s not fair for teams to play 162 games then two rounds of playoffs to only play the WS in crappy conditions. Have four divisions with two additional playoff teams but start the post season Sept. 1. Why are there only four teams in the west and six in the central? The top two teams in each league get first round byes. The World Series should always be played the first week of October when the weather is still nice. Next season the post season doesn’t even start until the second week of October.By Jason
November 1, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Have to chime in about France. Everyone treated us well. Best vacation we ever had, just don’t expect them to speak English if you don’t at least TRY to speak French first. They consider it rude, and I don’t blame them. Usually, a quick “Bonjour, parlez vous anglais?” Will get you very polite service. Seriously, we had heard about how the French were supposed to be rude, but we were there for two weeks and were treated well everywhere we went.By MAC
November 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Hal, sorry to here about your vacation; I guess the Cubans made it worth it? I have to agree w/ U on MLB’s schedule; it’s simply too long. I believe next year’s WS is scheduled to be played in NOV?By Fred Davies
October 31, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Pssst…Hal….should have come to Sarasota!!!!It is beautiful this time of year and those restaurants that you have to wait in line for during spring training are anxious to see customers!!! And you can’t beat Siesta Beach!!! see ya in Feb (one last time!!)By John
October 31, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Welcome back Hal! Look on the bright side…at least they didn’t lose your luggage! The Reds will be fine in ‘09!By Gary Maloy Jr.
October 31, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Oops. There you go. I was in Europe with the Air Force from November 1982. Thanks for the correction. I am duly humiliated.By ohio ex patriate
October 31, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Hal: Thanks for bringing back memories of our honeymoon. Electrical fire, move to other “resort.” Mold on the room walls so thick it look like spackling, move to another “resort.” Comp drinks and food only to later sit in the airport waiting area eating Emodium like M&M’s. Hit Miami, saw the American flag and wanted to kiss the tarmac like the Pope. OK. Best from Key West (not a really foreign country - you can drink our water).By Pete
October 31, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
& oh by the way…. don’t put France on your itinerary anytime soon. Sucks there, too, & the people smell REALLY BAD!By Pete
October 31, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Hal, just why in the hell would you ever want to go to Mexico in the 1st place? Resort area or not, Cancun got hammered by a hurricane jsut last year — still recovering from that. The Mexicans count on our tourism for their economy, yet come here illegally by the truckload & sponge off of you & me (& our govt lets them). They, along w/ many other countries around the world, HATE the USA. & yeah, I’ve been there. AIN’T NEVER GONNA GO BACK, EITHER! Welcome back, pal. World Series sucked really BAD!By Mike
October 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Gary, the cops should be about ready to put the ‘cuffs on you … The Reds version (Rose, Morgan, Perez) were on the 1983 Philly team which lost to Baltimore. The 1980 Philly team only had Rose and they beat KC in that series. You also forget the 1993 Philly team that lost the World Series to Toronto. Rose was not on that team but he probably bet on the series. And now the 2008 Philly team has won the World Series. So … in the last 28 years, the Phillies have been in the World Series 4 times winning 2 and losing 2 … The Reds have been in the World Series once - 1990 … sounds like Phillies have been trending quite well the last quarter century or so.By Gary Maloy Jr.
October 31, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this
Before someone arrests me, I see I forgot 1983 when the Phillies lost. As they did in 1915 and 1950. Two WS wins in 104 years. Woopteedoo. That’s nearly comparable to Cubbie futility (they also have two WS wins, albeit 101 and 102 years ago).By Gary Maloy Jr.
October 31, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
The Phillies. Augh. Uglier uniforms are difficult to find. (And what IS a ‘phillie’ anyway?!) I’ve always hated the Phillies - except the 1980 version (The Little Red Machine with Rose, Morgan and Perez (and Eastwick, maybe - can’t remember.) By the way, The Whiz Kids (1950), the Little Red Machine (1980) and now this incarnation (Hamel’s Camels??) in 2008. See you again in another 30 years, Philly. Btw. As usual, the World Series was ruined by the announcers on the international broadcast: Dave O’Brien and Rick Sutcliffe. I’ve never, ever, listened to worse. The only saving grace is that they aren’t any worse than they were last year or the past three years, since they’ve telecast the Series in Norway. I’m considering purchasing an internet radio so that I can turn the TV-sound down so that I can listen to Joe Morgan and the guy from Baltimore (who, by the way, aren’t much better than O’Brien/Sutcliffe now that I think about it). All these people need to understand that they need NOT talk incessantly. The viewers aren’t stupid. Sorry to hear about Cancun, Hal. Look at the positive side of things - you didn’t get broadsided by a hurricane…By Benjamin
October 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry to hear about your trip. I’m looking forward to your blog posts to keep the hot stove going during the off season.By LRGreen
October 30, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Welcome back, Hal. You really didn’t miss much of a World Series.By Mike-Cinci
October 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hal, you are the new Chevy Chase. You should make a movie, “Hal’s Cancun Adventure”. Stick to Aruba, Florida, or you may to grow to love Arizona. Moving the World Series to a neutral warm location is nuts. Talk about screwing up tradition, this would take the cake. The season should move back to 154 games. Play a few day-night double headers to appease the owners/players so they can maintain revenue. Have the playoffs start earlier with the Series ending no later than October 15. The Series was finished by Oct 10 in the old days. Should be no problem with global warming unless it is really getting colder. Manual did a good job but he had a better, more experienced team. Maddon did a terrific job with his young players. I really like the Rays pitching. They have even more in the minors. Could the Rays be the Reds of 1970 who lost to the Orioles in 5? Probably not.By Y-City Jim
October 30, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
The owners aren’t going to reduce the number of games. Add about ten day-night doubleheaders and that shortens the season by two weeks. Also, an absolute no to neutral sites. The playoffs and World Series should be played in front of the hometown fans even if there is a foot of snow on the ground. It could be worse. They could play in Cancun. :)By Mike
October 30, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Hal … your vacation sounded more painful than watching the Reds play all year.By Go Reds
October 30, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
If I remember right, the pitcher’s spot was coming up fourth for Tampa Bay in the top of the 7th. The announcers said that Maddon might have been thinking about getting past that spot so he could send a pinch hitter up and then letting Price pitch. Come to think of it, though, I don’t think Maddon ended up pinch hitting for that spot anyways when it came up.