In 2004, we were fortunate to have about 20 radio interviews, across the nation, for The Perfect Pitch. Most of them were out of state, with one airing in Canada. I finally placed “airchecks” online of four great interviews with Roger from that year. Click here to listen.

Enjoy

For a limited time, I’ve created and placed “commemorative” baseball cards of Roger on the website in celebration of Roger’s 50th anniversary with the Dodgers. Notice Roger’s 1958 Topps “rookie card” on the top right. The photo was taken of Roger while he played baseball at Manual Arts HS, in case you noticed the “M” on his hat.

As Roger has said, only with pitching peanuts could he have a career this long.

Perhaps I’ll make a few more and put them in a seperate gallery. So far we have a 1983 Fleer, 1958 Topps, 1959 Topps, and 1976 Topps.

Dodger fans in the Loge level at Dodger Stadium, those who sit on the third base side at least, know of Roger’s trademark trick tosses of peanut bags and unbelievable accuracy. But some students in a YouTube video are showing off some trick shot prowess of their own, but with ping pong balls into a plastic cup.

And speaking of YouTube, I created a book trailer for “The Perfect Pitch.”
Enjoy.

It was Louis Jordan, the great R&B singer, talented horn player, and playful songwriter of the 1930’s and 1940’s who happens to be one of my all-time favorite music artists, who co-wrote and recorded “You Can’t Get That No More” (Jordan/Theard).
I have three different CD’s of his from about 11 or 12 years ago that I bought from sidewalk bargain bins in Italy. I thought I’d pull together some of the lyrics from that song in particular for those who have never heard of this legendary artist.

The glamour gals have stopped glamourizing.
They working in defense plants and wearing slacks
and some of the fine chicks is cuttin’ out everyday
joining the WAVES,and the SPARS, and the WACKS.
Now fellas, you can’t get that no more, no no
you can’t get it no mo.’
Fellas you can’t jive these girls like you use to do,
’cause some of ’em is makin’ more money than you,
so, you can’t do that no more.
No, you can’t do that no more.

The girls use to wake up every morning and say,
“Lord, send me a handsome man, one that’s physically fit.”
But Uncle Sam has got all of them now,
and the gals has got to take just what they can get.

uh uh girls, you can’t get that no mo.’
naw naw, you can’t get that no more.
Girls, you can’t be particular, you got to take what’s left,
either them worn out 3A’s or them beat up 4F’s.
You just can’t get it no mo.’
No you can’t get that no more.

So when I read a comment from Tom Hoffarth’s article on Roger, it made me think of this song.
Hoffarth points out how Roger, as a teenager, used to sell parking space on the lawn to those needing one for a Rams game at the Coliseum down the street. It brought in a little extra income, but as the reader commented, it was definitely part of the “good old days.” He continued, “I met my brother once at the Coliseum, and I said ‘where did you park,’ and he replied, ‘I left my car with this guy and $5.00 to park on his lawn.’”

No, you can’t do that no mo.’

(…But if you did, it’d sound something like this…)

Now if you think the Rams are playin’ today, with Van Brocklin and “Crazy Legs” Hirsch,
driving ’round ’cause the parking spots are all taken,
and you hand over your SUV and $15 to some teen who says he’s got a place for you,
don’t do it if you know what’s good, it’s 2008, not ’56, if I’m not mistaken.
No you can’t do that no mo’.
So get with the program,
’cause you can’t do that no more.

You see, you might want to bring back those good old days,
but some of these cats weren’t brought up that way,
so skip it, find a valet,
No you can’t do that no mo’.
No you can’t do that no more.

While the Dodgers have already begun celebrating their 50th anniversary of playing baseball in Los Angeles, and later this year, have plans for the 20th anniversary of their last World Series championship, here are at “The Peanut Gallery,” we have some anniversaries to acknowledge as well.

In a previous entry, It’s A Numbers Game, I pointed out some of Roger’s accomplishments in the last 50 years with the Dodgers, both at the Coliseum and at Dodger Stadium.

But even though Dodger fans might know these things, there is a good chance many aren’t aware of some anniversaries in his personal life, unless they’ve read “The Perfect Pitch” by now.

It was 60 years ago that Roger’s uncle, Jack Owens, wrote and recorded, for independent label Tower Records, the most famous pop hit of his colorful singing and songwriting career, The Hukilau Song.
Popular with Hawaiians, kids, hula dancers, and just about everybody, The Hukilau Song will pull you in with its catchy arrangement and memorable lyrics.

Jack Owens was also a big part of the success, as a regularly featured vocalist, of The Breakfast Club With Don McNeill, the longest running network radio show of all time. It aired from 1933 to 1968. While Jack Owens left the show around 1950 to start his own television program, The Jack Owens Show, there was an unforgettable connection between him and the Golden Age of radio and the show itself, even by the time Paul Harvey recalled in Aug., 1968 on KABC radio the memories and importance of The Breakfast Club With Don McNeill.

In addition to the 40th anniversary of the end of The Breakfast Club, there is the 40th anniversary of the “miracle in Compton” also covered by Paul Harvey on air in Nov., 1968. Roger’s father was an ordained Baptist minister and was caught in a holdup in Compton, CA and was shot at point blank range in 1968. He survived with nothing more than a large bruise since a large wad of Gospel tracts had been stuffed previously in his front coat pocket. For more detail, read the “The Perfect Pitch.”

And next year, it will be the 40th anniversary of Roger’s near-fatal military jeep accident while serving in the California Army National Guard. While he lost his sense of smell ever since then, he amazed the attending surgeons and physicians and went on to be the most acclaimed vendor ever, now celebrating his 50th anniversary with the Dodgers.

And he just turned 65 on Valentine’s Day.

What does he think of that??

Find out here.

As the new and exciting Dodger season gets going, fans of the Blue should take “stock” in a wide selection of Corbis stock photos of Dodger players past and present, and even some of celebrities, events, and rival teams like the Giants.

There are plenty of classic, professional photos not to be missed, including one of Roger tossing out the first pitch of a 2005 game, when he tossed out behind-the-back peanuts to the two batboys at either side of home plate.

After talking with Roger about some of the various longtime vendors at Dodger Stadium, he was able to shed some light on some of their personal histories and stories there at the ballpark. I’ll add an upcoming entry on all of that later.

While many baseball fans are used to hearing the national anthem at a baseball game and music in between innings, and of course, having the chance to sing along to Take Me Out To The Ball Game, here at “The Peanut Gallery,” we are fortunate enough to provide you with a musical experience of our own and one sure to give you “your money’s worth.”

If you haven’t visited “The Peanut Gallery” before, or perhaps even if you have and didn’t realize it, you might be surprised to know that Roger’s uncle was Jack Owens, the famous singer and songwriter, radio star, and host of his own show on radio and television.

Jack Owens was a gifted pianist, singer, songwriter and dynamic live performer whose charisma and playfulness in the audience, yes the audience, earned him the nickname “The Cruising Crooner.”

Take some time and read more about him, right here at the gallery. There are plenty of songs to listen to, song samples, and even a video clip of him singing to his large female audience from a 1948 television special, sitting on their laps serenading them, and cruising through the aisles to sing to someone else.

So when you’ve heard and learned more of Jack Owens’ music, including his three most popular songs, The Hukilau Song, How Soon (Will I Be Seeing You), and The Hut Sut Song, have a listen to another gifted pianist.

Roger’s younger brother is Paul Immanuel Owens, a talented, self-taught piano man and poet who resides in Oregon and has recorded five CD’s over a span of more than 20 years.

His style embraces pure and original piano arrangements as well as synthesizers and sounds from nature, a style he developed years before it was common to find such soothing and relaxing music at your local stores and malls. But his range is not limited to piano and ocean wave sounds. Paul Immanuel Owens adds depth to his sound with melodic slow tempo and fast paced instrumentals that are even perfect for movie soundtracks, and Paul Immanuel Owens is truly a blessed poet. To read some of his poems and to buy his music or to listen to samples of his songs from CD’s like Reflections Of The Heart, Ivory Wings, River Of Peace, Space Ripples, and Tangible Dream, visit his official site at www.paulimmanuelowens.com.

So come for the peanuts, but stay for the music.

Almost one month ago it was reported by Jerry Crowe at the L.A. Times that “concessionaire and kibitzer extraordinaire” Richard “Nuts!” Aller sold his last bag of peanuts at Dodger Stadium and retired after “49 seasons on the job.”

Aller, who according to the L.A. Times, started working for the Dodgers when he was just 15 years old, and that over time, between working as a Compton High social studies instructor and as a stadium vendor, he developed a Don Rickles style of playful insult routine, often acting like a self-proclaimed “absolute nut.” Aller also called himself the “illiterate peanut vendor” and stated he worked 8,000 events throughout Southern California.

8,000?? That really is a formidable accomplishment, if true.

Come to think of it, that would be worth mentioning to Roger. As one who will be celebrating his 50th anniversary next year with the Dodgers, Roger would be able to shed light on that. He himself has worked about 4,500 events in 49 years.

Well, Richard Aller, if that is so, then you have put in nearly double the events, including all of Roger’s trips to Japan, Dallas, Texas, Louisiana, the Angels’ first expansion games in L.A. during the 1960’s, hockey games, boxing matches, Rams, USC and UCLA football games, L.A. Clipper home games, and 81 home games a year with the Dodgers for nearly 50 years.

In any case, The Peanut Gallery raises up a bag of peanuts and salutes you for your hard work and showmanship over these many years. Dodger Stadium is a place full of warm memories, and silly ones, too, thanks to the many traditions there, like yours.

In fact, one Dodger fan’s encounter with “Nuts!” Aller was recounted in a blog, 7th & Fig. at 10minutesaway.blogspot.com.

From his entry, “Just Your AVERAGE Charly,” he writes:

“…While baseball may not be my favorite sport, the atmosphere in a stadium with so much tradition and history as Dodgers Stadium has a level of energy that draws you in and takes you to the days of long summers and worrying about homework. As I walked down the field level concourse, a peanut vendor, whom I have gotten to know over the years came up to me and greeted me warmly. I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself. He said, I’ve been here for the last 49 years and today is my last day. His eyes were red from crying. do you know that short Asian man that sits down in this aisle? He asked me. I really didn’t feel like telling him I didn’t so I simply nodded my head. Well he came up to me and brought me a roast beef sandwich from Cantor’s deli. I just burst into tears when he gave it to me. It is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. I’m still crying. I spoke to the old vendor for a bit longer congratulating him before he ran off to tell his story to someone else. The next day someone had told me that he was interviewed by famous Dodger announcer, Vin Scully and it was played over the Jumbo screen. He received an ovation from the crowd and I’m sure the tears were flowing all weekend. It’s amazing to meet people like that. I think that the people I have met over the years have been an incredible blessing. While most people obsess over celebrity sightings and their actions (and I see many), LA is an incredible city because of the stories of its people rather than those produced by its industry. There are days that seem surreal. And while you may find me at the Farmer’s Market in the early mornings waiting for the first apple fritters to come out of the oven at Bob’s or jumping on the early train to San Juan Capistrano for some tortas at El Campeon everyday brings the promise of new adventure. May your life be extraordinary whoever you are!”

Wonderfully said.

Actually, that entry very much reminded me of a little weekend visit on the pier at Seal Beach with my fiancée earlier this summer.

We were enjoying the sunset and savoring the idea of grabbing a frozen yogurt for herself and a 1 oz. serving of wheatgrass for myself on Main St. when an elderly gentleman and an elderly woman slowly drew closer, strolling together in harmony, and steadily maneuvering with their walkers towards a park bench next to us. The lady’s younger son prodded them for a number of good photo opportunities closer to the pier and in better light. As they came closer to us to pose and smile, we decided the pair must have been in their 80’s or early 90’s.

It was even more charming to see a red Valentine pillow, with white lace along its heart-shaped contour. We smiled with ease and thought for sure the two were celebrating a record-breaking wedding anniversary.

I couldn’t hold it in and asked them if they were celebrating their anniversary, and to our astonishment, they said no. They were just friends. Obviously, some things never go out of style. It was quite amusing. The elderly gentleman, eager to leave his Long Beach nursing home for some fresh air and a stroll, was a lady’s man even at that age, and we loved it.

Before we left, after gladly taking a few photos for them so her son could be in them, the elderly man came up to me, standing over us with his black ballcap embroidered with the logo of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, as we sat on the bench. He introduced himself as Wally Cox, the famous “Mr. Peepers” and asked if we had ever heard of him. We hadn’t but I shook his hands with enthusiasm nevertheless. I told them my grand uncle was singer and songwriter, Jack Owens, and they replied simultaneously, “Ahh, Jack Owens. Yeah we know him.” It was such a fun moment.

Now interestingly enough, countless websites say that Wally Cox passed on more than 30 years ago, was a good friend of Marlon Brando, and was quite a lady’s man. Well, we can’t verify that man was good ol’ “Mr. Peepers,” but he said he was Wally Cox, and had the reputation to prove it that sunny day.

Looking back, after reading that blog on Richard Aller, it reminded me how there are people out there who enjoy entertaining others but sometimes have been overlooked or long forgotten, and all they want is nothing more than a bit of warmth and recognition, or someone who will pay to attention to what they did for many years.

With the possibility of three major milestones about to be reached in the careers of three different Major League baseball players, I thought it would be a good time to match numbers one ballpark peanut vendor has put up in nearly 50 years.

50 years??

Yes, as a matter of fact, let’s start off with that, why don’t we??

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Roger Owens’ debut with the Dodger organization as a lowly 7 Up soda vendor, and 15 year-old kid living a few blocks away from the L.A. Coliseum, trying to raise money for his poverty-stricken family of 8 kids, a Baptist minister father, and a mother who was away for 7 years at a state mental hospital.

But while those milestones about to be reached by Barry Bonds (tying Hank Aaron’s 755), A-Rod (hitting 500 home runs, and trying to beat Jimmie Foxx’s youngest to reach 500 HR), and Tom Glavine (300 career wins) are all impressive to say the least, how many peanut vendors, or anyone else for that matter, could say they have worked for the same organization for 50 years??

Only if your name is Vin Scully could you relate.

But if that somehow falls short of impressing you, perhaps you could look at this way. Roger has been a stadium vendor currently for as long as Barry Bonds, A-Rod, and Tom Glavine have been playing in the big leagues, added together.

So how about we take a look at various records or numbers Roger has put up so far??

First, what Roger did in the span of one year, 1958 - 1959, moving up the pecking order from selling 7 Up, then Coke, then Sidewalk Sundaes and Chocolate Malts, to finally selling peanuts, would easily take 20 years for a vendor today starting out to reach seniority of selling peanuts.

His all-time personal record of most tossed peanut bags in a game is 2,400 bags set in 1976 in Dallas, Texas, at Texas Stadium during a Cowboys game.

His 3-day all-time record is 6,000 bags set in Louisiana in the SEC Tournament at an LSU basketball game in 1988.

On at least two known occasions, Roger tossed four bags of peanuts, behind-the-back, at the same time to four different people, with each bag fanning out to each person. Once was at a Dodger game, and the other was in Washington D.C. for the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian also clocked one of his peanut tosses at 60 mph. In addition, there is an exhibit of him on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown, NY, with a copy of “The Perfect Pitch” in the Baseball Hall of Fame research library collection as well.

He holds the Major League Baseball record for the all-time longest ceremonial first pitch of the season. In 1976, he threw the baseball from the loge level at Dodger Stadium all the way to home plate to the Dodger catcher.

He has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch of the season twice for the Dodgers, and both were evening games, once in 1976 and once in 1995 to welcome back fans after the 1994 strike. They were the only two night games to open the season in the past 30 years at the stadium and he did the honors both times.

He has thrown peanuts at Pres. Carter’s inaugural parties in 1977, has been flown to Japan’s Yokohama Stadium, to Dallas Cowboy’s Texas Stadium for 12 years in a row for Cowboy games benefiting Dallas youth charities, and was even the Peanut Advisory Board’s National Spokesperson at one time.

At age 24, he was filmed as an extra playing a vendor in the 1968 film “The Split” starring Jim Brown, Ernest Borgnine and Gene Hackman. Along with cameos or bit roles in movies or TV shows in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, and even on recent shows like The Suite Life with Zack and Cody, his “acting” career has spanned 40 years.

He has appeared as a guest or just tossing peanuts on “The Tonight Show” five times in more than 30 years. By the way, his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson launched his career and the segment was so hilarious when Carson tried his hand at trick peanut tossing that it ended up on video on “Carson’s Comedy Classics.”

He has not only worked Dodger games but worked every L.A. Clipper home game in the Sports Arena, countless USC and UCLA and Rams football games in the Coliseum, hockey games, and boxing matches.

He has worked more than 4,000 events. No other vendor is even close.

But even so, if and when Barry Bonds does step up to the plate at Chavez Ravine and makes headlines with number 755, there will still be plenty of fans in the Dodger crowd who know they have a record setter of their own.

One who keeps ’em smiling, not getting a big league salary, just pitching for peanuts.

With the baseball season now in full swing, and the 2007 World Series as far off in the distance as a Russell Martin homerun, it might be too early to talk about how to host a World Series party at home. But after discovering an entry on eHow.com about how to host one, I noticed it featured a peanut bag tossing contest and an acknowledgement of a certain famous peanut vendor at Dodger Stadium.

As Mel Allen use to say, “How ’bout that??”