When Then Was... Now!

Extra! Extra! The True Story behind the expose!

2012-01-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

There was a time, that I could tell you the story behind all my photographs... and what I was thinking at the time I took them. Thankfully, I may not bat a thousand... however one picture is worth a thousand words. The greater percentage of my photos are not set up or staged. Those are the ones I prefer. Some of the stories behind each picture might seemed to be embellished . I wish I could be so clever. A few moments ago, I was going through some old boxes of clippings and papers. I had to chuckle because forgot about the story behind this clipping. It's a "Would you believe" story.

Several weeks after this incident mentioned in the attached Examiner articleI, I was invited to a Knob-Hill party of a jeweler friend of mine. There were about 50 guest in a great apartment with spectacular Bay views. As I mingled, A dark haired guy introduced himself, then asked what I did for a living. When I responded that I was a photographer, he declared he had to stay away from people like me, because some photographer took a picture of him washing his car in Golden Gate Park! At that point, I said "Would you believe?"

Exhiled out of the 43rd Ward by:Jerry Pritikin

2012-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Part of the group of Seniors from the Maple Pointe Apartments who worked hard to get Michele Smith elected, and asked nothing in return.

A few weeks after Michele was sworn into Office, she gave a party for her volunteers and supporters.Seeing Andy Shaw there was like adding iceing on a cake. He has been the voice of reason, and for change in Chicago Politics as Usual! But it lasted just a short time for us in the 51st Precinct.

About a year ago, I got involved in Chicago Politics... because the 43rd ward had a chance for change. On this web site I wrote about events pertaining to this Ward. About a year ago, Michele Smith, the candidate I supported won as Alderman, and Rahm Emanuel received overwhelming results throughout Chicagoland to become the Mayor. It felt good for a change being part of the winning side.

A couple of weeks ago, because of the 10 year census, the 43rd Ward had to be remapped. At no time on the maps that were available, did they consider that the # 51st precenct remain in the 43rd. It was a done deal before we ever heard about it.
We will be part of the 27th Ward. I now think of myself as a man without representation.

From: jerry.pritikin@att.net
Subject: Re: Lincoln Park Saved in Remap
Date: January 19, 2012 12:21:16 PM CST
To: yourvoice@ward43.org

DEAR MICHELE,

Your letter overlooks the fact, we never heard you... fight for our 51 precinct to remain in the 43 rd ward. It's a very small section, but when you live there... news like this is Chicago Politics as usual. It hurts, because we fought and provided much of the needed votes that helped to win your election. Many of us did not give time to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's campaign, but had the opportunity to contribute to his Victory by voting for change. I'm sorry, but I feel short changed. I'm looking forward to help re-elect President Obama, but not going back into the 27th Ward. I never considered myself a Lincoln Parker. But a 100 % 43rd Ward resident. You could of brought this to our attention sooner, without us learning about it from a Press Release in a local newspaper. I don't always support a winner, and never felt sorry about working for a cause, win or lose. However, I now consider myself like a man without a country. Your letter states you will offer your help for those of us leaving your ward. I hope I never have the need. It's been fun while it lasted... but as Yogi said... it's over when it's over. IT"S OVER!

JERRY PRITIKIN

Lincoln Park Restored
Dear Friends,

Your hard work to save Lincoln Park has been successful. Just minutes ago, I, along with a majority of the City Council, voted to pass an amended Map For A Better Chicago that keeps Lincoln Park largely intact.

This Could Not Have Been Accomplished Without You

Your letters, phone calls, and e-mails showed City Council and the Mayor how much your community means to you. Your attendance at hearings throughout the City, most notably last week at DePaul when over 650 of you made your voices heard, showed the City how serious you were about being included in the remap process. The leadership demonstrated by our neighborhood community groups and former 43rd Ward aldermen formed a critical part of our mobilization efforts.

As you can see from the map below, Lincoln Park, instead of being cut up into five wards as proposed by the original Map For A Better Chicago, now remains almost entirely in the 43rd Ward.

The current plan for the 43rd Ward

Without your hard work, our community would have been divided into fragments that do not reflect traditional neighborhood boundaries. In the original proposal, almost half of Lincoln Park would have been excised from the 43rd Ward.

The original "Map for a Better Chicago" plan for the 43rd Ward

I would like to thank my colleagues in City Council who listened to our residents and helped restore our Ward - particularly 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, and 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack. I was privileged to work with the Latino Caucus, under the leadership of Alderman Danny Solis, and City Council leaders Rules Committee Chairman Richard Mell and Alderman Pat O'Connor in forging a City-wide compromise.

Unfortunately, we were unable to save the entire Ward and we are forced to say goodbye to some old friends. I am happy to announce, however, that almost all former 43rd Ward residents will now be in the new 2nd Ward and served by Alderman Bob Fioretti. Alderman Fioretti is a fine alderman with a strong reputation for serving constituents.

For all of our residents: the new map will NOT take effect for some time - six months to a year at the soonest. There will be plenty of time for a smooth transition and I remain pledged to supporting all 43rd Ward residents, current and future, whenever they need my help.

I am proud to be a member of this community and grateful to be your Alderman.

Sincerely,

Michele Smith
43rd Ward Alderman
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Alderman Michele Smith | Alderman Michele Smith | 2523 N. Halsted | Chicago | IL | 60614

On Jan 19, 2012, at 11:24 AM, Alderman Michele Smith wrote:

When Then Was... Now!: There used to be a Ballpark : By Jerry Pritikin the Bleacher Preacher

2012-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

When Then Was... Now!: There used to be a Ballpark : By Jerry Pritikin the Bleacher Preacher: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4YQkrUCE80

There used to be a Ballpark : By Jerry Pritikin the Bleacher Preacher

2012-01-18T17:36:00.001-08:00

When I was a kid,and you paid 10 cents for a bag of P-nuts... the vender told you a story and made us laugh. (c) J Pritikin

The old marquee, I remember when it was green in the 1940s.

Bill Veeck, boycotted Wrigley for all but 2 games in 1985. This is the last picture taken of him in the bleachers (c) J Pritikin

My side-kick and good friend Carmella. She had great Chicago stories to be told. Our old seats have been replaced by the Bud-Lite Bleachers. Took 2 buses to and from the park and once went 7 years without missing a game. (c) J Pritikin

I have been going to Wrigley Field since the summer of 1945, when my dad gave me a crash course in baseball 101 and Cubs history. He was my Baseball Rabbi. Then took me to my first game... and I have been back to the Friendly Confines over a thousand times since. In the late 40s, I often worked after a game to help clean the grandstands and received a free pass to the next game. In 1945, there were only 8 teams in each league. Post season play consisted only of the World Series. Baseball was the official language around the Pritikin kitchen table between my dad Hank, older brother Allen and myself. When the Cubs clinched the N.L. Pennant, I asked my dad to take me to the World Series. He felt I was too young at 8 years old. He made me a Promise, he would take me the next time.

Since then I have seen all of changes in and around the ballpark and on the field. Yet for many generations the Ball Park never seemed to change until new traditions were changing at a faster pace. I always felt young in Wrigley. Traditions stop and start almost at the same time. The faces in the stands, the voices on the mic, and the players on the field always changing at a snails pace.

However, it was when Wrigley sold the ball club, lock,stock and Ivy to the Tribune Company. The new owners had a catchy little slogan"Building a New Tradition" and forgot to tell the fans it came at the expense of many old traditions. First to go, the Andy Frain Ushers,selling tickets in February. Building Sky boxes that eliminated much of the grandstand fans view... and they had to watch tv sets to see what happened. Advertising signs in the Friendly Confines were popping up more then the Cubs players! Then the lights, the family section, the forest in center field... and of course,the scorecard going from 50 cents to 75 cents and 2 to 3 pages... the extra page was all advertisements. The cheap seats became the hip place to be and each year they kept raising the price of of a ticket, the beer and the eats. My dad always talked about his good old days, and always comparing teams of his era with that of mine or my brother.
I remember when the Trib raised the price of their evening paper from 2 to 3 cents, and he yelled "it's not worth 2 cents NOW!"

The changes in the bleachers really hurt mostly the old fans... who remember when the Cubs Radio announcer (before TV) would repeat often "Wrigley Field, The most beautiful ball park in the world!" For me it was the Grand Canyon of Baseball. I have sat in various areas of the old bleachers over time, but it was the time my good friend Carmella and we sat at the top row of the LCF Bleachers. From there, we could see most of the visible changes... The Holy Grail has become the Bud-lite Bleachers. Beers are now $7.00, I remember when they were a quarter and came in glass bottles. And 50 cents got us in the bleachers, and those seats are now $48. for either an adult or kid!

When I am walking near the ballpark on a day of a game... the rustic feeling of Old Wrigley is completely gone, the Grand Canyon of Baseball has been replaced by a Giant Cash Register.
The roof tops look like the tops rows of the Big-Top at a circus. Most of the friends and old neighborhood that helped Wrigley to become known as the "Friendly Confines"... are gone.
I do not go to games anymore... I have been priced out of the ballpark at face value of a ticket. So how do I feel about the new right field signage and make-over. FRANKLY, I do not care!
Every so often, when I am in Wrigleyville... I hear a voice in my head... it's Frank Sinatra. And he singing... "There used to be a ballpark" except this time it's Wrigley.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4YQkrUCE80

2012-01-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Lee Balterman shoots Jerry Pritikin and Vice Versa

2012-01-01T07:21:00.001-08:00

Lee stops for a thought and a pose.

Lee Balterman first digital image after over a million frames on film and slides. Photo Credit: Lee Balterman

Smile Pritikin! My image of Lee

Lee shots Jerry ...

Last Thanksgiving, I had diner with Lee Balterman. And it became the duel of the film or digital image. Lee Balterman who spent most of his 91 years behind a camera. With many years as a photographer for Time/ Life, Sports Illustrated and Forbes. I was able to get Lee to take my photo, using my Canon digital. With out question... Lee has taken well over a milllion frames on film or slides... and this was his first digital moment. Happy New Year...

When Yesteryears New Years seemed a million Light-Years Away By Jerry Pritikin

2011-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sadie,Rolla Wainer,Omie,Allen-1945

Hank The Chicago Tomato King-1947

Similar to the Sales Books for 1945

Hank Pritikin with Morrie Wainer on Chicago's South Water Market St. Produce Market (first row-Far Right-1942)

Sadie & Henry Pritikin-1940

End of the 2011 year thoughts... and a few of yesteryear's New Years. The New Year Eve I found most profound, was 1944 turning into 1945. We lived on the first floor on N.Troy Street in a red brick duplex. My Dad's business partner Morrie Wainer, and his family lived on the 2nd floor. We planed to bring in the New Year by hitting the tops of my mom's pots and pans at the sound of the nearby factory whistle blowing exactly at mid-night to cue us when to make noise at New Year. My parents were getting ready to leave, my Dad Hank , was looking good in a suit and tie, and my mom Sadie was decked out in a fine dress made with sequins.

My Dad gave us a few of the business cash receipts books, with 1 original and a Yellow & Pink page less the carbon papers... and told us to make some confetti out of them by tearing them into little pieces. It was 2 weeks before my 8th birthday. Just after Guy Lombardo's and his Royal Canadians live radio feed out of NYC at 11 P.M. Chicago time... we all started to make our own pile of confetti. I happened to look down at the imprinted original and noticed My dad's South Water Street Produce Market business name, a Haymarket Telephone number, and where the date was printed 194_ and you filled in the last digit. I remember thinking to myself, that these books will never never be out of date . The 1950s seemed a million light years away.... as did the 60s,70s,80s,90s,2000s only now a day away from another year... this time 2012.

Happy New Year, Again!

Jerry

Their twins, Roy and Rolla came down to our flat, and with my brother Allen, we all played games.

My Pick for 2011 Gay Softball Comeback of the Year ... By Jerry Pritikin

2011-12-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

Senior Cup in hands of sponsor

Director Peter Meyer CMSA Senior Cup

Scooter Div Champions 2011 Bob's Old Bats/ Chicago

12th Annual CMSA Senior Cup Program

My 3rd CMSA Senior Cup for Being Oldest Active Player at 74

I had great intentions of writing about this event when it happened early in September. I had postponed a hernia operation to play in this years 2011 annual Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association's Senior Cup Tournament. This was their 12th year. I played for most of their existence, sponsoring several Bubbies Pickle's teams. I have earned a nice array of Awards. I almost did not come back after the last years debacle I had with the sponsor/ manager of the St. louis entry. I was treated badly, with poor excuses for not starting me or playing me. I was added to their roster because they were short on players. Mosquitoes and rain put a damper on the first game. I was 1 for 3, and replaced in the 5th inning of our first game. Then waiting for rain delays and a late game. I was told that I would play in all games... it never happened. Sunday morning I showed up for an early game, and again the promise of being in the starting line-up was never kept. He stayed with the same losing line up. So I quit, but I later learned he won the Award as the oldest active player for that tournament that had i stayed would of won. Earlier this years, I told Peter Meyers (Director of the Senior Cup and one of the original founders of the Senior Cup) that I would like to play again... and presented him a short list of teams that I prefer not to play with.

The night before the 2 day event I was assigned to meet with Manager/sponsor Robert Heidrich of Bob's old Bats. They were a player short. He asked me what position I played, and volunteered to catch, or DH, and he even offered me a chance to pitch,again. However it's been too many years since I threw my patented Knuckle Ball. I had hoped to contribute by playing. I missed a great photo opportunity when I did not bring my camera to record the festive sign-in party at Charlie's on Broadway. It was like old times... seeing so many friendly faces... and a few not so friendly. A few things happened to me that never happened before in all my years playing, since 1974, I actually swung and miss a slow pitched lob. I was saved the first time, when it only became the second strike... and then the umpire called the game on time and we were winning, so it never counted. The very next day, I again missed a pitch. In my defense, I had not played on any team in the summer CMSA's regular softball season. I did modified my swing and I wound up going 9 for 19, and had 4 walks with one turning out to be the game winning run. I had one game winning hit, and had a few timely RBI's and scored often. I won the Award for Oldest active player... my 3rd time. Bob's Old Bats won the first place trophy in the Scooter Division.

One other fact, I played on my first seniors team, "The Fabulos Forty's!" that was the first gay senior team in the nation back in 1979. Today, thereare over 50 American cities that have Gay Sponsored Sports Leagues.

Peter Meyer, who is retiring from being the Senior Cup Tournament Director, batter over a thousand on getting the fields in shape, and the weather was perfect, too. The Umpires were fabulous,as always. I enjoyed picking on some players... some of the younger players complained, and I had to shut up... I guess I took it out with my vicious swings... I admit a few turned out to be dribbles through the infield with seeing eyes or pop-flyies just over the infielder's head... I like the old baseball adage "They look like line-drives in the scorebook!"
One more thing...
My hernia operation turned out to create more problems then I bargained for. I am thankful I had the opportunity to play ball, because I have been recovering from my 2 months in hell, and I'm just now beginning to recover.

EXTRA! Read About it and the Beat goes on...12/19/2011 By Jerry Pritikin

2011-12-19T03:41:00.000-08:00

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (or Fill in the Blank) is DEAD!

This year, many dictators died, and a few of them not from natural causes. Arab Spring has sprung! Kadafi's is gone, Bin Laden done in,and Egypt's Hosni Mubarak resigning and facing charges, Civil war possibilities in Syria. The usual hot spots that seldom cool down with familiar sounding names. Tonight's announcement that North Korea's Leader Kim Jong is dead, followed by world stock markets in a downward response. What's next? We wonder who will their followers follow next?

I remember when Stalin died March 5th 1953 and regularly schedule television programs were interrupted. Just that week, On the cover of "Popular Science Magazine" was a story Why Stalin will live until he's 150 Years Old! Inside, the article reported Russia had developied a new mechanical heart that made that possible. Ike was President and anti-Communist, Richard Nixon was Vice President. He was a heart beat away from becoming President several time, thankfully Ike recovered from heart problems in time preventing that from "ever" happening(until 1968). The Big question back then was "What will happen now?" Churchill was the only one left from WWll "Big 3." . The Korean War was still on,and and the Cold war was getting hotter! Somehow, We survived despite the news!

I remember 2 things about the beginning of the Korean War in 1950. it started June 25th, I was listening to the radio baseball game of the week when a news bulletin broke-in about a place called Korea. and later that week's headlines and a city called Seoul . World War ll, the war to end all wars, ended just 5 years earlier.

The only Peace in "MY TIME" is when my TV and computer are off...

In this day of instant news via TV broadcast news and the www. They keep bombarding us with "breaking news" stories and the latest scandals in sports,politics and Hollywood, and the latest B.S. news poll. I have been lucky, I never paid attention to political polls since Gallop's tabbed Dewey our "next" president in 1948. So in this Season, that songs are bringing us good cheer, and wishes of Peace on Earth... there's nothing new in the news except the names in the news, replacing familiar names in the news always... and the beat goes on (Thank you Vanila Fudge)

1978 Gay World Series debacle/Too Many Straights By Jerry Pritikin

2011-11-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Jack "Irene"McGowan, Jerry Pritikin, and Commissioner Mark Brown

3 Oil Can Harry's Non-Gay Players

Pitcher Jerry Pritikin

1978 Community Softball League Champs Oil Can Harry's Oiler's

Citation from San Francisco's Mayor George Moscone

On the Associated News wires today Nov.28,2011 there was a story that a settlement was made in a discrimination suit brought on by 3 softball players who were kicked out of the 2008 Gay World Series

news.yahoo.com/banned-players-settle-gay-softball-group-183040349.html

At the time it was news, I decided to write a story about a team I played On in the San Francisco Community Softball League in 1978, that was similar, except our team truly was years ahead of its time. I think you'll enjoy reading GAY SPORTS HISTORY 101. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LEAVE A COMMENT, I WOULD APPRECIATE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS...
THANKS,
JERRY

The more things change, the more they seem the same... There was an article in todays Seattle Times about 3 Bi Sexual men who are suing the promoters of the 2008 Gay WorldSeries http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011657770_lawsuit21m.htm
because they were kicked out of Tournament because they were bi-sexual.

Back in 1978, I played on the Championship Oil Can Harry's softball team, that won the right to represent San Francisco and the S.F. Community Softball League( Originally called the Gay Community Softball League) in the 2nd ever Gay World Series in New York. and the first gay organized sports league in the country. The name was changed because many of the gay players worked for Fortune 500 companies, And feared if their employers found OUT, they could be fired. .. OUR TEAM WAS ALSO KICKED OUT FOR HAVING TOO MANY NON-GAYS The following is a story I wrote . I also gave the story to the Associated Press, and it was picked up by Walter Cronkit's CBS Evening News and Paul Harvey's ABC Radio Commentary...
and appeared on the www. including my blog before, ( jerrypritikin.blogspot.com and BeyondChron.com

Gay Sports History 101
by Jerry Pritkin‚ Sep. 12‚ 2007

IN THE BEGINNING... I joined the Round-Up softball team in the San Francisco's (Gay) Community Softball League in 1975. It was the 3rd season of the C.S.L. that was the nation's first gay sports association. Many of our players did not know where right field was, and that included the right fielder! I was a 38 year old rookie and 12" softball virgin...

Manager Jay "Golda" Platt roamed S.F. city leagues "recruiting" new players to bolster our team. We picked up some quality players, as did some of the other teams, and the league became competitive. There were new rivalries as more teams joined. The managers were as colorful as the new uniforms and players came in all shapes and sizes. Some teams added cheerleaders...

The pennant races provided fans and fun that were as entertaining as the players. Going to the winning team's bars after the game became a ritual. I became a pitcher and learned to throw knuckle balls that danced in the bay winds.

When the Round-Up's owner discovered his lover making a "squeeze" play on our shortstop, he dropped sponsoring the team. Platt found us a new sponsor for the '77 season, Oil Can Harry's. OCH was the best gay disco bar in the city. The owners supported us with great cheerleaders, loyal fans and post-game parties.

Sports sections began to show up in gay newspapers. I wrote a few columns for the Sentinel, and they printed some of my images. The Badland's Bar on 18th Street wound-up winning the coveted Championship trophy,but not without controversy.

Like many teams including ours, their roster had many non-gay players. When they failed to appear at a banquet in their honor, several teams quit the C.S.L. and formed a league of their own...The S.F. Gay Softball League.

THAT WAS THE SEASON THAT WAS...

In January 1978, I celebrated my 41st birthday. The C.S.L. received an invitation to send their '78 Champs to the 2nd Gay World Series at New York in September. I gave a pre-season party for our returning teammates, and to welcome new players at my apartment.

Tim Sullivan, a good-looking 21-year old rookie asked me if he could try on my uniform...just to see
what it looked like to be an Oiler. When he came out, the guys gave him a standing ovation. I commented "THE SEASON HAS NOT EVEN STARTED AND HE'S ALREADY IN MY PANTS!"

In February, I was named the sports editor for a new gay paper... The Gazette. Our first edition was to coincide with the Opening of the C.S.L. season. Mayor Moscone wrote a welcoming letter for the Gazette and agreed to throw out the first pitch of the season. As luck would have it, OCH was picked to play against a new team, Dave's Baths, in the season's Opener.

THE ROAD TO THE BIG APPLE....

My teammates were a microcosm of the City of San Francisco. We had several Vietnam Vets, 27 year old Tony Suchon, a 4-year Navy vet who served in the Gulf of Tonkin, and George "Hot-Dog" Hill and his roommate Sammy Barnachia, who won a Silver medal in wrestling at the Pan-Am Games, and Dependable Dan Wexler, my neighbor and best friend.

Also City fireman Rich Loos, Banker Gus "Bazooka" Torres, 37-year-old Doctor Allan Chernoff, Veteran gay pitcher, Rennis Woods, 30-year-old House painter "Skip" Schafer, and infielder Scott Kendrick. The last to be added to the roster was "Big" John Stout, another City fireman and long-ball hitter. Bar
manager Ralph Deming replaced "Golda" as the skipper of the club. I was named the team's player representative...plus our amazing cheerleading squad.

Opening day was spectacular... There were over 2,000 fans at Lang Field for the Opener. Mayor Moscone threw batting practice for the Oilers, using my mitt. The opening ceremonies started with Commissioner Mark Brown (a former Arthur Murray dance instructor) reading the CSL preamble, that
stated both gay and straight players were welcome, as long as they respected each other's lifestyles.

League cofounder, Jack "Irene" McGowan, introduced players from Dave's Baths and the Oilers, always adding "one of our own kind" whenever the player was gay. Then, the 17 other teams marched on the field with their players and banners. After the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, Mayor Moscone threw out the first pitch, and Oil Can Harry's took the field.

THE SEASON STARTED WITH A BANG!

Dave's leadoff hitter smashed a homer, and my earn-run average was higher than a Goodyear Blimp! I walked the next 2 batters and settled down. The Oiler wound-up winning a lopsided victory 16-1. I quoted Dave's H.R. slugger in the Gazettes premiere edition, "that he almost vomited running around the bases!"

I predicted problems in my column if another mostly non-gay team won the Pennant. I also recommended that the GSL merge with the CSL and have a separated division with the best teams playing each other at the end of the season, and the winner represent S.F. in the Gay World Series... it never happened.

There were many bar fund raisers, collecting over $25,000 to send the CSL's pennant winners to New York. The non-gay players brought their wives, kids and friends to watch and enjoyed going to the gay bars after the games.

During the mid-season break, Comm. Mark Brown flew to Toronto to meet with the commissioners of the other 4 cities taking part in the Gay World Series. They voted to put a 20-80% rule in effect, limiting each team to only 20% non-gay players. Brown abstained in the voting.

When he returned to S.F. the league had an emergency meeting, voting that they were going to send the Championship club to N.Y. no matter what the team's "makeup"! By the season's end, OCH wound up as the Wild-card entry in the play-offs.

The first weekend, many of the team favorites were eliminated and OCH came from behind to beat the Ambush team in the last inning, when slugger Tony Suchon was intentionally walked, loading the bases and pitched to me. I tripled to right field, driving in what turned out to be the tying and winning runs. The oilers were to play the Sutters' Mill Golddiggers for the title the following weekend in
the best out of 3-game series.

FOR ALL THE MARBLES...

It was a hot sunny August afternoon, There was a large crowd and most of them, rooting for the Golddiggers. They were one of the original CSL teams and perennial bridesmaid in the standings, and the majority of their players were gay... Our loyal fans were there, too. For the series opener, OCH's Mgr. Deming chose to start Rennis Woods. He was knocked out early, giving up 12-runs in the first few innings. OCH fought back, but lost 22-17.

After the game, I gave the Oilers a "Win one for the Gipper" speech on the grassy knoll behind 3rd base. I said I was hanging up my spikes after the season and I wanted to go out a winner and go to the Big Apple! To do that, we had to win a double-header on Sunday at Carolina Field.

I pitched the first game on Sunday. My knuckle ball was working and we won 11-0. It was decided I would start the 2nd game, and go as far as I could. We shut the "Diggers" out for the first 4 innings, and Sutter's Mill had the tying runs on base when the game ended 7 to 5 in our favor.

After the final out, I was lifted on to the shoulders of my teammates. The celebration started! First we went to the Castro Street Fair, and then we all went to Oil Can's bar and danced together for hours.

We were going to the Big Apple... but not before playing in the annual charity, Peach-Fuzz (gays-Cops) game, the following week. There were 8,000 fans and, again, my knuckle-ball was working. I gave up only 2 singles and retired 9 in a row, and 7 on 7 pitches in 5 innings, and we won 17-0!

It was my 6th post season win without a loss. Mayor Moscone gave the Oilers a Citation to take to N.Y., that praised the team on its diversity...

OUCH...

After we arrived in New York the Oilers were kicked out of the Gay World Series, for having too many "non-gays" on their roster. I called the Associated Press and they ran the story. It made Walter Cronkite's CBS Evening News and Paul Harvey's ABC Radio Commentary.

After spending a week as tourists, we returned home to a large crowd of well-wishers that greeted us at the S.F. airport. The following morning, a few players were interviewed on Channel 7's A.M. San Francisco...

A few weeks later S.F. was rocked by the Rev. Jim Jones' mass suicides in Jonestown, Guyana. In late
November, the assassinations of Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk... Like Chuck Dickens stated...It was the best of times, it was the worst of times almost 30 years ago.

WHERE ARE MY TEAMMATES NOW?

Gus "Bazooka" Torres was voted the CSL's '78 MVP. He is an Investment Broker and 4-time Grandfather. Dan Wexler and his wife adopted a couple of Russian kids. He is a Real Estate Broker in the Bay area. Allen "Doc" Chernoff lives in Irving, Texas and recently won $32,000 on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

The 56-year old Tony Suchon lives in Santa Rosa, Ca. and played many more years in the CSL. The 59-year-old "Skip" Schafer is a property manager in Concord, Ca. and has continuously played and managed for 30 years, and spent 8 years on the Board of the S.F.GSL. He was elected to their Hall of Fame.

Last year, "Skip" and I were united when we played on Bubbies Kosher Pickle Team (A legend in its own brine) in the Annual Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association's Senior Cup Tournament. I won the Award for being the oldest active player.

Jay "Golda" Platt, the person who introduced me to gay sports, died of AIDS in 1990.

33 Years Ago Today November 27,1978 in San Francisco By Jerry Pritikin

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Winds on Castro Street-December 1978 (c) Jerry Pritikin

With Harvey Milk 3/9/1978 On this Day, Harvey was the Acting Mayor of San Francisco Photo Credit Danny Nicoletta

Harvey Milk on June 7,1977 Orange Tuesday for history of image visit www.thecastro.net/street/memoriespage/pritikin/scene05.html

With Mayor Moscone on Opening Day of S.F. Gay Community Softball Season-1978

Mayor Moscone at City Hall Oct.7,1976 (c) Jerry Pritikin

One of my favorite pastimes as a kid was reading the Almanac section of the Daily Newspapers. They posted stories that happened on a particular date before I was born. I often used my imagination to visualize what it was like being there on historic days. Now that I am nearing my 75th birthday... it seems that I am able to recall those events listed on a daily basis. Just the other day was the 48th Anniversary of JFK's assassination and of course I recall where I was on that day, as well as that of Martin Luther King, and Robert Kennedy in 1968. Those were national stories, and I often wonder what if they had lived?

However, the event that happened in San Francisco on this day in San Francisco in 1978 was different for me. It was the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and S.F. City Supervisor Harvey Milk. I knew them both as friends. I often wonder "WHAT IF THEY HAD LIVED?" There is no doubt in my mind that if the assassinations of all 5 men did not happen, our world would of been a better place then, and now!

A Day With Lee Balterman By Jerry Pritikin

2011-11-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

I stopped by my good friend Lee Balterman's apartment yesterday, and as usual it was inspirational and time well spent. I was amazed how much progress he's made putting his photo files in order. He has over a quarter of a million negatives and slides covering over 50 years as a photographer for Time & Life,Sports Illustrated and Forbes Magazine. We spent time taling about the Cubs and their new President of operations... Theo Epstein, and hope for next years chances.
Lee invited me to spend Thanksgiving with him, and I accepted. He had a few new images on his wall, new for the wall that is. One was the mother of a GI that Lee had a spread in Life, as well as a cover during the Vietnam War. His assignments took him all over the world. I love his images of Chicago's known landmarks and unknown bars along skid row , and his true love, the ever changing shops and people along Milwaukee Avenue over many decades. It's always interesting that in the background, the price changes in beer,cigarettes and hot dogs as well as the latest styles of those times. I hope there will be another Daiter gallery showing in the near future. One of the attached images is a rock that Lee found on Omaha Beach. Lee was in France just after D-Day. The other a letter from former Mayor Richard Daley and of course my favorite model posing among his treasures.

Wave breaks heart of the Bleacher Preacher by(c) Jerry Pritikin

2011-09-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Fans in Left Field make last minute bets...

Looking from the Right-Field Corner out toward the Left Field Bleachers.

THIS WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE AT TODAY'S GAME... THANKS TIM!

My Bleacher Preacher Drag came OUT of retirement, that's my batgirl Miss Pretty Kitty.

ALL PHOTOS (c) J Pritikin

I want ot thank Kevin Henry for giving me an extra ticket to today's game.I really thought there was going to be more hoop-la
prior to the game concerning PRIDE DAY, and this years Gay World Series Champions.

(CHICAGO Sept. 4th, 2011) Today marked my first game at Wrigley Field this season. The surrounding buildings look like seats at a Big Top with the sky as the tent. Advertising signs hits from all angles. The whole feeling that personified the everyday fan and gave Wrigley the moniker THE FRIENDLY CONFINES are 2 different things compared to the crowd at todays Cubs Game. The weather was near perfect and a nice breeze kept my propeller on top of my Intersteller Propellar Beany spinning in the Winds of Wrigley. I spoted just a few old timers I knew from my 25 years of roaming in and around the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. I could not hear the special pregame announcement that introduced this weekend's Gay World Series Winners that took place in Chicago.

The first Buc batter got a hit, and a short time later he scored putting the Pirates in the lead. Then, there was signs of a plague beginning in the Center Field Bleacher... it was the dreaded "WAVE". In my 25 years roaming that sacred ground I had never seen a completed wave accomplished. Usually good fans were able to prevail with the wave usually wimping out near where it began. I always warned thos fans they were threading on hallowed grounds, and warn them of my 8th Cub-mandment. "Thou Shalt not start or participate in the wave at Wrigley Field, or you will be Ex-Cub-Fan-Municated!" I consider that the most important of my 10 Cub-Fan-Mandments. Ironically. Today for the 2nd time in my adult life, I left the ballpark before the last man was out. In fact and by far it was the earliest after only 2 1/2 innings, because I witnessed 2 full around the ballpark WAVES. I have no respect for any ballpark that allows those things. I dared not photograph that baseball blasphemy. I just walked out and visited with a few ballhawks at the corner of Waveland and Kenmore... sommeday I hope that corner will be officially know in honor of people who are part of the Wrigley Folk lore, and to be called Ballhawk Drive and Carmella Way. Named after The Waveland Ave. Ballhawks and Carmella Hartigan

In January I'll hit 75, and that is not homers. Next week I will be playing in Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association's Senior Cup. I won the honor of being the oldest active player twice since 2000. I played on one championship team and looking forward to hanging up my spikes(as in baseball) after this weekend. Til then...
Cheers, and ONCE IN A WHILE, I WOULD APPRECIATE IF SOMEONE WOULD LEAVE A COMMENT,
Cheers, Jerry

Does it take one to know one? By (c) J. Pritikin

2011-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the quality, I only had a photo copy, and I might take all day finding the original slide. I was on assignment for a Cover for a national Gay magazine-The Alternate in 1978. It was part of a survey that asked their readers "DOES IT TAKE ONE TO KNOW ONE?"

Their choice was either "Flash of the Mint and Tim Sullivan, of the Oilers. They were both 21 years old Rookies in San Francisco's Gay Community Softball League, the first gay sports league in the country. They brought their mothers to the games. One of these players happens to be gay, and the other straight. Let us know, you can do so by leaving a comment. If you are gay,then choose who you believe is gay, and vice versa if your straight. By the way,the cover never happened because the magazine's editor changed his mind.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME ON MY SITE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE ARCHIVES... SOME ARE STORIES THAT HAPPENED DURING THE 1970s, AND MANY ARE FROM THE 1980'S UP UNTIL NOW IN CHICAGO. I HOPE YOU TAKE TIME TO BE PART OF THE SURVEY, and
if you have any questions, just ask
THANK YOU,
Jerry Pritikin

Keeping up with Zimmerman's Wall @ Oak Street Beach By Jerry Pritikin

2011-07-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

The weather in Chicago has had it's ups and downs. The heat index has been at or near the 3 digit marker. So when it's good and not thick with humidity, I head for the beach. A painter, named Zimmerman has been commissioned by the City's Park District to paint the familiar wall that greets people coming from the Michigan Ave. underpass. It's like the Marilyn thing... either you like it, or you don't. In both cases I did like 'em. For now it's a work in progress, and catch it before it's completed into another instant Chicago landmark.

Beany Power @ North Avenue Beach By (c) Jerry Pritikin

2011-07-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Another Beany Revelution starts... All photos (c) Jerry Pritikin

I was taking an afternoon stroll near North Avenue Beach, when a young man asked me where I bought my beany cap? I just happened to have a few in a shopping bag along with my camera. A young lady, celebrating her 17th Birthday bought one. The attached images were taken moments later. This group from Oak Park were having a good time in this summer of their teens. Ironically, I was in my teens when I began visiting Chicago's lake front at Oak St. and North Avenue Beach.

Cast the last stone...With Jerry Pritikin @ Chicago's Gorilla Tango Theater.

2011-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

A near capacity crowd at Chicago's Gorilla Tango Theater.

Would you believe that the red eye's in this image are not my fault.

In the Gorilla Tango's Den.

Chicago: I prepared for my 7 minutes at the last minute... and I was greeted warmly, someone left the backdoor opened. There will be a Marijuana-rama-III in October.
I will be posting more about this soon, In the meanwhile... Inhale!

Marilyn Monroe finds a home in the Windy City. By (c) Jerry Pritikin

2011-07-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

Marilyn Monroe is back in form! Located just north of the Michigan Ave. bridge and The Tribune Tower. In the few days that it's
been in that perfect location, it is a Chicago landmark. To do a study of this iconic memory, I guess you would have to come very early so people will not in the background of a picture. It's going to be here until next winter... and that should provide a
treasure trove of images, along with the Bean, Nathan Hale,Water Tower and Oak Street Beach this year. I was here when the Hola-Hoop and Frisbee made it's debut and was noted in Life Magazine. I was also here the day the Queen Elizabeth entourage
past in an open car in 1959. I was the only one who did not rush to the fense to see her. I could of had a field day if I was a crook. Everyone left their valuables on their beach blankets. I did get a glimpse. I believe she was here in town for the Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There was a International Trade Show at Navy Pier. And the beat went on...

The Great wall of Zimmerman 2011

2011-07-15T15:18:00.001-07:00

Oak Street Beach is getting a face lift at it's Oak St. underpass. And it's already becomming a Chicago Tradition. The artist is named Zimmerman, and it looks like a labor of love. He was interviewed by most of the local TV stations. I am glad to see something other then cracked or graffiti covered walls. Check it out in a couple of weeks, when Zimmerman hopes to be finished with it.

I FOUND SHIT! YOU CAN TOO! (C) J PRITIKIN

2011-07-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

The attached photo is a post card production, of a street level billboard near 17th St back in 1977. Coming home after playing in a City night-softball league, we were stopping for a light change, when I noticed what appeared to be a father and his teen age son.
The were just done added their 2 cents worth. Because it was street level, I knew it would not be up for long. The next morning I went back to shoot the "I FOUND SHIT" image. I think that will be the name of my 7 minute "POT"monologue. It's based on my own experience in the SAN FRANCISCO STONE-AGE of the 1960s and 70's! I will post a written version after I complete my one night stand next week.

My 7 minutes POT Time Capsule- By Jerry Pritikin

2011-07-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Before the Senior Moments. I have thought about posting some of the stories left over from the 1960's and 70s and the POT connection. I used to read the Want Ads in newspapers for jobs that I didn't want. Today I prefer the WWW and CRAIGSLIST.com. In both circumstances my life changed because I was stoned on pot, and looking for jobs I did not want! I actually found a few gigs that way. The latter was looking for an Actor, and my reason for the POSTER.

Back in 1981, I was involved with the play 'Bleacher Bums' after seeing it on S.F.PBS/KQED. The next day I noticed an ad for actors for the S.F. production of the "BLEACHER BUMS". It was suppose to be a 6 week run that ran well over a year. I was hired for special promotions and PR. When the run ended, I continued doing Cubs an Bears tie-in promotions whenever they were in the Bay Area. I was tabbed by the media as the Bay Area's Resident Cubs Fan. From that, I evolved into the "Bleacher Preacher." I moved back to Chicago in the late 1980s. I spent most of the next 25 years roaming the cheap-seats of the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, and I became part of the fabled fans in the Bleachers.

Update:

A few weeks ago, after a long, long drought(no 420) and survived liked the message in the song "I'LL GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS". A month ago I happened to see an ad on CRAIGSLIST. A director was looking for marijuana stories for his Marijuana-Rama Show and I have a 30 year supply. I have made a commitment to do a 7 minute monologue at the EEK Theater. I plan to put it all together this week. Is this that stage that Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote about the"Idiot"that struts and frets upon the stage? Anyway, if you happen to be in Chicago... My first one night stand(on a stage). Follow the instructions on the leafy green poster, and buy some tickets. Maybe instead of getting some flowers tossed at me at the end of the 7 minutes... it might be samples.

Lee Balterman hits 91 at the Greek Islands Chicago

2011-07-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lee wearing his Intersteller Propellar and crowned Chicago Propeller Head #1!
Lee opening one of the gifts and enjoying every moment.

With one of his care givers... Top Notched and very good for Lee.
Lee, blowingout a lot of candles... (c) J.Pritikin

Chicago July 6,2011... Lee Balterman had a bunch of friends at the Greek Islands in Chicago.

It was Lee's 91st Birthday. Paul from Daiter's broght a copy of an Italian Magazine with a 3 page spread on Lee. There were so many camera's you would think there was a Lady Ga-Ga sighting!

My corner in Chicago over the years. (c) J Pritiikin

2011-07-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is from July 1,2011 Just before a rain storm. (c) J. Pritikin
This is about 1996, when I first moved in, notice the space in the center of the photograph. (c) J.Pritikin
Just one of the perks when you live on the 13th Fl. The hard rains keep them clean too.(c) J.Pritikin

October's Chicago Marathon passes my window every year. (c) J.Pritikin

I just found this image (2nd from top)of a time before Walter Payton Prep High School) and other buildings that appear on my daily sky-box horizon windows. I am amazed at the amount of buildings that seem to have been growing right in front of my view. At the very beginning, I could see planes taking off at Mid-way Airport at night. Now the old CHA projects are gone.

This spring, we had too many gray days. When the sun did showup, it came with out warmpth.

Back in the late 1980s, I had an apartment at 2 East Oak on the 36th Floor. When I first moved in, I could look downState Street and see the Landmarked Chicago Theater Marquee. Within a short time a new building 2 blocks away, blocked the view. You might like to look my other images on Flickr. I have posted many imaged from this vantage point, among others. Cheers, J.

Windy City Sky-Vortex (c) J Pritikin

2011-07-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today, the Skybox on the 13th Floor gave me goosebumps... the real thing is better, but this is what I found in my camera's view finder.

Jerry Pritikin

somewhere-under-the-rainbow-Chicago Pride-2011 (c) J Pritikin

2011-06-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

#1, Gay Teachers of Chicagoland (c) J Pritikin

#2 Fellow Activist Natalie Kenvin Pride Parade 2011 (c) J Pritikin
#3, Somewhere Under the Rainbow... Chicago Gay Pride Parade (c) J Pritikin
#2, 1940s Bookie Joint

#1, Kevin on Halsted Street-2011 (c) J Pritikin

The Chicago's Pride Parade seemed almost endless. As usual for me, I photographed only a handful (figure of speech) of images. The music was loud, and creative floats were far and few in between. For me it seemed a review of many former Pride Day's. It was over crowded and a mixed bag of sideshows in and out of the parade. However, at least half of the crowd were non-gays, and the kids were having a good time. Here are a few reminders of the 2011 Chicago Gay Pride Parade. I have seen my fair share of Pride celebrations. I really never marched in them, and always liked the creativity in some of the marchers and organizations. This year, a great percentive of floats and flat bed trucks were vandelized, causing over $20,000. damage. The show went on. I really wanted to give Mayor Emanuel a Rainbow Intersteller Propeller Beany Cap, but he was not in my sight. I was invited by Alderman Michele Smith to march with her. I chosed to walk to the end of the parade route,and watch it from that vantage point. I had the usual "I like your hat!" comments, but not as many as I thought I might receive in such a large crowd. With New York now the 6th State to pass a Gay Marriage Law, and the large crowds at the various Pride Parades in America and over seas. I really get the feeling, that the tide of public opinion is changing, and for the good. If your not active in gay or human rights, this could be a good time to get involved. I 'm passing you the torch after 40 years.