THE BULLPEN

Play Ball! That cry will ring out tonight as the World Series gets under way. Yes, Mrs. Black-N-Gold is aware that her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates will not be participating in the Fall Classic (we'll get 'em next year!). However, she is going to attempt to scientifically predict the victor of the matchup between the San Fran Giants and the KC Royals. Prepare to be impressed.

Food-Here is some food for thought regarding the two World Series participants. San Francisco, of course, brought the world Rice-A-Roni, dubbed the San Francisco treat. Kansas City, meanwhile, is famous for it's barbeque. It is home to the world-famous Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. Let's see, rice or bbq? Point for KC.

Music-Mrs. Black-N-Gold is a big Grateful Dead fan. The Dead hailed from the Haight-Ashbury section of San Fran. San Francisco is was also made famous in songs by both Tony Bennett, who left his heart in San Francisco, and Scott McKenzie who wants you to know that if you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair. San Fran is also home to '80s hit-makers Journey. We even caught a glimpse of former lead singer Steve Perry celebrating amongst the fans in the stands. The only musical contributions from Kansas City that I am aware of is the fact that some youngster named Lorde wrote a hit for herself called "Royals". Apparently, young Lorde was inspired by a picture she had seen of George Brett in National Geographic. And we can't forget the Leiber & Stoller R&B hit, "Kansas City" that was covered by both Little Richard and the Beatles. It's a close one, and I wanted to take points away from San Fran for Journey but the Grateful Dead win out. Point for San Fran.

Famous Fans-Upon his passing this past summer, there was mention of the fact that the late Robin Williams was a huge Giants fan. San Fran also hosted WWE star Daniel Bryan to pump up the crowd  before a playoff game. Word is that actor Paul Rudd is a KC fan. The Internet says that he was born in New Jersey but attended the University of Kansas. He even invited everyone to his mother's house after the Royals won the pennant. Then there is SungWoo Lee, the South Korean who suffered like the rest of the Royals fans lo these many years. Lee captured the attention of fellow Royals fans when it became known that he'd followed the team's exploits, while living in South Korea, since the 1990s. They even brought him over for his first visit this past summer. He's expected to make the trip again to see KC in the Series. I know, I know, Robin Williams was an Oscar-winning actor. Still, I like the story of the South Korean fan. Point for KC.

Legendary Players-San Fran has many. There are Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Juan Marichal. They also have some jagoff named Bonds who has yet to be voted into the Hall. KC has George Brett and.....that's about it. I still remember when Brett went ballistic in the Pine Tar Game. Sorry, George. That's not enough. Point San Fran.

Let's see. It's all tied up at 2-2. Whatever is Mrs. Black-N-Gold to do? Bottom line is San Fran knocked the Pirates out of the postseason with that 8-0 thumping in the Wild Card game. And, like Lorde, I like the Royals blue/white color scheme. I'm probably putting the jinx on but I'm sticking to my call. Let's Go KC!