My wifes 78 year old dad is coming to dinner. He sits there like a bump on a log for the most part. However, he perks up when he talks baseball. He loves it. I am baseball clueless. Never followed the sport. What are a few things I could throw out there that might get him engaged in conversation. Just point me in the right direction and I'll look it up. Example: What player is kicking ass this year ?? What team was doing well then blew it and now sucks. What race is really close and people are paying attention ?? Just a couple things he would be interested in ??

My wife " you really should talk more to my dad " Me " About what ?? his last doctors appointment ??"... You know I love her when I am willing to check up on baseball.

The Mariners qualify for the were doing good,but blew it,and now suck. They got really hot for a couple weeks,but now have lost about 16 out of 18.

The NL Central race is a good one to watch. The Brewers,Cubs,and Cardinals are all fighting for a playoff spot. Last time I looked there was only a game or two seperating them. The NL Central will probably come down to the last day of the season.

Barry Bonds broke Hank Aarons home run record about a month ago.

A-rod is having an outstanding season. Hes batting above .300,has 50+ HRs and about 140 RBIs.

Yankees coming back from the dead, generaly Red Sox, Yankees
topics are good baseball talk, plus they play each other this weekend.

Sorry guys, I meant to post this on the LBF board. Maybe a Mod can move it for me ??

Last time we talked it was about Barry Bonds. I can't repeat most of what he said. I'll look up that NL central race. Problem is, this guy knows who pitched yesterday, who is likely to pitch tomorrow, all the teams he has ever played for and what minor league organization he came from. Kind of like the Rain man of baseball.

Crap... thats the exact answer right there.

Take him to see your local Triple A/Minor league team. The prices are dirt cheap and the seats are always good.

I had to look them up, but I found there are teams in Idaho Falls, Spokane, and Boise.

That's just want Aunty M's husband does when she talks fishing politics...

Key nuggets to drop in conversation regarding the mariners:

1. "Man, the Mariners pitching staff really overachieved around the all-star break, the fall back to earth was so predictable"

2. "I really don't think McLaren (the manager) and Bavasi (the general manager) deserve another year"

3. "They should be playing Adam Jones (top prospect) every day in left, instead of those other bozos"

I can go on all day, let me know if you need more!