Went to the beach, saw PeeWee Reese & Jackie Robinson

Next to Keyspan Park, the Cyclones’ stadium, there’s a statue of PeeWee Reese and Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Jackie Robinson was the first black player to join a major league baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Story goes that teammate Reese put his arm around Robinson’s shoulder when an opposing team taunted him. Unlike some of their teammates, Reese remained supportive of Robinson during their time together as Dodgers.

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Boston terrier gone Brooklyn

A mural is a nice alternative to the plain plywood Post-No-Bills fences used at construction sites. This pooch is decked out in classic Vans loafers, a matching tie, and yes, even a tiny hipster hat on his noggin. Out of his tail and ear, in the cursive font of the old Dodgers, comes the word “Brooklyn.” The bug-eyed pup has got it going on.

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The wall of memories (DeKalb gets around)

The peculiar smell of the bar at Maple Lanes Bowling Alley bar might be as old as the memorabilia, but arguably adds to the nostalgic feeling. The decorations lean toward baseball (before those bums went west), and are dominated by the logo man from Coney Island’s Steeplechase Park, but what catches my eye is the DeKalb winged corn sign.

It’s from a midwest seed company, relevant to Brooklyn because its name is from the same DeKalb of our local avenue and subway. (See earlier blog posting.) The Revolutionary War mercenary’s name is spread mysteriously thin across the US. Who would expect a link between DeKalb seed (purveyors of genetically modified products) and a windowless bar in the middle of Brooklyn?

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