Daily Dirt: Who’s hungry? Time for another ‘Lunch with Steve’

Daily Dirt for Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022

There are only two requirements for a lunch with Steve: 1. Clean your plates. 2. Desserts are mandatory … Welcome to today’s three thoughts and Vol. 220 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Today’s three thoughts begin with our monthly dining date(s) with friends and would-be friends. “Lunch with Steve” is a virtual gathering of buddies and those Steve would like to have as buddies, except for the case of Rob Manfred and probably Juwan Howard, but more about those guys in a minute. The common denominator, of course, in all of these gatherings is food, which is common in all aspects of Steve’s life.And now, it’s time to welcome our guests to the table for February:

Jeremiah Talton: The Quincy High senior basketball player has helped provide a season worth of thrills, from those rainbow 3-point field goals to his infectious personality. We’ll grab some burgers and toast a Coke that his prep success carries over to the University of New Orleans. Lunch at: Steak ‘n Shake, where we might sub the Coke for one of those marvelous milkshakes.

Juwan Howard: The more the Michigan basketball coach talks, the worse it gets for him. Juwan, two words: Shut. Up. No matter how you try to sugar coat attempting to punch an opposing coach it makes you look bad and is an embarrassment to your university. Lunch at: Subway, where we can ask for an extra-big bun to accompany Juwan’s foot, which he have already inserted in his mouth.

Jim Lieurance: The new operator of Adams County Speedway (you used to know it as Quincy Raceways) has worked hard all fall and winter to get the place up and running for what he hopes is a big season this spring, summer and fall. Jim is a good man and knows race tracks inside and out. After a two-year shutdown, the track looks primed for a major comeback. Lunch at: The track’s concession stand. I can’t wait for my my first dirtdog of the season.

Tom Brady: Tom, Tom, Tom … I have loved watching your career as a quarterback of the Patriots and Bucs, but this teasing of whether or not you’re going to retire (or is it “unretire”) is already old. Just give us a definitive answer so we can all move on. Lunch at: The Scoreboard, where we can each enjoy a rather ample order of the shrimp. Having spent most of his career in New England, I’m sure Brady has developed a taste for seafood.

John Spring: I have run into the former Quincy mayor at quite a few high school basketball games this season, but the noise and crowded conditions often make it difficult to carry on a normal conversation. It would be nice to reminisce in a quieter setting. Lunch at: D’s Diner, where breakfast is available all day. And I’m sure I could talk John into trading me a sausage link for some bacon.

Clint Eastwood: Clint is zeroing in on birthday No. 92 and has announced he has no plans to retire. That’s awesome. He still loves what he’s doing, and as long as he’s directing/acting he can count on me to support his films. Lunch at: Lucky Dog. Something tells me Clint would love those coneys (with onions, of course), plus a bowl of the baked beans, which at Lucky Dog could easily pass for chili.

Charlie Ledbetter: It’s been awhile since Charlie and I broke bread together, discussing all things car-related. Charlie probably needs to update me on not only his latest personal project but those of the Lugnuts Car Club. Lunch at: State Street Bar and Grill, which is near one of Charlie’s favorite garage hangouts. I’m partial to the burgers and fried mushrooms at State Street.

Rob Manfred: Since I blame the MLB commissioner for this ridiculous lockout, I would suggest a location where the service is usually quick — meaning I would not have to spend any more time with him than the bare minimum. I am legitimately miffed at Manfred (and the 30 MLB owners who are propping him up during what has been, for the most part, charade of a labor negotiations). I usually love this time of year when spring training unfolds and whets our appetites for the baseball season that is coming. I feel cheated by all of the offseason “baseball talk” — not to mention trades and free-agent signings  — we have missed because of this labor impasse. As far as the labor impasse is concerned, baseball owners are not going to be able to turn the clock back, and the sooner they realize this the sooner we’ll have the sound of bat meeting ball across Florida and Arizona. Lunch at: My kitchen. I’ll make Manfred a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t want to be seen in public with him. I’m afraid I could be hit by some flying object from an irate fan.

2. Speaking of Clint Eastwood, here are three things you might not have known about the iconic actor/director:

• He turned down opportunities to play both James Bond and Superman. He felt Bond should be played a British actor, and he didn’t feel the Superman role was right for him.
• He has seven children with five women.
• His first role was a minor part in the science-fiction film “Revenge of the Creature,” which was a sequel to “The Creature from the Black Lagoon”. Shortly afterward, he landed the role of Rowdy Yates in the TV series “Rawhide” and the rest, as they say, is history.

3. It’s difficult to discuss Clint Eastwood and not reminisce about TV westerns. Here are my all-time faves, categorized by hour-long and 30-minute shows:

Hour

• 1. “Deadwood” (2014-16), Ian McShane.
• 2. “Rawhide” (1959-65), Eric Fleming, Clint Eastwood.
• 3. “Gunsmoke” (1955-75), James Arness.
• 4. “Hell On Wheels” (2011-16), Anson Mount.
• 5. “The Wild, Wild West” (1965-69), Robert Conrad.
• 6. “Cheyenne” (1955-63), Clint Walker.
• 7. “Wagon Train” (1957-65), Ward Bond, Robert Horton.
• 8. “Bonanza” (1959-73), Lorne Greene.
• 9. “Cimarron Strip” (1967-68), Stuart Whitman.
• 10. “Maverick” (1957-62), James Garner, Jack Kelly.

30 minutes

• 1. “Bat Masterson” (1958-61), Gene Barry.
• 2. “The Lone Ranger” (1949-57), Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels.
• 3. “The Riflemen” (1958-63), Chuck Connors.
• 4. “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp” (1955-61), Hugh O’Brian.
• 5. “Have Gun, Will Travel” (1957-63), Richard Boone.
• 6. “Lawman” (1958-62), John Russell.
• 7. “Wanted: Dead or Alive” (1958-61), Steve McQueen.
• 8. “Zorro” (1957-59), Guy Williams.
• 9. “The Rebel” (1959-61), Nick Adams.
• 10. “Branded” (1965-66), Chuck Connors.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Steve would like to ask Clint Eastwood which was his favorite role — detective Dirty Harry Callahan or wrangler Rowdy Yates. 

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. His spurs are always janglin’.