The
Baseball Reliquary’s second annual all-star comedy
benefit, “The Laughs Begin on Opening Day,” launched
the 2003 baseball season in hilarious style on Thursday,
April 3 at The Ice House in Pasadena, California. All
proceeds from ticket sales went to support the various
public exhibitions and programs of the Baseball
Reliquary.
Jack Riley and Tom Tully were instrumental in
compiling the evening’s performers, a virtual
“Murderer’s Row” of comedians who stepped up to
the mike and took their swings at the national pastime.
Performing largely baseball-related routines, anecdotes,
and impersonations, the star-studded roster featured
comedians who have distinguished themselves for years in
stand-up, television, radio, film, and theater. The
evening got off to a rousing start with a guest
appearance by legendary Dodger Stadium vendor, Roger
Owens. Known throughout Southern California as “The
Peanut Man,” Owens, who has tossed well over two
million bags of goobers in his 45 years as a vendor,
gave a lively demonstration in the art of peanut
tossing. Jack Riley and George Wendt capably split the
emcee duties, introducing, in order of appearance, Thom
Sharp, Wayne Federman, Bonnie McFarlane, John Mendoza,
Andy Kindler, Ed Driscoll, and Ed Crasnick.
Other highlights included a duet with George
Wendt and Tom Tully singing a baseball song, with
original lyrics by Tully and with plenty of audience
participation. The evening concluded with Paul Willson
joining Tully, Riley, and Wendt on stage for a simulated
sports radio talk show, with the help of Andy Goldberg
and Joe Liss as “call-in” guests. |