Happy birthday to the greatest clutch hitter of all time and my childhoo hero.

I feel really old when my childhood hero turns 55. Seriously, George Brett is 55 today.

There's something about a guy whose Hall of Fame plaque mentions he "played each game with ceaseless intensity and unbridled passion" (before his .390 aaverage in 1980 or three batting titles in three different decades) his "profound respect for the game."

Last year I remember talking to Jeff Conine about Brett, and how Conine said he learned to be a big leaguer from Brett. He also remembered Brett putting his pants over huge knee braces. i've also heard Ken Griffey Jr. sing Brett's praises and how much he admired Brett.

I got this card for my 12th birthday. My mom couldn't believe she paid $35 for a piece of cardboard. It's still the greatest present I've ever gotten.

Yeah. I love that set.

* I emailed Louisville manager Rick Sweet about Paul Janish last night. His respones was: "Good things happen to good people. What a great start for the youngster. Good for him and the Reds."

The way I know Rick Sweet, there was probably nobody outside the Janish family happier for Janish on Thursday. I can see Sweetie just jumping around watching that.

* I gotta say, David Kohl's photo of Janish last night was awesome.

* Which team has the longest current winning streak in the National League? The Reds. Really. The Blue Jays and Royals also have three-game winning streaks going on.

* Speaking of the Royals (again) -- was reading Sam Mellinger's blog and he has a picture of a Royals guitar. I bet my man Freekbass can put that Royals guitar to shame.

* I'm always amazed at the folks who look at baseball this much -- the Hardball Times has an interesting article on the curveball.

* I wouldn't put it past Carlos Zambrano to throw at Jim Edmonds even if they are on the same team.

* Speaking of Zambrano hitting people. I have a new hero, Ron Stilanovich.

* SportsCenter had a little "Manny Being Manny" highlight. This spring, the Reds went to Fort Myers to play the Red Sox. Ken Griffey Jr. wasn't on the trip, so Jolbert Cabrera got the start in right. Cabrera knows Ramirez and started talking to him. Manny asked him if he was playing, Cabrera said, "Griffey didn't make the trip, so I'm playing right." Manny was surprised Griffey was still playing, and said he thought Griffey retired a couple of years ago. Cabrera said Manny was being serious. I was htere when Cabrera relayed the story to Griffey, who just laughed and said "that's Manny."

* R.E.M.'s Peter Buck is working with others on a baseball-themed album. Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails is out July 8, right in time for the All-Star Game.

* Ryan Braun is getting a new contract today.

* Is this the greatest summer of superhero movies ever? I haven't seen Iron Man yet, but I really want to. The Dark Knght looks awesome, and this Hulk has to be better than the last one.