Remembering Harold Ramis

The comedy world lost a legend last week when Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69.  Ramis was never an A-list celebrity, but that did not stop him from leaving his footprint as one of the most innovative comedians of all-time.  He was a pioneer who shaped comedy into what it is today.  Without Ramis, Bill Murray would not be the same cult hero.  The following are what I believe to be the quintessential movies of Ramis’s career.

Animal House

One cannot talk about Ramis’s legacy without mentioning Animal House.  The 1978 comedy classic was like nothing the world had seen before.  Now over 35 years old, Animal House is still beloved by college campuses everywhere.  Ramis co-wrote the film's screenplay with Douglas Kenny and Chris Miller.  Well ahead of its time, Animal House will forever rank in the highest echelon of comedy films.

Caddyshack

Ramis wrote the screenplay and made his directorial debut for 1980’s Caddyshack; turning a gentleman’s game into a zany and hilarious farce.  No other film features four comedic performances as great as the ones in Caddyshack.  Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight combine to make every second a highlight.  Murray’s mission to rid the golf course of a pesky gopher is as unforgettable as Dangerfield’s eccentric millionaire persona.

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Ramis paired up with Chevy Chase again in 1983, using John Hughes’s screenplay to create National Lampoon’s Vacation.  A comedic portrait of the American family, there's something everyone can relate to in Vacation.  Chase is perfect casting for Clark Griswold, a wholesome father and loving husband who will do anything in his power to get his family to Wally World.  The film led to a number of sequels while solidifying Clark Griswold as the prototypical family man.

Ghostbusters

Grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, 1984’s Ghostbusters paved the way for modern comedy blockbusters.  Ramis co-wrote wrote and had a starring role in the film.  With an all-time great theme song and an outstanding lead performance from Bill Murray, Ghostbusters capitalized on its popularity with clothing, video games, and a sequel.  The production of a Ghostbusters 3 has been rumored for years, but looks less and less likely.

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day’s high-concept story has been universally praised since the film hit was released in 1993.  Ramis co-wrote the screenplay and directed the film.  Bill Murray knocks it out of the park as weatherman Phil Connors, who experiences the same day over and over.  The premise is a perfect match for Bill Murray's dry and cynical sense of humor.  Ramis’s most thought-provoking effort, the film spurs moviegoers to examine their own lives and how they spend their days. 

Honorable Mentions: Meatballs (1979), Stripes (1981), Back To School (1984), Analyze This (1999), and this scene from Orange County (2002)

Storylines To Follow During The 2014 MLB Season (Other than Jeter)

1) Mike Trout

Trout has been the best player in baseball during his first two seasons in the Majors.  His speed and defense give him the nod over slugger Miguel Cabrera.  Trout’s 20 year-old season, which was his rookie year, ranks among the best seasons by a 20 year old in the history of MLB.  His sophomore campaign brought a similar dominance.  As Trout’s strike recognition skills improved, he became an even more dangerous hitter.  So what will his third year bring?  Would a 40 homer/40 stolen base season along with a slash line of .330/.450/.650 be that surprising?  Trout’s greatness is already historical, and he is still young enough to play another 15 years.  We are witnessing a legend in the making.

2) Colorado Rockies Pitching Prospects 

Jonathan Gray

The Colorado Rockies may finally have a couple of top-shelf starting pitchers.  Eddie Butler and Jonathan Gray are on the fast track to the Majors, and their arrivals could turn the Rockies into contenders.  Gray was drafted out of college and showed an elite K/BB ratio during his brief minor league stint in 2013.  Butler, pitching for A and AA last year, boasted a 1.80 ERA along with strong strikeout numbers.  This one-two punch has a chance to stabilize the Colorado’s terminally inconsistent rotation.

3) Masahiro Tanaka

There are lofty expectations on Japanese import Masahiro Tanaka, who is about to embark on his first MLB season.  The $155 million dollar man is supposed to anchor the Yankees rotation for at least the next 7 years.  The pressure of pitching in New York will not help his cause.  Regardless of expectations, Tanaka’s performance will be among the most important factors in determining how far the Yankees advance in 2014.  With an aged roster that includes outfielders Ichiro Suzuki, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran, along 2014 being Jeter’s final season, all signs point to the Yankees being all-in for a championship.  Tanaka will need to play up to his contract for New York to have a chance in October.

4) Chicago Cubs Infield Prospects

It has been awhile since the Chicago Cubs have been relevant.  Javier Baez and Kris Bryant hope to change that.  Baez, a SS whose bat speed draws comparisons to Gary Sheffield, is Baseball America’s 6^th ranked prospect.  Baez’s raw power is off the charts, and he would hit at least 20 homeruns in the majors this year.  However, he needs to improve his plate discipline.  Baez does not walk much and has a penchant for striking out.

Bryant, a 3B who was last year’s #2 overall draft pick and 2013 Arizona Fall League MVP, is a far more seasoned player.  Playing three years of college ball at the University of San Diego, Bryant is a should see the majors before the All-Star break.  At 6’5, Bryant has immense power and will take advantage of the friendly Wrigley Field confines.

5) St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Loiuis Cardinals Organization is doing something right.  Two pennants in the last three years, including a world championship, is nothing to sneeze at.  The Cardinals front office is the best in baseball at scouting and developing talent.  A homegrown pitching rotation consisting of Wainwright, Wacha, Miller, and Lynn can be devastating in a playoff series.  Allen Craig has filled the void left by Pujols, and Matt Adams is a star in the making.  Matt Carpenter is an elite leadoff hitter who boasts patience and a knack for finding the gaps.  Trading David Freese  to free up a space for 2B Kolten Wong (Carpenter will play 3B) puts pressure on the young Hawaii native.  His play will be something to monitor, but it will not make or break the team’s season.  Top outfield prospect Oscar Taveras is waiting in the wings and could be a difference maker down the stretch.  If I was a betting man, I would take the Cardinals to win this year’s World Series.