Skip skipped a recent start, so a sluggish start should be expected. Who expected Ketel Marte to be discussed in the latest Shakes Snowdown? That guy with his hand raised, that's who!

How about the change of seasons from the safety of spring training to the end of the summer equinox. But that differs from the Labor Day weekend, which is unofficially when some teams really should pack it in. But I'm not bitter my team's been out of it for weeks. Not at all.

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 230

YouTube - https://youtu.be/8Ejyp2Anfkw

MartinKester.com

And just like that, the dog days of August are done, and the final stretch of the season starts...for those with something to play for. For months, the Mets have been playing for the love of the game and ticket-paying fans like I was to end the 8th month!

I'll discuss my thoughts about Citi Field with the Terminal's unofficial Stadium Chaser Josh Sarfity. We'll talk sightlines, foresight on the recent prospect overhaul, and oversight on what POBO David Stearns has done so far.

This Just In - here's where we are likely to disagree and continue this for a lot longer than usual.

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 18

YouTube - https://youtu.be/MEgo-oEK9Tg

MartinKester.com

A quorum about the Rap Debut Album Tournament (RDAT); A fictional invention from seven years ago essentially working backwards from the statement - Illmatic by Nas is the greatest rookie rap album.

Tonight is the Finals of the Queens Bracket based on the 18th article in the RDAT series - ‘One Love’ vs. ‘In Da Club’

The overall top seed is tested by an artist on a similar path, discovered by the streets on a track many might not have heard when it first was released. Now with history's grace, 'How to Rob' opened eyes like 'Live at the BBQ' way back when. When a hot verse was enough.

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 2022

YouTube - https://youtu.be/IALR8vJV7BE

MartinKester.com

After a fortnight under silent siege from afar, we return to look ahead at a subjective finish line stripped hundreds of miles from this ivory tower. But that line is near what consumes my waking hours - the New York Mets.

Opining about the benefits of a lost season and hope for Carson Benge and a bright future; not even thinking about seeing Citi Field for the first time. For the first time, an ancient myth about water. The water that holds ships from Ratius. Even if you can't see them now, know they're coming.

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 20,000

YouTube - https://youtu.be/1Df3fCIJsf4

MartinKester.com

A quorum about the Rap Debut Album Tournament (RDAT); A fictional invention from seven years ago essentially working backwards from the statement - Illmatic by Nas is the greatest rookie rap album.

Tonight is the Finals of the Groups Bracket based on the 19th article in the RDAT series - C.R.E.A.M. vs. Player's Ball.

This deep in the RDAT, there are no losers. While choosing a winner is the goal, we'll spend this episode celebrating the greatness of these debut albums by all-time great musicians. But which will move on?

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 1983, 1979

YouTube - https://youtu.be/abnqkvyGVCg

MartinKester.com

We talk about the greats like greatness isn't among us or are they? Will Freddie Freeman reach 3,000 hits? Are the Guardians guarding a Cooperstown resident to be? What deadline deal will you have to remember because every announcer will remind you about it?

Which will you remember after this podcast? Likely one dealing with your favorite team. We run through our favorite teams and discuss what to put in your scorebook if a batter strikes out, but reaches first base on a wild pitch or passed ball? Does the WP/PB matter and what syndicated shows really matter to you?

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 126

YouTube - https://youtu.be/PWG0C1KBfiM

MartinKester.com

It was all a dream; or was it? Was the dream believing the 2026 New York Mets would compete for the postseason? Or was it the 2024 run to the NLCS was nothing more than that - a run? I run this idea past the Terminal's unofficial Stadium Chaser Josh Sarfity.

Unofficial because we work on the cheap like the Mets' bullpen. Leaping strikeouts and rookie debuts is what's left when you unload every arm except one. One of few who is certain to be in Orange and Blue next year. Who knows what an internal explosion looks like? The Shadow knows.

Tonight's Trivia Answer - 18

YouTube - https://youtu.be/6eJlChvZ3Pk

MartinKester.com

The world came together recently for the World Cup. We joined as one with the release of Spiderman: Brand New Day. And along with the success of The Odyssey; we've celebrated cinema to the tune of nearly $1 billion in profit.

But was it worth it? Are the films inside theaters with surround sound on an IMAX/3-D screen good enough reason to exit the home? And how important is it to leave one's home? Actually, science says it's like bumming half a pack of smokes. But if you're not paying for it, then who's really at fault?

Tonight's Trivia Answer - $850 million

YouTube - https://youtu.be/dlLKY7snRb4

MartinKester.com