Category: Benson Elmore

The Magic of a Subway Series in the World Series

By: Benson Elmore

Imagine the excitement: two New York teams, the Yankees and the Mets, battling it out in the World Series. A Subway Series, where the stakes are as high as the Empire State Building and the rivalry is unmatched, would not only captivate the city but the entire baseball world.

The Rivalry

The history between the Yankees and the Mets is great. With the Yankees boasting a record 27 World Series championships and the Mets holding their own with two titles, the two teams are amazing groups that used to be very common common competitors in the playoffs. A World Series matchup would reignite this rivalry, drawing fans from both sides crazy, making New York become an amazing and competitive location for many years to come. The stakes would be higher than ever, as bragging rights for New York supremacy would be in the winners hand.

The Atmosphere

Picture the atmosphere in the city: fans wearing their team colors, gathering at bars and apartments, united in their love for baseball, yet split by their favorite hometown team. The subway cars would be filled with fans, as chants and cheers echo through the tunnels. Game days would transform the city into a vibrant sea of pinstripes and orange-and-blue, turning every street corner into a great representation of the sport.

The Impact on Baseball

A Subway Series wouldn’t just be a local spectacle; it would have a significant impact on the sport as a whole. The ratings would soar, drawing in casual viewers and lighting the flame of interest back into baseball. The exposure would highlight the talent in both organizations, shining a light on the players and strategies that define the game today.

Conclusion

A Subway Series in the World Series would be a dream come true for baseball fans and a thrilling chapter in New York’s sports history. It would combine intense competition, juicy history, and an electrifying atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable moments in the game. As we dream of the day this rivalry takes center stage, one thing is clear: the magic of a Subway Series would be unmatched.

Why the Royals Can and will Surprise Everyone and Win the World Series

By: Benson Elmore

As the baseball season heats up, fans are buzzing about who’s going to win the pennant this year. The Kansas City Royals might not be the first name that comes to mind, but there’s a case to be made for why this underrated team could surprise haters and doubters and make a deep playoff run and win it all. Here’s why the Royals will come out as the champs in the 2024 World Series.

 Young Talent

The Royals have been building a solid roster of young prospects who are starting to hit their stride. With a mix of promising prospects and emerging youngsters, this team has grown exponentially as the season progressed. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez are not just future stars; they are the stars as of right now, providing a glimpse of the power the Royals can unleash in the postseason.

 Versatile Pitching Staff

Success in the playoffs often relies a lot on pitching, and the Royals have been quietly assembling a staff that can compete with the best. With a combination of reliable starters and a bullpen that can keep them winning, Kansas City has the pitching depth necessary to navigate any playoff series. If their pitchers can harness their potential and deliver under pressure, they could be the backbone of a championship run.

Chemistry

One of the biggest factors of championship teams is their ability to not crumble under pressure. The Royals have a strong clubhouse culture built on what I like to call the power of friendship. Having weathered challenges throughout the season, this team knows how to fight back when the odds are stacked against them. Such a mentality can be crucial in the environment of the postseason.

Previous Success in the Playoffs

While the Royals have had their ups and downs in recent years, they are no strangers to playoff success. With two World Series appearances in the last decade, and a championship win in 2015, the Royals know what it takes to compete at the highest level. Also, there are plenty of veterans on the team, helping the youngsters of the team thrive and succeed in the mental aspects.

While the Kansas City Royals may not be the favorites to win the World Series, their combination of young talent, a strong pitching staff, chemistry, and recent playoff success  makes them my personal favorite in this year’s pennant race. As the postseason continues, keep an eye on this team. They might just pull off the craziest run in recent MLB history and bring home another championship to Fountain City.

Baking with Benson

By: Benson Elmore

Say it is your birthday, and you need the most awesome cake ever from scratch, well look no further, I have the best birthday cake recipe ever. 

The ingredients required for this masterpiece are

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Once you have these your ready to get to cooking!

First, here are the steps to prepare your kitchen/appliances for awesomeness…

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two round cake pans.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing them well after each time you make a new addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the round pans.

Now it is time to get to baking…

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. 

Next, you want to make the frosting

Here’s the ingredients 

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Now, here’s how you make it

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  • Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. If you want to color the frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until well incorporated.

Now it’s time to assemble this masterpiece

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top.
  • Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
  • Decorate with sprinkles or any other decorations you like.

Now serve up this awesome cake to the birthday boy/girl for the best birthday EVER!!!