5 Things to Know Today

Good morning, Bethlehem.

1. Today is Thursday, June 2, 2011. It is Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez’s 39th birthday. Which reminds us of a story and a trivia quiz: Quick, baseball fans, can you name the first New York Yankee to lead the American League in home runs? Babe Ruth? Guess again. Lou Gehrig? Not quite. It was Wally Pipp. For the better part of 10 seasons, beginning in 1915 and ending on this day in 1925, Pipp was the regular starting first baseman for the Yankees, winning home run crowns in 1916 and 1917. On this day 86 years ago, Pipp was benched by Yankees manager Miller Huggins and replaced in the lineup by Gehrig. As many of you know, Gehrig, “the Iron Horse,” went on to play in 2,130 straight games, never taking a day off for nearly 14 years in a storied, Hall-of-Fame career. Legend has it that Pipp arrived at the ballpark with headache, “took the two most expensive aspirins in history,” and watched the game from the bench. Whatever the reason, it remains the most famous benching in baseball history. Among ballplayers and fans, Pipp is a synonym for the benching of a veteran that may cost him his job.
2. The weather will be much improved today. The National Weather Service forecast calls for sunny skies, lower humidity and a high temperature of 78 degrees. It may be a bit breezy though, and tonight’s low temperature is expected to drop to a brisk 45. You may want to wear a jacket this evening.
3. Surely, the guys who work road maintenance are going to appreciate the better weather. You may find them sealing cracks on southbound Route 33 between Belfast and Route 22 and filling potholes along Route 378 between Broadway and Seidersville Road. Expect lane restrictions on those roads today.
4. Today is the first of two “half-price days” at, the annual sale at the to benefit cancer patients and programs in the Lehigh Valley. Get clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, vintage stuff and assorted other things – all new or gently used – for bargain prices. The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. tonight. The sale runs through Saturday.
5. Tunes at Twilight, the free weekly summer outdoor concert series at the Courtyard, continues tonight at 6 p.m. with the Christopher Dean Band, which promises to deliver blues and soul standards for your listening pleasure. Food will be available from several downtown restaurants and mixed drinks, beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.