Baseball in the air

This time of year as the temperatures drop and the foliage turns to beautiful fall colors, the baseball world turns its attention to the World Series.

This year's series features what many would consider unlikely contenders, the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers.

Both teams have great stories on how they made it to the World Series. The Giants, self-described as "a bunch of misfits," were the underdog in the National League West for most of the season until a late season winning streak propelled them into the playoffs. The Rangers, while leading the American League West for most of the season, have the 27th lowest payroll in Major League Baseball and filed for bankruptcy this year before team president and Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan led an investment group to buy the team.

The World Series isn't the only baseball news this week. Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen has been selected for induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He will be officially inducted during a ceremony on Jan. 30, in Springfield, Mo. Bolen has managed the Capahas for 44 seasons and has a record 1,384-372 and 29 consecutive National Baseball Congress World Series berths.

Congratulations Jess on this well deserved honor.