Just because you want to have a sports event on TV doesn't mean you actually have to pay much attention.

So last night I was reminded for the hundredth time that whittling away at a stack of unread newspapers can be rewarding.

In the Oct. 24 edition of The New York Times, I came across an obituary of saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft.

I had never heard of him either.

But he played the memorable solo in Gerry Rafferty's 1978 hit, "Baker Street."

That song was special to me for reasons that would be difficult to explain. I would not argue that it is a brilliant piece of music. But I remember hearing it in a certain time and place, a happy moment. That stuck with me.

Ravenscroft was 60 when he died. I'll be 60 next year.

The obit offered some tidbits about his career. He reportedly did not enjoy listening to his "Baker Street" solo because all he could hear were the flaws in his playing.

Funny. I've heard it countless times and it always sounded great to me. Of course, I'm no musician.

But next time I hear that song, I will know the saxophonist's name.

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