151. See Ya Later!

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Hello hello! Anthony Rizzo will retire as a Cub today at Wrigley Field, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone more universally beloved within our franchise. What an honor for him!

Today concludes the 4th annual Summer of Solves. Many thanks to all who participated! I appreciate all of you so much.

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1. Puzzle #150 answer: CLASS CLOWN

Correct entries: 89 - can't get much more Level 1 than that!

Shortest explanation: The four silly themers have words that rhyme with, well, CLASS CLOWN, about as Level 1 of a meta as you could get. I still had confirmation with STALE (clued as "word before 'mates'," which also satisfies CLASS) and DRIVE ("word after 'rodeo'," which also satisfies CLOWN). Note also the CL- Roman numeral connection for puzzle 150!

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2. It can always be a tough level to construct, but this is a legitimate Level 2 to close out the season. I'll see you every other week until winter, in which I hope inspiration comes again in the form of another Winter Solvestice!

Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful!

Mikey G

The answer to the meta is a 4-letter word.