Steroids are bad for your body. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past twenty years, you know that steroids, while beneficial for muscle strength in the short run, are extremely dangerous to your prolonged health.
Shawne Merriman is a premiere linebacker in the NFL—also a fact you should know if you are a responsible sports fan.
What you might not know, or may have already forgotten, is the fact that Merriman tested positive for steroids in 2006.
In case anyone forgot, the Chargers’ star served a four-game suspension in the middle of that season as was required by the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Despite his four-game absence, Merriman still managed to lead the league in sacks, earning himself a starting position in the Pro Bowl that year. Because of his success, people seemed to overlook his positive drug test, perhaps dismissing it as irrelevant or somehow unimportant.
Lately Merriman has been front page news because of his recently discovered knee injury—two torn ligaments.
As the circumstances of Merriman’s latest issue continue to dominate the sports headlines; and upon hearing the latest news that Mr. Lights Out plans to forgo surgery (wait, whaaaat?!?) in favor of playing, I started to wonder…do steroids mess up your brain as well as your body?
First off, is it too much of a (ligament) stretch to assume Merriman’s knee injury is related at all to his prior use of performance enhancing drugs? What I’ve heard about steroids leads me to believe that while your muscles may get bigger, it comes at the cost of weakened ligaments.
But what I want to really know now, after finding out that Merriman plans to play this season, is just how much damage steroids can do to a person’s mental capacity.
The first indication that Shawne might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer came when it was reported that he was seeking a second opinion after having his knee evaluated by Dr. James Andrews.
I watch Sportscenter enough to know that Dr. Andrews is the end-all, be-all of sports medicine. Almost every high-profile athlete suffering from a knee, shoulder, elbow or ankle injury goes to Dr. Andrews to have it fixed. Simply put, if he can’t fix it, no one can.
But for Merriman, one opinion from Dr. Andrews—albeit the only opinion that really matters—wasn’t good enough.
After consulting multiple doctors who all told him that surgery would be the best option, Merriman has opted to refuse surgery (again, whaaaat!?!?) and play football this season.
I would like to take this opportunity to suggest an over/under for my PTI boys. Here it is: “Over or under four weeks until Shawne Merriman’s knee completely and totally explodes?”
If they take the over, they’re as stupid as Merriman is. How does he expect to move laterally-as a linebacker who covers sideline to sideline-without a LATEREL collateral ligament?
He probably thinks he can just grow a new one in the remaining 10 days before the season starts.
In all seriousness, he might not even make it through the first game. Maybe after three games (if he makes it that long) when he’s totaled only 4 tackles and spent more time on the trainer’s table than on the field, he’ll realize what a moron he is.
Until then, it’s his knee and his future he’s toying with. Maybe he should talk to my old homeboy Daunte Culpepper. The only rolling he's doing nowadays is rolling out of his bed whenever he wants to because he's NOT ON A TEAM.
Hey Kiddies....DON'T DO DRUGS
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Why yes...I am a NERD
That's right, I said it. I'm a nerd. And I mean it, too. Seriously. Any sort of pass I may have gotten because I love sports should be immediately revoked. Not too long ago a friend tried to describe a huge sports convention fair to me. He eventually characterized it as "like a Star Trek convention for sports fans." And it hit me, he had nailed it. Not only was it not any different, in many ways it was far worse.
Look at how we would characterize a Star Trek convention and compare:
Mostly men? Check. In fact, the sports convention fairs are far worse in this category.
Costumes? Check. Think about it, most sports fans have a few jerseys that they wear to support their favorite teams and athletes. At least the Sci Fi/Trek fan has the decency to admit that they are dressing up.
Knowledge of small detail? Oh yeah. The sports fan is nothing if not a repository for a list of numbers, dates, and rosters. We're led to believe that somehow knowing when and where the Klingons and Federation signed a treaty is being a total nerd, but knowing the batting average and line up of the 1995 Braves is normal? Yes, I referenced Klingons and the Federation, what can I say? My dad watched Star Trek, I just happened to be in the room.
Too much time spent arguing imaginary match ups? Bar fights have started over whether or not the 1976 Steelers could beat the 2007 Patriots. If you just exclaimed loudly, "That doesn't make any sense" or something like that, welcome to my point. The fact is sports fans will tell you that sports are "real" and therefore matter, while Star Trek, comic books, Sci Fi, etc. are works of fiction and don't matter. Because there really was a Wilt Chamberlain and a Michael Jordan, arguments about who was better in their prime are somehow more valid than whether Spiderman could beat up Batman. Yeah, well that's bullshit. There is no difference because they are both invalid arguments. The games that Chamberlain and Jordan played were different and so were the teams.
Sports fans are usually involved in fantasy leagues. Did you catch that word..fantasy...hmm...that right there makes you a nerd.
I would argue that even though the athletes exist, they matter less. They played a game, people paid loads of money to watch it. Half of them won, half of them lost, and it was done every year for more and more money. It's not my intention to just crap all over sports, after all I've given plenty of reasons before on why I love sports. Sports can be fun to watch. However, comics can be fun to read (so I've heard). Star Trek can be enjoyable to watch (Judging by it's many fans). But let's not kid ourselves, devotion to these things are peas in a pod. I happen to believe it's no mistake that you get baseball cards the same place you get comic books.
Look at how we would characterize a Star Trek convention and compare:
Mostly men? Check. In fact, the sports convention fairs are far worse in this category.
Costumes? Check. Think about it, most sports fans have a few jerseys that they wear to support their favorite teams and athletes. At least the Sci Fi/Trek fan has the decency to admit that they are dressing up.
Knowledge of small detail? Oh yeah. The sports fan is nothing if not a repository for a list of numbers, dates, and rosters. We're led to believe that somehow knowing when and where the Klingons and Federation signed a treaty is being a total nerd, but knowing the batting average and line up of the 1995 Braves is normal? Yes, I referenced Klingons and the Federation, what can I say? My dad watched Star Trek, I just happened to be in the room.
Too much time spent arguing imaginary match ups? Bar fights have started over whether or not the 1976 Steelers could beat the 2007 Patriots. If you just exclaimed loudly, "That doesn't make any sense" or something like that, welcome to my point. The fact is sports fans will tell you that sports are "real" and therefore matter, while Star Trek, comic books, Sci Fi, etc. are works of fiction and don't matter. Because there really was a Wilt Chamberlain and a Michael Jordan, arguments about who was better in their prime are somehow more valid than whether Spiderman could beat up Batman. Yeah, well that's bullshit. There is no difference because they are both invalid arguments. The games that Chamberlain and Jordan played were different and so were the teams.
Sports fans are usually involved in fantasy leagues. Did you catch that word..fantasy...hmm...that right there makes you a nerd.
I would argue that even though the athletes exist, they matter less. They played a game, people paid loads of money to watch it. Half of them won, half of them lost, and it was done every year for more and more money. It's not my intention to just crap all over sports, after all I've given plenty of reasons before on why I love sports. Sports can be fun to watch. However, comics can be fun to read (so I've heard). Star Trek can be enjoyable to watch (Judging by it's many fans). But let's not kid ourselves, devotion to these things are peas in a pod. I happen to believe it's no mistake that you get baseball cards the same place you get comic books.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's the final countdown....
Okay..so this is officially my last blog about the Olympics..at least for these Games. Now don't get me wrong, I consider myself as red-white-and-blue as most Americans when it comes to rooting interests in the Olympics (for the actual SPORTING events-see other blogs for example).
But these medal-count standings are starting to make me nuts. ...
All medals are not created equal. So, why do the standings pretend they are? I keep hearing, “China leads in golds, but the U.S. has more medals.” So which is more important?
Well the first idea is to win gold. If not gold, silver. If not silver, bronze. In that order. Right? ...
Seems to me the standings should be weighted accordingly. Nobody of right mind would score a swimming or track and field meet by counting the number of places each team snatches. First place gets most points, second fewer, third fewer still. Add up the points, and that tells you who wins. ...
If we’re going to compile international standings, medals should be scored 3-2-1, for gold-silver-bronze. ...
The final medal count in Beijing was 110 for the US and 100 for China. So, why aren't we turning over cars and setting fires in the streets? Alas, because if we used my scoring methods the final score: China 223 United States 220 In other words ...
They didn't kick our butts, but they did win.....
maybe we should have had some 14 year old girls compete in gymnastics? : ) : )
But these medal-count standings are starting to make me nuts. ...
All medals are not created equal. So, why do the standings pretend they are? I keep hearing, “China leads in golds, but the U.S. has more medals.” So which is more important?
Well the first idea is to win gold. If not gold, silver. If not silver, bronze. In that order. Right? ...
Seems to me the standings should be weighted accordingly. Nobody of right mind would score a swimming or track and field meet by counting the number of places each team snatches. First place gets most points, second fewer, third fewer still. Add up the points, and that tells you who wins. ...
If we’re going to compile international standings, medals should be scored 3-2-1, for gold-silver-bronze. ...
The final medal count in Beijing was 110 for the US and 100 for China. So, why aren't we turning over cars and setting fires in the streets? Alas, because if we used my scoring methods the final score: China 223 United States 220 In other words ...
They didn't kick our butts, but they did win.....
maybe we should have had some 14 year old girls compete in gymnastics? : ) : )
Friday, August 22, 2008
"Real World": Beijing
These Olympics are a joke.
I know that’s harsh, but take away the flag and here’s what you are left with. In some sports you have amateur competition. In others you have individual corporations disguised as a “team” (men’s basketball comes to mind).
Athletes that have no blood connection to a nation but have obtained a visa from that country are allowed to represent them in the Olympics. In America, we have people waiting 25 years for a green card who have lived here most of their lives, but if you can run the 1,500 meters really fast, we’ll process that paperwork and you’re one of us, baby!
Maybe I’ve lost my Olympics spirit. Apparently, I’m not the only one.
Baseball is an Olympic sport but is on its way out. Why? Because Major League Baseball will not do what the NHL does and shut down its season for three weeks every four years to allow the best players to compete. When did a pro league’s cooperation determine what the Olympics did? Aren’t the Olympics separate from pro sports? Didn’t they used to be for amateurs?
After these Games, softball is out of the Olympics. Why? Because the Americans win every time. Well, until this year I guess. Since we have no real competition it’s no longer viewed as a “world” sport. Beach volleyball stays, but softball has to go.
I’m curious, if Jennie Finch pitched while wearing the same outfit as the beach volleyball players, would it then be a “world” sport? Absolutely, because young men and women around the “world” can recognize that Finch is attractive and the “Olympic Movement,” as defined by NBC, (in cooperation with the IOC), is all about trying to reach the coveted 18-34 demographic. Why do you think the X Games have been added to the Winter Olympics?
These two weeks are exciting, heart-warming, heart-breaking and extremely entertaining.
Can we just call this for what it has become? A reality TV show every other year that airs either right before or right after football season.
The show is spectacular! In future years watch for Simon, Paula, Randy and fan voting to be added.
It just used to be more than that.
It used to be the Olympics.
I know that’s harsh, but take away the flag and here’s what you are left with. In some sports you have amateur competition. In others you have individual corporations disguised as a “team” (men’s basketball comes to mind).
Athletes that have no blood connection to a nation but have obtained a visa from that country are allowed to represent them in the Olympics. In America, we have people waiting 25 years for a green card who have lived here most of their lives, but if you can run the 1,500 meters really fast, we’ll process that paperwork and you’re one of us, baby!
Maybe I’ve lost my Olympics spirit. Apparently, I’m not the only one.
Baseball is an Olympic sport but is on its way out. Why? Because Major League Baseball will not do what the NHL does and shut down its season for three weeks every four years to allow the best players to compete. When did a pro league’s cooperation determine what the Olympics did? Aren’t the Olympics separate from pro sports? Didn’t they used to be for amateurs?
After these Games, softball is out of the Olympics. Why? Because the Americans win every time. Well, until this year I guess. Since we have no real competition it’s no longer viewed as a “world” sport. Beach volleyball stays, but softball has to go.
I’m curious, if Jennie Finch pitched while wearing the same outfit as the beach volleyball players, would it then be a “world” sport? Absolutely, because young men and women around the “world” can recognize that Finch is attractive and the “Olympic Movement,” as defined by NBC, (in cooperation with the IOC), is all about trying to reach the coveted 18-34 demographic. Why do you think the X Games have been added to the Winter Olympics?
These two weeks are exciting, heart-warming, heart-breaking and extremely entertaining.
Can we just call this for what it has become? A reality TV show every other year that airs either right before or right after football season.
The show is spectacular! In future years watch for Simon, Paula, Randy and fan voting to be added.
It just used to be more than that.
It used to be the Olympics.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Root root root for our home team....
As I mentioned before I love sports. Going to games is the best. No matter how big your HDTV at home or how good the snacks your spouse makes are, there’s no replacement for seeing a live game, being part of the crowd.
That said, I have a bone to pick with some of you.
The majority of sports fans are awesome (If I constantly ask you to tag along then you are part of the majority), but there are some that just make me grit my teeth and wish I could go home. If you fall into any of the following categories, I have one plea: STOP RUINING THE GAMES FOR THE REST OF US!
1. The Drunken Idiot
Who among us hasn’t tailgated, trading beers with neighbors and doing shots with everyone parked in your row? Drinking is a part of sports, and I’m not complaining about that.
What I’m complaining about is the blubbering idiot who thinks its cool to black out before the game…his (or her) limbs are still functional, but it takes a drunken friend on either side to help them walk to their seat. I witnessed this Friday night at the Pirate game has some douche bag lays his hand on the top of my beer as he stumbles around me to his seat. I mean..how do I know this guy didn't just touch his penis while pissing in the parking lot? Once they sit down, they sway against nearby fans, do stupid shit that makes the entire section look retarded, and start fights with opposing fans, the mascot, and just about everyone else who isn’t drunk as well.
Here’s a thought: why don’t you save yourself the $40 or so you paid for the ticket and just stay in the parking lot?
2. The Boo-er
I root for the Pirates, which means that I’ve had to deal with losing seasons since I can remember. They stink; I get it. There’s still no reason to boo them every time they run onto the field or end the inning with another wasted chance at scoring runs. I can understand some groaning when a team makes an error, but hearing your own fans booing you is not going to help them play better.
If you aren’t here to support your team - your WHOLE team - go the hell home.
3. The Prascot
The Pretend Mascot has his heart in the right place. Team spirit is super cool, and it is nice to get into the game. There’s a line though, and Prascots don’t seem to know that line.
For example…the douche bag running up and down the aisles in trying to get the wave to start for the tenth time? Just sit down man. The idiot yelling “WE ARE” over and over again with only his embarrassed friend and the drunken idiot (see #1) replaying “PENN STATE” Shut the hell up. Let the mascot do his job and if you love your school or team that much then become a male cheerleader.
4. The Bored Girl Texting her Friends
These people just piss me off. I get it - you’re not a sports fan. WHY did you come to the game then? You’re obviously so bored that you’re playing games on your phone, only looking up to clap when the crowd goes wild. If you don’t know what a first down is, stay in the parking lot.
The reason these people piss me off is because for many football games, no matter who your team may be, tickets are hard to find. So every bored non-fan spending the game texting about hair products and boy bands could have been one legitimate fan enjoying the game instead of cooking burgers in the parking lot.
5. The Fair-Weather Fan
This one doesn’t need a lot of explaining, and I’m sure that you’ve met a few so-called “fans” like this during your life.
If you’re just jumping on the band wagon because a team is having a good year…you suck.
Be a man - stick with your team through thick and thin…or don’t pretend that you really are a fan.
6. The Un-fan
I truly don’t understand these people. I’ll just call them “un-fans” for lack of a better term. They come to the game SUPER excited, with all the logo garb and maybe even some face paint. Yet ask them, and they don’t even know the superstar's name or who we’re playing.
I mean, I guess there is something to be said for enjoying sports, no matter what team you’re watching, but I feel like you’re pretending to be a fan when, like with the “bored girl”, a legitimate fan who’s stuck outside without a ticket could be taking your place. If you LOVE sports, but don’t cheer for or follow any team, you’re highly suspect in my book.
7. The Sitter
This probably only applies to certain sections at football games and when their is 2 outs in the 9th inning, but can also apply to other situations as well. With that being said there are times in the game where you stand. However, there’s always that one person who insists on sitting.
Guess what? You’re ruining things for the people standing around you. The person in front of you feels awkward because his ass is basically in your face and the person behind you can’t really stand comfortably because when you sit, your back invades his leg space.
Follow the crowd and if you don’t like standing…ever…don’t come to the game - watch it from your couch at home, fat ass.
8. Promo Fans
I was once again fortunate enough to run into this Friday night as well. I would say I probably go to 10-15 Pirate games every year. I'll admit, I've purposely bought tickets to certain promotions I was interested in (i.e. Bobbleheads, hats, etc) However, these are mementos of a team I'm supporting and I never turn down a free ticket to a game I'm able to attend regardless of the "promotion". That being said, I found it actually appalling that the only time the Pirates can sell out is during fireworks night. I'm sorry, but it actually pisses me off that it takes me 20 minutes to walk from my seat to the Quaker Steak stand when it normally takes about 3 minutes because nobody comes to support the TEAM. I wouldn't mind a huge crowd if they were there to support the Bucs. The funny thing is once they do start contending, that's exactly what will happen. The promo fans will become the "Fair Weather Fans". And if that's what it takes for you to come to the game now (a stupid fireworks show) then you currently belong in category #6.
That said, I have a bone to pick with some of you.
The majority of sports fans are awesome (If I constantly ask you to tag along then you are part of the majority), but there are some that just make me grit my teeth and wish I could go home. If you fall into any of the following categories, I have one plea: STOP RUINING THE GAMES FOR THE REST OF US!
1. The Drunken Idiot
Who among us hasn’t tailgated, trading beers with neighbors and doing shots with everyone parked in your row? Drinking is a part of sports, and I’m not complaining about that.
What I’m complaining about is the blubbering idiot who thinks its cool to black out before the game…his (or her) limbs are still functional, but it takes a drunken friend on either side to help them walk to their seat. I witnessed this Friday night at the Pirate game has some douche bag lays his hand on the top of my beer as he stumbles around me to his seat. I mean..how do I know this guy didn't just touch his penis while pissing in the parking lot? Once they sit down, they sway against nearby fans, do stupid shit that makes the entire section look retarded, and start fights with opposing fans, the mascot, and just about everyone else who isn’t drunk as well.
Here’s a thought: why don’t you save yourself the $40 or so you paid for the ticket and just stay in the parking lot?
2. The Boo-er
I root for the Pirates, which means that I’ve had to deal with losing seasons since I can remember. They stink; I get it. There’s still no reason to boo them every time they run onto the field or end the inning with another wasted chance at scoring runs. I can understand some groaning when a team makes an error, but hearing your own fans booing you is not going to help them play better.
If you aren’t here to support your team - your WHOLE team - go the hell home.
3. The Prascot
The Pretend Mascot has his heart in the right place. Team spirit is super cool, and it is nice to get into the game. There’s a line though, and Prascots don’t seem to know that line.
For example…the douche bag running up and down the aisles in trying to get the wave to start for the tenth time? Just sit down man. The idiot yelling “WE ARE” over and over again with only his embarrassed friend and the drunken idiot (see #1) replaying “PENN STATE” Shut the hell up. Let the mascot do his job and if you love your school or team that much then become a male cheerleader.
4. The Bored Girl Texting her Friends
These people just piss me off. I get it - you’re not a sports fan. WHY did you come to the game then? You’re obviously so bored that you’re playing games on your phone, only looking up to clap when the crowd goes wild. If you don’t know what a first down is, stay in the parking lot.
The reason these people piss me off is because for many football games, no matter who your team may be, tickets are hard to find. So every bored non-fan spending the game texting about hair products and boy bands could have been one legitimate fan enjoying the game instead of cooking burgers in the parking lot.
5. The Fair-Weather Fan
This one doesn’t need a lot of explaining, and I’m sure that you’ve met a few so-called “fans” like this during your life.
If you’re just jumping on the band wagon because a team is having a good year…you suck.
Be a man - stick with your team through thick and thin…or don’t pretend that you really are a fan.
6. The Un-fan
I truly don’t understand these people. I’ll just call them “un-fans” for lack of a better term. They come to the game SUPER excited, with all the logo garb and maybe even some face paint. Yet ask them, and they don’t even know the superstar's name or who we’re playing.
I mean, I guess there is something to be said for enjoying sports, no matter what team you’re watching, but I feel like you’re pretending to be a fan when, like with the “bored girl”, a legitimate fan who’s stuck outside without a ticket could be taking your place. If you LOVE sports, but don’t cheer for or follow any team, you’re highly suspect in my book.
7. The Sitter
This probably only applies to certain sections at football games and when their is 2 outs in the 9th inning, but can also apply to other situations as well. With that being said there are times in the game where you stand. However, there’s always that one person who insists on sitting.
Guess what? You’re ruining things for the people standing around you. The person in front of you feels awkward because his ass is basically in your face and the person behind you can’t really stand comfortably because when you sit, your back invades his leg space.
Follow the crowd and if you don’t like standing…ever…don’t come to the game - watch it from your couch at home, fat ass.
8. Promo Fans
I was once again fortunate enough to run into this Friday night as well. I would say I probably go to 10-15 Pirate games every year. I'll admit, I've purposely bought tickets to certain promotions I was interested in (i.e. Bobbleheads, hats, etc) However, these are mementos of a team I'm supporting and I never turn down a free ticket to a game I'm able to attend regardless of the "promotion". That being said, I found it actually appalling that the only time the Pirates can sell out is during fireworks night. I'm sorry, but it actually pisses me off that it takes me 20 minutes to walk from my seat to the Quaker Steak stand when it normally takes about 3 minutes because nobody comes to support the TEAM. I wouldn't mind a huge crowd if they were there to support the Bucs. The funny thing is once they do start contending, that's exactly what will happen. The promo fans will become the "Fair Weather Fans". And if that's what it takes for you to come to the game now (a stupid fireworks show) then you currently belong in category #6.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Same ole song and dance...
So each day at work Goldie and I start randomly humming different theme songs from sports broadcasts. So it got me thinking..what are some of the all time best theme songs? Well, here is my list: (in no particular order)
CBS College Football-Probably my favorite music of any channel for College Football. No matter what game I'm watching I turn to CBS at 3:30 pm each Saturday just to hear it. It just gets me pumped up for the big SEC game. Very catchy...
NBA on NBC-Just loved the "NBA on NBC" music, especially for the Finals. I think the fact that the NBA is on ESPN/ABC now may have something to do with the fact I don't watch the NBA anymore...ha ha
NFL on CBS-Very cool, and I like the short version they do right before they go to breaks. We'll get to witness it every Sunday in just three weeks too!
Monday Night Football- How can you not love this? Absolute classic although it seems to go downhill each year.
CBS College Basketball- Love the College BBall theme for CBS. Just great all-around, especially for March Madness it just adds to the excitement that is the NCAA Tournament. Is it any wonder I take two vacation days each year for the first two days of this tourney?
NFL on FOX- Again, you can't seem to go wrong with any NFL song. This is the one I usually end up hearing the most throughout the year since the Vikings are an NFC team. I also have this theme as a ringtone on my phone.
LCS/World Series on CBS- This is an oldie but a goodie. CBS carried the baseball playoffs for a few years in the early 90's. My dad has game 4 of the 1990 World Series and I used to pop in the tape just to hear the intro song. Also...I have game 7 of the 1992 NLCS on tape which also carries the tune. I would elaborate more on this game, but Reges would probably stop reading my blogs..ha ha
Pirates on FSN- Since I watch quite a few Bucco games each year, this one has simply grown on me. It's funny because even when I'm at the Pirate games I can hear the tune in my head each time the final out is made each inning.
CBS College Football-Probably my favorite music of any channel for College Football. No matter what game I'm watching I turn to CBS at 3:30 pm each Saturday just to hear it. It just gets me pumped up for the big SEC game. Very catchy...
NBA on NBC-Just loved the "NBA on NBC" music, especially for the Finals. I think the fact that the NBA is on ESPN/ABC now may have something to do with the fact I don't watch the NBA anymore...ha ha
NFL on CBS-Very cool, and I like the short version they do right before they go to breaks. We'll get to witness it every Sunday in just three weeks too!
Monday Night Football- How can you not love this? Absolute classic although it seems to go downhill each year.
CBS College Basketball- Love the College BBall theme for CBS. Just great all-around, especially for March Madness it just adds to the excitement that is the NCAA Tournament. Is it any wonder I take two vacation days each year for the first two days of this tourney?
NFL on FOX- Again, you can't seem to go wrong with any NFL song. This is the one I usually end up hearing the most throughout the year since the Vikings are an NFC team. I also have this theme as a ringtone on my phone.
LCS/World Series on CBS- This is an oldie but a goodie. CBS carried the baseball playoffs for a few years in the early 90's. My dad has game 4 of the 1990 World Series and I used to pop in the tape just to hear the intro song. Also...I have game 7 of the 1992 NLCS on tape which also carries the tune. I would elaborate more on this game, but Reges would probably stop reading my blogs..ha ha
Pirates on FSN- Since I watch quite a few Bucco games each year, this one has simply grown on me. It's funny because even when I'm at the Pirate games I can hear the tune in my head each time the final out is made each inning.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Marco.....Polo!!
Am I the only one out there who couldn’t care less how many gold medals Michael Phelps wins?
Don’t get me wrong, I find it to be an amazing accomplishment, I really do. He has now won more gold medals than ANYONE in Olympic history—congratulations, that’s just sick!
Then again…
Adrian Peterson rushing for 296 yards in a game-pretty cool. Or hitting 600 home runs for a career. Or even Kobe’s 81 points in one game. And the last two I mentioned aren't even records!!
Is it because I’m a typical American who likes my baseball and football and can’t appreciate other sports such as cycling (yawn) and (gasp) swimming?
I think my problem with sports such as swimming goes back to my definition of sport-that I feel you need to have an opponent. Yes Michael is racing against other top notch athletes, but there’s no one in that pool attempting to drown him.
There’s no one sixty feet six inches away throwing him a 98 mph fastball.
There’s no one trying to get in his face to block his three pointers.
There’s no one blitzing him from the corner position.
Am I just simply not appreciating this for what it is? Is it like most American’s not appreciating Lance Armstrong’s amazing run of Tour de France wins?
Or is it exactly what I think it is; a guy who can swim really fast.
And when I put it that way, there’s no wonder I'm currently flipping between two preseason NFL games instead of watching Phelps go for gold medal #4,983.
There is one silver lining from this whole thing...Phelps is a graduate of the University of Michigan...hmm...what do ya know? GO BLUE!!
Don’t get me wrong, I find it to be an amazing accomplishment, I really do. He has now won more gold medals than ANYONE in Olympic history—congratulations, that’s just sick!
Then again…
Adrian Peterson rushing for 296 yards in a game-pretty cool. Or hitting 600 home runs for a career. Or even Kobe’s 81 points in one game. And the last two I mentioned aren't even records!!
Is it because I’m a typical American who likes my baseball and football and can’t appreciate other sports such as cycling (yawn) and (gasp) swimming?
I think my problem with sports such as swimming goes back to my definition of sport-that I feel you need to have an opponent. Yes Michael is racing against other top notch athletes, but there’s no one in that pool attempting to drown him.
There’s no one sixty feet six inches away throwing him a 98 mph fastball.
There’s no one trying to get in his face to block his three pointers.
There’s no one blitzing him from the corner position.
Am I just simply not appreciating this for what it is? Is it like most American’s not appreciating Lance Armstrong’s amazing run of Tour de France wins?
Or is it exactly what I think it is; a guy who can swim really fast.
And when I put it that way, there’s no wonder I'm currently flipping between two preseason NFL games instead of watching Phelps go for gold medal #4,983.
There is one silver lining from this whole thing...Phelps is a graduate of the University of Michigan...hmm...what do ya know? GO BLUE!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I said that I love S-P-O-R-T-S....
Yes..I wrote yesterday that sports revolves around my life. So today I answer the question what is a sport? Many people will say, "Well, if it's on sports TV (Fox, ESPN, whatever), then I guess it's a sport." Still others go with, "It's a competition that I like. Therefore it is a sport." I have to disagree on both points. While this seems ultimately to be an issue of opinion, we still need to determine a basic, more narrow definition of "sport" before we go around calling every competition we enjoy a "sport". Frankly, I'm sick to death of seeing Scrabble tournaments, spelling bees, dog shows, and first and foremost - poker on my sports TV. These are not sports. At best, they are highly skilled games, competitions, or hobbies.
To make that assertion, we (meaning me, it's my damn blog for crying out loud) have to define what a "sport" is. I think we all understand that everybody has their own definition, which can cause controversy on occasion. So, I'll take a shot at it with my own definition: A sport is any physical, athletic competition, where one participant's ability to perform is physically and directly affected by an opposing participant in real-time. If your activity doesn't fit those criteria, well my friend... you got yourself a hobby.
I think we can all agree that poker, cheerleading championships, and the rock-paper-scissors finals aren't sports. We can probably also agree that games like hockey, soccer, tennis and NASCAR still do qualify as sports. At least I'm hoping my NASCAR blog kinda swayed you my way? I'm personally not a big fan of tennis or soccer but I do have to admit they are sports. Don't get me wrong, most of those guys could run me down & beat me senseless, then make me play their sport, and beat me senseless at that (wait, not a soccer player... I think I could take a soccer player). But anyway, here's a list of a few of those highly skilled non-sports for you to evaluate:
1) Golf -- Again, don't get me wrong; I like golf. Granted, it is the most perfect nap material in the history of broadcasting, and is the worst spectator "sport" on television. But I do respect those who play it well (my slice is a main reason there), and I have great respect for the history of the game as well as the skill and dedication it takes to become even a decent player. But the fact is, it's not a sport. What Tiger shoots in a given round has virtually nothing to do with what Phil shoots. The mental aspects are there, sure. A good player has to have a drive to win and be able to withstand incredible amounts of pressure. But if you think those are adequate criteria to make it a "sport", then life itself is a "sport" too! No, golf is a solo game. If players were allowed to, say, box other players out of the green, or lay a shoulder check on a guy shooting out of the rough, or even holler during shots, then maybe it would qualify as a sport. But, alas, Tiger shoots what Tiger shoots, and what John Daly is doing two holes back (even if it's gobbling down hot dogs and pounding PBR's) has absolutely no bearing. I'll venture to say that if you can slam beers and dogs while doing "it", then "it" is not a sport.
2) Bowling -- see "golf"
3) Track and Field -- These are some of the most amazing athletes in the world. They can run faster and jump higher than most of us could ever dream of. They can throw pointy things and heavy things really far. They train relentlessly their entire lives for a 5-10 second shot at perfection and glory. The difference between a track foot race and a NASCAR race or a horse race is real simple, but important: track has lanes. In most track events, you must stay in your lane and not interfere with other runners. Besides mental competitiveness, a given runner's time is not affected by another runner's time. Thus, not a sport.
4) Virtually all Olympic games - OK, Tonya Harding maybe fudged on this one a bit. But usually, Olympic ice dancers aren't allowed to break the kneecaps of other ice dancers. Downhill skiers aren't allowed to reach out and poke their opponents eyeballs with their bendy poles. Cross-country skiers aren't allowed to use ACME paint to draw fake paths on the sides of giant boulders, and make their opponents crash into them. Archery shooters can't....wait...Archery? Seriously?
5) Hunting and fishing -This one is a no-brainer for me. It is directly man vs. beast. But unless said beast is directly trying to avoid or run away from you - not just standing there munching berries, or swimming around a pond, it's not direct competition, and therefore not a sport. The beast should actually be aware that he/she is "involved" for this to come close to being a sport. Hunting and fishing championships could be considered sports, I suppose, if hunters were allowed to set bear traps for other hunters, or fishermen could throw dead fish at their competition. Hmmm, now that I think of it, I think I might pick up hunting and fishing.
So there you have it. These are highly skilled hobbies, not sports. Feel free to give me your concurrence or arguments to the contrary.
To make that assertion, we (meaning me, it's my damn blog for crying out loud) have to define what a "sport" is. I think we all understand that everybody has their own definition, which can cause controversy on occasion. So, I'll take a shot at it with my own definition: A sport is any physical, athletic competition, where one participant's ability to perform is physically and directly affected by an opposing participant in real-time. If your activity doesn't fit those criteria, well my friend... you got yourself a hobby.
I think we can all agree that poker, cheerleading championships, and the rock-paper-scissors finals aren't sports. We can probably also agree that games like hockey, soccer, tennis and NASCAR still do qualify as sports. At least I'm hoping my NASCAR blog kinda swayed you my way? I'm personally not a big fan of tennis or soccer but I do have to admit they are sports. Don't get me wrong, most of those guys could run me down & beat me senseless, then make me play their sport, and beat me senseless at that (wait, not a soccer player... I think I could take a soccer player). But anyway, here's a list of a few of those highly skilled non-sports for you to evaluate:
1) Golf -- Again, don't get me wrong; I like golf. Granted, it is the most perfect nap material in the history of broadcasting, and is the worst spectator "sport" on television. But I do respect those who play it well (my slice is a main reason there), and I have great respect for the history of the game as well as the skill and dedication it takes to become even a decent player. But the fact is, it's not a sport. What Tiger shoots in a given round has virtually nothing to do with what Phil shoots. The mental aspects are there, sure. A good player has to have a drive to win and be able to withstand incredible amounts of pressure. But if you think those are adequate criteria to make it a "sport", then life itself is a "sport" too! No, golf is a solo game. If players were allowed to, say, box other players out of the green, or lay a shoulder check on a guy shooting out of the rough, or even holler during shots, then maybe it would qualify as a sport. But, alas, Tiger shoots what Tiger shoots, and what John Daly is doing two holes back (even if it's gobbling down hot dogs and pounding PBR's) has absolutely no bearing. I'll venture to say that if you can slam beers and dogs while doing "it", then "it" is not a sport.
2) Bowling -- see "golf"
3) Track and Field -- These are some of the most amazing athletes in the world. They can run faster and jump higher than most of us could ever dream of. They can throw pointy things and heavy things really far. They train relentlessly their entire lives for a 5-10 second shot at perfection and glory. The difference between a track foot race and a NASCAR race or a horse race is real simple, but important: track has lanes. In most track events, you must stay in your lane and not interfere with other runners. Besides mental competitiveness, a given runner's time is not affected by another runner's time. Thus, not a sport.
4) Virtually all Olympic games - OK, Tonya Harding maybe fudged on this one a bit. But usually, Olympic ice dancers aren't allowed to break the kneecaps of other ice dancers. Downhill skiers aren't allowed to reach out and poke their opponents eyeballs with their bendy poles. Cross-country skiers aren't allowed to use ACME paint to draw fake paths on the sides of giant boulders, and make their opponents crash into them. Archery shooters can't....wait...Archery? Seriously?
5) Hunting and fishing -This one is a no-brainer for me. It is directly man vs. beast. But unless said beast is directly trying to avoid or run away from you - not just standing there munching berries, or swimming around a pond, it's not direct competition, and therefore not a sport. The beast should actually be aware that he/she is "involved" for this to come close to being a sport. Hunting and fishing championships could be considered sports, I suppose, if hunters were allowed to set bear traps for other hunters, or fishermen could throw dead fish at their competition. Hmmm, now that I think of it, I think I might pick up hunting and fishing.
So there you have it. These are highly skilled hobbies, not sports. Feel free to give me your concurrence or arguments to the contrary.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Yes..my life DOES revolve around sports
So..you're probably asking..why does it then? The short answer might seem obvious: sports is entertaining and provides a distraction from my "real life". Actually sport inspires me. In spite of the corruption, cheating and scandal so prevalent in today's headlines, athletes continue to demonstrate the fundamental nature of competition by giving us the strongest, the quickest, the smartest and most inspired performances on the planet. Their world is populated with people who strive for excellence. Being in the presence of such people makes me lift my sights a little higher...encourages me to loftier standards in my everyday life.
Sport touches the depths of my emotion. As a Minnesota Viking fan, I carry a permanent scar on my heart from 'The Meltdown' loss to the Falcons in the NFC Championship game in 1999. That loss ranks close to 'the loss of a close friend' on my emotional scale. What is it about my soul that seems to yearn for the extreme?
Sport lets me believe in the impossible. "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" It doesn't happen often enough but every now and then, just about the time we are ready to succumb to the predictable, to the inevitable...Wham! Young David rises up to defeat the giant - whether David is Boise State or some other underdog. It's this aspect of sport that can, at any time, any place, stir the little kid in me to ask "why not?"
Sport provides the element of danger. I'm able to substitute the danger in my life and instead live my danger through the athletes I root for. Being a world-class athlete can be risky business. Think of it. An athlete's whole focus has been to go faster, higher, stronger. Sometimes, as in NASCAR, in order to get an edge, a driver must go over the edge. Too many times I've watched in sadness and horror as the driver crossed the line from order to chaos, control to helplessness. Yes..7 years later..I still miss Dale Earnhardt and become visibly upset when he is talked about on TV.
Sport can give me a place in history. I have been lucky enough to have witnessed historic sporting events. Most have been on TV, but I can still lay claim to being a part of that history. I was there, receiving and contributing to the collective energy at the precise moment history was made. It's something that will stay with me and whoever is around me that has to hear about it later. (Sorry friends and family!!)
Sport validates my competitive nature. Some would argue that the competitive urges in me is aggression which should be kept inside me. I'm convinced my competitive nature is God-given. I've been reading the Bible in the last few months and I came across a scripture that I loved and immediately thought about my love for sports. The apostle Paul, in scripture describes the spiritual journey to a vigorous race: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." And again Paul reminds us: "But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize..." I believe any person, gifted with athletic (or any other) talent, who does not pursue his maximum potential misses the mark.
I realize that sport impacts me at every level of my being: body, mind, soul and spirit. Is it any wonder I'm so fascinated by it? For me, the world of sport is right up there beneath God, family and country. Perhaps I wrote this simply to attempt to justify my own obsession - as if I needed to list reasons for feelings that come naturally. But then I think of thousands standing in line for hours to get tickets for a game that lasts 48 minutes. Or bleachers collapsing under foot-stomping fans enraged over a bad call. Or a guy jumping over a 15 foot wall to touch the star player. It's then that I realize one thing...
That I'm not alone.
Sport touches the depths of my emotion. As a Minnesota Viking fan, I carry a permanent scar on my heart from 'The Meltdown' loss to the Falcons in the NFC Championship game in 1999. That loss ranks close to 'the loss of a close friend' on my emotional scale. What is it about my soul that seems to yearn for the extreme?
Sport lets me believe in the impossible. "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" It doesn't happen often enough but every now and then, just about the time we are ready to succumb to the predictable, to the inevitable...Wham! Young David rises up to defeat the giant - whether David is Boise State or some other underdog. It's this aspect of sport that can, at any time, any place, stir the little kid in me to ask "why not?"
Sport provides the element of danger. I'm able to substitute the danger in my life and instead live my danger through the athletes I root for. Being a world-class athlete can be risky business. Think of it. An athlete's whole focus has been to go faster, higher, stronger. Sometimes, as in NASCAR, in order to get an edge, a driver must go over the edge. Too many times I've watched in sadness and horror as the driver crossed the line from order to chaos, control to helplessness. Yes..7 years later..I still miss Dale Earnhardt and become visibly upset when he is talked about on TV.
Sport can give me a place in history. I have been lucky enough to have witnessed historic sporting events. Most have been on TV, but I can still lay claim to being a part of that history. I was there, receiving and contributing to the collective energy at the precise moment history was made. It's something that will stay with me and whoever is around me that has to hear about it later. (Sorry friends and family!!)
Sport validates my competitive nature. Some would argue that the competitive urges in me is aggression which should be kept inside me. I'm convinced my competitive nature is God-given. I've been reading the Bible in the last few months and I came across a scripture that I loved and immediately thought about my love for sports. The apostle Paul, in scripture describes the spiritual journey to a vigorous race: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." And again Paul reminds us: "But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize..." I believe any person, gifted with athletic (or any other) talent, who does not pursue his maximum potential misses the mark.
I realize that sport impacts me at every level of my being: body, mind, soul and spirit. Is it any wonder I'm so fascinated by it? For me, the world of sport is right up there beneath God, family and country. Perhaps I wrote this simply to attempt to justify my own obsession - as if I needed to list reasons for feelings that come naturally. But then I think of thousands standing in line for hours to get tickets for a game that lasts 48 minutes. Or bleachers collapsing under foot-stomping fans enraged over a bad call. Or a guy jumping over a 15 foot wall to touch the star player. It's then that I realize one thing...
That I'm not alone.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Something smells...rank?!?
Here is something I feel is one of the few problems in college football. Preseason polls have become so accepted as fact and are so over hyped, but they really have no substance or rational and are only the opinion of a few sportswriters. Why do we put so much stock in these polls and why do we carry them over into the regular season?
These polls appear to carry over a bias into the season. The voters seem to vote week to week during the season based on a combination of inflated records and who was put where in their preseason poll. I think anyone who votes or takes part in a preseason poll should be banned from voting in regular season polls. Who would not give into the urge to prove themselves right by putting their preseason pick in a higher slot?
Take Wisconsin for example, this year most preseason polls have them in the top ten or just outside of it. But Tennessee, a team that beat them in the Outback Bowl just 7 months ago without six of its players, three of them starters that are back this year, is ranked six to ten spots behind them. This isn't because voters saw that Wisconsin was the better team that day and just blew the game. The main reason for this disparity is that Wisconsin is expected to be 11-1 due to a weak schedule, and Tennessee is in the same conference with Georgia and Florida and is expected to finish 3rd. Here is the real problem, these polls carry over to the regular season and aren't seriously adjusted until a loss occurs. In the crazy game of monkey move up that is college football polls, Wisconsin could be in the top 5 before they play what is even close to a quality team. Imagine this scenario using the same two teams, at the end of October: Tennessee is 6-2 with losses to Georgia and Auburn. Wisconsin is 6-2 with losses to Ohio State and Penn State. Who will be ranked higher? My guess is Wisconsin, because they started out higher. They would probably remain in the top 15 while Tennessee struggles to stay ranked. Are they really the better team?
I think this is a real issue in college football especially when most teams only have one real shot at national title every 5 to 10 years, but Ohio State gets to go every year because of a sub par schedule that ends 3 weeks before any one else's does. Ohio State and Wisconsin both going 11-1 this year is the easiest prediction in the history of earth. That's why everyone has them in their preseason top 10. So all the preseason guys can tell you at the end of the year how good their preseason poll was. Why not rank them by "I think team A can beat team B" and leave records out of it? Especially later in the season when team A has played 4 top ten schools and has two losses and team B has played one top ten team at home and has one loss. When did win all your games no matter who you played become the basis for having a high ranking? Can you see the flaw in the current system?
Don't get me wrong I think Ohio State and Wisconsin have GOOD teams, but is it really fair to start them off in an elite class every year and then keep them up there because they don't play anyone. Why not wait until after Ohio State beats USC to put them in the top 5. Now what will happen is Ohio State will be ranked 2 coming into the USC game and only drop a few spots if they lose. Then we are stuck with them in the top 5 for the rest of the year. College football needs to wait until about week 4 to start ranking teams.
Also ESPN and other networks shouldn't slant their coverage to one school over another because one school is more interesting. It's fine for pro baseball or pro football where playoffs determine a champion but when opinions and polls determine who plays for the championship I don't think it's fair to lean coverage towards any team. Imagine if we did this in the NFL, Dallas and New England would have been preselected to go to the Super Bowl and Eli Manning would still be the Manning that never panned out. I'm not saying change the BCS to a playoff because I think college football is unique in that every week and every game matters. However, let's give the rankings a little more thought and research if that is what we are going to use to decide a champion.
These polls appear to carry over a bias into the season. The voters seem to vote week to week during the season based on a combination of inflated records and who was put where in their preseason poll. I think anyone who votes or takes part in a preseason poll should be banned from voting in regular season polls. Who would not give into the urge to prove themselves right by putting their preseason pick in a higher slot?
Take Wisconsin for example, this year most preseason polls have them in the top ten or just outside of it. But Tennessee, a team that beat them in the Outback Bowl just 7 months ago without six of its players, three of them starters that are back this year, is ranked six to ten spots behind them. This isn't because voters saw that Wisconsin was the better team that day and just blew the game. The main reason for this disparity is that Wisconsin is expected to be 11-1 due to a weak schedule, and Tennessee is in the same conference with Georgia and Florida and is expected to finish 3rd. Here is the real problem, these polls carry over to the regular season and aren't seriously adjusted until a loss occurs. In the crazy game of monkey move up that is college football polls, Wisconsin could be in the top 5 before they play what is even close to a quality team. Imagine this scenario using the same two teams, at the end of October: Tennessee is 6-2 with losses to Georgia and Auburn. Wisconsin is 6-2 with losses to Ohio State and Penn State. Who will be ranked higher? My guess is Wisconsin, because they started out higher. They would probably remain in the top 15 while Tennessee struggles to stay ranked. Are they really the better team?
I think this is a real issue in college football especially when most teams only have one real shot at national title every 5 to 10 years, but Ohio State gets to go every year because of a sub par schedule that ends 3 weeks before any one else's does. Ohio State and Wisconsin both going 11-1 this year is the easiest prediction in the history of earth. That's why everyone has them in their preseason top 10. So all the preseason guys can tell you at the end of the year how good their preseason poll was. Why not rank them by "I think team A can beat team B" and leave records out of it? Especially later in the season when team A has played 4 top ten schools and has two losses and team B has played one top ten team at home and has one loss. When did win all your games no matter who you played become the basis for having a high ranking? Can you see the flaw in the current system?
Don't get me wrong I think Ohio State and Wisconsin have GOOD teams, but is it really fair to start them off in an elite class every year and then keep them up there because they don't play anyone. Why not wait until after Ohio State beats USC to put them in the top 5. Now what will happen is Ohio State will be ranked 2 coming into the USC game and only drop a few spots if they lose. Then we are stuck with them in the top 5 for the rest of the year. College football needs to wait until about week 4 to start ranking teams.
Also ESPN and other networks shouldn't slant their coverage to one school over another because one school is more interesting. It's fine for pro baseball or pro football where playoffs determine a champion but when opinions and polls determine who plays for the championship I don't think it's fair to lean coverage towards any team. Imagine if we did this in the NFL, Dallas and New England would have been preselected to go to the Super Bowl and Eli Manning would still be the Manning that never panned out. I'm not saying change the BCS to a playoff because I think college football is unique in that every week and every game matters. However, let's give the rankings a little more thought and research if that is what we are going to use to decide a champion.
Monday, August 4, 2008
"If he hits one there we can dance in the streets"
Growing up, I learned a lot about baseball primarily from both of my fathers. What I didn't learn from them, I picked up from radio and television announcers. I watched a lot of Braves games when I was younger on TBS and that is how I became an Atlanta Braves fan. Atlanta announcers Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren essentially became part of my family in the summer. The Braves and their many fans lost a legendary part of that family Sunday when Skip died in his sleep.
Caray, the son of legendary Cubs announcer Harry Caray and the father of current TBS announcer Chip Caray, covered Braves games on the radio and TV for over three decades. No doubt, Skip knew the game but he also made it fun with his wit and sarcasm. He also had the unique voice, often imitated, that made him stand out. Needless to say, Braves nation and all of baseball will miss Skip the rest of this season and beyond.
I have a ringtone of his call of Francisco Cabrera's game-winning hit in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS against Pittsburgh, which sent the Braves to the World Series. I actually manage to get death glares from one of the nicest guys I know when I play it randomly. (Sorry Timmy...I scream..you scream...we all scream for SID BREAM!!) That call will always give me goosebumps and I admit it almost brought a tear to my eye when I played it today at work.
Braves fans will also remember this one from the 1995 World Series ..."Mark gets the sign, the wind and the pitch.. here it is... swung, fly ball deep left center, Grissom on the run... Yes! Yes! Yes! The Atlanta Braves have given you a championship! Listen to this crowd! A mob scene on the field. Wohlers gets 'em one, two, three. A couple of fans rushing on the field. The Atlanta Braves have brought the first championship to Atlanta!"
I found this quote in an article I read this afternoon from Skip's long time announcing partner Pete Van Wieren. "There was an honesty and a commitment to Skip. If he didn't like it that a game was two minutes late getting started, everybody knew about it. If he had an opinion on a player, he said it. And he had a way of saying it that was sometimes humorous. The way he could take a bad ball game and turn it into a fun broadcast, whether it was by talking about something in the game or whether it was talking about something that didn't have anything to do with the game, maybe it was a movie that was coming up after the game or maybe it was a restaurant that he'd gone to. It could have been anything. He was just a very entertaining broadcaster and a very good one. The game was still the most important thing, but if the game was decided by the fourth or fifth inning, people would still watch the rest of the game just to hear what he had to say about things. That's a very, very unique ability."
We'll miss you Skip!!
Caray, the son of legendary Cubs announcer Harry Caray and the father of current TBS announcer Chip Caray, covered Braves games on the radio and TV for over three decades. No doubt, Skip knew the game but he also made it fun with his wit and sarcasm. He also had the unique voice, often imitated, that made him stand out. Needless to say, Braves nation and all of baseball will miss Skip the rest of this season and beyond.
I have a ringtone of his call of Francisco Cabrera's game-winning hit in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS against Pittsburgh, which sent the Braves to the World Series. I actually manage to get death glares from one of the nicest guys I know when I play it randomly. (Sorry Timmy...I scream..you scream...we all scream for SID BREAM!!) That call will always give me goosebumps and I admit it almost brought a tear to my eye when I played it today at work.
Braves fans will also remember this one from the 1995 World Series ..."Mark gets the sign, the wind and the pitch.. here it is... swung, fly ball deep left center, Grissom on the run... Yes! Yes! Yes! The Atlanta Braves have given you a championship! Listen to this crowd! A mob scene on the field. Wohlers gets 'em one, two, three. A couple of fans rushing on the field. The Atlanta Braves have brought the first championship to Atlanta!"
I found this quote in an article I read this afternoon from Skip's long time announcing partner Pete Van Wieren. "There was an honesty and a commitment to Skip. If he didn't like it that a game was two minutes late getting started, everybody knew about it. If he had an opinion on a player, he said it. And he had a way of saying it that was sometimes humorous. The way he could take a bad ball game and turn it into a fun broadcast, whether it was by talking about something in the game or whether it was talking about something that didn't have anything to do with the game, maybe it was a movie that was coming up after the game or maybe it was a restaurant that he'd gone to. It could have been anything. He was just a very entertaining broadcaster and a very good one. The game was still the most important thing, but if the game was decided by the fourth or fifth inning, people would still watch the rest of the game just to hear what he had to say about things. That's a very, very unique ability."
We'll miss you Skip!!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Setting the record straight....
So, I had some people comment to me about my recent blog about the New York Yankees and people were asking me if I agreed with the fact that Major League Baseball should have a salary cap. This has been a topic of debate for the last decade or so, and is often as talked about as steroids in the game. The biggest problem that many see with this is the lack of balance between the big and small market teams. Revenue sharing in big markets such as New York and Boston have kept those cities interested in the game. Popularity is more of a reason for the game NOT to impose a salary cap. That's right...I said NOT.
The teams like the Yankees and Red Sox have huge payrolls, and also have a huge fan base that is widespread throughout the country. So if a cap were put in place, those teams would likely see a decline in on-field performance which in turn would drive some fans away from ballparks. Whether you like it or not, baseball needs the high market teams to be as competitive as possible to spark fan interest. It would make no sense to put a cap that will negatively effect highly populated markets. As long as the big market teams can compete, fan support will not be a problem, so the purpose of a salary cap would not make a lot of sense being that those clubs produce much of the game's revenue.
On the flip side, teams like Kansas City and Pittsburgh have no chance in being able to resign their top players. Those franchises would benefit from an imposed salary cap because then they will be able to compete with the larger markets to land top players. This is the biggest reason for many fans wanting the salary cap in place. However, when it comes to the issue of competitive balance, I believe that baseball has it.
Since 2002, the World Series has seen ten different teams make it to the October classic. Only the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have made it multiple times (twice each) in that time frame. Even this year shows that the balance is still there. The Rays are ahead of the Red Sox AND Yankees in the division currently and the Florida Marlins are once again in contention just a few years removed from a World Series title in which they relived the 1997 season of winning the World Series then promptly dumping all their players to cut their salary. This proves that with that right scouts and management personnel, teams can achieve success without loads of money.
The teams like the Yankees and Red Sox have huge payrolls, and also have a huge fan base that is widespread throughout the country. So if a cap were put in place, those teams would likely see a decline in on-field performance which in turn would drive some fans away from ballparks. Whether you like it or not, baseball needs the high market teams to be as competitive as possible to spark fan interest. It would make no sense to put a cap that will negatively effect highly populated markets. As long as the big market teams can compete, fan support will not be a problem, so the purpose of a salary cap would not make a lot of sense being that those clubs produce much of the game's revenue.
On the flip side, teams like Kansas City and Pittsburgh have no chance in being able to resign their top players. Those franchises would benefit from an imposed salary cap because then they will be able to compete with the larger markets to land top players. This is the biggest reason for many fans wanting the salary cap in place. However, when it comes to the issue of competitive balance, I believe that baseball has it.
Since 2002, the World Series has seen ten different teams make it to the October classic. Only the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox have made it multiple times (twice each) in that time frame. Even this year shows that the balance is still there. The Rays are ahead of the Red Sox AND Yankees in the division currently and the Florida Marlins are once again in contention just a few years removed from a World Series title in which they relived the 1997 season of winning the World Series then promptly dumping all their players to cut their salary. This proves that with that right scouts and management personnel, teams can achieve success without loads of money.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
