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!!
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