For those of you needing a little Hot Stove talk and missing the sights and sounds of our greatest game, below is the late Ernie Harwell's famous essay on baseball, "The Game for All America," parts of which he read at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 1981. Reprinted in its entirety, from the April 13, 1955, edition of The Sporting News:
Baseball is President Eisenhower tossing out the first ball of the season; and a pudgy schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm.
It's the big league pitcher who sings in night clubs. And the Hollywood singer who pitches to the Giants in spring training.
A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from his dugout -- that's baseball. So is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running out one of his 714 home runs with mincing steps.
It's America, this baseball. A re-issued newsreel of boyhood dreams. Dreams lost somewhere between boy and man. It's the Bronx cheer and the Baltimore farewell. The left field screen in Boston, the right field dump at Nashville's Sulphur Dell, the open stands in San Francisco, the dusty, wind-swept diamond at Albuquerque. And a rock home plate and a chicken wire backstop -- anywhere.
There's a man in Mobile who remembers a triple he saw Honus Wagner hit in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That's baseball. So is the scout reporting that a 16-year-old sandlot pitcher in Cheyenne is the new "Walter Johnson."
It's a wizened little man shouting insults from the safety of his bleacher seat. And a big, smiling first baseman playfully tousling the hair of a youngster outside the players' gate.
Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered -- or booed. And then becomes a statistic.
In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. Here the only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. Color is something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.
Baseball is Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, asking his Brooklyn hosts to explain Dodger signals. It's Player Moe Berg speaking seven languages and working crossword puzzles in Sansrkit. It's a scramble in the box seats for a foul -- and a $125 suit ruined. A man barking into a hot microphone about a cool beer, that's baseball. So is the sports writer telling a .383 hitter how to stride, and a 20-victory pitcher trying to write his impressions of the World Series.
Baseball is ballet without music. Drama without words. A carnival without kewpie dolls.
A housewife in California couldn't tell you the color of her husband's eyes, but she knows that Yogi Berra is hitting .337, has brown eyes and used to love to eat bananas with mustard. That's baseball. So is the bright sanctity of Cooperstown's Hall of Fame. And the former big leaguer, who is playing out the string in a Class B loop.
Baseball is continuity. Pitch to pitch. Inning to inning. Game to game. Series to series. Season to season.
It's rain, rain, rain splattering on a puddled tarpaulin as thousands sit in damp disappointment. And the click of typewriters and telegraph keys in the press box -- like so many awakened crickets. Baseball is a cocky batboy. The old-timer, whose batting average increases every time he tells it. A lady celebrating a home team rally by mauling her husband with a rolled-up scorecard.
Baseball is the cool, clear eyes of Rogers Hornsby, the flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an overaged pixie named Rabbit Maranville, and Jackie Robinson testifying before a Congressional hearing.
Baseball? It's just a game -- as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, business -- and sometimes even religion.
Baseball is Tradition in flannel knickerbockers. And Chagrin in being picked off base. It is Dignity in the blue serge of an umpire running the game by rule of thumb. It is Humor, holding its sides when an errant puppy eludes two groundskeepers and the fastest outfielder. And Pathos, dragging itself off the field after being knocked from the box.
Nicknames are baseball. Names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.
Baseball is a sweaty, steaming dressing room where hopes and feelings are as naked as the men themselves. It's a dugout with spike-scarred flooring. And shadows across an empty ball park. It's the endless list of names in box scores, abbreviated almost beyond recognition.
The holdout is baseball, too. He wants 55 grand or he won't turn a muscle. But, it's also the youngster who hitch-hikes from South Dakota to Florida just for a tryout.
Arguments, Casey at the Bat, old cigarette cards, photographs, Take Me Out to the Ball Game -- all of them are baseball.
Baseball is a rookie -- his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat -- trying to begin fulfillment of a dream. It's a veteran, too -- a tired old man of 35, hoping his aching muscles can drag him through another sweltering August and September.
For nine innings, baseball is the story of David and Goliath, of Samson, Cinderella, Paul Bunyan, Homer's Iliad and the Count of Monte Cristo.
Willie Mays making a brilliant World's Series catch. And then going home to Harlem to play stick-ball in the street with his teenage pals -- that's baseball. So is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
Baseball is cigar smoke, hot-roasted peanuts, The Sporting News, winter trades, "Down in front," and the Seventh Inning Stretch. Sore arms, broken bats, a no-hitter, and the strains of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Baseball is a highly-paid Brooklyn catcher telling the nation's business leaders: "You have to be a man to be a big leaguer, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you, too."
This is a game for all America, this baseball.
A game for boys and for men.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
An Iron Bowl for the ages.
Hey sportfans,
What a great Iron Bowl. Some exclaim it was the greatest Iron Bowl in history. Others moan that it was the greatest collapse (or comeback) ever. Regardless which team you pull for (and yes, you pull for one or the other - no fence sitting), you must admit this year's game was a heart stopper. One way to look at it is that each team got to enjoy thirty minutes of the game.
The Bear and Shug would have enjoyed this year's Iron Bowl.
This annual grudge match defines what college football is about. Passion. Athleticism. Heartbreak. Headache. Joy and pain. However, it goes beyond most every other college football (heck, any sports) rivalry. It sets the tone in family dynamics and loyalties. Business climates are affected in State. Friendships and relationships are gained and/or lost as a result of the scores. Football is a religion in Alabama. No, it's more important than that.
If you turned off the game at halftime you made a great mistake. Before you could finish that first plate of wings the score was already 21-0, Bama. The Tide was truly rollin' before the half. Julio (above) was catching and Greg was pitching. Everything was clicking for the Crimson and White. But, what happened when the Tide took their foot off the pedal? The mistakes showed up. Multiple trips into the red zone with either fumbles or drops, or field goal attempts. Then Auburn scored, making it 24-7 going to the half. Although the Tide possessed a 17-point lead and tons more yardage on the board, most Tide fans would admit they felt uneasy going into the 3rd quarter. Then along came Cam who showed why he's the best in all the land this year.
It did not take long before the Tigers scored two touchdowns to pull within three points at the close of the third quarter. Then, with ten minutes to go in the fourth, Auburn went ahead for good, 28-27, capping the largest comeback in Iron Bowl history, thus ending Alabama's twenty game home win streak. This might also have been the largest lead ever given up by the Tide on their home turf in more than 100 years of playing on the gridiron.
Next up for the Tigers will be the Gamecocks and the Ol Ball Coach. It's not easy beating him twice in the same season. I'm sure Spurrier will have some surprises for Auburn in the SEC Championship Game next weekend in Atlanta. Assuming the Tigers win that game, they will likely play Oregon in the BCS Championship Came in Arizona in early January. For the Tide, they might be looking at the Capital One Bowl, the Cotton Bowl and the Outback Bowl as possible destinations.
Having a good week: Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand has been taken off a ventilator and is able to breathe on his own. The 20-year-old defensive tackle was paralyzed from the neck down Oct. 16, making a tackle on a kickoff return against Army in a game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Here's hoping he continues steady improvement. Three (nonalcoholic) cheers to NL MVP Joey Votto and AL MVP Josh Hamilton. Two very deserving first time winners.
Not having a good week: Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young. What a drama queen. After the game last week he threw his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands. What a baby. He needs to move on. He is a highly athletic player, but does not have the maturity to deal with criticism or when he plays poorly. Oakland Raiders defensive player Richard Seymour landed a very expensive head slap to the head of Steelers QB, Big Ben. Why didn't the Steelers linemen lower the boom on Seymour for the thuggish move? He will be fined heavily. The White House has identified the person whose elbow injured President Barack Obama during a pickup game of basketball on Friday as Rey Decerega, who works for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Obama needed 12 stitches in his upper lip after being hit by Decerega's elbow during the game. LSU's Mad Hatter was hatted this weekend in their loss at Arkansas. The loss knocked LSU out of the top 5 and any argument for a title run. Same for Boise State which loss the Nevada.
Don't ever take UD's last honey baked chicken wing. This will happen if you dare try:
Sid and Em are still dancing up a storm. Em's hoops team is cruising. Finals in three weeks. Didn't make it to Sam's run. Overslept and wimped out. Is Hanukkah really here? Too soon! Too soon!
Have a great week everyone.
The Sports Guy
What a great Iron Bowl. Some exclaim it was the greatest Iron Bowl in history. Others moan that it was the greatest collapse (or comeback) ever. Regardless which team you pull for (and yes, you pull for one or the other - no fence sitting), you must admit this year's game was a heart stopper. One way to look at it is that each team got to enjoy thirty minutes of the game.
The Bear and Shug would have enjoyed this year's Iron Bowl.
This annual grudge match defines what college football is about. Passion. Athleticism. Heartbreak. Headache. Joy and pain. However, it goes beyond most every other college football (heck, any sports) rivalry. It sets the tone in family dynamics and loyalties. Business climates are affected in State. Friendships and relationships are gained and/or lost as a result of the scores. Football is a religion in Alabama. No, it's more important than that.
If you turned off the game at halftime you made a great mistake. Before you could finish that first plate of wings the score was already 21-0, Bama. The Tide was truly rollin' before the half. Julio (above) was catching and Greg was pitching. Everything was clicking for the Crimson and White. But, what happened when the Tide took their foot off the pedal? The mistakes showed up. Multiple trips into the red zone with either fumbles or drops, or field goal attempts. Then Auburn scored, making it 24-7 going to the half. Although the Tide possessed a 17-point lead and tons more yardage on the board, most Tide fans would admit they felt uneasy going into the 3rd quarter. Then along came Cam who showed why he's the best in all the land this year.
It did not take long before the Tigers scored two touchdowns to pull within three points at the close of the third quarter. Then, with ten minutes to go in the fourth, Auburn went ahead for good, 28-27, capping the largest comeback in Iron Bowl history, thus ending Alabama's twenty game home win streak. This might also have been the largest lead ever given up by the Tide on their home turf in more than 100 years of playing on the gridiron.
Next up for the Tigers will be the Gamecocks and the Ol Ball Coach. It's not easy beating him twice in the same season. I'm sure Spurrier will have some surprises for Auburn in the SEC Championship Game next weekend in Atlanta. Assuming the Tigers win that game, they will likely play Oregon in the BCS Championship Came in Arizona in early January. For the Tide, they might be looking at the Capital One Bowl, the Cotton Bowl and the Outback Bowl as possible destinations.
Having a good week: Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand has been taken off a ventilator and is able to breathe on his own. The 20-year-old defensive tackle was paralyzed from the neck down Oct. 16, making a tackle on a kickoff return against Army in a game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Here's hoping he continues steady improvement. Three (nonalcoholic) cheers to NL MVP Joey Votto and AL MVP Josh Hamilton. Two very deserving first time winners.
Not having a good week: Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young. What a drama queen. After the game last week he threw his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands. What a baby. He needs to move on. He is a highly athletic player, but does not have the maturity to deal with criticism or when he plays poorly. Oakland Raiders defensive player Richard Seymour landed a very expensive head slap to the head of Steelers QB, Big Ben. Why didn't the Steelers linemen lower the boom on Seymour for the thuggish move? He will be fined heavily. The White House has identified the person whose elbow injured President Barack Obama during a pickup game of basketball on Friday as Rey Decerega, who works for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Obama needed 12 stitches in his upper lip after being hit by Decerega's elbow during the game. LSU's Mad Hatter was hatted this weekend in their loss at Arkansas. The loss knocked LSU out of the top 5 and any argument for a title run. Same for Boise State which loss the Nevada.
Don't ever take UD's last honey baked chicken wing. This will happen if you dare try:
Sid and Em are still dancing up a storm. Em's hoops team is cruising. Finals in three weeks. Didn't make it to Sam's run. Overslept and wimped out. Is Hanukkah really here? Too soon! Too soon!
Have a great week everyone.
The Sports Guy
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Panthers invade Bryant Denny. Looked around and quickly scampered home. Iron Bowl 2010.
Hey sportsfans,
This past Thursday evening we were treated to watching the Tide take on Bill Curry's newly formed team, the Georgia State Panthers, at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. In a tuneup game before the Iron Bowl later this week, the Tide did their former coach a favor, paid his school a ton of money and gave them some great national exposure on ESPN.
The Panthers are a respectable team with some fine players, and did themselves proud in such a hostile territory. Although the Tide rolled big-time, the Panthers exposed two of the Tide's weaknesses, special teams and pass coverage. A 55 yard pass play and a 97 yard kickoff return, were definite let downs by those wearing crimson and white.
We had a big crowd with us. Thanks to greats seats and a sweet parking pass, we with rolled with the best of them. Attending her first game since the Eisenhower (actually, Reagan) administration, G'ma picked back up like true Bammer. Hooten' and holleren' with the best of them, Z and B also showed some red on their (cold) necks in the fast dropping temperature. Em and Tiz enjoyed dipping dots as they texted, talked and teamed up for the Tide to victory.
Sid, Lilly and their entourages enjoyed the friendly confines of the luxury suites for the game. All the bbq, ice cream and goodies (i.e., clean bathrooms) they could muster were all part of the festivities for the evening. Must be nice!
This Friday is the annual Iron Bowl. For those of you who are unaware, the Iron Bowl is a common name for the college football game between the Auburn University Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. The series is considered one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports. As the rivalry was mainly played in Birmingham, Alabama for many years, the name of the Iron Bowl comes from Birmingham's historic role in the iron and steel industry. Alabama leads the series with an overall record of 40–33–1. #2 Auburn will enter the 2010 Iron bowl undefeated and face a 9-2 #10 ranked Alabama team. In my humble opinion, much to Boise State's delight, the Tide will upset Auburn's national championship bid by defeating them in this year's game. I'm guessing 34-24 will be the final. But, I could be wrong.
This sign is not too far from the Home team's homestead. There has been recent talk of moving the SEC offices to this location. Just talk.
Having a great week: Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick is having a career year and might be the League's MVP. He's come a very long way in the past few years. From being a celebrated top QB for the Falcons then being the poster boy for animal cruelty and serving his time, and now seems to have gotten a handle on the issue. Keep in mind that just eight months ago he was on Spike TV's Pros Vs. Joes! Currently, he's poised to be the leading NFL QB this year. Very cool that college football games were played this weekend at the famed Wrigley Field (Northwestern v. Illinois) and the new Yankees Stadium (Notre Dame v. Army).
Having a thankful week: A jury in Florida on Saturday acquitted former major league baseball player Jim Leyritz of DUI manslaughter in a 2007 crash that killed a mother of two. However, Leyritz was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail. Evidence showed that both parties were under the influence at the time of the collision. Very sad all around.
Not having a very good week: The SEC suspended Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl for eight league games. Frankly I'm surprised it wasn't for a longer period of time. His program is out of control. The New York Yankees and the heart of the organization, Derek Jeter, are miles apart in contract negotiations. Cannot imagine him playing for another team. Can you? The Yankees need to pay him for all he's done. It will be his last contract. Looks like the Big 3 and the Miami Heat will not be setting any records for most wins in a season. The 8-5 Heat look very much like a middle of the pack contender so far.
Having a bad career: Greg Oden, the modern day Sam Bowie. No. 1 pick of 2007 NBA draft. Four years later he's only play 80 games. Multiple surgeries. Major disappointment.
Gobble, gobble.
Still trying to get ready for Sam's 10k.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
This past Thursday evening we were treated to watching the Tide take on Bill Curry's newly formed team, the Georgia State Panthers, at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. In a tuneup game before the Iron Bowl later this week, the Tide did their former coach a favor, paid his school a ton of money and gave them some great national exposure on ESPN.
The Panthers are a respectable team with some fine players, and did themselves proud in such a hostile territory. Although the Tide rolled big-time, the Panthers exposed two of the Tide's weaknesses, special teams and pass coverage. A 55 yard pass play and a 97 yard kickoff return, were definite let downs by those wearing crimson and white.
We had a big crowd with us. Thanks to greats seats and a sweet parking pass, we with rolled with the best of them. Attending her first game since the Eisenhower (actually, Reagan) administration, G'ma picked back up like true Bammer. Hooten' and holleren' with the best of them, Z and B also showed some red on their (cold) necks in the fast dropping temperature. Em and Tiz enjoyed dipping dots as they texted, talked and teamed up for the Tide to victory.
Sid, Lilly and their entourages enjoyed the friendly confines of the luxury suites for the game. All the bbq, ice cream and goodies (i.e., clean bathrooms) they could muster were all part of the festivities for the evening. Must be nice!
This Friday is the annual Iron Bowl. For those of you who are unaware, the Iron Bowl is a common name for the college football game between the Auburn University Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. The series is considered one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports. As the rivalry was mainly played in Birmingham, Alabama for many years, the name of the Iron Bowl comes from Birmingham's historic role in the iron and steel industry. Alabama leads the series with an overall record of 40–33–1. #2 Auburn will enter the 2010 Iron bowl undefeated and face a 9-2 #10 ranked Alabama team. In my humble opinion, much to Boise State's delight, the Tide will upset Auburn's national championship bid by defeating them in this year's game. I'm guessing 34-24 will be the final. But, I could be wrong.
This sign is not too far from the Home team's homestead. There has been recent talk of moving the SEC offices to this location. Just talk.
Having a great week: Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick is having a career year and might be the League's MVP. He's come a very long way in the past few years. From being a celebrated top QB for the Falcons then being the poster boy for animal cruelty and serving his time, and now seems to have gotten a handle on the issue. Keep in mind that just eight months ago he was on Spike TV's Pros Vs. Joes! Currently, he's poised to be the leading NFL QB this year. Very cool that college football games were played this weekend at the famed Wrigley Field (Northwestern v. Illinois) and the new Yankees Stadium (Notre Dame v. Army).
Having a thankful week: A jury in Florida on Saturday acquitted former major league baseball player Jim Leyritz of DUI manslaughter in a 2007 crash that killed a mother of two. However, Leyritz was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail. Evidence showed that both parties were under the influence at the time of the collision. Very sad all around.
Not having a very good week: The SEC suspended Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl for eight league games. Frankly I'm surprised it wasn't for a longer period of time. His program is out of control. The New York Yankees and the heart of the organization, Derek Jeter, are miles apart in contract negotiations. Cannot imagine him playing for another team. Can you? The Yankees need to pay him for all he's done. It will be his last contract. Looks like the Big 3 and the Miami Heat will not be setting any records for most wins in a season. The 8-5 Heat look very much like a middle of the pack contender so far.
Having a bad career: Greg Oden, the modern day Sam Bowie. No. 1 pick of 2007 NBA draft. Four years later he's only play 80 games. Multiple surgeries. Major disappointment.
Gobble, gobble.
Still trying to get ready for Sam's 10k.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Mishmash, Hodgepodge, and Potpourri.
Hey sportsfans,
Despite being in the best physical condition of his life and giving his very best efforts on the court, during the past few weeks my much younger opponent has not played well. In fact, seven of the last eight outings have resulted in my lunch being paid for by him. Yum. Not only is it becoming expensive for him to keep playing against TSG, but my opponent's young daughters have offered some of their birthday money to him for professional lessons. I'm not sure if he has signed up for them yet. He really should consider it. Soon. I might consider offering him a discount if he buys a minimum of a three lessons gift-pack for the holidays.
I have recently noticed some new items hanging on the walls near the downtown YMCA racquetball courts. I suspect that his daughters also had their mother call the YMCA staff to have these two wall hangings put up for his ease of reference.
I really doubt that he has read these wall hangings, because as you will see in the next photo, this represents his best hit of the day. After winning the first game, he promptly dropped the next two in rather fine fashion. To culminate his outstanding play for the day, he drilled his goggles into the front wall resulting in the big splat! Poor sportsmanship, I say.
Recognize either of these guys? Friends of yours? These two knucklechuckles call themselves "Crimson Defender" and "Aphroman." I wonder if they went to school in Tuscaloosa. Or anywhere.
Emmy and buds recently worked on their best version of the Rockettes dance line. Yes, she is wearing pajama bottoms. That's how she rolls at Backstage Dance.
One major sports note for the fall: Sid has decided not to play basketball this season so she will be able to concentrate more on her school work and other activities (dance, volunteering, sleep!). I am proud of her for making such a mature decision on her own.
Under the leadership of Coach Keith (and Em's superior "managing"), the girls 7th-8th grade team has gotten off to an impressive 4-0 start. Nice job Emmy!
Interesting article on the pay for play on Cam Newton and this broken system. http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/10/marcus-dupree-cam-newton-and-the-souths-underground-economy/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk3%7C183554. Through the end of the Georgia game, Auburn's Newton became the first player in Southeastern Conference history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season. With the Iron Bowl, SEC Championship and Bowl (Title?) Bowl remaining, the Heisman favorite has also tallied 34 touchdowns so far. Pretty impressive especially when he's also dealing with all the other distractions and investigations.
Having a great week: Not surprisingly the first NCAA hoops power rankings have the defending champs Duke Blue Devils sitting on top. In an early season interesting matchup, the Blue Devils take on the Princeton Tigers on Sunday. "Matty Ice" and the Atlanta Falcons look strong right now. They are on top of their division sporting a 7-2 record. How about NBA big man Kevin Love recording the first 30-30 in 28 years? Nice job. The Auburn Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks have won their respective SEC divisions and the will meet in the SEC title game in a few weeks.
Having a below average week: This category during the fall has been owned, and is still owned, by Favre, Cam Newton, Dallas Cowboys and now Spain Park High School. This area team has the pleasure of playing in the same region as the powerful Hoover "University" Bucs (Lost only 12 games since 2000). The Jaguars of Spain Park never do seem to be able to beat their rivals, including two blowouts this season. Houston Rockets All-Star and often injured center, Yao Ming , once again went down with an injury. This time his left ankle resulted in a mild sprain. The Rockets sure need him back asap, as they sport a 2-6 record to start the season. Boxer Antonio Margarito and his trainer Robert Garcia stooped pretty low this past week when they were videoed making fun of the Parkinson's disease suffered by Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach. However, last evening karma (and Pacqiao's massive jabs) ruled the day as Manny pummled Margarito last evening for title.
Having a really, really bad fall: The Texas Longhorns. Six losses in their last seven games. Ouch. Still have to play A&M to finish the season. I have no doubt that they will be back in no time.
Ring Announcer: OUR NEW CHAMPION!
Johnny Lawrence: You're all right, LaRusso! Good match!
Getting closer to Turkey day. Still in the mid 70s in the Magic City. Crazy.
Name the luckiest dude you know. I vote for Charlie Sheen. Yes, really. Not for all his daily drama, but for the fact that he gets paid millions to basically play himself on 2 1/2 Men. Know the show? Think about it. Sad, actually.
Still trying to get prepared for Sam's 10k. 6.2 miles, here I come?
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Despite being in the best physical condition of his life and giving his very best efforts on the court, during the past few weeks my much younger opponent has not played well. In fact, seven of the last eight outings have resulted in my lunch being paid for by him. Yum. Not only is it becoming expensive for him to keep playing against TSG, but my opponent's young daughters have offered some of their birthday money to him for professional lessons. I'm not sure if he has signed up for them yet. He really should consider it. Soon. I might consider offering him a discount if he buys a minimum of a three lessons gift-pack for the holidays.
I have recently noticed some new items hanging on the walls near the downtown YMCA racquetball courts. I suspect that his daughters also had their mother call the YMCA staff to have these two wall hangings put up for his ease of reference.
I really doubt that he has read these wall hangings, because as you will see in the next photo, this represents his best hit of the day. After winning the first game, he promptly dropped the next two in rather fine fashion. To culminate his outstanding play for the day, he drilled his goggles into the front wall resulting in the big splat! Poor sportsmanship, I say.
Recognize either of these guys? Friends of yours? These two knucklechuckles call themselves "Crimson Defender" and "Aphroman." I wonder if they went to school in Tuscaloosa. Or anywhere.
Emmy and buds recently worked on their best version of the Rockettes dance line. Yes, she is wearing pajama bottoms. That's how she rolls at Backstage Dance.
One major sports note for the fall: Sid has decided not to play basketball this season so she will be able to concentrate more on her school work and other activities (dance, volunteering, sleep!). I am proud of her for making such a mature decision on her own.
Under the leadership of Coach Keith (and Em's superior "managing"), the girls 7th-8th grade team has gotten off to an impressive 4-0 start. Nice job Emmy!
Interesting article on the pay for play on Cam Newton and this broken system. http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/10/marcus-dupree-cam-newton-and-the-souths-underground-economy/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk3%7C183554. Through the end of the Georgia game, Auburn's Newton became the first player in Southeastern Conference history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season. With the Iron Bowl, SEC Championship and Bowl (Title?) Bowl remaining, the Heisman favorite has also tallied 34 touchdowns so far. Pretty impressive especially when he's also dealing with all the other distractions and investigations.
Having a great week: Not surprisingly the first NCAA hoops power rankings have the defending champs Duke Blue Devils sitting on top. In an early season interesting matchup, the Blue Devils take on the Princeton Tigers on Sunday. "Matty Ice" and the Atlanta Falcons look strong right now. They are on top of their division sporting a 7-2 record. How about NBA big man Kevin Love recording the first 30-30 in 28 years? Nice job. The Auburn Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks have won their respective SEC divisions and the will meet in the SEC title game in a few weeks.
Having a below average week: This category during the fall has been owned, and is still owned, by Favre, Cam Newton, Dallas Cowboys and now Spain Park High School. This area team has the pleasure of playing in the same region as the powerful Hoover "University" Bucs (Lost only 12 games since 2000). The Jaguars of Spain Park never do seem to be able to beat their rivals, including two blowouts this season. Houston Rockets All-Star and often injured center, Yao Ming , once again went down with an injury. This time his left ankle resulted in a mild sprain. The Rockets sure need him back asap, as they sport a 2-6 record to start the season. Boxer Antonio Margarito and his trainer Robert Garcia stooped pretty low this past week when they were videoed making fun of the Parkinson's disease suffered by Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach. However, last evening karma (and Pacqiao's massive jabs) ruled the day as Manny pummled Margarito last evening for title.
Having a really, really bad fall: The Texas Longhorns. Six losses in their last seven games. Ouch. Still have to play A&M to finish the season. I have no doubt that they will be back in no time.
Ring Announcer: OUR NEW CHAMPION!
Johnny Lawrence: You're all right, LaRusso! Good match!
Getting closer to Turkey day. Still in the mid 70s in the Magic City. Crazy.
Name the luckiest dude you know. I vote for Charlie Sheen. Yes, really. Not for all his daily drama, but for the fact that he gets paid millions to basically play himself on 2 1/2 Men. Know the show? Think about it. Sad, actually.
Still trying to get prepared for Sam's 10k. 6.2 miles, here I come?
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Everyone loves a parade.
Howdy,
Although my team did not win the Series, I can appreciate a good celebratory parade when I see one. I only got to watch online, but our buddy Dayna and a gazillion of her closest friends watched it live in person. Here are some of her photos. Nice job, DB!
"Fear the Beard!"
Sid and her buddies have been dancing to some new numbers. Emmy has a taken a few weeks off to rest her shins. She will be back on the dance floor this week.
Having a great week: The Sports Guy, especially after it was announced this week that the Birmingham Barons have reached a tentative agreement with the City of Birmingham to move the Double-A minor league baseball team to a proposed downtown ballpark. Yea me! Hats off to JoePa for winning his 400th! A rare Honus Wagner baseball card that was bequeathed to an order of Roman Catholic nuns has sold at auction for $262,000. The Baltimore-based School Sisters of Notre Dame put the card up for sale after inheriting it from the brother of a deceased nun. Boise State and TCU belong. He's back! For those of you who are fans, Conan O'Brien's new show begins this week. Chilean miner Edison Pena, otherwise known as "the runner" by fellow miners, ran the 2010 New York Marathon.
Not having such a great week: Cecil Newton, Cam Newton's father, who is in the middle of a big time investigation concerning the recruitment of his son to Auburn. Looks like trouble with a capital T! Hope The Tide enjoys the Gator Bowl this year because their title hopes were erased by the Mad Hatter's gutsy fourth down trick play in Baton Rouge. Great call. Alabama was not prepared for it. Maybe they will gear up for Auburn in a few weeks and upset their title quest. The Tiders can take solice knowing their 2009 title game opponents, the Texas Longhorns, now have five losses on the year after getting hammered by Kansas State yesterday.
Happy birthdays to Lilly, Papa Rick, Marlene, Sam, Aaron, Rockey, Riley and everyone else I have forgotten to list.
What's your favorite Thanksgiving day tradition? Mine might be napping with a game on the tube. Pretty lame, I know.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Although my team did not win the Series, I can appreciate a good celebratory parade when I see one. I only got to watch online, but our buddy Dayna and a gazillion of her closest friends watched it live in person. Here are some of her photos. Nice job, DB!
"Fear the Beard!"
Sid and her buddies have been dancing to some new numbers. Emmy has a taken a few weeks off to rest her shins. She will be back on the dance floor this week.
Having a great week: The Sports Guy, especially after it was announced this week that the Birmingham Barons have reached a tentative agreement with the City of Birmingham to move the Double-A minor league baseball team to a proposed downtown ballpark. Yea me! Hats off to JoePa for winning his 400th! A rare Honus Wagner baseball card that was bequeathed to an order of Roman Catholic nuns has sold at auction for $262,000. The Baltimore-based School Sisters of Notre Dame put the card up for sale after inheriting it from the brother of a deceased nun. Boise State and TCU belong. He's back! For those of you who are fans, Conan O'Brien's new show begins this week. Chilean miner Edison Pena, otherwise known as "the runner" by fellow miners, ran the 2010 New York Marathon.
Not having such a great week: Cecil Newton, Cam Newton's father, who is in the middle of a big time investigation concerning the recruitment of his son to Auburn. Looks like trouble with a capital T! Hope The Tide enjoys the Gator Bowl this year because their title hopes were erased by the Mad Hatter's gutsy fourth down trick play in Baton Rouge. Great call. Alabama was not prepared for it. Maybe they will gear up for Auburn in a few weeks and upset their title quest. The Tiders can take solice knowing their 2009 title game opponents, the Texas Longhorns, now have five losses on the year after getting hammered by Kansas State yesterday.
Happy birthdays to Lilly, Papa Rick, Marlene, Sam, Aaron, Rockey, Riley and everyone else I have forgotten to list.
What's your favorite Thanksgiving day tradition? Mine might be napping with a game on the tube. Pretty lame, I know.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Monday, November 1, 2010
Camping under the stars. Halloweenpalooza. King of the Goal!
Hey friends,
What a big weekend! Lots of fun times. Too little time to share them. Let's get to it.
Over the weekend, we hung out with forty friends camping under the stars at Oak Mountain State Park. Great hiking. Awesome racing around the BMX track. World Series on the radio. Camp fire roaring. Kids running around playing. Fancy gourmet dinners were served. Not a bad way to spend the weekend.
Not a fan of Sunday night trick or treating. Our neighborhood was pathetic. Very few homes with lights on. No street party this year. Really missed that fun annual gathering. Come on, people! Get with the program. Maybe next year we will rally. There were plenty of great costumes though. Ballerina princesses. Hobos. Bumblebees. All kinds of ninjas. Raggedy Ann. Kardashians. Cam Newtons. Fig Newtons. Sir Isaac Newtons. Name a candy. I'm sure we have it. Emily landed an entire package of eight Butterfingers. Score!
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Last week in Houston, we had the pleasure of watching Sam "King of the Goal" Whitman defend his turf very nicely for his Toronto team. In a mashing of the Colorado team, Sam blocked several attempts on goal as sister Kayla cheered him on to victory. With the timely response of a cagey veteran, in response to a post game interview, Sam's only reply was that he now wanted a smoothie for a snack. Nice job Sam!
Having a great week: SF Giants starting pitchers. Looks like the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers are on a collision course for the title game. I wonder if the Tide will disrupt the Tigers plans in the Iron Bowl in a few weeks. Not only did the New Orleans Saints defeated the Steelers this weekend, but they also set a Guinness World Record at the same time. More than 17,777 fans dressed in costume for the World's Largest Halloween party. As if New Orleans needed a reason to party. Here are two such partiers:
Not such a good week: Even with the Biebs helping out by debuting a new tune before Game 3, this year's World Series television ratings are just terrible. I guess that means the games will start later and later. That will not help gain loyal followers with children who cannot stay up late to watch them. Favre's chin, ankle, ego, marriage and likely his wallet. The Dallas Cowboys cannot be considered America's Team much less the team of Texas. Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns are less than average this year with losses to Baylor, Iowa State and two high school teams. They will be back soon. I still think the NY Jets will go deep into the playoffs, and maybe reach the Super Bowl, were sure disappointing this weekend when they were shutout by the Packers in the Meadowlands. The young Texas Rangers bullpen looks terrible in the WS. Must throw strikes!
Sid and crew have been training like crazy for the upcoming hoops season. Literally running their butts off. I think she's dropped 4-5 lbs. They will be lean and mean. Em's team won their first game in defeating Shades Mountain.
Sid's hoops games begin next week.
Lots of family birthdays and simchas to celebrate.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
What a big weekend! Lots of fun times. Too little time to share them. Let's get to it.
Over the weekend, we hung out with forty friends camping under the stars at Oak Mountain State Park. Great hiking. Awesome racing around the BMX track. World Series on the radio. Camp fire roaring. Kids running around playing. Fancy gourmet dinners were served. Not a bad way to spend the weekend.
Not a fan of Sunday night trick or treating. Our neighborhood was pathetic. Very few homes with lights on. No street party this year. Really missed that fun annual gathering. Come on, people! Get with the program. Maybe next year we will rally. There were plenty of great costumes though. Ballerina princesses. Hobos. Bumblebees. All kinds of ninjas. Raggedy Ann. Kardashians. Cam Newtons. Fig Newtons. Sir Isaac Newtons. Name a candy. I'm sure we have it. Emily landed an entire package of eight Butterfingers. Score!
.jpg)
Last week in Houston, we had the pleasure of watching Sam "King of the Goal" Whitman defend his turf very nicely for his Toronto team. In a mashing of the Colorado team, Sam blocked several attempts on goal as sister Kayla cheered him on to victory. With the timely response of a cagey veteran, in response to a post game interview, Sam's only reply was that he now wanted a smoothie for a snack. Nice job Sam!
Having a great week: SF Giants starting pitchers. Looks like the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers are on a collision course for the title game. I wonder if the Tide will disrupt the Tigers plans in the Iron Bowl in a few weeks. Not only did the New Orleans Saints defeated the Steelers this weekend, but they also set a Guinness World Record at the same time. More than 17,777 fans dressed in costume for the World's Largest Halloween party. As if New Orleans needed a reason to party. Here are two such partiers:
Not such a good week: Even with the Biebs helping out by debuting a new tune before Game 3, this year's World Series television ratings are just terrible. I guess that means the games will start later and later. That will not help gain loyal followers with children who cannot stay up late to watch them. Favre's chin, ankle, ego, marriage and likely his wallet. The Dallas Cowboys cannot be considered America's Team much less the team of Texas. Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns are less than average this year with losses to Baylor, Iowa State and two high school teams. They will be back soon. I still think the NY Jets will go deep into the playoffs, and maybe reach the Super Bowl, were sure disappointing this weekend when they were shutout by the Packers in the Meadowlands. The young Texas Rangers bullpen looks terrible in the WS. Must throw strikes!
Sid and crew have been training like crazy for the upcoming hoops season. Literally running their butts off. I think she's dropped 4-5 lbs. They will be lean and mean. Em's team won their first game in defeating Shades Mountain.
Sid's hoops games begin next week.
Lots of family birthdays and simchas to celebrate.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hoops are upon us. Railroad Park rocks.
Coach Keith, meet Emmy J. Emmy J, meet Coach Keith. Em's Altamont hoops career began this week under the watchful eye of Coach Keith on the 7th-8th grade team. Em will act as the team's manager for this season. EJ will practice each day with the team and travel to the games. As a 6th grader, she is not eligible to play in the games, but she will be very much a part of the team.
Only a few on Sid's crew did a bunch of conditioning drills and running this past week. Not too much to report yet. Next week or so the rest of the team will finish their other sports seasons (cross country, volleyball, etc.). The team's first game is November 9th.
On Saturday, we visited Birmingham's Railroad Park in downtown. What a great place to visit. With 19 acres of green space in the middle of downtown Birmingham, including nine acres of open lawn, Railroad Park is the ideal place to have a little lunch, throw a little Frisbee, take a little jog. Many of the walls and seating areas are constructed from bricks and objects unearthed on the site when Railroad Park construction began. Re-used and recycled objects including hand cast bricks and original cobblestone can be found throughout the park. Railroad Park is 30% water, with a beautiful lake, a stunning rain curtain, a bio-filtration wetlands area and ponds & streams everywhere.
Having a great week: Cam Newton and his Auburn Tigers look very strong. The Texas Rangers bullpen looked better in game two against the Yanks. Cody Ross and the SF Giants look like anything but underdogs against the powerful Phillies. Ross keeps hitting dingers in the post season and the noname Giants are getting it done so far. Looking more and more like the 2010 Iron Bowl tickets will go for record amounts. I've seen 40-50 yard line tickets for prices ranging from $750-2500 each.
Not such a great week: Favre, on and off the field. The Gators, Razorbacks and Dores are not impressing anyone these days. What was Steve Spurrier thinking at the end of the Kentucky/South Carolina game? I wonder how long before the Braves cut Brooks Conrad and put him out of his misery? The NCAA for not allowing transfer guard Seth Curry to receive a national championship ring with his team, the Duke Blue Devils. Curry was a transfer last year who was required to sit out the season. Despite practicing all year with the team, the NCAA ruled he could not receive a ring because he was not eligible to play in the games. Sheesh.
Happy 35th to UD! (Really, he's 35???)
Good sports read: Badasses. The story of the Oakland Raiders during the 1970s.
Heading to AJ's BM next weekend.
Having a nice fall.
The Sports Guy
Only a few on Sid's crew did a bunch of conditioning drills and running this past week. Not too much to report yet. Next week or so the rest of the team will finish their other sports seasons (cross country, volleyball, etc.). The team's first game is November 9th.
On Saturday, we visited Birmingham's Railroad Park in downtown. What a great place to visit. With 19 acres of green space in the middle of downtown Birmingham, including nine acres of open lawn, Railroad Park is the ideal place to have a little lunch, throw a little Frisbee, take a little jog. Many of the walls and seating areas are constructed from bricks and objects unearthed on the site when Railroad Park construction began. Re-used and recycled objects including hand cast bricks and original cobblestone can be found throughout the park. Railroad Park is 30% water, with a beautiful lake, a stunning rain curtain, a bio-filtration wetlands area and ponds & streams everywhere.
Having a great week: Cam Newton and his Auburn Tigers look very strong. The Texas Rangers bullpen looked better in game two against the Yanks. Cody Ross and the SF Giants look like anything but underdogs against the powerful Phillies. Ross keeps hitting dingers in the post season and the noname Giants are getting it done so far. Looking more and more like the 2010 Iron Bowl tickets will go for record amounts. I've seen 40-50 yard line tickets for prices ranging from $750-2500 each.
Not such a great week: Favre, on and off the field. The Gators, Razorbacks and Dores are not impressing anyone these days. What was Steve Spurrier thinking at the end of the Kentucky/South Carolina game? I wonder how long before the Braves cut Brooks Conrad and put him out of his misery? The NCAA for not allowing transfer guard Seth Curry to receive a national championship ring with his team, the Duke Blue Devils. Curry was a transfer last year who was required to sit out the season. Despite practicing all year with the team, the NCAA ruled he could not receive a ring because he was not eligible to play in the games. Sheesh.
Happy 35th to UD! (Really, he's 35???)
Good sports read: Badasses. The story of the Oakland Raiders during the 1970s.
Heading to AJ's BM next weekend.
Having a nice fall.
The Sports Guy
Sunday, October 10, 2010
2010 Komen Race for the Cure, Birmingham
On Saturday, the 2010 Komen Race for the Cure took place in downtown Birmingham. What a day! 16,000+ racers. $1.5 mil money raised. Perfect weather. Great day.
Team Kate has Hope had a big day. The team was awarded the Race Chair and Friends/Family awards with most money raised ($18k+). The Team had more than 110 official members and dozens of unofficial members. Big props to Sid and Em. They were awarded the Ignite Passion award for their fundraising and inspiration of young people. Very proud of them.
The girls begin hoops practice this week.
Thankful to be home and in one piece.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy.
Team Kate has Hope had a big day. The team was awarded the Race Chair and Friends/Family awards with most money raised ($18k+). The Team had more than 110 official members and dozens of unofficial members. Big props to Sid and Em. They were awarded the Ignite Passion award for their fundraising and inspiration of young people. Very proud of them.
The girls begin hoops practice this week.
Thankful to be home and in one piece.
Have a great week everyone!
The Sports Guy.
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