Here are two end-of-the-month poems:
June Juggernaut
Even as she swept tears aside
She wondered how he felt inside
A juggernaut in the frame
A contender of the game
It was the last Wednesday of June
And as the sun became the moon
She learned to move and lose
Seated sadly and miserably to muse
To lean on him was to repose
But seeing him defeat his foes
Was substantially an indefinite node
How could this contrast fairly bode
He did not promise or portend
But with his laugh she did pretend
What the end of June surely meant
Even as he sank the shots he sent
The Baseball Card
There inside my closest drawer
Appears a face I knew before
When summer ways were lazy days
And dreams were pinstriped blues and grays
In a binder stamped with fun
Rests the card I consider the one
It isn’t glossy, it doesn’t glint
But to me, the condition is mint
He’s noticeably noble and perpetually new
In baseball lore, he’s known simply as “Lou”
The splendor navy cap and sad-eyed face
Distinguish his gift and glorious grace
Tucked away and stored in my heart
Is someone playing Lou’s same part
The picture is clear in my mind
He is of the naturally athletic, humble kind
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Middle Monday
It’s Middle Monday at Wimbledon. Will fourth-ranked Andy Murray escape Sam Querry in the fourth round at Wimbledon? It would be great to see Murray, a Brit, reach the Wimbledon final and delight the host country. He would be the first British man to win the tournament since 1936. Murray hasn’t dropped a set so far, albeit he’s had a relatively easy draw. With Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer (the two R’s) clearly not at their best, Murray does have an outside chance to go deep into the late rounds. He is 12-2 at Wimbledon the past three years. Murray would potentially have to get through Nadal in order to reach the final, where he could face Federer. Nadal plays France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu in the fourth round. If Nadal prevails, he would oppose the winner of Robin Soderling and David Ferrer. Soderling is Nadal’s nemesis, so that would be one battle to look forward to in the quarterfinals. Seeing that Nadal has already been pushed to five sets, perhaps the Spaniard would be torn down by Swedish Soderling’s serving mastery. A Murray victory would propel the Brit into a quarterfinal match with the winner of Julien Benneteau and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, both also Frenchmen. First, he has to defeat a dangerous Querry. The 22 year old San Francisco native has been tearing up the grass courts lately and is set to play spoiler to England’s favorite son.
England has their Andy, and the American’s have theirs. Andy Roddick is well-deserving of a Grand Slam championship. Roddick shouldn’t have a difficult time with his next opponent, unseeded Yen-Hsun Lu. Roddick’s quarterfinal contest will be a tougher draw. Should the American advance, he would face either Lleyton Hewitt or Novak Djokovic. Hewitt is my favorite active male tennis player, and I am rooting whole-heartedly for the Australian to win Wimbledon. He is the most relentless tennis player I’ve ever seen on the court. Serbia’s Djokovic is ranked third in the tournament and should cause fits for the serve-and-volleyer, Hewitt. The Australian is on an eight game grass winning streak, however. Despite being favored, Djokovic is known for flopping in Wimbledon matches in recent years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the warrior Hewitt defeat the formidable Djokovic on this surface. A Hewitt-Roddick quarterfinal would be well-worth the watch. Hewitt dominated Wimbledon before the Federer era began.
Speaking of…Finally, there’s Federer. Regal Roger practically owns the All-England Club, but has looked less dominant this summer. Federer, a six time Wimby champ, came close to losing his first round match. Now he meets Jurgen Melzer, the 16th seed. The winner moves on to tackle the victor of the Thomas Berdych-Daniel Brands pairing. Melzer has never made it past the fourth round in England, so odds are in Fed’s favor.
Parting Points: Song for Monday- “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel
It’s South Carolina vs. UCLA in the college world series final.
Strange feud between Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton…maybe it will cause the Rays to play better.
England has their Andy, and the American’s have theirs. Andy Roddick is well-deserving of a Grand Slam championship. Roddick shouldn’t have a difficult time with his next opponent, unseeded Yen-Hsun Lu. Roddick’s quarterfinal contest will be a tougher draw. Should the American advance, he would face either Lleyton Hewitt or Novak Djokovic. Hewitt is my favorite active male tennis player, and I am rooting whole-heartedly for the Australian to win Wimbledon. He is the most relentless tennis player I’ve ever seen on the court. Serbia’s Djokovic is ranked third in the tournament and should cause fits for the serve-and-volleyer, Hewitt. The Australian is on an eight game grass winning streak, however. Despite being favored, Djokovic is known for flopping in Wimbledon matches in recent years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the warrior Hewitt defeat the formidable Djokovic on this surface. A Hewitt-Roddick quarterfinal would be well-worth the watch. Hewitt dominated Wimbledon before the Federer era began.
Speaking of…Finally, there’s Federer. Regal Roger practically owns the All-England Club, but has looked less dominant this summer. Federer, a six time Wimby champ, came close to losing his first round match. Now he meets Jurgen Melzer, the 16th seed. The winner moves on to tackle the victor of the Thomas Berdych-Daniel Brands pairing. Melzer has never made it past the fourth round in England, so odds are in Fed’s favor.
Parting Points: Song for Monday- “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel
It’s South Carolina vs. UCLA in the college world series final.
Strange feud between Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton…maybe it will cause the Rays to play better.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
L.A.'s Loney Lets Loose
World champ Burnett whacked, walloped out West
James Loney drove in four runs as the Dodgers dropped the visiting New York Yankees 9-4 on Saturday night. The L.A. first baseman collected his 51st RBI of the season a night after being tossed for arguing calls at the end of the game. The Dodgers delighted the crowd with seven runs through the first four innings off slumping starter, A.J. Burnett and reliever Boone Logan. Saturday was the third straight game the Yankees’ number two pitcher was knocked out after just four innings or fewer. Burnett is 6-7, and for the first time all year, under the .500 mark.
The Yankees’ offense got the ball rolling in their first licks. Birthday boy, 36 year old Derek Jeter, walked to lead off the game and reached second safely on a steal. Russell Martin’s throwing error at backstop allowed the captain to hustle into third before the Dodgers recorded an out. Mark Teixeira drilled his 13th homerun in the first innings. Teixeira’s three run blast came off Dodgers’ winning pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda. Burnett was handed a three run advantage before he even toed the L.A. rubber. The 33 year old couldn’t make the lead stand at Dodger Stadium. Joe Torre’s Dodgers got back a pair of runs off his former team in the bottom of the first frame. Manny Ramirez doubled to right field to drive in the first L.A. run before Loney’s sacrifice fly to left scored Andre Ethier from third base.
Back-to-back singles by Jeter and Curtis Granderson in the third inning set up another New York scoring opportunity. Alex Rodriguez grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Jeter and give the Bombers a 4-2 edge. Burnett was horrendously wild the rest of his stint and was pulled after three plus innings by manager, Joe Girardi. The Yankees’ tosser issued six walks, six hits and allowed six runs when all was said and done. The Dodgers did their damage in the third inning, posting three runs and punishing Burnett in his shortest outing of the season. Loney punched home a pair of runs on a base hit to right to tie the game. Ramirez scored the fifth L.A. tally on Martin’s groundout double play ball. Logan was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the fourth and promptly allowed a run on Casey Blake’s double.
Kuroda recovered long enough to get through the sixth inning unscathed. Kuroda gave up seven hits and fanned five for his seventh victory of the season. The Yankees didn’t score after the third inning as Kuroda and three relievers kept the Bombers off the scoreboard. Torre’s club stopped a four game losing streak but not before chipping in more runs off the Yankee bullpen. The Dodgers extended their lead to 9-4in the seventh on Rafael Furcal’s RBI single and a Matt Kemp extra-base hit. Both runs came off an underwhelming Chan Ho Park. Closer Jonathan Broxton recorded the final four outs for the Dodgers, including an eighth inning strikeout of Jeter to end the Yankees’ threat. Both teams play for the series win this evening when Andy Pettitte opposes Clayton Kershaw.
Parting Points: Sweet Sunday song- U2’s “The Sweetest Thing”
I would have liked to see Madison Bumgarner defeat the Red Sox in his 2010 debut.
Tough ouster for team USA. I guess you could say they are “GHAN-ERS!”
James Loney drove in four runs as the Dodgers dropped the visiting New York Yankees 9-4 on Saturday night. The L.A. first baseman collected his 51st RBI of the season a night after being tossed for arguing calls at the end of the game. The Dodgers delighted the crowd with seven runs through the first four innings off slumping starter, A.J. Burnett and reliever Boone Logan. Saturday was the third straight game the Yankees’ number two pitcher was knocked out after just four innings or fewer. Burnett is 6-7, and for the first time all year, under the .500 mark.
The Yankees’ offense got the ball rolling in their first licks. Birthday boy, 36 year old Derek Jeter, walked to lead off the game and reached second safely on a steal. Russell Martin’s throwing error at backstop allowed the captain to hustle into third before the Dodgers recorded an out. Mark Teixeira drilled his 13th homerun in the first innings. Teixeira’s three run blast came off Dodgers’ winning pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda. Burnett was handed a three run advantage before he even toed the L.A. rubber. The 33 year old couldn’t make the lead stand at Dodger Stadium. Joe Torre’s Dodgers got back a pair of runs off his former team in the bottom of the first frame. Manny Ramirez doubled to right field to drive in the first L.A. run before Loney’s sacrifice fly to left scored Andre Ethier from third base.
Back-to-back singles by Jeter and Curtis Granderson in the third inning set up another New York scoring opportunity. Alex Rodriguez grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Jeter and give the Bombers a 4-2 edge. Burnett was horrendously wild the rest of his stint and was pulled after three plus innings by manager, Joe Girardi. The Yankees’ tosser issued six walks, six hits and allowed six runs when all was said and done. The Dodgers did their damage in the third inning, posting three runs and punishing Burnett in his shortest outing of the season. Loney punched home a pair of runs on a base hit to right to tie the game. Ramirez scored the fifth L.A. tally on Martin’s groundout double play ball. Logan was summoned from the bullpen in the bottom of the fourth and promptly allowed a run on Casey Blake’s double.
Kuroda recovered long enough to get through the sixth inning unscathed. Kuroda gave up seven hits and fanned five for his seventh victory of the season. The Yankees didn’t score after the third inning as Kuroda and three relievers kept the Bombers off the scoreboard. Torre’s club stopped a four game losing streak but not before chipping in more runs off the Yankee bullpen. The Dodgers extended their lead to 9-4in the seventh on Rafael Furcal’s RBI single and a Matt Kemp extra-base hit. Both runs came off an underwhelming Chan Ho Park. Closer Jonathan Broxton recorded the final four outs for the Dodgers, including an eighth inning strikeout of Jeter to end the Yankees’ threat. Both teams play for the series win this evening when Andy Pettitte opposes Clayton Kershaw.
Parting Points: Sweet Sunday song- U2’s “The Sweetest Thing”
I would have liked to see Madison Bumgarner defeat the Red Sox in his 2010 debut.
Tough ouster for team USA. I guess you could say they are “GHAN-ERS!”
Saturday, June 26, 2010
My Fault
Because we all need to make our own mistakes
and because love is always accompanied by heartaches:
I hit the ball too low
I ran to net too slow
I misread your return
I let my shoulder turn
I ripped it wide to right
I lobbed it out of sight
I slipped with my left foot
I hesitated and stayed put
I sliced the shot too soon
I smashed an overhead to the moon
I volleyed out of line
I clearly wasn’t fine
Until the day you came
And I was in love with more than a game
I haven’t been the same since
You showed me how to have balance
I listened with one ear
Saved the other for what I wished to hear
You make me fall out of place
Whenever I see your pretty face
If it takes a court for you to see
Everything you are to me
I’d build one with these two hands
To prove to you where my heart stands
I didn’t mean to double fault
I didn’t expect tears to mix with salt
I didn’t want to lose the point
I didn’t know it would be you I’d anoint
I didn’t try to augment the approach with a shove
I didn’t plan to fall in love
I didn’t aim for the out-of-bound
I didn’t think I’d always desire you around
I didn’t anticipate the topspin
I didn’t stop my emotional tailspin
I didn’t realize the drop shot disguise
I didn’t blame you for turning down my tries
It’s my fault I fell into you
But tennis takes the fault for two
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Somebody’s Crying” by Chris Isaak
Happy Birthday to Yankees’ captain, Derek Jeter.
and because love is always accompanied by heartaches:
I hit the ball too low
I ran to net too slow
I misread your return
I let my shoulder turn
I ripped it wide to right
I lobbed it out of sight
I slipped with my left foot
I hesitated and stayed put
I sliced the shot too soon
I smashed an overhead to the moon
I volleyed out of line
I clearly wasn’t fine
Until the day you came
And I was in love with more than a game
I haven’t been the same since
You showed me how to have balance
I listened with one ear
Saved the other for what I wished to hear
You make me fall out of place
Whenever I see your pretty face
If it takes a court for you to see
Everything you are to me
I’d build one with these two hands
To prove to you where my heart stands
I didn’t mean to double fault
I didn’t expect tears to mix with salt
I didn’t want to lose the point
I didn’t know it would be you I’d anoint
I didn’t try to augment the approach with a shove
I didn’t plan to fall in love
I didn’t aim for the out-of-bound
I didn’t think I’d always desire you around
I didn’t anticipate the topspin
I didn’t stop my emotional tailspin
I didn’t realize the drop shot disguise
I didn’t blame you for turning down my tries
It’s my fault I fell into you
But tennis takes the fault for two
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Somebody’s Crying” by Chris Isaak
Happy Birthday to Yankees’ captain, Derek Jeter.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Free Verse Friday
It’s been one heck of a week. Heck, it’s been one heck of a month. I feel like ranting instead of rhyming as the week comes to an end. Last night was the NBA draft. I would have taken Evan Turner over John Wall any day because I think Turner’s skills and style translate well at the pro level. Wall is a talented and speedy player, but Turner is the type of guy who can lift a team to an elite level. This isn’t just the Ohio State fan inside of me screaming out. I really believe Turner will be the best player chosen from the 2010 draft. I know I will soon be breaking out my 76ers hat again (yes I bought one when Philly acquired Allen Iverson)
Another player who I find extremely endearing is Gordon Hayward. The Jazz picked the baby-faced Butler forward with the ninth selection. Hayward is a mighty physical player with all the fundamentals. He presents a unique option in the frontcourt on defense and should fit well Utah’s unit. Most experts will knock Hayward because they think he is nothing more than a glorified Final Four contender who won’t pan out in the NBA. I disagree. I think this kid blends basketball skills with sheer professionalism and class. I look forward to his contributions to the pro game because I enjoyed him so much at the college level last season.
I love Bobby Valentine. I have always hoped for Bobby V’s return to the MLB as a manager. The Florida Marlins axed their skipper this week and are reportedly pursuing Valentine as the replacement. Valentine would be a decent fit in this mediocre NL clubhouse. He could instill fire under the bellies of the underperforming fish. If anything, Valentine will usher in some much-needed changes down in Florida. It would be good to see him back from his second fiddle stint in Japan. Valentine is the type of manager who makes an impression. His baseball critiquing and coaching is old school but not out-of-date. Undoubtedly, he would improve the Marlins or any other team in the league.
Elegant Evan and humble Hayward
Making the hardwood a better place
Sweetly bringing a brighter game
Wall’s in-your-face facades
Are nothing to the charming Bobby V’s charades
Give the colorful coach a chance
And the Marlins may just have a prayer
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Devoted to You” by Carly Simon
Another player who I find extremely endearing is Gordon Hayward. The Jazz picked the baby-faced Butler forward with the ninth selection. Hayward is a mighty physical player with all the fundamentals. He presents a unique option in the frontcourt on defense and should fit well Utah’s unit. Most experts will knock Hayward because they think he is nothing more than a glorified Final Four contender who won’t pan out in the NBA. I disagree. I think this kid blends basketball skills with sheer professionalism and class. I look forward to his contributions to the pro game because I enjoyed him so much at the college level last season.
I love Bobby Valentine. I have always hoped for Bobby V’s return to the MLB as a manager. The Florida Marlins axed their skipper this week and are reportedly pursuing Valentine as the replacement. Valentine would be a decent fit in this mediocre NL clubhouse. He could instill fire under the bellies of the underperforming fish. If anything, Valentine will usher in some much-needed changes down in Florida. It would be good to see him back from his second fiddle stint in Japan. Valentine is the type of manager who makes an impression. His baseball critiquing and coaching is old school but not out-of-date. Undoubtedly, he would improve the Marlins or any other team in the league.
Elegant Evan and humble Hayward
Making the hardwood a better place
Sweetly bringing a brighter game
Wall’s in-your-face facades
Are nothing to the charming Bobby V’s charades
Give the colorful coach a chance
And the Marlins may just have a prayer
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Devoted to You” by Carly Simon
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Soccer, Selections & Suspended Sets
This poem pretty much sums up today’s sports highlights:
Landon Donovan’s slick- as- oil soccer skills
Electrified the U.S. to rousing thrills
Drama and poise in the final minutes
Finding a way to go beyond his limits
Sent the Americans to the round of sixteen
Where they face an upstart Ghana team
From Evan Turner to John Wall
Tonight the NBA draft will fall
First round picks of promising intrigue
Will decide the future of many in the league
Johnson and Cousins and Hayward to choose
The projected prospects on the board not to lose
At 59-59 in the fifth set
The longest match stalled with the sunset
Isner and Mahut battled for ten hours
112 games, 193 aces of powers
A Thursday finish is in the works
Barring any more deadlocked quirks
Landon Donovan’s slick- as- oil soccer skills
Electrified the U.S. to rousing thrills
Drama and poise in the final minutes
Finding a way to go beyond his limits
Sent the Americans to the round of sixteen
Where they face an upstart Ghana team
From Evan Turner to John Wall
Tonight the NBA draft will fall
First round picks of promising intrigue
Will decide the future of many in the league
Johnson and Cousins and Hayward to choose
The projected prospects on the board not to lose
At 59-59 in the fifth set
The longest match stalled with the sunset
Isner and Mahut battled for ten hours
112 games, 193 aces of powers
A Thursday finish is in the works
Barring any more deadlocked quirks
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Desert Drilling
It was a dreary day for desert baseball. The top-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils were doused and eliminated by South Carolina in the College World Series. The major league slugging Diamondbacks were then drilled and drubbed by the defending champions. Alex Rodriguez and the robust Yankee lineup rocked the Diamondbacks last night at Chase Field in Phoenix, lifting Andy Pettitte to his ninth win of the season. The New York southpaw pitched a two-run, seven hit ball game through seven innings as the Bombers dispatched the Dbacks and coasted to a 9-3 road victory. Rodriguez banged a two-run homerun to center in the first inning and finished with three RBIs. Pettitte, the 38 year old hurler, picked up his sixth straight win, and 238th of his career, while fanning seven Arizona batters.
Dan Haren gave Arizona a strong outing and contributed at the plate with a pair of RBs in the second inning. Pettitte walked Chris Snyder to load the bases for the Arizona pitcher. The DBack’s ninth hitter poked an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first two Arizona runs. Haren tossed seven innings of six hit ball and struck out eight Bombers. His only blemish following the Rodriguez bomb was a three hit third inning in which the Yankees scored a run on a Rodriguez base hit. The Yankees third baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk. Haren held the Yankees in check after the third, allowing only a Pettitte single. The Yankees finished the night with twelve hits, eight of which came off the bats of the first four batter in the lineup.
The visitors busted the game open after Haren’s exit in the eighth with 109 pitches under his belt. New York tacked on six combined runs off Arizona relievers, Esmerling Vasquez and Chad Qualls. The six spot started with Mark Teixeira’s RBI single. Robinson Cano added a run-scoring base hit before Qualls was summoned from the DBack’s bullpen. Jorge Posada lofted a sacrifice fly to score Teixeira. Curtis Granderson drove in a run and scored the final tally of the big inning on pinch hitter, Colin Curtis’, double. Cano also crossed home on the extra-base blast. It was Curtis’ first big league hit and first two RBIs that certainly capped off a firm frame for the visiting team. Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson relieved Pettitte in the final two innings with a seven run cushion. Chamberlain issued a walk and struck out two in the eighth, and Robertson allowed a run on a Kelly Johnson’s double. The Yankees improved to 44-27 on the season and play the rubber game of the series late tonight. Dontrelle Willis toes the rubber for Arizona against former Dback, 6-6 Javier Vazquez.
Parting Points: Wimbledon updates- Samantha Stosur lost to a qualifier, eighth seeded, Fernando Verdasco was dropped by a clay courter and James Blake suffered a straight set thumping against a Dutchman. What do these three losses have in common?
I did not recognize any of the winners’ names.
The Marlins fired Freddy Gonzalez and the USA pulled off a last-minute win to advance at the World Cup.
Dan Haren gave Arizona a strong outing and contributed at the plate with a pair of RBs in the second inning. Pettitte walked Chris Snyder to load the bases for the Arizona pitcher. The DBack’s ninth hitter poked an opposite-field single to right to drive in the first two Arizona runs. Haren tossed seven innings of six hit ball and struck out eight Bombers. His only blemish following the Rodriguez bomb was a three hit third inning in which the Yankees scored a run on a Rodriguez base hit. The Yankees third baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk. Haren held the Yankees in check after the third, allowing only a Pettitte single. The Yankees finished the night with twelve hits, eight of which came off the bats of the first four batter in the lineup.
The visitors busted the game open after Haren’s exit in the eighth with 109 pitches under his belt. New York tacked on six combined runs off Arizona relievers, Esmerling Vasquez and Chad Qualls. The six spot started with Mark Teixeira’s RBI single. Robinson Cano added a run-scoring base hit before Qualls was summoned from the DBack’s bullpen. Jorge Posada lofted a sacrifice fly to score Teixeira. Curtis Granderson drove in a run and scored the final tally of the big inning on pinch hitter, Colin Curtis’, double. Cano also crossed home on the extra-base blast. It was Curtis’ first big league hit and first two RBIs that certainly capped off a firm frame for the visiting team. Joba Chamberlain and Dave Robertson relieved Pettitte in the final two innings with a seven run cushion. Chamberlain issued a walk and struck out two in the eighth, and Robertson allowed a run on a Kelly Johnson’s double. The Yankees improved to 44-27 on the season and play the rubber game of the series late tonight. Dontrelle Willis toes the rubber for Arizona against former Dback, 6-6 Javier Vazquez.
Parting Points: Wimbledon updates- Samantha Stosur lost to a qualifier, eighth seeded, Fernando Verdasco was dropped by a clay courter and James Blake suffered a straight set thumping against a Dutchman. What do these three losses have in common?
I did not recognize any of the winners’ names.
The Marlins fired Freddy Gonzalez and the USA pulled off a last-minute win to advance at the World Cup.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Summer Sand
There is more to life than sports and sometimes you just have to write about it. I’ve been so busy lately with the all-consuming MBA monster course I’m taking this summer. It’s hard to stop and think, let alone write. But last night I did just that. I took an idea and went with it:
Sand is summer’s morsel; the grain of life.
Sand is a metaphor for life. It’s a divided rock of small particles. Take a handful of sand and watch it slowly slip through your fingers. The sand starts out in abundance, but gently and gradually dwindles. Some people dig into the sand as they dig into life, to find something deeper. Others watch from afar as the sand drifts away in the wind. We all leave our footprints in the sand. They are like the impressions we leave in life. Perhaps what I’m writing is bizarre, but I can’t help drawing comparisons between sand and life. Did you ever notice how when something eventful happens in your life, it’s like when the tide comes in and carries away the sand? All you thought you knew is suddenly washed away with the waves. You can never know for sure what is going to happen. It’s like not knowing where the sand begins or ends. Sand can be permeable or nonporous, just as we can let some people in while keeping others out. Did you build sandcastles as a kid? Maybe the ocean wiped out an entire side structure, but left the unharmed side standing. Life is the same way. The wet sand, the hurt soul, is damaged and eroded. The other part, the part of you that’s untouched, remains firm. Sand is warm; sand is cold. Such is life.
Life is usually not a day at the beach. Still, there is no reason why we can’t strive for that feeling every day. Anybody who knows me well knows I love the summer. The passion inside me is stirred when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. I think I’m happiest this time of year because of these things…
Skinny foam flip-flops,
“The Letter” by the Box Tops,
80’s pop and 90’s rock,
Barefoot in the grass without a sock,
Pineapple Hawaiian shave ices,
Nifty remote control devices,
Waking up to summer storms,
Castles in the shape of sandy forms,
Ice cream stand servings too cold to bite,
Hugging someone under the moonlight,
Reading books by the sand,
Concerts of your favorite band,
Bikes with baskets and brassy bells,
The happiness that comes and dwells,
Shorts and tanks and baseball caps,
Riding to strange towns without maps,
The impeccable beauty of a tennis court,
Playing outside in a handmade fort,
Finding sand dollars by the shore,
Kissing those that you adore,
Memories of the way you were,
Shifting sands steadying the summer.
Mark Twain writes in Huckleberry Finn, “she had more sand in her than any other girl I ever see; in my opinion she was just full of sand.” The girl Twain is describing is full of toughness, grit and character. She has more life than any other girl. If only all of us could be full of sand…
Parting Points: Songs of the day- “You Showed Me” by the Turtles
"When the Sand Runs Out"- by Rascal Flatts
Sand is summer’s morsel; the grain of life.
Sand is a metaphor for life. It’s a divided rock of small particles. Take a handful of sand and watch it slowly slip through your fingers. The sand starts out in abundance, but gently and gradually dwindles. Some people dig into the sand as they dig into life, to find something deeper. Others watch from afar as the sand drifts away in the wind. We all leave our footprints in the sand. They are like the impressions we leave in life. Perhaps what I’m writing is bizarre, but I can’t help drawing comparisons between sand and life. Did you ever notice how when something eventful happens in your life, it’s like when the tide comes in and carries away the sand? All you thought you knew is suddenly washed away with the waves. You can never know for sure what is going to happen. It’s like not knowing where the sand begins or ends. Sand can be permeable or nonporous, just as we can let some people in while keeping others out. Did you build sandcastles as a kid? Maybe the ocean wiped out an entire side structure, but left the unharmed side standing. Life is the same way. The wet sand, the hurt soul, is damaged and eroded. The other part, the part of you that’s untouched, remains firm. Sand is warm; sand is cold. Such is life.
Life is usually not a day at the beach. Still, there is no reason why we can’t strive for that feeling every day. Anybody who knows me well knows I love the summer. The passion inside me is stirred when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. I think I’m happiest this time of year because of these things…
Skinny foam flip-flops,
“The Letter” by the Box Tops,
80’s pop and 90’s rock,
Barefoot in the grass without a sock,
Pineapple Hawaiian shave ices,
Nifty remote control devices,
Waking up to summer storms,
Castles in the shape of sandy forms,
Ice cream stand servings too cold to bite,
Hugging someone under the moonlight,
Reading books by the sand,
Concerts of your favorite band,
Bikes with baskets and brassy bells,
The happiness that comes and dwells,
Shorts and tanks and baseball caps,
Riding to strange towns without maps,
The impeccable beauty of a tennis court,
Playing outside in a handmade fort,
Finding sand dollars by the shore,
Kissing those that you adore,
Memories of the way you were,
Shifting sands steadying the summer.
Mark Twain writes in Huckleberry Finn, “she had more sand in her than any other girl I ever see; in my opinion she was just full of sand.” The girl Twain is describing is full of toughness, grit and character. She has more life than any other girl. If only all of us could be full of sand…
Parting Points: Songs of the day- “You Showed Me” by the Turtles
"When the Sand Runs Out"- by Rascal Flatts
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Dad's Day
Sometimes I just want to strive
For something to show he’s more than what keeps me alive
Sometimes I just need to give
A thank you to the one who helps me live
He knows I remember the days
We walked around on summer Sundays
Delivering news to the town
Just before my team won the crown
The times he stayed awake at night
To bring me home and tuck me in on site
Are the moments I treasure inside
When I think of my father with pride
He can drive me crazier than most
But concerning me, he’s always first to boast
I couldn’t imagine life without his care
In my heart, I know he will forever be there
For something to show he’s more than what keeps me alive
Sometimes I just need to give
A thank you to the one who helps me live
He knows I remember the days
We walked around on summer Sundays
Delivering news to the town
Just before my team won the crown
The times he stayed awake at night
To bring me home and tuck me in on site
Are the moments I treasure inside
When I think of my father with pride
He can drive me crazier than most
But concerning me, he’s always first to boast
I couldn’t imagine life without his care
In my heart, I know he will forever be there
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Bombers Blanked in Bronx
The New York Mets haven’t lost any luster away from luxurious Citi Field. The Amazin’s extended their road winning streak to seven after prevailing Friday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The Bombers were shut out for just the second time at home this season, fall to their inter-city rivals 4-0. Hisanori Takahashi yielded four hits in six innings for the Mets. The 35 year old Japanese southpaw stymied the Bronx bats for the second time this season as the Mets blanked the Yankees in the Subway Series opener. Takahashi improved to 6-2 as a starter in outdueling Vasquez for the second time this season.
Losing pitcher, Javier Vasquez, couldn’t prevent the Mets from vaulting to a season-high eleven games over .500. The Mets trail Atlanta by a half-game for first in the NL East and are an impressive 9-1 against AL East clubs this season. The Yankees are tied with Tampa for the top spot in the division. Vasquez pitched respectively through seven strong innings of one run ball, but the slumping Yankee bats were sluggish and lazy in backing their 6-6 starting pitcher. Vazquez issued three walks and fanned four Amazins after allowing an Ike Davis RBI base hit in the top of the first. Takahashi and Vasquez settled into their grooves and matched mound mastery through six innings in front of a sold out stadium. The low-scoring dual was shattered in the eighth after Angel Pagan pelted a two-run double off Yankee reliever, Chan Ho Park. Jose Reyes collected his second hit and 25th RBI in the ninth with a base hit off Boone Logan to give the Mets a 4-0 cushion. The Yankees were shut down by closer, Francisco Rodriguez, in the bottom of the ninth after loading the bases with one out against Raul Valdes. Rodriguez was on the sour side of a 12-pitch walk to Brett Gardner before striking out captain, Derek Jeter and getting Nick Swisher to pop-up for the final out. It was K-Rod’s 16th save of the season. Francisco Cervelli and Swisher starred for the Yankee offense with two hits apiece, neither of which drove in any runs.
The Yankees send 9-1 hurler, Phil Hughes, to the hill this afternoon to face the Mets’ own 9-1 tosser, Mike Pelfrey. It’s Lou Gehrig’s birthday, so I fully expect the pinstripes to pull out a win for the Ironhorse.
Parting Points: In addition to Gehrig’s birthday, it also happens to be Paula Abdul’s birthday.
Song for Saturday- “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul
Losing pitcher, Javier Vasquez, couldn’t prevent the Mets from vaulting to a season-high eleven games over .500. The Mets trail Atlanta by a half-game for first in the NL East and are an impressive 9-1 against AL East clubs this season. The Yankees are tied with Tampa for the top spot in the division. Vasquez pitched respectively through seven strong innings of one run ball, but the slumping Yankee bats were sluggish and lazy in backing their 6-6 starting pitcher. Vazquez issued three walks and fanned four Amazins after allowing an Ike Davis RBI base hit in the top of the first. Takahashi and Vasquez settled into their grooves and matched mound mastery through six innings in front of a sold out stadium. The low-scoring dual was shattered in the eighth after Angel Pagan pelted a two-run double off Yankee reliever, Chan Ho Park. Jose Reyes collected his second hit and 25th RBI in the ninth with a base hit off Boone Logan to give the Mets a 4-0 cushion. The Yankees were shut down by closer, Francisco Rodriguez, in the bottom of the ninth after loading the bases with one out against Raul Valdes. Rodriguez was on the sour side of a 12-pitch walk to Brett Gardner before striking out captain, Derek Jeter and getting Nick Swisher to pop-up for the final out. It was K-Rod’s 16th save of the season. Francisco Cervelli and Swisher starred for the Yankee offense with two hits apiece, neither of which drove in any runs.
The Yankees send 9-1 hurler, Phil Hughes, to the hill this afternoon to face the Mets’ own 9-1 tosser, Mike Pelfrey. It’s Lou Gehrig’s birthday, so I fully expect the pinstripes to pull out a win for the Ironhorse.
Parting Points: In addition to Gehrig’s birthday, it also happens to be Paula Abdul’s birthday.
Song for Saturday- “Opposites Attract” by Paula Abdul
Friday, June 18, 2010
Eighteen End
Eighteen games is all you need
To make yourself victorious indeed
Jogging in to center court
You’re terrified to come up short
But as you put your shot together
You think of it as a storm to weather
You close in on the returned ball
A menacing mechanical curtain call
You repeat the setup you know too well
Assembling a winner, your opponent to quell
One final blast for all to see
How a seasoned swing ought to be
The output is scintillatingly satisfying
An outcome overtly mystifying
Even after three sets are through
Your heart is ready to start a new
To make yourself victorious indeed
Jogging in to center court
You’re terrified to come up short
But as you put your shot together
You think of it as a storm to weather
You close in on the returned ball
A menacing mechanical curtain call
You repeat the setup you know too well
Assembling a winner, your opponent to quell
One final blast for all to see
How a seasoned swing ought to be
The output is scintillatingly satisfying
An outcome overtly mystifying
Even after three sets are through
Your heart is ready to start a new
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday Tennis Take-Twos
The Tennis Court
The tennis court lies on its back
Looking up at the pretty cracks in the sky
Wondering why we choose to attack
Instead of befriending the clouds up high
The tennis court remains partial and flat
Listening to the stomps and plentiful plunks
Compelled by the strong man and girl with the hat
Who emphatically chip away at its frame in chunks
The tennis court lies on its back
Looking up at the pretty cracks in the sky
Wondering why we choose to attack
Instead of befriending the clouds up high
The tennis court remains partial and flat
Listening to the stomps and plentiful plunks
Compelled by the strong man and girl with the hat
Who emphatically chip away at its frame in chunks
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tampa Topples Tomahawks on Tuesday
Tuesday’s ballgame in Atlanta pitted the East’s two first place teams against each other. The National League East leading Braves dropped a 10-4 decision to their American League counterpart, Tampa Rays. The Rays remained deadlocked in first place with the New York Yankees after touching up the Braves following a 2 ½ hour rain delay. David Price became the AL’s first ten game winner as the Rays’ hurler cruised through five innings of two run ball. Price allowed ten base runners and issued two walks in a somewhat inefficient effort, but Tampa’s offense put the game out of reach in the sixth inning. Kenshin Kawakami wasn’t creamed but still suffered his ninth loss of the season, a Braves’ franchise record to begin a year. The Japanese right-hander allowed seven hits and issued three walks. He hasn’t won a start since last August. Kawakami’s poor defense didn’t help the pitcher’s case as Atlanta committed four errors in the inter-league contest.
Evan Longoria starred for the Rays, decking his twelve homer of the season on a full count in the first frame. Yunel Escobar’s throwing error preceded Longoria’s homerun. The talented All-Star third baseman went 2-for-5 Tuesday, knocking in three runs. Sean Rodriguez drove in a pair of first inning runs with a double to left field to complete the Rays’s four run opening frame. Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 15 games with the double inside the third base line. Atlanta answered with one run in the bottom half of the first. The Braves scored on an unearned run when Price’s wild pitch sailed past catcher, John Jaso, and had a chance to add to their tallies in the second. The Rays went up 5-1 on Jaso’s single in the second. Atlanta had a chance to collect on a bases-loaded, no outs situation in the bottom half, but failed to score. The Braves stranded 14 base runners and went 1-for-15 with runners-in-scoring position in Tuesday night’s loss.
The Braves did add a run in the bottom of the third on Carlos Pena’s RBI sacrifice fly. They cut the Tampa lead to two in the fifth inning but didn’t find the plate again until Chipper Jones’ solo shot in the eighth. Jones blasted a double earlier in the game before driving one deep for his fourth of the season late in the game. There were talks before the game about the 38 year old retiring after the season, but the future Hall-of-Famer collected both of the Braves’ extra-base hits. Price lacked command but was the benefactor of sixth Tampa extra-base hits. The Rays scored five runs in two innings to increase their lead over the first place Braves. Jaso opened the sixth with a single off newly promoted reliever, Chris Resop. The 27 year old walked Carl Crawford and Pena to load the bases for Ben Zobrist. Zobrist singled in Jaso and Crawford raced home barely avoiding Brian McCann’s tag at the plate. Crawford went 2-for-4 with his 22nd stolen base of the season. The speedy outfielder roped an RBI triple in the seventh and Longoria cracked open the game even more with a double to damage Resop’s debut for Atlanta. Longoria has now reached base safely in 32 consecutive games. Jason Heyward had two hits for Atlanta. The Braves hold just a half-game lead in the division over second place New York. The Yankess rocked Roy Halladay and the Phillies last night to remain tied for first with Tampa.
Parting Points: Painful loss for Big Blue-Domenik Hixon is out for the year with a torn ACL.
Lakers-Celtics has come down to a Game 7. I predicted Boston in 7 and I am staying with my prediction.
Happy Bloomsday to the James Joyce fans out there.
Evan Longoria starred for the Rays, decking his twelve homer of the season on a full count in the first frame. Yunel Escobar’s throwing error preceded Longoria’s homerun. The talented All-Star third baseman went 2-for-5 Tuesday, knocking in three runs. Sean Rodriguez drove in a pair of first inning runs with a double to left field to complete the Rays’s four run opening frame. Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 15 games with the double inside the third base line. Atlanta answered with one run in the bottom half of the first. The Braves scored on an unearned run when Price’s wild pitch sailed past catcher, John Jaso, and had a chance to add to their tallies in the second. The Rays went up 5-1 on Jaso’s single in the second. Atlanta had a chance to collect on a bases-loaded, no outs situation in the bottom half, but failed to score. The Braves stranded 14 base runners and went 1-for-15 with runners-in-scoring position in Tuesday night’s loss.
The Braves did add a run in the bottom of the third on Carlos Pena’s RBI sacrifice fly. They cut the Tampa lead to two in the fifth inning but didn’t find the plate again until Chipper Jones’ solo shot in the eighth. Jones blasted a double earlier in the game before driving one deep for his fourth of the season late in the game. There were talks before the game about the 38 year old retiring after the season, but the future Hall-of-Famer collected both of the Braves’ extra-base hits. Price lacked command but was the benefactor of sixth Tampa extra-base hits. The Rays scored five runs in two innings to increase their lead over the first place Braves. Jaso opened the sixth with a single off newly promoted reliever, Chris Resop. The 27 year old walked Carl Crawford and Pena to load the bases for Ben Zobrist. Zobrist singled in Jaso and Crawford raced home barely avoiding Brian McCann’s tag at the plate. Crawford went 2-for-4 with his 22nd stolen base of the season. The speedy outfielder roped an RBI triple in the seventh and Longoria cracked open the game even more with a double to damage Resop’s debut for Atlanta. Longoria has now reached base safely in 32 consecutive games. Jason Heyward had two hits for Atlanta. The Braves hold just a half-game lead in the division over second place New York. The Yankess rocked Roy Halladay and the Phillies last night to remain tied for first with Tampa.
Parting Points: Painful loss for Big Blue-Domenik Hixon is out for the year with a torn ACL.
Lakers-Celtics has come down to a Game 7. I predicted Boston in 7 and I am staying with my prediction.
Happy Bloomsday to the James Joyce fans out there.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Hardest Hue to Hold
Highly-acclaimed American poet, Robert Frost, once wrote “nothing gold can stay”. I’m pretty sure Frost wasn’t talking about the Los Angeles Lakers, although he was born in California. The idea of “felix culpa”, or fortunate fall, is fascinating. The Latin phrase suggests that we all endure faults in order for good to arise. I’ve thought about this phenomenon a lot lately and how it definitely relates to sports. There are times as an athlete where you feel unbeatable and unstoppable. Those of us lucky enough to find that athletic paradise are fortunate, but it seldom lasts. I was playing tennis last week and my serve was right on target. I did not miss the box or double fault throughout the first two sets. In the third set, I was feeling pretty confident in my serve. Not only was it accurate, but it was fast and virtually un-returnable. Then, it happened. Like something out of a Frost poem, I lost my gold. It was the “hardest hue to hold” and my serve basically went awry the remainder of the match. I think nature has a way of telling us we’re getting too big for our britches. We need to be brought down to Earth every now and then. I have always been concerned and skeptical whenever things in my life are going well. I am just waiting for that ball to drop. Perhaps that way of thinking is just silly, but maybe not. It’s good to be humbled and it’s important to keep things in perspective. Too often we lose sight of what’s truly important. It takes us stumbling, falling and blowing up to figure out what we needed in the first place. I’ve seen it many times in my own life where one tricky situation makes you change for the better. I believe we sometimes have to grieve and lose something in order to really gain another. “Then leaf subsides to leaf”. That’s not to say one shouldn’t enjoy the good things that happen…
A series of miserable events can lead to a better, if not the best outcome. When I was younger, I played for the worst team in Little League. I starred as the team’s pitcher and still had my hits, but suffered through losing season after losing season. You could state that our team was miserably bad. I even broke my wrist one summer and was forced to ride the rest of the season out on the pine. The next year, everything changed. The landscape of the league was altered just a bit, but it was enough to give our hapless team a championship season. I will never forget the final game of the summer. I was standing on the pitcher’s mound in the seventh inning with our team up by one run. There were two outs and a runner on second base when I induced a fly ball back to me. After securing the pop-out in my mitt, my teammates rushed the mound to celebrate our title. All I remember thinking at that very moment was how far I had come and what I had to go through to get there. My father, the Coach, embraced me. Together, I knew we both realized how valuable our fortunate fall had become. It made us appreciate the good that much more. “Her early leaf’s a flower, but only so an hour”. Albeit temporary, I had found my flower on that good old Little League mound. A sting may only last a while, but the impact is forever.
Aside from his impeccable use of diphthongs, the best part about Frost poems is they are open to interpretation. “Nature’s first green is gold” asserts that before green in nature a golden color exists. It’s always easy to take things for granted when they are good. Humans naturally gravitate to the good. How else do you explain bandwagon fans? Frost cautions us and challenges us to take a look at the blessed faults. We all have a lot to offer to the world. I think our biggest contributions stem from after a slip, stumble or fall when we learn to rise back up. The first green is gold because everything is just so; everything is right. Maybe Frost is referring to Celtics’ green. The Celtics have the momentum in the NBA Finals, but they are up against the defending champion, hometown gold. Nothing gold can stay, right? Since the first green is gold, then nothing green can stay either. Lakers or Celtics? It’s so hard to win back-to-back championships in professional sports with all the parity and the rise of free agency. No one can say whether the Celtics or Lakers will win the NBA Finals. But perhaps the famous poet Frost was on to something with his 1923 eight line poem. Interestingly, that was the same year the Yankees won their first World Series. Nothing gold can stay indeed. Even the might Yankees fall. Frost’s interpretation of felix culpa can be related to just about anything in life. Is the Lakers’ gold fading or are the Celtic greens going down tonight? Green is the assurance of life but after all, Frost did die in Boston.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to Andy Pettitte!
A series of miserable events can lead to a better, if not the best outcome. When I was younger, I played for the worst team in Little League. I starred as the team’s pitcher and still had my hits, but suffered through losing season after losing season. You could state that our team was miserably bad. I even broke my wrist one summer and was forced to ride the rest of the season out on the pine. The next year, everything changed. The landscape of the league was altered just a bit, but it was enough to give our hapless team a championship season. I will never forget the final game of the summer. I was standing on the pitcher’s mound in the seventh inning with our team up by one run. There were two outs and a runner on second base when I induced a fly ball back to me. After securing the pop-out in my mitt, my teammates rushed the mound to celebrate our title. All I remember thinking at that very moment was how far I had come and what I had to go through to get there. My father, the Coach, embraced me. Together, I knew we both realized how valuable our fortunate fall had become. It made us appreciate the good that much more. “Her early leaf’s a flower, but only so an hour”. Albeit temporary, I had found my flower on that good old Little League mound. A sting may only last a while, but the impact is forever.
Aside from his impeccable use of diphthongs, the best part about Frost poems is they are open to interpretation. “Nature’s first green is gold” asserts that before green in nature a golden color exists. It’s always easy to take things for granted when they are good. Humans naturally gravitate to the good. How else do you explain bandwagon fans? Frost cautions us and challenges us to take a look at the blessed faults. We all have a lot to offer to the world. I think our biggest contributions stem from after a slip, stumble or fall when we learn to rise back up. The first green is gold because everything is just so; everything is right. Maybe Frost is referring to Celtics’ green. The Celtics have the momentum in the NBA Finals, but they are up against the defending champion, hometown gold. Nothing gold can stay, right? Since the first green is gold, then nothing green can stay either. Lakers or Celtics? It’s so hard to win back-to-back championships in professional sports with all the parity and the rise of free agency. No one can say whether the Celtics or Lakers will win the NBA Finals. But perhaps the famous poet Frost was on to something with his 1923 eight line poem. Interestingly, that was the same year the Yankees won their first World Series. Nothing gold can stay indeed. Even the might Yankees fall. Frost’s interpretation of felix culpa can be related to just about anything in life. Is the Lakers’ gold fading or are the Celtic greens going down tonight? Green is the assurance of life but after all, Frost did die in Boston.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to Andy Pettitte!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Bomber Bats Break-out
Derek Jeter stamped his name into another category in the history books on the third pitch he saw in Saturday’s game between the Yankees and the Astros. The New York shortstop socked Wandy Rodriguez’s 2-0 offering into the Houston bullpen in the bottom of the first. The solo shot tied Rickey Henderson for the franchise record 24 leadoff homeruns and gave the Bombers a 1-0 edge. The Yankees went on to beat the Astros convincingly, 9-3, in the second installment of interleague play. Rodriguez was tagged for eight runs and seven hits in the loss. Javier Vasquez manned the hill for New York, tossing seven solid innings of six hit ball for his sixth win of the season. Vasquez has won three straight starts and did not issue a base on balls yesterday. The Yankees climbed to a season-best 16 games over .500 with the victory yesterday.
Jeter’s leadoff blast set the tone for an offense roughed up the Houston left-hander. Houston’s Hunter Pence knocked home a run in the bottom of the second and Carlos Lee jacked a one-run homer in the third to give the Astros a 2-1 road lead. For Pence, it was his tenth tater of the season. The Bomber bats quickly answered by belting out three hits in a five run third. Jeter drew a full count walk and stole second on catcher, Humberto Quintero’s throwing error. Jeff Keppinger failed to make the catch on the play, and Jeter hustled to third base. Nick Swisher singled in the Yankee captain to knot the game at 2-2. Rodriguez walked Mark Teixeira and loaded the bases after allowing a Robinson Cano infield single. New York backstop, Jorge Posada, cleared the bases with a grand slam to pad the Yankee lead to 6-2. It was the 250th connection for the 38 year old catcher in his career, tying Graig Nettles for seventh on the all-time franchise list. With Alex Rodriguez out of the lineup, Joe Girardi’s offense received key contributions from other sluggers.
The Astros’ Rodriguez was lifted after consecutive walks in the sixth but Vasquez pitched deep into the game, yielding just one more Houston run. Lee crushed his fastball into the seats in the top half of the sixth for the DH’s tenth of the season. Lee wasn’t the only player with a multi-homer game Saturday. Jeter shipped another one over the fence good for three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jeter’s second dinger came off reliever, Jeff Fulchino. Vasquez’s velocity reached mid to upper 80’s and the Astros could barely touch him. The Bomber bullpen took over in the eighth, striking out two and giving up three hits. David Robertson and Chad Gaudin tossed two scoreless frames to finish out the Yanks’ refreshing 39th victory of the season. Houston hurler, Brian Moehler, will try to salvage the third game of the series at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. Phil Hughes seeks his ninth win for the Yankees, who are looking for the home sweep.
Parting Points: Posada’s grand slam wasn’t the biggest one in the MLB yesterday.
Boston’s Daniel Nava launched a slam on the first major league pitch he saw.
How about that gift goal for team USA?
Song of the day- Kris Allen’s cover of “Falling Slowly”
Jeter’s leadoff blast set the tone for an offense roughed up the Houston left-hander. Houston’s Hunter Pence knocked home a run in the bottom of the second and Carlos Lee jacked a one-run homer in the third to give the Astros a 2-1 road lead. For Pence, it was his tenth tater of the season. The Bomber bats quickly answered by belting out three hits in a five run third. Jeter drew a full count walk and stole second on catcher, Humberto Quintero’s throwing error. Jeff Keppinger failed to make the catch on the play, and Jeter hustled to third base. Nick Swisher singled in the Yankee captain to knot the game at 2-2. Rodriguez walked Mark Teixeira and loaded the bases after allowing a Robinson Cano infield single. New York backstop, Jorge Posada, cleared the bases with a grand slam to pad the Yankee lead to 6-2. It was the 250th connection for the 38 year old catcher in his career, tying Graig Nettles for seventh on the all-time franchise list. With Alex Rodriguez out of the lineup, Joe Girardi’s offense received key contributions from other sluggers.
The Astros’ Rodriguez was lifted after consecutive walks in the sixth but Vasquez pitched deep into the game, yielding just one more Houston run. Lee crushed his fastball into the seats in the top half of the sixth for the DH’s tenth of the season. Lee wasn’t the only player with a multi-homer game Saturday. Jeter shipped another one over the fence good for three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jeter’s second dinger came off reliever, Jeff Fulchino. Vasquez’s velocity reached mid to upper 80’s and the Astros could barely touch him. The Bomber bullpen took over in the eighth, striking out two and giving up three hits. David Robertson and Chad Gaudin tossed two scoreless frames to finish out the Yanks’ refreshing 39th victory of the season. Houston hurler, Brian Moehler, will try to salvage the third game of the series at Yankee Stadium this afternoon. Phil Hughes seeks his ninth win for the Yankees, who are looking for the home sweep.
Parting Points: Posada’s grand slam wasn’t the biggest one in the MLB yesterday.
Boston’s Daniel Nava launched a slam on the first major league pitch he saw.
How about that gift goal for team USA?
Song of the day- Kris Allen’s cover of “Falling Slowly”
Friday, June 11, 2010
Davis’ Diligent Delivery
Post-season success in the NBA is often measured by a diligent bench. That was the case last night in Game 4 of the Finals between the Boston Celtics and L.A. Lakers. The Celtics evened the series at 2-2 Thursday after their reserves provided 21 fourth quarter points in a 96-89 home victory. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, but L.A. faded and fizzled after the break to find themselves in a deadlocked series. Boston’s bench plucked away the Lakers’ two point edge heading into the final quarter, anchored by Glen Davis’ nine buckets. The reserve forward tallied 19 in the win and went 7-for-10 from the field. Nate Robinson added 12 points and a pair of assists in his 17 minutes of court time as the Celtics outlasted and out-rebounded their purple-and-gold opponents.
Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 33 points, including 6-of-11 beyond the arc. He also endured seven turnovers and received little help from teammates other than Pau Gasol. Gasol reeled off 21 points in the loss but also collected four of L.A.’s 15 turnovers. The Lakers held a 45-42 advantage at halftime thanks to their veteran duo, but everything came undone in the second half. The Lakers allowed 36 fourth quarter points while managing to put up just 17 in the third quarter. Boston’s Paul Pierce had 19 points and Kevin Garnett provided 13 as the Lakers couldn’t keep the Celtics off the board. Bryant’s trey with just over a minute in the third gave the Lakers a 62-58 lead before Davis’ putback pulled the Celtics within a basket. Davis followed by charging down the middle for seven points in a four minute fourth quarter span.
Lamar Odom was ineffective in replacing starting L.A. center, Andrew Bynum. Bynum lasted 11 minutes before exiting the game in the first half. Odom’s defense was dismal and L.A. failed to prevent Robinson and Davis from taking over the final quarter. The Celtics’ scoring binge evaporated the Lakers’ lead. Boston’s bench outscored L.A.’s by double and pummeled the visitors in the paint. Odom recorded ten points off the bench as one of three Lakers to score in double figures. Odom was otherwise, awful. He was schooled by Davis in the second half as Boston slammed the door shut. Ron Artest put up a nine spot and dished out nine rebounds for a Lakers’ high. Boston did a tremendous job finding Davis to give the 6’9” power forward open looks. The Lakers looked fatigue down the stretch in what has become a roller coaster series between the storied franchises. Boston needed last night’s game the most, and Sunday’s Game 5 at home appears another must-win if they expect to win the Finals. Bynum is optimistic about playing Game 5 despite a torn right knee ailment. The Lakers need their strong center to strut his stuff and keep in contention with the Celtics.
Parting Points: What a strange walk-off win for Milwaukee over the Cubbies.
It looks like Nebraska is headed to the Big 10.
Angry female rock pop song of the day- Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”
Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 33 points, including 6-of-11 beyond the arc. He also endured seven turnovers and received little help from teammates other than Pau Gasol. Gasol reeled off 21 points in the loss but also collected four of L.A.’s 15 turnovers. The Lakers held a 45-42 advantage at halftime thanks to their veteran duo, but everything came undone in the second half. The Lakers allowed 36 fourth quarter points while managing to put up just 17 in the third quarter. Boston’s Paul Pierce had 19 points and Kevin Garnett provided 13 as the Lakers couldn’t keep the Celtics off the board. Bryant’s trey with just over a minute in the third gave the Lakers a 62-58 lead before Davis’ putback pulled the Celtics within a basket. Davis followed by charging down the middle for seven points in a four minute fourth quarter span.
Lamar Odom was ineffective in replacing starting L.A. center, Andrew Bynum. Bynum lasted 11 minutes before exiting the game in the first half. Odom’s defense was dismal and L.A. failed to prevent Robinson and Davis from taking over the final quarter. The Celtics’ scoring binge evaporated the Lakers’ lead. Boston’s bench outscored L.A.’s by double and pummeled the visitors in the paint. Odom recorded ten points off the bench as one of three Lakers to score in double figures. Odom was otherwise, awful. He was schooled by Davis in the second half as Boston slammed the door shut. Ron Artest put up a nine spot and dished out nine rebounds for a Lakers’ high. Boston did a tremendous job finding Davis to give the 6’9” power forward open looks. The Lakers looked fatigue down the stretch in what has become a roller coaster series between the storied franchises. Boston needed last night’s game the most, and Sunday’s Game 5 at home appears another must-win if they expect to win the Finals. Bynum is optimistic about playing Game 5 despite a torn right knee ailment. The Lakers need their strong center to strut his stuff and keep in contention with the Celtics.
Parting Points: What a strange walk-off win for Milwaukee over the Cubbies.
It looks like Nebraska is headed to the Big 10.
Angry female rock pop song of the day- Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Strasburg’s Satisfying, Sharp, Sizzling Start
Stephen Strasburg struck out 14 batters in his Nationals’ debut and Washington rolled to a 5-2 win over Pittsburgh. The 21 year old right handed pitcher pounced on the Pirates through seven frames to earn his first major league victory. Strasburg lived up to, and possibly exceeded his highly anticipated debut Tuesday at Nationals Park in Washington. The rookie allowed two runs and didn’t issue a walk in a masterpiece on the mound. Strasburg piled up the most strikeouts in a big league debut since Houston’s J.R. Richard fanned 15 in 1971. The novice Washington hurler was pulled for a pinch hitter in the seventh but not before he struck out every Pittsburgh player in the lineup. He fanned the final seven batters he faced in a remarkable finish to an extraordinary debut.
Strasburg exited with a 4-2 lead after throwing just 94 pitches. The Nationals were the first team on board Tuesday when Ryan Zimmerman zipped a Jeff Karstens offering into the seats for a 1-0 advantage. The Bucs’ 27 year old flamethrower yielded nine hits and four runs through five innings and took the loss. Zimmerman’s homerun was the 12th belted this season off the bat of the talented third baseman. He went 3-for-4 on the night and knocked home his 33rd run of the year. Pittsburgh answered with a two-run fourth off Strasburg. The first pick in last year’s draft fanned six of the first nine Pirates he faced, but Delwyn Young got the better of his 1-0 changeup by stroking it over the fence. Young’s tag followed a pair of Pirate singles. Strasburg settled down following the Young blast and the offense responded with a three-run sixth inning. Adam Dunn led the charge with a longball to give the home team a 3-2 lead before left fielder, Josh Willingham sent Karstens to the bench with the third Washington homerun. Thirty-one year old Willingham’s solo shot to left gave the Nationals a two run cushion. Willingham and Dunn have 11 homeruns apiece this season.
Strasburg sizzled into the seventh and seemed to improve as the game went on. His fastball sat around 99 mph most of the evening and his devastating curve dazzled. The phenom struck out the side in his last inning and left to the sold out crowd’s standing ovation. He also tied Detroit’s Max Scherzer for the most strikeouts in a game this season. Strasburg was lifted for Tyler Clippard, who struck out two Bucs in an inning of work. Matt Capps earned his 19th save with a hitless ninth after the Nationals registered another tally in the bottom of the eighth. Zimmerman scored off Javier Lopez on a Pudge Rodriguez double play grounder to give Washington a 5-2 edge. Fans in the D.C. area left Tuesday’s game with more than a victory, however. They left with a sense of organizational pride and expectation. The Nationals may have found the face of their franchise in young Stephen Strasburg.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Jewel’s “Satisfied”. Her new album sounds great.
The Lakers are up 2-1 after grabbing the all-important Game 3 in Boston.
Beautiful walk-off win for the New York Mets. Ike Davis seems to be the real deal. The Mets have won nine straight games at home.
Strasburg exited with a 4-2 lead after throwing just 94 pitches. The Nationals were the first team on board Tuesday when Ryan Zimmerman zipped a Jeff Karstens offering into the seats for a 1-0 advantage. The Bucs’ 27 year old flamethrower yielded nine hits and four runs through five innings and took the loss. Zimmerman’s homerun was the 12th belted this season off the bat of the talented third baseman. He went 3-for-4 on the night and knocked home his 33rd run of the year. Pittsburgh answered with a two-run fourth off Strasburg. The first pick in last year’s draft fanned six of the first nine Pirates he faced, but Delwyn Young got the better of his 1-0 changeup by stroking it over the fence. Young’s tag followed a pair of Pirate singles. Strasburg settled down following the Young blast and the offense responded with a three-run sixth inning. Adam Dunn led the charge with a longball to give the home team a 3-2 lead before left fielder, Josh Willingham sent Karstens to the bench with the third Washington homerun. Thirty-one year old Willingham’s solo shot to left gave the Nationals a two run cushion. Willingham and Dunn have 11 homeruns apiece this season.
Strasburg sizzled into the seventh and seemed to improve as the game went on. His fastball sat around 99 mph most of the evening and his devastating curve dazzled. The phenom struck out the side in his last inning and left to the sold out crowd’s standing ovation. He also tied Detroit’s Max Scherzer for the most strikeouts in a game this season. Strasburg was lifted for Tyler Clippard, who struck out two Bucs in an inning of work. Matt Capps earned his 19th save with a hitless ninth after the Nationals registered another tally in the bottom of the eighth. Zimmerman scored off Javier Lopez on a Pudge Rodriguez double play grounder to give Washington a 5-2 edge. Fans in the D.C. area left Tuesday’s game with more than a victory, however. They left with a sense of organizational pride and expectation. The Nationals may have found the face of their franchise in young Stephen Strasburg.
Parting Points: Song of the day- Jewel’s “Satisfied”. Her new album sounds great.
The Lakers are up 2-1 after grabbing the all-important Game 3 in Boston.
Beautiful walk-off win for the New York Mets. Ike Davis seems to be the real deal. The Mets have won nine straight games at home.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Diamond Debut
Imagine the thrill of his face when he swings
The thrill of the crowd when he slides
Imagine him standing inside the lines
Awaiting the ball as it glides
Picture the set as his feet square to bunt
The pitcher’s eyes as he rotates his arm
Picture them without the other eight men
Left alone to defend the diamond’s charm
Close in on the coach as he steps to stand
The hush of the players nearby
Close in on the way he signs with his hand
Creating music or art only few understand
Imagine the noise elevating inside
When a full count’s just about to end
Imagine being the one taken for a ride
By a hitter so powerful he won’t be denied
The thrill of the crowd when he slides
Imagine him standing inside the lines
Awaiting the ball as it glides
Picture the set as his feet square to bunt
The pitcher’s eyes as he rotates his arm
Picture them without the other eight men
Left alone to defend the diamond’s charm
Close in on the coach as he steps to stand
The hush of the players nearby
Close in on the way he signs with his hand
Creating music or art only few understand
Imagine the noise elevating inside
When a full count’s just about to end
Imagine being the one taken for a ride
By a hitter so powerful he won’t be denied
Monday, June 7, 2010
Celtics Clip Champs
Boston buried the L.A. Lakers 103-94 Sunday to even the NBA Finals at one game apiece before the series heads back to Beantown. The Celtics’ Rajon Rondo recorded a triple-double and Ray Allen made an NBA Finals high eight 3-pointers in the Game 2 win. The defending champion Lakers were handed their first home loss of the post-season as Pau Gasol’s 25 points were wasted. Kobe Bryant picked up his fifth foul of the evening during the fourth quarter and finished with a fistful of turnovers. The Celtics snapped a streak and leveled the series in what should be a tight Finals.
Bryant and Andrew Bynum collected 21 points each in defeat but Boston’s big, dynamic guards battered the Lakers throughout the game. Allen notched seven treys in the first half alone and knotted an eighth in the third quarter to break the NBA record. Rondo’s offensive rebounding overwhelmed Phil Jackson’s squad. Los Angeles’ presence up front couldn’t contain sharpshooting Rondo and Allen, whose hustle and vivacity were visible in Game 2. The physical game featured 29 fouls by each team for a combined total of 59. L.A.’s Rashard Wallace was charged with his third personal foul in the second quarter. Glen David and Kevin Garnett did likewise for Boston. There were six lead changes in the first quarter, but Boston held the advantage from late in the first quarter to midway in the third. Allen went 11-for-20 from the field to finish with a game high 32 points. Rondo grabbed 12 rebounds in a 19 point affair, while leading all players with 10 assists. The explosive point guard carried the Celtics in the second half after Allen cooled down a bit. The Celtics clogged the paint with 36 points, ten more than their opponents. Boston peppered the perimeter and drained their free throws during the first half. The Lakers answered late in the second quarter by trimming the lead to nine and going down low to Gasol and Bynum.
Boston watched their lead fall to six points seconds before halftime after Bryant connected from downtown. The Lakers outscored Boston24-18 in the third quarter and tied the game at 72-72 headed into the final session. Los Angeles benefited from 41 free-throw attempts but were sorely beaten down the stretch without Bryant. Nate Robinson boosted Boston off the bench with seven points in the fourth quarter during a six minute stretch. Garnett helped push the Celtics’ lead with a late three at the 2:40 mark. Garnett completed the night with six points, four rebounds and four assists. Rondo was successful on all shots in the final six minutes of the game to silence the Staples Center crowd. Lamar Odom logged less than 15 minutes for the Lakers and had more fouls than points. Los Angeles’ outside shooting was not good enough. Ron Artest played solid in defending Paul Pierce but went just one-for –ten on offense. Game 3 of this even series is Tuesday night in Boston.
Parting Points: It’s not too surprising Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open.
Bryant and Andrew Bynum collected 21 points each in defeat but Boston’s big, dynamic guards battered the Lakers throughout the game. Allen notched seven treys in the first half alone and knotted an eighth in the third quarter to break the NBA record. Rondo’s offensive rebounding overwhelmed Phil Jackson’s squad. Los Angeles’ presence up front couldn’t contain sharpshooting Rondo and Allen, whose hustle and vivacity were visible in Game 2. The physical game featured 29 fouls by each team for a combined total of 59. L.A.’s Rashard Wallace was charged with his third personal foul in the second quarter. Glen David and Kevin Garnett did likewise for Boston. There were six lead changes in the first quarter, but Boston held the advantage from late in the first quarter to midway in the third. Allen went 11-for-20 from the field to finish with a game high 32 points. Rondo grabbed 12 rebounds in a 19 point affair, while leading all players with 10 assists. The explosive point guard carried the Celtics in the second half after Allen cooled down a bit. The Celtics clogged the paint with 36 points, ten more than their opponents. Boston peppered the perimeter and drained their free throws during the first half. The Lakers answered late in the second quarter by trimming the lead to nine and going down low to Gasol and Bynum.
Boston watched their lead fall to six points seconds before halftime after Bryant connected from downtown. The Lakers outscored Boston24-18 in the third quarter and tied the game at 72-72 headed into the final session. Los Angeles benefited from 41 free-throw attempts but were sorely beaten down the stretch without Bryant. Nate Robinson boosted Boston off the bench with seven points in the fourth quarter during a six minute stretch. Garnett helped push the Celtics’ lead with a late three at the 2:40 mark. Garnett completed the night with six points, four rebounds and four assists. Rondo was successful on all shots in the final six minutes of the game to silence the Staples Center crowd. Lamar Odom logged less than 15 minutes for the Lakers and had more fouls than points. Los Angeles’ outside shooting was not good enough. Ron Artest played solid in defending Paul Pierce but went just one-for –ten on offense. Game 3 of this even series is Tuesday night in Boston.
Parting Points: It’s not too surprising Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Schiavone Strikes Singles Success over Stosur
Francesca Schiavone gave Italy its first female champion in a grand slam tournament Saturday by winning the French Open in a taut match over Samantha Stosur. Seventeenth seeded, Schiavone dispatched the seventh-seeded Australian to the tune of 6-4, 7-6. It was 29 year old Schiavone’s first grand slam singles title, and just the second time a woman seeded outside the top ten won the final at Roland Garros. Schiavone was ranked 50th last year at the French Open. She lost in the first round of the 2009 tournament to Stosur.
Stosur couldn’t stop her yesterday in Schiavone’s 39th grand slam appearance. The veteran Italian rallied from a 4-1 second set deficit to surpass Stosur and force a tiebreaker. Schiavone reached match point after drilling four consecutive winners. The quality of play was excellent on both ends of the court, but it was Schiavone’s stylish mix of spin shots and dogged defense that won her the title. Both players held serve until the ninth game of the match, when Stosur was broken at 4-4. The Australian dumped a backhand into the net as Schiavone served out the first set. Stosur, who defeated top-ranked Justin Henin, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic to advance to her first championship, pounded speedy kick serves that topped 120 mph. Schiavone pounced on reach one with steady and solid returns and went after her opponent’s weaker backhand. Stosur’s forehand lacked an aggressive punch and she became passive in the backcourt. The Italian’s inside-out forehand was much more powerful and stifling. Schiavone reeled over three games, attacking the net during the second set, to complete the comeback. Schiavone closed out the tiebreaker 7-2 with a firm focus in the ground game and executing at a high level. Stosur suffered in long rallies and her serve was neutralized. She played a terrific match but Schiavone was the better competitor on this Saturday in Paris.
Parting Points: Congrats to Drosselmeyer, the 2010 Belmont winner.
From the bookshelf- “Roger Maris: Baseball’s Reluctant Hero” by Tom Clavin and Danny Peary
Stosur couldn’t stop her yesterday in Schiavone’s 39th grand slam appearance. The veteran Italian rallied from a 4-1 second set deficit to surpass Stosur and force a tiebreaker. Schiavone reached match point after drilling four consecutive winners. The quality of play was excellent on both ends of the court, but it was Schiavone’s stylish mix of spin shots and dogged defense that won her the title. Both players held serve until the ninth game of the match, when Stosur was broken at 4-4. The Australian dumped a backhand into the net as Schiavone served out the first set. Stosur, who defeated top-ranked Justin Henin, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic to advance to her first championship, pounded speedy kick serves that topped 120 mph. Schiavone pounced on reach one with steady and solid returns and went after her opponent’s weaker backhand. Stosur’s forehand lacked an aggressive punch and she became passive in the backcourt. The Italian’s inside-out forehand was much more powerful and stifling. Schiavone reeled over three games, attacking the net during the second set, to complete the comeback. Schiavone closed out the tiebreaker 7-2 with a firm focus in the ground game and executing at a high level. Stosur suffered in long rallies and her serve was neutralized. She played a terrific match but Schiavone was the better competitor on this Saturday in Paris.
Parting Points: Congrats to Drosselmeyer, the 2010 Belmont winner.
From the bookshelf- “Roger Maris: Baseball’s Reluctant Hero” by Tom Clavin and Danny Peary
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wooden Wisdom
Read any literature by or about John Wooden and you’re bound to be inspired. That’s the type of impact the legendary Wizard of Westwood imparts. The former college basketball coach led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national titles in 12 years. As a coach, he set an NCAA record with 88 consecutive wins over four years and compiled countless other victories as a person. Wooden died yesterday of natural causes at the age of 99.
I always knew about the legendary college hoops coach growing up, but began to really discover his uniqueness while studying as a freshman undergraduate student. I enrolled in a sports philosophy class geared towards interscholastic coaching. Coach Wooden was a major part of the course material, and one of the main reasons it remains my favorite class ever. Our text book was one written by the UCLA basketball coach himself. It was a personal manual and testament used to teach us about coaching philosophy and how to apply them to motivate and influence people. His teaching tools transcended the athletic field. There are people who are good at their jobs and people who are great at them. Then there are the Wooden types, who are simply the best at what they do. Wooden could unlock the potential of his players. He was a personable coach, who truly cared for each and every player individually. There will never be another Wooden. It would be difficult to duplicate the amount of unparalleled coaching success the Wizard incurred throughout his life. Even if you didn’t personally know him, you have to appreciate Wooden as an athlete. He coached at one job for 28 years. You can’t help but marvel at his accomplishments.
Wooden was undoubtedly a leader on the court, but perhaps his words left a larger impression on people. I remember learning about his Pyramid of Success. There are several great lessons to take from his guidelines for life. My favorite thing about Wooden was his affinity and love for poetry. He scribed poems about his teams and challenged his players with the written word. To me, there isn’t a better way to express oneself, build morale and cohesiveness. The Wizard of Westwood even wrote love letters to his late wife, Nellie. He wrote her a letter each year on the anniversary of her death. Wooden was married 53 years and the key to his success was simply, love and loyalty. I would have loved to have met such a remarkable icon as Wooden.
Parting Points: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be”- John Wooden
Happy Birthday to Brian McKnight.
I always knew about the legendary college hoops coach growing up, but began to really discover his uniqueness while studying as a freshman undergraduate student. I enrolled in a sports philosophy class geared towards interscholastic coaching. Coach Wooden was a major part of the course material, and one of the main reasons it remains my favorite class ever. Our text book was one written by the UCLA basketball coach himself. It was a personal manual and testament used to teach us about coaching philosophy and how to apply them to motivate and influence people. His teaching tools transcended the athletic field. There are people who are good at their jobs and people who are great at them. Then there are the Wooden types, who are simply the best at what they do. Wooden could unlock the potential of his players. He was a personable coach, who truly cared for each and every player individually. There will never be another Wooden. It would be difficult to duplicate the amount of unparalleled coaching success the Wizard incurred throughout his life. Even if you didn’t personally know him, you have to appreciate Wooden as an athlete. He coached at one job for 28 years. You can’t help but marvel at his accomplishments.
Wooden was undoubtedly a leader on the court, but perhaps his words left a larger impression on people. I remember learning about his Pyramid of Success. There are several great lessons to take from his guidelines for life. My favorite thing about Wooden was his affinity and love for poetry. He scribed poems about his teams and challenged his players with the written word. To me, there isn’t a better way to express oneself, build morale and cohesiveness. The Wizard of Westwood even wrote love letters to his late wife, Nellie. He wrote her a letter each year on the anniversary of her death. Wooden was married 53 years and the key to his success was simply, love and loyalty. I would have loved to have met such a remarkable icon as Wooden.
Parting Points: “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be”- John Wooden
Happy Birthday to Brian McKnight.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (Near Perfect “G” Edition)
Robbed of a perfect game: Armando Galaragga. First base umpire, Jim Joyce, made a huge, historical mistake in yesterday’s game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians. Joyce ruled base runner, Jason Donald, safe in the ninth inning on an infield slap to second base. The Indians’ slugger became the first player to reach base and the one to break up Detroit hurler Galaragga’s perfect game bid. In what should have sealed the third perfect game thrown this season, Joyce clearly missed the call. Donald was definitely the 27th out recorded when Galaragga received the throw from his second baseman, Miguel Cabrera and tagged the bag at first. There weren’t any signs of a bobbled ball, slipped footing or beaten base runner. It was a blown call that prevented the Tigers’ starter from becoming the 21st pitcher to toss a perfect game.
Joyce’s blunder brings to light the idea of instant replay in baseball. Installing instant replay would most certainly have overturned last night’s ninth inning gaffe. Traditionalists are hesitant to implement instant replay and it’s going to take an incredible amount of people to trust technology in order to have it become a part of baseball. Baseball is one of the last sports to rely on instant replay. So far, it hasn’t made much of a difference, but last night it did. The state of major league umpiring is also brought into question. These critical decision-makers are often the source of poor and puzzling calls. Boos continued to reign down on the officiating crews throughout the game because the blue and white uniformed men are sometimes more influential than the players themselves in the outcome of the contest. Personally, I was against instant replay in baseball for the same reason most fans of the original pastime were against it. I like having the game be more humanized. However, we all know humans are far from perfect. Even umpires make bad calls. Therefore, the system needs to account for human error if it spells the difference between perfection and near perfection.
Speaking of near perfection, it’s only fitting that Ken Griffey, Jr. retired on the anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s death and on a day where a pitcher was thisclose to being perfect. Griffey’s 22 year career made him a superstar and role model in his own right. The Kid was a brilliant outfielder and tremendous hitter, who unfortunately was plagued with injuries late in his career. Griffey helped salvage the slumping Seattle franchise in the 1990s. Number 24 was always a favorite of mine growing up, and I’ve talked about his legacy in this blog before. I used to have a 6x8 poster of the centerfielder on my bedroom wall, and I have countless baseball cards of Griffey. Junior, the number one overall pick in the 1987 draft, was a throwback player ever since he picked up his first career hit. The former Cincinnati Red and Chicago Whitesox made a name for himself with the Mariners, where he clubbed 417 homeruns. The 13 time All-Star finished with 613 taters (fifth on the all-time list) Griffey’s left knee slowed him down in the latter part of his Hall-of-Fame career, but there hasn’t been a classier example of an athlete that I can remember since Gehrig. Griffey was a team player who played with heart and dedication. He will truly be missed by this 27 year old fan who grew up idolizing him as a ballplayer.
Parting Points: It’s time to break out the Beck CDs for summer.
Joyce’s blunder brings to light the idea of instant replay in baseball. Installing instant replay would most certainly have overturned last night’s ninth inning gaffe. Traditionalists are hesitant to implement instant replay and it’s going to take an incredible amount of people to trust technology in order to have it become a part of baseball. Baseball is one of the last sports to rely on instant replay. So far, it hasn’t made much of a difference, but last night it did. The state of major league umpiring is also brought into question. These critical decision-makers are often the source of poor and puzzling calls. Boos continued to reign down on the officiating crews throughout the game because the blue and white uniformed men are sometimes more influential than the players themselves in the outcome of the contest. Personally, I was against instant replay in baseball for the same reason most fans of the original pastime were against it. I like having the game be more humanized. However, we all know humans are far from perfect. Even umpires make bad calls. Therefore, the system needs to account for human error if it spells the difference between perfection and near perfection.
Speaking of near perfection, it’s only fitting that Ken Griffey, Jr. retired on the anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s death and on a day where a pitcher was thisclose to being perfect. Griffey’s 22 year career made him a superstar and role model in his own right. The Kid was a brilliant outfielder and tremendous hitter, who unfortunately was plagued with injuries late in his career. Griffey helped salvage the slumping Seattle franchise in the 1990s. Number 24 was always a favorite of mine growing up, and I’ve talked about his legacy in this blog before. I used to have a 6x8 poster of the centerfielder on my bedroom wall, and I have countless baseball cards of Griffey. Junior, the number one overall pick in the 1987 draft, was a throwback player ever since he picked up his first career hit. The former Cincinnati Red and Chicago Whitesox made a name for himself with the Mariners, where he clubbed 417 homeruns. The 13 time All-Star finished with 613 taters (fifth on the all-time list) Griffey’s left knee slowed him down in the latter part of his Hall-of-Fame career, but there hasn’t been a classier example of an athlete that I can remember since Gehrig. Griffey was a team player who played with heart and dedication. He will truly be missed by this 27 year old fan who grew up idolizing him as a ballplayer.
Parting Points: It’s time to break out the Beck CDs for summer.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June
What is it about this month of June
That carries around a different tune
Could it be the whites of Wimbledon
Or the boys of summer wrapped in a win
Willowy warm trees lined on a path
Bikers pedaling miles doing their math
Well-groomed men setting their tees
Dressed up ladies settling with ease
The washing of cars and the dipping in pools
The packing away of sweaters and wools
Refreshment stand lemonades
Red-striped street parades
Fishing and football and outdoor beach volleyball
Stomach knots tied by a summer love fall
These are the delicious and decadent days
A lasting sensation we do hope stays
That carries around a different tune
Could it be the whites of Wimbledon
Or the boys of summer wrapped in a win
Willowy warm trees lined on a path
Bikers pedaling miles doing their math
Well-groomed men setting their tees
Dressed up ladies settling with ease
The washing of cars and the dipping in pools
The packing away of sweaters and wools
Refreshment stand lemonades
Red-striped street parades
Fishing and football and outdoor beach volleyball
Stomach knots tied by a summer love fall
These are the delicious and decadent days
A lasting sensation we do hope stays
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Alex and Andy Attack
Alex Rodriguez celebrated his 20th career grand slam while everyone else was celebrating Memorial Day. The Yankees’ third baseman ripped a four run shot off Cleveland reliever, Chris Perez, to spark a seventh inning rout of the visiting Indians at Yankee Stadium yesterday afternoon. New York scored six runs in the seventh and added three more in the eighth in an 11-2 final against the Tribe. Veteran left-hander, Andy Pettitte, notched his seventh victory of the season in a seven inning, two-hit outing. Pettitte tied Whitey Ford on the Bombers’ all-time wins list with 236. The New York southpaw can lay claim to the lowest ERA of his career through ten starts. Pettitte has not issued a walk in his last 15 innings.
New York opened up a 1-0 lead in their first at-bats of the day. Rodriguez singled in centerfielder, Curtis Granderson from third base off Tribe tosser, Max Talbot. Talbot allowed three runs through six 1/3 innings and took the loss for Cleveland. The Yankees scattered nine hits against Talbot and finished with a season high 18 on the afternoon. Jhnny Peralta got a run back in the top of the second off Pettitte. Peralta pounded his fourth homerun, a solo shot on a 2-1 count, to tie the game at 1-1. Pettitte’s curveball was biting and effective from that point on. He utilized a cut fastball and occasional changeup to retire the last 14 batters he faced on Monday. The Yankees backed their starter with a run in the fourth to post a one-run lead. Brett Gardner’s base hit scored Nick Swisher with two outs but the speedy Bomber was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning after breaking the tie.
A-Rod broke open a close 2-1 contest in the seventh to give New York’s bullpen a comfortable cushion to work with. Perez’s ill-advised intentional walk to Mark Teixeira pitted runners at every base for the feisty Rodriguez. Rodriguez cranked a 3-1 offering beyond the centerfield fence to give New York a 6-1 edge before Robinson Cano followed with a long ball of his own off Chris Perez. Indian relievers, Chris and Rafael Perez combined to give up five runs in the seventh without recording an out. Pettitte was prepared to come back for the eighth inning after hurling just 90 pitches but Joe Girardi pulled his starter for Chan Ho Park. Park allowed a run on a pair of hits through two frames to hand the Indians their 31st loss of the year.
Thirty-five year old, Jamey Wright, yielded five hits and three runs to New York in an inning and a half relief. Rodriguez clubbed an eighth inning double off Wright to score Ramiro Pena. Pena filled in for the injured Derek Jeter, who took an early exit after getting beaned in the lower thigh with a pitch. The Yankees plated two more tallies off Wright on Cano’s infield single. Former Bomber, Shelly Duncan gave the Indians a run in the top of the ninth off Park, but it was hardly enough to erase a ten run deficit. The Tribe lost three out of four in the Bronx, their only triumph coming after Saturday’s seventh inning scoring barrage.
Parting Points: The Flyers deserved to win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but now find themselves in a 0-2 hole. Chicago was the better team last night.
Congratulations to Duke on their first Men’s Lacrosse title.
Roger Federer falls to Robin Soderling at the French.
New York opened up a 1-0 lead in their first at-bats of the day. Rodriguez singled in centerfielder, Curtis Granderson from third base off Tribe tosser, Max Talbot. Talbot allowed three runs through six 1/3 innings and took the loss for Cleveland. The Yankees scattered nine hits against Talbot and finished with a season high 18 on the afternoon. Jhnny Peralta got a run back in the top of the second off Pettitte. Peralta pounded his fourth homerun, a solo shot on a 2-1 count, to tie the game at 1-1. Pettitte’s curveball was biting and effective from that point on. He utilized a cut fastball and occasional changeup to retire the last 14 batters he faced on Monday. The Yankees backed their starter with a run in the fourth to post a one-run lead. Brett Gardner’s base hit scored Nick Swisher with two outs but the speedy Bomber was thrown out trying to steal second to end the inning after breaking the tie.
A-Rod broke open a close 2-1 contest in the seventh to give New York’s bullpen a comfortable cushion to work with. Perez’s ill-advised intentional walk to Mark Teixeira pitted runners at every base for the feisty Rodriguez. Rodriguez cranked a 3-1 offering beyond the centerfield fence to give New York a 6-1 edge before Robinson Cano followed with a long ball of his own off Chris Perez. Indian relievers, Chris and Rafael Perez combined to give up five runs in the seventh without recording an out. Pettitte was prepared to come back for the eighth inning after hurling just 90 pitches but Joe Girardi pulled his starter for Chan Ho Park. Park allowed a run on a pair of hits through two frames to hand the Indians their 31st loss of the year.
Thirty-five year old, Jamey Wright, yielded five hits and three runs to New York in an inning and a half relief. Rodriguez clubbed an eighth inning double off Wright to score Ramiro Pena. Pena filled in for the injured Derek Jeter, who took an early exit after getting beaned in the lower thigh with a pitch. The Yankees plated two more tallies off Wright on Cano’s infield single. Former Bomber, Shelly Duncan gave the Indians a run in the top of the ninth off Park, but it was hardly enough to erase a ten run deficit. The Tribe lost three out of four in the Bronx, their only triumph coming after Saturday’s seventh inning scoring barrage.
Parting Points: The Flyers deserved to win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but now find themselves in a 0-2 hole. Chicago was the better team last night.
Congratulations to Duke on their first Men’s Lacrosse title.
Roger Federer falls to Robin Soderling at the French.
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