The 2011 Big Ten Championship game site is still up for grabs. Detroit’s Forbes Field, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium are the three favorite fields to host the college football game as soon as December of next year. Officials in Cleveland, Chicago and Minneapolis also stated they would bid on the inaugural game. Nebraska’s entrance into the Big 10 means the conference would be adding a 12th team and thus be eligible to solidify hosting a championship contest. The Huskers addition make the Big 10 the richest conference based on revenue distributed per school. A championship game only adds to the powerhouse conference which already has a television network.
Green Bay Packers President, Mike Murphy, expressed interest in bringing the game to the frozen tundra. A field rich in history would be an appropriate venue for a conference rich in tradition. Weather could be a factor in the final decision, tentatively slated for early August. Most conferences choose indoor facilities as championship sites. Lambeau has hosted college football games in the past and would be an attractive locale because the balmy conditions add to the elements of the game. Indianapolis is a strong candidate because of the city’s experience hosting marquee sporting events. Lucas Oil Stadium is already hosting the 2012 Superbowl and is an enclosed football venue centrally located among the Big 10 teams.
Parting Points: I’m keeping it short and sweet because I still need to catch up on sleep today.
CD of choice- Live’s “Throwing Copper”
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos
There is a lull in sports right now. Baseball is at the mid-point of the season, basketball and hockey are over and college football has yet to begin. Wimbledon and the World Cup are finished, and fans of those non-traditional sports have to wait until the U.S. Open or the year 2014. You know the NFL off-season is a snooze-fest when the biggest story revolves around which team will sign T.O., if any. I could talk about the British Open and the emergence of some guy named Rory. (Honestly, who names their son Rory?) I could try to see what’s new in the world of cycling, but with Lance Armstrong racing, it lacks excitement.
Baseball is really where it’s at as we hit the middle of July. Which teams are still contending and which are already writing their seasons off? What players will have the greatest stock during the free agent trade deadline? What managers will lose their jobs and how many prospects will be called up in late September for debuts? There are questions all around the league concerning injury updates, rotation statuses and lingering slumps or streaks. Some teams headed into the All-Star break on the rise (White Sox) and others have dropped off slightly and have not been playing up to their potential (Twins). Will the Mets collapse and can the Yankees repeat? Which teams will snag wildcard tickets into the post-season? Since I am working on four hours of sleep, I will not predict or begin to address these questions at this time. Instead, I leave you with a poem that has nothing to do with any sport. Contained in the following verses are the words that have swarmed around in my mind for too long. I just had to put them on paper.
Fifty-two Flowers
There are fifty- two weeks in a year
Yet it takes two seconds
To fall in love with you dear
The sad soft air upon me lends
An indefinable longing for you here
My blissful strive to guard your heart
Leaves blue tranquil flowers along
A distinguished trail when we’re apart
Concrete emptiness where you belong
Replaces my tears for our beloved start
I take for granted the boundless light
Provided in this endless life
With an unceasing desire to hold you tight
The days do fade but love remains rife
Long after the sun gives way to night
My tired eyes see only clear
Yet the thrill of you is infinite and obscure
A joyous spirit who I yearn to be near
For you, my sight is without a blur
Fifty-two weeks throughout the year
Parting Points: Song of the day- Tommy Two-Tone’s “867-5309”
Baseball is really where it’s at as we hit the middle of July. Which teams are still contending and which are already writing their seasons off? What players will have the greatest stock during the free agent trade deadline? What managers will lose their jobs and how many prospects will be called up in late September for debuts? There are questions all around the league concerning injury updates, rotation statuses and lingering slumps or streaks. Some teams headed into the All-Star break on the rise (White Sox) and others have dropped off slightly and have not been playing up to their potential (Twins). Will the Mets collapse and can the Yankees repeat? Which teams will snag wildcard tickets into the post-season? Since I am working on four hours of sleep, I will not predict or begin to address these questions at this time. Instead, I leave you with a poem that has nothing to do with any sport. Contained in the following verses are the words that have swarmed around in my mind for too long. I just had to put them on paper.
Fifty-two Flowers
There are fifty- two weeks in a year
Yet it takes two seconds
To fall in love with you dear
The sad soft air upon me lends
An indefinable longing for you here
My blissful strive to guard your heart
Leaves blue tranquil flowers along
A distinguished trail when we’re apart
Concrete emptiness where you belong
Replaces my tears for our beloved start
I take for granted the boundless light
Provided in this endless life
With an unceasing desire to hold you tight
The days do fade but love remains rife
Long after the sun gives way to night
My tired eyes see only clear
Yet the thrill of you is infinite and obscure
A joyous spirit who I yearn to be near
For you, my sight is without a blur
Fifty-two weeks throughout the year
Parting Points: Song of the day- Tommy Two-Tone’s “867-5309”
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Beautiful Baseball
The diamond rings with vendor chants
Popcorn sprinkles between the seats
In the first base dugout, a player rants
As the formal usher man greets
Managers march anxiously back and forth
Grounds crews rake the last of March
Fans pour words out from the north
While the south sand sits fresh and parch
The balls sail effortlessly through the blue
A leather mitt soaks up a human hand
Someone records the whole game through
Detailing beauty that will never be bland
Parting Points: Sad loss for the New York Yankees-George Steinbrenner was an icon.
Popcorn sprinkles between the seats
In the first base dugout, a player rants
As the formal usher man greets
Managers march anxiously back and forth
Grounds crews rake the last of March
Fans pour words out from the north
While the south sand sits fresh and parch
The balls sail effortlessly through the blue
A leather mitt soaks up a human hand
Someone records the whole game through
Detailing beauty that will never be bland
Parting Points: Sad loss for the New York Yankees-George Steinbrenner was an icon.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Futbol Fiesta
Spain defeated the Netherlands to win the 2010 World Cup on Sunday for the first time in its nation’s history. The title was claimed after a 1-0 victory in the 116th minute of the championship game in Johannesburg. Andres Iniesta footed the contest’s only goal four minutes from penalty kicks to lift the Spaniards over the Dutch. Sunday’s match featured a record 14 yellow cards, nine handed to the Netherlands. The Dutch accumulated nine bookings in 120 minutes, and despite their speed and goal-scoring ability couldn’t neutralize Spain’s talent. Referee Howard Webb issued five yellow cards in the opening 28 minutes of match. It was an ugly game from the Netherlands, even as they generated a few kicks on open breakaways.
The Dutch were not without scoring chances in regulation. Twice the Netherlands had an opportunity to win the match on second half breakaways. Iker Casillas denied the Dutch both times, swallowing up the shots from the Dutch attackers. Sergio Ramos was brilliant for a Spanish team that dominated time of possession. Ramos planted a header a few feet from the back right of the bar after Maartin Stekelenburg saved his header from within the penalty area moments earlier. The Spanish team could not finish their wide open chances and the game was pushed into overtime. Both Bert van Marwijk and Vincente del Bosque used their final substitutions with the game still at a draw in the extra session.
Spain continued to show energy and magnificence with the ball as the Netherlands simply looked exhausted. The Dutch were playing a man down after Holland’s John Heitinga picked up his second yellow card for grabbing Iniesta from behind. Spain took control from there, and nine minutes later tallied the game’s only goal. Cesc Fabregas passed to the right of the goal, where teammate Iniesta was waiting to sink his half-volley from ten feet out beyond the reach of Stekelenburg. The Dutch goalie got one hand on the ball but it wasn’t enough to prevent Spain from prevailing in South Africa.
Parting Points: Thought of the day- Life gets better.
The Dutch were not without scoring chances in regulation. Twice the Netherlands had an opportunity to win the match on second half breakaways. Iker Casillas denied the Dutch both times, swallowing up the shots from the Dutch attackers. Sergio Ramos was brilliant for a Spanish team that dominated time of possession. Ramos planted a header a few feet from the back right of the bar after Maartin Stekelenburg saved his header from within the penalty area moments earlier. The Spanish team could not finish their wide open chances and the game was pushed into overtime. Both Bert van Marwijk and Vincente del Bosque used their final substitutions with the game still at a draw in the extra session.
Spain continued to show energy and magnificence with the ball as the Netherlands simply looked exhausted. The Dutch were playing a man down after Holland’s John Heitinga picked up his second yellow card for grabbing Iniesta from behind. Spain took control from there, and nine minutes later tallied the game’s only goal. Cesc Fabregas passed to the right of the goal, where teammate Iniesta was waiting to sink his half-volley from ten feet out beyond the reach of Stekelenburg. The Dutch goalie got one hand on the ball but it wasn’t enough to prevent Spain from prevailing in South Africa.
Parting Points: Thought of the day- Life gets better.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Chaotic Chamberlain Collapse Crushes Champs
This is my 600th blog post. It will be a round-up of---who other than the New York Yankees. Unfortunately for me, the Yankees lost to the Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle last night. New York tried unsuccessfully to trade for Cliff Lee on Friday afternoon. The Yankees’ starting pitching isn’t the problem. Joe Girardi’s defending champions could have used an eighth inning set-up man last night as Joba Chamberlain gave up a grand slam and a 1-0 lead out of the bullpen. Chamberlain’s disastrous outing wasted a brilliant and scoreless effort from Javier Vasquez and snapped New York’s seven game winning streak.
The Yankees have struggled to score runs in support of Vasquez and last night was more of the same. New York ‘s only tally came in the top of the third off Seattle seven-gamew inning ace, Felix Hernandez. Newly-appointed All-Star, Nick Swisher, smacked his 15th homerun of the year, a solo shot off the 24 year old. Vazquez carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out seven Mariners on the evening. Ichiro Suzuki was first to crack through with an infield single in the sixth. The Yankee hurler got out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh and exited the game with just three hits allowed and a pair of walks. Chamberlain was summoned in relief during the eighth inning and yielded two singles to start the frame. Chamberlain’s wild pitch allowed Suzuki to advance to third base and Chone Figgins to take second. Russell Branyan was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out in the eighth before Chamberlain fell behind in the count to Seattle slugger, Jose Lopez. Lopez drilled the next pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam and 4-1 Mariners edge. The debacle of an inning marked the fourth time this season Chamberlain has given up at least three runs in a frame.
Hernandez finished the game for the home team for his second complete game in eleven days against New York. The Yankees plated pinch-hitter Jorge Posada with one out in the top of the ninth. Posada represented the tying run after Curtis Granderson doubled and Derek Jeter reached safely on an infield single. The Yankee catcher was fanned on a questionable high third strike call for the second out. Brett Gardner ended New York’s threat and the game by striking out looking. Just like that Seattle ended a five game losing skid. Chamberlain took the loss, his first of the season as the Yankees fell for just the 32nd time. The Mariners improved to 35-52, good for last place in the AL West. Today is the last game before the MLB All-Star break. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for New York against Seattle’s Ryan Rowland-Smith. Sabathia, an All-star, tries to become the league’s second 12-game winner at 4:05 this afternoon.
Parting Points: As always, I’m looking forward to the All-Star game.
Cliff Lee was roughed up in his Texas debut.
The Yankees have struggled to score runs in support of Vasquez and last night was more of the same. New York ‘s only tally came in the top of the third off Seattle seven-gamew inning ace, Felix Hernandez. Newly-appointed All-Star, Nick Swisher, smacked his 15th homerun of the year, a solo shot off the 24 year old. Vazquez carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out seven Mariners on the evening. Ichiro Suzuki was first to crack through with an infield single in the sixth. The Yankee hurler got out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh and exited the game with just three hits allowed and a pair of walks. Chamberlain was summoned in relief during the eighth inning and yielded two singles to start the frame. Chamberlain’s wild pitch allowed Suzuki to advance to third base and Chone Figgins to take second. Russell Branyan was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out in the eighth before Chamberlain fell behind in the count to Seattle slugger, Jose Lopez. Lopez drilled the next pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam and 4-1 Mariners edge. The debacle of an inning marked the fourth time this season Chamberlain has given up at least three runs in a frame.
Hernandez finished the game for the home team for his second complete game in eleven days against New York. The Yankees plated pinch-hitter Jorge Posada with one out in the top of the ninth. Posada represented the tying run after Curtis Granderson doubled and Derek Jeter reached safely on an infield single. The Yankee catcher was fanned on a questionable high third strike call for the second out. Brett Gardner ended New York’s threat and the game by striking out looking. Just like that Seattle ended a five game losing skid. Chamberlain took the loss, his first of the season as the Yankees fell for just the 32nd time. The Mariners improved to 35-52, good for last place in the AL West. Today is the last game before the MLB All-Star break. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for New York against Seattle’s Ryan Rowland-Smith. Sabathia, an All-star, tries to become the league’s second 12-game winner at 4:05 this afternoon.
Parting Points: As always, I’m looking forward to the All-Star game.
Cliff Lee was roughed up in his Texas debut.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hollow Heart
For Dayle (10/14/52-7/9/10)
The crackle of October leaves
The faith of someone who believes
Remind me of her courage and fears
As we filled her car with mournful tears
The blackness of the shaded chairs
White reminders of the one who cares
Her openness empowered change
All the lives she touched to rearrange
Her tidy desk and heart-to-hearts
The way she knew all my broken parts
The place she gave me to call my own
A tennis club, my family from home
Flying under her wing to rise again
Unsure of myself and not knowing when
God gives us all someone we can trust
Even when losing them He knows we must
I’ll miss her laugh most of all
Because it lifted me through my deepest fall
Parting Points: Song of the day- "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
The crackle of October leaves
The faith of someone who believes
Remind me of her courage and fears
As we filled her car with mournful tears
The blackness of the shaded chairs
White reminders of the one who cares
Her openness empowered change
All the lives she touched to rearrange
Her tidy desk and heart-to-hearts
The way she knew all my broken parts
The place she gave me to call my own
A tennis club, my family from home
Flying under her wing to rise again
Unsure of myself and not knowing when
God gives us all someone we can trust
Even when losing them He knows we must
I’ll miss her laugh most of all
Because it lifted me through my deepest fall
Parting Points: Song of the day- "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Decision Day
LeBron James will announce his decision about what team he will sign with tonight on television. I could care less where the best player in the league (arguably) chooses to play, but James’ free agency will impact the team he selects. LeBron’s decision will also affect the fans. I’d be willing to be there are kids out there who will become fans of the team that lands LeBron.
Why are you loyal to specific teams? People have many reasons why they root for certain teams in each sport. My reasons all come down to one commonality: a player. My decision to become a fan of a team can be traced to a set of players I established as favorites when I was young. I am a Yankees fan because of Steve Sax. I root for the Dallas Cowboys because of Troy Aikman. The reason I like the Houston Rockets is because of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. My L.A. Kings fascination stems from an adoration of Wayne Gretzky and I like the Devils because of Marty Brodeur. I cheer for the Kansas Jayhawks during college basketball season because of my respect for Coach Bill Self. During college football season, you know you will find me sporting Ohio State apparel. Why? Joe Germaine.
A player gives a team personality and identity. Fanbases are often established because of players, though rich history and tradition doesn’t hurt. This is not to say fans always follow their favorite players if they sign with another team or are traded away. I didn’t root for the Whitesox when Sax left New York for Chicago. I didn’t automatically become a Rangers fan when Gretzky exited L.A. My loyalty stayed with the teams I considered my favorites.
It’s James’ decision to make and perhaps it’s more impactful than even the MVP superstar from Cleveland realizes. Should he leave the Cavs, what will those fans decide to do? Will the Cleveland LeBron fans follow their chosen player to his next destination or will they remain faithful to the Cavs? It will be interesting to see. They say one player does not make a team. But many times, one player does make a fan.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to the most unique and coolest musician of the past 15years—Beck!
Poem of the day- Richard Aldington’s “Prelude”
Why are you loyal to specific teams? People have many reasons why they root for certain teams in each sport. My reasons all come down to one commonality: a player. My decision to become a fan of a team can be traced to a set of players I established as favorites when I was young. I am a Yankees fan because of Steve Sax. I root for the Dallas Cowboys because of Troy Aikman. The reason I like the Houston Rockets is because of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. My L.A. Kings fascination stems from an adoration of Wayne Gretzky and I like the Devils because of Marty Brodeur. I cheer for the Kansas Jayhawks during college basketball season because of my respect for Coach Bill Self. During college football season, you know you will find me sporting Ohio State apparel. Why? Joe Germaine.
A player gives a team personality and identity. Fanbases are often established because of players, though rich history and tradition doesn’t hurt. This is not to say fans always follow their favorite players if they sign with another team or are traded away. I didn’t root for the Whitesox when Sax left New York for Chicago. I didn’t automatically become a Rangers fan when Gretzky exited L.A. My loyalty stayed with the teams I considered my favorites.
It’s James’ decision to make and perhaps it’s more impactful than even the MVP superstar from Cleveland realizes. Should he leave the Cavs, what will those fans decide to do? Will the Cleveland LeBron fans follow their chosen player to his next destination or will they remain faithful to the Cavs? It will be interesting to see. They say one player does not make a team. But many times, one player does make a fan.
Parting Points: Happy Birthday to the most unique and coolest musician of the past 15years—Beck!
Poem of the day- Richard Aldington’s “Prelude”
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