The whip of a racquet a natural reaction
for timely placed groundstrokes developed long ago
The influx of fear an unwelcome eruption
for deflated nerves taught to practice high ego
The makeup of an athlete a stimulating distraction
on a hard court surface allowing no errors
The conniving strategy an easy assumption
on a day with crowd bellowing without bearers
Overcome with emotion a hesitant swing
underscored the adrenaline contained within
Overwhelmed by the induction of power
Undermined the immaterial hour
Fearless and focused I took the first set
Completing my goal of refusing to fret
The next set I held strong in all eight games
Turning away the victor asserting her claims
Parting Points: "The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident." –Max Lucado
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Historical Hitter
This is the time of year when football snags the spotlight from America’s pastime. While baseball doesn’t become completely immaterial, it does take a backseat to the NFL. There are still some gritty pennant races and divisions up for grabs. There are also plenty of dramatic walk-off finishes yet to be played. One record is still close to being surpassed. Derek Jeter, the famous New York Yankees shortstop, is three hits away from tying Lou Gehrig’s Yankees hit record. That leaves the celebrity ballplayer four shy of the prestigious record.
You can’t say enough about the captain of the Yankees. Jeter has some of the best instincts I’ve ever seen in baseball. He always seems to competently get the job done. Nine out of ten times, Jeter comes through at the plate. His occasional power and opposite field slugging remain the staple of the future Hall-of-famer hitter. Derek averaged 195 hits in his first thirteen seasons with the Bombers. Since 1995, he has had a .300 average or above in all but three seasons. Jeter clubbed 223 homeruns and drove in 1,063 runs in fourteen seasons in the Bronx. No one epitomizes professionalism and class more than Jeter. He is the rare ballplayer who is truly grateful to be on the field each day. Jeter is noble on and off the field and has a strong makeup backed by equally strong family values. It seems all too fitting for someone with Jeter’s character to break the record set by the humble Iron Horse himself. Jeter eschewed discussing the record. He is more focused on winning baseball games and getting his team in a prime post-season position. Jeter seems almost embarrassed and uneasy when his name is mentioned among the Yankee greats. That’s typical of Derek Jeter. He rarely endorses the spotlight being on a single player.
Gehrig set the all-time record for hits as a Yankee at 2,721. We will never know how many more the first baseman could have collected had he been healthy. Jeter is closing in on Lou, and could very well tie and break the record this Labor Day. The captain went 3-for 3 in yesterday’s dismal loss to the Bluejays at Rogers Centre. The 35 year old will step to the plate at least a half a dozen times this afternoon as New York plays a doubleheader against the Rays. Jeter is already an immortal New York Yankee. He breaking Gehrig’s long-standing record only propels the shortstop to the top of the list. The accomplishment would be quite stellar considering all the legendary men that donned the pinstripes since Gehrig exited the game. Jeter may not play in both games of the day-night doubleheader, but it’s almost a done deal number two will break the record before the week is over.
Jeter, to me, is the modern-day Gehrig. His starred in four World Series with the Bombers and has earned the right to be considered one of the greatest hitters in franchise history. There is little debate he belongs in the Hall-of-Fame. Jeter will put up a new mark that may never be shattered. Players today don’t often stay with the same organization their entire career. Even if they do remain, most don’t hit as consistently or get on base as much as Jeter. The captain even has a chance to take down Rickey Henderson’s stolen base record and Mickey Mantle’s games played record as a Yankee. Jeter’s celebrated and acclaimed career can be summed up by his quality play and well-mannered attitude. You don’t have to analyze him carefully to realize he is truly a special player. Years from now, Yankees fans won’t remember most of today’s players very well. But Jeter will always be the face of the Yankees during our generation.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Bittersweet Me” by R.E.M.
You can’t say enough about the captain of the Yankees. Jeter has some of the best instincts I’ve ever seen in baseball. He always seems to competently get the job done. Nine out of ten times, Jeter comes through at the plate. His occasional power and opposite field slugging remain the staple of the future Hall-of-famer hitter. Derek averaged 195 hits in his first thirteen seasons with the Bombers. Since 1995, he has had a .300 average or above in all but three seasons. Jeter clubbed 223 homeruns and drove in 1,063 runs in fourteen seasons in the Bronx. No one epitomizes professionalism and class more than Jeter. He is the rare ballplayer who is truly grateful to be on the field each day. Jeter is noble on and off the field and has a strong makeup backed by equally strong family values. It seems all too fitting for someone with Jeter’s character to break the record set by the humble Iron Horse himself. Jeter eschewed discussing the record. He is more focused on winning baseball games and getting his team in a prime post-season position. Jeter seems almost embarrassed and uneasy when his name is mentioned among the Yankee greats. That’s typical of Derek Jeter. He rarely endorses the spotlight being on a single player.
Gehrig set the all-time record for hits as a Yankee at 2,721. We will never know how many more the first baseman could have collected had he been healthy. Jeter is closing in on Lou, and could very well tie and break the record this Labor Day. The captain went 3-for 3 in yesterday’s dismal loss to the Bluejays at Rogers Centre. The 35 year old will step to the plate at least a half a dozen times this afternoon as New York plays a doubleheader against the Rays. Jeter is already an immortal New York Yankee. He breaking Gehrig’s long-standing record only propels the shortstop to the top of the list. The accomplishment would be quite stellar considering all the legendary men that donned the pinstripes since Gehrig exited the game. Jeter may not play in both games of the day-night doubleheader, but it’s almost a done deal number two will break the record before the week is over.
Jeter, to me, is the modern-day Gehrig. His starred in four World Series with the Bombers and has earned the right to be considered one of the greatest hitters in franchise history. There is little debate he belongs in the Hall-of-Fame. Jeter will put up a new mark that may never be shattered. Players today don’t often stay with the same organization their entire career. Even if they do remain, most don’t hit as consistently or get on base as much as Jeter. The captain even has a chance to take down Rickey Henderson’s stolen base record and Mickey Mantle’s games played record as a Yankee. Jeter’s celebrated and acclaimed career can be summed up by his quality play and well-mannered attitude. You don’t have to analyze him carefully to realize he is truly a special player. Years from now, Yankees fans won’t remember most of today’s players very well. But Jeter will always be the face of the Yankees during our generation.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Bittersweet Me” by R.E.M.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Streak Stopper
Crescendos of clear chirpy cheers came from the crowd to compliment their comrade
His clustered crop of cronies came to clap him on in droves fully-clad
I watched him collect himself and wipe the sweat slowly off his brow
He tipped his helmet slightly and saluted the stands with a candid bow
My heart beat rhythmically as the grateful slugger gripped his bat with a clutch
The ageless body of a hero far removed from my distant touch
He anticipated his offering as he aspired to ascertain it all
She believed in the brilliant way he punished the ball
A following of faithful fans admired his undeterred strength
They excused his field flaws and the drawn-out game’s length
The illustrious icon insinuated veneration from his impressionable adherents
His gift for the glorious game garnered their consent and clearance
In time the glory would fade like the setting of a summer sun
The dawning of a new star giving way to an unforgettable run
Parting points: On September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles breaks one of baseball’s most famous records. Ripken plays in his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing the mark held by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig.
His clustered crop of cronies came to clap him on in droves fully-clad
I watched him collect himself and wipe the sweat slowly off his brow
He tipped his helmet slightly and saluted the stands with a candid bow
My heart beat rhythmically as the grateful slugger gripped his bat with a clutch
The ageless body of a hero far removed from my distant touch
He anticipated his offering as he aspired to ascertain it all
She believed in the brilliant way he punished the ball
A following of faithful fans admired his undeterred strength
They excused his field flaws and the drawn-out game’s length
The illustrious icon insinuated veneration from his impressionable adherents
His gift for the glorious game garnered their consent and clearance
In time the glory would fade like the setting of a summer sun
The dawning of a new star giving way to an unforgettable run
Parting points: On September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken, Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles breaks one of baseball’s most famous records. Ripken plays in his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing the mark held by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Rolle's Return Redeems Restlessness
Ohio State and Navy met for their first regular season game since 1931 on Saturday afternoon. The college football season kicked off at the Horseshoe and ended with what OSU head coach, Jim Tressel, termed a “dazzling” fourth quarter. Navy quarterback, Ricky Dobbs trimmed the Ohio State lead to two with 2:23 remaining in the game. Dobbs ran up the middle for a 24 yard touchdown to put the Midshipmen in position to tie the game on a two-point conversion. The Buckeyes led 29-27 when Brian Rolle intercepted a potential game-tying two-point conversion in the closing minutes. Rolle returned for two points the other way to preserve the Buckeye lead. The Bucks weathered the storm against a pesky Navy team in their 2009 home opener. An estimated crowd of 105,000 fans turned out at Ohio Stadium, the largest ever to see the Buckeyes open a season.
Rolle’s pick at the one-yard line was the game-saving play, but the contest featured other notable highlights from both sides. OSU’s second year quarterback, Terrelle Pryor was a respectable 14 of 21 for 174 yards. Pryor ran for a touchdown and passed for another to help Ohio State slip past the Midshipmen 31-27. Dan Herron led the Buckeye rushers with 72 yards and a touchdown, and Brandon Saine pounded out 53 yards in the backfield. Ohio State established an early 7-0 lead on their opening drive. The Buckeyes held the ball for just under seven minutes on a 15 play first quarter scoring drive. Pryor swiftly spiraled a 38 yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for the first OSU touchdown. Navy scored on the ensuing possession after converting four third downs. The Buckeyes evidently were troubled by the diverse and complicated Navy offensive formation. Dobbs rushed for 16 yards up the middle on a third and two to even the score. OSU place kicker, Aaron Pettry added a 23 yard field goal late in the quarter to put the Buckeyes back on top by three points.
The second quarter began sloppily for both teams. Ohio State overcame a few penalties and a fumble. The Midshipmen also fumbled, but were unable to recover their own ball. Instead, the stalwart OSU defense returned in time and the Buckeyes capitalized on the turnover. Kurt Coleman viciously knocked the ball from Mario Washington, and Ross Horman fell on the loose object. The splendid subsequent drive resulted in a touchdown for the scarlet and gray. Pryor scrambled to the left side of the endzone for the six points. Backup quarterback, Joe Bauserman completed three passes just before the half for Ohio State. He rushed for six yards to the Navy eight yard line before Tressel called their final timeout. Pettry footed a 25-yarder with .58 ticks on the clock to give his team a 20-8 halftime lead. Although not commanding, the Buckeyes did a good job handling Navy in the first half.
The only scoring in the third quarter was from the visiting team. Navy scored just before the end of the quarter on a 15-play drive that set up Marcus Curry’s 16 yard touchdown reception. The slim Ohio State lead was increased by three on Pettry’s third field goal of the game. This time, the slick kicker planted a long 52 yarder between the posts for a 23-14 Buckeye lead. Herron ran six yards for a touchdown on a quick but effective Ohio State drive. Pettry missed the point-after as the ball bounced off the right upright. The PAT wasn’t good, but Ohio State still held the advantage. The 29-14 home team lead would remain for just five minutes, however. Dobbs completed an unfathomable 85 yard pass to Curry on the one play for the Midshipmen. The noxious Navy pair was thorough through the air, but it was Navy’s defense that made this opener a game. Navy never folded, and their flexbone triple option offense rocked the Horseshoe in the second half. Curry beat the one-on-one coverage of OSU safety, Anderson Russell and outran him to the endzone. Dobbs lofted the perfect spiral to Curry, and in doing so completed the third longest pass play in Navy history. The Horseshoe crowd stunningly saw Dobbs throw for 156 yards and two scores. The Navy signal-caller completed 9 of 13 passes on the day. Curry finished with just over 100 total yards.
Ohio State limped through the remainder of the fourth quarter. The lowlight came on Pryor’s intercepted pass by Navy safety, Emmett Merchant. Merchant returned the ball 28 yards to the OSU 33 yard line with four minutes left in the game. Dobbs faked a handoff on third down and sprinted straight up the middle for another Midshipmen score. This is where the missed PAT could come back to haunt the Buckeyes. Navy went for the two-point conversion and the tie. The attempt was fruitless. The junior Buckeye, Rolle, thundered up the Navy sideline 99 yards to give the home crowd something to cheer about again: a 31-27 Buckeyes lead. OSU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to notch their first victory of the year. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for my beloved Buckeyes. They welcome their Hollywood opponents, the Pete Carroll-led USC Trojans on September 12th. The game is sure to rate, but will the actual product on the field show value?
Parting points: Does this game bring new meaning to the term “pick and roll(e)?” Gosh, I love this game. Is there anything better than college football?
Rolle’s pick at the one-yard line was the game-saving play, but the contest featured other notable highlights from both sides. OSU’s second year quarterback, Terrelle Pryor was a respectable 14 of 21 for 174 yards. Pryor ran for a touchdown and passed for another to help Ohio State slip past the Midshipmen 31-27. Dan Herron led the Buckeye rushers with 72 yards and a touchdown, and Brandon Saine pounded out 53 yards in the backfield. Ohio State established an early 7-0 lead on their opening drive. The Buckeyes held the ball for just under seven minutes on a 15 play first quarter scoring drive. Pryor swiftly spiraled a 38 yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher for the first OSU touchdown. Navy scored on the ensuing possession after converting four third downs. The Buckeyes evidently were troubled by the diverse and complicated Navy offensive formation. Dobbs rushed for 16 yards up the middle on a third and two to even the score. OSU place kicker, Aaron Pettry added a 23 yard field goal late in the quarter to put the Buckeyes back on top by three points.
The second quarter began sloppily for both teams. Ohio State overcame a few penalties and a fumble. The Midshipmen also fumbled, but were unable to recover their own ball. Instead, the stalwart OSU defense returned in time and the Buckeyes capitalized on the turnover. Kurt Coleman viciously knocked the ball from Mario Washington, and Ross Horman fell on the loose object. The splendid subsequent drive resulted in a touchdown for the scarlet and gray. Pryor scrambled to the left side of the endzone for the six points. Backup quarterback, Joe Bauserman completed three passes just before the half for Ohio State. He rushed for six yards to the Navy eight yard line before Tressel called their final timeout. Pettry footed a 25-yarder with .58 ticks on the clock to give his team a 20-8 halftime lead. Although not commanding, the Buckeyes did a good job handling Navy in the first half.
The only scoring in the third quarter was from the visiting team. Navy scored just before the end of the quarter on a 15-play drive that set up Marcus Curry’s 16 yard touchdown reception. The slim Ohio State lead was increased by three on Pettry’s third field goal of the game. This time, the slick kicker planted a long 52 yarder between the posts for a 23-14 Buckeye lead. Herron ran six yards for a touchdown on a quick but effective Ohio State drive. Pettry missed the point-after as the ball bounced off the right upright. The PAT wasn’t good, but Ohio State still held the advantage. The 29-14 home team lead would remain for just five minutes, however. Dobbs completed an unfathomable 85 yard pass to Curry on the one play for the Midshipmen. The noxious Navy pair was thorough through the air, but it was Navy’s defense that made this opener a game. Navy never folded, and their flexbone triple option offense rocked the Horseshoe in the second half. Curry beat the one-on-one coverage of OSU safety, Anderson Russell and outran him to the endzone. Dobbs lofted the perfect spiral to Curry, and in doing so completed the third longest pass play in Navy history. The Horseshoe crowd stunningly saw Dobbs throw for 156 yards and two scores. The Navy signal-caller completed 9 of 13 passes on the day. Curry finished with just over 100 total yards.
Ohio State limped through the remainder of the fourth quarter. The lowlight came on Pryor’s intercepted pass by Navy safety, Emmett Merchant. Merchant returned the ball 28 yards to the OSU 33 yard line with four minutes left in the game. Dobbs faked a handoff on third down and sprinted straight up the middle for another Midshipmen score. This is where the missed PAT could come back to haunt the Buckeyes. Navy went for the two-point conversion and the tie. The attempt was fruitless. The junior Buckeye, Rolle, thundered up the Navy sideline 99 yards to give the home crowd something to cheer about again: a 31-27 Buckeyes lead. OSU recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock to notch their first victory of the year. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for my beloved Buckeyes. They welcome their Hollywood opponents, the Pete Carroll-led USC Trojans on September 12th. The game is sure to rate, but will the actual product on the field show value?
Parting points: Does this game bring new meaning to the term “pick and roll(e)?” Gosh, I love this game. Is there anything better than college football?
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Bellotti's Bitter Boys Begin in Boise
My Thursday night and Saturday afternoons are officially booked from tonight until January. The college football season begins this evening with some interesting match-ups. The most intriguing game takes place at 10:15 EST when the consummate BCS-busters of Boise State battle Pac-10 contender, Oregon. The attractive match-up is a rematch of last year’s remarkable and memorable clash in Eugene. The Ducks were ranked 14th in the preseason polls but may suffer a drop off as Chip Kelly makes the demanding transition from coordinator to head coach. Former coach, Mike Bellotti, took the athletic director position after last season’s 10-3 regular season finish. Oregon’s offensive is a potent one, finishing seventh in the nation in scoring a year ago. Junior Jeremiah Masoli will have to grow up quickly as the team’s starting quarterback. Boise State is no cupcake on the Duck’s non-conference schedule. Masoli is looking to avenge Oregon’s 2008 loss against the Broncos. Last September, Masoli completed 3 of 4 passes against Boise State before leaving the game with a 6 point lead and a concussion. The Ducks went on to lose the game 37-32 in a shocker with redshirt freshman, Kellen Moore, guiding the Broncos to victory. Moore passed for over 3,000 yards and threw 25 touchdown passes for the 12-0, undefeated Boise State team. The Broncos were arguably one of the best teams in the nation last year, and some believed they should have been in the national championship game. Masoli endured a spectacular season for Oregon, ending in a Poinsettia Bowl victory. He is a keen and quick ball distributer and will be expected to dispense efficiently against one of the nation’s stingiest defenses. The secondary is probably the Duck’s weakest area this year, but Oregon has a strong linebacker core. Casey Matthews, Spencer Paysinger and Eddie Pleasant are the trio of versatile linebackers for Kelly. Their coverage will be key to the Ducks’ success on defense because the linebackers can take the pressure off the secondary in upsetting opposing offenses.
The Broncos have a 49 game regular season winning streak at home but the Ducks are predicting they will be the team to snap it. This is the biggest home game in Boise State history. Ticketless fans are encouraged to gather at the University’s basketball arena to share in the hype. The confident Oregon squad anticipates they will become the first to knock of Boise State at Bronco Stadium. If they succeed, the Ducks will be the road winners since December 28, 2005. It’s never an easy task facing Chris Peterson’s well-coached football team. The Broncos return 12 starters and are the heavy favorites to win their seventh WAC title in eight years. The schedule sets up nicely for a flawless season if the Broncos can first finish off Oregon. The game has serious implications in paving the path for a BCS bowl later on. Even if they lose tonight, the well-timed loss may not be a factor to the voters later in the season. The boys on the blue turf have a solid line and running game around their thriving quarterback. Moore is a year older and has natural athletic ability. Moore can scramble for yardage but his terrific pocket protection makes him a steady passer. He shouldn’t have a problem with the Ducks defense. Oregon is breaking in six new starters on defense but the Ducks tend to shine in the spotlight, and this is a nationally-televised game. The quarterbacks will be the focus of tonight’s game, especially since last season’s collision spawned comments from the Duck sideline. The pesky smaller school from Idaho will encapsulate what this year’s version of the Ducks will be like. Boise State is the first challenge for the high-profile Pac-10 Ducks, but they teams are about equal in talent. The Broncos have the lower ranking at 16 and are technically the underdogs. But is anyone BUT Boise State really an underdog on Bronco Stadium’s blue turf?
Parting points: What’s this about Jim Tressel coming to the defense of Rich Rodriguez??
The Broncos have a 49 game regular season winning streak at home but the Ducks are predicting they will be the team to snap it. This is the biggest home game in Boise State history. Ticketless fans are encouraged to gather at the University’s basketball arena to share in the hype. The confident Oregon squad anticipates they will become the first to knock of Boise State at Bronco Stadium. If they succeed, the Ducks will be the road winners since December 28, 2005. It’s never an easy task facing Chris Peterson’s well-coached football team. The Broncos return 12 starters and are the heavy favorites to win their seventh WAC title in eight years. The schedule sets up nicely for a flawless season if the Broncos can first finish off Oregon. The game has serious implications in paving the path for a BCS bowl later on. Even if they lose tonight, the well-timed loss may not be a factor to the voters later in the season. The boys on the blue turf have a solid line and running game around their thriving quarterback. Moore is a year older and has natural athletic ability. Moore can scramble for yardage but his terrific pocket protection makes him a steady passer. He shouldn’t have a problem with the Ducks defense. Oregon is breaking in six new starters on defense but the Ducks tend to shine in the spotlight, and this is a nationally-televised game. The quarterbacks will be the focus of tonight’s game, especially since last season’s collision spawned comments from the Duck sideline. The pesky smaller school from Idaho will encapsulate what this year’s version of the Ducks will be like. Boise State is the first challenge for the high-profile Pac-10 Ducks, but they teams are about equal in talent. The Broncos have the lower ranking at 16 and are technically the underdogs. But is anyone BUT Boise State really an underdog on Bronco Stadium’s blue turf?
Parting points: What’s this about Jim Tressel coming to the defense of Rich Rodriguez??
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Acting Athletic
One year from today the date on the calendar will read: 90210. In honor of my favorite show, I thought I would dedicate a blog entry to the athletic themes and professional athletes appearing throughout the ten year reign of 90210.
The first glimpse of sport I remember from the early high school years was in episode two, “The Green Room”. Brandon and Brenda Walsh discovered their companion Dylan’s love for surfing. Brandon often accompanied Dylan McKay and his female friend, “Betty” on their surfing ventures. The Walsh twins would perform CPR and rescue Betty during a surfing accident later in the episode. It was the first of many heroic gestures of the series by Brandon. Brandon could be seen roller blading in the summer or riding a bike when his car didn’t do the job. Early in the series, viewers also learned about Brandon’s love for the game of hockey. Growing up in Minnesota exposed the high school heartthrob to the ice. He even briefly dated an ice skater after he moved to Beverly Hills, but the relationship did not last long. Brandon flirted with basketball in season one too. He tried out for the Beverly Hills High team with his friend, Steve Sanders. Brandon and Steve grew suspicious of the more talented players brought in from out of district. Steve was quite athletic and very into sports. He nailed a halftime shot at an LA Lakers game later on in high school. Brandon, on the other hand, was more successful as a sports writer. He depicted several football games and covered all the Varsity sports at the Sports Editor of the “Beverly Blaze.” In season two’s “Competitive Edge” episode, he exposed the rampant steroid use in the school’s corrupt athletic department. Brandon wasn’t always a whistleblower. He would take the field again when he and Dylan volunteered to coach a local Little League team. Dylan was not your typical jock but was an ocean lover. He taught his stepsister, Erica, how to swim and got into a surfing accident in season two. His buddy Brandon was more of a gym rat, especially when he was picking up women in season four. Brandon also studiously strapped on the ice skates in Season 7 for a charity hockey event. Cam Neely appeared in the episode “Face-Off”, where Brandon competed against Tom Miller. Tom was hot for Brandon’s ex-girlfriend, Kelly Taylor.
Football was the focus during season six. Donna Martin began dating the quarterback of California University, Joe Bradley. Joe’s professional idol, Steve Young, made a cameo on 90210 during the season six Thanksgiving episode. Quarterback Bradley had some major heart problems that threatened his football career, however. He would not go on to the NFL like Young. The Rose Bowl parade was featured in the episode, “Turn Back The Clock”. Donna made the final cut of the Tournament Of Roses and sat on the float New Years’ Day. Winter in Beverly Hills during the characters’ junior year in college was eventful sporting-wise. The group took a ski trip in “All This and Mary Too”. Susan Keats challenged her boyfriend Brandon to a ski race. The couple left their designated run and ended up getting lost in the cold weather. Steve took to the squash/racquetball courts near the end of season six with his pal, Prince Carl. The rich Carl also participated in polo and the group made an effort to watch him play.
Other athletes made guest appearances on 90210. Olympic gymnast, Kerri Strugg complained about her college schedule in front of an awe-stricken David Silver during registration. Howie Long greeted Steve and Brandon at the LA airport in the first episode of the fifth season. The most criticized athlete of the last decade, Barry Bonds, had a goofy stint on the show. Bonds appeared as a celebrity friend of Rush Sanders in a golf outing in his pre-BALCO days. Matthew Perry portrayed an athlete in the episode, “April is the Cruelest Month”. Perry played the part of the high school’s number one tennis player who secretly wanted to kill his father. Talk about dramatic. Many of the main characters swung the racquet too. Brandon, Steve and Valerie all took part in the great game during the spectacular series. In season eight, Noah Hunter related to his dad only through baseball. After his father committed suicide, Noah took an autographed ball and smacked it through a set of trees in anger. Gina Kincaid was introduced in season nine as Donna’s stepsister. Gina, a former ice skater, developed more intense issues than competing once she moved to the famous zipcode.
I hope you enjoyed my little article. It was enjoyable for me to reflect on such a terrific show.
Parting points: “I like your butt…I mean your bike”—Brenda Walsh to Dylan McKay
The first glimpse of sport I remember from the early high school years was in episode two, “The Green Room”. Brandon and Brenda Walsh discovered their companion Dylan’s love for surfing. Brandon often accompanied Dylan McKay and his female friend, “Betty” on their surfing ventures. The Walsh twins would perform CPR and rescue Betty during a surfing accident later in the episode. It was the first of many heroic gestures of the series by Brandon. Brandon could be seen roller blading in the summer or riding a bike when his car didn’t do the job. Early in the series, viewers also learned about Brandon’s love for the game of hockey. Growing up in Minnesota exposed the high school heartthrob to the ice. He even briefly dated an ice skater after he moved to Beverly Hills, but the relationship did not last long. Brandon flirted with basketball in season one too. He tried out for the Beverly Hills High team with his friend, Steve Sanders. Brandon and Steve grew suspicious of the more talented players brought in from out of district. Steve was quite athletic and very into sports. He nailed a halftime shot at an LA Lakers game later on in high school. Brandon, on the other hand, was more successful as a sports writer. He depicted several football games and covered all the Varsity sports at the Sports Editor of the “Beverly Blaze.” In season two’s “Competitive Edge” episode, he exposed the rampant steroid use in the school’s corrupt athletic department. Brandon wasn’t always a whistleblower. He would take the field again when he and Dylan volunteered to coach a local Little League team. Dylan was not your typical jock but was an ocean lover. He taught his stepsister, Erica, how to swim and got into a surfing accident in season two. His buddy Brandon was more of a gym rat, especially when he was picking up women in season four. Brandon also studiously strapped on the ice skates in Season 7 for a charity hockey event. Cam Neely appeared in the episode “Face-Off”, where Brandon competed against Tom Miller. Tom was hot for Brandon’s ex-girlfriend, Kelly Taylor.
Football was the focus during season six. Donna Martin began dating the quarterback of California University, Joe Bradley. Joe’s professional idol, Steve Young, made a cameo on 90210 during the season six Thanksgiving episode. Quarterback Bradley had some major heart problems that threatened his football career, however. He would not go on to the NFL like Young. The Rose Bowl parade was featured in the episode, “Turn Back The Clock”. Donna made the final cut of the Tournament Of Roses and sat on the float New Years’ Day. Winter in Beverly Hills during the characters’ junior year in college was eventful sporting-wise. The group took a ski trip in “All This and Mary Too”. Susan Keats challenged her boyfriend Brandon to a ski race. The couple left their designated run and ended up getting lost in the cold weather. Steve took to the squash/racquetball courts near the end of season six with his pal, Prince Carl. The rich Carl also participated in polo and the group made an effort to watch him play.
Other athletes made guest appearances on 90210. Olympic gymnast, Kerri Strugg complained about her college schedule in front of an awe-stricken David Silver during registration. Howie Long greeted Steve and Brandon at the LA airport in the first episode of the fifth season. The most criticized athlete of the last decade, Barry Bonds, had a goofy stint on the show. Bonds appeared as a celebrity friend of Rush Sanders in a golf outing in his pre-BALCO days. Matthew Perry portrayed an athlete in the episode, “April is the Cruelest Month”. Perry played the part of the high school’s number one tennis player who secretly wanted to kill his father. Talk about dramatic. Many of the main characters swung the racquet too. Brandon, Steve and Valerie all took part in the great game during the spectacular series. In season eight, Noah Hunter related to his dad only through baseball. After his father committed suicide, Noah took an autographed ball and smacked it through a set of trees in anger. Gina Kincaid was introduced in season nine as Donna’s stepsister. Gina, a former ice skater, developed more intense issues than competing once she moved to the famous zipcode.
I hope you enjoyed my little article. It was enjoyable for me to reflect on such a terrific show.
Parting points: “I like your butt…I mean your bike”—Brenda Walsh to Dylan McKay
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Dandy Deliverer
It was a vintage Andy Pettitte performance on the mound at Camden Yards in Baltimore Monday night. The Yankees thwarted their familiar foes, the Orioles, behind the 37 year old southpaw, 5-1. Pettitte retired the first 20 batters he faced before the first Baltimore batter reached base in the seventh inning. The orange birds got on the board in the eighth, scoring their first run on a Melvin Mora homerun off number 46. Pettitte completed his masterful effort with three consecutive outs after the Mora blast.
The Bronx left-hander moved into sole possession of third place on the Yankees career wins list. His decorated and dominating deliverance against the Orioles was understated. Pettitte threw 104 pitches and allowed one run on two hits. He is now 26-6 lifetime against Baltimore, and the Orioles saw 73 strikes from the southpaw’s dandy arm last night. Pettitte was overpowering at times and affirmed after the game he was feeling really good about pitching a no-hit, perfect game into the seventh. The lefty recorded a pair of flyouts to start the inning. The Orioles were unable to muster a hit it seemed, until Adam Jones stepped strikingly to the plate. Jones slipped a one-out ground ball through the legs of Jerry Hairston, Jr. at third base to break up the no-hit bid. Hairston was filling in for Alex Rodriguez, and was charged with an error on the passed ball. Nick Markakis followed Jones with an opposite field single down the line to move the runner up a base. But, the man footing the mound escaped unscathed by inducing Baltimore left fielder, Nolan Reimold, into a routing grounder.
Andy was the victim of Mora’s sixth slam of the year, but was still able to secure his 12th victory of the season. Pettitte’s record improved to 12-6 while closer, Mariano Rivera, picked up his 37th save of 2009. Nick Swisher was the offensive star for the Bombers’ Monday night series opener in Baltimore. Swisher clubbed a 2-2 Jeremy Guthrie offering into centerfield in the third inning to give the Yankees an early lead. The outfielder got the better of Guthrie again in the fifth frame, knocking out an RBI double. The Yankees tacked on three more runs off Mark Hendrickson later in the game. A Johnny Damon single to right scored Derek Jeter in the eighth, and Robinson Cano plated a double to drive Damon and Mark Teixeira home. That was all the scoring the Bombers needed with their ace pitching well on the mound and the bullpen firing away effectively again.
Pettitte’s missed baseball immortality just barely. The no-hitter would have stood even with Hairston’s lamentable error had that been the only runner allowed. But, such is the game of baseball. Andy was flawless and economical through the first three innings, and showed fans how they should still have faith in his ability. Only Whitey Ford and Red Ruffing have more wins in a Yankee uniform than Pettitte. The Yankees enter the final month of the season playing their best baseball of the year. They are beating the teams they are supposed to beat and performing at an unconscious level. At 83-48, New York has the American League’s best record. They don’t show any signs of slowing down or stopping until November.
Parting points: Dinara Safina escaped a close match at the U.S. Open. I am continually amazed at how she remains in contention considering how poorly she serves. Eleven double faults!?
The Bronx left-hander moved into sole possession of third place on the Yankees career wins list. His decorated and dominating deliverance against the Orioles was understated. Pettitte threw 104 pitches and allowed one run on two hits. He is now 26-6 lifetime against Baltimore, and the Orioles saw 73 strikes from the southpaw’s dandy arm last night. Pettitte was overpowering at times and affirmed after the game he was feeling really good about pitching a no-hit, perfect game into the seventh. The lefty recorded a pair of flyouts to start the inning. The Orioles were unable to muster a hit it seemed, until Adam Jones stepped strikingly to the plate. Jones slipped a one-out ground ball through the legs of Jerry Hairston, Jr. at third base to break up the no-hit bid. Hairston was filling in for Alex Rodriguez, and was charged with an error on the passed ball. Nick Markakis followed Jones with an opposite field single down the line to move the runner up a base. But, the man footing the mound escaped unscathed by inducing Baltimore left fielder, Nolan Reimold, into a routing grounder.
Andy was the victim of Mora’s sixth slam of the year, but was still able to secure his 12th victory of the season. Pettitte’s record improved to 12-6 while closer, Mariano Rivera, picked up his 37th save of 2009. Nick Swisher was the offensive star for the Bombers’ Monday night series opener in Baltimore. Swisher clubbed a 2-2 Jeremy Guthrie offering into centerfield in the third inning to give the Yankees an early lead. The outfielder got the better of Guthrie again in the fifth frame, knocking out an RBI double. The Yankees tacked on three more runs off Mark Hendrickson later in the game. A Johnny Damon single to right scored Derek Jeter in the eighth, and Robinson Cano plated a double to drive Damon and Mark Teixeira home. That was all the scoring the Bombers needed with their ace pitching well on the mound and the bullpen firing away effectively again.
Pettitte’s missed baseball immortality just barely. The no-hitter would have stood even with Hairston’s lamentable error had that been the only runner allowed. But, such is the game of baseball. Andy was flawless and economical through the first three innings, and showed fans how they should still have faith in his ability. Only Whitey Ford and Red Ruffing have more wins in a Yankee uniform than Pettitte. The Yankees enter the final month of the season playing their best baseball of the year. They are beating the teams they are supposed to beat and performing at an unconscious level. At 83-48, New York has the American League’s best record. They don’t show any signs of slowing down or stopping until November.
Parting points: Dinara Safina escaped a close match at the U.S. Open. I am continually amazed at how she remains in contention considering how poorly she serves. Eleven double faults!?
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