CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE KARL!
Coach Karl won his 1,000th NBA game the other night, becoming the 7th coach in NBA History to accomplish such an amazing feat. Congrats Karl, couldn't happen to a better coach!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Unacceptable
"Don Imus got fired why? How is this guy still around?"
"This guy" would be referring to SDSU 619 radio announcer Chris Ello.
Earlier this week, Ello erupted on the radio after hearing that a BYU employee was a part of the three-man team that decided that an apparent fumble by JJ Di Luigi was in fact not a fumble (Sadly, I never saw the play, but, according to virtually everyone who did see the play, it was a fumble). Here's how Randy Hollis of the Deseret News put it:
"Ello's comments came about in reaction to a blown call in last Saturday's BYU-SDSU football game, when the Aztecs were denied the ball on an apparent fumble by the Cougars' JJ Di Luigi. The potential game-changing play was reviewed in the replay booth but was not overturned. When Ello learned that a BYU employee was among those working in the replay booth, he went absolutely ballistic."
After listening to Ello's harsh comments, the word ballistic just doesn't seem to do it justice. I would say Ello went absolutely Don Imus on BYU.
If you feel brave enough, you can listen to his intolerable rant right here.
Since the Cougars have been abysmal this season and since my sports pride is at an all-time low, I've been quietly avoiding any talk about BYU football, and, as a result, I was completely ignorant of this outburst from Ello until I read Jay Bruce's BYU Blog on the Salt Lake Tribune. In an effort to mentally prepare for what could be the most memorable season in BYU basketball history, I was distracted by a headline that read "San Diego radio host's hate-filled rant sparks uproar."
So, naturally, I foolishly decided to delve into this endless "take a shot at BYU" game some media members love to play. In short, it probably wasn't my best idea. But - after I stopped literally shaking with rage - I started thinking of other public situations very similar to Chris Ello's rant.
In my mind, there are two comparable situations that didn't end well for the mouth in question and one situation where it all (publicly) ended with an apology.
Situation 1: "Look at that monkey run."
In 1983, Howard Cosell inadvertently made a racial slur to Redskins WR Alvin Garrett. On a breakaway run resulting in a TD, Cosell commented on Garrett's athleticism, saying on air, "Look at that monkey run." This was ultimately categorized as a racial remark, even if Cosell had zero intention of making such a comment. He was later forced out of his job as an analyst on Monday Night Football at the end of that season.
Situation 2: Max Hall
If you're a BYU sports fan, you're well aware of what Max Hall publicly stated about the University of Utah. If not, well, then you get to watch it here:
And if you don't want to watch Hall's infamous comments, then you get to read them:)
After an emotional OT win over the Utes on Senior Night, Hall lashed out about how the University of Utah is filled with classless fans.
"I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home."
It's ironic how Hall publicly declared his hatred for his University's most hated rival, making him look bitter and classless.
Hall also came out and made a public apology, stating that he got caught up "in the heat of the moment." Understandable, considering he had to deal with his family being abused at the BYU-Utah game the previous year.
Situation 3: Don Imus
On April 4, 2007, Don Imus characterized the Rutgers' Women's Basketball team as "rough girls." During the conversation, he went on to comment on their tattoos and call them "hardcore hos." Here's the released portion of the transcript:
IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and—
McGUIRK: Some hard-core hos.
IMUS: That's some nappy-headed hos. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some—whew. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like—kinda like—I don't know.
McGUIRK: A Spike Lee thing.
IMUS: Yeah.
McGUIRK: The Jigaboos vs. the Wannabes—that movie that he had.
Imus immediately came out with an apology to Rutgers University for his "insensitive and ill-conceived remarks." The apology didn't help much; CBS fired Imus a week later, citing racial slurs as grounds for termination.
What do these three remarks all have in common? They were comments that were either made out of raw emotion or had no meaning of ill-will. They were also comments that were immediately issued with apologies in the aftermath. They were also comments that were deemed unacceptable by their repsective leaders.
In all three instances, each man received a reprimand of some sort, with Hall receiving the least amount of punishment, considering he was a student and had no ties to any media relations. Don Imus and Howard Cosell did, and they crossed the line with their actions and were rightly terminated from their respective positions.
The only question I have now is: How the HELL does Chris Ello still have a job?
In his radio rant on Thursday, he was highly upset about the way things are run at BYU, going so far as to call the University hypocritical by waving flags across campus that say "Honor." Ok, he was infuriated with how the BYU-SDSU game ended, I get it, let's move on.
But that became impossible for me when I saw what he wrote in his radio's blog a year and a half ago.
For a journalist to be working for a public University to openly vilify a religion is UNACCEPTABLE.
When it came to race (Cosell) or gender (Imus), there was such a vast uproar across the nation that the two broadcasters didn't stand a chance. But when Ello compares Provo, UT to 1960's Birmingham, AL 18 MONTHS AGO and gets away with it? That's baffling, to say the least.
Despite what you may think about Mormonism, this is bigotry, and he made some incredibly stupid comments while being employed by a public University. He may think BYU is hypocritical, but the true hypocrisy is his current employment at San Diego State.
If we want to punish others for being racist or discriminatory, then it's HIGH TIME we start punishing public figures for religious slander.
Here are some comments on Ello's blog that I thoroughly enjoyed:
In your rant about how BYU has no honor I find it ironic that you don't see how you dishonor me as a San Diego St. Alum. While I am not Mormon, I have no I'll will towards any religion. In this column you talk about persecution of people in Utah based off of assumption while you in turn are persecuting Mormons. Don't you see that you are the hypocrite? I wish you had nothing to do with SDSU because you make us all look bad.
This individual should be thrown off the radio for such bigotry.
What kind of trash radio station employs such a bigot? Most irresponsible "journalist" I've ever heard on sports talk radio. Never do you, at anytime, back up a single claim with a source or a fact. Not with this stupid blog post or with your hate filled rant on the radio the other day. As a black BYU fan I can honestly say you are full of crap. I attended BYU and your 1960's claim is complete BS, I NEVER experienced racism at BYU. I couldn't fathom what it would have been like to have been alive during the civil rights movement. YOU, on the other hand, take a stroll through downtown Provo looking for a beer, cig, and a lap dance and suddenly you know what it was like to be treated like a black man in the 60's. Please, us Black folk don't need people like you making unsubstantiated claims and/or pulling the race card for us. Grow up.
As a black BYU student your comments are offensive and racist. How you are still on the radio is beyond me!!
Your religious bigotry and libel are beyond the pale. Had you directed your venom against a different class, religion, race, you would have been fired immediately.
Didn't BYU students elect a black candidate to be the student body president a few years ago???
Ya, sounds like a bunch of racists to me...
As a black BYU student I experienced much more racial discrimination back home in Kentucky than I ever have in Provo. I feel very much at ease when I walk around downtown Provo.
I have lived in AZ, Nevada, Utah and California. Utah is the least hostile towards blacks. Gays perhaps not as much -- don't ask, don't tell status. Though a very clean city with high morals and a desire to keep the city clean, Provo isn't perfect. Compared to San Diego, however, it is heaven vs. hades. At least I would consider raising my children in Provo. San Diego? No way!!! It isn't about bigotry or racism, it is about morality vs. immorality. Provo is a unique place in the entire world. Some people appreciate that it doesn't try to be anything else than it is -- but to say that it anything like you have described is a far stretch.
I live in San Diego, I am not Mormon. I am so shocked and offended by these comments, I am boycotting not only this writer but the station that continues to employ him also. Unbeleivable.
I love the SDSU apologists who try to justify this guy's behavior with their own anti-mormon rants!! Why is it that open season on Mormons is tolerated, while in our politically correct society the slightest misunderstanding becomes a cause celebre and grounds for lawsuits, protests, etc.? Seems like a double standard to me.
"This guy" would be referring to SDSU 619 radio announcer Chris Ello.
Earlier this week, Ello erupted on the radio after hearing that a BYU employee was a part of the three-man team that decided that an apparent fumble by JJ Di Luigi was in fact not a fumble (Sadly, I never saw the play, but, according to virtually everyone who did see the play, it was a fumble). Here's how Randy Hollis of the Deseret News put it:
"Ello's comments came about in reaction to a blown call in last Saturday's BYU-SDSU football game, when the Aztecs were denied the ball on an apparent fumble by the Cougars' JJ Di Luigi. The potential game-changing play was reviewed in the replay booth but was not overturned. When Ello learned that a BYU employee was among those working in the replay booth, he went absolutely ballistic."
After listening to Ello's harsh comments, the word ballistic just doesn't seem to do it justice. I would say Ello went absolutely Don Imus on BYU.
If you feel brave enough, you can listen to his intolerable rant right here.
Since the Cougars have been abysmal this season and since my sports pride is at an all-time low, I've been quietly avoiding any talk about BYU football, and, as a result, I was completely ignorant of this outburst from Ello until I read Jay Bruce's BYU Blog on the Salt Lake Tribune. In an effort to mentally prepare for what could be the most memorable season in BYU basketball history, I was distracted by a headline that read "San Diego radio host's hate-filled rant sparks uproar."
So, naturally, I foolishly decided to delve into this endless "take a shot at BYU" game some media members love to play. In short, it probably wasn't my best idea. But - after I stopped literally shaking with rage - I started thinking of other public situations very similar to Chris Ello's rant.
In my mind, there are two comparable situations that didn't end well for the mouth in question and one situation where it all (publicly) ended with an apology.
Situation 1: "Look at that monkey run."
In 1983, Howard Cosell inadvertently made a racial slur to Redskins WR Alvin Garrett. On a breakaway run resulting in a TD, Cosell commented on Garrett's athleticism, saying on air, "Look at that monkey run." This was ultimately categorized as a racial remark, even if Cosell had zero intention of making such a comment. He was later forced out of his job as an analyst on Monday Night Football at the end of that season.
Situation 2: Max Hall
If you're a BYU sports fan, you're well aware of what Max Hall publicly stated about the University of Utah. If not, well, then you get to watch it here:
And if you don't want to watch Hall's infamous comments, then you get to read them:)
After an emotional OT win over the Utes on Senior Night, Hall lashed out about how the University of Utah is filled with classless fans.
"I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home."
It's ironic how Hall publicly declared his hatred for his University's most hated rival, making him look bitter and classless.
Hall also came out and made a public apology, stating that he got caught up "in the heat of the moment." Understandable, considering he had to deal with his family being abused at the BYU-Utah game the previous year.
Situation 3: Don Imus
On April 4, 2007, Don Imus characterized the Rutgers' Women's Basketball team as "rough girls." During the conversation, he went on to comment on their tattoos and call them "hardcore hos." Here's the released portion of the transcript:
IMUS: That's some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos and—
McGUIRK: Some hard-core hos.
IMUS: That's some nappy-headed hos. I'm gonna tell you that now, man, that's some—whew. And the girls from Tennessee, they all look cute, you know, so, like—kinda like—I don't know.
McGUIRK: A Spike Lee thing.
IMUS: Yeah.
McGUIRK: The Jigaboos vs. the Wannabes—that movie that he had.
Imus immediately came out with an apology to Rutgers University for his "insensitive and ill-conceived remarks." The apology didn't help much; CBS fired Imus a week later, citing racial slurs as grounds for termination.
What do these three remarks all have in common? They were comments that were either made out of raw emotion or had no meaning of ill-will. They were also comments that were immediately issued with apologies in the aftermath. They were also comments that were deemed unacceptable by their repsective leaders.
In all three instances, each man received a reprimand of some sort, with Hall receiving the least amount of punishment, considering he was a student and had no ties to any media relations. Don Imus and Howard Cosell did, and they crossed the line with their actions and were rightly terminated from their respective positions.
The only question I have now is: How the HELL does Chris Ello still have a job?
In his radio rant on Thursday, he was highly upset about the way things are run at BYU, going so far as to call the University hypocritical by waving flags across campus that say "Honor." Ok, he was infuriated with how the BYU-SDSU game ended, I get it, let's move on.
But that became impossible for me when I saw what he wrote in his radio's blog a year and a half ago.
For a journalist to be working for a public University to openly vilify a religion is UNACCEPTABLE.
When it came to race (Cosell) or gender (Imus), there was such a vast uproar across the nation that the two broadcasters didn't stand a chance. But when Ello compares Provo, UT to 1960's Birmingham, AL 18 MONTHS AGO and gets away with it? That's baffling, to say the least.
Despite what you may think about Mormonism, this is bigotry, and he made some incredibly stupid comments while being employed by a public University. He may think BYU is hypocritical, but the true hypocrisy is his current employment at San Diego State.
If we want to punish others for being racist or discriminatory, then it's HIGH TIME we start punishing public figures for religious slander.
Here are some comments on Ello's blog that I thoroughly enjoyed:
In your rant about how BYU has no honor I find it ironic that you don't see how you dishonor me as a San Diego St. Alum. While I am not Mormon, I have no I'll will towards any religion. In this column you talk about persecution of people in Utah based off of assumption while you in turn are persecuting Mormons. Don't you see that you are the hypocrite? I wish you had nothing to do with SDSU because you make us all look bad.
This individual should be thrown off the radio for such bigotry.
What kind of trash radio station employs such a bigot? Most irresponsible "journalist" I've ever heard on sports talk radio. Never do you, at anytime, back up a single claim with a source or a fact. Not with this stupid blog post or with your hate filled rant on the radio the other day. As a black BYU fan I can honestly say you are full of crap. I attended BYU and your 1960's claim is complete BS, I NEVER experienced racism at BYU. I couldn't fathom what it would have been like to have been alive during the civil rights movement. YOU, on the other hand, take a stroll through downtown Provo looking for a beer, cig, and a lap dance and suddenly you know what it was like to be treated like a black man in the 60's. Please, us Black folk don't need people like you making unsubstantiated claims and/or pulling the race card for us. Grow up.
As a black BYU student your comments are offensive and racist. How you are still on the radio is beyond me!!
Your religious bigotry and libel are beyond the pale. Had you directed your venom against a different class, religion, race, you would have been fired immediately.
Didn't BYU students elect a black candidate to be the student body president a few years ago???
Ya, sounds like a bunch of racists to me...
As a black BYU student I experienced much more racial discrimination back home in Kentucky than I ever have in Provo. I feel very much at ease when I walk around downtown Provo.
I have lived in AZ, Nevada, Utah and California. Utah is the least hostile towards blacks. Gays perhaps not as much -- don't ask, don't tell status. Though a very clean city with high morals and a desire to keep the city clean, Provo isn't perfect. Compared to San Diego, however, it is heaven vs. hades. At least I would consider raising my children in Provo. San Diego? No way!!! It isn't about bigotry or racism, it is about morality vs. immorality. Provo is a unique place in the entire world. Some people appreciate that it doesn't try to be anything else than it is -- but to say that it anything like you have described is a far stretch.
I live in San Diego, I am not Mormon. I am so shocked and offended by these comments, I am boycotting not only this writer but the station that continues to employ him also. Unbeleivable.
I love the SDSU apologists who try to justify this guy's behavior with their own anti-mormon rants!! Why is it that open season on Mormons is tolerated, while in our politically correct society the slightest misunderstanding becomes a cause celebre and grounds for lawsuits, protests, etc.? Seems like a double standard to me.
Andy Katz/Dave Rose Go Viral
Good video on with Dave Rose and Andy Katz talking BYU basketball. Also, if you watch the video, go to this link to read a really good piece on Dave Rose and how he's setting the example other college coaches should follow. Andy Katz GETS the life at BYU; he always says the right things about the university and seems to have just the slightest bit of admiration for how the Cougs run things:).
PS sorry for not blogging in forever....I just need to get out of this funk and Ill be back. Im thinking BYU basketball will be a big help. GO COUGS!
Friday, September 3, 2010
BYU to WCC
Yes, this is a week late, but Im still poring over articles about the move. I absolutley love this idea! BYU football will become an Independent and all other athletic programs will join the West Coast Conference starting in 2011.
Despite what my hero, Joe Lunardi, says about the move, I think it fits the Cougars perfectly! As a private, faith based university, we belong in the WCC. Why? Every other university in the conference is a private faith based college.
Here are a couple great videos on the move. And I just don't have the time or the resources to do a full write-up on this...yet. Anyway, watch both of these, but really pay attention to the first one, BYU alum Trevor Matich and Todd McShay make some excellent points!
Despite what my hero, Joe Lunardi, says about the move, I think it fits the Cougars perfectly! As a private, faith based university, we belong in the WCC. Why? Every other university in the conference is a private faith based college.
Here are a couple great videos on the move. And I just don't have the time or the resources to do a full write-up on this...yet. Anyway, watch both of these, but really pay attention to the first one, BYU alum Trevor Matich and Todd McShay make some excellent points!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Things I miss...
Ok, it's no secret that I obviously miss home right now. And I could go on for days on what I miss about Colorado. But there's one giant thing that is hurting me right now. And that thing would be my beloved Colorado Rockies. I miss:
-Waking up every morning to the Sports Section in the Rocky Mountain News, reading up on Tracy Ringolsby's articles on how the Rox have finally become relevant.
-Poring over box scores every night, adoring the guys who came up big in tight spots.
-Watching Willy Taveras make every impossible play in CF look easy.
-Knowing that if the ball's in play, it'll be an out, because no one in our lineup knew how to make an error.
-Wondering what Dan O'Dowd will do with 3/5ths of our rotation on the DL, only to see him work his magic by calling up Ubaldo and Morales, and then sign guys like Ramon Ortiz, Denny Bautistsa, Mark Redman and Elmer Dessens.
-While driving to Utah for my cousin's wedding, we would listen to XM Radio with rapt attention, begging for another W to stay alive.
-Driving back from the Dave Sanders Invite, only to find out the Rox lost to Arizona to all but end their playoff hopes.
-Getting out of the theater the next day to the shock of the Milwaukee announcers on XM; Tony Gwynn, Jr, of all people, hit a two-out, two-strike triple off his hero, Trevor Hoffman, to send the game into extra innings, which virtually saved the Rockies' playoff heartbeat.
-Watching the Rockies destroy the D-Backs that same night, 11-1, to set up a dramatic final day of the season.
-Going to Coors that Sunday with my brother, excitedly talking about the possibilities that day could bring.
-Hearing the groan of the sell-out Coors crowd after seeing the Padres take an early 3-0 lead on the Brewers.
-Knowing that the Padres had a chance to win, watching the 50,000 Rockies fans erupt when the Rox ran out of the dugout at the start of the game.
-The constant scoreboard watching....and watching the players nervously check the Padres game too.
-The roar of the crowd when the Brewers charged back, eventually winning 11-6.
-The intense uproar after the Rox, thanks to some Lodo (pitching) magic by Ubaldo and Manny Corpas, beat Arizona, 4-3, to clinch a tie with San Diego atop the Wild Card, forcing a one-game playoff at Coors.
-Calling my parents 10 minutes later, only to find out that they were already on their way to King Soopers to buy 4 tickets to said game.
-Finding out that they bought 5 and Mike Brown would be joining us.
-Arriving to Coors that night, more excited to be at that game than I had ever been in my entire life.
-Tearing my hair out every grueling inning, knowing full well that I may never see a game more intense than the one playing out in front of me.
-Running to an opening on the concourse to see Torrealba's home run to put us up 3-0.
-Feeling my heart sink after Adrian Gonzalez hit a go-ahead Grand Slam off Josh Fogg in the 3rd.
-Calling for instant replay in baseball after Atkins's home run wasn't awarded.
-Feeling my heart in my throat after Holliday misjudged an easy liner to left to allow the Padres to tie it at 6 in the 8th.
-Feeling a nervous wreck after every Padres threat and every Rockies strikeout in extras.
-Knowing that the season was over after Hairston's two-run shot off of Jorge Julio in the 13th.
-Watching the crowd rally around this wonderful team for one more inning.
-Getting the feeling it could actually happen, especially with Trevor Hoffman, a terrific closer with a horrific fear of pitching at Coors Field.
-Screaming louder than I have ever screamed after back-to-back doubles by Kaz Matsui and Troy Tulowitzki.
-Crying unconrtollably after Holliday's game-tying triple.
-Watching the stars align as Todd Helton stepped to the plate....then realizing that life isn't THAT perfect, as Hoffman intentionally walked Helton.
-Seeing Jamey Carroll smack the first pitch he saw to right.
-Seeing Brian Giles make the catch above his head.
-Watching Holliday make a mad dash to the plate.
-The throw.
-The Slide.
-SAFE!
-Pandemonium.
-Knowing that nothing will stop these Rockies.
-Wearing the biggest smile on my face as Clint Hurdle hoisted the National League Plaque 16 days after the greatest Wild Card Tiebreaker in MLB history.
-Never wanting that moment to end. Ever.
-Willy Taveras
-Kazuo Matsui
-Matt Holliday
-Todd Helton
-Garrett Atkins
-Brad Hawpe
-Troy Tulowitzki
-Yorvit Torrealba
-Josh Fogg
-Jason Hirsch
-Brian Fuentes
-Jeremy Affeldt
-LaTroy Hawkins
-Matt Herges
-Mark Redman
-Ryan Speier
-Jeff Baker
-Jamey Carroll
-Corey Sullivan
-Mike Gallegos
-Jamie Quirk
-Keli MacGregor
And most of all, I miss this:
-Waking up every morning to the Sports Section in the Rocky Mountain News, reading up on Tracy Ringolsby's articles on how the Rox have finally become relevant.
-Poring over box scores every night, adoring the guys who came up big in tight spots.
-Watching Willy Taveras make every impossible play in CF look easy.
-Knowing that if the ball's in play, it'll be an out, because no one in our lineup knew how to make an error.
-Wondering what Dan O'Dowd will do with 3/5ths of our rotation on the DL, only to see him work his magic by calling up Ubaldo and Morales, and then sign guys like Ramon Ortiz, Denny Bautistsa, Mark Redman and Elmer Dessens.
-While driving to Utah for my cousin's wedding, we would listen to XM Radio with rapt attention, begging for another W to stay alive.
-Driving back from the Dave Sanders Invite, only to find out the Rox lost to Arizona to all but end their playoff hopes.
-Getting out of the theater the next day to the shock of the Milwaukee announcers on XM; Tony Gwynn, Jr, of all people, hit a two-out, two-strike triple off his hero, Trevor Hoffman, to send the game into extra innings, which virtually saved the Rockies' playoff heartbeat.
-Watching the Rockies destroy the D-Backs that same night, 11-1, to set up a dramatic final day of the season.
-Going to Coors that Sunday with my brother, excitedly talking about the possibilities that day could bring.
-Hearing the groan of the sell-out Coors crowd after seeing the Padres take an early 3-0 lead on the Brewers.
-Knowing that the Padres had a chance to win, watching the 50,000 Rockies fans erupt when the Rox ran out of the dugout at the start of the game.
-The constant scoreboard watching....and watching the players nervously check the Padres game too.
-The roar of the crowd when the Brewers charged back, eventually winning 11-6.
-The intense uproar after the Rox, thanks to some Lodo (pitching) magic by Ubaldo and Manny Corpas, beat Arizona, 4-3, to clinch a tie with San Diego atop the Wild Card, forcing a one-game playoff at Coors.
-Calling my parents 10 minutes later, only to find out that they were already on their way to King Soopers to buy 4 tickets to said game.
-Finding out that they bought 5 and Mike Brown would be joining us.
-Arriving to Coors that night, more excited to be at that game than I had ever been in my entire life.
-Tearing my hair out every grueling inning, knowing full well that I may never see a game more intense than the one playing out in front of me.
-Running to an opening on the concourse to see Torrealba's home run to put us up 3-0.
-Feeling my heart sink after Adrian Gonzalez hit a go-ahead Grand Slam off Josh Fogg in the 3rd.
-Calling for instant replay in baseball after Atkins's home run wasn't awarded.
-Feeling my heart in my throat after Holliday misjudged an easy liner to left to allow the Padres to tie it at 6 in the 8th.
-Feeling a nervous wreck after every Padres threat and every Rockies strikeout in extras.
-Knowing that the season was over after Hairston's two-run shot off of Jorge Julio in the 13th.
-Watching the crowd rally around this wonderful team for one more inning.
-Getting the feeling it could actually happen, especially with Trevor Hoffman, a terrific closer with a horrific fear of pitching at Coors Field.
-Screaming louder than I have ever screamed after back-to-back doubles by Kaz Matsui and Troy Tulowitzki.
-Crying unconrtollably after Holliday's game-tying triple.
-Watching the stars align as Todd Helton stepped to the plate....then realizing that life isn't THAT perfect, as Hoffman intentionally walked Helton.
-Seeing Jamey Carroll smack the first pitch he saw to right.
-Seeing Brian Giles make the catch above his head.
-Watching Holliday make a mad dash to the plate.
-The throw.
-The Slide.
-SAFE!
-Pandemonium.
-Knowing that nothing will stop these Rockies.
-Wearing the biggest smile on my face as Clint Hurdle hoisted the National League Plaque 16 days after the greatest Wild Card Tiebreaker in MLB history.
-Never wanting that moment to end. Ever.
-Willy Taveras
-Kazuo Matsui
-Matt Holliday
-Todd Helton
-Garrett Atkins
-Brad Hawpe
-Troy Tulowitzki
-Yorvit Torrealba
-Josh Fogg
-Jason Hirsch
-Brian Fuentes
-Jeremy Affeldt
-LaTroy Hawkins
-Matt Herges
-Mark Redman
-Ryan Speier
-Jeff Baker
-Jamey Carroll
-Corey Sullivan
-Mike Gallegos
-Jamie Quirk
-Keli MacGregor
And most of all, I miss this:
Monday, June 28, 2010
Random Awesome Video of the Month
New twist on Orbit Gum. A Good Clean Feeling No Matter What. This is ingenious! By the way, make sure to watch in full screen, because if you don't, you see the transparency of the video mixed in with my background, and as amazing as my background is, it just takes away from the video's general awesomeness:)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
South African Streets
The official World Cup Anthem. The South African Soweto Choir teamed up with U2 to piece together a beautiful rendition of "Where the Streets Have No Name."
Listen to it, it's outstanding!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Drawing Board
As an avid sports fan, and an American sports fan, I am definitely not a fan of ties. At all. Except in soccer. Especially in the FIFA World Cup. Against a country the Yanks haven't beaten since 1950.
The way they tied wasn't even fair, but I will take it. Considering that the Yanks are famous for terrible starts to the World Cup (look at 06, with all the expectations, USA plays scared and the Czechs win 3-0), it wasn't a surprise to see a 1-0 England lead in the 4th minute. I immediately thought it was 06 all over again. Then our world famous keeper, Tim Howard, found himself the victim of a vicious collision with England's striker Emile Heskey. The collision looked so severe, many were wondering whether Howard could stay in the game. Not only did he stay, he dominated the English attack, constantly making breathtaking saves with relative ease.
Howard is the reason why the Yanks stayed with the Brits for 90 minutes.
Robert Green is the reason why the Yanks pulled out a tie and a crucial point in the opening game.
In the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey pulled his best Ronaldinho impression on a few English defenders before finding an opening beyond the penalty area, taking an open shot, albeit not getting the strike, that somehow found the area between the goal line and the back of the net. You heard me, the ball rolled so slowly off of English GK Green that it didn't touch the net until it finally rested on the ground bar.
No matter the excuse, Green simply misplayed it, impossibly letting it slip off his gloves, then stumbling while desperately trying to stop the slow-moving ball to no avail. The play took about five seconds, which is about the same amount of time it took for the American fans to give Green his new nickname.
Bill Buckner.
That would be Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman that lost Boston a shot at the World Series in 1986. The man wasn't forgiven in Boston until 2004, when the Sox finally won it all.
Robert Green may NEVER be forgiven in his home country, even if the Three Lions do find a way to win the Cup. That's how massive of a blunder this was and that's how ferocious the Brit fans are. They're desperate for a title, and anything that stops them - or slows them down - for that matter, is immediately considered a brutal enemy.
Go to 1:00 into the video below to see Green's infamous blunder.
As a fan who loves both USA and England, the best thing I could have asked for is a draw, no matter how much I hate ties.
Looks like I got my wish, now let's hope my other wish (a USA-England World Cup Final) comes true!
In other news...
As you can obviously see, I changed my background to a more patriotic background. Kind of. At least the text is Red, White and Blue. But the background I chose is too perfect to pass up. Who knew they would actually have an option to have a BRACKET as your background? Dreams really do come true!:)
Friday, June 11, 2010
South Africa 2010
I can't believe it's already been four years.
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest, most popular tournament in the World, easily trumping the Super Bowl and the World Series.
It also holds a special place in my heart, mainly because of how and when I got into soccer. After hanging out with a ton of soccer kids at cross country in high school, they got me back into soccer; not just playing it, but watching it too. I remember watching Liverpool stun Manchester United for the UEFA Cup right before my Graduation. That got me hooked on Liverpool, and players like Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch, etc.
When the 2006 FIFA World Cup began on June 9, my life was already vastly changing around me; I had just graduated High School, got a new car (that very same day, actually), was - kind of - looking forward to running for Metro State in the fall, and was already missing the comforts of being institutionalized. Serious. Depsite the fact the I put forth absolutely zero effort in school except cross country and sometimes track, I felt safe knowing that someone else controlled the truly tough stuff in my life. Yes, Madre and Padre, that would be you. Thanks for putting up with my ENDLESS crap:)
Flash forward four years. It's June 11, things are completely different than in 2006. I live in Mormonville, am working 30+ hours a week (and actually loving it), still have the same Jeep Cherokee (with the same 2006 Tassel from Graduation...not taking that down till I graduate from college), am - extremely - looking forward to running for Utah Valley University in the fall, and am still kind of missing the comforts of home. Probably a little more than kind of, but that's generally pretty standard:).
It's funny how much can change, yet stay the same, in the span of four years. That's a little how the World Cup feels this year. Although my anticipation and expectations in 2006 were sky high, they seem to be even higher this year. Surprisingly, it's not the Yanks or the Three Lions that has my expectations so high (granted, that still has a little to do with it), it's more due to the fact that Africa is finally hosting a World Cup. You can get into the whole Political Drama that involves Africa all you want, but in my opinion, the bottom line here is hosting the biggest event in the World is a major accomplishment, and there's no better man to put it all together than Nelson Mandela. Once again, I don't care if he's black, white, purple, slightly green with a little fuschia, or even bright orange with a tinge of turquoise, he is a good man, and has done an outstanding job of bringing the Rainbow Nation together to actually be a rainbow. It's truly spectacular what he's done in South Africa.
What's even more spectacular was the inspired play by the host nation this morning. Ranked 83rd in the World, they took on a storied (and 17th ranked) Mexican team that just beat Italy, the 2006 Champs, in a friendly one week prior. After an intense first half where Mexico dominated the ball in the front, the Bafana Bafana (meaning the Boys the Boys) somehow found a way to hold them at bay and entered the locker rooms tied at nil.
The second half quickly became a different story. South Africa, energized by millions of their fans around the Nation (oh, and those annoyingly awesome horns that make it sound like Hornets are attacking the TV), started attacking the Mexican defenders relentlessly, finally finding a breakaway chance in the 55th minute, which ended in a "Beautiful Goal" in the upper 90, putting Bafana Bafana up 1-0.
Mexico later snuck behind the RSA Defense to even up the match at 1-1 in the 79th minute. South Africa had their chances near the 90th minute, including a painfully close shot off the post before time ran out, but finding a way to tie a tough Mexican squad is a major boost for the hosts.
And since I, along with virtually every other fan in the World, cannot stand France, I'm not talking much about their sloppy, lethargic play in tying Uruguay.
So with the first day of the 2010 FIFA World Cup behind us, we have a tie across the board. Technically, if the Group Stage were to end today, South Africa and Mexico would advance on more Goals Scored than the lazy Frenchmen and Uruguay.
The things that seem oddly familiar are the expectations for my two countries. The expectations are, and always will be, overexaggerated to the point of insanity for England. I will always worry about how the guys like Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, the Coles, and Head Coach Fabio Capello will handle the seemingly insurmountable pressure from the desperate Brits.
I'm surprised, and relieved, at how much pressure is also on the Yanks this year. After last year's debacle, I really thought the average sports fan (which is what America is made of) would lose interest fast and wouldn't care about US Soccer in 2010. I think 2009 forever changed that complacency from the average fan. Why? The Yanks stunned the top team in the World in Spain in the Confederations Cup Semifinal. A few days later, the Donovan-led Americans almost pulled off an upset as monumental as the Miracle on Grass in 1950 (the American amateurs shocked the Three Lions 1-0), but eventually fell to Brazil 3-2.
That run to the Confed. Cup Final raised the standards for American Soccer, even more so than the Quarterfinal World Cup run in 2002. It marked the first time in US History that the Yanks competed in a FIFA sanctioned Final. They are seeing that momentum and raising a streak of clean friendlies to prepare themselves for the sequel to Miracle on Grass. They even created a kit similar to the 1950 Uni:
And with that, here are my full predictions for South Africa 2010. I think I actually found a way to link my results while still using Excel, so here goes:
2010 FIFA World Cup Finals:
USA v England
As always, here are some enlightening articles on the Yanks and the Brits. By the way, I'm seriously bummed that I'm missing the game I've waited four long years for. England and USA square off tomorrow at 12:30 MST, so GO WATCH IT FOR ME!!! And cheer on your country, becasue the Yanks need all the support we can get!
US or England?
USA-England Preview.
'06 sucked, '10 needs to be better.
Why the Yanks need Bob Bradley.
GO USA!!!!!!
One Game Changes Everything
Here's a preview for the US. I'll have my analysis/predictions tomorrow. They're all finished, I just don't have time to type it out tonight:)
GO USA!!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
What in the World is going on?
In what has already been an unpredictable year in sports, today may have been the wildest, craziest, most unexpected day in sports in my short time on this earth. Three seperate unexpected events occured - on most days, each event would have rightfully hogged the Sportscenter spotlight - on the same day; within the same hour, actually. Each event left me in a state of shock, watching SC with my jaw resting on the floor. I still can't believe what happened today. Now I want to share my unbelief with you folks (whoever still reads my blog, that is).
STORY ONE:
USC punished with two-year football postseason ban.
It would really suck to be Lane Kiffin right now.
Kiffin recently signed on as the Head Coach of USC football, taking over for Pete Carroll, who bolted for the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks amid suspicion of violating NCAA rules. Turns out, Carroll made the smartest move of his career. After four years of ongoing investigations, the NCAA discovered that 2005 Heisman Reggie Bush played nearly an entire season while being ruled ineligibe. USC won the National Championship in 2004 and went undefeated before bowing out to Texas in the 2005 National Championship.
In a few weeks, that year may never exist. The NCAA is fully planning on revoking the Trojans' Trophy in '04, which would mean that no team was crowned a National Champ in 2004. (Hey Charlotte, there's another trivia question that you could shock your friends with....kinda like the 1994 World Series;)). Oh, and that Heisman Bush ran away with in '05? Yeah, that also doesn't exist.
My question here is: What the HELL was the NCAA doing when USC was using Reggie Bush when he was ineligible?! Surely they have SOME sort of document lying around that says "Oh by the way, the guy who's gonna win the HEISMAN TROPHY, the most coveted individual award in college football, is in fact NOT ELIGIBLE to be on the field. And now the NCAA is looking into whether it was in fact THEIR OWN PEOPLE who ruled him ineligible? I'm not the brightest kid in the world here, but I'm pretty sure that I would: 1) Know that I ruled someone ineligible and: 2) Know that he's STILL ON THE FIELD! I mean, he was on ESPN every. single. day. for two years! I don't know how they missed that one. Seriously.
What began the investigations were not actually because of his eligibility, which I find quite ironic. They looked into USC because - like almost every problem that the NCAA looks at these days - Reggie Bush was receiving "special treatment." I.E. free freaking rent for his family. USC was paying his family's rent! I knew the NCAA would dig up something like special treatment for Bush and his family; that I expected. What I didn't expect was the eligibility problem and the hell that USC now has to pay. It'll be good to see some bowl games without the Trojans. Oh, and they lose out on 30 scholarships for the next three years.
If only Kiffin stayed at Tennessee.
STORY TWO:
Tom Izzo close to accepting job as Cleveland Cavs head coach.
This surprises me mainly because of what Tom Izzo means to Michigan State, the state of Michigan and Sparty Nation. He is the reason why Michigan State is a powerhouse in college basketball and has been for over a decade. He led them to the National Title in 2000, then led many different squads with a number of new stars to an astounding SIX Final Fours in 12 seasons. That means his team survived the Madness of March to dance into the Final Weekend SIX TIMES. There are countless schools who haven't even made it to March Madness six times. Ever. And Izzo led these boys six different times with six different teams. For that reason, and other reasons, he is one of my favorite college coaches of all time. It would be extremely sad to see him bolt to the NBA. Even if it did mean he would be coaching Lebron James, which is no gurantee (another reason why this is such a shocking story: Lebron most likely will not return to Cleveland, which would mean Izzo left a great situation in East Lansing to lead a team that won't even make it past the first round in the watered-down Eastern Conference).
STORY THREE:
COLORADO ANNOUNCES ITS ACCEPTANCE TO JOIN PAC-10.
Yes, I knew this was coming for about two weeks. That doesn't make it any less surprising. Colorado belongs in the Big 12. It's as simple as that. With all due respect to Colorado State, Nebraska has been the Buffs' primary rival since 5200 BC. If you wear the Gold and Black, you can't stand the sight of the college version of the Big Red Machine. If you wear the Red and White, just the thought of a Buffalo roaming the streets of Lincoln makes you want to Husker that Corn with a violent ferocity.
There are so many - and I mean, SOOOO MANY - reasons why this idea is absolutely insane (and I mean that in the worst possible way), but the two things that really surprise me are these:
1) CU's inception into the Pac-10 marks the FIRST TIME since 1978 that the Pac-10 has added a new team. Thirty Two Years! And for the Pac-10, this is only the beginning...
2) The West Coast Powers are doing everything in their power to lure six of the current 12 schools involved in the Big 12. Colorado is numero uno. Mark Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as the other five. The big wigs for the Longhorns met with Missouri officials today to discuss their future and the future of the Big 12. Don't be fooled by what they say ("We support the Big 12." "We're working hard to stay together."). No, they're leaving, there's little to no doubt in my mind. So what does that mean, exactly? Take a look:
I remember having multiple conversations with Mark Wood about what's playing out right now, although our conversations were more geared towards BYU finding a way into the Pac-10. I'm not sure if he remembers, but the first time we talked about it was back when I was in middle school at our Ward Youth Conference in Silverthorne. I remember him telling me that BYU is more than capable of sticking with teams like Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Washington State, Cal and Stanford. I remember thinking that, statistically, the Cougars actually could match up with these teams in football especially. Maybe not basketball, but, as the NCAA is proving to the Nation right now, the only sport that actually matters is football. If things fall into place, BYU will have their shot at a Power Conference. And they wouldn't even have to leave the Mountain West. Here's how:
BIG 12 DISSOLVES:
With CU heading West and Nebraska most likely leaving for the Big Ten this weekend, that should set up a chain reaction with the other five schools previously mentioned following the Buffs, which would leave just six schools (Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Iowa State and Baylor) in the Big 12.
Two of those schools, Missouri and Iowa State, are strongly considering joining Nebraska in the Big Ten, which would leave just three teams in the Big 12, effectively destroying the most dominant all-around conference in college.
So we now have 16 teams in the Pac-10. They'll split it up into two divisions, the Pac-16 West and the Pac-16 East. It will most likely look something like this:
WEST:
Washington
Washington State
Cal
Stanford
USC
UCLA
Oregon
Oregon State
EAST:
Arizona
Arizona State
Colorado
Texas
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
The Big Ten will also turn into a Super Conference, and with Missouri and Iowa State joining, that opens the door for Notre Dame, which will ultimately lead to the death of the Big East, the POWER in college basketball. The Big Ten will look very similar to the Pac-16:
NORTH:
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Ohio State
Notre Dame
Penn State
Wisconsin
Purdue
SOUTH:
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Iowa State
Nebraska
Missouri
Northwestern
(One more team, most likely from the Big East)
This re-alignment would probably spur the Mountain West to expand, which would most likely mean that Boise State, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor joining BYU, TCU and Utah for MWC Dominance. I believe this would create a new BCS Conference in the Mountain West, and I am excited about that possibility.
But life without the Big East and the Big 12? And not seeing another epic CU-Nebraska Thanksgiving Classic? That depresses me, and I think it is ultimately the wrong move for college athletics.
STORY ONE:
USC punished with two-year football postseason ban.
It would really suck to be Lane Kiffin right now.
Kiffin recently signed on as the Head Coach of USC football, taking over for Pete Carroll, who bolted for the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks amid suspicion of violating NCAA rules. Turns out, Carroll made the smartest move of his career. After four years of ongoing investigations, the NCAA discovered that 2005 Heisman Reggie Bush played nearly an entire season while being ruled ineligibe. USC won the National Championship in 2004 and went undefeated before bowing out to Texas in the 2005 National Championship.
In a few weeks, that year may never exist. The NCAA is fully planning on revoking the Trojans' Trophy in '04, which would mean that no team was crowned a National Champ in 2004. (Hey Charlotte, there's another trivia question that you could shock your friends with....kinda like the 1994 World Series;)). Oh, and that Heisman Bush ran away with in '05? Yeah, that also doesn't exist.
My question here is: What the HELL was the NCAA doing when USC was using Reggie Bush when he was ineligible?! Surely they have SOME sort of document lying around that says "Oh by the way, the guy who's gonna win the HEISMAN TROPHY, the most coveted individual award in college football, is in fact NOT ELIGIBLE to be on the field. And now the NCAA is looking into whether it was in fact THEIR OWN PEOPLE who ruled him ineligible? I'm not the brightest kid in the world here, but I'm pretty sure that I would: 1) Know that I ruled someone ineligible and: 2) Know that he's STILL ON THE FIELD! I mean, he was on ESPN every. single. day. for two years! I don't know how they missed that one. Seriously.
What began the investigations were not actually because of his eligibility, which I find quite ironic. They looked into USC because - like almost every problem that the NCAA looks at these days - Reggie Bush was receiving "special treatment." I.E. free freaking rent for his family. USC was paying his family's rent! I knew the NCAA would dig up something like special treatment for Bush and his family; that I expected. What I didn't expect was the eligibility problem and the hell that USC now has to pay. It'll be good to see some bowl games without the Trojans. Oh, and they lose out on 30 scholarships for the next three years.
If only Kiffin stayed at Tennessee.
STORY TWO:
Tom Izzo close to accepting job as Cleveland Cavs head coach.
This surprises me mainly because of what Tom Izzo means to Michigan State, the state of Michigan and Sparty Nation. He is the reason why Michigan State is a powerhouse in college basketball and has been for over a decade. He led them to the National Title in 2000, then led many different squads with a number of new stars to an astounding SIX Final Fours in 12 seasons. That means his team survived the Madness of March to dance into the Final Weekend SIX TIMES. There are countless schools who haven't even made it to March Madness six times. Ever. And Izzo led these boys six different times with six different teams. For that reason, and other reasons, he is one of my favorite college coaches of all time. It would be extremely sad to see him bolt to the NBA. Even if it did mean he would be coaching Lebron James, which is no gurantee (another reason why this is such a shocking story: Lebron most likely will not return to Cleveland, which would mean Izzo left a great situation in East Lansing to lead a team that won't even make it past the first round in the watered-down Eastern Conference).
STORY THREE:
COLORADO ANNOUNCES ITS ACCEPTANCE TO JOIN PAC-10.
Yes, I knew this was coming for about two weeks. That doesn't make it any less surprising. Colorado belongs in the Big 12. It's as simple as that. With all due respect to Colorado State, Nebraska has been the Buffs' primary rival since 5200 BC. If you wear the Gold and Black, you can't stand the sight of the college version of the Big Red Machine. If you wear the Red and White, just the thought of a Buffalo roaming the streets of Lincoln makes you want to Husker that Corn with a violent ferocity.
There are so many - and I mean, SOOOO MANY - reasons why this idea is absolutely insane (and I mean that in the worst possible way), but the two things that really surprise me are these:
1) CU's inception into the Pac-10 marks the FIRST TIME since 1978 that the Pac-10 has added a new team. Thirty Two Years! And for the Pac-10, this is only the beginning...
2) The West Coast Powers are doing everything in their power to lure six of the current 12 schools involved in the Big 12. Colorado is numero uno. Mark Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State as the other five. The big wigs for the Longhorns met with Missouri officials today to discuss their future and the future of the Big 12. Don't be fooled by what they say ("We support the Big 12." "We're working hard to stay together."). No, they're leaving, there's little to no doubt in my mind. So what does that mean, exactly? Take a look:
I remember having multiple conversations with Mark Wood about what's playing out right now, although our conversations were more geared towards BYU finding a way into the Pac-10. I'm not sure if he remembers, but the first time we talked about it was back when I was in middle school at our Ward Youth Conference in Silverthorne. I remember him telling me that BYU is more than capable of sticking with teams like Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Washington State, Cal and Stanford. I remember thinking that, statistically, the Cougars actually could match up with these teams in football especially. Maybe not basketball, but, as the NCAA is proving to the Nation right now, the only sport that actually matters is football. If things fall into place, BYU will have their shot at a Power Conference. And they wouldn't even have to leave the Mountain West. Here's how:
BIG 12 DISSOLVES:
With CU heading West and Nebraska most likely leaving for the Big Ten this weekend, that should set up a chain reaction with the other five schools previously mentioned following the Buffs, which would leave just six schools (Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Iowa State and Baylor) in the Big 12.
Two of those schools, Missouri and Iowa State, are strongly considering joining Nebraska in the Big Ten, which would leave just three teams in the Big 12, effectively destroying the most dominant all-around conference in college.
So we now have 16 teams in the Pac-10. They'll split it up into two divisions, the Pac-16 West and the Pac-16 East. It will most likely look something like this:
WEST:
Washington
Washington State
Cal
Stanford
USC
UCLA
Oregon
Oregon State
EAST:
Arizona
Arizona State
Colorado
Texas
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
The Big Ten will also turn into a Super Conference, and with Missouri and Iowa State joining, that opens the door for Notre Dame, which will ultimately lead to the death of the Big East, the POWER in college basketball. The Big Ten will look very similar to the Pac-16:
NORTH:
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Ohio State
Notre Dame
Penn State
Wisconsin
Purdue
SOUTH:
Indiana
Illinois
Iowa
Iowa State
Nebraska
Missouri
Northwestern
(One more team, most likely from the Big East)
This re-alignment would probably spur the Mountain West to expand, which would most likely mean that Boise State, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor joining BYU, TCU and Utah for MWC Dominance. I believe this would create a new BCS Conference in the Mountain West, and I am excited about that possibility.
But life without the Big East and the Big 12? And not seeing another epic CU-Nebraska Thanksgiving Classic? That depresses me, and I think it is ultimately the wrong move for college athletics.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Bryce Harper
This. Guy. Is. A. Freak. Of. Nature.
Seriously, he - along with Stephen Strasburg - will lead the Washington Nationals to the World Series in 2013. I am dead serious. These two guys are crazy good.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
So you want to win the West?
...THEN BEAT L.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Giving up a 4 run lead in the 6th to the Dodgers at home is INEXCUSABLE!!! GET IT TOGETHER ROX!!
And Manny? Lay off the fertility drugs, you're not a pregnant woman, you cheating douchebag!
Giving up a 4 run lead in the 6th to the Dodgers at home is INEXCUSABLE!!! GET IT TOGETHER ROX!!
And Manny? Lay off the fertility drugs, you're not a pregnant woman, you cheating douchebag!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Chicken Runs at Midnight
I never thought I'd use that phrase as a Blogger title, nor did I ever think this phrase could be so uplifting. But, as the wonderful world of sports seems to do on a daily basis, I've learned something new and inspiring.
In 1992, Rich Donnelly, then-third base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, lost his daughter to a brain tumor. Earlier that year, she asked her dad what Donnelly would always yell to the runners on second base. "Dad, what do you yell to the runner, 'The chicken runs at midnight?'" As it states in the article linked in my title, the Pirates began using this phrase frequently.
Four years later, the Florida Marlins beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, winning in the 11th inning in Game 7 (Donnelly was the 3rd base coach). Craig Counsell, aptly named "The Chicken" in the Donnelly household because of the way he flaps his arm in the batter's box, scored the winning run. At midnight.
As Tim Kurkjian says, "The chicken indeed runs at midnight."
"There is baseball in the story, but it's not a baseball story," said Counsell. This is simply another of the endless reasons why I love sports; sports can be so much bigger than the outsider generally portrays it to be. Sports can make a phrase like "The chicken runs at midnight" touch millions around the Nation, which is evident in the midnight 3k run in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Sports can also save a city, as it did during the economic hell swarming Detroit. When Michigan State danced all the way to the Final Four in 2009, it lit a fire under the Motor City, a fire that seemed all but extinguished a month prior.
Sports saved our Nation in 2001. In the wake of 9/11, America felt lost, hopelessy looking for answers to why such a terrible tragedy could happen. When baseball returned 10 days later, it gave us something to get our minds off of the pain. Seeing Mike Piazza's memorable home run that night forever changed my outlook on baseball. It's just a game, but it's a game that can unite an entire country in its darkest times.
Sports have stopped wars. In 2006, the Ivory Coast was in the midst of a Civil War, dating back to 2002. When the World Cup began on June 9, the ongoing north-south battle ceased, and for one month, the Cote d'Ivoire came together as one to cheer on their beloved Elephants. "Thanks to soccer, the country is going to reconcile its differences." - Kata Kaba.
Thanks to the late Ernie Harwell, I'm beginning my own version of Ode to Baseball. And it begins with:
Baseball is a bright kid sprinting the length of Centerfield at Yankee Stadium after robbing a home run. Baseball is that same bright young man - with his cap backwards - flashing that contagious smile at the city that adores him, being carried off the field in the city that he adores.
Baseball is a young boy watching this young man play the game with ease, inspiring the boy to wear his cap backwards, smile his big smile, and play the game for the simple joy of playing the game. That's baseball.
Baseball is a chicken running home at midnight, capturing the heart of fans from New Jersey all the way to San Diego, including the boy from Colorado, with his backwards cap and foolish grin.
In 1992, Rich Donnelly, then-third base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, lost his daughter to a brain tumor. Earlier that year, she asked her dad what Donnelly would always yell to the runners on second base. "Dad, what do you yell to the runner, 'The chicken runs at midnight?'" As it states in the article linked in my title, the Pirates began using this phrase frequently.
Four years later, the Florida Marlins beat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, winning in the 11th inning in Game 7 (Donnelly was the 3rd base coach). Craig Counsell, aptly named "The Chicken" in the Donnelly household because of the way he flaps his arm in the batter's box, scored the winning run. At midnight.
As Tim Kurkjian says, "The chicken indeed runs at midnight."
"There is baseball in the story, but it's not a baseball story," said Counsell. This is simply another of the endless reasons why I love sports; sports can be so much bigger than the outsider generally portrays it to be. Sports can make a phrase like "The chicken runs at midnight" touch millions around the Nation, which is evident in the midnight 3k run in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Sports can also save a city, as it did during the economic hell swarming Detroit. When Michigan State danced all the way to the Final Four in 2009, it lit a fire under the Motor City, a fire that seemed all but extinguished a month prior.
Sports saved our Nation in 2001. In the wake of 9/11, America felt lost, hopelessy looking for answers to why such a terrible tragedy could happen. When baseball returned 10 days later, it gave us something to get our minds off of the pain. Seeing Mike Piazza's memorable home run that night forever changed my outlook on baseball. It's just a game, but it's a game that can unite an entire country in its darkest times.
Sports have stopped wars. In 2006, the Ivory Coast was in the midst of a Civil War, dating back to 2002. When the World Cup began on June 9, the ongoing north-south battle ceased, and for one month, the Cote d'Ivoire came together as one to cheer on their beloved Elephants. "Thanks to soccer, the country is going to reconcile its differences." - Kata Kaba.
Thanks to the late Ernie Harwell, I'm beginning my own version of Ode to Baseball. And it begins with:
Baseball is a bright kid sprinting the length of Centerfield at Yankee Stadium after robbing a home run. Baseball is that same bright young man - with his cap backwards - flashing that contagious smile at the city that adores him, being carried off the field in the city that he adores.
Baseball is a young boy watching this young man play the game with ease, inspiring the boy to wear his cap backwards, smile his big smile, and play the game for the simple joy of playing the game. That's baseball.
Baseball is a chicken running home at midnight, capturing the heart of fans from New Jersey all the way to San Diego, including the boy from Colorado, with his backwards cap and foolish grin.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Ode to Baseball
In the past month, the baseball world lost two incredibly inspiring figures in longtime Detroit Tigers announcer and Hall-of-Famer Ernie Harwell and Rockies President Keli McGregor. While both were very different in what they did for the game, the end result was the same: reminding the Nation why baseball is still deserving of the National Pastime status.
I don't intend to ramble on at how wonderful these two men were, but make no mistake, these two staples in the game of baseball were just that: wonderful men. I know, without a doubt, that the Rockies would have never made the Postseason in '07 and '09, much less the World Series in '07, if Keli was never hired back in the early days of the Rockies franchise. When he became President in 1999 (or 2001, I can't remember), he made the decision to rebuild the franchise with homegrown players.
A decade later, his dream fulfilled, the Rockies opened the 2009 season with all eight position players coming from the Colorado farm system. Not many teams can say they've accomplished that feat.
Here are some excellent articles around the nation regarding Keli's impact on the game:
Bodley remembers McGregor.
Heavy-hearted win for Rockies.
Rockies try to pick up pieces.
McGregor remembered as kind, driven.
McGregor remembered (ESPN).
McGregor's values directed Rox ascent. This is probably my favorite article, mainly because Dave Kriger, a man so critical of the Rockies over the years, salutes McGregor's incredible work he did for Colorado.
I don't know nearly as much about Ernie Harwell, but it's easy to see the impact he's had on the game, especially in Detroit and with the Tigers franchise. Harwell lived 92 long years of living and loving the game of baseball. From the days of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle to the Tigers winning the World Series in 1984, Ernie has seen it all.
While watching the MLB Network the other day, Bob Costas and John Smoltz started to reminisce about Harwell, which led to the video of Costas's interview with Harwell during the '09 World Series. I watched the interview with awe in this wise old man. Here was this 91 year-old man, knowing that cancer will inevitably take his life, and soon, but showed no sign of defeat, or despair. In fact, when Costas graciously asked him if he could recite a portion of his famous Hall-of-Fame speech, Harwell whipped out the entire poem off the top of his head! The poem was so beautiful, and his composure was so awe-inspiring, it brought tears to my eyes. I know that sounds gushy, but it was truly touching. So touching, in fact, that I want to share the poem with you folks. I hope your still reading, because it puts baseball in a different perspective and, for me, life in a different perspective. Anyway, I did what I said I wouldn't, and started to ramble, so here is Ernie Harwell's Ode to Baseball:Baseball is the President tossing out the first pitch of the season and a scrubby schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm.A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from the corner of his dugout. That's baseball. And so is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running home one of his 714 home runs.
There's a man in Mobile who remembers that Honus Wagner hit a triple in Pittsburgh forty-six years ago. That's baseball. And so is the scout reporting that a sixteen year old in Cheyenne is a coming Walter Johnson. Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered, or booed. And then becomes a statistic.
In baseball demoncracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rulebook. And color merely something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.
Baseball is a rookie. His experience no bigger than the lump in his throat as he begins fulfillment of his dream. And it's a veteran, too, a tired old man of thirty-five hoping that those aching muscles can pull him through another sweltering August and September. Nicknames are baseball, names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.
Baseball is the clear, cool eyes of Rogers Hornsby. The flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an over aged pixie named Rabbit Maranville.
Baseball, just a game as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business and sometimes almost even a religion.
Why the fairytale of Willie Mays making a brilliant World Series catch and then dashing off to play stickball in the streets with his teenage pals. That's baseball. So is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying, "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."
Baseball is cigar smoke, hot roasted peanuts. The Sporting News, ladies day, "down in front," 7th inning stretch, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and the Star Spangled Banner.
Baseball is a man named Campanella telling the Nation's business leaders, "You have to be a man to be a big leaguer, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you too."
Baseball is a tongue-tied kid from Georgia growing up to be an announcer and praising the Lord for showing him the way to Cooperstown. This is a game for America, baseball. This is a game for boys and for men.
I found the video of that interview, but unfortunately I can't embed it onto Blogger. So if you want to hear it from Ernie, watch it here.
This speech reminded me of the simple joys baseball can bring. For me, baseball is going to Coors Field and watching the Rockies struggle through the early 00's, only to revive their franchise, a franchise built by Keli McGregor, and find their way to the World Series in 2007. That's baseball, and it is the game that holds the most special place in my heart.
The Boys of Summer
Ok, so this is a little late - a whole month late, actually - but I've been a little wary of putting this post on my blog. Why? Every time I wrote about the Rockies last year, they would flounder into a potentially devastating losing streak. When I stopped around the time September began, they promptly got it together and held off the Giants for the WIld Card spot.
So I'm sure you can see why I'm hesitant to write about the very team that inspired me to create this blog. Still, I have to find a way to write about baseball, otherwise this will be a deserted blog for the next 5-6 months. So, with that being the case, I've found a way to talk baseball without exactly talking about the boys at Blake Street.
At the start of every college basketball season, I do what I call Preseason Bracketology. And at the start of every baseball season, I tend to forget to go through a thorough prediction process, mainly because that's around the time I'm neck-deep in real brackets for March Madness.
Not this year, though. Since I finished my Preseason Bracketology so early, I was able to dedicate my time in February to predicting every game for the entire MLB season. How crazy is this? It might not be up to the insanity standards of College Basketball, but figure this: there are 30 MLB teams and each team plays 162 regular season games. 162 * 30 = 4860. That's the number of I games I predicted. And, with my luck, I'm guessing I will be correct in less than 5% of those games.
Anyway, after going through the whole spreadsheet process, this is what I came up with. Enjoy!
AL EAST:
Tampa Bay Rays (94-68)
New York Yankees (92-70)*
Boston Red Sox (90-72)
Baltimore Orioles (82-80)
Toronto Blue Jays (69-93)
AL CENTRAL:
Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Cleveland Indians (85-77)
Chicago White Sox (84-78)
Detroit Tigers (79-83)
Kansas City Royals (56-106)
AL WEST:
Seattle Mariners (92-70)
Los Angeles Angels (90-72)
Texas Rangers (83-79)
Oakland Athletics (71-91)
NL EAST:
Atlanta Braves (92-70)
Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)*
Florida Marlins (89-73)
New York Mets (84-78)
Washington Nationals (59-103)
NL CENTRAL:
St Louis Cardinals (91-71)
Cincinnati Reds (84-78)
Chicago Cubs (76-86)
Houston Astros (76-86)
Milwaukee Brewers (74-88)
Pittsburgh Pirates (52-110)
NL WEST:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68)
Los Angeles Dodgers (88-74)
San Fransisco Giants (87-75)
Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81)
San Diego Padres (55-107)
AL DIVISION SERIES:
Tampa Bay Rays (94-68) v Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Game 1: Rays over Twins, 6-4
Game 2: Twins over Rays, 8-3
Game 3: Twins over Rays, 7-6
Game 4: Twins over Rays, 4-3 (F/10)
TWINS WIN SERIES, 3-1
Seattle Mariners (92-70) v New York Yankees (92-70)
Game 1: Mariners over Yankees, 3-1
Game 2: Yankees over Mariners, 4-3
Game 3: Mariners over Yankees, 5-4
Game 4: Yankees over Mariners, 6-1
Game 5: Mariners over Yankees, 4-1
MARINERS WIN SERIES, 3-2
NL DIVISION SERIES:
Colorado Rockies (94-68) v Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)
Game 1: Rockies over Phillies, 5-1
Game 2: Rockies over Phillies, 7-4
Game 3: Rockies over Phillies, 6-4
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 3-0
Atlanta Braves (92-70) v St Louis Cardinals (91-71)
Game 1: Cardinals over Braves, 3-0
Game 2: Braves over Cardinals, 5-3
Game 3: Cardinals over Braves, 4-3
Game 4: Braves over Cardinals, 6-5 (F/11)
Game 5: Braves over Cardinals, 2-1
BRAVES WIN SERIES, 3-2
AL CHAMPIONSHIO SERIES:
Seattle Mariners (92-70) v Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Game 1: Mariners over Twins, 4-2
Game 2: Mariners over Twins, 3-2
Game 3: Twins over Mariners, 7-3
Game 4: Twins over Mariners, 8-3
Game 5: Mariners over Twins, 4-3
Game 6: Twins over Mariners, 6-5
Game 7: Mariners over Twins, 4-3
MARINERS WIN SERIES, 4-3
SEATTLE MARINERS: AL CHAMPS 2010
NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES:
Colorado Rockies (94-68) v Atlanta Braves (92-70)
Game 1: Rockies over Braves, 6-3
Game 2: Braves over Rockies, 4-1
Game 3: Rockies over Braves, 3-2
Game 4: Braves over Rockies, 3-2
Game 5: Braves over Rockies, 5-4
Game 6: Rockies over Braves, 5-1
Game 7: Rockies over Braves, 8-6 (F/10)
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 4-3
COLORADO ROCKIES: NL CHAMPS 2010
2010 WORLD SERIES:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68) V SEATTLE MARINERS (92-70)
Game 1: Mariners over Rockies, 2-1
Game 2: Rockies over Mariners, 5-3
Game 3: Rockies over Mariners, 6-2
Game 4: Mariners over Rockies, 4-3
Game 5: Rockies over Mariners, 2-0
Game 6: Mariners over Rockies, 2-1
Game 7: Rockies over Mariners, 5-3
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 4-3
2010 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68)
According to BBTN, the five best teams of 2010 are pictured in this World Series Idol.
This is what I was lucky enough to witness on April 17, 2010.
One month in and it's already been a memorable season. I can't wait to see what the next five months will hold in store for my beloved Rockies:)
So I'm sure you can see why I'm hesitant to write about the very team that inspired me to create this blog. Still, I have to find a way to write about baseball, otherwise this will be a deserted blog for the next 5-6 months. So, with that being the case, I've found a way to talk baseball without exactly talking about the boys at Blake Street.
At the start of every college basketball season, I do what I call Preseason Bracketology. And at the start of every baseball season, I tend to forget to go through a thorough prediction process, mainly because that's around the time I'm neck-deep in real brackets for March Madness.
Not this year, though. Since I finished my Preseason Bracketology so early, I was able to dedicate my time in February to predicting every game for the entire MLB season. How crazy is this? It might not be up to the insanity standards of College Basketball, but figure this: there are 30 MLB teams and each team plays 162 regular season games. 162 * 30 = 4860. That's the number of I games I predicted. And, with my luck, I'm guessing I will be correct in less than 5% of those games.
Anyway, after going through the whole spreadsheet process, this is what I came up with. Enjoy!
AL EAST:
Tampa Bay Rays (94-68)
New York Yankees (92-70)*
Boston Red Sox (90-72)
Baltimore Orioles (82-80)
Toronto Blue Jays (69-93)
AL CENTRAL:
Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Cleveland Indians (85-77)
Chicago White Sox (84-78)
Detroit Tigers (79-83)
Kansas City Royals (56-106)
AL WEST:
Seattle Mariners (92-70)
Los Angeles Angels (90-72)
Texas Rangers (83-79)
Oakland Athletics (71-91)
NL EAST:
Atlanta Braves (92-70)
Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)*
Florida Marlins (89-73)
New York Mets (84-78)
Washington Nationals (59-103)
NL CENTRAL:
St Louis Cardinals (91-71)
Cincinnati Reds (84-78)
Chicago Cubs (76-86)
Houston Astros (76-86)
Milwaukee Brewers (74-88)
Pittsburgh Pirates (52-110)
NL WEST:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68)
Los Angeles Dodgers (88-74)
San Fransisco Giants (87-75)
Arizona Diamondbacks (81-81)
San Diego Padres (55-107)
AL DIVISION SERIES:
Tampa Bay Rays (94-68) v Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Game 1: Rays over Twins, 6-4
Game 2: Twins over Rays, 8-3
Game 3: Twins over Rays, 7-6
Game 4: Twins over Rays, 4-3 (F/10)
TWINS WIN SERIES, 3-1
Seattle Mariners (92-70) v New York Yankees (92-70)
Game 1: Mariners over Yankees, 3-1
Game 2: Yankees over Mariners, 4-3
Game 3: Mariners over Yankees, 5-4
Game 4: Yankees over Mariners, 6-1
Game 5: Mariners over Yankees, 4-1
MARINERS WIN SERIES, 3-2
NL DIVISION SERIES:
Colorado Rockies (94-68) v Philadelphia Phillies (90-72)
Game 1: Rockies over Phillies, 5-1
Game 2: Rockies over Phillies, 7-4
Game 3: Rockies over Phillies, 6-4
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 3-0
Atlanta Braves (92-70) v St Louis Cardinals (91-71)
Game 1: Cardinals over Braves, 3-0
Game 2: Braves over Cardinals, 5-3
Game 3: Cardinals over Braves, 4-3
Game 4: Braves over Cardinals, 6-5 (F/11)
Game 5: Braves over Cardinals, 2-1
BRAVES WIN SERIES, 3-2
AL CHAMPIONSHIO SERIES:
Seattle Mariners (92-70) v Minnesota Twins (91-71)
Game 1: Mariners over Twins, 4-2
Game 2: Mariners over Twins, 3-2
Game 3: Twins over Mariners, 7-3
Game 4: Twins over Mariners, 8-3
Game 5: Mariners over Twins, 4-3
Game 6: Twins over Mariners, 6-5
Game 7: Mariners over Twins, 4-3
MARINERS WIN SERIES, 4-3
SEATTLE MARINERS: AL CHAMPS 2010
NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES:
Colorado Rockies (94-68) v Atlanta Braves (92-70)
Game 1: Rockies over Braves, 6-3
Game 2: Braves over Rockies, 4-1
Game 3: Rockies over Braves, 3-2
Game 4: Braves over Rockies, 3-2
Game 5: Braves over Rockies, 5-4
Game 6: Rockies over Braves, 5-1
Game 7: Rockies over Braves, 8-6 (F/10)
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 4-3
COLORADO ROCKIES: NL CHAMPS 2010
2010 WORLD SERIES:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68) V SEATTLE MARINERS (92-70)
Game 1: Mariners over Rockies, 2-1
Game 2: Rockies over Mariners, 5-3
Game 3: Rockies over Mariners, 6-2
Game 4: Mariners over Rockies, 4-3
Game 5: Rockies over Mariners, 2-0
Game 6: Mariners over Rockies, 2-1
Game 7: Rockies over Mariners, 5-3
ROCKIES WIN SERIES, 4-3
2010 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS:
COLORADO ROCKIES (94-68)
According to BBTN, the five best teams of 2010 are pictured in this World Series Idol.
This is what I was lucky enough to witness on April 17, 2010.
One month in and it's already been a memorable season. I can't wait to see what the next five months will hold in store for my beloved Rockies:)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
This Will Make You Laugh
Ok, enough doom and gloom. I'm ready for April to be over and May to start. April sucks.
This (along with a very promising phone call) put a huge smile on my face today. And made me laugh. Over and over and over and over again. Makes me wonder how bad I was after I got my wisdom teeth out:)
This (along with a very promising phone call) put a huge smile on my face today. And made me laugh. Over and over and over and over again. Makes me wonder how bad I was after I got my wisdom teeth out:)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
11 Years/Hell Week
CAUTION: This blog contains unhappy material. Read at your own discretion. Thanks:)
11 years ago today, two students at Columbine High School commited what was then the worst school shooting in American History. Even after 11 years, the impact of that fateful day still shows its effects. In fact, April 20, 1999 is the final day in what I have dubbed Hell Week. It seems to me that, regardless of the year or the incident, something tragic tends to happen between April 15 and 20. Here are some of the tragic events occuring during this disastrous week:
April 15:
4/15/1865 - President Abraham Lincoln succumbs to gunshot wound from previous evening, shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth.
4/15/1912 - The RMS Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic, resulting in 1,517 lives lost.
4/15/1989 - 96 Liverpool FC fans lost their lives in what is called a human crush.
April 16:
4/16/1947 - Texas City, Texas catches fire after a freighter in port suddenly explodes, killing almost 600.
4/16/2007 - Seung-Hui Cho goes on the worst killing spree in American History at Virginia Tech, killing 32 and injuring 23 before committing suicide.
April 18:
4/18/1906 - The SF earthquake and fire destroys most of San Fransisco.
April 19:
4/19/1993 - A 51-day siege of the Branch Davidian building in Waco, Texas ends with 81 people losing their lives in the fiery siege of the building. 20 of the deceased were children.
4/19/1995 - Timothy McVeigh commits the worst domestic terrorist attack in US History, bombing the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, killing 168 - 19 of whom were children under the age of 6 - and injuring more than 680.
April 20:
4/20/1914 - During a coal miner's strike in Colorado, the Ludlow Massacre ensued, killing 45.
4/20/1999 - Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold committed what was then the worst school shooting on US soil, killing 13 and injuring 24 before each committing suicide.
4/20/2007 - A man with a gun barricades himself in NASA's Johnson Space Center before taking a hostage's life, along with his own.
These are the many reasons why this week always sticks out in the back of my mind as the worst week of the year. Even so, there is still good that happens during Hell Week, and that's why every year, on April 20, I listen to the song The Change, by Garth Brooks. Brooks actually released this song specifically for the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing. It always seems to be a good song to remind that, regardless of what evil is upon us, we can still be strong to overcome its adversity.
Here are the lyrics as well.
One hand
Reaches out
And pulls a lost soul from harm
While a thousand more go unspoken for
They say what good have you done
By saving just this one
It's like whispering a prayer
In the fury of a storm
And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me
This heart
Still believes
The love and mercy still exist
While all the hatred rage and so many say
That love is all but pointless in madness such as this
It's like trying to stop a fire
With the moisture from a kiss
And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me
As long as one heart still holds on
Then hope is never really gone
I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me
What I do is so
This world will know
That it will not change me
Saturday, April 17, 2010
SC Highlight Of The Night
SC Highlight Of The Night
First No-Hitter in Rockies history! Unfortunately I couldn't embed any of the videos of Ubaldo's historic performance, but this at least has the link. This is easily one of the most special moments I have witnessed as a die-hard Rox fan. Truly amazing, go watch!
First No-Hitter in Rockies history! Unfortunately I couldn't embed any of the videos of Ubaldo's historic performance, but this at least has the link. This is easily one of the most special moments I have witnessed as a die-hard Rox fan. Truly amazing, go watch!
Take a Look
The moment he met her, he understood; it was quite obvious to Chris Hunter why Eric would never shut up about his new girl. Aimee Martin was strikingly beautiful, from the way her bronze hair shimmered effortlessly with every tiny movement, to the power expertly concealed behind her electric green eyes.
"Eric!" Aimee squealed, whipping her arms around the boy she loved. "What in the hell took you two so long? And why haven't you introduced me yet?" she said, playfully scolding Eric for not properly introducing his old friend.
"If you give me about two seconds to catch my breath, I might be able to," Eric choked, seemingly suffocating from Aimee's death grip. "Not that I don't like being smothered every time I see you," he added with a smirk.
"Aimee, this is my buddy Chris. Chris, this is my girlfriend, Aimee. Me and Hunter here have known eachother for - how long's it been?"
"Pushing ten years, bud," said Chris, "how long have you two been together?" knowing full well that the answer would be...
"Three blissful months," said Aimee dreamily. Chris choked back a laugh; he couldn't help it. He had never seen his friend act so...gushy. Eric was always the kid gloating about being in control, never having to worry about being whipped. Girls would literally go crazy for him back in high school, Chris remembered, but Eric never actually had a legitimate girlfriend for more than a week. But if there was ever a girl to settle Chris's friend down, he knew it would sure as hell be this girl.
"You guys hungry? I'm in the process of cooking some wicked mac and cheese," said Aimee, beaming her brilliant smile.
"No, we're not hungry at all, are we Hunter?" said Eric sarcastically, "We just drove 300 some odd miles without stopping for food, right? Nah, we don't need to eat." That was the Eric Chris knew; Eric Palmer simply couldn't resist using his dry humor ever chance he got.
As the three were finishing up dinner - and Aimee wasn't kidding, she could make one mean macaroni and cheese - they heard a sound eerily similar to a gunshot, a sound that unearthed some haunting memories of Hell Week two years prior.
"You guys ok?" Aimee asked, feeling slightly uneasy at the way both boys' faces drained all color with one sound. "That's just my roommate, her car's a serious mess, and backfires every time she stops. It can be really annoying, actually, especially when she works late. No chance of sleeping when you hear a shotgun at two in the morning."
"Anyone ever take a look at it before?" asked Eric, the color creeping back to its normal shade of tan.
"I don't think so; I don't think she can afford taking it to a mechanic, what with having to pay for college on her own and everything."
"Palmer can probably take a look at it, he's a wizard when it comes to cars," said Chris wryly, only slightly trying to bust his buddy's ego in front of his girl.
Aimee snorted. She couldn't help but laugh at Eric's lack of expertise in the simple task of changing the oil. While his old and new friend teased eachother, Chris realized they had company.
"This a good time, Aimee? Or should I circle the block for a couple hours?" the roommate quipped.
That was effective. "Good to see you made it home without your car murdering you," said Aimee, finally breaking away from Eric. The two roommates embraced for a quick hug, and then Aimee went through introductions, predictably leaving Eric as the last to be introduced. As kind as she was, Aimee sure seemed to enjoy the spotlight, and somehow it worked well for her.
In fact, Aimee's roommate seemed to be the polar opposite of the bubbly, happy-go-lucky Aimee Martin.
Olivia Eddy was a naturalist in the way she looked and dressed. Unlike her best friend, Olivia didn't bother to dress up every time she went out, nor did she need to. Her soft olive skin, combined with her small, simple smile, was as warm as a fireplace quietly cackling in the dead of winter. And just like her Italian mother, her golden brown hair resonated in the dying sun.
But it was not Olivia's smile, nor her tanned feature, that got Chris's attention. It was merely a look shared by the two blue-eyed strangers, a look that - in less than a second's time - seemed to grab at Chris Hunter's stomach with the force of a wild thrill ride.
This was definitely something Chris was not accustomed to feeling. Yes, he had a few girlfriends back at home, but they never seemed to create the same feeling he just felt, and this was all by a coincidental look that most likely had no meaning, or feeling, behind the twinkling eyes of the girl across the kitchen table.
Yes, he was sure of it now, it was purely accidental. Now that he thought of it, he did have a few moments in high school where sparks surely seemed to fly, only to discover the sparks had rapidly turned to ash. And those were with people he knew. There just couldn't be anything behind this look, not with his luck.
Hours passed by before anyone noticed the time. The four new students at Southwestern University shared much of the same interests, talking deep into the night about whatever seemed to cross their minds. For a moment, Chris became silent. It was a favorite hobby of his to just sit back and watch his friends laugh jovially. It always reminded him how lucky he was to be sitting here, soaking it all in.
The newly acquainted friends called it a night after Olivia started dozing off on the kitchen counter. "Aims, I'm heading to bed," the roommate yawned, staggering off the counter. "Racquetball tomorrow?"
"Of course, wake me up when you get up?" Aimee asked.
"Will do. Eric, Chris, it was quite fantastic meeting you fine gentlemen," said Olivia, slightly mocking formality. "I'm sure I'll see you two a lot around here." she winked and was off.
But not before another look at Chris. He was so caught off guard that he merely stared while she stumbled down the stairs. One random look happens frequently, he knew that. But two looks? Is that still a coincidence? And there was a genuine smile there too, he was sure of that. Certainly wasn't the same smile she gave during introductions. Right? But how could he tell? He was no expert in psychology; maybe the smile was exactly the same, but just looked different to him because...why?
One thing was certain, he concluded, he sure felt something for her. The question he suddenly was dying to answer seemed an easy question, but could be maddening all the same: was the feeling mutual?
"Eric!" Aimee squealed, whipping her arms around the boy she loved. "What in the hell took you two so long? And why haven't you introduced me yet?" she said, playfully scolding Eric for not properly introducing his old friend.
"If you give me about two seconds to catch my breath, I might be able to," Eric choked, seemingly suffocating from Aimee's death grip. "Not that I don't like being smothered every time I see you," he added with a smirk.
"Aimee, this is my buddy Chris. Chris, this is my girlfriend, Aimee. Me and Hunter here have known eachother for - how long's it been?"
"Pushing ten years, bud," said Chris, "how long have you two been together?" knowing full well that the answer would be...
"Three blissful months," said Aimee dreamily. Chris choked back a laugh; he couldn't help it. He had never seen his friend act so...gushy. Eric was always the kid gloating about being in control, never having to worry about being whipped. Girls would literally go crazy for him back in high school, Chris remembered, but Eric never actually had a legitimate girlfriend for more than a week. But if there was ever a girl to settle Chris's friend down, he knew it would sure as hell be this girl.
"You guys hungry? I'm in the process of cooking some wicked mac and cheese," said Aimee, beaming her brilliant smile.
"No, we're not hungry at all, are we Hunter?" said Eric sarcastically, "We just drove 300 some odd miles without stopping for food, right? Nah, we don't need to eat." That was the Eric Chris knew; Eric Palmer simply couldn't resist using his dry humor ever chance he got.
As the three were finishing up dinner - and Aimee wasn't kidding, she could make one mean macaroni and cheese - they heard a sound eerily similar to a gunshot, a sound that unearthed some haunting memories of Hell Week two years prior.
"You guys ok?" Aimee asked, feeling slightly uneasy at the way both boys' faces drained all color with one sound. "That's just my roommate, her car's a serious mess, and backfires every time she stops. It can be really annoying, actually, especially when she works late. No chance of sleeping when you hear a shotgun at two in the morning."
"Anyone ever take a look at it before?" asked Eric, the color creeping back to its normal shade of tan.
"I don't think so; I don't think she can afford taking it to a mechanic, what with having to pay for college on her own and everything."
"Palmer can probably take a look at it, he's a wizard when it comes to cars," said Chris wryly, only slightly trying to bust his buddy's ego in front of his girl.
Aimee snorted. She couldn't help but laugh at Eric's lack of expertise in the simple task of changing the oil. While his old and new friend teased eachother, Chris realized they had company.
"This a good time, Aimee? Or should I circle the block for a couple hours?" the roommate quipped.
That was effective. "Good to see you made it home without your car murdering you," said Aimee, finally breaking away from Eric. The two roommates embraced for a quick hug, and then Aimee went through introductions, predictably leaving Eric as the last to be introduced. As kind as she was, Aimee sure seemed to enjoy the spotlight, and somehow it worked well for her.
In fact, Aimee's roommate seemed to be the polar opposite of the bubbly, happy-go-lucky Aimee Martin.
Olivia Eddy was a naturalist in the way she looked and dressed. Unlike her best friend, Olivia didn't bother to dress up every time she went out, nor did she need to. Her soft olive skin, combined with her small, simple smile, was as warm as a fireplace quietly cackling in the dead of winter. And just like her Italian mother, her golden brown hair resonated in the dying sun.
But it was not Olivia's smile, nor her tanned feature, that got Chris's attention. It was merely a look shared by the two blue-eyed strangers, a look that - in less than a second's time - seemed to grab at Chris Hunter's stomach with the force of a wild thrill ride.
This was definitely something Chris was not accustomed to feeling. Yes, he had a few girlfriends back at home, but they never seemed to create the same feeling he just felt, and this was all by a coincidental look that most likely had no meaning, or feeling, behind the twinkling eyes of the girl across the kitchen table.
Yes, he was sure of it now, it was purely accidental. Now that he thought of it, he did have a few moments in high school where sparks surely seemed to fly, only to discover the sparks had rapidly turned to ash. And those were with people he knew. There just couldn't be anything behind this look, not with his luck.
Hours passed by before anyone noticed the time. The four new students at Southwestern University shared much of the same interests, talking deep into the night about whatever seemed to cross their minds. For a moment, Chris became silent. It was a favorite hobby of his to just sit back and watch his friends laugh jovially. It always reminded him how lucky he was to be sitting here, soaking it all in.
The newly acquainted friends called it a night after Olivia started dozing off on the kitchen counter. "Aims, I'm heading to bed," the roommate yawned, staggering off the counter. "Racquetball tomorrow?"
"Of course, wake me up when you get up?" Aimee asked.
"Will do. Eric, Chris, it was quite fantastic meeting you fine gentlemen," said Olivia, slightly mocking formality. "I'm sure I'll see you two a lot around here." she winked and was off.
But not before another look at Chris. He was so caught off guard that he merely stared while she stumbled down the stairs. One random look happens frequently, he knew that. But two looks? Is that still a coincidence? And there was a genuine smile there too, he was sure of that. Certainly wasn't the same smile she gave during introductions. Right? But how could he tell? He was no expert in psychology; maybe the smile was exactly the same, but just looked different to him because...why?
One thing was certain, he concluded, he sure felt something for her. The question he suddenly was dying to answer seemed an easy question, but could be maddening all the same: was the feeling mutual?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Final Defense
After three weeks of the most exciting basketball I've seen in a long time, the stage is set for the biggest show in College Athletics: the Final Four.
I can honestly say I cannot remember being more excited for the final weekend as I am this year; each team is richly sugared with inspiring side stories, two teams suffered what was thought to be crippling injuries during the tournament, one team is literally living a Hollywood dream by playing in their home town, and the only No. 1 seed left was strongly considered the weakest 1 seed.
Above all the candy-coated sweeteners, the story I love the most is how all four teams reached Indianapolis. In a world overwhelmed by a high-powered offense, it was defense that won each Regional.
Most everyone, from experts to casual fans, see the Big Ten as the most boring Power Conferences, simply because of their "inability to score." At least, that's how people portray the Big Ten. "No offense." "Too slow." "No premiere scorers." Too bad the general public can't see what really separates the Midwest Powers from the other Big Six Conferences: it's called defense. Shut-down defense. In-your-jersey, hand-in-your-face, smothering defense. The scoring's low because, yes, the defense is exceptional, but it's also low because of the unique style all eleven teams tend to play. It's a simple half-court offense, wearing the shot-clock down on every possession, playing for an efficient possession during each sequence. To the outsiders, this would be dubbed "boring basketball." But, to me, this is brilliant basketball; it's the way the game was played back in the days of Bill Russell, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlin (before Wilt went nuts and scored 100 in a game). Michigan State is a prime example of Big Ten basketball; highly ranked preseason, loses a few close games in conference, receives an undeserving seed in the tourney, shrugs off the seed and shuts down team after team with its unique style of defense. That is why Tom Izzo and the Spartys are dancing in the Final Four for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in 12 seasons.
Sparty's opponent, the Butler Bulldogs, are the darlings of the tournament, and could be argued as one of the all-time darlings in March Madness history. Why? Well, they're from the Horizon Conference, a low/mid major conference incapable of having a representative for a Regional Final, much less a Final Four appearnce. The Dogs are the 5-seed out of the West Region, which might not seem like an insurmountable feat, considering Michigan State is also a 5-seed. Take one glance at who Butler had to beat to get here, though, and it's a completely different story. Gordon Hayward and co. killed any talk of a first round upset by controlling the second half of a 77-59 beatdown on UTEP. Butler then escaped the second round on a brilliant steal by Hayward in the waning seconds to secure a 54-52 victory over 13-seed Murray State. The Bulldogs really showed up in Salt Lake, dethroning top seed Syracuse in the Sweet 16, 63-59, and shocked the world with a 63-56 upset over 2-seed Kansas State. Cuse and K-State are considered two of the top offenses in the nation, with both teams averaging at or near 80 points/game (Syracuse averages 80.7, Kansas State averages at 79.7). So, naturally, Butler's slow, methodical, yet overwhelming man-to-man defense held both teams under 60 points. That's 20 points under both teams' season averages!
When the brackets were unveiled on Selection Sunday, there was a mad uproar, including this kid, about Duke's cream-puff South Region. To draw Villanova as a 2-seed and Baylor as a 3-seed, the Blue Devils were licking their chops at the prospect of making their first Final Four since '04. While their road may not have been as taxing as the other 1-seeds, give Coach K and his Dukies much deserved credit for proving the country that Duke is still a powerhouse in basketball and can still beat anyone on any given night. The Blue Devils fully convinced me of that statement with a clutch win ove a Baylor squad basically playing at home (the Regional Final was set in Houston, a mere 180 miles from Waco). Duke also showed its toughness and power, outplaying the Big Bears down low, something Duke has been very weak at for many years. With their classic Duke Defense and the finesse of Scheyer, Singler and Smith, the Blue Devils find themselves back in the big stage.
When I tell people I'm a West Virginia fan, they look at me incredulously and ask, why? I can see why they're in shock; West Virginia's not the cleanest team in the world, the state itself is widely ridiculed as the dumbest state in the Nation, and, as ESPN's Rick Reilly so blatanly pointed out in this article, the Mountaineers are coached by Bob Huggins, the grumpiest coach in basketball, also a coach who had a 0.0 graduation rate with his Cincinnati players back in 1998, and that's usually frowned upon, especially by the NCAA. In hindsight, this is generally NOT a team I would root for, but it's for these reasons why I DO root for them. They might look like thugs on the court, but they know how to play together better than almost any team in college. The people of West Virginia are hard-nosed, stubborn people, but they are incredibly hard workers and don't care what anyone else thinks about them, which is a trait I respect, and somewhat admire. Above all, regardless of what Bob Huggins has done in the past, his ability to create a family out of his team is awe-inspiring. He doesn't do it the conventional way; he tells his players that he'll yell at them so much that they'll have no choice but to band together, even if it is sharing their dislike of his hard-ass work ethic. That's why Huggy Bear is a perfect fit in West Virginia; he is a hard-nosed, blue collar worker that you typically find in a coal mine in the 50's, and he doesn't give a damn what you think of him. When he took over the program three years ago, he flawlessly eased his gritty 1-3-1 zone into the old John Beilein Princeton offense-style of play, and it has turned out to be the perfect storm. With John Beilein, nobody could stop the Eers from scoring, but the Eers also couldn't stop the bleeding on defense. Huggy changed all that in a few short years. Although the offense isn't where it used to be, the back-door cuts are still vicious, and nobody can score on WestVa, which has turned them into - in my mind - the clear favorites of this Final Four.
The Deseret News came out with an article a week ago stating that "BYU can learn something from Butler's Final Four run." While this is indeed true, DesNews writer Mike Sorensen was way off with his explanation, as, admittedly, most journalists usually are in this situation. Sorensen thinks the schools in Utah, namely BYU, Utah and Utah State can mirror Butler's magical run by creating a tougher schedule and having a big-time coach. Ok, it's pretty easy to say that a tough schedule and a big coach will get you to the Final Four, but there's so much more involved than that; consider Siena's murderous non-conference schedule this year. They limped through to a 10-6 record, having to go 17-1 in the MAAC and eventually win their conference tourney just to make the Big Dance. You don't see them in the Final Four, do you? In fact, they bowed out in the first round to a Robbie Hummell-less Purdue squad. As all coaches will say this time a year, a big factor in making the Final Four is the draw you receive and who you play to get there. Look at Michigan State, who didn't play a seed higher than 4-seed Maryland; how about Duke, whose biggest competition didn't come until the Elite Eight in 3-seed Baylor; what about West Virginia, who didn't play a single-digit seed until they knocked out 1-seed Kentucky in the Elite Eight; Butler had the toughest road of all, but they barrelled through with their masterful man-to-man defense and methodical half-court offense. So insteaed of saying "we need better scheduling," let's focus on the coaching itself, and that includes better defense, which is precisely what created this year's Final Four.
Some good articles for tonight's games:
No superstars, no problem, Dana O'Neil wirtes.
Hometown all in for Butler, writes Mark Schlabach
Scott Powers says that Scheyer's making memories.
Draymond Green's smarts smart off bench, writes Pat Forde.
Games are about to start, it's been a pleasure watching these teams, can't wait for some great games tonight!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Expansion Video #2
Another great argument on why the NCAA should not expand to 96 teams.
It unfortunately looks like they're going to anyway. Thanks for putting loads and loads of green in front of everything else important, NCAA, now I know where your priorities are.
Delaney says expansion "probable."
It unfortunately looks like they're going to anyway. Thanks for putting loads and loads of green in front of everything else important, NCAA, now I know where your priorities are.
Delaney says expansion "probable."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
And then there were Four
Jay Bilas was right.
From Midnight Madness in November to Selection Sunday a few weeks ago, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas repeatedly stated that there are "no great teams" this season. A plethora of fans vehemently disagreed with Bilas, arguing that Bilas's statement was an insult to their respective schools.
I agreed with Bilas from the get-go; if you digest each elite team this year, you'll find multiple flaws in their systems, gaping holes that could be potentially disastrous come tourney time.
Compare present-day Kansas to last year's National Champions, North Carolina. Sheron Collins is a talented, smart point guard, leading the Jayhawks' dominance of the Big 12 this year, but Collins never had the explosive speed nor the steely confidence Ty Lawson possessed; Lawson's ability to seize control of a game is the reason the Tar Heels were the clear favorites last season. Cole Aldrich might have the look of one of the scariest Centers in the game, but has the tendency to play soft, sometimes not even demanding the ball in the post. In stark contrast, Tyler Hansbrough, with his intensity level bordering insanity, was aptly nicknamed Psycho-T by his coach, Roy Williams. Coach Williams said numerous times last year that Hansbrough is the hardest worker he has ever coached. This picture does justice to Hansbrough's intense style of play.
The 2009 Tar Heels were superior to the 2010 Jayhawks in every aspect: the Heels played harder, worked harder, had more talent, had better chemistry, had experience beyond their years, had better playmakers, and had better leaders. That is why Jay Bilas categorizes the '09 Tar Heels as a "great team."
That is also why there is no great team this year. I compared Kansas to North Carolina simply because Kansas was the consensus choice to cut down the nets this weekend. If the Jayhawks couldn't match up with the Tar Heels, then no team in this year's bracket could.
The beauty of having no great teams in a season is - more often than not - the potential of having a great tournament. Once again, Bilas nailed this right on the noggin. The first weekend saw 2-seed Villanova make a desperate rally just to force OT against 15-seed Robert Morris (a 15-seed has not defeated a 2-seed since Hampton shocked Iowa State in 2001), eventually squeaking by the Colonials, 73-70. Naturally, Nova went down in the second round to a sound Saint Mary's squad, led by big man Omar Samhan, one of the many tournament darlings this year.
Before the upset over Villanova, the 10-seed Gaels knocked out 7-seed Richmond, 80-71, making Saint Mary's one of the eight double-digit seeds to advance to the second round. Joining the Gaels in busting the nation's brackets were 10-seed Georgia Tech smothering 7-seed Oklahoma State, 64-59; 13-seed Murray State stunning 4-seed Vanderbilt at the buzzer, 66-65; 12-seed Cornell toying with 5-seed Temple, 78-65; 11-seed Washington continuing their hot streak, beating 6-seed Marquette late, 80-78; 10-seed Missouri adding to 7-seed Clemson's first round woes, 86-78; 11-seed Old Dominion staving off a fierce 6-seed Notre Dame rally, 51-50; and the upset of the first round, 14-seed Ohio (seeded 9th in their conference tournament) dominating Big East Runner-up, 3-seed Georgetown, 97-83. How does a team ranked 9th in the MAC utterly destroy a team playing for the Big East Championship? They don't call it March Madness because it's predictable; they call it March Madness because the little teams like Ohio, Cornell, Murray State, and Old Dominion defy logic and advance.
By Thursday night, I was already content with this year's tourney; I had seen more upsets in one day than I had in 2007's entire tournament. Little did I know that Thursday was merely the beginning of a beautiful three weeks. Round two brought more bracket busters, including 11-seed Washington dancing through 3-seed New Mexico to the Sweet 16, 82-64; 6-seed Xavier holding off 3-seed Pittsburgh, 71-68; the aforementioned Saint Mary's upset over 2-seed Villanova; and, what is being called the biggest upset since George Mason over UCONN in 2006, 9-seed Northern Iowa overwhelming 1-seed Kansas with their smothering defense, dethroning the overall number one seed in the tournament, 69-67. It was the first time a 1-seed failed to make it out of the first weekend since Kentucky stumbling to UAB, also a 9-seed, in 2004.
Remember, this is a Jayhawk squad that was a very good team, but not a great team. And they were the TOP SEED in the tournament. And 42.7% of the 4.8 Million brackets entered in ESPN's Tournament Challenge declared Kansas the victor. I even picked Kansas to dance all the way to the National Championship, eventually falling to West Virginia. So, naturally, the very-good-but-not-great top seed couldn't survive the Missouri Valley Champs.
In four short days, March became Mad again. Not one region included all four of its top seeds, and only one - the South Region - involved three of the top four (1-Duke, 3-Baylor and 4-Purdue). In most years, the fun stops after the first weekend and the chalk begins to take over the tourney. Luckily for us, this isn't most years. No Great Team was the smartest thing Bilas has ever said, and he says a lot of smart things.
While 12-seed Cornell couldn't keep up with 1-seed Kentucky (losing 62-45) and 9-seed Northern Iowa came up short against 5-seed Michigan State (falling 59-52), there were two upsets that shocked the Nation almost as much as Northern Iowa: 2-seed Ohio State, with Kansas out of the picture, was the new favorite to cruise through the Midwest Region. So what does Ohio State do? They step up for the fans and allow 6-seed Tennessee sneak away with the win, 76-73.
The big winner was 5-seed Butler's defensive dominance over 1-seed Syracuse, eventually icing the game with clutch free throws, 63-59. The talk all year had been about the Orange's wicked 2-3 zone and how nobody could beat it. Like so many teams in the tourney, Butler proved the experts wrong, hitting virtually every perimeter shot, which subsiquently crippled Jim Boeheim's work of art. The Bulldogs also proved their in-your-face man-to-man defense is a force to be reckoned with.
With two 1-seeds being sent home early, the Elite Eight was set up to be surprisingly intriguing. The Midwest Region was guaranteed to have, at best, a 5-seed as a Final Four participant. Butler was just one win away from being the first team since UCLA in 1962 to play the Final Four in their hometown. The East Region played host to the top two seeds in the region in Kentucky and West Virginia, but neither school had been to the Final Four in the last decade, with the Mountaineers absent since 1959. 3-seed Baylor was playing a virtual home game against 1-seed Duke in the South Region in Houston, with the Bears having returned to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1951 and the Blue Devils back in the Regional Final for the first time since 2004, which, for Duke, is almost as serious a drought as Baylor's extended absence.
As most of you know, when it comes to sports, I'm about as unlucky as a person can get. That's why Saturday turned out to be one of the most special sports days of my short life. Not only did Butler complete their dream of playing at home in the biggest stage, but West Virginia also found a way to take down mighty Kentucky with an impenetrable defense. For those of you who don't know, the Mountaineers are considered my third favorite college basketball team, with Butler sitting pretty as my sixth favorite team. To see both win - to pull off upsets, really - in the same day was one of the most satisfying experiences I can recall. It was a perfect sports day in the World of Cheyne Heiny.
With the Final Four set, I can easily say this is the best tournament, from start to finish, that I have ever witnessed. I also find that painfully ironic if Duke were to cut down the nets next Monday. As an avid Tar Heel fan, how can I possibly say the best March Madness in the history of March Madnesses ended with my archrival hoisting the boring, yet beautiful, NCAA Plaque? That just goes to show you how Mad this March has been. It also seems fitting to me that a Duke boy (Bilas) called this five months ago.
Here's Jay Bilas's take on the Final Four:
Here's Andy Katz's Final Four Primer:
You can't have March Madness without Dickie V, right? Here's his Players to Watch:
I'll have more on the Final Four teams, but for now, congratulations to Michigan State, Butler, Duke and West Virginia for their outstanding seasons and for winning their respective regions.
From Midnight Madness in November to Selection Sunday a few weeks ago, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas repeatedly stated that there are "no great teams" this season. A plethora of fans vehemently disagreed with Bilas, arguing that Bilas's statement was an insult to their respective schools.
I agreed with Bilas from the get-go; if you digest each elite team this year, you'll find multiple flaws in their systems, gaping holes that could be potentially disastrous come tourney time.
Compare present-day Kansas to last year's National Champions, North Carolina. Sheron Collins is a talented, smart point guard, leading the Jayhawks' dominance of the Big 12 this year, but Collins never had the explosive speed nor the steely confidence Ty Lawson possessed; Lawson's ability to seize control of a game is the reason the Tar Heels were the clear favorites last season. Cole Aldrich might have the look of one of the scariest Centers in the game, but has the tendency to play soft, sometimes not even demanding the ball in the post. In stark contrast, Tyler Hansbrough, with his intensity level bordering insanity, was aptly nicknamed Psycho-T by his coach, Roy Williams. Coach Williams said numerous times last year that Hansbrough is the hardest worker he has ever coached. This picture does justice to Hansbrough's intense style of play.
The 2009 Tar Heels were superior to the 2010 Jayhawks in every aspect: the Heels played harder, worked harder, had more talent, had better chemistry, had experience beyond their years, had better playmakers, and had better leaders. That is why Jay Bilas categorizes the '09 Tar Heels as a "great team."
That is also why there is no great team this year. I compared Kansas to North Carolina simply because Kansas was the consensus choice to cut down the nets this weekend. If the Jayhawks couldn't match up with the Tar Heels, then no team in this year's bracket could.
The beauty of having no great teams in a season is - more often than not - the potential of having a great tournament. Once again, Bilas nailed this right on the noggin. The first weekend saw 2-seed Villanova make a desperate rally just to force OT against 15-seed Robert Morris (a 15-seed has not defeated a 2-seed since Hampton shocked Iowa State in 2001), eventually squeaking by the Colonials, 73-70. Naturally, Nova went down in the second round to a sound Saint Mary's squad, led by big man Omar Samhan, one of the many tournament darlings this year.
Before the upset over Villanova, the 10-seed Gaels knocked out 7-seed Richmond, 80-71, making Saint Mary's one of the eight double-digit seeds to advance to the second round. Joining the Gaels in busting the nation's brackets were 10-seed Georgia Tech smothering 7-seed Oklahoma State, 64-59; 13-seed Murray State stunning 4-seed Vanderbilt at the buzzer, 66-65; 12-seed Cornell toying with 5-seed Temple, 78-65; 11-seed Washington continuing their hot streak, beating 6-seed Marquette late, 80-78; 10-seed Missouri adding to 7-seed Clemson's first round woes, 86-78; 11-seed Old Dominion staving off a fierce 6-seed Notre Dame rally, 51-50; and the upset of the first round, 14-seed Ohio (seeded 9th in their conference tournament) dominating Big East Runner-up, 3-seed Georgetown, 97-83. How does a team ranked 9th in the MAC utterly destroy a team playing for the Big East Championship? They don't call it March Madness because it's predictable; they call it March Madness because the little teams like Ohio, Cornell, Murray State, and Old Dominion defy logic and advance.
By Thursday night, I was already content with this year's tourney; I had seen more upsets in one day than I had in 2007's entire tournament. Little did I know that Thursday was merely the beginning of a beautiful three weeks. Round two brought more bracket busters, including 11-seed Washington dancing through 3-seed New Mexico to the Sweet 16, 82-64; 6-seed Xavier holding off 3-seed Pittsburgh, 71-68; the aforementioned Saint Mary's upset over 2-seed Villanova; and, what is being called the biggest upset since George Mason over UCONN in 2006, 9-seed Northern Iowa overwhelming 1-seed Kansas with their smothering defense, dethroning the overall number one seed in the tournament, 69-67. It was the first time a 1-seed failed to make it out of the first weekend since Kentucky stumbling to UAB, also a 9-seed, in 2004.
Remember, this is a Jayhawk squad that was a very good team, but not a great team. And they were the TOP SEED in the tournament. And 42.7% of the 4.8 Million brackets entered in ESPN's Tournament Challenge declared Kansas the victor. I even picked Kansas to dance all the way to the National Championship, eventually falling to West Virginia. So, naturally, the very-good-but-not-great top seed couldn't survive the Missouri Valley Champs.
In four short days, March became Mad again. Not one region included all four of its top seeds, and only one - the South Region - involved three of the top four (1-Duke, 3-Baylor and 4-Purdue). In most years, the fun stops after the first weekend and the chalk begins to take over the tourney. Luckily for us, this isn't most years. No Great Team was the smartest thing Bilas has ever said, and he says a lot of smart things.
While 12-seed Cornell couldn't keep up with 1-seed Kentucky (losing 62-45) and 9-seed Northern Iowa came up short against 5-seed Michigan State (falling 59-52), there were two upsets that shocked the Nation almost as much as Northern Iowa: 2-seed Ohio State, with Kansas out of the picture, was the new favorite to cruise through the Midwest Region. So what does Ohio State do? They step up for the fans and allow 6-seed Tennessee sneak away with the win, 76-73.
The big winner was 5-seed Butler's defensive dominance over 1-seed Syracuse, eventually icing the game with clutch free throws, 63-59. The talk all year had been about the Orange's wicked 2-3 zone and how nobody could beat it. Like so many teams in the tourney, Butler proved the experts wrong, hitting virtually every perimeter shot, which subsiquently crippled Jim Boeheim's work of art. The Bulldogs also proved their in-your-face man-to-man defense is a force to be reckoned with.
With two 1-seeds being sent home early, the Elite Eight was set up to be surprisingly intriguing. The Midwest Region was guaranteed to have, at best, a 5-seed as a Final Four participant. Butler was just one win away from being the first team since UCLA in 1962 to play the Final Four in their hometown. The East Region played host to the top two seeds in the region in Kentucky and West Virginia, but neither school had been to the Final Four in the last decade, with the Mountaineers absent since 1959. 3-seed Baylor was playing a virtual home game against 1-seed Duke in the South Region in Houston, with the Bears having returned to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1951 and the Blue Devils back in the Regional Final for the first time since 2004, which, for Duke, is almost as serious a drought as Baylor's extended absence.
As most of you know, when it comes to sports, I'm about as unlucky as a person can get. That's why Saturday turned out to be one of the most special sports days of my short life. Not only did Butler complete their dream of playing at home in the biggest stage, but West Virginia also found a way to take down mighty Kentucky with an impenetrable defense. For those of you who don't know, the Mountaineers are considered my third favorite college basketball team, with Butler sitting pretty as my sixth favorite team. To see both win - to pull off upsets, really - in the same day was one of the most satisfying experiences I can recall. It was a perfect sports day in the World of Cheyne Heiny.
With the Final Four set, I can easily say this is the best tournament, from start to finish, that I have ever witnessed. I also find that painfully ironic if Duke were to cut down the nets next Monday. As an avid Tar Heel fan, how can I possibly say the best March Madness in the history of March Madnesses ended with my archrival hoisting the boring, yet beautiful, NCAA Plaque? That just goes to show you how Mad this March has been. It also seems fitting to me that a Duke boy (Bilas) called this five months ago.
Here's Jay Bilas's take on the Final Four:
Here's Andy Katz's Final Four Primer:
You can't have March Madness without Dickie V, right? Here's his Players to Watch:
I'll have more on the Final Four teams, but for now, congratulations to Michigan State, Butler, Duke and West Virginia for their outstanding seasons and for winning their respective regions.
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