I saw a tweet yesterday from Tim Ellsworth, author & news director at my alma mater, Union University. It said the following: "Manny Ramirez becomes a Christian? Hope this is genuine." I was like "Huh?"
To give a little background for those who many not know. Manny Ramirez is a baseball player. In his time, a really good baseball player. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox & Tampa Bay Rays. He had most of his success in Cleveland & Boston, including helping the Red Sox win 2 World Series in 2004 & 2007 with a little in L.A. He was also known as a kinda eccentric player. There was a phrase that followed him. That phrase was "Manny being Manny". When there was an off the wall news story, most sportscasters would say "Well it's Manny being Manny." In time, that phrase seemed to overshadow his talent.
Something else that seemed to overshadow his talent was being busted by MLB for violating the drug policy. The first time happened in 2009 and he lost 50 games. After jumping around to the White Sox & the Rays in consecutive seasons with bad performances, Ramirez was busted again by MLB for violating the drug policy in 2011 just 5 games into the season for the Rays. He faced a 100 game suspension if and when he returned to the big leagues. Instead, Ramirez abruptly retired. At that point, it seemed like a sad ending to a career of a player who had a lot of talent but his antics seemed to get in the way.
However, last fall, Ramirez went to MLB officials and wanted to be reinstated. This reinstatement would come with the provision that he would serve a reduced suspension of 50 games (instead of 100) with whatever team signed him. The Oakland A's ended up being that team. He became eligible to join the A's yesterday. Right now, he's at their AAA affiliate the Sacramento River Cats.
So I knew that he was in AAA & that at some point he could be called up if the A's felt like it. But when I saw that tweet I had to find out about that story. So I googled to see and came across a couple of articles. One that was really interesting was one from the A's website, (there's a link to the article here). Initially the article talks about Manny and his minor league stint. But further down in the article, it talks about how he's changed as a person. He cites his wife and his newfound faith in Christ as huge parts of that.
Several quotes that Ramirez said that stood out included:
"It's hard to be a Christian, because when God comes inside your heart,
you don't do things that you used to. Nobody can walk the
perfect path, because nobody's perfect."
"I know a lot of people talk about the Hall of Fame, blah, blah, blah. But you know something? The Bible says that it's better to be
in the Book of Life. And that's where I want to be. If it [getting in the Baseball Hall of Fame] happens, it
happens. If it doesn't, it's not a big deal.
"I'm going to give 100 percent. If it [getting in the Baseball Hall of Fame] doesn't happen, I've got God, and I've got my family. That's all I want."
Personally, I have liked Manny Ramirez, especially when he was in Boston. And I do hope that he's a follower of Jesus now. Sometimes, people can be skeptical of people that say they've changed. But the cool thing is that God can definitely do the changing. Maybe now on Manny being Manny can instead be Manny being more like Jesus.
Showing posts with label red sox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red sox. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Bartman and Both Sides of Forgiveness: Review of Catching Hell
Last night on ESPN was the debut of the documentary movie "Catching Hell". Initially this movie was to be included last year in the 30 for 30 Series but got bumped. However, they released it as the first movie in the new "season" of documentaries on ESPN and in my opinion is right up there with some of the best in the 30 for 30 series.
The story of "Catching Hell" essentially one of a scapegoat. Although the main part of the story is about Steve Bartman, Chicago Cubs fan, there is also the story of Bill Buckner, Red Sox player that bookends the story. In both instances, the label of scapegoat is placed because fans essentially want someone to blame for the losses that their long suffering teams had to face.
The movie itself was very good. When it first started and the majority of the first twenty minutes was about Buckner I was kinda eh. I was like "When are we going to get to Bartman?" But the director, who's a Red Sox fan, tied it together and it ended up working out using Buckner in that capacity.
As some may know, growing up as a kid in Tennessee in the 80s, my allegiance to a MLB team were fluid. In 1986, it was the first time I actually kinda kept up with it. I liked the Red Sox and was pulling for them. At the time, I was disappointed that they lost but didn't realize until later why I wasn't supposed to like Buckner. Later on, I found out why and looking back now I understand why part of the blame should go to him but not all of it. It wasn't just him who caused the team to lose but it was easy to put the full blame on him. (Side note, in the documentary there was a clip of the postgame interview of the losing pitcher who was more than willing to throw Buckner under the bus, highly disappointed in that guy for not standing up for his teammate). Red Sox fans for the longest time could not forgive Buckner, so much so that he had to move from Boston.
Fast forward to 2003, both the Red Sox and the Cubs were in the championship series with a chance at the World Series (side note, one of two contentions with the documentary, the movie made it seem in a sense that the Red Sox/Yanks series was over with prior to the Cubs/Marlins series, those two series were going on at the same time). At the start of the playoffs, I predicted a Red Sox/Cubs World Series....mainly because I thought it'd be an awesome series. Unfortunately on the AL side that didn't happen thanks to Grady Little and Aaron Boone in Game 7.
On the NL side, the Cubs had the opportunity to clinch a World Series berth in Game 6 of the NLCS. They had the lead into the 8th inning when an innoculous foul ball hit by Luis Castillo is interferred with by a Cubs fan. Later on in the inning, an error by Alex Gonzalez extends the inning and from that the Marlins blast open the game and end on winning Game 6 to force a Game 7.
At the time, I thought two things. One, how in the world could a fan of the home team reach out onto the field when the home team was playing defense? Second, what was he thinking?
After the fact, was it told who the person was & there was a firestorm from it. Local media then national media picked up on the story. Everyone knew about him but no one knew him. And he wasn't talking, he issued a statement that was read by his brother in law but other than that nothing. The Cubs ended up losing the series and the long streak of no World Series victories continued.
I had thought that Cubs fans were mad at Bartman more so after Game 7 but watching the documentary it was evident fans in the stadium were mad that night. Home video from inside the stadium showed how hostile "The Friendly Confines" became. The documentary does a great job of incorporating that footage into the story. I think the main things that I picked up from that footage are that from an angle in the upper deck right over the play....it really does look like Bartman interfered with OF Moises Alou in making the catch (there was long dispute whether Alou really had a chance at it) and that people really hated Bartman for that.
Since that incident, there has been no public words from him. Aside from an ESPN.com reporter trying to track him down in 2005, there has been seemingly no contact with him. He has seemingly disappeared. And in some ways, it has made it even easier to keep protraying him as a scapegoat for that series.
What is a scapegoat by the way? It refers to an Old Testament ritual that was established for the Israelites after they had left Egypt. As part of the process for atoning for the sins of the people on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would have two goats brought to him. One of the goats would be sacrificed in response to the need for atonement. The other goat would be presented in front of the people. The high priest would then lay hands on the goat and that symbolized the sins of the people being placed on the goat. The goat was then released out into the wilderness, hence the scapegoat.
(The other point of contention with the documentary was that they had a female Unitarian minister explain what a scapegoat was...could've got someone with a little more authority to speak on that but that's my opinion)
The documentary ends showing Buckner throwing out the first pitch at Opening Day at Fenway Park in 2008 after the Red Sox had won the World Series for the second time in four years. It was a touching moment because Buckner was shown to have forgiven the media (who he blamed, not the fans for the troubles) and the media and fans forgiving him. I had forgotten about that scene and was really cool to see. With Bartman, there is a question mark still left. The director thinks (and maybe rightly so) that Cubs fans will forgive Bartman when the Cubs win the World Series.
After watching the documentary, there were several things that came to mind that I tweeted about. One, what would it have been like if Twitter or iPhones had been around? In 2003, social media wasn't what it was today. There were blogs but not to the extent there is now. Texting hadn't really taken off as a means of communication. Second, how would it have been different if the play had taken place in like the 1st inning or the 3rd inning instead of the 8th inning?
I think the main one was "What if Bartman had spoken up right after it or that offseason?" I think it's one thing to issue a statement, it's another to speak out. I wonder in some ways if Bartman hasn't forgiven Chicago and Cubs fans for how they treated him that night. I wonder if he still holds a grudge and if that isn't a part of why he has never talked about it. I don't know. I do know that forgiveness is best when it's both ways. God calls us to forgive one another. When situations happen and when we are wronged, we are to forgive as He has forgiven us. Sometimes the other person will not forgive but we are still to forgive them. We are to do our part to reconcile.
It would be cool for this story to have a happy resolve. That would be up to the city of Chicago and Cubs fans and also to Steve Bartman. There can be a great example of forgiveness and redemption here. Hopefully, someday that can be seen.
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13 ESV)
The story of "Catching Hell" essentially one of a scapegoat. Although the main part of the story is about Steve Bartman, Chicago Cubs fan, there is also the story of Bill Buckner, Red Sox player that bookends the story. In both instances, the label of scapegoat is placed because fans essentially want someone to blame for the losses that their long suffering teams had to face.
The movie itself was very good. When it first started and the majority of the first twenty minutes was about Buckner I was kinda eh. I was like "When are we going to get to Bartman?" But the director, who's a Red Sox fan, tied it together and it ended up working out using Buckner in that capacity.
As some may know, growing up as a kid in Tennessee in the 80s, my allegiance to a MLB team were fluid. In 1986, it was the first time I actually kinda kept up with it. I liked the Red Sox and was pulling for them. At the time, I was disappointed that they lost but didn't realize until later why I wasn't supposed to like Buckner. Later on, I found out why and looking back now I understand why part of the blame should go to him but not all of it. It wasn't just him who caused the team to lose but it was easy to put the full blame on him. (Side note, in the documentary there was a clip of the postgame interview of the losing pitcher who was more than willing to throw Buckner under the bus, highly disappointed in that guy for not standing up for his teammate). Red Sox fans for the longest time could not forgive Buckner, so much so that he had to move from Boston.
Fast forward to 2003, both the Red Sox and the Cubs were in the championship series with a chance at the World Series (side note, one of two contentions with the documentary, the movie made it seem in a sense that the Red Sox/Yanks series was over with prior to the Cubs/Marlins series, those two series were going on at the same time). At the start of the playoffs, I predicted a Red Sox/Cubs World Series....mainly because I thought it'd be an awesome series. Unfortunately on the AL side that didn't happen thanks to Grady Little and Aaron Boone in Game 7.
On the NL side, the Cubs had the opportunity to clinch a World Series berth in Game 6 of the NLCS. They had the lead into the 8th inning when an innoculous foul ball hit by Luis Castillo is interferred with by a Cubs fan. Later on in the inning, an error by Alex Gonzalez extends the inning and from that the Marlins blast open the game and end on winning Game 6 to force a Game 7.
At the time, I thought two things. One, how in the world could a fan of the home team reach out onto the field when the home team was playing defense? Second, what was he thinking?
After the fact, was it told who the person was & there was a firestorm from it. Local media then national media picked up on the story. Everyone knew about him but no one knew him. And he wasn't talking, he issued a statement that was read by his brother in law but other than that nothing. The Cubs ended up losing the series and the long streak of no World Series victories continued.
I had thought that Cubs fans were mad at Bartman more so after Game 7 but watching the documentary it was evident fans in the stadium were mad that night. Home video from inside the stadium showed how hostile "The Friendly Confines" became. The documentary does a great job of incorporating that footage into the story. I think the main things that I picked up from that footage are that from an angle in the upper deck right over the play....it really does look like Bartman interfered with OF Moises Alou in making the catch (there was long dispute whether Alou really had a chance at it) and that people really hated Bartman for that.
Since that incident, there has been no public words from him. Aside from an ESPN.com reporter trying to track him down in 2005, there has been seemingly no contact with him. He has seemingly disappeared. And in some ways, it has made it even easier to keep protraying him as a scapegoat for that series.
What is a scapegoat by the way? It refers to an Old Testament ritual that was established for the Israelites after they had left Egypt. As part of the process for atoning for the sins of the people on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would have two goats brought to him. One of the goats would be sacrificed in response to the need for atonement. The other goat would be presented in front of the people. The high priest would then lay hands on the goat and that symbolized the sins of the people being placed on the goat. The goat was then released out into the wilderness, hence the scapegoat.
(The other point of contention with the documentary was that they had a female Unitarian minister explain what a scapegoat was...could've got someone with a little more authority to speak on that but that's my opinion)
The documentary ends showing Buckner throwing out the first pitch at Opening Day at Fenway Park in 2008 after the Red Sox had won the World Series for the second time in four years. It was a touching moment because Buckner was shown to have forgiven the media (who he blamed, not the fans for the troubles) and the media and fans forgiving him. I had forgotten about that scene and was really cool to see. With Bartman, there is a question mark still left. The director thinks (and maybe rightly so) that Cubs fans will forgive Bartman when the Cubs win the World Series.
After watching the documentary, there were several things that came to mind that I tweeted about. One, what would it have been like if Twitter or iPhones had been around? In 2003, social media wasn't what it was today. There were blogs but not to the extent there is now. Texting hadn't really taken off as a means of communication. Second, how would it have been different if the play had taken place in like the 1st inning or the 3rd inning instead of the 8th inning?
I think the main one was "What if Bartman had spoken up right after it or that offseason?" I think it's one thing to issue a statement, it's another to speak out. I wonder in some ways if Bartman hasn't forgiven Chicago and Cubs fans for how they treated him that night. I wonder if he still holds a grudge and if that isn't a part of why he has never talked about it. I don't know. I do know that forgiveness is best when it's both ways. God calls us to forgive one another. When situations happen and when we are wronged, we are to forgive as He has forgiven us. Sometimes the other person will not forgive but we are still to forgive them. We are to do our part to reconcile.
It would be cool for this story to have a happy resolve. That would be up to the city of Chicago and Cubs fans and also to Steve Bartman. There can be a great example of forgiveness and redemption here. Hopefully, someday that can be seen.
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13 ESV)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Dueling Pitchers: First Royals Game of 2010....in Review
It's the time of the year where spring is in the air and baseball teams are on the field. Yup, it's baseball season and with that comes going out to the ballpark and yesterday was the first opportunity of the year for that. I almost went the entire first homestand of the Royals without going but I ended up going because A) it was the Red Sox they were playing, B) it was a pitching matchup between Josh Beckett and Zack Grienke and C) it was free jersey night.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp at first pitch was around 70 degrees which is probably 30 degrees more than it has been the last two first games I've been too in the previous two years. It felt like a late May day and definitely no complaining. Normally I'm wearing layers and trying to stay warm whereas this time around it was this time around wearing short sleeves and shorts.
At the game was me, my friend Kyle and a friend of his from class. The seats were in the outfield, out in left field, to the left of the Red Sox bullpen. It was a good game....unfortunately for the Royals...the Red Sox won 8-3. Some highlights:
*It was a pitcher's duel for probably about 5 innings. Beckett was pretty much on for most of the game. Grienke wasn't as much but held on a lead until giving up some runs. Beckett ended up winning the game and is still undefeated against the Royals.
*It was the first Red Sox game I had been to since 2008. That game I also saw Josh Beckett start and win the game.
*Sitting out by the fountains, you can't hear as well as normally can around the stadium...which is kind of to be expected.
*The fans in the outfield are a lot more rowdy than they are in other parts of the stadium. I learned this some last year at the first game of the year and it was confirmed again. There was some drunk guys who were yelling out at Rick Ankiel (the new CF) when he would make plays like "You're awesome Rick!" and stuff like that. It was almost like reverse heckling. Of course there was some regular heckling of Red Sox players and Red Sox fans. I was glad I went with the Royals gear and not with the Red Sox gear.
*There was also an "incident" that happened during the game. There was one drunk guy who sat below us who kept getting up and leaving every so often (mainly because the vendors didn't walk through the outfield as much as other areas so to get beer one had to get up and get it). I can't remember it it was in the fifth or sixth inning but I was looking out towards right field and all of a sudden I feel somebody just come crashing down on me. It startled me more than anything. When I turn around, I see it's this drunk guy from below us. He was trying to step down on the seat to try and get to his seat but he stumbled over the rail and fell onto me. He was all like "I'm sorry dude. Are you alright dude?" I answered I was fine, I was shocked more than anything. I felt bad for the guy as he was wasted. He ended up finally making it to his seat but then about an inning later he was gone again and never came back.
The Royals are now 0-1 in games I've been to this year. Hopefully, they'll win the next time I go and see them.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. The temp at first pitch was around 70 degrees which is probably 30 degrees more than it has been the last two first games I've been too in the previous two years. It felt like a late May day and definitely no complaining. Normally I'm wearing layers and trying to stay warm whereas this time around it was this time around wearing short sleeves and shorts.
At the game was me, my friend Kyle and a friend of his from class. The seats were in the outfield, out in left field, to the left of the Red Sox bullpen. It was a good game....unfortunately for the Royals...the Red Sox won 8-3. Some highlights:
*It was a pitcher's duel for probably about 5 innings. Beckett was pretty much on for most of the game. Grienke wasn't as much but held on a lead until giving up some runs. Beckett ended up winning the game and is still undefeated against the Royals.
*It was the first Red Sox game I had been to since 2008. That game I also saw Josh Beckett start and win the game.
*Sitting out by the fountains, you can't hear as well as normally can around the stadium...which is kind of to be expected.
*The fans in the outfield are a lot more rowdy than they are in other parts of the stadium. I learned this some last year at the first game of the year and it was confirmed again. There was some drunk guys who were yelling out at Rick Ankiel (the new CF) when he would make plays like "You're awesome Rick!" and stuff like that. It was almost like reverse heckling. Of course there was some regular heckling of Red Sox players and Red Sox fans. I was glad I went with the Royals gear and not with the Red Sox gear.
*There was also an "incident" that happened during the game. There was one drunk guy who sat below us who kept getting up and leaving every so often (mainly because the vendors didn't walk through the outfield as much as other areas so to get beer one had to get up and get it). I can't remember it it was in the fifth or sixth inning but I was looking out towards right field and all of a sudden I feel somebody just come crashing down on me. It startled me more than anything. When I turn around, I see it's this drunk guy from below us. He was trying to step down on the seat to try and get to his seat but he stumbled over the rail and fell onto me. He was all like "I'm sorry dude. Are you alright dude?" I answered I was fine, I was shocked more than anything. I felt bad for the guy as he was wasted. He ended up finally making it to his seat but then about an inning later he was gone again and never came back.
The Royals are now 0-1 in games I've been to this year. Hopefully, they'll win the next time I go and see them.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Reflections on the Sports Landscape of the 2000s
Looking back at the decade that was in sports, there were a lot of memorable moments. Time and space do not allow to cover all of them but here's the ones that register in my mind. Feel free to comment about yours:
*The Music City Miracle: I was there and I saw it live. It was considered one of the top 10 NFL plays of the decade (it was even in the top 5) and I saw it in person. To this day, I still remember the excitement and the celebration that happened when Kevin Dyson scored that TD. Hearing the radio call later by Mike Keith and Pat Ryan still gives me chills. Awesome.
*The World Series in 2001: Probably the only time in my life that I liked the Yankees. After the events of 9/11, it almost seemed fitting that the Yankees were in the World Series that year. It was something to watch that series and see all the dramatic elements that came with it. In the end, I was glad that the Diamomdbacks won but for a time, I did like the Yankees.
*Steroids at the forefront in baseball: Nothing disappointed me more than all the things that came out when steroids, HGH and performance enhancing drugs were brought to light in baseball. It's sad to know that for most of my life, especially my childhood is now tainted by the label "steroid era". If there's any good that comes out of this, I hope it cleans up the sport. But it doesn't take away (like the strike in '94) the disappointment.
*Return of football to New Orleans in 2006: I watched the first game in the reopened Superdome with the Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. It had the feel of a Super Bowl and it showed. The game itself was a good one and it was really cool to watch.
*The Olympics: It was a good decade for the Olympics. With the Winter (2002, Salt Lake City, 2006 Turin, Italy) and the Summer (2000, Sydney, Austraila, 2004, Athens, Greece, 2008, Bejing, China) there was a lot of memorable performances. It'll be interesting to see how the next few Olympics turn out as well.
*Red Sox and breaking of the Curse: Obviously, the championship run by the Boston Red Sox in 2004 was memorable. To beat the Yankees four straight in the ALCS after being down 0-3 was simply sweet and then to then sweep in the World Series was icing on the cake. 86 years without a title and then finally one. Along with winning in 2007, it was a good year.
All this and more made for a memorable decade. Looking forward to the sports decade that is the 2010s
*The Music City Miracle: I was there and I saw it live. It was considered one of the top 10 NFL plays of the decade (it was even in the top 5) and I saw it in person. To this day, I still remember the excitement and the celebration that happened when Kevin Dyson scored that TD. Hearing the radio call later by Mike Keith and Pat Ryan still gives me chills. Awesome.
*The World Series in 2001: Probably the only time in my life that I liked the Yankees. After the events of 9/11, it almost seemed fitting that the Yankees were in the World Series that year. It was something to watch that series and see all the dramatic elements that came with it. In the end, I was glad that the Diamomdbacks won but for a time, I did like the Yankees.
*Steroids at the forefront in baseball: Nothing disappointed me more than all the things that came out when steroids, HGH and performance enhancing drugs were brought to light in baseball. It's sad to know that for most of my life, especially my childhood is now tainted by the label "steroid era". If there's any good that comes out of this, I hope it cleans up the sport. But it doesn't take away (like the strike in '94) the disappointment.
*Return of football to New Orleans in 2006: I watched the first game in the reopened Superdome with the Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. It had the feel of a Super Bowl and it showed. The game itself was a good one and it was really cool to watch.
*The Olympics: It was a good decade for the Olympics. With the Winter (2002, Salt Lake City, 2006 Turin, Italy) and the Summer (2000, Sydney, Austraila, 2004, Athens, Greece, 2008, Bejing, China) there was a lot of memorable performances. It'll be interesting to see how the next few Olympics turn out as well.
*Red Sox and breaking of the Curse: Obviously, the championship run by the Boston Red Sox in 2004 was memorable. To beat the Yankees four straight in the ALCS after being down 0-3 was simply sweet and then to then sweep in the World Series was icing on the cake. 86 years without a title and then finally one. Along with winning in 2007, it was a good year.
All this and more made for a memorable decade. Looking forward to the sports decade that is the 2010s
Monday, March 23, 2009
Reflecting on the Retirement of Curt Schilling
I heard come across the news wire that Curt Schilling has retired. It's kind of a bittersweet day because of that. He is one of my favorite pitchers and probably one of the best Postseason pitchers. He was the kind of guy that if you handed him the ball in a playoff game, nine times out of ten he'll get you in a position to win.
He was in four World Series (1993, 2001, 2004, 2007) and won three of them with two teams (Arizona and Boston). He posted a postseason record of 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA.
To me, he will be remembered for the 2004 postseason where he had the tendon injury in his ankle and had to have surgery just to pitch in Game 6 of the ALCS. The "Bloody Sock" game helped Boston in their huge comeback against the rival Yankees and helped propel the team into the World Series where he pitched again with the bloody sock and all to a victory and a World Series win for the first time in 86 years.
His last game was fittingly Game 2 of the 2007 World Series against the Rockies with a win.
He was a great pitcher and character in baseball. He will be missed. Curt, good luck in all that you do down the road.
He was in four World Series (1993, 2001, 2004, 2007) and won three of them with two teams (Arizona and Boston). He posted a postseason record of 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA.
To me, he will be remembered for the 2004 postseason where he had the tendon injury in his ankle and had to have surgery just to pitch in Game 6 of the ALCS. The "Bloody Sock" game helped Boston in their huge comeback against the rival Yankees and helped propel the team into the World Series where he pitched again with the bloody sock and all to a victory and a World Series win for the first time in 86 years.
His last game was fittingly Game 2 of the 2007 World Series against the Rockies with a win.
He was a great pitcher and character in baseball. He will be missed. Curt, good luck in all that you do down the road.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Random Sports Reflections
Here's some random stuff to talk about:
*I'm disappointed in the Red Sox not making the World Series. Given the way the team finished, I guess it was the best to be expected. I'm not really excited about the World Series this year with the (Devil) Rays and the Phillies. I think if I have to pick a team to root for, it'd be the Phillies. The city (Philadelphia) deserves a champ and the last time they won the World Series I was like 8 months old (so 28 years ago) so I'm thinking they're due. I'll say Phillies in 6.
*I'm not really into college football this year. Partly I think it has to do with the Vols and the Huskies having horrible years. All I know is the one thing that's always the case every year...the BCS won't work. Some way shape or form, it won't work and people will want a playoff (which every other division and every other sport have).
*I'm disappointed in the Seahawks. Ever since I've moved, they've went in the tank. Could me moving have put a jinx on them? Could it be the curse of Shaun Alexander in cutting him? Or could it be that they just have way too many injuries this year to overcome. At this point, it might just be worth looking forward to next year, getting a good draft pick and settling into new coach Jim Mora Jr.
*I just heard today that the 49ers fired Mike Nolan and hired Mike Singletary as the interim head coach. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a Singletary fan I am. Growing up, he was one of my favorite players to watch. I respected him both on and off the field. I've felt he's been due a head coaching opportunity after several years as a defensive coordinator. I might actually sort of start rooting for the 49ers again (for the first time in a long time) with him at the helm, though when they play the 'Hawks, still have to pull for the Hawks.
*I'm so excited about the Titans. They've been due a season like this in a long time. This team reminds me in a lot of ways of the dominant teams of the early part of this decade. If they continue to play like they have so far, I don't think there's any reason why they can't win the Super Bowl. If you got a defense like they do, a one-two running combo in White and Johnson, a kicker who's lights out good, and a veteran quarterback who's calm under pressure, then you have the formula for winning a championship.
*I'm disappointed in the Red Sox not making the World Series. Given the way the team finished, I guess it was the best to be expected. I'm not really excited about the World Series this year with the (Devil) Rays and the Phillies. I think if I have to pick a team to root for, it'd be the Phillies. The city (Philadelphia) deserves a champ and the last time they won the World Series I was like 8 months old (so 28 years ago) so I'm thinking they're due. I'll say Phillies in 6.
*I'm not really into college football this year. Partly I think it has to do with the Vols and the Huskies having horrible years. All I know is the one thing that's always the case every year...the BCS won't work. Some way shape or form, it won't work and people will want a playoff (which every other division and every other sport have).
*I'm disappointed in the Seahawks. Ever since I've moved, they've went in the tank. Could me moving have put a jinx on them? Could it be the curse of Shaun Alexander in cutting him? Or could it be that they just have way too many injuries this year to overcome. At this point, it might just be worth looking forward to next year, getting a good draft pick and settling into new coach Jim Mora Jr.
*I just heard today that the 49ers fired Mike Nolan and hired Mike Singletary as the interim head coach. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a Singletary fan I am. Growing up, he was one of my favorite players to watch. I respected him both on and off the field. I've felt he's been due a head coaching opportunity after several years as a defensive coordinator. I might actually sort of start rooting for the 49ers again (for the first time in a long time) with him at the helm, though when they play the 'Hawks, still have to pull for the Hawks.
*I'm so excited about the Titans. They've been due a season like this in a long time. This team reminds me in a lot of ways of the dominant teams of the early part of this decade. If they continue to play like they have so far, I don't think there's any reason why they can't win the Super Bowl. If you got a defense like they do, a one-two running combo in White and Johnson, a kicker who's lights out good, and a veteran quarterback who's calm under pressure, then you have the formula for winning a championship.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Red Sox Nation in Kansas City....Fifth Royals Game In Review
Tuesday was a big day. It was a part of the yearly tradition I have done since 2005. That tradition being attending a Red Sox game. This year was no exception. I purchased the tickets way in advance and got some really prime seats (fifth row seats, lower level, third base side). I was excited and ready to get to the game.
My buddy and huge Royals fan Kyle went with me. He wore his Billy Butler jersey while I wore my David Ortiz jersey. We got to the stadium about 20 minutes prior to first pitch so I was unable to get pictures of batting practice like I normally do. But I was just happy to make it there before the game started.
Some highlights and thoughts:
*It was really nice to see a good Red Sox starting pitcher. Josh Beckett pitched that night. After getting the likes of Wade Miller, Kyle Snyder and Kason Gabbard, it was a treat to see the ace of the staff pitch. And I wasn't disappointed. He pitched a great game and got the win. I saw first hand what I had seen many times on TV, when he has his stuff going there are very few people who can keep up with him.
*I was happy that Jacoby Ellsbury had a good night at the plate. He's been in kind of a slump this year. Hopefully this will be the catalyst to get him going for the rest of the season.
*One sad thing happened at the ball park. There was a foul ball that hit a little kid right on the nose. It was a high pop up that carried foul. It came right to our section probably ten to fifteen rows back from where we were. One guy had his hands up and completely missed the ball. It went right through his hands and hit the kid who was sitting down next to him. They called the ushers over to attend to the kid. In the end, he was okay.
*I saw the play where the ball hung up on the fence. Though I was disappointed that it wasn't called a home run. I understand why it didn't. Kauffman Stadium does not have a yellow line on it's walls. For those who don't know, a yellow line means if it hits that line, it's a home run. So here, if it hits the top of the fence and bounces back, it's not a home run. Or, if it stays on top of the fence like it did then, it's not a home run. It may be something that gets looked at in the offseason or it may not I don't know.
*It was kind of funny when there was a Red Sox chant going. The Royals fans would start in with their chant. When that happened, it sounded muddled because both teams start with the letter R. So it sounded like loud mumbling. Like I said, kind of funny.
*Overall, it was a good time. Sat next to some interesting Red Sox fans and talked with throughout the game. Red Sox won the game 8-2 (which unfortunately puts the record of the Royals at games I attend at 1-4) and improved their record of games I attend to 3-1.
My buddy and huge Royals fan Kyle went with me. He wore his Billy Butler jersey while I wore my David Ortiz jersey. We got to the stadium about 20 minutes prior to first pitch so I was unable to get pictures of batting practice like I normally do. But I was just happy to make it there before the game started.
Some highlights and thoughts:
*It was really nice to see a good Red Sox starting pitcher. Josh Beckett pitched that night. After getting the likes of Wade Miller, Kyle Snyder and Kason Gabbard, it was a treat to see the ace of the staff pitch. And I wasn't disappointed. He pitched a great game and got the win. I saw first hand what I had seen many times on TV, when he has his stuff going there are very few people who can keep up with him.
*I was happy that Jacoby Ellsbury had a good night at the plate. He's been in kind of a slump this year. Hopefully this will be the catalyst to get him going for the rest of the season.
*One sad thing happened at the ball park. There was a foul ball that hit a little kid right on the nose. It was a high pop up that carried foul. It came right to our section probably ten to fifteen rows back from where we were. One guy had his hands up and completely missed the ball. It went right through his hands and hit the kid who was sitting down next to him. They called the ushers over to attend to the kid. In the end, he was okay.
*I saw the play where the ball hung up on the fence. Though I was disappointed that it wasn't called a home run. I understand why it didn't. Kauffman Stadium does not have a yellow line on it's walls. For those who don't know, a yellow line means if it hits that line, it's a home run. So here, if it hits the top of the fence and bounces back, it's not a home run. Or, if it stays on top of the fence like it did then, it's not a home run. It may be something that gets looked at in the offseason or it may not I don't know.
*It was kind of funny when there was a Red Sox chant going. The Royals fans would start in with their chant. When that happened, it sounded muddled because both teams start with the letter R. So it sounded like loud mumbling. Like I said, kind of funny.
*Overall, it was a good time. Sat next to some interesting Red Sox fans and talked with throughout the game. Red Sox won the game 8-2 (which unfortunately puts the record of the Royals at games I attend at 1-4) and improved their record of games I attend to 3-1.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Trading Deadline Reflections
The trading deadline of MLB has come and gone and two major trades went down and both were shocking to me.
First, Ken Griffey Jr. was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players and cash. I'm kind of disappointed in a way because I'd much rather he would have been traded a year ago around this time back to the Seattle Mariners. I'm still hoping that before his career is over with that he'll return with the Mariners. This should boost the White Sox lineup but they're still going to have a tough time with the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
The other and more relavent to me is the one that sends Manny Ramirez away from the Boston Red Sox. It was a three team deal that also involved the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers get Ramriez, the Pirates get four players and the Red Sox get Jason Bay. From the perspective of the Red Sox, they get a All-Star OF in Bay who has had similar numbers as Ramirez this year. Personally, I'm torn. Like what I said yesterday, I've liked Manny Ramirez for a long time. But this year it seems his attitude has really taken a turn south (as in not good). I really think the comments he made yesterday really pushed it over the edge. It'll make things interesting next week when I go see the Sox play here in K.C.
First, Ken Griffey Jr. was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players and cash. I'm kind of disappointed in a way because I'd much rather he would have been traded a year ago around this time back to the Seattle Mariners. I'm still hoping that before his career is over with that he'll return with the Mariners. This should boost the White Sox lineup but they're still going to have a tough time with the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
The other and more relavent to me is the one that sends Manny Ramirez away from the Boston Red Sox. It was a three team deal that also involved the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers get Ramriez, the Pirates get four players and the Red Sox get Jason Bay. From the perspective of the Red Sox, they get a All-Star OF in Bay who has had similar numbers as Ramirez this year. Personally, I'm torn. Like what I said yesterday, I've liked Manny Ramirez for a long time. But this year it seems his attitude has really taken a turn south (as in not good). I really think the comments he made yesterday really pushed it over the edge. It'll make things interesting next week when I go see the Sox play here in K.C.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Perfect Way to Cap Off A Comeback
Many of you know that I'm a huge Boston Red Sox fan. One of my favorite players on the team is Jon Lester. He is a starting pitcher, who by the way is originally from Tacoma, Washington. He was one of the "young guns" that the team brought up through the farm system and was a hot prospect. In August 2006, he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphona. After nearly a year of treatment, he came back in late July 2007 and ended up starting in Game 4 of the World Series, leading the Sox to the World Championship.
For many, that would be the fairy tale ending. Then May 19, 2008 comes around. Lester, who had not pitched a complete game in his major league career, turned in a perfomance that few accomplish, that is throw a no-hitter. It was the first no-hitter of 2008 and the last to be thrown since another young Red Sox pitcher did the honors (Clay Buchholz) last September. It was great performance: 130 pitches, 9 strikeouts and allowed only 2 baserunners.
Here was his reaction after the game:
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=null&videoId=3404159&n8pe6c=2
I'm reminded again of the quote that RP Mike Timlin said after the World Series victory:
"This is going to sound funny. But God blessed Jon Lester with cancer just to show a lot of people that you can overcome something that's so hard in your life you think, 'I'm not gonna make it.' He's going to be able to take his faith in God and the strength God gave him and tell a lot of other people a great story."
Amen to that.
For many, that would be the fairy tale ending. Then May 19, 2008 comes around. Lester, who had not pitched a complete game in his major league career, turned in a perfomance that few accomplish, that is throw a no-hitter. It was the first no-hitter of 2008 and the last to be thrown since another young Red Sox pitcher did the honors (Clay Buchholz) last September. It was great performance: 130 pitches, 9 strikeouts and allowed only 2 baserunners.
Here was his reaction after the game:
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=null&videoId=3404159&n8pe6c=2
I'm reminded again of the quote that RP Mike Timlin said after the World Series victory:
"This is going to sound funny. But God blessed Jon Lester with cancer just to show a lot of people that you can overcome something that's so hard in your life you think, 'I'm not gonna make it.' He's going to be able to take his faith in God and the strength God gave him and tell a lot of other people a great story."
Amen to that.
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