Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sporting Rants and Raves: June 13, 2009

Happy 29th birthday to my very own brother Richard who begins his final year in his 20s. A rather good athlete in his own right, Richard played football, basketball, and baseball for Platt High School in Meriden. He then moved on to play college baseball for the Owls of Southern Connecticut State University. Happy Birthday little bro!

Now for a brief look at the headlines...

Calhoun Collapses
In a 50-mile charity race, the 67 year old Calhoun hit a pothole at approximately mile 34 along the route causing him to fall and break 5 ribs. He then got back on and finished the race. He collapsed soon after. A few things...
  • This guy - who was treated for dehydration during the NCAA tournament this past March and who has been treated for cancer 3 separate times - must be either crazy or in really good shape. Or both.
  • A pothole that could cause the guy to break 5 ribs? Was Calhoun blind? And who chose this route?
  • Back to the guy... Calhoun got back on and finished. If you don't feel 1 broken rib, okay, you have an adrenaline rush. I'll buy it. But 5? Jim, what were you thinking?
  • Jim, stick to basketball. Maybe you'll consider coaching kids to play H-O-R-S-E in some charity event closer to your specialty.


Gay Leads St. Jude
A headline offensive to Catholics everywhere. Or some unfortunate surnamed sap who happens to be winning in a Memphis, TN golf tournament. Yes on both counts...

Orton Is Starter; Marshall Absent Again
I predict that Chris Simms will start at least 3 games, Orton will single-handedly lose 3 games, and that Marshall will change his name to Beast and dye his skin an electric blue.

Mets Bounce Back to Beat Yanks 6-2
Instead of reading 'Mets Take 2 at Yanks New Home' the Metropolitans had to find a way to bounce back. I can't adequately describe what happened last evening. So I'll let the video speak for itself:


Wings Miffed Over Crosby Handshake Snub
Honestly? Pittsburgh wins the Stanley Cup making Pittsburgh the official Titletown for 2009, and this happens to be the headline? The guy was celebrating. And then he came over to shake the Wings' hands. This headline should read Crosby Celebrates and Pisses Off Sore Losers. Sheesh...

Answer to last week's Trivia of the Week:
In last week's Sporting Rants and Raves: June 6, 2009, I asked you to connect the BAA cities with their respective mascots. How did you do?

* Baltimore Bullets (1947-50)
* Chicago Stags (1946-49)
* Rochester Royals (1947-48)^
* Cleveland Rebels (1946-47)
* Detroit Falcons (1946-47)
* Indianapolis Jets (1948-49)
* New York Knickerbockers (1946-49)^
* Pittsburgh Ironmen (1946-47)
* Providence Steamrollers (1946-49)
* Sheboygan Redskins (1949-50)
* St. Louis Bombers (1946-49)
* Toronto Huskies (1946-47)
* Washington Capitols (1946-49)
* Boston Celtics (1946-49)^
* Minneapolis Lakers (1948-49)^
* Fort Wayne Pistons (1948-49)^
* Philadelphia Warriors (1946-49)^
^Moved to the NBA

Trivia of the Week:
Name the last team (pro basketball, baseball, or hockey) to win a Game 7 - and therefore a championship - at the opposition's venue. What cities have hosted at least 2 titles in the same year in the 4 major sports (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL)?

Umpire Ejects Entire Crowd from High School Baseball Game
This Iowa umpire went the distance in this one. He built the case and the police came. And even thought the police didn't agree with the ump's assessment, they eased his pain. Perhaps this guy should get beat with a crowbar...

Aikman Graduates from UCLA... 21 Years After Leaving Westwood
A great story. And a class act. I could never root for him as a Cowboy. But I can thank him for proving to be a good role model. Barkley, go eat your shorts...

Rockies Slide Past Mariners
Rockies are 10-0 in their last 10 games. And still only in third in the NL West. The Mariners are 6-4 in their last 10 games. And third in the AL West. Each team has the exact same record. Where am I going with this line of stats? I have no idea...

Magic Aiming to Make History with Comeback
Yeah, okay. I don't believe in Magic. Well, Orlando's Magic. I do believe in the other Magic. LA's. And I'm not happy about it.

I've heard the final buzzer (of the dryer). Time for me to exit stage left. If you have anything you'd like me to address, please let me know. In the meantime, happy sporting...

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