- 08:52 PM
- 04/23/24
Hey, commander, 68 was a great series,a classic. Can Detroit reactivate Mickey Lolich for this series? Heck, who needs Mickey when you've got a stud like Nate Robertson? Good luck, Tigers!
posted by judgedread at 03:03 PM on October 15, 2006
If the 1975 Game 6 Fisk HR is considered "clutch", what about Bernie Carbo's 8th inning, two-out, 3-run blast to tie that same game? That hit was absolutely crucial at that time, and was one of the most electrifying moments that I've ever had while watching sports.
posted by judgedread at 11:59 AM on September 30, 2006
John, don't forget about the wind factor; the harder it blows, the more it favors Europe, as most Euro players get more tournament experience playing in it. Don't expect a U.S.comeback Saturday in the predicted 15 to 25 mph winds. Perhaps during Sunday singles the wind will back off and Tiger and the boys will play the target golf that Hawkins believes can happen.
posted by judgedread at 11:38 PM on September 22, 2006
Soriano has achieved a fine numerical distinction; give the guy credit. But, if Rickey Henderson would have ingested the same amount of performance enhancing supplements that Bonds and Conseco have,don't you think that Rickey might have established a 70-70 club? Maybe a 100-100 club! Can we really trust, or appreciate, any statistical milestone that is reached in this age?
posted by judgedread at 10:23 PM on September 20, 2006
My hope is that the Ohio prison system has programming that will help Clarett learn how to make better decisions (his entire way of thinking needs to change) so that he can come out of prison and succeed. What a great turnaround story this guy could be.
posted by judgedread at 09:30 PM on September 19, 2006
Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd, buy me some PEANUTS and Cracker Jack, I don't care if I never get back.......(all right, I'll stop. But I want the wrongful persecution of an American icon to stop also.)
posted by judgedread at 08:48 PM on September 05, 2006
How can Charlie possibly afford to pay for performance enhancing drugs? After all, we all know that he and his teammates play for peanuts...
posted by judgedread at 07:55 PM on September 05, 2006
I always admired Steve's guts and his extensive knowledge of animals. He will be remembered...Incidentally, I have been married to a woman named Sheila for many years and can readily understand why he would refer to a female crocodile by that name.
posted by judgedread at 11:17 AM on September 04, 2006
The A's fly under the radar ,way out west, with a bit less media scrutiny than some other, pressure-packed teams. August comes around, and if your team is either tired or banged-up, they simply take advantage of you and out-play you. Having some outstanding pitching doesn't hurt either.
posted by judgedread at 08:11 PM on September 02, 2006
In this country, many fine, hard working people lose their fingers in meat-packing or other unfortunate industrial accidents. Tragically,these workers are maimed, though unintentionally. What in these guys' culture influences them to believe a bet resulting in self-maiming is acceptable? Are bragging rights for winning rickshaw races and a little bit of money ever a justification for the kind of self- inflicted injury like shown in the picture? NO. Apparently, the local government tolerates this nonsense. Sure makes me glad I live in the United States...
posted by judgedread at 02:35 PM on September 02, 2006
Not only do I agree with Chicobangs ' reasoning, I would also suggest that the pathetic , brain damaged state of Muhammed Ali (easily the most recognizable heavyweight champ of all time) tends to discourage any one to follow him.Also, at one time, boxers out earned and outshined their team sport counterparts.Not any more. Now, athletes have more incentive to pursue alternatives to boxing,and need not enter the high risk sport of prizefighting.This Valuev is little more than an untested Drago from Rocky 4 who will probably be levelled if he ever encounters a real heavyweight contender who can actually fight.
posted by judgedread at 09:03 AM on September 02, 2006
I hope that Soriano can recover from any physical injury but also mentally (remember Herb Score, whose fear of getting drilled again derailed a promising career). Though I loved aluminum bats as a hitter, the way my golf ball jumps off of the face of my King Cobra driver compared to my old wooden 1 wood convinces me that conversion to metallic bats create an added risk to pitchers and charging infielders that simply is not worth it.
posted by judgedread at 11:17 PM on August 30, 2006
As a former school board member I would point out that school administrators are often paid amounts even more grossly disproportionate to those paid to the very best teachers (as compared to football coaches as discussed in the article). Furthermore, a superintendent typically does nothing to personally inspire a teenager, cause a passionate wave of community support, or build school pride. A good football coach can; I have seen it happen. Also, you should all know that virtually all merit pay bonus programs for teachers are vehemently opposed by the NEA teachers union; in contrast, the football coach has a very public merit evaluation every season. What MJK argues above has,whether you like it or not, a realistic soundness to it.
posted by judgedread at 10:09 PM on August 29, 2006
Hey,CC, Al Kaline and Norm Cash could really hit too,without artificial enhancements. However, I'm not so sure about Willie Horton and Gates Brown; those guys were awfully huge...
posted by judgedread at 11:08 PM on August 28, 2006
Babe Ruth hit 60 homers without "nutritional supplements" except for hot dogs and beer (neither of which ever helped me any). Even more impressive was his ability to take advantage of Yankee Stadium's 295-ft. right field line while swinging a 42-ounce bat. (The right center and center field distances were murderous, and dead-pull hitting was essential). Thanks, IRFC, for reminding us of Roger's 1961 feats and ,implicitly, Babe's before him.
posted by judgedread at 08:41 PM on August 28, 2006
MJK, I was out of state today and was unable to respond to your wager offer. By now, we all know that Tiger did win in a playoff. I wouldn't have accepted your bet,not with rain in the forecast, and not with Woods' ability to exploit softened greens. But it was a good call on your part,and a good win for Tiger on a legitimately challenging par 70 track. I did misread your earlier comment regarding par 5 holes, but are you suggesting that Tiger is less successful on par 70 major courses because he can't compete against the field on long par 4's? Anyway, we'll save this discussion for another day.I am going upstairs to eat some of my own birthday cake (another day older and deeper in debt) and will look forward to your next hypothesis...
posted by judgedread at 08:59 PM on August 27, 2006
Tiger is the best player in golf but he is also the sport's biggest attraction and by far its most compelling marketing figure. When viewer interest in an event may be questionable and millions of dollars in advertising at stake, the PGA tour has a great incentive to keep its biggest draw at the top of the leaderboard. It is possible that some lesser player would have gotten the same ruling, but with Tiger getting past breaks like fans moving boulders out of his way and jumping up to knock his errant shot from going further into the trees (which happened at Medinah ) there is some legitimate ground for suspicion.
posted by judgedread at 11:24 PM on August 26, 2006
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you,MJK,( I was watching Tiger Woods make 4 consecutive bogeys on TV and was occupied) . While your response was, I'm sure, an attempt to be funny, I'll interpret it as a concession that I may be right...
posted by judgedread at 03:20 PM on August 26, 2006
MJK, it is not true that no one scores better on par 3 vs. par 4 holes. Corey Pavin and Luke Donald are two who score better on the average as against par on par 3's. While I recognize your point in relation to long par 4's on par 70 courses, you are failing to recognize that PGA tour stats clearly show that Tiger is over par on the year on par 3's. And, as most par 70 courses used for majors have twice as many par 3's as they do par 5's, your missing my point that TIGER'S OWN TRACK RECORD reflects that he simply doesn't fare as well when that set-up exists. While I freely admit my tendency to work in a challenge of Eldrick when any thread opens the door, I sure have fun in reading the responses which will go just about any length to defend him; sometimes quite justified, sometimes not.
posted by judgedread at 01:45 PM on August 26, 2006
I agree with Psycho. Tiger doesn't play par 3's as well as he does longer holes (he is over par for the year on them) and aces are virtually all made on par 3's. Plus, he is 1 for 16 on par 70 major courses which put greater emphasis on par 3 play over par 5 play. He's not a robot, and he is not going to record double aces in one round either.
posted by judgedread at 09:01 AM on August 26, 2006
I miss the 80's when the Royals were a great team that were fun to watch. George Brett, Frank White, Hal Mcrae, and a solid pitching staff filled the stadium at the Blue Ridge Cutoff with loyal and appreciative fans. Sadly, today's KC team sucks so badly that no lasting memories are being made and the current non-royalty is entirely forgettable. Exciting and winning baseball is a memory of a distant past. I did enjoy the article, but unfortunately, I was painfully reminded just how far this once proud franchise has fallen.
posted by judgedread at 10:47 PM on August 24, 2006
Gibbons reminds me of Moe Green from the movie The Godfather who once said "Sometimes you've got to kick ass to make things run right." Of course, you remember how HE ended up...
posted by judgedread at 09:31 PM on August 22, 2006
My point about Daly is that if Lehman would just go to that guy, tell him that America needs him, that we all apologize for him being snubbed in the past, and the Euros were insulting Arkansas, then Big John would move mountains to get himself (and his golf game) ready for the K Club. He sure would be fun to watch...
posted by judgedread at 09:20 PM on August 22, 2006
Though some of Tiger's worshippers will undoubtedly believe that he will singlehandedly carry the U.S. team to glorious victory, I still believe that a true team effort on Irish soil is necessary to regain the Ryder Cup. Cink is a steady, experienced influence and a good pick. A bold,imaginative pick in addition would be John Daly. That man ,like Tiger, has raw physical skills for which the Euros have no answer. Pair him with Cink or Jim Furyk; his teammate can go for pars in best ball and John can rip for birdies and eagles. He is one of the few who can intimidate his opponents. We have got to give them something they're not ready for. I want to win; Daly gives us a chance to upset our adversaries from across the Atlantic.
posted by judgedread at 10:46 PM on August 21, 2006
Good point, grum, but Tiger's record still reflects overall that the closer to par the winning score is, the less likely Tiger is the one winning it.
posted by judgedread at 11:46 PM on August 20, 2006
I will be the first to admit that my earlier prediction that Tiger would NOT win at Medinah was incorrect. Tiger played great. However, my real error was overrating Medinah's degree of difficulty; what was supposed to be a true championship test was little more than an ultra-soft birdie extravaganza which,like Royal Liverpool, played right into Tiger's capable hands. I express my well-deserved mea culpa, but look forward to next year, when Oakmont,Carnoustie, and Southern Hills should prove my unshaken and continuing contention that Tiger fails to show dominance when a proper degree of difficulty is reflected by the major championship course being played. And, quite obviously, the benign Medinah simply did not provide nearly the test to prove my point and expose Tiger's Achilles' heel the way that Winged Foot unquestionably did.
posted by judgedread at 10:50 PM on August 20, 2006
I'd like to see Rice suit up for one more game in San Francisco (preferably on a Monday night) , make one more catch for a gain, and then walk off to a thunderous standing ovation that he deserves. I believe that a player of his achievements should have such a shining moment on that field.
posted by judgedread at 10:13 AM on August 20, 2006
Psycho brings up the unfortunate reality that the judge would be under considerable pressure in many communities to let the boys play (especially if they were talented athletes that significantly helped the team in a high profile sport like football.) But this fake deer in the street thing was no prank.In states like mine, deer/ vehicle accidents are a deadly problem, and any astute driver will take evasive action when they see a buck or doe on the roadway. These idiots KNEW that motorists would panic when they saw their "deer" in the road: what other kind of result were they expecting? Locking up their brakes? Crashing into a tree just off the roadway? These pranksters have no regard for how vehicles are dangerous instrumentalities, and because their malicious game ACTUALLY CAUSED PEOPLE TO SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURIES theirs are cases where equally serious sanctions should be imposed. This long-standing "jocks do no wrong'" crap needs to stop. To defer their time until after football season is an insult to the victims (who are undoubtedly hurting now) and a very unhealthy message to every other potential dumbass.
posted by judgedread at 11:46 PM on August 17, 2006
Because of the serious nature of the injuries sustained by the victims in this case, and the recklessness and senselessness demonstrated by these juvenile offenders, perhaps the most effective sentence of all would require these boys to report to the detention facility each football game night the entire season, effectively eliminating their game night participation. This would send a strong message that this dangerous nonsense would not be tolerated and that injurious acts perpetrated upon victims will result in loss of enjoyment of life for the criminals who caused pain and suffering to the innocent.
posted by judgedread at 11:02 PM on August 17, 2006
While I think that realistically she will find It increasingly difficult to compete with male athletes as she advances to higher levels(the taller and stronger males will eventually assert their physical advantage) you have to admire this gal's determination. Besides, who is going to have the guts to tell this female warrior that she CAN'T play?
posted by judgedread at 09:31 PM on August 14, 2006
Moms and baseball are great, aren't they? Suddenly, I'm hungry for some apple pie...
posted by judgedread at 11:08 PM on August 11, 2006
I played ball for many years competively and only once did the the other team walk the slugger ahead of me. First and third, one out,one down,our last at bat. I was scared and insulted all at the same time. I took the first pitch over the right center field fence for a game winning walk off homer. It was one of the most glorious moments that I ever had in sports. My point? The other team gave that kid a similar, special opportunity to be a hero, to have one of those special moments in sport that he would remember forever. Okay, this time he tried and failed. So what? The opposing coach was simply doing his best, and the young man who struck out should keep on dreaming of another chance to get the game-winning hit and to show up the coach who walked a guy to get to him. When it happens,won't it be sweet when he comes through in the clutch? I hope that the adults around this kid allow him to truly play the sport, succeed or fail.
posted by judgedread at 10:47 PM on August 11, 2006
When the suggestion is made that baseball does not contain enough minutes of actual "action", I'm glad to read a response like the one by Dyams who truly seems to have played the sport enough to appreciate it. There are few sports in which a lesser athlete can out-think, out-strategize, and defeat physically superior opposition like a good team of baseball players can. These players use their few seconds of action to the utmost, and the astute baseball fan recognizes the brilliance of this GREAT game where sheer athletic talent is only one component of success on the field. Thank you all for reminding me of this.
posted by judgedread at 09:06 PM on August 10, 2006
Let's face reality.When Michelle Wie plays in a men's event, there is a huge spike in the interest in that event. This ,of course, is pleasing to the event's sponsors, the media covering the tournament,and the pros who also play in that event (they all get a greater amount of exposure.) Personally, I root for her every time. I believe she has been great for the sport of golf, and I only hope that she has the support around her to avoid burnout,the crush of extraordinarily high expectations,and physical damage to that beautiful swing.By the way, could you imagine the ratings for a Skins Game with Tiger, Phil, and Michelle all playing? It sure would be fun to watch.
posted by judgedread at 08:44 PM on August 10, 2006
Good post,Black Hand. You made me laugh out loud. Kind of like I do when Bengals fans seriously state that their team can go to the Super Bowl this year...Must be a cellphone in Cincinnati calling me in to the Sports Filter cops as I speak...
posted by judgedread at 10:30 PM on August 09, 2006
The pitcher's top annual award is the Cy Young award, named after a guy who was a model of consistency, stamina, and longevity.I wonder what Cy would think about today's one inning "specialists"? I suspect that he would admire those in the modern era cut from the same cloth as himself, (Gaylord Perry, Don Sutton, and Roger Clemens come to mind)but would shake his head in bewilderment at the pampered pitch count underacheivers that seem to permeate modern-day major league rosters. Despite all of the 21st-century advantages in technology,physical conditioning, financial rewards, nutrition,and medicine that the current player has available, today's pitchers appear underworked , overpaid, and injury -prone..Could it be that the old fellows like Young were just tougher?
posted by judgedread at 10:05 PM on August 09, 2006
Elden, there is an Iowa cornfield that has a ballfield carved out of it where old baseball players can go and play with and against old friends. Put on your Tiger uniform and go knock down a cocky hitter or two.It was built so that guys like you could come and play again. Go the distance!
posted by judgedread at 07:52 PM on August 08, 2006
Ho-hum,Tiger wins another birdiefest on an overmatched course.Yet,the 50 win accomplishment is impressive,and Tiger is a great player. But I'll predict right now that the PGA at Medinah won't be No. 51. I don't really want to stir up the "Tiger can't win on truly tough courses" thing again,but two weeks from now,I'll be saying I told you so.
posted by judgedread at 09:06 PM on August 06, 2006
William Felton Russell was one of the greatest all-around players of his era or any era. His unselfish style of play provided a road map to success to any one who was willing to work hard enough to follow him.He truly deserves the top spot.But where is Kansas University star Wilt Chamberlain who dominated the NBA for years?And what about Jerry West,one of the greatest pure shooters of all time?West inspired a whole generation of average sized kids to practice in their driveways to be like him. Jordan and Bird had that same effect on kids,and the truly great ones provide a shining example for an entire generation.
posted by judgedread at 10:34 PM on August 03, 2006
Great story. This is a classic case of the rich (the Silnas)getting richer while contributing nothing back to the game.The poor fan pays escalating prices for tickets, parking, concessions, and memorabilia and these shrewd but greedy Silnas do nothing but exploit the game.Shame on those decision makers who negotiated this one-sided deal with these guys.
posted by judgedread at 09:53 PM on July 31, 2006
Tight end is the greatest position in football.Big and strong enough to knock defenders on their butts,hands and the reach to make clutch catches in traffic, mean enough to make jarring tackles after an interception. One guy like that is good;but why not put two athletes of that caliber on the field at the same time?
posted by judgedread at 08:52 PM on July 27, 2006
Dusted's posts simply remind us that there are more important things in this world than sports.When players openly acknowledge their faith, whether it is part of a team promotion or simply making the the sign of the cross as they step into the batters box,they exemplify something truly special.When proper respect is shown, this type of thing might help polish baseball's tarnished image.
posted by judgedread at 08:22 PM on July 26, 2006
To, finally, support my earlier comment,I would add that I have a profound respect for Tiger's ability and accomplishments.However,I stand by my position that Tiger historically does not win on the toughest course set-ups. (Bethpage over-emphasized long carries and Pebble was virtually his home course.)As great as he is, his Achilles heel is a course with penal rough,fast greens,and significant wind.Royal Liverpool had none of these, and a major played like the Bob Hope Desert Classic. If the R&A has the guts to set Carnoustie up like they did last time,my point will be proven next year.
posted by judgedread at 08:05 PM on July 26, 2006
McGwire's 70 home run year along with Sosa revitalized interest in the game. But the bottom line is that these steroid enhanced players cheated all of us. The most effective deterrent is to deny hall of fame entry to both Mac and Bonds so that their shameful records are never glorified.
posted by judgedread at 11:38 PM on July 23, 2006
Tiger wins with easy major set-ups. When a true championship test exists he is not a dominant player.(i.e.Carnoustie,Royal St. George,Oak Hill, and especially , Winged Foot.)If links course winds would have blown,he wouldnt have won at Hoylake either and there would always be people making excuses for him.
posted by judgedread at 11:26 PM on July 23, 2006
I agree with luther70. Hinrich was a !00% effort player at Kansas who played hard enough to win.We don't need undisciplined street ball players who palm the ball on every possession and travel every time they make one of their overrated dunks.We need fundamentally sound and unselfish players like Hinrich.In fact the USA could win it all with an all-star team of just Big12 alumni. Leave the shoe contract hot dogs at home.
posted by judgedread at 11:18 PM on July 20, 2006
Tiger and Phil are way too wild off the tee to win at Royal Liverpool. Monty has a great chance if he is on.
posted by judgedread at 10:53 PM on July 17, 2006
Michelle is an extraordinary talent but still just a kid. Playing poorly simply made it easier to listen to her body and its natural signals and walk away when it was proper to do so.
posted by judgedread at 03:59 PM on July 15, 2006
Joe Frazier is still fighting Ali, three decades later.
I have always admired Joe and his determination, and wish him well as he deals with his problems. I suspect that Ali would trade a lot of his money for a body that didn't pathetically shake and speech that people could understand. Frazier is heathier, and therefore "richer",than his old adversary will ever be.