I love Cooperstown. One day, if I make enough money, I would love to live there from May-November. It's such a beautiful place during the summer and since they play up the "birthplace of baseball" bit, I love it even more. Some people say that Abner Doubleday didn't really invent the game there, but does that really matter? It's the idea that this little town in the middle of New York state was the place the national pastime was born and thus it fits perfectly.
The Baseball Hall of Fame is easily the best of all the Halls of Fame, because of its history and how it's run. Jeff Idelson is the president of the Hall and I've spoken with him on several occasions. He seems like a good enough guy, but most importantly, under his guidance, the Hall is constantly evolving. If you go to the museum every year, it won't be the same from visit to visit and that's what's so cool. They have exhibits that come for a year then leave, ones that have been around for years but change given new artifacts and results of the current MLB season.
The Hall of Fame Classic was an idea that came to fruition two years ago, probably before that actually, because they couldn't do the old Hall of Fame Game anymore. That was an exhibition between two Major League teams held at Doubleday Field that was fun while it lasted, but the one time I was there, the players weren't all that keen on it, especially the media session. At the HOF Classic, the ex-players seem pretty stoked to be taking part and that shows in the interviews I've conducted in the game's first three years. Mike Timlin, one of the key relievers on the 2004 Red Sox World Series team, made his second appearance. "The Spaceman" Bill Lee was here two years ago and I got a hilarious quote from him then and another one this year. (So funny we used it to open the 11pm show Sunday.) Among the new participants I spoke with were Reggie Sanders, Frank Catalanotto, Willie Wilson and old Red Sox favorite Dave Henderson. (Hendu in 1986 was interestingly enough on the Mariners when Roger Clemens struck out 20, then on Boston later in the year for their run to the World Series, even hitting a key home run in Game of the ALCS against the Angels, to keep the Sox alive, down three games to one.)
I didn't actually talk to any of the Hall of Famers on Sunday. Instead, I went to Cooperstown on Saturday for a "Voices of the Game" program, where I grabbed Andre Dawson, Goose Gossage and Jim Rice (one of my idols growing up) before they shared memories of the game with fans at Doubleday Field. I wish I could've stayed for the entire program, but I had to get back to Utica to shoot some highlights of the Yard Dogs football game with Glove Cities. (Thank you Mike Mason for your 41 yard run at the start of the second quarter! If I didn't get that my highlights would've been pretty boring.) Rice was a challenge, because when I asked him about his expectations for the HOF Classic, he was either playing dumb or really didn't know what to expect. Good thing Dawson was right there, because they joked about being old and fat and unable to play at all. (That wasn't true with Rice. He played the entire game and got a few hits!!)
I will say that this year we seemed to have less time for interviews than usual. That's probably not true, but it felt like that. And more importantly, I didn't get to talk with Ozzie Smith, which bothered me a little. Perhaps he just didn't want to do TV interviews and I certainly wouldn't blame him if that's true. (Phil Niekro didn't do any interviews at all! Good thing I met him a few weeks back at the opening of the records exhibit.) That being said, there was plenty of time and access to the fun all the guys were having on the field before the first event on Sunday, the Home Run Derby, won by Dmitri Young. (Young also won the Player of the Game award, named after the late Bob Feller, who played in the first two Classics.)
I feel like this year there also weren't as many fans, though the folks at the Hall told me they thought there were more this year than last. Don't know if that's true, but it certainly could be. I seem to remember the weather was hot last year, but this year there was a brisk wind that kept it bearable. As we were leaving the stadium, my intern, Chelsea, suggested me get some Hawaiin ices afterward. I've never had one before, but it was very good. (Kind of a like a slush with multiple flavors, thank you Chelsea!)
The game itself wasn't actually that interesting, which is what you'd really expect from retired players. But they played up the entertainment aspect of it, (I loved Niekro's Dude Love-like knee dance and Jon Warden's goofy antics. Lee was pretty funny, too.) so overall it was another great time at the Classic.
Unfortunately this may be the last time I go to the Coop this season. I may end up there at some point during Induction Weekend this year like I did last year, though probably not for the ceremony. Even so, I've been lucky enough to visit the birthplace of baseball a lot this year. Besides, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.
Check out the story I did on Sunday's festivities here: http://www.wktv.com/sports/Players-fans-enjoy-3rd-HOF-Classic-124169724.html.
In the Arena with WKTV Sports Director Mike Levin
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Boston is still the center of the sports world
Unbelievable. I am now watching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the day after, since I didn't have a chance to do that live from start to finish last night. Considering how this series started, I can't believe how the Bruins turned this series around and specifically how the officiating changed as well. When the NHL didn't suspend Burrows for the biting incident in Game 1, he became the hero in Game 2. Then Rome pulled that cheap shot in Game 3 and was suspended for the series as the Bruins picked up a blowout win. Then there was word that the officiating would change, making sure it was tighter. I figured these were all signs that the Bruins season would be over soon and the Stanley Cup drought would reach 40 years.
But then something strange happened. What I figured was one bad game for Roberto Luongo became a regular shooting gallery of goals. With the exception of a Game 5 shutout at home, Luongo was awful after those first two games of the series. When the Bruins forced Game 7, I like many viewers, figured Luongo would get the magic back, but I also thought that something was, pardon the pun, brewing. (Or is that, "bruin...") My head said the Canucks would win, but my heart said somehow Boston would pull out the win and the Cup.
After nearly fifteen minutes of shutout hockey, Brad Marchand found Patrice Bergeron for the first goal of the game. The next day, my buddy Double J, the biggest hockey fan I knew, said he knew it was over at that point. Maybe, but this team has a history of giving up leads. One thing about this goal: I didn't see it live, because I was at Utica College covering the opening night of Kings of Kings, the summer basketball league that brings in huge college stars, like this year's headliner, Brandon Triche from the Syracuse Orange. (There are a ton of local guys playing, too. As soon as I walked through the door I saw Matt Welch from NY Mills as well as Walkery and Maurice Mills from Proctor. Later I interviewed Pat Moore from ND & Colgate, Dave Golembiowski from Holland Patent and SUNYIT as well as Sean Burton from ND, who also went to my alma mater, Ithaca College. Apparently he now plays pro hoops in the Icelandic league. Sweet!)
Last year I was amazed at how busy the summer season is in the Mohawk Valley. Between Baseball Hall of Fame events, the Boilermaker, the Turning Stone Resort Championship/the Notay Begay III Foundation Challenge, High School Football Previews, as well as college level and legion baseball. Now we did lose the TSRC, but the NB3 is going to be much bigger this year, unless Tiger Woods pulls out, as expected because of his injury. But even so, there's so much to cover and so little time to get it all done. And quite frankly I love it.
Technically the summer began offically last weekend with the High School State Championships for all the Spring sports. But in reality it really began with the final game of the last fall/winter sport, which is usually the NBA Finals, but not this year. I'm now watching the B's skate around with the Cup and it's amazing. Double J keeps telling me the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the best in any sport and the celebration is also better than any others. I definitely agree that one, the Stanley Cup is the best trophy, which he's also said, and seeing my team skating around with it is incredible. I'd still say that NCAA March Madness is still a more exciting overall playoff, but nothing compares to the NHL in pro sports. (I mean, last year I even got excited for the Blackhawks, of all teams. And I really wanted Philly to win, because that's Double J's team.)
The Vancouver fans in the arena were actually pretty gracious and most of them stuck around to watch the Bruins parade around with the Cup. (They even cheered for Milan Lucic, who was born in Vancouver and won a Memorial Cup with the Giants of the WHL.) They gave their team a standing ovation that was probably undeserved given how pathetic they were, losing 4-0 at home in Game 7. But still, it was a pretty classy gesture by the fans inside the building. Outside, however, was another story, as fans rioted and caused a lot of damage, with over 100 people injured. I really don't understand the whole, we're passionate fans, so let's get drunk and destroy things, mentality that occurs in these places. I mean sure, Boston fans can get pretty rowdy and do some stupid things, but it's usually, as Boston Mayor Tom Menino would say, "a few knuckleheads." (While we're at it Mumbles, how about a nice "They did it through teamwork" quote for the Bruins! "They worked every day at it!") This was just awful and I just don't get it.
In any case, I said before this series started that if the Black & Gold won, I wouldn't go crazy on the championship merchandise. There's just a few problems with that. First, the locker room shirt is really cool, with a cartoon trophy and I can totally see myself getting it. Plus, both Father's Day and my nephew's birthday are coming up, so they'll make perfect gifts. Amazing really, because I'm going to end up shelling out money I don't have for my #4 team, because quite frankly, they may not win again in my lifetime and the celebration, complete with the coolest trophy in sports, needs to be remembered.
So there you have it, The Boston Bruins are your Stanley Cup Champions. That makes seven pro sports championships for Boston in a decade. Plus four more NCAA Hockey titles by Boston College and Boston University makes it eleven major titles. How does your favorite city stack come compared to that? I know, you're all sick of hearing this, but you have to admit it's true. Right now, Boston is the center of the sports world. And you know what's scary? The PATRIOTS have the longest drought. Oy.
But then something strange happened. What I figured was one bad game for Roberto Luongo became a regular shooting gallery of goals. With the exception of a Game 5 shutout at home, Luongo was awful after those first two games of the series. When the Bruins forced Game 7, I like many viewers, figured Luongo would get the magic back, but I also thought that something was, pardon the pun, brewing. (Or is that, "bruin...") My head said the Canucks would win, but my heart said somehow Boston would pull out the win and the Cup.
After nearly fifteen minutes of shutout hockey, Brad Marchand found Patrice Bergeron for the first goal of the game. The next day, my buddy Double J, the biggest hockey fan I knew, said he knew it was over at that point. Maybe, but this team has a history of giving up leads. One thing about this goal: I didn't see it live, because I was at Utica College covering the opening night of Kings of Kings, the summer basketball league that brings in huge college stars, like this year's headliner, Brandon Triche from the Syracuse Orange. (There are a ton of local guys playing, too. As soon as I walked through the door I saw Matt Welch from NY Mills as well as Walkery and Maurice Mills from Proctor. Later I interviewed Pat Moore from ND & Colgate, Dave Golembiowski from Holland Patent and SUNYIT as well as Sean Burton from ND, who also went to my alma mater, Ithaca College. Apparently he now plays pro hoops in the Icelandic league. Sweet!)
Last year I was amazed at how busy the summer season is in the Mohawk Valley. Between Baseball Hall of Fame events, the Boilermaker, the Turning Stone Resort Championship/the Notay Begay III Foundation Challenge, High School Football Previews, as well as college level and legion baseball. Now we did lose the TSRC, but the NB3 is going to be much bigger this year, unless Tiger Woods pulls out, as expected because of his injury. But even so, there's so much to cover and so little time to get it all done. And quite frankly I love it.
Technically the summer began offically last weekend with the High School State Championships for all the Spring sports. But in reality it really began with the final game of the last fall/winter sport, which is usually the NBA Finals, but not this year. I'm now watching the B's skate around with the Cup and it's amazing. Double J keeps telling me the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the best in any sport and the celebration is also better than any others. I definitely agree that one, the Stanley Cup is the best trophy, which he's also said, and seeing my team skating around with it is incredible. I'd still say that NCAA March Madness is still a more exciting overall playoff, but nothing compares to the NHL in pro sports. (I mean, last year I even got excited for the Blackhawks, of all teams. And I really wanted Philly to win, because that's Double J's team.)
The Vancouver fans in the arena were actually pretty gracious and most of them stuck around to watch the Bruins parade around with the Cup. (They even cheered for Milan Lucic, who was born in Vancouver and won a Memorial Cup with the Giants of the WHL.) They gave their team a standing ovation that was probably undeserved given how pathetic they were, losing 4-0 at home in Game 7. But still, it was a pretty classy gesture by the fans inside the building. Outside, however, was another story, as fans rioted and caused a lot of damage, with over 100 people injured. I really don't understand the whole, we're passionate fans, so let's get drunk and destroy things, mentality that occurs in these places. I mean sure, Boston fans can get pretty rowdy and do some stupid things, but it's usually, as Boston Mayor Tom Menino would say, "a few knuckleheads." (While we're at it Mumbles, how about a nice "They did it through teamwork" quote for the Bruins! "They worked every day at it!") This was just awful and I just don't get it.
In any case, I said before this series started that if the Black & Gold won, I wouldn't go crazy on the championship merchandise. There's just a few problems with that. First, the locker room shirt is really cool, with a cartoon trophy and I can totally see myself getting it. Plus, both Father's Day and my nephew's birthday are coming up, so they'll make perfect gifts. Amazing really, because I'm going to end up shelling out money I don't have for my #4 team, because quite frankly, they may not win again in my lifetime and the celebration, complete with the coolest trophy in sports, needs to be remembered.
So there you have it, The Boston Bruins are your Stanley Cup Champions. That makes seven pro sports championships for Boston in a decade. Plus four more NCAA Hockey titles by Boston College and Boston University makes it eleven major titles. How does your favorite city stack come compared to that? I know, you're all sick of hearing this, but you have to admit it's true. Right now, Boston is the center of the sports world. And you know what's scary? The PATRIOTS have the longest drought. Oy.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Boxing HOF and Nowitzki's Silver Hammer
I'm a very happy sports guy today. I've been singing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" all morning, thinking about how Dirk and the Mavs were allowed to deliver the knockout blow to the "Heatles" last night in the NBA Finals: Bang bang, Nowitki's Silver Hammer came down on their head... Bang Bang, Nowitzki's Silver Hammer made sure, they were dead!
The NBA Finals are over and Baby Bron Bron & Co. aren't the ones celebrating! Could it be that the NBA really didn't want to hand the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Miami after all? Although in thinking about it, I'd also say that Dirk winning the title is a much better fit for what the NBA is selling, legitimizing a top International player here in the states. (See, even non-American players can lead a team to a title!) Whatever the case, I am happy today, and more importantly happy for Dallas. (I'll never root for any of their other three pro teams, especially the Cowboys, but also the Stars and Rangers, too. I was pulling for the Giants in the World Series last year.)
How about Jason Terry, eh? Dirk may have been named MVP, but Terry was the heart and soul of this team. 27 points to lead all scorers in Game 6, on 11-of-16 shooting. That's a pretty telling stat, as were Lebron's: 9-of-15 for 21 points. That's actually not that bad, but six turnovers, just four turnovers and six assists. Plus, just four free throws attempted with only ONE made. WOW! The Heat were outscored by 24 points when James was on the court in Game 6 and the King's field goal percentage in the 4th Quarter during this entire series wasn't very good, just 7-of-21. (He had 0 points in the last five minutes of every game that was within five points.)
Wade, meanwhile, must have been hurt, because he shot just 6-of-16, though at least he actually looked like he wanted to win. It's funny, because Chris Bosh, the third man of this "Big 3" that came together in the off-season has often been hailed as the third wheel, odd man out, etc., but he probably fits into Miami's team more than Lebron. That's strictly opinion, though. (I like Bosh, by the way. Made sense for him to get out of Toronto and go to a team where he can be the second or third option.) It was also funny to hear Lebron bash his critics, about how "All the people that were rooting me on to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life they had before. They have the same personal problems they had to today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want with me and my family and be happy with that.” Seriously Bron Bron? Just shut your mouth and take it like a man.
I'll never like him, not just because he bailed on Cleveland, but the manor in which he did it, as well as his actual choice of teams. If you were going to leave the Cavs Lebron, why not go to Chicago, which would've been a better fit? Maybe because he was afraid to play in the constant shadow of Michael Jordan. But tell me, were John Havlicek or Larry Bird afraid to play in the shadow of Bill Russell? Were Joe Dimaggio or Mickey Mantle afraid to play in the shadow of Babe Ruth? No, of course, not. Which makes me believe that Lebron James, at least at this moment in history, will never be as good as all the experts said. He's got the talent, obviously, but he'll just never be in the discussion of "greatest of all-time." Unless of course the NBA bagjobs a title for him next year, if there even is a next year, with a possible lockout looming. (Sound familiar NFL fans?)
Anyway, I digress, because the other big event yesterday, probably bigger for us sports folks in the Mohawk Valley, was the annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction. Some big names were enshrined, including Mike Tyson, Sylvester Stallone and Julio Cesar Chavez. I ultimately didn't end up going myself, as one of our news photographers went for me, to make sure we got their speeches and I wouldn't have to leave early to produce my 6 p.m. show. (Worked out well as I didn't get highlights from the Mets and NASCAR until late.)
The speeches didn't last long, though Stallone's was pretty good. He talked about being a champion in your own life and of course, he finished with the obligatory "YO ADRIAN, I DID IT!!" I still don't understand why people were knocking the Boxing Hall of Fame when Stallone was announced as an inductee last December. He was elected as a screenwriter, not an actor. Remember, he created the character on paper long before you saw him on screen. A very powerful line from his speech was "it's not how hard you can hit, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, because that's what really does make a difference in your life." The character of Rocky Balboa was just as important in raising the interest in boxing during the late 1970s and 80s as virtually any real boxer.
Tyson, on the other hand, was out of his element. He frequently stumbled over his words and abruptly ended his speech. Oh well, couldn't really expect much more than that. He was there, even with Don King, a former inductee and one of the people who contributed to the downfall of Tyson's life, sitting up on stage as well. "Iron" Mike is a very polarizing figure, but he needed to be in this Hall of Fame. The one thing that would've been nice, is a media session with the big inductees. Granted, Chavez doesn't speak English and Tyson would be tough, but at the very least, Stallone and Referee Joe Cortez. (Actually, I did talk with Cortez, Friday afternoon while I was shooting my preview of the festivities.) Needless to say, the Boxing Hall of Fame is very different from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Check out these links to our Boxing Hall of Fame stories on WKTV.com:
http://www.wktv.com/sports/Tyson-Stallone-among-Boxing-HOF-inductees-123723974.html
http://www.wktv.com/sports/Tyson-Stallone-extended-inductions-123725094.html
Speaking of which, next weekend is the Hall of Fame Classic in Cooperstown. I'll be going down there both Saturday and Sunday to check out all the fun and to interview a few legends. I've been there each of the first two years and it's been great each time. (I remember last year a player throwing his glove in the air to knock down a shot, which he then caught bare handed. Not a legal play, but it's the Classic! Having fun is the first priority.)
Tonight, the Bruins try to extend their Stanley Cup Finals series with Vancouver, in Game 6 at home. I'll be hoping for that to happen and maybe we'll have a Game 7!!
The NBA Finals are over and Baby Bron Bron & Co. aren't the ones celebrating! Could it be that the NBA really didn't want to hand the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Miami after all? Although in thinking about it, I'd also say that Dirk winning the title is a much better fit for what the NBA is selling, legitimizing a top International player here in the states. (See, even non-American players can lead a team to a title!) Whatever the case, I am happy today, and more importantly happy for Dallas. (I'll never root for any of their other three pro teams, especially the Cowboys, but also the Stars and Rangers, too. I was pulling for the Giants in the World Series last year.)
How about Jason Terry, eh? Dirk may have been named MVP, but Terry was the heart and soul of this team. 27 points to lead all scorers in Game 6, on 11-of-16 shooting. That's a pretty telling stat, as were Lebron's: 9-of-15 for 21 points. That's actually not that bad, but six turnovers, just four turnovers and six assists. Plus, just four free throws attempted with only ONE made. WOW! The Heat were outscored by 24 points when James was on the court in Game 6 and the King's field goal percentage in the 4th Quarter during this entire series wasn't very good, just 7-of-21. (He had 0 points in the last five minutes of every game that was within five points.)
Wade, meanwhile, must have been hurt, because he shot just 6-of-16, though at least he actually looked like he wanted to win. It's funny, because Chris Bosh, the third man of this "Big 3" that came together in the off-season has often been hailed as the third wheel, odd man out, etc., but he probably fits into Miami's team more than Lebron. That's strictly opinion, though. (I like Bosh, by the way. Made sense for him to get out of Toronto and go to a team where he can be the second or third option.) It was also funny to hear Lebron bash his critics, about how "All the people that were rooting me on to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life they had before. They have the same personal problems they had to today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want with me and my family and be happy with that.” Seriously Bron Bron? Just shut your mouth and take it like a man.
I'll never like him, not just because he bailed on Cleveland, but the manor in which he did it, as well as his actual choice of teams. If you were going to leave the Cavs Lebron, why not go to Chicago, which would've been a better fit? Maybe because he was afraid to play in the constant shadow of Michael Jordan. But tell me, were John Havlicek or Larry Bird afraid to play in the shadow of Bill Russell? Were Joe Dimaggio or Mickey Mantle afraid to play in the shadow of Babe Ruth? No, of course, not. Which makes me believe that Lebron James, at least at this moment in history, will never be as good as all the experts said. He's got the talent, obviously, but he'll just never be in the discussion of "greatest of all-time." Unless of course the NBA bagjobs a title for him next year, if there even is a next year, with a possible lockout looming. (Sound familiar NFL fans?)
Anyway, I digress, because the other big event yesterday, probably bigger for us sports folks in the Mohawk Valley, was the annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction. Some big names were enshrined, including Mike Tyson, Sylvester Stallone and Julio Cesar Chavez. I ultimately didn't end up going myself, as one of our news photographers went for me, to make sure we got their speeches and I wouldn't have to leave early to produce my 6 p.m. show. (Worked out well as I didn't get highlights from the Mets and NASCAR until late.)
The speeches didn't last long, though Stallone's was pretty good. He talked about being a champion in your own life and of course, he finished with the obligatory "YO ADRIAN, I DID IT!!" I still don't understand why people were knocking the Boxing Hall of Fame when Stallone was announced as an inductee last December. He was elected as a screenwriter, not an actor. Remember, he created the character on paper long before you saw him on screen. A very powerful line from his speech was "it's not how hard you can hit, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, because that's what really does make a difference in your life." The character of Rocky Balboa was just as important in raising the interest in boxing during the late 1970s and 80s as virtually any real boxer.
Tyson, on the other hand, was out of his element. He frequently stumbled over his words and abruptly ended his speech. Oh well, couldn't really expect much more than that. He was there, even with Don King, a former inductee and one of the people who contributed to the downfall of Tyson's life, sitting up on stage as well. "Iron" Mike is a very polarizing figure, but he needed to be in this Hall of Fame. The one thing that would've been nice, is a media session with the big inductees. Granted, Chavez doesn't speak English and Tyson would be tough, but at the very least, Stallone and Referee Joe Cortez. (Actually, I did talk with Cortez, Friday afternoon while I was shooting my preview of the festivities.) Needless to say, the Boxing Hall of Fame is very different from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Check out these links to our Boxing Hall of Fame stories on WKTV.com:
http://www.wktv.com/sports/Tyson-Stallone-among-Boxing-HOF-inductees-123723974.html
http://www.wktv.com/sports/Tyson-Stallone-extended-inductions-123725094.html
Speaking of which, next weekend is the Hall of Fame Classic in Cooperstown. I'll be going down there both Saturday and Sunday to check out all the fun and to interview a few legends. I've been there each of the first two years and it's been great each time. (I remember last year a player throwing his glove in the air to knock down a shot, which he then caught bare handed. Not a legal play, but it's the Classic! Having fun is the first priority.)
Tonight, the Bruins try to extend their Stanley Cup Finals series with Vancouver, in Game 6 at home. I'll be hoping for that to happen and maybe we'll have a Game 7!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Flushin' the TP, Baby Bron Bron and More
This is one of those sports days that just makes me laugh. You've got Red Sox-Yankees, with first place in the AL East on the line, Game 4 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Dallas, plus lots of newsmakers, including Tiger Woods, Isiah Thomas, Aaron Rome and Terrelle Pryor.
There were also high school softball regional games, but that's part of my duties as a local sports reporter, and not amusing in the slightest bit. Even if the team I was covering, Adirondack, had won the game, I wouldn't have described it as amusing. Maybe thrilling, but not amusing. Unfortunately the Wildcats lost their first and only game we've shot all year. D'oh! Luckily, Hamilton won their game down in Binghamton, though we weren't there to see it.
One exciting piece of news from the WKTV front: I received my "credential acceptance" letter from the Baseball Hall of Fame for next weekend's Hall of Fame Classic. It's like getting a college acceptance letter, except you know before you open it what the answer's going to be. (Although when I applied to Ithaca early decision they actually called to congratulate me on being accepted long before the letter showed up. So I guess the credential thing really is just like a college acceptance letter, at least for me.)
By the way, this Sunday is the big Boxing Hall of Fame induction in Canastota, with Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Sylvester Stallone among another big class. Should be a media frenzy there, which would be the opposite of last year, when Howard Cosell's grandson was the highlight of the day. A lot of random boxing folks show up for the weekend and last year the good folks at the hall set me up with an interview with Tommy Morrison, aka Tommy Gunn from Rocky V. I'd be interested to see him back this year, maybe nose to nose with Stallone. Is Burt Young still alive? Maybe ol' Paulie can stand in between them.
By the way, I feel horrible for the family and friends of Oneida County Sheriff Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was killed in the line of duty Monday night. Our station is covering all aspects of this tragedy, though I'd like to know some more about this nut job who shot him and what caused him to do it. There's not enough how's and why's in this world, too many who's, what's and where's.
Anyway, back to the matters at hand. The Red Sox scored three runs in the first inning against the Yankees and John Stirling and Susyn Waldman were ready to concede the game already. (I turned the game on in my final few minutes coming back from the aforementioned high school softball game.) They sounded just like my cousin Robert, the Yankee fan, during the 2003 ALCS. (3-0 in the second inning, Robert: I concede, I concede! Me: Robert, it's only the second inning!) Then they got really pissed when Lester hit Teixiera on the knee. It's only the first inning and the Boston bats got him a three run lead. You really think Lester wants baserunners? Anyway, despite the best efforts of Johnny Crapelbon, the Sox held on for the 6-4 lead. Now we have a tie again for first. (By the way, the AL East is still the closest in all of baseball. Tampa is 2.5 out, Toronto 3.5 out and Baltimore 5.5. Long way to go still.) Apparently Joe Girardi is mad at Big Papi for flipping his bat after a home run. I think he was still peeved that his first baseman went down and that meant Jorge "they don't respect me" Posada had to play first the rest of the game. Seemed to work out okay for the Bombers though, because Jorgie went 3-for-3 with a ribbie and a run scored. (By the way, Paps was only playing because he's appealing a three game suspension from his meltdown last weekend. He may be the second youngest to reach 200 saves, second only to Eck, but I have doubts on whether he can get 200 more, or even 100. Hope I'm wrong.) It seems weird, the Sox and Yanks playing mid-week, but it's cool, the Boston nine are now 6-1 vs. NY this year.
Game 4 of the NBA Finals, I didn't watch, but saw the result. Hahahahahaha, oh sorry I just saw Baby Bron Bron's stat line for the night. 8 points, EIGHT?? Wow, that's just hilarious. Bosh and Wade both had good nights, though Bosh, like Lebron, had a poor shooting night. James did have nine rebounds and seven assists, so in reality he had a decent game. But other than that (can we call them something else other than the "Big 3?" I mean seriously, I like ESPN's nickname for KG, Allen & Pierce, "The Boston Three Party." Though it's actually a Four Party now with Rondo. Can't we come up with something for these overrated, egotistical d-bags?), the Heat had nothing, while Dallas had several guys step up, especially Shawn Marion, although ironically, Miami shot much better as team than the Mavs. Jason Terry made some big contributions, though he had an awful stat line from the field, 6-15. Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points and 11 rebounds, but I guess he was battling a fever and wasn't great until the fourth quarter. Guess the Heatles blew it again in the fourth and Dirk hit a big shot with 14 seconds left. I like the idea that Dallas could actually win this series, not just because I'm a die hard Celtics fan and want the Heat to lose, but because it would be great for the overseas market, which I know David Stern loves. I just thought he and the rest of the NBA Powers That Be wanted Bron Bron to win a title more. This one really could go either way, because Miami just doesn't want to play in the fourth quarter. You give a team like the Mavs an opening, they're going to take it. It really could be 3-1 Dallas, but the Heat were lucky that Dirk missed his chance in Game 3.
Speaking of finals, Vancouver's Aaron Rome's been suspended for the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals after his head shot on the Bruins' Nathan Horton. Too little, too late, though, because Rome's not the impact player that Horton is. The NHL had a chance to send a message by suspending that punk Alex Burrows for his rendition of "Tree Bites Man," but instead the Canucks not only got away with it, but Burrows ended up being the hero of Game 2. Everyone who thinks the Bruins are back in the series because they scored eight goals at home in Game 3 need to think again. The refs will be clamping down on everything in Game 4, which means lots of penalty mintues and that doesn't favor the B's. I'm thinking 5-2 Vancouver, with the series ending in five back in Canada.
So Tiger Woods is officially out of the U.S. Open, which is bad news in two big ways. First, it means lower ratings for our coverage of the Open next weekend, but it's also likely that Tiger will be pulling out of the Notay Begay III Foundation Challenge at the Turning Stone on July 5th. Can you imagine the media coverage if it ends up being the first event back or maybe even a test for him? It would get so crazy up here, I can't even imagine.
I guess the Pistons are thinking about hiring either Isiah Thomas or Bill Laimbeer as their next coach. Wow, is that story real? Actually, Laimbeer might not be a bad choice. He's actually had some success, albeit in the WNBA, but still, maybe a smart move on Detroit's part, though I still hate his guts. But seriously, Isiah? What is it about this guy that keeps landing him jobs? He's terrible at everything having to do with basketball except playing the game, and as a Celtics fan, I would argue that he was overrated there. Hey, I don't like the Pistons, so more power to you, morons. Go and hire Isiah, see how many players you overpay and oh the games you will lose...
Finally, let's talk about Terrelle Pryor. I remember when I worked in West Virginia and Rich Rod was trying to get him to go there and then when RR left WVU for Michigan, Pryor decided to go to the Wolverines' biggest rival, Ohio State. Nothing amuses me more than major Division I College Football. It's so obvious how corrupt it is, yet no one either wants or can do anything about it. That's why I watch the games, enjoy the players, matchups and rivalries, but never really take a full rooting interest. And I certainly don't worry about how many games a team has won, or whether they'll make a bowl game, unless of course, I'm covering said team, in which case, that's part of the package. But Division I-A, sorry the FBS, is dirty, there's no getting around it. That's why it's so funny to me when I see how shocked people are when a scandal erupts at one of these big schools. If the NCAA really wants to send a message and make sure no one does it again, you give "The" Ohio State University the Death Penalty. The same one given to SMU back in the 80s. But it will never happen, because there's too much money at stake. Ohio State is in the Big 10, which has a cable network that brings in a ton of moolah. Pryor has been banished from being a Buckeye, doing exactly what he said he wouldn't do, mainly because he's being forced into it, and worse, he can't go into the NFL Draft, because that's already happened and they're still locked out anyway. But I'm not crying for him, because he knew exactly what he was doing, he made his bed, yada yada yada. He's not the first to cheat, he's just the latest, biggest name to get caught. And unfortunately he won't be the last.
Hmm, I really don't want to end this on a downer, so how about a movie quote: "El Guapo, here come the guns!" -Three Amigos
There were also high school softball regional games, but that's part of my duties as a local sports reporter, and not amusing in the slightest bit. Even if the team I was covering, Adirondack, had won the game, I wouldn't have described it as amusing. Maybe thrilling, but not amusing. Unfortunately the Wildcats lost their first and only game we've shot all year. D'oh! Luckily, Hamilton won their game down in Binghamton, though we weren't there to see it.
One exciting piece of news from the WKTV front: I received my "credential acceptance" letter from the Baseball Hall of Fame for next weekend's Hall of Fame Classic. It's like getting a college acceptance letter, except you know before you open it what the answer's going to be. (Although when I applied to Ithaca early decision they actually called to congratulate me on being accepted long before the letter showed up. So I guess the credential thing really is just like a college acceptance letter, at least for me.)
By the way, this Sunday is the big Boxing Hall of Fame induction in Canastota, with Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and Sylvester Stallone among another big class. Should be a media frenzy there, which would be the opposite of last year, when Howard Cosell's grandson was the highlight of the day. A lot of random boxing folks show up for the weekend and last year the good folks at the hall set me up with an interview with Tommy Morrison, aka Tommy Gunn from Rocky V. I'd be interested to see him back this year, maybe nose to nose with Stallone. Is Burt Young still alive? Maybe ol' Paulie can stand in between them.
By the way, I feel horrible for the family and friends of Oneida County Sheriff Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was killed in the line of duty Monday night. Our station is covering all aspects of this tragedy, though I'd like to know some more about this nut job who shot him and what caused him to do it. There's not enough how's and why's in this world, too many who's, what's and where's.
Anyway, back to the matters at hand. The Red Sox scored three runs in the first inning against the Yankees and John Stirling and Susyn Waldman were ready to concede the game already. (I turned the game on in my final few minutes coming back from the aforementioned high school softball game.) They sounded just like my cousin Robert, the Yankee fan, during the 2003 ALCS. (3-0 in the second inning, Robert: I concede, I concede! Me: Robert, it's only the second inning!) Then they got really pissed when Lester hit Teixiera on the knee. It's only the first inning and the Boston bats got him a three run lead. You really think Lester wants baserunners? Anyway, despite the best efforts of Johnny Crapelbon, the Sox held on for the 6-4 lead. Now we have a tie again for first. (By the way, the AL East is still the closest in all of baseball. Tampa is 2.5 out, Toronto 3.5 out and Baltimore 5.5. Long way to go still.) Apparently Joe Girardi is mad at Big Papi for flipping his bat after a home run. I think he was still peeved that his first baseman went down and that meant Jorge "they don't respect me" Posada had to play first the rest of the game. Seemed to work out okay for the Bombers though, because Jorgie went 3-for-3 with a ribbie and a run scored. (By the way, Paps was only playing because he's appealing a three game suspension from his meltdown last weekend. He may be the second youngest to reach 200 saves, second only to Eck, but I have doubts on whether he can get 200 more, or even 100. Hope I'm wrong.) It seems weird, the Sox and Yanks playing mid-week, but it's cool, the Boston nine are now 6-1 vs. NY this year.
Game 4 of the NBA Finals, I didn't watch, but saw the result. Hahahahahaha, oh sorry I just saw Baby Bron Bron's stat line for the night. 8 points, EIGHT?? Wow, that's just hilarious. Bosh and Wade both had good nights, though Bosh, like Lebron, had a poor shooting night. James did have nine rebounds and seven assists, so in reality he had a decent game. But other than that (can we call them something else other than the "Big 3?" I mean seriously, I like ESPN's nickname for KG, Allen & Pierce, "The Boston Three Party." Though it's actually a Four Party now with Rondo. Can't we come up with something for these overrated, egotistical d-bags?), the Heat had nothing, while Dallas had several guys step up, especially Shawn Marion, although ironically, Miami shot much better as team than the Mavs. Jason Terry made some big contributions, though he had an awful stat line from the field, 6-15. Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points and 11 rebounds, but I guess he was battling a fever and wasn't great until the fourth quarter. Guess the Heatles blew it again in the fourth and Dirk hit a big shot with 14 seconds left. I like the idea that Dallas could actually win this series, not just because I'm a die hard Celtics fan and want the Heat to lose, but because it would be great for the overseas market, which I know David Stern loves. I just thought he and the rest of the NBA Powers That Be wanted Bron Bron to win a title more. This one really could go either way, because Miami just doesn't want to play in the fourth quarter. You give a team like the Mavs an opening, they're going to take it. It really could be 3-1 Dallas, but the Heat were lucky that Dirk missed his chance in Game 3.
Speaking of finals, Vancouver's Aaron Rome's been suspended for the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals after his head shot on the Bruins' Nathan Horton. Too little, too late, though, because Rome's not the impact player that Horton is. The NHL had a chance to send a message by suspending that punk Alex Burrows for his rendition of "Tree Bites Man," but instead the Canucks not only got away with it, but Burrows ended up being the hero of Game 2. Everyone who thinks the Bruins are back in the series because they scored eight goals at home in Game 3 need to think again. The refs will be clamping down on everything in Game 4, which means lots of penalty mintues and that doesn't favor the B's. I'm thinking 5-2 Vancouver, with the series ending in five back in Canada.
So Tiger Woods is officially out of the U.S. Open, which is bad news in two big ways. First, it means lower ratings for our coverage of the Open next weekend, but it's also likely that Tiger will be pulling out of the Notay Begay III Foundation Challenge at the Turning Stone on July 5th. Can you imagine the media coverage if it ends up being the first event back or maybe even a test for him? It would get so crazy up here, I can't even imagine.
I guess the Pistons are thinking about hiring either Isiah Thomas or Bill Laimbeer as their next coach. Wow, is that story real? Actually, Laimbeer might not be a bad choice. He's actually had some success, albeit in the WNBA, but still, maybe a smart move on Detroit's part, though I still hate his guts. But seriously, Isiah? What is it about this guy that keeps landing him jobs? He's terrible at everything having to do with basketball except playing the game, and as a Celtics fan, I would argue that he was overrated there. Hey, I don't like the Pistons, so more power to you, morons. Go and hire Isiah, see how many players you overpay and oh the games you will lose...
Finally, let's talk about Terrelle Pryor. I remember when I worked in West Virginia and Rich Rod was trying to get him to go there and then when RR left WVU for Michigan, Pryor decided to go to the Wolverines' biggest rival, Ohio State. Nothing amuses me more than major Division I College Football. It's so obvious how corrupt it is, yet no one either wants or can do anything about it. That's why I watch the games, enjoy the players, matchups and rivalries, but never really take a full rooting interest. And I certainly don't worry about how many games a team has won, or whether they'll make a bowl game, unless of course, I'm covering said team, in which case, that's part of the package. But Division I-A, sorry the FBS, is dirty, there's no getting around it. That's why it's so funny to me when I see how shocked people are when a scandal erupts at one of these big schools. If the NCAA really wants to send a message and make sure no one does it again, you give "The" Ohio State University the Death Penalty. The same one given to SMU back in the 80s. But it will never happen, because there's too much money at stake. Ohio State is in the Big 10, which has a cable network that brings in a ton of moolah. Pryor has been banished from being a Buckeye, doing exactly what he said he wouldn't do, mainly because he's being forced into it, and worse, he can't go into the NFL Draft, because that's already happened and they're still locked out anyway. But I'm not crying for him, because he knew exactly what he was doing, he made his bed, yada yada yada. He's not the first to cheat, he's just the latest, biggest name to get caught. And unfortunately he won't be the last.
Hmm, I really don't want to end this on a downer, so how about a movie quote: "El Guapo, here come the guns!" -Three Amigos
Friday, June 3, 2011
Three Days in the 'Cuse
So I have to write some thoughts on the last three days, when I hauled arse out to Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, home of the Chiefs, AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. The Section III High School Baseball finals were held there and quite frankly, two of the three games I shot had no business being there. I mean seriously, Cooperstown vs. Sauquoit and NY Mills vs. Brookfield really should have been at either DeLutis Field in Rome or Murnane Field in Utica. They should've figured something out to change those venues. Anyway I digress, because we got highlights of all four games we needed, including Whitesboro winning their third Class A final in four years and Clinton falling in the overall B final.
Something weird happened on the first day, an afternoon contest between Mills and Brookfield for the D final. Usually when you walk up the steps to the main concourse at ABS, you get a face full of wind. But this time, it was so brutally hot with no wind that I felt nothing! Setting up my camera at ABS is interesting, because you have to go behind home plate, with the net in front of you and if there's anyone sitting there, you're S.O.L. That first day I had to go a little to the side of home, which unfortunately was directly in the sun. While I remembered to put some sunscreen on my face, I really should've brought a hat. What's really pathetic is that I could've done that all three days and guess what? I forgot one every day! Whoops. Luckily the games were late enough in the day that the sun moved out of sight as to not sunburn my face at all. On the third day I misplaced my sunscreen, so I got a little roasted.
Interesting note on Brookfield. They're in our coverage area, are a little bit farther away than Sauquoit, closer than Mt. Markham, but we never ever shoot them. I guess they don't have that many teams, but more importantly, never call in scores. However, their baseball team is still undefeated, having beat Mills Tuesday to win the section and advance to regionals. Even better, they'll be playing at DeLutis Monday, the only team in regionals playing in our area. So that's a plus.
What can I say about Whitesboro? They were down against Bishop Ludden, looking just anemic on offense in the early inning. Down 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4, the Warriors rebounded every time and eventually exploded with a four run inning. Ryan Watson shut the door in relief, channeling Pedro Martinez in Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS against Cleveland, striking out nine in just four innings. This is head coach Bill DeCoursey's final run at the helm, so his next loss will be his final game, unless Whitesboro wins their first ever state championship, which is certainly possible. Watson then channeled A.J. Burnett in DeCoursey's post-game interview, hitting his coach in the face with a pie while we were talking with him! I probably should have just left, without talking to the players, because they had a post-game meeting after DeCoursey's interview and it was already 10 p.m. But I really wanted to talk with Watson and starter Matt Engler and needed some more sound for the rest of the weekend. So at 10:15 I headed back to Utica, barrelling across the NY State Thruway, praying I wouldn't get pulled over. Luckily that didn't happen and we were able to get highlights and the pie in the face on for the 11 p.m. show. Whew!
Thursday could've been worse than it was. Not to be a douche or anything, but I'm glad Clinton lost in the first game. I felt horrible that this was the first Warrior game we shot of this year, but I found out that they were a .500 team before playoffs, plus the spring was more erratic than usual with weather. I would've shot their B-2 championship game vs. Ilion Monday, but it was at 11 a.m. and I had worked late the night before. Plus I knew I'd be working every day this week, so sacrifices had to be made. If Clinton had won, I would've had to shoot post, which would have made getting back later even harder. Cooperstown and Sauquoit ended at about 9:45 p.m., the time I had decided in advance I had to leave to get back to Utica, no matter what the score was. Cooperstown had the lead early, scoring two runs in the top of the first. But the Indians slowly came back and they took the lead on back to back beanballs in the bottom of the sixth. (Okay, so they weren't really shots to the head, but beanballs sounds better than "back to back hit batsmen.") I was worried the game would go to extras, but Sauquoit bailed me out, even though I couldn't stay to get post-game interviews.
Thursday was also the only day of the three where it wasn't 90 degrees with the sun in my face and my sweating bullets. Instead the wind was stronger and the weather about 45 degrees. Good thing I brought a warmer jacket, though it wasn't quite frankly warm enough. Also M.I.A. on Thursday were the spiders that attacked my camera and tripod on Wednesday night as soon as the sun disappeared and the stadium lights were all that was left. I splattered four of them right in a row, including what looked to be a black widow hanging on the camera's viewfinder. Another annoyance was the camera's constant habit of randomly shutting off. The only time it screwed me over though was in the Whitesboro game, when I missed the Warriors tying the game at four on a two run hit.
Ah, the joys of being on the road in the local tv sports/news business. On the plus side, DeCoursey channeled Mills boys basketball coach Mike Adey after the Marauders won the state title this year in telling me I'm a good luck charm. Adey told me I can't ever leave, considering how much success they've had since I started working here. I didn't have the heart to tell DeCoursey that I wouldn't be heading to Albany to shoot their first regional game next Monday. Sorry coach, but on the plus side, if you win Monday, I'll be at DeLutis to shoot your second regional game Tuesday. So you've got that going for you... which is nice.
Something weird happened on the first day, an afternoon contest between Mills and Brookfield for the D final. Usually when you walk up the steps to the main concourse at ABS, you get a face full of wind. But this time, it was so brutally hot with no wind that I felt nothing! Setting up my camera at ABS is interesting, because you have to go behind home plate, with the net in front of you and if there's anyone sitting there, you're S.O.L. That first day I had to go a little to the side of home, which unfortunately was directly in the sun. While I remembered to put some sunscreen on my face, I really should've brought a hat. What's really pathetic is that I could've done that all three days and guess what? I forgot one every day! Whoops. Luckily the games were late enough in the day that the sun moved out of sight as to not sunburn my face at all. On the third day I misplaced my sunscreen, so I got a little roasted.
Interesting note on Brookfield. They're in our coverage area, are a little bit farther away than Sauquoit, closer than Mt. Markham, but we never ever shoot them. I guess they don't have that many teams, but more importantly, never call in scores. However, their baseball team is still undefeated, having beat Mills Tuesday to win the section and advance to regionals. Even better, they'll be playing at DeLutis Monday, the only team in regionals playing in our area. So that's a plus.
What can I say about Whitesboro? They were down against Bishop Ludden, looking just anemic on offense in the early inning. Down 2-0, 4-2 and 5-4, the Warriors rebounded every time and eventually exploded with a four run inning. Ryan Watson shut the door in relief, channeling Pedro Martinez in Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS against Cleveland, striking out nine in just four innings. This is head coach Bill DeCoursey's final run at the helm, so his next loss will be his final game, unless Whitesboro wins their first ever state championship, which is certainly possible. Watson then channeled A.J. Burnett in DeCoursey's post-game interview, hitting his coach in the face with a pie while we were talking with him! I probably should have just left, without talking to the players, because they had a post-game meeting after DeCoursey's interview and it was already 10 p.m. But I really wanted to talk with Watson and starter Matt Engler and needed some more sound for the rest of the weekend. So at 10:15 I headed back to Utica, barrelling across the NY State Thruway, praying I wouldn't get pulled over. Luckily that didn't happen and we were able to get highlights and the pie in the face on for the 11 p.m. show. Whew!
Thursday could've been worse than it was. Not to be a douche or anything, but I'm glad Clinton lost in the first game. I felt horrible that this was the first Warrior game we shot of this year, but I found out that they were a .500 team before playoffs, plus the spring was more erratic than usual with weather. I would've shot their B-2 championship game vs. Ilion Monday, but it was at 11 a.m. and I had worked late the night before. Plus I knew I'd be working every day this week, so sacrifices had to be made. If Clinton had won, I would've had to shoot post, which would have made getting back later even harder. Cooperstown and Sauquoit ended at about 9:45 p.m., the time I had decided in advance I had to leave to get back to Utica, no matter what the score was. Cooperstown had the lead early, scoring two runs in the top of the first. But the Indians slowly came back and they took the lead on back to back beanballs in the bottom of the sixth. (Okay, so they weren't really shots to the head, but beanballs sounds better than "back to back hit batsmen.") I was worried the game would go to extras, but Sauquoit bailed me out, even though I couldn't stay to get post-game interviews.
Thursday was also the only day of the three where it wasn't 90 degrees with the sun in my face and my sweating bullets. Instead the wind was stronger and the weather about 45 degrees. Good thing I brought a warmer jacket, though it wasn't quite frankly warm enough. Also M.I.A. on Thursday were the spiders that attacked my camera and tripod on Wednesday night as soon as the sun disappeared and the stadium lights were all that was left. I splattered four of them right in a row, including what looked to be a black widow hanging on the camera's viewfinder. Another annoyance was the camera's constant habit of randomly shutting off. The only time it screwed me over though was in the Whitesboro game, when I missed the Warriors tying the game at four on a two run hit.
Ah, the joys of being on the road in the local tv sports/news business. On the plus side, DeCoursey channeled Mills boys basketball coach Mike Adey after the Marauders won the state title this year in telling me I'm a good luck charm. Adey told me I can't ever leave, considering how much success they've had since I started working here. I didn't have the heart to tell DeCoursey that I wouldn't be heading to Albany to shoot their first regional game next Monday. Sorry coach, but on the plus side, if you win Monday, I'll be at DeLutis to shoot your second regional game Tuesday. So you've got that going for you... which is nice.
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