Oh LeBron, you play the hometown team... you really are the hometown team. You led them to an NBA Finals, you adorn t-shirts and billboards around the city of Cleveland. Ohio is proud of you, representing us as well as Jim Tressell. Granted if you did play for the Browns and did all you did in the commercial we would erect a statue taller than Moses Cleveland.
However, despite your great game-winning shot in last nights victory over Golden State, this is one Ohioan who is not impressed.
ESPN would like to argue otherwise. During the report on Good Morning America, the anchor, Matt Winer, wrote his story as if James was the conquering hero. This conquering hero and the rest of his merry men played poorly against a crummy Warriors team. If the Cavs want to prove that they are the best in the league they cannot have close games against Golden State.
To top things off Winer was very impressed with LeBron's game winning jumper that was the first of his young career. What he fails to note that in close games LeBron always takes the last shot and much to my dismay he is not Jimmy Chitwood. If he was Cleveland would have won an NBA title by now and people would jump on the Cavs bandwagon, not so much the LeBron bandwagon.
ESPN, don't praise the play of a guy and the rest of his team in a game that should have been decided by twenty points, not one. Also, more importantly, LeBron has been in the league for a while now, don't talk about his career as being young. He's actually a mentor to rookies now, he past being the baby on the club.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back in the Ol' Days
Yesterday was a Sal's 401K retreat. It's a great way to fortify the team that brings you these lovely posts on the world of sports and sports history.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
One of the activities was a trip to our local video game boutique. I was in the quest of trading in a bunch of crappy Super NES games that had no business in my room. One of the critical tasks was buying some new Super NES games.
The conversation went from girls (when is it never about that) to great games in the history of playing sports games. Growing up without a Super NES I was a novice to shopping for 32-bit games. Though by instruction of my colleague I needed a few "essential" games. The first was College Basketball, followed by MLBPA Baseball, along with NBA Live '95.
I had my heart set on two games; Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball and NHL '95. Visiting friends as a youngster I loved playing Ken Griffey Jr. The great music that reminded me of a electronic rip off of "Radar Love" by Golden Earring was a timeless throwback. Then you add that with the great strikeout animations from the batters; breaking the bat, sighing and my personal favorite the 32-bit batter turning towards you with, "AH C'MON!" That should have been Paul O'Neill because he loved whining about strike outs. However, they did not have a copy which broke my heart.
I did acquire a copy of NHL '95. Now, this is a very,very special game for me. For those who know me, I am a great fan of old games and old teams that don't exist. NHL '95 allowed me not only to play as the Hartford Whalers, but also the Winnipeg Jets and the Quebec Nordiques. I love playing with Stephane Fiset (even though he is not great) or with Geoff Sanderson on the Whalers, this is my hockey. Also the music in the game is great, with the old organ playing, something you don't get with games now.
I'm nostalgic about old sports games. It's great to see how far we've come, if you need proof just compare NCAA Basketball with this years March Madness. The only thing better would be to get back a couple copies of NASCAR Racing 2. Oh glory years.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Shawshank Super Bowl
This year's Super Bowl looks a lot like the movie Shawshank Redemption.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
In the film, Andy (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life. Kind of reminds you of how Kurt Warner was banished off to the baron wasteland of Arizona - like the NFL's version of Napolean Boneparte - after his career took a New York nosedive. Andy manages to break out, scheme the warden out of a bunch of money and live the rest of his life frolicking along the beach.
Well, I guess the resemblance hinges on the game's final score.
The Steelers, of course, are the Warden. Or if they win, the Nurse Ratched of the football field. They are a powerful, soulless group who, by the end of the game, you hate so much you'd like to take a page out of Tonya Harding's handbook on Big Ben.
The personality of the squad is about as vibrant as the jet black and dull gold they don. They are meaner than Joe Greene could have ever imagined and as unique as a Wal-Mart shopping cart. A manila folder would find their hand-off-40-times-and-never-let-anyone-else-score playing style boring.
What is strange is the Steelers are America's second favorite NFL team behind Dallas. Rod Woodson called it, "Steeler nation."
I've got a few guesses why, but first, here's not why: It isn't because of Troy's hair. It isn't those obnoxious towels, which would do more good waxing Dan Rooney's head than they do in the stands. And it isn't that they have a group of upstanding citizens, is it Santonio?
It is because they have won the most Super Bowls and because they have made the playoffs 12 of the last 16 years. Everybody loves a winner, I guess, but where is the excitement in a team who does nothing but win? By the mid-50's, was anyone really cheering for the mechanical Yankees to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Ever heard the cliche, "You can't truly appreciate a sunny day if you've never seen rain?" You can almost hear 'Steeler Nation' now: "Hey, we won again...uhh...cool....I guess." Where is the emotion in that? Where is the drama or the storyline to a team who wins all the time. With the NFL's strongest roster and best coaching staff, they've had less leaps and bounds than a parking lot.
It's hard to imagine not enjoying victory for those who have endlessly battled to achieve. Think Olympic Speed Skater Dan Janson. Or how about Tony Dungy? Even Los Angeles Laker fans had a tear welling up last NBA season when Kevin Garnett won his first NBA championship after 12 years of being blasted for never winning.
The Arizona Cardinals have been around since 1920 and only made the playoffs 7 times and the Super Bowl once. How hard do you have to clench your teeth to say, "That Ben, he's been through so much, going to two Super Bowls in four years and all."
Imagine if Arizona won. Kurt Warner would do a Dick Vermeil, Adrian Wilson would be vindicated for sticking it out through the Dennis Green era and the Arizona fans and owner Bill Bidwell would finally get to know what joy feels like. A nation of sports fans could experience a feeling similar to when the Warden discovers Andy's tunnel.
The Cardinals play with the same kind of passionate naivety that made the '69 Mets special. They go for the big play, lay out at all costs, they yell and scream and smile and hug on the sideline, they are fun, and like a great protagonist in film, they make you care. After winning the NFC championship game, Ponce de Leon a.k.a. Kurt Warner and Adrian Wilson both were in tears and who (outside of Phili) wasn't smiling?
If you only care about making yourself feel important because you are the fan of a team who always wins, then the Steelers are for you. Order the guard to shoot the guy and give the lobotomy, heck gun down Ole' Yeller while your at it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Larry Fitzgerald: He's been good for awhile
My buddy Ed was texting me during the NFC Championship game about the marvelous display of talent Larry Fitzgerald was providing all us viewers outside the Arizona Cardinals market.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
Ed was amazed at how great Fitzgerald was in the first half alone. The sad thing is, he's been great for awhile... no one really noticed it until now! Over 100 yards recieving and three touchdowns in the first half doesn't seem to be a stretch for Fitzgerald. The kid was unreal at Pitt. Granted the teams he faces in conference weren't exactly PAC-10 but he set some pretty high makrs there. Coming to the NFL and playing on a team with Kurt Warner and an offense just set on passing the deep ball and many other routes, accomadates to his style.
The only reason we know nothing of him in the league is because he plays in Arizona and how many of us really care about that? If he played in New York, Boston or Chicago we'd have heard of him by now. In fact people would be praising him and naming babies after him.
During the game, Ed and I decided that Larry needs a title. The best and great homage to his play is... the Black Jesus of Football. So the next time you see Larry Fitzgerald on the field, you're seeing the savior of Cardinals football.
How is it not pass interference?
I hate NFL referees. NBA officials with money on the spread call better games than NFL refs.
On a crucial 4th and 10, Hood trips up Kevin Curtis as he tries to make the reception and the result was an incomplete pass, turnover on downs. Now, despite Troy Aikman's lawyering for a flag but barely justifying the refs view, the Eagles were cheated out of a chance to tie the ballgame.
Even though Curtis still had a chance at the ball, despite the contact, the flag was not thrown. What?
Excuse me? How does that register as a reason for not throwing the flag.
Breaking it down: Hood interfered with a receiver trying to play the ball. Hood was playing the receiver. Curtis as the receiver still attempts to catch the pass, but cannot haul it in because of the contact. The refs feel that this contact which prevented Curtis from catching a catch able ball is not worthy of a penalty which would give Philadelphia a first down.
See where I grew up and was taught about football, Ohio, when a defensive back comes into contact with a receiver on a catch able ball and the receiver cannot make the catch... it's PASS INTERFERENCE! This isn't rocket science! This is football! Philly was cheated.
I also wanted this put on record, I am not a bitter Eagles fan. In fact most Philly fans bother me. They threw batteries at Dick Allen (despite how he was their best player for most years). They hate Donovan McNabb (despite how far he has taken the team). They cheered when Michael Irvin got injured... wait, I actually thought that was a little bit funny.
When is baseball season starting?
On a crucial 4th and 10, Hood trips up Kevin Curtis as he tries to make the reception and the result was an incomplete pass, turnover on downs. Now, despite Troy Aikman's lawyering for a flag but barely justifying the refs view, the Eagles were cheated out of a chance to tie the ballgame.
Even though Curtis still had a chance at the ball, despite the contact, the flag was not thrown. What?
Excuse me? How does that register as a reason for not throwing the flag.
Breaking it down: Hood interfered with a receiver trying to play the ball. Hood was playing the receiver. Curtis as the receiver still attempts to catch the pass, but cannot haul it in because of the contact. The refs feel that this contact which prevented Curtis from catching a catch able ball is not worthy of a penalty which would give Philadelphia a first down.
See where I grew up and was taught about football, Ohio, when a defensive back comes into contact with a receiver on a catch able ball and the receiver cannot make the catch... it's PASS INTERFERENCE! This isn't rocket science! This is football! Philly was cheated.
I also wanted this put on record, I am not a bitter Eagles fan. In fact most Philly fans bother me. They threw batteries at Dick Allen (despite how he was their best player for most years). They hate Donovan McNabb (despite how far he has taken the team). They cheered when Michael Irvin got injured... wait, I actually thought that was a little bit funny.
When is baseball season starting?
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