The Season of "What The Hell Happened?"

Wednesday night was arguably the most incredibly, heart-wrenching, adrenaline-packed 30 minutes of baseball in the history of the sport. When the dust settled, probably the two greatest collapses in it's more than 100 year old history were completed. The Atlanta Braves blew an 8.5 game lead in the Wild Card giving the St. Louis Cardinals a chance to make some noise in October like some expected. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox, one time locks to win the AL East, stumbled over everything and gave away a nine game advantage over Tampa Bay in the Wild Card to turn what many dubbed the best team assembled into the greatest disappointment ever. But how did this happen? Since nobody outside of Atlanta will acknowledge the debacle at Turner Field (cause they aren't the high-profile team of the Sox), and because the Red Sox are the thing I love most, outside of family, let's look at how a promising New England domination turned into the Boston team of yore. Here is how I think it happened, who to blame, what to do about it:

Terry Francona: Look, as much as I love him, he has to be held at least a little bit accountable. In sports, it's the job of the head coach (manager) to get his team playing the right way. In the month of September, the Sox were God awful. They couldn't hit, couldn't pitch, and couldn't beat teams they had all summer. Tito's job is to manage the game. He did not do that well. He put in terrible lineups when you needed your best guys at the plate. He continuously went with Andrew Miller and Kyle Weiland instead of using Alfredo Aceves as a starter. He left Beckett, Lester, and Lackey in one inning too long on multiple occassions, envoking memories of Game 7 in the 2003 ALCS which ultimately led to the demise of Grady Little in Beantown. Terry was not a manager in September. When the team, and fan base, was panicking, he did the same instead of being a leader.

What to do about it: The easy answer would be to let Tito go and try to find someone new to take the reins, which may be what happens later today. My answer is no. Sure, he's gonna get the majority of the blame (because managers/head coaches always do) but who the hell are you gonna get? Is there honestly a manager-in-waiting that can handle the pressures of managing the second highest payroll in the bigs and do it in a baseball-crazed town like Boston? I don't really see one, unless you want to give Alex Cora his due or convince Jason Varitek his days of actually playing are over. Yes, the honeymoon period is over for Terry, but just because the best times are in the past doesn't mean you start looking for a new spouse. There's a loyalty aspect in baseball that's awesome and two World Series in 7 years for a franchise that was tortured for 86 seasons deserves some extra leash. Which brings me to...

The Players: As much as the manager/coach is going to get blamed for this epic embarrassment of a beautiful sport, it's ultimately up to the players to get it done. In the month of Spetember, the Sox top MVP candidate (Jacoby Ellsbury) disappeared for about two weeks. David Ortiz couldn't hit himself with a bat, epitomized by that weak grounder with runners on first and third Wednesday night. Carl Crawford proved his contract was third worst in baseball history (Still putting Barry Zito in SF and Diasuke ahead of him) by becoming a faster JD Drew swinging at every pitch in the dirt, never coming out of a slump, and overall being terrible. Marco Scutaro was your best player the entire month. MARCO SCUTARO!!! The guy every "expert" wanted to bench in favor of Jed "still haven't reached my potential despite years of investment oh hey Lars Anderson" Lowrie. Meanwhile, the pitching was atrocious. When Diasuke Matsuzaka got hurt I jokingly tweeted that it was best thing to happen to this staff. On second thought, it was our downfall. Say you want about the real life Fifel the Mouse, the guy gave you innings and was just as good at getting out of trouble as he was getting in to it. John Lackey couldn't figure out how to leave his personal life in the clubhouse and perform (that's all I'll say about him cause the guy has been through hell this year). Lester and Beckett were great, but couldn't find that extra gear when needed late. Not to mention the heir apparent, Daniel Bard, looked more like Nuke LaLoosh before Crash Davis showed up, and Paplebon blew two HUGE saves in a week against the Orioles after only blowing one save all year prior. When Kevin Youkilis got hurt, the guys behind him didn't do squat to fix it while Youk turned into a cynic and critic rather than a motivating force like Pedey did last year. Speaking of Pedroia, I love the guy, he's my idol. But he wasn't a leader. In sports, you always hear about "the leader of this team" and it's never the guy on the sidelines. It's the on the field/court/ice that motivates his guys to play better. Dustin didn't do that. America runs on Dunkin' and the Sox run on Dustin, but he was decaf all month.

What to do about it: I honestly don't know. You've spent too much money on Crawford, Gonzo, Lackey to justify cutting your losses this early. It's apparent players like Jed Lowrie and Josh Reddick aren't ready for the rigors of a 162 game season in the pros, but they do need to be there in case. What I think should happen is a focus on two things: player rehab and fiscal responsibility. Whatever it takes (within legal bounds) to get players healthy quick needs to be done. For two straight years, injuries have played some role in poor play. Without Clay Buchholz and Youk, the Sox couldn't find a rythym in the pen or at the plate. Not saying those two guys would have changed it all, but they would have helped. In 2012, Daisuke, Buchh, and Youk will all be back healthy. Whether that changes anything will depend on the other thing needed: Fiscal Responsibility. Oh yeah....

Theo Epstein: As the General Manager, it is your job to put a winning team on the field so that your manager can use them to win games. Theo, in February, did that. $400 million given to possibly the best guys at their position (Gonzo and Crawford) had the Sox poised. But, what Theo forgot is that baseball is 162 9-inning games long. You need players to be there for all 1,458 innings. That includes reliable bench players and strong relief pitchers. Both of which were forgotten about this year. Remember 2004, Theo? A really good defense with an incredible bullpen but only three "true" superstars (Manny, Pedro, Schilling). The rest of the team were role players. Orlando Cabrera, Mark Bellhorn, Kevin Millar, Alan Embree, Keith Foulke, Bronson Arroyo, Derek Lowe, CURTIS LESKANIC (yes, he was on that team). All of them weren't standouts at their positions/roles. Hell, some of them weren't top-10. But they played together. They got along, they had chemistry, and they wanted to play. Something that doesn't happen with $100 million contracts at every position. It's funny how money talks yet falls silent when asked to give back.

What to do about it: Get your head out of your ass. Stop trying to win arms races with the Yankees, Phillies, whoever. Look, the Sox have the best team in baseball (on paper). This issue, that best team is only good for about 7 innings. The sport is, and always has been, about pitching and defense. That's what truly wins championships. Theo, you need to stop spending millions on two high-profile "superstars" and use it to get 5 above-average relievers/defensive replacements that get the job done when called. Remember that whole "Moneyball" theme that you used in 2004? Get back to it. There's a reason I find Herb Brooks (1980 USA Hockey Coach) to be one of the top-3 coaches of all-time. On the first day of tryouts, Herb handed his final roster to his assistant. When his assistant said, "Herb, you don't even have some of the best players on here," Brooks responded with, "I'm not looking for the best players, I'm looking for the right ones." That's what you need Theo. Then again, I shouldn't be too mad, he was kind of baited in to getting the "best" players.

Boston Fans: Look guys, I get it. Winning is awesome. There wasn't a happier day in my life than October 27th, 2004. I cried that night and I cried again on Wednesday. I love this team more than anything. My life revolves around what those guys do for 8 months out of the year. That obsession has ruined relationships, friendships and my health (mental and physical). I didn't watch any sports show or go to any sports website yesterday because I didn't want to see confirmation that what happened actually happened. But you know what? We asked for it. We forgot who we really were. In 2003, there was one champion, the Patriots. Then came the Sox, pretty soon after the Celtics and then finally the Bruins. Boston became cocky. They became arrogant. We became...(gulp) the Yankees.

What to do about it: Stop acting like we deserve to win every year. I love winning, it's awesome. But I also like not being hated outside of New York. For Christs sake we had Oriole fans praying to ruin us like we were the Goddam Yankees!!! We became what we hated. And it began with that stupid ass ad slogan this year. "We Won't Rest". When I first saw that commerical I said to good friend Glista that we are asking for trouble. She, being the true fan she is (not a cynic realist like me) told me to shut up it's awesome. We Won't Rest, Until Every Base Is Stolen; Until Every Fly Ball is Caught; Until Every Strike Is Made; Until Order Is Restored. That last one got me most. Until order is restored. Remember, we were the laughing stock of baseball. The Curse, '75, Bucky Dent, Buckner, Aaron "Bleeping" Boone. Remember them? That's our history. Not championships. There is only one team in Boston that "deserves" to constantly win titles and that's the Celtics because that is their history. I'm convinced that in baseball, there is some sort of outside force that contributes to every season. Call it fate, destiny, luck, whatever. But this collapse was fate reminding us who we are, the hard luck losers. We were the losers who won it all and then became too big for our britches (sounding a little familiar, Philly? It will soon.) Until order is restored. Guess what Sox fans, order has been restored. In the words of Rob Schneider in Waterboy, "We suck again."





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Moneyball is Just That, Money.

So I'm not anything close to a movie expert, but I do know a little bit about sports and I like movies so when the two converge, I feel like I can adequately dissect and analyze what I've just witnessed on the screen like I would a game. This past weekend I went to see a movie I was more excited about than any other film since Star Wars Episode II (which eventually ruined that attempted prequel franchise). Moneyball is the screen adaptation of the book Michael Lewis' book about how the 2002 Oakland Athletics utilized a new style of player recruiting and development, founded by Bill James, that attempted to turn the sport of baseball on its head.

In the film, Brad Pitt plays Oakland General Manager Billy Beane; a 40-something former MLB bust turned executive in a small market team that has a payroll nearly $70 million dollars less than that of the AL Champion New York Yankees. After falling to the Bombers in the 2001 ALDS, the A's lose their three best players in Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, and Jason Isringhausen to free agency because they cannot compete financially with teams like Boston and New York.

In the off season, Beane travels to Cleveland to try and work on a trade to better his squad. During the conversation, Mark Shapiro (Indians GM) constantly shakes off any attempted deal because of a look his advisor gives him. The advisor, is really being advised by Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill). Brand, is a 24 year old Economics Major from Yale who has developed a style of player evaluation that helps the Indians base a player's worth on stats other than Homers and Batting Average. Beane eventually tracks down Brand before "buying" him from the Indians to come to Oakland.

There, Beane and Brand go into a meeting with Oakland's scouts to figure out how to replace their top players. Beane decides they will in turn sign bottom barrel free agents like Scott Hatterberg, Jeremy Giambi, and Chad Bradford because of stats and things not usually evaluated by typical scouts. After a rough couple first months of his manager Art Howe (played by Philip Seymour-Hoffman) not playing along, Beane shakes things up to ensure the team he has assembled is played the way he wants. The Athletics go on to win an American League record 20 straight games, the Western Division and a trip to the playoffs with the best record in the league. Only to lose in the opening round, again, to Minnesota.

Now that you understand the movie, as if true sports fans didn't already know it, here's what I felt about it. Brad Pitt once again shows his full range and ability on the screen. The man is able to brilliantly capture every aspect of Billy Beane's life, from a man struggling to keep a strong relationship with his estranged daughter, to fighting his own demons of being a wash-out and trying to complete this self-fulfilling prophecy of a new style of baseball, Pitt is able to make you feel the pains and torments of a GM in a small-market city.

More over, what Pitt did in preparation shows his vast devotion to the role he plays. Pitt went and read Moneyball so many times, spoke with Beane personally on multiple accounts, that he actually was sighting passages from the book in production meetings. He wanted to fully portray the man that is Billy Beane and he knocked it out of the park (had to use at least one pun).

Jonah Hill is also a very good actor in this movie. Going in, I kept hearing how good he was, that this was a defining role in his career, I even heard a small murmur of Oscar talk. All that aside, I was still waiting for a random, hilarious outburst from the once large comedic teddy-bear we loved in Superbad. Maybe that's unfair to him as a stigma but it's how I felt. When I was able to put aside my desire to see him scream about some "Seth's Own Dressing", I saw a wonderful performance that again captured the essence that was his character.

Peter Brand was portrayed in ever light I expected. A bright kid with love for sports but who looked incredibly out of place in his shirt and tie amongst the sweatpants and track suits of a professional ball club. There was a wonderful scene where Brand is forced to tell rookie sensation Carlos Pena that he has been traded to the Detroit Tigers. After this exchange, you can see the tense look on Hill's face as if his character is about to get launched threw a window. Once Pena leaves the room, a massive sigh of relief is let out and you see the comfort level of dealing with players rise in Brand. A spot-on depiction of his transformation into a sound MLB executive.

What made the movie for me, however, was not the acting prowess of Pitt, the subtle nuance that is Seymour-Hoffman, or the career growth of Hill. It was the writing of Aaron Sorkin and the direction of Bennett Miller. The two, along with writer Steven Zaillian, are able to capture exactly how a season of Major League Baseball is played out off the field. We as fans see the nine or more innings that are played, the post-game interviews, and the headlines the following morning. What we don't see are the deadline deals being made between clubs, the conversations between Manager and GM, GM and Owner, GM and player.

It's a very well-versed portrayal of a man battling with demons, trying to prove the world wrong, all while taking criticism from every place under the sun. For anyone who ever thought the role of a GM was easy, this will change that. I was extremely pleased with the multiple scenes of Beane driving in his pick-up truck listening to talk-show hosts (and fans) completely ridicule his every move then giving credit to the manager and not him. Also, the random drop-ins of baseball experts like Bob Costas, Tim McCarver, added an outside view of what baseball was seeing happening in Oakland.

In the final 15-20 minutes of the movie, after being unable to "win the last game of the season", Beane takes a trip to Boston where he meets with Red Sox owner John Henry. Henry is infatuated with the style of roster management employed by the A's and wants to bring Beane to Fenway and be the new GM. There is a point before this revelation, where Beane tells Brand that if the A's don't win it all, their experiment will be considered a failure and Oakland will be a laughing stock once again. This meeting with Henry is the completion of the self-fulfilling prophecy. His method has changed the way the game is played, and now a team that has the finances to compete with the big boys, can use the evaluation style of a team that won as many games as the Yankees with tens of billions of dollars less.

Overall, this movie was wonderful. It was brilliantly written, produced, and portrayed. It opens a door inside the world of roster maintenance in the bigs. I personally enjoyed seeing names of guys I emulated in little league on the field again, watching the Kansas City Royals play in their old purple pinstriped jersey, and of course, the film session about Kevin Youkilis and discussion with the Sox. While it will be one of the best movies of the year, I don't see much Oscar buzz coming out of it. Yes, the acting is great and the film is a lot of fun to watch, it's not a "life-changer". You don't feel as if you're watching something special on the screen. Just a very well told story about an eventual loser that finds a way to win elsewhere. But that's baseball, and that's what is great about Moneyball. As Billy Beane says in the film, "How can you not be romantic about baseball?"

Oh, and for those who don't know the end of the story, Beane turns down a $12.5 million dollar offer from Boston (which would make him the highest paid GM in sports, at that time) to stay in Oakland and continue what he started. What the movie failed to mention was that Beane actually suggested Henry hire Theo Epstein, who was also helping to implement the same style in San Diego. Two years later, with a few big names and an island of misfit toys, the Red Sox snapped the 86-year old Curse of the Bambino and won the World Series. Again, how can you not be romantic about baseball?


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How "Money" Mayweather is Bankrupting Boxing

Alllllllllrighty then. So there was apparently this big boxing match on Saturday night. How do I know? Because when I woke up this morning, my Facebook and twitter feeds were going crazy with other people just finding out about this incredible phenomenon. It showcased an undefeated champion, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr., putting his belt on the line against a (from what I hear) hard hitting Victor Ortiz. However, 

what stole the spotlight was how the bout ended and what took place after.

In the fourth round of this title match, Ortiz seemed to be turning the tide a little bit after Mayweather was in complete control. As the two danced into the corner, Ortiz continued with a flurry before landing a headbutt to the chin and face of the champion. This, of course, is illegal, so the referee rightly stops the fight to penalize the challenger. What happened next was appalling. As Ortiz looked for a friendly, and apologetic, embrace and glove touch, Mayweather rocked him with a left hook before finishing the fight with a straight right hand 

moving to 42-0 with 26 knockouts and retaining his title.

What I found most disappointing about this action was that a fighter, who moments later claimed nobody gave him his fair shake, gave everybody a reason not to. There is an unwritten rule in the world of boxing, and even MMA, that if a violation occurs you go hug it out, touch gloves, whatever, and then step back and get ready to get back to fighting. Ortiz did this. And after a half-hearted hug between the two, Mayweather did not give his challenger any chance to compose himself again before delivering a massive cheap shot.

Then, in the post-fight interview, he had the nerve to say it’s “protect yourself at all times” in the ring and that Ortiz didn’t do that. You could clearly see in the replay that, after the left hook, Ortiz had this look of “Are you kidding me, Floyd?” like he couldn’t believe that shot was just delivered. This was all before Mayweather went Mike Gundy on 80 year old interviewer Larry Merchant. Now, give credit to Merchant who said an edited version of what everyone watching that interview wanted to say, but Mayweather has to show some class. He defended his title, and was being asked an honest question that any semi-fan wanted to know. You don’t have to start bitching and moaning about not “getting a fair shake” from anybody. Especially when you haven’t given a fair shake to the one guy that could really challenge you for the title.

Floyd Mayweather has been dancing around facing arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world in Manny Pacquiao. Whether it’s with demanding drug testing, money, or just straight talk, the champ has continuously denied the public the title fight that has the best chance of saving the sport of boxing.

I am admittedly not a huge boxing fan nor anything close of an expert. But I do know this, the sport of Mixed Martial Arts is continuing its meteoric rise to the mainstream in terms of fans and revenue, leaving boxing as an “ancient” form of physical sport. When you talk about boxing, you bring up names like Ali, Frasier, Foreman and Rocky (because, let’s be honest, the first three movies are awesome) and talk about those being the glory days of the sport. Now, you hear about a guy who keeps running his mouth but won’t take on the guy who has the best chance at shutting it, that guy who could shut it, and the guys that the guy who could shut that other guy’s mouth keeps beating.

I have watched one boxing match live, Pacquiao-Hatton, in which Pacman knocked out Hatton in the second round and before that looked like he was toying with the Englishman. Again, I’m not an expert on the sport, but Pacquiao looks like a great fighter. One worthy of a title shot, yet the champ seems too afraid to fight him but constantly taking on guys he dismantles.

There is a reason I love MMA more than boxing, it’s much more fast-paced, includes multiple aspects of hand-to-hand combat, and the commentators are much more fun to listen to. However, the biggest reason is that the amount of respect between the fighters is IMMENSE. Yes, there is trash talk before a fight as there is in any sport. But when something goes wrong, when the fight is over, both fighters embrace and show a sign of respect for the amount of talent each has and the preparation the two have gone through to reach that point.

Of course there are loudmouths (Rampage) and guys who sometimes toy with their opponent (Silva, once) but the majority of these incredible athletes are even better human beings. Boxing is a sport that lives through memories long forgotten by their fans and never had by the current generations. However, there is one fight that could bring the memories back and we would all want to witness. Pacquiao-Mayweather. But we may not get that because I feel the champ is scared. And frankly, after what happened last night, I don’t want to see how he would disgrace himself if and when he loses the belt. So I guess Floyd Money was right when he said protect yourself at all times. But I think he was talking to those who watch the sport, rather than those who participate.

Five Things We Learned About the NFL: Week 1

After a day of recovering from an incredibly emotional weekend, and a full day of digesting the opening weekend of the 2011 National Football League regular season, it’s amazing what took place on the field across the country. We saw some incredible plays, witnessed some brilliant performances, and learned some valuable things:

5. The Lockout Cost Some Teams. Or Did It?

Before the season began, a lot was made about what teams did or didn’t do while the labor dispute was going on. On opening Thursday night, there was no better comparison than the New Orleans Saints (which held full team workouts during the offseason dispute the lockout) and the Green Bay Packers who met just once to receive their Super Bowl rings. 

What ended up happening was a display that says team chemistry can be carried over from the previous season. The Saints were mixing in a lot of new faces, with some old, while the Pack played for longer last year and picked up right where they left off. Now, this isn’t to say that the lockout didn’t hurt teams. Because Peyton Manning couldn’t work with his team and get the help needed from Colts doctors, his consecutive games played streak ended, his season may be over and his career may be in jeopardy. 

This labor dispute affected numerous people in multiple ways, but the majority was off the field. What this lockout taught me is that the level of talent on the field can be molded quickly when there is a winning environment and the right tools are easily accessible. For those that don’t have that, the process takes a lot longer. It also showed me that these athletes may not stay in the best of shape in the offseason. So many injuries across the board this weekend can’t all be chalked up to freak incidents right? The best players stay in the best shape all of the time.

4. Cam Newton May Be the Real Deal

So, the Country Baker (my better half), has constantly joked that one of my posts should be about her. Well this is what she’s getting for now. Yes, her beloved Carolina Panthers have been a shell of their 2003 selves and their list of quarterback hopefuls range from Steve Beuerlein and Florida State great Chris Weinke to Jake Delhomme and Jimmy Heisman, but Sunday was an incredible day for that franchise. Cam Newton, Heisman winner & National Champion, threw for a rookie debut record 422 yards in a losing effort. 

Yes the defense failed the Panthers down the stretch, and maybe the rest of the year losing Jon Beason for the year, but Newton flashed his talent in a BIG way. He threw dump passes, checked off linebackers, broke down a (simple) defense, and made plays. Everyone called Cam the next Tim Tebow as in a player with loads of ability but even more hype. Cam is not Tim Tebow. I’m not anointing him the savior in Charlotte, but the future for that team is as bright as their franchise player’s smile.

3. The Patriots Are On A Mission

Last night I watched something that not only upset me, but downright freaked me out. The inability of a team to play defense was appalling, and its not like the Dolphins were the only squad convicted of that felony. But more importantly, watching a coach, a quarterback, and a team dismantle a squad like that was scary. I mean damn near horrifying! Tom Brady threw for 517 yards on 38 completions and four touchdowns. “FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN YARDS?!?! “– as Tim Kirkjian would say. 

We’ve known that Brady is good, top-3 in the game even, but what he and his coach did to Miami was the blueprint of how championships are won. Ever since their loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl, New England almost became forgotten. A team that couldn’t make it back to the Promised Land. Relentless Bill Bellichick, Hall of Fame Great Tom Brady, and the right pieces wearing that uniform, this team will be back this year and they will be back with a vengeance. I’m not gonna say they are a mortal lock to play in The Oil Drum in February, but if they can convince on October 9 (vs. NYJ) and again on November 13 (@ NYJ) Brady will match another famous QB in Montana; and everyone will once again swoon over the one-time Michigan back-up. Which reminds me…

2. The Tom Brady Love Affair Grows

Look, I get it. The guy’s amazing looking. He’s got reassuring eyes, broad shoulders, huge hands, and powerful legs. But c’mon folks, just because Peyton Manning’s not around to dissect defenses and send opposing coaches in to mental institutes, doesn’t mean we have to place “Tommy Terrific” up on a golden pedestal. 

When all is said and done, Brady will probably be statistically and unequivocally one of the top five signal callers to ever play the game. Right up there with Unitas, Montana, Favre and yes, Peyton. That being said, the guy has everything, a gorgeous wife, good looks, great talent, and a gorgeous baby’s mama. Do we have to ogle over him on the football field and on national television? I’m lookin’ at you Jon Gruden! 

Yes, he’s awesome at his sport but what is really important to note with him is that he’s a team player. He understands that it takes 10 other guys on offense, 11 guys on defense, 11 guys on special teams and a whole coaching staff preparing every week to put together a championship team. He always finds a way to give credit at others and deflect it away from himself. I love that he does that, it’s something amazing to listen to even when I’m gazing at those wonderfully reassuring eyes. Oh God, it’s happening to me! Let’s move on…

1.       Sports Can Heal All

Ten years ago this past Sunday I was sitting in Old Mill Middle School North, going through the normal routine of a new school year. I remember walking past the teacher’s lounge and seeing this smoke coming from a building on TV. I thought it was just a movie or something. As the day went on and kids kept going home early, with no explanation, you began to wonder. Was something wrong? This many kids didn’t have doctor’s appointments. Why wasn’t I being taken out? 

When I got home I could see on my mother’s face that something was wrong. 50 miles south of our house, the building that my Dad had recent trips to on a daily basis was hit by a plane in a terrorist attack. We didn’t hear from him until he walked in the door that night. I’ve known kids who lost family and friends on that day, I was fortunate. The effects however, have had tolls on me. I’ve lost friends in these conflicts, seen family members leave for unknown amounts of time, and witnessed the destruction of war on the frontlines here at home. 

This past weekend, I felt it proper to return to the DC area to pay my respects to all those who lost their lives that day and in the subsequent wars. While there, I went to FedEx Field and watch the Giants-Redskins game. Now, these aren’t the two bitterest of rivals in the NFC East, but they aren’t best friends either. Prior to the game, there was no trash talk. No vulgar outbursts or physical confrontations, because everyone understood that until kickoff, that day was about one thing. 

Before the national anthem was sang, Taps was played. A somber song that signifies the honor of life and those that have given it. I felt myself welling up. As I looked around, I saw others doing the same. When life attempted to return to a sense of normalcy after the attacks of 9/11, it was sports that allowed us to get there. Allowed us to forget the hardships and terror we had all seen. 

Ten years later, we remembered, we cried, and we united once again. Then, after the coin flip and first snap, we returned to normal. With sports rightly at the front.

The Ironman's Legacy: Untarnished, Undisputed, and Unbreakable

Meant to post this yesterday, on the actual anniversary, but better late than never, right?


Sixteen years ago, I sat in my living room glued to my television. I was only six years old, and had never been to a baseball game before. Long before I saw the mystique of the Green Monster, knew of the talent of Mo Vaughn and Pedro Martinez, or even prior to the hatred of those in pinstripes, I witnessed the greatest baseball record fall, and, in turn, fell in love with the sport.

There I was, sitting on my living room floor, with my father and brothers (four and two at the time) watching this guy walk around this field I had never seen before, being applauded by thousands upon thousands of screaming people, and a silent sportscaster. For twenty minutes, Baltimore reached out gave it’s prodigal son the ovation he never wanted, but fully deserved. Cal Ripken Jr. had just become the “Ironman”. I didn’t fully understand what it meant then, but I knew it was special.

In the decade and a half since September 7th, 1995 we have seen the revelation of the steroid era, the emergence of the “Core Four”, and the destruction of the Curse of the Bambino. All of that, as amazing a spectacle as they were, fail in comparison to what that late summer’s eve meant to a city, and to a sport.

Cal was an icon, played every game of his career in one uniform, never wanted to leave, and still doesn’t. He never was a lightning rod for the media, and very rarely complained. When I eventually moved to Baltimore in the fall of 1998, my biggest goal was to see him play in person. And I did, more than 20 times. As the streak continued, it was iconic to watch him play and be amazed that someone could go out and do that every day, without skipping a beat.

When Barry Bonds was on the cusp of surpassing Hammerin’ Hank on the All-Time Homeruns list*, I remember sitting in my freshman orientation at Hofstra University boasting about how I wanted to be a sports expert to all the other newcomers. One night a few guys were sitting around the TV watching ESPN when someone mentioned that Bonds was about to break the greatest record in sports. I couldn’t control my laughter.

Let’s get real, the “greatest record in sports” is quite a title to give something that will be in dispute for the remainder of time, number one. Number two, how many games did the members of the 700 club miss in their careers? The 600 club? I’m willing to bet their total number of “off days” would equal that the streak Ripken put together.

Ripken’s streak is remarkable, unfathomable, and almost God-like. He showed up to work, every day, and excelled, for 2, 632 straight days. How many people, not in baseball, do that? That’s 16 MLB seasons, 7 plus years (with weekends), and just over 10 years with Saturday & Sunday off. No sick days, no injuries, no “mental health” days. Just wake up, go to work, and go home after.

Now, this streak is not without dispute, of course everyone will talk about the night the lights went out in Camden. But whether that is true or not, the fact of the matter is the man represented the right way to do things. You didn’t complain, and you didn’t whine. You showed up and you did what was asked of you. In this day and age of multi-million dollar contracts, obligated off-days, and super agents, not a single athlete, in any sport, (not named Peyton Manning) would even attempt that.

What I found more incredible about his streak, was that it helped to keep a city alive when the Yankees and Red Sox were finding ways to knock Baltimore back down. Everybody talks about having athletes as role models. Big strong guys like Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Griffey, and A-Rod. When I was kid, I wanted to be like Cal. I wanted to wake up and play baseball everyday. I didn’t care if I was sick, hurt, or tired. I just wanted to go play. And that’s what he did.

When the streak ended, at 2, 632 on his own accord, Ripken placed his name among Cy Young, Joe DiMaggio, and maybe Pete Rose, as owning a record that will never be broken. He was amazing, his career was awe-inspiring, and I just wish today’s athletes would look back at the Ironman and try to be like him, instead of guys like Jose Canseco.

More importantly, his streak represented the greatest achievement in sports to man who revolutionized it. He turned the shortstop into a power hitting position. It wasn’t about being fast and having a solid glove. Now, tall guys, with big powerful swings could man the middle infield. Ripken hit homeruns in both the game that tied the streak and the one that broke it; something I think brings his career full circle. He won the World Series in his third year, and then went on to break the greatest record in sports. And he didn’t need a needle to help him get there, just a nice cup of coffee and a lunch pail.

Top Five Things to Watch in the 2011 College Football Season

With so much attention drawn to the campus gridiron since Auburn defeated Oregon for the National Championship, the pigskin is finally ready to fly. Thursday night saw a total of 15 FBS games played across the country as the majority of the nation returned to the desired American pastime of screaming at college kids while drunkenly ogling at the girls in the stands and on the sidelines (America, the beautiful). So without further ado, here are the five things I will be looking at between the beers and the girls:

5. Conference Changes

The Big 12 is now the Big 10 while the Big Ten has become the Big Twelve with Nebraska and Colorado both jumping ship. This creates a very interesting, and complex, divisional discourse within the Big Ten conference as the Huskers now join the likes of Ohio State, Minnesota and Michigan in a very smash mouth, run-the-football-down-your-throat style of football. I love this change because it also pits Bo Pellini (who led Nebraska to prominence in the 90’s) against the ever immortal Joe Paterno. Also, the Husker-Badger rivalry will be fun. Coaching changes across the scene also make for an interesting season. However, these two aren’t the only adjustments that have to be made in the conference media guides as the newly christened Pac-12 begins play with the additions of Colorado and Utah. Now, I don’t realistically see either of these teams competing for a bid to the Rose Bowl immediately, but Utah was once a BCS buster and has set the trend for teams like Boise State and TCU, who will move to the Big East shortly. Make no mistake, Andrew Luck and Stanford will compete with Oregon State and maybe UCLA and USC but this change could be very fun to watch in years to come.

4. Is This the Last Shot for Boise State?

The Broncos have been the darlings of FCS football ever since shocking Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl in 2007, and watching Ian Johnson propose to his cheerleader girlfriend on national TV. However, that class was led by a group of veterans who were able to put it all together in their senior season and shock the world. This time around, another group of veterans who have become accustomed to the lifestyle their predecessors built for them will try and make another BCS Bowl Game and continue to lead the fight for a playoff system as the best non-AQ school in the country. Kellen Moore is back, along with the majority of his offensive weapons and one of the best defenses in the country. Boise is also ranked #5 in the preseason polls and will realistically have to drop two games to be “out” of the running for the national title. That feat, by the way, would double the amount of losses for the Class of 2012 who is 38-2 in their career. My answer, this is NOT the last shot Boise State will have at truly busting the BCS and playing for a national title. Coach Chris Peterson has developed a great program and he will have more guys wanting to go play “underdog” for years to come. However, this is their last BEST shot for the next few years. After this, you lose 14 players including soon to be two-time Heisman finalist Kellen Moore, and two top tier talents in lineman Nate Potter and running back Doug Martin. This will be a great season for the Broncos, and of course, all playoff dreamers will be rooting for them.

3. Effects of Off-Field Scandals on Play

First it was Terrelle Pryor at Ohio State, then (and still) it’s Miami (again) and now, even Boise State will lose three players due to eligibility review. This is becoming a scary trend in college football. It seems as though recruiting isn’t pure anymore. I mean, between boosters paying for sex for players, players signing memorabilia in exchange for free tattoos and the likes, and coaches violating recruiting standards, who can tell which players made their decisions without bribes? But, ya know what, they play football really good and that makes the boosters happy and brings in more money so I guess we’ll put Nick Shapiro on a pedestal at the U and let Jim Tressel become the AD for the Buckeyes in three years. Look, players will play the game at a high level if they have the ability to do it. The way this takes away from on the field accomplishments is if it disrupts the everyday flow of preparation. What I mean is if it forces a coach, or player, to leave mid-season. Cam Newton’s scandal didn’t bother Auburn because they didn’t lose Newton. I would be worried if I was a fan of the ‘Canes or a resident of the Horseshoe because you have lost things, or could potentially lose them. But it doesn’t matter because neither of those schools will really challenge for a title this year anyway.

2. Can the Big 12 Be Saved?

As mentioned earlier, both Nebraska and Colorado have jumped ship, leaving a once proud conference pondering what their future will be. Now, before you go screaming that I’m over-sensationalizing this, I’m not suggesting that the Big 12 will fold ever, it’s “too big to fail”. What I am saying is that they need to find a way to turn this conference around. Former Big 8 power Nebraska use to be the savior when Oklahoma and Texas continuously dominated. And for the last three years, it looked as though the Blackshirts were back to take on the two big boys. But with them leaving, Texas A&M wanting out, and the Longhorns starting their own TV Network, what’s next for Commissioner Dan Beebe? Well, you need to figure out a new marketing plan. Find a way to get the majority of your remaining team’s national exposure. Who wouldn’t want to see Baylor play Iowa State? Also, understand that the Big 12 has “niche” schools in “niche” sports. In football, it’s Boomer Sooner and Hook ‘em Horns. For basketball, you have Rock Chalk and the occasional EMAW. In baseball (which is NOT a revenue sport nationwide) it’s back to the horns. There has to be better recruiting for all schools in those other sports so you can have a shot at becoming a Florida, USC or Maryland that can compete in a multitude of sports. Finally, get SMU in to the conference. A storied school that had a rich history of very good football players deserves to be in a BCS conference. If the Pac-12 can have every California team, why can’t you have every Texas team? Besides, if you can’t get the Mustangs to play, what’s your other option? BYU?

1. Is Notre Dame Truly Back?

Ok, so maybe it’s number one ranking is a bit biased due to my (and the entire medias) love affair with the Irish, but think about it. Every season one of the biggest questions is can the Irish get back to glory? Ever since Ty Willingham was run out of his exorbitant deal, many Notre Dame boosters have lost faith in Touchdown Jesus.  A failed experiment with one of the great offensive minds in the NFL and the terrible disappointment of both Brady Quinn and Jimmy “Heisman” Clausen brought even the most doubting Catholics to church on Friday’s in prayer for the Blue and Gold. This year, you have Brian Kelly, a good ol’ Irish Catholic boy back after going 8-5 and getting a victory over both rival USC and a Sun Bowl victory. With a schedule that boasts key matchups at home (Michigan State, USC, Navy, BC) and a veteran team led by quarterback Dayne Crist, it’s not inconceivable to think the top-20 Irish can make a bid for the a BCS bowl. Besides, with a last name like Crist (I know it’s not pronounced Christ, but the headlines are awesome), how can you not think they have a legitimate shot? Just like Barry Pepper is credited with saying in Saving Private Ryan, “If God’s on our side, who could be on theirs?”