Today is the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" also known as the Indianapolis 500. It is the most famous race in the entire world and the pinnacle event in open-wheel racing. However, 2012 will be a very different feel to something so majestic. Aside from "Back Home Again" not being sung live, and Danica Patrick not competing, there is one icon that will never be back to the Indianapolis Brickyard.
Dan Wheldon, the defending (and 2-time) Indy 500 champion, will not defend his title. Wheldon passed away in a crash in 2011's season finale at Las Vegas on October 16, just five months after winning his second Indy 500. A man who was such a stunning influence on the sport, went out much in the way he stepped onto the international stage: fast.
He made his debut in 2002 as a charismatic and charming 23 year old from England. He had a face to be marketed, and a personality that welcomed it. As he grew in experience and ability, his popularity only grew, especially in the United States.
When he won the Indy 500 for the first time in 2005, a star was born and blew up IRL racing more than it had in years. When he passed six years later, his death sent shock waves across the sports world and the world itself.
A 33 year old husband and father of two, who was one of the brilliant faces of a sport beloved by its fans, and watched by almost all in cases where it's history outweighs its skeptics; Wheldon's ability to be advertised made him a heartthrob, and his skill made him a worthy adversary. But it was his personality that made him a great man.
I can remember years ago, when I was very young and not yet into the sport, watching my father visibly disturbed when golfing's Payne Stewart's plane crashed and killed all on board. A father and husband, Stewart was months removed from his third major win at the U.S. Open in 1999 when he died. Known for his incredibly "fashionable" knickers and hat, respected for the competitor he was, and loved for the man he became once the clubs were stowed away; I now understand how my dad felt when an individual athlete who was bigger than his sport, was taken away from the world.
Whether you followed the sport religiously, or only cared about the big race, this years Indianapolis 500 will feel emptier than any other one in recent memory. And it is because a man, a driver, and an icon will be missing; never to be seen again. Rest In Peace, Dan Wheldon. We still miss you.
.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Beckkkkett Close to Striking Out
Ok, it's been over a month since my last post and I've been holding back on my beloved Red Sox because quite frankly, the start to 2012 is more painful than the end of 2011 in my book. But, Mr. Josh Beckett has forced my hand. It came out the other day that one day after it was announced he was scratched for his next start due to injury, Beckett went out for a golf outing with fellow starter Clay Buchholz.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
When I first heard this, I was totally ok with it. Sometimes you just have to go do something to get your mind off the stresses of life (and apparently the season, already) whether you're "injured" or not. I knew the Boston media would go crazy with this because thats what they do, especially when you start the year 12-19.
What got me going was when Josh sounded almost defiant and pissed off when asked in his postgame press conference if his golf outing had any effect on yet another poor start. I'm not sure if Josh realizes how idiotic he sounded when he goes "We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little time to ourselves." First off, you're a pro ball player. I understand it can be a stressful job, especially in Beantown, but you're playing a game for a living and getting paid millions to do it; cry me a damn river. Secondly, you get a helluva lot more "off" days as a starting pitcher than an everyday position player like Dustin Pedroia.
Finally, you're right, it shouldn't matter to the public or anyone else how you spend your off days. But, you have to remember the enviornment you've been playing in since 2006. This isn't Florida where despite winning two World Series in eight years, they still can't get a sellout. This is Boston, where baseball means more than almost anything. This is a team that had the most historic collapse in history last year, and you were a key factor in that. This is a team that has started off the year 7.5 games BEHIND the Orioles. This is a pitching staff that would get shelled by the Bad News Bears and you apparently have decided to be this year's John Lackey and mouth off to the media in Boston and sound like a spoiled brat to the fans just cause the reporters are doing their jobs in trying to explain your well-below average beginning to this season.
Now, I'm not asking you to not go golfing on your off days, hell go become a great golfer if you want. What I'm saying is that you need to try this thing called self-perception. Realize and understand how look to one of the most volatile fanbases in sports. Last year you started off as a Cy Young candidate, and by this time the Sox were looking like a title contender. Now, you look like a has been who should be fixing everything in Pawtucket while your team looks like a laughing stock.
I'm not gonna say that Beckett should be shipped away or anything like that. The guy is a pretty damn good pitcher when he's on. I personally love the guy and, next to Lester, he's my favorite one on that staff. So just please, please, Josh, be smart when you get in front of a microphone. Ask the guys up in the booth what to say, or how to look. Make friends with the media. After all, in Boston, they may be the only ones you ever have again.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)