I grew up in Cincinnati. Spent the first 17 years of my life in the same home on the Eastside. When i went away to college, i never thought i'd move back. I wanted to see the world; I wanted a change of pace. I spent the past three years in Virginia, only returning to Cincinnati once or twice a year. Over those three years, a lot happened in my life that led to me deciding that moving to Cincinnati after graduation would be for the best. I've lived in my new house since last June. It wasn't until this past Friday night that i remembered how much and why i love this city.
I went to the Reds game on Friday night, my first trip to GABP since Opening Day. It was a perfect night for a baseball game, 75 and sunny. I bought my tickets earlier in the week, but over 9,000 fans walked up that night. I sat in the bleacher seats in left field, close enough to know that Adam Dunn heard my cheers. Walking up to the Ballpark, seeing the fans filing in to the stadium, i remembered what i like about living in a big city. In any town, and this town especially, it's rare to see so many people come together. What i liked most about the small town i lived in in Virginia was the friendliness and the community. Getting over 30,000 people together on a Friday night is always a good time.
Even though the Reds were getting one-hit through 8 2/3 and could not convert two Phillies errors and some very erratic pitching, all the fans were still into the game. I had to keep checking the scoreboard to realize how poorly the Reds were playing offensively. Some great defensive plays kept us excited and Kyle Lohse had another outstanding outing on the mound. The best moment came in the seventh or eighth inning when the greatest Wave i've ever been a part of circled the Ballpark. Each and every section sustained the Wave for about three and a half rounds. The best part came when Josh Hamilton noticed what was happening and raised his arms when the fans in right field did their Wave. You could see the excitement he shared with all of us fans just being a part the Ballpark environment. Hamilton participated in the Wave again at last night's game and it was just great to see the look on his face. Unfortunately, the Wave and the rally caps did not come through on Saturday as they did on Friday. I've already been to three Reds games this year and i can't wait to go back. The likeable stars like Freel, Hamilton, Harang and Arroyo get fans excited. I've seen so many kids of all ages in the stands. I hope they can enjoy a championship season like i did when i was younger. Winning helps, but the vibe at the Ballpark this season is different than i remember it being four or five years ago.
Here's a great story from ESPN.com on Hamilton. Read the article and watch the video. Good stuff http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070420&sportCat=mlb&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab6pos1
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
News???
I saw something on ESPN's bottom line today that i found troubling. It had more to do with the state of our society than the state of sports. Actually, it was a great example of how the two realms affect one another, often in subtley negative ways. This bit of "news" wasn't anything shocking or tragic, it was just troubling. As I saw it scroll across the bottom of the screen, I just shook my head. Not in disbelief, but in disappointment that such an item is widely accepted as "news" these days.
It read: Raleigh News-Observer reports UNC G Wayne Ellington will return to school next year
So will about 4,000 other students in his class at UNC. How is that news? What is newsworthy about a student-athlete who enrolls in a four-year university deciding, "Hey, i'll come back for my sophomore year"?
Actually, I just caught myself contributing to the problem. In the above sentence, i originally typed "sophomore season." College athletes are a priveleged bunch who work hard in order to achieve their dreams of furthering their athletic careers. But they are still college students. At most schools, this means they have to go to class, socialize, manage a hectic schedule and maintain a respectable GPA. But to run a bottom line item on one player, a player that few expected to leave after one year anyway, only fosters the notion that big-time college athletes are anything but typical student-athletes. Howe many other Division I freshman basketball players will be returning for their sophomore year? How come they aren't each getting headlines?
It should be expected for each young man who accepts a four-year scholarship (a generous gift often taken for granted) to make the most of that scholarship. I understand the news when a player leaves school early. That is newsworthy because that is not the norm. At least fifteen years ago, it wasn't. Today, it is newsworthy when a talented 18 or 19-year old kid decides to try a second year of college.
And that is a problem. Coaches and schools should not hold press conferences for athletes to announce that they are returning for one more year. Local news stations should not run items about it. Certainly, national news outlets should not report on such events.
A sophomore year should be an expectation of a college student, not an exception.
It read: Raleigh News-Observer reports UNC G Wayne Ellington will return to school next year
So will about 4,000 other students in his class at UNC. How is that news? What is newsworthy about a student-athlete who enrolls in a four-year university deciding, "Hey, i'll come back for my sophomore year"?
Actually, I just caught myself contributing to the problem. In the above sentence, i originally typed "sophomore season." College athletes are a priveleged bunch who work hard in order to achieve their dreams of furthering their athletic careers. But they are still college students. At most schools, this means they have to go to class, socialize, manage a hectic schedule and maintain a respectable GPA. But to run a bottom line item on one player, a player that few expected to leave after one year anyway, only fosters the notion that big-time college athletes are anything but typical student-athletes. Howe many other Division I freshman basketball players will be returning for their sophomore year? How come they aren't each getting headlines?
It should be expected for each young man who accepts a four-year scholarship (a generous gift often taken for granted) to make the most of that scholarship. I understand the news when a player leaves school early. That is newsworthy because that is not the norm. At least fifteen years ago, it wasn't. Today, it is newsworthy when a talented 18 or 19-year old kid decides to try a second year of college.
And that is a problem. Coaches and schools should not hold press conferences for athletes to announce that they are returning for one more year. Local news stations should not run items about it. Certainly, national news outlets should not report on such events.
A sophomore year should be an expectation of a college student, not an exception.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Huggie Bear
The Bob Huggins era is over in Manhattan, Kansas. Now the ball is in the K-State's athletic director's hands: Does he want to treat kids fairly or does he want to reap as much as he can from Huggins' brief stint. The players suffer the most. I support Huggs' decision. He passed on the job at his alma mater in 2002, because he felt a loyalty to Cincinnati. We all saw where that got him. He would be a fool to pass on his dream job a second time. The timing of it is just unfortunate and I don't think there is anyone to blame. Try telling that to Bill Walker. The Cincinnati native and NCH grad followed Huggins to Manhattan after he was declared ineligible before the start of the 2006-07 high school basketball season. Once he was cleared to play, he only played in six games before blowing out his knee. I thought he would be one of the first to announce his transfer to WVU, but according to one of his teammates, Bill is stuck at KSU. Of course, there is no way he would have gone there if it wasn't for Huggins. It is going to be very interesting to see what happens to one of the top recruiting classes of '07. Michael Beasley could become a free agent and start the recruiting process all over again, opening it up to any high-profile programs with a scholarship to spare. My guess is that if Huggins could get him to come to KSU, he will have no problem talking him in to Morgantown. West Virginia is a more established program in a better conference with more national exposure. Also intriguing is the relationship between a certain West Virginia native and the new head coach at the state school. Huggins and OJ Mayo have a history. Mayo's teammate and best friend, Walker, followed Huggs to K-State. Mayo declared his loyalty to Tim Floyd and USC, but we've all seen how unpredictable the precocious star can be. If Walker is able to transfer (in which case he would have to sit out another year), would Mayo want to reunite with his Cincinnati crew?
A few weeks ago, i wrote an article about K-State walk-on guard Ryan Patzwald. Patz was a star at Anderson High School and intended to play for Division II Northern Kentucky. At the last minute, he decided to walk on for Huggins, a family friend that he'd known all his life, at UC. When Huggins left for KSU, Patzwald asked to join him. Huggins knew there would be room for one walk on, so he told Patzwald to bring his 3 point sharpshooting to Manhattan. I talked to Patz earlier today and jokingly asked if his father would let him transfer again. Dr. Patzwald was not thrilled with his son's decision to leave UC in the first place. To my surprise (sort of), Patzwald has already decided to stick with Huggins. He approached the coach and asked to follow him to WVU. He told me that Huggins was surprised that he wanted to transfer again. Unfortunately, scholarship players like Walker can't move as freely as walk-ons like Patz. Patz told me that Walker is basically stuck in Manhattan. Like i said, it's up to the KSU AD to determine the fate of Walker, Beasley and other young athletes. The man basically controls the immediate futures of these young men. It might not be fair, but it's the NCAA.
This reminds me of a conversation I had with Boston College football player Ty Hall. When the Eagles' head coach left towards the end of the '06 season, Hall told me that he chose a school based on more than just the head coach. Our high school coach, Vince Suriano, told us that we should choose a school that we would still attend even if the coaching staff left or if we could no longer play football. I doubt Bill Walker or Michael Beasley would be at Kansas State if it wasn't for Bob Huggins. Now Walker is stuck there and Beasley could have a big choice to make.
It looks like Huggins will get the last laugh from his bitter breakup with UC. While the Bearcats toil in the cellar of the Big East, the Mountaineers could contend for the conference crown. Of course, this all depends on who is on each team's roster come October. Hopefully, the 'Cats will become competitive and a fierce conference rivalry will be born.
Patzwald--keep following the dream, but get a degree before it's all said and done.
Can't wait to see the reception Huggs gets when the 'Eers play at Fifth Third Arena this year.
A few weeks ago, i wrote an article about K-State walk-on guard Ryan Patzwald. Patz was a star at Anderson High School and intended to play for Division II Northern Kentucky. At the last minute, he decided to walk on for Huggins, a family friend that he'd known all his life, at UC. When Huggins left for KSU, Patzwald asked to join him. Huggins knew there would be room for one walk on, so he told Patzwald to bring his 3 point sharpshooting to Manhattan. I talked to Patz earlier today and jokingly asked if his father would let him transfer again. Dr. Patzwald was not thrilled with his son's decision to leave UC in the first place. To my surprise (sort of), Patzwald has already decided to stick with Huggins. He approached the coach and asked to follow him to WVU. He told me that Huggins was surprised that he wanted to transfer again. Unfortunately, scholarship players like Walker can't move as freely as walk-ons like Patz. Patz told me that Walker is basically stuck in Manhattan. Like i said, it's up to the KSU AD to determine the fate of Walker, Beasley and other young athletes. The man basically controls the immediate futures of these young men. It might not be fair, but it's the NCAA.
This reminds me of a conversation I had with Boston College football player Ty Hall. When the Eagles' head coach left towards the end of the '06 season, Hall told me that he chose a school based on more than just the head coach. Our high school coach, Vince Suriano, told us that we should choose a school that we would still attend even if the coaching staff left or if we could no longer play football. I doubt Bill Walker or Michael Beasley would be at Kansas State if it wasn't for Bob Huggins. Now Walker is stuck there and Beasley could have a big choice to make.
It looks like Huggins will get the last laugh from his bitter breakup with UC. While the Bearcats toil in the cellar of the Big East, the Mountaineers could contend for the conference crown. Of course, this all depends on who is on each team's roster come October. Hopefully, the 'Cats will become competitive and a fierce conference rivalry will be born.
Patzwald--keep following the dream, but get a degree before it's all said and done.
Can't wait to see the reception Huggs gets when the 'Eers play at Fifth Third Arena this year.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
March Maddening
Every year since i was young enough to remember, one of my favorite events of the year has been CBS' "One Shining Moment" montage. First, I love montages (Karate Kid, Airborne, Rocky) from classic movies. I always find myself getting a little emotional as Lionel Richie's or Luther Vandross's voice captures the power of young men making memories that will last them a lifetime. I think anyone who has ever played organized sports wishes for a montage backed by a powerful soundtrack. This year was the first year i that i didn't stay up for it. Mostly because i didn't get the critical between-game nap that my body needed after having Miller Lite for breakfast and ballpark nachoes for lunch. Instead, i spent the time between games taking care of a 2 year old by myself. But that's my life. If i really wanted to, i could have paid more attention to the basketball game. Honestly, every time i've watched this Florida team play in the past two years, i've been bored. I guess that says something about how good they are. They are so dominant that by halftime of their games, i'm flipping through channells. I even gave 24 a second chance after skipping it last week. Another disappointment.
The Buckeyes exceeded expectations this year. Everyone knew they'd be good, but with such a deep field of talented teams this season, finishing #2 and winning 35 games is nothing to be ashamed of. I see these two programs going in opposite directions. Florida might lose everything, its top 7 players and head coach. Ohio State should bring back everyone but Oden and another top 5 recruiting class, including another athletic 7 footer in Kosta Koufos.
Looking way ahead, i see UCLA as the early contender to make a third straight final four and pull it off against Ohio State in what should be a competitive game. Ohio State-Georgetown was the most exciting Final Four game of the past two years and it was controlled by the refs. I'll admit, these Gators are a special bunch, but i think everyone outside of Gainesville will be glad to see them go. I want to watch exciting games. I want players i can root for. That team would be so much more likable without Noah. He's the 6th most valuable player on the team. He should be the 6th most talkative. Know your role and shut your mouth.
Which reminds me, what happened at Wrestlemania? Does anyone with a full set of teeth still follow the WWE? I grew up with it and noticed that a lot of the same stars are still the stars. That can't bode well for the product. I know a lot of people who are getting into UFC. They are pretty hardcore about it too. I used to watch it when Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock were building the sport up. The fans ruin it for me. Not a lot of intellectual debates about UFC philosophies happening at Hooters. Just a lot of drunk guys shouting about how they could compete against the Iceman. Good luck with that.
Upcoming sporting events to give me reason to keep my DirecTV: The Masters, the NFL draft.
Events that i will watch for lack of anything better to do: NASCAR, NBA playoffs, MLB
What i'm watching right now because i want to end the college basketball season with some kind of excitement: Tennessee-Rutgers women's championship. Rutgers has 18 points at halftime. So much for that
Arena Football, here i come!
The Buckeyes exceeded expectations this year. Everyone knew they'd be good, but with such a deep field of talented teams this season, finishing #2 and winning 35 games is nothing to be ashamed of. I see these two programs going in opposite directions. Florida might lose everything, its top 7 players and head coach. Ohio State should bring back everyone but Oden and another top 5 recruiting class, including another athletic 7 footer in Kosta Koufos.
Looking way ahead, i see UCLA as the early contender to make a third straight final four and pull it off against Ohio State in what should be a competitive game. Ohio State-Georgetown was the most exciting Final Four game of the past two years and it was controlled by the refs. I'll admit, these Gators are a special bunch, but i think everyone outside of Gainesville will be glad to see them go. I want to watch exciting games. I want players i can root for. That team would be so much more likable without Noah. He's the 6th most valuable player on the team. He should be the 6th most talkative. Know your role and shut your mouth.
Which reminds me, what happened at Wrestlemania? Does anyone with a full set of teeth still follow the WWE? I grew up with it and noticed that a lot of the same stars are still the stars. That can't bode well for the product. I know a lot of people who are getting into UFC. They are pretty hardcore about it too. I used to watch it when Tank Abbott and Ken Shamrock were building the sport up. The fans ruin it for me. Not a lot of intellectual debates about UFC philosophies happening at Hooters. Just a lot of drunk guys shouting about how they could compete against the Iceman. Good luck with that.
Upcoming sporting events to give me reason to keep my DirecTV: The Masters, the NFL draft.
Events that i will watch for lack of anything better to do: NASCAR, NBA playoffs, MLB
What i'm watching right now because i want to end the college basketball season with some kind of excitement: Tennessee-Rutgers women's championship. Rutgers has 18 points at halftime. So much for that
Arena Football, here i come!
a little disappointed
I missed a few of the pregame festivities at Opening Day yesterday. Probably because the gate we entered was on the exact opposite end of the stadium and we had to walk around the entire field to get to our section. Fortunately, we missed our Mayor flat-out emabarass himself. I didn't know what happened until i saw it on the 10:00 news last night. And again on Sportscenter. And again this morning on Mike & Mike. I don't even know what to say. How can a fit 45-year-old man not throw a baseball? Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was a publicity stunt to get some national spotlight shining on him. Politicians will do just about anything to garner national attention. That was pathetic.
I think I've figured out why our fans are so supportive of Josh Hamilton. The young man has been through a lot, and he has made plenty of mistakes. He has always publicly admitted to making mistakes and never blamed anyone but himself for his problems. He has been vulnerable, admitted to weakness, and taken responsibility for his actions. In other words, he has been human. Our society seems to look at professional athletes as a different breed, not expecting them to go through the same trials we go through each day. Not to say that any of us are baseball phenoms with serious coke problems, but something about Hamilton resonates with so many of us. I believe it is because he is openly human. This is a characteristic that few sports stars exhibit, something i think we all take for granted. When you make $20 million a year to play a game, you don't have to be vulnerable or take responsibility. All you have to do is perform on the field and most people will forgive you. I think more Bengals fans are mad at Chris Henry for T-Rexing clutch passes from Carson Palmer than for having no moral or legal conscious. If putting up midseason Chad Johnson-type games, we would be much more forgiving.
Josh Hamilton doesn't have to hit .400 this season, like he did in the spring. He is just a guy who lost a great job because he had personal demons to overcome. He hasn't said, "I'm better now, don't worry about me, i'm here to play baseball." He has been extremely humble, grateful and respectful of the game and the people who have helped him get back to doing what he truly love. Gotta respect that.
Big ups Cincinnati fans for making yesterday so special for so many people on so many different levels.
I think I've figured out why our fans are so supportive of Josh Hamilton. The young man has been through a lot, and he has made plenty of mistakes. He has always publicly admitted to making mistakes and never blamed anyone but himself for his problems. He has been vulnerable, admitted to weakness, and taken responsibility for his actions. In other words, he has been human. Our society seems to look at professional athletes as a different breed, not expecting them to go through the same trials we go through each day. Not to say that any of us are baseball phenoms with serious coke problems, but something about Hamilton resonates with so many of us. I believe it is because he is openly human. This is a characteristic that few sports stars exhibit, something i think we all take for granted. When you make $20 million a year to play a game, you don't have to be vulnerable or take responsibility. All you have to do is perform on the field and most people will forgive you. I think more Bengals fans are mad at Chris Henry for T-Rexing clutch passes from Carson Palmer than for having no moral or legal conscious. If putting up midseason Chad Johnson-type games, we would be much more forgiving.
Josh Hamilton doesn't have to hit .400 this season, like he did in the spring. He is just a guy who lost a great job because he had personal demons to overcome. He hasn't said, "I'm better now, don't worry about me, i'm here to play baseball." He has been extremely humble, grateful and respectful of the game and the people who have helped him get back to doing what he truly love. Gotta respect that.
Big ups Cincinnati fans for making yesterday so special for so many people on so many different levels.
Monday, April 2, 2007
so far, so good
Wow. Today turned out to be pretty sweet. Like i said, it was my first Opening Day in downtown Cincinnati. I didn't have tickets to the sold out game, but i at least wanted to enjoy the spectacle of Opening Day. I emailed my boss this morning and asked her if it would be okay if i left early, provided we weren't busy. I told her it was really no big deal and i didn't mind working a full shift. But i did have some accumulated personal time and i realized that this was my opportunity to actually use some for personal time. In the past, it's always been used to stay home and take care of my son. My plan was to just go to a bar or a friend's and watch the game on TV after catching some of the downtown pregame parade. So when i sent an email to my coworkers saying that i would be leaving early, people started asking if i was going to the game. Roughly half of the office was leaving at noon to go to the game. I told them that i was going to see how much tickets were being scalped for and then i would probably just go watch the game at a bar. Turns out, the girl sitting next to me had 2 extra tickets. Opening Day, $20 ticket. Seriously? i could not pass that up. Nothing like drinking at noon, all while getting paid.
I have been a lifelong Reds fan. I have not seen them win in person since 1989 when they beat the Mets. One of my earliest sports memories. My brother was in town from New York. We did the wave. We were sitting in the nosebleeds behind home plate. I've been to plenty of games since then. Not once have i witnessed a victory. Once, i saw the Reds beat the Cardinals 5-3. It was the first game of a doubleheader. I got there in the top of the 2nd. The Reds put up a five spot in the first. So, technically, i saw them lose 3-0.
Today was fantastic. I called Adam Dunn's first inning homer before he hit it. Harang was dominant. Griffey looked great. From top to bottom, the Reds played great. Everyone position player reached base except David Ross. The most impressive moment, and one of the most impressive i've ever seen, was when rookie Josh Hamilton pinch hit.
Everyone knows his story by now. Former #1 overall pick, wasted his talent on a drug habit, picked up this year by the Reds. When his name was announced in the 8th, the crowd rose to its feet. He hit a solid line drive, which was robbed by the Cubs center fielder. The crowd stood and cheered even louder after the out was made. The reception for Hamilton was greater than the reception for Pete Rose, who was attending the game as a paying fan. It was touching, which is not a feeling i usually come away with from a sporting event.
5-1 win, seven innings, no earned runs for Harang, Dunner flat-out abused two Zambrano fastballs, A-Gonz looks like a vast improvement defensively. I'm excited. I'm even going back on the 20th. Two Reds games in April. Yeah, i have a feeling this might be a good year.
If the Bucks come through tonight, i will be in a state of joyous bliss for at least the next four months. Or until another Bengals star gets arrested.
Big ups Adam Dunn
Get it done Mike Conley, Jr.
Go home and cry Sanjaya Noah
O-H-I-O!!!!
I have been a lifelong Reds fan. I have not seen them win in person since 1989 when they beat the Mets. One of my earliest sports memories. My brother was in town from New York. We did the wave. We were sitting in the nosebleeds behind home plate. I've been to plenty of games since then. Not once have i witnessed a victory. Once, i saw the Reds beat the Cardinals 5-3. It was the first game of a doubleheader. I got there in the top of the 2nd. The Reds put up a five spot in the first. So, technically, i saw them lose 3-0.
Today was fantastic. I called Adam Dunn's first inning homer before he hit it. Harang was dominant. Griffey looked great. From top to bottom, the Reds played great. Everyone position player reached base except David Ross. The most impressive moment, and one of the most impressive i've ever seen, was when rookie Josh Hamilton pinch hit.
Everyone knows his story by now. Former #1 overall pick, wasted his talent on a drug habit, picked up this year by the Reds. When his name was announced in the 8th, the crowd rose to its feet. He hit a solid line drive, which was robbed by the Cubs center fielder. The crowd stood and cheered even louder after the out was made. The reception for Hamilton was greater than the reception for Pete Rose, who was attending the game as a paying fan. It was touching, which is not a feeling i usually come away with from a sporting event.
5-1 win, seven innings, no earned runs for Harang, Dunner flat-out abused two Zambrano fastballs, A-Gonz looks like a vast improvement defensively. I'm excited. I'm even going back on the 20th. Two Reds games in April. Yeah, i have a feeling this might be a good year.
If the Bucks come through tonight, i will be in a state of joyous bliss for at least the next four months. Or until another Bengals star gets arrested.
Big ups Adam Dunn
Get it done Mike Conley, Jr.
Go home and cry Sanjaya Noah
O-H-I-O!!!!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
getting my hopes up
Tomorrow could rank as one of the best days ever for local sports fans. At least it will for this one. If you're not from Cincinnati, you can't possibly understand the excitement of Opening Day. I know Opening Day is a big deal in most MLB cities, but here it is an event. This could be because we put way more weight on Opening Day than any other day, as opposed to being passionate and dedicated fans for all 162 games. Not saying I'm proud of this fact, but it seems as though Opening Day annually provides a respite from the usual pessimism of Reds fans. Even last October when we still mathematically had a chance to make the playoffs, nobody cared. In fact, once the Bengals season kicked off, nobody talked about the Reds anymore. Even though there was still a month left in the season and the Reds were in contention for the first time in years.
It's also my first Opening Day in downtown Cincinnati. I'll get to watch the Opening Day parade, which kicks off at 10 am. The game doesn't start til 2:10, so there is a good chance i'll get to catch the end after work. Probably going to hit up a downtown bar for an extended happy hour. If the Reds open 2007 with a win it will serve as a great appetizer for the day's main course.
Sweet, sweet revenge. I want to see Joakim "Sanjaya" Noah bawling like Adam Morrison on the Georgia Dome floor around 11:30 pm. I want to see Ron Lewis have his "One Shining Moment." I want to see the Thad Five have their "First Shining Moment." Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing all of this happen with Oden on the bench.
I'm not saying there's a conspiracy out there, but think about how many people would benefit from Oden coming back next year. College basketball, the Buckeyes, Thad Matta and Oden's teammates. Why do you think they play so hard when he's not in the game? They are determined to win like no other young group i've seen. Mike Conley, Jr. is one of the best leaders I've seen play point guard. He would give any team in the nation an extra 4-6 wins. If the Buckeyes crapped out every time Oden was on the bench in foul trouble, there would be an argument that he is an unstoppable game changer. He's not even the MVP of this team. That would be Conley or Lewis. No doubt they are a better team with him on the floor, but he knows he can be so much more dominant. I am so tired of hearing people criticize his demeanor. Anyone who watches his games closely will notice that he is a fierce competitor. I can think of two game-changing dunks in this tournament that showed his emotional side. Last night, when he threw down with two hands and then slapped the backboard. And against Tennessee when he had a follow dunk and let out a mighty roar. That changed the game completely. He knows how good he is and doesn't need to tell people about it. He goes out and plays hard. Look at how frustrated he gets when he isn't playing well. He is harder on himself than any coach could be. i think OSU was the perfect fit for him. If he went to another program with established veterans and a more experienced coach, he could have easily been misunderstood and had his season wasted. Playing with Conley and the other freshmen and being Matta's first megastar recruit have created the perfect situation. He can be Greg without having to carry the team on his back and without the pressure that critics in the media and Joey Dorsey(who?) try to put on him. Still, I can't imagine the Bucks making it this far without Oden having a monster game in the tourney. He is going to be hungrier than ever. And don't forget, he's won championships before.
or this could end up being a huge disappointment. If the Reds look abysmal and the Buckeyes lose to Florida again, my sportsfan persona will be curled up in the fetal position until August.
Unless the Bengals have a promising draft day.
It's also my first Opening Day in downtown Cincinnati. I'll get to watch the Opening Day parade, which kicks off at 10 am. The game doesn't start til 2:10, so there is a good chance i'll get to catch the end after work. Probably going to hit up a downtown bar for an extended happy hour. If the Reds open 2007 with a win it will serve as a great appetizer for the day's main course.
Sweet, sweet revenge. I want to see Joakim "Sanjaya" Noah bawling like Adam Morrison on the Georgia Dome floor around 11:30 pm. I want to see Ron Lewis have his "One Shining Moment." I want to see the Thad Five have their "First Shining Moment." Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing all of this happen with Oden on the bench.
I'm not saying there's a conspiracy out there, but think about how many people would benefit from Oden coming back next year. College basketball, the Buckeyes, Thad Matta and Oden's teammates. Why do you think they play so hard when he's not in the game? They are determined to win like no other young group i've seen. Mike Conley, Jr. is one of the best leaders I've seen play point guard. He would give any team in the nation an extra 4-6 wins. If the Buckeyes crapped out every time Oden was on the bench in foul trouble, there would be an argument that he is an unstoppable game changer. He's not even the MVP of this team. That would be Conley or Lewis. No doubt they are a better team with him on the floor, but he knows he can be so much more dominant. I am so tired of hearing people criticize his demeanor. Anyone who watches his games closely will notice that he is a fierce competitor. I can think of two game-changing dunks in this tournament that showed his emotional side. Last night, when he threw down with two hands and then slapped the backboard. And against Tennessee when he had a follow dunk and let out a mighty roar. That changed the game completely. He knows how good he is and doesn't need to tell people about it. He goes out and plays hard. Look at how frustrated he gets when he isn't playing well. He is harder on himself than any coach could be. i think OSU was the perfect fit for him. If he went to another program with established veterans and a more experienced coach, he could have easily been misunderstood and had his season wasted. Playing with Conley and the other freshmen and being Matta's first megastar recruit have created the perfect situation. He can be Greg without having to carry the team on his back and without the pressure that critics in the media and Joey Dorsey(who?) try to put on him. Still, I can't imagine the Bucks making it this far without Oden having a monster game in the tourney. He is going to be hungrier than ever. And don't forget, he's won championships before.
or this could end up being a huge disappointment. If the Reds look abysmal and the Buckeyes lose to Florida again, my sportsfan persona will be curled up in the fetal position until August.
Unless the Bengals have a promising draft day.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
letdown again
How about UCLA and Florida are seeded so that they can never meet again in the postseason? Once again, i am losing interest. Maybe it's because i don't like watching Florida. I don't even know why, i just don't. Obviously, like many of you I am perpetually annoyed by Joakim Noah. Can we just call him Sanjaya from now on? Both are talented, but not as talented as they are given credit for. Both are more known for their hair than their skills. And both are chicks, dude.
One of the many great things about having a toddler is the fact that i can watch games on my couch while eating junk food without needing a napkin or paper towel. When you have a used couch covered in toddler byproduct (urine, food, crayon, etc.), it doesn't really matter if you add some Dorito dust to the mix.
What a shame. Bill Raftery, John Thompson and Kevin Harlan are calling this game on the radio. Billy Packer and Jim Nantz are calling the game for CBS. I have always been critical of sportscasters, even before i majored in Journalism in college. I can't stand announcers who don't get me excited about the game. Biggest play of the game so far, Howland just called his last time out, and Nantz was talking about how Katie Couric will tell us how to quit smoking on Monday. Packer's tone and volume did not change after he realized what had just happened (five seconds later) I might need to switch from the Champagne of Beers to Mountain Dew if i want to make it through this snoozefest.
Okay, time to go fire up the PS2 for some NCAA Football 2004. No way is UCLA making a comeback.
Buckeyes revenge 4/2/07.
Big ups Lee Humphrey
Keep working CBS executives in charge of replacing Packer/Nantz at the Final Four
One of the many great things about having a toddler is the fact that i can watch games on my couch while eating junk food without needing a napkin or paper towel. When you have a used couch covered in toddler byproduct (urine, food, crayon, etc.), it doesn't really matter if you add some Dorito dust to the mix.
What a shame. Bill Raftery, John Thompson and Kevin Harlan are calling this game on the radio. Billy Packer and Jim Nantz are calling the game for CBS. I have always been critical of sportscasters, even before i majored in Journalism in college. I can't stand announcers who don't get me excited about the game. Biggest play of the game so far, Howland just called his last time out, and Nantz was talking about how Katie Couric will tell us how to quit smoking on Monday. Packer's tone and volume did not change after he realized what had just happened (five seconds later) I might need to switch from the Champagne of Beers to Mountain Dew if i want to make it through this snoozefest.
Okay, time to go fire up the PS2 for some NCAA Football 2004. No way is UCLA making a comeback.
Buckeyes revenge 4/2/07.
Big ups Lee Humphrey
Keep working CBS executives in charge of replacing Packer/Nantz at the Final Four
#1
Well, it finally happened. I have succumbed to the world wibe web of time consumption. This isn't going to be about me, just my thoughts that i want to get off my chest. If you want to know about me, ask something.
The entries will focus on sports, but as the title suggests, i will often write in a streamofconsciousness style. This might just be a way to get things off my chest. Here it goes:
Final Four night.
For the first time in 4 years, i get to watch the Final Four. That's exciting. College basketball is my second favorite sport, behind college football. March Madness is exciting. I hope i didn't blow any minds with that groundbreaking revelation.
I love to watch sports. I prefer to watch alone at my house. Bars are a waste of money and i can't stand "that guy" who always acts like he knows more than he actually does. I already have to listen to "that guy" every morning on the bus to work. He actually said he picked against Carolina because "they just don't have enough depth this year." There are plenty of reasons to pick against Carolina this year. Roy Williams comes to mind first. But that is one of the deepest teams i've seen in years. They could easily have had two totally different starting fives that could each be one of the top 20 teams in the country.
I am a remote control control freak. But i am a skilled pro. I don't miss much. So imagine my excitement when i saw that ESPN classic was running a American Gladiators marathon opposite the Final Four. Billy Wirth, a long-haired white guy and Brown graduate from NYC would have been my favorite made-for-TV athlete had i seen the original broadcast that i just witnessed. He owned the Gladiators in multiple events, but lost to a faster, more aggressive guy.
Why do sideline reporters who interview losing coaches act like they're breaking the news of a close relative's death when they do the interview? Can't they be a little less somber? Seriously, it's just sports. In the whole scheme of things, it's not that serious. Solomon Wilcots is the only reporter who can be taken seriously in these situations. Check this year's AFC championship when Bill Belichick gave him the royal douche treatment and Wilcots handled it like a pro. Then smoothly dissed the Pats' coach during his losing interview with Lovie Smith at Super Bowl 41 (I'm not Roman)
Do you think Dick Bennet is going to take that big Chevy Coach of the Year trophy with him on all of his recruiting trips this offseason?
Time to go pick up my son. His school had their bi-monthly "Parents Night Out" tonight. They watch the kids free of charge on a Saturday night. From 6-9 pm. What the hell am i supposed to do from 6-9 that could possibly be considered a night out?
At least i got to watch the Bucks win in solitude. But i like watching sports with the little guy. Can't wait to tell him how Thad Matta out-coached JT3. Big JT is going to give 3 a whuppin' tonight. Remember that guy who got you to the Final Four? He wears #32, he was the Big East player of the year and tourney MVP. Single-handedly won the Vandy game. Guess not
Big ups David Lighty
Work harder John Thompson III
2 days til Opening Day. About 100 days til I care about MLB after Monday's game.
zip it up and zip it out
The entries will focus on sports, but as the title suggests, i will often write in a streamofconsciousness style. This might just be a way to get things off my chest. Here it goes:
Final Four night.
For the first time in 4 years, i get to watch the Final Four. That's exciting. College basketball is my second favorite sport, behind college football. March Madness is exciting. I hope i didn't blow any minds with that groundbreaking revelation.
I love to watch sports. I prefer to watch alone at my house. Bars are a waste of money and i can't stand "that guy" who always acts like he knows more than he actually does. I already have to listen to "that guy" every morning on the bus to work. He actually said he picked against Carolina because "they just don't have enough depth this year." There are plenty of reasons to pick against Carolina this year. Roy Williams comes to mind first. But that is one of the deepest teams i've seen in years. They could easily have had two totally different starting fives that could each be one of the top 20 teams in the country.
I am a remote control control freak. But i am a skilled pro. I don't miss much. So imagine my excitement when i saw that ESPN classic was running a American Gladiators marathon opposite the Final Four. Billy Wirth, a long-haired white guy and Brown graduate from NYC would have been my favorite made-for-TV athlete had i seen the original broadcast that i just witnessed. He owned the Gladiators in multiple events, but lost to a faster, more aggressive guy.
Why do sideline reporters who interview losing coaches act like they're breaking the news of a close relative's death when they do the interview? Can't they be a little less somber? Seriously, it's just sports. In the whole scheme of things, it's not that serious. Solomon Wilcots is the only reporter who can be taken seriously in these situations. Check this year's AFC championship when Bill Belichick gave him the royal douche treatment and Wilcots handled it like a pro. Then smoothly dissed the Pats' coach during his losing interview with Lovie Smith at Super Bowl 41 (I'm not Roman)
Do you think Dick Bennet is going to take that big Chevy Coach of the Year trophy with him on all of his recruiting trips this offseason?
Time to go pick up my son. His school had their bi-monthly "Parents Night Out" tonight. They watch the kids free of charge on a Saturday night. From 6-9 pm. What the hell am i supposed to do from 6-9 that could possibly be considered a night out?
At least i got to watch the Bucks win in solitude. But i like watching sports with the little guy. Can't wait to tell him how Thad Matta out-coached JT3. Big JT is going to give 3 a whuppin' tonight. Remember that guy who got you to the Final Four? He wears #32, he was the Big East player of the year and tourney MVP. Single-handedly won the Vandy game. Guess not
Big ups David Lighty
Work harder John Thompson III
2 days til Opening Day. About 100 days til I care about MLB after Monday's game.
zip it up and zip it out
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