"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 7/20/13

Chris Mascaro--one of my colleagues on blogtalkradio's "View from the Lone Red Seat"--commenting about Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz: "Buchholz is simply who he IS--a very good pitcher who is as fragile as fine crystal"..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last member of the Cleveland Indians to lead the American League in doubles? Answer to follow..........Some people in baseball STILL possess a sense of humor. During a recent Red Sox/Mariners telecast, one of Seattle's players drew a walk. What song immediately followed over Safeco Field's PA system? "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra..........Combine fitness and a great cause and what do you come up with? The 2013 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride--which will be held on Sunday, September 8th and begin at the Riverfront Boathouse in Hartford. This year's event marks the 18th anniversary of the ride; overall, more than 2,000 cyclists have pedaled over 200,000 miles--raising more than $1 million to help the fight against multiple sclerosis. Cyclists can ride 25, 50, or 75 miles through the scenic Connecticut countryside (crossing three bridges) before returning to Hartford. The registration fee is $45 (participants must be at least 12 years old) with the minimum fundraising amount per rider set at $175. In addition, there will be plenty of food, drink, and entertainment at the finish line. For more information or how to register for this special event, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org..........By way of this column, I believe I sent the lovely Christie Brinkley an open invitation for a tennis date approximately two years ago; ummm, I still haven't heard anything. There's a "shocker", huh?..........Did you know that Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has had 200 or more singles in a season TWICE in his career (2004 and 2007)? The only other player known to have toppled the 200-single mark in a season is "Wee Willie" Keeler, who did it a LONG time ago; Keeler--if we can trust the record book--notched 206 while playing for Baltimore in 1898..........Reader Tim Parry chimes in on NY Giants WR Victor Cruz--specifically how Cruz wasn't 'entirely happy' with his new $43 million contract extension: "Anyone remember when Victor Cruz was likable? I'm done with this guy. If I could even AFFORD a Victor Cruz jersey, I'd purchase it and throw it out!"..........Great quote by NESN's Jerry Remy recently after a fan at Fenway Park caught a foul ball--then pointed to himself while flexing/posing for the camera, etc.: "Looks like that guy has never seen the end zone before."..........Here goes: Illinois-based yoga instructor Kathy Yale marries PGA golfer Ken Duke, divorces, marries ex-NFL lineman Todd Fordham--divorces again--then walks down the aisle with former pro basketball player James 'Scoonie' Penn. Fans of esteemed higher institutions of learning would surely enjoy her full married name of Kathy Yale Duke Fordham Penn..........I am now TOTALLY convinced that N.Y. Mets pitching sensation Matt Harvey throws the "easiest" 98-99 mile-per-hour fastball that I have ever seen..........Answer to trivia question: GRADY SIZEMORE--who had a total of 53 'two-baggers' back in 2006..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of Coventry (CT) High School athletic director Nancy Levinson--who passed away recently after having a stroke at the age of 59. Nancy worked her way up from a paraprofessional position at the school to AD within a few years. In a short time, she developed some great sports programs; one of her greatest hires was the late Matt Hurlock (a man I was privileged to call a friend)--who went on to coach the girls volleyball squad to SEVEN state titles. Not too long ago, Nancy also worked feverishly to add football to the school's sports program; it remains strong and in good hands now under coach Tony Bonito. Personally, I'll never forget how accommodating Nancy was to yours truly; if I was planning to attend a CHS athletic event, all it took was a quick e-mail to Ms. Levinson and I'd be welcomed at the door/gate with the utmost respect. Nancy is survived by her husband, Michael, three children (Joshua, Adam, and Chelsea), and a brother, Bill. May Nancy Levinson rest in peace.