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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8/17/13
I was talking to former MLB player Ron Blomberg recently (baseball's first DH)--a genuine character/wonderful interview. We talked about his call-up to the Yankees in the late 60's; I asked "Boomer" to share a specific moment/memory that made him TRULY realize he had made it to the "big leagues." His answer? "When I walked into Toots Shor's Restaurant in Manhattan and got to sit next to FRANK SINATRA."..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1997 Los Angeles Dodgers--who finished 88-74 under manager Bill Russell--had FOUR players on the squad who hit 30 or more home runs apiece. Can you name this quartet? Answer to follow..........During each NESN telecast this season, I've said to myself that Red Sox sideline reporter Jenny Dell CANNOT get any prettier. As of right now, she has proven me wrong over 100 times--and counting ..........Did you know that the 1990 Chicago White Sox were led in RBI's by Ivan Calderon with a modest total of just 74? Amazingly, the team won 94 games that season--third highest total in the majors behind Oakland (103) and Pittsburgh (95)..........Following the recent death of former first baseman George Scott (another "Boomer"), I spoke with writer John Buro about how Scott--along with guys like John Olerud and Dick Allen--played in the field while wearing a helmet. Buro: "Unlike Olerud (who once suffered a brain aneurysm), 'Boomer' played his position with a helmet in order to protect himself from things thrown on the field. In Allen's case, those objects could have come from fans, the opposing dugout, or his OWN dugout."..........Here goes: Just imagine if University of Northern Iowa soccer player Charlotte Jones married former major league outfielder Bill North, divorced, then married former Hillhouse (CT) High basketball coach Kermit Carolina. Fans of the 'Tar Heel State' would surely enjoy her full married name of Charlotte North Carolina..........ITEM: Youngstown State defensive back Dale Peterman is arrested for failing to show up for two court appearances; he's been busted on various traffic charges over the past couple of years along with possession of marijuana. In fact--regarding the pot charge from 2012--Peterman was stopped for speeding before troopers found marijuana on his LAP. Call me judgmental, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that Peterman is NOT a philosophy or pre-med major at YSU..........You gotta admit: Despite the total negativity surrounding it, the name "Biogenesis" would be a REALLY cool name for a progressive rock band..........Congrats are in order for the three-time defending Ivy League champion Yale women's volleyball team. Sure, they get it done on the court, but for the SEVENTH consecutive season, the Bulldogs have received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award ('12-'13 academic year). This award honors teams that collectively maintain a 3.3 grade-point average. Bravo, ladies; the team opens the 2013 season on September 6th at home vs. Missouri..........Answer to trivia question: MIKE PIAZZA (40), ERIC KARROS (31), TODD ZEILE (31), and RAUL MONDESI (30)..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league shortstop Johnny Logan--who passed away recently in Milwaukee at the age of 86. A four-time All-Star, Logan played 13 seasons between 1951 and 1963 for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and Pirates; he hit a home run in Game 2 of the '57 World Series--helping the Braves win the world championship that year. His most productive season probably came in 1955--a year in which he played EVERY game, hit .297, and led the NL in doubles with a total of 37. Following his playing career, he became a scout with the Milwaukee Brewers; he was honored by the club last month with an unveiling of his plaque on the Miller Park "Walk of Fame." May Johnny Logan rest in peace.