Showing posts with label Bob Lazzari On Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob Lazzari On Sports. Show all posts
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 1/29/11
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| Bob Lazzari |
Keep following Bob Lazzari on Sports at http://boblazzari.blogspot.com/ !
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 1/22/11
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| Bob Lazzari |
Follow Bob Lazzari on Sports at http://boblazzari.blogspot.com/
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 1/15/11
Follow Bob Lazzari on Sports at http://boblazzri.blogspot.com/
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 1-8-11
* Christie Brinkley develop an obsessive desire to date New England-based sports columnists
* Brett Favre do a cell phone commercial--demonstrating the texting capabilities of a new smartphone
* young athletes be CONSTANTLY reminded of what the word "hustle" means
* yours truly offered personal dance lessons from Paula Abdul
* Bill Belichick do a commercial for a toothpaste that brightens one's smile
* good health for baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew--and ANY person battling cancer
* a "mercy rule" in women's college basketball (i.e. Georgia Tech defeats Tenn. St. 82-11 on 12/30)
* an NFL running back score a TD and IMMEDIATELY remember how Walter Payton and Barry Sanders celebrated
* a $4.00 bottle of water at Yankee Stadium sprout arms and provide a massage, also
* unlimited Kleenex handed out to teary-eyed people exiting the Metro-North platform near the old Yankee Stadium--as they pass the ruins of a once-sacred ballpark on their way to the new "shrine"
* pretzel$ sold inside Yankee Stadium in the shapes of dollar sign$
* aluminum bat advocates get a CLUE
* tattoo parlors adjacent to every NBA locker room
* ushers at Fenway Park hand out Pepcid AC tablets to all fans as soon as Hideki Okajima is summoned from the bullpen
* larger restrooms in the Yale Bowl press box--and ones that remain "in operation"
* technological advancements in "Port-O-Pottys" used at various athletic events
* an NFL replay/challenge that--time-wise--doesn't remind people of the movie "Gandhi"
* not hear ONE kid say "That's BORING!"
* Brett Favre and Andy Pettitte appear in a highly-anticipated ESPN special called "The Indecision"
* Jets coach Rex Ryan do a TV commercial for Curel Foot Therapy Cream
* officials at Glastonbury (CT) High School tear down the fairly-new press box there--and start OVER
* a nice, heated, well-designed press box at ANY CT high school football venue
* high school athletic directors become more receptive/accommodating to media members (didn't I say that LAST year?)
* Evander Holyfield FINALLY hang up the boxing gloves (didn't I say that FIVE years ago?)
* UCONN sports administrators lose the "holier than thou" attitude
* a few hundred more people each night at Connecticut Tigers baseball games
* Larry Brown go into the relocation/moving business
* Yankees play-by-play man John Sterling check his ego before every radio broadcast
* a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to be held prior to every CT Sports Writers Alliance meeting
* a GPS system that is programmed to find ONLY Hooters Restaurants
* the Georgia football program go SIX months without having a player arrested (this may now be a moot point as I wrote this column a few days ago)
* a University of Georgia football game held at Riker's Island
* more stringent rules/penalties for idiotic parents attending youth sporting events
* Mariano Rivera PROVE that he's human
* Las Vegas oddsmakers provide an over/under date for when Urban Meyer returns to coaching at some level (I'll say 6/1/12)
* Albert Haynesworth do a commercial for fitness equipment
* Albert Haynesworth CARE once again
* Michael Vick donate HALF his salary to the Humane Society and/or ASPCA
* Rajon Rondo become just a 60% free throw shooter
* the Dallas Cowboys MATTER again
* LPGA golfer Natalie Gulbis request a tour of the TPC in Cromwell from a certain, available sports columnist
* a "Straitjacket Day"/giveaway at Citi Field in honor of frustrated N.Y. Mets fans
* the Fordham basketball program MATTER again
* Joe Paterno PROMISE not to coach past the year 2020
* a new Bowl game--called the "Yet Another" Bowl
* Heisman winner Cam Newton's Dad become an auctioneer
* a future Wes Welker born somewhere
* a future Michael Vick NOT born ANYWHERE
* the Carmen Electra 2011 wall calendar included among the media gifts given out at the Travelers Championship
* a Michael Vick voodoo doll sold at all PETCO locations
* a great-tasting, fat-free bacon cheeseburger
* less writer's block (I've said that YEARLY since doing this type of column)
* penalties called for STUPIDITY on football players playing defense who make a great hit on a runner and celebrate wildly--AFTER that offensive player has already made a FIRST DOWN on the play
* coaches to call out those SAME "all about me" dolts who celebrate wildly when their team is TRAILING 35-0
* finally, health and prosperity for readers of this column.
Happy 2011, everyone.
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 12-25-10
The numbers are staggering: 266 victories, over 3,800 innings pitched, 279 complete games, twelve one-hitters--all while missing nearly four seasons due to military service. Oh, he was also a World War II hero (gun captain on the USS Alabama), World Series champion, and an eventual baseball Hall of Famer. When I first heard about the death of legendary pitcher Bob Feller last week, I immediately thought, 'Man--there was a guy who did it ALL.' He was a cherished sports icon in Cleveland, for sure; elsewhere, he was sometimes thought of as being a bit stuffy, grumpy, and a bit full of himself. One thing was never debated, though: the man could flat-out PITCH like few others EVER have.
I look back on Feller's 1946 season with Cleveland and just say 'Wow.' People were wondering before Feller's first start that year if the guy could ever be a dominant starting pitcher again. Yes, he HAD pitched effectively in nine games after returning from the service in 1945, but the question still remained: Could he ever shake off the extended military-stay "rust" and be a 20-25 game winner once again? Feller's answer: 26 wins, 36 complete games, 371 innings (you read that correctly) and 348 strikeouts. Yes, Bob Feller never DID have a problem answering critics throughout his lifetime. And when he spoke, he made SURE he was heard.
I met Bob Feller for the only time back in 1980 at a West Haven Whitecaps (Eastern League) game; he was there during a promotional tour--available to sign autographs for the first few innings. I was in college at the time and was keenly aware of the man's legendary status--mostly due to my Dad having always told me that Feller and Sandy Koufax were the best pitchers he'd ever seen (ironically, my Dad knew the woman who'd later become Feller's second wife--Anne Gilliland--and carried her books to school on occasion as a youth). I just HAD to get a ball signed by him that evening; it's not often that you're in the company of true baseball royalty. I had also known that Mr. Feller could be a bit stand-offish and gruff; how would he react when I reached the front of the line? Should I say something? What would I say? When I finally handed him the ball to be signed, I recall nervously saying, "Mr. Feller, it's an honor to meet you--and my father STILL says you're the best pitcher he's ever seen." I remember him replying something like, "Thank you, kid--was your father a Cleveland fan?" I think I was too nervous to answer at that point and my friend, Bob--who accompanied me to the game--proceeded to engage in some small talk with the legend. It didn't take long for Feller to realize that we were true baseball fanatics as my friend and I proceeded to start reeling off some famous Indians over the years. Then, while exchanging handshakes, our jaws nearly dropped when Feller said, "When I'm done here, boys, I'll come look for you in the stands and we'll talk more baseball." I didn't fall down/pass out at the time--but I came close. Would baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller REALLY seek us out and spend some time with US? I had my doubts as we returned to our usual, behind-the plate bench seats.
Two innings later--almost inconspicuously--Feller and an aide entered the ballpark seating area; we waved at him and he simply pointed back at us. Without hesitation, he walked up the stairs and took a seat next to us; yeah, the game suddenly became secondary. I kept thinking/wondering: So THIS is the ornery, uncooperative man with the questionable personality? I didn't see it--not THAT night. I recall us talking about some modern-day players, how the game has changed over the years, then finally asking him who was the toughest hitter he ever faced. He replied, "Ted Williams was the best hitter--but DiMaggio and Tommy Henrich always gave me more trouble." After another few minutes of stimulating conversation among 'the three Bobs' (he also talked about his military record--which he took great pride in), Feller excused himself--lamenting, "Well, guys, I have a flight to catch--a pleasure meeting you." The autographed ball is still displayed in my bedroom; I gaze at it from time to time and remember that special conversation from 30 years ago. Yeah--I always smile.
My Monday Night Sports Talk co-host Tony DeAngelo on Feller: "I had to laugh when he (Feller) went to the Baseball Encyclopedia once and asked them to put In the Service of our Country next to the names of players who missed time during the war; they told him it would be an 'inconvenience' to do so. Feller then remarked 'Inconvenience? What do you think it was for me getting bombed and shot at on an aircraft carrier every day?' And this came from a man who did his running and throwing on the boat between attacks. Yes--what an inspiration for those who will choose to listen."
Yeah, I guess there was only ONE Bob Feller--"Bullet Bob" back in the day. Again, many fans/colleagues didn't care for the man due to his disdain for the modern-day player (he consider them spoiled--and hadn't earned what they reaped); they also considered Feller egotistical--on the verge of being boisterous. Yes, perhaps it came down to which Bob Feller you met on a particular day. I'm just glad I was able to meet the Bob Feller who simply enjoyed talking baseball with two "pie-eyed" young men on a summer evening a few decades ago. I'll prefer to remember him in a positive way the rest of my life, too.
Rest in peace, "Rapid Robert."
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup - - - - 12-11-10
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 12-11-10
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 12-4-10
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11-27-10
I used to think that the NASCAR racetrack in Sonoma, CA had a lot of curves--that is until I saw a recent picture of actress Sharon Stone decked out in a red dress at the Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1990-'91 Dallas Mavericks--who finished just 28-54 under coach Richie Adubato--had two guards on the squad who were the team's top scorers. Can you name this talented duo? Answer to follow..........Still think that the economics of college sports hasn't gotten out of control? Michigan State recently gave basketball coach Tom Izzo a $500,000 annual RAISE--increasing his yearly compensation to approximately $3.5 million. When you consider the fact that his RAISE (not salary) is about TEN times more than an average elementary teacher's yearly pay, there's something AWFULLY wrong with our society's priorities, folks..........This week in sports history, November 30, 1974: A capacity crowd at the Los Angeles Coliseum sees the USC football team score a remarkable total of 49 second-half points en route to a 55-24 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Notre Dame actually led the game by a score of 24-0 with a minute left to play in the first half. However, Anthony Davis--the talented Trojans RB--would go on to score four TD's while QB Pat Haden threw four touchdown passes during this amazing comeback victory. Notre Dame's defense had come into the game ranked #1 nationally--allowing only nine touchdowns in its previous ten games..........ITEM: Calgary Flames forward Brett Sutter is briefly tossed in jail after punching a man outside a bar in Scottsdale, AZ. The good news? Penalty boxes will no longer seem so intimidating to Sutter for the remainder of his NHL career..........O.K.--here goes: University of Maryland faculty researcher Heather Fogg marries former major leaguer Sam Horn, divorces, marries former Brown hockey standout Chris Legg--divorces again--then marries former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn. Fans of the old "Looney Tunes" cartoons would surely delight in her full married name of Heather Fogg Horn Legg Horn..........ITEM: San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker and lovely actress Eva Longoria plan to divorce after it was discovered that Parker had been exchanging very personal text messages with a female friend. My first thought? What should Parker do first--have his priorities examined, have his eyesight examined, or have his HEAD examined?.......... Answer to trivia question: ROLANDO BLACKMAN (19.9 ppg) and DEREK HARPER (19.7)..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game played here in the East last weekend, Alfred annihilated NY Maritime 60-0; Alfred scored touchdowns on four of its first five drives and held a 29-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. I'll go out on a limb and say that NO member of the current NY Maritime squad will EVER name any future son "Alfred" or "Al" for fear of having some VERY bad flashbacks/memories in the future ..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NBA guard Dan Tieman--who blows out 70 candles on November 30th. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it may be due to the fact that Tieman (who attended Thomas More College) played just ONE year in the NBA as a member of the Cincinnati Royals during the 1962-1963 season. His stats weren't pretty, either; Tieman shot 15-for-57 from the field (26%) that year and just 4-for-10 (40%) from the free throw line. Yes, all told, Tom Tieman goes into the NBA record books having scored 34 points in 29 career games--for an average of 1.2 ppg. Hey, they all can't be Oscar Robertson, right? Later in life, Tieman taught and coached at Covington Catholic High School--of which he was a graduate. Best wishes, Tom..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NHL player Gaye Stewart--who passed away recently in Ontario at the age of 87. Stewart played nine seasons in the league between 1942 and 1953 (he also served in the Canadian Navy during that time period) and was a member of two Stanley Cup champion squads while with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the league's Calder Cup as Rookie of the Year in 1942-'43 and later led the NHL in goals scored with Toronto during the '45-'46 campaign. Stewart also played with Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Montreal before his playing days were over. Gaye Stewart scored 185 goals during his NHL career and assisted on 159 others for a total of 344 points; may he rest in peace.
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11-20-10
SO LONG, JOE......
Yes, a very special man quietly passed away last weekend--Joe LeMay, Sr. of Ansonia (CT); he died of lung cancer at the age of 78. The name may not be familiar to the average sports fan/loyal reader out there, but he was a man whose positive presence/deeds surely influenced me during my earlier years. He was a neighbor, friend, loyal husband, and a devoted father of five--not to mention a very hard-working, blue-collar individual. Oh, yeah--he was an avid sportsman, too--just one of the many reasons why I liked the guy so much. If I had to describe Mr. LeMay to a stranger, I'd definitely say that he was the "salt-of-the-earth"-type--for sure.
After moving to his neighborhood with my family when I was approximately 11-years-old, Joe went out of his way to make us all feel welcomed; I soon became very close friends with his children and spent a good part of my teenage years being in and around the LeMay household. Joe was an avid sports fan who was a big supporter of the NY Yankees. There were countless times on hot summer evenings when I'd go next door to hang out with his sons in the cool basement of their three-floor dwelling; I could always count on hearing the WPIX telecast--along with the resounding voice of Phil Rizzuto--on the living room television directly above us. And I remember him often butting heads in a playful manner with Al--his youngest son who was an avid fan of the AL East rival Tigers; it was all in fun and Mr. LeMay usually ended their short but fiery debates by kindly complimenting a Detroit player. Joe LeMay was like that--a selfless, pleasant man. I don't recall the man ever becoming angry; I'm sure he did at times, but he never demonstrated any sense of ire while the young, admiring kid from next-door was visiting. Thanks for that, Mr. L.
I also remember Joe being SO supportive of us neighborhood kids' sporting endeavors. We'd use his backyard to play wiffle ball nightly during the summer; he'd always make sure the grass was cut or the swimming pool was skimmed well-before we'd be ready to "take the field." In fact, he KNEW we'd be planning a game each night after dinner and arranged his yard work around OUR schedule in order for us to play until darkness set in. Yes, he was a conscientious man--like few others I've met. Once his manicuring deeds had been completed, Mr. LeMay often became a spectator--sometimes yelling, "Good hit!" as he'd watch the action from the patio area while smoking his pipe and perhaps enjoying a cold beverage. Yeah, "LeMay Stadium" we called it--complete with an outfield fence with rocks as bases. It may have been just a backyard to some, but it was surely a 'home field' to many of us--all due to the efforts of "Head Groundskeeper Joe."
Looking back, Mr. LeMay followed all of the major sports--but he just LOVED to go fishing. In fact, I remember Joe taking me on one of my very first fishing "expeditions" as a young teen--angling off the banks of the Housatonic River one evening during the 70's shortly after fishing season had commenced. I remember being in awe about how much the man knew about rods, reels, hooks, lures, etc. Yes, a fishing pole in Joe LeMay's hands was almost like Rod Carew swinging a baseball bat--it was natural. I recall Mr. LeMay snagging a perch on his line that evening and allowing me to reel it in--remarking, "You got one!!" And he was so devoted to his craft, too; he'd sometimes fish in the early AM--long before any family members had even risen for the day. I surmise that fishing was Mr. LeMay's main source of "down-time" and his way of relaxing; honestly, I truly don't remember the man being all-that-comfortable just sitting around the house back in those days. He'd often be tinkering and doing various home improvement chores; he was a great "handyman"--always busy--but he'd always be sure to take time out to say "hello" to me and ask how my folks were doing if he hadn't seen them in awhile. Again, selfless AND likeable--THAT was Joe LeMay.
Some more fond memories of Mr. Joe LeMay:
*him telling us to "Be Careful!" as we'd play touch football in the road in front of his house
*calling his sons from afar when it was dinnertime as we played tackle football in the snow a few houses away
*grilling "steamers" or a recent "catch" during a backyard barbeque
*perhaps sharing some of that same "catch" with the family cat, Chester
*tossing the keys to his '66 Barracuda to his son, Joe Jr.--kindly allowing a carload of us kids to grab a burger at Hardee's following a long day of sports activities during the summer
I last saw Mr. LeMay at a memorial service for my Mom--following her death three years ago. He had aged somewhat since our last meeting and exhibited a noticeably-slower gait as he paid his respects to his former neighbor. I simply smiled as we shook hands and hugged--bathing myself in some of the aforementioned memories in order to provide some needed comfort; yeah, it worked, too.
My sincere condolences to his wife, Kathy, and the entire LeMay family regarding the passing of a wonderful man. He was simply your "regular Joe"--and just happened to possess the name to go with it. I'll miss your kindness, Mr. LeMay; thanks for being such a positive presence during those formative years. May you rest in peace.
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11-13-10
How 'bout center Brook Lopez of the New Jersey Nets--who missed his first THIRTEEN shots vs. the Orlando Magic in a game last week? I am now convinced that if Lopez had gone sky-diving prior to the game, he would have jumped out of a plane and totally missed the GROUND..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1996-'97 Portland Trail Blazers--who finished 49-33 under coach P.J. Carlesimo--were led in scoring by a player who was a member of NINE different teams over the course of his 14-year NBA career. Can you name this individual? Answer to follow..........While in the supermarket the other day, I came across of package of Johnsonville "Brats" in the meat section. Can someone tell me why I IMMEDIATELY thought of John Madden?..........Just Thinking Out Loud--Question #1: Of the following, which/who is the most unstable: Lady Gaga, the U.S. dollar, Randy Moss, or Isiah Thomas' entire thought process?..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game played last weekend in New Jersey, Rowan demolished Western Connecticut 57-0. Just HOW ineffective was the WCU offense in this game? The team rushed 32 times for a total of EIGHTEEN yards--or an average of 0.6 yards per carry. I haven't seen anything THAT ugly since the first pair of Crocs came off the assembly line back in 2002.........This week in sports history, November 16, 1968: Playing on a wet field, Michigan running back Ron Johnson sets a major college rushing record--tallying 347 yards as the Wolverines defeat Wisconsin 34-9. On Michigan's second play from scrimmage, Johnson scampered 35 yards for a touchdown; he would run for four more TD's on this record-setting day--the last one coming from 49 yards out just 20 seconds into the fourth quarter. Johnson's 347-yard effort broke the previous NCAA record of 340 set just six weeks earlier by Eugene "Mercury" Morris of West Texas State..........Answer to trivia question: Guard KENNY ANDERSON--who averaged 17.5 points per game (he also led the team in assists that season with an average of 7.1 apg)..........I'd love to see ex-professional tennis players Ann White and Andrew Castle hook up. If they ever tied the knot, fans of small, square hamburgers would truly delight in her full married name of Ann White Castle..........Yes--how soon we forget: Reader Dan Santoro of Florida points out to me that the 1981 Cincinnati Reds had baseball's BEST overall record during the strike-shortened season--but did NOT make it to the postseason due to the modified playoff scenario that year. Santoro also told me that he's STILL angry at former Reds GM Bob Howsam to this day for trading his favorite player, Tony Perez, following the 1976 season. Love your passion, Dan, but PLEASE let it go in the best interest of your overall cardiac health, O.K.?.........Just Thinking Out Loud--Question #2: Of the following, which/who ages the best: Chateau Margaux wine, Mariano Rivera, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or actress Denise Richards?.........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NBA center/forward Wayne Cooper--who blows out 54 candles on November 16th. A native of Georgia, Cooper was the Sun Belt Conference's Player of the Year in 1977-'78 while playing at New Orleans; he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2nd round of the '78 NBA draft. Cooper went on to play 14 NBA seasons for five different teams--playing in a total of 984 games. Wayne's best season came in '85-'86 as a member of the Denver Nuggets--a year in which he averaged 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Best wishes, Wayne..........There's been so much written about the passing of George "Sparky" Anderson (and deservedly so) over the past week--one of the great managers of our time and a true Hall of Famer. I remember back in 1976--shortly after receiving my driver's license--making the trip out to Cincinnati to visit some relatives and also see "The Big Red Machine" play the Montreal Expos. I had always been fascinated by the manager with the premature gray hair--yes, small in stature but such a huge presence in any dugout. I'll always feel fortunate to have seen that '76 squad play in person--a team that would go on to win 102 games in the regular season and sweep the postseason en route to another world championship. "Captain Hook" was the guiding force; eight years later he'd win even MORE games in a DIFFERENT league while capturing another championship with Detroit. Bottom line? Whenever you'd hear Sparky Anderson speak about baseball, you just KNEW he was a man who was as passionate about the game as any individual who ever graced a clubhouse. The man simply leaves a wonderful baseball legacy; rest in peace, Sparky Anderson.
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 11-6-10
*Terrific cause: The Yale women's hockey team is dedicating next Friday night's game (November 12th vs. RPI) to Mandi Schwartz--who continues her courageous battle vs. cancer. The "White Out for Mandi"--with everyone wearing white--will be used as a fundraiser; no admission will be charged (donations WILL be accepted at the door) as pledges from various donors have been secured based on the attendance total at the Ingalls Rink that evening. The event will also help raise awareness about the need for bone marrow/umbilical cord donors. Mandi is currently in Seattle recovering from a stem cell transplant after battling leukemia for the past couple of years. More info regarding this special event can be obtained by contacting Sam Rubin of the Yale sports publicity staff at (203)432-1456 or by emailing him at sam.rubin@yale.edu ..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1984 Tampa Bay Buccaneers--who finished 6-10 under coach John McKay--were led in rushing yards by a running back who also led the league in rushing attempts. Can you name this former player? Answer to follow..........Now here's a score for you from last weekend's college football action: Gettysburg 61, Susquehanna 50. Yes, the 111 combined points in this shootout was a Centennial Conference record as the two teams combined to rack up a ridiculous total of 1,162 yards. My first thought was simply that I wouldn't expect these teams' defensive coordinators to be in line for any head coaching gig in the very near future. Upon further thought, let me amend that; they BOTH may end up being head coaches soon--yes, in the Suburban Youth Football League in Pennsylvania--if their defensive units don't improve REAL soon..........I used to think that watching Wayne Gretzky skate up and down the ice was a pure thing of beauty. That all changed last weekend when I saw a picture of the stunning dress that actress Eva Mendes was wearing at a Directors Guild of America gala out in Los Angeles..........This week in sports history, November 9, 1946: In a battle between two of college football's offensive powers, #1-ranked Army and #2-ranked Notre Dame play to a surprising 0-0 tie before a capacity crowd at Yankee Stadium. Army (7-0) had come into the game having won 25 games in a row while outscoring its opponents 208-55 so far in the '46 season; Notre Dame had outscored its opposition 177-18 in its five games. The talented Army running back tandem of Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard was held to just 80 yards rushing while Irish quarterback Johnny Lujack was able to complete just six passes during the hard-fought defensive standoff..........Great quote last weekend by WFAN Radio's Richard Neer while talking about N.Y. Giants punter Matt Dodge: "Like Angelina Jolie, he's got a good leg on him."..........Congratulations go out to my good friend Robert "Raven" Kraft of Miami Beach--who has been named a 2010 semifinalist for the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame due to his "perseverance, determination, and unstoppable spirit." "Raven" has now completed his 8-mile daily beach run for over 13,000 consecutive days (dating back to New Year's Day of 1975)--covering a distance of more than 104,000 miles. The Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize unsung heroes who inspire others with their motivation and perseverance. Keep it going, "Raven"; more info on this dedicated man and his unfathomable streak can obtained by logging onto www.ravenrun.net ..........Answer to trivia question: JAMES WILDER--who carried the ball a league-leading 407 times for a total of 1,544 yards..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NBA guard Anthony Bowie--who blows out 47 candles on November 9th. A native of Tulsa who played at Oklahoma, Bowie spent eight years in the league between 1988 and 1998; he also spent time playing overseas. While in the NBA, Bowie played with the Spurs, Rockets, Magic, and Knicks; he played in a total of 461 games and was a career 82% free-throw shooter. His best individual season came with Orlando in '91-'92--a year when he started 26 games while averaging 14.6 points per contest. Bowie later became a high school coach in Orlando, FL; best wishes, Anthony..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former Vanderbilt basketball coach Roy Skinner--who passed away recently in Nashville of respiratory failure; he was 80. The winningest coach in school history, Skinner compiled a mark of 278-135 as coach of the Commodores; he was a four-time SEC coach of the year. His 1965 team won the school's first SEC title while advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. Skinner was always proud of his home record as his teams went 181-41 at their home gym--the Memorial Coliseum. Skinner also made a name for himself by recruiting Perry Wallace--the league's first African-American scholarship player--who broke the SEC's color barrier back in 1967. May Coach Skinner rest in peace.
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 10-30-10
I used to think that watching Rod Carew lay down a bunt was a pure thing of beauty--that is, until I saw a recent photo of actress Anna Kendrick in a form-fitting dress at Elle Magazine's annual 'Women in Hollywood' tribute..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1995-'96 Milwaukee Bucks--who finished 25-57 under coach Mike Dunleavy--DID have two players on the squad who averaged more than 20 points-per-game apiece. Can you name this pair of forwards? Answer to follow..........Yale football broadcaster Ron Vaccaro--using a baseball reference last weekend to describe a short run by Penn running back Michael DiMaggio: "DiMaggio 'jolts' forward for a few yards!"..........Following last week's 50-14 victory over Rocky Hill, I had the pleasure of walking to the team bus with Berlin High's All-State running back Max DeLorenzo--who had just rushed for 200 yards. A senior who's heading to UCONN next year, I was just as impressed with this kid's manners as I was with his spectacular performance. He constantly referred to me as "sir", thanked me for covering his game, and was amazingly modest when I simply recognized his stellar on-the-field efforts. Yes--considering recent events--he'll be a great addition to a college program that can surely USE a little more class on the gridiron..........*Mandi Schwartz Update: The Yale women's hockey player recently spent six days in intensive care out in Seattle due to complications from stem-cell transplant surgery. However, recent engraftment test results now indicate that the transplanted stem cells have begun to grow in her bone marrow and manufacture new blood/immune cells--which puts her in a better position to fight off any potential infection. Continued thanks go out to Sam Rubin of Yale's publicity staff for keeping me updated on this brave gal's condition. More info on Mandi's situation can be obtained by visiting www.yalebulldogs.com/mandi; keep fighting with your chin up, Mandi..........This week in sports history, November 2, 1990: In a game played at Denver's McNichols Arena, the Golden State Warriors defeat the Denver Nuggets 162-158--setting an NBA record for combined points in a regulation game. The Warriors led this high-scoring affair 87-83 at halftime; the 320 combined points surpassed the previous record mark of 318 set in 1984--when Denver outscored San Antonio 163-155. Chris Mullin was the high scorer for Golden State--tallying 38 points--while teammate Tim Hardaway chipped in with 32 points along with an impressive 18 assists..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game played in the midwest last weekend, Sioux Falls defeated Dakota Wesleyan 63-3; DWU actually LED this game 3-0 at one point before Sioux Falls reeled off NINE consecutive touchdowns. My first thought was that this chain of events surely gives birth to a whole new expression: "He who scores FIRST, laughs LAST"..........Congratulations go out to Penn football coach Al Bagnoli (an East Haven High (CT) graduate)--who recently broke the record for all-time coaching wins at the Ivy League school. Folks, this is a record that stood for 109 years (you read that correctly)--going back to when George Woodruff won 124 games between 1892 and 1901; Bagnoli now has 127 victories. The Penn football publicity staff included this milestone in pre-game press notes given to media members before last week's Yale game--and also pointed out the following: Just HOW long has it been since the last time a Penn head coach set an all-time wins record? 1) Franklin Field had not yet been built 2) There were 44 U.S. states--and 3) Grover Cleveland was U.S. President. Yes-- WOW..........Answer to trivia question: VIN BAKER (21.1) and GLENN ROBINSON (20.2)..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league outfielder Larry Herndon--who blows out 57 candles on November 3rd. A native of Sunflower, MS, Herndon played 14 seasons in the "bigs" between 1974 and 1988 as a member of the Cardinals, Giants, and Tigers; he was a .274 lifetime hitter--appearing in 1,537 games. Herndon's best years undoubtedly came while in Detroit; in 1983, he drove in 92 runs while batting at an impressive .302 clip. The following season, Herndon helped the Tigers to a championship as he batted .333 (5-for-15) in the World Series vs. San Diego. Best wishes for many more birthdays to come, Larry..........Finally, condolences go out to former high school/college football coach Dick Corbin--who died recently as a result of a two-vehicle auto accident in Massachusetts; he was 71. Corbin was famous for developing Milford (MA) High School into a football power; during his eleven years at Milford, Corbin's teams went 72-25-1--dominating the Midland League. While there, Corbin coached football Hall of Famer Howie Long--who referenced Corbin's efforts during his induction speech ten years ago. Following his tenure at Milford, Corbin worked as a line coach at Harvard for 15 years and later served as athletic director at Griswold Junior-Senior High here in Connecticut. Rest in peace, "Coach."
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 10-23-10
Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game played last week out in Missouri, Lindenwood annihilated Culver-Stockton 90-19; the winning squad scored on 13 of 16 possessions (including eight rushing TD's), had 721 yards of total offense, and led by a score of 48-3 at HALFTIME. Sheesh--and I used to think that the Liz Taylor/Larry Fortensky relationship was a mismatch..........TRIVIA QUESTION: During the 1982 World Series (won by St. Louis in seven games vs. the Milwaukee Brewers), three Cardinals players tallied nine hits apiece. Can you name this trio? Answer to follow..........ITEM: Georgia RB Caleb King is arrested for failing to appear in court--making him the ELEVENTH Bulldogs player arrested in 2010. I am now totally convinced--as long as Mark Richt remains head coach--that this will be the first college football program in history to soon employ a team bail bondsman--and have that person be considered an INTEGRAL part of the athletic staff..........Anyone out there catch the recent photo of Christie Brinkley attending the screening of "Fair Game" at NYC's Museum of Modern Art? Follow-up question: Does anyone out there still think that exercise DOESN'T do a body good?..........This week in sports history, October 26, 1970: Former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali ends a 3 1/2 year boxing layoff--scoring a third-round technical knockout vs. Jerry Quarry in a non-title bout held in Atlanta. Ali had been stripped of his title a few years earlier when he refused to be inducted into the armed services due to religious beliefs. Ali was simply much too fast/nimble for the slow-moving Quarry and proceeded to open a huge gash over his younger opponent's left eye during the third round--resulting in Quarry's trainer ultimately throwing in the towel..........Congratulations go out to a friend, Lori Harley--a "forty-something" Minnesota resident--who recently completed the Twin Cities Marathon (her FIRST 26-mile undertaking) in a respectable time of 4 hours, 13 minutes. She assures me she won't stop there, either; Lori plans on running her second marathon down in Miami in January--which happens to fall on the same day as her 23rd wedding anniversary. Great job, Lori--and continued good luck!..........A possible reason why the Fordham Rams DON'T have last names on the back of their football jerseys? Defensive tackle George Apostolopoulos..........Great quote by Yale football broadcaster Ron Vaccaro during last weekend's Fordham/Yale game--when the Rams were trailing by a point while on their own ten-yard-line with about a minute left to play: "Fordham needs a MIRACLE--but they ARE a Catholic school."..........Loyal column reader Dr. David Kramer chimes in once again with this gem: "People talk about Brett Favre's interception near the end of the Vikings/Saints' playoff game last year as one pass that he shouldn't have thrown. In terms of Jenn Sterger (the Jets sideline reporter whom the married Favre was pursuing), perhaps he shouldn't have made THAT pass, either."..........Answer to trivia question: GEORGE HENDRICK, DANE IORG, and LONNIE SMITH..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Pete Vuckovich--who blows out 58 candles on October 27th. In a career that spanned 11 seasons between 1975 and 1986, Vuckovich pitched for four teams--the White Sox, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Brewers--winning 93 games lifetime. While with Milwaukee (where he became a fan favorite due to his colorful personality), Vuckovich led the AL in wins during the 1981 strike-shortened season (14) and followed that up by winning the Cy Young Award in 1982--a year in which he went 18-6 while pitching 223 innings. In three postseason series with the Brewers, Vuckovich went 1-2 with an ERA of 3.74. Shoulder problems ultimately cut short Pete's career as he was done with baseball at the age of 33. Best wishes, Pete..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA player Larry Siegfried--who died recently in Ohio after suffering a heart attack on October 5th; he was 71. Siegfried helped Ohio State win its only NCAA championship back in 1960; he was also the captain and MVP of the school's 1960-'61 squad and was a second-team All-American. Siegfried, a guard/forward, later became a member of five Boston Celtics championship teams from 1964-1969; he also played in San Diego, Houston and Atlanta over his nine-year career. Siegfried averaged close to 11 points per game during his NBA tenure and was a career 85% shooter from the free-throw line. He is survived by his wife, Tina, three daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson. May Larry Siegfried rest in peace.
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"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 10-16-10
Yes--as autumn baseball winds down with most players now hanging out at the golf course, recognition is in order based on the 2010 regular season:
*The STAY AT FIRST Award: No doubt--goes to Torii Hunter of the L.A. Angels. Hunter tried to steal 21 times this year and was thrown out on TWELVE occasions--a SB success rate of just 43%. Just a reminder, Torii: You're NOT 25 anymore.
*The PETE ROSE/GEORGE BRETT HONORARY THROWBACK PLAYER Award: Roy Halladay of the Phillies. When I see this guy pitch, I think it's 1970 again. A stud, a horse--you get the picture. Led ALL MLB pitchers in complete games, innings, AND shutouts; when he DOESN'T go nine, he looks like Clint Eastwood in a "Dirty Harry" scene. Yeah--my kinda guy.
*The TONY BENNETT/BEST YEARS BEHIND HIM Award: Without question--goes to Brewers reliever Trevor Hoffman. In 50 relief appearances at age 42, the all-time saves leader blew five saves, went 2-7, and pitched to an ERA of 5.89. This is a guy who used to average around 40 saves per season and pitch to an ERA of at least three runs LESS than the inflated # he put up this year. Yes, Trevor--it's time.
*The LITTLE BUCKS/BIG NUMBERS Award: Goes to Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies. The man earned the league's minimum salary and put up MVP-type #'s: 34 HR's, 117 RBI's, .336 batting average. Yeah--a MAJOR return on the team's investment. Milwaukee's Casey McGehee and Trevor Cahill of the A's finished high in this category.
*The BONNIE AND CLYDE/HIGHWAY ROBBERY Award (for stealing large sums of money): Sadly, goes to Todd Helton of the Colorado Rockies. Once the best hitter in the game, Helton hit .256 with just 8 HR's and 37 RBI's in the thin air of Coors--and was paid almost $18 million (ouch). Helton could have easily qualified for the aforementioned Tony Bennett Award, too. Barry Zito finished second--earning even MORE than Helton and winning just nine games.
*The BLACKSTONE/HOUDINI DISAPPEARING ACT Award: Ubaldo Jimenez of the Rockies. When he was 15-1 at the All-Star break, it was simply a question of if he'd win 20 by Labor Day. He proceeded to go 4-7 the rest of the way--failing to hit the 20-win mark while making Colorado fans wonder if burnout will be an issue with him as his career unfolds.
*The PITIFULLY PUNCHLESS Award (for lack of offense): Hands down--goes to the Seattle Mariners. They hit a pathetic .236 as a team and finished last in the majors in runs, hits, OB %, total bases, doubles, triples,--well......EVERYTHING. Somewhere, Felix Hernandez is weeping.
*The ARSONIST OF THE YEAR Award: I'll give this one to George Sherrill of the L.A. Dodgers. Appearing in 65 games, he pitched to an ERA of 6.69 while hitters tallied a .311 batting average against him; right-handed hitters hit a blistering .427 off Sherrill. Yes, vs. right-handed batters, Sherrill might have been better off letting them hit off a TEE--and Joe Torre would concur.
*The BUM OF THE YEAR Award: Oliver Perez of the N.Y. Mets. The man pitched 46 innings and walked 42 hitters in 2010. In fact--since signing a 3-year, $36 million pact before the '09 season--"Ollie" has now put up ERA's of 6.82 and 6.80 and won just THREE games. I don't know a SINGLE Mets fan who wants this guy to even SHOW UP at spring training in five months--and he's owed another $12 million.
*The second annual EARL WEAVER/FULL PACK Award: This one goes to Hideki Okajima of the Red Sox. If manager Terry Francona DID smoke, he would have gone through a pack of cigarettes QUICKLY (like Weaver did with Don Stanhouse) every time Okajima pitched. He gave up 59 hits in 46 innings, was susceptible to the HR ball, and opponents hit .314 against him. Red Sox Nation collectively holds its breath EVERY time he jogs in from the bullpen. A Double-A pitcher at this juncture.
*The HIT OR MISS Award: A "no-brainer" as D'Backs infielder Mark Reynolds wins this award for the third year in a row--in a LANDSLIDE. The man slugged 32 home runs but also struck out 211 times--the third year in a row he's topped the 200 mark. Winning this award is usually only "slightly" embarrassing; the REAL embarrassing part of Reynolds' 2010 campaign was that he hit .198--yes, below the famed "Mendoza Line."
*The MAYTAG/DEPENDABILITY Award: As mentioned last year, Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners is a shoe-in for this award YEARLY--as long as he's breathing. Once again, he played in ALL 162 games; he also garnered 200+ hits for the TENTH year in a row. Also played great in the outfield once again and stole 42 bases at the age of 36. Bottom line with this guy? When you have an "off" year and bat at a .315 clip, Cooperstown will be calling in the near future.
*The AVERSION TO WALKING Award: Pedro Feliz--who split time with the Astros and Cardinals in 2010. The man came to bat 409 times this season and walked just THIRTEEN times--yes, just once every 31 at-bats. This guy takes pitches about as often as yours truly dates supermodels.
*The GERITOL/AGE DOESN'T MATTER Award: The Yankees' Mariano Rivera wins this award for the second year in a row. At age 40, he gave up just 39 hits in 60 innings--allowing just two home runs and pitching to an ERA of 1.80. Opponents hit .183 against him as he saved 30 or more games for the thirteenth time in his career. I'm beginning to think that Rivera is aging just as well as Christie Brinkley--well, ALMOST.
*The RODNEY DANGERFIELD/LACK OF RESPECT Award: Paul Konerko of the White Sox. Made the All-Star team only because Justin Morneau got hurt--yet put up huge #'s this year: 39 HR's, 111 RBI's, .312 BA. Plays a decent first base, too--though that's overlooked at times. Adam LaRoche of the D'backs received votes in this category--going 'under the radar' while driving in 100 runs for a last-place club.
*Finally, the DOLLY THE SHEEP/REASON TO CLONE Award: Albert Pujols of the Cardinals. What more can you say about a guy who's hit 30 or more HR's/drove in 100 or more runs in EACH of his ten big league seasons (seemingly in CLEAN fashion, too)? Rarely misses a game--and a slugger who's NEVER struck out 100 times in a season. Great fielder (almost underrated) who made just four errors in 2010. Good family man, too, who launched the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005 (dedicated to Down's syndrome) with his wife Deidre. Congrats, Albert--to a guy who does it on the field AND off.
Enjoy the rest of the postseason, folks.
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