If we continue to see liquored-up, YouTubers jump onto the field during games, we might have to urge Mike Curtis out of retirement. Back in the 1970s, some knucklehead ran onto the field at Baltimore's old Memorial Stadium, and the Colts linebacker took matters into his own hands, slamming the fool to the ground.
Of course, if a taser gun isn't enough to deter certain Phillie phanatics from interrupting games with their foolish antics, then being tackled by an NFL linebacker might not be enough either.
***
I didn't grow up in Detroit listening to Ernie Harwell broadcast Tigers games, but I heard enough of him doing national broadcasts to understand why he became a favorite uncle to folks throughout Michigan. He was a masterful story-teller, and, unlike many in his business, he had no airs about him. My one experience with Ernie came three years ago when I was gathering anecdotes for my "Memories of Yankee Stadium'' book. I called Ernie up and he couldn't have been more accommodating. The friendly guy talking to me over the phone was the same friendly guy chronicling Tiger baseball games every night. I understand completely why many Mo-Towners who grew up listening to dulcet tones feel as if they've lost a member of the family.
***
Spent last night at Frontier Field watching the Rochester Red Wings play the Durham Bulls. The Wings try to add new things each year to entertain the fans, and I love the new mascot race they stage nightly between giant-sized likenesses of Wing legends Joe Altobelli, Luke Easter and Cal Ripken. Very cool.
***
My prayers and thoughts go out to my friend and longtime colleague, Jamie Germano, who underwent surgery for prostate cancer Monday. By all accounts they've caught the cancer early and Jamie can expect a complete recovery.
I was blessed to work with a lot of talented photographers during my 35 years in the business and none were more skilled or better people than Jamie.
Back in the days when newspapers would routinely do indepth stories, Jamie and I collaborated on a number of off-the-beaten path projects. They included taking a road trip with the old Batavia Clippers minor-league baseball team; chronicling the life of a Waterloo native who walked onto the University of Notre Dame football team; showing the despair and hope of South Central L.A. as the city prepared to gorge itself in the wretched excess of a Super Bowl; and reporting the fall from grace of a local high school football legend and NFL starter who was serving time in prison for selling drugs.
We had a whale of a time collaborating on those and scores of other assignments, and I think we produced some pretty good journalism along the way.
Heal quickly my friend. Several cold Guinesses are on ice, waiting to celebrate your return.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Opining on the Bills QB woes, SU and the Big Ten and Robbie Cano
The most disappointing news from the Bills recent draft was that they really believe a quarterback will emerge from the trio of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm.
I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it happening.
I much rather would have taken my chances on Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy - each of whom was available in the second round - than pin my hopes on two guys who have shown they are nothing more than backups (Edwards and Fitzpatrick) and another guy who was cut from the Green Bay Packers practice squad (Brohm).
New Bills coach Chan Gailey has a reputation for being an innovative offensive coach, but to turn one of these three into a playoff-caliber quarterback will require him to be a miracle worker.
***
There are strong rumors that Syracuse, Rutgers and Pitt are candidates to bolt the Big East for the Big Ten. I'd hate to see that happen because it would spell the end of the Big East. The football revenues the Cuse would accrue from joining the Big Ten would be an offer they couldn't refuse. And we all know that big-time college sports is all about money. I still wish Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Boston College, Rutgers and West Virginia would get together and form a true Big East football conference, but, sadly, that's not going to happen.
***
By the way, when is the Big Ten (which currently has 11 members) going to stop practicing its funny math. Heck, by the time the realignment is done, it could be the Big 20 or the Big 25. Yes, I know there's branding value to the name, but it no longer works.
***
I'm thinking this is the year Robinson Cano wins the American League batting title. I just love watching that guy hit. As is the case with Joe Mauer, he seems so relaxed at the plate and his swing is so effortless, with no wasted motion. He just drives the ball where it's pitched.
***
I'm happy to see former Rochester Red Wing Francisco Liriano off to a 3-0 start. He's still the best pitcher I've seen come through Rochester in my 26 years of covering the team, and it appears that he's back to the dominating form he showed before injuring his arm. I do worry, though, about him remaining healthy because he puts so much torque on his arm in order to deliver those nasty pitches.
***
Good thing the NHL-operated Phoenix Coyotes were eliminated last night. If they had continued on and won it all, commissioner Gary Bettman would have had to present the Stanley Cup to himself.
***
Bill Madden's new book, George Steinbrenner: The Last Lion in Baseball, reportedly claims that The Boss had an affair with Barbara Walters. I'll let you fill in the punchlines.
***
Don't know about you, but I was ready to toss a shoe at the television while listening to those arrogant cusses from Goldman Sachs tell us they had no regrets about knowingly screwing people and contributing to our economic turmoil. Ah, just another great day for the captains of industy and capitalism.
***
PERSONAL MATTERS: Sorry, if I sound a little like late Yankees announcer Phil Rizzuto here, but I want to pass along birthday greetings to two of my good friends, Frank Bilovsky and Matt Michael. Frank was my long-time colleague at the Democrat & Chronicle and remains not only a good buddy, but a great mentor. The guy is a walking encyclopedia and has a heart the size of old Veterans Stadium in Philly, where Frank's from. Matt was a long-time sportswriter for the Post-Standard in Syracuse, who, like moi, left the newspaper biz and is currently doing freelance writing. Like Frank, Matt is a class act, a kind-hearted soul who literally would give you the shirt off his back.
I'd also like to thank another class act, Joe Altobelli, for joining Jim Mandelaro and me at our booksigning Friday night. It was a rousing success as Alto entertained the crowd of about 30 with tales from his nearly six-decades in professional baseball.
And, finally, congratulations to my Rome paisan, Joe Peluso, and his wife, Sherri, who celebrated their 25th anniversary yesterday. Salut!
I hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see it happening.
I much rather would have taken my chances on Jimmy Clausen or Colt McCoy - each of whom was available in the second round - than pin my hopes on two guys who have shown they are nothing more than backups (Edwards and Fitzpatrick) and another guy who was cut from the Green Bay Packers practice squad (Brohm).
New Bills coach Chan Gailey has a reputation for being an innovative offensive coach, but to turn one of these three into a playoff-caliber quarterback will require him to be a miracle worker.
***
There are strong rumors that Syracuse, Rutgers and Pitt are candidates to bolt the Big East for the Big Ten. I'd hate to see that happen because it would spell the end of the Big East. The football revenues the Cuse would accrue from joining the Big Ten would be an offer they couldn't refuse. And we all know that big-time college sports is all about money. I still wish Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Boston College, Rutgers and West Virginia would get together and form a true Big East football conference, but, sadly, that's not going to happen.
***
By the way, when is the Big Ten (which currently has 11 members) going to stop practicing its funny math. Heck, by the time the realignment is done, it could be the Big 20 or the Big 25. Yes, I know there's branding value to the name, but it no longer works.
***
I'm thinking this is the year Robinson Cano wins the American League batting title. I just love watching that guy hit. As is the case with Joe Mauer, he seems so relaxed at the plate and his swing is so effortless, with no wasted motion. He just drives the ball where it's pitched.
***
I'm happy to see former Rochester Red Wing Francisco Liriano off to a 3-0 start. He's still the best pitcher I've seen come through Rochester in my 26 years of covering the team, and it appears that he's back to the dominating form he showed before injuring his arm. I do worry, though, about him remaining healthy because he puts so much torque on his arm in order to deliver those nasty pitches.
***
Good thing the NHL-operated Phoenix Coyotes were eliminated last night. If they had continued on and won it all, commissioner Gary Bettman would have had to present the Stanley Cup to himself.
***
Bill Madden's new book, George Steinbrenner: The Last Lion in Baseball, reportedly claims that The Boss had an affair with Barbara Walters. I'll let you fill in the punchlines.
***
Don't know about you, but I was ready to toss a shoe at the television while listening to those arrogant cusses from Goldman Sachs tell us they had no regrets about knowingly screwing people and contributing to our economic turmoil. Ah, just another great day for the captains of industy and capitalism.
***
PERSONAL MATTERS: Sorry, if I sound a little like late Yankees announcer Phil Rizzuto here, but I want to pass along birthday greetings to two of my good friends, Frank Bilovsky and Matt Michael. Frank was my long-time colleague at the Democrat & Chronicle and remains not only a good buddy, but a great mentor. The guy is a walking encyclopedia and has a heart the size of old Veterans Stadium in Philly, where Frank's from. Matt was a long-time sportswriter for the Post-Standard in Syracuse, who, like moi, left the newspaper biz and is currently doing freelance writing. Like Frank, Matt is a class act, a kind-hearted soul who literally would give you the shirt off his back.
I'd also like to thank another class act, Joe Altobelli, for joining Jim Mandelaro and me at our booksigning Friday night. It was a rousing success as Alto entertained the crowd of about 30 with tales from his nearly six-decades in professional baseball.
And, finally, congratulations to my Rome paisan, Joe Peluso, and his wife, Sherri, who celebrated their 25th anniversary yesterday. Salut!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Spiller is a Thriller, but the Bills had so many other needs
A day later, I’m still having mixed emotions about the Bills surprising selection of C.J. Spiller with the 9th pick overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.
He’s unquestionably a dynamic performer, as evidenced by his 21 touchdowns of 50 yards or more at Clemson. And any guy who can traverse 40 yards in the blur of 4.32 seconds should be able to pump a little life into a moribund Bills offense that managed just 16 points per game last season.
But you already have a versatile running back in Fred Jackson on your roster and dire needs at a multitude of other positions – offensive line, quarterback, defensive line, linebacker to name a few - so I’m wondering if you really had the luxury to go in this direction.
I believe the Bills could have maximized the draft by trading down a few spots and picking up additional picks. A pass-rushing end/linebacker such as Jason Pierre-Paul (15th) or Derrick Morgan (16th) still would have been available. With Aaron Schobel’s future plans in doubt, they need to think about his replacement.
Perhaps, I’m wrong. Perhaps Spiller will be the second coming of O.J. and Thurman. Maybe I’m just gun shy because I saw too many of these luxury picks (Willis McGahee, Roscoe Parrish) go bust during the Tom Donahoe era. Time will tell if Buddy Nix hit a home run or whiffed.
* The biggest first day surprise was that Tim Tebow was drafted and Jimmy Clausen wasn’t. My sense is that unless they’re really playing possum, the Bills aren’t that high on Clausen. New Bills coach Chan Gailey likes mobile quarterbacks, and Clausen is more of a pocket passer. So, maybe Gailey and Nix have their sights set on Colt McCoy, who, as expected, dropped out of the first round. I’d be willing to take my chances on McCoy over the current sorry Bills QB triumvirate of Edwards, Fitzpatrick and Brohm. (Sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it?)
Another huge need is nose tackle as Buffalo converts to a 3-4 defense. Dan Williams, the top nose in the draft, is gone, but the Bills might be interested in Alabama’s Terrence Cody, a 350-pounder whose nickname is Mt. Cody. And if they are looking to go with an offensive tackle with the 41st pick overall, they might look at Southern Cal’s Charles Brown. If they do, let’s just hope he plays more like Ruben Brown than Charley Brown.
* Well, it's official. I'm no longer the parent of teenagers. A Happy Birthday to my son, Christopher, who turned 20 on Thursday. Man, where did the time go?
* COMING ATTRACTIONS: Just a reminder, Jim Mandelaro and I will be giving a talk and signing copies of our new book, Silver Seasons and a New Frontier: The Story of the Rochester Red Wings, at the Greece Barnes & Noble, starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Rochester's Mr. Baseball, Joe Altobelli, will be joining us and will be signing books, so please stop by.
He’s unquestionably a dynamic performer, as evidenced by his 21 touchdowns of 50 yards or more at Clemson. And any guy who can traverse 40 yards in the blur of 4.32 seconds should be able to pump a little life into a moribund Bills offense that managed just 16 points per game last season.
But you already have a versatile running back in Fred Jackson on your roster and dire needs at a multitude of other positions – offensive line, quarterback, defensive line, linebacker to name a few - so I’m wondering if you really had the luxury to go in this direction.
I believe the Bills could have maximized the draft by trading down a few spots and picking up additional picks. A pass-rushing end/linebacker such as Jason Pierre-Paul (15th) or Derrick Morgan (16th) still would have been available. With Aaron Schobel’s future plans in doubt, they need to think about his replacement.
Perhaps, I’m wrong. Perhaps Spiller will be the second coming of O.J. and Thurman. Maybe I’m just gun shy because I saw too many of these luxury picks (Willis McGahee, Roscoe Parrish) go bust during the Tom Donahoe era. Time will tell if Buddy Nix hit a home run or whiffed.
* The biggest first day surprise was that Tim Tebow was drafted and Jimmy Clausen wasn’t. My sense is that unless they’re really playing possum, the Bills aren’t that high on Clausen. New Bills coach Chan Gailey likes mobile quarterbacks, and Clausen is more of a pocket passer. So, maybe Gailey and Nix have their sights set on Colt McCoy, who, as expected, dropped out of the first round. I’d be willing to take my chances on McCoy over the current sorry Bills QB triumvirate of Edwards, Fitzpatrick and Brohm. (Sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it?)
Another huge need is nose tackle as Buffalo converts to a 3-4 defense. Dan Williams, the top nose in the draft, is gone, but the Bills might be interested in Alabama’s Terrence Cody, a 350-pounder whose nickname is Mt. Cody. And if they are looking to go with an offensive tackle with the 41st pick overall, they might look at Southern Cal’s Charles Brown. If they do, let’s just hope he plays more like Ruben Brown than Charley Brown.
* Well, it's official. I'm no longer the parent of teenagers. A Happy Birthday to my son, Christopher, who turned 20 on Thursday. Man, where did the time go?
* COMING ATTRACTIONS: Just a reminder, Jim Mandelaro and I will be giving a talk and signing copies of our new book, Silver Seasons and a New Frontier: The Story of the Rochester Red Wings, at the Greece Barnes & Noble, starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Rochester's Mr. Baseball, Joe Altobelli, will be joining us and will be signing books, so please stop by.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Plugging our new book, Silver Seasons
This is a shameless plug blog.
Friend and co-author Jim Mandelaro and I will be promoting our revised book, Silver Seasons and a New Frontier: The Story of the Rochester Red Wings on Bob Matthews' show on WHAM 1180-AM tonight from 7-8. Feel free to join in on the conversation by calling 222-1180, *1180 for Verizon subscribers or 1-800-295-1180 for callers outside the Rochester area.
Also, I did a taped interview with WHAM's Chet Walker that will air Friday morning at 7:18.
The book is available at your local Barnes & Noble, the Red Wings gift shop at Frontier Field, on amazon.com and through our publisher, Syracuse University Press.
We have a talk and booksigning scheduled for Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Greece Barnes & Noble and Friday June 3 at 7 at the B&N in Webster.
We also plan to do a signing at Frontier Field before a Red Wings game.
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