Mel Kiper's latest first round

Here is Mel Kiper's latest first round projections . . .

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) - Jason Smith (photo), OT, Baylor: The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: He's a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith, in my opinion, but is a legit top-five pick.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn't affect his draft status. He's a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn't, he's a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he'll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn't, you're looking at a major bust.

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11) - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he's much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super-athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability.

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10) - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft.

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Maybin is another combo-type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8) - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations.

13. Washington Redskins (8-8) - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Wells is a nice fit for the Saints after they let running back Deuce McAllister go in the offseason. He could be a perfect complement to Reggie Bush.

15. Houston Texans (8-8) - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing's ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I've always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder.

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8) - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC: Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality "Mike" linebacker in the NFL but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week.

17. New York Jets (9-7) - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Heyward-Bey's awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Jets the kind of receiver they need to open up the passing game.

18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (8-8) - Everette Brown, DE, Florida State: Brown could make an immediate impact in the Broncos' defense because of his strong skill set.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) (0-16) - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi: Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He's loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he's working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: There isn't anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Eagles at this spot.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

23. New England Patriots (11-5) - Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character.

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a help to young Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5) - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he's too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round.

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He'll be a gamble.

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: Jerry is a very underrated prospect, and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1) - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Britton could be a good fit for the Eagles' offensive line, although I would have liked to see him return for his senior year.

29. New York Giants (12-4) - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Nicks won't wow you in a workout, but on game day he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations.

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3) - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he's a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush.

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) - Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois: English set the all-time sack record at Northern Illinois, and could be an impact player in Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Eric Wood, C, Louisville: Wood has been a player on the rise of late, and with his size and skills he could find himself a Steeler for a very long time.

Mark "the Bird" Fidrych dies from apparent accident

The Associated Press is reporting that former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark "the Bird" Fidrych died today from an accident...story below...

BOSTON -- Former All-Star pitcher Mark "the Bird" Fidrych was found dead Monday in an apparent accident at his farm. He was 54.

Worcester County district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. says a family friend found Fidrych about 2:30 p.m. Monday beneath a dump truck. He appeared to be working on the truck, Early said.

The colorful right-hander was the American League rookie of the year in 1976 when he went 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA. He spent all five of his major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a 29-19 record and a 3.10 ERA.

His career was cut short by injuries.

Fidrych attempted a comeback in 1983 with the Boston Red Sox and went to their Triple A team in Pawtucket, R.I. But he never pitched in the majors after 1980 and retired in 1983.

The Worcester, Mass., native later owned a trucking business.

Fidrych acquired the nickname "the Bird" because of his resemblance to the Big Bird character on the Sesame Street television show. During games, he would bend down and groom the mound with his hands, appear to talk to the baseball and slap high fives with teammates in the middle of the diamond.

He started the 1976 All-Star Game after opening the season with seven wins in eight decisions. He finished that season with 24 complete games.

But he tore knee cartilage during spring training the following year and was placed on the disabled list until May 24. He sustained a shoulder injury in July 1977 and ended up pitching in just 58 games during his major league career.

State police detectives are investigating the circumstances of his death, Early said.

Harry Kalas - voice of the Phillies & NFL Films dies

The sports world lost a broadcasting legend when Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died in the press box before today's game against the Washington Nationals...the photo above was taken of Kalas just five days ago on April 8th...

"Legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas has died. He was 73. "We lost our voice today," team president David Montgomery said. "He knows the game and made a tremendous contribution to the sport and to our organization . . .

"Anybody who has played for us, it's an immediate point of connection with the club. He is the Phillies." The Phillies were told the news at 1:20 p.m. Montgomery described the team as "stunned." ...

News of Kalas Death

Bill Lyon of the Philadelphia Inquierer writes about Kalas... "Every time you heard that distinctive baritone, deepened by a million smokes and marinated like fine bourbon aging in oak casks, you felt something soothing and reassuring. God's in His heaven, Harry the K's in the booth, and all's right with the world. He was, for generations of Phillies fans, The Voice. If Harry said it, it must be so." ...

Bill Lyon

Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquierer writes about the death of Harry Kalas... "We lost Harry on the road, which is very nearly home to the baseball lifers like Kalas. We lost Harry as he was preparing for another game, this one in Washington. He would have had his scorebook and his notes in the booth with him, and the statistical numbers and columns that supply the canvas of a game for which artists like Kalas can add the brushstrokes." ...

Bob Ford

Marilyn Chambers: former Ivory Soap girl and porn star found dead

NBC LA reports that former porn star and Ivory Soap girl Marilyn Chambers was found dead on Sunday...the report below:

Famed adult film star Marilyn Chambers was found dead in her home in the Canyon Country area, authorities said Monday, and an autopsy was pending to determine how she died.

The 56-year-old Chambers, whose real name was Marilyn Ann Taylor, was found dead around 9 p.m. Sunday in the 16000 block of Vasquez Canyon Road, said Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the coroner's office.

Chambers broke into the porn industry by appearing in the 1972 film "Behind the Green Door," which was the first widely released pornographic film in the United States.

Her appearance in the film cost the then-aspiring model and actress her job as Procter & Gamble's Ivory Snow detergent girl, appearing on the soapbox with a baby and the caption "99 & 44/100% pure."

The Providence, R.I., native had a bit part in the 1970 Barbra Streisand film "The Owl and the Pussycat," but after establishing herself as a pornographic film star, she was never able to break into mainstream films.

Detroit Lions need to suck it up and take Stafford

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that the Lions should not bypass the first overall pick because of the massive signing bonus... "No team is obliged to tender a draft selection during its allotted 10 minutes in the first round. The Lions could wait until after St. Louis selected at No. 2 and Kansas City selected at No. 3 before submitting their pick, but it wouldn't ensure them of a discount -- especially if they used that pick on Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford." ...

Drew Sharp

Abbott and Costello: Who's On First?

With baseball season now up-and-running, this would be a good time to post the famous Abbott and Costello skit "Who's On First"...this is real simple humor that doesn't have a swear word...

By the way, here is the lineup if you want to keep track...
First Base: Who
Second Base: What
Third base: I Don't Know
Left field: Why
Center field: Because
Pitcher: Tomorrow
Catcher: Today
Shortstop: I Don't Care/I Don't Give a Darn

I Want Revenge is looking for revenge at the Derby

Another favorite for the Kentucky Derby, which runs on Saturday, May 2nd, is I Want Revenge...

I Want Revenge has run eight times and won three, his latest was the Wood Memorial when he came from last to win by 1.5 lengths...see the video clip below of an incredible run...in December, I Want Revenge lost by a nose to Pioneerof the Nile in the Cash Call Futurity...they faced off again in February at the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita...and once again, Pioneerof the Nile won with I Want Revenge coming in third...

Trainer Jeff Mullins was born in Murray, Utah and has been a lifelong horseman...he galloped horses when he was eight years old, and as a teenager, rode at bush tracks in his home state and in Wyoming...Mullins started training at 17, supervising a string at Les Bois Park in Idaho...

I Want Revenge
Trainer - Jeff Mullins
Jockey - Joe Talamo
Sire - Stephen Got Even

Pedigree
I Want Revenge's pedigree is laced with stamina on both top and bottom. He is by millionaire Stephen Got Even, a son of 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy and grandson of 1977 Triple Crown legend Seattle Slew. Stephen Got Even captured the GalleryFurniture.com now known as the Lane's End S. at Turfway Park in just his fourth career start. In the wake of that effort, he went postward as the 5-1 second choice in the 1999 Kentucky Derby, where he was bumped on the first turn and eventually finished 14th.

Below is a 2:13 clip of I Want Revenge's win at the Wood Memorial

Pioneerof the Nile will be one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching and Stiles Points will be featuring some of the top contenders for the first leg of the Triple Crown...today's feature is on Pioneerof the Nile...

Pioneerof the Nile has raced eight times and has won five, including its last four races...on April 5th it won the Santa Anita Derby and on March 13th it took the San Felipe (video below)...

Pioneerof the Nile
Trainer - Bob Baffert
Jockey - Garrett Gomez
Sire - Empire Maker

Pedigree:
Like many colts before him, Pioneerof the Nile will seek to avenge the loss of his father in the Kentucky Derby. His sire, the regally bred Empire Maker, won the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial prior to starting as the 5-2 favorite in the 2003 Run for the Roses, but complications from a foot bruise perhaps compromised his chances at Churchill Downs as he wound up 1 3/4 lengths second behind Funny Cide.

Steve Haskin of BloodHorse wrote this:
"This winning machine just goes out there race after race and gets the job done even with having to run counterproductive to his best running style. He can adapt to any pace scenario and is so smooth and light on his feet he's a joy to watch. It would be a surprise if he didn't handle the dirt just as well or better, but he still has to go out and do it."

This was written about Pioneerof the Nile on the Kentucky Derby blog:
overcame the challenge of another paceless race on Saturday and enhanced his status as a leading contender for the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a one-length victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). It's now on to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, for the dark bay and trainer Bob Baffert, who has won the Run for the Roses three times but who has not had a participant in the 1 1/4-mile Classic the past two years.

"He came out of the race very good, and he'll probably leave for Kentucky on the 14th," Baffert said Sunday morning, as he watched his two-time Eclipse Award winner Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie) jog. "He's still pretty fresh at the barn this morning. He never had to lay his body down."

Pioneerof the Nile has rarely if ever experienced a pace scenario that would benefit his come-from behind style. He began his current win streak in the December 20 CashCall Futurity (G1) in his final start at two, made his three-year-old bow a half-length score in the Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) and was a 1 1/4-length victor of the San Felipe S. (G2) on March 14.

"I'm figuring out his style as we go along," Baffert said. "I learned a lot from that horse yesterday. You get a little bit out of each race, and it prepares me for the Derby, so I'm really happy with my situation right now. The only time he really hooked top-caliber horses was in the Robert Lewis. But we know what he can do when he does hook them, and he's improving."

Garrett Gomez has ridden Pioneerof the Nile in each of his four victories, but the dual Eclipse Award-winning jockey also has ridden Florida Derby (G1) runner-up DUNKIRK (Unbridled's Song) for Todd Pletcher, who hopes to make the Kentucky Derby despite marginal graded earnings at this time.

"I haven't even given that any thought," Baffert said when asked if he had Gomez for the Derby.

A 3:34 clip of Pioneerof the Nile's win at the San Felipe:

The Human Eraser, Marvin Webster, found dead

The Associated Press is reporting that Marvin Webster, a fierce shot-blocking center who helped lead the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1978 NBA finals, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Tulsa, Okla. He was 56.

His body was discovered in his room Monday morning in the downtown Ambassador Hotel, police said Wednesday.

Foul play is not suspected and the death apparently stemmed from an illness, police spokesman Jason Willingham said. He added that the former 7-foot-1 center had been living at the hotel and employees grew concerned after not seeing him for several days.

The medical examiner office said the cause of death has not been determined. W. Charles Bennett, Webster's former agent and current financial adviser, said Webster's death was related to coronary artery disease.

Known as "The Human Eraser," Webster spent nine seasons in the NBA. He averaged 16.1 points during the SuperSonics' playoff run in 1978. He signed with the Knicks the following season and played six years in New York.

Detroit Pistons assistant coach Darrell Walker played with Webster in New York during his first two NBA seasons.

"That second unit we had when I was here, it was myself, Trent Tucker, Louis Orr, Ernie Grunfeld and Marvin Webster was our center on that second unit," Walker said before the Pistons faced the Knicks. "The second unit, we'd press and trap, and Marvin was back there erasing it. He was a great shot blocker, one of the best shot blockers of all time."

After playing 333 consecutive games, Webster missed the next two seasons because of hepatitis before making a failed comeback with Milwaukee during the 1986-87 season. He played in 15 games as a Bucks reserve before retiring.

"Anybody who knew Marvin personally would tell you he was a wonderful man. A jolly giant of a guy," Bennett told The Associated Press from Albuquerque, N.M.

Bennett said Webster was somewhat reclusive and was always "trying to find a place of serenity and peace." He remembered Webster as an avid reader who was deeply religious and enjoyed traveling.

Bennett said the hepatitis caused a toxic imbalance, and Webster had sought alternative treatment in Oklahoma. He liked the area and returned to visit for much of the past year.

For his career, Webster averaged 7.1 points and 7.0 rebounds. He played in college at Morgan State and his first pro season was with Denver of the ABA in 1975. He also played with the Nuggets after they joined the NBA the following year.

His best statistical year came with Seattle, when he averaged 14 points and finished ninth in the NBA with 12.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game. The Sonics lost the finals to Washington in seven games that year, one season before winning their only NBA title.

His son, Marvin Webster Jr., played college basketball at Temple but died during his sophomore year at 18 after a heart attack.

Herbert Warren Wind of Sports Illustrated coins the name Amen's Corner

In an article that appeared in last year's Augusta Chronicle, John Boyette writes how Amen's Corner got its name... "But a catchy nickname for the three holes didn't exist until Herbert Warren Wind, the golf writer for Sports Illustrated , came up with the term to describe the action in 1958." ...

John Boyette

McShay has Denver grabbing Mark Sanchez to replace Jay Cutler

Todd McShay of Scout.com and ESPN.com updates his NFL first round draft selections after the recent trade of Jay Cutler nabbed the Denver Broncos an extra first round pick (18th overall) from the Chicago Bears...

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

17. New York Jets (9-7): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

18. Denver Broncos (from 9-7 CHI) (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Darrius Herward-Bey, WR, Maryland

23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

29. New York Giants (12-4): Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

Matt Wieters: Baltimore Orioles stud young catcher will be a name we all know

Over spring training one of the names that caught my eye was Baltimore Orioles young stud catcher Matt Wieters...I have read nothing but rave reviews...in fact, some wrote the only reason the Orioles sent him to the minors to start the season was to delay the clock on his free agency...

Here are some tidbits about Wieters...
Matt Wieters, catcher
- 6'5", 230 lbs
- Switch-hitter
- Drafted fifth overall in the 2007 draft
- Played college ball at Georgia Tech
- In addition to catching, he served as Ga. Tech's closer
- Was Baseball America's 2008 Minor League Player of the Year

From Baseball America
Strengths
- Above-average hitter with above-average power
- Strong arm - threw out 46% of base stealers
- Earned high marks for handling pitchers

Weaknesses
- Below average runner
- May not last past 5 years as a catcher

The Future
" . . . so Wieters may open 2009 at Triple-A Norfolk. He'll reach the majors at some point during the season, and it's hard to see him going back down after that."

Pat Summerall talks about drinking problem at Masters Prayer Breakfast

Kelly Jasper of the Augusta Chronicle writes about former broadcaster Pat Summerall and his talk at the yearly Masters Prayer Breakfast... "Mr. Summerall also shared memories of Augusta, including one moment after the 1992 Masters Tournament, when fellow sportscasters confronted him about his long-standing, excessive drinking." ...

Kelly Jasper

Fuzzy Zoeller makes his last Masters appearance

Scott Michaux of the Augusta Chronicle writes about Tiger's recovery from knee surgery... "One television anchorman recently claimed this would be the most anticipated Masters ever, exceeding even the buildup in 2001 when Woods won his fourth major in a row." ...

Scott Michaux

Scott Michaux of the Augusta Chronicle writes writes about Fuzzy Zoeller's final Masters tournament... "The charismatic Zoeller plans to call it quits after this year's tournament. He would have done it last year except that his children persuaded him to stick it out through the 30th anniversary of his win." ...

Scott Michaux

Jason Sobel of ESPN.com writes about this week's Masters... "Masters week is upon us and, as always, there are numerous story lines entering the sport's biggest event. This special all-Masters preview edition of the Weekly 18 begins with the notion, though, that this time around there might be more pre-tournament drama than any recent edition -- led by one player, of course." ...

Jason Sobel

Head coach of Kentucky basketball is toughest college coaching job

Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman rates the head coaching job of Kentucky basketball as the most stressful coaching gig in college sports... "With all due respect to Longhorn and Sooner fans and Notre Dame's subway, train and helicopter alumni, coaching Kentucky's basketball team rates as the most difficult job in all of college sports." ...

Kirk Bohls

Who will win the World Series?

It's Opening Day for most Major League Baseball teams...so who do you think will win the World Series this year?...be a true American, use your rights and vote NOW!!!...remember, so people in like Laos do not have these rights...

Who will win the 2009 World Series?
	Boston Red Sox
	Chicago Cubs
	Los Angeles Angels
	Los Angeles Dodgers
	New York Mets
	New York Yankees
	Philadelphia Phillies
	St. Louis Cardinals
	Tampa Bay Rays
	Other
pollcode.com free polls

Chipper Jones begins 16th season with Braves

Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes how Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones will be looked as the team veteran now that John Smoltz is no longer with the Braves...Jones is one of only nine active players with at least 10 years in the big leagues to spend his entire career with one team... "It’s understood that the occupant of that locker is the alpha Brave, the man expected to set the theme and tempo of a season. The maestro’s baton is super-glued to Jones’ hand now." ...

Steve Hummer

Michigan State vs. North Carolina: Will Tyler Hansbrough & crew get that elusive national title?

Here is the write up and box score from the first time Michigan State and North Carolina met back on December 3rd...

Michigan State-North Carolina Boxscore from December 3

Michigan State-Connecticut
Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that Tom Izzo is not going to the NBA... "Mariucci is also Izzo’s most trusted sounding board. When the inevitable NBA suitors pursue Izzo in the coming weeks, he will seek Mariucci’s counsel. Mariucci doesn’t think his best friend is going anywhere regardless of how hard the NBA might push." ....

Drew Sharp

Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press reviews the first time that Michigan State and North Carolina met this year... "Michigan State was only a piece of itself that December night, when North Carolina whipped the Spartans, 98-63. Tom Izzo knew it before tip-off. Everybody did." ...

Michael Rosenberg

Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant writes about the uncertainty surrounding the UConn program... "We will have to wait and wonder if this is the end of an era. On this Saturday night, we can say this much is certain: It is the end of a season." ...

Jeff Jacobs

North Carolina-Villanova
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer writes how Carolina must win Monday to deem the season a success... "It's always been about the whole shebang for this North Carolina basketball team. That's remained the overriding theme -- a daily swig of motivation -- since the Tar Heels left San Antonio empty-handed, wet-eyed and roundly panned after last season's Final Four." ...

Caulton Tudor

Bob Ford of Philly.com writes how Villanova will look back at the "what-ifs"... "All the what-ifs added up against Villanova last night, finally becoming an 83-69 loss to North Carolina that eliminated the Wildcats from national championship contention one game short of that goal." ...

Bob Ford

Dana O'Neil of ESPN.com writes how Carolina won despite all their statistical errors... "They missed 15 free throws, got beat on the boards by five, lost the game in the paint by 10, second-chance points by three and even got beat on the fast break. And won by 14." ...

Dana O'Neil

Tuffy Rhodes: 15 years ago he made National League history with the Chicago Cubs

Saturday will mark the 15th anniversary of a great moment in baseball history...

Who could ever forget the show that Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes, of the Chicago Cubs, put on for the Wrigley Field faithful on Opening Day of the 1994...Tuffy unloaded for three homeruns to become the first and only National League player to ever hit three homers on Opening Day...all three shots came off Doc Gooden of the Mets...

What a day it was for Tuffy...after that three homer performance, he went on to hit a total of five more home runs the rest of the season and finish with a .234 batting average...by the way, the Cubs did lose that opener to the Mets 12-8 despite Tuffy's heroics...

So whatever happened to Tuffy?....

In 1996 he went to Japan...he is the all-time home run leader for foreign-born players with 442 home runs...in 2001 Tuffy unloaded for 55 home runs which tied the mark set by the great Sadaharu Oh...at the age of 40, Tuffy is still trying hook on to a team in Japan...

John Calipari shakes up the basketball world

John Clay of the Lexington Herald-Leader writes how Kentucky fans are thrilled that John Calipari is their new basketball coach... "Calipari gets players. He gets big players. He gets quick players. He gets talented players. He gets monstrously talented players. You can question the methods he uses to get those players. You can't question his results." ...

John Clay

Mark Story of the Lexington Herald-Leader writes that Kentucky should have hired Calipari two years ago... "John Calipari waited for the phone call. And waited. And waited. Two years ago, after Tubby Smith bolted for the Great White North, Calipari figured he was a logical candidate to become the new head man at Kentucky." ...

Mark Story

Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal writes that Coach Cal was a hit at his first news conference... "He paid respect to the tradition of the program. He recognized coaches and players that had come before him. He talked about not flinching from the pressure of winning championships and hanging more banners." ...

Rick Bozich

David Climer of the Nashville Tennessean writes how Kentucky will be a force again in the SEC... "The arrival of John Calipari at Kentucky after nine outstanding seasons at Memphis will help the Big Blue return to a dominant position." ...

David Climer

Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News writes how the Kentucky job was just to good to pass us... "It is a fine place to try, one of the true and lasting capitals of the sport, one where four different coaches have won national titles. Kentucky is one of those jobs, one that should have gone to Calipari before they were dumb enough to hire Gillispie." ...

Mike Lupica

A look at how Calipari's hiring will impact the recruitment at both Memphis and Kentucky...

Recruiting

Amy Robach - the hottest woman on network news

I don't know how I missed this, but back in November 2008 Maxim magazine named my girl Amy Robach, from NBC News, the hottest news anchor in America...and this is no April Fool's joke...

I could be reading the newspaper when the NBC Nightly News is on, but when I hear her name, my newspaper hits the floor and all my attention is on Amy...boy does she have great legs!!!

This is what Maxim wrote: "All the recent wailing about America's unemployment rate overlooks some of its benefits, namely the additional time it affords you with the hottest host in Today Show history. Her fill-in work at the news desk and on the NBC Nightly News has been par excellence . . ."

The poor economy has led some women to become strippers

The Associate Press recently published a story about how more women are becoming strippers and even entering the porn business because of the poor economy...many lost their jobs and are in need of fast cash... "Employers across the adult entertainment industry say they’re seeing an influx of applications from women who, like Brown, are attracted by the promise of flexible schedules and fast cash. Many have college degrees and held white-collar jobs until the economy soured." ...

AP

Bill Raftery - the hardest working man in college basketball

You got Dickie V as probably the most famous college basketball analyst...and Clark Kellogg replaced Billy Packer at CBS...but my favorite college basketball analyst is Raft - Bill Raftery...he is the most under-rated hoops guy on television...this guy does like 5-6 basketball games a week...and he is not ashamed in being the color man for a small college basketball game...where there is college hoops, you will find Raft...he may never do a Duke-North Carolina game nor a Final Four, but he is still my main man behind the mike...Richard Sandomir of The New York Times wrote about Raft in last Thursday's paper... "Bill Raftery sings of onions and nylons, sweet kisses and lingerie, small change and nickel-and-dimers. The CBS and ESPN college basketball analyst’s big fellas take it to the tin and his little guys have big tickers. His puppies get set, get organized and get off the bus. He says that Chiclets must be counted and bounce passes may lead to ecstasy." ...

Richard Sandomir

Lou Saban, former head coach of Buffalo, Denver, and VP of Yankees, dies

The Associated Press reports that longtime and well-traveled former football head coach Lou Saban died on Sunday morning... he was 87-years-old...among his numerous stops as head coach, he will most be remembered for leading the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos...Saban also served as president of the New York Yankees from 1981-82...

Lou Saban Obit

Who will win the title: UConn, Nova, Sparty, or UNC?

Pitt isn't it...The Ville came up empty...and The Cuse's magical run is over...we are down the Final Four - Michigan State vs. Connecticut and Villanova vs. North Carolina...who is going to win the National Championship?...be a real American and VOTE NOW!!!!...

Who will win the National Championship?
	Connecticut Huskies
	Michigan State Spartans
	North Carolina Tar Heels
	Villanova Wildcats
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Johnny Blanchard, former New York Yankee, dies

While going through this week's New York Times, I came across the obit of former New Yankees back-up catcher Johnny Blanchard...Blanchard died on Wednesday, March 25th... "Johnny Blanchard, a power-hitting catcher and outfielder known as Super Sub who played in five consecutive World Series for the Yankees in the 1960s, died Wednesday in Robbinsdale, Minn. He was 76." ...

Johnny Blanchard Obit

UConn's Kemba Walker gets a haircut to help his game

Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant writes how a little trim got Kemba Walker going... "We were nowhere near a barbershop, and I do cut my own hair," said Townsell, a member of the UConn academic support staff. "He's not complaining right now." ...

Jeff Jacobs

Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette writes how the Pitt players will one day appreciate their special season... "But today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year and for many years to come, those players will remember only the hurt they felt at the finish of their 78-76 loss to Villanova last night at TD Banknorth Garden, their time together gone forever." ...

Ron Cook

Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes how Villanova has quietly moved into the Final Four... "It was a game in which Villanova was matched against a team that might have some superior individual players, a game that required them to be fundamentally sound. That was particularly in evidence at the free-throw line, where the Wildcats made 22 of 23 attempts." ...

Bob Ford

Ramiro Pena may soon be the player who replaces Derek Jeter at shortstop

Bill Madden of the New York Daily News writes about Derek Jeter's possible replacement at shortstop in 23-year-old Ramiro Pena... "Jeter's decreased range at shortstop, especially to his left, has been an increasingly hot topic around baseball - which the Yankee high command has pointedly chosen to ignore, because there didn't appear to be any bona fide prospects in the system. That, however, all changed this spring with the emergence of 23-year-old Ramiro Pena, whose dazzling glovework has made him the frontrunner to win the utility infielder's job until Alex Rodriguez comes back in May." ...

Bill Madden

Kentucky Derby champ Alysheba dies

For the second time in a week, a former Kentucky Derby champion horse dies...the report below is from ESPN.com...

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Alysheba, winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness and chosen 1988 Horse of the Year, has died. The champion stallion was 25.

The charismatic star, dubbed "America's Horse" by racing fans, Alysheba was euthanized Friday night following a fall in his stall at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions, where he was buried Saturday.

The son of racing legend Alydar became a sensation for trainer Jack Van Berg and owners Dorothy and Pamela Scharbauer during a brilliant career that included a win in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Classic. He retired as horse racing's all-time money winner with more than $6.6 million in earnings from 11 victories in 26 lifetime starts.


Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, who piloted Alysheba to victory in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, called him "the most talented horse I ever rode."

The talent became evident during Alysheba's stirring Derby win over Bet Twice. He stumbled in the stretch before catching himself to run down his rival in the final yards.

Only upon replay did McCarron realize how close his trip had come to disaster.

"Falling didn't even go through my mind," McCarron said. "I kept thinking there's only one horse left in front of us that was going to prevent us from getting the roses. He just did an incredible job of righting himself. I was focused on keeping my balance and trying to stay on his back."

Van Berg wasn't surprised. Alysheba had a sense of balance and athleticism rarely found on the track.

"He just had unbelievable ability," Van Berg said. "He got a little gust of wind or whatever and got knocked down and he stepped up before Chris knew what hit him. He was remarkable."

Alysheba backed up the Derby win by taking the Preakness. His bid for a Triple Crown ended with a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Belmont, a rare dull performance from a horse who won fans over with his consistency and durability.

Being a bit of a showoff helped. Van Berg said he would get a kick out of seeing Alysheba hop around the paddock before races, preening for the audience.

"He was hard to handle sometimes, but the adrenaline would get flowing and he knew it was time to go," Van Berg said. "He could do things you wouldn't believe."

Namely, bring it every time.

"He always ran his race," McCarron said. "You could count on him giving his best effort, even if he got in trouble or the track condition wasn't to his liking."

One of his greatest performances may have come in defeat. Alysheba lost to 1986 Derby winner Ferdinand in a photo finish at the 1987 Breeders' Cup Classic, a setback that likely cost him Horse of the Year honors.

McCarron said the loss may have been a blessing. Rather than retire to the breeding shed, Alysheba returned to the track as a 4-year-old in 1988, winning six stakes races and getting a measure of revenge in the '88 Classic, beating Seeking the Gold in the early evening gloaming at Churchill Downs.

McCarron remembers seeing signs in the winner's circle proclaiming: "Alysheba for President." The horse certainly seemed to feel like one, carrying himself with the pride of a winner.

"He looked majestic on the track," McCarron said. "He'd stop and let people take photographs. I believe he loved it."

Alysheba retired to stud in Kentucky in 1989 before being sold and sent to Saudi Arabia. He arrived at the Horse Park last fall, joining Cigar -- who broke Alysheba's career earnings record -- in the Hall of Champions.

"He had an aura about him," park spokeswoman Lisa Jackson said.

McCarron said he saw Alysheba two weeks ago and offered his old friend mints while standing out in his paddock.

"He looked fantastic," McCarron said.

The stallion fell in his stall, injuring his right hind femur, and was euthanized Friday night at a medical center in Lexington.

Kathy Hopkins, director of equine operations at the horse park, said Alysheba fell due to a chronic degenerative spinal condition.

"Complicated by his advanced age, this trauma resulted in severe pain," Hopkins said. "The resulting pain and suffering, and the inability to stand unaided, led to a joint decision for euthanasia."

Alysheba is the second champion horse to be euthanized in the past two weeks. Lil E. Tee, who upset heavily favored Arazi to win the 1992 Kentucky Derby, was put down at Old Frankfort Stud in Lexington on March 18 at age 20.

It's all about The Cuse

After tonight we will have the Elite Eight...and here are the last four teams who will complete that bracket...

South Regional in Memphis
7:25 #3 Syracuse (28-9) vs. #2 Oklahoma (29-5) {Oklahoma -1}
At times this season it looked like The Cuse was headed for another disappointing season...then came the Big East tourney...I love The Cuse and their warrior mentality...point guard Jonny Flynn (photo) is one bad ass...the Sooners have been steady all season...Blake Griffin is a force...but I am just stunned that he is such a horrible free throw shooter...this will be a nip and tuck game all the way but The Cuse will win...

9:55 #4 Gonzaga (28-5) vs. #1 North Carolina (30-4) {Carolina -9}
The Zags have impressed me in this tourney...they could have buckled against Akron when the Zips had the Zags in a close game...then Gonzaga put the foot on the accelerator and smoked Akron...and what a finish the Zags had against Western Kentucky....we all know about Carolina...what is there to write about them...hmmm, it would not surprise me if Gonzaga wins this game...but I think Carolina edges them by 1 point...take Gonzaga with the points!!!...

Midwest Regional in Indianapolis
7:05 #12 Arizona (21-13) vs. #1 Louisville (30-5) {Louisville -9}
The bracket broke just right for Arizona to get into the Sweet 16...Louisville dominates in this game...give the points and enjoy The Ville in an easy win...

9:35 #3 Kansas (27-7) vs. #2 Michigan State (28-6) {MSU -1.5}
The Spartans have a lot of talent, but at times they seem to go into a funk at least twice during the course of a game...I just can't put my finger on what is their problem...Kansas has had an incredible year after losing all starting five from last year's title team...Sparty wins and cover the points...

Villanova to beat Duke in the Sweet 16

One half of the Sweet 16 goes at it tonight...whoever wins this round of games is half way to the six wins needed to be declared CHAMPIONS!!!...here are my predictions:

East Regional in Boston
7:25 #4 Xavier (27-7) vs. #1 Pitt (30-4) {Pitt -7}
The Panthers have not looked like a number one seed so far...Sam Young (photo) had a monster game with 32 points against Okie State...even though the Panthers have struggled at times, their beefy center DeJuan Blair has not been in foul trouble in the first two games of the tourney...look for Pitt to win this game, but take Xavier with the points...

9:55 #3 Villavova (28-7) vs. #2 Duke (30-6) {Duke -2}
Duke caught evern break in the last minute of their win over Texas this past weekend...Duke has not impressed me all year, but somehow they are sitting with 30 wins again...Villanova may have had their scare of the tournament with their comeback against American...the Wildcats whooped UCLA on Saturday...Villanova wins in a slight upset...

West Regional in Glendale
7:05 #5 Purdue (27-9) vs. #1 Connecticut (29-4) {UConn -7)
The Huskies have looked mighty impressive so far...they jumped out to a 10-0 lead against Texas A&M and never looked back...Purdue will provide a battle for most of the game...but in the last 10 minutes the Huskies take over...UConn wins and give the points...

9:35 #3 Missouri (30-6) vs. #2 Memphis (33-3) {Memphis -4.5}
Real quick, name me the head coach of Missouri!!!...if you said Norm Stewart, you are wrong...it is Mike Anderson...and the Tigers are one of the quietest 30 win teams in the last 5 years....I like Memphis a lot...it will be close, but in the end, Memphis wins and barely covers...Mizzou on a teaser will be a good...

Kobe Bryant's wife forces maid to stick hand in a bag of dog crap?

This was just reported by TMZ:

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant are striking back at the maid who accused Vanessa of various abuse on the job -- including an alleged incident where the maid was forced to stick her hand into a bag of dog crap.

The Bryant's lawyers, Loeb & Loeb LLP, just released the following statement on behalf of the couple:

We have learned that a former employee of the Bryants, Maria Jimenez, has filed a complaint against our clients. Ms. Jimenez's outrageous allegations of improper conduct are totally unfounded and patently false. The Bryants intend to vigorously defend against these untruthful allegations and are confident that the baseless nature of the allegations will be proven.

Give me Tyler Hansbrough over Blake Griffin

- Give me Tyler Hansbrough over Blake Griffin anyday...don't get me wrong, Griffin is a darn good player, but he is horrible at the free throw line...with the game on the line I would want the ball in Hansbrough's hands instead of Griffin...that is why Hansbrough is my Player of the Year...
Hansbrough 21.2 ppg; 8.1 rpg; 85% free throw
Griffin 22.5 ppg; 14.4 rpg; 58% free throw

- Kansas head coach Bill Self is my Coach of the Year...think about it, he lost all starting five players from last year's national title team and all he has done is go 25-6 this season...

- Since winning back-to-back titles, Florida's Billy Donovan has missed the Big Dance the last two years...maybe he is not the next great head coach that we all thought he was just two years ago...

- One of the best blogs is The Money Shot...G$ often writes about his upcoming wedding and how the life of being a groom sucks...this is some funny shit...check out his latest rant on March 18th...

Money Shot

- Kelly Clarkson was always been a thick girl, but now she has become fat...however, I do like how she is handling it...she admits she likes to eat and is unapologetic about it...

- Add crumbled feta to spice up any meal...

- People might as well realize that Charles Barkley will never change - and that is a good thing...

- I was disappointed that Detroit Tigers star outfielder Magglio Ordonez supports Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez...Chavez is an idiot...

LeBron James does yoga

Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer writes how yoga is a big part of LeBron James' regime... "When James first came into the NBA at the age of 18 he didn't even tape his ankles, sometimes ate McDonald's an hour before tipoff and his main use for ice was cooling beverages." ...

Brian Windhorst

30 years ago Magic's Spartans beat Bird's Sycamores

Larry Keith wrote this article in the April 2, 1979 edition of Sports Illustrated after Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans beat the undefeated Indiana State Sycamores led by Larry Bird... "Last Monday night, in the championship game, Michigan State confirmed a notion that had been gaining credence as the NCAA tournament progressed and State rolled to one easy win after another. The Spartans, despite a 21-6 regular-season record, are a superb team—perhaps even a great one—largely because of their perfect mix of superstars in the spotlight and supernumeraries in the shadows. Together, they accomplished what Earvin Johnson and Gregory Kelser could never have done by themselves—indeed, what no team had been able to do this season. The Spartans caged Larry Bird and ended the 33-game winning streak of Indiana State 75-64 to win their first national basketball title." ...

Larry Keith

The greatest sports figure to play in the Steel City

Because of work, I took a little break from blogging over the last few weeks but now I am ready to start up again...Stiles Points will be doing a new feature called, "The City's Greatest" in which I will ask your opinions about various athletes, sports moments, and other items focusing on a specific city...to start, the first question involves the City of Pittsburgh:

Who is the greatest sports figure to ever play in the City of Pittsburgh?

Please take a minute to vote and leave a comment about why you voted for that sports figure...I have provided the names of some Pittsburgh sports figures, but you can vote for someone not listed below...the criteria is based on however you, the reader, interpret it to be...there are no wrong responses...the purpose is to share views and have a spirited debate...

Who is the greatest sports figure to ever play in the City of Pittsburgh?
	Jerome Bettis
	Barry Bonds
	Terry Bradshaw
	Roberto Clemente
	Joe Greene
	Mario Lemieux
	Willie Stargell
	Honus Wagner
	Other
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A-Rod involved with hookers and former Manhattan madam Kristin Davis

The New York Daily News reports that a former New York City madam supplied hookers for Alex Rodriguez... "A former Manhattan madam who supplied Eliot Spitzer with hookers also counted Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez as a customer - and found him so charming she dated him herself for free, former employees of the call-girl agency tell the Daily News. A-Rod wooed ex-madam Kristin Davis (photo, above) with flowers, jewelry, persistence and heated e-mails, according to the sources." ...

New York Daily News

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush sizzle in latest GQ photo shoot

President Obama gets a free pass on comment about his bowling and Special Olympics

First off, I have been a strong supporter of Barack Obama from when he first announced he was running for president...however, I was extremely disappointed in the comment that he made about his bowling being worthy of the Special Olympics when he appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday...

Obama is a savvy, smart person who should know better than to make a comment like that - even if it was meant to be funny...

The funny part is that the liberal media has downplayed this gaffe...where is the stand-up knight-in-shining armour - Keith Olbermann?...if former president George W. Bush made that comment, Olbermann would have been on his high horse drilling Bush as this stupid, inconsiderate moron who is out-of-touch with the plight of the weak and poor...Bush undoubtedly would have made Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World"...

But this came out of the mouth of a Democratic president...so the mainstream media briefly mentioned it during their newscast and now it is forgotten...

Honestly, I think what Obama said is worse than when Don Imus called the Rutgers women's basketball team "a bunch of nappy headed ho's"...

Obama should be held to a higher standard than just some talk show wonk, so therefore, he should have been grilled on this more than he has...imagine if a white person would have made a derogatory remark that was meant to be funny about an African-American, Jew, or Hispanic...the world would have came to an end for that person...

I know Obama did not mean for his comment to be hurtful, but the fact remains, it was...he got his free pass...the next time he makes a stupid comment the liberal media should grill him just as they did the former president for his numerous blunders...

Bob Knight breaks down the tourney

Free throws have not gotten better over time

Mark Price may have been one of the most consistent free throw shooters, but John Branch of The New York Times wrote an interesting article about how free throw shooting percentages as a whole have not increased over the last 50 years... "Basketball in the United States has changed in myriad ways over the decades, from flat-footed set shots to dunks, from crotch-hugging uniforms to baggy knee-length shorts, from the dominance of American players to the recent infusion of international stars. But one thing has remained remarkably constant: the rate at which players make free throws." ...

John Branch

Al McGuire: a street smart guy from the Big Apple

Last week Stiles Points remembered the life of Jimmy Valvano...this week, we look back at former Marquette basketball coach and college basketball analyst Al McGuire...McGuire was a different bird...he was eccentric...but he was "real"...he was streetsmart fella from New York City who got his first break at little Belmont Abbey College...

Sports Illustrated's Rick Reilly wrote this wonderful piece about McGuire just before he died...this appeared in the September 18, 2000 edition of Sports Illustrated...."Al McGuire never liked funerals. "Why wait until the guy's dead?" he'd ask. "Buy him a drink while he's alive!" So with McGuire lying in a hospice outside Milwaukee—leukemia whittling him to 115 pounds and dropping—let's raise our glasses: Here's to Alfred Emanuel McGuire of Rockaway Beach, N.Y. There never was, never could be, never will be anybody else like him."...

Rick Reilly

Below is the obit that appeared in Sports Illustrated after McGuire died on January 26, 2001...

WE COULD recite the details of the life of Al McGuire, the former college basketball coach and TV commentator who died of a blood disorder last Friday at age 72, but he wouldn't want us to. McGuire didn't believe in details. He blithely forgot names, of players in games he telecast and of those on his own team. Jerome Whitehead, a star of McGuire's 1977 NCAA champion Marquette team, was forever Whitehorse. So was Whitehead's father, a minister who must have frowned upon realizing that White Horse is a brand of scotch.

But both Whiteheads surely knew the futility of correcting the man whose rules for life and basketball had been formed in the taverns and playgrounds of Rockaway Beach, N.Y. Forever fuzzy on the particulars, McGuire never erred in the broad strokes. When he said, "Just show me the numbers," he didn't mean that literally, only that what interested him was the metaphorical bottom line.

"He had a gift for seeing the wonder and the goodness of God's creation, sometimes in the most unlikely places, and for sharing his delight in that discovery with those around him," Robert Wild, the Jesuit priest who is Marquette's president, said last week. Wild was no doubt referring to the coach's habit of telling lunch companions, "If the waitress has dirty ankles, the chili's terrific."

McGuire quit right after he and Whitehorse won that NCAA title 24 years ago, so his basketball legacy requires some brushing up on. He'll be remembered for his sensibility, including that picturesque urban argot of which Dick Vitale's is wincingly derivative. He was without peer as a game coach. "I don't know basketball," he said. "I feel basketball. Drop me in the middle of a game, and I could manage it by the ebb and flow."

He won his title because the button-down guy on the other bench, North Carolina's Dean Smith—who lost a lead after ordering his Tar Heels into a four-corners delay—didn't understand what McGuire did: that basketball resists excessive organization. He had the cojones and self-possession to walk away from the summit of the clipboard racket in midlife.

McGuire didn't let details encumber him. He didn't let basketball do so, either.

Below are some of the great quotes from McGuire...

"When I was losing, they called me nuts. When I was winning they called me eccentric.”

"If the waitress has dirty ankles, the chili should be good.”

"When a guy takes off his coat, he's not going to fight. When a guy takes off his wristwatch, watch out!”

"Winning is overrated. The only time it is really important is in surgery and war.”

"I think everyone should go to college and get a degree and then spend six months as a bartender and six months as a cabdriver. Then they would really be educated.”

Finally, I can't leave you without the famous dance that Al McGuire did with the Syracuse basketball team after they won the regional finals to head to the Final Four...this is great 1:30 clip!!!

David Barrett and One Shining Moment

It's that time of year - ONE SHINING MOMENT!!!...

Sports fans have heard the anthem of college basketball since its debut in 1987 when Indiana beat Syracuse for the title...here is a little information about the famous song...the lyrics were written by David Barrett of Ann Arbor, Michigan...

"Writing this song changed my life. Strange how that is so. I mean; the writing came so effortlessly. I knew immediately after that I had something special on my hands. In fact I got up from the piano and went immediately to the phone and called a friend and said... "Glen I just wrote a great song." It was almost like... "where did this come from?" In any case, the song opened all sorts of doors for me in a professional sense. But on a personal note, it also showed me to write about what mattered to me. I mean, I just wrote it because I thought it was worth writing. I learned to trust that. For years I had been listening to what others thought was valid. It was this song that made it clear to me that my job was to write about what I know, and tell the truth about that... Simple."

Barrett wrote the song after seeing Larry Bird star for Indiana State in the 1979 NCAA tournament...CBS originally planned to debut the song after Super Bowl XXI...however, the game ran later and cut into the primetime show that was to be on after the big game...so CBS scrapped it... CBS then asked Barrett for use of the song after the 1987 NCAA championship game...Barrett had to change the opening lyrics from "The ball is kicked," to "The ball is tipped."...

CBS Sports have screwed around with various versions of the song...they have had Teddy Pendergrass then Luther Vandross sing it...then they tampered with the melody and added a bunch of graphic bullshit...to me, the best version is the original from 1987 when Barrett provided the vocals...

One of the best parts of the CBS telecast was often overshadowed by One Shining Moment...before the One Shining Moment montage, CBS would show a live shot of the winning team cutting down the nets as the credits rolled across the television and a musical piece played on the piano...that segment was great to watch because the viewer got to see the raw emotion of the event - from the players to the cheerleaders to the parents in the stands....also, no matter who was part of the team, the star, bench warmer, coach, manager, etc. each would take the walk up the ladder and cut a piece of the nets...think about it, every little kid dreams of cutting down the nets...the clip below is from the 1987 title game between Indiana and Syracuse...watch for the Indiana players and fans celebrating as the Syracuse players sit dejected on the bench...that is pure raw emotion...

This 2:00 piece is followed by the original and first One Shining Moment from 1987...I thought these snippets were great, so look for them:
1:58 - the Phantom Friar from Providence
3:01 - Jim Boeheim getting surprised with a Gatorade bath
3:15 - A young Rick Pitino waiting with open arms as one of his Providence players comes running for a hug - that player is Billy Donovan
3:17 - look for the UNLV team manager who high steps it - he has a tie and long pants
3:55 - the Syracuse cheerleader who gives that nervous look - check out her hair