tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42441087155925020092024-02-07T19:28:16.184-08:00InsidetheRopesHuttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-35376879612813599712010-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:002010-08-12T12:15:00.872-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlBrILk1gvv0aOg7i2UOlNSOLXFmE4StprotbapMJut7vsH2zxCbzzjPmM-nTy1oSyRqecPY067-bCKT4gQ0DoaTL3-Ouv_9K4jnvaQhE3E-8xb7H1nExgQuYw1Q_iWcRInvpwuOIniQ/s1600/3b3f3638_1bf1_441c_8480_5b3f05a23d0c.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Alright... I've taken a few months off. For the millions of you out there... I'm sorry.</span> </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, here is what's happened in those ten months that is worth a sports fans' time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10) Oh, What Could Have Been...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDQPDv2-vvybFgmQpKechl_WznLZKYIpWvmlITN15p-gmAU0feB8KTC8Mw6XrEFf_hyla9i-zw-jlhkFqLMSAXsrV9CrsTH6CgpnsAmOy5QmEQ6HwfTRqESE0N4PqSXJV8qBBX5-NVjk/s1600/alg_yang-tiger-reaction.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDQPDv2-vvybFgmQpKechl_WznLZKYIpWvmlITN15p-gmAU0feB8KTC8Mw6XrEFf_hyla9i-zw-jlhkFqLMSAXsrV9CrsTH6CgpnsAmOy5QmEQ6HwfTRqESE0N4PqSXJV8qBBX5-NVjk/s320/alg_yang-tiger-reaction.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469493972420121234" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many say the game of golf is at a low point in it's history. The one complaint that has been argued over the last five years is that the game's greatest advocate,Tiger Woods, is also it's greatest foe. Wrong. These fans are looking for a consistent rival for Tiger. Note to you traditionalists out there: If you're waiting for an Arnold Palmer to continually challenge Tiger each as he did Jack Nickalaus some decades ago you're wasting your time... it's not gunna happen.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woods has become so consistently dominant over the last decade that many border-line golf fans are turned off by the lack of competition that Woods has in front of him each week. Fortunately, for those cynics out there the 2009 season should have put most of those arguments to rest.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Four championships-three first time major winners in 2009.</span></span></span><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One could argue that 2009 showed that the PGA Tour offers the most parody of any sport in the world. Yet the 2009 season will not be remembered for who won golf's four major championships but for who lost them. Go ahead, try and name all four winners... kind of tough to do huh?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am all for the underdog, but in these cases, the final result was more of a letdown than the Cinderella story. So here is a look back on what could have been a very special year in golf history.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />The Masters 4/11/09: I watched from the 10th fairway at Augusta National as Kenny Perry lost his three shot lead on that Sunday afternoon in April, as Angel Cabrera sank a par putt to win his first green jacket.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bXfj1AQfXvkuoabToB7FbhN0MNo0DePr228oNuoYvxFAxRS1xnXOmlc1JczPXb1v1KiZ_S8XOvpS5HvkcO47k-PWzKkKXfnzA2aOiXubpDYeL7j4GfbyjsRJCqCr8iAVO2YR6mNlUI4/s1600/slideshow_1147510_180035_US_Open_Golf_USG191.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bXfj1AQfXvkuoabToB7FbhN0MNo0DePr228oNuoYvxFAxRS1xnXOmlc1JczPXb1v1KiZ_S8XOvpS5HvkcO47k-PWzKkKXfnzA2aOiXubpDYeL7j4GfbyjsRJCqCr8iAVO2YR6mNlUI4/s320/slideshow_1147510_180035_US_Open_Golf_USG191.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469497172091277730" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The U.S. Open 6/1/09: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A fairy-tale finish turned boring when Phil Mickelson missed two par putts over the last four holes...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></span><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/players/profile?playerId=115" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;">David Duval</span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, out of nowhere. Winless in eight years, he ran off three straight birdies on the back nine to tie for the lead as the No. 882 player in the world tried to show why he was No. 1 a decade ago.</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">His hopes ended with a 5-foot par putt on the 17th that spun 180 degrees out of the cup, and his silver medal was no consolation...</span></span><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/players/profile?playerId=801" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;">Ricky Barne</span></span></span></span></a><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/players/profile?playerId=801" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 95, 178); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;">s</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was the long shot who didn't last very long with the 54-hole lead. He shot 40 on the front nine to turn control over to Glover, and wound up shooting a 76 to join Mickelson and Duval in a tie for second.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lucas Glover didn't have a compelling storyline, just the kind of golf that wins a U.S. Open in any conditions.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjMMBe41bu2vQU6l5i7zXmfo-GBmMvKT0ajfWjI0QBY-cqnkfbtbtLroQs5pdwUr0WE5kFxU5XZxnNM8BS0hp58FE57lvS_D9O_CnzzDtmcgNl_Ygww77Pa3VvbEkeM9XkTSn3XzawJk/s1600/552e474d598bdf479a7d1eca9e839993.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjMMBe41bu2vQU6l5i7zXmfo-GBmMvKT0ajfWjI0QBY-cqnkfbtbtLroQs5pdwUr0WE5kFxU5XZxnNM8BS0hp58FE57lvS_D9O_CnzzDtmcgNl_Ygww77Pa3VvbEkeM9XkTSn3XzawJk/s200/552e474d598bdf479a7d1eca9e839993.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469494816629243666" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></a></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The British Open 6/22/09: 60 year-old Tom Watson comes within one stroke of becoming the oldest Major winner in golf's history. Watson was the ultimate underdog story but it was meant to be. Stewart Cink became the villain that day beating Watson in four-hole playoff.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The PGA Championship 8/8/09:</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I sat on the 18th green at Haleztine and watched in disbelief as Tiger Woods' second shot was offline. This was the second shot that had to be perfect in order to force a playoff with Korean, Y.E. Yang. Yang became the first to beat Tiger after Woods had held the lead in a Major. History was made but it just most of all it just capped off a year that was a very forgettable one in Major championships.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9)Yankees Win 27th Title</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Yankees Suck...</span></span></p></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ1WN4tsi41__d0DChzXBYVs_SO1Xc4DHAeOpHnIsYDNP99V__bmAD0WiXPHrpCWwrxlC84aFFZg7oX0b95aP8E9a9f4vtbZJYKJ6Gki5-r_RdRSL9aXXW4mkWPpDWGZ3f5cwxQhwWD4/s1600/drew-brees-lombardi-trophy-super-bowl-xliv-1021813189cbfe81_large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ1WN4tsi41__d0DChzXBYVs_SO1Xc4DHAeOpHnIsYDNP99V__bmAD0WiXPHrpCWwrxlC84aFFZg7oX0b95aP8E9a9f4vtbZJYKJ6Gki5-r_RdRSL9aXXW4mkWPpDWGZ3f5cwxQhwWD4/s320/drew-brees-lombardi-trophy-super-bowl-xliv-1021813189cbfe81_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471972137265048850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8) Saints Shock The World</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">25:1... Those were the odds of the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl in 2009. Well they proved a lot of people wrong this year. Drew Brees was the best player in the league,Reggie Bush found his niche in the NFL and Sean Payton became the new "best young head coach in the league." Personally, I was a little upset that these Saints beat Brett Favre and the Vikings in the NFC Championship (See #6) but that sports I guess... Anyway, the Saints not only rolled through the regular season/playoffs but they showed that they indeed had the best TEAM. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was pretty surreal to watch Drew Brees go head to head with our generation's greatest quarterback( Peyton Manning). I loved the matchup and it just goes to show how special Brees is a leader. Sorry Peyton maybe next year. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7) Cowboys Make the Playoffs, Lose to Vikings </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBvNFFn6SvTH9hMmBsymSdPEXHjjT8NSaJtmUSp07YhG-Tx6OhCBBFi3hV7d9oNZ_5rNL5i3XpQUJaoES3lYGnDAi5OKP4gHEq86bUcnlVxQGrq5A4sH-GEUwr3Z4xxsToFfSFvTjRD0/s1600/marion-barber-vs-eagles.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBvNFFn6SvTH9hMmBsymSdPEXHjjT8NSaJtmUSp07YhG-Tx6OhCBBFi3hV7d9oNZ_5rNL5i3XpQUJaoES3lYGnDAi5OKP4gHEq86bUcnlVxQGrq5A4sH-GEUwr3Z4xxsToFfSFvTjRD0/s320/marion-barber-vs-eagles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472034384625951810" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was wrong. This article is for David Broom and all of those Cowboys fans (beside myself) that had them going 19-0 and winning the Super Bowl. I misread the Cowboys talent and the division that they played in. It was a much weaker division than I had envisioned but the Cowboys did earn it. By beating the Saints, Chargers and Eagles in big time games this season they gained my respect.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I went to the Chargers and Eagles games this season and took in Cowboys Stadium which was amazing. There is nothing like it and it makes going to game there for any sport worth the price of admission. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6) Brett Favre Is The Man</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There have been handful of quarterbacks that have been considered the greatest of all-time. Jonny Unitas, Joe Montana, John Elway and Peyton Manning come to my mind. But after watching Brett Favre play last season for the Vikings I have to say he is the best the game has ever seen.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvWwOU84x37kpxymZqUDUvWMYKd4-kXeNqAYFk17yRLdfpXZXgOadm_5q9ZnErgkcCVf2qkTMzDNSOkm_QcPbg4tRg50qn8SYB9AB9chrMRVGUKm46BqVpGWHlz-f5PhQfydoVh5zcZo/s1600/brettfavre.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvWwOU84x37kpxymZqUDUvWMYKd4-kXeNqAYFk17yRLdfpXZXgOadm_5q9ZnErgkcCVf2qkTMzDNSOkm_QcPbg4tRg50qn8SYB9AB9chrMRVGUKm46BqVpGWHlz-f5PhQfydoVh5zcZo/s320/brettfavre.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472031515682077890" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He has everything you would want in a QB. Favre is a leader, who has thrown the most TD passes of all-time (as well as the most interceptions), played 17 seasons without missing a game, thrives under pressure and has a Super Bowl ring.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This guy is the ultimate gunslinger. He led the Vikings to NFC Championship game in 2009 and threw an interception in overtime to lift the Saints over his Vikings. Many people have pointed to his key interceptions in big situations such as this one and 2008 against the Giants but the bottom-line is those teams wouldn't have been in those moments if it weren't for Favre. He's a game-changer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Favre threw for 4200 yards and 33 TD's in 2009 which was second only to Drew Brees.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most QB's are lucky if they have a season like in their prime which usually comes from ages 27-31 in the NFL. At 40, maybe Favre </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in his prime... Don't hang em up yet Brett.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5) March Madness 2010</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDs_ZSuOnLpQ8HTBYwGQ0S3aN89numdLCnDrvmNEa9cqgpvX3hf4VWGVVYaRzNhsfJ0B4XYAjLyqFXHC079tpPWZZ5ePLdWiNRUb9jbJpzxCjrDMb3xrQFkaSdI_YujzhQn7XuRvJeA/s1600/4e3c572616c6412eac596a095285fea6.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDs_ZSuOnLpQ8HTBYwGQ0S3aN89numdLCnDrvmNEa9cqgpvX3hf4VWGVVYaRzNhsfJ0B4XYAjLyqFXHC079tpPWZZ5ePLdWiNRUb9jbJpzxCjrDMb3xrQFkaSdI_YujzhQn7XuRvJeA/s320/4e3c572616c6412eac596a095285fea6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472047623858770162" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">David vs. Goliath. USA vs. Russia. Marlins vs. Yankees. Giants vs. Patriots. Each featured a favored juggernaut against a considerable underdog. In each case the underdog took down the juggernaut for a historic victory. 2010 gave us Duke vs. Butler. But in this case the juggernaut (Duke) held off the underdog (Butler) to win its fourth national championship in school history. All this you know...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But why should we consider this a quality NCAA Tournament? Yes, it had a a David vs. Goliath matchup which is what every national final craves for. But what other memorable moments did it gives us? Not many. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This was supposed to be the tournament where we watched John Wall/Evan Turner cement their names next to Carmelo Anthony, Chris Webber and Michael Jordan as great freshmen to get to The Final Four. Nope. OSU Sweet 16.... Kentucky Elite 8.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDfpisi53uDOpS2sFvGooXC6ALELWo6-ohfeOj134xNFUCzBoVodYZDcxNZuZ_lq__kECAyFM3FRirQBbZSveGmd4KQwlTL_DqHLo4njTfimuyU1xZmunjW0EzdTGpzhe0G2n7CBgq_8/s1600/alg_john_wall.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDfpisi53uDOpS2sFvGooXC6ALELWo6-ohfeOj134xNFUCzBoVodYZDcxNZuZ_lq__kECAyFM3FRirQBbZSveGmd4KQwlTL_DqHLo4njTfimuyU1xZmunjW0EzdTGpzhe0G2n7CBgq_8/s320/alg_john_wall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472048432694598658" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perennial favorite, Kansas, loses to Northern Iowa in the second round.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">No. 2 seed, Villanova, loses to St. Marys in the second round... St. Mary's would go on to lose to Baylor by 30 in the Sweet 16.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WVU, Duke, Butler and Michigan State make up The Final Four in Indianapolis. Who had that on March 15?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But this mediocre tournament did provide even more of a case to stay in school to win. Look at each of the last four teams. All were led by juniors and seniors who had stayed together instead of going to the NBA.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8LI-MZp81TVPSJznAb75-3lMPeQB_OCsEIoPPsA2kO_0QQVeeGHw1yEPRdcuzZ8s1cYZAdQaT-vQiaWrLBBzKyRGkND6t4mTYtBkOMiHB23CJpixurwDSSbS3WAAOBOrm4BDwAvZPOQ/s1600/4690682.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8LI-MZp81TVPSJznAb75-3lMPeQB_OCsEIoPPsA2kO_0QQVeeGHw1yEPRdcuzZ8s1cYZAdQaT-vQiaWrLBBzKyRGkND6t4mTYtBkOMiHB23CJpixurwDSSbS3WAAOBOrm4BDwAvZPOQ/s200/4690682.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472049211186440626" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 117px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If the NCAA doesn't make players stay for at least two years then how can we expect someone like John Wall to win a national title. Individual players are entertaining but it is almost impossible for them to carry a team as a freshman. Teams win national championships and the best team (Duke) won it in 2009 because they stayed together. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 17px; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> 4</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenm8qEh_HUTNYudPkVRthH-xhqlLz8kcyGN-rx0MfQIE8QJy2J3yQtmobhaUAPJrc61wmvoUqm4nMxF5cINWAAXbCkmaYlFAId7DL5t2vlkaX2PTsZLU_LsR8LROjZHqp6qytsrBpyWA/s1600/t1.martin.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">College Football Still Needs a Playoff/ Tebow Loses, Ingram Wins</span></span></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpZGEHjvg7gOBU_ovU1MpQn8XZN2oM5Y7p4CvSgdiNuvYzlcc0gy5uDQzF0gV65ERzEoD1kPyRtysd-Ydeg5_qcOiv0WJoRX7m8ahJ6OGUMk6KulFO_L2XdJxsdheEE2FgAyKQsM8z-Y/s1600/Picture+8.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpZGEHjvg7gOBU_ovU1MpQn8XZN2oM5Y7p4CvSgdiNuvYzlcc0gy5uDQzF0gV65ERzEoD1kPyRtysd-Ydeg5_qcOiv0WJoRX7m8ahJ6OGUMk6KulFO_L2XdJxsdheEE2FgAyKQsM8z-Y/s200/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470572711635574738" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px; " /></a></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I predicted last year on this blog that the 2009 BCS Championship would feature Florida and USC. I almost got one right... The 2009 season was setting up to be the greatest the sport had to offer in a long time. The SEC and Big 12 were set to be king and would be in the end but not without a lot of drama first. The projected Heisman finalist were Tebow, McCoy and Bradford. Close but no cigar. This season would be one to remember but just not the way we all thought we would remember it.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sam Bradford lasted two quarters before injuring himself for the season. Goodbye OU.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Colt McCoy gave an effort for the first 8 games but never eclipsed 300 yards.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tim Tebow struggled to find his form from the year before but still was deemed "The Greatest Leader" in the sport.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little did we know a Sophomore RB from Flint, Michigan (Mark Ingram) would beat them all for the Heisman.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who? That's right... Mark Ingram became household name as he ran all over the SEC and led Alabama to a perfect season.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg2x9PWesXWqigkJ43m7fsyW28OqkiTlhiKjWMKmvvbhOSNMU39pdKcDWvTSLWrVZyUssu8Qc7mcODjMqVcSJw1rsmpfjjRA3GXgb6nhi_-FapOcU_rkm0EoVd2SkWNLqmz6OHUlpmq8/s1600/QUAD_ROD2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg2x9PWesXWqigkJ43m7fsyW28OqkiTlhiKjWMKmvvbhOSNMU39pdKcDWvTSLWrVZyUssu8Qc7mcODjMqVcSJw1rsmpfjjRA3GXgb6nhi_-FapOcU_rkm0EoVd2SkWNLqmz6OHUlpmq8/s200/QUAD_ROD2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470580037954082706" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px; " /></a></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But just for a second let's go back and look at another wild college football season.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My team the Michigan Wolverines started off a perfect 4-0.... but only one more game the rest of the season. Of course, our season ended with another loss to arch rival Ohio State. Get rid of Rich Rod.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg2x9PWesXWqigkJ43m7fsyW28OqkiTlhiKjWMKmvvbhOSNMU39pdKcDWvTSLWrVZyUssu8Qc7mcODjMqVcSJw1rsmpfjjRA3GXgb6nhi_-FapOcU_rkm0EoVd2SkWNLqmz6OHUlpmq8/s1600/QUAD_ROD2.jpg"></a></span></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Florida lost. This was just plain sad. I'm a big Tebow fan but even if you're not you have to respect him. We will NEVER see another player like him in our lifetime.</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 17px; font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was disappointed Florida blew it against Alabama but most of all I was disappointed Tebow had to go out that way.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenm8qEh_HUTNYudPkVRthH-xhqlLz8kcyGN-rx0MfQIE8QJy2J3yQtmobhaUAPJrc61wmvoUqm4nMxF5cINWAAXbCkmaYlFAId7DL5t2vlkaX2PTsZLU_LsR8LROjZHqp6qytsrBpyWA/s1600/t1.martin.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenm8qEh_HUTNYudPkVRthH-xhqlLz8kcyGN-rx0MfQIE8QJy2J3yQtmobhaUAPJrc61wmvoUqm4nMxF5cINWAAXbCkmaYlFAId7DL5t2vlkaX2PTsZLU_LsR8LROjZHqp6qytsrBpyWA/s320/t1.martin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471967084847512258" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px; " /></a></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cincinnati,TCU and Boise State all went undefeated in their regular season games. Which raised the question again of whether or not college football needed a playoff system. The answer is yes they do.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This year is the proof more than any other year of why the 16 best teams should have an equal opportunity to play each for a national championship. But instead we have five teams go undefeated and only one will go home champs.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the end it didn't really matter because Boise (14-0) and TCU both played a mediocre Fiesta Bowl, Cincinnati got taken behind the woodshed by Florida and Alabama (13-0) beat Texas for the National Title.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We need a playoff system...</span></span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) Rangers Fade in 2009, Look to 2010 as "The Year"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvME2cFz4NmOb0oGa15i0d1ZPUMYHQ8aSPvlQGlWzFKxAP0lZPq22E9GrYy01qV6lsCwaFPrdctNz0PczFOsB6jcYILkWANK2yd934sGUt51YExSpXckCfsuJYQzVZP-fhfDbJrteAjY/s1600/washington-300x274.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvME2cFz4NmOb0oGa15i0d1ZPUMYHQ8aSPvlQGlWzFKxAP0lZPq22E9GrYy01qV6lsCwaFPrdctNz0PczFOsB6jcYILkWANK2yd934sGUt51YExSpXckCfsuJYQzVZP-fhfDbJrteAjY/s320/washington-300x274.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472063386853322402" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 274px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is my team. The 2009 Rangers did what they always do: Win until August and then fade down the stretch. It wasn't anything new but the expectations for 2010 were new. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">No more expectations of a .500 record. No more talk of the future. The future is now for this team. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With the addition of Vlad Guerrero from the hated Angels and the maturation of Neftali Felliz, Derek Holland and Elvis Andrus to name a few; the Rangers are ready to contend in the American League. Josh Hamilton predicted 96 wins... I'll take 92. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) Phil Wins The Masters</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlBrILk1gvv0aOg7i2UOlNSOLXFmE4StprotbapMJut7vsH2zxCbzzjPmM-nTy1oSyRqecPY067-bCKT4gQ0DoaTL3-Ouv_9K4jnvaQhE3E-8xb7H1nExgQuYw1Q_iWcRInvpwuOIniQ/s1600/3b3f3638_1bf1_441c_8480_5b3f05a23d0c.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlBrILk1gvv0aOg7i2UOlNSOLXFmE4StprotbapMJut7vsH2zxCbzzjPmM-nTy1oSyRqecPY067-bCKT4gQ0DoaTL3-Ouv_9K4jnvaQhE3E-8xb7H1nExgQuYw1Q_iWcRInvpwuOIniQ/s320/3b3f3638_1bf1_441c_8480_5b3f05a23d0c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472067893383984402" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The story of the week had been the return of Tiger Woods but this Sunday belonged to golf's good guy, Phil Mickelson. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lefty battled Lee Westwood (who was considered as the best player never to win a major)all weekend for the lead. I sat in the 12th tower with CBS analyst Ian Baker-Finch as we watched Phil sink a 10-foot putt on the 12th green in front of us. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYovs2Rxx4pfuPZx76zgxk7P0r8-Jl8K0mY7RFun6GosnOdQ4vuHlw0b_zpxWA4Rg92fhHr7M3uu-0Pys3X9L1f333ubcxONOVRnDkWgzh6Otb8vgkwlC_ExgKK3sAGXqSJM9lRIYeVa0/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYovs2Rxx4pfuPZx76zgxk7P0r8-Jl8K0mY7RFun6GosnOdQ4vuHlw0b_zpxWA4Rg92fhHr7M3uu-0Pys3X9L1f333ubcxONOVRnDkWgzh6Otb8vgkwlC_ExgKK3sAGXqSJM9lRIYeVa0/s320/IMG_0688.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504599406746254450" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px; " /></a><div>My view the entire week was one that most people only dream of. I had a beautiful panoramic look at the par 4 11th and the par 3 12th; two of the most historic holes in golf. As Tiger faded down the stretch, Phil and Westwood heated up to provide us with a front row seat to Lefty's second green jacket. </div><div>As Phil walked off the 18th green I decided to use join the patrons along the rope line and congratulated him with a high five to end a memorable week in Augusta.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Heros to Villians...</div><div><br /></div><div> Number one is a toss up. Most calendar years have some wonderfully poetic story-lines that define that respective year in sports... Not 2010.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2eXC6JbLJRZCnrGFFSoDsJn8CHWj0jMihiM59u6WXnVUiUPqiSlxgdGgPz5DkUfE6EpzeJKCOjxHPSHXyg-MtH10Yt-V1uyRSu_gavARLpyVgeGtzQHYPJPLAdHXL26Okzruddk-nJw/s1600/alg_tiger_looks_up.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2eXC6JbLJRZCnrGFFSoDsJn8CHWj0jMihiM59u6WXnVUiUPqiSlxgdGgPz5DkUfE6EpzeJKCOjxHPSHXyg-MtH10Yt-V1uyRSu_gavARLpyVgeGtzQHYPJPLAdHXL26Okzruddk-nJw/s200/alg_tiger_looks_up.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504580990584605810" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px; " /></a><div>These two stories garnered more media attention than any other in sports history. 1a) Tiger Wood's dramatic fall from super stardom after his personal life was torn apart after admitting he been having multiple affairs over the last few years. 1b) Lebron James's free-agent frenzy culminating in a made-for-television one hour special in which he announced that he would leave his home in Cleveland and join the Miami Heat with Wade and Bosh in South Beach.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOuW1jVlHDxK6fP1cwolPKBP28uxyTPSisIoELMgWGFgaAEFeEgnwWn0i6hrIxqLvadXxMUQx8amYqWKF4Id2Jlko2AzBNkS2NKNOHk8ZClXHslJJ8hq3ymb4PzpD7iQ0VN8Dvv5aiGI/s1600/Lebron-James-Miami-Heat-Jersey-510x286.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOuW1jVlHDxK6fP1cwolPKBP28uxyTPSisIoELMgWGFgaAEFeEgnwWn0i6hrIxqLvadXxMUQx8amYqWKF4Id2Jlko2AzBNkS2NKNOHk8ZClXHslJJ8hq3ymb4PzpD7iQ0VN8Dvv5aiGI/s200/Lebron-James-Miami-Heat-Jersey-510x286.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504581801386754978" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px; " /></a><div>Both of these stories produced such dramatic 24 hour coverage that these two heroic figures transformed in villainous characters in sports nation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the deal: Tiger and Lebron have both been dragged through the mud in 2010 but the sad truth is that it's still all about winning. It doesn't matter what either one of these guys does off the court if they win they will be revered one again. It's all about "what have you done for me lately?" in today's media world and if they succeed all will be forgiven. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlBrILk1gvv0aOg7i2UOlNSOLXFmE4StprotbapMJut7vsH2zxCbzzjPmM-nTy1oSyRqecPY067-bCKT4gQ0DoaTL3-Ouv_9K4jnvaQhE3E-8xb7H1nExgQuYw1Q_iWcRInvpwuOIniQ/s1600/3b3f3638_1bf1_441c_8480_5b3f05a23d0c.jpg"><br /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-67908232970733713382009-08-09T18:36:00.001-07:002009-08-16T15:37:58.340-07:00Never A Doubt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Watching Tiger Woods in person is an experience every true sports fan should have. </div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz7GEE2BrxH1gNNCmVVvZi3kiSj3GtEfB3SQGw1SHwDzYfQREc6pCN82CTIzm0XKs_Ajh09hJgP-m2OYv44OXqBwfaT2leGpncHz3zVHWC212K-pDvnqVSIDUDRSrCYcbnpi7VltElNg/s1600-h/img12043953.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368191211273637954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 366px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 334px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz7GEE2BrxH1gNNCmVVvZi3kiSj3GtEfB3SQGw1SHwDzYfQREc6pCN82CTIzm0XKs_Ajh09hJgP-m2OYv44OXqBwfaT2leGpncHz3zVHWC212K-pDvnqVSIDUDRSrCYcbnpi7VltElNg/s400/img12043953.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px"><span style="font-size:85%;">"The quality of golf you're going to see today is absolutely staggering,"</span> said David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Feherty</span> who has been covering the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PGA</span> Tour for CBS Sports for since 1997 yet he says he's still doesn't believe some of the things he witnesses when covering Tiger Woods.<br /></div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Once again this week, I was assigned to assist CBS announcer David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Feherty</span> as he walked with today's final pairing of Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods. It was fitting that these two were leading the World Golf Championship at Firestone Country Club because you could argue that over the last year these two have been the most dominant in the world. Harrington won the British Open and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PGA</span> Championship in 2008 while Woods has won four tournaments in 2009.</div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">At the beginning of the round today Harrington was -10 which was three shots ahead of his playing partner Woods. Even though Padraig was used to the pressure of a final round lead, he was playing with Woods on a course that he had won six times before.</div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVzveh6BLPyTV2oG-bYzKmFx5-YAjl49O8i6jjl8OpZScTjPHdCIQq7A_k-U_IdGAq2TYeo_aHFDB6OSB_D2UKDMOGNgq60UH2_VpoXG4gMht1ZDoO3bGEz0BqCDKwyrKku4U4emL2Y0/s1600-h/padraig_harrington_1459056c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368192124404198450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVzveh6BLPyTV2oG-bYzKmFx5-YAjl49O8i6jjl8OpZScTjPHdCIQq7A_k-U_IdGAq2TYeo_aHFDB6OSB_D2UKDMOGNgq60UH2_VpoXG4gMht1ZDoO3bGEz0BqCDKwyrKku4U4emL2Y0/s320/padraig_harrington_1459056c.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Many times Tiger hurts himself with his driver but on the front nine he hit every fairway except for one. He got off to a hot start as he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">eagled</span> the par 5 second and birdied No.4 and No.5 to pull ahead of Harrington at -11. Usually, when Tiger challenges an opposing player in the final round they submit pretty quickly but not Harrington. Even when Tiger birdied No.9 to take a two shot lead, Padraig never lost his focus. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Both players matched each other on the next three holes but then then Tiger began to lose command of his driver. As I watched his drive off the the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> tee sail over my head, I could tell it was heading right which means big trouble. </div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfYW81M5QHDRIIuVG5eQ8kLOIF33CznBPSgcu-h-m2oNAASkN0o1n-ZFWIYk0s4jg0nhZnIrIEHMxdbX4yJoq3DaD_gETN41zeHr2LCf2aFMVkKrTNRKQfvDfFeVTWo-AA-x-_r1HjiU/s1600-h/15df2584-276b-47d3-98ad-da101a93d4df.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368192351049187202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfYW81M5QHDRIIuVG5eQ8kLOIF33CznBPSgcu-h-m2oNAASkN0o1n-ZFWIYk0s4jg0nhZnIrIEHMxdbX4yJoq3DaD_gETN41zeHr2LCf2aFMVkKrTNRKQfvDfFeVTWo-AA-x-_r1HjiU/s200/15df2584-276b-47d3-98ad-da101a93d4df.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Luckily, it got a fortunate bounce back in the fairway but ultimately put him too far away from the green to challenge the tucked away pin. Harrington put his second shot in the middle of the green while Tiger flew his shot over his target. Padraig parred and Tiger bogeyed. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">On 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> tee, Tiger once again sprayed his drive out of the fairway while Padraig put his drive a fairway bunker. Tiger's second shot forced him to have a near impossible third just to the right of the green. Once again Padraig pars and Tiger bogeys. Before the previous two holes Woods hadn't had a bogey in 22 holes. So to bogey in this situation was very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">un</span>-Tiger-like. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">As they approached the Par 5 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> hole, Harrington was clinging to a one shot lead. Both teed off but yet again neither found the fairway. This historical hole that measures 667 yards downhill with a small pond guarding the green was a hole that Tiger had to birdie to out duel Padraig. </div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM6rUlniGVzaSp7v6W-3a35_k-Q0oKhGhBfAktZb1ymsvyy02DH4T54n0Zdg5v0bVSaUDr3X7rsY3-U7IajMh328wkYTzKf9ArwiGqO41HYF5FU95qqRHyIhQBQOlOX4tjiNbJxBmBAI/s1600-h/pga_g_tiger_576.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368192907531619858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBM6rUlniGVzaSp7v6W-3a35_k-Q0oKhGhBfAktZb1ymsvyy02DH4T54n0Zdg5v0bVSaUDr3X7rsY3-U7IajMh328wkYTzKf9ArwiGqO41HYF5FU95qqRHyIhQBQOlOX4tjiNbJxBmBAI/s320/pga_g_tiger_576.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">I stood with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Feherty</span> in the middle of the fairway a few yards from where Tiger was about to attempt his all important third shot. He had 181 yards to flag. I got the signal from my fellow spotter that Tiger had an 8 iron and I relayed that to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Feherty</span> so that he could use that on the air. His third shot was near perfect as he landed it just over the pond and spun it back within a foot for birdie. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Meanwhile</span>, Harrington had a very tough lie for his third in the fairway rough. In short, he put it over the green which the wrong place to miss. He bladed his fourth into the water and had to walk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">back</span> in the fairway to his his sixth. All the while Tiger is calmly standing by waiting to tap in his birdie put from inside the grip. Padraig would triple-bogey and Tiger would birdie the crucial 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span>. Game over. Ten minutes before that Tiger was down a shot and now he was ahead by three. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">As both players parred the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> hole I walked with Tiger and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Feherty</span> off the green onto the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> tee box. By this time, the entire gallery of thousands had gathered to watch Tiger finish off Padraig to win his seventh World Golf Championship. </div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNYgPtMupnB2_G82Nf4FHZVF_9o98kGmqpJEkhq9dNKE-k9vB_cKd4p6ualYHolhlvHZbii7VwrXVfyNuIGXzqyLeiCJQxnZ5KnvIoYe1v2BAk43FjPhPabRPmOjwicujivL2ffy_m9M/s1600-h/golf_twoods4_576.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368194849204823282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNYgPtMupnB2_G82Nf4FHZVF_9o98kGmqpJEkhq9dNKE-k9vB_cKd4p6ualYHolhlvHZbii7VwrXVfyNuIGXzqyLeiCJQxnZ5KnvIoYe1v2BAk43FjPhPabRPmOjwicujivL2ffy_m9M/s320/golf_twoods4_576.jpg" border="0" /></a></span> <div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px">Two perfect drives. As we stood in the middle of the fairway with the last group Tiger pulled out a 9 iron and put his approach four feet from the cup. I stayed back in the fairway to watch for the second week in a row Tiger tipping his cap to the cheering gallery that surrounded the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span> green. Harrington tapped in his par and Tiger finished off his round with his fifth birdie of the day. I made my way down the rope-line to where the players exit just as Tiger tipped his cap to the crowd one more time and walked past me to sign his scorecard to capture his 70<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> win of his career. </div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px"><br /></div><div style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 100% Georgia, serif; WIDTH: auto; PADDING-TOP: 3px; TEXT-ALIGN: left; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px"></div></span>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-88207571146569010512009-08-02T22:52:00.000-07:002009-08-14T06:35:04.506-07:00A Fitting Farewell<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the last 50 years, the Buick Open has been a staple on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PGA</span> Tour. Held in Grand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Blanc</span>, Michigan</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoNnRMQRnB9MflhzoP794B3OTr9nAWQAjeRrz2Ke4eESQ6zGWghXmIzbDu3GKgFetKvqr1f2mrlFOD1kQI6Vqk6xFkxuj7051sT4wxLEeOB6z8OnNxvww5kqoPQyd374jTCdTiEfZ2cU/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365940989346979730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 235px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoNnRMQRnB9MflhzoP794B3OTr9nAWQAjeRrz2Ke4eESQ6zGWghXmIzbDu3GKgFetKvqr1f2mrlFOD1kQI6Vqk6xFkxuj7051sT4wxLEeOB6z8OnNxvww5kqoPQyd374jTCdTiEfZ2cU/s320/Picture+5.png" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the Buick Open is considered one of the favorites by the players because of the rowdy atmosphere that surrounds Warwick Hills Country Club.<br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sadly, the people here in Michigan have gotten the worst of our economic recession which has forced the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PGA</span> Tour to announce that this will be the final year of the Buick Open.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoNNeGy0VHfcJyjcrTtcuPnRaBhEIsUgDmLma5YDSLaDQyB2uZVvQx7WpT86IiyZ9hutjw5dKoJBFaZz2emg-xSIoYmW2nI5rnkk6xgTwj-TRnsD55jp1Ejo99wZWCyITlKaL3mSRR_k/s1600-h/tiger-woods-buick-open.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365944115579828290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoNNeGy0VHfcJyjcrTtcuPnRaBhEIsUgDmLma5YDSLaDQyB2uZVvQx7WpT86IiyZ9hutjw5dKoJBFaZz2emg-xSIoYmW2nI5rnkk6xgTwj-TRnsD55jp1Ejo99wZWCyITlKaL3mSRR_k/s200/tiger-woods-buick-open.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nevertheless, the game's greatest player, Tiger Woods, decided to enter the field in search of his third Buick Open title. Without Tiger the field this week would have been a below average one, but with him everything changes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coming into today, Tiger was in the lead by one shot which usually means certain victory for him. In 36 tournaments in which he has the lead going into the final round, he's 35-1 in his career. So it wasn't a stretch to say Tiger would win his 69<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> career tournament today against a much weaker field. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIYrEyv4Os616rgu0Omx3mE4pXTBcwXbPqRS90B2FzllIz71aXYMQ2AOp-hE5nGTVE41m0NOvv-6YmG70e8PW-2wIf4PG4zTGGg22XaUCrLyXWaPBDyi4i_NE9869Oj8fcJcGlKlOMdY/s1600-h/story_top_david.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365946905622338098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIYrEyv4Os616rgu0Omx3mE4pXTBcwXbPqRS90B2FzllIz71aXYMQ2AOp-hE5nGTVE41m0NOvv-6YmG70e8PW-2wIf4PG4zTGGg22XaUCrLyXWaPBDyi4i_NE9869Oj8fcJcGlKlOMdY/s320/story_top_david.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Today, I was assigned to assist CBS announcer David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Feherty</span> on the course which is different than my usual duties of spotting a group. Basically, my job was to shadow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Feherty</span> around the course with a portable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tv</span> monitor so that he could announce from anywhere while watching the broadcast. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Walking with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Feherty</span> reminded me of how popular he is on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PGA</span> Tour because of his unique comedic analysis of the golf he watches. At any given moment he'll stop to entertain the gallery by signing autographs or simply by making a smart comment of which is usually hilarious. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HoRCuNP8601yrVjcaYCJsd7_cEAD-dGfVHc3uuUrk3oN2ifSDaQKvWPU9zu7s3vNbnlYenbWDiMxVoH1zwMSiDcK7uFdk8R0nvu4Md_0VQAOjNYeKOmziXPFOJZXYBN-oTA8aaCV8Dw/s1600-h/feherty-tiger-040908.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366200876257697714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HoRCuNP8601yrVjcaYCJsd7_cEAD-dGfVHc3uuUrk3oN2ifSDaQKvWPU9zu7s3vNbnlYenbWDiMxVoH1zwMSiDcK7uFdk8R0nvu4Md_0VQAOjNYeKOmziXPFOJZXYBN-oTA8aaCV8Dw/s320/feherty-tiger-040908.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On this day, we were assigned the last group of Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Letzig</span> and Tiger Woods. We caught up to the group just as we went on the air at 3 p.m. and immediately made our way into the fairway to watch Tiger. If you've never been out to watch Tiger you need to realize that when he's in the lead on the course, every fan out there wants to follow him. So for me to get the chance to walk with David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Feherty</span> down the middle of the fairway and bypass the thousands of golf fans outside of the ropes was incredible.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ERKMkYfP2Po183QNBD8fT_PbGVkUY28gAi3vCREc6pRx6Ply_I2q0oUt5u4boKxcfa5ViNgCo2ISr5-UjwPEvrr7HP1ChNQUviK4T_3lULnVVae_N69gYcjPR9AFWk1CfeZGzylvgro/s1600-h/25231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366202948086931282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 160px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ERKMkYfP2Po183QNBD8fT_PbGVkUY28gAi3vCREc6pRx6Ply_I2q0oUt5u4boKxcfa5ViNgCo2ISr5-UjwPEvrr7HP1ChNQUviK4T_3lULnVVae_N69gYcjPR9AFWk1CfeZGzylvgro/s200/25231.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the group would finish a hole we walked through a rope-line of people screaming and reaching for Tiger- so I occasionally high-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">fived</span> several of them on my way sit in front of the tee box to watch the drives. After the drives I would follow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Feherty</span> down the fairway as he would chat with Tiger or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Letzig</span>. Several times it would be just myself, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Feherty</span> and the players walking down the middle of the fairway... which was unbelievable in itself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At the turn Tiger had the lead by a two strokes but it felt like he was ahead by ten. His driving was erratic today but he always made up for it with his short game. Meanwhile, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Letzig</span> was faltering slowly but surely.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The interesting thing that about walking with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Feherty</span> was listening to the gallery chant his name just as much as Tiger's. Every hole some random guy would blurt out something like "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ferehty</span>, you're the man!" To which he replied"I'm actually a woman, thank you."Those kind of quick comments made the day a blast.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjNZTcTDrZeAhCBBkMO910HwjMiyb9nFqLPSqlqrWNJCGPqcRy8AdFo0Fq7JuJ-SvCKfsYDFH8CJf867XHbLvt-KuN3_1BUZnfnzT2t_JsN4LZ9QR3t5K4hsvLm-xcl65VMsEqXm9Nu4/s1600-h/DSCF0024.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjNZTcTDrZeAhCBBkMO910HwjMiyb9nFqLPSqlqrWNJCGPqcRy8AdFo0Fq7JuJ-SvCKfsYDFH8CJf867XHbLvt-KuN3_1BUZnfnzT2t_JsN4LZ9QR3t5K4hsvLm-xcl65VMsEqXm9Nu4/s320/DSCF0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369812211872436978" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px; " /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As we approached the 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> green, Tiger had an eagle left to seal the tournament, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Feherty</span> decided to walk up to the next hole. As I watched Tiger make his birdie on the green to go -20, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Feherty</span> and I walked down to arguably the rowdiest hole on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">PGA</span> Tour. He wanted to get up in the stands to interview the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">raucous</span> crowd that awaited. Thousands of screaming fans gathered to watch the final group play the Par 3 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span>.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNI4vvTOluLPkj7DfT6d_4NKrvkqaRyipy_6mq-geEzfKQdvi74486WTMPF0QRQ7kHcxF6fuT3qz51RAKWCeCkMcpkktrNc-uqs2vpIaBEvDRdam8C0h2jRNGOydSofNf6xPm0VninTE/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366212256446246786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNI4vvTOluLPkj7DfT6d_4NKrvkqaRyipy_6mq-geEzfKQdvi74486WTMPF0QRQ7kHcxF6fuT3qz51RAKWCeCkMcpkktrNc-uqs2vpIaBEvDRdam8C0h2jRNGOydSofNf6xPm0VninTE/s320/Picture+9.png" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the two some approached the tee, the stands were literally shaking due to the fans throwing themselves around and chanting "let's go Tiger"or "save the Buick!" It felt like a college football crowd.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Both players would hit the green and walk up to the loudest ovation I've ever heard on a golf course. As Tiger tapped in for his par, he tossed his ball into the stands and tipped his cap to the deafening mob of fans. </span></div><div>A lot of people bash Tiger for being an athlete that is too serious during his round but this week he definitely showed the fans that he appreciated their support.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-2xx6LJ5ehPAyUkG-eTIqoBOF5DVT01DSMOX_v7vfs4ZgQhr57mDMFxnvrQm6Pjn5rj_H8j22vh2tmflZoeWzCco4ZzciP7oB5rYrloYNBxXcboBmHBNCufG4iCdlMHtOh7pbfmk3Eg/s1600-h/13896673451press81200711317PM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366227944150239730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 220px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-2xx6LJ5ehPAyUkG-eTIqoBOF5DVT01DSMOX_v7vfs4ZgQhr57mDMFxnvrQm6Pjn5rj_H8j22vh2tmflZoeWzCco4ZzciP7oB5rYrloYNBxXcboBmHBNCufG4iCdlMHtOh7pbfmk3Eg/s320/13896673451press81200711317PM.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>As we walked down the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span> fairway the crowd broke the rope-line to follow him to the green. He tipped his cap as they applauded him and cheered as if to say "Thanks for coming Tiger!" </div><div>I was standing about 10 feet from the hole when he walked up and tapped in his par to secure the 69<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">PGA</span> Tour victory of his career. After raising his hands in exaltation, he threw his ball 50 yards behind him into 18 fairway where a riot ensued as the ball landed in the crowd. </div><div>Not a bad way to bid farewell to the Buick...</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-5555602400649631182009-08-01T14:14:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:17:41.962-07:00Cowboys Fans: Stop Fooling Yourselves<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivilWTBqW4iU8xGP2mS0Dc1hVv0GCdV2tGboOJ0CXKocs-XpBV6kKYeOQ9fosoq6aSwBvuuENYj8RGC_XYRsX_tl_qbwmLOTJ3FgbSg-JnOZLEo2rN-mLMmZitbiga9zaZ0X5dYp9NU2c/s1600-h/610x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364451587469905490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivilWTBqW4iU8xGP2mS0Dc1hVv0GCdV2tGboOJ0CXKocs-XpBV6kKYeOQ9fosoq6aSwBvuuENYj8RGC_XYRsX_tl_qbwmLOTJ3FgbSg-JnOZLEo2rN-mLMmZitbiga9zaZ0X5dYp9NU2c/s320/610x.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've been a fan of America's Team all my life. Especially growing up in Texas where football is king everything stops on Sundays when the Cowboys kick off. The Cowboys' dynasty of the 90's not only produced three Super Bowls but it created a fan base that has been blindly living off those victorious years ever since. Not to mention, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DFW</span> media continues to bank on Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Romo</span> as the savior of this franchise when he leads them back to the promise land. Well, different than many Cowboys die-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hards</span> these days, I'm not living in the past anymore. <div><br /></div><div>The New York Yankees, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Notre</span> Dame Fighting Irish, the Los Angeles <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lakers</span> and the Dallas Cowboys. What do these four teams have in common? </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd4eo3Ql2E44MIkc-JEhE7OTFQX9-UX8gDKkFpdhHnKXiW1F2lDKXXqk7tnbRhXsIzoP0CflekpGjprMaLJns0rI8YefWuuYQQ4a_RDAhwFo8mf4uZTBn9e-T5JwTpIK59Chcw-P-wZQ/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364455107208390754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwd4eo3Ql2E44MIkc-JEhE7OTFQX9-UX8gDKkFpdhHnKXiW1F2lDKXXqk7tnbRhXsIzoP0CflekpGjprMaLJns0rI8YefWuuYQQ4a_RDAhwFo8mf4uZTBn9e-T5JwTpIK59Chcw-P-wZQ/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" /></a> <div>They are the handful of sports franchises in America that continue to be hyped and profitable no matter the outcome on their season.</div><div> The Yankees haven't won a World Series since 2000, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Notre</span> Dame went 15 years without a bowl victory, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lakers</span> until recently hadn't won a title since 2002 and the Cowboys haven't won a playoff game since 1996. </div><div>Yet all four of these teams every season are hyped to win by the media and their merchandise sells more than any other franchise in sports.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgEdlfPC1TMI4VbgNGCFGNE-egEkPnJ6yPZoG2W7P6_4SB8FpigdASSrtEuLBgHjDza6L7n_ZpYu_huW4hdM4q6RC5DJlxUzQ5wZreDdLuoTRa7rGCo7LPFwANhWx1MA81CO6uPNvChs/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364458973252783890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgEdlfPC1TMI4VbgNGCFGNE-egEkPnJ6yPZoG2W7P6_4SB8FpigdASSrtEuLBgHjDza6L7n_ZpYu_huW4hdM4q6RC5DJlxUzQ5wZreDdLuoTRa7rGCo7LPFwANhWx1MA81CO6uPNvChs/s200/Picture+2.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Much of this has to do with their enormous fan bases. It makes sense if you think about it. More fans=more demand. The higher demand results in heightened exposure by the media which in turn produces better ratings and more sales. </div><div>The problem with the media's infatuation with these caliber teams is that they don't always win. In fact, in the past seven seasons there has only been one title(2009 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lakers</span>) out of these four teams combined. For the Cowboys, this constant attention over the last 20 years has been both a blessing and a curse. But for the last 10 years it has mainly been a curse.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo-xQ5xuSbvgnZOuoGlZJVYYZ46W8ozCY6Vrr0oqsX3EGzKhLKLVctoeEstbMqwQW0hZMNI4z5_CgXXBzMaj1vFK2za1lunXFYefTU29jHwcJbj5oXz9kJvaGbi9IAPVx-8cLz_3staU/s1600-h/340x.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364459313479117746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo-xQ5xuSbvgnZOuoGlZJVYYZ46W8ozCY6Vrr0oqsX3EGzKhLKLVctoeEstbMqwQW0hZMNI4z5_CgXXBzMaj1vFK2za1lunXFYefTU29jHwcJbj5oXz9kJvaGbi9IAPVx-8cLz_3staU/s200/340x.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Training camp starts this week and so will the intense media buzz surrounding the Cowboys from now until January. Every time I've turned on the radio this past week, someone here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DFW</span> is breaking down the Cowboys' chances or examining what impact <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Demarcus</span> Ware will have or if Wade Phillips is going to be fired regardless of the outcome after the season. It's actually very exhausting to listen to. Come find me when when the first meaningful snap happens in September.</div><div> It doesn't help that two former Cowboys players, Michael Irvin and Nate Newton have their own radio show. The hype and attention that they direct toward the Cowboys on a daily basis illustrates how much our fans and the media live in the past.</div><div>Well, here's the reality Cowboys fans-you can talk about winning with this team all you want this season but it ain't gonna happen. If you'd open your eyes you'd see that your Dallas Cowboys haven't won anything since I was in the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> grade and this year isn't going to be any different. </div><div>So now that I've so boldly blasted the Cowboys, I'll offer up five reasons why this is NOT the year to bet on them to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">successful</span>.</div><div>5) The Secondary</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkd4u24mXsnVIjMCDIEtYHOj19DLJNRtzB8EEgOrknjUikKBqBI_pab9G_CF0OM6jpC6X-W7GLvSmovxgHBz1SmlBnOWSK9waR96KQGzSc05LXR0FCxIo4NDEMu7b0TDiMNnER0EAOFs/s1600-h/1022hamlin_sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364831533044705746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkd4u24mXsnVIjMCDIEtYHOj19DLJNRtzB8EEgOrknjUikKBqBI_pab9G_CF0OM6jpC6X-W7GLvSmovxgHBz1SmlBnOWSK9waR96KQGzSc05LXR0FCxIo4NDEMu7b0TDiMNnER0EAOFs/s200/1022hamlin_sm.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Last season, the Boys' secondary ranked among the worst in the NFC because of their susceptibility to the deep ball. With the departure of SS Roy Williams and Defensive Coordinator Brian Stewart, the Cowboys' secondary will be tested early and often. Ken Hamlin will have to be the leader of this secondary which is kind of scary. Basically, it could be a field day for a strong offense such as the Giants or Eagles. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4) Wade Phillips</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl2Eslxf3h4ruw3BAmNDw93l7_huvwmOPt6YUATau3Q_ejpHTCuW3yik1yPXzDbGhbMXeE1F5N0Z_RirHSzjVkJXawMC6AN0o1mu7Fe2KM2J2g233CoLhMw3UNsZ9f6n-HrFZCvidjrs/s1600-h/SPORTS_COWBOYS-GIANTS_15_FT.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364839061838037106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 185px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl2Eslxf3h4ruw3BAmNDw93l7_huvwmOPt6YUATau3Q_ejpHTCuW3yik1yPXzDbGhbMXeE1F5N0Z_RirHSzjVkJXawMC6AN0o1mu7Fe2KM2J2g233CoLhMw3UNsZ9f6n-HrFZCvidjrs/s200/SPORTS_COWBOYS-GIANTS_15_FT.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The Cowboys head coach is moving himself to defensive coordinator this season which will leave less time for him to oversee other parts of the team. I've never agreed that Wade is the fit for this team because he lets Jerry Jones run the entire organization. Not to mention that his laid back attitude has at times frustrated players and fans alike who want to win. Whether the Cowboys go 19-0 and win the Super Bowl this year or lose every game on the schedule, Phillips is more than likely going to be let go because his contract is up at the end of the season. Lame duck coaches aren't passionate leaders; which is exactly what this team needs this year. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) The New Texas Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03E3h1GAzEfJfa9CBi9crz0RV3Zsu0XSiJsz2KcD5IvrgYRMEfB2dNoTjx-ikc_0UIL3ixPdiGoAU4mYooR4gJpoSxlPu9IBanewfjcg6V8HaSdCrP-wgYkpIfva0UP5DAdXTZsqZeEE/s1600-h/cowboys_new_stadium.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364843136684262290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03E3h1GAzEfJfa9CBi9crz0RV3Zsu0XSiJsz2KcD5IvrgYRMEfB2dNoTjx-ikc_0UIL3ixPdiGoAU4mYooR4gJpoSxlPu9IBanewfjcg6V8HaSdCrP-wgYkpIfva0UP5DAdXTZsqZeEE/s200/cowboys_new_stadium.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Jerry Jones' billion dollar project is certainly going to generate a lot of attention this year, but one thing it doesn't guarantee is Cowboys victories. Take or leave this argument but the pressure that will be put on the team this season to succeed on the field will be too much at times. Not only will this season have expectations at home but with the Super Bowl being held here next year success will be nothing short of a Cowboys' victory in the big game.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) The Rest of the NFC EAST</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9likHfeTKQKwjKrf5PcqSVDY5I8LHWt7D17ZlX6cAALm8lscL3Vu0geO4qTxqhaRr4dwzAWe-hs8OXUmLtZfDLl6jnSuOcSldbLsjjzoH_IdtLd2EJMSy9clqD3GTgK3tEzT1l7Opy5o/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364849454639066258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9likHfeTKQKwjKrf5PcqSVDY5I8LHWt7D17ZlX6cAALm8lscL3Vu0geO4qTxqhaRr4dwzAWe-hs8OXUmLtZfDLl6jnSuOcSldbLsjjzoH_IdtLd2EJMSy9clqD3GTgK3tEzT1l7Opy5o/s200/Picture+4.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Bottom-line, the Eagles, Redskins and Giants all added key players to their teams this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">offseason</span> that undoubtedly make them stronger than they were last season. The Cowboys did nothing. The Giants signed former Cowboy Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Canty</span> and Rocky Bernard. The Eagles who ended the Cowboys season last year with a 44-6 win in Philly added several key players including rookie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">wideout</span> Jeremy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Maclin</span>. The Redskins may have improved the most by signing free-agent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">DT</span> Albert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Hanynesworth</span> and drafting University of Texas standout Brain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Orakpo</span>. Although the Cowboys did sign back-up QB Jon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Kitna</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">ILB</span> Keith Brooking, neither will make a lasting impact this season. Not to mention we had no first-round pick because we traded it for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">WR</span> Roy Williams last year. Even without these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">offseason</span> moves by the other NFC East teams, it's still the toughest division in the NFL. </div><div><br /></div><div>1) The Offense</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5OxfmDZyRiFO8DvjY9Y_3GNGVGXuTuC0eygUX5O5aWwnwPVmMj-qMfqBfvUV_BJA0pToi8eOgz194fwP2uRl5A9jlNKXO39XvkYov5iKEVPr-2d1Rqw4KVHCzdf4OhKVW54cdwZQmc0/s1600-h/offensive-coordinator-jason-garrett-speaks-with-quarterback-tony-romo-during-a-practice-session-at-the-teams-minicamp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364865562127518754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5OxfmDZyRiFO8DvjY9Y_3GNGVGXuTuC0eygUX5O5aWwnwPVmMj-qMfqBfvUV_BJA0pToi8eOgz194fwP2uRl5A9jlNKXO39XvkYov5iKEVPr-2d1Rqw4KVHCzdf4OhKVW54cdwZQmc0/s200/offensive-coordinator-jason-garrett-speaks-with-quarterback-tony-romo-during-a-practice-session-at-the-teams-minicamp.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Last year the Cowboys' high octane offense started off the season as the best in the NFL as they averaged 32 points a game to go 3-0. The rest of the way they would average just over 20 points a game which ranked them 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">th</span> in overall scoring at the end of the season. How does a team that had seven returning pro bowlers from the year before tank like that? This season could be even worse.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PxMSHyuSO2uC4hBmEUzI2luzD_1Fb5iSHeEE7KWZmHC-mnqGANCNglaFBUTevMmnRP6nkd2su_zsZYhxGocflBzqjVCHUPmezf1ttYOnJEG2cIcC4NVkhMcfhYhlVLVimc9jYcFnTNM/s1600-h/610x-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364865735637636338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PxMSHyuSO2uC4hBmEUzI2luzD_1Fb5iSHeEE7KWZmHC-mnqGANCNglaFBUTevMmnRP6nkd2su_zsZYhxGocflBzqjVCHUPmezf1ttYOnJEG2cIcC4NVkhMcfhYhlVLVimc9jYcFnTNM/s200/610x-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Even though the Cowboys have three stellar running backs in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Tashard</span> Choice, Felix Jones and Marion Barber, their passing game is very suspicious.</div><div>The loss of Terrell Owens will hurt the Cowboys tremendously this season. You can't tell me that Roy Williams is going to be the No.1 receiver of this team when he's never led his team in receiving in the past. And how many times can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Romo</span> throw to Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Witten</span> when he's double covered on third downs? We couldn't live with T.O. and now we won't be able to live without him on offense. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvliXKHF45k-qThUddj9xD6e7oat155Hlql02Rn_oO0SbSbkYjCqBC3u4PXdKommf8wE55TaqeZ5aiZOeepTEIP95u_GSHdxmUQQcgtsp5t1hFfZSN6wgboT8AUsD1rX6K55y-V7d5lE/s1600-h/romo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867324012785634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvliXKHF45k-qThUddj9xD6e7oat155Hlql02Rn_oO0SbSbkYjCqBC3u4PXdKommf8wE55TaqeZ5aiZOeepTEIP95u_GSHdxmUQQcgtsp5t1hFfZSN6wgboT8AUsD1rX6K55y-V7d5lE/s320/romo.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div> Finally, I 'd like to say I'm not a Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Romo</span> believer. I think he is the most overrated QB in the NFL and always will be. He lives and dies off busted plays which is never good. He may win you a few games here and there with that lucky stuff but when it comes down to winning the big game those plays don't work. In the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">offseason</span>, he seems more interested in a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open than working with his receivers.He's not a leader in the least bit. He may try and lead by example but at the end of the day he just doesn't have that passion that a starting quarterback needs to have. I believe that if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Romo</span> doesn't perform well this year, it may be his last as the Cowboys' quarterback. As he goes, so do the Cowboys.</div><div><br /></div><div>My 2009 Cowboys Prediction: 7-9 </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-91337147552464806212009-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:23:27.031-07:00So Close,Yet So Far Away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnln9WJsbUCC81jasL6rG-FZGqB1fBy6Yk-ERQYk-SeyeynVImqPtYbDBGXiBE2u2hq1aH6tBDdf3-TKD2YYhugWuXLjJXzxtclwgGL1jnKp0q5gDmoHOPAIO8xqcpXkP8UwvaOCLrMWc/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361856583510788530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 389px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnln9WJsbUCC81jasL6rG-FZGqB1fBy6Yk-ERQYk-SeyeynVImqPtYbDBGXiBE2u2hq1aH6tBDdf3-TKD2YYhugWuXLjJXzxtclwgGL1jnKp0q5gDmoHOPAIO8xqcpXkP8UwvaOCLrMWc/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpXw5AcnQRba7Uxm0WtSxkdYAdOPu0Efv6_jYXvJYivpdhxMODCnvIDKkBuDAejDkSJGzNvlG-USlWqbOVkepr7nANnq7JLfW7QHw8MSiJskkmxZ41hQ9VBw6ghOikqdLnsOOr4wE07o/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><br /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tom Watson is 59 years old. He is the winner of eight major championships, including five British Open titles and today he almost made it six. Watson was trying to become the oldest major championship winner in the history of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PGA</span> Tour beating Jack Nicklaus by more than 13 years. He led at some point in every round over the last four days at historic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Turnberry</span> in Scotland but it wasn't enough. <div><div>Coming down to the 72<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span> hole on Sunday he led fellow American Stewart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cink</span> by one stroke. He hit a perfect tee shot down the middle of the fairway but then chose to hit an 8-iron into the green. The ball headed right toward the flag stick but it proved to be one more club than he needed resulting in a 3rd shot just over the green. <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAmiKWu7B5pzI5ogXOKOtINEIyYC6mq_WhDWNJ4x9OKxcCZStPbHuuNbN3lupLeXq9Gc7soKX2NhEkOWo1u7iRFZx5J181ASFWAJg3ZSH1XvgIZpG4o-K5ff6GN0N4clAFJpdDDeXiSI/s1600-h/medium_watson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361854485365480210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAmiKWu7B5pzI5ogXOKOtINEIyYC6mq_WhDWNJ4x9OKxcCZStPbHuuNbN3lupLeXq9Gc7soKX2NhEkOWo1u7iRFZx5J181ASFWAJg3ZSH1XvgIZpG4o-K5ff6GN0N4clAFJpdDDeXiSI/s200/medium_watson.jpg" border="0" /></a> At this point every golf fan was getting nervous because he needed a good up and down to win instead of an easy two-putt. How could you root against Tom Watson in this situation? You just can't. He would go on to put his third shot eight feet from the hole leaving an uncomfortable putt to win. His nerves must have gotten the best of him because he never gave the putt a chance to go in the hole.</div><div>Watson would go on to make bogey to force a 4-hole playoff with Stewart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cink</span>. Even with four holes to play you could tell that Watson was shaken and the magic had left him. <div>Thirty minutes before he had a chance to win his sixth British Open by one stroke instead as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cink</span> sunk his final putt Watson lost by five strokes in the playoff. What a shame...</div></div></div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-10179795103075082222009-07-08T13:16:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:24:04.883-07:0015 Down,15 to Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCIHtFvbP7PCs2VnLA32m_dahJ7IhkgOlJOVXkZ9F9XvL3ItamRwCjedXt6rAfZXfP8jQrGmh5tdjP9Y4rucmZbMKLb95na81ZTdkzn3x37qjN3fZP53qs1-CeOVEatyvfRDmHwCHrcc/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356208930495487970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCIHtFvbP7PCs2VnLA32m_dahJ7IhkgOlJOVXkZ9F9XvL3ItamRwCjedXt6rAfZXfP8jQrGmh5tdjP9Y4rucmZbMKLb95na81ZTdkzn3x37qjN3fZP53qs1-CeOVEatyvfRDmHwCHrcc/s320/Picture+17.png" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6N28VaL4JtShM23b65NYLTHLOmoeOMq3AQapovVo_5femnOzw9xGdMbrjfPyVdXqwZ8PPk4aKmI7a4GLdcYePnxkjv4IuPZjJR3fvUzBi1bOK3LFIQyC3cQcG5UzLzkvcr6pqqHBl4CE/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FyutQqpiHoleU3bnyNj31OPsVelhyphenhypheniaztj8O2Nv2tRzibHibDiTgHXk261JRPtJH5fng88_lJ8uLGxDlWvGwR_JFIoeOImAwWeTsyKYkYWUUhrwezmJJLOZoJvjhbSBlbVBMy9tmC38/s1600-h/001_1.JPG"></a>Over the last three summers I've traveled over 15,000 miles and been to more than 20 states for my job at CBS Sports. Traveling that much can take its toll especially if I have driven from tournament to tournament every week. But one great thing about driving across the U.S. in the summer is the chance to stop and take in a Major League Baseball game. <div>Over my 23 years, I've been to 15 ballparks stretching from coast to coast and before I die I would love take in a game from each of the remaining 15 parks in America. So, out of those 15 ballparks I've decided to rank them in order from best to worst based on several categories: stadium, atmosphere and accessibility. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just a Place to Watch Baseball</div><div><br /></div><div>15) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RFK</span></span> Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kw-SKlEAC-EebWuzTFzbsjtqEknxwIHP09_KDDgOTVmo3UZY155WO0o1ORLACpJUnj-t9dbruF1sWdyShaag9XOoMhvbvKyevZm8p4oeoZexLQ-sIQNZo9kwLyBPH8mQ5A6pTzkDYys/s1600-h/rfkstadium.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356191662895997970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kw-SKlEAC-EebWuzTFzbsjtqEknxwIHP09_KDDgOTVmo3UZY155WO0o1ORLACpJUnj-t9dbruF1sWdyShaag9XOoMhvbvKyevZm8p4oeoZexLQ-sIQNZo9kwLyBPH8mQ5A6pTzkDYys/s200/rfkstadium.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The reason that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">RFK</span></span> is last on my list is because it was a baseball field in a football stadium. There were two sections: lower deck and upper deck. We bought tickets at the gate for $20 which was a complete rip off for the product inside. There was no chance to catch a home-run during batting practice because the entire outfield at it shortest point was 330 down the lines but the stands were 100 feet above the field. We got to see a good game between the Nationals and the Cubs, but overall it wasn't much.</div><div><br /></div><div>14) Shea Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEgTzS7YqPFOtWZcQMAGlT22wzPKXcw-D2gLVz0HYV8I_RWtCA4CwT0OE5Hq9Qu92McFZ_KHMaAqahyphenhyphensUqAoxVQsXEyYkRmlHkayLJtA5rcHNFfbHk3lYeLbX51PW5U5LW74DTwVuHEI/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356195780592251090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 104px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEgTzS7YqPFOtWZcQMAGlT22wzPKXcw-D2gLVz0HYV8I_RWtCA4CwT0OE5Hq9Qu92McFZ_KHMaAqahyphenhyphensUqAoxVQsXEyYkRmlHkayLJtA5rcHNFfbHk3lYeLbX51PW5U5LW74DTwVuHEI/s200/Picture+9.png" border="0" /></a> <div>I liked Shea for its history and rowdy fans but that was about it. We went to see the Rangers play the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mets</span></span> last summer which was a lot of fun because it's always nice to cheer you home team on in another park.The stadium itself is in downtown Queens which is not the most fan friendly place in the world especially if you're an opposing fan. Our tickets were a little pricey but we had excellent seats in the club level behind home plate. We got there for batting practice and found out that we weren't allowed in the outfield sections without a ticket; leaving us with little chance of grabbing a ball. The stadium was pretty "cookie-cutter", meaning there were not a lot of imaginative perks on the field or throughout the park. </div><div><br /></div><div>13)Angels Stadium of Anaheim </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PtS9yaKa-i4ohbBe_040KA9MiSAAqylFKIFCKJa2Mt9uoogkQ0Xs8cWd2b2iK9xXSBPjC1dWFM9cxy8AO-7rdcVT_h_gHE-wOZMkN3LRO1sQtDTEBNQqGxAFmrDoTMD7U_DYlXYpHMw/s1600-h/Picture+19.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356231299160791938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PtS9yaKa-i4ohbBe_040KA9MiSAAqylFKIFCKJa2Mt9uoogkQ0Xs8cWd2b2iK9xXSBPjC1dWFM9cxy8AO-7rdcVT_h_gHE-wOZMkN3LRO1sQtDTEBNQqGxAFmrDoTMD7U_DYlXYpHMw/s200/Picture+19.png" border="0" /></a> <div>We visited this park in the summer of 2006 and to be honest I was really disappointed. As you walk up to the stadium there are several gigantic structures of players or a batting helmet,etc but that was the most entertaining part of the park. The batting practice accessibility was nothing special and the view from behind home plate is pretty average. The outfield is split between stands in left, huge rocks in left center, a green concert structure in center for the batters eye and a 30 foot digital scoreboard in right. We sat in the upper deck behind home plate and were kind of bored by the atmosphere. </div><div><br /></div><div>12) Progressive Field( Jacob's Field)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU9TOqvj1iJk7Q3wi2x_iy9CVnusQfLHomnPUfAscxESntTGYf5XEgD4aog05SIqdf_SUZB2WFncZ-Qh02Hkl29Ei8zHNsBMvof1yf93ycP5VBNdBwA13dZkhrz6AkEryKpXZZK8dfRg/s1600-h/IMG_6254.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356236239121887010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU9TOqvj1iJk7Q3wi2x_iy9CVnusQfLHomnPUfAscxESntTGYf5XEgD4aog05SIqdf_SUZB2WFncZ-Qh02Hkl29Ei8zHNsBMvof1yf93ycP5VBNdBwA13dZkhrz6AkEryKpXZZK8dfRg/s200/IMG_6254.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>I had always heard how cool the "The Jake" was because it was the first ballpark built with the modern technology of the 90's,etc. The overall experience was a lot of fun but Progressive Field itself was overrated. The view from behind home-plate was a little like that of the Angels park. A digital scoreboard wall was in left with a another giant scoreboard behind the left field stands. From center to right it was basically just an eight foot high wall to the foul pole. The best part of the view is downtown Cleveland set directly behind the stadium. The game we went to lasted 13 innings against the Tigers. The best part of the night was the general rowdiness of the crowd. Overall this was a good experience but the stadium wasn't as good as advertised.</div><div><br /></div><div>11) Tiger Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuybggOJf0uMkzyjYYIaZfDCwMemkvx-BgG9SM2UOixnCRJwRTT8_aXfZVGGwsos_LP0AJZRQrkRCarzhvlD2nd0ZHFTl5Ogtlv7lODC7gQQ1GLZdDnjdNs3ikLzeUygW4V3MffN5nWk/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356239856763670050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuybggOJf0uMkzyjYYIaZfDCwMemkvx-BgG9SM2UOixnCRJwRTT8_aXfZVGGwsos_LP0AJZRQrkRCarzhvlD2nd0ZHFTl5Ogtlv7lODC7gQQ1GLZdDnjdNs3ikLzeUygW4V3MffN5nWk/s200/Picture+23.png" border="0" /></a> <div>I don't remember much about going to Tiger Stadium except that it was my first Major league game I'd ever seen in person. We went to see the Tigers vs. Rangers in 1993 during Nolan Ryan's last season in the big leagues. It wasn't much to look at but it had so much history inside of it that I have to put it ahead of some of the newer parks. Cecil Fielder hit a bomb to help the Tigers beat the Rangers that day but the new experience of a big league game was enough to keep me and my brother happy.</div><div>The 21st Century Park</div><div><br /></div><div>10) Minute Maid Park</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX16Z1xmcLtqT0ZWR-VwDds6NZG9r1T6f1w43NH7H3hqNuiYWo6o9ybjLl6S0IiyAABWK5UnhwbMXu3fQ75UsdS25mLHwME_4jGMsK7iOpPqjosqaQiR_FvQdWLxW2HXe4KOe6SsbRA0/s1600-h/MinuteMaidPark_LF.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356287719432530018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiX16Z1xmcLtqT0ZWR-VwDds6NZG9r1T6f1w43NH7H3hqNuiYWo6o9ybjLl6S0IiyAABWK5UnhwbMXu3fQ75UsdS25mLHwME_4jGMsK7iOpPqjosqaQiR_FvQdWLxW2HXe4KOe6SsbRA0/s200/MinuteMaidPark_LF.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I've been to watch the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Astros</span></span> several times since this stadium was built and every time I've really enjoyed it. The stadium is one of the most up to date there is with the retractable roof and the unique hill in dead <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">centerfield</span></span> 421 feet from home plate. The view from behind home-plate is a one that really catches your eye with the short porch in left field and other creative outlets around the field itself. This a great batting practice park because the short fences around the field. The only knock on this experience is that every time I've gone it seems like the crowd is asleep which kind of kills the atmosphere. Overall this is a great park to visit because it offers an environment for the whole family.</div><div><br /></div><div>9) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Comerica</span></span> Park</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssbYjrIdkb3W0CBxVNsEpUfFHCs_XMHUGlSAAR8r97kPElY4GD9omnA20cNmsUb14dL9rDa2p3AiAbLTJPqX6i2z1d0SaXAoBn452q-PGv0NQSfri10BHymRQc7TlkdvX1vE-r_nJOAA/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356359485102485058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssbYjrIdkb3W0CBxVNsEpUfFHCs_XMHUGlSAAR8r97kPElY4GD9omnA20cNmsUb14dL9rDa2p3AiAbLTJPqX6i2z1d0SaXAoBn452q-PGv0NQSfri10BHymRQc7TlkdvX1vE-r_nJOAA/s200/Picture+11.png" border="0" /></a> <div>I've been here twice since it's been built and both times I've walked away happy. The first thing you notice when you walk up to the park is an enormous statue of a tiger. As you walk around the park you will notice that there are several large statues of players such as Ty Cobb and Al <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaline</span></span> which makes you aware of the Tigers' rich history. During batting practice the players are very accessible and the if you bring your glove you have a great chance to catch a ball. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>8) Camden Yards</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp92fHYXKvyC5fF30X1TV8rWMENdQBjARP8H5ffKOB7S_VM27ai43JhzCalABbV4Kl2VqpWDbItQlcUd0YnTxPkJjFRx4TbXuvLV98z3TMA3GoAY7ab18ceWvmFO6S3M84bxVIcV2bJ0/s1600-h/DSCF0018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356661253478557154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 114px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp92fHYXKvyC5fF30X1TV8rWMENdQBjARP8H5ffKOB7S_VM27ai43JhzCalABbV4Kl2VqpWDbItQlcUd0YnTxPkJjFRx4TbXuvLV98z3TMA3GoAY7ab18ceWvmFO6S3M84bxVIcV2bJ0/s200/DSCF0018.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>I visited Camden a couple of weeks ago for the first time and it was everything I expected. It had beautiful scenery, an old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">timey</span></span> feel to it and the fans were very knowledgeable of the game. We went to see the Orioles play the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sox</span></span> and had great seats a few rows behind home plate. The only negative was the rain delay that forced us to leave in the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span></span> inning with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">O's</span></span> down 9-1. As we got back to our hotel, we watched the end of the game but we were sick because the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">O's</span></span> came back and won 11-10. There's not much wrong with Camden Yards.</div><div><br /></div><div>7) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">PNC</span></span> Park</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE9KGek5qG8LaR2N_LBibYoXLOd7D_eq91TyRbtvvMGo5uG_tHucdCkwzHJxnQvgsUQdvqJKnw8pXjurl5WJ-lCEWd2WzsjwQ1FyG8urjIeUfiRNZvKdoHQqRTlQelsTjpXKgdtByPIU/s1600-h/IMG_5501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356953107535439442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 79px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZE9KGek5qG8LaR2N_LBibYoXLOd7D_eq91TyRbtvvMGo5uG_tHucdCkwzHJxnQvgsUQdvqJKnw8pXjurl5WJ-lCEWd2WzsjwQ1FyG8urjIeUfiRNZvKdoHQqRTlQelsTjpXKgdtByPIU/s200/IMG_5501.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The home of the Pittsburgh Pirates was surprisingly very impressive all around. Like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Comerica</span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">PNC</span></span> has several statues around the park of old players such as Willie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Stargell</span></span> and Roberto Clemente. We walked up and got $8 tickets against the Yankees which is unheard of anywhere else. The ballpark itself is beautiful. The view from home plate is dominated by the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Historical Parks</span></div><div>6) Dodger Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8pYujSZ-rGhyut22w0I5YKFhaGoRnrDVbqgYPIpngPU7eQg5LOWBytuz_0YKWC5WELez7vOGG7VOgUetgZaBRFpKEcrokJXlTigNzLQXuUGRPE-r2mKXB6XKPE2GzTPbJ5y9AyazVSk/s1600-h/n54605657_31015112_7798.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360244098564063778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8pYujSZ-rGhyut22w0I5YKFhaGoRnrDVbqgYPIpngPU7eQg5LOWBytuz_0YKWC5WELez7vOGG7VOgUetgZaBRFpKEcrokJXlTigNzLQXuUGRPE-r2mKXB6XKPE2GzTPbJ5y9AyazVSk/s200/n54605657_31015112_7798.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>This was a great experience as were the visits to the rest of the stadiums on this list because of the history of the park. The stadium itself is nothing to brag about, but the L.A. atmosphere makes this a great baseball experience. We got to see the Dodgers play the Giants back in 2006 as Barry Bonds was chasing Hank Aaron's home-run record. We sat in the left field bleachers and watched Bonds hit his 720<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span></span> homer. We also watched an inspiring fireworks show at the end of the game. </div><div><br /></div><div>5) Yankee Stadium</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc-ccpakzBRpldntrJAFN0ZNLs6_vF4d1tnafgdFvfkRqrUS_ratyBJh_OGwiefn2VZMb_-4Sx7bg_KMfKx6KFLUR44Qxp5_RuGGrY7ZtgYu_DTABvLlyBvlu3wUaUDcTTnijh2R5iyQ/s1600-h/yankee-stadium-inside-photofile-photograph-c12188634.jpeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361698988330334514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc-ccpakzBRpldntrJAFN0ZNLs6_vF4d1tnafgdFvfkRqrUS_ratyBJh_OGwiefn2VZMb_-4Sx7bg_KMfKx6KFLUR44Qxp5_RuGGrY7ZtgYu_DTABvLlyBvlu3wUaUDcTTnijh2R5iyQ/s200/yankee-stadium-inside-photofile-photograph-c12188634.jpeg" border="0" /></a> <div>I know the thousands of you that will read this may think I'm ranking Yankee Stadium too low because I don't like them. Well, you're right(sort of). There's not another team in sports that I hate more than the New York Yankees but to be fair I just wasn't that impressed with the park. I visited the stadium in 2001 during a series with the Indians who then had Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Thome</span></span> and Manny Ramirez. We watched Roger Clemens pitch a gem which was really cool to see. The stadium itself was in the Bronx which is not a neighborhood you want to be caught in at night. The history of the park was the best part because you could just feel the ghosts of Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig and so many others that had played here. Overall, it wasn't much to look at but it was nice to be a part of a history.</div><div><br /></div><div>4)<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Pac</span></span> Bell Park- Home of the Giants</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ne8yhEIkqG_B8VkpaExk4l-_9lh2Orv3WyymbPTMjOEyjLNidyh143GLK-MDXLzEfh5Jl-otp_fJSLUgpViJZ_NHev6yXo7U5B06i1yG67sJ-8RjFfgCCzWYoJUXzhgQs70Di-gQjs/s1600-h/custom_1243616946042_attpark.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361698972981500034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 112px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ne8yhEIkqG_B8VkpaExk4l-_9lh2Orv3WyymbPTMjOEyjLNidyh143GLK-MDXLzEfh5Jl-otp_fJSLUgpViJZ_NHev6yXo7U5B06i1yG67sJ-8RjFfgCCzWYoJUXzhgQs70Di-gQjs/s200/custom_1243616946042_attpark.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>This is my favorite recently built park for so many reasons. My family and I traveled to SF in 2004 which was cool because Barry Bonds was the best player in baseball. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Pac</span></span> Bell is 50 feet the Pacific Ocean which makes the home-runs hit to right field accessible to people boating in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">McCovey's</span></span> Cove. The view from behind the plate is breath-taking because of the array of colors that are covering the structures and the view of the bay from the field. The thing that is so cool about this park is that there are so many things to do besides just sit and watch baseball. There's a small theme park and a view from right field that looks out into the bay. Not to mention 30 or so lucky fans can find a spot to watch the game through a gate from the outside of the park at field level for free. We saw the 2004 Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sox</span></span> play the Giants that day which was really cool. This is definitely a must if you're a baseball fan. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) Wrigley Field </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFoc65lyHq306twWpgzZCidKeqhE2jaNyKUX2S7hSSuNHoNGvDPeSfUzMn47c96_nmrhJvGDi9GSsRjMnuFCzvXgXMjtxhhlOBTsjTpUSIfqe0v7okMZ6O4lLVbdd8ugwd8p3E5fP0Ws/s1600-h/IMG_7862.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361698979932681522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFoc65lyHq306twWpgzZCidKeqhE2jaNyKUX2S7hSSuNHoNGvDPeSfUzMn47c96_nmrhJvGDi9GSsRjMnuFCzvXgXMjtxhhlOBTsjTpUSIfqe0v7okMZ6O4lLVbdd8ugwd8p3E5fP0Ws/s200/IMG_7862.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The home of the Cubs has the best sports atmosphere in the country. Many times at stadiums across America you will see random fans that are wearing other teams' jerseys or gear just because they're at a baseball game... not here. Everyone is wearing Cubs stuff. The experience outside the stadium is crazy because all the way around the park people are selling Cubs' merchandise, selling tickets, chasing after batting practice homers or making their way in and out of the numerous bars they have around Wrigley. When we entered for the first time it felt as though we had walked into the 1940's. Another great thing about Wrigley is that most of the fans are very knowledgeable about the game which makes it that much more fun. We saw the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Cubbies</span></span> win 6-2 against the Marlins and listened to Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Maddux</span></span> sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span></span> Inning stretch. As far as baseball atmosphere goes it just doesn't get any better... </div><div><br /></div><div>2) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Fenway</span></span> Park</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4cPwLJH3tQv2pkEADYljkgqWVQ_NSOEJU5WadHfb3fLTS5ioxhsJHXdY5hQ2BaGfHu2V8KIOKXBOsbcyz4OiCILMyudGgeS8krENuW0WVT9DaZKpjTCUucSfpHhy2sLBUgr8NmHnJ5o/s1600-h/n54605657_31781346_6598.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361701063210426370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4cPwLJH3tQv2pkEADYljkgqWVQ_NSOEJU5WadHfb3fLTS5ioxhsJHXdY5hQ2BaGfHu2V8KIOKXBOsbcyz4OiCILMyudGgeS8krENuW0WVT9DaZKpjTCUucSfpHhy2sLBUgr8NmHnJ5o/s200/n54605657_31781346_6598.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Ever since I was about 11 years old my family has been traveling down to Florida every year to go watch the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Sox</span></span> spring training in Fort Meyers, FL. So I've always enjoyed rooting for the the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sox</span></span>(except when they're playing the Rangers) even before the had their magical 2004 World Series run. We visited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Fenway</span></span> in the same week as we went to Yankee Stadium which was cool because we got a lot of baseball history in a short time span. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Fenway</span></span> is like Wrigley Field in that there is so rich in baseball history that you can't help but take in this one-of -kind ballpark. If you can get there early for batting practice there are several extremely accessible spots to catch a ball or even get an autograph. Down the right field line next to the foul pole the wall is a mere four feet high which makes it prime territory for ball interaction. The stadium itself is the oldest in the majors which makes it look like you're in the 1960's. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt219qPbUBmrFQyGaJZpwruwpbseDPbb-zeCnafhifM_hkHNoQuGsiILcPkEvWZXL85BcCjGwK4y1kKlnlfw8mg7XK7qSDwnkt_jV8BMAKcXsHZylGNyWH_4n0-2gc1RSKpdPm3h7OB4/s1600-h/fenway-park.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361698970679009634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt219qPbUBmrFQyGaJZpwruwpbseDPbb-zeCnafhifM_hkHNoQuGsiILcPkEvWZXL85BcCjGwK4y1kKlnlfw8mg7XK7qSDwnkt_jV8BMAKcXsHZylGNyWH_4n0-2gc1RSKpdPm3h7OB4/s200/fenway-park.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The view from behind home plate is one that any baseball fan would never forget. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Fenway</span> has so many nooks and crannies from "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Pesky's</span> Pole" down the right field line to the gap in right center that is 420 feet from home or the famous "Green Monster" in left field that stands 37 feet high. We saw the Indians play the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Sox</span> that night as we sat in deep right a few row up from the bullpen. The best thing about the experience was to be a part of the surrounding fans' passion for their team. One minute the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Sox</span> would take the lead and you would think they were World Series bound but the next inning they would commit an error followed immediately by a string of "boos' from their faithful. This passion is what makes going to a game in Boston an absolute must if you're a sports fan.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Best of the Best </div><div><br /></div><div>1) The Ballpark in Arlington</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQwvmEg7Oz8h2BXxMHnOCAcGD875c8BeVLChUdv1hb7CW2PUU8GdcIt4DfSthzq2Vf0e-bXuOTVIdzOg9iE7WWmqabb0EXYRjChQQbk5JN_h8smiiFlLE-30Ouv7duVUFHh-K8zSXUKc/s1600-h/ameriquestmain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831474313379906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQwvmEg7Oz8h2BXxMHnOCAcGD875c8BeVLChUdv1hb7CW2PUU8GdcIt4DfSthzq2Vf0e-bXuOTVIdzOg9iE7WWmqabb0EXYRjChQQbk5JN_h8smiiFlLE-30Ouv7duVUFHh-K8zSXUKc/s200/ameriquestmain.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Yes, I know most of you will disagree with this but I don't care. How could I not rank the stadium that I've seen over 300 games in over the last 14 years at the top of the list? The Ballpark is not just a place to watch baseball; it's an enjoyable experience for everyone no matter who you're rooting for. When you walk into the park you are immediately welcomed by the Rangers' staff with a smile and a "Welcome to The Ballpark." Showing up a couple hours early for batting practice can be very beneficial. The best place to catch a ball is in dead centerfield standing next to the 100 feet of green grass that serves as a prime place for homers. My brother and I have caught over 400 batting practice baseballs over the years on that hill which is pretty cool. Just behind centerfield is a huge playground for kids that makes for a great break during the game for kids.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwH7_u-Z-YCBK0sTQNnW0nxpSgIILOtrrDtOKTJJ2PRHUjs8Hzzr27FTa84tvZvL7dRnfk7erORdE9yxO6YbUn3fmzipv_cIeXuva63XP1l7wV9N6pnmlJi-gqy9hbHt0GhdShL2bCu8/s1600-h/004_4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361831714174652146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwH7_u-Z-YCBK0sTQNnW0nxpSgIILOtrrDtOKTJJ2PRHUjs8Hzzr27FTa84tvZvL7dRnfk7erORdE9yxO6YbUn3fmzipv_cIeXuva63XP1l7wV9N6pnmlJi-gqy9hbHt0GhdShL2bCu8/s200/004_4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The view from behind home-plate is reminiscent of old Tiger stadium in right field with a huge home-run porch. In left field there was originally a manual scoreboard that is now a huge digital scoreboard. Not to mention that my family's season tickets in right centerfield just above the 407 sign are the best seats in the house. We're five feet from the bullpen catcher and on the first row of the our section a few feet from the wall which makes it possible to catch a homer and have a conversation with the players from our seats. The atmosphere of The Ballpark embodies our great state of Texas. Filled with museums, low prices and the most entertaining baseball in the big leagues, The Ballpark in Arlington is the best value in the majors. </div><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-81038758558922387282009-07-05T21:44:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:24:29.681-07:00Just Another Day at Work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVfz40xPIC5hz1lRzBiH9QQFeB5pIzPIdeX1y8SmRi0U-8D8SGC0OiwuGIJ79v93brzNB3_FTd6wEMAZyl6-Kc7YyEo7DCypfC3nmQtSn0tNc02gRhPb9eALlJm8CnmDhlpUVT7YYgPk/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356142402553736706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVfz40xPIC5hz1lRzBiH9QQFeB5pIzPIdeX1y8SmRi0U-8D8SGC0OiwuGIJ79v93brzNB3_FTd6wEMAZyl6-Kc7YyEo7DCypfC3nmQtSn0tNc02gRhPb9eALlJm8CnmDhlpUVT7YYgPk/s320/Picture+5.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Today Tiger Woods won his 68<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></span> career victory on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PGA</span></span> Tour at Congressional Country Club. Seeing that he is the host of the tournament and is playing very well this year, it seemed a forgone conclusion that he would win. I caught a few glimpses of Tiger this week including his final putt on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></span> hole. The whole week Tiger was neck and neck with reigning champion, Anthony Kim, but it never really felt like Kim was in the driver's seat. <div>From a spotter's perspective, when Tiger is playing it makes the tournament ten times more exciting. It was said that on Friday there were 46,000 fans at Congressional and 40,000 of them were following Tiger. The rest of the course felt like a graveyard. Despite that, golf is just better with Tiger present. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaPY5rl1u_hvcU1-K7u2BFSXn9NN2UFZ2zAd48X7UuanznfQGMcT83ha2cpFheeRe-VBjrQ5h1ousQYrhwU6iI0-0J2khBUyZLxgcdAiWW5HU2XzpTMzYa_wi7JPArweZoACaiff9bd4/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356141622221566290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 89px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaPY5rl1u_hvcU1-K7u2BFSXn9NN2UFZ2zAd48X7UuanznfQGMcT83ha2cpFheeRe-VBjrQ5h1ousQYrhwU6iI0-0J2khBUyZLxgcdAiWW5HU2XzpTMzYa_wi7JPArweZoACaiff9bd4/s200/Picture+4.png" border="0" /></a> <div>As my friend Cliff and I finished our post production jobs, we grabbed a cart and raced down to the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span></span> green to watch Tiger and Kim finish. Woods was only leading by one stroke as he teed it up on the final hole but it didn't feel like anyone was worried. Tiger hit a perfect tee shot right down the middle of the fairway and then took an 8 iron to the middle of the green. Cliff and I walked underneath the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span> tower a few yards from the green to watch Tiger try and win his own tournament for the first time. He two putted and captured his 68<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span></span> win on tour. It was meant to be to this week.</div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-43100935470579303602009-06-28T19:00:00.000-07:002009-07-24T19:57:32.616-07:00I Wish I Could Say I Cared<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoi8ony0IacHo2JV35LkMtxkMpdmtRYg6CTmLYoowdiAvQuoH77MbLDUsYggatDhFtVywmGB652ZYzCPlHrrZ1K1ZzGP8466naAAZLscyrEHP5C1fdcI45bfSth10mEZ4ZmNHRXo-W-g/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoi8ony0IacHo2JV35LkMtxkMpdmtRYg6CTmLYoowdiAvQuoH77MbLDUsYggatDhFtVywmGB652ZYzCPlHrrZ1K1ZzGP8466naAAZLscyrEHP5C1fdcI45bfSth10mEZ4ZmNHRXo-W-g/s320/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355471828407936306" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Soccer is said to be the most popular sport in the world. Forgive me if I disagree. This may sound sort of narcissistic, but the sporting world revolves around the United States and our stars. The most popular sports icons of our time such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Babe Ruth were all generated from the American media. Now, there are European super stars like Pele and David Beckham, but their popularity has a limit- just like the sport they play. </div><div>Today, the U.S. soccer team lost a heartbreaker to Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Final 3-2. I guess this was a huge loss considering five days before some people wanted to give the U.S. team a ticker-tape parade after upsetting Spain in the semis. The U.S. was a huge underdog in both games. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4hWS3ws0c6K6X7TW3oNaDALNldujLXbNt1k1BSmPbQ-MDWdrdVy0_W2w-dC9wEzPwobKEH3k6xxTJsTO94rnCXIMENE0rrftlgjZXJgdhY-WP72JujtfOjnzFRE4-WvZtpC3P_4yN9A/s1600-h/309_adu_JD_MNT_20080320_223.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4hWS3ws0c6K6X7TW3oNaDALNldujLXbNt1k1BSmPbQ-MDWdrdVy0_W2w-dC9wEzPwobKEH3k6xxTJsTO94rnCXIMENE0rrftlgjZXJgdhY-WP72JujtfOjnzFRE4-WvZtpC3P_4yN9A/s200/309_adu_JD_MNT_20080320_223.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355539679319554338" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 172px; " /></a><div>At the half, Brazil trailed 2-0 but came roaring back by scoring three consecutive goals in the second half to win the title. But my question is... what title did they win?</div><div> I know it's called the Confederation Cup but what is it? Is it an international league that is played annually like the NFL or NBA? Or is it a qualifying series of games for the World Cup next year? I couldn't tell you and frankly I don't think the average sports fan could either. Soccer will never be what football or baseball is in this country because there are too many unknowns. </div><div><br /></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-53852262521358993112009-06-23T18:58:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:00:00.013-07:00G-Lover Wins the Open<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDeo3rJR5oqbLx1TixNHzzx6_Otl_-MNBHW2ecH_dtakyEBNDKMeHOh1gqC1rlUTARZ_wjAXhuJdZ5nKgDKZWcSJhXRD2ThFZ_E2Jzks-9h55w-_zUa1ISFxACaA1jJaIj7DDaagLD9k/s1600-h/zzzzLucas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354817030768348818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDeo3rJR5oqbLx1TixNHzzx6_Otl_-MNBHW2ecH_dtakyEBNDKMeHOh1gqC1rlUTARZ_wjAXhuJdZ5nKgDKZWcSJhXRD2ThFZ_E2Jzks-9h55w-_zUa1ISFxACaA1jJaIj7DDaagLD9k/s320/zzzzLucas.jpg" border="0" /></a>The U.S. Open is my favorite tournament to watch for several reasons. It has drama unlike any other and separates the men from the boys when it really counts. Lucas Glover was just a regular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">joe</span></span> on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PGA</span></span> Tour until Monday afternoon when he fought off Tiger and company to win The Open at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bethpage</span></span> Black. He used his care-free demeanor to win his second career tournament and change his life forever. <div>To be honest, I wasn't too excited when Lucas won because I thought he was just some grouch who happened to get lucky. The latter may be true, but the former is as far as can be from reality. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 21px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I became a huge Glover fan after watching him on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last evening because he basically just made fun of himself. </span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPElcz2immW7UUAA1L3IlJ4iQXtYQ9pTHYBjD1hB0yz3Xx51rJYyGEuTArg9-5FlbVTLak9fkSq-KfEEfqcKNnLkYVk3diRT54IAGVaA3Q_qiOwq2ZDwMC9fAFm3PL-S9xrZa4XdMRGgQ/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354817238633280850" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPElcz2immW7UUAA1L3IlJ4iQXtYQ9pTHYBjD1hB0yz3Xx51rJYyGEuTArg9-5FlbVTLak9fkSq-KfEEfqcKNnLkYVk3diRT54IAGVaA3Q_qiOwq2ZDwMC9fAFm3PL-S9xrZa4XdMRGgQ/s200/Picture+24.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;"> </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 21px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Here's the list:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 21px"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">10.I'd like to thank Tiger Woods for letting someone else win</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">9.I started playing golf in March.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">8.I forgot my wedge yesterday, so I used a rake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">7.Honestly, I'm just glad to be out of the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">6.I had Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mickelson</span></span> in the office pool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">5.Ladies, my last name isn't "Glover" -- it's "G. Lover"</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0YyEmDqL8FolrpiHLuEcwOVKkEP8b0-rjmHw-hIvsCFS_x_c-1FOj8_dE8fuKiFkOFC5hfC3l5zTqd6cteIewv9dwUAJNVcEeWO5jF1w7xLNlHUEF4dOZlUI9opnTPV6RCgSWnEyPko/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354817247010072290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0YyEmDqL8FolrpiHLuEcwOVKkEP8b0-rjmHw-hIvsCFS_x_c-1FOj8_dE8fuKiFkOFC5hfC3l5zTqd6cteIewv9dwUAJNVcEeWO5jF1w7xLNlHUEF4dOZlUI9opnTPV6RCgSWnEyPko/s200/Picture+22.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">4.I drive for show, I putt for dough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">3.Does anybody have a phone number for that Jon & Kate lady?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">2.If there's anything more exciting than watching golf, it's ten lame jokes read by a guy who plays golf.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal"></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >1.Even I have never heard of me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal">Simply classic. I'm not sure which one I enjoyed more: watching Glover win The Open or watching him on Letterman. Probably the latter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 15pt 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 16pt; mso-text-indent-alt: -.5in; mso-pagination: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><br /></span></p><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-83157043573915519732009-06-18T23:30:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:25:44.168-07:00Lone Star Domination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4dhZG42TFYkok2jR6evAJqvIlwLprxCFgdCc3lYVWxxrtQI9cdoikQtHsxIY20-iW8d6gPzvq_j0Rwd_R-NW_YQBI44vOHg8NGr9uCrdHVPaOXPuB-BYhQFWGvhqagNcN7Xa0xO8A58/s1600-h/443570025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354785796396487634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4dhZG42TFYkok2jR6evAJqvIlwLprxCFgdCc3lYVWxxrtQI9cdoikQtHsxIY20-iW8d6gPzvq_j0Rwd_R-NW_YQBI44vOHg8NGr9uCrdHVPaOXPuB-BYhQFWGvhqagNcN7Xa0xO8A58/s320/443570025.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm a fan of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Interleague</span> play in baseball. I attended the first ever <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">interleague</span> game in 1999 featuring the Rangers and the Giants at The Ballpark. As a baseball fan, I enjoy seeing National League teams like the Cubs, Dodgers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mets</span> that we wouldn't normally see unless the Rangers played in the World Series. The Rangers have an overall record of 112-118 in ten years of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">interleague</span> play. This isn't the most impressive record- in fact its toward the bottom of the league but one team the Rangers love to play are the Houston <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Astros</span>. <div>The Rangers lead the all-time series 28-26 but they have won the season series now four years in a row after going 5-1 this year. Their first meeting of the year was a crucial 11 inning victory in which Nelson Cruz hit a go ahead homer in the 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> inning to snap a three game losing streak.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugLjpEpMeJPoSSs9UKRTP0snioHSHp_wYpPil32Dy-ZR-_Ksei-hn9aZMu1ashhw7CqXO3iluYPS9uQk2Bz3d5JEzbQj2CzZ7QqRcIxlsMZ5ujOwp-0s6vn-K5jTv8v_xN2FoZAXUjpk/s1600-h/nelson-cruz-rangers-20090523_zaf_cb6_047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354783877975776738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugLjpEpMeJPoSSs9UKRTP0snioHSHp_wYpPil32Dy-ZR-_Ksei-hn9aZMu1ashhw7CqXO3iluYPS9uQk2Bz3d5JEzbQj2CzZ7QqRcIxlsMZ5ujOwp-0s6vn-K5jTv8v_xN2FoZAXUjpk/s200/nelson-cruz-rangers-20090523_zaf_cb6_047.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The next two games were really not even close with the Rangers winning 6-3 and 5-0 respectively. Brandon McCarthy threw his first career complete in the series finale to give Texas a three game sweep. </div><div>The following series was also won by the Rangers 2-1 at home this time. Ian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kinsler</span> led the Rangers with two home-runs in the first game of the series. Home-runs have been a common occurrence against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Astros</span> over the years. Texas has set major league records with two games with eight homers or more over the years. In 2009, the homers haven't quite come that easily but they have outscored the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Astros</span> 28-13 in the season series which is pretty impressive. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF1kgYA3r6Ts0u2Y4lUq3MMEl4HZb4SHdAFijB5t0xJsHXixMc9vcOliqXwVycxVBcpPK08SJplGU_5r0XwQww4DwMxcSk2FmN8TDxKwcJIN_pr6YG3Tb7qDKn78sU-qRgmg7NxEcBik/s1600-h/131312_athletics_rangers_baseball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354785799258037026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpF1kgYA3r6Ts0u2Y4lUq3MMEl4HZb4SHdAFijB5t0xJsHXixMc9vcOliqXwVycxVBcpPK08SJplGU_5r0XwQww4DwMxcSk2FmN8TDxKwcJIN_pr6YG3Tb7qDKn78sU-qRgmg7NxEcBik/s320/131312_athletics_rangers_baseball.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I have a lot of friends that are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Astros</span> fans and most of them don't have much respect for the Rangers. Their argument is that Rangers have never been to a World Series(I guess that's true but we've also never been swept in the World Series either) let alone win a playoff series. They can have the title of worst team to get a fall classic because we've got the Silver Boot. It's really all about what you've done for me lately,right?<br /><div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-19135035183337497022009-06-11T23:48:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:26:03.010-07:00Whoever Wins, We Lose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqszvl19N_Jv3uj-eHruRYu4qB9nuB8gyaK50elEXDC8iH5wD7pqXEzZWZ99BaFLEqgRu7AZhNATnFTCsPF9ri7Gi42ZsGbPcUcJO0PbKNh0dDNSMm96wRcnVbi_I1THcF3WwG2od7I7Y/s1600-h/Picture+19.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353631574591073826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqszvl19N_Jv3uj-eHruRYu4qB9nuB8gyaK50elEXDC8iH5wD7pqXEzZWZ99BaFLEqgRu7AZhNATnFTCsPF9ri7Gi42ZsGbPcUcJO0PbKNh0dDNSMm96wRcnVbi_I1THcF3WwG2od7I7Y/s320/Picture+19.png" border="0" /></a>After the best post-season in a decade you would think the NBA Finals would be must-see TV, right? Not exactly. This Finals <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">matchup</span> of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lakers</span> and the Magic has been tough to watch for this sports fan because nobody looks like they want to win. Actually, Kobe wants to win enough for the entire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lakers</span> squad- at least that what ESPN has told us over the last week to keep us interested. <div>Game 4 was the hardest of these Finals to watch so far because neither team could shoot a lick. The two teams needed overtime to finish this one with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lakers</span> eventually winning 99-91. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCs2F8UewSPWgg4iLldtHstZjU3jjOMufAEHLbrU90ssA1Xy6WDaJrjsb44G5ST6P1phlHGFxOGHPNcF3R2cCRjQxuQyo95gaPDcSQp4K1XAlYWpnFypVEXPl8SZUa3lI8rLI332mTYM/s1600-h/espn-nbacrew.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354434102312409906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCs2F8UewSPWgg4iLldtHstZjU3jjOMufAEHLbrU90ssA1Xy6WDaJrjsb44G5ST6P1phlHGFxOGHPNcF3R2cCRjQxuQyo95gaPDcSQp4K1XAlYWpnFypVEXPl8SZUa3lI8rLI332mTYM/s200/espn-nbacrew.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The ratings for this years Finals are projected to drop about 10 percent to an 8.4. </div><div>Last year the epic rivalry of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lakers</span>-Celtics produced a national rating of 9.3 overall. This just proves that the NBA is a star-driven league. These are the best athletes in the world but their play in this series has been very mediocre. Unlike the Superbowl or even the World Series; the Finals banks on having two stars to face each other.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FH0xEQc0Yruf7cl3UdvaGxLRblATGY7RcX0FAcgHy9B2meQ8aL_CVf80u30lcP2zIl4oKBdnTvEUl_N0KcjLtJYeXeXEYkPp4ZpJR28nJ7rQHNhTbzGm8RHTUl8SutiYAVA6jgp0T9E/s1600-h/malone_320_jordan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354424360548406162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FH0xEQc0Yruf7cl3UdvaGxLRblATGY7RcX0FAcgHy9B2meQ8aL_CVf80u30lcP2zIl4oKBdnTvEUl_N0KcjLtJYeXeXEYkPp4ZpJR28nJ7rQHNhTbzGm8RHTUl8SutiYAVA6jgp0T9E/s320/malone_320_jordan.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>For example, the classic showdown of the Magic-Bird in the 1980's averaged a 14 point rating. The six Finals in which Michael Jordan played in through the 1990's against the likes of Magic, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Drexler</span>,Barkley,Kemp, Stockton and Malone averaged a 16.7 rating. The highest rating ever came in the Jordan's last Finals appearance against the Jazz with an 18.7 rating. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYuL4MOVj8hKhVDCCLUcLzrNRJRr4gYMswdEc4SsZuChfOvNPYHPxq4wgytDn_E24Z2U9A6Wx2QeeqcZfV-FJFB1xoBnzahuMiGI55X-4Ct1vjLg2OZbU0b9GYTGP-Uq80mM6hNNToGM/s1600-h/dwight-howard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354425354875478722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYuL4MOVj8hKhVDCCLUcLzrNRJRr4gYMswdEc4SsZuChfOvNPYHPxq4wgytDn_E24Z2U9A6Wx2QeeqcZfV-FJFB1xoBnzahuMiGI55X-4Ct1vjLg2OZbU0b9GYTGP-Uq80mM6hNNToGM/s200/dwight-howard.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The years in which the Finals showcased just one star such as Spurs-Nets and Celtics Rockets average well below a 10 rating. </div><div>This match-up of Kobe versus Dwight Howard is not quite what it may be in a few years. In addition to the lack of individual competition; these two teams are below average in comparison to the some of the teams in 80's and 90's. </div><div>Let's just get it over with and hope next year's be more entertaining.<br /></div><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-39646561503259939992009-06-07T22:09:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:27:33.852-07:00Don't Take Him For Granted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-TbJIrKGsBQzgaVDNUtDEKnTZPZJqmVf1Cw-ffIDb0jKm_8tZVkCIEZfEs0ESMoW7miBkYmbvnX17DgR67VshKg7loIWxf3sqyWfNn-2x0F1S6LZvvbYJ52WEFSih6cY5vizR0ooCq4/s1600-h/g-080614-cvr-tiger2-715p.h2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354275178161422802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-TbJIrKGsBQzgaVDNUtDEKnTZPZJqmVf1Cw-ffIDb0jKm_8tZVkCIEZfEs0ESMoW7miBkYmbvnX17DgR67VshKg7loIWxf3sqyWfNn-2x0F1S6LZvvbYJ52WEFSih6cY5vizR0ooCq4/s320/g-080614-cvr-tiger2-715p.h2.jpg" border="0" /></a>He did it again. Nobody was surprised but how he did it showed why he is the best. With an audience of several thousand fans surrounding the 18th green at Memorial including Jack Nicklaus himself, Tiger Woods finished off the rest of the field with relative ease. <div> Trailing by four entering today's final round, Tiger set out to win his fourth Memorial title. I was paired two groups in front of Tiger's group so that meant on certain holes I could catch a couple of his shots. <div><div>As he teed off on the Par 5 11th my group was climbing the stairs to the Par 3 12th which over looks the 11th green. </div><div>It was pretty cool to watch the masses flock to down the fairway to the green after Tiger flew his 2nd shot in the back rough. In the meantime, we were waiting on the group in front of us to putt out so we all sat and watched Tiger. I stood there with with Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els, Bubba Watson and Luke Donald and watch Tiger mull over his difficult 3rd shot from behind the green. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissJz8qtbjhhWs5jEOXqGHuj5mbJTBz694AxPYTgybSoHDVa0zI7esFdlJ4IOjsEfivUSUsWfgEwXdUn6URQMK-uVxIgHQd9_ZAOMyPW5kQGG2koUTDPd1FYlihvCvUN-kvexu8lkuUNQ/s1600-h/tiger09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354276210626965074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissJz8qtbjhhWs5jEOXqGHuj5mbJTBz694AxPYTgybSoHDVa0zI7esFdlJ4IOjsEfivUSUsWfgEwXdUn6URQMK-uVxIgHQd9_ZAOMyPW5kQGG2koUTDPd1FYlihvCvUN-kvexu8lkuUNQ/s200/tiger09.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>That's when I realized that we were watching someone very special. </div><div>At this point Tiger was a four shots back and an miracle eagle would make a lot of people nervous in front of him. When he lined up the shot one of the players mumbled "Watch him make this."I agreed. With a player like Tiger you come to expect greatness every time. <br /></div><div>As his ball rolled perfectly in line with the hole the crowd grew louder and so did the players around me. When the ball disappeared the arena of fans when nuts along with Tiger and his caddie. It was one of those moments that make him not only the best golfer but the most impressive athlete of this century. </div><div>There may never be another Tiger and I have to remind myself that every time I get the privilege to watch him in person.</div><div>As I finished the round I decided to sit along the rope line on the 18th green so that I could get a get chance to watch Tiger win. Sure enough the huge manual scoreboard behind us informed us that Tiger had birdied No.17 to take a one shot lead. All he needed to do was par the 18th to win his fourth Memorial title. His tee shot was perfect- right down the middle. As I listened on my radio I knew that he was taking aim at the pin with an 8-iron.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2mL5PPT9McARpzj2CVd0UIzMvlb0KUHhwpSOolrUnV-TH3IYbjrc3MOKrr_IpQcPTCpeABS2kazcBvR-0iOyoF87L16v6u9qSjHIEHoFoQ2mknWM6aP-b7__T5GICvmJwLS5hGsXfRo/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354276646354594722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2mL5PPT9McARpzj2CVd0UIzMvlb0KUHhwpSOolrUnV-TH3IYbjrc3MOKrr_IpQcPTCpeABS2kazcBvR-0iOyoF87L16v6u9qSjHIEHoFoQ2mknWM6aP-b7__T5GICvmJwLS5hGsXfRo/s320/Picture+21.png" border="0" /></a> <div>He just needed par but he wanted to leave no doubt about who was the best golfer that day. His shot was almost too perfect landing it two feet from the pin. </div><div>As he walked to the green and tapped in his birdie, the crowd rose to their feet and watched Tiger and Jack shake hands. I sat next to the 18th green 10 yards from the two greatest golfers of all-time. Man, I love my job. </div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-69045976309998617252009-06-02T20:42:00.000-07:002009-07-24T21:09:11.739-07:00A Forgettable Finals?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIs6d9XjD3HwMu86gZ_mQz43fMaWZakoVqz50s67U2NRbRUyKV6vkhm7eFsqyP-y5yBI2o-PqAzjvnOeXiQcytiGzlwxGi0p9XpmEDfn7Rxm3cJDf2D9HemVxvm2l6rqCzAMlpHLtVqc/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIs6d9XjD3HwMu86gZ_mQz43fMaWZakoVqz50s67U2NRbRUyKV6vkhm7eFsqyP-y5yBI2o-PqAzjvnOeXiQcytiGzlwxGi0p9XpmEDfn7Rxm3cJDf2D9HemVxvm2l6rqCzAMlpHLtVqc/s320/Picture+17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353625858047205122" /></a><div>Uh oh. It looks like the NBA only got it half right. Their dream match-up of Lebron vs. Kobe will have to wait until next year. I laughed a little inside as the Cavs were eliminated by the Magic tonight because ESPN is now scrambling for some Magic/Lakers story lines. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdXEYxeABVNwB1VcPTqNo3k8bxCL6L-oR2S_bzejeuV1Pt9NML-y8V0LbCUl0gCmw0-2YlFfh9iQSeo6Y4HRM4rsBqJa8Jgd79edbdBCA9Drjhi9pz-sBfXHsJHTbg9SileJGl0gePJM/s1600-h/2513228758_ccfabf9621.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdXEYxeABVNwB1VcPTqNo3k8bxCL6L-oR2S_bzejeuV1Pt9NML-y8V0LbCUl0gCmw0-2YlFfh9iQSeo6Y4HRM4rsBqJa8Jgd79edbdBCA9Drjhi9pz-sBfXHsJHTbg9SileJGl0gePJM/s200/2513228758_ccfabf9621.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353532277505904530" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></a><div>The NBA will never be as good as it was in from the early 80's to the mid-90's. That's when the NBA was on top. MJ, Magic, Bird, Barkley, Isiah, Ewing and Hakeem put the NBA on the map. Today, the media merely tries to copy the successes of those rivalries to keep our interest.</div><div>Not only were the players more skilled in those days the games were played with a tougher mentality. These true rivalries made the league one that forced you to watch even if you hated those playing because of the raw entertainment. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7F-e-SPUJ9tJ36tNoyzsZjFwSBCvOJpvESyngIOQFUqj4cLGNygHmSm3nhDhF7pMZodgSBgouAFqO73YwtUWPZQFW_gjaSQPfloCyWAKzxlE2WcDDQm2GlqZPbecAb_xsRh7V9Qv-io/s1600-h/jordan_barkley.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7F-e-SPUJ9tJ36tNoyzsZjFwSBCvOJpvESyngIOQFUqj4cLGNygHmSm3nhDhF7pMZodgSBgouAFqO73YwtUWPZQFW_gjaSQPfloCyWAKzxlE2WcDDQm2GlqZPbecAb_xsRh7V9Qv-io/s200/jordan_barkley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353532129168845282" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><div>Unfortunately, Dwight Howard vs Kobe Bryant isn't exactly Bird vs. Magic- and it never will be. A Cavs-Lakers Finals would have been the closet thing we've seen since the late Jordan years but it wasn't in the cards. Sorry ESPN maybe next year.</div><div><br /></div><div>My Prediction for this year's Finals: Lakers in 6 over the Magic.</div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-90619810393817461192009-05-22T14:59:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:28:06.252-07:00As Good as Advertised<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY-lec9nKoAYX1-v4hiONC4nWKlTCS3SEWYNP-U8nrFU9JFfeQdnUe0gNB8FQ0zCBJ6SPy-g4LjDXfORZiOhCPIcUEuyoUNTrHprdmr4ji1R5YWIDwZFwpfGA5yQGVHBtzyc0CL6BU8E/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350276773894197554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY-lec9nKoAYX1-v4hiONC4nWKlTCS3SEWYNP-U8nrFU9JFfeQdnUe0gNB8FQ0zCBJ6SPy-g4LjDXfORZiOhCPIcUEuyoUNTrHprdmr4ji1R5YWIDwZFwpfGA5yQGVHBtzyc0CL6BU8E/s320/Picture+25.png" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lebron</span> James is the best player in the NBA. He's got the skills, smarts and charisma to be the greatest in his sport for a long time. Tonight,King James showed us why he is this year's MVP when he singled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">handedly</span> beat the Orlando Magic to tie this series. The game was no different than the first of this series with both teams swapping the lead several times in the final minutes. The Magic looked to be in control when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hedo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Turkoglu</span> hit a 12 foot jumper with just one second remaining to give the Magic a 96-94 lead. My friend Jon and I sat in his living room dejected after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Turkoglu's</span> clutch shot. But little do did we know that one second was all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lebron</span> needed to tie the series.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcQUbg3SVYK6XphyphenhyphenSbZUVnWBONFydSa1yzvImvPHLwNTjZEo6waYO7birr6megyziofZuJppaWcymaOaLtgQbM2X3RWtsi3e6DzDrbvGQ-2ioOa-p5CMnoF3u6sHw579iWhUgZn-JAQI/s1600-h/Picture+27.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350337978861354882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcQUbg3SVYK6XphyphenhyphenSbZUVnWBONFydSa1yzvImvPHLwNTjZEo6waYO7birr6megyziofZuJppaWcymaOaLtgQbM2X3RWtsi3e6DzDrbvGQ-2ioOa-p5CMnoF3u6sHw579iWhUgZn-JAQI/s200/Picture+27.png" border="0" /></a> There are few athletes in sports who are truly living legends. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MJ</span>, Tiger, Barry Bonds and Tom Brady are four that come to my mind as athletes who time and again can live up to the hype.<br />These players are separated from the rest of their competitors because they live up to their hype in clutch situations. You can add <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lebron</span> to that list.<br />In these playoffs he is averaging nearly 40 points a game. Tonight he only had 35 points but that's all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cavs</span> needed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByCyWMj2VXl3z86Z72xcem7Br4DBFaDtCAsTMc4q6Huzh58NKvv_tYyyUtC-DqafnUrcfIWMfI3ALeOgYiSMKibg3VhTPqXNHnGOJI7gWy35gQYQHG9x-h3sh5DXSEl6Oigp_3C9AT9k/s1600-h/Picture+31.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350342199842703298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByCyWMj2VXl3z86Z72xcem7Br4DBFaDtCAsTMc4q6Huzh58NKvv_tYyyUtC-DqafnUrcfIWMfI3ALeOgYiSMKibg3VhTPqXNHnGOJI7gWy35gQYQHG9x-h3sh5DXSEl6Oigp_3C9AT9k/s200/Picture+31.png" border="0" /></a> As Mo Williams threw the inbounds pass to James he caught and released it as time expired. In the back of my mind I thought "He's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">gonna</span> make this." Just like we think Tom Brady is bound to drive the Pats down the field in the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> quarter or Tiger will make this 20 foot put on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> green to win it.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">As the ball went through the back of the net we both went nuts. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Lebron</span> had done it again and nobody was surprised. I'm not sure what will happen in this series but there is no doubt in my mind that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lebron</span> James is the best player on the planet.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLYWO3xd16iM0IDUdBMSvpRmWYwEx7NFQ9gpTkpgzFLY2SFSNI8EZHGGAs_8T114tW9JLrRUTH2x95OY4rwWTWXzUF_gBySTAywmoijI3_84R6emWHglvQD9zPJq7PlohrxXe_BNRHAA/s1600-h/Picture+30.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350340391805268914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLYWO3xd16iM0IDUdBMSvpRmWYwEx7NFQ9gpTkpgzFLY2SFSNI8EZHGGAs_8T114tW9JLrRUTH2x95OY4rwWTWXzUF_gBySTAywmoijI3_84R6emWHglvQD9zPJq7PlohrxXe_BNRHAA/s320/Picture+30.png" border="0" /></a>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-55948715560072365692009-05-18T14:09:00.000-07:002009-08-06T19:07:55.466-07:00Why Not This Year?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO42yF3JZwu1cDZjujfE2nUJYxuzbWhxxGXw8vOulGRmxWcrGZSEubCDBVQDzU79hOGfYcV0QcnUnZ4SYGXBHyzVLo9b1yzvQoCcW0SXWQeBJ69T-niGzbSSf0o3TP4QrBj4bBGSdlLFw/s1600-h/e02e1448-82f2-40f1-a807-8862c4b2b65b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349925147956828066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO42yF3JZwu1cDZjujfE2nUJYxuzbWhxxGXw8vOulGRmxWcrGZSEubCDBVQDzU79hOGfYcV0QcnUnZ4SYGXBHyzVLo9b1yzvQoCcW0SXWQeBJ69T-niGzbSSf0o3TP4QrBj4bBGSdlLFw/s320/e02e1448-82f2-40f1-a807-8862c4b2b65b.jpg" border="0" /></a>All the experts say that the Rangers are built for 2010 and beyond, but after watching them win seven games in row this week they may be ahead of schedule. I went to every game this week at The Ballpark and it was well worth my time. <div>The Rangers showed us everything that is evident of a playoff contender this week. They had great starting pitching, timely hitting and solid bullpen help when they really needed it. Every Rangers' pitcher went at least six innings during this streak including a Matt Harrison complete game against Seattle. </div><div>The return of Josh Hamilton showed just how valuable he is to the middle of this lineup. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpkzL-whjbCHny873QvX5yBwmiGtwmH0sdeEf0DIzzWz3tvNpSnKdBeR68deNHdfUlwVm1LkmIdKa3q04-OEPQoDu_0VHtPiV71UfYLrTHT-9ReWcUFTP5yGGw2CMoSNzf4K4nSc5f0/s1600-h/126302_white_sox_rangers_baseball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349928261787798642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpkzL-whjbCHny873QvX5yBwmiGtwmH0sdeEf0DIzzWz3tvNpSnKdBeR68deNHdfUlwVm1LkmIdKa3q04-OEPQoDu_0VHtPiV71UfYLrTHT-9ReWcUFTP5yGGw2CMoSNzf4K4nSc5f0/s320/126302_white_sox_rangers_baseball.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>He had three big home-runs this week including a 460 foot bomb in the right field porch which was measured as the third longest in Ballpark history. </div><div>The defense of Elvis Andrus this week proved that the decision to move Young to third base was the right one. Even though Elvis is just 20 years old, he made plays this week that you expect only of a handful of shortstops in the league. Not only did Josh Hamilton hit the cover off the ball, he made one of the greatest catches I've ever seen right in front of our seats against the Angels. </div><div>The best part about this week was that we had a chance to show the rest of the American League that we have the players to compete with anybody this year and beyond. Now I give you the five best moments of the Rangers longest win streak of 2005.</div><div>5) Matt Harrison tosses a complete game against the Mariners.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EZ6_BgiFnQPGSLpJ8VGzhP7Zt1dzZ4cKmeiqx0J2hn_FBRoWUOr0-bfNG9aUmJvP1jyqJVZy6ExP1dTh4dcStEPlIE-ALXS7sacsng2N0gykvsIGxu9PPdFSn-kazwVPuuckxNMmQfg/s1600-h/127623_Rangers_White_Sox_Baseball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349998214486876642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EZ6_BgiFnQPGSLpJ8VGzhP7Zt1dzZ4cKmeiqx0J2hn_FBRoWUOr0-bfNG9aUmJvP1jyqJVZy6ExP1dTh4dcStEPlIE-ALXS7sacsng2N0gykvsIGxu9PPdFSn-kazwVPuuckxNMmQfg/s200/127623_Rangers_White_Sox_Baseball.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"> Harrison (4-2) threw a five-hitter to win his fourth consecutive start. He retired 16 of the last 18 batters after Seattle scored twice in the fourth to end his scoreless innings streak at 22 in a row. He was completely dominant even though he trailed 2-0 as he left to a standing ovation after the top of the 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">4) Hank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Blalock's</span> walk-off double in extra innings against the Mariners. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2N8Ig0I7jLxKUaO-8BaGWw3lC8wCEVeiN6Ac72Dqa7u_dSn9uT7FMI-wmuITVFk4OxOa7EopyIiK-BDNORMPHtEK7zfSwtlvAjq-CenCN2jIjqhJPFs3HT_4Mc9fjS8BTJ1bx-ekaSg/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349999720472503394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2N8Ig0I7jLxKUaO-8BaGWw3lC8wCEVeiN6Ac72Dqa7u_dSn9uT7FMI-wmuITVFk4OxOa7EopyIiK-BDNORMPHtEK7zfSwtlvAjq-CenCN2jIjqhJPFs3HT_4Mc9fjS8BTJ1bx-ekaSg/s200/Picture+23.png" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">It was one of those games that there was a ton of scoring in the first half of the game and then a drought ensued until the 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>. Seattle took the lead in the top half of the inning but it didn't matter. Young singled, Hamilton walked and one out later, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Blalock</span> hit a line shot right beneath our seats in right-center. Ball game.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">3) Josh Hamilton's 460 foot homer in the eighth inning that proved to be the game winning run.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGb7FvEvyWhF9VQQni-T6-gw9_QhLNFi5GrKdnlCP3PT5OI_fHpb_HlWNGCg3cFJDNJvTdLv3r5QhxGEBipRSNp_YrSXElFh7MD49ELwp4aUiIJ9CngXQAegUJl2knLDc_AMiVxV3sKY/s1600-h/hamilton051609.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350006250985184914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGb7FvEvyWhF9VQQni-T6-gw9_QhLNFi5GrKdnlCP3PT5OI_fHpb_HlWNGCg3cFJDNJvTdLv3r5QhxGEBipRSNp_YrSXElFh7MD49ELwp4aUiIJ9CngXQAegUJl2knLDc_AMiVxV3sKY/s200/hamilton051609.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">I was there for Jose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Canseco's</span> 491 foot home run in 1994 to the back of the visitors' bullpen but this one seemed a lot farther. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmifwTwOlSJV-ZZtIwcP0zhPwyLLZLzUZ__lb30X6X0kI90kW1gIrb2iPTJr-tXkZdltmQFSKRB4PSGJAP5oZdDw7j1phghsIvLk_FoJ_rZejQGijdW-iI6o-V0ZL1knlCEmmp6FM3Bo/s1600-h/4178_547029422037_54605657_32433428_1786320_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350006588042113346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmifwTwOlSJV-ZZtIwcP0zhPwyLLZLzUZ__lb30X6X0kI90kW1gIrb2iPTJr-tXkZdltmQFSKRB4PSGJAP5oZdDw7j1phghsIvLk_FoJ_rZejQGijdW-iI6o-V0ZL1knlCEmmp6FM3Bo/s200/4178_547029422037_54605657_32433428_1786320_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"> From our seats in right-center, we knew this ball was out from the second he hit it, but I literally thought it was going to go over the roof and out of the stadium. I was in shock.I've seen thousands of balls hit in that park but never that hard. It went 30 rows up in the upper deck and it was still rising when a lucky fan caught it. And he said after the game he didn't feel like he hit it as good as he could have...wow. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">2) Chris Davis's walk-off homer against the Mariners. Matt</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLvrFw5gqm4hOWwI6rvMB3USxyLivIc61qJQ4ROVuvEGk6kiurexCkeTwsag4UGGkYps-FFXauHfTN35xXg6cmTw1S5EcRX_ol-_9y9LieoiHkq8TeMmoGSjSRUY9gCtoFzuoNpxIFTY/s1600-h/610x-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350013875178278098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLvrFw5gqm4hOWwI6rvMB3USxyLivIc61qJQ4ROVuvEGk6kiurexCkeTwsag4UGGkYps-FFXauHfTN35xXg6cmTw1S5EcRX_ol-_9y9LieoiHkq8TeMmoGSjSRUY9gCtoFzuoNpxIFTY/s200/610x-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"> Harrison pitched a complete game gem but was slated to be the loser as he walked off the mound behind 2-0 after the top of the 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> inning. But leave it to the Rangers to wait until they absolutely needed it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Blalock</span> homered, Murphy doubled and Davis wins it with a 410 foot walk-off homer. As he flipped his bat in celebration the crowd went nuts and his teammates flooded out of the dugout to mob him at home. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">1) Josh Hamilton's game saving catch in the final game versus the </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhneX42AcNugjWHXsGJVG56a3CSfLzYrBm7KMC6175M1Kn4DqFTMWL9GXBgvQzpAhOwDc__XQnZ2kBAvxwzcauWvz39Ohn9XbRj8x4hvYzRVoHW3e8_k7_Drd_8bKmGYZbGojymnvSq-8/s1600-h/DSCF0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350191235365112098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhneX42AcNugjWHXsGJVG56a3CSfLzYrBm7KMC6175M1Kn4DqFTMWL9GXBgvQzpAhOwDc__XQnZ2kBAvxwzcauWvz39Ohn9XbRj8x4hvYzRVoHW3e8_k7_Drd_8bKmGYZbGojymnvSq-8/s200/DSCF0003.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px">Angels.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="LINE-HEIGHT: 19px"> I was there three years ago when Gary Matthews, Jr. made the greatest over the wall catch I've ever seen. That catch was more improbable but we were getting killed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Astros</span> at the time so it didn't really matter. Howie Kendrick hit a ball that carried right to us and it looked like the Angels were staring to rally. But Hamilton came out of nowhere and flew full speed into the wall just below the 407 sign ten feet from us. The irony of this picture is that our sign said"He's Back" and after making this catching he had to come out of the game with a strained groin. But it was completely worth it. Not only did it save the game, but it gave the Rangers a sweep of a team they will have to compete with for the A.L. West title. </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2N8Ig0I7jLxKUaO-8BaGWw3lC8wCEVeiN6Ac72Dqa7u_dSn9uT7FMI-wmuITVFk4OxOa7EopyIiK-BDNORMPHtEK7zfSwtlvAjq-CenCN2jIjqhJPFs3HT_4Mc9fjS8BTJ1bx-ekaSg/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><br /></a>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-32052918753193659542009-05-11T20:39:00.000-07:002009-08-06T08:58:53.999-07:00I'm a Dallas Mavericks FanTonight, Chandler and I went to our first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mavs</span> playoff game. We had to win after losing a third consecutive game to the Nuggets. Down 3-0 we had nothing to lose and we played like it tonight. <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVbGn-hQi1nHVZBSLoTs73HHREjsfINxBjkiy77PQS6FgNEciodl7M1a6s66TweZB-OBKM7orR0OuH1hCpuXBmUDTuV6Q7Zd5b5mBFyW1ERyIj3t0ZyWv1GLgzNIIqq5ncx439a_WAPE/s1600-h/Picture+19.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349630418018386098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVbGn-hQi1nHVZBSLoTs73HHREjsfINxBjkiy77PQS6FgNEciodl7M1a6s66TweZB-OBKM7orR0OuH1hCpuXBmUDTuV6Q7Zd5b5mBFyW1ERyIj3t0ZyWv1GLgzNIIqq5ncx439a_WAPE/s320/Picture+19.png" border="0" /></a>The crowd was loud after every bucket and even louder after every questionable call from the refs. The third quarter may have been the worst officiated quarter I've ever seen. Dirk continued to step up in the big game as he scored a game high 44 points. The problem with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mavs</span> is that they depend on Dirk too much. Dallas has to have Dirk score 40 in every game to win this series. <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvitilq7AYwDAKotEjSVC1FI-de5P4RcFAxKfLI4ge4r2hHMrbf_mNiEHMZ7IobNRdXxccuwy7wylynPou6PcNZsZeYnXtNQhhPCIe_WeGDfK43eEwdmKsSOA9hhbrmu91CwqFY6fb68/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349629013366399282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvitilq7AYwDAKotEjSVC1FI-de5P4RcFAxKfLI4ge4r2hHMrbf_mNiEHMZ7IobNRdXxccuwy7wylynPou6PcNZsZeYnXtNQhhPCIe_WeGDfK43eEwdmKsSOA9hhbrmu91CwqFY6fb68/s320/Picture+17.png" border="0" /></a>The Nuggets are a bunch of thugs ,but I will say though that Carmelo Anthony was brilliant at times tonight. He drove the ball to the basket as good as anybody has this year. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mavs</span> had the lead up to eight in the fourth quarter but it was quickly cut to three after two quick Denver buckets. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF6Wi_dTdRTCVQC1FV8-kpNInZETTM3INytFiPtsmGMzi3Qg97zJV-ZFwc9rNvQcsl9Frs6W91fIMGcscR5uwHCCa-zc5Zj7lkcpXhZB17sMlWXZ900CDvOajK26HeefKXrYTENgC9HQ/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349632109736242370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 318px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF6Wi_dTdRTCVQC1FV8-kpNInZETTM3INytFiPtsmGMzi3Qg97zJV-ZFwc9rNvQcsl9Frs6W91fIMGcscR5uwHCCa-zc5Zj7lkcpXhZB17sMlWXZ900CDvOajK26HeefKXrYTENgC9HQ/s320/Picture+20.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Nevertheless, free throws sealed the deal and gave the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mavs</span> their first win of the Western Conference Semis. If the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mavs</span> continue to play like they did tonight, they have a chance to become the first team to come back to win a playoff series after trailing 3-0. But let's get real; this series is over. The Nuggets are too good to lose four straight games. <div><div><br /></div><div>My Prediction: Nuggets in 6 over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mavs</span></div></div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-84713536349676031992009-05-08T21:17:00.000-07:002009-08-06T09:01:05.197-07:00The Steroid Era<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">Today Manny Ramirez, arguably baseball's best home-run hitter of the last few years, was suspended for 50 games for violating<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4WJYw4u3LF-ZAmnOUjPHWwG4Iyl17pe9vp4YD58lMcTGA1ECIRbRIiIdAjlb7xJb-bM3zehdU9iMwbOCZs2Cxf_8gojhSC1i0RxFlKLs7U6KvyAXjF8jlwEYMLKiTZspshWTM3_MSD4/s1600-h/20090507_102906_Diamondbacks_Dodgers_Baseball_steven.rosenberg@dailynews.com_20.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348526216612104514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4WJYw4u3LF-ZAmnOUjPHWwG4Iyl17pe9vp4YD58lMcTGA1ECIRbRIiIdAjlb7xJb-bM3zehdU9iMwbOCZs2Cxf_8gojhSC1i0RxFlKLs7U6KvyAXjF8jlwEYMLKiTZspshWTM3_MSD4/s320/20090507_102906_Diamondbacks_Dodgers_Baseball_steven.rosenberg@dailynews.com_20.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MLB's</span></span> substance abuse policy. I like Manny but it didn't break my heart to see him punished. He broke the rules plain and simple but the punishment goes much farther than just missing 50 games. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rameriz</span></span> will now be grouped with living legends such as Clemens, Bonds and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ARod</span></span> who have all been accused of cheating with steroids in the past three years. This accusation brings with it a lifetime of negative speculation and almost no chance at the Hall of Fame.<br />Although extremely selfish,we are finding out that taking steroids over the last 15 years was just something that everyone of prominence did. They didn't have to, but they had to be exceptional. There are so many arguments out there that are against the use of performance enhancing drugs... but couldn't you argue that it has helped the game just as much it has hurt it? I know I may be in the vast minority here but hear me out. <br /><br /> In 1993, 70 million fans came out to ballparks contributing to the highest attended year in the sport's 120 year history.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiM0O_R_w908P5cqbln4AsSuBTJmigVbvD3_GWlJKwNYui9wyCcdLf9wvNU-D0tASCKfhBJfLPJ_HpyRCuSdFfbjoKr9TDH421GqSzGLJdl9OtODamry5nmj6wK5HkMozUf_l9ZFb6J0/s1600-h/sotomayor1-mlb-strike-052709-lg-14165734.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348556658573167730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiM0O_R_w908P5cqbln4AsSuBTJmigVbvD3_GWlJKwNYui9wyCcdLf9wvNU-D0tASCKfhBJfLPJ_HpyRCuSdFfbjoKr9TDH421GqSzGLJdl9OtODamry5nmj6wK5HkMozUf_l9ZFb6J0/s320/sotomayor1-mlb-strike-052709-lg-14165734.jpg" border="0" /></a> But, the 1994 strike shortened season severed baseball from its fan base. The 1995 attendance numbers were down a record 20 percent to just 50 million; it's lowest total since 1986. Baseball was in trouble and desperately needed a hero to save our national<br />pastime. The first was Cal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ripken</span></span> Jr. and his pursuit of Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gerhig's</span></span> consecutive games played streak. During <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ripken's</span></span> magical run, the fan base slowly returned to a respectable 60 million in 1996.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzqPtI5qgTGAcN9os5WpRWLMm9yD5b3-1ESgaqbRjZLpzxjxM8gixhIVp0ZuzECYFGicbKy36C0NKINIlusbH4DJ75KTHK-Thf1uzm1OqlZwk6XV-dCqkkGcuqmSaaDczXsvwmOARh98/s1600-h/WK-AO747_TEXAS1_DV_20090219222306.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348555210397607202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzqPtI5qgTGAcN9os5WpRWLMm9yD5b3-1ESgaqbRjZLpzxjxM8gixhIVp0ZuzECYFGicbKy36C0NKINIlusbH4DJ75KTHK-Thf1uzm1OqlZwk6XV-dCqkkGcuqmSaaDczXsvwmOARh98/s320/WK-AO747_TEXAS1_DV_20090219222306.jpg" border="0" /></a> Home-runs had steadily been on the climb since 1992 when there were 3,038 to 2006 when there were 5,386. From 1990-1994 the home-run leader each season was averaging 38 home-runs. From 1995-1999 the average went up by 21 homers to 59 per season. Those are some amazing stats. <br /><br />June of 1998 was baseball's biggest chance to regain its popularity. Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McGwire</span></span> and Sammy Sosa stole the hearts and minds of sports fans across the world by putting on a nightly home-run spectacle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkWV9Q8FNVB6QrUIAHloDlSbKolOaOyjJIYy6Jr7BJXNVxz6KOzpvSFMLen1wkxe40q0YHE0Ycm_GLdMvC07SUzFeW2gfylgdMxXWQMwSS1w0hnNI-z_xFf1xPplHdBa7oWnOnZQfLsQ/s1600-h/0629_large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348572762155789218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkWV9Q8FNVB6QrUIAHloDlSbKolOaOyjJIYy6Jr7BJXNVxz6KOzpvSFMLen1wkxe40q0YHE0Ycm_GLdMvC07SUzFeW2gfylgdMxXWQMwSS1w0hnNI-z_xFf1xPplHdBa7oWnOnZQfLsQ/s320/0629_large.jpg" border="0" /></a> An all-time attendance record was set that year at 70,601,147.<br /> Sosa hit a record 20 homers in June giving him 33; just four behind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McGwire's</span></span> 37. The nation watched as on August 19 Sosa overtook Big Mac as he hit #48 of the year. Not to be outdone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">McGwire</span></span> retook the home-run lead later that night when he hit his 48<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span></span> and 49<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span></span> long balls of the year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">McGwire</span></span> would hit 23 homers over his last 39 games and average a home-run once every 10.61 at-bats in 1998.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2b09ZEKWGY4sS-14VB3hIM2JgfALkmvdUG4wpSFtuGLJveuw_9cnMwGz-AKajSUK9IQ2YpmDwhIKtmRQWHPEkhEkNMq8dUkbCjkNExUI7RMy9dTjXkmbIynVJsjeAQGpTaClSpeZo4c/s1600-h/McGwire62~big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348569679491643362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2b09ZEKWGY4sS-14VB3hIM2JgfALkmvdUG4wpSFtuGLJveuw_9cnMwGz-AKajSUK9IQ2YpmDwhIKtmRQWHPEkhEkNMq8dUkbCjkNExUI7RMy9dTjXkmbIynVJsjeAQGpTaClSpeZo4c/s320/McGwire62~big.jpg" border="0" /></a> Over the next three weeks the two sluggers would garner more attention than any other duo before them. They traded leads back and forth but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">McGwire</span></span> would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ultimately</span> win out hitting his 62<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span></span> home-run against the Cubs in St. Louis on September 8,1998. Over 20 million viewers tuned in to watch the historic record fall- nearly five times their average audience. I would say then and there baseball was back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPJANP1c7ZWPmwkvo-oBZswzmhwb8sRM9Rkbis21GPZidWdXooAN2vBND9yV3PD-xqm7iftbqtrR2NgP3WuwPtXBXTFbbEa7-ATiPgiJl403tZ-VCMxwk0eSZspPwa17Y7igcmUXOqEQ/s1600-h/amd_bonds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348569758620739186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 315px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPJANP1c7ZWPmwkvo-oBZswzmhwb8sRM9Rkbis21GPZidWdXooAN2vBND9yV3PD-xqm7iftbqtrR2NgP3WuwPtXBXTFbbEa7-ATiPgiJl403tZ-VCMxwk0eSZspPwa17Y7igcmUXOqEQ/s320/amd_bonds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Over the following years, attendance and ratings for would continue to climb as we watched Barry Bonds break <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">McGwire's</span></span> home-run record as he hit 73 long balls in 2001.<br />But now we look at these players who revived our greatest pastime as criminals because they have been linked to steroids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1zMldZqmxMfP_cioiIwZY2Q-OUuvSH9mw96Z4A7CfsfNv4AmXOib_eQjYIm4mUP39oCYX4SXn8YFk6njl2AoUMxhjgJowYfpzII8v6tNprHXnvF2GbkRLDoBRsC_d9kipbhRZDPhHq8/s1600-h/610x-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348570730699180754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1zMldZqmxMfP_cioiIwZY2Q-OUuvSH9mw96Z4A7CfsfNv4AmXOib_eQjYIm4mUP39oCYX4SXn8YFk6njl2AoUMxhjgJowYfpzII8v6tNprHXnvF2GbkRLDoBRsC_d9kipbhRZDPhHq8/s320/610x-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> My question is where were these tests in 1998 or 2001 when the entire sporting world was on there doorstep?<br /><br /> The answer is simple. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MLB</span></span> turned a blind eye to this issue because they needed these icons to succeed. Just as we as fans wanted them to conquer those records because it was magical.<br />The fact is; I don't care if players take performance enhancing drugs to hit the ball farther because they know the risks. Who doesn't love home-runs? I know I do.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTVTScdkgl75ARst3Q0_jzouy3CT3mb5p_VIPuuvfwkwF4ZrXZO93bb0azElF3NyqKtShgavb6jJLkT0LtztDpd5At5LALGF7TjZeVSwY_F-2ljvNfCBGHFp4b_V1kBU4z14jYHethc/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348695747733564722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTVTScdkgl75ARst3Q0_jzouy3CT3mb5p_VIPuuvfwkwF4ZrXZO93bb0azElF3NyqKtShgavb6jJLkT0LtztDpd5At5LALGF7TjZeVSwY_F-2ljvNfCBGHFp4b_V1kBU4z14jYHethc/s320/Picture+14.png" border="0" /></a> I don't care if Barry Bonds takes steroids to hit the ball 500 feet because it's entertaining and that's the most important thing to me. It sounds selfish but it's true. There are fans just like me everywhere. I know that steroids are dangerous but these are grown men making a decision that could negatively effect their lives. But that's not my problem. Baseball is game centered around numbers and records. And that's exactly what baseball traditionalists are worried about- records. They don't really care about these players; they care about marketing. I don't blame them because everybody wants to believe in something magical. Remember using this stuff was not banned it was simply frowned upon in 1998. So you could say that these guys did nothing wrong. But let me ask you this. If the players in the 1990's used performance enhancing drugs to get a leg up on the competition, don't you think players such as Ruth, Mays and Aaron would have taken them too? Just as people say if Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Nicklaus</span> would have had the club technology that Tiger Woods has today he would have won 25 majors. It may be true but we'll never know.<br />Bottom-line, sports is entertainment so let them entertain. We shouldn't be blaming these players from the past 15 years for the current state of baseball because without them who knows where the game would be today.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRs-8OaNHcw47RO0opJkxE9vxd_lsXtJ7Tjpsm2Wc2MM7W1broh3W5CIaHg9VVWPFMkk_4OoJ2fOwprQhLuJYDqb61LVndpsq8aFmfSHlUU9iVj-AQIcIhJsnJX__wSrxuKsO4YCayoQ/s1600-h/t_35768.jpg"><br /></a>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-21802840108160341102009-05-04T20:47:00.000-07:002009-07-26T19:53:31.554-07:00For the Love of the Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CQtQObM1s1_GUDwGTnkeO8OlSNKzPvH1r4K1BIlQXOT_nmNEzC9_5_gW-CR0tqCdDSt2iFUEf4Nt0xNzZPecQMrOVx1aFZvLwou_KUw0-1okV0n0UoJW5Q5AYioc_W5TakliJICcEzI/s1600-h/Picture+19.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CQtQObM1s1_GUDwGTnkeO8OlSNKzPvH1r4K1BIlQXOT_nmNEzC9_5_gW-CR0tqCdDSt2iFUEf4Nt0xNzZPecQMrOVx1aFZvLwou_KUw0-1okV0n0UoJW5Q5AYioc_W5TakliJICcEzI/s320/Picture+19.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348153808951027618" /></a>Three days ago I made a dumb decision. I climbed into my brother's four door Honda Civic and decided to spend the next two days crammed inside a four passenger car with four of my friends. Do the math that's five guys in a four seat car. It was one of the worst decisions of my life but it was completely worth it. Our destination: Field of Dreams and Wrigley Field. <div style="text-align: left;">About an hour into the trip between Jonathan Garner and David Jones I felt like getting out and walking. The trip ahead of us consisted of 1500 miles and almost 20 hours of driving. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeydK1EW965bdxJfwtwXSL3MebAt4KbQYPe6S-Dc6Ma-9K5IcXpTT2nqj0fAFKqRwCEfDVmVJtHBudXAYR5pr2I0oJVFXiYENWQ-wc7rzTNolu1FSBauTdbGnMVrBkDoNwrvTisaFfUz8/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeydK1EW965bdxJfwtwXSL3MebAt4KbQYPe6S-Dc6Ma-9K5IcXpTT2nqj0fAFKqRwCEfDVmVJtHBudXAYR5pr2I0oJVFXiYENWQ-wc7rzTNolu1FSBauTdbGnMVrBkDoNwrvTisaFfUz8/s320/Picture+20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348163016274517186" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 180px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">At our first stop to relieve some of the boredom Jonathan and I decided that at every stop we would throw the ball around.We threw at gas stations, restaurants, church parking lots and finally the ballpark -things like this made the drive bearable. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We arrived in at our first stop- Devin Schadegg's church somewhere in Kansas at about 11 p.m. We enjoyed the break from driving and got back on the road at 7:30 a.m. </div><div style="text-align: left;">After being on the road for almost 15 hours we arrived in Dyersville, Iowa where the movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT7KMKOzUjdVQNRQBh22dQAeZNeXzLHGlsc2_NEQWdnkxkP6zZGJiBs_CsSZX18AVxovy6LZwtmKUNn_OOMEmrWuVbQyscdEnOeXQdX4iMU9N34nzWOlJWe5UdT_XUjEYEzyC5MEvLdI/s1600-h/IMG_7787.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT7KMKOzUjdVQNRQBh22dQAeZNeXzLHGlsc2_NEQWdnkxkP6zZGJiBs_CsSZX18AVxovy6LZwtmKUNn_OOMEmrWuVbQyscdEnOeXQdX4iMU9N34nzWOlJWe5UdT_XUjEYEzyC5MEvLdI/s320/IMG_7787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348165044729923314" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">We drove up to the house that is next to the baseball field and unloaded a bucket of balls and a few bats.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The great thing about this day was that there wasn't anybody out there to stop us from playing an actual game on the field.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJbeLUG0oX1zJedUeLW1c1j7u6yU5cK7Cdu5V8rJzH2xhrMxVgE6jcudElk2LyEeh9ytFMn-4doWGE3PSR9IouCp7Ymuq_2dz6rVehTlTfWmuF_jEom6nXgTmwoS70A6iIMWe22DarwM/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJbeLUG0oX1zJedUeLW1c1j7u6yU5cK7Cdu5V8rJzH2xhrMxVgE6jcudElk2LyEeh9ytFMn-4doWGE3PSR9IouCp7Ymuq_2dz6rVehTlTfWmuF_jEom6nXgTmwoS70A6iIMWe22DarwM/s320/Picture+21.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348162632645607410" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">So we divided up and began to play. It was very surreal to be playing a game on the set of the most popular baseball movie ever made. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our travels continued with a four hour trip to Chicago where we stayed at a friend's house in their basement. The next morning started for us at 9 a.m. We drove about 45 min into the heart of downtown where we got our first look at Wrigley. It was awesome. We got off the bus right in front of the stadium and took in the sights and sounds. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbOELiYh1TkrBzhPhqw7vfO5QBffWo7o7dhSi4r5yflLVvak-eIlsPl_UwcLkJvvFcMWSv-gv49P7IyvJTLn0FLEsTO3INcRAIiPb6weqHJfzcopNFqkuVH4enpPmlkNBZcqINxPfHI/s1600-h/IMG_7861.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSbOELiYh1TkrBzhPhqw7vfO5QBffWo7o7dhSi4r5yflLVvak-eIlsPl_UwcLkJvvFcMWSv-gv49P7IyvJTLn0FLEsTO3INcRAIiPb6weqHJfzcopNFqkuVH4enpPmlkNBZcqINxPfHI/s320/IMG_7861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348349870559820594" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I've never experienced such a rich baseball culture- it felt like this was Game 7 of the World Series. Different than other stadiums Wrigley was full of passionate Cubs fans. Usually you see a lot of fans at games who are wearing polo shirts or other teams' logos but not here. Everyone was sporting some kind Cubs gear. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It just doesn't much better than a day game at Wrigley Field. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7AIyh86GmyxZsyoJEWWnXtcLcv-DcMn4Z-leoJfxPDv22iwdnRANjiye4E7dy7Tz1M5cg8IzSwo3WpiYLuOorNidZsPxygXML-53bZCAIKcMDUPvtyx9r8S6ioG3gvpRQmhJg4kOo74/s1600-h/3251_546370881757_54605657_32409137_7328014_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7AIyh86GmyxZsyoJEWWnXtcLcv-DcMn4Z-leoJfxPDv22iwdnRANjiye4E7dy7Tz1M5cg8IzSwo3WpiYLuOorNidZsPxygXML-53bZCAIKcMDUPvtyx9r8S6ioG3gvpRQmhJg4kOo74/s320/3251_546370881757_54605657_32409137_7328014_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348349863394765330" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;"> We took some batting practice, bought hot dogs and found our seats just in time for the first pitch. The Cubs' ace Carlos Zambrano pitched well, Derek Lee hit a grand slam and the Cubs beat the Marlins 6-4.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> As we exited the stadium the jubilation of the Cubs win did not last long. The realization of</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglVmf0MiGThylASFXXHIHE5ebmCw6F_YPUMb1uv1G8bSpmHCBM3WB4wWPRtsurDAhfmXwGYaLI-za-EnzHsTN0ZwTub310RwDBuekoF8vwkRGYn-XfFIeIv6Lu5eIQbRqsny06ccZFgo/s1600-h/IMG_7832.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglVmf0MiGThylASFXXHIHE5ebmCw6F_YPUMb1uv1G8bSpmHCBM3WB4wWPRtsurDAhfmXwGYaLI-za-EnzHsTN0ZwTub310RwDBuekoF8vwkRGYn-XfFIeIv6Lu5eIQbRqsny06ccZFgo/s320/IMG_7832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348353320594764130" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">an 18 hour road trip back Abilene loomed. We decided to tough it out and drive through the night back to ACU. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Again another stupid decision, but it made the trip that much more memorable. We got back at 10 a.m. just in time to watch the Wildcats play for the LSC title. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 days, 3000 miles and 2 unforgettable baseball experiences. <br /></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-57062875974887452009-05-01T19:41:00.000-07:002009-07-26T20:01:38.148-07:00Michael, It's May<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_e3D-Hz2JSF2_UXGhMnnvUc0ampgrZa2mtWIaQ_lDmSbpURZjfh7hVJ-w4MuaN-gQWNPXzOBRDTB4WPt36j-rrVZPd6eoawmMDZ8hb1m73qp0f1QIDAO76FleniwGrQe2EOwqS20TvQ/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_e3D-Hz2JSF2_UXGhMnnvUc0ampgrZa2mtWIaQ_lDmSbpURZjfh7hVJ-w4MuaN-gQWNPXzOBRDTB4WPt36j-rrVZPd6eoawmMDZ8hb1m73qp0f1QIDAO76FleniwGrQe2EOwqS20TvQ/s320/Picture+12.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348066457555097698" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTHmjF85gXxNi19MWHwPd15Uk9W8Ql_1qNoI9s2ycuXDQtu3H_4rdJrNfb1BxFbkgWKB9fNQ3iPHTqs0HfOpMOAe-lhvYIsaaJamX8Vd_D_DQcfMs7Xn-Ob-YpGM3xJ03M0u3l79kqfA/s1600-h/image_04.jpg"></a>I really enjoy listening to sports talk radio but only in small doses. I favor the national broadcasts such "The Dan Patrick Show" or "Mike and Mike in the Morning" simply because they discuss a wide variety of topics with an unbiased perceptive. Not only do they cover a wide range of topics they focus on what's going on right then and there as opposed to looking forward to a particular season months in advance. <div><div>Unfortunately, some of the local shows here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DFW</span> do not follow suit as they should in my opinion. Today as I was tuning into the "The Michael Irvin Show"<br /></div><div>I wanted to hear something about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mavs</span> playoff push or the Rangers early season struggles but I was was wrong.</div><div>The topic of conversation: Cowboys Rookie Camp. What? Really? It's May, right?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgBrB_qnuFarXN7vKyNF8bO8sMzaUXgd65OAh1vstUXVX35XY9axIGIHGbq8HnnPRc6xTmuTaD0hJHB9m1T7QWFDiTgLFKG1yOB1gjo2FTg5vFhhIb2P59eSR8-K06c3JouZWojUbUWY/s1600-h/dallas-cowboys-training-camp_nc.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgBrB_qnuFarXN7vKyNF8bO8sMzaUXgd65OAh1vstUXVX35XY9axIGIHGbq8HnnPRc6xTmuTaD0hJHB9m1T7QWFDiTgLFKG1yOB1gjo2FTg5vFhhIb2P59eSR8-K06c3JouZWojUbUWY/s320/dallas-cowboys-training-camp_nc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348064791993271106" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 205px; " /></a><div>And when does training camp start?.... July. And when does the first meaningful snap occur?... September. So why on May 1 does the entire focus of two hours need to be on how Cowboys' rookie QB Stephen McGee looked in practice today? It's just ridiculous. I know that Michael was the greatest receiver in Cowboys history but does he or the other two guys on his show know any other sport besides football?</div><div> And here's a news flash that every Cowboys fan reading this and disagreeing should come to grips with: America's Team stinks. They are a sinking ship and that has not won a playoff game since the Clinton Administration. The Rangers have won as many playoff games in the last decade as the Cowboys... ONE.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAT6dQXktYzGcYUVo4CivM3zpnWMcrZj-_zcp3t3iIFV0RnxlLaWEFGo6kXhrgyAILHKJJEler1u8JeUXSOLP08RHULFwXd1eBU53NW4etf-fz96TNoYH0sYzuI70I2JUvI0eOxVD4xg/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAT6dQXktYzGcYUVo4CivM3zpnWMcrZj-_zcp3t3iIFV0RnxlLaWEFGo6kXhrgyAILHKJJEler1u8JeUXSOLP08RHULFwXd1eBU53NW4etf-fz96TNoYH0sYzuI70I2JUvI0eOxVD4xg/s320/Picture+13.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348077778548029314" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>So why don't we spend a whole show in December talking about how good or bad Ian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kinsler</span> looked in the indoor batting cages that day?.... because nobody cares until the first pitch is thrown and that's the way it should be. Nobody cares about the Cowboys' rookie camp except the people who are getting paid to care which are the coaches and players. </div><div>I know that this is football state but do your job and cover the teams that are actually winning and losing right now instead of in five months.</div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-61284029201590030652009-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:45:11.039-07:00GSP FOR OIFOver the past month, my fraternity Gamma Sigma Phi has been planning a charity softball tournament for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ACU</span> community and for the OI foundation. It's amazing how much work and preparation goes into creating an event like this. <br /><br /><div>We had 16 teams sign up- 12 guys and 4 girls teams.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTEeZ0eYJCoKUCQDBR3RLM0U7fcpscofg6UDTWHwmpPMFEZzRNy-HZvg_Z8UYtK0YAyRDQ_rRG9Vl1zUqTRYwdFLwzKEcmCJgGQObXLxKF-j9-ePRljHrpDZc46mnxCxZKZFMlSAvJTM/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348043182150761362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 169px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTEeZ0eYJCoKUCQDBR3RLM0U7fcpscofg6UDTWHwmpPMFEZzRNy-HZvg_Z8UYtK0YAyRDQ_rRG9Vl1zUqTRYwdFLwzKEcmCJgGQObXLxKF-j9-ePRljHrpDZc46mnxCxZKZFMlSAvJTM/s320/Picture+11.png" border="0" /></a> <div>We started on Thursday afternoon and ended today at about 7 p.m. when both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GSP</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EOX</span> won their respective championship games.We raised $1000 for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OIF</span> over the weekend through various donations, entry fees and giveaways which made this weekend a lot of fun.</div><div> I'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> never really been in charge of organizing a sporting event like this before so for me it was a blast to watch something that I had envisioned a few months earlier come to fruition. I just want to say thanks to all of the people that participated in the games and those who helped with the donations because it made a positive difference for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OIF</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ACU</span> community.</div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-34230387790456235982009-04-19T21:18:00.000-07:002009-08-01T21:01:41.900-07:00The End of a Rivalry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillYOUyF3UKCLC76GGVJKsX8nnT635ZFPCmnfFT9wk_5EhMn1cQJmkHOJWgcO78bUgGFA0ADYvBnalk7GzoKGIaxO3Mt4r0SWe6jCla6ofre1O1n-2OWHJZufOFRQ_00MFIyorDX2vnLQ/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillYOUyF3UKCLC76GGVJKsX8nnT635ZFPCmnfFT9wk_5EhMn1cQJmkHOJWgcO78bUgGFA0ADYvBnalk7GzoKGIaxO3Mt4r0SWe6jCla6ofre1O1n-2OWHJZufOFRQ_00MFIyorDX2vnLQ/s320/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348035259456648194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsWq4mZhUSYiDfo4gwtowDYpYWR1G-jTYll9mrnGs6a-GbtTkcZpoJewisn61UokxDGEkq-scetX4aVBnG1vvoswTUvgc91zTPx9H14z1EkZNxJsrQCdwhk76XmhmyTUbjTq7yDbYKz8/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhsWq4mZhUSYiDfo4gwtowDYpYWR1G-jTYll9mrnGs6a-GbtTkcZpoJewisn61UokxDGEkq-scetX4aVBnG1vvoswTUvgc91zTPx9H14z1EkZNxJsrQCdwhk76XmhmyTUbjTq7yDbYKz8/s320/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348015550091407458" /></a>Over the past decade, there has not been a better playoff game to watch than when the Mavs would battle the Spurs. They have faced each other three times this decade in the playoffs with the Spurs winning two of the three series but the Mavs winning the most recent in 2006 on their way to the NBA Finals. Tonight marked the first time that these teams had faced each other in the first round in their history.<div>I hate the Spurs. Their boring style of fundamental basketball puts me to sleep. Manu Ginobili </div><div>is on my All-Hate NBA team</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRJ-iHzSAm55DzMxmO7hNYT2wJ9SZg6jIDA0IWvCSNaBoTORyViAfPt69Nyt2KZ6_jEuieommQpTRFagdRzwqO5aC6Tn5oMuN8V4HfTTrEaG2vt6uItoPdbFkeTQD22570mx5mpz3iLU/s1600-h/manu.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRJ-iHzSAm55DzMxmO7hNYT2wJ9SZg6jIDA0IWvCSNaBoTORyViAfPt69Nyt2KZ6_jEuieommQpTRFagdRzwqO5aC6Tn5oMuN8V4HfTTrEaG2vt6uItoPdbFkeTQD22570mx5mpz3iLU/s320/manu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348033311824032882" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>with Kobe, Stephen Jackson, Mike Bibby</div><div>and Spurs teammate Bruce Bowen (all Maverick killers). But tonight the Mavs took the first step to getting the best of the Spurs once again with a 105-97 win in San Antonio. </div><div>Even though the Mavs took Game 1 I wasn't impressed...with either team. I mean I'm glad that Dallas won their first road playoff game in almost three years and that Josh Howard came alive with 25 points but overall both teams are living in the past.</div><div>In previous seasons, if it was considered a crime if these two teams met anywhere short of the conference finals because they were both considered NBA Finals contenders. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUOVuz1devzJmzyj8Gwshn1LH2e1kD40zujuO-Bkcb1HJ3h7ZOrEpsBW4eAcm3QodQRTzJO3SDRQeJ08Fv2z4i6SDnKHRcZ9XzdBipdLIaDMBeEyTjnejo7AeLURRVz_biKhSQvuPezY/s1600-h/dallas-mavericks1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUOVuz1devzJmzyj8Gwshn1LH2e1kD40zujuO-Bkcb1HJ3h7ZOrEpsBW4eAcm3QodQRTzJO3SDRQeJ08Fv2z4i6SDnKHRcZ9XzdBipdLIaDMBeEyTjnejo7AeLURRVz_biKhSQvuPezY/s320/dallas-mavericks1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348034335970244418" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px; " /></a><div>But now the fact that they're meeting in the first round and no one is raising an eye brow proves both of them have become old and slow. I think they'll give us a solid series to watch but it won't matter. Whoever advances to the next round is bound to be outplayed by a younger team and a more cohesive unit such as the Lakers, Rockets or Nuggets. This rivalry was nice while it lasted.</div><div><br /></div><div>My Prediction: Mavs in 6. Nuggets over Mavs in 6.</div><div><br /></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-34001342659632800562009-04-08T22:03:00.000-07:002009-08-05T19:43:47.932-07:00The Masters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pYmbWhiTJn6_s0_VVdMfb4LCeYVS7Fxwl65lF3wLkwHrlh4tVl6IxYg5OivXfTkYllS0DRVHzjaVcjKh8LkPgzbfAQ0otQugz3zcOKNF34nRFz6Bf-4J3Px8f2_3sw_6V_tYWBisCck/s1600-h/sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342969675497063074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pYmbWhiTJn6_s0_VVdMfb4LCeYVS7Fxwl65lF3wLkwHrlh4tVl6IxYg5OivXfTkYllS0DRVHzjaVcjKh8LkPgzbfAQ0otQugz3zcOKNF34nRFz6Bf-4J3Px8f2_3sw_6V_tYWBisCck/s320/sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a>There are some events in life that you know that you will never forget; today was one of those days. <div>As my fellow CBS spotter Cliff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pyron</span> and I walked across the parking lot I began to get nervous. I knew that I was just minutes away from walking on the greatest golf course in the world, Augusta National. All my life I had read about, been told about and watched on TV the one-of -kind beauty that this course contains.</div><div>As we entered the CBS compound we had to show our credentials on The Masters badge we were given. The police officer informed us that everyday we had to have this badge or we would not be allowed to enter. He said," You could come in here with no pants and show me your badge and I 'd let you in. But if you ain't got a badge I don't care if you're Ben Hogan, you're not getting in." </div><div>We got there at about 9 a.m. this morning not really knowing what our jobs were going to be. My goal for the day was simply to walk the course. I've had many conversations with people that have either been or wanted to attend The Masters and said that witnessing the layout was something that should not be taken for granted. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B0kEB5azVPWzkLNO2lV9Tp2LaAhQtZZgzgI5p-0HpNj6DYAF-izDW6qA3KMqf3dsEgvaKMV624xdoPI1sL8VOsGa3CyQcMhwxswNIlIGuT_ROWBL5WShYjoV64ttXRJ07ZVYn_donRw/s1600-h/IMG_8636.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343308045583156962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B0kEB5azVPWzkLNO2lV9Tp2LaAhQtZZgzgI5p-0HpNj6DYAF-izDW6qA3KMqf3dsEgvaKMV624xdoPI1sL8VOsGa3CyQcMhwxswNIlIGuT_ROWBL5WShYjoV64ttXRJ07ZVYn_donRw/s320/IMG_8636.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>We quickly found our bearings inside the CBS compound and asked for our assignments. My boss came over to us and said, " Cliff, 'you've been here before why don't you show Hutton around the course today." Without hesitation we accepted the "assignment" and started heading toward the radio truck to pick up our headsets. I couldn't believe it. I was there... at Augusta National and my only job for the day was to browse around the most prestigious golf course in the world... for free. Upon grabbing our radios and getting a couple of bottled waters ,we headed out to the course. </div><div>Every year Augusta National hosts a Par-3 tournament for the players and their families on its beautiful nine hole Par-3 course. Our plan was to go and walk around the every hole, take pictures, visit the souvenir shop and then come back to watch the end of the Par-3 tournament. The last two holes of the course are directly next to CBS compound so we decided to end our day there in order to get a front row seat. </div><div>As we exited the compound and walked down the paved road, I got my first glimpse of the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> and 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> holes of the Par-3 course.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu7GuCnV6u3XN9jkr44M5jN8McXPRghqSdhFv-G_4yqqaSQiz0fu8tlw3NjQdMFvQKhVgE0vR7QB6-7VgBhaA-CRSOWHi9fOnzDvJwMbvOggU88rDuJvIm1a_w3UuBXAb2_AW915TXmo/s1600-h/IMG_8631.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343310127427791938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu7GuCnV6u3XN9jkr44M5jN8McXPRghqSdhFv-G_4yqqaSQiz0fu8tlw3NjQdMFvQKhVgE0vR7QB6-7VgBhaA-CRSOWHi9fOnzDvJwMbvOggU88rDuJvIm1a_w3UuBXAb2_AW915TXmo/s320/IMG_8631.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>These two holes are within in 100 yards of each other separated by a small lake on either side of the greens.On my right was the ESPN set on which Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tirico</span> and Andy North would be anchoring the coverage later on that day which was set just below the enormous manual scoreboard for the Par-3 tournament. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu7GuCnV6u3XN9jkr44M5jN8McXPRghqSdhFv-G_4yqqaSQiz0fu8tlw3NjQdMFvQKhVgE0vR7QB6-7VgBhaA-CRSOWHi9fOnzDvJwMbvOggU88rDuJvIm1a_w3UuBXAb2_AW915TXmo/s1600-h/IMG_8631.JPG"><br /></a><div>I immediately got my camera out and began taking snapshots of the view. The sun was just rising over the tall pine trees as we climbed the hill toward the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> green.</div><div>At this point I knew that I would always remember this moment. It was breath-taking. The scene was just as I had pictured it full of thick trees, rolling hills, smooth fairways and immaculate greens. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBWFxSoPepY3ZN6yiWRp8Lvcoa4nZkmboj3l2XEX4lehuMAI45J0vT9vD-PPPuTjCSX9gKc6QeP82CJdczlcqbJJioWrl_rgPTRZFUqTjTZZ4042O_g3fG-dpN1EBmcwmlxANidCcm9w/s1600-h/IMG_8655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343315345299976866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBWFxSoPepY3ZN6yiWRp8Lvcoa4nZkmboj3l2XEX4lehuMAI45J0vT9vD-PPPuTjCSX9gKc6QeP82CJdczlcqbJJioWrl_rgPTRZFUqTjTZZ4042O_g3fG-dpN1EBmcwmlxANidCcm9w/s320/IMG_8655.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>As we stood next to the putting green and watched Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mickelson</span> putt we could see No. 1, No.10 and No.18 as well as Butler Cabin to our direct right. Unbelievable.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFABi_9hyXBzDorH8HlPz7NLXmuKD9LjP94TuhjjLoNdt6aeJH4T7HBaMOLTB0H5oy4ASqqfqopa_o7EEJDiaPyUUc0xrLOqCbXRii4j3odAFEiZgTPQ5cnx2iuC2UAZm9-rqghBRhyA/s1600-h/IMG_8640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343308048988484530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFABi_9hyXBzDorH8HlPz7NLXmuKD9LjP94TuhjjLoNdt6aeJH4T7HBaMOLTB0H5oy4ASqqfqopa_o7EEJDiaPyUUc0xrLOqCbXRii4j3odAFEiZgTPQ5cnx2iuC2UAZm9-rqghBRhyA/s320/IMG_8640.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>So from there Cliff and I walked down the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> hole which has a severe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">downslope</span> toward in the fairway and is a undulated green guarded by three bunkers. We moved on to "Amen Corner" </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4POfGM0d2Okk8pO9pUxptEC6jMxB0-B0L9kVf1Jn0Jp5wpOiBJSAsm892BMk3_LzibI7nYim6LODZtq6GrSWmroNd3QxNuRt0rsEz_qU8Ki4ZrWo9eLFihWTOjrBaVOqpB63GQIBgbpU/s1600-h/amen_corner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343310135496763922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4POfGM0d2Okk8pO9pUxptEC6jMxB0-B0L9kVf1Jn0Jp5wpOiBJSAsm892BMk3_LzibI7nYim6LODZtq6GrSWmroNd3QxNuRt0rsEz_qU8Ki4ZrWo9eLFihWTOjrBaVOqpB63GQIBgbpU/s320/amen_corner.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div> which was full of tall pine trees and highlighted by the view of No.12 and No.13 green back about a hundred yards apart. Every hole on this course would qualify for a signature hole on almost any top tier course in America. We moved on to No.16 where Tiger chipped in his improbable birdie on 2004 to win his fourth Masters. As we moved along to No.17 and 18 I found myself playing back all the famous moments that have been captured here. It gave me goosebumps. </div><div>As we moved onto the front side we saw that our CBS colleague Ian Baker Finch was</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343308043488651778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTHwsrhK-S5EDRrY8HUpaKDlkf-Nt9EHJciPQLVLTZU8vfbxUtqDNP3gMLBajJY3E8FPr58F8Exnl4zfPV_zNnoveaP-DSVB9ZVoG9RnhZK7VWAsf-d_LLrHwzOq5ZvpbxkNz6ENLI5k/s320/IMG_8667.JPG" border="0" />playing alongside Gary Player. I was really excited to see him because I had heard my dad talk about growing up watching him at Colonial Country Club. On top of that Player had just announced that this would be his last competitive week at The Masters. <div>As we finished our tour of the course walking back toward the Par-3 course. I saw this old plaque that</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW0cp8pv6eBfOrn7T0VJYVvs7bFYy4NyBcVttTRgpdpbp5OjFRIVnlUZU8qgLKBSzEhLDGdv02D8ldq1q2zHUzwlgrbH6tOv-O_4TB34KG3IbrznAP4prfFJIwD97LajwmgkrdoT-YfE/s1600-h/IMG_8656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343313299331606338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 290px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW0cp8pv6eBfOrn7T0VJYVvs7bFYy4NyBcVttTRgpdpbp5OjFRIVnlUZU8qgLKBSzEhLDGdv02D8ldq1q2zHUzwlgrbH6tOv-O_4TB34KG3IbrznAP4prfFJIwD97LajwmgkrdoT-YfE/s320/IMG_8656.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>caught my eye. It has every winner and their total score on it of every Masters champion. Pretty cool.</div><div>We headed for our spot underneath the scoreboard to watch the remainder of the Par-3 tournament. It was a perfect place to sit because we had a great view both tee boxes, both greens and close access to the players as they went from the ninth tee to the ninth green. The best groups were back to back. The first featured Phil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mickelson</span> and Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Furyk</span> followed by Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.</div><div>The several thousand fans looked on as these golf legends turned the corner from the seventh hole and teed off on their last two holes they would ever play as a group. Flashbulbs filled the background as each icon swung. I had never seen any of the three play so to watch them in this venue together was quite a treat. Just when the crowd watching on TV was looking back on what these greats have done Gary Player gave us one more memory.</div><div>After he hit his first ball in the water he put the next one in the hole.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2nPmlBRSQn04g2O1DitVgvxapx9v0iSB3U47xJnOIe6tZKQfQvXnDobsYXsfchdO0lYxHfZutO-AklI2uaCbraajM4ClfkzBOuN5Fd62_J6vYTANi2pqpfFEp9i5fLVlyCbj69G-ZOg/s1600-h/IMG_8692.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343310134485662690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2nPmlBRSQn04g2O1DitVgvxapx9v0iSB3U47xJnOIe6tZKQfQvXnDobsYXsfchdO0lYxHfZutO-AklI2uaCbraajM4ClfkzBOuN5Fd62_J6vYTANi2pqpfFEp9i5fLVlyCbj69G-ZOg/s320/IMG_8692.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>As the ball hit the green it caught the downward slope and funneled right back into the hole. The crowd erupted as Cliff and I exchange high fives we knew we had just seen something very special. We continued to cheer as Player, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nicklaus</span> and Palmer walked right past us on their way to the last hole they would ever play together. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thursday at The Masters<br /></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As we repeated the drill from the day before of presenting our badges to the security guard ,I was just as excited as the previous day. At 11 a.m. we had a our daily spotter meeting in which we were assigned specific holes on the course. I was given the tenth fairway which is one of the best places to spot from because of the difficulty of the hole.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Today was a beautiful day. The high was in the mid-70's but in the shade it was ten degrees cooler which made it a very pleasant round to watch. </span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrPHZkUE17z-8IAp6Ss0FIycde7SNYBXVzvRIcTeOVzc9f7GQNGq78zhtrbMqfgwn5YL5NBuaGB3vfq5LU8zyzNnKkGQnXptjfh-dqNawExaLjH-JxHKypGNutC-BpWKYWsk30CHM6Rk/s1600-h/_41540076_campbell_ap416.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343677566428821378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrPHZkUE17z-8IAp6Ss0FIycde7SNYBXVzvRIcTeOVzc9f7GQNGq78zhtrbMqfgwn5YL5NBuaGB3vfq5LU8zyzNnKkGQnXptjfh-dqNawExaLjH-JxHKypGNutC-BpWKYWsk30CHM6Rk/s320/_41540076_campbell_ap416.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chad Campbell was out to an early lead at-7. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">wouldn</span>’t mind seeing him win because he’s got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ACU</span> connections and he’s a fellow Texan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was awesome to watch the crowds grow as Tiger's group got closer to No.10. There is nobody in sports like Tiger Woods.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He has an immortal-like aura around him that you can only feel in person.</span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDni9kDxgQHwgZMrSz9DcBHEPFeCNw75kaiD7X9WvtTQDJ44C_XBhwiLOcSeThsbWP5AqPtRhaZ2EDeJbj_N2Zd0Qyql2X7erlAChVEyJ2D_3wuDH24VP5WfMIp55u_LFsVYMAyA1j_FY/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343676461986195842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDni9kDxgQHwgZMrSz9DcBHEPFeCNw75kaiD7X9WvtTQDJ44C_XBhwiLOcSeThsbWP5AqPtRhaZ2EDeJbj_N2Zd0Qyql2X7erlAChVEyJ2D_3wuDH24VP5WfMIp55u_LFsVYMAyA1j_FY/s320/Picture+21.png" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was amazing to watch him tee-off and walk down the fairway as thousands of patrons filled the sidelines of the downhill Par-4. Every person just wants to get a glimpse of him and I get be inside the ropes with a front row seat. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><!--EndFragment--></div><div><br /></div><div>Friday at The Masters<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was another gorgeous day at Augusta. I talked to my boss Lance Barrow a little today and headed off to my spot on the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> fairway. I decided to sit on the right side of the fairway today in order to get a little different perspective of the hole. From my vantage point yesterday I could only see the players second shots and their walk up to the green. At my new spot I could see who was teeing off and how they finished on the hole because it overlooked the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> green. My favorite part of the day was watching</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OOVZkSFOt_1K3JvQmM5e8A5omirUQNzmOJAstsmKWSNSBjssOGBIKZ3iFPh8UZBn5RG4Tl8s3VdTX5gY-YWGIPrhIdgFcNfbzRAAc5qTTRg3BbRa6KqspFLYxZ98zLViTA-R71RgZHs/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343691202875643650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 318px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OOVZkSFOt_1K3JvQmM5e8A5omirUQNzmOJAstsmKWSNSBjssOGBIKZ3iFPh8UZBn5RG4Tl8s3VdTX5gY-YWGIPrhIdgFcNfbzRAAc5qTTRg3BbRa6KqspFLYxZ98zLViTA-R71RgZHs/s320/Picture+22.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Gary Player play his last round at Augusta. He hit his tee shot about 70 yards behind the other two golfers and had to take a three wood in the short Par-4. As he walked down the fairway he was given a standing ovation as was the case I'm sure at every hole. Kenny Perry shot 67 and shares the lead with Chad Campbell at -9. Tiger is seven back at -2. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday at The Masters</div><div>As I got to the course today I struck up several conversations with the marshals on the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> hole. Each of them has been there for at least five years and have some great stories. They told me that up until this year they had to wear year hard hats instead of ball caps. They also claimed that they never raise their hands to quiet the crowd because the patrons know exactly when to be quiet. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUqTp9wL-LW1OqFY7WEHH9LPQZozGJDQEFy2iymVNccYtK4jM4JsVn6Do_itQiYDDGjNWxwgIPUsHTqUc4p93Qt2ugfCORAbUCPRkQOMUjMh8pJZXEDDM9El9KDuMkmPyZNb66b-SKI/s1600-h/IMG_8661.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344043869287314194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVUqTp9wL-LW1OqFY7WEHH9LPQZozGJDQEFy2iymVNccYtK4jM4JsVn6Do_itQiYDDGjNWxwgIPUsHTqUc4p93Qt2ugfCORAbUCPRkQOMUjMh8pJZXEDDM9El9KDuMkmPyZNb66b-SKI/s320/IMG_8661.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The most interesting story was told by the marshal directly next to me. He said that Augusta National has gotten so good at keeping the grounds spectacular for the week of the tournament that if you had come a week before nothing would be in bloom. That's pretty amazing and that what makes The Masters so unique. The final round pairings should be full of excitement as Kenny Perry and Angel Cabrera are tied at the top of the leader board at-11. Perhaps the most exciting news of the day is that Tiger and Phil will paired together at-4. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday at The Masters</div><div>Today was an unforgettable day for me and the golf world. We all knew that no matter who won today it would be special but this was beyond that. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkrlXV3mXtYMgSGocrA4_YAk57_4wDwQMaDpHlFwuxP34MTmWrS0zZaQcPT0Y4aHiHjnQMZYYdvJiKf89OMtfsETyGmY909p4otANcuFEAcqwq6VTDXLFyZHmyw795aIDNO1gHRX6REI/s1600-h/The+Butler+Cabin.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344041026710873698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkrlXV3mXtYMgSGocrA4_YAk57_4wDwQMaDpHlFwuxP34MTmWrS0zZaQcPT0Y4aHiHjnQMZYYdvJiKf89OMtfsETyGmY909p4otANcuFEAcqwq6VTDXLFyZHmyw795aIDNO1gHRX6REI/s320/The+Butler+Cabin.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>As we arrived at around 9 a.m. we were approached by one of our fellow spotters Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Shapter</span>. He had been working for CBS for over 20 years and knew almost everything you could know about this tournament. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shap</span> came over to Cliff and me to ask if we could do him a favor in Butler Cabin. We both looked at each other in shock and willingly followed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Shap</span> to the most famous house at Augusta National. As we pulled up to the door we were told to remove our hats and keep our voices down. At this point <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Shap</span> lead us through a small room with a few TV control units and pointed to small open doorway. As we entered the room we heard two familiar voices; CBS Producer Lance Barrow and CBS lead announcer Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Nantz</span>. Upon seeing us enter they both motioned us into the historic room. It was probably 20 degrees warmer in that small room than it was outside which with my nerves made it very hot.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB-EvLgcd72BWXB1HdvdlZfP9PYeLcLQ2SjeVl4KEL6K7mGjLuekL9AO7l65GJMhRJhMmoXvz1dLEzHuOMO7zatrNNjtPSPSaeXyhXBUpRjY5pawExRZaELshg4s47CDJvzdo-6Lxot8/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344041616619269234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB-EvLgcd72BWXB1HdvdlZfP9PYeLcLQ2SjeVl4KEL6K7mGjLuekL9AO7l65GJMhRJhMmoXvz1dLEzHuOMO7zatrNNjtPSPSaeXyhXBUpRjY5pawExRZaELshg4s47CDJvzdo-6Lxot8/s320/Picture+11.png" border="0" /></a> <div>Nevertheless, as I looked around the room I noticed three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">HD</span> cameras, several huge lighting fixtures and multiple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">HD</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">monitors</span>. Not to mention the historic paintings of golfing legends including the portrait of Bobby Jones that hung above the mantle. Was this really happening? Was I in Butler Cabin... the place where so many Masters champions had been awarded their green jackets? I was. Cliff and I were instructed to help with a mic-check, sitting in as 2008 Masters champ Trevor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Immelman</span> and 2009 Masters champ. I would be Trevor and Cliff would be the new champion. As I followed Cliff into the room, we were met by Masters Chairman Billy Payne and Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Nantz</span>. We shook both of their hands and were invited to sit down in the chairs directly across from them. It was very surreal to be sitting in a room with such historical significance while also being interviewed by Jim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Nantz</span> with cameras watching my every move. Mr. Payne invited me to stand up and place the "green jacket" on the new champion and congratulated both of us for being there. Wow. </div><div>The Masters is very unique in that it does not allow spotters and scorers in the fairway to record stats. So I have to walk the rope-line on No.10 and watch the caddies from a distance to record how far the players are from the hole. As a result to that it can become quite monotonous to watch but thanks to Tiger and Phil today was anything but boring. </div><div>As I was sitting on the left side of the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">th</span> fairway a thunderous roar ripped across the golf course. This was no ordinary cheer; it was Tiger/Phil roar.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fpXpHUSqQEQ1h5yZO6ieLrngsIT8Zfoi6l-HGq675lCm_ZMVzBDl29hbeBjrhKRWM0pazNSQLHjLc5m35gJ_Xwl7zDmN5dPHlOWUWg2P7_QZNy4wS7FguNT111JivZdhY58i6GVgJTQ/s1600-h/Picture+26.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344807635783695522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fpXpHUSqQEQ1h5yZO6ieLrngsIT8Zfoi6l-HGq675lCm_ZMVzBDl29hbeBjrhKRWM0pazNSQLHjLc5m35gJ_Xwl7zDmN5dPHlOWUWg2P7_QZNy4wS7FguNT111JivZdhY58i6GVgJTQ/s320/Picture+26.png" border="0" /></a> <div>This time it was for Phil who had just birdied to the eighth hole on his way to shoot a 30 on the front side at-11. The 30 put him within one shot of Kenny Perry at -12. Tiger had played decent on the front but he still trailed by 5 shots at the turn. As they teed off on our hole it felt like the entire gallery was barreling down on us to get a glimpse of the duo. Both players hit the fairway and I went out to measure their drives in front of packed gallery. That is one of the coolest parts of my job because you can sit back and look at how fortunate you really are to be this close to action. They both hit their second shots and parred the hole to remain at -11 and -7 respectively. I wished that I could have followed them because you just can't beat that group on Sunday at this course. About 45 minutes later the last group of the day that featured leader Kenny Perry came down the 10th fairway but were rudely interrupted by a roar that ripped across the golf course.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6BxQz7jV36ckYkAFD9MZoYpteYFrV7hey43k9gw6kxyYojeAeL-0xOE_TbhAQ5hCS9-BLAFA71ZwTQXX2HgcE-Bf_ROBzrhESKepI0IzeUhuYNm9KBJi5bKZAJ3p4YZboIXDBv6V0L4/s1600-h/pga_a_woodsy_300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344808892225611570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6BxQz7jV36ckYkAFD9MZoYpteYFrV7hey43k9gw6kxyYojeAeL-0xOE_TbhAQ5hCS9-BLAFA71ZwTQXX2HgcE-Bf_ROBzrhESKepI0IzeUhuYNm9KBJi5bKZAJ3p4YZboIXDBv6V0L4/s320/pga_a_woodsy_300.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Just as Perry addressed his second shot, Tiger birdied the 13th hole to go to -8 just three shots off the lead. Perry and the rest of the 10th hole gallery stopped and turned all their attention toward "Amen Corner." I knew that as soon as KP finished the hole I was going to head off Tiger and Phil's group to watch their final five holes. I made my way across the the 9th fairway as I felt another monstrous roar coming from Tiger's group. He had just sunk an incredible birdie putt on the 15th green to close the gap to just two shots. I made it across to the 16th hole which is a short par-3 and saw more people on one hole than I had seen all day long.</div><div>I sat at the green and watched Phil put it within 15 feet of the hole as I listened to the crowd go crazy. But the scene that followed over the next ten minutes was something that I will never forget. Tiger hit his tee shot within 4 feet of the hole which put him in great position to get within in one shot of Kenny Perry and tie Mickelson with just two holes to play. I was listening to the CBS broadcast on my headset standing among the thousands of fans. Nick Faldo made the comment that we were watching "two gladiators here today,"... he was exactly right.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAnYUBS6vMXXCpw_F3rhMv147hi-j6C5tBa1aWq-fifywI2KMJXsYz7xF7PRbtphEwlbDfL4FKstuaJW0Egz9mx6z5Hx7F1BZJeAmx9s9MRZhLuZI0vIAXHWwberc3DIY6l5Mj-tboIY/s1600-h/12masters_gm20.standalone.prod_affiliate.4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344807641485248290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 224px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtAnYUBS6vMXXCpw_F3rhMv147hi-j6C5tBa1aWq-fifywI2KMJXsYz7xF7PRbtphEwlbDfL4FKstuaJW0Egz9mx6z5Hx7F1BZJeAmx9s9MRZhLuZI0vIAXHWwberc3DIY6l5Mj-tboIY/s320/12masters_gm20.standalone.prod_affiliate.4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The silence that surrounded the 16th green was incredible considering that several thousand fans were surrounding the hole. Phil missed his putt and Tiger made his. As the ball rolled in the gallery, it felt like a football crowd with all the high-fiving and echoing cheers that surrounded the 17th tee box. </div><div>As I walked up the the fairway in anticipation of two more memorable holes, I just took a second to look behind me. The view was full of excitement and chaos as literally every able fan at Augusta National had migrated to the 17th hole. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-V2S7fsEhwGdMVOaUEp83NWxDckHHFKiySmuuteWId1c8mgpaChw9JlyiFcdXjdjt4tiarmiOEbntee_ZYAs-iJDcFJVv633oiP1IzEOYNIHoxQUZCdQv4mACHLmKDpp1HnI3lR82_M/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344807633355024866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-V2S7fsEhwGdMVOaUEp83NWxDckHHFKiySmuuteWId1c8mgpaChw9JlyiFcdXjdjt4tiarmiOEbntee_ZYAs-iJDcFJVv633oiP1IzEOYNIHoxQUZCdQv4mACHLmKDpp1HnI3lR82_M/s320/Picture+25.png" border="0" /></a> <div>It's a scene that I will never forget. Tiger and Phil would go on to go a combined +3 on the last two holes as they finished -8 and -9 respectively. The tournament was not officially over but sadly it was.</div><div>As the masses began to thin out around the 18th green, the final two groups continued to battle for the greatest title in golf. </div><div>Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell and Angel Cabrera headed to a sudden-death playoff after finishing tied at-12. I knew the playoff holes were 18.10,18,10 until someone won. As soon as the last putt dropped on the 18th green I fought my way down my spot in the 10th fairway. I had my radio on to listen to the action just across the tree-line on the 18th hole. With every shot the gallery that was already standing ten people grew deep in anticipation that no one won on the 18th. Sure enough Cabrera and Perry both parred knocking out Campbell who bogeyed. </div><div>Upon the completion of the 18th hole I heard my name being called over the radio. They wanted to make sure I was still in position to be called to the hole and I assured them I was ready. </div><div><br /></div><div>They both teed off with nearly identical shots measuring 181 and 177 from the hole respectively.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI4d-CDs4qQeNglgzH3fpb5J4wqeBc3NKsKuIgkaxDCnetag82cXljkb0x5_bbQJ559f_A9KKtv_DprJBaVE2ObFHGRnLcrVGmb78KLEIBNH0hW2nkdv3-LvfItOqUjbBXGTD957X43c/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347738197828202050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 209px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI4d-CDs4qQeNglgzH3fpb5J4wqeBc3NKsKuIgkaxDCnetag82cXljkb0x5_bbQJ559f_A9KKtv_DprJBaVE2ObFHGRnLcrVGmb78KLEIBNH0hW2nkdv3-LvfItOqUjbBXGTD957X43c/s320/Picture+2.png" border="0" /></a> <div>As I walked back toward the rope-line I saw the two golfers breach the horizon and realized that nearly every patron still on the course were packing the rope-lines of the 10th hole. I called in my yardages which were then used on TV which is pretty cool in itself with the entire golf world watching this hole.</div><div>Perry looked really nervous as he approached his shot and it showed as he flew it long and left over the green. Cabrera cooly put his second shot safely on the green within 20 feet from the pin. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnDRuI1Vx5YTYobv48q9cUDv1QMXbD3QGyNIBp1e4Pf48JpFT2mAdDh8XK7dQtwlfrKjAeOKqcWT4x-rjkoSOgV5AEHM7hAEGlLm6Scl0HqesctzxL-RLtBQEDs73X8MBRXTF0I5H068/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347735380671648018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnDRuI1Vx5YTYobv48q9cUDv1QMXbD3QGyNIBp1e4Pf48JpFT2mAdDh8XK7dQtwlfrKjAeOKqcWT4x-rjkoSOgV5AEHM7hAEGlLm6Scl0HqesctzxL-RLtBQEDs73X8MBRXTF0I5H068/s320/Picture+1.png" border="0" /></a> <div>He had put it close but in doing so he he left himself a 25 footer for par which he in turn missed. After Perry settled for his bogey Cabrera easily two-putted to win The Masters with a tap in par. As I walked back to the CBS compound I was cut off by two carts which carried Cabrera and Perry. Cabrera was still high-fiving his caddie while Perry hung his head in defeat in the cart behind him. </div><div>Even though the outcome was not what I would have wanted overall ,it doesn't get much better than this in sports.<br /></div><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-9648684181634077262009-04-06T12:36:00.000-07:002009-08-04T20:59:44.652-07:00A Good Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTjtLx0xBFxQAJX9MSvb164psJtYHDzuG3BH7E2ds5b1325llSG8EOLR2QdUO1SL0DnCPVvN7XZXwbTvMLTzoTc0x6W6YsEtHZOFdNxWreXrwnb8ZAM9ywWyEXXaLHUUt1vqbbxduqiA/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342849855858189506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTjtLx0xBFxQAJX9MSvb164psJtYHDzuG3BH7E2ds5b1325llSG8EOLR2QdUO1SL0DnCPVvN7XZXwbTvMLTzoTc0x6W6YsEtHZOFdNxWreXrwnb8ZAM9ywWyEXXaLHUUt1vqbbxduqiA/s320/Picture+12.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH3q9dRESernnjY8anMrvWqC2gjzj6wBvpbt-dBp2drLD-Qf9olWoXCO5CT1Os2GpaoE1-ziKB_uVxR8FZIhPVk_IFVNtA3zKI-u7Pas__cZMP_QP6gKvqjkn2IlDDom1ztOjIwYcBYU/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342446890486657362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH3q9dRESernnjY8anMrvWqC2gjzj6wBvpbt-dBp2drLD-Qf9olWoXCO5CT1Os2GpaoE1-ziKB_uVxR8FZIhPVk_IFVNtA3zKI-u7Pas__cZMP_QP6gKvqjkn2IlDDom1ztOjIwYcBYU/s320/Picture+11.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was a memorable day. Two big things happened that made it a day that ranks pretty high up there: Opening Day at The Ballpark and the National Championship game. <br /></div><div><div>Chan and I got up around 8 a.m. this morning and left for The Ballpark in order to get there for early batting practice. It's funny because this is really the only day that we can watch Josh Hamilton, Michael Young and Ian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kinsler</span> take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BP</span> because they usually bat before they open the gates to a regular home game. But with the combination of the game starting at 1:05 p.m. and our season ticket holder's pass, we got to go in 30 minutes earlier to watch them take some swings. Chandler caught three <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">homerun</span> balls and I caught two, so it was a successful outing. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned before, my family has season tickets to the Rangers' games. We have four seats in right-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">centerfield</span> just above the 407 feet sign.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMi0mh8Rkc099OIJUkRTuVBwxaz4vmd9tyAlDnzKCdvSFcE59yI6C_eyqUtO2D-NjCnmdptwxTV3bXolRq7ctwAqFe4LfWBplEEWcvx24iDU3_FVIQwA1Hq2bU4NIiKl_EbEDGrTlQ68/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342491648131879122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 123px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMi0mh8Rkc099OIJUkRTuVBwxaz4vmd9tyAlDnzKCdvSFcE59yI6C_eyqUtO2D-NjCnmdptwxTV3bXolRq7ctwAqFe4LfWBplEEWcvx24iDU3_FVIQwA1Hq2bU4NIiKl_EbEDGrTlQ68/s320/Picture+15.png" border="0" /></a> <div>In my opinion, these are the best seats in baseball. Here are my reasons: 1) Front row seats have a lot of advantages such as leg room, no one sits on from of you and there's a good chance of you catching a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">homerun</span>. 2) Close proximity to the players. We sit on the end of the row level with the Rangers' bullpen. It's awesome to watch them warm up before the go into the game because you are literally 2 feet from the catcher. 3) A combination of the last two reasons.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAfTMJaEM9qpdS8S5GlvH2f5JpPjZoVikQNsODB4BGsqprG6qqyxsMco8GMRtgG-YxImDFp1fwi2vQtzzroXazXTyXvtr-yKQNTWMjs0n_hNF4hl-GVlhPBfKP40mMVZcbJspKu-gN_o/s1600-h/2915_69760873845_763728845_1594221_980275_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342506332298753042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAfTMJaEM9qpdS8S5GlvH2f5JpPjZoVikQNsODB4BGsqprG6qqyxsMco8GMRtgG-YxImDFp1fwi2vQtzzroXazXTyXvtr-yKQNTWMjs0n_hNF4hl-GVlhPBfKP40mMVZcbJspKu-gN_o/s320/2915_69760873845_763728845_1594221_980275_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>We do not have to worry about some drunk guy having to walk in front of us every inning which does not seem like a big luxury until you have sat somewhere else. You can also hang signs from our seats to show your support for the team and try to impress those watching on TV by getting your sign on the broadcast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every year on Opening Day I make a sign to hang up in front of our seats. We usually welcome the newest member of the Rangers by simply saying" Welcome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">AROD</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Soriano</span>, Juan G or Buck."</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrgaCi71ovmXbM2Piccxp3e3CYjTV_E2gjINBA6kWv0RftnPMa_6h5_AZQiG9G7DlAfda62bU_jAkZpDOiCstUqLSW5-Lf0Kc9OyMICjv3CSabex-hzZYJ2nPd6-tp8NUKik9Ru7TH1I/s1600-h/-5.jpg"><br /></a><div>All of those have gotten on TV which is pretty cool to me. This time I made one that said "Welcome Elvis"</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3RSZZ6D5EDI8gRZh2nHFqELDsEDD0zkOVzPEkcJ3GYQabzQFGqu1iP4S6-MCvqqsVf70b2C3-zp03V0zDDE2UdZ8vIQpf46ft7psCVuR8qYHghRXu8XkuSEkEgPgPlztzL-mZ5XS7Yw/s1600-h/-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342506577106346050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3RSZZ6D5EDI8gRZh2nHFqELDsEDD0zkOVzPEkcJ3GYQabzQFGqu1iP4S6-MCvqqsVf70b2C3-zp03V0zDDE2UdZ8vIQpf46ft7psCVuR8qYHghRXu8XkuSEkEgPgPlztzL-mZ5XS7Yw/s320/-5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>referring to our new 20 year old short stop Elvis Andrus. And once we were successful in our efforts to be on TV,the day got better.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Rangers jumped out to 7-0 lead on the reigning CY Young award winner, Cliff Lee. Hank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Blalock</span> continued his dominance on Opening Day with his fifth homer in seven Opening Day starts. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best part of the game to me was Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Milwood</span>. He threw 113 pitches in seven strong innings of work allowing just one run on five hits. If he can pitch like that every time out, the Rangers may have a 20 game winner as their ace. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh2ct7tse1Q9Nnd16mqr4d8yFw8ymOWSRyLJDMbS9zKbaaev7e9ttwYqBsQvlkmS8I_x4h0f6puJXbVVt3iKBillNDmKEV2CcdCWaFMkgJplK6K5nbyus5DKgSv7EK5_rD1_3yWOOggE/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342776850424043154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 223px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh2ct7tse1Q9Nnd16mqr4d8yFw8ymOWSRyLJDMbS9zKbaaev7e9ttwYqBsQvlkmS8I_x4h0f6puJXbVVt3iKBillNDmKEV2CcdCWaFMkgJplK6K5nbyus5DKgSv7EK5_rD1_3yWOOggE/s320/Picture+20.png" border="0" /></a> <div><br /></div><div> The 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> and 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> innings were perfectly</div><div>pitched by veterans C. J. Wilson and Frank Francisco as the Rangers won and captured their first Opening Day win since 2003. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was a real feeling of excitement throughout the stadium as people were exiting the park. Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Milwood</span> has given us some hope that he may indeed be the ace that we need. The hitting was powerful and timely and the bullpen was absolutely lights out in the last two innings. Sounds like a winning recipe to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this was just the beginning of an amazing week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The game ended at around 5 p.m. and I had to jump into my car for a 16 hour drive to Augusta, Georgia. My plan was to drive about five hours that night and stop in Mississippi at some random hotel to watch the end of the national title game between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">UNC</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MSU</span>. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8-6lroxBT2ca88jCAJyWiv4zc12MhNiEM8HXyAinC167vygTZwsaIyJVqiAha0etaob_vzyuN_QN4y0fMF-9gvOFrVsOyVf7TZHXv_DezFh_2Nv57Wy74QcC25jt0UwW1gw7QqMmAhk/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342845182601966130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8-6lroxBT2ca88jCAJyWiv4zc12MhNiEM8HXyAinC167vygTZwsaIyJVqiAha0etaob_vzyuN_QN4y0fMF-9gvOFrVsOyVf7TZHXv_DezFh_2Nv57Wy74QcC25jt0UwW1gw7QqMmAhk/s320/Picture+21.png" border="0" /></a> <div>As I have stated in this blog many times before, I thought North Carolina clearly had the best team in the nation. Even with the crowd on Michigan State's side I had faith in my last remaining Final Four pick. </div><div><br /></div><div>I could not pick up the game on my radio so I had to rely on my brother's interpretation of the game from a big watching party in Dallas. He reported to me that that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">UNC</span> had jumped out to a 17-6 lead. I began drive a little faster in order to get to my hotel so that I could possibly catch the end of the game. </div><div><br /></div><div>This team has six possible pro prospects. That in itself is amazing. Their defense was smothering and their offense was a well-oiled machine. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">UNC</span> set a championship game record with a 21 point lead at halftime at 55-34. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I got to my hotel the celebration had already begun even though there was still five minutes left in the game. As the game came to a close, the seniors for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">UNC</span>, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Tyler <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Hansbrough</span> left the floor to a standing ovation from the Carolina faithful. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1urs7jViTaws7hW0eEXBTemuzr_CSs-nYtXpcF34-I_uV7VNQsmt16XrLsZkdq5G8OE7tG7olOvCjZvfZJgwsbo_wkH-iEwnqwbYGVuIePPHmejLEjHHSQ3QvAWw1o-97QoY2YUFGDCw/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342847058871104482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1urs7jViTaws7hW0eEXBTemuzr_CSs-nYtXpcF34-I_uV7VNQsmt16XrLsZkdq5G8OE7tG7olOvCjZvfZJgwsbo_wkH-iEwnqwbYGVuIePPHmejLEjHHSQ3QvAWw1o-97QoY2YUFGDCw/s320/Picture+22.png" border="0" /></a> <div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">UNC</span> would go on to win 89-72, completing a run of winning every tournament game by double digits; a feat that has not happened since 2001 by Duke. This team was one of the most complete we will ever see in college basketball and it showed on Monday night.</div><div><br /></div><div>As my day ended, I sat in my hotel room waiting for the best part of the tournament.... One Shining Moment. It's so cool to look back on something that the entire nation has been enthralled with over the last month. Seeing it put together in a video is really something special for me... </div>not <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342847054068441698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLN-PY_SUDyGNdgY4s_E1hbS2VeMCfu3C7czgP-fuyyiCmwPqFpSwjHAvdFIyU4X16pp0Jai4dpYqR5FGlTXYL7XcSlgghwYz7P2rmbN9Gpe49sy6nSwPJ909W8EQibh3jBi94rO3Eprk/s320/medium_north-carolina-msu.jpg" border="0" />to mention at the same time my ESPN bracket scores came in showing that I had just won my bracket for the second year in a row:) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEgFIoImVjN53F8ST11coc4S_1yBl-c0jf-5jaIGBdYU6cA1ir4AB7hOiLn4SfgUxfGVokfFMxgBnGz3QkwOhIuz5kGAy8N2YvwjTu9DwIPEjaXXMZpKyc78WE7eHVB9N_eaIyps5RMA/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342847064383037250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEgFIoImVjN53F8ST11coc4S_1yBl-c0jf-5jaIGBdYU6cA1ir4AB7hOiLn4SfgUxfGVokfFMxgBnGz3QkwOhIuz5kGAy8N2YvwjTu9DwIPEjaXXMZpKyc78WE7eHVB9N_eaIyps5RMA/s320/Picture+7.png" border="0" /></a> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-66583858087071709052009-03-27T17:27:00.000-07:002009-08-04T21:01:57.252-07:00Really Memphis?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Bpg0JB3OrpgcKcQeq9P64d2Cy8K8Pj26ocS-GGRsKPh3ZAEtmp0nZyS3qoPJfDmDIBe4Ci3iUe8Zef9nauO3Rw5u2B1yxLNiKHBa34MdEp4CT3sP7YTTymGg8SuU31VN8aiNjrYxxY/s1600-h/625mizzou0327.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342188068747950418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1Bpg0JB3OrpgcKcQeq9P64d2Cy8K8Pj26ocS-GGRsKPh3ZAEtmp0nZyS3qoPJfDmDIBe4Ci3iUe8Zef9nauO3Rw5u2B1yxLNiKHBa34MdEp4CT3sP7YTTymGg8SuU31VN8aiNjrYxxY/s320/625mizzou0327.jpg" border="0" /></a>Over the last few years I have taken a lot of pride in my bracket. So as I watched my bracket go up in smoke last night when Memphis (who I picked to go to the national title game) was pimp-slapped by Missouri, I found myself regretting my faith in the Conference USA champs. <div><br /></div><div>The reason I picked Memphis to go so far this year is because all season they've played amazing defense with arguably the most athletic team in the nation. But last night, Memphis showed neither quality for three quarters. </div><div><br /></div><div>Missouri simply beat Memphis at their own game by coming out of the gates fast and punching John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Calipari's</span> team in the mouth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mizzou's</span> defense kept the other Tigers down long enough to take a 39-33 lead into the last media timeout of the half. At this point, I was still feeling pretty good about my pick because Memphis has usually closed at halves pretty well-not this time. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mizzou</span> won the game in the last four minutes of the first half. They finished the half on a 27-7 run including an incredible 65 footer from freshman Marcus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Denmen</span> as time expired. As the second half began ,they pulled away increasing their lead to 64-40 with 16 minutes left in the game. Even when Memphis cut the lead to 89-83 with two minutes, a comeback never really seemed viable. That's when you know you been completely dominated. </div><div><br /></div><div>All I can say is congrats Missouri on destroying Memphis... and my bracket.</div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244108715592502009.post-83061089730533691272009-03-20T20:44:00.000-07:002009-08-04T21:04:41.577-07:00Back Where They Belong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7EvgvUQfTxafe_ezJ7e-jXtiIZNQYYgU-ghU4iw48uY4zMo5hCzFda0ucpeo4S_rAYgqg69DhLO4UAcO8DjogTenNj3v6MvPWmgQsABEcx68_sZvihO_Ir3VhkVfafsVQASteQGTIWo/s1600-h/340x-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341094809312803186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7EvgvUQfTxafe_ezJ7e-jXtiIZNQYYgU-ghU4iw48uY4zMo5hCzFda0ucpeo4S_rAYgqg69DhLO4UAcO8DjogTenNj3v6MvPWmgQsABEcx68_sZvihO_Ir3VhkVfafsVQASteQGTIWo/s320/340x-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>March is finally here and the madness has begun. Underdogs, upsets and buzzer beaters just come with the territory of participating in the best two weeks of the sports year. Unfortunately, this post is not going to breakdown every team and how far they will go in the tournament. But here is a mini-breakdown: <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1) Pitt is overrated. 2) Blake Griffin is the best player in the country but he won't get past the Elite Eight. 3) Memphis should be in the finals with that defense .4) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UNC</span> will win it all... easily. </div><div><br /></div><div>BUT this post is about the return of the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA Tournament. Michigan has been to three Final Four's in 20 years including a national title in 1989. But the Wolverines have taken 12 seasons off between 1996 and today making this berth a sign that things may be getting back to normal in Ann Arbor. </div><div><br /></div><div>Manny Harris was the key to Michigan's first victory 11 years yesterday. Harris scored 23 points en route to a 62-59 victory over the Tigers. This game not only showed that the Wolverines are getting back to where they used to be, but they could make some noise this year. Whatever happens against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OU</span> on Saturday,Michigan has proven that they will not take any more 11 year vacations from the big dance.</div><div><br /></div><div></div>Huttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10121235134345538561noreply@blogger.com0