79-year-old Joe Nuxhall lost his fight with cancer last night. The beloved broadcaster and former pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds had been undergoing chemotherapy since October and was admitted to Mercy Fairfield Hospital on Monday for shortness of breath and a low pulse rate.
“The Ol’ Left-Hander,” became a radio voice for the Reds in 1967, retiring in 2004 but managed to work a few games while in retirement over the past 3 years. In 1992, Nuxhall underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Last February as Joe prepared for the Reds’ spring training the cancer returned. Yet the determined broadcaster showed his love for his Reds by calling some of the games last season with a leg painfully swollen by tumors.
Joe Nuxhall became the youngest player to ever play in the Major League when he stepped onto the mound in a Reds’ uniform at the age of 15. After two outs against St. Louis the young pitcher lost his composure and was not able to come up with another out. The Reds sent him to the minors. It would be eight years before Nuxhall would resume his pitching career for the Reds; a career that would eventually send him into the Hall of Fame.
Cincinnati will truely miss him as will the entire baseball world. The Ol Left-Hander has rounded third and is certainly headed for home. We love you Joe.
"Baseball is simply a better game without the DH." Bob Costas
A designated hitter is a rule enforced by the American League allowing another player who is chosen at the start of the game to hit in place of another batter (usually the poorest hitter which tends to be the pitcher). The designated hitter doesn't field. This rule allows teams to keep hitters who aren't strong fielders in their lineup.
This He Said She Said debates the use of the designated hitter. I love baseball. It has given me numerous memories that I have shared with my children and plan to one day share with my grandchildren. Not only do I love the game, I am indebted to it. Baseball paid for my husband’s college education. He was a great 2nd baseman and was so much fun to watch. His arm kept him from going pro, but that’s okay. We are where we are supposed to be.
To me, baseball is the perfect sport; with one exception…the designated hitter rule imposed by the American League. The powers-that-be believed the fans cared more about offense thus the DH rule was developed. When the rule was implemented, Bowie Kuhn was the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1968, the American League batting title went to Carl Yastrezemski, an outfielder who played for the Red Sox. At that time his batting average of .301 was the lowest average for a title winner in modern era. Because of the declining offense at the time, Kuhn liked the idea of the DH. It has also been said the DH rule was enforced in response to the declining ticket sales in the 70’s’; the more hits, the more exciting the game. The Baseball Almanac reports that Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees was the first major league’s designated hitter. On April 6, 1973 he walked against Luis Tiant of the Boston Red Sox with the bases loaded. While the American League uses the DH rule, the National League does not. To this day, it remains a controversial rule.
Because they are not required to bat, this rule allows American League pitchers to throw at the opposing hitters with less repercussion than National League pitchers who must take their turn at bat. Isn’t it only fair that those who hurl a baseball reaching speeds 90 to 100 miles per hour have the opportunity to brave that same sensation? In the interest of fair play the pitcher should stand at the plate and face the heat.
Baseball has long been called a “thinking man’s game.” If the pitcher sits while another bats in his place this is no longer so. Managers need not manage. They can just send a DH to bat. However, if a pitcher bats, as he should, strategy is used due to rules put in to place long before the Designated Hitter rule. A great player, which some may call a “pro,” doesn’t need a DH. They do their job by playing the field and getting their chance at bat. The DH cheapens baseball. This person is given a bat, told to hit the ball, run the bases and then sits until his next at bat.
While other non-professional leagues do use the DH, they are playing for the pure passion and love of the game. MLB is a business. Designated Hitters are being paid ridiculous sums of money. A player making 6 million a year just to DH is a crime and should not be a part of major league baseball. If you bat then you should play the field. Pitchers are a part of the game, as a matter of fact, the most important position in the sport. The strategy of using the pitcher as a hitter is one of the most intriguing aspects of the game. Yes, it does enable veterans to continue playing. Pete Rose would have possibly played well into the 1990’s if the DH had been applied. I’m just not buying that! If you cannot take the field due to injuries then you don’t need to be just a hitter.
The DH position has evolved from this philosophy to the modern day designated hitter that represents all offense and no defense. Those who could never have made it to the pro leagues now find themselves a vital part of the American League teams. With the exciting young stars and new ballparks, the American League no longer needs gimmicks.
The loss of strategy and the over-emphasis on power at the expense of some of the game's finesse is too big of a price to pay for the advantages of the DH. Besides, anyone who has so short of an attention span with so little appreciation for baseball that he can't watch a pitcher bat has no business watching MLB anyways.
I guess you can call me “old school” when it comes to sports, but I say let the game be played the way it was supposed to be. Professional sports should not have a major difference in its structure of play. Both leagues should follow the same rules. Pitchers pitch and pitchers bat. It is that plain and simple. Everyone takes the field and does their job on offense and defense. The National League plays a better and more interesting game. The American League should try it.
"Without free speech no search for truth is possible... no discovery of truth is useful... Better a thousand fold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech. The abuse dies in a day, but the denial slays the life of the people, and entombs the hope of the race."
Charles BRADLAUGH British social reformer (1833-1891)
On August 1st minor league baseball took being politically correct to the field. The Lowell Spinners and the Brooklyn Cyclones played what some are calling the first ever P.C. baseball game. In the spirit of P.C.-ness, different positions were renamed. First, second and third basemen became “basepersons,” the batboy was a “batperson,” and perhaps the strangest of all, the shortstop was renamed to the “vertically challenged stop.” Errors were not announced to the fans so that the player who committed them would not be offended. Although losing could have given one of the teams a complex, the score was kept and Brooklyn won this odd game, 9-5.
I do believe one should censor themselves but the problem with the culture of P.C. or being political correct, is that it browbeats the general public into accepting certain judgments, values and opinions. Our society embraces these to the point of sacrificing an individual’s right of expression. This leads to contempt, malevolence, and hatred for anyone displaying an unpopular belief. Many deny themselves their freedom of speech for fear of humiliation, fear of appearing ignorant, and even fear of retaliation.
Several months ago shock jock, Don Imus, was fired because he referred to the Rutger Women’s basketball team as “nappy headed ####’s.” Now he faces a libel, slander and defamation lawsuit from Kia Vaughn, the star center for the women’s basketball squad. Please do not leave me messages accusing me of siding with Imus, I am not. His words were deplorable and he had a responsibility as a public figure to censor himself. However, freedom of speech means that an individual has rights to individual liberties. That liberty includes both the accepted and unaccepted of #### or written expression. This subsumes even bigoted speech no matter how repulsive you or I might find it.
We all know that the old saying, “give them an inch and they’ll take a mile” is very true. Let’s say for arguments sake that Vaughn wins her lawsuit. Now I want you to look to the future. During an NBA game one of the players takes his time getting down the floor to play defense – not a vision that is too hard to picture. One of the sports announcers spots this and says the player is slacking and lazy, hurting his team. Afterwards that “lazy” player finds out about the commentators remarks. Claiming the announcer hurt his chances of signing a major contract with someone like Nike for fitness wear, the player sues the announcer and the station carrying the game. And you know what? Using the Imus case as precedent, he will win. It is now coming to the point that any sport’s personality needs the advice of a lawyer before making any comment about a player, team or franchise. Other examples include Rush Limbaugh and John Rocker. Both made stupid remarks which were politically incorrect and both ended up losing their jobs due to this stupidity.
Many more sports figures have lost their job, been suspended or fined for exercising their freedom of speech. Many terms can be labeled as politically incorrect. I wonder which are P.C. and which are not. Who are the members of the “thought police” that make this determination and how do you join? One of the qualifications of being Politically Correct is that you must not only have correct thoughts at all times, you must also condemn those who display incorrect thoughts.
Team mascots are certainly not off limits to the searching eyes of the “thought-police.” The University of Illinois caved to political pressure and booted their mascot of 81 years. Will others soon follow suit for fear of being ostracized from the ranks of the Politically Correct? Will fear of economic consequences finally push owners to change the names of mascots that have represented them for what is for some, a lifetime?
Maybe we should do some good and help a few of these owners. I’m listing the names of each team in the MLB, NFL and NBA. I ask of you to come up with new names; names that are politically correct. Because this is my blog ;) , I will serve as the “thought police” and decide which are P.C. and which are not. As squads are renamed, I will add the new mascot beside the old along with the name of the clever person who thought of the P.C. mascot. Once a team has been renamed no other names will be taken for that particular one….no matter how brilliant they might be!
Do you find this silly? I hope you do. I also hope you find it a little disturbing. It is not only the liberties of Don Imus and others like him that I am debating for; it is for you. I fight for your right to agree with this piece but most importantly, I fight for your right to disagree and voice that opinion.
It does seem that mothers have now changed the old rhyme told to us long ago to Sticks and Stones may break my bones but call me names and I’ll sue you for millions.
MLB
Arizona Diamondbacks - Avsfreak24 thinks this mascot should be changed to; Arizona Golddiggers
Atlanta Braves
Chicago Cubs
Colorado Rockies - Apparently Rev agrees with me about Freedom of Speech. This is from him; Colorado Stoners
Cincinnati Reds
Florida Marlins
Houston Astros
Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers
New York Mets - I thought this was funny. It also comes from AvsFreak24; New York Stepchildren
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
St. Louis Cardinals
Anaheim Angels
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
Minnesota Twins
New York Yankees - Once again AvsFreak24 has a suggestion; New York Bankees
Oakland Athletics
Seattle Mariners
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals
NFL
Arizona Cardinals - From SwackDaddy; Arizona Roadrunners....The Cardinal is not indigunous to AZ, and They Have no passing game.
Atlanta Falcons - Practicing his FREEDOM of SPEECH, this one comes from Reverend Rhythm; Atlanta Dog-Executioners...I think this speaks for itself!
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills - Another good one from SwackDaddy; The Buffilo Williams
Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals
Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers - SwackDaddy strikes again!The Fudge Packersrofl
Houston Texans - Yet another name speaking against all P.C. comes from the Reverend; Houston BorderCrossers
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders - dehbashi suggested this one; Oakland Jailers
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers - Socratesofswat came up with this for my beloved Steelers; Pittsburgh BOOTY HUNTERS
San Diego Chargers
San Francisco 49ers - My favorite from Rev (although his "thought police" might arrest him!!); San Francisco (well, you know)
Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins - Suggested by bafongu; Washington Mocaskins
I was running blindly, in a panic….searching for something but didn’t know what. My heart was filled with sadness as I ran towards nothing yet feeling something important behind me; something I could never turn back towards. Suddenly, there was what I was looking for. I knew it as soon as I lay eyes on it. It was a sports’ arena. As I entered, the scenes changed before my very eyes - one minute it was a gym, the next a baseball diamond and then a football field. There was destruction in each; cobwebs and dust filled the air and clouded my vision as I looked around. There were tattered banners hanging from the rafters while moonlight shone through giant holes in the ceiling. Goals and scoreboards lay shattered and broken. Bleachers were lop-sided with many completely missing. Sounds from the past were deafening in the stillness consuming me. I was surrounded by ghosts; of fans who once believed in the game, coaches screaming change-ups in their D from sidelines long gone, and players who played their sports for the pure love they felt for the game. They whispered to me, “We were the WildCats, the Steelers, the Celtics. We were the Gators, the Yankees, the Bulls. We were all sports. We exist no more.” As I began to weep, I realized I was standing in a cemetery, a cemetery of sports that was, sports that is and sports that will never be.
When I awoke, I was sitting straight up in bed with real tears streaming down my face. I looked around and knew I was safe. “It was only a dream,” I told myself. “Only a dream.” …really?
There are those that predict a future without sports. With all the scandals surrounding sports they just might have a point. Are fans getting to the point they don’t care anymore or are indifferent to cheating which is infiltrating every single sport? If the numbers of the last NBA playoff games are any indication of what is happening with the fan base then the future of sports looks bleak. During game 1 of the Cleveland Cavs VS the Spurs the 6.3 rating amounted to a 19% drop from last year, setting a record low for an NBA Finals opening game in primetime. Game 2 faired no better as the earned a 5.6 national rating and a 10 share Sunday night. They sank 30% from numbers of 8.0 and a 14 draw in the finals of the previous year.
What’s going on and what is the mentality of the sports’ fan? Let’s take a look at the different areas of cheating and different outlooks of fans.
* Built up a tolerance to cheating: We have athletes who are ####s, murderers, drug dealers, addicts – cheating just doesn’t seem that bad anymore. Who cares!! All of this happens in every aspect of life. We are taught from an early age that if you see something you want, GO FOR IT!! And if genetics stands in the way of your success…cheat. Win at all costs. Isn’t this what society tells us to do? Do the majority of fans care if Bonds is taking steroids? No! They pay to see him hit homeruns. What goes on between the lines will make you forget what happens outside the lines.
* Cheating has always been around. It is just a part of sports: Yes, cheating is a part of human nature. Everyone wants to get a head of the “Jones” and to have their slice of the American Dream. If someone offered a janitor a way to become the boss and make millions and all it took for him was a little pill. What do you think he would do? When people see a way, they will take advantage. We Americans love a shot-cut to the top. Taking HGH could make a difference between being a practice dummy and making millions per year. Athletes have million-dollar incentives to cheat and scientist readily available to help them beat drug screens. Sports will never be drug-free. Athletic endowments far out way humanity. How many of our records are held by players who cheated? Will we ever know? Do we REALLY want to?
*Head in the sand – if we don’t see it then it doesn’t exist: Why care if the game is decided by forces we cannot see? Fans watch sports to be entertained. If this is so, why make a distinction between athletes who do or who do not use drugs? Roids mean more balls knocked out of the park. Now THAT’S entertainment!!
*So many ways to influence the outcome o####ame: Sometimes it isn’t about winning or losing, it is about the point spread. Players, coaches, the media, game officials and boosters can make things happen…things we may never discover. Let me ask you a question. If you are a member seeding the NCAA college basketball championship, would a teams’ fan base play a factor in your decision? Of course it would! Neither you nor the media want to show a game with very few fans in the stands!
*All cheating is not equal: There’s real cheating and then there’s “dirty” play. For example, stepping on a player’s foot during their lay-up is cheating but would be considered dirty. After all, isn’t that the Ref’s job? In former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian's 2005 memoir, Runnin' Rebel, he wrote, "In major college basketball, nine out of 10 teams break the rules. The other one is in last place." We live in a world of “What have you done for me lately.” Winning means bigger and better contracts….losing means finding a new job.
*Does “Best Recruiter” = “Best Cheater?”:The NCAA's Division I Manual is 427 pages long, very complicated, and yet still inadequate at controlling the recruiting scene. "Believe me," said one current D-I assistant who requested anonymity, "Coaches will talk publicly about the rules being excessive and hard to understand, but all the good ones are fully aware of how to exploit every loophole in the book." There is a thin line between cheating and not cheating. I have listed five examples from college basketball below:
1a) CHEATING: Excessive phone calls to recruits.
1b) NOT CHEATING (yet): Sending excessive text messages to recruits.
2a) CHEATING: Lining up outside employment for a family member of a recruit.
2b) NOT CHEATING: Hiring a family member of a recruit for a job within the basketball program.
3a) CHEATING: Providing improper benefits to high-school coaches of a recruit.
3b) NOT CHEATING: Paying high-school coaches of recruits to speak at a university's summer camps.
4a) CHEATING: Head coaches running mandatory summer workouts -- or being present at voluntary summer workouts.
4b) NOT CHEATING: Having an office in the school's basketball complex that happens to overlook or is adjacent to the practice court where off-season workouts are held.
5a) CHEATING/AGAINST NCAA RULES: Putting recruits through shady prep schools to raise their GPAs and thus gain NCAA eligibility.
5b) NOT CHEATING: Getting recruits designated as "learning disabled," thus exempting them from the core-class limits at prep schools.
Cheating is blind to race, age, sex and sport. Yes, it happens in all sports and all age groups. Are the fans to blame? To some degree, YES. Until fans stop watching sports because of the scandals, players will continue to do anything to get that competitive edge, legal or otherwise. After all the screaming and all the negative press about Barry Bonds, MLB has suffered no consequences from the scandal. If we really knew all of the cheating that has happened, is happening and will happen sports would be crippled. Fans are either immune to the cheating or just don’t care anymore.
The only people that have the power to change our tolerance to the wrong doings in sports are the fans. So far, there has nothing been done by the fan to prove to me they care. I sadly have concluded fans no longer care about cheating in sports as long as they are entertained. This has gone as far back as the Gladiators – win at all costs. I am afraid the cost will be high and my dream will one day become reality.
"The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses, behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road; long before I dance under those lights."
Muhammad Ali
This time on "HE SAID, SHE SAID" Rev and I debate the following...
With all the negativity surrounding professional sports, is it worth our while as fans to continue to watch and support the teams and players?
Being a rabid sport’s fan, it is very disheartening when a story like the Michael Vick incident takes over today’s headlines. Professional sports is certainly taking its hits with the NBA referee scandal evolving into a horrible situation ranking right along side with the consistent testimonies involving steroid use in Major League Baseball.
However, this is one gal that has not given up on professional sports just yet. Here is why.... For every Pacman Jones there are twenty Peyton Mannings or for every Barry Bonds there are twenty Derek Jeter types representing their respected sports with the highest professionalism and class.
Now I’m not dissing the sports networks for their twenty-four hour coverage of these important yet negative stories. BUT, it does seem it is the only news reported in the world of sports. Apparently controversy draws viewers and numbers is what it is all about with any network. Please keep us informed, but don’t keep beating a dead horse (or dog – forgive the terrible pun.) The sad truth is no matter the network, be it sports or news, negative will outdraw positive almost every time. What does this say about our society as a whole? I don’t think I want to know the answer.
I hope this article will cause you to at least remember that the majority of professional athletes are solid, well perceived human beings. Don’t allow a few thugs to rob you of precious memories; memories such as mine including The Steel Curtain, The Big Red Machine or Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Memories I have carried with me, shared with my children and plan to one day share with my grandchildren.
When I watch a pro-football game on a Fall Sunday afternoon, I know I am watching the best in the world at their profession and the quality of the game is superb. When I see Peyton Manning change a play while at the line of scrimmage and then hit Marvin Harrison on a dead sprint in the corner of the end-zone, I know I have witnessed perfection. And guess what?? Michael Vick never even crosses my mind!! Yes, his is a story that needs to be told but let’s not forget…it’s not the only story. One bad apple really doesn’t spoil the whole bunch. All you have to do is throw it away and enjoy the rest.
*Note - "He Said She Said" is starting a suggestion box. If there is a topic you would like for us to debate just let me or Rev know. Leave your idea here or on Rev's blog. We will be happy to take a look at it!!
We have come to the 3rd installment of “He Said, She Said.” While the last 2 have been extremely interesting and fun, this one should inspire somewhat of a feud from those on either side of the fence. This time Rev and I ask, “Should Pete Rose be allowed to take his place among baseball’s greatest in MLB’s Hall of Fame?” How many years has this debate been going on? For some, it is a lifetime. Should Pete Rose be inducted into the Hall of Fame or should baseball stand by their “ban for life” decision passed down in 1989. Baseball has been extremely clear of its stance on gambling. The HOF is filled with adulterers, racists and crooks of every kind who have gotten away with suspensions or a slap on the wrist. But gambling is the HOF’s murder charge and the sentence is death. How just is this stance? Can’t the Hall forgive the sinner without forgiving the sin?
Let’s first take a look at what the man has done during his MLB career. Pete Rose earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle” because of his determination and the passion he took with him every time he stepped onto the diamond. He was famous for always running to 1st base even after a walk and reviving the dangerous head-first slide. Rose is the only player to play 500 games at 5 different positions and is probably the most efficient switch-hitter in baseball history.
Pete’s love for the game was apparent in everything he did. His career was impressive as he still holds quite a few records. These include 4,256 hits, 3,562 games, and 14,053 at bats. He also has in his arsenal three batting titles, 1968, 69 and 73; six World Series appearances – three ending in championships. He is 2nd all-time in doubles, 4th in runs, and amassed at the least 100 hits in his first 23 seasons, another record. He had more than 200 hits in a season 10 times, also a record, and led the league in hits for 7 seasons.
Rose was Rookie of the Year in 1963. In 1975 he was named the World Series Most Valuable Player, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, The Sporting News Man of the Year and was named the Player of the Decade for the 1970s by TSN. Anyone who knows baseball has certainly heard of “The Big Red Machine.” Rose was one of the most important contributors to the Reds domination of the 70’s.
In 1989, Charlie Hustle was banned from the game for gambling on baseball while he was manager/player for the Cincinnati Reds by then Commissioner Giamatti. His statistical standing in the history of major league baseball cannot be touched but will they ever be officially recognized? Some say yes if he owns up to what he has done and apologize for the behavior. I say, why should this matter?
Since Rose’s departure from the game as a player, there has yet to be anyone to fill the void of his passion and desire. I heard Joe Morgan once say in an interview that if he could impose one wish on a young player coming into the major league, it would be to spend one year with Pete Rose as a teammate.
The Hall of Fame just isn’t complete without the inclusion of Pete Rose. It is a museum for the fans and is supposed to honor those who played the game better than anyone during their tenure. I understand and do agree Rose should never be allowed to manage again nor hold any position in professional baseball. However, apology or not for the gambling, Charlie Hustle is a Hall of Famer. PLEASE stop moralizing MLB! Don’t kid yourself that past, current, and future inductees were given some kind of character and moral fitness test prior to their admission.
Under any impartial standard, Pete Rose was one of the greatest players to play the game of baseball. Under any sober standard, he has to be included in the group of people who are the greatest players to play the game of baseball.
Honor the player. The gambler has been punished.
For the view from the other side of the fence see what Rev has to say...
This is the second debate of my and Reverend Rhythm’s “He Said, She Said.” The question we put to you this time is; “Should the All-Star game determine home-field advantage in the World Series?”
Let’s PLAY BALL!!
Baseball is rich in tradition; a game full of legends and superstars that bring fans out to ballparks time and time again. It is a part of an American culture handed down from generation to generation.
The premise that the outcome of tonight’s MLB All-Star game will determine home-field advantage in the upcoming World Series is one of the most absurd concepts in the history of professional sports. The All-Star game is an exhibition game originated to present the fans with a chance to bring all of their favorite players onto the same field for one game a season.
It is going on 74 years since the All-Star game was created. Originally, the teams were selected by the managers and the fans. This changed in 1935 when the managers selected both teams for each league. The picks changed once again from 1947 to 1957 as the fans chose the team’s starters while the managers chose the pitchers and remaining players. Managers, players and coaches selected the teams from 1958 through 1969. And finally in1970 the selection of the starters returned to the fans. That is how it remains to this day.
In 2002 the All-Star game was all tied up. At the beginning of the 11th inning an announcement was made that if no one took the lead by the end of the 11th the game would be called a tie. Both teams had simply run out of pitchers. The managers, the commissioner and the umpires all agreed calling the game was the only thing that could be done. Fans were irate to say the least. They paid money to see someone win a game. As a result the All-Star game got a lot of bad publicity. People threatened to not watch the All-Star game anymore. It was a joke to the true baseball fan who loves the purity of the game.
Something quickly had to be done to hold the millions of fans loyal to America’s favorite past-time. The MLB could have gone one of two ways; 1) add more players to the team or 2) make it count for something. Execs at the Fox Network applied pressure to Commissioner Bud Selig toward the “this time it counts” age. Despite the fact that there is absolutely no connection, Selig ruled the All-Star game would now determine home-field advantage for the World Series.
"I don't like it," said future Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken who spent his entire career with the American League didn’t appreciated Fox’s suggestion All-Stars were not trying hard enough or playing to win. The real problem lay with the managers. Because it was an “exhibition” game, everyone was given a chance to get some playing time.
Because of Selig, home-field advantage for the World Series is decided three months earlier by an exhibition game. This changes it from an All-Star game to a regular game. And, by the way, the best players are not always involved since it is a popularity contest with the fans. Shouldn’t both leagues move the game back a few days so the best pitchers get a chance to pitch? If the game means that much then the best pitchers should pitch and the best players should play with very little substitution. Treat it like a World Series game or at least like one that affects the most important game in baseball.
So, should the All-Star game determine the home-field advantage of the World Series? No, it is just a bad idea. This game should have absolutely no impact on the World Series. The advantage should be given to the team with the best record. Since this is pretty much impossible to do, just go back to the way it was. Let’s get back to the one night a year of good old fashioned baseball fun. Give us back the game that had nothing to do with anything except pride; pride for the players and pride for the fans. This all started because both sides ran out of pitchers a few years ago. The best remedy for that? Add more players to the team, not more pressure. For those of who don’t think major league baseball players play to win, I suggest you go back and watch the 1970 All-Star game with Pete Rose vs. Ray Fosse.
Billy Gillispie’s remains focused on lifting Kentucky Basketball back where it should be…the top. Apparently it is never too early to recruit talent. High school sophomores Ross-Miller and Dakotah Euton have both committed to play for UK. Hoop Scoop ranks Ross-Miller as the 5th best player from the class of 2010 and ranks Euton 11th. This has placed the WildCats second (behind Ohio State) among the nation’s best recruiting class of 2010.
With incoming freshman Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion, Ross-Miller becomes the 6th player to either sign or commit to Kentucky since Gillispie was hired. Other commitments are from high school senior to be DeAndre Liggins and junior to be G.J. Vilarino. With the number of prospects that have visited UK more help could be on the way for the 2007-08 season. Included among the visitors are forward Leonard Washington, who originally signed with Southern Cal, and Mike Jones, who transferred from Syracuse to Indian Hills Community College.
Former Kentucky Women’s head coach, Mickie DeMoss has come out of retirement after only 3 months. DeMoss announced she will be joining Texas as an assistant coach. However, it might not be that easy to do. The new job could violate UK’s buyout clause which was part of DeMoss’ previous contract with the WildCats. Less than a year before resigning DeMoss signed a 5-year deal with Kentucky which would have paid her $350,000 per year. Included was a buyout clause that said if the coach left Kentucky to take another coaching job she would have to pay the university $200,000 for each year remaining on the deal, totaling $800,000. It is not clear how long DeMoss would have to stay out of coaching before being allowed to return without having to pay the big bucks. So far, the University of Kentucky has no comment. Walter McCarty replaces Marvin Menzies and joins Rick Pitino’s staff as Louisville’s assistant basketball coach. "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be back with Coach," McCarty said. "To be back here with him, it means a lot." McCarty was Pitino’s starting forward on the 1996 National Champions, the Kentucky WildCats. Pitino also coached McCarty when he played for the Boston Celtics. "All young people today overestimate their abilities and what they need to work on," Pitino said. "They'll get an honest answer from Walt. They'll be able to understand what it takes to be a pro." Marvin Menzies left Louisville to become the new head coach at New Mexico State. The Maxwell Award is given each year to the most outstanding player in college football. UK’s senior quarterback, Andre Woodson was named to the pre-season watch list for this prestigious award. The Chuck Bednarik Award is given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Wesley Woodyard, the WildCats’ senior linebacker, was named to this pre-season watch list. Woodyard’s name also appears on the watch lists for the Ronnie Lott Trophy (national defensive player of the year/character) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year). The SEC is still working to get the Sept. 15th Louisville/Kentucky college football game televised. While CBS, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU have no openings for that date, the league is still working with the Big East and television networks to get the largest distribution possible. Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner Mark Womack said there is some flexibility in the league’s television contract which could mean that the game will be shown live in the Lexington and Louisville markets. UK’s Athletics Director remains confident everyone in the state will be able to watch the game."We know that's important to the fans, and we'll work with the league to get it done in the best way possible."The Minnesota Twins selected Ben Revere as the 28th overall selection in the First Year Player Draft. 19-year-old Revere was ranked as the 42nd best high school prospect by Baseball America. Most in the baseball world expected the young man to go somewhere in the second round. "My advisor called me at 3:30 and said the Twins were really interested in me for the 28th pick, and my heart started pounding big-time," Revere said. "I just never thought I would go in the first round. And when the moment it came, well, it's just been a blessing, definitely." During his senior year at Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Kentucky, Revere batted .516 with 10 doubles, five triples, and 41 RBIs. This, along with 9 HRs and 24 stolen bases earned Revere the 2006-07 Gatorade Kentucky Baseball Player of the Year.
"Being with a woman never hurt no professional ball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." - Casey Stengel
Abstinence the night before a sporting event is preached by many coaches and practiced by some athletes. It has long been believed that sex before any competition zaps one’s energy while no hanky-panky can build up aggression. There are some examples that seem to prove this theory. Muhammad Ali abstained from sex for six weeks before climbing into the ring. Rickson Gracie refused to do the “mess-a-round” for at least 2 weeks before his bouts. Champion race horses are virgins until retirement when they are sent out to stud. Even Mickey, Rocky Balboa’s trainer said, “Women weaken the legs.”
But does sex the night before the big game really have any negative impact on the athlete? According to scientists, the answer is NO! There is simply no evidence to support this myth. In fact, there are studies that show pre-sports whoopee may actually raise testosterone levels. Emmanuele A. Jannini of the University of L'Aquila in Italy is a professor of endocrinology, the study of bodily secretions. After studying the effects of sex on the performance of an athlete, Jannini found that sex in fact boosts aggression by stimulating the production of testosterone. "After three months without sex, which is not so uncommon for some athletes, testosterone dramatically drops to levels close to children's levels," he said. "Do you think this may be useful for a boxer?"
The news gets even better for the ladies! Barry Komisaruk, a psychology professor at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey says women who are sexually active produce a powerful pain-blocking effect which can combat muscle pain and other sport’s related injuries. "At least one of the mechanisms by which [sex] blocks pain is that it blocks the release of [a neuropeptide called] substance P, which is a pain transmitter," he said. The block can last up to 24 hours!
Maybe coaches use this line to make sure their athletes get the rest they need before the sporting event. But, come on…..even a great “roll in the hay” doesn’t burn THAT many calories so how tired could you be? I think it is just like anything else; use common sense!! If your body needs the rest then voedee-oh-doe early! Otherwise, unless you are a race horse, BLANK your brains out and you will still be good to go the next day!! Now, if you will excuse me, I have a basketball game tomorrow! ;)
It is official!! I will be on “Fox Sports Bloggers Show” tonight, June 13th. The show will begin at 10 P.M. EST and will last for 1 hour. I’ve been really busy today or I would have had this up much earlier!! I hope you all will tune in. It should be a good show. Tonight’s lineup will be rivjo, me and chuxtory. If you have a question for any of us just give Frank a ring. I will do my best to answer anything you throw at me as I am sure will rivjo and chuxtory!!
The number to call is (646) 478-5128. Here are some of the things we will be discussing;
1. The NBA Finals - Can Cleveland win a game?
2. Junior to Hendrick Motorsports...is the apocalypse upon us?
3. The A-Rod situation - can he survive the season and will he be back in the Bronx next year?
4. Billy Donovan - Is there still an outside shot he goes to Kentucky and can he help their program?
5. A U.S. Open Preview - Will it be the Tiger and Lefty show or will someone else crash the party?
Once again, the number to call is (646) 478-5128. You are welcome to leave questions here as well but I am hoping to hear from all you tonight!!
broadcaster and former pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds had been undergoing chemotherapy since October and was admitted to Mercy Fairfield Hospital on Monday for shortness of breath and a low pulse rate. 
stepped onto the mound in a Reds’ uniform at the age of 15. After two outs against St. Louis the young pitcher lost his composure and was not able to come up with another out. The Reds sent him to the minors. It would be eight years before Nuxhall would resume his pitching career for the Reds; a career that would eventually send him into the Hall of Fame.
allowing another player who is chosen at the start of the game to hit in place of another batter (usually the poorest hitter which tends to be the pitcher). The designated hitter doesn't field. This rule allows teams to keep hitters who aren't strong fielders in their lineup. 
was developed. When the rule was implemented, Bowie Kuhn was the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. In 1968, the American League batting title went to Carl Yastrezemski, an outfielder who played for the Red Sox. At that time his batting average of .301 was the lowest average for a title winner in modern era. Because of the declining offense at the time, Kuhn liked the idea of the DH. It has also been said the DH rule was enforced in response to the declining ticket sales in the 70’s’; the more hits, the more exciting the game. The Baseball Almanac reports that Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees was the first major league’s designated hitter. On April 6, 1973 he walked against Luis Tiant of the Boston Red Sox with the bases loaded. While the American League uses the DH rule, the National League does not. To this day, it remains a controversial rule.
paid ridiculous sums of money. A player making 6 million a year just to DH is a crime and should not be a part of major league baseball. If you bat then you should play the field. Pitchers are a part of the game, as a matter of fact, the most important position in the sport. The strategy of using the pitcher as a hitter is one of the most intriguing aspects of the game. Yes, it does enable veterans to continue playing. Pete Rose would have possibly played well into the 1990’s if the DH had been applied. I’m just not buying that! If you cannot take the field due to injuries then you don’t need to be just a hitter. 
for baseball that he can't watch a pitcher bat has no business watching MLB anyways.
Rutger Women’s basketball team as “nappy headed 
down the floor to play defense – not a vision that is too hard to picture. One of the sports announcers spots this and says the player is slacking and lazy, hurting his team. Afterwards that “lazy” player finds out about the commentators remarks. Claiming the announcer hurt his chances of signing a major contract with someone like Nike for fitness wear, the player sues the announcer and the station carrying the game. And you know what? Using the Imus case as precedent, he will win. It is now coming to the point that any sport’s personality needs the advice of a lawyer before making any comment about a player, team or franchise. Other examples include Rush Limbaugh and John Rocker. Both made stupid remarks which were politically incorrect and both ended up losing their jobs due to this stupidity.
police.” The University of Illinois caved to political pressure and booted their mascot of 81 years. Will others soon follow suit for fear of being ostracized from the ranks of the Politically Correct? Will fear of economic consequences finally push owners to change the names of mascots that have represented them for what is for some, a lifetime?
not only the liberties of Don Imus and others like him that I am debating for; it is for you. I fight for your right to agree with this piece but most importantly, I fight for your right to disagree and voice that opinion.
the gym, and out there on the road; long before I dance under those lights."
Barry Bonds there are twenty Derek Jeter types representing their respected sports with the highest professionalism and class. 
carried with me, shared with my children and plan to one day share with my grandchildren. 
is a story that needs to be told but let’s not forget…it’s not the only story. One bad apple really doesn’t spoil the whole bunch. All you have to do is throw it away and enjoy the rest. 
allowed to take his place among baseball’s greatest in MLB’s Hall of Fame?” How many years has this debate been going on? For some, it is a lifetime. Should Pete Rose be inducted into the Hall of Fame or should baseball stand by their “ban for life” decision passed down in 1989. Baseball has been extremely clear of its stance on gambling. The HOF is filled with adulterers, racists and crooks of every kind who have gotten away with suspensions or a slap on the wrist. But gambling is the HOF’s murder charge and the sentence is death. How just is this stance? Can’t the Hall forgive the sinner without forgiving the sin?
impressive as he still holds quite a few records. These include 4,256 hits, 3,562 games, and 14,053 at bats. He also has in his arsenal three batting titles, 1968, 69 and 73; six World Series appearances – three ending in championships. He is 2nd all-time in doubles, 4th in runs, and amassed at the least 100 hits in his first 23 seasons, another record. He had more than 200 hits in a season 10 times, also a record, and led the league in hits for 7 seasons. 
than anyone during their tenure. I understand and do agree Rose should never be allowed to manage again nor hold any position in professional baseball. However, apology or not for the gambling, Charlie Hustle is a Hall of Famer. PLEASE stop moralizing MLB! Don’t kid yourself that past, current, and future inductees were given some kind of character and moral fitness test prior to their admission. 
determine home-field advantage in the upcoming World Series is one of the most absurd concepts in the history of professional sports. The All-Star game is an exhibition game originated to present the fans with a chance to bring all of their favorite players onto the same field for one game a season. 
were selected by the managers and the fans. This changed in 1935 when the managers selected both teams for each league. The picks changed once again from 1947 to 1957 as the fans chose the team’s starters while the managers chose the pitchers and remaining players. Managers, players and coaches selected the teams from 1958 through 1969. And finally in1970 the selection of the starters returned to the fans. That is how it remains to this day. 
announcement was made that if no one took the lead by the end of the 11th the game would be called a tie. Both teams had simply run out of pitchers. The managers, the commissioner and the umpires all agreed calling the game was the only thing that could be done. Fans were irate to say the least. They paid money to see someone win a game. As a result the All-Star game got a lot of bad publicity. People threatened to not watch the All-Star game anymore. It was a joke to the true baseball fan who loves the purity of the game. 
spent his entire career with the American League didn’t appreciated Fox’s suggestion All-Stars were not trying hard enough or playing to win. The real problem lay with the managers. Because it was an “exhibition” game, everyone was given a chance to get some playing time. 
months earlier by an exhibition game. This changes it from an All-Star game to a regular game. And, by the way, the best players are not always involved since it is a popularity contest with the fans. Shouldn’t both leagues move the game back a few days so the best pitchers get a chance to pitch? If the game means that much then the best pitchers should pitch and the best players should play with very little substitution. Treat it like a World Series game or at least like one that affects the most important game in baseball. 
Hoop Scoop ranks Ross-Miller as the 5th best player from the class of 2010 and ranks Euton 11th. This has placed the WildCats second (behind Ohio State) among the nation’s best recruiting class of 2010.
retirement after only 3 months. DeMoss announced she will be joining Texas as an assistant coach. However, it might not be that easy to do. The new job could violate UK’s buyout clause which was part of DeMoss’ previous contract with the WildCats. Less than a year before resigning DeMoss signed a 5-year deal with Kentucky which would have paid her $350,000 per year. Included was a buyout clause that said if the coach left Kentucky to take another coaching job she would have to pay the university $200,000 for each year remaining on the deal, totaling $800,000. It is not clear how long DeMoss would have to stay out of coaching before being allowed to return without having to pay the big bucks. So far, the University of Kentucky has no comment.
Louisville’s assistant basketball coach. "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be back with Coach," McCarty said. "To be back here with him, it means a lot." McCarty was Pitino’s starting forward on the 1996 National Champions, the Kentucky WildCats. Pitino also coached McCarty when he played for the Boston Celtics. "All young people today overestimate their abilities and what they need to work on," Pitino said. "They'll get an honest answer from Walt. They'll be able to understand what it takes to be a pro." Marvin Menzies left Louisville to become the new head coach at New Mexico State. 
football. UK’s senior quarterback, Andre Woodson was named to the pre-season watch list for this prestigious award. The Chuck Bednarik Award is given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Wesley Woodyard, the WildCats’ senior linebacker, was named to this pre-season watch list. Woodyard’s name also appears on the watch lists for the Ronnie Lott Trophy (national defensive player of the year/character) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year). 
game televised. While CBS, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU have no openings for that date, the league is still working with the Big East and television networks to get the largest distribution possible. Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner Mark Womack said there is some flexibility in the league’s television contract which could mean that the game will be shown live in the Lexington and Louisville markets. UK’s Athletics Director remains confident everyone in the state will be able to watch the game. "We know that's important to the fans, and we'll work with the league to get it done in the best way possible."
Year Player Draft. 19-year-old Revere was ranked as the 42nd best high school prospect by Baseball America. Most in the baseball world expected the young man to go somewhere in the second round. "My advisor called me at 3:30 and said the Twins were really interested in me for the 28th pick, and my heart started pounding big-time," Revere said. "I just never thought I would go in the first round. And when the moment it came, well, it's just been a blessing, definitely." During his senior year at Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Kentucky, Revere batted .516 with 10 doubles, five triples, and 41 RBIs. This, along with 9 HRs and 24 stolen bases earned Revere the 2006-07 Gatorade Kentucky Baseball Player of the Year.
"Being with a woman never hurt no professional ball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." - Casey Stengel 
practiced by some athletes. It has long been believed that sex before any competition zaps one’s energy while no hanky-panky can build up aggression. There are some examples that seem to prove this theory. Muhammad Ali abstained from sex for six weeks before climbing into the ring. Rickson Gracie refused to do the “mess-a-round” for at least 2 weeks before his bouts. Champion race horses are virgins until retirement when they are sent out to stud. Even Mickey, Rocky Balboa’s trainer said, “Women weaken the legs.”
athlete? According to scientists, the answer is NO! There is simply no evidence to support this myth. In fact, there are studies that show pre-sports whoopee may actually raise testosterone levels. Emmanuele A. Jannini of the University of L'Aquila in Italy is a professor of endocrinology, the study of bodily secretions. After studying the effects of sex on the performance of an athlete, Jannini found that sex in fact boosts aggression by stimulating the production of testosterone. "After three months without sex, which is not so uncommon for some athletes, testosterone dramatically drops to levels close to children's levels," he said. "Do you think this may be useful for a boxer?"
professor at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey says women who are sexually active produce a powerful pain-blocking effect which can combat muscle pain and other sport’s related injuries. "At least one of the mechanisms by which [sex] blocks pain is that it blocks the release of [a neuropeptide called] substance P, which is a pain transmitter," he said. The block can last up to 24 hours!
before the sporting event. But, come on…..even a great “roll in the hay” doesn’t burn THAT many calories so how tired could you be? I think it is just like anything else; use common sense!! If your body needs the rest then voedee-oh-doe early! Otherwise, unless you are a race horse, BLANK your brains out and you will still be good to go the next day!! Now, if you will excuse me, I have a basketball game tomorrow! ;)