By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Thursday 6-1 Due to the fact that I vacated to Miami for Memorial Day weekend, the dynamic world of sports nearly went unnoticed in my eyes. That's until Miami turned up the Heat on Detroit in game's 3 & 4, Bonds passed the Babe, and there were a few notable arrest on South Beach. Talk about a vacation I still found myself in my room glued to ESPN to keep up with the latest happenings in Sports....All that and more in this week's edition of Thoughtful Thursday. NBA Thus far the NBA playoffs has been full of surprises. The Heat struggled with the "Baby" Bulls, the Pistons struggled with a "Baby" LeBron, The Suns burned the city of L.A. (twice) without Amare, and the Mavs' put their foot down against the defending champs...And people thought it was a shoe in for the Pistons to face the Spurs in the finals...Everyone except myself. Here's a complete breakdown of the conference finals. Eastern Conference Finals • (1) Pistons vs. (2) Heat: (Miami 3-2) After the Pistons defeated the Cavs' in seven games, and the Heat thrashed the Nets in 5, many felt as if the Pistons were still the favorite to win the series. But now they face elimination, here's why. Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal have proven that they are the tandem that many thought they would be. The two average nearly 47 points (Wade 27, Shaq 20) per game. Due to their energy in the first 4 games they were fortunate enough to come out 3-1. But game 5 displayed why many feel the Heat will eventually lose. Their shooting is inconsistent, due to poor shot selections, they shot 20% from behind the arc (4-19) and a lousy 30% from the free-throw line (6-20). As a team they must remain aggressive attacking the basket putting the Wallace's (Ben & Rasheed) in foul trouble. Then the two-man game of Shaq and D-Wade can take advantage of the Pistons disadvantage of lack of interior backups. Also, the Heat reserves must attack the basket and not settle for jump shots, Miami had 10 bench points from (5 from Mourning & Posey) 0 from Gary Payton. All in all Pat Riley must use his many years of experience to make the ultimate adjustments for game 6, because without a Heat win this could mean an extended Fishing trip for the Heat in the Keys. Prediction: Pistons 4-3 Western Conference Finals • (2) Suns vs. (4) Mavericks: (Suns 2-2) My favorite series is the Suns and Mavericks, and how could anyone disagree. Three of the four games were decided by seven points or less, both teams have 5 players that average double figures in scoring, the Suns possess the league's MVP in Steve Nash who averages 21 points and 10 assists against his old team, and best friend in Dirk Nowitzki...And many wonder why the series is tied...For starters the Mavericks possess a player in Josh Howard who averages 18 points and 7 rebounds, he also has the ability to defend the perimeter. On the opposing bench the Suns possess an Atlanta Hawk cast-off in Boris Diaw that has turned into a match-up nightmare for his opponents. He is slated as the center due to injuries and causes players such as the Mavs' Diop and Dampier to leave the paint to man him on the perimeter. This opens up passing and cutting lanes for the rest of the team. With that being said the Suns must continue to do their best impersonation of a track meet in an attempt to outlast the Mavs'. But Dallas has finally utilized the "D" in its name, so in the event that the Suns shooting turns cold, this could spell trouble for Phoenix. On the other hand the key to the Mavs' success is transition defense. In every game the third quarter has opened up tight and that is when the Suns try to turn it up a notch. The Mavs' have to do a better job of playing defense for 48 minutes. The difference in this series came be summed up into two words "Home-Court". Prediction: Mavericks 4-3 Sports Vent • "You can't arrest me, I'm a NBA player" says Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who was arrested in South Beach for "disobeying the Police". Apparently that doesn't work as he was detained after defending his teammate Awvee Storey, G/F who averaged 0 points, 0 rebounds, and 0 assists per game. I guess Arenas really is the leader of the team. • Anything NBA players do, NFL players has to prove that they can do better. Also down in South Beach this weekend was Steelers first round pick, WR Santonio Holmes was also arrested for disorderly conduct at a South Beach Hotel. I know stars like to use their status to gain an advantage but no one is above the law... • ...Just ask Dwight Gooden, legendary MLB pitcher. He has been dealing with a drug and alcohol addiction for two decades. He currently sits in jail on drug charges, and was recently quoted as saying "I'd rather get shot than come back here." Well, I would rather get shot than have to fill up my vents with athletes and criminal charges, but it doesn't stop there... • ...Bengals rookie Line Backer A.J. Nicholson was recently charged with theft from an ex-teammate's (Lorenzo Booker) apartment at Florida State. Apparently he and a former FSU receiver Fred Rouse (who was dismissed from the team) stole over $1,700 worth of electronic equipment from his apartment. This raises a couple of questions; 1. This took place after the draft, so why didn't he buy a stereo. 2. If Booker is in college how can he afford a $1,700 stereo? • The charges don't stop there; Cassandra Johnson, wife of Mavs' coach Avery Johnson, was involved in a dispute with two Suns' fans during the first quarter of game 4. She has been accused of assault, a fan stated that Johnson hit her twice in the shoulder during the altercation. Charges have not yet been filed. • Same series different woman: Carrie Mae Stoudemire, mother of Amare Stoudemire was sentenced to three years in prison for an aggravated DUI charge. She was already on probation for two previous counts of aggravated DUI. Either she obviously needs Alcohol intervention, and a Bus Pass. • Lastly in this addition of "Judge Ventz", Gloria James, mother of LeBron James plead ""No-Contest" and was found guilty on Friday of four charges after her SUV nearly hit an unmarked police vehicle and she kicked a window of a patrol car. Although she was spared of jail time, she faces fines totaling $550. I can see her now, LeBron you got change for a thousand?

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. "I'm human and it hurts", said Barry Bonds in response to the constant uproar of steroid and perjury allegations, but exactly what is "It". Is "IT" the truth? And if so, then what is the truth? The truth is the All-Time home run list currently reads 1. Hank Aaron 2. Barry Bonds 3. Babe Ruth. Three sluggers from three different eras. Ruth set the record that would stand for 30+ years. As a result, the baseball world was well aware as to who the "greatest" slugger of all-time was, in Ruth, or was he? Ruth known for his off field antics of swallowing hot dogs, tossing back beers, and having fun with various women night in and night out was his "IT". This is what made him human. Then came Hank Aaron. Aaron played in an era when blacks were not yet accepted in the sports world, or were they? By being allowed to play the game that he loved, one may consider that an acceptance by white America, or a sense of equality. However, as Aaron approached the infamous Ruth home run mark of 714, so came the death threats, and racial slurs, with hopes of preventing Hank of eclipsing "IT". He would eventually shatter "IT", setting a mark of 755. Currently, the world of baseball is in the midst of witnessing, Barry Bonds experience "IT". Sunday he officially surpassed Ruth's mark of 714, but what's the big deal, if Aaron set "IT"? Oh, did I fail to mention that Bonds era is considered the "steroid" era? Its been said that most of the modern day ball players use(d) steroids, or performance enhancers to gain an advantage. With a MLB season being 162 games not counting spring training, and postseason play, I can understand how athletes would seek an enhancement to their strength and endurance to perform consistently. So who's to blame for the evolution of the game? Fans dig the long ball, and the media loves the pursuit of records. But as Bonds pursues Aaron, we the fans and media continue to consider Bonds the "Poster Child" of the steroids era. Did I fail to mention that he has never tested positive for steroid use. But for the course of 21 years he has displayed the ultimate skill of hand-eye coordination. Most guys his age give up and walk away but he continues to perform despite injuries to his knees, and elbow. Some say Bonds' "IT" would be steroids, whereas I myself feel that "IT" is desire not decision, and will not skill that allows Bonds to continue his pursuit of Aaron's home run mark of 755. In finding what "IT" is we must all first locate "IT" within ourselves. Ruth set a mark that Aaron crushed and Bonds recently surpassed. And regardless of their perspective eras, they are the only three players that have slugged over 700 home runs in their careers. They were raised differently, they played differently, and most importantly they are viewed differently. But one thing's for sure the home run list will now read 1. Hank Aaron-755 2. Barry Bonds- 715 3. Babe Ruth- 714, and depending on what era you're from or for and how you view the list, the numbers tell the truth, and to many "IT" hurts.

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Thursday 5-25 This past week in sports has been very interesting. A 7-year-old escaped Alcatraz, Bonds pulls even to the Babe, Pat Summit earns a mill ticket, The NBA playoffs gets Hot, not to mention the NBA worst teams had a whole LOTTO fun on Tuesday. As for the WNBA they had next in '96, now 10 years later what's next? Lastly Bush finally loses a vote...all that and much more in this week's edition of Thoughtful Thursday's. NBA And then there were four...not quite the NCAA Final Four, but the NBA has officially reached its version known as the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. Out East is a Conference Finals rematch between the Heat & Pistons, and out West is a Semi-Finals rematch between the Suns & Mavericks. Three out of the four teams were coming off of a hard fought game seven series, as for the one team who earned a week's rest (Miami), they were able to take advantage of their opponents disadvantage. Here's an in-depth look into both series. Eastern Conference Finals • (1) Pistons vs. (2) Heat: (Miami 1-0) It's interesting how both teams return to the conference finals with new coaches. Riley took over for the Heat after Coach Stan Van Gundy "allegedly" resigned after an unacceptable 10-10 start, and Flip Saunders took over for the Pistons once Larry Brown went after a dream job that turned into a nightmare. As for the players well the marquee players are the same, but the role players have changed. • Guards: The Pistons are fortunate enough to have a Hamilton, Billups tandem whose skills make them interchangeable. At any moment both of the players could hit a big shot, or bring up the rock in an attempt to jump-start the offense. Billups is physical and Hamilton is an "energizer bunny" that never wears down. On the flip side, Dwayne Wade is a man amongst boys with great "slashing" ability, Jason Williams poses an outside threat for Wade to penetrate and dish. As for Payton off the bench, he poses the same problem as Hunter for the Pistons both in your face defenders. Although it seems tightly matched, the cohesiveness of Hamilton and Billups is irreplaceable. Advantage: Pistons • Forwards: Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince are long and aggressive. There skills include rebounding, shot-blocking, and long-range shooting. For the Heat there seems to be a contrast. Antoine Walker and Udonis Haslem are not as long or as aggressive as Wallace and Prince. Walker poses an outside threat (streaky) and Haslem is simply a compliment to Shaq on the boards. Wallace can shoot over Haslem at will, the question is will he. At the end of the day Haslem's attack of the glass, and Walker's perimeter roaming will prevent the Piston forwards from totally utilizing its strengths. Advantage: Pistons • Center: Its obvious that the man of concern is Shaquille O'Neal. The question is who will be more concerned, Miami worries of fatigue and foul trouble, or the Pistons worry of his dominance. Either way Ben Wallace has the ability to defend Shaq one on one, but the problem is he can not do it for 48 minutes, and the fact that Wallace is not a scoring threat has to be in favor of the Heat. Advantage: Heat • Bench: After game 1, the biggest stat of all was bench scoring. Miami 25 Detroit 16. Although neither number is eye-popping the fact of the matter is that D Wade only played 27 minutes due to foul trouble. In the case of foul trouble or injury the key to victory will be who will step in and play big. The Pistons bench mainly consists of McDyess and Hunter, whereas the Heat posses Payton, Mourning, and Posey. In the end I would much rather prefer the Heat's bench due to Mourning's inside presence in the absence of Shaq. Advantage: Heat • Outcome: After the Heat's game 1 victory many people are prepared to write-off the Pistons, but let's be mindful of a few things: 1. The Heat came off of one week's rest. 2. Miami only won by 5 points. Before people jump off of the Pistons bandwagon let's watch game 2. Prediction: Pistons 4-3 Western Conference Finals • (2) Suns vs. (4) Mavericks: (Suns 1-0) Unlike the East finals both teams came off of a seven game series. Phoenix had three days rest before their final game whereas the Mavs' came off the normal one-day rest. All in all they both meet up in Dallas for a Western Conference showdown. Yes, this is a rematch, but the biggest difference is the absence of Amare Stoudemire, and the coaching of Avery Johnson. As for the players who will touch the court, let's take a look. • Guards: One may think that the Suns gain an immediate edge, being equipped with the "MVP" in Nash, the pesky Raja Bell, and the elusive Barbosa. But I believe that the combination of Jason Terry, Devin Harris, and Josh Howard, will trump the Suns trio. Sure the Suns love to run, but the Mays' can match their speed and quickness. As a result this puts pressure on the Suns to defend the perimeter, as their opponents must do to them. Advantage: Mavericks (slight) • Forwards: At first glance I was sold on the Mavs' Forwards. One can argue that Dirk is the toughest guy to match-up against at the four spot in the league. His slashing ability combined with his shooting accuracy, would make it tough to pin point a guy that can contain him. Then again maybe not. On the sideline for the Suns is one Shawn Marion. Marion has an outstanding reach with great leaping ability. Although Marion gives up some size his athleticism will make up for it. Also, the Suns posses the "acquisition" of the year in Tim Thomas, whose length and sharp shooting causes match-up problems for anyone. Advantage: Suns • Centers: This category shouldn't exist in this series. Why you ask, well Boris Diaw (6'8) replaces the injured Amare Stoudemire and Erick Dampier who isn't much of a scoring threat man's the middle for the Mavs' but let's break them down anyway. Diaw is an instant match-up problem with his outside shooting, and his effectiveness off the pick and roll. However, this is the playoff and in the case of tight games offensive rebounds are key. Advantage: Mavericks • Bench: Both the Mavs' and Suns posses' deep benches that have the ability to step in, maintain the tempo, and most importantly maintain the team's offensive philosophies. The key player off the Suns bench is Eddie House, because he allows Steve Nash the chance to gain a breather without a drop in scoring. As for Dallas their key player off the bench is Jerry Stackhouse. His veteran experience and scoring ability will balance the power between both benches. Advantage: Push • Outcome: In breaking down the Mavs' and Suns it seems hard to find exactly what would give the other team an edge in the series. Both teams like to score in transition, both teams' posses' gifted scores, but only one team instilled defense this off-season. Prediction: Mavericks 4-3 Sports Vent • Braxton Bilbrey, a 7-year-old boy from Glendale, Arizona made a 1.4-mile swim across the channel from Alcatraz Island to the city, in 47 minutes. Bilbrey who swam freestyle the whole way said "I think Its Pretty Cool", my response is yeah if you're David Blane. Braxton trained 2 hours a day, four times a week to overcome the waters. • Pat Summitt, legendary Lady Vols head coach becomes the first women's head coach to earn a $1 million contract. Summitt, who has won 913 games and earned 6 national titles, will receive $1.125 million starting next year. GIRL POWER! •NFL News: Saints RB Reggie Bush was denied the opportunity to wear jersey #5 (as he did in HS/College) instead he will wear #25. Hey Reggie my coach once told me "The number don't make the player, the player makes the number." • NBA Lottery: Tuesday the NBA had its version of the Lottery, with the order of how teams will draft come June 28. Due to the lack of talent in the upcoming draft I'll simply announce the top 5 picks: 1. Toronto 2. Chicago 3. Charlotte 4. Portland 5. Hawks.... • I'm out like San Antonio, Cleveland, L.A. (2), New Jersey....

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. It's only fitting that "King" James' fairy tale season ended in a Palace, except it wasn't happily ever after. All season long he has found a way to overcome the odds, shatter records, silence his critics, and carry a team often hit with injuries and most recently death. Through it all LeBron has been a "Jack of All Trades" averaging 31 points 7 rebounds and 7 assists during the regular season, and remained consistent in the playoffs with a 31 point 8 rebound and 6 assist average during the playoffs. With 58 seconds remaining in game 7 versus Detroit, Coach Woodson pulled James from the game as an act of appreciation for all of his hard work. Down 0-2 to the Pistons, and his sidekick Larry Hughes receiving word of the passing of his brother, all of the pressure that LeBron didn't already face was placed on his shoulders to carry the team. He responded with a triple-double performance and three straight victories versus the "Beast of the East", not to mention a turnover away from doing the unthinkable and defeating the defending Eastern Conference champs in game 6. Sure, James is only 21 and has only seen three years in the league but with his talents and gifts his vision goes far beyond his game seven defeat. As a young Michael Jordan faced a tough Pistons team for the first time in a playoff setting, Jordan and company were defeated in five games, as for a so-called "young" James his team was in place to become victorious in six, and even seven games. But what James didn't know, but soon found out was that the best teams win game 7, and the best players keep their teams close. In the first quarter the Pistons jumped out to an early 19-6 lead, before LeBron kicked into high gear bringing his team to within two points before the half. He sliced and diced double and triple teams like a butcher in a slaughterhouse. Many teams harp on a tempo, well LeBron was the Cavs tempo, scoring 21 points in the first half, whereas the rest of the team contributed 17 points. Looking deeper into the stats the Pistons committed 7 first half turnovers and missed 10 free throws. After half-time adjustments, King James would finally learn the key to winning, defense. During a nine-minute stretch in the third quarter, James was not allowed to attempt one shot, yet with 6 minutes remaining LeBron outscored the rest of the team 22-21. "Bron was kind of having his way in the first half", said Billups, "We made a couple of adjustments at halftime. We shut everything down. It was our defense." Their defense being the main point of their success, sure James' and Co. kept things close for the course of three quarters but Detroit's team defense is what eventually propelled them to a 79-61 victory. We've all had fun with the dazzling highlights of LeBron James, and when the Cavaliers had their backs to the wall, everyone including myself counted them out. But LeBron proved that he was not only a King, but out of a deck of young players a "King of Hearts". On the flip side the Pistons as a team proved why they are considered to be the "Ace of Clubs" in the NBA, bouncing back from a 3-2 series deficit to making their third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference finals. As game 7 concluded James walked off the court disappointed not wanting to shake hands, or participate in post game interviews. "I'm disappointed that we loss of course" said James. "This is a great team and you've got to give much credit to the Pistons." As he made this gut wrenching statement in a Palace fit for a King, it was the Pistons who celebrated, and James could only envision how the Cavaliers would have celebrated. Although the Pistons move on to face the Heat Tuesday, LeBron can walk away from his first postseason appearance knowing that one day he will be crowned a champion, but first he must continue shuffling the "Team's" deck until he and the Cavs are able to draw an "Ace of Clubs."

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. 2006 NBA Playoffs So the first round of the playoffs are over, and the scrubs have been moved out of the way. This is where the big boys: Spurs and Pistons distance themselves from the rest of the pack, right? Wrong, this is the NBA Playoffs you win or go home and if you let a young team like the Cavs' hang around or even a hungry team like the Mavs' build confidence they will take advantage, because in the playoffs all things in the regular season are forgotten and the moment is seized, whether you like it or not the two participants in '05 NBA Championship are facing elimination in the second round. Face it people there are "NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK." Western Conference First Round Losers: Grizzles, Nuggets, Lakers and Kings. Round 2 (1) Spurs vs. (4) Mavericks- (Mavericks 3-2) The Mavs have found out how to beat the Spurs without outscoring them, STOP them! With Jason Terry causing havoc at the top of the key, the Mavs' are allowed to stay at home instead of having to jump out on Parker or Ginobli. Jason Terry had the game of a lifetime scoring 34 in game 4 that propelled the Mavs to a 3-1 series advantage. But in game 5 it was too much Tim Duncan, who scored 36 points and at one point was 12-12 from the field. I still like Dallas in this series now that game 6 is in Dallas, but please watch closely the Spurs are still the champs until the Mavs prove otherwise. X-Factor: Jason Terry scored 34 points in game 4. Prediction: Mavericks 4-2 (2) Suns vs. (6) Clippers- (Suns 3-2) Phoenix has to be one of the toughest teams to figure out. They lose their best interior player in Stoudemire, then their backup in Kurt Thomas is injured and everyone thought the Suns would set. But players like Diaw, Marion, and Barbosa stepped up and filled their voids. But with Elton Brand being such an inside force coupled with the veteran leadership of Sam Cassell, it seemed as if the Clippers would be able to seek revenge for the "other" L.A. team. Game 5 double overtime was one for the ages, and even though the Clippers left Phoenix with a loss, they still have to feel like winners as they seem to continue to push the Suns to their limit. Assuming that L.A. wins game 6, can they get over the hump to knock off Phoenix, or will the Suns shine against the "other" L.A. team? X-Factor: Steve Nash has missed his last 13 three-pointers. Prediction: Clippers 4-3 Eastern Conference First Round Losers: Wizards, Pacers, Bulls and Bucks Round 2 (1) Pistons vs. (4) Cavaliers- (Cavaliers 3-2) After Detroit embarrassed Cleveland in Game 1 and seemed to do the same in game 2, LeBron and Co. stormed back to eventually lose by 6. Many felt as if that lost was a confidence booster, but Rasheed Wallace thought otherwise. As a result the Cavs' went home and suffered another loss, except this time it was off the court. Larry Hughes brother lost his life at the age of 20 due to a heart defect, and after the Cavs' lost two straight coupled with the departure of Hughes to be with his family, many people including myself thought the Cavs' would definitely be swept. But LeBron thought otherwise. James responded with a triple-double performance in game 3, and another spectacular fourth quarter performance in game 4. Both resulting in wins, but Rasheed Wallace still wasn't convinced. "They did what they had to do", said Wallace. "They took care of home court, but its no way in hell they can beat us in a series." I guess talk is cheap, because LeBron & Co. responded to his statement on the court in game 5 by winning in the Palace. With Detroit facing elimination, coupled with the fact that they are facing it in Cleveland, will LeBron and Co. send them to Motown singing the blues? Or will James have to prove whose "King" once again in a game 7 in the Palace? I don't know but I will be a witness! X-Factor: Ilgauskas 14 points 10 rebounds 6 blocks in game 5. Prediction: Cleveland 4-2 (2) Heat vs. (3) Nets- (Heat 4-1) In case you haven't noticed Miami has cut down the Nets. Now that they are at home obtaining some much needed rest here are three things that were impressive about Miami. 1. Shaq seems to be in tip-top form and as a result he is a FORCE to be wrecken with. 2. It's obvious that Shaq and D-Wade are the heart and soul of Miami but the key to their success is a third scorer. In their game 5 clincher that third scorer turned out to be Antoine Walker who scored 23 points. 3. Lastly, by defeating the Nets in 5 they will be able to carefully rest, plan, and execute for the Eastern conference finals. Now that the Cavs' have exposed the Pistons, regardless as to who advances the Heat would have seen enough examples of both teams strengths and weaknesses. Heat Won 4-1 Just My Thoughts... • Wednesday the NBA announced its 2006 All-NBA Team: The first team included, LeBron James (leading vote getter), Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O'Neal, and Steve Nash. I find it interesting that LeBron, Kobe, and Dirk all received more votes than Nash, however Steve was picked as the league's MVP. I don't know about you but 2+2=4 and this scenario isn't adding up. All-NBA Second Team: Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, and Dwayne Wade. • Addition By Subtraction: As I watch the Mavericks play better than ever before, I tend to ponder this question. What's the difference between the Mavs with Nash and the Mavs without Nash. Well, the answer is simple: JASON TERRY. As we all know Steve Nash couldn't stop a running faucet let along a NBA point guard, and as a result of his defensive liability, Terry has upgraded Dallas' point guard position. Once again ask yourself if Kobe weren't on the Lakers, LeBron on the Cavaliers, Elton Brand on the Clippers, would any of them be the teams that we know them to be? NO. But somehow Dallas was able to compensate for the loss of Nash....Some MVP! • LeBron James has played 143 of a possible 144 minutes in the series versus Detroit. Get in all in while you're young kid! • NBA Lottery: The NBA lottery drawing takes place on Tuesday. No this is not when the NBA draws numbers to pay back fans that sat through Knicks, Hawks, and Bobcats games. This is when teams like the Knicks, Hawks, and Bobcats, have the chance to get a high draft pick to help turn these franchises around. Sorry boys players like LeBron only come around once every decade. • NFL NEWS: Dolphins has signed Marcus Vick, but its not surprising that Miami took the risk. In the past they've signed David Boston, Ricky Williams, and most recently Daunte Culpepper in the midst of his "Boat Trial". Falcons Safety Lawyer Milloy has worn #36 his entire career, but when he joined Atlanta that number belonged to Jason Webster. In a mutual agreement, Webster gave Milloy the number in return for a donation (an undisclosed amount) to his church. Saints running back Reggie Bush is still making a push to be granted permission to wear #5, by stating that 25% of his profit for jersey sells would be donated to Hurricane Katrina Relief funds. But it seems as if the No Fun League isn't so giving, because it seems as if his access will be denied. • Bonds is still homer-less since hitting #713 in Philadelphia. What does this mean...nothing because he'll eventually hit 714, 715...and people will still think Babe Ruth has a record that he hasn't held in 30 plus years.