The Subway Series

“The next thing I'd like to experience, ... is the playoffs in New York.”

David Wright

I love watching the two teams battle it out. It is fun, the Subway Series that is. They met once in the World Series, it was 2000. I was in hell. I have all Yankee fans for friends. You must have seen how that played out. The Mets are the younger brother in New York, everybody knows it. We won the series this year for only the second time. We split the 4 game series over the weekend, that is like kissing your cousin. I mean, I wanted 3 out of 4 to spring board the season. I can't get a feel for this bunch, the Mets that is. What is wrong with them? I mean lets strap on our big boy pants and WAKE UP!!!! The Subway Series is a lot of fun, you get to see little bro take on big bro and try to turn the tide. Remember playing ball with your younger brother and next thing you know he just sank that jumper in the corner to beat you, he beat you! The torch being passed, it comes so quietly. You never know, well, that is what the Mets do when they beat the 27 time champs the Yankees. Little bro got the best of you. Yeah, I know, play it off as if you let him win. The Yanks feel the same way this season. The Series brings some fun to the ball park, a little energy. The two teams seem to take pride in the Series. They all want to win, it is almost bragging rights to win the Series. Take the back page, big bro lost to little bro. I love watching the Series, only when the Mets win. The Mets, what am I going to do with them? They are killing me, maybe it is time to turn it around. Just maybe..........

"If you're going to play at all, you're out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose."

Derek Jeter

Sitting In The Green Room

Lets talk NBA draft, time to improve our team shall we. The excitement, the angst, and the sadness. This thing, the draft, can make or break a franchise for years. What if I made the wrong choice? What if that throw in when I made that trade becomes is a superstar? You never know, it is Russian Roulette, the draft. We have seen it all, Sam Bowie before MJ?!?!?!?! Wow, can they get a do over. Tragic struck once, ask the Celtics. Len Bias, cocaine is a toxic that took a possible legend way before his time. Then you get the nice story. Agent 0 was a second round pick, but now, he is a man amongst men on the court. There aren't to many more clutch then him. Arenas, Gilbert Arenas. Agent 0 has the smoking gun ready to blaze. How funny is it that MJ was actually the 3rd overall pick, 3rd. I loved the Nets draft, Brook Lopez and then the steal. C.D.R., Chris Douglas-Roberts, he was suppose to be a 1st round pick but dropped to 40th. Do you hear me complaining. Bron Bron in 2010 is the rumor. Net pride is back. Lets go Nets! There are a few guys from the 2nd round I will keep my eye on. First off, Richard Hendrix in Golden State, then Sean Singletary in Sacramento, Kyle Weaver in Charlotte, and last Deandre Jordan with the Clippers. I see maybe two or at least one of these guys will be an all star. I have watched these guys play, I think my money might be in Hendrex. I don't think he is ment for Golden State but we will see. Singletary was 1 of the more clutch players in all of the land last year, if he would have come out last year he would have been selected in the 1st round. But, time will tell as it always has with the draft. Russian Roulette, welcome to the draft. Your guess is as good as mine, even the experts get it wrong. But, remeber the name Hendrix (baring injuries) I like his make up. Don't bite the bullet, time to pull the trigger.............

Living The Dream Man, Just Living The Dream....

I recently went down to Washington D.C. and started my dream, my life long journey. To see every ball park in the MLB. I know, I know it is a difficult task. But I will attempt the impossible, I dare the dare. I plan on doing this task. The journey begins in D.C. It was the first time I have ever been to ball park outside of New York, the stadium was fabulous. The Nationals lost, but it was fun. I have been to Shea and Yankee stadium. Add DC and I have 29 left. I plan on going to Boston or Philly this summer so away we go. This reminds of a story I once read in SI that some man had gone to every Super Bowl ever. WOW!! That's what you call determination, that is what being a sports fan is all about. You want to be there, at the game that is. I love going to the ball park, "Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I ever get back.....". Who doesn't love going to the ball park. Tailgating is the best. Burgers, fries, throwing around the ball, and of course the beer. You dream of one day playing in the ball park one day, batting where Mantle stood. Run on the field Walter Payton ran. Shoot a hoop where Jordan did. Go to Edmonton, and skate on the same ice as Gretzky. The mission has started, lets get this thing going. Every man should do this feet. I want to make this work out, it would mean a lot to me. So, 27 up, 3 down.

Don't Fear The Reaper

“We make it hard for ourselves sometimes, ... and we go to the heartbreak hotel a little too much.”
Willie Randolph

He had it coming, walking on hot coals. You can't fire 25 players, but can fire the coach. Trust me, Willie wasn't great, but these bums deserved the be cut . Delgado, he is God awful! They, the Mets that is, did this firing in the most classless, heartless, selfish way. I have a feeling it wasn't Omar's choice for this, I think it was Jeff Wilpon who wanted it. He wanted it immediately, no questions asked. They had fired him after a win, after a stretch in which the Mets won 3 out of 4. That is not how we handle business. Are we not a big league team, don't we know how to handle business? God, for the first time ever I felt embarrassed to be a Met fan yesterday. I felt so bad for Willie, he is a man not a child. Willie deserves more respect. He has the 2nd highest winning percentage in Mets coaching history. Willie deserves better. I really hope he finds another job. Part of this mess was his fault, but come on the players aren't exactly innocent. Willie is one of only 4 managers to lead the Mets to the division title. He deserved better. Willie was a heck of a player but only an OK manager. You know what, the players didn't help. Delgado, he is lucky I am not the GM. He would have been out on his fanny about a month ago. I would have eaten his contract and say "Sir, I thank you for your time here but it is just time to part ways." I would have been very polite. I would have told El Duque, either we knock off this injury bull crap, or we can also part ways. Reyes, shout up and go play. I swear I would have sat him down at the slightest minute. The players need to stop this baby b.s. and go out and win. Willie, he deserved way more class. Well lets see when the time comes how much respect Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya gets. The Mets better get the act together and start winning or else they are going to look bad about this Willie firing. Willie deserved better.

Can We Play Catch?

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person. He believed in me."

Jim Valvano

You have to love Father's Day. I talked about mom, but now it is dad's chance. Yesterday was the ideal day for a sports watching day with dad. The Mets played an old school doubleheader (one game right after another), the final round of the U.S. Open, Angels v. Braves, and Lakers v. Celtics game five. Man, mom may have been the glue but dad was the professor. He taught how to throw, pass, shoot, catch, hit and be humble. Some people aren't so lucky to have a father in their life. To those people, my heart goes out to you. Man, who remembers when Jordan won the title the year after he retired and his father had just been murdered. He grabbed the ball fell to the floor and cried for moments. Professor Jordan had passed but his best student graduated. Who doesn't remember playing catch or hitting the ball? My dad would come watch me practice when I played high school football. We would breakdown film after games. I loved it, watching film was our thing. Cal Ripken Jr. was coached by his dad. Father's Day is a time to celebrate with dad and watch the game. Me and my dad watched the U.S. Open and saw Tiger blow a 3 stroke lead to have to play in a playoff today, Tiger won. His father was so important to his success, he encouraged him, he gave him strength, he was his will. When his father died he was devastated, but he willed on, fight. Without dad would you have zip on the fastball? How nice is it that Ken Griffey Jr. was able to play on the same field as his father? Wow, that is awesome, imagine that. They are the professor, fathers that is. They, fathers that is, take their children to the game. Can we play catch?

"When I was a kid, I used to imagine animals running under my bed. I told my dad, and he solved the problem quickly. He cut the legs off the bed."

Lou Brock

Why We Want To Win So Bad

"Why did I want to win? because I didn't want to lose!"

Max Schmelling

In life there are ups and downs, in sports there are ups and downs. The downs are not welcome, they are shunned. I want to win not for the money, the fame, the extra camera time, or the individual achievements. We want to win because, well we just don't want to lose. It is that simple, we don't want to lose. Winning with the team is, well the best feeling. I remember when I won it was like I was in a heaven. When I lost, don't talk to me because I don't want to speak, eat, or live. But when I win, try shutting me up or taking my food. Why do we want to win, we don't want to hear the nay sayers have the story right. When you wake up in the morning, do you say "I feel like being miserable all day and not succeeding at anything.", I didn't think so. Win, win and at last win. Do what it takes, give every ounce of your existence, because well, it is worth it every time. Go back to it "Good, better, best. I will not rest. Until my good is better, and my better best." that is what it takes to find success. Hard, work, determination, heart, and just down right wanting it more then the other person. That is what I am hoping Kobe will do, because my stupid Mets have no heart. They should think of going to find the Wizard and Dorothy and make a request. I just don't want to lose. I love watching a team that is willing to put their heart on their sleeve and gut it out. I hate him but, Curt Schilling knows a little something about giving it all. Have some pride, put yourself out there. See if you lose, which you don't want, but you left yourself on the field then heck it just wasn't your day. But at least you left yourself on the field. Last team standing, the Alpha male, it just does not get better than this. Fight, no quit, keep going. My leg hurts, suck it up because when we win you will thank me so much. Kids don't wear t-shirts that say I almost won. So, why do I want to win? Because I don't want to lose.

"Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan."

John F. Kennedy

The 600 Club Welcomes A New Star

"As long as I have fun playing, the stats will take care of themselves."

Ken Griffey Jr.

Man, what a great ball player. I am a tad late he did it two nights ago. Griffey hit number 600 on Monday. There was a time when people thought he would have the home run record, then there was times when people thought he wouldn't hit 500. There are 6 members to the club. 2 juicers and 4 hard working individuals. I love Ken so much, when I didn't have satellite dish growing up I couldn't see him that often. I would watch him on ESPN or when they played the Yankees. He was so great in his prime, he still can rake a bit (for all you none baseball fans rake means hit). He was the best fielder, Willie Mays like. He was able to run like a gazelle. 13 time All Star, and 2 time MVP. He still has a bit left in the tank, but it is getting long in the tooth. But, he can still rake a bit. Everybody wanted to be like him, he was a God in the baseball world. He always seemed to have a smile on and brought life to the ball park. I saw him play once in person and countless ties on tv once we had our satellite dish or when the baseball package was offered on cable. He is a great, kids love him. He is a great role model, never once did he do anything to merit a fine, arrest, or suspense. No drugs or alcohol related problems. He is the best kind of athlete, well he was raised in the clubhouse. His father played and he would take his son Ken into the clubhouse all the time. He is a heck of a person, Mr. Smiles. I would give the world to meet him, just for 10 minutes. I own like ten of his rookie baseball cards. A nice salute for the player, Ken. He could still rake a bit.

"How can you not be excited about playing with Ken Griffey, Jr.? It's going to be fun."

Barry Larkin

Saying Good Bye With A Smile.

"I always have a lot of personal goals, but primarily my main goal each year is to obviously win a Super Bowl."
Michael Strahan
I say good bye to another one of my favorite sports figures, Michael Strahan, but I do it with a smile because he went out the right way. With a title in his last year. Just like John Elway did in his final two years. 141.5 sacks for his career, 216 games played, 667 tackles, 15 fumbles recovered, 24 forced, and one spot in my heart. He was a beast when he was healthy, he is the all-time sack leader in Giants history and 5th in NFL history. He was one of the most complete defensive end ever. Drafted out of Texas Southern in the 2nd round round by the Giants. He has played his whole career in New York. He will probably work for Fox doing football. He had some flaws, he would say the wrong thing sometimes, but he would make up for it plus we don't pay him to talk. Fox will. I loved him, he was the man. I wanted to be as good as him in my playing days. Man, he was a God to me. Now I get to watch Justin Tuck fill in, number 91 filling in for 92. Tuck is a heck of a player in his own right. He had 10 sacks and he only started 2 games. He was one of the Super Bowl heroes this past Super Bowl. Not too often do players like Strah come around, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He is going to go in with one of the best classes I can remember, Jonathan Ogden, Brett Farve, and Warren Sapp. That is ridiculous good, crazy good. He is football royalty, and it is funny that Farve is going in with him they are forever linked. Farve was the one that was sacked for the record breaking 22.5 sack in one season, I forgot to mention that little stat. So lets say good bye to a all-time great, number 92 Michael Strahan.

"I think this can be a championship team. But we do have to take it one game at a time. You can't look at the end of the road before you get the next foot in."
Michael Strahan

Lakers v. Celtics. Look Up Classic in Websters, Guess What You Find?

"Basketball is like war in that offensive weapons are developed first, and it always takes a while for the defense to catch up. "

Red Auerbach

The rivalry, how classic. Yanks v. Red Sox, 49ers v. Cowboys, Steelers v. Raiders, Dodgers v. Giants......... I could go on forever. Get some coffee and a cake and we can talk. Lakers v. Celtics, it doesn't get much more classic. Bird v. Magic, Kareem v. McHale, Russel v. Wilt........ I could go on forever. The greatest players came from these two teams. Wilt and Russel alone are two of the top five players ever, easily. Cousey, one heck of a point guard. Jerry West, he is the model for the NBA logo for Pete's sake. They have 30 total titles, 16 for the Celtics and 14 for the Lakers.......... I could go on forever. The two areas hate each other, the Celtics fans chanted, "Beat the Lakers!" after the Celtics won at home against the Pistons. Imagine that, they still didn't finish off the Pistons yet, they already taste the blood of the Lakers. Imagine hating someone, something so much. Passion, the teams show it. Integrity is what they are all about. I try to figure out how some franchises are so good, but it is hard to point at it. Maybe they just draft right or maybe they just have the right pedigree to win or maybe they have the luck of the Irish in some point (a little tongue and cheek). Whatever it may be they tend to win. Rivals, God they jab you in the stomach. Ha ha ha we win! They needle you, they make you want to become the best. Grow up! Determination to ward off this pain in your side. Celtics v. Lakers,.......... I could go on forever. Classic.

"Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better."

Pat Riley

Draft Day

"I'd catch a punt naked, in the snow, in Buffalo, for a chance to play in the NFL"
Steve Henderson

The draft, it is so tremendous. I can't imagine the feeling. Getting out of class, sitting in the green room, at mom's place, or even after practice. The cell rings, "What is that. You're kidding. I got taken when? By who?." cue tears of joy. The one thing that you have been working for your whole life, the one moment. Here is that moment, pinch yourself all you want, it came true. How much time, energy did you put into practice, draft day it is the greatest feeling for that young man. You wake the next day and you now are a member of so and so team. Draft day, young man congrats, your dream has come true. The draft, teams screw up sometimes, Tonny Mandirich, but then the steal. Tom Brady 6th round, 199 pick of the 2000 draft. How fun is it to get drafted? The draft makes or breaks a franchise. Draft day is a treat for the sport fan. I love it when the first pick is said. The Giants have drafted two quarterbacks in the last 30 years in the first round, Phil Simms and Eli Manning. Wow, talk about a pair of good picks, two Super Bowl MVP's. The NFL and NBA draft are a big thing for me, I love to watch. I love all the hype. I love the draft. It is crucial to make the right pick. If not, welcome Ryan Leaf. Have fun with the draft. Draft day, congrats young man.

Some Sports Fun

"I play to win, whether it is practice, or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusuam to win."
Michael Jordan
First things first, how about the Old Goat Pedro Martinez. He was great yesterday. Carry the Mets to a 9-1 victory. They are rolling along winning again today 5-3. Mad Dog, from Mike and the Mad Dog, said after the Giants won the first game, "The Giants took out the trash by beating the Mets." funny, didn't we win 2 out 3?!?!?! Doggy, can't wait for tomorrow, the Mets fans will be calling. Ah, the Mets, I will bash them and cheer them get ready. I get a little nutty with them. It's OK because I will always love them.

Next story, getting ready for game 1? Oh I can't wait, Kobe v. Pierce, Garnett v. Gasol. Lets get this thing going already. I really hope Kobe can pull it out, I really do. How classic to have the Lakers v. the Celtics? This is a match up of the two best franchise in basketball. It would be like Yankess v. Cardinals, or 49ers v. Steelers. Best versus the best. I really can't wait to watch. I expect a great series. I would be shocked if it didn't go at least 6. Some of the games biggest stars are playing, but the brightest is in yellow. Kobe. He is great. I read an article on him, in it I saw a great story. He was in high school, playing 3 on 3 at practice. His team needed one more bucket to win, he passed to one of his teammates, the kid missed the shot. What did Kobe do? He reamed him into new ass. That is a man who wants to win, he is willed. Lets go Lakers!!!!

Joba, J-O-B-A. The next desperate attempt at salvaging the Yankee season. This is not the right way to do this. He should be in the minors getting stretched out. Not wasting a game for the Yankees. He pitched 2 1/3 of an inning and sealed up another loss for the Yanks. It isn't right to play him and get a loss. It isn't fair to the other 24 guys or the manager. This is all because they couldn't land any of the high profile pitchers being dangled over their head. It is time for Cashman to except defeat and try to make another move. Joba cost them two games, one when he couldn't pitch in relief and one when he failed to get out of the 3rd inning. Make a move, put Joba back and make a trade. Failure is weak, truimph is strong.

Wake Up People We Need A Pick Me Up

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and you better is best"
Tim Duncan
You can't just walk through the motion. If you do that then, hell, have fun at home while the playoffs are going on. I liked the quote I chose, because it comes from a star player who I know gives it his all every time. Hustle, the small things. I was always yelled at when I played sports and I walked off the court or the field. Hustle, just take an extra step. All the greats worked harder, that is what made them the best. Determination, it is showing up for voluntary work out even though you are a vet of 10 yrs. I want to be the best. 100 extra free throws. Some extra cuts in the batting cages before and after games. Determination, it is what set the great from the good. You think Tim Duncan isn't working? He will probably take a few weeks off, and then get back in the gym. He will remember what happened in May when the Lakers bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. Michael Jordan would chew people out when they messed up during practice. You think Derek Jeter doesn't have heart? He jumped into the stands on a fowl ball against the Red Sox during, get this, the regular season. He has it, that extra factor. His face doesn't matter, it is all bout beating the rival. Guts, it is what allows wide receivers to go over the middle and leap for a pass. Sports, it is all about drive and determination. Keyshawn Johnson wide receiver, love him or hate him, he would always leap to jump for a pass over the middle exposing his body to a hit. He would get knocked around, but heck, just get back up. Guts, it is what Ryan Freel uses when he leaps into a wall. Have fun with that cast. They don't care, I am willing to bet you that next time they get the chance they are doing the same thing. Guts, will, determination, and heart, find me a player who doesn't possess these characteristics, and you will find average.

"Good things happen to those that hustle."
Chuck Knoll

Sports, Go Figure

"We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time" Vince Lombardi
I have been watching sports for my whole 27 years of life, still I can not figure them out. How can a team that has not won a playoff game on the road, but up against one of the best teams and home teams win 2 games in their pad? How is it that the Mets lost 7 in a row then all of a sudden flick a switch and win 4 out of 6? They are so confusing, sports that is. Mojo, upset special, or 12-1 they are so, just, "what do you mean." Sports are a lot like life in the fact that you don't know what to expect. The old adage in baseball is that momentum is as good as your next day starter. Well, what if your next day starter stinks but you still win? Does that mean that Mojo has switched!?!? I just don't get them, sports that is. Sports are so confusing. The Giants. Coughlin was a dog, Eli a bum, and Tiki talked. Then all of a sudden, it is almost like they came together and vowed to stop walking through the motions but rather form a brotherhood and make sure everybody is on the same page. They are so confusing, sports that is. I tell everyone, when they bring up all these reality shows, sports are the best reality show. You never know what you are getting. Ask the Pistons if they thought they were gonna lose a game 6 at home, go ahead ask them. They are vulnerable, the athletes that is. I swear I do love the unexpected. It makes sports fun. They allow you to walk into a game with an innocent look, a child eating some cotton candy eye. We boo, but we never expected to, everybody always thinks their guys are gonna win. I love sports so much, were would I be without them?!?!?! I told my fiancee, we are moving to DC in a few months, if we can't get a satellite dish then we don't go there. I need my Mets and my Giants (of the New York Variety). They are so confusing, sports that is......