Inspired by Chad Finn, who was apparently inspired by one if his wife’s friends…here are 50 things about me.
50. My favorite outfit is sweatpants and sneakers.
49. At Big Papi’s charity event two summers ago, he pinched my cheek and said, “Hi sweetie”. To which Katelyn responded, “That was really cute, in a creepy kind of way”.
48. At the same event, I caught a Sox cheating on their wife, had Jason Varitek touch the small of my back and say, “Excuse me”, and won a 1,000 gift certificate.
47. The most amount of Red Sox games I have ever been to in once season was somewhere between 20 and 25. In 2006. I went to about 15 last year.
46. I have a horrible addiction to shoes and purses.
45. My favorite time to get drunk is in the middle of the afternoon on a nice day. At the beach.
44. One of my goals is to go to every state, and 6 of 7 continents.
43. I hate cold and am not going to Antarctica.
42. I am so bad at cleaning my room and organizing it is not even funny.
41. I hope to live somewhere someday where I look out the window and see the ocean.
40. I am the oldest of all the cousin’s on my Dad’s side.
39. I used to repeatedly call my best friend Michelle, Mom.
38. Once Michelle and I had a fight at my house, and she crawled into a bag of clothes that her brothers had given my brother and said she didn’t have to leave because that was her “part of my house”
37. I used go to camping all summer long in a pop up camper.
36. Michelle’s brother closed the door on my finger and my nail fell off. I also once smashed my mouth open on the monkey bars.
35. I am addicted to the “The Biggest Loser” and have a crush on Bernie.
34. I could watch Sex and the City, Dawson’s Creek, and Grey’s Anatomy for 16 hours straight, and have.
33. Preferably with Erin.
32. My favorite Fenway bar is the Baseball Tavern with Katie and Erin (and the rest of you bums).
31. I’ve been to ballparks in Toronto, Baltimore, Boston, New York (AL), Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Detroit.
30. The fans I hated the most were the Tigers. What a bunch of dicks. Keep wearing that ALCS Champion Shirt asses.
29. I had never been anywhere but the Outerbanks before I moved to North Carolina.
28. I went to South Carolina for the first time this weekend.
27. I am super close to a lot of my cousins, but probably this is the real order, 1. Kerry, 2. Josh, 3. Kryssie, 4. Tyler.
26. The furthest I have ever drove in one day is 13 hours.
25. The most fun I will probably ever have in my life was Worcester Hall freshman year of college.
24. I don’t think I’ll ever love another bar like I live Leitrims.
23. I have a thing for a guy in a jersey.
22. Moving to NC to teach was a fantastic idea. And will be especially great in July.
21. My date of birth. I think that it is a good day, and I fulfill all characteristics of Pisces.
20. I can’t imagine there has ever been a better/closer class at Assumption College than the Class of 2005.
19. I could eat fried chicken for every meal.
18. I have actually adjusted to where I really like Starbucks coffee.
17. My current favorite song is “Stay” by Sugarland.
16. I absolutely love country music.
15. I think I have to move another 2 hours south where there are palm trees.
14. My order for Worcester bars. 1. Leitrims, 2. Mahoneys, 3. The Dive, 4. Rosies, 5. Ho Toy (Top Gun please). (I feel like I’m forgetting one). My order for Boston bars. 1. Bell in Hand 2. The Harp, 3. Purple Shamrock, 4. Lucky's, 5. Hennessy's.
13. I never cried so hard as I did the last night of the Cape trip Senior Year. I then passed out, and woke up 2 hours later and everyone was still up!
12. I like my ice coffee medium, iced, with cream, and sugar.
11. Someday, I hope to be a housewife. Working is so overrated. And it has to be able having 1 or 2 kids than having 20 all day.
10. I am lucky to have made some really great North Carolina friends.
9. I once thought that when you were an adult, you would get to the point where you weren’t tired when you woke up, but were instead, ready to start your day. This is false.
8. I will never get over last year’s AFC lost, this years Super Bowl loss, and the 2003 ALCS loss. 7. Countryfest is the best day of the year every year.
6. I am going to the Outerbanks in August and I can’t wait. I am also almost going to Red Sox Spring Training in 3 weeks except they decided to go to Japan.
5. I am far too young to have a brother that is going to be a freshman in college.
4. I miss Amy sleeping on my little yellow couch.
3. Some beach, somewhere, there’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair with my name on it.
2. My brother is the best person I know.
1. I have the absolute best friends in the world and it kind of sucks they life 800 miles away.
Showing posts with label Yankees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yankees. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Ramblings...
I realized the other day, quite how much I am not over the Patriots lost. I'm still absolutely angry. As one of my students proved the other day with his, Giant's Super Bowl hat, complete with it's, "We Wanted It More" logo, I am angry, I am hurt, and I wanted my Super Bowl ring and even the warm wonderful glow of spring training is not quite warming the ice over my sports heart.
*I live in coastal Eastern North Carolina, and I've been waiting to see this whole Duke / UNC feud up close. A few weeks ago, I saw that match up at a neighborhood sports bar, and quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing about how other rivalries rival the Boston / New York rivalry. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anything yet to see show me otherwise.
*Does Tiger Woods actually drive a Buick? I don't think so. At least, I hope not. I've seen the picture of his house, and I don't see a Buick parked in that driveway.
*The NBA All Star game uni's did nothing but confuse me. What was the point of those?
*Kelvin Sampson looks like a dick. His demeanor on the sideline, the way he's always yelling and jumping around. He looks slimy. Athletic directors and GM's should take that into account more often? Does the person look like a good person? No? Well I'd rethink that.
*The NCAA constantly reminds me of an Enron like corporation for a lot of reasons, but mainly because you have these coaches who sign massive multi-year deals, recruit, make promises of four year starting and such, and then jump ship at the first instance of a little water in the hull. Players who signed on to a particular coach should be able to transfer with no wait. Why should they have to put their college career on hold because of some coach? That being said, they should not be picking their college on coach alone. They should be picking their college on more important merits, like the ability to get into most bars with white out on your ID freshman year. The ability to order food at 4 am. Oh, and majors and crap.
*I'm not ready for Fantasy Baseball in any way, shape, or form, when you are still mourning the NFL season and you live without NESN, it's hard to get in the proper mode for football.
*This Bill Simmon's wiki entry is hilarious. I have read the SG since I was a sophomore in HS (just turned the big 25) and I have long enjoyed his work, but the things he feels the need to tell us (like hanging out with Tom after the Super Bowl) show that he is not a fan's perspective, but rather that of a fairly famous writer for the world wide leader. I'm not saying I'm not excited to read what he has to say, but I am saying that I find myself identifying with him less and less.
*So Manny hired Satan and isn't interested in talking about a contract extension and the Boston media has their panties all up in a bunch. I am coming to realize more and more that the "good" guys in baseball are those who are always ready with a good quote, like Mike Lowell (not saying Mike isn't great, just saying that he speaks English and Spanish fluently and is always willing to talk), whereas someone like Manny who isn't quite a language master, (as far as we know) isn't quite as able and willing to talk is aloof and crazy and a bit of a jerk. The only Red Sox player I am willing to say is a nice as you would hope is David Ortiz, as he once pinched my cheek, called me sweetie, and gave me a $1,000.00^. True story. One player I know to be a jerk, I know first hand, John Valentine. Had the personality of a stale piece of moldy toast at the freaking Square One Mall where my brother made me stand in line for like, 3 hours to get his autograph and refused to make eye contact. (At the same event, Darren Lewis quite freakly winked at me, in like, a creepy way, when I was like, 14? 15 tops?)
*It's really sad that the Celtics are relevant, albeit, struggling of late, and I hardly ever get them on TV. I can however watch Duke, State, or UNC every freaking night of the week. Did I ever tell you about the time my dad and I won a raffle to play basketball on the old parquet floor at Boston Garden? I was, eh, I'll go with 12 or 13. My brother was a baby and my mom worked in the bakery at Shaw's at night. And she entered a raffle, and won. (I guess I'm good at raffles) . Anyway, because I was going to be nervous, my Dad told me he was taking me to a bun factory in Boston. When I was younger, I had this terrible problem that whenever I was really excited about something, I kind of threw up.^^ Boston was a big deal, save for Disney on Ice, I didn't go in too often. So I had on a white blouse, black pants, dressy shoes for my big trip. And let me just say, I was psyched for the bread tour. I thought it was going to be like Piantadosi and who doesn't love carbs? This blog is aptly titled...rambling. Part of our tour was that we could eat in whatever the Garden 600 Club was and of course. It was open bar. For those of you who don't know my dad, or my family in general, including myself...My Family + Open Bar = bad times. A few crown royal and gingers later, we went downstairs, shot hoops with ML Carr (well, I shot maybe one, then sat on all the seats on the bench so I knew I had sat in Larry Bird's) and then my dad and I snuck away from the group, and went into all the locker rooms...B's, Celts, visitors room. The home locker rooms were pretty nice, and I actually got to sit in Larry Bird's locker, and my dad took a picture that didn't come out. We were found out by a maintenance man that wasn't too amused by us. I told him we got lost looking for the bathroom and ended up in Larry Bird's locker.
On the way home, I dropped ML Carr's autograph out the window. Then I asked my dad if we could go to the bun factory.
*I need the Red Sox in my life, real live Red Sox. So I'm thinking about talking to the principal on Monday and seeing if I can take a Friday or a Monday coming up and driving to Fort Myers and just saying, "Hi Mike Lowell" and turning around and driving home. Is it worth driving 855 miles to say hello to Mike Lowell? Well, let's face it, rarely if ever should I be your base for sanity!
^Okay, it was a gift certificate I won in a raffle at a charity event, but he gave it to me okay?!?!
^^And not about big things, like, one time, my Auntie told me that she was taking me to Toys "R" Us because I got a good report card (I was maybe in 2nd grade), and that I could get whatever I wanted. (It was a simple thing, I was totally getting a Barbie, it wasn't like I was going out with a new bike or something). Anyway, we get about 3 steps into Toys "R" Us and I threw up all over the floor.
*I live in coastal Eastern North Carolina, and I've been waiting to see this whole Duke / UNC feud up close. A few weeks ago, I saw that match up at a neighborhood sports bar, and quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing about how other rivalries rival the Boston / New York rivalry. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anything yet to see show me otherwise.
*Does Tiger Woods actually drive a Buick? I don't think so. At least, I hope not. I've seen the picture of his house, and I don't see a Buick parked in that driveway.
*The NBA All Star game uni's did nothing but confuse me. What was the point of those?
*Kelvin Sampson looks like a dick. His demeanor on the sideline, the way he's always yelling and jumping around. He looks slimy. Athletic directors and GM's should take that into account more often? Does the person look like a good person? No? Well I'd rethink that.
*The NCAA constantly reminds me of an Enron like corporation for a lot of reasons, but mainly because you have these coaches who sign massive multi-year deals, recruit, make promises of four year starting and such, and then jump ship at the first instance of a little water in the hull. Players who signed on to a particular coach should be able to transfer with no wait. Why should they have to put their college career on hold because of some coach? That being said, they should not be picking their college on coach alone. They should be picking their college on more important merits, like the ability to get into most bars with white out on your ID freshman year. The ability to order food at 4 am. Oh, and majors and crap.
*I'm not ready for Fantasy Baseball in any way, shape, or form, when you are still mourning the NFL season and you live without NESN, it's hard to get in the proper mode for football.
*This Bill Simmon's wiki entry is hilarious. I have read the SG since I was a sophomore in HS (just turned the big 25) and I have long enjoyed his work, but the things he feels the need to tell us (like hanging out with Tom after the Super Bowl) show that he is not a fan's perspective, but rather that of a fairly famous writer for the world wide leader. I'm not saying I'm not excited to read what he has to say, but I am saying that I find myself identifying with him less and less.
*So Manny hired Satan and isn't interested in talking about a contract extension and the Boston media has their panties all up in a bunch. I am coming to realize more and more that the "good" guys in baseball are those who are always ready with a good quote, like Mike Lowell (not saying Mike isn't great, just saying that he speaks English and Spanish fluently and is always willing to talk), whereas someone like Manny who isn't quite a language master, (as far as we know) isn't quite as able and willing to talk is aloof and crazy and a bit of a jerk. The only Red Sox player I am willing to say is a nice as you would hope is David Ortiz, as he once pinched my cheek, called me sweetie, and gave me a $1,000.00^. True story. One player I know to be a jerk, I know first hand, John Valentine. Had the personality of a stale piece of moldy toast at the freaking Square One Mall where my brother made me stand in line for like, 3 hours to get his autograph and refused to make eye contact. (At the same event, Darren Lewis quite freakly winked at me, in like, a creepy way, when I was like, 14? 15 tops?)
*It's really sad that the Celtics are relevant, albeit, struggling of late, and I hardly ever get them on TV. I can however watch Duke, State, or UNC every freaking night of the week. Did I ever tell you about the time my dad and I won a raffle to play basketball on the old parquet floor at Boston Garden? I was, eh, I'll go with 12 or 13. My brother was a baby and my mom worked in the bakery at Shaw's at night. And she entered a raffle, and won. (I guess I'm good at raffles) . Anyway, because I was going to be nervous, my Dad told me he was taking me to a bun factory in Boston. When I was younger, I had this terrible problem that whenever I was really excited about something, I kind of threw up.^^ Boston was a big deal, save for Disney on Ice, I didn't go in too often. So I had on a white blouse, black pants, dressy shoes for my big trip. And let me just say, I was psyched for the bread tour. I thought it was going to be like Piantadosi and who doesn't love carbs? This blog is aptly titled...rambling. Part of our tour was that we could eat in whatever the Garden 600 Club was and of course. It was open bar. For those of you who don't know my dad, or my family in general, including myself...My Family + Open Bar = bad times. A few crown royal and gingers later, we went downstairs, shot hoops with ML Carr (well, I shot maybe one, then sat on all the seats on the bench so I knew I had sat in Larry Bird's) and then my dad and I snuck away from the group, and went into all the locker rooms...B's, Celts, visitors room. The home locker rooms were pretty nice, and I actually got to sit in Larry Bird's locker, and my dad took a picture that didn't come out. We were found out by a maintenance man that wasn't too amused by us. I told him we got lost looking for the bathroom and ended up in Larry Bird's locker.
On the way home, I dropped ML Carr's autograph out the window. Then I asked my dad if we could go to the bun factory.
*I need the Red Sox in my life, real live Red Sox. So I'm thinking about talking to the principal on Monday and seeing if I can take a Friday or a Monday coming up and driving to Fort Myers and just saying, "Hi Mike Lowell" and turning around and driving home. Is it worth driving 855 miles to say hello to Mike Lowell? Well, let's face it, rarely if ever should I be your base for sanity!
^Okay, it was a gift certificate I won in a raffle at a charity event, but he gave it to me okay?!?!
^^And not about big things, like, one time, my Auntie told me that she was taking me to Toys "R" Us because I got a good report card (I was maybe in 2nd grade), and that I could get whatever I wanted. (It was a simple thing, I was totally getting a Barbie, it wasn't like I was going out with a new bike or something). Anyway, we get about 3 steps into Toys "R" Us and I threw up all over the floor.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Great Autograph Experiement Update
Jason Giambi mailed back my card, complete with signature, I guess he didn't have anything better to do.
So to keep our tally up, I recieved signed cards back from Mike Timlin, Jason Giambi, Barry Bonds, and A-Rod.
Filed under, things I don't know about myself...
When I moved to NC in August, my mom sent me off with a ton of different piles of junk that I didn't need. Now, we are getting a third roommate, (my cousin, yay!), so I've been trying to cram two rooms full of crap into one.
Anyway, one thing I came across was a box of my baseball card. Back when I was a freshman or a sophomore, and my brother was in first or second grade, we got into baseball cards. Mainly because there was a cool hobby shop like store at my house, partly because I had just started to really like baseball, and lastly because I'm a huge dork. It's a wonder to myself that I had any friends at all in highschool. Okay, friend. I had a friend in high school. Moving on...
I had forgotten a few things about myself.
I loved Mike Mussina. I really, really, really loved Mike Mussina.
Now, please forgive me for a moment and remember that during this time, he was quite the pitcher:
1996 27 BAL AL 19 11 36 36 4 1 0 0 243.3
1997 28 BAL AL 15 8 33 33 4 1 0 0 224.7
1998 29 BAL AL 13 10 29 29 4 2 0 0 206.3
1999 30 BAL AL 18 7 31 31 4 0 0 0 203.3
While those stats are impressive, the real reason I loved him was probably the fact that he took a line drive off his forehead. I love a good sports injury. Anyway, I have more Mike Mussina cards in my collection than any other player, includin an autograph. I think you should know that about me.
Anyway, one thing I came across was a box of my baseball card. Back when I was a freshman or a sophomore, and my brother was in first or second grade, we got into baseball cards. Mainly because there was a cool hobby shop like store at my house, partly because I had just started to really like baseball, and lastly because I'm a huge dork. It's a wonder to myself that I had any friends at all in highschool. Okay, friend. I had a friend in high school. Moving on...
I had forgotten a few things about myself.
I loved Mike Mussina. I really, really, really loved Mike Mussina.
Now, please forgive me for a moment and remember that during this time, he was quite the pitcher:
1996 27 BAL AL 19 11 36 36 4 1 0 0 243.3
1997 28 BAL AL 15 8 33 33 4 1 0 0 224.7
1998 29 BAL AL 13 10 29 29 4 2 0 0 206.3
1999 30 BAL AL 18 7 31 31 4 0 0 0 203.3
While those stats are impressive, the real reason I loved him was probably the fact that he took a line drive off his forehead. I love a good sports injury. Anyway, I have more Mike Mussina cards in my collection than any other player, includin an autograph. I think you should know that about me.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Great Autograph Experiment Update...
I just moved into a new house a month ago, and I have been getting my mail forwarded. And the other day...I got mail from Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds since I got here. That is right. From A-Rod I got my card returned along with an autographed A-Rod photo and from Barry Bonds I got my card back, unsigned, along with another Bonds card and a letter thanking me for being a fan. So my two least favorite baseball players on the earth do at least, return mail. So now I have heard back from 4 players, Manny (card returned unsigned), Timlin (card returned signed), Bonds (card returend with letter), and A-Rod (card returned unsigned with autographed photo).
Seriously?
Seriously?
Waiting on 8:05
"They show no class, no class at all, and maybe that comes from the head coach" L "I steal nick names and am a little bitch" T
Good afternoon! I am going to be semi-live blogging today while I eagerlly await tonights killer matchups. Chargers @ Patriots and Yankees @ Red Sox. A very busy night in New England. I am in prime form. I alept till 11:00. Had some homefries and sweet tea. Watched the pregame shows. I'm ready to go. I got 7 hours to kill and you do too...
A few thoughts from the pregame show...
*Boomer annoys me.
*Why do we need so many people on the show?
*Everyone likes the Patriots. Me too.
*"Coach" Mike Ditka keeps forgetting his picks. Good work "Coach". I once coached a basketball team at the Boys Club. From this day forth, I would like to be called, "Coach" please.
*Eli Manning will play today. Well thank God. I still can't get over the feeling that Eli would rather be running around a field with butterflies, curling up on the couch with a nice cup of coco, an afghan, and a good book.
Good afternoon! I am going to be semi-live blogging today while I eagerlly await tonights killer matchups. Chargers @ Patriots and Yankees @ Red Sox. A very busy night in New England. I am in prime form. I alept till 11:00. Had some homefries and sweet tea. Watched the pregame shows. I'm ready to go. I got 7 hours to kill and you do too...
A few thoughts from the pregame show...
*Boomer annoys me.
*Why do we need so many people on the show?
*Everyone likes the Patriots. Me too.
*"Coach" Mike Ditka keeps forgetting his picks. Good work "Coach". I once coached a basketball team at the Boys Club. From this day forth, I would like to be called, "Coach" please.
*Eli Manning will play today. Well thank God. I still can't get over the feeling that Eli would rather be running around a field with butterflies, curling up on the couch with a nice cup of coco, an afghan, and a good book.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dear Thomas Edward,
Hi, how’s it going? I know you’re a little busy these days with Baby Brady and birthday celebrations and whatnot, but I just had to write you a quick little long rambling note. First, let me tell you a few things about me. When I get 12 cents in change, I think of you. When I picked up one of the new David Ortiz hats at the Reebok outlet the other day and realized that it had come in contact with an Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Champion hat, I threw it back, and then went and washed my hands.
So, maybe right now, you’re thinking, “So, you’re completely out of your mind! So I have a Yankees hat on my head! Who cares? You shouldn’t care, just so long as I keep winning you football games.” And that theory is well as good, except you play football here. In New England. And I’m not your average fan Mr. Brady, incase you haven’t noticed. (although I know there are plenty out there like me). I worry constantly. I fret. I overanalyze. I was depressed for months after the AFC Championship loss. I didn’t go out to watch the Super Bowl (even though it is one of my favorite days of the year). My heart physically hurt and I thought I was going to be sick when the confetti came falling down in the RCA dome. I know enough facts about players on your team to write a book. I agonized over whether or not to resign Troy Brown like it was my decision. I believe that Scott and Bill can do no wrong, but Theo still makes me nervous.
But most of all, when all things are said and done. I love the Patriots and the Red Sox. And I hate the Yankees and the Colts. I love more than I hate, but I really enjoy the hating. So when you’re prancing around Manhattan with your Yankees hat on, it hurts a little. (I mean, how would you like it if David Ortiz started prancing around with a Colts hat on?). The Yankees fan in my office puts your picture on the bulletin board. I have to look at it. I hear about. And I don’t like it. I know you’re probably thinking, “but it’s just a hat”. But it isn’t just a hat to me. It’s painful and annoying and quite frankly, a little disrespectful to all those who cheer you on every Sunday, snow, rain, sleet or shine in Foxboro.
There are a lot of hats in the world. I even have some suggestions. You seem to love Europe, been spending a lot of time there with the gf and all, so what about a futbol team hat from Europe? You could be chic and stylish and not pissing me off all at once. Not much of a soccer fan? Me either. What about a Michigan hat? If you loved Michigan ½ as much as I loved Assumption, this should be a logical choice. I believe you to be sponsored by Nike. What about a nice little plain hat with a cute little swoosh on it? I’ve seen you in those Gap ads. What about a nice little “GAP” hat? I’ll even buy you and Baby Brady matching hats if you want.
Now, there is one scenario that I haven’t given much thought to. That you may, actually be a Yankees fan. Tom, this would hurt my heart a little. If they make you happy, then I’ll accept that fact. Maybe, you grew up wearing Reggie Jackson’s jersey. Maybe you know Roger Maris’ career stats. Maybe you are delusional enough to believe Roger Clemens is the second coming. However, if this is true. You may never wear a Red Sox hat again. (and I don’t want to see you taking BP in a Sox jersey either Mr. Brady)
There is only one kind of fan I hate more than I hate Yankees fans. And that, is the bandwagon fan. So, Tom, lose the Yankees hat, or lose the Red Sox hat. But don’t make me come down to Foxboro on Friday night and have a talk with you about this.
Hi, how’s it going? I know you’re a little busy these days with Baby Brady and birthday celebrations and whatnot, but I just had to write you a quick little long rambling note. First, let me tell you a few things about me. When I get 12 cents in change, I think of you. When I picked up one of the new David Ortiz hats at the Reebok outlet the other day and realized that it had come in contact with an Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Champion hat, I threw it back, and then went and washed my hands.
So, maybe right now, you’re thinking, “So, you’re completely out of your mind! So I have a Yankees hat on my head! Who cares? You shouldn’t care, just so long as I keep winning you football games.” And that theory is well as good, except you play football here. In New England. And I’m not your average fan Mr. Brady, incase you haven’t noticed. (although I know there are plenty out there like me). I worry constantly. I fret. I overanalyze. I was depressed for months after the AFC Championship loss. I didn’t go out to watch the Super Bowl (even though it is one of my favorite days of the year). My heart physically hurt and I thought I was going to be sick when the confetti came falling down in the RCA dome. I know enough facts about players on your team to write a book. I agonized over whether or not to resign Troy Brown like it was my decision. I believe that Scott and Bill can do no wrong, but Theo still makes me nervous.
But most of all, when all things are said and done. I love the Patriots and the Red Sox. And I hate the Yankees and the Colts. I love more than I hate, but I really enjoy the hating. So when you’re prancing around Manhattan with your Yankees hat on, it hurts a little. (I mean, how would you like it if David Ortiz started prancing around with a Colts hat on?). The Yankees fan in my office puts your picture on the bulletin board. I have to look at it. I hear about. And I don’t like it. I know you’re probably thinking, “but it’s just a hat”. But it isn’t just a hat to me. It’s painful and annoying and quite frankly, a little disrespectful to all those who cheer you on every Sunday, snow, rain, sleet or shine in Foxboro.
There are a lot of hats in the world. I even have some suggestions. You seem to love Europe, been spending a lot of time there with the gf and all, so what about a futbol team hat from Europe? You could be chic and stylish and not pissing me off all at once. Not much of a soccer fan? Me either. What about a Michigan hat? If you loved Michigan ½ as much as I loved Assumption, this should be a logical choice. I believe you to be sponsored by Nike. What about a nice little plain hat with a cute little swoosh on it? I’ve seen you in those Gap ads. What about a nice little “GAP” hat? I’ll even buy you and Baby Brady matching hats if you want.
Now, there is one scenario that I haven’t given much thought to. That you may, actually be a Yankees fan. Tom, this would hurt my heart a little. If they make you happy, then I’ll accept that fact. Maybe, you grew up wearing Reggie Jackson’s jersey. Maybe you know Roger Maris’ career stats. Maybe you are delusional enough to believe Roger Clemens is the second coming. However, if this is true. You may never wear a Red Sox hat again. (and I don’t want to see you taking BP in a Sox jersey either Mr. Brady)
There is only one kind of fan I hate more than I hate Yankees fans. And that, is the bandwagon fan. So, Tom, lose the Yankees hat, or lose the Red Sox hat. But don’t make me come down to Foxboro on Friday night and have a talk with you about this.
Love always,
Amanda
PS. Who runs in khakis?
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Great Autograph Experiment
So, the other day I was reading my ESPN the Mag, and there was a section about the best way to get autographs. Now, I have to say, autographs have never done much for me. I'd much rather get my picture taken with the player then have them sign something that will end up in a photo album and then eventually get ruined when the basement floods.
In my autograph collection, I have Nancy Kerrigan (at Toys “R” us when I was maybe 12). (Funny side story, I need a piece of paper, so my dad handed me a notebook that we hadn’t bought yet, and I thought for sure I was going to get arrested. And then, my dad wouldn’t even buy the notebook that I had used to get the autograph, he just tore out the page and put it his pocket…and I was horrified we were stealing paper!).
My second autograph is ML Carr. My mom won some contest when she worked in the bakery at Shaw’s (I’m serious, she worked there). So my dad and I got to go play basketball on the court at the Garden. The real Garden, not TD Banknorth. This was the same year as Nancy Kerrigan I believe. Anyway, I used to get really nervous. So my dad lied to me and said he was taking me on a tour of a bread factory in Boston. Now, we never went to Boston, so this was a huge deal. So I got dressed up and wore like, a blouse and skirt and tights and dress shoes. And it turns out I was going to play basketball with the Celtics. There were a few other random people there from the Celtics, I don’t know who. So I just sat on the bench in my dress shoes, and watched my dad shoot hoops with ML. Who, I might add, was wicked nice. Anyway, my dad and I snuck off from the group to see the Celtics locker room. It was the offseason, so they were empty, but I did get to sit in Larry Bird’s locker. We went into the Bruin’s locker room too. And, I of course, thought for sure we were going to get caught and my dad was going to get arrested and I was going to have to call my mom to come bail us out. Also, on the way home, I dropped the autograph out the window and my dad had to pull the car over so I could pick it up. He almost killed me.
My third autograph is Jenny Meno and Todd Sand. They are figure skaters that never won much of anything except for the US title a few times. We had these awesome front row seats and I got to meet Jenny and Todd who were my favorites.
My fourth autograph is Tom Glavine. Tom was doing an autograph signing at the Burlington Mall and I took Paul and his best friend Chris. Tom was extremely nice, he took a picture with us, signed like, the 20 Tom Glavine cards we brought.
also, I did get every Disney character I could find when I went to Disney in 6th grade, and Cinderella's twice.
Anyway, that is the extent of my autograph collection. In the article in ESPN it mentioned Pat Neshek’s website. I linked to it last week, but it’s for autograph collectors, and they talk about who they’ve gotten autographs from, where’s the best place to get them to sign. One thing they were talking about was who you could write to, with a self addressed stamped envelope, and who would send your card or picture or whatever back. I read through them and was intrigued. Pat's site also mentioned this one, SASE Sports Sigs, which keeps track of what cards get signed and sent back. I knew my brother and I had a giant box of cards in the basement, so I’ve decided to try it out. I’m sending out 20 baseball cards to 20 major leaguers, a little note, along with a baseball card and SASE. I actually couldn’t find my baseball cards so technically I’m sending my brothers. I went through a few books and pulled out current major leaguers, and was surprised by how many players are no longer in the majors. So, I decided to send 5 to current Red Sox, 5 to current Yankees, and 10 to regular major leaguers. (they are the control group if I remember my scientific method correctly). I'm completely accepting of the fact that there is a very good chance I'm going 0-20.
I’m rambling today. Must be the ice coffee combined with the fact that it is FINALLY Friday.
We’ll start with the bad guys, move on to the neutral guys, and then onto to the good guys.
First up, Mr. Roger Clemens, (whose name I intentionally spelled wrong on the envelope for humor’s sake). I told Roger I liked watching him pitch as a Red Sox, and that “I hope your un-retirement works out just like I think it will”. As in, you average five runs and five innings a game while going 6-9. In A-Rod’s note, I wrote, “I really miss watching you play shortstop. I think that you would have been remembered as the best shortstop of all time”. Not that I would want to ruffle feathers between him and Derek. In Mo’s I told him that “Enter Sandman” was my favorite Metallica song and that I thought he was a great closer during the 2004 ALCS. In Jason Giambi’s, I told him I hope his foot heals faster than they think it will (because otherwise they will probably trade for Carlos Pena and I’d rather they didn’t). And, in Derek Jeter’s, I told him that he was a much better player than A-Rod. Those were very hard to write.
I told Barry Bonds that he has “set an incredible example for younger players”. If that’s not the truth. You too can cheat your way to 755.
Mike Sweeney, “you are my favorite player on the Royals”. That is 100% accurate. Of course, he’s tied with every other Royal for that position, but I left that out of my note.
In my collection (actually Paul’s collection), I found a sweet card with a very young Pedro and Ramon on it in Dodger Blue. Pedro looked badass and Ramon looked goofy and I’m pretty sure they both had mullets. I thanked Pedro for being so great for the Red Sox, and told him there was nothing like getting up in the morning and knowing we had Pedro going that night.
Edgar Renteira, “I’m sorry it didn’t work out here in Boston.” I am. Now I’m stuck with Julio Lugo who is more expensive and couldn’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag. I am sorry it didn’t work out. Your contract ends before his does.
Jason Schmidt and Randy Johnson got get well cards. I told Magglio Ordonez and Andruw Jones they were great outfielders and that I wished they had come up with the Sox. (Sorry Nancy).
I wrote to Pudge Rodriguez and told him he was a great catcher and congrats on catching a No-no and thanks for knocking the Yanks out last year.
Then came my notes to the Sox, which, were harder and took a lot more thought.
First up was Mike Timlin. I thanked him for ’04, and for being such a reliable set up man over the years and told him that us Sox fans were lucky to have him. (I left out that he makes me vomit slightly in my mouth)
I told Batshit Tavarez that it has been an absolute pleasure watching him this year and that we have the best #5 in baseball.
I told Manny that he was the best hitter I have ever seen (I sent him a card of him on the Indians, which, was the only one I have).
I confessed to Mike Lowell that he was my favorite Red Sox and that he really needed to resign with the Sox to keep my mental health stable. (well, I left out the mental health part, but I did tell him I hoped he’d finish his career with the Sox).
I thanked Tim Wakefield for being such a leader with the Red Sox both on the field and in the community.
So there the 20 are. I’m going to send them out with tomorrow’s mail, and we’ll see how many I get back.
Tonight we have Dice-K and Greg Maddux. I feel like I haven’t seen Dice-K pitch in weeks. I’m excited!
In my autograph collection, I have Nancy Kerrigan (at Toys “R” us when I was maybe 12). (Funny side story, I need a piece of paper, so my dad handed me a notebook that we hadn’t bought yet, and I thought for sure I was going to get arrested. And then, my dad wouldn’t even buy the notebook that I had used to get the autograph, he just tore out the page and put it his pocket…and I was horrified we were stealing paper!).
My second autograph is ML Carr. My mom won some contest when she worked in the bakery at Shaw’s (I’m serious, she worked there). So my dad and I got to go play basketball on the court at the Garden. The real Garden, not TD Banknorth. This was the same year as Nancy Kerrigan I believe. Anyway, I used to get really nervous. So my dad lied to me and said he was taking me on a tour of a bread factory in Boston. Now, we never went to Boston, so this was a huge deal. So I got dressed up and wore like, a blouse and skirt and tights and dress shoes. And it turns out I was going to play basketball with the Celtics. There were a few other random people there from the Celtics, I don’t know who. So I just sat on the bench in my dress shoes, and watched my dad shoot hoops with ML. Who, I might add, was wicked nice. Anyway, my dad and I snuck off from the group to see the Celtics locker room. It was the offseason, so they were empty, but I did get to sit in Larry Bird’s locker. We went into the Bruin’s locker room too. And, I of course, thought for sure we were going to get caught and my dad was going to get arrested and I was going to have to call my mom to come bail us out. Also, on the way home, I dropped the autograph out the window and my dad had to pull the car over so I could pick it up. He almost killed me.
My third autograph is Jenny Meno and Todd Sand. They are figure skaters that never won much of anything except for the US title a few times. We had these awesome front row seats and I got to meet Jenny and Todd who were my favorites.
My fourth autograph is Tom Glavine. Tom was doing an autograph signing at the Burlington Mall and I took Paul and his best friend Chris. Tom was extremely nice, he took a picture with us, signed like, the 20 Tom Glavine cards we brought.
also, I did get every Disney character I could find when I went to Disney in 6th grade, and Cinderella's twice.
Anyway, that is the extent of my autograph collection. In the article in ESPN it mentioned Pat Neshek’s website. I linked to it last week, but it’s for autograph collectors, and they talk about who they’ve gotten autographs from, where’s the best place to get them to sign. One thing they were talking about was who you could write to, with a self addressed stamped envelope, and who would send your card or picture or whatever back. I read through them and was intrigued. Pat's site also mentioned this one, SASE Sports Sigs, which keeps track of what cards get signed and sent back. I knew my brother and I had a giant box of cards in the basement, so I’ve decided to try it out. I’m sending out 20 baseball cards to 20 major leaguers, a little note, along with a baseball card and SASE. I actually couldn’t find my baseball cards so technically I’m sending my brothers. I went through a few books and pulled out current major leaguers, and was surprised by how many players are no longer in the majors. So, I decided to send 5 to current Red Sox, 5 to current Yankees, and 10 to regular major leaguers. (they are the control group if I remember my scientific method correctly). I'm completely accepting of the fact that there is a very good chance I'm going 0-20.
I’m rambling today. Must be the ice coffee combined with the fact that it is FINALLY Friday.
We’ll start with the bad guys, move on to the neutral guys, and then onto to the good guys.
First up, Mr. Roger Clemens, (whose name I intentionally spelled wrong on the envelope for humor’s sake). I told Roger I liked watching him pitch as a Red Sox, and that “I hope your un-retirement works out just like I think it will”. As in, you average five runs and five innings a game while going 6-9. In A-Rod’s note, I wrote, “I really miss watching you play shortstop. I think that you would have been remembered as the best shortstop of all time”. Not that I would want to ruffle feathers between him and Derek. In Mo’s I told him that “Enter Sandman” was my favorite Metallica song and that I thought he was a great closer during the 2004 ALCS. In Jason Giambi’s, I told him I hope his foot heals faster than they think it will (because otherwise they will probably trade for Carlos Pena and I’d rather they didn’t). And, in Derek Jeter’s, I told him that he was a much better player than A-Rod. Those were very hard to write.
I told Barry Bonds that he has “set an incredible example for younger players”. If that’s not the truth. You too can cheat your way to 755.
Mike Sweeney, “you are my favorite player on the Royals”. That is 100% accurate. Of course, he’s tied with every other Royal for that position, but I left that out of my note.
In my collection (actually Paul’s collection), I found a sweet card with a very young Pedro and Ramon on it in Dodger Blue. Pedro looked badass and Ramon looked goofy and I’m pretty sure they both had mullets. I thanked Pedro for being so great for the Red Sox, and told him there was nothing like getting up in the morning and knowing we had Pedro going that night.
Edgar Renteira, “I’m sorry it didn’t work out here in Boston.” I am. Now I’m stuck with Julio Lugo who is more expensive and couldn’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag. I am sorry it didn’t work out. Your contract ends before his does.
Jason Schmidt and Randy Johnson got get well cards. I told Magglio Ordonez and Andruw Jones they were great outfielders and that I wished they had come up with the Sox. (Sorry Nancy).
I wrote to Pudge Rodriguez and told him he was a great catcher and congrats on catching a No-no and thanks for knocking the Yanks out last year.
Then came my notes to the Sox, which, were harder and took a lot more thought.
First up was Mike Timlin. I thanked him for ’04, and for being such a reliable set up man over the years and told him that us Sox fans were lucky to have him. (I left out that he makes me vomit slightly in my mouth)
I told Batshit Tavarez that it has been an absolute pleasure watching him this year and that we have the best #5 in baseball.
I told Manny that he was the best hitter I have ever seen (I sent him a card of him on the Indians, which, was the only one I have).
I confessed to Mike Lowell that he was my favorite Red Sox and that he really needed to resign with the Sox to keep my mental health stable. (well, I left out the mental health part, but I did tell him I hoped he’d finish his career with the Sox).
I thanked Tim Wakefield for being such a leader with the Red Sox both on the field and in the community.
So there the 20 are. I’m going to send them out with tomorrow’s mail, and we’ll see how many I get back.
Tonight we have Dice-K and Greg Maddux. I feel like I haven’t seen Dice-K pitch in weeks. I’m excited!
Friday, June 15, 2007
When I was, eh, maybe 15 years old, I saw in interview with Barry Bonds and Steve Sax (I think that’s his name), and I was appalled by how arrogant, how condescending, and how rude Barry was. Then, Steve asked Barry who the greatest player to ever play the game was, and Barry replied, “I am, how can I possibly play this game if I thought anything different.” So let me get this straight Barry, the game is only worth playing if you’re the best? Well, if you are the best, then what is the point of everyone else playing too? I think every other major league ball player should probably just pack up and go home. And leave you to play with yourself, all your friends (0), and all your rings (0). Forgive me Mr. Bonds, but I think the mark of a great player is the ability to make his team better, himself better, and to win a championship. Sure, you need the stats, but more importantly, you should want the ring. That makes Tom great, it makes Papi great, it’s what made Bird great and it’s what made Ray ride off into the Rockies for a chance to hoist the cup above his head. I don’t hate Barry because of the stories of him cheating on his wife, cheating on his taxes, and of course, cheating on baseball. What bothers me the most about Barry isn’t any of those 3 things. It’s the fact that he’s a stuck up asshole. And that, is why I would boo him if I was one of the lucky 90,000 to see him at Fenway this weekend. I don’t hate him because he’s a cheater, but because he’s a dick.
So the Giants come riding into town with their ace, Barry Zito on the hill, we got our fifth starter who may or may not be certifiably insane. What I do know, is that we score runs for Julian, and that Zito has absolutely destroyed my fantasy team this season. So we just lost a series to a bunch of kids wearing royal purple and with names you’ve never heard of. It’s time for the Sox to get their bats going, time for us and them to get our mojo back, and time to get up, dust the dirt of our knees, and get ready to boo Barry Bonds till our throats burn. Listen here Fenway Faithful, I’m expecting all 36,000 of you to boo till you can’t breathe, I want you to be exhausted by booing. I don’t want you to be able to speak till Tuesday. Got it?
We, of course, have another fantastic reason for having sore throats tomorrow, that, of course being Mr. David Roberts, author of, “The Steal”, one of the greatest, if not the greatest chapters in Red Sox history. My life is basically separated into two sections, BS, (before steal), and AS (after steal). Before Steal I had Crunch and Munch poured on me at Yankee Stadium, where I had to listen continuously to old men with bad teeth shout, “Nomar “No Rings” Garciappara” at me every 8 minutes in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, I had to hear “19-18”! I had to lay in bed for a week in 2003 coming to the realization that it was, in fact, entirely likely that it was not happening in my lifetime. After Steal anything was possible, the greatest comeback in the history of sports, curses could be broken, the Red Sox could not be denied, and bandwagon Yankee hats disappeared. And those that remained saw an entire Nation decked out in World Series Champion gear.
As the great, if not annoying, Kevin Millar once said, “Don’t let us win one!”, and he was right. One was all it took. All it took was the steal led to the hit which led to Papi’s home run which led to Curt on the mound with a bloody sock, which led to Johnny’s home runs which led to Petey leaving it all on the mound, to Timmy finding redemption in the late innings, to a sweep and to a duck boat parade 86 years in the making. But none of it happens without the steal.
So the Giants come riding into town with their ace, Barry Zito on the hill, we got our fifth starter who may or may not be certifiably insane. What I do know, is that we score runs for Julian, and that Zito has absolutely destroyed my fantasy team this season. So we just lost a series to a bunch of kids wearing royal purple and with names you’ve never heard of. It’s time for the Sox to get their bats going, time for us and them to get our mojo back, and time to get up, dust the dirt of our knees, and get ready to boo Barry Bonds till our throats burn. Listen here Fenway Faithful, I’m expecting all 36,000 of you to boo till you can’t breathe, I want you to be exhausted by booing. I don’t want you to be able to speak till Tuesday. Got it?
We, of course, have another fantastic reason for having sore throats tomorrow, that, of course being Mr. David Roberts, author of, “The Steal”, one of the greatest, if not the greatest chapters in Red Sox history. My life is basically separated into two sections, BS, (before steal), and AS (after steal). Before Steal I had Crunch and Munch poured on me at Yankee Stadium, where I had to listen continuously to old men with bad teeth shout, “Nomar “No Rings” Garciappara” at me every 8 minutes in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, I had to hear “19-18”! I had to lay in bed for a week in 2003 coming to the realization that it was, in fact, entirely likely that it was not happening in my lifetime. After Steal anything was possible, the greatest comeback in the history of sports, curses could be broken, the Red Sox could not be denied, and bandwagon Yankee hats disappeared. And those that remained saw an entire Nation decked out in World Series Champion gear.
As the great, if not annoying, Kevin Millar once said, “Don’t let us win one!”, and he was right. One was all it took. All it took was the steal led to the hit which led to Papi’s home run which led to Curt on the mound with a bloody sock, which led to Johnny’s home runs which led to Petey leaving it all on the mound, to Timmy finding redemption in the late innings, to a sweep and to a duck boat parade 86 years in the making. But none of it happens without the steal.
So, Barry is going to stand in tonight, 9 home runs shy of one of the most hallowed records in baseball, and have boos rain down upon him, probably a battery or two, and some nasty chants tossed in his general direction. And a 3rd/4th outfielder, blessed with speed, hustle, a cheerful demeanor and not much else out will stand in and have a reception worthy of a king. I can’t wait to hear what the Fenway Faithful has for Barry tonight, but even more than that, I can't wait to hear the Faithful give a much deserved "Hello" to a deserving old friend.
Welcome home Dave!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Links Links everywhere!
*The Sox had a solid weekend in Arizona, although the bats are still quieter than I would like. Joshua dominated Friday, Julian took care of buisness, and Dice-K pitched good enough to win yesterday, says Jeff Horrigan. The Sox have today off, and get back at it on Tuesday they host the Rockies, and Soxgal.
*If you haven't read Curt's recap of his near no-no, please do so immediately.
*The Sox are now 40-22 on the season, and 9.5 up on the 2nd place New York Yankees, and 11.5 up on the last place Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
*After 6 weeks as #1 upon the ESPN Power Rankings, the Sox dropped to 2nd, with the Padres taking over the top slot.
*The Nuggets had a rough week, with J.R. Smith being thrown from a car during an accident and one of the passengers in the car having severe head injuries, and another Nugget DeeMar Johnson was tasered and arrested outside a night club.
*Julian Tavarez has his own cure to fix his own blister problem.
*Mike Reiss, as always has some good stuff.
*Chad Finn has a fun update. Including this tidbit via Peter Gammons:
"On April 20, Courtney Butcher of Worcester, Mass., a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, called her father, Jim, to talk about the Monster seats Jim had purchased for the family for the Sunday night game. Lowell was her favorite player. That night, right after Courtney talked to her father, she and three friends were killed in an automobile accident.
That Sunday night, Jim took his other children to the game. In the 4-HR inning, Lowell's shot went right to the Butcher family.The next day, a friend of the family called Sarah Stevenson of the Red Sox, who relayed the message to Lowell, and he signed a uniform with these words: "Courtney, May God Be With You, Rest in Peace." He also sent word to Jim Butcher that he would homer for Courtney. The wake was that Tuesday, April 24, and Lowell's uniform was draped over Courtney's coffin. That night, he homered against the Blue Jays."
*Jayson Stark ponders the question, is Curt Schilling the best pitcher to never win a Cy Young or pitch a no-hitter? I'm pasting the whole thing because I know not everyone has ESPN Insider.
Random thoughts, as we ponder the unique interleague magic of Rockies-Orioles:
IS CURT SCHILLING THE BEST PITCHER NEVER TO WIN A CY YOUNG OR PITCH A NO-HITTER?
Watching that Shannon Stewart single whoosh past Alex Cora on Thursday, I was struck by this thought: Can anyone think of a great pitcher who has done more specializing in the near-miss than Curt Schilling?
He has never pitched a no-hitter, but he has thrown three one-hitters. And among active pitchers only Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina (four apiece) have thrown more.
Schilling also has never won a Cy Young. But he has finished second three times. Among active pitchers, only Johnson, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine have more top-two finishes in the Cy voting than Schilling. But those guys have combined for 21 Cy Youngs, to Schilling's zero. In fact, according to baseball-reference.com, Schilling has the highest award-share voting score of any pitcher in history who has never won a Cy Young.
So if it sometimes seems as if all his great years have been trumped by someone else's great years, it's because they have.
He has won 20 games three times -- all of them in seasons when at least one other pitcher in his league won 20. He has struck out 300 hitters in a season three times -- two of them in years another pitcher in his league whiffed 300. And he has finished in the top three in his league in ERA nine times -- but never won an ERA title. So is timing everything in life, or what?
Have a nomination for some other great pitcher in the last 40 years (the era spanning the awarding of Cy Youngs in each league) who has never pitched a no-hitter or won a Cy? Send it along to uselessinfodept@yahoo.com. We can do a ranking in a future blog of the best pitchers ever in this funky category.
*My favorite blogger not named Schilling has updated a few times recently, Mr. Curtis Granderson. He has all kinds of good stuff.
*How did this guy only get a mild concussion and a sprained ankle?
*Lester is coming up to Fenway to throw with John Farrell and figure out a plan for the next few weeks.
*This Arizona columnist talks about how Curt is a jerk for not talking to them on Friday, because he owed it to the fans. A few things here:
- In the column, he says that Curt was traded to the Red Sox. He signed as a free agent. Maybe he doesn't want to talk to idiots.
- He also says he owes it to "the fans". The highest attendence in Arizona history was...Saturday night against the Red Sox? With Julian Tavarez starting? They didn't even sell out the clinching game of the World Series? I wouldn't worry too much about those "fans".
*Roger Goodell's myspace.
*If you haven't read Curt's recap of his near no-no, please do so immediately.
*The Sox are now 40-22 on the season, and 9.5 up on the 2nd place New York Yankees, and 11.5 up on the last place Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
*After 6 weeks as #1 upon the ESPN Power Rankings, the Sox dropped to 2nd, with the Padres taking over the top slot.
*The Nuggets had a rough week, with J.R. Smith being thrown from a car during an accident and one of the passengers in the car having severe head injuries, and another Nugget DeeMar Johnson was tasered and arrested outside a night club.
*Julian Tavarez has his own cure to fix his own blister problem.
*Mike Reiss, as always has some good stuff.
*Chad Finn has a fun update. Including this tidbit via Peter Gammons:
"On April 20, Courtney Butcher of Worcester, Mass., a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, called her father, Jim, to talk about the Monster seats Jim had purchased for the family for the Sunday night game. Lowell was her favorite player. That night, right after Courtney talked to her father, she and three friends were killed in an automobile accident.
That Sunday night, Jim took his other children to the game. In the 4-HR inning, Lowell's shot went right to the Butcher family.The next day, a friend of the family called Sarah Stevenson of the Red Sox, who relayed the message to Lowell, and he signed a uniform with these words: "Courtney, May God Be With You, Rest in Peace." He also sent word to Jim Butcher that he would homer for Courtney. The wake was that Tuesday, April 24, and Lowell's uniform was draped over Courtney's coffin. That night, he homered against the Blue Jays."
*Jayson Stark ponders the question, is Curt Schilling the best pitcher to never win a Cy Young or pitch a no-hitter? I'm pasting the whole thing because I know not everyone has ESPN Insider.
Random thoughts, as we ponder the unique interleague magic of Rockies-Orioles:
IS CURT SCHILLING THE BEST PITCHER NEVER TO WIN A CY YOUNG OR PITCH A NO-HITTER?
Watching that Shannon Stewart single whoosh past Alex Cora on Thursday, I was struck by this thought: Can anyone think of a great pitcher who has done more specializing in the near-miss than Curt Schilling?
He has never pitched a no-hitter, but he has thrown three one-hitters. And among active pitchers only Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina (four apiece) have thrown more.
Schilling also has never won a Cy Young. But he has finished second three times. Among active pitchers, only Johnson, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine have more top-two finishes in the Cy voting than Schilling. But those guys have combined for 21 Cy Youngs, to Schilling's zero. In fact, according to baseball-reference.com, Schilling has the highest award-share voting score of any pitcher in history who has never won a Cy Young.
So if it sometimes seems as if all his great years have been trumped by someone else's great years, it's because they have.
He has won 20 games three times -- all of them in seasons when at least one other pitcher in his league won 20. He has struck out 300 hitters in a season three times -- two of them in years another pitcher in his league whiffed 300. And he has finished in the top three in his league in ERA nine times -- but never won an ERA title. So is timing everything in life, or what?
Have a nomination for some other great pitcher in the last 40 years (the era spanning the awarding of Cy Youngs in each league) who has never pitched a no-hitter or won a Cy? Send it along to uselessinfodept@yahoo.com. We can do a ranking in a future blog of the best pitchers ever in this funky category.
*My favorite blogger not named Schilling has updated a few times recently, Mr. Curtis Granderson. He has all kinds of good stuff.
*How did this guy only get a mild concussion and a sprained ankle?
*Lester is coming up to Fenway to throw with John Farrell and figure out a plan for the next few weeks.
*This Arizona columnist talks about how Curt is a jerk for not talking to them on Friday, because he owed it to the fans. A few things here:
- In the column, he says that Curt was traded to the Red Sox. He signed as a free agent. Maybe he doesn't want to talk to idiots.
- He also says he owes it to "the fans". The highest attendence in Arizona history was...Saturday night against the Red Sox? With Julian Tavarez starting? They didn't even sell out the clinching game of the World Series? I wouldn't worry too much about those "fans".
*Roger Goodell's myspace.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Ten things I think I think...(Sorry MMQB).
1. I think that the NFL Player's Association needs to remove the Franchise Tag from the next collective bargining agreement. Why have something that no player wants and few are willing to play under? Asante Samuel says he won't report till week 10. If I was Scott or Bill, I'd tell Asante if you show up week 10, we're tagging you again in 2008, and that is a promise. Here is my call on Asante. He is a very good corner. I do not think he is a great corner. I also think that he routinely missed tackles last year because instead of setting up for the stop or to break up a pass, he was going for the pick in his money year. Mike Felger said on FSN that the Pats should work out some kind of a secret deal with Asante that if he plays under the tag this year then the Pats will not tag him again. I totally agree and while I don't know if Asante would even want to do that. After all the things the Patriots have done this offseason to improve the team, we need to have a #1 corner.
2. I think I hate the news and all news broadcasting. First of all, the "close call" by the Pope this morning? An unarmed man jumped over the barricade seperating the Pope mobile from the crowd, was swiftly tackled by security and led away, the Pope didn't even notice, and it's a "close call". As my dad said this morning, "I think that you need to make contact with the hat for it offically be a close call". Another thing that annoyed me with this morning was the mini sports section. They told me the Red Sox lost, and that the Yankees won but they are still, "really far behind". Shouldn't us Boston fans be more concerned that the Toronto Blue Jays came back in the bottom of the 9th last night against Tampa Bay? Aren't they the 2nd place team? (and 9 back). They also told me that Tom Brady will have a busy off season becoming acclimated to his new recievers, and having a baby. That is the most important news coming out of mini-camp yesterday? Thanks. For a huge pile of useless information.
3. I think that if Billy Donavan is allowed to sign with a professional team, and then still go back to Florida, then players should have the same rights to change their mind too. They should be able to transfer without sitting out a season. If you go to a school to play for a coach, and that coach leaves for a better offer, then you should be able to do the same. I hate the NCAA. I also feel bad for Anthony Grant in this whole thing.
4. I think I'm sick of Youk looking like someone just shot his sister everytime he a play doesn't go his way. Honestly. I'm sure you aren't right 100% of the time, shut your mouth, and go back to the dugout, you are annoying me.
5. I think I didn't realize how grumpy I am till I started writing these. Wily Mo played again for J.D. last night. I still believe Mr. Drew is going to come around, however, I hope he realizes that his grace period is about to come to an end. The more he doesn't produce, and the more he doesn't play, and the more the Sox don't win, the sooner he's going to be hearing some loud boo's down at the Fens.
6. I think my favorite part of last nights game (made it till the 4th this time), was after Manny walked and a loud chorus of "OOOOO" could be heard. My dad goes, "Are they booing Manny or Lenny?", and I told him, "No, Youk must be up". And he was. Red Sox Nation dominates again.
7. A couple things I think aren't worth of their own entry
-I think I hated get rid of Lenny all along. (Especially after he was so handsome at Hot Stove Cool Music).
-I think I am relieved to see Dice-K do well last night.
-I think Wily Mo needs to go to a team where he can get 450 AB's in a season. I think his agent screwed him over by leaving him no minor league options.
-I think Papelbon has been making me nervous. I don't know what his deal is, if he's throwing too much, not throwing enough, shoulder hurts, blah blah.
-I think Japelbon was bound to show us he is human after all.
-I think that it's unfortunate that Papelbon and Japelbon decided to remind us how lucky we have been with our bullpen this year.
8. I think it is crazy that Trevor Hoffman is one save away from 500 in his career. 500!! Now there is the kind of guy who deserves to have Hells Bells playing when he comes in. (Aki not so much!)
9. Barry Bonds sat out of the lineup Tuesday with aching knees and shin splints. Those will be the least of his worries when I pull a Tonya Harding on him next weekend.
10. I think West Coast trips make me cranky. But you already knew that.
1. I think that the NFL Player's Association needs to remove the Franchise Tag from the next collective bargining agreement. Why have something that no player wants and few are willing to play under? Asante Samuel says he won't report till week 10. If I was Scott or Bill, I'd tell Asante if you show up week 10, we're tagging you again in 2008, and that is a promise. Here is my call on Asante. He is a very good corner. I do not think he is a great corner. I also think that he routinely missed tackles last year because instead of setting up for the stop or to break up a pass, he was going for the pick in his money year. Mike Felger said on FSN that the Pats should work out some kind of a secret deal with Asante that if he plays under the tag this year then the Pats will not tag him again. I totally agree and while I don't know if Asante would even want to do that. After all the things the Patriots have done this offseason to improve the team, we need to have a #1 corner.
2. I think I hate the news and all news broadcasting. First of all, the "close call" by the Pope this morning? An unarmed man jumped over the barricade seperating the Pope mobile from the crowd, was swiftly tackled by security and led away, the Pope didn't even notice, and it's a "close call". As my dad said this morning, "I think that you need to make contact with the hat for it offically be a close call". Another thing that annoyed me with this morning was the mini sports section. They told me the Red Sox lost, and that the Yankees won but they are still, "really far behind". Shouldn't us Boston fans be more concerned that the Toronto Blue Jays came back in the bottom of the 9th last night against Tampa Bay? Aren't they the 2nd place team? (and 9 back). They also told me that Tom Brady will have a busy off season becoming acclimated to his new recievers, and having a baby. That is the most important news coming out of mini-camp yesterday? Thanks. For a huge pile of useless information.
3. I think that if Billy Donavan is allowed to sign with a professional team, and then still go back to Florida, then players should have the same rights to change their mind too. They should be able to transfer without sitting out a season. If you go to a school to play for a coach, and that coach leaves for a better offer, then you should be able to do the same. I hate the NCAA. I also feel bad for Anthony Grant in this whole thing.
4. I think I'm sick of Youk looking like someone just shot his sister everytime he a play doesn't go his way. Honestly. I'm sure you aren't right 100% of the time, shut your mouth, and go back to the dugout, you are annoying me.
5. I think I didn't realize how grumpy I am till I started writing these. Wily Mo played again for J.D. last night. I still believe Mr. Drew is going to come around, however, I hope he realizes that his grace period is about to come to an end. The more he doesn't produce, and the more he doesn't play, and the more the Sox don't win, the sooner he's going to be hearing some loud boo's down at the Fens.
6. I think my favorite part of last nights game (made it till the 4th this time), was after Manny walked and a loud chorus of "OOOOO" could be heard. My dad goes, "Are they booing Manny or Lenny?", and I told him, "No, Youk must be up". And he was. Red Sox Nation dominates again.
7. A couple things I think aren't worth of their own entry
-I think I hated get rid of Lenny all along. (Especially after he was so handsome at Hot Stove Cool Music).
-I think I am relieved to see Dice-K do well last night.
-I think Wily Mo needs to go to a team where he can get 450 AB's in a season. I think his agent screwed him over by leaving him no minor league options.
-I think Papelbon has been making me nervous. I don't know what his deal is, if he's throwing too much, not throwing enough, shoulder hurts, blah blah.
-I think Japelbon was bound to show us he is human after all.
-I think that it's unfortunate that Papelbon and Japelbon decided to remind us how lucky we have been with our bullpen this year.
8. I think it is crazy that Trevor Hoffman is one save away from 500 in his career. 500!! Now there is the kind of guy who deserves to have Hells Bells playing when he comes in. (Aki not so much!)
9. Barry Bonds sat out of the lineup Tuesday with aching knees and shin splints. Those will be the least of his worries when I pull a Tonya Harding on him next weekend.
10. I think West Coast trips make me cranky. But you already knew that.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Even the New York Times loves Mike Lowell;
After Saturday’s game, he wore a gray T-shirt that said “Red Sox Strength.” When a reporter asked him what he had said to Derek Jeter as they walked back to toward second base after the injury to Mientkiewicz, Lowell answered with a deadpan look and a reference to Friday’s game.
“I told him I made one play off him yesterday and he has Wang hit me in the hand,” Lowell said.
When some listeners were not too sure how to take his remark, Lowell looked at one of the press credentials and finished his thought (and at least one of their articles) by adding, “ ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ he said jokingly.”
After Saturday’s game, he wore a gray T-shirt that said “Red Sox Strength.” When a reporter asked him what he had said to Derek Jeter as they walked back to toward second base after the injury to Mientkiewicz, Lowell answered with a deadpan look and a reference to Friday’s game.
“I told him I made one play off him yesterday and he has Wang hit me in the hand,” Lowell said.
When some listeners were not too sure how to take his remark, Lowell looked at one of the press credentials and finished his thought (and at least one of their articles) by adding, “ ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ he said jokingly.”
Sunday, June 3, 2007
*Doug Mientkiewicz was kept overnight at Mass General last night with a concussion, cervical sprain, and a broken wrist. I am absolutely, 100% shocked the Yankee trainer didn't collar and board him and send him directly to the ambulance. It was entirely possible with the way his neck twisted and hit the pavement that he had broken something. Red Sox MLB had this to say, "I feel bad for Doug. You don't want anything like that happening. We go way back, I mean, I played against him when I was 15 years old in high school. We hit together this offseason, and I've got a lot of respect for him."
*Lowell also took out Robinson Cano who thought it was a "dirty" play but Joe Torre thought it was fine. Not that I care what either one of them think. Also, it says here Michael has a WS ring from 1998 for playing a few games for the Yanks that year. *Here's the game report on a rough one at the Fens yesterday, where Curt pitched good enough to lose.
Friday, June 1, 2007
The Ramblings...
*To lead off for this latest batch of ramblings, some words about everyone's favorite dirt dog, who I did not talk nearly enough about this week. (I hate when my job gets in the way of my blogging).
- Being there when Trot was introduced quickly moved its way into my favorite Fenway moments. I won't keep you wondering...
1. The Sox coming back against the Yankees on Red Auerbach night and Ok-a-jima coming in for the save.
2. Walk off against the Texas Rangers last July.
3. First Red Sox game. 1990, and the Sox clinched the pennate.
4. Trot coming home.
5. Mother's Day walk-off earlier this year.
- I didn't get to see it till the next day, but the little ceremony for Trot and Kathryn honoring them for their work on the Jimmy Fund was nice. Dr. Steinberg loves stuff like that.
- Trot mic'd up for NESN before the game and him asking everyone whose path he crossed, "How's your family?" (how great is he?)
- I loved how Curt and Josh stood at the back of the mound and waited for Trot to get his ovation both of the first two games. Very nice.
- I did not love how Jonathan made the 9th interesting. So, we all know how Jonathan now comes into Wild Thing, and then when he gets to the mound, Shipping up to Boston comes on. Well, I guess the Shipping up to Boston thing was also Dr. Steinberg's idea...the thought Wild Thing wasn't indimidating enough. I could not disagree more. I was the 2nd Yankees game @ the Fens this year, and when Wild Thing came on, everyone went absolutely nuts, then, the song ended when the batter came up, and everyone kept singing another line or two. That, combined with the best closer in the game and a 96 mile an hour fastball is intimidating.
*Mr. President of bush league and Mrs. Rodriguez took a walk around Boston Common yesteray. Mrs. A-Rod rushed to his side in Boston, and had dinner with him last night at Grill 23 before heading back to the Ritz. I'm sure the blond was his assistant. (be sure to click on the pictures in that last link).
*As for the Red Sox, I mean, could anyone have wished for anything more 50 games in? I don't think so. Everything is just going well. I'm sure we'll cross our rough patches, but this team is the real deal. (::dodging lightening bolts::)
*Just for the record, I am 11-4 this season. After starting out 0-2, I have rebounded nicely. Also, I am 6-0 in May. That my friends, is a .733 winning percentage.
*Shaughnessy says that Red would have liked A-Rod's yell against the Jays. No word on whether he would have liked the blond.
*Pat's had passing camp yesterday. They also announced Training Camp will start on the 27th.
I have missed that lovely gray cut off sweatshirt Bill.
*A large continegent of media was there to catch Randy Moss. Mike Reiss's notebook has the players still shocked and saddened by the loss of Marquise Hill, and also talks about where Adalius Thomas will fit in with the linebacker corps. Karen Guregian also has the Pats dealing with losing Hill. *Former Patriot OG Joe Andruzzi has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and has begun treatment at Dana-Faber in Boston. Thoughts and prayers for him.
*LeBron has taken over the Cavs / Piston's series, scoring 48 last night, and 29 of his teams last 30 points (what!?!). The Cavs now lead the Pistons 3-2 after starting off 0-2. If the Piston's lose, I'd like to ask the fine City of Detroit to not burn down the Ritz Carlton, and if the Piston's win, I'd like to ask the fine City of Detroit to not burn down the Ritz Carlton.
*Billy Donovan is jumping ship at Florida and heading to coach the Orlando Magic. I have a few problems with this. But mainly just one. All those kids on Florida should be free to transfer. You get recruited by the best coach in college basketball and then he rides off into the sunset. You should be able to, too. Either that, or all coaches who want to change jobs should have to sit out a season.
*One reason why fantasy baseball makes being a fan more and less fun all at once. Carlos Betran is going for an MRI today after he left the game last night following a collision. You can guess whose fantasy team Carlos suits up for.
(This is a real tragedy for my team. We are currently only 6 points out of 7th place {we're moving on up}. I had a good meeting with my pitching staff the other night, followed by them pitching 17 scoreless innings on Wednesday night. Manny is starting to come around, and now we have to deal with the injury bug).
*Former Celtics Assistant Coach Jim O'Brien has been named head coach of the Pacers. I always liked him. And his K-Mart suits.
*Good article by Pat Forde on the Arkansas AD Frank Broyles.
*An NFL study links concussions to depression. I'm shocked having multiple brain injuries and having your brain bleed can cause complications down the road. Really. I'm shocked.
*I feel really bad for the Steeler's coach who forwarded the porn. I mean, he's 61...a grandfather, and he said, "I'm not very good at these machines and I hit the wrong button". Poor guy, he's not very good at these machines!
*A list of other baseball players and their girlfriends. (Well not really)
A source to the Enquirer said Romo had made the same request for space previously, but this time "Carrie thought that they were moving closer to a more committed relationship." Romo's latest move means the coupling is likely over, as "Carrie wants a firm commitment from Tony."
UPDATE: The NATIONAL LEDGER reports Ted Casablanca of E! Online is claiming Jessica Simpson is to blame for the breakup: "Tony invited (Jessica) to Dallas, and she’s going. Of course, he doesn’t want Carrie to find out." The two are reportedly "already spending lots of time together, as in entire weekends."
*I was reading "suggestions" for heckles today at boston.com, and here are a few of my favorites...
-Half your assets (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
-Where's your stripper?
-Stray-Rod
-Joslyn (the reported name of the girlfriend)
-Mine whenever there is a pop-up (obviously)
-Someone else suggested an uncomfortably long standing ovation. If we could get everyone together on this, I'd be a big fan.
-Someone else suggested a blond wig and taping one dollar bills to yourself. (love this one)
-Everyone else was saying we should stick with the classic, "Where is Roger?" but I think that has to be held out till we are going for the sweep. Then we can ask why Torre is holding Roger for the all important White Sox series.
*Okay, hopefully this extended blog update makes up for my week of slacking. I'll be at Fenway tonight for Wang @ Wake. Hopefully the knuckler will be dancing this evening. And if it isn't, can we at least bring Donnelly in in relief to throw one at A-Rod's rib cage?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
In case you forgot...A-rod is a little bitch.
A-Rod does some bizarre take out slide to take care of Pedroia last night. Which, didn't end up mattering as the Sox took care of MFY once again.Manny and Mike Lowell homered and Tavarez pitched well on his 34th birthday.
Eh, does this feel 1/2 hearted? I'm too bummed out about the C's to write something great. But I will say to Boston fans everywhere, "Now don't be sad, cause 2/3 ain't bad"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
