1,972 Wins

30 For 30: Pete Rose Here Now. Great short film by ESPN. Put. Him. In. The. Hall. Of. Fame.

Waterworks Wednesday: Ben Franklin

Ben Franklin must be shaking his head in disbelief. All that brain power and time invested into creating the fragile and intricate invention of the bifocal glasses; and now, we wear frames with no lenses as a fashion accessory! 

Don't get me wrong, I love this movement of young NBA basketball players dressing very... savvy. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Griffin, LeBron and Wade all seem as though they have enlisted the same stylist. Each possesses a similar distinctive style: a hybrid crossed with geeky and hipster. I am personally obsessed with the Ray Ban look that Durant pulls off every night (... with lenses, though).  

What I don't get is wearing empty frames as an accessory. I don't get wearing items dug out of your kid's costume chest to your job. I just don't understand why Wade would rock this look after a colossal loss. It gives the impression of distraction, apathy, and a lack of seriousness. 

What do you think of this look? Is it enough to make Ben Franklin shed some waterworks?    

Crowning the Zero

Yesterday I was way too excited about the Hero of the Week to focus on bashing any ill-advised sports figures. To be honest, I am going to be all warm and fuzzy on the inside for some time due to Santana's amazing performance on Friday night. I just see Johan's face, and I can hear his "Yeah baby! Believe it!" in my head, and I smile from ear to ear.

But I can't let this feel-good story prevent me from calling out the losers who just don't get it. That is why today I am going to name the Zero of the Week, which happens to be the biggest jerk in NASCAR.

This week's Zero:

Kurt Busch

I am not sure if it is Kurt's intention to wind up racing late models again for $3000 to win, but he seems to be playing it that way. NASCAR is not a sport with a minor league, or a d-league for that matter; you're either in it, or your not. 

Owners, sponsors, and the media can only be patient for so long. A driver with blatant anger management issues and a total disregard for consequences is not going to be a NASCAR driver for much longer. 

Kurt Bush's drama has existed for years, dating back to a 2005 confrontation with Phoenix police after being pulled over for suspicion of drunken driving.

Last year, many thought Busch reached his ultimate low, verbally abusing members of the media, ultimately resulting in an artificial apology video and his imminent departure from Penske racing. 

But I will argue that was not Kurt's low. This is. 

Kurt, you are a grown man. Grown men learn from the mistakes they made when they were younger. They don't make excuses. They don't throw tantrums on a monthly basis. They don't try to fight members of the media who are just doing their job. And they definitely don't act as if they are bigger than NASCAR. Grown men show up to work and get the job done. 

Kurt, I am an eternal optimist, but you are going to be out of the job you have dreamed of since the first time you raced Las Vegas Speedway Park. And you have no one to blame but yourself.  

Hero/ Zero of the Week

This weekend has been thrilling for fans of baseball, especially if you are a fan of the NY Mets. Weekly, I like to discuss a single Hero and Zero of the last seven days. Tonight, I am going to stray from the exact make-up of this feature simply because I have so much excitement for what transpired at Citi Field on Friday night. (It is worth noting, I am pretty excited about everything that has gone on at Citi Field this series so far.)

So here it is, this week's Heroes:

I could sit here and name every player on the Mets roster that contributed to the first no-hitter in franchise history, but I don't have to do that. We all know the team effort that took place, and like Johan did, we thank them all. 

But with that being said, there is one young Met, who sacrificed his body to preserve the no-hit for Johan, the Mets, and NY fans, that deserves to be recognized. A boy from Queens, growing up a Mets fan, Mike Baxter made a fantastic catch in the outfield, only to slam full force into the wall and exit the game with injury. This was the play that truly solidified the gravity of the night before that last out. 

So, thank you Mike Baxter, for laying it all out to make the dream come true for that little boy from Queens and all those other life long fans out there.

Dear Terry Collins: I know I am not Sandy Alderson. I am not Fred Wilpon. And I'm defiantly not Tony LaRussa. But I need to say, you did good. Without your courage, history would not have been made on June 1, 2012. Santana may be your Hero, but here at Into The Stands, Terry, you are a Hero.

And lastly, this week's biggest Hero is the one and only Johan Santana. Johan's return to the mound this season has been storied, with solid pitching, lack of run support and wins, followed by a shut out, and a no hitter, earning him the nickname No-Han. Friday night, with Josh Thole, catching, Johan threw a career high 134 pitches, nearly 20 more than Collins' pitch limit for the recovering left hander, clearly adding to the drama of the event. 

Johan accomplished what Met pitchers such as Seaver, Gooden, Ryan and Darling could not do for the club. His heroics will extend well beyond this week, beyond the season. He will forever be a Hero in Mets History.

Mike Stobe

Waterworks Wednesday: Mashup

Unable to post over the past week or so, I began my day by brainstorming what to highlight on this Waterworks Wednesday.
I thought perhaps I would dissect the Oklahoma City Thunder falling victim to the Spurs' undefeated streak. Going into the series I thought for sure Durant & Co. could contend and shake things up. Now, I am not so sure.
Next, I thought my Waterworks Wednesday post could focus on the NBA Draft Lottery tonight (especially if the bleak Bobcats don't secure the number one pick).
Then, I had a fantastical (that's a word, right?) mis-encounter at my work today proving that in no way, shape or form do I possess any ounce of smoothness. Working as an HR Manager at a grocery store less than ten minutes from the ESPN headquarters, I have heard of token ESPN personalities gracing our aisles every once in a while. Today was my chance to chat it up with the man of ESPN... an athletically dressed Stuart Scott held the door for me! Unconvinced it was him... then convinced it really was... I was too indecisive to say anything. Booo to me.
But my true Waterworks came when I realized that I somehow missed the major announcement that Michelle Beadle is leaving ESPN for NBC! Sadly, I knew this day would come; her sassiness and sense of humor would ultimately lead her to bigger and better things, but still disappointing.

SportsNation will never be the same.

Be sure to catch Beads' last SportsNation on Friday!

Video Bonus

If you haven't seen this video yet, don't miss out any longer. The creative genius behind this concept is pure fun and a major score. Must watch!

Flashback Friday: May 18, 2004

Justin Verlander nearly threw his third career no-hitter tonight. With two outs left in the ninth, Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison singled up the middle.

On this exact night eight years ago, a 40 year old Randy Johnson threw a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves. Watch Randy's 27 K's as he pitches the 17th perfect game in MLB history.

 

Pure Awesomeness

I couldn't resist sharing the most awesome bobblehead of the year.
I am amped for the Keith Hernandez Bobblehead Day at Citi Field on Sunday, June 17th. But a trio? With awesome mustaches? In action?

This is the grand slam of bobbleheads.

A King and a Prince

The Star-Ledger

Cavalier: noun: A mounted soldier; a knight

Eight years ago LeBron James was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year. This year, LeBron won his third MVP award.
Both are distinguished honors.
Both add to LeBron's surmounting legacy.
Both provide credibility to the (perhaps self-imposed) nickname "The King."
But there is one glaring difference between the LeBron James who accepted the Rookie of the Year award and the LeBron James who took home his third MVP: The team in which he leads.
We all know the not-so-storybook-ending for LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron set his sights on a conquest, and then decided to go to battle for a new land, with a new army at his side.

So what's a kingdom to do when they have lost their King? Go out and find themselves a Prince. 

And that is exactly what they did with their number one draft pick last summer. Kyrie Irving has been a cavalier for the city of Cleveland. He is the league's Rookie of the Year. He is Cleveland's Prince. And with three first round picks in this upcoming draft to fill the court, Cleveland could have a King once again.

Hero/ Zero of the Week

Deciding this week's Zero at Into The Stands was a difficult task. I was torn in two directions by equally disturbing displays of poor sportsmanship.
I decided not to choose Our Lady of Sorrows as this week's Zero, because, despite their flawed belief system, it is still a belief system. I don't want to label that, but I will call it out.
Our Lady Sorrows baseball team forfeited a championship game because their opposing team, Mesa Preparatory Academy, consisted of a 15 year old girl at second base. It is not that Our Lady Sorrows believed they were going to get cooties (they are 15, not five), or injure the girl (baseball isn't a contact sport); rather, they believe a woman's place is not on the field (really? with the 40th anniversary of Title IX right on the horizon?).
My response would never be as good as that of Nancy Hogshead-Makar, senior director of advocacy Women's Sports Foundation, who said: "In real life, these boys are going to be competing against the girls for jobs, for positions in graduate programs or in trade schools. In every other area of their life, they are going to be competing side by side."
Boom.


This week's Zero:

Josh Beckett 

Getty Images

It is hard to ignore the attitude of this guy. 

Missing a start... acceptable. Golfing on your day off... acceptable. Have a bad outing... sucks, but is also acceptable. Mouthing off to the media...eh, it happens.

However, the combination of all four of these misnomers equals a big, fat goose egg for the Red Sox's pitcher Josh Beckett.   

Beckett is so cocky, so irresponsible, so entitled, that I can't even look at him and that weird patch of hair on his chin.

My words of advice here are for the Red Sox organization. They are one of the strongest organizations in MLB, and that is by no coincidence. They have pushed so many of the right buttons. Loved by lots, hated by lots, respected by more, they have always worked diligently to remain PR conscious, and have built a solid brand. 

So now, here is the tough part to swallow... Josh Becket is spoiling your brand. Doesn't matter how good he is. The beer drinking, fried chicken eating, egomaniac is spoiling your brand, John Henry. 

Show him the door, and never look back. 

Cole Hamels is a free agent at the end of this season.  

This week's Hero:

Rick Hendrick

Jimmie Johnson may have won the race at Darlington on Saturday, but Rick Hendrick was the winner at the end of this race. 

The Southern 500 win marked Hendrick's 200th NASCAR Sprint Cup victory as a team owner, a win his drivers and teams have been vying for since the 199th win last October. 

Hendrick won his first race as an owner at Martinsville in 1984. 

His continued impact on stock car racing is apparent and longstanding. With drivers such as Johnson, Kahne, Gordon, Earnhardt Jr, Hendrick can now set his sights on 250 wins.  

Flashback Friday: Happy Birthday Jim Calhoun

On Thursday Jim Calhoun celebrated his 70th birthday.

On the same day, Ray Allen and the Boston Celtics celebrated taking the first round of the playoffs by knocking out the Atlanta Hawks in six games. 

On this Flashback Friday we are going to revisit a game that happened well before NCAA and NBA Championships were a reality for these men. Watch as the UConn Huskies battle in the final seconds of the 1996 Big East Championship after  trailing 13 points with less than three minutes on the clock.

(PS. My favorite part of this video is not Iverson, or Allen's head of hair, or even Jim Calhoun's condolence face... rather, it is Dick Vitale yelling unbeeelievaaableee in his trademark voice!) 

On The Defense

I am an adamant supporter of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to punish Sean Payton, Greg Williams, and all those involved in the Saints' Bounty scandal. The day the story broke- the minute it came out Sean Payton was aware of the pay-for-injury program- I believed the respected coach must sit out of the game for an entire year. Then, I applauded Goodell for making the tough decision, because it was the right decision. I am confident that this was the only way the league would become what it wants to be: focused on players' safety.
This is all the more reason I am surprised that I get what Chris Carter was bringing to the table when he revealed his own "bounty" history. And I am even more surprised that I am not morally opposed to the description he relayed on ESPNRadio of calling attention to specific players on opposing teams.
To me, it seems Carter described an insurance plan in the form of rewarding for protection. The label 'bounty' is so assuming now, that it is not fair to say a steak dinner for an extra tackle is a bounty. In a day where we know players aimed to tear ACLs and torture the concussed, we can not use the term bounty lightly. The type of insurance Carter describes could exist in 'old school' football the way it no longer can. It could be the culture in a league of football where players weren't constantly warned about bounties by a man named Goodell.
It is a good thing players such a Carter and Romanowski don't play the game anymore. Because the truth of the matter is... the game, and perception of the game, has changed.

It's Raining Bombs (Josh Hamilton's Bombs That Is)

What do the first, third, seventh, and eighth innings all have in common tonight?

These are the four innings in which Josh Hamilton slugged a home run in the game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Yes, that is right. Four innings, four home runs. One game.
If this doesn't sound impressive enough, take a look at these numbers.
Hamilton is only the 16th MLB player to add this achievement to his resume, and the first since Carlos Delgado in 2003 (We all know how prestigious a perfect game is... 21 pitchers have perfect games).
Tonight Hamilton went 5-for-5.
Hamilton swung 9 times and took 18 total bases during the game.
18 sets the AL record for total bases.
With this, he raised his slugging percentage from .703 to .840 (Matt Kemp is holding strong at .832).

So, what does it all mean?
It means that Josh Hamilton is in the final year of his contact. Naturally, it seems that players who are in the final year of their contract generally play 'better'. As a guy who is plagued with injuries and personal struggles in past seasons, Hamilton has to show why he is worth the gamble heading into the free agent market.

Flashback Friday: Mine That Bird

The Kentucky Derby is an American tradition.
Maybe more like a holiday. A big holiday. Like Christmas.
On this Flashback Friday we are are going to revisit the 2009 Kentucky Derby and the stunning sequence of events that unfold to lead to one of the most memorable endings ever. Watch as Mine That Bird and Calvin Borel come from dead last in the first turn to take the lead in the final furlong.
Be sure to listen to NBC sports announcer Tom Durkin as even he is shocked by the ending that rocked the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Waterworks Wednesday: Thought It Was Plastic

"It read "Break Glass in Case of Emergency." Amare must have thought 0-2 to the Miami Heat was an emergency."

"It wasn't the Heat, it was just stupidity."

"Season: Extinguished."

These are some of the catchiest snip-its written about Stoudemire's... 'predicament.'
(It is notable that the NY Post's headline was quite lame, reading "Bloody Idiot."...Come on guys. They just lost to the Heat... He punched a fire extinguisher... Couldn't take that anywhere else?)
I digress though from Waterworks Wednesday. As outlandish and brainless of an action punching/slapping/hitting a fire extinguisher installed on a concrete wall really is, I must admit, I kind of have Amare's back on this one.
Witnesses of the incident and Amare himself have stated that, the NY Knicks player did not wind up and punch the glass; rather, it sounds as though he back-handed the casing with a closed fist.
Here is how Stoudemire explained the incident today:
"It wasn't like I has a closed fist and just punched through the glass. It was nothing like that. I just walked by, wanted to make some noise, swung my arm, hit the fire extinguisher door and didn't even realize I was cut at all... Then I saw the cut... Unfortunately after games, when it's very passionate, things happen. You don't expect..to injure yourself, but you've just got to deal with it."
If the sequence of events really went down like this, I sort of feel badly for Amare's poor decision which resulted in some really bad luck. I am impressed with Amare's ownership of his mistake, and I believe his apologies are heartfelt.
On this Waterworks Wednesday I want to applaud Amare for not playing the "cry me a river" card, and offer my condolences to the NY Knicks, who may now, not be able to put out the fire.

Just For Fun

Watching the wonderful pitching match up between Derek Holland and David Price tonight sparked laugh out loud memories of Holland's Harry Caray impressions which he debuted during last year's postseason. Of course, this led to a diligent search of YouTube for more laughable material provided courtesy of Holland. That is when I came across this great segment featured on Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable. Check it out and laugh out loud (please note, his shirt features the one and only honey badger... how great is that).

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

When Derrick Rose went down, the Bulls cringed, the fans gasped, and the entire NBA nation held their breaths.
Were we witnessing a game changer for the entire NBA postseason? It seemed that way.
All signs pointed to it, but no one wanted to speak the words out loud. That is until a medical professional stated the results of the MRI performed after the game: Torn ACL. Out for the rest of the season.
Rose has already missed 26 games for various other injuries during this shortened season. By habit, we are so quick to assign meaning to the reasons for Rose's injuries.
Do the injuries mean he is weak, as one Nike designer would imply in a tongue-and-cheek tweet? No, I don't think so.
Do they mean we should blame someone for this devastating blow? Should that person be the Bull's head coach, Tom Thibodeau? Absolutely not (and it is so annoying to me that people actually would).
Does this injury, hand in hand with Shumpert's, indicate the harsh reality of a physically demanding sport pinning athletes to an even more demanding and merciless schedule, 66 games in four months? I can't completely buy that either.
I think we just have to accept that sometimes, for no reason at all, things like this happen. We have to understand that you can call all the right plays and still lose. We have to accept superstars are fallible. And we have to accept that Derrick Rose is out for the remainder of this season.

Hero/Zero of the Week

While on vacation last week, I truly missed posting to In The Stands. Even more so, I was bummed that I could not dub my Hero and Zero of the Week. With that being said, I have been thinking long and hard over the past fews days about who to bestow this great honor upon this week.

Drumroll please...

This week's Hero:

Washington Nationals

The Associated Press

Record after first 20 games: 14-6.

Rotation ERA: < 2.0.

Preseason Expectations: Pretty low.

For real?: Seems that way. 

It is a great time to be a fan of the Washington Nationals. 

This week's Zero:

Prank Caller

Thank goodness this story has a happy ending, that way I can tell it with a smile on my face. 

The NFL Draft may be the most exciting and nerve wrecking time for all young football players pursing a professional career. However, it is undoubtedly a different kind of nervousness and excitement for each player. Top prospects, such as Andrew Luck and RG3, can find more pleasure in the process than players who have no guarantees for where they will fall. That is why the sheer meanness (or maybe just obliviousness) of a NJ prank caller is this week's Zero. 

Can you imagine being a kid who is not quite sure what is in store from him, and then is led to believe he is not only going to play professional football, but he is in fact, a first round pick?! Can you imagine the elation a family feels for their son and his dreams that are coming true?  Then, can you imagine finding out seconds later that this was a lie, a fabrication... a joke?

Sounds awful, right? Well, that is excatly what happened to Rutgers' receiver Mohamed Sanu. Receiving a call that the Bengals were using the 27th draft pick to select him, Sanu and his family began to celebrate, until the Bengals actually chose someone else. Sanu's agent then realized the call was a prank from a NJ area code. 

Luckily, this story has a nice ending. The following day, Sanu received a call during the third round of the draft. When he picked up the phone, he heard "Hey Mo, it's James Urban. You want to be a Bengal-- this time, for real?"

More Than Mets The Eye

HOWARD SIMMONS/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

There he is. A rookie. A homegrown Mets baseball player. A guy who swung on a 2-0 pitch, connected, and hit his first MLB walk-off hit today to sweep the Miami Marlins.  

You may not know him, but his name is Kirk Nieuwenhuis. In fact, you may not be familiar with a lot of the names in the starting line up for the NY Mets, aside from David Wright and Ike Davis. But I suggest people start to learn the names of these young men, as they are on their way to becoming great ball players. 

It is highly notable that every single player who started today for the Mets was  homegrown from the Mets' farm system (with Reyes in the lead-off spot for the Marlins, when the game began, there were 10 homegrown Mets players on the field). This is a true testament to the work the organization and its scouts have been doing over the past several years. 

Down 2-1 going into the bottom on the 9th, the team not so much rallied, as they demonstrated patience and poise, as they allowed closer Heath Bell to derail himself. Bell's inability to find control led to four walks, ultimately walking in the tying run after a 13-pitch at bat against Justin Turner. 

Through the first 19 games of the season, the Mets team has shown they may be better than people gave them credit for. I still believe this long season will have ups and downs, but this team's make-up is scrappier than ever. Series such as this will leave people astonished, as they wonder is there more to the Mets than meets the eye?

COUNTDOWN WEBSITE

It's Not Crazy, It's Sports

One of the best commercials ever. I would love to meet the person who creates these commercials. They might just be the coolest person on the planet!

PR Greats

While spending four wonderful days in San Juan, PR, my boyfriend and I walked by the sealed up looking Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame. Passing this building inspired a conversation about some of the best Puerto Rican born athletes that have entertained, excited and infuriated us. Here are a couple amazing athletes that I would like to recognize in depth as two of the great Puerto Rican athletes we have seen in the world of sports.
<Shout outs to Roberto Alomar, Bernie Williams, Roberto Clemente, Pudge and Tito!>

Juan "Chi-Chi" Rodriguez

Maybe the most charismatic golfer of recent memory, Chi-Chi Rodriguez's professional golf career spanned over five decades, officially ending this year on March 11at the Puerto Rico open as an honorary golfer. Winning 38 professional tournaments, Chi-Chi was the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Beloved by fans everywhere for his energetic and fun antics, Chi-Chi became known for his toreador dance. After completing a putt for a birdie or an eagle, Chi-Chi would master the "bull" (ball) with his "sword" (putter). I tried desperately to find a YouTube video of the adorable Chi-Chi performing his signature putter sword dance, but I was unsuccessful.
Many times throughout his career, Chi-Chi would tell the story of how he came to love, and then learn, the game of golf. After stumbling across a golf course at a young age,  Chi-Chi would take the branch from a guava tree and turn it into a golf club. Then using a metal can as a golf ball, Chi-Chi would practice golf as he had seen local golfers play. By the time he was nine, he was a self-taught golfer.
Chi-Chi Rodriguez's unique spirit and inspiring attitude on and off the course put him in a stand alone category of greatness. "I never exaggerate. I just remember big." This is how we will always remember Chi-Chi: a big person full of bigger personality.


Carlos Beltran

How can I not talk about former Met Carlos Beltran when I discuss Puerto Rican born greats?
While growing up, Beltran excelled at sports, in particular baseball and volleyball. At the age of 17, Beltran decided to focus on baseball, and as they say... the rest is history.
After playing for the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros, Beltran signed a blockbuster deal (7 years, $119 million) with the New York Mets. Earning his first Golden Glove in 2006, the year wasn't totally kind to him. He is remembered by some bitter NY fans as the guy who struck out looking in Game 7 of the NLCS that year (I am not one of those fans. I mean, give a guy a break NY Post).
Now playing for the Saint Louis Cardinals, Carlos Beltran should be relishing in his big moments (recording the first hit ever in the Miami Marlins' new stadium), as he nears the tail end of his injury plagued career.
It is my hope, that NY/ the NY Post will one day not define Beltran by one singular out of one singular game, but by the solid and impressive career Beltran had while playing for the NY Mets.

Waterworks Wednesday: Pat Summit Steps Down

Waterworks Wednesday doesn't always have to be a story filled with defeat or failure. It can be a story filled with feelings of sadness for the bitter-sweet question of "what could have been?"

Announcing last year that she had been diagnosed with early on-set of dementia- Alzheimers's, Pat Summit was set to test the waters of her diagnosis and coach the Lady Vols for a 38th season. Today, Summit announced that the 38th season at Tennessee would be her last as the head coach for the school's women's basketball team. 

The sadness in this story is not entirely for Summit's health struggles, rather it is for the young women who will no longer be able to look to Summit on a daily basis for guidance and leadership. Coaching college students is more than teaching them the Xs and Os of a playbook, and Summitt exemplified this greatly. With every one of her players graduating who reached eligibility, it was what Summit gave her players after the Ws and Ls that is the most valuable.

Through the gloominess that this news has bestowed upon college basketball, the up side of this story is that a well- equipped Holly Warlick, an assistant to Summit for 27 years, will be stepping into the Head Coach position, and Summitt will remain a part of the program she built as the Head Coach Emeritus. 

"I've loved being the head coach at Tennessee for 38 years, but I recognize that the time has come to move into the future and to step into a new role," said Summitt. "I support Holly Warlick being named the next head coach, and I want to help ensure the stability of the program going forward. I would like to emphasize that I fully intend to continue working as head coach emeritus, mentoring and teaching life skills to our players, and I will continue my active role as a spokesperson in the fight against Alzheimer's through the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund.

"If anyone asks, you can find me observing practice or in my office. Coaching is the great passion of my life, and the job to me has always been an opportunity to work with our student-athletes and help them discover what they want. I will continue to make them my passion. I love our players and my fellow coaches, and that's not going to change."

Summit won 1,098 games in her career, more than any coach ever in college basketball, man or woman. 

Fitting the Mold

Entering a new working environment is difficult for any profession. There are many things to adjust to when coming into a new office: the lingo, the people, the procedures, and perhaps the most important, the culture. As an HR manager, I appreciate the importance of new hires fitting the established culture of a company, or in this case an organization. Perhaps this is why the company I work for firmly believes in promoting from within. Rarely do we hire management from outside the company. In good humor, from now on, I will internally dub this mentality the Bobby Valentine Precaution.

Bobby Valentine and the Red Soxs, along with Ozzie Guillen and the Marlins, were two of the biggest coach/team pairings talked about this winter.  While conversation on this topic may be premature at two weeks into the MLB season, it is inarguably relevant.
Switching gears from media analyst to Red Sox leader may be more difficult for Bobby Valentine than he anticipated. I am not going to rehash all the questionable decisions of Valentine thus far, only to point out there are a number of them, to be seen here. But all these poor decisions show that Valentine is having a tough time switching gears from talking ball behind a desk to calling plays in the dugout.
However, I believe all of this slip-ups could be forgiven, if Valentine could make that connection with his players. The connection that would take the Red Soxs from the unrecognizable, hubristic team they were revealed to be at the end of last season, to the inspiring, second chance team they could be this year.
Valentine will never make that connection if he continues to talk to the media as if he is an analyst of baseball, not the leader of these men. Valentine's decision to call out Youkilis is a daunting misstep in his quest to fit the culture of the Red Sox, pinning players such as Dustin Pedroia against him.
Valentine is not the only newbie tripping over his own feet during this young season. Praising Cuban leader Fidel Castro may not seem like a 5 game suspension inducing comment to New Englanders; however, to the population of Miami, FL this is basic tyranny. Ozzie Guillan's comments regarding Cuba's famous dictator sparked an outcry and the calling for Guillan's job by Miami's Cuban community.
Grateful to be back in the Marlin's dugout, Guillan already knows how he can make this up to the community: "Win. If you're winning and I do what I think I should do in this community, it will be better."

Will winning really be a cure for the damage Ozzie has done in the Marlin's community? I believe so. Winning makes people forgive and forget.
Is Bobby Valentine trying to get himself fired? Seems that way. Will he last the season? Who knows. But I say he starts having his players' backs, like Pedroia suggests, and then maybe they will have his. Losing 18-3 ain't good for coaches and it ain't good for players. Something has to change, and it has to change soon.

#42

It was in the third grade that I first read about the greatness that was Jackie Robinson. I read a chapter book and then wrote a book report. I didn't grow up knowing a lot about sports or athletes; however, I was always very sensitive to the injustices that people have faced throughout America's short history. Stories of men and women, such as Jackie Robinson, have moved me and inspired the way I want to carry myself through life. Jackie's bravery and the significance of what he stood for, stayed with me, stayed with Rachel, and stayed with all those little boys and girls doing that first book report.

As I watched many organizations honor Robinson today, I thought about how unifying it is to witness a day such as this with every team in baseball and hundreds of thousands of fans. Every game day players wear their team's uniform. Today, they all wore the uniform of the man who bettered America's favorite past time. While we are remembering Robinson, we are celebrating the lives he changed and impacted just by playing the game he loved so much.

Hero/ Zero of the Week

In the world of sports, we quickly find new heroes and new zeroes on a day-to- day basis. Let's take a moment to look at this week's Hero and Zero.

This week's Hero:

Rodger Goodell 

US Presswire

As the Bounty Scandal became public, many pondered what this meant for the coaching staff of the Saints. While suspensions and penalties were expected for Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis, and Joe Vitt, all of which were aware of the Bounty's existence in their very own locker room, no precedent had really been set for a violation such as this.

Because no precedent had been set, Goodell had to set it. I think it is dramatic and disavowing to say these coaches were "made an example of."Goodell needed to show that when it comes to players' safety, he will talk the talk and walk the walk. 

Goodell proved he is in charge, he has the players' back, and that no single person is bigger than the NFL. Upholding the suspensions of these three men on Tuesday makes Goodell In The Stands' Hero of the Week.  

Now, for this week's Zero:

The NHL

Did you see that?? 

I get that hockey's culture is about a little extracurricular every once in a while, but this is not extracurricular. This is a blatant disrespect and negligence towards another member of your hockey brotherhood, towards another human being for that matter. Smashing an opponent's head against a glass wall... TWICE... should only be seen in the wrestling ring, not the hockey rink. 

So, after watching that clip, if you are wondering why Shea Weber himself is not the Zero of the Week, the answer is simple. 

The aftermath. The NHL chose to punish Weber with a mere $2500 fine. Maybe I shouldn't use the word mere, since $2500 is the maximum imposed fine the NHL can hand out; but there is such a thing as a suspension. To me this punishment screams, It's the playoffs, nothing else matters. Shame on you NHL, shame on you. 

A league that is trying to limit hits to the head in order to get head injuries under control (in case you haven't heard, those are no joke), will never make any progress towards reducing this if they continue to give lashes with a wet noodle. This is why, the NHL is In The Stands' Zero of the Week. 

Flashback Friday: One and Done

UConn is about to see their first ever One and Done men's basketball player. After completing one season filled with as many misnomers of that of a career of a fifth year senior, Drummond is off to the NBA Draft. During his short time as a Husky, Drummond was part of a team that suffered from previously imposed NCAA penalties, along with NCAA prodding, their coach's health issues, and the fall from fourth in the rankings to an unranked, almost unrecognizable, team.

Projected to go fifth overall, Drummond's youth, strength and size make him desirable to professional basketball teams, basically forcing Drummond to leave the team that can't promise anything next year.  

Now on this first Flashback Friday, in honor of Andre's departure, lets visit one of the more memorable dunks made by Drummond while playing at UConn against Syracuse.   

College Basketball Dunks of the Year

It hasn't even been ten days, but oh, how I miss thee, college basketball.

Checkout this video posted by ESPN of this year's best college dunks.

Waterworks Wednesday

Today I will be introducing an In the Stands feature, titled Waterworks Wednesday. This is a weekly post  in which I will bring to light the genuine heart break that comes with the ups and downs of sports. It is the intense drama, pure emotion and no guarantees promise that makes sports what it is... and sometimes that means tears. 

For the first Waterworks Wednesday post I want to congratulate Jeff Long for the very difficult decision to fire Arkansas Razorback coach Bobby Petrino. Long's choice to let Petrino go magnifies the idea that winning is not everything. In fact, it shows that winning means nothing when compromising the ethics of a football program, a university and an entire state. 

The tears in this story are not for Petrino who received his notice via a letter (hmmm...Atlanta, is that you giggling?) and is now officially unemployed. 

The tears aren't for the man who gets paid to make tough decisions about the personnel of his Athletics' Department. 

Rather, the tears are for the guy who had to look 108 young men, reminiscent of himself, full of promise, in the eyes and let them know the coach that has led them, will not be returning. During his press conference, Long remained composed and a man confident in his decision. However, when touching upon the subject of those 18, 19, 20 year olds (around the five-minute mark), Long reminded every one watching who was suffering the most from this. 

The tears are for these players who have been forced to deal with the indiscretions of a 51 year old man, and left to ponder, will football ever feel the same again?

Yes it will, I would tell them. Because Arkansas is bigger than Petrino. Football is bigger than Petrino. 

And you will live your lives as bigger men than Petrino. 

Introducing In The Stands: Here's To The Twenty-Somethings

Some one once said that the hardest age in a person's life is the twenty-somethings. It is not the teenage years, which can be awkward. It is not the years that plague you with ailments and back pains. No, it is the twenty-somethings that are the most difficult.

The argument is that in your twenties you don't know how your dreams will treat you. Will you achieve the things you have worked for through school and low paying, bottom of the food chain jobs? Will you find happiness and success in these dreams? 

It is the unknown and the tight rope walk who's ending is never guaranteed that make the twenties so nerve wrecking.

My goal is to write, to discuss, things that are relevant. I am obsessed with popular culture, from celebrities to music to today's NY Post cover. But while I love a good cover story, I crave the sport's page. And to me, sports are a huge part of pop culture in American and throughout the world. 

This is why I have created In The Stands... to put my take out there on what is happening right now in sports. And more importantly, to start discussions with other fans.

To pay homage to some of the other twenty-somethings out there who are getting it done, I would like to highlight their dreams.  

Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey is a fellow female twenty-something who is kicking butt and taking names. Hard work and dedication have led her to four overall World Cup championships, an Olympic Gold Medal, and even a guest appearance on NBC's Law & Order. The impact Lindsey has had on professional skiing is immense. She is an inspiration for all those little girl next doors out there. Sorry but I have to say it, you go girl!  

Kevin Durant

How can I possibly talk about twenty-something athletes without shining some light on Oklahoma Thunder's Kevin Durant? There are plenty of worthy NBA players to choose from to highlight, but Durant's usual down to earth demeanor makes him seem relatable to me (minus that vertical leap). The fact that Durant is a whole year younger than me, makes me... (no, not jealous)... excited for him. This is an athlete who is playing at a supreme level and he is only 23! And after being named this year's NBA All-Star MVP, with 36 points, Durant said, "It's just exciting to be named (an) All-Star, but to step it up another level and become MVP, it's only something as a kid you dream about. Coming from where I come from, I didn't think I would be here. Everything is just a blessing to me"

Kevin has to know now, dreams really do come true.

Aaron Rodgers

At the age of ten, Aaron was featured on the front page of Ukiah Daily Journal for his top performance in a free throw contest. Can you imagine a world where our Discount Double Check star didn't pass to the end zone but rather the hoop? (Maybe Brett Farve can)

Replacing Farve in 2008 as the Green Bay Packers go to quarterback, it only took two years for Rodgers to achieve his first Super Bowl win. Now considered one of the most valuable quarterbacks in the league, Rodgers is rocking his dream and holding on tight. 

The Dog Days Aren't Over

(Photo by B. Hansen, Courant Staff)

From Cardiac Kemba, to five wins in five days, to a third National Championship, UConn seemed to have the potion for the motion this season. 

On April 14, 2011 they became college basketball royalty; on October 19, 2011 they were tied for first place in the coaches' voting poll with Syracuse. However, come March 2012, Syracuse was 17-1 in Big East play, while UConn finished with a dismal 8-10 record in the conference. Of course, in the spirit of rooting for underdogs and wide-eyed enthusing comebacks, all would have been forgotten, had the Huskies pulled something... anything... off in the postseason.... But they didn't. They couldn't. They just couldn't get it together. 

As a fan of the Huskies, it was difficult to root for a team that, game in and game out, seemed to stop rooting for themselves. Now, I believe Napier and Drummond and Giffey and, even subdued Jeremy Lamb, wanted to win, and sometimes they did win. But honestly, I never ached for this team. Not the way I ached for last year's team. Not the way I ached for that fifth game in five days as I sat nosebleed at MSG. Not the way I ached for Kemba Walker in the Final Four as he rested on his knees at the foul line, trembling from exhaustion, trembling from the overwhelming notion that their incredible destiny rested upon him. 

But lets be honest. I completed my undergrad at UConn. I am a fan of UConn. So I ask myself this question again: did I ache for UConn this year?  <sigh> Yes, I guess did. But it wasn't the team of players on the court that I couldn't quite get attached to that I ached for. Rather, it was it was the boys in the jerseys who were lost, with out a leader, that tugged at my fan strings. No Kemba. No Calhoun. No more potion for the motion. Now that was the saddest sight. 

  

And now I wonder, is April 5, 2012 the day that we can't turn back from? Who in this great Husky Nation could have imagined that one year after cutting down the nets in Houston that the Huskies would be banned from the magic of March Madness in 2013?

It would be redundant to sit here and outline the NCAA's process and policies and positions. It would be overstated to say I don't agree with the decision to hold back 16 boys who are on the road to becoming great athletes, but more importantly young men, for the mistakes of others. However, when men, making $2 million a year, wearing ties and flying on private jets, can't decipher between punishing a school for their past or holding back young men from their future, then I have to say whole heartedly, I ache for UConn.