AS a kid growing up, you have your favorite players you idolize, and in my case, it was broadcasters too. From the age of five, its all Ive ever wanted to do.
For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.
But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.
The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.
His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.
What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.
It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.
Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.
I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.
UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
Sitting in stunned amazement, sports again proved that the best team doesn't always win. The Washington Capitals, the top-seed in the NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs, fell last night at home in game 7 of their series against the number-eight seed Montreal.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Some obvious, some not so much
The NFL Draft is set for Thursday night and some things are shaping up pretty obvious.
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Gaudio a victim of win now attitude in college hoops
Dino Gaudio was 61-31 at Wake Forest in three seasons of coaching after taking over for his mentor, the late Skip Prosser. It netted him a contract extension last year. This year, his team was bounced in the first round of the ACC Tournament, then even after a gutsy first round NCAA win against Texas, Gaudio was given the boot today.
The win now culture of basketball has gobbled up another victim. Gaudio, nearly flawless as a recruiter, didn't win enough in the post season and its as simple as that.
Two ACC jobs are now open. Im sure we will hear the name of Richmond's Chris Mooney and Dayton's Brian Gregory and Im Sure someone will make a call to Brad Stevens of Butler.
61-31 and out of work. Ouch....
The win now culture of basketball has gobbled up another victim. Gaudio, nearly flawless as a recruiter, didn't win enough in the post season and its as simple as that.
Two ACC jobs are now open. Im sure we will hear the name of Richmond's Chris Mooney and Dayton's Brian Gregory and Im Sure someone will make a call to Brad Stevens of Butler.
61-31 and out of work. Ouch....
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thank you Geno!
Through UCONN's 78-game wininng streak and now back-to-back NCAA Championships, people, mainly ESPN, have referenced UCLA's mens winning streak. Rebecca Lobo, the former UCONN player who worked the sidelines for ESPN asked Huskies Coach Geno Auriema about being in John Wooden's company.
The coach hit it right on the head. "He has no company."
Thank you Geno for bringing some common sense to this accomplishment. yes, it is noteworthy and tremendous to do what UCONN has done. Stanford gave a great try, but the Huskies came from behind and won it all again.
I will see Geno during the summer as I did last year at the US Junior Nationals when I ref and simply give him a handshake and say congratulations. He wins, because he beats the hedges and gets out and sees the talent. He doesn't rest on his laurels and gets out and does the work. For those of you keeping score, thats seven titles now. Maybe DePaul's mens program should have hired him.
Speaking of which, Oliver Purnell are you serious? Did you get so frustrated that you couldn't knock off Duke and North Carolina, that you now want to climb the mountain of 16 teams in the BIG EAST? Hope the checks clear, the Rosemont Horizon will seem like a morgue compared to the great atmosphere in the land of orange.
The Orioles gave fans hope that change was in the air on opening night. A power surge of three long balls gave the O's a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Then last year's demons came calling.
Runners on first and third in the ninth with nobody out, and Garrett Atkins heads home on a ball to third and of course gets thrown out by a mile. For ten years I coached the kids of Shady Side and likely called for a runner to go home on a ball to left side with less than two outs, zippy times. Maybe Dave Trembley wants to lose? Of course thats not the case but this team had major base running mistakes last year and this year it cost them what proved to be valuable insurance in the ninth. Why?
Mike Gonzalez gave up the game in the bottom of the inning as the Rays scored twice to beat the O's 4-3. Kevin Millwood deserved better. Will Ohman, and Jim Johnson deserved better. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters deserved better. The lefty couldn't get out Crawford, a lefty or the slugging pinch hitter Kell Shoppach who nearly went yard the batter before. Ugh.
Finally, a man of true class met the media in Ashburn, Virginia. Donovan McNabb is the new quarterback of the Washington Redskins.
He could have taken shots at the Eagles his former team, but the closest he came was when he endorsed Andy Reid in a quote about being a future Hall of Fame Coach. He may not win 10 or 11 games for this team, but he and Mike Shanahan have already improved the class of this franchise which was in serious doubt this decade. Hopefully he wont suffer the fate of the last two quarterbacks to wear number five in Washington, Heath Shuler and Colt Brennan.
The coach hit it right on the head. "He has no company."
Thank you Geno for bringing some common sense to this accomplishment. yes, it is noteworthy and tremendous to do what UCONN has done. Stanford gave a great try, but the Huskies came from behind and won it all again.
I will see Geno during the summer as I did last year at the US Junior Nationals when I ref and simply give him a handshake and say congratulations. He wins, because he beats the hedges and gets out and sees the talent. He doesn't rest on his laurels and gets out and does the work. For those of you keeping score, thats seven titles now. Maybe DePaul's mens program should have hired him.
Speaking of which, Oliver Purnell are you serious? Did you get so frustrated that you couldn't knock off Duke and North Carolina, that you now want to climb the mountain of 16 teams in the BIG EAST? Hope the checks clear, the Rosemont Horizon will seem like a morgue compared to the great atmosphere in the land of orange.
The Orioles gave fans hope that change was in the air on opening night. A power surge of three long balls gave the O's a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning. Then last year's demons came calling.
Runners on first and third in the ninth with nobody out, and Garrett Atkins heads home on a ball to third and of course gets thrown out by a mile. For ten years I coached the kids of Shady Side and likely called for a runner to go home on a ball to left side with less than two outs, zippy times. Maybe Dave Trembley wants to lose? Of course thats not the case but this team had major base running mistakes last year and this year it cost them what proved to be valuable insurance in the ninth. Why?
Mike Gonzalez gave up the game in the bottom of the inning as the Rays scored twice to beat the O's 4-3. Kevin Millwood deserved better. Will Ohman, and Jim Johnson deserved better. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters deserved better. The lefty couldn't get out Crawford, a lefty or the slugging pinch hitter Kell Shoppach who nearly went yard the batter before. Ugh.
Finally, a man of true class met the media in Ashburn, Virginia. Donovan McNabb is the new quarterback of the Washington Redskins.
He could have taken shots at the Eagles his former team, but the closest he came was when he endorsed Andy Reid in a quote about being a future Hall of Fame Coach. He may not win 10 or 11 games for this team, but he and Mike Shanahan have already improved the class of this franchise which was in serious doubt this decade. Hopefully he wont suffer the fate of the last two quarterbacks to wear number five in Washington, Heath Shuler and Colt Brennan.
Whacky weekend
As a member of the media in many of its forms as a play-by-play man, talk show host, Horse Racing track announcer, I pay attention to a lot of things.
Nothing however, could prepare me for what happened on Friday night when I arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Upon arriving, I set up my radio equipment like normal to do the Radio Broadcast on the Navy Radio Network. Fifteen minutes later, "we need you to do TV, the TV guy is laying in the press box surrounded by medical people."
Luckily, CBS College Sports Network had an extra golf shirt, I only wished I had shaved, luckily we were on camera only once. Props to the entire staff at Navy and CBS since you can go some places and never have medical people around that fast and the fact that color man Matt Danowski and I went on as if nothing happened and made the broadcast happen.
Saturday we saw one good game at the final four, and you saw Duke put on a show.
Sunday, became a wild day. Joe Miller, my co-host on Playmakers on 105.7 in Baltimore (when there is no Orioles) and me hosted a 5-hour Easter Sunday marathon. We dismissed the rumors as impossible that the Eagles would trade Donovan McNabb in the division, yet three hours later they did. The move keeps the Redskins legit for a season or two depending on what they surround him with. His presser at Noon Tuesday should have some inetresting nugget potential, but as he has done almost all the time, DM will likely take the high road.
Last night, our first caller Brian, said it was a racial thing why he was moved. Phones blew up. While the caller in this instance was incorrectly applying the race card, its still a polarizing topic on talk shows.
Duke and Butler gave us an exciting game to watch for 40 minutes. Duke's ability to defend, often overlooked this year, was the difference in this game. Yeah the big three of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith did their thing, but Brian Zoubek's rebounding in this tournament on defense on Gordon Hayward's shot with :05 second left was a difference making play. Congrats to Coach K on title number four.
Today is a day to breathe. Update coming later after the McNabb presser.
Nothing however, could prepare me for what happened on Friday night when I arrived at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Upon arriving, I set up my radio equipment like normal to do the Radio Broadcast on the Navy Radio Network. Fifteen minutes later, "we need you to do TV, the TV guy is laying in the press box surrounded by medical people."
Luckily, CBS College Sports Network had an extra golf shirt, I only wished I had shaved, luckily we were on camera only once. Props to the entire staff at Navy and CBS since you can go some places and never have medical people around that fast and the fact that color man Matt Danowski and I went on as if nothing happened and made the broadcast happen.
Saturday we saw one good game at the final four, and you saw Duke put on a show.
Sunday, became a wild day. Joe Miller, my co-host on Playmakers on 105.7 in Baltimore (when there is no Orioles) and me hosted a 5-hour Easter Sunday marathon. We dismissed the rumors as impossible that the Eagles would trade Donovan McNabb in the division, yet three hours later they did. The move keeps the Redskins legit for a season or two depending on what they surround him with. His presser at Noon Tuesday should have some inetresting nugget potential, but as he has done almost all the time, DM will likely take the high road.
Last night, our first caller Brian, said it was a racial thing why he was moved. Phones blew up. While the caller in this instance was incorrectly applying the race card, its still a polarizing topic on talk shows.
Duke and Butler gave us an exciting game to watch for 40 minutes. Duke's ability to defend, often overlooked this year, was the difference in this game. Yeah the big three of Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith did their thing, but Brian Zoubek's rebounding in this tournament on defense on Gordon Hayward's shot with :05 second left was a difference making play. Congrats to Coach K on title number four.
Today is a day to breathe. Update coming later after the McNabb presser.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday Sweet 16 game thoughts...
It is amazing as a sports talk host what some people interpret about some programs and what some hosts actually don't know about some of the teams playing.
Of course everyone is waiting for the Cornell and Kentucky. The great things is people assume that Cornell plays like Princeton.
Outside of the games against the Tigers, Cornell scored 60 or more in EVERY GAME. They also scored 90 twice and 104 once. They threw down 87 against Wisconsin and won at Alabama and UMASS.
This is not your typical IVY League team. They can play. They can shoot and they have a big man. They also have a coach who certainly knows what he is doing.
I think everyone outside of Lexington, Kentucky is rooting for Cornell. DeMarcus Cousins, not John Wall is the key to this game. He will have to guard Jeff Foote all over the frontcourt and Ryan Wittman at 6-7 will shoot over some of Kentucky's defenders. George Mason once made the final four, Cornell can too. They are coached well, while I wonder if Wall and company are listening to Calipari at all. CORNELL 84 Kentucky 82
Truck Bryant's injury will hurt West Virginia but not until they play Kentucky or Cornell. I think West Virginia will defend Washington well. Bob Huggins always seems to have the darndest luck when he looks like he could win it all. Mr. Butler will do enough to get the Mountaineers through this one. West Virginia 68 Washington 61.
Butler has shot lights out recently, and done it against mainly man to man defensive teams. Anyone think Brad Stevens looks not even old enough to drink? I think Syracuse is resembling the team we all thought in early February was going to win this thing. Wesley Johnson coming on a 31-14 effort is enough to sell me here, and Butler having to deal with zone and one shot and done possessions. SYRACUSE 88 BUTLER 69
Xavier is one of the nations most underappreciated programs over the past ten years. Another good team in the sweet 16 even though Sean Miller moved on to coach Arizona. Kansas State has watched its nemesis, Kansas, get eliminated. The Wildcats are confident and shooting the ball very well. Kansas State 73 Xavier 66
Dont forget to Catch me and Joe Miller along with Jeremy Conn of the Scott Garceau Show Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Westminster, Maryland starting at 6pm-10 on 105.7fm and www.1057thefan.com
Of course everyone is waiting for the Cornell and Kentucky. The great things is people assume that Cornell plays like Princeton.
Outside of the games against the Tigers, Cornell scored 60 or more in EVERY GAME. They also scored 90 twice and 104 once. They threw down 87 against Wisconsin and won at Alabama and UMASS.
This is not your typical IVY League team. They can play. They can shoot and they have a big man. They also have a coach who certainly knows what he is doing.
I think everyone outside of Lexington, Kentucky is rooting for Cornell. DeMarcus Cousins, not John Wall is the key to this game. He will have to guard Jeff Foote all over the frontcourt and Ryan Wittman at 6-7 will shoot over some of Kentucky's defenders. George Mason once made the final four, Cornell can too. They are coached well, while I wonder if Wall and company are listening to Calipari at all. CORNELL 84 Kentucky 82
Truck Bryant's injury will hurt West Virginia but not until they play Kentucky or Cornell. I think West Virginia will defend Washington well. Bob Huggins always seems to have the darndest luck when he looks like he could win it all. Mr. Butler will do enough to get the Mountaineers through this one. West Virginia 68 Washington 61.
Butler has shot lights out recently, and done it against mainly man to man defensive teams. Anyone think Brad Stevens looks not even old enough to drink? I think Syracuse is resembling the team we all thought in early February was going to win this thing. Wesley Johnson coming on a 31-14 effort is enough to sell me here, and Butler having to deal with zone and one shot and done possessions. SYRACUSE 88 BUTLER 69
Xavier is one of the nations most underappreciated programs over the past ten years. Another good team in the sweet 16 even though Sean Miller moved on to coach Arizona. Kansas State has watched its nemesis, Kansas, get eliminated. The Wildcats are confident and shooting the ball very well. Kansas State 73 Xavier 66
Dont forget to Catch me and Joe Miller along with Jeremy Conn of the Scott Garceau Show Friday night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Westminster, Maryland starting at 6pm-10 on 105.7fm and www.1057thefan.com
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