Improbable GIANTS!
Who's Huge in Sports?
The fact that this years New York Giants Football team is going to the Super Bowl is extremely remarkable considering where they were halfway through the season with a 3-5 record.
Ironically they were coming off a 4 game losing steak, with losses to the likes of Green Bay and San Francisco!!
Then who do they beat to end that losing streak?
The Giants go into New England as huge underdogs and beat the Patriots 24-20.
The Giants kept coming back all year, and answered the bell once again with late season victories over the Jets and Cowboys.
However hard work and obstacles were still in front of them, and they knew they would have to confront those challenges head on if this season were going to amount to anything.
They did that with dramatic and decisive wins over Packers and 49ers in the playoffs.
Never before in the NFL has such an Improbable scenario played out where a team as lost as the Giants were eight games into the season could turn it around and be on their way to Indianapolis?
Only with the creative QB skills of a Eli Manning, the grit and determination of Coach Tom Coughlin, and the defensive line of highly skilled pass rushers, could this be possible.
NY Giants held the miracle victory 4 years ago when they shocked the World beating the Patriots. The odds are different now, but the same kind of magic must persist it's way for the Giants will to win.
It's a great matchup, and a great rematch of that Super Bowl.
I'm predicting an exciting finish like last time, with the Giants laying it on the line and letting the opportunity seize itself.
Good luck to all my Giants fan friends!
Huge Jan 2nd Bowl Games!
Who's Huge in Sports?
College Football games did not disappoint today!
The 3 big games that were exciting, entertaining and went to crunch time were Michigan State vs Georgia in the Outback Bowl.
Oregon vs Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, and Stanford vs Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Michigan Sate won the outback bowl in dramatic fashion in triple overtime.
All year long going back to their hail Mary victory over Wisconsin, the Spartans have had luck on their side.
They got lucky in OT today after trailing at halftime 16-0.
They roared back and got some extra luck early in OT after an early interception and a missed field goal by Georgia.
Opportunity presented itself as QB Cousins got the job done and led Michigan state to the win.
Exciting game!
So was the Rose Bowl!!
Sometimes known to have lopsided blowouts, this fight between Oregon and Wisconsin was epic.
Talk about efficient offenses? Wow!
The defenses were there when they needed to be. But it's not like Baseball where good pitching will always beat good hitting.
In Football good offenses will always find a way to beat a defense.
In this case it was performed to perfection. All star players on both sides.
Russell Wilson looks like a pro QB but he didn't have enough to surpass the D & D Thomas attack of the Ducks QB and RB!
One of the best Rose Bowl games in recent memory.
Oregon wins 45-38
In more of a choke hold on the kicker as Stanford blew 2 opportunities to win the Fiesta Bowl, but the missed 34 yard FG allowed Oklahoma state to win in OT.
Andrew Luck was amazing , and will no doubt slide right into an NFL starting position. he placed Stanford in position to win this game, but his kicker blew it!
Oklahoma state Wide reciever Blackmon is a beast!!
Watch out NFL because i want him on my team next year.
No doubt a 1st rounder.
Tough luck for Stanford...but the Cowboys got it complete 41-38
Tebow and some good Faith!
The Tim Tebow story is Huge!
He's truly a phenomenon. The way in which he has gone about leading the Denver Broncos to 6 straight wins, and 7-1 as a starter since taking over a 1-4 team.
Tebow does it without flash, but lots of pizazz and creativity.
He's also been very lucky. However his humble existence supersedes that.
Of course it takes a team effort, including a strong defense to allow a Tebow type team to hang around in games, as 3 of the wins have come in overtime.
But Tebow is also not a stranger to big time games!
He did win 2 National Championships at Florida, so the guy knows pressure situations.
It's his grounded sense, and choir boy attitude that's got people looking.
He's so calm out there, singing christian songs out loud and in his head, while spreading the good will and love amongst his teammates surrounded by all the violence and hard hitting of the NFL.
Tim Tebow has made it work. It's his faith that drives him, and that will continue to lead this team win or lose...for now.
I just don't think you can sustain this without consistency and balance throughout the whole game?
On Sunday all tests will dealt with. This is the one where reality just might set in upon the humble drum beat of the Broncos.
Tom Brady and his 3 Super Bowl victories of experience are coming to Denver.
Despite a lack of historical success there, Patriots should roll enough to pressure Tebow and company to do more than usual.
This pressure will force Tebow into quicker decisions. Any mistakes made Brady will sure take advantage of.
However I do think Denver will make the playoffs and Tebow will continue to be as effective as his own strong will can take him in life.
Candid conversation w/BYRON SCOTT
Who's huge in sports?
After my candid conversation with NBA head Coach of the Cleveland CAVS and Lakers legend Byron Scott, He agrees with me that NBA players now have to make a deal, and look a little closer at the economy of the world, and understand this is part of the "correction' that needs to be done based on the current deal that had been in place. Understanding that smaller market teams cannot afford the huge salaries without a restructured CBA. Also brought into question the motive of some of the player agents?
Posing the questions to the players. Are you working for your agent, or is your agent working for you?
I think a great deal of these players are being misled by greedy agents like David Stern suggested.
Certainly things to consider amongst the chaos and confusion that I'm sure many players are feeling.
I thought at least 25% of the players in the league would probably need to look for a "part time" job, because they can't carry the nut of their expense without that NBA salary. Byron thinks that number is higher!
It's a sad state no matter what side you look at.
Bottom line is the deal and correction must be made one way or another.
STARS IN HIS EYES!
Tom Brady is the reason the New England Patriots are so good.
Bill Belichek is great at game planning, but Brady is his executor.
Once again Tom Brady picks apart the JETS, as he has many other opponents over the last 11 years.
In the big moment when it's on the line Brady gets it done.
He's so cool and calm in the pocket, rarely rattled he uses his eyes too see everything on the field threading a needle throwing the ball on a rope just when it needs to be there.
Pats dismantle the Jets in their moment of home glory, crushing them 37-16 off the big turnovers Jets offered up.
Patriots avoid losing 3 in a row and never since 2002.
NE also owns 1st place now, and can cruise the rest of the way, while Jets need to regroup fast to face Broncos Thursday night.
The rest of Patriots mediocre under normal controls, seem to ignite into stars under Brady. He makes everyone look that good.
A patched up Pats defense did enough to knock Sanchez and the Jets off their Mark!
It was all in the CARDS!!
Who's Huge in Sports?
The St. Louis Cardinals won one of the most dramatic Bseball series in World Series history defeating the Texas Rangers in 7 games.
It was game 6 though where miracles were made winning in 11 innings 10-9. Maybe some plays were not made...especially defensively by Texas?
Either way both sides had their heroes, and each one of them came up big at various spots throughout the series.
Pujols becoming only the 3rd player in MLB history to hit 3 homers in a World Series, to the dramatics and clutch hitting of Mike Napoli of Texas.
No one was better than the obscure David Freese of the Cardinals.
He arrived oddly in the majors and shined at the right moment.
Freese was simply hot and saved the day in game 6 with his clutch 2 out hit with texas getting down to the last strike twice! Two times they had the Cards on the ropes 1 strike away from winning their 1st ever Championship and couldn't do it.
In game seven, Freese's clutch hitting continued with the go ahead double and 2 RBI's.
I think everyone sensed that after blowing 2 different two run leads late in game 6, it would be too much for the Rangers to overcome and comeback and win game 7, despite leading 2-0 early in the game. Eventually Carpenter settled down, did the job and won Game seven that just might have put him in the Hall of Fame!
Freese the MVP, Pujols the team leader, Carpenter the ace of the pitching staff, and Tony Larussa skipping his way as one of the all time greats in Baseball Management.
Congrats World Series Champs St. Louis Cardinals.
RAIDERS Just Win Baby...with Honors!!
Who's Huge in Sports?
The Oakland Raiders riding on a wave of emotion went on the road to play the hot Texans and pulled off the huge victory 25-20.
Al Davis would have loved it!
Davis was the Raiders. No matter what the era was, who the players were, or coaches, it was always the Al Davis show. His way only. His formula produced 3 Super Bowl victories and years od elite status in the NFL.
The Raiders team of today showed that determination and commitment to excellence by enduring a dramatic battle in Texas.
Jason Campbell was solid at QB with 2 TD's, but it was the defense in the end that won it for Oakland.
Matt Schaub of the Texans put up huge numbers as usual passing for over 400 yards but in the end, with a chance to score the winning touchdown, undecided about passing or running, he attempted a little flip pass that was intercepted by the Raiders Michael Huff to end the game.
Raiders victory was a telling win of respect and honor for their Iconic owner who passed away yesterday at the age of 82.
Davis was tough, and difficult to deal with, but his passion for the game and his team consumed him. No other owner ever displayed such close ties and involvement on every level of his teams personal decisions.
For Al Davis, this was his life.
Today in his memory, and while his spirit remains, he got to smile a little about the hard nosed road win over the Texans today putting the Raiders at 3-2.
BILLS Stamp Pats!!
Who's Huge in Sports?
The Buffalo Bills pulled off the most stunning victory for the franchise in the last ten years, as they achieved something they haven't done in 15 attempts and that was to beat the New England Patriots.
They did that shockingly 34-31 after they trailed in the 1st half 21-0.
Brady (369 & 4TD's) and Welker (217 yards & 2TD's) were on fire and unstoppable, but the Pats got lazy and Brady's 4 Interceptions fueled life into the Bills as they roared back behind crafty play of Fitzpatrick and the running and receiving of Fred Jackson, who led the Bills with 160 all purpose yards and a TD.
Bills stand alone now in the AFC at 3-0 making this a 3 team dogfight.
Buffalo has the swagger now led by a smart QB who uses his tight ends and wide receivers in a balanced attack.
Brady and company definitely looked passed the Bills after they laid claim to the 1st half. The deed however was not done, and they paid the Bills eventually snapping that 8 year record.
Jets and Patriots have more then their share of concerns, and now the Bills are in the forefront of that.
Team USA Woman's Soccer Wins Dramatically!
Woman's Soccer has been top notch the last 6 years reaching the semi finals in world Cup competition.
This year facing an always difficult Brazil team, the Woman came back to tie late in OT on a beautiful header from Abby Wambach, and win in dramatic fashion 5-3 on penalty kicks.
Laura wrote: "It was an Awesome game! I still get goose bumps thinking of the last goal.. 43 sec. Left in 2nd OT. That was a hockey move. Just so Happy for them. They were playing with 10 players! :)))"
Yes the USA woman's team was short handed and overcame bad calls from the referees and other obstacles.
A huge reference to the never say die attitude of an American athlete in US Sports competitions.
Go USA woman onto the Semi's again to face France.
A's Across the board for Oakland!
The Oakland Athletics sweep a 3 games series of Interleague play against crosstown rivals, the World Series Champion Giants, while also winning 5 straight.
After Firing their Manager Bob Geren and replacing him with Bob Melvin the team has responded.
A's win a huge home series and find themselves all of a sudden in the thick of things 5 games out of first place Texas.
Landon Powell waited with his heroics to belt his first homer of the year in the 8th off Jeremy Affeldt.
A's now have that spark of confidence beating not only their rival but the World Champs which is a 1st for them when playing these games.
Giants lost a bit of their luster ever since Lincecum got roughed up last week.
They'll need to bounce back quickly to maintain a defending champion position.
For Oakland it's all going up!
DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN Their 1st NBA Title
The Dallas Mavericks are the last team I thought would win the title at the start of the season, but they certainly from a "team" standpoint are the most deserving.
They won the NBA Championship in 6 game over the Miami Heat winning game six 105-95.
When the season began I thought this team was too old and washed up.
They had experienced season after season of failure in the playoffs since their 1st time to the finals in 06.
However then came the resurgence of Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and an additional defensive stopper in Tyson Chandler.
The MAVS had a great regular season, and after they knocked off the LAKERS in the 1st round I knew they were the favorite to win it, and the most likely.
If history has taught us anything in the NBA, it's that veteran teams usually win the finals. Not the young hipsters like Oklahoma City, or the newly formed Miami Heat. They almost did it! But not this year. They will have many more opportunities to come.
Bosh Impressed me in these playoffs, and Lebron surprised me. Surprised at his lack of poise and smart decision making in key spots.
Wade is truly the best on that team and maybe the best all around in the NBA. But Dirk is Ice man Cometh! Strong and determined Nowitzki came through when it counted despite the poor shooting percentage.
It was Jason Terry and his 27 points off the bench that daggered the Heat.
Congrats Mark Cuban and the MAVERICKS.
Well deserved and huge victory for a veteran squad.
Good for you J Kidd, and the other Mavs players.
Huge in sports and NBA Champions!!
MAVERICKS Break Free from HEAT!
The Dallas Mavericks won the biggest home game in the history of the franchise beating the Miami Heat 112-103 to take a 3-2 lead in the best of seven game series for the NBA Championship.
They'll have to go to Miami to win it, but they clearly have the momentum going into game six after just winning 2 in a row.
Dirk does it again scoring 29pts and willing the ball in the basket when he absolutely had to have it.
This was a spectacular game with the lead changing hands several times in the 4th quarter. Miami actually led by 5 with under 5 minutes to play, even defying Lawlers law after the Heat led 100-97. That didn't last long as Jason Terry had the biggest game of his career, hit a 3 to tie the game at 100, and from there on MAVS took control to win.
Once again Lebron shut down at crunch time despite a quiet triple double with 17pts 10 reb 10 assists. but he shot a miserable 8-19 from the field and 0-4 from 3pt range. That's not going to get it done for a Championship ring.
D. Wade injured and bruised, still carried the load, but the help down the stretch was not there.
Mark Cuban and the MAVS 1 win away from the title.
ALL OUT
All out is how the Dallas Mavericks must play tonight in order to have a chance of winning their 1st NBA Title.
To get to this point the Mavs overachieved and came prepared each and every game this season. I had written this team off at the end of last season, but the resurgence of Jason Kidd and Jason Terry, and adding the defense of Tyson Chandler helped quickly revamp this team to elite status.
They have yet to display putting that all together so far in these finals, so tonight would be the night.
Dirk must mix up his offensive moves, and other members must step up and hit shots, meaning Barrea, Terry and Kidd have to hit their open jumpers to win.
The league MVP has really been Dwayne Wade, and if Dallas is smart they'll figure a way to get the ball out of his hands in crunch time.
Better to let Lebron beat you with his jump shot then watch he and Wade slash and score.
The Heat will look for the kill, while the Mavs must play confident and stone cold to overcome the huge Miami front line of Talent.
Keep an eye on Chalmers and get a body on Haslem would be the keys to containing The Heats select bench. Should be a great game!
Go NBA Finals!
Either Way Huge NBA Finals Game #3
One thing for sure, this 2011 NBA Finals sure has been exciting.
It just so happens that the Miami Heat are leading the series 2-1 after a dramatic 88-86 win in Dallas as Dirk Nowitzki missed a makable but difficult shot to end the game.
I witnessed Chris Bosh play the game of his life! He even hit the game winning shot. He shot only 7-18 from the field but he stepped up in a way that hasn't before with some late clutch play.
Wade is always the class of Miami and he was solid with 29pts and 11 rebounds.
D Wade clearly the all around best player in the NBA.
The Heat contained Nowitzki despite 34pts and 11 boards.
Dallas is having a tough time finding scoring options when Dirk is not in the mix. JJ Barrea must do more.
Pressure now on the MAVS must win game 4.
Dallas got the huge calls in this game and should not expect the same treatment in game four.
Lebron settled to average citizen with 17pts on 6-14 shooting.
However his plan is right on target.
CANUCKS REALITY
Who's Huge in Sports?
The Vancouver Canucks are now 1 win away from getting back to the Stanley Cup Finals after beating San Jose 4-2 going back to Vancouver to try and rap it up.
The Canucks are getting excited, and if they do get back to the Finals for the 1st time since 1994 they'll be glad to see no New York teams awaiting them.
Vancouver has been to the cup finals twice in their history losing first time in 1982 to the New York Islanders, and then in 94 to the NY Rangers.
Whether it's Boston or Tampa Bay, The Canucks will be favored in the series, and it would finish a remarkable year as rarity that the team with the best regular season record would go on and win the Stanley Cup.
Sedin Brothers hot with all 4 assists while Luongo looking solid with 33 saves.
Time to win at the dream.
THUNDER STRIKES
Who's Huge in Sports?
Only 3 seasons removed from the worst record in the NBA and their controversial move out of Seattle, The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, with the winner going to the Finals.
Led by the NBA's leading scorer and most slick and crafty one since the likes of George Gervin, Kevin Durant is leading the way. Durant put his stamp on game #7 at home with 39 huge points and 9 rebounds crushing the Memphis Grizzlies 105-90.
However Durant would not be in this position if it weren't for his smooth operating point guard Russel Westbrook who's triple double 14pts 14 assists and 10 rebounds solidifies this dynamic young duo.
They overshadowed the overachieving accomplishments last night of the Grizzlies Mayo, Randolph and Conley who shot a combined 18-46.
Durant and Westbrook were locked in.
Now they have their sights set on getting to the big show. They're destined to be there, but will this be their year with the veteran Dallas Mavericks well rested and waiting?
It should be a great matchup but for Sunday, the Thunder will enjoy the ride of being Huge in Sports and going to the Conference Championship.
MAVERICKS Break Through
Who's Huge in Sports?
The Dallas Mavericks just completed the most satisfying and greatest series win in the teams history.
They've been to the final before. In fact Dallas was 2 wins away from their 1st NBA title in 2006 when Duane Wade and Shaq put on the show winning 4 straight games that brought the Heat their 1st Championship.
This series sweep over the Lakers is even bigger!
It puts The Mavericks over the hump having the Spurs and Lakers now in their rear view mirror. They're the veteran team poised to go to the finals in The West. With a focused Dirk Nowitzki, a dialed in Jason Terry and a rejuvenated Jason Kidd, this Maverick team is strong. Deep also with the defensive pressure of Tyson Chandler, and bench core of Barrea, Marion, and Stoyakovic.
I admit that after last season I called for them to blow up this team!
They gave all the signs they were done. But the turnaround of Kidd and Terry, plus adding Chandler really has made the difference.
They Could see a young and hungry Thunder team to play before getting to the finals, but whoever it is, this Mavs team is determined to do this thing.
Dirk is a star and a true championship type player, while Kidd is a Basketball legend at this point. Dallas is lined up to win it all.
Huge win over the Lakers sweeping them 4-0 and crushing them in game 4 122-86!!
Never before has a Laker team gone out in such a way, especially under the control of Phil Jackson who has never been swept in 21 years of coaching beofre now.
Kobe could not do this alone. He tried, but did not have the supporting cast.
Props to the Mavs for staying tuned and closing them out with a vicious instinct.
Dallas Mavericks on their way to the Western Conference Finals.
CELTICS Cool down HEAT opening night!
Who's Huge in Sports?
The NBA 2010-11 season got underway Tuesday night, and the Boston Celtics came out storming at home to clobber the new look Heat 88-80.
Things obviously haven't completely developed, but then again the Heat don't want to use that as an excuse and just win straightup.
The big three were on the court, but not very effective. Lebron came on late but it's obvious this team will need some time to find their harmony.
I'm saying right here that this is a very talented team, but that leaves them with a very thin lineup upfront. I don't think right now the Heat have enough to do it?
I also think that the one flaw in Lebron's plan is the assessment of Chris Bosh who shot 3-11 and grabbed 8 rebounds. They'll need to spend solid double from him, and I don't think they're jump shooting happy team that need a high vacation
Bring on CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL!!
Who's Huge In Sports?
MLB 2010 league Championship series. The American League with The Mighty Yankees and 1st time to tap dancers Texas Rangers.
Texas has the home field advantage and will host The AL Championship tonight pulling out all the stops to beat the Yankees.
Texas has a good shot because of mainly 1 man. Cliff Lee and his dominating Pitching along with the consistent C.J Wilson and some timely hitting, Texas has a legitimate shot at actually winning and advancing to the World Series.
Of course their greatest challenge is right in front of them having been to the playoffs 3 times in the 90's only to lose each time to NY.
Arod, Jeter, Texeira, Sabathia, Rivera all ready to spoil The Texas parade. But could it be the end of the road for these Yankees? Do they have another World Series run in them for this group?
In the NL Championship series we have the powerful Phillies going up against what has really been the best pitching staff in Baseball this season the San Francisco Giants.
It is clear the Giants do not have the offensive weapons to deal with philly, but will have to dig deep and play above their potential to have any shot.
Phils pitching is solid behind Halladay and Oswalt, but so is the Giants led by 2 time Cy Young winner Lincecum and Matt Cain.
I talked at the trading deadline about the Giants adding some pop to their lineup, but they were only able to come away with Jose Guillen? who's not even on the active roster.
So there will be major questions about the depth of San Fran.
Do they have enough offense to pull this off?
Can they fend off the power of Howard, Utley and Victorino?
They'll have to keep it low scoring and execute timely hitting, but if their staff isn't completely on their game it could be a quick exit for the dreams of Giant fans looking for their 1st ever World Series Victory in San Francisco.
Enjoy the games everyone.
JETS Smother Vikings near and FAVRE
Who's Huge In Sports?
The NEW YORK JETS have solidified themselves as the hard nosed Championship style team they claimed to be starting the season.
This one was extra special because it was beating Brett Favre. The Vikings QB who romanced the Jets 2 years ago playing only 1 season before faking another retirement, only to follow with his plan all along which was to sign with the Vikings.
Leaving the Jets organization and the fans feeling very used.
Maybe it's going to take for Favre to have a game like this, and a season of blunders at 1-3 for him to know he can't do it anymore on a high level consistently.
I Think we will be seeing the last of Favre in weeks to come.
Until then I respect the old Man's determination and grit.
Well things do come full circle, and Minnesota came into NY Monday night knowing they were encountering a very tough team to handle.
Jets came through winning 29-20, but they rattled and hummed Favre all night, despite the fact that he threw his record setting 500th career Touchdown pass, he also set the record for most fumbles in NFL history with 142.
Strange game for Favre as he threw for 264 yards and 3 TD passes but was sacked 3 times and hurried plenty, while throwing the ultimate game ending INT to Dwight Lowery who took it in for a pick 6.
Jets on Fire. Sanchez steady as could be. No touchdowns for him, but solid QB play and NO Interceptions.
Jets dominated in all phases of the game despite the score.
The Jets just seemed to control the game from start to finish.
Jets defense hot in every aspect of the game.
Yes Revis looks tentative, but He's nursing that hammy still, and it's hard to extend completely until that's healed. The rest of the defense was stout.
Bring on the Broncos!! JETS are Huge!
GIANTS RULE With DEFENSE
Who's Huge in sports?
Yes the San Francisco Giants did get a Huge win Sunday night in Atlanta to go up 2-1 in their playoff series with The Braves, but I'm talking about the Football NY GIANTS Huge win on the road against The Texans.
Everyone thought the Giants would have a tough time matching up with the speedy Texans offense. But the NY Defense started displaying something awesome last week against the Bears and carried that over to their road game in Texas.
Giants got off to a fast start cruising to a 24-3 halftime lead.
Whatever scare the Texans presented in the 2nd half quickly evaporated with a pounding balanced Giant offense running with Jacobs and Bradshaw and receiving with Hakeem Nicks!
Giants cruise to the 34-10 victory led by one of the great games of Eli Manning throwing for 297yrds and 3 TD's + No INT's.
Nicks was at his best and came up huge with 12 catches for 130 yrds and 2 TD's wow!!
Giants are huge and get the Lions next week at home.
Texans need to regroup after looking like they were going towards elite status, and will get KC next week.
Hugeness in NYG Land.
STEINBRENNER LEGACY
Who's huge in sports?
George Steinbrenner was huge in sports, in every sense of the way.
He was a huge presence in baseball from the time he purchased the club in 1973 for $8.7 million.
George passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 80 due to a sever heart attack.
Steinbrenner was responsible for turning around the Yankee organization, and for bringing wealth and wonder to all of professional Baseball.
George was outspoken, and his hands on style of ownership set a precedence for future owners of the same personalty. Steinbrenner also instilled that winning tradition for an organization looking to identify Itself as heroes and for the people.
George made it happen. He paid high salaries, but demanded top notch behavior and of course results in return. He had a lot of team rules that focused on Image and representation. Looking the best and acting the best was important to George.
He's made millions for all the MLB teams while raising the level of class, dignity and respect.
George brought back the Championships to restore the legacy of the winningest franchise in all of professional sports. The Yankees pride was reborn and produced 11 More world Championships under his umbrella.
George has had his low moments with the likes of Dave Winfield and others.
He was flamboyant and would speak out and rant without thinking at times, but his passion, dedication, and determination to turn the Yankee organization around and into winners set the bar high, and can not be matched.
George will be missed by the people he touched, and will forever be revered for greatness by the people of New York and Yankee fans around the globe.
ALL SPORTS LA FILM FESTIVAL
Who's huge in sports?
Being part of the 2010 ALL SPORTS LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL this past weekend was huge! My "sizzle reel" was well recieved, and we made lots of new contacts for the show.
This Sports Film Festival is a great avenue for any young sports film maker or original programmer to launch their material and be recognized by a collective group of some of the most Influential people in the sports Industry.
There are other amazing projects I want to recognize. One is a documentary about the Legendary Pete Rose called 4192. This is such an incredible piece of work directed by Terry Lukemire. It's as good as any great documentary you would see on HBO, ESPN or any other major sports outlet. The sad reality of this picture is that when you watch it you can't help but think that anyone involved with MLB Organization has to be embarrassed about not recognizing the record breaking accomplishments of Pete Rose on the baseball field.
Whatever his crime was to Baseball as being involved with gambling during his coaching career had nothing to do with what he was a player, and he should be in the hall of fame for what he did on the field ...Period! You want to still ban him from actively participating in Baseball then fine, but it's a sham and disgrace to the Intelligence of any knowledgeable sports fan to keep Baseballs best all time hitter and Iron man out of the Hall of fame. It's unthinkable based on his performance after 24 years of playing.
Rose will have his justification one day, and that day will be looked at as long overdue.
This is injustice in sports history in the biggest way. Pete Rose where are you?
Another Incredible project at the festival that needs to be recognized is the short documentary film "One Last Run" Directed by Paul Del Pizzo who tells the story of Victor Konovalov who was paralyzed at the age of 20 from a motorcycle accident. He ended up becoming the only 5 time Wheelchair Body building Champion.
To see his hard work and dedication in overcoming obstacles and not letting anything stand in the way of his dreams was a truly Inspirational message that hit home with me.
It's Important to look closely at a handicap person and give a hand or a smile. You just might be surprised at the amazing response you'll get!
Pete Rose and Victor Komovalov are huge, and are heroes for their contributions and accomplishments.
The Legend Of JOHN WOODEN
Who's huge in sports?
You have to pay tribute to John Wooden, who passed away Friday at the tender age of 99.
Whether you're a basketball fan or a fan of education, and tutoring, and training, and discipline and conduct, and character and Integrity and honor. That was John Wooden.
A life coach. A philosopher. A great Basketball coach. He led the UCLA Bruins to 10 National Championships between 1964 & 1975 including 7 in a row between 67-73.
His teams were always so prepared for the lessons that went on in practice. That was coach Wooden's favorite times as a coach in practice where he could really study, examine and teach his players. Wooden strongly believed in the fundamentals, and like the great philosopher Thoreau, John Wooden looked to simplify life.
Basic principals, but taught and executed with the best of grace, poise, tact and knowledge.
Steve Lavin called Wooden the greatest coach in all of sport. His Legacy will live on for generations and in the people he touched. I'm grateful to have met him a few times at the spry age of 89 & 90. Meeting him was like meeting Joe Dimaggio. The legendary mystique, and demeanor....although Wooden was a much greater contributor to the principals he provided. My favorite quote of his has always been Inspiring.
"You can't have confidence unless you are prepared. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail' And I say to him ...
"Inspiration move me brightly" because that's what his message has done for me.
He also said that he learned something from every individual he has ever met, and when I did meet him, he had that presence and focus while engaging me briefly in conversation.
So I feel it's hard to be sad for long, but better to celebrate his life, as his legacy will live on for generations as the greatest life coach...and I'm sure Basketball coach as well.
Rest In Peace Dear Sir. Your physical presence will surely be missed.
But your message and legend is clear and Huge.
The KID always stays in the Picture
Who's huge in sports?
Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners baseball club has always been huge in Baseball.
Griffey better known as "the Kid" Played the game right, with Fun and Passion.
He retires now after 22 seasons in MLB and is a sure lock as a first ballot hall of famer into Cooperstown NY.
It's sad though that in today's world of sports we have to make a point of emphasis to commend him for just playing the game honestly, and with Integrity.
And that he did, amongst a group of peers that have been linked to, or have been involved in all kinds of wrong doings in Baseball. Griffey Jr. played it right, and smart. All 630 home runs 1,836 RBI's will stand tall and proud as 5th on the all time list.
They thought he would break all the records when he started out with over 398 Home runs hit in Seattle, but when he moved back to his home town for free agency, it never worked out quite like he planned it. In Cincinnati he battled injuries and never showed that same flair, but always gave it his best. He was also a tremendous outfielder who would sky high over the walls to bring back potential opposing Home Runs.
Although he never helped either team win a pennant, he provided them with the class and dignity that a superstar player brings to an organization. He set the tone and probably was responsible for helping keep baseball in the Pacific Northwest.
Griffey also got to do something almost unheard of in the world of sports and that was to play on the same team in Seattle as his father. In fact they are the only father son combination to hit back to back home runs in a game. What a night that must have been? Along with so many other great memories, congrats need to go out to Ken Griffey Jr. And thanks for all you've done for the the fans, and for Baseball.
Ken Griffey Jr. is now and will forever be considered huge in sports.
who do you think is huge in sports?
Please leave a comment
