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Subject: Interesting sports tid-bits:
Date: Tue Jun 22 04:35:28 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
AFAIK, that 29-0 is tied for the longest unanswered run at *any point* of an NBA game (save a 35-0 one at a preseason game). Have a Quora answer 'bout that. Yeah, in that game 7 of the 2019 West Finals vs GS, without the injured Chris Paul, the Rockets missed 27 downtown shots in a row, a playoff record and tied for the regular season mark. Hopefully Paul comes back soon from Covid-19 to the current West Finals.
User: Oded789
Message:
AFAIK, that 29-0 is tied for the longest unanswered run at *any point* of an NBA game (save a 35-0 one at a preseason game). Have a Quora answer 'bout that. Yeah, in that game 7 of the 2019 West Finals vs GS, without the injured Chris Paul, the Rockets missed 27 downtown shots in a row, a playoff record and tied for the regular season mark. Hopefully Paul comes back soon from Covid-19 to the current West Finals.
Date: Wed Jun 23 12:58:05 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
The ending to last night's Suns/Clippers was remarkable and made possible by an intentional part of the rules. The Suns were down 1 with 0.9 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter. They were inbounding the ball on their own baseline close to the corner of the court. The Suns run a series of screens in which Booker (sporting a broken nose with two stitches and giving away 7 inches in height and 50 pounds) screens Duvac to free up Ayton. Crowder inbounds the ball directly above the rim, and Ayton stuffs it home for the lead with 0.7 left. Ayton knew that his play was goal tending and refused to celebrate until he got the final decision. But, the rules are clear: because the person throwing the inbounds pass cannot shoot the ball and score on the pass, the inbound pass cannot be considered a shot, and goal tending cannot occur. With only 0.7 left, the Clippers were unable to get off a shot before time ran out. See the clip at the link below.
Link: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=31690237
User: BuzzClik
Message:
The ending to last night's Suns/Clippers was remarkable and made possible by an intentional part of the rules. The Suns were down 1 with 0.9 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter. They were inbounding the ball on their own baseline close to the corner of the court. The Suns run a series of screens in which Booker (sporting a broken nose with two stitches and giving away 7 inches in height and 50 pounds) screens Duvac to free up Ayton. Crowder inbounds the ball directly above the rim, and Ayton stuffs it home for the lead with 0.7 left. Ayton knew that his play was goal tending and refused to celebrate until he got the final decision. But, the rules are clear: because the person throwing the inbounds pass cannot shoot the ball and score on the pass, the inbound pass cannot be considered a shot, and goal tending cannot occur. With only 0.7 left, the Clippers were unable to get off a shot before time ran out. See the clip at the link below.
Link: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=31690237
Date: Thu Jun 24 22:40:15 2021
User: Klepp
Message:
With deep, all due respect to the dudes mentioned below: I'm not old enough to really recall the '73 (I believe) season in which the great Willie Mays (I've read) ever so mildly (possibly) tarnished his HOF image with awful field play, as well as batting a full 100 points below average... Is Albert Pujols approaching this pitiful behavior? It's rather difficult to imagine playing next year, he in MLB, at all possible... Ichiro was ineffective for most of his last season sure, but he knew he had to go... As stated: deep respect for all three amazing MLB legends...
User: Klepp
Message:
With deep, all due respect to the dudes mentioned below: I'm not old enough to really recall the '73 (I believe) season in which the great Willie Mays (I've read) ever so mildly (possibly) tarnished his HOF image with awful field play, as well as batting a full 100 points below average... Is Albert Pujols approaching this pitiful behavior? It's rather difficult to imagine playing next year, he in MLB, at all possible... Ichiro was ineffective for most of his last season sure, but he knew he had to go... As stated: deep respect for all three amazing MLB legends...
Date: Thu Jun 24 22:42:59 2021
User: Klepp
Message:
Speaking of dudes who knew when to retire: QB Peyton Manning.
User: Klepp
Message:
Speaking of dudes who knew when to retire: QB Peyton Manning.
Date: Sun Jun 27 01:00:38 2021
User: Kaos
Message:
Oded, sadly, I’m sure I’m not wrong. That said, awesome news with Ryan Crouser breaking the world record in the shot put (taking a ‘roid record off the books) plus, men’s 400m hurdles performance also in what I think is clean WR. Apparently, lots of athletes have been getting busy during the Covid days
User: Kaos
Message:
Oded, sadly, I’m sure I’m not wrong. That said, awesome news with Ryan Crouser breaking the world record in the shot put (taking a ‘roid record off the books) plus, men’s 400m hurdles performance also in what I think is clean WR. Apparently, lots of athletes have been getting busy during the Covid days
Date: Sun Jun 27 01:24:52 2021
User: Kaos
Message:
Sadly, in many events in many sports it’s hard to figure out what is a legitimate WR. If only there was a sports commentator with the balls of Charles Barkley to tell it like it is in swimming and athletics. The travesties of drug cheats is enormous
User: Kaos
Message:
Sadly, in many events in many sports it’s hard to figure out what is a legitimate WR. If only there was a sports commentator with the balls of Charles Barkley to tell it like it is in swimming and athletics. The travesties of drug cheats is enormous
Date: Sun Jun 27 15:11:22 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
A certain disease (well known, but not to be mentioned by name) has continued to play havoc with sports. A couple of weeks ago, John Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial due to a positive test. He was leading by six strokes and likely lost over $1 million. (The PGA tests only those who are not vaccinated.) In the NBA, Suns point guard Chris Paul was forced to miss the first two games of the conference championships due to a positive test. Although Paul was vaccinated, the NBA rules require testing for all team personnel and isolation protocols are in place for those testing positive. NCAA baseball powerhouse North Caroline State was forced to withdraw from the college world series due to multiple positive tests. The team lost to Vanderbilt play shorthanded in key positions, but the NCAA brought the hammer down on the team at 2 am on Saturday. NC State was one game away from qualifying for the championship. (Four of the six players who tested positive against Vanderbilt had been vaccinated.)
User: BuzzClik
Message:
A certain disease (well known, but not to be mentioned by name) has continued to play havoc with sports. A couple of weeks ago, John Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial due to a positive test. He was leading by six strokes and likely lost over $1 million. (The PGA tests only those who are not vaccinated.) In the NBA, Suns point guard Chris Paul was forced to miss the first two games of the conference championships due to a positive test. Although Paul was vaccinated, the NBA rules require testing for all team personnel and isolation protocols are in place for those testing positive. NCAA baseball powerhouse North Caroline State was forced to withdraw from the college world series due to multiple positive tests. The team lost to Vanderbilt play shorthanded in key positions, but the NCAA brought the hammer down on the team at 2 am on Saturday. NC State was one game away from qualifying for the championship. (Four of the six players who tested positive against Vanderbilt had been vaccinated.)
Date: Sun Jun 27 15:34:34 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
It should perhaps be mentioned that Rahm came back to win the U.S. Open last weekend - an amazing feat of redemption(?). Chris Paul also seems to be showing (as best I can tell) no effects from being under the influence of 'that' disease.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
It should perhaps be mentioned that Rahm came back to win the U.S. Open last weekend - an amazing feat of redemption(?). Chris Paul also seems to be showing (as best I can tell) no effects from being under the influence of 'that' disease.
Date: Sun Jun 27 16:12:53 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Ok, this one may take some time, depending on how invested one gets in the story - and how much one likes disc golf. Start at about the 3:54:00 mark, and, if you want the true feel of the thing, watch for about 20-30 minutes. It's a compelling story - if one appreciates disc golf, that is. OR................If you're only mildly into this............then maybe start at 4:03:30. Quite amazing. And then keep watching past that, if you're into it. ========================================================== [SPOILER ALERT!! (do not read past here until after viewing the link)!] ========================================================== This was #1 on ESPN's SportsCenter Top 10 last night, and an ace by a woman was #9 the previous night. The guy who finished fourth, Chris Dickerson, is #1 in the world, and is from right here in my neck of the woods. A close friend who I introduced to the sport long ago helped him develop to where he is now. But that's just a sidelight.
Link: PDGA World Championships
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Ok, this one may take some time, depending on how invested one gets in the story - and how much one likes disc golf. Start at about the 3:54:00 mark, and, if you want the true feel of the thing, watch for about 20-30 minutes. It's a compelling story - if one appreciates disc golf, that is. OR................If you're only mildly into this............then maybe start at 4:03:30. Quite amazing. And then keep watching past that, if you're into it. ========================================================== [SPOILER ALERT!! (do not read past here until after viewing the link)!] ========================================================== This was #1 on ESPN's SportsCenter Top 10 last night, and an ace by a woman was #9 the previous night. The guy who finished fourth, Chris Dickerson, is #1 in the world, and is from right here in my neck of the woods. A close friend who I introduced to the sport long ago helped him develop to where he is now. But that's just a sidelight.
Link: PDGA World Championships
Date: Sun Jun 27 19:35:55 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
I didn't even know there was such a thing as disc golf. But that was fun to watch, and the crowd was so into it. Amazing to get these unofficial WR 100m and 200m times in the space of three weeks. And I wasn't even aware the Okagbare (who started as a long jumper) and Richardson ran a wind-aided 10.63 and 10.64 (respectively) last week, which also haven't been done since Flo-Jo. The 400h mark is hanging by a thread. Kevin Young's WR from Barcelona '92 was the only sub-47 run for decades, but over the past 3 seasons three more men have done so, five times in total. Kaos - I think it goes a bit far saying that every Jamaican or African for decades is a drug cheat. At least I hope it's not the case.
User: Oded789
Message:
I didn't even know there was such a thing as disc golf. But that was fun to watch, and the crowd was so into it. Amazing to get these unofficial WR 100m and 200m times in the space of three weeks. And I wasn't even aware the Okagbare (who started as a long jumper) and Richardson ran a wind-aided 10.63 and 10.64 (respectively) last week, which also haven't been done since Flo-Jo. The 400h mark is hanging by a thread. Kevin Young's WR from Barcelona '92 was the only sub-47 run for decades, but over the past 3 seasons three more men have done so, five times in total. Kaos - I think it goes a bit far saying that every Jamaican or African for decades is a drug cheat. At least I hope it's not the case.
Date: Mon Jun 28 13:11:19 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Athing Mu ran a 1:56.07 to set the U.S. Olympic Trials record. And the best in the world this year. Who knows what her potential may be because she was unchallenged. Second place was 1:57.66. She is only 19.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Athing Mu ran a 1:56.07 to set the U.S. Olympic Trials record. And the best in the world this year. Who knows what her potential may be because she was unchallenged. Second place was 1:57.66. She is only 19.
Date: Mon Jun 28 14:17:42 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
And Sydney McLaughlin submerged the previous WR in the 400 hurdles, with a 51.90, beating fellow competitor and previous WR holder Dalilah Muhammad. 51.90 is kinda smokin' it. Without the "kinda". More than a quarter of a second off of Muhammad's earlier best time. And as those of you good in math can figger out...........that's only ~5 seconds slower than the menfolks record, as described by Oded above.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
And Sydney McLaughlin submerged the previous WR in the 400 hurdles, with a 51.90, beating fellow competitor and previous WR holder Dalilah Muhammad. 51.90 is kinda smokin' it. Without the "kinda". More than a quarter of a second off of Muhammad's earlier best time. And as those of you good in math can figger out...........that's only ~5 seconds slower than the menfolks record, as described by Oded above.
Date: Mon Jun 28 15:00:17 2021
User: Kaos
Message:
I believe the last WADA-approved drug testing lab in all of the continent of Africa closed about 4 years ago. Previously, these two labs were on probation (in 2016). Coincidently(?), Wayde Van Niekerk's times in the 400m jumped that year and he won gold in the Olympics setting a world record. It's interesting to see how times in the 100m and 200m have dropped substantial since the dawn of the steroid era but the time in the high-hurdles have not.
Link: WADA revokes drug testing license
User: Kaos
Message:
I believe the last WADA-approved drug testing lab in all of the continent of Africa closed about 4 years ago. Previously, these two labs were on probation (in 2016). Coincidently(?), Wayde Van Niekerk's times in the 400m jumped that year and he won gold in the Olympics setting a world record. It's interesting to see how times in the 100m and 200m have dropped substantial since the dawn of the steroid era but the time in the high-hurdles have not.
Link: WADA revokes drug testing license
Date: Mon Jun 28 19:05:50 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
Wow, McLaughlin! It looked like a matter of "when" rather than "if" for her - girl ran 54.15 before she was 17 and broke 53 before turning 19. But it doesn't always work out like that - ask Pamela Jelimo (speaking of Athing Mu 800 marks at her tender age) or even Steve Lewis, amongst others. You mean over the last 30 years or so? I think 100 is a bit of an equipment issue, fast tracks included, which is less significant in 110h or 400h. Moreover, for the women it's been the other way around - high hurdles are the only WR marks shorter than 1500m which are *not* from the steroid era.
User: Oded789
Message:
Wow, McLaughlin! It looked like a matter of "when" rather than "if" for her - girl ran 54.15 before she was 17 and broke 53 before turning 19. But it doesn't always work out like that - ask Pamela Jelimo (speaking of Athing Mu 800 marks at her tender age) or even Steve Lewis, amongst others. You mean over the last 30 years or so? I think 100 is a bit of an equipment issue, fast tracks included, which is less significant in 110h or 400h. Moreover, for the women it's been the other way around - high hurdles are the only WR marks shorter than 1500m which are *not* from the steroid era.
Date: Tue Jun 29 03:07:25 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I've been onto Sydney since (early?) h.s. A dear friend who's a former All-American in track and cross-country turned me onto her then (maybe even when she was only about 15; don't remember specifically). And then when she went to UK (University of Kentucky, not the one across the pond) (for only 1 year, I think), he sorta got to know her just a bit - only as an acquaintance, not really a friend - as he lives there (Lexington). So he and I have been keeping up with her since then. And yes, we both have been thinking it's only a matter of time (pun of course intended) - as you correctly state. And speaking of the 400 hurdles.................Edwin Moses didn't even try to make the Olympic team this time did he? He's only 65. Sigh...........still miss me some of that man's stride.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I've been onto Sydney since (early?) h.s. A dear friend who's a former All-American in track and cross-country turned me onto her then (maybe even when she was only about 15; don't remember specifically). And then when she went to UK (University of Kentucky, not the one across the pond) (for only 1 year, I think), he sorta got to know her just a bit - only as an acquaintance, not really a friend - as he lives there (Lexington). So he and I have been keeping up with her since then. And yes, we both have been thinking it's only a matter of time (pun of course intended) - as you correctly state. And speaking of the 400 hurdles.................Edwin Moses didn't even try to make the Olympic team this time did he? He's only 65. Sigh...........still miss me some of that man's stride.
Date: Tue Jun 29 03:17:56 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Yeah, I know we've lauded him multiple (I think) times on this board, but what the heck...........just look at that stride. Watch the slo-mo after the race ends. And he's been such a great example of a human being in the rest of his life, too.
Link: most beautiful stride ever??
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Yeah, I know we've lauded him multiple (I think) times on this board, but what the heck...........just look at that stride. Watch the slo-mo after the race ends. And he's been such a great example of a human being in the rest of his life, too.
Link: most beautiful stride ever??
Date: Thu Jul 1 19:37:04 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Karsten Walholm, in Oslo, topples Kevin Young's 46.78 400 hurdles from Barcelona. So now the wimmens' and men's have fallen in short order
Link: oldest track record falls
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Karsten Walholm, in Oslo, topples Kevin Young's 46.78 400 hurdles from Barcelona. So now the wimmens' and men's have fallen in short order
Link: oldest track record falls
Date: Thu Jul 1 19:58:12 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
Yeah, it was only a matter of time, as noted above earlier this week, after Rai Benjamin's 46.83. Warholm clocked 46.87 last season, and there was also a meeting in which both broke 47. In other news, CP3 finally, at long last, makes the NBA finals, and oh boy did he played for it in game 6. Only previous 36 y.o with a 40+ playoff game was Karl Malone in 2000. None of the players of remaining 3 teams has ever won a ring. And the most bizarre anecdote that you may or may not be aware of: this will be the first NBA finals since 1983(!!!) not to feature a player that was Shaq's teammate at some point of his career.
User: Oded789
Message:
Yeah, it was only a matter of time, as noted above earlier this week, after Rai Benjamin's 46.83. Warholm clocked 46.87 last season, and there was also a meeting in which both broke 47. In other news, CP3 finally, at long last, makes the NBA finals, and oh boy did he played for it in game 6. Only previous 36 y.o with a 40+ playoff game was Karl Malone in 2000. None of the players of remaining 3 teams has ever won a ring. And the most bizarre anecdote that you may or may not be aware of: this will be the first NBA finals since 1983(!!!) not to feature a player that was Shaq's teammate at some point of his career.
Date: Thu Jul 1 20:14:04 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Shaw was born in 1972. It would be interesting to know who that 1983 player was and how he could have been a teammate of 11 year old Shaq.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Shaw was born in 1972. It would be interesting to know who that 1983 player was and how he could have been a teammate of 11 year old Shaq.
Date: Thu Jul 1 20:17:54 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I think I might have been interpreting this incorrectly. Maybe somebody in the 83 finals eventually became Shaw’s teammate. Fascinating.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I think I might have been interpreting this incorrectly. Maybe somebody in the 83 finals eventually became Shaw’s teammate. Fascinating.
Date: Thu Jul 1 20:27:28 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Yeah, that indeed is a quirky and oddball stat. Wonder how many other ex-players that would be true for? And........as I've been saying for years (and decades) having new blood as the final four teams is great for basketball and the league. I know the Oslo track has always been fast, but have they "sped it up" any recently, or do we think the springier shoes are part of it - or is it mostly just faster dudes and dudettes?
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Yeah, that indeed is a quirky and oddball stat. Wonder how many other ex-players that would be true for? And........as I've been saying for years (and decades) having new blood as the final four teams is great for basketball and the league. I know the Oslo track has always been fast, but have they "sped it up" any recently, or do we think the springier shoes are part of it - or is it mostly just faster dudes and dudettes?
Date: Fri Jul 2 11:16:41 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
"Two of the world’s three fastest women’s 400m sprinters this year were ruled ineligible to run the event at the Olympics due to a rule capping testosterone levels in women’s events from the 400m through the mile, according to their National Olympic Committee. "Namibians Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, both 18, “have a natural high testosterone level” after undergoing medical tests for athletes with differences of sexual development, according to the Namibia Olympic Committee. “'According to the rules of World Athletics, this means that they are not eligible to participate in events from 400m to 1600m,' according to the committee. 'It is important to understand that both our athletes were not aware of this condition neither did any family member, their coach or the NNOC-CGA [Namibia Olympic Committee] were aware of it. … Both Christine and Beatrice will be able to compete in the 100m and 200m events.' "It’s the same rule that affected all three Rio Olympic 800m medalists — Caster Semenya of South Africa, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Margaret Wambui of Kenya — and Niger’s Aminatou Seyni, who was the world’s third-fastest 400m runner in 2019 before moving to the 200m for that year’s world championships." This is a tough one. It's not doping; it's an abnormality that gives female competitors gigantic advantages but only in the middle distances. This controversy has been around for a very long time, and bursts into flames during Olympic years.
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/sports/top-400m-sprinters-ruled-ineligible-114055938.html
User: BuzzClik
Message:
"Two of the world’s three fastest women’s 400m sprinters this year were ruled ineligible to run the event at the Olympics due to a rule capping testosterone levels in women’s events from the 400m through the mile, according to their National Olympic Committee. "Namibians Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, both 18, “have a natural high testosterone level” after undergoing medical tests for athletes with differences of sexual development, according to the Namibia Olympic Committee. “'According to the rules of World Athletics, this means that they are not eligible to participate in events from 400m to 1600m,' according to the committee. 'It is important to understand that both our athletes were not aware of this condition neither did any family member, their coach or the NNOC-CGA [Namibia Olympic Committee] were aware of it. … Both Christine and Beatrice will be able to compete in the 100m and 200m events.' "It’s the same rule that affected all three Rio Olympic 800m medalists — Caster Semenya of South Africa, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi and Margaret Wambui of Kenya — and Niger’s Aminatou Seyni, who was the world’s third-fastest 400m runner in 2019 before moving to the 200m for that year’s world championships." This is a tough one. It's not doping; it's an abnormality that gives female competitors gigantic advantages but only in the middle distances. This controversy has been around for a very long time, and bursts into flames during Olympic years.
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/sports/top-400m-sprinters-ruled-ineligible-114055938.html
Date: Fri Jul 2 20:41:23 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
Buzz: yes, but this streak started in the 1984 finals, lasting for 37 seasons. And out of these, only in the 2018 finals there wasn't a former/future teammate *winning* the title, not just making the finals. The link below also features a nice rainbow theme of his jerseys. It takes a few seconds to load.
Link: Shaq's teammates in NBA Finals
User: Oded789
Message:
Buzz: yes, but this streak started in the 1984 finals, lasting for 37 seasons. And out of these, only in the 2018 finals there wasn't a former/future teammate *winning* the title, not just making the finals. The link below also features a nice rainbow theme of his jerseys. It takes a few seconds to load.
Link: Shaq's teammates in NBA Finals
Date: Mon Jul 5 03:27:36 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I'll call this more a "tidbit" than an "oddity", altho clearly it is both. Shohei Ohtani was named to the All-Star team as BOTH a pitcher and position player. Yes, that sounds Ruthian, and it is, but even The Bambino didn't do that - altho he likely would have, given the chance.
Link: some deets
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I'll call this more a "tidbit" than an "oddity", altho clearly it is both. Shohei Ohtani was named to the All-Star team as BOTH a pitcher and position player. Yes, that sounds Ruthian, and it is, but even The Bambino didn't do that - altho he likely would have, given the chance.
Link: some deets
Date: Mon Jul 5 10:54:14 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Yes, it was very cool to see that unfold. He is, without question, an all-star. On another note, some of us have lamented about ESPN and their odd corporate/broadcasting/production decisions over the years. My personal complaints have been long: purging of mid-career talking heads to save money, a young crew of "analysts" who do nothing but spew irrelevant catch phrases, complete obsession with very few sports/sports stars at the expense of all others, days filled with discussion shows featuring sports journalists and ex-jocks who spend the entire program shouting about the trivial topics of the day. (ESPN has a lot in common with MSNBC and Fox News). Although I have been a faithful follower of ESPN literally since day one, I have been actively searching for an alternative. If nothing else, just one hour per day of a broad spectrum of sports summaries. (Why in God's name are you showing a brief highlight segment of MSL and nothing from Copa America or EURO 2020?) Last night (perhaps as part of an ongoing series -- I really don't know), I had little else to do and decided to watch the parallel broadcast of the Mets/Yankees game on ESPN2. The listing suggested it was that statistics alternative. I was bored, so why not. I was actually quite pleased. The team consisted of Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Eduardo Perez (former player/color/analysis), and Mike Petriello (MLB Statcast analyst). We didn't get the normal flow of brainless tripe being dished out on the standard broadcast ("I had dinner last night with the coach of the Mets and he said...."). It was hard core, in depth of totally relevant facts and figures: what pitch does Aaron Judge favor for power vs Stanton's power alley, why some pitchers will be more affected by the "sticky" ban than others, etc etc. I totally geeked out. It was awesome. I still hate Sports Center, but this was a good move by ESPN.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
Yes, it was very cool to see that unfold. He is, without question, an all-star. On another note, some of us have lamented about ESPN and their odd corporate/broadcasting/production decisions over the years. My personal complaints have been long: purging of mid-career talking heads to save money, a young crew of "analysts" who do nothing but spew irrelevant catch phrases, complete obsession with very few sports/sports stars at the expense of all others, days filled with discussion shows featuring sports journalists and ex-jocks who spend the entire program shouting about the trivial topics of the day. (ESPN has a lot in common with MSNBC and Fox News). Although I have been a faithful follower of ESPN literally since day one, I have been actively searching for an alternative. If nothing else, just one hour per day of a broad spectrum of sports summaries. (Why in God's name are you showing a brief highlight segment of MSL and nothing from Copa America or EURO 2020?) Last night (perhaps as part of an ongoing series -- I really don't know), I had little else to do and decided to watch the parallel broadcast of the Mets/Yankees game on ESPN2. The listing suggested it was that statistics alternative. I was bored, so why not. I was actually quite pleased. The team consisted of Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Eduardo Perez (former player/color/analysis), and Mike Petriello (MLB Statcast analyst). We didn't get the normal flow of brainless tripe being dished out on the standard broadcast ("I had dinner last night with the coach of the Mets and he said...."). It was hard core, in depth of totally relevant facts and figures: what pitch does Aaron Judge favor for power vs Stanton's power alley, why some pitchers will be more affected by the "sticky" ban than others, etc etc. I totally geeked out. It was awesome. I still hate Sports Center, but this was a good move by ESPN.
Date: Wed Jul 7 14:50:18 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
We *assume* you're hep to the TNT NBA hoops team of Shaq, Sir Charles, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. Something like 15 or so Emmys. And they also do some March Madness shows. They're zany at times, but chock-full of interesting and insightful commentary. Nothing else close to it (that I'm aware of), unless one counts Walton's soliloquies, which is a different animal. But that's only for hoops. ESPN lost tons of respect (and a huge amount of my viewership) when they for some reason started playing metal rock music in the background of their highlight shows. Why? I mean, WHY? I wrote them an email about it shortly after they first started that, to (obviously) no avail. Sigh.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
We *assume* you're hep to the TNT NBA hoops team of Shaq, Sir Charles, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. Something like 15 or so Emmys. And they also do some March Madness shows. They're zany at times, but chock-full of interesting and insightful commentary. Nothing else close to it (that I'm aware of), unless one counts Walton's soliloquies, which is a different animal. But that's only for hoops. ESPN lost tons of respect (and a huge amount of my viewership) when they for some reason started playing metal rock music in the background of their highlight shows. Why? I mean, WHY? I wrote them an email about it shortly after they first started that, to (obviously) no avail. Sigh.
Date: Tue Jul 27 10:52:16 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I was watching a recent recording of the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal game between El Salvador and Qatar (the best national team money can buy). The El Salvador midfield made a huge blunder near the center line that turned instantly into a break away for Qatar. Before El Salvador could recover, the Qatar striker blasted a shot between the criss-crossing bodies of a defenseman and the keeper that was buried in the back of the net. Soon after, the Qatar offense score again after a series of precise passes. With the ball rolling to the right and already well past the goal, the striker redirected the ball on a 120 degree angle and placed it in the upper 90 on the left side of the goal. In both cases, the scorer had his eyes locked on the ball for the 2 or 3 seconds prior to scoring. The ball found its way into the net based on pure instinct. This is in contrast to folks like Messi and Ronaldo who are "eyes up" types.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I was watching a recent recording of the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal game between El Salvador and Qatar (the best national team money can buy). The El Salvador midfield made a huge blunder near the center line that turned instantly into a break away for Qatar. Before El Salvador could recover, the Qatar striker blasted a shot between the criss-crossing bodies of a defenseman and the keeper that was buried in the back of the net. Soon after, the Qatar offense score again after a series of precise passes. With the ball rolling to the right and already well past the goal, the striker redirected the ball on a 120 degree angle and placed it in the upper 90 on the left side of the goal. In both cases, the scorer had his eyes locked on the ball for the 2 or 3 seconds prior to scoring. The ball found its way into the net based on pure instinct. This is in contrast to folks like Messi and Ronaldo who are "eyes up" types.
Date: Tue Aug 10 09:36:58 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
From the Impressive Futility Department: Giancarlo Stanton grounded into a double play last night, but ESPN is reporting that the122.6 mph was the hardest hit ball in the StatCast era.
Link: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=31995939
User: BuzzClik
Message:
From the Impressive Futility Department: Giancarlo Stanton grounded into a double play last night, but ESPN is reporting that the122.6 mph was the hardest hit ball in the StatCast era.
Link: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=31995939
Date: Tue Aug 17 10:43:30 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
In the Little League Softball World Series, the Texas team turned a triple play. It was more than just a fluke -- it was sharply executed with fantastic technique by the second baseman and short stop. There were two on for North Carolina. A crisp liner to the second basemen was barely dug out of the dirt who then flipped it quickly to the short stop covering second for the force out (the runner on second left the base before the catch) who turned the triple play by catching, planting, and tossing to first with amazing quickness. 6-4-3.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
In the Little League Softball World Series, the Texas team turned a triple play. It was more than just a fluke -- it was sharply executed with fantastic technique by the second baseman and short stop. There were two on for North Carolina. A crisp liner to the second basemen was barely dug out of the dirt who then flipped it quickly to the short stop covering second for the force out (the runner on second left the base before the catch) who turned the triple play by catching, planting, and tossing to first with amazing quickness. 6-4-3.
Date: Mon Aug 23 21:03:09 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
On to the Little League World Series. It's no longer surprising to see these 12-year-olds make stellar plays, not unlike their pro counterparts (on a smaller field, etc). Unfortunately, the little guys have been emulating their professional athlete heroes in their mannerisms, too. Chest thumping, a bat toss every now and then, and a particularly horrid instance of a pitcher giving the "shhh" sign (finger to lips) after striking out an opponent for the third out of an inning. (The only fans allowed in the stands are a smattering of press and families, so this little monster was giving the business to his victim's mom and dad.) The worst of it, however, nearly cost a kid's team dearly. The score was tied with a runner on second. The outfielders were playing in a few steps because the batter was a bit of a light hitter, but the batter muscled up on a fast ball, sending it really deep. I was sure it was out, as were the announcers. However, it bounced on the field short of the wall. The outfielder tracked it down, and threw the ball to the cut off. The batter was standing on first. Errr.... what? Upon viewing the replay, the batter was imitating on of his homerun hitting heroes by standing in the batter's box and admiring the flight of the ball. When the ball bounced on the field, the kid had no time to do anything but scramble to first. I blame this on the coaching to some extent (the kid was left in the game after this gaffe) and the omnipresent TV cameras. [PLEASE NOTE: The vast majority of these kids still play the game with innocent enthusiasm and humility. The few who act like little idiots are not spoiling the game, just diminishing it a bit.)
User: BuzzClik
Message:
On to the Little League World Series. It's no longer surprising to see these 12-year-olds make stellar plays, not unlike their pro counterparts (on a smaller field, etc). Unfortunately, the little guys have been emulating their professional athlete heroes in their mannerisms, too. Chest thumping, a bat toss every now and then, and a particularly horrid instance of a pitcher giving the "shhh" sign (finger to lips) after striking out an opponent for the third out of an inning. (The only fans allowed in the stands are a smattering of press and families, so this little monster was giving the business to his victim's mom and dad.) The worst of it, however, nearly cost a kid's team dearly. The score was tied with a runner on second. The outfielders were playing in a few steps because the batter was a bit of a light hitter, but the batter muscled up on a fast ball, sending it really deep. I was sure it was out, as were the announcers. However, it bounced on the field short of the wall. The outfielder tracked it down, and threw the ball to the cut off. The batter was standing on first. Errr.... what? Upon viewing the replay, the batter was imitating on of his homerun hitting heroes by standing in the batter's box and admiring the flight of the ball. When the ball bounced on the field, the kid had no time to do anything but scramble to first. I blame this on the coaching to some extent (the kid was left in the game after this gaffe) and the omnipresent TV cameras. [PLEASE NOTE: The vast majority of these kids still play the game with innocent enthusiasm and humility. The few who act like little idiots are not spoiling the game, just diminishing it a bit.)
Date: Mon Aug 23 21:46:49 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I've been watching bits and pieces - a moderate amount - and it's been mostly enjoyable. However......every ump I've watched has a very, very liberal strike zone. And I hate that for some of the kids. Haven't seen any favoritism; just quite a few strikes that really weren't. I can't even believe what you related. If I was that coach, there'd be a pinch-runner on first by the time the ball was back in the pitcher's hand.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
I've been watching bits and pieces - a moderate amount - and it's been mostly enjoyable. However......every ump I've watched has a very, very liberal strike zone. And I hate that for some of the kids. Haven't seen any favoritism; just quite a few strikes that really weren't. I can't even believe what you related. If I was that coach, there'd be a pinch-runner on first by the time the ball was back in the pitcher's hand.
Date: Mon Sep 27 22:47:53 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
A field (goal) day yesterday in the NFL - Justin Tucker broke the record with a 66 yard winning FG, that hopped in after hitting the crossbar (and was set by Lamar Jackson converting 4th and 19). And that wasn't even the longest one tried yesterday! The previous record holder (which was 64 yards at Mile High) Matt Prater tried a 68 yarder at the end of the half. That one didn't fair so good and was return 109 yards for a score, so the Cards went from 7-0 up with 25 seconds left to 7-13 (XP missed) at halftime. Luckily they were playing the Jaguars, so no harm done. https://youtu.be/FfX78jQhZXM Actually Prater's kick wasn't the longest in an NFL game till Tucker's. Swedish Ola Kimrin booted a 65 yarder in a preseason game in 2002, also in Denver. https://youtu.be/14_kWh0eAYs And the real oddity: Tom Dempsey's legendary 63 yarder in 1970 (previous mark 56) was also against the Lions, winning by the exact same score as the new mark set by Tucker! https://youtu.be/zrxTjgFYoU8
Link: NFL record 66 yard winning FG
User: Oded789
Message:
A field (goal) day yesterday in the NFL - Justin Tucker broke the record with a 66 yard winning FG, that hopped in after hitting the crossbar (and was set by Lamar Jackson converting 4th and 19). And that wasn't even the longest one tried yesterday! The previous record holder (which was 64 yards at Mile High) Matt Prater tried a 68 yarder at the end of the half. That one didn't fair so good and was return 109 yards for a score, so the Cards went from 7-0 up with 25 seconds left to 7-13 (XP missed) at halftime. Luckily they were playing the Jaguars, so no harm done. https://youtu.be/FfX78jQhZXM Actually Prater's kick wasn't the longest in an NFL game till Tucker's. Swedish Ola Kimrin booted a 65 yarder in a preseason game in 2002, also in Denver. https://youtu.be/14_kWh0eAYs And the real oddity: Tom Dempsey's legendary 63 yarder in 1970 (previous mark 56) was also against the Lions, winning by the exact same score as the new mark set by Tucker! https://youtu.be/zrxTjgFYoU8
Link: NFL record 66 yard winning FG
Date: Sun Oct 10 04:46:56 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Back in 1898, the football team of UK (then known as "Kentucky State College") (Transylvania University, also in Lexington and close by, was known as "Kentucky University") went undefeated, and unscored on. They went 7-0-0, with two of the games being against military outfits, and another two being against "athletic clubs" (not uncommon in those days), and were/are known as "The Immortals". So? The average weight of the guys on that team: 147 lbs.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Back in 1898, the football team of UK (then known as "Kentucky State College") (Transylvania University, also in Lexington and close by, was known as "Kentucky University") went undefeated, and unscored on. They went 7-0-0, with two of the games being against military outfits, and another two being against "athletic clubs" (not uncommon in those days), and were/are known as "The Immortals". So? The average weight of the guys on that team: 147 lbs.
Date: Sun Oct 10 20:32:52 2021
User: Oded789
Message:
NFL weekly wrap-up: * The Jags hit 20 straight losses, 2nd longest streak ever after the legendary 0-26 start of the 1976-77 expansion Bucs. * The Packers-Bengals game features an NFL record 5 potential winning FGs before Crosby knocks in the 6th try. * The Chargers score 4 TDs in the 4th to beat the Browns 47-42. * Mr. Superbowl throws another 5 TD game, this time with 400+ yards, a first for him. * and a really minor tid-bit (isn't that why we're here?) - the Niners turn the ball over 4 times on downs. I wonder what's the record in that department, but it can't be much higher.
User: Oded789
Message:
NFL weekly wrap-up: * The Jags hit 20 straight losses, 2nd longest streak ever after the legendary 0-26 start of the 1976-77 expansion Bucs. * The Packers-Bengals game features an NFL record 5 potential winning FGs before Crosby knocks in the 6th try. * The Chargers score 4 TDs in the 4th to beat the Browns 47-42. * Mr. Superbowl throws another 5 TD game, this time with 400+ yards, a first for him. * and a really minor tid-bit (isn't that why we're here?) - the Niners turn the ball over 4 times on downs. I wonder what's the record in that department, but it can't be much higher.
Date: Tue Oct 26 23:02:40 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Jorge Soler of the Braves smacked a home run in his very first at bat in a Word Series tonight - the first player to ever do that. I find it quite surprising that no one's ever done such.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Jorge Soler of the Braves smacked a home run in his very first at bat in a Word Series tonight - the first player to ever do that. I find it quite surprising that no one's ever done such.
Date: Sat Oct 30 21:12:44 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Zack Greinke, pitcher for the 'stros, got a single tonight - while batting eighth. I believe I heard them say he was the first pitcher to not bat 9th in the W.S. since Babe Ruth in 1918(?). And of course that means as a starter, without line-up switches during the game. I *think* I heard that right. That's a pretty amazing stat.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Zack Greinke, pitcher for the 'stros, got a single tonight - while batting eighth. I believe I heard them say he was the first pitcher to not bat 9th in the W.S. since Babe Ruth in 1918(?). And of course that means as a starter, without line-up switches during the game. I *think* I heard that right. That's a pretty amazing stat.
Date: Wed Nov 3 16:07:40 2021
User: JackStraw
Message:
Well Aaron can't play the "It's All About Winning" card anymore He will have time for more FreeCell on Sunday
User: JackStraw
Message:
Well Aaron can't play the "It's All About Winning" card anymore He will have time for more FreeCell on Sunday
Date: Thu Nov 4 09:28:58 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I doubt that Mr. Rodgers will be swayed by your comments. He is immune to criticism.
User: BuzzClik
Message:
I doubt that Mr. Rodgers will be swayed by your comments. He is immune to criticism.
Date: Thu Nov 4 12:07:02 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Well..................Buzz's response clears up *your* comment for me, JackStraw. Since your post followed mine about the W.S., in which the Braves were involved, I assumed you (somehow) meant Hank Aaron, and I didn't think he'd ever been associated with those words. It was quite puzzling. I was heretofore unaware (as I recall) of Rodgers's comment that unfortunately echoes Lombardi's classic ones.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Well..................Buzz's response clears up *your* comment for me, JackStraw. Since your post followed mine about the W.S., in which the Braves were involved, I assumed you (somehow) meant Hank Aaron, and I didn't think he'd ever been associated with those words. It was quite puzzling. I was heretofore unaware (as I recall) of Rodgers's comment that unfortunately echoes Lombardi's classic ones.
Date: Thu Nov 4 15:11:01 2021
User: JackStraw
Message:
Yes never want to confuse Hank with Aaron. Hank had a lot of great baseball cards and one of the best Hartland Statues.
User: JackStraw
Message:
Yes never want to confuse Hank with Aaron. Hank had a lot of great baseball cards and one of the best Hartland Statues.
Date: Thu Nov 4 15:39:18 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/E~EAAOSwEm1gQXix/s-l300.jpg I always liked this one of him. Never had his statue.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/E~EAAOSwEm1gQXix/s-l300.jpg I always liked this one of him. Never had his statue.
Date: Thu Nov 4 15:45:01 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
This is so freaking confusing. The *first* attempt at the Bambino one from yesterday didn't work 'either' way for me, altho others could definitely see it. On neither a browser on which I allow cookies, or one one that I don't. Then.......later on, I could see it on my phone, on which I don't allow cookies. This one shows up with NONE of those three options.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
This is so freaking confusing. The *first* attempt at the Bambino one from yesterday didn't work 'either' way for me, altho others could definitely see it. On neither a browser on which I allow cookies, or one one that I don't. Then.......later on, I could see it on my phone, on which I don't allow cookies. This one shows up with NONE of those three options.
Date: Thu Nov 4 19:58:08 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Thanks, redberet. I was guessing you or someone else would fix.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Thanks, redberet. I was guessing you or someone else would fix.
Date: Thu Nov 4 20:09:10 2021
User: redberet
Message:
Back in the day when real ball players wore stirrups.
User: redberet
Message:
Back in the day when real ball players wore stirrups.
Date: Fri Nov 5 00:42:56 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Nice. But those look in too good a shape (and the uniforms appear to be too white) to be the "originals". I know there's been all sorts of more recent re-issues and variations put out. And I don't recognize a Colavito there - the only one I had. One of my cousins has, or at least had, about 5-8 of them, including the Mantle. As I recall.......back a couple of decades ago, these became quite valuable, but then dropped back down. But that's just from my sketchy, only-partially-informed memory. And.........altho I know the long-legged unis are what they're all wearing now............I guess I had no idea that they didn't still also wear stirrups. Never even thought or wondered about it. But I *did* like the high stirrups, a la the early '70s A's, with the white cleats. Would be way cool to see a team do that for one of these 'throwback' games. Heck - maybe they have.
User: TNmountainman
Message:
Nice. But those look in too good a shape (and the uniforms appear to be too white) to be the "originals". I know there's been all sorts of more recent re-issues and variations put out. And I don't recognize a Colavito there - the only one I had. One of my cousins has, or at least had, about 5-8 of them, including the Mantle. As I recall.......back a couple of decades ago, these became quite valuable, but then dropped back down. But that's just from my sketchy, only-partially-informed memory. And.........altho I know the long-legged unis are what they're all wearing now............I guess I had no idea that they didn't still also wear stirrups. Never even thought or wondered about it. But I *did* like the high stirrups, a la the early '70s A's, with the white cleats. Would be way cool to see a team do that for one of these 'throwback' games. Heck - maybe they have.
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