Ponder the Thought

High School Basketball

             IS IT TIME FOR A SHOT CLOCK

 IN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL??

By John Leon 

           

            In seven states in the USA, high school basketball has a shot clock for games that vary between 30-35 seconds. The debate around the country centers on the issue of fundamental basketball and whether it would harm the game strategy. I believe it would be another step in the evolution of the game.

            Let’s look at the timeline of how we got to this point in the game of basketball.

-          1908 - Fouls were limited to 5. Before that, they were unlimited for players

-          1954 – During the George Mikan era, the NBA started the 24 second clock

-          1970 – The ABA introduced the 3 point shot that has been adopted since the merger between the NBA and ABA. In 1986-87 Men and women’s college basketball adopted the three point line

-          1971 – Women’s College Basketball introduced the 30 second shot clock

-          1985 – Men’s College Basketball introduced the 45 second shot clock and later tweaked it down to its present 35 seconds in 1993

Again the question is posed, should there be a shot clock in high school

basketball? Is this the time for the next step in the evolutionary process to start? The debate has raged on both sides of the argument and both are valid points.

      Expenses such as wiring, electrical, maintenance and game night operations could bring a onetime expense of $10,000 or more. That cost could be defrayed by sponsorships from banks, alumni, etc. The cost of having someone operate the shot clock has to be taken into account as well.

      Coaches will debate on both sides, citing the need for fundamentals in the game. Some argue that the advent of the shot clock would lead to more individual play instead of tem basketball. Others will point out that it would help with the kids that are being recruited for college.

Case in point is three girls from Illinois that attend a local college and had never played with a clock before. The learning curve is greatly enhanced as they had to be aware of the need to get the shots off in the allotted time. Some coaches may not have the talent of other teams during a certain season and feel that by stalling as long as possible, it gives their team a better chance of winning.

      Prep players from European countries have an advantage over the players in the States because they have the shot clock and therefore have a slight advantage in college recruiting. Colleges don’t have to wonder how the players will function under the pressure of a clock.

      Fans will argue that it’s no fun watching a 33-30 game when just two nights before they were watching a 75-68 game. Arguably, there is a case for a team that plays great defense and will force turnovers, thereby eliminating the need for the clock. The five second rule has helped that as well where a defender can pressure the ball handler into holding the ball for five seconds, forcing a violation and giving their team the ball back.

      Referees would have one more thing to be aware of as they have recently gone to mostly three man crews. The players have gotten so much bigger and faster, the need for more eyes on the court became a necessity, especially during the playoffs, where every possession can be meaningful.

      So the debate will rage on and there are valid points to be made, some of which I may have missed in this article. However, from a fan’s perspective, I believe it is time for the shot clock as it would make the game more exciting, would add to the flow of the game and allow more of the talent, teams, individuals and coaches, to be showcased. Coaches, teams and players will not have a problem adjusting to the change, just the strategy will be different.

      The game was created to be one of movement and it’s time for this movement to be brought to the forefront. The next step in the evolution of the game may not be far away.

       

BRIGANTINE

YOU CAN TAKE THE BOY OUT OF THE TOWN,

BUT YOU CAN’T THE TOWN OUT OF THE BOY

                By John Leon

 

            Nostalgia can be a wonderful thing if it’s portrayed in a positive light. Some people may say it’s a wistful remembrance of days gone by, but others prefer to remember “the good old days.” I prefer to look at it like a fond memory and should be shared.

            I grew up in a town called Brigantine, NJ and for those who are true South Jerseyans, you all have visited there, know of someone who grew up there or have some memory of what Brigantine was like during the 1950 through the 1980’s. This is the period when I grew up there and it was a time that will forever be etched in my mind.

            What brings this all to mind is a fund raiser to be held on a January weekend for a local whose house burned down on Christmas Day of all things. He and his family lost everything, and even though he no longer lived on “The Island”, he’s still one of us. You see, even though people may travel or move to another town, country or planet, once you have the greenhead blood in you, it’s there forever.

            The Island, Gilligan’s Island, Land of the Greenheads, whatever you may call it, it’s still Brig and it’s ingrained in all who’ve ever stayed. We grew up knowing there was one way in and one way out of the Island. Unless of course you had a boat. Everyone knew everyone growing up and during the time period there were approximately 4,200 people living there year round, so getting away with anything was tough. By the time you got home there was a beating waiting for you, and that was after you already got one from whoever caught you doing something wrong to begin with.

            That’s just the way it was then. Sports were a big part of the landscape with the sections of the town making up who played on what team. There was the North End and the South End with Central School being the dividing line. The Golf Course section in the north was another and you had the far south end. Central School is now the Offices of the City and North School is now North Middle School. In 1971 I was part of North School’s first graduating class that came through.

             Holst’ court and the baseball field were popular hangouts with summer league basketball on the famous court in Wally Holst back yard. The only court with lights, the baskets in play and the heavy metal poles that you could use as a pick on an opponent. It always had a slope toward the street and you tried not to hit the pole on your way to the basket. No blood, no foul was the rule, not the exception. Legends played on that court and one time or another such as Chris Ford, Ron Rose, Larry DiGiovanni, Joe Mason, Pete Kerley, Tommy Kissick, Fran DeJohn and many more who I may be forgetting. If you weren’t playing, then you were watching and certainly, it was the place to be.

            My house was a remembrance as well as I was growing up. We lived in the rear apartment of Royal Electric on 31^st and Revere. There were two hills that grew from the dirt in the back of the house where people used to jump them on bikes. I couldn’t tell you how many people wiped out going too fast or too far after the jump, because there was a fence on the property line next door. If you went too far, you ate the fence or worse. Mr. Pietropola must have repaired that thing a hundred times.

            After we played baseball on the lot where the hill was used for a backstop, we could go to the Dairy Queen from across the street and on many nights, that was the highlight of getting to see who was there and running over to hang out.

            In the early 80’s softball became such a booming sport that there were 12 teams in town and tournaments that were played on the two different fields. North School and St. Phillips, before the new field was installed with lights. 6PM games at either field were an interesting sight to say the least with all dirt fields and no fences. Hit one between the outfielders and you could run all day. Playing the field was no picnic with the boulders that seemed to multiply every night rising to the surface after being drug and lined for that night’s games. Once the new field at St. Phillips was built, lights and a very reachable fence, made the games even more spectacular. Triple headers, beer specials and tremendous talented play made it a night out for everyone. Out-of-towners were begging to play on the Gem of South Jersey. The stories about those games are legendary

            It was such a tight town that the day I got married there were four other weddings THE SAME DAY! One at 1pm, two at four o’clock, one at 5pm and another out of town. Many invitees went from reception to reception so there weren’t too many revelers that didn’t hurt the next day. All were invited and all were accepted, that’s just the way it was.

            Now I’m sure that there are other Shore communities with ties that are just as tight, friendships that have endured as long and reunions that go on constantly. I just happen to be talking about my town and it could just as well be any one in the 30 mile radius of Brigantine, but you mention to anyone where you grew up and instantly there’s a little more room at the bar. There’s a little more respect knowing how crazy you may or may not be because of the Island and certainly there are always more than you in the area for backup or to corroborate a story.

            If there’s any doubt, just attend the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game between Holy Spirit and Atlantic City High School. 5,000 or more annually attend the game with many Brigantine people catching up with each other. It sometimes is the only time you see one another.

            Unfortunately, tragedies, funerals or fundraisers are the other times. Many in my age group have passed either suddenly or gradually. Tragedies bring us together to support our friends, stories are remembered about how we used to be, but there’s always a common thread, The Island.

            The town has survived over 100 years of progress, two major hurricanes in 1944 and 1962 (that one I remember) and many of my acquaintances gone, moved or still living there. One thing remains though, even as we all grow older.

            You can take the boy out of Brigantine, but you can’t take the Brigantine out of the boy.

            I wouldn’t have it any other way.     

When Push comes to Shove

MY SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

                By John Leon

 

            In this day and age, the politics in just about any situation never seem to boggle my mind. People are constantly being taken advantage of, and I confess, I happen to be one of them.

            Recently there was been a power struggle in an entity that I would like to believe that I was part of. No longer. The days of being taken advantage of are over and there will be a price to be paid in the future, since I have the power of the pen.

            I didn’t bring this on, but this is the result of what happens when you piss off a writer that was asked to help and do things the right way.

            Being a journalist gives me creative license to write and determine the rights and wrongs of everyday life. It’s my opinion after all, and if you don’t like it, tough! I personally do not like being used as a pawn in power games between people that supposedly have the best interests in mind of those that they are the leaders of and that’s the kids that they teach and coach.

            Gone are the days of taking sides and it’s time to call it like I see it, and although I’ve done my due diligence in reporting things AFTER getting quotes from the sources and confirming like a good journalist is supposed to, it never ceases to amaze me, how people send out false information or the information that they want to release, in the name of their cause.

            A denial, false truths, lies; however you want to name it is all the worst kind of information that goes around these days. People ask you for your opinion and then you realize that they just wanted to see where you stand. All the while reporting to the higher entities that you may have had differences with.

            A recent committee asked my opinion on what they thought needed to be done in a situation. I told them what I always do and that’s the truth. Like it or not, it’s my opinion and that’s what I say. It’s sometime brutally honest but it gets the point across. What I never banked on was that the words that I chose would find their way back to someone that not only I don’t trust, but don’t like and want nothing to do with. I realized that the person, who I thought was no longer in charge, still is with minions to do his bidding.

            Another committee tried, in vain, to have the gym at Holy Spirit named after long time coach and teacher Bill Deibert. It was UNANIMOUSLY rejected. That’s not the best part. The football field is already named after Ed Byrnes and there’s no problem here, but the people that rejected the idea are two administrators that have no idea who Deibert was, one person who had a fleeting time with him and two of his peers. Nice huh? I wonder where the final vote came from? Certainly not the current administration.

            Don’t worry about the possible revenue that it may bring, let’s just not give the naming rights to anyone. Don’t worry that he sent all of his children through the school, spent 43 years teaching there and was a revered coach and mentor. Apparently the “committee” that rejected the idea felt that he didn’t do enough.

            This is the struggle of Church and State, my State. I have no love lost for either side especially on side that has been a thorn in my side professionally and personally. I have tried to treat all parties with fairness and equality and have been taken advantage of.

            I hope all parties are having a good laugh at the expense of a journalist that tried to do the right thing and made sure the sources were of the highest quality before releasing any information.

            I suppose in this day and age, sensationalistic journalism rules and being one of the few that actually still believes in the integrity of my profession, it must mean that there’s a stamp on me that says, “Take him for a fool”.

            Enjoy it now, because it’s about to change.

           

THE MLB ABOMINATION

SELIG HAS FAILEDAS COMMISSIONER

By John Leon                                                                       

The ridiculous way that Bud Selig and Major League baseball screwed the Phils out of a possible clinching game, just understates what we’ve all felt all along and now have realized. Bud Selig may be in the Top 5 of the worst Commissioners ever to grace the MLB stage.

The All-Star fiasco was one thing but what he did to the Phils was so blatantly absurd that it bears analyzing. The Phils were leading 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning, which would have made it an OFFICIAL game according to the rules. But No!!!

Enter the Undertaker Selig and his infinite twisted wisdom to allow the game to be continued in weather that even ducks wouldn’t want to be in. Bear in mind, the Phils ace Cole Hamels, was now relegated to one pitch, a fastball. This was due to the fact that his 3^rd best pitch, a curve ball was not even considered and his “out” pitch, his devastating change, couldn’t be gripped properly in the slop.

Naturally, Carlos Pena, who had done nothing of note, singles to left tying the game in the top of the 6^th inning. What happens next is so out of the ordinary that it can’t be explained and what the results may be should be considered under a Conspiracy Theory.

The umpires and Selig, THEN decide to suspend the game because the playing conditions were too bad to continue. You mean to tell me that the conditions weren’t bad enough in the bottom of the fifth inning? What an absolute joke! This is all about the advertising dollars and ratings let’s not fool ourselves. His comment that “we’ll play until Thanksgiving if necessary” should clue everybody in. You think he wouldn’t want that?

Mitch Williams and Ricky Bottalico both said how absurd this was, that the Phils now lose their best pitcher and that the Rays should have been forced to play in the bottom of the 6^th as well. They have a distinct advantage now because their pitcher gets to throw off a perfect mound instead of the quicksand that Hamels threw off of.

Once again, Selig and his minions have made a great game a national joke and delayed what could be the first World Series Champion in Philly in 28 years.

If Philly is smart and we all know how they like motivation, they’ll use this as being ganged up on and play against the system. The title should be in Philly right now, and if they can get the adrenaline flowing, it will be.

Selig needs to get out now and use the “best interests of the game” clause against him self.

MAINLAND 2008/SPIRIT 2007

LET THE COMPARISONS BEGIN 

                     BY JOHN LEON

ABSECON – The 2008 BCS standing will be coming out in the next week and even though the 2008 season in the Cape-Atlantic League is only at the halfway mark, the inevitable comparisons of teams start about now. The comparison is very tough though as the 2008 Mainland Mustangs are starting to be compared to the 2007 Holy Spirit Spartan juggernaut of just a year ago.

Usually a team dominates every few years or so but this is almost unprecedented having two teams that statistically are so similar, that the comparisons are being raised. Considering the numbers, the two teams are eerily similar but both just as dominant and the wins prove that. The opposition has marveled at both and position-by-position, the match up could be considered a draw at this point. Again, this only five games into the season so bear in mind that the final outcome may be different by year’s end.

Offensively, Spirit averaged 41.8 per game, Mainland averages 40.5 and Spirit ran the ball almost exclusively with William Washington and Nick Hall. They had a combined 54 rushing TD’s and 352 points scoring. Stangs QB Brent Caprio has amassed 21 TD’s thus far and Mainland has the better receivers, but the offensive philosophies are very different.

 Defensively, Spirit allowed a measly 7.5 points per game, allowing just 5 rushing TD’s all season and scoring four of it’s own. Mainland has given up just 3.3 and only one rushing score, after only allowing 12.2 last season. Mainland’s defense was good last year but great this season.

Shutout wins over Holy Spirit and Hammonton (in Hammonton) have solidified their place as one of the best defenses in recent memory. Those losses were the first and maybe the last those two teams may see this year. Last year it was Spirit that gave Mainland it’s only loss until the Group 4 title game against Toms River North.

The only remaining question is “Will Mainland run the table?” A viable question and if history is any indication, they should win out, at least in the CAL. By the way they have won so far, it seems that the only team that can beat Mainland is Mainland, but there are some roadblocks yet to overcome.

Their schedule is favorable with home games against Millville and EHT (Thanksgiving) and two away games at Oakcrest and Absegami. Millville, Oakcrest and Gami are rebuilding, which would leave a rapidly improving Eagles team to spoil the party and ruin a turkey dinner.

The Group 4 playoffs featuring Washington Township, Toms River North (last year’s Champ), eastern and Southern Regional could test the Stangs, but as coach Bob Coffey will tell you, the Stangs have not and will not look ahead. That’s our job.

For now, we as fans and reporters should savor the opportunity we have to even entertain the thought of who is better from 2007-2008. The debate is fascinating and let the rest of the season play out, then let the arguments begin.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP

By John Leon                                                                                   

For a once proud franchise, the Oakland Raiders have be come a national joke and that’s not making the NFL happy. Not one bit. For a League that prides itself on how it’s run and the way it is perceived, the debacle that is the Raiders is embarrassing to the League, it’s fans and all of us who are Raider faithful.

I am unabashedly a Raiders Fan, always have been and probably always will be. Al Davis, who still runs the team, forged the way they used to conduct themselves. Davis was and still is, forever entrenched in the lore of the NFL for his vision and foresight. The Raiders always acquired players that were considered cast-offs and renegades and Davis played that for all it was worth. Commitment to Excellence, Just Win Baby, etc. is part of the history in the NFL.

The three Super Bowls that they won are but a distant memory as are the players that proudly wore the Silver and Black. Gone are “The Mad Bomber, The Stork, Alzado, Matuszak, The Snake and Lester the Molester”. In their place now resides a shell of what the franchise used to be about. The new players are so far removed of what the Raiders are supposed to be about, they don’t even know the players that were part of those teams, or how the team is portrayed. Davis has overseen the bad draft selections, the ridiculous bad contracts and the overall demise.

Their 6th coach in the last 5 ½ years, Tom Cable, has the unenviable task of trying to set a better course. Coaches that once roamed the sidelines like Madden, Flores and Davis himself are just folklore now. It’s a shame that one man has been the creator and the destroyer of a team like the Raiders.

The press conference detailing the firing of Lane Kiffin was embarrassing and absurd. Detailing the communications between the coach and owner like the weasel he has become, Davis certainly should hear from the League about his conduct. He probably has buried Kiffin from ever finding another job in the NFL, even though his father, Monte Kiffin of Tampa Bay, is one of the best defensive coordinators around.

Sadly, Davis is but a fading version of his former self, still the maverick but now instead of being a leader at the forefront of making the League stronger, he’s been a speed bump getting in the way of progress. This is not new as he’s been in the background but always visible for some time now.

It’s time for the League to get this sinking ship headed once again in the right direction. Maybe it will take the Commissioner to get the League’s Conduct Clause invoked upon Davis, much like MLB did when George Steinbrenner went after Dave Winfield and suspended him for a year. The Yankees fortunes went up after that and this could be the bandage that the Raiders need. Ironically, Steinbrenner and Davis share the same birthday, July 4.

The Raider Fans are legendary as they dress up “The Black Hole” when the team plays, but lately the Black Hole seems to be swallowing the franchise and Darth Davis seems to be willing to take his team to the dark side with him. Even as bad as Detroit has been with Matt Millen, they’ve actually been better run than the Raiders, and that’s really embarrassing.

It’s time for the NFL to step in and set a precedent. They need to get this franchise righted because the NFL needs the Raiders to be a viable option, not the joke they’ve become. They are the team everyone loves to hate, but when they act like they have been, it’s tough to feel anything but sorry.

Lately the NFL has become a League of 31 teams….and the Raiders.

                       

The Railroad Out of Town

IF IT’S FALL, THEN THE RAILROAD IS IN FULL FORCE

By John Leon                                                                                   

 

            Railroaded. We’ve all heard the phrase and it’s in full swing. This time two more locals have gotten the bums rush out of their respective towns. One by a coach and a coach by the parents. It just never ceases to amaze me how dumb humans can be, and after all this time, I know it really shouldn’t, but it does. Especially when the athletes are involved and we all know how I feel about that (see “Parents and Unrealistic Expectations; January 20, 2007”)

            In just a few days, a local football star was told by the institution that he wanted to play for, that his services were no longer needed. This institution heavily recruited this kid, but the coach who recruited him was forced to resign. The official reason was that he retired but that’s crap and we all know it. I think it’s pretty funny when you see that the student/athlete graduated with a 3.0, scored well on his SAT’s, and even enrolled during the summer so he could get a jump on classes for his freshman year. AND was practicing with the football team, in full expectation of playing for this major Division 1 school.

 That all went by the wayside when the new coach took over and felt that a player that he recruited at his former school deserved the scholarship more than our local guy. So they said that he fell ½ credit short of qualifying in the NCAA Clearinghouse. How is that even remotely possible? Politics my friends, and it’s just not about presidential politics either. Granted, this athlete WILL play next season at a D-1 school, so how is he not eligible now? The coach didn’t want him and railroaded him out of the school, thereby making him look as though he couldn’t cut it. Nice huh?

Our 2^nd case involves a long time high school coach who was told last week that his contract was not going to renewed after 6 years at the helm. His crime? Officially, it’s because he had a “My Space” page, and who doesn’t have that or a blog of some kind anymore? It’s the way of the future and how people stay in contact with each other, especially when you coach high school athletes. “Inappropriate pictures on the site,” was the culprit and just like that his coaching career is done. The only thing inappropriate was the way his dismissal was handled and there was in no way anything inappropriate on there, I’ve seen it.

Unofficially, he was railroaded out of town by the tried and true formula of the parents. Yes, once again, parents rule who plays and who goes, and when little Janey/Johnny doesn’t play over someone CLEARLY better than them, the parents raise havoc, going to the Principal, Athletic Director and finally, the President of the school to get the desired results. Thus was the case this time, and oh by the way, the athlete in question was the coach’s daughter who would have been an incoming freshman AND would have made his team better than it already was. This was a playoff team with championship aspirations, but no longer. The daughter has enrolled at another school and the school has posted the job…ON THEIR OWN WEB SITE but not the local newspapers.

Why would that be? Covering up something dirty and distasteful, like your own self-righteousness? Look in the mirror and ask how the team and school, will be better without this person, and then you better be able to trade up. Good Luck with that.

So there you have it. The railroad has made it’s stops in the South Jersey region again, and just like before, the stop it made left a foul smelling odor, reminding us again that all is not fair in Love, War and High School/College athletics.

Feel bad for the kids, but don’t feel bad for the coaches and parents that caused the carnage. Pity them instead, but it still stinks.

Post Season Awards- Version 1

               …AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME

The Post Season Awards with a month to go

By John Leon                                                                                   

 

            It’s the end of August and as the pennant races are in full boil, it’s time to throw my 2 cents worth in for the post-season awards as they stand right now. There’s still a month to go, but the candidates look pretty locked up and there are always wild cards, so here we go.

                                                MVP

AMERICAN LEAGUE – Kevin Youkilis-Boston (.319-24-90) and Carlos Quentin-Chicago White Sox (.292-36-100) – These are far and away the two best in my opinion. I base my criteria on the Most Valuable Player for his team, and therefore the League. Safe to say that without Youkilis, the Red Sox would not have been able to weather the Manny storm and let’s not forget, he plays first AND third base. That is very valuable especially with Mike Lowell being out a bit. Quentin has been nothing short of a revelation for the White Sox and without him they wouldn’t be anywhere close to the top of their division.

NATIONAL LEAGUE – Albert Pujols- St. Louis (.356-28-87), Ryan Ludwick- St. Louis (.304-31-95) and Ryan Theriot- Chicago Cubs (.314) The first two are no-brainers. Pujols is well, Pujols, but Ludwick is the NL’s version of Quentin. Injured for the better part of his career and having a healthy (read productive) season. Theriot has been the glue that’s propelled the Cubbies to their first run deep in the playoffs in a long, long time. The stats may be skewed but the value he brings to the team is immeasurable.

                                                CY YOUNG

AMERICAN LEAGUE - Cliff Lee-Cleveland (19-2, 2.43 ERA, 145 K’s, 27 BB). Even before Cleveland shipped CC of to Milwaukee, it was Lee who was the stopper for the Indians. Francisco Rodriguez is a close 2^nd with 50 saves as we speak and will obliterate Bobby Thigpen’s mark for saves in a season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE – Brandon Webb- Arizona (19-5, 2.96 ERA) and it’s not close for second place, except for the guy in Milwaukee who’s been absolutely lights out since his trade there. The comparisons are astounding with guys that have been unreal after a major trade. Doyle Alexander went 9-0 for the Tigers (BTW he was traded for John Smoltz); Randy Johnson was 9-2 for the Astros and now Sabathia. Brad Lidge may get some consideration but only if the Phils can hang on.

                                                ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

AMERICAN LEAGUE – Evan Longoria-Tampa Bay (.278-22-71) AND 2^nd in the AL in fielding among third basemen.

NATIONAL LEAGUE – Giovanny Soto-Chicago Cubs (.285-20-78). Along with Theriot, would the Cubs be anywhere near the top without them? He’s caught 116 games already.

 

            There you have it. I don’t think I went out on a limb but these are my picks with approximately 30-35 games to play. Changes will be coming but if these guys play as they have been it shouldn’t be that different come October.

           

Sports Fans In Mourning

               A DIVORCE THAT HURTS ALL SPORTS FANS

By John Leon                                                                                   

 

            “Annnnnnnnnnddddddddd Good Afternoon everybody!!! How are you doing today? Mike and Mad Dog radio program is on the air.”

On Friday morning that’s how the Mike and the Mad Dog radio program on WFAN New York opened for the last time.

Just two weeks short of their 19^th anniversary, one of the longest, if not THE longest running sports talk shows came to an end. Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo decided to end their Mike and the Mad Dog radio program on WFAN in New York. Russo made the decision that it was time for the two to part ways and we as sports fans will be the poorer for it.

            Francesa, who has been with FAN since 1987 will take over the 1-6:30pm daily slot on a solo basis for now. Russo stated that “it was the right call at the right time and there were several opportunities” that he wanted to take advantage of at the age of 48.

            The two were paired starting in 1989 and although they have not seen eye-to-eye on many occasions, as Francesa mentioned that over 19 years, probably 5 or 6 very public squabbles between the two were somewhat ugly. The last disagreement between the two happened this past spring.

They always brought a great knowledge; passion and integrity to the sports talk landscape that is rarely seen these days. They were indeed pioneers in the genre, and when you listened to them, they would rail on about a myriad of things in any topic.

            As Francesa opened the show on Friday afternoon, you could feel the sobriety in his voice and in a move rarely heard of in the medium, brought Russo on by phone to give his farewell. Russo, always emotional, broke down at times, praising the relationship between the two. Francesa mentioned that they had been together and known each other longer than their current wives had known them, causing Russo to lose it. Francesa had to break the moment or he would start the tears as well.

            During the program Mike said that there would be a different feel to the afternoon program and the Russo had made this decision to pursue other opportunities, giving Russo the chance to explain why he made the decision to leave at this time. Sirius radio has been mentioned as a possible outlet and no matter where he lands, he will bring his enthusiasm and knowledge to that program as well.

            As fans, we will certainly be the losers in this breakup. The entertainment, the back and forth commentary on everything from horses, to books, to authors, to the Yankees and Giants, will be sadly missed and though I’m sure Francesa will do a fine job, there will definitely be something missing.

            Much like two people that have been married and have know each other through thick and thin, this divorce will be an adjustment for everyone, including the children of the show, us fans. We have to step back and realize that they were truly the patriarchs of what we hear on our airwaves now, good and bad.

            So when we hear hosts on the Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, etc. airwaves, always be reminded that it all started with Mike and the Mad Dog. We have been in their debt for creating this genre and though we often disagree with what is said, they have spurred the audience to think and voice opinions on the sports landscape.

            We will move on, remembering how often the passionate disagreements were voiced, but we also will remember the entertainment that was provided and the knowledge that made us form our own opinions.

            As sports fans we all lose in this divorce but as someone once said, “Don’t be sad because of the ending, be happy because it happened.”

            Mike and the Mad Dog made it happen.

           

The Phrustrating Phils

          IS THIS THE MOST FRUSTRATING

 TEAM EVER?

By John Leon                                                                     

 

          Philadelphia has always had teams that fans and media have thought to be underachievers or overachievers. Recent memory serves that the 1993 Phils were certainly overachievers with the Daulton-Kruk-Dykstra team that we all wanted to see win the Series. The throwbacks were at least fun to watch and at best one of the most feared teams in baseball. You know it’s a good team when the immortal Tommy Greene wins 16 games.

          But this year’s team is an enigma in my opinion. The talent level is certainly better than ‘ 93 and they have better hitting, but not better pitching. They seem to get in their own way when there’s a chance to put a team away. They rest on a couple of runs instead of putting a foot on the jugular, as Saturday night’s game will attest. Two runs in the first and a sweat job throughout the rest of the game. It makes for good television but frustrates even veteran Phils fans.

          Jimmy Rollins looks like he’s starting to play his way through the MVP rust ands Shane Victorino will be a great leadoff man someday. He’s a high wire act and causes havoc, almost Dykstra-esc. But Chase Utley definitely has an injury or something, Ryan Howard for all of his run producing, almost seems like he’s waiting for God knows what and Pat Burrell, is well, Pat Burrell. He has been Mr. Consistency and who would have ever thought that about him, but the numbers back it up. 25-30 homers and 75-100 RBI every year for the past eight years.

          They are frustratingly inconsistent. They should be able to manufacture runs as they did earlier in the season and they do have enough speed to do so. They have at least 5 or 6 players that can run well, with all of the outfielders, save Burrell, Rollins and Eric Bruntlett, capable of pilfering some bags and pressuring the defense. It hasn’t happened lately. I would add Carlos Ruiz in there but he may be the epitome of this team, talented but inconsistent.

          Brett Myers seems to be coming around to form, witnessed by his last 3 starts, Jamie Moyer is always a 10-13 win starter and Kyle Kendrick is becoming the right handed Moyer with better stuff. But Cole Hamels can’t get any run support and the jury’s still out on Joe Blanton. The bullpen, managed by the Dali Dubee, begins and ends with J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin and Brad Lidge. Anyone else is very questionable and is Ryan Madsen this year’s Geoff Geary?

          So the frustration mounts, the Marlins won’t go away and the Mets are breathing heavily down their necks. A tough road to the West Coast awaits and maybe, just maybe they can bond on this trip to get some breathing room.

          Otherwise there may not be enough oxygen to keep the patient alive.

           

The Knees

                    AN OPEN LETTER TO MY BRAIN

By John Leon                                                                     

 

          Dear Brain:

Remember me? That left knee that used to be able to allow you to run and jump and do all the things that made you one of the best softball/baseball players in the area? Well, how do you like me now? After 3 other surgeries on both of us knees, now you’re looking at another one. This time, work got in the way and I just couldn’t handle the stress of carrying both of us around anymore.

For 21 years we (the knees) allowed you do just about anything you wanted on the fields, until you started abusing us. Oh, it may not have seemed like it at the time, but remember all of those slides into bases? All of those jumping and diving catches? All of those sprints into uncharted territories tracking down fly balls? Time to pay up boy!

So here you sit and we’re singing to you now aren’t we? 22 years of toting and carrying the mail added to the stress and now you’re looking at someone putting the knife to us once again so you can live a semi-normal life again. This is the thanks we get? Boy, how appreciative!

Oh, we know that being the athlete you were was a choice and we gladly went along for the ride, so after all is said and done, we’re not complaining. We had a chance to visit most, if not all, of the states on the east coast, saw some great sights and most of all were able to compete on a level that not many get to achieve.

We just wanted to let you know that we want to be right again and if this is the course we have to take to get your attention, then it has to be. We’re never going to be sprinting again and that’s fine with us, but it would be nice to be able to walk semi-normally again without having these damn cartilage, ligaments and tendons breaking down all the time. As Larry the Cable Guy says, “Git er done!”

So in conclusion, let us finalize this letter by saying it’s been a heck of a ride, now it’s time to begin doing something better with your life. Start by fixing us, get out of the Post Office, because we both know that it’s not going to last much longer anyway and begin the next phase of our life together.

You are a talented writer and make people sit up and take notice. It’s about time you enhanced that career, but fix us so that butt of yours doesn’t grow to the size of a 50 cent toll to get around it.

At least we’ll be able to keep you in a bit of shape and yes, we know that round is a shape but it doesn’t look good on us. Besides any extra poundage you add only makes our job tougher. Our job is tough enough already.

Remember, scars are only tattoos with better stories.

           

          Sincerely,

                    Your knees

Thoughts

             RANDOM THOUGHTS

 

     By John Leon                       

Random Thought – Are you as tired as I am about the whining, crying “I don’t get any respect” millionaire athlete as I am? I know this isn’t recent news but when Brett Favre, who supposed to be an icon, and the eccentric Manny Ramirez start this crap, it really gets me. Let’s be realistic, Favre has been pulling the Packers chain for 3 years now so I don’t feel sorry for him, and Ramirez, who has a $20 million club option for the next 2 years…yes I said that A $20 MILLION DOLLAR CLUB OPTION FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS is whining about how the Red Sox are making him out to be a bad guy, let’s just stop it right now. Enough! By the way, Favre is not going to be released now matter how much he whines about being the starting quarterback and Ramirez now has Scott Boras as his agent. Coincidence?

Random Thought – I want the parents to stop their whining about their little Johnny/Janey having to get ready for the upcoming high school season by training during the summer. When would you like them to get ready? Opening Day? Coaches are asking the players to choose a sport and granted, there are some players who excel at more than one sport and make All-Star Teams in baseball, etc. Coaches are then asking them to pick a sport, which I think may border on unfair, but once again, the parents are living their lives through the athletes vicariously. These are the same parents that then want to know why their little superstar isn’t playing as much as someone else. These are the same parents that get coaches fired through their moaning and whining. Let the kids be kids and root them on. They're not making ESPN! Enough!

Random Thought – About a month ago, a Major League umpire was suspended for 1 game for initiating contact with a coach. 1 game! If that were the coach or player they would’ve gotten a minimum 5 games. Where’s the justice? I used to get on umpires a bit when I played but I never saw an umpire bait a player like this recent event. Make your call, walk away and be done. Nobody’s paying $40 and up to watch you blow a call!

Random Thought – Just when I thought Philly Fans were getting soft, leave it to the broadcasters to shed negative ideas after negative ideas about their favorite players and teams. Is there never a time when the media (which I am a member of), the fans and front office is happy? Trade deadlines come and go and unless A Rod drops in your lap there’s problem that it’s never good enough. Even A Rod would have problems in Philly and not just about Madonna.

Random Thought – Is there any reason we can’t enjoy the pennant races for a little while longer instead of counting the days until football season starts? The Eagles are not, repeat, are NOT going to the Super Bowl unless a miracle happens. Too many other teams are ahead of them and they’ve shown no reason to get excited about what they’re doing after a week of camp. Give it until Labor Day at least and then let’s review shall we?

 

 

Brett Favre

ENOUGH WITH THE SOAP OPERA-

TAKE A HIKE BRETT!!

 

By John Leon           

           

            Oh woe is me…I was pressured into retiring by the Packers…I don’t really have a relationship with the General Manager…I’m on Greta Van Susteren…WHAT? Greta Van Susteren?

 Hey Brett, what the hell are you doing? The all-time leading passer in NFL history is making him self look like a complete and utter jackass and for what? His legacy is already assured and while I don’t blame him for wanting to play again after the tearful retirement speech, what about the other two or three years that he held the team up for ransom while he was deciding whether he wanted to play again the next year?

            Brett Favre is, in my mind, the ultimate quarterback, the gunslinger in the Namath mode, the go-for-broke passer that dared defenses to try and stop him. They did to a point as proven by his also leading the NFL in career interceptions. But now he’s taken this to a new level of greediness.

Let’s review shall we?

Wasn’t it just a few years ago that he said that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to come back and basically held the Packers up in the draft and the signing of potential free agents? He says he lobbied for Randy Moss and the GM Ted Thompson couldn’t get the deal done. No matter the fact that the Patriots had a better shot at Moss because Moss wanted to go the Super Bowl, and let’s face it, the Pack was a few cents short of a dollar there.

Wasn’t it recently that he wouldn’t even talk to Aaron Rodgers, his backup and QB to be? Why would he go out of his way to embrace the man that will eventually replace him? Look around the league and you notice that almost every starting QB has a pretty fair relationship with the other passers on the team. It’s not rocket science and Brett knows this. He was the starter and that’s that, so why not take the kid under his wing and show him the ropes.

After his “retirement” the Pack went and drafted another QB to back up Rodgers, thereby moving the team forward. Now Brett says that they pressured him into retirement and he wants to come back, and good for the Packers, they have said that they’re moving on and he’s still a part of the team, but at a lesser role.

“I want my release”, he said.

“No shot,” say the team.

Good for them! Why should they just give him away and get nothing in return? You want out? Make a list of teams you want to go to and we’ll see of we can work out a deal. Obviously that’s not good enough for the Gunslinger.

In conclusion, I feel that he has done this team wrong in many ways, and it’s just a matter of time before he either retires permanently or gets traded. Sadly, it’s becoming the norm for aging QB’s and history has proven out All of the Hall of Famers mentioned here after have finished their careers elsewhere. It wouldn’t look right for Favre to be in another uniform, but the games go on and his legacy will only be tarnished briefly.

Joe Montana, John Unitas, Joe Namath, are just three who ended on other teams. Sure they looked strange in another helmet after their glory years but they lost no luster from their greatness.

Move on Brett, but stop the whining, that looks real bad, and besides, Greta Van Susteren? Peter King or Chris Mortenson wasn’t good enough?

 

 

Trade Talk?

IS IT TIME FOR THE PHILS TO PART WAYS?

 

By John Leon           

           

            Before anyone tries to string me up or think that what I’m about to say is blasphemous, hear me out. I know the Phillies fans, and Philadelphia fans in general, are a passionate lot, but I have a thought that may be prudent. A lot of thinking went into this and although it may be out of the box, it may be time to part ways with Ryan Howard and Brett Myers.

            I know, I know, why give up on two fairly young stars, but if the Phils are to contend and do so on a yearly basis, this trade may work for both teams, right now and in the near future, while also saving money on payroll. And we all know that the Phil’s front office is as tight as an extra small sweater on Pam Anderson.

            Howard, Myers and Adam Eaton to the Cleveland Indians for C.C. Sabathia and Ryan Garko. Think about it logically and with an open mind, because this would work for both teams.

            Cleveland has struggled and Sabathia, in the last year of his contract, has been rumored to go anywhere in MLB correct? He also makes $11 million this season and there’s no reason the Phils couldn’t pony up $15-17 mil per year for the next 5 years and STILL save money. Garko is a young right-handed power hitter with a ton of upside and little or no salary.

            Stay with me here folks.

            Howard’s numbers are out there for everyone to see, Rookie of the Year, MVP, 40-60 homers per year….and a ton of K’s to go with a .210-.230 avg., and the last time I looked he still hasn’t hit a slider from a lefty. He also makes $10 mil this season and is STILL arbitration eligible. Myers is having an absolutely nightmarish season to go with $8 ½ million dollars in salary. Eaton would be a throw in and the Phils get his $8 mil salary off the books.

            So let’s review here for a second please?

            Howard $10 mil, Myers $ 8, Eaton $ 8 PLUS add the salary of Pat Burrell 14 million in his last year and it totals up to almost $40 million dollars. THIS YEAR! Now, factor in the savings of $26 for the three players being traded, add in the 13 million for Sabathia and Garko, the Phils save 13 million this year. Burrell will resign next year at far less than his current salary and the numbers still add up to upgrading the rotation, keeping an outfielder with eight straight years of 20+ homers, and adding an upcoming first baseman that balances out the lineup.

 $40 million this year and probably $15-17 for C.C., $1-2 for Garko and let’s say $8 for Burrell next year. That’s $27 million, a savings of $13 million and a big upgrade.

The struggling Indians pick up a 29 year old slugger, a 28-year-old pitcher and Adam Eaton. The Phils get a 28-year old stud pitcher, and wouldn’t Hamels and Sabathia look nice at the top of that rotation, a 27 year old, 20+ homer first baseman AND salary relief. The relief could go for some depth in the outfield (bye-bye So Taguchi) and another arm (Brian Fuentes) maybe?

            This works and if Howard goes on to even more greatness and Sabathia is everything we think he is, it’s a wash and a trade that works for both teams.

            Just a thought.

Baseball Revisions

                         2008 BASEBALL SEASON …   

AT THE ALMOST HALFWAY POINT

By John Leon             

            In March I made somewhat bold predictions and as sure as I sit here at my computer, they have for the most part been laughable. I’ve left the original thoughts below and now at the almost half way point, there seems to be a need of some revision.

            So here we go…

But there’s one word that means so much and can be the heartbreak of all teams….IF. Here then lies one scribes’ predictions, IF, everything goes the right way.

                                    THE AL WEST

SEATTLE- They look to be the favorite here. Plenty of pop, defense and leadership, plus a proven closer in J.J. Putz

IF: Eric Bedard and Felix Hernandez stay healthy

JUNE 9: This is a car accident. You don’t want to look but you can’t help yourself. Who really knows what happened here?

L.A. ANGELS- Great manager in Mike Scoscia, plenty of speed and long balls aplenty.

IF: The pitching holds up, they already have 2 guys headed for the DL and they’re not getting any younger. Vlad and Garrett are about 100 years old aren’t they?

JUNE 9: Still the best manager and they’re playing really well. This is their division to lose right now.

OAKLAND- Moneyball strikes again. Once again the smartest GM in baseball has the A’s younger and hungrier and could be a sleeper.

IF: They mature faster than usual and Beane can make another deal (which we all know he will), the A’s will make a run late.

JUNE 9: They’ve made their run earlier than expected and will be a handful now.

FOOT NOTE: Texas’ Josh Hamilton is becoming a fan favorite and how can you NOT root for this kid.

                                    THE AL CENTRAL

CLEVELAND- WOW! What else can you say when they may be the best team in the division and may not even get to the playoffs. This division is brutal and whoever survives may win the whole thing. They’re deep, talented, and fairly young and will be right there.

IF: Closer Joe Borowski doesn’t implode.

JUNE 9: What happened to the offense? Offensive is the word.

DETROIT- The trade that made the Tigers even filthier. The pitching depth is ridiculous and just try and get an out with that lineup. Ivan Rodriguez bats 8^th!

IF: Dontrelle Willis regains his form and the bullpen can get some help for Todd Jones. Injuries here could spell doom, even for this lineup.

JUNE 9: Along with Seattle, the most disappointing team this season and it’s not gonna get better. Bonderman is out for the year and Verlander starts 2-9. Ouch!

WHITE SOX- Five players that can bang 30 or more homers, and Ozzie Guillen. Bobby Jenks is arguably the best closer today.

            IF: They can swing a trade for Paul Konerko, they could make a run…next year.

            JUNE 9: Ozzie’s tirade woke up the sleeping giant. Look out below!

                                                THE AL EAST

YANKEES- The last year for The Stadium and promises of Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes. Cashman had better pray that he made the right move by keeping them instead of the Santana trade. Power, some speed, lefties galore but getting a little long in the tooth.

            IF: Girardi can lead, and the youngsters prove right, they will be right there. Of Course if not, there’s always the Yanks farm team…the Royals.

            JUNE 9: They just lost 2 of 3 to the Royals and Kennedy’s lost, Hughes is hurt and Chamberlain will be a good starter. Now about that 8^th inning Joe….

RED SOX- Younger, deeper and Manny’s in his walk year. Look Out!

            IF: The Yanks falter this could get ugly.

            JUNE 9: The kids are stepping up and it’s already ugly. Lester’s no-no, Ellsbury, Bucholz and Masterson, AND they still have some studs waiting to crack the starting 8. The Red Sox are just getting started and this might be a runaway

BLUE JAYS- Any other year they’d be right there, but not with 1 and 1A in front of them. Alex Rios’s breakout year is now. This is the AL version of the Braves. Keep an eye on them.

            IF: Scott Rolen stays healthy and the top 2 slip, they could steal this. Good balance all the way through.

            JUNE 9: They need just little more O to go with that pitching and they could make the Yanks make their tee times a bit earlier than planned.

                                                THE NL WEST

D-BACKS- When Randy Johnson’s your #3 guy, when your young players have a year under their belt in a race, when you get 20+ homers from Eric Byrnes, why not do it again.

            IF: Brandon Lyon closes like Valverde, if not….

            JUNE 9: Brandon Webb is Cy Young, Dan Haren is a quality #2 and The Unit is still the Unit. Pencil them in for the playoffs

ROCKIES- Did you think they were going away? Last year was not a fluke and they’ll be there again. Good young arms and future HOF shortstop Tulowitzki will keep them there for a long time.

            IF: They can find a 2B with Matsui gone.

            JUNE 9: Injuries have really hurt this team and they may not recover.

DODGERS- Torre at the helm will be an upgrade, Matt Kemp is a stud and they will be a force.

            IF: Nomar can stay healthy and they can hold leads. Penny will HAVE to stay healthy or they’re done.

            JUNE 9: They may be done now. The kids need to grow up some more, and Nomar’s done probably.

                                                THE NL CENTRAL

CUBS- Is this the year? Probably not.. Ridiculously good offensively but they need Brian Roberts at 2B. Unfortunately he plays for the Orioles.

            IF: Wood can stay healthy and close consistently. After Zambrano they need help in the rotation.

            JUNE 9: Dempster and Lilly gave them the help they needed and Theriot has given them a lift at short. Soriano, Lee and Ramirez have Sweet Lou smiling…a lot.

BREWERS- The Wallbangers are back, and Ryan Braun may hit 40, which means Fielder hits…60?

            IF: The starters hold up and Eric Gagne returns to his Dodger form closing.

JUNE 9: They still have time but something’s missing here.

REDS – No laughing here, they actually have a shot. Dusty baker will bring a nice change of attitude here and Junior will benefit from it. Francesco Cordero got big bucks to close; they think they can do it too.

            IF: They can find a shortstop, and the farm system helps out. The minors are very deep.

            JUNE 9: Junior’s closing in on 600 and Jay Bruce looks like Junior 15 years ago. The Volquez for Hamilton trade worked out for both teams huh?

ASTROS- Ed Wade is the GM. enough said.

            JUNE 9: Nope

            And last but not least….

                                                THE NL EAST

METS – Santana will win 20 in the new league, Pedro gets 12-15, and they are still pissed about the el foldo last year. However, after Reyes, Wright and Beltran…..Nobody scares me here.

            IF: HEALTH...that’s all they need because they are not young and Delgado, Martinez and Wagner could all be gone by July.

            JUNE 9: If there was another manger around Willie would be gone. Time to rebuild.

PHILLIES- They will score about 1,000 runs, that’s a given. But questions abound with Myers returning to the rotation and Lidge being able to bounce back. They have Flash who will close if need be, but can he stay healthy? They won’t miss Rowand as much as I thought.

            IF: Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton give them some innings and 10 wins apiece they take the whole thing. Lidge’s health is the key.

            JUNE 9: So far, so good. Contributions from everybody and Myers looks like he’s out of the funk. This just in….Hamels is a STUD!!! Lidge has been “Lights Out Lidge” again, and there are no words to accurately describe Utley right now, just letters…MVP!

BRAVES- Yeah they’re still hanging around and the top 2 better not sleep on them. They can still hit, they are younger, and they have the best manager in Bobby Cox. But God, do I hate the tomahawk chop!

            IF: Hampton and Glavine have anything left in the tank. Soriano closing is nasty.

            JUNE 9: If Chipper wasn’t hitting .420 this team would be a mess…wait, they are! No Smoltz, No Hampton and the bullpen looks worse than the Mets.

NATIONALS & MARLINS- They will give everybody problems, especially Washington. They are getting real close…real fast.

            JUNE 9: The Nationals are where I thought they’d be, but those Fish are very dangerous. They can hit and getting some quality pitching. They’re gonna hang around till the end. Instead of the Mets giving the Phils a run, it’s South Beach.

Part III coming after the All-Star break.

Philly Fans

PHILLY FANS ARE GETTING SOFT…

AND IT’S A GOOD THING

                                                By John Leon

            For as long as one can remember, there have been no tougher fans than Philadelphia Fans. It’s a reputation that’s well deserved for numerous reasons, but as of late, the fans are starting to appreciate some athletes here and that never would have happened in the past.

            Are they going soft on us? Or are they starting to appreciate the athletes that come through the town WHILE they’re here instead of after. Mike Schmidt comes to mind, as the fans perceived that the Hall of Famer wasn’t putting out the all-out effort that they craved and wanted to see from their guys. It wasn’t until he retired that they finally realized that he was one of a kind and they missed the boat on letting him know how they felt about him.

            There’s a pretty good list that will bring venom to the passionate Philly Fan. Ricky Watters, Eric Lindros, Derrick Coleman, etc., players we couldn’t wait to get rid of and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

            On the other side was Bobby Clarke. The toothless leader of the Broad Street Bullies that could do no wrong, even to this day. Recently the fans have started to let the guys that came through the town, even for a short time, how they feel about their effort and how they played the games.

            Jim Thome, class personified, came to Philly and was welcomed by the men and women that were building Citizens Bank Park. So much so that they stopped the limo he and his wife were riding in to tell him how much they wanted him to come here on his free agent tour. Only Ryan Howard’s rise stopped Big Jim from continuing his bashing here. When he was traded, he left with the class and dignity he came with and will forever be part of Phillies lore.

            Allen Iverson, was a catalyst for 10 years for the Sixers, and we all know about the off field stuff, the “practice? We talking ‘bout practice, man!”, but he left his heart and soul on the court, being the smallest warrior ever to grace the Philly stage. When he returned to the Wachovia for the first time this year, the outpouring of love for the guy was almost unprecedented, to the point of watching this grown man reduced to tears at the sentiments of the fans.

            Aaron Rowand, the face first, hustling, clutch hitting centerfielder that the Phils let get away during free agency. Anyone who saw the Friday night game in town with the Giants for the first time when he was introduced could’ve guessed that he would be an out after the thunderous ovation from the fans. He was genuinely choked up at the reception he received from the faithful. He was here only two years but he’s a Philly guy, and that’s all there is to it.

            Philly Guys are the ones I just mentioned above. The guys that give you everything they have, the Rocky Balboa mentality, the blue collar man, etc., you can conjure up any number of clichés to describe the kind of players that fit here. Chase Utley, Chris Coste, Andre Miller, Brian Westbrook, Jeremiah Trotter, Mike Richards, Scotty Upshall and I’m sure I’ve left a few out, but you get the idea.

            Finally the Philly fans are starting to let these types of guys know, that they are appreciated for their effort and they are thriving on it.

Philly fans getting soft? Not hardly, remember they are the same fans that booed Santa Claus, but at least the appreciation for the players is a welcome sight.

Keep up the good work Philly Fans.

Night Baseball for High Schools

NIGHT BASEBALL AT THE

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL- IS IT TIME?

                                                By John Leon

            Has the time come for the high schools to bring night time baseball to the fore front? It may be and I know what the argument will be and it’s about the cost, and rightly so. But the time may be right for this idea to come to fruition.

            After all, we have night games for football and basketball, so why not baseball, track, soccer and whatever else? It could easily be used as a revenue sport thereby offsetting some of the costs associated with lights and electricity. No one seems to argue about paying for football and basketball games and the cost could be the same at $3 per person, just like in the other sports.

            There are going to be at least 5 games this season played under the lights and I personally think it’s great. Just imagine what the possibilities would be if most of the schools had lights on the fields. Revenue, concessions, excitement, attendance and let’s be honest, the games would be played at a higher level in my opinion, because the athletes actually like playing at night.

            Add in the fact that local radio may be involved and revenues for the stations and schools would be greater. Middle Township and Wildwood Catholic are playing some games under the lights; while there will be Egg Harbor Township vs. Mainland and Holy Spirit vs. Atlantic City played at Bernie Robbins Stadium in Atlantic City. If you don’t think that this can work, ask any of the almost 800 fans that packed the Stadium last season to watch Mainland/Spirit. Of course, the pitching matchup was tremendous as A.J. Holland bested Charlie Law in a 3-0 gem, but the fact that so many people had interest in the game should tell you something.

            The stadium had a concession stand open that night and I know for a fact that money was made, and I would expect games played there to be at least as good.

            So we return to the initial question, is it time for night time baseball for the local high schools, or does it make more sense to just have key matchups under the lights? Would the novelty wear off or can this be a realistic proposition?

            The cost factor would have to be considered as many of the schools are being crunched by the State of New Jersey and funds are scarce, but again, I offer the scenario of the revenue possibility. Remember it was not that long ago that football games at night were just a pipe dream and look now. 95% of the schools play their games on Friday nights and it has flourished as a way for alumni to get together and for the school to gain revenue, as it is an inexpensive and fun night out for most families in this time of tight budgets.

            So what would be the difference? Most of the games are played now at 4PM so there is enough daylight to be able to finish the contests, but if you look around; there maybe are 50 people or so. Consider a nice evening with 300 or so, concessions booming (just look to any Little League field for an example) and some good baseball played.

            Ponder the thought as I bring you the argument that it would be a good idea, and it just may be time to explore the option. It’s just a matter of finding a way to make it happen.

Responsibility

TAKING RESPONSIBLITY

                                                By John Leon

            I am the proud father of two beautiful daughters, and have no qualms about saying that. Many, if not most parents, will say the same thing about their offspring. My oldest daughter drives and what I have done, and this is just me, is I have always, ALWAYS, expected communications between them and myself, whether it just to say hello or to let me know that she made it safely driving from one place to another.

I’m starting to have a problem with the increasing amount of accidents and injuries that these kids are having is this day and age. Recently, 3 players were in a car accident driving FROM a game. Why? Wasn’t there a team bus? Buses usually make for team chemistry, allowing the kids to form bonds with one another before and after the contests.

            I understand that many students are driving and want to become independent but the question in my mind is who’s taking responsibility for these students?

            Three possible suspects arise from this question and all should share in the answer.

            One is the parents. I know that when my daughter started driving, I was, and still am, scared to death that she would be in an accident. (She’s been in three and none her fault). I know it happens, but when does the responsibility start? How do the parents allow them to drive from one school to another school when there are buses, I assume, available to transport the team? If the game is played in or near your home that’s one thing, but in many cases, I’m not seeing any reason for this to happen.

            Two, where were the coaches that allowed this to occur? How is it possible to form a game plan when some of your players are not within earshot to talk about the game today? Being together on a team bus allows that to happen. Is it that important for these kids to drive to and from? How about the LIABLITY to the school if something happens, as did last week? If I’m a parent and that happened WITHOUT my knowledge, first I’m gonna rip my kids a new one, then I’m gonna talk to the coach and find out what the hell they were thinking!

            Third and most importantly, are the kids. Again, what the hell were they thinking and who gave them permission? Was there a waiver signed? These kids want the freedom but not the responsibility of being accountable for their actions. It doesn’t work that way my friends and that’s where the problem lies.

            There are no solid answers to any of the questions above except for the fact that it is a combination of mistakes. Starting with the coaches who allowed it, the parents who gave them the car in the first place and then the kids who drove, that want the independence but no responsibility.

            It’s time to step up children, and learn the lessons that your parents did. Our children have it WAY better than we did and that’s no one’s fault but ours. I have been able to afford to buy my daughter cars and that’s ok, we all want better for our children than we had it, but she learned about how to be responsible also. I drilled the mantra of calling when she left, and when she arrived. She takes FULL RESPONSIBILITY for her actions whenever she’s out. I don’t want to hear any excuses, and again, accidents happen, but when will they learn about not putting yourself in a position to have an accident?

            Consequences of her actions are dealt with if/when they happen and action is taken after all of the facts are heard. If I find that she’s been at fault I formulate a judgment and if she’s not at fault we talk about how to solve it. Communication, isn’t it a wonderful thing?

            So in the final analysis, I blame the students that feel like they have to be able to drive to and from the contests. I have a BIG problem with that and as a former coach, I would not allow it, again, unless the parents know and they live in close proximity to the location. It shouldn’t be allowed and there’s no reason for it. The coaches were at fault here, unless there’s not a policy at the school forbidding it without a waiver. Finally, the blame also falls on the parents, who have given their blessing to the independence but have not taught them about taking responsibility.

            Everyone has to get back to having some thought as to how to share the responsibility for the students. The time to start teaching and learning is now, before anything else happens.

The Passing of Time

THE WEDDING GUESTS

                                                By John Leon

            Normally I write about sports and their effect on the culture of our area, but after learning of my cousin’s passing last week, it got me to thinking about mortality. Yes, I know what you’re thinking and that’s whether there is a punch line or something in here.

            Nothing could be farther from the truth.

            What actually spurred my thoughts after Sam’s death was my wedding almost 28 years ago and how many of the 150 + guests are either no longer with us, or we’ve lost touch of. Much like the yearbook that you break out on occasion, and realize that many of your classmates have passed. It is a sobering thought to say the least.

            Witnesses one and all watched me, sweaty palms and shaking, take my vows to my bride. No way out and no where to run. The reception was a joyous one, to say the least, with the newly wedded couple the last ones to depart the hall.

            Sam was 51 years old with a malformation of the veins in his brain and after suffering the hemorrhage which would turn out to be fatal, he passed but not before invoking fond memories of our growth as friends and men. He was at my wedding, refusing to be IN the wedding for fear of jinxing it. A superstitious man if there ever was one, he actually gave his approval for me to get married. Gee, thanks Sam.

It was MANDATORY that I be in his wedding. No matter that I was in the midst of my baseball/softball season. That went over with my teammates like a lead balloon. I missed the rehearsal and dinner, but was at the weeding of his first wife and all was good.

Many others from relatives to close friends have passed through and have gone. Others have drifted away, living their own lives with just a memory of the happy occasion, sometimes catching up after 10 minuets or so. Other times we think that there will always be time to get together and catch up on each others lives. We’re not getting older, there will ALWAYS be time.

            Thinking back gives one pause to realize that we are indeed human and although many of us think of ourselves as bullet proof, we are not. Things happen for a reason, and even though my cousin and I had not spoken for many years, it does not diminish the good times that we had. Going to his funeral will be a sad occasion for many reasons.

            As with many others, he died way too young. He went quickly and that was his wish, as he said to me many years ago.

            “I don’t want to be rusting away letting my family have to watch me go,” he said.

            He was larger than life, standing 6’5” and tipping the scales at 230 or so in his hey day. Mechanically inclined, he could fix anything it seemed and always knew the proper way to get things done. Always had a devilish grin as I recall, and you just never knew what was coming out of his mouth next. You couldn’t play any kind of puzzle or word games, because he would kick your ass many times over, and this was from a man that never finished high school and had to get his GED.

            Getting back to the wedding, it seems like many of the guests are now pleasant memories from the pictures that day. We have drifted apart, but not deliberately. Life takes its toll on friendships and it seems like when we were all together, it was another lifetime ago. Indeed, the standard line from my times as an athlete is “That was another lifetime ago,” that we played as a team and enjoyed the camaraderie.

            Always with a hug and handshake, do we greet each other when we meet again, but the closeness that we felt at that time has waned. Everyone tries to keep in touch through the years but not the way we once did, and that again, is no fault of anyone.

            This is my reality check and it seems that as we grow older, the checks seem to be more and more frequent. It used to be the funerals of our parents and their friends we were going to, and now it’s our friends and relatives.

            Nobody said growing up was going to be fun or easy and his is the part that’s never easy.

            But I do admit that it would be fun to get together on a more regular basis, instead of reunions once a year or so. I guess I’m starting to realize my own mortality, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

            I will have a reunion with my cuz at some point and then we will pick up where we drifted apart, like we never lost touch.

            Save me a seat kid, and let me know what I need to bring.

Baseball 2008

                                    2008 BASEBALL SEASON ARRIVES…   

WITH A LOT OF IF’S

By John Leon             

Ah yes… the change of season, the warm breezes and the first sound of “PLAY BALL!” is here. Baseball season separates itself from all of the other sports with the promise, hopes and dreams of every team. 2008 is no different.

Gone is the everyday soap opera that was Barry Bonds, even to the effect that the Giants, who may be the worst team in the league, have taken down any semblance of his being the new Home Run King*. (Had to put that in there). In its place are the excitement of the season and the possibilities of what may be.

But there’s one word that means so much and can be the heartbreak of all teams….IF. Here then lies one scribes’ predictions, IF, everything goes the right way.

                                    THE AL WEST

SEATTLE- They look to be the favorite here. Plenty of pop, defense and leadership, plus a proven closer in J.J. Putz

IF: Eric Bedard and Felix Hernandez stay healthy

L.A. ANGELS- Great manger in Mike Scoscia, planet of speed and long balls aplenty.

IF: The pitching holds up, they already have 2 guys headed for the DL and they’re not getting any younger. Vlad and Garrett are about 100 years old aren’t they?

OAKLAND- Moneyball strikes again. Once again the smartest GM in baseball has the A’s younger and hungrier and could be a sleeper.

IF: They mature faster than usual and Beane can make another deal (which we all know he will), the A’s will make a run late.

                                    THE AL CENTRAL

CLEVELAND- WOW! What else can you say when they may be the best team in the division and may not even get to the playoffs. This division is brutal and whoever survives may win the whole thing. They’re deep, talented, and fairly young and will be right there.

IF: Closer Joe Borowski doesn’t implode.

DETROIT- The trade that made the Tigers even filthier. The pitching depth is ridiculous and just try and get an out with that lineup. Ivan Rodriguez bats 8^th!

IF: Dontrelle Willis regains his form and the bullpen can get some help for Todd Jones. Injuries here could spell doom, even for this lineup.

WHITE SOX- Five players that can bang 30 or more homers, and Ozzie Guillen. Bobby Jenks is arguably the best closer today.

            IF: They can swing a trade for Paul Konerko, they could make a run…next year.

                                                THE AL EAST

YANKEES- The last year for The Stadium and promises of Kennedy, Chamberlain and Hughes. Cashman had better pray that he made the right move by keeping them instead of the Santana trade. Power, some speed, lefties galore but getting a little long in the tooth.

            IF: Girardi can lead, and the youngsters prove right, they will be right there. Of Course if not, there’s always the Yanks farm team…the Royals

RED SOX- Younger, deeper and Manny’s in his walk year. Look Out!

            IF: The Yanks falter this could get ugly.

BLUE JAYS- Any other year they’d be right there, but not with 1 and 1A in front of them. Alex Rios’s breakout year is now. This is the AL version of the Braves. Keep an eye on them.

            IF: Scott Rolen stays healthy and the top 2 slip, they could steal this. Good balance all the way through

                                                THE NL WEST

D-BACKS- When randy Johnson’s your #3 guy, when your young players have a year under their belt in a race, when you get 20+ homers from Eric Byrnes, why not do it again.

            IF: Brandon Lyon closes like Valverde, if not….

ROCKIES- Did you think they were going away? Last year was not a fluke and they’ll be there again. Good young arms and future HOF shortstop Tulowitzki will keep them there for a long time.

            IF: They can find a 2B with Matsui out

DODGERS- Torre at the helm will be an upgrade, Matt Kemp is a stud and they will be a force.

            IF: Nomar can stay healthy and they can hold leads. Penny will HAVE to stay healthy or they’re done.

                                                THE NL CENTRAL

CUBS- Is this the year? Probably not.. Ridiculously good offensively but they need Brian Roberts at 2B. Unfortunately he plays for the Orioles.

            IF: Wood can stay healthy and close consistently. After Zambrano they need help in the rotation.

BREWERS- The Wallbangers are back, and Ryan Braun may hit 40, which means Fielder hits…60?

            IF: The starters hold up and Eric Gagne returns to his Dodger form closing

REDS – No laughing here, they actually have a shot. Dusty baker will bring a nice change of attitude here and Junior will benefit from it. Francesco Cordero got big bucks to close; they think they can do it too.

            IF: They can find a shortstop, and the farm system helps out. The minors are very deep.

ASTROS- Ed Wade is the GM. enough said.

            And last but not least….

                                                THE NL EAST

METS – Santana will win 20 in the new league, Pedro gets 12-15, and they are still pissed about the el foldo last year. However, after Reyes, Wright and Beltran…..Nobody scares me here.

            IF: HEALTH...that’s all they need because they are not young and Delgado, Martinez and Wagner could all be gone by July.

PHILLIES- They will score about 1,000 runs, that’s a given. But questions abound with Myers returning to the rotation and Lidge being able to bounce back. They have Flash who will close if need be, but can he stay healthy? They won’t miss Rowand as much as I thought.

            IF: Kendrick, Moyer and Eaton give them some innings and 10 wins apiece they take the whole thing. Lidge’s health is the key.

BRAVES- Yeah they’re still hanging around and the top 2 better not sleep on them. They can still hit, they are younger, and they have the best manager in Bobby Cox. But God, do I hate the tomahawk chop!

            IF: Hampton and Glavine have anything left in the tank. Soriano closing is nasty.

NATIONALS & MARLINS- They will give everybody problems, especially Washington. They are getting real close…real fast.

            So there you have it, one man’s opinion as the season kicks off. We’ll see if all of the IF’S play out and then I’ll make my playoff predictions later.

I’m SOOO ready. .

Recruiting

            RECRUITING SPECIAL FOR COACHES TOO

By John Leon                                                                        

            The Holy Spirit Spartans football team had a year for the ages, and the records are well documented. The next question to be answered is what happens to the team now?

            Head Coach Bill Walsh, who is also the Director of Institutional Advancement, had the enviable job of sorting through the multiple offers his team had, and after the smoke cleared, all 23 seniors were accepted at colleges in one form or another.

            “It’s been an interesting process,” he said. “You hear the same theme from all of the schools at all of the levels. The goal is to make sure the kids end up at the right school for them.”

            A perfect example is middle linebacker Chris Mancuso. He will walk on at Rhode Island University for football, but it’s not for lack of effort. His work ethic is legendary at Spirit on and off the field. A 3.66 GPA, high SAT scores and he wants to be a pharmacist. Rhode Island is one of the top pharmacology schools in the country, but because of his height (5’9”) an athletic scholarship was not forthcoming.

            “That will change when they see him and how hard he works, on and off the field,” said Walsh. “But that’s a great example of the process we go through.”

            Many factors play into the process such as geographical, major and then it’s just a matter of the visitation and what kind of financial package that is offered.

            As Walsh learned this year, many of the recruiters do their due diligence in finding out about the players, but more often then not, they don’t.

            “It takes about 5 minutes to see if they’ve done their homework,” he said. “The good schools stop in the Guidance office first, talk to the AD, talk to everybody to find out if the kid is a good student, good person, attendance, good character, etc., then they come talk to me last.”

            Walsh pointed out the Penn State, Michigan, West Chester and Boston College were some of the schools that did it right.

            The volume of schools that came through Spirit was large this year and with some players getting academic scholarships, baseball and wrestling scholarships, it tends to get complicated.

            “It’s important to have someone in the school to help the kids sort out things,” said Walsh. “Some schools just send offers sight unseen, such as Marcus (Witherspoon) had. On National Signing Day he had three full scholarship offers, even though we told everybody he was still going to Michigan. One school never even met him and still sent an offer.”

            It doesn’t stop there, as Walsh pointed out, the school even helped one former player get into TCNJ, even though he had to transfer to another school due to financial reasons.

            “Ibin Miller had to leave Spirit due to financial problems but he was here for 3 years and we helped him get into TCNJ on an EOF scholarship,” he said. “He was a vital part of our family for three years and we got him a State Championship jacket to let him know he is still part of us.”

            It’s been a unique year for Holy Spirit, with a State title in football, the Boys basketball team reaching the South Jersey finals, and the baseball team is ranked very highly as well. All the stars have aligned, but the real stars are the kids that are going to college, proving that it’s not only great when you win, but doing something with that success is an even bigger victory.

                       Their hard work has paid off and the future looks very bright.

Retirement

KNOWING WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

By John Leon                                                                                    

            Almost everyone that is close to retirement, whether it be athletes or just ordinary folks, all feel that when it’s time to retire, they would like to be able to do so on their own terms. They don’t want to be forced out, downsized, laid off or fired.

Over the past 3 months, three members of the Absegami athletic family have been able to call their own shot by resigning or retiring, and in doing so, have left the school in great shape, thank you very much. They leave for greener pastures that would not have been possible without the stop they made in Galloway Township.

First was Athletic Director Scott Logek, who moved on to another school district after 6 years of leading the Braves from just a great wrestling school, to what is now one of the standard bearers for championships in other sports as well.

Just a few weeks ago, the school announced the retirement of Greg Goodwin, girl’s basketball coach, who will leave with over 270 wins, three Group 4 Championships and 2 State Titles. He will leave as a coach with 24 years of service and nothing left to prove.

Then today, football coach Doug Colman announced that he will be leaving effective at the end of the school year, to return to his alma mater, the University of Nebraska. He leaves the Braves with a 40-15 record, the first South Jersey Group 4 title in school history, and two of it’s highest win totals ever, in his five years of duty.

Absegami athletics has grown by leaps and bounds through the efforts of these three men and is in their debt. They have been able to bring the school championships when the only recognition was from the wrestling teams that have been a perennial favorite in the State, and have been named the best in the State, three different times. The athletes that played for Goodwin and Colman have garnered all-star recognition and scholarships to colleges that may not have been possible in the past, and Logek’s leadership made their job easier.

They were able to have the ability to know when the time was right to leave the school, and they have left an imprint that will be hard to follow. Ask anyone of them and they will all say that it’s been about the kids and not about them. That may be true, but the great leaders of tomorrow were inspired by the teachers of today.

Goodwin leaves to be a parent to his 3 children and turn the girls program over to very capable hands, Logek left to pursue another opportunity that may not have been afforded him without Absegami, and Colman leaves for an opportunity to help re-build a Nebraska program to glory once again, one that he had a part in when he played there.

Make no mistake about it, Absegami will be hard pressed to fill the shoes of these three, but fill them they will. The shadows will be long, but the foundations have been forged.

            They taught, they led and Absegami is better for it.

High School

I’D RATHER WATCH A HIGH SCHOOL GAME

By John Leon                                                                                    

As a long time prep reporter, I find it increasingly difficult to actually sit down and watch a professional sporting event, unless it’s baseball or football. I have come to prefer the games that are played at the High School or College level in basketball and football. The NBA is almost unwatchable anymore due to the lack of rhythm and flow, the too many foul calls and the antics of the players.

At the local level, it is a joy to watch the young athletes who are striving to make it to the next level and possibly beyond. The percentages of that happening, though, are about 1 in 500,000 at last guesstimate, to make the pro level.

Freshmen at both levels are beginning to make names for themselves and at the high school level, they are becoming increasingly important to all sports. More and more fans are being treated to the growth and potential of athletes starting as frosh and watching them mature through their senior years. It’s almost like watching your own children grow into young men and women.

The intensity of their growth and maturity during rivalry games are something to behold. This past weekend, I was treated to watching some young men and women, begin their journey as the players that many are sure that they will become. The growing pains, as they get schooled by the older players, is painful but necessary in the process. The coaches are trying to win games and at the same time, mold the players to get their full potential reached.

Ah yes, the “P” words, potential, promise and production. Much used and abused words, but almost a staple of the lexicon of reporting the sports that we cover.

The potential of a freshman being thrown into the fray, earning their stripes, or whatever other term you like to describe them. The players only get better by playing and it is at this critical juncture that coaches have to be wary of how much abuse the player can absorb, whether it is by the physical nature or the mental nature.

Remember these are 14 and 15 year old kids we’re talking about, and if too much is heaped upon them; the coaches may lose them entirely. Some kids step up and others take longer to develop, while others never get it or cannot handle it. It is this delicate balancing act that makes or breaks how good coaches, and teams, can be.

Production at the early stages is crucial also. By playing the kids at an early age, there is a certain amount of production needed to justify the time spent on the player. At what point does an upperclassman feel like the frosh player is infringing upon their time. Again, this is another minefield that coaches must tread carefully, due to the emotional growth of the now 16 or 17 year old player. There must come a time in every coach’s lifetime where they are torn, knowing that the younger player can help win games now, over the dedication of the upperclassman. Do they choose production and potential or loyalty? It would be nice to have both, but that is a rarity.

Reporting on the games is challenging in how we describe the contests. Many times, mistakes are made that we don’t report or have to be very creative in how we describe it. We don’s want to have parents and coaches, jumping down our throats over how we downed some kid because he screwed up a play. This also is part of the growth of the player. They have to deal with us and many players are new to the game of interviews, not having enough on their plate to worry about. Give credit to the coaches as they have been allowing access to the players and most if not all, watch “SportsCenter” on a daily basis to watch and learn valuable lessons on how to deal with the media. They see how the media can be overbearing and intrusive, but they also see the way some athletes handle themselves in front of the recorder or camera.

So the next time you go to a pro game and complain about the high prices and high salaries, why don’t you save some of your hard earned money, spend $3.00 and go to a high school game. You will enjoy yourselves for two hours or so, and watch the vitality, joy and level of sports that we all know is possible. You can watch how these young people grow before your eyes, and astonish you with their talent at such a young age.

            You won’t be disappointed.

High School

                WHEN I’M KING OF THE WORLD…..

                THE HIGH SCHOOL VERSION

With apologies to Bill Conlin – Philadelphia Daily News

By John Leon                                                                                    

When I’m King of the World – Every high school will be set up for Wi-Fi and be able to have all games broadcast on the radio. How in the world some schools do not have phone line access in their press boxes and at courtside, boggles the mind.

When I’m King of the World – Parents, fans and reporters will watch the games and stop second-guessing the coaches until after the games are over. If you think it’s so damn easy than get your butt down there, put the hours in, set up the strategies to try and put the kids in a position to succeed AND, this is the most important part so listen up, help get these kids in college. After all that’s what THEY’RE supposed to do! Get them into college, not get the headlines.

When I’m King of the World – Every high school will have a media class to help the student/athletes with the interview process. Not just from colleges, but from the ever-expanding media presence at the games. Too often, players are dumbfounded at questions thrown at them by reporters. This isn’t brain surgery but it is a necessity that needs to be done.

When I’m King of the World – Politics WILL NOT play a role in what referees get to call what games. I overheard that a certain school board member had some refs blackballed from his district for God knows what reason. Therefore, the school gets what’s left over and that’s not much. It deprives the school from having some top-notch refs at games, and that is a shame. I give all the men in the stripes a lot of credit, but lets’ face it, some are better than others.

When I’m King of the World – All P.A. Announcers will know how to pronounce the player’s names. I don’t know about you, but if I have a kid playing and his/her name gets screwed up, I’m going to be pissed! It takes 3 seconds to ask the coach or their assistants, how to properly pronounce the names. After all, that’s your job!

When I’m King of the World – Quit the crying and complaining about Public-Non-Public. It is what it is, and that’s that. If a coach doesn’t want the kids going to a Non-Public school than get your butt out to see them at their grade school games. Don’t assume they’re coming to you, go and get them. What’s fair is fair.

When I’m King of the World – Every game will have a stat crew. It makes the announcers, reporters and score keepers jobs so much easier. The last time I looked, every high school had a math program, so statistical probabilities and statistical gathering couldn’t be incorporated?   

When I’m King of the World – Can we please get heaters in the press boxes for football games? It’s tough to call a game when your teeth are chattering, and I for one do not want to be sitting in the stands calling a soccer match. There are only so many times you can say, “the ball’s at midfield”.

Part III

                WHEN I’M KING OF THE WORLD…..

                                PART III

With apologies to Bill Conlin – Philadelphia Daily News

By John Leon                                                                                    

When I’m King of the World--- People will stop holding up the lines digging for the odd change in their pockets or purse so they can pay the $21.59. Doesn’t that aggravate you? Just hand over $22.00 so the rest of us can get on with our day!

When I’m King of the World - Fans that go to a game will learn to walk on the outer edges of the ballparks so the rest of us can get to our seats. It’s nice that you want to walk around and check things out and that’s all well and good, but contrary to belief, you are NOT the only ones in the park! Do your sightseeing BEFORE the game.

When I’m King of the World – Stop buying cars that you can’t park! We’ve all seen them, the people that just have to buy that $30,000 car and then try to park it. If you can’t drive it then why’d you buy it! Take a lesson if need be.

When I’m King of the World – Broadcasters have to stop making every pitch or every play seem like its life or death. During the playoffs, the Yankees got their first hit in the 3^rd inning, while being down 5-0. What do I hear? “Here come the Yankees!” What? You’re kidding right? Can’t it wait until they string 3 or 4 hits together before that statement comes along? By the way, the next hitter grounded into a double play. There go the Yankees?

When I’m King of the World – Every player agent will work for the client instead of his or her own interest. They are there to represent the client, not make the final decisions. That’s up to the player. Stop making demands. Say what you want about A-Rod, but he stepped up a little in the respect category by contacting the Yankees WITHOUT his agent to hammer out a deal. Is he worth all that money? No, but who is? If somebody offered that to me, I couldn’t sign that sucker fast enough.

When I’m King of the World – Sportswriters, such as myself will admit when they’re wrong. I am the first to admit that my emotions sometimes get in the way of a good story. I’ll admit I write better when my emotions are stirred, and I may be wrong about the 2008 Phillies. I wanted Aaron Rowand in Philly, but the moves they’ve made have me thinking that maybe, just maybe, they know more than me. Hard to believe, Harry.

When I’m King of the World – Final thoughts on the 2007-08 Eagles. Does Donovan want to be here and does he want to be “The Man?” Brian Westbrook should be given an extension RIGHT NOW! I believe Brian Dawkins will return next season with a vengeance. He obviously never got healthy and there’s at least one maybe two, more years left in him. The young linebackers will be stars. The offensive line needs to have Max Jean-Gillies in there and move Todd Herremens to the bench or left tackle. Shawn Andrews will take over for Jon Runyun after next year and Winston Justice will be the left tackle also. I know, I know, the last statement maybe was a stretch, but I think he will be a good tackle. And PLEASE will they get a return man?

           When I’m King of the World- Everybody will have a better 2008 than they had in 2007. Dave Sholler will become the next superstar-boxing analyst. Mike Gill will have a national radio show. I will be the next Joe Buck, without the TV contract and last but not least, local high school games will be broadcast at least twice a week. The local athletes are starting to get recognition all over the country so why not here?