Ponder the Thought

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?