Ponder the Thought

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.

           

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.

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”.