Thanks and enjoy!
Dick
| hit counter |
SUPER BOWL
1 year ago
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
I just want to wish all my reader's a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ( or Happy Holidays)! I will be submitting my next post the by Tuesday, January 5th, 2010.
Thanks and enjoy!
Dick
Thanks and enjoy!
Dick
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
My Sports Heroes
Growing up during the 1960's and 70's I was fascinated by sports by the 4 major sports and their athletes. Living in Maine, I listened to the Boston area teams on radio, watched them on television (although I was a New York Giants fan in football --- at the time they were the CBS team with a northeast affiliate), and occasionally attended Boston Red Sox games. I developed an affinity with 3 major stars of the day in baseball, football, and hockey and was a fan of the Boston Celtics, though never really had a favorite player. The 3 players are in their respective Halls of Fame and one is arguably the greatest player his sport has ever witnessed...okay that's debatable.
That being said, here are my sports heroes growing up in ascending order:
3.Fran Tarkenton --- Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Pro Football Hall of Fame
In my opinion, no quarterback in the history of the NFL had the mobility, escape ability and vision “Sir Francis” had. I remember watching this smallish Giant quarterback make defensive lineman look silly as he weaved in every conceivable direction to escape their pass rush. After many great escapes, Fran often completed a long for a big gain or the occasional touchdown.
Fran was also the unquestioned leader of the Vikings during his second stint, leading the team to 3 Super Bowl appearances although he never won a championship. He was selected to play in 9 Pro Bowls and was ans All-Pro 1st or second teamer on 3 occasions. Upon retirement, Tarkenton was the NFL's all time leader completions, passing yardage, and touchdown passes.
Today, Fran owns a plethora of companies from software for small business to financial services for business to Tarkenton Sports, Fran's online store.
2. Bobby Orr --- Defenseman, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Hockey Hall of Fame
With apologies to Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr is the greatest player in the rich history of the National Hockey League. Orr revolutionized the sport with his brilliant skating ability, uncanny awareness, and unbelievable puck control. Being able to watch on television, nobody was comparable to the great number 4. I can't count how many times Bobby would rush the puck the length of the ice, pirouette around defenders, make pinpoint passes to teammates, and make incredible defensive plays. He could actually do all those in the same shift!
And yes, I was watching on television when Bobby scored “The Goal” on Sunday May 10th, 1970 (Mother's Day). I recall the replay as he was tripped into the air and his arms elongated in celebration as the Bruins had won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 29 years. It was a great moment for a 10 year old kid to experience.
I have been told that Orr was not a tough physical player, but Bobby more than held his own. Actually, he was a tremendous fighter. He fought tough guys like Wayne Carleton and Keith Magnuson to name a couple and, if memory serves correctly, started a bench clearing brawl in Philadelphia versus the Flyers before prior to the “Broad Street Bullies” days.
Bobby's records as a defenseman would have been unmatched had it not been for a major knee injury that forced an early retirement. His play however has earned him his own section at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, which I have been blessed to visit.
Today, Orr has an online store where we can buy signed and unsigned memorabilia, including photos of “The Goal”.
1.Carl Yastrzemski --- Left Field, First Base, Third Base, Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox, Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Yaz” was my sports idol, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to see Carl play as a youngster both at Fenway Park and on television. He was graceful in left field, a decent 1st baseman, a pretty good DH, but a horrible 3rd sacker for the handful of games he played at the hot corner. Incredibly powerful for a man his stature, Yastrzemski had the most vicious uppercut swing the game has ever known. In left field, he played the famed “Green Monster” better than anyone ever has. He could throw runners out at any base as he either lead or was near the lead in outfield assists annually. At the plate, he would hit majestic homeruns off any pitcher and could also hit doubles off the wall at Fenway.
Saying these great things about Carl, I also can remember him dogging it now and then for no apparent reason. Then there's the playoff game versus the hated Yankees in 1978 when “Yaz” fouled out to third baseman Craig Nettles to end the game. I guess one can't have all pleasant memories of their god.
Today, Carl is a roving instructor for the Red Sox in the minor league system. He has also launched his official website (link above) which includes his bio, stats, merchandise, and the text of his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech.
These players were the sports heroes of my youth. Are there any sports heroes today? There are indeed , from Dwyane Wade to Peyton Manning, Albert Pujols to Sidney Crosby, and even Tiger Woods with his ongoing problems is still considered a hero to many. However, I don't believe these sportsmen of today match up to what we had in my days growing up.
Maybe I'm getting old.
Dick
Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com
That being said, here are my sports heroes growing up in ascending order:
3.Fran Tarkenton --- Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Pro Football Hall of Fame
In my opinion, no quarterback in the history of the NFL had the mobility, escape ability and vision “Sir Francis” had. I remember watching this smallish Giant quarterback make defensive lineman look silly as he weaved in every conceivable direction to escape their pass rush. After many great escapes, Fran often completed a long for a big gain or the occasional touchdown.
Fran was also the unquestioned leader of the Vikings during his second stint, leading the team to 3 Super Bowl appearances although he never won a championship. He was selected to play in 9 Pro Bowls and was ans All-Pro 1st or second teamer on 3 occasions. Upon retirement, Tarkenton was the NFL's all time leader completions, passing yardage, and touchdown passes.
Today, Fran owns a plethora of companies from software for small business to financial services for business to Tarkenton Sports, Fran's online store.
2. Bobby Orr --- Defenseman, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Hockey Hall of Fame
With apologies to Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr is the greatest player in the rich history of the National Hockey League. Orr revolutionized the sport with his brilliant skating ability, uncanny awareness, and unbelievable puck control. Being able to watch on television, nobody was comparable to the great number 4. I can't count how many times Bobby would rush the puck the length of the ice, pirouette around defenders, make pinpoint passes to teammates, and make incredible defensive plays. He could actually do all those in the same shift!
And yes, I was watching on television when Bobby scored “The Goal” on Sunday May 10th, 1970 (Mother's Day). I recall the replay as he was tripped into the air and his arms elongated in celebration as the Bruins had won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 29 years. It was a great moment for a 10 year old kid to experience.
I have been told that Orr was not a tough physical player, but Bobby more than held his own. Actually, he was a tremendous fighter. He fought tough guys like Wayne Carleton and Keith Magnuson to name a couple and, if memory serves correctly, started a bench clearing brawl in Philadelphia versus the Flyers before prior to the “Broad Street Bullies” days.
Bobby's records as a defenseman would have been unmatched had it not been for a major knee injury that forced an early retirement. His play however has earned him his own section at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, which I have been blessed to visit.
Today, Orr has an online store where we can buy signed and unsigned memorabilia, including photos of “The Goal”.
1.Carl Yastrzemski --- Left Field, First Base, Third Base, Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox, Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Yaz” was my sports idol, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to see Carl play as a youngster both at Fenway Park and on television. He was graceful in left field, a decent 1st baseman, a pretty good DH, but a horrible 3rd sacker for the handful of games he played at the hot corner. Incredibly powerful for a man his stature, Yastrzemski had the most vicious uppercut swing the game has ever known. In left field, he played the famed “Green Monster” better than anyone ever has. He could throw runners out at any base as he either lead or was near the lead in outfield assists annually. At the plate, he would hit majestic homeruns off any pitcher and could also hit doubles off the wall at Fenway.
Saying these great things about Carl, I also can remember him dogging it now and then for no apparent reason. Then there's the playoff game versus the hated Yankees in 1978 when “Yaz” fouled out to third baseman Craig Nettles to end the game. I guess one can't have all pleasant memories of their god.
Today, Carl is a roving instructor for the Red Sox in the minor league system. He has also launched his official website (link above) which includes his bio, stats, merchandise, and the text of his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech.
These players were the sports heroes of my youth. Are there any sports heroes today? There are indeed , from Dwyane Wade to Peyton Manning, Albert Pujols to Sidney Crosby, and even Tiger Woods with his ongoing problems is still considered a hero to many. However, I don't believe these sportsmen of today match up to what we had in my days growing up.
Maybe I'm getting old.
Dick
Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com
| hit counter |
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Down The Stretch They Come! --- NFL After 12 Games
It's that time of year again as the NFL has reached the three quarter mark of the regular season. Much has changed since my last NFL post --- Dallas, New England, Atlanta,and Pittsburgh are struggling while Philadelphia, Green Bay, Miami, and Denver seemingly have regained their collective swagger. At the same time there are still two constants --- Indianapolis and New Orleans are still perfect despite playing tough games.
The final 4 weeks will be very exciting as teams jockey for division titles and wild card spots ans as the case each season, the races are wide open. Let's see where we are heading for home this season.
The Perfect Two
1.Indianapolis Colts --- In my mind, this is without a doubt, the best team in the NFL. We know that Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the game as proven with the leagues top passing offense. What has been amazing is the fact that Indy is LAST in rushing averaging a mere 88 yards a game. While this is a glaring weakness by most standards, the Colts run the ball enough to keep defenses a bit off balance.
While the defense is only middle of the road in most statistical categories, the one thing they do extremely well keeping the opponents off the scoreboard as their 17 points/ game allowed suggests, the leagues 2nd best. For Indianapolis, that is a winning combination.
The remaining schedule features a home match up versus Denver followed by games at an improving Jacksonville squad, at home against the New York Jets, and the season finale at Buffalo.
A perfect regular season? I'll say yes to that!
1.New Orleans Saints --- The offensive juggernaut that is the Saints averages an NFL best 36.7 points a contest, far and away the leagues best. Drew Brees is better than ever as his passer rating of 111.3 indicates while throwing 29 touchdown passes to only 10 interceptions. The running game has struggled a wee bit but is still the 5th best with averaging just under 143 yards a game.
Although the defense has struggled some of late, they still have that big play ability as witnessed by the forced fumble and recovery in overtime to set up the winning field goal by new place kicker Garrett Hartley.
The remaining schedule pits New Orleans at Atlanta followed by it's biggest test at home versus the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints end the season with Tampa Bay and Carolina.
Two 16 and zero teams in one year? I believe it!
The Two That Could Spoil
1.Minnesota Vikings --- While they were whipped by Arizona, The Vikings still sport a fine 10-2 record and could be the main competition for New Orleans. With Brett Favre's great play and Adrian Peterson running behind a huge offensive line, Minnesota can score at will.
On the defensive side, Minnesota is as strong as any team in the NFL. Jared Allen leads the team with 12.5 of Minnesota's 40 sacks on the year. Pat and Kevin Williams stuff the run well allowing teams a paltry 84 yards per contest which ranks 3rd best. However the linebacking corps took a major hit when leading tackler E.J. Henderson broke his leg against the Cardinals.
The remaining schedule has the Vikings playing the surprise team in the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals next at home, followed by road games at Carolina and Chicago before a home home finale against the New York Giants. An interesting finish for the Vikes.
2. San Diego Chargers --- Another elite offensive team that can score from anywhere on the field, the Chargers have one of the NFL's best young quarterbacks in Philip Rivers. With a quarterback rating of 104.9, Rivers has tossed 21 TD passes to just 6 interceptions and has thrown for over 3,300 yards. The running game isn't up to snuff, but LaDainian Tomlinson has run the ball across the goal line 9 times.
San Diego's defense is better than expected get to the opposing quarterback often with 30 sacks total. Injuries have hurt the defense as safety Eric Weddle, linebacker Shawne Merriman, and defensive lineman Luis Castillo are hurting at this time.
The 9 and 3 Chargers have a tough remaining schedule beginning with a road date at Dallas, a home game versus Cincinnati, another roadie at Tennessee, and ending at home with Washington. The Chargers will make the playoffs but can they win the AFC West? My money is on San Diego to do just that.
The One Amazing Team
Cincinnati Bengals --- The AFC North leaders by a whopping 3 games, the Bengals do it by physically brutalizing opponents on both sides of the ball. The ball control offense averages yards a game, 6th best in the league and the defense is the stingiest by allowing opposing offenses to a measly 15.6 points a contest. On top of those numbers, Cincy's defense allows the 4th fewest total yards in the league that includes a mere 82 yards rushing a game.
A tough remaining schedule has the Bengals playing both Minnesota and San Diego on the road followed by the lowly Chiefs at home and finishing at the Jets in the Meadowlands. Unless they totally collapse, all hail the AFC North champs!
There are other in the mix such as surging Miami, Denver, and Jacksonville as well as the slumping Steelers and Patriots in the AFC. The NFC has rising Philadelphia and Green Bay. The enigmatic Cowboys and Giants and of course the defending conference champs Arizona Cardinals.
Let's hope the final four weeks are as exciting as the first thirteen were. Then we can talk playoffs!
Dick
Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com
The final 4 weeks will be very exciting as teams jockey for division titles and wild card spots ans as the case each season, the races are wide open. Let's see where we are heading for home this season.
The Perfect Two
1.Indianapolis Colts --- In my mind, this is without a doubt, the best team in the NFL. We know that Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the game as proven with the leagues top passing offense. What has been amazing is the fact that Indy is LAST in rushing averaging a mere 88 yards a game. While this is a glaring weakness by most standards, the Colts run the ball enough to keep defenses a bit off balance.
While the defense is only middle of the road in most statistical categories, the one thing they do extremely well keeping the opponents off the scoreboard as their 17 points/ game allowed suggests, the leagues 2nd best. For Indianapolis, that is a winning combination.
The remaining schedule features a home match up versus Denver followed by games at an improving Jacksonville squad, at home against the New York Jets, and the season finale at Buffalo.
A perfect regular season? I'll say yes to that!
1.New Orleans Saints --- The offensive juggernaut that is the Saints averages an NFL best 36.7 points a contest, far and away the leagues best. Drew Brees is better than ever as his passer rating of 111.3 indicates while throwing 29 touchdown passes to only 10 interceptions. The running game has struggled a wee bit but is still the 5th best with averaging just under 143 yards a game.
Although the defense has struggled some of late, they still have that big play ability as witnessed by the forced fumble and recovery in overtime to set up the winning field goal by new place kicker Garrett Hartley.
The remaining schedule pits New Orleans at Atlanta followed by it's biggest test at home versus the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints end the season with Tampa Bay and Carolina.
Two 16 and zero teams in one year? I believe it!
The Two That Could Spoil
1.Minnesota Vikings --- While they were whipped by Arizona, The Vikings still sport a fine 10-2 record and could be the main competition for New Orleans. With Brett Favre's great play and Adrian Peterson running behind a huge offensive line, Minnesota can score at will.
On the defensive side, Minnesota is as strong as any team in the NFL. Jared Allen leads the team with 12.5 of Minnesota's 40 sacks on the year. Pat and Kevin Williams stuff the run well allowing teams a paltry 84 yards per contest which ranks 3rd best. However the linebacking corps took a major hit when leading tackler E.J. Henderson broke his leg against the Cardinals.
The remaining schedule has the Vikings playing the surprise team in the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals next at home, followed by road games at Carolina and Chicago before a home home finale against the New York Giants. An interesting finish for the Vikes.
2. San Diego Chargers --- Another elite offensive team that can score from anywhere on the field, the Chargers have one of the NFL's best young quarterbacks in Philip Rivers. With a quarterback rating of 104.9, Rivers has tossed 21 TD passes to just 6 interceptions and has thrown for over 3,300 yards. The running game isn't up to snuff, but LaDainian Tomlinson has run the ball across the goal line 9 times.
San Diego's defense is better than expected get to the opposing quarterback often with 30 sacks total. Injuries have hurt the defense as safety Eric Weddle, linebacker Shawne Merriman, and defensive lineman Luis Castillo are hurting at this time.
The 9 and 3 Chargers have a tough remaining schedule beginning with a road date at Dallas, a home game versus Cincinnati, another roadie at Tennessee, and ending at home with Washington. The Chargers will make the playoffs but can they win the AFC West? My money is on San Diego to do just that.
The One Amazing Team
Cincinnati Bengals --- The AFC North leaders by a whopping 3 games, the Bengals do it by physically brutalizing opponents on both sides of the ball. The ball control offense averages yards a game, 6th best in the league and the defense is the stingiest by allowing opposing offenses to a measly 15.6 points a contest. On top of those numbers, Cincy's defense allows the 4th fewest total yards in the league that includes a mere 82 yards rushing a game.
A tough remaining schedule has the Bengals playing both Minnesota and San Diego on the road followed by the lowly Chiefs at home and finishing at the Jets in the Meadowlands. Unless they totally collapse, all hail the AFC North champs!
There are other in the mix such as surging Miami, Denver, and Jacksonville as well as the slumping Steelers and Patriots in the AFC. The NFC has rising Philadelphia and Green Bay. The enigmatic Cowboys and Giants and of course the defending conference champs Arizona Cardinals.
Let's hope the final four weeks are as exciting as the first thirteen were. Then we can talk playoffs!
Dick
Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com
| hit counter |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
