The Boys of Winter – NHL Style

First of all, I must apologize for not posting in over a month...I have had an unfortunate event occur in my life and I am trying to move forward. Thanks for your patience. I will be glad to answer emails to explain

Here we are in Winter where in most places it's cold and much snow has fallen. The NFL playoffs are underway, the NBA is in full swing, and the PGA Tour has begun in beautiful Hawaii.

While all these games are wonderful in their own way, in my opinion the sport that should receive far more recognition than it does is my favorite spectator sport---the sport that may be the toughest to condition oneself for and the one that provides the most perpetual action of all sports.

The National Hockey League.

What other game on the face of this earth has an energy level so high that at any second can lift you out of your seat? Name a major professional sport that it's players must use some kind of physical energy and endurance every second the clock ticks? How about the sport that combines incredible skill, physicality, and intellectual acumen all at the same time? Can any other professional sport make you not want to go to the concession stand during play because something spectacular can happen in a bat of an eyelash? (This has happened to me far too many times)

What makes the NHL, in my NOT so humble opinion better than all other major sports? Aside from the above questions I posed about speed, skill, and the like, there is the uniqueness of the playing surface used --- a sheet of ice. This is why the action at most times is fast and furious.

This leads to the one other feature not seen in the sports.

While the other big time sports athletes use their feet firmly planted on the ground (or floor) to get into position, hockey players use skates to get around the ice surface. If this isn't the most graceful movement in sports, tell me what is?

Finally, the other three major sports use a ball of some sort to use for play. Hockey uses a round piece of vulcanized rubber --- a puck. The puck can be moved at speeds so fast that if a spectator loses focus upon the puck, it could take some time to relocate it. I find it amazing that the players can follow it ... then again, these are highly trained athletes.

With that being said, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are just weeks away in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The greatest winter athletes in the world will gather and we will all marvel at the great skills they possess. We may enjoy the beauty of figure skating, watch men and women fly through the air in ski jumping, or sit on the edge of our seats during bobsledding or luge, but no sport at this or any Olympics have the appeal and the fan base that hockey does.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy Major League Baseball, The National Football League, and the PGA Tour. I prefer college basketball to the NBA (don't like the NBA at all) but none of these sports for my money is as exciting as hockey, particularly the National Hockey League.

What do you think?

Dick

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com

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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

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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

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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

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Some Athletes Websites – Part 2

In my last post, I presented some Websites of athletes from the sports of baseball and football. This post will contain sites from basketball and hockey players that I hope you will enjoy. I scan through many sites and keep just a few to view time and again.

So let's have a look at hoops and pucks sites shall we?

Basketball

Kobe Bryant – Although still in progress, “kb24.com” looks as though it could be a great official site for all Kobe fans. Some pages such as features, schedule, and media are still under construction, but I get a sense that these will be well worth the wait. You can sign up for the Kobe Basketball Academy and shop for Kobe Bryant merchandise as well. This Website looks clean and uncluttered so I suspect the finished product will be easy on the eyes.

Dwyane Wade - “D Wade's” official site “dwyanewade3.com” is well organized and easy to navigate with tabs at the top of the home page to get to Wade's blog, articles, profile, foundation, and so on. Wade's World Foundation benefits disadvantaged kids in both south Florida and his native Chicago promoting education, health, and social skills and awareness. Definitely worth a gander.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Kareem's official Website “kareemabduljabbar.com” is nice and clean with many quotes from Kareem, his legendary college coach John Wooden, and others. This site also features Jabbar's appearance schedule, his film about the Harlem Rens , the first all black professional team, and his Skyhook Foundation. I feel the section on the Harlem Rens is worth the the Websites weight in gold.

Larry Bird - The official Website of Larry Bird “larrybird.com” is a compilation of Larry's career including his bio, statistics, store, and multimedia. All you want to know about Bird is here!

Magic Johnson - “magicjohnson.org” is a two fold Website that features Magic Johnson Enterprises, serving multicultural communities, and The Magic Johnson Foundation, developing programs and education, health, and social awareness in ethnically diverse urban areas. Nothing about basketball whatsoever on this site which may disappoint some, but gives a clear vision of what the man is about.

Hockey

Martin Brodeur - The NHL's all-time winningest goalie's Website “martinbrodeur30.com” is a great site about Marty's career stats, bio, video clips, and a section call Dad's Corner featuring Martin's dad Denis, a sports photographer, about the stories and interviews with Marty. Brodeur's Website includes his charitable works, most notably his Martin Brodeur Center for young athletes near his home area near Drummondville Quebec. As a bonus, Marty's site is done in both English and French.

Mike Modano – Long time Dallas Stars superstar Mike Modano's site “mikemodano.com” has what most athlete sites does --- a career section, photo gallery, a fan zone, etc. Modano also has a section called “Mike's Favorites” in which Modano shares his favorite type of music, movies, and golf courses to nae a few. Mike's charity, The Mike Modano Foundation focuses on child abuse and how he helps those children. Very well organized, “mikemodano.com” is well worth a peek.

Bobby Orr – The legendary defenseman's Website “bobbyorr.com” is basically a huge online store. In conjunction with Great North Road America, the store is full of Bobby's memorabilia including jerseys, signed and unsigned items, and more. The site also has sections with Orr's bio, career statistics, awards, and his charitable works (although not listed). Any fan of Bobby Orr will enjoy going back in time.

Wayne Gretzky - “The Great One's” site “www.gretzky.com” has more than most athlete sites. Of course there's the career page, store, and so on, but Wayne has now a line of wines that you can view at the Website. The Wayne Gretzky Foundation provides less fortunate youths to experience the game of hockey by donating equipment, ice time and going to see games. An excellent Website for all hockey fans.

Mario Lemieux – Mario's site “mariolemieux.org” is a dedication to The Mario Lemieux Foundation to find a cure for cancer, stemming from Lemieux's own battle with Hodgkin's disease. You can research some of his programs to help cancer patients and check his celebrity golf tournament too. The last tab is about his hockey career, but the site's purpose is on his foundation. A great way to give back to the community.

That concludes the basketball/hockey Website post. May you enjoy them and let me know of other sites of interest.

Dick

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com

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Some Athlete Websites

I'm going to take a bit of a break from my normal blog posting and present some Websites from some sports figures. Some sites I have used as hyperlinks within posts and I will be adding a few new ones as well. In this post, I will include Websites from athletes in baseball and football. I am in hopes that you will enjoy them as much as I do

Here are the Websites I enjoy, and as the late great comedian and actor Jackie Gleason would say “ And away we go!”

Baseball

Albert Pujols – The National League MVP's site is named “Pujols Family Foundation” that honors God (and our lord Jesus Christ), and his helping kids affected by Down Syndrome both in the St. Louis area and in his native Dominican Republic. His Website is very professionally done and I feel is a must see and read … very inspirational.

Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken – Ripken Baseball is not just about the Cal's little league but is an astute site of growing the game of baseball for youth. Both Cal and brother Bill are involved in coaching clinics, fund raisers, and some instruction all in the name of baseball and kids. You can check out the Orioles minor league teams, buy DVD's, browse Cal Ripken Little League tournaments, and other events on this site.

Mickey Mantle – The official website of the Yankee great, "mickeymantle.com" is basically run by the Mantle family. While not the most aesthetic site around, there is one section I enjoy in which you can hear of “The Mick's” great feats from tape measure home runs to his induction into The Baseball Hall of Fame. Along the way, check out the career stats, bio, and news of what Mantle speak of as motivational speakers.

Yogi Berra – How can any baseball fan not visit “yogiberra.com” and get a good laugh. There is The Yogi Store where you can purchase items such as books, memorabilia, and autographs to name some items, the baseball card gallery of all of Yogi's cards, and of course the Yogi-isms! That alone is a must look-see.

Ted Williams – The official sight of “Teddy Ballgame” "tedwilliams.com" not only has the life of Ted's career but there is a store to visit, a section of his hobbies and pastimes, and a section about his service as a United States Marine in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Well worth a look.

Football

Brett Favre – Simply named "officialbrettfavre.com" has it all. Not only do you have Brett's career encapsulation, but you have all Brett's news, a fan store, and so on. The most important element is the “Fourward Foundation” for disadvantaged youths of Wisconsin and his native Mississippi. Definitely one to see.

Emmitt Smith – The NFL's all-time leading rusher site "emmittsmith.com" is simple but has much information. Asides from the career stats and store, there is a link Emmitt's charity Website “Smith Charities” that focuses on creating opportunities for disadvantaged youths in education, arts, health, and wellness. Check it out!

Johnny Unitas – To many, the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Johnny's site “johnnyunitas.com” is much a corporate site with his career thrown in. But I really enjoyed the link to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award section. The trophy is given to the best quarterbacks in college football as those on the board of the Golden Arm Award.

Warrick Dunn – Warrick Dunn Online starts with a intro page with music and stills of Warrick playing career. Once in the site, you can go through his playing career, store fan mail, and other goodies that most don't have. Of course he does charitable work through his acclaimed Warrick Dunn Foundation helping those who are economically distressed and their children who are trying to help themselves. This is one of the better websites I have seen.

Pat Tillman – As we know, the late Pat Tillman died for us in Afghanistan after putting his NFL career on hold. The Pat Tillman Foundation was started by his family in 2004 to service veterans to gain academic scholarships, as well as those who are still active along with their families. As you browse through, take note that pat's family and friends are selfless in their promotion of the foundation...it's all about others in need.

Those are just a few sites I have discovered and enjoy. If you have any other baseball or football sites you like, feel free to comment about them. I am interested in taking a look at them.

I will do other Websites in other sports in the future.

Have Fun!

Dick

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com

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