But not quite team related. The Washington post is doing what I would do... if I didn't have to work for a living. That's right, a live blog from spring training! Funny stuff, please check it out.
In other news, MVP Baseball 2005 has been released early. Very cool new stuff added. Build a stadium, new spring training mini-games, arguing managers and the like. It's good so far... but don't trust me, check out the review here.
Finally... we have comments. COMMENTS! People actually read my ramblings! I'm stunned... and thanks for reading. Tell your friends.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
25 Years
I'm a little upset right now. I just made a cruise of the grandaddy of all sports web sites, ESPN.com, and saw NO reference (NONE) to one of the seminal events in American sports history, and quite possibly the greatest upset in the history of sports.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today is the 25th anniversary of the United States Hockey Team, a bunch of college kids who were ranked 7th out of 12 when the olympis began, beating the best in the world Russian national team to go on to the gold medal game. Now, I know, I'm a hockey nut, and many of you will write off my disappointment in the lack of covergae on the web today, but we have to look back and remember, historically, what this event did for the people of our country.
The equivalent here to remember, folks, is like having the Division III SUNY Oswego Great Laker baseball team play and beat the Yankees. Like having your High School basketball team beat Duke at Cameron Indoor. Like taking your kid's pee wee football team and having them beat the NY Giants.
We were a country that was down. A country in a deep recession, lines at the gas pumps, hostages in Iran, and a national spirit on the decline. People rallied around this victory - total strangers pulled over on the highway to celebrate together and dance in the rain!
So, today, for just a moment, try and catch the news, and maybe catch a clip of Al Michaels doing the call and watch the miracle unfold.
P.S. For those of you with ESPN Classic, check out the game, drop of the puck to buzzer, at 8 and 11.30 PM.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today is the 25th anniversary of the United States Hockey Team, a bunch of college kids who were ranked 7th out of 12 when the olympis began, beating the best in the world Russian national team to go on to the gold medal game. Now, I know, I'm a hockey nut, and many of you will write off my disappointment in the lack of covergae on the web today, but we have to look back and remember, historically, what this event did for the people of our country.
The equivalent here to remember, folks, is like having the Division III SUNY Oswego Great Laker baseball team play and beat the Yankees. Like having your High School basketball team beat Duke at Cameron Indoor. Like taking your kid's pee wee football team and having them beat the NY Giants.
We were a country that was down. A country in a deep recession, lines at the gas pumps, hostages in Iran, and a national spirit on the decline. People rallied around this victory - total strangers pulled over on the highway to celebrate together and dance in the rain!
So, today, for just a moment, try and catch the news, and maybe catch a clip of Al Michaels doing the call and watch the miracle unfold.
P.S. For those of you with ESPN Classic, check out the game, drop of the puck to buzzer, at 8 and 11.30 PM.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Thank God for Pitchers and Catchers
No, this is not a baseball post.
As I write this, one of the best sports on the planet is about to close down it's flagship league. That's right folks, the NHL is going down the can.
Now, I know many of you aren't sad about this, and could care less. For me, though, Hockey was not only something I watched and shared with my dad growing up, but it was also a big part of my time at college. I know that it may not translate well to TV, and that there would need to be rule changes to make it more fan friendly - hell, I can name a few changes myself - but that doens't mean we should just kiss it goodbye.
So please, for me, for my die hard hockey fan family, for ESPN's John Buccigross, and for the legions of kids who lace up the skates every weekend - hang your head in a moment of silence today around 11am, because that's when commish Gary Bettman steps up to the podium and kisses it all goodbye.
As I write this, one of the best sports on the planet is about to close down it's flagship league. That's right folks, the NHL is going down the can.
Now, I know many of you aren't sad about this, and could care less. For me, though, Hockey was not only something I watched and shared with my dad growing up, but it was also a big part of my time at college. I know that it may not translate well to TV, and that there would need to be rule changes to make it more fan friendly - hell, I can name a few changes myself - but that doens't mean we should just kiss it goodbye.
So please, for me, for my die hard hockey fan family, for ESPN's John Buccigross, and for the legions of kids who lace up the skates every weekend - hang your head in a moment of silence today around 11am, because that's when commish Gary Bettman steps up to the podium and kisses it all goodbye.
Friday, February 11, 2005
My Man Tony
Tony Kornheiser had an article the other day in the Washington Post about my Nationals (yes, be afraid, I am embracing them). Tony was alledging that no one in DC could name 10 players on the Nats roster. Not entirely true, of course, since I could name 10 easily (5 in the starting rotation, 2 new free agents, 1 big trade, 3 stars who were there before, plus 2 other outfielders that were trade fodder - 13?) but whatever. Dudes on the street won't know of course, but that's not my point.
It doesn't matter if we know their names yet. We're going to love them anyways.
Here's a big number - the average attendance at an Expos Game last year (2004) was a little over 9k per game. In 2003 it was almost 13k per game. The Natioanls sold 18k full season ticket plans already, and the partial packages start sales now, plus, single game tickets don't go on sale until March.
Let's reiterate this - The Nationals 2005 attendence will be, at the very least, roughly DOUBLE what they experienced last year, and roughly, at least, 33% higher than 2003.
We'll learn their names, Tony. Check with the random dude on the street in June.
It doesn't matter if we know their names yet. We're going to love them anyways.
Here's a big number - the average attendance at an Expos Game last year (2004) was a little over 9k per game. In 2003 it was almost 13k per game. The Natioanls sold 18k full season ticket plans already, and the partial packages start sales now, plus, single game tickets don't go on sale until March.
Let's reiterate this - The Nationals 2005 attendence will be, at the very least, roughly DOUBLE what they experienced last year, and roughly, at least, 33% higher than 2003.
We'll learn their names, Tony. Check with the random dude on the street in June.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Super Bowl Breakdance
Yes, ladies and gents - that was MC Hammer you saw during those commercials, parachute pants and all!
Anyways, on to the breakdown, and Page 2's Simmons says it best - "I've seen 80 year-old men use a urinal with more urgency" -- ESPN's Bill Simmons, on the Eagles' last 6 minutes (ESPN.com). Seriously... what were they thinking? I bet my man Diamond Don was freakin' out as he watched them mosey up to the line. I mean, I love McNabb ('Cuse baby!) but dude - have you ever heard of a hurry up offense?
Regardless - hats off to the Pats - that performance was stellar, especially after such a medicore first quarter. Deion Branch just cemented himself star status. si.com's Peter King said the kid was a real class act too (King met him on the HBO NFL Set) so let's hope he sets a better example than Randy Moss.
Moving on - here is the paragraph all New England will love... DO YOU NOW UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS? The raw, unadulterated knowledge of winning, time and again? This is how it felt to be Yankee fan '96 - '00. A good, solid group of players, a culture that promotes winning, and a defined leader. Folks, Tom Brady is the same ilk as Jeter. I have heard for years now how Nomar had better stats, A-Rod had more power and better range, blah blah blah, and I always countered with Jeter's leadership, and they laughed at me. Well, you know what? Check Tom Brady's stats - there are several QB's better than him the past four years, including Peyton and oh, the guy who lost last night - but Brady has 3 of the last 4 rings.
Welcome, New England. You know have a leader - enjoy it while you can.
Anyways, on to the breakdown, and Page 2's Simmons says it best - "I've seen 80 year-old men use a urinal with more urgency" -- ESPN's Bill Simmons, on the Eagles' last 6 minutes (ESPN.com). Seriously... what were they thinking? I bet my man Diamond Don was freakin' out as he watched them mosey up to the line. I mean, I love McNabb ('Cuse baby!) but dude - have you ever heard of a hurry up offense?
Regardless - hats off to the Pats - that performance was stellar, especially after such a medicore first quarter. Deion Branch just cemented himself star status. si.com's Peter King said the kid was a real class act too (King met him on the HBO NFL Set) so let's hope he sets a better example than Randy Moss.
Moving on - here is the paragraph all New England will love... DO YOU NOW UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS? The raw, unadulterated knowledge of winning, time and again? This is how it felt to be Yankee fan '96 - '00. A good, solid group of players, a culture that promotes winning, and a defined leader. Folks, Tom Brady is the same ilk as Jeter. I have heard for years now how Nomar had better stats, A-Rod had more power and better range, blah blah blah, and I always countered with Jeter's leadership, and they laughed at me. Well, you know what? Check Tom Brady's stats - there are several QB's better than him the past four years, including Peyton and oh, the guy who lost last night - but Brady has 3 of the last 4 rings.
Welcome, New England. You know have a leader - enjoy it while you can.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
New Site
Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a new address. You can now reach the blog by going to www.mikepoint.com - though it may take another little while for that to propagate through the 'net. I am also now reachable by e-mail off the site as well - mike@mikepoint...
One of these days I'll leave blogger and move out on my own, but for now we'll be here... so update your bookmarks!
One of these days I'll leave blogger and move out on my own, but for now we'll be here... so update your bookmarks!
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