Williams

Ran this on my other blog on Jews and Sports :

Bob Sheppard, the voice of the New York Yankees for some 60 years, passed away yesterday at the age of 99.

Sheppard , who was known in certain circles as “the voice of God” for his diction, timber, and dulcet tone was not Jewish, but thanks to this anecdote from Len Berman, I thought I’d bend the rules a bit.

From Berman’s Thatssports.com :

In his first day as Yankees public address announcer in 1951, he called out the names Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams. Through 6 decades at Yankee Stadium, as well as Giants football, two things never wavered. That wonderful voice and his penchant for accuracy. He often had a roster in hand and would approach players asking them how to pronounce their names. He always wanted to get it right. His voice will live on, in the taped introduction of Derek “Jee-tuh,” starting tomorrow night at the All Star Game. And I will never hear a public address announcer intone “your attention please ladies and gentlemen,” and not think of Bob. What a wonderful gentle man who is as much part of Yankee lore as the players.

Here’s a story I’ve told before. I was once at a Bar Mitzvah where Bob was a guest. During the kid’s candle lighting ceremony, Bob stood by the boy and his cake making the announcements. “Ladies and gentlemen your attention please. Will Grandma Tessie and Grandpa Max please come up to light the next candle.” Priceless.

R.I.P Bob.

In a follow-up email, Berman wrote, “Bob was a guest at the Bar Mitzvah, and one of those called up to light a candle by him was “Uncle” Joe DiMaggio, a close friend of the family.”

That must have been some party.

Here are a couple of videos highlighting this behind-the-scenes legend.

Maury Allen devoted a chapter to Sheppard in his 1990 book Baseball: The Lives Behind the Seams . And Harvey Frommer, author of numerous books about the Yankees and New York baseball, offered this tribute on his own blog. It’s a shame Sheppard, with all his knowledge and sense of history, didn’t write one of his own.

I didn't mean for this blog to become Dee Hart Recruiting Central, but the last few days, it has.  As we know, Demetrius Hart, along with his teammates, participated in Nike's 7 on 7 tournament this past week. 

ESPN had this to say—" Four-star running back Demetrius Hart (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) did a lot of talking with his performance at the tournament, making a number of highlight-reel catches. But when it came to talking about his recruitment, Hart had nothing to say. "

Although he appears to be down to Auburn and Michigan, he didn't want to commit to those two schools.


"I wouldn't say those are the final two," Hart said. "Because I'm still open, I haven't committed yet."

So there are more schools out there in which Hart is interested?

"Not exactly," Hart said.

As we also know , Dee Hart is expected to visit Ann Arbor again this week.   Let's hope those plans don't fall through.

• Most recruiting insiders expected Michigan's next verbal commitment would come from a player on the offensive line , but now it just may come from the kitchen! As TomVH from Mgoblog reports, Michigan has given Daren Kitchen, a CB from Louisiana, a verbal scholarship offer from Fred Jackson who recruits that state.   He can't get a written offer until RR gets back from his vacation.  When he gets "the paper," when might he commit?  "I'll probably just commit right away, because that's the one I've been waiting for."  Daren has offers from the likes of Nebraska, Stanford, Kansas and others. 

• QB Marquise Williams picked UNC this weekend.   Michigan pretty much was out of the running after Kevin Sousa committed but Marquise did have Michigan in his final group.

MS Paint for Michigan's Next Safety !

#22 – SEAN MOSLEY, GUARD – MARYLAND

Former Maryland players, Vasquez, Hayes and Milbourne had been starting for so long in College Park, it’s easy to forget that there was anyone else playing for the Terps. The trio accounted for 55% of the scoring, 67% of the assists and 32% of the rebounds.

To put it simply…Maryland is starting over in 2010, but that doesn’t mean the pieces/players to a successful puzzle hasn’t been there, waiting to be put together. Players like…Sean Mosley.

Prior to 2010, Sean Mosley was simply asked to be the garbage man and do the dirty work, defend the opponent’s best player, dive for loose balls, crash the glass. He did all of it, particularly on the defensive end.

Heading into 2010 though, Sean Mosley’s duties are going to change. The junior guard is suddenly the Terps leading scorer (10.1), leading assister (2.6) and second leading rebounder (5.1).

While he didn’t take a ton of shots last year (just under seven per game), when he did, he was quite successful introducing the ball to the bottom of the net. He shot 51% from the floor (pretty amazing for a guard/forward) and a respectable 39% from three. The only minor problem was, his numbers dipped in conference play (he shot 41% from the floor), which tells you how good he was shooting before conference play.

Over the last four years, opponents had one goal when facing Maryland…stop Vasquez. The kid did it all, as everything ran through him. No more. Now someone needs to step up and fill both that scoring void and the leadership void. With sophomore Jordan Williams expected to become a force inside, Maryland in particular needs an outside scorer to step up, produce some points and lead this team. The pressure lands squarely onto Mosley’s 6’4 frame.

As the shooting guard in Coach Williams’ flex offense, Mosley will get plenty of screens and plenty of opportunities with the ball in his hand. Yet, he’s rarely shown the kind of skills that he’ll be asked to deliver next year.

First, he needs to take the three-point shot more. There is a reason why they are called “shooting guards. Like I said, he shot 39% from three last year, but the sample size may not be big enough to accurately judge.  In 320 career shots, he’s only taken 57 three-point shots (Last year, 36 of his 220 shots were threes).

Second, he needs to be able to create his own shot and get into the lane. There will be no double-teaming of Vasquez. While Williams could see some double-downs, most of the time, Mosley will need to beat his defender. Now Sean isn’t going to impress your grandmother with his high-flying athleticism, but as Nolan Smith has taught us all, you don’t have to be Carl Lewis to get into the lane.

With Vasquez gone, look for a number of Terps players to step up their game, particularly on the offensive end. Look for Mosley and Williams to become one of the stronger inside-outside duos in the ACC. Sure Mosley won’t win All-ACC honors, but as one of the conference’s best defenders, adding about five more points per game in 2010, without sinking his shooting percentage too far south, that should be all that is needed from the junior guard.

#23 – JOE TRAPANI, FORWARD – BOSTON COLLEGE

#24 – MIKE SCOTT, FORWARD – VIRGINIA

#25 - IMAN SHUMPERT, GUARD – GEORGIA TECH

Found this press release about said new book by Gary Hall, which I reprint in part:

Amazing new book “Baseball Legends & Legacies” by Gary Hall interviews 25 Baseball legends. This hot summer release is based on interviews with 25 of baseballs’ greatest players. Gary Hall interviews and records page after page of exciting stories. It’s the player stories that makes this the perfect gift for any baseball fan. Gary Hall interviews over 25 major league baseball legends. The stories make Baseball history.The Legends of Baseball and their legacies are captured in the pages of just one book. If you’re a fan of Baseball you will want it. For additional information baseball fans are invited to visit the company web site at BaseballLegendsAndLegacies.com .

As a former major league bat boy and friend of many top players, Gary Hall brings his insight and experience to each interview with these legendary players. Baseball Legends Publishing has a reputation for customer service and a quality product. This is a must read for any baseball fan that follows the teams and loves the excitement of every game. Readers will experience the stories of major league baseball from the players’ viewpoint in this unique work. “Baseball Legends & Legacies” makes a great gift for any baseball fan. Never have these players and these stories about the game they love been so easily available.

Published by Baseball Legends, written by Garry Hall, “Baseball Legends& Legacies” is a remarkable opportunity for fans to really get to know 25 major league player that made the game great. Fans get an inside look at how these players contributed to the American Pastime. Each player was selected for their contribution to the sport of Baseball. Their stories weave a tapestry of rich stories full of excitement, history and humor. With 25 players and personalities this book is a piece of baseball history that explores the game from a new perspective. Included in “Baseball Legends & Legacies” are interviews with Sparky Anderson, Dusty Baker, Vida Blue, Bill Buckner, Orlando Cepeda, Jimmy Davenport, Tito 23 Fuentes, Doug Harvey, Willie Horton, Jaime Jarrin, Ferguson Jenkins, Al Kaline, Fred Lynn, Juan Marichal, Jon Miller, Tony Oliva, Jim Pagliaroni, Dave Phillips, Joe Rudi, Art Santo Domingo, Lon Simmons, Luis Tiant, Dick Williams, and Maury Wills. An interesting and enjoyable read, players and fans will appreciate for it’s candor and unique approach to baseball. Available at http://www.BaseballLegendsAndLegacies.com and book signings across the country where players and fans meet.

Pardon my cynicism, but this reads as if it was written in a foreign language and run through an English-translation program. I’ll ignore the typos (King of typos here), but not the duplication of sentences and/or idea. And some of the claims are downright bizarre.

For example, there is no record of any pro player by the name of either Jaime Jarrin or Art Santo Domingo, at least not according to Baseball-Reference.com. Nor were Doug Harvey or Jon Miller actually Major League Baseball players (could the author be referring to Douglas Harvey who played in the minors from 1947-50?). Nor was there a Major Leaguer named Lon Miller, although Lon Simmons played one season (1946) in the Phillies’ organization. And no disrespect to Jim Pagliaroni, but I doubt many would consider him on the same level as an Al Kaline or a Luis Tiant.

This comes from the book’s website:

About the book – The purpose of Baseball Legends and Legacies is to preserve portions of the magical era of the 1960’s and 1970’s from the legends themselves. There are twenty five chapters with firsthand accounts from the celebrities detailing their favorite stories, memories and opinions. Each of the twenty five chapters has three portions that include the introduction of each celebrity, their personal and extensive selections called the “Best of the Best”, and “In my own words!” Each celebrity’s chapter is vastly unique and different. There is a total of ten Hall of Famers that are included into this intriguing book [emphasis added], while they reveal their most inner thoughts and opinions on this special and fabulous era! Baseball Legends and Legacies is dedicated to the memory of the great Bobby Bonds with four separate accounts from those who knew him both on and off of the playing field! The Baseball Legends and Legacies book is endorsed by Bob Watson MLB Senior VP., Hall of Famers Joe Morgan, Orlando Cepeda, and Sparky Anderson! Please enjoy!

Curious about the “ten Hall of Famers” and what, specifically, is meant by “included,” because by my count, there are only five: Sparky Anderson, Orlando Cepeda, Al Kaline, Juan Marichal, and Dick Williams.

I hate to call out Mr. Hall, but if the book is anything like the website or press release, I’m going to pass on this one.

1. Chris Johnson - Johnson adds more value than Adrian Peterson as a receiver, which is why he is ranked ahead of AP.
2. Adrian Peterson - Don't be afraid to take Peterson ahead of Johnson, but I'm starting to wonder when he will wear down.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jones-Drew has been a revelation since the Jaguars released Fred Taylor. Drew does it all; run inside or out, catch, and even return kicks.
4. Ray Rice - Rice emerged as a receiver last season, but he may see less passes going his way with the addition of Anquan Boldin.
5. Michael Turner - Many forget how good Michael Turner was in 2008. I don't. Turner is a touchdown machine, making him a fantasy owners' dream.
6. Steven Jackson - Jackson became even more of a receiving threat in 2009 because the Rams lacked solid receivers.
7. Frank Gore - Gore has a lot of wear, and I'm starting to wonder when he will start the downside of his career.
8. DeAngelo Williams - I'd be a little afraid to pick Williams super-early because of the possibility of being passed on the depth chart by Jonathan Stewart.
9. Rashard Mendenhall - Mendenhall has potential to have a huge season in 2010.
10. Cedric Benson - I would not be surprised if Benson had a down season.
11. Ryan Matthews - Matthews enters a very good situation where he could receive 250 carries as a rookie.
12. Ronnie Brown - Brown's injury history keeps him out of the top ten, but he is the Dolphins focal point on offense, and should get a lot of touches.
13. Shonn Green - Expect Green to get even more carries in 2010. This guy is the real deal in my opinion.
14. Ryan Grant - Grant will not blow fantasy owners away, but he is a solid option.
15. Jonathan Stewart - Stewart is in line for the best season of his career. He has a great chance to overtake DeAngelo Williams as the starter.
16. Jamaal Charles - Charles had a great season in 2009, but I expect Thomas Jones to take some carries away from Charles.
17. Beanie Wells - I'm thinking this is too high considering Hightower is still the starter, BUT i'm guessing that will change soon.
18. Pierre Thomas - Thomas should receive more carries in 2010 with the loss of Mike Hart, especially goalline carries.
19. Knowshon Moreno - Moreno is a player I am stumped on. Without Marshall the Broncos will have a lesser passing attack, which means more carries.
20. Joseph Addai - Addai's fantasy value is still valuable because of his work as a receiver and his ability to get into the end zone.
21. LeSean McCoy - McCoy will get a chance to prove that he can carry the load, but also expect Mike Bell to get a lot of carries.
22. Felix Jones - I ranked Jones higher than Barber this year because I think that Jones adds much more value as a receiver, and he should get more carries.
23. Reggie Bush - Bush proved he can be an effective runner late last season, and he will probably be picked earlier in most drafts because of his famous name.
24. Jahvid Best - It appears that Best will have a very large role in the Lions offense this season, not only as a receiver, but also as a runner.
25. Brandon Jacobs - Jacobs will get 1,100+ yards and 7+ touchdowns. That's good enough to be number 25.
26. Matt Forte` - Forte should get more receptions under Mike Martz, but his play in 2009 was disappointing.
27. Ricky Williams - I think this could be a little too high for Williams, but I decided to go for it because the likelihood of a Ronnie Brown injury.
28. C.J. Spiller - Spiller should break plenty of long runs, and get a lot of receptions, similar to Reggie Bush's role in New Orleans.
29. Fred Jackson - Jackson will see a lot of action on first and second down, as well as in short-yardage situations. That means yards and touchdowns.
30. Marion Barber - I think Barber still has some great production left in his tank, but he is defiantly being phased out in Dallas.
31. Ben Tate
32. Clinton Portis
33. Justin Forsett
34. Caddillac Williams
35. Jerome Harrison
36. Ahmad Bradshaw
37. Darren McFadden
38. Donald Brown
39. Thomas Jones
40. Laurence Maroney
41. Chester Taylor
42. LaDainian Tomlinson
43. Michael Bush
44. Tim Hightower
45. Montario Hardesty
46. Willis McGahee
47. Darren Sproles
48. Arian Foster
49. Kevin Smith
50. Steve Slaton

TNA had its annual celebration on Pay Per View, also known as Slammiversary.  This is supposed to be their version of Wrestlemania, and is the biggest event of the year.  Last year they brought it to California, but this year it stayed in the Impact Zone.  Personally I think they should always have their big events, such as this one, and Lockdown, on the road, but I’m sure this was a cost saving measure.  Either way, on to the show.

     Kurt Angle vs Kaz.   Winner….Angle.

     This was Angles first step in making his way up the rankings, from contender # 10, up to contender #1.   In all this was a pretty decent match.  They didn’t have any real time to build up any storyline, but that didn’t much matter since Kurt will be moving on from one person to the next rather quickly.  I like Kaz, and if used properly he could be a future main eventer, but this match, while good, was just a stepping stone for Angle. 

Douglas Williams vs Brian Kendrick.   Winner…Douglas Williams

     The current situation with the X-Division Championship is starting to get a little boring.  I get the whole thing of Williams trying to prove to the high flyers that his style is superior, but they really need to make it a bit more interesting.   Brian Kendrick did a fine job  of keeping up with Williams mat based style, while still using his own high flying skills.  In all, it was a decent match, which saw Williams actually use a flying DDT to get the pin.  Perhaps this is the start of Williams having to resort to fighting fire with fire to keep his Title.

 Madison Rayne vs Roxxi….Winner…..Madison Rayne.

     My previous post was about how TNA is dropping the ball with the Knockouts Division, and this match proved my point perfectly.   At the start of the match, Madison grabbed a Mic and complained how she had nothing to gain by defending her Championship against Roxxi, who has been in and out of the company for the last couple of years.  So, she convinces her to put her career on the line.   The match starts with Madison hitting Roxxi in the head with the Mic, and busting her open.  They go on to have one of the better Knockout matches I have seen in a while, with Madison eventually getting the win.   So now we have lost Roxxi, who didn’t find out about this stipulation, and her being let go by the company until she showed up at the Impact Zone that day.  Its getting to the point that Madison will stay the Champion forever, since there will be no other women to defend against..

Jesse Neal vs Brother Ray……Winner….Jesse Neal.

     Brother Ray seems to work best when he is being a total jackass, and you just knew when this match started out that he was going to do a swerve.  He began by taking the Mic and apologizing to everybody for his actions, gave Neal a big hug and they all left the ring together.  Then of course Ray turns around and clocks Neal with a sucker punch, and throws him back into the ring for his beating.  And Jesse did get quite a beating.  Ray delivered some of the loudest chops I have ever heard, and he lit up just about every square inch of Neals body in the process.  Neal did mount some offence, but not much, until somebody appeared in the crowd.  Tommy Dreamer made a surprise appearance, and the distraction was enough for Jesse to hit a Spear and pick up the win.

    Matt Morgan vs Hernandez…..Winner, Matt Morgan..via DQ.

     The battle of the big men part 2.   Morgan comes out with a neck brace and a doctors note, and says he can’t compete tonight.  Naturally as he heads up the ring to leave he is attacked by Hernandez.   I have to say that Super Mex looks better than ever after taking some time off.  He is leaner, and moves even better than before.   The match itself wasn’t too bad, but it ended in a DQ when Hernandez just couldn’t handle the ref getting in his way, and tossed him aside.  I would love to see these two continue this feud, but put them in a cage.

     Abyss vs Desmond Wolfe…..Winner….Abyss

      The feud between these two does not seem like it will be settled with this match.  As you would expect in a Monsters Ball match, there were weapons, broken glass, and blood.  Both men seemed to take a lot of punishment.   But in the end, it seems that Chelsea was the deciding factor in this one.  She was supposed to have a pair of brass knuckles in her purse for Wolfe, but when he opened it, they weren’t there.  She pulled them out of her top, and tossed them over Wolfes head to Abyss, who used them, and a black hole slam to pick up the victory.

     Jay Lethal  vs  A.J. Styles…..Winner…..Jay Lethal.

     As you would expect, this was the show stealer.   Both of these men have a tremendous amount of talent, and it was in full display in this match.  Normally I would have been surprised that Lethal won, except that they are really starting to push him right now, and this story line of A.J. disappointing Flair has to continue.  But still, this was a great match.

     Hardy and Anderson  vs Beer Money.    Winners….Hardy and Anderson.

     I’m not quite sure if they plan on keeping Hardy and Anderson together or not, but it seems that is the case after last night.   Part of me was expecting Anderson to turn on Hardy, and show that this entire “we’re buddies” thing was just a ruse.  But no such luck.  Beer Money is a great team, and they always put on good matches, and this one was no different.  I just hope that they will eventually stop getting jobbed out and get the Tag Titles back.  But for now, both teams did a fine job, and this match was one of the better ones of the night.

     Rob Van Dam  vs  Sting…..Winner….Rob Van Dam

     I was actually wondering if Sting was going to take the Title.  After all this talk, and some really good interviews that he did regarding the “Deception” in TNA.  But in the end, we didn’t get any of the answers that we were promised.  No veil was lifted, no revelations were made, just Sting doing his best to keep up with Van Dam.  This was a fairly short match as far as main events go, which is typically the case with Sting these days.  Lets face it, he is a legend, but he’s not as young as he used to be, and was only in this main event due to name recognition.  In the end though, we got RVD hitting the 5 Star frog splash for the victory.

     My final thoughts are, that this was an average PPV.  I expected more for this being the big Anniversary Show.  And our big surprise being Tommy Dreamer showing up, was a bit of a let down.   Better luck next month…this was about a  C+  performance.

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