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| None Vogel soaks-up Junior experience June 15, 2011 2:42:57 PM Entry ID: 1893222 | FORT MYERS, Fla. – Baseball first brought 2013 top prospect Matthew Vogel from his home in Medford, N.Y., to the Florida sunshine for Perfect Game tournaments last summer and fall. Vogel was back in southwest Florida Tuesday for his first sampling of a Perfect Game showcase event, and it’s a pretty big stage for a 15-year-old from Long Island. The 2011 Perfect Game Junior National Showcase – an event for top prospects who will be either juniors or sophomores in high school in the fall – got under way at City of Palms Park Tuesday morning with running and throwing workouts. Three games were scheduled to be played Tuesday afternoon with three more slated for Wednesday. Vogel is ranked the No. 10 top national prospect (No. 1 in New York) in the class of 2013 by Perfect Game, one of several national top-10 prospects here. He is a highly regarded shortstop and right-handed pitcher who is attending his first showcase, and he brought his father, Peter, with him. Vogel said he didn’t come into the event with any set-in-stone expectations. “I just want to do my best and do whatever I can do,” he said right before he went through his infield throw workout session. “I want to try to get to that college level and maybe someday go the MLB. I just want to come here and do my best and see what happens.” Both Vogels seemed to be taking that wait-and-see approach. “This is exciting,” Peter said. “This is something new and different. It’s the first time for us and we’re learning a lot. (Matthew) is looking forward to it and hopefully he shows real well. “He just has to let it play out,” Peter continued. “Be yourself and be your own person. You can’t do more than you can do. Don’t overdo it, don’t over-try. Just be yourself. When try too hard to do things, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. You have to let it come naturally. No game plan just come in and play your best.” Vogel did record a solid 87 mph velocity during his infield throw workout. While this is the first Perfect Game showcase event Vogel has attended, but he did get noticed previously while playing at the PG Underclass World Championship at Terry Park here in Fort Myers, and at the PG World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., last year. Vogel will be a junior in the fall at Patchogue Medford High School in Medford, N.Y, which is on Long Island. It’s a good baseball school, according to Vogel, and he said he noticed a lot of improvement in his game from his freshman to his sophomore year. “It was a learning experience for me last year because I was only a freshman and I was playing against these ‘men’, pretty much,” he said with a laugh. “But I realized what I had to do to get better, so that’s what I did and I got better.” Vogel plans on spending this summer playing at Perfect Game tournaments in Florida and Georgia for the South Florida Bandits and legendary coach Mark Holtzman. He is also going to try out for the USA Junior National team. With two years of high school still ahead of him, Vogel has plenty of time to contemplate the future. He is yet to make a college commitment, but has received interest from North Carolina, South Carolina, Clemson and Florida State. He isn’t eligible for the MLB First-Year Player Draft until 2013. “If I can get drafted in the first round – which, obviously, would be pretty good – that’s fine with me, but if I gotta go to college, I gotta go to college,” Vogel said. “I want to get a college education. That’s my big goal, is to get a college education.” Vogel indentifies himself as a shortstop but is also in possession of a strong right arm that has produced 90 mph fastballs. “If I can go to college and be a two-way player, that’s fine with me,” he said. “It really doesn’t matter to me.” Peter Vogel knows there’s no rush to make any decisions. “At some point he’s going to have to settle down and figure out what he wants to do and where he wants to go. He’s young, so he has time,” Peter said. While the temperature pushed back into the mid-90s Tuesday afternoon, both Vogels agreed that experiencing the PG Junior National was worth some sweat-stained shirts. “This is going to be very beneficial,” Matthew said. “Seeing all these kids from all around the country and all of them are very talented – that’s why they’re here. It’s good watching all the kids from other states playing. It’s a great experience.” His father echoed that thought. “This is definitely beneficial,” Peter said of the PG Junior National experience. “You’re with the best kids, and when you play with the best you become better.” |
| 2 out rally in 9th lifts #1 Virgina past UC Irvine June 14, 2011 5:56:11 AM Entry ID: 1892878 | Before the ninth, it was all pitching and defense. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Chris Taylor was feeling like he'd let his team down for his part in a play that set Virginia up for another devastating failure in a Super Regional. Instead, given a chance to redeem himself, Taylor came through with perhaps the biggest hit in Cavaliers baseball history, a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the ninth that lifted them to a dramatic 3-2 victory against UC Irvine and back into the College World Series. ``I'm speechless right now,'' the sophomore shortstop said after a lengthy celebration that included a dogpile in the infield and high fives for fans in the left-field bleachers. ``This is a dream come true. A player can only dream of a moment like this,'' he said. Virginia (54-10) was down to its last strike against Anteaters ace Matt Summers, making his first relief appearance of the season, when David Coleman singled to center on a 1-2 pitch, Jared King singled off Summers' leg and pinch-hitter Reed Gragnani walked on four pitches. That loaded the bases, and Taylor knew Summers might be pressing to throw a strike. Still, he stood and watched as Summers' first offering went by looking like a very hittable strike. ``I was a little upset I didn't swing at it,'' he said. ``But I'm glad I didn't swing now.'' That's because he hit the next pitch up the middle, just out of the reach of diving second baseman Tommy Reyes, as pinch runners Mitchell Shifflett and Corey Hunt raced home, causing a sellout crowd at Davenport Field to erupt in celebration as the players rejoiced on the field. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/more/06/13/irvine.uva.baseball.ap/index.html#ixzz1PF6qLOhl |
| None Big D: Mavericks top Heat 105-95 for NBA title June 12, 2011 11:51:50 PM Entry ID: 1892616 | MIAMI (AP) -- For Dirk Nowitzki, the resume is complete. He's an NBA champion. For LeBron James, the agonizing wait continues for at least one more year. Avenging what happened five years ago in perfect turnabout style, the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA title by winning Game 6 of these finals in Miami 105-95 on Sunday night - celebrating on the Heat's home floor, just as Dwyane Wade and his team did to them in the 2006 title series. "I really still can't believe it," said Nowitzki, who had 21 points and took home finals MVP honors. The Mavericks won four of the series' last five games, a turnabout that could not have been sweeter after seeing the Heat celebrate their first title in Dallas after Game 6 of the 2006 finals. "Tonight," Jason Terry said, "we got vindication." James did not. Not even close, and a year unlike any other ended they way they all have so far - with him still waiting for an NBA title. He scored 21 points for Miami, shook a few hands afterward, and departed before most of the Mavs tugged on their championship hats and T-shirts. Chris Bosh had 19, Mario Chalmers 18 and Dwyane Wade 17 for the Heat. "We worked so hard and so long for it," Nowitzki said. "The team has had an unbelievable ride." So did the Heat. Unlike Dallas, theirs wasn't a joyride. "It goes without saying," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "You're never really prepared for a moment like this. ... Neither team deserved this championship more than the other, but Dallas earned it." Make no mistake: Miami lost the finals, but the blame will be directed at James. Even he knew that after the way he left Cleveland with "The Decision" and all the animus that generated not just in Ohio but around the entire league, the only way he could silence some critics was with a title. Instead, he got more criticism - and a thinly veiled jab from his former owner with the Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, who reveled in the moment on Twitter. "Mavs NEVER stopped & now entire franchise gets rings," Gilbert wrote. "Old Lesson for all: There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE." Mavs coach Rick Carlisle joined a highly elite group, those with NBA titles as both a player and a head coach. Only 10 other men are on that list, including the presumably retired-for-good Phil Jackson, one of Carlisle's mentors in K.C. Jones, and Heat President Pat Riley - who led Miami past Dallas in 2006, and was the mastermind of what the Heat did last summer by getting James, Wade and Bosh on the same team with an eye on becoming a dynasty. It might still happen, of course. But even after 72 wins this season, including playoffs, the Heat lost the last game. And that means this year was a disappointment - except to just about everyone else in the NBA, or so it would seem. "This is a true team," Carlisle said. "This is an old bunch. We don't run fast or jump high. These guys had each other's backs. We played the right way. We trusted the pass. This is a phenomenal thing for the city of Dallas." Hating the Heat became the NBA's craze this season, and the team knew it had no shortage of critics, everyone from Cleveland (where "Cavs for Mavs" shirts were popular during these finals) to Chicago (the city James and Wade both flirted with last summer) and just about every place in between lining up to take shots at Miami. Given their newfound popularity, meet the new America's Team. Sorry, Cowboys - your long-held moniker might have to be ceded to your city's NBA club. When it was over, Mavs owner Mark Cuban ran onto the court to hug Carlisle, then punched the air and whooped. When the Mavericks took a 2-0 lead in Dallas during the '06 finals, plans for their victory parade were announced. The Mavs didn't win another game in that series. Now, that parade will finally happen. And when it's over, then the league's uncertainty will truly begin. Labor strife likely awaits, and although more talks geared toward movement on a new deal are scheduled for this week, both owners and players are bracing for a lockout to begin once the current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30. What happens with the next deal may affect the Heat more than anyone. Some owners will insist on a hard cap, rolled-back salaries and, potentially, trying to bust some current deals - which could break up the Big 3 before get another chance to win a title together. A gloomy end to the season may bring an even gloomier offseason for Miami. "Every situation has felt like it was an our-back-against-the-wall situation," James said Sunday morning, hours before Game 6 began. "We've been able to figure it out and find our way through and scratch our way through. This is the last test. This is the last pop quiz for us that we need to pass in order to make it all worth it." They didn't pass. So therefore, it wasn't all worth it. Except, of course, from the Dallas perspective. Miami had chances to take command and wasted them all. The Heat missed 13 of their 33 free throws, let the Mavericks score 27 points off turnovers and simply could not get a rebound in the final minutes. Nowitzki finished 9 for 27, and the Mavs still won. He was 1 for 12 in the first half, and they were still ahead, 53-51, thanks largely to Terry's 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with a 17-4 edge in points off turnovers. Plus, after James got off to such a fast start, he had two points in the final 19-plus minutes of the half. James didn't score in the second half until a layup with 1:49 remained in the third - his first field-goal attempt since 1:05 remained in the half. Kidd made a 3-pointer late in the period, pushing the Dallas lead to 79-71, and it seemed like the only people standing in the arena were the players, referees, Cuban and a few guys around the Dallas bench. Dallas took control in the second half after some wild back-and-forths in the opening two quarters. Miami took its last lead of the game - the season - just 64 seconds into the second half, lost it 16 seconds later and chased the Mavericks the rest of the way. They never caught them. Jason Kidd, at 38 years old, got his first championship. Nowitzki got his at 32, Terry at 33. They were featured on the video screen in their building in Dallas during this series on what seemed like a constant loop, each posing with the NBA trophy and looking longingly at it, standing mere inches from it, as if to say "so close, yet so far away." No more. It's theirs. Nowitzki sealed it with 2:27 left, hitting a jumper near the Miami bench to put Dallas up 99-89, and some fans actually began leaving. Nowitzki walked to the Mavs' side slowly, right fist clenched and aloft. He knew it. Everyone did. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra implored his team to foul in the final minute, and even then, they couldn't catch the Mavericks. "All those unique individual stories is what propelled us to this victory," Terry said. Dallas expected a big early push from Miami, and the Mavs' suspicions were proved correct. James made his first four shots, and the Heat raced out to a 20-11 lead. It was erased - and then some - quickly, as soon as Dallas went to the zone defense that befuddled Miami again. Dallas needed 5 1/2 minutes to rip off a 21-4 run, making 9 of 12 shots during the stretch. And much of that came with Nowitzki on the bench with two fouls, the first time he's been whistled for more than one in the opening quarter of a playoff game this season. The Mavs were off and running. DeShawn Stevenson made a pair of 3-pointers within a span of 24 seconds to give Dallas a 40-28 lead with 9:42 left in the half. Dallas turned Miami's first six turnovers into 14 points, and the hundreds of blue-clad Mavs fans stood and roared, with Cuban waving his arms as if to lead the cheers from behind his team's bench. Things turned quickly and got heated for good measure. Miami scored the next 14 points to reclaim the lead at 42-40, a streak snapped only after Stevenson, Udonis Haslem and Chalmers got technicals with 6:25 left in the half after a midcourt mini-melee with mostly amounted to some words and a couple of shoves. "A player will not automatically be suspended for leaving the bench if he has already left the bench because a timeout was called," the NBA announced later in the game. "However, we need to review the circumstances of this particular incident, which we will do, after the game." So the NBA will watch replays. The Heat, they probably won't - not for a long while. It was 81-72 entering the fourth, after Ian Mahinmi made a foul-line jumper as time expired in the third, just his third basket of the entire series. None were bigger. The Mavs could taste a title. Of the principal characters from the 2006 series, only Cuban, Nowitzki and Terry remain from the Mavericks' side, and for them, the beginning of this championship celebration seemed sweeter than even they could have imagined. Terry won't have to get his tattoo - the one of the NBA championship trophy - removed, which he vowed to have done if Miami won this series. Nowitzki will never be in the conversation of 'Best player without a title' again. James is clearly the one with that most-unwanted label now. NOTES: Carlisle improved to 11-3 as a coach with a chance to close out an opponent. ... James got a 21-minute rest in the second quarter in real time, thanks to that midcourt dustup and the referees taking several minutes to look at replays before doling out the technicals. ... Marc Anthony sang the national anthem, then took a courtside seat near the Heat bench. |
| None Rangers, Astros draft paralyzed players on Day 3 June 9, 2011 7:22:05 AM Entry ID: 1891988 | NEW YORK (AP) -- Johnathan Taylor and Buddy Lamothe may never play baseball again after accidents left them partially paralyzed. That didn't matter to the teams that picked them Wednesday during the final rounds of the Major League Baseball draft. Taylor, an outfielder from the University of Georgia, was a 33rd-round pick of the Texas Rangers, while Lamothe, a reliever from San Jacinto College, was the Houston Astros' 40th-round selection. Taylor was left paralyzed from the chest down after he broke his neck in March during a game when he collided with teammate Zach Cone, the Rangers' supplemental-round pick Monday. Texas director of amateur scouting Kip Fagg said the team's selection of Taylor was "something we felt was right." "We would have drafted him either way, regardless of any other circumstances involving his injury or Zach's draft status," Fagg said. "Our area scout in Georgia, Ryan Coe, has had a relationship with Johnathan since he was a high school player. The club has always liked his passion and ability as a player." Taylor hit .335 last year as a sophomore for the Bulldogs, and was hitting .182 with two RBIs in 11 games at the time of his injury. Fagg added that he and a few other Texas officials visited Cone during "the course of normal pre-draft activity" and gave him a Rangers jersey to give to Taylor that was signed by the entire Rangers team. "This was truly a classy move and a great gesture on the part of the Texas Rangers organization," Georgia coach David Perno said. "J.T. is definitely a player worthy of getting drafted. He's been a big part of our program, and we are all very excited for him. When I talked to him after he got the call, he was in the middle of his rehabilitation work, laughing and having a good time and was thrilled to be drafted." Taylor was injured March 6 against Florida State and has been undergoing outpatient treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. He also attended a pair of Georgia games since his accident. "We're all very proud of him," said Tandra Taylor, Jonathan's mother. "It's just amazing, and when he got the call, his face lit up and we were all very excited. It was awesome news." Cone, taken by the Rangers with the 37th overall selection, was thrilled the team also took his injured buddy. "I was pumped up when the Rangers told me they were thinking about drafting J.T., and then I got a call saying that they had drafted him," Cone said. "I was already planning on going over to see him and now we can talk about the Rangers. This made my day. It's just awesome, and I'm so happy for him." Lamothe, in his first season at San Jacinto, was injured last month in a diving accident in San Marcos, Texas. The hard-throwing right-hander from Lyndonville, Vt., was 0-2 with a 0.77 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings pitched. According to an update on a website dedicated to him, the 20-year-old Lamothe is undergoing inpatient rehabilitation in Houston, with the hope he'll be released for outpatient therapy in the next few weeks. A total of 1,530 players were selected during the three-day draft, with rounds 31-50 held via conference call Wednesday. Three big league managers saw their sons get taken by their own teams in the later rounds, including Oakland's Bob Geren (Brett, in the 42nd round), the Los Angeles Angels' Mike Scioscia (Matthew, 45th round) and Toronto's John Farrell (Shane, 46th round). The Blue Jays also took Jacob Wakamatsu, the son of bench coach Don Wakamatsu, in the 48th round. Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. drafted his nephew, Andrew, in the 47th round. St. Louis took Liberty catcher Casey Rasmus, the brother of outfielder Colby Rasmus, in the 36th round. The sons of former major leaguers Bobby Bonilla, Alex Fernandez and Charlie Leibrandt were also among the players whose names were called Wednesday. Pitchers were the most commonly picked players this year with 793, including 575 right-handers. Every state except Maine was represented, and 61 foreign-born players were taken, led by 33 from Canada. Vanderbilt University had the most college players drafted with 12, including first-rounder Sonny Gray. Pittsburgh took UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole with the No. 1 overall pick Monday night. |
| None Man in the arena or not the Critic. May 27, 2011 9:04:52 PM Entry ID: 1889743 | "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." Works of Theodore Roosevelt |
| None Buster Posey May 26, 2011 10:12:26 PM Entry ID: 1889467 | SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Buster Posey was carted through a tunnel at AT&T Park on Thursday, a makeshift cast covering his left ankle and no emotion on his face. Not exactly the exit the cornerstone of the World Series champion Giants wanted this season. A night after Florida's Scott Cousins crashed into him at home plate, San Francisco's star catcher was put on the disabled list with a fractured bone in his lower left leg, likely ending his season and putting a major dent in the Giants' chances of a repeat. Posey was on his way for a scheduled MRI to make sure there wasn't more damage. "You just don't replace a guy like Buster Posey," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, a former catcher who was so stricken by the news he called on Major League Baseball to review rule changes for collisions at the plate. As word spread throughout the Giants clubhouse, players began to come to grips with what Posey's injury meant. The normally blaring speakers near bearded closer Brian Wilson's locker were uncharacteristically silent. Televisions were turned off. No one was playing dominoes or card games. Hard to imagine a more important position player than Posey to replace. Posey has been San Francisco's cleanup hitter, a team leader in the clubhouse and key cog behind the plate for one of baseball's best rotations. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year was batting .284 with four home runs and 21 RBIs, just finding his groove in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak to move the Giants into first place in the NL West. "It's part of baseball, I understand that, guys running into catchers. Being a catcher, I've been in a few of them. You're in harm's way there," Bochy said. "I think we do need to consider changing the rules here a little bit because the catcher is so vulnerable and there's so many who have gotten hurt. And not just a little bit, had their careers ended or shortened. And here's a guy who's very popular in baseball. Fans want to see him play. "Now he's out for a while." The loss of Posey will be an enormous hurdle for the Giants to overcome if they want to repeat as champs. |
| None Derek Boogaard Tribute Video May 20, 2011 8:14:09 PM Entry ID: 1887916 | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRlFXvQiebY |
| None theres more to it than baseball an opportunity... May 20, 2011 7:50:11 AM Entry ID: 1887783 | With the help of three former Sachem East players, the Suffolk County Community College baseball team is headed to Tyler, Texas for the NJCAA World Series tournament next week. Ron Massa (2008), Matthew Glotzer (2009) and Justin Steigerwald (2010) not only wore Red, Black & Gold in high school, but they grew up on the same block and had no intentions of playing college ball together. "It never crossed our minds," said Massa. "It was not just about baseball, it was the opportunity to stay on Long Island while continuing our educations with the chance to play quality baseball for a hall of fame coach and great coaching staff." The Sharks have put together a 34-11 season and are one of the hottest teams on the east coast for junior colleges, which is no surprise with the leadership of head coach Eric Brown, a legend in these parts. He was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame for his 24 years of winning and over 500 career victories. "It is truly an honor to play for a hall of fame coach and his remarkable coaching staff," said Massa, a first baseman and back up catcher. "He has taught us many of the same views that were bestowed on us in high school baseball. The team always comes first and no player is bigger than any other. We all have accepted our roles and that is very important in this year's team." Steigerwald, a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, spoke of the true meaning of a team, something the Sharks managed to find early in the season. The three see eye-to-eye when it comes to playing to the laurels of team-oriented ball. "Our team does the unthinkable and unbelievable," he said. "We get on a roll at one point and win, and now we have the opportunity to be part of something special and historical. Tyler Texas, win or lose, is an opportunity of a lifetime and something none of us will ever forget and we couldn't be any more excited." Glotzer, a left-handed pitcher, never imagined playing with two other Sachem East alums in college, but he said it has made the bond "that much stronger." "The truly special thing," said Massa, "is that we all have come from the same high school program at different times to work together to reach the goal of winning the national championship tournament." |
| Suffolk CC has 2 title shots on diamonds May 20, 2011 7:44:27 AM Entry ID: 1887782 | Suffolk CC has 2 title shots on diamonds Originally published: May 18, 2011 3:17 PM Suffolk Community College has that championship feeling right about now. The merger of the school's Brentwood and Selden athletic programs is complete and the Sharks have World Series-bound teams in baseball and softball to show for it. The softball team, which has operated as a merged program for several years, begins its quest for the NJCAA Division III title Thursday against Itasca (Minn.) in Rochester, Minn. This will be the team's third consecutive trip to the Series. The newly merged baseball team starts its title drive in Tyler, Texas, on Saturday against New Jersey-based Gloucester CC (28-16). The Sharks (32-12) were ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA Division III baseball poll released Wednesday. "It's been one of those dream seasons so far," said coach Eric Brown, who's recorded 543 career wins in 26 years, including 25 at Selden before the merger. "I have a bunch of unselfish young men on this squad who really have come together and made a commitment to the team. They really don't care who gets the publicity. They just go out and get the job done. "Different days, it's different guys." That includes Kyle Lombardo, a shortstop from Ward Melville, and a pair of players who transferred in during the fall, Manorville's Michael Annunziata and Ward Melville's Matthew LaRocca. Annunziata is batting .352 with 45 hits, 27 RBIs, 39 runs scored and eight doubles. But perhaps the most impressive thing has been his play at catcher, setting up behind the plate for the first time since he was a sophomore in high school. LaRocca, a third baseman/pitcher who sports a 4-1 record, is part of a solid staff that features All-American nominee Ray Angelucci, a Commack native. Angelucci (7-1) leads the team in wins, has allowed only 29 hits and struck out 70 in 551/3 innings and boasts an ERA of 2.12. Brown said Angelucci's fastball can reach 90 miles per hour, and his arsenal of a curve, changeup and slider makes him a formidable ace for a team hungry for a title. "Our mission was set very early," Brown said. "That's what we've pursued." The softball Sharks (21-18) will try to ride their three All-American nominees, spearheaded by sophomore ace Christina Seppi -- whose 1.69 ERA ranks sixth in the nation -- when they hit the field at McQuillan Softball Complex for their matchup today with Itasca CC (30-14). Suffolk will look for more of the same from two key offensive catalysts, shortstop Samantha Carcano and catcher Meaghan Fox. Leadoff hitter Carcano has batted a combined .534 the past two seasons, and Fox has belted eight homers this season. Joe LoBianco, who picked up his 100th career win with assistant Rick Antinori during the season, thinks a grueling schedule has his team ready for the challenge that lies ahead. "When we're good, we are real good," he said. "We go up and down a little, but we can beat anybody. This last week, we've been on a real roll and if we are peaking at the right time, I think we can beat anybody in the country." |
| Harmon Killebrew announced Friday Killebrew hit 573 home runs in his HOF career. May 13, 2011 9:36:09 PM Entry ID: 1886318 | Baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew said Friday he is ending his treatment for esophageal cancer and entering hospice care. "It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end," Killebrew, 74, said in a statement Friday, according to MLB.com. Killebrew is 11th in career home runs, hitting 573 during his 22-year career with the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins, according to MLB.com. He was diagnosed with cancer late last year "With the continued love and support of my wife, Nita, I have exhausted all options with respect to controlling this awful disease. My illness has progressed beyond my doctors' expectation of cure." Killebrew, who has spent the past decade promoting hospice care and its benefits, said he is "very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care" of a hospice. "I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by my family and friends. I thank you for the outpouring of concern, prayers and encouragement that you have shown me. I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with Nita by my side." Killebrew was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984. He was the 1969 American League Most Valuable Player and an 11-time All-Star, playing in 13 games (two in 1959 and '61). |
| hard-throwing sophomore Matt Vogel. May 4, 2011 11:34:18 AM Entry ID: 1884279 | There's been quite a stir surrounding the ability of Patchogue-Medford's hard-throwing sophomore Matt Vogel. Raiders coach Anthony Frascogna gave the talented Vogel just enough of a taste of the varsity level as a freshman and that experience is paying off big time this year. The 15-year-old has been brilliant, throwing three shutouts in four starts. He also has recorded a save. "He's everything we thought he'd be," Frascogna said. "He's the real deal." Vogel fired a three-hitter and struck out 10 with no walks in a complete-game gem as Patchogue-Medford beat Longwood, 2-0, Monday in a Suffolk League I game. "I threw the cutter for strikes all game and felt I had real good command of my pitches," said Vogel, whose ERA dropped to 0.45. "The key for me is to get ahead of the hitters." That was not a problem Monday. Vogel started 18 of 25 hitters with a strike. He also danced a change-up, curve and fastball all over the strike zone to frustrate Longwood hitters. "He's aggressive and went after guys early in the count," Longwood assistant coach David Delfranco said. "He was always working ahead." http://www.msgvarsity.com/columns/vogel-s-gem-stifles-longwood-1.490663?source=column&qr=1 |
| "It's a huge win for everybody Hopefully this brings some closure .. May 2, 2011 11:11:49 AM Entry ID: 1883785 | PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Fans at the Mets-Phillies game began chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" as the news of Osama bin Laden's death spread through Citizens Bank Park on Sunday night. "I heard the chants and they were great," Mets right-hander R.A. Dickey said after New York beat Philadelphia 2-1 in 14 innings. "It was a pretty neat thing. It was emotional. Hopefully this brings some closure but it's still not over." People could be spotted all over the ballpark checking their phones as news that the United States had killed the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington was breaking. The "U-S-A!" chants started in the top of the ninth inning of the game and picked up in intensity throughout the inning. "It was a big night for us and a big win for America," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "It's a huge win for everybody and I'm really proud of our troops." Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/05/02/phillies.bin.laden.ap/index.html#ixzz1LCxmgxzb |
| Ethier sets April hit-streak record April 27, 2011 10:56:25 AM Entry ID: 1882925 | Andre Ethier has hit safely in 23 games in April, setting the major league record He broke the record of his former manager Joe Torre, which was set in 1972 Andre Ethier's current hitting streak is the longest of his six-year career. MIAMI (AP) -- Andre Ethier set a major league record by extending his hitting streak to 23 games, the longest ever in April. The Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder doubled in the first inning Tuesday against Florida to break the record set by his former manager, Joe Torre, who hit in 22 straight April games in 1972. Ethier's hitting streak is a career best. He has had a hit in every game since going 0 for 4 in the second game of the season April 1. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/04/26/dodgers.ethier.streak.ap/index.html#ixzz1KjfEclPR |
| Tampa Bay's 'Superman' Sam Fuld April 22, 2011 7:26:10 PM Entry ID: 1882001 | Tampa Bay's 'Superman' Sam Fuld headlines surprising early stars Story Highlights Fuld has flourished since getting an everyday gig after Manny Ramirez's retirement Forty-four other breakout studs, including Justin Masterson and Jonathan Herrera The latest on the Dodgers mess, Ryan Braun's new contract and more notes PRINT EMAIL FACEBOOK DIGG TWITTER RSS SHARE Sudden Rays sensation Sam Fuld is hitting .348 and is tied for the American League lead with seven stolen bases. Jim Rogash/Getty Images When the Tampa Bay Rays sent top starting pitcher Matt Garza to the Cubs for a few hot prospects in a seven-player trade this winter, folks barely noticed that a couple of intellectual outfielders were also exchanged in that same deal. Fernando Perez, an Ivy League product of Columbia, went to the Cubs, and Sam Fuld, the Stanford product known mostly for his lack of height and daredevil plays in the outfield, went to the Rays. The Perez-for-Fuld part of the equation was largely overlooked, which was nothing new to Fuld, a speedy 5-foot-9-ish player who'd been up and down with Lou Piniella's Cubs, where he never had more than 97 at-bats in a season. Fuld, now 29, has had to overcome a lot, from smallish obstacles like growing up in a decidedly non-baseball hotbed such as Durham, N.H. (where his dad is a dean at the University of New Hampshire and his mom a New Hampshire state senator) and being a 24th-round Cubs draft choice, to larger ones like overcoming Type 1 diabetes. So he never was one to complain about something like playing time, not when he understands how everyone at this level is talented and everyone deserves a chance. If anyone gets the odds, he does he showed a unique aptitude for numbers as the small child of a professor. No sir, there aren't many undersized, Jewish bookworms (he had a 3.15 GPA at Stanford, according to Wikipedia) in the bigs. But the diminutive Fuld harbored big goals all along. Of course, he never could have imagined a start that has spawned talk of "the Legendary Sam Fuld" or "Superman Sam", where he is seen as the offensive sparkplug on a team that began the year with all-around superstar Evan Longoria (who's been injured) and a couple of famed ex-Idiots, Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. Coincidentally, Fuld grew up watching and admiring Damon, Ramirez, Mike Greenwell and Mo Vaughn as a member of Red Sox Nation in New England. Rays manager Joe Maddon, a lover of Fuld's superb, acrobatic defense and historically high on-base marks, was finding time for Fuld even before Ramirez ignominiously departed. But once the Manny era abruptly ended, Fuld's spot as a full-fledged starter became clear. His standout performance has only solidified that. Lo and behold, Fuld was leading the league in hitting at .396 after going 4-for-4 vs. the White Sox this past Monday. "I never anticipated this kind of start,'' Fuld said in a recent phone interview. "Sure, I have high expectations for myself. But do I think I'm going to win an American League batting title? No. At the same time, I think I can make a significant contribution.'' Fuld is doing more than making a significant contribution. The Rays' leadoff hitter is currently hitting .348 (now fifth-best in the AL) and has seven stolen bases, tying him Oakland's Coco Crisp for the league lead. Fuld is this space's choice for the biggest early surprise of the 2011 season. While former MVPs Alex Rodriguez and Joey Votto lead their respective leagues in hitting, there have also been some great surprises (the top 45 are listed below). Fuld always has been known as an excellent defender who can play all three outfield positions, and he has been nothing short of brilliant playing left field. (Gold Glove-caliber B.J. Upton is the Rays' center fielder.) But he admitted this spring he still needed to prove he could hit at the major league level, which he is now doing. Thanks to superior, daring defense (one catch he made crashing into the ivy-covered brick at Wrigley Field is still recalled) and very high on-base percentages (the self-confessed stat freak and early Moneyball reader has more walks than strikeouts in his career), he was given a few small chances with the Cubs. Piniella often spoke glowingly about the all-out style and effort of Fuld, but the iconic manager took weeks to give him an at-bat during his first call-up, so long that one teammate hung a sign at his locker proclaiming him "Moonlight Graham.'' In his best chance as a Cub, in 2009, Fuld posted a stunning .409 on-base percentage however, some seemed to focus on the fact that he only had two RBIs in those 97 at-bats. He took the trade as a positive because it meant "someone wanted me,'' he said. The irony is that it took the sudden departure of one of his childhood heroes, Ramirez, who quit after failing a drug test. (A Rays person said of Manny's short stint with the ballclub: "We went into it with our eyes wide open as to the number of minefields that existed.") Fuld actually wasn't expecting too much when he got to Port Charlotte, although the Rays are known for putting a high premium on defense, a stance that has been key to the team's two AL East championships in the last three seasons. His outfield versatility, style and attitude opened their eyes midway through spring. "A lot of what happened was unexpected. I was pretty thrilled just to make the team,'' Fuld said. "Manny's retirement came as a shock to everyone.'' Fuld's overall performance may shock some, but nothing was more astounding than his first game at Fenway, where he'd hung out as a New Hampshire kid. Before 30 friends and family, Fuld had four extra-base hits: a homer, a triple and two doubles (a record 11 total bases for a Fenway debut). Going into his last at-bat, Fuld only needed a single to become the second Rays player after Upton to hit for a cycle, and he lined a shot into the left-field corner. While some Rays people were shouting for him to stop at first, he wouldn't think of it. Not his style. "It never really crossed me mind,'' he said. "I think that would have been pretty selfish.'' Fuld has never been considered anything but an organization and team man and he wouldn't do anything to change that. He's come this far his way, despite his short stature, intellectual upbringing in a cold locale, health concern and more. The obstacles seem too many, and too big, to overcome. "I think they're all pretty sizable,'' Fuld agreed. "I've always fought the odds against me. A little left-handed outfielder from New Hampshire is probably not going to be in the big leagues. But I thought, why not? I gave it a shot.'' Beating the long odds, Fuld said, "makes it a lot more gratifying.'' A few major leaguers have successfully battled Type 1 diabetes, such as All-Star pitcher Bill Gullickson and Cubs legend Ron Santo, but the disease is no small concern. Daily shots, which help control it, incite teasing about "shooting up'' from teammates. Fuld said, "It's something I have to be aware of. It's a big juggling act. You have to do your best to keep your blood sugar in a good solid range.'' Fuld continues to overcome, without complaint. "I had times where I was frustrated,'' he admitted. "There were moments where I thought I deserved a little better. But baseball's not fair. Realistically, not being a big prospect, I have to overachieve and outplay guys.'' So far, he is outplaying almost everyone. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jon_heyman/04/22/sam.fuld/index.html#ixzz1KIV5OVDV |
| How To Get Your Child to Live at Home Forever Today's Espresso Minute - Groupie parents April 18, 2011 10:04:23 AM Entry ID: 1880912 | Groupie Parents Okay, while most of us love raising our children, we do hope that one day they’ll go out on their own and live independently of us. But, more and more, young adults are not separating from mom and dad because of, what the experts call, delayed maturation, and this unhealthy parenting mindset. Do you remember the term groupie? It has usually been associated with rock stars. Groupies are the devoted fans – often women- who idolize their favorite performers. They travel in groups, following their favorite performers and doing whatever they can to be close to them, enjoying the precious moments they have with those brilliant, talented performers. Groupie parents do the same thing with their children. They view their children as "stars" who are to be honored and served and have their every whim catered to, and they make sure they are available to applaud at any possible moment. These parents never miss a performance or fail to show up for a PTA meeting. They're great volunteers as long as their children benefit directly from the attention. (They're often the "stage moms" or the infamous "pageant parents.") What they long for most of all is to bask in the presence of their glorious offspring. The Groupie Parent Mindset They might even spiritualize the issue by saying, "These children are precious gifts, blessings from heaven, and I am called to serve them and provide for them as they grow up under my care." Those statements are true, but groupie parents fail to see the other side of that reality – their children are entrusted to them to raise to become mature, contributing adults. We parents are stewards of our children. We only have them for so many years (although the years seem to be increasing). Our role is to equip them to give back to society to improve the world for having been in it. Because the child of a groupie parent in essence becomes an idol, the groupie parent's approach is almost that of worship. What the child wants, the child gets. More than merely being spoiled, the child is venerated as the center around which the family revolves. I recently spoke at a college commencement ceremony and heard about some groupie parents in the audience. These parents had kids who didn't graduate magna cum laude or even cum laude (with honors). Consequently, their graduation robe didn't include the "honors" cords and tassels. Since these parents felt their children deserved those honors, they created their own set of cords for the kids to wear. I would assume this was embarrassing for the graduates, but who knows? If you're accustomed to being idolized and catered to, you might not even understand when such behavior is out of line. The Problem: These parents fail to recognize that kids need leaders, not servants. They enjoy their precious moments with their children, but they fail to equip them for the future. The Issue: I have observed that this type of parenting style is often a reaction to a past experience. Due to the absence or neglect of their own parents, they may swing the pendulum to the other extreme, determining to never miss any milestone their child experiences. This motivation in itself is noble. The problem lies in their failure to see the big picture. By lavishing too much time and attention on a child and never denying the child anything, groupie parents can increase that child's self-image to an unhealthy level. How can anyone surrounded by groupies avoid becoming bloated with self-importance? Sadly, these kids, who are used to being the center of attention, may never learn to function when the spotlight goes off. They may also become relationship-disabled, unable to manage the give-and-take for a healthy relationship. These parents must work to grasp the reality that loving their children means treating them as people, not idols. It means learning to say no when appropriate and requiring them to serve others…as well as learning to work well even when the focus is not on them. And perhaps the best gift any married parents can give their kids is to keep that marriage healthy. The kids will be happiest when they know they're a welcome addition to a family, not the center of family life. |
| Texas slugger Josh Hamilton MLB April 13, 2011 8:51:02 AM Entry ID: 1879660 | DETROIT (AP) -- Texas slugger Josh Hamilton is expected to miss six to eight weeks after breaking his upper right arm on a headfirst dive into home plate Tuesday, a daring dash the AL MVP later called "stupid." Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/04/12/hamilton.rangers.ap/index.html#ixzz1JPILxmCZ |
| None Success April 7, 2011 9:54:21 AM Entry ID: 1878197 | Attitude + Academics + Athletics + Leadership + Competition = $ - That's My Understanding Of Mathematics. |
| Injury Turns into Inspiration April 1, 2011 8:49:26 AM Entry ID: 1876545 | for One High School Girl......... After this girl hit her first ever home run, she tore her ACL running to first base. Just when tragedy was inevitable, something amazing happened. http://www.godvine.com/Injury-Turns-into-Inspiration-for-One-High-School-Girl-323.html |
| Dungy's 'Words of Wisdom' 10 Things to Teach your Son about True Manhood March 31, 2011 12:55:18 PM Entry ID: 1876319 | 10 Things to Teach your Son about True Manhood Our culture (especially “pop-culture”) is, typically, dead wrong about this topic! Check out the role models readily available to kids today: The Internet, movies, television, music, magazines, the sports world and politics. There’s a huge pile of information available and “ideals” presented, but precious little that’s much short of flat-out harmful. So let’s not leave this one to chance, dads. Be all over this list, think about what it means to engage “True Manhood”, and let’s begin to take responsibility for what Junior is exposed to. You are the # 1 role model for your child! Like it or not, it’s a fact, and there’s not much you can do except make sure you’re the best. Living manhood out loud is one of our primary responsibilities as dads. Seriously, there’s a lot that can be done, and kids with proactive dads are going to be head and shoulders ahead. For starters, here’s All Pro Dad’s list of 10 things to teach your son about true manhood. 1. Being a gentleman is still worth the effort: - Hold the door. - Stand up when a woman leaves or joins the table. - Walk on the “splash” side of the sidewalk. - Attempt (gently) to pick up the tab. - Go get the car when it’s raining. - Offer your hand… 2. At the same time, be respectful: All the above “gentlemanly” actions must be offered subtly, and - if necessary - set aside graciously when refused. 3. Take responsibility: In a word (well, two), “step up.” True manhood takes responsibility for its actions, choices, values and beliefs. And – while taking responsibility, manhood is also willing to admit – with grace - when it is wrong. 4. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable: Real strength allows other people in. Manhood is honest about feelings and not afraid to be known. True manhood never builds a wall where there should be a window, or a fortress where there should be a sanctuary. 5. Actually “being” a man is more important than “talking” like one: Real men don’t just stand up and speak up - they “put up” too. Loud talk and tough posturing don’t cut it. True manhood involves finding a need and doing something about it. Real men don’t complain about social problems – they go out and do something about them. Real men don’t point fingers – they work for solutions. Real men get calluses on their hands – not from flapping their lips. 6. Listen respectfully, disagree politely and never exclude women from conversation: True manhood is inclusive. It may be strong, but it’s unfailingly polite. Men who equate bluster or machismo with strength are typically covering something up. Men who think women have nothing to contribute to the conversation need to wake up and smell the 21st Century. 7. Love is stronger than muscles: True manhood understands that brute force is less compelling than self-giving love. The best solutions to difficulties involved applied love. 8. The first shall be last: True manhood puts others first. Jesus is quoted more than once as saying something like this: If you want to be a leader, then the place to be is on your knees, with a towel in your hand, washing someone’s feet. 9. Manhood is – sometimes - more about what you could do but didn’t than what you could have avoided but did anyway: There’s a lot of restraint – a great deal of “Quiet Strength” in true manhood. Real men tend to always have something in reserve. 10. True manhood is more about giving than about getting: Our culture often touts a “men see what they want, then they go out and get it” view of manhood. But true manhood is more along the lines of “see what the world needs, then go out and do it.” Strength leveraged for the benefit of others. |
| Tony Dungy All Pro Dad When it’s Time for Your Son to “Man Up” March 31, 2011 12:53:12 PM Entry ID: 1876318 | When it’s Time for Your Son to “Man Up” Author Mark Driscoll writes, “The world today is filled with boys who can shave. Historically, a guy would go through two life phases: boy, then man. The transition from boy to man was comprised of five sociological variables that happened almost simultaneously or in very close succession: 1. Leave your parents' home 2. Finish your education or vocational training 3. Start a career-track job, not a dead-end-Joe job 4. Meet a woman, love her, honor her, court her, and marry her 5. Have children with her. But here's what's happened. Rather than moving from boy to man by this succession of sociological transitions, we've created something called adolescence. It's a third life stage in the middle between boy and man. We don't know what to call them so we just call them guys. These are boys who can shave. But when do you become a man? Is it when you're sixteen and you can drive, or eighteen when you can vote and join the military, or twenty-one when you can drink? Is it when you graduate from college after you've worked on your undergrad degree for seven or eight years? Is it when you get married? Is it when you have kids? Is it when you buy a house? No one knows. So, we are left with indefinite adolescence and a Peter Pan Syndrome epidemic where men want to remain boys forever.” |
| None MLB - 2011 - Opening Day March 31, 2011 12:02:07 PM Entry ID: 1876306 | It's Opening Day, one of the greatest days on the baseball calendar. And there's a new look to the time-honored Opening Day tradition. But something's missing, says Tom Verducci. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/#ixzz1IC34Gbnm |
| None The Top 10 Excuses Children Make March 16, 2011 1:42:25 PM Entry ID: 1872597 | The Top 10 Excuses Children Make “Become legendary.” A Michael Jordan commercial ends with that message. What constitutes a legend anyway? Is it Uniqueness? Dedication? Perseverance? Sacrifice? Sure, but the most important ingredient for any would-be legend is great passion for the task at hand. Passion and desire can conquer mountains. Some call it heart. So, how do we teach our children this quality? What can we do to teach them to lay down their excuses as to why they can’t, and to figure out how they can? Here is a list of common excuses your children use, and how you might counter them. 1. I’m Not Smart Enough Some children are easily intimidated and lack consistent self-confidence. When these kids feel overshadowed by the accomplishments of their peers, a common go-to defense is to blame it on a lack of intelligence. “I’m not smart enough so I just won’t try.” As parents we need to constantly work on encouraging the self-assurance of our children. Help them to hone their best abilities, while learning to smooth out the rough edges created by their weaknesses. 2. It’s Too Risky Boldness and courage are indeed among the qualities possessed by a legend. No great gain ever came without tremendous risk. There is a difference between stupidity and risk. Stupidity is riding a bike off the roof of a house while your buddy films you. Risk is taking a chance on something worthwhile and knowing you might not be successful. Teach your child discipline and perseverance so that they might lessen the risk and put the odds in their favor. When hard work is applied, risks become “calculated risks” and are usually much easier to conquer. 3. I’m Not Big Enough Age and size are big excuses children like to use. “I’m not old enough to read that book yet.” Even though your 2nd grader is reading on a 5th grade level and could easily do it. “I’m too small to play football,” even though your son loves the game and has speed and skills. Child development stages are not one size fits all. Parenting requires that we recognize and nurture our children’s own unique stages. Do not allow complacency towards a general standard. Children skip grade levels. Small kids excel at sports. It happens, but not with excuses. The late Sam Mills, an undersized linebacker in the NFL, is a great example to research. His statue stands proud outside the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as a reminder to all that character always trumps size. 4. I Can’t Do It By Myself Self-reliance is a handy trait in life. The ability to entertain yourself. To sustain and motivate yourself. To be able to feel joy and appreciation even if momentarily alone in life. If your child feels they must always have help from others to achieve, then a behavior modification is in order. Yes, teamwork is essential and equally as important. Yet individual drive and responsibility for one’s own actions are vital to personal achievement as well as overall team success. “I think I can” said the little train. 5. I’m Scared Fear is natural and healthy. Sometimes it’s a warning to steer clear. Other times it’s an excuse to not move forward. We can’t leave the training wheels on forever. Eventually they have to come off and we must learn how to ride unaided. Once we do, we learn the joy and freedom of accomplishment. A parent’s natural instinct is to protect our kids at all costs. Our daughter looks us in the eyes and says, “Daddy, I’m scared to try.” We hold them tightly. The next moment is crucial. Do you allow that fear to stall her development? Or do you reassure her with lots of love and have her face her fear? Your answer to this question has long term ramifications. 6. Nobody Does It That Way When American music legend Waylon Jennings first went to Nashville, he was told that everyone had high hopes for him. They said he would be just like Hank Williams. The problem was he wanted to be like Waylon Jennings. He rebelled against the formula, and earned the label “outlaw.” Later, after gaining great success on his own, he wrote a song called, I Don’t Think Hank Done it This Way, as an answer to those early expectations. Every person has their own unique vision and talent. Allow your children to be who they are. Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but imitation never made a legend. 7. We Are Too Poor Economic factors play a gigantic role in the social emotional development of children. Kids from lesser means understandably feel intimated by children who appear to have more. Many schools enforce mandatory uniform policies for this very reason. All parents should play a role in helping less fortunate children feel adequate and worthy to achieve. If you are a family of meager means, do not allow your children to use that as an excuse not to dream as big as they can. If you are a family blessed with good fortune, teach your children the responsibility of sharing their material blessings with others. The capabilities of children have nothing to do with social standing or economics. Each human brain can achieve great things given the opportunity to thrive. 8. I Don’t Feel Like Doing It Every parent has been frustrated upon hearing that excuse from your child. Your own parents felt the same stress when you said it to them. “I don’t feel like cleaning my room.” “I don’t feel like doing my homework.” Laziness is not a trait you want to nurture. Consider setting up behavior charts that reward positive and punctual results. You could also implement a list of tasks and chores to be completed each week in a timely manner. The reward could be a special privilege or an out of the ordinary treat. This sets a standard of personal discipline and strong work ethic required for adult success. 9. It’s Too Hard It is human nature to seek the path of least resistance. That’s quite ok. In many instances, finding and following this well-worn path is a mark of intelligence and common sense. However, what seems like the easier path is actually marked with bumps, rocks and pitfalls that are difficult to navigate. It’s in these more difficult moments that build character in our kids. In the face of the road hazard, does your child back down and just give up? “It’s too hard and I just can’t do it.” Or will he rise to the challenge and overcome the obstacles before him? Our job as parents is to be there to encourage and motivate during these times. You are not raising a quitter. 10. I Can’t Because Of What Happened Child behavior is a fickle and delicate thing. Any life events can be the trigger that sends your child careening in directions you would rather he avoid. Using tragedy, bad fortune or family standing as a crutch is a common excuse for children and adults alike. “Since my parents divorced, I don’t think I can do that anymore.” “I can’t because everybody loves the new baby and not me.” Be aware of life’s sudden changes and the impact they have on your child’s demeanor. Divorces, death and even new siblings can be just the kind of events that have the potential to hurl them into a behavioral tailspin. It’s perfectly understandable and even expected that these major life events will have an effect on your child’s behavior. If after a time of adjustment, your child continues to use the life event as an excuse, then you know you have a problem. Face the problem head on and encourage them to take personal responsibility and stand on their own two feet.. |
| None Best Speed Prospect: Mike Trout, Angels, OF March 15, 2011 9:55:23 AM Entry ID: 1872350 | Best Speed Prospect: Mike Trout, Angels, OF Trout beat out a routine grounder to shortstop the other day, just flat beat it out. His secret? "As soon as I hit it on the ground, I started running.'' Sounds simple, huh? Trout (5 for 19 so far this spring) is quick, no doubt about that. And he hustles. He even hustled his way to MLB Network studios for the 2009 draft, and was there to celebrate the Angles taking him No. 23 overall out of high school in New Jersey. He was fairly quick to sign, and some suggested he was only picked that high because he was an easy, cheap sign. But the Angels knew better. Then scouting director Eddie Bane (he's since been fired and is now with the Tigers) had him No. 2 on the Angels' board, to only Stephen Strasburg, the consensus No. 1 pick. Now, nearly two years later, folks finally agree with them. These days he is No. 1 overall on some prospect lists. He'll begin the year at Double-A but he shouldn't take long to be in the majors (2012 is a fair projection), even though he's only 19 and two years out of high school. In the meantime, we see flashes of incredible quickness. |
| U2-Kite http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/u/u2/kite.html March 14, 2011 1:30:20 PM Entry ID: 1872156 | http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/u/u2/kite.html Something is about to give I can feel it coming I think I know what it is I'm not afraid to die I'm not afraid to live And when I'm flat on my back I hope to feel like I did Cause hardness, it sets in You need some protection The thinner the skin I want you to know That you don't need me anymore I want you to know You don't need anyone, anything at all Who's to say where the wind will take you Who's to say what it is will break you I don't know which way the wind will blow Who's to know when the time has come around Don't wanna see you cry I know that this is not goodbye In summer I can taste the salt in the sea There's a kite blowing out of control on a breeze I wonder what's gonna happen to you You wonder what has happened to me I'm a man, I'm not a child A man who sees The shadow behind your eyes Who's to say where the wind will take you Who's to say what it is will break you I don't know where the wind will blow Who's to know when the time has come around I don't wanna see you cry I know that this is not goodbye Did I waste it? Not so much I couldn't taste it Life should be fragrant Roof top to the basement The last of the rock stars When hip hop drove the big cars In the time when new media Was the big idea That was the big idea |
| Landslide This ones for you Daddy March 11, 2011 7:08:59 AM Entry ID: 1871698 | I took my love, I took it down Climbed a mountain and I turned around and I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills 'Till the landslide brought me down Oh, mirror in the sky What is love Can the child within my heart rise above Can I sail through the changing ocean tides Can I handle the seasons of my life~~~ Mmmm mmm mmm Well, I've been afraid of changing 'Cause I've built my life around you But time makes you bolder Even children get older And I'm getting older too Well, I've been afraid of changing 'Cause I've built my life around you But time makes you bolder Even children get older And I'm getting older too Oh I'm getting older too Awh, take my love, take it down Awh, Climb a mountain and turn around And If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills Well the landslide bring it down And If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills Well the landslide bring it down Oh the landslide bring it down. |
