He dragged his feet on the steroid issue, wrestled with the players union during a couple of ugly labor disputes and helped deadlock an All-Star Game, but give baseball commissioner Bud Selig credit for this:
The pennant races have gotten progressively better during his tenure.
We're three weeks deep into September, the NFL is in its third week and college football is well underway yet more people in more cities are thinking about baseball.
Sure, the Yankees boast a $200 million payroll and the Braves are once again leading their division (yawn) but the Red Sox are right on the Yanks' heels, the Indians are on the verge of completing one of the most remarkable rallies in baseball history as they chase the White Sox and the Astros, Phillies, Marlins, A's and Padres are all eyeing the postseason heading into the season's final week.
This is good stuff. Perhaps competitive balance has arrived. If so, Selig must be given the bulk of the credit. Albeit reluctantly.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Bengals breed confidence
Solid quote from Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during today's press briefing:
"Confidence comes from being prepared," Lewis said. "I tell our players they shouldn't be afraid to sit in the front row for the exam. If you prepared for the test, you should know the questions and the answers. Confidence is being prepared to do your job."
Of course, the biggest challenge for the 2-0 Bengals this week is OVER-confidence.
"Confidence comes from being prepared," Lewis said. "I tell our players they shouldn't be afraid to sit in the front row for the exam. If you prepared for the test, you should know the questions and the answers. Confidence is being prepared to do your job."
Of course, the biggest challenge for the 2-0 Bengals this week is OVER-confidence.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Great trivia question
The Reds released roving hitting instructor Jim Hickman as part of a series of moves made this week in their minor-league system.
Hickman was one of my favorite Chicago Cubs players growing up. He's also the answer to one of my favorite trivia questions.
Reds fans will always remember Pete Rose running over Ray Fosse to score the winning run in the 1970 All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium. But, who delivered the hit which scored Rose?
You guessed it, it was Hickman.
You have my permission to stump your friends with that one.
Hickman was one of my favorite Chicago Cubs players growing up. He's also the answer to one of my favorite trivia questions.
Reds fans will always remember Pete Rose running over Ray Fosse to score the winning run in the 1970 All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium. But, who delivered the hit which scored Rose?
You guessed it, it was Hickman.
You have my permission to stump your friends with that one.
A rare Friday night off
No high school football assignments tonight due to a family obligation.
This will undoubtedly be my only Friday night off until late November. It's also my first Friday evening free since the third week of August.
Can you imagine working all but one Friday night for three consecutive months?
Welcome to the wonderful world of sports writing.
Oh well, we choose our own fate.
This will undoubtedly be my only Friday night off until late November. It's also my first Friday evening free since the third week of August.
Can you imagine working all but one Friday night for three consecutive months?
Welcome to the wonderful world of sports writing.
Oh well, we choose our own fate.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Reds rally for Katrina relief
Sean Casey sat in the Batter’s Eye Pavilion at Great American Ball Park and autographed copies of the Oh Say Can You Sing CD prior to a Reds/Brewers game last week.
“Can you sing for us?,” asked one eager Reds fan.
“No, I’m more of a studio guy,” quipped Casey.
Casey, who was one of several major leaguers to perform on the CD, sings Toby Keith’s hit song How Do You Like Me Now.
But, the autograph session was not an attempt by the Reds first baseman to further his musical career.
Rather, all of the proceeds from the sale of the autographed CD’s went directly toward Matthew 25: Ministries and the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
“I had planned on doing a (CD) signing this year,” Casey said. “I decided to put the money toward the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. We've gotten together as a team and decided to raise some money. We can’t give our time but we can put some money toward helping out.”
Disasters such as Katrina bring out the best and worst of humanity.
For every looter and criminal terrorizing the streets of New Orleans, there were thousands of other examples of compassion and support among those looking to help people in need on the Gulf Coast.
The Reds and other local sports teams have responded generously in the wake of the hurricane’s devastation in New Orleans and in other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Casey convinced each of his teammates to donate one day’s salary to the relief effort. The Reds players’ total donation was estimated to be more than $200,000.
This past Saturday, Raquel Aurilia, wife of Reds infielder Rich Aurilia, lent her beautiful voice to the cause by agreeing to give a copy of her CD single, The Need, to the first 300 fans entering Great American Ball Park provided they agree to donate $5 or more to hurricane victims.
“We wanted to help in some way, to not only seek help from others, but to give people a little something in return,” Raquel said. “Music is so therapeutic. By sharing the song with others, maybe it will leave them with a sense of hope when there are so many devastating things going on in the world today.”
At each of the Reds remaining home games at Great American Ball Park, barrels will be located at each gate. Fans can drop off canned food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products which will then be forwarded to the relief effort by Matthew 25: Ministries.
The Bengals also helped out by teaming with the Salvation Army and Clear Channel to raise more than $62,000 during their final preseason game against the Colts at Paul Brown Stadium.
Major League Baseball expected to generate more than $3 million in relief through various initiatives.
“We in Major League Baseball express our sorrow to those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for a swift recovery for those whose lives have been so tragically and unbearably disrupted,” said baseball commissioner Bud Selig.
It’s natural for sports writers and athletes to attempt to put things into ‘perspective’ when world events supersede the importance of runs, hits and touchdowns. Come to think of it, when don’t they?
As Casey patrolled his hotel in Houston, home to thousands of evacuees from the New Orleans area, he was afforded constant reminders of the dire reality of their situation.
Hurricane Katrina challenged our country in a manner not experienced since 9/11. But, this is very different. There was no terrorist steering Katrina toward the Louisiana coastline with the intention of killing thousands of Americans to forward a religious and political agenda. Katrina was a natural disaster; an act of ‘God’.
Hurricanes have been rolling across the globe for millions of years unimpeded. If the storms could talk, they’d probably tell us to get off the beach. To build our million-dollar mansions, luxury resort hotels and tourist destinations elsewhere.
Much like volcanoes, tornados and earthquakes, hurricanes are a necessary and, in many respects, beneficial force of nature. It’s the price we pay for living on a rocky planet with an atmosphere and a sun. Hurricanes enrich our coastlines and provide new resources for wildlife. They also, on occasion, bring death and destruction to populated coastline communities.
As hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana and Mississippi deal with the loss of property and loved ones, many folks in other parts of the country were just as concerned about their stock options and rising gas prices.
Disasters such as Katrina come along once or maybe twice a century. When they do occur, our faith and even our trust in one another are put to the test.
There’s an age-old saying that God gives us only what he believes we can handle.
Amid all of the political posturing over who’s at fault for the failed levees, and why it took more than four days for adequate federal assistance to arrive, Hurricane Katrina offered many examples of how Americans can rally for each other.
“We need for our whole country to open up their hearts and their wallets and give these people what they can't get,” said Casey.
Now, that’s a tune we can all sing.
“Can you sing for us?,” asked one eager Reds fan.
“No, I’m more of a studio guy,” quipped Casey.
Casey, who was one of several major leaguers to perform on the CD, sings Toby Keith’s hit song How Do You Like Me Now.
But, the autograph session was not an attempt by the Reds first baseman to further his musical career.
Rather, all of the proceeds from the sale of the autographed CD’s went directly toward Matthew 25: Ministries and the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
“I had planned on doing a (CD) signing this year,” Casey said. “I decided to put the money toward the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. We've gotten together as a team and decided to raise some money. We can’t give our time but we can put some money toward helping out.”
Disasters such as Katrina bring out the best and worst of humanity.
For every looter and criminal terrorizing the streets of New Orleans, there were thousands of other examples of compassion and support among those looking to help people in need on the Gulf Coast.
The Reds and other local sports teams have responded generously in the wake of the hurricane’s devastation in New Orleans and in other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Casey convinced each of his teammates to donate one day’s salary to the relief effort. The Reds players’ total donation was estimated to be more than $200,000.
This past Saturday, Raquel Aurilia, wife of Reds infielder Rich Aurilia, lent her beautiful voice to the cause by agreeing to give a copy of her CD single, The Need, to the first 300 fans entering Great American Ball Park provided they agree to donate $5 or more to hurricane victims.
“We wanted to help in some way, to not only seek help from others, but to give people a little something in return,” Raquel said. “Music is so therapeutic. By sharing the song with others, maybe it will leave them with a sense of hope when there are so many devastating things going on in the world today.”
At each of the Reds remaining home games at Great American Ball Park, barrels will be located at each gate. Fans can drop off canned food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products which will then be forwarded to the relief effort by Matthew 25: Ministries.
The Bengals also helped out by teaming with the Salvation Army and Clear Channel to raise more than $62,000 during their final preseason game against the Colts at Paul Brown Stadium.
Major League Baseball expected to generate more than $3 million in relief through various initiatives.
“We in Major League Baseball express our sorrow to those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for a swift recovery for those whose lives have been so tragically and unbearably disrupted,” said baseball commissioner Bud Selig.
It’s natural for sports writers and athletes to attempt to put things into ‘perspective’ when world events supersede the importance of runs, hits and touchdowns. Come to think of it, when don’t they?
As Casey patrolled his hotel in Houston, home to thousands of evacuees from the New Orleans area, he was afforded constant reminders of the dire reality of their situation.
Hurricane Katrina challenged our country in a manner not experienced since 9/11. But, this is very different. There was no terrorist steering Katrina toward the Louisiana coastline with the intention of killing thousands of Americans to forward a religious and political agenda. Katrina was a natural disaster; an act of ‘God’.
Hurricanes have been rolling across the globe for millions of years unimpeded. If the storms could talk, they’d probably tell us to get off the beach. To build our million-dollar mansions, luxury resort hotels and tourist destinations elsewhere.
Much like volcanoes, tornados and earthquakes, hurricanes are a necessary and, in many respects, beneficial force of nature. It’s the price we pay for living on a rocky planet with an atmosphere and a sun. Hurricanes enrich our coastlines and provide new resources for wildlife. They also, on occasion, bring death and destruction to populated coastline communities.
As hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana and Mississippi deal with the loss of property and loved ones, many folks in other parts of the country were just as concerned about their stock options and rising gas prices.
Disasters such as Katrina come along once or maybe twice a century. When they do occur, our faith and even our trust in one another are put to the test.
There’s an age-old saying that God gives us only what he believes we can handle.
Amid all of the political posturing over who’s at fault for the failed levees, and why it took more than four days for adequate federal assistance to arrive, Hurricane Katrina offered many examples of how Americans can rally for each other.
“We need for our whole country to open up their hearts and their wallets and give these people what they can't get,” said Casey.
Now, that’s a tune we can all sing.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
The bar has been raised ... Bengals head to Cleveland
There’s a popular coaching cliché which tells us no team is as good as people think or as bad as people think.
The Bengals surrender themselves to the court of public opinion at 1 p.m. Sunday when they play their season-opener against the Browns in Cleveland.
How big is this game?
If the Bengals win, they’ll return home to begin a stretch of three games against the Vikings, Bears and Texans; teams which combined for just 20 wins last season.
Visions of a 4-0 start will be dancing in the Bengals’ heads. Teams who begin the season 4-0 typically reach the playoffs, a plateau not achieved by the Bengals since 1990.
Even 2-2 would be an improvement after consecutive 1-4 starts which inevitably prevented the Bengals from extending their season beyond the first week of January for the first time in 14 years.
Lose to the Browns, and they’ll be serenaded with a chorus of that unpopular tune, “Same Old Bengals” cascading throughout the Lake Erie waterfront.
The Browns are out to prove they’re better than last year’s 4-12 club.
The Bengals are looking to escape the bounds of mediocrity following back-to-back 8-8 campaigns.
The Browns have won 5 of the last 7 meetings. And, let’s face it, neither team or city cares too much for the other.
“(The Browns) are going to try to win the football game,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “People come hard after you every week, but there will be some excitement when we go to Cleveland.”
It’s easy to say the preseason doesn’t matter, especially when your team has played as inconsistently as the Bengals have this summer. They appeared to have hit rock bottom in a 27-17 loss to the defending NFC champion Eagles in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Lewis kept hammering home this point:
“What you did in ’03 and ’04 doesn’t matter,” he said. “This is a new year. The bar has been raised.”
The entire preseason regime beginning with ‘Camp Marvin’ at Georgetown College has been geared to preparing the team for a fast start. While ESPN pundits were singing the Bengals’ praises and fans were gobbling up season ticket packages at a record pace, Lewis struggled to put the blinders on his players.
“You guys (the media) have beat them into a frenzy,” he said. “They think they’re pretty good. What have we done? We haven’t done anything. We’re not here to be average. There’s a certain sense of urgency now of things that need to be done.”
Much of the optimism stems from the off-season retention of Rudi Johnson, who rushed for 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and the continued maturation of QB Carson Palmer.
The Bengals have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL led by the flamboyant and quotable Chad Johnson and his Oregon State University pal T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Top draft choice, defensive end David Pollack, who signed after a lengthy holdout, should help anchor an improved defense.
But, honestly, much of the excitement surrounding the Bengals this summer is that they’ve been on the brink of the playoffs in each of Lewis’ first two seasons as head coach. The Bengals won 6 of their last 9 games last season.
Lewis has tried to shield his team from the hype. In a sense, he seemed oddly pleased with his team’s poor play during the preseason giving him more ammo for what many players considered the toughest preseason practices in the NFL.
“I’m never happy,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s a wake up call, but you have to be consistent when you play good football teams. We need a consistent level of execution in all three phases. That’s what we’re not very good at. We need to coach harder and work harder every day.”
The Bengals won’t be taken lightly by opponents this season. Considering their recent history, rivals also won’t be losing any sleep playing them either.
“The AFC North teams have gotten better,” said Lewis. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. They haven’t been staying up at night worrying about us.”
At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, Bengals fans will know whether they should begin to worry.
“From what everybody tells me, I guess this year is supposed to be pivotal,” Lewis said. “Every year is pivotal. Getting back to mediocrity has not gone to our heads. We all want to go to Detroit.”
Detroit’s Ford Field is the site of Super Bowl XL.
Browns Stadium should be the only NFL venue on the Bengals’ minds this week.
The Bengals surrender themselves to the court of public opinion at 1 p.m. Sunday when they play their season-opener against the Browns in Cleveland.
How big is this game?
If the Bengals win, they’ll return home to begin a stretch of three games against the Vikings, Bears and Texans; teams which combined for just 20 wins last season.
Visions of a 4-0 start will be dancing in the Bengals’ heads. Teams who begin the season 4-0 typically reach the playoffs, a plateau not achieved by the Bengals since 1990.
Even 2-2 would be an improvement after consecutive 1-4 starts which inevitably prevented the Bengals from extending their season beyond the first week of January for the first time in 14 years.
Lose to the Browns, and they’ll be serenaded with a chorus of that unpopular tune, “Same Old Bengals” cascading throughout the Lake Erie waterfront.
The Browns are out to prove they’re better than last year’s 4-12 club.
The Bengals are looking to escape the bounds of mediocrity following back-to-back 8-8 campaigns.
The Browns have won 5 of the last 7 meetings. And, let’s face it, neither team or city cares too much for the other.
“(The Browns) are going to try to win the football game,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “People come hard after you every week, but there will be some excitement when we go to Cleveland.”
It’s easy to say the preseason doesn’t matter, especially when your team has played as inconsistently as the Bengals have this summer. They appeared to have hit rock bottom in a 27-17 loss to the defending NFC champion Eagles in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Lewis kept hammering home this point:
“What you did in ’03 and ’04 doesn’t matter,” he said. “This is a new year. The bar has been raised.”
The entire preseason regime beginning with ‘Camp Marvin’ at Georgetown College has been geared to preparing the team for a fast start. While ESPN pundits were singing the Bengals’ praises and fans were gobbling up season ticket packages at a record pace, Lewis struggled to put the blinders on his players.
“You guys (the media) have beat them into a frenzy,” he said. “They think they’re pretty good. What have we done? We haven’t done anything. We’re not here to be average. There’s a certain sense of urgency now of things that need to be done.”
Much of the optimism stems from the off-season retention of Rudi Johnson, who rushed for 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, and the continued maturation of QB Carson Palmer.
The Bengals have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL led by the flamboyant and quotable Chad Johnson and his Oregon State University pal T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Top draft choice, defensive end David Pollack, who signed after a lengthy holdout, should help anchor an improved defense.
But, honestly, much of the excitement surrounding the Bengals this summer is that they’ve been on the brink of the playoffs in each of Lewis’ first two seasons as head coach. The Bengals won 6 of their last 9 games last season.
Lewis has tried to shield his team from the hype. In a sense, he seemed oddly pleased with his team’s poor play during the preseason giving him more ammo for what many players considered the toughest preseason practices in the NFL.
“I’m never happy,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s a wake up call, but you have to be consistent when you play good football teams. We need a consistent level of execution in all three phases. That’s what we’re not very good at. We need to coach harder and work harder every day.”
The Bengals won’t be taken lightly by opponents this season. Considering their recent history, rivals also won’t be losing any sleep playing them either.
“The AFC North teams have gotten better,” said Lewis. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. They haven’t been staying up at night worrying about us.”
At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, Bengals fans will know whether they should begin to worry.
“From what everybody tells me, I guess this year is supposed to be pivotal,” Lewis said. “Every year is pivotal. Getting back to mediocrity has not gone to our heads. We all want to go to Detroit.”
Detroit’s Ford Field is the site of Super Bowl XL.
Browns Stadium should be the only NFL venue on the Bengals’ minds this week.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Griffey a "Bridesmaid"
Ken Griffey Jr. finished second in the balloting for NL Player of the Week two weeks in a row.
He was bested by teammate Felipe Lopez and then by the Mets' David Wright.
"Always a bridesmaid, never a bride," said Griffey to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News.
Yeah, but what would Junior rather be ... All-Century or just All-Week?
He was bested by teammate Felipe Lopez and then by the Mets' David Wright.
"Always a bridesmaid, never a bride," said Griffey to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News.
Yeah, but what would Junior rather be ... All-Century or just All-Week?
What now for UC hoops program?
Just returned from vacationing in Seattle, which is a wonderful town, by the way. This is my first opportunity to weigh in on the firing of University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins.
So, here goes ...
The University of Cincinnati’s entrance into the Big East Conference was expected to be greeted with a great deal of pomp and circumstance. Instead, it’s been a time of protest on the Corryville campus.
When head basketball coach Bob Huggins was given his walking papers by university president Nancy Zimpher it ignited a firestorm of local and national scrutiny.
Honestly, if you’re looking for further confirmation of Bob Huggins’ sainthood, turn the page. He made his own bed in many respects. The negative image of UC’s hoops program, right or wrong, is real.
“We expect to recruit very strong students on the court and in the classroom,” said Zimpher. “We expect our coaches to be role models, and we expect our students to be role models. I will not apologize for setting high standards.”
Zimpher took a stand that few, if any, college administrators these days are willing to take. Her stance is noble but reckless.
Cries of “How dare she!” echoed throughout town last week. But, Zimpher’s primary mistake is that she should have made the move sooner in order to ease the strain on recruiting.
Zimpher has made other significant and, at times, unpopular personnel moves during her tenure. But, changes in the law department rarely make news. Dumping big-time basketball coaches does.
She insists there’s a concrete vision for the University. What Zimpher needs now is a plan for the athletic program.
The big question on the Huggins front is not “Why?” but “What now?”.
So, here goes ...
The University of Cincinnati’s entrance into the Big East Conference was expected to be greeted with a great deal of pomp and circumstance. Instead, it’s been a time of protest on the Corryville campus.
When head basketball coach Bob Huggins was given his walking papers by university president Nancy Zimpher it ignited a firestorm of local and national scrutiny.
Honestly, if you’re looking for further confirmation of Bob Huggins’ sainthood, turn the page. He made his own bed in many respects. The negative image of UC’s hoops program, right or wrong, is real.
“We expect to recruit very strong students on the court and in the classroom,” said Zimpher. “We expect our coaches to be role models, and we expect our students to be role models. I will not apologize for setting high standards.”
Zimpher took a stand that few, if any, college administrators these days are willing to take. Her stance is noble but reckless.
Cries of “How dare she!” echoed throughout town last week. But, Zimpher’s primary mistake is that she should have made the move sooner in order to ease the strain on recruiting.
Zimpher has made other significant and, at times, unpopular personnel moves during her tenure. But, changes in the law department rarely make news. Dumping big-time basketball coaches does.
She insists there’s a concrete vision for the University. What Zimpher needs now is a plan for the athletic program.
The big question on the Huggins front is not “Why?” but “What now?”.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Blame it on Rijo ...
Still one of the great quotes of all-time:
Former Reds pitcher Jose Rijo discussing the trade which sent he and pitcher Tim Birtsas to Cincinnati from Oakland:
"The Reds got two good arms in that deal," said Rijo. "Unfortunately, both of them were mine".
Classic.
Former Reds pitcher Jose Rijo discussing the trade which sent he and pitcher Tim Birtsas to Cincinnati from Oakland:
"The Reds got two good arms in that deal," said Rijo. "Unfortunately, both of them were mine".
Classic.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Mr. and Mrs. Holbert make it to the big leagues
Batting practice had been “weathered out” so Aaron Holbert and his Louisville Bats teammates were relaxing in the clubhouse enjoying a friendly game of cards prior to their game against Scranton Wilkes-Barre.
“We were just going to hit in the cage,” said the 32-year old infielder. “We were sitting there playing cards, Dominos, what have you.”
Fifteen years have passed since the June 1990 draft when Holbert was selected in the first round by the Cardinals. Since then, he’s played his share of card games, made a lifetime’s worth of bus trips and heard the National Anthem sung in countless degrees of quality.
Unbeknownst to Holbert, the Reds had already been dealt their hand.
Utility-man Ryan Freel was placed on the 15-day disabled list with torn cartilage in his left knee. Freel’s injury required arthroscopic surgery. A prognosis as to his recovery was to be made on Thursday following the procedure.
Bats skipper Rick Sweet entered Louisville’s home clubhouse with a somber expression and told the players he had an announcement.
“He had kind of a mean look on his face,” said Holbert. “We were wondering who was in trouble.”
Instead, Sweet uttered the sweetest words of all.
“Hobey, you’re going to the big leagues,” he said.
“I thought he was kidding.” Holbert said. “I told him that he could mess up my game playing a joke like that. Then he said he was serious and they needed me there by game-time.”
After exchanging hugs and high-fives with his teammates, Holbert was packing for Great American Ball Park.
All the while, he couldn’t stop thinking about his wife, Jackie, who has stood by his side through all the ups and downs of his arduous minor-league baseball career.
“It’s just not the ballplayers who go through the rigors of baseball and travel, she’s gone through it too,” Holbert said. “Without her strength and support, I probably would have retired by now. It was great to allow her to experience this with me.”
Holbert said he and his wife had discussed retirement on a number of occasions.
“I contemplated retirement,” he said. “Without my wife, I probably would have. My wife’s the main reason why I’m still playing. She still saw the fire in my eyes. She didn’t want me to quit. She knows I enjoy playing but she also enjoys watching me play.”
The Torrence, CA native became Louisville franchise’s all-time hits leader earlier this season. He was batting .304 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 68 games at the time of his promotion. In 2004, his first year in the Reds organization, Holbert hit .271 in 115 games. In addition to ranking first in Louisville franchise history in hits, he’s also among the leaders in at-bats, triples, runs and games played.
The Reds are Holbert’s eighth organization since 1990. He had previously spent time in the farm systems of the Cardinals, Devil Rays, Blue Jays, Marlins, Red Sox, Pirates and Mariners.
The trip from Louisville to Cincinnati was longer than just an hour’s drive for Holbert.
It was a nine-year journey.
Holbert arrived in the Queen City on Tuesday just in time to pinch-hit in the fifth inning. He struck out swinging. The ball popped out of the mitt of Giants catcher Mike Matheny who threw to first base to complete the out.
And, Jackie was in the stands to see it all.
“It was a great moment,” he said. “I wanted to bless her with the opportunity to see me on a major league field in a major league uniform. That’s what kept going through my mind.”
It was the fourth big-league at-bat for Holbert who made three plate appearances for the Cardinals in 1996.
“When I was up back the first time, it was only for five days,” Holbert said. “She didn’t have the opportunity to come see me play. Since then I haven’t gotten back. I’ve been trying to get back to the big leagues ever since then.”
Following Tuesday’s game, a 10-8 loss to the Giants, Holbert changed out of his uniform just as he had hundreds of times before. Only this time he hung his No. 7 jersey on a big-league hook.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I’m most happy for my wife. I wanted her to see me out there playing with all of the big names of the game. Today she got that opportunity.
It was just fate, I guess.”
“We were just going to hit in the cage,” said the 32-year old infielder. “We were sitting there playing cards, Dominos, what have you.”
Fifteen years have passed since the June 1990 draft when Holbert was selected in the first round by the Cardinals. Since then, he’s played his share of card games, made a lifetime’s worth of bus trips and heard the National Anthem sung in countless degrees of quality.
Unbeknownst to Holbert, the Reds had already been dealt their hand.
Utility-man Ryan Freel was placed on the 15-day disabled list with torn cartilage in his left knee. Freel’s injury required arthroscopic surgery. A prognosis as to his recovery was to be made on Thursday following the procedure.
Bats skipper Rick Sweet entered Louisville’s home clubhouse with a somber expression and told the players he had an announcement.
“He had kind of a mean look on his face,” said Holbert. “We were wondering who was in trouble.”
Instead, Sweet uttered the sweetest words of all.
“Hobey, you’re going to the big leagues,” he said.
“I thought he was kidding.” Holbert said. “I told him that he could mess up my game playing a joke like that. Then he said he was serious and they needed me there by game-time.”
After exchanging hugs and high-fives with his teammates, Holbert was packing for Great American Ball Park.
All the while, he couldn’t stop thinking about his wife, Jackie, who has stood by his side through all the ups and downs of his arduous minor-league baseball career.
“It’s just not the ballplayers who go through the rigors of baseball and travel, she’s gone through it too,” Holbert said. “Without her strength and support, I probably would have retired by now. It was great to allow her to experience this with me.”
Holbert said he and his wife had discussed retirement on a number of occasions.
“I contemplated retirement,” he said. “Without my wife, I probably would have. My wife’s the main reason why I’m still playing. She still saw the fire in my eyes. She didn’t want me to quit. She knows I enjoy playing but she also enjoys watching me play.”
The Torrence, CA native became Louisville franchise’s all-time hits leader earlier this season. He was batting .304 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 68 games at the time of his promotion. In 2004, his first year in the Reds organization, Holbert hit .271 in 115 games. In addition to ranking first in Louisville franchise history in hits, he’s also among the leaders in at-bats, triples, runs and games played.
The Reds are Holbert’s eighth organization since 1990. He had previously spent time in the farm systems of the Cardinals, Devil Rays, Blue Jays, Marlins, Red Sox, Pirates and Mariners.
The trip from Louisville to Cincinnati was longer than just an hour’s drive for Holbert.
It was a nine-year journey.
Holbert arrived in the Queen City on Tuesday just in time to pinch-hit in the fifth inning. He struck out swinging. The ball popped out of the mitt of Giants catcher Mike Matheny who threw to first base to complete the out.
And, Jackie was in the stands to see it all.
“It was a great moment,” he said. “I wanted to bless her with the opportunity to see me on a major league field in a major league uniform. That’s what kept going through my mind.”
It was the fourth big-league at-bat for Holbert who made three plate appearances for the Cardinals in 1996.
“When I was up back the first time, it was only for five days,” Holbert said. “She didn’t have the opportunity to come see me play. Since then I haven’t gotten back. I’ve been trying to get back to the big leagues ever since then.”
Following Tuesday’s game, a 10-8 loss to the Giants, Holbert changed out of his uniform just as he had hundreds of times before. Only this time he hung his No. 7 jersey on a big-league hook.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I’m most happy for my wife. I wanted her to see me out there playing with all of the big names of the game. Today she got that opportunity.
It was just fate, I guess.”
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
'Perfect' quote from Browning
As reporters waited outside the Reds clubhouse following Wednesday night's game, former perfect game pitcher Tom Browning strolled through the waiting area.
Browning, who was known to be quite the 'contact' pitcher in his day, overheard the writers discussing Milton's rocky outing.
"You think those balls were hit hard, wait 'til I get out there," said Browning, drawing laughter.
Browning, who was known to be quite the 'contact' pitcher in his day, overheard the writers discussing Milton's rocky outing.
"You think those balls were hit hard, wait 'til I get out there," said Browning, drawing laughter.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Los Rojos en la Radio
Tonight's Reds/Giants game was broadcast in Spanish. It is the first Reds game to ever be broadcast locally in Spanish.
Perhaps Reds starting pitcher Eric Milton, who allowed 12 hits and six earned runs in five innings, should learn the Spanish verb "castigar".
It means, "hit hard".
Perhaps Reds starting pitcher Eric Milton, who allowed 12 hits and six earned runs in five innings, should learn the Spanish verb "castigar".
It means, "hit hard".
Back to the ballpark
This is always an odd time of year. The days are getting shorter and football season begins to bleed into baseball. It's a juggling act at times.
This week is a good example. Four high school football stories, one Bengals column, a monthly minor-league baseball piece and my typical Reds coverage all deadlining at once. Strange.
Anyway, tonight it's back to Great American Ball Park for the first time in more than a week. The momentum of a 10-game road winning streak has vanished with back-to-back losses, but third place is still within a reasonable reach for the Reds.
I hear Reds COO John Allen had some venom in his voice when he shot down the Griffey trade rumors yesterday. Looking forward to learning more about that tonight.
Also, hoping see Chris Haft who used to cover the Reds for the Enquirer and later MLB.com. Chris is now the Giants beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News. He's one of the good guys in this business.
This week is a good example. Four high school football stories, one Bengals column, a monthly minor-league baseball piece and my typical Reds coverage all deadlining at once. Strange.
Anyway, tonight it's back to Great American Ball Park for the first time in more than a week. The momentum of a 10-game road winning streak has vanished with back-to-back losses, but third place is still within a reasonable reach for the Reds.
I hear Reds COO John Allen had some venom in his voice when he shot down the Griffey trade rumors yesterday. Looking forward to learning more about that tonight.
Also, hoping see Chris Haft who used to cover the Reds for the Enquirer and later MLB.com. Chris is now the Giants beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News. He's one of the good guys in this business.
Lewis says top pick Pollack being "selfish"
Wide receiver Kelley Washington told me at training camp a few weeks ago that the biggest difference since Marvin Lewis was hired as head coach is the lack of individualism that now persists in the Bengals locker room. "We're more of a team now," Washington said.
So, it was no surprise when Lewis chose the following words to describe top draft choice David Pollack's lengthy holdout and contract dispute.
"We have guys who have chosen to be here, and we've eliminated selfishness that occurs," said Lewis. "If that's what it comes down to, a dollar here a dollar there, they're on the wrong football team. This football team will never, never be guided by one guy, or we won't be a very good team. We will not be compromised by one player or one person. And that's not going to change. We have fought very hard over these three years to establish that, and it's important to our players we do not change that. It's been proven around the league. It's what wins in this league."
Good stuff.
So, it was no surprise when Lewis chose the following words to describe top draft choice David Pollack's lengthy holdout and contract dispute.
"We have guys who have chosen to be here, and we've eliminated selfishness that occurs," said Lewis. "If that's what it comes down to, a dollar here a dollar there, they're on the wrong football team. This football team will never, never be guided by one guy, or we won't be a very good team. We will not be compromised by one player or one person. And that's not going to change. We have fought very hard over these three years to establish that, and it's important to our players we do not change that. It's been proven around the league. It's what wins in this league."
Good stuff.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Marvin Lewis "excited" about loss to Pats
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was all smiles following his team's loss to the Patriots in the pre-season opener for both teams.
"Now, we can get back on course," he said. "I'm excited. We can stop reading about how great we are."
This is just one example of why Lewis is the coach that will lead the Bengals back to the playoffs.
"Now, we can get back on course," he said. "I'm excited. We can stop reading about how great we are."
This is just one example of why Lewis is the coach that will lead the Bengals back to the playoffs.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Third time's a charm for Lewis and the Bengals?
Pre-season NFL football games aren't typically things of beauty and tonight's Bengals/Patriots tilt at Paul Brown Stadium has been no exception.
Missed tackles, dropped interceptions and mental mistakes have been numerous.
Marvin Lewis, who has guided the Bengals to consecutive 8-8 seasons since taking over as head coach, is in the final year of a purported three-year "plan".
Had it not been for consecutive 1-4 starts, the Bengals might be working on their third straight playoff appearance. A good start to the season is imperative for a team which hasn't qualified for the postseason since 1990.
Carson Palmer threw an interception on the game's first play from scrimmage. The Bengals trailed 10-6 at halftime.
"We had opportunities, but we didn't take advantage of them," said Lewis at halftime. "We missed some chances on offense, we had chances for interceptions on defense that we didn't convert. Some guys played well, but overall, we've got to do better."
Game-time temperature in the Queen City: 94-degrees. Not exactly football weather.
Missed tackles, dropped interceptions and mental mistakes have been numerous.
Marvin Lewis, who has guided the Bengals to consecutive 8-8 seasons since taking over as head coach, is in the final year of a purported three-year "plan".
Had it not been for consecutive 1-4 starts, the Bengals might be working on their third straight playoff appearance. A good start to the season is imperative for a team which hasn't qualified for the postseason since 1990.
Carson Palmer threw an interception on the game's first play from scrimmage. The Bengals trailed 10-6 at halftime.
"We had opportunities, but we didn't take advantage of them," said Lewis at halftime. "We missed some chances on offense, we had chances for interceptions on defense that we didn't convert. Some guys played well, but overall, we've got to do better."
Game-time temperature in the Queen City: 94-degrees. Not exactly football weather.
Team nicknames about honor not insult
The political correctness police are back on the team nickname patrol and the NCAA, that bastion of social sensitivity, has agreed to join their fight.
The NCAA announced recently its plan to place restrictions on schools who misuse Native American imagery in their mascots, logos and team nicknames. Schools refusing to comply with these guidelines could be prohibited from hosting any NCAA-sanctioned event.
The message is clear:
Leave the Indian mascots at home and cover those logos which depict Native Americans in a negative light, or else.
The Florida State Seminoles, Central Michigan Chippewas, Alcorn State Braves, Illinois Fighting Illini and the Arkansas State Indians are among those targeted for being “insensitive” to Native Americans.
This battle has precedent.
The Miami Redskins are now called the RedHawks.
The Marquette Warriors are the Golden Eagles. The St. John’s Redmen have become the Red Storm.
If you ever see a “red” storm approaching, I suggest you forgo the cellar and run for the hills.
Before the politically-correct cops decide to organize a new wave of protests at Cleveland Indians games, perhaps they should consider this obscure piece of historical fact:
In 1915, the Cleveland Naps were in search of a new nickname after their star player Napoleon LaJoie departed for Philadelphia. Readers of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper were asked to provide their input on the choice. The readers selected “Indians”, a nickname utilized by the Cleveland club two decades earlier.
Thus, the Cleveland Indians were born.
The new moniker was praised not protested. In fact, the Plain Dealer called it a “honorable name”.
Why?
Well, because the nickname “Indians” was first used in honor of a Native American ballplayer named Louis Francis Sockalexis who starred for the Cleveland club from 1897-1899.
Sockalexis batted .313 during three seasons for the Indians. His throwing arm and base-stealing ability quickly became the stuff of legend.
Cleveland fans and Indians players were so enamored with Sockalexis’ skill they named the team after him.
So, the Cleveland Indians’ nickname wasn’t meant to be culturally insensitive. It’s origin was to recognize a Native American man who not only excelled on the playing field but also had to endure many similar racial prejudices as Larry Doby, the Indians’ first African American player, did many years later.
Perhaps if the NCAA, and others, looked deeper into the origins of team mascots they would find many of the same types of stories.
Wonder how the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have escaped this sort of scrutiny?
“I happen to be an American of Irish descent,” said Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla, who wants the NCAA to wise up. “Should I be outraged at the notion that the Fighting Irish suggest a brawling, half-drunken Irishman?”
While we’re at it, let’s sick MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) on the Brewers; atheists on the Angels; or Baptist ministers on the Blue Devils.
Predictably, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is already on board.
They’ve asked South Carolina and Jacksonville State to refrain from using the nickname “Gamecocks” because it refers to the banned practice of cockfighting.
While they’re at it, why doesn’t PETA do something about the popular T-shirts and caps which display a shortened version of South Carolina’s nickname? That word is far more obscene than a few chickens pecking at one another in a make-shift ring.
Truth is, Florida State and Central Michigan have an agreement with the Seminole and Chippewa tribes.
They said it’s ok to use their nicknames as long as it’s done in a respectful manner.
Two high schools on the Navaho Indian reservation in Arizona don’t seem to have an issue with this.
Their nicknames are “Warriors” and “Redskins”.
It’s been reported that the local Potowattamie tribe gave permission to Miami of Ohio to use “Redskins” many years before other people began to complain.
Florida State University officials called the NCAA ruling “outrageous and insulting”. Many other schools, including FSU, were in the process of appealing.
On a personal aside, I am part Cherokee Indian. When I first learned of my Native American heritage I was thrilled and honored. Still am.
Name a team after me. I won’t care. Call them the Redskin Warrior Columnists, if you want.
Finally, wonder why the most offensive team nickname in the history of sports was never abolished?
Washington Senators.
The NCAA announced recently its plan to place restrictions on schools who misuse Native American imagery in their mascots, logos and team nicknames. Schools refusing to comply with these guidelines could be prohibited from hosting any NCAA-sanctioned event.
The message is clear:
Leave the Indian mascots at home and cover those logos which depict Native Americans in a negative light, or else.
The Florida State Seminoles, Central Michigan Chippewas, Alcorn State Braves, Illinois Fighting Illini and the Arkansas State Indians are among those targeted for being “insensitive” to Native Americans.
This battle has precedent.
The Miami Redskins are now called the RedHawks.
The Marquette Warriors are the Golden Eagles. The St. John’s Redmen have become the Red Storm.
If you ever see a “red” storm approaching, I suggest you forgo the cellar and run for the hills.
Before the politically-correct cops decide to organize a new wave of protests at Cleveland Indians games, perhaps they should consider this obscure piece of historical fact:
In 1915, the Cleveland Naps were in search of a new nickname after their star player Napoleon LaJoie departed for Philadelphia. Readers of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper were asked to provide their input on the choice. The readers selected “Indians”, a nickname utilized by the Cleveland club two decades earlier.
Thus, the Cleveland Indians were born.
The new moniker was praised not protested. In fact, the Plain Dealer called it a “honorable name”.
Why?
Well, because the nickname “Indians” was first used in honor of a Native American ballplayer named Louis Francis Sockalexis who starred for the Cleveland club from 1897-1899.
Sockalexis batted .313 during three seasons for the Indians. His throwing arm and base-stealing ability quickly became the stuff of legend.
Cleveland fans and Indians players were so enamored with Sockalexis’ skill they named the team after him.
So, the Cleveland Indians’ nickname wasn’t meant to be culturally insensitive. It’s origin was to recognize a Native American man who not only excelled on the playing field but also had to endure many similar racial prejudices as Larry Doby, the Indians’ first African American player, did many years later.
Perhaps if the NCAA, and others, looked deeper into the origins of team mascots they would find many of the same types of stories.
Wonder how the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have escaped this sort of scrutiny?
“I happen to be an American of Irish descent,” said Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla, who wants the NCAA to wise up. “Should I be outraged at the notion that the Fighting Irish suggest a brawling, half-drunken Irishman?”
While we’re at it, let’s sick MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) on the Brewers; atheists on the Angels; or Baptist ministers on the Blue Devils.
Predictably, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is already on board.
They’ve asked South Carolina and Jacksonville State to refrain from using the nickname “Gamecocks” because it refers to the banned practice of cockfighting.
While they’re at it, why doesn’t PETA do something about the popular T-shirts and caps which display a shortened version of South Carolina’s nickname? That word is far more obscene than a few chickens pecking at one another in a make-shift ring.
Truth is, Florida State and Central Michigan have an agreement with the Seminole and Chippewa tribes.
They said it’s ok to use their nicknames as long as it’s done in a respectful manner.
Two high schools on the Navaho Indian reservation in Arizona don’t seem to have an issue with this.
Their nicknames are “Warriors” and “Redskins”.
It’s been reported that the local Potowattamie tribe gave permission to Miami of Ohio to use “Redskins” many years before other people began to complain.
Florida State University officials called the NCAA ruling “outrageous and insulting”. Many other schools, including FSU, were in the process of appealing.
On a personal aside, I am part Cherokee Indian. When I first learned of my Native American heritage I was thrilled and honored. Still am.
Name a team after me. I won’t care. Call them the Redskin Warrior Columnists, if you want.
Finally, wonder why the most offensive team nickname in the history of sports was never abolished?
Washington Senators.
A little about myself ...
If you're like me, you dislike lengthy introductions. So, I'll keep this as brief as possible.
My first story was published in February 1994 by Chicago Cubs VineLine. In the 11 years since, my sports writing career has evolved more quickly than I could have ever imagined.
In addition to covering Cincinnati Reds baseball for the past seven seasons for the Downtowner Newspaper, I also cover the Cincinnati Bengals, local college and minor-league sports. For the past three years, I have covered prep sports for the Cincinnati Enquirer and Community Press Newspapers.
I am a regional stringer for MLB.com and a correspondent for At the Yard Magazine, a national minor-league baseball publication.
My writing and reporting has been published in the Boston Herald, New York Post, Northern Virginia Daily and Baseball America.
God blessed me with the abililty to write. I developed a passion for sports on my own.
I'm extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to write and report on the games I love.
I am equally pleased to have the chance to share my experiences and opinions with you in this rural outpost on the World Wide Web.
But, enough about me ...
My first story was published in February 1994 by Chicago Cubs VineLine. In the 11 years since, my sports writing career has evolved more quickly than I could have ever imagined.
In addition to covering Cincinnati Reds baseball for the past seven seasons for the Downtowner Newspaper, I also cover the Cincinnati Bengals, local college and minor-league sports. For the past three years, I have covered prep sports for the Cincinnati Enquirer and Community Press Newspapers.
I am a regional stringer for MLB.com and a correspondent for At the Yard Magazine, a national minor-league baseball publication.
My writing and reporting has been published in the Boston Herald, New York Post, Northern Virginia Daily and Baseball America.
God blessed me with the abililty to write. I developed a passion for sports on my own.
I'm extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to write and report on the games I love.
I am equally pleased to have the chance to share my experiences and opinions with you in this rural outpost on the World Wide Web.
But, enough about me ...
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