So, I read an article earlier this summer making a case for 2008 being the greatest sports year of all time. The writer made some valid points, mostly consisting of a tremendous Super Bowl, Final Four, US Open and Wimbeldon. He mentioned the Olympics helping the cause... but surely he didn't foresee last night's 4x100 freestyle relay contributing to the cause quite like it did.
First, I was in awe watching this event live Sunday evening around 11pm. You forget how astonishing an event like this is to watch since we're only given a dose every four years.
But, here are a few tidbits about the race that I've come across so far:
Five (count them, five... as in two teams that don't even get a medal) surpassed the previous world record. At one point in the race, as many as seven of the eight teams were at or above world record pace.
American hero and anchorman Jason Lezak swam the fastest 100 split ever, almost three-quarters of a second faster than the previous record. Lezak, who was already six-tenths of a second behind when he entered the pool, actually lost ground during the first 50 meters. After the turn, there's a brief moment where Lezak is almost a full body length behind the French swimmer.
Michael Phelps, who miracuously still has his shot at eight golds, swam the opening leg of the relay. His time of 47.51 was actually the fast American split ever... a record that stood, well for about 2 minutes until Lezak punched in at 46.06!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Only Arkansas Could Produce Such an Invention
Sports and facial hair go together... I guess. Personally, when it comes to facial hair, I can't grow much more than the average 8th grader. But, for you lads out there looking for a way to look completely ridiculous in the morning... then I present the Goatee Saver! And, yes.. the wonderful state of Arkansas is home to the inventor of this mind blowing product.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
NCAA Football 09
It's that time again. The summer days are heating up. We're just weeks away from some of the best atheletes in the world gathering once again to beat each other senseless. Yes, football season is almost here... God bless our wonderful sport.
This time of the year is also time for all non-atheletes, dreamers and nerds to move inside away from the heat and possible injuries to plant themselves squarely in front of their parents HDTV. With July comes the yearly release of NCAA Football, soon to be followed by the XX edition of Madden.
However, even with a year of hard work and dedication, the group of techno whizz kids over at EA Sports may have, well, flunked out... or at leas fumbled... with the latest NCAA release.
Numerous reports have already surfaced regarding bugs within the game. Many of these popped up on chat sites BEFORE the release date of July 15 (whole 'nother topic there). So, whether or not these bugs were a problem with beta versions released to certain individuals or something else, we may not know.
Yet, the game has been reviewed fairly well.
This time of the year is also time for all non-atheletes, dreamers and nerds to move inside away from the heat and possible injuries to plant themselves squarely in front of their parents HDTV. With July comes the yearly release of NCAA Football, soon to be followed by the XX edition of Madden.
However, even with a year of hard work and dedication, the group of techno whizz kids over at EA Sports may have, well, flunked out... or at leas fumbled... with the latest NCAA release.
Numerous reports have already surfaced regarding bugs within the game. Many of these popped up on chat sites BEFORE the release date of July 15 (whole 'nother topic there). So, whether or not these bugs were a problem with beta versions released to certain individuals or something else, we may not know.
Yet, the game has been reviewed fairly well.
Baseball's Second Half
Wasn't that a rousing game of exhibistionist baseball. The game that doesn't count, yet still counts took us here in the flyover states until about 12:45 pm. Of course, the last six innings or so were filled with tremendous drama, namely which pitcher's arm will fall off first (I had my money on Scott Kazmir).
Any how, something needs to be done about this whole "Who the HELL is going to pitch situation". Let's first take a look at the box score to see how we got into this mess.
First off... the NL was down a man to begin with. Giants ace, 12 year old (maybe 15, we're seeing conflicting reports) Tim Lincecum wasn't allowed to stay up that late (or he had the flu, again we're dealing with conflicting reports from the Lincecum household).
Other than that, I'm still doing the math in my head and can't quite figure out how we've continuously come to this problem. The NL had 11 pitchers, the AL 12. So, how did this happen... the AL went through SEVEN pitchers in 6 1/3 innings!!!! Terry Francona actually used one of his pitchers (K-Rod) for 1/3 of an inning.
The NL wasn't much better... with two NL pitchers being used to complete the 8th.
So, how do we fix this problem. Simple. You know those guys baseball teams use all the time for six or seven innings? Starting pitchers. Yeah... well, don't use them for one inning. Keep one on the bench for situations like these. Some one is going to suck it up and not play. It's a possibility but it needs to be done.
What's even more interesting is good 'ole commissioner Bud Selig says ending the game in a tie wasn't an option.
Any how, something needs to be done about this whole "Who the HELL is going to pitch situation". Let's first take a look at the box score to see how we got into this mess.
First off... the NL was down a man to begin with. Giants ace, 12 year old (maybe 15, we're seeing conflicting reports) Tim Lincecum wasn't allowed to stay up that late (or he had the flu, again we're dealing with conflicting reports from the Lincecum household).
Other than that, I'm still doing the math in my head and can't quite figure out how we've continuously come to this problem. The NL had 11 pitchers, the AL 12. So, how did this happen... the AL went through SEVEN pitchers in 6 1/3 innings!!!! Terry Francona actually used one of his pitchers (K-Rod) for 1/3 of an inning.
The NL wasn't much better... with two NL pitchers being used to complete the 8th.
So, how do we fix this problem. Simple. You know those guys baseball teams use all the time for six or seven innings? Starting pitchers. Yeah... well, don't use them for one inning. Keep one on the bench for situations like these. Some one is going to suck it up and not play. It's a possibility but it needs to be done.
What's even more interesting is good 'ole commissioner Bud Selig says ending the game in a tie wasn't an option.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Change that Guard
As this blog grows, you will quickly learn the sports that one could consider my strengths. One that I will never claim to be an expert on is tennis.
But, Rafa Nadal just finished off one of the greatest matches in Wimbeldon history. Not only did the match itself last almost five hours (4 hours 48 minutes) of actually on court time, but it also lasted until almost 9:30 pm in London time.
Federer, who had won Wimbledon five times in a row, took this match to the fifth set (official score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7).
Wow. I wish I had more to say.
But, Rafa Nadal just finished off one of the greatest matches in Wimbeldon history. Not only did the match itself last almost five hours (4 hours 48 minutes) of actually on court time, but it also lasted until almost 9:30 pm in London time.
Federer, who had won Wimbledon five times in a row, took this match to the fifth set (official score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7).
Wow. I wish I had more to say.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Starting Slow
Okay, here we go... and a good combo punch to open this thing up.
The name Brock Olivo ring bell? Yes, that Brock Olivo... former University of Missouri star football player. Well, after a less than mentionable NFL stint and a few months of football (yes, our football) in Europe, Olivo believes it's time for another run... A run for U.S. CONGRESS.
However, Brock must have been disappointed upon his return to the states that a revolution occured... and to be elected into office, other people must VOTE for you.
Brock, though, admits he himself.... yep, never cast a vote in his life.
Otherwise, he's perfectly qualified.
The name Brock Olivo ring bell? Yes, that Brock Olivo... former University of Missouri star football player. Well, after a less than mentionable NFL stint and a few months of football (yes, our football) in Europe, Olivo believes it's time for another run... A run for U.S. CONGRESS.
However, Brock must have been disappointed upon his return to the states that a revolution occured... and to be elected into office, other people must VOTE for you.
Brock, though, admits he himself.... yep, never cast a vote in his life.
Otherwise, he's perfectly qualified.
Quick... Push Him Back In!
Hello World! I have arrived. Where I am, I'm not quite sure. Anyhow, we'll see if this thing can grow some legs.
What can you expect? Hopefully some quickwitted commentary on the world of sports as we know it. My qualifications: I don't really have any.
Topics coming your way include some of my personal favorites (because, this is all about me anyways). That means we'll cover major sporting events plus my personal favorite... Fantasy Baseball and Football.
Oh, and if I want... we'll also talk a little politics and whatever else may be on my mind.
That's all for now. Peace out.
What can you expect? Hopefully some quickwitted commentary on the world of sports as we know it. My qualifications: I don't really have any.
Topics coming your way include some of my personal favorites (because, this is all about me anyways). That means we'll cover major sporting events plus my personal favorite... Fantasy Baseball and Football.
Oh, and if I want... we'll also talk a little politics and whatever else may be on my mind.
That's all for now. Peace out.
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