Let’s face it, Madden never met a buffet table he didn’t love. He’s not exactly the poster child for fitness. I think the anniversary is a “aw, ain’t he sweet?” comment to appease the ladies. Personally, I think the guy’s scared shitless he’s gonna drop.

Nice Job!!

In the late ’70′s I went in the army, then college. I lost track of the game. Lost track of all sports. Why? Too busy, girls, rock ‘n roll. I’m not making excuses here. That’s just the way it happened.

When the Marlins won the World Series I got caught up in the fever like most people in South Florida. Miami was back on the map. We were going to rule. GO MARLINS! Then they sold the team out from under the fans and I felt like I got hit with a line drive to my package.

But that’s sports today. If the team isn’t selling the players, the players are selling themselves to the highest bidder. How can you expect fan loyalty when the team doesn’t respect the fans! It’s a damn shame, that’s what it is. My life is way too friggin’ busy to keep track of who’s who, who’s playing where, who’s wearing what uniform. Christ almighty. Sports use to be about enjoying the game and having some fun. Not about big business. At least for me, anyway.

So excuse me if I don’t want to go to the game, pay $20 to park in the muddy parking lot across the street, sit in the hot sun and then have to pay $10 for a friggin’ hot dog that tastes like shit all the while trying to figure who all these schmucks are on the field making millions of dollars while I sit in 90° weather with 100% humidity dying of heatstroke.

That’s it. I’m outta here. I’m going to the beach, sit at the bar in the shade and sip on a cuba libre and maybe do a couple shots of Patron while I watch the hoochie mamas in their thongs rollerblade up and down the street. Now that’s a sport I can appreciate.

since i live in kansas now, i wasnt watching it live – but i watched it on youtube again and again. later, i showed my 17 year old son – he said play it again! my eleven year old thought it was great – he wants a t-shirt (he won’t get it)

loved your blog entry – agree 100%. and although i would also applaud it if it were a red sock, yankee, dodger or ray, i’m glad it was a phil!

Great point about YES WE CAN being coined by Dave Cash. I’m the same age as B Obama and remember the 76 team which coexisted with Rocky I. B Obama likes to point out he was only 8 years old when Bill Ayers was setting off bombs in the USA. What he didn’t mention was he was only 16 years old when Dave Cash coined his campaign slogan.

Thanks For the Memories!

Jim

Even at the peak of our battles back in the day, I think you’ll agree the Pirates and Phillies (and their fans) did it with respect. It wasn’t the flag-waving, irrational nonsense we see today with the Mets (and their fans). This was smart, exciting baseball on the field and knowledgeable fans in the stands on both sides.

Goes to show ya, Pennsylvania knows its baseball. And, like you, I hope one day — sooner than later — we get to go head to head again in meaningful games that harken back to an era when were at each other’s throats…in a good way.