Psychology of The Detroit Sports Scene

Blammer Catcher...Ignore

2007-05-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

This is a test

The Beauty of the Blog

2007-02-18T21:42:00.000-05:00

I took one year off of blog writing. It wasn't intentional. Part of it was a function of my workplace (which made accessing the Internet a bit difficult). Part of it was a need to devote nights and weekends to completing my PhD. Part of it also was a need to detach myself from the burden of writing. Blogging becomes addictive in the sense that one feels a need to keep coming up with things to write about, to keep the comments coming, to keep the blog interesting. Although I promised myself I would write regardless, I found myself trying to elicit responses, to keep a dialogue going, to keep my few readers interested.

With time, I have been able to recognize that the Blog itself can be therapeutic, as long as remember the spirit. I now know, that if I blog in a forest alone, it does make a sound.

Life is Beautiful

2007-02-18T21:36:00.000-05:00

Ever have an experience that normally would get you all up in arms. One in which you feel violated. Taken advantage of. One which ordinarily would get you seething. Burning. Offended. Yet, this time, you are surprisingly taking it in stride. Naturally disappointed, but comfortable with the outcome. ever have the experience of being pleasantly surprised with yourself that you are not getting bent out of shape over something that in the past would REALLY bend you sideways.

Now, imagine it happening so frequently (the feeling of taking things in stride) that such an event no longer amazes you. Imagine being so calm, so zen, that life begins to play itself out in a manner that provides its share of pleasure and disappointment, but never injustice.

What would life be like? I have such days now and again. I'd like to learn to have them more frequently. Would you?

New Blammer Catcher

2006-05-26T21:10:00.000-04:00

A night on the town

2006-02-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

I had been itching to get out and soak in the energy of Super Bowl week for awhile, so my buddies Airtime and Chrysler Guy heade out for several hours to see and be seen. The evening began with a vist to Hooters to say hi to Andrew Siciliano and the fine Fox Sports Radio team broadcasting live on location. I am sure you are familiar with his work on FSR, as well as the ocassional subbing for Rome (BTW, he is by far the best at that). After spending some time there, we headed downtown. A stop at the Town Pump whetted our appetite, and we observed members of the mayor's security detail drinking while the mayor hosted a party at Centaur.

But of course, the night was young. Chrysler Guy wanted to hit the Hard Rock Cafe, and we walked down Woodward, past several buildings with temporary bars and clubs, and several street guys trying to sucker peole into providing them with enough gas money because their wives were in labor on a car on the freeway which had run out of gas. The Hard Rock was a major disappointment, with lots of older, fatter people who looked like they could be Steeler fans. We walked up Broadway to the Detroit Beer Co., which I expected to be more happening, but was itself rather dead. It was useful though as a place to take care of business, and on we went back to the car, which we had paid a nobody $5 to let us park in a lot he had no ownership over.

We drove from there to Greektown, parked in the structure on monroe and headed to the Ole Sheleighleigh, where we saw Sean Salisbury, and later on (you guessed it) Andrew Siciliano. We stopped in to the Greektown casino to validate our parking card, drop a few bucks, and headed on home. So, to summarize, 1,2,3,4,5 bars...1 casino, 3 beers, 2 trips to the bathroom, and a few sport celebrity sightings.

Oh, and we did bump into someone I knew from my dojo, who is no hawking t-shirts called "Detroit Classic."

The night revealed one thing: Steeler fans outnumber Seahawk fans about 100 to 1.

The Big Game is coming to town...

2006-01-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

and all I want to do is mingle with a bunch of sports radio nuts, talking shop, exchanging random trivia and selling people on Detroit. I have no interest in the Vivid, FHM, Playboy, or other VIP parties, where it costs $100s just to get in and you are ignored if you don't either stink of money or look like somebody's sex toy.
No, what I want to do is hit Radio Row, at the GM Wintergarden, hang out with the DFN crowd like Seanny B, the Diesel, and Tony and No Show. I want to meet Jim Rome, talk Detroit sports with Mike and the Mad Dog, and try to find and stump the Schwab.

I don't care about celebrity...all the sports world in one place!!! Better than Heff's mansion, I'll tell you that. Oh, by the way: Steelers 29 Seahawks 24.

The Big Game is coming to town

2006-01-26T21:26:00.000-05:00

Shh! Don't tell anyone, but the big game, the extra large Kwame version of football excess, is coming to town, and I won't be there. That's right, I'll be here for the week of parties, red carpet VIP stuff. I'll be mingling with all the celebs, jock sniffers, and other Stump the Schwab wannabees. But on the day of the game, you won't find me within 100 miles of here. That is right, I am escaping to the Great Wolf Lodge. Why? I don't know, something about a water park in February that has a hot tub and a bar and lots of large TVs sounds more and more appealing to me...

Maybe I am losing my edge

Back in the saddle again

2006-01-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

So people have been giving me a hard time for leaving Dear Dave Dombrowski for over a month. Well, what do you want, people? I was trying to send a consistent message to Tigers management!! I still believe that deal will get done before the next time a team goes 35 and...oh wait a minute, that just happened.

So let me chime in with my opinion that it is more difficult for a baseball team to go 35-5 than it is a basketball team, although I am very much impressed with the way the Pistons have been mauling the competition. People have been giving all sorts of reasons why the Pistons run is more impressive than the Tigers run. I can't fault them for their position, but here is mine: Statistical analysis will show that (a) 5 times in the past 20 years, NBA teams have either matched or exceeded the 35-5 start of the Pistons and (b) top NBA teams routinely win 30+ games out of their first 40. So the Pistons winning 35 games is only 3 or 4 games better than the Spurs, Mavs, etc. The best start in baseball over the same period may have been the Cardinals of a couple years ago, and I think (without looking up stats) that they were around 33-12. Most years, top MLB teams win between 25-28 games out of 40. So, simply put, the stats suggest it is more difficult to do it in baseball and the evidence is that no team has come close to the Tigers 35-5 start.

I am too lazy and tired to give a better argument than this
Booya

Dear Dave Dombrowski

2005-12-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

Dear Dave,
I appreciate the small effort you have made so far this offseason to provide depth and veteran leadership to our team. However, as you recall, the two guys you brought in have a history of being "me-first" players. I will give them the benefit of the doubt, and let's assume that combined, they are good for 5 additional wins next year. Let's even say that Leyland over Trammell is another 5 game improvement. That gets us to 81 wins. And here is my proposal:

Miguel Tejada has demanded a trade from the Orioles. Now I know you have already tried once this offseason to trade for a player in a similar situation and he refused to come here (Javier Vasquez). I appreciate the effort. However, effort is not enough. It is your job to close the deal. I don't care what it takes, you need to convince Tejada to come here. He is a great player that will bring a spark to the team, something sorely lacking last season. Send Inge, Rodney, and Zumaya to Baltimore, bring in Tejada and move Guillen to third. Now, we are talking IMPROVED BALLCLUB.

Sincerely,

SportPsych Detroit

OK OK I am strange

2005-12-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

Today's post will not be about Steve Mariucci, Matt Millen, the hopeless Lions, a washed up Jeff Garcia, or a frustrated fan base. No, today, I will talk about deja vu, or in this case the synergy of discussing a random event from 1988 and then opening today's paper to find an article referencing the same story.

I get mocked (in a respectful way, I think) by my buddies for my detailed sports knowledge (see previous posts such as the Sports quiz, Pick 3, and Sports math). It has become somewhat of a running joke that when I have the occasion to watch a game with the boys, I will make statements about a guy's college background or penalties or records that are being approached before the statistician has a chance to inform Al Michaels to speak up. And I know that is nothing particularly special, and that many people out there share this gift.

What I have, though, is Jaydar. The ability to hone in on a topic of obscure useless information and make conversation that becomes relevant, if not critical. Yesterday, while hanging out with the guys, I was asked if Jimmy Howard was born after Steve Yzerman became captain of the Red Wings. I responded that I did not know how old Howard is, but that Stevie Y became captain after Jacques Demers was hired in the summer of 1986. I mentioned that Demers had 2 very good years of inspired coaching, but that his downfall was not disciplining a group of players who went out drinking on the eve of Game 5 of the conference finals in Edmonton. I added that they went to an adult establishment known as Goose Loonies. I remember the story being that some of them played that night, hung over and perhaps still a little intoxicated. It was the beginning of the end for Demers and that configuration of the team. Ok, nice story.

Today, I open the Detroit News and Free Press sports page, and find a story on Jacques Demers, and his new book. He writes about his career in coaching and attributes his downfall as the Wings head coach to that night in Edmonton when a group of players went out drinking to the Goose Loonies on the night before the biggest game of the year, Game 5 of the conference final against Edmonton. Of course, the article provides more details, and they are very similar to my description to the group. Weird

I hate to demand that someone lose his job, BUT

2005-11-06T18:54:00.000-05:00

Steve Mariucci has not earned his keep here in Detroit. We have reached exactly the midpoint of the original 5 year commitment, and we have yet to see the team develop an identity, discipline, or a winning attitude. When the Lions signed Mooch, the town was abuzz. For the first time in years, we had gotten a bona fide coach--someone other teams wanted, with a pedigree, and a future in front of him. We believed that with a few good drafts, and key free agent moves, that this team could develop into one of the top teams of the next 5-7 years.

Well, it did not happen. Some people will criticize Matt Millen, and argue that the drafts were not as good as we thought. Their proof? The players haven't performed, so it must be they weren't that good to begin with! I beg to disagree. I believe it is Mooch who has underachieved. He came as an offensive guru, someone who coached Brett Favre! He turned Jeff Garcia from a CFL project into a Pro Bowl player. If anyone could come in and create a winning formula, it was him. He was a sure thing. Such a rock solid lead pipe lock, that the Lions were willing to incur the wrath of the league for not following the minority hiring guidelines. They accepted harsh public criticism, a fine, and the threat of loss of draft picks, to guarantee Mooch came to Detroit.

He has failed. Under normal circumstances, I'd say to give him the benefit of the doubt. However, there are extenuating circumstances that demand he be fired. Not at the end of the year. Not when they are mathematically eliminated. Today. Now. On the plane ride home. And here is why. Not only has Mooch lost this team, I am of the opinion he never had it. He has receivers not finishing routes, and not adjusting when the QB is in trouble. He has a backup QB badmouthing everybody, single handedly losing a game, and then playing the injury card to avoid criticism. He has an offense with no imagination, and doesn't appear to have the guts to take the necessary chances to win.

But the most telling and damning characteristic of the Steve Mariucci Lions? He has completely undermined his QB, ruined a potential career, and lost the respect of his peers, players, and fans. He has thrown his QB, Joey Harrington, under the bus, and has not demonstrated enough public support to even have a chance to be successful. In this league, you play with the cards you're dealt. In my opinion, someone with Steve Mariucci's reputation should have been able to make this work. He has no one to blame but himself. And that is why he has got to go.

Is there anything left to say?

2005-10-31T20:22:00.000-05:00

The Lions suck! They suck! They absolutely positively blow!!!!!!!!!That was the most pitiful performance I have ever seen--and that includes the 1980 Saints, the 2003 Tigers, the 1972-73 Sixers, the 1962 Mets. Horrible. Pathetic. Disgusting. Embarassing.

Now what, Mooooooooooooooch. Mr. Brilliant West Coast Guy. Mr. "All I need is to get someone to run the offense the way I want it run" Guy. Your offense blows. Your QB savior is a putz with a capital P. Not once, but twice does he do something absolutely moronic!!!!!!!!!

And don't give me the injury card. If he was too hurt to play, he shouldn't have been out there. If he was too groggy from getting knocked silly that he couldn't make good decisions, then Joey should've been brought in...

Pathetic. Disgusting. I'll be back next week.

The Thrill is Gone

2005-10-29T22:29:00.000-04:00

So I disappear to work for Uncle Sam and Big Brother, and I return to find that the blogger world has changed. Now, my comment space is being invaded by Blammer, that vile disgusting junk that is overtaking a forum for exchange of sports talk. Posts are cluttered with puny attempts by others to get my 2 loyal readers to click on their links to nowhere.

How will my faithful readers hear about how I accurately recalled the date of the replay of George Brett's famous pine tar game? Or about our fascination with hemorrhoids? We were engaged in a discussion about the 10 biggest blowups in sports, and George Brett's face when he came storming out of the dugout at Yankee Stadium. The gang debated the year of the episode. I initially stated August 18th, 1983, then modified that to be the date of the completion of the game. See this link for more:

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/history/2003/030624.htm

Dates and times have meaning...they provide context for history. Every time I hear the radio replay of Jon Miller calling the Jeffrey Maier stolen HR, it brings tears to my eyes. After all, at that moment, while Tony Tarasco was arguing, and Richie Garcia was making "a terrible call," my wife was 7 cm dilated with what was soon to be our first child! Sports memories are intertwined with life events, as well as history. Who doesn't recall the O.J. chase during Game 3 of the 1994 NBA Finals? Or the 1981 NCAA Championship won by Isiah Thomas and the Indiana Hoosiers on the night President Reagan was shot?

Life goes on, and sports provide moments, much as a map provides rest areas, when we can catch our breath, look at our body of work, and remember who we are, and where we are going. It allows us to celebrate thos who protect us, and be grateful for the lives we lead.

Out from under the covers...

2005-10-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

After starting a new job working for big brother, I have decided it is safe to resume my commentary on life, sports, and Detroit. I must let my 3 readers know that I will not be able to access or respond to comments on the blog in realtime. Unless it is a gov't holiday (like today, whopee!), I am first able to read and/or post in the late evening hours. This may take some of the fun (of the back and forth) out of our dialogue, and I understand if some of you choose to shmooze elswhere.

I'll still be here wondering if the Tigers will finally get that big bopper, if Jim Leyland will last a full season, if Mooch will be fired and resurface at MSU, if Stanton will graduate and become the Lions new QB, if the Pistons will make it past the 1st round, and if the Wings will do anything meaningful this year.

Oh, and don't forget: Super Bowl XL is here, and our 1st place Lions have no shot to be the first to host.

My path

2005-08-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

Has led me to discover more about Staff Sergeant Alan Roger Hosnedle. He died on March 12, 1969, killed in action by enemy fire in South Vietnam.

http://www.thevirtualwall.org/index.cfm?SectionID=110&Wall_Id_No=24205.0

I spoke this morning with Gail Hosnedle, a surviving sister of Alan. She told me he was drafted into the army and was one month shy of completing his tour of duty, when he was killed in action. He was 23 years old. Her father had been very ill for quite some time, and was hanging on just to be able to see his son (her brother) again. When he was told that Alan was killed, he slipped into a coma and died. Their funerals were held together on April 3rd, 1969.

Staff Sergeant Alan Roger Hosnedle is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His father's remains are buried with him.

Ms. Hosnedle was glad to hear from me, and asked that I send her the newspaper clipping. We chatted for a few minutes about Burt Lake, the area, etc. The property I found with the name "Hosnedle" has been in the family since 1948. It carries a lot of memories for her, as she and her brother spent many summers growing up together. She mentioned that she had recently married, and people had been teasing her to change the name of the property. She hadn't gotten around to doing it, which is again, ironic, since I would not have been hit by the coincidence if I had not seen the name so soon after I found the newspaper clip.

At the moment, I feel profoundly impacted by this interaction. It makes me appreciate even more how fortunate we are as Americans. We really need to remember the fallen, the wounded, and the life courses altered among those left behind.

A time out to remember the fallen

2005-08-22T11:34:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I attended the annual convention of the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. I had been planning my trip since last December, when I decided to submit some research to present at the conference. My plans were to learn about new research, meet peers and scholars in research areas of interest, as well as enjoy the sights in D.C. I had planned to visit the National Mall, with the intention of making a special pilgrimmage to the various war memorials.

In February of this year, I learned I would be spending a year training at the VA Health System in Ann Arbor. Knowing I would be working closely with vets made a trip to the memorials particularly relevant, as I sought to be able to connect with my clients and their experiences.

About 1 month ago, I was opening a bag of stuff from Target. I had purchased some odds and ends, and was opening a picture frame from the cardboard, when out popped a cutout of a death notice from a newspaper. In pencil, was written the date of the paper: 4-2-69. Included in the notice were 2 names: Staff Sgt. Alan R. Hosnedle, and below him, his father, Theodore F. Hosnedle. The funeral took place at the Armstrong Funeral Home, 10300 Puritan, at 11 AM.

When I found it, I wasn't sure what to do, but planned to pay my respects at the wall, and try to find his name. A few weeks later, while visitng family up north on Burt Lake, I came across a cottage with the name on the mailbox: Hosnedle. I didn't have the death notice on me, and no one appeared at home, so I did not leave a message. However, I began to get a sense of urgency that it was my duty to visit the wall, and if possible, get in touch with the deceased's family.

Keep in mind, that it is not typically my style to read so much into these types of daily events. I am usually much more likely to interpret these things as random, but in this case I felt it was important to follow through. The weekend arrived and I was too busy to get out to do any sightseeing, much less visit the mall. On Sunday, August 21st, I had 2 hours to get from my hotel to the mall, find the Vietnam Memorial, and find the name of Staff Sgt. Alan R. Hosnedle. I walked in the 90 degree heat, soaking through my shirt, watching my ice coffee get very warm, and headed out from 9th and Constitution past the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, the reflecting pool and on to the Lincoln Memorial. I knew the Wall was nearby, but hadn't been able to spot it. I was running out of time, when I saw it, and solemnly approached.

I did not realize that the names were in chronological order of when each had fallen until I got there and felt overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the list, and my cause, feeling I would fall just short of paying my respects: I had come so far, but felt so incomplete. I decided to honor him and all of the fallen soldiers by glancing at each of the panels from one end of the wall to the other, before sadly beginning my walk back to the hotel. As I was leaving the memorial space, I discovered a book that listed the names of the fallen and their location on the wall. I anxiously scanned through until I came upon the name of Alan Roger Hosnedle, from Dearborn Michigan, located on panel 29W. I quickly ran back, found the park officer who had been etching for others, and asked if he would stencil a name for me. He asked if I knew the panel and row. I knew the panel, but did not realize I had to have a row. I quickly scanned the panel until I came across Alan R. Hosnedle. I watched as he carefully stenciled the name onto a piece of paper, thanked him profusely and took it with back to my hotel. I carefully packed it, and brought it back to Detroit.

Today is Monday, August 22nd, 2005. I have yet to find the Hosnedle family, but intend to do so. I have no idea if Alan Roger Hosnedle was a good person, nor do I know the circumstances of his death. It does not matter. He was somebody's son, and when he died, he was representing us, defending us, and protecting us. He may be no longer physically with us, but he represents a strong link in the chain of freedom.

One last gasp

2005-08-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

The Tigers, a team that just 2 weeks ago appeared headed for a disastrous ending to what had been an up-and-down, but generally disappointing season, appear to have righted their ship, and are poised to make a strong finish. Unfortunately, they waited until going a season high 8 games under .500 before remembering that they are major leaguers and began to act like 'em.

They have now won 7 of 8, and are 60-62. Now, that is far from stellar baseball, but they have demonstrated something Detroiters love about their teams: resiliency, a willingness and ability to fight back and stave off the death of their season. Unlike earlier versions of hope (see 2000), this team, led by Tram, Gibby, and Parrish, has shown some stones. They may lose a few due to lack of talent, depth, or managerial acumen, but they never fall too far because of the intagibles some of the players have, and the strong will of the coaching staff.

Yes, Tram and his staff have been much maligned for pre-game lineup decisions, in-game managerial decisions, and post-game rhetoric, but even the doubters (and I count myself as one of them) have to applaud the team for not quitting. Do they still have a chance at the wild card? Well, did they ever have a chance at the wild card? They would have to string together and additonal 7 of 8 run or a 15 of 20 run to (a) pull close to the leaders and (b) be taken seriously. Do they have that in them? probably not. But at least I'll enjoy watching them bust their butts trying. And that's the least we ask here in Tigertown.

Sports is Good for Your Health

2005-08-16T10:49:00.000-04:00

I have been accused of wasting my time following sports, and to a lesser extent, wasting my time playing sports. Which causes me to revisit my life, and ponder some serious questions:

1. Is following sports a constructive use of one's time?
2. Is having detailed knowledge of statistics of sporting events and teams a constructive use of one's time?
3. Is playing sports a constructive use of one's time.

I will answer number 3 first, and then address the other two. First, clearly playing sports is valuable in that it allows one to get valuable exercise s/he would not get by watching others play, or by reading a book, or by eating/sleeping/working, etc. Of course, like all activities, there is a limit to how much is constructive, and at what point it no longer provides the health benefits. But there are other elements to playing sports that are important to consider:

1. Playing sports is usually a social activity. Thus, one learns to get along with other people if s/he wants to enjoy a game. It is critical in a child's development to learn to get along with others, to share the ball, etc. Sports allows people the opportunity to practice getting along with those who bother them, and those who they like, a skill that is crucial when joining the workforce.

2. People of all colors, ethnicities, and nationalities come together under one roof, rubbing shoulders, elbows (and other body parts), in an effort to get close to others who support a similar cause. People tend to learn about others from different backgrounds when they play on the same team.

3. Playing ball teaches about the rewards of sacrificing for the team. Not to go all George Will on my readership, but have you ever noticed that with a man on first, if I hit a ground ball to second (while trying to get a base hit), and the second baseman throws to first, it counts as an out for me (0 for 1) while if I bunt the man over to second, I am still out, but it doesn't count as an (0 for 1) in my batting stats? That is an example of rewarding the player who intentionally sacrifices for the team!

4. Sports teaches (a) about ethics, (b) of playing clean, but hard, (c) not cheating, (d) that there are wins and losses (a valuable lesson in life that PC police are trying to take away from our kids), (e) about rewards and consequences for our actions.

Those are just a sample of reasons why playing sports is important to the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual development of our children. Now, let me address why following sports, and being knowledgeable about its history, rules, rosters, etc. can increase one's mathematical skills, abstract reasoning skills, and geographical/historical knowledge.

Geography Lesson Number #1:
South Bend is in Indiana, Knoxville is in Tennessee, Bristol is in both Connecticut and Tennessee. Morgantown and Charleston are in West Virginia. Manhattan is in Kansas. College Station, El Paso, Lubbock, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Arlington, Galveston, and Odessa are all in Texas.

My son can name and identify all 50 states, their capitals, and at least 5 cities within each state primarily because we follow sports. And no, he is not 25! He has been able to do this since the 1st grade, and continues to develop greater knowledge of the great United States of America. He also knows the Canadian provinces and their major cities, any city that has recently hosted an Olympiad, and countries that tend to be major players in soccer's World Cup. Sure, he can memorize that stuff randomly, but sports makes these places meaningful! Cooperstown, Canton, and Springfield are places to vist, and whenever we travel, he uses them as reference points on the trip ("hey Dad, sure you don't want to exit here onto the I-90? We are really close to Canton").

He knows about places like Happy Valley, Gainesville, and Norman. He appreciates Batavia, New York (home of the Muckdogs) as much as he does Birmingham, Alabama (home of the Barons).

Research on learning has demonstrated that one retains information best when the information is (a) presented in a fun, and meaningful way, and (b) the learner is able to link the new information to his or her existing knowledge base. So, trying to teach geography in a bland manner is not nearly as successful as making it fun and relevant. For example, let a child know these universities are places they may choose to attend school. If they learn well, they might get to move somewhere different and exciting. They have 50 states and a world to choose from. Help them get started on the search!! Let them know that Yale is in New Haven, CT, Dartmouth is in New Hampshire, and that Wayne State is in Detroit! What's the alternative...teaching them geography beginning with the explorers, and the way the U.S. systematically stole the land from the American Indian?

Which leads to another subject:

History:

My son knows about the Hurons, Chippewas, Seminoles, Sioux, Illini. Now the PC police want to take that away from him? Do the PC police plan on celebrating American Indian heritage in a different dignified manner. Or do they just feel guilty and want to pretend that their ancestors didn't actually kill out an entire culture? As long as the tribes themselves are actively involved in the university, and assist in teaching about their heritage (e.g. Florida State and the Seminole tribe), and the university splits 50-50 the proceeds of the money earned from jersey sales, etc., let them be!!!!

Second, my son knows about the year Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth's single season HR record. He also knows that shortly after it occurred (1961, of course), the U.S. was in the middle of a missile crisis with Cuba. Teach about significant statisitcal events, and relate them to what was going on in world politics at the time. He knows that certain players (such as Ted Williams) missed years off the primes of their careers to serve in WWII. Do children of non-sports fans know about the sacrifices those individuals made for our country?

Sports Math:

Q: What is [(Joey Harrington) x (Artose Pinner)]?
A: Hank Fraley

Q: [(Steve Yzerman + Steve Yzerman) - (Nate Robertson)]?
A: Chauncey Billups

Q: [(Joey Harrington x Dale earnhardt, jr.) + (Jeff Gordon) - (Jimmie Johnson)]?
A: Robert Parish

I taught my son basic arithmetic, and have begun to give him more advanced questions using uniform numbers. It makes math fun, but more importantly, he is developing the capacity for abstract reasoning skills, which will help him when he gets a choice of going to Boston (Harvard), Ann Arbor (U of Michigan) or New Haven (Yale). Furthermore, memory researchers say that people who make multiple methods of memorizing and learning information have a greater capacity to withstand the memory loss associated with aging. It would be interesting to see what parts of the brain are utilized when forced to rely upon related information to answer the question. Thus, we could study sports fans and learn from them about strategies to maximize our semantic priming network.

As my son gets older, he will be smarter, more knowledgeable, have the capacity for more abstract reasoning skills, have a better grasp of our history, get along with other kids (of both similar and diverse backgrounds), have an appreciation for what he has, understand rules, laws, and ethics, and be a psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy human being who has the learning and memory style best suited to withstanding the deficits that come with aging.

Oh, and one more thing. Sports is life.

Wait till next year

2005-08-12T09:25:00.000-04:00

Ok, but this is absolutely the last time! I am tired of rebuilding, trading off quality major league players for mid-level prospects. I am tired of being out of the playoff chase by August. I am tired of watching the players go through the motions. As a fan, I am willing to put up with falling short this season, as long as there is a real plan, with management and players on the same page. What I will not tolerate are players quitting, lethargy, and a "here we go again" attitude.

Have some dignity, guys!!! So you can't make it to the playoffs this year. IS that the only reason to try hard? Is that the only reason to work together? Haven't you thought about being paid to perform at the best of your abilities? Haven't you heard about providing a good product for your fans? Haven't you heard about trying to improve yourself, even when those around you are throwing in the towel? Don't play for them--play for yourself!! Maybe you'll draw the attention of a team in contention, and they'll try to rescue you from the abyss called the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers teased us all year, but were never really in it. Next year, they need to take a step up, but that will require (1) another dominant pitcher (in addition to Verlander,who we can't really trust to be better than average as a rookie), (2) a LEFT-handed power hitter (who preferably plays good outfield defense), and (3) a rebuilt bullpen (who would've believed the team's7-8-9 inning guys from spring training wouldn't be on the 25-man roster come August 1st?)

Dave Dombrowski, you've got your work cut out for you (though the foundation appears to be there). And I haven't even mentioned the manager/coaching staff. Blow it up, and bring in someone who can both manage the actual game, and get the players to play their butts off. (But not Lou Piniella)

As far as this year goes...Stick a fork in 'em!

Get off Joey's back, PLEASE

2005-08-10T11:59:00.000-04:00

The Lions held their only open-to-the-public practice this past Saturday. Many of the 20,000+ fans in attendance booed Joey Harrington every time he made a poor play. The booing incident had been the topic of sports talk radio here in D-town for the past several days. I have heard two basic arguments for why people boo him:

1. The fans who attended are basically blue collar folks who can't afford tickets to a game. They were actually getting rid of pent up booing that had been there for three years. They usually booed at their TV sets, but this was the first time they could convey it at Joey directly.

2. The fans who attended are basically blue collar fans who can't "connect" with Joey and his west coast tree hugging Oregonian ways. They don't like his happy go lucky personality, his "life goes on" after a loss attitude. They feel he doesn't care whether he wins or loses, doesn't share their passion, and doesn't try hard enough to connect with the fans, to be one of the guys. He is too high-cultured, too caviar and champagne, he plays piano -- he is not one of us. According to this argument, fans are a bunch of dull-headed bigots who don't want someone who is not like them representing them (unless he plays lights out dynamic Pro Bowl football) .

I have a few things to say to those fans regardless of their reason for booing him:

Joey has improved statistically every season. He is on a steady, albeit slow learning curve. His QB rating has improved, his mistakes have gone down, his TD/INT ratio has gotten better, and qualitatively, he appears to be improving his game management. He has made progress despite not having consistent weapons around him. People forget, he never had the weapons he will have this season. I expect him to make a huge leap this year, now that he has 3 seasons under his belt, and a wealth of talent around him.

It would also be nice if his coach, who gets credit for being such a good guy, would stop pulling the rug out from underneath him, show him unwavering support, tell the fans to knock if off, and together get the job done.

Joey doen't deserve the criticism he is getting, and people who have a problem with his "personality" better focus on whether that is a legitimate beef, or veiled bigotry. I don't care what his proclivities are, but apparently, too many Lions fans are in the Stone Ages. For that matter, too many members of the media as well. I happen to be straight, but I am really offended by the "gay" jokes on sports talk radio, essentially homophobic rants by hosts and callers alike, who make the implication that Joey is "soft," or that he isn't a guy that others are "comfortable with in the locker room."

Those are fighting words, because they are making veiled accusations, which is wrong to do on several levels: (1) There is nothing wrong with being gay, so there is no reason to accuse someone of being gay, (2) It is extremely bigoted and stereotypical to accuse Joey of being gay just because he is a guy who appreciates the finer things on life, and has a life beyond football, (3) let him be gay or straight or questioning, or whatever....what does that have to do with it? Can he play football? (4) Finally, all these callers and radio hosts (you heard me Spineless Spindler) who accuse him of being soft --you are so wrong!!! Have you seen him shy away from contact when he is running toward the 1st down marker? Haven't you paid attention to how quickly he jumps up and pats the defender on the butt after being crunched from the blindside on another Jeff Backus missed assignment? Have you been paying attention to his consecutive games streak?

If you're a true Lions fan, you'll really want the team to succeed. Get on board, ride the wave, and see what happens. In a worse case scenario, Joey sinks, the team stinks, and we trade our number 1 in 06 for Phillip Rivers (Gargia is NOT the answer). We've waited this long for a winner, let Joey show us if he can be this year's Drew Brees. And let Mooch prove he can really coach. Otherwise, we'll be looking to replace him, as well.

Best Sports Town in America revisited

2005-08-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

The Sporting News last week released its rankings of sports towns. I always pay close attention to where Detroit falls on the list. This year, Boston repeated (no problem with that) followed by Philadelphia (a little strange), and then Detroit. I cannot argue with that placement, as it seems pretty fair to me.

We Detroiters are always feeling like we get the short end of the stick, that the only national media attention is about Devils' night, and the 1984 post-World Series riot. The latest rankings seem to show that we as a metropolitan area are turning the corner. On the heels of the Major League Baseball All Star Game, and within a year of back to back NBA finals appearances, the Ryder Cup, another Rose Bowl for U-M (Ann Arbor is included in metro Detroit), etc., Detroit IS Sportstown USA!

With the Lions poised for their first playoff run, and the Super Bowl at Ford Field, look for Detroit to take that crown from Boston next summer.

Rumors

2005-08-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

Late last week, a rumour (sic) was reported by a Toronto "journalist." The proposed trade, in principal, is an exchange of Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and 2 first round draft choices for Kevin Garnett.

The impetus behind this trade, presumably, is to re-unite KG with his former coach in Minnesota -- Flip Saunders -- who was recently hired by the Pistons. Joe Dumars quickly came out with a loud public denial, stating he had not talked to Minnesota GM Kevin McHale about any trades, let alone one for KG. Joe was so adamant, that for a moment, he reminded me of Larry Brown during the Pistons recent run to Game 7 of the NBA finals.

I know this trade isn't happening (wink wink), but I must put in my 2 cents. Trading Ben would be ripping out the heart and soul of the team. Rasheed + Tayshaun, Rasheed + Rip. Throw in Darko, or any other reserve player. But keep the heart and soul of this team, or you'll be looking at just another talented, but soft NBA franchise. Trade Ben, and you may as well bring back the horse logo, teal uniforms, and yes, G Hill.

There are those that argue that, if given a chance, you have got to make a deal for one of the best (if not the best) players in the NBA. They argue that the Pistons, by allowing other teams to make all the splashy off-season moves, are standing pat, getting stale, and losing their edge.

I agree that they appear to be standing pat. And teams that stand pat, tend to be passed by. I'm all for making a couple of moves to re-establish this team as the envy of the NBA. I just don't want Joe to outsmart himself and be aggressive for the sake of being aggressive. If you recall, what made the Pistons the darlings of the NBA was not really Larry Brown's "play the right way" mantra. It was the fact that they managed to win a championship in a league which is built on having two superstars per champion when they did not have any clear-cut superstar. The blueprint of the team is designed around an all for one and one for all mentality. And guess who forces all the players to buy in and man up? LB? He's gone. It's Joe D and the players he believes in. And guess who that number one guy is? That's right, number 3, Big Ben Wallace.

Trading Ben along with Rasheed to get KG would be an admission that 2003-04 was a fluke. That one can't win with the best starting 5 in basketball, if that starting 5 happens to have no one better than 15th best in the league. Sure, with KG, the Stones could find a lunchpail-type poor man's Ben and plug him in at center. But that wouldn't replace the locker room presence, the will to win, and yes, the heart and soul of this team, franchise, city that Ben represents. I love KG, but not at that price.

It became quite clear during the finals that this team doesn't have enough depth. They don't have versatile bench players, who can hit clutch (3 pt) shots while still being solid defenders. There are some key veterans that will be bought out and will be available without having to give up the core...I'd rather pick up a Jalen Rose or a Michael Finley than change the face/identity of this team. We've got a lot of good years to remain on top. Let Joe D see it through.

This post brought to you by...

2005-08-07T09:09:00.000-04:00

A little while ago I wrote a tongue-in-cheek piece on the oversaturation of sponsorship in sports and how it had taken over the game. Well, I did not even begin to talk about the fastest growing sport in the country -- yes the one that has sponsors pasted all over the screen, athletes, and equipment. The one and only: NASCAR.

Not many know this, but NASCAR stands for National Association of Stock Car Racing. Funny, becaues although it's roots come from people taking "stock" or cars that are built and available to the public, and racing them, today's cars are designed to be engineering test mules for the companies that compete. Of course, this costs millions of dollars, and car, tire, and parts supplier companies do not want to foot the entire bill of their research and development budgets on a bunch of beer-swilling kids, so they require team owners to secure sponsors for the team. Each team owns a car, and each car has major sponsors and minor sponsors. Usually, a team will have 2-3 primary sponsors who get to be placed prominenly on the hood (one primary per race). When a driver wins a race, he has his picture taken with the race trophy while wearing the cap of each sponsor. A typical driver in NASCAR takes between 30-40 of these pictures, and each sponsor gets to use the shot of driver in their cap in an ad.

Well, I knew that the business side of NASCAR had gone too far when we had this exchange at a family dinner table:

Wife/mother brings a small medicine cup to the table. 8 year old son asks what it is. Husband/father says it is "Wallrussin" (which happens to be Walgreen's brand version of Robitussin). Son asks, "who sponsors him?"

End of the First Quarter

2005-07-31T08:31:00.000-04:00

I am heading up to the northern Lower Peninsula today, and will be there through Thursday, so the blog will be on hiatus until then.

No internet, email, etc. Yes, TV/DVD. So, in addition to meditating by the lake, and practicing my kung fu, I will be doing alot of reminiscing with the aid of film. In the meantime, take the sports challenge.

Let me know how you did!

Questions that must be answered

2005-07-29T12:35:00.000-04:00

This is year 3 of the Mariucci regime, and year 5 of the Millen experiment. While others have been more than eager to criticize Matt Millen for his bluster and early poor personnel decisions, I was very willing to give him the full 5 years to see what he could do. When he first arrived, the Lions were an aging team that had survived the 90's by having 3 stars at key talent positions (Porcher, Herman, and Barry) as well as Mr. Automatic, Jason Hanson.

He announced that the team would need to get younger and faster, immediately cutting ties with several key veterans, players who had helped keep the team competitive, but were clearly not part of their future. That is, Millen hastened the demise of the team much as one might implode a building before it became (a) an eyesore and (b) a hazard to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, early free-agent personnel miscues, an inexperienced coaching staff, and bad luck conspired to keep the construction project from taking off, leaving the remnants of a building that had been imploded without appearing to have (a) a plan, (b) a real estate developer, and (c) reputable contractors to see the project through. The result, in years 1 amd 2, was very poor performance from the team.

In the last 2 years, the accumulation of talent from the draft, development of the young players from years 1 and 2, as well as key free agent signings, all seemed to come together under the watchful eye of a respected coach, leading to expectations that this team was on the rise. However, the construction project hit another hiccup last year, as the team seemed uninspired, the offense didn't develop as expected, the team did not win some winnable games, and certainly wasn't ready to win games against the big dogs, leading to a somewhat disappointing, albeit not surprising 6-10 record.

Which leads us to this year. Year 5 of the construction project. The year when we get to ultimately measure whether the 4 years of growing pains were worth it. This is the year when we truly get to judge whether Matt Millen had the right vision --to completely take apart a competitive team before it became an eysore, in order to build a championship-caliber team. Now the team doesn't have to be championship-caliber this year, but considering the level of talent, depth, and youth on this team, a 10-6 or better season will be a sign of how things will be over the next 3-5 years.

So what do I need to see this year to be convinced that these Lions will be an elite team for the next 5 years? With the most talented bunch of players we've seen in years, and Millen's concerted effort to draft players from winning programs, I need to see whether this team will finally adopt a killer mentality: Will they win ALL the games they are supposed to and a few they aren't? That is, will they go out and grab victories, rather than waiting for victory to fall into their hands? Because we know teams who passively wait, come up short. Not only for a game, or a season, but for an era as well.

What do I need to see statistically?

Offense:
Joey: Nothing less than 3400 yards, 25+ TDs, 13 (or less) INTs

Kevin Jones: 1150 yards, 7+ rushing TDs

Charles & Roy: 1800+ combined yards receiving, 15+ TD catches

Mike Williams: 500+ yards, 5 TDs

Kevin Johnson, Marcus Pollard: key veteran leadership, big time 3rd down catches

Defense:

next week

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

2005-07-27T22:48:00.000-04:00

The Lions are about to open training camp, and therefore I feel compelled to make my season predictions. This is a game by game breakdown of the Lions season. I reserve the right to modify these predictions if any major events occur between now and when the Lions break camp such as signing Ty Law or a season-ending injury to Kevin Jones:

Sunday, September 11
GREEN BAY PACKERS
W 1-0

Sunday, September 18
@ Chicago Bears
W 2-0

Sunday September 25
Bye Week
2-0

Sunday, October 2
@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
L 2-1

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Ford Field
W 3-1

Sunday, October 16
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Ford Field
L 3-2

Sunday, October 23
@ Cleveland Browns
W 4-2

Sunday, October 30
CHICAGO BEARS
W 5-2

Sunday, November 6
@ Minnesota Vikings
L 5-3

Sunday, November 13
ARIZONA CARDINALS
W 6-3

Sunday, November 20
@ Dallas Cowboys
L 6-4

Thursday, November 24
ATLANTA FALCONS
W 7-4

Sunday, December 4
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
W 8-4

Sunday, December 11
@ Green Bay Packers
L 8-5

Sunday, December 18
CINCINNATI BENGALS
W 9-5

Saturday, December 24
@ New Orleans Saints
W 10-5

Sunday, January 1
@ Pittsburgh Steelers
L 10-6

Overall: 10-6
Divisional record: 4-2
NFC record: 7-5
Playoffs? Yes

Distance Diagnosing

2005-07-27T10:58:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe, but the Larry Brown saga continues in NY. Hard to believe because we Detroiters have moved on so fast that no one is bothering to be up in arms about his signing with the Knicks just a week after saying he wasn't healthy enough to coach. Yes, just a week after his agent, Joe Glass, said, "he said he wants to coach in Detroit, Now that he can't do that, in all likelihood he will NOT coach next year," LB is set to sign on with the Knickerbockers. Ho Hum. Surprise, surprise. Detroiters have become so jaded to this that we apparently don't care. We are so convinced that he plotted this all along, that there is really nothing to be mad about. He brought us Rasheed, and helped fine-tune a team primed for a championship run. He wore out his welcome by listening to all suitors during a time when the team needed his commitment most. Even his brother, Herb Brown, said today on the radio: " I love him, but every job is his dream job."

So what is up with Larry Brown? What makes a guy coach UCLA, Kansas, New Jersey Nets, LA Clippers, San Antonio, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks? I am missing two other jobs...these are the ones I listed off the top of my head. What makes a guy marry three times? Many armchair psychologists are going on talk radio, attempting to diagnose and understand Larry. Much like what happens whenever the news adopts a new freak, and various media whores/talking heads attempt to diagnose someone they've never met, explain said freak's motivation, childhood experiences, or what must be going through his or her mind (a) while doing the freakish act and (b) now that the media and legal system are on top of them, several "experts" are attempting to explain away Larry's behavior.

A word to all non-psychologists out there: A good psychologist is a scientist, one who develops a theory of what, when and how. S/he then gathers data in a painstaking way, weighs the evidence, and compares it to the theory. This occurs in clinical work as well. We meet with the person of interest, gather as much historical data as possible, conduct testing, confer with significant others (friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc) in the person's life, compile all the information, and deveop a picture of the person, including behavior and motivation as well as potential future behavior. When we do this, we are very cautious about drawing inferences from our data, attempt to not rush to conclusions, and always consider alternate interpretations of the data. In short, we do not provide sound bites, and generally speaking, any psychologist who considers him or herself a scientist would not be good for a sound bite. We understand the contextualized nature of behavior, we live in a world of gray, and we are not typically narcissistic, publicity hungry media whores who would make bold statements. So much of what you hear out there, even if coming from someone who identifies him or herself as a psychologist, is junk.

That being said, here is what I think is up with LB:

He is a very insecurely attached individual, and is particularly uncomfortable with love. People claim that he wants to be loved, but he was loved/respected here in detroit, and it made him very uncomfortable. He is histrionic, and likes to be as dramatic as possible, and when one tries to interact in a professional manner (ala Joe D.), he sabotages the relationship in an effort to confirm his belief that no one respects or loves him. Ultimately, he forces the scenraio that he fears -- a messy divorce -- and creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. He continues to do this wherever he goes, seeking out people and behaving in a fashion that confirms his suspicions. Sure, the Pistons dumped him. But only because he gave them no choice. He is like the romantic partner who constantly tests you to see how devoted you are to the relationship, and when you come to your senses and say, enough is enough, that partner says, "I knew you would bail on me!!!" Of course, any rational person would realize that narcissistic, histrionic and insecure people may bring short-term excitement, but in the end cause more pain than having a relationship is worth. The Pistons realized this. They did not get sucked in to the drama. They moved on.

My suggestion for my 3 loyal readers is to look around you, examine those individuals in your life that create drama, tension, and force you to constantly exert energy to prove your loyalty and put out fires. Do you really need those people in your life? If not, take a page from Joe Dumars, and gently distance yourself from them. Let them accuse you of being a bad friend, of deserting them. If you are successful, there may be some short-term tension (during the breakup), but there will be long-term peace of mind.

Sports Fan IQ test

2005-07-26T11:27:00.000-04:00

I am in a profession where being a passionate sports fan is considered a bit low rent, so I am an anomaly. My colleagues think my memory for individual game details, player game, season, and career stats to be quite Stanthraxian.

That being said, here is my criteria for what makes a KNOWLEDGABLE sports fan:

Rosters:

1. NHL- 2 complete lines (LW, C, RW), 4 defensman, starting goalie, head coach

2. NBA - starting five, 3 reserves, head coach

3. MLB - starting nine, 3 starting pitchers, 2 relievers including the closer, manager

4. NFL - Offense: At least 3/5 of OL, QB, RB, FB, 3 WR, K
- Defense: 8 of 11 starters, head coach

Champions:

5. Champions of past 20 years for all 4 sports (and who they beat)

5A. Bonus points: MVP of those championships

5B. Bonus Points: Stats of those championship games/series

Individual Stats:

6. MVP/CY Young- At least 15 over a 25 year period.

7. Heisman Trophy - At least 20 over a 25 year period.

8. Playoff performances (if noteworthy for either excellence or failure)

NCAA:

1. Basketball- Champs and who they beat for the past 25 years (90% acceptable).

2. Football - Mythical champs for the past 20 years (80% acceptable)

Fans root for teams that have the confidence to take chances

2005-07-26T09:55:00.000-04:00

We are now approaching baseball's non-waiver trade deadline (July 31st). For those unfamiliar with the rules of baseball, this is the last day that teams can trade players without worrying about other teams mucking up their trade. From Aug 1st through 31st, teams can still trade players, but only if that player clears waivers. What does it mean to clear waivers? If I have a player on my team, and I decide to put him on waivers, another team can claim him, and add him to their roster. Of course, they become responsible for the remainder of his contract, so teams typically will not claim someone off waivers unless they feel his contributions match his salary and/or fill a major need for the team.

However, occasionally, a team will claim someone who is put on waivers to prevent that player from being traded to a competitor. Teams may do this even if they don't want to add that player and his salary to their team. It is often a game of chicken, as the team that placed him on waivers may pull him back (you can do this once), or call the claiming team's bluff and let them take on the albatross of a contract (see San Diego 1998 and Randy Myers for an example of this). A team may put in a claim for Ken Griffey, Jr or Jason Giambi, but they'd be crazy to actually go through with adding one of those guys (and their contract) to their team. Teams who are interested in trading players and want to get them through waivers will often place them on waivers with several other players in the organization (some of whom they planned on waiving anyway), and will submit the list to MLB offices late at night or on the weekend, with the hope that the one player they want to clear waivers will manage to sneak through. This gamesmanship is part of being a good GM.

As you can see, it is much more difficult to pick up an important piece to a team's playoff puzzle after July 31st. So, a team must do their homework, assess their chances of making the playoffs as is, evaluate what the incoming player might add to their chances, determine what they are willing to give up to get that player, and then be bold and go out and do it. With only about 60% of the season complete, a team may not have had their full compliment of players, and will be forced to use statistics, scouting, and seat of the pants intuition to make the right decision. Does Dave Dombrowski have what it takes to make the right decisions? I think so, which means that, as badly as I want to see them go for it this year, I will put my trust in him and his braintrust to do what's best for this team's continued development. If that means trading away some valuable parts to fleece a desperate team, do it. Of course, when I say valuable, I mean valuable role player veterans, players who have pretty much peaked and are not going to be better than solid, serviceable players. Jason Johnson, Rondell White, Dmitri Young, Brandon Inge, and even Placido Polanco all fit this category. If you can trade them for even more talented but raw players who will make an impact next year (not 3 years down the road), I am willing to trust DD to make the right decisions.

However, fans (like myself) become passionately attached to teams that demonstrate they'll do anything to bring their fans and city a championship. Certain teams succeed, while others flame out trying to do so. BUT AT LEAST THEY TRY!!! The fan in me is sick of building for the future. I want to see them make a bold trade, add payroll, and go for it. We Tigers fans are desperate for a sniff of the post-season. Anyone who has been watching this team knows it needs more offensive pop, specifically from the left side. Mr. Dombrowski, go get that left-handed hitting power guy NOW! (even Jason Giambi or Junior Griffey).

Detroit is taking a hit

2005-07-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

Did you see:

Jason Whitlock?

Scoop Jackson?

Man, are we taking a hit. There is a lot of anger out there. People mad at the Pistons for breaking up such a feel-good story. A team in its relative prime having to rebuild with a new coach and new system while trying to win a championship? With an unproven coach?

What amazes me about the entire ordeal is not that it happened. As we've discussed in the previous post, this day was preordained, destined to happen from the moment Joe D decided to trade up and kicked Rick to the curb. I'm not even so surprised that it happened so soon. Larry isn't used to being on the mountaintop, and clearly was uncomfortable with being in a good situation. What has amazed me is that everyone is blaming everyone else for using the media to spread rumors and innuendo, trying to "get their story out," and generally behaving like spineless scum. Joe Glass says the Pistons had no plans to bring Larry back and orchestrated this so that they could justify moving on. The Pistons say Larry had no intention of coming back, and orchestrated this so HE could justify moving on. Joe Dumars says Joe Glass is lying and playing the media like a fiddle when he says Larry is the victim. Brown, with the help of Jackson and Whitlock, says Matt Dobek, Tom Wilson, and the entire organization, are not committed to winning, wanted him out, lined up Flip, and used this as an excuse to make a change.

Someone, help me. Please!!! I am tired of the drama, media attention, national scorn. We are a lunch pail city, and we need a lunch pail team led by a lunch pail coach playing in a lunch pail arena. Oh, 3 out of 4 ain't bad. Can we please move on, get back to the business of playing ball.

And memo to Chauncey, Ben, Rip, Tayshaun, and the rest: Don't let Brown, Whitlock, Jackson, Glass, Carlisle, or anybody else be able to come back next May-June and say, "I told you so."

Bert Randolph Sugar

2005-07-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

When I lived in New York, I befriended two brothers who had moved from Philadelphia. One was 10 years older than me, and the other was nearly 25 years older than me. What we shared, was a passion for all sports, and, coming from out of town, a desire to talk about the greater sports world (and not just whether Keyshawn Johnson was right about Wayne Chrebet). Aside from the usual talk about baseball, football, hockey, and basketball, we would discuss boxing. They being from the home of Rocky Balboa and I being from the home of Kronk boxing, we had a lot to talk about. Who would be the next great white fighter? What if Hearns didn't have a glass chin? Who was our top 5 pound for pound right now? Of all time? Who was the best in each weight class? Death match: Bob Arum vs. Don King, who would win? What was up with Rock Newman?

The debates were endless, and a lot of fun. There was one thing in which we were in absolute agreement: there is Bert Randolph Sugar, and there is everyone else. He is a boxing commentator by trade, a sports historian and afficianado by destiny. Walk into a sports bar and Manhattan, such as Mantle's near Columbus Circle, and there you might find Bert, in his Kangol and Cuban, with that distinctive voice of his dripping with perspective. He made every fight sound dramataic, and his knowledge, connections, and wisdom made for a rare and unique perspective. Bert knew boxing like others know their bank account. He made it his own. A boxing match was not an event unless Bert Randolph Sugar was there. And he was almost always there. He was everywhere.

And he still is everywhere. For years, I followed his whereabouts, read his books (www.amazon.com), and, whenever I got lucky, heard his interviews. When they talked to Bert Sugar, I became like an extra in an E.F. Hutton commercial. I stopped whatever I was doing. When Bert spoke, life waited. I listened to alot of WFAN back then, and continue to listen to sports radio now. The local stations have national broadcasts at night, and that is when I'll listen intently to shows such as JT the Brick or ESPN Gamenight, waiting for them to talk about the next big fight, and bring on Bert Randolph Sugar to pontificate. In fact, JT just interviewed him a few days ago, talking about the Taylor-Hopkins battle. He also pimped his latest baseball book (buy it now). For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, look him up. Educate yourselves. And if you happen to be a talk show host yourself, invite him on. And let me know...

Sports Geekly (Today: Jeremy Bonderman)

2005-07-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of negative energy emanating from 4 Championship drive, a lot of he said he said, and people covering their tracks, and stories being told, and frankly, I don't care. James Stewart, if he were still a part of the detroit sports scene, would so eloquently put it: "it is what it is." I do plan to post on that topic, but need a breather to do more fun stuff, the stuff that makes following sports so intoxicating, rather than focus on the seedy business side of sports.

So today, I present to you a comparison of Jack Morris' third season in the majors:

W-L, ERA, G, (CG), IP, H, R, (ER), HR, BB, SO
17-7, 3.28, 27, 9, 197.2, 179, 76, 72, 19, 59, 113

with Jeremy Bonderman's current numbers:

W-L, ERA, G, (CG), IP, H, R, (ER), HR, BB, SO
12-6, 4.05, 20, 2, 135.2, 128, 62, 61, 15, 38, 107

His ERA is elevated, but he is playing in an elevated power era. You can see that just in terms of the home runs he has given up. Hits: IP and BB:IP, are comparable, so the gopher ball is what has done in JB. He has almost the same amount of strikeouts in just 3/4 the starts, his SO:BB ratio is better, and he is on pace to better his win total. Oh, and, like Jack, he is a slump stopper! he is a true ace, a bulldog.

One more thing. Jack Morris' third season was 1979, the year Sparky came on board. 5 years later, he was a world champion. Mark my words: Jeremy Bonderman is going to lead this staff and this team to a World Series title within the next 5 years

Bad, Bad Larry Brown

2005-07-19T00:05:00.000-04:00

So pound for pound Larry Brown has done it. He has made it impossible for Mr. D. and Mr. D to keep him in Detroit. All his drama about dream jobs in NY, what a great player Kobe is, and how much fun it is to build a team finally reached the breaking point here in the D. You see, Detroiters have a thin skin when it comes to flirting with others, especially when you just about admit that we are the girl next door, and you'd rather take someone sexier to the prom.

My earlier post about the uproar over Jeannie Zalasko disrespecting Ernie Harwell really touched on this sensitive nerve that Detroiters have. What I didn't realize was that these feelings of insecurity extended into the Pistons front office. Let's see--LB is now the third coach in the last 10 years to be fired/forced out within 1 year after posting a 50-win season. That means, the Pistons organization is leading the league in firing good coaches because of behind the scenes issues. Either the organization does a great job of finding coaches who overachieve but burn out quickly, or they do a great of hiring geniuses that are impossible live with day-to-day or they cannot stand to share the spotlight with the coach. Say it ain't so, Joe!!! You have gotten yoeman's credit for turning this franchise around, move after move had the Midas touch, but now, for the second time in three years, you are looking for a coach. Is it your hiring? Or is it your ability to get long with and share the spotlight with these guys? You're bigger than that, Joe.

It appears as if Bad Bad Larry Brown, baddest man in the whole damn town, has even a tough guy like Joe Dumars feeling small, so small that he and Bill Davidson decided they would rather have Flip Saunders try to lead the team. And I emphasize try, because it is not that clear to me that he is a great coach. Or the right fit for this team. It is really not clear whether the players will be able to play as in sync with each other under him as they appeared to do under LB. Make no mistake, this team had a rythym, a sense of awareness, and a camaraderie that was something special, something that is not likely to be replicated. And it is gone. All because of egos that needed a little love. And a junkyard dog.

Bloggerblock

2005-07-18T23:35:00.000-04:00

Today, I experienced bloggerblock for the very first time. I could not think of anything witty, intelligent, or relevant to say. Of course, judging from the lack of comments to my posts, it may be that others have deemed my previous posts to be utterly lacking in wittiness, intelligence, or relevance. So what does a blogger do when s/he experiences this: mail it in and submit something one is not particularly proud of--just to keep the streak going? Or wait until I can think of something interesting to write about? Which brings me to another unresolved question: Although the driving force behind this blog is to put my ideas down, to fully develop a thought, and to be able to articulate my sports belief system to myself, nothing beats good old fashioned sports dialogue. And dialogue typically means at least one other person to bounce my thoughts off of. So if anyone out there agrees, or even better, disagrees, with my posts, I encourage you to comment.

In the meantime, I'll be busy writing about The Dead Zone, Bad Bad Larry Brown, and Bert Randolph Sugar.

Here's to you, Mom and Dad

2005-07-16T23:12:00.000-04:00

My parents celebrated 38 years of wedded bliss today. Aside from all the good things that has happened to them, and all that I and my siblings are grateful for, I'd like to speak of one specific gift that continues to reward day in and day out: a passion for sports.

My dad grew up in the 1950's, and played neighborhood pick-up games in the back alleys in northwest Detroit. He was always his favorite Tiger: George Kell. Not only did he get to see him play, but later, as a broadcaster, Dad got to hear George tell all the stories from his playing days, which my dad of course would share with me. He filled me in on what it was like to take the bus down to the corner, and watch 'em play two. Somehow, today, having Rod Allen do commentary just doesn't cut it for me.

My dad was also crazy about his Wings, who gave the city much to cheer about during his early youth. Like many, he loved #9, but was partial to several Red Wing heroes. Hearing him describe getting a standing room only seat at the old barn, Olympia, and watching them skating round in their home reds, was something special. My dad loved the Lions, and to a lesser extent, the Pistons. But clearly the Tigers and Red Wings were at the center of his sports universe.

I am grateful to my dad, for having the passion for sports, and for cultivating that passion in me. I believe there is great value in sports, teaching the lessons of teamwork, patience, hard work, and the value of measuring oneself with wins & losses. To know the pain of defeat provides the joy in victory. Sports teaches us to appreciate what it takes to succeed, and those lessons are translatable to our everyday lives. I am also gratfeul to my dad for sharing his passion, so that, even during times when we did not see eye to eye, and could barely speak without a fight, we could still sit down and talk about the season, who was doing well, what changes needed to be made, what strategy worked, and what players had to go. My mom, in her understated way, developed an appreciation for sports, could carry her own in a discussion, and was often one of the boys when we sat and watched. I am grateful to her for recognizing the value of sports, encouraging our ballplaying, and more importantly, recognizing the value of the male bonding experience. My mom often took one for the team, staying at home on a Sunday afternoon with the little ones while my dad and I headed down to Michigan and Trumbull.

We got cable in 1983, and life for me couldn't have been better. I was at the clincher game in 1984, the last game at Tiger Stadium in 1999, and of course, watched Gibby's 1988 homer live with my Dad on a Saturday night in October. I was recently visiting him and Fox Sports Net was doing a special on the home run. We'd seen the program at least a half-dozen times over the past couple of years. But we were still glued to the set, seeing, if Gibby could muster the strength one last time.

I can watch just about any sport at any time, and would pass it up for just about anything. NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL NCAA basketball, football, and hockey. Nascar, motorcross, strongmen competitions, boxing, live events, taped events. Especially anything played on ESPN Classic. Flutie's hail mary--wouldn't miss it for the world. Gibby's HR--see above. Any Bo Jackson, Dr. J, MJ, Gretzky highlight, I am there. I have an audiotape of the greatest home run calls of all time, a VHS of the best of Probert and Kocur. In short, I live and breathe sports. You want stats, i love stats! I learned math and the value of numbers paying attention to player's stats.

I continue to enjoy sports for the memories, nostalgia, values, and human connection. It is one of the best gifts a father can pass on to his son, and I hope to be able to continue that with my own.

Buyers or Sellers?

2005-07-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

The all star break has passed, and now that the Tigers have decided to act like a major league ballclub, we get to join in the national conversation: do the Tigers buy, trading some of their younger players and prospects for veterans who can play now, or do they sell their veterans to teams willing to give up a premium prospect, even if it will hurt the Tigers 2005 record, and the fruits of the trade may not be apparent until 2007?

One can make a compelling argument for either side. First, buy:

The Tigers need to buy. They have stockpiled enough young pitching talent, and now is the time to use the trump card to get themselves a left-handed hitting bopper. The team has floundered for so long, that if they can even remotely sniff the Wild Card, Dave Dombrowski needs to do everything in his power to ensure the Tigers remain in the race until the end of the season. It generates interest, it shows the fans a commitment to winning, and it builds momentum toward next year. Of course, a fill-in vet won't work, we already have that in Rondell White. To buy means to buy, picking up a player that another team doesn't think it can sign long-term, but a player clearly in the prime of his career. Preferably a corner outfilder with power. If we wanted to go the pitching rout, A. J. Burnett has been talked about. I'd be cool with him, but he doesn't solve the lack of left-handed hitting power. I'm not sure who to add, but I will say buying only works if we take guys who will stay for 4-5 years and remain at the top of their game.

Sell:

Sure, the Tigers have made it back to respectability. There is only one problem. Look at their roster. It is stacked with average players. Up and down their lineup are solid players -- players who are solidly average and really show no signs of breakout. They are what they are, and that is why this team hovers around the .500 mark throughout the season. They need great players, and can only get them by fleecing a desperate team. We have quality major leaguers on the roster: Rondell White, Dimitri Young, Craig Monroe, Jason Johnson, Troy Percival. Each of the named players can attract a top-tier prospect from a team desperate to make the playoffs (can you say Cubs? or Giants?). Use the trade dealine to sell one last time, and the Tigers won't have to worry about being sellers or the cellar for a long time!

Stand pat! What was that, you say? Stand pat? Yeah, let's go with the horses we have, let the season play itself out. By the end of the year, we'll know what type of team we have, and then Dombrowski and his brain trust can use the off-season to make thoughtful trades, and use the increased payroll flexibility (bye bye Bobby) to go get those dynamic players that the team currently lacks. It's a thought. It's not sexy, but it just might be the right approach.

The more I think about it, standing pat is the safest way to go. I just believe that the time for being conservative is over. It's time to be bold, for Dave Dombrowski to pull one out of Kenny Holland's book, and go get that championship. We've waited too long, and the future is now. Do it.

Bondermania

2005-07-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

It's not easy being the next great thing, especially when you are 21-22 years old, in your 3rd year in the Bigs and being asked to lead a storied franchise back to prominence after nearly 2 decades of being moribund. An entire generation has been raised assuming the Tigers are the laughingstock of baseball, a "small market" team that cannot compete in the new age of corporate ownership.

Jeremy Bonderman is supposed to be the poster child of the new regime. And by all accounts, he will live up to the hype. Unfortunately, we have to watch the growing pains, and like a parent that sometimes has to watch their child fall and learn to dust him or herself off, we watch JB struggle. He showed a streak of brilliance tonight, but wasn't able to sustain it for a long enough period against a lineup he should dominate. His line: 6 IP, 8 H, 6ER. Not very good for our ace, especially (1) against a bad team, (2) at home, (3) coming off the momentum of the all star break and (4) when he had a chance to show baseball he was snubbed.

His stats for the reason are still impressive for someone at his stage of development. 11-6, 4.23 ERA, 102:36 SO:BB, .255 BAA. However, it would have been nice to see him take it to the next level. We fans are begging him to accelerate his growth curve. But we may have to be patient and content with the fits and starts, knowing that next year will be his true breakout season, and when he does, it will be our year to shine.

Pick 3 (or why I love sports radio)

2005-07-14T11:49:00.000-04:00

My last few entries have been quite long, so here are a few brief thoughts.

I love Pick 3, the game played by Sean Baligian (It is what it is, 9-12 daily on WDFN 1130 AM). I get to test myself against the clock, against other loyal listeners of the DFN audience, and increase my short-term memory (a good strategy to foil aging). I recently sat down and tried to list out all the answers of previous pick 3 questions without the aid of the internet and without the limits of a timer. Mssportspsychbabe thinks I have a little bit of John Nash going on, but it works for me. Typical questions asked by Sean include: (1) Pick 3 champs during a specific calendar year from 1 of the 4 major sports (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB), (2) Pick 3 (NHL, NBA, NFL, MBL) champs during the (1980's, 1990's, 2000's), (3) Pick 3 Big Ten (teams, bball or football coaches) outside the state of Michigan, (4) Pick 3 mythical college (champs, coaches) during the (1990's, 2000's). These are great questions because they separate the local sports follower from the true sports fan.

One of my pet peeves is listening to sports radio and hearing someone question a basic fact, or say "I have to check on that." If it were up to me, Sean would use Pick 3 as a hiring tool for any sports related job. He would go to Jeannie Zalasko, al michaels (lowercase intended), Tom Looney, the entire station up the dial, all sideline reporters, and people who have jobs that imply sports expertise and have them fill out a timed test of their sports knowledge. Then our airwaves would be left with just a few people who can actually recite who won what when, who played in what all star games, who belongs in the hall (with stats and logic to back it up).

Of course, those with other reasons to be on the air could be given a few provincials, as some talent is not worth wasting...

And on the seventh day, he rested

2005-07-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

HOCKEY IS BACK!!! After all the fits and starts, the trips to New York, the mega sessions in Toronto, Trevor Linden getting involved, players demanding a deal get done back around the scheduled all star break, and more recently, several marathon sessions, hockey is finally, finally back. Yes, despite Jeremy Roenick's wishes, we are back, we WILL come to the arena, and we will cheer, boo, and live and die with our hometown heroes.

How do I know it's back. Not because the NHL announced it is back. Not even because of the full page spread in USA Today apologizing to us for taking it away. No, what convinced me that the NHL is back is that our franchise, in Hockeytown, is taking a take-no-prisoners approach to the new era of hockey. Kenny Holland is being as aggressive as he wants his coaching staff and players to be, reaching out and grabbing that Cup, rather than lazily assuming it will be handed to us by other teams. Hockey is back because Lewis is gone, Babcock is in, heavy forechecking is in, the red line is out, shootouts are in, and hopefully Nikoli Khabibulin is in (net) as well. No disrespect to Manny Legace, the greatest backup goaltender ever. Oh, I almost forgot, the Mick is in, and Hatcher is likely out.

Times like these are when Mr. Holland has to prove why he makes the big bucks. Detroit fans are counting on him to maintain our presence as the preeminent franchise in hockey. We have cultivated a reputation here, are claiming to be Hockeytown, and must prove that it is our knowledge of the game (and not just our bigger budget) that has brought us back to prominence. Ken Holland has s short period of time to re-create the Wings in his image, first by separating the eras, identifying players of today (light) from those of yesteryear (night). Now is not the time to be nostalgic. If they can't play on a high level, do not pay them to be on the roster. Next, he must plant saplings, develop young talent. Add some veteran bruisers, and finally, create man (Babcock). Then, and only then, can Kenny rest, satisfied that the team he has formed will have the staying power to compete in the new era NHL.

And the rest of us, the fans that support the team, those who wear the sweater proudly, that look to the Wings as our jewel, our place in the national spotlight, anxiously await the finished product, looking forward to the day that Kenny rests, so that we can rest, knowing, that last night, we sipped again, from Lord Stanley's Cup.

It's a Detroit Thing (or why are we so sensitive to national perception?)

2005-07-14T08:50:00.000-04:00

So the All Star Game has come and gone, and by all accounts, it was a huge success. So why are so many Detroiters not happy? Most of the national media gave Detroit relatively rave reviews, and the players themselves acknowledged that the event was well done, and that they had a good time. The problem? Jeannie Zalasko. Apparently, during an on air interview of Hall of Fame broadcast legend Ernie Harwell, she cut him off mid-sentence, saying, "..we could go on and on..." implying that Ernie was a bit loose and tangential, and that we was not really interested in hearing what the great legend (who she probably thought was some goofy old man) had to say.

This was an act that generated outrage in the Detroit community. Our beloved Ernie! One of the few sports icons that Detroiters have that other cities wish they had. One of the few sports icons that puts us on par with the great baseball cities of the country (along with NY's Red Barber, St. Louis' Jack Buck, Chicago's Harry Carry, and L.A.'s Vin Scully). How dare she not treat him with respect. In fact, disrespecting Ernie is a sign she doesn't view him in the same vein as other broadcast legends, and it must be that she doesn't give him the same credit becasue he did his fine HOF work in Detroit! So, Jeannie Zalasko disrespected us.

And back it comes to our thin skin. Whether it's al michaels (no caps intentional), Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, or Jeannie Zalasko, we as a community get pretty easily offended when we aren't given "our props." I completely understand it; we get our share of negative pub, so when we do something right, or have someone special, we want the national media to recognize it (or him or her). A part of us wants the recognition b/c we would like "a little love" once in awhile. Another part of us wants the positive press b/c the only way to change the perception of Detroit that many unfamiliar with our community seem to have, is for those who are aware of our gems to celebrate them, not walk all over them as Zalasko had done.

This is where patience must be exercised, and thought placed before action and protest. My belief is that one (or in this case, a community) cannot demand respect, but rather over time, one commands respect with one's attitudes, ethics, and behavior. Someone who has developed a well-earned reputation for being boorish, obnoxious, and angry will require a long period of engaging in genuine loving acts of kindness before those around him/her will believe the change is relatively stable. It is not always fair, but that is how we are. We don't want to believe that someone has genuinely changed until we are certain. Perhaps we don't want to be fooled by them. Sometimes we will doubt that person for their entire life. If that person was changing in order to earn our respect, and that respect wan't coming quickly enough, s/he might throw his or her arms up in despair, say, "this isn't worth it," and go back to being boorish and obnoxious. But if that person had a genuine change, and was beginning to recognize the value of being a genuine good person regardless of the notice of others, s/he will be a much happier, satisfied, and fulfilled person knowing the effort that it took to make the change and watching life bear the fruits of that change.

So, too, Detroit. While I agree that we have been, and continue to be, disrespected, much of that is beyond our control. What we can control is to continue to develop as a community, to improve social services, enhance diversity, and make our community one in which people feel safe and welcome. We do it for our sake, and we feel better for it. And perhaps, eventually, others will respect us. However, if we continue to demand respect, others will think we are trying too hard, and they'll continue to step on us.

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet

2005-07-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

Growing up, marathon oil co. was one of the major sponsors of Tigers games (back when they were heard on the Great Voice of the Great Lakes). They had a jingle in their radio spots implying that Marathon "best in the long run" was as American as baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.

While I never knowingly purchased Marathon oil, it made me think about things that are truly "American." I am not sure I want to devote space to a personal compilation of that list, but I'd like to reflect on something that I think the ad was pulling for: It is seeking to make people nostalgic for yesteryear, a time when life was simple, people were happy, and the world was a safe place. Last night, I had to make an airport run. I tuned the radio to the All-Star game, and Ernie Harwell, the famous great voice of the great voice (see www.airtimedaily.blogspot.com for further discussion of the great voice) was in the booth with the current announcers talking about Detroit. Then for one batter, he took over the mike and called the game. For the length of time that it took for the batter to draw a walk, I was back to being 10 years old, with no worries about food, bills, safety. Ole Ernie, with his southern drawl calling it the only the way he can: "Hernandez checks his sign and peers in at the batta. Outfield playin him straight up, as they often do here at Camerica Paak. He sets and delivas, breaking ball just a little low...almost had him reaching for that one, but the batta checked in time."

I drove while experiencing Nirvana for about 5 minutes. Then the batter walked, Ernie left the booth, and I made it to the airport, where I was awakened from my brief trip back in time by the Sheriff's deputy, who told me I couldn't wait curbside...for security purposes.

It feels good to be a Detroiter

2005-07-13T11:46:00.000-04:00

Today is the day after. We have had all-Star festivities for the better part of a week. National media, fans, celebrities, and sports dignitaries from all over came to Detroit. They sampled our food, wine, and women. They came hesitantly, questioned whether Detroit could "put on a show," and openly mocked us as unsophisticated.

I hope they left with a better appreciation of the breadth of our entertainment venues, the diversity of our community, and our knowledge and support of our sports teams. I hope they recognize that fans who booed Kenny Rogers did so out of respect for the game, and not because we are (in the words of Tom Looney from BDSSP), brutes.

I am proud today to say I am a native metro Detroiter. I am proud of my fellow metro Detroiters. We know, even if we never get national respect (or if it comes grudgingly), that we are the greatest sports town in America (so says Page 2's Jason Whitlock). Yes, blue collar Detroit is the greatest, and that is because we celebrate the Travis's of the world and not just the Ted Williams's (for the uninformed, read about who broke up a potential game ending DP to allow Williams to come to bat to hit the game-winning HR) .

Welcome to detroit, national fans

2005-07-12T09:46:00.000-04:00

Author note: Some of the companies listed below are not actually responsible for sponsoring what is listed. I exaggerate for effect.

Today is the John Hancock All-Star Game brought to you by Mastercard. The Budweiser first pitch will be thrown by Billy Bob Thornton, manager of the Bad News Bears presented by Disney. The official photograph of that pitch is brought to you by Kodak, while the official poster is presented by Fuji.

Honorary captains include Al Kaline presented by alkaline and Ernie Banks presented by MBNA. The Taco Bell seventh inning stretch will include a performance of God Bless America sung by Detroit's very own Winans brothers, presented by Sony Music.

The saturation of ads in the game, as well as the blurring of lines between sports and entertainment, is so over the top, that it is no longer news to write about it. I guess my thought today is that I've come to accept all the advertising and the fake authenticity of product placement and product endorsement. What has begun to unnerve me as a sports fan is how these cynical thoughts creep into my head where I can no longer trust the authenticity of the sport performance outcome. I'm not talking about steroids or other forms of cheating. That is a forum for another day. I speak today of the conspiracy. It used to be an NBA thing, but now seems to seep into every discussion when an event plays out in such a Hollywood-esque manner, that one is convinced that it is contrived. Back in '88, who would imagine that Gibby's HR (I still don't believe what I just saw) was staged? Today, though, there is a different vibe. Athletes with rap albums, rappers as agents, footballers wanting to play hoops. These days, it seems that nearly everything is staged. It's about buzz, controversy, getting your name/product/movie/brand identity out here in a crowded and oversaturated market. The last few days have been no different. Pudge making it to the final of the Home Run Derby? Bobby Abreau setting home run records at Comerica Park? An Oscar style red carpet show brought to you by Chevrolet? Now, I love my Chevy, especially the Vette, but when I think of red carpet, Chevrolet is not the first thing that comes to mind.

Tonight, I am going to sit back in my couch by La-Z-Boy, drink Nestea, and most importantly, eat lots of Rold Gold pretzels. Perhaps the game will remind me of my youth. Ah nostalgia (brought to you by Ballantine).

Oh, I almost forgot: My post is brought to you by the great people at Blogger, who have given a voice to the people.

So this is hello

2005-07-11T14:17:00.000-04:00

Beginnings are so difficult, so I will start with a few thoughts:

1. This blog has been many years in the making, harmonizing my passion for psychology, sports, and Detroit into a single forum. For many people, this may be a weird combination, one that produces jarring noises, and must be left alone. For others, this may be a fun, entertaining, insightful, and empowering place to be.

2. The rules of my blog are simple: Opinions are encouraged, but respectful discourse is required. Self-examination as it relates to why someone would have a specific opinion of a sports figure (why do I think Jack Morris should be in the hall?) is always a plus. Bigotry, hatred, and discriminatory views are unacceptable (yes, I know that makes me, ironically, discriminatory).

3. I will occasionally reference facts and incidents from long ago (a disorder known as Stanthrax), and will very often reference other sports web sites, local talk radio, and psychological phenomena. I intend to model myself more after John Feinstein than Russ Salzberg, but admit up front that I am no John Feinstein.