April 11, 2007
The Whole Ball of Wax
It's time to have some fun! Every Monday night on WHAS11 News at 11:00 you can catch my signature segment that's worth staying up for (at least I like to think so).
It's called The Whole Ball of Wax - get it..Wax..Waxler. Basically, it's a mix of sports bloopers, great plays, funny soundbites, etc. Anything goes! I've been doing it since 1994 when I worked at my college TV station. I can't take credit for the name, a college friend came up with it. But I've done the segment in every television market I've worked in and it seems to appeal to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike. Something new I'd like to start is allowing viewers to send in home video clips. So if little Johnny made a great catch or did something funny on the basketball court, send to me here at the station. So start you week off the right way, as I provide The Whole Ball of Wax.
Posted by erik.waxler at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2007
Cards Come Up Short
After a steller first half in which the Louisville Cardinals led Pitt by 11 points it looked as if they were going to make it to the Big East Championship game. But instead of continuing playing lock-down defense and sharing the ball the Cards resorted back to their old selves.
It didn't help Antonio Graves and the Panthers got hot from three point land but the Cards could have won this game. Instead they rushed three point attempts, didn't share the ball, and gave up too many open looks. The result a 65-59 loss to Pitt in the semifinals. UofL is now only left to think what could have been. Now they are off to the NCAA Tournament where they will take on Stanford, Thursday in Lexington. Let's see how the Cards bounce back.
Posted by kyle.draper at 10:14 AM | Comments (1)
March 10, 2007
So Long Atlanta
Kentucky's stay in Atlanta ends early as the Wildcats lose a wild quarterfinal game agianst Mississippi State. Now UK tries to get back to the Georgia Dome, site of this year's Final Four. Is it possible?
Sure, but very unlikely. Kentucky continues to show they can't come through the clutch. Friday they made so many mistakes in crucial moments, it's hard to keep track. Randolph Morris missed two free throws with 17 seconds left in regulation. That would have put Kentucky up 4. Then comes the lane violation with Sheray Thomas backing off the line. Tubby took responsiblity because he was calling for Thomas to move. That set up the game-tying three at the buzzer.
Jodie Meeks has been the best freshman of the bunch down the strech, but he missed an easy lay-up and Mississppi State took it the other way for the go-ahead bucket in overtime. A turnover in the final seconds was a fitting ending. So what now? One positive is the way Randolph Morris asserted himself in Atlanta. But he needs help in the Big Dance. Kentucky will probably be an 8 or 9 seed when the brackets come out Sunday. That would mean, even if UK wins it's first-round game, they'd have a #1 seed in the 2nd round. Just like last year. And another tournament without even getting to the Sweet 16. Let's just say it would be another long off-season.
As for Atlanta, the Georgia Dome is a great place for the tournament. I was there in 2002 when Indiana made it to the NCAA Title game. Downtown in Atlanta was buzzing with the Big Blue fans before Friday's loss. Then after, many were either trying to unload their tickets or drink away their sorrows. Now we wait for the brackets to come out. Feel free to voice your thoughts once the draw comes out.
Posted by erik.waxler at 05:39 PM | Comments (0)
March 08, 2007
Wildcats Turn Back Tide
Just what the Wildcats needed. A solid win to open the SEC Tournament. Kentucky takes care of Alabama 79-67 in the first-round down here in Atlanta. And the way UK played I do believe they could make it to Sunday.
Even with all the negative energy surrounding the program, Kentucky fans showed up by the thousands to fill the Georgia Dome. It really makes you think what a small percentage of fans are responsible for all the internet chatter about Tubby's future. The fans I saw were as passionate and enthusiastic as ever. They got to see Randolph Morris play well on both ends. Morris was a tough match-up for the Tide and he scored 17 points and on the other end he pulled down 10 defensive rebounds. Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford added some key buckets and freshman Jodie Meeks really showed off his speed with a couple of dunks off turnovers. All in all the 'Cats had five players scoring double-digits. That's the kind of effort that could give this team the confidence the need to get on a roll. You do have to wonder how much closer it would have been if Bama's talented point guard Ronald Steele wasn't hurt. He only played 12 minutes and scored 2 points. The next game is very winnable against the champions of the very average SEC West division, Mississippi State.
Behind the scenes, we are here with a bunch of other television stations from all over the SEC. You have Birmingham covering Alabama and Auburn, Knoxville and Nashville covering Tennessee, Columbia covering South Carolina, etc. And the way it usually works is when the team you are covering loses, you go home too. So by Sunday, the television media compound where our editing equipment is set up clears out. Friday along with Kentucky's quarterfinal game, you also have the teams that had first-round byes in action. Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and the defending National Champs from Florida. We'll be on the air from Atlanta on WHAS-11 news at 5 and 6 with more coverage of the Wildcats on the court and in the lockeroom.
Posted by erik.waxler at 08:54 PM | Comments (0)
Down To The Wire
The Cards stop the bleeding by scoring on five straight points. David Padgett ends an 8:38 scoreless streak with a lay-up. Senior Brandon Jenkins answers with a three.
Louisville goes back up four but the momentum has changed. The Mountaineers are showing tremendous fight. They go on a 9-2 run and lead 54-51 with 3:03 to play. The Mountaineers looked like they had the Cards right where they want them. Da'Sean Butler gives them a 56-54 lead with 46.8 seconds to play. But Edgar Sosa answers with a lay-up to tie it at 56. Under 10 to go Darris Nichols puts the Mountaineers back up two with a lay-up. Sosa however sprints the length of the floor tying the game with a lay-up at the buzzer. 58-58 at the end of regulation. It's overtime baby...
Posted by kyle.draper at 08:37 PM | Comments (0)
Strong Second Half Start Turns Sour
The second half couldn't have started off better for the Cards. They score the first nine points of the half to take a 44-27 lead.
Terrence Williams and Andre McGee each hit three pointers. But as soon as the Cards get some breathing room West Virginia answers back with an 18-0 run. Senior Frank Young fuels the run with five straight points and the Cards go cold from the field. They've gone more than eight minutes without a point.
Posted by kyle.draper at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)
Cards Lead At The Half
At the end of one half of play the Louisville Cardinals lead west Virginia 35-27. The Cards look good but they are not playing great. To have an eight point lead at the half they should feel good about where they stand.
After starting off slow from the field the Mountaineers have been able to get back in the game. Freshman Joe Mazzulla has scored five points off the bench to bring his squad to within two. But the Cards have not panicked. They answer back with a 10-2 run to push the lead back to double figures. Earl Clark has a huge first half scoring 10 points on 5-7 shooting.
Posted by kyle.draper at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)
Cards Off To Fast Start
The Louisville Cardinals are showing no signs of letting up against the Mountaineers at the Big East Tournament in New York City. An efficient offense and stingy defense has Louisville leading 16-5 with 11:38 left to play in the first half.
West Virginia is only 2-7 from the field (29%) and they've turned the ball over five times. The transformation of Terrence Williams has been phenomenal this season. He has eight early points and seems to do whatever he wants on the court.
With 7:47 left to play the Cards lead 22-13. The Mountaineers have improved their outside shooting. Alex Ruoff and Da'Sean Butler have each hit a three to bring West Virginia closer.
Posted by kyle.draper at 07:21 PM | Comments (0)
Cards Leading WVU Early
This years Big East Tournament has already been different from last years for the Cards. At the under 16 minute timeout of the first half Louisville is controlling the game on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Unlike last year against Pitt when the Cards were blitzed from the opening tip, this year against West Virginia they jump out to an early 8-0 lead. Terrence Williams and Earl Clark have four points a piece and UofL is shooting 75 percent from the field. If they keep playing under control like they are doing now they have a good shot at winning.
Posted by kyle.draper at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)
Game Time Approaches
I made it to New York safely yesterday and was able to check out the Providence- West Virginia Big East Tournament game. The Mountaineers were really on fire hitting 17 of 31 three point attempts.
They were able to advance with a 92-79 win. Now they must face the Louisville Cardinals tonight at 7:00 at Madison Square Garden. This is going to be a tough game for the Cards especially if the Mountaineers remain hot from the outside. Louisville will have to defend the three and take care of the ball to win.
It's about an hour and a half before tip and it feels like the calm before the storm. The Cards last trip to Madison Square Garden for the Big East Tournament did not start off or end well. Last year the ytrailed Pittsburgh 33-5 in the first half. UofL has lost nine straight at MSG and haven't won here since 1984. They'll try to end that drought tonight. Check back during the game for updates and my analysis.
Posted by kyle.draper at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2007
Tourney Time Begins
The bright lights of the big city await me as I get ready to depart Louisville for New York City and the Big East Tournament. I’m not a morning guy so waking up at 6:00 a.m. for a 8:35 flight is challenge enough.
But because I’m also a procrastinator when it comes to preparing for the trip I decided to hold off packing until this morning. Wrong idea. Let’s just say on a normal day it takes me an hour to get ready. Throw in having to pack, and take out the dog all within an hour and you can see I’m stressing even before the sun comes up. My plan was to head to the airport at 7:00 a.m. It wound up being more like 7:15. So I’m nervous, hoping I don’t get caught waiting in the security line. After I circle the airport several times searching for a parking space I finally fine one. It’s 7:28 and I’m feeling like the character Jack Bauer on that show 24. Beep. Beep. Beep. Where every minute counts.
Once inside the airport I realize why Louisville is not a bad place to live. I zip through check-in and the security gates like I’m the President or something. No waiting. No lines. Cool. I make my flight on time and I’m ready to go. This day isn’t starting out so bad after all. I encounter a pack of Louisville fans who are also on the way to NYC. I can already feel the vibe surrounding this years Big East Tournament is different than last years. The Cards enter the Tournament as the #2 seed. Last year they barely made the Tournament. And you can tell in the excitement of the fans. About 10-12 UofL fans are on my flight and they are dressed in red and black Cardinal gear. They are proud to be Louisville fans. Before I get to NYC I have a layover in Chicago. No problem an hour and a half won’t kill me. Well this hour and a half layover has turned into a three and a half hour stay at Chicago’s Midway Airport. Sigh. That’s alright I spend the time chatting with the UofL fans and thinking about the competitive basketball I’m going to see at the Garden. It’s 1:20 p.m. Louisville time and we are starting to board. New York City here I come. Stay tuned.....
Posted by kyle.draper at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)
December 21, 2006
Let's Go Bowling
The bowl season is underway. There are 6,821 bowl games including the thirlling Poinsettia Bowl. Fans around here have a lot to be happy about.
What a season for Louisville, but you can't help think what if they hadn't fallen apart in the 2nd half at Rutgers. Anyway, the Orange Bowl is a nice consolation prize. Obviously, Wake Forest is a good team, but let's admit it's not exaclty sexy match-up. It's really a no-win sitation for Bobby Petrino's team. If Louisville wins, the national talk will be they should have won. But if they lose, the chatter will be how the Big East is weak, Louisville can't hang with the big boys, etc. Still, a convincing win on national tv in the Orange Bowl will go along way toward putting the Cardinals in the top 5 to start next season.
As far as Kentucky any bowl trip is good for this program right now. But did the the 'Cats get a tough draw or what? Clemson beat both teams that played in the ACC Championship game (yes that includes Wake Forest). It should be a colorful game with both fan bases buying up tickets in bunches. A win would be big for Kentucky and give them nice momentum heading into next year. Remember, Florida and Tennessee come to Lexington.
Stay tuned to WHAS11 for all your bowl coverage. Kyle Draper will cover 'Cats in Nashville, and I'll have reports from Miami starting December 28th.
Enjoy!
Posted by erik.waxler at 10:35 PM | Comments (1)
August 28, 2006
Kentucky Season Projections
How about the Wildcats? Let's go game by game to see how UK will do this season.
LOUISVILLE 31, KENTUCKY 17
Once again UK keeps it close until the 2nd half when they run out of gas.
Kentucky 24, Texas State 17
Beware of the Bobcats!
Kentucky 18, Ole Miss 10
A good start in the SEC.
Florida 38, Kentucky 21
UK's last win in Gainesville..1979.
Kentucky 27, Central Michigan 20
UK has never lost to Central Michigan.
South Carolina 18, Kentucky 15
Darn Spurrier.
LSU 31, Kentucky 23
At least the Cajun food is good.
Mississippi State 9, Kentucky 3
A monsoon in Starkville leads to a low scoring mud-fest.
Georgia 30, Kentucky 20
Curtis Pulley takes over the starting QB job.
Kentucky 17, Vanderbilt 10
Take that smart guys. Woodson is back as the starter.
Kentucky 41, UL-Monroe 17
A fire Rich Brooks rally is held in Lexington before the game.
Kentucky 21, Tennessee 20
Goodbye Fulmer! A keep Rich Brooks rally is held
in Lexington after the game.
6 Wins!! Kentucky goes bowling!
Posted by erik.waxler at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2006
Predictions For Louisville's Season
There's no need to watch a single game. No reason to go to the stadium. Here's how Louisville's season will play out.
Game 1 - Louisville 31, Kentucky 17
That big spread is a little much considering it will be Brian Brohm's first game back. But something crazy will have to happen for Louisville not to make it four in a row. Micheal Bush rushes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Game 2 - Louisville 62, Temple 13
Last year Temple went 0-11, including a 70-7 loss at Bowling Green. Enough said.
Game 3 - Louisville 27, Miami 20
These aren't the same Hurricanes you remember, and the Big Papa will be rocking for one of the biggest games ever at the stadium. A 4th quarter touchdown from Brohm to Harry Douglas is the game winner.
Game 4 - Louisville 33, Kansas State 19
The Cards go to 4-0 with an easy win. After the game, Bobby Petrino denies rumors
he's been offered the head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans.
Game 5 - Louisville 28, MTSU 27
A major scare in Nashville, but still another win.
Game 6 - Louisville 41, Cincinnati 13
The offense keeps rolling and Peanut Whitehead breaks the freshman sack record.
Game 7 - Louisville 31, Syracuse 24
After the game, Bobby Petrino denies rumors he's been offered the head coaching job with Detroit Lions.
Game 8 - West Virginia 31, Louisville 30
I do think the Cards can win this one, but an undefeated season is such a long shot for any team, I would be crazy to go out on a limb that long.
Game 9 - Louisville 49, Rutgers 8
A little closer than last season.
Game 10 - Louisville 41, South Florida 24
Payback time!
Game 11 - Pittsburgh 27, Louisville 19
Oh no! Better watch out for a letdown.
Game 12 - Louisville 41, Uconn 30
10-2 ain't too shabby.
Let the games begin!
Posted by erik.waxler at 05:49 PM | Comments (2)
August 08, 2006
What's In a Name?
Michigan calls its stadium, The Big House. Florida has The Swamp. Ohio State plays in The Horse Shoe. So what do we call Louisville's home field?
Let's face it, despite what the fine folks at Papa John's say, it doesn't roll off the tongue to call it, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. I've heard The Oven thrown around as a good knickname. Nope! Too corny. Other's I've nixed, The Pepporini, Hold The Anchovies, and Petrino's House of Cheese.
I propose calling it The John. I can see the headlines now. "Cardinals Flush West Virginia at The John". Or..."hey Fred, I was just in The John for four hours and boy and I'm tired." Ok, I'm just kidding.
Seriously, my proposed moniker for the stadium -- The Big Papa! That sounds like an intimidating place to play in. There is a rap song by the Notroius BIG called "Big Papa", with the line, "I love it when you call me Big Papa." I'm not sure it needs to be played over the loud system, but hey let's start the campaign. The Big Papa!
Posted by erik.waxler at 05:33 PM | Comments (0)
August 02, 2006
It's Just A Fantasy
First of all I am not a fantasy sports geek. I don't play fantasy baseball, it's way too involved. No fantasy Nascar, no fantasy golf. But I do and always have played fantasy football.
I can't even remember how far back this hobby goes. I do remember the days before computers and the web when we would do it all by hand. Those of you under 30 refer to that period as the dark ages. Now of course fantasy football is a multi-million dollar business.
Just look at the magazine racks. There must be 20 different fantasy bibles, where so-called experts rank the players and tell you who you should pick. And there must be thousands of different web sites that will set up your league. This is the time of year when players get ready for the draft. At one of my previous stations we would take over the conference room, and really do it up. Big board, podium, and yes...cheetos. Now it's usually easier to just do it on-line, but that does make it more difficult to trash talk.
Normally I stick to one fantasy football league. I've been in one for a few years now that a friend of mine started. It includes some of his grad school buddies that are now living in Europe. So some weeks I'm going head to head with a guy in Munich or Cologne. This one's a keeper league and I recently elected to keep KC running back Larry Johnson. He's the Chiefs starter and is expected to have a big year. I didn't have much else to choose from so I went with another running back Dominic Rhodes from the Colts. He might not even be the Colts starter since their number one draft pick was a running back.
This year I'm also playing in a Louisville-based league. WHAS-AM's Lachlan Mclean is the commish, and he's brought to together several media-types from the area. It could get confusing this year with two teams, I won't know who to root for and who to root against. I might do a feature story on local fantasy football players, so if you have a good league with some colorful personalities drop me an e-mail.
Good luck and I'll let you know how my season goes.
Posted by erik.waxler at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2006
College Football Rules!
The preview magazines are on the shelves, the anticipation is growing, it's almost here. There is nothing better than college football on a Saturday afternoon. Maybe it's the intense fans, or maybe the feel of energy on a college campus. I have been to some of the greatest stadiums in the country covering games. Here are some of the highlights.
The Orange Bowl - Miami, Florida
I grew up in Miami, so going to games at the Orange Bowl was indoctrination. In the late 1980's I saw Miami vs. Florida State, Miami vs. Florida (Vinny Testeverde's first college start), and a wild Miami vs. South Carolina game. Two great wide receivers went head to head in that game, Michael Irvin and Sterling Sharpe, and both put on a show. There was also a big brawl, that effectively ended that series between the two schools. I haven't been back in a long time, but I remember the Orange Bowl as the ultimate in atmosphere. So much history, so close to the field. It's uncomfortable, old and cramped, but it's still a great place to watch a game.
Florida FIeld - Gainesville, Florida
OK, maybe I'm biased, because I am a Florida grad, but I still say Florida Field is one of the top 5 stadiums in the country. It's the loudest place I've ever been to. Sweaty and obnoxious is a good way to describe the fans, but hey during my time in college, the Gators just didn't lose much at home. I covered some great Florida vs. Tennessee games there, and some Florida vs. Florida State battles. In 1993, FSU was #1. The Seminoles lead in the 4th quarter, but the Gators were coming back strong. After a spectacular bobbling touchdown catch by Jack Jackson, Charie Ward was backed up for a 3rd and long play. He was under all kinds of pressure, but dumped it off to Warrick Dunn, who ran 70-some yards for a touchdown. The stadium went from the loudest I ever heard to very quiet, you could only hear the heartbreak.
Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahasse, Florida
I saw two games there. Florida vs. FSU, and Miami-FSU. One of the great pre-game moments is when Chief Osceola throws the flaming spear into the turf.
Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee.
This place is huge. The Vol Navy is very cool. That's all the people tailgating on boats along the Tennessee River. It's a very intimadating place for opposing teams. On Friday walk-thurs, I literally saw players from visiting teams looking around in awe.
I covered two great Tennesse-Florida games. The one in 1998 was incredible, that's when UT won in overtime, and after several years of frustration, the Tennessee fans stormed the field and torn the goal posts down. CBS's goal-post cameras were still attached and I think one ended up in the river.
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
I think it was 200 degrees when I covered the Tennessee-UCLA game in 1997. Peyton Manning vs. Cade Mcnown. UCLA almost came back to win, both quarterback's were great in college, one of them is still pretty good.
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York
Very cool atmosphere. Opening game of the 1998 season. Donovan McNabb against Tee Martin. Tennessee's final drive was kept alive with a controversial pass interference call. Then Jeff Hall kicked the winning field goal as time expired. It turned out to be the first win of the Vols undefeated National Championship season. If that penalty wasn't called, Tennessee wouldn't have won the title.
Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Best pre-game tailgating food hands down. LSU beat Tennessee in overtime. and they went crazy, storming the field and I think tearing the goal posts down. I did get to meet the real Tiger up close.
Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Do they still play the theme to 2001: A Space Odessy before the game? I interviewed Bob Dole one year at the stadium. Good fans there. It's also the stadium they used for that movie, "The Program".
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
I covered a Ohio State Purdue game there a few years ago. The Boilers gave it away. This giant-sized place reminded my of Neyland, just trade in the orange for the red.
Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
This was right up there with Florida Field for loudest stadiums I've been to. And the war eagle flying around gets people crazy.
Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
What a great college town! I covered Tennessee's win over Bama in 1999. Beautiful campus.
Notre Dame Stadium
I covered a few games at Notre Dame. And even though I'm not a fan of the Fighting Irish, I do really appreciate the history of the stadium and campus. It's a spetacular place to visit in the fall.
Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington
I was very impressed with the fans in Lexington. Even as Florida was thrasing the 'Cats in '95, the fans stuck around well into the 2nd half. The tailgating was a blast too.
I've also covered games at Purdue, Arkansas, Indiana and probably other places I'm forgetting. I've also been to the Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. What will this year hold?
Looking forward to my first game at Papa John's Stadium! Talk to you soon.
Posted by erik.waxler at 04:13 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2006
So You Think It's A Slow Sports Day
There is never a slow sports day. Sure on a weekend in November or December there are tons (basketball, football) of things going on. And in the summer things may not be as busy.
But one of the first rules I've learned working in television is that as soon as you think things will be slow and there is nothing going on.....that's when the day picks up. It happened today (Wednesday July 19, 2006). I woke up and one of the first things I did was read the newspaper just to see what's going on in the world.
Today?? Not much. So how am I going to fill my 6:00, 10:00, and 11:00 shows?? By the time I walked into work at 2:00 p.m. I was still searching for the lead story for my sportscast. I knew Churchill Downs Incorporated named its new president. But I wanted more. Then word came University of Kentucky officials were going to self-report themselves for NCAA infractions having to do with recruit Patrick Patterson. Jackpot.
Apparently some UK basketball fans posted messages on Patterson's myspace.com web-page, trying to entice the senior to be to play for the big blue nation. That kind of story sizzles. That is my top sports story of the day. So in a span of hours it went from a "slow sports day" to "o-k we have something big going on." So the day was taking shape. I had my story selection set. At 5:30 p.m. I was all ready to do the sportscast. Until another big story presented itself. (Not so slow anymore huh??) A 16-year old football player at Henderson County High School collapsed at practiced and then died. I heard the story second hand from one of our editors. But I can't just run the story based on what he says.
Now I have to do some digging. I called our Evansville affiliate for more info, but they are swamped. I call the Henderson County's sheriff's office, but they can't confirm the story. I'm told to call the police department. Bingo right?? Uhn-uhn. No answer at the police department. I know the story is true but I have to get it confirmed. So it's 6:00 and I call our Evansville affiliate again and this time a person working the assignment desk tells me they have a fax from the school and the coroner's office with all the information I need.
Time to cash in the chips, I have to be on the air in twenty minutes. I get the fax and alert the director and producer my story lineup needs to change. I have a new top story. 6:18 arrives and I'm still writing my script. I need to be on air in five minutes. I finish the script and rush out to the set...barely breathing. The Henderson County story, along with the UK story, and Churchill Downs' new president story go off all without a hitch. And I thought it was going to be a slow sports day. There is no such thing.
Posted by kyle.draper at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
A New Season
There is a moment in the springtime of life, when a child wraps a hand around a horsehide sphere and let's fly the dream of American youth.
It is an unwritten rule, that about the age of seven, just before hand and eye can act in concert, a child shall be taught the game of bat and ball
But this meeting of child and sport is not meant to be a brief encounter.
The baseball seed is a perennial, ready to bloom each April, no matter the age.
It is a game that father's pass down to sons and daughters. And it always seems to mirror our American life and work ethic. The game, like life, requires a little hustle, a lot of energy.
And so, this time of year, the baseball circle is joined again. Across the land on pristine green stadiums and dusty sandlots, a new season is welcomed with anticipation.
New and old muscles begin to stretch and unlimber. Players test their legs and arms. Some older players pass gently into coaching or just watching. But they are just as involved, because baseball is a game for the mind.
It is modestly paced, giving time for strategy and thought. We diligently keep score. After the play is over, it can be written down in logical numbers and kept forever.
And the fans, short for fanatics, take these games and numbers into their minds, to be recalled on cold winter days when summer is just a memory.
Because baseball is a game of memories. There are memories of gentle weather, a vendor's chant, a fastball that no one can touch, and yes, even spitting.
All will be taught to the next generation in countless conversations, telling how it was and how it is.
They'll talk of Bobby Thompson's shot heard round the world in 1951 and Willie Mays tracking down a fly ball that couldn't be caught, but it was.
It all leads to children, who say "Take me out to the ballgame."
And Dads, who can't wait to be asked.
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks, I don't care if I ever get back.
Posted by gary.roedemeier at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)
January 04, 2006
GET FIT IN 2006
I need to drop a few pounds this year. How about you? I am a big believer in exercise. Do you know how to find a health club or gym that is right for you?
Home exercise equipment seems like a convenient idea ----you can workout in your pajamas if you want to...but it doesn't usually work that way. There are literally thousands of exepnsisve treadmills that are used as nothing more than coat racks. Making a workout an appointment in your life will make it reality. And often if you have to actually go somewhere to get the workout in you are more likely to do that. There are so many different types of facilities these days that you may have trouble deciding which is right for you. Here are a few things to think about;
#1Location. If the club is more than 10 minutes from your home or work you are NOT as likely to get there. So look for something close.
#2 Decide what you want. I have two little children so child care is important to me. I also like a facility that offers a lot of different options. Weights, pool, indoor track, a variety of classes at a wide range of times. However, that is often expensive. Studio gyms are often small and offer very individualized workouts/ one on one with a trainer each time you go. It is amazing how much you can accomplish with just a few free weights and a cardio machine like a stair master, a treadmill or an elliptical trainer.
#3 Cost Be sure you get the entire price for a year in writing. Make sure that you are not being offered a low introductory rate that then becomes more expensive by the month--like balloon payments. It's a common trick. Also find out how the membership renews. Some facilities automatically roll your membership over and won't stop billing you without a written certified letter stating that you wish to end your membership
#4 Many gyms want to sell as many memberships as they can. If they are charging 49 dollars a month and you can only afford 39 dollars a month. Ask if they will accept that if you sign up then and there.
#5 Before you sign up; ask for a trail or at least a day pass. Go workout during the time period that you will usually use the gym. Is it crowded, can you get on the machines, is there staff available, and is the equipment kept clean and in working condition during this time. Visiting a gym in the off peak hours can be very different than what goes on during the periods when most people go which is before work, during lunch, and after work.
#6 If you are having trouble getting started here is a little trick. Tell yourself you are going to time yourself as you walk out the door for five minutes. You’ll have to get back so that's an extra five minutes which means you have automatically added 10 minutes of movement, and exercise to your day. Pretty easy huh!
#6 Don't forget that once again this year WHAS has a team to train for the TRIPLE CROWN OF RUNNING. It's a great way for beginners to get started. Our first meeting is 8am January the 14th at Fleet Feet, located on Bardstown road and the corner of Eastern Parkway. If you come, wear your running shoes, or buy a pair while you are there. We will hit the road at about 8:30 for our runs each Saturday. You’ll get a schedule to work on during the week. We PICK UP your entry fee for the Triple Crown races. Louisville School of Massage gives our team exclusive massage after each race and the CRUSADE provides support before and after the races with a spot to stash your "stuff". You also get a really cool shirt----and I tend to get some of you on TV. now and then. All you have to do is raise $250 for the Crusade-----remember all of the money donated goes to the special needs kids of our area, Kentuckiana. For more information call Fleet Feet Fleet Feet Sports-Louisville
1500 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40205
502.479.URUN fax 479-9935
www.fleetfeetlouisville.com
Orr log onto www.whascrusde.org
Posted by kirby.adams at 08:24 AM | Comments (1)
