"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" -- 11-06-04

Looking back at the Red Sox' 2004 championship run, we immediately think of those players who had obvious, major impacts: Ramirez, Damon, Schilling, Ortiz, etc. However, it was guys like Mientkiewicz, Reese, and Roberts who most likely put this team over the top--teammates who had been starters in the past for other teams, but decided to keep their egos in check while doing whatever it took to help the team win. They definitely knew their roles--including Ellis Burks who, although bench-ridden most of the season due to injury, was ALWAYS seen cheering. Whether it was a stolen base, a good defensive play, or just simply supporting their comrades, these individuals are TRULY the unsung heroes--genuine team players who now can call themselves World Series champions..........TRIVIA QUESTION #1: Who holds the NBA record for most assists in one game? Answer to follow..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game last weekend, Fitchburg St. defeated Framingham St. 75-0. You KNOW things are bad for the boys from Framingham when SEVEN TD's, SEVEN PAT's, and SEVEN field goals would STILL have resulted in a loss..........Former U.S. figure skating champion Christopher Bowman has been arrested in Michigan after he allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a female acquaintance. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the next judge he encounters won't be one who gets paid for grading artistic ability..........From the "Just Thought I'd Ask" Dept.: Does ANYONE out there know why the Hartford Courant put its National Student/Parent Mock Election Results in the middle of its October 29th SPORTS SECTION? Just thought I'd ask..........N.Y. Mets reliever John Franco has been under investigation for allegedly supplying Mets game tickets to mobsters. I don't know about you, folks, but if some guy named Guido from Brooklyn approached me for tickets wearing sunglasses and a three-piece suit, I'm DEFINITELY handing over tickets--and probably my WALLET, too..........Did you know that, in 1945, the Washington Senators hit only ONE home run at home--an inside-the-park homer by first baseman Joe Kuhel? The Senators hit only 27 round-trippers as a team that year and were led by .211 hitter Harlond Clift--who clubbed eight..........Answer to trivia question #1: SCOTT SKILES--who, as a member of the Orlando Magic, dished out a remarkable 30 assists in December of 1990 in a game vs. Denver..........During the recent AL playoffs, WFAN radio personality Mike Francesa boldly referred to the Yankees' 2004 championship quest as "The Hunt for Red October"--expecting victories over the Red Sox AND Redbirds (Cardinals) en route to another World Series title. The lesson here? The proverbial "don’t count your chickens before they hatch." Hey Mike, kinda makes for a "blue" November, huh?..........TRIVIA QUESTION #2: What pitcher holds the Texas Rangers club record for most victories in a season? Answer to follow..........Sorry, folks, but listening to Dick Lynch do color commentary on N.Y. Giants radio broadcasts makes root canal seem like a date with lovely actress Michelle Pfeiffer..........If you think Barry Bonds has never used steroids, then you also believe that Pamela Anderson needs breast augmentation, Elvis still walks among us, Hooters is an owl sanctuary, and Paris Hilton is a hotel in northern France..........Don't you wish we all could age as well as former figure skater/TV commentator Peggy Fleming?..........Food for useless thought: Boxer Roy Jones recently told Sports Illustrated that animals were his best friends while growing up. Question: Does that mean Jones would have allowed Frank "The Animal" Fletcher to beat him had they fought a few years back?..........Hear about the N.Y. Yankees doll soon to be available for the holidays? You wind it up and it immediately starts choking; you then wind it some more and it flies to Tampa while loudly repeating the words "Spend, Spend, Spend" (sorry N.Y. fans--but you've had this coming for a VERY long time!)..........If you know the whereabouts of Mo Vaughn, Albert Belle, or Steve Howe, dial 1-800-WHO-CARES immediately..........Answer to trivia question #2: FERGUSON JENKINS--who won 25 games in 1974 for a Rangers team skippered by the late Billy Martin..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NBA forward Thomas "Satch" Sanders--who blows out 66 candles on November 8th. A New York University product, Sanders played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics from 1960-1973--averaging 9.6 points per game while being a defensive stalwart. He played for eight championship teams in Boston and appeared in 916 games; his #16 jersey was retired by the team in 1973. Here's to you, "Satch"..........Finally, best wishes go out to Deanna Favre--wife of Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre--who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo chemotherapy treatments. You're in our thoughts and prayers, Deanna, as we wish you a quick, full recovery.

Bob Lazzari

Reprinted by permission of the Valley Times.