"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 10-18-08

Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a college football game played out west last weekend, Willamette (OR) defeated Lewis & Clark 76-10; the winning squad rushed for close to 400 yards and actually DID NOT score a point in the fourth quarter of this laugher. When I first looked at this score, I immediately thought that two lone guys NAMED Lewis and Clark took an awful beating that day--and could have definitely benefited from playing with a FULL squad..........TRIVIA QUESTION: In the 1990 World Series (won by the Reds--4 games to 0 over Oakland), Cincinnati was led by a well-traveled veteran who accumulated a total of NINE hits during the Fall Classic. Can you name this player--who played for a total of SEVEN different teams in his career? Answer to follow..........If you've seen the recent Volkswagen commercials featuring the lovely Brooke Shields, you'll understand this: If future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. had aged HALF as well as Ms. Shields has over the years, he'd have well over 800 home runs at this juncture..........This week in sports history, October 21, 1976: Catcher Johnny Bench hits two home runs--leading the Cincinnati Reds past the New York Yankees 7-2 for a sweep of the World Series. The "Big Red Machine" had finished the regular season with an impressive 102 victories and also swept Philadelphia in the NLCS. Bench's heroics in Game 4 vs. New York included a two-run homer in the fourth inning and a three-run blast in the ninth..........Regarding DB Adam "Pacman" Jones' latest transgression--scuffling with one of his OWN bodyguards: The best comment about this too-familiar situation came from the Hartford Courant's Matt Eagan--who said that there will be no suspension on the part of the Cowboys "because everyone deserves a 13th chance."..........Recently, I had former Detroit Tigers "pinch hitter deluxe" Gates Brown on my weekly cable TV show--celebrating the 40th anniversary of Detroit's magical '68 championship season. Gates talked freely about the cast of characters on that specific ball club--one that included stars such as Denny McLain, Mickey Lolich, and Willie Horton. He also relayed his critical thoughts about the ever-present pitch counts so familiar to today's game, and called Billy Martin the best manager he ever played for. He also is credited with a terrific quote at baseball-almanac.com--included with his player profile: "I took (in high school) a little English, a little math, a few hubcaps, and some wheel covers." Yes, folks, there's only ONE William "Gates" Brown, for sure..........While yours truly was co-hosting "Inside Yankee Baseball" on ESPN Radio last weekend with rules consultant Rich Marazzi and writer Chris Elsberry of the Connecticut Post, we engaged in a lengthy discussion about the Cubs as they had just been swept in the NLDS by the Dodgers. A visibly-disgusted Elsberry--a long-time Cubs follower--put it all in a nutshell by offering this: "GREEKS don't know real tragedy like Cub fans do!" I feel your pain, Chris, and I'll go out on a limb and say they'll capture at least ONE championship over the NEXT 100 years!..........Great quote by Ron Darling on TBS last weekend during Game 2 of the ALCS between the Rays and Red Sox--a game in which the teams matched the postseason record for homers (7). Darling: "Talented hitters from both squads are making Tropicana Field look like WILLIAMSPORT."..........Answer to trivia question: BILLY HATCHER--who went 9-for-12 in the series (including five extra-base hits) for a sizzling .750 batting average..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league infielder Randy Asadoor--who blows out 46 candles on October 20th. I know--NOT a household name. Asadoor made his big league debut in September of 1986 with San Diego and would finish that season with the Padres hitting an impressive .364--collecting 20 hits in 55 at-bats. However, Asadoor would never see the majors again thereafter--most likely due to defensive liabilities. You see, in his 15 major league games, Asadoor made five errors--perhaps sealing his fate. Yes, had the DH rule existed in the NL, it could have assisted Mr. Asadoor A LOT. Anyway, best wishes, Randy..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NFL executive/coach Jack Faulkner--who died recently in Newport Beach, CA at the age of 82. Faulkner joined the Rams as an assistant coach in 1955 and spent a total of 43 years in various capacities with that organization--most recently as the Rams' administrator for pro personnel. In addition, he was the Broncos' coach and general manager in 1962 and later spent time as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. Faulkner leaves his wife, Debbie, three sons, and a daughter. May Jack Faulkner rest in peace.