"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 7-18-09

Great cause: The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut is proud to announce its 23rd annual Mud Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Zoar's Pond on Randolph Road in Middletown, Connecticut. The Foundation's catchy motto for this event is that "it's good, clean fun;" proceeds go toward improving the lives of people with epilepsy--along with their families. Registration/further information about this wonderful event can be obtained by contacting The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, 386 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457-3360. One may also call (800) 899-3745 or find more info online at www.epilepsyfoundation.org/connecticut.......... TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1990 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds had no 100-RBI men on the team, but did have two players on the squad who hit more than 20 home runs. Can you name these gentlemen? Answer to follow ..........Gotta love New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, who had the following to say last Sunday after a Reds pitcher struggled mightily in relief--giving up a pair of home runs: "David Weathers--true to his name--had a very 'stormy' 7th inning!"..........This week in sports history, July 21, 1973: "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron of the Braves reaches yet another milestone in his storied baseball career--hitting home run #700 during an 8-4 Atlanta loss vs. Philadelphia. In the game played at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium, Aaron connected off Phils' left-hander Ken Brett--sending the ball over 400 feet into the left/center-field bleachers. The memorable blast moved Aaron to within 14 homers of Babe Ruth's all-time record of 714..........ITEM: Singer Justin Timberlake makes his first hole-in-one ever--using a 5-iron to card the ace at a course in Los Angeles last week. I'll go on record as saying say that this guy having had girlfriends such as Cameron Diaz, Jessica Biel, and Scarlett Johansson is still a MUCH GREATER accomplishment...........ANOTHER great cause: On October 9th of this year, the annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic will be held at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, NY. Held each fall, the tournament has raised well over a million dollars for cancer research and prevention over the years; more information on this tremendous event can be obtained by visiting Ann's website: www.annliguori.com ..........Just thinking: If Seattle Mariners OF Ken Griffey Jr. had aged HALF as well as model/actress Carol Alt has over the past few years, then the Mariners would have a 5 game lead in the AL West right now..........Call me jealous or whatever, but I have a MAJOR problem with the fact that the amount of money that Tiger Woods' two young children have in their bank accounts RIGHT NOW is more dollars than yours truly will earn in his entire LIFETIME..........Answer to trivia question: CHRIS SABO (25) and ERIC DAVIS (24)..........Terrific quote from Connecticut Defenders P.A. announcer Ed Weyant last Sunday after being told that S.F. Giants picher Matt Cain had bruised his arm the day before--and was doubtful for the All-Star game: "I guess Cain isn't 'able', huh?"..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Mike Witt--who blows out 49 candles on July 20th. A native of Fullerton, CA, Witt spent 12 years in the majors between 1981 and 1993 as a member of the Angels and Yankees--winning 117 games lifetime. A two-time All-Star while with California, Witt won 15 or more games an impressive four years in a row between 1984-1987. He also fared well in the post-season--having pitched in the ALCS twice with the Angels ('82 and '86) while allowing 15 hits in over 20 innings of work; his lifetime post-season ERA was 3.05. Best wishes, Mike..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former USC/NFL player George Belotti--who passed away a few weeks ago in Arcadia, CA from complications of a stroke. Belotti was an offensive lineman at USC from 1954-1956; he also appeared in the '54 Rose Bowl and the '57 Hula Bowl. Originally an eighth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, Belotti played center with the Houston Oilers in 1960--when that team won the very first AFL championship; he later played with the San Diego Chargers. He is survived by his wife, Marie, twin daughters, and a granddaughter; may George Belotti rest in peace.