"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 5-2-09

From the "All in the Family" Dept.: Red Sox fan Jimmy O'Hara of Shelton (CT) recently pointed out to me that the '79 Bosox squad had a "Papi" and four "sons" on it: Stan Papi, Gary Allenson, Rick Burleson, Butch Hobson, and Bob Watson. A gem, Jimmy--thanks for sharing!......TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1993 San Diego Padres had only one player on the team who was anywhere NEAR the 100 RBI mark. Can you name this former outfielder? Answer to follow......Athletes from ANY sport could learn A LOT from the candor and grace shown by PGA golfer Kenny Perry following his recent, late collapse at the Masters. After blowing a two-stroke lead with two holes left to play (and then losing in a playoff to Angel Cabrera), Perry bluntly critiqued himself, but spent more time focusing on the positives in his life--truly putting golf in perspective. Ah, so refreshing in these days of the often-clueless athlete spewing garbage after a defeat. You're a winner in MY book, Mr. Perry......The "Unwatchable NBA" Update: In a playoff game between San Antonio and Dallas last week, the Spurs shot a pathetic 2-for-17 from three-point range (12%) and had a TEAM total of just 10 assists. Ummm, baseball season, anyone?......This week in sports history, May 4, 1985: Jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. wins his third Kentucky Derby--guiding Spend A Buck to an easy, 5 1/4-length victory in the annual "Run for the Roses" at Louisville's Churchill Downs. Breaking out of the gate quickly, Cordero rode the talented thoroughbred to the biggest winning margin in the Derby since 1946; his first mile time of 1:34 4/5 was the fastest in the history of the race. Cordero had previously won the famed Kentucky race aboard Cannonade in 1974 and while riding Bold Forbes in 1976......Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a recent Connecticut girl's softball game played in Hartford, Bulkeley annihilated University by a score of 31-0; the game lasted just 4 1/2 innings and saw the winning squad score 24 runs in the first two innings. As soon as I saw the score of that fiasco, I immediately thought of Marvin Gaye's classic hit "Mercy Mercy Me"--a song I used to love. The problem now is that I haven't been able to get it out of my head SINCE then--humming and whistling it constantly--to the point where I NEVER want to hear it again. Sheesh--thanks, Bulkeley!!......Answer to trivia question: PHIL PLANTIER--who drove in an even 100 runs while hitting just .240 for Jim Riggleman's last-place club......ITEM: 12-year-old Mackenzie Brown becomes the first girl in the history of the Bayonne (NJ) Little League to pitch a perfect game. Rumor has it that she will soon hire Scott Boras as her agent and demand the following: an unlimited supply of Gummi Bears after each game she pitches, tickets to all Hannah Montana concerts in the tri-state area, and a chauferred-limo trip to Six Flags/Great Adventure for herself and six friends at least three times each calendar year......Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league player Rick Leach--who blows out 52 candles on May 4th. A first baseman/outfielder, Leach played ten seasons between 1981 and 1990 for the Tigers, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Giants--hitting .268 lifetime. A tremendous athlete, Leach was also a star QB at Michigan from 1975-1978 and was named to the All-Big 10 team three times; he was co-most valuable player in the 1979 Rose Bowl. Best wishes, Rick......Finally, condolences go out to the family of legendary sportscaster Merle Harmon--who died recently of complications from pneumonia at the age of 82. In a sportscasting career that spanned five decades, Harmon was the voice of five MLB teams (A's, Braves, Twins, Brewers, and Rangers); he also worked for ABC and NBC as well as broadcasting New York Jets games during the Joe Namath glory years. One of Harmon's many career highlights was calling Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan's 5,000th career strikeout--which came on on August 22, 1989 vs. Oakland's Rickey Henderson. Married more than 50 years to his wife, Jenny, the couple had four sons and one daughter--plus seven grandchildren. May Mr. Harmon rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 4-25-09

Remembering "The Bird"


The year was 1976; "Frampton Comes Alive" was gaining in music popularity, a former football player was still patrolling the White House, and yours truly had just received a driver's license. Baseball season started with my next-door-neighbor, Al--a HUGE Detroit fan--telling me about this eccentric, young kid who had made the Tigers' pitching staff. "They call him 'The Bird,'" Al told me, "because he looks like 'Big Bird' from Sesame Street." Mark Steven Fidrych was his given name and after his first start--a complete game, two-hitter vs. Cleveland--I recall thinking to myself, 'Gee, this may be a fun summer.' It turned out to be EXTREMELY fun.

Detroit had just come off two seasons in which the team's combined record was 129-192--a pair of last-place finishes. Attendance at Tiger Stadium had declined; Al and other Tigers fans prepared for another rough year in '76. "The Bird" proceeded to win seven of his first eight decisions while demonstrating pinpoint control. He was hyper; he talked to the baseball, manicured the mound, high-fived teammates after great plays--yes, flaky and goofy, to say the least--and refreshing in its naivete. As the season progressed, I remember asking Al on occasion who would be pitching for Detroit on a particular day. He'd often answer "Ray Bare" or "Vern Rule" with very little excitement in his voice. But when it was Fidrych's turn, his face would literally light up. You see, "The Bird" was making baseball MATTER in Detroit once again--in a manner which no one could imagine. He'd go 11 innings during a victory over Cleveland in late May; he beat the mighty Yankees in a nationally-televised Monday night game and would start the All-Star game at the age of 21. Fans (or "Bird Watchers"), who jam-packed Tiger Stadium for each of his starts, demanded curtain calls after his victories--and were rarely disappointed. "Big Bird" outfits were everywhere at Tiger Stadium--so appropriate as Fidrych's raw, youthful exuberance truly rendered him as nothing more than a "big kid"--6'3", in fact--who wanted NOTHING more than to pitch. And to please.

Fast forward: The Tigers would finish in 5th place that year--24 games game behind New York--but baseball was alive again in the Motor City because of "The Bird." In fact, attendance at Tiger Stadium was up a whopping 400,000 from the previous year--mostly due to Fidrych's drawing power. He'd finished 19-9 (with an amazing 24 complete games) and lead MLB with a sparkling 2.34 ERA. He won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and would finish second to the great Jim Palmer in the Cy Young balloting. I guess what I'll always remember about Mark Fidrych was the unmatched freshness that he brought to the game; he reminded all of us that it is just that--A GAME. Here was a curly-haired kid making the league's minimum salary and thrilling TONS of fans both at home AND on the road; he had no agent and preferred blue jeans most of the time--just ecstatic that he wasn't pumping gas back in his home state of Massachusetts. I know-- refreshing, huh? Mark Fidrych, at 21, seemed to be in awe of his short-lived fame--almost overcome by it all as witnessed by the often wide-eyed look gracing his countenance when exposed to adoring fans. Hell, he was a "blue-collar kid" living a dream in '76. Former Yankees PR man Marty Appel told me recently about "The Bird's" first experience in New York as a big leaguer: "His first trip to NYC came shortly after he became a big sensation; naturally, the Children's Television Workshop had 'Big Bird' at Yankee Stadium for a photo-op. Mark was terrific and the photos were great--and the legend continued." I also asked legendary Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell about "The Bird's" legacy: "He came out with the best malapropisms--and it was all real," said Harwell. "A sweet kid--and his rise was meteoric." Finally, on WFAN last weekend, Ed Randall referred to Fidrych's time in the game as "the last vestige of innocence" in baseball.

We lost Mark Fidrych last week at the age of 54--the victim of a truck accident at his Northborough, MA farm. Sadly, arm/knee injuries limited him to parts of just five big league seasons and a lifetime record of 29-19; ahhh, what could have been. In recent weeks, I had been planning to inquire about his availability to appear on my local cable TV show--perhaps to talk about the simple, New England-based life he maintained since his meteoric baseball rise and subsequent quick exit from the game. No, I'll never get that chance--but it won't dim the memories of a 21-year old gawky kid who once thrilled baseball fans like few others have--even if for just one single, unforgettable summer. Finally, I guess it's no secret that he was considered a "regular guy" long after his playing days ended; no, not surprising. Those closest to him will be quick to point out that he always kept the fun-loving ways and down-to-earth persona--even WITHOUT a huge, adoring audience surrounding him. Yeah, I'd venture to say that the only difference between the Fidrych of '76 and the one working under the truck on that fateful day last week was just a few gray hairs dotting the old curls.

Yes, whenever Fidrych's name comes up from this day forward, I'll most likely smile and chuckle a bit; heck, maybe I'll even talk to the baseball the next time I'm throwing batting practice to some middle-school youngsters that I coach. Yeah, I'm sure Mark would appreciate that. Certainly, I'll never forget one "Bird" that truly flew high in '76; rest in peace, Mark Fidrych.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 4-18-09

The "Unwatchable NBA" Update: In a recent game played in New Jersey, the Nets annihilated the Sixers 96-67; Philadelphia shot a putrid 9-for-23 (39%) from the free throw line (that's NOT a misprint, folks) and scored a GRAND TOTAL of 28 points in the ENTIRE second half (ughhhh). Notice to Philly fans: At last glance, the Walgreens store on Locust Street had Pepcid AC on sale--$14.99 (reg. $18.99) for 50 tablets......TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1983 Chicago White Sox--who lost to Baltimore in the ALCS--had four players on the team who drove in 85 or more runs each during the regular season. Can you name these gentlemen? Answer to follow......I used to think that Rod Carew's swing was a thing of pure beauty--that is, until I saw a recent picture of a bikini-clad Carmen Electra taking photos for her web site in her Beverly Hills backyard......Newly-acquired N.Y. Mets reliever J.J. Putz recently told the N.Y. Post that his favorite actress is Jennifer Aniston. Put it this way: If Putz' fastball this season is anywhere NEAR as good as his taste in women, then the 8th inning of many Mets games will be in EXTREMELY good hands......This week in sports history, April 20, 1981: Running in perfect weather conditions, Japan's Toshihiko Seko captures the 85th Boston Marathon in a time of 2:09.26--the fastest marathon in American history. Pulling away from the pack on the famed "Heartbreak Hill," Seko finished ahead of American Craig Virgin. Legendary runner Bill Rodgers--who had won the past three Boston Marathons in a row--battled Virgin at the very end but finished third. The women's winner was Allison Roe of New Zealand--who ran the race in a time of 2:26.46......I talked to WFAN Radio's Mike McCann the other day about pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez' always-disputed REAL age--a man who last pitched in the majors in 2007. McCann's take: "He was an extra in 'The Ten Commandments!'"......Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a CT girls high school softball game played last week, Parish Hill dismantled Holy Family by a score of 28-1. My first thought was THIS: If Parish Hill scores, say, only 25 runs or so when they meet again on May 1st, will the Holy Family coach consider the apparent improvement to be a "moral victory?"......I wouldn't say there are any "positives" than can result from a tragedy like the recent Nick Adenhart death (Angels pitcher killed in a car crash at the age of 22). But it CAN re-focus all of us on two things: the dangers of drunk driving and the NEED to put things in perspective. It's SO refreshing to see a guy like young PGA star Anthony Kim take note--and say things like "there's no reason to pout about a bogey or three-putt." Amen, Anthony, as perspective can be a WONDERFUL thing--coming from people of ANY age......Answer to trivia question: RON KITTLE (100), HAROLD BAINES (99), GREG LUZINSKI (95), and CARLTON FISK (86)......Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league player Alonza "Al" Bumbry--who blows out 62 candles on April 21st. A native of Virginia, Bumbry played 14 seasons in the "bigs" between 1972 and 1985--spending all but one of them with the Baltimore Orioles. A speedy outfielder who was nicknamed "The Bumblebee," Bumbry was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1973--a season in which he hit 11 triples and compiled an impressive .337 batting average in 110 games. He was named to the AL All-Star team in 1980 and was a member of the '83 world championship Baltimore squad. A lifetime .281 hitter, Bumbry was one of the few MLB players to have served in the Vietnam War--where he earned a Bronze Star as a platoon leader. Best wishes, Al......Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA center Marvin Webster--who was found dead at the age of 56 in an Oklahoma hotel room recently; preliminary reports suggested that he died from coronary artery disease. A product of Morgan State, Webster started his pro career with Denver of the ABA in 1975; he proceeded to play nine seasons in the NBA as a member of the Nuggets, Sonics, Knicks, and Bucks before retiring in 1987. Known as "The Human Eraser" for his shot-blocking abilities, Webster led Seattle to the NBA Finals in '77-'78 when he averaged 14 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son Marvin Webster, Jr.--who played college basketball at Temple but died during his sophomore year at the tender age of 18 due to a heart attack. Webster is survived by a son, a brother, four sisters, and his mother, Dorothy Webster. May "The Human Eraser" rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 4-11-09

Yes, folks, the 2009 season is underway; there's further talk of steroids, a bad economy, and ticket prices resembling monthly rent payments--yes, those made in the HIGH RENT district. Here's how they'll finish this season:

AL EAST
N.Y. Yankees
Boston Red Sox
T.B. Rays
Toronto Blue Jays
Baltimore Orioles

AL CENTRAL
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Indians
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers

AL WEST
LA Angels
Oakland A's
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners

**Notes:
AL EAST- Flip a coin between New York and Boston; it'll all come down to who stays more healthy--but I think Teixeira's impact will be huge. Sox' staff deeper, but Yanks will have a sense of desperation with their older core players--and make the most of it. Rays' young staff to blow out come September. Halladay in Toronto doesn't get enough help from his fellow starters. Orioles have a totally new pitching staff--but it won't matter; yes, poor Brian Roberts.
AL CENTRAL- I like the Twins starting pitching better than Cleveland's--and Joe Nathan is still Joe Nathan; however, Mauer must return to full strength. I'm not crazy about Chicago's bullpen--and there are health concerns. Royals low on-base percentage will hurt them--but they could surprise somewhat. Tigers' young, talented arms of '06 now a distant memory; if they were to win this division, then yours truly could be dating Charlize Theron come October.
AL WEST- Angels just too talented in an otherwise weak division, but will they get enough production out of the 1B and DH spots? Giambi will test cleanly and Oakland will score more runs--but their pitching is suspect. As usual, Rangers' pitching is "iffy,"--to say the least. Mariners start the season without Ichiro, and their "big" offseason acquisitions were an over-the-hill Griffey, Jr. and Russell Branyon--telling you all you really need to know.

NL EAST
N.Y. Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals

NL CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers
St. Louis Cardinals
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates

NL WEST
L.A. Dodgers
Arizona D'Backs
S.F. Giants
Colorado Rockies
S.D. Padres

**Notes:
NL EAST- Mets' acquisitions of Putz and K-Rod put them over the top--but WHICH Oliver Perez will show up every five days? Phillies will score, but starting pitchers like "Father Time" Moyer will disappoint. Braves lack power--and will have trouble closing games. Marlins may make more errors than the Bush administration did; Nationals located in D.C.--where NOTHING good happens these days.
NL CENTRAL- Cubs starting pitching still excellent--and Milton Bradley helps the offense. Brewers will simply try to outscore opponents--but this isn't bowling. Cards will have trouble closing games--and they have no bench. Houston has too many #5 starters; I simply don't like the Reds outfield. Pirates' only hope is that SOME people show up in person to see them finish last once again.
NL WEST- Infielder Hudson helps Dodgers a lot, but will Manny quit come September? Haren and Webb may win 40 for Arizona--but they'll fall short. Giants' lack of power puts too much pressure on a decent staff. Rockies can't outscore people like they used to and will miss Holliday too much. If you can name the Padres lineup, you have WAY too much time on your hands.
*Postseason: I'll say the Yankees' off-season money machine propels them to yet another World Series appearance--despite A-ROID appearing on the cover of the New York Post at least a half-dozen times this summer. Cubs make up for the embarrassment of last postseason (and the past 100 years!) and win the World Series in early, bone-chilling November.

Enjoy the season, everyone!

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 4-4-09

A well-deserved honor as longtime WTIC-AM "SportsTalk" host Arnold Dean will receive the Art McGinley Award at the CT Sports Writers Alliance's Gold Key Dinner on April 26th at the Aqua Turf in Southington; this recognition is for meritorious service to the CSWA and to sports journalism in general. Often called the "Dean of CT Sports Talk," Arnold has spent an amazing 60+ years in radio--including the last 44 at WTIC. Congratulations, Arnold; tickets for the dinner are $75 and can be obtained by contacting CSWA president Bob Ehalt at 203-929-6584 or by emailing Bob at ehalt.b@sbcglobal.net.......... TRIVIA QUESTION: What baseball Hall of Famer was the only player to hit for the cycle during the 1975 major league season? *HINT: He played in the National League; answer to follow..........How 'bout catcher Ronny Paulino--who was traded TWICE in 24 hours last week and THREE times since December? Currently with the Marlins (at least as of press time!), if THIS guy doesn't land a commercial gig with American Tourister in the very near future, then NO ONE should..........This week in sports history, April 7, 1977: In the first regular season game ever played at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the expansion Blue Jays beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 in front of more than 44,000 fans. While parts of the field were covered with snow, first baseman Doug Ault led the way for the Jays--driving in four runs with two homers. Toronto wiped out an early 4-1 deficit while collecting 16 hits on the afternoon. Jerry Johnson was the winning pitcher for the home squad--pitching 2 2/3 innings in relief of starting pitcher Bill Singer..........Villanova Wildcats basketball coach Jay Wright recently told the New York Post that his boyhood idol was Pete Maravich, his favorite singer is Bruce Springsteen, and his favorite actress is Sharon Stone. Two thoughts immediately come to mind: If I had known this guy while growing up, he would have been my absolute BEST friend due to our shared basketball and musical interests. Also, he currently possesses INCREDIBLE taste in women..........Can you imagine if William Paterson University basketball player April Smith married former NBA player Scott May, divorced, then married West Craven(NC) high school football player Thomas June? Lovers of springtime would surely delight in her full married name of April May June..........I just came across a picture of lovely tennis star/model Anna Kournikova ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange last week. My first thought was that--regardless of what happened on Wall Street that particular day--she was probably the best "stimulus package" that some traders had seen in YEARS..........Answer to trivia question: LOU BROCK of the St. Louis Cardinals--who accomplished the rare feat during a 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major leaguer Rennie Stennett--who blows out 58 candles on April 5th. A native of Panama, Stennett played 11 seasons for the Pirates and Giants between 1971 and 1981--hitting .274 lifetime. Used mostly as an infielder, Stennett is best-known for being the only player in the modern era to go 7-for-7 in a nine inning game--accomplishing the feat during a Pittsburgh rout of Chicago back in 1975. Sadly, Stennett broke his right leg while sliding into second base during a game in 1977 and was never the same player thereafter. However, he stayed with the Pirates until 1979 and was a member of that year's famed "We Are Family" championship squad. Best wishes, Rennie..........Finally, some sad news to report as thoroughbred racehorse Alysheba had to be euthanized last week at the age of 25 after falling in his stall in Lexington, Kentucky. Ridden by jockey Chris McCarron, Alysheba won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1987; his bid for a Triple Crown that year fell short after a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes. Alysheba was also victorious in six major stakes races in 1988--including the Breeders’ Cup Classic--and was ultimately named Horse of the Year. The son of the famed Alydar, Alysheba retired as horse racing's all-time money winner with more than $6.6 million in earnings--a record that was later broken by Cigar. The horse, which first stood at stud in Versailles, KY, returned to the U.S. last year after spending eight years in Saudi Arabia. Once known as "America's Horse," Alysheba was buried last Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions. May this spectacular champion rest in peace.