"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 5-30-09

Lazzari's "Cheap Win of the Week": Goes to Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton--who pitched the minimum five innings vs. the Reds recently--throwing 97 pitches while giving up five runs. However, he benefits from a strong Philadelphia offense--including four home runs--during a 12-5 Phillies victory.........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1987 Cleveland Indians--who finished dead last in the AL East--did have three players on the team who hit more than 30 home runs apiece. Can you name these individuals? Answer to follow..........From the "How 'Bout That" Dept.: Through the Red Sox first 45 games this season, outfielder Jason Bay had more than TWICE as many total bases (98) as teammate/designated hitter David Ortiz (46). Simply unbelievable.........This week in sports history, June 3, 1932: Due to health reasons, legendary N.Y. Giants manager John McGraw announces his retirement--surprising many of his players and baseball rivals alike. McGraw made his shocking revelation after a scheduled doubleheader with Philadelphia--to be played at the Polo Grounds--had been postponed due to rain. The 59-year-old guided the Giants to four consecutive pennants from 1921-1924 while accumulating 2,836 victories in his renowned managerial career..........Column reader Peter Terranova of New Jersey--weighing in on the "launching pad" now known as Yankee Stadium: "Sheesh, the team moves across the street and all of a sudden they're in Coors."..........Thumbing through the newspaper the other day, I saw a picture of actress Sharon Stone decked out in a stunning black dress as she attended the Cannes Film Festival. Let's just say that if the aforementioned David Ortiz had aged like Ms. Stone did over these past few years, the Red Sox would have a 10-game lead in the AL East right now..........ITEM: Omir Santos of the Mets hits a two-run homer off Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon last Saturday--leading to a 3-2 New York victory. Question: WHY did Pap throw NOTHING but fastballs to the five hitters he faced that afternoon? Why not throw in a split finger or the new slider he's been working on in order to make the Mets hitters think just a LITTLE bit? Again, in the current major league game, those who live by the fastball WILL die by the pitch if not using it cleverly..........Congrats to Helio Castroneves on winning his third Indy 500--an amazing feat. However, I STILL say that dancing cheek-to-cheek with Julianne Hough is MUCH more enjoyable than sweating profusely in a cockpit for 3-4 hours..........Just imagine if LPGA player Michelle Wie married New Britain Rock Cats VP/GM John Willi--divorced--then married former Clemson tennis player Ian Keeler. Fans of old-time baseball would surely delight as she'd be strolling the golf course with the full married name of Michelle Wie Willi Keeler..........Question: With a name like Will Power, wouldn't this Indy race car driver be better-suited to sell weight loss/dieting products?..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a CT girls high school softball game last week, Wilcox Tech dismantled Whitney Tech 29-1; the winning squad scored EIGHT runs in the second inning, EIGHT in the fourth inning, and EIGHT MORE in the fifth inning while Whitney made TEN errors during this shortened contest. I haven't seen anything THAT ugly since a friend of mine tried to karaoke Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen" after drinking a half-dozen whiskey sours back in the early 80's..........Answer to trivia question: CORY SNYDER (33), JOE CARTER (32), and BROOK JACOBY (32)..........How 'bout White Sox pitcher Jimmy Gobble--who allowed a pair of home runs--and SIX runs overall--in one inning during a 20-1 loss to Minnesota last week? I'm just wondering if any of the hometown Chicago fans were yelling "Turkey!" at him as he was exiting the pitching mound..........Happy birthday wishes go out for former major league relief pitcher Bryan Harvey--who blows out 46 candles on June 2nd. A Tennessee native, Harvey spent nine seasons in the "bigs" between 1987 and 1995 as a member of the Angels and Marlins--accumulating an impressive 177 saves in his career. Harvey's best year came in 1991 while with the Angels--a year in which he saved 46 games while giving up just 51 hits in more than 78 innings pitched (1.60 ERA). He also saved 45 games for the Marlins in 1993 with an ERA of just 1.70. A two-time All-Star, Harvey was plagued by arm problems later in his career--causing him to be done with major league baseball at the age of 32. Best wishes, Bryan..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former professional soccer coach Julio Mazzei--who died recently of Alzheimer's disease in Brazil at the age of 78. A renowned physical trainer in South America, Mazzei was very influential in bringing the legendary Pele to the New York Cosmos from 1975-77; Mazzei later had two coaching stints with the Cosmos from 1979-1983--guiding the 1982 team that featured Giorgio Chinaglia to its fourth NASL title in six years. May Coach Mazzei rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 5-23-09

Column reader Dr. David Kramer of California recently chimed in about the greatness of Sandy Koufax--pointing how he came back on just two days rest to shut out the Twins in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series. He also added this: "When Koufax announced his retirement, it was the only time I remember REPORTERS giving an athlete an ovation."..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1979 Minnesota Twins RBI leader was an infielder who played in all 162 games that season. Can you name this individual? Answer to follow..........N.Y. Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett recently told the New York Post that his favorite meal is steak and eggs from the Waffle House. I'm now wondering if the Yanks should have insisted on including monthly cholesterol checks as part of his new 5 year, $82.5 million contract..........This week in sports history, May 25, 1991: Mario Lemieux tallies a goal and three assists--leading his Pittsburgh Penguins team to an 8-0 victory over Minnesota for the team's first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Joe Mullen added two goals and goalie Tom Barrasso stopped 39 shots as the Penguins dominated Game 6--which was played at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota. "Super Mario" finished the playoffs with an amazing 44 points--three less than Wayne Gretzky's all-time record..........Congratulations go out to the defending national champion Trinity College (CT) baseball squad--who have moved on to the Division III World Series in Grand Chute, WI (along with seven other teams) after beating a terrific Eastern Connecticut team in the New England Region final last weekend. Coach Bill Decker of Trinity is a TRUE class act, and it surely seems his talented player follow suit in that regard. Go get 'em, Bantams..........If Preakness winner/celebrity filly Rachel Alexandria now lands a commercial endorsement for a women's product such as Femiron or VIACTIV, I'm giving up following horse racing FOREVER..........Speaking of horse racing, if we had people in Washington, D.C. making decisions as well as jockey Calvin Borel, this country would be in a LOT better shape..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a Connecticut girls softball game last week, Farmington embarrassed Bloomfield 27-1; the losing squad made NINE errors during the course of this abbreviated, five-inning fiasco. And going into this week, Bloomfield has lost on SEVEN different occasions this season by 15 runs or more--all of those games having been shortened due to mercy purposes. The Bloomfield squad currently reminds me of the Obama administration: not having a lotta luck so far overcoming huge deficits..........Answer to trivia question: ROY SMALLEY--who drove in 95 runs for Gene Mauch's fourth-place ball club..........To me, the beauty of actress Diane Lane is just as underrated as first-pitch strikes in major league baseball..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Bob Knepper--who blows out 55 candles on May 25th. An Ohio native, Knepper pitched for both the Giants and Astros in a 15-year career that ended in 1990. A winner of 146 games during his career, Knepper's best year came in 1978 while with San Francisco--a season in which he went 17-11 with six shutouts and a fine ERA of 2.63. Knepper was named to the NL All-Star team in 1981 and 1988 and won 15 or more games in a season four times; best wishes, Bob..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA player Wayman Tisdale--who passed away last week following a battle with cancer at the age of 44. A three-time All-American at Oklahoma, Tisdale averaged over 15 points per game over 12 NBA seasons as a member of the Pacers, Kings, and Suns; he was also on the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the 1984 Olympics. He became an accomplished jazz musician after his playing career ended-- recording eight albums. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be his positive outlook on life; in the face of a two-year battle with cancer that would eventually take his life, Wayman Tisdale never abandoned the uplifting personality that was his trademark. He is survived by his wife, Regina, and four children; rest in peace, Wayman.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 5-16-09

A "must have" for the ultimate sports fanatic out there: The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider's Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime--written by sports travel guru Robert Tuchman. The author breaks down the events--which take place in more than 30 states and 15 countries--into an organized, easy-to-read list format. Included in this terrific work are details about ticket brokers, hotels, and celebration locations; more info about the book can be obtained by visiting www.100sportingevents.com ..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last Los Angeles Dodgers player to lead the National League in slugging percentage? Answer to follow..........Call me crazy, but there's something VERY disturbing about the world in general when the following is allowed to happen: A guy like disgraced Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson is stripped of world records, called a "national disgrace," and sees his athletic career go down the tubes due to his link to steroids. On the flip side, A-ROID is cheered after hitting his first home run of the season last week, welcomed back to his team with open arms, and allowed to continue to earn GAZILLIONS in major league baseball; go figure..........This week in sports history, May 21, 1988: Risen Star, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, win the 113th Preakness Stakes--finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of runner-up Brian's Time. Delahoussaye was content to let Kentucky Derby victor Winning Colors and Forty Niner duel it out at the beginning of the race, but ultimately found an opening on the backstretch--enabling Risen Star to take a lead that he wouldn't relinquish. The son of the great Secretariat, Risen Star finished in a time of 1:56 1/5--the slowest Preakness winner in 18 years..........Question: If ESPN's Hannah Storm ever married Hall of Fame QB Joe Montana, would she REALLY want to be known by her full, married name of Hannah Montana?..........Regarding all of this Brett Favre indecision/retirement talk: I'm truly sick of it all. Well, maybe not. Heck, yes I am. Well, perhaps not as much as I originally thought. Umm, the more I think about it, sure I am. Nah, perhaps not-- maybe a little, but not totally. Umm, check that-- I'm sick of it, but perhaps there's room for a little more. Oh, heck, I'm not sure..........Sad to hear about the passing of Dom DiMaggio--always overshadowed by his famous brother Joe, but a terrific player in his own right. The man also became a very successful businessman once his playing career ended. And in Dom's 1990 memoir, "Real Grass, Real Heroes," Ted Williams wrote that 'there is no finer person on earth than Dom DiMaggio.' Dom was also married to his wife Emily for 61 years. Yes, although not close to being the larger-than-life legend that big brother Joe was, it surely seems that Dom lived a much HAPPIER life than his famous sibling did, for sure..........Answer to trivia question: PEDRO GUERRERO--who led the NL with a slugging % of .577 back in 1985..........Another classic line from WFAN's Steve Somers after learning of Manny Ramirez being busted for using a female fertility drug: "Just Manny being MOMMY"..........I hereby challenge LPGA golfers Natalie Gulbis and Christie Kerr to 18 holes of competitive golf--with the loser/high-scorer (me, me!) owing the other two competitors full-body massages weekly for the next five years..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Ben Callahan--who blows out 52 candles on May 19th. Don't remember this tall native of North Carolina? You may not be alone. Callahan spent just one season in the "bigs"--1983 with Oakland--appearing in just four games. In just over 9 innings of work that season, Callahan surrendered 18 hits and 13 earned runs--thus rendering him with a lifetime ERA of 12.54. Hey, they all can't be Vida Blue, right? Best wishes, Ben..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league coach/manager Danny Ozark--who died recently in Vero Beach, FL at the age of 85. Born Daniel Leonard Orzechowski in Buffalo, N.Y., Ozark was a Dodgers coach under Walter Alston from 1965-1972; he went on to manage the Phillies between 1973 and 1979-- compiling a record of 594-510 while leading his Philadelphia squad to three NL East titles. He also returned to the Dodgers as one of Tom Lasorda's coaches from 1980-1982. Named Manager of the Year by the AP and Sporting News in 1976, Ozark was known for his easygoing nature and patience with young players. An Army veteran, Ozark fought in the Battle of the Bulge; he is survived by his wife, Ginny, a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. May Mr. Ozark rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 5-9-09

The "Unwatchable NBA" Update": How 'bout Denver's 121-63 blowout victory over New Orleans last week--yes, in a PLAYOFF game, folks! The home-team Hornets made just 17 field goals during this fiasco and scored a pitiful 24 points in the ENTIRE SECOND HALF. If I'm a Hornets fan, I could have used TWO paper bags that evening: one to put over my head in order to NOT be recognized and another for regurgitation purposes..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1985 Pittsburgh Pirates--who finished 57-104--had only one hurler on their ENTIRE pitching staff who finished with an above-.500 record. Can you name this individual? Answer to follow..........My idea of the perfect sports afternoon: Watching a pro surfing competition at the Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore along with NESN's Heidi Watney--while some bikini-clad Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders practice some new dance routines on the sand just a few feet away..........If you didn't get choked up and/or develop goose bumps when "My Old Kentucky Home" was played before last Saturday's Kentucky Derby, please check your emotional health IMMEDIATELY..........This week in sports history, May 11, 1968: The Montreal Canadiens win their eighth Stanley Cup in 13 years--beating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 for a four-game sweep of the championship series. Down 2-1 at one point in Game 4, the Habs got third period goals from Henri Richard and J.C. Tremblay to seal the victory. Shortly after the game, legendary Canadiens coach Toe Blake--whose run in Montreal included five straight titles from 1956-1960--would announce his retirement on Canadian television..........Classic line from WFAN's Steve Somers last weekend while live at Citi Field: "How can the Mets NOT have an 'edge' with a Razor (Shines) in the third base coaching box?"..........Lazzari's "Lopsided Score of the Week": In a Connecticut boys high school baseball (NOT football) game last week, Lewis Mills defeated Wamogo 35-0; the winning squad pounded out 30 hits during this mismatch and scored a combined NINETEEN runs in the fourth and fifth innings. If I'm the Wamogo coach, I inject a little comforting humor while addressing my players after the game; while using football references, I offer this: "Well, guys, we DID give up five touchdowns and five extra points during this nightmare--but NO field goals!!"..........Can you imagine if Jensen Beach High (FL) softball star Christen Moon ever hooked up with former major league pitcher Bob Walk? If they ever tied the knot, fans of Michael Jackson would surely delight in her full married name of Christen Moon Walk..........Answer to trivia question: Starting pitcher RICK REUSCHEL--who went 14-8 with an impressive 2.27 ERA for manager Chuck Tanner's last-place club..........Yes, what a difference a few years can make. In April of 1999, PGA golfer David Duval achieved the #1 spot in the World Golf Rankings; altogether, he won 13 tournaments from 1997 to 2001 and also shot a record 59 in the final round of the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. After failing to make the cut at Quail Hollow last weekend, Duval's ranking is now in the 800's--with only FOUR top-25 finishes in the last FIVE years. In addition, he's made the cut just 23 times out of the 80 tournaments he has entered since 2005. This was a guy who, along with Phil Mickelson--was expected to be a major rival of Tiger Woods for a LONG time to come just a decade ago; now, at age 38, his athletic downfall is mind-boggling. Does the name "Steve Blass" come to mind, anyone?.......... Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league outfielder Kevin Bass--who blows out 50 candles on May 12th. A native of California, Bass spent 14 seasons in the "bigs" between 1982 and 1995 as a member of the Brewers, Astros, Giants, Mets, and Orioles--hitting .270 lifetime. Bass' best season came in 1986 while with Houston when he garnered 184 hits with 20 HR's and 79 RBI's; he was a member of the NL All-Star squad that year. Best wishes, Kevin..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former University of Kentucky basketball player Mike Casey--who died recently of congestive heart failure in Nashville at the age of 60. A former "Mr. Basketball" as a high school player in Kentucky, Casey averaged over 20 points per game as a sophomore at UK in the '67-'68 season. Having once appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, the former guard/forward was UK's 13th all-time scorer with 1,535 points. Casey had been awaiting a heart transplant, but was taken off the list shortly before his death after becoming too ill for the procedure. Once called by legendary coach Adolph Rupp as the best money player he ever coached, Casey is survived by a daughter and sister; may he rest in peace.