"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 7-4-09

Out at the Travelers Championship last weekend, I was following the threesome of Joe Durant, Boo Weekley, and Jay Williamson for a few holes. Coming off the 9th green, I witnessed a young girl politely inquire to Weekley, "Boo, may I have your autograph?" Weekley simply stopped and smiled--then offered, "I'll do better than that--how 'bout an autographed ball?" He then signed the ball, flipped it to the glowing youngster, and proceeded to the 10th tee amid an ovation due to his gracious efforts. Yes, some athletes DO get it, folks; talk about a guy with the WRONG nickname, huh? Hooray for you, Boo..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1985 Toronto Blue Jays had two pitchers on their staff who had a combined record of 18-0. Can you name this pair of hurlers? Answer to follow..........Speaking of the Travelers, many thanks go out once again to tournament director Nathan Grube, media/marketing manager Anne Marie McLaughlin, and the rest of the staff for their hospitality once again this year. Even when things don't go as smoothly as expected, they are quick to remedy problem situations--and are true pros at what they do..........Just thinking: If former Texas Tech golfer Tracy Stanford married ex-UCONN RB Donald Brown, divorced, married PGA golfer Ken Duke--divorced again--then married Trail Blazers VP Tom Penn, various college grads would truly delight in her full married name of Tracy Stanford Brown Duke Penn..........Yes, I'm sure that most people who know me would venture to say that I'm a true "sports fanatic." But I must admit one thing: When I think of the initials "CD," I don't think of Carroll Dale, Charlie Dressen, Chuck Daly, or Clay Dalrymple. No, for some strange reason, only one name comes to mind these days: CAMERON DIAZ..........This week in sports history, July 6, 1986: Infielder Bob Horner of the Atlanta Braves blasts FOUR home runs; however, his heroics are not enough as his team loses to the Montreal Expos 11-8 at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium. Horner hit homers in the second, fourth, and fifth innings--all coming off Expos starter Andy McGaffigan; his final blast came off reliever Jeff Reardon in the ninth. Horner became the 11th player to accomplish this rare feat--and the first to do it in a nine-inning game since Willie McCovey back in 1961..........Sad to hear about the death of Dave Poole--one of Yale football's biggest fans--who passed away on Father's Day. Poole worked as an aide to the sports information people at home games, and his unmistakable smile was the official welcoming for many of us over the years once we reached the press box. In fact, I can't remember a time when the "little guy" WASN'T smiling; I'll truly miss our enjoyable conversations before each Yale home game and the sincere passion he brought to the university. Keep smiling above us, Dave..........From the "Every Little Bit Helps" Dept.: KRAFT Singles is teaming up with minor league baseball to take families out to the ballgame this summer. Through September 1, fans can enjoy the “Tuesday Night Tickets” offer at most minor league ballparks nationwide. Simply bring a KRAFT Singles package wrapper to the ballpark box office, buy a ticket, and you'll get another FREE from KRAFT Singles. Yes--a great way to make a family outing a bit more affordable during the remaining weeks of summer..........Answer to trivia question: DENNIS LAMP (11-0) and TOM FILER (7-0)--who combined to go undefeated for Bobby Cox' first-place Toronto club..........As many of you already know, Danbury (CT) native/PGA Tour pro Ken Green was involved in a tragic RV accident down in Mississippi a few weeks back that killed his girlfriend, Jeanne Hodgin, and his brother, Bill Green. Green recently had to have his right leg amputated due to the injuries sustained in the accident and has undergone various other surgeries since that time. The PGA has established a fund in order to ease Green's financial burden; checks can be made out to "Ken Green Trust" and mailed to: Ken Green Trust, P.O. Box 1811, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004-1811. Get better QUICKLY, Ken..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league infielder Tim Nordbrook--who blows out 60 candles on July 7th. A native of Baltimore, Nordbrook played parts of six seasons in the "bigs" between 1974 and 1979; he was a member of five different teams during his short career. One thing's for sure: Nordbrook was NOT known for his hitting. In 169 career at-bats, he tallied just 30 hits for a .178 lifetime average--yes, WELL below the famed "Mendoza Line." However, folks, he can always hang his hat on the fact that he stole four bases in his career--without ever being caught. Best wishes, Tim..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of legendary swimming coach Richard Quick--who died recently in Texas due to brain cancer at the age of 66. Quick was the winner of more major college swimming titles (13) than any other Division I coach; he also was the head coach of U.S. swimming teams in three different Olympics ('88, '96, and 2000). During his tremendous career, Quick had coaching stints at SMU, Iowa State, Auburn, Texas, and Stanford. Some of the champion swimmers he coached were Rowdy Gaines, Summer Sanders, Dara Torres, and Jenny Thompson; Quick was elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2000. He is survived by his wife, June, two children, a pair of stepchildren, and two grandchildren. Rest in peace, "Coach."

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 6-27-09

From the "Mouths of Babes" Dept.: A friend of mine wrote to me the other day, telling me about the rivalry between her husband and his brother; one's a Yankee fan and the other a Red Sox fan. She went on to say that when her daughter was three years old, her husband told the young girl to tell her uncle that the Red Sox stink. The little girl proceeded to get on the phone and uttered the following: "Uncle Doug--you have stinky socks!" Priceless..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1990 Kansas City Royals' team leader in wins was a pitcher who appeared mostly in relief. Can you name this hurler? Answer to follow..........This just in: New York Mets SS Jose Reyes is now suffering from a nasty hangnail; he will reportedly see a finger specialist this week--who will most likely recommend extended rest along with a 3-4 week rehabilitation period. His return date is still unclear as of this time..........Being the optimist that I am, I've been trying to think of SOMETHING positive that can come from the ridiculous sentence (30 days) given to WR Donte' Stallworth after his guilty plea to DUI manslaughter charges. I can only come up with this: From this day forward, whenever yours truly makes an AWFUL decision, I'll think of the judge's pathetic actions in this tragic case--and my own terrible decision won't seem too bad after all..........This week in sports history, June 29, 1956: Charley Dumas, a freshman at Compton Junior College in California, breaks a major track and field barrier--high-jumping 7 feet, 1/2 inch during the Olympic trials held at the Los Angeles Coliseum. With 50,000 fans looking on in disbelief, Dumas cleared the height rather easily after having missed badly on his first try. Dumas' previous best jump was 6-10 1/4--a mark he reached back in 1955 during the Amateur Athletic Union meet held at the same L.A. Coliseum..........Regarding all this recent precipitation and the horrendous spring we experienced here in Connecticut: With all the exorbitant taxes we pay in this section of the country, shouldn't the 'powers that be' have enough money left over to put a dome around the entire REGION of New England?..........Just thinking: If LPGA golfer Meena Lee married former big league pitcher Bryan Harvey--divorced--then married former BYU lineman David Oswald, would she REALLY want to be known by her full married name of Meena Lee Harvey Oswald?..........I saw a picture the other day of lovely actress Michelle Pfeiffer arriving at a screening of her new film "Cheri" in midtown Manhattan. Let's just say that if pitcher Randy Johnson had aged as well as Ms. Pfeiffer has after the age of 40, he would have recently celebrated win #400 instead of 300..........Answer to trivia question: STEVE FARR--who won 13 games while appearing in 57 games for John Wathan's sixth-place club..........Column reader Dr. David Kramer of California reminds me of one of the all-time great sports quotes--made by Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach John McKay back in the 70's. When asked about what he thought of his winless team's execution he said, "I'm in favor of it"..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league catcher John Boccabella--who blows out 68 candles on June 29th. A native of San Francisco who attended Santa Clara, "Boc" spent 12 seasons in the "bigs" between 1963 and 1974--appearing in 551 games as a member of the Cubs, Expos, and Giants. Boccabella was a MUCH better receiver than he was a hitter; during five of his big league seasons, Boccabella failed to hit .190 or better and finished his career with a lifetime batting average of just .219. However, Boccabella did have the pleasure of catching such fine pitchers as Fergie Jenkins, Ken Holtzman, Steve Rogers, and Bill Stoneman during his dozen years in baseball. Best wishes for many more birthdays to come, John..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league player Woodie Held--who died recently in Wyoming following a long battle with cancer. Held played with seven different American League teams between 1954 and 1969 and was a member of the 1966 World Series champion Baltimore Orioles. Woodie Held was an extremely versatile player--having played all three outfield positions as well as second, third, and shortstop over the course of his 14-year career. His best season came in 1959 as a member of the Cleveland Indians--a year in which he hit 29 homers and drove in 71 runs while appearing in 143 games. Held was acquired by Cleveland on June 15, 1958, from the Kansas City Athletics in a multi-player trade for future home run king Roger Maris; may Woodie Held rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 6-20-09

While attending an Eastern League AA baseball game in Norwich last week, I was treated to CT Defenders mascot "Cutter" boogying to Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" between innings on the home team's dugout; PRICELESS. Yes, while this entertaining figure may not be the Phillie Phanatic (then again--who IS?), this individual truly gives the fans in Norwich their money's worth at each and every home game.........TRIVIA QUESTION: In 1978, the Cleveland Indians had two starting pitchers with the same first name who pitched more than 200 innings apiece. Can you name these hurlers? Answer to follow..........Just thinking: In the case of yours truly, you KNOW you're getting old when you can blame some of the ongoing, nagging morning stiffness and soreness on old athletic injuries that were incurred when GERALD FORD was our president..........This just in: Brett Favre, in the mood for water-based activities the other day, wanted to go swimming--but decided to go fishing instead. After further thought, he opted for snorkeling, but changed his mind when he found out the water was murky. After continued pondering, he decided to go water skiing--but thought better of it because he didn't have the right equipment. Finally, after thinking some more, he scrapped all the ideas and decided to stay home..........This week in sports history, June 22, 1947: Cincinnati Reds pitcher Ewell Blackwell comes within two outs of pitching consecutive no-hitters--but has to settle for a two-hit shutout as his team beats the Brooklyn Dodgers 4-0 in the first game of a doubleheader at Crosley Field. Trying to equal Johnny Vander Meer's amazing feat of 1938, Blackwell lost his no-hit bid with one out in the ninth inning when Eddie Stanky singled up the middle; Jackie Robinson would hit another single later that inning. Four days earlier, Blackwell had held the Boston Braves hitless during a 6-0 Reds victory that was also played in Cincinnati..........I'm truly convinced that the N.Y. Yankees' walk-off win last week vs. the Mets, due to Luis Castillo's dropped pop-up, should go down in history as a gift larger than the one the people of France gave to the U.S. well over a century ago--a lady that still stands on Ellis Island.........A message to the "suits" at NESN (New England Sports Network): If you're ever worried about viewers changing the channel when the Red Sox are on the short side of a blowout game, just keep a split shot of sideline reporter Heidi Watney on the TV screen for the remainder of the telecast. I GUARANTEE that the average guy watching goes NOWHERE after that..........The most surprising/disturbing thing about the aforementioned Luis Castillo dropped pop-up fiasco last week? The credit/attention given to Mark Teixeira for simply doing his JOB and running out the play. Sheesh--are we now THAT far removed from fundamentals and have to actually applaud millionaires for playing baseball the way it was MEANT to be played?..........Speaking of the CT Defenders--who've been the subject of relocation rumors lately--I asked GM Charlie Dowd the other day about the status of the franchise right now: "If we get good weather this summer, we should do well attendance-wise," Dowd told me. "And as long as our front office staff works hard and we put out an exciting team, we'll be fine."..........Answer to trivia question: RICK WAITS (230.1 IP) and RICK WISE (211.2 IP)..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league infielder Marty Barrett--who blows out 51 candles on June 23rd. In a career that spanned from 1982-1991, Barrett spent nine of his ten seasons as a member of the Red Sox before finishing his career with the San Diego Padres. A second baseman, Barrett led the AL in sacrifice hits three consecutive years from 1986-'88; he was a lifetime .278 hitter. Marty was also the MVP of the 1986 ALCS when he hit .367 vs. California; he went on to hit a sizzling .433 in the World Series vs. the Mets that year. A native of California, Barrett had the reputation of being a VERY difficult guy to strike out--always finishing near the top of the league in that category. Best wishes, Marty..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league infielder Jack "Lucky" Lohrke--who died recently at the age of 85 in San Jose after suffering a stroke. Lohrke played seven seasons for the Giants and Phillies between 1947 and 1953; he also appeared in two World Series games for the Giants in 1951 vs. the Yankees. Lohrke will forever be remembered for his ability to cheat death AWAY from the baseball diamond. He fought in the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge; on various occasions, soldiers on both sides of him were killed in combat while he emerged unscathed. He was also bumped off bus and plane rides on two different occasions during the 40's where 'would-be' fellow passengers would later die in tragic accidents. Yes, by the time Jack Lohrke was even 25 years old, he appeared to have escaped death at least six times. May "Lucky" Lohrke rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 6-13-09

The legend continues: My good friend Robert "Raven" Kraft of Miami Beach--who's now run his 8-mile route for more than 12,500 consecutive days--completed his 100,000th mile on March 29th; he was recently the subject of a very moving piece on ESPN. Jogging daily on the sands of South Beach since January 1, 1975, the man has completed his daily trek amid serious sickness and injury--not to mention having run during lightning storms and hurricanes--with winds up to 86 miles per hour. Mary Munson--who has completed many runs with Kraft--offered her thoughts on this extraordinary man: "In a world of change, uncertainty, and insecurity, it's comforting to know that 'Raven' is a constant." And a fellow named Dave (nicknamed "Creve Coeur")--who has completed approximately 270 runs with "Raven"--perhaps put it best when he relayed this recently: "His determination and perseverance through discomfort and injury illustrate dedication and sacrifice that's become so rare in our 'couch potato' culture." Amen, Dave; more info on the "Raven's" amazing streak can be found at www.ravenrun.net ..........TRIVIA QUESTION: This baseball player led the American League in on-base-percentage FOUR times during the 1990's. Can you name him? Answer to follow..........I was truly perplexed after witnessing a content--almost GIDDY--Robin Soderling speak to the crowd after his straight set loss to Roger Federer last weekend in the French Open final. That is until the NBC cameras showed a close-up of his stunning girlfriend in the crowd; that answered my question and put my curiosity to rest. I'm convinced that this is one of the few guys out there who CANNOT have a bad day..........This week in sports history, June 16, 1968: 28-year-old Mexican golfer Lee Trevino shoots a final round 69--winning the esteemed U.S. Open in Rochester, NY for his first PGA Tour victory. Trevino was tied with Bert Yancey near the halfway point of the final round before parring the ninth hole at the Oak Hill Country Club to take the lead. The "Merry Mexican" finished with a four-round score of 275--good enough for a four-shot victory over defending champion Jack Nicklaus. Trevino's feat of four sub-par rounds in this tournament was something that hadn't been accomplished in 68 years..........When we often ponder the greatest feats in sports history, we usually think of things such as 61 home runs, 56 consecutive games, 100 points in a game, etc. But I can honestly say that the aforementioned, recently-crowned French Open champion Roger Federer's accomplishment of 20 straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances takes a backseat to NONE of them..........This week's definition of the "perfect sports day": An 8:00 AM golf lesson with LPGA beauty Natalie Gulbis followed by a 12 noon swim lesson given by former Olympian/Playboy model Amanda Beard. Depending on the severity of yours truly's hyperventilation as the day progresses, the evening would be highlighted by a candlelit dinner with former sideline reporter/sportscaster Jill Arrington..........The tackle made by the security guard at last week's French Open final--taking down the crazed fan who jumped on the court--was truly a good one. But I'm sure some of my perfectionist/ex-football coaches would still say that a little more leg drive was needed..........Answer to trivia question: FRANK THOMAS--who led the league in OBP in '91, '92, '94, and '97..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Matt Kinzer--who blows out 46 candles on June 17th. Can't remember this native of Indianapolis? You may not be alone. Kinzer pitched just two seasons in the "bigs"--1989 with the Cardinals and 1990 with the Tigers--appearing in just nine games. A right-hander who attended Purdue, Kinzer surely didn't enjoy too much big league success as he pitched a combined 15 innings for both teams while giving up 28 hits and 22 earned runs in his short-lived career. Yes, folks, the lifetime numbers for Matt Kinzer surely aren't pretty: an 0-2 record with a career ERA of 13.20. Hey--he can STILL tell his grandchildren that he made the "big show," right? Best wishes, Matt..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NBA guard Randy Smith--who passed away recently after suffering a massive heart attack while working out on a treadmill; he was 60. Smith spent 12 seasons in the league between 1971 and 1983--mostly with the Buffalo Braves--averaging a respectable 16.7 points per game. A true "Ironman" during his playing days, Smith played in a record 906 consecutive games between 1972 and 1983--a mark that was later broken by A.C. Green in 1997. A two-time All-Star, Smith was the MVP of the '77-'78 NBA All-Star Game--scoring 27 points in 29 minutes. During one stretch of his career, Smith averaged more than 20 ppg for four straight seasons (1975-'79); he finished with 16,262 career points. Personally, I'll never forget Smith's stamina and speed--which were second to none in his day--and the excitement he brought to the game along with Buffalo teammate Bob McAdoo during the 1970's. After his retirement, Smith worked as a host/greeter for the Mohegan Sun Casino here in CT; he is survived by his wife, Angela Crayton-Smith, a daughter, two sons, and his mother. May Randy Smith rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 6-6-09

Great job by the PGA Tour--designating last Saturday as a "Pink Out" day at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Texas--urging all those in attendance to wear something pink in support of Amy Mickelson (wife of Phil) and to raise awareness for breast cancer research. Having lost my Mom to breast cancer in 2007, I urge all my female friends to PLEASE have regular mammograms done; early detection can truly save your precious lives..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1986 Chicago Cubs--who won just 70 games--did NOT have a player on the team who drove in more than 80 runs. Can you name the team's RBI leader that season? Answer to follow ..........This just in: David Ortiz just tried to nail a fly with a swatter at his home in Massachusetts; sadly, he swung and missed..........This week in sports history, June 9, 1979: Thoroughbred Spectacular Bid falls short in his quest for horse racing's Triple Crown--finishing third at the annual Belmont Stakes in New York. Jockey Ron Franklin--who had previously guided Spectacular Bid to wins at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes--ran the horse to an early lead and held onto it until 1/8th of a mile remained. However, Coastal--undefeated as a 3-year old--would surge past Spectacular Bid at that point as well as eventual runner-up Golden Act--leaving all Triple Crown hopes behind. Coastal--with jockey Ruben Hernandez aboard-- would finish in a time of 2:28 3/5..........This just in: Brett Favre just ordered a hamburger at McDonald's, then changed the order to a cheeseburger; he then changed his mind when he realized the cholesterol content of the cheese, so he ordered a chicken sandwich instead. Still not comfortable with his selection, he cancelled the chicken while pausing for awhile as customers behind him became angry--then decided to cancel his order altogether...........Readers out there--please do me a favor: Remind me to ask my doctor during my next check-up if watching Dice-K and Tim Wakefield pitch on a regular basis will most likely take years off my life expectancy..........Best wishes go out to Yale women's crew captain Christina Person--who will soon be heading to Quantico, VA for training to become a Marine. Yes, folks, some sports-related stories like this--at times--are a bit more impressive than a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth..........ITEM: The NCAA has charged the Memphis basketball program with major rules violations dating back to the 2007-08 season. Put it this way: The people out there who believe that John Calipari truly ran a "squeaky clean" program during his tenure there are the same people who believe that the lovely Priscilla Presley never stepped foot near a plastic surgeon's office.......... Answer to trivia question: KEITH MORELAND--who drove in a modest total of 79 runs to lead the fifth-place Cubs that season..........This week's definition of the "perfect sports day": Playing a round of golf with Christie Brinkley at the Ala Wai golf course in Hawaii, followed by lunch with her at the Shore Bird Restaurant on Waikiki Beach, topped off by a private showing that evening of her re-enacting her most memorable SI swimsuit issue covers..........From the "Anything Can Happen" Dept.: If Rafael Nadal can lose on clay at Roland Garros--like he did last weekend to Sweden's Robin Soderling--then there's still hope that yours truly can be dating actress Charlize Theron by the end of 2009..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league pitcher Britt Burns--who blows out 50 candles on June 8th. A Texas native, Burns pitched eight seasons for the White Sox between 1978 and 1985--winning 70 games lifetime. Burns won 15 games for the Sox in 1980 at the age of 21; he was named to the AL All-Star team in 1981 and put together an impressive 18-13 record in 1985. However, a chronic, degenerative hip condition ultimately ended Burns' major league career at the tender age of 26. Burns is currently the minor league pitching coordinator for the Astros in his hometown of Houston; best wishes, Britt..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league pitcher/scout Bill Kelso--who died recently in Kansas City at the age of 69. Originally signed by the Dodgers in 1962, Kelso spent just four years in the "bigs" between 1964 and 1968--pitching for the Angels and Reds. Used mostly as a reliever, Kelso compiled a 12-5 record in 119 career games--pitching to a respectable 3.13 lifetime ERA. As a scout for the Angels, Phillies, and Astros, Kelso was credited with discovering players such as Bob Dernier, Lance Berkman, and Roy Oswalt. He ultimately started the Kelso’s restaurant chain--which grew to include approximately 15 locations scattered across the state of Missouri. May Bill Kelso rest in peace.