"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8-1-09

Another gem submitted by column reader Abe Knaster of New York: If famed socialite Ivana Trump married pop singer Neil Diamond, divorced, then married legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, she'd be attending cocktail parties worldwide reeking of "high maintenance" with the name of Ivana Diamond Nicklaus. Keep 'em coming, Abe.........TRIVIA QUESTION: The lowly 1989 Detroit Tigers, who won just 59 games, were led in home runs by second baseman Lou Whitaker--who hit a career-high of 28. Can you name the outfielder who had the next highest total of round-trippers for Detroit that season? Answer to follow..........Nice gesture by Bank of America--who recently joined the Connecticut Defenders Community CARES Program. Through this program, corporate partners of the Defenders purchase blocks of seats that are distributed to individuals, families, and non-profit organizations who would otherwise not be able to attend games at Dodd Stadium in Norwich. Due to the generosity of the team and its partners, approximately 20 premium seats are made available for each game. For more information on how to become a partner in the Defenders Community CARES Program or to reserve tickets, contact Jessica Schineller, Director of Community Relations/Promotions at (860)-887-7962 ext. 16 or email her at jschineller@ctdefenders.com.......... This week in sports history, August 4, 1932: The great Babe Didrickson earns her second gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles--clocking a world-record time of 11.7 seconds in the 80-meter hurdles. Didrickson narrowly beat fellow American Evelyn Hall--outstretching her by about a half-inch at the finish line. Earlier, Didrickson had set a world record in the javelin throw--thus adding to her growing reputation as the best female athlete in the world..........Question: Now that Jessica Simpson has split up with Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, do you think she'd be interested in an aging, bald, broke, arthritic sports columnist anytime soon?..........Speaking of the CT Defenders, great job by GM Charlie Dowd and his staff--honoring all veterans/current enlistees during "Military Appreciation Night" last week vs. New Britain at Dodd Stadium. The pre-game ceremony--which paid great homage to those who've sacrificed for our freedom--included a parade around the stadium by flag-toting motorcycle riders. Great job, Defenders--and a great crowd (7,163), to boot.........These days, when I hear those famed words "the luckiest man on the face of the earth," I not only think of the great Lou Gehrig. No, I also think of ex-hockey player Ron Duguay--who just happens to be married to the former supermodel/still-current beauty Kim Alexis..........Am I mistaken--or wasn't David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays supposed to be the next coming of Johan Santana by now?..........Answer to trivia question: FRED LYNN--who finished with a modest total of only 11 home runs for Sparky Anderson's last-place Detroit club..........I say put a new wing in baseball's Hall of Fame for anyone who played in the "Steroid Era"--and have customers gain admittance by placing used needles/syringes outside its entrance..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league first baseman Sid Bream--who blows out 49 candles on August 3rd. A native of Carlisle, PA, Bream spent his entire 12-year career in the National League between 1983 and 1994 as a member of the Dodgers, Pirates, Braves, and Astros--hitting .264 lifetime. His best year came in 1986 while with Pittsburgh--a year in which he hit 16 home runs and drove in 77 runs. Though he had the reputation of being an extremely slow runner, Bream will forever be remembered for scoring the winning run in Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS vs. his old Pittsburgh team--propelling the Braves to the World Series. Bream was also the 1990 recipient of the Hutch Reward--given to a player who exemplifies a fighting spirit and desire to win. Since his playing days ended, Bream has done a fair amount of motivational speaking; best wishes, Sid..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former NFL player Pio Sagapolutele--who passed away back in June of a brain aneurysm at the age of 39. Born in American Samoa, Sagapolutele played for the Browns, Patriots, and Saints during his seven-year career--tallying seven career sacks and 89 solo tackles. He was the starting defensive tackle for the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, but a variety of injuries forced Sagapolutele to retire prematurely in 1999. A tremendous citizen off the field, Pio was also known for running football camps for underprivileged kids in California and Hawaii. He leaves a wife, Yvonne, and three children; may Pio Sagapolutele rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 7-25-09

*ATTENTION PARENTS: One of the best things you can do for your child this summer is to pick up a copy of the book A Glove Of Their Own--winner of the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Children's Book Award. Written by Debbie Moldovan, Keri Conkling, and Lisa Funari-Willever (and illustrated by Lauren Lambiase), it's a story of underprivileged kids' raw love for the game while playing with an inadequate amount of worn-out equipment. The price of this wonderful publication is $15.95; proceeds from each sale will be donated to organizations whose goal is to see less-fortunate kids in this country finally HAVE a glove they can truly call their own. More details about the book along with ordering info can be obtained by visiting www.agloveoftheirown.com ..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last member of the San Francisco Giants to lead the National League in runs scored? HINT: It was NOT Barry Bonds; answer to follow..........Very few happenings in the sports world these days cause me to smile and get goosebumps; 59-year-old Tom Watson's performance at the British Open last weekend DID. If any so-called "sports fan" out there didn't get a lump in his/her throat when the man approached the green on the final hole last Sunday (I also stood up and applauded while watching it on TV), then check your emotional health IMMEDIATELY. You may have come up short in a playoff vs. Stewart Cink, Mr. Watson, but thank you for some memories that one sports columnist will always cherish.........This week in sports history, July 27, 1952: 30-year-old Emil Zatopek does the unthinkable--winning the Olympic marathon in Helsinki after already having won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races just days before. A major in the Czechoslovakian army, Zatopek completed the marathon in a time of 2:23.3; incredibly, it was more than SIX minutes better than it had ever been run in Olympic competition. With 70,000 people watching and applauding wildly as he entered the stadium tunnel, Zatopek would end up finishing almost a half-mile in front of his closest competitor--Reinaldo Gorno of Argentina..........What a pleasure having Jim Kaat broadcast the Red Sox/Blue Jays games on NESN last week--along with regular play-by-play guy Don Orsillo. During one telecast, Orsillo pointed out the annoying, modern day phenomena of pitch counts--and how pitchers of long ago STRENGTHENED their arms by simply throwing MORE pitches. Kaat agreed--then added, "The arm of a pitcher will RUST out before it WEARS out."..........How 'bout the American League using Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Nathan, and Mariano Rivera over the last three innings to secure another AL victory in the recent All-Star Game? The odds of the NL scoring against those guys were about the same as yours truly dining with Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Sharon Stone on consecutive evenings this coming week..........ITEM: Troubled PGA golfer John Daly appears to have found a new soulmate, Anna Cladakis; the woman--employed by Hooters Restaurants--wants to make it clear that she is a marketing director and NOT a waitress at the famed chain. In any case, when you're dating a guy who's had problems with alcohol in the past and has been married a few times, I'd keep him AWAY from Hooters and insist that he frequents the nearest Waffle House as much as possible..........Answer to trivia question: WILL CLARK--who tied for the league lead in runs scored (104) in 1989 with Howard Johnson of the Mets and Chicago's Ryne Sandberg..........Column reader Abe Knaster of New York chimes in with this gem: "If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the REST of them drown, too?".........Happy birthday wishes go out to former figure skater/TV commentator Peggy Fleming--who blows out 61 candles on July 27th. Fleming won five U.S. titles and three World titles during her illustrious career. But most memorable was her capturing gold at the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France--the ONLY gold medal won by the U.S. team during that year's Winter Games. Peggy went on to star in the Ice Follies for years as well as provide expert commentary for ABC Sports. A breast cancer activist/survivor who was diagnosed in 1998, Fleming and her husband now operate a vineyard/winery in California; best wishes, Peggy..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former football coach Dennis Fryzel--who passed away recently of renal cancer in Duluth, GA at the age of 67. Known for his intensity and for being a terrific motivator, Fryzel put together a record of 14-8 at the University of Tampa before that school dropped its football program in the 1970's; he later coached special teams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and also had coaching stints at Syracuse, Air Force, and Ohio State. He is survived by his wife, Gayle, two daughters, two brothers, and four grandchildren. Rest in peace, "Coach."

"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.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 7-11-09

ITEM: American Joey Chestnut wins his third consecutive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest--consuming 68 wieners to defeat his archrival Takeru Kobayashi. With some nutritional information in hand, try to fathom this, my friends: That translates to approximately 21,000 calories (not counting the buns), 1,367 grams of fat, 2,380 mg of cholesterol, and 46,512 mg of sodium. I sincerely apologize to any cardiologists out there who read this column regularly--i.e. Dr. David Kramer of California--for the shock value contained in those aforementioned numbers..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last Chicago Cubs catcher to hit 30 or more home runs in a season? Answer to follow...........One of the great quotes I've come across lately--attributed to former Dodgers star Steve Garvey: "The difference between the old ballplayer and the new ballplayer is the jersey. The old ballplayer cared about the name on the front. The new player cares about the name on the BACK."..........This week in sports history, July 14, 1991: LPGA golfer Meg Mallon wins her second major title in three weeks--shooting a final-round 67 to capture the U.S. Women's Open held at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Trailing by two shots entering the final round while playing in 98-degree heat, Mallon made birdies on the 14th and 15th holes--propelling her to a two-stroke victory over Pat Bradley. Mallon had won the LPGA championship two weeks before in Bethesda, MD, to claim the first victory in her four-year LPGA career...........Question: Since Red Sox OF Jason Bay has a daughter named Evelyn, will friends be able to call her "E-BAY" in the future--or will they catch heat from the online auction giant?..........On the final day of competition at the recent Travelers Championship played at the TPC in Cromwell, Travelers announced a commitment by the Travelers Foundation to raise the tournament’s total charitable contribution to $1.08 million for 2009; that now puts the tournament’s contribution on equal footing with the champion’s purse. One of the pleasures of attending this event yearly is knowing that the tournament contributes 100 percent of its net proceeds to Connecticut charities--primarily The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (which assists children suffering from cancer and other serious diseases) and the Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation. Yes, folks, when you combine great golf with some great causes, EVERYONE wins..........Yet another terrific Wimbledon final--this time between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick--with "King Roger" winning 16-14 in the fifth set. Yes, Mr. Federer now stands alone at the top of the Grand Slam singles list. But the valiant effort by Roddick--and the class he exhibited following the loss--was almost as impressive. Yes--we definitely learned that there IS an "A-ROD" out there TRULY deserving of accolades and applause..........ITEM: Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis sees his batting average drop about 60 points between June 1st and July 1st. I can only surmise that "Youk" having to look at lovely sideline reporter Heidi Watney each and every game has FINALLY become a bit of a distraction..........One thing's for sure: When Dr. Phil utters those familiar words "I want you to get excited about your life," he is NOT directing them toward former Red Sox player/recent NESN guest broadcaster Sean Casey..........Answer to trivia question: RICK WILKINS, who hit an even 30 homers for the '93 Cubs--and would never hit more than 14 in a season thereafter..........Speaking of the aforementioned Federer and Roddick: If their performances last Sunday had ANYTHING to do with the fact that they are both newlyweds, then yours truly may be forced to alter his negative opinion on the concept of marriage altogether..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league infielder Vic Rodriguez--who blows out 48 candles on July 14th. There may be a legitimate reason why most fans may not remember Vic: He played just two seasons in the "bigs"--1984 with the Orioles and 1989 with the Twins. However, he truly made the most of it--compiling a .429 lifetime average while banging out 12 hits in 28 career at-bats. As a minor leaguer, he appeared in more than 1,700 games and later became a minor league coach/instructor; best wishes, Vic..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league pitcher Hal Woodeshick--who died recently in Houston at the age of 76. In a career that lasted from 1956-1967, Woodeshick pitched for five teams: Detroit, Cleveland, Washington, Houston, and St. Louis. Used mostly in relief while appearing in 427 games, he accumulated 44 career wins and compiled a lifetime ERA of 3.56. His best year came in 1963 while with Houston--a year in which he won 11 games in relief, pitched to a 1.97 ERA, and gave up only 75 hits in 114 innings; he was also named to the NL All-Star team that season. Woodeshick was also a member of the '67 world championship Cardinals squad and pitched a scoreless inning in the Fall Classic that year vs. Boston. Sadly, Hal Woodeshick had been beset by health problems a long time before his death; may he finally rest in peace.