"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 9/3/11

Just as impressive as the Red Sox being at the top of several AL team offensive categories in 2011 is the fact that they've done it in spite of one HUGE distraction: the lovely Heidi Watney from NESN being stationed close to the dugout during each game they play..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1993 Houston Astros--who finished 85-77 under manager Art Howe--were led in victories by a pitcher who also led the NL in W-L%. Can you name this former right-handed hurler? Answer to follow..........Great stuff from Bobby Valentine on a recent ESPN Sunday night game--when Cubs pitcher Rodrigo Lopez demonstrated NO CLUE about how to lay down a bunt vs. St. Louis: "You'd think that at 35-years-old, he'd know how to handle the bat just a LITTLE better."..........This week in sports history, September 6, 1960: American Rafer Johnson finishes with an Olympic record of 8,392 points--winning the decathlon at the Summer Games in Rome. Though being defeated in seven of ten events by Taiwan's C.K. Yang, Johnson was able to dominate in the field events: discus, javelin, and shot put. Entering the final event--the 1,500 meters--Yang truly had a shot at winning. However, Johnson stayed close enough to the speedier Yang for the entire race and held on for a 58-point victory..........Inspired by junior goalie Ona McConnell, the Yale field hockey team is running its second annual campaign to raise awareness/funds for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. As a freshman, Ona was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy--the most common form of muscular dystrophy. The "Get A Grip" campaign raised more than $50,000 last year. Throughout the 2011 season, the team will also be accepting donations for a "Goal-a-thon" in which donations are based on the number of goals the team scores this season. Pledge forms and other info is available by visiting www.yalebulldogs.com/getagrip ..........CLASSIC quote--once attributed to former tennis star Ilie Nastase: "I haven't reported my missing credit card to the police because whoever stole it is spending less than my wife."..........I don't know what's more exciting: listening to an interview with St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa or watching the rust grow on the rotors of my 2002 Ford..........Answer to trivia question: MARK PORTUGAL--who finished 18-4 that season with a league-leading winning percentage of .818..........I used to think that a Steve Carlton slider was a pure thing of beauty. That all changed the other day when I saw a picture of sultry actress Sharon Stone shaving her legs on the NYC set of her upcoming movie "Gods Behaving Badly." My goodness..........Scenario: Singer Fiona Apple marries former NFL player Deron Cherry, divorces, then marries a much older man--ex-NFL quarterback Milt Plum. Seeing that the age difference is a hindrance, she divorces Milt and marries ex-slugger Darryl Strawberry. Could we then refer to her by the "fruity" name of Fiona Apple Cherry Plum Strawberry?..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former MLB pitcher Micheal Nakamura--who blows out 35 candles on September 6th. Born in Japan and later moving to Australia as a youngster (he played on the Australian Olympic team in 1996 and 2000), Nakamura pitched only two seasons in the majors--2003 with the Twins and 2004 with the Blue Jays. In short, his major league tenure WASN'T pretty, folks. Appearing in a total of 31 big league games, Nakamura went 0-3, pitched 38 innings, and allowed 32 earned runs (including 11 home runs). Yes, his career ERA was a robust 7.51. Hey, they all can't be Bert Blyleven or Dave Stieb, right? Nakamura later went on to play in Japan--where he actually set a Pacific League saves record in 2006. Best wishes, Micheal..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former MLB pitcher Mike Flanagan--who died of a self-inflicted gun wound last week in Maryland at the age of 59. Flanagan pitched 18 seasons in the "bigs" between 1975 and 1992--mostly with Baltimore--finishing with a lifetime record of 167-143. His best year came in 1979 when he won 23 games for the Orioles while leading them to a World Series appearance vs. Pittsburgh. I remember seeing Flanagan pitch in person that year vs. the Yankees while I was a college student; he didn't have his best "stuff" that day, but was able to pitch into the eighth inning during a 5-1 New York victory. He later went on to become a coach, front-office executive, and broadcaster for the Orioles. He is survived by his wife, Alex, and three daughters: Kathryn, Kendall, and Kerry. May Mike Flanagan rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8/27/11

N.Y. Yankees announcer Ken Singleton made an eye-opening statement on a recent telecast: He pointed out that the Tampa Bay Rays have gone more than 700 consecutive games using a starting pitcher under the age of 30. Wow...........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1993 Boston Red Sox were led in stolen bases by an individual who played for SIX different teams during his career. Can you name this former infielder? Answer to follow..........Question: With a name like Everett Teaford, shouldn't this guy be running a law firm somewhere in the midwest instead of pitching for the Kansas City Royals?..........With an assist from my good buddy Dick Graham of West Haven: Can you imagine if the great Lucille Ball had once married NASCAR driver Steve Park--divorced--then married former MLB manager Herman Franks? She would have been known by the full name of Lucille Ball Park Franks..........This week in sports history, August 30, 1987: Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson establishes himself as the "world's fastest human"--running the 100-meters in a blazing time of 9.83 seconds at the world championships in Rome. Johnson broke the previous record by a full tenth of a second--formerly held by Calvin Smith (9.93). Ironically, second-place finisher Carl Lewis tied Smith's record of 9.93 in this race, but still finished a full meter behind Johnson. Entering the world championships, Johnson had beaten Lewis--the Olympic gold medalist in L.A. back in 1984--five consecutive times........."Raven" Update: My dear friend Robert "Raven" Kraft of Miami Beach continues to, well, keep on goin'. One of the top "streak runners" in America, he has now run his daily, 8-mile route for approximately 13,400 CONSECUTIVE days (since 1/1/75); that's a total of over 107,000 total miles, folks. Anyone out there getting tired just READING this? "Raven"--you're one amazing individual..........Without question, Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard throws the "easiest" 98 mile-per-hour fastball that I have ever seen..........Answer to trivia question: SCOTT FLETCHER--who stole 16 bases for Butch Hobson's fifth-place ball club..........ITEM: South Carolina quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus is arrested in Greenville on a "nuisance" charge; police found Mangus urinating on a street curb at 1:30 AM and issued him a ticket for $470. Sheesh, in terms of finances, I suggest it now may be advantageous for Mangus to purchase his own trailer-mounted "Porta-Potty" for his car--just in case this situation arises again..........Question for Red Sox fans: Carl Crawford, John Lackey, or J.D. Drew (not to mention Dice-K, his absence, and the $$ spent on him): Which one has caused the most stomach ulcers this year among "Red Sox Nation" members? Boston-area pharmacies must have doubled their sales of Pepcid AC this baseball season compared to last year..........Happy birthday wishes go out to another good friend--former MLB infielder Carmen Fanzone--who blows out 68 candles on August 30th. A native of Detroit, Carm played five seasons in the "bigs" between 1970 and 1974--appearing in 237 games (mostly with the Cubs). One of Fanzone's greatest memories as a ballplayer was catching the last out of Milt Pappas' no-hitter in 1972 (a Gary Jestadt pop-up) vs. San Diego. Carm, an accomplished horn player, was also known to play the "Star-Spangled Banner" before Cubs games. He's been kind enough to join me on my weekly TV show a couple times and remains a true "class act." Carm is married to jazz singer Sue Raney--a four-time Grammy nominee. Best wishes, Mr. Fanzone..........Finally, condolences go out to famed CT sportscaster Arnold Dean and his family; Arnold recently lost his wife, Helen, after a valiant battle with cancer. In the sports media biz, one often comes across many "not-so-nice", non-personable individuals (Arnie would be the first to tell you that--and what an "art-form" it is to side-step them). But I can honestly say that, in my years of covering sports, I have NEVER met a more genuine, nicer man than Mr. Arnold Dean--which adds even more sadness to this unfortunate passing. Helen and Arnold were married for more than 50 years and were practically inseparable. Having never formally met Helen, I can only imagine how pleasant SHE was, too. Arnold basically stopped working altogether these past couple of years while she fought the illness that would ultimately take her life. I've heard various stories how Helen dedicated her life to helping/counseling others. Wow, what a terrific legacy to leave--and the Connecticut landscape is minus one TREMENDOUS lady at this juncture. But her selfless deeds will always be remembered by both those she assisted directly and by the countless others who simply RESPECTED her humanitarian efforts. May Helen rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8/20/11

Some good conversation starters for those, shall we say, "aging" baseball fans out there. Do you remember.............

--when $9.50 at a major league game bought you two decent tickets rather than ONE BOTTLE of beer?
--the way John Boccabella was introduced over the P.A. system while playing for the Expos?
--how great it felt when you threw your first curveball with a wiffle ball?
--how uncomfortable your first set of baseball spikes felt?
--the feeling of exhilaration when you were FINALLY able to judge a fly ball?
--Jimmy Qualls?
--your first time having a catch with someone who threw VERY hard--and the stinging sensation involved?
--when Steve Blass mysteriously LOST it?
--Albert "Sparky" Lyle and the huge chaw of tobacco inside his cheek?
--TRYING chewing tobacco for the first time--and becoming incredibly ill?
--Morganna--the "Kissing Bandit?"
--"Fernando-mania?"
--when the Sporting News published EVERY box score from the previous week?
--Herb Washington?
--"Wild Bill" Hagy?
--giving "doubles" of your favorite baseball cards to your best friend?
--when $5.00 could buy you five gallons of gas AND a N.Y. Yankees yearbook?
--your first pouch of "Big League Chew?"
--owning a pair of "flip-up" sunglasses--just because your favorite player did?
--how cool it was owning your own resin bag or batting 'doughnut'?
--when most people stood AND sang the National Anthem at ballparks?
--how much of a "hot dog" Willie Montanez was?
--oiling your first baseball glove--and wondering if it would EVER dry?
--wiping the bubble gum powder off a new pack of baseball cards?
--"Kiner's Korner" after N.Y. Mets telecasts?
--"Reggie" bars?
--reading Ball Four for the first of MANY times?
--Karl Ehrhardt--the "Sign Man of Shea?"
--Jarry Park?
--when Al Kaline REFUSED a raise--saying he didn't perform well-enough the previous year?
--the way Paul Blair glided under a fly ball?
--when you couldn't get a ticket at Camden Yards?
--umpire Dutch Rennert and his LOUD, drawn-out 'strike' call?
--the mustachioed Oakland A's teams of the 70's?
--Boog Powell and Numazawa doing the Miller Lite commercial?
--Burt Hooton's knuckle-curve?
--"Disco Dan" Ford?
--Lindsay Nelson's sports jackets?
--how much Felix Millan used to choke up on the bat?
--John "Blue Moon" Odom?
--the hilarious antics of umpire Ron Luciano?
--how fun it was to watch Jesus Alou pinch-hit?
--"10-Cent Beer Night" in Cleveland?
--putting baseball cards on the spokes of your bike tires in order to make a "motor" sound?
--your first "raspberry" after sliding into a base? (ouch)
--Chief Noc-A-Homa?
--the day Roberto Clemente died?
--the "Mad Hungarian" psyching himself up behind the mound?
--when Clint Hurdle was a "can't miss" prospect?
--just HOW good Steve Carlton was in 1972?
--the Yankees Datsun bullpen car--circa 1972?
--people actually KEEPING SCORE at a major league game?
--just how large a high school baseball diamond appeared compared to your old Little League one?
--Ron Bryant and his teddy bear in San Francisco?
--Tito Fuentes flipping the bat after arriving in the batter's box?
--the smell of jumbo hot pretzels and chestnuts outside the old Yankee Stadium?
--Walt "No Neck" Williams?
--Jane Jarvis playing the "Mexican Hat Dance" during the 7th inning stretch at N.Y. Mets games?
--receiving a bat on "Bat Day" at Yankee Stadium--then cracking it a few days later while trying to use it?
--Mike Marshall's screwball?
--Tug McGraw BEING a "screwball?"
--Dick "Don't Call Me Richie" Allen swinging a 42-ounce bat like it was a toothpick?
--buying the Bridgeport Post and New Haven Register solely for the late box scores?
--the youthful exuberance of one Mark Fidrych?
--wearing baseball pants with a stretch waist for the very first time?
--how EASY Johnny Bench made it look behind the plate?
--how DIFFICULT Dave Kingman made it look playing the outfield?
--Joe Pignatano growing tomatoes in the Mets bullpen at Shea Stadium?
--manager Ralph Houk and his nervous habit of scooping pebbles near his team's dugout?
Finally--how your Mom SOMEHOW managed to get those grass stains out of your dirty baseball uniform?

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8/13/11

Devastating news came down last weekend as New Haven Register sports columnist Dave Solomon died in a one-car accident on his way home from UCONN's first football practice; he was 59. He was a friend/colleague and truly at the top of his craft. Whether we were sharing lunches at CSWA meetings, swapping stories at the Traveler's Championship, or occasionally catching up with each other at Yale football games, Dave was always willing to discuss the latest sports news in his usual, passionate manner. He was kind enough to appear on my cable TV show in the past where he exhibited the frankness that truly became his trademark. I missed seeing him at the golf tournament this summer--due to some surgery I had undergone that week--but last spoke with him in the Yale press box last fall. Yep--he was the same, passionate Dave on that cool, autumn afternoon. And he'd always kindly end our conversations with the same line: "Love reading your stuff, Bob--see you soon." The truth is that I learned so much from HIM over the years, folks--and Dave Solomon's memory will live on due to the countless, archived stories and words that he leaves to all of us who were privileged to enjoy his journalistic talents. You'll be missed, Mr. Solomon..........TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the last member of the Cincinnati Reds to lead the National League in doubles? Answer to follow..........Courtesy of my good friend Dick Graham of West Haven: "Now that the Atlanta Braves have acquired speedster Michael Bourn from Houston, can we say that the team's pennant chases have been 'Bourn-again?' " (sorry, folks)..........This week in sports history, August 16, 1920: Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman becomes the first major league player to die as a result of injuries sustained during a game after being hit in the head by a pitch from Carl Mays of the Yankees. The 29-year-old Chapman was beaned during the fifth inning while Cleveland was leading the game 3-0; the ball rolled back to the mound where Mays retrieved it and threw to first--thinking it had hit Chapman's bat. After being rushed to the hospital, two operations were performed in order to address the player's massive head trauma. Sadly, Chapman passed away the following day..........Did you know that the 1980 Chicago Cubs--who finished 64-98 under managers Preston Gomez and Joey Amalfitano--were led in RBI's by Jerry Martin with a paltry total of just 73? Bill Buckner finished second on the team with 68 that year. However, an interesting fact is that Buckner led the NL in batting that season (.324) while hitting almost 100 points HIGHER than Martin (.227)..........Compliments of my "View From The Lone Red Seat" co-host Chris Mascaro: "Baseball is a funny game. Last Friday, Jon Lester--8-1 lifetime against the Yankees--faces off against an older, overweight, out-of-shape Bartolo Colon and was out-pitched. The following day, John Lackey, who can barely get out of his own way, faces CC Sabathia--who's a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award. CC gets rocked--giving up seven earned runs in 6 innings--the same number of total ERs he had given up in his last 60+ innings. CC is now 0-4 versus the Red Sox this season with a 7.20 ERA and 16-2 versus everyone else. Yes--it's a VERY funny game.".........Answer to trivia question: DAVE PARKER--who hit 42 "two-baggers" to lead the NL in 1985..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league infielder Greg Jelks--who blows out 50 candles on August 16th. Is the name as unfamiliar to you as it is to ME? That may be because Jelks spent just ONE season in the majors--1987 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Coming to bat 11 times that year, Jelks could muster just ONE hit--resulting in a lifetime batting average of .091. But the optimist would be quick to point out that Jelks' lone hit WAS a double--and that he also walked three times during his short major league stint. Jelks later played professionally in Italy and Australia--and was a member of the Australian national team from 1997-2000. Best wishes, Greg..........I was also very saddened to hear of the death of former NFL player-turned-actor Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith--who passed away recently in Los Angeles at the age of 66. Many people remember "Bubba" mainly due to his portrayal of Moses Hightower in the Police Academy movie series. However, schooled football aficionados will never forget what a fine defensive end he was during his career with the Colts, Raiders, and Oilers--one whose speed and quickness often resulted in "Bubba" being constantly double-teamed. Smith--a Michigan State product--was the #1 overall pick by Baltimore in the 1967 draft; he was a two-time All-American for the Spartans who'd go on to play nine NFL seasons (1967-1976). Yeah, Mr. Smith's Miller Lite commercials were great and he played some funny parts in various acting gigs following his playing days. But I'm one who will choose to remember the feared, talented defensive end who always put immense fear into opposing quarterbacks. Fans used to chant, "Kill, Bubba, Kill" when the 6-foot-7 inch Smith played at MSU; to me, he always seemed like a "gentle giant" when he was away from the gridiron. Thanks for the memories, "Bubba"--and may you rest in peace.

"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 8/6/11

Great deal, fun times: The Class A Connecticut Tigers are continuing to make minor league baseball entertaining and affordable. For three upcoming Wednesday night home games in August (8/10, 8/17, and 8/31), the team is offering fans its "Grand Slam Family Pack." For just $40 (a $55 value), buyers can receive 4 reserved seats, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and a box of popcorn. For more information on this deal--or on any upcoming promotions at Dodd Stadium--call the Tigers front office at (860) 887-7962..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1992 Chicago White Sox--who finished 86-76 under manager Gene Lamont--had THREE players on the squad who stole 30 or more bases apiece. How many of these gentlemen can you name? Answer to follow..........When the New England Patriots acquired Chad Ochocinco recently, I immediately received an email from my friend John Swingler--who chimed in with this classic line: "The EGO has landed in Foxboro."..........On MLB Network telecasts, WHY--when pitching graphics are displayed on the TV screen--are strikeouts listed FIRST before walks (in this manner: K/BB)? Is it me--or haven't baseball fans been privy to box scores, pitching lines, etc. for years that have ALWAYS listed walks BEFORE strikeouts? Totally ridiculous...........This week in sports history, August 8, 1988: With over 36,000 fans in attendance, the lights are turned on at Wrigley Field in Chicago--finally ending a long-standing tradition of day-only baseball. A 91-year-old Chicago fan flipped the switch--illuminating the historic ballpark with 540 lights that were resting on the building's roof. However, the game between the Phillies and Cubs would end after 3 1/2 innings as thunder, lightning, and rain put a damper on an event attended by over 500 media representatives..........Question: Do you think that lovely actress Denise Richards--when she's finally done promoting her new book The Real Girl Next Door--would be interested in a tennis date with an aging sports columnist?..........Nice touch: On our Internet radio show "View From The Lone Red Seat," my co-host Chris Mascaro decided it would be appropriate to end each broadcast by saying, "Good night, 'Big Bob', we miss ya"--in honor of my late father who passed away in June. Yeah, he's missed, Chris--but I get the feeling he's listening each week and honored to be thought of so highly. It's truly very touching--and is a terrific way of remembering one of the biggest baseball fans I'll ever come across. Thanks again, Mr. Mascaro..........Speaking of the MLB Network, I was watching the SF/Philadelphia game last week and was treated to Jim Kaat doing color commentary. Yes, even at 72 years-old, he's STILL the best in the biz--and has been one of the handful of 'ex-jocks' who have deservedly (and LEGITIMATELY) landed broadcasting gigs...........Question: If Virginia-based financial advisor Deborah Garter walked down the aisle with MLB outfielder Brandon Belt, do you think she'd mind being referred to as Deborah Garter Belt?..........Answer to trivia question: TIM RAINES (45), LANCE JOHNSON (41), and STEVE SAX (30)..........Did you know that the 1965 Detroit Tigers were led in stolen bases by Jerry Lumpe with a total of just SEVEN? Four other players had six apiece, but the team ended the year with a paltry total of 57 while being thrown out 47 times..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former major league catcher Steve Swisher--who blows out 60 candles on August 9th. The father of current Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher, Steve played nine seasons in the National League (as a member of the Cubs, Cardinals, and Padres) between 1974 and 1982. Known as a decent receiver, Swisher barely hit his WEIGHT during his career--putting together a lifetime batting average of just .216. Yes, folks, during four of his nine big league seasons, Swisher hit below the famed "Mendoza Line" (.200). Amazingly, Swisher was named to the 1976 NL All-Star team--a year in which he appeared in just 109 games and hit .236 (I'm shaking my head TOO, folks). Hey, they all can't be Johnny Bench, right? And the good news is that his son, Nick, has made millions playing baseball--making up for any small contracts that Dad may have played under years ago. Best wishes, Steve..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former major league pitcher Howard Hilton--who died recently in California at the age of 47. A native of Oxnard, Hilton helped pitch the Arkansas Razorbacks to the 1985 College World Series; he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals the same year. Hilton appeared in just two MLB games for the Cards during the 1990 season--allowing no runs in a total of three innings of relief. Strangely, he was released by the team during spring training in 1991; he later hooked on with the Padres--staying with that organization until 1992. Yes, after a seemingly wonderful start as a major league hurler, Hilton was never able to make a career out of it. May Howard James Hilton rest in peace.