Changes, Kirby Puckett, NASCAR HOF

First off, I have decided to alter how this blog works. I do not think disclosing where I went to school, who I currently work for, or what teams I typically favor makes me biased. In fact, this disclosure probably gives me added credit as a writer/opinionist who attempts to separate himself from his preferences and look at things from a neutral perspective. As I have said before, I am probably hyper-critical of the teams I watch the most and the teams that I cheer for.

That being said, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a Tar Heel & have been since birth. I do not think basketball success is our birthright, as I was a freshmen during the 8-20 season. I have seen the worst of times and the best of times as a student. I appreciate the fortunate position my alma mater finds itself in within the world of college basketball. Read the entry below if you do not believe me.

I am a fan of the ACC and think the league is, on a year-to-year basis, the best in the nation. Not every season, but overall. I currently work for the Clemson Tigers and watch ACC ball almost religiously. I will tell you the shortcomings of the league; maybe this summer when there is little to write about I will tell you what they are. I also have a great respect for the other "BCS" league, as well as the "mid majors". I honestly think that the big picture of collegiate athletics is so much more important than any league or any team, North Carolina included. Sometime I'll also tell you what I like about college sports and what I don't like. Why? It's my blog, I own The Blue Team.

Power charge aside, on to a serious matter. Kirby Puckett, former centerfielder for the Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer died today following a serious stroke. Prayers go out to his family. Puckett was one of the good guys in the league and arguably the most popular player in Minnesota ever. I mean, for real, people thought this dude walked on water. Turns out after his career was over, he ran into a few personal/family problems and his image took a hit. I personally don't know Kirby Puckett and never will until heaven. However, I think he proved to be human, and we all make mistakes. He made some following his retirement, but please do not hold this against him. We all make mistakes and his were magnified by being a celebrity. I choose to remember Puckett as one of the most passionate players to ever put on cleats professionally. Though Puckett is at the root of one of my most troubling sports memories ('91 World Series loss by the Atlanta Braves), he carried himself well and made the game so much fun. You could not help but love watching him play because he so clearly loved playing. Puckett also did a great deal for his community. The Twin Cities are better off because of his impact. So take some time and read the journalistic eulogies of Puckett. He was a good guy and will be missed by many, especially his family. God bless and many prayers.

Finally, on a lighter note, Charlotte has been named the recipient of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. I am excited because of my ties to the area and having worked in the industry as an intern at Lowe's Motor Speedway one summer. But, I am more excited because I anticipate this doing a great deal for the city of Charlotte. The Queen City has been somewhat slow to embrace its role as the center of the NASCAR universe. The citizens all love racing, but the decision-makers have been hesitant to be identified as such because of the perception of NASCAR being a "redneck sport." The backing by the city demonstrates how far the sports has come in casual fan appeal, as well as being a money-making industry. I'm glad also to see NASCAR's governing body sticking to its roots in Charlotte and rewarding the location that helped initiate and substain all this growth. Finally, it should help keep the All-Star race in the QC for the years to come. Good decision NASCAR.

Ok, I'm out. Tournament stuff tomorrow & maybe Wednesday. I got to put together a bracket preview of some sort and make major conference tournament predictions. Ever since I can remember I been poppin' my collar, poppin' poppin' my collar...