There is a first time for everything. And tonight, June 26th, I am experiencing a first. Tonight is the first time that a University of North Carolina team that I follow has lost a national championship game in my lifetime. So that probably would make tonight's loss in the championship game of the College World Series the most painful Carolina loss of my life. And it is. But not in the normal "Carolina loss" way; somehow, it sucks much worse.
The first time Carolina lost a game that eliminated them from championship contention that I remember was in the 1987 NCAA Basketball Tournament (an elite eight loss to Syracuse). But the first loss that really hurt was in the 1991 Final Four, when the Heels lost to a Kansas Jayhawks team coached by Roy Williams. As a youngster, I naively assumed that making the Final Four meant my team would win the Final Four (typical spoiled Tar Heel fan). Every year since then, with exceptions of 1993 & 2005 championships, every basketball season has ended prematurely in the eyes of this fan. 1998 was probably the worst year, with 1994 close behind. Every lost NCAA Tournament game should have been won; one more game was there to be played. Every early round elimination in baseball was too early. It's not that Carolina should have won the title every year. Instead, I just wanted the Tar Heels to still be playing, to have one more game.
This year's College World Series loss is completely different. Either way, the season ended tonight. Win or lose, everyone goes home. Now, the loss is painful not because there's not one more game; it is painful because it hurts. And I'm not a player, just a fan and alum.
Jonathan Hovis will never put on a Carolina jersey again. Heck, the NCAA's leader in earned run average did not get drafted, so he may never put on any baseball jersey again. Chad Flack, the team's best hitter, made the last out. Mike Cavasinni is still standing on third base. Andrew Miller is wishing he had struck out one more hitter. Daniel Bard wants to stay in the game. And of course, Brian Steed is wishing he had taken his time and made his usual perfect throw to first base.
The season is over, as it was scheduled to be tonight. But this emptiness that accompanies the ending was not supposed to be here. There was supposed to be joy, a Gatorade bath for Mike Fox, and the hoisting of an NCAA Championship trophy. But here we are empty-handed, holding no trophies. Holding on, instead, to the wish for one more game. Holding on, instead, to a dream. Holding our hurt for every player, coach, and fellow fan.
And it hurts.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Hodge Podge
Where does a platypus learn a word like hodge podge? Anyway, the lack of recent updates combined with a ton going on in sports means a looooong blog of random stuff. So as I sit here enjoying a succulent KFC Famous Crispy Chicken Bowl, let's see what all comes up...
The NBA Finals & Stanley Cup Finals should lead off, but unfortunately, baseball's steroids scandal is stealing the spotlight. The FBI raid on pitcher Jason Grimsley's home has produced not only evidence against Grimsley, but names of other players who may be using Human Growth Hormone, an undetectable derivative of steroids. Apparently the FBI also asked Grimsley to wear a wire tap in effort to gather evidence on Barry Bonds. Wow. Issue number one here is the supposed "list of names" connected to HGH. Obviously, a number of players are sweating it out to see if they are named by Grimsley, as he has played with numerous MLB clubs over the years. However, the outrage by current players is over Grimsley violating the "Player's Code" in which players supposedly protect one another, protect information, and protect the game. This would include hook-ups/cheating on a spouse or girlfriend, drug habits, steroid use, etc. However, when you are facing prison time unless you talk to the feds, I'd say that code's regulationa may be altered. Nonetheless, I understand why some players feel the way the do; each should, however, put himself in Grimsley's shoes before passing judgement. Second, the FBI attempting to catch Barry Bonds specifically is pathetic. Don't elephant hunt, FBI. Don't try to pin it on him, lest he start crying again on his TV show...oh wait, that got cancelled. Still, going after Bonds specifically is a little over the top. Third, a point Jim Rome and I share (shocking, I know). The majority of players involved in steroids are more like Jason Grimsley, a journeyman who has bounced up and down between the majors and minors, playing for a ton of teams, than they are like Barry Bonds, the superstar Hall of Famer. I ask each of you, my (4) readers: what would you do? If you were Jason Grimsley and had played baseball all your life, the only job you'd ever had, would you at least consider using illegal performance enhancers? Though it is illegal and seen as cheating, I know my answer would have been a resounding "yes." We're talking about Grimsley's livelihood here, so I can empathize as to why he would use steroids. If you have a passion for something, you will do almost anything to continue doing what you love. Some, like Grimsley, just go a little too far.
Moving on to the NBA Finals...this is an even series. I have no personal preference or a conviction as to whether Dallas or Miami wins the series. I think Miami will win because I do not think the pressure will bother them. I also think Shaq & D-Wade will get some calls, especially at home. That being said, I think Dallas will win because they attack the rim and the glass as a team, and have clutch players in Josh Howard & Jason Terry. In the end, I think Dallas' athleticism will bother Miami enough to get the Mavericks the title, probably in 7 games.
The Carolina Hurricanes are two games away from their first Stanley Cup. I'm not saying much else here for fear of a jinx, but I will say that the Raleigh media is too quick to be talking a series victory, and the national media's doubt of the Oilers' ability to win a single game is ridiculous. Already in these playoffs, both the Canes & Oilers have rallied from 2-0 series deficits. I can't believe the press has not learned its lesson in declaring a series over, ignoring the fact that a team must actually win four games to clinch the series victory. Trust me, if I'm Edmonton's coach, I'm not letting my team ignore this.
Last major topic is the World Cup, which kicks off in Germany on Friday, June 9. Brazil is the odds-makers favorite, as usual, with Italy, Argentina, Germany, & the Czech Republic contenders behind them. My final four is England, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain, with Brazil defeating England in the final. I can't believe I'm banking on England, I should have learning my lesson on predictions (see below). The darkhorse, as discussed by my only soccer-loving friend and I a few weeks back, could be Portugal. The Portuguese were expected to perform well in '02, but went home before the elimination round (losing out to the US). We agreed they may be ready this time around. My grandfather passed away during the last World Cup, so I missed a lot of the matches; I'm looking forward to seeing more of it this time around. By the way, this is virtually the only soccer I watch, with an occasional exception with the Premier League.
Quick thoughts:
"She got a bubble gum cap wit a Gucci dats snappin', with some rhino legs and a booty dats flappin'...good googly moogly, that thang is juicy."
(Can that really be a song? Googly moogly? Are you kidding me? Better yet, did I just take two minutes to check the lyrics and type it? Good googly moogly yourself...)
The NBA Finals & Stanley Cup Finals should lead off, but unfortunately, baseball's steroids scandal is stealing the spotlight. The FBI raid on pitcher Jason Grimsley's home has produced not only evidence against Grimsley, but names of other players who may be using Human Growth Hormone, an undetectable derivative of steroids. Apparently the FBI also asked Grimsley to wear a wire tap in effort to gather evidence on Barry Bonds. Wow. Issue number one here is the supposed "list of names" connected to HGH. Obviously, a number of players are sweating it out to see if they are named by Grimsley, as he has played with numerous MLB clubs over the years. However, the outrage by current players is over Grimsley violating the "Player's Code" in which players supposedly protect one another, protect information, and protect the game. This would include hook-ups/cheating on a spouse or girlfriend, drug habits, steroid use, etc. However, when you are facing prison time unless you talk to the feds, I'd say that code's regulationa may be altered. Nonetheless, I understand why some players feel the way the do; each should, however, put himself in Grimsley's shoes before passing judgement. Second, the FBI attempting to catch Barry Bonds specifically is pathetic. Don't elephant hunt, FBI. Don't try to pin it on him, lest he start crying again on his TV show...oh wait, that got cancelled. Still, going after Bonds specifically is a little over the top. Third, a point Jim Rome and I share (shocking, I know). The majority of players involved in steroids are more like Jason Grimsley, a journeyman who has bounced up and down between the majors and minors, playing for a ton of teams, than they are like Barry Bonds, the superstar Hall of Famer. I ask each of you, my (4) readers: what would you do? If you were Jason Grimsley and had played baseball all your life, the only job you'd ever had, would you at least consider using illegal performance enhancers? Though it is illegal and seen as cheating, I know my answer would have been a resounding "yes." We're talking about Grimsley's livelihood here, so I can empathize as to why he would use steroids. If you have a passion for something, you will do almost anything to continue doing what you love. Some, like Grimsley, just go a little too far.
Moving on to the NBA Finals...this is an even series. I have no personal preference or a conviction as to whether Dallas or Miami wins the series. I think Miami will win because I do not think the pressure will bother them. I also think Shaq & D-Wade will get some calls, especially at home. That being said, I think Dallas will win because they attack the rim and the glass as a team, and have clutch players in Josh Howard & Jason Terry. In the end, I think Dallas' athleticism will bother Miami enough to get the Mavericks the title, probably in 7 games.
The Carolina Hurricanes are two games away from their first Stanley Cup. I'm not saying much else here for fear of a jinx, but I will say that the Raleigh media is too quick to be talking a series victory, and the national media's doubt of the Oilers' ability to win a single game is ridiculous. Already in these playoffs, both the Canes & Oilers have rallied from 2-0 series deficits. I can't believe the press has not learned its lesson in declaring a series over, ignoring the fact that a team must actually win four games to clinch the series victory. Trust me, if I'm Edmonton's coach, I'm not letting my team ignore this.
Last major topic is the World Cup, which kicks off in Germany on Friday, June 9. Brazil is the odds-makers favorite, as usual, with Italy, Argentina, Germany, & the Czech Republic contenders behind them. My final four is England, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain, with Brazil defeating England in the final. I can't believe I'm banking on England, I should have learning my lesson on predictions (see below). The darkhorse, as discussed by my only soccer-loving friend and I a few weeks back, could be Portugal. The Portuguese were expected to perform well in '02, but went home before the elimination round (losing out to the US). We agreed they may be ready this time around. My grandfather passed away during the last World Cup, so I missed a lot of the matches; I'm looking forward to seeing more of it this time around. By the way, this is virtually the only soccer I watch, with an occasional exception with the Premier League.
Quick thoughts:
- Congrats to the hott-hitting Arizona Wildcats on yet another NCAA softball championship. No Jennie Finch, but a very...um...talented team nonetheless.
- Keeping with the collegiate theme, way to go Nebraska baseball. I pick them to win the entire baseball tournament, and they lose the first two games they play, being eliminated at home in the first round. To make matters worse, my debate was between Nebraska & Texas; the defending champion Longhorns also made an early exit, losing at home in the Austin regional. Great predictions, huh? Shows I know absolutely nothing, I should just quit.
- FYI: Red Sox vs Yankees games were scheduled for ESPN Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this past week. Only a rainout Wednesday prevented all the games from taking place, with no national TV on Tuesday. My policy is that I refuse to watch the two teams play at all, unless they meet in the ALCS in October. The only reason I will watch then is because it is the post-season; otherwise, I have better things to do than watch the over-hyped "greatest rivalry in sports" (sorry Kev).
- Tony Kornheiser's "Penguin Dance" on PTI trips me out. But, my Penguin Walk outperforms his Penguin Dance any day. You don't want drama, Kornheiser...
- Three quick sad notes. First, RIP to Tiffany Soeurs, the student murdered in Clemson last week. My prayers go out to her family and friends. Needless to say, this tragedy has rocked my little college town, scaring people and causing a further black eye for the ACC and Clemson in general. Second, a girl I went to high school with died in a motorcycle wreck a while back. Prayers for her family as well. Third, one of the cats that lives under my house was run over and left alongside the road in my yard. That cuts my friend count in Clemson to 2 remaining felines. And yes, I am actually sad about it and do not mean this in a sarcastic fashion.
"She got a bubble gum cap wit a Gucci dats snappin', with some rhino legs and a booty dats flappin'...good googly moogly, that thang is juicy."
(Can that really be a song? Googly moogly? Are you kidding me? Better yet, did I just take two minutes to check the lyrics and type it? Good googly moogly yourself...)
Friday, June 02, 2006
2006 NCAA Baseball Predictions
Here is my NCAA Baseball bracket. I'll probably do a re-pick once we make it to Omaha in two weeks.
Regionals
Clemson, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech
Cal St Fullerton, Pepperdine, Carolina, Alabama
Rice, Houston, South Carolina, Florida St
Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon St, Texas
Super Regionals
Clemson, Georgia Tech
Cal St Fullerton, Pepperdine
Rice, South Carolina
Nebraska, Texas
College World Series
Nebraska over Clemson, 2 games to 1
Ok fine, I'm coping out. I admit to picking Cal St Fullerton initially, but refused to stick with it because I picked them last year and they choked. And it made me mad. So I switched to Nebraska, but I'm not convinced. I will officially say Nebraska over Texas, then over Clemson in the finals, but I'm pretty torn on the Nebraska/Texas possibility.
Notes:
Regionals
Clemson, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech
Cal St Fullerton, Pepperdine, Carolina, Alabama
Rice, Houston, South Carolina, Florida St
Nebraska, Ole Miss, Oregon St, Texas
Super Regionals
Clemson, Georgia Tech
Cal St Fullerton, Pepperdine
Rice, South Carolina
Nebraska, Texas
College World Series
Nebraska over Clemson, 2 games to 1
Ok fine, I'm coping out. I admit to picking Cal St Fullerton initially, but refused to stick with it because I picked them last year and they choked. And it made me mad. So I switched to Nebraska, but I'm not convinced. I will officially say Nebraska over Texas, then over Clemson in the finals, but I'm pretty torn on the Nebraska/Texas possibility.
Notes:
- I only picked Carolina because I felt like it. I'm not, as stated in my last blog, high on the chances of this team.
- The bracket with South Carolina/Florida St/Georgia/Virginia is the toughest to pick because I've seen all those teams play in person and have seen them all play poorly. I'm counting on the Gamecocks coming around and playing to their potential.
- Ole Miss may be a sleeper team of sorts, as the Rebels have played very well as of late, winning the SEC Tournament. I really wanted to pick them to upset Nebraska...then somehow I ended up with Nebraska winning the whole darn thing. Wonderful.
That's it for now, I've been busy recently with numerous things, so the blog has slowed down considerably. Everyone have a good weekend and check out the college baseball series nearest to you.
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