LaTroy Hawkins’ mouth does it again

July 28, 2009

Well, Cubfans, don’t you think Hawkins should ask for a transfer back to the AL?

He couldn’t keep his mouth shut when he arrived her with his ‘don’t expect me to talk to the media’ and then last night – after he pist off an umpire, Mike Everitt, who already had a headache from taking one on the chin – and got ejected he said:

HAWKINS: I thought it was a strike. And I told him, ‘Come on, I need that pitch. He don’t need any help.’ He said, ‘Knock it off.’ I waved him off and he threw me out of the game. Maybe he was having a bad day. I thought he had determined who he wanted to win the game anyway.

And that was after he had 5 innings to chill out. After having all night and all day to think about it a Houston reporter asked if he regretted it.

HAWKINS: Why would I? I have my own opinion, and he had his opinion. He thought I was showing him up. I saw [Alex Rodriguez] do way worse [when I was in the American League]. He undressed the umpire. Whatever he said, it was in his face. It’s America, dude.

It’s gonna be your paycheck, dude.

Have to say he is the only pitcher I have seen strike out the side with 9 pitches. Now if he could have that kind of control over his lips…

He was put on the 15-day disabled list because of shingles (back).

Buehrle surpasses Jenks, retires 45 straight, loses

July 28, 2009

Congratulations to Mark Buehrle…again.

Yes, I’m a Cubfan. But being a Cubfan means you’re first and foremost a fan of the game, which includes respecting history.

On the heels of his perfect game, Mark Buehrle (11-4) went 5 2/3 more perfect innings before giving up a walk and ultimately losing the game – leaving after retiring only two more batters.

Last time out it was 27 in a row Devil Rays for the 18th perfect game in MLB history. No pitcher has ever thrown back to back perfect games and only one (s Johnny VanderMeer in 1938) has thrown back to back no hitters.

In 2007, Buehrle pitched a no-hitter and Bobby Jenks (reliever) tied the record for retiring 41 in a row. (Jim Barr 1972 also) To break it, Buehrle had he had to retire former teammate Joe Crede, who obliged by hitting a one hop grounder to short that ended with a nice scoop by Konerko. Jenks smiled and applauded.

Buehrle had the 46th batter 0-2 but ended up walking him and then gave up the no-hitter with the next batter. His shut out ended with a fly to left that should have been caught by Podsednik.

Here’s a look at his pitches:

	Pitches	Swung on	Missed
July 23	116	54	8
July 28	72	38	4
Total	188	92	12

Mr Pinella goes to Washington, meets barry

July 16, 2009

Cubs started a series with the Washington Nationals tonite and earlier today Cubs’ skipper Lou Pinella toured the White House with his family. barry – a SOXfan – took the time to say hello.

LOU PINELLA:

We didn’t talk about baseball. He was very personal with my grandkids and my wife and children. I was very appreciable.

He’s a class man and he has done a really nice job for our country.

It was an honor to be in his presence and we’re very appreciative that he took a few minutes out of his very, very important day to say hello to us.

UPDATE: More info – from PAUL SULLIVAN

(Ron Edmonds/ Associated Press)

Lou has made it to the White House before, meeting Presidents Clinton, Carter and both Bushs and was assisted on this trip by Cubfans George Will, David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel – probably provoked by the sight of barry’s Sox jacket (and mom jeans). And he’s been around long enough to know it’s not worth the time trying to “convert” a Soxfan, though he did say:

His top advisers are Cubs fans. So he has a chance.

What did they do?

We enjoyed the experience, watched the president leave in his helicopter (pix), viewed the Situation Room, went to the Oval Office, went to the Rose Garden.

As for barry?

He’s a picture of class and tranquility. I can see why he has had the success and is enjoying the success he’s having as Commander in chief of this country.

————–

barry’s first pitch at All Star Game (video)
Willie Mays on Air Force One (video)

Updated video: Willie Mays on Air Force One

July 14, 2009

Update: Halperin’s video must change everyday because it’s no longer Mr Mays.

Here is the official White House video where Mr Mays discusses his struggles with barry on Air Force One enroute to the All-Star game in St Louis

barry’s first pitch at All Star Game (video)

Here’s the original video from a St Louis news channel KMOV of Mr Mays talking with Gibbs, Chuckie T and other reporters on Air Force One – just in case something happens to this video, which is from Veoh.com’s ClipSyndicate.

Mays answered some informal questions while signing baseballs. There was a brave Cubfan in SOX territory who said he was also a Willie Mays fan. What baseball fan, no matter the team, isn’t?

Chuckie Todd asked him how Barry was and Mays said who? Chuckie then said Barry Bonds and asked if he was going to play again. Mays said he didn’t know and thought maybe he was in Europe but he hadn’t talked to him in two months.

Asked what he discussed with barry (above) Mays said he met barry for the first time in Chicago on election night and didn’t think he’d ever see the day a man of his race would be president.

I reminded [barry] that I dreamed about this day. Not being on Air Force One. I dreamed about someone my race being President. Not knowing that anyone would. And I reminded him that I cried most of the night in Chicago. I went to bed around 7-8 in the morning.

He smiled.

I was so proud. That tells me that all the things I went through, it was for good things.

I’m just proud of him. He made me proud. I’m proud of him – what he stands for.

barry’s 1st pitch at All-Star Game

July 14, 2009

MLB ALL-STAR Game AL won…again…4-3.

barry came out of the dugout and went over to a golf cart where St Louis great Stan Musial was sitting. He took the ball and then jogged out to the mound. His toss was marginally better than his bowling. Albert Pujols stretched forward to catch the pitch before it bounced.

[When they interviewed Pujols - not related to barry - he looked like a kid. He looked like the old-timers did. Nice to see someone actually show a love for the game - not just the fame and money - which of course he already has. I hope he is clean.]

barry was wearing his White Sox jacket. Why?

Everyone knows I’m a White Sox fan and my wife thinks I look cute in this jacket. Between those two things – why not?

Not a very good view of the pitch.

cjk002

barry then had to go into the booth like the other presidents. Nobody can beat Ronald Reagan at Wrigley with Harry Caray.

His excuse for his lob:

I did not play organized baseball when I was a kid and so, you know, I think some of these natural moves aren’t so natural to me.

Throwing a baseball? He’s never thrown a baseball or softball around with his girls? Secret Service come in handy:

We did a little practicing in the Rose Garden. This is as much fun as I’ve had in quite some time.

barry threw out the first pitch when the White Sox played the Angels in the 2005 AL championship series. He took credit for them winning the World Series.

You know, my general strategy the last time I threw a pitch was at the American League Championship Series and I just wanted to keep it high. Now, there was no clock on it, I don’t know how fast it went — but if it exceeded 30 miles per hour, I’d be surprised. But it did clear the plate.

When you’re a senator, they show you no respect so they just hand you the ball. You don’t get a chance to warm up. Here, at least they had me down with Pujols in the batting cage, practicing a little bit.

The coolest thing was barry picked up Willie Mays and shuttled him to St Louis in Air Force One. That must have been such an experience for him. A man who lived segregation even as a Major Leaguer and played with men who came up through the Negro Leagues (Ernie Banks, for one) got to fly with barry.

Here’s Mr Mays answering a few questions on Air Force One. He talks about how he never thought a man “of his race” would be president.

What did he tell barry?

Follow through. He’ll be fine. I guarantee it.

Mark Buehrle, who grew up a Cardinal fan and still lives in the area, was the only Sox player. I’m sure they put him in in the third inning so barry could watch. 9 pitches – 7 strikes – 3 batters – 3 outs – including Pujols.

BUEHRLE: [Obama] came in and shook everybody’s hand. He said he was going to wear a White Sox jacket and I thought he was [kidding]. I was real surprised. I looked out and said, ‘Holy cow, he’s actually doing it.’ Everybody around me was giving me a hard time.

Bottom of the fourth barry took off in his motorcade.

MLB Commissioner BUD SELIG:

It’s a big thing. The players will enjoy it. The fans will enjoy it. But it’s another testament to the meaning of this sport. We are a social institution and whether we want to admit it or not, and for years I don’t think baseball wanted to admit that, we do have enormous social responsibility, and clearly that intrigued the White House and the president.

Source (except Buehrle quote): AP BEN WALKER

SF Giants’ Jonathan Sanchez throws no-hitter

Carlos Zambrano is no longer the last pitcher in MLB to throw a no-hitter. Last night, SF Giants’ southpaw Jonathan Sanchez (26) pitched a no-hitter against the SD Padres, winning 8-0.

It was by no means a regular start. Sanchez has been 2-8 with an ERA of 5.43 and had been demoted to the bullpen for three weeks and only started because Randy Johnson was put on the disabled list earlier in the week with a shoulder injury. Sanchez had a perfect game going until the 8th inning when ex-SOX Juan Uribe made an error at 3rd base. But it was more than offset by another ex-SOX Aaron Rowand’s spectacular leaping catch at the fence in center for the second out in the 9th. The final out was a called third strike. 111 pitches – 77 strikes.

Perhaps Sanchez was inspired by his father and brother in the stands. He had gone 50 starts in the majors without even a complete game and the first game his father got to see him pitch as a starter was a near perfect game. (It was on Sanchez’s part.) Quite a moment — they let his dad be in the dugout to congratulate Sanchez when he came off the field. Here father and son are hugging. Video of last pitch, his dad and brother’s reaction to it and Sanchez’s clubhouse reception.

(Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle)

Big (and getting bigger) Z threw his on September 14, 2008 in a make-up game held in Wrigley North — Milwaukee’s Miller Park. It was a “home” game for Houston — because of Hurricane Ike — and even though there was less than 24 hours notice – the park was jammed with 23, 000 Cubfans. Because of the last minute scheduling I was unaware of the game. The first Cub game I missed in over five years was a no-hitter. I wasn’t the only one. So many fans didn’t get to see it – it was on Comcast instead of WGN - that they had to replay it.

Carlos hit a batter and gave up one walk. Derek Lee and Mark DeRosa each made a great defensive play. But watching a game you know is a no-hitter is not at all exciting.

Houston wanted to put an asterisk next to it because of all of the Cubfans. True. If you didn’t know better, you would think he pitched it in his home park. But no matter where the game was played he still had to get 27 batters out. And it wasn’t like the game mattered for Houston or the Cubs.

How many pitchers missed out on no-hitters because of the steroid cheaters?

Lou Pinella on getting "ejected"

July 2, 2009

Cubs' skipper, Lou Pinella, known for his dramatic ejections was ejected for the first time last game. He has been getting a lot of heat on talk radio -- especially WGN -- for his passivity - that he's "lost his fire" and how he has said in the press conferences that there's nothing he can do. Well, to start he told Milton Bradley to go home the other night after his tantrum against the SOX. And now he's sitting Soriano - the other sore point. So it appears he's listening to frustrated Cubfans. Wish he would have listened to us about Mark DeRosa.

Anyway he got ejected last night because he knew he was coming home to face the press. In the pre-game press conference, they made note of the fact that this was the longest he had gone without being ejected - since last season. He deadpanned:

"My wife ejected me a couple of times this winter."

Mark DeRosa traded to…Cardinals

June 28, 2009

Jim Hendry trading Mark DeRosa has to go down as the worst trade away in post Lou Brock Cub history. It certainly is the most unpopular. Cubs were ranked first in the league last year against RH pitchers and yet we “needed more left handed bats”. Aaron Miles who can’t field and can’t run and hasn’t hit? Milton Bradley who hasn’t made it past GO? Fontenot who is not an every day player?

And who could have been playing 3rd while Ramirez is out? The first guy to play 3rd who actually looks like Ronnie out there. And he could have played left for defense, right as a starter and second as needed. What type of GM gives up a guy who can play all 9 positions for a lefthanded bat? A guy who brought great energy to the clubhouse, who always talked to the media, who was bar none the fan favorite, and above all, who understood what it means to be a Cubbie and tried to honor it every day?

It was wrong in every way possible and now the Cardinals have him. There goes any hope for our season to turn around. I’m happy for him. He gets to come back to Wrigley so fans can show him how much he’s missed. Problem being Kerry Wood is left behind – another person who understood what it means to be a Cub and someone who was actively involved in charity work.

How much charity work does Soriano do? His acquisition by far is the worst thing Hendry has ever done and there’s no getting rid of him. Compare his stats with DeRosa’s and it’s not even close.

Last year, DeRosa generated 20% of the Cubs runs while playing anywhere he was needed – sometimes two different positions in one game (once 3) and batting wherever Lou put him. Never complaining. And no matter how he was hitting, his defense was always solid. Albert Pujols generated only 10 more runs than DeRosa and if you even out their plate appearances – they’re equal.

How could Hendry justify trading someone who generated as many runs as Pujols? Somebody who could play a lot more than 1st base and is a lot faster on the basepaths.

He actually made our team worse with the changes he made and the proof is in the box score.

Pinella re: Soto: “It’s a non-issue as far as I’m concerned”

June 26, 2009

Lou Pinella comments on Geovany Soto’s positive drug test for marijuana back in March during the World Baseball Classic. Soto has apologized and neither MLB nor the Cubs are going to sanction him. His penalty was a 2-year suspension from international play. It happened before the season, Soto was representing Team Puerto Rico and ost of all, he didn’t test positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Spliffs aren’t exactly the way to improve hand-eye coordination, or in Bradley’s case, remember how many outs there are.

LOU PINELLA:

I have smoked dope one time in my life, and it didn’t do a damn thing for me, ok? And I never tried it again. And I’m fortunate because of that. I do know that young people make mistakes at times, and they learn from mistakes. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, personally, and I’ve learned from them. So how am I gonna — I read his comment. He knows what he did is wrong. And now he said he was embarrassed and sorry about it and it’s over with. It’s a non-issue as far as I’m concerned.

Sosa possible perjury to be investigated

June 26, 2009

Found this at least trying to track down the missing posts.

Looks like they will be looking into possible perjury charges against Sammy Sosa. In 2005, He testified before the House Committee that he had never used performance-enhancing drugs and yet tested positive in 2003. All they need is one facing prison time to snitch on the rest of them. I can’t see Bonds taking the rap alone and Clemens was such a scumbag he brought his wife into it.

From Oversight and Government Reform Press Office

Chairman Edolphus Towns Statement on Reports of Sammy Sosa’s Performance-Enhancing Drug Use

According to media reports published this week, Sammy Sosa allegedly tested positive in 2003 for having used a performance-enhancing drug. This Committee heard sworn testimony from Mr. Sosa in 2005 when he stated that he had not previously used performance-enhancing drugs. The Oversight and Government Reform Committee always takes seriously suggestions that a witness misled the Committee while testifying under oath. Investigators will begin a review of this matter and, upon learning the results, I will determine appropriate next steps. It is important to note that this review will not distract us from our ongoing work on the financial crisis and from conducting oversight of the stimulus.

———
Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg on Sammy
Manny Ramirez busted for HCG
Alex Rodriguez posts/interviews/videos

Sammy Sosa finally got caught

one of the missing posts

June 18, 2009

It appears Sammy Sosa was also one of the players to test positive in 2003. What a shocker. He didn’t even try to hide it with his elastic shirt sleeves. 2003 tests were the first done by MLB and were to remain anonymous according to an agreement with the players union. They were supposed to be a “test” testing where if more than 5% of the results were positive, MLB would institute testing with penalties in 2004, which of course is what happened.

The questions being: why were the results never destroyed or at least the names that went with the positive tests and why are the results being leaked? And of course who else is on there? There are 104 names.

The players’ union has been fighting in the California courts and supposedly a ruling is due soon. Doesn’t matter once the names are out. Why doesn’t somebody leak them all? Alex Rodriguez’s name was the first to come out in February and he subsequently admitted to using steroids – his admission prompted by Selena Roberts’ book which came out in May.

Sammy’s lawyers evidently don’t know what substance he tested positive for.

In 2005, Sammy testified before the House Committee and said, while pretending he couldn’t speak/understand English very well:

To be clear. I have never taken illegal performance-enhancing drugs. I have never injected myself or had anyone inject me with anything.

So will they investigate him for perjury? UPDATED: YES. Clemens was referred for perjury charges and his case is with a federal grand jury. McGwire at least had the decency not to lie and look guilty. Palmiero did a Bill Clinton point and said: “I have never used steroids. Period.” Only to test positive later 5 months later. Is his name on the list? Clemens? Bonds the biggest cheater of them all? He’s awaiting trial for lying to a federal grand jury under oath when he never “knowingly” used performance enhancers.

I hope every single one of those names get out. I’m curious if Ken Griffey, Jr, Curt Shilling or Frank Thomas are on the list. And what about Wade Boggs? Ron Santo should have gotten in before him. Here’s what Ryno had to say about Sammy. Sammy should never be honored by the Cubs in any fashion.

Source: New York Times’ MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT

Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez posts/interviews/videos

MLB + DEA tracking down Rameriz’s HCG source

June 26, 2009

Major League Baseball has agreed to cooperate with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in investigating where Manny Ramirez obtained his illegal supply of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). HCG was the drug Ramirez tested positive for — banned only as of last year — which resulted in his 50 day suspension, costing him millions of dollars. It is a female hormone produced by the developing embryo and placenta and is what a pregnancy test is based on.

Why baseball players? The exogenous anabolic steroids they inject cause the natural production of testosterone to decrease or cease altogether, which leads to testicular shrinkage. Without going into detail, injected HCG acts as a different female hormone in the male steroid abuser’s pituitary, which orders the testicles to resume production of testosterone and hopefully restore testicular size. Macho men with raisinuts use female hormone to become “men” again.

And Ron Santo is stll not in the Hall of Fame. Just wrong.

Anyway the DEA is tracking down what doctor prescribed it for him. There are no medical indications for HCG in men – so there is no way to justify it – unlike anabolic steroids and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) where there are some legitimate medical indications. Though nothing a healthy athlete would need.

According to the AP,

ESPN investigators suspect the prescription for HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, was written Pedro Publio Bosch, a doctor in Florida since 1976. His son, Anthony Bosch, supposedly worked as a go-between for the doctor and Ramirez.

============
Alex Rodriguez posts/interviews/videos
Sammy Sosa on 2003 list of positive tests – investigation into possible perjury
Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg on Sammy

Geovany Soto tested positive for marijuana in March

June 25, 2009

Might this be the reason for Soto sucking this year? Not exactly a performance enhancer. Maybe it hanging over his head was affecting him. Guess we’ll see.

Soto tested positive back in March during the World Baseball Classic while he was playing for Puerto Rico. He didn’t play much and shouldn’t have played at all and won’t be able to for the next two years – the penalty imposed by the International Baseball Federation.

His positive test won’t affect his status with the Cubs or MLB. Evidently he knew he tested positive and had told the Cubs. He has never failed a test before.

SOTO:

While I fully acknowledge my inappropriate behavior, I want to assure my fans and my family that this was an isolated incident. I do not say this to minimize or deflect from my conduct and I fully understand the ramifications of my actions. I have and will accept any and all consequences.

I am fully dedicated to the game of baseball and my teammates, and I apologize for any distraction and embarrassment this may cause them.

Finally, I would like to thank the Chicago Cubs organization for its support in this matter. I take great pride in putting on my Cubs uniform every day and I look forward to helping the team achieve a successful season.

CUBS:

Geovany assured the organization this was an isolated incident and a misstep in judgment that will not be repeated. Though surprised and disappointed, the club supports Geovany as he takes responsibility for his actions and accepts the consequences.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Ryne Sandberg: No to Sammy in HOF

June 23, 2009

Audio

Ryne Sandberg was on the “Waddle & Silvy” show on ESPN 1000 for the 25th anniversary of his 2 HR game off Bruce Sutter. Sutter of course has to put up being asked about it every year but being an ex Cub helps as does the fact that Ryno is a Hall of Famer. Then they talked about his AA team Tennessee Smokies and then whether Sammy Sosa should get into the HOF.

Will the Cubs ever honor Sammy despite the news of him cheating?

RYNE SANDBERG: That’s a tough one. I was around Sammy for about five years before I retired [1992-94, 96, 97], and there wasn’t anything going on then. I did admire the hard work he put in. He was one of the first guys down to the batting cage, hitting extra. I figured he was working out hard in the offseason to get bigger. It was just happening throughout the game, that even myself was blinded by what was really happening, maybe starting in the ‘98 season.

I think it’s very unfortunate. I think suspicions were there as they are with some other players. Those players are now put in a category of being tainted players with tainted stats. I think it’s obviously something that was going on in the game. Players participated in it and, as the names have come out, I think that they will be punished for that.

Do you think Sammy belongs in the Hall?

I don’t think so. They use the word ‘integrity’ in describing a Hall of Famer in the logo of the Hall of Fame, and I think there are gonna be quite a few players that are not going to get in. It’s been evident with the sportswriters who vote them in, with what they’ve done with Mark McGwire getting in the 20 percent range. We have some other players … like [Rafael] Palmeiro coming up soon, and it’ll be up to the sportswriters to speak loud and clear about that. I don’t see any of those guys getting in.

What if they get a separate wing in the Hall? [Crazy question]

I don’t even think I’d be in favor of that. I think it’s sending the wrong message. It’s something that’s against the law and against society. It was cheating in the sport. I don’t think the Hall will accept that or go that route. I think it has to be spoken very loud and clear on the stance, and baseball needs to stand, as they have. I’m very, very satisfied with the testing program they have in place now. For a guy who’s tested positive today under what happens now, like Manny Ramirez, it almost takes an idiot to participate in that. So, for the society, for the up-and-coming players and youth out there, I don’t think those guys should be recognized at all.

I agree. Sammy shouldn’t be given any type of ceremony at Wrigley. And the corked bat was enough to rule out the Hall of Fame. It took till this year for Fergie to be recognized and get his number retired and only because Greg Maddux had the same number. And what’s with the separate hall nonsense. There should be a separate wing for Ronnie.

Source: ESPN CHICAGO

Gen Dunwoody tosses first pitch at Yankees game (6-14)

June 15, 2009

Well I got a little distracted in my previous post. I meant to comment on the Yankees’ tribute to the United States Armed Forces and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation on Flag Day (yesterday). I was looking for photos/video and got side-tracked by the new digs of General Ann E Dunwoody - the first ever female 4-star Army general and then continued to digress.

It took 45 minutes of searching today, including a curious redirection from the Special Ops site to the Dept of Defense, to find some photos, which of course weren’t in the usual places: Yankees.com, ESPN, MLB, AP or Reuters. And there was no official video to be found – even on Military.com or the Army Materiel Command site – where I should have started out. Maybe somebody at the game will post one on YouTube. I would like to see the General’s form. Something tells me it would be a tad better than Skiles’.

Not to take anything away from heroes in their own right, photos and videos were easily available of Flight 1549’s First Officer Jeff Skiles and both of Captain Sullenberger’s ceremonial tosses but not Gen Dunwoody’s, who happens to outrank former USAF Captain, Captain Sullenberger by four stars and then some and who I’m sure made some of her own spectacular landings during dicey circumstances — feet first — during the first Gulf War, and whose military pedigree extends back to the Revolutionary War.

Americans, young girls especially, should get to see the heroes who go about their business and never end up being praised on the Morning Talk Show circuit or have their courageous deeds remunerated and immortalized in Hollywood movies.

Women/girls watched Secretary of State Hillary Clinton put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling - how many know how Gen Dunwoody exploded through the brass ceiling or are even aware that she did?

“Premiere logistician” General Dunwoody has served in the Army since 1975 and has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, SWASM (two campaign stars), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Watch her Nov 14, 2008 – 4th star ceremony – the actual pinning done by a shaky-handed husband.

DUNWOODY: I’ve heard from moms and dads who see this promotion as a beacon of hope for their own daughters and an affirmation that anything is possible through hard work and commitment.

According to written accounts, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachuted into Yankee Stadium in perfect formation – followed by the playing of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) video. Marine Sergeant Keith Zeier, along with Courtney and Hillary Robinson, daughters of deceased Lieutenant Colonel Craig Robinson [read inspiring back story] then accepted donations ($95K) on behalf of the SWOF Foundation, which “provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations people who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations people and their families.”

The West Point Color Guard presented the colors while country singer and former U.S. Army Elite Task Force Ranger Keni Thomas, who was a member of the Army unit that fought at the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia, sang the National Anthem.

And then Commanding General for the U. S. Army Material Command, Gen Ann E Dunwoody, threw a perfect strike.

If anyone has run across a video, we’d really appreciate your letting us know.

Photos courtesy of SFC RICHARD GUZMAN USAREC

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, on the mound at NY Yankee vs. NY Mets game June 14 in honor of Military Appreciation Day at the stadium.

Gen Dunwoody with Yankees Manager and ex-Cubbie, Joe Giardi

Members of the US ARMY Golden Knights.

I would like to know what their thoughts were as they shook the hand of the first female 4-star Army General.

A pix that makes me a very proud American.

More photos on flickr

Manny Ramirez caught cheating, out 50 games

May 7, 2009

I hope they a get picked off one by one. Seeing pitching greats Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux get their numbers retired last week reminded me how great baseball can be without cheaters. Fortunately, whatever happens with Clemens, Maddux has one more than him and always will.

As for Manny Ramirez – he tested positive for a banned performance enhancer, which according to “sources” is not a steroid – it’s HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is what the embryo and placenta produces and is what a pregnancy test is based on. Yes, if he was actually taking it – he would have had a positive urine pregnancy test. Could be why he’s not fighting the suspension.

His suspension is 50 games – would be able to return July 3rd. He will lose about $7.65 million of his $25 million and I’m sure potential endorsement deals.

Ramirez statement:

Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I’ve taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons.

I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I’m sorry about this whole situation.

He gets credit for being a man and taking his punishment and actually apologizing straight up.

He’s #17 in all time home runs:
Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey, Jr, Sammy Sosa, Frank Robinson, Mark McGwire, Harmon Killebrew, Rafael Palmeiro, Reggie Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Jim Thome, Mickey Mantle, Jimmie Foxx, Manny Ramirez = cheaters.

Source: SI.com

A-Roid

60 Minutes interview denying it
Interview with Peter Gammons (text)
Interview with Gammons (video)
Calls SI writer, Selena Roberts, a liar
Press conference (text)
Press conference (video)
Selena Roberts’ book out May 15

Denise Richards sang in honor of her mother

May 6, 2009

I really don’t understand the fuss about Denise Richards’ singing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley last week. So she didn’t sing the greatest. Big deal. She wasn’t there to sing. Well she was, but she wasn’t there as a singer. They are called “guest conductors” for a reason - most of them can’t sing - even some of the folks who sing for a living. Peter Cetera didn’t sound so hot the next day. That’s not the point. The point is they have the courage to get up there and how much enthusiasm they show while they’re doing it. And on that she was 2 for 2.

I read a post by some guy who said it’s time to stop the tradition. He clearly doesn’t go to Wrigley nor can he be a fan. It’s part of the Wrigley tradition. Not only does it harken back to Harry Carey, it harkens back to Jeff Gordon and Ozzie and Mike Ditka and I suppose, now Denise Richards. It’s a time to stand up and sing with the rest of the crowd…just in case there’s no singing at the end of the game.

It’s not meant as a singing competition. Ron Santo is not blessed with a singing voice but there’s no one who gets a louder ovation. It’s the enthusiasm and it’s that moment of suspense before they sing: a 1, a 2, a 3…when you wonder are they going to sink or swim.

Leave her alone. She was in Chicago for a fundraiser for the Kidney Cancer Association in memory of her mother, who died from it last year. While there, she asked the Cubs folks in attendance if she could set up an information booth at Wrigley - they said yes, would you sing? And she did - in memory of her mother.

And what did she get for it? An internet bashing.

She was there for a good cause. She was there to remember and honor her mother. She had her reality film crew following her. And as someone who grew up a Cubfan, she got to sit in the booth with Pat & Ron and get a glimpse of the great view. They enjoyed her and she them. And while she was there, Ryan Theriot got a grand slam and she was treated to Pat’s call and Ronnie’s scream - something most every Cubfan would sing for.

Pat & Ron & Fergie, the male model

May 3, 2009

Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux had their numbers retired at Wrigley today. Check out the videos below. Prior to singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Fergie talked with Pat & Ron and as usual the conversation went in an unexpected direction.

Turns out Fergie was a male model in Canada. So Pat wants to know what kind of modeling he did.

PAT: No flexing involved?

FERGIE: I modeled clothes.

RON: He always asking questions like that.

PAT: Ron, have you ever modeled?

RON: They wanted me in Playgirl and I said no.

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#31 Retirement Ceremony Fergie Jenkins & Greg Maddux
WGN John Williams intervies Fergie Jenkins

#31 Retirement Ceremony, Fergie Jenkins, Greg Maddux

May 2, 2009

Fergie Jenkins (long overdue) and Greg Maddux were honored today at Wrigley by having their numbers retired. They each got their own #31 flag.

Left Field: Ernie Banks #14, Ron Santo #1o, Fergie Jenkins #31

Right Field: Billie Williams #26, Ryne Sandburg #23, Greg Maddux #31

Both of them were assigned their numbers by Yosh - Fergie wanting 13 - Maddux’s was waiting for him in his locker.

Video courtesy of lEverything

PART 1

PART 2

Both underrated and understated. Their stats a tribute to their hard work, preparation, mental and physical toughness, love of Wrigley and the intangible - love of the game. Both played for the Cubs twice in a non-pitcher’s park and on teams that were not winning machines. They could both hit and field and were “players” not pitchers as Ronnie likes to say. Maddux was never injured, barely missed a start and won 355 games, which will never be eclipsed. Fergie had 6 20-win seasons - 5 in a row - which never be repeated.

And they both won without cheating.

Just a few stats

FERGUSON JENKINS
284 Wins
3.34 ERA
3192 strikeouts
1971 Cy Young Award
1991 Hall of Fame

GREG MADDUX
355 Wins
3.16 ERA
3371 Strikeouts
4 Cy Young Awards

WGN's John Willliams interviews Fergie Jenkins

May 2, 2009

Worth listening to. April 16th WGN interview - John Williams and Ferguson Jenkins talk about baseball, what Fergie’s up to, the old Cubbies, today’s players and their salaries. It took 6 20-win seasons for Fergie to make $100K. How much does Soriano get to jog to first and hop out in left?

Fergie always brings up how bad he wants to coach. Billie, Ronnie, Ernie and Ryno are all directly involved with the Cubbies and Fergie has always been the odd man out. He would give anything to coach. He says it each time he’s on and nobody in the Cubs organization hears him. It’s wrong. Depending on his present finances - he’d probably do it for free.

I hope the way overdue retirement of his number is just the start. It would be great to see him around like the other guys.

WGN

Baseball was Fergie’s third sport. He played hockey and played with the Harlem Globetrotters