And we’re back. Hope everybody had a good Memorial Day Weekend. Due to some internet troubles and a really early morning, today’s note is going to be more link-centered then normal. Still very enjoyable though. Anyway one of the bigger stories over the weekend was Barry Bonds finally passing the Babe on the all-time home run list when Bonds smacked his 715th home run. As we all know Bonds more then likely cheated to reach that number and really no one outside of San Fran cares at this point what Bonds does. Cheating or not, the man is a shell of his former self. He can’t run, he’s a joke in the field, Bonds on Bonds was a frightening experience; in short the man is a train wreck. So with all that you know something had to go wrong when number 715 came along. And of course something did, making the moment even more special.
The radio broadcast cut out. More specifically, the play-by-play guy’s mike cut out. Right in the middle of the moment. Not right before the at-bat or right after, but RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. Here’s the transcript of what Giants fans heard over the radio: “Three-and-two. Finley runs. The payoff pitch, a swing and a drive to deep cen …”. And that was it. Can you imagine, if you actually cared about the Giants/Bonds, hearing that and wondering what happened? Bonds had a home run taken from him by Juan Pierre a couple of weeks ago. He’s hit warning shot bombs many times this season. A drive to deep center could have meant anything. More then anything though I feel for Giants announcer Dave Flemming. This was one of those sports moments where they’d play the broadcast over and over; a piece of history. Flemming’s call would have been a part of history but he never got a chance to make it. His call (or non-call) will still go down in history but most likely not the way he had wanted. For the Bonds-haters amongst us, the radio debacle is like a nice like cherry on top of a really nice sundae. (Link)
Heat on the verge
Looks like the Pistons/Heat series is all but done. The Heat won again last night in Miami to take a 3-1 series lead. Dwyane Wade was pretty nasty in leading Miami to the 89-78 victory. The Pistons look done, they are bickering amongst themselves and it could get ugly. It will be nice to see Shaq and Wade get to the Finals but even nicer will be tonight’s Game 4 in the Suns/Mavs series (8:30 PM ET on TNT). The Heat versus either the Mavs or the Suns should be a lot more exciting then any series involving the Pistons. (Link)
Arenas gets himself arrested
Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas managed to get himself arrested this weekend in Miami. According to press reports Arenas was trying to stick up for his friend and teammate Awvee Storey who was blocking traffic and ignoring police demands he get out of the street. Considering Storey is the Wizards 12th man, at best, one wonders if Wizards mangement will bring the hammer down and send Storey packing. On the bright side Arenas and Storey weren’t alone in lock up, 557 people got arrested in Miami from Thursday to Saturday night during something known as Urban Beach Week. I imagine Arenas is going to look back on this statement he made to police with some regret: “You can’t arrest me. I’m a basketball player. I play for the Washington Wizards, and I’m not going to leave my teammate.” (Link)
Ronaldo wants to come to the US to play
Apparently Ronaldo would like to end his playing career playing in the MLS. Now admittedly Ronaldo is past his prime, and he’s still under contract to Real Madrid, but he would be a huge get for the MLS. Perhaps the most important part of this story is the fact that Ronaldo has already turned down a reported 10 year, $120 million contract from the New York Red Bulls. Who knew an MLS team had that kind of money to throw around? Thats NBA/MLB type money. Can the MLS really support that kind of adjustment to their salary structure? I guess Red Bull really does give you wings. (Link)
Odds and Ends
Via the boys at Deadspin, we give you the sickest soccer highlight video you’ll see for quite some time. Zindine and Ronaldinho show their stuff. Even if you don’t like soccer you need to check out what these guys can do with a ball. I can’t wait for the World Cup. (Video Link)
Speaking of Deadspin, we here at the Sports Note got a shout out from the big league boys for our Matthew LeCroy coverage last week. We’re on our way boys.
Amare Stoudimire is changing his number for next year. First Kobe goes from 8 to 24, now Amare is going from 32 to 1. This makes no sense to me. Players not sticking with one team for their whole careers, ok I can understand that. But at least stick with one number. How hard is that? (Link)
Pat Robertson is a liar and a lunatic but you probably already knew that. So what does that have to do with sports? Well Robertson, while promoting his energy drink (yes, everyone has an energy drink now), is claiming he can leg press 2,000 lbs. 2000. And he’s 72 years old. Slate’s Mike DeBonis examines the holy man’s claim. (Link)
Jason Whitlock covers Danica Patrick and the Indy 500. No comment. (Link)
The NCAA baseball tournament bracket’s were released. (Link)
0 Responses to “A drive to deep cen…”
Leave a Reply