Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Actual Phils items for sale on Ebay
A case of 75 Reading Phillies souvenir programs
Cost: $49
Description: I'm all about sports memorabilia, and a minor league program with Ryan Howard on the front is an awesome keepsake. Two or three is even better. 75 is not.
Official Phillies billards table cover
Cost: $499
Description: For about $480 less, you can buy a red tablecloth and slap a Phils logo on there. I'm just saying.
16 tix to the June 13 game against Boston
Cost: $5,000
Description: To be fair, these sound like great seats. But it's still nearly $315 a person just for the chance to hang out with Boston fans for three hours. The beer costs alone to make that tolerable will run you another $90 easy.
A game-worn Ken Dowell jersey
Cost: $75
Description: Dowell appeared in 15 games for the Phillies in 1987, collecting five hits and one RBI. He had no other major league experience. Unless you're his mom, you shouldn't be bidding on this.
A set of Phillies children's bedroom furniture
Cost: $475
Description: Includes a toy chest, a rocking chair, director's chair, a step up, a table lamp, and a clothes tree. Too bad your kid will have to sleep on the non-Phillies rug because you can’t afford a bed.
A $1,250 Phillies watch
Cost: $1,250
Description: This watch, with Phillies logo displayed prominently on the front, costs 100 times more than what you should be paying for a gimmick watch.
A case of reusable Phils shopping bags from 1972
Cost: $90
Description: Again, one bag is an awesome souvenir. A case of them either makes you a packrat or someone who buys way too many groceries.
An Adam Eaton autographed baseball
Cost: $25
Description: Also available on Ebay -- P Adam Eaton, recently cut by the Orioles, available for just $20. Cash only, no refunds.
Monday, May 18, 2009
24, Day 7.1
We're through another day of Jack Bauer, and you know what that means: Time for tomorrow's front page.
Make sure to click on the picture to open up the whole front page. After it opens a new window, hold your mouse over the pic for a second and click on the little box on the bottom right.
Make sure to click on the picture to open up the whole front page. After it opens a new window, hold your mouse over the pic for a second and click on the little box on the bottom right.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Chapters from my upcoming book "Chicken soup for the Philadelphia Sports Fan's Soul"
Chapter 2
Unleashing your inner Flying Hawaiian
Chapter 4
Eagles greats divisible by 20
(Dawkins, #20; Brookshier, #40; Bednarik, #60)
Chapter 6
Acceptable times to use the Rocky theme outside of Philly
and other comical myths
Chapter 7
Cowboys anagrams: A scam? Wrong, ya S-O-B!
Chapter 9
Literary parallels:
Shakespeare's Richard III and the 2001 76ers
Chapter 12
Flyers fans: Fartsmells or Brindamorons?
Chapter 15
How to mispronounce athletes names
(including Brian Westerbrook!)
Chapter 16
Why I hate NFC championship games
Chapter 18
The Phillies still love you
Order your copy today!
Unleashing your inner Flying Hawaiian
Chapter 4
Eagles greats divisible by 20
(Dawkins, #20; Brookshier, #40; Bednarik, #60)
Chapter 6
Acceptable times to use the Rocky theme outside of Philly
and other comical myths
Chapter 7
Cowboys anagrams: A scam? Wrong, ya S-O-B!
Chapter 9
Literary parallels:
Shakespeare's Richard III and the 2001 76ers
Chapter 12
Flyers fans: Fartsmells or Brindamorons?
Chapter 15
How to mispronounce athletes names
(including Brian Westerbrook!)
Chapter 16
Why I hate NFC championship games
Chapter 18
The Phillies still love you
Order your copy today!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Fun with Phils stats
What have we learned so far?
We've learned the Phils have outscored their opponents in every inning this year. And you can miss the start of Phils' games, but not the last two innings.
We've learned the Phils have outscored their opponents in every inning this year. And you can miss the start of Phils' games, but not the last two innings.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What happened today in the draft
For those of you who had trouble following all the trades today, here's a simple breakdown of just one of the Eagles' moves:
-- The Eagles start the day with a 3rd round pick (#91) and a 5th rounder (#141), among other picks.
-- They traded the 3rd to the Giants for a new 2009 3rd and a new 2009 5th.
-- They traded the Giants' 3rd to the Seahawks for a 2010 3rd, another 2009 5th and a new 2009 7th.
-- They traded the Seahawks 5th and that #141 pick to the Patriots for CB Ellis Hobbs.
-- They traded the Giants' 5th to the Saints for a 2010 5th and a new 2009 7th.
-- They traded that 2009 7th to the Colts for a 2010 6th.
-- They used the Seahawks' 7th to draft OG Paul Fanaika.
Or, to make it even clearer for you:
Don't know why folks had trouble understanding that.
Later on I'll cover the drafting of LB Jason Phillips, who was selected by the Ravens with the pick they got from the Patriots who got it from the Eagles who got it from the Seahawks who got it from the Lions. I predict he'll be traded to the Packers by June, and to the Lakers a week later.
-- The Eagles start the day with a 3rd round pick (#91) and a 5th rounder (#141), among other picks.
-- They traded the 3rd to the Giants for a new 2009 3rd and a new 2009 5th.
-- They traded the Giants' 3rd to the Seahawks for a 2010 3rd, another 2009 5th and a new 2009 7th.
-- They traded the Seahawks 5th and that #141 pick to the Patriots for CB Ellis Hobbs.
-- They traded the Giants' 5th to the Saints for a 2010 5th and a new 2009 7th.
-- They traded that 2009 7th to the Colts for a 2010 6th.
-- They used the Seahawks' 7th to draft OG Paul Fanaika.
Or, to make it even clearer for you:
Don't know why folks had trouble understanding that.
Later on I'll cover the drafting of LB Jason Phillips, who was selected by the Ravens with the pick they got from the Patriots who got it from the Eagles who got it from the Seahawks who got it from the Lions. I predict he'll be traded to the Packers by June, and to the Lakers a week later.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Proposed Draftsgiving TV schedule
All TV viewing is subject to change, depending on the whims of the crowd.
1200pm
TV1 -- ESPN: Draft preview (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN2: College FB All-Stars
100pm
TV1 -- CNP: Phils vs. Marlins (repeat)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: Nuggets at Hornets (NBA)
200pm
TV1 -- DVD: 2008 World Series, Game 5
TV2 -- PS2: Mortal Kombat II
TV3 -- CBS: Legends of Golf
300pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens
TV3 -- CNP: Delaware at Drexel (Lacrosse)
400pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
500pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
600pm
TV1 -- ESPN: NFL Draft (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: Home Run Derby
TV3 -- TNT: Spurs at Mavs (NBA)
700pm
TV1 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV2 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
TV3 -- CSPAN: Book Festival
800pm
TV1 -- FX: Snakes on a Plane (in HD)
TV2 -- NICK: Spongebob Squarepants
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
900pm
TV1 -- ESPN2: NFL Draft (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NBA Basketball
TV3 -- ESPN: Lakers vs. Jazz (NBA)
1000pm
TV1 -- SPEED: Motorcycle racing
TV2 -- PS2: Simpsons racing
TV3 -- ESPN2: NFL Draft
1100pm
TV1 -- ESPN2: Baseball Tonight (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: Sportscenter
1200am
TV1 -- TCM: The Lion in Winter
TV2 -- SPIKE: From Dusk til Dawn 2
TV3 -- ABCF: Jurassic Park III
Please note: The 705pm Phillies game will be shown via webcast.
1200pm
TV1 -- ESPN: Draft preview (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN2: College FB All-Stars
100pm
TV1 -- CNP: Phils vs. Marlins (repeat)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: Nuggets at Hornets (NBA)
200pm
TV1 -- DVD: 2008 World Series, Game 5
TV2 -- PS2: Mortal Kombat II
TV3 -- CBS: Legends of Golf
300pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens
TV3 -- CNP: Delaware at Drexel (Lacrosse)
400pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
500pm
TV1 -- NBC: Flyers vs. Pens (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
600pm
TV1 -- ESPN: NFL Draft (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: Home Run Derby
TV3 -- TNT: Spurs at Mavs (NBA)
700pm
TV1 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV2 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
TV3 -- CSPAN: Book Festival
800pm
TV1 -- FX: Snakes on a Plane (in HD)
TV2 -- NICK: Spongebob Squarepants
TV3 -- ESPN: NFL Draft
900pm
TV1 -- ESPN2: NFL Draft (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NBA Basketball
TV3 -- ESPN: Lakers vs. Jazz (NBA)
1000pm
TV1 -- SPEED: Motorcycle racing
TV2 -- PS2: Simpsons racing
TV3 -- ESPN2: NFL Draft
1100pm
TV1 -- ESPN2: Baseball Tonight (in HD)
TV2 -- PS2: NHL Hockey
TV3 -- ESPN: Sportscenter
1200am
TV1 -- TCM: The Lion in Winter
TV2 -- SPIKE: From Dusk til Dawn 2
TV3 -- ABCF: Jurassic Park III
Please note: The 705pm Phillies game will be shown via webcast.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Grading the 2008 Eagles draft the right way
To understand where we're headed, we must examine our past. So let's take a look back one year...
2nd round – Trevor Laws
Actual performance: Poor. 11 tackles on the year, though he did record a safety
Anagram performance: Fair. “Wort slaver” and “Straw lover” are fun, but don’t really say much.
2nd round – DeSean Jackson
Actual performance: Great. Top WR on the squad, and a special teams threat.
Anagram performance: Great. “One jackass end” perfectly captures that pre-TD fumble.
3rd Round – Bryan Smith
Actual performance: Poor. Did not appear in a game
Anagram performance: Fair. “Brains myth” and “Many births” cover two potential future scandals.
4th Round – Mike McGlynn
Actual performance: Fair. Only appeared in three games, but could have a role in 09.
Anagram performance: Poor. “Men Gym Clink” gets you nowhere, but there aren’t other good options.
4th Round -- Quintin Demps
Actual performance: Good. Solid return man, needs to improve at DB quickly.
Anagram performance: Good. “End mint quips” doesn’t make much sense, but it’s catchy.
4th Round -- Jack Ikegwuonu
Actual performance: Incomplete. Spent the year injured, could be a solid DB.
Anagram performance: Poor: Neither “A Juice Gunk Wok” nor “I Nuke Wacko Jug” show true insight.
6th Round – Mike Gibson
Actual performance: Poor. Did not appear in a single game.
Anagram performance: Great. “Mike is bong” is awesome, as is “Big smoke-in.”
6th Round – Joe Mays
Actual performance: Poor. Six games, no tackles from this LB.
Anagram performance: Good. “Some joy” is boring, but “Jam ye so” is great for an LB.
6th Round – Andy Studebaker
Actual performance: Poor. Cut from the team.
Anagram performance: High. “Astray Debunked” and “Add Turkey Beans” are both hilarious in their own way.
7th Round – King Dunlap
Actual performance: Fair. He hasn’t done anything, but he’s still on the team.
Anagram performance: High. They guy’s name is already ridiculous. You have to reverse anagram it to “Dan Glunnik” just to make sense of it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Pre-Draftsgiving quiz
Are you ready for this weekend? Find out by testing your NFL knowledge with the quiz below:
-------------------------------------------------
Scoring Key
9-10 pts -- 3rd Round pick Brian Westbrook
7-8 pts -- 2nd Round pick DeSean Jackson
5-6 pts -- 3rd Round pick Stewart Bradley
3-4 pts -- 2nd Round pick Winston Justice
1-2 pts -- 1st Round pick Freddie Mitchell
0 pts -- 2nd Round pick Kevin Kolb
If you don't believe me, you can check for yourself here and here.
-------------------------------------------------
Draft prospect or Star Wars character?
Pannel EgbohScoring Key
9-10 pts -- 3rd Round pick Brian Westbrook
7-8 pts -- 2nd Round pick DeSean Jackson
5-6 pts -- 3rd Round pick Stewart Bradley
3-4 pts -- 2nd Round pick Winston Justice
1-2 pts -- 1st Round pick Freddie Mitchell
0 pts -- 2nd Round pick Kevin Kolb
If you don't believe me, you can check for yourself here and here.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Getting ready for Draftsgiving 2009
We're just a few days from Draftsgiving, so it's time to start making your preparations. If that doesn't include a trip to Fort Awesome, here are a few changes from the past you need to be aware of:
** The draft starts at 4pm this year. This means the Eagles likely won't pick until after 7 pm. But drinking is still scheduled to commence at 11:45 am.
** Speaking of the Eagles, we're rooting for the Broncos this year. I think the reasons are pretty obvious. Appropriate attire will be your favorite Denver jersey. In lieu of that, pick the jersey of your favorite former Eagle.
** You still need at least three TVs to properly celebrate the holiday. Five is preferable. Seven is just ridiculous.
** There is only one obvious choice for the #1 pick this year. His name is Chase Utley. He already plays for your World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. His preferred sport is irrelevant.
** When in doubt, have another beer. Or another steak. Either will help you get in the holiday mood.
More instructions to come.
** The draft starts at 4pm this year. This means the Eagles likely won't pick until after 7 pm. But drinking is still scheduled to commence at 11:45 am.
** Speaking of the Eagles, we're rooting for the Broncos this year. I think the reasons are pretty obvious. Appropriate attire will be your favorite Denver jersey. In lieu of that, pick the jersey of your favorite former Eagle.
** You still need at least three TVs to properly celebrate the holiday. Five is preferable. Seven is just ridiculous.
** There is only one obvious choice for the #1 pick this year. His name is Chase Utley. He already plays for your World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. His preferred sport is irrelevant.
** When in doubt, have another beer. Or another steak. Either will help you get in the holiday mood.
More instructions to come.
Monday, April 13, 2009
There is no joy in Mudville
Today I got to see my first Phillies' win of the season -- unfortunately, it was also the first Phillies' win of my life that I know Harry Kalas wasn't announcing.
I can't name a more beloved Philadelphia sports figure than Harry. Until I compose myself and think of something better to post, here's one of the highlights of my journalism career.
Click on the picture to read it. Make sure you check out the last few paragraphs.
I can't name a more beloved Philadelphia sports figure than Harry. Until I compose myself and think of something better to post, here's one of the highlights of my journalism career.
Click on the picture to read it. Make sure you check out the last few paragraphs.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
T-shirt suggestions
It's just a few minutes before the opening game of the Phils' title defense -- if you haven't decided what T-shirt to wear yet, why not make your own? Here's some logos you're free to use:
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Meet the new Phillies
We're just a few days away from the World Champions of Baseball resuming play. I know you remember all the regulars from last year (even little Carlos "game winning run" Ruiz) but here's a look at some of the new faces on the team to get you ready for 2009:
Raul Ibanez -- This long-time Seattle outfielder will try and fill Pat Burrell's slow-but-powerful shoes. He's driven in more than 100 runs the last three years, so he should be up to the task.
Chan Ho Park -- The Korean journeyman is the Phillies new fifth starter; He wanted the job so badly he skipped the World Baseball Classic to spend more time in camp.
Marcus Giles --This former Brave is looking to revive his career
Cut from team, nevermind.
John Mayberry Jr. --One of the Phils' top minor league prospects
Sent back down, nevermind
Ronnie Paulino --The front office brought him in to push Coste
Traded from team, nevermind
Mike Koplove --The Phils' AAA pitcher has a chance to make the
Sent back down, nevermind
Sean Jones --This safety has the daunting task of
Plays for the Eagles, nevermind
Carlos Carrasco --He' a long-shot to make the team, but
Sent back down, nevermind
Ummm, yeah. Just really Ibanez and Park, I guess. Although, all Ibanez has to do is hit twice in the World Series, and that should be enough for a second trophy.
Raul Ibanez -- This long-time Seattle outfielder will try and fill Pat Burrell's slow-but-powerful shoes. He's driven in more than 100 runs the last three years, so he should be up to the task.
Chan Ho Park -- The Korean journeyman is the Phillies new fifth starter; He wanted the job so badly he skipped the World Baseball Classic to spend more time in camp.
Marcus Giles --
Cut from team, nevermind.
John Mayberry Jr. --
Sent back down, nevermind
Ronnie Paulino --
Traded from team, nevermind
Mike Koplove --
Sent back down, nevermind
Sean Jones --
Plays for the Eagles, nevermind
Carlos Carrasco --
Sent back down, nevermind
Ummm, yeah. Just really Ibanez and Park, I guess. Although, all Ibanez has to do is hit twice in the World Series, and that should be enough for a second trophy.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Field of 64 ... Philly style
Just like last year, here's a look back at 2008 in Philly sports in NCAA basketball style. Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Now with more Koy than ever!
Now with more Koy than ever!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 best in Philly sports
After last week's downer, it's time to move on and look at the positive. So here are the 10 greatest moments in Philly sports history over the last 20 years.
Moments that just missed the cut:
Aug 2004: T.O.'s 81-yard TD on first pre-season play at home
Jan 1995: Eagles beat Lomas, Lions 58-37
Sep 2000: The Pickle Juice game; Dallas loses 41-14
May 1996: Pat Croce high-fives suits after winning draft lottery
July 1995: Schmidt, Ashburn admitted to HOF
10 -- Jul 2007: Phils lose 10,000th game
As great as seeing two Phils greats inducted in the Hall of Fame on the same day, this moment beats it. A sell-out crowd gives a standing ovation as the losingest franchise in all American sports drops the big 1-0-0-0-0 to the Cardinals. They might be losers, but they’re our losers.
9 -- Dec 1995: The Groundhog Day game
Also known as “They stopped him again!” Barry Switzer sends Emmitt Smith into the Eagles D-line on fourth-and-one, but the refs claim the two-minute warning occurred before the men in green stoned him. After the break, Switzer calls the same play, and Smith picks up even fewer yards. The Eagles kick a FG on the next possession and win 20-17.
8 -- Sep 2007: Phils win NL East on final day
The Mets and Phils entered the day tied atop the NL East. By the time the Phils first inning against the Nads started, the Mets were already down 4-0 to the Marlins. By the time the day was over, Jimmy Rollins had his 20th triple of the year and the Phils were headed to the post-season.
7 -- Jan 2003: Eagles beat Packers in OT 4th and 26
With the Eagles losing by a FG late in the fourth, all the Packers had to do to get to the NFC Championship game was stop Freddie Mitchell from catching a ridiculous last-chance heave down the middle of the field. They couldn’t.
6 -- Dec 2008: Eagles thump Cowboys in finale
For the Eagles to make the playoffs, all they needed were two conference upsets and a home win against the Cowboys on the last day of the season. After the first two improbable games went the right way, the Eagles hung up 27 points in the first half, and embarrassed Tony Romo with two defensive TDs in the second half to win 44-6.
5 -- Oct 1993: Phils beat Braves in NLCS
All-World pitcher Greg Maddux wasn’t a match for Tommy Greene this day. A Darren Daulton double, a Mickey Morandini triple and a Dave Hollins HR gave the Phils a 6-1 lead that even Mitch Williams couldn’t blow, and the team made their first trip to the World Series in a decade.
4 -- May 2000: Flyers down the Pens in fifth OT
In the eighth period of the game, at 2:35 am, Keith Primeau fired a slapshot past Pens goalie Ron Tugnutt to end the third-longest game in NHL history and tie up the Flyers playoff series at 2-2. The loss was a backbreaker for the rival Pens, who went on to lose the series in six games.
3 -- Jun 2001: Iverson steps over Tyrone Lue
You knew the Sixers weren’t going to beat the heavily-favored Lakers. But in overtime of the first game of the Finals, Allen Iverson drained a three, then disgustedly stepped over the Lakers pesky PG as he marched backed down the court. The Sixers stole game one and for a moment you thought it could actually happen.
2 -- Jan 2005: Eagles win the NFC championship
We were beginning to think this would never happen – after three consecutive championship game losses, the Eagles faced the Falcons in Philly for their fourth try at the Super Bowl. TE Chad Lewis broke his foot in the fourth quarter catching the clinching TD. Best moment within the moment: Seeing Dawkins in tears holding up the NFC trophy.
1 -- Oct 2008: Phils win World Series, have a parade
Billy Penn provided a little rain delay to remind us he’s in charge, but the curse was finally lifted when Brad Lidge blew a fastball by Eric Hinske to win the championship at home. The parade on Broad Street took three times longer than it should have because the crowd kept spilling over in front of the floats. WFC. Unbelievable.
In fact, let's relive that last one again.
Moments that just missed the cut:
Aug 2004: T.O.'s 81-yard TD on first pre-season play at home
Jan 1995: Eagles beat Lomas, Lions 58-37
Sep 2000: The Pickle Juice game; Dallas loses 41-14
May 1996: Pat Croce high-fives suits after winning draft lottery
July 1995: Schmidt, Ashburn admitted to HOF
10 -- Jul 2007: Phils lose 10,000th game
As great as seeing two Phils greats inducted in the Hall of Fame on the same day, this moment beats it. A sell-out crowd gives a standing ovation as the losingest franchise in all American sports drops the big 1-0-0-0-0 to the Cardinals. They might be losers, but they’re our losers.
9 -- Dec 1995: The Groundhog Day game
Also known as “They stopped him again!” Barry Switzer sends Emmitt Smith into the Eagles D-line on fourth-and-one, but the refs claim the two-minute warning occurred before the men in green stoned him. After the break, Switzer calls the same play, and Smith picks up even fewer yards. The Eagles kick a FG on the next possession and win 20-17.
8 -- Sep 2007: Phils win NL East on final day
The Mets and Phils entered the day tied atop the NL East. By the time the Phils first inning against the Nads started, the Mets were already down 4-0 to the Marlins. By the time the day was over, Jimmy Rollins had his 20th triple of the year and the Phils were headed to the post-season.
7 -- Jan 2003: Eagles beat Packers in OT 4th and 26
With the Eagles losing by a FG late in the fourth, all the Packers had to do to get to the NFC Championship game was stop Freddie Mitchell from catching a ridiculous last-chance heave down the middle of the field. They couldn’t.
6 -- Dec 2008: Eagles thump Cowboys in finale
For the Eagles to make the playoffs, all they needed were two conference upsets and a home win against the Cowboys on the last day of the season. After the first two improbable games went the right way, the Eagles hung up 27 points in the first half, and embarrassed Tony Romo with two defensive TDs in the second half to win 44-6.
5 -- Oct 1993: Phils beat Braves in NLCS
All-World pitcher Greg Maddux wasn’t a match for Tommy Greene this day. A Darren Daulton double, a Mickey Morandini triple and a Dave Hollins HR gave the Phils a 6-1 lead that even Mitch Williams couldn’t blow, and the team made their first trip to the World Series in a decade.
4 -- May 2000: Flyers down the Pens in fifth OT
In the eighth period of the game, at 2:35 am, Keith Primeau fired a slapshot past Pens goalie Ron Tugnutt to end the third-longest game in NHL history and tie up the Flyers playoff series at 2-2. The loss was a backbreaker for the rival Pens, who went on to lose the series in six games.
3 -- Jun 2001: Iverson steps over Tyrone Lue
You knew the Sixers weren’t going to beat the heavily-favored Lakers. But in overtime of the first game of the Finals, Allen Iverson drained a three, then disgustedly stepped over the Lakers pesky PG as he marched backed down the court. The Sixers stole game one and for a moment you thought it could actually happen.
2 -- Jan 2005: Eagles win the NFC championship
We were beginning to think this would never happen – after three consecutive championship game losses, the Eagles faced the Falcons in Philly for their fourth try at the Super Bowl. TE Chad Lewis broke his foot in the fourth quarter catching the clinching TD. Best moment within the moment: Seeing Dawkins in tears holding up the NFC trophy.
1 -- Oct 2008: Phils win World Series, have a parade
Billy Penn provided a little rain delay to remind us he’s in charge, but the curse was finally lifted when Brad Lidge blew a fastball by Eric Hinske to win the championship at home. The parade on Broad Street took three times longer than it should have because the crowd kept spilling over in front of the floats. WFC. Unbelievable.
In fact, let's relive that last one again.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
10 worst in Philly sports
We've already been through the first three stages of grief (shock, pain, anger) over Dawkins' departure, but before we can move on to stage five (calm rationalization) we need to bulldoze our way through stage four: reflection. So that means ranking where losing the greatest Iggle of the last two decades fits in the worst Philadelphia sports moments of the last 20 years.
I submit it ranks pretty high. Discounting untimely deaths of sports figures (because that's an actual tragedy, not a sports one) and the destruction of the Vet (it sucked, but it didn't make me want to stop watching sports altogether, here's my top ten:
Moments that just missed the cut:
Oct 2007: Phillies swept by Rockies in first round of playoffs
Aug 2005: Terrell Owens threatens holdout
Mar 1993: Reggie White signs with Packers
Jan 2004: Eagles lose NFC Champs to Panthers, 14-3
Dec 2006: Allen Iverson traded to Nuggets
10 -- Dec 1994: Eagles lose last seven games to finish 7-9
Included in that streak was a 31-19 loss to the Cowboys where Randall Cunningham had a fourth-quarter interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown. That was my 18th birthday.
9 -- Jun 1997: Flyers swept by Red Wings in finals
Sweeps are always painful. It had been 10 years since the city had seen great hockey, and that unstoppable “Crazy Eights” line got run over in Ron Hextall’s last chance at a Stanley Cup trophy.
8 -- Jul 2000: Curt Schilling traded to Diamondbacks
We all knew it was coming, we just didn’t know that all the Phils would get back in return were Omar Daal, Travis Lee and Vincente Padilla. Nothing like trading a Hall of Famer for a 20-game loser.
7 -- Jun 2001: Lakers and Kobe beat Sixers in the finals
Why did it have to be Kobe? And did the Lakers really need another one?
6 -- Sep 1997: Hutton fumbles, Eagles lose 21-20 in Dallas
The only regular season game on this list, but undoubtedly the most painful. Tommy Hutton handled the ball more than 800 times in five NFL seasons. Losing a FG snap in the last seconds of a Dallas game is the only one anyone remembers anymore.
5 -- May 2000: Flyers lose conf finals after leading 3-1
The Flyers became the first team ever to lose the conference championship when up three games to one. And they did it to Marty Brodeur and the Devils. And Eric Lindros was killed on the ice in the start of decisive game seven. Good stuff.
4 -- Jan 2005: Eagles lose Super Bowl to Patriots, 24-21
The Patriots were clearly the better team, so there’s some solace in that. But they had the ball with a minute left down by three, and instead of throwing up some points on the board all Donovan McNabb could throw up was air.
3 -- Oct 1993: Phillies lose WS on Joe Carter’s walk-off homer
I’ve finally forgiven Mitch Williams for this blown save. I still haven’t forgiven him for the three other blown saves he had this postseason.
2 -- Feb 2009: Brian Dawkins signs with Broncos
I think this is that bad. Dawkins is (was) the only Hall of Famer on the Eagles, and through all the ups and downs Dawk was always there fighting. He’s the only player in NFL history to have a sack, a fumble recovery and a TD catch in the same game. He’s had at least one interception each of the last 13 years. He has been to seven Pro Bowls. When he held up the NFC championship trophy four years ago, it was one of the greatest sports moments in the city’s history. When he left last week it was one of the worst.
1 -- Jan 2003: Eagles lose NFC Champs to Bucs, 27-10
As bad as Dawk leaving is, it doesn’t top this disaster. This was the Eagles final game at the Vet. They had beaten Tampa in the playoffs the two prior seasons. They took the opening kickoff 80 yards. They were up 7-0 in the first 30 seconds of the game. The Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. We all knew the Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. It was obvious the Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. And three hours later, when they lost a one-sided disaster, none of us understood how or why they weren't going to the Super Bowl. This was the year the Eagles should have won it all, and I’m still waiting for Andy Reid to explain it and apologize adequately.
OK, we're past the mourning now. Next week I'll do the top 10 happy moments and we'll roll with that right into the Phils season.
I submit it ranks pretty high. Discounting untimely deaths of sports figures (because that's an actual tragedy, not a sports one) and the destruction of the Vet (it sucked, but it didn't make me want to stop watching sports altogether, here's my top ten:
Moments that just missed the cut:
Oct 2007: Phillies swept by Rockies in first round of playoffs
Aug 2005: Terrell Owens threatens holdout
Mar 1993: Reggie White signs with Packers
Jan 2004: Eagles lose NFC Champs to Panthers, 14-3
Dec 2006: Allen Iverson traded to Nuggets
10 -- Dec 1994: Eagles lose last seven games to finish 7-9
Included in that streak was a 31-19 loss to the Cowboys where Randall Cunningham had a fourth-quarter interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown. That was my 18th birthday.
9 -- Jun 1997: Flyers swept by Red Wings in finals
Sweeps are always painful. It had been 10 years since the city had seen great hockey, and that unstoppable “Crazy Eights” line got run over in Ron Hextall’s last chance at a Stanley Cup trophy.
8 -- Jul 2000: Curt Schilling traded to Diamondbacks
We all knew it was coming, we just didn’t know that all the Phils would get back in return were Omar Daal, Travis Lee and Vincente Padilla. Nothing like trading a Hall of Famer for a 20-game loser.
7 -- Jun 2001: Lakers and Kobe beat Sixers in the finals
Why did it have to be Kobe? And did the Lakers really need another one?
6 -- Sep 1997: Hutton fumbles, Eagles lose 21-20 in Dallas
The only regular season game on this list, but undoubtedly the most painful. Tommy Hutton handled the ball more than 800 times in five NFL seasons. Losing a FG snap in the last seconds of a Dallas game is the only one anyone remembers anymore.
5 -- May 2000: Flyers lose conf finals after leading 3-1
The Flyers became the first team ever to lose the conference championship when up three games to one. And they did it to Marty Brodeur and the Devils. And Eric Lindros was killed on the ice in the start of decisive game seven. Good stuff.
4 -- Jan 2005: Eagles lose Super Bowl to Patriots, 24-21
The Patriots were clearly the better team, so there’s some solace in that. But they had the ball with a minute left down by three, and instead of throwing up some points on the board all Donovan McNabb could throw up was air.
3 -- Oct 1993: Phillies lose WS on Joe Carter’s walk-off homer
I’ve finally forgiven Mitch Williams for this blown save. I still haven’t forgiven him for the three other blown saves he had this postseason.
2 -- Feb 2009: Brian Dawkins signs with Broncos
I think this is that bad. Dawkins is (was) the only Hall of Famer on the Eagles, and through all the ups and downs Dawk was always there fighting. He’s the only player in NFL history to have a sack, a fumble recovery and a TD catch in the same game. He’s had at least one interception each of the last 13 years. He has been to seven Pro Bowls. When he held up the NFC championship trophy four years ago, it was one of the greatest sports moments in the city’s history. When he left last week it was one of the worst.
1 -- Jan 2003: Eagles lose NFC Champs to Bucs, 27-10
As bad as Dawk leaving is, it doesn’t top this disaster. This was the Eagles final game at the Vet. They had beaten Tampa in the playoffs the two prior seasons. They took the opening kickoff 80 yards. They were up 7-0 in the first 30 seconds of the game. The Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. We all knew the Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. It was obvious the Eagles were going to win and go to the Super Bowl. And three hours later, when they lost a one-sided disaster, none of us understood how or why they weren't going to the Super Bowl. This was the year the Eagles should have won it all, and I’m still waiting for Andy Reid to explain it and apologize adequately.
OK, we're past the mourning now. Next week I'll do the top 10 happy moments and we'll roll with that right into the Phils season.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sports week so far
Rumors are this should be resolved one way or another today. This can't be happening, right?Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Clear, concise research
The Eagles will likely make a decision this week whether to re-sign their longest-tenured and most popular player, S Brian Dawkins. To help with that decision, I humbly submit the following data.
12 years before Dawk: 107-99-2 regular season record (.514)
12 years with Dawk: 116-90-2 regular season record (.556)
12 years before Dawk: 2-6 in the playoffs
12 years with Dawk: 10-8 in the playoffs
12 years before Dawk: 0 NFC champs, 0 Super Bowl visits
12 years with Dawk: 5 NFC champs, 1 Super Bowl visit
12 years before Dawk: 989-1050 Phils record, 0 champs
12 years with Dawk: 1053-1061 Phils record, 1 championship
12 years before Dawk: Zero Arena Bowl Championships
12 years with Dawk: One Arena Bowl Championship
12 years before Dawk: Median Philly income of $24,041 (1990)
12 years with Dawk: Median Philly income of $37,565 (2007)
12 years before Dawk: Average Philly temp of 53.7 F (1984)
12 years with Dawk: Average Philly temp of 54.6 F (2000)
So Philadelphia is warmer, richer and has more championships since Dawkins arrived from Georgia. I think next move for Philadelphia is pretty obvious.
UPDATE: Got the years right on this, finally.
12 years before Dawk: 107-99-2 regular season record (.514)
12 years with Dawk: 116-90-2 regular season record (.556)
12 years before Dawk: 2-6 in the playoffs
12 years with Dawk: 10-8 in the playoffs
12 years before Dawk: 0 NFC champs, 0 Super Bowl visits
12 years with Dawk: 5 NFC champs, 1 Super Bowl visit
12 years before Dawk: 989-1050 Phils record, 0 champs
12 years with Dawk: 1053-1061 Phils record, 1 championship
12 years before Dawk: Zero Arena Bowl Championships
12 years with Dawk: One Arena Bowl Championship
12 years before Dawk: Median Philly income of $24,041 (1990)
12 years with Dawk: Median Philly income of $37,565 (2007)
12 years before Dawk: Average Philly temp of 53.7 F (1984)
12 years with Dawk: Average Philly temp of 54.6 F (2000)
So Philadelphia is warmer, richer and has more championships since Dawkins arrived from Georgia. I think next move for Philadelphia is pretty obvious.
UPDATE: Got the years right on this, finally.
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