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Brewers Lose to the Cardinals in 2012 MLB Opening Series at Miller Park
It was a beautiful opening Day at Miller Park as the Milwaukee Brewers began their journey down a long road in defense of their Central Division Title with the first obstacle in the road being the rivaled St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, when all was said and done at the end of the first game of the three-game series, the score was: Cardinals 11, Brewers 3.
What can you say? Some times it’s just not your day for a win. All teams face the same experience. You hate to see the Brewers fall so short on Opening Day, but the game opened with some very memorable notes.
Series’ Memorable Moments
Ryan Braun
Although Ryan Braun went 0-for-5 on this opening day 2012, the lasting image for both fans and players alike will certainly be the roaring 20 second ovation that Ryan Braun received from the sellout crowd at Miller Park in his first home game after the controversy over his positive drug-test.
Braun offered the sellout crowd a slight tip of his batting helmet and quickly stepped into the batter’s box to cut short the ovation as he came to the plate in the bottom of the first inning. “It’s always a little bit uncomfortable because you don’t want to take away from the game. You never want to be disrespectful to an opponent,” he said. “It’s not really something that you can be prepared for or know what to do. I just kind of wanted to get the at-bat underway,” said Braun. “I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. It meant a lot to me.”
Corey Hart
In the second game of the regular season series, Corey Hart homered twice after coming off of DL from knee surgery, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0 on Saturday.
Norichika Aoki
In the third game of the series at Miller Park Sunday, Norichika Aoki registered his first hit in the major leagues, singling in a pinch-hit. Aoki, who appeared in his second at-bat after striking out in his major league debut Friday, reached for a line drive to left field and came around to score on Alex Gonzalez’s double.
The Brewers finished their 2012 outfield and filled their 40-man roster back in January by importing three-time Japanese batting champion Aoki on a two-year contract with a club option for 2014.
Go Brewers!
Ryan Braun Wins Appeal – MLB Officials Upset at Ruling
After the word was leaked that Ryan Braun had tested positive for a substance banned in the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s drug policy, a 50-game suspension seemed all but imminent. However, Braun appealed the positive test and attended a hearing before a three-man arbitration panel in New York on January 19th and 20th. Attorney David Cornwell presented Braun’s case against the test result and suspension.
Today it was announced by the MLB and the players’ union that Ryan Braun has indeed won his appeal, thereby averting the 50-game suspension. The decision came just one day before Braun is expected to arrive at the Brewers’ spring training camp in Arizona.
Someone familiar with the decision said the appeal went Braun’s way not so much on contesting the result of the test, but the actual testing process itself. One Arbitrator, Shyam Das, decided to rule in favor of a technicality, making it a 2-1 decision in favor of Ryan Braun.
MLB Officials Upset at Appeal Results
MLB officials are not pleased with how this process played out and announced that they will be making a statement in support of the drug testing process – stating that they “vehemently disagree” with the arbitrator’s decision.
The Vice President of the MLB labor relations, Rob Manfred, said in a statement:
“Major League Baseball considers the obligations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essential to the integrity of our game, our Clubs and all of the players who take the field. It has always been Major League Baseball’s position that no matter who tests positive, we will exhaust all avenues in pursuit of the appropriate discipline. We have been true to that position in every instance, because baseball fans deserve nothing less.
“As a part of our drug testing program, the Commissioner’s Office and the Players Association agreed to a neutral third party review for instances that are under dispute. While we have always respected that process, Major League Baseball vehemently disagrees with the decision rendered today by arbitrator Shyam Das.”
Braun is believed to be the first player to successfully appeal a drug suspension under Major League Baseball’s policy.
Braun is expected to address the ruling when he reports Friday.
The Packers give up their Bid for the Super Bowl
The pre playoff preparation work was done. The Green Bay Packers had a game plan and fine-tuned their plan by practicing the plays over, and over, and over…
They studied videotape, met with their respective position coordinators to go over the myriad possibilities of any given snap-play. They even tried to account for just about everything but that which no one could ever expect to prepare: the unpredictable bounce of a cold, oblong ball… and fate!
The Packers believed they were ready, physically and mentally, for their NFC divisional playoff game against the Giants at Lambeau Field, but after two weeks of structure and go, go, go, the final moments were tough as they watched their bid for the Super Bowl disappear.
Game day is here and over. And even though the season started with the NFL Lockout, these Green Bay Packers were set to host their first playoff game since 2007 when the New York Giants beat them in the NFC Championship Game. Well, the Giants did it again against the 15-1 Green Bay Packers again at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ offense was plagued with fumbles, dropped passes, and overthrows as the Giants eliminated them touchdown after touchdown. Eli Manning who was 21 of 33, with 330 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, was sharper than Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and they simply could not overcome their three fumbles. Maybe rust was a factor, and Rodgers’ three week stay from playing was a very bad idea? After all, this wasn’t no Packers vs. Bears rivalry game, this was the playoffs!
Nevertheless, both the offense and defense were lethargic and the rest is history now. Although the Packers were driving to tie at the start of the fourth quarter, Rodgers simply couldn’t connect with tight end Jermichael Finley on third and 5 at the Giants’ 39. The next play Rodgers was sacked, and the Giants took over to put together a 10-play field goal drive to take a 23-13 lead. Not to mention playing against a Giants defense dead set on covering as many receivers as possible, Rodgers had a little running room and finished with 66 yards on seven scrambles.
Safety Morgan Burnett had an interception to thwart one drive, and Brad Jones blocked a field goal. And let’s not forget that veteran Donald Driver set the franchise record for postseason receptions. But despite these highlights, this was not the same Packers offense that drove the Packers to a 15-1 record. Rodgers missed throws, numerous receivers dropped passes, and the line was shaky with Green Bay using both Chad Clifton and Marshall Newhouse at left tackle.
The Giants covered very well and refused to give up the big play. The Packers had one pass play of 20 yards or more. All year, Dom Capers hasn’t been able to fluster quarterbacks without blitzing, and a comfortable Manning made plays all game. With 15 seconds left, the back-breaker came at the end of the first half when Ahmad Bradshaw – running diagonally across the field – scampered for 23 and managed to get out of bounds to set up Nicks’ 37-yard touchdown. That play was the impending blow that sent the Giants into halftime with all the momentum necessary to carry them to a victory.
Son of Packers Offensive Coordinator Drowns in Oshkosh
Officials said today that Michael Philbin, 21, the son of Green Bay Packers coach Joe Philbin, made a “non-distress” phone call to a friend shortly before he was heard shouting for help as he apparently tumbled into the icy Fox River.
Michael Philbin was reported missing around 8 p.m. Sunday, after not returning to the residence in Oshkosh where he was staying, Oshkosh police said. Philbin was visiting friends at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and made a phone call from the area around the river around 2:10 a.m. Sunday morning. Police said they are asking anyone that was with Philbin at the time to come forward with any information.
Investigators believe Philbin traveled the 20 miles from his home in Ripon to Oshkosh to visit friends. The group went out on Saturday night in the campus area but somehow Philbin got separated from them. Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of Michael Philbin, but are trying to determine whether alcohol was a factor. Police said they will not know the cause of death until autopsy and toxicology results are returned in about four weeks.
Authorities were notified of the incident when a security guard at AxleTech, a company near the Fox river in Oshkosh, called around 2:30 a.m. Sunday after hearing someone shout for help, and seeing someone near the river. Police, fire, and dive team patrols searched the area, but did not find anyone on Sunday. A fresh search was conducted on Monday and Philbin was found around 3:15 p.m. approximately 30 yards from shore. Police did not reveal the identity of the body as Philbin until Tuesday morning, pending notification of the family. Michael Philbin is the second-oldest of six children to Joe Philbin and his wife, Diane.
In a statement released by the Packers Tuesday afternoon, Joe Philbin thanked local authorities for their efforts and compassion.
Joe Philbin has been with the Packers since 2003, and has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2007.Though head coach Mike McCarthy calls the offensive plays, Philbin plays an active role in game-planning.
In a news release issued Tuesday morning, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said, “The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe, his wife, Diane, and the Philbin family as they cope with their loss. This is an emotional and difficult time for them, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy. All of us in the Packers family share in their grief.”
Packers: 16-0 Doesn’t mean Squat without the Lombardi Trophy
With yesterday’s 46-16 home rout of the Oakland Raiders, the Green Bay Packers brushed aside a playoff contender by halftime to win their 19th straight, moved a game away from clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and, at 13-0, kept the possibility of a perfect season squarely in sight. The Packers have the ability and type of remaining schedule to go 16-0 and they should finish the regular season undefeated.
This year, I thought it was going to be the three games in 11 days, but they passed that test. Looking at their remaining schedule – home vs. the Oakland Raiders, then at Kansas City, home vs. the Chicago Bears, and home vs. the Detroit Lions – they can finish undefeated. At this point the only way they don’t go undefeated, is if they defeat themselves.
With that said, its relevant that they are still playing for home field advantage throughout the playoffs, which they could lock up with a win and San Francisco loss. The only team remaining that worries me is the Detroit Lions. The Bears will be tough as usual, but their offense is struggling. Detroit plays dirty and hits after the whistle, and I prefer to keep our players upright and out of harms way. With that in mind,16-0 is fantastic, but I want back-to-back Lombardi Trophies!
The playoffs are a different animal and anything can happen. There are a couple of teams that will be tough the second time around, like the Saints, Falcons and Giants. The Giants did lose to New England on the last week of the regular season in 2007 and then went on to beat them the second time in the Super Bowl. In 2009, the Indianapolis Colts went 14-0 and lost their last two regular season games and then lost to the Saints in the Super Bowl. Dating back to last season, the Packers are 19-0, and if they finish 16-0 they will be 22-0 since last year. The Green Bay Packers are 33-8 since 2009. Just think how amazing that is!
In my opinion if they finish the regular season undefeated, they better be sure to win the Super Bowl. I would prefer them to have a year like last year, where they finished 10-6, got hot and won the Super Bowl. Do we want a 16-0 season – Yes! Do we want a Super Bowl win – Yes! Do I think the Pack can do both in the same season and be the first to do so since the Miami Dolphins – Yes!
Let’s sit back and continue to enjoy this incredible NFL ride the Packers are taking us on!
Ryan Braun Tests Positive for Performance Enhancing Substance — May Face 50 Game Suspension
AP — New York
Milwaukee Brewer and National League MVP Ryan Braun has tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, a case still under appeal to an arbitrator under Major League Baseball’s drug program, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke Saturday night on condition of anonymity because the appeal is still ongoing. The positive test was first reported by ESPN.
If Braun’s appeal is denied, the Milwaukee Brewers star would be subject to a 50-game suspension.
Braun tested positive for elevated testosterone, ESPN said, adding that a later test determined the testosterone was synthetic.
If suspended, Braun would be eligible to return for Milwaukee’s May 31 game at the Los Angeles Dodgers, barring any postponements. He would miss the first 57 days of the major league season, losing about $1.87 million of his $6 million salary.
“There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence and demonstrate that there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program,” Braun’s representatives at the Creative Artists Agency said in a statement. “While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident that he will ultimately be exonerated.”
Under Major League Baseball’s drug program, if a player appeals a first positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, an announcement isn’t made until after a decision. Appeals usually are heard by Shyam Das.
The person familiar with the situation said Braun and others involved in the appeals process have known about the positive test since late October.
MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Policy calls for strict liability among players, meaning if a player tests positive, the league is “not required to otherwise establish intent, fault, negligence or knowing use of a Prohibited Substance on the Player’s part to establish such a violation.”
Even if a player can establish he did not knowingly take a banned substance, he must show he was not in any way negligent to appeal successfully. For example, taking a dietary supplement that contains an unlabeled performance-enhancing drug would not be sufficient grounds for appeal, but if he were to show that he ingested something that was either tampered with or no player reasonably could have assumed to have been contaminated, the appeal might succeed.
The 28-year-old outfielder hit .312 with 33 homers and 111 RBIs this year and led Milwaukee to the NL championship series, where the Brewers lost to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Braun already was signed through 2015 when the Brewers gave him a new deal running through 2020 that added $105 million and guaranteed him a total of $145.5 million over a decade.
The Packers are the NFC North Division Champions for 2011
Following the Lions’ loss in New Orleans on Sunday night, the Green Bay Packers are the NFC North Division champions for 2011. That result, combined with the Packers’ 38-35 win over the New York Giants earlier in the day, clinched the 2011 championship crown for the first time since 2007.
Should the Packers win home field advantage throughout the playoffs, they would need to only win twice at Lambeau Field in the postseason to return to the Super Bowl. Last season, the Packers won three times on the road in the postseason en route to the Super Bowl XLV title.
The Packers currently rank number one in the NFL in scoring at 34.7 points per game. Their 382 points this season are the most in franchise history through 11 games and the fourth most by an NFL team through 11 contests since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. The Packers have scored at least 24 points in every game this season, the only team in the NFL to accomplish that feat in 2011 and the first defending Super Bowl champion to do so. It is the franchise record for most consecutive 24-point games in a single season, topping the previous mark of eight games in 1963.
The Spotlight shines on Donald Driver again
That was the message the veteran receiver sent in Sunday’s game. Driver enjoyed a two-touchdown game for the first time in six years in helping the Packers to their 38-35 victory.
Driver came into Sunday’s game with just two touchdowns on the season and no more than four catches in any given game, but he doubled his touchdown total to match the four he had last season. “I just had fun today,” said Driver, who scored on short TD passes in the second and fourth quarters.
On his first score, Driver was left all alone in the end zone when it appeared New York’s coverage was focused on Nelson. The throw was a little low, but he made sure to secure the 13-yard catch by tumbling to the ground.
His second score was vintage Driver, as the 13-year veteran stayed alive in the back of the end zone as quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambled to his right. Rodgers fired to the sideline and Driver made a picture-perfect tip-toe catch for a key score that gave the Packers a 35-27 lead.
As a result of the win in New York on Sunday, the Packers will enjoy their first “Victory Monday” of the season, which means Monday will be an off day for them and they won’t return to practice until Wednesday. The Packers will host the Raiders at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
“I hope we’re in position to talk about it,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said of the team’s quest for an undefeated season. McCarthy said his team’s next immediate goal is to secure home field advantage for the playoffs. The Packers currently have a two-game lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the home field advantage race.
Former Packer Johnny Jolly Sentenced to Six Years Prison
AP — Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday for violating the terms of his probation for a conviction of being possession of a compound containing codeine.
State District Judge Denise Bradley imposed the sentence despite tearful pleas from Jolly and his mother, Phyllis Jolly, to allow the 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman to be treated for his addiction to codeine instead of going to prison. Jolly’s aunt, agent and drug counselor also testified on his behalf.
“I want to go to rehab to get help,” Jolly told the judge as he wiped away tears with a tissue.
After a traffic stop in Houston in October Jolly, 28, was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine, a controlled substance. He also was charged with tampering with evidence for attempting to conceal the substance from the investigating officers.
Jolly’s truck was pulled over after he was seen throwing a bag out of the window. The bag wasn’t recovered, but Jolly was seen dumping a cup believed to contain codeine on the floor of his vehicle. Two bottles believed to contain codeine were recovered from the vehicle.
The arrest put Jolly in jeopardy of receiving prison time because in April he had pleaded guilty to a codeine possession charge in a deal that wiped out an earlier charge and spared him from prison unless he stumbled again.
After the hearing, Jolly’s attorney, Letitia Quinones, told The Associated Press that the player spent eight weeks in court-ordered rehab after his second arrest, but has only recently faced up to his codeine addiction. “I don’t look at Johnny as a criminal,” Quinones said. “I look at him as an addict.”
Jolly, who grew up in Houston, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Packers in 2006 after playing at Texas A&M. He was a starter for the Packers in 2008 and 2009. However, he sat out the 2010 season after being suspended by the NFL indefinitely the previous July.
The Packers Smash the Vikings!
The Green Bay Packers Chalk up another victory as Aaron Rodgers continued on his seemingly unstoppable march to league MVP honors. Overall the Packers remain the NFL’s lone undefeated team, and if they can just count on a defense to complement their high-octane offense, they just might be unstoppable.
The NFL’s reigning champions improved to 9-0 for the fourth time in the franchise’s history by overwhelming the Minnesota Vikings 45-7, sweeping the border war for two consecutive years. Green Bay extended its franchise-best winning streak, which includes last year’s run to Super Bowl XLV, to 15 games. A second-round rookie out of Kentucky, Randall Cobb, got it all started for the Packers.
After the Packers’ defense forced the Vikings to go three-and-out on their first possession, Cobb fielded a punt from Chris Kluwe and squeezed through a seam in the middle of the field. Cobb accelerated down the left sideline and danced the final few steps into the end zone, tossing the ball in the air as if he was shooting a basketball before doing a “Lambeau leap” into the stands. Cobb also had a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Packers’ season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers’ scoring strikes to Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson helped build the lead to 24-0 early in the third quarter. “We’re playing with the best quarterback in the game right now,” said Nelson, who had the first two-TD game of his four-year career. “It’s an honor and a privilege, and we’re just enjoying every minute of it right now.”
The Packers Defense comes Alive!
The real surprise came on the other side of the ball: A defense that finally showed it can take charge of a game. The 30th-ranked Packers defense turned in one of its strongest efforts of the season, surrendering just 266 yards.
Entering Monday night with only three sacks in the Packers’ first eight games, the Green Bay Packers’ primary pass rusher, Clay Matthews, took down Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder twice. “Tonight was no different than any other night for me,” Matthews said. “It was just the fact I was able to get home.
But Matthews, Charles Woodson and the rest of the Packers’ defensive players showed they still can take over a game by playing to their potential against the division rival Vikings, holding rookie quarterback Christian Ponder to 190 yards passing with an interception and limiting Peterson to 51 yards and a touchdown.
The Vikings did their best to make life rough for Rodgers, sacking him three times and smacking him virtually every time he took off running. In the end, their NFC North nemesis just walked away with another victory.
Tony La Russa Retires as Cardinals Manager
St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony (Anthony) La Russa is retiring on what most would consider the top of the baseball world. The alarming, but humble announcement came Monday morning at Busch Stadium just three short days after the St. Louis Cardinals completed a historic run to the World Series championship.
La Russa told management in August that he intended to retire at the end of the season and even through the team’s surprising run through October; he did not change his mind. During Sunday’s championship rally, La Russa re-affirmed his plan to manager Bill DeWitt Jr. “It’s just time to do a little something else, and I recognized it,” La Russa stated at the news conference. “It just feels like my time. If we won, if we lost, it wasn’t going to change.”
La Russa, 67, notified his players at a dinner Sunday night during which they were commemorating their World Series Victory. “Some grown men cried,” La Russa stated of the reaction. “I kind of wanted that. They even made me shed tears a couple times.” La Russa expressed his intention to stay in baseball in some capacity, though not as a normal manager. John Mozeliak, Cardinals general supervisor, stated that he had “15-20 meetings” with La Russa throughout the playoffs regarding his career position. “It’s tough to swallow,” Mozeliak expressed. “I have to admire how he never wavered.”
La Russa said a long, unpleasant bout with Shingles earlier this year did not affect his decision. He choked up throughout the conference when he talked about his wife, Elaine, and daughters Devon as well as Bianca. Throughout his 16 years in St. Louis, La Russa has actually spent the summers alone in St. Louis with his family living in California. In 16 years with the Cardinals, La Russa put together a 1,408-1,182 (.544) record, as well as won three NL pennants as well as 2 World Series titles. He has a 33-year record of 2,728-2,365 (.536). La Russa is the third-winningest manager in record as well and is considered a candidate for the Hall of Fame. He managed the Cardinals, White Sox and A’s throughout his 33-year managing job.
So who will replace La Russa?
Mozeliak stated he has currently formed a committee to look for a replacement for La Russa, but his replacement has actually been actually determined. Nonetheless, rumor has it that the Cardinals’ managerial job might have merely toppled into Terry Francona’s lap.
If the Cardinals are looking for a sure winner by having huge league adventure, the former Red Sox manager could be the ideal fit. After eight seasons with the Red Sox, 2 of which produced World Series championships, Francona is actually on the unemployment line because his players let him down in September, not because he can’t win. And who better than Francona in St. Louis to stoke the flames of rivalry within the NL Central right now that his former boss, Theo Epstein is running the Chicago Cubs.
To be sure, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has a long list of other choices to browse, among them Terry Pendleton. Pendleton, who played for the Cardinals from 1984-90, has served as hitting coach as well as third-base coach for the Braves, patiently hanging around his turn to regulate.
Among veteran bosses on the job hunt is Jim Riggleman, who got a young Washington Nationals group on the brink of good results prior to his astonishing as well as unceremonious departure in midseason. Riggleman’s 1998 Cubs went 90-73 before bowing to the Braves in the NLDS. Must the Cardinals stay in-house, veteran coach Jose Oquendo is well-liked, respected and would be the most likely candidate. Other long-time La Russa disciples, pitching coach Dave Duncan as well as first-base coach Dave McKay look unlikely fits. Hitting coach Mark McGwire might just be a fan favorite in St. Louis, however lacks managerial experience.
If a candidate is interviewing for the Reddish colored Sox career, there’s little doubt he needed even be actually fascinated in the St. Louis entrance. That brings into play the names of Phillies bench coach Pete Mackinin, Brewers coach Dale Sveum and Reddish colored Sox third-base coach DeMarlo Hale into the mix. With high-profile veteran candidates, Joe Torre has been-there, done-that and, at 71, not the high-energy owner Mozeliak states the business seeks. Ditto for Lou Piniella. Bobby Valentine? Well, thatis actually consistently a possibility, and at age 61 heis actually probably aspiring to one last gig. Yet there’s a particular circle of life excellent that makes Francona the optimal fit. Heis actually overseed in the National League and in opposition to the Cardinals in a Globe Collection. His papa, Tito, played for the Cardinals in 1965-66. There’s enough Tony La Russa in Francona to make him old-school sufficient youth at age 52 to permit him to report to the Cardinals’ budding superstars. The Gateway to the West may merely be the gateway to Francona’s following job.
Do or Die For Shaun Marcum in Game 6 of the NLCS
We’ll keep this short and sweet…
Shaun Marcum will get the ball for Milwaukee when they face Edwin Jackson and St. Louis in the league championship series Today at Miller Park. With the Brewers trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, today’s game is a “do or die” situation for the Milwaukee Brewers. If the Brewers win, Yovani Gallardo will pitch against Chris Carpenter on Monday night in Game seven of the NLCS.
Randy Wolf Leads the Brewers to Big Victory in Game 4
The Milwaukee Brewers began game 4 of the NLCS in St. Luis at 1 and 2, and the last two games may have sucked the wind right out of their sails. However, who would have known that Randy Wolf would be the driving force to attain another victory against the Cardinals?
With this win comes the certainty of the Brewers returning back to Miller Park for the final game(s) of the series, and hopefully the World Series? Can you say:
Go Brewers!
The Brewers Get Pounded in Game Two of the NLCS
The Brewers got pounded by the Cardinals 12-3 in Game 2 of the NLCS to even up the series to one game apiece. The best of 7 series will now shift now to St. Louis for the next three games as the Brewers take their game on the road.
So what went wrong? Suffice it to say that Shaun Marcum was a little off, and it begs the question as to why another pitcher wasn’t rotated in before the damage was done…
The Brewers’ starters have a 7.61 ERA through 7 playoff starts and Marcum himself has gone 7 innings or better only once in his last 6 starts. He was miserable, and had absolutely NO command on anything he threw. In this mode it was no surprise that Albert Pujols took advantage of Marcum, belting a 2-run homer in the 1st, and finishing with 4 hits and 5 RBIs.
Unfortunately the Brewers’ only attempt at a comeback came in the fourth inning when Rickie Weeks belted a 2-run homer to left field. A impactful play with Weeks came in the fifth inning when a terrible call at first base prevented a run from scoring, cutting short an inning in which the Brewers could have done more with 2 players on base. Nyjer Morgan missed a few plays in center field, but he wasn’t the only player who was down on his luck. It was an incredibly lackluster effort for a team overly-hyped after last night’s victory.
The Brewers’ opportunity to take the series lead has been snuffed, so now they take the show on the road, with Yovani Gallardo starting on Wednesday’s game in St. Louis.
Brewers Take It to the Cardinals in Game One of the NLCS
The bats were cracking Sunday at Miller Park as the Brewers defeated the Cardinals in game one of the National League Championship Series.
The Cardinals took a three-run lead into the fifth before Garcia allowed a leadoff single to Corey Hart and a double to Jerry Hairston Jr. The Brewers celebrated wildly as the big hits came during a rapid-fire fifth inning rally when Braun hit a two-run, ground-rule double to right and with the crowd still cheering, Fielder hit the first pitch from Garcia deep to right for a two-run homer, giving the Brewers the lead.
The Brewers made it tough on Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia, who left after giving up Fielder’s homer. Garcia, who hit Fielder with a pitch earlier in the game, gave up six runs and six hits in four-plus innings with three walks.
Greinke struggled at times, but reliever Takashi Saito got Cardinals star Albert Pujols to ground into a key double play in the seventh. Francisco Rodriguez pitched a hitless eighth and closer John Axford threw a hitless ninth for a save.
The Brewers and Cardinals split an 18-game series evenly this season, a sign of what has been one of baseball’s most intense rivalries in recent years. The Cardinals’ success against the Brewers in the final month of the season was one of the main reasons they climbed back into playoff contention.
Game 2 is at Miller Park 7:05 p.m. (CST) on Monday night. Shaun Marcum starts for the Brewers against Edwin Jackson
Brewers NLCS Tickets
Today marks game one of the seven game National League Championship Series (“NLCS”) between the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Needless to say NLCS tickets are like gold and finding them is going to be a big challenge.
Unfortunately Milwaukee Brewers officials said National League Championship Series tickets are sold out at its box office. However, that does not necessarily mean that Brewers fans are completely out of luck! Even though fans can’t buy the tickets at the box office anymore, workers said they can still check with reputable ticket brokers, or someone may be selling tickets in the parking lot?
Some Brewers fans said they could hardly wait to pick up their NLCS tickets at the box office at Miller Park on Saturday morning.
Two brothers said they’re lucky to be picking up their Brewers-Cardinals tickets after registering online weeks ago. “It was the luck of the draw, really. You get the opportunity to purchase tickets. A couple of days ago at 9 a.m., we logged onto the site, hopeful to get something. And luckily, we did,” the one brother said.
Brewers Advance to the National League Championship Series
It was a perfect recipe to end game five of the National League Playoff Series in the bottom of the tenth inning at Miller Park.
With Carlos Gomez on second after a single and a stolen base. Nyjer Morgan at bat. Ryan Braun on deck, followed by Prince Fielder. And, of course, 44,028 towel-waving Brewers fans routing for the Brew Crew to finish them off!
And so it happened, and so it is that the Brewers won their first postseason series in 29 years and will advance to the NL Championship Series.
What only makes it better is the fact that the Brewers also gained home field advantage in the Championship Series because the Cardinals beat the Phillies.
Brewers Miss the Sweep, Losing to the Diamondbacks in Game Three
It was a cold night in Phoenix Tuesday night as Brewers fans watched their team take a beating from the Diamondbacks in game three of the five-game NL Division playoff series. Heading in to game three, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the series with two wins at Miller Park, but the Diamondbacks came back strong to prevent the sweep.
Just 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position while losing the first two games, it seems the Diamondbacks didn’t waste any time sending runners around once they got home to the desert. Rookie Josh Collmenter dominated Milwaukee, helping the Diamondbacks beat the Brewers 8-1. The hatchet-throwing right-hander had two impressive outings against Milwaukee during the regular season and kept it going in the playoffs, holding the Brewers to Corey Hart’s leadoff homer in the third inning and one other hit over seven. Collmenter retired 15 of the last 16 hitters he faced and set an Arizona rookie postseason record with six strikeouts.
Milwaukee’s power pair of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun didn’t produce and Fielder had the only hit between them with an infield single in the ninth.
The Brewers’ clubhouse was quiet, but Nyjer Morgan was among those still smiling. “We’re a confident unit here,” he said. “It’s just one of those things where we took a nice little butt-whooping there, but we’ll come back and we’ll be ready to go.”
With only one win needed to seal the deal, the Brewers are in a sweet spot with two games remaining in the series.
Game four is tonight at Chase Field at 8:30 p.m. CST.
Brewers Face the Diamondbacks at Miller Park for Game One of the National League Division Series
The National League Central Division champion Milwaukee Brewers opens their best-of-five National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks today at 1:07 p.m. (CST).
The Brewers (96-66) capped their turnaround year with their first-ever NL Central title. The Brewers, led by sluggers Prince Fielder (38 homers, 120 RBI) and Ryan Braun (.332, 33 homers, 111 RBI), return to the postseason for the first time since 2008, when they were the wild card. The Brewers didn’t clinch the NL’s No. 2 seed and the chance to open at home until the final game of the season September 28th.
The Diamondbacks wrote their own improbable playoff story, going from worst to first in the NL West. Arizona went 65-97 last season, but turned that around with a young team that defied expectations and finished 94-68, including a major league-best 48 come-from-behind victories.
On another note, it’s nice to know there won’t be any rain delays or postponed games due to weather, as both clubs play in home ballparks with retractable roofs, and it marks the first time in postseason history that two teams with retractable roofs are playing each other. With weather expected to be in the lower 50’s with windy conditions Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee, the retractable roof is expected to be closed for Game number one of the Division Series.
Brewers Win Division Title
Braun’s tiebreaking three-run homer sends the Brewers to their first division win since 1982.
With chants of “MVP” from the 44,584 fans (the 33rd sellout of the season at Miller Park) resounding throughout Miller Park, Ryan Braun worked the count to 3-1 before Hensley made the fatal mistake of leaving an 81-mph slider in the strike zone.
Braun gracefully swung and crushed the ball, sending it 450 feet out to left-center, where it bounced off the bottom of the scoreboard. Braun knew it was out of the park as soon as he hit it. He lifted his bat in the air and screamed toward the Brewers’ dugout and the crowd before beginning his 32nd trip around the bases this season. “It’s eerily similar,” Braun said. “Just the whole feeling of the game, the fact it was 1-1 in the eighth when I got the at-bat. The atmosphere, environment, anxiety, and the crowd. It literally felt identical.”
When the dust settled, Axford came in and made quick work of the Marlins for his 44th save. The rest is history…
Twenty-nine years after the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the American League East title behind Don Sutton in Baltimore, the Brewers wrapped up their first National League Central title at Miller Park Friday night with a 4-1 win over the Florida Marlins .
To say the Brewers “delivered” would be an understatement:
- Prince Fielder, with a solo home run in the second inning – a hit that stood as the only point for the Brewers until the eighth inning, started the offensive rally.
- There was Yovani Gallardo, who struck out 11 batters in 7 1/3 innings. Although falling short in his bid to become the first Brewers pitcher to win 18 games since 2005, his performance was unparalleled.
- And then there was the 1-2 punch of Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford. “K-Rod” took the ball from Gallardo and struck out both batters he faced, and then Axford closed the door for his team-record-tying save.
But the win was only part of the deal for the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans. Part one of two, you might say. Everyone was forced to wait another 25 minutes until the Cubs beat the Cardinals. The Brewers took in the moment in their clubhouse, watching the final out on a TV. Once that part of history unfolded, part two was complete and it was time for the celebratory champagne spraying. “It’s special,” a soaked Braun said in the midst of the celebration. “In 2008, when we went to the postseason for the first time in 26 years, you really realized how much it meant to everybody in the city, everybody in the state. To have an opportunity to win the division is that much more meaningful. This is something that we set out to do from the beginning of the year, and it’s just a very rewarding feeling to know that when you go out as a group of men, you support each other every day, you compete every day that you can do something like this for the organization, the city and the whole state of Wisconsin.”
Looking Ahead:
The Milwaukee Brewers still have five games left in the 2011 season to add to their current total of 92 victories. With the franchise record at 95, there may be more celebrations in the Brewers’ future. By no means will it be an easy record to break. The National League Central division winner has yet to win a single playoff game since 2006. They could also be forced to open the postseason on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies if they don’t protect the one-game lead they hold over the NL West champion Arizona Diamondbacks for the NL’s second seed. Nevertheless, celebration is currently in order and that story is surely to develop over the next few games. Nights and opportunities like the Brewers win last night don’t come along very often in Milwaukee.
The Bigger Picture:
All over baseball, celebrations were in order. The Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Texas Rangers each clinched the division Friday night. Only once, on October 5th, 1985, had three division spots been decided on the same day. Remarkably, all six divisions are locked up with still five days left in the regular season. Not since 1986, when there were only four divisions, had they all been sealed so early in the baseball season.
Milwaukee Brewers Still Have To Face Some Big Contenders
Nearing their conclusion of June with 13 wins out of the 23 games played this month, the Milwaukee Brewers still face the New York Yankees for a three game series that begins this Tuesday. Sitting at a very comfortable nine games over the .500 mark— not to mention a 73 percent “home game” winning percentage, (which is currently the major league’s best) the Brewers have managed to increase their lead in the NL Central standings by three games. Granted, the Brewers are 15-24 on the road so far this season, but lets not forget what happened just a few short years ago.
In the 2008 MLB season the Milwaukee Brewers had a huge lead at the All Star break only to watch it slip right through their fingers. And they started out their recent road trip by losing 3 of 4 to the Cubs, 2 of 3 to the Red Sox and 2 of 3 to the Rays (at home). Clearly Milwaukee has to do something to increase their road games if they expect to have any chance in the playoffs, let alone the World Series. Granted, the Brewers have yet to lose two straight home games, which was improved to 28-11 after Saturday’s 11-1 win over the Minnesota Twins at Miller Park, but the indelible fact of their history on the road leads me to remain skeptical, at least at this point in time.
I feel slightly reserved because in just a few short weeks the Brewers will travel to Colorado to play a four-game series against the NL West Colorado Rockies. Then in August they face the St. Louis Cardinals, not once, but twice! This series will be pivital for the Brewers as the Cardinals are easily their biggest threat to any chance of winning the NL Central.
As a dedicated Brewer fan I will always cheer them on, win or loose, but despite the numbers declaring their current lead in the NL Central I am going to remain humbly skeptical at this point.
Brewers Take First in the NL Central
In a four-run sixth inning that was highlighted by a home run to right field by Prince Fielder, the Milwaukee Brewers bumped the St. Louis Cardinals out of the National League Central roost with a 4-3 victory in front of a sellout crowd of 42,692 fans. Although the win moved the Brewers one-half game ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central standings, at only 66 games into the 2011 MLB season its safe to say that there’s a long way to go.
Prince Fielder’s two-run homer capped a four-run sixth inning, earning the Brewers their victory and putting Milwaukee atop the National League Central. With a single already in his pocket, Fielder wasted little time making the Cardinals and Westbrook pay when he sent the first offering he saw from the right-hander rocketing into the second deck in right field 440 feet away!
Fielder was 2 for 3 with a walk and leads the National League with 58 RBI. Fielder continued an amazing power surge with his eighth home run in his last 10 games and his 19th of the season, just one run behind Los Angeles Dodgers’ Matt Kemp, who hit his 20th homer Sunday.
The Brewers are 25-9 at home, the best mark in baseball. While the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals play each other eight more times in August and four more times in September, it is critical for the Brewers to stay close in the standings to fulfill any hopes of carrying their ranking through the season.
Ryan Braun Staying with the Brewers through 2020
Back in the day there was a time when superstars played their entire careers with one baseball team, good or bad. However, today most small market ball clubs will often lose their superstars because they cannot afford to risk their entire salary on one player. Unlike the days when Robin Yount was the Milwaukee Brewers MVP and career team player, salaries and money have everything to do with a teams players, and teams will trade away their star for draft picks rather than lose them for nothing in the off-season.
Nevertheless, it appears as though the Milwauke Brewers have embarked on some old, but not too often treaded ground when it comes to team members. Last week Major League Baseball got a little bit of its past back when the Milwaukee Brewers signed Ryan Braun through the 2020 season, ensuring that Braun could finish his career with the only team he’s ever known.
In just four seasons in the major league, Braun has taken the MLB by storm. His long list of accomplishments include being named National League Rookie of the Year for 2007, being named to the All-Star team three times, and he is one of just five players in baseball history to hit 125 home runs and bat .300 over his first four seasons, joining the likes of Albert Pujols and Joe DiMaggio. Back in May 2008, Braun signed a seven-year deal worth $45 million to keep him with the Brewers until 2015, but the new deal for an additional five years at $105 million keeps Ryan Braun with Milwaukee through 2020.
In his first plate appearance since signing his extension, Braun was greeted at the plate with a standing ovation. And in a script best written for a movie, Braun obliged the hometown crowd by crushing a three-run home run to left-center field.
And despite the fact that Prince Fielder turned down a five-year, $100 million contract with the Brewers, Braun is the player who shows gratitude and devotion to the team and its fans. He is no doubt all those things, as well as a fantastic baseball player and a guy who likes the city of Milwaukee. But he is also being paid $105 million for his gratitude and devotion.
In the end, the contract extension for Ryan Braun is not only good for Milwaukee, it’s also good for baseball. A small-market ball club keeps its star and for baseball purists, it’s a good thing.
Is The NFL Lockout Over?
The NFL Lockout May Not Be Over?
Well, football fans should be pleased to know that the 2011-12 NFL season just may be moving forward after all, thanks to an 88 page injunction issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson that ordered the league’s owners to lift the NFL lockout. Despite the injunction, however, nothing is written in stone yet because the NFL owners have filed an expedited appeal to the 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, and moved Judge Nelson for a temporary stay of the injunction pending the result of their appeal. As such, until Judge Nelson rules on the request for a temporary stay of the injunction and the appeal is final, there still looms the possibility that the 2011-12 NFL season will not see any football games?
The NFL lockout was imposed after talks between the players and owners broke down in March and the players ultimately disbanded their union. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and seven other players filed the lawsuit on behalf of other current and eligible NFL players against the league to halt the lockout.
The heart of the failed negotiations between the players and NFL team owners is that the owners want to increase the season by two games, as well as disputes on how to divide the league’s $9 billion in annual revenue. The players are against an increase in season games due to the risk of injuries, and players are unconvinced by contentions that the current labor deal doesn’t take into account the rising costs related to building stadiums and promoting the game. The players argue that the league has not sufficiently opened up its books to prove this, and are rejecting the proposed split of the annual revenue.
Right now, NFL owners take $1 billion off the top of the $9 billion, and the players get about 60% of what remains. While only the star players earn millions each year, the median NFL salary is about $790,000 with the average career lasting about four years.
The disappointment about this whole dispute over money is the fact that football fans will be the real losers if the 2011-12 NFL fails to move forward.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Mascot Hawk?
It appears that the Milwaukee Brewers may have a mascot?
In what can be best described as an eloquent warrior of nature, a young red tail hawk chaperoned the Milwaukee Brewers to their 4-1 victory over the Houston Astros today at Miller Park.
Proudly stationing itself in right field for what one fan estimated to be about 20 minutes, the hawk skillfully supervised the majority of the 3rd inning as the Brewers scored 3 runs against the Astros, not so much as twitching a feather.
Phot courtesy of AP/JSOnline.com
“Even when the Brewers hit a home run, and 30,000 + fans were on their feet cheering as the fireworks were exploding, the hawk maintained its ground near Astros outfielder, Hunter Pence,” the fan exclaimed.
At one point the Brewers new mascot hawk must have got a little hungry and decided to feast on a not-so-lucky pigeon, a very rare site that I am certain captivated the fans’ attention!
Phot courtesy of AP/JSOnline.com
Uncertain as to whether the hawk has a nest somewhere in the retractable roof of Miller Park, or if the young bird was merely trapped inside when the roof closed, I certainly look forward to seeing more of the Brewers mascot hawk in future games.
Go Brewers !
Top 5 Trade Predictions for the Green Bay Packers
In the NFL, the majority of trades that take place are during the NFL draft. These trades can either bring excitement or disappointment to a team. Here is a look at five likely players whom the Green Bay Packers might trade during the NFL draft.
Matt Flynn The revelation that Matt Flynn might have what it takes to be a starting quarterback came during the Packers game against New England. No one thought the Packers stood a chance against one of the best teams in the NFL, but Flynn’s play was exceptional. He almost lead the Packers to a victory, but he did put himself on some team’s radar.
Matt Flynn has a good arm and the size you want from a quarterback. Teams will have to go back to his college tape to get a good look at him, but he played well in college against top competition. He is a true pocket passer who appears to finally be putting the game together. The best thing he has going for him is his age, as he will only be 26 during the upcoming season.
There are eight teams in need of a starting quarterback and only three or four elite quarterbacks in this year’s draft. A second-round pick wouldn’t be out of the question for Matt Flynn and Ted Thompson might jump at the chance to boost his defense or offensive line with that high of a pick.
Ryan Grant Ryan Grant. He came out of nowhere and was quietly becoming one of the better running backs in the league. He was hit by the injury bug, and during the regular season it appeared that Grant was the most missed player.
Then came the playoffs and the revelation of James Starks. Starks exploded during the postseason and gave the Packers the running game they so missed from Ryan Grant. When healthy, Grant proved to be a running back that could carry the entire load. He has good speed and great vision. He holds onto the ball and can makes plays in the passing game. He has Pro Bowl–caliber talent. With Mark Ingram being the only “elite” running back in the draft, teams in need of a running back might take a hard look at Grant.
Atari Bigby Atari Bigby has been hampered by injuries throughout his short career. In five seasons, he has only played in 45 games, an average of nine games a season. In the lone season where he played all 16 games, he had 86 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles.
He has starting caliber talent at safety and has been successful when on the field. Due to his injury, Charlie Peprah filled in very well for Bigby and is a few years younger, making Bigby expendable for the Packers.
There are plenty of teams that could use Bigby’s obvious talents, but they will need to decide if they truly believe he can stay healthy. If the Packers can find a suitor, Bigby could be worth a middle-round draft pick.
Nick Barnett Another player who spent the majority of the season injured, Barnett has been the leader of the Packers defense since he was drafted. He has been one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the NFL in recent years. He isn’t great in coverage, but he has good sideline-to-sideline speed and knows how to chase down a player. He is the type of player who is always around the ball and making plays. He is a great team leader.
Due to the play of Desmond Bishop, Barnett is very tradeable. He is still young, so a team looking to add a quality middle linebacker who could lead a defense might be willing to trade an early- to middle-round pick for Barnett.
Desmond Bishop Desmond Bishop had a breakout season for the Packers. Nick Barnett was injured early during the season and Bishop stepped in and filled in nicely. However, Nick Barnett is back from injury and looking to regain his starting role with the Packers. Bishop is still rather young and could be an upgrade at linebacker for many teams playing a 3-4 defense. He is a smart player who won’t be the best player on a defense, but will make plays and impact games.
It is highly unlikely that Bishop will get traded, but if the Packers see that Barnett is the more valuable player, look for Green Bay to try to get a draft pick for Bishop.
Why Aaron Rodgers Loses Because of The NFL Lockout
The NFL lockout could end next month or next year. No matter when it concludes, however, the Green Bay Packers have already canceled one of their most successful off-season events, “quarterback school”.
Mike McCarthy’s renowned “quarterback school,” an intensive and top-secret program designed to give his most important players a head start on the season, has come and gone with the NFL lockout. Although it is possible that a truncated version could be revived if the lockout ends soon, McCarthy already lamented its demise last week at the NFL owners meeting.
“To me, March is the most important time of year for a young quarterback,” McCarthy said. “March and April, I’ve always felt, is when you get your individual improvement. That opportunity has obviously gone by the wayside.”
When asked what happens at his quarterback school, McCarthy smiled and said, “That’s top-secret stuff, man” before emphasizing that he follows all of the NFL’s offseason rules for offseason player participation. The concept began when he started as an NFL assistant in the early 1990′s, McCarthy said.
“Particularly in the old days, you draft a young quarterback and he goes and sits in a corner and he takes all the notes,” he said. “Then all of a sudden you get to [the next] March, and they say, ‘You know, I didn’t want to ask a question in front of the other guys but I never knew what the hell you were talking about.’ So and you’re like, ‘I just spent a year with this guy and he doesn’t know the base protections.’ That was a big moment for me personally when I was a position coach.”
So on the first day of quarterback school, the Packers “go back to page one,” McCarthy said. That means reviewing how to call for a huddle and moving from there. In recent years, McCarthy asked Rodgers to present some of the information as a way to mix it up and keep things interesting for a veteran group.
“Each year, as he goes through it, you try to eliminate some of the redundancies,” McCarthy said, “but it’s to give those young quarterbacks that chance to go back to square one every year. You learn the base protections, all the adjustments, I’ve been in the same offense since 1989, and I still learn something new each year. You’re never too experienced or been in it long enough to not find a better way this year.
“Because today’s game, it’s just a big circle. The NFL is just a circle of adjustments, whether it’s the 3-4, or whether it’s the 4-3, whether you’re spreading them out or running the ball. You really don’t run new plays. There are so many great coaches and players that have come before us and you’re just reinventing the stuff that have been done over history. You try to stay one step ahead of your opponents.”
In McCarthy’s world, the quickest way to that point is to have multiple quarterbacks who know what they’re doing. The Packers should have that this year with or without a quarterback school. But as with the case of the Minnesota Vikings’ pre-draft minicamp, the lockout has already eliminated an opportunity for further progress.
Tragedy Strikes Cowboys Stadium During Pre-Super Bowl XLV
Arlington, Texas fire officials have confirmed that seven people were injured, one of them critically, when ice fell from the roof of Cowboys Stadium this afternoon.
The ice reportedly began melting and falling on the northeast side of the stadium after temperatures dipped to the low 20s, and up to 6 inches of snow accumulated earlier in the day. Week-long winter storms have been pummeling the entire region and causing havoc for this years Super Bowl.
As the video below depicts, huge sheets of ice and snow could be seen sliding off the dome and crashing down 200 feet to the ground as temperatures warmed and the sun reappeared this afternoon.
Falling Ice at Cowboys Stadium Injures 7 : MyFoxDFW.com
“It started falling throughout the day, causing minor injuries,” said Lt. Pedro Arevalo, a fire department spokesman.
Bringing the Super Bowl XLV Trophy Home !
We’ve been dubbing the term “Super Bowl Champions” for 44 years now, and we’re on the threshold of Super Bowl 45 where the Green Bay Packers will face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas. In contemplation of what I believe will be an excellent game between these two AFC and NFC champion football teams, it is noteworthy to elaborate on the role these two great teams have played in Super Bowl history.
How the Super Bowl Began The genesis of the Super Bowl as we know it today is the result of a merger agreement between the National Football League (NFL) and its then-rival league, the American Football League (AFL). It was ultimately agreed that the AFL and NFL champion teams would play in a final, “World Championship Game” until the implementation of the merger in 1970. After the merger took place, each league was re-designated as the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) under the auspices of the NFL, and the Super Bowl was then played between the two AFC and NFC conference champions. (Source: Wikipedia)
Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy Since 1970 the Super Bowl trophy has been called the Vince Lombardi Trophy in memory of legendary Green Bay Packers head coach. The renaming of the trophy came after Lombardi’s sudden death from cancer to commemorate his victories in the first two Super Bowls. Details about the trophy can be seen here .
Green Bay Packers Super Bowl History
In my opinion the Green Bay Packers hold the most significant history of the Super Bowl than any other NFL football team. Not only did the Green Bay Packers both play in and win Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II, but the Super Bowl Championship trophy has been named the Vince Lombardi Trophy, in memory of the legendary Green Bay Packers head coach.
The Green Bay Packers have played in five Super Bowl games:
- In Super Bowl I the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. The game was played on January 15, 1967 and there were 61,946 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl II the Green Bay Packers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 33-15. The game was played on January 14, 1968 and there were 75,546 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXXI the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots, 35-21. The game was played on January 26, 1997 and there were 72,301 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXXII the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Denver Broncos, 31-24. The game was played on January 25, 1998 and there were 68,912 fans in attendance.
Overall the Green Bay Packers hold the following championship titles:
11 NFL Championships: 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967.
2 AFL-NFL Super Bowl Championships: 1966, 1967
1 Super Bowl Championship: 1996
8 Conference championships: NFL Western: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967 NFC: 1996, 1997, 2010
13 Division championships: NFL West: 1936, 1938, 1939, 1944 NFL Central: 1967 NFC Central: 1972, 1995, 1996, 1997 NFC North: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
26 Playoff appearances: NFL: 1936, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1944, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1972, 1982, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl History
As the oldest franchise team in the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers were founded as the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1933, by Art Rooney. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won more Super Bowl titles and AFC Championship games than any other team in the NFL. They have both played and hosted more conference championship games than any other AFC or NFC team in the NFL. With this history of Super Bowl wins, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand a good chance of chalking-up another victory in Super Bowl XLV.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have played in seven Super Bowl games:
- In Super Bowl IX the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 32-14. The game was played on January 12, 1975 and there were 80,997 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl X the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17. The game was played on January 18, 1976 and there were 80,187 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XIII the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 35-31. The game was played on January 21, 1979 and there were 79,484 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XIV the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 31-19. The game was played on January 20, 1980 and there were 103,985 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXX the Pittsburgh Steelers were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys, 27-17. The game was played on January 28, 1996 and there were 76,347 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XL the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10. The game was played on February 05, 2006 and there were 68,206 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XLIII the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. The game was played on February 01, 2009 and there were 70,774 fans in attendance.
Overall the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the following championship titles:
6 Super Bowl Championships: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008
8 Conference championships: AFC: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2010
20 Division championships: AFC Central: 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 AFC North: 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010
26 Playoff appearances: 1947, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
Despite all these Super Bowl wins and achievements, “We” the dedicated Green Bay Packer fans feel that it is time that the Packers bring the Super Bowl Trophy home!
It’s long overdue…
Packers Lineman B.J. Raji Advances Packers To Superbowl
Don’t let the title fool ya, the entire Green Bay Packers team played an awesome game against the Chicago Bears today. However, had it not been for the pick by B.J. Raji things would definitely be different.
What started out as a game like that of the Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons just one week ago, soon turned into a game that rested on the Packers defense — at least that’s the way I saw the game? I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw it that way either. The truth is that had it not been for the Packers defense the season would be over.
Aaron Rodgers was very effective in the first half, but once he took the hit to the helmet — a hit that cost the Bears a penalty — Rodgers’ game slowly deteriorated in aggressiveness and pass completions. One after another, Rodgers passes were either short or in the turf. I’m not criticizing Aaron Rodgers, but after the game he even admitted that he didn’t play to his best capabilities. But does it really matter? Probably not. Rodgers’ football season has been phenomenal and ultimately resulted in the Green Bay Packers advancing to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV. Those are the facts, and and only time will tell how his game will play out in the Super Bowl.
Win or loose, I faithfully supported the Green Bay Packers. My bet is the Green Bay Packers over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl!
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Packers earned the right to visit Atlanta with a wild-card round victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Packers jumped out to a 14-3 lead in that game, relying on its always-stout defense and a new-found running game to grind the Eagles to a halt.
Atlanta earned a first-round bye by virtue of its NFC-best 13-3 record in the regular season — a mark that included a win over Green Bay in Atlanta. The Falcons are hoping to use the same rowdy home-field edge their division rival, the Saints, did last season en route to the Super Bowl.
OFFENSE Offensively, Atlanta’s game plan will be very similar to last weeks game. They will challenge the Packers’ manhood and try to stuff the football down their throats. They like RG Harvey Dahl climbing to the second level to maul A.J. Hawk and they like FB Ovie Mughelli on Zombo or Walden if they can get Cullen Jenkins sealed with Sam Baker and a tight end. They will have to mix some things up in order to get Roddy White free in the passing game. They’ll likely throw on some running downs and try to free him out of some run formations. Look for the Falcons to move him around in order to get a match-up they like.
DEFENSE On defense, look for the Falcons to get physical with the Packer receivers and try to force them outside and away from the slant routes. They are not too impressed with James Starks because he’s a North-South runner with little wiggle. They like Curtis Lofton stuffing him in the hole if their tackles, Corey Peters and Jonathan Babineaux can get some penetration. They felt they didn’t tackle well against the receivers last time and know they must play tighter coverage. If Rodgers has some time, the double move routes could be open.
What did New Orleans do in the last game that gave the Falcons trouble?
Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was able to successfully stop the Falcons by bracketing both Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Malcolm Jenkins, a converted safety, was the key. They basically dared Michael Jenkins to beat one on one coverage and that rarely happened. They used an assortment of rolling zones to keep the receivers in check once they controlled the threat of the run game. It was a quite complicated scheme.
PREDICTIONS The Falcons have stressed tackling all week, which could mean they are coming after Aaron Rodgers. He is going to have to make quick throws to his wide receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings on slants to get the ball out because there is going to be some pressure. The Falcons have to tackle quickly and not let quick throws turn into long runs.
Corners Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are going to play at times inside the shoulders of Driver and Jennings and take away the slants with leverage. We’ll know pretty early how the Falcons are going to deal with Rodgers, and he is going to get some unscouted looks from the Falcons; a blitz of the Day that has been cooked up for a week!
The Falcons are going to mix it up. Safety blitz, linebacker blitz, corners pressing, corners back. The Packers’ pass game, just from the statistics, should blow up Atlanta, but there are plays to be made.
RED ZONE The Packers have been the better team in the red zone this season because Rodgers can make plays with his feet. He is more mobile than Ryan, which is why the Packers have the edge at this position (even if Ryan wins a lot of games at home). If the Packers get inside the 20 four times, Atlanta has to force a couple of field goals. That’s going to be a big deal in this game.
OVERALL The Packers have the better quarterback.
They have better wide receivers.
When they throw the ball their completions are longer.
But it is all about turnovers and penalties. This is why the Falcons have the edge over the Packers. Granted, Green Bay plays in Minnesota every year, which is inside and buttoned up for noise. The Packers can handle a little racket, but the season suggests Atlanta makes fewer mistakes than the Packers…
James Starks Revives the Packers Running Game
Green Bay Packers Rookie James Starks, who missed his senior year at Buffalo with a shoulder injury — as well as the first nine weeks of the 2010 season — seemed to have become just an afterthought in the eyes of the NFL… But Starks, who carried the ball a mere 29 times for 101 yards in three games after being activated by Green Bay in November, was the unexpected hero in Sunday’s Packers victory over the Eagles.
Green Bay Packers Rookie, James Starks
Starks was pivotal on the game’s first scoring drive, breaking off a 27-yard run on the first play of Green Bay’s second series en route to producing 45 yards on six touches on the possession which ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to backup tight end Tom Crabtree with eight seconds remaining in the first quarter. When the dust settled, Starks carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards while adding two receptions for nine yards to lead the Packers to a 21-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
On another note, Aaron Rodgers looked cool and calm, deftly avoiding pressure and accurately finding his targets down the field. Rodgers was 13 of 18 for 111 yards in the first half and threw short touchdown passes to tight end Tom Crabtree and receiver James Jones to open up a 14-0 lead with 5:21 left in the first half. But that was just the beginning. A perfectly executed screen pass to running back Brandon Jackson put the Packers up 21-10 with 7:33 left in the third quarter. The rest is history and the Packers are off to Atlanta to face the Falcons! At this point the question remains relevant: With the Green Bay Packers be bringing the Super Bowl XLV trophy home.
Here is the schedule for next weekend’s playoff games:
NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Saturday, Jan. 15 AFC: 3:30 PM (CT) Baltimore at Pittsburgh (CBS-TV) NFC: 7:00 PM (CT) Green Bay at Atlanta (FOX-TV)
Sunday, Jan. 16 NFC: 12:00 PM (CT) Seattle at Chicago (FOX-TV) AFC: 3:30 PM (CT) New York Jets at New England (CBS-TV)
The AFC (CBS, 5:30 p.m. CT) and NFC (FOX, 2 p.m. CT) Championship Games will be played on Sunday, Jan. 23.
The 2011 Pro Bowl (FOX, 6 p.m. CT) will be played on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, one week before Super Bowl XLV takes place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 6 (FOX, 5:30 PM CT).
Rodgers and Jennings Connect In the 4th
With a 46 yard pass completion to Greg Jennings, Aaron Rogers advanced the Packers; ultimately scoring with a touchdown-pass to Donald Lee for a 10 to 3 lead over the Chicago Bears.
The crowd roared when the Packers took the lead just two minutes into the 4th quarter at Lambeau field. In what could be dunned the first Packers vs. Bears rivalry game of 2011, it certainly was no push-over by either team. It has been a very entertaining game to watch — even from the couch.
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the 4th quater, Chicago has the ball on their own 3 yard line, but that does not mean the Packers are in the clear – yet.
With Tampa Bay’s 23-13 victory over the Saint’s in an early game, the Packers (9-6) have to beat the Chicago Bears (11-5) to clinch a berth in the postseason.
The Bears, meanwhile, are locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed because Atlanta beat Carolina 31-10 to clinch the top seed.
Minutes remain to what could be the advancement of the Packers into the playoffs, or their end of the 2010 football season.
Go Pack!
Badger Fans Ready For 2011 Rose Bowl
2011 Rose Bowl
As many as 20,000 Wisconsin football fans jammed the Santa Monica Pier in southern California Thursday in preparation for the 2011 Rose Bowl. Speakers at the rally included Governor Jim Doyle, and Badger legends Ron Dayne, Barry Alvarez, among others. Badger coach Bret Bielema called the turnout “unbelievable” and said the people of Wisconsin are “second-to-none.”
Wisconsin Badgers The Badgers logged an impressive 11-1 mark during the regular season and shared the Big Ten Conference title with Ohio State and Michigan State after posting a school-record-tying 7-1 league ledger. Today will be the Badgers’ fourth Rose Bowl since 1994, and their seventh appearance overall. The Badgers are 3-3 in their six previous Rose Bowl appearances, and they have won the last three games played in Pasadena. Wisconsin has averaged 45.2 point per game in conference action this year, setting a new school record and serving as the second-best mark in Big Ten history! The Badgers are the only team to have three running backs who have gained at least 800 yards on the ground this season: James White (1,029 yards, 14 TD’s), John Clay (936 yards, 13 TD’s) and Montee Ball (864 yards, 17 TD’s).
TCU Horned Frogs Like their counterpart, the TCU Horned Frogs have a potent offense which averages 43.3 plays per game on 491.5 total yards per game. The TCU ground attack is just as punishing as the Badgers, churning out 261.2 yards per game and accounting for a whopping 39 touchdowns. TCU, which has won 26 of its last 27 games overall, is 11-13-1 all-time in bowl games, which includes a 7-4 mark under Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs own a 15-3 record in their last 18 games against teams from a BCS conference. The series between these two teams boasts just one previous meeting, that coming in 1970 and ending in a 14-14 tie in Wisconsin.
What to Expect? Expect the Badgers to attack TCU with a game plan similar to the one they used versus Ohio State this season. Wisconsin used one- or two-receiver sets on each of its first 12 plays from scrimmage in that game, allowing them to bulk up with two or three tight ends and one- or two-back formations. Wisconsin ran the ball between the tackles on 10 of those first 12 plays and the two passes it attempted were bubble screens. The Horned Frogs are very active up front on defense, but TCU simply does not match up well against Badgers outside tackle Gabe Carimi and the nation’s most physical offensive line.
Parade:
The 122nd Rose Parade kicks off the new year today (8am PT, 11am ET) live from Pasadena, California. A top Google trend each year, the 2011 parade theme is Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories and features gorgeous floats that are elaborately decorated. The following networks will broadcast the Rose Bowl Parade on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV and Univision. The Hallmark Channel will re-broadcast the parade at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Game Time:
Watch the 97th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO (2:10 p.m. PT 5:10 p.m. ET) The game will be televised on ESPN .
Remembering Bob Feller (1918 – 2010)
“I didn’t know much. I just reared back and let them go. Where the ball went was up to heaven. Sometimes I threw the ball clean up into the stands.”
~Robert William Andrew “Bob” Feller
Anyone who knew Bob Feller was nothing less than amazed! Blessed with a right arm that earned him the nickname “Rapid Robert” and made him one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Bob Feller, who left baseball in the prime of his career to fight for his country, died Wednesday night. He was 92.
Fiercely patriotic and proud of it, his life was much like one of his overpowering fastballs. Whether on the mound or in conversation; he seemed practically unstoppable. Feller, who broke into the majors at the tender age of 17, could always bring the heat.
This farm boy from Van Meter, Iowa was only 17 when he struck out eight members of the St. Louis Cardinals in three innings of an exhibition game. After this awesome display of pitching, Feller was advised to seek voluntary retirement from high school in order to sign a professional baseball contract.
As a rookie, he struckout 15 batters in a single game, which at that time was an American League record. In 1940, Bob became the first American League pitcher to throw a complete game no-hitter on opening day! Here are a few more tidbits and Bob Feller:
- He was secretly signed by Cleveland at the age of 16.
- In his rookie season, he won 17 games and followed that with 24 the next year.
- He had six seasons where he won 20 or more games. Each of those years, he led the American League in wins.
- He threw three career no-hitters and had 12 career one-hitters.
- He was 23 and had 107 wins when he enlisted in the Navy in 1941.
- In his first two full seasons back from armed service, he won 26 and 20 games respectively.
- He was baseball’s biggest drawing card, with an average of an additional 10,000 fans that showed up when he was scheduled to pitch.
- He pitched for Cleveland for 18 years, winning 266 games and losing 162.
- He led the American League in strikeouts seven times. He set a record for his time in 1946, when he struck out 348 batters.
- He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
(*See stats below)
Remarkably fit until late in life, Feller had suffered serious health setbacks in recent months. In August of 2010 he was diagnosed with leukemia, and while undergoing chemotherapy, he fainted and his heart briefly stopped. Eventually, he had a pacemaker implanted.
In November of 2010, he was hospitalized with pneumonia and recently released into hospice care.
Nevertheless, even as his health deteriorated, Bob Feller continued doing what he loved most — attending Indians games deep into last season.
“Nobody lives forever and I’ve had a blessed life,” Feller said in September. “I’d like to stay on this side of the grass for as long as I can, though. I’d really like to see the Indians win a World Series.”
You will truly be missed Bob… Thank you for making your historical contribution to the game of baseball!
Metrodome Roof Collapse Caught on Video
Blustery winter storms moving throughout the Midwest Saturday dumped record amounts of snow on Minnesota, resulting in the collapse of the Metrodome and ultimate change of venue for the Monday night football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.
The game having already been postponed once because the Giants have been stranded in Missouri by the relentless blizzard, has now been rescheduled to be played at Detroit’s Ford Field at 7:20 p.m. Monday.
The Teflon-coated fiberglass roof on what is known as Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome collapsed under the weight of 17-plus inches of snow between 4 and 5 a.m., Sunday. According to reports, there were “several tears” in the roof and snow on the field before it collapsed.
Metrodome’s History of Collapsing This is not the first time that the roof has collapsed on the 28 year old stadium. In the stadiums history there have been 4 other incidents in which heavy snows or other adverse weather conditions have caused the roof to deflate and collapse:
November 19, 1981. A rapid accumulation of over a foot of snow caused the roof to collapse, requiring it to be re-inflated.
December 30, 1982. 4 days before the Vikings played the Dallas Cowboys in the last regular season game of the 1982 NFL season, a tear caused by heavy snow deflated the Metrodome for the second time.
April 14, 1983. The scheduled Twins’ game with the California Angels was postponed when a tear caused by heavy snow deflated the Metrodome for the third time.
April 26, 1986. There was a short delay in the bottom of the seventh inning of the Twins vs the Angels when the Metrodome roof suffered a slight tear caused by high winds.
Jennings and Rodgers Unstoppable
Let’s be honest, is there a better duet than Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings in the NFL right now? Whenever I have to make my NFL Picks, I always take a lot with the team facing the Green Bay Packers and basically look for the match-up Jennings will have in addition to the pass rushing defense against Rodgers.
Photo courtesy of www.zimbio.com/
This past Sunday, Jennings and Rodgers crushed the San Francisco 49ers, recording 122 yards on six receptions and two touchdowns. The amazing thing is that Jennings usually catches passes for big gains because his speed allows him to beat the secondary defense once he makes the catch.
“I’ve played here enough times in the winter to know that the wind usually blows from our tunnel to the northwest side of the field,” Rodgers said. “Unfortunately, I just forgot about that for a quick second. But it wasn’t a huge factor.”
The Packers have been great over the past few weeks, but they also showed that the connection is not only with Jennings, because on one particular play, Donald Driver proved that he can do the same. Driver scored a 61-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the third quarter after he scrambled from a pile of 49ers defenders. “That’s one of the best plays I’ve ever been a part of,” Aaron Rodgers said.
“It ignited our football team,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed that. We had some segments there in the first half where we weren’t as sharp as we needed to [be].”
Packers vs. Vikings Rivalry, Part 2
Some important Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings pre-game facts to consider for today’s game are:
- Green Bay has won five of the last six in this series.
- Minnesota has won the last game in this series, but only by a single point.
- Minnesota has only beaten Green Bay by more than the current spread once in ten meetings.
- The Packers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC North.
- The Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
- The Packers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
- The Vikings are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- The Vikings are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC North.
- The Vikings are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. win.
- The Vikings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
- Brett Favre is on Minnesota’s injury report for the first time this season.
After the Vikings beat San Francisco last Sunday, Favre complained of aching in his right foot, left knee, both shoulders and neck. The 39-year-old quarterback was listed Thursday as being limited in practice because of a foot injury. When the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings faced each other a month ago at Lambeau Field, Packers left tackle Chad Clifton had his best game of the year — shutting down the Vikings’ best pass rusher, Jared Allen. However, things will be a little different in the Metrodome because Aaron Rodgers will be forced to use the silent count. Whether or not the Metrodome’s famously noisy environment impacts the Packers’ performance depends on how apathetic the Vikings’ fans are toward their team or how quickly the Packers get off to a good start to quiet the crowd. Although it is presumable that Clifton won’t be able to anticipate Rogers’ snap as easily in this environment, the “Big Cliff” will continue to push the Green Bay Packers to what is predicted to be their 4th consecutive win — the second against the rivaled Minnesota Vikings, and don’t forget Brett Favre.
Go Pack!
Shaun White Shows His Generosity This Holiday Season
Shaun White and His Enormous Heart!
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Thanks and Giving Campaign
Shaun White has become a household name, known to many as an outstanding Olympic Gold Medalist in snowboarding. However there is so much more to this young man than his athletic ability in sports. His heart and devotion to children in need are that of an Olympic Gold Medalist in their own right.
The 24-year-old snowboarding champion is proving to become even more inspirational; not only to children but to the rest of the world.
This Holiday season Shaun White is taking time to give back to others less fortunate. Joined by other celebrities such as actor Morgan Freeman and comedian George Lopez, Shaun White will be donating his time to the 2010 Thanks and Giving campaign. This is an annual program that helps raise awareness and funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
White along with other major celebrities, will be giving a voice and lending a hand to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not,” along with St. Jude patients in national commercials on television and in theaters. The campaign begins the week of Thanksgiving and will continue to run until the end of this year. For those who may not know, St. Jude’s helps children who are fighting cancer and other tragic diseases.
Shaun White also suffered from a heart defect as a child before he was only one-year old; undergoing two major surgeries as a result. Overcoming this problem with great stride, he is an excellent role model to other young children who are sick as well.
White is grateful to help other kids in need of help with the campaign. “I’m honored to be involved in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign this year,” he said. “I’ve been to the hospital several times meeting with the kids and their families. Each time I visit, I am amazed at the work being done by St. Jude and it means a lot to me to be involved.” St. Jude.org
This is not the first time Shaun White has found the importance in his heart to get involved with St. Jude helping children in need. He also donates his time to Target House®, a long-term housing facility for families of patients who are receiving lifesaving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in Memphis, Tennessee.
Shaun White Great Room
In addition to spending time with the families and children, White funded and created the Shaun White Great Room at the Target House®.
This is a great place where kids can explore, come together, and have fun. The Great Room is a 1970′s inspired Native American styled haven for families. Black bunny end tables, a life-size pig table, and a snowboard lion table, are included in the room White designed with help from his brother Jesse. The room also includes all of the latest television and game systems.
White gives back to other popular organizations as well. He’s involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Summit on the Summit, HeartGift, and the Tony Hawk Foundation. When asked the question by Billy Bush on Access Hollywood of what it’s like to be a role model to young kids , White said, “It’s fun to inspire.” Though his words are few, his actions are outstanding when it comes to helping to inspire and give courage to children.
Shaun White continues to show what an incredible role model he is. This unbelievable individual demonstrates his greatness not only through his athletic ability in snowboarding, but also through his generosity, kindness, and caring as a human being. Showing enormous courageousness on the slopes, but also in the most important places vital to all of us — the hearts of the lives he has touched — Shaun White has grown into a true role model for each and every one of us!
Is Shaun White Gay?
I mean, come on already!
If you Google the question, people — haters — everywhere are making these allegations, speculating about Shaun White’s Sexuality. Frankly I think it is absurd and childish that rumors of this nature even circulate… But then again, its the world wide web, right? Whether he has a sexual preference is none of my business or anyone’s business for that matter.
A Positive Role Model
Shaun White is a positive role model for younger adults, children, and even some adults who are still a child at heart. He deserves a gold medal simply for being this positive role model and everyone should recognize it as well! If I have anything to do with it I will quash this ridiculous rumor and shed light on the truth and facts that are evident.
2011 Snowboard Equipment Trends
2011 Snowboard Season
We’re entering the 2011 snowboard season and we thought you might like a sneak peak at what’s going to be hot!
The SIA Trade show took place at the end of January and we got a look at all the goodies for this season, so if your falling behind a little bit we’ve rounded up some of the big trends.
COLLABORATIONS
It seems like collaborations are a trend that is here to stay. The ladies are often left out of the really cool collaborations, but not in 2011! One of the ones we are excited for is the K2/Nikita collab that will bring Nikita style to some K2 hard-goods. Burton is also doing a collab with the New York City based streetwear brand Married to the Mob, which includes a board and outerwear. We liked their slogan “Well behaved bitches seldom make history.” Ride is also doing a nifty collaboration with Spacecraft.
PURPLE
Purple really isn’t a new color in the world of snowboarding gear, but never has it been quite so EVERYWHERE as in the 2011 snowboarding gear! 2011 will be sporting all sorts of shades of purple, and not just in outerwear. Look for purple on boots, bindings and even snowboards!
REVERSE CAMBER
Reverse camber hasn’t faded out of snowboards. As a matter of fact it has grown.
With the 2011 models you’ll be hard pressed to find a regular cambered board, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have options… Most companies have expanded their reverse snowboard camber options to include various combos that suit different riding types. If you haven’t rode one of these multi-camber snowboards yet, get with it people! You don’t know what your missing!
BOOT LACING OPTIONS
For whatever the reason it appears that Companies will be offering a lot more boot lacing options in the 2011 snowboard season. Within one brand you might see 3 or 4 different types of lacing including standard lacing, BOA, quick lacing systems, and different inner lacing systems.
SIGNATURE COLLECTIONS
Signature gear is nothing new, especially in the 2011 snowboarding season! Pro Snowboarders like Gretchen Bleiler have had signature collections for years, but what is new is that many snowboard riders are creating their own personal brands and building signature collections across several companies. Take Cheryl Maas for example – her signature paw print and colors make their way across boots from Vans, a Nitro board, and Celtek gloves. Don’t be surprised of what you see on store shelves…
The Packers get the win against Philadelphia
For the first game of the season the Green Bay Packers appeared to show a little bit of hope against Philadelphia in the first three quarters of the game. Green Bay held on for a 27-20 season-opening victory at Lincoln Financial Field when the defense stopped Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 42-yard line with under two minutes left! The Packers not only erased 48 years of bad history – nine straight losses in Philly since 1962, including that infamous 2003 playoff game with the fourth-and-26 conversion – but proved at least for now they have what it takes to pull a game out when things start to go a little haywire.
Aaron Rogers?
But in the fourth quarter something happened when Aaron Rogers threw the fatal interception… Nevertheless, Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to a 27-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that became affected by wet and unfavorable weather in the second half. After only throwing seven interceptions in 2009, Rodgers started 2010 with 2 interceptions. He finished the day 19/31 for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, averaging a QB rating of 73.1.
Ryan Grant Injured
The Green Bay Packers may have picked up a win yesterday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but running back Ryan Grant managed to pick up an injury in the process.
Coach Mike McCarthy is calling it a “pretty good” sprain, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and that it will be “a challenge” for Ryan to play next week.
Congratulations Pack!
Uecker returns to the Brewers radio booth
Just three months after heart surgery,the Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Bob Uecker will be back behind the microphone this Friday when the Washington Nationals visit Miller Park.
In his 40th season broadcasting Brewers games, the 75-year-old Uecker underwent surgery April 30 to replace his aortic valve, aortic root and part of his ascending aorta.
Uecker, who displayed his customary humor during a guest appearance on the air June 24 in the second inning of the Brewers’ game against the Minnesota Twins, will hold a news conference prior to Friday’s game.
I’m sure many listeners share my sentiment when I say that it will be great to hear those famous words, “Play Ball!”
Brazil Thrashed by Germany in World Cup Soccer Quarterfinal
Soccer’s perennial World Cup underachievers from the Netherlands knocked off mighty Brazil on Friday, stamping the Dutch as a strong contender to finally win that elusive title. Argentina’s thrashing by Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals Saturday — a day after Brazil was unceremoniously shown the door by the Dutch squad — was a crushing blow to the collective pride in a region where soccer is religion and where expectations of a championship ran high.
After watching the national team go down, 4-0, to far superior Germany, fans wept openly at the downtown Buenos Aires obelisk where thousands had gathered to view the game on enormous TV screens.
Miroslav Klose capped his 100th Germany appearance in style as his dazzling double left gutted Diego Maradona on the verge of quitting as Argentina boss.
Although Maradona secured his status as a World Cup legend in a memorable quarter-final 24 years ago,yesterday he was forced to bow to Klose as the Bayern Munich striker made history of his own by taking his all-time tournament tally to 14.
That moved Klose level with countryman Gerd Muller in the hall of fame and just one goal shy of Brazilian star Ronaldo’s all-time record.
Despite thrashing England 4-1 in the last 16, the Germans were considered underdogs heading into their clash with Maradona’s men. But a goalkeeping blunder from Sergio Romero gifted Muller an early opener and confidence soared through Germany’s side.
World Player of the Year Lionel Messi cut a frustrated figure as Argentina struggled to break down the German defense. And a series of deadly counter-attacks saw Klose strike either side of Friedrich’s first international goal to cap a sensational victory.
Argentina’s Loss creates huge controversy
Argentina wasn’t the only country in mourning. Six South American teams made it into the tournament’s second round; but only Uruguay will play against Holland in the semifinals this Tuesday.
But for Argentina, a country obsessed with the sport, the loss hit especially hard.
It’s been a controversial World Cup. Officials have blown crucial calls but eschewed instant replay. The French team mutinied against its coach and didn’t make it to the second round. Nigeria’s president, Good luck Jonathan, formed a special commission to reorganize soccer after the national team failed to win a single game.
Many Argentine fans took it as an article of faith that their team — led by Maradona, who as a player led the squad to its 1986 World Cup victory but who had no experience as the national coach — would advance to the finals, possibly taking home the coveted trophy. However, Germany was so dominant that it stripped the Argentina squad naked, exposing its “technical disorder.”
On Friday, Argentina’s neighbor, soccer rival and tournament favorite Brazil, was beaten, 2-1, by the Netherlands, provoking a similar round of soul-searching and second-guessing among soccer-mad fans.
Only time will tell what teams enter the 3rd place game?
Milwaukee Brewers on a Roll?
With a 1-and-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers this past Wednesday and Thursday, coupled with their 3-to-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a three-game series at Chase Field, it appears that the Milwaukee Brewers may be on a roll? But what direction are they rolling — that is the question…
Yovani Gallardo continued his strikeout tear with 10 in five innings, Rickie Weeks and Jim Edmonds homered, and Ryan Braun scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch in the fifth inning. The Brewers got the lead back in the fifth, and Rickie Weeks led off with a single, but was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice from Joe Inglett. Braun then followed with a liner to left that went off the glove of a diving Gillespie. However, Gillespie recovered the ball quickly and relayed it to Stephen Drew, who gunned down Inglett at the plate. Braun did ultimately wind up at third on the play and scored on a wild pitch from Jackson for the 3-2 lead. Clearly any prediction on what direction the Milwaukee Brewers are heading is incumbent upon the apparent streak of Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo.
Gallardo reached double digits in strikeouts for the third time in four starts — the first Brewers pitcher ever to do so — but ran up his pitch count in the process, leaving the Mexican-born right-hander to settle for five workmanlike innings. The 24-year-old struck out at least one batter in each inning he pitched on the way to 10 strikeouts in all, and held Arizona to two runs on three hits. Gallardo (4-2) has won each of his last four starts and is the only pitcher in the franchise’s 42-season history to reach double-digit whiffs three times in the span of four starts.
Lets hope that he can maintain what he has going and keep the Milwaukee Brewers on the rise in wins!
Milwaukee Brewers On a Losing Streak?
Brewers Lose back-to-back to the Cubs
Ryan Dempster has the Brewers number. He beat Milwaukee for the fourth stright time, throwing seven and two-thirds strong innings in an 8-1 Cubs victory. Dempster gave up only the single run while improving his record to 2-0. It was true that the Cubs had lost five of their last six games, and in three losses to the New York Mets had scored a total of just three runs. “We’ve got to score more runs,” manager Lou Piniella said. “Three runs, three games, that’s not going to cut it. All I know is, we need to score more runs to win.”
Chicago came into the game having lost five of their last six while the Brewers had swept the Pirates and won four in a row. The Brewers only run came on a Craig Counsell double. Losing pitcher Jeff Suppan was booed off the field as he left the game, and it appears that his season is not doing so well.
Will the Brewers Dump Suppan From Starting Rotation?
Brewers manager Ken Macha acknowledged Saturday that there has been “some discussion” about dumping Jeff Suppan from the starting rotation.
Suppan has surrendered 16 hits over his first 9 1/3 innings of the season, putting his ERA at an ugly 8.68.
Chris Narverson is a likely fill-in, as is Manny Parra. But there’s no point in speculating any further until the Brewers pull the trigger. Suppan should not be owned in any fantasy format.
Milwaukee Brewers Home Opener
Monday, April 05, 2010 marks the home opener for the Milwaukee Brewers!
Here in Milwaukee the sounds and smells of spring have been in the air for a couple of weeks now, and along with that for many Brewers fans are the eager anticipations of the upcoming MLB baseball season and the Milwaukee Brewers.
For me those sounds will revitalize the somber emotions that were felt during this past winter, when in my travels during the off-season Miller Park’s cold, lifeless silhouette only offered memories of the thousands of Brewers fans cheering, the children laughing, and the endless aromas of food grilling in the parking lot… But the wait is soon to be a part of history too as the Milwaukee Brewers will be wrapping-up their spring training later this week and the official season comes to a head.
Just what the 2010 season holds for Prince Fielder is anyone’s guess, but if he pounds out those home runs like last season we’re in for a good one!
And I think its worthy to note that no matter if the Brewers win or loose, the sport of baseball provides a sort of entertainment that defies simple explanation or expression. Baseball is simply a sport that has always been a tradition that is deeply ingrained in the historical roots of America and its people, and whether your team wins or loses, simply being a part of the game for the sport of the game and the entertainment it offers is what matters…
More Brewers announcements are soon to come!
Huge Spring Sale On Winter Equipment, Accessories and Outerwear
Here at Affordable Sports Equipment we constantly strive to watch for the latest, hottest sales to pass the savings on to you!
Most people know that the time to purchase sports equipment is during the off-season. Generally summer sports equipment is on sale in the fall and winter, and winter sports equipment is on sale in the spring and summer. Well, spring is here and there are huge savings available on winter equipment:
- Snowboards
- Accessories – hats and beanies, gloves, sunglasses, and more!
- Skis
- Men’s outerwear
- Women’s outerwear
Right now get an EXTRA 30% OFF
Don’t wait until its too late
Shop Now
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Use Code “thirty” at checkout
Happy savings!
Shaun White To Have Dinner With President Obama?
Invariably, the name “Shaun White” rings with public adoration and iconic stature in the world of snowboarding; not to mention his gracious accomplishment in winning the gold medal in the men’s half-pipe competition at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. The high-flying American defended his halfpipe title with a jaw-dropping sequence of flips and somersaults when he punctuated his night with his signature trick, the “Double McTwist 1260.”
But amidst all the glory and flashing cameras in the news conference following his winning run, Shaun White passionately impressed his desire to meet President Obama. “I don’t think we’ve had the honor to meet the President of the United States,” White said.
Shaun White On Oprah Winfrey
Shaun White subsequently appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show on February 19, 2010 and reaffirmed his passionate desire to meet with President Obama. “It seems like you win the gold for the U.S., you should meet the president,” he says. “That would be cool.”
But despite his numerous public acclimation’s to the President, there has yet to be any word as to whether President Obama has an interest in honoring this young Olympic hero’s request.
Mr. Obama, Shaun White Will See You Now!
Granted, both the President Obama and Shaun White have very busy schedules, but one would certainly think that under the circumstances a personal visit could be reasonably easy to schedule? And as for his request to sit down for a formal dinner, well, why not? Now of course the issue of security falls into play, but I believe that Shaun White certainly poses no security risk to anyone, let alone the President of the United States… But Shaun White certainly has raised a very relevant issue in his statement to Oprah, “It seems like you win the gold for the U.S., you should meet the president.”
It only begs the question as to why there currently isn’t a White House/Presidential policy in place to honor our U.S Olympic athletes? We know that it cannot be for the reason that they don’t deserve a Presidential visit or tour of the White House followed by a one-on-one meeting, right?
Nevertheless, I believe that Shaun White earned his visit with President Obama and that necessary steps need to be taken to honor this simple, yet complicating endeavor.
Get Shaun His Presidential Dinner!
I would sincerely appreciate everyone’s support in this cause, so please get the word out by sharing this post and forwarding it to all your friends. Let’s get Shaun White his Presidential Dinner!
Get your 2010 Olympic Hoody!
Nike 2010 Winter Olympics Team USA White Basic 5 Rings Hoody Sweatshirt
Shaun White Pulls Off The Double McTwist 1260
Snowboarding has its own language, its own dress code, its own swagger and attitude… Boarders, shredders, whatever you want to call them, they have a tendency to invent their own tricks and the names to go with them. At the men’s half-pipe competition at the Vancouver Winter Olympic games, Shaun White nailed one of his signature moves, the Double McTwist 1260.
What is the Double McTwist 1260?
The Double McTwist 1260 consists of:
- two board-over-head flips
- within 3 1/2 turns.
So reading just what this trick consists of, one has to wonder just how anyone could ever come up with such a stunt? On a secluded half pipe in the Colorado Rockies that cost a reported $500,000 to build, Shaun White created the move himself . Sponsor Red Bull and Oakley are said to have foot the bill for the special project.