Halloween....Spookier than the Indianapolis Colts' record

Happy (a little early) Halloween guys!

This happens to be my all-time favorite holiday.

For those of you who say "it's not a holiday, sportsonista"......you're on my list, mmkay?

As I was trying to think of what to write for today's post, I realized that honestly...I'm just too excited for this weekend's festivities to come up with something creative on my own. Because let's be real...my creativity went into my fabulous costume.

And yes, I do always put together my own costumes...no pre-packaged nonsense for this girl!

Anyhoo....because I didn't want to leave you without on this lovely fall Friday, I thought I'd share some of the awesome articles/sites/memories that I've come across dealing with all things Halloween and Sports.


First up...you know how there's always those one or two uber fans that paint their faces and chests, don crazy wigs, and make spectating into a spectacle? Well, apparently it gets much, much worse at Halloween. Take a look at this photo album from the Washington Post highlighting some of these crazy peeps getups.

Well, that's just not right.

If that's not enough motivation to dress up for Halloween, how about this Bleacher Report on 30 clever sports-themed costume ideas? My favorite is definitely the Albert Haynesworth planking costume!

It's funny cause I'm lazy.

Then take a look at ESPN's list of costumes worn by Boston Sports figures....I'd probably pay to see (then) Bruins' defenseman Dennis Wideman as Radioactiveman from The Simpsons. Or his teletubby costume. Seriously, he may just have become my favorite sports player ever.

I can see it....

And finally, for my Mountaineer fans out there, what Halloween/sports post would be complete without the legendary Jack Fleming call for the 1984 WVU/Penn State game?

So light up your pumpkins, kids....cause this weekend may hold scary results, eerie plays, and maybe a nice treat or two for your favorite teams. Have fun, be safe, and I'll see ya in November!

Images provided by washington.cbslocal, bleacherreport, supportunitedway, and 0.tqn.

All I Need is a Miracle....

Please excuse me if the tone of this post is a little...shall we say...grumpy. You see, my sports teams were a hot, hot mess this weekend. On Friday night, my friend Julia was thoroughly convinced I was going to get us kicked out of the bar we were in due to my viewing displeasure of the WVU/Syracuse debacle. On Sunday, matters were even worse when my beloved Redskins fell even further apart against the Carolina Panthers, despite having a new quarterback. Even my old high school team got trounced 65-12 by their rivals.

Yeah, it sucked.

Needless to say, there was not much that went right for me. But elsewhere in the land of football, there WAS one team that had a guardian angel, a benevolent spirit, or a talking cricket watching its back.

Michigan State.

Sparty was touched by an angel, ya'll

In an ending that only seem to happen in the movies, Michigan St. quarterback Kirk Cousins heaved up a 44 yard "Rocket" play, desperately hoping to avoid overtime against the highly ranked and possible NC contender Wisconsin Badgers. Miraculously, receiver Keith Nichols came down with the ball. Even more miraculously, he was able to stretch across the goal line just enough to warrant a referee replay. And then, MOST miraculously the refs overturned the call on the field of no touchdown. MICHIGAN STATE WINS!!!!!

So where exactly does this finish rank in the ultimate hail mary plays in football history?

One of my personal favorites is the James Madison Dukes/Villanova Wildcats game on October 25, 2008. The Dukes were down by 2 with virtually no time left on the clock when QB Rodney Landers threw up a 35 yard completion to Bosco Williams in the end zone. The Dukes rode that win to a number one ranking in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Or how about Iowa QB Drew Tate's superb 56- yard bomb to Warren Halloway in the 2005 Capital One Bowl, which gave the Hawkeyes a 30-25 victory over LSU? This was Nick Saban's last game as the Tigers Head Coach.

Then there's Kordell Stewart's 64 yard pass to Michael Westbrook. The "Miracle at Michigan", as it's referred to, saw the Colorado Buffs come from behind to stun the Michigan Wolverines 27-26.

And finally, you can't forget about the play that started the Hail Mary craze....the Doug Flutie "Hail" to Gerard Phelan on November 23, 1984. Trailing the defending national champs Miami Hurricanes (led by legend Bernie Kozar) by a score of 45-41, Flutie heaved a pass from his own 37 yard line. Narrowly avoiding a sack, the soon-to-be Heisman winner managed to find his receiver for the 66 yard TD. The Flutie Hail is ranked consistently among the top plays in college football.

So tell me football fans, which Hail Mary do you think deserves the top ranking? Were you as impressed as I was with the Michigan State finish? Let me know!
Images provided by gamblechicago.files and a.espncdn.

Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Have you ever read something that just makes you feel REALLY bad about yourself?

I'm sure you're a lovely person, but I hate you.

Well, when I read this story about Fauja Singh, that's exactly what happened.

For most people, an uplifting tale about a 100 year old man who became the oldest person to finish a marathon might be inspirational and aspirational.

But for me, it's just depressing and, if I'm being honest, a little aggrevating.

First, I'm happy just to make it to the gym a few times each week. Sure, I'll do some cardio, some abs, maybe try a new weight machine here or there, but it's nothing extremely strenuous.

Second, I don't run. Like ever. I'd have to be in serious danger to be running, and even then it's iffy.

No....Seriously.

Apparently Mr. Singh completed his first major race, a 20 kilometer distance event, at the young age of 88. He said he needed something to do after his wife and son died.

Admirable and heart-warming? Sure. Crazy? You bet.

All kidding aside, I really DO admire the man. He's getting phone calls from Queen Elizabeth II on his birthday, was featured in the Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" campaign, and has a book written about him.

But really....running?

Fauja is forthright about his fame, exclaiming in The Globe and Mail interview, "“I cannot think of anything bad about running at all, there's only good in it, because not only am I healthy, but I get the recognition that inspires me and motivates me to carry on."

I see where he's coming from, and I praise his determination and spirit.

But since I basically hack up a lung anytime I attempt more than a really fast power walk, I think I'll just aim for....you know....being alive at 100.

We all have to have our goals, ya know?

                                  ******************************************************

So what do you think about Fauja Singh and his marathoning ways? Are you impressed enough to want to start running long distances? Or are you, like me, content to keep your life's pace at an easy walk?
Let me know!

Images provided by sikhiwiki and  someecards.

You Call It Madness, But I Call It Love

This past weekend, Midnight Madness events were cropping up on college campuses everywhere. And for those of you who have no clue what those are, it's basically the party that basketball teams throw to kick off the impending season. Usually at night. Usually with ridiculousness.

The original Midnight Madness? University of MD in 1970, then coached by the famous Lefty Drisell. The players had to run a mile obstacle course. Fun times.




My Mounties get things started with a Denis Kilicli accompanied
rendition of Country Roads.


It's hard to believe that college basketball season is upon us. Maybe because with all the pro sport lockouts and college football shenanigans, we've kinda forgotten about it. Or maybe it's because some of us just can't concentrate on more than two sports at the same time, and MLB and football have already claimed your attention span.

But it's true. In just a few short weeks, the cagers will be taking center court. Some teams, like the University of Kentucky Wildcats, are once again full of diaper dandies. Not surprising, since Kentucky tends to harvest one-and-done players to the NBA like an Xavier Roberts' cabbage patch. With the return of Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb, however, the Cats are poised to once again make a deep run come tourney time.

Then there's St. Johns. Shortly after their midnight madness celebration, the Red Storm were holding tryouts to fill a noticeably empty roster. Head coach Steve Lavin, who is faced with the task of replacing three players declared NCAA ineligible, has said that he will possibly be bringing on five to six walk additional guys. When you play in a conference like the Big East, fielding a team half-comprised of non-scholarship players seems like a daunting obstacle to overcome.

Of course, perennial contenders and personal foes UNC and Duke both look to earn both an ACC and National crown. With a host of returning talent, a Roy Williams' UNC squad might just have the edge.

Probably my favorite thing about college basketball, though, is the surprising mid-major Cinderellas. Last year's Final Four match-up between Butler and VCU is a prime example that anyone can play with anyone. And honestly, who doesn't want to hear the name Shaka Smart all throughout March?

Yes, the Madness is upon us. And I, for one, can't wait.

So friends....what are you most looking forward to about College Basketball season? Do you think UConn will make a repeat run to the title? Are you sad this might be the last time you see Pittsburgh and Syracuse play in the formidable Big East? Do you think Kansas coach Bill Self looks hot clad in leather? Let me know!

Images provided by facebook and mediagallery.usatoday.

Fill in the Blank: Sports Edition

Theo Epstein's new job lands him on my list

One of my favorite websites these days is Dear Blank, Please Blank. Some of the entries are poignant, thoughtful, or weird, but most are giggle-worthy HI-LAR-IOUS.

And since I'm also giggle-worthy HI-LAR-IOUS (or at least I try to be), I thought I'd give my own sports-themed twist on the concept.

So....here we go.

_____________________________________________________

                   

                     "Dear Tim Tebow, 

                       

                      Please don't blow it.

                      Sincerely, You've got to be better than Kyle Orton, right?"

_____________________________________________________

                     "Dear Detroit Lions,

                      Remember when you really sucked for the last decade?

                      Sincerely,  We do too"

_____________________________________________________

                     " Dear Cardinals,

                        Do you think you can get Nelly and the St. Lunatics

                         to perform Batter Up at one of your playoff games?

                        Sincerely, I totally still have that on my IPOD"

_____________________________________________________

                     " Dear NCAA,

                        Hasn't Tim Abromaitis played at Notre Dame for 10 years now?

                        Sincerely,

                        Remind me again why you're suspending him for something that

                        happened when he was a sophomore"

_____________________________________________________

                   " Dear Conference Re-Alignments,

                      Will the Big 10 and the Big 12 just swap names?

                      Sincerely, I have no idea how many teams are actually in each

                      conference now"

_____________________________________________________

                  " Dear LeBron,

                    You can't even win an NBA championship.

                    Sincerely, Please don't attempt to play in the NFL"

_____________________________________________________

                 " Dear Theo Epstein,

                   I'm single. Call me.

                   Sincerely, Very impressed you're pulling in $3 million at

                   your new gig with the Cubs"

_____________________________________________________

                 " Dear NBA,

                   Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah.

                   Sincerely, Just get the deal done already"

_____________________________________________________

                " Dear Joe Paterno,

                   So where exactly IS the Fountain of Youth located?

                   Sincerely, Congrats on your 140th year as a head coach"

_____________________________________________________

                  " Dear Stephen Garcia,
                   
                     I guess they really meant  the "no alcohol and drugs" thing, huh?

                    Sincerely, What did you think would happen when your results

                    came back?

____________________________________________________ 

                 " Dear TCU,

                   Best of luck to you in the Big Whatever.

                   Sincerely, I hope you never win a game because I tend to
                   hold a grudge"

____________________________________________________

                " Dear Grantland,

                  Can I have a job?

                  Sincerely, But seriously.... can I?"

____________________________________________________

If you have any submissions, please feel free to send them to me! I'll try to include them in future posts.
Have a great weekend ya'll!

Image provided by gossipgrl.files.

Ice, Ice Baby

I'm about to rock this blog like a vandal, because hockey is back ya'll.


The NHL opened up the 2011-12 season this past weekend, and let me tell you, it didn't lack for excitement. We've already had a jersey retired (Peter Forsberg's #21 at the Avs/Red Wings game), a suspension (2 games for Minnesota's Pierre-Marc Bouchard taking his stick to Blue Jacket Matt Calvert's face), and the debut of the new (old?) team, the Winnepeg Jets (who, after a 15 year hiatus, opened with a 5-1 loss. Oops).




Pierre-Marc Bouchard gives a high five....to the face...with a hockey stick


Now that the party is jumping....

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin triumphantly returned from a season-ending surgery last February in the Pens opening shoot out victory against the Canucks. The return was short-lived, however: Malkin missed Sunday's game against the Oilers with a "lower body injury".  Meanwhile, the Oilers showed their draft mettle. Number one entry pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied his first goal in his first game to send the match against Pittsburgh into overtime. The Oilers won 2-1.

The reigning Stanley Cup Champs Boston Bruins are a mere 1-1 after this first weekend, losing their first game to the Philadelphia Flyers before rebounding against the Tampa Bay Lightning. It's possible MVP Tim Thomas is still nursing a championship hangover, because Tuukka Rask started in net for the Bruins in last night's game against the Avalanche. Or maybe it's just more fun to say "Tuukka Rask" than "Tim Thomas".

Slice like a ninja, cut like a razorblade....

The Flyers are 2-0 after beginning their season on the road, aided by the play of newbie Flyer Jaromir Jagr. Jagr netted his 1,600th NHL point in the opener against Boston.

Just cuz I'm old, doesn't mean I can't still kick your ass

Recent perennial powerhouse Washington Capitals are also off to a good start, which isn't surprising. They don't tend to lose until it counts. Like the playoffs.

Anything less than the best is a felony....

And finally, former NHL great and hockey legend Brendan Shanahan has officially begun his rule as the league's chief player disciplinarian. "Shanaban", as he is now referred, seems to mean business with his punishments. He's clearly well-versed on rule breakers, as he himself logged over 2000 penalty minutes during his career.


So there it is folks: a whirlwind tour of hockey's first weekend, all wrapped up in a blanket of lyrical poetry. Did you happen to catch any of the games? Was there anything or any team that stood out to you? Do you now have Ice,Ice Baby running annoyingly through your head? Let me know!

P.S. I totally tried to fit in A1A Beachfront Avenue, but it just didn't seem to go.


Images provided by nbcprohockeytalk and latimes.

NCAA: The Ultimate Real World

"This is the story of 120 football teams, picked to live and work together in conferences, and have their lives taped by ESPN....to find out what happens when ADs and Chancellors stop being polite....and start being real."

Could college sports (and by college sports, I mean football) BE any more ridiculous right now?
You know that these schools and players and coaches and presidents and ADs are real people, but you can't help but think that games are going to start ending with a "Next time in college football...."

As in, "Next time in college football....Texas declares itself King of the World and refuses to play anyone with the color red on their jersey. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt tries to kick its denim addiction."

Let's be real, the whole expansion nonsense is out-of-control. I touched on it before, but since then it's run even more rampant. Pittsburgh and Syracuse have said au revoir to the Big East. The Big 12 threatened to fall apart, then came back together. And alleged pacts made to keep the remaining conference members together and stronger seem to be lip service at best.


In short, it's like a reality TV show gone horribly wrong....or horribly right. So what would it look like if some of the major players were cast as stars of a Real World season? Let's take a look.....


The Popular Southern Belle

The Southeastern Conference. Everyone wants to date her. She may be quick with a wink and a flirtatious smile, but this girl isn't going to get serious with just anyone. You better bring credentials as thick as the NCAA rulebook if you want to stand a chance.

The Guy's Guy

Texas. He's rough, tough, and arrogant. He's going to do what he's going to do, the rest of his friends be damned. He's the alpha, and if things don't go his way, he's probably going to be hell to live with.

The Promiscuous Gold Digger

TCU. I'm just going to put it out there....you're being a little slutty for money. You left your boyfriend Mountain West for the Big East, only to turn around and jump into bed with Richie Rich Big 12.

The Troublemaker

Television contracts. Apparently regionality and tradition aren't enough to keep folks together. TV has created more rife and drama between and among conferences. TV sucks.

No it doesn't.....just kidding TV. Never leave me, mmmkay?

The Weirdo

Colorado. Left the Big 12 to go to the PAC-12 because.....well, I'm not sure exactly. Maybe Ralphie wanted to spend more time at the beach?

The "Thinks They're Awesome But You Won't Remember Their Name At the End of the Season" roommate

The ACC. When Miami, VT, and Boston College left the Big East in the early 2000s to join the ACC, everyone thought that the Atlantic Coast Conference was going to be unstoppable. In actuality, they dropped into a state of mediocrity that fields maybe one or two decent teams a season at best. Now they've cherry picked another two Big East squads in Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Pittsburgh underachieves like it's their job, and Syracuse hasn't been good since Donovan McNabb played in the 90s. Good thing there's always basketball, right?

So guys, what do you think of this craziness that is the NCAA right now? Do you think that one day, as SB Nation predicts, that the University of Colorado will just wander off to Canada? Let me know!


Images provided by couchfiresports and mm-agency.

                        **************************************************************

Quick shout-out to my friend John Michael, who has been named the new radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Cavs. Congrats John.....I'm sure the NBA will be back eventually!

The Hunt for Mr. October

Reggie Jackson.


A.K.A. Mr. October.


We all know the moniker well. During the NYY World Series against the Dodgers, Jackson's teammate Thurman Munson joked with the media that perhaps they'd rather talk to "Mr. October", a reference to Reggie's playoff success.


I guess when you've been on six pennant and five World Series winning teams, and you own a lot of post-season records, you've probably earned the nickname.

Reggie Jackson might have been saddled with a lot of controversial titles- braggart, troublemaker, egomaniac- but he sure knew how to get the job done. And in the end, that's what people will remember him for.

***************



As we head into October, first round series are already in full swing. As we saw last week, nothing is set in stone. Teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox can crash and burn down the stretch. Now is the time for a new Mr. October to step up.



So who will it be?

Perhaps another Yankee. New York's Robinson Cano hit a grand slam and batted in six runs to lead the Yanks to victory in the opening game against the Detroit Tigers. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera might have something to say about that, though, as he posted 3 hits and 3 RBIs in game 2, becoming only the 5th Tiger to do so in post-season play.



Robi Cano



Miguel Cabrera





Or what about Phillie's pitcher Cliff Lee, whose team has already proclaimed him their Mr. October? It seems like Lee is about as close to a sure thing as you can get....except when he's not. Like in game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.



Cliff Lee



Or maybe it will be either of Milwaukee Brewers' sluggers Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. The two Brewers have combined for 2 HRs and 6 RBIs in their 2 victories over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ryan Braun

However, it might just be Tampa's Evan Longoria. The Ray's 3rd baseman was even BORN in October (Oct. 7th, to be exact....happy early birthday Evan!), making him a natural Mr. October candidate. And it was Longoria's 2 home runs against the Yankees last week that capped off a miraculous come-from-behind surge to the playoffs.

Evan Longoria

So baseball fans....who do you think will emerge as the MLB's post-season MVP? Which team do you think has what it takes to win it all? Do you kinda wish Sean Connery would do a few play-by-play calls (or at least a good color commentary) for some of the playoff games? Hit me up and let me know!

Images provided by graphicshunt, dubsism.files, isportacus.com, fantasyknuckleheads, and graphicshunt.