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That's the guy I remember

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:47:36 GMT

It was good to see Mike Flanagan smiling again. Flanagan joined Jim Palmer and Gary Thorne during tonight’s broadcast of the game between the Orioles and Blue Jays and he looked like a man who was actually happy to be there.

He even displayed that dry sense of humor we haven’t heard from him in a long time.

Back before he become Assistant to the VP-GM of baseball operations--or whatever the hell his title was--Flanagan used to come on WNST and talk baseball, reminisce about the good old days, and entertain the listening audience.

But as the losses mounted and the organization continued to struggle, Flanagan became less entertaining and more serious and business-like. Even when we would try to lighten the mood, Mike would keep a stoic tone. If he did laugh, you could tell it was forced.

Because the Orioles appeared to lack leadership and direction on his watch, Flanagan became a whipping boy for a lot of the media ( myself included ) and large percentage of Orioles fans.

When Andy MacPhail arrived last summer to take charge of the team, Flanagan became the forgotten guy.

But watching him talk tonight about the 1983 Orioles reminded me that I was always a big Mike Flanagan fan. He was an outstanding pitcher on some very good Baltimore teams during the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. He won the Cy Young award in 1979.

When he was color analyst for the team during the late ‘90’s, he was fun to listen to.

He was cool.

And you know what? He probably still is. Once he became a “suit”, we all seemed to forget.

Even though his tenure in the front office has not been a successful one, when it is all said and done, I will choose to remember Mike Flanagan for what he really was here in Baltimore.

One of the best pitchers in the history of the franchise.

And a true Oriole.

Pre-sleep blog

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:35:02 GMT

It wasn’t pretty, but Radhames Liz got into the sixth inning tonight for manager Dave Trembley as the Orioles beat the Blue Jays 8-3 at Camden Yards. Liz has been terrible of late, so this outing should help his confidence a bit. There is no question that the kid has major league stuff. Hopefully, he can develop the polish needed to become a productive member of the staff for years to come.

Barring injury, Adam Jones will become the greatest center fielder in Orioles history.

I’m not exactly the “Style King”, but the Toronto Blue Jays have some ugly uniforms. They do break out the throwback powder blues every now and then, so I’ll give them some credit for that. But their primary uniforms are brutal.

I’m really hoping that Willis McGahee is ready for a big season in 2008. With the Ravens quarterback situation far from settled, McGahee needs to be a star for this offense.

Nick Caner-Medley is playing for the Lakers in NBA Summer League action. As I write this, he’s playing on NBA TV…and playing well.

I am very excited about this Saturday’s welterweight title fight between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. I have predicted that Margarito will pull the upset and knockout Cotto. I’ll talk more about this fight later in the week with Tom Gerbasi from www.maxboxing.com.

On the flip side, a Nikolai Valuev vs. John Ruiz heavyweight title fight sounds about as exciting as a prostate exam.

Maryland was picked to finish fifth in the ACC’s Atlantic division by members of the media. I think the Terps--and their potentially high-powered offense--will exceed expectations.

Clemson was picked to win the ACC. Don’t be surprised if the Tigers fail to live up to the hype and coach Tommy Bowden goes back on the hot seat.

On this date is 1966, Frank Robinson blasted two home runs during a 4 for 4 day as the Orioles beat the Detroit Tigers 6-4 at Memorial Stadium. Curt Blefary also had a strong showing at the plate going 2 for 3 with a homer. Dave McNally earned his ninth win of the season as Baltimore improved to 64-32 on the season.

Tune in Tuesday for Ravens reports and Orioles talk.

This gig is over

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:08:47 GMT

I went to get my oil changed this morning. As I was waiting in the lobby for the oil-technician to finish with my car, I saw on ESPN that Billy Packer was out as the lead college hoops analyst for CBS after 27 years.

I have always enjoyed listening to Packer do games on the tube going back to my formative years as a basketball fan. As a matter of fact, I’ve been watching him do basketball games for as long as I can remember watching them. Which is over 30 years.

Along with the late Jim Thacker, Packer did the ACC games on the old C.D. Chesley network. I got to know John Lucas, Brad Davis, Larry Gibson, Albert King, Ernie Graham and many others watching those games.

Packer and Thacker would celebrate that game’s top performer by naming him the Holly Farms Player of the Game.

Growing up in East Baltimore, when we would run some ball, if you were having a good game ( which I did often, of course) the other players would yell out “ Holly Farms!”.

Packer’s style could be abrasive to some and--on more than one occasion--he has offended people with his comments. Some viewed him as an angry old guy who is set in his ways.

But his love for college basketball cannot be denied. He held the sport in high regard and his knowledge of the game is as great as anyone who has ever put on headphones or spoke into a microphone for a living.

The trio of Packer, Dick Enberg and Al McGuire is still considered as one of the greatest broadcasting teams in sports history. Their chemistry on the NBC College Basketball Game of the Week rivaled that of the classic Monday Night Football lineup of Dandy, Howard and The Giffer.

Good luck Billy Packer.

The Final Four won’t be the same without you.

Real quick, former Maryland hoops recruit Dante Taylor verbally committed to Pitt today. At one time, Taylor was a priority player for the class of ‘09. But as Keith Cavanaugh has been reporting for the last couple of weeks on The Terrapin Times Report, Maryland has been fading in the process.

Today, they disappeared.

I’m on vacation this week. So if you need me, don’t call.

See you next Monday.

Tuesday night thoughts

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:20:29 GMT

We talked a lot about Brett Favre on the show today. Just when you thought you were done with it, he pulls you back in.

It looks like Favre wants to play football in 2008 and now we have to go through the next few weeks wondering who he will play for. Packers? Falcons? Panthers? Who knows.

Like a lot of people, I’m Favre’d out. However, if he becomes available and has an interest in playing for Baltimore, I’d bring him in for a year. He would immediately upgrade the QB position and make the Ravens instant contenders in the AFC North. The four teams in the division are all close as far as personnel in concerned. Some teams have better offensive talent, some are stronger on defense.

But no one team stands out above the others. A player like Favre could be a difference maker in a tight division.

Plus, bringing in Favre keeps Joe Flacco on the bench. Which is exactly where I would like to see him in 2008.

Daniel Cabrera is doing what the Orioles needed him to do tonight--give them innings. As I write this, the game against Toronto has just entered the seventh inning and Disco Dan is still dealing. Hopefully, the Birds ( Baltimore’s version) can hold on to this 4-2 lead and get the last road trip before the All-Star break off to a nice start.

The Cubs acquired Rich Harden from the A’s today. If he stays healthy, Harden can be a dominant pitcher in the NL and will help keep the Cubs a step ahead of the competition in the Central. Getting Chad Gaudin in the deal will also help Chicago.

On this date in 1989, Bob Melvin drove in two runs and Phil Bradley had three hits as the Orioles beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2 at County Stadium. Cal Ripken Jr. and Craig Worthington also had RBI’s to help back the pitching of Brian Holton. Gregg Olson got the save as Baltimore improved to 48-36 on the year.

The kid has skills

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:58:01 GMT

Adam Jones made a running catch tonight against the Kansas City Royals that brought back memories of the great Paul Blair.

Jones was playing a shallow centerfield with KC’s Joey Gathright at the plate in the top of the eight inning. Gathright smacked a ball towards left-center field and Jones got on his horse and made a spectacular running catch.

The catch prevented--at least--a double. A big play considering the score was 5-4 Orioles.

Once Jones learns plate discipline and becomes more reliable with the bat, he should really blossom as a player.

I think he’s a keeper.

Not a good sign seeing Alex Cintron grab his left hamstring after running out a groundball tonight. But maybe a fitting scene considering the shortstop woes of 2008 for the Orioles.

Oh no. Miguel Olivo has just hit a pinch-hit home run off of George Sherrill to tie tonight’s game at 5-5.

That is two blown saves in a row for Sherrill. Is it time to start worrying?

Manny Pacquiao was tremendous in destroying David Diaz on Saturday night to win the WBC lightweight championship.

Pacquiao used his awesome hand speed to turn Diaz’s face into a combination of blood and bruises during the first eight rounds.

Pacquiao finally dropped the courageous former champ in the ninth round to score the TKO victory.

With the retirement ( for now) of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao gets my vote as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Circle the date of July 26^th on your calendar fights fans. On this night, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito will meet for the welterweight title. I’m going to go Joe Namath and “guarantee” a terrific fight.

Even you MMA fans will enjoy this one.

Birds and Royals going extra innings down at Camden Yards. Let’s hope they pull it out…for George Sherrill’s sake.

Was that Don Stanhouse out there?

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:19:47 GMT

Watching George Sherrill work the ninth inning last night at Wrigley Field brought back memories of former Orioles closer Don “Full Pack” Stanhouse.

If you remember, Stanhouse was notorious for getting himself into and out of jams in save situations. His exploits led to the nickname “Full Pack” as it is said that Earl Weaver would smoke a full pack of cigarettes during a Stanhouse outing.

With the Orioles leading 7-5 going into the last inning, Sherrill allowed two hits and walk to load the bases with none out.

He then proceeded to strike out Ronny Cedeno, Kosuke Fukudome and Henry Blanco consecutively to squash the threat and get his 26^th save of the season.

It was a big win for the Orioles as they stop a two-game losing streak by beating a Cubs team that has been red-hot at home this season.

Jeremy Guthrie did not pitch his best, but he finally got some run support as he earned his fourth win of the year.

Congratulations to Brian Roberts who went 3 for 5 including hit number 1,000 for his career.

Drew will be talking about underrated players on his show. I always thought Dennis Martinez, Don Buford and Adrian Branch fell into that category.

Michael Weinreb wrote a story about Len Bias at www.espn.com titled The Day the Innocence Died. It is tough but recommended reading.

To this day, the Bias story still breaks my heart as much as it did 22 years ago. It was like a member of the family died.

Where were you when you heard the news?

Did you feel it?

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:38:24 GMT

On this date in 1979, Doug DeCinces hit a two-run, two-out, ninth-inning homer off of Dave Tobik to give the Orioles a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Tigers.

This was the game that--according to many--started "Oriole Magic".

Where were you that night?

I'll be back later with my memories of that game and that season.

Right now, I have some bowling to do.

An air conditioned Sunday blog

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:07:15 GMT

I don’t know about you, but it’s a little early for this equator-like heat we have been getting the last couple of days. I know BGE rates are off the charts, but cranking up the AC and relaxing to an Orioles game is the way to go on this Sunday.

So far, I have really enjoyed watching the Orioles in 2008. They seem to genuinely enjoy playing the game and--for the most part--play the game hard. As I have said all season long, playing hard is what we ask for as fans.

Work as hard on the field as we work each week to be able to pay for tickets to the game.

Yes, I pay for my tickets…most of the time.

Matt Wieters is crushing the baseball down on the farm. Through Saturday, Wieters was hitting .344 with 13 home runs and 35 RBI for the Frederick Keys. Those are eye-popping numbers. Especially for an Orioles minor leaguer. However, I still think it would be prudent to shoot for 2010 as the year Wieters becomes the everyday catcher.

Word to your mother!!! Luke Scott just went deep for the second time today off of Roy Halladay. Baltimore is going for the sweep today and it would be a nice feather (no pun intended) in their cap to beat one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

As I write this, the Orioles lead 4-2.

I thought Rick Dutrow needed to address the media--almost immediately-- after the Belmont Stakes. Dutrow , trainer of Big Brown, has been talking a lot of trash and has been disrespectful to his horse’s competition throughout the Triple Crown. I know he was concerned with the welfare of his horse, but after coming off like an arrogant jerk for over a month, I expected more than “Don’t even think about it” when approached by the media after the race.

Actually, maybe I didn’t.

By the way, did you know that Da’ Tara won the Belmont?

I’ll take the Celtics tonight at home over the Lakers.

Call me skeptical, but I don’t believe for a minute that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has retired from boxing. My guess is that he is taking a break for a year or so.

The dude’s nickname is “Money”. He’ll want to earn more money, eventually.

The Blue Jays have just taken the lead from the Orioles. Time for another late-inning comeback.

Have a good Sunday

As the Turtle Turns...

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:27:35 GMT

I guess you have heard by now that Gus Gilchrist will not play basketball for the University of Maryland…ever.

Gilchrist was granted his transfer release by Maryland this afternoon and will look to continue--actually begin--his college career elsewhere.

Today’s news is just the latest blow to Gary Williams and his beleaguered program as Gilchrist was expected to be an instant impact player in the post. Gilchrist would have been eligible on December 22^nd and would have stepped right into the starting lineup.

Earlier today, Kurt O’Neill of Press Box came on the program and reported that Gilchrist would not play this year due to the fact that he had lost his appeal to the ACC that would have made him eligible for the ‘08-’09 season. Kurt then speculated that Gilchrist would--probably--never play for the Terps.

Well, this report had me reeling and Maryland fans in meltdown mode.

It turns out that Kurt--or his source--was half-right.

Keith Cavanaugh of The Terrapin Times joined us later to say that there was no second appeal to the ACC that was denied. Gilchrist appealed to the league after his transfer and that is when the ruling came down that he would be eligible in December of ‘08 and would be classified as a sophomore.

However, during the interview, Keith did break the news that Gilchrist was meeting with Gary Williams to decide what his future--if any--with the program would be.

The more Keith spoke, the more he mentioned Gilchrist’s “advisors” and “his camp”. I used to host an internet recruiting show about a decade ago and I’ve spoken to more than a few “advisors” over the years. Let’s just say that sometimes “advisors” aren’t always giving the best advice…but I digress.

Anyway, I started to get a bad feeling during the conversation with Keith and those bad feelings were confirmed later in the afternoon

What does today’s decision mean for Gilchrist? Not to sound harsh, but I don’t care. Here is a young man on his way to his third school and he has yet to play a minute of college basketball. All I can do is wish him luck.

As for Maryland, as we said earlier, this is another punch in the stomach to a program that was on top of the college hoops world only six years ago.

Joey Cameron, a 6’8 forward, visits Maryland tomorrow. Cameron is a JUCO player who had stops at Auburn, Seton Hall, the French Foreign Legion , the Cubs etc…

So how was your day?

Hot cup "o" Sunday blog

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:45:02 GMT

Well, it looks like the Orioles will finally put “Baltimore” back on the road jerseys for 2009. I, like a lot of fans, am glad that the team has finally decided to make a move that will satisfy a large portion of their fan base. This decision should have been made long ago, but better late than never.

Even though I already own a “Baltimore” throwback jersey, I will be one of the first in line to purchase the new piece of Orioles apparel. Here’s hoping that the team resumes using the “Baltimore” script that was on the jerseys from ‘66-’72. In my opinion, they should change the entire uniform to the style that was worn from ‘66-’70. They should also go back to old team logo that was used from ‘66-’88.

Can we also get rid of the “O’s” hat and the bird profile? If I wanted to see a real Baltimore Oriole, I’d grab some binoculars or go to the zoo.

Does changing the uniforms mean the team will be more successful on the field? Of course not. But this story has been a matter of civic pride and this gesture shows that--at least on this issue--the fan’s opinion does matter.

Plus, “Baltimore” on the jersey just looks better.

I’ve been following MMA more and more over the last few weeks and last night I watched Kimbo Slice on CBS. Apparently, Slice is a rising star in the world of MMA and that fact that he fought in last night’s nationally televised main event is proof of that.

Slice fought someone named James ( The Colossus) Thompson. From what I saw, the only thing colossal about Thompson was the hematoma on his left ear…but I digress.

Anyway, Slice was getting worked by Thompson for most of the fight before he rallied for a disputed TKO victory in the third--and final--round.

There are obviously more people out there who know more about this sport than I do. But Slice looks--to me--like someone who would get crushed by a top-level MMA fighter.

On this date in 1969, Paul Blair hit a solo home run off of Bob Priddy in the top of the 11^th inning as the Orioles--with “Baltimore” on the jersey--beat the California Angels 4-3 at Anaheim Stadium. Don Buford and Boog Powell also hit homers as Baltimore rallied from a 3-0 deficit to get the victory. Jim Palmer pitched two scoreless inning of relief to earn the win as the Orioles improved to 35-15 on the year.

My sinister plan failed

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:59:20 GMT

For the past couple of days, I’ve been praising the Los Angeles Lakers and all of their greatness. Of course, the reason that I was doing that, was to put the famous “Haynie Schleprock” on them.

If you missed it, I bet Rob Long the San Antonio Spurs would beat the Lakers in the Western Conference finals.

So, the Lakers took a 3-1 lead in the series and I to resort to the my secret weapon.

Well, the “Haynie Schleprock” did work….on the Spurs.

The first 28 “automatic bids” for the King of Baltimore Sports tournament were announced yesterday and , of course, some of the names on the list were being questioned.

But the list is set.

What we are doing now is trying to find the final four participants to complete the field of 32.

I’m not telling you who to write-in ( Bert Jones). The decision is totally yours ( Earl Monroe). Just have fun ( Ken Singleton).

Memorial Day thoughts

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:53:25 GMT

First off, happy Memorial Day to one and all and I hope you had a safe, healthy and fun weekend.

The Orioles needed a stopper on the mound and today Garrett Olson rose to the challenge against the Yankees at OPACY. Olson threw seven strong innings at a New York team that had won five in a row coming into this afternoon’s series opener.

On the flip side, Baltimore had lost five in a row and dropped into last place in the AL East. But it’s back to .500 for the Orioles after today’s 6-1 drubbing of the Bronx Bombers. The loss for New York puts them back in cellar of the division and there is nothing about that scenario that upsets me.

So, after 50 games the Orioles are playing .500 baseball. I don’t know about you, but I still find that acceptable.

Steve Trachsel’s pitching has been unacceptable this season. I know he may have been a little rusty, but Trachsel has had a hard time getting people out all season. It might be time for Matt Albers to start making more than just a spot start here and there…if you know what I’m saying.

Did you now that Baltimore OF Nick Markakis is 9-for-11 lifetime against Yankee pitcher Darrell Rasner?

I wonder if Mark Mussina noticed who won game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons? In case he didn’t, it was the Celtics. You know the Celtics? The team I picked to win game three ( Hey, I rarely get one right. Let me gloat a little).

On this date in 1973, Al Bumbry and Tommy Davis hit home runs as the Orioles beat the Minnesota Twins 7-2 in a rain-shortened seven-inning game at Metropolitan Stadium in Minnesota. Don Baylor drove in two runs and pitcher Mike Cuellar went the distance as Baltimore improved to 18-19 on the season.

Look for Bumbry and Cuellar to be part of the KOBS which will happening at WNST. Stay tuned. It is going to be a blast.

A little help

Sat, 24 May 2008 01:34:59 GMT

That’s what Orioles pitchers have to be thinking to themselves right now as they continue to pitch well but can’t seem to get any help from the offense.

As I write this, the Orioles are being shutout through seven innings and trail the Rays 1-0 on the road. Jeremy Guthrie, who has been a hard luck pitcher this year, is tossing another strong game for Baltimore. But, unfortunately, he can’t get any support from the Orioles bats.

Since scoring 12 runs in the series opener against the Yankees this past Tuesday, Baltimore has scored one run.

Sorry, but that is unacceptable.

It is this lack of consistent offense that will prevent the Orioles from playing .500 ball in 2008. Of course, that’s just my opinion.

It was a pleasure talking to Roy Firestone today on the show. Roy loves his Orioles ( don’t we all?) and thinks they could wind up winning 85 games this year. I disagree with that total for the reason stated above.

You can listen to the interview by checking out the audio vault on this here website.

No surprise to hear the news today that Tyree Evans will not enroll at the University of Maryland and join the men’s basketball team.

Signing Evans has been a controversial topic for sports fans over the last month or so here in the area. It became as national story when Luke Winn addressed it at www.si.com a few weeks back.

Evans, who had not yet been accepted into Maryland by the admissions office, decided it was in the best interest of everyone involved to be released from his letter of intent.

The young man is trying to get his life straightened out and here’s hoping that he can get that done.

As far as how this affects Maryland hoops, this is another blow to the program. Signing Evans was a high-risk move that--to me--reeked of desperation. Today’s events , with Evans not matriculating to College Park, once again makes the program look bad in the eyes of the public.

It seems as though there is no plan when it comes to recruiting and looking clueless is not the way to attract elite talent to your school.

I’m not ready to say “ Fire Gary Williams” yet. But I think his program is approaching crisis mode and he needs to get this thing turned around pronto…..BH

No-walk Danny

Wed, 21 May 2008 03:12:04 GMT

It’s looking more and more like Disco Daniel Cabrera might be for real after all. Cabrera fashioned yet another quality start this evening as the Orioles blasted the Yankees 12-2. Cabrera pitched seven strong innings against New York allowing five hits and only two runs.

But it’s this new found control of his that has me and a lot of other Orioles fans excited. For the second consecutive start, Disco Dan did not walk a batter. That’s right Drewskie. NO WALKS.

As matter of fact, he has only walked three batters in his last four starts combined. That’s Greg Maddux-like control.

Oh, and he won his fifth game tonight, as well. Cabrera is starting to make a strong case for being on the AL All-Star team.

It’s funny. A lot of the same people who thought I was crazy when I predicted DC would win more than 11 games, think I’m crazy for still wanting to trade him…which I would in the right deal.

The Chicago Bulls won the NBA’s draft lottery tonight giving them the first overall pick. If you’re Bulls VP of basketball operations John Paxson do you take Kansas State forward Michael Beasley or Memphis point guard Derrick Rose?

Beasley is a great scorer who can get you points from the low-post and the perimeter. He is also strong on the boards. Rose has the athleticism, strength and basketball IQ to become , along with Chris Paul and Deron Williams, one of the top point guards in the league for many years to come. Rose also happens to be from Chicago.

The old saying in basketball is you never trade big for small. So, that being said, if I’m the Bulls, I’d take Rose. Nothing against Beasley, but I think Rose is going to be a superstar.

Jackass move by LaTroy Hawkins tonight throwing at Luke Scott not once, but twice. The second “purpose pitch” was thrown at Scott’s head. Plate umpire Chuck Meriwether did the right thing by ejecting Hawkins. Hopefully, a suspension will follow.

Scott got his revenge the best way you can by taking Jose Veras deep in the eighth inning. So, for tonight at least, Scott and the Orioles get the last laugh.

Fab Five

Tue, 20 May 2008 02:34:53 GMT

First off, congratulations to Jon Lester who just tossed a no-hitter for the Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals.

As I watch game seven of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Hornets, I noticed that there is a nice chemistry between play-by-play voice Marv Albert and analyst Reggie Miller.

To be honest, starting with the studio show Inside the NBA and through the actual game broadcasts, I think TNT covers the NBA better than any other network.

But I digress.

Anyway, listening to Albert and Miller interact got me to thinking about my all-time favorite NBA announcing crews.

Keep in mind, this isn’t a list of the best or worst duos or trios ever. It is just a list of my Fab Five NBA broadcasting teams….in no particular order of preference.

1) Marv Albert and Mike Fratello (NBC & TNT) This team was at it’s peak in the early ‘90’s when the NBA was on NBC and the Bulls were coming into prominence. Funny and knowledgeable, Albert and “ The Czar of the Telestrator” made watching the game a very enjoyable experience.

2) Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy ( ABC & ESPN) Breen is a pro who calls a very good game and has fine sense of humor ( You need one to call Knicks games). Jackson and Van Gundy are a modern day version of Billy Packer and Al McGuire. Alas, with Jackson looking to become a head coach and Van Gundy probably returning the sidelines one day, this trio is not destined to last very long.

3) Brent Musburger, Rick Barry, Bill Russell, Hot Rod Hundley (CBS) Musburger could make getting a tooth pulled sound like an epic event. Barry was one of the best analysts ever. Russell and Hundley, along with Musburger, called the 1980 NBA Finals and did a very good job of it.

4) Mel Proctor and Phil Chenier (HTS) This duo made watching the Bullets--who were terrible--interesting. Proctor’s excitable style meshed well with Chenier’s calm and smooth delivery. Proctor was pretty funny too.

5) Jim Karvellas and Mike Riordan (WDCA channel 20) This was the duo that called the Bullets games in the late ‘70’s. Which meant they were calling the games when the Bullets won the NBA Championship. Karvellas had the trademark call of “Booolls-eye” after a made basket. Riordan was old-school and opinionated. They called game seven of the 1979 Eastern Conference Finals between the Bullets and Spurs which is still one of the best basketball games I ever had the pleasure of watching.

If you have more you would like to add to the list, feel free. Send me an e-mail at bob@wnst.net

Have a good night.

Blog on a Sunday

Sun, 18 May 2008 16:31:31 GMT

What a performance from Big Brown yesterday at the Preakness. After lurking behind Gayego and Riley Tucker going into the far turn, jockey Kent Desormeaux and his horse kicked it into overdrive and that was all she wrote.

Big Brown cruised to an impressive 4 ¾ length victory and now heads to the Belmont with a chance to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed accomplished the feat 30 years ago.

The one horse who may have a chance to dash the Triple Crown dreams of Big Brown and his trainer Rick Dutrow is Casino Drive. Casino Drive, from Japan, is undefeated in two starts.

I do have a question to ask the horse racing experts in our audience. Is Big Brown really a horse destined for greatness, or is he just blasting less-than-stellar competition?

I would like to thank Macho Again for coming in second and helping me win 18 bucks with my 7-1 exacta.

After picking the Boston Celtics to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in game six ( I was wrong), I’m going to flip-flop back the Cavs for game seven. I know that the home team has dominated this series. So, that means the road team is due…right?

Happy 62^nd birthday to former Oriole and baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

I would like to wish my sister Dawn a happy b-day, as well. 29 again.

Today is also the birthday of the great Brooks Robinson. Brooks turns 71 on this beautiful Sunday.

By the way, on this date in 1969, Mike Cuellar tossed a two-hitter and Boog Powell blasted a two-run homer as the Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0. Brooks Robinson celebrated his 32^nd birthday by going 2 for 4 as Baltimore improved to 27-12 on the season.

Have a fun Sunday.

Wake up and smell the coffee

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:41 GMT

It looks like Daniel Cabrera finally gets it. After years of teasing us with his immense talent , Cabrera is starting to look like a legitimate top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Tonight, Disco Dan grooved his way to a complete game victory over the Kansas City Royals. Cabrera was dominant in allowing only three hits and striking out seven as the Orioles beat the Royals 4-1.

Nick Markakis hit his seventh home run and Freddie Bynum went 2 for 4 in his first game of the season. Bynum also looked like Mark Belanger with the glove. I know it has only been one game for Bynum, but if I’m Luis Hernandez, I’m probably getting a little nervous.

With tonight’s win, the Orioles broke a five-game losing streak.

By the way, did I mention that Cabrera only walked one batter tonight? That’s right, Drewski. One walk total.

For those of you who may have missed it, Drew bet me a cup of coffee this morning that Disco Dan would have an inning in which he would walk at least two batters. I said he wouldn’t.

I win.

As a matter of fact, given Cabrera’s performance tonight, I should get a doughnut too.

So much for the Boston Celtics getting “exposed” by the Atlanta Hawks. Boston beat the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight 89-73 to take a 2-0 in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.

LeBron James struggled--again--shooting the basketball. James suffered through a 6 for 24 brick-fest tonight as the Cavs failed to break 80 points for the second game in a row. Though two games, James has shot a brutal 8 for 42 from the field.

I just watched Screamin’ A. Smith blame LeBron’s teammates for not stepping up. It’s funny, when a star’s supporting cast steps up, the star made them better. When the star stinks, it’s their fault.

I’ll talk to you in the morning.

This and that on a Monday

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:12:45 GMT

Today was a fairly newsworthy day for the Maryland men’s basketball program.

We’ll start with the news of guard Greivis Vasquez returning for his junior year. Vasquez is a gifted ballplayer who can help your team win in many ways. He can score, rebound, pass and even get you a steal or two. It’s his decision making that’s drives Maryland fans crazy. For instance, when you are a 30% shooter from beyond the three-point line, you probably shouldn’t be hoisting up five three’s during a game.

Next year, look Vasquez to play on the wing more as Eric Hayes looks like the player that will run the point. Keith Cavanaugh of www.terrapintimes.com is reporting that Hayes will be traveling out west to work out with former Terp and current Blazer Steve Blake. Hayes grew up a Blake fan. Now he gets to learn from the man himself.

Also today, it was announced that Shane Walker is leaving the program after only one season. Walker is still a raw player who does have some potential. But, with the improvement of Jerome Burney and Gus Gilchrist being eligible in December, Walker probably wasn’t going to see much PT.

Look for Walker’s scholarship to go to forward Jin Soo Kim.

George Sherrill finally blew his first save today against the White Sox. Chicago’s Juan Uribe took Sherrill deep in the bottom of the 11^th to tie the game at 3-3. Baltimore’s Ramon Hernandez gave the Orioles the lead with a homer in the top of that inning

Daniel Cabrera may have walked seven, but he did pitch into the seventh inning, again.

By the way, I’ll be at Royal Farms around 9:30 tomorrow morning to get Drew’s coffee.

You have to admit, what the Wizards lack in brains, they more than make up for with bravado. After calling LeBron James overrated in March, Washington’s DeShawn Stevenson is now getting physical with the Cleveland star. James was complaining about the rough play after the game on Sunday. “I guess that’s what they want to do,” James said “hurt LeBron James in this series. It’s not working.” LeBron’s comments led Wizards center Brendan Haywood to, basically, tell James to stop whining and play.

On top of all this talk, Washington’s Gilbert Arenas is predicting that the Wizards will come back from a 1-3 deficit to win the series.

I have a buck that says even after Cleveland finishes them off, the Wizards will say that they are the better team and should have won blah, blah, blah.

New Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski will be joining us on the show tomorrow. Tune in and enjoy.

Telling it like it was

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:03:13 GMT

On this date 13 years ago, Howard Cosell died of a heart embolism at the age of 77.

I am old enough to remember Cosell during his broadcasting heyday which spanned from the early-seventies to the mid-eighties. I always found him enjoyable to listen to because “ He told it like it is.” Sometimes he said some things about your team or city that upset you, but, either way, you listened to what he had to say.

Remember when the lights went out at Memorial Stadium during a Monday Night Baseball game and Cosell pretty much called Baltimore a bush-league city and the stadium a dump?

Some locals never forgave him for those comments.

But, you have to admit, when Howard Cosell was in your town doing a game, you knew it was a big event.

To this day, I still think he is the greatest boxing announcer of them all.

Anyway, I met Cosell--once--when I was 13.

The baseball team that I played for ( St. Michael’s CYO from East Baltimore. We lost to a girls team once. But I digress ) went to Memorial Stadium on a Monday night to see the Orioles and Yankees play. It also happened to be the national game on ABC.

Unbeknownst to us, our coach set us up with a tour of the Orioles locker room and dugout. Doug DeCinces was our host and he was extremely friendly. We got an autographed baseball and a 1978 Orioles yearbook as gifts. Needless to say, this was a great night.

As we were sitting in the dugout before the game, Howard Cosell was interviewing Reggie Jackson. The interview ends and Cosell starts walking past the dugout. I yell out, “Hey, Cosell!” He stops and says, “ The name’s Howard young man.” And he walks over and shakes my hand.

I almost crapped my pants. He was taller than I thought he would be. He was also nicer than I thought he would be. At least for the very brief time that I interacted with him.

Cosell, like Reggie Jackson, was one of those people that you either loved or hated. But he was an original and , even in this day and age of loud-mouthed, self-absorbed, ego-maniacs in this business, there will never be another one like him.

Tough loss

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:05:08 GMT

As regular listeners to the show probably know, I am not the biggest hockey fan out there. As a matter of fact, I haven’t watched a complete hockey game in ten years. Tonight, however, I plopped down in front of the tube and watched the Caps and Flyers play an epic game seven of their first-round NHL playoff series.

Even though I’m not really a Capitals fan, I was rooting for them like they were Orioles, Ravens or Terps. Unfortunately, the Caps lost in overtime to the hated Flyers and I was actually, for a minute, bothered by the fact that they lost.

I’m over it now. But I can imagine a true Capitals fan will be upset with this loss for quite a while.

Because I enjoyed this series so much, I think I’m going to follow the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with interest.

It was great talking to Joe Theismann this morning about the upcoming NFL Draft. Joe thinks the Ravens should take Delaware QB Joe Flacco with the eighth pick in the draft. I don’t know if Ozzie Newsome feels the same way, but I think it’s pretty clear ( isn’t it?) that Baltimore will take a quarterback on Saturday.

I would like to see the Ravens take a WR with their third-round pick. Ken Zalis has mentioned Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jerome Simpson as an option with the 99^th overall pick. Simpson is 6’2 , 200 pounds and is considered a great athlete. Even though he played for a small school, he appears to climbing up a lot of draft boards. If he is around when the Ravens are choosing, I say go for it.

www.terrapintimes.com is reporting tonight that linebacker Chris Clinton has been dismissed from the Maryland football team. We were talking today with Terps defensive coordinator Chris Cosh about Clinton and what he needed to do to get some steady playing time. Cosh said Clinton needed to work harder.

I guess it’s a moot point, now.