Displaced Chicago Fan

Ozzie Ball

2005-10-06T03:41:00.000-12:00

Some have said you couldn't win with Smart Ball or Ozzie Ball. Some have said that the White Sox statistically are overachieving at an implausible clip. If you look at Baseball Prospectus' pythagorean projection of where the White Sox record should be at according to the numbers, well they should have won 13 less games. Now the White Sox are on the verge of eliminating the defending champions, who I actually dislike more than the White Sox. Some may say that this a coincidence or that Ozzie has sold his soul to the devil.

I know someone who has a different theory!

"I say I think Ozzie Guillen is the devil. How delightful!"

A sad story

2005-08-25T03:54:00.000-12:00

Kind of have to write this, I am a little sad right now but I figure it helps to get it out, and it helps to remember someone who was a good kid.

A football player at my alma mater died as a result of heat related injuries.
This kind of hits home, because although I was a tennis player at the university, all my roommates were O-lineman and one was an assistant coach. This kid used to come over to our apartment when they grilled out for their team sessions and he seemed like a great guy.

Its times like these when you realize that all these games we play can have human consequences at times. I guess it just helps me to get this out and put it into words.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

The problem with our sports media!

2005-08-01T07:32:00.000-12:00

They just love to demonize our heroes. Take for example Rafael Palmeiro, whose face you can find on the front page of any sports web site for his recent steroid suspension.

I think one reason a few sports writers are out to get these athletes or demonize their alleged "cheating" is because it makes them feel better.

Jay Mariotti probably thinks that he could hit 66 homeruns like Sammy if he had only taken steroids when he was in little league.

Bob Ryan probably thinks that he could have had 3000 hits and 500+ homeruns if he were only to have taken steroids.

These guys have this mentality that they must bring these guys down to their level, but the problem is with or without steroids the accomplishments of these athletes are amazing.

A lot of the writer's like to draw the comparisons to track and field, bicycling, and other endurance sports. The reason the drug testing in those sports is so strict and intrusive is because steroids and other performance enhancing drugs actually have a noticeable impact. Those sports do not take the kind of hand-eye coordination and athleticism that hitting a baseball does.

Steroids do not help you hit a baseball, period end of story.

Up next... a discussion of why sportswriters are only concerned about steroids? What about Curt Schilling and his painkiller usage in his "heroic performance" in the World Series? Also, a look back at cheating in past days, Hank Aaron's supposed amphetamine use, Babe Ruth's alleged use of cork, and the Spit ball or scuffed ball.

Boy am I tired...

2005-06-02T01:42:00.000-12:00

but it was well worth it last night.

I will no longer ask the question Why John Koronka?
Instead I will ask Why Not John Koronka?
He definitely impressed me a lot with the way he pitched. He does not have the best stuff, needs to add a better hook, but he attacked hitters really well.

The other story was of course the "Dynamic Duo" of D-Lee and N-Per, don't know if that works.

I honestly don't understand why the Dodgers pitched to Derek after he already was 3-3, then he got the single off Lowe so I figured the next time he's up if there are runners on they will walk him.

They didn't and I'm not complaining, but seriously who does not walk that guy with Jeromy Burnitz on deck. My thoughts are a little incoherent now, on very short sleep, it sucks being out here in Philly and finally getting to see games on TV, and then they and at like 2 a.m.

I'll be back later when my thoughts are more clear.

2005-06-02T01:03:00.000-12:00

The Dynamic Duo of your Chicago Cubs

I'm back

2005-06-01T03:08:00.000-12:00

.... if anyone reads this still.

Have been on a long hiatus. Been on the road a lot and now its time to get back into the swing of things.

Format has changed, CUBS CUBS CUBS, with the occassional mention of my other favorite teams, Da Bulls and Da Bears.

My next question is Why John Koronka?

Does anyone understand Statistics?

2005-05-10T01:03:00.000-12:00

The latest sports headline on the "steroid problem" attempts to allude to the fact that the early season decline in homeruns is attributable to less steroid use among baseball players. This is frickin ridiculous and anyone with a brain would not publish this shit.

Here is the ESPN link, of the Associated Press story, where the purported exports commenting on the fact that there must have been a link are Todd Jones, the current closer for the Marlins and I guess he also doubles as a statistical analyst.

And then there is this gem from Joe Maddon, the bench coach of the Los Angeles Angels:

I don't know exactly to what extent, but you see people maybe not as
big as they had been in the past or don't look as strong as maybe they had been
in the past," he said. "Some balls are hit pretty well, but they're not carrying
like maybe they had in the past couple of years. So, just being a thinking
person, and you know what's been going on, you have to tie them together a
little bit."

The key to this quote is the part about the balls not carrying as well, maybe it's not steroids, could it be...oh I don't know... the weather!!!!!

If you want to use the same type of statistical analysis that these people use, you would come to the conclusion that there was a similar drop in steroid use in 1998 as well, the year of Sammy and Big Mac. Wasn't that the year with all the question marks.

My point is that if you want to use these stats to show that your policy is working this year, then you will also exonerate Sammy and Mark. Since there is no one with an actual working brain in the media today, I doubt they will make this connection, or realize that they do not understand the first thing about statistics.

2005-05-05T03:01:00.000-12:00

Brings back memories of greatness!

I think I jinxed the Bulls

2005-05-05T02:33:00.000-12:00

Boy have they just been outplayed. They look too scared to step up and take shots, and their defense has completely left them.

I think the Wizards are going to blow them out in game 6. For that matter the Cubs are going to be lucky to win 60 games this year.

Voodoo time is over.

White Sox are Number 1 on....

2005-04-29T02:09:00.000-12:00

Sports Illustrated's list of worst teams to root for. Can't wait for the collapse this year, unfortunately no one will be watching. Here it is in all its glory.

This is what TEAM is ALL ABOUT!

2005-04-28T01:19:00.000-12:00

These Baby Bulls, just plain fun to watch. One night it's Nocioni and Ben Gordon, the next night its AD and Captain Kirk. Although Nocionia, Gordon, Harrington, Adrian Griffin, and pretty much everyone on the Bulls roster chipped in, in their latest playoff victory.

The story last night was Hinrich, every time Washington made a move and you felt the game was going to get close, Hinrich had an answer.

This is what a team is, a different guy stepping up every night. I forgot to mention Duhon's defense last night, although the defensive play of the night, was Nocioni plain old stuffing Larry Hughes. I have gained a lot of respect for Mr. Hughes, he is one tough player.

Sorry for the rambling post, but that was fun last night, and we shall see if it continues, still it shows what a team you are when you can win two games in the playoffs without your leading scorer in Eddy Curry, and as long as he stays healthy the future star of the organization Luol Deng. This should be fun on Saturday.

NOCIONI, NOCIONI

2005-04-25T03:12:00.000-12:00

Not going to comment too much on the Bulls playoff run, being as superstitious as I am. But they played a great game, and even without the 25 points and 18 rebounds, Nocioni played some inspiring and tough basketball. You gotta love the guy.

One other thing you have to love about him is his quote after being called dirty by the Wizards,"I don't know why Washington talks," Nocioni said. "This is the playoffs. This is my game."

You gotta love him and the rest of the Baby Bulls.

Sorry for the lack of posting

2005-04-24T03:34:00.000-12:00

If anyone is actually reading this that is. I've actually had to do some things at work so have not been able to post much.

Anyways, I was on the crapper this morning and was thinking about ways to identify which Major League pitchers will have staying power, i.e. Greg Maddux, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, and Randy Johnson, etc. and which will be flops like Todd Van Poppel, Mike Harkey, and Jon Garland.

Out of all the guys there Maddux's stats are amazing to look at as the years progress. Just look at his walk totals throughout his career. His last year with the Cubs in 1992 he walked 70 batters while striking out 199. Then under Mazzone in his next year he walks 52 and strikes out 197, pretty frickin amazing.

Then comes the amazing year, 19-2 record. in 209.2 innings pitched he walked 23 batters, struck out 181, and had an e.r.a of 1.63. Although he won the cy young in this year and the previous year and the year before that, 1995 was arguably one of the best pitching years anybody who has worn a major league uniform has ever had.

Sorry for the digression, Maddux's career amazes me, but I will be back to post more about the simlarities of the pitching greats early years and what sets them apart from the flops.

To keep you busy these stat lines are from the second year of Maddux and Dempster: Tell me which one is Maddux and which one is dempster?

G GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO W L SV HLD ERA
25 25 0 0 147.0 146 77 77 21 93 126 7 8 0 0 4.71

30 27 1 0 155.2 181 111 97 17 74 101 6 14 0 0 5.61

T.O. is a moron

2005-04-15T04:04:00.000-12:00

Not that most people didn't already know this, but seriously this whole contract issue tops all his stupid shenanigans. Here is the article.

He blames his current deal on the fact that he was put in a poor bargaining position because of his refusal to play for Baltimore. The problem with his logic is he created his poor position by refusing to play for Baltimore.

Another thing that irked me about is comments, was a quote where he was talking about how the Eagles can cut him anytime they want no matter if he is playing well or poorly, so he reasoned that he should be able to re-negotiate at any point he wants. Well Terrell, that's not how it works, you sign the agreement you stick to it, and if they decide to cut you then the market will determine your value, otherwise just shut up and take your millions of dollars and go play a game.

My advice to you TO, is if you are smart, you will shut up and not piss off these philadelphia fans, because in my short time here in Philly, I have noticed that they can turn on the best of them in an instant.

I'll take bets,

2005-04-14T01:41:00.000-12:00

that the final CNNSI Power Rankings don't end up like this!

I mean the Dodgers at #1, and of course the White Sox at #2, all I have to say is if it ends up like that MLB is in a lot of trouble.

The Chicagosports.com Bloggers Suck

2005-04-13T03:33:00.000-12:00

Enough said. These guys are morons, and obviously have no business commenting on the world of sports.

My main issue with them is their hatred of Dusty Baker. The guy has done nothing but win in his career, and he is doing the same with the Cubs over the past few years period, end of story.

Stop your whining and just enjoy the season, which I might add is still very young. Dusty's teams are not known for the first half performance, but mainly for how they do after the All-Star break.

If the pitching staff is healthy, which it looks like it may be, knocking on Wood, we should have a great season of baseball ahead of us.

Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park

2005-04-05T07:15:00.000-12:00

Went to opening day at Citizen's Bank Park yesterday, a beautiful park and the first regular season game of the Washington Nationals.

The interesting thing that I saw was the new Motrin Ibuprofen ad campaign. Coming out of the orange motrin bottle are two very big arms, and the slogan reads,"Medicine with Muscle." Is it just me or does this seem like an ad campaign that was probably written over a year ago? I hope no one loses their job over it, although you never know, Motrin could be trying to replace steroids as the performance enhancement drug of today's players.

On another note, how about those Cubbies.

An Illini Miracle

2005-03-26T14:42:00.000-12:00

With 4:02 left the Illini trailed Arizona 75-60, if you are reading this or if you are alive you probably know that they came back and won 90-89. All I have to say is best game ever. I actually had to check the ESPN play-by-play to confirm the actual numbers of the comeback. They outscored the Wildcats 20-5 in 4:00, simply unbelievable!

Off to watch the Illini advance to

2005-03-24T11:55:00.000-12:00

the Elite 8(knocking on Wood). Damnit, probably shouldn't have typed that, oh well, too late now.

Another topic I would like to dicuss in the future. Why the hatred between the Cubs fans and Sox fans. I have been a die-hard Cubs fan all my life and I don't hate the White Sox, nor their fans most of the time. My best friend is a White Sox fan, and yes we argue a lot about the teams, but seriously I would love to see a Chicago team win the World Series.

Although as I am typing this, I am thinking of what those frickin White Sox fans would be like if they broke the Chicago World Series drought before the Cubs. Now I realize where all the anger comes from.

Don't know if I have answered my own question but seriously I don't dislike the White Sox or their fans that much, especially not now since their team is more inept the Cubs. Iguchi could become the biggest bust in Chicago since Pamela Lee last came to town.

New Rules to be a Cubs Fan

2005-03-24T06:44:00.000-12:00

This is a serious post. To be a true Cubs fan you have to suck it up and just enjoy the game. Especially now that you have an organization that is actually making a good-faith attempt to win. Not like the Jim Frey years.

Don't blame Dusty, or Hendry, or MacPhail. Don't blame the players who bust their butts every day, 162 games is a long season.

One final thing stop complaining about injuries. They will happen, but the more you complain the more bad karma you create.(that is debatable I guess)

But also the more you complain the bigger loser you become and you show yourself as what year, a Fad Cubs Fan.

Only certain Cubs fans have a right to complain the ones who were alive in 69. The ones who were at the series in 45 also have a right to complain. If you were lucky enough to be alive the last time the Cubs won the series, and you still have enough energy to complain go ahead.

The one interesting thing is, these older fans don't complain, like the new Fad Cubs Fans do. They love the Cubs through thick and thin, from injury to injury. For example, the only thing my grandfather has complained about for the last couple years was the fact that Chip Caray was not a "hometown" announcer like Harry.

That my friend is a valid complaint.

Say it ain't so Joe

2005-03-23T07:02:00.000-12:00

Man do I feel bad for Joe Borowski. Finally made it as an established major league reliever during the 2002 season, had 33 saves and was key part of the 2003 playoff run, and since then has had nothing but tough luck injuries, including the latest injury yesterday, where he took a comebacker off his pitching hand and broke his wrist. One thing about Joe is that he is tough, and I guarantee he will back and better than ever(knocking on wood).

For now we have the three-headed monster of Hawkins, Fox, and Remlinger. I will be crossing my fingers.

Second Class Team

2005-03-21T06:39:00.000-12:00

I really feel bad for White Sox fans(my best friend is one of them). Seriously, no matter what they do they will never be bigger news than the Cubs, and they will always be overshadowed. This could have something to do with the Tribune Company, but it also has to do with fielding plain old Bad Baseball Teams.

Why don't we trade one of our rising offensive stars, for a former rookie of the year who was figured out by the league in his second year. Podsednik could be the next Jerome Walton, although Jerome Walton did help a team get to the playoffs, so I don't think Podsednik is on that level.

It must suck when almost half of your starting rotation is made up of overpriced pitchers that the Yankees have dumped on you. How about refusing to resign an injury prone allstar and going out and replacing him with an older injury prone allstar who has a career avg. that is 30 points less than the guy you wouldn't sign.

The team has absolutely no imagination, and a real tough time getting fans to the ballpark. 1/2 price mondays, dollar-dog Thursdays, and fireworks. How about fielding a real baseball team?

More on this later, could write forever.

Chemistry is what its all about.

2005-03-21T03:10:00.000-12:00

This is not a guarantee of success, but I do believe the Cubs will be a much better "TEAM" this year. The players they acquired this offseason such as Jeremy Burnitz, Jerry Hairston Jr., Chad Fox, Henry Blanco, etc. are all guys who know how to work and put the team ahead of their own interests. The guys who remain are all quieter, except for Latroy. The recent "injuries" to Prior and Wood are a good thing, because they have already lowered expectations, which in Cub Nation should never be that high. The offseason moves could be characterized as addition by subtraction, on paper the losses seem like they will hurt, here are some reasons why you can't only judge the players on statistcs.

The guys they got rid of, such as Sosa, Alou, Mercker, etc. were not the best fit for what you would want in a team.

Sosa, before he became a diva, was a hard-working player, don't know if what was the team or fame that motivated him but up until the last couple years he played to win. Ever since being hit in the head by a Solomon Torres fast ball, he has not been the same. Corking his bat, standing a mile away from the plate, he reverted back to the "Sam-me" of old.

Alou, who I really believe is a great player, just could not stop complaining, mainly about the umpires. It may have been his frustration with the way the team was playing down the stretch, but still just keep your mouth shut, and let your bat do the talking.

Kent Mercker was just a moron, who worried to much about the press coverage, and not enough about placing his pitches somewhere other than the heart of the plate.

Enough negativity, this years Cubs, knock on Wood, are a group of guys who put the team ahead of their interests, and except of Latroy Hawkins, are very good at dealing with the press and avoiding unneccesary distractions.

Peter Gammons seems to agree with me, if you are an ESPN Insider, check the article out here.

State of the Sport's Nation

2005-03-18T06:06:00.000-12:00

Is there a problem in the wide world of sports today?

There might be, if things keep going the way they are going. At least there will be a problem for those of us who have actually played or understand what sports are really about.

The Espnization of sports today is one problem. It is all around us, instead of making the routine play, players are continually going for the spectacular play that lands them on an ESPN highlight reel.

The whole problem boils down to money and making sports more appealing. The athletes and the die-hard sports fans who actually understand the games they watch are going to watch and attend these games no matter what. However, Joe Schmoe and his average family, who are not avid sports fans with an understanding for the sport they may be attending, they need to be drawn to the game. One such way is through the spectacular play they saw on the six o'clock news last night.

This isn't necessarily the problem, and I am not saying there is anything wrong with this type of fan. The main thing to remember is there needs to be a balance, and lately the balance seems to be shifting to the spectacular highlight reel play, rather than the true beauty of team play and just simply being a role player on a great team.

More coverage to come.

This is just ridiculous!

2005-03-11T06:37:00.000-12:00

This steroid congressional hearing is totally ridiculous for a number of reasons. How can you have this hearing without Barry Bonds? (if you are really interested in delving into the steroid "problem") If you want the political side of this story check out what is posted on my politics blog.

For the sports side. Here is a brief history of anabolic steroids. Invented in the 193o's and they were not even outlawed until 1991. A lot of people are calling for asterisks next to every persons name that may be found to have used steroids when setting a record. There was no testing during the period between the 1930-1991, so who is to say if any other records were set while people were on steroids. Who can say whether or not any records were set when anyone was using a performance enhancing drug.

Whether you like it or not, performance enhancing drugs have been around and been used since sport was created. Some were illegal when used and some became illegal after being used for awhile. In certain sports such as most track and field events, swimming, and other sports in which there is not much hand eye coordination, or hand foot coordination, these drugs may have a huge effect.

However in baseball there is a negligible effect on performance. With or without steroids Barry Bonds is one of the greatest baseball players ever. With or without steroids the Mcgwire/Sosa homerun chase of 1998 was one of the greatest years ever for baseball. Every homerun that these guys hit is not because of extra muscle its because they put the bat on the ball. Their homeruns were not bloop homeruns, maybe instead of travelling 450 ft, they would have travelled 400 ft.

This is why from a sports sense this a ridiculous question, just watch and enjoy and stop trying to tear down what is great.

How about those Cubs

2005-03-03T02:50:00.000-12:00

I just realized I have not posted anything about my favorite team in the entire world, The Chicago Cubs. Since I am very superstitious with regards to my teams, especially the Cubs, I am going to hold off on any predictions. However, I am pleased with the offseason moves and look forward to watching an actual team this year.

Sammy was not to blame for all the problems the team had last year. It's tough to win when two of your best starters are injured and were only able to pitch a total of 43 games between the two. Not to mention Mark Prior had no Spring Training so he was not even in game shape when he did pitch. Enough excuses though, they played well considering the circumstances and were still in position to make a playoff run, until Victor Diaz's HR heard around cub nation.

Anyways, can't wait for this season to begin, first preseason game today, should be fun!

This Could Get Real Interesting

2005-03-03T02:46:00.000-12:00

This may be one of the few posts about hockey that you will ever see, then again if the proposed offer goes through, I might become a fan. That would mean that the deplorable Bill Wirtz will no longer be the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks. I will keep my fingers crossed, at the least it should be interesting.

AU Tennis Update

2005-03-02T06:01:00.000-12:00

As some of you may know the American University tennis program is set to be eliminated at the end of the year. My brother transferred to the school for tennis and academics last year. The announcement was made in the middle of another successful season and was made without warning and without allowing any of the players a chance to fundraise or present ideas on how to keep the program ongoing.

The Tennis.com blog highlights the situation a little better and if you have any ideas or would like to help by writing an email, here are some contacts:

Al Checcio
Vice President of University Relations
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
ac@american.edu
(202)885-3462

Ms. Joni Comstock
Athletic Director
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
comstock@american.edu
(202)885-3190

Mr. Benjamin Ladner
Office of the President
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
president@american.edu
(202)885-2121

It's alright, one crappy game is allowed!

2005-03-02T02:00:00.000-12:00

I guess I jinxed them after the long post yesterday on age limits, anyways the Bulls played one of their worst games and Houston played pretty damn good. The result was ugly but it's still only one game, and throughout an 82 game season I'll allow for a few games like that. Let's try to make this the last one though.

For the sake of the game, let's have an age limit.

2005-02-28T05:36:00.000-12:00

During the upcoming offseason, NBA commissioner David Stern and the Union chief Billy Hunter will be negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement.
Obviously, it is extremely important that both sides reach an agreement, otherwise the NBA could get hurt like the NHL. More people would miss an NBA season, than are currently missing the NHL season. Hate to say it but it's true, at least in the U.S.

The most important issue that needs to be addressed is an age limit in the NBA. If you watch any high school player that is actually getting some playing time you will see that they could benefit greatly from some more playing experience, be it in college for a year or two, or in the NBA Development League. The best example for the need for at a minimum of one year of college experience is this years Chicago Bulls.

If you were a Chicago Bulls fan and suffered through the 6 year "rebuilding" phase in the post Michael, Scottie, and Phil era, you would realize the wisdom of an age limit. For the past four years we have watched Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler, two high school superstars, struggle as professionals. Only this year have they somewhat put it together, but they are not the superstars they were supposed to become.

Eddy Curry is still at a one-sided player, he occassionally plays defense. He could have benefitted greatly from any college coach, especially in the conidtioning area. It took him 4 years in the NBA, to realize he actually had to work hard outside of the game to get in better basketball shape.

Tyson Chandler on the other hand was always a hard worker, from the day he was drafted by the Bulls. He has now become a defensive and rebounding machine, his quickness and his 7 foot 1 inch frame help out a lot as well. His main weakness was maturity, in his first couple years he let his emotions get the best of him, which lead to some untimely technical fouls, although none were really game deciding, since the surrounding team was pretty pathetic. Chandler also could have benefitted from a college strength training program, that could have prepared his injury prone back for the physical play of the NBA Eastern Conference.

The merits of an age limit are not only visible in the struggles of Curry and Chandler, but in the contributions of the players drafted in the past two years by the Bulls. Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon, Andres Nocioni, and Luol Deng are the main reason for the Bulls resurgence this year. Out of the five, only Luol Deng would not meet the proposed age requirement. Hinrich, Gordon, and Duhon all played four years for their respective schools. All of these players had the experience of playing basketball in college, with the exception of Nocioni who played pro ball in Spain. All these players understand the concept of team ball and team defense and it is exciting to watch the way these guys put out 100% every night. Some of their tenacity could even have helped motivate Mr. Curry into becoming such a hard worker off the court.

If the main concern of the NBA is to preserve the sanctity of the game, and make it more enjoyable for fans to watch, then an age limit is necessary. However, I do see why the High Schoolers come out early. If my name was Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandler, or any other High School phenom I would have made the same choice they made. Take the money when it's offered and not risk getting injured. That is why I think in additition to the age limit the high school players should be allowed to play in the NBDL, and possibly have deals structured similarily to those of Major League Baseball prospects in the minors. For the sake of the game, and also to bring back the days of team basketball in the NBA, let's have an age limit.

Can you say number 8!

2005-02-26T11:13:00.000-12:00

The Bulls shot up to number 8 in the ESPN NBA Power Rankings. They are currently the third highest ranked Eastern Conference team, ain't to shabby for those "Baby Bulls."(to steal a phrase from Mr. Wilbon)

I don't think I would have predicted a turnaround like this after listening to those first nine games on my satellite radio. I knew they were better than that, however I didn't know they would have as good of a record as they do now. I don't think anyone thought that, not Skiles, Paxson, or anybody.

It's fun to listen to them grow, Luol, Ben, Kirk, Eddy, Tyson, Duhon, AD, Othella, and the rest of the gang, without them I would have nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs until opening day. Can't wait to go to the Bulls game here in Philly on March 19th, I even get a free hot dog and soda, life can't get any better than that. Actually if it was at the Old Chicago Stadium it could, but this will do.

Big Free Agent Signing for the Bears

2005-02-26T11:09:00.000-12:00

This could be the sign of a good offseason. I'm not crossing my fingers though. I would like to see the Bears sign a veteran quarterback not named Kurt Warner, but that is unlikely to happen. Also, I am not too sure about Thomas Jones. I won't focus on this too much, spring trainging games are about to begin, and only a little over a month till opening day.

Save AU Men's Tennis

2005-02-26T10:47:00.000-12:00

My brother is a sophomore on the American University men's tennis team. A couple of days ago, in the middle of their season, they received word from the athletic director that the tennis program will be terminated at the end of the year.

The situation is best captured through this email from Head Coach Kyle Bailey:

Dear American University Tennis Friends, Alumni and Supporters,

As many of you might already know, American University announced yesterday that it will discontinue the men's and women's tennis programs at the end of this season. This decision has shocked the department, the members of our teams, their families and all of us who consider ourselves friends of the program.

We need all of your help in trying to save AU Tennis. We feel that this was a terrible decision and something must be done. We were not given a chance to fight for our program nor were we given any warning as to what was going to happen. Now our players are left during the middle of their season with the task of trying to find another program. As a coach I can tell you that most schools are finished with their recruiting for next year and thus this task will be extremely difficult for all of them.

AU Tennis embodies everything that this department should stand for and we must prove to AU that we have earned our right to stay. Our kids practice, compete, study and support AU as hard as any other team in the department. We have been the most dominant team in the DC Metro area for years and a national contender with the best teams in the country.

According to the AU 2003-2004 annual report, part of the $200 million capital campaign is to improve athletics at AU. Yet after achieving the following results AU still feels we are not worth keeping...

- 3 straight Patriot League Titles
- 3 straight NCAA tournament berths
- 10 All-Patriot League Team Members
- Patriot League Player of the Year (Bence Hamori, 2001)
- 4 Coach of the Year's (Martin Blackman)
- 3.2 GPA over the last 5 years
- 6 ITA Academic All Americans
- 15 Patriot League Honor Roll Members

We need all of you to voice your support for AU Tennis in any way you can.

Please contact the following people ASAP:

Al Checcio
Vice President of University Relations
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
ac@american.edu
(202)885-3462

Ms. Joni Comstock
Athletic Director
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
comstock@american.edu
(202)885-3190

Mr. Benjamin Ladner
Office of the President
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
president@american.edu
(202)885-2121

If you have any suggestions or comments and would like to speak with me please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for your time and continued support.

Sincerely,

Kyle Bailey
Head Men's Tennis Coach
American University

My Sports Blog

2005-02-26T10:22:00.000-12:00

I am a diehard Chicago sports fan who happens to be living in Philadelphia right now. My teams are the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears in that order. Even though I am a Chicago fan through and through, I just plain love sports. This will be my outlet to comment on what happens in the sports world, with a little bias towards my Chicago teams.

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2004-07-10T07:47:00.000-12:00

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2003-10-12T01:06:00.000-12:00

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2002-10-12T02:58:00.001-12:00