SportSpectator Blog

July 21, Week in Sports

::   PADRAIG HARRINGTON WINS BRITISH OPEN (Pro. Golf)

::   AMERICAN LEAGUE WINS ALL-STAR GAME (Pro. Baseball)

::   JOSH HAMILTON SETS RECORD IN HOME RUN DERBY  (Pro. Baseball)

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DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE: HARRINGTON DEFENDS OPEN TITLE

On Sunday afternoon, Padraig Harrington won the British Open–one of the four Major Championships in professional golf. Harrington’s win was especially impressive because he also won the Open in 2007; no European player in more than 100 years has produced back-to-back victories at the Open. On top of it all, Harrington won the championship while playing with an injury.

With Tiger Woods out for the season with an injury, everyone knew that there might be some surprising names at the top of the leaderboard at the Open. However, none of those names was more surprising than that of Greg “the Shark” Norman. The 53-year old Norman, once one of the world’s best golfers, is no longer perceived as a real threat in the golfing world. However, Norman was winning the tournament going into Sunday’s final round, before he dropped a number of strokes due to the rough winds and tough playing conditions.

After Harrington’s victory at the Open, there is only one Major Championship remaining–the PGA Championship, which is played in August.

Quote of the Week: “Padraig played brilliantly today, even though he tried to let it get away in the middle of the round. He came back and performed brilliantly, and he finished like a true champion.” — Greg Norman

Further Reading: ”As Norman fades, Harrington cruises to second British title” — Associated Press, via USA Today

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WAY PAST BEDTIME: AL DEFEATS NL IN 15 INNING ALL-STAR GAME

The American League won the 2008 All-Star Game, defeating the National League by a score of 4-3 in the 15th inning. The American League has not lost to the National League in more than a decade.

The game was a record five-hour stalemate, with both teams threatening to break the 3-3 tie multiple times before Justin Morneau ultimately scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly. Both teams used every single available player on their rosters, and both teams were running out of pitchers as the clock ticked closer to 2 a.m.

Since the American League won the game, whichever American League team advances to the World Series this year will have home field advantage.

Quote of the Week: “I know I’ve never been so happy to score a run. The Red Bull started to wear off in the 12th.” — Justin Morneau, All-Star player

Further Reading: ”A Starry night to remember in New York” — Bob Nightengale, USA Today

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JUST JOSHING AROUND

During the first round of Monday’s Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs, setting a new record for the event.

Home Run Derby is purely an exhibition event, intended to give the sport’s biggest sluggers the chance to hit some impressive home runs. While it generally draws a decent amount of attention, the event itself typically tends to draw an unenthusiastic response from fans. Suffice to say, fans and players alike were astonished by Hamilton’s record-setting first round, in which three of his 28 home runs were 500 plus-foot monster shots to the furthest depths of Yankee Stadium. Hamilton, who plays for the Texas Rangers, has been one of the most inspirational stories this year. Just years ago, almost everyone had given up on Hamilton when his life collapsed due to his severe drug abuse. He has since cleaned himself up, fought his way to the major leagues, and having a truly outstanding season in Texas.

Ironically, Hamilton did not actually win the Home Run Derby. Since they reset the number of home runs, Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins was able to claim the victory. However, Hamilton’s first round performance will surely be the only thing that people remember about the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Quote of the Week: “It does seem kind of unfair that he didn’t get to win the whole thing. Anyone who was here won’t forget that performance.” — Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

Further Reading: ”Hamilton hits record 28 HRs in Derby first round” — Associated Press, via ESPN

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WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: FOOTBALL — The Brett Favre saga will likely continue this week. Brett Favre appeared on national TV last week, defending his desire to return to play football this year. However, Favre and the Packers management are butting heads over the issue and it has not been resolved. In any case, the developments in the Favre situation will immediately become big news as they occur.

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ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

 

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): As the second half of the season moves forward, teams will be jockeying for spots in the post-season–either by winning their division, or by taking the Wild Card spot. [Official MLB Website]

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:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. The next event is the PGA Championship, which takes place in August. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

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:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

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OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

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:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

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:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

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:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 14, Week in Sports

::   BRETT FAVRE RUMORS HEAT UP (Pro. Football)

::   SABATHIA, HARDEN TRADED TO BREWERS, CUBS (Pro. Baseball)

::   ALL-STAR BREAK IN THE BRONX (Pro. Baseball)

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BACK ALREADY? BRETT FAVRE REPORTEDLY SET TO UN-RETIRE

Brett Favre, who retired from the NFL at a tearful press conference in March, is reportedly thinking about coming back to play in the 2008 season. Favre is the winningest QB in the history of the league.

In Green Bay, where Favre forged a career as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Packers history, Favre is treated like a hero and a living legend. However, when he retired in March, the Packers organization was forced to move on–promoting long-time backup Aaron Rodgers to the starting position, and drafting Brian Brohm in the second round of the NFL Draft. Favre’s sudden desire to return puts the Packers organization in an uncomfortable position. If they re-install Favre on the roster, they could improve their chances of winning the Super Bowl in 2008, but they would also stunt the long-term growth of the team by keeping the team’s future leaders on the bench for another season. However, if they do not bring back Favre, the Packers will almost certainly be less successful this year, it would look like they were slighting their legendary quarterback, and they might even have to trade Favre to a rival team.

The Packers organization has refused to release Brett Favre from his contract, and it was reported that they offered him a spot on the Packers roster as a backup to Aaron Rodgers (although Packers management later denied the “backup” offer). One thing is for sure: with training camp just weeks away, the Brett Favre story line will continue to get more interesting, and if Favre ends up playing for a different team, it would be the biggest story in the NFL this year.

Quote of the Week: “We don’t know where everything is going to go. It’s been a distraction. It’s been a distraction for our fans. I’m trying to stay steady and do the right things for the Packers and do the right thing for Brett Favre.” — Packers GM Ted Thompson

Further Reading: ”Thompson won’t cut Favre, but GM deflects blame in ordeal” — Tom Pelissero, Green-Bay Press Gazette, via USA Today

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KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES; BREWERS, CUBS MAKE MAJOR TRADES

Last Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired CC Sabathia, one of the best pitchers in baseball, through a trade with the Cleveland Indians. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Cubs (who compete in the same division as the Brewers) landed Rich Harden, an ace from the Oakland Athletics, the very next day.

Every year, major baseball trades are made around the middle of July, since teams are only allowed to trade up until July 31st. These two trades were significant, not only because they involved two high-profile players, but also because the Cubs and Brewers are expected to be in a close race to make the playoffs. While the Cubs have the best record in baseball, the NL Central is expected to have one of the most competitive playoff races down the stretch. Now, with two of the game’s top pitchers moving to that division, analysts are expecting the next two months to be a neck-and-neck race between the Brewers and Cubs.

Both Sabathia and Harden have pitched for their new teams, and both pitchers looked to be in excellent form. Last year, Sabathia won the NL Cy Young award–the highest honor for any individual pitcher. Harden, who has suffered from injuries of late, is also regarded as one of the best in the game.

Quote of the Week: “I’d say we’re going for it. That’s the way I look at it.” — Doug Melvin, Brewers GM

Further Reading: ”CC Sabathia deal notable as he goes to smaller-market team” — Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune

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THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT, PACKED WITH STARS

The 2008 All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 16th at Yankee Stadium. The All-Star Game pits the best players from the National League against the best players from the American League. The winning league secures home field advantage for its representative in the World Series.

The All-Star Game, though essentially an exhibition game, is an extravagant affair. This year, the game has an added significance because of the fact that it is being hosted at historic Yankee Stadium. This is the Yankees’ final year at the stadium, a veritable baseball shrine where all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Joe Dimaggio made names for themselves. Next year, the Yankees will move into their new stadium, which is currently being constructed across the street from the current one.

While Tuesday night’s game is the main event of the All-Star break, there are other exhibition events as well. The Home Run Derby will be held on Monday night, when the league’s top sluggers will blast so many dingers out of Yankee Stadium, it would make the Babe himself blush.

Quote of the Week: “[It has] been one of the most stupendous, unpredictable baseball seasons in eons.” — Jayson Stark, ESPN analyst, evaluating the baseball season so far

Further Reading: ”At the Half” — Jayson Stark, ESPN

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WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: BASEBALL — This week is the All-Star break for Major League Baseball. Monday night is the Home Run Derby event. On Tuesday night, the All-Stars in the National League and American League will fight it out for home field advantage in the World Series.

:: GOLF — The Open, one of the four Major Championships in professional golf, will be played July 17-20 in England. With Tiger Woods out for the season, it’s a level playing field.

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ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

 

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): The All-Star break takes place this week. The All-Star game is essentially the halfway point of the season, and from now until October, teams will be fighting for spots in the playoffs. [Official MLB Website]

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:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. Now that the U.S. Open is over, the next event is the Open (also known as the British Open), which is played July 17-20. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

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:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments of the year are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

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OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

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:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

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:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

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:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 7, Week in Sports

::   NADAL BEATS FEDERER TO WIN WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP (Tennis)

::   VENUS WILLIAMS TOPS SERENA FOR WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP (Tennis)

::   ALL-STAR ROSTERS ANNOUNCED (Pro. Baseball)

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NADAL NETS MAJOR WIN

Rafael Nadal defeated his arch rival (and number one player in the world) Roger Federer to win the gentlemen’s singles championship at Wimbledon. The match, the longest in Wimbledon history, was an epic back-and-forth affair between two players at their best–an instant classic.

While Nadal has defeated Federer in the past, this victory is even more significant because it took place on the grass court at Wimbledon. Historically, Federer has been unbeatable on grass courts, while Nadal has excelled on clay courts. That, combined with the fact that Federer has won Wimbledon the last five years, makes Nadal’s victory all the more impressive. For those who felt like Federer’s dominant career is on the decline, Sunday’s title match is, perhaps, evidence of a “changing of the guard.”

Nadal won the French Open earlier this year. With Sunday’s title win at Wimbledon, Nadal became the first player to win both of those Grand Slam events since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Quote of the Week: ”The greatest match I’ve ever seen.” — John McEnroe, former player

Further Reading: ”Nadal Outlasts Federer in Thrilling Wimbledon Final” — Associated Press, via USA Today

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BIG SISTER, BIG WINNER

Venus Williams won the ladies’ singles championship at Wimbledon on Saturday, defeating her sister Serena 7-5, 6-4. Venus was the defending champion at Wimbledon, and with Saturday’s win, she has collected a total of 5 titles at the All England Club.

The Williams sisters have now played against each other in 7 final rounds of major tournaments. For the most part, little sister Serena has dominated Venus in head-to-head situations with the title on the line, having won 5 of the 7 match-ups. But on Saturday, the spotlight belonged to Venus, who was forced to tone down any celebrations out of respect for her sister.

Later in the day, Venus and Serena both had the opportunity to celebrate as Wimbledon winners–this time after winning the doubles championship, playing as a team.

Quote of the Week: “That was a difficult one to watch. You feel happy that the one won it, but you feel so bad because there has to be a loser, too.” — Oracene Price, Venus and Serena’s mother

Further Reading: ”All-Williams Wimbledon Final Is All Venus” — Christoper Clarey, New York Times

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MLB ALL-STARS, BIG APPLE BOUND

Major League Baseball announced the rosters for this year’s All-Star game, which will be played on July 15th. The starters for the All-Star game are voted in by fans.

The All-Star game is a major event in the baseball season. While all four major professional sports have All-Star games, the MLB All-Star game is the only one that actually has a major impact on the actual season. The game pits the stars from the American League against the players in the National League, and whichever league wins gets home field advantage during the World Series. This year, the event will be hosted at Yankee Stadium, which will be demolished at the end of the season, since the Yankees’ future stadium is currently under construction.

The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have the most All-Stars this year. Both the NL and the AL each have one roster spot remaining, and fans can vote on www.mlb.com to pick the two remaining players.

   

Quote of the Week: “It’s more than just an All-Star Game, it’s like a celebration of Yankee Stadium.” — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

Further Reading: “Red Sox, Cubs lead All-Star rosters” — Associated Press, via ESPN

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WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: CYCLING — The Tour de France began this weekend. The race, the pinnacle of the cycling season, runs through July 27th.

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ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

 

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): Baseball season is in full swing, but it is a long season, and teams tend to measure their success month by month. The All-Star break takes place the second week of July. By then, teams’ records will be a good indicator of how well they are performing this season. [Official MLB Website]

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:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. Now that the U.S. Open is over, the next event is the Open (also known as the British Open), which is played in July. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

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:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments of the year are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

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OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

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:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

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:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

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:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]