Sporting Chance Press Talk

A Perfect Book for Middle Grade Girls

2012-02-16T15:21:00.009-06:00

Our wonderful middle grade novel, Maddie Takes the Ice, is a book that we intend to sell for a long time. Sometimes, a book can gain popularity overnight--when your author is on a major TV show. But for most successful books, it takes a lot of work and time. We are lucky that Maddie Takes the Ice is essentially timeless.

We've had great reviews for Maddie and perhaps just as important, we've had great feedback from readers. There is nothing quite like a nice letter from a young reader who wants to thank the author and tell her about her own skating experiences.

More Coverage of Nicolette House

Our author, Nicolette House, will likely get some press in selected magazines as we get closer to the next winter Olympic Games in Sochi cituy of the Russian Federation. More coverage may come from renewed interest in figure skating as a sport that encourages healthy lifestyle choices around it. Nicolette's coaching and professional skating is another story behind the book that you may see as well. Nicolette's family--her Mom being a coach and former professional skater, and both of her grandmothers' interest in the sport is also story line that I hope the media will pick up on. There is much to be said about the book and its author.

But when everything is said and done, we have two of the best reviews we could have hoped for anyway. One review by Jo Ann Schneider Farris gave us a number of hits on site and reached people across the country. A review by IceMom.net was also wonderful and inspiring.

Regretfully, one will never find a book like Maddie Takes the Ice at most neighborhood bookstores--at least until we get on national TV. For now, the book can be ordered online directly from the publisher.

Joe Freedy from Quarterback to Priest

2012-02-14T10:04:00.011-06:00

Joe Freedy is one of the athletes discussed in Patrick McCaskey's personal chronicle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout published by Sporting Chance Press. The discussion below is based on that in Sports and Faith. It is Freedy's photo, taken by Mark Bolster, that graces the cover of the book designed by Don Torres.

A decade ago, a Buffalo newspaper’s sports headline read: “University of Buffalo Bulls Defeats Ohio Bobcats 44–0.” In that game, Buffalo quarterback Joe Freedy threw for a season-high 296 yards to lead the Bulls to a stunning victory. UB had moved up to Division 1A and wins had been few that season and would be for the next few years. Freedy’s offense piled up 538 yards total and life was sweet for the handsome young man who commanded his team. He had good friends, a pretty girlfriend, and a good family. He was loved and respected.

Joe Freedy would go on to graduate the following year after he put up some solid career numbers on the University of Buffalo gridiron. Upon graduation, he had many options. He chose what many would call an unlikely path for a handsome young quarterback—the priesthood. Joe Freedy had developed an interest in a religious vocation as a young boy. It is a common consideration for untold numbers of boys, but one that often fades in time as manhood approaches. It was not something he talked about much and he had put it on the back burner.

His family was a quiet Catholic family—going to Mass, praying at meals, and following the tenets of the faith. Perhaps life was also just a little too busy to notice Joe’s interest much with five children running about. Nevertheless, Freedy parents’ faith had spoken volumes to their son.

A “big man on campus” in high school, Freedy had natural athletic abilities that made it easy to compete and excel. But at the University of Buffalo, everyone on the field was a gifted athlete. Without a solid work ethic, Freedy found himself so far down the depth chart, it seemed like he had no chance at all to ever play. He turned to other means to become popular. He partied hardy. But before long, he found himself miserable. Like many other young men who travel down the wrong path, he was pulled back on track by a young woman who exuded an honest dignity and femininity. And in her goodness, he was able to reflect back on her his own sense of masculinity.

Through an odd twist of fate, injuries to other players on UB’s football team pushed Freedy into position to play. He responded and grew in maturity.

Off the field, he took a harder look at his parents and began to get a better appreciation of their faith and character. Scot Hahn’s The Lamb’s Supper helped him develop a whole new appreciation for his church and helped renew a sense of vocation in him. As Freedy was drawn again to the vocation of the priesthood, he was torn with having to break away from the young woman who had helped to right him. After circumstances pulled them geographically apart for a time, his sweetheart found someone else. A period of painful adjustment followed.

After college, it was time for Freedy to channel his zeal into his vocation and his calling to serve others. “It was a huge tug on my heart,” Freedy said, “but the Lord was calling me to this.” He had to break from his friends to dedicate himself to preparing for his ministry. He received his master’s degree in philosophy from Duquesne University and attended the Pontifical North American College at the Vatican.

Monsignor Sciera of Pittsburgh counseled Freedy on his vocation and when they were both in Rome, the monsignor brought him along to a private chapel in Saint Peter’s, where the monsignor said a private Mass alongside the pontiff. Freedy remembered feeling the Pope’s holiness in a tangible way as John Paul II came into the chapel. The pontiff was ill and it was painful for him to move about, but the Mass was a highly charged faith experience.

After John Paul II death, Freedy received the first papal blessing of Pope Benedict XVI along with thousands of others in Saint Peter’s Square. He also visited with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity at their mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

After completing his courses at Pontifical North American College in Rome, Father Joe returned to the Pittsburgh Diocese where he has served in parish work. He is currently director of vocations for the Diocese. He is looking to help those other quarterbacks who may receive the special signals outside the huddle that he himself received.
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press.

Brian Cabral: Another Bear to Remember

2012-02-13T19:53:00.017-06:00

Brian Cabral is one of the athletes discussed in Patrick McCaskey's personal chronicle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout published by Sporting Chance Press. The discussion below is based on that in Sports and Faith.

Value Off the Field

Cabral is one of those rare players who meant a great deal to the team off the field as well as on it. Cabral had high expectations. His father was the first Hawaiian to play football for the University of Notre Dame. He didn't make it to the Golden Dome, but he played for Bill Mallory at the University of Colorado and it worked out just fine.

When Cabral was a junior at Colorado, he heard All-Pro Cleveland Browns defensive end Bill Glass talk about playing football to honor God. Cabral was inspired to read the Bible and listen to other people who talked about their faith.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Cabral in the fourth round of the 1978 NFL draft. After one season with the Falcons, Cabral was briefly on the Baltimore Colts and the Green Bay Packers, but essentially spent the rest of his career with the Chicago Bears. Early on with the Bears, he played outside linebacker alongside middle linebacker Mike Singletary. Cabral was switched to middle linebacker where he ended up backing up the extremely talented and durable Singletary for the duration of his Bear career.

It is not easy for a player who has competed at the highest level in each age group to be inactive during a game. It could not have been easy for Brian Cabral during his six-year Chicago Bear career. Although he contributed to the success of the Bears as they wound their way to the Super Bowl, he was not often a starter. Brian's football career had many twists and turns that he navigated with grace, but it was never easy.

In his backup role, Cabral kept his focus and his intensity. One Bible passage in particular was front and center for Cabral:
Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,”

Cabral and Mike Singeltary were roommates and close friends. Cabral influenced Singletary's spiritual development. Cabral career path required that he adjust--to change direction and his attitude.

According to Cabral he had to swallow his pride and give in to the "Lord's plan for me." Because Cabral couldn’t beat out Singletary as the starting middle linebacker, he tried to help the team in other ways. He led the special teams in tackles and became captain of those units. He also organized the team Bible studies and arranged for the chapel speakers before the games. Brian was intense and forthright and he kept learning about what success meant in God's eyes and not his own.

Cabral occasionally substituted for Mike Singletary as the Bears middle linebacker. When it was time to leave the Bears, Cabral left on a good note. And once he was gone, it was Singletary who replaced him as the Bears spiritual leader.

A few years after Cabral left the professional ranks, he became a coach at the University of Colorado where he is now in his 23rd year. He is an institution at Colorado where he has coached in several capacities. The change in his college plans from Notre Dame to Colorado worked out to his benefit in many ways. Considered one of the best developers of linebackers in the country, he has also been instrumental in scouting, recruiting, and mentoring Hawaiian and other Polynesian players.

Unlike many other Bear greats, Cabral is remembered for a different kind of spirit that he brought to the team.

Copyright Sporting Chance Press

Baseball's Seventh Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-02-13T19:14:00.005-06:00

Commandment Number Seven: “Always run them out. You can never tell.”

“Always run them out” is one of those important principles of baseball. It is taught as soon as a tee ball player can manage a swing and it is reinforced throughout the player’s entire career at every level. It is a “commandment” that is widely accepted and honored.

It is the foolish batter, who stops running to first on what appears a hopeless, routine out, only to have the fielder make the rare mistake, which would have made the player safe had he not stopped running. It seems so obvious, but it takes mental training to remember to ignore one’s first inclination to slow down at the disappointment of making an out. In the 2005 season opener, Milwaukee Brewer left fielder Carlos Lee hit a soft, floating ball toward short right field. The second baseman correctly waved everybody else off the ball as he lifted his glove. However, he took his eyes off the ball at the last second to look at the runners, being confident of the easy catch. The ball hit the heel of the glove instead of the pocket and fell safe to the ground for an error, but only because Carlos Lee never stopped running to first!

Next time you see a major league player “dogging it” on the base-path, key that player’s name on your favorite search engine the next day and you are likely to see him “burned at the stake” on a dozen baseball blogs. Baseball fans expect and appreciate the proprieties at all times. Nevertheless, reminders and remediation are needed to keep the player alert and running.

Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press

How "Maddie Takes the Ice" Begins

2012-02-13T15:29:00.008-06:00

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of the very popular middle grade novel, Maddie Takes the Ice by Nicolette House. Maddie is the story of a young girl who must face pressure from many different directions as she heads to an important regional figure skating competition. The book is written by Nicolette House who has competed in National and International competitions herself. Lauded by teachers, figure skating moms, coaches and fans--Maddie entertains readers and has a lot to say. Here is how the story begins:

BRRR! When her alarm went off at 5:45 on the second Saturday of October, Madison Albright’s eyes flew open. Most girls would groan about waking up this early, but not Madison. She jumped out of bed, lifted her arms high above her head, and stretched.

She walked to her wardrobe and pulled out her favorite pink velvet skating outfit. Holding the dress in front of her, Madison looked in the mirror and sighed. The dress made her eyes shine. It was also her lucky practice dress and she would put it to good use getting ready for the regional figure skating championships scheduled for the following week.

“You ready?” called Madison’s mom.

“Be down in a minute!” Madison smiled to herself. Mom was always up on time, ready to drive her to practice.

She heard her mom’s signal: two beeps. Madison knew she was running late and flew down the stairs, grabbing a hoodie to wear in the cool autumn dawn.
“Feeling ready for regionals?” her mother asked as Madison slid into the car.
Madison grew quiet, hesitating. She didn’t want to tell her mom how nervous she was about the competition.

“Of course I am. Liz says ‘Everything is going great!’ I couldn’t be more excited,” Madison replied, reporting her coach’s opinion but hiding her own. But she was certain that Liz, her main coach, was preparing her for the regional event.
Madison knew just what to say to calm her mother’s nerves. If only Madison could do that for herself!

“Well, I’m glad to hear it. You work so hard, sweetheart. Liz said that you have a good chance of placing high—maybe even winning if you skate well.”

“If?”

“I meant when, Madison. Don’t be so touchy. You feel ready, right?”

“Right…right, I am.”

Mother and daughter rode quietly until Mrs. Albright pulled up outside the Arctic Circle Ice Arena. Madison reached over and gave her a hug.

“Bye, mom. Thanks for the ride.”

Madison jumped out of the car, taking deep breaths. It’s not about where you place, she reminded herself, but how well you skate. Wasn’t that what Liz always told her? But then, why did she tell mom that I could win? Madison wondered.

Maddie Takes the Ice received excellent reviews from About.com Figure Skating and IceMom.net. It was also selected as an America's Battle of the Books selection and has found fans as far away as Oslo. Maddie includes an appendix that provides helpful information on figure skating and a letter to readers from the author. The author, Nicolette House, is a four-time United States Figure Skating gold medalist. Skating since the age of three, she went on to compete in European, World, and international ice dance competitions with her skating partner, Aidas Reklys. She currently coaches and performs in professional shows. Along with her skating partner, the author creates an annual ice show that features several top international skaters. Nicolette is a recent graduate of DePaul University in Chicago.

You can order Maddie Takes the Ice directly from the Sporting Chance Press.

VanderBears: Jay Cutler Now and Bill Wade Then

2012-02-10T14:34:00.028-06:00

Current Bear fans know some of the former Vanderbilt University players who play in navy blue and burnt orange. Although the injury bug has disrupted their play, the Bears have four talented former Commodores on the team.

Fans know that Jay Cutler and Earl Bennett were Commodores--it seems natural that this passer-receiver combination is one with great chemistry. Injuries to both players this past year prevented the tandem from reaching it's potential, but the combination has been one of the highlights of the Bears passing game the past few seasons.

Chris Williams is another former Commodore, but unfortunately his 2011 season was cut short as well. Then there is D.J. Moore starting nickelback who also played at Vandy. And fans will also remember former Commodore Hunter Hillenmeyer who played linebacker for the Bears before retiring last spring due in large part to multiple concussions.

Bill Wade in 1963

But Bears ties to the Vanderbilt Commodores goes back a ways. Many older fans remember the very tough and determined Bill Wade who led the Bears to an NFL Championship in 1963.

Bill Wade was an outstanding quarterback at Vanderbilt University--set school passing records, and was selected SEC Player of the Year in 1951. Ruggedly handsome, his photo graced the front cover of Look Magazine in its September 1949 Issues. He served for two years in the Navy before he joined the Los Angeles Rams who had made Wade their top pick in the bonus draft. The Bears acquired Bill Wade the established pro quarterback 51 years ago in 1961. Wade took the Bears to the NFL Championship in 1963. He scored both Bear touchdowns on quarterback sneaks in the 14-10 defeat of the Y.A. Tittle-led New York Giants.

Today's fan would recognize the qualities of the 1963 Bears Team--tough hard nosed defense (ranked among the 10 best Bears defenses of all time in some places) with an offense that featured a tough former Vandy QB. Bill Wade fit well into the Bears team persona. He was tough, resilient and when he ran, he was not likely to slide--opposing defenders had to take him down like a running back.

Wade's Softer Side

Bears Senior Director Patrick McCaskey, grandson of George "Papa Bear" Halas, recalls Wade being especially kind and attentive.

“When I was seven, I started going to Bears training camps with Papa Bear George Halas. Bill Wade taught us how to play quarterback. After the Bears two-a-day practices, Bill Wade tutored me in the fundamentals of quarterbacking. Before each session, he would reach down on the ground and find a four-leaf clover. That would mean we would have a good workout.”[Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey]

Although he played for the Bears during a period when the Bears defense dominated, Wade's numbers were impressive. In his 13-year career, Wade attempted 2523 passes, completed 1370 for 18,530 yards, giving him a 54.3% completion rate and 124 touchdowns.

Yet, Another Side of Wade

It might surprise football fans today to know that the NFL was not without its devout players throughout its history. Bill Wade did a little quiet evangelizing a long time before Tim Tebow came along. In 1962, Wade’s “Quarterback for Christ” (pamphlet) was published with the American Tract Society. In Wade’s Tract, he describes his faith and his commitment to Christ. Wade also uses sports metaphorically saying that we must “exercise ourselves spiritually to win our everyday battles.”

Bears fans should never forget our first former Commodore Quarterback, Bill Wade.

------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice. Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey includes the author's stories of Christian athletes (like Bill Wade), coaches and ordinary people who have been an inspiration.

Baseball's Sixth Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-02-09T10:09:00.010-06:00

I came across the “10 Commandments of Baseball” on an advertising card that had been a keepsake of my Dad’s from Bill Zuber’s Restaurant and Dugout Lounge in the Amana Colonies of Iowa. The “Commandments” were composed by Joe McCarthy who managed the three most storied franchises in the golden age of baseball: the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. He still holds the highest winning percentage for any Major League baseball manager even though he retired over a half a century ago. McCarthy's principles are at the center of my classic book called The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) published by Sporting Chance Press. This post touches on McCarthy's Sixth Commandment.

Commandment Number Six: “Do not alibi on bad hops. Anybody can field the good ones.”

No one likes hearing excuses. The field is the same for both teams. For someone wanting to be a ballplayer, it is more important to learn to field the tough chances than to explain the mistakes. For example, first basemen should practice endlessly fielding bad throws coming in on one wicked hop or wide of the bag or over a player’s head. It takes practice to anticipate the tough plays and to adjust to difficult conditions.
From 1900 through 1916 the great “gentleman” ballplayer, Christy Mathewson, was the first pitcher to win 300 games in the modern era. He pitched with great intelligence, good mechanics, and outstanding control. He averaged 1.6 walks per nine innings and once pitched a record 68 consecutive innings without one. Mathewson also had a magic pitch. He called it a “fadeaway.” It was a reverse curve thrown with an extremely unnatural twist if the arm. Today it is called a “screwball” because of the reverse twist of the arm when throwing it. It was a difficult pitch to throw, but it was even a more difficult to hit. He usually threw it no more than a dozen times a game, but the threat that he would throw it was always there. He typically would hold it back for what he called, “pitching in a pinch” (the title of a book he authored).
Mathewson once pitched three shutouts in a World Series; allowing the opposition just 14 hits. In 1908, he led National League pitchers in wins (37), ERA (1.43), stikeouts (259), and shutouts (12).

Although Mathewson was a remarkable player, he did not win every time. He understood how important it was to maintain confidence without making excuses to the rest of the world for his play. He was quoted as saying:

You must have an alibi to show why you lost. If you haven’t one,
you must fake one. Your self confidence must always be maintained.
Always have that alibi. But keep it to yourself. That’s where it belongs.

---------------------------------------------
Image is J.D. Thorne, courtesy of David Bernacchi
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.

Belichick's Principles for Business Success

2012-02-06T10:56:00.008-06:00

If you want to learn from the top NFL coach on how to build and maintain a winning tradition, here are principles that I have garnered from my study of Bill Belichick. These are as tough as the coach. They are based on my personal take on Belichick's views that might be applied to business. This is not necessary things that I subscribe to, but I do agree with most of them.

Bill's Business Principles:

1. Focus on your job - what you do and do it right.
2. Everyone is accountable all the time. No one is irreplaceable. Expect to be criticized and take it.
3. Team is everything. If someone does not fit into the team, they don't work in the organization.
4. Work toward perfection. Everything short of perfection is not worth working towards.
5. Keep your mouth shut outside the team. Don't criticize anyone outside the team and don't give away any information to anyone. Let the people assigned to do the PR, do it.
6. When you hire someone, hire someone who can help the team. Don't get starry eyed over the credentials or talent. Each hire should fill a need.
7. Respect your boss and your boss should respect you. If your boss will not let your do your job, move on.
8. Know your team's weaknesses and keep your eyes open at all times for ways to improve the team.
9. Know your competition's weaknesses and plan to take advantage of them.
10. Never let your competition know what you are going to do next.

Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press

Image Attribution: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Bill Belichick) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Belichick, the Day After the Super Bowl

2012-02-05T12:02:00.011-06:00

There are teams that come very close to the championship game in so many sports, but lose in the playoffs. Every major sport has a playoff system and very good teams often get eliminated right just before the championship for any number of reasons. Regardless of how good a team played during the season, the other teams are not going to let them walk through the playoffs. They need to be at their best at just the right time. This is certainly true of NFL football, where one playoff loss means you are out.

In the NFL, the games are often compared to military battles with strategies, plans and execution. Yet, in some circumstances elimination seems to come down to luck. In others, maybe it's a bad call or two. Sometimes it seems that the losing team was just having an off day.

There is so much angst involved in a playoff loss, fans and pundits go to great lengths to try to pin down the reasons for the failure. It can turn into a witch hunt with the requisite negative hyperbole. But at some point, a clear-headed analysis will generally point out that the game was the same length as other games, the same number of players were on the field, the same conditions prevailed for both sides, and perhaps most importantly, a team win or loss is always...a team win or loss. There were plenty of opportunities to score points or stop the other team from doing the same.

New England's Successful Coach

If you study Bill Belichick, one thing you know for sure is that he is no Knute Rockne. His Super Bowl wins as head coach of the Patriots do not seem to be the result of great speech-making and impressive camaraderie with his players. Also, I don't think people are writing books on his innovative defenses or offenses. He is not so much an innovator as much as someone who stresses the importance of blocking and tackling, throwing and catching, pressuring and defending. He is studious, of course, and certainly responds to successful new strategies and tends, but more importantly he is also tireless and never satisfied. His mantra has remained the same every season: "Just do your job."

Bill the Builder

Belichick's strategy is to take away the opponents strengths—something he learned long ago from his father who was a scout and coach. How can his team neutralize the opposition’s strengths? He likes to see his opponents set up for one defense and then give them something unexpected.

His team lives by pressure that he unceasingly provides, but he wants them to understand the only thing that’s important is to “do your job.” When things get tough, he turns up the pressure on opposing teams and he is confident that his own team can perform under it. Teamwork is critical.

Mostly, Belichick is a team builder and his team is always under construction. He is always looking ahead. Even when he has a Super Bowl team, he is looking ahead to next year. He runs his team like a business—one that keeps improving and moving forward in an affordable way. He watches his boss's money, he hates to overpay; it leaves less for others.

Belichick will not get hung up on the reasons for New England's win or loss in the Super Bowl tonight. If the Patriots lose, he will stand there in front of the cameras, in seemingly deep pain and admit to everyone that his team did not play well enough. If the Patriots win, he will smile and try to live in the moment for a short time. But win or lose, the day after the Super Bowl, Belichick will be thinking about how his team can become better next year. For Belichick, the quest has to be one for perfection. He will never stand still. His strategy will never be focused on how he can keep his team together as other champions often do. It will be on adding better players to improve his team. No player, no coach, no administrator is irreplaceable.

Post Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press. Inc.

Image Attribution: By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA (Bill Belichick) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

My Super Bowl Poem

2012-02-03T12:56:00.012-06:00

I have been surrounded by women for most of my life. I had four sisters and one brother. I have one son and five daughters. I also have one stepson and one step daughter, but I can't take any credit there.

I often wonder what life would have been like if the numbers were flipped around. But daughters are just fine with me and probably a lot easier on the furniture.

I don't often think about having so many children--they came along in a couple clusters and they are a great joy. But when the 85 Bears were blazing a winning trail in Chicago that had not been blazed since 1963, there was a lot of little kids around. It was not so easy to watch the Super Bowl.

Stopping by the TV On Super Bowl Sunday

Whose cry is this I think I know.
Her room is in the upstairs though;
She will not see me stopping here
To watch the Bears with can of beer.

My little girl must think it queer
To cry without a parent near
Between the crib and frozen pane
She shouts out like in pain.

Cathy gives my leg a shake
I tell her there is some mistake.
But at my feet she stops and stares
To say that Lizzie cries upstairs.

The Bears are tough, fast and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And a diaper to change before Liz sleeps,
And a diaper to change before Liz sleeps.

With apologies to Robert Frost. Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press.

------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Monster Is the New Best Thing in Tight Ends; Super Bowl May Showcase Two of Them

2012-02-02T19:10:00.018-06:00

Whether you call him "Monster" or the more friendly, "Gronk," the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end Rob Gronkowski is a pretty special "freak." His 90 catches for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns scorched the NFL record book this year--and he's only a second-year pro. His 14.7 average yards per catch is better than the Patriots remarkable wide receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker. New England QB Tom Brady attempted 611 passes this year and connected on 401 for 5235 yards--enough to insure that none of his talented receivers were ignored despite the rising talents of Gronkowski. New England's other tight end, Aaron Hernandez had 79 receptions for 910 yards. Although Hernandez is almost half a foot shorter than Gronkowski, but he is a powerful 245 lbs.

Gronkowski injured his left ankle in the Patriots AFC Championship game win over the Ravens and he's been nursing it the last couple weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. Returning to a light practice today, odds are Gronkowski will play in the big game.

Superfreak II

Another monster tight end is Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints. Graham is in his second year as well. He had 99 catches for 1310 yards averaging 13.2 yards per catch. Graham scored 11 touchdowns and had the remarkable Drew Brees thowing his way. Brees threw for 5,476 yards, keeping things lively for all his receivers as well.

And Yet More

The Cowboys' Jason Whitten is another big tight end who spends a lot of time catching balls and has been doing it for many years. The nine-year vet has averaged just under 1000 yards for the last five seasons. Whitten is 6-6, 255 lbs.

The Giants' Giant TE

New England's Super Bowl foe, the New York Giants have a phenomenal wide receiver, Victor Cruz, who has 82 regular season receptions for 1536 yards and an 18.7 yard average. But the Giants also boast a Gronkowski-type tight end who is just getting started in 2011. Jake Ballard is 6-6, 275 lbs and has 38 receptions for 604 yards and 15.9 yard average. The Giants' QB Eli Manning threw for 4,933 yards this season, a few hundred yards less than Brady, but enough to keep his receivers busy as well.

Manning has not gone to Ballard much in the post season, but maybe with Gronkowski on the other side line, he will be inspired more to look for the big man in the big game.

Post Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press. Inc.
------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Super Bowl Rings Have Bling

2012-02-02T12:55:00.013-06:00

Pretty much all football fans know that in addition to their prize money, the Super Bowl winners are also awarded a ring that includes the team name, logo and Super Bowl identification. Many football players have oversized fingers and when a cadre of diamonds and gold are added, these rings have a lot of bling.

Ring makers go through a bid process and the rings are not made until several months after the game. Jostens, the ring company that is famous for its high school rings has often been the Super Bowl ring provider. On the Jostens web site, they have a gallery of the rings that they have produced.

The NFL itself provides 150 rings to each winning team--at up to $5000 per ring. Teams can go over this amount if they want to pay the difference themselves. As you can imagine, in the age of Antiques Roadshow, there is a healthy aftermarket for Super Bowl rings with many of them selling for over $50,000. Sellers have been known to ask for as much as $100,000.

On many rings, the Super Bowl score shows prominently in the design. Thus, if you happen to be on the short side of the score, the rings serve to rub salt into the wound for a very long time.
------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice. You don't have to be a billionaire to buy one of these great books!

What's in Daddy Warbucks Lunchbox Anyway? Super Bowl Spawns Big Buck Discussions on Business Values and Sports Clubs Doings

2012-01-30T16:06:00.024-06:00

One quote on the price of one Super Bowl Ad is enough to set some fans off on the relative worth of players, coaches and owners. This year's 30-second Super Bowl advertising costs are estimated at $3.5 Million according to Kantar Media who follows such things. Fans are asking themselves where does that money flow.

Politics and religion are often subjects people avoid in normal discussion because rarely do people agree on them. I think the same might be said of player salaries and sports clubs profits. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. If you read much coverage of sports you know that sports owners are often criticized severely. It's been my experience that there is little they can do that will generate any kind of positive press from the media.

Now with the Internet, there are many sources of financial information that are collected and digested for us in a myriad of postings, articles and other sports media spots. There is no end to various positions and opinions that fans and pundits take on many professional sports issues that involve finances. But the data is often questionable.

As far as I can tell, most sports teams are privately owned. Yet, you can find financial data on the Internet that purports to value privately owned sports clubs. The data is usually included in an article. Club owners as far as I know do not release their financials to the public. You know that by player union negotiations with football clubs where each side paints a different picture of their finances. Often union representatives dispute a team representative's assertion that a club is not making much money. Typically, the union suggests that the owners release their financials to prove their position and it doesn't happen.

Teams Valued by Bits and Pieces of Information?

I don't blame the owners for not releasing their financials. At the same time, by not releasing them I am not sure how much criticism they avoid because it appears to me that someone comes up with some data in some fashion anyway.

I suppose some business valuations on sports teams might be compiled by taking bits and pieces of data that must be made public. For example, perhaps there is a way to examine a stadium deal and determine ticket sales revenues based on it? Maybe there is a way to look at a teams salary cap and make some determinations. You might be able to see published TV revenues and determine something from that. But, my guess is that these bits and pieces of the picture are going to give you a rough estimate only.

You do see some attempt from certain media especially to try to provide comparative values of teams. For example, you see sources that state which teams are at the top of the heap. My guess is that such lists may have a relatively accurate pecking list, but the actual numbers may be many millions of dollars off the mark.

Even Real World Valuations Can Be Off the Mark

Having seen several actual business valuations, I can tell you that these things are more complicated than one may ever imagine. A real business valuation takes into account factors the average person may never anticipate. There are professional business valuation standards, certifications and hundreds of books and courses that promote accuracy and objectivity.

Often a business valuator may begin a business valuation by doing a thorough industry analysis. What has been the industry's history of revenues and profits? What are the external factors that might affect it like economic, social, legal, and commercial trends? A valuator will take a hard look at the government impacts and threats. What are the competitive threats--not just from the other sports clubs, but from clubs and entertainment from other venues altogether that may affect attendance or TV viewing? How does the league to which the team belong foster or threaten revenues and profits. What are the trends in sponsorship rules and opportunities? How might existing sponsors be impacted by economic trends? How might trends affect future insurance costs?

Forecasts are a necessary part of the valuation although the one thing all valuators know about forecasts is that they are almost always wrong--just how far off they are is the question. If you read cases about valuations that are done in large estate or divorce cases, it's not uncommon to see two valuations of the same business that vary by huge amounts. Often, expert witnesses are brought in and a judge must sift through reams of data to make a decision. And these are in cases where those who create the valuations are essentially bound to produce objective ones.

A big input in the business valuation of sports clubs must be the relationship and attitude of the host government. How are local taxes determined and what impact might come from tax rate changes or regulations? Stadium leases or financing may be substantial cost factors. For many teams, players' salaries can easily escalate out of control and be the key cost factor.

Rule of Thumb

Business valuations in their most strict sense are necessary in several circumstances such as estate tax valuations, certain stock sales and offerings, ownership disputes, marital settlements, etc. While a professional valuation is necessary in some cases and most helpful in most, it is not necessary in others.

Valuation estimates are often used by Business brokers who help facilitate the purchase and sale of smaller business--these estimates may be accomplished by what is called a rule of thumb. For example if a widget store generates $500,000 in revenue annually, they might suggest that the sales price of the company may be $1.5 Million by using a three times revenue basis or multiplier. The business broker knows the multipliers that are routinely used for such estimates. In this case, the buyer and seller may not want to pay for a sophisticated business valuation. The seller may be required to disclose certain financials from the books, but a private sale often does not require a full valuation. Both parties may be satisfied with really what amounts to as a rough estimate. Of course, the accuracy of the business financials that are used with the multiplier to determine the estimate may be subject to legal actions if deemed misleading or fraudulent.

A more complicated business like a large sports team will likely require a much more sophisticated analysis to come close to value. Of course, in the end, the value will be set by the buyer and the seller. There are some sports club prospects who are willing to pay a premium for certain properties --there may be others who are thinking just the opposite.

The best business valuators are highly trained professionals who have accounting and finance skills as well as detective skills. Often a firm manages the larger valuations and might employ a team of people. Depending upon the rigor with which the seller may have kept their records and other factors, a valuation can easily take several months. Often even a relatively small but complex business might require a valuation that cost in excess of $50,000. I hesitate to even guess what a valuation for a large sports club might cost.

Business valuations are also valid only to the specific use of the valuation. Thus a valuation done for estate purposes will not likely be valid for other purposes.

When I see an article that suggests that a particular team might be worth so much and that team is a privately owned company, unless there are extenuating circumstances, I am likely to take those numbers with a rather large grain of salt. And even when a billionaire buys a team and does his own due diligence with financial advisers, the next thing you know there is a quote from some financial expert who says the buyer overpaid by some huge sum like $200 Million. Then, years later you might hear from other analysts who describe the same purchase as a steal. Thus you can do all the due diligence and the numbers can still be off because it's the point at which buyer and seller come together that sets the actual value.

Internet Tells All?

In today's Internet world, there is no shortage of pundits on most everything and I suppose on some level that's all part of the fun for us sports fans. We can gripe about not only how much the players make when they don't do so well, but also how much the owner is collecting on his own investment. But in most cases we need to understand that much of what we are basing our opinions on, is not likely to be all that accurate. If someone states that a club is worth so much, you might want to determine how that value was calculated before "taking it to the bank."
Copyright 2012 by Sporting Chance Press
------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice. You don't have to be a billionaire to buy one of these great books!

Bears Hire Phil Emery as GM

2012-01-30T10:07:00.010-06:00

Like many football coaches, Emery worked at a string of colleges before taking on his first job in professional football. He was a student assistant at Wayne State, a graduate assistant at Central Michigan, an offensive line/strength and conditioning coach at Western New Mexico, and then a defensive line coach at Georgetown College.

He worked as a defensive line/ strength and conditioning coach at Saginaw Valley State and then assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Perhaps one of Emory's most powerful experiences was his relatively long stint as the Director of Strength and Conditioning Services and Associate Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy from ’91-98. The commitment of the Naval Academy Midshipmen and the experience of working with highly disciplined athletes would likely set the bar high for acquisition targets--focusing heavily on acquisition of players "with character."

Emery paid his dues in the college ranks before he became a scout for the Bears from 1998-2004. Then, from 2004-08, he served as director of college scouting for the Atlanta Falcons and then served as Chiefs Director of College Scouting under Scott Pioli for the past three years. It's probably safe to assume that Emory shares Pioli's and Belichick's philosophy of drafting players with character and commitment to the team. Pioli summed up this philosophy, "Individuals make Pro Bowls, teams win championships."

Contrary to popular media sentiment, the Bears have shown a willingness to go out and get established players they need even from the ranks of the highly-compensated. But such acquisitions can cost draft picks and successful teams have to establish a good balance of draftees, free agent acquisitions and trades. Emery brings an abundance of experience in talent acquisition from drafts and judgment and extensive experience evaluating prospects from many different perspectives including character.

------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice. Sports and Faith includes a discussion of both Wellington Mara and Art Rooney who in addition to their NFL team ownership, were also exemplary individuals who lived faithful lives and contributed greatly to charity.

Rooney News

2012-01-25T09:51:00.013-06:00

According to various sources, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney, is likely to return to the states from his post in Dublin this year. Dan is the eldest son of Art Rooney, the founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is chairman emeritus of the Pittsburgh Steelers and like his father was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game. The "Rooney Rule," his creation, requires that NFL teams with head coach and general manager vacancies interview at least one minority candidate.

Steeler Ownership Changes

In order to continue controlling family ownership of the Steelers, several members of the Rooney and related McGinley families sold their stock to team president Art Rooney II and chairman emeritus Dan Rooney in 2009. There were several considerations that made the sale necessary including potentially devastating estate tax issues upon the death of the one of the five sons of founder Art Rooney, Rooney family holdings in race tracks that have triggered some pressure from the NFL front office, and of course family business philosophical differences that would likely build if ownership control did not remain centralized.

Mara Connection

Although some of the Rooney family may look on this year's Super Bowl contest between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots with faint interest, others will be much more tuned in for good reason. The Rooney family has a long reach and is certainly one of the most notable families in the United States. It is also linked to another NFL family, the New York Giants Mara's through marriage.

Two notables from the Rooney-Mara family tree are actresses; one the Recent Oscar nominee, Rooney Mara, and her sister Kate Mara. The actresses are the great-granddaughters of both New York Giants founder Tim Mara and Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, Sr. Their mother Kathleen Rooney married Chris Mara in 1981 forming a link between the two NFL families. Their mother's father, Tim, is the third son of Art Rooney. Tim has run the Yonkers Raceway since 1972. Their father Chris, is one of Wellington Mara's (Giants founder Tim Mara's son) 11 children and serves as Senior Vice President of Player Personnel.

Kate Mara has appeared extensively on TV in such series as Fox smash hit 24, HBO's Entourage and the FX Series American Horor). In films she has acted in Brokeback Mountain, We Are Marshall, Iron Man II, Ironclad and many others. Her sister Rooney Mara has appeared Law and Order, the Cleaner and ER on television. Rooney has also appeared in several films including A Nightmare on Elm Street (the remake), The Social Network and the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo for which she was nominated just recently for an Oscar.

------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice. Sports and Faith includes a discussion of both Wellington Mara and Art Rooney who in addition to their NFL team ownership, were also exemplary individuals who lived faithful lives and contributed greatly to charity.

Baseball's Fifth Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-01-25T07:20:00.010-06:00

Commandment Number Five: “When you start to slide, S-L-I-D-E. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.”

Players need to be decisive when making a play. Think of a runner who just drove the ball over an infielder’s head and is sprinting to second base to beat a throw from the outfield for a double. Should he stand up or slide going into the base? Sliding takes more effort, so going into the bag standing up is the natural first instinct when it looks like he can make it. Either way, the base runner must decide and follow through on his decision otherwise he is flirting with disaster.

Indecision hurts even the greatest of baseball players. While playing for Joe McCarthy’s 1930 Chicago Cubs, Hall of Fame second baseman Rogers Hornsby was nursing a sore heel. On a slide into third base, he hesitated before sliding, caught a spike in the dirt, and broke his ankle. He was lost to the team for two months. With Hornsby out of the lineup, the Cubs did not repeat that year as pennant winners and ultimately Joe McCarthy was released from his job with the Cubs at the end of the season.

McCarthy’s Decisive Ways

Joe McCarthy took a “never satisfied” approach to leadership. One reporter described his style, “He isn’t the kind of manager who tears at his players’ nerves with a rasping voice, but it is almost impossible to satisfy him. That is why in every managerial job he has had ever held he has been a builder of winning teams. … He demands the most that any given situation possibly can yield. He makes no excuses and accepts none from anyone else. Surface appearances do not satisfy him. He wants to know what’s underneath or behind everything that goes on.”

When asked by reporters what his general formula would be in 1931 when he took over the helm of the Yankees, he tersely replied, “All work and no play.” As stern as that sounds, what he meant by that quip was expressed by another McCarthy quote: “A ballplayer has only a few hours of concentrated work every day, and if he cannot attend to business with the high pay and working conditions so pleasant, something is wrong with him, and he ought go somewhere else.”
McCarthy paid meticulous attention to detail according to those around him. Birdie Tebbetts was McCarthy’s catcher when he managed the Boston Red Sox. Tebbets, who later became a manager himself, once asked, “How many managers do you know who ever cut anything so fine?” He always showed “that infinite capacity for taking pains that is said to be the mark of genius and his ability to impart his own enthusiasm to his ballplayers.”

This Commandment challenges us to live (and play) decisively and give each day 100%. Being decisive makes life easier. Go with your hunches as sometime your earliest inklings are the right ones. Do not discount them – go with them with confidence.

---------------------------------------------
Image is J.D. Thorne, courtesy of David Bernacchi
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.

Belichick, Angelo and the Top Bears GM Contendors

2012-01-24T14:41:00.011-06:00

After Jerry Angelo was fired, we mentioned that there is often a relatively thin line that separates a good draft from a bad one. The basic premise was that it's easy to look back at his drafts and say Angelo was a bad GM, but with a little better luck here or there, things could have been much different. We also made the case that the Cutler acquisition costs precious draft picks, but it seemed to be necessary considering the Bears lack of success with QBs development.

Compare Angelo's bad luck, with the Patriots' selection of Tom Brady--perhaps one of the luckiest picks of all time. Where Belichick's skill came into play was not in selecting Brady, it was in recognizing Brady's potential and then developing it.

A couple choices made by Angelo turned out to be what might be called cross-boomers -- not late-bloomers, players who would mature slowly, but rather players who could excel only when they crossed over to another team. Cedric Benson seems to be the classic example of this. And then there is Mark Anderson--now one of the New England Patriots defensive stars. Both of these players look like different people now that they are no longer in Chicago. This is not a knock on the Bears--it's a phenomenon that happens in every sport, on every team. Sometimes athletes just need a change of venue. The same happens with coaches and sports administrators.

Jerry Angelo is thought of very highly in some NFL circles. Angelo and Bill Belichick have a long relationship built on mutual respect for each others talent evaluation. Belichick was once quoted in the Tribune as saying: "Jerry has selected some great players, especially some middle round guys, later round guys who have been very productive for him. He has a good eye for talent." If you know Belichick's team-building philosophy, you know that he would much rather build a team of no-names from the middle rounds of the draft rather than have to fuss with round one superstars who hold sway with the media and are represented by the most difficult agents. What you might read into Belichick's quote is "Jerry is my kind of guy."

Two Top Contenders for Bears GM

Interestingly enough, the two top contenders for the Bears GM position, like Jerry Angelo, also have connections to Bill Belichick; Jason Licht has a very close connection--Bill Emery a distant one. Jason Licht worked for Belichick the last couple years as director of professional personnel. Two years under Belichick in the Patriots system would have given Licht a good schooling in the Patriots way of doing things--build your club with team players who are totally devoted to the game.

Bill Emery's connection to Belichick may seem remote, call it once-removed, but the influences cannot be denied. First, he served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning Services and as an Associate Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy from ’91-98. Bill Belichick's father Steve taught at the Naval Academy for many years and served as a scout--in fact Belichick's father literally wrote the book on football scouting while he was at the Academy--Football Scouting Methods. Bill Belichick spent a lot of time with his dad during those Academy years--and he was a good study. Emery, like Belichick would have had the military influences in his football development.

The second Emery-Belichick connection is to Kansas City General Manger, Scott Pioli, who served as the Vice President of Player Personnel with the Patriots and worked with Belichick there for nine years (his work with Belichick goes back even further). Pioli and Belichick have a very similar mindset when it comes to talent acquisition and team development. As Pioli described it, ""Individuals make Pro Bowls, teams win championships." Emery served as Chiefs Director of College Scouting under Pioli for the past three years.

Assuming the Bears pick Licht or Emery, if these men follow their mentors practices, we are likely to see a lean mean fighting machine approach to personnel acquisition. The Bears will be looking for dedicated team players and maybe trading away first round draft choices for more picks. They would also stay away from the superstar trades and watch their pennies. They may also follow Belichick's lead of picking up players who fill the needs of the team as opposed to strategies such as picking the best athlete or the most talented player.

London Olympics and English AON

2012-01-24T07:47:00.015-06:00

AON founder and former chairman, Patrick Ryan, worked closely with Mayor Daley and headed the city's unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Olympics. Ryan has been a staunch supporter of Chicago in many ways over his long business career. His ties to Chicago are deep and he owns a portion of the Chicago Bears.

Nevertheless, the mega-insurance company that he founded, Aon Corporation, announced on January 13, 2012 that it will move its corporate headquarters to London from Chicago. According to Aon, "the move provides greater access to emerging markets and takes better advantage of the strategic proximity to Lloyd's and the London market as one of the key international hubs of insurance and risk brokerage." According to at least one analyst, one of benefits might be a decline in Aon's tax rates.

Aon has a large financial footprint in the Chicago area that got larger with the $4.9 billion acquisition of human resources firm Hewitt Associates in 2010. According to the Journal, "Aon will shift its corporate domicile to the U.K. from Delaware. To complete the move, the company will issue investors one class A share of the new English company for each common Aon share they own." Thus Aon will not just move from Chicago, it will become an English company. Aon employes 59,000 employees worldwide according to its web site and according to the Journal, 6000 in Chicago. Assurances were made that Aon would continue to use Chicago as it's US headquarters and there would be job growth here as well.

Aon also has a growing financial footprint in sports, but almost entirely in the UK. Aon sponsors Manchester United and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes a British Formula One team--and it has created Team Aon--a commercial partnership between Aon and Arena International Motorsport. The Aon Manchester United deal established in 2010 reportedly cost $80 Million and literally puts "AON" on the team's Jerseys for four years.

How did the Man U sponsorship occur? According to the Tribune, after Man U's old jersey sponsor AIG got a government bailout making its future sponsorship impossible, the team sent a number of possible sponsors a sales pitch they could not ignore. "A pair of framed prototype jerseys arrived last spring [2009] at Aon's Chicago headquarters for Chief Executive Greg Case and marketing chief Phil Clement, who jumped on a plane to England." Apparently they liked the Jerseys and someone at Aon liked the country as well.

Olympic Dreams and Stadiums

2012-01-23T19:46:00.019-06:00

When Chicago was vying for the 2016 Summer Olympic bid, a new Olympic Stadium would have been needed because Soldier Field does not have the required capacity. Obviously, a great deal of additioinal construction and infrastructure improvements would also have been needed. There is a plethora of reasons that various writers and reporters have put forward as to why Chicago didn’t get the bid.

Many locals wonder how it ever would have been sorted out had Chicago won.
Frankly, little of the Olympic building would have been easy in this city of big shoulders and complex politics. According to the proposed plan, the stadium would have been built in Washington Park. Other major construction projects would have also been required in well established areas. Making huge changes to an old established city like Chicago would be a great challenge especially in a time of belt tightening and divided politics. Perhaps it would have been more doable had Chicago a more modern transit system and an Olympic-sized stadium already in place.

London

Politics did not stop the Brits in a city that is quite a bit older than Chicago. For the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the London Olympic Stadium was constructed in a city that already boasts Wembley (Borough of Brent, London). The stadium was built in an ecologically friendly way. It was made 75 per cent lighter in terms of steel use than other stadiums; it features low-carbon concrete, made from industrial waste; and the top ring of the Stadium was built using surplus gas pipes. The Olympic Stadium is located on an island site, surrounded by waterways on three sides so that spectators will use bridges to get to the venue. The Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games. Its upper tier can be removed creating a much small stadium capacity for post Olympic use.

Rio

In the winning 2016 venue of Rio De Janeiro, the Maracanã Stadium will be the venue for Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Originally constructed in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup, Maracanã and its surrounding area are being completely upgraded for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in advance of the 2016 Games. So essentially they have to be in place two years before the Olympics. Gross seating capacity at the games is 90,000 according to the official Rio Olympic site.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Baseball's Fourth Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-01-23T08:00:00.007-06:00

I came across the “10 Commandments of Baseball” on an advertising card from Bill Zuber’s Restaurant and Dugout Lounge in the Amana Colonies of Iowa that had been a keepsake of my Dad’s. The “Commandments” composed by Joe McCarthy, were printed by the thousands many years ago. Over a span of twenty-four years, McCarthy managed the three most storied franchises in the golden age of baseball: the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. He still holds the highest winning percentage for any Major League baseball manager.

McCarthy's principles are at the center of my classic book called The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) published by Sporting Chance Press. This post touches on McCarthy's Fourth Commandment.

Commandment Number Four: “Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.”

There are several ways of looking at the meaning of this commandment. Perhaps the most essential message is that a player needs to pay attention and keep his head in the game in order to be proud of his performance.

Three Men on Third

A classic example of the importance of keeping “your head in the game” is the infamous “three men on third” episode at old Ebbets field in Brooklyn on August 15, 1926. The Dodgers were playing the Boston Braves. Brooklyn came to bat in the seventh inning. Their first hitter, Johnny Butler, singled. The next hitter, Frank DeBerry slapped a double to score Butler. Pitcher Dazzy Vance came to bat and, singled sending DeBerry to third base. The next hitter, Chick Fewster, was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. The legendary “Babe” Herman, (dubbed by Dazzy Vance “the headless horseman of Ebbets Field”) took his place at the plate and the stage was set for the forthcoming drama. Herman belted a line drive to right field. DeBerry, the runner on third scored easily. Vance however, who had been on second, thought the line drive was going to be caught, and held up until he saw the ball drop safely before heading for home. He rounded third base, ran halfway to the plate before deciding he would not be able to beat the throw in, reversed himself and started back to third base. Meanwhile, the runner on first base, Fewster, was tearing around the base path to get to third, and arrived there just as Vance was returning to it. They looked at each other for a moment, but then turned their gaze to watch the hitter, Herman. Herman was watching no one, and with his head down and legs churning, was trying to stretch his double into a triple! When Herman finally looked up a few feet from the bag, he saw his two teammates standing haplessly there as the Braves third baseman was taking the throw from the outfield. Excitedly, the third baseman tagged everyone within reach, including the umpire! Herman tried to reverse field but was thrown out trying to get to back to second.

Fred Merkle

The all time champion of alert baseball play was second baseman Johnnie Evers of the powerhouse Chicago Cubs teams in the first decade of the 1900’s. Not only was he acclaimed for it, but the opposing player against whom he applied his chief observation was nicknamed “bonehead” for falling victim to it. The name “Bonehead Merkle” is synonymous with stupid play even though the unfortunate Mr. Merkle was doing what everyone else did at the time. However, for Johnny Evers, it worked out to win a championship for the Cubs.

The 1908 National League pennant race is ranked among the most exciting season finishes ever. Late in the season, Evers began noticing that in situations where there was a runner on first when a player ahead of him on second or third scored the winning run to “end” a game, the runner on first was failing to run all the way to second base thinking the game was over. However, under the rules of baseball, a runner does not score if there is a putout at first or a force play out on the final play to end an inning even if the runner crosses home plate before the out is made. Evers discussed this with umpire Hank O’Day after a game in Pittsburgh, and O’Day agreed with Evers’ interpretation. Sure enough, it happened again a few days later at New York’s Polo Grounds on September 23, 1908, in a game against the archrival Giants and their Hall of Fame Manager, the feisty Irishman, John McGraw.

To break a 9th inning 1 to 1 tie score, the Giants Al Bridwell singled in from third base what appeared to be the winning run. As was the custom of the day, rookie Fred Merkle, who had been on first, saw the run score and stopped running half way to second base to head for the clubhouse as fans stormed the field celebrating the apparent victory. However, amidst the chaos, Evers summoned the ball from the grandstands and stood with it on second base proclaiming the force out because Merkle never touched second base. The second base umpire refused to make the call claiming he had not seen the play. The call was deferred to the game’s home plate umpire, Hank O’Day, who declared Merkle out to end the inning and cancel the score of the “winning” run. Because of the pandemonium of the fans on the field, he then declared the game a tie.

The Giants and Cubs finished the season a week later in a tie for first place because of the ruling. The Cubs won a special tiebreaker game to win the league pennant, and then proceeded to win the World Series.

Keep Your Head in the Game and Be Positive

This commandment tells you to be alert at all times. And being alert also requires a positive outlook. A negative attitude can hurt you in many ways, but it also disrupts your attention. Do not waste a minute grieving over last inning’s error or strikeout. Being ready for the next play or the next at-bat is what counts. As Joe McCarthy said about Baseball, “You can’t freeze the ball in this game. You play until the last man is out.”

---------------------------------------------
Image is J.D. Thorne, courtesy of David Bernacchi
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.

Thoughts on Sports Radio and the State of the World

2012-01-22T13:20:00.010-06:00

A few years ago after many years of being away from it, I began listening to sports radio again while waiting for one of my daughters to get out of an after-school activity. I had started my publishing company, Sporting Chance Press, and was spending entirely too much time in front of a computer. It was good to get out of the house/office for a few minutes break. I was surprised to hear the commentators bash pretty much everyone in sports. They bashed the players--the coaches--team management--and when a fan called in with an opinion, they bashed him as well. It seemed to me that this kind of negative hyperbole about most every subject was new--at least on sports radio. Shock jocks have been bashing people for decades. But it was a real wake-up call for me to hear that such bashing had gone mainstream. When my middle school daughter got into the car, I had to change the channel--it was just not appropriate for anyone her age to listen to this program although it was 3:30 in the afternoon.

I decided to give another station a listen when I was driving one morning. This one wasn't quite as hateful, but one sports commentator talked about how he had watched porn the night before in such a casual voice that it was as if he was talking about having coffee or ice cream. I learned that it took some channel surfing to get someone decent on sports radio--"decent" being the operative word. I found that the national shows were more of a PG variety and they weren't inclined to bash everyone.

Another problem with local sports radio was the sponsorship. One channel in particular used to promote Gentleman's Clubs and all types of male enhancement therapies. Again, these commercials ran in the morning and afternoon when most anyone might be listening. I thought that these types of messages were the wrong ones to be sent to young people who listen to these shows. For me, it was a social and communications endorsement that this kind of self-indulgent life style was now the norm.

I have noticed that the local sports shows seem to have improved their sponsorship lately, but there's no telling what a young person might hear on one of these stations at most any hour of the day. You still hear a lot of hate.

Some of these commentators are former sports figures. Some have held previous positions as newspaper reporters. Whether they realize it or not, they are role models themselves because they are in the public eye. Yet, often when the commentators talk about their own lives it involves excessive drinking, excessive eating, expensive gadgets they buy, and stuff they get for free. Not all of the commentators are poor role models for young listeners, but in my judgement many of them are. There is little talk about nutrition, healthy living, moderation, sacrifice, hard work and other things that each of us must do if we want to live well. Why not?

I guess I wasn't surprised when the same guys who bashed everyone and seemed to back porn, pills and clubs couldn't seem to express enough indignation over sexual abuse scandals in sports. Coverage of one situation in particular, especially received saturated discussion. The same men who basically preached total self indulgence wanted to take a front row seat at the hanging of those involved in abuse.

I think the lesson in this is simply that sports commentary/media needs to promote good. We need to abide by boundaries of good taste and moral--ethical behavior. The media cannot keep chipping away at the moral fabric of this country and then expect to be a voice of reason in something like the tragic child abuse scandals. It just isn't going to work. Those in sports media need to set the bar a little higher--I am not sure how much lower it can go.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

The Day Butkus Caught a Bobby Douglass Pass for a Win

2012-01-21T20:04:00.011-06:00

Dick Butkus was one of the most intimidating players of all time and one of the most fun to watch. At the snap of the ball, he attacked the opposing team and clawed at anyone in his way in a frenzied pursuit of running backs and quarterbacks. He epitomizes so much of what it means to play Bear football. Butkus was an eight-time Pro Bowler inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Butkus was one of the players featured in a book called Game of My Life by prolific sports author, Lew Freedman. This book is similar in approach to the 1945 classic baseball book called My Greatest Day in Baseball. Game of My Life is a narration of individual football greats fondest game memories.

Interesting enough, in the book, Dick Butkus described a November 14, 1971 contest against the mighty Washington Redskins, which featured him in an offensive role. According to Butkus, he had been whacked in the eye that day and it had swollen up on him--essentially making him blind in one eye. As the game wound down to the last few minutes, Butkus had been used as a blocking back for a Bears score that tied the match. A successful extra point would put the Bears ahead with little time remaining. Butkus remained in as a back for the attempt. With quarterback Bobby Douglass as holder and Mac Percival to kick the extra point, the ball was snapped and it sailed high over the quarterback. Douglass chased the ball down after it soared behind him--managing to come up with it twenty yards further out on the field. Frantically, Douglass sought out someone in the end zone. There was the great one-eyed warrior, Dick Butkus, who had run into the end zone. Douglass threw it right at Butkus who misjudged the ball's flight but was able to adjust and come down with it. It was worth one point at the time, which was all the Bears needed. Bears held and won the game--a small victory against the playoff bound Redskins. A great day for the great Butkus.
---------------------------------------------
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Bobby Douglass and Denver's Great Challenge

2012-01-21T17:23:00.012-06:00

Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos reminds many Bear fans of Bobby Douglass. Douglass was the Bears QB from 1969 to the beginning of 1975. After leaving the Bears, Douglas played for San Diego, New Orleans and Green Bay.

Both Tebow and Douglass are left-handed and big men. Tebow is 6-3, 235 lbs. Douglass played at 6-4, 225 lbs and like Tebow, he did a lot of running. For his career, Douglass had 507 completions on 1178 attempts giving him a 43% completion rate for a total of 6,493 and 36 touchdowns. In one of his best games, he was 10 for 15 passing—sounds Tebow like? On the downside, it's been said that Douglass was not a quick study of the Bears playbook and he did throw interceptions--perhaps more than would have been expected by a running quarterback. In his defense however, he was asked to play pretty early in his career without an apprenticeship under a solid offensive system. He would play under three head coaches--Dooley, Gibron and Pardee.

His career rushing yards are more impressive. He had 410 rushes for a total of 2,654 yards and 22 touchdowns. In 1972, Douglass had 968 yards rushing and an incredible 6.9 yard gain per run. It would be decades before the NFL would see another running quarterback of the caliber of Douglass--Michael Vick.

Like Tebow, Douglas was a fearless runner. He played aggressively, he was a scrambler and was not likely to hang around the pocket much and take a sack. Although his throwing stats were never great, he had the strongest arm in football and with seemingly little effort could throw a ball 70 yards. Douglass himself said he could throw at least 90 yards and probably 100 in certain conditions.

Not a Great Era for the Bears

The Bears were awful during the years when Bobby Douglass played—they never had a winning season. Many things contributed to their lack of success.

Watching Douglass many years ago, fans were frustrated with the Bears passing game, but were never quite sure who to blame. The Bears were very predictable. And many times Douglass threw the ball into the hands of the receivers, but his pass velocity seemed almost uncatchable at times. A good Bear fan of the era was accomplished at grunts and groans when one opportunity after another seemed to fall by the wayside.

Nevertheless, Bear fans of the era knew Douglass was something special, but pundits were never quite convinced he was in the right position. Some thought he would have made a better running back or tight end. But in some ways, he was a perfect fit and personality type for the Monsters of the Midway. It’s difficult today to know what position Douglass would play in the pros or whether new methods, training techniques or strategies could be employed to make him a better player. By all accounts, Tebow is a Douglass-like quarterback. It will be interesting to see what Denver is able to do with a Douglass type talent like Tebow in the 21st Century.
---------------------------------------------
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Baseball's Third Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-01-20T10:46:00.009-06:00

Commandment Number Three: “An outfielder who throws back of a runner is locking the barn after the horse is stolen.”

On a base hit to the right fielder, imagine that the batter rounds first base in full stride heading to second base, but realizes that he cannot make it. He stops in stride about midway between first and second. The right fielder is tempted to throw “in back” of the runner to the first baseman to pick off the runner. But, if he throws to first, how does the runner adjust? Does the runner go back to first base to try to beat the throw? No. Once he sees the throw going behind him back to first base, it is easy to go to second base safely.

Looking Forward

This principle is about judgment. In a broad sense, the commandment suggests that players need to adjust to their circumstances, play “their game,” and look forward not backward.

In baseball, base running is one of the primary parts of the game where decision-making is critical and risk taking is followed by an immediate reward or penalty. Joe McCarthy said that Joe DiMaggio was the “best base runner I ever saw. He could have stolen 50, 60 bases a year if I had let him. He wasn’t the fastest man alive. He just knew how to run the bases better than anybody. I don’t think in all the years [he] played for me he was ever thrown out stretching.”

Another player who achieved greatness playing “his game” was Lou Boudreau. Sportswriter Rud Rennie described Lou Boudreau this way: “He can’t run and his arm’s no good, but he is the best shortstop in the game.” Boudreau was a “heads up” kind of player. He proved it year after year by leading the American League shortstops in fielding average eight times. He was a player manager of the Cleveland Indians at age 24 and led the Indians to win the World Series in 1948. His judgment at bat was so good he struck out only nine times in 1948.

Ernie Banks Played His Game

By adjusting his style and playing within himself, Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, was another player who had a much longer and more rewarding career than he might otherwise have had. The young 22 year old from Dallas, just out of the military, came in as a shortstop with the Chicago Cubs via Cool Papa Bell’s Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League at the end of the 1953 season. He became the starting shortstop for the Cubs in 1954 and hit 44 home runs in 1955, the most ever for a shortstop. Banks hit three home runs in one day at Wrigley against Pittsburgh and an NL-record five grand slams. He was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1958 and 1959. Banks led the National League in home runs (47) in 1958 and (45) in 1959. From 1955 to 1960, Banks hit more homers than such luminaries as Mantle, Mays, and Aaron, who were also playing at the time.

However, Banks originally struggled in the field. Early in his career and through the 1958 season he was error prone. In fact, he led the league with 32 errors in 1958. Determined to turn things around, Banks worked hard on his fielding and chalked up only 12 errors in 1959 and won a Gold Glove Award for fielding in 1960. Ironically, injuries to his legs cut down Bank’s fielding range and in 1962, he switched to first base. It was a move that helped extend his career until 1971. Banks was always adjusting to his physical abilities and skills. Mr. Cub was the first Cubs player to have his number retired.

Winning in the Long Run

The Third Commandment tells you to look forward not backward. Few people get ahead when trying to be too sharp. In baseball, this lesson is played out repeatedly. After one batter gets on base, the intelligent play is often to work at getting the next hitter out. Throw ahead of the runner, not behind. Look ahead, make adjustments and play your own game.

---------------------------------------------
Image is J.D. Thorne, courtesy of David Bernacchi
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.

Baseball's Second Commandment by J. D. Thorne

2012-01-18T16:33:00.010-06:00

Commandment Number Two: “You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.”

Good hitters want to put their bat on any pitch in or close to the strike zone. They do not wait for that perfect pitch, which may never come. Indecision causes too many good pitches to pass by. While avoiding bad pitches and chalking up a walk is a good at-bat, looking for a walk and not trying to hit is bad baseball. This timid approach will not advance the player or the team. While a base-on-balls is good, a base hit is better. Good hitting is contagious. If a player does not take the bat off his shoulder, he will not get anywhere.

Pick a Good One and Sock It

Babe Ruth explained his science of hitting, “All I can tell you is I pick a good one and sock it. I get back to the dugout and they ask me what it was I hit and I tell ‘em I don’t know except it looked good.”

The 2004 American League Most Valuable Player, Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels, said it this way in the August 30, 2005 issue of USA Today, “If something looks good, I’m swinging. They pay me to hit. I look at the ball and swing.” Who can argue with his results? In 2004, he hit .337 with 39 home runs for the Western American League Division Champions. In 2006, he hit .329 with 33 home runs and last year, he hit .324 with 27 home runs. In 2007, he was a first team starter for the winning American League All-Star team.

Another slugger who had no problems taking the bat off his shoulder was Reggie Jackson. Jackson was known as “Mr. October,” for his clutch hitting in big games in the post season. He was also known as one the biggest egos in baseball, but he “walked the talk,” especially when it counted. In his 21 year career, Jackson hit 563 home runs, led the American League in homers four times, led the league in runs batted in once and was selected an incredible fourteen times to the All-Star Team. Jackson also struck out a record 2,597 times and led the American League in striking out five times.

Even more remarkable than his records was Jackson’s phenomenal postseason play. Despite the many clubhouse disputes that seemed to follow Jackson around from team to team, his teams included 11 division champions, six pennant winners and five world champions. His World Series batting average was .357 compared to his .263 season average.

Jackson established his place in baseball history with an exclamation mark in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. He was playing for the New York Yankees, who were up 3 games to 2 against the hard-hitting Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers had four hitters with 30 or more home runs that season.

The game was being played in Yankee Stadium. After taking a walk in his first at bat, Jackson came up in the fourth inning with a man on and lined Bert Hooton’s first pitch into the lower right field seats. In the fifth, he drove a pitch by Elian Sosa into the same area, again on the first pitch. Jackson’s next time at bat was against knuckleballer, Charlie Hough. Incredibly, he hit a long drive into the center field seats on the first pitch. Jackson had hit three home runs in one World Series game. The only other player to hit 3 home runs in a World Series game was Babe Ruth, who did it twice.

Fear at 97 Miles per Hour

One of the most difficult lessons in hitting is overcoming fear. I can remember my fear in high school as I stood “on-deck” getting ready to hit against a left-hander whose fastball was clocking at 97 miles per hour. You learn to get over it as I did, step into the box and take your best cut.

Being hit in the head with a baseball thrown at 97 miles per hour from sixty feet, six inches away is a real threat. All too often, a hitter will be tempted to shy away from the plate. However, overcoming that fear and maintaining the proper position in the batter’s box is a necessity. Although the head is most vulnerable to injury, it is the easiest part of the body to move quickly out of the way. We do it instinctively. It is more difficult to move the torso. Hitters should keep in mind that even the most fearsome flame-thrower rarely hits a batter, but if you keep your head on the ball, you will be able to get out of the way.

If a batter is knocked down by a pitch, the best response is to dig in a little deeper in the batter’s box, and hit the next pitch for a home run. Alternatively, fear in the batter’s box will put a hitter out every time. According to Ty Cobb, “Every great batter works on the theory that the pitcher is more afraid of him than he is of the pitcher.”

Call for Courage

The Second Commandment is a call for courage. Taking the “bat off your shoulder” offers endless possibilities. After you have faced a 97 mile per hour fastball how risky can other challenges be? We cannot expect to “bat a thousand” all the time, but if we never “swing the bat,” we will never win at anything. The good player learns to put aside fear of failure and face the tough challenges head-on.
---------------------------------------------
Image is J.D. Thorne, courtesy of David Bernacchi
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.

More On Bonesetter Reese

2012-01-17T15:08:00.004-06:00

We've written before on John D. "Bonesetter" Reese--one of the most fascinating figures in sports medicine. Reese fixed aches and injuries with his hands. As we wrote in our first post, going back to a source contemporary to John Reese, Norman D. Mattison, M.D., shed some light on the bonesetter practice when he wrote “Bone Setting and Its Modern Revival,” published in the 1916 New York Medical Journal, Volume 104. Mattison quoted another authority, W. P. Hood, who said that bone setting “is the art of overcoming by the sudden flexion or extension any impediments to the free motion of joints that may be left behind after the subsistence of the early symptoms of disease or injury.”

Bonesetter Reese arrived from Wales with his set particular set of skills in 1887 to find work in Youngstown. Reese was a young orphan boy who grew to become an ironworker and learned the medical trade of "Bonesetter" from a neighbor and ironworker named Thomas Jones. Jones himself is a very interesting character as described in Child of Moriah: A Biography of John D. "Bonesetter" Reese by David L. Strickler.

In Rhymney, Wales, Thomas Jones was a puddler in the ironworks. The puddling job was particularly challenging. A puddler and a helper would work with 500 pound pigs of iron that were exposed to extreme heat in a furnace for purification. As the iron melted, it was stirred/mixed to extract impurities in the process. The hot pure medal was ultimately divided into balls that were sent on to the next leg of the process. The puddling process was called a "heat" and it took about two hours of hot nasty work. If not done just right, the quality of iron suffered. Thus, there was no margin for error. A puddler would perform 6 heats a day in his 12 hour day.

Just as in puddling, in life there was no margin for error for the mill workers. The workers had to stay fit to feed their families. But the work was so demanding, injuries were common place. No doubt doctors were in short supply and could be expensive, so the art of bonesetting came about as a way for neighbors to help neighbors. Thomas Jones was very good at the bonesetting practice and would see many workers come to his door each Sunday for treatment.

Jones background made him particularly well suited to the art. His father had been a farmer, a blacksmith, and veterinary surgeon who had learned to manipulate the muscles and joints of farm animals. Jones assisted his father and learned much about the animal muscles and joint operation that could also be applied to humans. The fact that Thomas Jones spent six days a week developing strength in his fingers, hands and arms while puddling must have made him a formidable practitioner.

Jones who would pass his skills on to his sons David and Thomas, and he and his sons would teach John Reese the bonesetting art. John himself would also take on a variety of jobs that would build up his own strength as well.

After John Reese established himself in Youngstown, he quit mill work to focus on his growing bonesetter practice. Despite friction from authorities and medical doctors, Reese had a flourishing practice—people lined up to see him. Eventually, the official civic community would recognize his work. Reese’s legend lives on today as a man who miraculously helped heal a number of prominent baseball players. His patients included Honus Wagner, Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, and Grover Cleveland Alexander. Baseball history books are loaded with references to Reese, but his focus was helping the millworkers in Youngstown where he set up his practice.

David Anderson of the Society for American Baseball Research wrote an informative biographical essay on Reese. Additionally, John Reese’s grandson, David Strickler, published a book on his grandfather called Child of Moriah: A Biography of John D. Bonesetter Reese in 1989.

Image from http://www.allthingsyoungstown.net

---------------------------------------------
Copyright 2012 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

Packers Man Up

2012-01-16T15:55:00.008-06:00

TV viewers watched the Packers--Giants game yesterday and waited for the Green Bay offense to click into high gear. The Packers started out slow, but seem to hang tough with the Giants until they got roughed up at the end of half. Just short of field goal range, everyone was expecting a play to set up a field goal, but the Giants surprised with a Hail Mary pass that resulted in a touchdown.

Still, the sky was not quite falling--most Packer fans were probably thinking it would just take a little longer to catch up in the second half and then seal it. It never happened. Superior passing and pass coverage by the Giants was matched by dropped passes by the Packers. Defensive play-making by the Giants was matched by poor tackling by the Packers. Secure running by the Giants was matched by fumbles by the Packers.

Four Packer turnovers certainly contributed to the 37-20 drubbing. But it was still a difficult game to categorize. Mike McCarthy offered and accepted no excuses. It was not the bye week--or the preparations that did the Pack in according to their coach. According to McCarthy the third quarter was the turning point--the fact that the Packers had the ball almost the whole quarter and just got three points was the killer. It was an anemic performance by a high octane offense.

According to Aaron Rodgers, the Pack just turned the ball over too many times to win. The Giants covered guys well and condensed the pocket. We got beat by a team that played better.

When asked to put his spin on the 15-1 season, Rodgers said the season was disappointing. He expressed regret that the players who shared the locker room with him this year would not experience a championship season. He alluded to the fact that in the NFL players move on and next season's team would be a different one.

Just how different remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, the Packers were the class of the NFC this year. And in the NFC north, they were far better than the Lions, the Bears and the Vikings. That may not be the case next season.
-----------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

NFL QBs Sizzle Into the Playoffs

2012-01-13T15:21:00.011-06:00

The Wild Card games last weekend threw a spotlight on sensational quarterback play in memorable match-ups. And that happened while the “best” teams had a bye week-- while the Patriots Tom Brady and the Packers Aaron Rodgers had the weekend off!

Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford threw for 380 yards and three TDs in the Lions-Saints NFC Wild Card game. For the Lions, Stafford's favorite target was the unstoppable Calvin Johnson who caught 12 balls for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns. But it was not enough to beat the Saints.

Drew Brees of the Saints threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints also chalked up 167 yards rushing versus the Lions 32. The Saints were able to hold the ball a full fifteen minutes longer than the Lions. Brees, the rushing game and possession difference –all lead to a 45-28 win for New Orleans.

Brees was near perfect--continuing an extraordinary regular season in which he had seven straight 300-yard games. For the regular season, Brees has 468 completions on 657 attempts for 5,476 yards giving him a remarkable completion rate of 71.2%. He has thrown for 46 touchdowns and has a QB rating of 110.6.

But the Lions-Saints game was not the only game that featured excellent QB play last weekend.

In a game that wasn't close at all, Eli Manning's New York Giants pounded the Atlanta Falcons 24-2. The Giants complimented Manning's passing game with a solid rushing game. Manning completed 23 passes in 32 attempts for 277 years and an 8.7 yard average for 3 touchdowns.

In a sensational David versus Goliath contest, the Denver-Pittsburgh Wild Card game, Tim Tebow slung for an incredible 316 yards on 10 completions and threw for two touchdowns. In his first play in OT, Tebow's aim was right-on when he connected for an 80-yard pass play to Demaryius Thomas. Thomas, who seemed to have wings on his feet, flew past Steeler defenders to the endzone. In addition to his pass yards, Tebow had 10 rushes for 50 yards that gave him a 125.6 QB rating. But on the other side of the ball, a beat-up Ben Rothlisberger displayed his legendary toughness as he hobbled through the entire game and was able to match the Broncos score for score into the overtime period.

At rest last weekend was Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Brady has 401 completions in 611 attempts for a 65.6% completion rate, 5235 yards, 12 interceptions, and 39 TDs—his QB rating stands at 105.6. Rodgers has 343 completions on 502 attempts for a 68.3% rating and 4643 yards and 45 TDs. He only has 6 interceptions this season and his QB rating is 122.5.

-----------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

Before Devin Hester There Was.....

2012-01-10T07:24:00.012-06:00

Before Devin Hester, the Bears had a Pro Bowl kick returner --his name was Jerry Azumah. Azumah played just before Hester turned the kick return world on its head. Azumah had a seven-year NFL career from 1999-2005 in which he played cornerback and kick returner. Azumah was three-year starter at cornerback who had 8 interceptions in his first two years. As a former running back in college, once Azumah intercepted a pass, he was difficult to bring down. As as a kick returner, Azumah averaged 29 yards in the 2003 season, which led him to the Pro Bowl. His total kick and punt return yards of 2901 gives him the 184th spot on the all time NFL list according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Azumah was drafted in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL draft. In his first season, he was awarded the “Brian Piccolo Award” that honors the memory of the famous running back for the Bears who passed away from cancer. The award exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of its namesake.

Azumah was an All-American tailback at the University of New Hampshire who rushed for a total of 6,193 yards and set numerous records. In college he received the Sports Network Walter Payton Award (College) as the nations top offensive player in NCAA Division 1-AA Football.

After retirement from professional football, Azumah has pursued various business interests and sports commentary posts. Together with Susan Miner of Premier Relocation, Azumah began a luxury real estate concierge called Premier Athletes for professional sports franchises. Premier Athletes provides exclusive high-end residences and amenities for professional athletes to ensure a smooth transition to life in Chicago. Azumah is also involved in many charitable programs including his ASAP Foundation (Azumah Student Assistance Program) that provides scholarships to under privileged students that attend private secondary institutions in Massachusetts and Illinois.
-----------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

Soldier Field: Where the Bears Are

2012-01-09T19:30:00.013-06:00

The Chicago Park District owns Soldier Field, and the Bears lease it for their games. The Park District hired SMG, a facility management company, that has run the stadium and cared for the field since 1994 according to the Tribune. The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, a state-city agency known as McPier that owns and operates McCormick Place contracted SMG in 2011 to run its facility for a five-year period. SMG is not without its detractors, but it has a reputation for running a lean operation. Using a company like SMG can take some of the bureaucracy out of operating a big business operation like Soldier Field.

Total Soldier Field rental income to the Chicago Park District was $25,315,000 (for all events not just Bears games) according to the CPD. Park District concession income was $4,170,000. Park District revenues from Soldier Field should increase greatly as some reports state that the Bears lease increases dramatically in the middle of this decade.

The total rebuild of Soldier Field cost $675 Million according to Liam Ford author of Soldier Field: A Stadium and Its City. Make no mistake about it, the Soldier Field that opened in 2003 on the lakefront is a new stadium--very little is left from the previous edifice. Soldier Field was created by Wood + Zapata, Inc., Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects, and many other architects and project directors. Seating capacity for football is 61,500.

Indoor Option and Ford Field

There were proposals for an indoor stadium dating back about 20 years before the Soldier Field renovation. Much was done to discourage an indoor stadium for Chicago. It seemed that most people involved from various interested parties (media--politicians--fans) wanted an outdoor stadium.

An interesting alternative to the outdoor stadium rebuild of Soldier Field is Ford Field in Detroit. Ford Field is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority and was completed in 2002. Ford Field used a collection of historic Hudson Department Store warehouse structures and merged them with a modern facility. Ford Field was created by Rossetti architects, SHG, Inc., and Hamilton Anderson Associates. Ford Field features a series of skylight walkways that connect these warehouses. The design also allows for a huge influx of natural light that helps moderate that "indoor" stadium feel. Ford Field cost $500 Million and has a capacity of 65,000.
--------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the Publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey and other fine sports books.

Romeo Crennel New Chiefs Head Coch

2012-01-09T13:03:00.006-06:00

Scott Pioli was hired as General Manager for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. Pioli is a guy who knows how to build great teams and worked hand in hand with Bill Belichick in creating the New England Patriots dynasty. He is one of the best in the business. As the Chiefs web site quotes Pioli:

My job is not to collect talent, it’s to build a team...Individuals make Pro Bowls, teams win championships. That’s our goal here. Win championships, win football games — to build this team with the right kind of people, with the right kind of players, to consistently compete for championships.

Pioli and the Chiefs parted company with Head Coach Todd Haley on December 12 2011. Today, the Chiefs announced the promotion of Romeo Crennel, the Chiefs defensive coordinator, to the position of head coach. Crennel took over as head coach for the last three games of the season and managed wins against Denver and the unbeaten Green Bay Packers. Highly respected by his players and having worked with Pioli before in New England, Crennel was a natural choice. Crennel has prior head coaching experience with the Browns and by moving up to Head Coach, the Chiefs should be able to build off the system they have been developing under Pioli since 2009. By making this head coaching change early in the year, the Chiefs will have more time to establish other coaching positions and manage player personnel needs and issues.

--------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Yes, Maddie Did Take the Ice

2012-01-05T11:42:00.012-06:00

Nicolette House is the author of Maddie Takes the Ice our middle grade novel that is very popular with young girls. Most fiction writers have a propensity for carefully watching the world around them, noting small details in physical things and recalling the smallest hints of emotion and thought. They can "read people like a book."

Some writers are all that, but they are also people of action--who live out the story lines--adventurers, athletes, and more. Nicolette House is one of those.

"Maddie did take the ice."

Nicolette is a writer who is also a world class skater who has competed internationally. And she has experienced much of what makes Maddie an interesting character and much of what connects Maddie to the experiences of most every young girl.

We included a special letter in Sporting Chance Press's Maddie Takes the Ice inviting readers to write to Nicolette. It's always a great privilege for an author to hear from a reader. This is especially true for Nicolette who works with young skaters as a coach and makes presentations to schools and libraries.

As you can imagine, we don't get a lot of notes, kids being as busy as they are today. And when we do, we certainly wouldn't take advantage of fans by printing their heart-felt notes as endorsements. But we wanted to at least share one reader's sentiments that we thought they were especially wonderful.

A young skater wrote Nicolette to tell her that she enjoyed Maddie Takes the Ice so much that she finished it in just a few days. She went on to tell Nicolette about herself and her own experiences saying they were similar to Maddie's. As she closed the note, she said she was very happy that things turned out well for Maddie because she worked hard and deserved it. It was a good letter to get as we enter a new year--authors and publishers need inspiration too! We were happy to hear from our young reader who was reaching out to our author as a new friend. Our reader, like Maddie, understands the importance of hard work.

We wish all of you success and happiness this year and thank you all for your support.

Photo: Nicolette signing author wall at legendary Cover to Cover Book Store in Columbus, Ohio.

The Gordian Knot that is Professional Football: Reflections on the Bears at Season End

2012-01-03T18:38:00.010-06:00

Season endings are a time of both reflection and action for football clubs. Season endings are a time of pronouncements from fans and critics about just how awful players, coaches, front office personnel and owners performed. There is only one Super Bowl winner each year and every other team in the NFL gets a good dose of criticism when they don't reach that pinnacle. Making it all come together in a season is the Gordian Knot of Gordian Knots.

Chicago Critics

Chicago Bears critics are pretty intense this season. Whether Chicago is the most critical town for sports, it's hard to say. National sportscasters covering a recent prime time game here in Chicago expressed surprise at how vicious some sports radio commentators had been that morning.

This year the Bears showed a lot of promise. And by most counts after a rough early season, they were improving to the point where it looked like they would make the playoffs again. That was before Cutler and Matt Forte were injured. The Bears coaches made a number of adjustments when the offensive line grew thin again at the beginning of the year, but no amount of adjustments could make up for the loss of the two most important offensive skill position players. That's pretty much the way it works in professional sports. There are exceptions, but generally if your top guys go down, your season is lost.

Three Issues—Two Falsehoods, One Truth

When bad things happen, it becomes open season on the team. Let's take a look at few points of criticism that are common these days.

1. Bears Owners Are Cheap

If you study your Bears history, you know that "Papa Bear" George Halas started the team and was there at the beginning of the NFL. He played himself for 10 years and coached for 40. You won't find any other NFL owner who did as much. Halas was not a big guy, but he was a tough one and he took a beating. He knew what it was like to live with football injuries in later life. He also lived through a lot of years when keeping the Bears afloat was touch and go. When Halas passed down the Bears, it was more than an investment to his family, it was a legacy that he had won with blood, sweat and tears--often his own.

Despite NFL team wealth, as bigger and bigger player contracts are made, ownership is a riskier and riskier business. When teams sign first-round draft picks or go for a proven player in a trade, they end up paying huge sums of money. Contracts pay players going forward, not backward. Inevitably, some of these deals don't help the team one bit. But one thing teams can do to mitigate the risk is to manage contracts wisely. The Bears are a team that is more than willing to spend to get good players who will help the team, but they historically have been disciplined with their terms. In addition to being one of many football franchises, they are still a leading franchise family. Like a lot of teams, they also don't like to renegotiate existing contracts.

Much of the "cheap" label this year was used in the context of Matt Forte, who was currently under contract. Before Forte there was some discussion about Briggs contract and some about Olin Kruetz. In all three cases, few can argue rationally that the Bears took the wrong position on these issues or owed these players more.

Some people will point out grudgingly that professional football is a business and they go on to suggest that some player is getting the shaft in compensation. But you seldom hear the argument used in reverse. If the owner ends up paying more for a player than the player produces, the owner didn't get the shaft, the owner was at fault--even if they drafted someone that every other team in the NFL wanted.

According to Spotrac.com, Julius Peppers, Jay Cutler, Brian Urlacher, and Devin Hester average at least $10 Million a year. According to Spotrac, only two Green Bay Packers are in the same class, Aaron Rodgers and Charles Woodson. At New England only Tom Brady and Logan Mankins are in the $10 Million plus category according to Spotrac. In New Orleans, it's Drew Brees and Will Smith. Do these numbers make the Bears cheap?

Peppers and Cutler were two guys the Bears went after outside the draft and when you do that you pay dearly. From a business perspective, teams like to develop players from mid and lower round draft picks. In that way, the players need to prove themselves before the big pay days come. In this way, the Matt Forte contract was perfectly standard and right for a second round draft pick. But there are some who believe everyone should get a big pay day especially when it is not their money being used.

2. Lovie Smith Is a Bad Coach

Under Smith, the Bears took the top spot in the NFC North in 2005, 2006 and 2010. The Bears were the NFC Champions in 2006 and lost in the Super Bowl. In 2010, the Bears won the Divisional round of the playoffs by beating the Seattle Seahawks, but lost in the NFC Championship game to the Green Bay Packers. Smith’s record with the Bears is 71-57.

Smith has put together a tremendous coaching stuff that includes former head coaches Mike Martz, Rod Merinelli, and Mike Tice. Smith will be looking for another solid offensive coordinator with the exit of Mike Martz. The Bears players routinely express their respect and admiration for Smith and many observers give the Bears high marks for their intensity and dedication. Smith is a quiet, soft spoken man who is not easily excited. He calmly goes about his business and accepts all criticism that comes his way and does not deflect any on his players or coaches. If Smith is asked to leave the Bears, it won't be because he is not a good coach. He is an excellent one.

3. Bears Have Not Been Good at Acquiring Talent

Jay Cutler did not come cheap. The Bears traded a good backup QB in Kyle Orton and two first round picks--2009 and 2010 for Cutler. One of the more difficult challenges for NFL management is acquiring talent without paying too heavy a price. Perhaps the biggest weakness with the Bears today is the issue of depth.

Most believe that the Cutler acquisition was a necessary move for the Bears, but one that had implications for the Team's depth chart. Teams that can develop talent from draft picks, have a better chance of doing well in the long term. Trading for existing developed players is generally going to be costly.

The two top draft picks traded for Cutler hurt the Bears chances of building more depth, but the Bears had the perennial problem of poor quarterback play. It was the poor quarterback play and quarterback injuries that hurt the Bears more than anything else during the Smith years.

It’s easy to understand why Smith might be looking forward to next season with a healthy Jay Cutler and a number of supporting players on offense who have the necessary experience and talent to do well. The Bears will need more help in the wide receiving corps and more depth on the offensive line. But they have more pieces in place on offense than in recent past.

Jerry Angelo had a long run with the Chicago Bears. Management changes are not just common, they are often necessary to help an organization stay on its toes. Angelo had a bad streak of luck more than he made a lot of bad decisions. It’s easy enough to criticize draft choices a few years after they are made.

Look at any one draft selection by itself and you might see a success or failure that was more luck than skill. For example, the Tom Brady selection by the New England Patriots. Brady was selected for backup purposes. It was Brady who proved his mettle after the selection and Patriots Coach Belichick was smart enough to respond to it. Belichick's actions after the draft showed his skill at judging talent.

However in the NFL, an evaluation over a longer period of time must be made that sets aside the lucky picks and the unlucky ones as well. The Bears picks in the last seven years did not give the team the players to sustain a championship tradition. Smith simply was not given enough talent to put the Bears into a leading position within the league. It’s that high standard which is being used today to measure Jerry Angelo's performance.

When you look at the recent Bears drafts, you can see a number of factors that play into the success or lack of success , but you do not find stupidity as some commentators would like to suggest. Angelo is a smart man.

2005 Draft
Cedric Benson was the Bears first round pick in 2005. Mark Bradley was a second round selection and Kyle Orton a fourth. Chris Harris, the safety, was a sixth round choice.

Bear fans know the history of Benson. He was a University of Texas standout—a strong runner who had all the skills to do well in the NFL. Historically, the Bears are at their best when they have an explosive runner. Benson was a natural choice for the Bears, but he would do poorly in Chicago. Only after he was picked up on the cheap by Cincinnati did he approach his potential.

The Bears were not cheap with Benson. According to http://www.spotrac.com, Benson signed a 5-year $35 Million dollar contract with the Bears in 2005 with $17 Million in guarantees. But he averaged just 531 rushing yards for his three seasons with the Bears. He has been averaging well over 1000 yards in Cincinnati. When Benson was released, the Bears had nothing to show for the first round pick that had held so much promise.

Bradley had a brief NFL career and is a free agent today. Orton did a good job for the Bears filling in and Harris had his ups and downs with the Bears. Most would say this was not a good draft for the Bears, but if Benson had hit his stride with the Bears, it would have been a very good draft.

2006 Draft
The Bears traded their first round pick in 2006 to get more picks in the draft. This is a strategy that is being used by many teams who are trying to build more depth especially when they believe the draft talent for a particular year is sub-par. Not every draft class is the same.

After the Benson acquisition the previous year, the Bears leaned towards defensive players in 2006, but it was the special teams who would get a big star. They selected Danieal Manning and Devin Hester in the second round and Mark Anderson in the fifth. Many see Hester as a likely Hall of Famer. Manning made a considerable contribution to the Bears returning kicks and then as a corner back and safety before he left the team. Manning wanted a better contract than the Bears were willing to provide. Manning was much more valuable to a team in need of a good returner--the Bears had Hester.

Mark Anderson would have an up and down career with the Bears that left most fans puzzled because he had the talent to become a game-breaker. Anderson was a long-term disappointment to the Bears, but at least had one very good year for them. Dusty Dvoracek who was selected in the third round, would be injured four seasons running before his release. Jamar Williams, a fourth round selection would serve as a backup linebacker for a few years.

Hester made the 2006 draft a good one for the Bears, but it had the potential to be a great one if Anderson’s career would have developed. Anderson racked up a 12-sack regular season with the playoff bound New England Patriots in 2011.

2007 Draft
Greg Olsen was a late first round pick in 2007. Olsen was building a solid career with the Bears with 39 receptions in 2007, 54 receptions in 2008, and 60 receptions in 2009. He was not a bulky tight end who could substitute for another huge lineman, however. Under the Mike Martz offense--Olsen's numbers dropped to 41 receptions in 2010. Under Martz, the tight ends are used more as blockers and for shorter pass routes. Olsen was excellent at longer routes. Olsen was traded to the Carolina Panthers where his numbers are climbing. His yards per catch average is now up to 12 yards—a couple yards over his average with the Bears. Other draftees included Garrett Wolfe, Josh Beekman, Daniel Bazuin, Michael Okwo and Corey Graham. Corey Graham is a backup corner back who has been outstanding on special teams -- voted to the 2011 Pro Bowl as the NFC's Special Teams player.

The Bears traded Olsen for a third round draft pick in 2012. Olsen was the meat and potatoes of the 2007 draft, and not making use of him long term makes the 2007 draft a poor one. However, he was picked before Mike Martz was put on the staff. It is unlikely that Angelo would have selected Olsen under the current offensive system.

2008 Draft
The Bears drafted Chris Williams in the first round of the 2008 draft. Williams required back surgery in his rookie season and recently underwent surgery on his wrist. He gets high marks for his play, but his long term contribution to the team remains in question. Matt Forte was drafted in the second round and his selection suggests that the Bears were ahead of the curve in recognizing his talents. Earl Bennett was drafted in the third and he has been a key receiver for Cutler. Tight end Kellen Davis was a fifth round pick who made his mark under Martz system. Other draftees who remain with the Bears are Craig Steltz and Zack Bowman. Williams's injuries mar the 2008 draft for now. The 2008 draft is one that could look better if Williams is able to contribute for several years. Never-the-less, the Bears got a number of contributors from the 2008 draft.

2009 Draft
The Bears had no first or second round picks in 2009. Their first round pick was traded as part of the Cutler deal. They had two third round picks that did not work out: defensive end Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias—both gone. Other picks were more fruitful. Defensive tackle Henry Melton has made a strong contribution. Cornerback DJ Moore, wide receiver and kick returner Johnny Knox, and offensive lineman Lance Louis all contributed in 2011.

2010 Draft
Again, the Bears did not have a first round pick in 2010 because of the Cutler deal. The Bears did land Major Wright, Corey Wooten, and J’Marcus Webb. Dan LeFevour, a college quarterback who amassed phenomenal numbers, was also drafted, but did not impress and was released. Corner back Josua Moore was picked up and is on the Bears’ practice squad.

2011 Draft
Monster offensive lineman from Wisconsin Gabe Carimi was drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft. Until Carimi proves himself on the field for an extended period of time, this draft will be difficult to grade. He suffered a dislocated knee early in the season, which was followed by two knee surgeries. Super strong defensive lineman Stephen Paea, safety Chris Conti, QB Nathan Enderle, and linebacker J.T. Thomas were also acquired. It’s way too early to make much of the 2011 draft.

Before the critics hang Jerry Angelo out to dry, they might consider what might have been had Cedric Benson and Mark Anderson played for the Bears like they are playing today for their respective teams. Also consider Greg Olsen's value to the Bears had they not gone to a Mike Martz system.

Bottom Line
The Bears owners are not cheap. Lovie Smith is a good coach. And few people will argue that the Bears need to improve their talent acquisition. But keep in mind that talent acquisition goes a lot deeper than a GM making good picks. Good picks can go bad. And good picks one year, may not be good picks the next. No one has all the answers in this business.

-------------------------------
Copyright 2012 by Sporting Chance Press. Larry Norris is President of Sporting Chance Press.

Bears Recast

2012-01-03T17:15:00.006-06:00

The Bears organization is undergoing a make-over today. General Manager Jerry Angelo was fired. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has apparently resigned and Quarterback coach Shane Day was released. Lovie Smith remains in place with control over his staff. A new GM will be hired who will report to Ted Phillips who will be charged with improving the Bears talent pool.

These moves suggest continued support of Lovie Smith in the Bears organization and a more aggressive time-table for winning championships in the organization.

-----------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey and other fine books.

Three Bears Look for Better Results in 2012

2012-01-02T15:37:00.017-06:00

In 2011, the Bears story was an ancient Greek drama and the Oracle at Delphi had decreed that a good season would go bad. The three mightiest of Bears--Cutler, Forte and Urlacher--ended the season with injuries and the Bears came to rest at 8-8 for third place in the NFC North. Bears fan were left wondering what might have been, but more importantly, what might be next season.

The Bears season ended in a win against the Minnesota Vikings, but in disappointment none-the-less. Two thirds of the way into the final quarter, Brian Urlacher suffered a knee injury while defending against a long pass thrown to Viking receiver Percy Harvin in the end zone. Percy Harvin, Major Wright and Brian Urlacher all leapt for the pass at the same time. Urlacher was positioned to swat it down and got an assist from Wright who jumped from behind Urlacher and over his back. Urlacher landed with his legs positioned oddly as Major Wright came down on top of him.

Early on in the season, challenges presented themselves to the Bears. First round draft pick, Gabe Carimi was hurt. The offensive line made adjustments and great improvements were made, but only after a period of trial and error that may not have been so severe had Carimi been playing. They would take another hit when Chris Williams would suffer a severe wrist injury. Never-the-less, the offense looked like the strongest Bear unit until Jay Cutler broke his thumb. And then Matt Forte sprained his knee and most realistic fans knew it would not end well.

On defense, Julius Peppers was beat up, but kept coming back. Peppers continues to look like someone who is paid a lot of money and wants to earn every penny. He helps make every defensive play fun to watch, but he was banged up.

On special teams, Devin Hester suffered an ankle injury that kept him from being Devin Hester. In a very scarey moment, Johnny Knox was severely injured. Marion Barber would also get hurt a few different times this season.

One season rarely picks up from the last with all in good order. There are sure to be surprises, perhaps with some coaching changes and certainly in the movement of players. But if one listens to those who are likely to be Bears next year, the 2012 season looks promising.

---------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Gabe Carimi Gets Ready for 2012 Season

2011-12-28T16:04:00.007-06:00

The Bears had hoped for great things from Gabe Carimi as the 2011 season began. According to Mike Tice, “... I felt when he got hurt in New Orleans, he was playing as good of football as anyone we had.” Carimi recently had surgery on the connective tissue around his patella (kneecap) and medial collateral ligament. This type of surgery is likely to tighten up the kneecap to help avoid further dislocation. Earlier this season, he underwent arthroscopic surgery after his initial injury in the second game of the year against New Orleans.

One of the problems with a dislocated knee, is the possibility of the injury recurring. There are certain measures that are prescribed to help stabilize the knee depending upon the individual situation. Carimi's second surgery does not necessarily indicate any further injury, it is likely an added step to give him a better chance for a longer more productive career.

Lineman, especially tackles like Carimi, are expected to move quickly to block some of the quickest most skilled defensive players. As the defensive ends become bigger, faster and more allusive, the tackle position comes under greater stress. Several teams are running short of healthy offensive linemen this season.

Bear fans look forward to watching a healthy Carimi bolster the offensive line for a healthy Cutler, Forte and others in 2012.
----------------
Copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey and other fine sports books.

Doug Atkins: A Great Grizzly of a Bear

2011-12-26T12:23:00.015-06:00

As we close out another Chicago Bears football season, we want to look back at another historic Bear who was a true "Monster of the Midway," Doug Atkins. Atkins is one of the greatest Chicago Bears in the long franchise history. In today's parlance, Atkins would be called a "freak"--his extreme physical size was coupled with superb athletic skills that are rarely associated with someone of his physical type. Atkins went to the University of Tennessee to play basketball, but he was so strong and so superb an athlete that he was recruited for football. Even at 6-8, he was limber enough to be a high jumper.

Atkins size and athletic skills served him well on the Tennessee football field and he was named All-America in 1952. The Tennessee Volunteers went 29-3-1 and were crowned national champions in 1951 with Atkins at defensive end.

NFL

After wreaking havoc on Tennessee opponents, Atkins went on to play professionally. Doug Atkins played in the NFL for 17 seasons. He is one of those athletes from the 50s-60s era who at 6-8, 257+ lbs. could play defensive end today. His play combined allusiveness, power, speed, and determination.

Atkins was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and played two season (1953-1954) under the legendary Coach Paul Brown who was known as a disciplinarian. During Atkins stay with the Browns, they won the division title in 1953 and the NFL Championship in 1954.

Atkins who was not easily disciplined, was traded to the Bears where George Halas managed to positively direct him. Atkins was a larger than life character who was rebellious of authority and ornery to opposing players. Playing for the Bears from 1955-1966, Atkins developed into what many believe was the finest defensive end to ever play the game. He could rush the passer with the strength of an Olympic weightlifter, jump over would-be blockers like a hurdler, and swat down passes like an NBA center. Opposing lineman called him mean and superhuman. He was known to have a few different gears and was said to use a low-speed one at practice that could annoy his coaches. When he was angered he played with a menacing intense style that was so punishing that opponents found themselves trying to calibrate their own game so that the big Number 81 never got too annoyed. Atkins himself would down play his dominance.

We live in an age of sports hyperbole, but one fact about Atkins cries out from football history in interviews of opposing players: No one who ever lined up against Atkins took him lightly. He was a presence in each and every game. When he was consistently double teamed, he found he would just knock one player out of the way and then the other to get to the quarterback.

Halas and Atkins

Perhaps more than any other coach, Halas, was a good foil for Doug Atkins. Halas had played against men who were bigger and stronger than himself for a decade. He had coached scores of men of all different stripes before Atkins. Halas had done it all in football. According to Halas's autobiography, Halas on Halas, late one night during a Bears training camp, the coach followed a tip that Atkins was whooping it up in a tavern. When the coach entered the establishment and approached the monstrous Atkins, the two men had a no-holds barred verbal altercation in the most colorful of language. George "Papa Bear" Halas who was known as an artisan of such debates, won. According to Halas, "Doug became a powerful Bear. We became good friends." Halas who was not liberal with his praise, called Atkins, "the greatest defensive end I ever saw."

Atkins's 12 seasons with the Bears included the league championship in 1963 that featured one of the most powerful of Bears defenses. A few years later, Atkins who was often at odds with Halas over salary, expressed an interest in moving on to another team and was traded to the Saints in 1967. Atkins continued to perform at a high level until his retirement from football.

Sacks by individual defensive players (as opposed to team records) were not kept until 1982 so it is difficult to evaluate historic defensive players objectively. Atkins is rated as the Number 9 pass rusher in NFL History by NFL.com. Highlight film on Atkins.

Atkins was elected and enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. He is another colorful Bears great that fans should know and appreciate.

---------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey and other fine sports books.

The Christmas Glow from St. Peter's Church in the Chicago Loop

2011-12-20T15:29:00.007-06:00

Thousands of commuters and shoppers will walk right past St. Peter's in downtown Chicago on these last few days before Christmas. For many there is a little more cheer in the air as they anticipate Christmas. For commuters who will cut the week short with vacation, the cheer may be palpable!

If you are not tuned into the spiritual aura of St. Peter's, you might walk by it a thousand times without hardly noticing it. The street front that most people see is composed of solid stone and three imposing doors that are set back. If you are walking on the sidewalk right in front of the church, you are too close to see the stone Crucifix above the doors and the recessed stained glass windows behind it. But if you happen to be on the south side of the street across from St. Peter's at just the right time in the evening, the stained glass glows. The colored images provide a warm radiant light that beckons--reflecting the faith of the church, its visitors, and the Franciscans who serve there with a special kindness.

For many Catholics in Chicago, St. Peter's holds a special place in their family history--a quiet place where they stopped to pray with parents or grandparents. A place for a weekday mass or a quiet confession. For some, St. Peter's serves as their parish church--a church they know like an old friend. Others of a different faith may simply see St. Peter's as a proof that even in the busiest, noisiest of places, people can tune out the world and tune into a higher power.

A few months ago, St. Peter's hosted a presentation by Patrick McCaskey who wrote Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, a book that we published at Sporting Chance Press. Patrick talked about his grandfather, George "Papa Bear" Halas, and the faith that was handed down to the heirs of the Bears Football Club. That faith is more important than the financial rights and responsibilities of an NFL franchise.

When Patrick speaks, people love to hear how someone as successful as him, can be so devout in his faith. In today's world it's unexpected, like that stained glass window that shines from the inside of St. Peter's and casts a warm glow out onto the street.

At Sporting Chance Press, we hope you have a chance to visit your "St. Peter's," whatever it is called and wherever it might be this holiday season. Merry Christmas.

The Legendary John "Bonesetter" Reese

2011-12-15T16:10:00.023-06:00

John D. "Bonesetter" Reese was one of the most fascinating figures in sports, although he was really not a sportsman. He was one of the most fascinating figures in medicine, although he was not a physician. Reese fixed aches and injuries with his hands.

Many sources define a Bonesetter as “someone who sets bones.” This definition is not accurate and is perhaps misleading. Going back to a source contemporary to John Reese, Norman D. Mattison, M.D., shed some light on the practice when he wrote “Bone Setting and Its Modern Revival,” published in the 1916 New York Medical Journal, Volume 104. Mattison quoted another authority, W. P. Hood, who said that bone setting “is the art of overcoming by the sudden flexion or extension any impediments to the free motion of joints that may be left behind after the subsistence of the early symptoms of disease or injury.”

According to Mattison’s review of the literature at the time, a bone setter named James Sweet came to America from Wales and settled in Rhode Island in 1650 to set up shop. Generations of Sweet’s followed suit. It was the same coal mining and iron and steel producer, Wales, that Bonesetter Reese would have his origins. Reese arrived with his set of skills in 1887 to find work in Youngstown. Reese was a young orphan boy who grew to become an ironworker and learned the medical trade of "Bonesetter" from a fellow worker. His skills would be in great demand in Youngstown, an industrial powerhouse that was part of a region that was called "Steel Valley."

John Reese was good at his work and quit mill work in Youngstown to focus on his growing bonesetter practice. Despite friction from authorities and medical doctors, Reese had a flourishing practice—people lined up to see him. Eventually, the official civic community would recognize his work. Reese’s legend lives on today as a man who miraculously helped heal a number of prominent baseball players. His patients included Honus Wagner, Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, and Grover Cleveland Alexander. Baseball history books are loaded with references to Reese, but his focus was helping the millworkers in Youngstown where he set up his practice.

At Sporting Chance Press, we came across Bonesetter Reese and one of his patients in Mike Cameron's Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle. Cameron introduces readers to baseball pitcher Jack Pfiester of the Chicago Cubs who was known as "Jack the Giant Killer" because of his superb record against the NY Giants. According to Cameron, Pfiester pitched for the Cubs in the famous Merkle game of September 23, 1908 while suffering from a dislocated tendon in his throwing arm. Pfiester held the Giants to one run going into the ninth inning although he was in unimaginable pain during the gutsy performance.

According to Cameron, Pfiester sought Reese out for treatment immediately following the September 23rd game. Reese reportedly snapped back Pfiester's dislocated tendon in a short office visit. Cameron writes that it is was the kind of injury that would have been treated by surgery today. In Pfiester's case, he still had pitching problems for the rest of the season including the World Series. Perhaps he would have had better results had he seen Reese prior to his pitching performance on the 23rd. However, he came back the following year with a strong 17-6 record and a 2.43 ERA.

There is a Reese connection with another the author of a Sporting Chance Press book called Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout. The author, Patrick McCaskey, is the grandson of George Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears and legendary NFL pioneer. Patrick's grandfather used the services of Bonesetter Reese on three different occasions. Twice while he was a student at the University of Illinois and again when Halas had injured his hip sliding into second base for the New York Yankees.

David Anderson of the Society for American Baseball Research wrote an informative biographical essay on Reese. Additionally, Reese’s grandson, David Strickler, published a book on his grandfather called Child of Moriah: A Biography of John D. Bonesetter Reese in 1989.

Image from http://www.allthingsyoungstown.net

---------------------------------------------
Copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press, Inc.Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Baseball (and Life), Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, and Maddie Takes the Ice.

In Defense of Barber

2011-12-13T16:48:00.010-06:00

It was the best of time; it was the worst of times for Marion Barber on December 11, 2011 when the Chicago Bears lost to the Denver Broncos.

Barber was asked to fill in for Matt Forte as the Bears starting back. Against an improving and punishing defense that focused on him, Barber threw himself against the opposition with his usual abandon and gained 108 yards rushing on the day. While Barber generally gets the call to run up the gut, the Bears have him running on the edge sometimes--presumably to mix things up for a defense that wants to plug the middle. On one such play when Barber was bashing outside toward the end of the game, he found himself being pushed out of bounds stopping the clock when the Bears needed to tick off the seconds. It was oh so clear to those of us watching on TV that the last thing the Bears needed was the ball out of bounds, but it's a little different when you are clawing and scratching for yards--thinking first down. It was then that Barber became a goat in a game in which he had done so much to get the anemic offense points.

Adding insult to injury, in overtime, once again Barber was called upon to be the Bears battering ram as they were moving into field goal range for a win. Just as Barber was accelerating and moving out of reach of defenders on a rush that featured a gaping hole in the Denver defensive line, a single hand thrust out in desperation and caught Barber's arm. There was no one beside Barber. There was no one fronting Barber. The arm was that of linebacker Wesley Woodyard whom Barber was leaving in his dust. In an ugly twist of fate for Barber and a moment of redemption for the Broncos defense, Barber was stripped of the ball. Once again, it was easy to sit there on the couch thinking how could he fumble, but Barber view on the field would be a lot different from the couch. Barber would have seen a blur of 300 pound lineman and 250 pound linebackers and an open field in front of him--one more kick and he was in the endzone--game over.

This week Barber is the goat, but fans know that without him, the Bears would not have scored a touchdown. Fans know also that with Barber they get the kind of effort that win championships. Hopefully, Barber will get plenty of time to test fate next Sunday against Seattle.

On a positive note imagine for a minute Barber and Forte and Cutler--all back together and healthy. Imagine a well-rested Barber put into short yardage situations again with a full complement of starters.

The Denver game was frustrating on so many levels, but as George Halas would say, "who do we play next week?"

Image is 2011 Adrenalyn XL #58 Marion Barber - Chicago Bears--Panini Group Card.
---------------------------------

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith by Patrick McCaskey and other fine sports books.

Bears Tebunked in Denver 13—10, December 11, 2011

2011-12-12T16:42:00.016-06:00

The Bears 13—10 defeat in Denver saw the defense put in a months worth of effort in a single game. At the same time, the fans got a year's worth of frustrations. The Bears were Tebunked.

Lovie Smith called the devastating defeat “one of the toughest I’ve had to deal with.” According to famed coach and current sports commentator Tony Dungy, “This was not about Tim Tebow winning the game, this was about the Bears losing the game.” Regardless of Dungy's comments, one can certainly make the argument that the Bears did well in some respects considering the fact that they were missing their two top offensive players. That does not mitigate the sting of the loss of course. With their starting quarterback Jay Cutler out along with their all-purpose running back Matt Forte, they had few surprises for the Denver defense that seems to be getting better each week.

The Game

In the first half, the Bears stuffed the Denver offense and blocked a field goal attempt. "Peanuts" Tillman made an interception that could be used in a wide receivers instructional film—it was perfect. Bear defenders did an excellent job containing Tim Tebow's runs and putting some pressure on him. Briggs and Idonije were called for separate roughing the passer violations on hits that were so soft, the teammates might be lambasted for lack of intensity by their coaches. On the offensive side of the ball, a few key false starts and sacks punctuated a complete offensive dud.

Hanie did not look good, but by the same token he was not making rookie mistakes and throwing interceptions. As inept as the offense appeared to be playing, Hanie's numbers were not those of a quarterback who was self-destructing or killing his team.

Denver was awful on offense. The Briggs and Idonije fouls did not contribute to any Denver scoring. You might argue that they contributed to poorer field position for the Bears' offense when they got the ball back.

Towards the middle of the third quarter, Devin Hester ran back a punt to the Bears' 42 followed by a successful drive that featured five Marion Barber rushes (for 36 total yards) including a 9 yard touchdown run. Barber was able to "front" the drive that led to the first TD. This was no small feat when you consider that Barber was the biggest threat that the Denver defense had to key on.

When Denver got the ball after the Bears' TD, the Bears defense stuffed the Broncos again and the ball was back into Chicago's hands with a little under 4 minutes left in the quarter. Hester returned another punt for 10-yards to the Bears 37. What followed was a couple more Barber runs and a 17-yard completion to Roy Williams to put the Bears in field goal range. Hanie showed some toughness in this possession. A face mask penalty call against Devin Hester and a Hanie sack took the Bears out of field goal range. But the backup quarterback recovered enough yards when he hit Barber on a 16 yard pass to put them right back in field goal range, albeit at the fringes. Gould managed a 57-yarder to put the Bears up 10—0 a few seconds into the 4th quarter.

The Bears offense had been anemic, but they did score 10 points on a tough defense. And, they had not been reckless. The defense had been chasing Tim Tebow all over the field and had managed to keep Denver from scoring in the first three quarters.

At this point in the game, the entire football watching world was wondering if Tim Tebow was going to work some magic to turn things around. At first, at least, it didn't look that way. Denver went three and out, but the Bears offense returned the favor and followed the Broncos' example. Collectively both possessions used less than four minutes time. After the Bears punt and a Quan Cosby 13 yard return to the Denver 37, the Broncos had the ball with 11:30 to go.

The first play resulted in a holding call against the Broncos, but Tebow followed with three decent passes collecting 37 positive yards to the Bears 36. On the next two plays Tebow was stuffed and then sacked whereupon he coughed up the ball to Israel Idonije of the Bears. It was Bears ball, leading 10—0 with 8:53 left after what should have been a momentum changing turnover. At that point it looked like Tebow and the Broncos would take a loss.

A Bears three and out used up a measly 2 minutes of clock and the Bears punted to the Denver 7 yard line. Tebow took over behind 10—0 with 6:50 remaining. A decent first down pass netted the Broncos a first down and 23 yards, but the Denver offense laid another egg and had to punt the ball back to the Bears.

The Bears began their next drive at their own 17 with 5:41 left. It was beginning to look like it would take a miracle for Denver to come back. The Bears inched their way towards the first yard marker on three rushes that totaled 9 yards—one yard shy. A Podlesh punt to the Denver 31 was returned by Quan Cosby to the Denver 37 for the start of Tebow's next series. There was 4:34 remaining in the game.

Using about 2 1/2 minutes of clock, Tebow finally got a sustained drive going with a series of 7 passes including a 10 yard pass to Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown. After the extra point, the score was Bears 10—Broncos 7.

With time running out, the Broncos attempted an onside kick that was recovered by the Bears Nick Roach. It was Bears ball on their own 49 with 2:05 remaining. The game was solidly in the Bears hands at this point.

After the Bears first rush, the two minute warning was called to stop the clock. On the next play, Marion Barber inexplicably ran the ball out of bounds stopping the clock. After a short rush up the middle and a punt, Denver got the ball on their 20 yard line with 56 seconds remaining. The Bears had managed to use up barely a minute of clock.

After three decent pass plays followed by two failed ones and a Tebow stuff, Denver decided to attempt a 59-yard Matt Prater field goal. It was good and the game was tied 10-10. The half ended after Devon Hester was tackled on the ensuing kick off. The Bears and Broncos went to overtime.

The Bears had first possession and drove the ball down the field on three Hainie completions followed by an incomplete pass and then a short rush by Barber. On the next play, Barber ran through heavy traffic and just as he was moving into the clear for a first down and a lot more, linebacker Wesley Woodyard desperately grabbed at Barber's arm and ripped the ball out if his grasp. Barber was already past Woodyard when the contact was made and he fumbled and Denver recovered on their 33 yard line.

Denver had the ball in good field position and Tebow chipped away at the Bears with four passes that net just over 30 yards and three rushes that net another 7 yards—it was just enough to give Matt Prater another field goal opportunity. After making a 59-yard attempt earlier in the game, it was no surprise to the millions watching to see Prater nail a 51 yard attempt that sealed the Denver victory.

This game and a few previous Bears losses will be fodder for plenty of columns and blogs like this one, but the bottom line is simply this: The Bears are simply not a very good team without Cutler and Forte. Hainie might get much better in time, but they are not very good now. They just don't have the offensive tools to be a good team right now. On defense, they can still play very well, but their performance there is going to slip unless the offense improves. The defense needs at least a glimmer of hope from the offense.

In retrospect, the Denver game was exceptionally painful for several reasons. As frustrating as the Bears were on offense, Denver was far worse for almost the entire game. For fans, watching a game with two ineffective offensives can be painful. Another reason for the frustration was that the game seemingly didn't have to come down to overtime had the Bears been able to burn up a few more seconds. In a way, the Bears did all the hard things—contained Tebow, avoided interceptions and scored 10 points, but not the easy ones.

Some will pin the loss on Barber, but like last week's loss, Lovie Smith and his players have suggested that everyone had a chance to make some plays that would have led to victory rather than defeat. Matt Spaeth pointed out that Bears would not have been in the game had it not been Barber's play.

The 7-6 Bears take on the 6-7 Seahawks next week. They need to right the ship if they have any hopes for a Wild Card shot. The team that they field will not include some of their top skill positions players.
--------------------------------------------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Fate Smiles on Kansas City Chiefs in Bears Game, but Fans Need to be Patient

2011-11-30T17:47:00.014-06:00

Fate smiled on the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend when they beat the Chicago Bears in an anemic game in which the Chicago offense was trying to adjust to backup quarterback, Caleb Hainie. The Bears lost their starter Jay Cutler to a thumb injury in a game they won against the San Diego Chargers on November 20. Cutler's subsequent surgery insures that he is out for at least the rest of the regular season. Should the Bears make the playoffs, he may be able to come back then. Hainie was still getting his seas legs in the Chiefs game and it showed.

But it was a Bears' defensive play that sealed Chicago's fate. The turning point in the game came when Brian Urlacher and Chris Conte batted down Chief's quarterback Tyler Palko 38-yard Hail Mary pass in the end zone right into the hands of Chiefs' running back Dexter McCluster for a touchdown. That odd play turned out to be game winner for the Chiefs.

Hainie was rusty, but he showed some life at times. On one drive, the Bears were fourth and one at the five yard line when Marion Barber split out and caught an easy touchdown pass. Unfortunately, the pass was called back because Barber was not lined up on the line of scrimmage. The Bears settled for a field goal. On a late fourth-quarter drive in which Hainie looked unbeatable, he tossed what looked like a touchdown pass to Roy Williams that bounced Williams chest and was intercepted. Other receivers dropped passes as well that certainly could have made a difference in the game.

The Chiefs have had their own quarterback problems this year when they lost Matt Cassel to a season ending injury this year. Cassel was having an up and down season before he was injured. Last year Cassel had an excellent year with a quarterback rating of 93 and a Pro Bowl appearance. Cassel has been a backup for much of his career. He was on the Patriots roster in 2008 when he replaced an injured Tom Brady and managed to lead the Patriots to an 11-5 season.

For the Chiefs, progress has been slow under Tyler Palko. The Chiefs will likely be shopping for at least one more quarterback in the draft. They are headed nowhere this year.

But the good news for the Chiefs assuming the fans and ownership remain patient is Scott Pioli whom they hired as General Manager in 2009. Pioli is a guy who knows how to build great teams and worked hand in hand with Bill Belichick in creating the New England Patriots dynasty. He is one of the best in the business. As the Chief web site quotes Pioli:

My job is not to collect talent, it’s to build a team...Individuals make Pro Bowls, teams win championships. That’s our goal here. Win championships, win football games — to build this team with the right kind of people, with the right kind of players, to consistently compete for championships.

The Chiefs also picked up Romeo Crennel who was another big contributor to the Patriots dynasty.

--------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Chicago Bears Edwin Williams Steps Up

2011-11-20T13:36:00.015-06:00

Bears fans know, perhaps more than most NFL fans, the importance of the offensive line. The Bears “franchise quarterback” Jay Cutler began playing for the Bears in 2009, but before the Bear’s offense could come out to play with the big boys, the offensive line had to start clicking.

The Bears have come on strong lately because the offensive line has improved, but they haven’t played with their first round draft pick Gabe Carimi who was injured in the second game of the season against the Saints with a dislocated knee. Carimi looked like he was heading back to action in late October when he returned for limited practice, but he left the practice field and underwent arthroscopic surgery on November 11th after he continued to experience problems. A dislocate knee can be a recurring injury and it seems like everyone involved is trying to give Carimi the best chance for a long productive career with the Bears.

Chris Williams, the Bears left offense guard was quietly performing very well in the new improved offensive line, but he injured his wrist in the Bears-Lions rematch. Emergency surgery was needed. Both Williams and Carimi will miss the rest of the season.

Character Matters http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Bears right guard, Lance Louis moved from to right tackle to replace Carimi and has done very well. Louis has stepped up to the plate and performed the tackle position with skill while demonstrating character and determination.

Edwin Williams is filling in for Chris Williams at left guard. Edwin Williams played center at the University of Maryland and was an undrafted free agent who signed with Washington Redskins in 2009. (His coach, Offensive Line Coach Mike Tice was a http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifquarterback at the University of Maryland in the late 70's.

Edwin Williams was picked up by the Bears in 2010. Edwin Williams received the 2008 Wilma Rudolph Award, an award that is given to student-athletes who have overcome "great personal, academic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics."

Mike Tice and his offensive line have had to remake themselves several times over the last couple years. The coach and his players deserve a lot of credit for what they have accomplished.

-----------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

Forte's Pivotal Game Against Eagles

2011-11-08T09:45:00.008-06:00

The Bears beat a very good Philadelphia Eagles team last night 30-24. Matt Forte set the tone in the first series touchdown drive that covered 89 yards. Forte had six carries for 52 yards despite the fact that Eagles were well aware of his recent play and prepared for him.

Despite, and perhaps because of Forte's two fumbles in the game, it was a pivotal game for Bears' soft-spoken star running back.

In sports, an athlete's effort is often expressed in hyperbole with that age old slogan "he always gives 110%." But professional athletes--especially those in skill positions like quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers--can overplay or play outside themselves. When a skill position athlete plays outside himself or outside his game, the result isn't always good.

In Forte's case, his extra effort, his 110% was superb to see, but things got away from him and he fumbled twice. Games like last night can help a player set parameters for himself--give him a better idea of how far he can go. Last night Forte was over the limit and back again.

You can be too cautious in football. If it happens, a team becomes predictable besides being boring. A team that stretches out and tries to get to that next level is a better team for it. Forte and the Bears took it to the next level last night.

Whole Team Has Learned Its Lesson

Cutler has learned some lessons about overextending himself. The Bears offensive plan has overextended the Bears talent on occasion this year. The defense has had moments of trying to do too much leaving lanes open that resulted in huge plays. And now Forte has gone way out on a limb and needs to climb back just a bit. These experiences are lessons that are best learned when a team actually makes the mistakes in game situations and pays the price. The Bears payed the price for Forte's errors, but scrambled back and won.

Forte rushed 24 times for a total of 133 yards and a 5.5 yard average. He also had 3 receptions for 17 yards. Earl Bennett had 5 receptions for 95 yards. Roy Williams had 3 receptions for 46 yards.

Last night was a great night for the Bears and Matt Forte. The Bears are improving and maturing as a team.

Thoughts on Matt Forte Salary Issue

2011-11-02T19:22:00.016-05:00

Second Round Money on First Contract

Matt Forte was a second round pick, selected as the 44th pick in the 2008 draft. His contract reflects the fact that there were five first round picks at running back selected before the Bears called Forte's number. In large part this was due to several college juniors coming out for the 2008 draft. Some of these young players have taken a while to develop, while Forte was excellent right out of the gate. His current contract numbers should not be surprising to fans and the media because he was in fact a second round pick. His performance has been that of a first round back.

Some suggest that the Bears should have paid Forte more money. They suggest that he got the shaft. But the facts remain, the Bears and Forte agreed on a fair contract that was in keeping with a running back who was a second round pick. That's pretty much the way it works.

Benson Was First Round Pick

Cedric Benson was the number 4 pick in the first round of the 2005 draft. The Bears gave him first round money, a 5-year $35 Million dollar contract with $17 Million in guaranteed money. After peaking at 674 yards rushing in 2007, Benson was released by the Bears. The Bengals picked him up and offered a one year bargain basement deal for $525,000--he started to come around. Benson was only worth $525,000 for a one-year deal because he had not performed. He improved his game and he's made millions each year since then. Benson is still a young man and might have many years remaining to play excellent football. Although it's hard to see someone fail in the Bears camp, we hope he continues to do well elsewhere and live up to his potential.

The Bears have been criticized for paying Benson when Benson was not working out. Now the Bears are criticized for not paying Forte more while he is still under a contract that was negotiated based on his status at the time.

Forte an Excellent Draft Choice

The media should be congratulating the Bears for picking Forte--they made an excellent choice. Forte is following in some pretty big footsteps. Bears fans expect an excellent running back to be part of their team as much as they expect a hard-nosed defense.

Forte's Three Seasons

Soft-spoken Matt Forte has three complete seasons with the Bears. In his first year 2008, he had 316 rushes for 1,238 yards and a 3.9 yard average. Any time a running back gains over a thousand yards, it gets fans' attention like a baseball player who hits over .300. That same year, 2008, Forte had 63 receptions for 477 yards and a 7.6 yard average. Those numbers are very impressive as well. Forte's total yards gained equaled 1,715. He also scored 12 TDs for the Bears. On an offense that has struggled to get the right mix of receivers, Forte's value as a pass catcher should not be overlooked. However, if the Bears have improvements in the receiver corp, Forte may be called on less as a receiver.

In 2009, Forte's second year, he had 258 rushes for 929 yards and a 3.6 average. He had 57 receptions for 471 yards and an 8.3 average. His total yards for the season were 1,400. He scored 4 TDs. In 2008, many thought Forte was going to be something special in the future. After 2009, many thought Forte was going to be serviceable, but not spectacular. Even with 1400 yards, the sub-1000 yard rushing sounded some alarms in a town where running backs have been so much a part of the offense. In 2009, he averaged just 2.1 yard per carry against San Francisco, just 2.2 yards per carry against Green Bay and Pittsburgh, and 2.4 against Philadelphia. Forte was "stuffed" too often in 2009. Of course, it was also Jay Cutler's first year with the Bears and the offense was struggling mightily to find its identity.

In 2010, Forte rushed 237 times for 1,069 yards netting a 4.5 yard average. His 51 receptions gave him 547 yards and a 10.7 average. His total yardage for the year was a hefty 1,616. He scored 6 TDs. It was a yeoman's labor for the year and fans were grateful to see Forte's numbers rise again. The season was not without its disappointments. Against Seattle, Forte rushed for a 1.4 yard average and thus was only asked to carry the ball 8 times. Against the Giants, he averaged just 2.2 on 12 carries.

Post Season Play

In the Bears playoff win against Seattle, Matt Forte's numbers improved over the Bears-Seahawks regular season match up. He ran for 80 yards on 25 carries for a 3.2 yard average. Not exactly a blistering day, but better.

In the NFC Championship against the Packers, he ran 17 times for 70 yards, averaging 4.1 a carry. Unfortunately Forte could not save the day against the Packers. Cutler did not play well against the Packers that day. The Bears just couldn't put the ball in the end zone in the first half. After Cutler was injured, and backup Todd Collins was ineffective/injured, the Bears ended up throwing Caleb Haney into the game on a wing and prayer. It almost worked. But if it had worked, it would have been Caleb Haney's victory not Matt Forte's.

Forte's Totals and His Place in Bear History

In Forte's first three years, he has 811 rushes for 3236 yards at an average of 4 yards per carry. He has 171 receptions for 1495 yards and an 8.74 yard average. His total yards for the three year period are 4731 and he has 22 touchdowns.

If Forte didn't play another game for the Bears his performance would stand out as an excellent one in the annals of Bears football. But because the Bears have not won a championship with him, he would probably become a footnote in franchise history.

Forte's game makes the Bears become a much better team. When Forte is a threat, it creates more opportunities for the passing game. With Cutler and Forte at their best, they might be able to take the Bears to a championship, but any kind of legacy is ahead of them.

Payton Factor

Bears fans measure all running backs against Walter Payton. Payton had a 4.4 yard average after 13 years. He had 3838 carries for 16726 total rushing yards and 110 rushing touchdowns. Payton had 492 receptions for 4538 yards. He had 15 receiving touchdowns--giving him a total of 125 touchdowns in all. In terms of rushing numbers, at Forte's rate, he will need to play for 16 seasons to surpass Payton's rushing numbers. Matt Forte would pass Walter Payton's receiving yards total in his 10th season at his current rate. Bear fans love their running backs when they do well, but they have high expectations.

Contract Considerations

NFL contracts are complicated. It is likely that the only people who can definitively know the true value of a players contract and understand its terms are the player's agent and the NFL Team's negotiator. NFL contracts often include signing bonuses, performance bonuses and even workout bonuses. Adrian Peterson had a sweetener in one of his contacts that would give him an extra $1 Million if he scored 20 touchdowns.

Contracts can also include other incentives that either come to play or don't. Guaranteed money can make a huge difference in an industry where career ending injuries can happen in a heart beat. Contracts can be front-loaded (where most of the pay is in the early years) or back-loaded (where the pay is in the later years) and everything in between. On a front-loaded contract, the players and their agents can gripe about poor pay in the final years of the contract. Don't shed any tears for these guys until you know what they got up front. Looking at an annual average salary for the contract term is one way to try to see through some of the smoke.

In this post, we use numbers from Spotrac to help give our discussion some objective measure, but not knowing all the ins and outs of specific contracts, any discussion here is more of the hand-grenade variety than anything scientific.

Some are using Forte's 2011 salary figure of $555,000 to measure against what other running backs are making. That can be misleading. Forte received a $1.533 Million signing bonus so according to Spotrac, Forte made on average $945,250 a year on his 4-year contract. That sounds a lot better than $555,000 although it is not a huge amount by any means in NFL contracts.

2008 First Round Running Back Contracts

First round running backs coming into the NFL in 2008 got 5 and 6 year contracts. The top selected running back in the 2008 draft was Darren McFadden of the Raiders. McFadden did not get nearly as many carries and receptions with the Raiders in his first two years as Forte got in his first 2 years with the Bears. Thus it's easy enough to say that McFadden was not as valuable as Forte. His total yards for the three year period come to 3050 and he has 15 touchdowns. However, last year his total yards were 1664, surpassing Forte. McFadden signed a 6 year $60 million contract with Oakland--giving him an annual salary average of $10 Million with $26 Million guaranteed. His base salary actually peaks this year, the fourth year of his contract at $7.055 Million.

The second running back selected in the 2008 draft was Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers. His total yards for the three-year period are 3028 and he has 24 touchdowns. Stewart signed a 5 year $14 million contract with Carolina that included $10.795 million guaranteed. His salary averages $2.8 Million. Stewart shares running back duties at Carolina with DeAngelo Williams and so his numbers would likely be much higher if he played for a team that featured a single back.

The third running back selected was Felix Jones of he Dallas Cowboys. Jones has 2330 total yards for the three period and 24 touchdowns. Jones signed a 5 year $10.53 million contract with Dallas that includes $7.665 Million guaranteed. His contact provides for an average salary of $2.105 Million. Coming on strong this year in Dallas is rookie DeMarco Murray who already has rushed for 400 yards so far this year. In 2008 and 2009, Marion Barber accounted for roughly 225 rushes for 900 yards each season. Thus even before Murray arrived, Jones was sharing carries with another back. Like Stewart in Carolina, Jones will be sharing rushing duties with another back for Dallas--the Cowboys seem to prefer two strong running backs. His numbers may never be close to Forte's because of his team's approach.

The fourth running back selected was Rashard Mendenhall of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mendenhall has 2884 total yards and 21 touchdowns in his first three years--not brilliant numbers, but Mendenhall does show flashes of brilliance. Mendenhall signed a 5 year $9.855 million contract with Pittsburgh that includes $7.125 Million guaranteed and averages $1.971 Million per year. Jonathan Dwyer in his second year at Pittsburgh has excited some fans while he was backing up Mendenhall. Whether due to injuries or tough competition, or an offensive strategy in some games that calls for more passes, Mendenhall is not likely to achieve Forte numbers.

Thus, the first four running backs in the 2008 draft have not achieved second-round Matt Forte's performance.

The fifth running back signed is a different story. That back is Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans. Johnson has monster numbers. He has 5605 total yards and 40 touchdowns. Johnson originally signed a 5-year $12 Million contract, but in September 2011, he and the Titans penned a new 6-year for $55.26 million with $30 Million guaranteed. Johnson is averaging $9.21 Million under his new contract.

Only one running back selected in the first round of the 2008, Chris Johnson,has surpassed Forte. Forte's total yards come in at about 85% of Johnson's.

Forte in the Division

How good is Forte in the NFC North Division? For Bears fans, one player who sticks out in division play is Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. Like Chris Johnson, Peterson has put up monster numbers and has a monster contract. Peterson began his career in 2007 a year prior to the other players mentioned in this post although it seems like he's been around forever. Taking his numbers for the last three years, Peterson has 5343 total yards and 41 touchdowns. Peterson and the Vikings penned a 7-year $96 Million contract extension. Peterson's deal averages $13,714,286 and $36 Million is guaranteed.

Forte's total yards come in at about 88% of Peterson's for the three-year period.

Other Comparable Backs

Perhaps a comparable performing running back to Matt Forte is Michael Turner. Turner has 4102 total yards for the Falcons in the last three year period. He is paid an average of $5.75 Million per year in his 6-year deal with Atlanta. Turner is 29 years old.

Steven Jackson of the Rams has rushed for 3236 yards the past three years and along with his receptions total of 1084 yards gives him 4783 yards in all. He has scored 18 touchdowns. He is paid an average of $7,467,500 per year in his 6-year deal with
the Rams.

At least one media source stated that Jerry Angelo had offered Forte $6 Million a year for a new contract this year. Once the season began, the contract negotiation seems to have ended to be settled after the season. There have been many "pay the man" comments all over the Internet, so one has to assume that many people think Forte is worth more than what Angelo offered. Otherwise, they would be saying, "sign the contract" Matt.

Bottom Line

Angelo may like to get his contracts all lined up in order going into each new season. Thus, I don't think it is necessarily posturing on Angelo's part to put the Forte contract on ice until after the season. Then there is much scuttlebutt about making Forte a franchise player, thus giving him a set one-year contract to "force" him into another year of service.

On the other hand, maybe the Bears were not so anxious to re-sign Forte because they don't want him to be a $7 Million back. Maybe they want him to be a $10 Million dollar back. Peppers, Urlacher, Cutler, and Hester are all $10 Million men for the Bears. The Bears might actually want to pay Forte the big bucks, but to join that club, they want to see him put the offense on his shoulders and win the big game like the Bears-Packers NFC Championship game that was lost last year. They want him to excel even when much of the offense may sputter. Angelo might just be issuing that kind of challenge. Maybe it's his way of saying, a truly great back will figure out a way to get more than 70 yards rushing in a championship game. "Show me your stuff in the big game and we'll show you the money."

Copyright 2011, Sporting Chance Press, Inc. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

Bear Fans Have Another Bearless Weekend, but Philadelphia Looms Large on Monday

2011-11-02T07:41:00.017-05:00

No Game this Weekend

Chicago football fans face another weekend without their favorite team because the Bears travel to Philadelphia for the national Monday night event. If you went through withdrawals last Sunday, prepare for the same this weekend.

Will the Eagles Land?

The weekend should not seem too long because the Bears play the Eagles on Monday. The 3-4 Eagles had been highly touted as the "Dream Team" this year, but their season looked more nightmarish than lofty until the last few weeks. The Eagles had the national spotlight last week when playing in the popular Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. The once hyped-now-hyped-again Eagles soared to dreamy heights as they destroyed the Cowboys 34-7.

Dallas defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan, blamed the loss on his game plan that just flat out didn't work. Dallas was out to stop the run and tie things up for Vick's receivers outside and down field--a strategy that might leave the middle open. With that kind of approach, it was not be surprising to see tight end Brent Celek have 7 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. But the real damage was done to the Dallas defense all over the field.

Dallas couldn't disrupt Michael Vick's passing game--he completed 21 of 28 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns--and he had 7 carries for 50 yards. Dallas couldn't stop the run. LeSean McCoy had 31 rushes for 185 yards, plus 3 pass receptions for 31 yards giving him a 216 yards total for the day. McCoy scored twice. In addition to other Philly contributors, Jason Avant had 5 catches for 74 yards.

Frankly, it might not have mattered what defensive schemes Rob Ryan had planned. The Eagles were awesome--they looked like a team in top form and no one was going to stop them on Sunday night. When the Eagles play the way they did on Sunday, solid in every phase of the game and faultless--no one could beat them. Thankfully, for the Bears, the Eagles are not likely to play that way again. They will win more games and have some good ones no doubt, but it is unlikely they will have another near-perfect performance, because they are just not that consistent.

The Eagles-Cowboys game had another winner, NBC. Sunday Night Football was the No. 1 broadcast on Sunday night and led NBC to a Sunday night ratings win.

Here We Go

The bye-week rested Bears take on the Eagles on Monday night in Philly. Bear fans are excited to see if their team can take their game up several notches the way they did last year.

1949 Eagles-Bears Program shown.

-----------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

10 Commandments of Trick or Treating

2011-10-31T11:03:00.007-05:00

Here at Sporting Chance Press we publish The 10 Commandments of Baseball, which is all about a fine list of baseball and life principles. It's our interest in such principles that prompted us to compose and publish our list of Halloween Trick or Treat Maxims today on Halloween. This is not a complete list and it does not include the serious stuff like don't eat any candy that looks weird or is unwrapped or don't go to the strange houses. This list is strictly light-weight, but principle-laden none the less. It's a list for parents and teachers to share with their kids. Here then are our 10 Commandments of Trick or Treating.

1. Nobody becomes a Trick of Treat legend by walking from house to house. You've got to hustle--nothing dangerous or stupid mind you. Make sure your costume does not inhibit your vision or movements--and don't go jumping over any iron fences with pointy things.
2. You will never get a lot of candy unless you put some effort into it. Call out "trick or treat" loudly and proudly. Don't be one of those I'm too good to say "trick or treat" or "thank you" kind of kids. Make the master or mistress of the house want to give you the candy.
3. Don't soap windows and egg houses. If you come to a house where the people don't give candy or they left a bowl of candy on their front doorstep and the earlier kids emptied it out, don't waste any time soaping up the windows or knocking their pumpkins over, etc. What's over is over, move on.
4. Make sure you look good at all times--take pride in your Halloween appearance. Don't be one of those kids who wear their regular clothes and put on a monster mask and then tip it up to the top of their heads like sunglasses so no one even knows what you are supposed to be. Life requires creativity and effort.
5. Decide on the course you are going to follow and stick with it. Be decisive. Don't go down a few houses on one block and then skip over to the next--willy-nilly criss-crossing the street.
6. Don't make excuses about your costume or how little candy you end up with in your bag. Achieve good results by great effort. Resist eating mounds of candy while you are still raking it in.
8. Don't shout "Trick or Treat" once and then give up. Give each house you visit your best shot at finding someone home. Shout a couple times. Some kids sound the words out to make the words longer: tri-i-i-i-ick or tre-ee-ee-eet. Now that's hard to ignore.
9. Don't criticize the masters or mistresses of the house based on the candy you get. Don't be one of those kids who say stuff like, "Oh, I don't like bit-o-honey" or "Sugar Babies stick to my teeth." No matter what the brand, take it and express gratitude. Remember, you don't have to eat everything you get.
10. Maintain control at all times. Work fast, hang with good friends who behave themselves and get home when you are supposed to get home. It's a lot more fun that way and it just isn't cool to scare your parents on Halloween by being late.

---------------------
Sporing Chance Press publishes The 10 Commandments of Baseball, Maddie Takes the Ice, and other fine sports books.

Post copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press Inc. Photo copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press Inc.

Chris Harris Picked Up by Lions; Leaves Chicago with Class

2011-10-28T19:07:00.005-05:00

Reports surfaced today that Chris Harris was picked up on waivers by the Detroit Lions. Harris was released by the Bears after a some rocky games this year that included injury and some sub-par performances. In an interview on ESPNs Waddle and Silvy Show, Harris displayed a combination of honesty, clarity and class that is rare for someone in his position. The interview took place before the Lions made their move.

According to Harris, he harbors no ill will for anyone in Chicago. He bid a fond farewell to Bears fans and also had complimentary remarks about the Bears team itself--saying that the defense still had the talent to dominate and it was getting better.

You had to be impressed by the insight and maturity of his answer when asked about his release versus the Bears holding on to other players that might not have performed to expectations as well. According to Harris, the Bears made changes where they could make them - where they felt they had depth. The Bears had drafted at the safety position and they believe that the young guys they have should be able to step in now.

Harris also suggested that the Bears decision was all about football not tied to any ill will that might be harbored because of tweets, etc. Harris went on to say that he felt 100% now and that he believed he had years of NFL play ahead of him.

--------------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey and other fine sports books.

Excessive Crowd Noise is Not Good for Football

2011-10-28T16:51:00.012-05:00

There is something special about the deafening roar of the crowd when something big happens at a football game. The feel of the crowd and the sense that you are part of something so huge, so immense is electrifying. The game played in places like Michigan Stadium shown above have enriched the lives of countless fans.

When Crowd Noise Gets Out of Hand

Nevertheless, something needs to be done to mitigate the advantage to home teams because of crowd noise in domed stadiums. It's one thing for a crowd to roar outdoors, but it is something quite different in a dome where noise levels can register just below that of a jet engine. The NFL has wrested with ways to deal with crowd noise--at one time legislating against certain club behaviors that increase noise levels only to come back and relax those later.

After the Bears had 9 false starts against the Detroit Lions, the following week the Lion's opponent, San Francisco, racked up five in the same place--Ford Field--and that was after practicing all week with huge loudspeakers blaring at the players.

Even outdoor crowd noise can play a huge role. Penn State acoustical tests performed in Beaver Stadium (the largest college stadium in the U.S.) demonstrated important considerations. As one might expect, the tests measured that sound levels dropped considerably when the home team conducted offensive plays and then rose when the visitors had the ball. More importantly, the study demonstrated that the home team’s quarterback could communicate with other players up to 20 feet away while the visiting team’s quarterback is limited to communications ranges of less than 2 feet. In other words, the guard might hear the signal, but no way the tackles or ends would.

An English study showed that not only does crowd noise give the home team a playing advantage in sports, it is also likely to influence officiating in favor of the home team. Officials are swayed by loud crowd reactions to their calls.

Allowing the natural ebb and flow of enthusiasm in a game is one thing, but it's something else to build indoor stadiums that are acoustically engineered to increase sound levels. The game is meant to be enjoyed and it should be played on a something that at least resembles a "level playing field."

When teams routinely practice with jet engine noises are amplified over loud speakers, doesn't it suggest that things are just a "little" out of hand?

---------------------

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith; Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Photo of Michigan Stadium

Cubs May Win a World Series with Epstein, but It Ain't Going to Be Cheap

2011-10-27T15:50:00.016-05:00

A common sentiment about Theo Epstein from a Red Sox fan:

The Sox are competitive every season, usually make the playoffs, and have won two World Series championships under Epstein. We should be pleased.

Theoretically, the Cubs might just win the World Series with Epstein running things, but one thing seems certain, it ain't going to be cheap.

Payroll Second to Yanks

According to AP figures, which may be estimates, the Boston Red Sox payroll spend for 2011 was $161,407,476 while the Cubs spent $125,480,664. Over the last five years, the Red Sox have spent about $54 Million more than the Cubs.

Consistently, the Red Sox rate just below the Yankees as the second highest payroll in baseball. The Ricketts family, owners of the team since fall 2009, have teamed up with someone who knows how to spend money and who has had a lot of support in that area from ownership.

The Dice-K Deal

Under Theo Epstein the Red Sox brought Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice-K) from Japan. Under the baseball system in Japan, the Red Sox had to buy the rights to the pitcher from his Japanese team and then negotiate a contract with the player himself. The Red Sox paid $51.11 million for the rights to Daisuke Matsuzaka and another $52 Million
for six-year contract.

Dice-K had one very good year in 2007 when he went 15-12 with a 4.4 ERA; one great year in 2008 when he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA. He has not been very productive thereafter due in large part to injuries. In 2011, Matsuzaka made eight appearances posting 3 wins and 3 losses with a 5.30 ERA. In June, he underwent "Tommy John" surgery and hopes to return to the club in 2012, the final year of his contract.

The Dice-K Payoff

Daisuke Matsuzaka was certainly instrumental in the Red Sox championship season in 2007. In addition to winning 15 games during the season, he won Game Three of the World Series pitching five innings of scoreless ball. He went 1-1 in the 2007 American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Indians.

Theo may be just what the doctor ordered for the Cubs, but a run at the World Series isn't going to be cheap.
------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) and Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle.

Lions Game Revisited: Chris Harris Released

2011-10-27T12:13:00.014-05:00

If you watched the Lion's-Bears game on October 11, you knew that the Bears had a lot of work ahead of them following that debacle. However, at the same time you probably thought the "sky is not falling." The Bears have had horrible games before and then managed to come back strong. Remember 2010?

Still, it was certainly a frustrating game for spectators—all the bad vibes seem to land on the Bears in that one game. I can only imagine what is was like for the players and coaches on the field.

You'll recall TV coverage of the game featured images of Brian Urlacher talking fast and furious with Lance Briggs, seemingly questioning what was going on with his teammates. After the game, Urlacher avoided any finger pointing and diplomatically turned the attention to the entire team—suggesting that there was a lot of work to be done all the way around. You may recall this game also featured a groundless "spearing" penalty against Urlacher at a critical moment in the game.

Chris Harris

Chris Harris fell out of favor with Bears coaches after that Lions loss. One Harris lapse reminded me of Anthony Cromartie's play against the Jets in a 2009 playoff game that apparently ended his career with San Diego. Cromartie seemed to be in a different time zone for that game. Funny that it was the Jets who picked him up.

The Tribune's Dan Pompei described the Harris play that really stuck out in the Lions game this way:

"Harris ran right past Nate Burleson in the backfield on an end around, apparently unaware Burleson had the ball."

Harris also received bad marks for a couple other plays during the game that were more typical defensive failures—the kind that you might see in most every NFL game. Yet, it was surprising to see Harris react so negatively to his benching the following week because it seemed so well deserved. Coach Smith gave him another shot against Tampa Bay in London, but apparently his performance once again failed to impress—thus his release early this morning from the Chicago Bears.

Some writers suggest that Harris was still suffering from a hamstring injury when he suited up for the Lions game. If that's the case, he may be a good prospect for some of the other teams in the league that are having problems with the Safety position. There are many reports on the Internet today about several teams that may be interested in picking up Harris including the Minnesota Vikings.

---------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Carimi Back

2011-10-26T16:54:00.006-05:00

The Bears had a light workout Wednesday that included Gabe Carimi who is coming back from a dislocated kneecap that he suffered in the Chicago Bears-New Orleans Saints game. There will be a lot of discussion on whether Carimi will start now that the current offensive line has come together and played well under the new streamlined scheme that focuses more on running Matt Forte. Much has been said about the excellent run blocking of Chris Spencer who has been playing with a hand injury.

We may see more of a substitution, of players than a wholesale change in the existing line. The Bears will need a line that can be proficient at pass blocking when they face teams now who will be more focused on shutting down the run.

Regardless of how the Bears play Carimi, they will be in the best shape they have been in for several weeks after their bye week when they line up against the Eagles on November 7, 2011. The Eagles on the other hand, face a tough hungry Dallas Cowboys team. The Eagles were highly touted early on, but failed miserably to measure up to expectations. Nevertheless, they seem to be turning things around.

Image is of Panini Threads Football Card
---------------
Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine books.

Forte, Payton, Anderson: Three Bears Running Backs; Nine Awesome Years

2011-10-25T20:57:00.011-05:00

Matt Forte is in his fourth year in the NFL. Much is being said about Forte because the Bears have adjusted their game plan to feature him and he has not yet under contract for next year. If Forte continues the rushing/receiving pace he has set so far this season throughout 2011, it will be his best ever.

Are the contract issues affecting Forte one way or another? Who knows, but he is in a zone now—the kind of zone only a few Bears running backs have managed for three or more years. Here's a quick look at three years in the early career of Matt Forte, Walter Payton (naturally) and Neal Anderson.

Year One

Forte has three complete seasons with the Bears. In his first year 2008, he had 316 rushes for 1,238 yards and a 3.9 yard average. That same year, he had 63 receptions for 477 and a 7.6 yard average. Forte's total yards gained equaled 1,715. Forte also scored 12 TDs for the Bears.

You can not compare a current player's statistics in which teams play 16 games against someone who played during the 14 game season. Walter Payton's first three years were played during 14-game seasons. The NFL did not start the 16-game season until 1978. Rather than try to “normalize” the statistics on the three players here, we just provide the raw data on them from NFL.com. There are many factors that also make actual year-to-year comparisons questionable. By just looking at the performances generally, fans may have a better understanding of the value of these three great running backs without having to make any judgments that span teams, offensive/defensive schemes, talent or lack of talent surrounding the players etc.

In addition to the number of games, it should also be noted there is one more huge difference that reflect in Payton's numbers. Fullback play was much more prevalent then. Roland Harper, the Bears fullback was used liberally and got 100 carries for 453 yards in Payton's first year. Bears running back Mike Adamale also got 94 carries for 354 yards that same year. By the same token, today we see a more liberal use of the running back as receiver. It might also be said that Forte's at 6'2'' and 214 lbs. is a more likely target for passes than Payton who was 5'10" and roughly 200 lbs and Anderson who was Payton's size.

Payton had 196 carries for 679 yards and a 3.5 yard average in 1975. In receiving, Payton had 33 catches for 213 yards and a 6.5 yard average. Total yards gained by Walter Payton in his first year equaled was 892. He scored 7 TDs.

For Neal Anderson who began his Bear career in 1986, it was not until his third year that he had the same level of involvement as Payton and Forte in the Bears offense. He was working himself into the lineup as Payton’s career was closing. In 1988, Anderson had a 249 carries for 1106 yards and a 4.4 yard average. In receiving, Anderson had 39 catches for 371 yards and a 9.5 year average. Total yards gained by Neal Anderson in 1988 tallied 1477. Anderson scored 12 TDs.

Looking at these three performances, you can see that all three players certainly had "game" and were following in the footsteps of the Bears great running back traditions. Payton would go on to break the mold over 13 seasons.

Second Year

In 2009, Forte's second year, he had 258 rushes for 929 yards and a 3.6 average. He had 57 receptions for 471 yards and an 8.3 average. His total yards for the season were 1,400. He scored 4 TDs.

Payton's numbers were building in his second year. In 1976, he had 311 carries for 1390 yards and a 4.5 average. His 15 receptions made 149 total yards, which gave him a 9.9 yard average. Total yards were 1539 for Payton that year. He scored 13 TDs.

Neal Anderson's second very productive year was amazing. In 1989 he rushed 274 times for 1275 yards and a 4.7 average. He also had 50 receptions for 434 yards and an 8.7 yard average. Anderson's total rushing and receiving yards were 1709 for the season. He scored 15 TDs.

Third Year

In 2010, Forte rushed 237 times for 1,069 yards netting a 4.5 yard average. His 51 receptions gave him 547 yards and a 10.7 average. His total yards for the year were a hefty 1,616. He scored 6 TDs.

Payton was nothing short of phenomenal in 1977. He rushed 339 times for 1852 yards and a 5.5 average. He had 27 receptions for 269 yards and a 10 average. His total yards tallied an incredible 2121. He scored 16 TDs.
In 1990, the third consecutive year we reviewed for Neal Anderson, he rushed 260 times for 1078 yards and a 4.1 average. He had 42 receptions for 484 yards and an 11.5 average yielding 1562 yards for the year. Anderson scored 13 TDs.

Conclusions

Payton, Anderson and Forte will always be appreciated by Bear fans who witnessed their performances. The numbers suggest that based on Forte's performance for the first three years of his career, he is right up top with the best of the Bears running backs. While Forte is catching more passes than Payton, no one will forget Payton’s leaps over the line for touchdowns. Fans appreciate all three of these great backs, each in their own right. The numbers tell us definitively that any way you measure it, they were great NFL backs in the best Bears tradition.

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey.

Bears Need More than Forte

2011-10-24T19:41:00.009-05:00

Matt Forte is getting high marks from Bears fans and the media all across the country. And for good reason. After just 7 games, Forte has almost 1100 combined rushing and receiving yards. The Bears have improved to a solid offensive team with Forte's impressive runs and receptions. The Bears offense has moved up to 17 in the NFL.com rankings. The Bears are also moving up the chain on power rankings--now 14 on Brian Billick's msn.foxsports.com.

The Bears run game not only adds balance, but also helps take the heat off the offensive line by eliminating a constant pass rush from opposing defenses. But, the Bears will need a balanced offense if they are going to beat the best teams in the NFL and isn't that what it's all about? The 2011 Bears need to continue to develop their passing game with Cutler and his receivers.

If the Bears are going to win their rematches against the Lions and the Packers, they will need a solid offense that includes Cutler and his wide receivers as well as Matt Forte running and receiving. Barber's role is also important especially for the short yardage situations.

Of course, continued success from the special teams will help give the Bears much needed extra help against the NFL's elite.

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine sports books.

Bears-Bucks-London-Wembley: Magic

2011-10-22T11:40:00.013-05:00

Wembley Stadium is the site for NFL's London match between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears scheduled for Sunday, October 23. The game kickoffs at 6:00 p.m. UK time; Noon in Chicago. It was 25 years ago when the mighty Chicago Bears played in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium in 1986. The Buccaneers played at Wembley in a 2009 game against the New England Patriots.

The game is promoted as part of a Pepsi Max International Series, which takes on a festive feel with a three-day series of events. "Unfortunately" for the Bears players, it has been described as a business trip by coach Lovie Smith who expects his team to knuckle down to business in preparation for a game that means a great deal to the 3-3 Bears and the 4-2 Buccaneers.

The Bears and the NFL have a good following in England and the European continent. Fans are coming from many different countries to see the game. Hopefully, Devin Hester will give them something special to see.

Wembley Stadium has a capacity for 90,000 fans with no obstructed views and offers much to amaze sports fans around the world. The seats are spread over three tiers: lower 34,303, middle 16,532 and upper 39,165. However, the feel for fans is one of a single bowl--"we are all in this together." Wembley was totally rebuilt and reopened in 2007. Stadium designers took special care in creating a sliding roof that helps insure an excellent pitch--computer models are used to map out air movement and sunlight. Much care is taken to provide the best field of play for the athletes.

The most recognizable feature of the stadium is 133 metre tall arch that sits above the north stand supporting much of the weight of the roof. The stadium also boasts close proximity to world-class transportation including train stations and lines that routinely transport 40,000 plus fans.

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine books.

On the Bears as They Head to London

2011-10-18T20:16:00.008-05:00

The Bears are a good team. When they play within themselves--to their strengths and are true to themselves, they do well--and who knows how far they can go. When the Bears hired Mike Martz, they got someone whose system offered both opportunity and challenges to QB Jay Cutler who is both smart and gifted. Martz was particularly kind to Cutler, frequently trying to deflect heat from critics. Long-time Bears fans know that coaches can scar a QB at critical points in his career, which in some cases has seemingly ruined some talented players.

Martz's system is still a little ahead of the Bears personnel. Last year, he had to scale things back at the break and this year the system has just been too challenging for several key players and the offensive line. What we saw against the Vikings was a realistic approach with adjustments to the existing talent. It should be noted that the Bears have a great deal of talent on offense, but just not the right mix of experience and talent to manage Martz system fully loaded--yet.

Under the modified Martz system, Devon Hester looked like a first class receiver against the Vikings and it just seemed like most everyone was in the right place most of the time.

Some fans and writers still try to advance the position that the Bears should be a running team. But the Bears offense, like every other NFL offense, should have good balance. The Bears have Cutler, who is a very good passing quarterback, they need to use the talent they have.

Matt Forte is certainly a force. It's really wonderful to see someone who can make a "Payton-like" difference. But he cannot take the offense totally on his shoulders, at least not against many of the better NFL teams. Forte needs to build up steam before he can really allude tacklers. If the defense is keying on the run and gets to him early, he often gets stuffed. In games when Forte gets stuffed several times early, the Bears have a tendency to play pass more. If they lose, the media tends to blame it on the play calling as opposed to admitting that the Bears were simply trying to take what was there.

The Bears need Cutler at his best, Forte at his most allusive and their receiving corp playing heads up. They need their line to play within themselves and they need a game plan that takes all these things into consideration. I think Martz and Smith can provide that. Each year the Bears can build towards that more advanced Martz model if they choose, but for now, they need the modified variety.

And as most observers know, if the Bears offense can hold up their own, the defense becomes a real difference-maker--one that can dominate and intimidate the best of teams. That's Bear football and that should never change.

Photo of London Bridge by Jon Sullivan, Public Domain

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout.

Bears Offensive Line Heads to London with Heads Up

2011-10-18T14:03:00.004-05:00

After picking up the pieces after the Lion's game, the Bears got back to work and managed to beat the Vikings in a game that provided several weeks worth of highlights for the TV stations. The game plan was quite different than previous weeks and the offensive line received a lot of help from the ends. Frankly, it looked like almost everyone was expected to throw a block when they weren't running or receiving, including Jay Cutler.

The Bears have come under heavy criticism for poor offensive line play this year. The Bears offensive line is very young, very inexperienced and prone to allowing sacks. Against the top defenses they are going to have problems. But like last year, it should get much better as the season wears on.

Much criticism has been directed to management for not responding to the personnel needs. But, it might be a good time to remind critics that the Bears used their first round draft choice to pick up Gabe Carimi. It's safe to say that the Bears were very thin on the offensive line, but the Carimi acquisition was pretty much what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, Carimi was injured in the second game (New Orleans) of the season and has been out ever since.

Bears management was also criticized for not signing Olin Kreutz, but the ex-Bear did reject a $4 Million dollar deal. The Bears acquired Chris Spencer, who can play center, but the team was compelled to use Roberto Garza at Center because of his knowledge of the offense. Moving players around from their "natural" position is often painful, but sometimes it has to be done.

No one seems happy with Frank Omiyale's performance filling in this year, but last year it was said that "he filled in admirably." J'Marcus Webb had plenty of problems the start of his rookie season in 2010, but Mike Martz said in the playoffs last year, "I don't know in 38 years of coaching that I've seen a player make this radical improvement in such a short time as he has." The early season match-ups against several of the best teams in football have made the O-line weaknesses much more visible. Additionally, almost every offensive lineman has suffered through some sort of injury this year.

The Bears line improved greatly against the Vikings. Lance Louis played right tackle with Spencer at right guard. On the left side was Chris Williams at guard and J'Marcus Webb at tackle. All seemed to hold their own against some Viking heavyweights.

Cutler Deal Still Impacts Player Personnel

Most people now believe that the deal for Jay Cutler was a huge upgrade for the Bears franchise, but management critics should also remember that Denver required two first round draft picks in 2009 and 2010 as part of the bargain. Those were two draft picks that could have helped the line, but you can't have it both ways. The Bears could not get Cutler without paying the price.

The line may continue to be a problem for the Bears, but it's not because it went unnoticed by team management. Carimi will help a great deal when he gets back on the field.

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine books.

McCaskey Gets High Marks for ISU Newman Center Presentation

2011-10-14T10:35:00.013-05:00

Chicago Bears Senior Director and Sporting Chance Press author Patrick McCaskey received high marks for his recent presentation at the John Paul II Newman Center at Illinois State University. His speech was featured in Catholic Post coverage of the event, "Bears' Senior Director Talks Sports, Faith at Newman Center" by Tom Dermody. The Catholic Post is the newspaper of the Diocese of Peoria.

McCaskey's Witness to Faith

McCaskey offers his personal witness to faith as a Christian athlete, husband, father and businessman in his presentations. He reveals his personal faith journey and how faith is key in the lives of many athletes, coaches, religious leaders and others he has known. Based on his book, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout, McCaskey's presentation looks at decades of spiritual enlightenment and life lessons, recalling with good humor and compassion those who made the cut on and off the field, plus people who left comfortable lives to serve the under-served in extraordinary ways.

Patrick McCaskey is a 37-year veteran and Senior Director of the Chicago Bears and parishioner at the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest, IL. He is chairman of Sports Faith International, an initiative, which recognizes exceptional athletes who lead exemplary lives. A high school football all-American and record-breaking track star in his youth, McCaskey competes on the masters track circuit.

Newman Centers, like the John Paul II Center at Illinois State offer Catholic ministries at non-Catholic universities throughout the world. These centers provide pastoral services to their Catholic communities, in particular to the Roman Catholic student population within universities.

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine books.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Little League

2011-10-12T13:21:00.019-05:00

Book titles are important. Ones that sell books are worth their weight in gold, but it's important to make sure they accurately portray the content of your book.

Maybe we should have titled Sporting Chance Press's The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) something like All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Little League. But in deference to Robert Fulghum monster best seller All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten we did not. I suppose we could have gone to an older blockbuster theme and come up with Everything You Wanted to Know about Baseball (and Life) Principles (But We're Afraid to Ask), but somehow that would not have seemed right playing off Everything You Wanted to Know about Sex (But We're Afraid to Ask). Although David Reuben's guide to sex was educational, we might have turned a lot of people off with that one.

Another approach might have been How to Keep Your Baseball Principles Alive, A Guide for the Compleat Idiot, but that's a little distant. The classic How to Keep Your Volkswagon Alive, A Guide for the Compleat Idiot was a groundbreaking book by John Muir, but there are just too many "Idiot" and "Dummies" books around today to keep them straight.

Well, we stuck with The 10 Commandments of Baseball, the ancient theme that McCarthy himself used when he penned his commandments in 1921. We were faithful to the original metaphor. But although our book is not a blockbuster yet, this timeless gem is destined to build into a bestseller none-the-less. It is what has been called a "perfect storm of baseball books" and a superb airplane book (perfectly absorbing and entertaining for frequent flyers).

The book examines the background of baseball's commandments and illustrates these simple principles with brief snippets of baseball stories and characters. It's as fun for the baseball aficionado with an extensive library as it is for the casual fan.

The author, J. D. Thorne, is simply one of millions of Americans who fell in love with baseball at an early age and couldn't get enough regardless of his more practical career choice. The author is a "keep your day job" kind of guy, but an "I can't stop playing and watching baseball every leisure minute I have" kind of guy. Thorne manages to both entertain and inform readers with a pinch of humor, a couple cups of major league lore and a generous sprinkling of nostalgia. The reader ends up with a fun read that will take a position of honor on any bookshelf--perhaps right next to All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

Copies of The 10 Commandments of Baseball are available from Sporting Chance Press.

Frustrated by Sports Figures? Maybe It's the Principle of the Thing

2011-10-11T13:40:00.011-05:00

If you have watched professional sports at all lately, there is little doubt that you have been frustrated. If you are a baseball fan and your team has been good enough to make the playoffs, you see your team up against the cream of the crop and all the sudden, weaknesses that might have been overlooked during the season, are being exploited. The season can end in short fashion for a playoff team.

We admire our athletes, we can't help but admire them. But being a fan can be frustrating not just when our teams don't play well, but it can also bother us when our heroes don't live up to their billing: when $4 Million a year isn't enough and our hero leaves town for greener pastures; when a star drives home intoxicated and is arrested; or when someone we admire has his "dirty laundry" aired in public over a marital dispute.

Sports and Our Kids

One question that comes up often, given the human failings of athletes is: How do we use sports as a positive force for kids--not just so they grow up stronger and better athletes, but so they grow up as better people?

It probably does no good to tell kids to avoid hero worship. It's just natural and it's going to happen. It's hard to be enthusiastic about someone to kids and then say, oh by the way, your hero may turn out to screw up so don't put that player on a pedestal. Maybe another approach is to go ahead and let our heroes serve as role models, but tell kids that we are all, including our heroes, trying to live by principles or ideals and we need to keep our eye on those as much as our role models. Everyone falls short of ideals, but these principles are what we must strive to reach.

In some circumstances, we are failing to teach principles to kids. And that's really a mistake on parents, teachers, coaches and administrators. We need to make sure that our kids understand the principles behind play and then they can apply them in sports and life. This is really getting to the heart of our little company called Sporting Chance Press.

Baseball Principles

We like to point out to people that baseball, perhaps more than any other sport can be instructive and a valuable teacher of not just the game, but character and life lessons. Perhaps more than any other sport, baseball principles are part and parcel of most teaching/coaching programs (despite annoying parents at games). We like to point out that Joe McCarthy penned 10 Commandments of Baseball back in 1921 -- these timeless principles are taught in most baseball programs today, but few people know their origin. We published a book that illustrates the principles in an affectionate and interesting way called The 10 Commandments of Baseball by J. D. Thorne. This popular-easy-to read book examines the principles that have told ballplayers to run them out, never quit, don't make excuses, respect authority, swing the bat, etc. Good things to consider in baseball and life.

We have also watched with great interest that bullying is getting national attention now in our schools. This month, is officially Bullying Prevention month. Another book we published called Public Bonehead, Private Hero examines the career and life of Fred Merkle. Merkle serves as an example of a wonderful intelligent athlete who became the number one scapegoat in sports history for his play during one game and had to live with the nickname "Bonehead" for his entire life. Merkle's story is one that coaches, teachers and parents should know so they can talk to kids intelligently about how bullying has been around for a long time and how it can cause damage to its victims and their families. Merkle was bullied by the press that held all the media cards back in 1908 when the Merkle game happened. Merkle remains one of the most written about athletes even in modern times.

Young girls can be bullied, even when they are good athletes. In our middle grade novel called Maddie Takes the Ice, Maddie, a young figure skater, has a difficult time coping with the pressure of competition when she is maligned by a fellow skater and then a "friend" as she heads into regionals.

Keeping principles of behavior and play in mind will help our kids understand that ultimately sports can teach much about life--and that our heroes may have a lot to learn as well.

Packers Awe Some Even After Offensive Injuries

2011-10-10T13:31:00.011-05:00

It was a game that just did not go well for the mighty Green Bay Packers at the start. In fact, in the early goings, it looked like Green Bay was going to chalk up its first loss of the season against a tough Atlanta Falcons team that wanted to avenge last year's NFC Division playoff loss to the Pack.

But in the end, the Green Bay Packers impressed in a come from behind 24-14 win. For most teams, when your starting left tackle (Chad Clifton) goes down after your starting right tackle (Bryan Bulaga) was already out, your offense is going to struggle. The Packers had previously moved Marshall Newhouse to left tackle and put in rookie Derek Sherrod on the right side--and everything held together. Although, it looked like the Packers would be forced to play a short pass game to avoid the sack, Rodgers was able to extend the play and occasionally throw outside the pocket for some pretty impressive gains.

The defense played tough as well and shutout the Falcons in the second half after the Falcons looked like the better team in the first half.

Rodgers loosened things up with some longer passes and that was really the offensive key. If he could not have connected successfully with some big gains, the Falcons were punishing up close and the Packers receivers were dropping balls and paying a price for the ones they did catch. But once Rodgers showed he could extend the play and convert longer third downs, the game took on a different feel. It was a game the Bears and any other team who has some issues on the offensive line should examine closely. Rodgers hit 12 different receivers during the game.

Despite the line problems, the Packers ended up with an 8.6 average yards per pass and for third down efficiency, Rodgers was 9-16 for 60%. Mason Crosby was 4 for 4 on field goals with an incredible 56-yarder that Rodgers said helped spark the Packers.

The Falcons game was a confidence builder for the Packers--as if the
Super Bowl Champs needed it!

Sporing Chance Press is the publisher of Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout by Patrick McCaskey, and other fine books.

Walter Payton's Legacy Lives On

2011-10-07T07:36:00.004-05:00

Bears Senior Director Patrick McCaskey's book called Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and Devout discusses people he has known who were superb athletes who led exemplary lives of faith. In Sports and Faith McCaskey examines the life of athletes, coaches and everyday people who inspired him in his personal and professional life. People like the Reverend "Coach" Wayne Gordon founder of Lawndale Community Church/Community Center and Father Ignatius McDermott, the legendary skid row Priest, who also happened to be Chicago's number one Sox fan, fill the pages.

As a spokesmen for the Chicago Bears, McCaskey found himself often at podiums honoring the greatest of all Chicago Bears, Walter Payton. McCaskey himself was a "victim" of Payton's boyish sense of humor and an admirer as well. According to McCaskey, "Walter 'Sweetness' Payton was the Bears' first round draft choice in 1975. He was simply the best football player ever. He could run, block, catch, pass, punt, and kick. There was nothing in football he could not do. He missed one game in his entire career and trained with legendary discipline and intensity coming into each training camp in superb condition.

In 13 seasons, he scored 125 touchdowns and he accounted for a record 21,803 combined net yards. He gained 100 yards or more from scrimmage in 108 games. Eventually, as Payton's stature grew, numerous organization especially in the Chicago area set out to honor him. McCaskey saw first-hand in many different settings the love fans expressed for Sweetness and his affection for them as well.

Who can quantify what Payton meant and still means to the city of Chicago, the Bears and football fans--and others. Superhero on the field, certainly human at home, he continues to inspire. His children, wife and brother continue to advance great causes in his memory.

Chicago's Walter Payton College Preparatory High School honors his memory in a living way (school photo above) as perhaps no other institution can. The school colors are the Chicago Bears orange and navy blue, and the school team name is the "Grizzlies." Regardless of what reference you use, Payton Prep is one of the best schools in the country and certainly among the very top in Illinois. Payton Prep continues to do honor to one of Chicago's favorites.

There's Plenty to Say about the 10 Commandments of Baseball

2011-10-06T21:23:00.005-05:00

At Sporting Chance Press we've made the case that perhaps unlike any other sport, baseball has principles of behavior and courtesy that are part and parcel of its underlying standards of behavior. Despite all the bad behavior (especially from parents) that we see at baseball games, there is a wonderful code that has been passed down for 90 years in good programs. Most kids, and sadly, most adults, have never heard of the Code's creator, Joe McCarthy. McCarthy is legendary in the annals of baseball, having coached three of the most storied teams--the Chicago Cubs, the NY Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He is also the most successful baseball manager in history, still holding the highest winning percentage of any Major League Manager.

McCarthy's 10 Commandments of Baseball:

1. Nobody ever became a ballplayer by walking after a ball.
2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
3. An outfielder who throws back of a runner is locking the barn after the horse is stolen.
4. Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.
5. When you start to slide, S-L-I-D-E. He who changes his mind may hav to change a good leg for a bad one.
6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anyone can field the good ones.
7. Always run them out, you can never tell.
8. Do not quit.
9. Do not find too much fault with the umpires. You cannot expect them to be as perfect as you are.
10. A pitcher who hasn’t control, hasn’t anything.

Club Presentations

J. D. Thorne, the author of The 10 Commandments of Baseball is a wonderful speaker who provides a humorous and interesting presentation that keys on the interesting case of characters from his book that illustrate the principles with humorous and touching stories--from ledge-walkers and practical jokers to Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak and Lou Gehrig's goodbye. Comments from a Arlington Heights Rotary Club, a Racine Library post and Carroll College Post. Here's a review from the Wisconsin Lawyer and one from a baseball blog.

The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) is a thoroughly fun read that is accessible to fans from 10 to 100. It is a paperback that costs $20--special quantity discounts available for schools. The book is published by www.sportingchancepress.com.

Photo: Virginia Smoot is running it out, but being tagged out by Mabel Harvey who is playing heads up ball. --Library of Congress Photo 1925.

Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster Remembered as Chicago Bears Make Belated Visit to White House

2011-10-06T14:27:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow, October 7, President Obama will welcome the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears to the White House to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Super Bowl victory. In 1986, the team’s White House reception was canceled due to the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy.

Super Bowl XX was played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The Chicago Bears clobbered the New England Patriots 46–10. Bears defensive end Richard Dent, was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Two days after the Bears Super Bowl win, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of all seven crew members. The disaster was blamed on an O-ring seal that failed at liftoff. Christa McAuliffe, the first member of the Teacher in Space Project and the first regular U.S. civilian space traveler was killed in the disaster. Many school children across the country were watching Challenger's lift off.

President Reagan was scheduled to deliver a "State on the Union" speech on that night. Instead, he delivered a tribute to the lost astronauts.

Schedule a Visit by Nicolette House in Advance of Sochi Olympics

2011-10-06T09:53:00.016-05:00

There are 855 days before the start of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games to be hosted in Sochi in the Russian Federation.

The host city Sochi has a population of 400,000 people and is situated in Krasnodar, which is the third largest region in Russia. Hosting the Olympics is a huge undertaking. It will be the fist time the Winter Games have been hosted by Russia. The Soviet Union hosted the 1980 Summer Games in Moscow.

Volunteers and Coca Cola

An army of employees and volunteers will be needed. According to the official Sochi Olympics website, "the Volunteer Program is one of the most ambitious projects...an estimated 25 000 volunteers will be involved during the Games in Sochi in more than 20 areas of activity. Altogether, the volunteers make up about 30% of the total workforce of the Games."

In part to keep all those volunteers, employees and visitors drinking Coke Products, Coca-Cola has opened a huge beverage plant in Rostov-on-Don with 400 employees.

Tempus Fugit on the Rink

We all know how time flies and skating fans will be watching the various competitions for the next two years that lead up to the Olympic competition. Winter Olympic games often feature some of the best figure skating competitions and Sochi figures to be a great one. As we get closer to the Olympic Games, educators, schools and libraries will use the Olympics as a context for teaching programs and lessons. At Sporting Chance Press

Now is a good time to book ice dancer, figure skating instructor and Sporting Chance Press author, Nicolette House for a presentation. Nothing helps energize and inspire students more than a positive role model making a personal appearance. In Nicolette's Figure Skating and Writing Program, listeners get many strong positive messages. Students get a first hand glimpse of what it takes for a young athlete to compete. Nicolette talks about the importance of discipline in practice, the need to respect authority and communicate with Mom and Dad, and the necessity of a healthy diet to be at one's best. Nicolette also talks about how she came to write her book: Maddie Takes the Ice, a compelling figure skating story for ages 8-12 that is an America's Battle of the Books selection for 2011.

Nicolette's presentation is suited for elementary and middle/junior high school audiences and parents. It is a fun "show and tell" program that offers an up close and personal look at a positive role model for students. Nicolette is a figure skater and coach. Her mother, Ilona House is a former professional skater who coached Nicolette and has coached in Chicago and the northwest suburban area for many years.

Nicolette House is a four-time U.S. Figure Skating gold medalist. Skating since the age of three, she went on to compete in European, World, and international ice dance competitions with her skating partner Aidas Reklys. Along with Aidas, the author recently created After Dark (2010) and Military Time (2011) skating shows featuring several top international skaters. Ms. House is a recent graduate of DePaul University.

Like her Figure Skating and Writing Presentation, Maddie Takes the Ice keeps readers attention with plenty of drama and social interaction--life lessons included. The book has been purchased by young readers as far away as Norway. More on Maddie Takes the Ice.

If you are interested in having Nicolette speak at your school or library, please let us know at lmj.norris@gmail.com.

Power of Baseball to Develop Character

2011-10-05T16:26:00.011-05:00

Athletic activities for children can contribute to their growth and maturity in substantial ways. These activities are affected by coaches and administrators who manage them as well as other key people involved such as parents, sponsors, and spectators. Baseball is an activity in which its long history and tradition solidify positive standards for behavior and play that are universally accepted(although not universally practiced). Good baseball training is often a successful and powerful means of helping kids develop maturity. It can be a character builder.

Many of the good things espoused in baseball training was summarized by Joe McCarthy who penned the 10 Commandments of Baseball in 1921. At the time, McCarthy was managing the Minor League Louisville Colonels, just before moving on to the Majors where he had a long storied career.

McCarthy's commandments are not just principles for success in baseball, when examined in an everyday light, they can also be principles for success in life. McCarthy's principles have become part and parcel of every good baseball program although few coaches and players are aware of their origin. In their most succinct form, the principles enforce things like hustle, fortitude, self control, and respect for authority. Baseball continues to offer so many life lesson opportunities for kids--both male and female. We need to make sure the right people are doing the coaching.

Consider the following three common gripes we often have about kids and then think of how kids are trained in a good baseball program.

1. Kids don't listen or obey. In a good baseball program, kids learn to respect authority on the field. They must listen to their coaches and the umpire. Those who do not listen, get benched or kicked out of the game. Good coaches insist that players do what they are told. Kids want more than anything else to stay in and play the game.

2. Kids can't concentrate today. Whether at bat, in the field or running bases--players must pay attention at all times in baseball despite the fact that there are lulls in activity. Teammates are trained to remind fellow players of what is going on during a game. Every play is being watched. There is instant gratification on the field to those who hit, steal a base or catch a ball; instant punishment to those who strike out or get caught on the base path. No one likes to hear, strike three--you're out!

3. Kids are selfish and do whatever they want today. Baseball's rules and the regimen of the game make it essential that kids play their role on the team. Players in the field learn to call balls and move away from one that a teammate has called. They learn to sacrifice another player to second and backup a throw home. There is unselfish action all over the field in every game.

In a good baseball program, kids have structure and develop discipline. It helps that baseball principles are so well developed with our coaches. In other activities, this is often not the case. We should be able to carry the success elements from baseball into other activities for kids.

Copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press. Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles of Success for Baseball (and Life) available online.
Image above from Library of Congress is Christie Matthewson, the Gentleman Ballplayer, consider by many to be one of the finest men to ever play the game.

The 10 Commandments of Trick or Treating

2011-10-05T11:26:00.019-05:00

Halloween seems to get bigger each year and as Holidays go, it is second only to Christmas in terms of its commercial side. We'd like to sing out about Halloween this year by composing something useful on this page.

Here at Sporting Chance Press we know kids (well sort of) and we know Trick or Treaters. Because we publish The 10 Commandments of Baseball, which is all about a fine list of baseball and life principles, we have composed our list of Halloween Trick or Treat Maxims following the same model. This is not a complete list and it does not include the serious stuff like don't eat any candy that looks weird or is unwrapped or don't go to the strange houses. This list is strictly light-weight, but principle-laden none the less. It's a list for parents and teachers to share with their kids. Here then are our 10 Commandments of Trick or Treating.

1. Nobody becomes a Trick of Treat legend by walking from house to house. You've got to hustle--nothing dangerous or stupid mind you. Make sure your costume does not inhibit your vision or movements--and don't go jumping over any iron fences with pointy things.
2. You will never get a lot of candy unless you put some effort into it. Call out "trick or treat" loudly and proudly. Don't be one of those I'm too good to say "trick or treat" or "thank you" kind of kids. Make the master or mistress of the house want to give you the candy.
3. Don't soap windows and houses. If you come to a house where the people don't give candy or they left a bowl of candy on their front doorstep and the earlier kids emptied it out, don't waste any time soaping up the windows or knocking their pumpkins over, etc. What's over is over, move on.
4. Make sure you look good at all times--take pride in your Halloween appearance. Don't be one of those kids who wear their regular clothes and put on a monster mask and then tip it up to the top of their heads like sunglasses so no one even knows what you are supposed to be. Life requires creativity and effort.
5. Decide on the course you are going to follow and stick with it. Be decisive. Don't go down a few houses on one block and then skip over to the next--willy-nilly criss-crossing the street.
6. Don't make excuses about your costume or how little candy you end up with in your bag. Achieve good results by great effort. Resist eating mounds of candy while you are still raking it in.
8. Don't shout "Trick or Treat" once and then give up. Give each house you visit your best shot at finding someone home. Shout a couple times. Some kids sound the words out to make the words longer: tri-i-i-i-ick or tre-ee-ee-eet. Now that's hard to ignore.
9. Don't criticize the masters or mistresses of the house based on the candy you get. Don't be one of those kids who say stuff like, "Oh, I don't like bit-o-honey" or "Sugar Babies stick to my teeth." No matter what the brand, take it and express gratitude. Remember, you don't have to eat everything you get.
10. Maintain control at all times. Work fast, hang with good friends who behave themselves and get home when you are supposed to get home. It's a lot more fun that way and it just isn't cool to scare your parents on Halloween by being late.

The 10 Commandments of Baseball

The 10 Commandments of Halloween are loosely based on Joe McCarthy's 10 Commandments of Baseball, a book we have published by J. D. Thorne. The Commandments are a simple list of principles that may seem self-evident to those who were coached well as kids playing Little League:

1. Nobody ever became a ballplayer by walking after a ball.
2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
3. An outfielder who throws back of a runner is locking the barn after the horse is stolen.
4. Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.
5. When you start to slide, S-L-I-D-E. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.
6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anyone can field the good ones.
7. Always run them out, you can never tell.
8. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
9. Do not find too much fault with the umpires. You cannot expect them to be as perfect as you are.
10. A pitcher who hasn’t control, hasn’t anything.

The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy's Principles for Success in Baseball (and Life) provides a concise review of these principles illustrated with brief stories of golden age greats baseball greats along with the author's personal experiences. You can get it at www.sportingchancepress.com. Top image is of the Halloween Song book..

Post copyright 2011 Sporting Chance Press.

Bullies, the Bully Pulpit and Public Bonehead

2011-10-04T10:19:00.014-05:00

You probably didn't know that October is Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying-Prevention Month is also a initiative sponsored by the PACER Center - a parent center for families of children and young adults with disabilities—and cosponsored by NEA, the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, and National PTA. These organizations are encouraging communities to work together to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on children. You can find more information at the NEA site.

Our stake in bullying prevention is a book that we published called Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle, which we feel can be instructive in the effort to prevent bullying. We believe that if teachers and coaches can convey the story of Merkle, kids will come to understand that:

1. Anyone can be bullied, even strong, smart and athletic people like Fred Merkle.
2. Bullying can have a lasting impact on those being bullied and their families.
3. Bullying is unsportsmanlike and coward-like.
4. Bullying has been going on for a long time.

We encourage teachers, coaches, parents, administrators and young adults to read about how the number one scapegoat of sports, Fred Merkle, was bullied and maligned.

Merkle's Story

You need to go way back in time to America's Progressive Era before radio, TV and seemingly light years before the Internet, the newspapers ruled the day. This was the time of Teddy Roosevelt's Bully Pulpit, the Model T, the Wright Brothers and the Great Race. The sport of baseball was in many places the number one amusement and held a great place of importance for many Americans. Americans took baseball very seriously!

On September 23, 1908, 19-year old Fred Merkle was the youngest player on the New York Giants. He was slotted into the lineup at first base to replace a wounded veteran against the mighty Chicago Cubs of Tinker, Evers and Chance fame. The pressure was on when Merkle came up to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 1—1. With two outs and Moose McCormick on first, the youngster rifled a single to right field easily advancing the slow-footed Moose McCormick to third. Shortstop slugger Al Bridwell, up next, whacked a low liner that knocked the second base umpire down on its way to shallow center field. As McCormick crossed the plate with the “winning run,” Merkle turned from the base path and raced towards the clubhouse.

Modern fans know that even if a team scores on such a play, the runner should advance to the next base and tag it to avoid a force-out. The score is nullified on the force out.

Unfortunately for Fred Merkle, in 1908 this rule had not been enforced, especially when the winning hit traveled to the outfield. On September 23rd, it was different. Merkle was called out, the game was ruled a tie, a protest ensued and at the end of the season a rubber match was played for the Pennant because the mighty Cubs and feisty Giants had identical records for the season. The Cubs won the rubber match, the Pennant and the World Series.

Merkle was unfairly Christened "Bonehead" from coast-to-coast. Newspapers ridiculed him unceasingly. His image was liberally used in cartoons that depicted him as a dunce and a fool. His name became part of the day's vernacular; to "merkle" was to make a stupid mistake. He would go on to play baseball for 16 years, but the fans and the media never forgot or forgave him for doing something that most every other player was doing at the time. In his obituary, the play was relived. And what's really remarkable, is that even today, his story is told over and over again as a example of stupid play. There have been more than a few Merkle champions, but the shameful lesson is that once someone is so maligned and bullied, a reputation may be lost forever.

Merkle Today

Each year, the Merkle game is discussed in TV and radio booths, in newspapers and in other printed and electronic venues. Media contacts looking for a Merkle expert can write us here at Sporting Chance Press (lmj.norris@gmail.com) to set up interview time with Cameron who is happy to help explain the context of the game and what happened to Merkle during and after his playing career.

One of Merkle's greatest fans is David Stalker of Watertown, Wisconsin. Watertown is the birth place of Fred Merkle. David is a sports historian who has been instrumental in honoring many of baseball's greatest players from the Deadball Era. Here is the Facebook page that shows the monuments that David has put up. Here's a wonderful short piece on Fred Merkle written by David.

Sporting Chance Press author Mike Cameron wrote the book on Fred Merkle. Literally. We call it Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle.

You can get the inside scoop any time. Simply order Public
Bonehead, Private Hero at Sporting Chance Press. The book is also available at many public libraries throughout the country.

SCP Gives History a Boost like Ken Burns

2011-10-04T07:33:00.027-05:00

Ken Burns is doing a great thing for Americans. He is helping to make our history come alive in yet another superb documentary; this one is called Prohibition. Prohibition is a three-part documentary film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick that tells the story of the American law that set out to protect us from the tragic effects of alcohol abuse.

According to Prohibition's PBS web page, Burns newest documentary has a particular currency for us today: "...a compelling saga that goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, rum runners, flappers, and speakeasies...raises vital questions that are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago – about means and ends, individual rights and responsibilities, the proper role of government and finally, who is — and who is not — a real American."

According to TV by the Numbers the first part of Prohibition attracted 3.9 million viewers coming in well ahead of Burns "The Tenth Inning," a sequel to his masterpiece "Baseball" documentary.

Like Ken Burns and PBS, we at Sporting Chance Press are doing our bit (on a much more modest scale) to make history come alive. We published two very fine baseball books: The 10 Commandments of Baseball: An Affectionate Look at Joe McCarthy Principles for Baseball (and Life) and Public Bonehead, Private Hero: The Real Legacy of Baseball's Fred Merkle. Like Burns' documentaries, our books bring history alive by setting the historical context of important events and adding historic photos and mixing in great stories.

In The 10 Commandments of Baseball, author J.D. Thorne provides a personal look at baseball that keys in on Joe McCarthy's simple 10 Commandments. McCarthy's legend was great in the middle of the 20th Century as the legendary Cubs-Yankee-Red Sox manager who continues to hold the highest winning percentage in baseball. Thorne dusts the legend off and make it come alive with stories that illustrate McCarthy's maxims from the golden age of baseball. The historical characters who illustrate McCarthy's principles, are more colorful than comic strips and accessible to baseball lovers from 10 to 100. Short and sweet, The 10 Commandments include a selection of vintage baseball photographs from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It has been lovingly called a perfect "airplane" book that you won't want to leave on the plane."

Public Bonehead, Private Hero is another historic baseball book. In Public Bonehead, the author, Mike Cameron, a life-long baseball fan sets out to show baseball readers that not only was Fred Merkle a likeable, flesh and blood character, he was a scapegoat who was caught in the crossfire of an newly enforced rule and the muckraking press. Cameron sets the stage for the dramatic 1908 season and Merkle Game and it's aftermath. He takes readers back to the unique Progressive Age of Teddy Roosevelt, the Model T, the Wright brothers and newspapers at their most powerful peak.

Baseball fans are often appreciative history-book readers. The 10 Commandments of Baseball and Public Bonehead, Private Hero are written by fans, for fans. Both books are available at Sporting Chance Press.

Wheaton Connectons in Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout

2011-10-03T12:16:00.018-05:00

Patrick McCaskey's new book, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout includes numerous connections to Wheaton. Sports and Faith is McCaskey's personal chronicle of extraordinary people he has known who balanced sports and faith in their lives. Several of McCaskey's friends and influences were from Wheaton.

Reverend Wayne "Coach" Gordon is one of the "devoted and devout" whose ministry and connection to the author is depicted in the book. Gordon is a Wheaton College graduate and founder of the Lawndale Community Church and Community Center. He is considered to be one of the early pioneers of the community development movement and is a personal friend and mentor of the author.

The legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer Red Grange, the "Wheaton Ice Man" who brought star-power to the NFL and saved the league in its first early financial crisis is depicted. It was the author's grandfather and Bears' founder, George Halas, who signed an innovative contract with the first superstar of professional football.

Former four-time Olympic Speed Skater and Wheaton College graduate Nancy Swider Peltz is also portrayed as a close friend of McCaskey. Several of Peltz family members who also touched McCaskey's life are briefly portrayed including Nancy Swider Peltz Jr., who like her mother is an Olmpic speed skater.

Wheaton, known as the town with the largest per capital number of churches, is also home base to a couple dozen notable sports figures. Wheaton's impact on sports is much greater than its size would suggest. It's not wonder that McCaskey portrays several outstanding Wheaton residents in Sports and Faith.

Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout is available directly from the publisher at www.sportingchancepress.com and these fine stores:

In Wheaton:

Wheaton Religious Gifts
113 W Front St.
Wheaton, IL 60187

In other locations:

Bishop Lane Retreat Center
7708 E. McGregor Road
Rockford, IL 61102

C & A Inspirations
313 N. Mattis Avenue, Suite 112
Champaign, IL 61802

Christian Shop Ltd.
325 East Dundee Road
Palatine, IL 60074

Church of Saint Mary’s
175 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Holy Apostles Parish Bookstore
5211 Bull Valley Road
McHenry, IL 60050-7429

Holy Family Books and Gift Shop
1515 Palatine Road
Inverness, IL 60067

Lagron Miller
4517 N. Sterling
Peoria, IL 61615
[Country Cottage Kiosk LaSalle Mall –also supplied by Lagron-Miller]

Lake Forest Book Store
624 N. Western Ave.
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Little Way
50 Brink Street,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Love Christian Center
249 South Schuyler Avenue
Kankakee, IL 60901

Olivet Nazarene University Book Store
One University Avenue
Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2345

Our Lady of Perpetual Help
16708 S. Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477

Pax Vobiscum Book and Gift
227 S. Third Street
Geneva, IL 60134

Saint Anne’s Gift Shop
15160 S. LaGrange Rd
Orland Park, IL 60462

St. Mary of the Angels Angelorum Bookstore
1850 North Hermitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

St. Peter's Books & Gifts
110 W. Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602-4102

The Book Stall At Chestnut Court
811 Elm Street
Winnetka, IL 60093

Patrick McCaskey to Speak to Chicago Ancient Order of Hibernians this Wednesday, October 6, 2011

2011-10-03T11:23:00.018-05:00

Chicago Bears Senior Director Patrick McCaskey will be speaking on Sports and Faith to the Ancient Order of the Hibernians Chicago Division #32 on October 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Edgebrook Golf Course, 6200 North Central, Chicago. McCaskey is the author of a new book, Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout published by Sporting Chance Press.

Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization founded concurrently in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May,1836. Its roots trace back to similar societies that existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. The Order provides a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from their ancestral homeland.

Image of Edgebrook Golf Course sign from Strata Signs.

Gabe Carimi and Dislocated Kneecap

2011-09-30T07:32:00.009-05:00

Several media sources, including a Chicago Sun Times article, have stated that Gabe Carimi suffered a dislocated kneecap in the Chicago Bears-New Orleans Saints game. I understand that it is the Bears policy to not get into specifics about injuries so we don't know for sure if this is the exact nature of Carimi's injury. However for those interested, here's a link to About.com's discussion on Patellar Subluxation and Dislocation.

Image is of Panini Threads Football Card

Sporting Chance Press is the publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine books.

Payton Book Stirs Up Some Dust

2011-09-29T12:19:00.009-05:00

Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton is a new book by Jeff Pearlman. Although the book has not yet published, it is getting plenty of buzz because the media has cherry-pit picked a few things from Payton's life that many of his fans (if true) would have preferred die in the Confessional box. In today's media market, it's hard to make a living without casting some dirt around. There are a lot more haters than lovers on the Internet and there is an absolute army of critics that attack most everything from both the right and left side of the fence--whether you are talking about politics, religion, education, or most everything else.

Some have suggested that the book may be a well-balanced account of Walter's life, but I guess we won't have a clue until the book is out and read. Ultimately it's the Man upstairs who will have a well-balanced account of Walter Payton life. I don't think He's sharing it right now.

I think in the end, little will change in light of the book, in fact Payton's legacy may burn even brighter when more people are exposed to all the good that he did and his courage during his illness. I'd guess most sports fans will not read the book at all, if anything they will probably read the "Cliff Notes" that will be coming out in Sports Illustrated. Just what the SI article focuses on may have more impact than the book itself.

It's always interesting when you think of how the average person's little victories and failings would put most people to sleep, but somehow when a celebrated person's life is examined, we are all-ears.

The Bears issued a statement in response to publicity on the book:

The Chicago Bears had the unique honor and privilege of having Walter Payton as a part of our organization for over two decades as both a player and board member. We believe his competitive spirit lives with us today. When we take the field each Sunday, we represent the great players like Walter who helped build the rich tradition of our organization. Nothing will change our feelings for a man we have the deepest respect for and miss having around Halas Hall to this day.

Connie Payton and her family also released a statement that essentially says what's being said in the book (true or false) changes nothing for them--they love Walter and he was a great dad.

I think most Bear fans would say the same thing--the book changes nothing.

Amen.

Bartman, Buckner and Merkle: Scapegoats "Catching Hell "

2011-09-29T08:08:00.015-05:00

It’s the eighth inning of game six of the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins. The game is being played at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are ahead 3 games to 2. Cub fans are more than hopeful, they are optimistic. Moises Alou chases down a foul ball hit by Louis Castillo popped up along the left foul line wall. As the ball drops, fans lean towards the ball and it glances off a life-long Cubs fan, Steve Bartman. Alou is unable to make the catch. He looks back at the fans in the stands and does a dance in frustration.

The game continues. Castillo returns to the plate and takes a walk. A series of hits, walks and Cub miscues blooms into an 8-run Marlin rally and win. As the game ends, fans turn on Bartman who needs to be escorted out of the park. Garbage and curses fly at Bartman as the cameras roll.

The Cubs are demoralized. In the final game of the series, the Cubs lose 9-6 with Kerry Wood at the mound. The Bartman game and incident lives on and on. Bartman plays the scapegoat for the Cubs collapse. As Cubs fan always do, the Bartman game is added to the dozens of key Cubs historical incidents that are hotly debated. Another Cubs incident lives out in the collective consciousness of Cubs fans never to be resolved one way or another. Bartman is scarred and shies away from any publicity.

Catching Hell

The Bartman game is relived anew these days with the release of Catching Hell a film offered up this week in ESPN’s 30 For 30 Series. Catching Hell is directed by Alex Gibney. Gibney knows baseball fan pain as a long suffering Boston Red Sox fan. (In addition to Boston's almost Cub-like history, this year the Red Sox came into September with a 9-game lead in the wild card hunt. The Sox were shut out of the playoffs with a horrific month-long nose dive that culminated in a ninth inning loss on September 28.)

In Catching Hell, Gibney examines sports curses and scapegoats in baseball taking a close look at the Bartman game and its aftermath—and examining the Bill Buckner incident. ESPN’s web page for Catching Hell.

For Chicago Cub fans, the film has opened up an old wound and has also shown the dark side of the “Friendly Confines.” Perhaps Wrigley Field will never be looked at the same way, at least by those outside of Chicago who can now witness the shameful reactions to Bartman’s attempt to catch what he and others around him thought was simply an out of play foul ball.

Scapegoats

At Sporting Chance Press, we like to champion Scapegoats. After all, a scapegoat is simply someone who takes the fall for others. There were a number of well-paid Cubs involved in the 8-run rally and subsequent loss the following day that took out the Cubs in 2003. For fans, it just seems more appropriate to try to place the blame elsewhere, thus we have Bartman as scapegoat.

It's important to remember that a scapegoat is someone who takes the punishment for others. In this sense Bartman continues a long tradition that is as old as the Old Testament; some suggest that it's even older than that. When you see the Castillo popup on film and you see other people leaning over to do the same thing that Bartman did, it doesn't take a genius to know that the rules of baseball etiquette are a little murky at best for the average fan. There's a also the fact that Catillo's ball was very close to being unplayable altogether. Perhaps a lot more Wrigley fans hesitate when a ball comes their way today.

Many say Bartman should have known better. That may be true. But, let's not forget that when you chase a ball in a ballpark, typically it's more of responsive action than a thinking one. Who can forget that one young father fell to his death this year leaning over to get a ball for his son. Bartman did what came natural to baseball fans and sometimes the consequences are rotten and ill-deserved--and tragic. In his case, my thinking is more along the lines of "but for he grace of God" I'd be right there with him as opposed to calling him a fool.

Fred Merkle Our Favorite Scapegoat

Many fans know the biggest scapegoat in all sports was not Barman nor Bill Buckner, but Fred Merkle. Fred Merkle remains the most famous scapegoat in sports history although the Merkle game was over a hundred years ago. The Merkle game took place on September 23, 1908, and barely a day goes by when a blogger or someone in the media does not recount the story or make a reference to “Bonehead” Merkle. Our book, Public Bonehead, Private Hero, recounts the Merkle game and its aftermath. It’s a must-read for both sports and history fans.

History keeps repeating and you have to wonder if we ever get any smarter. It’s likely that Bartman is aware of what Fred Merkle suffered at the hands of media and fans because Bartman has suffered a similar fate essentially for doing what most everyone else in his circumstance would have done. Merkle's lesson for Bartman however, is rock-solid. You get up, dust off your shoes and get on with life. Merkle lived through World War I, lost his savings in the Great Depression and struggled to make a living through World War II. As if that wasn't enough, there was always some knucklehead around who wanted to call him Bonehead. My hope and prayer for Steve Bartman is that there are a lot less knuckleheads around who want to call his number after viewing "Catching Hell."
Copyright 2011, Sporting Chance Press

Chicago Bears Middle Linebackers: "Defense by George"

2011-09-28T11:31:00.024-05:00

Chicago Bear fans love their defense. If the number one goal of the Bears franchise is to beat the Green Bay Packers, certainly the number two goal is to field an awesome defense. This hasn’t changed as far as we can tell at Sporting Chance Press.

An awe-inspiring part of that defense has been the gifted linebackers who have played in the navy blue and burnt orange. The middle linebacker has been the most glamorous (if you can use that term in football) defensive position. Modern fans have enjoyed watching Brian Urlacher since the start of the new millennium. Before Urlacher, fans remember the great Mike Singletary who played from the 1981 season through the 1992 season. Barry Minter was a bridge between Singletary and Urlacher, playing steadily as starting Bears middle linebacker from 1994 into the early part of the 2000 season.

Almost a decade before Singletary, there was Dick Butkus who played from 1965 through 1973. And before Dick Butkus, there was another great middle linebacker. But the man who Butkus replaced, Bill George, is no longer a household name as are the more recent stars, but he is someone worth remembering in the genealogy of Bears players. George was one of the all-time best. He played for the Bears from 1952 into the early 1965 season when he was injured and replaced by Dick Butkus.

Urlacher-Singletary-Butkus

Urlacher was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler. Urlacher continues to impress fans for his power and speed. Commentators often talked about how Urlacher could cover receivers who were considered too fast for linebackers. Urlacher’s best on the 40-YD Dash is said to be 4.5 or even lower by some accounts. Mismatch was not a term used to describe Urlacher covering an opposing receiver. While he may be a little slower in his 12th season, his speed and quickness still surprise runners, receivers and quarterbacks. His recent play continues to show an athleticism that astounds fans.

Singletary was intense and intellectual. Chicago Bear fans appreciated his punishing tackles, his heads up play and leadership more than his crazed looks that the national sportscasters and cameras seemed to love so much. Singletary had a talented group of defensive players around him who won the Super Bowl in 1985. He stood out as their leader. Singletary made everyone around him that much better. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Butkus will be remembered by many as one of the most intimidating players of all time and one of the most fun to watch. You could see the fear in the opposing team’s offense each time the ball was snapped and he was on the field. Number 51 played during a tough era for the Bears despite his presence on defense and Gale Sayers on the offense. The 1969 Bears went 1—13 for the season.

Yet, Butkus's career was stellar. During the Sayers-Butkus era, fans were treated to watching two of best players ever. Butkus is also endearing to Chicago fans because he came from humble south side origins and played his college ball at the University of Illinois. He epitomizes so much of what it means to play Bear football. Butkus was an eight-time Pro Bowler inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Most fans are too young to remember Bill George. His name doesn’t come up in a lot of conversations these days, but he was a one of the best and a trend-setter. George was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, a coalmining region. He played his college ball at Wake Forest University. He was drafted in 1951 and played middle guard for the Bears in 1952. He was a ferocious competitor and feared throughout the league.

In those days, the middle guard was usually positioned at the line. On a pass, he would make contact with the offensive center and then drop back and cover. George decided that the contact was slowing him down and so on a passing play, he would drop back before the play was underway. In this way he was able to fill the space better and disrupt the shortest of passes in the middle. Essentially, George’s middle guard position morphed into what we call today the middle linebacker.

The middle linebacker quickly became a position that required all the defensive skills rolled into one: excellent sure handed tackling, pass rushing, pass defense, shedding blockers, quickness and speed---and extreme toughness to take a beating and dish one out. The unique central position on the field, several steps back of the line, also gave the middle linebacker a fine vision of the field. The middle linebacker became the field general that “quarterbacked” the defense.

Bill George was an eight-time Pro Bowler who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. He was key member of the Bears great 1963 Championship team. Sadly, Bill George died in a car crash in 1982. Bill George is a middle linebacker to remember along with the other greats.

Copyright Sporting Chance Press, publisher of Patrick McCaskey's Sports and Faith: Stories of the Devoted and the Devout and other fine titles.