Friday, October 31, 2008

Greenwich Is Back On The Winning Side

I'm actually sitting at my desk...working...on a Friday night...Halloween, no less. In other words, I'm keeping this short so that I'm no more pathetic than I already appear to be.

Greenwich beat Wilton tonight, 12-0, in one of the more boring affairs I've ever broadcast. The game had no flow, and no real drama. A few great plays here and there, like a catch and run by Ricky Riscica and some acrobatics by Rob Catalano.

So the Cards are 5-3 now; 5-1 in the FCIAC. Oh how that loss to Darien hurt.

I feel like I owe everyone an apology for my broadcast tonight. My partners were great as always. I was the weakest link. I couldn't find a groove. So my bad.

I'm going back to work now.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

More Movie Goodies

We got into talking about this movie, and specifically this scene at work today. So here. Enjoy.


Just for the record, I am NOT making any kind of statement about love. Though I will drop this into the Rule 55 department. Just because. It's all good.

Adios, Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix said he's quitting movie-making after his next film. OK, whatever. It just gives me an excuse to post this video of Pheonix as Johnny Cash, singing "Jackson" in "Walk the Line."

OK, it actually gives me a chance to show Reese Withspoon, who mesmerized me in that movie.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Phillies Win...Philly Chaos Begins

From the Philly.com blog comes the following post:
A crowd for people just took over a fire truck at Broad and Walnut. Thousands of people are massing here in Center City. Many are running down Broad Street. Meanwhile, thousands of fans are marching up Broad Street from the stadium area. Around the stadium, multiple small fires are being reported, with lots of bottle throwing and broken glass.
Yeah, I had a bad feeling about this.

Phillies Win World Series

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies for winning the 2008 World Series.

I've ripped Fox many times, but I thought their presentation tonight was tremendous, and for all of the Joe Buck haters (these are the people that want him to turn into Gus Johnson), you're out to lunch. His call, and their production, was understated. Buck allowed the moment to happen - that's the style I prefer - and they let the pictures do the talking. It doesn't take a coronary to make a call great.

Over on radio, I listened to Harry Kalas, the veteran voice of the Phils, who was given the honor of calling the clinching ninth. Nice work there, as he reported and responded to calling his first-ever celebration.

Kudos to all.

As for the Rays, they're young. I was rooting for them, but as I had said, I'm not heartbroken to see the Phils win it, for a number of reasons. The Rays' time will come, and hopefully it won't be at the cost of the Yankees.

With that, baseball is done. See you in 2009.

My Secret Identity


Gotta love this. Courtesy of the website for the new movie "Zack and Miri Make a Porno."

It gave me a good laugh. The "Indian" part is because that's the mascot at Mahopac High School. "Longview" is the street I grew up on. Those are a couple of the questions that I was asked.

We now return you to this strange night of baseball. The Phillies might just win the World Series.

UPDATE: And they just did. Congrats, Philly. Now behave yourselves!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Life, As It Should Be


When all is not right with the world, look at this picture. There it is. A father and a son, having a blast.

That's my boy right there. I defy anyone to tell me otherwise. Some can try to take my place in his life, but they will fail.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Kerblam!

Don't you love hockey?

Mike Van Ryn...meet Milan Lucic...and the TD BankNorth Garden glass.

Friday, October 24, 2008

I Don't Know What To Say

St. Joe's 47, Greenwich 7.

I'm going to bed now.

WHITE OUT!!

No, not that...


That!

(For the record, that's Penn State's White Out in the picture)

Earlier this week, Greenwich's Shane Kelly sent me a note on my Facebook page, asking me to announce to the world that tonight will be a "white out" at Cardinal Stadium. That is, all fans are asked to wear white to the game against the highly touted St. Joseph Green Knights. I've promoted it on WGCH all week, and am now making the announcement here.

BUT! In the interest of my credibility and objectivity, which occasionally gets questioned (I think unfairly but whatever, your mileage may vary), allow me to tell you that I'm wearing brown cargo pants, a light brown half-zip sweatshirt, and a white T-shirt underneath. Call it a compromise. I just think it's best for me if I don't go full-out.

I've told the rest of the WGCH crew that they can do as they wish.

More importantly, the Cardinals need a win. Desperately. A loss and they're all but done in the state playoffs. A faint hope, I suppose, but it's not realistic. They might still make an FCIAC run though. A win against that number two team in the MSG Tri-State poll and now they're cooking with gas, but it still might not help them in the state.

St. Joe's is 5-0 and has outscored their opponents 174-6. Wow.

Game time is 7:00. I have no idea what time the pregame show will start. Hope the sponsors don't mind.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Montage of Great Baseball Movie Moments

These seem to come from the batch of baseball movies from, say, 1984 to 1993. It includes "The Natural", "Major League", "Field of Dreams", "Eight Men Out", Bull Durham", and "A League of Their Own." They're all among my favorites. The use of the overdone "Centerfield" is tedious, but that's OK.

Great editing, and perfect for an October day as we get ready for the World Series.

The Bill Gonillo Five (and a Return of the FCIAC Five)

First, my Bill Gonillo Five vote will be like this:

1) New Canaan (6-0, last week: 1) - Beat St. Joseph 28-7.
2) Bunnell (6-0, 2) - Beat Notre Dame-Fairfield 38-20.
3) Darien (6-0, 3) - Beat Wilton 41-14.
4) Brookfield (5-0, 4) - Beat Straford 49-13.
5) Masuk (5-1, 6)- Beat Bethel 48-7.
6) Ridgefield (4-2, NR) - Beat Ludlowe 35-0. The biggest reason I've put them here over Staples and Greenwich is because they beat Staples and Greenwich.

Dropped out: Bethel

Now, my own FCIAC Five:

1) New Canaan (6-0)
2) Darien (6-0)
3) Ridgefield (4-2)
4) Staples (5-1)
5) Greenwich (4-2)

Number five would have been St. Joe's spot but the way they lost to New Canaan made me hesitate. Wilton, Trinity Catholic, and Westhill are the other 4-2 teams. For now, I'll take Greenwich, though they didn't bowl me over this past Saturday against Trumbull.

Oh, a note about this past Saturday at Greenwich. Mr. Sean Adams was in attendance for the Homecoming game and was treated like a king, beginning with a gift from Greenwich head coach Rich Albonizio (I'm not sure I'm allowed to divulge the gift, but let's say it was unique and special). Richie and Nancy Riscica, along with Dana DeSimone, allowed Sean to sit with them while Daddy was working, and put up with his countless trips to the port-a-potty (a pure sign of boredom). TJ Ostruzka, Wayne Gioffre, and other members of the Cardinals coaching staff were equally kind to him. My broadcast partners were tolerant (including when he'd come to Daddy while he was trying to call the game). George Chelwick (Cardinal videographer for nearly 40 years) pumped him up with chocolate. Tammy Kelly took him to get brownies. Lastly, Julia and Jenna DeVico talked to him, and Julia played catch with him. Brian Kennedy almost took him for a ride on his golf cart (maybe next time). I'm missing people, but it further proves the wonderful kindness of everyone at Greenwich High School, and why they've come to be part of my family.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Rays to World Series

The Rays have advanced to the World Series. I find myself flashing back to early February, when some fella named Eli won a big football game against another New England-based team.

I'll root for the Rays, but won't be heartbroken if the Phillies - who haven't won a Series since 1980 - come away with the title. Plus, as a guy who was a broadcaster for a Rays affiliate (anybody remember the Renegades?), I have an interest.

Oh, and sorry FOX. The ratings are probably going to be really bad.

And lastly, adios TBS, and Chip Caray. And Frank TV.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Sorry...Can't Help Myself

Sometimes I have to post these things...consider this "Rule 55" for today.

http://view.break.com/589346 - Watch more free videos

Cool Boston Hockey Celebrations


From Neil Best comes this fun piece of YouTube goodness, featuring the Boston Bruins and Bobby Orr, following their clinching of Lord Stanley's Cup in 1970.

Orr is probably my favorite non-Ranger (certainly my favorite hockey player not named Messier, Leetch, Richter, or Graves). Then again, the B's are my favorite Boston sports team.

I love the commentary from, among others, Dan Kelly (probably the USA's best hockey announcer ever) and Bill Mazer (who I once talked to on WFAN). Plus I love things that I've never seen before. I've seen Bobby Orr score the famous goal (do I NEED to explain it?) a million times, but I've never seen this. Cool stuff.

Get it? Cool? Hockey? Ice? HAH!

I think what I love most of all is how none of this is scripted. Now everything is organized. In hockey, they line up along the ice from goal to goal for the handshake. Here, they just gathered in front of the goal. It's real and spontaneous.

I'm alive in the wrong era. I'm sure you've gathered that.

God I wish the Boston Garden still existed. Have I mentioned that I'm saddened that Yankee Stadium is going away?

Harold, I completely understand if all of this makes you teary-eyed. I truly hope I'm in the room when the Bruins win that elusive Cup. Might not be this year though if the Rangers have anything to say about it.

The first part of this video, including the famous goal is here:

BREAKING NEWS!! MR. MET DECAPITATED!! CAN IT GET ANY WORSE FOR SHEA FAITHFUL!!???

Or something like that.

Eagle-eyed viewers saw something funky in the background following last night's Presidential debate at Hofstra.

Mr. Met is one of the few tolerable things about the New York's other baseball team. He's so amazingly cheesy and god-awful, that I can't help but chuckle when I see him.

In other words, he's SO not New York baseball.

I'm sure he's fine though.

Another Old Yankee is Gone: Tom Tresh Dead at 71


The title pretty much says it all. I know Tresh and Mickey Mantle were very close, and Tommy had a fine career.

From Bill Madden in the Daily News.
Tom Tresh, who burst onto the big-league scene in 1962 and won Rookie of the Year honors as a fill-in shortstop for the Yankees after Tony Kubek was called into military service, died Wednesday at his home in Venice, Fla., of a heart attack. He was 71.

The switch-hitting Tresh, who drew unfair comparisons to Mickey Mantle that he could never live up to after his standout first season in which he hit .286 with 20 homers, 93 RBI and 94 runs scored, was nevertheless a Yankee fixture in the waning years of their five-decade dynasty. In three World Series, 1962-64, he hit .277 with four homers and 13 RBI in 18 games, including a two-run homer off Sandy Koufax in the 1963 opener. In the 1962 Series against the Giants, he hit a game-winning three-run homer in Game 5 and in Game7, he made a great catch in left field to rob Willie Mays of an extra-base hit to help preserve the 1-0 clinching Yankee win.

More from PeteAbe here.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Off the Bench (or The Killer Has Time On His Side)

In my last post, I alluded to the usual lack of comments that are received here. Yet leave it to The Killer to start posting comments...just...because.

Based on this behavior, I should call this post "Odds and Sods" to poke some fun at Sean (or "he who shall NOT be called 'Seanie.'")

But I won't. He's Sean. He's "The Killer." I don't dare.

Speaking of Sean, the two of us tried to reconnect with an old friend twice - once via Facebook, once via LinkedIn. We're oh-for-two. Was it something we said?

Time heals all wounds, no?

Is there anything worse than falling asleep at your desk? Especially when, in reality, that "desk" is nothing more than a counter top in the middle of a fairly open area?

Spent last weekend in Pennsylvania at the home of Steve, Laura, Kendall, and my baby goddaughter Emma. Good times as always. A little crowded with the addition of several other family members (plus two dogs and two cats), but it's become a very relaxing place for me. I'll likely be back there in a few weeks, and very probably for Thanksgiving.

Oh I know, I have something to do Thanksgiving morning - Greenwich/Staples on WGCH at Greenwich High School (and it's becoming likely that it will be our last broadcast of 2008). Yet as soon as we go off the air that day, it looks like I'll jump on I-95 and head for PA.

On Sunday, the whole gang went to Eastern State Penitentiary, the legendary prison in Philadelphia. It's literally a city within a city, and was last used in 1971. Al Capone was there for sometime, and there area countless stories of ghost sightings. A must-see (but don't take children under seven, as they are not welcome).

My pictures from the weekend are here.

By the way, Sean (you know, "The Son") was not with me, and it felt weird. I'll decline to tell exactly where he was (don't make me invoke Rule 55).

Welcome to my "new normal." I just pray for his well-being and frankly, I ask you to do the same.

Well that's all from Happyland. I've had enough for one day.

Top 20 Movie Songs of the 80's

My inner 80's child always reads the blog Stuck in the 80's, produced via Tampa Bay.com.

Full disclosure - I went to the Tampa Bay area annually from 1969 to 1975 and 1980 to 1986. I returned for visits in 1989 and 1995. The Yankees hold spring training down there, and the one golf resort in the world that I care about playing at (Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club) is in that region. So that helps my love of this particular blog.

I'll get back to that region one day. But I'm way off the beaten path now.

Back on topic - you've got to know that if I'm posting the top 20 movie songs of the 1980's (as the title imples), then there's some love for a bar band out of the San Francisco area...and you'd be right! You've just won a free flux capacitor.

Behold the top 20, and review their list here:
20. To Live And Die In L.A. - Wang Chung (To Live and Die in L.A.)
19. Slave To Love - Bryan Ferry (9 1/2 Weeks)
18. Jungle Love - Morris Day & the Time (Purple Rain)
17. Together In Electric Dreams - Philip Oakey & Georgio Moroder (Electric Dreams)
16. Love Somebody - Rick Springfield (Hard to Hold)
15. Million Miles Away - The Plimsouls (Valley Girl)
14. Somebody's Baby - Jackson Browne (Fast Times at Ridgemont High)
13. Fame - Irene Cara (Fame)
12. Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles (Less Than Zero)
11. Man in Motion - John Parr (St. Elmo's Fire)
10. I Melt with You - Modern English (Valley Girl)
9. Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins (Top Gun)
8. Purple Rain - Prince & the Revolution (Purple Rain)
7. Footloose - Kenny Loggins (Footloose)
6. If You Leave - OMD (Pretty in Pink)
5. I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins (Caddyshack)
4. Power of Love - Huey Lewis & The News (Back to the Future)
3. Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (Rocky III)
2. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel (Say Anything)
1. Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds (The Breakfast Club)

Overall? Not bad. Now I can't not comment on a few things:
- "Fame", "Man in Motion", and "Eye of the Tiger" are either crazy-overplayed or just a cliche. I hear "Fame" or "Flashdance (What a Feeling)" and I have to avoid any violent urges.
- I prefer "Lets Go Crazy" to "Purple Rain" but it could have been "When doves Cry." Thankfully, it wasn't.
- I tend to think that "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is probably the ultimate 80's movie song (with maybe "Footloose" not far behind).
- I'm pleased with "Power of Love" at number four. I think it's iconic and it was nominated for an Academy Award (why did you people vote for Lionel Richie's painful "Say You Say Me"? WHY?)

OK, have at it. I'll expect the flood of comments to begin by the time the 1.21 gigawatts kick in.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Naples News

From our friend Rob Crowley comes this nugget about the Naples Golden Eagles. You might recall them...I was there to broadcast their game against Greenwich last November 9th.

91-0? Wow, that's Cochran-esque! I guess Florida needs to build in a Naples Rule or something.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Damn, Dan


That's Dan Orlovsky, the pride of Shelton, class of 2001. Dan led the Gaels to the 2000 Class LL Championship at the cost of the Greenwich Cardinals (a game broadcast on WGCH by two wonderful announcers who were very cold, standing on top of the booth at Ken Strong Stadium).

Anyway, Dan went from Shelton to UConn, where he was very successful, then was drafted by the Lions, and waited for his chance. He got it Sunday, and committed the above no-no. Oh, and the Lions lost by two.

Standing on the other side of the field on Sunday, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, was one Mr. John Sullivan...who was across the field from Orlovsky on the fateful day in '00.

Life's funny that way.

A Commercial Worth Watching

Check this out. Pretty cool...partially because it involves a Steeler.

An Idea

Despite this pesky full-time gig that I have (you know, the non-sports part), I'd like to get out and start covering more events in person. It's great to call games, but I hate the way that I'm unable to cover other sports and teams. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and now that I've got the go-ahead, I'd like you, my humble reading audience, to submit games of interest.

This means games related to WGCH and Greenwich. The schools in question can be...

From Greenwich:
Greenwich High School
Brunswick School
Convent of the Sacred Heart
Greenwich Academy

From Westchester County:
Port Chester High School
Rye High School
Harrison High School
Blind Brook High School
(plus maybe even Rye Neck and Mamaroneck...we'll see)

Perhaps even Stamford (Stamford High, Westhill, and Trinity Catholic).

I'm sure I'm missing a school or two. Let me know if I've forgotten somebody.

This is in the beginning phase, and the Greenwich schools get first priority, but if you really think there's a game that I should be looking at, let me know. Don't forget, I get my marching orders from the bosses, so they get final veto power.

Bill Gonillo Five

I'll keep it simple. I voted like this:

1) New Canaan (5-0)
2) Bunnell (5-0)
3) Darien (5-0)
4) Brookfield (4-0)
5) Bethel (5-0)
6) Masuk (4-1)

That's it. Discuss. Or not.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

I'd Like to Use a Lifeline

If you haven't seen the Tina Fey/Sarah Palin, Amy Poehler/Katie Couric video, here it is. After seeing it, one thing is offically clear:

Tina Fey is a goddess. Or perhaps the smartest, funniest person on TV. Not sure which.

For Steelers Fans

A must-see here.



Despite all their losing prior to 1972, this team has a great history.

Thanks to Behind the Steel Curtain for the link.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Yankee Stadium Closing Ceremony Canceled


So we're done. Other than a few remaining tours, the greatest building in all of sports is closed for business.

Kat O'Brien has the deal in Newsday. Apparently the Daily News had it first. Whatever. The folks at Newsday (well, Neil Best specifically) have been nice to me.
Yankees spokesperson Jason Zillo said on the cancellation: "The Yankees were considering having a charitable event at Yankee Stadium for BAT, however we realized the final event at Yankee Stadium should be a baseball game, which in fact took place on Sept. 21, 2008."
I'm torn. I wanted to see the old girl open one last time, yet the fact that I was there for the last event means something to me, and it was an amazing night(pictures are here if you haven't seen them).

I will offer this - Bobby Murcer was heavily involved with BAT, and that would have been reason enough to hold the event. So be it.

UPDATE: PeteAbe has some excellent thoughts:
It’s probably just as well. The Yankees weren’t going to do better than that did on Sept. 21 when Derek Jeter gave that his memorable speech and the team walked around the field after beating the Orioles.

Still, this underlines what a slipshod job the organization did all season paying tribute to the place. The countdown thing was a commercial gimmick that rarely worked. There was never once any sort of tribute paid to the football legacy of the building, the great boxing history, the music, etc. How did they not bring back any of the Giants and Colts from that 1958 game?

Here they are, Frank Gifford, Pat Summerall, Lenny Moore and Raymond Berry to throw out the first pitch. Would that have been hard to arrange? Here’s Paul Simon to sing the National Anthem, then show a clip of him doing Mrs Robinson in honor of Joe DiMaggio when he died.

For all sorts of reasons, 2008 was a season to write off for the Yankees.
Correct. 100% correct. The Yankees blew it in 2008. Big time. On the field and off. Shameful. It's like they want to downplay the great House because of the House that Greed Built arising next door. Sad.

One Change to the WGCH Football Broadcast Schedule


If I ever needed another reason to dislike the Boston Red Sox, it's this.

WGCH has decided to bail out of our coverage of this Saturday's Brunswick/Rye Country Day School broadcast due to a conflict with Game Two of the American League Championship Series. Thankfully we're keeping our commitment to carry the Greenwich/Ridgefield game on Friday night, and joining Game One of the ALCS in progress after we go off the air.

This decision takes money out of my pocket, so as such, I get grumpy. Plus any time local sports gets the shaft, I get really grumpy. Then add in the fact that it's the Red Sox, and I'm full-on ballistic.

Such is life. So I figured I'd spend Saturday with The Son. Nope - that doesn't seem to be happening. So I'm going to do something for the weekend. I have a couple of ideas...

Therefore, we've reached a second straight Rule 55 moment. Watch the following video of Eric Clapton, and if you don't know...IT'S A JOKE!!!

Really Cool You Tube Goodness

A coworker alerted me to this, and it is crazy cool. Imagine this band coming to your town...

I'm not sure I'd mess around with that lineup.

Oh, and I especially love the Elvis/Keith Moon exchange. Awesome.

OK OK OK...I've been missing. Lots to do, lots to say, lots to catch up on. I've not given you two weeks worth of Bill Gonillo Five's, for instance, and I didn't even vote in this past week's poll. Shame on me!

For the record, New Canaan is my number one, and Staples has tumbled badly.

I think I worried people enough that a certain carnival-driven blogger sent me a note on Facebook wondering about my well-being. I'm OK - just riding the roller coaster of life. I have these enormous high points (but know that a crash is coming...and it normally does).

As such, this just qualified for Rule 55!

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Stand Up, Chuck!


Priceless.

By the way, I'd do it for either side of the aisle. I have no rooting interest here.

Enjoy the debate tonight! I'll be flipping between that and baseball. Could be a picture-in-picture night.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

So The Playoffs Won't Be Boring Then?

Phillies win...Cubs lose...Manny homers.

Just another day in the NLDS, no?

Onto Anaheim, for Boston and LA of Anaheim of Orange County of Cali of the USA of North America...

Oh Haysooz Cristo, that means Matt Levine look-alike Chip Caray . I think I'd rather have Matt calling the game though.

It's nice to not have a rooting interest in the post-season. Sure, I don't want the Red Sox to win, but there's nobody else that I despise. I mean, I hate the Dodgers, but they have Joe Torre and Donnie Baseball, so the hatred is quite muted.