A Guy Named "Chipper"

Well, nick-named anyway.

I have hated the Atlanta Braves for years. Their post-season failure (1995 is dead to me) always provided a lift to me. Why do I hate them? I don't know. Doesn't matter. I just do.

Unions And The NFL Ref Strike

As usual, I am tilting at windmills, but Jaysus H. Christ on a Popsicle stick, if ANYTHING can get Americans to THINK about labor issues, this should be the vehicle. This article is long and involved, and worth every second of your time.

Choice excerpts:

Why The Called Him "Magic"

This was the NBA when I was growing up.

It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over

ESPN's Top Ten Premature Celebrations:

Best Three Point Shot

I'm reading the excellent, extremely entertaining "The Book Of Basketball" by Bill Simmons. In it, he claims the following is the greatest three-pointer ever:

However, in looking for the clip, I found this:

Now, contestant number one was a game-winner, and clearly of greater significance. But which shot is more amazing to you?

I Hate Myself For Loving You

My relationship with the NBA began in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. The days of Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Riles, Chick, and the most entertaining pro basketball ever. Part and parcel of being a Lakers fan is having a deep and abiding hatred of the Boston Celtics. In those days, that meant D.J. (RIP), Ainge, McHale, Parish, and this guy:



As the years have passed, I have slowly come to realize that I didn't hate Bird (I hated the rest of them), I feared him. For good reason. Whatever shortcomings he has as a man and father, Larry Legend was one bad muther.

He Dunked HIMSELF

Wayne Gretzky

Today is The Great One's big five-oh. I'm not a big hockey fan, but this guy was other-worldly. Aside from all the records and awards and titles, he made L.A. care about hockey. Incredible. And speaking of records, one stat rises above all others, in my eyes:

Wayne Gretzky has more assists than any other hockey player has points. Damn, dude.



Happy birthday, very handsome Canadian man.

Magic Johnson

penetrating the lane like a bullet train
comes the magic blood a telepathic brain
knucklehead suckers better duck
when the buck comes through like a truck...

Crypto-Fascist Metaphor For Nuclear War

I'm rooting for:

Pittsburgh

and

Chicago.

I don't really care that much, and I have no basis for picking sides. How's that for awesome sports-related blogging?