Baseball vs Football

Football season has started this weekend with the NCAA's first full week of games. The NFL begins next Sunday. The MLB is nearing towards the end of the season, with the teams duking it out for those wild card spots. Here's the late George Carlin's take on both sports:

George Carlin's Take on Football vs. Baseball

For the Love of Ball Card Collecting

Like many kids across America, I grew up with the obsessive hobby of collecting trading cards. It started out with Topp's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards (still had the rock solid sticks of gum back then), then Marvel Comics cards, and as I grew older I turned to basketball and football. I loved the anticipation of going to the ball card or comic book store to burn any allowance money I had on these plastic or foil wrapped treasures. The smell of printed comics, the feel of plastic coated cardboard, the obsessive drive to complete a set, and contemplating if I could afford any rare gems behind lighted glass counters are all fond memories to me. Even if you had the complete series of cards, the ones most sought after would be the 'chase' cards - holograms, transparent cards, jersey swatches, rookies, or autographed. This age-old pastime has evolved to some degree, as cards have become pricier and even more collectible. Here's a documentary short, called The Baseball Card Movie, that was shot in a ball card shop in Brooklyn that encapsulates the rush of trading card collecting.

The Baseball Card Movie

God vs. The Madden Curse

The cover athlete for the next Madden video game was revealed yesterday by EA Sports - Troy Polamalu AND Larry Fitzgerald. Setting aside the game mechanics and strictly the history of Madden cover athletes, Madden '10 is the first Madden game after the retirement of John Madden himself, the first cover with 2 cover athletes, the first cover featuring a wide receiver or a defensive back, the second cover featuring a defensive player (05' with Ray Lewis), the second cover featuring a player (Fitzgerald on NCAA 05) who has appeared on both NCAA Football and Madden (Shaun Alexander NCAA 01/Madden 07), and the cover with the most hair featured EVER.

Every year this whole Madden Curse discussion is brought up. If you're not familiar with it, since 1999 athletes instead of John have been featured on the cover and that season tends not to bode well for the athlete. ESPN just released a good Fact or Fiction article about the curse.

If you've seen either Polamalu or Fitzgerald on the field or in an interview, you've probably noticed their tenacity on the field is contrasted with their quiet and humble demeanor. It's rare these days to see such an attitude in the professional sports, especially an NFL defenseman or wide receiver. When asked yesterday about being a Madden cover boy, Fitzgerald commented that he and Troy are both 'firm believers in The Lord' and that 'The Lord controls your destiny.' It's great to see someone make an exclamation of faith in the face of superstition. You can check out that interview below:

ESPN-Fitzgerald's Not Afraid of the Madden Curse:

2 Loser Teams Take Different Directions on Their Image

The big news this weekend was the 1-10 Washington Nationals displaying a major uniform fail with the unveiling of the 'Natinals' jersey. Whoever made this goof-up may have just as well printed 'Expos'. Maybe in 30 years these can be throwback jerseys for a 'turn back the clock' game.


In other news today, last year's record breaking 0-16 Detroit Lions unveiled their new logo - a fiercer lion. They're trying to follow the trend of past teams in recent history such as the Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, and Bucs to try to improve their image and record. We'll see who the Motor City drafts this weekend, maybe they should look at one's ability to break dishes.

Boom! Happy Trails John Madden!

After a Super Bowl ring, 20 years worth of video games, and 30 years of booth commentating, Pro Football Hall of Famer John Madden announced today that he's calling it quits and putting down the headset from the press box. Gone is the overuse of the telestrator, trailer/bus, fear of flying, turducken, onomatopoeia, and ramblings about non-football related material during boring games. Although Madden's comments were often questionable and obvious, you never questioned that he knew football. He was always entertaining to listen to, I'm definitely going to miss him. He'll be replaced by Cris Collinsworth, who's emerged as a presence in NFL media and replaced Madden's voice in the video game. Madden said today that he "was one that always believed you never say you're going to retire before you do, because once you say it, then you've already done it in your mind and you've already quit." I think it's ironic he's retiring after his 'idol' Brett Favre finally retired. He should have said this earlier, maybe the Jets would have prepared for the aftermath a little earlier. I think Frank Caliendo's going to have to find a new schtick as Madden is his main moneymaker. Here's to hoping for more tough actin' Tinactin commercials.

ESPN-Madden talks on his retirement:


Boom! Tough Actin' Tinactin:


Madden on Madden 09:



MadTV-Frank Caliendo as John Madden for Vagisil:

Let the Madness Begin....

The NCAA Tourney starts today, the biggest basketball event of the year. Below I've posted the '94 documentary Hoop Dreams, following 2 kids from inner city Chicago and their path to collegiate basketball in hopes of one day making it to the NBA. In my mind this is the best sports documentary I've seen. Although the film's almost 3 hours long, it's quite extensive.

Who's Your Mamma Goes to Seahawks

Oregon State alum TJ Houshmandzadeh returns to the Pacific Northwest as he signs a 5 year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. We'll see if he becomes another WR who bites the dust with the injury bug. I hardly ever talk about the 'Hawks, but it's an excuse to show off the old commercial....championship.

Peyton Loses His Better Half of 11 Years

I'm not talking about his betrothed. After failing to restructure his contract, Marvin Harrison was cut today by the Colts. Marvin was scheduled to make $9 million this upcoming season but with his drop in production, age, recent injuries, and salary cap both parties agreed to part ways after trying to work something out. Peyton was quoted today as saying "I always will be indebted to Marvin for what he has done for my career." The 13 year veteran has spent his entire career up to today as a Colt and is #2 in career receptions to Jerry Rice. He's been the constant star player for the last 13 years. Manning's been around for 11, James only 7, Faulk only 5. Best wishes to #88 wherever he lands. There's talk of him returning to his hometown of Philly and playing with his college QB McNabb. I hope Marvin returns to Indy to retire a Colt.



Here's a bit from the NFL Network about Manning to Harrison:

Finally.......Maybe?

The 39 year old Brett Favre, for the second consecutive season, says he's retiring from the NFL and the game he loves. I think it was not really news this time when he broke the news today. My eyes rolled and I'm looking to next place he tries to sucker into taking him. I must admit this last season I felt bad for Packer fans who worship #4 since his departure from Green Bay. He kept Packer management sleep with one eye open for the last few years only for him to come out of retirement and make such as scene at training camp. I respect the all of his accomplishments as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time as well as all the things he's had to go through with his family, but that doesn't mean you drag a team you've played for 16 seasons with a town full of your acolytes through the mud.

Remember all the fanfare that occurred after this press conference?


After that rolled all his stats and retrospective of his illustrious career...then comes training camp. You know the rest of the story, he goes to the Jets and fall short of the playoffs which lead to the firing of Jets personnel. Had he played for a more forgiving team, he may still be lingering around. Retire his number already!

John Madden and Frank Caliendo will sure miss Brett:

End of the Season......

The 2009 Pro Bowl finished today, capping off the 08-09 NFL Season. Peyton led both divisions in passing yards w/ 151 and Reggie was second in AFC reception yards to only Tony Gonzalez. Colts defensive bookends Freeney and Mathis accounted for all of the AFC's 3 sacks. Now I go into football withdrawal until the combine.

Remember those NFL Network Commercials with players and coaches singing "Tomorrow?"

Here's the first one. Big Ben had the last laugh here as the next season he ends up winning his first in Super Bowl XL. Who would've thought Byron Leftwich(sitting in the boat with the fishing pole) would have won a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers?


Ha, Jerry Jones doing flips.

Super Bowl XLIII: Ad Aftermath

What an exciting game! Although I was hoping the Cardinals could break some history by finally winning one for their franchise, they definitely contributed to a memory making match-up against Pittsburgh. Many watch the big game for the commercials as this is the most watched game of the year. There seemed to be a ton of beverage commercials this year. Many of the movie trailers didn't seem to wow. I don't think there was one this year that completely stuck out as outstanding.

Here's some of my fav's from yesterday (no Polamalu with Coke Zero, I hate those Coke Zero commercials and that one wasn't any better):

Sobe Life Water in 3D
Silly commercial with Ray Lewis, Justin Tuck, and Matt Light(BOILER UP!) translated well to 3D with those glasses. Click on the video below and watch in HD with your glasses on youtube.


CareerBuilder.com
Upon several watches, this wasn't as funny as when it debuted but the repetition is still mesmorizing.


Audi A6: The Chase
Jason Statham plays wheelman to Audi's homage to the car chases of the silverscreen.


Bud Light: Conan's Swedish Commercial
Anytime you can get Conan on TV is great TV.


Cash4Gold.com
This is how you know this company's making off like bandits if they can afford a Super Bowl commercial - not sure if Ed McMahon or MC Hammer cost that much though.


Lastly, NOT a Super Bowl commercial but a great football related commercial that caps off the season: State Farm's LeBron James joins the Cleveland Browns.

Farewell Tony.....

We Colts fans will miss your leadership and quiet strength on the sidelines. Coach Tony Dungy's finally made the decision to hang up the headset after 13 years of NFL headcoaching and 7 years as the coach of the Colts. Coach Herm Edwards said today that Coach Dungy's priorities were in the order of "faith, family, then occupation." Tony's family had moved full time back to Tampa and his heart is for ministry. It's a bittersweet day as it's hard to see him leave, but I know he's doing something more influential in the lives of many in the next stage of his life. Best wishes and blessings for the next stage in life to the 3rd most winningest NFL coach, the 1st African-American coach to win the SuperBowl, and (of course) the first coach to bring home a Lombardi trophy to the city of Indy.

Video of Tony's Retirement Press Conference

NFL Films Retrospective of Tony's Career

Peyton on Tony's Retirement

Colts.....Ending of an Era?

It's been hard for me to keep up with football since the Colts' disappointing loss to the Chargers a week ago. Only a day after Peyton is crowned his third league MVP, sharing this achievement only by Brett "I don't know if I want to still play and I'll make you wait" Favre, the Colts self destruct again in San Diego. #18 proved to me why he was voted MVP in that game due to the collapse of the defense towards the end of the game as well as the inability to run the ball....plus the fact that he was able to recover this season from 2 knee surgeries (watch out Mr. Brady, they franchised that Trojans benchwarmer). Anyways, SI.com named Peyton one of the 8 greatest NFL quarterbacks of all-time. Peyton's come along way this season and it's too bad it ended so abruptly. I fear a huge proponent of his success may be gone to - Marvin Harrison. Peyton's aging better half of one of the greatest QB-WR tangents in NFL history is due a salary hike next season. Is the team going to cut him to make more cap room? Will he be willing to take a pay cut? Will Marvin's resurfacing legal situation with his gun in Philly get him a pink slip from Indy? Only time will tell, it's been a good ride while it's lasted.

Peyton's ESPN Sunday Conversation w/ Tom Jackson about his knee and his recovery

To Be Like Dungy

I geeked out and bought the Motorola X205 Gaming Headset for cheap off ebay this last week for my 360. It's a replica of the types of Motorola headsets you see NFL head coaches wear while pacing and spitting off the sidelines. Now I can look like my man Tony Dungy while I'm playing Madden or schooling hordes of Locust on Gears of War 2. It's a comfortable headset, and I'll take the circumaural headphone over the standard foam supraaural one that comes with the system.

The possibilities of this headset:

Home of Those Who Believe in Blue

Since returning to Indy, I finally got to visit Lucas Oil Stadium - home of the Colts, by taking the stadium tour with my dad and brother. Stops on the tour include the press box, a walk along the field, and the away team's locker. It's odd, since Lucas Oil is obviously slapped all over the stadium you can actually buy motor oil while you're at the game. Also, I got to see the remnants of the old Hoosier/RCA Dome. The rest of the stadium will be demolished this Saturday morning. It was a great experience, I really want to see a game here!

Back Home Again in Indiana

I'm back in Indy, it feels great to be back. Yesterday I went back to West Lafayette and indulged in some pleasures that unfortunately are not available to me in Seattle - White Castle and Chick-Fil-A. I had a great time with Mark, Dan, and Kristen eating White Castle burgers and all you can eat chicken nugget night at Chick-Fil-A. The picture above is an image of something I so strongly miss: Slyders, Fries, and Barq's Red Creme Soda.

Dan, I'm hoping you don't go through with this.....



If you don't know what White Castle is, maybe you have heard of Krystal - same little burgers. Here's the 2008 Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship:

To Philly....

Yesterday, the Philadelphia Phillies won The World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays in 5 games. The Phillies broke the City of Brotherly Love's championship drought, being the first major league team to win one since the '83 76ers. But great competition and rivalry has existed in Philly for a while, in the form of the Philly Cheesesteak. Sure you've had a form of the sandwhich in one way or another, but Philly's the place to get it. The original does not have provolone cheese or onions, just thinly sliced ribeye and Cheez Whiz - that's right, Cheez Whiz. Like the battle of the Ray's in New York City for pizza, the cheesesteak has locals and tourists going for the best in Philly. The two heavyweights are Geno's and Pat's. Pat's invented the sandwich, but Geno's claims to get the more celebrities as well as a better sandwich. Here's a clip about the shops, located across the street from each other:

Samurai Mike Sounds Off

This last Sunday marked Mike Singletary's first game as the 49ers' head coach. I'm excited to see this man finally get a head coaching job. I know his name was bounced around for a head coach position in the preseason, but never got it. The Hall of Famer and SuperBowl XX champion linebacker was the leader of one of the most prolific defenses in NFL history with the Chicago Bears of the '80's. Unfortunately, his first game at the helm resulted in a beatdown in their second division confrontation with the Hasselbeck-less Seahawks. Afterwards, Mike's press conference was a very stern one. Some in the media are calling it a tirade, but I see it as a stern call to action. I wish this guy the best, because the Niner's could have easily picked their offensive coordinator Martz for the job, who's been a head coach for many years and led one of the most pass-happy offense in the NFL's history with the Rams. Some great anecdotal footage of Mike can be found on NFL Network's America's Game site, with him recollecting the '85 Bears' season.

Here's the conference:



Singletary's great, I'd buy anything this guy sold - like these glasses:



If you want NFL coach tirades, here's some of the classics:


And who can forget Mike Gundy from Oklahoma State last year:

Hollywood-Worthy Football Commercial

Nike has just released a new commercial titled "Fate" for their Nike Football line, with their recurrent "Leave Nothing" tagline. It features LaDainian Tomlinson's and Troy Polamalu's path from birth to their eventual intersect on the football field in the NFL. The interesting bit about the commercial is that it was directed by David Fincher, known for films like Alien3, The Game, Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac and the soon to be released The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Love the music in this commercial, which is a remix of Ennio Morricone's score from Leone's The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.




UPDATE: Just after I posted this entry, I decided to watch last year's Nike "Leave Nothing" commercial with Shawn Merriman and Steven Jackson. I didn't realize that Michael Mann of Heat, The Last of the Mohicans, and Ali fame directed this commercial featuring music from 'Mohicans. I like Fincher's commercial better, less noticeable fake players - who really believes that the Patriot's QB is #4? (Even when Vinatieri was on New England, he had one pass during his 10 season stint in Foxboro)



Mann also directed the Nike Air Zoom commercial "The Plan":

Another Reason to Hate Def Leppard

I'm not a huge hockey fan, but Def Leppard was dumb enough to flip the Stanley Cup upside down.