Protecting Their Investment

This is where we are at in sports, with players having a problem dealing with fame and fortune. Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant is the person that is in the media spotlight lately for what is called the “Dez Bryant Rules”. I really don’t know how to take this guys! In my opinion this is pretty sad that you have a young 23 year old player that is getting into so much trouble off the field that it is overshadowing his great talents. There was a reason why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took Bryant in the first round in 2011. He saw a potential superstar in him, but with his behavior being what it is Jones had to think on his feet. This is his prize and Jones wants to protect his investment. It’s that plain and simple. With Jones pride and ego, he won’t be the laughing stock of the league. Choosing the wrong player and ignored character issues isn’t what he will be answering, I tell you that.

We can point the finger on if these rules that are placed for Bryant is called for or even appropriate, but we all know that he needs help. What I’ve heard is that he requested this. Bryant wants security at all times, doesn’t want to drink alcohol and wants to leave the strip clubs behind (Bleacher Report, 2012). I can respect that he knows where he is falling short at. Many people aren’t alike and I know what many of you are saying “He is an adult and needs to man up”. I can agree to a certain extent, but we can say that about people who commit suicide. Why couldn’t they be strong enough and move on, but we are all made differently; mentally and physically.

I think these rules are a great idea because it will keep Bryant on a straight narrow and keep from not getting cut from the team. Bryant understands this is his last shot or he is out of here. The worst thing is to see him gone and with another team and succeeding. Man, doesn’t that suck ;) But on another note, Bryant needed to get out of those clubs and stay off the vodka. I read about him getting into an altercation in the winter with rapper Lil Wayne and recently allegedly hitting his troubled mother. This isn’t what we want to see and read about with sports figures. Controversy is a part of life and sports, but this? No man should be hitting a woman and even their mother.

This story sounds too much like an Allen Iverson or New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor behaviors. You can all see where it led these guys after their careers were over. Just a thought! I really hope the best for this young man and think that he will straighten up. He doesn’t have many options this season but to do it. Do you guys think that these rules are fair and will even work?

The Tribute: Get out the Way

Shaquille O’Neal was always considered a beast in the paint. I understand big men around the league were being competitive and felt that they could stop Shaq, but come on; really? This must have been a joke to think you were going to stop or even block Shaq in his prime. This man was shattering glass backboards and bringing down rims. Well as I always say, the picture says it all. D.J. Mbenga you have been posterized by the Big Cactus!

Trout is Only 21

For a young player that has just come on to the scene, Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout is nothing to pass up. He is making statements around the MLB that he wants it all, from award, statistics and a playoff run (Sporting News, 2012). Right now his Angels are fighting just to get into the playoffs. Trout was a steal in mid-season to run away with the AL MVP, but with his team struggles things are looking a bit shaky for his chase. However, there aren’t many other players in the AL that stand out as much as Trout does. Don’t get me wrong guys, there are some great talents in this league but Trout is the real deal.

I’ve been very impressed on his play and his maturity as a 21 year old rookie. I’m not going to sit here and say that I want them to get into the playoffs because we all know the Angels give the New York Yankees a hard time. This wouldn’t be good for the Yanks if they play them. I’m rooting for this young star to win the MVP because it hasn’t been done often; this will be the third time in MLB history actually. I will keep my eye on the AL and NL MVP candidates and see how it turns out. I see a bright future in this young player. Trout reminds me a lot of young Derek Jeter just with more hitting power.

Where are They Now: Latrell Sprewell

 

Retired NBA bad boy Latrell Sprewell has seen the highs and lows of basketball and life. This once superstar of the NBA had it all from the money, fans, yachts and homes. There was nothing that this swingman yearned for. Drafted in 1992 as the 24^th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, his future was bright. In his rookie season he came out gunning and making a statement to the league that he will be a star in due time. What over shadowed his good career was the 1997 incident with then head coach P.J. Carlesimo, where he chocked him for what Spree called it as he was being antagonized for not making better passes in practice. That was the black eye of his career.

Spree resurrected his career when he played for the New York Knicks where he led them to the 1999 NBA Finals in a lockout season. However, it wasn’t enough as the San Antonio Spurs not just beat the Knicks they slapped them around to capture their first NBA title led by David Robinson and young Tim Duncan. I can definitely say when Sprewell was playing in the league he did give it his all and left it out all on the floor. Spree was known for his great defense and a consistent jump shot that he developed and mastered while playing for the Knicks.

It all came to an end when he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003, but Spree still flourished on the scene and led that team to their first Western Conference Championship. That wasn’t enough for Spree. He wanted even more and more money; even at 35 years of age a 3year/$21 million extension wasn’t enough. His quote was “This isn’t enough to feed my family”. If that isn’t enough to put steaks and shrimps on the kitchen table, I don’t know what is. So that is where his career ended in a money battle for top dollar for an aging shooting guard.

It just didn’t end there guys. Spree had so much money problems after his career that he didn’t know how hard he was going to be hit. His $100 million fortune was blown over his career and through his short retirement. Now Sprewell is soaking in his hands with two foreclosed homes and a massive yacht that was auctioned for almost $1 million. This is truly a sad story because at a time Sprewell was well beloved in New York and was the superstar that we needed when Patrick Ewing aged. I can tell you there hasn’t been another player to put on the Knick uniform that has taken his place on intensity and the will to win. Maybe Carmelo can be that, but we are still waiting. Tell me your thoughts of Sprewell and what he has done for the New York Knicks?

The Aftermath: Man Down

Retired NBA great Allen Iverson was known for his scoring prowess as a small guard, but his specialty was his devastating crossover. Many ankles have been broken when attempting to guard the Answer. Many teams had concerns of who was going to guard Iverson in the game? Then you would have a player that swore they could handle the task and say “I’m going to guard him, he won’t be crossing anybody tonight”. Hmmm as you see Michael Redd wasn’t lucky that night. Hands down the best crossover I have seen. Shout out to Tim Hardaway though for passing the baton.  

The Judge, Jury and Executioner

Where do I start with this one? This topic was long overdue guys. Roger Goodell the NFL commissioner is a tough disciplinarian. He doesn’t take his lightly as the commissioner and nor should he, but he comes across as a dictator and it rubs many players and ex the wrong way. When Pittsburg Steelers OLB James Harrison called out Goodell I didn’t pay it much attention. I just thought that Harrison was playing dirty and he just pissed about his fines. But other things started to pop up of how Goodell handles situations in the league and I can say he isn’t fair at all.

You have Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that is caught out there with accusations of rape or other kinds of women dealings; not once but twice and he only gets the minimum of a suspension. I just feel that players should get the utmost fair treatment. Yes, all situations are different, but rape? Come on! We can go back to the New Orleans Saints bounty allegations and you can see that Goodell laid the hammer on this team and suspended everyone except the water boy.

I just feel that Goodell is so out of touch with the league and where it should be. He is a great businessman and he wants to at least double revenues in the next decade by having a team like the St. Louis Rams to play in London consistently as a home team over there (Sports Business Journal, 2012). I give him that, but other than that I’m not sold on his practices. Am I alone in this guys? Goodell just has too much power as a commissioner and I think that the players should come together and correct this and demand changes in his system. The Fidel Castor of the NFL, I tell you!

The Tribute: Sorry Rodman

In Shawn Kemp’s heyday he was one of the most ferocious dunkers that we’ve seen in the NBA. High-flying ability you just knew to get out of his way when he was coming down the court. Some have tested him and they have failed dearly. Like I always say, the picture says it all. Dennis Rodman was one of those victims. Enjoy

Women in Professional Sports: Struggles they are Facing

 In sports today the power women are fighting for is equality and their just due to be considered athletes. The times are changing from a century ago, but there are still many that have their doubts about women playing sports. Women were introduced to sports just like their counterparts which are men over a century ago, but it was not ladylike to play sports. Many felt that they could get hurt easy and mess up their reproductive system. This made women all over the world fuming. They felt “Why can’t we play sports”? This was a great question to ask.

Now let’s look at today with the WNBA and this incredible sports league. Women have come a long way from the stone ages of no support to play sports, but they still are missing the fan base piece. They aren’t coming out to the games and being in the stands. The WNBA is averaging fewer than 9,000 people in the arena a game. These are terrible numbers! It isn’t the fault of the players or the league itself, it’s the people that don’t feel that women players are as competitive as men and some don’t want to see an attractive woman sweat. I tend to disagree and believe that there are many women players that can compete at a higher level than some men out there in professional sports. Just a thought!

Experts from around the world put in the minds of so many people that if women play sports they would damage their organs from physical play. Women athletes even started making their dissatisfaction about their pay and salaries. Through the decades of women’s sports, women weren’t paid the same or even close to men athletes. This wasn’t a fair practice and it still goes on to this day. Let’s look at a player in Tiger Woods who cashes in on golf tournaments and I mean cashes in. Tiger is making a couple of millions from the tournaments but most of the money in endorsements. Many women players could barely break the bank in endorsements like men athletes.

I’m even going to bring you guys back to a time in when President Richard Nixon was in office, he signed Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, which states that any educational program receiving Federal assistance can lose its funding if it discriminates on the basis of sex (River deep, 2000). This was a strong turning point for women sports. With many stereotypes facing women decades ago someone had to do something about this issue and make changes.

Here is the biggest problem and issue in women’s professional sports. Many people want to support the athletes and the leagues they play in but they need to ultimately win. For instance in the LPGA there are many attractive women golfer and they are good, but you have players from other countries coming in and winning the championship. This has been going on for years and when this happens you lose your audience (ESPN, 2009). Women sports have come a long way from the old charm school for proper etiquette with hair being put back together neatly even through a rigorous game. Women are strong and here to stay. How do you think women’s professional sports will get more exposure and have equality?

This is What we got Until 2016?

As we all know in sports it’s all about supply and demand. In my eyes and many, no player is worth over $100 million. However, they are being paid that and then some. I have no problem with that when you are great. Then we have New York Yankees Mark Teixeira who has been productive consistently with the club for the first 3 years with over 30 home runs a year and over 90 RBI’s, but he struggles majorly. What I mean by that is that in the playoffs he isn’t getting it done. He tends to become a flop when the bright lights are shinning. This is a man that has 8yrs/$180 million contract until 2016. For the money is getting paid, he struggles a lot being struck out at the plate so many times. The picture says it all guys.

Every year since being with the Yanks he is has a bad batting average around .250 mark. That isn’t going to get it done in New York and he they want to win another World Series, Teixeira has to step up and bat better and come up strong in the playoffs. The guy has power and can knock the ball out the park in an instance. He is a great defender and a gold glove caliber player and that is something that we need on the team, but when you are making over $20 million a year we want more and I mean a whole lot more.

Not many people are speaking too much on his struggles this season because the concentration has been shifted to Alex Rodriguez or the steroid use of players, but I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on him and not pleased on what I’m seeing. Are you guys seeing the same thing and what do you think about him as a Yankee? I would love to hear you out.

The Tribute: This is Mean

Joakim Noah gives Carlos Boozer a facial. The picture says it all guys! I guess that’s why Boozer came to the Bulls because he didn’t want to go through that anymore with Noah. I’m telling you all it took me a while to find a facial dunk and this won for the week. I didn't know Noah had it in him. Enjoy

Blacks in Hockey

The sport of hockey has been known to be the white man sport and for the most part it has been. Several years ago that all started to change in the NHL. Blacks started to enter the league with much talent but a lot scrutiny to follow. Till this day they aren’t accepted by many of the fans that follow the sport. Philadelphia Flyers Wayne Simmonds was welcomed to an Ontario, Canada game with a banana peel thrown on the ice at him (B.E.T.com, 2011). When I heard and read about this story it really bothered me because I’m an African American & Hispanic man so that hit a spot. That is more than racist, its straight evil! No question about it. Growing up in the Bronx as a kid you either played basketball, baseball or football. The only hockey I knew about was hearing about Wayne Gretzky. It wasn’t popular at all in my neighborhood or just any urban one at that.

I must say that I’m proud to see African Americans playing in the NHL and being open to all sports and not the regular basketball or football outlet. Many of the players are residents of Canada and it’s mostly ice out there, so that is their sport. I have a good friend that told me that this would be a great topic to look into and write about because he follows my work and thinks that this will open up some eyes. He was right! I think that these African American hockey players are the lost and the forgotten. They aren’t getting the credit that they deserve as being the ones that will transcend the sport and open up the doors for more minorities in the sport.

I have a better appreciation for what they are doing on the ice. They aren’t just playing this sport because they love it. They are playing because they want to change the game just like Jackie Robinson did in baseball decades ago. Don’t get me wrong guys; they are being well compensated for by playing in the league. Simmonds just signed an extension with the Flyers for six years at $4 million annually. I don’t see in the future that hockey will have a major with minorities entering in the sport, but the ones that do they have to represent to the fullest. Do you guys think that hockey will let more blacks enter the league in the next ten years?

The Tribute: Stoudemire Doesn't Play Games!

I wanted to give a tribute to the posterizing dunks that we have seen in the past. Amar’e Stoudemire’s dunks are ferocious and people know to get out of the way. Check out the picture, it says it all. Richard Jefferson didn't know what he was getting into when he tested Stoudemire leaping ability. More posterizing slam dunks coming soon! Stay tuned people.

It's Time to Put up or Shut up

Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson is one of the best wide receivers in the game today. With his quickness and speed he is undeniable hard to defend. However, Jackson is known as a diva and when he doesn’t get his way he becomes a T.O. in the locker room. When I first heard of this kid and the stories about how good he was I had to see him in action and might I tell you I was definitely impressed. Jackson and those hated Eagles lost all respect from me when they considered themselves the next dynasty and Dream Team. They haven’t won anything for them to even say or consider it. I do understand as a team you have to be confident and have some bravado, but this was a mess waiting to happen.

Jackson needs to put up or shut up this season. Nobody wants to hear his complaining about money or his non-field production this season. He opened up many eyes of his non-team player attitude last season. We understand you have to get paid, but you can’t go out on a tyrant and not show up. He was pitiful last year just like the rest of his team. I really feel that you Eagles fans have another Allen Iverson on your football team. A lot of talent but hardheaded and a prima donna!

Jackson is a player that the game doesn’t need as a face or in the league at that. Many people get too caught up with talent that they lose focus on what the league and game stands for. It stands for integrity and class. Many of these players today lack all of them. They are just out for themselves and the paycheck. Years ago players were all about team and would have done anything to win a game. Jackson is too worried about a rap career and launching a record label. Listen here; stop trying to take care of the neighborhood. You don’t owe them anything! That is how many athletes become broke when they retire.

Even Michael Vick feels that Jackson has a lot to prove to the fans of Philadelphia and the league. Too much talking and not enough winning! This team is good and I can see them doing damage in the NFC conference with the talent they have on the team, but some of these personalities on this team has to come to some kind of reality check. I just can’t wait for the New York Giants to play them and crush their spirits and playoff hopes. That will make my year. Promise! Any thoughts about DeSean Jackson and his contributions to the team?

The Team to Beat in 2012-2013 Season

With the acquisition of Dwight Howard, the Los Angeles is the team to beat in the NBA; forget just the West. This brings them to another level that we haven’t seen since the Shaq & Kobe days. Howard is a great big man in the game and the most dominant at that. I know that the Miami Heat just won the title and will be the defending champions, but the Lakers are deeper than them. Matchup wise I think the Lakers are going to dominant the NBA. It’s very hard to say because I’m a Knicks fan, but I understand what’s in front of me.

I’m just glad like all of you that the Howard drama is done for now. Who knows what the next drama will be with him, maybe this upcoming 2013 free agency. He will become a free agent and God knows what his next move will be. Many experts think that he will re-sign, but I think that he won’t. If Kobe was younger he would of, but he is at the end of his career and Howard said that he wants to win titles.

With Nash at the point, even though he is 38 years old he will give you a good two seasons of great productivity. This is a great fit for Howard for the short-term. The reason is because the starting line-up for the Lakers is old guys. Howard is going to milk this thing like it’s no tomorrow. What he will do is restructure his image by winning and all will be forgiven and then he will ride off in the sunset with another team. I’m just scratching my head why the Orlando Magic got nothing back in return for the trade. They were really pressured I see to get this deal done, but they had better options out there besides a ball hog in Al Harrington. They will be a mess for years to come. Do you guys think that Howard will win his first title this upcoming season?

Where are They now: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was considered to be the next great in the NBA after Michael Jordan. The torch was going to be passed to young Hardaway, but with injuries sidelining him most of his career he never received it. Penny came out of Memphis with a lot of notoriety for being the greatest player to come out. Playing in Memphis State which is known now as Memphis University, Penny brought his team to the Elite Eight and racked up many different awards while doing it. In the 1993 NBA, he was drafted third overall by the Golden State Warriors, but then traded to the Orlando Magic for Chris Webber.

Penny flourished in his rookie season. Being a 6’7’’ and so versatile player, he couldn’t be stopped. He had Magic, Bird and Jordan in him all in one person. Many times through my teenage years I always heard “What if” or “Do you think that Penny would of”? Those questions still go through my head of what he could have been, but we live in a world of performing and moving on to the next big thing. Penny could have been one of the greatest players that we have ever seen play basketball. If you guys remember he starting the posturizing players like Shawn Bradley and others by dunking on them.

Today Penny is a retired NBA player that is giving back to an urban community to which he was originally from Binghamton. He understands the crime, drugs and violence that cover the streets every day. So he wanted to volunteer his time and give money to the middle school that gave him a chance, which is Lester Middle School (CNN, 2012). Hardaway is showing the kids just because you are from the ghetto don’t mean you can’t dream big and overcome your situation. Hardaway was once that kid growing up without a father in his life and left for his grandmother to raise him at the tender age of 5.

Hardaway might be retired from the game, but he still has the same fire today about basketball that he had over 20 years ago. He is giving that to the kids today and is stressing the fact about education and the importance of it. I totally love what he is doing for his community and wish that many other sports players would do this and look for nothing in return. Penny was one of my favorite players growing up and I know for many of you too. Hope you enjoy this issue and I have something for you guys next week on the edition of “Where are They now”. Tell me what you think about Penny Hardaway?

This is my Year: The Comeback 2012

Denver Broncos Peyton Manning had some uncertainty if he was going to be able to play football in the future, while dealing with major injuries to his neck. Remind you people, he had four surgeries to his neck. With those kinds of injuries is devastating not just to a player’s career, but their lives. Manning is committed this season to stay healthy and give it his all while he is in a Broncos’ uniform. Manning signed a mega free agent deal this off-season for 5 years/$96 million. He was definitely a hot commodity and prize for the league to swoop up, but the Broncos won the raffle. Broncos’ legend John Elway made a great sales pitch to Manning and he bit.

The future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players that ever lived will have some question marks this season and the rest of his contract. Can Manning stay healthy and not have his neck give him more problems? This is a tough one to answer guys. The only thing we can do is just wait and see how this story turns out. Manning is one of the most beloved football players that we have in the game. We want to see him succeed, but not another Super Bowl! Haha sorry Peyton. However, hoping for an electrifying season for Manning and maybe some record-breaking numbers can cure all things.

Manning is a much decorated player that doesn’t have much to prove to us, but himself. He wants to challenge himself that he can stay on the field and win another Super Bowl. Manning already has one championship and four MVP awards. I’m very excited that Manning is back to playing football. The only thing that we’ll have to get use to is that color uniform. It just doesn’t look right on him. I guess we were just use to his white and blue colors in Indianapolis. Manning’s progress will take time and the fans need to be patient with him and understand he is coming off a season ending surgery. But this league is a win now league, so we have to see how this season turns out.

I think that whatever situation Manning is in, his team automatically becomes a championship contender. The Denver Broncos are a good team, but Manning makes them so much better. He makes regular players into superstars. Ask Colts great Marvin Harrison. Do you guys think that Manning will have a breakout year?

Fight Now or Never Fellas- Age is Catching Up

Guys, I have been getting so many questions recently on if Floyd Mayweather is going to fight Manny Pacquiao. I think that if they don’t fight by early next year, they won’t fight at all. It’s that simple people. They both are in their mid-30’s and on the downside of their careers. I would love to see this fight happen like everyone out there, but I’m getting very restless and just want the fight to happen or not. It’s that simple you guys! Mayweather just got out of jail last Friday and you know he is looking for the next fight of his career. But we all know it won’t be against Pacquio.

I don’t think Pacquio is scared to fight Mayweather. The whole issue was that Pacman wanted a 50/50 split if they fight, but Money Mayweather isn’t trying to hear that. Mayweather feels that he is the main attraction, which he is and only wants to do a 60/40 split. I can understand where he is coming from. Why give Pacman that kind of money when he isn’t the main attraction. Yes, Pacquiao is a great fighter, but Mayweather attracts more viewers. Let’s be real with ourselves. So many people order Mayweather’s fights because they want to see him lose. Remember he is still undefeated. This is something that we have never witnessed before; an undefeated boxer in his mid-30’s.

Now here is where the good part starts guys. Mayweather will and I say, he will beat Pacquiao and I think that he will knock him out. Here is why people. Pacquiao has speed and power and you know he will attack Floyd. Mayweather will take the attack and think of how he is going to drop Pacman and I think he will. Just a thought guys! What do you think will happen if they fight?

Is Phelps the Greatest Olympian?

18-time gold medalist Michael Phelps is considered as one of the greatest Olympians of all-time. He is also known as a shark in the pool. I can say that Phelps has done so much for his sport that he will be missed for years to come by many. Phelps is more than great, he is transcendent. At the age of 27 he has accomplished so much and he feels that he can conquer more things in life. Phelps has told many reporters that he is going to retire from Olympic play and this will be the last swim. I can tell you guys, he definitely went out in style.

Before we place Phelps as the greatest Olympian of all-time, we have to remember the greats that came before him. To start it off, America’s own gold medalist Jesse Owens; becoming the first African American to win a record of 4 gold medals in track and field in 1936 (Fanbay, 2004). The Olympics was held in Germany at that time and this was the time of Hitler. Whoa! Larisa Semyonovna Latynina from the Soviet Union was arguably the best of the best when it came to Olympians. Latynina won a grand total of 18 medals in gymnastics. I don’t want you guys to try to pronounce that name. I had a hard time myself. So you see, giving praise and respect to your history can make you appreciate the present and Phelps is that.

I can truly tell you that watching Phelps in this 2012 Olympics in London has really showed us how we want our American athlete to be. When Phelps is in that water he is competitive and fierce. That’s what it takes to be the best in your sport. I’m happy for him and hope that he will be in Brazil in 2016. Maybe a comeback?

Last Season Wasn't Luck - I'm Going to Salsa Dance Some More

New York Giants Victor Cruz came on to the scene last season and became one of the most popular player’s in the league. Cruz has taken this league by storm. Cruz set a franchise single-season record with 1,536 receiving yards. What a year he had! Many fans fell in love with his salsa dancing that he did in the end zone after a touchdown. With the regular season in front of us, Cruz is anxious to get back on the field and show the doubters that he isn’t a one hit wonder. I’m here to tell you guys that he definitely isn’t that. This boy can really play. That’s to tell you when you’re fully healthy you can see the best out of a talented player.

I can see Cruz reception yards taking a dip, but not by much. When he is defended by the opposition, he makes it very uncomfortable for them. Many defenses have trouble with him. They know if he gets an inch, he will run a mile. That is how fast he runs. Every time Cruz caught the ball he looked like a running back getting into that end zone. Many thought last year was his breakout season. I think this year will even be better of a season for him. I think Cruz will have more touchdowns and pull his team together to win more regular season games.

The goal is to win another championship for the club and all of the players understand this and knows what it will take. It all starts with the Manning-Cruz chemistry. The Giants have a lot of weapons on offense and Cruz will be leading the charge. Cruz has a lot to prove this season that he is here to stay and the Giants didn’t make a mistake on giving him this great opportunity to be our number one receiver. When Cruz is on the field you can see the difference between him and other players. He has that fire in his eye to beat you. Not many have that eye of the tiger attitude. Can’t wait for the season to start guys and I hope you are too. Do you think that Cruz will have a big season?

Slugger Passes Sosa: Next Stop Sixth Place

Baltimore Orioles Jim Thome is one of the most liked players in the MLB. Since breaking into the league in 1991 with the Cleveland Indians, the 41 year old player has been smacking home runs. Last month Thome passed the alleged steroid using Sammy Sosa for 7^th place on the all-time home run list. Thome hit number 609 and feels that he can go after Ken Griffey Jr.’s 630 home runs. If Thome can get to the feat he will be 6^th all-time. With a struggling year because of age and injuries, Thome is just happy to be playing baseball.

I remember a few years ago when he played for the Chicago White Sox, many experts were questioning if Thome is a Hall of Famer. I’m here to tell these so-called experts that you guys were totally wrong. Thome is a man-child in his heyday. Pitchers were scared to pitch to him because they knew it was going over the fence. I’ve been following Thome since the 90’s and he has always made me nervous when he went up against the New York Yankees.

This is the type of player that you want to see great things for him. Every team that he played for had nothing but great things to say about Thome. This is very rare to see in sports. With attitudes and high egos, testosterone plays a big factor in team chemistry. I can say that Thome from what we know has done it the right way without the use of steroids like many of his old counterparts. So it is refreshing to see a player of his caliber hit those home runs for the fans that followed him his whole career. Great job Jim! We baseball fans and sports fans want to see you break Griffey’s record. In the end people, records are made to be broken and I’m a huggggeeee Ken Griffey Jr. fan. Do you guys think Thome has enough in him to do this?