Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Robert Ford

I had the privilege yesterday of meeting Bob Ford. Bob is a sports columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and a damn good one at that. He is a perfect example of how an exceptional writer can transcend the sports he writes about. He's not an imposing figure, in fact you would pass him on the street and never take notice. He's an everyday guy who shares something that so many of us are guilty of: being fans of the game. Starting off beat writing for the local teams, he has earned the top prestige a writer can achieve at a paper, the title of columnist. He is responsible for printing such articles including the infamous and controversial Charles Barkley article where Barkley was quoted as saying after a tough loss, "This is the kind of game that makes you wanna go home and beat your wife." While Bob admitted it came in the heat of the moment after a difficult defeat, he even offered Sir Charles an opportunity to take it back. When the 76ers forward, refused, Bob did what any journalist would, print the story.

As he spoke, I was enamored with his candidness as he revealed cycling was his favorite sport and how his dream is to cover an athletic contest in Palio, Italy where members of each village race horses among other contests for bragging rights and village supremacy. I asked him several questions regarding journalism as a business and he was brutally honest in his responses. He joked at how some people read his work and say, "Well that story wrote itself." He said he can't wait for the day when he can turn his laptop on, step back and say, "have at it". No story writes itself and Bob is tremendous at what he does because he takes the time and pays attention to every detail as he compiles others' thoughts as well as his own in an effort to entertain some of the most brutal fans in sports. Let's face it, the city of Philadelphia is rarely forgiving and Mr. Ford has managed to win over this fickle crowd with the gift he was given. My conversation with Bob had a powerful impact on my dreams and desires to be a sports writer and I thank him for taking the time to spread his wisdom on me. I encourage everyone to read Bob's column in the Philadelphia Inquirer and also at http://go.philly.com/bobford

My Preseason Predictions

2008 MLB Preseason Predictions

Division Winners
AL EAST: Boston Red Sox
AL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers
AL WEST: Los Angeles Angels
AL WILDCARD: Cleveland Indians

NL EAST: NY Mets
NL CENTRAL: Cincinnatti Reds
NL WEST: San Diego Padres
NL WILDCARD: Philadelphia Phillies

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera
NL MVP: Chase Utley (Although Hanley Ramirez will have the best offensive numbers but be penalized by his Marlins' lack of success)
AL CY YOUNG: Roy Halladay
NL CY YOUNG: Dan Haren
AL ROY: Evan Longoria
NL ROY: Kosuke Fukudome
AL MANAGER: Joe Madden
NL MANAGER: Dusty Baker


You heard it here first. Boldest prediction: CC Sabathia traded at the deadline, yet Indians still march into the playoffs!

Set The Record Straight

Just so there are no accusations of band-wagon jumping or flip-flopping, I will state my affiliations with each pro sports league now, so future references cannot be called into question.

MLB - Cleveland Indians
NFL - Cleveland Browns
NBA - Boston Celtics
NHL - Pittsburgh Penguins

It should be known that while these teams are officially my teams, I do live 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia and root heavily for each Philadelphia team (76ers, Eagles, Flyers and Phillies)

3 Greatest Words in Sports

The Super Bowl is over and I have to say, I had trouble getting the bitter taste out of my mouth. I feel cheated. For months we were led to believe we were witnessing history as the undefeated New England Patriots were poised to complete the greatest season in football history and finally banish Mercury Morris into insignificance. Then, the unthinkable happened. Eli Manning orchestrated a tremendous fourth quarter comeback culminating with a perfectly placed over-the-shoulder touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with :37 seconds on the clock. I looked at my roommate Nick and said, "They left too much time, Brady will get it done." Nick echoed my sentiments as we prepared to witness history. I was so confident that I waited to pick myself up off the couch and make the twelve step trek to the fridge for another beer. I waited to call my bookie and arrange for payment of the many (and I mean many) prop bets that I had won. I waited to call my father, who I always call 3 seconds after a major sports championship is decided. I waited to call my NY Giants fan friends and gloat at how Eli will never win the big one. And instead, the Giants front seven did what they did the entire game, pressure Tom Brady. Brady had no other option than to launch up a few prayers that all, ultimately, went begging. And as the clock read triple zeros, the unthinkable had happened. The New York Giants had defeated the mighty New England Patriots on the ultimate stage.



Disgusted, I immediately said aloud, "How long 'til pitchers and catchers report?" Which brings me to my next point: There are no 3 greater words in the English language than "Pitchers and Catchers". Those three words can single-handedly lift even the most down-trodden of spirits into euphoria. My calendar has had a countdown on it ever since my beloved Cleveland Indians were eliminated in Game 7 of the ALCS by the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Now, as we sit a mere hours away from the first Spring Training game, I embrace the frigid temperatures outside with the knowledge that a thousand miles to the south of me, pitchers are throwing BP, hitters are running poles, and coaches everywhere are spreading their tutelage to young, eager ball players. I know it's cliche, but it's officially time to say "PLAY BALL"