Summer is over.

HEY, GUESS WHAT!!! Summer is over. Oh, I know it is only the end of August. And, – according to the calender – Summer has at least three more weeks of running time. However, it is also the first day of football season – scholastic and college. Now… THAT means summer is over. I’ve been looking forward to this day since the first part of the year… when the colleges wrapped things up with those seemingly-never-ending Bowl games. And, of course, there was the Super Bowl. Heck, I don’t even remember when that was played. All I remember about that day is that the Seattle Seahawks battered the Denver Broncos all over the place… without any effort whatsoever. And, now (actually this coming Friday, August 29^th) and Saturday (August 30^th) no less than 25 scholastic games will get things going in the Erie region. Add in a chunk of college contests beginning Thursday (August 28^th) and you have the best of all worlds. Yeah, I know the US Open Tennis contests is going on and that the ever-continuing golf tournaments are also being played… Plus a ton of other so-called sports events are getting into the record books. But – at least, according to this corner – the Wonderful World of Sports is now just that… because it’s football time. Oh, and don’t forget to add in the NFL. Those guys get their portion of the game underway next week – the opening affair featuring Green Bay Packers at Seattle in a Thursday night (September 4^th) battle. ESPN The Magazine says the SeaHawks will win 33-21. The Magazine, by the way, has predicted the score of every regular season NFL game. Who cares that it simply cannot be 100 percent accurate? It’s football season… and most of us sports nuts are happy. Euphoric even!!!!!!

IN THE “OUCH” department… the Erie Otters are in the process of opening their training camp. And, THAT – my excellent group of readers – means WINTER is also near. Brrrrrr…..

THE AAA IS predicting 34.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. I’m one of ’em. Only I won’t be driving. Anderson, the travel bus people, will be taking me and a host of others on a four-day trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and other places in that area… I am looking forward to that venture. But, because of that and the holiday, I won’t be around next week. Can you survive?

DIDJAKNOW that Mary Poppins a movie made in 1964 and one in which my kids couldn’t get enough of, has grossed $102,272,727 during the past 50 years? That’s a WOW!!!

THE MAJOR HIGH SCHOOLS (these are the ones that are more football school than educational school) are already in full swing. Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas is still considered as the top football team in the USA TODAY rankings after it clobbered Phoenix’ Brophy Prep 44-0 a week ago.

I’M CERTAIN ALL OF you college football fans are aware that after this regular season is complete there will be a four-team playoff for the national championship. Well, a number of publications have already gone on record as to naming the four teams that will be involved in the first showing of this new system. The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) is now kaput – replaced by the CFP (College Football Playoff). This, according to the various experts, is what the fans have always wanted. So, this is what they are getting. I like the way USA TODAY handles its sports pages, so I do rely sometimes quite heavily on it. That’s why I will tell you who this publication tabbed as participants in the first CFP. Florida State… Alabama… Oregon… Baylor. Michigan State, now picked as the Big Ten champion (since Ohio State lost its quarterback Braxton Miller due to a pre-season injury), is getting some votes – but not enough. Also, Oklahoma is being considered, but not enough. The same for LSU and South Carolina. We’ll all know just how accurate all this is around December 7^th… Which is about three months or so away.

MY CHOICE FOR the four??? Hmmm…. I’ll go along with Florida State and Alabama. But, I also like Michigan State and perhaps Oklahoma. Okay, okay… I’m probably wrong. But, heck, that’s the history of this space when I try any kind of prediction… isn’t it???

SO, THE POWERS-THAT-BE finally decided on the fate of Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver Josh Gordon. In case you missed… he is out for the year suspended by the NFL. And you know why. He failed his drug test (the NFL calls it “a substance abuse policy”) for something like the fourth time. Of course, this is a hit to whatever slim chances the Browns had of gaining a post-season berth. That’s because Gordon is probably the best receiver in the NFL. I’ve said it before (and I’ll probably say it again)… I simply don’t understand how any professional athlete can jeopardize his future by becoming a druggie. Now, I’ve never taken drugs of any kind (except for prescribed medicinal items) so I really don’t know what kind of pull they have. One thing is for certain. No one knows what Josh Gordon will do to fix this to continue doing stupid things. Heck, I even know a stupid older person – one who is 65. And that person is just stupid as Gordon when it comes to drugs. Bah… enough of this.

HEY, I GUESS I AM hip these days… at least when it comes to summer’s top ten movies. Of the top ten – I’ve seen three. That’s a .300 average which is not bad. The three I’ve seen are Maleficent (ranked No. 3), Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (No. 5) and Godzilla (No. 7). How about that!!!!

OKAY, WITH FOOTBALL STARTING this weekend it’s time to declare my allegiance to one team or another. This, whether you’re interested or not. When it comes to the colleges, Penn State (naturally), is my No. 1 pick. I’m not much of a Pitt fan, but I do cater to Ohio State. This because during my almost 44 years at the Times-News, Ohio State used a number of Erie gridders – mainly Jeff Davis. I also have a soft spot for Notre Dame. That means I check out PSU, OSU and ND quite regularly. However, I may be whistling in the dark this season as none of the trio are expected to be in the running for a spot in the CFP. For instance, Penn State is a two-split underdog to Central Florida in its opener Saturday in Ireland. Ohio State, despite the loss of quarterback Braxton Miller, is a heavy 15-point choice over hard-hitting Navy while the Irish are expected to whip undermanned Rice by 21 points. Oh, one other team I pull for at times in Michigan State… plus I have a liking for Northwestern – the Wildcats an 11-point pick to bop California. In the NFL I have always been more of a Cleveland Browns fan than a Pittsburgh Steelers rooter… but I still cheer for both. And, I like to see any team Peyton Manning is connected with do well…

AND A FINAL NOTE… the Cleveland Indians are the worst fielding team in the major leagues – with over 100 errors already. Which is one reason why the Tribe is about to lose out in the race for a playoff spot.

-Jack Polancy

I had to chuckle

WELL, DID YOU STAY UP LATE Tuesday night (July 15^th) to watch the Major League All-Star Game??? I did. It didn’t end until 11:35… and then the post-game stuff lasted until after midnight – meaning that I’m a tired soul this morning (July 16^th). That’s ’cause I usually get up a little after 5 a.m. (don’t ask me why??? Habit, I suppose). Anyway, as All-Star Games go… this one was a fairly good one. Of course, it was dubbed as “Derek Jeter night” as the 4-year-old New York Yankee captain is winding up a 20-year career this season. And Jeter gave the sell-out crowd at Minnesota’s Target Field something to yell about with a double and a single in his two at bats.

Oh, during the game starting National League pitcher Adam Wainwright hinted that he had served up a “juicy pitch” to Jeter in the first inning… a claim he later denied.  Jeter  has over 3,400 lifetime hits and is batting over .400 in 14 All-Star Games…  I don’t think he would need too much help at the plate. The 5-3 American League victory means that the upcoming World Series will open in the AL park. I must admit… I really enjoyed watching the game. That’s probably because I had no rooting interest. And, it’s always more enjoyable when you aren’t twisting and turning with each pitch.

SORRY FOLKS, but I am not a big “Roar on the Shore” booster. Oh, I’m aware of how much money the event brings to the city and area and that’s all good. I guess I don’t care much for the noise. But, I’ll certainly tolerate that for the next five days.

I HAD TO CHUCKLE over a headline the other day. “Too many casinos?” the ink screamed. Ya think??? Hey, there are 12 casinos in Pennsylvania plus a number in Ohio and more in the surrounding areas. The number of people in this area hasn’t increased much and there is only so much money available in any budget simply for gambling. I think the revenue from gambling will continue to drop – and like the casinos in Atlantic City are doing, some will eventually shut down.

THE MIAMI HEAT continues to be a probable player in the future NBA playoff battles. The Heat made this a certainty after signing both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, this after LeBron James made his mad dash back to Cleveland. Miami has been in the last four consecutive Championship affairs, winning two. From the looks of things right now… that could continue.

AS HAS BEEN PROVEN by many other teams besides the Yankees – big money payrolls don’t mean all that much on the field. For instance, did you know that the Oakland Athletics (the team with the best record in baseball at this point, 59-36) has the big league’s fourth-smallest payroll… a reported $77 million. Then there are the Philadelphia Phillies with the third-highest pay checks at $179 million – dead last in the National League’s East Division at 42-53… a full 10 games behind Washington. The Los Angeles Dodgers – with a record-setting $241 million payroll – are currently on top in the NL West Division, but by only one game over the San Francisco Giants.

I KNEW CARM BONITO very well. When I started in the sports writing business I was assigned to the Erie County sports beat. That’s when I met Carm Bonito… the head football coach at Fort LeBoeuf. Carm was not only one of the nicest persons I’ve ever run across (he answered any questions regardless of how foolish it might be – and sportswriters can ask some really foolish questions)… always willing to talk and discuss any situation, all without looking down on you. He helped me in a number of different ways. I was saddened by the recent passing of Carm Bonito – who went the way we will all go sooner or later – at the age of 91.

BY THE WAY, did you notice the attendance at the Major League All-Star Game last Tuesday? Well, it was listed at 41,048. Since Minnesota’s Target Field seats only 39,021… that means there were 2,017 people standing. Whatever, all that were there saw a good baseball game.

HAVE YOU NOTICED… the baseball world just about stops when its All-Star Game is played. The teams don’t return to full time action until Friday (July 18^th). That’s a nice four-day respite. The Indians will start a four-game set at Detroit on Friday while the Pittsburgh Pirates will greet struggling Colorado. And the Yankees will host Cincinnati in an inter-league affair. Let’s get it all going again…

SPEAKING OF BASEBALL… do you know which stadiums charge the most (and the least) for the smallest “available draft beer?” Well, according to a “team marketing report” in USA Today, you will have to fork over eight bucks if you’re drinking it at a Miami Marlins’ game… and only $4 if you are in Cleveland’s Progressive Field or at an Arizona Diamondbacks’ affair. Just thought you’d like to know…

I IMAGINE THERE will be a lot of interest in the British Open today (July 17^th) and tomorrow. And, if Tiger Woods shows any kind of competitive game… the interest will peak Saturday and Sunday. But, if the Tiger (making another comeback attempt) falters the first two days – then the viewing audience will also tumble. That’s the hold that the ancient (now closer to 39) one has on the pro golfing viewing public. There is little doubt that pro golf needs a Tiger Woods that can play the game the way he used to.

I’M SURE THAT YOU KNOW us New York Yankee fans (oops, now I’m out in the open about it) are really a bit desperate these days. The Yankees, seemingly in the race by trailing American League East Division leader Baltimore by only five games, are being considered as “pretenders” by most knowledgeable baseball people. The main reason for that is the lack of effective pitching. And there isn’t any help available – regardless of how much money you can throw around. Right now, with approximately 68 games yet to be played, Baltimore seems to be the team to beat in the division with Toronto a close contender.

Oh, Tampa Bay (because it can put together serious win streaks) is also still in the race… but Boston is in the same boat as are the Yankees.
Detroit should continue to lead, and win, the AL Central Division while Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels will battle it out right to the end in the West. As far as the National League is concerned – Washington should be able to hold off the Atlanta Braves in the East Division because of its pitching. The $241 million payroll Los Angeles Dodgers also have the pitching to top the San Francisco Giants in the West. The real race will take place in the Central Division where everyone – except the woeful Chicago Cubs – is in the race. And, this includes the Pittsburgh Pirates.

AND A FINAL NOTE… who am I trying to fool with all this baseball talk? After all, we all know that the main sport in the USA is football… pro, collegiate or scholastic. And, it all should get going in just about six weeks. I can hardly wait…

 

-Jack Polancy

Well, I took the big plunge last night

Well, I took the big plunge last night (that was Tuesday night, July 1st). I went to see the Erie Seawolves. This was after I watched the first 49 minutes of the humongous (hey, the media said it was big) World Cup match-up between the USA and Belgium… and like most soccer games – nothing went on during that time. Anyway, I took in my first game with the Seawolves this season… and it just may have also been my last game. I do know this, unless the tickets are free – I will not subject myself to the Seawolves again this summer. Erie field manager Lance Parish has been quoted by the Erie Times News as saying that the Seawolves are not consistent on a daily basis. I beg to be different by stating… “Oh, yes they are… consistently mediocre.” (I refuse to use the word “bad.”) Last night the Seawolves started a lefty by the name of Kyle Ryan. The 22-year-old southpaw threw consistently in the 80’s (according to the center field lights)… which should be good enough in the AA Eastern League (but which will never make it in the majors these days). It was for three innings. In the top of the fourth frame the roof fell in in the form of two Akron home runs and a 5-0 deficit. Ryan was permitted (why? He should have pulled in the fourth) to throw two more frames… and this simply gave the visiting Rubberducks (where did they get THAT nickname) a 7-0 lead and this climbed to 8-0 before I decided I had had enough and departed  in the top of the seventh. As for the Erie hitters, they did little in the way of a damaging attack, collecting a total of 12 hits – but leaving ten of them on the bases. As of this writing the Seawolves are now 34-47… and things are certainly not expected to improve much the rest of the way. The “official” attendance at Jerry Uht Park was listed at 2,575. I don’t know if there were actually that many people there (it’s tough to get an accurate estimate at the Uht)… but those that were saw a less-than-good contest. The only thing that seemed to be somewhat “major league” was the $4.25 that was charged for a bag of popcorn. Hey, when (make it “if”) I return to Jerry Uht Park this season I’ll make sure it’s on a “buck night.”

I MUST ADMIT that I’m at a loss for words when it comes to the USA effort in the World Cup. And that alone is really saying something as in all the many, many years I have been doing this – I’ve never been speechless… NEVER! However, as readers of this space are all painfully aware, I am not a big soccer fan. And I doubt that I’ll ever be. Still, there was something a bit noble about the effort of USA goalie Tim Howard – he made a total of 16 saves, the most in the World Cup in 48 years. But, I would imagine that most of you watching on the t.v. Had the same feelings as I did… when was Belgium going to score and take the lead?? The feeling was one of inevitability. That it finally happened in the “extra time” only reinforced the feeling. Oh well, at least the USA was competitive… sort of. Because when you’re out shot 38-14 in soccer – you usually end up on the losing side of the score. And that’s exactly what happened… didn’t it???

WOW! WHAT A SHOCKER… I’m talking about Rafael Nadal – seeded No. 1 – getting bounced out of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament by Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios, a 19-year-old ranked no higher than 144th, was reported to have “no fear” in taking on Nadal… beating the ace in four sets 7-6,5-7, 7-6 and 6-3. I wasn’t too surprised to see that Maria Sharapova also got knocked off… and I certainly won’t miss the shrieking that she does with each swing of the racket. The French Open champion fell in front of No. 9 Angelique Kerber.

DON’T LOOK NOW but the Pittsburgh Pirates are finally getting on a roll. The Bucs on Thursday (July 3rd) owned nine wins in their last 11 games and moved four games above .500 with a 44-40 mark. All this mainly because the Pittsburgh brass finally decided to bring up outfielder Gregory Polanco – who has reached base in 19 of his first major league contests… and is now hitting at a .306 clip. If the Pirates had brought him up sooner… they would probably be a lot closer to the top spot in the National League Central as opposed to the six games behind Milwaukee that they are.

BOO HOO… this is the first time in seven years that the New York Yankees are below .500 this late in the season… the former Bronx Bombers with a July 3rd 41-42 record… thanks to a five-game losing string and a 2-8 mark in their last ten games.

YOU KNOW WHO are the new bombers in the American League, don’t you. Well, if not – then I’ll tell you. It’s the Toronto Blue Jays. As of July 3rd they have slammed out 113 home runs good enough to lead the American League East Division. The HR blasters are mostly from the Dominican Republic – Jose Bautista, Juan Francisco, Melky Carera, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion. The Last guy (who celebrated his 31st birthday last January) has clobbered 26 homers and owns a major league leading 69 runs-batted-in… belted 195 round-trippers in his nine years in the bigs (this before this year).

ASIDE TO THE CALLER who wanted to know if I had a favorite among the final eight in the World Cup. Nope… I don’t. However, lie any sportswriter worth his salt, I am able to make a prediction. Brazil remains as the heavy favorite… which is why I’m picking Costa Rica. Honest…

THERE’S A VERY STRONG rumor that says the Tampa Bay Rays will be putting southpaw David Price on the market by the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. As all baseball rooters know, pitching is the key to winning championships… or to at least get into the post season playoffs. And, the last time I looked, Price was the best on the to-be-traded list… this despite a somewhat lackluster won-lost mark. His ERA is an outstanding 3.63. There are any number of suitors for Price – but the asking price is deemed to be too high for most. Someone has to be able to offer a very high caliber minor leaguer to get in the running for Price. One thing is “almost” for certain… he won’t be going to the Yankees, Blue Jays, or Baltimore Orioles. That’s because those teams are in the same division as the Rays – and trades of that type are very seldom produced. Here’s hoping the Cleveland Indians get into the haggling. But, they would have to give up highly-rated rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor… which is nebulous.

AND A FINAL NOTE… the NFL will be starting its practice sessions in about three weeks. Good heavens… I’ve surrendered to the football hype – just like everyone else.

-Jack Polancy

Ah… live and learn…

Hey, vacation time is now over with. And, it wasn’t all that great of a vacation anyway. Remember my significant other? Oh, I used to talk about her every now and then and usually with a bit of awe. Well, just so you’ll know… I no longer have a significant other. In between traveling to Charlottesville, Virgina and visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello… and then coming back to Erie – something got fouled up along the way. I know one thing… I’ll never travel Amtrack again. I won’t go into it too much except to say that the train was NEVER on time at any stop… and it was almost two hours late getting back into Erie. That means climbing off the machine at 3:26 a.m. … Yikes!!!

A LOT OF THINGS happened during my one week of vacation… in sports as well as elsewhere. The New York papers made a big deal of former Pittsburgh Steeler head coach Chuck Noll. Well, he deserved every bit of the acknowledgment he received – four Super Bowl championship… wow! And when the New York Rangers fell in front of Los Angeles Kings in the NHL Stanley Cup chase… again the New York paper went overboard. I can just imagine what the sheets would have done if the Rangers had scored an upset victory. The papers didn’t get all that excited when the San Antonio Spurs crushed the Miami Heat to tack on the NBA title. Oh, they covered it… but almost with a bit of glee. I think practically everyone preferred a Tim Duncan-led winner than to see LeBron James score another championship run. Speaking of New York and newspaper… back when I was a sports editor-sports writer for the Erie Times News (a job I did for almost 44 years), I used to love to go to New York to cover some event… one reason being the ton of newspapers and at only five cents each. Well, I was in downtown New York the morning of June 14 and went into one of those “junk” stores on Eight Avenue to get a couple of papers. Big mistake!!! They cost me $2.25 each… for the New York Daily News and the New York Post. When I was returning to Erie I had a two hour layover in Penn Station in New York… and the News was only $.75 there. The girl at the counter said that “was the daily prive.” So, for a short moment I was one of those suckers that New York sees every day. Ah… live and learn…

ONE PLUS THAT happened during my vacation was the Pittsburgh Pirates calling 22-year-old outfielder Gregory Polanco (I’ve been told I like him simply because his last name is spelled almost the same as mine.) Anyway, the rangy (he’s almost 6-3) hit in 11 straight games before being stopped Sunday… leaving him with a .345 batting average. Polanco should have started the season as the Bucs right outfielder. But, at least he’s there now… and the Pirates are only one win short of being .500. I would imagine they’ll get into that level in short order. And, if there are any other problems in the Pittsburgh farm system… bring them up cause they’re needed.

MEANWHILE THE ERIE SEAWOLVES are continuing to wallow in the lower contrails of the Eastern League. Field manager Lance Parrish was quoted as saying the team was “inconsistent.” I guess when you’re 11 games below the .500 mark you could say that. A more simple comment is that the SeaWolves are not a winning team.

I WAS PLEASED to see Michelle Wie in her first major golf event… a two-shot triumph in the U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina. I remember covering her (when I lived in Hawaii for a short time) when she was a long-driving teenager. Wie is now 24 and just coming into her own. Good to see it happen.

I DID FOLLOW the U.S. Men’s Open – and watched as Phil Mickelson faded into oblivion with a horrible seven-over-par 287 at Pinehurst. Mickelson, if you remember, still has to record a top ten finish in 2014. The 44-year-old appears to be about done as far as regular winning on the golf course is concerned. Martin Kaymer, who is only 29, because only the seven golfer to lead wire-to-wire in the U.S. Open. He finished the four days with a nine-under 271. And don’t forget, only two other golfers were under par for the event – Eric Compton and Rickie Fowler… both at one-under 279.

WELL, DESPITE OWNER Dan Snyder’s personal vow that Washington would NEVER change its NFL nickname… it appears that the days of the “Redskins” are numbered. A federal trademark board – The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office – canceled  six federal trademark registration owned by the team… doing this June 18. People who know say this alone won’t get rid of Redskins name… but it will go a long ways todays it. Personally, as you all know by now, I have been a big booster of the Redskins name. I can’t see where is the harm it is doing. Sorry…

54 IS WAY TOO YOUNG to die… I felt a sincere twinge when I read about Tony Gwynn’s passing at the age due to oral cancer. I never met Gwynn… but I’ve read many, many stores about him – all of them on the outstanding side.
I DON’T AGREE with the latest ruling by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association… the one that overhauled the gender rules for boys and girls sports team. This ruling will make it almost impossible for boys to play on girls teams… but will allow girls to participate on boys teams. Boy, talk about discrimination…

I WAS AMONG those completely upset with the U.S. Soccer Team in its World Cup clash with Portgual Sunday afternoon. In any sport in general – and in soccer in particular – when you’re ahead in the waning moments of the contest you do everything and anything that’s necessary to hold that league. The USA team did not do that Sunday – the results… 2-2 tie instead of a 2-1 win. Ha!!!

AND A FINAL NOTE… It’s always good to get back to work after a vacation. I’m back… and I’m glad!!! See you again in a couple of days.

-Jack Polancy

How did you get along with no football this past weekend??

Okay, question of the week. How did you get along with no football this past weekend?? Oh, don’t go telling me about the Pro All- Star Game in Hawaii. That isn’t a football game. It’s simply an excuse for ball players who don’t get into the Super Bowl to have some fun and visit Hawaii. I know.. I Know.. the score was 27-21 ( or something like that, I don’t really know because not only don’t I watch it, I don’t even listen when someone comments on it.) Back to the question? Well, I got along pretty good. Saturday , instead of my usual diet of college football games, I went to the movies and viewed “ Lone Survivor,” a pretty good flick probably because it was based on fact. Then I ate at Panera Bread, mainly because I had coupons. However, besides that, Panera Bread does have the best soup in town. Sunday, instead of being wrapped up in NFL encounters, I had my haircut and beard trimmed by my significant other.. and, as usual she did an excellent job. When you have little or no hair on your head, then your beard ( if you have one) becomes critical. Believe me, mine is extremely critical. It’s also fairly decent looking right now, all the thanks go to my professional barber. Oh, getting back to the question. I did spend some time in front of my TV set ( the bigger one is now fixed) watching Stanislas Wawrinka knock off heavily favored Rafael Nadal in the men’s championship finals of the Australian Tennis Open.

As I’ve mentioned before, I do watch tennis on TV, but only the four majors. That being the French Open, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. A lot was made ( by some writers) of Nadal’s bad back and other woes. Maybe so, but I liked Wawrinka’s guts and performance. After all, the 28 year old was wining his first time in 13 meetings. Not only that, but Wawrinka had not even won one set in the 12 previous encounters with Nadal. Thus Wawrinka beat both the top seed ( Nadal) and the No.2 seed ( Roger Federer) this happening for the first time in the past 21 years, on his way to the crown. Tennis doesn’t normally supplant football in TV viewing, but it did this past weekend. OH, AND THIS IS, mainly for local football nuts, the Cleveland Browns FINALLY named a new head football coach. Someone named Mike Pettine signed a five year contract with Cleveland this after a so called “thorough search” that lasted almost four months. From what I’ve read Pettine was a defensive coordinator with the New York Jets for four years and had the same capacity with the Buffalo Bills last season. Now, no one ( well, practically no one) knows much about secondary coaches and Mike Pettine is a secondary coach. So, really , what do the Browns ( of the Brown’s fans for that matter) expect from him??

Well, considering the mess that the Cleveland Browns have created with having seven different heads coaches over the past 14 years, the powers that be nor the fans should expect anything except for the fact that Pettine will be on the sidelines, hopefully making the right decisions when decisions have to be made. Anything else should be considered as a bonus. THE NBA is losing its leader. Some time the week, after 30 years as commission of the National Basketball Association, David Stern will step down. His replacement, Adam Silver, will take over as the top man on February 1. Miami Heat president Pat Riley was quoted in USA Today. “David Stern is No. 1 force, the No.1 reason why this league is where it is today.” The NBA is said to “generate more than $5.5 billion annually and an average player salary of more than $4 million” plus other successes. And, most of this is said to be because of Stern’s leadership/. Quite a tribute. DIDJA EVER ASK yourself just what was the most watched (via TV) NFL game this past season. Well, according to one publication, it was the November 28^th battle between the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys. A total of 31.7 million viewers tuned in to this one. The Cowboys won 31-24.

BEING AN ERIE NATIVE doesn’t do much for one in battling the kind of winter we have been undergoing. Speaking in easy to understand terms, the weather has been lousy. I am completely sick of the whole mess. Now, I have relatives living in Maui ( that’s where the Hawaiian Islands are friend,) and I have a current invitation to visit. I just might do that. As soon as I sell my house. Speaking of the weather forecast says it will “have a chance of a wintry mix during the day with some clearing by evening” ( the game as a scheduled 6:30 om start). Well, I for one, don’t think the powers that be should ever play the game in the Northeast unless it is in a domed stadium.. not in an open air arena such as Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford, N.J. But, that’s the way it is this year. And, since the games is only six days away ( as of this writing) there is no such thing as changing the site simply because of the weather. Despite out “love “ for the snow and cold, I doubt that there will be many Erieites in the Metlife Stadium Sunday evening. Most of us will be exactly like me… watching from a warm seat on the living room sofa. And, that’s where fans ( die hard or luke warm regardless) should be. As for the players, well it is the Super Bowl. Meaning the people who run such events will make sure the players have all the protection from the elements that are available.

AND A FINAL NOTE.. Denver has been a 2 ½ point favorite in the Super Bowl odds that have been posted all week. I am a bit surprised to see that they haven’t changed ( up or down) even a little bit. However, I have made my feelings known.. because of that big mouth on the Seattle team ( Richard Sherman) I am rooting for the Broncos. By the way, Sherman was fined $7,875 for unsportsmanlike and taunting in the final minute of the win over San Francisco.

 

– Jack Polancy 

 

Hey, it’s January…

Hey, it’s January… Did you have a good New Year’s Eve?  I must have had a decent one– that’s because I slept through it.

That’s right.

I was sitting in my living room, waiting for the ball to drop.  I looked at the clock and it read 11:50.  That meant I had only 10 minutes before the big moment.

Humph!

The next time I looked at the clock, it read 1:25.  Meaning that I had missed what I had been waiting for… sort of like practically everything that happened to me in 2013.  So, I am certainly ready for 2014… hoping that it will be much better than last year.

Oh well, we’ll see… won’t we????

If you didn’t get your fix of college football bowls the past few days, it’s your own fault.  There were no less than 10 bowl games the past two days (Tuesday and Wednesday).  Some of them duds.  But, at least four of them close to being outstanding.

The best game I saw was the Chick-fil-A Bowl featuring Duke and Texas A&M… with its quarterback Johnny Manziel.  Mainly because of Manziel, the Aggies cam in a 15-point favorite.  After all, Duke is better known for its basketball prowess.  In fact, this is the first time a Duke football team was active in such a high-class Bowl game.

Everyone sort of expected the Blue Devils to make an early show of it… then quietly go away.

It didn’t happen, folks.

Duke, playing like a team possessed, jumped off to a 21-3 lead.  The Blue Devils showed that this was no fluke, building a 38-17 halftime lead.  Manziel, apparently stung by Duke’s attack and dominance, took things in his own hands and rallied the Aggies (with four TD passes) to the short end of a 48-45 mark.

With 3:33 remaining in the game fate stepped in — in the form of defensive back Toney Hurd — the fleet Aggie defender grabbing an interception and racing 55 yards for a TD and the first lead for A&M, a 52-48 score.

Duke tried to rally… but couldn’t.

This was a superb college bowl game.

Another game you couldn’t (or shouldn’t) walk away from was the Rose Bowl — the 100th Rose Bowl, by the way.  This one featured Big Ten champ Michigan State and Pac 12 kingpin Stanford.  The West Coast team was a solid nine-point choice.  And, it certainly appeared that the odds-makers knew what they were talking about when Stanford dashed off to a 10-0 lead.  However, the Spartans — behind sophmore quarterback Connor Cook (don’t all successful college quarterbacks have great names???) started to rally, and didn’t quit until a game-winning 25-yard heave in the fourth quarter.

Oh Stanford (rated as No. 5 in the nation) fought back but couldn’t quite catch the Spartans.  Michigan State now ends with a 13-1 mark while the Cardinal dropped to 10-3.  The Nebraska 24-19 verdict over Georgia in the Gator Bowl was another good contest.

However, Iowa committed too man obvious errors in losing to LSU 21-14 and Wisconsin should have beaten South Carolina — but the Badgers fell apart in the late going to bow 34-24.  There were some other bummers during the past week of Bowl games… like Navy running over Middle Tennessee 24-6 and Oregon– showing like Navy running over Middle Tennessee 24-6 and Oregon — showing speed that no other team even came close to — bashing Texas and Texas Tech upsetting Arizona State 37-23 (the Sun Devils didn’t want to be there), and Rice being outclassed against Mississippi State, 44-7.

I know I had my fill of college football Bowl games… and there still are six more remaining.  Wow!!!

However, the biggest bummer took place, not on the field of play, but instead in an office building.

That’s where Penn State head football coach for the past two seasons, Bill O’Brien, decided to return to the NFL to become head coach of the Houston Texans.

The Texans remind me a lot of the Cleveland Browns… a team with plenty of talent — but no quarterback.

Houston won its first two games of the just completed regular season, beating San Diego (honest!) by a 31-28 count and then knocking off Tennessee 30-24 in overtime.

Since then it’s been 14 consecutive setbacks, including a 16-10 loss to that same Tennessee team in the final game last Sunday.  O’Brien is considered close to being a genius when it comes to producing outstanding quarterbacks.  And, his past record at doing that is provable.

He’ll have his work cut out for him at Houston as the Texans have nothing in the way of even average signal-callers.  I wish O’Brien all the luck in the world, even though I feel as if he should have fulfilled his final three-year obligation to Penn State.

But, coaches are always looking to move… so O’Brien moved.

Didja notice the crowd at the NHL winter Classic at Ann Arbor?  There were 105,591 souls on hand at Michigan’s football stadium to see… and this in 13-degree (wind chill of Zero!!) weather.  Oh, Toronto nipped Detroit 3-2 in overtime.

Hey the NFL playoffs start this weekend!  How about that!  In the Wild Card Round on Saturday Kansas City will be at Indianapolis — the Colts (11-5) a 2.5 – point pick over the Chiefs (11-5).  And, New Orleans (11-5) at Philadelphia (10-6) — the Eagles a 2.5 – point choice over the Saints.

There will be two more Wild Card Games on Sunday — San Diego (9-7) at Cincinnati (11-5) and San Francisco (12-4) at Green Bay (9-7).  The Bengals are given a fat seven points over the Chargers with the Forty-Niners expected to beat the Packers by three markers.  I’ll be watching (at least some of it).

And a final note… Texas athletic director Steve Patterson has stated that the Longhorns will name their new head football coach by January 15.  Since Bill O’Brien has opted for the pros… who cares???

-Jack Polancy

So, What are your Plans for Thanksgiving Day?

So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving Day? Me? Well, I’m having the traditional dinner at the apartment where I live. The church across the street is staging the affair. And, church dinners are always my favorite. At least, I won’t overeat.. I think. WHAT ABOUT BLACK FRIDAY… what are your plans for that day??? Me? Well, I don’t know what I’m doing just yet. It all depends on my companion….Susan N. Susan is like most females. She likes to shop. However, she hasn’t said if we are going to be in the mad mix up called Black Friday. I sort of hope not. But, like all (or is that most?) men.. I’ll do whatever she wants to do.
LIKE LAST WEEKEND… Susan wanted to go to something called a “Feather Party” at Mount Carmel. I had never been to a feather party. I had no idea of what it was all about. It was scheduled to begin at 6pm. and run for four hours. Well, I learned very quickly what a feather party was. It’s just another way for a church (or what have you) to raise money via gambling. But, why the name “feather party”? No one was able to explain that to me. Anyway, after shelling out $28 bucks ( that’s my contribution, I don’t know what Susan spent) we were the proud owners of two(2) fruit baskets. However, we didn’t fare as well at the main floor prize, which was a healthy $1,500.00 which would have gone a long way towards a car payment. Still, if I hear of another feather party , I’ll probably attend.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I used to really note on sports Illustrated. I started reading it from it’s very first issue ( in fact I have a hard bound version of that issue) and have continued ever since. But, I’m starting to lose my craving for the publication, and I don’t know why. The last issue I read (the November 25th issue) took me about 20 minutes. But, there was no (or maybe just a little) euphoria in my reading. Oh well, my subscription ends in February of next year. I do know that I no longer can afford the $1.29 per issue subscription price.
TV FUNNYMEN, who like to make jokes about every holiday, usually always equate Thanksgiving with eating too much coupled with watching football ( in an uncomfortable position while over stuffed). And they are right more often then not. For instance, tomorrow will find no less than three NFL games, probably all of them on the tube. One is the Baltimore vs Pittsburgh contest, one that the Steelers faithful will be figuring as a fourth straight triumph, this win putting the Black and Gold at 6-6 and setting it up for a final playoff drive. However, the people who are supposed to know more about these games than most, the gamblers who set the odds, have listed the Ravens as a 3 point choice. This could be mainly because the game is on Baltimore’s home turf.
But, beating the Cleveland Browns is one thing( like Pittsburgh did last weekend), knocking off the defending Super Bowl champs is another, even though the Steelers already own one win over the Ravens this season. A 19-16 squeaker at Heinz Field back on October 20th. Tell you what, I’m starting to fell like the rest of the Steeler hopefuls, all we need to really get into the playoff conversation is a win this Thursday. The affair slated for an 8:30pm start on WICU-TV. If it happens, then we’ll all have something to be thankful for.
OTHER NFL GAMES, will find Green bay at Detriot, this NFC North meeting with a 12:30pm  start on Fox. The Lions a 6 point selection to take over the top spot in the in the division. At 4:30m on CBS Oakland ( a cellar dwelling team with a 4-7 card) will travel to Dallas to take on the division leading Cowboys, the home team favored by 9 1/2 points.
MEANWHILE, IF YOU, like your football college style, there are at least two decent games to view. Texas Tech, a 7-4 club, will head for Texas (7-3) to determine (at least by name) the Lone Star championship, the Longhorns a 4 1/2 point choice. The other good battle will find Mississippi (7-3) at Mississippi State (4-6) for that state’s name crown, the Ole Miss Rebels awarded a slight 3 point edge. Then there is this Saturday, and Penn State’s season finale. The Nittany Lions (6-5) travel to Wisconsin to meet the highly ranked Badgers a 902 squad. Wisconsin has been given the onus of a 24 point margin by the gamblers.
BY THE WAY, you can tell that the scholastic grid teams have moved into the playoff mode. Friday, usually reserved for high schools, will find no less 16 college contest scheduled , the best one featuring Nebraska at Iowa.
AND A FINAL NOTE, Hope your Thanksgiving will be as good as mine is expected to be. And, remember, Christmas is just four weeks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Jack Polancy

Will wonders never cease????

Will wonders never cease???? The Pittsburgh Steelers, given up for dead no less than two weeks ago, have suddenly become relevant again. That’s what a come from behind 37-27 win will do for you, regardless of whom you beat. In this case the Steelers, after surrendering 27 second quarter points to fall behind 27-20 at intermission, rallied to clip the NFC North Division , leading Detriot Lions. The Steelers defense coming alive with a  second half blanking. A performance like that will make any team relevant, especially one with the likes of Cleveland (two time) in their future. True, the win only put the Black and Gold at 4-6 for the campaign, with six contest remaining. Among those six are games with divisions leading Cincinnati, up and down Baltimore, can be tough Miami and suddenly staggering Green Bay. Still two weeks ago a Steeler fan had to believe the year was over. Now, with this beating of the Lions, the Steeler fans are suddenly talking about a 10-6 FINAL standing, and the playoffs. Even a 9-7 mark would be acceptable, while 8-8 would make it very iffy. Getting back to the game itself, what ware the Lions doing when they attempted a fake field goal, needing only five yards for a first down deep in Pittsburg territory. But, as things will do when you go against all logic, the Detriot holder fumbled the ball and the Steelers recovered. Had Detriot kicked what would have been a sure three points, it would have had a 30-20 lead and probably on the way to a victory. But, there are a lot of should of, would of, could of in the NFL, thus the Steeler triumph.
Then there are the Cleveland Browns The Browns, figured to be relevant after clipping Baltimore two weeks ago, weren’t doing just as the Steelers did by giving  up a ton of second quarter points (31 to be exact). However, unlike the Steelers, the Browns didn’t come back in the second half, falling by a lop side 41-20. Cleveland’s lone score during the second 30 minutes was a 74 yard bomb Josh Gordon. The Browns, taking advantage of Bengal miscues, opened a 13-0 lead in the first heat, but outside of that on aerial. That was all they wrote. The Browns are now 4-6 the same as the Steelers. However, Cleveland’s final six opponents are usually winning. New England Patriots, the always tough Chicago Bears, and ( of course) two games with Pittsburgh. It looks like a 6-10 year for the Browns. Buffalo looked good in demolishing the New York Jets 37-14, but all the win did for the Bills was gain them a measure of revenge for an earlier 27-20 loss to the Jets. It also snapped a three game losing string in a 4-7 year. With a lot of luck the Bills could end at 8-8 for the year, but despite the re-emergence of quarterback E.J Manuel I think it will be more like 6-10. On maybe even 5-11, or (good heaven!) 7-9.
THE COLLEGE GRID GAME, came up with the biggest play of the weekend, one that was repeated on the TV networks over and over. It ended the Georgia at Auburn game. Auburn had a 27-7 and was cruising, until Georgia put on a mad dash rally that netted the Bulldogs a 38-37 edge. There were only25 seconds left In the game and the Tigers had the ball on their own 27. Quarterback Nick Marshall did what all QB’s do in that situation, fired up a Hail Mary serial. This bomb wasn’t going anywhere and Georgia’s one point lead appeared secure. But, after bouncing off a Bulldog defender it went downfield, dropping into the arms of a startled Ricardo Louis. The shocked Tiger wide out juggled the ball, then grabbed it and walked into the end zone for a 43-38 Auburn triumph. The win moved the Tigers to 10-1 and a No.6 mark in the major poll, setting up a crucial battle with No.1 Alabama on November 30th. The loss dropped Georgia to a 6-4 mark, the Bulldogs a much better team than the record would indicate.
As far as my Nittany Lions of Penn State yeah, they trimmed Purdue 45-21 in front of 96,461 Beaver Stadium rooters. But, practically everyone beats Purdue, the Boilmakers 1-9 for the year. So, I’m not impressed. However, I will be impressed if the Lions should happen to top Nebraska (-3) this weekend, or dump Wisconsin, the 8-2 Badger ranked No.16 on the latest collegiate coll. in two weeks. But, I certainly don’t expect either upset to occur. Then the Pittsburgh Panthers, blowing a game to a somewhat weak North Carolina eleven by giving up a 61 yard punt return with less than five minutes remaining to lose 34-27. The setback dropped the Panthers to a 5-5 standard with games remaining against Syracuse (5-5) and Miami (7-3). Both games are winnable, but watching how Pitt plays I don’t expect nothing more than an even split/ Of course, this would make the Panthers bowl- eligible, which is what all college grid teams really aim for.
MAN HOW THINGS have changed. I’m talking about the Gannon University’ s men’s basketball fortunes are concerned. The Lancers open their 2013-14 season this Wednesday when they take on California. But, I haven’t heard anyone project what the coming season will produce in the way of victories. Back when I covered Gannon for the Times News (which was many many years ago, or it seem) the Golden Knights were always figured to be at least 20 win team. And, you couldn’t get a seat in Gannon Audi (before it was named the Hammermill Center). If you didn’t get there at least an housr before tipoff you didn’t get in. Now, the place isn’t even half full. Where is Glenn Sommers when you need him?

-Jack Polancy

Tell me….. how do you feel about your job?

Here’s a question for you. Tell me….. how do you feel about your job? Usually, I feel great about mine. Here I am, way past my prime, still doing something that I think I’m best at. However, did you get that usually? That’s right, Usually I have a lot of fun doing this column. However, not lately…. and, definitely NOT TODAY. No, I don’t know why. Well, not exactly, that is. One thing that has been bothering me is the World Series. It’s what I should be writing about at the moment. After all, it has been a very interesting World Series– with one game being decided by the old “obstruction” rule…. a rule that is hardly used at all during the season, but one that came up in the Series????????  That’s a wow!

Then there’s the game that ended when a runner got picked off first base. Now, runners get picked first base (and second base and even third base) all the time during the long, long regular season. … But one that ended  a World Series game???? Very rare. Now, by the time you read all this the World Series will be history… with the winner decided and drenched in the bubbly– but at this writing the Boston Red Sox are ahead 3-2 with the deciding game either Wednesday night– and certainly Thursday for sure. But, you won’t be reading this until long afterwards. This bothers me. And you know what else is bothering me. Three broken ribs, that’s what. Yep, that’s right.

Exactly eight days ago I fell hard ( no, I won’t tell you why!) into my dresser. I was probably going 50 miles per hour (can a person stumble that fast???) When I banged into that very immovable object I thought I had injured myself. However, it wasn’t until the next day that I went to an imaging center and got the bad news. “Yes, you have three broken ribs,” the people told me. “Numbers 6,7, and 8 on your right side.

Heal?

Oh, anywhere between six weeks and two months. What can we do about taking away the seemingly constant hurt? Well, actually, outside of some pain pills ( that do not work) nothing much.     Oh, it’s sort of a “grin and bear it” proposition? Yep, that’s about it. Well I don’t know how many of you have had to suffer through three broken ribs– but let me tell you… it isn’t any walk in the park. Especially for one such as me– a person who is dreadfully weak when it comes to any pain- suffering situation. What I do know is this. The condition has become an almost desperate situation… one that I find disturbs anything I try to so– walk, carry something (anything), sleep (try doing this while sitting up), even eat.
As for writing a sports column– especially one that is quite a bit behind the action on the field– well, forget it. Or do like I’m doing … complain, loud and long.
ANOTHER QUESTION… why would anyone think so highly of Penn State after that 63- 14 pounding at the hands of Ohio State last Saturday? Well, I guess the answer is obvious. It’s because the Nittany Lions opposition this weekend s worse than they are… meaning the Illinois football team. The gamblers took one look at this game and decided that PSU is 10 points  (or better) and the Fighting Illini. I don’t quite agree with that spread. Oh, I think Penn State will win and go to 5-3 for the year. But I don’t think it will be an easy win. PSU has a way of looking bad (real bad) at times and this could be one of those times. Illinois brings a 3-4 mark to Beaver Stadium.

AND AS USUAL, there are a number of very interesting college football games this weekend… and one decent affair on Friday night.  ONE OF THE better games will find Georgia at Florida. The Bulldogs, a shocking upset victims of Vanderbilt tow weeks ago, brings only 4-3 record into the contest while the gators are also 4-3. This early line in the game being played at Jacksonville finds Georgia a slim 2 1/2 point pick. Don’t bet anything on these one. Why Michigan State is a 4 1/2 point choice over Michigan is another that is beyond me. This is one of those very grudge affairs….. the home standing Spartans at 7-1 with the Wolverines bringing in a 6-1 standard. I look for a Michigan upset. Highly ranked Florida State is a whopping 21 /12 point selection over Miami.. with both teams coming in with unblemished 7-0 standards. The Seminoles should prevail. Georgia Tech (5-3) is rated 10 points better than Pitts (4-3)…hmmmmm maybe.

Friday find Oregon State (6-2) placed at five points over USC(5-3). I don’t think this will happen. However, remember what I’ve always said– and continue to state — don’t ever, EVER bet on football… college or the pros You’ll lose!!
OHH, ANOTHER QUESTION… seems as if this column is full of questions.. don’t it?

Do any of you readers figure on the Pittsburgh Steelers– a seven-point underdog– to upset the New England Patriots in Foxboro this Sunday? Tell me, are you crazy? The Steelers are in complete disarray these days and there is no amount of tinkering that head coach Mike Tomplin can do that will alter the situation even just a little bit. If Pittsburgh can get to within seven points of the Patriots– the score -keepers should count that as a win.

And, I certainly don’t thin  the Buffalo Bills have much of a chance against a “can -be -beaten” Kansas City Chiefs squad– but it still is a distinct possibility. Plus, Cleveland (because of it’s usually good defense) does have an opportunity to upset Baltimore.

AND A FINAL NOTE… If you’re looking for a team to root for, then get behind the women’s basketball team from Gannon University.

-Jack Polancy

Ouch! What a tough weekend…

What a tough weekend for Erie sports fans… it was a “loser’s weekend” deluxe!  Nobody — except the Erie Otters — came up with a win.  The Pittsburgh Steelers, instead of winning their third successive game, returned to their losing ways… bowing to (of all people) the unheralded Oakland Raiders.  Sure it was close, 21-18, but it was still a setback.

The Cleveland Browns made a fight of it… but, it was still a loss — falling in front of the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs, 23-17.  The Buffalo Bills was never in the game with New Orleans, the local team falling 35-17.  And then there were the Nittany Lions of Penn State.  Now, writing this hurts more than the three ribs I broke a week ago in a fall against my dresser, but the Blue and White — never even close to making it a contest died under the pounding of the Buckeyes (just how does a Buckeye pound, anyway???) by a very lop-sided 63-14 score.  One radio announcer said it was the worst football defeat for Penn State “in 114 years.”

Ouch!

The only happy people were probably the 105,889 souls in Ohio Stadium… and I bet they even got tired of cheering for every score.  PSU head coach was quoted afterwards, “I take full responsibility for this loss.  We didn’t have them prepared good enough as a coaching staff or me as a head coach.  Therefore we didn’t play good enough.”

No kidding.

Well, I don’t think things will get much better.  The Nittany Lions, now 4-3 as their memory of the 43-40 win over mMichigan starts to fade, have five games remaining on the schedule.  This weekend they entertain Illinois — a team capable of coming away with a win — and then after a trip to Minnesota (who clobbered No.25-rated Nebraska 34-23 last Saturday) Penn State hosts Purdue and Nebraska on successive weekends… before ending the long campaign at Wisconsin.  The Lions could end at 4-7.  More ouching!!!

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their loss to a usually weak Oakland team was completely unexpected.  True, the Steelers were only a slight 2 1/2 point favorite — but they were being thought of as a touchdown or more better than the Raiders.

I didn’t get to see the game (I don’t think it was on TV), but I did get to listen to it on radio.  The Pittsburgh defense went south at the beginning.  Then after falling behind 21-3 the Steelers mounted a short comeback — that also faded when normally reliable kicker Shaun Suisham blew a 32-yard field goal attempt… a miss that would eventually cost them.  Suisham also missed a 34-yard try… his first two misses of the season, but it was the Pittsburgh defense that let the Black and Gold down in the early going — permitting Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor to run 93 yards for a touchdown on the first offensive play of the game.  The Steeler defense came to play in the second half, but the offense wasn’t quite good enough to overcome that 21-3 hole.

***

The Cleveland Browns played a great deal better than did the Steelers… but the results were still the same — another loss.  And, you actually get tired of making excuses for them… for all of them.  Collectively Erie’s three teams are now at 8-15… this at the mid-season point of the NFL campaign.  That means the three teams have a total of 25 more league contests to be played… and I don’t see them going any better than a possible 10-15 mark.  Meaning — no one from around here will be showing their style in the post season.  Oh well, I hear the college basketball season will be an outstanding one.

***

I still don’t know exactly what happened to end Game 3 of the World Series on such a bizarre note as the “obstruction” rule.  What I do know is that it cost the Boston Red Sox the game and a 2-1 Series lead for the St. Louis Cardinals.  Everybody connected with baseball says the umpires called the correct rule and that Allen Craig was rightly awarded home plate (even  though he never touched the plate) for the run that broke the 4-4 tie.  Obstruction calls are apparently very rare in baseball — but they do get called on occasion.  Game 3 was the occasion this time.

Umpire Jim Joyce was at third base in this game and apparently made the correct call.  Yes, this is the same Jim Joyce who missed the correct call in 2010 that cost Detroit Tigers’ hurler Armando Galarraga a perfect game.  This time the experts say Joyce made the correct call.  Maybe so, but it’s still one heckuva way to win (or lose) a World Series game.

***

In answer to a question… Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots have won the AFC East Division title in 10 of the last 11 years — and they are leading the Division again this year with a 6-2 mark.

***

Kansas City, the only undefeated team in the NFL, currently has an 8-0 mark.  The Chiefs have won three of those games by one score or less.  They will be on the road at Buffalo and Denver the next two weeks. Look for them to lose one of those games… maybe even both.

***

Geno Smith, quarterback for the New York Jets, has had 16 of his aerials intercepted this season.

***

The Denver Broncos are easily the most “reboundable” team in the entire NFL.  They were trailing 21-7 after the first 35 minutes in their game with the Washington Redskins — then exploded for 38 unanswered points for a 45-21 verdict.

The NBA– the least-followed by the fans of any major league sport — kicks off Tuesday (October 29) night.  Just in case you’re interested, the Miami Heat are the two-time’ defending champions.

***

How well does professional pay these days.  Well, if you’re a champion it pays quite well.  For instance, Serena Williams — an 11-time WTA champion this season — has earned $12,385,572.

Hmmmm…

***

I didn’t view much of the NFL on TV this past weekend.  That’s because I spent a better part of the day at St. Jude’s spaghetti dinner.  This has to be one of the best-run affairs of its type in the city.

***

And a final note.. there wasn’t much change in the college football rankings last week.  The only loser in the top ten was Missouri — a two-overtime setback at the hands of then No. 20 South Carolina by a 27-24 score.  Right now the BCS opponents for the national title would be Alabama and Oregon — both 8-0.  Florida State (7-0) and Ohio State (8-0) are the next two in line.  Next year, all four would be included in the playoffs.

-Jack Polancy