New York area sports have triumphed in the past few years- the Giants and Eli Manning represent the city well in the NFL, and won a Super Bowl in 2007; the Yankees won the World Series this past season, and the Rangers and New Jersey Devils have boasted successful ice hockey teams.
The praise for NY sports stops when you talk about the NBA.
The Big Apple is represented by the Knicks and the (New Jersey) Nets. The Knicks are 3-18 with many woes and close games. The Nets have a zero in the win column and are still seeking their first win after 13 losses.
Going into Saturday's game, the Nets probably felt confident. They were playing a (then) 2-17 team and their most valuable player, Devin Harris, would be returning from a sidelining groin injury.
Despite playing a good game, Harris wasn't the star of the game.
No, that title belongs to Knicks guard Nate Robinson.
With his team up 98-91 and milliseconds remaining in the game, Robinson made a buzzer shot. In the oppo-Nets (haha, get it?) basket. Despite the fact it didn't count, Robinson's teammates seemed disgusted, and it was obvious Knicks' coach Mike D'Antoni was. D'Antoni chewed Robinson apart once he got to the bench, however, Robinson played in the Celtics/Knicks game.
Maybe this is why so many hoops fans favor NCAA basketball over the NBA? Superfluous attitude, arrogance and a whole lot of nerve were displayed with the shot. You don't see that kind of stuff in college hoops.
Perhaps the frat-boy is more mature than the professional basketball player.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The NEW UPDATED Abby Road Sports
In order to connect with everybody, I now have an official:
- AIM/AOL
- Windows Live
- Yahoo
- Gmail
All of the accounts are "abbyroadsports". Feel free to follow us on Twitter, add us as friends on Facebook, send me an email on Yahoo, or hit me up on AIM.
On Twitter, I am going to update it whenever I have a new story, and post a link. It's hard to put my story up in 140 characters. I will do the same on the "status updates" through Facebook, Yahoo, AIM, and Windows.
On Facebook, I will post the stories in their entirety through notes.
I really think that in this digital age, social networking is nothing but good.
The blog will be updated several times a week. Posts regarding sports will start up again, but we're currently in the rebuilding process (much like the Pittsburgh Pirates). Bear with us; we'll be ready to blog about anything and everything soon enough.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The Best Is Yet To Come
I will be returning shortly with new content on this blog. I'm also thinking about starting a Wordpress version of the blog. Facebook and Twitter accounts are also possible.
Be back soon with even more sports information!
_
Abby Road Sports
Be back soon with even more sports information!
_
Abby Road Sports
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Michael Vick- should he be reinstated?
"EVERYBODY KNOWS I'VE GOT GREAT TALENTS AND GIFTS AND CAN DO THINGS 90 PERCENT OF THE GUYS IN THE LEAGUE CAN'T DO." Michael Vick
Michael Vick said the above, back when he was a standout NFL quarterback. Until 2007, he was one of the premier players and was respectable by fans, players, and coaches. He was the number one pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, and played for the franchise until April 25th, 2007, when Vick's house was searched for narcotics in his Surry County, Virginia home. The 25 acre estate was in the same county as historical attractions Jamestown and Yorktown, but is also known as home to interstate dog fighting.
Vick was released two months ago from federal prison, and was on probation until Sunday.
Turn on Around the Horn, PTI, or Jim Rome is Burning, and the hot topic is all about whether or not Roger Goodel will reinstate the playmaker into the game.
NFL Analyst reactions are bittersweet; the Falcons PR is saying the team may not be interested in him.
Michael Vick should not be reinstated, under any circumstances.
Imagine if the "average Joe" had been sent to federal jail under a heinous, cruel crime. Would he get to keep a sinecure before jail? After two years?
Athletes are somehow above the rule of law. Vick can go back and resume his superstar life? Thank God his reputation was injured in the process.
That reputation in Band-Aids is also not going to help Vick get back into football at all. How many fans do you think will be buying Vick's jersey and memorbilia, except as a dog toy?
Professional football is a business. Professional football is an occupation. Professional football needs to start acting like it.
Michael Vick said the above, back when he was a standout NFL quarterback. Until 2007, he was one of the premier players and was respectable by fans, players, and coaches. He was the number one pick for the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, and played for the franchise until April 25th, 2007, when Vick's house was searched for narcotics in his Surry County, Virginia home. The 25 acre estate was in the same county as historical attractions Jamestown and Yorktown, but is also known as home to interstate dog fighting.
Vick was released two months ago from federal prison, and was on probation until Sunday.
Turn on Around the Horn, PTI, or Jim Rome is Burning, and the hot topic is all about whether or not Roger Goodel will reinstate the playmaker into the game.
NFL Analyst reactions are bittersweet; the Falcons PR is saying the team may not be interested in him.
Michael Vick should not be reinstated, under any circumstances.
Imagine if the "average Joe" had been sent to federal jail under a heinous, cruel crime. Would he get to keep a sinecure before jail? After two years?
Athletes are somehow above the rule of law. Vick can go back and resume his superstar life? Thank God his reputation was injured in the process.
That reputation in Band-Aids is also not going to help Vick get back into football at all. How many fans do you think will be buying Vick's jersey and memorbilia, except as a dog toy?
Professional football is a business. Professional football is an occupation. Professional football needs to start acting like it.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Failed Attempt at a Book Review: All Those Mornings...At The Post [I go rambling on...]
FEDORAS!!!This past April, I had the pleasure of meeting George Solomon, and the Povich brothers, Maury and David. After reading this collection of columns collected from the Washington Post, I feel as if I've met Shirley, too.
Who is the voice of Washington sports today? I'm thinking Dan Steinberg.
In the 20th Century, such is hogwash. Yes, hogwash.
Shirley Povich was the dominating sports writer in the Nation's Capital until his death on June 3rd, 1998. ALthough I had never read his columns in full context until this book, I've gotten to know Povich. It was almost like a novel; a fictional story of a sportswriter who went from small-town farm boy to the voice of sports.
Povich had seen it all from the Dempsey-Tunney fight in 1927 to his final column discussing Mark McGuire and Thomas Boswell (a fellow Post columnist).
In that final column, its quite obvious that this was pre-asteriks and injections.
"[McGuire is] bulked up by strength coaches and Nautilus weightlifters, plus the new diet of "nutrition shakes" popular in the clubhouses..." Povich writes.
In a modern day paper, "nutrition shakes" immediately registers alongside "juice". (I didn't add the quotations) That is, if Mark McGuire didn't.
Can you imagine what Shirley would have had to say in this era? He always had something to say. He wasn't afraid of the public's reaction to his writing. He wrote what he thought, not to impress. He earned respect through respect. He wasn't loud or annoying like so many sports writers (and broadcasters) today. He wrote about (sports related) social issues and "attacked Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall for having an all-white team [in the fifties]."
If it happened, Shirley wrote about it.
ALL THOSE MORNINGS...AT THE POST BY SHIRLEY POVICH. PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN PUBLISHING, 2005.
next post: what happened to the Yankees? Hockey? Why the NBA Finals champions are underrated?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
AL East- More heated than ever
It is only June, and baseball fans are already seeing the AL East turn into the most competitive division, with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Toronto. The Rays aren't in it (5 games back). Although it is early, it appears the wildcard will probably go to either the Sox or the Jays. Boston and New York face off this weekend, and another sweep like last series could be critical.
Friday, June 5, 2009
It Ain't Over Till It's Over
Yogi Berra once said the above quote. To me, it makes perfect sense...it seems like a variation of "Don't count your chickens 'till they hatch".
Such is true with the Stanley Cup Finals.
Last night, the Penguins battled the Detriot Red Wings. Pittsburgh certainly out played the Wings, leading to their win, 4-2. It could've been 5-2 if Evengi Malkin hadn't missed on the OPEN NET.
On sports debate shows everywhere, journalists are questioning whether or not its over for the Penguins.
It doesn't appear so, as the series is tied 2-2.
After last night, Penguin supporters may be apprehensive, since the both team win's were on home ice.
Detroit can be equally nervous after game four, considering the Penguin's defense snatched the puck each time they came near the net, passing it up.
Not to mention Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's dazzling appearence. You may be rolling your eyes, considering he still let it get by twice, but watching the saves the young player makes are amazing.
The entire Penguin's team, from their stars (Crosby, Malkin, Fleury..) to the underrated heroes (Talbot, Staal, Orpik...) are all young. Many say that the sophistication of these young 20-something players is astonishing.
Imagine what this team will be like in two, three years. If fans think Pittsburgh is dominating now, just wait.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: A RANT ABOUT HOW THE HECK THE YANKEES ARE IN FIRST PLACE. (HINT: ORTIZ)
Such is true with the Stanley Cup Finals.
Last night, the Penguins battled the Detriot Red Wings. Pittsburgh certainly out played the Wings, leading to their win, 4-2. It could've been 5-2 if Evengi Malkin hadn't missed on the OPEN NET.
On sports debate shows everywhere, journalists are questioning whether or not its over for the Penguins.
It doesn't appear so, as the series is tied 2-2.
After last night, Penguin supporters may be apprehensive, since the both team win's were on home ice.
Detroit can be equally nervous after game four, considering the Penguin's defense snatched the puck each time they came near the net, passing it up.
Not to mention Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's dazzling appearence. You may be rolling your eyes, considering he still let it get by twice, but watching the saves the young player makes are amazing.
The entire Penguin's team, from their stars (Crosby, Malkin, Fleury..) to the underrated heroes (Talbot, Staal, Orpik...) are all young. Many say that the sophistication of these young 20-something players is astonishing.
Imagine what this team will be like in two, three years. If fans think Pittsburgh is dominating now, just wait.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: A RANT ABOUT HOW THE HECK THE YANKEES ARE IN FIRST PLACE. (HINT: ORTIZ)
Monday, May 25, 2009
I stand corrected. Or rather I sit corrected...
GASP! I was wrong?
on two things, sweetheart. Such as-
1. Syracuse losing and Cornell's defense
2. Saturday's Cornell/UVA game attracting new fans.
On error one- Obviously I was quite wrong. Throughout the entire game, down to the last seven minutes or so, Cornell had secured a 3 point lead, much like my prediction. What no one saw was Syracuse coming back from no where, one player standing at the net, awaiting the pass, only to of course get the ball and shoot with three seconds to spare, leading into a sudden death OT.
Which of course, they won. Final- 10-9.
What is this, a Disney fairytale? A Mighty Ducks movie?
No, this was one of the best underrated, college games I have seen in awhile. THIS was the game that should've attracted new fans.
on two things, sweetheart. Such as-
1. Syracuse losing and Cornell's defense
2. Saturday's Cornell/UVA game attracting new fans.
On error one- Obviously I was quite wrong. Throughout the entire game, down to the last seven minutes or so, Cornell had secured a 3 point lead, much like my prediction. What no one saw was Syracuse coming back from no where, one player standing at the net, awaiting the pass, only to of course get the ball and shoot with three seconds to spare, leading into a sudden death OT.
Which of course, they won. Final- 10-9.
What is this, a Disney fairytale? A Mighty Ducks movie?
No, this was one of the best underrated, college games I have seen in awhile. THIS was the game that should've attracted new fans.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Lax Attacks Upstate NY for finals
In the mens' lacrosse championship game, fourth seeded Cornell will face second seeded Syracuse, providing for an interesting college lax game Monday night.
Cornell easily managed to walk right around number one Virginia's defense in Saturday's match (which was obviously won, 15-6). Yesterday's game was barely into the first period when Big Red began to realize that the Cavs defense wasn't covering their stars, Rob Panell, Ryan Hurley and Chris Finn, who each contributed three goals. Panell had three assists ,as did Hurley.
Syracuse spanked(!) Duke in their semifinal, 17-7. Orange's offense included stand-outs Kenny Nims and Patrick Peritt, along with eleven others who managed to score in the upset. The Blue Devils' lax fans must be pretty depressed, considering that Duke's women's lax team also lost in overtime to Penn State, 10-9. Nittany Lions also lost in semifinals. Women's lax championship game will be played between Northwestern and North Carolina.
Cornell should win, by at least 3 goals, despite the fact this is their first finals appearance since 1988. The way Panell dances around opposition is absolutely incredible, and exciting. If there had been more sports fans watching Cornell/UVA Saturday afternoon (it was televised), NCAA men's lax would have many new fans. The excitement of these high-scoring upsets is entertaining, and you're in awe watching how the boys jump up to catch a small, hard ball in such tiny and shiny sticks.
Cornell versus Syracuse will be played Monday night.
Cornell easily managed to walk right around number one Virginia's defense in Saturday's match (which was obviously won, 15-6). Yesterday's game was barely into the first period when Big Red began to realize that the Cavs defense wasn't covering their stars, Rob Panell, Ryan Hurley and Chris Finn, who each contributed three goals. Panell had three assists ,as did Hurley.
Syracuse spanked(!) Duke in their semifinal, 17-7. Orange's offense included stand-outs Kenny Nims and Patrick Peritt, along with eleven others who managed to score in the upset. The Blue Devils' lax fans must be pretty depressed, considering that Duke's women's lax team also lost in overtime to Penn State, 10-9. Nittany Lions also lost in semifinals. Women's lax championship game will be played between Northwestern and North Carolina.
Cornell should win, by at least 3 goals, despite the fact this is their first finals appearance since 1988. The way Panell dances around opposition is absolutely incredible, and exciting. If there had been more sports fans watching Cornell/UVA Saturday afternoon (it was televised), NCAA men's lax would have many new fans. The excitement of these high-scoring upsets is entertaining, and you're in awe watching how the boys jump up to catch a small, hard ball in such tiny and shiny sticks.
Cornell versus Syracuse will be played Monday night.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
P.S. I Love You, Yankee Stadium..home run "problem"/"blessing"
This is pretty much just an add-on to my last post, so read the last post too.
Phew! It isn't the Yankees fault they're losing now! It is only because Yankee Stadium is dimensionally screwed up, and so it is very easy to hit a dinger.
Now, wouldn't that help them, or at least be balanced, almost being irrelevant? Am I making any sense here?
It certainly seemed to be a positive- if you're Nick Swisher and playing phenomenally.
It is a negative when the other team is getting those huge leads because the majority of your pitching staff has a void that offseason trades have helped (Burnett) or hurt (CC).
If the Yankees fixed their pitching woes, will this help? Is this new stadium a complete haha-this-is-blowing-up-in-your-face?
Phew! It isn't the Yankees fault they're losing now! It is only because Yankee Stadium is dimensionally screwed up, and so it is very easy to hit a dinger.
Now, wouldn't that help them, or at least be balanced, almost being irrelevant? Am I making any sense here?
It certainly seemed to be a positive- if you're Nick Swisher and playing phenomenally.
It is a negative when the other team is getting those huge leads because the majority of your pitching staff has a void that offseason trades have helped (Burnett) or hurt (CC).
If the Yankees fixed their pitching woes, will this help? Is this new stadium a complete haha-this-is-blowing-up-in-your-face?
Right now seems to be a good time to switch religions
I can remember an episode of YES Ultimate Road Trip, a show where the NY Yankees pick a few lucky fans to go to every game, home and away, on the 'ultimate road trip'. One of the guys said the Yankees were everything to him. Baseball was his religion, the Yankees his chruch, and (the old) Yankee Stadium his cathedral.
It was a good analogy. At the time.
Not only are Yankee fans remembering the optimistic last season, when "everything would get better" but it never did, but the 'baseball Gods' are handing the Bronx Bombers embarrsing margins.
Their last loss- Saturday, against the Indians- was 22-4. The last time I remember a baseball game with such a difference was in 2006, when the Rangers killed the Orioles, 22-2.
That was the O's, though.
This is the Yankees. C'mon. What is going on?
Pitching. It must be pitching. But I thought they filled the holes in the offseason, aquiring A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia and bringing Andy Pettite back to the Bronx.
Burnett (2-0) is showing to be a strong, and smart, addition.
CC (1-1), however, um, yeah. I guess no one saw that Sabathia was extremely successful in the NL (sarcasm not intended, FYI). On the Indians, he wasn't a standout star, unlike in Milwakuee, where he was incredible! So what happened? What is wrong?
Yankee vets like Pettite and Chien-Mang Wong seemed to be the least of the Yanks worries. Pettite is dependable, however, something is stunning fans. Wong has always been a good pitcher, but so far, there is something bothering him, and no one gets it. He was even pulled from his start versus the Red Sox. Will they send him down?
The Yankees are currently tied with rival Boston for second place in the suddenly competitve AL East. Before, it was the BoSox/Yankees battle, but with Tampa's sudden World Series appearence, it seems to be "a whole new ballgame."
TOMMORROW: AS THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS SAY, IT'S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!
It was a good analogy. At the time.
Not only are Yankee fans remembering the optimistic last season, when "everything would get better" but it never did, but the 'baseball Gods' are handing the Bronx Bombers embarrsing margins.
Their last loss- Saturday, against the Indians- was 22-4. The last time I remember a baseball game with such a difference was in 2006, when the Rangers killed the Orioles, 22-2.
That was the O's, though.
This is the Yankees. C'mon. What is going on?
Pitching. It must be pitching. But I thought they filled the holes in the offseason, aquiring A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia and bringing Andy Pettite back to the Bronx.
Burnett (2-0) is showing to be a strong, and smart, addition.
CC (1-1), however, um, yeah. I guess no one saw that Sabathia was extremely successful in the NL (sarcasm not intended, FYI). On the Indians, he wasn't a standout star, unlike in Milwakuee, where he was incredible! So what happened? What is wrong?
Yankee vets like Pettite and Chien-Mang Wong seemed to be the least of the Yanks worries. Pettite is dependable, however, something is stunning fans. Wong has always been a good pitcher, but so far, there is something bothering him, and no one gets it. He was even pulled from his start versus the Red Sox. Will they send him down?
The Yankees are currently tied with rival Boston for second place in the suddenly competitve AL East. Before, it was the BoSox/Yankees battle, but with Tampa's sudden World Series appearence, it seems to be "a whole new ballgame."
TOMMORROW: AS THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS SAY, IT'S A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!
Monday, April 20, 2009
In the digital world, journalism isn't a dog-eat-dog world...its a blog-eat-blog world
Hmmm...what to say, what to say.
Today was a slow day in baseball- lots of rain!
NHL Playoffs going on...Capitals 3, Rangers 0. Suprising, quite suprising. Series is 0-2, favoring the Rangers.
WoW. It's like I'm first meeting someone, and it's a really awkward conversation, and I just went, "Awkward!"
Like that helped!
Well, lets go with a random topic....
The print-journalism industry's sudden problems...
I am a newspaper journalist, but everyone knows the print industry is DYING! Blogs are the new black. My title says it all.
3 out of 4 Americans have internet access, and the rates are rapidly growing. Why the distress?
Perhaps because of the tradition? Maybe because of that fourth American, or waking up in the mornin' to the Sports section.
But, But, if it is all online, no loss, no gain, right, right?!
Wrong, wrong.
TOMMORROW- CHALLENGING RELIGION BY QUESTIONING THE BASEBALL GODS' SUDDEN HATE FOR THE YANKEES.
Note: Blog is under construction. Check back a few times a week for even more content.
Today was a slow day in baseball- lots of rain!
NHL Playoffs going on...Capitals 3, Rangers 0. Suprising, quite suprising. Series is 0-2, favoring the Rangers.
WoW. It's like I'm first meeting someone, and it's a really awkward conversation, and I just went, "Awkward!"
Like that helped!
Well, lets go with a random topic....
The print-journalism industry's sudden problems...
I am a newspaper journalist, but everyone knows the print industry is DYING! Blogs are the new black. My title says it all.
3 out of 4 Americans have internet access, and the rates are rapidly growing. Why the distress?
Perhaps because of the tradition? Maybe because of that fourth American, or waking up in the mornin' to the Sports section.
But, But, if it is all online, no loss, no gain, right, right?!
Wrong, wrong.
TOMMORROW- CHALLENGING RELIGION BY QUESTIONING THE BASEBALL GODS' SUDDEN HATE FOR THE YANKEES.
Note: Blog is under construction. Check back a few times a week for even more content.
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