Archive for the 'Other' Category

Tiger Outdoes Himself Once Again

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on June 16, 2008
in Other
. 0 Comments

Generally, I try to stay away from exaggeration, hyperbole and manufactured drama when writing about sports.  By creating drama when it may not exist, we cheapen the sports that produce plenty without the benefit of a script.  But occasionally, an athlete comes along that warrants every ounce of hyperbole and exaggeration we can throw at him.

Tiger Woods is that rare athlete.

Pick a cliché and Tiger proved it true this weekend and today.  Mind over matter.  Check.  Drive for show, putt for dough.  Yup.  Comparisons to the great Willis Reed.  You betcha.  The point is, Tiger is the rare breed of athlete that transcends any amount of words or praise we can heap in his direction.

Limping through the U.S. Open, there was a distinct feeling that Tiger was in the midst of something special.  Despite dealing with a serious knee injury, Tiger persevered through 90 holes of knee-twisting golf to walk away the U.S. Open champion.  Unquestionably, Tiger did not bring his A-game to Torrey Pines.  In fact, like most of the field, Tiger was subject to rough the thickness of a brillow pad, greens as hard as a glass bowl and fairways as narrow as a cracked door.   But despite Tiger’s fall to the level of mere mortals, he still walked away with his 14th career major title.  So what did Tiger bring with him to Torrey Pines that everyone else left behind?

Is it the overwhelming desire to win?  I doubt it.  There was not a single golfer in that field that did not yearn for a U.S. Open title.  Then if it isn’t a desire to win, is it the will to put in the effort to win?  Probably not.  Tiger’s work ethic is notorious, but many players have logged similar hours on the range and the course without the same outcome.

On the Mike and Mike show this morning, Greeny argued that what Tiger Woods has that almost every other athlete lacks is a supreme self-confidence.  I agree.  While every athlete feels pressure, not every athlete truly believes they will perform in crucial situations.  In some part of their mind, most athletes do not believe they can consistently perform under do-or-die circumstances.  In some circles, we call these types of people realists.  Let’s face it, even Michael Jordan missed more game-winning shots than he made.  But despite that, he believed he would make that shot the next time.  Every time.

Tiger is no different.  No matter what the situation, Tiger believes that he is not only capable of performing, but he will perform.  There is a significant difference.

I often question what greatness is in an athlete.  It is one of those things that you know when you see, but it is hard to neatly define with a few words.  Here, I offer my own definition of greatness.

Greatness is when an athlete is so special that he/she renders all hyperbole and exaggeration useless.  Tiger Woods has done that yet again.

Sunday Smattering

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on June 8, 2008
in MLB, NBA and Other
. 0 Comments

On this toasty Sunday morning here in Boston I’d like to offer our loyal readers a tip free of charge courtesy of Heard in the Cheap Seats: Whatever you do, do NOT lock yourself out of the house on a 90 degree day and then proceed to walk to Dunkin Donuts for an extra large hot coffee.  It’s really not a smart move–a lesson I had to learn the hard way this morning.  But I digress; Sunday Smattering follows ladies and gentlemen.

  • Big Bummer for Big Brown: The horse racing world takes center stage at least once year (the Kentucky Derby) and at most twice a year when a horse is chasing the illusive Triple Crown.  As has been the case many times before, the media anointed Big Brown the savior of horse racing after a trying season and practically handed the horse the victory.  But the horse racing gods would not oblige and Big Brown delivered a clunker–finishing dead last at the most grueling race of the Triple Crown series.  Da’Tara, rode by the same jockey that spoiled Smarty Jones’ Triple Crown bid, played the spoiler once again.?

  • Tempers Flare in Beantown: On a night when the Celtics were supposed to have the limelight all to themselves, the Red Sox stole a bit of the city’s attention with two separate incidents.  First, Coco Crisp charged the mound after being plunked by James Shields.  Most baseball brawl prove rather uneventful with a whole of shoving but not much fighting.  This one was a bit different.  Shields, instead of backing off the mound and praying for the hasty arrival of his catcher, took three steps toward Coco and attempted to deliver a haymaker.  With boxing in his lineage, Coco adeptly dodged the punch and then succumbed to the pile of Rays’ players that went after him.  Later in the game, Manny and Kevin Youkilis had a small dust up.  Maybe Yuk reads Heard in the Cheap Seats and read my call to action from last week?

  •  Chipper Hits Number 400: One of my favorite baseball players of all time, Chipper Jones, reached a career milestone this week–HR number 400.  Of course, immediately after the blast, the posts came fast and furious debating his hall of fame credentials.  Let me put it this way, if he retired right now, he is easily in the top 3 in terms of switch hitters of all time.  That alone is enough to get him in.  But, Chipper himself says he would like to play another 4 years at a minimum provided he remains healthy and the Braves would like him back.  Let’s just assume for argument’s sake he sees a fairly sharp decline in his power numbers after this season and only hits 20 HRs a year (a huge stretch) for the next four years.  Assuming he hits about 20 more this season, that would put him at 501 HRs for his career.  Now, let’s look at hits.  Let’s say he finished this season with 200 hits, which would be an additional 110 on top of where he currently stands.  Then for the next four years, he sees a slight decline to 175 a year.  That would put him above the 3,000 hit mark for his career.  In terms of RBI, he will probably get another 60 this year followed by four seasons at a conservative 80 per year.  That would give him 1700 RBI for his career.  My point is this: he is already a HOFer, everything he tacks on from here on out is just gravy.
  • John Smoltz to Have Surgery: John Smoltz had to make the painful decision this week to undergo season-ending surgery, which begs the question, is this the end?  Contrary to the opinion of Jayson Stark, I simply can’t envision this being the end for Smoltz.  Before the announcement, Smoltz was making statements that would indicate if he had to endure another surgery he would retire.  But when faced with that reality, he quickly retreated from his stance.  John Smoltz is too much of a competitor to have this be the way he goes out.  He’ll be back for one more go around next season.
  • Must Win Tonight for Lakers: Is it too early to call this game a must-win?  I don’t think so.  The Lakers need to come out of Boston tonight with a split or they can kiss their title hopes goodbye. 

Random Thoughts

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on May 1, 2008
in Other
. 3 Comments

First I would like to apologize for not writing anything in over a week.  I was on the shelf with a hand injury.  My status has been upgraded to questionable this week.  Not a chance I am sitting out.  I was brainstorming ideas earlier today, and I had so many different ones, that I decided to hold off on them and just write a bunch of random thoughts I’ve had in the world of sports, and possibly more.  Wow!  That was a run on sentence if I have ever seen one.  Screw it, I was not an English major.  Of course, I had no major what so ever.  And now…deep thoughts by Anthony Iafolla…

 At least the Hawks and Sixers made their first round series against the Celts and Pistons somewhat interesting.  I was definitely surprised to see the Hawks step up in games 3 and 4. 

I love Charles Barkley!  He is more entertaining to watch on TNT than most of what is on television these days.  I think Ernie Johnson might snap one day, but until then…Give me as many Barkley rants as you can.  Priceless!

Flopping in the NBA must go.  That Kirilenko flop and subsequent foul call at the end of Game 2 was ridiculous.  We might be getting to the point where it becomes like a soccer game.  I am waiting to see a stretcher come out on the court when a player flops and acts like he was shot. 

Good job by the Denver Nuggets!  Way to make the Lakers earn their first round playoff win.  Seriously guys, you are allowed to put a hand in the face of a jump shooter. 

Can it be any more obvious what David Stern wants?  Lakers and Celtics finals.  Ratings through the roof.  He cost the Suns their series against the Spurs last year, but there was no way he was going to suspend Garnett for shoving an official.  Do you think Allen Iverson  would have gotten away with that? 

Speaking of the Suns…I was way off on my prediction.  Nope.  They are not going to be playing in the NBA Finals.  I would like a mulligan.  Actually, I will just say that I felt the winner of that series was coming out of the West.  The Spurs keep on winning. 

Maybe Larry brown jumped back into the coaching pool too soon.  With the Mavs, possibly the Suns and other teams in need of a coach he jumped at the Charlotte job.  Now he is working for MJ.  Greatest player ever, possibly worst ever at building a team. 

Hubie Brown scares me.  He looks like a character out of a horror movie.  A zombie movie to be more precise. 

Every time I hear Marv Albert call a game, I can’t  help but think of the infamous biting incident. 

Good to see teams like the Orioles and Rays playing good baseball.  Even if it will not result in anything by the end of the season. 

Anybody else noticed how it seems like the average velocity of pitchers is down?…I wonder how that could be.  It wasn’t just the hitters juicing it up folks.

 I love the NFL Draft, but I was getting close to losing my mind if I had to watch anymore analysis from Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay and all the NFL Live guys.  Literally they talked about the draft for 3 months straight.  It was the same crap!  Really?…Darren McFadden has off the field concerns?  Where have I heard that?  Oh man!  The Falcons need a quarterback?  I didn’t know.  Oh wait.  I did.  Because you told me that the last 97 days!  Enough. 

I hope Roger Goodell reinstates Pacman Jones so I can enjoy seeing the Cowboys implode and watch Jerry Jones’ face melt even more. 

If Jerry Jones and Joan Rivers had a child, would that child be able to move its face?

 LeBron James is nowhere near Michael Jordan.  He carried the Cavs against the Pistons last year and had one of the greatest fourth quarters in playoff history, but many times when the game comes down to one shot in Lebron’s hands, that shot clangs off the rim. 

Reality TV sucks!  (Sorry Joelle)  I was flipping through the channels today, and I came across some show on MTV with these guys who are all vying to go out with one girl.  I sat there and watched for about 30 seconds thinking…”Are these people serious?”  Not to mention they can never live it down.  I have never seen people acting like bigger douchebags crammed into such a short period of time. 

Looks like we will not be getting anything resembling a playoff in college football anytime soon.  Too much money the way it is set up now.  Plus, watching a crappy Illinois team go against USC was so much better than USC against Georgia would have been. 

Gotta love Josh Howard!  You can’t make this stuff up.  I actually think he should try smoking weed during the season since he claims he does not.  His performance this year sure seemed like he was stoned.  Maybe he would play better high.  Kind of like when people say “I drive better when I’m drunk.”…And by the way, where is Sam Perkins?  Because he can get Josh Howard the good stuff. 

Listening to baseball on the radio on a beautiful sunny day when its announced by the Vin Scully’s and Harry Kalas’ of the world is better than watching it on TV.  Painting the picture like the old-timers did is a lost art form. 

I cannot believe David Stern wants to expand the NBA into Europe.  To me, this might be the worst idea he has ever had. 

Bold prediction: Chris Long will be a hall of famer just like his father. 

I have more random thoughts but I need to go ice my hand.  I could go on and on, but I would not subject you to that.  Thanks for reading this jumbled mess of a column

Too Much Sportmanship?

Published
by
Anthony Iafolla
on April 15, 2008
in Other
. 2 Comments

 

As the NHL Playoffs have gotten underway, it had me thinking of a tradition in hockey that I love.  A tradition that is not seen in other sports, and I truly wish there was more of.  I am speaking of when, after beating the snot out of each other for four to seven games, all 25 men line up on the ice and shake hands and exchange a few words of respect.  I love that!  That is the true meaning of sportsmanship in my opinion. 

 When we were all young and playing in our community leagues, this is what we were taught.  The reason I bring this up, is that many times in professional sports today, there seems to be a little too much sportsmanship.  What I mean is I cannot stand seeing NBA players walk out onto the court before a game and every single player freakin’ HUGS his opponent!  Save it for after you have played 48 minutes.  This will happen before every NBA playoff game in the upcoming weeks and months.  I do not want to see Dwight Howard smack LeBron James to the hardwood to prevent a poster dunk, and then help him up as if he was sorry he did it. 

I see this type of thing every time I turn on the TV to watch a game.  I see linebackers crunching a running back to the ground and then offering a helping hand up.  NO!  He is the opposition.  He is the enemy for 60 minutes.   Treat him as such!  I have no proof, but I doubt that Bill Russell hugged Wilt Chamberlain before each game.  I know, I know, Isaiah and Magic practically made out on the court, but I would never question their desire to win.  I guess in the end that is what I am getting at.  As a fan, I do not want my heroes to like the guys on the other team.  I do not want to see them exchange dinner plans before they hit the field or court.  I want to know that they share the same passionate dislike for them as I do. 

Maybe they don’t. There are reasons for this of course: Free agency, the fact that they are paid so much, share the same agents, and hang out at the same resorts in the off-season. I am not saying that today’s athletes are not driven to win, merely that I would like them to show a little less love to their opponents before a game or series.  Be friends later.  I can remember playing ball with buddies of mine and we would trade elbows for an hour, and curse and glare at each other.  Then bump fists and have a beer.  That’s how it should be. 

Recently, after being traded to Phoenix, Shaq was leveled to the floor during a game.  I believe it was Tim Duncan, but don’t quote me, tried to help him up.  Shaq refused.  Message sent. You are not my friend.  Big shocker: Shaq has 4 rings.  Give me more of that type.  In hockey, they get paid well, but they also still seem to be some of the most down to earth guys in sports (Even if no one knows it).  They are a “man’s man”.  Do battle.  Pour your heart out on the floor, field, or ice.  May the best man/men win.  To clarify, I am all for respect and sportsmanship, just save it until after you have done what you came there to do:  Which at the professional level, should be to win.  Now line up and shake hands fellas!

Heard in the Cheap Seats Bends to Will of Loyal Readers—Adds Staff Member

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on April 14, 2008
in Other
. 1 Comment

Alright already–I’ve read your countless emails, heard your relentless pleas and witnessed your incessant begging for more Heard in the Cheap Seats.  And really, I can’t say I blame you entirely.  I too wake up in the morning wondering when I will get my fill of this blog.  But alas, I am only one man and can’t always keep up with the throngs of fans that have clung to this blog.

But fear not loyal readers, I have addressed your concern by adding a staff member.  Starting as early as tonight, you will begin to see posts from a new team member at Heard in the Cheap Seats–my older brother Anthony.  That’s right, we now have two staff members and offices on the left and right coasts (Anthony is in LA and I am in Boston).  We don’t know this to be true, but we are going to lay claim to being the first brother blogging combo in the sports blogging realm.  We fully intend to create Iafolla enterprises.

But seriously, stop by and check out Anthony’s posts–he’s never shy with an opinion and will undoubtedly add a lot of value to the conversation we hope grows on this site.

Thanks for stopping by and keep coming back!  With Anthony on board, we should be able to post on a more frequent basis.

Tiger Time?

Published
by
Chris Iafolla
on April 9, 2008
in Other
. 4 Comments

 

Tomorrow kicks off one of my favorite four days of the sports calendar year–The Masters.  There is something about the mystique and lure of Augusta National that produces an event–you know what’s coming next–unlike any other (sorry I had to).

And just like years past this year’s Masters is not short on intrigue. Sure, Tiger Woods comes to the tournament as the overwhelming favorite, but he is doing his part to add a little drama despite what many view as a forgone conclusion.  Since the golf season started, Tiger has been beating his own drum, proclaiming “the Grand Slam is easily within reach.”  Many may scoff at such bravado but before we work ourselves into a frenzy, let’s evaluate this statement for what it is–the truth.

Tiger has been playing golf at a level never seen before.  It has to be demoralizing for his competitors to know that if Tiger brings his A game, they simple can not win.  No way.  No how.  Tiger is one of the few athletes in sport (if not the only one) that is so clearly without peers he can’t lose on his best day.  It is this fact that gives him the right to say a Grand slam is easily within reach.  If Tiger continues to play the way he has to start the season, it is not only easily within reach, it is an absolute certainty.

By putting a stake in the ground, Tiger has added a certain level of drama to this tournament.  If he doesn’t win, will people be questioning his bravado?  I know I won’t.