For the NBA season that-almost-wasn’t coming to a close, David Stern could not have scripted a better matchup than the two best players in the league meeting for only the third time this season; putting it all on the line for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy.
None of the writers from any of the multiple Real Housewives series could have strategically set up a better finale: three-time MVP LeBron Raymone James taking on three-time scoring champ Kevin Wayne Durant.
The Heat are the two-time defending Eastern Conference champions back for revenge and bloody eyebrows after having to start this NBA season on Christmas Day watching the Dallas Mavericks banner raising ceremony in that other American Airlines branded facility. If that does not hurt worse than a Chris Bosh ab injury, I don’t know what does.
Let’s be clear: Minute Maid Park is not a good place to catch a first-class baseball game and hasn’t been for some time, dating back to ‘05 when the Astros won the National League championship. Coming off one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball in which the Astros posted a franchise-worst 56-106 record, they aren’t providing much enjoyment.
But that doesn’t mean you won’t find a different form of entertainment under that retractable roof, thanks to a guy whose job it is to provide entertainment, even when the Stros are striking out left and right.
For the past 14 seasons, that job has belonged to Nunee Oakes, audio engineer (fancy words for a DJ, he says) for the Houston Astros. After logging 14 championship-less seasons, the music man has lasted almost a decade longer than any of the 18 managers in the team’s history. But Oakes does a lot more than play variations of Jay-Z between innings. He’s the guy who controls every bit of sound you hear inside the 1,263,240-square foot ballpark — from the video board (the first 1080i HD scoreboard in MLB) to the PA system to longtime broadcaster Milo Hamilton’s radio show. He does it all.
While the team sporting the uniforms hasn’t been above .500 since 2008, the team “behind the glass” above left field (which is comprised of three other full-time employees and 50 game-day employees) has been honored numerous times, including winning the Best Overall Display Award (known as the “Best Show in Baseball”) for five straight years.
The team tries to instill a balance of Latino, country, hip-hop, top 40 and classic rock music for its fans.
Oakes works in tandem with Kirby Kander, senior director of creative services, doing everything from scripting music, picking player intro music (not all the guys pick their songs anymore), planning features/inning breaks and troubleshooting potential problems.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/play_oakes_d1_576.jpg324576Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-04-29 10:44:042012-05-06 10:47:10Astros’ Music Man Cranks Out Hits
Former Eagles Safety, Brian Dawkins Retires From NFL
As with most things in life, after 16 seasons, fans get tired. Whether it’s another horny middle-aged man hitting on the grossly thin admin assistant on Survivor, the country bumpkin who came from nothing on American Idol, or the 27th season of Real World in Miami, fans eventually die down each and every week, each and every season.
But Monday, as former Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins announced his retirement (via Twitter) from the NFL after 16 highlight-reeled seasons and nine Pro Bowls, I’m left with the question: “Was anyone done with No. 20?”
Dawkins spent 13 hard-hitting seasons in Philadelphia after being drafted in the second round of the 1996 draft out of Clemson. That very season, Dawkins quickly showed me how important the role of a safety was.
To this day my dad still thinks he was the one who taught me all the tips to play the defensive position, but in truth it was Dawkins who taught me that reading the quarterback’s eyes was a surefire way to snag an interception. It was Dawkins who showed me how be a leader on my very own sports teams and how to be loud and in charge. It was Dawkins who showed me how to viciously tackle an opposing sorority girl at the knees and drill her into the ground. It was Dawkins who showed me that a player playing off the line of scrimmage wasn’t a B-team kind of athlete—he was in fact quite the opposite. It was Dawkins who showed me defensive players were just as important as offensive players.
For girls, those are the kinds of integral aspects of sports that create a real and genuine understanding and love of the game.
After playing almost his entire career with the Eagles, 2009 marked what could easily be one of the greatest mistakes in franchise history by letting Weapon X become a free agent and allowing him to sign a five-year deal with that we-just-traded-Tim-Tebow-for-Peyton-Manning-team. Now, once again a free agent, the quick and agile DB decided to leave the turf on an all-too-rare high note, leaving fans like me desperately hoping he pulls a Brett Favre. (I’m not talking camera phones; I’m talking a change of heart.)
Weapon X Doing His Thing In Philly
To be able to play in Philly is to be able to play anywhere. To last as long as Dawkins did with the rowdy fanbase (the one I am so proud to call my own) without fans turning on him or throwing batteries says a lot about his character both on and off the field.
Dawkins was, and is, the epitome of all that Philly fans expect: to be able to talk the talk and back it up. The man was a reckless beast on the field. He could get to a pass faster than Heidi Montag could get to a plastic surgeon and he could do it numerous times.
Number of pass breakups for Dawkins: 98.
Number of plastic surgeries for Montag: 10. That we know of.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BrianDawkins_TheBlondeSide.jpg370470Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-04-28 10:36:112012-06-12 11:57:28Brian Dawkin Makes His Exit from NFL
Clearly was way off in my draft pick as the Texans picked Whitney Mercilus in the first round.
Thanks to the wonderful world wide web (read, mostly Twitter), I was asked to participate in a 2012 Mock NFL Draft with Alicia Jessop over at Ruling Sports. Living in Houston and being fairly tapped into the strengths and weaknesses of the Texans, Jessop asked The Blonde Side to give some thoughts on where the Texans would direct their first-round draft pick.
Below is my super long-winded (surprising, right?) answer to her simple question. Keep in mind, this was my first attempt at putting somewhat knowledgeable words into one of these. Usually I just slam a few drinks and throw out my completely biased opinions. This was really fun and I was in great company with some ridiculously smart NFL guys. Read the entire Mock Draft at Ruling Sports.
Writing my own sports column, The Blonde Side and being credentialed by the Houston Texans, one would think I’d be a bit more confident in predicting who I think the Texans will draft on Thursday, but truth be told, I’m more confident in my ability to put on eye liner with my left hand. After drinking a case of beer. Not to mention, the Texans are so far at the end of the draft (26th overall), it’s a crap-shoot.
While Texans fans don’t want to admit the solid Draft history of the franchise, the proof is in the pudding: selecting seven players who have gone on to participate in the Pro Bowl since 2002. Coming off a franchise best record (10-6), for the first time in history, the Texans don’t have any gaping holes screwing with their depth chart. From all I’ve heard and what my gut tells me, the Texans have to go for a WR – someone opposite Andre Johnson or to fill the gap if he (knock on wood) gets riddled with injuries again. The Texans haven’t drafted a WR since 2010, when they selected Dorin Dickerson from Pittsburgh in the 7th round. It’s time. And Texans fans and sports brainiacs will agree – A. Johnson is a beast, but his hamstring can’t do it alone.
After Johnson went out with his injury early last season, the Texans had to rely on a run game, thankfully carried by another Pro-Bowler Arian Foster. But if Shaub is healthy this season (or Yates comes back like a wild man), he’s got to have someone else to throw to. The NFL is all about options. Outside of Texas, the offense players names are virtually obsolete – no one knows many of the other guys on the roster.
When we talk WR’s in this year’s draft, there seem to be two names filling up the world wide web: Stephen Hill, the 6’4″ 215lb rockstar from Georgia Tech and Kendall Wright, the 5’11” 190lb almost hometown boy from Baylor. Although small, Wright is my choice, after listening to Joe Fortenbaugh’s reasoning and it’s true – he can stretch the defense across the field like nobody’s business which is exactly what Houston needs to take that franchise best record even further. If the Texans are trying to find an AJ clone, then Hill is your clear choice as they are much more compatible in the size department, but the speed of Wright shant be underestimated. I guess it’ll all boil down to what picks are left come the Texans turn, but I stay strong with my WR pick for the Texans first round pick.
And if you’re still as fairly clueless as I am on who the Texans will draft, here’s what General Manager/Executive Vice President, Rick Smith had to say at Tuesdays Pre-Draft Press Conference (which clearly still doesn’t shed any light on the draft situation), “I think if you look across our football team, the first thing I think you would think about, on the offensive line, losing a couple starters, via free agency in one case and then a determination in another case. But we’ve got to look at the offensive line group. I’ve said at the Combine earlier that I think we can probably help ourselves at the wide receiver position with maybe adding some youth and adding some speed there. And then depth in the linebacker corps. You can always add pass rushers. You can always add corners, I’ve always said that. We’ll do what we always do. We’ll stay true to our board. We’ve assessed a value that we think these players have at their particular positions and the way that it falls is the way that we’ll pick them.”hink if you look across our football team, the first thing I think you would think about, on the offensive line, losing a couple starters, via free agency in one case and then a determination in another case. But we’ve got to look at the offensive line group. I’ve said at the Combine earlier that I think we can probably help ourselves at the wide receiver position with maybe adding some youth and adding some speed there. And then depth in the linebacker corps. You can always add pass rushers. You can always add corners, I’ve always said that. We’ll do what we always do. We’ll stay true to our board. We’ve assessed a value that we think these players have at their particular positions and the way that it falls is the way that we’ll pick them.”
Travis Johnson & Kailee Wong pose with Houston Texans Cheerleaders (Marissa & Larissa) (Photo: MD Turner Photography)
While most NFL fans and players were glued to their HD televisions for the draft Thursday night, there were a select few more concerned with supporting a local cause: Travis Johnson, defensive end drafted by the Texans in 2005, and his Travis Johnson Foundation, which provides grants for rehabilitation for children suffering strokes and other major illnesses, as his four-year-old daughter did.
Among the players in attendance: Andre Johnson (Texans), Johnathan Joseph (Texans), Greg Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars), Dunta Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) and Tina Thompson (the WNBA Seattle Storm) just to name a few. The only game these big names were worried about was who could walk away with bragging rights as the best bowler.
The sports-studded evening at 300 Houston Bowling Lounge off Bunker Hill was filled with smack talking, high fives, jokes — and, more importantly, lots of donations.
At the beginning of the event, founder and former Texan (now free agent) Travis Johnson told the story of his daughter Zoe and their firsthand account as she suffered two strokes, which caused paralysis in the left side of her body. He recognizes and is thankful that his family was able to provide her with the best care during this trying ordeal, but realizes others may not have the means.
“We were fortunate, but not everyone’s fortunate in this kind of situation. The goal of the Travis Johnson Foundation is to let them be kids again,” he said before thanking his former teammates for joining him at his event.
Chris Hope (Tennessee Titans Strong Safety and Florida State guy), Andre Johnson & Travis Johnson strike a pose. (Photo: MD Turner Photography)
Even a few of his former Florida State teammates flew in just to show their support for the big night.
It was a big night in more ways than one. It also happened to be Travis Johnson’s 30th birthday where his wife surprised him with a 3-0 red velvet and vanilla cake. Let me be the first to say this may be a group of extraordinary charitable athletes, but they cannot carry a tune. I’ve never before laughed and cringed at the singing of “Happy Birthday,” but I knew it came from a good place.
The only lull in the competitive bowling or “thank you for all you do” talk was around 9:30 p.m. when the four TVs in the private bowling room showed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell set to announce the Texans’ first-round pick in the draft (26th overall). The sound came on and the crowd got quiet as Goodell announced the Texans pick of linebacker Whitney Mercilus (marking the fourth straight year the Texans have drafted a defensive player in the first round of the draft).
Shortly after the pick, the crowd returned their focus to more important things: The fierce bowling tournament to raise funds to provide assistance to families in need of financial support for children who have suffered major illnesses and are in need of rehabilitation or therapeutic services.
Tina Thompson, WNBA Player for Seattle Storm bowls (Photo: MD Turner Photography)
“The funds raised through this event will provide a better quality of life for children who have suffered a major illness or trauma and need rehabilitation services. I know firsthand how this affects families. It’s important for them to know there are people out there who care, that I care,” Travis Johnson said.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/001_IMG_7449.jpg20003000Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-04-27 10:27:122012-05-06 10:35:31What Do NFL Players Do On Draft Night? Go Bowling!
Lightning may not strike the same place twice, but who says Opening Day can’t happen twice?
Thursday night that’s exactly what greater Houston residents will get to see — a second baseball Opening Day, Opening Day for the new Atlantic League Team in Sugar Land, the Sugar Land Skeeters. And thanks to the novelty of this new independent league team, some Outer Loopers are about as excited for the Skeeters and their new $36 million stadium as they were for the Houston Astros’ Opening Day. If not more.
The Skeeters, at least for now, are new and refreshing. They aren’t coming off the worst record in franchise history. They didn’t go through any ownership or changing leagues drama in the offseason.
For those unfamiliar with this minor league free agent league the Skeeters are part of,it allows all 30 Major League Baseball clubs to sign a player at any time from the A.L. (which stands for Atlantic League, not to be confused with the American League which the Astros will soon be joining) and assign them anywhere within their organization. This is a huge gateway for ballplayers, both old and still relatively new (the age range on the Skeeters roster currently goes from 24 to 34), to try and make it into Major League lineups.
The most recent guy to have success with this free agent (and often last chance) model of minor league baseball is Houston native and Rice University graduate Lance Pendleton who was recently signed to pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to this deal, Pendleton signed a minor league contract with the Astros and was released on March 30, 2012 as a free agent which sent him straight into the glove of the Skeeters.
In a press release issued by the Skeeters, Pendelton said, “Being from the Houston area, I knew the Skeeters would give me the best shot to showcase my arm. The organization really treated me with open arms. It is a double-edged sword though.
Sugar Land Skeeters
“I am upset to leave home where my family is, but this is an opportunity I cannot pass up.”
When asked about being competition for the Astros (mostly in the form of ticket sales and fan loyalty), Skeeters marketing communications manager Bryan Hodge responded with: “This area is a huge baseball market. Whether it is youth leagues or the Astros, everyone loves baseball here.
“We do not see the Astros as competition. We believe this market is suited for both teams to prosper and benefit each other. The more people watching and talking about baseball, the better it is for the growth of the sport.”
This just shows one of the many goals of the Skeeters organization — to further the mission of baseball by grooming these men on the Sugar Land field or helping them find their spot within MLB organizations. Aside from the actual sport itself, Hodge promises fun filled nights of entertainment for guests — that brand of entertainment you only find in the minor leagues.
“We will have the Cowboy Monkeys, a man who will light himself on fire and run the bases, fireworks, Roger Creager, concerts and more! We are a circus with a baseball game,” Hodge says half joking, half serious.
And it’s almost part of the game in Minor League Baseball to come up with wackiest and wittiest promos each year. MiLB.com even runs a contest to showcase the craziest ones — here’s hoping this new Sugar Land team can top that list some day.
The Skeeters will play 70 regular season home games at the brand new Constellation Field which broke ground in April of last year and has since generated an immense amount of buzz from locals. The $36 million stadium on Highway 6 is equipped with luxury suites, party seats, decks and even lawn seating where fans can sprawl out on blankets and battle the Texas heat.
Fans also seem to be excited about catching a glimpse of the eight-story HD video board in the shape of Texas.
Opening Day for the Skeeters is 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Constellation Field against the York Revolution. The game is completely sold out. Some lawn seats remain for the other games in the opening weekend series. Constellation Field has 6,000 reserve seats and the capacity for about a 1,000 more on the lawn or in standing room. Ticket prices for non-suite seats range from $7 to $12 (kids who show up in a youth baseball uniform are let in free).
Now those folks outside the Loop finally have a stadium to call home.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/6_Sugar_Land_Skeeters_baseball_team_April_2012.800w_600h.jpg600800Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-04-26 10:22:472012-05-06 10:26:18Sugar Land Skeeters Opening Day
I usually confess my dumb blonde moments long before others have the chance to in an attempt to save face, but last week in New Orleans I did it again letting my “true” blonde shine.
Looking up at a t-shirt for sale I yelled out, “I love that shirt! Too bad it’s not sports related.” The shirt had the Jazz logo on it and said New Orleans, making me believe it was a play on the town of Jazz, but I couldn’t quite figure out how NBA licensing had allowed such a shirt to be made and sold. I was with my friend Joe from National Football Post and unknowingly he responded, “How is an old school NBA New Orleans Jazz t-shirt not sports related?”
As the “highly coveted sportswriter” I’ve become over the years, even I had no idea the Jazz (currently Utah Jazz) originated from New Orleans. Just as soon as the realization hit me, I wanted to belt out a big fat Homer Simpson style DUH.
My earliest recollections of the Jazz were from the eighties and nineties when Karl Malone and John Stockton ruled the purple jerseys in The Mormon State. And how dumb do I feel because for a team to be named The Jazz, of-freaking-course they started in New Orleans, the city synonymous with Jazz music. Duh again blondie. That’s like saying you’ve watched Grey’s Anatomy for years and never realized the show was named after Meredith Grey, the main character (and narrator). Those are just the kinds of things people should know. As a caveat, the team only lasted in New Orleans five years, all before my time, so I should be granted some level of acceptance. So for the other “dumb blondes” out there, I did some research on the origin of the team and some random facts you can throw around at dinner parties. Or bars. You can thank me later.
My "new vintage" New Orleans T-shirt with Joe Fortenbaugh
In 1974 New Orleans officially became the 18th team of the NBA (the expansion franchise cost $6.15 million). As with many sports teams, a contest was held to name the expansion team. Over 6,500 names were submitted and eight semi-finalists were selected (that really told the story of the city): Jazz, Dukes, Crescents, Pilots, Cajuns, Blues, Deltas, and Knights. Steve Brown, a 27-year old self-proclaimed “Jazz freak” was the winner who ended up naming the team.
The name Jazz was selected due to its definition “collective improvisation.”
1974 was not the first time a professional basketball team had called New Orleans home. From 1967-70, there was an ABA team called the Buccaneers.
The Jazz only won six of their first 50 games in their first season in NOLA and finished with the worst record in NBA (23-59).
The team only stayed in New Orleans, the city synonymous with Jazz & Mardi Gras for five short years (1974-79) before being shipped off to Utah. While it’s not unusual for new cities to change the team name (i.e. Seattle SuperSonics now being the OKC Thunder), Utah decided to keep the name and embrace all the qualities the team had become known for.
After the Jazz headed to Utah, the city of New Orleans would occasionally host Atlanta Hawks games, but the real desire to get basketball back into their city came from the Final Four. The Superdome hosted the 1982 Final Four, the same Final Four where Michael Jordan, a then freshman, nailed the game winning shot as North Carolina won the Championship. New Orleans also hosted the Final Four in 1987 and again in 1993. It wasn’t again until 2002 that New Orleans could once again called itself an NBA home when the Hornets moved from Charlotte into a brand new arena. (Again, there was debate about a name change or trying to bring the name Jazz back to its city of origin, but the name remained as the New Orleans Hornets.)
Worst season record for the Jazz franchise came in 1974-75: 23-59 (.280) – New Orleans
Best season record for the Jazz franchise came in 1996-97: 64-18 (.780) – Utah
Marketing Guide For The Jazz Logo
As a former brain at an ad agency, I find the progression of the logo and team colors particularly interesting.
1974-79 New Orleans Jazz | Colors: Purple, Green, Gold (these started as the main colors as they represented Mardi Gras)
1979-96 Utah Jazz | Colors: Purple, Green, Gold
1996-04 Utah Jazz | Colors: Purple, Teal, Light Blue, Copper, Black
2004-10 Utah Jazz | Colors: Navy, Powder Blue, Purple, Silver
2010-Present Utah Jazz | Navy, Dark Yellow, Dark Green, Gray
Want more random facts and followings? Follow The Blonde Side on Twitter @jaymelamm
Admirals Puck Drop with Joe Gregory (back left) and myself (back right). (Photo: John Wright)
What’s It Take For The Admirals To Get Some Press?
Having been based in Houston the past five years and writing my sports column, The Blonde Side, I admit I’ve gotten a bit spoiled when it comes to sporting events.
Perhaps even a bit overzealous, like Heidi Montag and her unprecedented love for plastic surgery. In one city (albeit a large one), we have MLB, NFL, NBA, MLS, AHL, we are hosting next year’s NBA All-Star game, we just hosted the Olympic Marathon Time Trials and the list goes on and on. That’s a whole lotta sports, yes? It appears in the midst of my Houston zip code and all its national sports splendor, the Norfolk Admirals have fallen off my hometown radar, but it seems I wasn’t the only sports writer who forgot about the Admirals.
A few weeks ago when I was back visiting my hometown of Chesapeake, I noticed that the sport’s section of Friday’s overflowing Virginian-Pilot failed to make any mention of the Admirals and their home game set to take place later that evening. In a town where there is only one professional team currently in season, the question arises, if you’re not covering that team, what exactly is filling the pages of your illustrious sport’s section?
That was just enough prompting for me to make a call and head to Norfolk Scope to shadow Admirals Vice President and General Manager, Joe Gregory during their game against the Adirondack Phantoms (which they won) just weeks after their sellout crowd of 8,699.
Gregory. (Pic | Rob Twine)
I showed up at the Admirals Administrative Offices at 5pm with Starbucks in hand. Joe and his Director of Media Relations, Keith Phillips, had warned me it’d be a long night with a lot of walking. Their advice to wear comfortable shoes reminded me of one of those overplayed Haynes commercials, but thankfully, I obliged. I sat down for a brief background on Mr. Gregory, who is not only the VP of the Admirals, but as of last October, also the GM of the Norfolk Tides. Needless to say, the Youngstown native is busy. As one of the youngest GMs in history (if not the youngest), Gregory first became a GM at the ripe age of 26 for the Youngstown SteelHounds, but his first gig in sports was much earlier with the LPGA at 15.
But back to his current role with the Admirals, who hold a current record of 39-18-1-2 (W-L-OTL-SOL), good for 81 points and tied for the best record in the entire American Hockey League. They are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference and East Division, and are riding a well-deserved 12-game win streak dating back to February 10th, which marks the longest winning streak in AHL Admirals history and the longest winning streak in the AHL this season.
Those numbers all seem like reputable reasons to write about this pro team in the local paper, yes? Or what about the animated fans that fill out the Scope on a regular basis? Having logged over 6 miles walking around with Gregory (in my comfortable shoes) through every crevice of the concourse, the ice, the locker rooms and more, it was evident a big part of his job was dealing with the fans. The loyal and avid bullhorn kind of fans, no less.
In all fairness, initially I didn’t think it was that big of a deal for the local paper’s omission until fan after fan approached Gregory up in arms about it. These fans mean business. They are proud of their team and they want the recognition. Not only do the Admirals have their hands in a number of worthy community endeavors, the roster boasts some big-time names, which will soon be in the bright lights of the NHL, including the AHL’s top goaltender in wins (Dustin Tokarski, 27) and top rookie scorer (Cory Conacher, 66 points on 31 goals and 35 assists). Not to mention Conacher is tied for second overall in the AHL in goals while ranking fourth overall in points. Mark Barberio leads all AHL defensemen in scoring (51 points on nine goals and 42 assists). It’s by no means a far stretch to say the Admirals are one of the best teams and have some of the best players in the AHL this season. Again, newsworthy, yes?
As the buzzer signaled a 2-0 victory over the Phantoms, Gregory is once again on the move. “Now we go say goodnight to all the fans,” he says, clearly valuing the support the locals put into his team. If he supports his fans, and his fans support his team, and his team is doing phenomenal on the ice heading toward the end of the season, shouldn’t our major print publications be supporting all of the above parties? To me, the answer it a clear yes. And hopefully it’s a clear yes before the Admirals head to the playoffs because there’s nothing worse than bandwagon sports reporting.
For more on the Admirals or to check their upcoming schedule, click here.
This article was featured on AltDaily, Hampton Roads’ source for creative culture, intelligent commentary and pressing news (and thanks to The Blonde Side, even a little bit of sports!).
There comes a time in everyone’s life where bragging rights start to take over societal norms. For me, that was in 2006 and I still hold tight to those fleeting front-page memories probably the same way Britney Spears holds tight to her old Catholic schoolgirl hot bod. Those were the days, right?
And based on the picture to the left, it’s pretty obvious I’m a George Mason fan (and alum) and firmly believe they are one of the greatest Cinderella Stories in NCAA history, if not the greatest. Although, based on definition and parallels of the actual 1950 movie, I’m not sure anyone in NCAA Men’s Basketball has really fit the proverbial glass slipper to a T. Not even my Patriots if we’re being honest.
Most of you reading The Blonde Side should be acutely aware of what a Cinderella or “Cinderella Story” refers to, but since I know my mother is reading this (thanks mom), I’ll elaborate: this concept refers to a team or player who advances much further in a tournament than expected (via Wikipedia). The amount of media attention and bandwagon fans these Cinderellas get is b-a-n-a-n-a-s.
Take George Mason for instance – one of the biggest schools in Virginia, but because we lack a football team, we are either off the sport’s map completely or people assume we’re a small private school. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong’er.
But the thing that really bothers with me with this fairy tale analogy is that in the Disney classic, Cinderella just kind of shows up out of the woodwork and surprises everyone. Coming out of obscurity, much like George Mason did in that 2006 season when they stole the show as an 11 seed. The 2006 brackets were in worse shape than the Titanic marking the first time in 26 years that all four No. 1 seeds didn’t make the Final Four.
In the movie, Cinderella has to work harder and overcome multiple obstacles to get her shot at the prince. George Mason did that as well, but obviously not for their shot at a dude, but rather a bid into the dance and then the chance to keep advancing game after game after game.
George Mason Patriots - The Ultimate Cinderella Story
Here’s where I see the difference. In the movie, it’s all about the ending – Cinderella finding her Prince Charming (who by the way, for a cartoon character is totally my type for those keeping track). Sure, the story of how she got there and all the wicked haters (her stepsisters and stepmother) were part of the storyline, but the gist of the movie is that she made it. The slipper fit. The two lovebirds tie the knot, which is more than I can say for any of the twenty seasons of The Bachelor, but again, I digress.
The difference, as in most cases with the sporty Cinderella is it’s more about their journey. How they got the bid to the Madness that takes over March, all the teams with massive season highlight reels they took down to get there (Wichita State, UCONN, Michigan State and UNC), but then, unlike any Disney fairytale we’ve seen, the George Mason Patriots lost in the Final Four to Florida (just another reason I can’t stand those damn Gators).
While it was a good run, no make that a great run, this particular Cinderella Story, and all the other ones sports blogs and networks hammer on about end more like, well a Lifetime movie. In Lifetime movies, Tori Spelling (or one of their five other actresses they meticulously rotate) typically has a hard time trusting guys and doesn’t think she’ll ever fall in love, and then without warning (yeah right) she meets the love of her life. That’s where a typical Disney story would end – after a few babies of course. But no, she ends up getting brutally murdered by her doting husband while skiing down an Olympic mogul double-black after ACL surgery. Not that Mason got murdered by those damn Gators, but it was kind of hard to watch. I wasn’t left with warm and fuzzies like I am after watching Ariel get her legs for the final time to live as a human rather than an underwater mermaid or Sleeping Beauty wake up to a tongue in her mouth.
Doesn't look like the Cinderella we know from Disney, does it?
And of course it’s clear after watching VCU’s run last year (another Virginia school, mind you), that there may be more than one pair of glass slippers open for the taking. Butler had their shot at the slipper two years ago, but again, where’s that perfect Disney ending?
Who do you think has a chance at claiming this year’s slipper or at least trying to put a fat foot into it? Creighton? Saint Mary’s? Long Beach State?
PS – ever wonder where the term Cinderella came from? Thanks to Bill Murray’s impromptu line in Caddyshack, we can now successfully bridge Disney and Sports and feel OK about it.
For those of you gearing up for the Madness that is March, here is the 2012 NCAA Tournament Schedule:
Selection Sunday – March 11, National Bracket Day – March 12, First Four – March 13 – 14, Second Round – March 15 – 16, Third Round – March 17 – 18, Sweet 16 – March 22 – 23, Elite 8 – March 24 – 25, Final Four – March 31, National Championship – April 2
just another example of an awesome sign. AP Photos/Mark Humphrey
Oh, and contest galore. Two ways:
1. Two lucky readers of The Blonde Side will receive either a $50 Visa gift card or an NCAA team jersey. Simply leave a comment with what your favorite thing about the NCAA tournament and I’ll select two lucky random winners this week. If you win, you can pick either the gift card or an NCAA team jersey which will be mailed to you directly. Note, if your email address isn’t present, I’ll skip over you.
2. Want to see the action in person? AT&T is hosting a sweepstakes right now to go to the Final Four AND the Championship game! That’s right, you get to go to both. I’m jealous because I don’t think I’m eligible. To enter go to http://bit.ly/ATTSweeps for details. What are you waiting for? Get in the game!
*A big thanks to AT&T who provided me with a gift card for promoting their sweepstakes but all thoughts and opinions on The Blonde Side and in this post are my own.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/57187513_crop_650x440.jpg440650Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-03-07 16:47:192012-03-22 10:13:47My Cinderella Story
Before you go assuming that a gal who writes something titled The Blonde Side made some super heinous mistake saying an NCAA baseball team played a pro team, take solace in the fact I know what I’m talking about. At least this once. Especially since I was there.
I should also note, that on a game schedule with 58 games for Florida State, only one of them is denoted with a “!” and that of course is this one.
Yesterday I had the chance to attend the Philadelphia Phillies first Spring Training game of 2012 at Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL against none other than my Florida State Seminoles. It’s not everyday you get to watch your favorite college team play the 2011 National League East champs in beautiful sunny 79 degree weather to kick off the season.
Many MLB teams pit their first game against a local (or in this case semi-local) team which does a lot for both teams and is an exciting atmosphere to take in a game. Yesterday’s game marks the 12th time Florida State has faced a major league team posting a record of 2-10 (including yesterday’s loss). Their only two wins come from beating the NY Yankees (1978) and the Atlanta Braves (1981), but the squad usually fares pretty well against these pro teams.
The experience breakdown for this 2012 Florida State squad has 17 players returning combined with 17 newcomers. The team is comprised of 7 seniors, 7 juniors, 2 redshirt sophomores, 3 sophomores, 1 redshirt freshman, and brand-spanking new 16 freshman. The Seminole baseball team is no stranger to wins and big games with 49 NCAA appearances, 20 CWS appearances and 5 ACC titles under the belt.
The fans appeared pretty evenly split at Bright House, but I can assure you when those garnet and gold pinstriped underdogs did something good, the crowd went wild. Even the crowd dressed in their Phillies garb. Case in point: when senior RHP Adam Simmons struck out big-leaguer Jim Thome (who recently just rejoined the Phillies organization) at the plate, the crowd went bananas. I’m talking Gwen Stefani B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
Another notable difference in a game like this? Seeing a collegiate pitcher hit a pro at the plate and then mouthing “sorry”. No where on a Major League mound will you see that sort of conciliatory emotion. It’s kind of refreshing to see, at least at the start of the season. I too have had many a smiles watching guys like Vincente Padilla terrorize batters and conversely, guys like Nyjer Morgan charge the mound or drop an F-bomb in the batter’s box.. Or four.
The Noles pitching and defense held the Phillies scoreless through 5, and then tied it up in the 7th after FSU capitalized and scored a run on a wild pitch. Like clockwork, the fans in the crowds started cheering:
The game definitely heated up in the 7th when senior RHP Mack Waugh got called for a balk and
FSU Head Coach, Mike Martin (photo courtesy of Zimbio)
Florida State head coach Mike Martin (currently in his 33rd season with a FSU record of 1673-577-4) went out to “talk” to the umpire which got fairly animated to say the least. It was the first standing ovation of the day.
How Martin didn’t get booted from the game was beyond me, but the guy was fearless and genius and I’m now a forever fan. Martin, no stranger to FSU or the game of baseball, graduated from Florida State in 1966 and went on to be drafted in the 25th round by the NY Mets later that year.
The Phillies eventually went on to win the game 6-1, where I’m sure all 4,399 fans at Bright House Field can vouch for the valiant effort put forth by the boys of Florida State.
Side note: something I learned – Spring Training games can end in a tie. Maybe that’s where Donovan McNabb got confused a few years ago?
Follow Florida State Baseball on Twitter @FSU_Baseball
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/TheBlondeSide_Mike_Martin_zimbio.jpg594416Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-03-01 10:13:522012-03-02 15:10:16FSU vs. Phillies
