Sunday, January 30, 2011

Past, Present and Future of African American Baseball

I had the great honor and pleasure to moderate a very special panel of baseball stars speaking to a very special audience in Birmingham, Alabama. I was with the Atlanta Braves Caravan with outfielder Jason Heyward, Pitcher Kris Medlin, first base coach Terry Pendleton, and former Brave Terry Harper. Pretty high brow company right there. But, it got much better upon arrival.

First, there was a stop at the 16th Street Baptist Church for a tour. You know the place - this was the church that was bombed in 1963, killing four young girls attending Sunday school....September 15th...one of the most heinous hate crimes of the civil rights struggle. Moving. Touching. Inspiring. More...

Then, across the street to the Civil Rights Institute where the Braves players addressed some local middle schoolers. But, the panel had some very special speakers in attendance.

Roger Brown, Ernest Fann, Leroy Miller, Tony Lloyd, Henry Elmore, and Sam Bryson. Ring any bells? Try the Philadelpia Stars. The Birmingham Black Barons. The Indianapolis Clowns. The Memphis Red Sox.

These elegant gentlemen were all enormous stars in baseball's Negro Leagues. And each came forward to offer the youngsters words of encouragement about overcoming societal hurdles, the importance of family and education, and the beauty of the game of baseball at it's essence.

But, the thing I loved above and beyond the kids was the reaction of the current and past players... a real show of reverence, which has been earned by these pioneers and very much deserved.

Atlanta will host the 5th Civil Rights Game in May, and God willing, many of these historic greats will be in attendance. Please turn out as the Braves host the Phillies and tip your cap to these baseball pioneers. I'm honored to have been in their company, and will soon be posting photographs on this site.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Best Day of the Football Season

I love Championship Sunday in the NFL because it's the last of the REAL NFL action. The Superbowl is more of an event, and I love it. But, for good, old fashioned, smash mouth play, today is the ultimate. Hence, my picks.

I like the Bears over the Packers for the NFC crown. Aaron Rogers is growing into a star quarterback, but I think the Bears defense will be too quick for him, and can cover those big Green Bay receivers. If Kyle Orton can play within himself, the Monsters of the Midway can book their flight to Dallas.

In the AFC, give me the Steelers over the Jets despite the fine post season play of Mark Sanchez who's proven unflappable in playoff road games. I like the way Pittsburgh came back from two touchdowns in the hole to out slug Baltimore last week. I think Mike Tomlin's crew will continue to ride the wave. Rex Ryan has backed up all his big talk so far, but I think after winning at New England, The Jets may feel they've already played their title game.

So, the Bears and the Steelers in the Superbowl with the nod going to Chicago. And, I'm always right about these things...unless I'm wrong.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Tucker Carlson: Insensitivity, And Beyond

I don't know Tucker Carlson personally, but we did share some satellite banter back in the old CNN days. I remember the bow tie, the dry humor, and the right wing point of view he espoused. Other than that, he seemed likable enough while being thoughtful and intelligent.

Well, all that went out of the proverbial window with his recent comments about Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. President Obama had called Eagles ownership to commend them on giving Vick another chance in the NFL. I happen to agree with the president because ALL of us fall short of God's expectations, and ALL of us deserve a second chance after dealing with the consequences of poor judgment.

In case you've forgotten - and the conservative media wouldn't dare let you - Vick was convicted for his role in dog fighting. He served 18-months in prison and lost tens of millions of dollars in the process along with any good reputation he might have had.

Please get this straight: I don't know Michael Vick, and I know nothing of dog fighting except what I learned covering the story to some degree. He deserved every bit of punishment the court dished out. I do know what he did to those animals was reprehensible and wrong beyond explanation. But, for Mr. Carlson to come on FOX News and say the man should have been executed is beyond irresponsible. And, for him to preface the comment by proclaiming his alleged status as a Christian is an insult to all of us Christians everywhere. You can think such things, as wrong headed as they may be, but you cannot say such things over the airwaves. It is hateful, insensitive, and geared to appeal to the small minded among us who either can't or won't think for ourselves. It's like a one man lynch mob wearing a suit and screaming 'GET HIM!' to anyone ignorant enough to listen.

That's the bad part...but, here's the worst. There can only be one reason Mr. Carlson is still holding down a position, although he was guest hosting for Sean Hannity that day (don't get me started on HIS act). That's because some decision maker at Fox News either agrees with Mr. Carlson OR they see a profit in sensationalism of this story which is, frankly, very old news. Either way, it is wrong, UN-fair and UN-balanced.

Have your political views - this is America, and we are all entitled to our own. But, let's be mindful that we are not the judge and jury just because we have access to a microphone.

The only thing which should be executed here is Mr. Carlson's access to a microphone, lest he sees the errors of his ways.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Thanks, Philly...Shame on You, Gov.

Last week, the weather on the east coast was frightful. The Eagles vs. Vikings game was postponed from Sunday to Tuesday out of concern for the commuting fan. Great idea...right idea. It's the first time in my recent memory that a team did something to place the interest of the fan above that of the bottom line and concession sales. Good job.

What I don't get is why Governor Rendell decided to invoke the 'woosie' term referring to the rescheduling of the game. Emergencies had been declared. Lives were at stake on the roads. It's not a 'tough guy' thing. It's a matter of taking care of the public.

Tell the folks stranded in airports...for days...to suck it up. How about those stranded on roads for hours waiting for them to clear?

I guess what I'm saying is this...football is a game, but life is life. Careful, Gov. Life and safety of the people is more important. The Eagles and the NFL made the right call.