Category Archives: Steiner Sports

Bernie Williams Did it His Way, Quietly.

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/28/09

“Shut Up.  Play.”

Bernie Williams stood there and faced the media with those 3 words quietly displayed on his t-shirt.  It was October of 1996, and Williams wore this shirt in front of his locker throughout the post season.  This subtle reminder personified the Yankees of the mid-90s.

Those Yankees teams never gloated, always acted as if they had “been there before,” and proceeded to win four World Series titles in five years.  To this day, looking back on it, Williams still maintains a humble opinion of his years in pinstripes.

“I played on some unbelievable teams, but I was never concerned about where we ranked all-time or anything like that,” he said.  “I was just glad to be there and be a part of all the winning.”

Williams, looking like he could still slip into his pinstripes, visited the Steiner Sports Corporate headquarters on Thursday and for #51, the autograph session quickly turned into an opportunity for reflection.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate all the precious moments I had,” he said.  “I was part of a truly great team and I enjoy sitting back and enjoying those moments.”

Williams played on some of the most successful Yankees teams of all time, and the switch-hitting center fielder had a major role in most of those triumphs. Over the course of his 16-year career – all with the Yankees – Bernie Williams was selected to 5 All-Star Games, won the 1996 ALCS MVP Award, won 4 Gold Gloves for his wizardry in center field, and captured the 1998 Batting Title.  Despite all his personal accolades along the way, Williams insists his greatest memories are team oriented.

“The batting title in 1998 was special, but that whole 1998 team was unbelievable,” he said.  “Those are the things I remember the most…the things we accomplished as a team.”

It is that unassuming personality that has landed Bernie a special place in the hearts of most Yankees fans.  Adulation that was never more evident to Williams than at the final game ever played at the original Yankee Stadium.

“It was awesome to see the fans embrace me the way they did,” he said.  “Especially after being out of the game for a few years.  I was so surprised I got introduced after Yogi!”

Williams was invited back the following April to help initiate the new home of the Yankees.  He appeared in center field, playing “Take me out to the ball game” on his guitar, and highlighted an extraordinary day at the new ball park.

“Playing [the guitar] in center field on Opening Day was weird,” he said.  “It was such a bizarre moment.  I was in Yankee Stadium, with a guitar, playing in front of a full house.  It was such a cool moment.  There was so much electricity that day.  It reminded me of the old Stadium a lot.”

Inside that old Stadium, Bernie Williams cemented his place in Yankees lore, quietly positioning himself in the record books alongside other Yankees center fielders like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio.

“I have no regrets about my career,” he said.  “I was part of a great team for 16 years.  I am very proud of that, and I did it my way.”

He shut up and just played.

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Easy to Forget the Real Super Bowl III Jets

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/26/09

The 1969 New York Jets were as smooth as Joe Namath’s flowing brown locks.

Forty years later, as the 2009 Jets prepare for opening day, that legendary club remains the signature team for an otherwise frustrating franchise.  Everything went right that season for the green and white, the story is part of the fabric that makes up the NFL.  Back in 1969, as everyone knows, the New York Jets tore through their schedule, dominated the competition, and then, in dramatic fashion…lost to the Kansas City Chiefsin the Divisional Round of the Playoffs?

Huh?

No upset for the ages?  No merging of the leagues?  No guarantee?

No, actually, all of that happened the previous January during Super Bowl III, the culmination of the 1968 season.  It was the 1968 team that overcame the odds and defeated the Baltimore Colts 16-7.  That’s the club deserving of all the accolades so often misdirected towards the team from the 1969 season.  Confused?  Where did things get mixed up?

Every season, the NFL declares its champion during the Super Bowl – typically held in January (sometimes February) of the following calendar year.  However, this scheduling snafu has rarely caused any confusion…except in the case of the often overlooked 1968 New York Jets.

For instance, the 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season.  Yet, they won the Super Bowl played in January of 1973.  At last check, no one has ever referred to the ’73 Dolphins as Perfect – that team lost in the Super Bowl to the Minnesota Vikings in January of 1974.

Every Giants fan lives by their 1986 and 1990 Championship teams – even though both of those title games were played in 1987 and 1991respectively.

Take it a step further: Slumdog Millionaire, deemed the top film of 2008, was crowned during the Academy Awards ceremony held in February of 2009 – the following year.  Yet, years from now, film aficionados will refer to Slumdog as the Picture of the Year for 2008, not 2009.

So why are the 1968 Jets almost always referred to as the 1969 club?  Ever see a 1968 Team Signed New York Jets helmet for sale, advertised as such?

It’s possible it has something to do with the symmetry of winning during the same calendar year as the ’69 Amazin’ Mets and ’69 Knicks.  New York sports fans will always have a soft spot in their heart for that year of gluttonous winning – still no excuse for inaccuracy.

In 2008, the Jets wore a commemorative patch to honor the 40thAnniversary of the Super Bowl III team – mathematical recognition appropriate for the 1968 club, and further confirmation of the championship team’s true identity.

Regardless, forty years without a championship is a painfully long time to wait for such a devoted fan base.  When Gang Green finally gets to hoist that Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history, it will be a day, and a year, that no Jets fan will soon forget.

Make no mistake about it.

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Apple Pie & Autographed Baseballs

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 8/17/09

On the Mount Rushmore of sports memorabilia, the autographed baseball is George Washington.  It’s the crown jewel of the sports collectible industry.  Signed jerseys and helmets are great too, but there’s something uniquely appealing about a signature on a baseball.

According to Steiner Sports CEO, Brandon Steiner, a signed baseball is simply part of American culture: “There’s Chevrolet, apple pie, and autographed baseballs,” he says.  “Nothing beats it!  A signed baseball is at the very heart of collecting.”

In recent years, companies like Steiner Sports have introduced new and creative ways to collect, developing exciting new products and giving life to the game used industry.  Though the memorabilia industry has evolved, the simplicity that is an autographed baseball still reigns supreme in the collectibles world.

Why Collect Baseballs?

A baseball is inherently collectable.  It’s small in stature, but largely coveted.  Because they’re so little, autographed baseballs are very easily displayed and stored.  When wall space is at a premium, collectors opt to stack baseballs on shelves and desks rather than clutter up walls.

Its size also makes it a perfect candidate to bring to a public signing or the ballpark.  Collectors have a much easier time transporting a few baseballs than photos or jerseys.  Very rarely will a fan pull out a batting helmet inside a stadium and ask for a player’s autograph.  In addition, the clean white palette of every ball’s sweet spot provides the perfect canvas for baseball’s biggest stars to sign.

Which Players Should You Collect?

Like snowflakes, no two collections are alike.  The only similarity from one to the next is the emotional investment made along the way.  While some choose to collect top players, potentially bringing the largest payday down the line, others prefer to gather autographed baseballs from players they grew up watching and have a connection to.

“I collect moments,” says Steiner.  “I go to games with my son, I watch players develop and improve, those are the things that move me as a collector.  Those items will always have value to me.”

Since determining a ball’s monetary worth over time is not an exact science, it’s important to collect players of personal rooting interest.  This approach will ensure long term satisfaction for the collector.

If looking for a little more direction, Steiner recommends collecting those who are, quite simply, best at what they do.

“If I were starting a collection today, I’d focus on my top ten,” says Steiner.  “I’d have to get a ball from Mickey [Mantle], Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio…have to start with those guys.”   Rounding out Steiner’s top ten are: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Nolan Ryan, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Sandy Koufax.

Protect What You Collect!

Sports memorabilia is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not hidden away in a closet or attic somewhere.  Of course, it is up to the individual collector to decide how best to exhibit a collection.  No matter what forum is selected, one rule should always apply: keep autographed baseballs out of direct sunlight!

In order to maintain its white complexion and crisp signature, avoiding open windows and bright rooms is key.  The ideal shelter for these gems are behind UV protected glass – not an expensive proposition, and completely worth it over the course of time.  When investing time and money into a collection, protect it, and put it in position to last a long time.

Your Memories are Authentic, Your Signed Baseballs Should Be Too!

“There’s nothing like meeting a player and having him sign a ball for you,” claims Steiner.  “You will always have that story to tell and it adds a personal touch to the collection.”

If a collector can’t personally witness a ball being signed, it’s important to acquire items from a trusted source.  There’s a lot of stress involved in purchasing a signed baseball on the second-hand market.  One might never feel completely confident that what they own is real.  More often than not, it’s worth spending a little more for the peace of mind that comes with owning an authentic piece of memorabilia.

“Why would you get a baseball that wasn’t authenticated?  It’s foolish,” says Steiner.  “If someone told you they had a great deal on a Mercedes, but all the logos would be stripped from the car, including the hood…would you still want it?  Would you still feel good driving it?  Having our hologram on a baseball adds to the value and selling power, should you decide to sell your collection some day.”

Companies like Steiner Sports guarantee the authenticity of their hand signed collectibles.  Each item autographed at a Steiner Sports signing is witnessed by a Steiner representative before being cataloged and inventoried.  Athletes are asked to sign an affidavit to document the date and location of the signing and a tamper-proof hologram is affixed to each item, declaring it 100% real.  Certificates of Authenticity are also issued, further guaranteeing its genuineness.  Such measures not only provide serenity, but will help the item maintain value over time.

Collect with Passion

It would be naïve to think that collectors looking for financial gain don’t exist.  There are some who collect baseballs to eventually sell them off for a profit.  However, if monetary goals were paramount, there are other, more lucrative things to invest in.  People choose to collect signed baseballs because they are passionate about, well…baseball.

Many collectors have aspirations of one day passing their prized possessions onto their children, a symbolic way to share the stories of their childhood, and at the same time, leave behind a piece of themselves.

For some, collecting baseballs is an escape from reality, a source of pleasure, and a way to preserve the accomplishments of childhood heroes.  Whatever the reason, Steiner has one simple piece of advice for all involved.

“I always tell people to have fun with their collection,” he says.  “If you aren’t having fun, what’s the point?”

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Another Dark Day for Baseball – Ortiz Linked to PED’s

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/30/09

Cowboy Down.

David Ortiz, the face of the 2004 and 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox, is the latest name connected to the, once anonymous, 2003 performance enhancing drug test, according to a New York Times Report.  Ortiz joins Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa as the most prominent names to come out from that list of 104 names.  Former Red Sox teammate, Manny Ramirez, who already served a 50 game suspensionthis year for his use of PED’s, was also on the 2003 list, according to today’s report

Maybe they were a bunch of “Idiots” after all.

Confirmation of Ortiz’s link to steroids comes as a mild surprise to those who follow the game.  One of the most likable players in the game, prior to 2003, Ortiz’s highest home run total came in 2002 with Minnesota when he finished with just 20 home runs.  The following season, the year he reportedly tested positive, he jumped to 31 home runs.  From 2004-2007, Ortiz blasted 41, 47, 54, & 35 respectively.  Evidence of a hitter “coming into his own,” or did Ortiz have some artificial assistance?

In the two seasons following the release of the Mitchell Report in December 2007, Ortiz’s power numbers have suffered dramatically.  With today’s announcement, his lack of production in recent years appears to be no coincidence, especially to steroid guru, and former Major Leaguer, Jose Canseco.

When asked his thoughts on today’s announcements, Canseco scoffed: “When you tell me something I didn’t already know, I’ll be surprised.”

Though fans have always been suspicious of Ortiz, many who know him personally were blown away by the news.

“This hurts, this really hurts,” former Twins teammate Tori Hunter told ESPN.  “I don’t know what to think about this. I guess you just never know what people do in the dark.”

When confronted by members of the media on Thursday, Ortiz refused to comment on the situation.  What could he say?  With each revelation, fans are numbed to the fact that the entire era is tainted.  It is impossible to decipher who did it and who didn’t simply based on those who have been outed.  Instead, all players are guilty by association.  It’s unfortunate, but it’s the reality.

To paraphrase from the great Jerry Seinfeld, today we learned that back in 2003, Papi was a little sloppy.  There are many responsible for this Major League-sized mess, though.  Ortiz is just the latest superstar caught.

It’s another dark day for baseball.  Another Cowboy down.

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Just a Waiting Game for Vick

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/23/09

Every dog has his day.  Michael Vick will get his shortly.  After serving 23 months on a dog-fighting conviction, Vick became a free man on Monday, opening the door for reinstatement into the NFL.  Next up for the ostracized quarterback: a meeting with NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell.

In that meeting, Vick will have to demonstrate genuine remorse over his actions and make Goodell believe his intentions are good.  Ultimately, whether Vick ever takes another snap in the NFL rests in the commissioner’s hands.

Assuming all goes well, it will be a long, and difficult road back for the one-time face of the Atlanta Falcons, but it’s an opportunity he deserves.  No one is debating that Vick’s involvement with dog-fighting was a disgusting and heinous crime.  However, just like any convicted criminal returning to society after serving their time, Vick deserves the right to earn a living.  It just so happens that in his line of work, the entire world gets to watch along.

So far, Vick has attempted to use his fame, or infamy, to his advantage along the comeback trail.  In a positive PR play, he has joined forces with the Humane Society, the nation’s largest animal welfare organization.  According to Humane Society President and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, Vick will appear in some PSA’s and help educate America’s youth by rolling up his sleeves and appearing at urban centers to denounce dog-fighting.

Pacelle believes that it’s important for everyone to keep their focus on the real task at hand, “I don’t think anyone was tougher on [Vick] than we were,” he said.  “But the goal was never the continued punitive treatment of Michael Vick. The goal has always been to eradicate dog-fighting in America and around the world.”

With Vick’s debt to society paid, and his willingness to help others learn from his mistakes, the stage is set for his gridiron return.  He hasn’t played an NFL game since December 31, 2006, but at age 29, Vick is young enough where he could recover from a long layoff and once again have an impact in the league.

Assuming he is physically capable, and baring any further legal issues, a team in legitimate need of a quarterback will give him a shot.  If he can still help a team win games, some owner out there will take the PR hit and bark up that tree.  Every dog has his day, Michael Vick will get his, which team will give it to him?

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Right or Wrong, McNair Memorabilia Has New Life

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/7/09

An athlete’s death gives new life to his sports memorabilia.  It’s simple supply and demand really.  Yes, it’s cold and heartless to think about profiting from someone else’s demise, but this is a very real part of the sports collectibles industry…bottom line.

Taboo to some, many in the industry view it as an opportunity to move product.  Individual collectors see it as their chance to invest in something extremely limited in nature.

For those cynics looking to knock the sports memorabilia industry for taking advantage of such a sensitive issue, understand this: there is a very real demand for these types of items.

This past weekend, in the hours following the untimely and unfortunate death of former NFL MVP, Steve McNair, Steiner Sports phone lines lit up with inquires about items bearing his signature.  Opportunistic collectors were looking to snap up anything they could before the market ran dry.  Politically correct?  Maybe not.  Reality?  Yes.

Steiner Sports experienced similar demand back in March, 2006 when the late, great Kirby Puckett passed away, and again in August 2007 when “The Scooter,” Phil Rizzuto died.  Demand grew exponentially for items signed by either legend as collectors realized how difficult it would soon be to locate such pieces.

It’s difficult to find that delicate balance between sensitivity and commerce.  When does it become appropriate to discuss the value of memorabilia signed by the deceased?  A couple of days?  A week?  A month?  There’s no right answer.

Steve McNair was one of the toughest, and most admired leaders in theNFL during his 13 year career.  He beat the odds, emerging from small Division I-AA Alcorn State, to lead the Tennessee Titans within one yard of a Super Bowl Championship.  Earning co-MVP honors (along with Peyton Manning) in 2003, the third overall selection in the 1995 draft accomplished enough during his career to give inherent value to his collectibles.  Right or wrong, his passing makes anything he signed a hot commodity…bottom line.

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Rivera Comfortably Close to #500

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 6/25/09

Mariano Rivera is always comfortable.  Even holding a bat, with a #91 helmet awkwardly sitting on his head…he’s comfortable.

In the bottom of the 9th inning, last night in Atlanta, the Great Rivera strolled up to the plate with the bases loaded, and an 8-4 lead.  Mo had just ended the 8th inning in dominant fashion, striking out the only batter he faced.  Because of a late Yankee rally in the National League Park, he had to either take his cuts, or be pulled from the game.

The situation screamed for Rivera to take three straight pitches, walk off the field healthy, and then close the game from the mound in the bottom of the frame.  Rivera had other ideas.  Like the natural he is, Mo lined an 0-1 fastball from Manny Acosta to centerfield.  The laser was caught for the final out of the inning, yet very impressive.  Even so, it wasn’t the most remarkable thing the 39-year-old slugger…ummm…pitcher did last night.

Rivera did what he does best – end games.  In vintage form, Mo struck out all 4 batters he faced to earn his 16th save of the season.  The effort moved him just two saves shy of the magical #500 in his Hall of Fame career.  When he does reach it, he will be only the second pitcher to do so, following the only man he trails on the all-time saves list: Trevor Hoffman(571).

However, the legend of Mariano Rivera runs deeper than just numbers.  Since making the transition from ineffective starter, to celebrated closer, he has been the most important and dominant player at any position, on any team in baseball.  Period.  He’s been so consistent that teammates, fans, and even the opposition expect him to succeed at all times.  Any aberration to perfection is shocking.

Rivera’s failures over the years are so few and far between, fans can often recount the individual moments with relative ease.  Sandy Alomar’s 1997 ALDS home run and Luis Gonzalez’s blooper in game 7 of the 2001 World Series immediately come to mind…there were also the games 4 & 5 losses to the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS.  After that, most struggle to find any meaningful Rivera meltdowns.  Sans a few insignificant regular season blowups against Boston, Rivera has been flawless over a 14 year period.  Remarkable.

So, Mo takes his 498 career saves across the river this weekend for 3 games with the Mets at CitiField.  Though he’ll be only the second man to accomplish the feat, he may be the last to ever do so.  The only active closers detectable in his rearview mirror are Billy Wagner (385) and Troy Percival (358) – both in their late 30s and currently on the DL with career-threatening injuries.

Over the past 14 seasons, dominant closers have come and gone, but Rivera has been a model of consistency.  Sure, his career ERA is a miniscule 2.31, and his Post Season ERA is an unheard of 0.77, but again, more than just stats, Rivera gives his team a psychological edge.

When the “Sandman” enters in the Bronx, everyone in the building feels comfortable, except for the man standing in the batters box.  Looking as though he still has plenty left in the tank, Rivera could make a legitimate run at Hoffman over the next couple of years – putting him in an a place where he is always most comfortable: on top.

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Adding Plaxico is Worth a “Shot”

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 6/16/09

Plaxico Burress shot himself in the thigh last season.  Any NFL owner who passes on his services this off season may as well shoot himself in the foot.

On November 29, 2008, the disgraced 31-year-old wide receiver put a bullet in his thigh with an unlicensed gun while inside a Manhattan nightclub.  Long story short: Burress pleaded not guilty, was freed on $100,000 bail, and faces up to 3 and a half years behind bars.  Oh, and he missed the rest of the 2008 season, couldn’t help the Giants defend their title, and was subsequently released in April 2009 – it was a rough five months for the man who caught the game winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII just ten months prior.

On Monday, June 15th, Burress appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court, and had his weapons possession case adjourned until September.  According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, as posted on his Twitter page, “…there will not be a trial for Plex until after the 09 season…we are hoping to have a deal in place with a team for Plex before training camps start.”

As long as Burress doesn’t give himself a hernia carrying all that baggage, he is automatically the best wide receiver on the market this off season, and should be coveted as such.  Why not?  During the 2007 season, his last full season, Burress caught 70 balls for 1,025 yards, and 12 TDs.  Those are the numbers of an elite receiver.

So why would any NFL owner want this large distraction?  Because Plaxico Burress will produce on the field.  Bottom line.  The NFL is a results-driven league – if you can help a team win, there will always be a job for you…no matter how big your off-the-field issues may be (see Pacman Jones).

There are at least three teams who have expressed interest in adding #17 to their roster, including the Tampa Bay Bucs, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets.  Burress would be the number one receiver on any of those teams before ever lacing up his spikes.

According to a New York Post report, under current NFL rules, Burress could be indicted, agree to a trial date, but still take the field for the 2009 season.  The one caveat, he can’t plead guilty or be convicted before then – both unlikely given the current state of affairs.

There is one minor obstacle standing in the way for these anxious, receiver-weak clubs.  According to the NFL Personal Conduct Policy, Commissioner Roger Goodell could potentially suspend the receiver for his off-the-field actions.  Interested teams have already reached out to the commissioner’s office to get a read on his intentions before making any offers.

There is no question that what Burress did was wrong, and one could certainly question his makeup.  No one really knows why he felt it was necessary to carry a loaded, unlicensed weapon into the club that night, but he will have his day in court to explain it all.  Until then, Burress should get his chance to perform on the field as several NFL teams will reach out to try and add instant offense to their club.

After all, it’s worth a “shot.”

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Favre’s Next Stop Should Be Canton

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 6/10/09

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, 25 to 30 hotel rooms were recently blocked off by friends and family of “retired” quarterback, Brett Favre.  Their itinerary: Green Bay, Wisconsin, November 1, 2009.  Certainly, the Packers must be planning a “Brett Favre Day” as part of their 1:00 PM matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.  They must be retiring his legendary number 4, and honoring his 16 seasons of work in green and gold…right?

Wrong.  These travel plans were made amidst the latest rumors regarding Favre’s potential comeback – this time, with the archrival Vikes.  His entourage would be better suited booking rooms in Canton, Ohio for the summer of 2013, the first year he’s eligible for induction into Pro Football’sHall of Fame.  Instead, the ole’ gunslinger just can’t stay away from the game he loves.  As a result, his comeback story has become a tired one.

Like a dinner guest lingering long after everyone else has gone home, Brett Favre has outworn his welcome in the NFL.  There’s no debating hisresume – he is one of the greatest players, and leaders, to ever play the game.  But its time the 39-year-old pack it up, head held high, and retire for good.

He looked weary, and old during the final weeks of his short stay in New York.  He looked defeated following the Jets 24-17 season-ending loss inMiami, at the hands of the man he replaced, Chad Pennington.  Despite it all, Jets owner, Woody Johnson, gushed over the job Favre did, and publicly expressed interest in bringing him back (after all, Johnson still had PSL’s to sell).

But, just as he did following the 2007 season in Green Bay, Favre, once more, opted for retirement.  It was back to Mississippi he went, riding off in the sunset, never to throw another touchdown, or interception, again.

Then a funny thing happened, Favre had surgery on his injured shoulder – an odd move for a retired player.  Whether it was feelings of resentment for the way he was exiled out of Green Bay, or his true passion for football, it appeared that Favre wanted to come back, again.

The decision to play, or not to play, ultimately belongs with the player.  No one else has the right to tell a willing and able athlete that he has to hang it up…after all, athletes have a very limited career shelf life, they should get as much out of that time as possible.  Instead, it is Favre’s constant uncertainty about his intentions that rubs fans the wrong way.

Had he expressed a desire to play again in 2009, no one would begrudge him the right to do so.  Instead, he told Johnson and the Jets, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and retired from football.  The Jets moved on without him, gave him his unconditional release, and drafted USC Quarterback, Mark Sanchez as his replacement.

Now, just five short months after the season ended, with his ties to the Jets cut, Favre has flipped again, and appears ready to get back in the game, a move that has further alienated him with fans tired of this stale act.  If he goes through with it, hotel rooms in Green Bay will certainly go for a premium this November 1st when the Vikings come to town.  So will rooms in Canton, OH the next time Favre would be eligible for Hall of Fame induction, the summer of 2014…or 2015…or 2016…

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Cleveland Rocked

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By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 6/2/09

Chief Wahoo was the only one left smiling Saturday night in Cleveland.  Well, Chief Wahoo and the thousands of happy Yankees fans filing out of Progressive Field, in town to witness a 10-5 pinstriped victory.  For the locals, a day filled with so much promise ended exactly like so many others have in the past – in disappointment.

Downtown Cleveland was buzzing on Saturday afternoon – not only because millions of those pesky midges decided to show up with the Yankees in town again.  The city was hungry.  The appetizer: CC Sabathia’sreturn.  The main course: Lebron James and the Cavs facing the Magic in a pivotal Eastern Conference Game 6.

It didn’t take long for things to go sour off the shore of Lake Erie.  Half filled with Yankees fans, Progressive Field sounded more like the Bronx as Sabathia took a no-hitter into the 5th inning against the hometown Indians.  Simultaneously, the Cavs got off to a slow start, trailing by 18 at the half in Orlando.

Sabathia finished strong, tossing 7 innings, allowing only 3 runs on 5 hits en route to a 10-5 Yankees victory.  Fans piled out of the building, long before the final out, and walked across the street to an empty Quicken Loans Arena to watch the second half of Cavs-Magic on the big screen.  It wasn’t much of a show.

Though everyone in the place was down with King James and all his men, it was all his men who ultimately brought King James down.  Aside from Delonte West’s 22 points and the 25 put up by James, the rest of the team never really got started, dropping the game 103-90, and surrendering their place in the NBA Finals.

Dejected Cleveland fans added another day of frustration to their already trying resume.  The city that hasn’t raised a championship banner since the Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964, saw a golden opportunity slip through their fingers with this latest Cavalier loss.

So, NBA Commissioner, David Stern, those ABC execs, and those cool puppets, will have to cope without their much anticipated Kobe-Lebron Finals.  And the city of Cleveland will have to move on once again, without a title.  To add insult to injury, after the game, James, the prodigal son of Cleveland, spoke to the media and reflected on the lost season while wearing his controversial Yankees cap.

Though the MVP candidate wouldn’t commit to staying in Cleveland following the 2009-2010 season, many suspect the free agent-to-be will leave town – another potential blow to this passionate sports city.

When Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn helped defeat the Yankees to capture the pennant for the Indians in 1989’s “Major League,” it was a fictional account of what it would be like to actually win in Cleveland.  Saturday in Cleveland, the real Indians were rocked by the Yankees, and fans watched the Cavs’ dream season end.  Sometimes, a dose of reality hurts.  In Cleveland, the only thing you can do is try and keep on smiling.

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