I am always torn by the selection process that is used to pick the MLB All-Star teams. Since the game is in the middle of the season, a lot of times it obviously comes down to who is having the better first half. Why not take the second half of the prior season into account as well? To me, a sizzling first half does not an all-star make.

Then, you figure in the fan factor and it gets even more confusing. The fans end up picking the name players, even though they may not be having that great a year. So, between the two, you end up getting a lot of players on both squads that probably... Read More

There has been much discussion about nations boycotting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, later this summer. While it is true that China has human rights problems with Tibet and Darfur, and these should not be condoned, the Olympics are a time of peace. As the Visa commercial says "there are 6 billion of us. We may not always get along, but for a few shining weeks, we forget about what makes us different, and focus on what makes us the same." This is the founding principle of the Olympics. In ancient times, truces were made, and wars called off, so people could watch the Olympic... Read More

We often look to sports not realizing that were in fact looking towards the books we spoil our imaginations with. The truth is however, that we in fact drive ourselves toward the same thing which some of us rather not bother to indulge ourselves with. Like in the books and stories, which we read, a sport within itself contains all the rudiments of an ordinary tale. The realization of this hidden truth may be hard to see or admit to initially, given that both are substantially different in the ways they process. However, as you will see this could not be further than the truth.

As of this morning the LA Dodgers are just 2.5 games behind the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks in the underachieving National League West. It is amazing when you think about all the troubles the team has gone through this season. With injuries to brittle old veterans and mistakes made by unseasoned youngsters, the Bums have had multiple problems with pitching and scoring runs.

But, don’t count out the Dodgers just yet. Last night they didn’t get a single hit and still beat the Angels, 1-0. It is only the fifth time in modern baseball history that something like this has... Read More

Stefan Wever is a guy I know who owns a bar in San Francisco I frequent now and then. For the longest time, I bought drinks from the man, knowing him only as a big guy who knows a lot about sports and is fun to talk to. I saw him around town, at SF Giants games and in North Beach and he was always pleasant. I didn’t know his story until a buddy of mine told me the details.

I find his tale fascinating, because he came so close to baseball stardom at the highest level, only to have it come crashing down with one pitch. And yet, he’s completely okay with the entire experience.... Read More

Hockey is the only sport I watch, and therefore the only sport I actually enjoy. The constant hitting, the teeth, the blood, the carnage, it reminds me of watching Hostel II for the third time in a row. Merely kidding, but it does invoke a respect and admiration for the athletes that are constantly moving, and are constantly getting checked into the boards.

To me, it is the only sport that doesn't have a huge fascination with its inner workings. People don't huddle around the screen for the NHL draft. "Woo, mom look the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking Plaxico Burress from the... Read More

Jim McKay passed away today. A commentator on the Wide World of Sports, an ABC Network Saturday tradition (when there was only ABC, NBC and CBS), I remember him for his coverage of the 1972 Munich Olympics. After an ordeal that ended horrifically, Jim McKay, with tears in his eyes and an almost imperceptible incredulous shake to his head, told America “They’re dead. They’re all dead.” I remember this as clearly as I remember Walter Cronkite pulling off his glasses to inform Americans, with a clutch in his voice, that President Kennedy was dead. Both newscasters... Read More