Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wildcats have a tester left, and can't afford a loss at ASU
I know it is only Tuesday morning and there's a lot of practice sessions for Coach Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats before they leave for Sunday's encounter with Arizona State. The 'Cats will be well rested and will be able to add Jordin Mayes to the mix for this one, but they need that 22nd win badly. The 'Cats came up with a much needed sweep over the Trojans and the Bruins this past week and it has been well documented a loss to either team would have put a serious dent in the team’s NCAA Tournament hopes, but Arizona got it done and now has one last test against a very down Arizona State program. We all know that no game in college basketball is set in stone as far as a winner is concerned. Arizona can’t afford an upset in its final regular season game. Win No. 22 is a MUST!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wildcats take on Harvard this Friday at Hi Corbett Field
The Arizona baseball team will take a 5-2 record into this week's action. The Wildcats face Harvard in a 3-game series at Hi Corbett Field, beginning with a 6 p.m. game on Friday night. My man, Johnny Field, is still living up to that name of his. Field with seven games in the books is batting .435 (10for23) with three doubles and a triple. He has also scored seven runs, walked eight times and has been hit by a pitch. Teammate Robert Refsnyder has a slight edge on him as the 'Cats head into the Harvard series. Refsynder is 13 for 29 which adds up to a healthy .448 average. Refsynder has scored nine runs to date, while banging out three doubles and two triples. Quite a pair of young Wildcats in the middle of the lineup. In the RBI department, Refsnyder holds a slight edge over Field, seven runs to five. Go, Wildcats!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
McIlroy goes for No.1 ranking this afternoon at WGC Accenture Championship
It'll be Rory Mcllory going for the No.1 World Ranking this afternoon at the WGC Accenture Matchplay Golf Championship. Mcllory bested Lee Westwood this morning, 3 and 1, while Hunter Mahan got by Mark Wilson, 2 and 1, in the other semi final. A Sunny afternoon in store for the golfers and maybe some wind. Should be a good one.
Golf Update: Mahan wins the championship this afternoon with a 2 and 1 victory over Mcllory. Wilson grabs third place with a 1-up win over Westwood.
Golf Update: Mahan wins the championship this afternoon with a 2 and 1 victory over Mcllory. Wilson grabs third place with a 1-up win over Westwood.
Sifting through some old papers, I found...
Back in my sports reporting days in Gilbert, Arizona, I ran across an old pro now I then, and the individuals usually made for some good print. Gilbert, per capita, is the home of many a pro athlete. I think I even did a story on that bit of information back in the mid 1990s as well. At any rate, my mother is presently in a care home and I'm in the process of sifting through papers at the old house, with the help of other members of the family and long-time friends who have volunteered their time and are helping clean up the house I grew up in. Back when I first started writing, my mother set out to save every article I ever wrote. Yesterday, I ran across an article entitled GILBERT RESIDENT REMEMBERS LIFE IN THE BIG LEAGUES. For those old, old Giants fans out there, take a look at the following (which is cut down a bit to save some space):
Baseball fans will curl up on the sofa or ease into their favorite chair this week, press the button on the remote control and witness -- yet another World Series. A true die-hard fan dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. But the fantasy fades quickly and we are content setting comfortably ten feet away from the "tube" and watching our heroes do battle.
For local Gilbert resident, Greg Minton, the dream did come true. Minton made it to the "show" as a rookie relief pitcher in 1975 and before he was done -- hurled his way through fifteen major league seasons. Looking back on his career, Minton remembers, "I was a lucky man. I just happened to throw a 94 MPH fastball and most of the time, I didn't know where it was going. But, fortunately, the opposing batters weren't sure either."
Minton, now 42, and a Gilbert resident since 1987, spent six years in the minor leagues and at the age of 24, the young righthander finally got his call -- Candlestick Park and the San Francisco Giants. Greg played for the Giants till 1987 and finished his career with the California Angels, before retiring in 1990.
"I still remember the day I retired," said Minton. "I walked up to Angel manager Doug Rader in the dugout and told him I was through. I packed my belongings, got in my car and headed for Gilbert."
So on that day in 1990, it ended. Minton had thrown 1,130 innings, pitched in 710 games and had recorded 150 saves (good enough to place him 27th on the all-time saves list). The long seasons had taken its toll on Minton's 6'1", 180 lb. frame. The hard-throwing reliever suffered through three elbow, three shoulder and four knee operations. Minton's best season was 1982. Greg recorded 30 saves (1 more than Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers), pitched 123 innings and finished fourth in the coveted Cy Young voting -- the prestigious award honoring the top pitcher of the year. His efforts placed him on the 1982 National League All-Star roster. The game was held in Montreal and the first All-Star game to be played outside the United States.
"I remember Tommy Lasorda (the Dodgers' great manager) telling me to take the mound in the 8th inning. It was a thrill. I pitched to three batters before being pulled in the 9th inning," said Minton. "I was so pumped up with excitement, I hardly remember being out there."
(Actually, the National League won 4-1 and Minton came away unscathed after facing All-Star's Lance Parrish, Ben Oglivie and Rickey Henderson.)
The years in the majors has left Minton with many stories to tell. One of his favorite flashbacks occurred during his early days with the Giants, and it centered around the great Hall of Famer Wille McCovey (521 home runs, tied for 10th all-time). "I had the pleasure of playing with a lot of great players over the years and McCovey was one classy individual," states Minton.
Still a nervous rookie, Minton was sorting through his gear in the Giant lockerroom and discovered he had two pair of black baseball shoes. The young pitcher had a problem. Minton found out rather quickly that the Giants only took the field in white shoes.
The next day Minton found two pair of white shoes in his locker. Willie had taken it on himself to drive to town, purchase the much-needed items, return to the stadium and place the shoes inside Greg's locker. Minton opened his locker and found his new shoes -- correct size and all. McCovey walked by, looked down at the youngster and said, "Now you're ready to play ball."
The stories are endless. Minton recalls his first pitching assignment in Yankee stadium. "That put a lump in my throat," said Minton. "Mickey Mantle was my favorite player growing up and I was in awe of the surroundings."
Six years have gone by since Minton stepped foot onto Yankee Stadium. Three years have past since he handed his last baseball to the Angel manager in Anaheim. But the memories, they will linger for a long time to come.
Minton is now content -- giving back all the baseball knowledge he has accumulated over the years to the kids in the Gilbert area. Greg coaches Little League and works constantly in other children-orientated events in the area. Minton is now a successful real estate agent and his wife, Brenda, are also part owners of Julia Renn's Dance and Performing Arts Center in Tempe.
Footnote: See also Bookemdanosports blog spot entitled Willie McCovey...a class act from July 31, 2009 or go to top left corner of my profile page type in Willie McCovey or Greg Minton...and then scroll down.
Baseball fans will curl up on the sofa or ease into their favorite chair this week, press the button on the remote control and witness -- yet another World Series. A true die-hard fan dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. But the fantasy fades quickly and we are content setting comfortably ten feet away from the "tube" and watching our heroes do battle.
For local Gilbert resident, Greg Minton, the dream did come true. Minton made it to the "show" as a rookie relief pitcher in 1975 and before he was done -- hurled his way through fifteen major league seasons. Looking back on his career, Minton remembers, "I was a lucky man. I just happened to throw a 94 MPH fastball and most of the time, I didn't know where it was going. But, fortunately, the opposing batters weren't sure either."
Minton, now 42, and a Gilbert resident since 1987, spent six years in the minor leagues and at the age of 24, the young righthander finally got his call -- Candlestick Park and the San Francisco Giants. Greg played for the Giants till 1987 and finished his career with the California Angels, before retiring in 1990.
"I still remember the day I retired," said Minton. "I walked up to Angel manager Doug Rader in the dugout and told him I was through. I packed my belongings, got in my car and headed for Gilbert."
So on that day in 1990, it ended. Minton had thrown 1,130 innings, pitched in 710 games and had recorded 150 saves (good enough to place him 27th on the all-time saves list). The long seasons had taken its toll on Minton's 6'1", 180 lb. frame. The hard-throwing reliever suffered through three elbow, three shoulder and four knee operations. Minton's best season was 1982. Greg recorded 30 saves (1 more than Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers), pitched 123 innings and finished fourth in the coveted Cy Young voting -- the prestigious award honoring the top pitcher of the year. His efforts placed him on the 1982 National League All-Star roster. The game was held in Montreal and the first All-Star game to be played outside the United States.
"I remember Tommy Lasorda (the Dodgers' great manager) telling me to take the mound in the 8th inning. It was a thrill. I pitched to three batters before being pulled in the 9th inning," said Minton. "I was so pumped up with excitement, I hardly remember being out there."
(Actually, the National League won 4-1 and Minton came away unscathed after facing All-Star's Lance Parrish, Ben Oglivie and Rickey Henderson.)
The years in the majors has left Minton with many stories to tell. One of his favorite flashbacks occurred during his early days with the Giants, and it centered around the great Hall of Famer Wille McCovey (521 home runs, tied for 10th all-time). "I had the pleasure of playing with a lot of great players over the years and McCovey was one classy individual," states Minton.
Still a nervous rookie, Minton was sorting through his gear in the Giant lockerroom and discovered he had two pair of black baseball shoes. The young pitcher had a problem. Minton found out rather quickly that the Giants only took the field in white shoes.
The next day Minton found two pair of white shoes in his locker. Willie had taken it on himself to drive to town, purchase the much-needed items, return to the stadium and place the shoes inside Greg's locker. Minton opened his locker and found his new shoes -- correct size and all. McCovey walked by, looked down at the youngster and said, "Now you're ready to play ball."
The stories are endless. Minton recalls his first pitching assignment in Yankee stadium. "That put a lump in my throat," said Minton. "Mickey Mantle was my favorite player growing up and I was in awe of the surroundings."
Six years have gone by since Minton stepped foot onto Yankee Stadium. Three years have past since he handed his last baseball to the Angel manager in Anaheim. But the memories, they will linger for a long time to come.
Minton is now content -- giving back all the baseball knowledge he has accumulated over the years to the kids in the Gilbert area. Greg coaches Little League and works constantly in other children-orientated events in the area. Minton is now a successful real estate agent and his wife, Brenda, are also part owners of Julia Renn's Dance and Performing Arts Center in Tempe.
Footnote: See also Bookemdanosports blog spot entitled Willie McCovey...a class act from July 31, 2009 or go to top left corner of my profile page type in Willie McCovey or Greg Minton...and then scroll down.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Looks like one American will make it to the WGC-Accenture title match
Hunter Mahan and Mark Wilson, both Americans, will square off tomorrow morning at the WGC-Accenture -- one will survive and face the winner of the European showdown between Lee Westwood and Rory Mcllroy. All four survived Day 4 and it should be a great day for golf on Sunday at Dove Mountain. By the time the sun sets tomorrow, we should have a winner for 2012. If you go take some sun screen. The high tomorrow is expected to reach 79 degrees. It should be fun to be a spectator on Sunday with the ropes down and all -- like the old days when Ben Hogan played the game. Up close and personal for the fans. I've yet to pick a champion at the WGC-Accenture. Let's go with...Wilson and Westwood in the finale...with Wilson winning it all.
Golf Update: (2-26-12) I sure can't pick 'em, the opposite happens. Mahan and Mcllroy in final...and Mahan wins!
Golf Update: (2-26-12) I sure can't pick 'em, the opposite happens. Mahan and Mcllroy in final...and Mahan wins!
Fogg's late surge leads Wildcats to win over Bruins
In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: Kyle Fogg scored 20 points, most of them coming in the second half, as Arizona edges the UCLA Bruins, 65-63, today at McKale Center. The win, No. 21 on the season, means the 'Cats will get a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament. Next up: ASU in the regular-season finale in Tempe. Can't wait for that one! But, for now, congrats Wildcats and enjoy a few days off.
Stricker gone!
My favorites keep falling by the wayside at Dove Mountain this week. First, it is Ernie Els and Tiger Woods, and now Steve Stricker bites the dust with his loss yesterday to Hunter Mahan. And the oldest guy, Miguel Angel Jimenez, is gone as he falls to Rory Mcllroy, 2 and 1. Of the eight left, we're down to three Americans left at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Matt Kuchar, Mark Wilson and Mahan will take the course today and represent the USA. The European players are certainly tough in match play.
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