The first baseball game I ever saw was when I was four years old, in a game that featured the Boston Red Sox versus the Seattle Mariners and I fell in love with the game. Ever since then the Boston Red Sox have been my favourite team and my favourite player has been Ken Griffey Jr. He was my childhood hero and I always wanted to be like him, so much so that despite being right handed I would try to throw left handed just 'cause that's the hand he threw with, I would always pick centre field as my position 'cause that was his position, and when batting I tried to waggle my bat and swing just like him and when I hit a home run I would do the same thing he did (admire the hit but just enough so the other team doesn't get angry).
In 2009, "The Kid" came back to the Seattle Mariners after spending time with the Cincinatti Reds (8 1/2 seasons) and the Chicago White Sox (1/2 a season), and despite his severe (natural) decline in skills I felt jubilated and remembered all my childhood memories. However what makes Griffey even more special is his acclompishments have never been questioned not by any former players like Jose Canseco, his name never appeared in the Mitchell Report (MLB's official investigation on steroids), and he was never asked to testify in front of a grand jury.
After the year 2000, Griffey was entering the prime of his career and had 438 career HR's, the most he ever hit in one season in that span was 56 (twice), and his HR avg per season was at about 40 HR's/per season, and he was on pace to beat Hank Aaron's record. Sadly, Griffey was deprived from the prime of his career because of numerous knee injuries and never played more than 144 games in a season (2007) and in total played only 841 games out of a possible 1296 games (from 2001-2008). Seeing that people may say well he played a lot but most of those games were played after his prime, seeing as how in his prime years (2001-2004) he only played 317 games out of a possible 648, so he missed almost half of his prime (49%). However, despite all those setbacks Griffey has amassed 621 HR's, 1799 RBI's, 2733 hits, and a lifetime .286 batting average in a 20 year career and is a true first ballot hall of famer. Although 2009 has been statistically his worst ever he has still made an impact as shown in this article written by MLB writer Neema Hodjat of RealGM:
Griffey's Wonderful Season Goes Beyond The Numbers
Through July 21, 2009, Ken Griffey Jr. is sporting a .211 batting average with 10 HRs and 27 RBI, albeit with an on-base percentage of .327. Doesn't sound like a great season? Sure, he's put up much, much better numbers in the past. In fact, this will qualify statistically as his worst season ever.
However, Griffey is having a terrific season. No, I haven't lost my mind. Consider the following:
Griffey, after nine seasons away from the Pacific Northwest, has come home to the Seattle Mariners and has made an invaluable contribution to the franchise yet again. Last season, the Mariners were a 101 loss team, and not surprisingly, were severely lacking in the team chemistry department. Griffey has been a catalyst for changing the atmosphere within the Mariners clubhouse in 2009, which has contributed to improved player and team performance. The team sits at 49-44 as of July 21, 2009, and remains in the hunt for the playoffs. The Mariners need only 12 wins to match their total wins from the 2008 season.
Whether or not this team reaches the postseason, the giant leaps made by the Mariners this season cannot be denied. The foundation for a winning team must include a winning attitude, and a team that comes off a 101 loss season lacks this. Griffey, with his 20 seasons of major league experience, has helped teach this team how to win and how to have a winning attitude.
The Mariners' success in 2009 comes from several avenues: a new general manager, a new field manager and coaches, and revamped roster have each played a major role in the team's improvement. However, do not underestimate the effect of the leadership and accountability that Griffey has brought into the clubhouse. The team's atmosphere and attitude has transformed a full 180 from last season.
Ichiro, the team's current best player, was reportedly disliked by many of his teammates last season. Such thoughts have disappeared this season, due in large part to the tone set by Griffey in the clubhouse. Last season's walls have been broken down, and the players have once again embraced the concept of being not just a team, but a family. Griffey has been able to connect with Ichiro in a manner that few previous teammates have, and Ichiro, feeling more comfortable than he has in a while, has turned in one of his best seasons ever. Someone with Griffey's stature commands respect from all of his peers.
So, Griffey has returned home and helped improve the attitude and clubhouse atmosphere surrounding the Mariners. But, the real reason why Griffey's 2009 season should be celebrated follows in the answer to this question: when is a stat line of .211, 10 HRs, 27 RBI better than a line of .310, 23 HRs, 77 RBI?
The answer: when the former comes from a player that has performed while clean, and the latter comes from a player that has reached those numbers by using performance enhancing drugs. A 39-year-old player naturally will have declining stats. With age, hairs turn grey, daily nicks and pains become tougher to deal with, injuries nag a bit longer, and swings slow down. With PEDs, you can temporarily cheat the aging process and put up statistics that match those from peak years. Griffey, a certain first ballot hall of famer (note that there are far fewer first ballot hall of famers than we originally thought just a few years ago), should be applauded, as his numbers, while not the best, are real.
Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Manny Ramirez and Rafael Palmeiro put up magnificent numbers throughout their careers. In fact, the numbers were a bit too magnificent, as all cheated to reach their statistical heights. Additional names will most certainly be added to this list.
While no one can say with one hundred percent certainty that any player has been clean throughout his career, I would bet the farm on Ken Griffey Jr. He starred right out of the gate at age 19, continued as the best player in baseball throughout his 20's, and slowed down a bit with injuries as he reached his 30's, as did his numbers. Now, as a 39-year-old, he's still producing, although not nearly like he did in his younger days. But, the beauty of Griffey's season is that he's performing like he's supposed to – like a 39 year old. Griffey, unlike many others, chose not to cheat life's natural aging process. For these reasons, his 2009 season, while not statistically his best, is nonetheless terrific, and should be celebrated.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
An Extraordinary But Still Ordinary Joe
This past winter, while sidelined due to back surgery, Joe Sakic broke three fingers in a freak snow blower accident outside his Colorado home. The injury raised some eye brows. What was a multi-millionaire athlete doing plowing his own driveway? Well, that's just Joe being Joe.
Throughout his 20 NHL seasons, Sakic remained humble and down-to-earth. He was never the most exciting player off the ice, but on the ice he displayed a unique combination of skills and smart that allowed him to compile 625 goals and 1,641 points.
On Thursday, just two days after his 40th birthday, Sakic officially announced his retirement. He isn't retiring at the top of his game. Few players do. But when healthy the past two seasons he showed himself to be an intelligent player – one who could use his experience to overcome the erosion in skill that eventually afflicts all players.
It was his health that ultimately led Sakic down the path of retirement - he played only 69 games in his final two seasons. In the end, it was the snow blower that prevented Sakic from returning from back surgery. In the most disappointing season of his career, he played just 15 games, tallying two goals and 12 points.
Sakic cannot be accused of hanging on too long. After all, just three years ago he scored 100 points for the Avalanche, and he had 87 points in each of the prior two seasons. All things considered, his downside was relatively brief – only a couple of years.
The end of Sakic's magnificent tenure in the NHL makes me think of what critics said in 1998. They opined that Sakic was on the downside of his career and that Peter Forsberg would have to assume more of the offensive responsibility in the coming years. They weren't suggesting that Sakic was washed up, but merely that his best days were behind him.
They did have a point. Sakic had just experienced the two worst offensive seasons of his career. Once a durable player, injuries plagued Sakic in the first few years after the the Avs' Stanley Cup in 1996. Because of these injuries, many wondered how much longer Sakic could be an effective player.
As it turns out, that speculation was pre-mature. Incredibly, he went on to amass 662 points after the age of 30 – mostly in the dead puck era. He led Colorado to another Stanley Cup in 2001 and the next season he was Canada's best player at the Olympics. He had two goals in four points in the gold medal game against the United States en route to being named tournament MVP.
Who in Canada will ever forget the image of Sakic breaking in alone on Mike Richter of the U.S. and beating him with him his trademark wrist shot, essentially putting the game out of reach. Canadians from coast to coast rejoiced in the knowledge that gold was close at hand. It wasn't quite like Paul Henderson's goal in the 1972 Super Series, or Mario Lemieux's in the 1987 Canada Cup, but it has a special place in Canadian hockey history.
Here in 2009, Sakic steps out of the spotlight with two Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Pearson Trophy, a Lady Byng Trophy, a Memorial Cup, and of course an Olympic Gold Medal.
Joe Sakic accomplished it all, yet he remained a reluctant superstar. He is a paradox: ordinary and extraordinary at the very same time. He didn't seek the spotlight, but he didn't wilt when the light shone upon him. Instead he continually lifted his teammates and carried them upon his capable shoulders. For 20 seasons, he was so much more than an ordinary Joe.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
Throughout his 20 NHL seasons, Sakic remained humble and down-to-earth. He was never the most exciting player off the ice, but on the ice he displayed a unique combination of skills and smart that allowed him to compile 625 goals and 1,641 points.
On Thursday, just two days after his 40th birthday, Sakic officially announced his retirement. He isn't retiring at the top of his game. Few players do. But when healthy the past two seasons he showed himself to be an intelligent player – one who could use his experience to overcome the erosion in skill that eventually afflicts all players.
It was his health that ultimately led Sakic down the path of retirement - he played only 69 games in his final two seasons. In the end, it was the snow blower that prevented Sakic from returning from back surgery. In the most disappointing season of his career, he played just 15 games, tallying two goals and 12 points.
Sakic cannot be accused of hanging on too long. After all, just three years ago he scored 100 points for the Avalanche, and he had 87 points in each of the prior two seasons. All things considered, his downside was relatively brief – only a couple of years.
The end of Sakic's magnificent tenure in the NHL makes me think of what critics said in 1998. They opined that Sakic was on the downside of his career and that Peter Forsberg would have to assume more of the offensive responsibility in the coming years. They weren't suggesting that Sakic was washed up, but merely that his best days were behind him.
They did have a point. Sakic had just experienced the two worst offensive seasons of his career. Once a durable player, injuries plagued Sakic in the first few years after the the Avs' Stanley Cup in 1996. Because of these injuries, many wondered how much longer Sakic could be an effective player.
As it turns out, that speculation was pre-mature. Incredibly, he went on to amass 662 points after the age of 30 – mostly in the dead puck era. He led Colorado to another Stanley Cup in 2001 and the next season he was Canada's best player at the Olympics. He had two goals in four points in the gold medal game against the United States en route to being named tournament MVP.
Who in Canada will ever forget the image of Sakic breaking in alone on Mike Richter of the U.S. and beating him with him his trademark wrist shot, essentially putting the game out of reach. Canadians from coast to coast rejoiced in the knowledge that gold was close at hand. It wasn't quite like Paul Henderson's goal in the 1972 Super Series, or Mario Lemieux's in the 1987 Canada Cup, but it has a special place in Canadian hockey history.
Here in 2009, Sakic steps out of the spotlight with two Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Pearson Trophy, a Lady Byng Trophy, a Memorial Cup, and of course an Olympic Gold Medal.
Joe Sakic accomplished it all, yet he remained a reluctant superstar. He is a paradox: ordinary and extraordinary at the very same time. He didn't seek the spotlight, but he didn't wilt when the light shone upon him. Instead he continually lifted his teammates and carried them upon his capable shoulders. For 20 seasons, he was so much more than an ordinary Joe.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Most Trusted Man in America.
A great man died today. A man whose face appeared in the living room of millions of households every night for 19 years. Walter Leland Cronkite Jr passed away today at the age of 92 after battling cerebrovascular disease for many years.
For those who knew of him knows that he was the face of the news, the man who truly represented journalism. There were many before him and many after, but he was and always will be a staple in the world of news. Before the 24 news cycles, the left/right pundits, and the blogosphere, Walter reported the events of the day and everyone listened. He was the definition of journalistic integrity, and not too many can come close in comparison.
Walter was there to report the Kennedy assassination, gave first hand reporting from Vietnam during the war, and played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal. His list of notable stories is endless. The importance of each one emphasized by him and remembered by all.
I was not around during the prime of his success, but I have been greatly influenced by his character and his ability to report the news honestly. Many say that true journalism is fading, and when I think about the loss of Tim Russert and now Walter, I am almost tempted to believe it. I think journalists these days have to try harder to just report what is happening in the world to the world. The "I'm right, you're wrong" attitude is exactly what's destroying journalistic integrity. Journalists have to maintain the path that men like Walter had paved for them in order for the world to respect their work.
I am deeply saddened about the loss of Walter and I am further discouraged about the current state of journalism and where it may head without the guidance of a great pioneer. I truly hope that this sudden and terrible loss of Walter will awaken the passion of journalists so that they may continue to build upon what Walter had indubitably started.
Rest in Peace Walter Cronkite.
And that's the way it is.
- Franny.
For those who knew of him knows that he was the face of the news, the man who truly represented journalism. There were many before him and many after, but he was and always will be a staple in the world of news. Before the 24 news cycles, the left/right pundits, and the blogosphere, Walter reported the events of the day and everyone listened. He was the definition of journalistic integrity, and not too many can come close in comparison.
Walter was there to report the Kennedy assassination, gave first hand reporting from Vietnam during the war, and played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal. His list of notable stories is endless. The importance of each one emphasized by him and remembered by all.
I was not around during the prime of his success, but I have been greatly influenced by his character and his ability to report the news honestly. Many say that true journalism is fading, and when I think about the loss of Tim Russert and now Walter, I am almost tempted to believe it. I think journalists these days have to try harder to just report what is happening in the world to the world. The "I'm right, you're wrong" attitude is exactly what's destroying journalistic integrity. Journalists have to maintain the path that men like Walter had paved for them in order for the world to respect their work.
I am deeply saddened about the loss of Walter and I am further discouraged about the current state of journalism and where it may head without the guidance of a great pioneer. I truly hope that this sudden and terrible loss of Walter will awaken the passion of journalists so that they may continue to build upon what Walter had indubitably started.
Rest in Peace Walter Cronkite.
And that's the way it is.
- Franny.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Big Headlines.
I was going to save this news for when I'm not super tired but it's too juicy to wait.
Kim Jong Il, dictator of North Korea (unbiased material here folks), has been (rumored to be) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to South Korea and China intel. This particular type of cancer has a less than 5% survival rate past 5 years after diagnosis.
I don't often wish "ill" on anyone (nor do I often make puns that are THAT predictable), but he should step down and allow for a democratic election to take place since his son doesn't want to take his place (like Kim did for his daddy). Ok, maybe I daydreamed a bit there, but KJI really annoys me. Such a headline whore! "Wahh, the US isn't paying attention to me so I'll threaten to bomb them with my super cool nukes!" That's so childish.
But he'll most likely receive a lot of media attention for the next while, and I'm sure National Inquirer (and maybe HuffPo or Drudge) will announce he's died more than once in the coming few years.
Another big headline: Texting teen falls in manhole!
THIS JUST IN: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso will dissolve parliament and hold elections on August 30th.
Until next time!
- Franny.
Kim Jong Il, dictator of North Korea (unbiased material here folks), has been (rumored to be) diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to South Korea and China intel. This particular type of cancer has a less than 5% survival rate past 5 years after diagnosis.
I don't often wish "ill" on anyone (nor do I often make puns that are THAT predictable), but he should step down and allow for a democratic election to take place since his son doesn't want to take his place (like Kim did for his daddy). Ok, maybe I daydreamed a bit there, but KJI really annoys me. Such a headline whore! "Wahh, the US isn't paying attention to me so I'll threaten to bomb them with my super cool nukes!" That's so childish.
But he'll most likely receive a lot of media attention for the next while, and I'm sure National Inquirer (and maybe HuffPo or Drudge) will announce he's died more than once in the coming few years.
Another big headline: Texting teen falls in manhole!
THIS JUST IN: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso will dissolve parliament and hold elections on August 30th.
Until next time!
- Franny.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Yes and No's
♥♥♥
Wowza, its been too long since I've updated. Admit it Franny, you missed me =D!
Anywhoosies, school starts tomorrow for me so I thought today is the perfect day to do a post!
For the past month-ish, I spent most of my time trying new things so I will share with you some of the things that worked for me and some that didn't.
Product #1:
Lush Tea Tree Oil Toner 4/5♥
The price was very reasonable and it does it job as a toner. I've noticed a decreased in acne and the pores seemed to be less visible. It was very refreshing when you spray it (especially when it feels like its 30 degrees outside) however, it doesn't last that long. The product 'evaporated' after a quick 10-14 seconds.
Product #2:
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial PEEL-OFF MASK 5/5♥
OH. EM. GEE. This product cost me only $3.98 and I absolutely love it! After using it, it leaves my skin super smooth. It's so easy to use, and it doesn't take that much time. This product can totally replace any boyfriend. One product, everyone should buy (especially if your cheap).
Product #3:
OPI NAIL POLISH:
1) Strawberry Margarita 3.75/5♥
2) Party In My Cabana 3.25/5♥
OPI nail polish are great however, I must admit the two that I bought was a bit disappointing. Strawberry Margarita got a higher rating because the colour turned out very pink & pretty♥ however the product was just too runny. It was hard to apply and no matter how less I used, it was still very messy. After spending quite some time putting it on, I feel reluctant to remove them.
Party In My Cabana was easier to put on but it wasn't my favorite colour choice. This colour made me feel like I killed a chicken or something. Will I use this again? Most likely not. It was just an awful contrast against my skin colour. DO NOT BUY IF YOU HAVE LIGHT SKIN COLOR.
Product #4:
Joico K-Pak Style Smoothing Balm to straighten & protect 4.5/5♥
This product smells great and I felt that it gave my hair some volume after using it. At first I thought it would weigh my hair down but it proved me wrong. Besides preventing thermal damage, it is also humid-resistant! This product is great for people who straighten their hair when it is still somewhat wet because it does not stick to the straightener whatsoever (at least not on mine).
Product #5:
Hair Spray:
1) TRESemme Tres Two ultra fine mist hair spray .5/5♥
2) TRESemme Tres Two extra hold hair spray .5/5♥
These two hair spray are heart breakers. They are totally useless. Not only do they clump (..big clumps), they made my hair look like a dirty, used, greased mop. Its disgusting. When you spray it, the smell is repulsive and overwhelming. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. I gave it .5 because it did hold my hair (...somewhat) but still, avoid it at all cost. I want to throw it out but I don't know where to throw it because I've used it like twice? (I'll use to kill bugs or something- its just that gross)
TOOTLOOS! <3
♥♥♥
Wowza, its been too long since I've updated. Admit it Franny, you missed me =D!
Anywhoosies, school starts tomorrow for me so I thought today is the perfect day to do a post!
For the past month-ish, I spent most of my time trying new things so I will share with you some of the things that worked for me and some that didn't.
Product #1:
Lush Tea Tree Oil Toner 4/5♥
The price was very reasonable and it does it job as a toner. I've noticed a decreased in acne and the pores seemed to be less visible. It was very refreshing when you spray it (especially when it feels like its 30 degrees outside) however, it doesn't last that long. The product 'evaporated' after a quick 10-14 seconds.
Product #2:
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Facial PEEL-OFF MASK 5/5♥
OH. EM. GEE. This product cost me only $3.98 and I absolutely love it! After using it, it leaves my skin super smooth. It's so easy to use, and it doesn't take that much time. This product can totally replace any boyfriend. One product, everyone should buy (especially if your cheap).
Product #3:
OPI NAIL POLISH:
1) Strawberry Margarita 3.75/5♥
2) Party In My Cabana 3.25/5♥
OPI nail polish are great however, I must admit the two that I bought was a bit disappointing. Strawberry Margarita got a higher rating because the colour turned out very pink & pretty♥ however the product was just too runny. It was hard to apply and no matter how less I used, it was still very messy. After spending quite some time putting it on, I feel reluctant to remove them.
Party In My Cabana was easier to put on but it wasn't my favorite colour choice. This colour made me feel like I killed a chicken or something. Will I use this again? Most likely not. It was just an awful contrast against my skin colour. DO NOT BUY IF YOU HAVE LIGHT SKIN COLOR.
Product #4:
Joico K-Pak Style Smoothing Balm to straighten & protect 4.5/5♥
This product smells great and I felt that it gave my hair some volume after using it. At first I thought it would weigh my hair down but it proved me wrong. Besides preventing thermal damage, it is also humid-resistant! This product is great for people who straighten their hair when it is still somewhat wet because it does not stick to the straightener whatsoever (at least not on mine).
Product #5:
Hair Spray:
1) TRESemme Tres Two ultra fine mist hair spray .5/5♥
2) TRESemme Tres Two extra hold hair spray .5/5♥
These two hair spray are heart breakers. They are totally useless. Not only do they clump (..big clumps), they made my hair look like a dirty, used, greased mop. Its disgusting. When you spray it, the smell is repulsive and overwhelming. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. I gave it .5 because it did hold my hair (...somewhat) but still, avoid it at all cost. I want to throw it out but I don't know where to throw it because I've used it like twice? (I'll use to kill bugs or something- its just that gross)
TOOTLOOS! <3
♥♥♥
Saturday, July 4, 2009
July 4th.
Happy July 4th/Independence Day everyone! On this day in 1776, the United States of America declared independence from Great Britain. This day is usually celebrated with BBQs and fireworks, both of which I hope to experience today =)
This is a special day for all of America, but this day marks another important event. 70 years ago today, Lou Gehrig delivered his emotional farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. Those of you who aren't baseball fans may find Lou Gehrig's name familiar because of Lou Gehrig's Disease. Lou was diagnosed with ALS and died a couple years after making this amazing speech. He was only 37, yet he made a huge impact on baseball and some of his records still stands today. Here is his speech, from July 4th, 1939:
"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.
"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.
"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift — that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies — that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter — that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body — it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed — that's the finest I know.
"So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."
Every team in MLB will be celebrating this speech today. The New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig's team, celebrated by having different players such as Jeter, Teixiera, Pettitte, Swisher, Posada, CC, AJ, and Damon recite the speech. A great tribute to a great man. Very classy, Yankees!
And I must honor Michael Goldsmith, the man with ALS who petitioned the MLB to start 4ALS, to raise awareness for this disease. He threw out the first pitch today.
Now with Video: (sorry for the poor quality, trying to find a better embed right now)
Have a good July 4th everyone =)
- Franny.
This is a special day for all of America, but this day marks another important event. 70 years ago today, Lou Gehrig delivered his emotional farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. Those of you who aren't baseball fans may find Lou Gehrig's name familiar because of Lou Gehrig's Disease. Lou was diagnosed with ALS and died a couple years after making this amazing speech. He was only 37, yet he made a huge impact on baseball and some of his records still stands today. Here is his speech, from July 4th, 1939:
"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.
"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn’t consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I’m lucky. Who wouldn’t consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball’s greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.
"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift — that’s something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies — that’s something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter — that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so that you can have an education and build your body — it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed — that's the finest I know.
"So I close in saying that I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."
Every team in MLB will be celebrating this speech today. The New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig's team, celebrated by having different players such as Jeter, Teixiera, Pettitte, Swisher, Posada, CC, AJ, and Damon recite the speech. A great tribute to a great man. Very classy, Yankees!
And I must honor Michael Goldsmith, the man with ALS who petitioned the MLB to start 4ALS, to raise awareness for this disease. He threw out the first pitch today.
Now with Video: (sorry for the poor quality, trying to find a better embed right now)
Have a good July 4th everyone =)
- Franny.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Just Some Thoughts From A World Away
What's up everybody? I hope you guys and girls missed me 'cause I sure have missed you :) A big thank you is in order to the wonderful Franny who despite being on a killer (and much deserved) vacation still finds time to stop enjoying every moment of it and updating the blog.
As all of you probably know I'm in Pakistan right now. At first I hated the idea of coming here but now that I'm here I'm surprisingly enjoying my time (just goes to show to not judge a book by it's cover). I've met A LOT of extended family members and still have A LOT more to meet since I have an impossibly large family :) but they're all very loving people and immensely fun to be around. I'm staying in my birth city of Lahore, and the place is awesome. The city is congested and the traffic is hell but roaming around the city and shopping is pretty awesome and the culture of the people is very lively and it's basically another city that doesn't sleep as all the shopping districts and clubs are open all night.
Anyway on a serious matter I would like to pay my respects to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, I know Franny has already blogged about it but I just wanted to do it again 'cause I grew up listening to MJ and loving Thriller, and all his other music like all his fans around the world. The world took him away too soon and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
As all of you probably know I'm in Pakistan right now. At first I hated the idea of coming here but now that I'm here I'm surprisingly enjoying my time (just goes to show to not judge a book by it's cover). I've met A LOT of extended family members and still have A LOT more to meet since I have an impossibly large family :) but they're all very loving people and immensely fun to be around. I'm staying in my birth city of Lahore, and the place is awesome. The city is congested and the traffic is hell but roaming around the city and shopping is pretty awesome and the culture of the people is very lively and it's basically another city that doesn't sleep as all the shopping districts and clubs are open all night.
Anyway on a serious matter I would like to pay my respects to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, I know Franny has already blogged about it but I just wanted to do it again 'cause I grew up listening to MJ and loving Thriller, and all his other music like all his fans around the world. The world took him away too soon and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family.
Peace and Much Love To Ya :)
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