“The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not.”

We’re three weeks into the NBA season. How many games have you watched?

Yeah…….I haven’t really watched many either.

The NBA has kind of lost something for me this year. I can’t exactly put my finger on it. Is it because my team was garbage last season and that made me unmotivated to tune in this season? Yes, it may be. Or it could be the fact that the NBA lockout drug out for soooooooo long and it took away part of the season! Yup, that’s probably it.

I watched the NBA draft. I was so excited when we got the #1 pick! I mean, “What’s not to like?”

I guess I’m excited for the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers. We’re rebuilding, right? I recognize most of the names on our roster but I’m not too sure about a few. But dang it I’m excited when I watch Kyrie and Tristan play! They are just something else!!

Are people in cities with championship teams pumped that the NBA season is going on?

All-Star Game

What about the NBA All-Star game, anyone excited for that? I feel like the season is shortened so much that the All-Star game seems kind of pointless.

I guess it seems kind of pointless every year to me. I really enjoy watching the dunk contest, but I want to see some good old-fashioned talented dunks! Take away the gimics and take me back to the roots! Nothing compares to a stellar dunk!

Take me back to the high-top fades, the short shorts and the REAL basketball players!

My PeRspective

The Cavs show a lot of promise for the next few seasons as long as they keep adding key players.Maybe if I get to a game this season I will be more excited about the season. I want to get to a game, I want to see Kyrie in person.

But what do you think about the rest of the NBA? Did the lockout just kill the season? I’m just not excited to channel surf and find a game like I normally am. I’d much rather find some college basketball on!

What do you think the NBA has to do to get fans excited again?

Downtown Cleveland

Are You Ready For Some Football?!?!

Fantasy football that is.

Yahoo! had 4 million people playing fantasy football on its website in 2009. That’s crazy! According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, it’s estimated that 27 million Americans play fantasy sports. That’s right, I said 27 MILLION!

I’m one of those 27 million people playing fantasy sports, are you?

The Draft

I started playing fantasy football in 2010. I had absolutely NO IDEA what I was doing but I wanted to see what all of the hype was about. I had my boyfriend set up a draft online where I would be playing with random strangers (and himself). I had him help me the entire draft! If it was up to me, I would have drafted a quarterback first. (Which I found out is bad).

I can’t believe how many people go out and buy magazines that tell them who to draft. People do research online and read article after article on who to draft.  And the draft parties that go on are insane!! I went to my boyfriends draft that lasted three hours! Are people really that serious about fantasy football?

My First Fantasy Football Experience

I named my team Believeland and tried to figure out fantasy football. I started out on a pretty terrible losing streak. I wanted to prove that I wasn’t a stupid girl who didn’t know sports but I wasn’t off to a good start. I lost at least four games in a row. Everyone was probably sitting behind their computer screens laughing when they would play me. They probably thought it would be an easy win and for many weeks it was.

If I remember correctly, after I lost my first week I said I was giving up on fantasy football. Despite my words, I stuck with it through thick and thin. I dropped players and picked new ones up to get the whole fantasy football experience. About halfway through the season Tony Romo (my fantasy quarterback) broke his collarbone. I thought life was over but I was already sucking.

Somehow, I went through three quarterbacks and started winning my games. I was moving up the rankings list. I was taking people out one by one. Before I knew it, I was playing for the championship!

Believe it or not, I WON!!! (I beat my boyfriend which was my main goal!)

Proof that my team, Believeland, won my fantasy football league!

My PeRspective

I’m trying out fantasy football again this year. I drafted my players all by myself. (I payed attention during my boyfriends three hour draft). And I’m proud to say I made good decisions that my boyfriend even agreed with and made for his own money league team

I’m not sure I could be in a competitive league though, or play for money. It’s all too serious for me.

I love what fantasy football does. It brings people together for some friendly competition. It makes people turn on their televisions to watch numerous football games. (Which helps advertisers by more people seeing their product). I know I watch more games now than I ever did before. I also love the reactions players give on social media sites like Twitter. Some tell Twitter followers to draft them and others ask how many fantasy points they got in someones league. It’s all in good fun.

I’ll see how my 2011 fantasy football season goes and maybe I’ll consider 2012.

On a completely different note: GO BROWNS!

Love for Cleveland

Picture this: a 5’11″, 21 year-old man sitting courtside at a Cavs game in a full basketball uniform and a painted on beard.

Great visual, huh? Do you picture that man as the “ultimate” Cavs fan? Well, right now, he could be considered that.

Haden posted this picture on his Twitter page on March 29th

That “ultimate” fan is Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Joe Haden. Was Haden born here you ask? No, he is from Maryland. Did he go to college here you ask? No, he went to Florida. If he has no Cleveland ties other than playing here, why does he do it?

In an interview with Waiting For Next Year on March 14 Haden said:

“I want to make sure that I can get my face out there as much as possible and show the fans that I appreciate them. We have amazing fans that come out. And just for them to show the support, the least I can do is give autographs or hold events for the fans who watch Cleveland sports.  As much as I can give back, I try.”

Haden talks to his fans on Twitter, he visits local establishments, he goes to Monsters and Gladiators games and he’s even having his 22nd birthday party at Barley House in Cleveland. He has totally committed himself to this city and I love it.

Haden’s crazy antics have made him one of the most likable Cleveland athletes. (Ranked right up there with Josh Cribbs!) I mean, how can you not like someone jumping around in a full basketball uniform cheering on the Cavs?

Even Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) took notice of Haden in a Tweet on March 23:” @joehaden23 Thanks 4 your big time support Joe(& all Cavs fans).Sorry we didn’t deliver 2Nite.This pain will continue 2 be our motivation…”

Don’t get me wrong, just because you’re a professional athlete in Cleveland doesn’t mean you have to be a Cleveland fan. Browns player Eric Wright (@ithinkurwright) is a well-known LA Lakers fan, but he gives the Cavs credit when credit is due. You can’t be mad at that.

It’s great to see such a promising athlete give back to the city that’s embraced him. I think Haden has it all figured out. There’s a new #23 in Cleveland! Come Browns season, Haden Nation will be in full swing!

Credits L to R: Chuck Crow/Plain Dealer, Jared Wickerham/Getty Images, Tony Dejak/Plain Dealer, Joe Haden/Twitter

Born Here. Raised Here. Played Here. Betrayed Here.

Wait, don’t leave my blog post just yet! Don’t let the title fool you!

I know what you’re thinking: Melissa, I don’t care about Le-you-know-who! I’m so mad about what he did!

I’m not going to talk about someones “talents” going to South Beach. I’m not going to talk about how betrayed I feel as a Cavs fan. I’m not going to talk about how mad I am that someone went on national television just to boost their ego in a one hour “special”. I’m not going to talk about the fact I’m not mad that someone left, I’m mad about how someone went about announcing it. I’m not going to talk about how someone possibly threw the playoffs.

Above, are things I’m not going to talk about

Chris Grant’s Statement

After a one hour “special” to break Cleveland’s heart, the Cavs responded quickly. General Manager Chris Grant issued a statement on the Cavs website:

“We believe in this team, this organization, this community, and what we will do to compete at the highest level. We believe in the new coach and leader we have in Byron Scott, and the world class basketball organization and positive and strong culture we’ve established. Dan Gilbert and our ownership group are firmly committed to reaching our goals and succeeding on the court and in the community, at the highest level.”

“Our fans stepped up and showed their support, to a degree unlike anywhere else. We are fortunate to have the support of the best fans in the NBA. That passion and dedication will be rewarded. We will work relentlessly to continue to build a team that will contend. A team that will win championships. We are all competitors and our one goal is to win, that and Dan Gilbert and our ownership team’s commitment and investment in this organization and community are constants that will not change.”

This statement was 100% appropriate. It was issued in the correct manner, at the correct time.

Dan Gilbert’s Letter

The statement heard around the world is more like it! Dan Gilbert decided to write a letter to Cleveland.

When I first saw it, I thought it was fake! I had to check the Cavs homepage a couple of times to believe that the letter was real. (I also did a screen shot so I’d have the letter just in case it got taken down) Did I mention that the entire letter was in Comic Sans font? It was like a 13 year old girl was writing it! Lots of bold, capital letters and quotation marks, too.

Here’s a little snippet of what Gilbert said after someones decision:

Gilbert also made a big statement in the letter: “I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVILERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE.”

My PeRspective

I love my Cleveland Cavaliers. I will continue to go to games at The Q. I will continue to wear my Cavs gear and smile. I will watch the Cavs when they are televised.

I thought the statement issued by the GM was very classy. He issued a statement to try and reassure fans that it will be okay. It was the right thing to do. He didn’t say anything in the statement that could come back and hurt the organization.

Now, the statement issued by Gilbert……… You have to love his intensity. I truly believe that he meant well by issuing that letter. I love his passion, it jumps off the page. I think he was trying to channel the anger that fans had into positive energy towards the Cavs team next season. I think he wanted everyone to forget about what just happened and keep in a positive mindset with what the Cavs are capable of. Promising a championship…I’ll let that one go.

I think Gilbert could have toned down certain areas of his letter. Maybe he needed to make a draft, sleep on it, then come back and see what he thought. (I would love to see what the original draft looked like). Many people have been reacting to this letter. I don’t think this letter will have a negative impact on the Cavs. If you’re a Cavs fan, you’re still going to buy tickets after reading this letter.

I do believe some parts of the letter were appropriate. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t pumped after reading it. Dan Gilbert got me excited. He made me start to get excited for the things that are to come. I just hope that people aren’t actually offended after reading this letter. If they are, they need to step back and take a look at the entire situation. I’m sure most of us would act irrationally in Gilbert’s situation. I’m looking forward to all of the details coming out about what else fueled the writing of the letter.

If you take anything away from Gilbert’s letter, make sure it’s this:

We’re Talking Baseball, Indians Baseball

We’re talking Tribe!

Progressive Field

The Cleveland Indians. That sentence alone could make people laugh and cry; Possibly at the same time. As a Tribe fan since the beginning ,okay since 1987, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of baseball. Some people laugh when I tell them I’m a Cleveland Indians fan. I’m not embarrassed to wear my Tribe gear in public.

When some people think about the Indians, I wonder if they have trouble naming more than five players in the line up. Sizemore? No. Cabrera? No. Cliff Lee? No. LeBron James? No.

Here’s a typical line up for the Indians: CF Crowe, RF Choo, C Santana, DH Hafner, LF Kearns, 1B Branyan, 3B Peralta, 2B Valbuena, SS Hernandez. Don’t

Asdrubal Cabrera

recognize many players, do you?

The Indians aren’t drawing  fans like they used to. In the 1990s the Indians had their highest attendance ever. 1998 and 1999 were the highest attendance recorded in Indians history, 3,467,299 and 3,468,436 respectively. Progressive Field seats 43,405. The Indians attendance in 2009 was 1,776,904 which dropped drastically from their 2008 attendance of 2,182,087. It took Nationals rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg to draw 32,876 fans.

Even though I enjoy my time at Indians games, it’s obvious that many people don’t even make their way to the stadium. I took a sports marketing class my last semester at Kent State. For the class, I had to create a market plan for the team of my choice with a problem that needed fixed. I obviously picked the Indians and their attendance problem.

The Problem

Based on attendance records from the Indians 2009 season, attendance has dropped drastically. With the  trades the team has made and its management changes, fans aren’t behind the Indians like they were in the 1990s. As a result, the franchise is unable to draw a high number of fans to its games and increase profit.

Survey

I created a ten question survey to find out more about Cleveland Indians fans. Participants remained nameless when they took the

Indians sign at Progressive

survey and they could select one answer for each question unless otherwise stated. The survey was completed by more than 70 people within a week. (I know you can’t make changes to an organization based on 70 people, but it’s a start).

The survey showed that 67.9% of those that responded attend Indians games in the months of June/July.

On average, those surveyed pay under $20 to attend a game. The second price range that people purchase tickets in is $29-$20. Over half of the people surveyed attend Indians games on Saturday. Others attend on Friday while no one selected that they attend Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Over 80% of those surveyed attend one to five games per season. Only 10.7% attend more than six games a season.

Travis Hafner in 2009

When participants were asked who their favorite past players were, Sandy Alomar and Kenny Lofton received the most votes. When asked who favorite current players were, Grady Sizemore received the most mentions with Asdrubal Cabrera coming in second. (Sad that they are both on the DL).

Those surveyed enjoy promotions and giveaways. The two most common promotions were “Dollar Dog Night” and “Bobblehead Giveaway”. “Student ID” night was a close third. When participants were asked what the Indians needed to do to keep them coming to games, not including management or players, most respondents said the Indians need to win more games. When participants were not complaining about the team losing games, they said ticket prices needed to be lower. Fans won’t attend games to watch a losing team with high ticket prices.

My PeRspective

It’s true, I’ve always thought it would be pretty cool to work for the Indians. I used to work for the AA Affiliate Akron Aeros. I know some of my solutions to the Indians attendance problems may not be possible, but at least I’m making an effort. Please keep in mind, these are just ideas! Don’t knock ‘em until you try ‘em!

Mom and I cheering on the Tribe in Minnesota in 07

All of my ideas are based on my research. I think the Cleveland Indians should create a Grady Sizemore marketing campaign to promote the team.It’s pretty cool to walk through downtown Cleveland and see a larger-than-life LeBron James hanging on a building. Imagine a larger-than-life Grady Sizemore making a diving catch hanging on the side of Progressive Field. People in Cleveland need to get excited and think about the Indians every time they come downtown.

I also think the Indians should create a Sandy Alomar bobblehead since he is the second favorite past player based on my survey. Kenny Lofton was voted the favorite but the Indians are creating a bobblehead of him this season. Sandy is well-liked throughout Cleveland and the Indians organization. Bobblehead costs could be offset by sponsors.

I know these ideas seem like a huge task that might not work, but I feel that something needs to be done. I’m passionate about baseball and my Cleveland Indians.

*All pictures in this post were taken by me for personal use.

Indians Win graphics in center field

Living Up To Their Name

The New Orleans Saints are being exactly that…Saints.

AP Photo/Eric Gay

The Saints have been incredibly charitable towards  New Orleans and the state of Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina. Now they are helping in another devastating situation.

I’m assuming that everyone knows what happened in the Gulf with the BP oil spill. I’m not going to complain, criticize or analyze any of it. If you want to read about it, you can. I’m going to focus on the positive that one sports team is trying to do.

The New Orleans Saints are using their celebrity status to help clean up the BP oil spill. Coach Sean Payton, team owner Tom Benson and some players recently took a trip to the Fort Jackson Wildlife Center. “Who Dat?” banners were hung along the highway where the Saints were traveling.  They visited the International Bird Rescue Research Center. While they were there, a jazz band played and many players signed autographs.

“We haven’t had anything to smile about in a while. Today at least people are getting the chance,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.

Here’s The Kicker

AP Photo/Eric Gay

The Saints want to raise money to help clean up the oil spill. What’s a great way for a sports team to raise money? An auction! Man, what would they auction off? How about a Super Bowl XLIV ring! (I’m dead serious)!

On Tuesday, the Saints announced that they will be auctioning off an authentic ring. Raffle tickets will be $2 a piece. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Gulf Coast renewal. There will be a website where anyone can buy tickets. When you buy tickets on the web it has to be a $10 minimum order. The Saints hope to raise $1 million. (That shouldn’t be a problem).  They will announce the winner at the September 9th home opener.

My PeRspective

It’s nice to see an organization that “gets it.” The Saints and the state of Louisiana have been through some REALLY tough times. It’s nice to see an organization show a community that they are ready and willing to help. To me, Drew Brees seems like a genuinely nice guy. I really hope that they raise beyond the $1 million goal. I like when people try to do good in the world.

I hope people don’t see this as a publicity stunt. I don’t. The Saints have been through so much. People like them. Whoever thought of selling tickets for a Super Bowl ring to raise money is a genius. It’s such a great way to raise money for a great cause. When that website becomes available, I may just have to go buy me some tickets

Some Athletes Are Good People

I know this may come as a shock to some people but some athletes are good people. (I will give you a minute to let that process).

Even though there are many athletes getting arrested for rape, alcohol, drugs, etc. there are some out there still doing good in the world. I’m in a good mood so I’m going to tell you about an athlete that I’ve recently learned to really respect.

His name is Chad Ochocinco, formerly Chad Johnson. The Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver is know for his crazy antics in the end zone. Let me tell you, I wasn’t a fan of him. I thought all of the stunts he pulled in the end zone were flashy and unnecessary. I couldn’t understand why anyone would like him. I felt like every time I turned on ESPN on Sunday, Ochocinco was always pulling some kind of new stunt. On November 21, 2009 all of my opinions changed.

Personal Connection

Many people reached out to Ochocinco about a friend, CK, who was in the hospital. CK was fighting for his life and was the biggest Ocho fan out there. Ochocinco called the hospital to talk, but unfortunately CK had passed away. Ochocinco continued to be a kind and grateful person after that phone call. He gave tickets to CK’s family to attend a game and he tweeted about CK. To me, it’s kind gestures that make someone a good person. Amy Nelson of ESPN wrote an amazing story about how social media connected Ocho and CK.

Chad for Charities

Just because I now have a personal reason to like Ochocinco doesn’t mean he hasn’t done other great things. Fans had the opportunity to purchase a “Chad Ocho Cinco Soldiers For Giving” t-shirt from his website to be entered into a contest to go on a three-day road trip to visit children’s hospitals and help out at food banks. The “Chad for Charities” tour made stops at the Freestore Food Bank in Cincinnati, OH, the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and the Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, FL, before arriving in Miami. As if fans weren’t lucky enough to go on a community service road trip with Ochocinco, he footed the bill for everyone riding both buses.

Twitter

He has also held various contests for his Twitter followers. @OGOchoCinco has more than 900,000 followers. He’s taken his followers to the movies (paying for the ticket and snacks) more than once. He added a second movie night because some people didn’t make it to the showing he had tickets for.  He’s even taken followers to breakfast. He  flew six lucky followers to California (paying for air fare, hotel and food) to watch him on Dancing With The Stars! What an experience any of those opportunities would have been!

My PeRspective

I know some of you may think that Ochocinco’s doing all of this for publicity, I truly disagree with you. I believe that he is a good person. He’s not doing any of this so people know who he is; they already know. If Ochocinco didn’t care, he wouldn’t invite his fans to come and help him, he wouldn’t tweet numerous times a day and he wouldn’t show that he cared in-general. I believe that he’s a caring person that wants to make his impact on the NFL and society. I enjoy that he doesn’t take him self completely serious all of the time.Yes, he may be cocky but he doesn’t throw his teammates under the bus, doesn’t get in trouble with the law, doesn’t rant about how bad his coach or teammates are to the media, etc. He just entertains people. He may talk trash sometimes and “show off” but he’s a good person that actually cares.

One Goal

Welp, Cleveland it’s that time of year again. NBA playoff time.

Hearing that just makes me cringe. Playoffs. I have flashbacks to so many missed opportunities. But, this year is our year! (I’m sure we all said that when the Spurs swept the Cavs in the finals).

There’s something different about the Cavs this year. And I’m not talking about their skills, drive or team unity. I’m talking about how they are promoting themselves.

Twitter

Twitter is slowly taking over social media. Everybody is doing it: athletes, celebrities and political figures. Yes, even the Cleveland Cavaliers.

@cavsthrowback gave away a free vintage style T-shirt during playoff game 1. They had many people start to follow them on Twitter and gained instant publicity. This was a great way for them to promote their T-shirts to all the Cavs fans.

@clecavs has over 3,000 followers on Twitter. Throughout the playoffs @clecavs has been giving away prizes such as signed merchandise and even tickets! I was at playoff game 1 and I kept checking my Twitter to see if I could win anything. I didn’t (Sad, I know).

How cool is it the Cavs are using social media to promote their games? News flash- it’s working. @clecavs gives updates of scores throughout the entire Cavs series. They are also giving followers on Twitter a code to use to buy tickets for upcoming playoff games! (You should probably follow them).

Cav Fanatic

The Cavs even have their own official fan site called Cav Fanatic. The site has over 9,ooo registered fans. Fans are able to make blog posts and upload pictures. The one thing I love about the site is the freedom that the fans have to talk about their team. Nothing is better for an organization than word of mouth.

That’s a lie, there’s another thing I love about the site. That would be Joe Smith’s profile. I’m a huge Big Joe fan and was pumped when he came back to Cleveland. Joe Smith has a playoff song posted on his Cav Fanatic page.

I LOVE IT!!! What a great way to promote your team during a time when the fans need to be behind them! This song got me pumped to watch the Cavs. (And I’m listening to it while I’m typing this, it’s rather catchy).

You Tube

You Tube. What a great place to post a video that you don’t mind the entire world seeing. The Cavs did just that.

This video is one of the most hysterical things I have ever seen. And boy did it go viral quick. The video started to appear on ESPN almost instantly. It was an instant classic. The Cavs are known to be one of the teams in the NBA that have the most fun. I think this proves it.

My PeRspective

I think the Cleveland Cavaliers have done the most amazing job using social media to get Cleveland fans pumped. Everyday I log onto my Twitter and hope that I can win something. (I won a tape measure when I was like 5, otherwise I haven’t won crap in my life).

Listening to Big Joe’s playoff song is a great way to get fans pumped. The song also helped Cleveland fans embrace Big Joe when he came back to Cleveland. The Cav Fanatic site even had a special ticket offer for all registered users. Currently, they are giving away tickets to the most spirited fan. Are you going to register?

The Playoff Proposal video will forever be embedded into the minds of Cleveland fans everywhere. I personally won’t be able to get the image of Delonte West sniffing a shoe or crying on Curly’s shoulder out of my mind.

Every way the Cavs used social media has been successful. And I bet they will continue to be successful. I know it’s getting me pumped up about playoffs. And I’m sure it’s helping ticket sales.  (I went to playoff game 1). Mike Brown being Coach of the Year is also great publicity for the franchise and a great accomplishment and honor.

I just have one thing left to say: One Goal. LETS GO CAVS!!!

*All the pictures you see I took during the Cavs v Nets and Cavs v Detroit.

“I need you on your feet and ready to greet the world famous …”

I got an early birthday present on Thursday. I got to go and see the Harlem Globetrotters while they were in Cleveland! You have NO IDEA how excited I was. ♥

You’re probably thinking, “What’s so special about the Globetrotters?!?! It’s just another over-priced sporting event.”

That’s where you’re wrong. #1 Tickets are reasonably priced for a family. The average ticket price is $25. #2 I was laughing and enjoying myself just as much as the 8 year old girl that was sitting in front of me.

Incase you aren’t sure who the Harlem Globetrotter are let me get you up to date:

History

The Globetrotters were founded by Abe Saperstein in 1926. The team was made up of the best African American players in Chicago.  On January 27, 1927 the Globetrotters played their very first road game. They got a total payout of $75.

They started out playing “real games” in Illinois and the mid-west. Then one day in 1939 the Globetrotters had a 112-5 lead during a game they were playing. The Globetrotters decided to start goofing around during the game and the crowd loved it.

The Globetrotters had their own Saturday morning cartoon show and were on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

In 1993 the team almost went bankrupt due to And1 tours, the decline of the Wide World of Sports and NBA players doing tricks during regular season games. A few years later, the Globetrotters started playing college teams which upset fans that came to watch the Globetrotters and their comedy.

Now

The Globetrotters have re-established themselves. At their games now, you still get their old slap stick comedy that has been loved by many for years. There are also some new and improved 21st century references.

At the game Thursday a child from the audience had trouble making foul shots. Special K, a Globetrotter, let the crowd know the child could be a “future member of the Boston Celtics”. Cleveland fans loved that.

The Globetrotters have also incorporated texting into their routine. During the game you can text whether you’d like the Washington Generals coach to wear a tutu or a hot dog costume if the Globetrotters happen to lose. (Hint: chances are good the Globetrotters win.)

Famous Globetrotters

• #22 Fred “Curly” Neal: Curly was a Globetrotter for 22 seasons. He played in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries. He attended Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina where he lead his team to the CIAA title game his senior year.
• #13 Wilt Chamberlain: He signed with the Globetrotters in 1958. He played in the NBA 1959-1973 where he scored 100 points during a game against the New York Knicks on March 12, 1962. His number was the first ever retired by the Globetrotters. He attended the University of Kansas.
• #40 Marques Haynes: Played from 1947-53 and 1972-79 with the Globetrotters. Haynes was known for his dribbling skills that wowed the crowd. He played in more than 12,000 games and nearly 100 countries. He was the first Globetrotter to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Haynes attended Langston University where he lead the team to a 112-3 record in his four years there.
• #36 Meadowlark Lemon: He played for 24 seasons in more than 7,500 consecutive games. Lemon sent a letter to the Globetrotters requesting a tryout then spent two years in the Army. He played his first full season in 1954. He received the John W. Bunn Award for his lifetime contributions to basketball.
• #50 Reece “Goose” Tatum: He played with the Globetrotters for 12 seasons. Tatum was known as the “Clown Prince” of the Globetrotters. In the 1940s Tatum was a baseball player for the Birmingham Black Barons and the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro National League

S.P.I.N.

Last year, the Globetrotters started a program called S.P.I.N. meaning Some Playtime Is Necessary. S.P.I.N. is a program designed to make fitness fun for kids, while promoting and encouraging an active lifestyle.

The Globetrotters enlisted the help of thousands of kids and adults at YMCA’s across the United States, and families from coast to coast in their backyards and at local playgrounds, and established a world record with the simultaneous dribbling of basketballs.

C.H.E.E.R.

In 2004 the Harlem Globetrotters started the program C.H.E.E.R. which stands for Cooperation, Healthy Mind & Body, Effort, Enthusiasm and Responsibility. The “Ambassadors of Goodwill” have visited nearly 1,000 schools promoting this program.

The program was designed with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education, The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and state educators. The program focuses on elementary school students and involves the Globetrotters incorporating their skills with a “C.H.E.E.R.” basketball.

My PeRspective

The Globetrotters show isn’t just full of basketball tricks. There’s actually a key message that they want you to take away. That message you ask, it’s don’t cheat.

The coach from the Washington Generals puts a lid on top of the Globetrotters basketball hoop so they can’t score. He also makes them use a remote controlled ball. After both of these events happen, the announcer prompts the audience to boo. He asks, ” And what do we think about cheating, Cleveland?”

I love that message! I love that every kid gets to sit next to their parents and boo a cheater. And the fact that the parents encourage their kids to boo is heart-warming. It’s actually promoting a good message.

I love the fact that the Globetrotters have two community outreach programs. In today’s obese world it’s nice to see more athletes promoting fitness.

The Globetrotters also promote good and clean family-fun. It’s not often you can take a child to a sporting event and not worry about drunks, swearing and steroids. This is the kind of show that I hope continues on for years and years since it is doing such good in the world. I hope one day to even take my children (not for a long time, mom) to go see the Harlem Globetrotters.

Locals

After doing some research, okay that’s a lie I looked at the all-time roster, I found some LOCAL Globetrotters. I had no idea!!! Warning, this is a pretty long list:

• Chad Allen from Miami (Ohio)
• Robert Aston from Toledo
• Donald Barnette from Miami (Ohio)
• Curtis Bell from Woodward H.S.
• Wille Bell from Woodward H.S.
• Wyatt “Sonny” Boswell from Scott H.S.
• Agis Bray from Wilberforce
• Andre Bryant from KENT STATE!!!
• John “Bill” Chavers from Baldwin Wallace

• Al Dixon from Bowling Green
• James Doughty from Ohio State
• Jesse Jemison from Cincinnati
• Damon Jones from Wilberforce
• William Jones from Woodward H.S.
• Norman Lee Jr. from Roosevelt H.S.
• Melvin Levett from Cincinnati
• Elzie Lewis from Wilberforce
• Donald “Ducky” Moore from Cleveland Central H.S.
• Tony Peyton from Scott H.S.
• Derick Polk from Ohio State
• Louis “Babe” Pressley from Cleveland Central H.S.
• Al Price from Libby H.S.
• Bernie Price from Libby H.S.
• Frank Washington from Wilberforce
• Tony Wilcox from Wittenberg

Note: All pictures but the one included in the Famous Globetrotters section I took during the Harlem Globetrotters show on Thursday, April 17 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The World of Baseball Sheads A Tear Today

The world of baseball lost one of its own today, Nick Adenhart.

When you hear the story of how this happened and his short major league career, you will get chills. I’m teary-eyed again just writing this blog. That’s a lie, I cried.

Adenhart was a passenger in a car that was broadsided in an intersection at about 12:30 a.m. by a minivan that apparently ran a red light. He was one of four people in the car, three died. The van driver fled the scene. The driver was later caught and identified as Andrew Thomas Gallo. He will be charged with manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run.

Two of the passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The other two were taken to UC Irvine Medical Center. Adenhart underwent surgery and died at the hospital, but it’s not clear if he died during or after the procedure. The remaining passenger was in critical condition.

Adenhart had just made his season debut pitching for the Angels ( he threw six scoreless innings). His father flew to his game from Maryland to see his start. This was only his fourth major league start. He was selected by the Angels in the 14th round of the 2004 draft. At the time of his death, he was the youngest pitcher on a big league roster.

“He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people,” Adenhart’s parents said in the Angels statement. “The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick’s loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone’s hearts forever.”

Adenhart was a member of the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Team that traveled to Cuba and qualified the United States for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He started one game for Team USA, earning a no-decision and striking out six batters in an 8-7 win over Brazil.

“The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today,” Tony Reagins, the team’s general manager, said in a written statement. “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, friends, loved ones and fans.”

Social Media Outreach

The reaction from people around the United States has been overwhelming. Many fans and friends have compiled pictures and videos to commemorate Adenhart. Many people have updated their status on Facebook and Twitter to respect the loss of Adenhart.

On Facebook alone, 25 groups have been created in his memory. Those groups have a total of 4,316 members as of 9:18 p.m. The numbers are still growing. The on-going support shows how much people care, whether they are an Angels fan or not. Rivalries have been put aside. Everyone is an Angel today.

Many videos are surfacing around YouTube and Facebook. Including this moving memorial,

MLB Outreach

The Angels’ game Thursday night with the Oakland A’s was postponed at the direction of Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball.

“Major League Baseball is in mourning today upon the news of this tragedy that has taken Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others,” Selig said in a statement. “Nick was just 22 years of age, with a wonderful life and career ahead of him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my sincere sympathy to the families and friends of all three victims and to the entire Angels’ organization. I send my deepest condolences to Nick’s parents, Jim and Janet. The hearts of everyone in baseball are with them at this most difficult time.”

My PeRspective

In a situation like this you have to ask yourself, “What should we do?” It’s not like your organization is prepared for this. This is a tragedy, NO ONE prepares themselves for this.

The Angels did hold a press conference today. Was that the right thing to do so quickly during a tragedy? That’s your call.

During the press conference nobody cried but Adenhart’s agent, Scott Boras. Boras is known by many to be a very sly person. There is already a lot of controversy whether his crying was real or not. Watch this video to see what you think.

MLB has already changed Adenhart’s status on their national website. His current status says deceased. To me, that was a little too soon to change.

I think MLB made the correct decision by canceling the Angel’s game for today. All MLB teams around the league held a moment of silence before today’s game to remember Adenhart. That was also the correct decision. With such a tragedy the Angels and MLB handled this situation the only way that could be expected  in such a tough time.

* On a personal note: My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Nick Adenhart. This is a tough time that is going to take a long time to heal. Anything I’ve ever heard about him has been positive. Everyone also said he loved baseball and was a genuine guy. It’s during tragedies like this that make you think twice next time you get into a car or on the road. I just hope everyone can take something positive away from this tragic situation. May Nick be the “angel” sitting on his teammates shoulders for this season and seasons to come.