George M. Steinbrenner III (1930 - 2010)

Since "The Boss" became owner of the New York Yankees in 1973 the greatest professional sports franchise in history won 16 division titles, 11 American League Pennants (76,77,78,81,96,98,99,2000,2001,2003,2009), and 7 World Series championships (77,78,96,98,99,2000,09). He was perhaps the most controversial owner in sports history as well as one of the most successful. Steinbrenner over came a suspension from baseball and hired and fired 24 or so managers during his reign over "The Evil Empire." George Steinbrenner is as much apart of Yankee lure as Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Joe Dimaggio, Lou Gehrig, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter. All this earned him a spot as a spoofed character on arguably the best sitcom ever put on television, Seinfeld.

"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing," Steinbrenner was found of saying. "Breathing first, winning next."

Enjoy these clips from his spoofed Seinfeld character as well as being depicted on the ESPN special "The Bronx is Burning" chronically the New York Yankee 1977 World Series championship season, the first title under Steinbrenner.

Will The AL Push Win Streak To 14?

These are the 1996 All Star squads, the last time the National League won the Mid Summer Classic.

*NL 3B Matt Williams & AL OF Ken Griffey Jr were selected to start, however, their election yet lack of appearance in the 96 All Star Game is not depicted here*

Holy Shit.

Well after months of speculation and team reps doing lap dances for LeBron. He finally made the decision that left one word in the mouths of basketball fans outside of South Beach, "FUCK..". Just a year ago it was almost certain the most coveted free agent of all time would land in the Big Apple. Now he has teamed up with with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami creating a big three that is sure to have an immediate impact on next seasons title hunt. This SG-SF-PF combination is like the Boston 3 Party, on steroids (that could be literal LeBron's case).


Despite this talented trio comprised of two of the top 3 players in the NBA and one of the leagues elite post players, we shouldn't crown the Miami Heat just yet. Outside of the new big 3, the Miami Heat have a sub-par supporting cast. Consisting of mostly second rounders, a few rookies (most notably Dexter Pittman, and Da'Sean Butler) and 2008 draft bust Michael Beasly, who they are probably going to trade anyway. Can this three carry the Heat to a title with such little talent around them? Yeah it's possible, but unless they address their needs I don't think this will instantly translate to Miami's second championship. Chemistry also has to be taken into consideration. You have 3 players that have been the faces of their franchises their entire career, on one team. LeBron and Wade have to find a way to split their touches, while getting the ball into their superstar big man. As we have seen in recent years 3 or more franchise players on one team can be hit (2008-2010 Celtics) or miss (2004 Lakers). LeBron said last night that Eric Spoelstra would remain the head coach, bullshit. Why the hell wouldn't Pat Riley step in? Other than Jackson, no coach in the NBA has had as much experience with that much talent on one team.


Though it is not completely certain that this decision will make LeBron James an NBA champion, it will in all probability make him the most hated athlete in professional sports and without doubt make him the most hated man in the state of Ohio. Props to Dan Gilbert for calling out LeBron on his narcissism and cowardess and promising a championship in Cleveland before LeBron wins one. That takes balls of steel, but lets face it, it's not going to happen. 


This is definitely my new team for NBA Live '11.

2010 MLB All Star Rosters

Here are the 2010 MLB All Star rosters. These may still be adjusted due to injuries but these are the players who were either voted to star, selected by the players, or picked by the two managers, Joe Girardi, and Charlie Manuel. Generally there are usually gapping errors in all star rosters of either the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB, however, I actually agree with these teams and everyones spots for the most part. Of course name recognition helped get a few guys votes and put on the team, this happens in everything left up to the fans. Most fans do not know enough about the players, stats, or sport in general to be qualified for this responsibility, the game is for the fans though so I digress. A few snub cases can be made as well as a couple guys who maybe should have started rather then being reserves, nothing major. I will have my full take on the selections and how I personally would have filled out these rosters in the coming days, until then form your own opinions and I will soon tell you if they are accurate....

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Position starters
C - Joe Mauer, MIN (MLB leading vote getter)
1B - Justin Morneau, MIN
2B - Robinson Cano, NYY
3B - Evan Longoria, TB
SS - Derek Jeter, NYY
OF - Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
OF - Josh Hamilton, TEX
OF - Carl Crawford, TB
DH - Vladimir Guerrero, TEX

Pitchers
CC Sabathia, NYY
Clay Buchholz, BOS
Fausto Carmona, CLE
David Price, TB
Neftali Feliz, TEX
Phil Hughes, NYY
Mariano Rivera, NYY
Jon Lester, BOS
Matt Thornton, CWS
Jose Valverde, DET
Cliff Lee, SEA
Trevor Cahill, OAK
Joakim Soria, KC

Reserves
2B - Ty Wigginton, BAL
3B - Adrian Beltre, BOS
DH - David Ortiz, BOS
1B - Miguel Cabrera, DET
OF - Torii Hunter, LAA
3B - Alex Rodriguez, NYY
SS - Elvis Andrus, TEX
2B - Ian Kinsler, TEX
OF - Jose Bautista, TOR
C - John Buck, TOR
OF - Vernon Wells, TOR

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Position starters
C - Yadier Molina, STL
1B - Albert Pujols, STL (NL leading vote getter)
2B - Chase Utley (DL), PHI
3B - David Wright, NYM
SS - Hanley Ramirez, FLA
OF - Ryan Braun, MIL
OF - Jason Heyward (DL), ATL
OF - Andre Ethier, LAD

Pitchers 
Roy Halladay, PHI
Josh Johnson, FLA
Tim Lincecum, SF
Tim Hudson, ATL
Jonathan Broxton, LAD
Arthur Rhodes, CIN
Adam Wainwright, STL
Chris Carpenter, STL
Brian Wilson, SF
Evan Meek, PIT
Ubaldo Jimenez, COL
Matt Capps, WSH
Yovani Gallardo, COL

Reserves
OF - Chris Young, ARI
3B - Omar Infante, ATL
C - Brian McCann, ATL
2B - Martin Prado, ATL
OF - Marlon Byrd, CHC
2B - Brandon Phillips, CIN
3B - Scott Rolen, CIN
OF - Michael Bourn, HOU
OF - Corey Hart, MIL
SS - Jose Reyes, NYM
1B - Ryan Howard, PHI
OF - Matt Holliday, STL
1B - Adrian Gonzalez, SD

No Strasburg....my thoughts on if he deserved the honor coming soon as well. 

From Devil To Duck, Always A Champion; The Scott Niedermayer Story

After much anticipation here are my final respects paid to the career of Mr. Scott Niedermayer. As has been tradition I construct a write up detailing the athletic life and times of future Hall of Fame and legendary players in all sports following their announcement it all is over. A couple weeks ago Niedermayer did just that stating he would not seek a new contract with Anaheim or embark on a homecoming tour in New Jersey. Instead one of the greatest defensive careers in NHL history has come to an end. Now it is our duty to reflect back and pay reverence to his time on the ice.

Scott Niedermayer was drafted with the 3rd overall pick in the 1991 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils. For any of the younger fans out there, this franchise was not the same marque organization we know today. They were a struggling squad with very little star power cast in the shadow of both the Islanders and Rangers. Along with selecting Niedermayer, players such as Scott Stevens and the legendary Martin Brodeur were also just starting their careers in the Garden State. Niedermayer would take a year to join the NHL and then only play 4 games in the season in which he did, however, once he became a full time man he blossomed. Back to back 40 point seasons and the franchises first ever Stanley Cup Final appearance would follow. In that cup final the once basement dwelling New Jersey would shock the hockey world and sweep the mighty Red Wings. That season, 1995, Niedermayer would only suit up for 48 games, due to his first major injury, but play in all 20 post-season affairs.

Fast forward 5 more years, 2 more 40 point and his first 50 point campaign and Niedermayer and the Devils would sip from the cup again. This time New Jersey would defeat the defending champion Dallas Stars in a battle of two conference power houses. The Devils would return to the finals the following season but suffer a devastating loss in game 7 of the 2001 final, then having to watch Ray Bourque hoist the cup for the first time in his career.

One top of his already two cup rings Niedermayer would add an Olympic gold medal to his resume as a key cog to the 2002 Canadian team that broke their 40 year gold drought. His streak of appearing in big games would continue in 2003, New Jersey returned to the Stanley Cup Finals for the 4th time since he was drafted. However, this time it would tug at the heart strings a bit. Scott Niedermayer and the Devils would match up against the Western Conference champion Anaheim Mighty Ducks and his brother Rob. The Mighty Ducks much like the Devils back in 95, were appearing in their first title round and were trying to shed the label as a consistent non contender. Rob Niedermayer would lose in the finals for the second time, he was also on the runner up 96 Florida Panthers, while Scott continued to own the family trophy case. Scott would later say this was the most difficult time in his career, Scott's Devils would win their third cup, besting Rob's Ducks in 7 games. Scott would earn forgiveness a few years later though (foreshadowing). The next year would be Scott's last with the Devils, he would record his best individual season there totaling 54 points in 81 games. This would allow him to capture his only Norris trophy (best defenseman) and put an end, granted only for short time, to the reign of Mr. Norris trophy, Nicklas Lidstrom.

The 2004-2005 season would see the NHL lockout, although, Niedermayer had already signed on to join his brother and become a member of the team he robbed of a title just a couple years earlier. Despite their being no NHL season Nieds still found a way to pad is resume, he added another gold medal, this time at the World Championships. Now finally with a WC gold Scott Niedermayer would join hockey's most exclusive club, the Triple Gold Club (cup ring, WC gold, and Olympic gold). Once the lockout was over Scott Niedermayer would finally suit up for the new look Anaheim Ducks and his career would continue to take off. His first two seasons in Cali would easily be the best two years of his career stat wise, Niedermayer compiled back to back 60 point seasons, 63 and then his career high 69 in 2007. That could arguably be classified as the best overall year of hockey in Scott Niedermayer's life. He would not only dominate individually but also soak up the glory as the Ducks, just like the Devils in 95, would climb to the top of the hockey mountain for the first time, Anaheim would win a final against Ottawa. Unlike his other 3 ring years, Niedermayer would not just be part of the championship, he would be the best player. Niedermayer earned the Conn Smythe trophy given annually to the MVP of the post-season. This was much deserving, he posted 3 goals, 8 assists, and 11 total points on top of shutting down the Senator top line attack of Alferdsson, Spezza, and Heatley. This was also accomplished, again for the first time in his career, as captain of a title team. His favorite task as captain? You guessed it, he was able to present the Stanley Cup to his brother Rob. That's certainly the best possible way to apologize for hogging the cup back in 03.

Injuries would creep up to Niedermayer again in 2008, he was limited to only 48 games. After fully recovering Scott Niedermayer would leave a nice lasting impression the next two seasons, his last as a professional. Niedermayer threw up 59 and 48 points respectively in 2009 and 2010. His last Olympic tournament would take place the same year as his last NHL season, 2010. Just like 02 Scott would serve as one of the leaders on gold medal winning Canada. Scott Niedermayer became the only hockey player in history to ever win 4 Stanley Cups and 2 Olympic golds. His team reached the playoffs 15 out of his 18 seasons, Scott Niedermayer is right up there with sports true winners of the last 25 years.

Scott Niedermayer played in an era that saw some of the best blue line defenders in league history. Despite that fact Niedermayer proved to be among the top of that group and some day this will truly be appreciated as he will be enshrined in the hockey Hall of Fame. He may not have been the best on offense, he may not have been the absolute best on defense, however, Scott Niedermayer was a complete player and has now become a blue print to kids everywhere how to play the position the right way. There are currently only 6 players with their jersey retired by two teams, Howe, Gretzky, Messier, Roy, Bourque, and Bobby Hull. In the not to distant future Scott Niedermayer will undoubtably become the 7th.

# 27, Scott Niedermayer final stat line: 1,263 GP, 172 Goals, 568 Assists, 740 Points, 784 PIM, 90 PPG, 245 PPA, 1 SHG, 16 SHA, 39 GW, on 2,436 shots (98 playoff points).

New Offer For LBJ!

New Team enters the Lebrob sweep stakes, a junior hockey team! The Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL have offered NBA free agent mega star Lebron James a contract. Based on what they are offering the Heat, Cavs, and Bulls may not be able to compete. This will be an offer truly difficult to pass up, even for a king.

Here is the official offer by the Thunderbirds:

* Grand Marshall of the Kent Cornucopia Parade 
* Friendly billet families that will welcome LeBron into the Kent community. 
* Free Preferred Parking at ShoWare Center 
* Two free tickets to Opening Night of the 2010-11 season against the Portland Winterhawks in addition to a 24-Flex Ticket Package. 
* Lunch with Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke (pending Mayor's schedule) and Cool Bird. 
* Use of both Allied Waste Zambonis for personal recreation. 
* James St. leading to ShoWare Center will be renamed LeBron James St. 
* A suite at ShoWare Center to watch the Backstreet Boys on August 5 
* Entry fee will be waived for participation in the ShoWare Shootout 3-on-3 basketball tournament on August 6 and 7. 
* Discounts at the Hockey Store in ShoWare Center

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Well today begins the most talented and anticipated free agency ever. For some players these decisions could determine their salary, shot at a title, and even their hall of fame status, talk about pressure. Luckily for them I am offering them my insight free of charge.




Paul Pierce, STAY- Paul, we all know you aren't leaving Boston. This is strictly a contractual decision right Paul? You did leave $21 Million on the table, but that's just because you could make $90 Million+ . Don't go play with LeBron or Wade, this organization and fan base loves you more than Miami, New York, Chicago or anybody else could. You have always been the best player and leader of your team. Rondo is taking over but this is still your team, and will be till you retire. On top of that you are in the top 10 in most statistical categories for the Celtics. You'll retire the all-time scoring and steals leader for certain and top 5 for many other categories. You already have a championship and you're gonna do down as one of the best Celtics ever. Don't ruin it.


David Lee GO- Coming off your first all-star season you're going to have plenty of teams willing to pay top dollar for your services. NY is going to focus on signing LeBron and Bosh or Amar'e. I suggest Oklahoma City, they will love you there. Russel Westbrook is already an elite PG and scoring champion Kevin Durant can only get better. You'll be the missing piece in the puzzle that could potentially bring the franchise back to elite status for the first time since the Payton/Kemp years in Seattle.


Yao Ming, STAY- Houston isn't going to give you a max contract until they see how well you do after your injuries, few teams will. Houston will be a good team, Brooks and Ariza will be all-stars soon enough, and Rick Adelman is an excellent coach.


Carlos Boozer STAY- Utah's got something good going, You have a top 2 PG, another all-star big man to compliment you and one of the most consistent coaches of all time. L.A. had your number, but they wont be around for much longer. Waiting sucks, but any of the prospective contenders are going to try for Amar'e and Bosh before you. If you can go to Miami go. OKC wouldn't be a bad gig either, if they don't get Lee.


Joe Johnson GO- You had a good run in ATL, and Josh Smith is a great sidekick but this team just isn't built to win a championship. Consecutive second round sweeps make that painfully obvious. On top of that, they just canned their coach. If you're okay with high 40-low 50 win seasons with minimal post-season success by all means, stay in ATL. Otherwise, try Chicago, you and Rose will be far and beyond the best back-court in the NBA, and LBJ or at least another marquee F.A. is likely to end up in the windy city too. It's your best shot at a ring, you're 29 and not getting any younger.


Amar'e Stoudemire, GO- To hell with Phoenix, they've used you as trade bait the last three seasons. Steve Kerr bounced, and although you have one of the best if not the best bench in the NBA, Nash isn't getting any younger. Even if you have one more good season, it likely will not be good enough to beat The Lakers. New Jersey, wouldn't be so bad, Derrick Favors could be a great font-court companion for you. Or you could go to New York to reunite with D'Antoni depending on who they sign. Your best bet is to try and follow James or Wade. If Miami doesn't get Bosh, or if they want both of you, jump all over it.


Chris Bosh GO!!- LEAVE NOW! No great Raptor has ever stayed there longer than 6 years. Actually there has never been a great Raptor in their short-lived franchise history. Vince Carter was good, but not great. If you ever want to be a Hall of Famer, you'll leave. You're the third best power forward in the league, and barring injury will eventually be #1 when Gasol and Dirk age. Don't waste your best years in Canada, nobody likes Canada, it sucks. Now I know you said you wanted to be the centerpiece of a championship team, but that doesn't mean you have to stay in Toronto. If you want to be the centerpiece, go to New Jersey, Prokorov is going to take that team to the top, and you already have an all-star guard in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez who is a solid front-court partner. My suggestion, go to Miami play with Dwayne Wade and Pat Riley, two proven champions. They have the most cap room so they can sign the most players, so there's a chance you could play with LeBron James too. If not, would you settle for Wade, Joe Johnson and maybe a second tier F.A. like Rudy Gay or Raymond Felton? Did I mention you'll live in MIAMI!?




Dirk Nowitzki is leaving Dallas, STAY- Ok Dirk, I know that you have had some very disappointing play-off runs, but if you want to point fingers, point them at yourself. You fucked up. I know averages make you look like some prime time play-off performer, but the truth is during the decisive games, you blow it. There was no reason you should not have won in 2007. It wasn't the organizations fault you shot 38% from the field in the first round that season.  Let's not even talk about 2006. Mark Cuban has always done a great job making sure you have an excellent supporting cast behind you, and now it is better than ever. Unless you have an opportunity to play with LBJ, Wade, or both and don't mind being the #2 you belong in big D.


Dwayne Wade, STAY!!!!!- Other than the fact that you live in South Florida, Miami is going to become one of the leagues elite. They have the most cap space than any other team. You could get Bosh or James OR BOTH! Not only that, Pat Riley will coach. You could win a championship in as short a time as one season and could triple or quadruple your current total. You don't need to follow LeBron, you've already proven that you can be the definitive leader on a championship team. Unless Dirk, Amar'e, Boozer, Lee, or Bosh don't want to play with you in Miami (HA!) you would be foolish not to stay.


LeBron James, GO!- It all depends though. Bryon Scott agreed to a take the coaching job in Cleveland. If you can get Amar'e or Bosh by your side, by all means stay. Winning a ring for your home would do so much for your legacy.  But if they can't produce, go to Chicago or Miami. You and Wade could either be incredible, or way too much of a good thing. I think Chicago is your best bet right now. They made some moves to get you and new head coach Tom Thidbodeau is a great defensive mind. You did so well with Mo Williams, well Derek Rose is just like Williams, only much, much better. But you can do whatever you want, why not try for L.A. and team up with Kobe? You're the most coveted free agent ever, and you have the league by the balls.