This week has been an eventful one in baseball.
Besides the home run derby (which wasn't all that exciting) won by Big Papi and a more entertaining, but pitcher-dominated Midsummer Classic, two significant deaths rocked the baseball, and more specifically, the New York Yankees community.
Last weekend, long time Yankee stadium PA announcer (and I mean LONGGGGG time-56 years to be exact) Bob Sheppard passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. Sheppard's voice was a part of every Yankees game for more than a half century and he even worked for the New York Giants at one time. A truly sad passing for a truly legendary figure behind the mike.
Then, on the morning of the All Star matchup, George Steinbrenner, otherwise known as "The Boss" of the New York Yankees, suffered a heart attack and later died. He was age 80. Obviously, it was a TREMENDOUS loss for the Yankees family, as Steinbrenner was no doubt the paternal figure of sorts in New York. He turned the entire Yankees organization around after purchasing it in 1973 and won 7 World Series titles, along with 22 managerial changes. Although Steinbrenner had a negatively notorious reputation with some, his loss is a monumental one to baseball.
More positive news out of the MLB. The National League finally captured their first All Star victory since 1996. So come October, the Senior Circuit will have home field advantage in the World Series for the first time since that honour had been decided by the Midsummer Classic. It was a wonderful game but I think the AL had plenty of chances to get even, especially in the 7th inning on...oh well, the changing of the guard is occasionally nice.
-D
PS. Congratulations Spain but that was a pretty pitiful final, even for a non-soccer fan like me.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Friday, 9 July 2010
Paul
Soccer's not my sport. Really, it's one of the few I dislike. But when billions around the globe are celebrating the World Cup, it's hard not to take notice.
I never really had a loyalty to any country in this tournament. Instead, I found myself cheering for underdogs and intrigued when teams like France and Italy were knocked out early. Now, with the Final Four set for two more final matches, I thought I'd talk a little bit about the 2010 Cup.
Uruguay vs. Germany. Both great teams, as we've seen. Uruguay's the underdog of course, and Germany perhaps the crowd favourite. I think Germany will take it, just based on trend alone. But hey, I'd like to see a country that's not from Europe in the Top 3.
The Netherlands vs. Spain. I don't know why, I always had this sympathy towards the Dutch. Spain has been on a hot run. Their countrymen are expecting a lot. The Dutch have never won. The Spaniards have a reputation as chokers. Should be an interesting match up. Paul the Octopus has picked Spain. If I had to bet, I'd probably pick Spain too but I find myself cheering for the Oranje.
Where will you be watching the Finals?
-D
I never really had a loyalty to any country in this tournament. Instead, I found myself cheering for underdogs and intrigued when teams like France and Italy were knocked out early. Now, with the Final Four set for two more final matches, I thought I'd talk a little bit about the 2010 Cup.
Uruguay vs. Germany. Both great teams, as we've seen. Uruguay's the underdog of course, and Germany perhaps the crowd favourite. I think Germany will take it, just based on trend alone. But hey, I'd like to see a country that's not from Europe in the Top 3.
The Netherlands vs. Spain. I don't know why, I always had this sympathy towards the Dutch. Spain has been on a hot run. Their countrymen are expecting a lot. The Dutch have never won. The Spaniards have a reputation as chokers. Should be an interesting match up. Paul the Octopus has picked Spain. If I had to bet, I'd probably pick Spain too but I find myself cheering for the Oranje.
Where will you be watching the Finals?
-D
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Live Blogging the Gentleman's Final
11:42 AM: Well, another Championships Wimbledon is over. Until next year then, or rather, the US Open...will Federer take back his title in New York? Or will Nadal break through for the career slam? Or will we see another Del Potro?
11:34 AM: Tomas Berdych receives his runner up trophy. He'll be #8 in the world come Monday. And Nadal lifts his golden trophy, for the second time in his career. This is his 8th major title and of course, he stays as world #1.
11:29 AM: WITH A FOREHAND WINNER, NADAL HAS WON THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS. He falls onto the ground. His girlfriend jumps out of her seat. His uncle jumps up. His mom too. His dad. And he does a little somersault on the court. For the third straight year, somebody has pulled off a French-Wimby double.
11:27 AM: Championship point Nadal. Berdych with an untimely error.
11:26 AM: Now we're at deuce. Berdych got surprised by a shot that looked like it was going long.
11:25 AM: A nice drop shot and an ace helps Berdych stay in the game. It's 30-all
11:23 AM: Nadal is two points away from another Wimbledon title. Berdych has to hold but he's down 0-30.
11:21 AM: Nadal holds at love. He's making it look too easy. 5-4, on serve, third set.
11:18 AM: Wow. Unbelievable passing shot from Nadal. 40-30. And with a Nadal shot going long, Berdych holds. 4-all.
11:16 AM: Beautiful winner from Nadal. He evens the 8th game of the third set at 15-all. But Berdych quickly comes down with an ace. 30-15.
11:13 AM: Wicked cross court ends a fantastic rally. Both men running from side to side. Nadal up 40-15. And with Berdych hitting a shot long, it's another hold.
11:12 AM: Is the crowd cheering for the Czech. They roar as Berdych goes up 15-0 on Rafa's service game.
11:11 AM: Game Berdych. He holds at love.
11:09 AM: What a beautiful drop shot from Berdych! And then a beautiful ace. He's up 30-0 quickly. Just don't break. Don't break. Drive Nadal to a tiebreaker.
11:07 AM: Nadal is not giving any chances here. A beautiful forehand winner and he holds again. 3-2, on serve, third set.
11:04 AM: Nadal somewhat disgusted at a bad bounce on the baseline. Berdych holds. 2 games all in the third set.
10:59 AM: Nadal holds, thanks to a couple of errors from Berdych. On serve in the third.
10:57 AM: But he hits a backhand into the net. To deuce.
10:56 AM: Nadal shoots one into the net. Now he's down 30-40. Berdych has a break point opportunity.
10:55 AM: Nice nice forehand from Berdych and he finishes Nadal off with a drop shot to the empty court. 15-30.
10:53 AM: That's a hold for the big Czech. 1-1, third set.
10:51 AM: Oh what a point. Berdych comes up with a huge winner after a great rally. 30-15. And he finishes off Nadal the next point with a nice little smash. 40-15
10:50 AM: Nadal holds but Berdych hits a nice cross court winner to start his service game.
10:47 AM: Wow! Rafa just ran all the way across the court to hit a beautiful winner. Nadal's up 40-15 in the first game of the third set.
10:43 AM: Nadal has three set points. Let's see if he can capitalize. Yes he does as Berdych hits on wide. Rafa takes the set 7-5.
10:42 AM: Nadal forces Berdych to hit a volley wide. Suddenly, Berdych is down 0-30. He has to hold to stay in it. And he just lost another point. 0-40.
10:40 AM: Berdych hits one into the net on the run. We're still on serve in the second set. 6-5 Nadal.
10:38 AM: Oh man, Nadal comes way up to the net and slams one down into the empty court. And with a return long from Berdych, Rafa's up 40-15.
10:37 AM: Wow. Berdych just won an amazing point up at the net to get off to a good start in the 11th game of the second set. Nadal's down 0-15.
10:36 AM: Berdych is up in the double digits with his 10th ace. That's a hold. 5-all.
10:35 AM: Couple of big serves and Berdych is back in control, 40-15.
10:34 AM: Berdych hits a nice forehand but Nadal hooks it wide. It's 15 all. Berdych must hold this one or he will be down two sets.
10:33 AM: Bjorn Borg is on hand, with his signature wavy hair.
10:30 AM: Man, what a rally! Both players going out of the screen to get some wicked shots. Nadal finishes off with a beautiful volley. And he holds at love.
10:28 AM: Nice cross court volley and Berdych holds another one.
10:27 AM: And another one at 120 mph plus. That's Berdych's 9th ace.
10:26 AM: Berdych is slammin' 'em up. 126 mph ace evens it at 15 all.
10:24 AM: Nice return volley from Nadal and he holds. 4-3 Nadal, second set, on serve.
10:23 AM: Nadal hits another one wide. He's making a lot of errors today. But he's still up 40-15 in his service game.
10:20 AM: Another ace from Berdych. And he gets the hold as Nadal returns one long.
10:19 AM: Nice forehand down the line from Berdych and another one cross court wins him two straight points. Those shots left Nadal hanging.
10:16 AM: Another shot from Nadal going JUST long. Hey, I didn't know Lucie Safarova is Tomas Berdych's girlfriend. Nadal just took the game. Still on serve.
10:15 AM: A long rally ends with a Nadal shot going long. Rafa's up 30-15 on his service. And he hits an unreturnable forehand down the line! 40-15.
10:12 AM: Berdych holds another one at love with the help of some Nadal errors and another ace. It's 2-2 in the second set.
10:10 AM: More celebrity sightings. Lindsey Vonn, US Olympic skiing queen, is here to watch the final. She is supposedly a big Federer fan.
10:07 AM: Some wicked shots from Berdych but he can't finish it off, smashing it wide. Nadal up 40-15 and he just took the game with a winner. On serve in the second.
10:06 AM: Berdych getting his shots back now. It's 15 all on Nadal's serve but he's hit a couple beauties in this game already.
10:03 AM: Berdych comes back strong, with a hold at love. He finishes Nadal with another ace. And the sun's out on Centre Court.
10:01 AM: Berdych hits a big shot JUST wide and Nadal finally takes the first game. That's a hold.
10:00 AM: Rafa double faults again, his third of the match! Back to deuce.
9:58 AM: Nadal comes up to the net and Berdych hits one into the net. Deuce 3. And now Nadal has the advantage as Berdych hits one wide off the return.
9:57 AM: Forehand into the net. Berdych has yet another break point!
9:56 AM: A double from Nadal. Advantage Berdych. He better take this freebie. But Nadal slices an amazing second serve. We're back at deuce.
9:54 AM: A great 12 stroke rally and Berdych has a break point, 30-40, in the first game of the second set. And Nadal hits a great forehand winner. We're at deuce.
9:49 AM: And that's that. Nadal takes the first set 6-3, and more importantly perhaps, breaks Berdych twice!
9:48 AM: Another shot long and Nadal has two break/set points. Berdych slams another beautiful ace, tailing away from Nadal. One more set point.
9:47 AM: Down 0-30, Berdych hits an ace.
9:45 AM: Held at love with a wonderful winner. It's 5-3 Nadal.
9:44 AM: Nadal looks like he's getting stronger. 40-0.
9:42 AM: Hey, it's Jacques Rogge, IOC President sitting in the Royal Box, watching today. Should be an interesting tennis tournament in 2012 as the Games come to Wimbledon, as part of the London Olympics.
9:41 AM: Nadal's broken Berdych with a huge cross-court return. He's up a break, 4-3.
9:40 AM: And Berdych saves the first one with some wickedly-angled shots, sending Nadal chasing left, right and centre.
9:39 AM: Interesting stuff now. Two unforced errors from Berdych and he's down 0-30. And wow, Nadal hits an incredible shot on the run. 0-40, triple break point.
9:35 AM: Ace!! 40-0 for Nadal. Ooooo...and then he double faults.
9:33 AM: Berdych finishes off the game with a beautiful cross court winner. Man, Berdych has been playing beautifully. It might be another long one today. 3-2, on serve, first set.
9:30 AM: Danny here watching the Men's Wimbledon live. It's Nadal vs. Berdych today. Nice day in London, another dry one. The commentators are saying it's a bit windy. We're at 2-2 in the first set, on serve, with Berdych serving. Tomas Berdych, of course, beat the Swiss Maestro and Novak Djokovic on his way to this final. Now, we'll see if he can extinguish the last giant remaining to win his first Grand Slam title.
11:34 AM: Tomas Berdych receives his runner up trophy. He'll be #8 in the world come Monday. And Nadal lifts his golden trophy, for the second time in his career. This is his 8th major title and of course, he stays as world #1.
11:29 AM: WITH A FOREHAND WINNER, NADAL HAS WON THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS. He falls onto the ground. His girlfriend jumps out of her seat. His uncle jumps up. His mom too. His dad. And he does a little somersault on the court. For the third straight year, somebody has pulled off a French-Wimby double.
11:27 AM: Championship point Nadal. Berdych with an untimely error.
11:26 AM: Now we're at deuce. Berdych got surprised by a shot that looked like it was going long.
11:25 AM: A nice drop shot and an ace helps Berdych stay in the game. It's 30-all
11:23 AM: Nadal is two points away from another Wimbledon title. Berdych has to hold but he's down 0-30.
11:21 AM: Nadal holds at love. He's making it look too easy. 5-4, on serve, third set.
11:18 AM: Wow. Unbelievable passing shot from Nadal. 40-30. And with a Nadal shot going long, Berdych holds. 4-all.
11:16 AM: Beautiful winner from Nadal. He evens the 8th game of the third set at 15-all. But Berdych quickly comes down with an ace. 30-15.
11:13 AM: Wicked cross court ends a fantastic rally. Both men running from side to side. Nadal up 40-15. And with Berdych hitting a shot long, it's another hold.
11:12 AM: Is the crowd cheering for the Czech. They roar as Berdych goes up 15-0 on Rafa's service game.
11:11 AM: Game Berdych. He holds at love.
11:09 AM: What a beautiful drop shot from Berdych! And then a beautiful ace. He's up 30-0 quickly. Just don't break. Don't break. Drive Nadal to a tiebreaker.
11:07 AM: Nadal is not giving any chances here. A beautiful forehand winner and he holds again. 3-2, on serve, third set.
11:04 AM: Nadal somewhat disgusted at a bad bounce on the baseline. Berdych holds. 2 games all in the third set.
10:59 AM: Nadal holds, thanks to a couple of errors from Berdych. On serve in the third.
10:57 AM: But he hits a backhand into the net. To deuce.
10:56 AM: Nadal shoots one into the net. Now he's down 30-40. Berdych has a break point opportunity.
10:55 AM: Nice nice forehand from Berdych and he finishes Nadal off with a drop shot to the empty court. 15-30.
10:53 AM: That's a hold for the big Czech. 1-1, third set.
10:51 AM: Oh what a point. Berdych comes up with a huge winner after a great rally. 30-15. And he finishes off Nadal the next point with a nice little smash. 40-15
10:50 AM: Nadal holds but Berdych hits a nice cross court winner to start his service game.
10:47 AM: Wow! Rafa just ran all the way across the court to hit a beautiful winner. Nadal's up 40-15 in the first game of the third set.
10:43 AM: Nadal has three set points. Let's see if he can capitalize. Yes he does as Berdych hits on wide. Rafa takes the set 7-5.
10:42 AM: Nadal forces Berdych to hit a volley wide. Suddenly, Berdych is down 0-30. He has to hold to stay in it. And he just lost another point. 0-40.
10:40 AM: Berdych hits one into the net on the run. We're still on serve in the second set. 6-5 Nadal.
10:38 AM: Oh man, Nadal comes way up to the net and slams one down into the empty court. And with a return long from Berdych, Rafa's up 40-15.
10:37 AM: Wow. Berdych just won an amazing point up at the net to get off to a good start in the 11th game of the second set. Nadal's down 0-15.
10:36 AM: Berdych is up in the double digits with his 10th ace. That's a hold. 5-all.
10:35 AM: Couple of big serves and Berdych is back in control, 40-15.
10:34 AM: Berdych hits a nice forehand but Nadal hooks it wide. It's 15 all. Berdych must hold this one or he will be down two sets.
10:33 AM: Bjorn Borg is on hand, with his signature wavy hair.
10:30 AM: Man, what a rally! Both players going out of the screen to get some wicked shots. Nadal finishes off with a beautiful volley. And he holds at love.
10:28 AM: Nice cross court volley and Berdych holds another one.
10:27 AM: And another one at 120 mph plus. That's Berdych's 9th ace.
10:26 AM: Berdych is slammin' 'em up. 126 mph ace evens it at 15 all.
10:24 AM: Nice return volley from Nadal and he holds. 4-3 Nadal, second set, on serve.
10:23 AM: Nadal hits another one wide. He's making a lot of errors today. But he's still up 40-15 in his service game.
10:20 AM: Another ace from Berdych. And he gets the hold as Nadal returns one long.
10:19 AM: Nice forehand down the line from Berdych and another one cross court wins him two straight points. Those shots left Nadal hanging.
10:16 AM: Another shot from Nadal going JUST long. Hey, I didn't know Lucie Safarova is Tomas Berdych's girlfriend. Nadal just took the game. Still on serve.
10:15 AM: A long rally ends with a Nadal shot going long. Rafa's up 30-15 on his service. And he hits an unreturnable forehand down the line! 40-15.
10:12 AM: Berdych holds another one at love with the help of some Nadal errors and another ace. It's 2-2 in the second set.
10:10 AM: More celebrity sightings. Lindsey Vonn, US Olympic skiing queen, is here to watch the final. She is supposedly a big Federer fan.
10:07 AM: Some wicked shots from Berdych but he can't finish it off, smashing it wide. Nadal up 40-15 and he just took the game with a winner. On serve in the second.
10:06 AM: Berdych getting his shots back now. It's 15 all on Nadal's serve but he's hit a couple beauties in this game already.
10:03 AM: Berdych comes back strong, with a hold at love. He finishes Nadal with another ace. And the sun's out on Centre Court.
10:01 AM: Berdych hits a big shot JUST wide and Nadal finally takes the first game. That's a hold.
10:00 AM: Rafa double faults again, his third of the match! Back to deuce.
9:58 AM: Nadal comes up to the net and Berdych hits one into the net. Deuce 3. And now Nadal has the advantage as Berdych hits one wide off the return.
9:57 AM: Forehand into the net. Berdych has yet another break point!
9:56 AM: A double from Nadal. Advantage Berdych. He better take this freebie. But Nadal slices an amazing second serve. We're back at deuce.
9:54 AM: A great 12 stroke rally and Berdych has a break point, 30-40, in the first game of the second set. And Nadal hits a great forehand winner. We're at deuce.
9:49 AM: And that's that. Nadal takes the first set 6-3, and more importantly perhaps, breaks Berdych twice!
9:48 AM: Another shot long and Nadal has two break/set points. Berdych slams another beautiful ace, tailing away from Nadal. One more set point.
9:47 AM: Down 0-30, Berdych hits an ace.
9:45 AM: Held at love with a wonderful winner. It's 5-3 Nadal.
9:44 AM: Nadal looks like he's getting stronger. 40-0.
9:42 AM: Hey, it's Jacques Rogge, IOC President sitting in the Royal Box, watching today. Should be an interesting tennis tournament in 2012 as the Games come to Wimbledon, as part of the London Olympics.
9:41 AM: Nadal's broken Berdych with a huge cross-court return. He's up a break, 4-3.
9:40 AM: And Berdych saves the first one with some wickedly-angled shots, sending Nadal chasing left, right and centre.
9:39 AM: Interesting stuff now. Two unforced errors from Berdych and he's down 0-30. And wow, Nadal hits an incredible shot on the run. 0-40, triple break point.
9:35 AM: Ace!! 40-0 for Nadal. Ooooo...and then he double faults.
9:33 AM: Berdych finishes off the game with a beautiful cross court winner. Man, Berdych has been playing beautifully. It might be another long one today. 3-2, on serve, first set.
9:30 AM: Danny here watching the Men's Wimbledon live. It's Nadal vs. Berdych today. Nice day in London, another dry one. The commentators are saying it's a bit windy. We're at 2-2 in the first set, on serve, with Berdych serving. Tomas Berdych, of course, beat the Swiss Maestro and Novak Djokovic on his way to this final. Now, we'll see if he can extinguish the last giant remaining to win his first Grand Slam title.
Friday, 25 June 2010
Another One?
Tonight, the FOURTH (but really, it should be the fifth) no hitter in the 2010 MLB season was tossed by Edwin Jackson of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who went the distance against the Tampa Bay Rays but walked 8 batters along the way. This marks the 3rd time that the Rays have been no hit in 140 games. That's pretty ridiculous! Jackson needed 149 pitches, that's right, 149 pitches to get it done. Pretty crazy night at Tropicana Field. Still though, it is not a good feeling to see your team get no-hit for the 3rd time in less than a year.
Well, after his 11 hour 5 minute marathon, John Isner expectedly crashed out at Wimbledon in second round action today. Seriously, how do you play 4 straight days of tennis at one of the world's premier tournament totalling more than 12 and a half hours and not get tired. Still though, Isner's name will go down in the history books for sure and people will be talking about his first rounder at 2010 Wimby for a LONG time to come!
Halladay shut down the Blue Jays today over 7 scoreless innings. His Phillies, who were the VISITORS in this game IN Philadelphia (you can thank the G20), broke out the bats to smash up Jesse Litsch and the bullpen 9-0. Halladay's performance, let's be honest, is not surprising. I don't mind losing to him but let's hope Toronto captures the last 2 games of this series!
-D
Well, after his 11 hour 5 minute marathon, John Isner expectedly crashed out at Wimbledon in second round action today. Seriously, how do you play 4 straight days of tennis at one of the world's premier tournament totalling more than 12 and a half hours and not get tired. Still though, Isner's name will go down in the history books for sure and people will be talking about his first rounder at 2010 Wimby for a LONG time to come!
Halladay shut down the Blue Jays today over 7 scoreless innings. His Phillies, who were the VISITORS in this game IN Philadelphia (you can thank the G20), broke out the bats to smash up Jesse Litsch and the bullpen 9-0. Halladay's performance, let's be honest, is not surprising. I don't mind losing to him but let's hope Toronto captures the last 2 games of this series!
-D
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Crazy Day
Well, all in all, it has been a pretty crazy day. Sports and otherwise.
Let's start with the otherwise. Usually, the city of Toronto, my current resident city, is pretty calm in terms of seismic activity. However, a noticeable earthquake rumbled through the city this afternoon at around 1:45. I was walking downtown, buying lunch after playing a couple hours of beach volleyball, so I didn't feel it at all. But afterwards, we got a couple calls from our friends and my dad saying they felt swaying. It turned out to be a 5.0 magnitude trembler, centred about 50 km north of Ottawa. Nothing major, but a jolting experience perhaps for most.
In politics, big tremors were also registered around the world. President Obama fired his Afghanistan commander for inappropriate comments and Australia got its first female Prime Minister in Julia Gillard.
To sports. Stephen Strasburg collected 9 more strikeouts to up his career total to 41, another record for the most K's in a pitcher's first 4 outings. England qualified for the Round of 16 at the World Cup, but perhaps still not performing as well as they'd like or should be. USA qualified along with them, as did the sole African nation remaining in Ghana.
I saved the craziest feat of all for last. Today at Wimbledon, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut faced off in what will go down as the most epic tennis match of all time. On Tuesday night, after 4 gruelling sets, the score was tied 2-2, with the line of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-7. They had to suspend play because of darkness. More than 24 hours later, the match was still going. Play had to be suspended again at 9:12 PM, with the fifth set tied at 59-59. The crowd gave the two warriors an amazing standing ovation as they departed from Court 18.
The fifth set it self has already taken 7 hours and 3 minutes, longer than the previous record length for any professional tennis match. The most amazing thing is that the two will be back on the court tomorrow at 3:30 British Daylight Time to continue their match. I will definitely be tuning in to see this game, though I have a feeling that it won't last as long as some people wish it will.
By the way, John Isner has served up 98 aces, with Mahut not far behind at 95. Incredible service games and that's why it has gotten to this point.
Her Majesty is attending Wimbledon tomorrow as well. Bet she'll make her way to Court 18 sometime during the day.
-D
Let's start with the otherwise. Usually, the city of Toronto, my current resident city, is pretty calm in terms of seismic activity. However, a noticeable earthquake rumbled through the city this afternoon at around 1:45. I was walking downtown, buying lunch after playing a couple hours of beach volleyball, so I didn't feel it at all. But afterwards, we got a couple calls from our friends and my dad saying they felt swaying. It turned out to be a 5.0 magnitude trembler, centred about 50 km north of Ottawa. Nothing major, but a jolting experience perhaps for most.
In politics, big tremors were also registered around the world. President Obama fired his Afghanistan commander for inappropriate comments and Australia got its first female Prime Minister in Julia Gillard.
To sports. Stephen Strasburg collected 9 more strikeouts to up his career total to 41, another record for the most K's in a pitcher's first 4 outings. England qualified for the Round of 16 at the World Cup, but perhaps still not performing as well as they'd like or should be. USA qualified along with them, as did the sole African nation remaining in Ghana.
I saved the craziest feat of all for last. Today at Wimbledon, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut faced off in what will go down as the most epic tennis match of all time. On Tuesday night, after 4 gruelling sets, the score was tied 2-2, with the line of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-7. They had to suspend play because of darkness. More than 24 hours later, the match was still going. Play had to be suspended again at 9:12 PM, with the fifth set tied at 59-59. The crowd gave the two warriors an amazing standing ovation as they departed from Court 18.
The fifth set it self has already taken 7 hours and 3 minutes, longer than the previous record length for any professional tennis match. The most amazing thing is that the two will be back on the court tomorrow at 3:30 British Daylight Time to continue their match. I will definitely be tuning in to see this game, though I have a feeling that it won't last as long as some people wish it will.
By the way, John Isner has served up 98 aces, with Mahut not far behind at 95. Incredible service games and that's why it has gotten to this point.
Her Majesty is attending Wimbledon tomorrow as well. Bet she'll make her way to Court 18 sometime during the day.
-D
Monday, 21 June 2010
On the Diamond and the Grass
The Wimbledon Championships have commenced in London! And boy did it commence with high drama. Roger Federer's opponent Alejandro Falla had match point on the Swiss Maestro in the fourth set before Federer returned to form and righted the ship in 5 sets. It would have been perhaps the most shocking upset ever at a Grand Slam tournament and hopefully, Federer can shake off the rust and cruise on in from here.
Novak Djokovic also needed 5 marathon sets to get through his first round match. Seventh seed Nikolay Davydenko needed just as many, eventually winning 9-7 in the fifth against Kevin Anderson. That match took 4 and a half hours. Last year's semi finalist Marin Cilic couldn't repeat his performance in 2010 as he was sent packing on Day 1. Women's French Open champ Francesca Schiavone lost her first round match in a shocker today but otherwise, the women's bracket moved on as expected with Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, and Elena Dementieva all won their opening matches.
Playing under the roof on opening night, Djokovic finished his match at 10:58 PM-that's a record for Wimbledon and it will be interesting to see whether they'll top that later this fortnight, now that it seems they're more inclined to use the retractable now.
On the baseball diamond, the Jays are off today after an emotional Father's Day game against the San Fran Giants. John McDonald, whose father passed away last week, hit a round tripper as a PH in the 9th, just the 14th home run in his journeyman career. It was an emotional moment for him, an emotional moment for the team, and really, an emotional moment for me as a baseball fan. Such is the power of sports to affect such human feeling with one moment in time.
Saw a really good piece on the pros and cons of interleague play on MLB.com today: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100620&content_id=11408314&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.
Really hoping to see a Jays-Cards game this week. Just a matter of rounding up some friends.
-D
Novak Djokovic also needed 5 marathon sets to get through his first round match. Seventh seed Nikolay Davydenko needed just as many, eventually winning 9-7 in the fifth against Kevin Anderson. That match took 4 and a half hours. Last year's semi finalist Marin Cilic couldn't repeat his performance in 2010 as he was sent packing on Day 1. Women's French Open champ Francesca Schiavone lost her first round match in a shocker today but otherwise, the women's bracket moved on as expected with Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, and Elena Dementieva all won their opening matches.
Playing under the roof on opening night, Djokovic finished his match at 10:58 PM-that's a record for Wimbledon and it will be interesting to see whether they'll top that later this fortnight, now that it seems they're more inclined to use the retractable now.
On the baseball diamond, the Jays are off today after an emotional Father's Day game against the San Fran Giants. John McDonald, whose father passed away last week, hit a round tripper as a PH in the 9th, just the 14th home run in his journeyman career. It was an emotional moment for him, an emotional moment for the team, and really, an emotional moment for me as a baseball fan. Such is the power of sports to affect such human feeling with one moment in time.
Saw a really good piece on the pros and cons of interleague play on MLB.com today: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100620&content_id=11408314&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.
Really hoping to see a Jays-Cards game this week. Just a matter of rounding up some friends.
-D
Friday, 18 June 2010
Strasburg
Well, it's been a long time since I last posted. A lot of things have happened. I had to make an urgent trip to China last week due to a family emergency and I'm now in the midst of final exams for this semester. So it's been a roller coaster ride lately and I haven't been on the blog for a while now.
First things first. Rafael Nadal's 5th French Open title-what a dandy! The man (yes, the man, Rafa's no longer a kid now) captured the championship at Roland Garros wihout dropping a set. The Queen of Spain was there to see him hoist the trophy and you know what, I was cheering for him. He looks like he's back to his pre-injury self. Wimbledon should be a REALLY fun one to watch. Fingers crossed for a repeat of 2008. Federer-Nadal final? Looking forward to THAT!
Last Tuesday night, before I had to catch my flight to China, I had a chance to watch some highlights of Stephen Strasburg's much hyped Major League debut. The atmosphere in Nationals Park felt more electric than Opening Day, the All Star Game and the World Series combined. Mr. Strasburg, at 21 years young, fanned 14 batters with his MASSIVE curve and triple digit heater. I was truly impressed and just by watching his delivery and his poise, I think Strasburg IS the real deal!
His next start out, he faced Cleveland and fanned another 8 batters. Earlier tonight, with President Barack Obama in attendance, Strasburg whiffed another 10 White Sox, to set a record for most K's in the first 3 major league starts. His pitches are just so mind boggling to watch and I definitely would like to see him in person some time.
Here's to an exciting few months of tennis and baseball...
CHEERS!
-D
First things first. Rafael Nadal's 5th French Open title-what a dandy! The man (yes, the man, Rafa's no longer a kid now) captured the championship at Roland Garros wihout dropping a set. The Queen of Spain was there to see him hoist the trophy and you know what, I was cheering for him. He looks like he's back to his pre-injury self. Wimbledon should be a REALLY fun one to watch. Fingers crossed for a repeat of 2008. Federer-Nadal final? Looking forward to THAT!
Last Tuesday night, before I had to catch my flight to China, I had a chance to watch some highlights of Stephen Strasburg's much hyped Major League debut. The atmosphere in Nationals Park felt more electric than Opening Day, the All Star Game and the World Series combined. Mr. Strasburg, at 21 years young, fanned 14 batters with his MASSIVE curve and triple digit heater. I was truly impressed and just by watching his delivery and his poise, I think Strasburg IS the real deal!
His next start out, he faced Cleveland and fanned another 8 batters. Earlier tonight, with President Barack Obama in attendance, Strasburg whiffed another 10 White Sox, to set a record for most K's in the first 3 major league starts. His pitches are just so mind boggling to watch and I definitely would like to see him in person some time.
Here's to an exciting few months of tennis and baseball...
CHEERS!
-D
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Reinstate
When you know you've made such a blatant mistake, when you know your action has so deeply affected an entire sport, when you know you've blown the most important call of your career, there is no question that you should do the right thing and reinstate what could have been.
Armando Galarraga's perfect game, and yes, it was a perfect game, last night, was ruined by a missed call by veteran umpire Jim Joyce. On the 27th batter of a perfect night, Galarraga allowed a soft grounder to the right side, and as he ran to cover first base on a throw from Miguel Cabrera, probably experienced the thrill of being on the doorstep of history only to see the door slammed in his face by Mr. Joyce. I saw the condensed game today and to be honest, it was one of the most emotional baseball moments I've ever watched. To see the look on Galarraga's face, I just felt soooo terrible for him.
There is no argument that Galarraga's name should be in the history books of Major League Baseball. There's no argument that he did in fact pitch the 21st perfect game in Major League history last night. And though I do feel for Jim Joyce too, I feel it's the right decision to reinstate that perfecto. Galarraga deserves it. Joyce deserves it. Baseball deserves it.
This would have been the 3rd perfect game in less than a month and the 4th no hitter of the 2010 season. It should have been a historical night at Comerica Park. But to lose it on a call that was SO OBVIOUSLY WRONG (out by at least half a step), it really is a shame.
At the French Open, boy is it ever interesting! Federer's streak of 21 consecutive GS quarters has been snapped. Both Williams Sisters have been sent packing. Djokovic is down. Justin Hein is down. It's going to be a very interseting four days to the final!
My pick to win it all are Nadal and Dementieva. We'll see. Roland Garros is a mysterious place these days!
-D
Armando Galarraga's perfect game, and yes, it was a perfect game, last night, was ruined by a missed call by veteran umpire Jim Joyce. On the 27th batter of a perfect night, Galarraga allowed a soft grounder to the right side, and as he ran to cover first base on a throw from Miguel Cabrera, probably experienced the thrill of being on the doorstep of history only to see the door slammed in his face by Mr. Joyce. I saw the condensed game today and to be honest, it was one of the most emotional baseball moments I've ever watched. To see the look on Galarraga's face, I just felt soooo terrible for him.
There is no argument that Galarraga's name should be in the history books of Major League Baseball. There's no argument that he did in fact pitch the 21st perfect game in Major League history last night. And though I do feel for Jim Joyce too, I feel it's the right decision to reinstate that perfecto. Galarraga deserves it. Joyce deserves it. Baseball deserves it.
This would have been the 3rd perfect game in less than a month and the 4th no hitter of the 2010 season. It should have been a historical night at Comerica Park. But to lose it on a call that was SO OBVIOUSLY WRONG (out by at least half a step), it really is a shame.
At the French Open, boy is it ever interesting! Federer's streak of 21 consecutive GS quarters has been snapped. Both Williams Sisters have been sent packing. Djokovic is down. Justin Hein is down. It's going to be a very interseting four days to the final!
My pick to win it all are Nadal and Dementieva. We'll see. Roland Garros is a mysterious place these days!
-D
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