Superbowl Update: Cal Ripken And Pat Riley Drink Together

Feb. 1, 2009   Leave a Comment  

cal-ripkenI was out last night at Champion’s in downtown Tampa and spotted a few big names in the sporting world. First it was Gary Sheffield with a 10-person entourage in tow. He was managing to fend off some middle aged autographed seekers in order to take as many pictures with girls as possible. Later however as the bar was closing, I not a certain bronzed, slick-haired indivual stroll past straight to the back of the bar. It just so happened to be P Riles and a entourage of his own (fat middle aged white guys). Aside from the sportcoat mafia he was with, I noticed one more man stroll past. My eyes couldn’t help, but stare as the living myth himself, an immortal, Cal Ripken Jr. worked his way to the back of the bar to have a few drinks with Mr. Three-Peat. There could have been a ton of different topics thrown around in their conversation last night, but I think I’m banking that Riley was just throwing out fashion tips left and right.

The Ripken and Costner Love Triangle

April 21, 2008   Leave a Comment  

kelly-sofa.jpgA certain story has once again entered the public consciousness recently after a NPR radio show questioned the Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr., about a particular incident from 1997. The story goes that the actor, Kevin Costner was staying in the Ripken home following the filming of his film, The Postman. One day as Ripken was on his way to the park, he realized he had forgotten something and had to head back home to retrieve it. Upon arriving home he walked in on his wife banging the Oscar winner. It is also said that Ripken beat Costner severely causing his to miss many publicity engagements in the time that followed. After the altercation Ripken supposedly called Orioles owner, Peter Angelos to notify him that he would not be able to play that day. Fearing the end of the consecutive game steak, an electrical failure was declared and the game was not played.

This is one of the great sports rumors that seems to never go away even though both parties have denied the allegations. I feel that the reason for its longevity is just the thought or notion of Mr. Waterworld getting his ass handed to him by the Iron Man. I guess his time beating up that pansy, Tim Robbins, during Bull Durham didn’t help very much.

What’s My Age Again?

April 17, 2008   Leave a Comment  

tejada1ir.jpgToday, Miguel Tejada admitted to actually being two years older than his listed birth date of May 25, 1976. This seems to happen all to often with players coming out of Latin America and wouldn’t be a big deal if tens of millions of dollars and long-term contracts weren’t involved. I just don’t see how clauses are not included in these long-term deals pertaining to this common occurence. I still remember Rafael Furcal being dubbed the first Major Leaguer born in the ’80s before it turned out that he was actually born in ’77 or when Alfonso Soriano aged from 26 to 28 just by being traded to the Rangers. I understand that they do this to get a better opportunity, but how prevalent is this. The world definitely does not need more Danny Almonte‘s. That kid ended up marrying a 30 year old woman when he was 19 and now plays for some community college in Oklahoma. (Yeah, I understand that was a totally different case, but that groin dog needed to be included in something that I wrote.) Basically, I’m saying I want to know how old these guys are just for discussions about prospects. Much less people would be talking about guys like Angel Villalona, Jose Tabata and Fernando Martinez if they were two years older. I figure at least one of them is lying. Other the other end of the spectrum, I don’t even want to know how old Julio Franco actually is. The only trim in his age bracket is Happy Gilmore’s Grandma. I’m also waiting for one of these prospects to get caught with some jailbait, that might stop a few of lies from continuing. I wish we could find out just how many players are lying about their age, it would most definitely be longer than the Mitchell Report. Get on that Congress.