Another one for the history books

When I entered the Wachovia Center last Friday to watch Game 4 of the 2nd round in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Flyers were down 0-3 against the Boston Bruins. It was crazy that I was even at a playoff game. But the night before, I heard Howard Eskin say that they were practically giving tickets away. Section 113, Row 13, Seat 5=$79 (a $140 face-value). Done. Hey, if they lost, at least I got to witness a playoff game, in person, and give the Fly Boys a standing O at the end of the game for a great season.

But an overtime goal by the newly returned Simon Gagne changed that in a heartbeat. Flyers win game 5. Flyers win game 6. Tied? Only the 6th team in NHL history to come back to tie a series.

That's it's the best of 7, my friend.

Cut to tonight, about halfway through the first period, we are down...3-0, thanks to 2 stupid penalties from Scottie Hartnell and Daniel Briere. History repeating itself? I'd say so. Then, a spark by James van Riemsdyk. And then 3 more goals, one from each penalized culprits, Hartnell and Briere, (I forgive you!) and a perfect 2nd and 3rd period by a flawless Michael Leighton.

For all of you who watched tonight, you witnessed one for the history books. Sports enthusiasts will write about the 2009-2010 Flyers as coming back from the dead and the 2009-2010 Boston Bruins' epic collapse.

What a difference a week makes.

Jump on the bandwagon, my friends. You going to like the rest of the ride.

Let the countdown begin 'til Eagles Training Camp

While the city is still engulfed in baseball season, many fans are gearing up for Eagles Training Camp up at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

This grueling camp can either make or break players. All rookies will report a week from today, while veterans on Wednesday, July 29. The camp lasts until August 12 when the Birds (Eagles) head back home to the Linc (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia) for their first preseason game against Tom Brady (A.K.A Mr. Gisele Bundchen) and the New England Patriots.

I will be honest; I left last season being very disappointed with the Birds. Although they made a valiant playoff push, nearly reaching the Super Bowl, they released one of the most beloved players (and my personal favorite), Brian Dawkins to the Denver Broncos. The move completely took the wind out of my sails as an Eagles fan and led me to hang my Dawkins jersey in my front window for a good month. True story. But, we [I] have to move on.

Back to Training Camp. The great thing about it is that anyone can go up and watch their favorite players in a more relaxed setting, not to mention for much less mullah. The cheapest Eagles ticket (at face value) is now $95. Ridiculous. The price for Training Camp is $0…big difference!

Training Camp is great to take kids and nice alternative for a “stay-cation” to the shore.

On a side: note-rumor-has-it that former Eagle Hollis Thomas has been released from the New Orleans Saints and has already visited Eagles management to talk about coming back to play for the Birds. The reappearance of the 335-pound defensive tackle may prove to be a nice addition to an already defensive line. Thomas has 226 career tackles and 20 career sacks.

Click here to view a schedule of the 2009 Training Camp.

Profile Thursday: Mike Schmidt

Every Thursday, I will post a player profile about a famous Philadelphia sports figure. I thought I might start with my personal favorite!

Name: Michael Jack Schmidt
Nicknames: Schmiddy; Captain Cool
Birthdate: September 27, 1949
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio
College: Ohio University
Current Residence:
Sport: Baseball
MLB Debut: September 12, 1972
Position(s): 3rd base
Seasons with the Phillies: 1972-1989
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2 children
Biggest Achievements: 12-time All-Star; World Series Win ('80); 10-time Golden Glove winner; 6-time Silver Slugger winner; 3-time National League MVP; 1980 World Series MVP; 500 career home runs; Hall of Fame (1995)
Memorable Moments: When Harry Kalas announced his 500th career home run, he announced him as "Michael Jack Schmidt," a phrase all fans impersonate to this day.
Where is he now?: He is a hitting coach for the Phillies during Spring Training in Clearwater, FL.
Random Fact: He has a sandwich named after him in Citizen's Bank Park called "The Shmitter.

Career Stats:

• Batting Average (BA): .267
  
• Home Runs (HR): 548
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 1,595

What's your favorite memory of Schmitty? Leave a comment and tell me about it!