One small step in Phillies ranking; one giant step backward for Phillies fans

For those of you that haven’t heard, a man was killed while attending a bachelor party at the Phillies game Saturday, July 26. David Sale, 22-years-old from Lansdale, Pa., was beaten to death by men who were on a bus tour from the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.

The incident occurred sometime during the 8^th inning inside McFadden’s Bar and Restaurant, which is attached to Citizens Bank Park, and eventually spilled out into the street. Sale was beaten so badly, that by the time he arrived at the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

To make matters worse, an innocent by-stander, crossing the street to the ballpark was also injured.

This incident taints a splendid weekend in which the Phillies bettered their record by two games and won the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.\

During the 7^th inning, some “fan” thought it would be funny to aim a green laser pointer at the one of the Cardinal’s chest while he was batting. The umpire actually had to stop the game to find out who was doing the distracting.

It’s absolutely embarrassing. I’m not sure I understand why Philadelphia fans thinks it’s necessary to act immature and uncouth, especially when our city and its fans are under even more a microscope since we are the reigning world champions.

Furthermore, it disgusts me to think that some “tough” guys thinks it’s O.K. to have a few 16 o.z. Bud Lights and throw a few punches over a [probably dumb] disagreement. That’s no was to show support of your home team to embarrass them the way some fans chose to do this weekend. Not to mention, how sickening that someone lost his life in an act of stupidity.

Gee…I wonder why Philly fans have the reputation they have…

Briarcliffe wins baseball title

I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to my little brother, Kenny, and his Intermediate baseball team in Briarcliffe, Pa. for winning the league championship July 22. It was a great game and well deserved. Kenny, who went 1 for 3 and played left field all season, caught the last out to secure the win. His coach even gave him the game ball.

Briarcliffe A.A. is a league that I grew up playing softball in and helped me not just develop my love for the sport, but also helped me understand how the game worked. Congrats boys!

Dancing IS a sport!

I am a firm believe that dancing is a sport! Every now and then I may come across something that proves my point. Watch this amazing piece on last night's So You Think You Can Dance.

The two dancers are dancing to Maxwell's "A Woman's Work" is about breast cancer. Melissa is playing the part of the woman infected with the cancer and Ade (pronounced "A-Day") is playing her friend who is trying to be her support system. It is truly one of the most amazing routines I have ever seen. Pay close attention to the the strength the dancers display. I'd like to see a football player do some of these moves! Enjoy!

manda 8 @ Yahoo! Video

The Phils go streaking: win 10 games in a row

Do you hear it? That sizzling sound? That’s the Phils, because they are cooking with their latest win against the Cubs, bringing their winning streak to 10…10 wins in a row! This is their longest winning streak of the season.

Translations

• The battle took 13 innings to complete - Innings are generally 9 innings. If the score is tied at the end of the 9^th inning, then the game goes in extra innings.
• With Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez on base – Howard and Ibanez had walked and were on 1^st and 2^nd bases.
• Jayson Werth came up to the plate 0-5 – Werth came up to bat 5 times and either struck out, walked, or batted out each time.
• Walk-off 3-run homer – Since the Phillies were playing at home, they bat 2^nd each inning. If they home team is in the lead at the top of the 9^th inning, and the visiting team does not score any runs, then the home team does not have to bat again because they already have enough runs to secure the win. This applies to all innings after the 9^th. If the score is tied (and in extra innings), if the home team scores any kind of run, it is considered a “walk-off.”

Now go and impress the men in your life with your new-found baseball knowledge!

Let’s make it 11 in a row Phils!

Check out this awesome, game-winning home run by Jayson Werth!

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.