Sporty Blog - The Sport Blog

Now that the lockout is finally over and the NBA is getting set to get back on track, it’s time to play the games and quit talking about it. Well, almost. The shortened NBA regular season could prove difficult for many teams to handle, with little to no practice making it hard for teams to pull together in time for the start of the regular season. For the Chicago Bulls, it might be tougher than it has been in a couple of years, even with fresh, young players and a squad full of talent. The Chicago Bulls Schedule is absolutely loaded with great matchups, none bigger than an opening season road game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

But even though NBA fans should be drooling over the chance to see Derrick Rose go head-to-head with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the season might just come down to whether or not they can beat the Miami Heat. The Chicago Bulls have some powerful weapons, however, that will help them keep up the pace with the likes of the triple threat of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James. Not only do the Heat have the transcendent superstars at the top of their roster, they also made a smart play by picking up Shane Battier, a seasoned veteran who will make it much more difficult on opposing teams this year.

The Bulls have their own set of all-stars that may not form a triple threat, but does form an all-around stellar lineup that is actually more complete and balanced than Miami’s. Their big star at the moment, of course, is Derrick Rose, a quick, electrifying point guard who always knows how to put pressure on opposing defenses. Rose won the MVP last year and continues to impress not only as a great player on the court but a great leader as well.

Another big-time leader is Joakim Noah, the talented, energetic forward who is nothing short of a defensive sparkplug when he comes into the game. Though some may worry about players not being in game shape, that isn’t likely to be a problem with Noah, a player generally considered one of the hardest workers in the NBA. With Noah’s diverse defensive abilities and talent at securing rebounds, the Bulls have a defensive anchor that will make the team very difficult to score on.

The player that might need to turn it up a notch, however, is Carlos Boozer, who struggled with injury last season and wasn’t able to give the Bulls the boost they needed. While the Heat have the Triple Threat and other teams are amassing a collection of superstars, Boozer needs to play like a true second option to help out Derrick Rose, who was limited in the playoffs once good teams focused on making him a jump shooter.

With Boozer back and healthy and Rose ready to lead the Bulls into battle, their opening season Christmas Day battle with the Lakers should be a great game that will give NBA fans a sneak peek of things to come this NBA season. If the Bulls can secure a huge road win to start the year, it can also be a confidence-builder that could propel them in the early going of the regular season.

Watching the Lakers game last night I just couldn’t seem to get used to hearing the announcers calling out “Metta World Peace” or “World Peace” makes a pass up to Kobe!

For those of you who think that world peace is not possible, think again.  Just look out on the floor and you will find World Peace playing along side Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

For a minute, I thought the announcer had taken some prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy or possibly that I was hallucinating, but no, there it was again and again running up and down the court, World Peace really did exist!

I remember when Chad Johnson on the Bengals changed his name to Chad “Ocho Cinco” to identify himself with his jersey number, but Ron Artest has taken the name game to a new level.

Don’t think world peace is an option? Think again!!

With the Twelve Days of Christmas upon us, what better way to celebrate then by giving the gift that keeps on giving… As in the Re-gifting of ex-National Football League Head Coaches, who may not have survived the rigors of the NFL; or for that matter the pressure cooker atmosphere of College Football either. After all, both institutions simply keep on taking - as in the BILLIONS of Greenbacks Television Networks just shilled out to the National Football League. Or the half a billion ESPN just gave to the NCAA; instead of giving back to you, the Fans.

Yet as Christmas is right around the corner, what better way to celebrate then this wacky look at the just completed Pac 12 Dazes of Footenballen…

1. Oregon State Beavers (3-9)
(Pac-12 Conference: North; 3-6)
And just how many trees could the Beavers fall on the First Day of Christmas; Hmm? Something about Woodchucks chucking Wood comes to mind here… Err, looks like the Beavers fell flat upon their faces with few Christmas Trees to fall this year, especially with the drought in Texas, as I’m guessing the Beavers will be hoping Mrs. Claus sends extra cookies in their care package for the long winter…

2. UCLA Bruins (6-7)
(Pac-12 Conference: South Champions; 5-4)
And on the Second Day of Christmas, an Old Salt, Err Mega Huskies supporter who’s a HUGE Fan of Rickyboy “SLOTS” Neuheisel, rejoiced in Glee… As this elder “DAWG Lifer was all broken-up over Neuheisel’s firing from UCLA; NOT! Claiming he’d been dying to give ‘Ol Rickyboy a lump of Coal for the Holidays for years!

Yet Neuheisel was allowed to coach his final game as the Bruins leader in a massive throttling by the Oregon Ducks in the inaugural Pac-12 Title Game, whilst Santa has already made an early Pitstop in La-La Land - dropping off a contract for the 2012 Head Coach of the UCLA Bruins named James Lawrence “Jim” Mora.

Of course “Jim” Mora, the ex-NFL Head Coach of first the Atlanta Falcons and then later the Seattle Seahawks didn’t do any favours with his former employer (Atlanta) by joking years ago how he’d like to be the Head Coach of the University of Washington Huskies on local radio whilst Head Coach of the Falcons… To which Atlanta team owner Arthur Blank gladly told him to not let the door hit him in the Keister!

Mora, an ex-UW Alumni and former ‘DAWG’s Defensive Back, was given the responsibility of trying to fill the ‘Gynormous shoes of “The Walrus,” aka Mike Holmgren, who’d left Green Bay and led Seattle to four NFC West Division titles along with a Superbowl appearance in Twenty-oh-five… As Mora, then inked to a four-year deal as Seahawks Head Coach only lasted a single year before making way for “Mister Excitement!” (Pete Carroll) Who’s trying to muster up some more toys for the Seahawks steadily improving 7-7 season…

3. WSU Cougars (4-8)
(Pac-12 Conference: North; 2-7)
There weren’t any French Hens being feasted on by thee WSU ‘KittyCatz in the Pac 12, as Head Coach Paul Wulff was fired and then subsequently replaced by controversial ex-Texas Tech coach Mike Lee… Hmm? CANNOT be as controversial as Penn State’s Jerry Sandusky - or HELL! Even ‘Ol Rickyboy (Neuheisel) who got tossed by the University of Washington for participating in an “Illegal” Neighborhood NCAA March Madness Basketball Fantasy Pool. Although Neuheisel’s termination was successfully acquitted in a lawsuit against the NCAA and U of W when it came to light that the Huskies had actually publicly stated this type of Gambling was ok - and thus Neuheisel won a $4.5 million out of court settlement.

As I think all the Cougars will get for Christmas is some of their own el Speciale Gold Cheese to go along with their Cougar Red Gallo Box wine to drown their sorrows in, which I think was what ex-Head Coach Mike Price was doing with some of Santa’s Elf’s way back when, right?

As the “Paloose” looks forward to ringing in the New Year with the installation of Lee’s Red Raider Swashbuckling swerve; just watch out if you’re one of his players!

4. ASU Sundevils (6-6)
(Pac-12 Conference: South; 4-5)
Don’t think it was intended as a Stocking Stuffer, but; On the Fourth Day of Christmas Santa left Dennis Erickson, another ex-Head Coach of the Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, along with Pac 10 Head Coaching stints of the Washington State & Oregon State University’s; A stocking full of Pre-paid telephone Calling Cards… As Erickson was fired as coach of the imploding Sundevils who lost four games in-a-row to teams they should have theoretically beat. Yet Santa did leave Arizona State an invite to the “El Matador” Bowl in Los Wages versus the mighty Boise State Broncos on December 22nd…

5. Stanford Cardinals (11-1)
(Pac-12 Conference: North Co-Champions; 8-1)
Although Stanford received five Golden Rings late last year from across the bay when then Head Coach James Joseph “Jim” Harbaugh bolted to the bright lights of Candlestick Park’s bright lights… Hey, somebody turn on the lights, please; Chirp-Chirp! Err, Jimmyboy Harbaugh bolted to the lure of the Big Leagues San Francisco 49ers - of which Harbaugh has gift wrapped the NFC West Division crown for the NFL Franchise, which will be making its first Post-season Playoff appearance since its 2002 Superbowl loss to John Gruden’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As San Fran will obviously be hoping to win the Gold ring in Superbowl XL VI!

Yet Santa left Stanford a Christmas Gift when he dropped off their invitation to this year’s Fiesta Bowl vs. the Oklahoma State Cowboys… NO word on whether or not Saint Nicholi will be gift wrapping Cardinal Quarterback Eric Luck up as the Indianapolis Colts No. 1 Overall selection in the forthcoming NFL Draft…

6. Colorado Buffalos (3-10)
(Pac-12 Conference: South; 2-7)
And on the Sixth Day of Christmas the Colorado Buffalos left a large laying of Buffalo “Chips” on the Gridiron, as these Pac 12 “Newby’s” were basically horrible - as they played like Bovine’s instead of Buffalos after letting a fourth quarter lead against Washington State slip away and then go on a five-game losing streak!

7. California Bears (7-5)
(Pac-12 Conference: North; 4-5)
And on the Seventh Day of Christmas my True Love Sang to Me… How ‘bout a trip to the TidyBowl Boyz! Err, I meant the Holiday Bowl vs. the Texas Longhorns, as the Golden Bears rebounded from the brink of Pac 12 Doormats by making a late season surge - even possibly sealing Dennis Erickson’s fate with a 47-38 road game win in Tempe to close the season…

8. Arizona Wildcats (4-8)
(Pac-12 Conference: South; 2-7)
There weren’t NO x’s on the Eighth Day of Christmas; as Y’all know All of My Ex’s live in Texas! And they AIN’T NO Milking Maids either Yuhs Hear!

As apparently Head Coach Mike Stoops assortment of X and O plays was only sufficient enough to muster up a 10-game losing streak before being Fired! With the last straw; Err tree to be the lowly Beavers defeat against the not so mighty Wildcats - as Arizona’s College’s will have two new Head Coaches in 2012…

9. UW Huskies (7-5)
(Pac-12 Conference: North; 5-4)
And on the Ninth Day of Christmas; Number Nine, Number Nine, Number Nine??? Not sure how many Huskettes were a-dancing, as about the only Hootin’ and Hollerin’ by any Washington Ladies may have been a certain one singing was the you-know-who…

As the ‘DAWG’s once again seemed to be a hit or miss affair this season, as they started off strong before faltering down the stretch so-to-speak, with even rumours of ex-USC Assistant Coach and current Huskies Head Coach Steve Sarkisian’s name being bantered about the UCLA vacancy… Yet Santa did leave Coach Sarkisian with a nice Christmas present, a trip to this year’s Alamo Bowl to face off against RG3’s Baylor Bears. As in 2011 Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

10. Utah Utes (7-5)
(Pac-12 Conference: South; 4-5)
And it appeared that the Reindeer had let loose on the mighty ‘Utes at the start of the Utah’s Debutant Pac 12 season with four losses in-a-row to former Pac 10 teams… Not to mention the season ending humiliation of losing the Pac 12 ‘Newby Challenge Cup vs. the lowly Colorado Buffalos… But! Never fear, as the Ute’s went leaping in glee, as ‘Ol St Nick relented and left Utah with an invite to this year’s SunBowl vs. the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets…

11. Oregon Ducks (11-2)
(Pac-12 Conference: North Co-Champions; 8-1)
And on thee eleventh Day of Christmas’s Partridge in a Pear tree… Hmm? Don’t think Ducks swoon in Pear trees, as I believe they’re some sorta Fowl-bird that is; Hya!

As I had to eat some Duck; Err Crow over the whooping Oregon put upon our mighty UW Huskies, as Washington lost for the Seventy-seventh year in-a-row… Whale, at least it feels that way, as actually I think Oregon’s now won the last eighth years straight.

And thee Ducks became the inaugural Pac 12 North Champions by crushing Stanford 53-30, which gave Oregon the Pac-12’s North Division Tiebreaker - enabling them to send ‘Ol Rickyboy sledding for the winter while asking Santa for a new coaching job somewhere’s next year. Hmm? Perhaps the Miami Dolphins will send Neuheisel a Christmas Card?

Meanwhile the No. 7 Ducks will spend the Holidazes break sipping Eggnog after smashing the Bruins in a lopsided 49-31 defeat in Eugene, Oregon - to be crowned the Debutant Pac-12 Conference Champions, who’ll be hoping to revel in Yuletide glee with victory in this year’s Rose Bowl vs. the Wisconsin Badgers; GO DUCKS!

12. USC Trojans (10-2)
(Pac-12 Conference: South; 7-2)
And on the Twelfth Day of Christmas, it appeared that the only Drums drumming in SoCal were those of the NCAA Sanctions Corps… Since at first glance, I couldn’t figure out why the University of Southern California’s Trojans weren’t the inaugural Pac 12 South Division Champions on the Twelfth Day of Christmas; Especially with their superior record vs. cross-town rival UCLA. As I’d forgotten that the NCAA had ruled USC ineligible for Conference Championship or Post-season (BCS) Bowl play. After somebody named Pete Carroll exited Stage Left to take up a new challenge in Seattle. Yeah, right; that’s the Ticket!

Thus while Santa left USC the novelty of having the Overall Conference’s third best record, this was just some lamented stocking stuffer gift instead, as even Reggie “what Heisman” Bush had to give back his 2005 trophy as part of the NCAA sanctions…

So it’s pretty funny how two longtime Seattleites were chawin’ at the bitz over two non Home team NFL Franchises… As Mi Madre is a longtime New Orleans Saints Fan - and ‘Dat’s PRE Superbowl Y’all! While you’re humble scribe for reasons best left unexplained… Hmm? Was it their uniform colours? Nah Ain’t ‘Dat; Oh Never Mind! Has been on the Tennessee Titans Bandwagon ever since Carry Collins led them to a 13-3 record. Having even been reminded when recently in Arizona that they’d even played in a Superbowl, to which all I could reply with was Huh?

Therefore as Game day approached, I couldn’t resist talkin’ a little Turkey, Err SMACK by advising the opposition that Drew Carrey? NOPE! Wrong Sport Buckwheat - He’s the minority owner of the Seattle Sounders FC… Uhm? I meant Drew “They-call-Me Duh” Breeze (Brees) had better watch out for the Winds-of-Change blowing from the ‘Hasslebok Express; Hya!

And all I can say after listening to three-quarters of my very first ever Titans Football game is ‘WOAH NELLIE! Which I like to believe was ‘Ol Keith Jackson - a longtime ABC College Football Announcer’s signature ‘Tagline; but I digress…

As I’d decided to actually ‘Tune-in to my Beloved Titans via the radio after discovering it would be the early game on Seattle’s AM950 (which will always be Golden Oldies KJR to Mwah; a Seattle legacy…) the night prior; yet as I was sending out more TRASH talk via email Sunday morning; Hmm? Its 10:27AM and still NO game on, WTF? OOPS! Suppose it helps if Yuhs tune the radio dial to the correct frequency, right? Thus tuning in Just-in-Time to hear the first Quarter end with New Orleans ahead 3-0.

Thus listening to the Announcers on the “Stevie Winwood” Radio Network; OOPS! Err, the Westwood 1 network I mused to myself: these guys are FUNNY! Especially when making sardonic remarks upon the sloppy Football being played - with six penalties apiece… As one Announcer said: what’s the record for most penalties in a game? To which his ‘Pardner retorted: Just open-up the Oakland Raiders media guide; Hoohah! (Cymbol crash please…) As we were on penalty #13 with 3:34 left in the second Quarter. OOPS! Make it #14 with another false start; as we’ve had five Offensive Linemen flagged for fouls so far…

Then the game just got Strange ‘N Stranger - as Hasselback’s Titans seemingly tried mimicking the ex-Seattle Seahawks propensity for meltdowns with a flurry of consecutive self-inflicted penalties. As Hasselback on only his second possession of the game saw it go from First-and-Fifteen to First & Twenty-five…

Then on an apparent catch ‘N pass play that netted an unexpected First-down; Yep, you guessed it! The play was called back for an apparent Clipping penalty against Tennessee. To which Hasselback argued to NO avail… And thus with it now being
First & Thirty-five; HOLY SEACHICKENS BATMAN!

Hasselback went for a ‘Hail Mary which was tipped and subsequently incomplete, yet ‘Ol Egghead Matt who was trying to prevent an Interception got crushed in the ensuing ‘Scrum and left the game on what was originally thought to be a ‘Bum Wheel, aka foot. Therefore forcing Titan’s No. 1 Draft pick Jake Locker, of University of Washington Huskies lore to attempt digging out the Titans with a Second & Thirty-five hole… Welcome to the National Football League Mr. Locker!

Yet on Tennessee’s next possession, Locker guided the team to their first scoring drive, a Field Goal which knotted up the game at 3-3, as we’d had a battle of the Kickers thus far, with two Field goals and five punts, before another ex-Seahawks player named John Kasey punched thru his second ‘Chip-shot to give the Saints a lead of 6-3 at Halftime.

And the chuckles from the booth kept-on-coming… As they brilliantly noted how there had been more penalties called vs. points scored! As it was Penalties Fifteen; Saints-Titans Nine… See, I told Yuhs they’re funny!

Then on Tennessee’s first possession of the second half; Chris ‘GIMMEE Johnson ran for a ‘Mega 9-yards, which nearly doubled his entire First-half output of 5-yards on five carries; YIKES!

But then Jake Locker decided to show CJ Who’s Boss by ripping off an ‘Eleven-yarder - which was the Titans longest rushing play to that point of the game, before once again Tennessee was forced to punt. And after another grueling 13-plus play possession grind by New Orleans, the Saints were forced to settle for Kasey’s third FG of the game, as the 21-year veteran put ‘Duh Breeze & Co. ahead - wait for it… 9-3!

Yet, former ‘DAWGS Standout Locker wasn’t content with going Three-and-Out and promptly marched the Titans down the field and after a Third-and-Ten which saw Damien Williams drug down by his Face mask on a 55yd catch ‘N run completion, took Tennessee to First-and-Goal on the ensuing Half-the-Distance Saints Defensive penalty. As Locker coolly extended his arm to pass the Endzone pylon - along with breaking the plane and henceforth scoring what I believe was his first rushing TD? As the Titans roared ahead 10-9…

And guess what? There were MORE penalties, as the funniest one was when not one, but two Saints were flagged on a later punt - with two separate fouls being called!

Yet, Drew Brees, as the announcers noted - it’s only a matter of time… You AREN’T gonna keep a Tom Brady down, a (“BIG”) Ben Roethlisberger or a healthy Payton Manning down; ‘Nor are you gonna keep Messer Brees down either.

As Drew led his ‘Nawlin Saints on two back-to-back scoring drives to give Coach Shawn Payton, who got tackled earlier in the season on the sidelines… Ahead 22-10, on 35-of-44 pass completions for 331-yards and two TD’s after ‘Nawlins failed to score on a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth Quarter with just under seven minutes remaining seemingly put the game outta reach.

As apparently the veteran QB didn’t like the notion of being upstaged by Matt Hasselback’s protégé Jake Locker!

But Locker wasn’t to be denied. Marching Tennessee right back down the field in three-plays for 65-yards in one-minute three seconds with the Titans going into their Hurry-up Offense with Locker throwing a TD! A forty-yard strike to Nate Washington to bring Tennessee back to a 22-17 score with just under five-plus minutes remaining… Would Mike “MUNSTER” Munchak go for the Onside Kick? (NO!) As Tennessee kicked it deep to ‘Nawlins instead.

But I did hear for certain that it was UW Alumni Locker’s first NFL touchdown pass. As on the ensuing Saints possession; on Third-and-four Brees got sacked and Tennessee took back over with 4:36 remaining.

Then Locker marches down field again before getting absolutely NAILED on a First Down and remains down on the field. Thus Matt Hasselback retapes his ankle, puts his cleats back-on and re-enters the game after having sat for a Quarter-plus on the Sidelines with an injured calf muscle; while the Titans trainers try seeing if Locker knows what Zip code he’s in?

Hasselback tosses a 9yd lob to Chris Johnson on First-down before Locker trots back Onfield; are you following all of this?

Then while driving, with some dubious Play-calling; Locker tries to pass on Third-and-one which is incomplete. After wasting a Timeout, Locker & Co come up short on a botched Fourth-and-One which the Announcers grimace to being a TERRIBLE spot! Thus turning the Pigskin over to ‘Nawlins with a scant 2:18 remaining…

Yet, New Orleans returns the favour and ultimately has to punt with One-minute and 30-plus seconds remaining… Yet once again another penalty… But even though it’s on the Titans Defense - it’s only of the five yarder flavor and the Saints Fourth-and-Sixth wouldn’t enable them to get the First-down yardage needed.

Then I start gleefully shoutin’ at the radio - GO TITANS! As Locker begins what apparently looks like an immaculate conception; Err, a miraculous final drive march to victory… As Oh Baby - looks like I’ll be singing When the Titans go Marching IN! Hee-hee-hee…

As Locker makes a 25-yard pick-up with 1:10 remaining. SPIKE IT! As Tennessee is now completely out of Timeout’s; BUT WTF? Chris Johnson gets stuffed on a running play instead. Then a beautiful Rainbow pass to Nate Johnson which takes the Titans to First-and-Goal on the five-yard line…

OH WHEN THE TITANS GO MARCHING IN!!!

And then it’s Second-and-goal… Before sadly, on Third-and-Goal the Saints give Tennessee a dose of its own medicine with a game saving Redzone Goaline stance - with five precious seconds remaining. As Locker tries vainly scrambling, the rookie QB is sacked and those DAMN Saints hold onto a Rollercoaster of a ‘W,” narrowly defeating the Titans 22-17 - as your humble scribe was totally exhausted by this Humdinger of a Football game!

As I know its only one game - which doesn’t make-or-break an NFL Quarterback’s career; BUTT! I feel quite certain that Messer ‘Hasslebok can see the sands in the Hourglass quickly diminishing on his time as the Titans starter; after all I do believe he’s the oldest active QB currently playing in the NFL. And with Locker’s poise, mobility and arm strength; uh, gee Wally! I’d say the Titans hunt for future signal caller looks so bright that they’ll need sunglasses - even in the DARK of winter!

And oh yeah, that’s before we even get to “Mister Excitement’s” (Pete Carroll) Seahawks going for a good ‘Ol Smack-down against NFC West Division rivals St Louis in ‘Der Clink (Century Link Field) Monday night…

Aloha Folks… Otay, your humble scribe has been on a tropical vacation of late - having partaken in a most enjoyable two and one-half weeks of sun and surf on the B-I-G island of Hawaii, and hence, hasn’t recovered fully… Or spotted anything of significant Sporting News to make one feel compelled to scribble anything recently, with some Sandusky Dude hogging the headlines currently… Although I did read a very touching Human interest story about College Football standout Julian Paksi of tiny Albion College, who’s awaiting a liver transplant hopefully sometime, next year when he goes onto Michigan’s waiting list.

Thus, whilst frolicking in the soothing warm, clear blue aqua of the Pacific Ocean with green Sea Turtles zipping around us, one evening whilst enjoying an Adult beverage on our Condo’s deck overlooking said Pacific Ocean when enjoying another magnificent Sunset, for humour I thru out the question of who are Hawaii’s notable athletes? As myself being a fan of Open Wheel Racing, the only name I could entertain to this trivia question was The Flying Hawaiian, aka Danny Ongais.

Unfortunately, Ongais is best known in the racing world for his misfortune of when he crashed during practice for the Indianapolis 500 in 1987 as part of The Captain’s (Roger Penske) Three-car armada.

This practice crash therefore opened the door for sidelined Penske Racing stalwart ‘BIG AL (Al Unser Sr.) to find his way into a competitive ride as Ongais’s replacement and ultimately go onto take a year-old Show car to Victory lane and claim his fourth Indy 500 victory - then only the second driver to ever do so…

This innocent question led to the reading of a tiny newspaper blurb about an ex-surfer by the name of Eddie Aikau, who just so had a Restaurant & Museum on the Big Island, which was conveniently located at the Waikoloa Hilton Resort, where we’d planned on going before my departure to the FRIGID climes of the Pacific Northwest.

A further inquiry upon ze ‘Internetz revealed a bevy of home grown athletes covering at least two of our three major “Stick ‘N Ball” professional sports, i.e.; NFL, MLB and the NBA; which apparently has decided to play ball this year with a truncated season; but I digress…

Thus I was surprised to discover that 30-plus Hawaiian born Major League Baseball (MLB) players have competed over the past 97-years, with a trio of Hawaiian Boys of Summer donning their gloves prior to World War I & II.

The first Hawaiian player was Johnnie Williams who was born in Honolulu on July 16, 1889 and pitched four games for the Detroit Tigers in the summer of 1914.

The second Hawaiian was Tony Rego, born on Oct 31, 1897 - who played between 1924-25 for the St Louis Browns as their Catcher.

And batting “Clean-up” for this early Twentieth century trio of athletes was Prince Oana, born on Jan 22, 1910, and after starting six games in 1934 for the Philadelphia Phillies as an outfielder, was later converted into a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers - seeing sporadic duty as late as 1943 and ultimately 1945…

There was then a void following WWII until 1967 when Mike Lum broke into the Major Leagues and resumed the placement of Hawaiian natives, being followed by a slew of players during the 1970’s - while there are currently 11 MLB players active.

And as mentioned above, this whole curiosity towards notable Hawaiian athletes led me to the discovery of Eddie Aikau - who I’d never heard of before, with the name of Duke Kahanamoku also being thrown into the conversation; whose full name I cannot even remotely do justice too pronunciation-wise: Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku…

Eddie Aikau was an interesting personality, ultimately achieving stardom as a ‘Mega Surfer Dude… Yet also was Hawaii’s very first-ever hired (Lifeguard in1969 - who never lost a single life during his tenure before sadly being lost at sea upon leaving his stricken shipmates, whose double-hull canoe was badly floundering in the Pacific Ocean.

Apparently Eddie tossed his life jacket which he felt was hindering his paddling of his rescue surfboard as he set off to make for landfall. Yet while everyone else was eventually rescued - Aikau vanished in the ocean and was never to be seen again, perishing at the youthful age of 31 in 1978.

The Duke, which was his given name - and not royalty first garnered International fame by winning five Olympic medals; three gold and two silver’s in swimming before popularizing surfing around the globe. As Kahanamoku is credited with introducing the sport to Australia, along with bringing attention to surfing whilst residing in Southern California, all of which led to his moniker as The Father of Surfing…

As for the National Football League, (NFL) there have been a slew of players, some eighty-plus - beginning with a trio of Pigskin purveyors in 1927, when Walter T.K. Achiu was the first Asian to play in the National Football League - playing for the long defunct Dayton Triangles Franchise, primarily as a Running Back between 1927-28.

August Hermengilde Cabrinha played three games for you guessed it - duh Triangles. While Samuel Hipa, was an End also between 1927-28 - who also played for the defunct Triangles. Hmm? All three went to Dayton College and played in (for) the Bermuda Triangle, Err Dayton Triangles, a professional football squad circa 1913-29…

And it appears that the current holder for Most Games (as end of 2010 season) is Mark Pulemau Tuinei with 195 - an Offensive Tackle who played his entire NFL career for the Dallas Cowboys, (1983-97) notching three Superbowl rings during the Troy Aikman era. Sadly, Tuinei reputedly died in an accidental overdose of Heroine and Ecstasy at the age of 39 according to Plaino, Texas police.

Meanwhile, currently playing professional football are: Ikaika  Alama-Francis, a 6’ 5” 258lbs Linebacker on the Miami Dolphins; Aaron  Francisco, a Safety for the Detroit Lions; Chris  Kemoeatu, a 6’ 3” 344lbs Offensive Guard for the Pittsburg Steelers - having won two Superbowl rings.

Olin  Kreutz, a six-time Pro Bowl Center who played for the University of Washington - before being drafted in 1998 by the Chicago Bears, apparently walked away from the game this October after having signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, before injuring his knee and deciding he no longer wished to play the game…

Travis  LaBoy, a Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers; Shawn  Lauvao, a 6’ 3” 315lbs Guard for the Cleveland Browns in his second season…

The most interesting active players to Mwah are the Brothers Raiola. With older brother Dominic (32yrs old) currently playing for the Lions, having been drafted by Detroit in 2001; with younger brother Donovan (28) currently a Washington Redskins player

Even more interestingly, both Raiola brothers play Center, with Dominic having played his college career at Nebraska and is listed at: 6’1” 295lbs. Donovan did his college snapping for Wisconsin and is listed at: 6’2” 293lbs, and spent ’08 with the Seattle Seahawks.

Samson  Satele is another Center from Hawaii, currently playing for the Oakland Raiders and is listed at: 6’ 3” 300lbs; Guy  Whimper is an Offensive Tackle listed at; 6’ 5” 302lbs and currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He too like Kemoeatu (Pittsburg) also sports a Superbowl ring, which he earned with the New York Giants…