Sporty Blog - The Sport Blog

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…

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So, way back during the lamented ‘Dawg-dazes of summer up here in the Northwest; Hmm? I don’t think it ever arrived… Whilst the Boyz ‘O Summer, a.k.a. Major League Baseball were actually showing up for their nightly games, there was a little charity basketball game held in Seattle.

The H206 Charity Classic was held in Seattle’s Key Arena, the former home of the Seattle Supersonics - before Clay ‘BA Bennett stole the Sonics and relocated to Oklahoma, which I believe many are still overly dismayed about!

As this one day return of professional ‘B-ball to the Pacific Northwest occurred on Saturday, July 22nd and was the first NBA approved basketball game in the Emerald City since 2008; featuring the likes of Philadelphia 76ers Spencer Hawes, Atlanta Hawks Jamal Crawford, Portland Trailblazers Nolan Smith and Minnesota Timberwolves Michael Beasley - who were just a few of the NBA stars competing. While former Supersonics greats Jack Sikma and Shawn Kemp coached the Home team.

And the Seattle (Home) team defeated the NBA Elite squad 140-122 in-front of 5,070 fans - with the charity game benefitting youth activities thru Seattle’s Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club with a pledge of $100,000 being made.

Former UW Hussky standout Spencer Hawes - who had a silhouette of the Space Needle coifed into the back of his head specifically for the game scored 27-points and New Jersey Nets Terrence Williams added 25-points - as the two players battled for most points scored and MVP honours, which Williams won.

Afterwards, Hawes took the microphone following the game to Half-court and led the fans in a chorus of “Seattle Come Home!” Although I don’t think it’ll be happening anytime soon?

This rare glimpse of Professional Basketball in Seattle, who’s NBA Franchise, was relocated after 41-years… Was followed-up next by another twist, when none other then the Seattle Mariners honoured a bevy of Supersonics elite on-field at Safeco Stadium - with the likes of Lenny wilkens, George Karl, Gary “the Glove” Payton, Shawn “ManChild” Kemp, Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, Slick Watts,Tommy “Gunner” Chambers, Hersey “Chocolate” Hawkins, Freddy “Downtown” Brown, Nate McMillan and others before commencing play against the Tampa Bay Rays, which were once coached by ex-Mariners Coach Lou Pinella.

As its pretty funny, how the money grubbin’ GREEDY Team Owners and Players of the National Basketball Association have allowed Bennett to steal a storied NBA Franchise from the 14th largest Television market to the 45th!

And while Payton tries securing backing for a professional team’s reemergence in the Seattle marketplace, albeit first he needs a new “State of the Art” stadium built, since apparently Key Arena isn’t worthy - which is always the rage before Pro Sports takes up residence in a city… Typically at the expense of its Taxpayers!

Thus, I’d guess you could say that Seattle is currently one of the few major cities not impacted by the ridiculous NBA Lockout thingy! Which is potentially hurting Oklahoma’s coffers right now? Aw Shucks! Don’t worry, Clay Bennett will make it all Oakie Dokey; Honest!

Was in the checkout line the other day when I heard the cashier gushing effusely over this year’s Major League Baseball Worlds Series being the best ever Baseball he’d ever witness… To which I wanted to say “Put a Sock-in-it Bubbah! Although I must admit I don’t follow Baseball and only idly listened to this year’s Game-7 as background dinner noise. As I guess I’d haveda been rootin’ for Texas since ex-Mariners Adrian Beltre was playing for them…

Yet all of this Baseball fervor made me harken back to the fact that the Seattle Mariners did a really cool thingy this past September when they unveiled their very first ever statue in tribute to Mariners “lifer” Dave Niehaus.

Ironically the larger-then-life statue of the Hall of Famer MLB Broadcaster - the voice of the Mariners since their inception was unveiled prior to the game vs. the Texas Rangers.

The bronze statue fittingly features Niehaus at a desk behind the microphone, replete with Dave resplendent in a baseball motif tie, headphones on and his scorebook opened to October 8, 1995; the very game that the Mariners defeated those Dastardly Bronx Bombers, aka NY Yankees for the American League Division title… Of which I can still vaguely recall listening to Niehaus going Bonkers during the Playoff series - as the entire town was swept up into Mariners Fever!

And I could be confused over when exactly Mr. Niehaus said it, as I’m not sure if it was used during the series… But, my all time favourite Niehaus Tagline is: “Get out the mustard & rye Grandma; it’s Grand Salami Time!”

The Niehaus bronze statue also fittingly has an open seat alongside Dave, to which admiring fans can sit at alongside the Mariners Maestro and have their picture snapped if so desired.

The likeness epitomizes the spirit of this overly popular Broadcasting legend - who called an unbelievable 5,284-games between 1977-2010.

Its located in the main concourse nearby Section 105 in right center field of Safeco stadium, which Niehaus was MC for the Ballpark’s opening in 1999.

The beautiful bronze statue was sculpted by Chicago artist Lou Cella, who attended its private unveiling along with several members of the Niehaus clan who posed for a photograph with Dave’s wife Marilyn seated alongside whilst several Grandchildren scampered over the desk whilst inspecting the likeness of their late Grandfather…