World Series Baseball Rocks!

Wow!  WOW!

Nobody can put tonight's game 5 of the MLB World Series into words. Nobody.  It was simply a timeless piece of art that will endure long after the baseball artists who created it are gone!

This one's for the late, loveable Yogi!

Don't just hear about it, don't read tweets or eye Instagram shots, it simply won't give you what watching the game LIVE gave us baseball fans. It was five hours of the most thrilling, terror-filled, nail-biting, floor pacing, cursing and I Can't Take It Anymores that any baseball fan has ever lived through. I've simply never seen anything like it; such power, such timing, so many momentum swings. I lost my last nerve a few hours ago and wanna call my doctor for a prescription so I can go to sleep tonight.

Watching on television the loyal, celebrating Houston Astros Fans, who sat through the entire drama, makes me feel like I'm actually there in the ballpark high-fiving and exhaling with them. How the heck those fans made it through the game without medications I'll never know. For those taking blood pressure pills I'll put in a prayer for them to get home safely and without any medical complications. I'm sure every Astros fan in the ballpark is experiencing stoke-like symptoms right about now;

Whole body: balance disorder, fatigue, lightheadedness, or vertigo

Visual: blurred vision, double vision, sudden visual loss, or temporary loss of vision in one eye

Speech: difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or speech loss

Sensory: pins and needles or reduced sensation of touch

Facial: muscle weakness or numbness

Limbs: numbness or weakness

And as a SF Giants fan the real beauty of it all is that the L.A. Dodgers were the losers. They played like N.L. champions though, I'll give'em that. This game goes down as possibly the best modern day World Series game to date. Instead of lights out pitching, we were served a smorgasbord of power hitting. And I don't care what anyone says, home runs are much more exciting to watch over a five hour period than strike outs.

I, like most fans watching I'm sure, tried distracting myself with all sorts of little activities during the game just to get the tension off of me. From working on reinforcing a bookcase to fixing a leaky faucet. None of it worked.

Some games have a way of taking you over, body and soul; this was that game.

If you're not a sports fan then I'm sure this blog post sounds like some fanatical, sports obsessed, go get a life nutcase that needs a purpose in life.  Well let me tell you, after watching this World Series game 5, I can truly say that yes, I'm a proud member of the American Sports Fandom culture who find brotherhood and fellowship in watching special moments in pro sports. Tonight was without a doubt, special. Tonight, I died and went to sports heaven; ten times. It was......Heavenly!

Final Score (10th)

Dodgers 12

Astros 13

Can't wait to watch the replay, all 5 hours of it!

Houston Astros Win Marathon in L.A.

It was one heck of a World Series Game 2 where the clutch hits just kept coming. The Houston Astros battled and fought off the hometown Dodgers in an extra innings fall classic-Classic.  I have to say that with the way the Astros hung in there for 11 innings, fighting on the road, the Dodgers are left looking at an uphill task. And even though the home team played great, I'm sure some of the Dodgers faithful are feeling a few shivers of doubt climbing up their backs tonight. Houston definitely has swung the momentum in their favor with this hard-earned win.

The teams have both won one game each with the series now heading to Houston where those fans haven't had a World Series champion ever. E-V-E-R! 

The baseball world couldn't have asked for a better matchup, the teams with two of the three best regular season records in the majors are playing like all-stars. Even frick'in Puig is showing a little class by respectfully laying down his bat after hitting a home run; but only after throwing a mini-tantram after missing a diving catch in the outfield. Hey, whaddaya expect, its Puig!

Tough Loss Tonight Dodgers, Tough Loss!

Finals Score
Astros 7
Dodgers 6

Richard Pryor - Revolution of Identity

For those who might not get the evolution of this 1977 skit, what makes it so funny is watching the transformation of a conservative black president once he's reminded by black reporters of the racial issues the country is still facing. What transpires is the more he's reminded of issues of black inequality, the more he reverts back to being the radical black brotha who's tired of white privilege and southern dixiecrat politics. 

Reporter:   Mr. President.
President:  What?
Reporter:   James Bixby, Mississippi News.
President:  Sit Down!

I'm amazed at how although this is a fictional comedy skit from forty years ago, our country is still wrestling with many of the issues the skit brings up; 

Peace in the Middle East
Nuclear Bombs
Unemployment
FBI Director Nominations
Quarterbacks, Coaches, Owners in NFL
Sexual Misconduct Accusations
Christian Right

Maybe it's not that Richard Pryor prophesied the future of America, but that America hasn't progressed much in forty years. 


Reporter:    Mrs. Fennan Carlton Macker, Christian Womens' News. Mr. President, since you've become president, you've been seen and photographed on the arms of white women.

Crowd:    ooh ooh ooh

Reporter:    Frankly sir, you've been courting an awful lot of white women, will this continue?

President:    As long as I can keep it up. I mean, why do you think they call it the white house?


In the end it comes down to one question which completely sets off the reverting first black president, causing him to lose all conservative decorum; a white reporter talks about his momma.

Don't you be talkin bout my momma!

Hey Sports Networks, Guess Who's Not Going to the World Series

I just love it when the obvious media darlings in a playoff game are eliminated and the broadcasters left speechless. When the Houston Astros first broke through the 0-0 tie with a solo home run shot in the fourth inning, the broadcasters went dead silent, like their favorite team was in jeopardy of losing. I hate favoritism in the broadcast booth, unless its my team being favored of course.

So the legendary mighty Yankees weren't that mighty when it mattered this time around.

Yep! In game 7 of the ALCS, the Houston Astros took down the New York Yankees in a series that saw the home team win all seven games. The Yankees were in it and threatening in the top of the fifth with men on first and third with one out. On their next hit ball, Houston's third baseman fielded the infield grounder and threw a perfectly placed throw into the catchers mitt just before the Yankees runner reached home plate from third base. Seemed like the catcher caught the ball only seconds before catching the foot of the runner sliding home. The tag was obvious, the Yankees runner was called out and that's when I knew, its over.

That play seemed to inflate the confidence of the Astros and at the same time deflate the hopes of the Yankees. It also deflated those Yankees broadcasting fans in the booth. 

The Astros would go on to score three runs in their bottom half of the inning to make it 4-0 and that's how this ALCS deciding game would end. Congratulations Houston Astros on a AL Championship Season!

Yankees 0

Astros 4

Oakland Raiders Classic TNF Win

WR #89 Amari Cooper touchdown catch and run in Raiders 31-30 win over Kansas City Chiefs

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times! A Thursday Night Football (TNF) game in Oakland, between two old AFL rivals (Raiders vs Chiefs) is just what Raider Nation and the Raiders organization needed. The Chiefs played like the conference leading team that they are. The Raiders played like the dominating offensive team they were thought to be at the start of the season. In the end only one could be victorious, though both played their butts off.

It was the best of times for both teams because a short week after a loss gives players no time to dwell on the past game. It was the worst of times for both teams because a short week also means players can't fully heal from aches and injuries sustained in their previous Sunday matchups. 

The game itself was a battle for the ages as the Raiders rediscovered their wide receiver weapon that is Amari Cooper (11 rec / 210 yds / 2 tds). The Raiders not only rediscovered Coop, they dusted off their old arsenal of attacking offensive schemes and knocked the Chiefs defense off their game just enough to win. I knew it on the Raiders first offensive play, an out pass to Coop for about 11 yards and a first down, that the offense had given up the vanilla flavor schemes, at least for one game. That predictable handoff to Marshawn Lynch up the middle early in games was gone.

This game saw Lynch mostly as a decoy; and the Chiefs bit on the play action almost every time. By the time Lynch was thrown out of the game for touching an official during a scrum, Raiders running backs Washington and Richard were giving the offense a spark with spurting runs and catches out of the backfield.

It was fitting to have soulful saxophone player Mike Phillips perform the star spangled banner under the Coliseum lights with a huge, 100 yard flag being held by what I think were military personnel. Also the Raiders 1967 AFC Champion players were introduced before the game to loud, passionate screams from Raiders fans. And you know, as usual, big papa #00 Jim Otto always gets the biggest cheers. So the stage had been set for two legendary pro football rivals, one sporting red devil red, the other angelic white, to take the field and give the screaming barbarians their paid pound of flesh. Neither the players nor the fans disappointed, it was beautiful! And yes, there was a jetfighter flyover.

This game ranks right up there with some of the best Raiders games I've ever seen at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. And it wasn't just the electrifying plays on the field; the electric vibe throughout the Coliseum was magnetic and intoxicating for all who were mesmerized after willingly drinking the kool-aid. 

It was what was at stake for the Raiders season that had Raider Nation tense from the get go. A Raiders loss would've definitely been a nail in the coffin for this season and possibly prompted changes in the coaching staff. Instead, the talk is all about the team still in the playoff hunt and looking like a legitimate contender for the crown. Also, with the debut of newly signed linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who was given a thundering ovation during defensive introductions, the night couldn't have had more drama and expectation in the air.

If I could bottle the emotion and passion that touched upon every fan at that game last night, I'd present it to world leaders with a note attached saying "here's the scent of world peace, use it." I swear I saw blacks hugging whites, home foreclosure victims hugging investment bankers, Christians hugging Muslims, Republicans hugging Democrats and Bernie look-a-likes, Israelis hugging Palestinians and crips n bloods flashing truce signs. I stand by what I've been saying for years, a Raiders game is the only place where you can go amongst people of all different backgrounds and walks of life and feel like all of them are your brothers and sisters, period.

Raider Nation is more than just a fanatical fan base for a perceived renegade team; its a living, breathing example of what you get when the concept of unity meets the practice of fellowship. 

It was a rare moment in football and sports that players, coaches and fans live for and can only hope to be a part of. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio kind of touched on what "the excitement of being in that position" is like, during his post-game interview. He had definitely drank the Kool-Aid and did well in giving facts while you could see he was full of the fun that winning a game like this brings. Jack might be one of the best at handling post-game press conferences win, lose or tie.

Hopefully last night's nationally televised Raiders game reminded our country of just how unique and wonderful it's varied culture of citizens are when given a level playing field in life ,where the same rules of conduct and competition apply to all.

NaVorro Bowman Dressed In Silver & Black

#53 Now Protecting The Shield

Former 49ers middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman has signed with the Raiders. It might be a too little too late addition to our defense, but at least our sometimes questionable GM (Reggie McKenzie) didn't sleep on filling a Raiders need.  Bowman brings 7 years of experience and a huge chip on his shoulder. If nothing else he'll help in the development of our young linebacker corps.

The Raiders are facing the division leading Kansas City Chiefs this Thursday night. The silver & black are coming off another loss that featured a toothless offensive game plan. Is it possible they'll use Bowman as a fullback to block for Beast Mode? Anything should be possible when trying to spice up our offensive playbook. We're 2-4 heading into this game. Its all hands on deck if we want to salvage any chances of having a successful season. A Chiefs win will all but bury the Raiders playoff chances. A Raiders win might just awaken a beast that's been hibernating through four games.

Come'on Raiders Coaches and Players; we have a defining moment approaching for Raider Nation. Show us you haven't given up on the team. Show us you're willing to give everything you have to protect our house. Show us that you're capable of sending Andy Reid and the Chiefs back to KC with a second loss in five days. Show us a dog that can still hunt.

Just Show Us!

Rest In Peace - Connie Hawkins

He was the basketball player who brought New York City float and flair street-ball to the NBA. Though his early professional career was marred and delayed by a point-shaving scandal that he had nothing to do with, Connie Hawkins made it to the pros and left his mark on the game.

I have his autobiography on my book shelf, "Foul!: The Connie Hawkins Story by David Wolf." I set it down after a few chapters because of the sadness of Connie's early life of poverty and being bullied.  I remember skipping through to the chapters about the scandal and found more sadness, so I set it aside again.

Now with "The Hawk's" passing I feel I owe it to myself and the humble legend to delve into his autobiography and not let up until I've come to know the high's of Hawk's career and life.  I do know that he was a Harlem Globetrotter for a while, that's a life highlight. He also was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, definitely a highlight.

Too think that Julius Erving, "Dr. J.," might of modeled his signature slam dunk after The Hawk's ball-palming style of attacking the basket is definitely a highlight for him.

Connie Hawkins, one of the best players to ever play the game. A Basketball Legend, from the playgrounds of NYC to the Arena's of professional sports. The Hawk will be remembered.

Career highlights and awards
ABA champion (1968) ABA Playoffs MVP (1968) ABA MVP (1968) 4× NBA All-Star (1970–1973) ABA All-Star (1968) All-NBA First Team (1970) 2× All-ABA First Team (1968, 1969) ABA All-Time Team Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor No. 42 retired by Phoenix Suns ABL MVP (1962) All-ABL First Team (1962)
Career ABA and NBA statistics
Points	11,528 (18.7 ppg)
Rebounds	5,450 (8.8 rpg)
Assists	2,556 (4.1 apg)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Basketball Hall of Fame as player

Connie Hawkins; A Victim of Injustice

Another Moment of Silence (Gun Laws)

Gun Violence....

While listening to sports talk radio last night I was made aware of the mass shooting that took place at an outdoor country music concert in Las Vegas, not far from the proposed new Raiders stadium location.

I immediately turned on the television and saw incredible phone footage of people at the concert running in terror while loud, staccato, popping sounds can be heard. I mean it was Loud!Surprised that anyone could hold a camera phone so steady as shots are being fired all around them, I realized its just a sign of the times. I realized also that the lone gunman taking lives with an assault weapon is just a sign of the laws in our times here in America. 

I know it might not feel like the appropriate time to address the laws still needed to govern access to guns and ammunition, but for those who lost their lives yesterday and their loved ones, the time is way too late. I am not an advocate for a gun free country, I am not knowledgeable of the differences in the various assault rifles and machine guns and such. I am just a law abiding citizen who asks myself every time there's a mass shooting like this, Why and How can we prevent this from happening again. 

It's hard for me to believe that Gun Lobbyists throughout the United States value doing business in guns and ammunition, more than they do the lives of innocent American citizens. Don't they see the footage from these sad incidents? If guns don't kill people, the angry, mentally unstable people with Guns kill people. Or possibly the laws allowing angry and mentally unstable people access to Guns. So what's the common denominator? Guns Kill People!

I am so sorry for those victims and their families who've been affected by this senseless violence. You are all in my prayers. I urge all Americans to research what political persons and/or political groups are upholding not the right to bear arms, but the right to sell arms and ammunition of mass destruction on American soil. Then consider why any politician or any patriotic American would even consider voting against a law that bans such destructive weapons. The fact that Nevada has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the country should not give us reason to write this most recent mass shooting off as just another shooting in a gun friendly state. 

If I have the choice of possibly saving one human life by helping laws to ban automatic weapons get passed, I'd choose to back laws banning those weapons every time. And if I had to come up with a profile of the type of person(s) or groups that would turn down a law that bans the selling of such weapons I'd give these character traits (but keep in mind I'm not an expert profiler):

weapons manufacture owners and their investors and lawyers, business partners with financial interests in the sale of weapons and ammunition, terrorists, anti-Americans, government politicians (campaign donors), war profiteers, weapons special interest groups (lobbyists) paramilitary groups (U.S.).

Here's a "Dear America" letter written after this most recent mass shooting. It is not a feel good letter nor is it a letter of apology or sympathy. It's a wake up call letter for American citizens. I thought the letter a bit harsh and insensitive about violence and mass shootings. I didn't wanna hear or feel the pain and guilt that truth sometimes delivers. But I read it and reluctantly have to agree with it's theme of how crazy to think these kinds of mass shootings will ever stop without laws to ban and/or make it more difficult to obtain such weapons. The author is foreign.

Dear America: The Las Vegas shooting was not a tragedy; it's a sickness.
by British Journalist Susie Boniface aka Fleet Street Fox

Come-To-Jesus Time for Raiders Coaching

Is the nation's Commander-in-Chief running the Raiders now or what?  Come'on Man!

The Oakland Raiders Offense has looked offensive in their past two losses. Why is that? Coaching, you think?

Sure the players on the field must execute, but the game plan they're executing has to outsmart and out maneuver the opposing team game plan, and that's just not occurring. This definitely falls on the coaching staff. Watching the Raiders makes me feel like the team is getting sabotaged from within. Yeah, I said it, from the Oakland Bay Area I said it!

You mean to tell me the Juice Got Loose today and my Raiders can't get outta Denver with a frickin' win?

Offensive Dumpster Fire - Silver & Black Pride Article

The Raiders have talent on offense and defense, but it takes talented coaches to legislate plays, packages and personnel placement on the field. The team is not good enough to dominate opponents one on one. They must play smart, shifty, matchup creative football. The defense has shown that they can carry their load, the offense needs to find their groove and pull their weight. 

Why not use your big fullback (Jamize Olawale) to open holes for Marshawn Lynch? Why not scheme double tight end power play now and then. Show something to the opposing defense that makes them say "hey, this isn't a predictable Raiders scheme." Why not just go Andy Reid mis-direction plays on opponents to slow down their defense?

Offensive weapons cannot take advantage of a defense if they're dictating every play before the ball is snapped. They're making the defenses they face look like Nostra-Frickin-Damus! I know its football and the same offensive plays can be found in all 32 NFL team playbooks, but talented coaches know how to poker face plays so the opponent can't ANTICIPATE what's coming.

Teams aren't only anticipating what the Raiders offense is running, they're DICTATING what the Raiders offense can run by honing in on every TELL from the silver & black scheme.

And the sad part is the Raiders offense knows the opposing defense knows exactly what play is coming; and that's why we're seeing a Raiders offense looking defeated and out of sorts on every play, regardless of down and distance. Defenses aren't even looking for Marshawn to catch a screen or swing pass, they know when and where he's gonna run the ball. They also know exactly where Carr's drop back spot for passing the ball is, and they're collapsing the pocket right to that spot.

It's all around frustration for the Oakland Raiders and if the coaching staff continues to feed the players vanilla game plans, expect the injuries to mount, the losses to pile up and the opponents to show no respect for what was predicted to be a juggernaut offense.

Come'on "Riverboat Jack (del Rio)," put on your poker face, step up your game so those you're leading into battle can step up there's. There's still time in the season to turn this thing around. Look at what you have in your staff and players and most importantly, in yourself. Be the change you wish to see in your team!

Just Win Baby!