Visiting Father

Well, I won't be in town to celebrate Barry Bonds moving into the number two spot for all-time career home runs. I'm going to visit my Dad and spend some good quality time with the old man. He's 71 years old battling many medical issues, but he's still healthy enough to get around and enjoy a pain free day. He's looking forward to our time together and so am I.

I find myself relating to and actually becoming my father as I get older. The man who I thought was a monster and would some day kill me is now the most humble and loving human on the planet. Losing his wife, my mother, of 49 years just two years ago changed his life overnight. After losing her he's gone from not being sure if he wanted to live without her to wanting to live out his life as long as the Lord allows him. He enjoys the great-grand kids more than he enjoyed us kids of his growing up. He's become a strong believer in the Lord and is secure in knowing that it is God's Will that gives and takes away from this life we live.

I guess there is a season for everything and time can bring about the most miraculous changes in life. I only wish that my mother could have been here to see how much the man she loved all those years has grown. I'm sure she's smiling down on all of us and taking some of the credit for our happy family. She should, because if it weren't for her strong faith in us all we may never have tolerated each other for so long.

Yeah, family can be so stressful to us at times, but that's only because nobody else loves you so unconditionally. So it's off to see Dad and remenisce about the old times and maybe create a few new memories.

My heart and prayers go out to Tiger Woods and his family for the loss of his father Earl Woods. There's been nothing but great things said about Tiger and his father's relationship. I would like to think that someone someday will be able to say a good thing or two about me and my father's relationship. If your dad is living and you haven't told him how much he means to you lately, do it. Because some day the things you say, think and do will remind you of your father, that is if you're not as stubborn-headed as he was. Thanks Dad.

SF Chronicle Conspiracy

Up to this point in the Barry Bonds controversy I've given the San Francisco Chronicle the benefit of the doubt as part of the problem. They are just another part of the media frenzy that feeds on sensationalized news stories to sell newspapers. Remember, "Greed is Good" in business and newspapers will do just about anything to get more readers.

That being said, I pick up the San Francisco Chronicle this morning and see the headline story with a big picture of a man who somewhat resembles Barry Bonds in his head shape. Actually they look nothing alike but the picure in the paper is cropped enough to give the illusion. The heading reads "Moussaoui Taunts The U.S., Zacarias Moussaoui being the al Qaeda conspirator sentenced to life in prison for his role in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Below this full page headline in dead center is the heading "Records may fall but the Babe endures. The picture that accompanies this story is of Barry Bonds laid out on his back being attended to after getting hit in the forehead by a batting practice foul ball. On further review I discover the heading about the Babe is not a cheap shot at Barry falling down with injury as in "Records may fall," but a front page feel good story about Babe Ruth's greatness and larger than life persona.

There is no mention of concern for Barry's health. When you flip to the bottom of the front page there's a huge picture of Babe Ruth swinging a "hearty swing at a pitch in New York's Yankee Stadium on June 18, 1929. Slightly above this is the heading, or more like the underlying comment of "Bond's pregame scare," accompanied by the following:

Giants trainers attend to Barry Bonds after the heavy hitter fell to the ground hit in the head by a foul ball while watching batting practice before Wednesday's game with the Brewers in Milwaukee. See story, Page D1.

When I turn to page D1 there's a picture of Barry sitting up but still on the ground while trainers continue checking on him. The heading? "Was Curse of the Bambino at play?" Whatever happened to questions about the effects the injury may have had on Barry's game play? Instead, the article starts out by suggesting maybe the Red Sox curse has found a home in San Francisco. The remainder of the article is rather good, with a touching part about Barry giving a 9-year-old boy an autograph and talking with him one on one. Mind you the larger article about Babe Ruth, which continued on page A7 painted a much warmer picture of the Babe than this article did of Bonds. But it's those darn headings that make me feel like maybe, just maybe, the SF Chronicle has become very anti-Bonds. Let any other star of a team get knocked down for seven minutes by a hit in the head and their hometown newspaper would have x-ray charts and doctor's opinions all over the front page. Is the chronicle conspiring against Barry Bonds for whatever reason? Just read the headlines.

As for the al Qaeda terrorist look-alike, that may fall into the "who shot JFk" realm. You tell me, two hated dark skin men who have similar head shapes, and then a larger than life white hero after a hearty swing at bat with a blissful smile. Remember "Greed is Good" and they'll do whatever it takes to get people to buy and read their newspaper. I sure hope Barry is okay. We're in third place in our division and don't even want to think about curses this season. Besides, three more Home Runs and then in place of the Babe Ruth stories we may see Hank Aaron stories. I doubt it though. Hank Aaron is Black.

Barry Bonds Acknowledges Fans After Hitting HR No.712

In yet another losing effort for the Giants, Barry Bonds hit his 712th Home Run. It was a towering 440 foot shot, proving that a legendary 41 year old with an elbow full of bone chips can still hit a fastball.

Here's what was said on the Giants website, sfgiants.com.

"THEN CAME THE SEVENTH"

Then came the seventh, when, with Scott Linebrink pitching, Bonds crushed a 96-mph fastball to dead-center to finish off the Giants' scoring.

"Not very many people can hit that ball, especially 900 feet," said Williams, who was a mere spectator by the time Bonds hit his blast. "That ball's chest high -- he's that good."

"In the last at-bat, a 41-year-old guy playing a day game after a night game -- that was an awesome pitch," Alou said. "Nobody else had a swing like that off that fastball."

There weren't too many swings like that off Williams, either.

The Giants collected just five hits and one walk off the Padres starter, who didn't appear overly dominant in his 5 2/3 innings.

An Unbelievable Story

4 year old boy runs 40 miles in record time. This story out of India caught my attention. Think of any 4 year old you know or have known, heck think of your own lazy teenage kids here in the wealthiest nation on earth. Now consider what they'd say if you asked them to run 40 miles to prove their youthful stamina or help the family financial crisis. They'd either ask you to share whatever it is your smoking or report you for child abuse. But in India, where children can still be sold to neighboring villages, ask a child to do something and you may find yourself amazed by how well he carries out your request.

And to think that this 4 year old's special skill was discovered by an attempt at punishing him. Click Here to read this incredible story.

Raiders Draft Defense and Speed

In the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders select safety Michael Huff out of University of Texas.

Well, we didn't get Texas QB Vince Young, but we did get a NCAA Champion player from Texas by drafting Michael Huff. Huff has played safety and cornerback and has the experience to make an immediate impact on defense. He's fast and a smart football player.

One of our other draft picks looked real impressive when I saw his NFL combine clip on Comcast On-Demand. He's a relentless defender with speed and good coverage skills. When I heard them liken him to Troy Polomolau of the Steelers, I really began paying attention. Who is this second round pick the Raiders nabbed you may ask? That would be Thomas Howard OLB out of UTEP. He's 6'3", 240lbs and fast.

I'm proud of the Raiders for not getting duped into picking QB Matt Leinart. Some say the Raiders were having flashbacks of Todd Marinovich, first round pick also out of USC that was a bust for the then L.A. Raiders back in 1991. If that be the case then I commend the Raiders organization for remembering past mistakes and learning from them. As they say, first time shame on you, second time shame on me.

And of course the Raiders ended up with the final pick of the draft. Mr. Irrelevant, as the pick is called, turned out to be WR Kevin McMahan out of Maine. The word Art Shell used to describe the film they've seen on our Mr. Irrelevant is "Exciting." We'll see about that.

Congratulations Oakland Raiders Organization for putting the needs of the team ahead of the urge to star search for ticket sales. We need defensive players and offensive line help. We got them both. As for our quarterback position, I can't wait to see Andrew Walters at the helm. I believe he's the suprise weapon for this coming season. Having Walters is like having a second first-round choice in the draft. He looked good in last years exhibition games and he's had some time to watch the pro game from the sideline. If we can get the running game going and some reliable pass protection, Walters could be the man come September.

I'm not sure why we kept Marques Tuiasosopo. I guess we need somebody at QB who's held the clipboard for more than a year. Actually, Tui could have a breakout year also. He usually does good during exhibition season, although last year might have been his worst showing. Us fans like to think of Tui as a George Blanda type Raider. We cheer for him when he comes into a game and we feel his pain when things go bad. When things do go bad for Tui we usually blame the coach's play calling or protection breakdown. One thing about Tui is that he never gives up, always trying to make something happen. To be honest, I'm glad Tui is still a Raider. I know he bleeds silver and black. Hopefully Aaron Brooks can learn what it means to be a Raiders QB from Tui (take the hit aaron), and Tui can learn what it takes to be a starting QB from Brooks. To say the least our quarterback situation is a bit unsettling and suspect, just a bit. But like an alleged perpetrator of a crime in the U.S., As of now they're innocent until proven guilty.

Results from the Oakland Raiders 2006 Draft Selections:

Round Overall Player Pos. School Ht. Wt.
1 7 Michael Huff S Texas 6'0" 205
2 38 Thomas Howard OLB UTEP 6'3" 240
3 69 Paul McQuistan OG Weber State 6'6" 315
4 101 Darnell Bing SS USC 6'2" 228
6 176 Kevin Boothe OL Cornell 6'5" 315
7 214 Chris Morris C Michigan State 6'4" 305
7 255 Kevin McMahan WR Maine 6'2" 196

Friday Night Breaking News!

Texans ink DE Mario Williams, to draft him No. 1. Super Mario, from North Carolina State, signed for $54 million. Williams is all of 6ft. 6in., 291lbs. His high school jersey has already been retired. He's been compared to a young Julius Peppers. Offensive Coordinators better start game planning for that Houston Texans defense.

Where will this leave Reggie Bush? That is the million dollar question.

This breaking news alters the landscape of tomorrow's NFL Draft day.

Maybe it helps the Raiders in getting their man, Vince Young, at No. 7. But rather than speculate without getting paid for it, I'll wait until tomorrow for the realtime results. No Mock Drafts on this blog.

As for Reggie Bush, he might want to stay away from agents offering free housing for the next 24hrs.

Home Run No.711 for Barry Bonds

"I Was There." Those three words keep ringing through my head as I remember watching Barry Bonds become a potential game hero in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Mets.

With balls being smacked around all day the Giants found themselves in a deep hole down 7-4 coming into the bottom of the ninth inning. Omar Vizquel would score on a throwing error and Barry Bonds would come in with two outs and a runner on base (Moises Alou). Bonds would face Mets closer Billy Wagner who's fast balls were hitting 98,97 mph.

On a 2-1 pitch the crushing sound of bat against ball froze us fans as we watched a line drive blast climb as it screamed out toward left-center field. I remember jumping up and down pounding on my buddy Peter's shoulder, willing the ball to clear the wall. It did. Giants 7 Mets 7, and every Giants fan was out of their seat cheering bonds as he rounded the bases and pointed skyward at homeplate. the next batter Lance Niekro wasn't able to duplicate Bonds heroic feat and we found ourselves buckling up for a wild extra inning ride to follow.

The home run was Bonds' first off left-handed pitcher Wagner, making him the 418th pitcher to allow a home run to the slugger in his 21-year career.

Wagner said there was no shame in being added to that list.

The Giants went on to lose this game, 9-7 in eleven innings. But the loss couldn't take away that nostalgic moment when Barry Bonds jacked home run no. 711 into the left-center field bleachers and reminded us yet again why we love the game of baseball.

Barry Bangs Out No. 710

Being at SBC/AT&T Park last night when Barry Bonds blasted his 710th career home run made me feel like a part of sports history. The home run came off of New York Mets right-hander Steve Trachsel. The flashing cameras, the neon flickering of 710 on the jumbo screen and above the lower levels, it was what many of the 35,775 fans came to see. The second inning blast lit up the park like fourth of July. There were no fireworks but fans sure sparked to life.

The Giants lost the game 4-1 against the Mets, but the excitement of possibly seeing another blast before the end of the night kept many Giants fans sticking around on a chilly windblown night near the bay. The Giants would not score another run but it didn't take away from that feeling of watching history be made. For those who haven't had the pleasure, watching Barry Bonds at bat is a sporting event in itself.

As for the controversy surrounding Barry, I don't think anybody at the game was wishing Barry would leave the game of baseball to save its integrity. Whether you want to except it or not, Barry Bonds is a baseball legend. The oral stories that fans tell after a player has retired is what makes a player a legend. Everyone who watched Barry's 710 Blast last night will have a story to tell for years. Still think he's not legendary? Go to a Giants game and experience it yourself.

Watching Barry struggle through the pain of running makes you wonder if he's playing for the record (Which he claims he's not) or playing for the chance at a championship. Either way he's demonstrating his toughness and his desire to win. Watching a guy tough it out like that has to do something for team morale. Maybe that's Barry's way of being a team player, by demonstrating his will to win.

Keep it going Barry! Keep it going!

Barry Bonds follows through after hitting career homer No. 709

Yeah, Barry's legs are showing their age, but the swing is full of vitality. In the Giants 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies Bonds delivered his first Home Run of the season against Rockies pitcher Aaron Cook. Back in the dugout after rounding the bases Bonds jubilantly high-fived teamates while jumping up and down like a kid in a jumbo gym. Playing for the love of the game, that's the Barry I enjoy watching.

Defensive Addition

Welcome back to Silver and Black Lance Johnstone, Yes.

The Raiders have signed defensive end Lance Johnstone to bolster the defensive line. Wait til offensive opponents get a load of Johnstone and Burgess baring down on their QB. Johnstone was drafted by the Raiders in 1996 and left as a free agent to the Minnesota Vikings in 2001. Click on Raiders.com to get the full story.

What's A Drive-In?

Now Really, am I that old? After watching an old favorite western movie of mine called "Buck and the Preacher" I mentioned to my lady guest how I'd seen the movie as a kid at the drive-in, circa 1972. My lady friend, younger than me by a number of years and foreign born, innocently posed the question, What is a Drive-In? For a minute I thought she was joking, then I thought I'd better check her ID to be sure she was of legal age. It's okay she's thirty-something. I was relieved when she reminded me that in her country they lack such advanced technology. That's where my lie wanted to kicked in. Here's this sweet innocent young lady who worships every word as it passes through my lips, how could I disappoint her now? It's amazing how cool a drive-in sounds when describing it to someone who doesn't have a clue.


The more questions she asked the more I began to marvel at the intelligence and creativity that went into the initial concept of a drive-in. As I explain to her how the car entrance resembled toll-bridge booths and that you paid not by the carload but by number of persons in the car, she stared almost in disbelief. She then asked how could you hear the movie if the speakers were up near the big screen and your windows were up? I explained the drive-in speakers by referencing a street parking meter as a distant cousin to it. I dare you to try explaining to someone who's never had the drive-in experience how you attach this clunk of oversized junkyard metal to the inner part of your car window and turn a rusty old broken knob in hopes of hearing something that resembles movie dialogue with the least crackle and pop background noise.

She got a real kick out of what it's like arriving before sundown. How did YOU kill time before the drive-in movie began? Or the honking at the car who arrived late and didn't have the courtesy to turn his headlights off and put those yellow parker lights to good use for a change.

The one question I really had a hard time answering or remembering how we did it was seeing the screen from the back seat. Unless you were busy trying to make a move on your girl, just how the heck did you see the movie from the back seat of a ford pinto? Whoever invented the automobile headrest had never watched a drive-in movie from the backseat, that's for sure.

By the time she'd exhausted her curiousity of Drive-ins and realized that what she'd thought was cutting edge technology was actually little more than Flintstones Brainpower, I was totally enwrapped in the walk down memory lane. I must've gone on for 45 minues or so telling her how we'd sneak in curled up in the trunk or how we'd sit on top of someone as the toll collector counted heads in the car. Sure some of the drive-ins got a bit advance tech. by getting the sound on shortwave radio for viewers, but that would come years later. My memories pretty much end around teenager years which for me was late 70's early 80's.

After all the fun memories and funny stories, like watching someone drive off with a speaker still attached or hearing loud snoring from the car next to you, the final question was about food. My take on the drive-in food? Candy and popcorn were better than today's theatres and at a third the cost, but anything passing for meat you best stay away from. The stray cats wouldn't even touch the meat, I still wonder why? You really had to be hungry to eat the cellophane wrapped, fluorescent-light heated burgers and hotdogs from a drive-in food stand that was always a five mile trek across moonlike terrain in the dark to get to. But then again, when you're that young and adventurous the taste buds are as naive as most other teenage senses.

So in summary what's a Drive-in? Community Television Viewed From An Automobile, remote Not Included? Motel 6 for teens? Or maybe Movieland on Mars. Whatever a Drive-in is, it left one helluva imprint on my psychological development and I'm sure many others as well. And some of the best imprints are of me as an adolescent or younger enjoying movies outdoors with family and friends and maybe a stray cat or two.

And Where Did the Drive-in Concept Come From? Click Here.

A Look Back at Raider Fan Loyalty

While going through a bunch of old folders of mine I came across this two page story entitled "What it Means to be a Raider Fan" by Jerry Knaak, now the Raiders.com Dir. of Internet Services. How ironic that just when I begin questioning why I should buy higher priced tickets for the 2006 season I come across this commentary that puts my doubts to rest.

At the time this commentary was written the Raiders hadn't been to the playoffs in five years and hadn't been to a Super Bowl in sixteen. After reading the commentary I was reminded of those bitter years as well as the past three seasons. I was reminded of why I'm a Raiders fan and just what it means to bleed Silver and Black. So if any of you fellow Raider fans out there are thinking of jumping ship or having doubts about another tour of duty, read this commentary as a reminder to yourself of why you signed on for this adventurous journey with the Oakland Raiders to begin with. Win, Lose or Tie, I'm a Raider til I Die.

What it Means to be a Raider Fan
By Jerry Knaak Wednesday, August 18, 1999

I have been an Oakland Raiders fan for the last 27 years. This fact may not seem all that impressive, but consider that I am only 30 years old. It started innocently enough – sitting with Dad watching Monday Night Football. To a three-year-old, the game of professional football is incomprehensible. It is a blur awash with colorful images that tend to blend together. But for this lifelong fan two colors stood out on that Monday night in September of 1973 – Silver and Black. I can still recall pictures of Art Shell Played back on the video screen in my mind. The first Super Bowl I have clear, comprehensive recollections of is Super Bowl XI in which the Raiders dominated the Minnesota Vikings 32 to 14. I still have vivid memories of Willie Brown stepping in front of Sammy White, streaking down the sidelines with an errant Fran Tarkenton pass tucked under his arm.

Recently, being a Raider fan has become synonymous with suffering. Raider fans around the world have endured ridicule, been the butt of jokes, and have learned to trudge through the second half of season after season realizing that the Raiders are not playoff bound yet again. We have seen a slew of head coaches, misguided quarterbacks, and five year playoff drought. It has been a long 16 years since the Raiders hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in celebration of Super Bowl victory. And prior to last season it was starting to look like we were going to have to wait another 16 years.

Don’t get me wrong, being a Raider fan is tremendously rewarding despite the Super Bowl and current playoff droughts. Oakland may not be the intimidator it once was but the team still carries the renegade brand. The pirate, rogue image endures and the colors still inspire awe. The team and fans alike get to sport the best color combination to ever adorn the human body. We have some sort of rivalry with every National Football League team, some of them more heated than others. We go where no fans should go. I once had the audacity to show up at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City driving a Silver Pontiac Trans Am with a Raiders bumper sticker on the back. My car was promptly keyed. While fans from other cities would never have the guts to wear their team colors at the Coliseum (Cowboy fans being the exception), we Raider fans proudly fly the Silver and Black. Whether we’re in Rochester, New York, or Boise, Idaho, or even New Bedford, Massachusetts. Raider fans are everywhere, it’s almost like joining a fraternity. It’s a common body, a single purpose and the language is spoken world-wide.

Perhaps, being a Raider fan has more to do with attitude than anything else. That devil-may-care, take no prisoners philosophy pervades everything we do, and we have no tolerance for finesse and the “namby-pamby.” The team has always recruited those players that nobody else wanted, troublemakers, rabble rousers and miscreants. The fans are the ultimate reflection of the team they support. This is not something to be scoffed or sneered at. It is something to be proud of and Raider fans are proud to be just that.

To be a Raider fan means bleeding Silver and Black (literally and figuratively), it means eating, sleeping and breathing Raiders football 12 months out of the year and it means never giving up the fight. I don’t think I have ever heard of a Raider fan switching allegiances during a run of losing seasons or playoff droughts. This is not about bandwagon jumping. We Raider fans are on a pirate ship with the Jolly Roger flying for all to see and broadside guns ablazing.

My apartment has a shrine quality to it; the Raider shield above the bed, posters depicting Napoleon Kaufman and Tim Brown tacked to the wall, the 1999 schedule hung close to the computer and a Raider coffee mug next to the keyboard. You cannot just be a Raider fan. The words “I’m a Raider fan” do not merely escape your lips when discussing football. As the years go on and your devotion to the team grows, you begin to think of yourself as part of the Raider mystique. You use phrases like, “Just Win Baby,” and “Pride, Poise and Professionalism,” in every day conversation. A Raider fan is not something that you simply are, you breathe it, you live it. If life is full of experiences, then being a Raider fan is a single lifelong experience unto itself.

Unveiling Your 2006 Oakland Raiderettes

My day of mourning the departure of my favorite Raiderette has passed. Its a new day full of new hopes, new dreams and new Raiderettes. It may be raining cats and dogs in the Bay, but in the Raider Nation a silver lining can always be found in the smiles of Footballs Fabulous Females.

Today I give you the 2006 Oakland Raiderettes Squad. Just click here to view interviews and highlights of the Raiderette Audition.

A Sad Day for Raiders Football

Janelle Kitayama

Today I wept when I learned that the 2006 Raiderette Edition would not include Janelle Kitayama. If ever there was a Fabulous Female in Silver and Black it was Janelle. One look at her and you would be as they say in Disney, "Twitter-Pated."

She had the Hawaiian Complexion, The Lustrous Eyes and the Dimpled Smile that separated her from the pack. Her presence was like that of an all-star athlete on a team, she made others around her look better.

When I visited Raiders.com today and saw that the Raiderette Squad for 2006 had been chosen I immediately clicked on the image to make sure Janelle had made the squad. You can imagine how I felt when I didn't see her stunning smile anywhere in the group. At first I thought maybe my aged prescription glasses had failed me, but that thought went out the window on further review of the enlarged group picture.

As mentioned earlier, Janelle stood out in a crowd and made those near her look better. The new group photo has some wonderful looking ladies that will represent the Silver & Black well this season I'm sure. But right now I'm feeling the loss of what I consider one of the finest and fabulous specimens that ever donned a Raiderette uniform. So forgive me if I don't show a warm welcome for the new Raiderette Squad today. I promise to post their group pic with a spicy caption sometime before the season.

For today I just want to thank Janelle Kitayama for the three or so seasons she's lived up to tradition and made our Raiderettes as stunningly fabulous as ever. Though I'll miss seeing through binoculars the flash of her smile and sparkle of her eyes come gameday, I'll cherish the many memories she's given me through the highs and lows of seasons past.

Good Luck in your new pursuits Janelle. May you remain a Raiderette in your heart forever.

RaiderLegend

The Baseball God's Must Be Giants Fans

Lance Niekro rounds the bases after his game-tying homer in the ninth.


Today, April 9, 2006, a day of threatening rains and possible thunderstorms here in San Francisco. My friend Angie and I decide to do some much needed power walking and drop by SBC/AT&T Park to catch a few innings of Giants baseball. We'd figured on watching the game for free from the knothole underneath the rightfield wall. The Sunday game was the fourth and final of the opening week games against the Atlanta Braves. We'd won the first game which Angie and I attended, blew the Friday night game thanks to Tyler Walker's pitching and won the Saturday game with ease. So this game today could have us finishing off opening week with a home record of 3-1 against the hard hitting Braves.

My friend Angie and I had spent an hour or so earlier discussing, more like debating, the relationship between Christianity and the Seventh Day Adventist Church. By the time we'd both exhausted our arguements and pulled up reference information on the internet we were cursing each other to an afterlife of hell and wanting to drop the whole religious subject altogether. We agreed to disagree and asked God to forgive us of our sins and misunderstandings of religion.

And so it was that as we walked mostly in silence not wanting to irritate one another nearing SBC Park that a white haired man appeared on the narrow sidewalk approaching us. I noticed he was wearing the type of Giants gear that an usher in the stadium would wear. As he got closer I notticed he was also wearing a black waist-level apron with pockets like someone who collected tickets and after tearing it returned half to the ticket holder and the other half into a pocket.

It only took seconds for me to recognize that this could be a Giants employee but I questioned why an employee would be walking away from the stadium with the game still in the early innings. My intent was to say something jokingly to him about leaving the job early, maybe something like "The Giants Aren't Playing That Bad Are They?" But before I could say a word this man with gray hair and a straight face quickly said "You want tickets to the game, right behind home plate?" The way he said it was as if he were in a rush with little patience for chit chat. By the time I said "Sure" he was passing me with two tickets held out for me to grab up. The gentleman never broke stride as I snatched two tickets from his fingers and thanked him in passing. I looked at the tickets, looked at Angie with her mouth dropped open and turned to look at the back of this generous soul to make sure he was real. He never said another word.

Angie was too shocked and excited to respond to what had just happened. She had a kid-like giddiness about her as if just seeing a spectacular magic trick performed right in front of her eyes and not being able to comprehend just how it was done. I on the other hand began checking the authenticity of the two tickets and hoping this wasn't some practical joke with a hidden camera rolling on us somewhere for someone's personal entertainment. The tickets looked good and we immediately went into gameday mode with our pit-stop at safeway for food and beverages.

As we entered the stadium and found our seats, (Sec318 Row15 Seats10/11), we'd already sumised that we may be behind home plate but three tiers above it, which was fine by us. Our seating view turned out to be just wonderful with overhang protection should the rains begin pouring down. Immediately we saw that Braves fans were all through our section and were cheering their team on. The Giants had a 4-1 lead with the Braves starting to hit our pitching ace Jason Schmidt. We'd already gotten to their ace pitcher Smoltz. But when I compared the two ace pitchers numbers it appeared Schmidt had thrown far more pitches than Smoltz and was beginning to show some wear.

It was in the sixth inning that Schmidt gave up a three run homer allowing the Braves to tie the game 4-4. The Braves fans were alive and loud after that and though gracious, they wouldn't let up until the final play of the game. We saw Barry Bonds strike out, to the hoopla of Braves fans, and then he was walked yet again with a man on second. Barry made a good hustling catch on a pop-up to left but raised temporary concern in us Giants fans who thought maybe he'd pulled something in his leg on the play. Angie reminded me that Barry always walks with a slight limp, it would take a woman to notice such a thing.

In the seventh inning Edgar Renteria doubled in a run and the Braves took the lead 5-4. By now the Braves fans had been given more to cheer about of late and I must say that the Giants chances of pulling this one out looked bleak. The Giants were still playing excellent defense but weren't getting the hits needed for a comeback. When Braves outfielder Chipper Jones went down with a leg or ankle injury the Braves fans were a bit shaken but still confident of winning the game.

A throng of boos filled the stadium when Tyler Walker came in to face a Braves pinch-hitter for what would turn out to be the final Braves out in the eigth inning. Finally, the Braves replaced Smoltz with a reliever in the bottom of the eigth and our hitting gave us a bit of hope.

By the top of the ninth the Giants Tim Worrell, to the relief of all paying Giants fans, relieved Tyler Walker and shutdown the Braves, giving our hitters a chance in the bottom of the ninth inning. The big jumbotron had already shown skits from the movie Rocky in hopes of pumping up our team and our fans. Lou Seal was donning his golden boxing gloves throwing combo punches to the wind. The Braves fans were still sounding loud and looking assured of a victory. But as the saying goes, something happened on the way to the forum, and because the game is never over until the fat lady sings, us faithful Giants fans who stayed behind witnessed the following bottom of the ninth inning magic:

--------------------------- MIDDLE 9TH

Bottom 9TH B:2 S:2 O:0
Atlanta Braves second baseman Marcus Giles left the game due to an injured leg.

Bottom 9TH B:2 S:2 O:0
Lance Niekro homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.

Bottom 9TH B:1 S:2 O:0
Pedro Feliz singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Langerhans.

Bottom 9TH B:1 S:0 O:1
Mike Matheny out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Chris Reitsma to second baseman Pete Orr. Pedro Feliz to 2nd.

Bottom 9TH B:0 S:0 O:1
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Steve Finley replaces Tim Worrell.

Bottom 9TH B:4 S:0 O:1
Chris Reitsma intentionally walks Steve Finley.

Bottom 9TH B:0 S:0 O:1
Randy Winn singles on a pop up to second baseman Pete Orr. Pedro Feliz scores. Steve Finley to 2nd.

Giants Win 6-5
Heroes of the Game: Nance Niekro & Randy Winn
Memorable Moment: Pedro Feliz's read and run home off Winn's game winning hit
Priceless Snapshots: Stunned Faces of Atlanta Braves Fans


On a day when the San Francisco weather held long enough to allow the Giants a comeback victory I am overjoyed to have witnessed such a spectacular win. And as I think back to the events that led to my being at SBC Park for this miracle game I wonder about the generous gentleman that so nonchalantly passed me the tickets that gave me and Angie the privilege to see this game. Who was he and why was he the only person walking away from the stadium? I wonder if he maybe he'd already known that today's game would be one for the ages. Wherever you are mister, I and my friend Angie want to Thank You for your generosity and hope that someday we or some other soul can return the gesture of kindness to you.

The rains did finally come but only after I'd made it to the comforts of my home and ESPN was replaying highlights from the Giants/Braves game. For a minute I thought I saw the generous gentleman who gave us the tickets in the camera's background. Who knows, maybe their are angels in the outfield.

I Hate L.A. Teams

I truly enjoy watching teams from L.A. lose. I know it's not very christian-like of me to wish ill-will on my brothers from down-state, but when it comes to sports I can't find a single good thing to say about or root for out of L.A.. As a matter of fact, I revel in cheering for any opponent that so happens to be playing against an L.A. team.

I cheered for the Texas Longhorns to defeat the USC football team in the Rose Bowl and Vince Young delivered the most beautiful knockout punch to Leinart and Bush. In front of the entire sporting world on a stage set in L.A. no less.

I cheered for every NCAA team that UCLA faced in the march madness basketball tournament and finally the Florida Gators beat them down in the championship game, winning with a defensive style that UCLA employed against opponents throughout the tournament. Again, a loss I enjoyed all the more because all the world of sports was watching. Gator-Meat, Gator-Meat.

And though L.A. has some of the hottest babes, I cheered when I heard the Purdue Women's basketball team beat the UCLA team in round 2 of the Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament. Hell, if they ain't the Laker Girls, then they can be gator-meat, boilermaker meat or any other meat their opponent desires.

Add Dodger Blue to my list of undesireables. Dodgers lost 8-9 yesterday to the ATL Braves and I cheered not only the loss but the heartbreak they endured when after trailing 5-8 for four innings they came back with three runs to tie it in the seventh, only to allow the Braves a game winning run in the eighth inning. Braves Win! The Braaaves Win! Yes. Add to the loss inuries to Olmedo Saenz and Jeff Kent and Dodger Blue is looking powder puff blue these days. Nomar Garciaparra and Kenny Lofton were already on the disabled list. But wait there's more, announced today was elbow-surgery for that most hated and feared of closers, Eric ("The Beast") Gagne. Should we put a fork in them now or wait until after the Giants have had their way with'em? Sorry, there's no crying in Baseball Dodger fans.

I've hated the L.A./Anaheim Angels even before their listing as LAA on the scoreboard. I'm not even an A.L. fan, but I'll boo any Angels team just the same. Who were they to beat my Giants in the 2002 World Series? If Barry and the Giants had won that World Series fans today would be bowing down to Barry instead of throwing toy syringes at him in left field.

Hockey? Not much of a fan but I'll take our San Jose Sharks over the L.A. Kings anyday. Ever seen the Kings uniforms? Looks just like the Sacramento Kings Basketball emblems on them. Wonder who stole who's idea. And any city that names their team Ducks, such as Anaheim, ought to be pucked to death. I don't care how mighty they claim to be. Sorry Oregon U.

This past weekend while hanging out in Las Vegas I cheered on the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League as they whupped up on the Los Angeles Avengers 63-49. The Avengers record is 3-7, below the 4-6 San Jose Sabercats.

And as I sit here typing this L.A. hater confession the Denver Nuggets are going into the locker room at half-time ahead of the Lakers, 58-49. Denver was leading by 16 points when I started this soul emptying admission and I'll continue cheering the Nuggets on to victory in the second half. Carmelo Anthony has made some moves that convince me he'll be a force in the NBA for some time. Kobe has a great game, but Carmelo runs a great game, there is a difference, most notably, teamwork.

So on a day when I receive news that my Raiders will play four prime-time games, though only one will be at home, I'm satisfied. Actually, I can't wait for football-less L.A. to get a NFL team so I can start hating them also...Again.

But I must admit, there is one team that you might catch me quietly urging on toward winning this season. It's the team that L.A. loves to hate. They've treated this team like a red-headed stepchild ever since they arrived on their doorstep in 1984 from San Diego . This team has never been anything more than a doormat for their big brother team who reluctantly shares the same playing court with them. This could be the year that this Rodney Dangerfield of L.A. finally gets some respect at home. If not respect then maybe redemption for enduring the insults and injuries inflicted upon them by that good for nothing fan base in SoCal. Jim Rome won't have them to kick around during the playoffs. I'm talking about those long-time cellardwellers of the NBA Western Conference. The Clippers. What could be better than watching the Clippers sweep the Lakers in a NBA playoff series? It could happen, and I'd be glued to the television rooting for those SoCal Clippers. Clip it Baby, Clip it!

So, back to reality and the present. Fifteen minutes left to play with the Denver Nuggets leading the L.A. Lakers 76-66. A black cloud seems to be hovering over the sporting world of L.A. and it ain't the usual fuel emmissions this time. Maybe the curse of the bambino has found a new home since being exorcised from Boston, or is it possible that the walkman wearing Steve Bartman of Chicago Cubs Lore has transplanted to L.A. via the FBI Witness Protection Program? Whatever the reasons, the usual winning teams of L.A. just ain't what they used to be and I'm crying crocodile tears of joy watching them lose.

Oh wait a minute. What is that rumbling rallying cry I hear coming out of my television set?

B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A. B-E-A-T L.A.

Sports Update

Final Score OT
Denver Nuggets 110
L.A. Lakers 108

Raiders 2006 Schedule

Date Opponent Time TV
Sunday, August 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles 5:00 p.m. PT (Hall of Fame game) NBC
Monday, August 14 at Minnesota Vikings 5:00 p.m. PT ESPN
August 17 - 21 vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS TBA TBA
August 24 - 28 vs. DETROIT LIONS TBA TBA
August 31 - September 2 at Seattle Seahawks TBA TBA


2006 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Monday, September 11 vs. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 7:15 p.m. PT ESPN
Sunday, September 17 at Baltimore Ravens 10:00 a.m. PT CBS
Sunday, September 24
BYE WEEK
Sunday, October 1 vs. CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:15 p.m. PT CBS
Sunday, October 8 at San Francisco 49ers 1:05 p.m. PT CBS
Sunday, October 15 at Denver Broncos 5:15 p.m. PT NBC
Sunday, October 22 vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS 1:15 p.m. PT FOX
Sunday, October 29 vs. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:15 p.m. PT CBS
Monday, November 6 at Seattle Seahawks 5:30 p.m. PT ESPN
Sunday, November 12 vs. DENVER BRONCOS 1:05 p.m. PT * CBS
Sunday, November 19 at Kansas City Chiefs 10:00 a.m. PT* CBS
Sunday, November 26 at San Diego Chargers 1:05 p.m. PT * CBS
Sunday, December 3 vs. HOUSTON TEXANS 1:05 p.m. PT* CBS
Sunday, December 10 at Cincinnati Bengals 10:00 a.m. PT* CBS
Sunday, December 17 vs. ST. LOUIS RAMS 1:15 p.m. PT* FOX
Saturday, December 23 vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 5:00 p.m. PT NFLN
Sunday, December 31 at New York Jets 10:00 a.m. PT* CBS

RIZE RAIDER NATION! RIZE!

If you like checking out video streams on the internet then you must visit the site "YouTube.com. Any and everything imaginable can be found in picture and video form. After finding this site I did what any silverblooded Raiders fan would do, I searched on "Raiders" to see what video clips and pics they had to offer a fan of the Silver and Black. Wow, did I hit the jackpot. There were video clips from Coliseum Tailgates as well as inside the Coliseum during the game. I'm sure I'll probably come across myself in someone's video clip at some point. It's a must for any Raiders fan to check out some of these homemade videos. I must say that the makers of some of these clips show some professionalism in their editing. I once did the parking lot video camera thing and found that it's not as easy as it seems, filming when you've had a few drinks, a few puffs and overdosing on Raider Nation adrenaline.

Oh, about the jackpot video I came across on YouTube.com. We all remember this clip from our Sunday Night ESPN rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003. I remember being in New York and wearing my Raiders gear while watching the game at my family's house. I'd already been pumped from all the big plays the Raiders had executed in dominating the Buccaneers in the first half. So it was a truly unexpected treat when at half-time this video clip appeared on the television and got me up and out of my seat yelling Raiders!Raiders!Raiders! I tell you that video had me ready to go to war. I was never prouder of the networks and NFL for not censoring the Raider Nation from primetime and finally airing a commercial that represents our passion and commitment to our team. So Rize!Rize!Rize and be counted as a soldier of our Nation. The Raider Nation. SEE VIDEO

Welcome to the Raider Nation Aaron Brooks

Myself, I've always thought Aaron Brooks was a scrappy quarterback. Even if he does resemble the comedian Martin. He's mobile and can throw a nice long ball. But unless we tighten up our offensive line, no Raiders quarterback will be safe from opposing defensive pressure.

I hope to see Andrew Walter get a shot this year. Here's another But, if the Raiders have a shot at getting Vince Young do that take him?

Who and what position should we pick up in the 1st round of the draft is the question?

Man's Toddler Son Wanders Into Strip Club

As Dorothy said to toto: We Ain't In Kansas Anymore.

Instead of seeing a twisting cyclone approaching, this little lad saw Gyrating Silicone Implants. His father had told him if he didn't stay in the car "Monsters Would Eat Him."

I tell you I just can't make up stuff as good as this.

Here's the story:

The Associated Press
Tuesday, March 21, 2006; 10:01 PM

TULSA, Okla. -- A Kansas man was arrested at a Tulsa strip club after police say his toddler son wandered from an unlocked car into the club over the weekend.

Christopher Greg Killion, 31, was arrested Saturday on a complaint of "encouraging a minor child to be in need of supervision." He posted $500 bond and was released from the Tulsa Jail.

The toddler told police that his father told him to stay in the car, and that if he left it, "monsters would eat him," reports indicate.

A manager at the club had called police to report that about 30 minutes after Killion entered the club, a 3- to 4-year-old boy came inside looking for his father.

Officers determined that the boy had been left alone in a car in the strip club's parking lot. The car was unlocked and parked about 20 feet from a four-lane street. It was raining and 45 degrees outside at the time, an officer noted in the police report.