Monday, February 22, 2021
Australian Open 2021
Just when we thought that there was a chance that one of our Canadian men might move closer to the top of the tennis world, our hopes were dashed yet again last weekend.
Novak Djokovic
On that occasion, we backed Milos Raonic, our giant serve and volley guy out of the GTA. Raonic has been an international figure on the men's tennis circuit for several years, but has not been able to defeat Novak Djokovic. His loss last weekend at the Australian Open made it a dozen times that the Serbian has come out on top, each and every time he has faced Raonic.
The match was televised at 5:00am Sunday morning. Understandably, I did not catch the warmup, nor a few of the first games. But I did rise in time to see the end of the first set, then the second. At that point, they were all tied up. Djokovic was said to have some sort of injury, but that was not readily apparent. He raced from one side of the backcourt to the other, stretching as only he does, to reach shots and return them with a little mustard on them. Djokovic won 7-6 4-6 6-1 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.
Prior to his match against Roanic, Novak played Taylor Fritz. He was cruising along nicely, up by two sets, when he knew something was wrong. He suspected it was an abdominal muscle tear. But he decided to play on, and he won the match in 5 sets. At that point, he put down the racket for two days, preparing for Raonic.
He has won 17 major titles, trailing only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each. Djokovic noted: “If I'm part of any tournament other than a Grand Slam event, I definitely wouldn't be playing”.
He faced Alexander Zverer, from Germany on Tuesday morning. In his comments, Zverer does not sound overly optimistic. “This is his favourite court. This is his favourite tournament. To be able to have a chance against him, you have to be playing extremely well”. Zverer has lost 5 times to Djokovic, but defeated him twice. Djokovic again prevailed, in a tremendous match: 6-7 6-2 6-4 7-6.
Rafael Nadal
Nadal now faces the fine Greek tennis player, Stefanos Tsitsipas. By advancing to the quarter final, he is guaranteed half a million bucks. Nothing shabby about that.
The money is the same for the women, which seems fair. One woman still in the hunt is Jessica Pergula. She will be playing Jennifer Brady to advance to the semi-finals. Jessica is not terribly worried about the money, as her father owns, amongst other things, the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills. Serena advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Simona Halep in straight sets.
Last weekend, due to the COVID, they shut the door on fans, walked them up the aisles to the exits. Thousands of fans have flown to Australia for the Open. There is a chance they may be allowed to watch on Wednesday. The players were quarantined before the start of the tourney. It has truly messed up all of our lives.
Toronto Maple Leaf fans are smiling ear to ear, with the team's results thus far. Monday night's collapse against the Senators erased those smiles, temporarily. Not so good for the Raptors. Long seasons ahead.
James Hurst
February 15, 2021.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Super Bowl 2021
The premier sports event in North America took place last weekend in Tampa Bay, Florida. It is the last National Football League match of the season. It is called the “Super Bowl”.
This was the 55th Super Bowl game, and was billed to be a classic confrontation between the wily veteran, Tom Brady, and his young opponent, Patrick Mahomes. It did not unfold quite that way.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trounced the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, to win their second Super Bowl. The Chiefs had won last year, and were heavily favouried to repeat.
They say that great defences will win the big games. That is only partially true. In this case, the Buccaneers outplayed the Chiefs in all areas of concern. In addition, the Chiefs took far too many penalties, especially in the first half of the game. At one point, they had been penalized 8 times, costing them almost 100 yards. Some of those infractions involved “unsportsmanlike conduct”, an impardonable sin in a game of this magnitude.
Patrick Mahones was not 100% for this game. Reports told us that he might require foot surgery following the game. The Buccaneers took advantage of this, and chased him around the field throughout the game. One report indicated that Mahomes had run more than 400 yards during the game to avoid onrushing linemen. Tom Brady, on the other hand, was pursued for 30 yards.
Mahones was able to taget Travis Kelce for several passes. But he was no match for the Brady-Gronkowski combination. “Gronk” had two touchdowns in the game. Antonio Brown, another castoff by a couple of other teams this year, added another TD with a reception. Leonard Fournette scampered for the other major score. Brady was sharp throughout the game, winning his 7th Super Bowl, while adding the Most Valuable Player hardware to his collection.
On many occasions, personal situations often influence the fate of sports contests. The coach of the Chiefs, Andy Reid, had to deal with a matter that took place the previous day. His son, and also one of his coaches, was involved in a serious car accident, and alcohol may have been a factor in the mishap.
For the first time in the history of the game, a woman worked as an official. Sarah Thomas patrolled the lines duting the game. The halftime entertainer was a lad from Scarborough, dubbed “The Weekend”. He did a fine job, in my estimation.
I receive a “live feed” from a television network in Florida. Following the game, the fans celebrated the victory: no masks, no social distancing, no regard for their health, or the health of others. The results of these actions will become apparent in about a week's time.
Several National Hockey League games are cancelled this week. Despite the pandemic, the teams playing in the Canadian Division have managed to stay healthy. The Maple Leafs and the Canadiens have moved ahead of the other teams. The Ottawa Senators simply cannot get untracked.
The tennis is underway Down Under. Melbourne is hosting the Australian Open, and several Canadian men and women have already advanced. That should make for good viewing in the following fortnight.
Cheers, and stay safe!
James Hurst
February 9, 2021.
Baseball Hall of Fame 2021
Each year, at this time, the powers that be at the Baseball Hall of Fame announce their inductees. Or, as is the case the year, they send out word that there aren't any. This has happened on other occasions, and always results in much discussion. To no avail. The decision is firm. Check back next year, at about the same time. Maybe we will have a name or two, or even more. Just not this year.
Naturally, this blank page result is not well accepted by many who follow the game. To get the real “feel” for the honour of being inducted, you have to visit the building in Cooperstown, New York. It is an hour or two east of Syracuse, easily reached in a day from our area. There are many other activities in the area, just in case not all of the members of your party have an interest in the game.
Within the confines of the building, there are wonderful displays to keep you in awe for many hours. You will eventually end up in the “Hall”, which has “shrine-like” characteristics. No loud talking, all in hushed tones. No running, for goodness sake. Consumption of ice cream cones not permitted on premises.
Along the walls of the Hall are the plaques of all inductees, from its inception date to the present. Induction ceremonies are held in an outdoor area separate from the Hall, and could likely accommodate close to 100 000 fans. A great celebration, often attended by baseball fans from around the world.
To become an inductee, you will be chosen by about 400 members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. A person becomes a member of that group by writing about baseball for ten years, for a major newspaper or magazine, usually in a baseball city. Voters cast their ballots, often in a public manner, to indicate their choices for the Hall.
It is an interesting time to talk about the whole voting process in North America today. In the strict political sense, in the United States, there are elections for presidents, senators, congressmen, judges, sheriffs, school board members...The list goes on and on. As we have seen, these elections can be somewhat contentious.
As far as the Baseball Hall of Fame is concerned, nominees must get a 75% rating in order to become a member.
For many, the waters have become somewhat muddied in recent years. Many potential inductees are being ignored, mainly because they are suspected of taking some sort of drug that has enhanced their performances. Of course, this does not apply only to baseball. It has been a major concern to the Olympic movement as well. Individuals have been stripped of their medals, whole countries have been told not to send teams to upcoming games, because of their drug programs.
Pete Rose has not been invited into the Hall, even though he had on-field credentials that would have earned him a spot. But he negated that right by messing around with gambling, and that is frowned upon. Those who control the game try to keep it “clean”. And you just can't fault them for that.
Baseball teams have been stealing signs since the game began. A batter has a better chance of getting on base if he knows what kind of pitch is on its way to the plate. The Houston Astros were recently caught, red-handed, at this practice. Lots of punishment was thrown at the team, and a few of their players. Some of them may be on the ballot to enter the Hall some day. Will they get in?
Cheaters never prosper, we were told. We now have ample opportunities to question that statement. I contend that baseball must maintain its standards to limit admissions to the Hall. The whiners will squeal, the young, ink-stained writers who have the votes will demand the doors to be opened wide. Not on my watch, thanks.
James Hurst
February 1, 2021
Wednesday, February 03, 2021
Aaron and Armstrong
The world of sport lost two great competitors last week with the passing of Henry Aaron and George Armstrong. Both men had outstanding careers, and were inducted into their respective Halls of Fame.
George Armstrong was born in Skead, Ontario, not far from Sudbury. His father was a nickel miner, and his mother was aboriginal. He was encouraged to play sports, especially hockey, in his youth. He played for the Copper Cliff Junior Redmen, and for the Sudbury High School team with Tim Horton. He was signed to the Toronto Maple Leafs protected list, and sent south to play for Stratford.
In 1950, he moved to Toronto, playing for the Junior and the Senior Marlboro teams. He won the Allan Cup with the Senior team. He played a couple of games the following season for the Leafs, but was sent to the minor team in Pittsburgh for a couple of years of seasoning. In 1952, he returned to the Leafs, spending the next 21 seasons in Toronto. He was named captain by Conn Smythe, and he wore the “C” for 11 seasons. He won the Stanley Cup four times, the last in 1967. That is such a painful reminder to Leaf fans.
He continued on in the game, primarily as a scout. He coached the Junior Marlies to two Memorial Cup Championships in the 72-73 and 73-74 seasons. He also had a brief stint behind the Leaf bench, not one he particularly enjoyed.
He enjoyed his role as a scout. He rarely missed a game at the Gardens, and was often seen at the Quinte Sports Centre in Belleville. He was an imposing figure, well over six feet tall, and broad-shouldered. He always chatted with local fans at the Bulls' games.
He played more games for the Leafs than any other player. He entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975. Armstrong died January 24th. He was 90 years old.
“Hammerin' Hank of the Braves” was the name given to one of the best baseball players ever to step into the batter's box. Hank Aaron was born February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama. He was a wonderful natural athlete. In order to practise hishome runs. batting skills, he used broom sticks and bottle caps, a common activity in the southern states.
He and his brother Tommie, who also played Major League baseball moved from the high school sand lots to play organized baseball. Aaron played briefly for the Indianapolis Clowns. When he completed his Major League career in Milwaukee, he was the last player from the Negro Leagues still active in the game.
Aaron is best known as the player who broke Babe Ruth's home run record of 714. He knocked the ball pitched by Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers into the left field bullpen, rounded the bases and was greeted by his teammates and fans at home plate. Needless to say, a tremendous weigt was lifted from his shoulders.
Aaron was no slouch on the field. He had three Gold Glove Awards in his trophy case as the best fielder in his position.
Many of you will remember the term “batting cross-handed”. You weere simply told not to do it. When you batted right-handed, from the left side of the plate, your right hand would have to be closer to the top of the bat. Until he was 18 years old, Aaron batted cross-handed. Good thing he made the adjustment!
He went north in 1952 to play in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for the Bears. The following year, he played in Jacksonville, Florida, before moving up to the Braves, first in Milwaukee, then to Atlanta.
As can be expected, he dealt with racism much of his career. At one restaurant in the south, he heard the kitchen staff smashing the plates he had used, so that they could never be used again. He often received plenty of mail, some of it dreadful. The post office reported that it had processed almost a million letters the year he broke Ruth's record.
He still holds the record with 2 297 runs-batted-in, and extra base hits with 1 477. Perhaps his finest year was 1957, when he was the Most Valuable Player, and the Braves won the World Series.
Aaron passed away on January 22nd. He was 86 years old.
May they both rest in peace.
James Hurst
January 26, 2021
Willie O'Ree
Last Monday, our American neighbours celebrated Martin Luther King Day. For a number of reasons, they celebrated in a muted fashion. Due to COVD 19 restrictions, there were no parades in American cities. This coming Wednesday is the day Joe Biden becomes President, and Kamala Harris, the Vice President. There has been significant turmoil leading up to the Inauguration, also affecting the events.
Security around the Capitol in Washington, and around the capitals of all of the other states will be unprecidented. For the first time in 150 years, the outgoing president will not attend the inauguration. Donald Trump has made plans to head out to his estate in Florida.
Members of teams in the National Basketball Association paid tribute to Dr. King prior to their games on Monday. There were recorded tributes from players and coaches. Players wore jerseys indicating tributes to King. Several players knelt during opening ceremonies, harkening back to the effort of Colin Kapernick, when he played for the San Francisco 49ers.
In Boston, the Bruins organization paid tribute to one of its former players, in a significant manner. Number 22 was retired. It was worn by Willie O'Ree when he first skated for the Bruins on January 18, 1958. A native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, O'Ree had paid his dues in the minor leagues, earning the right to advance to the National Hockey League. On that night, he became the first African American to play hockey at the highest level. I use that term loosely, perhaps African Canadian would be more appropriate.
O'Ree was born on October 15, 1935. He remains active in hockey circles, even though he will celebrate his 86th birthday later this year. When he was 18 years old, O'Ree was hit in the eye with a puck, and lost sight in that eye. He remained in the game, and a few weeks later he was chosen by Punch Imlach to play for the Quebec Aces, at that time one of the best hockey teams not in the National League. O'Ree knew that it was in his best interests not to tell anyone about his eye injury, and he kept it secret. He played a couple of games for the Bruins in 1958, and several more later in his career.
Willie was subject to racial taunts throughout his career. He said that he heard, “Go back to the South”, and far worse. “Things like that didn't bother me. I just wanted to be a hockey player, and if they couldn't accept that fact, that was their problem, not mine.”
Between 1961 and 1974, Willie won two scoring titles in the Western Hockey League. Most of his career was spent with the Los Angeles Blades and the San Diego Gulls in the WHL. He did have a stint in the American Hockey League with the New Haven Nighthawks, and in the Eastern Professional Hockey League with Kingston, in the 1959-1960 season. He retired when he was 43 years old.
It was not until 1974 that another African Canadian skated in the NHL, Mike Marson for the Washington Capitals. Currently, there are more than 25 black players in the NHL. I have often thought of the All Time, All Star African American hockey team. Grant Fuhr would be my goalie.
Willie now works as the “Diversity Ambassador” for the NHL. He has been awarded a long list of accolades in his life, including the Order of Canada and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
James Hurst
January 19, 2021
Bills Win!! 2021
While most of the world is hunkered down due to the pandemic, a few thousand fans gathered in the Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to watch their Bills. The team played well, in all three major areas of concern: offence, defence, and special teams.
But it took an excellent play, in the dying seconds of the team, to seal the deal. They call it a “Hail Mary” play, with no ill intent. The quarterback takes the snap, backs up a few paces, winds up and fires the ball high into the air at the opposition's end zone. The purpose is to have one of his players catch the ball to win the game.
On Saturday, Indianapolis Colts' Phillip Rivers threw such a pass toward the Bills' end zone. The Bills had lost a game this year on a similar play. Tackle Dion Dawkins summed up the play, from a Bills' perspective. “You know, this time I was happy that it was going up there. Our guys practise it every day. They practise for it NOT to happen. Micah Hyde went up and tomahawked that ball down like he was a starter on the volleyball court. That was a double-handed tomahawk as a statement, like it was not going to happen again to us.”
The Bills will play the Baltimore Ravens this coming Saturday night in Buffalo. One Bills fan, who shall go nameless, suggested that we pile into our vehicles and drive through the NEXIS lane in Fort Erie. Likely wouldn't work.
The Rams will have the joy of playing on the frozen tundra in Green Bay to face the Packers on Saturday afternoon. The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. A couple of old pros will face off in New Orleans when the Saints and Drew Brees will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady, also on Sunday.
The Bills' game was certainly a see-saw affair. With Josh Allen at the helm, the Queen City squad was able to move the ball on the ground and in the air. Allen used an array of receivers to get the job done: Dawson Knox, Stefon Diggs, and Cole Beasley did most of the work.
The hockey season gets underway in the United States on Wednesday night, and in Canada on Thursday night. Due to the COVID 19, the Canadian teams will play all of their games in The Great White North.
The Raptors are currently on the West Coast, which, historically, is not a good thing. They have stumbled out of the gate this year, and there is some concern. They lost a squeaker to the Golden State Warriors last Sunday night, and to Portland on Monday night, leaving them with a win-loss record of 2-7. Not good.
The sports world lost one of its more colourful characters last week. Tommy Lasorda truly bled Dodger blue. He played for them, managed them, scouted for them throughout their transition from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. I met him, briefly, at Cooperstown a couple of years ago. He was holding court with a couple of other Hall of Famers. Lots of giggles.
Stay safe.
January 11, 2021
