George M Steinbrenner III: From A Fan's Point Of View

It has been a sad week for Yankee fans. In my latest post for Empire Sports now, I take a look at George Steinbrenner from a fan's perspective.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/13/george-m-steinbrenner-iii-from-a-fans-point-of-view/

-Mike Tursi

Remembering Bob Sheppard

In my latest post for Empire Sports Now, I honor the legendary man who gave a voice to Yankee Stadium. Bob Sheppard was a man who became as iconic as the ballpark he helped turn into a cathedral.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/11/remembering-bob-sheppard/

-Mike Tursi

Life after "The Decision"

And so, we have completed day 1 ALD (After LeBron's Decision). And we've found out a few things about our brave new world. For one thing, it's a lot quieter than the final days of the old world. During the counting down to "The Decision" (Do I owe ESPN royalties for the use of this?), the sports world was in a frenzy on what team King James would choose to play for next season. The announcement itself seemed so anticlimactic. How could it not be. It was impossible to live up to that kind of hype. Did I mention there was an hour long special on ESPN?

Things have now pretty much returned to normal. In New York, Knick fans have gone back to coveting Amare Stoudemire. In Chicago, the same can be said about Carlos Boozer. Those crickets you here; that's Cleveland. The only place to really be affected by all of this is Miami. This is the place in which LeBron James has decided to try and make his legend a reality. Which is something he could never quite realize in Cleveland.

There were no Parades. No keys to the city given out. The sun rose, and we all went about our day. The verdict on this choice is still months, maybe years, away. After all, that's what free agency is. Hope. You can dress it up and sell it anyway you want. But a championship isn't rewarded in July.

The noise will return. It will rise to a crescendo preceding a trip to Cleveland, or to Madison Square Garden. Which is where, for the past two years, most people thought James would be playing his home games. After that, the noise will fade again. Until the playoffs, which is where the noise will be justified. Then, and only then, will his decision be put to the test.

But until that time comes, we will go about our business in this new world much as we did in the old one. With not much concern for what LeBron James is doing or where he is going.

-Mike Tursi

History In Action, Part I: Derek Jeter

My latest post for Empire Sports Now is the first in a four part series that takes a look at the Yankees Core Four and their status in Yankee lore. First up, Derek Jeter.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/09/history-in-action-part-i-derek-jeter/

-Mike Tursi

Teixeira Reprises Role As Bronx Bomber; Helps Yankees To Subway Series Victory

My latest post for Empire Sports Now takes a look at Mark Teixeira finding his swing and leading the Yankees past the Mets in the Subway Series.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/06/21/teixeira-reprises-role-of-bronx-bomber-helps-yankees-to-subway-series-victory/

-Mike Tursi

A World Series Rematch? Hardly

My latest post for Empire Sports Now talks about how the Interleague Matchup between the 2009 World Series opponents couldn't possibly live up to the unnecessary media hype.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/06/18/a-world-series-rematch-hardly/

-Mike Tursi

The 2010 Philadelphia Flyers: One Last Look Back

My latest post for The Hockey Herald takes one final look at the Philadelphia Flyers improbable 2010 season.

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3063

-Mike Tursi

Why Interleague Play Isn't Fair To The New York Yankees, Or The Rest Of Major League Baseball

My latest post for Empire Sports Now takes a look at why it's time to do away with Interleague Play.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/06/14/why-interleague-play-isnt-fair-to-the-yankees-or-the-rest-of-major-league-baseball/

-Mike Tursi

The End Of The 2010 Season Is Upon Us And The Flyers Are Ready

My latest post for The Hockey Herald can be found by following the link below:

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3051

-Mike Tursi

Flyers Showing Their Resiliency In The Stanley Cup Finals

My latest post for The Hockey Herald can be found by following this link:

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3048

-Mike Tursi

Flyers Set To Write The Final Chapter Of The 2010 Season

My latest post for The Hockey Herald can be found by following this link:

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3040

-Mike Tursi

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast: Flyers Historic Comeback

I was honored to be a guest on The SportsFan Buzz Podcast to discuss the Flyers historic comeback against the Boston Bruins in Round 2 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Podcast can be heard here.

http://sportsfanbuzz.blogspot.com/2010/05/fan-of-comeback-sfb-podcast-5212010.html

My thanks again to Sal Cartusciello, host of The SportsFan Buzz.

-Mike Tursi

Are Flyers Fans Hitting The Panic Button? Not On Your Life

My latest post for the Hockey Herald can be found by following this link.

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3034

-Mike Tursi

Red Sox, Bruins, And The Selling Of Souls

Disclaimer: The inspiration for this post came to me after hearing my brother relay a story about a caller to WIP, a local Philadelphia Sports Radio Station, on Friday, who gave soul selling as the reason the Flyers would overcome a 3-0 deficit to beat the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. All credit for this post goes to that caller, whose name I do not know, and to my brother, who is an ongoing inspiration.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Curse as 1) An appeal to Supernatural Power for evil to befall someone or something. 2) The evil thus invoked. Ominous definitions for an ominous word. If you believe in such things. And if you do, than you understand that only an equally powerful supernatural force can reverse such an evil. But could something so evil only be vanquished by a more powerful evil? Enter the Red Sox and the City of Boston. Sufferers of "The Curse Of Babe Ruth" for 86 years, Red Sox fans were on the brink of another disappointment in October of 2004. But then something happened. Dave Roberts stole second, and the rest, as they say, is history. But is it? The Red Sox completed the nearly impossible by overcoming a 3-0 deficit to their hated rivals and creators of said curse. It had only been done twice before. Never in Baseball. So how could this have happened? Luck? Law of averages? Or perhaps something more?

Could the City of Boston have sold it's collective soul to the Devil in exchange for an end to The Curse? Close your eyes and you can almost picture it, like something out of a Stephen King novel. A young Red Sox fan, whose Great Grandfather was there to celebrate the last championship in 1918. Whose Grandfather can recall the heartbreak of 1946. Whose Father can recount similar heartache in 1967. Maybe he has a brother whose memories of 1986 are all to real. He sits on the edge of his couch, the pain of 2003 still fresh in his mind. He refuses to have this as his legacy. And so, as the outs are counted down to another failed season, he invokes the name of the only one who can reverse the teams fortunes. But he barters, not with his own soul, but the soul of a city. And so, The Red Sox do the unthinkable. But now the young boy, and an entire city wait for the calling in of the chips.

Flash forward to 2010. The city of Boston is enjoying tremendous success in the sports world. Super Bowls, World Series Championships, and NBA Titles are all commonplace these days. But the one championship that eludes them is The Stanley Cup. Though the Bruins Second Round Series with the Flyers is tightly contested, they have manged to build a seemingly insurmountable three games to none lead. They appeared to be well on the way to their first Conference Final since the early '90s. But the Flyers won Game 4 in overtime, planting the seeds of doubt. A game 5 Whitewashing began to swing the momentum to the other side. A closely contested game 6 proved that this was more than mere coincidence.

Maybe they saw it coming? Maybe not. The Bruins manged to stake themselves to a 3-0 lead in Game 7 and there was finally peace in the hearts of Boston fans. But Satan came for their souls after all, and the Flyers completed the improbable, not only in the series, but also in that Game 7. The Devil had called in his chips, and the City of Boston now knows what it's like to be on both sides of a historic comeback.

But is the Bruins collapse really the part of Moral Sinning? Spiritual believers may find an answer in the form of Karma. For this explanation, we need to take a closer look at the City of Philadelphia. a city not historically known for sports success. Widely accepted as one of the top sports cities in the country, Philadelphia has endured more seasons without a championship than any other city with four professional teams. From 1983 to 2008, 25 years, The City of Brotherly Love went without a parade. And it's not for lack of opportunity. During the dry spell, the Flyers, Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles had combined for 7 appearances in their teams respectful championship rounds, an average of one appearance every four years.

Meanwhile, the City of Boston has historically enjoyed success. The Celtics are one of the most dominant teams in NBA History. The Bruins are one of the six keepers of the NHL's old guard. And, while the Patriots success is more recent. It should be noted that they quickly became one of the most successful teams in NFL history with a dominant decade in the early 21st Century.

But that wasn't enough. They craved that elusive World Series Title. Well they got it. Two of them in fact. But now Karma has come and dealt a swift blow to their Stanley Cup hopes. And how apropos that Karma has lifted a city that is seeking inspiration over one who's greed has gotten too slovenly.

And so, whether you believe it was The Devil, Karma, or something else. The city of Boston has been served a cold dish of revenge. Citizens of Philadelphia and New York... Rejoice.

-Mike Tursi

It's The Yankees Version Of Rivalry Week

My Latest post for Empire Sports Now takes a look at the Yankees week of games vs. old, new, and crosstown rivals.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/05/17/its-the-yankees-version-of-rivalry-week/

Let's Play Two! Yankees To Play Double Header In Motor City

My latest post for Empire Sports Now.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/05/11/lets-play-two-yankees-to-play-double-header-in-motor-city/

Working On A Miracle: Can The Flyers Make History

My Latest post for The Hockey Herald.

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3032

Sports Pet Peeves

Being a man in my mid thirties, I came of age in the era of Seinfeld. Therefore, I am well versed in finding annoyances in the routines of everyday life. Being a sports fan, I have gathered a collection of these agitating behaviors that can be found almost everywhere games are played.

They are in no particular order, rather they stand as a collective. And now, they are on display for you too. After all, misery sure does love her company.

1) Guy wearing headphones at the game: Hey. Buddy. You're at the game! The person your listening to is describing what you're seeing for people who would like to be where you are, but aren't. If you're at a game and still need someone to explain what you are looking at, you shouldn't be there. Please give your seat up to someone who can watch without an interpreter. Thanks.

2) Guy who yells at officials: Despite popular belief, your yelling from the nosebleeds really won't sway the men in stripes. Your berating of referees/umpires are falling on deaf ears. Actually they're falling on my ears, which are ringing now. Sit down and shut up.

3) Harassing fans of the road team: I know what you're thinking. "But they came into our house. We can't have that happen." Well, then maybe your team's fans should have bought more tickets. Besides I'm not talking about good-natured ribbing. That's to be expected. I'm talking about berating, throwing things, and trying to start a fight with someone who just wanted to take a trip and see their team in a different venue. Your city thanks you for giving them a black eye because of your idiocy. Yes, I'm talking to you Eagles fans!

4) Tucking in/ Blousing a jersey: Everyne knows you don't have the physique of the namesake stitched onto the back of your jersey. But this "fashion statement" goes well beyond hiding that pot belly. It's a jersey! If it was supposed to be tucked in, it would be called a dress shirt! Untuck, grab a beer, and start enjoying life!

5) Grown Men who Bring Gloves to a baseball game: Seriously? You're 45. Odds are your "cat-like" reflexes have probably diminished to the point where you can't even react to that hard hit ball. If a ball is hit into your section, just duck and let the kids have a shot at it. Which brings me to my next pet peeve...

6) Grown man who "fights" a child for a Baseball: You are the absolute lowest form of sports fan. Not only should you be kicked out of the game. You should just be kicked. What if someone did that to your kid. Oh, wait, you don't have any. That's why you're hear fighting my kid for a baseball.

7) Face Painters: Warriors used face paint to strike fear into their foes. Who are you trying to scare, the attractive woman in the third row? Well, you did it. Mission accomplished chief!

8) Fans who use "We" when referencing their team: I'm sorry, I didn't see your name in the media guide. What year were you drafted? Sorry to ruin your dream of playing Center Field for the New York Yankees, but you didn't make it. THEY play baseball. YOU watch, like the rest of us.

9) "Pink" Sportswear for the ladies: Disclaimer- If it is for Breast Cancer Awareness, I'm all for it. However, if it's a fashion statement your trying to make. I don't approve. Sports is about rooting for a team, not looking cute. You're a fan of the Packers, but yellow and green don't bring out your eyes? Too bad, be a fan and where your team's colors!

10) Guy who stands up every time puck passes blue line at a hockey game: This is an offense more visible to TV viewers. We get it. You are at the game & now you're on TV too. Good for you. Now sit down so the adults can watch the game. Thanks. This also applies to the guy on his cell phone behind home plate. What do you want me to do, wave back? Have a little class. Those seats are expensive. Act like you've been there before.


Note: This post is written VERY tongue in cheek. In no way is it meant to offend anyone. We all need to be able to laugh at ourselves. And more importantly, at others.

-Mike Tursi

America's True Pastime Is Ready To Return

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been Baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard. Rebuilt. And erased again. But Baseball has marked the time. This field, this game. It's a part of our past Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good. And it could be again."- Terrence Mann (Field Of Dreams)

Baseball isn't just another sport we get excited for each year. It's our pastime, our passion. And, it's no coincidence that it's return coincides with the return of Spring. Spring is about rebirth. A clean slate. A chance to start anew. Like being a child again. That is why Baseball is so dear to us. It reminds us of our childhood, when the world was full of promise and hope. When anything was possible, and each day was a fresh start.

But baseball also links us to our heritage. You think about when your Dad took you to games as a child, just like he thinks about when his Dad took him to games when he was young. Sure, the venues have changed. But the game remains the same as it always was, acting as a beacon guiding our hearts to a place where hope and promise are still a possibility, no matter how dark the times. Because our nation has endured a great many things, both joyous and tragic. And through it all, there was baseball. It was that way in the past. It is that way now. And, it will be that way long after you and I are gone.

So as the days grow longer and begin to push back the night. As the breeze carries warmer air on it's wings. Know that is is here. Our pastime has returned. Baseball has come to make us feel good again!

-Mike Tursi

I'm Divorcing The Philadelphia Flyers

The following blog was originally written for The Hockey Herald and can be found there by following this link: http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3000

After 30 years of marriage, I'm leaving the Philadelphia Flyers. The reasons can be filed under irreconcilable differences which culminated in today's non activity at the NHL Trade Deadline. This breakup was not brought about by today's inactivity alone. Rather, it was caused, over the years, by issues that led to the necessity of today's inactivity.

One of our major issues is the Flyers lack of fiscal responsibility. Though I said I'd stand behind them no matter what, I have become disenfranchised with them throwing dollar after dollar at players past their prime who, in the end, bring nothing but hardship and stress to our marriage. Some were fleeting, and easy to get over. Adam Oates and Paul Coffey immediately come to mind. Others were more difficult to forgive. I still bear the scars of Luke Richardson, Mike Rathje, Chris Gratton, and Scott Hartnell, to name a few. And after those players leaves, I'm left to pick up the pieces and tell them "Thanks for trying, at least I know you want to win."

Another issue we have is the Flyers failure to find responsible insurance to look after our most prized possessions. They haven't provided a quality goaltender since our tenth wedding anniversary, the end of Ron Hextall's first tour of duty. Over the past 20 years they bought bogus policies off of everyone from Dominic Roussell to Roman Cechmanek. But, when we needed the goaltending to be there the most, it was nowhere to be found. I still can't believe I let them talk me into Jeff Hackett!

The final reason, and this one may be a bit vain, is that their old friends, who are quite arrogant and stubborn, are always around. And, it's apparent that they mean more to the Flyers than I do. The Flyers say they need these people around because they are a link to the glory days, the foundation on which the Flyers legacy was built. But, I wasn't even born when those Stanley Cups were won. And the game has changed so much since then. I appreciate friendship and loyalty as much as anyone. But, know your friends limitations. Maybe the Flyers shouldn't have let Bob Clarke be the GM for so long. I mean, the man is still fighting The Cold War. I thought that when they replaced him with Paul Holmgren things would change. But, alas, it's just more of the same. Dinosaurs trying to survive in a world that no longer exists for them. The Flyers have insisted on giving these "Friends" important jobs in the organization. They wouldn't listen to my plea to move on from them in order to save our marriage.

After our last separation in 2004, when the Flyers and I were apart for a year. They came back and promised me they would be different. They would try to make our marriage work within the new rules of the NHL. But they quickly reverted to their old ways and signed Derian Hatcher, a typical "Flyers" guy. and so, that spring, without fail, they left me broken hearted once more.

It wasn't always this way. There were plenty of good times. The 35 game unbeaten streak when we were newlyweds. And even though we were robbed that night on Long Island by Bobby Nystrom, I knew that there were good times ahead. The runs to the Stanley Cup Finals in '85 and '87. Hanging out with The Legion Of Doom.

But, the problems began to outweigh the good times. And the Flyers most recent failures with their roster, both financially and in the misjudgment of talent, and their stubborness to move on from the past, has left me with no other recourse. And, today was the result of those failures. The Flyers are no longer able to do the things needed to make this marriage work. So, I must let them go. But know that I do so with a full heart. I won't find another team, that would be too awkward. Even though that Patrick Kane is a lot fun to watch.

-Mike Tursi