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
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
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
http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=3034
-Mike Tursi
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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
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
Monday, May 17, 2010
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/
http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/05/17/its-the-yankees-version-of-rivalry-week/
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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
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
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