We just got back from the annual St. Ignatius Cleveland Orchestra Christmas concert. It was awesome. The kids really enjoyed it, as well. One highlight was having the Orchestra Choir sing the Ignatius Alma Mater.
The Ignatius Alma Mater is really something special. I remember the first time Jackson and his new classmates had to sing it together for the first time their freshman year. It was neat then, and is still really cool. I remember last year when the Ignatius soccer team marched to the state title. After their District, Regional and State Final wins, they came over to the stands and sang it. Same thing this year.
For some odd reason, the song always brings tears to my eyes ... and I didn't even go there.
Here it is:
Our famed Alma Mater graces
Every shrine within our hearts
With her unforgotten faces,
And the faith that she imparts.
Years in passing cannot sever
Ties of new days from the old.
We're Ignatius men forever
As we hail the blue and gold.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's been a while
I have pretty busy with family life and business and have not written on my Blog in a while. We just finished watching Glenville lose the Division 1 State Football final by one point. Let's see, all three Cleveland area high schools lost in the finals this weekend: Glenville, Maple Heights, and my alma mater Chagrin Falls. Chagrin and Maple got beat bad, but Glenville should have won.
Last month three more Cleveland teams lost in the State Finals of the soccer playoffs: Bay Village, CVCA and my son's team St. Ignatius. I guess us Clevelanders are pretty use to losing, huh?
Quick Recap:
> The Ignatius soccer final was an epic battle between the top ranked teams in the State of Ohio. Ignatius played Gahanna Lincoln and the two teams played to a 0-0 tie through 2 overtimes. The game went to a shoot-out and we lost 4-3. If we would have won, the boys would have been both State and National Champions. Tough loss but great experience for my son. He earned his first high school letter. Exciting time for Jackson.
> Chagrin Falls played in its first state football final in school history. I didn't get to a game this year, but did watch the final game on TV today. They were outmatched by defending state champion Kettering Alter. Congrats to the Tigers.
> Perhaps the team I was rooting for the hardest was Glenville. Glenville is an inner city Cleveland school that has built quite a football program. Coached by Ted Ginn, Sr. Glenville does remarkable things with tough inner city kids. My JV football coach in high school, Matt Chinchar, is Ted's main assistant. It's a wonderful story of godly men leading and changing young lives.
Win or lose, it has been an exciting 2009 fall sports season.
Last month three more Cleveland teams lost in the State Finals of the soccer playoffs: Bay Village, CVCA and my son's team St. Ignatius. I guess us Clevelanders are pretty use to losing, huh?
Quick Recap:
> The Ignatius soccer final was an epic battle between the top ranked teams in the State of Ohio. Ignatius played Gahanna Lincoln and the two teams played to a 0-0 tie through 2 overtimes. The game went to a shoot-out and we lost 4-3. If we would have won, the boys would have been both State and National Champions. Tough loss but great experience for my son. He earned his first high school letter. Exciting time for Jackson.
> Chagrin Falls played in its first state football final in school history. I didn't get to a game this year, but did watch the final game on TV today. They were outmatched by defending state champion Kettering Alter. Congrats to the Tigers.
> Perhaps the team I was rooting for the hardest was Glenville. Glenville is an inner city Cleveland school that has built quite a football program. Coached by Ted Ginn, Sr. Glenville does remarkable things with tough inner city kids. My JV football coach in high school, Matt Chinchar, is Ted's main assistant. It's a wonderful story of godly men leading and changing young lives.
Win or lose, it has been an exciting 2009 fall sports season.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Ignatius Playoff Update
The Ohio State High School soccer playoffs are in full swing. Jackson's team comes into the tournament with a big bulls-eye on its back: #1 in the State of Ohio and #1 in the nation.
Today they played arch rival St. Ed's in the District Final. Ignatius won 5-1 to move to the Regional Semi-Final next week.
Jackson has seen action in each of the playoff games. In the District Semi's, he got lots of action in the 25 minutes he played.
Check out this save vs. Valley Forge - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkHL1txl0c
Today they played arch rival St. Ed's in the District Final. Ignatius won 5-1 to move to the Regional Semi-Final next week.
Jackson has seen action in each of the playoff games. In the District Semi's, he got lots of action in the 25 minutes he played.
Check out this save vs. Valley Forge - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkHL1txl0c
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ohio High School Soccer Playoffs
My son recently found out that he will be dressing varsity for the playoffs. Ignatius is currently #1 in the state of Ohio and defending champions. They are also ranked #1 in the nation. There is lots of pressure on the Ignatius Wildcats as they prepare for this year's playoffs.
Jackson did get some playing time last Saturday night in the season finale vs. Toledo St. Francis. The starting goalie, Joe Kalt, is a real hero of Jackson's. Joe has been a wonderful mentor and good role model for my son. Joe only needs one more shutout to break the Ohio school record.
Ignatius gets a bye in the sectional semi's and will play in the sectional finals this Saturday. Stay tuned.
Jackson did get some playing time last Saturday night in the season finale vs. Toledo St. Francis. The starting goalie, Joe Kalt, is a real hero of Jackson's. Joe has been a wonderful mentor and good role model for my son. Joe only needs one more shutout to break the Ohio school record.
Ignatius gets a bye in the sectional semi's and will play in the sectional finals this Saturday. Stay tuned.
Preparing for Worship
"It is just to praise God; and it is one of the obligations of the saints to praise God's name. So it is good for ourselves besides. If we do not praise God we shall catch ourselves getting sour and morose. A man that does not praise God is not much liked, and then he goes off into a nasty sour, crab-apple disposition, from which the Lord save us."
C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Pastor & Author
C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
Pastor & Author
October 19, 2009
Today my father would have turned 80 years old. He was born in the belly of the depression in 1929. I recently visited my mother and took flowers to my dad's grave. I also found a really cool buckeye tree and placed some buckeyes on his grave. His remains rest in a beautiful cemetery in Wellsville, OH, his hometown. I miss him and am thankful today for his memory.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ignatius Soccer Update
Last Saturday, Strongsville High School came downtown to take on Ignatius. It was the biggest game of the season for all the teams involved, both JV and Varsity. Earlier this year, Strongsville's JV handed Ignatius' JV their only loss. And, both varsity teams are top-ranked in the state.
JV Game - Jackson hadn't given up a goal all season. That ended quickly as Strongsville knocked in a goal in the opening moments of the game. Ignatius did score in the 2nd half to tie the game 1-1, and that's how the game ended.
This past week, Jackson learned that he would be dressing varsity for the remainder of the season, plus the playoffs. So, he went into the Strongsville game not giving up a goal all season + dressing varsity. So, the early goal was a good reminder about how humbling sports can be. Then, mid-way through the 2nd half, he got cleated in the groin and had to leave the game. Ah, the joys of sports.
Varsity Game - the Ignatius varsity team is REALLY good this year. They came out and put 3 goals in the net in the first half and handed Strongsville their first loss all year. It was very impressive.
One more regular season game this coming Saturday, then onto the playoffs, and a defense of their 2008 State Championship!!!
JV Game - Jackson hadn't given up a goal all season. That ended quickly as Strongsville knocked in a goal in the opening moments of the game. Ignatius did score in the 2nd half to tie the game 1-1, and that's how the game ended.
This past week, Jackson learned that he would be dressing varsity for the remainder of the season, plus the playoffs. So, he went into the Strongsville game not giving up a goal all season + dressing varsity. So, the early goal was a good reminder about how humbling sports can be. Then, mid-way through the 2nd half, he got cleated in the groin and had to leave the game. Ah, the joys of sports.
Varsity Game - the Ignatius varsity team is REALLY good this year. They came out and put 3 goals in the net in the first half and handed Strongsville their first loss all year. It was very impressive.
One more regular season game this coming Saturday, then onto the playoffs, and a defense of their 2008 State Championship!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Valley of Vision
My life experience has been that my best spiritual times are when really hard things happen in my life. There is a clarity that exists deep in my soul when bad things are happening around me.
This past week has been another example of such a time with the passing of our dear neighbor and friend, Dan Murphy.
Much has been rattling around in my mind as I cannot seem to shake almost constant thoughts of Murph. I have cried a lot, hugged lots of people, and watched some incredible people cope with a very difficult loss. One friend wrote me that she is having a really hard time wrapping her mind around Daniel's passing. I share her sentiments.
Something I will never forget is the sense of community I have experienced since I heard the terrible news Saturday night. Here are a couple examples:
First, the Murphys are part of the Gesu Catholic Church in University Heights. Gesu is a robust parish and we have benefited greatly from living in its boundaries. This past week, the Gesu community has experienced not only Daniel's death, but also a young mother was tragically killed in an auto wreck last week. And, a John Carroll student recently committed suicide. All three losses hit many of the same families. Many Gesu families visited the Murphys on Sunday, many of whom were also stopping by the other two grieving homes.
Additionally, Dan's parents Paul and Marcia both come from large families. It has been so encouraging to see siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and grandparents hustle to town to surround the Murphy family.
Second, we attend Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls. We asked that our church pray for the Murphys and found out that many other churches were praying, as well. I felt a wonderful sense of unity in Cleveland's faith community as people learned of Daniel's passing.
Third, Daniel and my son, Jackson, were very close friends and they were both classmates at St. Ignatius High School in downtown Cleveland. It's very hard to describe St. Ignatius. I am not Catholic and fundamentally I approach my relationship with Christ in a very diffent way than my Catholic friends. With that said, I have been profoundly moved, inspired, and encouraged by the Ignatius community, namely all the wonderful boys that my son has the privilege of knowing. Ignatius is a special place. Ignatius boys are special boys. I could name scores of young men that have been rallying together as they mourn and grieve Daniel's passing.
Two things have come to mind that I wanted to put in my blog entry regarding Daniel.
First, I have experienced considerable pain and sorrow and a tremendous sense of loss this week. I hurt mostly for Paul and Marcia, and I also hurt deep within my soul. I thought of the first question in The Heidelberg Catechism and found this very helpful:
QUESTION 1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?
ANSWER: That I belong - body and soul, in life and in death - not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to love for Him.
I have experienced real community this week.
A second item I wanted to share was a wonderful poem that I have been reading daily for quite some time:
THE VALLEY OF VISION
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee
in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from
deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter
thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
Join me in continuing to pray for Paul, Marcia, Julia and Elizabeth Murphy, their extended families and their friends.
This past week has been another example of such a time with the passing of our dear neighbor and friend, Dan Murphy.
Much has been rattling around in my mind as I cannot seem to shake almost constant thoughts of Murph. I have cried a lot, hugged lots of people, and watched some incredible people cope with a very difficult loss. One friend wrote me that she is having a really hard time wrapping her mind around Daniel's passing. I share her sentiments.
Something I will never forget is the sense of community I have experienced since I heard the terrible news Saturday night. Here are a couple examples:
First, the Murphys are part of the Gesu Catholic Church in University Heights. Gesu is a robust parish and we have benefited greatly from living in its boundaries. This past week, the Gesu community has experienced not only Daniel's death, but also a young mother was tragically killed in an auto wreck last week. And, a John Carroll student recently committed suicide. All three losses hit many of the same families. Many Gesu families visited the Murphys on Sunday, many of whom were also stopping by the other two grieving homes.
Additionally, Dan's parents Paul and Marcia both come from large families. It has been so encouraging to see siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and grandparents hustle to town to surround the Murphy family.
Second, we attend Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls. We asked that our church pray for the Murphys and found out that many other churches were praying, as well. I felt a wonderful sense of unity in Cleveland's faith community as people learned of Daniel's passing.
Third, Daniel and my son, Jackson, were very close friends and they were both classmates at St. Ignatius High School in downtown Cleveland. It's very hard to describe St. Ignatius. I am not Catholic and fundamentally I approach my relationship with Christ in a very diffent way than my Catholic friends. With that said, I have been profoundly moved, inspired, and encouraged by the Ignatius community, namely all the wonderful boys that my son has the privilege of knowing. Ignatius is a special place. Ignatius boys are special boys. I could name scores of young men that have been rallying together as they mourn and grieve Daniel's passing.
Two things have come to mind that I wanted to put in my blog entry regarding Daniel.
First, I have experienced considerable pain and sorrow and a tremendous sense of loss this week. I hurt mostly for Paul and Marcia, and I also hurt deep within my soul. I thought of the first question in The Heidelberg Catechism and found this very helpful:
QUESTION 1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?
ANSWER: That I belong - body and soul, in life and in death - not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that He protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit His purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to love for Him.
I have experienced real community this week.
A second item I wanted to share was a wonderful poem that I have been reading daily for quite some time:
THE VALLEY OF VISION
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee
in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from
deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter
thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
Join me in continuing to pray for Paul, Marcia, Julia and Elizabeth Murphy, their extended families and their friends.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Murph
It's Sunday night, and I am winding down from an emotional week and weekend.
I spent the week in Philadelphia attending a truly memorable business conference that one of my clients stages each year. It's called ThinkAbout, and as advertised, they left us with much to think about. The added benefit was attending the conference with good friends, Brett Flenniken, Bob Geho and Dave Cook. We had a blast and learned lots about how to better market our businesses and serve our clients.
ThinkAbout events are staged each year by Strategic Horizons - see www.strategichorizons.com. I encourage you to check out their website.
We drove home Friday and on our way we stopped at the crash site of Flight 93 - see www.honorflight93.org. It was an absolutely beautiful day, much like 9.11.2001.
When we got home I went immediately to the Brecksville High School football game and saw Janice and all the kids. The Bees got pounded again, but later found out that St. Ignatius beat Mentor handily to extend their record to 4-0.
Saturday was really busy. It started with me taking Jackson to his JV soccer game vs. Mentor. Ignatius won 1-0 and Jackson was in goal. Season-to-date - Jackson has not given up any goals. He is playing well and growing in his confidence.
I left Mentor and headed to my old man baseball game in Berea. We were playing in the semi-finals vs. the best team in the league. We fought hard and came up short 9-4.
Left Berea, raced home to shower and then back over to the west side for a Homecoming dinner for Jackson and his friends and their dates. It was very nice and all the kids looked handsome and beautiful. We took the kids downtown to drop them off for the dance at Ignatius. I was hoping to see Halle and her date - she was also going with an Ignatius boy. She wasn't there and no parents were hanging out there, so I left to go home. As I was driving down Carnegie Avenue past Jacobs Field and CSU I got a call from Jackson. He was hysterical on the phone, crying. I knew something terrible had happened and immediately thought something had happened to Halle. Jackson finally clear his thoughts and told me that Dan Murphy was in an accident. Daniel lives across the street from us and is a classmate of Jackson's. What Jackson said next was very hard to hear. He said that Daniel was in an accident and was killed. I immediately went back to Ignatius to find my son. We embraced and cried together in each other's arms. It was an unbelievable scene. Kids were still filing into the dance, word was spreading and many kids were now heading over to the chapel. I stayed wanting to see my daughter and tell her what happened. Halle arrived and I told her. She was overcome with emotion. I hugged a bunch of kids and wanted to head home to see Dan's parents, Paul and Marcia. I called Janice and broke the news to her. As the events were unfolding it was hard to comprehend. The 9 mile drive from Ignatius home was very difficult. So many thoughts and memories racing through my head. My heart was broke as I thought of dear Daniel. Dan was like a third son to me. He shared my passion for sports. He rooted hard for St. Igantius, Notre Dame and the Chicago White Sox. His Dad, Paul, was from Chicago's south side. Dan loved NCAA hoops and loved to come over to watch Notre Dame, Dayton, Xavier, Boston College, Marguette, etc... Dan loved his Catholic schools. Dan and Jack loved to play one-on-one in our back yard. Jack posted some great shots of Daniel on Facebook - see Facebook and request Jackson as your friend.
So many thoughts about Daniel, here are a few:
> I coached Daniel on a travel baseball team. Dan wasn't the star player, but no one wore the Wildcat uniform more proudly than Murph. Dan gave me everything he had and loved being on that team.
> Before joining the Ignatius crew team and getting in tip-top shape, Dan loved to eat ... eat our food. I remember one summer my kids complaining that Dan was eating us out of the house. I think I remember defending Daniel, saying he was a growing boy.
> I remember taking Dan to a few Indians games and knowing how much he loved going to games, just like I did as a boy.
> I remember Jack and Dan coming in the house to guzzle some drinks and hearing all the details on who won the hoops game. Dan loved Jackson and Jackson loved Daniel. We were so blessed to have him right across the street for the past four years.
> I remember both my brothers, Pat and Doug, really like Daniel. Murph was one of their favorites, too.
> I remember taking Jack and Dan to the Ignatius/Ed's tournament hockey game last spring. After the game, we were supposed to go to my niece's birthday party. We didn't arrive at the party until 11:00 a.m. as the game went to 7 OT's. We had a blast. Daniel loved St. Ignatius.
> The last two times I saw Daniel were classic Murph moments. We high-fived each other at the epic Ignatius Glenville football game a few weeks ago as Ignatius miraculously won that game. He was pumped. I last saw Dan on our way to church last Sunday. He was getting the paper and I rolled down my window. We were both hurting after the Buckeyes lost to USC, Dan doubly hurting as his beloved Irish lost to Michigan.
Daniel was a beautiful boy. Paul and Marcia are beautiful parents that raised a fine young man. And, Julia and Elizabeth are dear girls.
Today many came to the neighborhood to show their love. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs. I miss Daniel and will always remember how he touched my family.
I love you, Daniel.
I spent the week in Philadelphia attending a truly memorable business conference that one of my clients stages each year. It's called ThinkAbout, and as advertised, they left us with much to think about. The added benefit was attending the conference with good friends, Brett Flenniken, Bob Geho and Dave Cook. We had a blast and learned lots about how to better market our businesses and serve our clients.
ThinkAbout events are staged each year by Strategic Horizons - see www.strategichorizons.com. I encourage you to check out their website.
We drove home Friday and on our way we stopped at the crash site of Flight 93 - see www.honorflight93.org. It was an absolutely beautiful day, much like 9.11.2001.
When we got home I went immediately to the Brecksville High School football game and saw Janice and all the kids. The Bees got pounded again, but later found out that St. Ignatius beat Mentor handily to extend their record to 4-0.
Saturday was really busy. It started with me taking Jackson to his JV soccer game vs. Mentor. Ignatius won 1-0 and Jackson was in goal. Season-to-date - Jackson has not given up any goals. He is playing well and growing in his confidence.
I left Mentor and headed to my old man baseball game in Berea. We were playing in the semi-finals vs. the best team in the league. We fought hard and came up short 9-4.
Left Berea, raced home to shower and then back over to the west side for a Homecoming dinner for Jackson and his friends and their dates. It was very nice and all the kids looked handsome and beautiful. We took the kids downtown to drop them off for the dance at Ignatius. I was hoping to see Halle and her date - she was also going with an Ignatius boy. She wasn't there and no parents were hanging out there, so I left to go home. As I was driving down Carnegie Avenue past Jacobs Field and CSU I got a call from Jackson. He was hysterical on the phone, crying. I knew something terrible had happened and immediately thought something had happened to Halle. Jackson finally clear his thoughts and told me that Dan Murphy was in an accident. Daniel lives across the street from us and is a classmate of Jackson's. What Jackson said next was very hard to hear. He said that Daniel was in an accident and was killed. I immediately went back to Ignatius to find my son. We embraced and cried together in each other's arms. It was an unbelievable scene. Kids were still filing into the dance, word was spreading and many kids were now heading over to the chapel. I stayed wanting to see my daughter and tell her what happened. Halle arrived and I told her. She was overcome with emotion. I hugged a bunch of kids and wanted to head home to see Dan's parents, Paul and Marcia. I called Janice and broke the news to her. As the events were unfolding it was hard to comprehend. The 9 mile drive from Ignatius home was very difficult. So many thoughts and memories racing through my head. My heart was broke as I thought of dear Daniel. Dan was like a third son to me. He shared my passion for sports. He rooted hard for St. Igantius, Notre Dame and the Chicago White Sox. His Dad, Paul, was from Chicago's south side. Dan loved NCAA hoops and loved to come over to watch Notre Dame, Dayton, Xavier, Boston College, Marguette, etc... Dan loved his Catholic schools. Dan and Jack loved to play one-on-one in our back yard. Jack posted some great shots of Daniel on Facebook - see Facebook and request Jackson as your friend.
So many thoughts about Daniel, here are a few:
> I coached Daniel on a travel baseball team. Dan wasn't the star player, but no one wore the Wildcat uniform more proudly than Murph. Dan gave me everything he had and loved being on that team.
> Before joining the Ignatius crew team and getting in tip-top shape, Dan loved to eat ... eat our food. I remember one summer my kids complaining that Dan was eating us out of the house. I think I remember defending Daniel, saying he was a growing boy.
> I remember taking Dan to a few Indians games and knowing how much he loved going to games, just like I did as a boy.
> I remember Jack and Dan coming in the house to guzzle some drinks and hearing all the details on who won the hoops game. Dan loved Jackson and Jackson loved Daniel. We were so blessed to have him right across the street for the past four years.
> I remember both my brothers, Pat and Doug, really like Daniel. Murph was one of their favorites, too.
> I remember taking Jack and Dan to the Ignatius/Ed's tournament hockey game last spring. After the game, we were supposed to go to my niece's birthday party. We didn't arrive at the party until 11:00 a.m. as the game went to 7 OT's. We had a blast. Daniel loved St. Ignatius.
> The last two times I saw Daniel were classic Murph moments. We high-fived each other at the epic Ignatius Glenville football game a few weeks ago as Ignatius miraculously won that game. He was pumped. I last saw Dan on our way to church last Sunday. He was getting the paper and I rolled down my window. We were both hurting after the Buckeyes lost to USC, Dan doubly hurting as his beloved Irish lost to Michigan.
Daniel was a beautiful boy. Paul and Marcia are beautiful parents that raised a fine young man. And, Julia and Elizabeth are dear girls.
Today many came to the neighborhood to show their love. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs. I miss Daniel and will always remember how he touched my family.
I love you, Daniel.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Winking Lizard Update
Earlier I mentioned that I am playing in a 38-and-over (old man baseball) baseball league. The regular season ended today and we ended up finishing tied for 3rd place with a 11-5 record. We qualified for the playoffs for the first time in team history.
We were a team of streaks: won our first 5, lost our next 5, then won our last 6 games.
We play next Saturday in the first round of the playoffs.
Stay Tuned
We were a team of streaks: won our first 5, lost our next 5, then won our last 6 games.
We play next Saturday in the first round of the playoffs.
Stay Tuned
Monday, August 31, 2009
THE VALLEY OF VISION
I came across this wonderful poem from a Puritan in a book I have.
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee
in the heights;
hemmed in by mountain of sin I behold
thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from
deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter
thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty
thy glory in my valley.
LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee
in the heights;
hemmed in by mountain of sin I behold
thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from
deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter
thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty
thy glory in my valley.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Preparing for Worship
"If we walk before the Lord in integrity, we shall do more to bless our descendants than if we bequethed them large estates."
C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
British Pastor & Author
C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
British Pastor & Author
2009-2010 School Year Beings this week
Jackson starts his sophomore year at St. Ignatius today. Halle (11th grade); Annie (8th grade); Leah (6th grade) and Willie (4th grade) all start their second years in the Brecksville/Broadview Heights Schools on Wednesday. Anne and Leah will be together in the Middle School, and William moves from Hilton Elementary to Central School this year.
Many blessings to them.
Many blessings to them.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Preparing for Worship
"I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Kings Island and the name game
Several years ago, my good friend Jim Gilmore and I were at an Indians game. Jim is perhaps my favorite person to go to any sporting event with. He notices everything and has funny comments about just about anything and everything happening in the ballpark.
One game we got thinking about MBL gear being represented at Jacobs Field. I wondered out loud how many different MLB ballcaps were being worn that night by fans. Back then the Indians typically drew 40,000+ fans to each game. I suggested that I could find every MLB hat in the crowd. Jim scoffed at the notion. I didn't bother walking around the ballpark to prove my point, but last week when my family visited Kings Island amusement part I suggested that we we note how many colleges/universities, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and rock bands gear we could notice people wearing.
Here is the list:
Colleges:
Wittenberg
Miami of Ohio
Ohio State University
Indiana U
Kentucky
Purdue
Ohio
Dayton
Tennessee
Cincinnati
North Carolina
Notre Dame
Butler
Michigan State
Illinois
Ball State
Texas
Murray State
Louisville
Ohio Dominican
Army
Kansas
Providence
Syracuse
Denison
Morehead State
Holy Cross
Bradley
Easter Kentucky
Texas Tech
Navy
LSU
Messiah College
Houghton
Iowa State
Xavier
Alabama
Michigan
Vanderbilt
Western Kentucky
Air Force
Saginaw Valley State U
Princeton
Duke
WVU
Wabash
Southern Illinois
LaSalle
Wisconsin
Oberlin
Ohio Northern
Hawaii
Southern Cal
Wyoming
William & Mary
Florida
Wright State
Auburn
Liberty
Transylvania
BYU
Hamilton
Winthrop (one guy had a Hamilton T-shirt and Winthrop hat)
Iowa
Georgia Tech
Appalachian State
Harvard
Youngstown State
Yale
South Carolina
Miami, FL
Wilmington College
Northern Kentucky
One St. Ignatius t-shirt - Jackson's high school.
MLB (22):
Orioles
Cubs
Mets
Indians
LA Dodgers
Brooklyn Dodgers
Reds
Tigers
Nationals
Phillies
Pirates
Braves
Red Sox
Rays
Cardinals
Yankees
Brewers
Angels
White Sox
Blue Jays
Royals
NFL (17):
Cowboys
Bengals
Broncos
Steelers
Giants
Bears
Colts
Packers
Raiders
Vikings
Falcons
Patriots
Browns - one lousy ugly ballcap, that's all the Browns gear we saw all day
Chargers
Dolphins
Chiefs
Rams
NBA (7):
Pacers
Cavaliers
Celtics
Bulls
Lakers
Pistons - wrist bands on a little kid in line for The Beast
Cincinnati Royals - old school NBA
NHL (5):
Predators
Penguins
Red Wings
Sabres
Blue Jackets
Rock Bands (10):
The Rolling Stones - several cool t's
AC/DC
The Who
Beatles: Yellow Submarine and Let It Be t-shirts
ColdPlay
Led Zeppelin
Marilyn Manson
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Eagles
Kiss
For those wondering how we kept the list? My Blackberry "notes" application came in handy.
The most common gear? Probably OSU and Reds gear.
Baseball is my favorite sport and was very glad to see more MLB gear than NFL.
One game we got thinking about MBL gear being represented at Jacobs Field. I wondered out loud how many different MLB ballcaps were being worn that night by fans. Back then the Indians typically drew 40,000+ fans to each game. I suggested that I could find every MLB hat in the crowd. Jim scoffed at the notion. I didn't bother walking around the ballpark to prove my point, but last week when my family visited Kings Island amusement part I suggested that we we note how many colleges/universities, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and rock bands gear we could notice people wearing.
Here is the list:
Colleges:
Wittenberg
Miami of Ohio
Ohio State University
Indiana U
Kentucky
Purdue
Ohio
Dayton
Tennessee
Cincinnati
North Carolina
Notre Dame
Butler
Michigan State
Illinois
Ball State
Texas
Murray State
Louisville
Ohio Dominican
Army
Kansas
Providence
Syracuse
Denison
Morehead State
Holy Cross
Bradley
Easter Kentucky
Texas Tech
Navy
LSU
Messiah College
Houghton
Iowa State
Xavier
Alabama
Michigan
Vanderbilt
Western Kentucky
Air Force
Saginaw Valley State U
Princeton
Duke
WVU
Wabash
Southern Illinois
LaSalle
Wisconsin
Oberlin
Ohio Northern
Hawaii
Southern Cal
Wyoming
William & Mary
Florida
Wright State
Auburn
Liberty
Transylvania
BYU
Hamilton
Winthrop (one guy had a Hamilton T-shirt and Winthrop hat)
Iowa
Georgia Tech
Appalachian State
Harvard
Youngstown State
Yale
South Carolina
Miami, FL
Wilmington College
Northern Kentucky
Did you see your alma mater or favorite college in the list?
One St. Ignatius t-shirt - Jackson's high school.
MLB (22):
Orioles
Cubs
Mets
Indians
LA Dodgers
Brooklyn Dodgers
Reds
Tigers
Nationals
Phillies
Pirates
Braves
Red Sox
Rays
Cardinals
Yankees
Brewers
Angels
White Sox
Blue Jays
Royals
NFL (17):
Cowboys
Bengals
Broncos
Steelers
Giants
Bears
Colts
Packers
Raiders
Vikings
Falcons
Patriots
Browns - one lousy ugly ballcap, that's all the Browns gear we saw all day
Chargers
Dolphins
Chiefs
Rams
NBA (7):
Pacers
Cavaliers
Celtics
Bulls
Lakers
Pistons - wrist bands on a little kid in line for The Beast
Cincinnati Royals - old school NBA
NHL (5):
Predators
Penguins
Red Wings
Sabres
Blue Jackets
Rock Bands (10):
The Rolling Stones - several cool t's
AC/DC
The Who
Beatles: Yellow Submarine and Let It Be t-shirts
ColdPlay
Led Zeppelin
Marilyn Manson
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Eagles
Kiss
For those wondering how we kept the list? My Blackberry "notes" application came in handy.
The most common gear? Probably OSU and Reds gear.
Baseball is my favorite sport and was very glad to see more MLB gear than NFL.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Obama Care: The devil is in the details!
OK, who out there is getting really sick and tired of the so-called health care debate? I don't know much about too many things, but working in the health insurance industry for 19 years has given me some knowledge about healthcare in the USA.
I will hope to write some on this in the coming weeks. For now, take a minute and open the link below and scan over the 1,017 pages of the proposed bill, a.k.a., ObamaCare.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.pdf
It seems there are two types of people: those that fundamentally think government should be involved in areas like healthcare; and those that are completely bewildered that people like that exist!
Whereas our current healthcare system is far from perfect, does it really make sense that the Federal Government should be proposing such a radical shift? It makes absolutely no sense to me, but there are many that think it's a no-brainer. I don't get it, and doubt I ever will.
FYI - I call on business owners all day long, either currently serving their needs or am chasing to earn their business. To date, I have only met one business owner that supports Obama. He, by the way, just bought a company - give him time. Most business owners are worried about our leadership in Washington.
This is not America.
I will hope to write some on this in the coming weeks. For now, take a minute and open the link below and scan over the 1,017 pages of the proposed bill, a.k.a., ObamaCare.
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.pdf
It seems there are two types of people: those that fundamentally think government should be involved in areas like healthcare; and those that are completely bewildered that people like that exist!
Whereas our current healthcare system is far from perfect, does it really make sense that the Federal Government should be proposing such a radical shift? It makes absolutely no sense to me, but there are many that think it's a no-brainer. I don't get it, and doubt I ever will.
FYI - I call on business owners all day long, either currently serving their needs or am chasing to earn their business. To date, I have only met one business owner that supports Obama. He, by the way, just bought a company - give him time. Most business owners are worried about our leadership in Washington.
This is not America.
Preparing for Worship
"All the blessings we enjoy are divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors."
John Calvin
John Calvin
Leadership
We hear much today about leadership. It seems to me that people that always have to talk about it and remind people about it are those that are not very good leaders. Leadership is now an industry (go to your local Barnes & Noble), and its rare to see it in action in a way that truly benefits those around.
So, rather than launch in to my own opinions about leadership, I thought I would share the following passage from Luke's gospel and hear from Jesus, speaking to His disciples.
Luke 22:24-30 (New International Version)
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
So, rather than launch in to my own opinions about leadership, I thought I would share the following passage from Luke's gospel and hear from Jesus, speaking to His disciples.
Luke 22:24-30 (New International Version)
24Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Smoky the Bear
Last week, I took my two oldest children to camp in Tennessee. After dropping them off, Leah, William and I headed to the Smoky Mountains for two nights of camping. We headed to Cades Cove campground and set up camp. The weather was perfect, unseasonably warm - in Al Gore's home state to boot.
One of my goals was to take the kids on a serious hike. So, last Monday we set out and headed straight up the mountain - 4 miles up hill. At the top of the mountain, we rested and talked to three really nice camp rangers. We told them where we were headed and thankfully found out that the remaining 6 miles was mostly downhill. They also told us to watch out for bears.
As we were nearing the end of hike, mile 8 now, we heard some rustling and looked and saw a beautuful black bear about 50 yards away. Leah grabbed the camera and starting videoing. It was exhilirating to say the least.
I was proud of the kids. We hiked a total of 10 miles and it took us about 5 hours. Great memories.
One of my goals was to take the kids on a serious hike. So, last Monday we set out and headed straight up the mountain - 4 miles up hill. At the top of the mountain, we rested and talked to three really nice camp rangers. We told them where we were headed and thankfully found out that the remaining 6 miles was mostly downhill. They also told us to watch out for bears.
As we were nearing the end of hike, mile 8 now, we heard some rustling and looked and saw a beautuful black bear about 50 yards away. Leah grabbed the camera and starting videoing. It was exhilirating to say the least.
I was proud of the kids. We hiked a total of 10 miles and it took us about 5 hours. Great memories.
Friday, July 24, 2009
William G. Morgan, RIP
July 13, 2009 came and went like any other day, with one exception. July 13th is the day my Dad died one year ago. I have been unusually busy and did not have much time to reflect, but I did remember and I do miss him.
Memories are a funny thing. They are wonderful ... to a point. Life requires us to move on, and that I must do. But it's good to reflect and remember.
I remember my Dad mostly as it relates to sports - no big surprise there. I suspect my kids will do the same with me. I remember him officiating one of my little league basketball games and kicking me out of the game when I cussed at an opponent! I think I was about 10 years old. I remember a wonderul photograph in the local Chagrin paper of him pitching me a ball at the local rec center. I remember him being so excited when early in my rec league baseball days I showed some abilities of playing the game. I remember him coaching me as a freshman football player and crying when he introduced me at the year end banquet because he was so proud of me. It still makes me tear up to this day. I remember him waiting up at home after Friday night varsity basketball games wanting to hear my take on the game and me being a jerk and giving him one word answers. I remember calling him after my first college baseball game, telling him that I was starting in LF and batting lead-off as a freshman. He was completely shocked.
I am thankful for my Dad and I miss him. One day, however, I will see him again. That wonderful Christian hope of heaven is what helps me to keep moving forward in this life.
Memories are a funny thing. They are wonderful ... to a point. Life requires us to move on, and that I must do. But it's good to reflect and remember.
I remember my Dad mostly as it relates to sports - no big surprise there. I suspect my kids will do the same with me. I remember him officiating one of my little league basketball games and kicking me out of the game when I cussed at an opponent! I think I was about 10 years old. I remember a wonderul photograph in the local Chagrin paper of him pitching me a ball at the local rec center. I remember him being so excited when early in my rec league baseball days I showed some abilities of playing the game. I remember him coaching me as a freshman football player and crying when he introduced me at the year end banquet because he was so proud of me. It still makes me tear up to this day. I remember him waiting up at home after Friday night varsity basketball games wanting to hear my take on the game and me being a jerk and giving him one word answers. I remember calling him after my first college baseball game, telling him that I was starting in LF and batting lead-off as a freshman. He was completely shocked.
I am thankful for my Dad and I miss him. One day, however, I will see him again. That wonderful Christian hope of heaven is what helps me to keep moving forward in this life.
St. Ignatius - Reflections after Year One
It's been over a month since my last entry. I have several things I want to comment on. This blogspot will be some quick reflections on my son's high school in Cleveland - St. Ignatius. Jackson is entering his sophomore year this fall.
What prompted my comments was a recent article in Cleveland's Plain Dealer by the great local sports writer Terry Pluto. Here is the article:
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2009/07/st_ignatius_is_much_more_than.html
Ignatius is truly an amazing place. Here a few of my reflections/comments about the school.
1. It's fiercely competitive in every way. Pluto's article highlights an award it just won by Sports Illustrated.
Couple examples: Jackson participated in both soccer and baseball his freshman year. He was the only freshman that made the JV soccer team. So, you think he has a shot to be the next Ignatius goalie? Hold on - an all-world goalie is transferring to Ignatius as a sophomore; and another all-world goalie is coming to the school as a freshman. Good luck! Baseball? Over 100 boys tried out for the freshman baseball team. I marvel at how competitive it is.
2. There is a great balance of celebrating achievement and pushing the boys to do well, and a gentleness and humility about what the boys must do with their gifts and talents to give back. There is a constant reminder of living for others. In fact, I think the Jesuit theme in all their schools is the simple statement: men for others. It's wonderfully simple.
3. There is reverence for God at the school. Not all the boys are fired up for the Lord, but they respect Him.
4. I have found that Jackson and his friends know how to have fun. They don't take themselves too seriously, but work their butts off to do well. It's a really nice balance.
5. Finally, we are somewhat outsiders to the Catholic community, but Janice and I noticed one thing that stands out. Most of the families we have met are incredibly happy and sturdy. The Dads and Moms love their boys and it shows. It's really great.
Well, soccer camp opens on Monday, August 10th and Jackson will have his hands full to win some playing time.
What prompted my comments was a recent article in Cleveland's Plain Dealer by the great local sports writer Terry Pluto. Here is the article:
http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2009/07/st_ignatius_is_much_more_than.html
Ignatius is truly an amazing place. Here a few of my reflections/comments about the school.
1. It's fiercely competitive in every way. Pluto's article highlights an award it just won by Sports Illustrated.
Couple examples: Jackson participated in both soccer and baseball his freshman year. He was the only freshman that made the JV soccer team. So, you think he has a shot to be the next Ignatius goalie? Hold on - an all-world goalie is transferring to Ignatius as a sophomore; and another all-world goalie is coming to the school as a freshman. Good luck! Baseball? Over 100 boys tried out for the freshman baseball team. I marvel at how competitive it is.
2. There is a great balance of celebrating achievement and pushing the boys to do well, and a gentleness and humility about what the boys must do with their gifts and talents to give back. There is a constant reminder of living for others. In fact, I think the Jesuit theme in all their schools is the simple statement: men for others. It's wonderfully simple.
3. There is reverence for God at the school. Not all the boys are fired up for the Lord, but they respect Him.
4. I have found that Jackson and his friends know how to have fun. They don't take themselves too seriously, but work their butts off to do well. It's a really nice balance.
5. Finally, we are somewhat outsiders to the Catholic community, but Janice and I noticed one thing that stands out. Most of the families we have met are incredibly happy and sturdy. The Dads and Moms love their boys and it shows. It's really great.
Well, soccer camp opens on Monday, August 10th and Jackson will have his hands full to win some playing time.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Lizard Keeps Rolling!
My men's baseball team, The Winking Lizard, won its 5th straight game yesterday, 21-0, to up our record to 5-0 for the season. We lead the league in runs scored, and our pitching and defense are solid. We play the three strongest teams in the league in the next three weeks. We'll see what happens.
For now, the Lizards are tied for 1st place!
For now, the Lizards are tied for 1st place!
Monday, June 1, 2009
State Champs
This past weekend, Annie's U13 soccer team - The Internationals - won the Ohio State Cup tournament in a hard fought 1-0 game vs. Cleveland United, a very talented team. Annie has worked extremely hard and earned a starting spot on this team. She played the entire championship game. Anne plays defense, so she played a major role in the shut-out.The win earned Annie's team a trip to Regionals in Sioux City, South Dakota in a few weeks.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Winking Lizard
The Winking Lizard is a local Cleveland eatery and is the sponsor of a men's baseball team that I am playing on this summer. The league is for those of us at least 38 years old. The Lizard is off to great start this season as we won our third straight game to start the season. We are 3-0 and tied for first place.
The league web site with standings is here: http://www.clevelandhardball.org/2009%20standings%20and%20results.htm.
We have a great bunch of guys that enjoy playing together. Each week I will try and give some highlights to our game and tell you about one of my teammates.
Quick update on our first three games:
Game #1 - May 9th vs. Ballparkers - we have three solid pitchers on our team this year. Unfortunately, none were present when our opener started. We found ourselves down 9-2, only to be rescued by when Ray Carr showed up to pitch. We then went down 12-2, but came back to win 14-13, rallying for 4 in the bottom of the ninth. It was a great comeback.
Game #2 - May 16th vs. Brewers - we won last week 9-6 in a tight game.
Game #3 - May 23rd vs. Lightning & Lumber - today we won 9-3, I think. We played well and won pretty easily.
Go Lizards
The league web site with standings is here: http://www.clevelandhardball.org/2009%20standings%20and%20results.htm.
We have a great bunch of guys that enjoy playing together. Each week I will try and give some highlights to our game and tell you about one of my teammates.
Quick update on our first three games:
Game #1 - May 9th vs. Ballparkers - we have three solid pitchers on our team this year. Unfortunately, none were present when our opener started. We found ourselves down 9-2, only to be rescued by when Ray Carr showed up to pitch. We then went down 12-2, but came back to win 14-13, rallying for 4 in the bottom of the ninth. It was a great comeback.
Game #2 - May 16th vs. Brewers - we won last week 9-6 in a tight game.
Game #3 - May 23rd vs. Lightning & Lumber - today we won 9-3, I think. We played well and won pretty easily.
Go Lizards
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Anne Morgan - Track Season 2009
My 13 year old daughter, Annie, competed in track for her Brecksville Middle School 7th and 8th grade team this season. This was Annie's first year running track. As you can see in the above photograph (Anne is 2nd from the right), it was mostly all smiles this season!Anne competed mostly in sprint events running the anchor in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, and also competed in the individual 100 and 200. Anne enjoyed lots of success, especially in the season's final meet - the South West Conference championships. Brecksville competed against rival schools of Amherst, Midpark, Olmsted Falls, Avon Lake, Berea, Westlake, and North Olmsted. Annie's 4x100 relay finished 3rd. The highlight of the meet for Annie was the individual 200. She competed against some very fast girls, mostly 8th graders. In the end, Annie won the 200 recording a time of 28.2. And even better, Annie and her teammates came in first place as a team.
Congrats to Annie!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
1920, 1948, 1950, 1955, 1955, 1964 ... 2009?
Is this the year Cleveland will have its first major sports championship since 1964?
The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the first round of the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons, 4 games to none. Tonight they won game #1 of the second round vs. the Atlanta Hawks. They need 16 victories to win the NBA title. The Cavs had the NBA's best record during the regular season, therefore they have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This is a very good sign and the Cavs were 39-2 at home during the regular season.
Even more important than the home court advantage is their best player: LeBron James. James is a hometown hero and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player this season. He is truly King James here on the northcoast.
Trivia: who is the last Cleveland athlete to win a major sport MVP? See below.
The Cleveland Browns were the last team to win a major sports championship in C-town. I was a mere 7 months old, so technically I have experienced a championship. There have been many heartbreaking moments in my life surrounding Cleveland sports. When the pundits talk about the most starved sports fans, there is really no debate. We win that contest hands-down.
Although the Browns are pathetic these days, they are one of football's most storied franchises. The Browns entered the NFL in 1950 and won the NFL title that year. The Browns first four years of existence were actually in the All-America Football League: 1946-1949. The AAFL only existed those four years and they only had one championship team. The Browns won the league title every year. They also won NFL titles in 1954, 1955 and 1964. In total, they have won 8 football titles, two more than the team down the road in Steel City.
The Cavaliers have never won a title, but did play in the finals two years ago.
My beloved Indians won titles in 1920 and 1948, losing the World Series in 1954, 1995 and 1997. More on the 1920 season in a future blog.
Is this the year? I certainly hope so.
Last major sports MVP? Brian Sipe, Browns QB in 1980, with apologies to the great Albert Belle who should have won MLB's MVP in 1995.
Go Cavs
The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the first round of the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons, 4 games to none. Tonight they won game #1 of the second round vs. the Atlanta Hawks. They need 16 victories to win the NBA title. The Cavs had the NBA's best record during the regular season, therefore they have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This is a very good sign and the Cavs were 39-2 at home during the regular season.
Even more important than the home court advantage is their best player: LeBron James. James is a hometown hero and was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player this season. He is truly King James here on the northcoast.
Trivia: who is the last Cleveland athlete to win a major sport MVP? See below.
The Cleveland Browns were the last team to win a major sports championship in C-town. I was a mere 7 months old, so technically I have experienced a championship. There have been many heartbreaking moments in my life surrounding Cleveland sports. When the pundits talk about the most starved sports fans, there is really no debate. We win that contest hands-down.
Although the Browns are pathetic these days, they are one of football's most storied franchises. The Browns entered the NFL in 1950 and won the NFL title that year. The Browns first four years of existence were actually in the All-America Football League: 1946-1949. The AAFL only existed those four years and they only had one championship team. The Browns won the league title every year. They also won NFL titles in 1954, 1955 and 1964. In total, they have won 8 football titles, two more than the team down the road in Steel City.
The Cavaliers have never won a title, but did play in the finals two years ago.
My beloved Indians won titles in 1920 and 1948, losing the World Series in 1954, 1995 and 1997. More on the 1920 season in a future blog.
Is this the year? I certainly hope so.
Last major sports MVP? Brian Sipe, Browns QB in 1980, with apologies to the great Albert Belle who should have won MLB's MVP in 1995.
Go Cavs
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Baseball 2009
Baseball season 2009 has officially started. It's a great time of the year even if you get 4-6 inches of snow this week like we did in Northeast Ohio.
Dave Porter forwarded me this article from National Review and I thought I would pass it along. In short, it's basically 30 different fans stating why they love their MLB team.
http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MGU5M2QzNTM4MWQ3Y2MzYjY4ODY5MzNiZTMzN2FhNDk
It got me thinking about friends of mine who have particular favorite teams. I though I might list them below in the order they show in the article.
Baltimore Orioles - #1 O's fan in my life has to be Brian Whisler, Grove City College buddy.
Boston Red Sox - Two guys come to mind - Steve Farrington, fellow little league coach, a true life long devotion to his beloved Sox. Steve breaks the mold in that he is not a typically Sox fan. He loves the game, loves his Sox, but is civil about it.
The other friend is my cousin Steph's boss - Glenn Montgomery. Glenn has graciously invited me to a Sox game this summer and I am planning on taking my daughter Annie to a game at Fenway. We can't wait.
My best friend growing up in Chagrin, John Niemoller, does not count. He lives in the Boston area and jumped on the bandwagon in recent years. Sorry John.
New York Yankees - Yankee fans are certainly the worst. I have to list my brother Doug. We have lively chats about the Yanks.
Tampa Bay Rays - My good friend Mike Barrett has a brother Tom who lives in TB. TB, Tom Barrett, obviously loves the Rays - they wear his initials on their hats.
Toronto Blue Jays - No one comes to mind.
Chicago White Sox - honor goes to my neighbors Paul Murphy and his son Daniel. Paul grew up on the south side of Chicago and is very devoted. We still love him.
Detroit Tigers - #1 Tiges fan is my dear Christian brother, Joe Abraham. Extremely devoted. Sadly, he is a UM grad and loves his Wolverines as well.
KC Royals - There are no Royals fans that I am aware of.
Minnesota Twins - Good friend Jimmy Grosz grew up in the Twin Cities, now resides in West Palm Beach, FL. Solid Twins fan.
AL West: A's, Rangers, Angels, Mariners - pass
Other notables:
Pirates - the once proud franchise is now the laughing stock of MLB. I know many Pirates fans. My father grew up a fan, as did my Mom's dad. I remember Grandpa Migliore always listening to Pirate games when we visited. Other notable fans: Brett Flenniken and Dave Porter, two of my closest friends. Very solid guys, very loyal to their beloved Buccos.
Cardinals - GCC buddy Marc Cooper is a huge Cardinals fan. One of my favorite GCC memories was watching the 1982 World Series at school with Marc. Cards played the Brewers. I rooted hard for the Brewers, but Marc's Cards prevailed.
Phillies - My good friend Andrew Higgins comes to mind. Andrew grew up in Philly and now lives in Green Bay, WI. It was fun last year talking to Andrew as the Phils won the World Series.
Cleveland Indians - of course, I am devoted. My good friend Jim Gilmore is also worth a special mention. Jim is a passionate baseball fan and since moving to Cleveland he has faithfully supported the Tribe. I have been to many many baseball games with many different people. There is no one better than Jim.
If I forgot someone, please forgive me.
Go Tribe
Dave Porter forwarded me this article from National Review and I thought I would pass it along. In short, it's basically 30 different fans stating why they love their MLB team.
http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MGU5M2QzNTM4MWQ3Y2MzYjY4ODY5MzNiZTMzN2FhNDk
It got me thinking about friends of mine who have particular favorite teams. I though I might list them below in the order they show in the article.
Baltimore Orioles - #1 O's fan in my life has to be Brian Whisler, Grove City College buddy.
Boston Red Sox - Two guys come to mind - Steve Farrington, fellow little league coach, a true life long devotion to his beloved Sox. Steve breaks the mold in that he is not a typically Sox fan. He loves the game, loves his Sox, but is civil about it.
The other friend is my cousin Steph's boss - Glenn Montgomery. Glenn has graciously invited me to a Sox game this summer and I am planning on taking my daughter Annie to a game at Fenway. We can't wait.
My best friend growing up in Chagrin, John Niemoller, does not count. He lives in the Boston area and jumped on the bandwagon in recent years. Sorry John.
New York Yankees - Yankee fans are certainly the worst. I have to list my brother Doug. We have lively chats about the Yanks.
Tampa Bay Rays - My good friend Mike Barrett has a brother Tom who lives in TB. TB, Tom Barrett, obviously loves the Rays - they wear his initials on their hats.
Toronto Blue Jays - No one comes to mind.
Chicago White Sox - honor goes to my neighbors Paul Murphy and his son Daniel. Paul grew up on the south side of Chicago and is very devoted. We still love him.
Detroit Tigers - #1 Tiges fan is my dear Christian brother, Joe Abraham. Extremely devoted. Sadly, he is a UM grad and loves his Wolverines as well.
KC Royals - There are no Royals fans that I am aware of.
Minnesota Twins - Good friend Jimmy Grosz grew up in the Twin Cities, now resides in West Palm Beach, FL. Solid Twins fan.
AL West: A's, Rangers, Angels, Mariners - pass
Other notables:
Pirates - the once proud franchise is now the laughing stock of MLB. I know many Pirates fans. My father grew up a fan, as did my Mom's dad. I remember Grandpa Migliore always listening to Pirate games when we visited. Other notable fans: Brett Flenniken and Dave Porter, two of my closest friends. Very solid guys, very loyal to their beloved Buccos.
Cardinals - GCC buddy Marc Cooper is a huge Cardinals fan. One of my favorite GCC memories was watching the 1982 World Series at school with Marc. Cards played the Brewers. I rooted hard for the Brewers, but Marc's Cards prevailed.
Phillies - My good friend Andrew Higgins comes to mind. Andrew grew up in Philly and now lives in Green Bay, WI. It was fun last year talking to Andrew as the Phils won the World Series.
Cleveland Indians - of course, I am devoted. My good friend Jim Gilmore is also worth a special mention. Jim is a passionate baseball fan and since moving to Cleveland he has faithfully supported the Tribe. I have been to many many baseball games with many different people. There is no one better than Jim.
If I forgot someone, please forgive me.
Go Tribe
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Uniform Number
OK - if you ever played on a sports team as a kid, do you remember wanting a certain number on your uniform or jersey? I know I did. Usually it depended on which sport I was playing and who, at the time, was my favorite player.
Example, in the mid-1970's Archie Griffin was my football idol. I remember wanting to wear Archie's number in the worst way. The problem was that Archie wore #45 for the Ohio State Buckeyes. #45 was not the most common number for little league football teams to issue. And, I usually played quarterback and #45 was not a common number for a QB. And, I was always one of the smaller kids, and typically was issued a single digit #. Back then and maybe now, the smaller #'s were the smaller sizes.
In basketball I always wore #10. Why? That was the number my older brother Pat wore for in high school when he played for the Chagrin Falls Tigers. Throughout my high school basketball career, I proudly wore #10 to honor my brother.
Baseball was my favorite sport and I wore several different numbers, but I eventually settled on #19. I was born on May 19th and just liked the number. I also really liked Freddy Lynn of the Boston Red Sox and he wore #19. One of my best friends from Chagrin days was Steve Diedrich (he wore #5 in baseball and #32 in basketball). Steve may not remember, but when I wore #19 our senior year in baseball he called me "Freddy Bill". I loved that nickname.
As a keeper of odd sports knowledge, I remember lots of uniform #'s. In fact, one way I remember my bike and locker lock combinations is by remembering sports figures that wore the particular numbers. Example: 25-15-21 - that would be Buddy Bell, Bart Starr, and Roberto Clemente. Or, 30-5-13 - Dave Winfield, George Brett, Mike Bistritz (another CF buddy who always wore 13).
Perhaps the most sacred number in all of sports is the #3. Who wore #3? That's easy - the greatest baseball player ever: Babe Ruth. Long before MLB permanently retired Jackie Robinson's #42, I maintained baseball at all levels should never again allow anyone to wear #3. In 1988 when I coached the JV baseball team at Mayfield High School I refused to issue #3 to any of the boys. When asked why, I had to come clean and tell them of my firm conviction. The kids thought I was weird.
Well, when Jackson started his little league career I decided to tell him of my love for #3 and suggested that he wear it. Jack liked the idea and wore it until last summer when he joined a new travel baseball team. Someone else grabbed it, so guess what # he decided to wear? He made me very proud when he decided to wear #19.
Jackson recently made the freshman baseball team at his high school, St. Ignatius. Last week they received their uniforms. Jackson got in line and made the best of it. He settled on #9, since there wasn't much to choose from. Not too many #9 baseball players come to mind except for one, and he is perhaps the greatest hitter of all-time. Can you name him?
OK, I am wanting to hear from you. What is your favorite # and why? Please comment and share some fun uniform # stories.
Family Photo
Here's a shot of the family, dogs included. Picture was taken last Sunday on a family hike in the Cleveland Metro Parks, near my hometown of Chagrin Falls.
Jackson is on the left, now 15, looking studly in his St. Ignatius fleece. Janice is next to him. Note: Jackson is now the tallest member of the family, something he is very proud of! Janice just had a birthday, but I won't mention how young she is (hint: born in 1965). William is next to Janice and he turned 9 on March 4th.
Our daughters from left to right are Halle - 16, Leah - 11, and Annie - 13.
Our labs are also present: Belle (as in Albert) is on the left, and Mays (think Willie) is on the right.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Brecksville Gymnasts - 6th Straight State Championship
March 23, 2009
My oldest child, Halle - age 16, is a sophomore at Brecksville High School. As you may know, Brecksville has a really great girls gymnastics team. They recently won their 6th straight Ohio state championship.
Halle was awarded her 1st high school letter this season - congrats, Halle. Halle and her fellow underclassman have big shoes to fill and will be back stronger than ever next season.
Halle is 2nd from the left on the top row.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
I have been reading through the New Testament this year with the help of a devotional Bible that breaks up readings in daily passages. So far, it has taken me through Matthew and Romans, and now I am reading through Mark and I Corinthians.
This past week I read through a passage in Mark 1 that really struck me. I thought about it often as I was going through my week. Wouldn't you know - this morning my pastor, Alistair Begg, preached from this exact text. Here is the text:
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
What really struck me last week was the contrast between Jesus' baptism followed by His temptation in the wilderness. At one moment Jesus hears these incredible affirming words: "You are my Son, with you I am well pleased.". The next moment, Jesus is living in the wilderness with wild animals and facing Satan.
Mark wastes no time introducing us to Christ and setting the context of His time on earth.
Alistair's sermon was really good. You can check it out at the following address - http://www3.parksidechurch.com/category/services-online/.
This past week I read through a passage in Mark 1 that really struck me. I thought about it often as I was going through my week. Wouldn't you know - this morning my pastor, Alistair Begg, preached from this exact text. Here is the text:
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
What really struck me last week was the contrast between Jesus' baptism followed by His temptation in the wilderness. At one moment Jesus hears these incredible affirming words: "You are my Son, with you I am well pleased.". The next moment, Jesus is living in the wilderness with wild animals and facing Satan.
Mark wastes no time introducing us to Christ and setting the context of His time on earth.
Alistair's sermon was really good. You can check it out at the following address - http://www3.parksidechurch.com/category/services-online/.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Charlie Haden on the Letterman Show
My good friend, Dave Porter, has been a constant inspiration since we met at Grove City College in 1984. One of his great passions is jazz music, and I have him to thank for opening up my world to jazz.
One of the artists that I really like is Charlie Haden, a world-renowned bass player. Several months ago Haden and friends performed a beautiful ballad on the David Letterman show.
Check it out on You Tube ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYYOoDlNZc
One of the artists that I really like is Charlie Haden, a world-renowned bass player. Several months ago Haden and friends performed a beautiful ballad on the David Letterman show.
Check it out on You Tube ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYYOoDlNZc
Cleveland's West Side Market, St. Ignatius, and Baseball Tryouts
If you live in the Cleveland area, or are ever visiting, be sure to visit Cleveland's West Side Market on a Saturday morning (http://www.westsidemarket.org/). Located just across the Cuyahoga River (West) from the ballpark formerly known as Jacobs Field, the West Side Market is a classic. It opened almost 100 years ago and is a real treasure.
For the past month, my Saturday morning routine has been to drop off my oldest son, Jackson, at baseball tryouts at his high school St. Ignatius. Ignatius is just down the street from the WSM. I then spend the next two hours walking around the Market and having breakfast at a cafe housed inside the Market.
Jackson started at Ignatius this school year, his freshman year. It has been a great year for him. He played for the JV soccer team in the fall and accompanied the varsity team as a ball boy all the way to Columbus and got to see Ignatius win their 3rd State Soccer Championship.
For the past month, Jackson has been trying out for the Freshman baseball team. Over 100 boys tried out for the team. That's right, 106 boys tried out for 17 coveted positions. Jackson got word Friday night after practice that he made the team. He is very excited and I am very proud of him.
For the past month, my Saturday morning routine has been to drop off my oldest son, Jackson, at baseball tryouts at his high school St. Ignatius. Ignatius is just down the street from the WSM. I then spend the next two hours walking around the Market and having breakfast at a cafe housed inside the Market.
Jackson started at Ignatius this school year, his freshman year. It has been a great year for him. He played for the JV soccer team in the fall and accompanied the varsity team as a ball boy all the way to Columbus and got to see Ignatius win their 3rd State Soccer Championship.
For the past month, Jackson has been trying out for the Freshman baseball team. Over 100 boys tried out for the team. That's right, 106 boys tried out for 17 coveted positions. Jackson got word Friday night after practice that he made the team. He is very excited and I am very proud of him.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thoughts on Championships
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Well, March Madness is upon us again. One national sports talk radio guy stated that yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday) are the two most exciting days in sports all year. 65 teams are competing over three consecutive weekends, all trying to win the NCAA men's national basketball championship.
Championship - that's a pretty neat thing to pursue when you are on a team. No matter how large or small the stage, winning a championship at any level is really hard to do. Think about it? How many championships did you win growing up? It got me thinking about my experiences playing as a youth, coaching as an adult, and watching my kids play and compete in their various sports.
The above picture is the 2009 Mite A championship team from Cleveland Heights. They competed for the championship in the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League (www.cshlhockey.org). The 3rd player from the left is my youngest son, William - age 9. William's team won the regular season championship (banner on the right) with a 9-0-3 league record, and they also won the playoff championship (banner on the left). They won the playoff championship that day scoring the only goal of the game in double OT. It was an incredible win and a fantastic season.
Congrats to William and his teammates on a great season.
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