on wisconsin

A true Marquette fan cannot cheer on the Badgers. Sorry. ~ an unnamed Marquette Alum

And so the "rivalry" begins...

There is a reason why it's "rivalry" and not rivalry. A true rivalry denotes a dislike on both sides (read: Ravens v. Steelers, Bears v. Packers). Seeing that the Badgers usually don't give a rat's ass about Marquette, it's hard to consider that a rivalry. It seems to be something that's been inflated in the minds of Marquette alum.

Yes, I am a Marquette alum. I cheered on the Badgers (over Oregon, Baylor and Arizona mind you). And I hope they serve up some Kentucky Wildcat for dinner on Saturday. 

Does that mean I am not a true Marquette fan? I say no, but it depends on who you ask.

Some background: I grew up on the east coast, raised by Midwesterners. As a kid, I cheered for the ACC because of Maryland, the Big East because of Georgetown and the Big 10 because of Minnesota. Today it's the Big East because of Marquette and Georgetown, and the Big 10 because of Maryland (that's just weird) and Minnesota. The ACC...meh. The PAC 10 was considered evil...and still is. Dad was hoping for a 75% Big 10 Final Four (thanks for screwing that up, state of Michigan). I know Mom would have cheered for Wisconsin (even with the whole Minnesota Paul Bunyan axe thing).

Bottom line, I never hated or even disliked Wisconsin. Maybe I've just kept quiet about it. Why? To save face with some of my fellow Marquette alum. Perhaps.

When Marquette plays Wisconsin in basketball, you're damn right I go for Marquette...I want those state bragging rights. However, I don't like anyone when they play Marquette.

But at this point, I don't care if I'm ostracized for cheering for the the Badgers. There, I said it.

I've lived in Wisconsin as long as I've lived in Maryland. I call both places home. Maybe that's why the Badgers have grown on me. Or maybe if Wisconsin wins, the majority of people around me are happy and life just seems better.

Or maybe there are more pressing things on which to expend my energy. Will they ever find the remains of Malaysian Airlines light 370? Is there a possibility for peace in the Ukraine? And more importantly, what am I having for lunch?

And I can tell you, Maryland and Georgetown don't have this one-sided rivalry; they peacefully co-exist along the Capitol Beltway. If it works in Maryland/DC, surely it can work in Wisconsin. 

Will I bleed Marquette blue and gold when it comes to college basketball? Absolutely. 

Does cheering on Wisconsin make me a bad Marquette fan? No. In fact, it makes me an open-minded one. And trust me, Marquette needs to be more open-minded (but that's a post for another time).

So I leave you with three words...
Fuck 'em Bucky!

orioles baseball, i missed you

I remember going to my first baseball game with my granddad, dad and brother when I was a couple months shy of seven years old. (note: I had the choice of the baseball game or my aunt's bridal shower.  Years later, given the same choice, I'd still pick the game). 

And that's how I got hooked on baseball.

Back then, my beloved Orioles played at Memorial Stadium - a great park but in a shitty area of "Balmer". Getting there was always an experience (I liken it to N. 27th St. & W. Fond du Lac in Milwaukee). We'd always go to at least couple games a year, and since my grandparents lived across the street from the play-by-play announcer, we'd always get some swag. In fact, I still have my stuffed Oriole bird. 

The Orioles moved to Oriole Park at Camden Yards (aka "Birdland") in 1991, and since I've lived out of state most of that time, I haven't been there often. Earlier this month, I finally got to return Camden Yards after a ten-year hiatus and finally saw a game...after a three-hour rain delay.

What else do you do at a ballpark waiting for the rain to subside? Talk Oriole baseball, and those memories came flooding back (pun intended).  Rick Dempsey using the tarp as a slip-n-slide during rain delays.  Earl "of Baltimore" Weaver throwing second base whilst in a argument with the umpire. Celebrity crushing on Jim Palmer (even to this day). Chants of "Eddie! Eddie!" whenever Eddie Murray came to bat. Anything involving Cal Ripken, Jr.

By coincidence, it was a "Legends" night. Eddie Murray's statue was unveiled at the ballpark, and each aforementioned Oriole was in attendance.  And for the first time in over a decade, chants of "Eddie! Eddie!" rang through Camden Yards.

And even if for a few moments, I was a kid at the ballpark in awe of America's pastime. 

it's still milwaukee, sportscasters

With all the political banter running amok in this state, one might think I would blog (aka bitch) about that.  However, I figure we all hear enough of that on the news, facebook and various other social media outlets.  So, in my infinite wisdom, I will bitch about something else:  Milwaukee media coverage of state college basketball.

If this sounds like a familiar rant, you are indeed correct.  This has been done by me before (see post from January 2010).  No, it hasn't improved since then.

Eventually, I should learn to accept (but likely never will) that Wisconsin is the state school and likely has more followers than my alma mater, Marquette....despite the fact that this is Milwaukee, where Marquette actually is.  And remember, UWM is also in Milwaukee.  However, I still maintain that Marquette and UWM coverage should take precedence over Wisconsin when it comes to bball.  Yes, there are exceptions, like when Wisconsin knocked off then #1 Ohio State.

Yesterday, all three teams has events (games or otherwise) that were newsworthy.  One station's "Sports Minute" only covered the Badgers.  Really?  I get that it was Senior day and they had a perfect home season....but really?  Marquette beat Providence  by over 20 points, thus keeping their chance of an NCAA tourney bid alive.  This is a team in Milwaukee!  At least the station but that on the news ticker (and finally made mention of it for about 10 seconds). 

But that's not the worst of it.  I heard on talk radio this morning that UWM, with their late-season run, is the #1 seed in the Horizon Conference - meaning the conference tourney is in Milwaukee.  This the conference with Butler (#2 by the way), who came oh-so-close to knocking off Duke in the NCAA tourney final last year.  Why the hell wasn't this on the news?  In the local sports world, this is bigger than both Marquette and Wisconsin wins. 

There is potentially that all three teams could be dancing this year, which is awesome.  Sadly, we'll only hear about this team in red. 

played into hibernation

It is not a fun time to be a Bears fan in Packer Nation.

Truth be told, it never really is. However, when the prize for winning the game is a ticket to Super Bowl XLV, it's just that much more fun.

Yes, that was sarcastic.

To be fair, I (partially) brought it upon myself. I was trash-talking Packers fans all week. And as much as I wanted the Bears to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, my gut was saying otherwise (admittedly, I picked the Packers to win). But I continued to trash-talk nonetheless; even during the game where at times I wondered if the Bears would decide to show up and play.

All in good fun, right? Right....until Monday morning.

I'm the only Bears fan in my office, and I wore black in mourning. It was duly noted by numerous co-workers that the Bears lost. And yes, I did expect it. My boss even brought it up in a meeting - just to razz me. The only upside is that I won $20 in the Packer pool for the week. However, I would have preferred a Bears win.

Really, I don't mind "the Bears still suck" comments (note: I actually think that's a funny song by Happy Schnapps Combo even if I don't agree with it) and other assorted smack from people I talk to or see on a regular basis, or those I consider my good friends. I view it as what it's intended - a friendly rivalry, maybe in a twisted way, a sign of affection. What I don't like is people who rarely bother to talk to me otherwise finding it appropriate to talk smack. The camaraderie just isn't there, and thus, it almost seems slightly malicious.

In the end, we all have to remember it's just a game (albeit a big game). The Packers played better and deserved to win. Although I am happy to see the Bears have a formidable back-up QB in Hanie. And I hope the Packers beat the crap out of the Steelers.

Until NFL 2011...BEAR DOWN!

nfl: a strange beast

Michael Vick is currently the leading vote-getter for the NFL MVP. And people are going fucking nuts about it.

Vick and his cohorts operated Bad Newz kennel - a kennel that abused pit bulls and bred them as bait for dogfighting rings, as well as funded the gambling side of the operation. In 2007, he pled guilty to federal charges in the dog fighting investigation (amongst a slew of minor state and federal charges). Additionally he was suspended by the NFL due to his illegal, cruel and reprehensible behavior - and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. He served almost two years in federal prison and was required to provide to a fund for the care and rehabilitation of the dogs rescued from his kennel. (Note: of the 51 dogs rescued, only four were euthanized. Over half of the remaining dogs now have permanent homes).

I understand the backlash against Vick; backlash from animal rights groups, no-kill shelters, the general populous. This is largely because we can all relate. After all, almost all of us has had encounters house pets at one time or another, and those of us who own pets consider them part of the family. And yes, the Vick incident hits close to home for me; especially seeing Cayenne (and Lily too) represent the breed brutally abused. Abusing animals is unfathomable to us, and just plain wrong.

But this turn of events reveals the strange beast of the NFL.

Earlier this year, Ben Roethlisberger was accused of raping a woman in Florida nightclub. No charges were filed. Yet this is not the first time Big Ben has been accused of sexual assault. He tends to go after almost any female that moves. Abuse - physical, sexual, emotional - against any human is also wrong. Yes, he was suspended for six games by the league. However, there was minimal (if any) backlash from women's abuse organizations, women's rights organizations, etc.

Then there's the whole Brett Favre "sexting" scandal. Favre allegedly sent inappropriate messages to former Jets gameday reporter Jen Sterger. She claims harassment, even though the communication was allegedly mutual. Keep in mind Favre is married (to someone who looks exactly like Sterger, strangely enough). There have been no legal repercussions as of yet, and honestly, there might never be. Sure, Favre screwed his reputation and his marriage, but it's his to screw up. Oh, and did you notice any backlash from the Council for Marriage and Family or the like?

But what about NFL players and murder? Enter Ray Lewis, indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges. However, charges were dropped against Lewis in exchange for his testimony against his two "friends". He got a year of probation, misdemeanor of obstruction and a hefty fine. No suspension. No backlash from anyone that I recall - although this was just over a decade ago. And he was named Super Bowl MVP a year later. Today, he is one of the most revered linebackers in the NFL. I'm not denying his talent or on-field charisma, but everyone seems to have forgotten the past murder charges. Call me crazy, but involvement in a murder is a bigger crime than animal abuse (as trite as that sounds).

What I'm saying is that the punishment should fit the (alleged) crime. I don't condone what any of these players (allegedly) did. In the case of Vick - he paid his dues, served his time, and should be allowed to play the game.

And for the record, I don't think Vick (or any of previously mentioned players) should be MVP for the reasons listed above.

feels like home

Despite living in Wisconsin the better part of my adult life, I will always consider Maryland home. Yet I never plan to reside there (or on the east coast for that matter) again. In reality, I'm more suited for life in a Midwestern or Pacific northwest city.

But in honor of my "triumphant" return to my old stomping grounds this week, I give you the reasons you'll know I'm a Marylander for life:

• Everything tastes better with Old Bay.
• The only real crab cake is a Maryland crab cake - accept no imitations.
• Anything below 32 degrees is still considered cold.
• A 2" dusting of snow should still merit a 2-hour delay at minimum. Anything above 6" merits a snow day.
• It's pronounced "Merlind"; "Mareland" is acceptable. If you pronounce is "Mary land" I will punch you.
• Cal Ripken Jr. is revered as a god among men; he is our hometown hero and #8 forever in our hearts.
• “Fear the Turtle” is more than a saying; it's a way of life during tourney time.
• We shout "O" at the verse "Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave..." during the National Anthem (even at inappropriate times/events).
• "Coke" refers to any carbonated beverage. For example, "What kind of coke do you have?"
• Coolest. State. Flag. Ever.
• “Beer and football..that’s what Maryland does." (thank you, Wedding Crashers)
• And finally...the distinct Maryland "o". And no, I don’t say my “o’s” funny.

this is the year....

...but not judging from yesterday's game.

Granted, there are still 161 games left to be played and one game does not a season make. However, if yesterday's outing versus the Atlanta Braves is any indication, Cubs nation is in for a bumpy 2010 season.

Carlos "Big Z" Zambrano made his sixth straight Opening Day start Monday, a Cubs record. He also managed to have the worst Opening Day start leading to the worst Opening Day loss since 1884. In 1-1/3 innings, Big Z allowed eight runs on six hits, hit a batter, and mixed in a throwing error for good measure. In case you're wondering, that calculates to an ERA of 54.00. Unacceptable, yet not the worst outing of the day - Jeff Samardzija gave up six runs in 1/3 inning for a "stellar" ERA of 108.00. If this is how the Cubs opens the season, I shudder to think of what the rest of the pitching staff will serve up. Hopefully, the arrival Greg Maddux as assistant to the GM (among other roles) can assist the Cubs in their pitching predicament. Hmmm....maybe he'll come out of retirement...

However, there is a light at the end of the pitching tunnel. Sean Marshall pitched two scoreless innings in middle relief. Thank goodness someone could effectively throw the ball over the plate. Also, there is a semblance of an offense. Scoring five runs is promising and pretty damn good - provided Cubs pitching is effective on the flip side. Aramis Ramirez (read: Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra) knocked in a two-run homer while Marlon Byrd (read: replacement for the douchbag of an outfielder who sadly symblized the 2009 campaign) added a three-run homer.

Thus, despite a train wreck of an opener there is hope in Cubs nation. C'mon, we've been hoping for what is going on 102 years...and we won't be stopping now...

this is milwaukee, right?

Last I checked I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - not Madison, Wisconsin. Thus, I believe that coverage any college basketball team (i.e. Marquette, UW Milwaukee) based in Milwaukee should take precedence over the one (UW) in Madison.

Before I go any further, perhaps I should preface this by saying I grew up with a dislike of the Badgers. I know what you're thinking: "But Bec, you grew up out east in the DC area. Why do you dislike the red and white so?" First, red and white are also University of Maryland colors; and in my world, they alwaus will be first and foremost. Second, my granddad was a proud Northwestern alum. Third, and likely the most relevant in this matter, my mother went to University of Minnesota. That Paul Bunyan axe? Well, it doesn't belong in Madison.

OK, maybe the fact I'm a Marquette alum also plays into this ever-so-slightly.

However, back to the original disgruntlement at hand. Last night both Marquette and Wisconsin played a game on the hardcourt and obviously, coverage of both games was on the news. Since TMJ-4 is a Milwaukee-based station, logically and logistically Marquette should be covered before Wisconsin, right? Wrong! Wisconsin v. Michigan THEN Marquette v. DePaul. Now, I don't know nor do I care about the results of this (or any) Wisconsin game. However, the Marquette was actually a big deal but definitely not in a good way. (Really...DePaul? A team that hadn't won a Big East game in two years until last night?).

Maybe I'm a mildly enthusiastic and biased Marquette alum; but I truly feel that in Milwaukee, Marquette should largely receive top-billing when it comes to college hoops. That being said, I do realize there is another Milwaukee NCAA Division I university. For you UW-Milwaukee fans and alum, I think UWM should receive priority coverage over Wisconsin as well. In some cases UWM can and rightfully should even precede Marquette (yes, I wrote that), like in the past when they have defeated Top 25 Butler.

Bottom line: This is Milwaukee. Support the Milwaukee universities, dammit!

o no, no o!

I won't argue that a new GM will undoubtedly help the turmoiled Redskins, but perhaps this loyal fan should have revised his sign to be more pertinent to last night's game:
BEst
Santa
Present
A New O-line

Last night, the 'Skins O-line was like a broken condom: no protection.

27 never looked so icky...

The baseball season is now officially over (for a few months anyway, as the 2010 season begins in April) so I guess it's time to review my World Series prediction:

The Good:

The Yankees did go to the fall classic. That was to be expected, not because I like the Yankees by any means, but because they were the best team in the AL (oh, and I called it)

It only took six games to declare a winner.

The Bad:

The Phillies went instead of the Dodgers. This is only bad prediction-wise; I actually preferred the Phils out of all the NL teams and was pulling for a repeat.

The Ugly:

The Yankees win their 27th title, thus proving money can indeed buy a World Series championship. And we get the (dis)pleasure of hearing about it for a whole year.

i ♥ baseball playoffs

Ah, the leaves are changing color, the days are getting shorter. This can only mean one thing: baseball playoffs!!!

There's just something about "America's past time" going into playoff mode...atmosphere, the strategy, the competitive spirit. Maybe I like it a little too much as that I will watch the games even if I don't particularly care who wins.

That being said, here's my opinion of the teams in contention for the 2009 fall classic (and yes, I do have my favorites....):

National League:

• Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies winning would be cool only because it's a rarity for any team to win back to back championships in any sport. And if they do, maybe we'll discover what the "Philly Phanatic" actually is. To me, it resembles a green, hairy Snork.
• Colorado Rockies: Admittedly, I'm not that well-versed on the Rockies - I don't think anyone outside the Mountain Time zone really is unless one is a ginormous baseball fan. That's enough reason to pull for them.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: I'm not sure how I feel about them. Although, they are currently up 2-0 in the NLDS vs. the Cardinals....and that's a good thing.
• St. Louis Cardinals: Just as long as it's not these guys.

American League:

• Minnesota Twins: Ah, the Twins. They amaze the MLB every year as they always put together a competitive team despite not being a large-market baseball city and low payroll (read: Yankees polar opposite); and losing big-name players like Torii Hunter to the Angels and Johann Santana to the Mets (note: Mets, not in playoffs). They may lack the finesse of the Yankees as the word "scrappy" comes to mind...but they've got spunk. Spunk wins over finesse. And they have Joe Mauer, AL Batting Champ. On a personal note, I've been a Twins fan for about as long as I've been a Cubs and Orioles fan - and was probably the only kid in Potomac, MD (aside from my brother) who possessed a Homer Hankie and a Twins Wheaties box. I remember the magic of Kirby, Hrbek, Gaetti and the rest of the 1987 and 1991 teams. The Twins put together something special in those years, and have the gumption and talent to do it again in 2009. GO TWINS!
• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels are the only team with something else to play for: Nick Adenhart. Adenhart was an up and coming starting pitcher who was killed by a drunk driver in April 2009. The news of his death shocked the MLB - especially in LA/Anaheim and Baltimore (as he was a Maryland native). The team has essentially dedicated this season to Adenhart's memory...and he continues to be a driving force in their playoff run. If the Angels win, it will definitely be in part due to the Adenhart factor and fans jumping on the bandwagon for that very reason. By far, the sentimental story of these playoffs. I made the corny "angels in the outfield" reference, but in this case, it's not far from the truth. The Angels has persevered in this tragedy, along with commitment and emotion. It just might bring them to the World Series.
• New York Yankees: There's baaaaaaack....and most folks, myself included, aren't overly thrilled about it. I can respect their history, their storied players, etc. However, it just goes to show that money can potentially buy a championship.
• Boston Red Sox: They broke their curse before my beloved Cubs did. I'm not happy about this.

As for World Series match-ups...

• I would love a Twins/Rockies series. Sadly, I don't think that will happen, but with the magic of October baseball, you never know.
• If the Twins don't go, I'm with the Angels. For reasons referenced above, they are the sentimental favorite.
• Realistically, I'm looking at a Yankees/Dodgers series. Joe Torre faces his former team. Dodgers in six.

First team to 11 wins...

hey now, you're an all-star

Baseball has been, and probably always will be, my favorite professional sport.

I've been a fan since I was six, and vividly remember my first game (but I'll spare you most of the details):

Orioles v. Yankees at the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. I attended with my granddad, dad and brother. My other option was to attend a family bridal shower. Given the choice today, I'd still pick the baseball game.

The O's were winning 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth. The Yanks scored 4 runs in the top of the 6th to go ahead 5-3. Then the storm came. A three-hour storm. O's win, 3-1.

And I was hooked.

Now growing up in Maryland just outside DC (pre-Nats era) it's pretty obvious why I'm an O's fan. Being a Cubs fan; that takes a small explanation. My granddad and dad hail from Chicago. The north side of Chicago. They taught me about baseball and at age six, I could be easily influenced; yet I have never wavered from being a Cubs fan. The Cubs are the ultimate underdogs. I like underdogs. And let's face it, I enjoy being a Cubs fan living in Milwaukee - if anything, it annoys people. And that's just fun.

But on the evening of the midsummer classic, we tend to put away rivalries for just one game and focus on the actual game of baseball. We sit back and remember it as "America's pasttime". It's a never-ending story where every game is a new nine-inning chapter and every player has the chance to be the hero.

Thus in honor of the All-Star game and the players past & present, I give you my favorite memories:

• 1983, Comiskey Park, Chicago - Cal Ripken Jr.'s first all-star appearance (warning: you'll see a theme here)
  
• 1990, Wrigley Field, Chicago - It's Wrigley. Ryne Sandberg, one of my all-time favorite players gets to play at his home field. And Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks, throws out the first pitch.


• 1991, SkyDome, Toronto - Cal Ripken Jr. wins MVP


• 1993, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - Cal Ripken Jr. gets to play at his home field. Jim Palmer is honorary captain. Kirby Puckett wins MVP.


• 1999, Fenway Park, Boston - All-Century team is named which includes Cubs Ernie Banks and Greg Maddux (well, he started as a Cubbie); and Orioles Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Eddie Murray and my all-time favorite player Cal Ripken Jr.


• 2001, Safeco Field, Seattle - Cal Ripken Jr.'s final All-Star game. At the start of the game, Alex Rodriguez suggested Ripken move over to his customary shortstop position. An ultimate classy move, and the sole reason I don't completely dislike A-Rod. Ripken hits his first pitch over the left field wall and receives his 2nd MVP.


• 2002, Miller Park, Milwaukee - The military fly-by route went right over my house. I thought that was uber-cool. The game itself ended in a tie.

So, take me out to the ballgame...