No matter how smart or capable you may wish you could see yourself as being, there are still those moments in the still of night when all is silent that your thoughts become muddled amidst the doubt and regret over the past. The only comfort one can have in those nights, I'm thinking - I'm hoping - is that it is that way for most everyone.
We've been given these incredible gifts as humans of thought, and compassion, and conscience, and personal choice, that it could almost be a hindrance to the "normal" everyday life. Whatever that means. The curse of being someone of intelligence is the curse of never being able to shut it off. It goes, and goes, and goes.
Where is the end? Where is the moment of clarity? Does it ever happen?
People of faith say that all our questions will be answered upon our deaths. Talk about a defeatist attitude. And I'm sorry if I choose not to buy into the notion that I'm supposed to cloak myself in a shroud of doubt and worry, on the mere chance that faith will somehow save me in the end. Where's my relief now?
Is it selfish? Possibly. Maybe. A little shortsighted to think that this "life" is all there is to the existence of man. But couldn't it be naive to think that upon death is when life really occurs? How are people that live tough lives supposed to justify to themselves in good faith that somehow, this will all turn around, when they're no longer here to remember or do anything about it?
Maybe that's it. The "toughness" of some cannot compare to the struggles of many.
But the paralysis of thought is damning. The paralysis of looking back is debilitating. The paralysis of self-disappointment is crushing.
And all we can have is faith - in ourselves - that the light will come on.
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's the Hypocricy of Sports That Drives
This time every year many college football programs fire their head coaches in search of the next big thing. The guy that can lead them to the "promise land."
Unfortunately though many of the schools have a misguided view on what this grand, amazingly spectacular, promise land is for their respective programs. And it isn't the fault of the universities themselves, althought expecting 9 wins at a mid-major year-in year-out is a bit shortsighted, it's the fault of what we've bread into our communities as to what is acceptable in sports.
It's win at all cost. And if you're not winning, then you're less of a person for it. Coming from an average to below-average junior college pitcher, nothing can be more true than my experiences as a coach in collegiate baseball. The only division is D-I. Anything else and the characteristics you have as a person need not apply.
And so it goes at schools like Auburn and Washington this season, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech last season, that think their promise land is far more special than what it actually is in reality.
In Auburn's case much of the last 10 years have been spent among the top 15 teams in the country. And now there is a case to be made about the fishy smell sorrounding the departure of head coach Tommy Tuberville. What is it that Auburn thinks they gain by, what reports are saying, forcing out their head coach? A sure fire National Title? Hardly. Just another case of the school having a grand misconception of what they really are.
Simply put, winning, money, talent, and status are all the drives sports, but sadly those sports include college. The one level of athletics that should remain above all else and pure, has been driven to be just as commercial and processed as the professional ranks. Nobody celebrates the mediocre talent that works his/her way through college sports while going to school and becoming a teacher. Noone brags about the 4.0 GPA pitcher that had a 5 ERA that now serves his community on the city council.
Sure, winning a national title would do a lot for a fan base, brings tons of money into an otherwise stretched-thin athletic budget, and could very well increase tuition at the university as a whole. But what does it really accomplish?
Does anyone remember the team crowned No. 1 ten years ago? 15? You would have a hard time finding someone that would without looking it up first.
But how many of those programs have produced doctors, teachers, coaches, city volunteers, politicians, police officers, etc? Occupations that actually and tangibly touch the lives and spirits of another. Nothing a silly national title could do.
It's why sports for someone that enjoys it for what it is, the building of relationships and character through the struggle of school and a dream, can really have a hard time seeing a future in it when the only line of success drawn is the bottom line.
Someone should stand and praise those that don't play D-I athletics, and praise those that do without the acclaim of the special 1%, and say thanks for they are the ones that will be leading our communities in the future. There should be a heavy price tag on character, graduation, being a good person, being a great spouse, and being an amazing parent. And we should all sell low on what sports has become: winning, talent, and money.
Three things that in the end, only affect the very few.
Unfortunately though many of the schools have a misguided view on what this grand, amazingly spectacular, promise land is for their respective programs. And it isn't the fault of the universities themselves, althought expecting 9 wins at a mid-major year-in year-out is a bit shortsighted, it's the fault of what we've bread into our communities as to what is acceptable in sports.
It's win at all cost. And if you're not winning, then you're less of a person for it. Coming from an average to below-average junior college pitcher, nothing can be more true than my experiences as a coach in collegiate baseball. The only division is D-I. Anything else and the characteristics you have as a person need not apply.
And so it goes at schools like Auburn and Washington this season, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech last season, that think their promise land is far more special than what it actually is in reality.
In Auburn's case much of the last 10 years have been spent among the top 15 teams in the country. And now there is a case to be made about the fishy smell sorrounding the departure of head coach Tommy Tuberville. What is it that Auburn thinks they gain by, what reports are saying, forcing out their head coach? A sure fire National Title? Hardly. Just another case of the school having a grand misconception of what they really are.
Simply put, winning, money, talent, and status are all the drives sports, but sadly those sports include college. The one level of athletics that should remain above all else and pure, has been driven to be just as commercial and processed as the professional ranks. Nobody celebrates the mediocre talent that works his/her way through college sports while going to school and becoming a teacher. Noone brags about the 4.0 GPA pitcher that had a 5 ERA that now serves his community on the city council.
Sure, winning a national title would do a lot for a fan base, brings tons of money into an otherwise stretched-thin athletic budget, and could very well increase tuition at the university as a whole. But what does it really accomplish?
Does anyone remember the team crowned No. 1 ten years ago? 15? You would have a hard time finding someone that would without looking it up first.
But how many of those programs have produced doctors, teachers, coaches, city volunteers, politicians, police officers, etc? Occupations that actually and tangibly touch the lives and spirits of another. Nothing a silly national title could do.
It's why sports for someone that enjoys it for what it is, the building of relationships and character through the struggle of school and a dream, can really have a hard time seeing a future in it when the only line of success drawn is the bottom line.
Someone should stand and praise those that don't play D-I athletics, and praise those that do without the acclaim of the special 1%, and say thanks for they are the ones that will be leading our communities in the future. There should be a heavy price tag on character, graduation, being a good person, being a great spouse, and being an amazing parent. And we should all sell low on what sports has become: winning, talent, and money.
Three things that in the end, only affect the very few.
The Mind Tends to Wander in the Silenced Hours
I'm not going to pretend this thought is my own, but after hearing about it it has been a topic of many late-night internal discussions. (Aside from the normal "what I'm I going to wear tomorrow" and "where is my chapstick." Wait I'm not female.)
In Major League, the original and only one that needs to be acknowledged, the Indians were tied heading into the bottom of the 9th thanks to the incredible eye-ware of Rick Vaughn and the magic 700-foot homerun hitting bat of Pedro Serrano.
In that inning Willie Mays Hays reaches first and proceeds to steal second, thus starting a series of events that need to be thoroughly dissected for their authenticity.
Jake Taylor swings through the first pitch, the one in which Hays steals second. Then, steps out of the box, looks up at his manager, AND GIVES A FREAKING SIGN. I only bring this up because of the ridiculous notion that a player would do such a thing, inspiring a country of stupid baseball actions in little leaguers mocking baseball movies, and because the manager actually does it! But, my friends (channeling McCain) this is where the party starts.
(As an aside the stupid baseball movie things that inspired real-life baseball things started with Bull Durham. The two scenes in the movie where Crash Davis throws a temper-fit like no 4-year-old could because Nuke LaLouche shakes him off, should go down as the single worst influential part in a movie ever. It gave all non-talented and stupid catchers across America the bravery to throw the same fit. Jerks. Listen, I was a pitcher in college so this bothers me beyond belief. Hey, you're a catcher, shut-up. I'll throw what I want to throw. You're not smart. You're not special. You catch the ball thrown to you. Like I'm supposed to listen to the guy who's widely regarded, and it's perfectly okay with everyone in baseball, as the worst hitter on the team? What is it exactly that you know about getting people out beyond the fact that you yourself can not hit? Those two 3-minute scenes gave birth to the notion there was a difference in catchers and their ability to call games. Amazingly, those guys that are regarded in MLB as the best game callers, tend to always have the most talented pitching staffs. HUM... Stupid catchers.)
The next pitch in the sequence, the pitch right after the sign was given, and the pitch in the sequence when 100% of the time the play is run, Taylor is knocked down. No action on the bases, he doesn't square around to bunt.
Taylor gets up, "refusing to dust himself off," and steps back into the box.
(Yes, I'm leaving out him "calling his shot" because, let's be honest, that's lame. No need to reference it. Although I just did. Damnit.)
The pitcher comes set. Kicks and...what's this...Hays BREAKS FOR THIRD. Whaaaaaaaaaat?
Not only does this leave a number of questions unanswered for the stupidity of it like - why are you stealing third tied with two outs in the bottom of the 9th of a tie game - but the biggy?
WHY THE HELL DIDN'T HE TAKE OFF WITH THE FIRST PITCH?
Was Taylor's sign specifically designed for the action to take place two pitches after? Did Hays not see the sign because he was too busy loosing his career to Omar Epps? Did Wesley Snipes forget to read the script?
This is incredibly bothersome to any real baseball fan knowing full well Charlie Sheen does not throw 101 mph.
But honestly, a sign was given, the bunt and run should have taken place on the pitch that knocked Taylor down at the plate. The ball would have then been thrown to third, Hays is out, extra innings folks.
Oh Hollywood.
'Til next time.
In Major League, the original and only one that needs to be acknowledged, the Indians were tied heading into the bottom of the 9th thanks to the incredible eye-ware of Rick Vaughn and the magic 700-foot homerun hitting bat of Pedro Serrano.
In that inning Willie Mays Hays reaches first and proceeds to steal second, thus starting a series of events that need to be thoroughly dissected for their authenticity.
Jake Taylor swings through the first pitch, the one in which Hays steals second. Then, steps out of the box, looks up at his manager, AND GIVES A FREAKING SIGN. I only bring this up because of the ridiculous notion that a player would do such a thing, inspiring a country of stupid baseball actions in little leaguers mocking baseball movies, and because the manager actually does it! But, my friends (channeling McCain) this is where the party starts.
(As an aside the stupid baseball movie things that inspired real-life baseball things started with Bull Durham. The two scenes in the movie where Crash Davis throws a temper-fit like no 4-year-old could because Nuke LaLouche shakes him off, should go down as the single worst influential part in a movie ever. It gave all non-talented and stupid catchers across America the bravery to throw the same fit. Jerks. Listen, I was a pitcher in college so this bothers me beyond belief. Hey, you're a catcher, shut-up. I'll throw what I want to throw. You're not smart. You're not special. You catch the ball thrown to you. Like I'm supposed to listen to the guy who's widely regarded, and it's perfectly okay with everyone in baseball, as the worst hitter on the team? What is it exactly that you know about getting people out beyond the fact that you yourself can not hit? Those two 3-minute scenes gave birth to the notion there was a difference in catchers and their ability to call games. Amazingly, those guys that are regarded in MLB as the best game callers, tend to always have the most talented pitching staffs. HUM... Stupid catchers.)
The next pitch in the sequence, the pitch right after the sign was given, and the pitch in the sequence when 100% of the time the play is run, Taylor is knocked down. No action on the bases, he doesn't square around to bunt.
Taylor gets up, "refusing to dust himself off," and steps back into the box.
(Yes, I'm leaving out him "calling his shot" because, let's be honest, that's lame. No need to reference it. Although I just did. Damnit.)
The pitcher comes set. Kicks and...what's this...Hays BREAKS FOR THIRD. Whaaaaaaaaaat?
Not only does this leave a number of questions unanswered for the stupidity of it like - why are you stealing third tied with two outs in the bottom of the 9th of a tie game - but the biggy?
WHY THE HELL DIDN'T HE TAKE OFF WITH THE FIRST PITCH?
Was Taylor's sign specifically designed for the action to take place two pitches after? Did Hays not see the sign because he was too busy loosing his career to Omar Epps? Did Wesley Snipes forget to read the script?
This is incredibly bothersome to any real baseball fan knowing full well Charlie Sheen does not throw 101 mph.
But honestly, a sign was given, the bunt and run should have taken place on the pitch that knocked Taylor down at the plate. The ball would have then been thrown to third, Hays is out, extra innings folks.
Oh Hollywood.
'Til next time.
I Think I Just Chief'd in My Pants
The inaguaral post of my blog starts with what I would consider a fitting title. Something I'm pretty sure the head coach of said football team does most Sundays when it's time to make an actual decision on how to win a football game. The Chiefs' are in the top 10 in turnover differential, and only have two wins. "HELLO. YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME."
Incidentally, why is it that when referring to anything "football" we have to use the word "football?" What a great football game. This is a great football team. He punted her like a football. Okay that doesn't fit. But couldn't we all just ban together under the agreement that we are all aware we're already talking about "football," so then there's really no need to continue on labeling it "football." No other sport does this, just the arrogant, played by savages, football. Football.
So let me get this straight. I get yelled at and slapped upside the helmet if I do something bad. I get yelled at and slapped upside the helmet if I do something good. Why would I want to play this sport again? Why would anyone want to play this sport? Granted I've made quite a nice life out of setting aside hours of my weekends to watch this sport, but I will never understand how people can seriously think cussing, hitting, and degrating another person can be consider both a compliment and a criticism. Imagine if this took place in a real life setting:
Boss: "That was a great 'bleeping' memo you wrote on the usage of the 'bleeping' break room Mike. Great 'bleeping' job. You owned that 'bleeper.' 'Bleep' those bastards that don't clean up after themselves. 'Bleep' them. 'Bleep.' (WHACK!)
Mike: "Yeah. Yeah. 'Bleep.' Yeah."
Ah football...
Hey Glen Dorsey had a great football game today. I heard his name mentioned twice. I wonder how Matt Ryan did...
Thigpen back to pass...throws to Dwayne Bowe...and he drops it...I love the overrated SEC players.
Chris Berman *hand gesture, hand gesture* is *hand gesture* really *hand gesture* annoying.
What did Emmitt Smith just say?
What did Shannon Sharpe just say?
Do you think the Cowboys' locker room has turned from "Yo' Momma" jokes into "your girlfriend is so dumb" jokes?
'Til next time...
Incidentally, why is it that when referring to anything "football" we have to use the word "football?" What a great football game. This is a great football team. He punted her like a football. Okay that doesn't fit. But couldn't we all just ban together under the agreement that we are all aware we're already talking about "football," so then there's really no need to continue on labeling it "football." No other sport does this, just the arrogant, played by savages, football. Football.
So let me get this straight. I get yelled at and slapped upside the helmet if I do something bad. I get yelled at and slapped upside the helmet if I do something good. Why would I want to play this sport again? Why would anyone want to play this sport? Granted I've made quite a nice life out of setting aside hours of my weekends to watch this sport, but I will never understand how people can seriously think cussing, hitting, and degrating another person can be consider both a compliment and a criticism. Imagine if this took place in a real life setting:
Boss: "That was a great 'bleeping' memo you wrote on the usage of the 'bleeping' break room Mike. Great 'bleeping' job. You owned that 'bleeper.' 'Bleep' those bastards that don't clean up after themselves. 'Bleep' them. 'Bleep.' (WHACK!)
Mike: "Yeah. Yeah. 'Bleep.' Yeah."
Ah football...
Hey Glen Dorsey had a great football game today. I heard his name mentioned twice. I wonder how Matt Ryan did...
Thigpen back to pass...throws to Dwayne Bowe...and he drops it...I love the overrated SEC players.
Chris Berman *hand gesture, hand gesture* is *hand gesture* really *hand gesture* annoying.
What did Emmitt Smith just say?
What did Shannon Sharpe just say?
Do you think the Cowboys' locker room has turned from "Yo' Momma" jokes into "your girlfriend is so dumb" jokes?
'Til next time...
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