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Off Topic 6/2/09 - Ain't that a kick in the nadgers edition



What with the meltdown on Sunday, and the somewhat-less-meltdowny-but-still-dispiriting loss yesterday, I got to thinking.  Which is always dangerous, but anyway.  What is the most dispiriting loss you have seen in person, in any sport?  We've all seen a million of 'em on TV, but actually being there is something completely different.

Mine was in Cardiff, Wales.  The 2001 FA Cup final was a fantastic day - my friends and I made it to Cardiff from London in reasonably sober shape, the sun was out, and as soon as we got off the train we found the red half of the pubs in town (well, the Arsenal-red half anyway).  We had a couple beers, then I headed out to find a ticket from one of the many local touts.  I found a fantastic ticket - front row, second tier, section M19 - as it turns out, right above the goal Arsenal would be attacking in the second half.  I paid...a lot...of money for this.  But it was worth it.

For the 30 minutes I was in my seat before kickoff, I sat there terrified that a ticketholder with a ticket that would prove mine was a counterfeit would show up; nobody did, so once the match kicked off, I relaxed a bit.  Arsenal played really well in the first half, and the match went into the break scoreless but Arsenal were looking the most likely to score.

It all kicked off in the second half, though - Thierry Henry had a couple of fantastic chances that he didn't convert, but then with about 20 min left in the match Freddie Ljungberg scored for Arsenal.  GAME ON.  I turned to high-five the guy sitting next to me, who had no idea what a high-five was, so he grabbed me in a big bear hug and danced around like a madman.  It was awesome.

Then, disaster of disasters.  Michael Goddamned Thank Fuck His Team Was Relegated That Bunch Of Twats Owen scored, equalizing with under 10 mins to go.  Fine, whatever, Arsenal were more or less solid defensively so I was OK with extra time and penalties.

But NOOOOOOO.  That damned little midget did it again in the 87th minute, scoring low and wide past David Seaman to win the Cup for the Kop.  Or something.

And then what did I do?  I sat there and watched.  I listened to the transplanted Kop sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" for 10 solid minutes, which would have been awe-inspiring had I not been so angry; I watched Ljungberg and Tony Adams pick a sobbing Thierry Henry up off the Millenium Stadium pitch to collect his second-place medal.  I watched all the Arsenal players and staff collect their medals.  I watched Liverpool collect theirs, I watched them lift the Cup, and I watched them celebrate.  Why?  Because I may never get to a Cup final again in my life, and as much as it was a hot knife to the eyeballs, I wanted to take it all in.  My friends, all Arsenal season-ticket holders for years, couldn't believe I watched the whole thing, but I had to.

So that's my story.  What's yours?

 

 

 

 

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I have endured so many terrible sporting failures in my time that it is hard to choose but one.

I would say the most disappointing defeat as opposed to soul crushing was Manchester City 0 Southampton 1, probably back in 2003. It was our last ever game at Maine Road, our home for over 70 years and the scene of the biggest recorded attendance in British club football, 84000 back in 1934. It was a carnival atmosphere – it was nice and sunny, we had secured a nice mid table position, and everyone was looking forward to seeing off the old ground in style.

And then the team decided to take a giant, runny shit all over the assembled 34000 and turned in one of the most pathetic, dispirited snoorefests this side of Sunday’s meltdown. At the end of the game I was so angry, so upset that I stormed out without even bothering to take in the post-game festivities as they closed the old girl down.

OH SHIT! I FORGOT! HOW THE FUCK DID I FORGET THIS?!?!

1996. Euro 96. Germany Vs England, penalty shootout, sudden death, Gareth Southgate … oh shit.
1998. World Cup. Argentina Vs England, penalty shootout. David Batty … oh shit.
2004. Euro 04. Portugal Vs England, penalty shootout, sudden death. FUCK PORTUGAL … oh shit.
2006. World Cup. Portugal Vs England, penalty shootout, sudden death … SERIOUSLY, FUCK YOU CHRISTIANO RONALDO YOU FUCKING COCKMUNCH PIECE OF SHIT, I HOPE YOUR HOUSE CATCHES FIRE AND FALLS ON YOUR FUCKING SKULL.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 11:59 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I should add though that I find losses in tight games by the Mariners to be just as soul crushing as close losses by Man City, but England defeats are probably the worst to stomach.

Although now I am 24, the pain is not quite as bad as when I was younger and I am now fully trained to expect not only defeat, but painful defeat.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was only young, but yeah ... ouch.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Brutal.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've never seen so many grown men cry.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet not.

I couldn’t even watch the penalties – I left the pub and went back to work, and by the time I got there it was over. I hate penalties.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

UCLA vs. Memphis, 2008 Final Four

we came into the Final Four looking to finally get over the hump after losing to an undeniably great Florida team the past two years, and with our “great” coaching, looked to be a solid matchup for an incredibly talented but young Memphis squad.

Our strength lay on defense, with (undeserved, but still good) guard Russell Westbrook and amazing (and horrifically uncredited, ugh) forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. However, for all of our defensive strengths and team defensive play, it was also our greatest weakness – lead guard Darren Collison was a defensive disaster all the time (and made the Pac Ten all-defense team three years in a row!) and forward Josh Shipp… may have had trouble guarding me that year. Memphis countered our strength on defense with two fantastic scoring options, lead guard Derrick Rose and quirky swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts, both of whom had been key in leading the Tigers to a 1-loss season.

Collison’s problem all year was that opposing lead guards with good handles would wait for him to gamble, and then simply drive around him and create havoc in the lane. Bigger guards (and at 6-0, 155, they were ALL bigger than him) would just drive right through him. Derrick Rose was 6-3, 205 with a sick handle was a nightmare matchup for Collison, and 6-5, 200 lb guard Douglas-Roberts was a nightmare for Shipp, who simply could not contain opponents off the dribble, and "CDR"s favorite move was to simply drive straight at the rim and finish with a dazzling array of floaters and runners.

Thankfully, UCLA coach Ben Howland had answers waiting in Westbrook and Mbah a Moute – Westbrook, an athletic, physical defender was perfect to shut down Rose, and Mbah a Moute was noted for his ability to lock down any opponent, on or off the ball. Naturally, Howland exploited these matchups from the opening tip…

… oh wait, he played Collison on Rose and Shipp on Douglas-Roberts. Then the master of mid-game adjustments… left those two matchups alone while Westbrook and Mbah a Moute continued to dominate their individual matchups. He didn’t even change the matchups at halftime, and when he finally made the switch, it was far too late. The final nail was Collison’s final possession on Rose – Rose crossed over Collison, drove left from the top of the key, where Collison was able to force him baseline – Rose simply lowered his shoulder into Collison, bumping him back and nailed a 12-foot jumper that essentially sealed the game.

Memphis 78, UCLA 63 F
Rose – 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
Douglas-Roberts – 28 points, 4 rebounds
Collison – 1-9 shooting, 2 points, 4 assists, 5 turnovers
sb – crying and screaming at TV over utter idiocy of not playing your two best defenders on their two best offensive players

The biggest kick in the nuts isn’t even that we lost the game – our opponents were an outstanding team. It’s that our curious coaching decisions gave us no chance to win at all, and wasted Kevin Love’s only appearance in the Final Four. If they take away Memphis’ Final Four banner, I am going to crush someone.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doesn't make me feel any better

yay! We were retroactive runners-up to Kansas instead of losing the semis!

Plus it’s absolutely retarded that Derrick Rose ever had to take the SAT in the first place when high school pretty clearly prepared him for his chosen career by it’s conclusion.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How on earth is removing a record of a past game

any sort of punishment or deterrent from doing the same thing in the future? I really don’t understand the NCAA and how it runs itself.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just FB-ed this to AC, so I might as well repost it here
I hope Memphis doesn’t forfeit the banners. Forfeiting games is the worst for everyone because not only do you guys lose those wins, but everyone else has to think “what if,” and that’s just as bad as having lost in the first place. Plus it’s just retarded anyway that he ever had to take the SAT.

Also, it just means you have to evade the rules better next time so you don’t get caught. God, I know the NCAA exists for a good reason, but some of its rules border on utter insanity.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See, to me forfeiting games played years ago is utterly useless

because it doesn’t punish anyone for anything – all it says is that a result that was achieved does not exist, when in fact it did exist, and to pretend it didn’t is just ostrich-like. Punish the school for fielding an ineligible player, sure – take away a scholarship, deny the school tournaments for two years, whatever – but don’t get all self-righteous years after the fact and say the games in question didn’t exist.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Derrick Rose should be forced to take the SAT

once a week for 50 consecutive weeks as punishment.

Memphis should be required to field an all walk-on team for one season as punishment.

John Calipari should be required to return to the New Jersey Nets as punishment.

by Sec 108 on Jun 2, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or the NCAA should admit that they have no fucking proof

that Rose made his grades and stayed eligible while he was on the team, and that Calipari, despite the fact that they wanted to nail him the entire team he was at Memphis, runs a clean program and always has. Just let it the fuck go.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It just upsets me because of what you said, that you can't just arbitrarily take away an accomplishment

and it hurts other teams just as much as the one you’re trying to punish. If Derrick Rose was indeed ineligible and this gets caught before the game, does UCLA beat Memphis and Kansas to win a national title? Who knows?

And for Kansas, it cheapens their victory by making it seem like they beat a nameless opponent for the crown

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We should hunt down violations on every team that made the tourney

because I’d bet most of them played with ineligible players at some point for some technicality or the $100 handshakes they get from boosters.

Norfolk State for national champs!

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uh

We’ve all seen a million of ’em on TV, but actually being there is something completely different.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm awful at reading

plus plane tickets were expensive =(

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, it's still a nutpunch

but for me I’ve seen so many games that break my heart on TV I’m somewhat inured to it. It’s always worse in person.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I watched the 2001 Mariners get absolutely dominated by Steve Sparks.

Which doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I was 18, still lived in Olympia and had never been to a game at Safeco before. I was working 70 hour weeks scrubbing toilets and cleaning carpets, usually seven days a week. I had to ask for the half day off weeks in advance and knowing I could go to that game was the only thing that kept me from drinking a bottle of floor stripper. So to have those expectations and then lose to the fucking Tigers, not only lose but watch Freddy give a leadoff HR and have that be enough, was a kick in the teeth.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 12:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hawks/Eagles in Husky Stadium, first game after 9/11gate

aka the game that exposed Chris McIntosh as a first-round bust. I had never seen a more clueless offense, totally bewildered by Philly’s blitzing scheme. Hass gets sacked like eleventy times. Dilfer chants by the third quarter. Most of the Seattle fans fled by the third quarter, so we were surrounded by rowdy Iggles fans who wanted to fight now that they outnumbered us. No beer (Husky Stadium). A thouroughly dispiriting game. I think this was also the game where Holmgren said the fans can go eff themselves.

by waldo rojas on Jun 2, 2009 12:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I haven't had any major heartbreak at a game

probably because I haven’t been to any postseason games. However, I did suffer a bit of heartbreak in screwing up a ticket order, thus causing me to miss game 5 of the 2005 ALDS versus the Yankees. When they went on sale, the site got slammed. I got in line for two decent tickets, and it said I had a 15 minute wait until I could get to the purchase screen due to the high volume. Thinking the nicer tickets might sell out in that time, I grab nosebleed seats in another tab as a backup. When time comes to purchase, Ticketmaster says that I’m trying to cheat the system and am only allowed to wait for one pair, fuck you. And so I get none.

I missed this:

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

My only post-season game was the 2000 ALCS

a friend’s father had 4 season tickets in those days, and as game three was a matinee, two of his children couldn’t get off work, so I benefited….

by msb on Jun 2, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was at game 2 of the 2001 ALCS

And I don’t wanna talk about it.

by OlSalty on Jun 2, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Post running team in the Army, we trained like madmen for the Army Ten Miler in Washington, DC.

We were good, really good as in we had a shot at the title. At the last minute we get a new lieutenant, he makes us run in formation. Espris de corps and all that shit, I wanted to strangle him. Legitimate contenders to instant also rans, I didn’t bother picking up the t-shirt.

by Kermit. on Jun 2, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Also on the first base line

happy as an 11 year old attending a Mariners game at the shiny new stadium could be.

Jose Mesa is partially responsible for the cynicism that lasted over my entire teenage years.

I forgot how much that game sucked

by pmc47 on Jun 2, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I feel a stab in my chest whenever I look at the oversized memorial ticket stub I got from that game.

That made what should’ve been one of the greatest days in Mariner history (even a blowout loss would’ve preserved that) into one of the worst in Mariners history. It epitomized four years of bullpen pain.

by Decatur on Jun 2, 2009 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

October 21st, 2006 in Evanston, Illinois.

Michigan State takes the opening possession down the field for a field goal. Northwestern takes the kickoff, marches down the field, and scores. NU forces a punt, marches down the field and scores. MSU 3 and out, Northwestern field goal. 5 and out, Northwestern touchdown. This game continued in this fashion until the score stood at 38-3 with about 25 minutes of football left to play.

Then, this happened.

by abender20 on Jun 2, 2009 1:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I've never seen a more shellshocked group of fans.

We weren’t even that good in 2006, but come the fuck on.

by abender20 on Jun 2, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My friend punched the mirror off his car that night.

I was stunned to the point of paralysis; otherwise I would have found something to break in half.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always mix up '02 and '03

But if I recall the Huskies fucking blew that year and that game took us from National Title game hopeful to out of the BCS in one afternoon!

by Poochie on Jun 2, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that was '02.

We were No. 3 in the nation and UW was bad, but Gesser went down and then Kegel took a big dump over everything. Triple overtime and a questionable (but not terrible) call against the Cougs to pretty much end the game.

The next year I believe we were in the Top 10 again, but then this.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tough question.

What game in 2000 did Clemens shut us out in the ALCS? That one sticks out as does game 6 of the 1995 ALCS.

by Sec 108 on Jun 2, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The one that pissed me off was game '01. We start Sele and go to Halama.

Joel Piniero and Franklin had been lights out in long relief all year, and hadn’t hardly been touched that series. Why not three inning apiece, go to the bullpen. I really didn’t like either Sele or Halama. Maybe I’m thinking of Bread and Water, or was ’01 the year he fell apart?

by Kermit. on Jun 2, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My dad was at that game

I believe it was a 1 hitter

My Mariners blog - SodoMojo

by gregrabble on Jun 4, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

August 2003

The Mariners, up 3 games in the division over Oakland (and 4 games ahead of Boston), travel to play the Red Sox for a four-game set. As I was attending college in Boston at the time and almost never got to see the M’s play live, I managed to get tickets to all four games (this was when it was still possible to get decently priced Red Sox tickets).

As I’m sure everyone knows at this point, the Red Sox swept the four-game series, pushing the M’s down into a first-place tie for the division and the wildcard at a time when the A’s were in the midst of a ten-game winning streak and a 20-9 month of August. Needless to say, this was the last time the M’s were in first place that season, and they missed the playoffs with 93 wins for the second straight year, finishing 3 back of Oakland and 2 back of the Red Sox. And I watched it all fall apart.

by patsfan on Jun 2, 2009 1:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Go now before they are sold out

on top of all this, that might send you over the edge.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So, tell me about Chimay.

I saw some at my local store.

by msb on Jun 2, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is a delicious Belgian ale widely available in three varieties.

Red is nice Belgian strong, Blue is similar but darker and white is a Golden. Red is my favorite of the three.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm.

wonder if those bottles I saw in the cart are still there…

by msb on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Check THIS price tag...

1997 Chimay 2

And then check the cork date…

Just cracked that baby open on Saturday. Deeeeeee. Liiiiiii. SHUUUUUUUS!!!

This signature space for rent.

by PositivePaul on Jun 2, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

1997

This signature space for rent.

by PositivePaul on Jun 2, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That explains the price.

I don’t have the patience to wait 12 years for beer. Also, in 1997 I was 11, so there’s that.

by abender20 on Jun 2, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, it was $10 back then, too...

And MUCH harder to find.

This signature space for rent.

by PositivePaul on Jun 2, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's the last of my "decade" stash...

I’ve got a 2004 ale that I bought to celebrate Edgar’s HOF induction — bought it the last day he played. Hopefully I won’t have to age that one too much longer…

This signature space for rent.

by PositivePaul on Jun 2, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Speaking of nutpunches

Is there some sort of WE chart that lets us know who is more likely to win the cockpunch/mod bet?

by Poochie on Jun 2, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm actually considering doing this

but I’m a little confused as how to find the standard deviation for expected wins which would allow me to create a day-by-day probability chart

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

When people bitch about the price of parking I want to stab them in the eye.

Also, if you go on a Grand Slam Family pack night you can get all of those things -parking for $40.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

People that bitch about the cost of parking would never dream of taking a train or bus to a game

so I really couldn’t give less of a shit if they’re stupid enough to pay $40 to park in the Home Plate garage.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Free parking on Sundays is easy as pie to find.

If it’s that big of a deal drop the wife and kids off at the stadium, go park the car two blocks away and make the little fuckers walk after the game.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ding ding ding

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But

retarded families need the most babies.

by johnbai on Jun 2, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

He said he'd go a couple of times over the summer if it didn;t cost so much.

Are his kids really going to sit in their seats all game? Buy bleacher seats, bring lunch, go for the slightly more expensive parking is you don;t want to walk too far with the kids.

by msb on Jun 2, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or learn to love the 300 level seats right behind home that you can get for $20 a pop

also, you’re buying six tickets to a professional sporting event. What do you expect to happen?!

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love those seats.

There is also taking your family for a fun time to the Rainiers or AquaSox.

by msb on Jun 2, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think this is a fantastic idea

I have a friend who, even though he’s a self-professed big baseball fan, refuses to go to minor league games because “it’s not real baseball”. He apparently thinks major league ballplayers grow on vines somewhere in Kansas or something, and I firmly believe it’s because he never went to minor league games as a kid.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not a big minor-league game person either, even though I love baseball

it’s something about the exhibitionism of being at such a big stadium and taking it all in, all the people, etc. Of course, I also don’t complain about ticket prices, since I’m lucky enough just to be able to watch 10-12 games a year

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love them both for completely different reasons

but my family was somewhat poor for a good portion of my childhood so we went to a fair amount of Rainiers games.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's maybe a matter of perspective as well.

For little kids, they don’t know the difference. Plus the minors seem to focus on family involvement a bit more, and the costs are lower. Seems to be a pretty good way to get my kids interested in baseball for a lot less money.

by Kermit. on Jun 2, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's my thing

If I had little kids, I would take them to minor league ball a ton just because it’s a ton of fun for them – and when they get older, they’ll still appreciate the fun part and not feel that if they can’t get the $60 seats above the dugout the game’s not worth going to.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is also why I would take kids to spring training

they don’t care that the autograph they just got was from some 19 year old who will never make it past short-season A ball. They got the autograph of a Mariner! That’s awesome.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I used to love going to Spokane Indians games.

Sure, there are more errors and the pitchers throw 89, but… oh that’s a lot like Mariners baseball.

by abender20 on Jun 2, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My first baseball game was a Boise Hawks game, and it's one of my earliest memories.

There’s something about minor league baseball that’s comforting. I need to get up to Adelanto.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometimes people's schedules dictate when they can/can't go to games

so I understand having to pay regular price for tickets.

Also, you can get tickets pretty cheap on StubHub

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Mariners are offering a way to get cheap tickets.

If he can’t get out of work to take them family to a game that’s not their fault. I understand that having a large family is hard but no one held a gun to his head and forced him to impregnate his wife four times.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah subthread closed maybe?

Veering into dangerous territory.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kids don't suck

Parents that don’t know how to raise kids suck.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To steal from a wise man

My feeling is that kids are like any other group of people a few winners, a lot of losers.

by Poochie on Jun 2, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Most kids suck.

Most people suck. Kids are little people with more annoying habits.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I tend to exempt little kids from "people suck" though

because they don’t know any better. Which of course means it’s up to their parents to teach them how not to suck, and this is where the model falls apart.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure I buy it either (having not really read any of the research)

it just seems that a kid is so dependent on his/her parents for cues that it can’t help but be a factor.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's my point with it

I think a parent’s influence shapes the kid into being the type to choose a peer group that fits the child’s personality. If you do a shitty job raising your kid then he’ll pick other shitty kids to hang out with, and they’ll do shitty stuff.

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Jun 2, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

These are the same people that complain about the price of concessions at movie theatres

and still buy a large popcorn, large soda and candy. But it’s worse because you can get better hot dogs outside for $3 and there are about a million bars within walking distance of Safeco.

by acblue on Jun 2, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We've had this discussion and agreed

The cost would be more like a hundred dollars if you weren’t spending you money like Tom Hicks on shore leave 10 years ago

by Poochie on Jun 2, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So assuming that parking is $20, and hot dogs are $5 each, thats $360 spent on six tickets or $60 a ticket

$60 tickets at Safeco are either Terrace or Lower Box.

Seriously, if you have enough money to afford those tickets for your family, you don’t get to complain about the costs of going to games.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has this fucker never heard of Cheezburger Night?

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he says it in the article (too lazy to read)

but it’s unfair to point to those “what if” losses and neglect talking about unexpected wins.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right but he's not just talking about how they feel

but about how easily the Mariners could be in contention right now. A bloop single falls in against you, and you point to that and say if only. But you don’t subtract the bloop single that won the game for the Ms the next week?

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh

I guess, but I think it’s also fair to say that we’ve gotten kicked in the nuts more this year than truly unexpected victories

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or how about Shields throwing the ball away?

I’m sure there are a few more.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh yeah, that one!

seems like our miracles have happened against the Angels this year for some reason.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How was that a miracle?

Otherwise it’s a runner on third one out with a run to win.

by Graham on Jun 2, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wasn't calling it a miracle.

Just that the M’s have won a few games on lucky breaks, just like every MLB team.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And besides this is the Mariners

runner on third, no out? No runs.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 2, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

JESUS CHRIST.

And it’s only June 2…

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone following E3?

Sony and Microsoft have announced motion controlling peripherals.

It looks like Microsoft’s Natal allows for full-body tracking without the need for some kind of a tracking tag. Sony’s requires you to hold two light-up dildos.

by BrianL on Jun 2, 2009 1:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Full-game DLs!

It's hard to convince people to let you eat them if you're an asshole. - Thingray

by Faux on Jun 2, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just saw the Microsoft thing.

Interesting, but I’m not sure I want to spend $200 on an accessory that will let me dance around like an idiot. I’ll wait and see, because it could easily be fantastic, but chances are I won’t care.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think the potential behind Microsoft's Natal is huge

but it’s going to take a ton of work from both the hardware and software devs to pull it off. They need to get someone other than Peter Molyneaux on board to make it happen.

by BrianL on Jun 2, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

More to the point re:Molyneux

They can’t use a (stunning and awesome) tech demo as the only thing to really push the hardware from jump. I also don’t think that pricing it at $200 would be a wise idea. I will reserve any judgment on actual use and application of the hardware until things get more fleshed out. Right now it’s just a proof of concept with prototype hardware, though with tons of promise

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Jun 2, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pffft

In other E3 news…

We can all buy The Secret of Monkey Island!

The original game is being re-tooled right on top of the original code, and will now include full audio dialog featuring the original voice actors from The Curse of Monkey Island, including Dominic Armato reprising his role as the voice of Guybrush Threepwood. This is so far my most anticipated game from E3

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Jun 2, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

2005 Ronde van Vlaanderen

I was a big Erik Zabel fan at the time (because of his 96-01 run at the Tour de France) and he was looking to be in a good shape coming into the last few hundred meters. His domestique was setting a really good pace when all of a sudden Tom Boonen (who didn’t have any of his team anywhere near him) launched a solo attack that no one even bothered to chase down, because no one thought he had any chance of keeping his lead over Klier’s pace.

I was a the finish line, and I heard the cheers getting closer and closer, so I turned to watch the pack come around the corner and see Zabel smoke everyone in the sprint…

Then Boonen came rolling around the corner with no one else in sight and coasted across the finish line, sitting up in his seat a good half minute before the rest of the pack. I wanted to leap out and tackle him off his bike for robbing me of seeing in a sprint finish in the ONLY RONDE VAN VLAANDEREN I’LL PROBABLY EVER SEE IN PERSON.

Thanks Tom, it was great.

by Vatinius on Jun 2, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh I just noticed that there is a Morrow bobblehead night this year.

When will teams learn not to announce which players will be featuring on bobblehead night months before it actually takes place?

I’d love to get my hands on a load of them and microwave them into oblivion.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Jun 2, 2009 1:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't stop laughing about this:
LA JOLLA — Don’t let the dogs out — at least not yet.

That’s the latest dictum from U.S. District Court Judge William Hayes, who said yesterday that his temporary restraining order preventing harassment or dispersal of the seal colony at Children’s Pool beach in La Jolla remains in force.

San Diego officials, under orders from Superior Court Judge Yuri Hofmann, announced a plan May 22 to use the amplified sounds of barking dogs to scare away the seals.

Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, whose district includes La Jolla, then suggested using real dogs — an idea that met stiff criticism from hundreds of residents. She has scheduled a news conference for this afternoon to discuss the issue.

In 1931, state law designated Children’s Pool as a beach for human swimmers, but it’s now home to about 200 harbor seals who foul the area with their feces. Under a 2005 Superior Court ruling, the city is supposed to reduce the bacterial contamination so the site can be returned to human use.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

3/23/2008 (Easter Sunday): Davidson 74, Georgetown 70

aka FUCK YOU STEPHEN CURRY

I’ve attended NCAA Tourney games in North Carolina before. Predictably, they’re dominated by UNC fans whenever the Tar Heels are playing there (which seems to be every year.) Winston-Salem 2007, lots of Tar Heels fans rooting for Belmont and Boston College to knock Georgetown, the 2 seed opposite UNC’s #1, out. We got our revenge in East Rutherford, NJ that year in, coincidentally, the best game I’ve ever seen in person.

After the 2007 Final Four run, the Hoyas brought back four of the five rising seniors, with the exception of Jeff Green. Entered the NCAA as Big East regular season champions, Big East Tourney runners-up, 28-5 with the only losses to Memphis, Pitt (x2), Louisville, and Syracuse. Coasted past UMBC to set up a meeting with Davidson. Right after the GU-UMBC game, I watched Curry score 40 on Gonzaga and was slightly perturbed. Nevertheless, we were the Big East juggernaut with almost all the same players as the Final Four team, so no piddly SoCon team and their anorexic-looking SG was going to scare us, right?

The thing about going to NCAA Tourney games in Carolina is that UNC fans love the underdog, especially when they would rather see the other top team in the pod knocked out. So this was my sixth time seeing UNC fans throw all of their weight behind our opponent (twice in W-S 2007, twice more in East Rutherford 2007, and the second time in Raleigh 2008). But now our opponent happens to be from 150 miles away, which means anyone and everyone from that little liberal-arts school is showing up at the RBC Center.

For 22 minutes, this game was great, another chance to show up those Carolina blue-wearing assclowns and make another Sweet 16. Curry was held to five points in the first half, and didn’t look like the same guy who had just dropped 40 two days prior. With 18 minutes left in the game, the lead’s at 17. The next 18 minutes were the most painful I have ever seen live, only tied with Game 6 of the 1995 ALCS as my most tragic sports memory. Roy Hibbert wasn’t allowed to a goddamn thing without getting called for a foul, rendering GU’s best center since Mutombo useless, fouling out after only 16 minutes of play and 6 points. And Curry, as he is wont to do, scored 25 in the second half.

The stats from that game are ridiculous: Georgetown shot 63.4% from the field (55.6% from 3) to Davidson’s 38.6% (21.4%). But a combination of fouls and turnovers meant that Davidson took 16 more shots than the Hoyas, and 13 additional FTs (to be fair, Georgetown was an abysmal 8-17 from the line). Davidson took the lead with 4 minutes to play and held on for the most exasperating, soul-crushing four minutes of basketball I’ve ever seen, and when it was over I walked to the bus silently for the ride back to campus. The drive from Raleigh to DC is about five hours, and it was absolutely silent for the first two and a half until someone punctuated the silence with a loud “FUCK!” and the swearing and crying commenced.

by pmc47 on Jun 2, 2009 2:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Santa Clara handing Gonzaga their first loss ever in the new Kennel two years ago.

We’d won 50 straight at home. We’d won every game in the new arena to that point, years’ worth (38). That Santa Clara team wasn’t any good. We would’ve won if Heytvelt hadn’t gotten caught with ’shrooms.

I’d elaborate, but I’ve blocked out the details like it was some horribly scarring childhood memory. I’ll deal it with in therapy some day.

by SethGrandpa on Jun 2, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Before I forget

Pechanga is having a microbrew festival June 20th. Tickets are $40 and include food, sampler glass and all-you-can-drink samples. Looks to be a decent brewer turnout, though AleSmith is conspicuously absent.

by seattlebruin on Jun 2, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Looks fun, but I'll be out of town.

Same reason I have to miss the M’s-Padres series. :( But I’m going to the Bahamas for free, so I won’t complain.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did anybody see the free Built to Spill show on Friday?

It was at the UW and Martsch and crew totally wailed. Best guitar performance I’ve seen yet. Ra Ra Riot was a good opener and the best part is the it was completely FREE. Great great show.

Current listening enjoyments: Grizzly Bear, Manchester Orchestra, The Morning Benders

by Woodinville_12thMan on Jun 2, 2009 4:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I can't tell if...

The Be Good Tanyas track titled “Dogsong #2”
is a melodic/rhythmic rip off of Palace Music’s “We All, Us Three, Will Ride”
Can any musicologists confirm/deny. Warning: both tracks severely lack testosterone, so don’t go researching unless you dig mellow.

by johnbai on Jun 2, 2009 6:00 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nadgers? we don't need no stinking nadgers

"Even the stupidest of men, by some instinct of nature, is convinced on his own that with more observations his risk of failure is diminished."
-Jacques Bernoulli Ars conjectandi 1713

by Bearskin Rugburn on Jun 2, 2009 6:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You can have your European champions, Sounders exhibition schedule...

Portland gets…Burnley FC! That’s right, the mighty, newly promoted and hungry for blood Burnley come to PGE Park in July to show the Timbers Army….uh…..something. It’ll be the beginning of a fierce rivalry that will last until the Timbers turn into an MLS team and want to play the Chelseas and Barcelonas of the world.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 2, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I've got one: May 17, 1996: Chris Hoiles hits a 3-2, 2 out grand slam off Norm Charlton in the bottom of the 9th to beat the Mariners 14-13.

Here’s the Boxscore.

This game was what taught me that frustration, futility, and despair are bigger part of baseball than the triumphs and glories. It also set the tone for the catastrophic bullpen work that would define the next four years of Mariner baseball.

The first baseball game I ever went in my life to was Game 3 of the 1995 ALDS (when I was in third grade). Neither my dad nor I had ever had the slightest interest in baseball before September 1995, but my dad bought playoff tickets because, with the Mariners set to move away, he figured it would be the first/last/only time we would ever see playoff baseball in Seattle). I fell in love with baseball after going to those six playoff games at the Kingdome in 1995. I sobbed like only a child with a broken heart can after we lost Game 6. But I realized even then that there was something cathartic, beautiful, and special about that season – this was a loss that had meaning. I’m glad we lost in a way, because my dad was able to teach me the most beautiful thing about baseball: “there’s always next year.”

The Hoiles grand slam taught me that sometimes there is no meaning or reason in loss – sometimes God just treats you like Job just for the hell of it. The ultimate grand slam – the walk-off GS to win the game by one run – has only happened 23 times. The cliché ultimate grand slam – the 3-2, 2 out, bottom of the 9th, down by three grand slam – has happened between 3 and 14 times (not sure how to figure out how many exactly). That makes it even rarer than a perfect game (17 times).

As a little kid, it’s hard sometimes to realize that storybook endings in baseball require someone on the losing side, too – and gaining that wisdom was perhaps the most painful moment I’ve ever had as a baseball fan – the only things that might be worse are the two decided losses to the Yankees in the 2000 and 2001 ALCS playoffs.

The Orioles knocked Bob Wolcott (the hero of Game 1 of the 1995 ALCS) out in the third inning, and the Mariners were down 7-2 after 3 innings. Then, in the top of the sixth, the Mariners got two runs against Arthur Rhodes (yes, Arthur Rhodes) and knocked him out before he retired a batter. Then the Mariners got two more runs that inning to make in 7-6 Orioles. Then in the bottom of the 7th, some scrub I don’t even remember named Scott Davidson gave up a two-run homer to Rafael Palmeiro to give the Orioles a 9-6 lead. Then in the top of the 8th, after a Dan Wilson RBI single, A-Rod hit a grand slam to give the Mariners an 11-9 lead. Seriously, this game felt as wild and fun as this year’s May 3 15-inning game against the A’s. Ripkin hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th to make it 11-10, but it didn’t matter – we had this game won as soon as "the Sheriff" Norm Charlton came in with 2 outs in the 8th. The two insurance runs we got in the 9th seemed superfluous with the Sheriff pitching. Then, in the bottom of the 9th:

Roberto Alomar: Walk
Rafael Palmeiro: strikeout
Bobby Bonilla: Double, Alomar to 3rd
Billy Ripkin: Foul popout
Cal Ripkin: Walk (AUGH! NOT MORE WALKS!)
INTERLUDE OF UNBEARABLE DREAD
Chris Hoiles: 3-2, 2 outs, game-winning Grand Slam. The Orioles’ crowd goes “The Double” crazy.

After I hit that, I remember leaping into my mother’s arms and, weeping, telling her: "It’s not FAIR! We DESERVED to win that game!" Oh, the innocence of youth.

by Decatur on Jun 2, 2009 10:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I've got two, and they are both WSU basketball related

From my freshman year. Stanford comes in undefeated, ranked #1. Cougs have a five point lead with about 28 seconds left and manage to lose on a fadeaway 28 footer at the buzzer by Matt Lotich. The agony was magnified when UW beat Stanford two days later and Lotich couldn’t hit a shot.

From my senior year, I drove to Sacramento for NCAA tournament. The Cougs lead pretty much the entire game against Vandy in the second round. I was sitting behind the bench and Daven Harmeling missed a three to win right in front of me at the end of regulation. We ended up losing in two overtimes. It was my last basketball game as a student. Afterwards I drove 14 hours overnight back to Pullman.

Now I’m moving to Nashville in August because my lady’s master’s program is at….Vanderbilt.

I never really liked the old tagline.

CougCenter

by Dancing Football on Jun 2, 2009 10:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ouch.

I’m pretty indifferent to basketball, but as a Coug, I admire your passion. I lived across the street from Beasley for four years and never went to a game.

by Teej on Jun 2, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nashville is a fun city though...

and Vandy has a nice campus…so it’s not all that bad.

TouchMyIchiro

by brayden04 on Jun 2, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I'm excited for the move

I just have this fear that I will start rooting for Vandy.

I never really liked the old tagline.

CougCenter

by Dancing Football on Jun 3, 2009 7:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha yeah...

Rooting for Vandy in the SEC is sorta like rooting for WSU in the PAC-10

TouchMyIchiro

by brayden04 on Jun 3, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Back in the olden days

Soccer teams in England had slogans which were bold statements of intent, like:

Arsenal: Victoria Concordia Crescit (Victory Through Harmony)
Tottenham: Audere et Facere (To Dare Is To Do)
Blackburn Rovers: Arte Et Labore (By Art And By Labour)

Now, when a team signs a new shirt sponsorship deal, they release a statement like

“We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management,”

which it could be said falls somewhat short of the St. Crispin’s Day speech, as far as rousing the fanbase goes. Still, I guess it’s a relief that I’m no longer a sponsor of Manchester United.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 3, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I just read about the Paulista Corinthians

Who in the 1980s put voting slogans on their kit to encourage the resurgence of democracy in Brasil.

I’m ok with my team promoting a children’s hospital.

by NOLAmarinergirl on Jun 4, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And yet Geoff Baker insists that Luis Valbuena was the throw-in to that deal

also, I’m still trying to figure out what the Indians got of value besides Valbuena. Seems like a pretty crappy return for Gutierrez

by seattlebruin on Jun 3, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it just me or if you balance the scales on Adam Jones and Gutierrez as individuals, they're pretty close right?

I’ll defer to people that have watched Jones play the field, and those with metric minded talent. Just seems like you tally up Gutz defense vs. Jones, and what they contribute at the plate, it’s pretty close. Wonderful acquisition, can’t say enough about Gutz.

Also, I think losing Jones broke Niehaus’ heart a little bit.

by Kermit. on Jun 3, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gutz is not anywhere close to Jones.

The difference in defense is way closer than the difference in offense.

by acblue on Jun 3, 2009 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See, now I'm glad I asked.

Apparently I’m placing too much emphasis on Gutz defensive wizardry.

by Kermit. on Jun 3, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe. I definitely question my bias as I was pretty stoked about Adam Jones.

And also how much I like his bat and how that effects my impression of his defense. One thing I’ve noticed about baseball is people frequently translate offensive prowess to overall success as a player, and push their estimation of defensive abilities up. So I try and catch myself, in this case impartiality is probably an impossibility for me.

If it were a scale, I’ve got Gutz defense a couple full measures above Jones, and Jones bat the same over Gutz. I’d place a bit more weight to the offense, so Jones comes out ahead, but not by so much that I think they are players of different calibers. Personally I think they close in value, with Jones having the advantage. I just haven’t seen enough of Jones in the outfield this year, so I’m likely overrating Gutz. And maybe underselling Jones. Like it really matters in the grand scheme

by Kermit. on Jun 4, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In sb's head, the only difference between Utley and Lopez is that Lopez hits righty and his middle name is Celestino.

Bias is all we have in this crazy world of Joses and Chases and Adams and Frabklins. That, and Statcorner/Fangraphs.

by abender20 on Jun 4, 2009 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, Utley > Lopez

and Lopez >>>>>>>>>>>>>> everyone else. Utley has pop, defense, and was a great college player for a great college program.

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dave seemed wholly unimpressed by Jones when he wore an M's uniform.

As, of course, did 95% of M’s fans, including most of the people who now hurl invective at Bavasi for the trade.

(Not quite as bad as Choo, who Dave seemed to think was some sort of Special Olympian, and who nearly 100% of fans thought was a career MiLB guy).

by marc w on Jun 4, 2009 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really? There were a few times in the booth in '06 and '07 he'd mention Jones down in minors, and then when he was up the team.

He’d say stuff to the effect that ‘this kid was really something’, or ’he’s going to be special’, like that. With that warm fatherly tone he used for Jr. Guess I just remember it differently.

by Kermit. on Jun 4, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jones flashed great range in Seattle, but he was still learning the outfield

and for some reason ended up with a case of the dropsies in Seattle. Now he’s just awesome

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it was the dropsies more than anything.

That and his ‘06 and ’07 seasons left him with a combined OBP below .300.
Yes, the team and announcers had been hyping him a lot, but then he came up and didn’t INSTANTLY slug .500 and a lot of (stupid) people thought he was a bust. I think Niehaus saw the crappy batting average and the dropsies and wondered if he had the concentration/dedication to make it.

by marc w on Jun 4, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

JOSH BECKETT HAS A NO HITTER NO HITTER NO HITTER!

I SAY CHAPS, JOSH BECKETT HAS A NO HITTER!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 3, 2009 5:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Suck it Beckett/Red Sox!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 3, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has anyone tried a burger at Shake Shack in New York?

Because if you haven’t yet, it should be on your bucket list.

...and now I'm here

by Librocrat on Jun 3, 2009 8:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes and they're genius

If you like French food, by the way, Le Singe Vert on 7th (bet 19th/20th) is awesome.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 3, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a big fan of French food

for the reason ~related to what I mentioned below. I’m looking forward to some Italian in Little Italy, though. Any recommendations?

...and now I'm here

by Librocrat on Jun 3, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only Italian I know in Little Italy is of the tourist variety.

But for that, you can’t beat La Mela (167 Mulberry, bet Broome and Grand). Totally cheeseball, over-the-top; community tables and massive serving portions encourage groups. It’s not the most authentic Italian cuisine, but if you can get a table outside it’s a lot of fun.

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 4, 2009 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I had a shake there

Apparently I missed out on the burger. Flew 3000 miles for nothing!

I never really liked the old tagline.

CougCenter

by Dancing Football on Jun 3, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Apparently I missed out on the burger"

Yes, very much so. I don’t eat meat, but their portabello burger was nothing short of spectacular, and the people I went with claim that their meat burgers are some of the best they have ever tasted.

...and now I'm here

by Librocrat on Jun 3, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Today the Nostalgia Critic reviews

North

I’ve never seen this movie, but this is still one of the funniest NC reviews I have ever seen. Awesome.

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 12:09 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That was an awful movie, based on that review.

I’m surprised no one’s career was ruined by it. Except maybe Dan Aykroyd’s.

by Mariner John on Jun 4, 2009 12:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gah
with a rope tied to his neck and genitals

I agree. No one would ever do that to themselves voluntarily.

by Taylor H on Jun 5, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have an extra ticket for tomorrow night's game.

Pretty great seats, about 2/3 back between the 3rd base dugout and home plate. Anyone want to come with me and buy me a beer? My email is in my profile.

by royalcurve on Jun 4, 2009 10:42 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay RC, I'll take you up on this.

Even though I should be going to bed early tomorrow night (early flight saturday), it’s near impossible to turn down baseball. It’ll be fun. I’ll send you an email.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 4, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aw dammit too late

Some other time then

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Jun 4, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cheap Trick have a new album coming out

and for a mere $30, you can get it in the glorious 8-track format.

Thrill to a song stopping mid-melody and CH-CHUNKing to the next track of the tape, only to pick up RIGHT WHERE IT LEFT OFF, like MAGIC!
Relish the non-rewindability!
Revel in the sound quality!

Nice Guys Finish Third - My semantics are a waste of time.

by pdb on Jun 4, 2009 11:28 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I still think 8 tracks were often more useful as a format than regular cassette tapes.

Having 4 points to skip to isn’t as good as direct track access like with CDs, but it’s better than tapes!

by marc w on Jun 4, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's still kinda drizzling at that game, but they're saying they still plan to get the game in.

If they don’t, Randy will apparently pitch tomorrow.

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And the game is now official. Rain no longer a problem.

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And he leaves after 6 innings, up 2-1.

Come on Giants bullpen!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Change that to super pissed.

They are really angry.

50!

by joof on Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why, exactly?

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They thought it was low, and that Adam Dunn should have walked.

ANd that they only called him out because of 300.

50!

by joof on Jun 4, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a total strike though.

In no way borderline.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 4, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Insurance runs!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

5-1!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And they just blamed the called strike again.

You would think a called strike three raped them as children or something. Good god.

50!

by joof on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

God if I were the Nats announcers, I'd be praying to high heaven that the Nats don't do anything in the 9th

with a season like this, you have your choice between 59-103 or 58-104 but getting to see history made. I know which one I’d pick

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They were wrong.

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Beat me to it.

That’s fine, I’m lazy. Thanks.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 4, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Instead of "will anyone else ever win 300 games"

let’s play “who will win 300 next and how long will it be?”

I’ll take Felix Hernandez, age 37.

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

CONGRATS RJ!

The Rise of a Superstar:Justin Upton-.450 wOBA, 21 years old.

by Goose on Jun 4, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tee-hee
hyphen18
On a boat ive got my swim trunks n my flippy floppies,im flippin burgers u straight flippin copies-in lake wa. Day off!
19 minutes ago from txt

by acblue on Jun 4, 2009 2:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ah, to be rich...

I’m sitting in an office where the thermometer read 100 degrees a bit earlier (and I’m really not kidding about this). I’d much rather be out on a boat, I think

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Jun 4, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ichiro on his 27-game hitting streak:

“Once I got this far, I wanted to achieve it,” Ichiro said, according to his translator. “Now I wish that I would have asked my wife, Yumiko, and my dog, Ikkyu, to come to the game. But at the same time, if you think about it, if I didn’t invite them, it means that much to me as well.”

by Taylor H on Jun 4, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure he meant that if it was important to him, he would have invited his wife and dog out to see it

and since he didn’t it doesn’t mean all that much to him, besides feeling a sense of personal accomplishment

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think he was saying

“I wish they were here because I succeeded, but if you think about it, I didn’t invite them because I’d be nervous with them there / not want them to see me fail.”

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Jun 4, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting

they’re both very plausible responses as to why he didn’t invite his family. Oh well, another reason to love the half-crazy man that is Ichiro.

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is Section 133 Row 26 worth $50/ticket?

right behind home plate, just off to the third base side

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Is that 26 rows back or 26 rows from the top of the section?

If it’s the former no, if it’s the latter yes.

by acblue on Jun 4, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

26 rows from the bottom, I'd assume

how far back is decent enough to see the whole field?

by seattlebruin on Jun 4, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The only sections I've ever had trouble seeing the whole field from are the bleachers.

If you’re right down front it can be a little more difficult to pick up the ball I suppose, but not a lot. Personally I’d rather sit in a view reserved box than 26 rows back, but that’s just me.

by acblue on Jun 4, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've sat just about where he's talking about, the stadium seating is a little too flat for my taste.

I’m tall enough it’s not a problem, but it could be an issue for some I suppose. It’s in the shade for afternoon games, and you avoid the sun in your eyes like the outfield, a consideration for some.

I really enjoyed those seats, you’re looking right into a right handed pitcher instead of a lefties back. The only thing I didn’t like about it is most batters are right handed, and you can’t see the strike zone from over there, it’s a little difficult to see the catchers mitt.

by Kermit. on Jun 4, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait, what?

The Nationals just said Gaylord Perry won his 300th game in a giant’s uniform.

50!

by joof on Jun 4, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs