Does anybody care about the NHL?

Hockey is a great game, especially in person. Hockey fans are loyal, almost to a fault. But, without a really great television contract that starts from the beginning of the season, does anyone really care about hockey? Its too bad, for out of 30 professional teams, only five have losing records. Its too bad because it is a great sport, just i’m wondering if anyone notices? 

What about the NBA?

I must admit that I haven’t followed the NBA much for the last ten years. After Michael Jordan retired,returned and retired again, the NBA has been unwatchable. Simply horrible play! But this season, the NBA has become fun to watch again. Ten teams in the western conference alone are well above a .500 record! It’s nice to see teams averaging over 100ppg again. It is great to see team play return like it was two decades or more ago. Both the Lakers and Celtics are title contenders again. Enjoy it while it lasts! Now lets see if we can get some decent broadcasters!

The Blue Devils move on!

With their third consecutive win over a AAA opponent, the Blue Devils continue to plow their way through the 2008 schedule. A 7-2 win yesterday over visiting Sullivan East, who handily beat us twice in 2007, the Blue Devils confidence is increasing with each victory. The Watauga Conference title is clearly in sight and likely much more is in the offing. Lets see where the parade ends – perhaps in Murfreesboro!

Still America’s game?

115,300 people filled the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to watch a baseball game between the world champion Boston Red Sox (it pains me to write that!) and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Who says major league baseball is dying?

From the looks of things, baseball is as strong a part of our culture as ever, despite the increased ticket and concession prices to help pay exorbitant salaries. While you could make a strong case for fans being crazy for paying such ridiculous prices, it also indicates a strong, unbreakable love for our National Pastime. Despite the high, and deserved standing of the NFL, baseball is still America’s game. The season is upon us. PLAY BALL!

Good season, guys!

Well, the season is over for Bruce Pearl and his UT Volunteer basketball squad. They were soundly defeated by Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals. They had a fine season and wish them well next season.

Let’s hear it for UT!

It isn’t often that both men’s and women’s basketball teams contend for a NCAA title, but both the Lady Vols and the Volunteers are in the fray this year and it is nice to see.

The Lady Vols have achieved much success in Pat Summitt’s long tenure as head coach and it is well deserved. Now, it is time for Bruce Pearl’s team to step into the spotlight and grab some hardware of their own.

It’s almost here

Spring is here and the 2008 major league season is about to begin.

I cannot wait!

Yeah, I know. I ‘m nearing fifty but the game still makes me feel like a teenager. It does keep you young – at heart anyway.

Will my Yankees take back the AL East title? Will Boston repeat as world champions? Will Johan Santana answer the prayers of Mets’ fans? Will the Braves return to the post season fray after being out of it for two seasons? Will the world series come to Wrigley Field after 63 years?

All these questions will be answered in the weeks and months ahead. Regardless of what transpires, our national pastime takes its rightful place on center stage. Let’s enjoy the show.

A game to remember

The Blue Devils faced the visiting Pioneers of David Crockett High on Friday, March 21, and it was a game to remember.

Both teams combined for 10 – thats right – 10 home runs.

Unicoi County hit four of them. Skyler Barnett hit a solo home run and Stephen Kiernan hit a two-run homer. Starting pitcher Ethan Williams, who has been on fire at the plate all season, blasted two three-run home runs to give him six on the season.

He hit nine all last year. The ironic thing is that while Williams went the distance and struck out 10 Pioneer hitters to get the win, he gave up six solo home runs. So, you might say, he broke even. He drove in six runs and he gave up six runs.

As Casey Stengel once said: “You can look it up!” It was a game to remember.

Here they come!

Look out, Watauga Conference, here come the Blue Devils!

Four games into the 2008 season and Unicoi County’s baseball team is 4-0 with a blistering offense that is averaging 13 runs per game. Four wins overall and four conference wins to boot.

I know its early yet, but the rest of the Watauga Conference is already choking on Unicoi County’s dust!

Kevin

Looks like a good season!

Following Jessica Mason’s opening day win was a tall order, but freshman Kara Woods was simply spectacular as she struck out 16 Lady Raiders en route to a perfect game as the Lady Devils won 15-0 over visiting  Sullivan North. We’re only two games into the season, but something special may be brewing. It looks like it’s going to be a good season for the Lady Devils.