HAS IT BEEN 20 YEARS?

As i write this post, the ticker rolls by on my monitor and states that Ken Griffey, Jr. has hit his 599th career home run. Junior, as he is affectionately known as, is a 20 year veteran. It really is 20 years since “the kid,” broke into the major leagues with all the hoopla and expectations of any rookie i can remember. He was better than the hype. His Dad, Ken Sr., was a fine player in his own right, playing for the “Big Red Machine,” of the 70’s that won two world series. That is one thing that Junior doesn’t own: a world series ring. My memories of Junior Griffey are fond ones. Before he was traded to Cincinnati, he was at his very best in Seattle. I thought he was the second coming of Willie Mays. There was nothing he couldn’t do and do brilliantly on a baseball field.Regardless whether he gets to a world series or not, he is a future hall of famer. At his best, he was the best ballplayer of his generation, and yes, better than Barry Bonds.

A NEW CHAPTER IN AN OLD STORY

Well, its the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics in the NBA FINALS. It has been a long time in coming-21 years to be exact, since these two storied franchises last met for the NBA Title. The names are different: Magic, Jabbar , Worthy, Riley, Bird , McHale, Parrish, Jones have been replaced by Rivers, Allen, Pierce, Garnett , Kobe, Gasol and Phil Jackson. In spite of that, the memories this storied rivalry invoke is the stuff of legend. Both teams combine for 31 NBA titles. The mind flashes back to the days of Baylor, West, Chamberlain, Russell, Havlicek, Sharman, Auerbach and many others too numerous to mention here. It is the latest chapter in an old story. Lets enjoy this chapter till the next one rolls around. 

BLUE DEVILS AND LADY DEVILS HONORED!

The baseball and softball seasons are over, but fine performances on both squads are receiving their just due. Ethan Williams, Skyler Barnett, Seth Whitson and head coach Charlie Baxter all received honors on the Super 22 announced by the Johnson City Press this week. Williams 16 home runs, 61 RBI’s, 10-2 record and 113 strikeouts put on the roster as the third baseman-though he played shortstop and pitched. Barnett was named the starting catcher. He provided steady defense, a potent bat(.440, 8HR 37RBIS) and on field leadership for a young pitching staff. Whitson was penciled in as the closer. Whitson compiled a 7-1 record and a team leading 1.13 ERA. Baxter was named Coach of the Year by leading his team to a 27-8 overall record, Co-Watauga Conference(with Elziabethton), District and Regional 1-AA titles before losing 5-0 to Gibbs in the sectional game as the Blue Devils fell one win short of the State Tournament.

The Lady Devils placed five players: Jessica Mason, Kara Woods, Mikayla Treadway, Whitley Hensley and Whitney Webb on the JC Press’ Sweet 16 Softball squad. Mason was accorded Player of the Year honors. Mason hit. 392, compiled a 20-5 record with 205 strikeouts and a 0.84 ERA. Woods was named the most promising underclassmen and should have been. Woods won 23 games, lost three, struck out 295 batters in 165 innings pitched and compiled a 0.38 ERA. Treadway was named the starting shortstop and earned it with a .370 batting average,timely hitting and was a sure handed fielder. Hensley was a rock at catcher. Possessing a strong arm, few runners challenged her. Hensley led the Lady Devils with 37 RBI’S, hit .382 and lie Barnett, displayed leadership and durability as she caught every inning of every game played. Webb, also a freshman, played like a veteran in right field. Possessed a strong arm, good speed and connected with many clutch hits while batting .381. The Lady Devils finished third in the State Tournament. Head coach Grady Lingerfelt was, like Baxter, accorded Coach of the Year honors. Congratulations to all and thank you for a memorable Spring.

UCHS TRACK & FIELD AWARDS GIVEN OUT!

The school year has ended but not before the track and field awards were given out recently. Nine seniors received medals. Zane Black received the most valuable senior-track award for boys and Kara Lynch for the girls. The most valuable senior -field-boys went to Jonathan Canady and Kara Lynch won for girls. Underclass MVP for track went to Rick Barrett-boys and to Megan Bledsoe for girls. Underclass MVP-field went to Cameron Miller-boys while Jennifer Edwards won for girls. The most improved award went to Philip Bailey for boys and to Jennifer Edwards for girls. Zane Black was awarded the prestigious Richard Bannister Memorial Award. Congratulations to all honorees. 

GOOD LUCK, FELLAS!

The Blue Devil season ended several days ago, but one of its seniors, Ethan Williams, has signed to attend Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina. A strong JUCO baseball program, Williams, a shortstop, is seen as a second baseman in college. He had a great senior year at Unicoi County, batting well over .400, with a team leading 16 home runs and 61 rbi’s. He was named Watauga Conference Pitcher of the Year with a 10-2 record, 2.53 ERA and 113 strikeouts. His teammate, Skyler Barnett, a catcher, signed last fall to attend ETSU for baseball. He will play catcher, as he did for Unicoi County his senior year and was outstanding as he caught every inning of every game. Good luck, fellas, and thank you.

A FEMALE HAKEEM OLAJUWON?

She’s played only one professional game, but i can write this with absolute certainty: Candace Parker, with her skill, height and athleticism, reminds me of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. I know she is just beginning, but after her first game recently, that was the player who she reminded me of. Keep it going, girl. 

NEVER FORGET THEM!

While this blog is primarily on sports, it being Memorial Day reminds me that we should never forget what this holiday is for: to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great nation- and IT IS A GREAT NATION!. I’m thinking of Pat Tillman today- a man who turned his back on what would have been a stellar NFL career for the service of his country. Now that is a rare quality. Unfortunately, Tillman lost his life but he is one of many who we remember this day. We should remember them every day and not once a year. We salute all our veterans, living and dead. It is because of them we enjoy the life and country we have.

HAS ANYONE NOTICED?

The Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing in the Stanley Cup Finals. Detroit won the first game and lead 1-0 in the best of seven series. I ask you: Has anyone noticed?

MIKE, YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION!

I’m sure i am not alone on this , but i hate to see athletes hang around too long and embarrass themselves. It is a wise individual who knows when it is over. For that, I applaud Mike Piazza’s decision to retire. He had played 16 years in the major leagues, hit 427 home runs(396 as a catcher- a ML Record) hit .308 for his career, was the 1993 NL Rookie of the Year and will have a plaque in Cooperstown in a few years. It is deserved, for one who is arguably the best hitting catcher ever, certainly where power is concerned.

A GREAT DEBUT!

A few days ago, LA Sparks rookie (former Lady Vol) Candace Parker made her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury and by setting a league debut record of 33 points, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists, has served notice they she will a force in the WNBA for years to come. It wasn’t a surprise. She will be the face of the league for the forseeable future as Parker and her former Lady Vol teammates make the mark in the professional ranks. It was a great debut and a sign of even better things to come.