Reds news Tomorrow the Reds are expected to return from a rehabilitation assignment and reinstate from the 15-day disabled list RHP Josh Fogg. He is scheduled to start tomorrow night vs Wsh in place of RHP Aaron Harang, who has been bothered by stiffness in his right forearm and instead will pitch Tue at Chi.
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UC grad bound for Olympics CINCINNATI - Former University of Cincinnati track star Mary Wineberg earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. which will compete at this summer's Beijing Olympics, by finishing second in the 400 meters with a time of 50.85. She finished one second behind the world's No. 1-ranked Sanya Richards (49.98). "It feels amazing," said Wineberg after the race. "I am 28 years old and this is my first Olympics, but hopefully not my last. I am so happy and blessed to be here. It's been a long four years of trying to make myself known and I am just so happy to do what I did today. The Lord allowed me to get this far and this is truly a blessing. I just try and improve every race. I am going to try and medal at the Olympic games." Wineberg, a 2002 graduate of UC, currently ranks fourth in the world in the 400-meter dash. She won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay last fall at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. With her finish, Wineberg will almost assuredly earn a spot on the U.S.'s 4x400 meter team. For more information on Wineberg visit her web site at www.marywineberg.com.
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The chase is on RBI's Josh Hamilton: 82 in 334 at-bats Griffey and Dunn: 85 in 547 at-bats
Kearns back and ready to be better Lexington Herald Leader "A fresh start, that's how I'm looking at it," said the Lexington native who returned to his parent club after a 40-day stint on the disabled list and went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a running catch. "I want to start over, and go from here."
***** Quote of the day "He is on the DL and can't play. What are we going to get for him, a bag of balls?" - A Reds player when it was reported that teams were interested in trading for Ryan Freel.
Reds news Today the Reds optioned to Class AAA Louisville RHP Daryl Thompson and claimed off waivers from the New York Mets IF Andy Phillips.
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Alex Daniels cleared
CINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced today that UC student Alex Daniels will join the Bearcats’ football team and begin summer workouts in preparation for the 2008 season. Daniels transferred to UC after being dismissed last year from the University of Minnesota football team. “This decision was discussed in great detail and I have decided Alex earned an opportunity to join the football team,” said Thomas. “Any time you have to make a decision like this you have to analyze it on a case-by-case basis, examine the circumstances, and make the determination based on the person’s character and the facts in the case. After reviewing the circumstances and his situation, I believe he understands what he did was wrong and he has made the necessary changes to put his life back on track. His performance in the classroom and his behavior since arriving in Cincinnati suggests that he is solidly committed to being a successful student-athlete and a productive member of society.” Daniels spent last year in Cincinnati after he was admitted to Raymond Walters College in the fall and winter, and subsequently to the University of Cincinnati’s main campus. He was admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences this spring and has met all the NCAA eligibility requirements to participate at UC after transferring from the University of Minnesota. “I first want to thank Mr. Thomas for letting me join the UC football team and giving me another opportunity to earn my college degree and play football,” said Daniels. “I will work hard in the classroom, on the football field, and in life to earn every ounce of respect I receive from my teammates, coaches, the University, and its fans. I am sorry for my actions that led to my dismissal from the University of Minnesota football team and have apologized to those I disappointed, especially my family.” As a member of the Minnesota football team in 2005 and 2006, Daniels played in a combined 23 games as a linebacker and running back for the Gophers. In the 2006 season opener, he earned the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week after tallying 155 yards rushing and three touchdowns vs. Kent State. Coming out of high school, he was considered to be the 11th best athlete overall by Rivals.com and the 108th-best player overall by CollegeFootballNews.com. “Football is a sport that requires a great deal of fortitude and Alex has shown me his by taking care of business in the classroom and putting himself in the position to get this opportunity from Mr. Thomas,” said head coach Brian Kelly. “Mike Thomas did a thorough job preparing to make this decision and now it is up to Alex to follow through. We have an agreement that he is going to meet the high expectations we set for all student-athletes at UC.
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Reds news Today the Reds claimed IF Andy Phillips off waivers from the Mets...he is
expected to arrive in time for tonight’s 7:10 p.m. game vs the Nationals…a
corresponding roster move will be announced at the appropriate time.
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Reds news The starting time for the Reds' game on 7/19 vs NYM has been changed to 7:40
p.m. from 7:10 to accommodate the broadcast of on-field ceremonies honoring the
50th anniversary of the Reds Hall of Fame and the inductions of Barry Larkin,
Cesar Geronimo, Joey Jay and August Herrmann
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Stat of the day Remember the 8th inning woes for the Reds last year? The Reds allowed 123 runs in the 8th inning...the most of any inning. This year the Reds have allowed just 23 runs in the 8th inning...fewest of any inning. A year ago the Reds were outscored 123-70 in the 8th inning. This year the Reds and their opponents have each scored 23 runs in the 8th inning. The Reds have been outscored 163-114 in the first three innings this year.....and outscored 158-121 in innings 4-6. They have outscored the opposition 122-93 in innings 7-9.
Show preview Guest Josh Robbins, attending 30 ML games in 27 days Topics Reds: Castellini gives pep talk to team? How about the fans? The Leather Pants Era: We look at the good, the bad, the ugly To Be A Kid Again: See below 50 strangest moments in baseball history
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To Be A Kid Again Thursday's topic is one we do each year around the start of summer and 4th of July. During the holiday weekend your kids version of fun might be playing video games or watching TV. I will give you a chance to be a kid again. A chance to show your kids how you used to have fun. We relive our childhoods and the games we played. We pay tribute to Ghost Runners, pitchers hand...etc. We remember what it was like to leave the house in the morning and play til it got dark.
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50 strangest moments in baseball history The Love Of Sports Whether it's a fight, an inexplicable error or some other bizarre occurrence, you recount such experiences for years to come and proudly announce, "I was watching that game" every time the incident comes up in conversation. This is a list of the 50 strangest moments at a baseball game over the past 25 years.
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NL All-Star game starting pitcher I looked at the schedule for each candidate to start the all-star game. This doesn't take into account a rainout or change in rotation. I have listed the candidates stats and their last scheduled start. As it stands now, Lincecum, Sheets and Webb would be due to make their normal starts on the day of the all-star game. In fact, Volquez would be pitching on less rest than any other candidate the day of the game. The all-star game is Tuesday July 15. Volquez 10-3 2.24, last start prior to break, Sat July 12 Webb 12-4 3.21, last start Wed July 9 Lincecum 9-1 2.83, last start Wed July 9 Cook 11-5 3.38, last start Fri July 11 Loshe 10-2 3.67, last start Fri July 11 Sheets 9-2 2.83, last start Wed July 9
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Quote of the night Hal McCoy, Dayton Daily News As one National League scout said of the Reds, "That's a very low-energy team."
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Thursday's guest: Josh Robbins 30 MLB games in 27 days Die-hard baseball fans Josh Robbins is in the process of visiting all 30 major league baseball stadiums in a world record 27 days...and drive the entire trip. His trip started in Seattle on June 16...he'll be at the Reds vs Nationals game on Saturday...and he'll finish up July 11 or 12 in Milwaukee.
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Best of luck Mason High School graduate Angela Bizzarri will be running in the U.S. Olympic
Trials 5,000 meter final on July 4th. Angela just finished her sophomore year
at the University of Illinois.
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Bailey and Bats wild in loss Louisville Courier Journal Bats starter Homer Bailey struck out seven batters and gave up five hits in six innings but walked in two runs in the fifth. Bailey, who has not won a start since April, allowed four of the Bats' eight walks.
(USA Today photo) He has ventured out a few times with teammates and says he feels more accepted by his Texas teammates than in Cincinnati last year, when no one invited him out. He sensed jealousy and perhaps resentment over the attention his comeback story received "I even heard comments that I was signing too many autographs for the fans," he says. "It just got worse as the year went on." The discord played no factor in the trade, but, Krivsky said: "There were issues in the clubhouse. Maybe that stuff would have gone by the boards had he stayed."
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Josh Hamilton in Home Run Derby Ft Worth Star Telegram Asked if he would participate if officially invited, Hamilton responded "absolutely."
Happy Birthday Bailey Quarters of WKRP in Cincinnati
Jan Smithers turns 59 today
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Random thoughts *There will be two former Reds in the All-Star game....Josh Hamilton and Kyle Loshe. *The Reds are 12-23 vs teams below .500, that would equate to a record of 55-107 over a full season. *Anyone catch the Rays-Red Sox last night. Wow...that was fun. Tampa sweeps the Sox...moves to a major league best 52-32 for the season and 3.5 games up in the AL East. Dick Vitale was in the house. SI and ESPN The Magazine are doing features. I saw signs in the stands calling the Rays, "The Big Rays Machine" *Kind of amazing the converted Cardinals OF Rick Ankiel has 17 HR's and 42 RBI's
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Top 10 NFL transplants Pro Football Weekly 9) DE Antwan Odom / Bengals - He's the Bengals' new left end, replacing the more high-profile Justin Smith, who signed with the Niners. Odom registered eight sacks last season for the Titans (Smith had two for the Bengals). The guess here is that his long arms, sound technique and big-time motor will make him a surprisingly big hit in Cincy, even though he will no longer be benefiting from playing opposite the extremely underrated Kyle Vanden Bosch.
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Steam steamrolls Mariners The Cincinnati Steam scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning and held off a late inning surge from the Grand Lake Mariners to win 3-2 in the first game of Wednesday's double header.
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Answering questions about all 32 NFL teams Fox Sports Q: Do the Bengals even stand a chance at the playoffs this year? A: Cincy is going to need a lot of help. But, in truth, the Ravens still have too many question marks on offense to win the division and the Browns and Steelers play arguably the two toughest schedules in the entire league this year. The AFC North door is cracked open a TINY SMUDGE for Cincy.
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Crawford rules out UK. considers XU and UC Lexington Herald Leader According to their mother, there's no chance that Jordan will follow in Joe's footsteps and play for UK.
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Former ND WR promoted to AAA by Cubs Indy Star Shortly after his promotion to Triple-A, the Iowa Cubs pulled a fast one on pitcher Jeff Samardzija.
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Sports By Brooks Girl Careful opening. I'm running out of current Maxim girls...looking for a change of pace
My stat of the day: Top 10 worst batting averages for a season by a Reds hitter (Minimun 150 at-bats, since 1940) 1. Darrel Chaney .181 in 227 ab's, 1973 2. Bill Plummer .182 in 159 ab's, 1975 3. Benny Zientara .187 in 187 ab's, 1948 4. Corey Patterson .188 in 191 ab's, (Season still in progress) 5. Dennis Menke .191 in 241 ab's, 1973 Darrel Chaney .191 in 209 ab's, 1969 Johnny Edwards .191 in 282 ab's, 1966 8. Nick Essasky .193 in 322 ab's, 1984 9. Jason LaRue .194 in 191 ab's, 2006 Eddie Miller .194 in 299 ab's, 1946
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Big East announces conference matchups GoBearcats.com UC will face the regular-season BIG EAST champion Georgetown University, Providence College, and St. John's University in home-and-home series.
Show preview Topics Reds Majoring in Athletics Mt Rushmore of Sports 50 Strangest Baseball Moments
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Guess it's pile on David Weathers day Oh how soon we forget. Weathers had a bad game last night. Horrific. Yet he had the 2nd best ERA on the team in June.... 1.98 in 14 games. His ERA was 1.17 in his last eight appearances and 3.28 in 27 appearances since coming off the DL. He had the best percentage of preventing inherited runners from scoring on the team entering last night.....allowing just 1 of 11 runners to score: 9% For comparison Cordero 7 of 9 inherited runners scored (78%) Burton 6 of 14 (43%) Bray 8 of 19 (42%) Affeldt 10 of 29 (34%) Lincoln 8 of 26 (31%) Also....Weathers had retired the first batter faced 63% of the time.....Cordero 51% And one year ago Weathers saved 33 of 39 games....85% Cordero has saved 15 of 18 games.....83% Weathers bring something this team needs more of....professionalism and accountability. I'll be sad to see him go in the next couple of weeks.
Former Bearcat injured Indy Star .......expected to start at strong-side linebacker this season, recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the team's offseason conditioning program, according to a report on NFL.com. The team declined comment, but a person with knowledge of the incident confirmed the injury.
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Majoring in Athletics I need you to clear your mind. I need you to think out of the box. I want you to consider allowing a high school athlete to major in Athletics in colllege. I've never understood why people are such snobs when it comes to a college education and the value society places on book smarts vs sports skills. Some people can play the violin. Some can sing, paint, are good with numbers or want to design buildings. More power to them. Why is that different from those individuals good at putting a basketball through the net, hitting a fastball or throwing the deep ball? Who are you to place more value on one skill set over the other? Who are you to force an athlete to choose a major, other than what they do best, and then force them into a classroom to study it? Did you choose to major in what you were interested in, enjoyed and did best? Why shouldn't an athlete get the same chance? If a high school student wants to play sports on the pro level, why not surround them with enough to give it their best shot? Or at least give them the best shot and provide a fallback "Plan B" if it doesn't happen? I majored in Radio/Television at Butler University. I wanted to go into communications. Butler prepared me. If Johnny Jumpshot wants to play in the NBA, why should he not get to take classes that prepare him? College athletes should be required to take core classes, like everyone else. Classes from math to sciene, english and social studies. After that, build their classes around the pursuit of an athletic career. Just like I took classes built around broadcasting. If I wanted to play basketball or baseball, my classes might include: Nutrition, Training, Finance, Sports Marketing, Media, Coaching, Event Planning, History of the Sport, Physical Education.. I would get to prepare myself for a chance at a pro career. I would get to prepare myself for a life without a pro career or after a pro career. Of course I would get class credit for practices, games and offseason conditioning. Why not? I would be working on my craft. Just like you working on the craft of being an accountant. My teachers would include my head coach, position coach and strength and conditioning coach. I'd also learn about being an athletic director, physical education teacher, coach, sports information directior, broadcaster, trainer, etc. I'd take classes taught by former athletes, agents, SID's, and broadcasters. I'd learn the long odds I face at a pro career. I'd hopefully learn my other career options. But how dare you tell me my craft is silly, doesn't matter or that odds say I'll never make it so I should not try. You worry about your craft, I'll worry about mine. Now remind me....why is major in atheltics such a bad thing?
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Lexington Little Leaguer hangs out with White Sox Lexington Herald Leader Bender, who can catch and throw while balancing on his right leg, received a personalized White Sox jersey with Swisher's number 30 on the back. (Adam will be a guest of the Reds Sunday)
(AP photo)
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UK basketball museum closes Lexington Herald Leader The museum had a history of financial struggles dating to its inception in 1999. That history led, inevitably it seemed, to a University of Kentucky news release on Tuesday that officially, if vaguely, announced its demise.
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On this date 1903 Ed Delahanty, who once hit four homers in one game, goes over a Niagara Falls' railroad bridge and drowns. The circumstances concerning the Senators' outfielder death is never discovered. 1963 In one of baseball's most memorable pitching duels, Giants' Juan Marichal and Braves' Warren Spahn both hurl 15 scoreless innings before Willie Mays ends the marathon with a homer off Spahn in the bottom of the 16th giving San Francisco a 1- 0 win.
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Fogg fantastic at AAA Louisville Courier Journal Forget the nine days Josh Fogg has remaining on his major league rehab assignment. He's ready now.
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Franklin vs Hamill in UFC 88 MMAJunkie.com UFC 88, which features a main event between Chuck Liddell and Rashad Evans, takes place at Phillips Arena in Atlanta. The Franklin-Hamill fight will likely be the night's co-main event.
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Bruce in the outfield Before you get halfway through this, roll your eyes, and say, "Now he hates Bruce", just think about it. I'm disappointed in Bruce in the outfield. He misses the cutoff man too often. He often appears nonchalant in fielding balls. He has a maddening habit of taking his eye off the ball when he is fielding balls on the ground. Watch how many times he reaches to pick up a ball that has stopped rolling and doesn't get it the first time. I know he's a rookie. I know he's just 20 years old. I just don't understand how somebody that has played baseball since he was probably five years old, still has these correctable issues. And how were the issues not fixed through six levels of the Reds minor leagues?
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Local product faces Reds Wednesday Pirates starter John VanBenschoten is a local product from Milford High School (graduated in '98). He attended Kent St. and was a first round pick of the Pirates in 2001 as a pitcher even though he played mostly 1B in college. He led the NCAA's with 31 HR's his junior year. This is the first time pitching in Cincinnati.
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The June Swoon Reds batters hit .218, their lowest average for a single month since they hit .217 in May 1996.
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Majoring in athletics I talk about this just about every year. And I usually get yelled at. I think the only people who like the idea, other than me, are Jason Whitlock and Mike DeCourcy. Why is this so hard for people to embrace?
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UC trustees reward Zimpher Business Courier of Cincinnati "You're simply getting things done," said trustee Gary Heiman, whose compensation committee approved a 22 percent bonus for Zimpher on June 9 despite Zimpher's request that the bonus be limited to 15 percent. The committee also bumped Zimpher's car allowance by $3,000 and extended the same increase in base pay as that received by UC faculty this year. The compensation changes brings Zimpher's total base pay to $419,000 for the fiscal year starting July 1.
***** This topic is always fun....we will do the national angle and the local angle. Building the Mt Rushmore of Sports CBS Sports There are many monuments in the United States that fill us with a sense of national pride. The Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell and the Vietnam Wall are a few that come to mind. But when selecting a monument worthy enough and perfectly set-up for the sports treatment, Mount Rushmore inevitably comes to mind.
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Speaking of growing Reds fans from a young age Reds Heads Kids Club Being a Reds Heads member is a great way for kids to show their Cincinnati Reds pride and be part of the coolest club in all of Reds country!
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Man dies after assault at softball game MSNBC Sean Sanders, 27, ran off the field after punching Daniel Andrews, 37, in the head at the end of the game Sunday afternoon in Parma, a Rochester suburb, and was captured a mile away some six hours later, authorities said.
Xavier news CINCINNATI - The Xavier University men's basketball team has finalized plans to square-off against Duke during the 2008-09 season. The Musketeers will take on the Blue Devils on Saturday, December 20 at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J. Game time is set for 2 p.m. and the contest will be televised nationally on CBS. The 19,500 IZOD Center, home to the New Jersey Nets and adjacent to Giants Stadium, is located just 12 miles from Newark International Airport. The contest marks the first time a regular-season Xavier game will be showcased on CBS. XU has appeared on CBS during NCAA Tournament action a total of 11 times in the last five years. Individual tickets priced at $75 and $55 will go on sale Monday, October 20 at 11:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster only. If tickets remain, they will be available at the IZOD Center Box Office beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 11 a.m. Groups of 20 or more should contact IZOD Center Group Sales at 201-460-4370. For VIP hospitality and sponsorship packages, contact Barry Greene at 201-460-4305 or bgreene@njsea.com.
Josh Duncan news Sun-Sentinel General Manager Randy Pfund said the Heat already has lined up commitments for its summer program. Among those expected to assemble next week at AmericanAirlines Arena for camp and then possibly advance to summer league the following week at Orlando are Davidson guard Jason Richards, Louisville center David Padgett, St. Joseph's guard Pat Calathes, Xavier forward Josh Duncan... Stanley Burrell news NBA.COM "In the meantime, the Pacers will hold their annual rookie and free agent camp this week, beginning Thursday in Conseco Fieldhouse. Among the veterans, Shawne Williams and Stephen Graham are expected to participate. There will also be local flavor in the form of guards Stanley Burrell (an Indianapolis native who attended Xavier), Earl Calloway (Indiana), David Teague (Purdue) and Pete Campbell (Butler)."
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Rosenthal with a Dunn note Fox Sports It's still early, but the Reds surely are surprised that no team is showing interest in Dunn, who boasts an .889 OPS and is just short of being on pace for his fifth straight 40-homer season. The problem is, none of the AL contenders has an obvious need at DH and most NL teams consider Dunn a defensive liability. Still, power hitters are difficult to find, particularly now that baseball is testing for performance-enhancing drugs . .
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Xavier basketball news CINCINNATI - The Atlantic 10 Conference has announced home and away match-ups for the 2008-09 men's basketball season. The league will once again sponsor a 16-game conference schedule, which includes one contest against 10 A-10 teams and a home-and-home series with three other foes. Xavier, the 2007-08 A-10 Regular Season Champ, will play home and away series against Charlotte, Dayton and Fordham. The home slate includes match ups against George Washington, La Salle, Massachusetts, Saint Louis and Temple. The Musketeers will travel to Duquesne, Rhode Island, Richmond, Saint Bonaventure and Saint Joseph's. XU finished the 2007-08 A-10 ledger with a 14-2 record and the team was a spotless 8-0 at home. Dates and times for these contests are TBA.
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Ohhhhhh please just make it stop! From the Reds The coveted Ohio Cup trophy, presented by The Ohio Lottery, will be on display tonight on the field during batting practice and then the rest of the homestand and beyond at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum...the Reds earned the trophy by winning this season's interleague series with the Indians, 5-1...also on display this afternoon will be Adam Dunn's Most Outstanding Player trophy...in the 6-game series, Dunn hit .300 and led all players with 5 HR, 10 RBI and 5 runs scored.
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Legendary Miami player and coach passes away MUAthletics.com Considered one of the all-time greats of Miami University football and one of the pillars among the Cradle of Coaches, John Pont--a charter member of Miami University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969 and the first athlete in Miami history to have his jersey number retired--passed away on Tuesday, July 1 at the age of 80.
UC grad eyes Olympic spot Thursday EUGENE, Ore. - After winning her second straight heat last night at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., former University of Cincinnati track star Mary Wineberg has qualified for the finals of the 400 meters. Her time of 50.57 in last night's semifinal heat was the fastest among all finalists. After two days of rest, Wineberg will race for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team Thursday, July 3 at 8:05 p.m. The race will be tape delayed as part of USA Network's coverage of the trials beginning at 11 p.m. on Thursday. Wineberg, a 2002 graduate of UC, currently ranks fourth in the world in the 400-meter dash. She won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay last fall at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, and will seek a spot on the US Olympic team in both events. For more information on Mary Wineberg visit her web site at www.marywineberg.com.
Koufos situation at OSU questioned Canton Repisitory Greynolds isn't pleased with how Koufos' freshman season went at Ohio State, and there were rumblings in the weeks leading up to the draft that Matta held Koufos back as a freshman to try to persuade him from being a one-and-done player. "Listen, if you can't get along with a kid like Kosta, then you're clueless," Greynolds said. "If you're making $2 million season and can't figure out how to use a 7-foot-1 kid, you're clueless. If you can't get along with a kid who comes early, stays late and gets good grades, you're clueless, and you've got the problem."
**** IU news Indiana University Men's Basketball Coach Tom Crean has announced that Malik Story, a 6-5 forward/guard who led Artesia (Calif.) High School to two state championships, has accepted a scholarship offer and will attend IU beginning this fall. "To get someone of Malik's ability this late in the year is really exciting for all of us," added Crean. "He is a proven winner who knows how to win championships, and has improved a great deal over the last few years. Malik was off of the recruiting radar for some time because of his early commitment, but nonetheless, he has always proven to be someone that plays at a high level, that wins, and that gets better." The Los Angeles product averaged 13.0 points as a sophomore and 14.7 points as a junior at Artesia H.S., helping his prep team to a 66-3 record during that two-year run. He chose IU over USC, Oregon and Georgetown.
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Reds in June Record: 12-16 Offense 30th BA .218.....opponents hit .274 28th OBP .304 27th SLG .363 28th OPS .665 25th Runs 101 (3.60 game) Outscored 136-101 2nd K's 223 Hitters Dunn .160, 39 k's in 87 ab's Janish .128, Bako .151, Patterson .156, Hopper .160, A. Phillips .167, Valentin .182, Jr .205, Ross .216, Bruce .223, Votto .257, Phillips .262, Encarnacion .294, Keppinger .294, Hairston .302 Pitchers 24th ERA 4.51....opponents 3.10 Burton 0.57, Weathers 1.98, Bray 2.00, Lincoln 2.19, Volquez 3.45, Cueto 3.47, Cordero 3.60, Thompson 3.60, Affeldt 4.20, Majewski 5.68, Harang 6.00, Arroyo 8.26
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Tuesday show preview Topics Reds: Did you go? Didn't the walkoff HR mask a lot of flaws again revealed about this team? Dunn battting 3rd? Jr sitting/Dunn playing? Anyone try a cooler last night? Autographs: How big a deal is it for Reds players to sign autographs prior to the game? See below. Majoring in Athletics: You can major in dance, art, music and broadcasting...but not athletics? Why? Why are people snobs when viewing stick and ball stuff to book stuff? Good Sports
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Sign it Should Reds players be made to sign autographs prior to each game? I was talking with Dayton Dragons officials last week. They told me they "strongly encourage" players, not starting that night, to sign before each home game. Fans are invited to the edge of the dugout starting one hour prior to each game. Players sign until 15-minutes prior to the first pitch. Would this be a big deal for you?
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Dusty logic? Last night..... Reds vs LHP Pat Maholm Dusty pregame: "This guy is tough on lefties (Paul Maholm) and Dunn has hit him pretty good and Griffey hasn't. Just trying to find a way to get some righthanders in the lineup and Griffey will be back in there tomorrow. Dunn in the lineup last night.......... 3 for 25 lifetime, 10 k's Griffey not in the lineup last night.....5 for 18 lifetime, HR Tonight....Reds vs LHP Zach Duke Dusty: "The guy Tuesday (Zach Duke) has been tough on Dunn," Baker added. "Like I said, I'll be mixing and matching to have the best lineup in there for that day." Dunn 5 for 9 llifetime Griffey 1 for 6 lifetime
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Homer outing update! Wow....263 listeners attended last night. You guys are the best! Thanks. And thanks to Dave Ziegler, Ryan Niemyer and everyone at the Reds for having us.
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He homered over our heads to win it! UNREAL. What a Homer Outing! Jr's homer sailed just over our head in section 145....below the 602 sign. Everyone in our section was giving high fives. I had the camera out for Jr's at-bat. When it left his bat I got so excited I almost dropped it as I grabbed Casey! No picuture. Thanks to everyone that showed up. Great to see the little league teams in the house and the father and son's taking in the game and keeping score. Nothing better than walking out with the crowd after a win like that. Everyone was talking to each other about it. After always sitting in LF for Homer Outings, I liked the Moon Deck seats. The view was cool and I liked being able to see the scoreboard....the sun was brutal for first couple of innings. Cool scene of the night: A teenager, about six seats down from us, caught the Pirates HR. He threw it back. About 10-minutes later a Reds employee came into our section and handed him another ball.
Two Moon Deck tickets: $22 Foot Long & Drinks in your soft sided cooler: $7.24 Parking on Fountain Square: $4 Total for a night at the ballpark: $33.24 Watching Jr hit a walkoff HR with your son: Priceless
Look to the left of the guy in the aqua blue shirt (bottom right side of picture). Just below the fence you can see Casey leaping into my arms to celebrate. I'm in a black shirt with tan pants. Casey in a white jersey. Thanks to Aaron for the image.
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Emailing me If you need to contact me, please do it through the email link to the right, under my picture. ......it's the one I use most often: lance1530homer@fuse.net
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10 coaches on the hot seat The Sporting News 4. Marvin Lewis, Bengals. The Bengals have won the stare-down with receiver Chad Johnson for now, but this team needs to turn things around in 2008, or Lewis' job will be in jeopardy.
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Shayne Graham event The 1st Annual Shayne Graham Celebrity Go-Kart Race-Off presented by Mercy Health Partners will be held Fri., July 11 from noon - 4 pm at MCC of Cincinnati (2848 US Route 50, Batavia, OH). Space is limited to 20 karts. The cost is $5000 per-kart, which is tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit the Shayne Graham Foundation. Each team will consist of three members plus one celebrity. Signage opportunities are available for participating teams. Spectators are welcome. Tickets are $10 day of event. For more information call 513-604-4028 or visit www.shaynegraham.com
From a Bengal to a Bearcat Cleveland Plain Dealer "I . . . called them about 15 hours later and committed," he said.
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More mentions for the segment with no name I continue to search for a title for feel good/positive sports stories. Can anyone top "Good Sports"? It's used by the Enquirer Sunday Sports Section. It fits. Good stories. Good behavior. Like it? Colts TE aids distaster relief Dunn as good as it gets in NFL LeBron teams with Sponge Bob Moss helping kids
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IU leader says Sampson hiring a mistake. No way, really? Indy Star Appearing by video conference from Bloomington, McRobbie told the infractions committee, "No longer can we say that we have had no allegations of major NCAA violations in almost a half a century. And that hurts me and Indiana University even more than the damage that has been done to the program that coach (Tom) Crean has inherited and now has to rebuild."
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UK coach ok after boat capsizes Lexington Herald Leader All three men made it to a gravel bar in the river and rescuers ferried them to shore.
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Is there a doctor in the house? Ok, what is the muscle in my back, below my right shoulder blade? Feels like a knife is stuck in there right now.
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Dunn in three spot? Anyone else in MLB bat a .221 hitter in the three spot last night? It is easily the spot that Dunn has been least effective in his career: Dunn has had +450 plate appearances in five spots in the order. Here is where he stacks up in the #3 hole vs the other spots. Avg: .221 (Worst.....next is .239 at #5) OBP: .367 (Worst....tied with #6) SLG: .438 (Worst.....next is .516 at #5) OPS .805 (Worst....next is .897 at #4)
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Jr career walkoff hr's Date Pitcher 6/30/08 vs Pit (9th)....... Matt Capps, HR 5/11/06 vs Wsh (11th).. Joe Eischen, HR 8/1/02 vs LA (13th)....... Omar Daal, HR 8/20/01 vs StL (11th)*... Andy Benes, HR (Inside-the-park HR) 8/24/95 vs NYY (9th).... John Wetteland, HR
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Franklin likely to return for UFC 88 MMAJunkie.com Former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) will restart his quest for another title shot this fall -- most likely at a UFC 88 event in Atlanta -- though it won't necessarily come at 185 pounds.
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Jr not an option in Seattle The Bellingham Herald Today, the Cincinnati Reds are offering Junior's services around the majors - and the Mariners have declined deep discussions about any possible trade for the future Hall of Famer.
Coolers/food at the ballpark I continue my quest to inform all fans they can take food and drinks into GABP.....and save money. This afternoon I went to BP/Sub Way andbought a meatball foot long and two plastic bottled drinks for Casey and myself....Total: $7.24. Casey will pick out peanuts, chips and fruit snacks from our cupboard. Simple as that. Here is the rule on coolers at GABP Guests are welcome to bring SOFT-SIDED coolers into Great American Ball Park provided the coolers' dimensions do not exceed the 16" x 16" x 8" inch Major League Baseball size requirement. HARD-SIDED coolers of any size are prohibited from entering the ballpark. Coolers and all carry-in items are always subject to inspection by Reds personnel prior to entrance to the ballpark or at any time while inside the ballpark. The Reds are not responsible for HARD-SIDED coolers that are left outside of the ballpark gates. Guests are strongly encouraged to return their HARD-SIDED coolers to their vehicles.
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Bengals alumni update Ludwig At Large ......He lives in Ironton, Ohio, and is a corrections officer in the Department of Youth Services at the Ohio River Valley Juvenile Corrections Facility in Franklin Furnace, Ohio.
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On this date: June 30, 2006 I'll never forget where I was. I went to bed around 10pm because we were getting up at 4am to drive to Southport, NC. It was 7-0 when I went to bed.
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Casey will be joining me tonight Last chance...Homer Outing tonight Sun/Moon Deck Cost: $11....regular price $22 Call 513-765-7600, hit option #2, mention HOMER to get discount Reds will accept orders til 4pm this afternoon.
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Monday Guest Shayne Graham, Bengals Topics Reds: Good luck figuring this team out. Good enough to tease you, but flawed enough to frustrate you. Maybe have been Dunn's best all around game as a Red. Bengals: Where does the offense rank in the AFC North? Majoring in Athletics: Why can you major in music, art, and broadcasting...but not athletics?
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Amy Ryan returns to The Office Variety "I don't know what they're going to do with the character," Ryan said, "but as it was written, there's certainly a lot of potential. It's a funny thing to enter a show that you're a great fan of -- and it's nice to tell lighter stories. I love the dark, grittier side of life, but it's nice to take a break from that, put a skirt on and brush your hair."
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On this date 1970: Riverfront Stadium opened in Cincinnati as home of the Reds and Bengals. A crowd of 51,050 watched the Reds fall to the Atlanta Braves 8-2. The stadium project was rushed to be ready for the July 14 All-Star game. The stadium was ready for baseball. However, there was no power in the concession areas, and the parking garages, elevators and press box were not completed. Seats had not been fully installed in two sections in the field level behind home plate. The Reds had to borrow seats from the Convention Center. The scoreboard had issues, going blank at times or displaying garbled messages.
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Guy Trippin' Milford Boy Scouts of America Troop 128 Ultimate Guy Trip 2008 Edition...... Yosemite, San Francisco, Alcatraz
Alcatraz.....where my listeners eventually wind up? Robert Young of Milford proudly wears my shirt to the clink.
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NBA age limit/image troubles Oscar Indy Star "I think that's illegal, to be honest," Robertson said. "If you can go to the army and fight in Iraq at 18, why can't you play basketball?
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Maloney outstanding at AAA Louisville Courier Journal Maloney (8-4) allowed just three hits and walked none, striking out eight in going the distance.
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Wanted: Movie Review Kelly and I saw Wanted last night. Not bad. Not great. I've buy it On-Demand before you pay $9.25. Think about that....$9.25 for a movie. Previews are now about 15 minutes long...about 7 minutes of movie previews and 8 minutes of commercials. Action flick about a fraternity of assassins led by Morgan Freeman. I'd watch Angelina Jolie in anything....anything. She has the best lips/eyes combo on the planet. James McIlvoy is pretty good. Very cool action scenes and chases. I'd give it a 2.25 stars out of four.
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Optimistic Browns better watch out for Big Ben The Sporting News This is a new situation for the Browns, who are coming off a 10-6 season in which they barely missed the playoffs. It was only the Browns' second winning season since 1999. Now the Browns are expected to win, and that's a different kind of pressure, one some teams have trouble getting used to.
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I've always been fascinated by this sport
Sri Lankan batsman Chamra Kapugedera prepares to play a shot as Pakistani wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, left, looks on during their super four round match for the Asia Cup Cricket Championship at National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday, June 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
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Dodgers get no-hit, get the win LA Times The Dodgers became only the fifth team in the modern era of baseball to win a game without getting a hit. The last team to do it was Cleveland, which was no-hit by Matt Young of Boston for eight innings but won, 2-1, on April 12, 1992.
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That guy Hal McCoy, Dayton Daily News Suddenly, with no prompting, Baker became the first member of the Reds to bring up a name lurking in the shadows: Josh Hamilton. "We lost a big bat to Texas, but we obtained Edinson Volquez," he said, without anybody asking about Hamilton. "Hamilton was a big bat in the lineup that we miss, and we certainly have to start hitting."
Dusty's next on mailing list John Erardi, Enquirer We feel strongly that if Teixeira signs here, you'll be in the postseason six of those eight years, and in the World Series three times.
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Former Bearcat showing grit in comeback Cleveland Plain Dealer "I know fans have been wondering how serious this is and whether or not I'll be back," said Holly in a phone interview. "But I expect to make a full re covery with no loss of speed or strength. A delay is not a denial. I'll come back better, stronger, faster and more mature than before."
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Hilarious? How does Dusty keep putting Corey Patterson in the lineup and keep a straight face? Saturday night was his 39th start of the season. He's hitting .189 in 190 ab's with a .225 OBP He hit .200 before being demoted to AAA. Since being recalled, he's 7 for 45.....a .155 average AND .155 OBP If this organization is not capable of finding someone to take his at-bats, what possible reason is there to believe in this organization? Going into Saturday night 273 batters have had at least 150 plate appearances this season. Patterson ranks 269th with his .189 average.....ahead of Austin Kearns .187, Asdrubal Cabrera .184, Andruw Jones .165, Tony Pena Jr. .154 If Dusty believes Corey Patterson is the answer, what exactly is the question? __________
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Breaking down the AFC North Scouts Inc Six analyst debate the best offense in the AFC North....not a single mention of the Bengals in the discussion....at all.....ever. Are they right?
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What a game Saturday afternoon I watched the 1992 Duke vs Kentucky, East Regional Finals on ESPN Classic. Dang, that was such an amazing game: Duke 103-102 OT. What a shot by Sean Woods, (Named Mississippi Valley St Coach this week) to give UK the lead with 2.5 seconds. What calm by Christian Laettner to catch, fake, turn, shoot and hit to win it. What a range of emotion from the look on Thomas Hill's face to the dejection of the UK players. Cool scene as Coach K sought out Richie Farmer to hug him. If I remember correctly, I was almost late to the Hoosier Dome to broadcast the state championship game between Richmond and Laffayete Jefferson. We were watching UK-Duke from our hotel room.
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Bailey hammered Louisville Courier Journal Bailey (4-6) gave up eight hits, including Mike Hessman's 25th home run. The right-hander struck out five and walked three.
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Bailey bashing Dayton Daily News A major-league scout saw Homer Bailey pitch in Louisville last week and said, "He was throwing 94 miles an hour batting practice fastballs. No movement. Gave up 10 hits, some to guys in the lineup who can't hit. "Then he said in the paper the next day that he thought he pitched good," the scout said.
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Blue Jays grounded (AP) Indepenedence, KY The Blue Jays fell to the Green team Saturday morning at Summitt View Elementary in the NKYA U9 championship game. The Jays lumber, which had produced 33 runs in the previous two games, was silenced in a 10-0 loss. The Green team, flashed leather and lumber in an impressive performance. Coach of The Year Tim Grubb and the Jays finish their magical season 12-1-1 with a North Division Championship.
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UC lands four from Indy Indy Star "One of the big reasons is the coaching staff," Pike coach Derek Moyers said. "They've really invigorated and revitalized that program. Kids want to play for them. (Assistant coach) Kerry Coombs goes 100 miles an hour as a recruiter and has made this area a priority."
