I hate Pittsburgh

Well, not all of Pittsburgh, just the part where Sidney Crosby resides. Seriously, fuck him.

He is not the best player in the game, he's a crying little bitch. The Penguin's took a 3-1 series lead on the Flyers and I am sure the hockey world will continue to blow Crosby. He's not even the best player on his team. Malkin is better than Crosby. I'll take Ovechkin any day of the week as well. I seriously want someone to board Sid the Kid one day and knock the piss out of him. If someone were to do that though, they'd be banned from the league for life. Fags.

Anyway. San Jose FINALLY got on board with a 4-3 win over Anaheim. I am still waiting for Joe Thornton to step up and get this team moving. While I am a huge fan of the Red Wings and Flyers, I will root for the Sharks and Bruins as well. I love watching Joe Thornton play. I hope this team gets their act together and gets out of the 1st round. They always seem to choke come playoff time and that never ceases to amaze me.

New Jersey was stunned with .02 seconds left and Carolina evened the series at 2 games a piece. Entertaining stuff especially when Marty slams his stick against the boards after the goal was allowed. Priceless.

Oh, and the Red Wings took a 3-0 series lead on Columbus. The Blue Jackets have a bright future with Steve Mason in goal and Rick Nash at the center position. Hopefully, Ken Hitchcock keeps on performing his masterful job at maximizing players and they build a contender there.

I know hockey is not considered a high-profile sport for a lot of people but next to football, I love hockey the most. Baseball is close and the NBA can just suck my used rubbers. This is my blog so I'll write what I want. Thank you.

Not a good week for baseball

These past few days have given the sport of baseball a punch to the gut. First, the tragic loss of Nick Adenhart at the hands of an idiot drunk-driver. Next, our beloved Harry Kalas collapsed and died before the Phillies game against the Nationals. On top of that, baseball lost one of ot's most colorful figures ever in Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. The Bird played the game like he was a big kid. Before the whole glamour age of me-first athletes who only want camera time, Fidrych played with pure, unbridled joy. Although I am too young to have seen him in person, I know those wh ohave who say he was a bright star who was derailed by injuries. It's a shame.

I cannot even get into the Adenhart situation. 22 years old. That is way too young to go. I am only 27 and it gives me chills. Why some dipshit with a suspended license was able to acquire another vehicle is beyond me. He should get life or the death penalty. Oh wait. Flaming liberals are against the death penalty. RIP Nick and the fellow victims of this senseless accident.

Now, the really tough part. The great Harry the K. The man was a legend. Humble, kind, friendly and he related to the city. He was one of the last of a dying breed. he broadcasted the game and only spoke when the need arose. The guys today talk way too much. Harry loved the game, city, fans and the Phillies. He also enjoyed a heater and a beer. He was the voice of the Phillies, NFL films, and even the Puppy Bowl. He started his legacy in Houston and worked his way to Philly four decades ago. He was not embraced at first but eventually, he was part of the family.

You knew it was time for spring and summer when Harry came on the radio. I didn't live here but my fathers family did and when we would drive down, I loved hearing Harry and Whitey. They helped to love the Phillies at a young age while living in the Pittsburgh vicinity. I was among the minority but I never wavered. When I made my way to the city, I was only too happy to turn on the radio and listen to Harry with the TV on mute. I made sure to do so during the World Series run last season. I turned the TV off in the 9th inning and let Harry take over like he had so mnay times before. Once he said: "Struuuck him ouuut! The Phillies are 2008 world champions of baseballll" it was official. Only when Harry said it was it so. That applied to everything.

When Richie Ashburn passed away, it was hard on Harry and the fans. Now, with Harry gone, the city truly mourns. He was not just an announcer. He was a fan. He was a common man. He was kind and generous and he connected with everyone. There is not one person with something bad to say about him. He is family. We will always love him. We will always remember him. We will truly miss him.

It's almost time for real baseball and I am excited.

Can you feel it? Can you? Punk? It's almost time. Spring is here and baseball is back. Time for the Phillies to defend their World Series trophy. I have been lucky enough to see my two favorite teams, the White Sox and the Phils, win World Series while I am alive. The excitement that overcame this city was unreal. I hope to experience it again eventually.

The Phils come into this season with almost the same team intact. They subtracted Pat "The Bat" Burrell and added Raul Ibanez. I was never the biggest fan of Pat but there's no denying when he was on, he was unreal. the problem was, when he was off, he was waaaay off. Ibanez is a little more consistent, albeit older and a lefty, so he should do well in CB Park. The two concerns are his age and the fact he's another left handed bat in a lineup that has a plethora of lefties.

I will say that Pat was a class-act even when there were those of us who were booing the hell out of him. He was a popular clubhouse guy and for the most part, he went about his business quietly. The one time he spoke out was against former teammate Billy Wagner who had recently signed with the hated New Choke Mets. Pat called him a "rat". It was beautiful. Pat also had a knack for playing his best against those Mets and we all loved him for it. Sitting in left field two rows back, I was a douche towards Burrell for a while. He always took it and interacted with the fans well. I never thought I'd say this but I am going to miss him. Good luck Pat, you delivered a big hit when we needed it and you were a classy guy.