If you saw the movie Bull Durham there is that call that the coach wants to see you and every player trying to make it to the majors wants to hear. Luke Laloose got word that he was heading to the majors. Crash Davis got word that the team was releasing him and now what can an old player do.
Last night Xavier Macklin got word that he was being released by the Gateway Grizzlies in the Frontier League. The Frontier league is made up of players who are not signed by any professional team hoping their play will get noticed and someone will ask them to try out with their ball club next year.
Macklin was down to a 201 batting average which is last in batting average in the league. Is this the end of X Man's dream? He is still young enough 24 and he has been coming off surgery where he had Tommy John Surgery a couple years ago. If it is not where might he turn? No where for the remainder of this summer but across the big pond might be next if X Man decides he hasn't given up hope yet.
The good year for Hobbs Johnson Continues. He is now 11-7 on the season pitching in the Florida State League for Brevard. His ERA has dipped below three to 2.85 and he is two innings pitched from having pitched the most innings this season for the Manatees. It will be interesting to see what happens next season for Hobbs. He should as well he has pitched be invited to the AA spring training and just might get work this fall in Arizona.
Mystery remains on where Brian Goodwin is as he had played in almost every game the Syracuse a Chiefs had played in and for Brian that was 81 games but hasn't seen the field in about six weeks. Minor league baseball does not give a player injury update like the majors do and since he is not on any other teams roster we have to assume he is injured. Brian has been on the fast track to the majors but his 219 batting average has slowed his progress. The season is running out and we need help in finding out how Brian is doing.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Head Knocking
Tonight for the first high schools around North Carolina could meet up with someone else on the other side of the line of scrimmage that had a different football helmet on. Louisburg and Northern Vance paid a vist to Rocky Mount.
Mixed results for the Gryphons as at times moved the ball showing their speed and at times the offensive line didn't get off their blocks well. The defensive side of the ball just like the offense at time showed speed and at times looked small. Over all about what all coaches expect there is still plenty to work on before the first game two Friday's from now.
I don't know if the American Legion Southeast Regional could have had a better ending. Florida scored two runs in the top of the ninth and then had to survive Asheboro getting two runners on second and third in the bottom of the ninth to win the Regional 8-7. You have to hand it to Asheboro. They were the last seeded team and only played in the regional because they were hosting the event and yet they made it all the way to the last pitch and almost won it all.
If you have ever looked at my profile I have as one of my top ten favorite movies is Mrs. DoubtFire. My favorite line in the movie is where Priece Bronson is sitting in the bar by the pool and Robin Williams throws a lemon or some type of fruit that hits Bronson beside the head. Mrs DoubtFire turns to look to see who threw it and of course Williams upset because his wife is dating someone else had thrown it and he makes the statement "a drive by Fruiting". Williams of course made the line up on the spot during filming and to me it is a screamer of a line. I am snickering now as I write this because I find it a very funny line.
Monday Robin Williams died and his death was self inflicted. As far as comedians are concern he was the master of all. However I do think the news media has over blown his death and I don't think there needs to be wall to wall coverage. An hour special would have been plenty. Isn't it funny that all of a sudden nothing else is happening in the world. Last week the Middle East was on the verge of war and tonight it's back page news. The world is still in turmoil.
Mixed results for the Gryphons as at times moved the ball showing their speed and at times the offensive line didn't get off their blocks well. The defensive side of the ball just like the offense at time showed speed and at times looked small. Over all about what all coaches expect there is still plenty to work on before the first game two Friday's from now.
I don't know if the American Legion Southeast Regional could have had a better ending. Florida scored two runs in the top of the ninth and then had to survive Asheboro getting two runners on second and third in the bottom of the ninth to win the Regional 8-7. You have to hand it to Asheboro. They were the last seeded team and only played in the regional because they were hosting the event and yet they made it all the way to the last pitch and almost won it all.
If you have ever looked at my profile I have as one of my top ten favorite movies is Mrs. DoubtFire. My favorite line in the movie is where Priece Bronson is sitting in the bar by the pool and Robin Williams throws a lemon or some type of fruit that hits Bronson beside the head. Mrs DoubtFire turns to look to see who threw it and of course Williams upset because his wife is dating someone else had thrown it and he makes the statement "a drive by Fruiting". Williams of course made the line up on the spot during filming and to me it is a screamer of a line. I am snickering now as I write this because I find it a very funny line.
Monday Robin Williams died and his death was self inflicted. As far as comedians are concern he was the master of all. However I do think the news media has over blown his death and I don't think there needs to be wall to wall coverage. An hour special would have been plenty. Isn't it funny that all of a sudden nothing else is happening in the world. Last week the Middle East was on the verge of war and tonight it's back page news. The world is still in turmoil.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Coaches Pick Fike
This morning the Big East held media day and the main attraction is the football coaches being interviewed by local media and then the coaches vote on who they think will win in football. The coaches voted for Fike as the top team followed by Hunt. Three through five were Northern Nash, Southern Nash and Rocky Mount. Nash Central was voted to finish last. Tuesday night both Rocky Mount and Nash Central will be holding Srimmages before the big one Thursday night.
Tonight Florida is playing the host team from Asheboro in the final game at the southeast regional of the American Legion playoffs in Asheboro. Asheboro has made a mess for everyone in this tournament by beating everyone they were suppose to lose to, In fact the one undefeated team Asheboro beat them last night to give them their first loss but Florida by virtue of being the last unbeaten had already qualified to play in the finals.
This afternoon Asheboro beat South Carolina who had lost to Florida in the winners bracket showdown game and as we speak Asheboro is playing Florida with the winner heading to the American Legion World Series in Shelby later this month.
This weekend racing In a local track in upstate New York Tony Stewart bumped a local racer into the wall and as all racers do the racer jumps out of his car and while running towards Stewart's car points his finger at Stewart's and he somehow runs over and killed the driver that he spun out.
The media has already sentenced Stewart to death as most are accusing him of murder. I would advise all since we only know what we have seen from a couple of clips that none of us know what Stewart saw and we should not convict until all the facts are in.
My Grandma told me that only believe three quarters of what see and only believe half of what hear. So when you add up what you saw and what you heard only believe two thirds of what you see and hear. In the case of this tragic death of a race driver let 's let all the fact come out.
Finally are the rumblings about the 18th hole of the PGA finish Sunday letting the final two groups play the final hole together almost. Me as a spectator sitting home I wanted to see a champion last night and I got it. I didn't have to go on line Monday morning to find out who won. If the PGA officials could have done better was maybe play threesomes starting so late in the afternoon after the heavy rains. Here is one other villian in this deal. How much pressure did TV put on the PGA officials to finish Sunday night. You know CBS didn't want to let the Golf Channel show the last hole Monday morning.
Tonight Florida is playing the host team from Asheboro in the final game at the southeast regional of the American Legion playoffs in Asheboro. Asheboro has made a mess for everyone in this tournament by beating everyone they were suppose to lose to, In fact the one undefeated team Asheboro beat them last night to give them their first loss but Florida by virtue of being the last unbeaten had already qualified to play in the finals.
This afternoon Asheboro beat South Carolina who had lost to Florida in the winners bracket showdown game and as we speak Asheboro is playing Florida with the winner heading to the American Legion World Series in Shelby later this month.
This weekend racing In a local track in upstate New York Tony Stewart bumped a local racer into the wall and as all racers do the racer jumps out of his car and while running towards Stewart's car points his finger at Stewart's and he somehow runs over and killed the driver that he spun out.
The media has already sentenced Stewart to death as most are accusing him of murder. I would advise all since we only know what we have seen from a couple of clips that none of us know what Stewart saw and we should not convict until all the facts are in.
My Grandma told me that only believe three quarters of what see and only believe half of what hear. So when you add up what you saw and what you heard only believe two thirds of what you see and hear. In the case of this tragic death of a race driver let 's let all the fact come out.
Finally are the rumblings about the 18th hole of the PGA finish Sunday letting the final two groups play the final hole together almost. Me as a spectator sitting home I wanted to see a champion last night and I got it. I didn't have to go on line Monday morning to find out who won. If the PGA officials could have done better was maybe play threesomes starting so late in the afternoon after the heavy rains. Here is one other villian in this deal. How much pressure did TV put on the PGA officials to finish Sunday night. You know CBS didn't want to let the Golf Channel show the last hole Monday morning.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Who Needs Tiger
If you were wondering what golf was going to do without Tiger it has been answered this weekend just as it has always in the past the new generation has arrived. Since the TV age arrived in the mid to late 50's and the hard charging Arnie went for every shot and golf was made for TV. The mid sixties saw Jack dethrone the King there was resentment because Jack was a little fat and played like a stone wall but hit every shot down the middle and made way too many putts. Jack as time passed learned to melo and the crowds loved him.
There was a ten year period from the late 80's to late 90's where several tried to take over for the aging Jack but none could sustain. Curtis Strange, Nick Faldo then enter Tiger. Since about 1997 until 2008 Tiger by showing up almost meant victory. Tiger was a robot and didn't mind one bit ignoring everyone on the course while winning. He has never got beyond the robot stage and can you see a Tiger becoming an honorary starter at the Masters?
Since 2008 Tiger has slipped and golf needed someone to become the new one word star. Phil was just old enough he couldn't do it. Els too was aging and this twenty something generation has been on the verge but no one stepped forward. Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia. All have shown moments but not enough.
All most over night but really the last three years Rory has become the new one named star. The news media so wrapped up in wanting Tiger to make a comeback they didn't see Rory heading to number one in the world. Less than three years Rory has won four majors. He has had a big lead and today came from three back on the back nine to win. It wasn't someone ahead of him failed it was just plain Rory doing what Tiger never did out playing those others who were having great days too.
Every superstar needs someone who will push them. Arnie first off had The aging Ben Hogan and then Jack. Jack had Tom Watson and Tiger had Phil. Rory needs a pusher and I think that will be Ricky Fowler. This spring when I went to the Masters I was within five feet of Fowler and he is only five five or five seven. How can he hit it as far as he does is amazing. I think ten years from now when Rory is passing Tiger, Fowler will have five or six majors. Then it would be time to find another one named star.
There was a ten year period from the late 80's to late 90's where several tried to take over for the aging Jack but none could sustain. Curtis Strange, Nick Faldo then enter Tiger. Since about 1997 until 2008 Tiger by showing up almost meant victory. Tiger was a robot and didn't mind one bit ignoring everyone on the course while winning. He has never got beyond the robot stage and can you see a Tiger becoming an honorary starter at the Masters?
Since 2008 Tiger has slipped and golf needed someone to become the new one word star. Phil was just old enough he couldn't do it. Els too was aging and this twenty something generation has been on the verge but no one stepped forward. Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia. All have shown moments but not enough.
All most over night but really the last three years Rory has become the new one named star. The news media so wrapped up in wanting Tiger to make a comeback they didn't see Rory heading to number one in the world. Less than three years Rory has won four majors. He has had a big lead and today came from three back on the back nine to win. It wasn't someone ahead of him failed it was just plain Rory doing what Tiger never did out playing those others who were having great days too.
Every superstar needs someone who will push them. Arnie first off had The aging Ben Hogan and then Jack. Jack had Tom Watson and Tiger had Phil. Rory needs a pusher and I think that will be Ricky Fowler. This spring when I went to the Masters I was within five feet of Fowler and he is only five five or five seven. How can he hit it as far as he does is amazing. I think ten years from now when Rory is passing Tiger, Fowler will have five or six majors. Then it would be time to find another one named star.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Gryphon Football Featured In USA Today
USA Today sports writer Jason Jordan was in Rocky Mount on Friday and on the campus of Rocky Mount High School doing a story on the first day for every high school football team in America as those in the football business call the first day of practice, the first day of hitting. The day you find out who you have that really wants to play football.
If you go on line to USA Today and go to sports and then click on others, others brings up a choice of high school sports and the story is under All Access. Not only is there a nice story about that first day of hitting but there is actual footage of some of that smack mouth one on one drill.
You might ask the question how did Rocky Mount get featured and I understand Jason Jordan went to school with Jason Battle. Since Battle attended I don't know at this point whether Jordan went to Northern Nash with Battle or Battle's last year at Rocky Mount. He may have gone to college together I will try to find the connection that has gotten the Gryphons featured in a national newspaper about something other than shootings and murder.
Even though it has rained very steady today the Southeast regional of the American Legion playoffs went on and today saw both teams in the tournament from North Carolina squared off against each other. The state champion Shelby and the host team Asheboro. Asheboro is in the tournament solely as the host team and since they are the only team not a state champion should have been eliminated after two games but guess what? Today Asheboro has knocked off Shelby 5-3 and the host team has knocked off two state champions. Virginia who was the only team that was undefeated coming in to this tournament is going home after losing to Alabama today. Tonight's featured game is the winners bracket game with Florida and South Carolina.
Who needs Tiger in order to see good TV golf. Soggy conditions left the best players in the world knocking the pins down on Saturday and at one point five were tied for first and five were one shot back. There is no doubt the best player on the planet right now is Rory Mcilroy and he seems now to have that gear to get into like Tiger use to have. If he slips any at all Ricky Fowler is lurking and so is Phil. Can 't wait for Sunday afternoon.
If you go on line to USA Today and go to sports and then click on others, others brings up a choice of high school sports and the story is under All Access. Not only is there a nice story about that first day of hitting but there is actual footage of some of that smack mouth one on one drill.
You might ask the question how did Rocky Mount get featured and I understand Jason Jordan went to school with Jason Battle. Since Battle attended I don't know at this point whether Jordan went to Northern Nash with Battle or Battle's last year at Rocky Mount. He may have gone to college together I will try to find the connection that has gotten the Gryphons featured in a national newspaper about something other than shootings and murder.
Even though it has rained very steady today the Southeast regional of the American Legion playoffs went on and today saw both teams in the tournament from North Carolina squared off against each other. The state champion Shelby and the host team Asheboro. Asheboro is in the tournament solely as the host team and since they are the only team not a state champion should have been eliminated after two games but guess what? Today Asheboro has knocked off Shelby 5-3 and the host team has knocked off two state champions. Virginia who was the only team that was undefeated coming in to this tournament is going home after losing to Alabama today. Tonight's featured game is the winners bracket game with Florida and South Carolina.
Who needs Tiger in order to see good TV golf. Soggy conditions left the best players in the world knocking the pins down on Saturday and at one point five were tied for first and five were one shot back. There is no doubt the best player on the planet right now is Rory Mcilroy and he seems now to have that gear to get into like Tiger use to have. If he slips any at all Ricky Fowler is lurking and so is Phil. Can 't wait for Sunday afternoon.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Two Weeks To Go
Two weeks from tonight the high school football season will be in full swing. Next week for the first time teams can begin to bump heads with other teams in scrimmage action. Nash Central will scrimmage Bunn on Tuesday. Then Thursday they will be part of the Nash County jamboree with all the other Nash County High Schools.
Last season due to the conflict with Campbell Volleyball playing on Friday nights I got to see only two high school games during the regular season. Next week's scrimmages and opening night will be my only games this year. Campbell this year will travel to Long Beach California to play Long Beach State, Army, San Fransico. The Doughtie's will be right there.
Saw in the Nashville Graphic and it reminded me that I hadn't brought up with all the local baseball coverage from Legion, little league and Babe Ruth that former Gryphon jv football coach Chris Lee now the head coach at Louisburg has been named an assistant coach for the East-West all star game next year.
Under B W Holt's tenure Lee coached during Holt's first five years and the JV's lost 3 games with Lee calling the plays and Kent Cox calling the defense. Lee left to take over at Louisburg during Holt's last year at Rocky Mount.
Day two of the American Legion Southeast regional going on in Asheboro is down to six teams as in the loser bracket games today the host team Asheboro stays alive beating Shelbyville Kentucky 11-3. And also heading home is Georgia as they lost to Alabama 3-1. The winners bracket game between Jacksonville Florida and Shelby North Carolina goes to Florida 2-1. This puts both of North Carolina's teams with one loss.
Last season due to the conflict with Campbell Volleyball playing on Friday nights I got to see only two high school games during the regular season. Next week's scrimmages and opening night will be my only games this year. Campbell this year will travel to Long Beach California to play Long Beach State, Army, San Fransico. The Doughtie's will be right there.
Saw in the Nashville Graphic and it reminded me that I hadn't brought up with all the local baseball coverage from Legion, little league and Babe Ruth that former Gryphon jv football coach Chris Lee now the head coach at Louisburg has been named an assistant coach for the East-West all star game next year.
Under B W Holt's tenure Lee coached during Holt's first five years and the JV's lost 3 games with Lee calling the plays and Kent Cox calling the defense. Lee left to take over at Louisburg during Holt's last year at Rocky Mount.
Day two of the American Legion Southeast regional going on in Asheboro is down to six teams as in the loser bracket games today the host team Asheboro stays alive beating Shelbyville Kentucky 11-3. And also heading home is Georgia as they lost to Alabama 3-1. The winners bracket game between Jacksonville Florida and Shelby North Carolina goes to Florida 2-1. This puts both of North Carolina's teams with one loss.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Legion Regional Underway
It has been a rough two weeks for Shelby North Carolina after winning the State Championship after losing twice only to be given one back on a forfeit when High Point was ruled ineligible. They have had to hear it from everyone about not being worthy of representing North Carolina in any further playoffs.
Today Shelby started in the Southeast Regional and they not only looked worthy but today Shelby defeated Covington Georgia 11-1. Now in the winners bracket they play again Friday afternoon. In other action finished so far today Jacksonville Florida beat Tuscaloosa Alabama 2-1. The early afternoon game Florence South Carolina topped Shelbyville a Kentucky 5-4.
Hobbs Johnson has appeared in 20 games and started 19 for Brevard Fl of the Florida State upper A level baseball team. He has pitched 115 innings with a 10-7 record and an earn run average of 3.03. He is second on the team in innings pitched, wins and ERA.
The mystery involving Brian Goodwin not having play in a month now for the Syracuse Chiefs continues. He remains at 219 batting average and now two prospects have moved pass Brian on the Washington National top prospect list.
The word on Xavier Macklin playing in Illinois is not very good either. X man is down to a 202 batting average playing for the independent Gateway Grizzles. Players in the Frontier a League has players not affiliated with any major league team. Every player hopes they play well enough in the Frontier a League that a major league team will pick them up.
News on X's little brother Khalil who graduated from Nash Central signed up to play at Chowan during the spring but the word now is he will enroll at Wake Tech in Raleigh.
Rocky Mount High will hold a scrimmage on Tuesday and then host a jamboree on Thursday of next week.
Today Shelby started in the Southeast Regional and they not only looked worthy but today Shelby defeated Covington Georgia 11-1. Now in the winners bracket they play again Friday afternoon. In other action finished so far today Jacksonville Florida beat Tuscaloosa Alabama 2-1. The early afternoon game Florence South Carolina topped Shelbyville a Kentucky 5-4.
Hobbs Johnson has appeared in 20 games and started 19 for Brevard Fl of the Florida State upper A level baseball team. He has pitched 115 innings with a 10-7 record and an earn run average of 3.03. He is second on the team in innings pitched, wins and ERA.
The mystery involving Brian Goodwin not having play in a month now for the Syracuse Chiefs continues. He remains at 219 batting average and now two prospects have moved pass Brian on the Washington National top prospect list.
The word on Xavier Macklin playing in Illinois is not very good either. X man is down to a 202 batting average playing for the independent Gateway Grizzles. Players in the Frontier a League has players not affiliated with any major league team. Every player hopes they play well enough in the Frontier a League that a major league team will pick them up.
News on X's little brother Khalil who graduated from Nash Central signed up to play at Chowan during the spring but the word now is he will enroll at Wake Tech in Raleigh.
Rocky Mount High will hold a scrimmage on Tuesday and then host a jamboree on Thursday of next week.
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