Category: Sport

Goodbye Sparky

04 Nov 2010 No Comments

by ryanin Michigan, News, Sport Tags: death, obits, Sparky Anderson, Tigers

George “Sparky” Anderson passed today. It’s a bit hard to explain the connection that Michiganders have with Sparky; it’s not like losing a family member, but it’s close, an odd way. The only real way I can relate to it is through my own experiences.

Baseball was a huge part of growing up. My father played a lot; high school, college, semi-professionally after that. I was, notoriously, at a ball field weeks after my birth. My summers were spent playing or watching my dad play, keeping the books, running the scoreboard, pigging out on concession-stand candy and popcorn. When I wasn’t at a game physically, baseball was on the television or, even more ubiquitously, the radio. And, aside from the strong voice of Ernie Harwell, there was one name that always popped on the radio, the one name that was consistant from season to season.

Sparky Anderson.

I can even hear Ernie pronouncing his name; “Spahrkeeh”. Sparky was The Coach. And to baseball players, Coach was where the bucked stopped. When Sparky made a change in the lineup, pulled Morris, or (even better) stormed the field, conversation stopped and ears craned to the radio.

When I think back to those endless summers on the diamonds, Tigers’ baseball meant two things: Ernie’s voice and Sparky’s face. Sparky Anderson was, to me and so many others, the face of summer. In my Junior year of college, I sat silently with dozens of other young men and women watching ESPN Classic, mouths open as Game 5 played out from our youths. Goose Gossage stood firm against his manager, Kirk Gibson looked over to the dugout, and Sparky mouthed (now, said, thanks to edited footage) “he wants to pitch to you.” He chuckled as Gibby paced around the plate, the chuckle of someone who knew more than anyone else at the park that he’d already won the Series. I want to believe I remember that moment from my childhood, but I don’t. But I happily layer that cold night in Kalamazoo over a slightly warmer night in October to remember a definitive moment.

Every Tigers fan, fair-weather fans included, have similar stories. Sparky factors into many of them. He was Tigers baseball; hell, he will be for some of us for years to come. But those times are passing. An era has passed.

Sparky, I wish I’d had a chance to meet you. May you rest in peace.

I knew they were bad, but THAT bad?

27 Sep 2009 No Comments

by ryanin Michigan, Sport Tags: American Football, Detroit, Lions

I had no idea the Lions were on that bad of a streak.

Today’s win broke a record-tying loss streak (19 games), their first win since–hold onto your hat–Dec. 23, 2007.

Just… wow. I think it might be time for the Ford family to sell.

Oh well, some good news considering U of M won. Yeah, I work there, what’s it to yah?

Lions end losing streak with win over Redskins | detnews.com

0-15

21 Dec 2008 No Comments

by ryanin Sport Tags: American Football, history, Lions, losers, NFL

I don’t talk about football much because, well, there generally ain’t much to talk about. But not today! Oh no, today, we got us some delicious news.

0-15.

First. Time. Ever.

Now, I know there will be a ton of piling on about just how bad they are. In fact, tomorrow I’m on vacation and I’m getting up to listen to 101 Mike in the Morning just to hear “Killer” Kowalski sping the Lions latest, historic loss. And they are so very, very, very bad, don’t get me wrong.

But, Detroiters (and, aren’t we all Detroiters when the Lions are playing), let’s lift that chin, swell that chest, and cock a corner of our mouths in a smile. We are historic. When the seasons of every other team, save the champion, are forgotten, who will still be on the tips of every fan’s lips? The Lions. Who will be a trivia question on Jeopardy in 2010? The mo-fo’ing Lions! When some the 3rd place Browns fans look back on the 2008 season, what will they remember? Nothing, that’s what! They were in third. Who the hell cares about third?

But last… oh yes, last. And not just last, but Dead Effin’ Last. Historically Last. That’s us. That’s forever. Sure, it’s not a proud moment in Lions’ history, but then what season has been? But, for once, it is something we haven’t had in a very, very long time.

Notability.

And that’s something to wear on a T-shirt.

Go Lions.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out

24 Sep 2008 No Comments

by ryanin Sport Tags: football, Lions, Matt Millen

Millen is gone. 31-84 over 7 seasons. If only it could change this season. Oh well, as they always say in Michigan, next year will be a re-building year.

FOX Sports on MSN – Jay Glazer – Millen out as Lions president, GM.