Mike Tyson
Tyson was lethal when he combined his speed with his power. He is at his best within the first six rounds and is not the same after. He intimidated opponents with his fearsome reputation. He is known for his early knock-outs at 30 and 91 seconds. He was destructive at his prime, going in the ring like he was going on a battle, with all his pent-up energy and determination; he was a force to be reckoned with - earning him a spot at the top of the hardest hitters in boxing history.
Sonny Liston
Some people think that his chance to fight for the title was a long time coming. He was at his prime even before that, delivering fire power and early knock-outs. But people tend to remember Liston as the dismal opponent of Muhammad Ali. His uncompromising and menacing demeanor made Liston the opponent to beat. He was perhaps the most underrated hardest hitter in the boxing history.
Joe Louis
Also known as the Brown Bomber, Louis was formidable at his prime. He was not like the others who finish their opponents with one punch. He was what the boxing insiders called the great finisher; because once he gets hold of his opponent, he never let go. He also intimidates his opponents with his fearless aura and his opponents were ready to be knocked-down even before the fight, truly one of the hardest hitters in boxing history.
George Foreman
Also known as Big George in the boxing circuit, he did not pack a punch gracefully. He was clubbing left and right his opponents; delivery big, looping, forceful and bludgeoning blows. His massive punch gave him the spot to the hardest hitters in boxing history; once his opponents walk into this unstoppable force, it's the point of no return.
Rocky Marciano
Forty-nine successive wins and 43 knocked-outs earned him the right to be one of the hardest hitter in boxing history. He is known to take his time, softening up his opponents with bruising bombardment. His right hand is said to change day to night; ending the fight for his opponents. He shows great single-shot punch delivered late into the fight ending his opponent with his blockbuster right hand
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
George Forman's Motivational Speech
George Forman's sister said he would never amount to anything!
George Foreman became heavy weight boxing champion of the world. Today he is a preacher, entrepreneur and the spokesperson for the George Foreman Grill with over 1 million units sold. And yes a motivational speaker.
"Look at me."
That was his opening line and one that he repeated like a refrain throughout his presentation.
What did that mean? "Look at me." Don't look at my scars, my color, education or obstacles. "Look at me." See the fighting spirit within me. See me for who I am and can be. Although Foreman shouted that to his fight manager - the phrase is one that he might have shouted at his sister, his teacher and at his own reflection in the mirror. His own self talk - to push himself to look at himself.
I dare you, look in the mirror and shout, "Look at me."
He tells his own story - a poor black kid who did not fit in, who didn't want to go to school, who only wanted to use his physical advantage to intimidate and beat up other kids...
As a child, George Foreman did not have a future nor a direction. The only motivation he had might have been anger and a fighting spirit.
A guidance counselor told him - "If you only want to beat up people you might as well become a boxer."
George Foreman pointed out that he was never a boxer - he was a fighter. The difference as he illustrated was that a boxer was one who took the perfect stance - hands and feet in the perfect position - looks pretty - almost like a dancer. A fighter was one who ignored the blood and pain and simply fought.
As a true motivational speaker, George Foreman talked about his inner fears and doubts. He laughed at himself and encouraged us to do the same. A true motivational speaker knows that it is not about appearing superior to your audience. You can only motivate people who can identify with you and your pain.
When he started to fight, he confessed that he got scared, closed his eyes and swung his huge fists at his opponent. He was the surprised one when he opened his eyes to discover his opponent on the floor.
That strategy worked until he met better boxers who danced out of the way of his blind-fury fists. The new surprise for him was that after he opened his eyes his opponent was still standing and grinning at him. That demanded a new strategy - time to keep his eyes open when he swung his massive fists.
A motivational speaker must demonstrate the power of his opponent. No one is motivated by an easy victory.
George Foreman talked about his fear of fighting "Smokin' Joe Frasier". George Foreman had to knock Joe Frasier down six times to win that fight. Six times! And each time that Foreman knocked Frasier to the mat Foreman prayed that Frasier would stay down this time. How many of you are willing to do the same thing six times just to win one fight? How many give up too soon?
Then it was time to face Mohamed Ali. Five rounds and Ali did not throw a punch. Ali simply danced. George thought he had Ali beat. In the fifth round as they embraced - Ali taunted him with "Is that all you got George?" That taunt chilled George and foreshadowed what was still to come.
George was spent and Ali had made an accurate analysis of his opponent's endurance. Mohamed Ali won that fight, not because he was tougher, but because he fought smarter.
George Foreman was defeated that day by more than a boxer; he was defeated by a smart fighter.
In his presentation Foreman honoured his opponent. George did not whine nor complain. A real motivational speaker tells life the way it is - not the way it should be.
As he marched purposely off stage, motivational speaker George Foreman closed his presentation with this message: Fight - Fight - Fight
George Foreman became heavy weight boxing champion of the world. Today he is a preacher, entrepreneur and the spokesperson for the George Foreman Grill with over 1 million units sold. And yes a motivational speaker.
"Look at me."
That was his opening line and one that he repeated like a refrain throughout his presentation.
What did that mean? "Look at me." Don't look at my scars, my color, education or obstacles. "Look at me." See the fighting spirit within me. See me for who I am and can be. Although Foreman shouted that to his fight manager - the phrase is one that he might have shouted at his sister, his teacher and at his own reflection in the mirror. His own self talk - to push himself to look at himself.
I dare you, look in the mirror and shout, "Look at me."
He tells his own story - a poor black kid who did not fit in, who didn't want to go to school, who only wanted to use his physical advantage to intimidate and beat up other kids...
As a child, George Foreman did not have a future nor a direction. The only motivation he had might have been anger and a fighting spirit.
A guidance counselor told him - "If you only want to beat up people you might as well become a boxer."
George Foreman pointed out that he was never a boxer - he was a fighter. The difference as he illustrated was that a boxer was one who took the perfect stance - hands and feet in the perfect position - looks pretty - almost like a dancer. A fighter was one who ignored the blood and pain and simply fought.
As a true motivational speaker, George Foreman talked about his inner fears and doubts. He laughed at himself and encouraged us to do the same. A true motivational speaker knows that it is not about appearing superior to your audience. You can only motivate people who can identify with you and your pain.
When he started to fight, he confessed that he got scared, closed his eyes and swung his huge fists at his opponent. He was the surprised one when he opened his eyes to discover his opponent on the floor.
That strategy worked until he met better boxers who danced out of the way of his blind-fury fists. The new surprise for him was that after he opened his eyes his opponent was still standing and grinning at him. That demanded a new strategy - time to keep his eyes open when he swung his massive fists.
A motivational speaker must demonstrate the power of his opponent. No one is motivated by an easy victory.
George Foreman talked about his fear of fighting "Smokin' Joe Frasier". George Foreman had to knock Joe Frasier down six times to win that fight. Six times! And each time that Foreman knocked Frasier to the mat Foreman prayed that Frasier would stay down this time. How many of you are willing to do the same thing six times just to win one fight? How many give up too soon?
Then it was time to face Mohamed Ali. Five rounds and Ali did not throw a punch. Ali simply danced. George thought he had Ali beat. In the fifth round as they embraced - Ali taunted him with "Is that all you got George?" That taunt chilled George and foreshadowed what was still to come.
George was spent and Ali had made an accurate analysis of his opponent's endurance. Mohamed Ali won that fight, not because he was tougher, but because he fought smarter.
George Foreman was defeated that day by more than a boxer; he was defeated by a smart fighter.
In his presentation Foreman honoured his opponent. George did not whine nor complain. A real motivational speaker tells life the way it is - not the way it should be.
As he marched purposely off stage, motivational speaker George Foreman closed his presentation with this message: Fight - Fight - Fight
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mohammed Ali and Parkinson's Disease
Many famous personalities around the world have, or had, Parkinson's Disease. The list reads like a who's who: Mohammed Ali, Michael J. Fox, Johnny Cash, Katharine Hepburn, Billy Graham, Pierre Trudeau and Pope John Paul 2.
Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disease that can cause trembling or shaking of different parts of the body. It is progressive and can cause total paralysis and death. Most often it is associated with old age, but there is a form of the disease that afflicts people as early as their 30's. The progression of the disease and its symptoms can be very rapid or quite slow. The constellation of symptoms is different for each patient, and can change day by day or even hour by hour.
Perhaps the most famous Parkinson's patient is Mohammad Ali, the American boxer. He was a brilliant star in boxing in his prime. Because of the effects of the disease, now in his late 50's he has difficulty walking, speaking and moving his hands. The disease makes his gait very short and choppy and gives him balance problems. Despite these difficulties he carried the Olympic torch to light the flame for the 1996 games. His symptoms were obvious at that time, but he remained upbeat and cheerful, and despite his having lost the ability to smile, he appeared very happy to be present at this event.
Johnny Cash, the famous American country singer, announced that he had Parkinson's in October of 1997. The actress Katharine Hepburn's head movements late in life may have been the result of Parkinson's Disease. Margaret Bourke-White, the famous LIFE magazine photographer, died of Parkinson's in 1971.
One of the youngest patients known to the general public is Michael J. Fox. He was the star of the three very popular "Back To The Future" movies, playing an American teenager who was unwittingly transported back to 1955 where he met his parents when they were teens themselves. Just after filming of the last of these movies was finished, Michael began exhibiting the first signs of the disease. For him, the first sign was an uncontrollably twitching pinky finger. For a number of years he hid his diagnosis and did his best to conceal the effects of the disease, but in late 1998 he announced his condition.
Since that time he has undergone brain surgery and has been on a long and changing list of medications in an effort to control his symptoms. He created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is dedicated to finding the cure for this terrible disease. His goal is to find that cure and put his own foundation out of business.
Michael has done many interviews over the course of his illness. In some of these interviews he seems relatively symptom-free; in others, his symptoms are very obvious. Some have assumed that he appears on-camera while symptomatic in an effort to gain pity. Michael denies that and states that it's just the unpredictable nature of the disease; sometimes the medications take effect sooner, and sometimes later. What is most admirable about this is that, whether he is very symptomatic or relatively symptom-free, Michael always handles the situation with grace, poise and wisdom. If his interviewer seems uncomfortable at the beginning of the interview, by the end it is easy to see that they have been put at ease by Michael's good humor, his upbeat acceptance of his situation and his determination to help others with his diagnosis.
Michael J. Fox has written books about his journey with Parkinson's. The first is called "Lucky Man," in which he recounts how the disease made him take a good look at life and learn to appreciate the good things much more than he had before his diagnosis. The second, "Always Looking Up - The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," is a forward-looking and hopeful sequel.
Although each patient's symptoms are different and may change, there are many symptoms common to the disease. One of these is called the "mask face," or hypomimia. With many patients, the face becomes very still, seeming almost expressionless. The eyebrows don't move, and the patient is unable to smile. Michael J. Fox and Mohammed Ali show this symptom. Patients can also exhibit tiny handwriting and a soft, whispery voice.
Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disease that can cause trembling or shaking of different parts of the body. It is progressive and can cause total paralysis and death. Most often it is associated with old age, but there is a form of the disease that afflicts people as early as their 30's. The progression of the disease and its symptoms can be very rapid or quite slow. The constellation of symptoms is different for each patient, and can change day by day or even hour by hour.
Perhaps the most famous Parkinson's patient is Mohammad Ali, the American boxer. He was a brilliant star in boxing in his prime. Because of the effects of the disease, now in his late 50's he has difficulty walking, speaking and moving his hands. The disease makes his gait very short and choppy and gives him balance problems. Despite these difficulties he carried the Olympic torch to light the flame for the 1996 games. His symptoms were obvious at that time, but he remained upbeat and cheerful, and despite his having lost the ability to smile, he appeared very happy to be present at this event.
Johnny Cash, the famous American country singer, announced that he had Parkinson's in October of 1997. The actress Katharine Hepburn's head movements late in life may have been the result of Parkinson's Disease. Margaret Bourke-White, the famous LIFE magazine photographer, died of Parkinson's in 1971.
One of the youngest patients known to the general public is Michael J. Fox. He was the star of the three very popular "Back To The Future" movies, playing an American teenager who was unwittingly transported back to 1955 where he met his parents when they were teens themselves. Just after filming of the last of these movies was finished, Michael began exhibiting the first signs of the disease. For him, the first sign was an uncontrollably twitching pinky finger. For a number of years he hid his diagnosis and did his best to conceal the effects of the disease, but in late 1998 he announced his condition.
Since that time he has undergone brain surgery and has been on a long and changing list of medications in an effort to control his symptoms. He created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is dedicated to finding the cure for this terrible disease. His goal is to find that cure and put his own foundation out of business.
Michael has done many interviews over the course of his illness. In some of these interviews he seems relatively symptom-free; in others, his symptoms are very obvious. Some have assumed that he appears on-camera while symptomatic in an effort to gain pity. Michael denies that and states that it's just the unpredictable nature of the disease; sometimes the medications take effect sooner, and sometimes later. What is most admirable about this is that, whether he is very symptomatic or relatively symptom-free, Michael always handles the situation with grace, poise and wisdom. If his interviewer seems uncomfortable at the beginning of the interview, by the end it is easy to see that they have been put at ease by Michael's good humor, his upbeat acceptance of his situation and his determination to help others with his diagnosis.
Michael J. Fox has written books about his journey with Parkinson's. The first is called "Lucky Man," in which he recounts how the disease made him take a good look at life and learn to appreciate the good things much more than he had before his diagnosis. The second, "Always Looking Up - The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist," is a forward-looking and hopeful sequel.
Although each patient's symptoms are different and may change, there are many symptoms common to the disease. One of these is called the "mask face," or hypomimia. With many patients, the face becomes very still, seeming almost expressionless. The eyebrows don't move, and the patient is unable to smile. Michael J. Fox and Mohammed Ali show this symptom. Patients can also exhibit tiny handwriting and a soft, whispery voice.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Golf and lower back strain
The lower back is placed under high amounts of stress every single swing of the golf club. Over time the muscles of the lower back can become fatigued from the golf swing. This will eventually lead to the muscles of the lower back "giving up" and becoming fatigued.
Once the muscles of the lower back are fatigued it is a very short step to injury. What is the process of eliminating this type of scenario playing out?
It simply requires the development of muscular endurance in the lower back to withstand the stressors of the golf swing. Bottom line the golf swing is a repetitive movement, requiring the body to perform the swing over and over again. In order for the muscles (lower back muscles included) involved in the golf swing to perform the repeatable movements of the golf swing over and over again in an efficient manner.
Muscular endurance is the ability of the neuromuscular system of the body to perform a repetitive biomechanical movement (i.e. golf swing) without becoming fatigued. How do you develop muscular endurance specific to the golf swing? By simply, implementing golf fitness exercises into a structured program.
In addition to the development of increased muscular endurance the efficiency of the golf swing mechanics may require adjustment. Efficiency within the mechanics of the golf swing can directly affect the amount of stress placed upon the lower back.
Additional research has indicated the shear forces placed upon the lower back of a professional golfer is significantly less than the amateur golfer. The reason for the difference is the mechanics of the golf swing performed by the professional is much more efficient, placing less stress on the lower back.
Stated previously, numerous reasons exist for the lower back to become injured. The mechanics of the golf swing and endurance with muscles of the lower back are only two of many possibilities. If the lower back is weak the shear forces placed upon it by the golf swing will eventually lead to fatigue. The development of higher levels of muscular endurance can counter act this situation. The utilization of golf fitness exercises is best in relation to the golf swing for this situation.
Additionally, the efficiency in which the mechanics of the golf swing are executed affects the lower back. A less efficient golf swing places higher levels of shear force upon the musculature of the lower back causing fatigue and possible injury. A comprehensive golf fitness program to develop higher levels of muscular endurance and the creation of a efficient golf swing golf through instruction may assist keeping your lower back injury free.
Once the muscles of the lower back are fatigued it is a very short step to injury. What is the process of eliminating this type of scenario playing out?
It simply requires the development of muscular endurance in the lower back to withstand the stressors of the golf swing. Bottom line the golf swing is a repetitive movement, requiring the body to perform the swing over and over again. In order for the muscles (lower back muscles included) involved in the golf swing to perform the repeatable movements of the golf swing over and over again in an efficient manner.
Muscular endurance is the ability of the neuromuscular system of the body to perform a repetitive biomechanical movement (i.e. golf swing) without becoming fatigued. How do you develop muscular endurance specific to the golf swing? By simply, implementing golf fitness exercises into a structured program.
In addition to the development of increased muscular endurance the efficiency of the golf swing mechanics may require adjustment. Efficiency within the mechanics of the golf swing can directly affect the amount of stress placed upon the lower back.
Additional research has indicated the shear forces placed upon the lower back of a professional golfer is significantly less than the amateur golfer. The reason for the difference is the mechanics of the golf swing performed by the professional is much more efficient, placing less stress on the lower back.
Stated previously, numerous reasons exist for the lower back to become injured. The mechanics of the golf swing and endurance with muscles of the lower back are only two of many possibilities. If the lower back is weak the shear forces placed upon it by the golf swing will eventually lead to fatigue. The development of higher levels of muscular endurance can counter act this situation. The utilization of golf fitness exercises is best in relation to the golf swing for this situation.
Additionally, the efficiency in which the mechanics of the golf swing are executed affects the lower back. A less efficient golf swing places higher levels of shear force upon the musculature of the lower back causing fatigue and possible injury. A comprehensive golf fitness program to develop higher levels of muscular endurance and the creation of a efficient golf swing golf through instruction may assist keeping your lower back injury free.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Derek Jeter's 3000 hits
Derek Jeter (the Yankees starting shortstop) reached a career milestone by getting 3000 hits in his career. He is the first ever Yankee to get that goal and he is the 28th player in the history of baseball to do this. And there is a long list of Yankee players that have made the hall of fame, which haven't gotten this goal. That is one huge goal to accomplish as an MLB player and is sure to give you an easy ride to the hall of fame!
In Derek's first at bat he got a single up the middle. On his second at bat he hit a solo homerun to get the 3000 career hit mark. There is no better way to break a record like that, especially at your home field. (Yankee stadium) The fan that caught the ball even gave the ball immediately back to Derek Jeter after the game.
Derek had an unbelievable game. Not only the fact that he broke the milestone, he also had some very clutch hits in helping his team to win and he went 5 for 5. (5 hits) It was Derek's day and nothing was going to stop him. The Yankees ended up winning the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Devil Rays are also in the Yankees division which helped them get a bigger lead in the division/wild card race they are fighting for.
With all of the Derek Jeter injury talks that were going on; people probably doubt that he has health issues after this game.
Some other accomplishments Derek Jeter has in his career are:
· 12 time American league all-star
· 5 American League gold glove award (shortstop)
· USA Today High School Player of the Year
· All-star game most valuable player award
· World series MVP award
Derek also has many other minor accomplishments, but these are the major ones he has in the MLB. Derek is an incredible baseball player and people are questioning if he will one day earn the 4000 hit milestone. I think that he will have to play 5-8 more seasons and get around 150 hits per season. Even if he reaches the 3500 hit mark it will be amazing. Very few players in baseball have ever done that.
In Derek's first at bat he got a single up the middle. On his second at bat he hit a solo homerun to get the 3000 career hit mark. There is no better way to break a record like that, especially at your home field. (Yankee stadium) The fan that caught the ball even gave the ball immediately back to Derek Jeter after the game.
Derek had an unbelievable game. Not only the fact that he broke the milestone, he also had some very clutch hits in helping his team to win and he went 5 for 5. (5 hits) It was Derek's day and nothing was going to stop him. The Yankees ended up winning the game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Devil Rays are also in the Yankees division which helped them get a bigger lead in the division/wild card race they are fighting for.
With all of the Derek Jeter injury talks that were going on; people probably doubt that he has health issues after this game.
Some other accomplishments Derek Jeter has in his career are:
· 12 time American league all-star
· 5 American League gold glove award (shortstop)
· USA Today High School Player of the Year
· All-star game most valuable player award
· World series MVP award
Derek also has many other minor accomplishments, but these are the major ones he has in the MLB. Derek is an incredible baseball player and people are questioning if he will one day earn the 4000 hit milestone. I think that he will have to play 5-8 more seasons and get around 150 hits per season. Even if he reaches the 3500 hit mark it will be amazing. Very few players in baseball have ever done that.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Derek Jeter's history
Derek Jeter's baseball career has been a fruitful one indeed, as he has managed, in only 15 years, to become one of the greatest baseball players alive. This is not the only article of this kind, as you can most probably find a Derek Jeter biography over the Internet, if you would simply write Derek Jeter on Google. Nonetheless, I am going to talk a bit about the key parts in his career so that you can see the evolution of Derek Jeter, both as a man and as a player.
Born on June 26, 1974, Derek Jeter, son of Charles and Dorothy, quickly developed his innate ability for sports. Since his father worked as a drug/alcohol abuse counselor, Derek's life was a healthy one, kept away from vice and unhealthy diets. In 1992 he joined the Minor Leagues and struggled for three years to advance until, in 1995, be caught a break and was given a spot in the Major Leagues. This is a special moment for Derek, as he in now playing with the big boys, training harder and better.
From 1995 to 1999 Derek went on a winning streak, as his batting average kept rising and he helped his team go through many hardships and gaining many victories. However, in 2000, he won the Derek Jeter World Series award and, later on, became one of the few players to ever own both an All Star Game MVP award and a World Series MVP award for the same season. In 2004 he suffered a shoulder injury and his game started to fade away easily, as his recovery went along quite slow. Even though Derek was injured, he kept on playing and helped the New York Yankees rack up several points in the championships they got to play and even secure a few titles.
His reputation grew stronger and endorsement deals came along, as he even helped release a baseball training machine to the market: the Derek Jeter batting trainer. The machine resembled his initial training apparatus and was designed to help children all around the country improve they swinging arm, while increasing both their batting average and strength.
Derek Jeter is, for the moment, considered to be one of the best players of his generation. He is the all-time hit leader among the position of shortstops and his.317 career batting average, for the 2009 season, ranks him as the fifth-highest among active players. He has been among the American League (AL) leaders in hit counts and runs scored for the past ten years. He is the all-time Yankees hit leader, passing the Hall of Fame member Lou Gehrig, in the year of 2009.
Born on June 26, 1974, Derek Jeter, son of Charles and Dorothy, quickly developed his innate ability for sports. Since his father worked as a drug/alcohol abuse counselor, Derek's life was a healthy one, kept away from vice and unhealthy diets. In 1992 he joined the Minor Leagues and struggled for three years to advance until, in 1995, be caught a break and was given a spot in the Major Leagues. This is a special moment for Derek, as he in now playing with the big boys, training harder and better.
From 1995 to 1999 Derek went on a winning streak, as his batting average kept rising and he helped his team go through many hardships and gaining many victories. However, in 2000, he won the Derek Jeter World Series award and, later on, became one of the few players to ever own both an All Star Game MVP award and a World Series MVP award for the same season. In 2004 he suffered a shoulder injury and his game started to fade away easily, as his recovery went along quite slow. Even though Derek was injured, he kept on playing and helped the New York Yankees rack up several points in the championships they got to play and even secure a few titles.
His reputation grew stronger and endorsement deals came along, as he even helped release a baseball training machine to the market: the Derek Jeter batting trainer. The machine resembled his initial training apparatus and was designed to help children all around the country improve they swinging arm, while increasing both their batting average and strength.
Derek Jeter is, for the moment, considered to be one of the best players of his generation. He is the all-time hit leader among the position of shortstops and his.317 career batting average, for the 2009 season, ranks him as the fifth-highest among active players. He has been among the American League (AL) leaders in hit counts and runs scored for the past ten years. He is the all-time Yankees hit leader, passing the Hall of Fame member Lou Gehrig, in the year of 2009.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Original Yankee Stadium
Old Yankee Stadium was built on a lumberyard near Coogan's Bluff in the west Bronx, which the owners of the Yankees bought from William Waldorf Astor for $675,000.
The New York Yankees had debuted as the New York Highlanders in 1903, when a couple of bartenders bought the minor league Baltimore Orioles for $18,000. From 1903 until 1912 the Highlanders played at Hilltop Park in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Following the 1912 season the team changed its name to the Yankees and their lease at Hilltop expired. They signed a 10 year agreement to play alongside the Giants at the Polo Grounds. From the start the Yankees had been a mediocre team at best and this continued through their years at the Polo Grounds, until of course the famous deal with the Boston Red Sox following the 1919 season.
Yankee owners Jacob Ruppert and Tillinghast Huston were aware that Red Sox owner Harry Frazee was having financial difficulties and armed with this knowledge offered to buy star pitcher Babe Ruth. Frazee had already refused an offer of Shoeless Joe Jackson and $60,000 from the Chicago White Sox for Ruth and demanded $125,000 from the Yankees but eventually settled for $100,000 ($25,000 up front and 3 subsequent yearly payments of $25,000, plus a $300,000 loan guaranteed by Fenway Park).
During the 1920 season, joyous Yankee fans came out in droves to see their new star. Attendance that year reached 1.3 million, easily topping the figures for the host Giants. In 1921 the Yankees won the American League pennant and played the Giants in the World Series (the Giants won the best of nine series in eight games, all played at the Polo Grounds). Relations between the two teams had always been acrimonious, but now the Yankees were actually rivals and this proved to be the tipping point. Giant's owner Charles Stoneham "suggested" that perhaps it was time for the Yankees to find a new place to play, hoping they would move out in the boroughs and leave his fan base alone.
On April 18, 1923 the New York Yankees moved into their new home. It was the largest ballpark yet built and apparently, the first to be called "Stadium". It cost Ruppert and Huston $2.5 million to construct and had a seating capacity of nearly 60,000 in an era when the standard was about half of that. It was originally designed to have three decks completely encircling the field, but was eventually scaled back. It used 26,000 cubic meters of specialized hardened concrete (developed by Thomas Edison). The original field dimensions were 295 ft. in right, 490 ft. in center (where it was fittingly called Death Valley) and 281 ft. in left. The success and popularity of the Yankees led to the stadium quickly being expanded in 1928 and again in 1937 bringing the capacity to nearly 80,000.
1932 marked the beginning of what would become Monument Park, when a monument to legendary manager Miller Huggins was erected. Huggins was joined by Lou Gehrig in 1941 and Babe Ruth in 1949. These monuments were actually in fair territory in dead center field. In 1972 the Yankees sold the stadium to the City of New York. The city closed the stadium after the 1973 season for much needed renovations. The Yankees played the '74 and '75 seasons at Shea Stadium with the Mets. The $160 million renovations were completed in time for the 1976 season. Center field had been shortened by 40 ft. leaving the monuments behind the new fence. Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle had also been given monuments. Plaques were steadily added to the area and would eventually include Ed Barrow, Jacob Ruppert, Casey Stengel, Joe McCarthy, Pope Paul VI, Thurmon Munson, Pope John Paul II, Billy Martin, Whitey Ford, Lefty Gomez, Roger Maris, Allie Reynolds, Elston Howard, Phil Rizzuto, Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson and Don Mattingly.
In 2005 the Yankees announced plans to build a new Yankee Stadium across the street from the original. Construction began on the new stadium in 2006 and was completed in time for opening day, 2009. The Yankees played their final game in "old" Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008. Demolition was completed in 2010 and a park is being built on the site of the old lumberyard.
The New York Yankees had debuted as the New York Highlanders in 1903, when a couple of bartenders bought the minor league Baltimore Orioles for $18,000. From 1903 until 1912 the Highlanders played at Hilltop Park in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Following the 1912 season the team changed its name to the Yankees and their lease at Hilltop expired. They signed a 10 year agreement to play alongside the Giants at the Polo Grounds. From the start the Yankees had been a mediocre team at best and this continued through their years at the Polo Grounds, until of course the famous deal with the Boston Red Sox following the 1919 season.
Yankee owners Jacob Ruppert and Tillinghast Huston were aware that Red Sox owner Harry Frazee was having financial difficulties and armed with this knowledge offered to buy star pitcher Babe Ruth. Frazee had already refused an offer of Shoeless Joe Jackson and $60,000 from the Chicago White Sox for Ruth and demanded $125,000 from the Yankees but eventually settled for $100,000 ($25,000 up front and 3 subsequent yearly payments of $25,000, plus a $300,000 loan guaranteed by Fenway Park).
During the 1920 season, joyous Yankee fans came out in droves to see their new star. Attendance that year reached 1.3 million, easily topping the figures for the host Giants. In 1921 the Yankees won the American League pennant and played the Giants in the World Series (the Giants won the best of nine series in eight games, all played at the Polo Grounds). Relations between the two teams had always been acrimonious, but now the Yankees were actually rivals and this proved to be the tipping point. Giant's owner Charles Stoneham "suggested" that perhaps it was time for the Yankees to find a new place to play, hoping they would move out in the boroughs and leave his fan base alone.
On April 18, 1923 the New York Yankees moved into their new home. It was the largest ballpark yet built and apparently, the first to be called "Stadium". It cost Ruppert and Huston $2.5 million to construct and had a seating capacity of nearly 60,000 in an era when the standard was about half of that. It was originally designed to have three decks completely encircling the field, but was eventually scaled back. It used 26,000 cubic meters of specialized hardened concrete (developed by Thomas Edison). The original field dimensions were 295 ft. in right, 490 ft. in center (where it was fittingly called Death Valley) and 281 ft. in left. The success and popularity of the Yankees led to the stadium quickly being expanded in 1928 and again in 1937 bringing the capacity to nearly 80,000.
1932 marked the beginning of what would become Monument Park, when a monument to legendary manager Miller Huggins was erected. Huggins was joined by Lou Gehrig in 1941 and Babe Ruth in 1949. These monuments were actually in fair territory in dead center field. In 1972 the Yankees sold the stadium to the City of New York. The city closed the stadium after the 1973 season for much needed renovations. The Yankees played the '74 and '75 seasons at Shea Stadium with the Mets. The $160 million renovations were completed in time for the 1976 season. Center field had been shortened by 40 ft. leaving the monuments behind the new fence. Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle had also been given monuments. Plaques were steadily added to the area and would eventually include Ed Barrow, Jacob Ruppert, Casey Stengel, Joe McCarthy, Pope Paul VI, Thurmon Munson, Pope John Paul II, Billy Martin, Whitey Ford, Lefty Gomez, Roger Maris, Allie Reynolds, Elston Howard, Phil Rizzuto, Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson and Don Mattingly.
In 2005 the Yankees announced plans to build a new Yankee Stadium across the street from the original. Construction began on the new stadium in 2006 and was completed in time for opening day, 2009. The Yankees played their final game in "old" Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008. Demolition was completed in 2010 and a park is being built on the site of the old lumberyard.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Learning about Golf
A round of golf is usually played on an 18 hole golf course. However, there are some golf courses that may only be 9 holes.
The players elect to play either 9 holes or 18 holes. If you are a beginner, I suggest you start playing 9 holes as it allows you to get the feel for the game within a respectable time frame.
The aim of golf is to hit a golf ball with a golf club and get the ball into a hole with the least number of shots (called "strokes"). The person that gets around the golf course in the least number of strokes wins.
Each hole has a "Par", this tells the player the average amount of strokes it should take them to get their ball into the hole.
Players hit off from the Teeing ground, most players call it the "Tee". The player will use a golf ball tee to raise their ball to the height of their liking and then they use a golf club to hit the ball. Their goal is to hit the ball as far up the Fairway as possible. The Fairway is usually mowed grass, but may still be uneven.
Each Player then takes their turn to "Tee off". The players will then go find their golf balls. The player who hit their ball the shortest distance will then hit their ball up the fairway aiming to get it on the "green"
The golf green is an area of the course that is smooth and has very short neatly mowed grass. However, the green will usually have a slope on it to make it harder! Somewhere on the green is a hole with a flag sticking out of it. This is your target.
Once the golf ball is on the green, the player will wait their turn and then putt the ball toward the hole aiming to get the ball in the hole. Putting means to hit the ball along the ground. The player with the ball the furthest from the hole will usually go first.
When the player is lining up their shot another player will usually hold the flag stick. This is so the player taking the shot can line it up with the flag. Once the player has hit the ball, the second player will remove the flag.
Once all players have managed to get their golf ball in the hole, they record their scores and move onto the next hole.
Sounds easy doesn't it, well there are a few other things you need to be aware of.
Around the course you will come across a number of obstacles that have been created by the course designers to make your game of golf a bit more challenging and memorable.
The first obstacle is called the "Sand Bunker". This is an area of the course that resembles a sand pit, but they are not as much fun. The Sand Bunker is usually in a sunken area of the course and can have high sides to make it harder for you to hit the ball out. If the player hits their ball in a sand bunker, they will need to hit their ball out of it.
The second obstacle is the "Water Hazard". A water hazard can be a small stream, a pond, or a lake. The water hazard brings the psychology of golf into play, and some player swear the water hazard has a magnetic pull that magically attracts their golf ball toward them.
If the ball lands in a water hazard, most players will recover their ball and drop it as close as possible on the bank. If the player elects to do this they add a penalty of 1 to their score.
The third obstacle are man made hazards, these can be immovable objects such as light posts or benches, or they can be movable items such as rakes, hoses or golf carts.
If a player comes across a man made hazard they can elect to move the hazard, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved then a penalty shot of 1 is added to the players score.
The fourth obstacle are natural hazards, these can be leaves, twigs, sticks, or stones. The player can move these natural hazards, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved a penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.
Every golf course has a clearly marked boundary. If the player hits their ball "out of bounds" they must take the shot again from its original location. A penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.
The players elect to play either 9 holes or 18 holes. If you are a beginner, I suggest you start playing 9 holes as it allows you to get the feel for the game within a respectable time frame.
The aim of golf is to hit a golf ball with a golf club and get the ball into a hole with the least number of shots (called "strokes"). The person that gets around the golf course in the least number of strokes wins.
Each hole has a "Par", this tells the player the average amount of strokes it should take them to get their ball into the hole.
Players hit off from the Teeing ground, most players call it the "Tee". The player will use a golf ball tee to raise their ball to the height of their liking and then they use a golf club to hit the ball. Their goal is to hit the ball as far up the Fairway as possible. The Fairway is usually mowed grass, but may still be uneven.
Each Player then takes their turn to "Tee off". The players will then go find their golf balls. The player who hit their ball the shortest distance will then hit their ball up the fairway aiming to get it on the "green"
The golf green is an area of the course that is smooth and has very short neatly mowed grass. However, the green will usually have a slope on it to make it harder! Somewhere on the green is a hole with a flag sticking out of it. This is your target.
Once the golf ball is on the green, the player will wait their turn and then putt the ball toward the hole aiming to get the ball in the hole. Putting means to hit the ball along the ground. The player with the ball the furthest from the hole will usually go first.
When the player is lining up their shot another player will usually hold the flag stick. This is so the player taking the shot can line it up with the flag. Once the player has hit the ball, the second player will remove the flag.
Once all players have managed to get their golf ball in the hole, they record their scores and move onto the next hole.
Sounds easy doesn't it, well there are a few other things you need to be aware of.
Around the course you will come across a number of obstacles that have been created by the course designers to make your game of golf a bit more challenging and memorable.
The first obstacle is called the "Sand Bunker". This is an area of the course that resembles a sand pit, but they are not as much fun. The Sand Bunker is usually in a sunken area of the course and can have high sides to make it harder for you to hit the ball out. If the player hits their ball in a sand bunker, they will need to hit their ball out of it.
The second obstacle is the "Water Hazard". A water hazard can be a small stream, a pond, or a lake. The water hazard brings the psychology of golf into play, and some player swear the water hazard has a magnetic pull that magically attracts their golf ball toward them.
If the ball lands in a water hazard, most players will recover their ball and drop it as close as possible on the bank. If the player elects to do this they add a penalty of 1 to their score.
The third obstacle are man made hazards, these can be immovable objects such as light posts or benches, or they can be movable items such as rakes, hoses or golf carts.
If a player comes across a man made hazard they can elect to move the hazard, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved then a penalty shot of 1 is added to the players score.
The fourth obstacle are natural hazards, these can be leaves, twigs, sticks, or stones. The player can move these natural hazards, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved a penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.
Every golf course has a clearly marked boundary. If the player hits their ball "out of bounds" they must take the shot again from its original location. A penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.
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