Written by: Jamie Lazaroff
Edited by: Bob Lazzari
Yes, everyone, now seems to be the best time of the year for sports fans; baseball is in the home stretch, football is right around the corner, and basketball is not far off in the distance.
*In all honesty, I hate the New York Yankees. Some people have accused me of hating the entire city of New York--which is not entirely true. Yes, as Frank Sinatra once sang in his song "New York, New York," it's the "city that never sleeps"-- and I'd truly enjoy experiencing it if I had a day to just sit and relax at one of the outdoor cafes there. But as far as the Yankees are concerned, I don't dislike them simply because they have 26 World Series championships--more than TWICE the number of the next most successful team, the St. Louis Cardinals (10 championships). Rather, it is because the team AND their fans flaunt their championships excessively. Just because you are the best team money can buy year after year does not mean you have to shove it down everyone's throats.
*What a story Rick Ankiel is. Rick was once a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. After arm trouble in 2001, he had Tommy John sugery in 2003--then decided to become an outfielder. Ankiel made his return to the big leagues on Aug. 9 against the Padres. In this game he hit a home run; wow, what a way to come back!! Hollywood could not have written a better story.
*I do not understand preseason football. Four games are just too many to play; players can get hurt and in the first two games the regular starters usually don’t play, either. Training camp is over-hyped as well. I know hope springs eternal and coaches consider camp very important, but come on-- play the games that count already!!
*Now that Barry Bonds has broken the all-time home run record, I have been asked to give my opinion if we should embrace him. My answer? No; he doesn’t embrace the fans, so why should we embrace him? Also, it seems to me that the only baseball player from the "old school" that he has ever embraced and/or respected is his godfather, Willie Mays.
*This week’s spotlight shines on my good friend and fellow Special Olympics athlete Harold Rohloff. Harold competes in floor hockey, soccer, and has recently taken up golf. He has worked at Stop and Shop in Putnam, CT for 10 years. He also works at the Cinnamon Tree Bakery and assists with gym classes at Woodstock Elementary School. He likes to travel and recently joined a group for a twelve-day cruise to the Panama Canal. Harold says, "Special Olympics Connecticut gives me a chance to get some physical activity and to have some fun with my friends. I played hockey this winter for the first time and learned the rules and moves of hockey. We have many fund-raisers for Special Olympics Connecticut and I enjoy being part of those activities. I enjoy the State Games where I see people I have not seen for a long time and also meet new people. I have been participating in Special Olympics since 1976." Harold Rohloff--a "special" individual, indeed.
That’s my take; I would like to hear yours
Jamie Lazaroff