In 1971, the NBA season had a so reasonable last game on the last day of April, a fact accelerated by the Milwaukee Bucks 4 game sweep of the then Baltimore Bullets in the final round.
The New York Knicks were defending champions and their first series was a quarterfinal such vs the Atlanta Hawks. There were no preliminary series at that time, now there are these ridiculous –cha ching play in games and best of 7 prelims that follow.
This season, the Knicks are solid but not overwhelming favorites vs the Hawks whom they “5” ‘d those 55 years ago, but not before a superb Bill Bridges (he was in “The Gong Show” movie), 36 rebounds effort led a Hawks series squaring win at New York in game 2.
More 5 and 10 or multiples thereof—In a relatively renowned “semi,” now forty years in ‘el’ rear view, Ralph Sampson’s game and series ending field goal (it is a field goal and many recall “Coop” the tremendous Lakers player, Michael Cooper, falling to the floor in disbelief but I still a Lakers’ fan was glad to duck what was a tremendous Celtics team) lifted the Houston Rockets to a 5 game series win before they lost to the Celtics in 6 games (Andy B. telling the great baseball player and hoops fan, the not surprising result in #6).
Put a 5 on and ’twas 45 years ago that as was also the case, in that ’86 semi, Houston eliminated a defending champions Lakers team, that 2 games to 1 in a prelim.
Tom Henderson, as a Bullets player, is pictured above.
Earvin “Magic” (per the old ad you can call him Johnson and also an all-time great player) cited Henderson’s fine defense on let’s just call it a huge play in that Houston decisive third game prelim win vs L.A. in ’81.
Henderson “titled” in ’78 with the Bullets and did Yonkers/Roosevelt High Marty Gonda play with Tom at The University of Hawaii?
Another Henderson (Gerald) played a big part in one of the 5 “denials” of a Lakers title in the ’80’s with a steal and bucket in #2 for the Celts in the final round. Boston won in OT(B) man had $line not ‘el’ spread another “horseshoe,”), and went on to “7” the Lakers making it 8 of 8 vs Lakers teams (7 vs the L.A. version) in NBA final rounds. That now stands (9-3).
There was a repeat Masters Golf Tournament winner for just the fourth time in the once restricted, revered (not to me) golf event in the person of Rory Mcllroy.
He joins the great Jack Nicklaus (’65 and ’66), Nick Faldo (’89 and ’90), Elbert “Tiger” Woods, who needs a driver and not the club–alas “Ish” used “the club” to lock the steering wheel, and I guess was great in 2001 and 2002 as repeat winners.
Scottie Scheffler “roared” to highly compensated second place finish.
Rory Mcllroy, pictured above.
The current Texas Rangers (2023) at L.A. Dodgers series matches the last three World Series winners.
(11-3) L.A.– the first to 10 wins team, has won the first two games of the 3 game series, dropping Texas’ mark to (7-7).
Additionally, the series has two managers who rank high on the list of World Series winning, managed teams, Texas’ Bruce Bochy with 4 while Dave Roberts has 3, one more than a bit tainted or < — , that in Covid affected 2020.
Only Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy (7) and Connie Mack (5) have managed more title teams than Bochy.
Joe Torre and Walter Alston, the latter had but one big league at bat, the former was a tremendous hitter, each of whom never played in a post-season tilt, also guided 4 title winners.
Torre’s 4 crowns all with with the Yankees (’96 and ’98-2000) and Alston’s with the then Brooklyn Dodgers in ’55 then three more odd year crowns, with the L.A. version in ’59, ’63 and ’65.
Bochy won 3 “even year” titles with the San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012 and 2014) before getting an “odd” such, with Texas in 2023.
Roberts is one of five managers with 3 titles, the others being John McGraw (1905, 1921, 1922), Miller Huggins (1923, 1927 and 1928–incredible, it seems, that the Yankees were “only” (4-3) in W.S. with Babe Ruth, who I consider the greatest player ever. They were just (3-3) in W.S. play with Ruth and Huggins as the manager, obviously still quite impressive), George “Sparky” Anderson (1975 and 1976 with the great “Big Red Machine” (Cincinnati Reds) and the “wire to wire”/off (35-5), ’84 Detroit Tigers, and Tony LaRussa who won it all in ’89 with the Oakland A’s and in 2006 and 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals also “helmed” 3 title winners.
(You) possibly “know me by now” (ode to Simply Red and see below), as to why I cite the fine broadcaster, Bruce Roberts, pictured above. (Bruce for Bochy, Roberts for Dave= again a fine broadcaster, Bruce Roberts.
Unfortunately, he died far too young (early fifties) in 1981. Above a WBBM, the Chicago CBS affiliate station, newscast from 1971 with Bruce Roberts fine effort appearing for 4 minutes, beginning at say 2:30
Around the midpoint of what is a virtually meaningless (even in basketball terms) “reg,” Michigan was touted “head and shoulders” (recalling Ally Sheedy’s head shake in I think “The Breakfast Club”) above, a brief slump, certainly ATS, followed, before a good finish despite a BIG Ten tournie final loss to Purdue.
In THE Tournament, obviously (6-0), first 5 an unprecedented over 90 points scored, at least (5-1) ATS and under Dusty May (fifty years earlier, another Big Ten’er, Indiana with Scott May as important as anyone, (Kent Benson was M.O.P.), completed the last college basketball undefeated season with a final round win vs Michigan) their second ever crown, the first 37 years (where do they go?!!) ago in 1989.
Elliot Gadeau was named Most Outstanding player as was UCLA’er Laura Betts, though no trophy at the presentation in the women’s tournament. (Another “Betts” title was garner’d (Phil had 1, Mookie Betts has 3, but bets, as seemingly always, fell short -with “friends like these….” not heeded.
Elliot Cadeau is pictured above and above.
Lauren Betts is pictured below.
UCLA, with South Carolina “paving” won the title.
A first for UCLA women.
The Pushover, (now through April 26th at the Chain Theatre 315 West 36th Street) is a rollicking, staged so well, with crackling, meaningful words, excellent show.
It is, as advertised, about three strong, so interesting women.
In the performance with John Patrick Shanley’s script and directed by Kirk Gostkowski, the still so lovely, and more important, a humorous, intense “force,” Rebecca De Mornay sparkles, as the powerful New Mexico spa owner,”Evelyn.”
There are the compelling characters, “Pearl” and “Soochi,” played so well by Di Zhu and Christina Toth respectively. All three women “touch” in dynamic, complex a/b, a/c and b/c fashion (i.e. all 3 possibilties).
Helping to sort out, what is again, a finely weaved script by John Patrick Shanley (“Moonstruck” among others, in a tremendous career) is a therapist, who appears at intervals, played by Christopher Sutton. He also appears as a character who does “work” for Ms. De Mornay’s Evelyn at the resort spa.
This is a highly recommended, dynamic show which moves well, requires imagination and in a much needed, timely message, points out the financial hole “Soochi” has dug, stems from sports betting.
Click below to gain more information about the show including that involving tickets purchase.
Tip: After the Thursday April 16th performance, both John Patrick Shanley and Kirk Gustkowski will be on hand to discuss the show.
Michigan (they -7’d U.Conn by 6, ergo Hurley and U.Conn are (18-2) st. up and (19-1) in tournie play) and U.C.L. A. women (ease job for OTB/BTO ) won the titles.
UCLA men’s have 11 titles, 10 in 12 seasons under John Wooden.
Would you not think and hope that the NCAA basketball lead broadcaster would know its truly important history, certainly the fact while Kareem, then Lew Alcindor, did win 3 titles, the also great Bill Walton, did not, having been denied by N.C. State with another great, David Thompson.
Sorry folks, Eagle can’t fly or “Joby” out of this one. He said Walton won 3 and nobody corrected him. Makes you wonder, why him?
Today, three college basketball title games including South Carolina (-3 plus) vs U.C.L.A. after South “Caro” upset big tournie fave, U.Conn/Connecticut in one semi and U.C.L.A. (“plus 1 and changed”) Texas in the other such Women’s Tournie tilt.
The Connecticut Men’s team, an incredible (18-1) (18-1) face it (Elroy’s record in ’59 and then 2 W.S. saves as the Pirates 7’d the Yankees in ’60, though, will bid for a third crown in four seasons, as a 7 plus point(s) underdog, vs a seemingly juggernaut Michigan team, which easily “tossed” Arizona, in what was supposedly a “toss up” game.
Tonight’s NIT final game matches favorite Auburn and Tulsa while the in between scheduled CBC event has an Oklahoma/West Virginia event.
Danny Hurley, pictured above, and his Connecticut teams are (18-1) in the last four tournies.
U.Conn is (6-0) in previous title tilts, while Michigan is say 160 degrees apart at (1-7) in such games.
Remember “Moose” Moryn?
June 17, 2019
“Moose” Moryn of the Chicago Cubs made as good a catch, as I can recall, to save a no hit game thrown by Don Cardwell. Enjoy the videos shown below.
That was in Cardwell’s first start after being traded to the Cubs in 1960.
Now watch Moryn’s great catch to end the game, preserving Cardwell’s no hit game. The great Jack Brickhouse makes the call on WGN Television in Chicago.
Somewhere I have a picture of Don Cardwell, his wife and me.
WGN with director Arnie Rosenberg (where have the Harry Coyles gone, now they stay on the batter!!) televised almost all and did it so well.
In the aftermath of the still, (will be for a long time, but will not be as bad if preferably, now 2 plus point(s) favorite Illinois, or if not, the Illini, (ode to Red Grange), then the preferably ‘Zona maybe even Michigan beats U.Conn) being talked about, U.Conn miracle win vs Duke, below some notes, regarding that day’s women’s “reg” final tilts, involving the two schools.
While they did not “cover,” for at least the second consecutive tilt, “out bet” to win it all, yet again–(comments on the complaining with a bakery full of bread or is it virginia hams per The Sopranos, Autoremina and surprising praise for knocked here, Pitino’s complaint) U Conn women eased st.up, vs Notre Dame– while the Duke women bettors were “happens a lot” “burned,” when UCLA, deemed having the best chance vs U. Conn in a potential final game but a semis underdog vs Texas, U. Conn is (-7 plus vs South Carolina, an 11 plus point(s) “fave” was “collectively” sent to the line up 10, with a half minute left and then after Duke missed, they did not foul down 12.
‘Twas nothing compared to the Duke st. up or futures “singe,” but one wonders, who knows what, as I add Duke “time-outed” down 12, WHY?!!
By definition, since only one series had been played, going into yesterday’s beginning of baseball’s second series there were the same number of unbeaten and winless teams (five).
More than somewhat incredibly, nine of the ten “uns” disappeared with only the A’s, a once great proud franchise, where ever the bleep they “home,” ruined more than once by the unfair $$ distribution that permeates much more and more important than baseball, still sans a win.
While the (3-1) Braves took the A’s in a third and now fourth city clash and redux of speaking of miracles, the 1914 “miracle” Boston Braves shocking 4 game World Series sweep of the great Philadelphia A’s, who had won their 4th pennant in 5 seasons and were heavily favored to make it 4 titles in that span.
Readers you get the specific results, suffice to say Alexander’s pick to be last undefeated (that became a 5 way tie, dead heat rules, Lulu, envy and a CD yielded Michael Santasieri, a fine schoolyard type plus player but surely not Michael Jordan or close, being told he was good enough to make a not so good U.Conn team/program. (So happy to make as much as the N.I.T students from Connecticut U. dribbled from campus to Madison Square Garden, which then in better days and not just for the N.I.T, , which plays its semis in Indianapolis on Thursday, which hosted the entire tournament) Toronto lost to winless Colorado and another winless (the Chi Sox) beat another unbeaten the Marlins.
Elsewhere, (why not cite it, some day I will clear or at least clear up the cryptic), (2-2) Cleve took (3-1) L.A. Dodgers, (3-1) Seattle won vs the (3-1) Yankees, and (2-2) Tampa Bay beat (3-1) Milwaukee.
Winless S.F. (Giants), who had scored but one run in 3 losses to the Yankees scored 3 (team total was 3 plus), but it was enough to beat the (1-3) Padres while Arizona swept by the Dodgers (two losses by one run-memo to Tony’s son, John Orlando, won vs the (2-2) Tigers.
Seven of eight related results went vs the “Un’s.”
Luigi “Geno” Auriemma, obviously a great and seemingly always winning titles coach, but seemingly as with many highly sucessful coaches/human beings a bit of an “exit,” is pictured below. “Fwit” has UCLA but even that is unlikely to stop U.Conn women. Maybe the “miracle men” will also win it all, but as chalk I say no and I do not want them to.
Other than Connecticut’s shocking comeback win vs Duke, the regional final tilts produced higher seeded/favorites winning by “enough” setting up a pair of 1 and a fraction/semis tilts on Saturday.
(Had thought of Kentucky under Tubby Smith (Pitino lied that he was staying, but his last there was in the final round loss to Arizona and there is no denying Pitino is an excellent coach, nowhere near the best ever, as another ESPN.com “hyper” wrote days back, but yesterday while U.Conn miracled, “Mr. Slick” got not a parking ticket (see the All In The Family episode), but a highly lucrative contract– why care?!!) overcoming a big Duke lead in a ’98 last of the 4 “reg” final. They went on to “title.” Yet ….
Illinois, pathetically deemed as “holding on” by ESPN.com, when they pulled away to win by 12 as say 7 point(s) favorites, vs fellow Big Ten team, Iowa is the aforementioned one plus point(s) favorite vs Connecticut, which I believe is (18-0) ATS and (17-1) in the tournament these last four, winning it all (12-0)/(12-0) in ’23 and ’24 under the cajoling, but face it, so effective, even great, coach, Danny Hurley.
In a battle of the two remaining regional top seeds, Arizona, in its first national semi since ’01, when they lost in the final to Duke, is the slight “fave” vs Michigan.
Click below to hear, the obviously to be far different toned radio, of both Connecticut and Duke, as Braylon Mullins (Jeff Mullins, a great shooter and a Duke player, anyone?!) hit the incredible regional final game winning shot.
Bray Mullins pictured above. I did not like Duke fouling up 3 and it seemed all Duke had to do was hold the ball. I “Truman/Dewey’d” this despite knowing it had been “faves,” essentially not close and another harsh reality, Eagle has so much luck to offset in my opinion, not so much skill.
Andy B Sports 