The Seattle Seahawks, nearly two touchdown favorites, survived in St. Louis winning by four points, (’twas a bad night in St. Louis sports as the Red Sox also won in St. Louis to take a (3-2) World Series lead), and at (7-1) have the best record in the NFC.
Seattle’s lead in the NFC West is just one game over the powerful San Francisco 49ers, who are (6-2).
The New Orleans Saints stand at (6-1) and lead the Carolina Panthers by two games in the NFC South.
The Green Bay Packers have won 4 straight and with a (5-2) mark lead in the NFC North. The Detroit Lions are (5-3) after a stirring comeback win vs the Dallas Cowboys. The Packers visit Detroit on Thanksgiving day.
The flip side to the rousing Detroit win is that it was a horrible loss for the Cowboys. However, Dallas, at only (4-4) still leads the woeful NFC east and in my opinion (it does not mean much; see last night’s St. Louis Cardinals pick) will win that division and be the NFC four seed. A long way to go in the football season, however.
Yesterday, the Kansas City Chiefs playing at home, raised their record to (8-0) with another “no cover” victory, this vs the Cleveland Browns.
Kansas City has only two major league sports teams, the baseball Royals are the other, and each has won but one title.
The Chiefs’ title was in the 1969 season. The Royals lone title, was clinched exactly 28 years ago yesterday on October 27, 1985.
Despite their great start, the Chiefs are still a pretty big long shot to win their second title this season.
That evaluation takes little away from the (8-0) Chiefs but is a testament to the strength of their division rival Denver Broncos.
Early in the third quarter in a game at Denver between the Broncos and Washington Redskins, it looked as if the Chiefs would gain a game on the high powered Broncos. At that point, the Redskins led (21-7).
It was not to be as the now (7-1), Broncos scored the game’s final 38 points and won (45-21). Thus the Chiefs lead in the AFC West is one game and anticipation is growing for the two Broncos vs Chiefs battles.
The two teams will play twice in a 2 week, 3 game span. The first tilt is in Denver on November 17th.
Elsewhere three teams are huge favorites to win the other three AFC divisions. One (the Indianapolis Colts) did not play and had achieved that status the week before when they upset Denver while division rivals Tennessee (Titans) and Houston (Texans) lost.
All three of those teams had byes yesterday while the powerful San Francisco 49ers dealt the other AFC South team, the (0-8) Jacksonville Jaguars a (42-10) loss in a game played in London, England.
Yesterday, both the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals had impressive victories and gained ground on all three other teams in their divisions.
The Pats, favored by six points and down by 14 points at the half, roared back to win (27-17) vs division rival, Miami (Dolphins).
The win raised their record to (6-2) good for a two game lead in the AFC East. The other two AFC East teams,the Jets and Bills lost to the Bengals and New Orleans Saints respectively.
The Bengals ripped the still second place team in the AFC East, the New York Jets. “Cincy” gained ground on the Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and idle defending Super Bowl champion, Baltimore Ravens.
The 2013 World Series is even once again after the Boston Red Sox bounced back to win game 4, after a tough loss in game three.
The pivotal fifth game is tonight in St. Louis with game six to be played Wednesday night in Boston. If game seven is necessary it is scheduled for Thursday night/Halloween in Boston. There are not only goblins but rain in the forecast that night in Boston.
The Cardinals are (1-3) in previous home fifth games of a (2-2) World Series. They did win two of those World series despite falling down 3 games to two with a home loss.
That configuration of games took place in 1926 and 1934. In 1930, a great Philadelphia A’s team won the series in six games.
The only time the Cards won a home fifth game in a (2-2) World Series was in 1987. The Minnesota Twins, however, won games six and seven at home to win their first title as the Twins. (They were the Washington Senators before moving to Minnesota for the 1961 season.)
Two great and colorful pitchers were instrumental in the Cards’ triumphs in 1926 and 1934.
Grover Cleveland Alexander won game six and had a two plus inning, beyond quality, hitless save in game seven at Yankee Stadium vs the Yankees in the 1926 World Series. The Cardinals won their first title.
Some say after winning game six, Mr. Alexander “partied hard” and was “out of it” when manager Rogers Hornsby called on him in relief in the biggest game.
In 1934, the legendary “Dizzy” Dean was on the mound for the Cards in an easy (11-0) triumph in game seven at Detroit vs the Tigers.
Speaking of (11-0) and some about this World series, last night was the exact 28 year anniversary of the Royals’ (11-0) triumph vs the Cards in game seven.
Now last night, was another loss for the Cards, which means they must win at least one game in Boston to take this year’s title.
Despite what happened in 1926 and 1934, I “suggest” the Cards win tonight, as winning two straight at Boston would be a daunting task. Toward that end, I think the Cardinals will respond with a win tonight.
Admittedly, Kolten Wong made a terrible base running error as he was picked off first base to end game four.
However, the play is being blown way out of proportion. It is very unlikely with 2 outs and a runner at first, down by two runs (4-2), that the Cardinals would have won game four.
I say Wong has easily been an overall positive for St. Louis in this series, his base running gaffe, not withstanding.
In game three Wong was part of a double switch, inserted into the game at second base also with a (4-2) score but this time his St. Louis team had the lead. The situation was far more dangerous as Boston had the bases loaded with one out and in the 8th inning.
Wong made a very good stop on a smash hit by Boston’s Daniel Nava and got a force out at second base. The Cards eventually won the game.
Clearly the Red Sox chances of winning game 3 at the point of Wong’s big play were so much better than the Card’s chances of winning #4 at the point of Wong’s gaffe.
The St.Louis Cardinals exciting win in game three of the World Series, which ended with an obstruction call enabling the winning run to score, reversed some history and repeated some other.
In 1985, the Cards took a (1-0) lead to the bottom of the ninth inning of game six at Kansas City (Royals, remember them). Three outs to get and they would win it all.
They should have had the very important first batter retired but Don Denkinger, a true gentleman who once surprised me with a courteous return call, called Jorge Orta safe, when he was out at first base.
Eventually pinch hitter Dane Iorg delivered an all time clutch hit, while Steve Balboni had an important hit. Additionally, the Cards made some miscues, all leading to a Royals win.
It was not just the call. Yet it certainly was a very important factor in the game’s outcome.
The next night exactly 28 years ago tonight, the Royals rolled to an (11-0) win, producing their only title in their 45 year existence.
History also repeated of sorts as interference or “non interference” was the key play the last time the Red Sox played game three of a (1-1) World Series.
That game in 1975 also resulted in a Red Sox loss. That was to the Reds and this was to the “Redbirds,” each manifesting in Boston and their fans “seeing red.”
In 1975, umpire Larry Barnett ruled no interference on Ed Armbrister’s attempted sacrifice, on which Red Sox catcher, Carlton Fisk’s throw sailed into centerfield. That play put the winning run on third base with none out.
Joe Morgan drove in the run and the Reds won game three and eventually took a great World Series in 7 games.
Last night the call was important, likely correct, but a tough way for a World Series game to end. The big mistake, among many mistakes by both teams, was Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia even attempting a throw to third base.
A superb play by Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia had made it likely, not certain, the Red Sox would get out of the ninth inning.
Moving forward, the Red Sox really do need a win tonight much as they got in game four, 38 years ago.
Toward that end, perhaps comfort for their rooters in the fact that in game 4/1975 WS, Joe Morgan, who had the winning hit in #3, was retired on a pop fly ball to end game four.
The star of that game four for the Sox was center fielder Fred Lynn. Perhaps tonight against Cards’ starter, Lance Lynn, the Red Sox will even the series.
The NBA has crowned 67 champions and just one less than half of those champions (33) have been either the Celtics or the Lakers. Obviously, they are the two greatest NBA franchises.
Bill Sharman was a major part of many titles with each team. He was an extraordinary man, who died yesterday at age 87.
Bill teamed with Bob Cousy as backcourt mates on 4 Boston Celtics world title teams before retiring in 1961. Sharman, one of the greatest free throw shooters ever, was the shooting guard while Mr. Cousy was an all time playmaker.
Sharman also coached an ABA title team with the Utah Stars in 1970-1971, and became the Los Angeles Lakers’ coach for the 1971-1972 season.
It turned out to be the most extraordinary NBA team season ever as the Lakers went (69-13) and at one point won a record 33 straight games.
The Lakers had not won an NBA title since moving from Minneapolis (being from Minneapolis accounts for the incongruous LA Lakers’ nickname, as there are no lakes in LA) and even with their great record faced a tough road in the playoffs.
Surely there was great pressure. Sharman’s ability to prepare and his experience as a champion really helped those Lakers.
I remember then NBA analyst and all time winner Bill Russell telling Jerry West not to worry as the team had two Celtics with them in Sharman and KC Jones, Sharman’s assistant coach.
The Lakers went on to win the title and Sharman was such a big reason for their success. He lost his voice during those playoffs and never really regained it for the rest of his life.
Bill was a vital part of the great Lakers’ teams of the 1980’s as both general manager and team president.
He won a coin flip, calling tails by the way, and won the rights to the great player, Earvin “Magic” Johnson for the Lakers.
As stated here before, I was among the Lakers’ biggest fans for roughly 25 years and truly admired Bill Sharman’s basketball prowess.
I met Bill after the glorious back to back titles in 1987 and 1988. He was a gracious, modest man even as I went on about his accomplishments.
It surprised me when he told me he never recovered his voice after the 1972 playoffs. Yet he talked and we reminisced about that great team.
Time goes on and Wilt Chamberlain, Happy Hairston, Leroy Ellis, Flynn Robinson and now coach Bill Sharman from that great ’71-’72 team are gone. They are gone but like the team never forgotten.
I will use “my voice” to attest to their greatness, place in history and meaning to me at any time. The classy great gentleman Bill Sharman was a tremendous factor in that team’s place in history. Add what he did after in Los Angeles and many years before with great Celtics’ teams and one sees Sharman as the basketball great he was.
Next, consider what a great person he was and realize the loss here. Tributes are pouring in from the Lakers, Celtics and opponents.
Alas, not to worry as Bill is probably telling Wilt Chamberlain it is time to practice free throws. However, Bill will not make it mandatory for Wilt to attend the morning “shoot arounds” he will start up there just as he did on earth. See Wilt still likes to sleep late. On some level, don’t we all?
The 109th World Series being played between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox is tied at one game apiece.
The Red Sox eased to an (8-1) victory in game one. However St. Louis responded with a (4-2) win in game two.
These two teams have an interesting World Series history. This is their fourth World Series against the other.
In 1946 the clubs split the first two games in St. Louis. The Red Sox won two of three home games and led three games to two as the series returned for game six and possibly game seven in St. Louis.
The Cardinals won both games and took the title. In game seven, Enos Slaughter’s famed “mad dash” accounted for the series winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the Cards won both the game and series (4-3).
The two franchises met again in the 1967 World Series. They went back to St. Louis tied at a game apiece. The Cards won the first two there but dropped the fifth game also played in St. Louis. Boston returned home and won the sixth game.
It came down to game seven and in that decisive game, Bob Gibson and the Cardinals prevailed winning (7-2).
In 2004 the Red Sox ended an 86 year title drought when they swept the Cardinals in four straight games. They never trailed in any of the four games.
This is the 14th time that the Cards have been in a (1-1) World Series. Their record in such situations is (11-2). Boston is in its 8th World series that stands (1-1) and are (4-3) in previous situations.
Game 3 of this World Series is tomorrow night in St. Louis. As is the case with “Las Vegas,” I consider both the game and series outcome an even proposition.
Recently I attended an event honoring and discussing the career of the great lyricist Sammy Cahn.
It was held at The Paley Center for Media in New York City. The venue has an incredible library of recorded events and that enhanced and actually made the event. There were some priceless clips exhibiting Sammy Cahn’s greatness.
Those clips which were extensive (my kind of ‘documentary” as I say show more of what happened and have less of the “talking heads” explaining it) and extraordinary.
Among the many greats appearing in the clips were Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews and Michael Buble. They were shown singing Cahn classics.
Meanwhile Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster were shown singing in a spoof likely written by Cahn on a moment’s notice, as he often did, regarding neither being nominated at that year’s Academy Awards.
Among the panelists were Tommy Tune, who was fascinated by the Cahn stories told by such historical experts as longtime radio personality Mark Simone.
All in all, it was a truly informative, entertaining and beyond all, sentimental presentation. It honored the brilliant talent of Sammy Cahn, whose lyrics are a priceless treasure that, thankfully, lives on 20 years after his death.
“Come Fly With Me,” Michael Buble Video
While St. Louis teams have scored notable championship round victories vs Boston teams, all four current Boston teams, one in each of the major sports leagues, either won their first title or ended a considerable title drought with a championship round victory over a St. Louis team.
Tonight begins the fourth World Series between St Louis and Boston, all involving the Cardinals and Red Sox. At one time each city housed two baseball teams. However, the St.Louis Browns and Boston Braves, who combined for only 3 WS appearances, never faced each other in the Fall classic.
The Cardinals won the first two World Series clashes vs the Red Sox, each in 7 games in 1946 and 1967. However, the Red Sox swept the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. That ended a much publicized 86 year Red Sox title drought.
The first of three New England Patriots’ titles came in the Super Bowl as double digit underdogs, vs the St. Louis Rams in the 2001 season.
Both cities won their first basketball title against the other. In 1957, the Boston Celtics won the first of what would be 9 titles in 10 seasons and 11 titles in 13 seasons, in a stirring seven game series vs the St. Louis Hawks.
The next year led by Bob Pettit, who had 50 points in the game six clincher at St. Louis, the Hawks won their only championship to this day. They moved to Atlanta in 1968.
Finally in hockey, the great Bobby Orr scored in overtime in game 4 in the 1970 Finals vs the St. Louis Blues. That iconic goal, with Orr flying through the air, clinched the Boston Bruins’ first Stanley Cup win in 29 years. Their opponent was St. Louis (Blues).
Only the Kansas City Chiefs, who won but did not cover the spread vs the Houston Texans (the Texans covered the spread for the first time in their 17-16 loss), are unbeaten in the NFL. The Chiefs are (5-2) vs the spread, the other non cover also a (17-16) win vs a team from Texas, that in week 2 vs the Dallas Cowboys.
Elsewhere, one Manning (New York Giants’ Eli) finally won, while another (the Denver Broncos’ Peyton) finally lost (a game) this past week.
Denver is still the favorite both in its division, where they are 3 to 1 favorites despite trailing the Chiefs, and in the AFC where they are top choice getting about 3 to 2 odds.
The Giants at (1-6) are probably out of contention, but in the weak NFC East (only Dallas is not below .500 and they are just one over) one can not be sure.
Another question regarding the Giants: does a win vs the now (1-5) Minnesota Vikings get their games back on the TV screens at Rick’s Cabaret Gentlemen’s Club in New York City?
Their overall performance on the field of play had been deemed “too depressing” for the happy atmosphere at Rick’s.
Stay tuned: maybe locals will be able to “tune in” Giants’ football, while enjoying the great food, warm hospitality and beautiful showgirls at Rick’s Cabaret in New York City.
Andy B Sports 