Bleacher Report - Articles by Monica Witzig

Penn State Football Lifts for a Cure

Monica Witzig — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:22:17 -0400

July 10, 2009, found Penn State's football players doing what they've done on that Friday afternoon for the previous six years. No, they weren't in squad meetings. They definitely were not out enjoying the annual Arts Fest in downtown State College. These guys were participating in a grueling competition of muscles and willpower, all in the name of raising money for the Kidney Cancer Association—and raising awareness of rare diseases. The competition is called Lift For Life, the marquee event of Uplifting Athletes, an organization created by former player Scott Shirley. A rare disease is classified that way because it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans. Kidney cancer is one of those, and Scott's father passed away after his battle with it. Uplifting Athletes isn't limited to Penn State. There are chapters at Maryland, Ohio State, Colgate, and Boston College as well, all looking to help. You can go here (http://www.upliftingathletes.org/) for the scoop on the organization and how you can help, too! I was lucky enough to attend the event last week and aim to show you just exactly what these guys go through to get your attention for rare diseases.

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Goodbye, Nate the Great

Monica Witzig — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:10:23 -0400

So, I'm going to put this out there.

And maybe I'm doing it a little too hastily. After all, I only heard the news about 90 minutes ago. Yes, Pittsburgh Pirates fans, it is time to cry. We should be worried.

"Your Pittsburgh Pirates" GM Neal Huntington continually pisses away the talent we have in Pittsburgh. Our beloved outfield of Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, and Xavier Nady is no more. It's not even that just one part is missing—or that two parts are missing. All three have been traded over our last two seasons for prospects. PROSPECTS!

The money's not a problem. We don't have these ridiculous players and their ridiculous salary demands. In the offseason, we had just inked a nice contract with Nate to keep him here for a few more years. We wanted to develop him more. It's been a pleasure to see the dude grow. He's only 27. He had a spectacular showing in his first All-Star Game (2008, just last season) and went on to win a Gold Glove.

And Huntington traded him to Atlanta tonight.

I'm not going to say that the GM's lack of care makes me question my own loyalty. It doesn't work that way. It's clear that I care, as I had quite the visceral reaction – "No! No! No, no, no, no, NOOOOOO!"

I'm going to stick with my guys, and I'm going to wish Nate success as the Braves try to contend this season. Jason proved himself clutch for the Red Sox during the postseason last year and has continued to prove his worth this season for Boston. The X-man hasn't done as much as JBay has, but at the end of the day he can say he plays for the Yankees, who are always in the running for that coveted pennant. When it comes down to it, they're still my boys.

And I guess that means I need to support whomever we acquire, too. They're Pirates now. They're my boys, too.

But, God, I'm going to miss Nate.

Pittsburgh Pirates Fans: Don't Fret Yet

Monica Witzig — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:10:14 -0400

If you still care about the Buccos, we know you’re not a fair-weather or bandwagon fan. Everyone knows the story. This is their 16th year in the hole, but, every spring, there’s that “We can do it!” enthusiasm. You might even miss Barry Bonds a little bit. We know your pain, your misery, and your loyalty. We still have reasons to love Pittsburgh.

How about those 15 runs we scored on the Dodgers last night? It may be September, which usually means a more laid back style of play, but the Pirates still played hard. If you need an immediate pick-me-up, there it is.

The Yankees, an eternal powerhouse of not just the A.L. East but of all MLB, dropped two to the Pirates this season during interleague play. We’re not picky about what’s in our W-column. Thanks, Yanks.

Let’s recall the Ripken family in Baltimore. Cal Jr. and Billy flanked second base while father Cal Sr. coached them in the ‘80s. In the ‘50s, Pittsburgh had twins Johnny and Eddie O’Brien. The Bucs now have Adam and Andy LaRoche on opposite sides of the diamond. It’s like an ideal game of catch for these guys. Pittsburgh is a family affair.

Jeff Karstens, a pitcher we acquired as part of the trade that sent Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees, made quite an impression in August when he served up a nearly perfect game to the D-backs. Granted, down the stretch, he could use more development, but you can’t argue with a two-hitter from this kid.

Our boys have undeniable skills and personalities. We know from our trades that we’ve groomed exceptional players—players who went to the competitive A.L. East and are thriving (i.e. Jason Bay, Nady, and Marte).

Doug Mientkiewicz is a firecracker as always—in how many scuffles has this man been? Mientkiewicz is a fighter. His passion for the game is not containable and should be inspiring to his teammates.

The young Ryan Doumit, one of our fearless leaders, would be in contention for the batting title if he’d had more plate appearances. His performance is on par with Joe Mauer. Doumit is easily the future of the Pirates, assuming he’s not out with too many injuries.

Jack Wilson is the most tenured member of the team. He not only contributes his talents on the field but is also very active in the community, leading “Bowling with the Bucs” and other charity events. Wilson has been nominated for the Clemente Award four years in a row now.

Nate McLouth proved himself as he made it to the 2008 All-Star Game as a reserve and threw out Dioner Navarro at home from center field in the 10th inning.

The 10th inning? That’s right. The Pirates have excelled this year in extra innings (12-5). The key is playing hard enough to push the game that far. Once there, the Buccos can generally pull out the win.

Think back to 2006, even: May 27, 18 innings against the Astros, ending around 1:00 the next morning with a victory.

Even if our star-studded roster (Ha ha!) doesn’t grab you, there’s always PNC Park itself. Consistently voted one of the best parks in the country (if not the best park), PNC Park has pleased players and visitors since 2001, with a 21-foot, right-field wall to honor Roberto Clemente, and the city’s skyline is easily visible beyond the outfield.

As always, Pirates fans, wait 'til next year.