Bleacher Report - Articles by Todd Civin

Triathlete Shows It's the Size of the Fight in the Dog

Todd Civin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:29:50 -0500

John Young will never be able to dunk a basketball. Probably wouldn't fare very well in the high jump and more than likely will never be asked to put the star on the top of the community Christmas tree.

At 4'4" tall, there are many more "size-dependent challenges" where John Young wouldn't have a very high probability of success, either. But rather than focus on the "can't do's" in life, Young continues to prove to the naysayers, to himself, and, perhaps most importantly, to his 7-year-old son Owen, that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that is important.

I was introduced to Young by Dick and Rick Hoyt. While doing a story on the famed father/son triathlon duo, they shared an email that Young had previously sent to them. After using the email in my story, Dick and Rick Hoyt—Modern Day Super Heroes, I was thanked by Young for acknowledging his own personal athletic endeavors.

I couldn't let the opportunity pass to delve deeper into the story behind John Young. A new hero was born.

Young was born 43 years ago with achondroplasia, a congenital condition that affects the body’s ability to form cartilage. The affliction, a form of dwarfism, hinders normal bone growth.

Though Young’s parents and siblings are of average size, Young has lived his life with the stature of a "little person", but the heart, drive, and determination of someone three times his size.

Through his refusal to accept size as a deterrent, Young has served as a school basketball coach near his previous hometown of Toronto as well as during a stint in Hong Kong, and at his current school, The Pingree School in South Hamilton, Mass., where he is also a high school mathematics teacher.

He has since moved on to become Pingree's varsity swimming coach, a position that he has a pedigree for. In 1993, Young competed in the World Dwarf Games in Chicago as the sole representative of Canada. He won two gold medals swimming in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke.

"I really enjoyed coaching basketball and hesitated to give it up, but in retrospect, I'm glad I made the switch", he said. "Swimming is a sport I do myself, where with basketball I was really a "book coach." I never really played the sport, I just enjoyed it. It was something I understood."

He is now beginning his fourth season as coach of the Pingree swim team, a program for which he has high hopes.

As a teen in Toronto, he spent his high school years managing the varsity football team, while playing intramural rugby and hockey.

“I’ve always been interested in athletics, either as a fan, participant, or coach,” he explains.

But his latest challenge is as a triathlete, a sport where he can successfully compete against himself and his own personal times, while competing with able-bodied athletes.

"I don't see myself as disabled; in fact I don't like the term", he said. "I see myself as simply differently-abled."

To date, Young has competed in four triathlons. In his first event last July, the Mill City Triathlon in Lowell, Young competed in the aqua bike portion of the event. The aqua bike portion of a sprint triathlon includes a one-third-mile swim in the Merrimac River, followed by a 13-mile back ride.

He found the Mill City event to be "both exhilarating and terrifying", as the water was running both high and fast.

"At one point in the race, for about 15 minutes, I was swimming but not moving because the current was so strong. My wife actually thought I was going to get carried away," he said, laughing.

The one-third mile swim took "50 minutes up and 12 minutes back," John says with a chuckle. After he completed the 13-mile bike ride and went into the record books as an official finisher, he was hooked.

His official time for his first aqua-bike was two hours and one minute.

Young hesitated to participate in the run portion of the triathlons because running is the piece that he finds most physically challenging. However, after some coercion by Pingree Athletic Director Chris Powers, Young decided to add the run to his triathlon repertoire.

"Chris said, 'Just walk the run portion. What difference does it make as long as you finish?'"

He entered the Witch City Triathlon in Salem, Mass., as one of 299 competitors. As the only little person in the field, he cycled faster than 21 competitors and actually swam and ran faster than one finisher.

But in John Young's mind it isn't about winning but simply challenging himself to compete. He admits that he is doing this as much for his son Owen as he is for himself as an exercise in self-esteem building.

"My son was born with the same type of dwarfism my wife, Sue, and I have. About 18 months ago he was really struggling, finally realizing that all of his friends are going to be bigger than him and faster then him. It's difficult for him," explains Young, who also competed last summer in the challenging Timberman Triathlon in Gilford, N.H., and the TDD Triathlon in Douglas, Mass.

"He asked 'Can I get better shoes? Will that make me run faster?' We try to explain to him that there are other ways he is going to find success and running against other people probably isn't one of them."

Following the Witch City event, Young was approached by the team captain of Comprehensive Racing, who asked him to join their team. "He contacted me and said 'If you're going to keep racing, we want you on our team.'"

"I've never been invited to join any type of athletic team. I was always the last one picked. For the first time, to actually be wanted—even at 43 years old—was the coolest thing in the world."

Before I ended my conversation with my new favorite inspiration, Young shared his favorite quote with me, a quote by Ashley Halsey.

"Triathlon has become life in microcosm, a metaphor that gives truth to the wisdom passed from each generation to the next: Work hard and you will be rewarded, have faith in yourself and you will excel; do not falter when an ill wind blows your way."

And that, is why John Young competes.

Upcoming events:

John Young will be competing this Sunday, Dec. 6 in the Jolly Jaunt a 5K walk/run in Danvers, Mass., to benefit the Special Olympics. His personal pledge page contains the following quote:

"Being physically challenged myself, I've gone through much of my life being told by others that there are certain things I shouldn't do because of my short stature. Running and competing in triathlons is one thing I have chosen to do in order to get fit and show people you can do pretty much whatever you set your mind to.

"To that end, I'm participating in the 2009 Jolly Jaunt because I believe in the highly-effective programs run by Special Olympics Massachusetts, and I want to do something to help."

"I have set a goal to raise money for my local-area Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics athletes never pay a cent to participate in any of the 26 different sports offered, so we are raising critical dollars to fund the year-round sports training and athletic competitions for athletes in Massachusetts with intellectual disabilities.

"By running/walking or financially supporting the 2009 Jolly Jaunt, we can improve the lives of some very courageous and dedicated athletes in Massachusetts with intellectual disabilities and other closely-related developmental disabilities.

Your donation will help to provide them with programs and services that will bring them a more healthy lifestyle, as well as happiness and pride and in all that they do."

Feel free to donate on my personal pledge page. TC

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.

The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation.

Getting Silly with the Boston Breakers' Leslie Osborne

Todd Civin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:50 -0500

As the quasi-beat writer for the Boston Breakers of the Women's Professional Soccer League, I presented a weekly expose of the Breakers players last season in an attempt to introduce Boston's newest professional athletes to the fans of Beantown.

Though a valiant attempt, my "Meet The Breakers" series was at best, a recap of goals, assists, caps, and career highlights and never really presented the players as the down-to-earth, approachable athletes that they are.

I have never been and probably never will be a little girl (thank God for little miracles) but I've found the athletes of the WPS to be real life idols to the thousands of girls who watch them from the stands. In an effort to present the Breakers stars as a bunch of "little girls just like them" I thought it would be fun to "get silly" with the team this year and present them in a more personal forum.

I want to thank Erica Hunt, the Breakers Communications Manager, for being receptive to my out of the box approach and also to newcomer, Leslie Osborne for being brave enough to step into the leadoff position.

You'll find Leslie to be an open and willing participant and a big fan of the :) smiley face. I thank her for taking time away from her training in Germany to participate and I welcome her to Boston. I hope you enjoy getting to know Leslie as much as I did.

And without further ado, here is the maiden entry of "Getting Silly with the Boston Breaker's Leslie Osborne".

Civ: If you could win a World Cup or be named America's Next Top Model, which would you prefer?

Leslie: Hmmmm…let me think about this for a while...Okay, I think I would much rather win a world cup:) That was a tough one:)

Civ: You're a self-proclaimed PUMA gal, how many different pieces of Puma Designed clothing, bags, shoes and balls do you own?

Leslie: Well let's just say I have a separate closet for my Puma collection:) I am very lucky to be a Puma gal:) I am usually covered in Puma gear, along with my friends and family!!!

Civ: You modeled the new WPS uni as part of the Puma Fashion show, is that the most elegant outfit you've ever worn in a fashion show?

Leslie: Well I don't think it was the most elegant outfit, I would say the most comfortable outfit rather I have worn in a fashion show. I didn't have to worry tripping on my dress or rolling an ankle with heels on:) I felt very comfortable and athletic walking down the runway in New York.

Civ: Who is more attractive, you or Heather Mitts?

Leslie: You can determine that if you wish.

Civ: With Mitts taking her game to Philly this season, I'm going to pick Leslie.

Civ: The FC Gold Pride had a challenging year last year. Have you ever played for a team with a losing record before?

Leslie: Yes FC Gold Pride did have a challenging year last year. However, if you watched the team play you would have been surprised that the team was not more successful because we had very close games and lost most of the games by only one goal.

The team played possession style soccer that was very fun to watch at times. I have not played on a team before with a losing record but it was an experience that I know will help me down my career (both as a player and as a person).

Civ: What made you sign with the Breakers?

Leslie: Multiple reasons:) Great coach, new opportunity, awesome city, great talent and potential, Newbury Street:).

Civ: You're a Wisconsin girl who will be living in Boston; will it be an adjustment for you?

Leslie: Well, I am a Midwest girl at heart but have been a California girl for the last eight years. Of course it will be an adjustment coming to the east coast, but a pretty easy adjustment. Growing up in Wisconsin will help me adjust quicker:)

Civ: Do you own a Cheese Head Hat? And what are your feelings about Brett Favre?

Leslie: I did own a Cheese Head when I was younger and in Wisconsin, however I don't have it anymore. My family and I will always be a Packer fan and Brett Farve fan!! It's hard to see him in Minnesota now and hope that he can figure out his retiree plans without all of this unnecessary drama.

Civ: Have you ever been to Newbury Street in Boston and how much of your free time will be spent there?

Leslie: Yes I have been to Newbury Street and make sure every time I come to Boston I have a whole afternoon to spend there. From the cafes to the parks to the boutiques, I am in heaven:) I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of my free time there:)

Civ: Have you ever been to Fenway Park?

Leslie: Yes I have been to Fenway Park in 2005 and it was great!! I even got to sit in the Green Monster and meet some of the players in the locker room like David Ortiz (who is a big soccer fan) and Johnny Damon. Thank you Arden and Puma:) I hope to be at plenty more of their games!!

Civ: You haven't written on your blog on your Osbornesoccer.com site since February; what's up with that?

Leslie: I need to get on top of that:) I will be starting again for the start of the new WPS season:) I will have great things to blog and talk about from being in Boston:)

Civ: You've been training this offseason in Germany, do you speak German?

Leslie: Yes I have been training here in the off-season with a German trainer and team. The head coach doesn't speak much English and I'm learning German as we speak. Let's just say there is a lot of drawing, hand movements and translation between the girls and I. My boyfriend speaks fluent German so he is a great teacher to have.

The German language is challenging to learn but I am determined to get better.

Civ: Your boyfriend plays professional basketball in Germany. Who's a better dribbler in their respective sport?

Leslie: I would say Kyle is a better dribbler in basketball than I am in soccer:) His best attribute is his ball handling skills and I would say that although my dribbling is pretty good, it's not my strongest quality as a soccer player.

Civ: How loud was the pop when the ACL tore?

Leslie: It was a very loud and snappy pop!! Let's just say I was absolutely sure that my ACL just tore!! Heather Mitts was right there when it happened, we both just looked at each other because we knew.

Civ: On a serious note, you do a lot of charity work. Can you tell us about it?

Leslie: Oh good, we are being serious now:) Well I have been very blessed and lucky to have had all these wonderful opportunities. If I can help in any way that I can, I will do it. I love children so anything related to kids is my favorite:)

I am involved with the Grassroot Soccer, The Boys and Girls Club and the Women's Sports Foundation. Every day I remind myself how lucky and fortunate I have been and I hope to give as many kids as I can a sign of hope to go make their dream possible.

Civ: Best player you've played with? And best you've played against?

Leslie: All three of these players I have learned from, both on the field and off :( They are Shannon Boxx, Kristine Lilly, Formiga. The best I've played against are Kelly Smith and Marta (thank goodness Kelly and I are now on the same team).

Civ: Most inspirational coach you've played with?

Leslie: I have two coaches that have been very inspirational to me. One would be Jerry Smith. He was my college coach at Santa Clara University and I have helped coach for him at Santa Clara for two seasons. He inspired me to be be a better person, leader and player.

The other is Tracey Leone. Tracey coached me for two to three years in preparation for the U-19 World Championship when I was 19 years old. Her charisma, love, energy and dedication to every single player on our team, made our team come together and play for each other. I still have not been part of a team that had that chemistry, dedication and pure joy. Tracey is responsible for that kind of environment.

Civ: And lastly, in the spirit of Getting Silly, your nickname is Ozzy, is it true that you are the music legends long lost offspring?

Leslie: No, I am not related to the Osborne's, you would know that if you ever heard me attempt to sing!! I am tone deaf!! TC

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.

The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 dollars from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation.

Worcester Sharks Goaltender Stalock to Wear a Special Worcester Six Tribute Mask

Todd Civin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:39:30 -0500

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced that Worcester Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock will wear a specially designed W6 Tribute Mask to raise money and awareness for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

San Jose Sharks goaltending prospect Alex Stalock has agreed to wear and autograph a specially designed W6 Tribute Mask for games in late November through December 6 while playing for the Worcester Sharks in the American Hockey League.

The Worcester Sharks will host Heroes Night—A Tribute to the Worcester 6, on Sunday, December 6 at the DCU Center at 3pm.

On December 3, 1999 a five-alarm fire began in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse in Worcester, Massachusetts and raged for six days. Six brave firefighters lost their lives, Firefighters Paul Brotherton, Jeremiah Lucey, Timothy Jackson, James Lyons, Joseph McGuirk and Lieutenant Thomas Spencer.

On this tenth year anniversary, the Worcester Sharks have partnered with the Worcester Fire and Police Departments to honor these six individuals and to raise funds for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“The Worcester Sharks are very proud to be associated with Worcester Police and Fire Departments,” said Lehr. “Alex was very gracious to offer to wear the mask in hopes of raising money and awareness for the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

The W6 Tribute Mask will be worn through December 6 and be auctioned off on NHL.com and SharksAHL.com beginning on Tuesday, December 2nd at 12pm (EST) through Wednesday, December 9 at 3pm (EST).

Proceeds from the W6 Tribute Mask auction will go to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and Shriners Hospitals for Children via Sharks Charities.

Charity Information: Worcester Fire Scholarship Program

Established in 1989, Local 1009 Scholarship Program has given over $250,000 to first year college students in 20 years of existence. Started by union leaders, the Scholarship Program and all involved are proud to give our children a start towards their college education and hope to continue this in the future.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.

Every year, the Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care for thousands of kids with burns, orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, in a family-centered environment at no charge. It's how Shriners Hospitals has been helping kids defy the odds since 1922.

About the W6 Tribute mask:

The W6 Tribute mask has the names of the six fallen firefighter; the W6 logo on the top front; the words “Never Forgotten” written across the brow in gold leaf; the Worcester FD logo in center of chin with dates marking the 10-year anniversary; on each side a fully geared firefighter is on a bended knee; a official Sharks logo is located on the back; and “Stalock” is written across the bottom back plate in gold leaf.

The majority of the mask is painted as red sky with a black silhouette of the Worcester skyline.

The W6 Tribute mask was designed and painted by the Worcester Sharks Director of Youth Hockey and Community Relations, Michael Myers. Myers has designed and painted several masks, including Conn Smythe Winner Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

For more information about the W6 Tribute Mask Auction or Heroes Night—A Tribute to the Worcester Six presented by Charter Communications please visit www.SharksAHL.com or call the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500.

Schedule of Events for Heros Night on December 6th:

    * 12:00p.m. DCU Center doors open (one ticket for all events)
    * 12:15p.m. Worcester Fire and Police vs. Providence Fire hockey game
    * 1:30p.m. Rescue vehicles on the DCU Center plaza for kids to explore
    * 2:45p.m. Special on-ice pregame ceremony hosted by Charter TV3’s Kevin Shea which includes a honorary banner raised to the DCU Center rafters by a representative from each of the Worcester 6 Firefighters families.
    * 3:05p.m. Worcester Sharks vs. Portland Pirates
    * 2:00 -5:00p.m Free Child ID program available presented by Charter Communications
    * 5:15p.m. Game worn jersey auction

Portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, jersey auction and goalie mask auction will be donated to the Worcester Fire Scholarship Program and the burn care unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500.

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

Lilly's Views On Unsportswomanlike Conduct During "Greater Boston" Show

Todd Civin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:59:57 -0500

Boston Breaker and US National Team star Kristine Lilly appeared last night on "Greater Boston", a Boston based talk show on WGBH Channel 2 Boston, and spoke in detail about the recent violent incidents in woman's high school and collegiate soccer.

Appearing with Dan Lebowitz, Executive Director of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, Lilly spoke candidly with show host Jared Bowen about the well publicized incidents that happened recently at a high school in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and a college game in New Mexico. In each of these incidents video footage has been blasted across the Internet showing the violent actions of women players during soccer games.

"I think it's an incident that you don't see frequently," explained Lilly, who sees the incidents as isolated and made more newsworthy by Youtube. "The part for me that's hard is the game of soccer is so great and then it's focused on that. That's the part we need to bring back and show the great game of soccer."

"That's what Women's Professional Soccer and the Boston Breakers is trying to show."

Lebowitz agreed with Lilly that if the events had happened 20 years ago before the advent of Youtube, the incidents wouldn't have received national attention.

"For that to become the face of New England women's soccer, or for the New Mexico incident to become the face of women's collegiate soccer is just wrong," explained Lebowitz. "When you really look at the growth of women's sports, it's a beautiful growth.

He continued, "It's a growth about healthy development of young women. It's about cognitive development and conflict resolution. It's about competitive spirit and cooperative spirit and working together."

Lebowitz explained that through the media glamorization of incidents like these it "takes away from what sport really is."

Lilly has quickly become the face of Women's Soccer in Boston after starring for the Breakers in their maiden season in the WPS last season. Together with stars Kelly Smith and Alex Scott, Lilly led the Breakers to a 5-7-4 record last season, their first in the newly reformed WPS.

Greater Boston is aired nightly at 7 P.M. on Boston's WGBH Channel 2.

WGBH is PBS’s single largest producer of content for television (prime-time and children’s programs) and the Web. WGBH also is a major supplier of programs heard nationally on public radio. And is a pioneer in educational multimedia and in media access technologies for people with hearing or vision loss.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by WGBH TV and is reprinted by Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin. Civin is a freelance writer who works as part of the coverage team for the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

Sky Blue FC Coach Pauliina Miettinen Answers a Few Before Leaving Home

Todd Civin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:34:03 -0500

On the eve of her departure from her native Finland and to the shores of the East Coast and New Jersey, Sky Blue FC had a chance to catch up with Head Coach Pauliina Miettinen.

Q: How is it going with your player acquisitions and preparation for the draft?

A: I think it is going very well. We're just about done with internationals, and we're preparing for the (college) draft. I'm excited for both the draft and the Open Tryouts, and to get the best we can. I believe we need the best possible 22 players, and that includes developmental, and for all of them to be high quality.

Q: What is process of building a team like?

A: Because I'm currently in Europe, I've had more activity here, and less contact on the U.S. side. Here in Europe, I've seen as many national team games as I can. I travel to Sweden and Iceland to see teams train. It's a lot of traveling.

And that's exciting—always to see players in a new environment, and in different leagues. My U.S. connection will be increasing when I move there next week. Then, I'll place all my efforts there. I feel all the international players and issues need to be settled before I leave though.

Q: What are, in fact, the advantages or disadvantages of being in Europe?

A: I think it's an advantage to be here. A lot of countries are very close together. It is easy to fly, or drive, to see a game. I can talk to a lot of players, and talk to others about them and their personalities. A lot of Finns are playing in Norway and Sweden, and I get a lot of insight and help from them.

Q: So you see them in the game, and then you further "network" to research them?

A: Yes, you talk a lot, and not only about them playing-wise. And you also want to know about their play over the long term. You might see them once or twice, say in the Euros (Championships). In that time, they may have a good or bad game. You also want to talk to others about how they play on a regular basis. I also want to know what they are really like, day-to-day, and also about their personality.

Q: What would you say to those players eligible for the team's open tryouts in December?

A: If I were at this stage of my career, and hoping to play in a pro league, it's a one-time possibility, and a chance of a lifetime. A player can really be sharp one or two times, such as in these tryouts, and that might be enough to convince a coach.

She might play very well and be successful. And this is also a chance to play against the competition you've always wanted to.

It's a chance for the players to shine at the right time. For those who are ready, it's a great time to be a star and make their dream come true.

I just hope were going to see the best people at the tryouts. If your dream is still alive, give us a chance to see you play. You're not going to get seen if you don't show up! I want to see a lot of people, and see how many of them want to put their whole heart into it.

Q: What will you do first when you get here?

A: After I settle in, I'll be traveling to Texas for the women's college Final Four. I love watching the top teams play. It's been interesting following the college results. I've seen the tournaments and other games online. Then, we are on to the open tryouts, the WinterFest and all the other clinics and activities. I'm anxious to get to work!

OPEN TRYOUTS: Sky Blue FC recently announced a pair of open tryouts that will take place on December 15-16th and January 5-6th at Robbinsville Field House at 153 Manor Way in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Registration for each player combine is $75 and must be paid through the Sky Blue FC online registration that is listed below.

The registration deadline for the December tryout is Thursday, December 10th, and the deadline for the January combine is Tuesday, December 29th. Hotel and additional information is also available on the online registration page.

December 15-16: Click here to register! January 5-6: Click here to register!

Each session of the open tryouts will run from 1-5:30 pm, and the combines will include both tactical and technical training that will be led by the Sky Blue FC coaching staff. Players must arrive game-ready (cleats, no screw-ins) and be prepared to participate on both days of their respective combine.

ABOUT SKY BLUE FC
Operated by Sky Blue Soccer, Sky Blue FC is the New Jersey/New York franchise in Women's Professional Soccer. In 2009, Sky Blue FC captured the inaugural WPS Championship presented by MedImmune with an inspirational run through the playoffs.

Sky Blue FC plays its home matches at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. For season ticket information, visit www.SkyBlueFC.com

ABOUT WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER (WPS)
Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women's soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women's professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

The league's eighth and ninth franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which kicks-off March 2010. For more information and tickets, visit www.womensprosoccer.com.

Breaker's Lilly To Appear Tonight On Boston's Channel 2

Todd Civin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:32 -0500

Current Boston Breakers and long time Women's Soccer icon, Kristine Lilly will appear tonight at 7:00 PM on WGBH Channel 2 in Boston. Lilly will be speaking with the host of the nightly public affairs program, Greater Boston, and will be speaking with host Jared Bowen about a variety of topics.

Lilly, who was one of the shining stars for the Breakers last season in the maiden campaign of the Women's Professional Soccer League, will be speaking with Bowen about her views on women in sports, her soccer career, and the recent outbreaks of violence on the soccer field.

The program airs tonight at 7pm on Channel 2 in Boston, while the video of her segment will be posted on the WGBH website at www.wgbh.org/gb by Wednesday morning.

Lilly is also is a member of the United States women's national team and is the most capped men's or women's soccer player in the history of the sport. The long-time native of Wilton, CT currently resides in Brookline, MA with her husband Dave Heavey and her daughter Sidney Marie.

The 38-year-old star of the Breakers is currently in her 22nd year as a mamber of the United States National team.

Gregg Sternaman: Happy To Share My Space With "A Little Bit About Sternaman"

Todd Civin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:13:06 -0500

Through my promoting of the award winning children's story, A Glove of Their Own, I have been introduced to some tremendous human beings and some absolutely incredible causes.

Coach Bob Salomon, the coach of A Glove of Their Own has a heart the size of New Jersey and tries to help every first class human being and every worthwhile cause he can through the Pay It Forward message of the book.

As the unofficial media department for Bob and his book, I am often introduced to the many friends from the sports world that Bob makes and often try to promote their cause through the gift of writing that I've been blessed with.

Earlier this week, Bob introduced me to a new friend, Gary Bennett, a former major League catcher for 13 seasons with the Phillies, and six other clubs. Bennett, whose heart is equal in size to Salomon's, has immersed himself in the Sternyway Foundation, a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) application pending organization whose principle purpose is to provide need based funding for children to support their participation in school and/or community sponsored athletic programs.

The Sternyway Foundation was formed to honor Gregg Sternaman, long time coach in several sports at Highland Park High School out side of Chicago. Bennett had told Bob Salomon that there are "certain human beings who grace our presence that make an indelible impact on the lives of everyone they come in contact with and Coach Sternaman is such a soul ."

He shared several stories with Salomon including what appears to be "the Coaches final quarter."

"In November, 2001, Coach Sternaman noticed a bleeding mole on the middle of his back. After a biopsy, it was discovered that Coach had level one melanoma skin cancer.

"Surgery was performed to remove lymph nodes to guard against the melanoma metastasizing. Coach Sternaman was treated with interferon for a month. With regular follow up visits to the doctor, he remained cancer free for eight years."

"In the past two weeks, it was discovered that the melanoma has returned. He has late stage metastatic melanoma which has spread to his brain, lung, and other body parts. Coach is currently undergoing brain radiation and oral chemotherapy. The typical survival rate for this cancer is four months to one year."

The story, of course, moved both Salomon and me and we decided to write a story about the Coach.

I visited the Foundation site hoping to harvest enough information to write a fitting tribute to Coach Sternaman. I hoped that my word-smithing would move my readers enough to become involved.

When I got to the site, and started doing my research, it become evident that the words written on the site are written by a far better writer than me and that my craft and abilities aren't needed to tell Coach S's story.

So, instead of writing new words, about a man who I someday hope to meet, I'll simply share the words that have already been written and encourage you to not only say a prayer for Coach Sternaman, but to donate to his cause.

And if you happen to be in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park IL this Saturday, stop in and meet the Coach along with former White Sox slugger Ron Kittle and former Bears star Brian Bashnagel. Visit the site for details.

So without wasting any more of your time with my thoughts and words, I hope to share, A Little Bit About Sternaman...God Bless...

A Little Bit About Sternaman

Once in every athletes' life, if they are lucky, they encounter a very special coach.

This is the guy you think about years later. This is the guy whose teaching resonates in your head as you face life's challenges. This is the guy who not only made you a better football or baseball player, or wrestler...but made you a better human being.

Almost any coach can teach X's and O's...but few can impact a young person by teaching strength in body and character, dignity, confidence and independent thinking. This is a guy who shows you the value of hard work, the benefits of mental preparation, the importance of loving your teammates.

This is Gregg Sternaman.

A man who simultaneously is the simplest...and most complex man.

For 20 years Sternaman chose to coach high school and youth sports. He could have been a financial manager or businessman, but instead he remained true to his instincts and life's passion by coaching young people.

The name Sternaman became identified as a tough coach and a tough guy. He rarely used his first name, Sternaman really said it all. As his years of coaching grew, so did his legend.

Stories of Sternaman drawing blood from his forehead as he busted a clipboard over his head "to make a point" at halftime of a football game. Or challenging a football player, more than half his age and twice his size, to a "bull in the ring" competition spread throughout the communities he touched.

Sternaman rarely thought twice about pulling a pitcher from a baseball game in the middle of an inning, or even in the middle of a particular batter. If Sternaman saw a player sleeping or loafing in the field, he would yank that guy immediately...and give him an earful to boot.

Parents were not absolved from Sternaman's wrath either. As parents frequently do, they would contest a coach's call during the game, or ask why their son or daughter wasn't getting more playing time.

This was a good time for everyone else to vacate the field. It was only a matter of time before Sternaman put that parent in their place. These occurrences rarely happened more than once in any relationship with Sternaman.

He was known for making his point. And frequently did so through a series of colorful phrases that became known as Sternyism . The best of those have become part of sports lore throughout the North Shore of Chicago.

But as tough as he was, that is exactly how sensitive he was as well.

Sternaman was known to call an athlete at home at night to explain his actions from earlier that day. Usually, these calls included a lesson for that young person, and an open invitation to "try it again" the next day. Sternaman didn't have a dog house. He did have quite a development center.

Pushing young people to mature, to accept responsibility and to advocate for themselves, Sternaman welcomed a direct confrontation with any player...and treated that player with respect and kindness.

Even in the heat of battle, Sternaman was aware of the personal circumstances of his athletes and tried his best to provide life experiences for these young people. Whether it was pitching in a playoff game, or getting a chance to score a touchdown, Sternaman had a good sense of perspective about "the games" he coached.

His players learned to play hard for themselves, for their teammates...and in most instances, for Coach Sternaman.

For those of us privileged enough to play for him, or watch as our children did...Sternaman symbolized what youth sports is all about. That's why we tip our hats to Coach Sternaman. BR

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.Visit the site and purchase using today's featured donor code SMF197 The Sternyman Foundation as $3.00 from each sale will go to this wonderful charity.

Team Hoyt and Other Legends Show That Heroes Come In All Sizes

Todd Civin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:13 -0500

As my wife, Kate, and I took the right hand turn into the lot of Christina's Restaurant in Foxboro last night, my hands began to sweat. We had been asked to attend the Legends Ball to Benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA as dinner guests of Team Hoyt, and though excited, I have to admit I was a bit unnerved.

The thought of breaking bread with the immortal Dick and Rick Hoyt, while sitting in the shadows of some of the greatest heroes in New England sports made my heart palpitate at humming bird speed as I handed my keys to the valet.

We entered the beautiful chandelier lit lobby and I couldn't help but sneak a peek at the red lettered placards that lined the table in the lobby. Ordinary guys like me, had blue lettering, but the Legends who would grace our presence had their placards lettered in fancy red print.

Names like Ronnie Lippett, John Hannah, Steven King, Troy Brown, Pete Brock, and Steve Grogan, were flanked on either side by names of former Red Sox players including, Joe Morgan, Dick Beradino, Ted Lepcio, and Skip Lockwood, as well as Rick Middleton of the Bruins and Jeff Causey of the New England Revs.

Current Patriots players including Steven Neal, Matt Light, Pierre Woods, and even Joe Andruzzi of Patriots/Giants fame rounded out the roster of guests.

All in all, three dozen larger than life heroes would be joining us to eat, drink and talk sports all to benefit the well deserving boys and girls of the Hockomock Area YMCA.

"It doesn't get any better than this," I said to Katie as I spotted Dick and Rick in their tuxedos and their office manager and friend, Kathy, in her elegant black dress.

The Hoyt boys looked absolutely handsome in their black ties and tuxes. I shook Dick's hand and was awestruck at the strength and power in his muscular hand. A little might of a man with a powerful grip, Dick hardly resembles a man in his late sixties.

I leaned down and introduced myself to Rick and teased him about how soft his hands were. "You don't work hard enough," I joked. Rick looked up at me from his wheel chair and smiled with his huge patented grin.

His eyes had an amazing way of communicating his every thought as if to make up for his inability to communicate verbally.

Though I had done a story on the Hoyt's several weeks ago and have become very close to the Team since, I had never had the pleasure of meeting Rick in person prior to tonight. It rapidly gained a spot as one of my most special life moments.

Waitstaff brought tray upon tray of wonderful hors d'oeuvres and the bar was open throughout the cocktail hour, but I was more interested in the amazing blessing which had been bestowed upon us.

I watched with intrigue as Dick used a note pad and their intricate method of uncovering which letter Rick was attempting to say. The two worked tirelessly as Rick tried to communicate his thoughts.

"Is it an A...an E...an I...an O..?" Dick asked, trying to corral the first letter of the word that Rick was trying to convey. Once they agreed on a vowel through a gentle nod of Rick's head, they would then try to hone in on the actual letter, which fell closest to the pinpointed vowel.

"Is it O by itself? Is it P...Q...R...S...T?

"It's a T," Dick confirmed as Rick nodded in agreement.

With the first letter in the word jotted down on Dick's scratch pad, it was an H as the second letter, after eliminating F and G, which followed the vowel E.

"It's an H," Dick said. "Is it The? Is it Thank you?" he inquired trying to expedite the process by randomly stabbing at Rick's intention.

Dick had read Rick's thoughts on guess number two and reduced the time needed to translate Rick's sentence. Clearly they've done this often enough over the years that they'd gotten pretty adept at the guessing game.

Rick nodded. "You want to say, Thank you for coming?" Rick nodded again.

I swallowed hard and held back my first tears of the night.

I quickly realized that though their running in marathons or competing in triathlons are amazing feats, merely finding the strength and courage to communicate, eat, laugh, and live each day may be more of a challenge than many of us would choose to take on.

Over the course of the evening I bonded with Rick, while trying to divide my time evenly between Kate, Dick, Kathy and Kirk, and Sheila Joslin, the President of Easter Seals, and his wife who were also residing at Table No. 30.

Our table was made complete by Rick's PCA (Personal Care Attendant), Mike, who fed Rick, gave him frequent sips of water and chatted with him endlessly through out the event.

But, it was Rick who grabbed the lions share of my attention as we joked about finding him three blondes to complete his perfect night. "Boys will be boys," Katie whispered to me.

There were several magic moments over the course of the evening that made my heart grow exponentially.

The first occurred when I accompanied Dick and Rick to the VIP room as they signed posters along side the other Legends. Though the pile of posters was about 40-50 deep, Dick placed a sharpie in Rick's hand and held it as the two of them combined to write Rick's autograph.

Perhaps easier for Dick to write Rick's name for him or to simply sign as Team Hoyt, the two wouldn't even consider this. It would have been out of line with what they stand for and the "Yes, You Can" message they promote.

Matt Light, Stephen Neal, Joe Andruzzi, and Troy Brown entered the room and I, again, started to perspire. Never had I been in the presence of one, let alone six, sports legends.

The quartet entered the room laughing and joking and, I sense, were mildly impressed by their own notoriety.

Until they saw the Hoyts.

Each of the four stopped dead in their tracks. Their eyes widened as they realized who, they, too, were in the presence of. Light, especially was awestruck and said to Dick and Rick how honored he was to meet them.

The other three joined Light in their acknowledgment and Andruzzi, who himself has overcome amazing challenges after battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, agreed to let Rick try on his Super Bowl ring.

In addition to requesting the blondes, Rick had expressed a wish to try on a ring and Andruzzi obliged. However, before he pulled it from his enormous hand the legends were called away to be announced to the anxious crowd.

The crowd of 300 looked on as each of the Legends was escorted to their tables by special needs athletes from the Hockomock Y. Several of the legends high-fived their escorts playfully to the thrill and jubilation of their escort and the crowd.

The legends received warm ovations from the crowd as each was announced. Tim Fox, Jim Bowman, Jon Williams, Billy Johnson, John Smith, Tom Yewcic, and even Patrick Sullivan of Patriots' days gone by were presented one by one by master of ceremonies, Butch Stearns, of Fox25 News and WEEI fame.

When my guys were announced, however, the crowd stood and cheered in a rousing, and well deserved ovation. As Dick wheeled Rick in, the crowd honored them with the most overwhelming ovation of the event.

Throughout the evening, dozens of men and women shook the Hoyts' hands, posed for photos, and thanked them for being inspirations to so many throughout the world. My two, extremely humble, friends took it all in stride and thanked their fans for thanking them.

As our evening ended I again whispered to Kate, "It simply doesn't get any better than this."

And then, of course, it did.

As Rick was getting prepared to be wheeled out of the banquet hall, Andruzzi rushed over and reminded Rick of the promise to wear his Super Bowl ring.

Rick smiled that patented grin as Andruzzi slipped the ring onto his soft little hand. Andruzzi's enormous ring could have laid claim to three of Rick's fingers as the three giants posed for another Kodak moment.

It became amazingly clear to me that heroes come in all different sizes.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.

New York-Penn League Foundation Makes Donation To Lucas Holko Fund

Todd Civin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:25:06 -0500

The New York-Penn League and its members clubs teamed up during the recent playoffs to raise a total of $24,144 dollars for the Lucas Holko Fund. Each club took collections at their respective stadiums during all post-season games.

Participating clubs during the 2009 Playoffs included the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians), Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets), Lowell Spinners (Red Sox), and Staten Island Yankees (Yankees). The Staten Island Yankees defeated the Mahoning Valley Scrappers two games to one to win the 2009 New York-Penn League Championship.

The check was presented to the family on behalf of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which was created in 2003. The Foundation's mission is to provide focus and support for the collective charitable and community efforts of the League and its clubs. Its motto is 'The Power of Baseball, the Power of Giving'.

After getting hit in the head with a foul ball at a Mahoning Valley Scrappers game on September 2nd and sustaining a serious head injury, Lucas Holko spent nearly a month at the Akron Children's Hospital.

After then being moved to a Cleveland rehabilitation center, Lucas was recently sent to a family home where he continues his recovery. The family had set up the Lucas Holko Fund to help with expenses associated with the accident and his recovery.

At the Scrappers home playoff games, assistance was received from a number of area firefighters including Greene Township who collected money through a 'Boot Drive'.

The local Sam's Club held a charity cookout on Labor Day which raised more than $2,300 dollars towards the fund and members of the Niles Key Club sold candy bars raising an additional $1,900 dollars.

Collections were also taken during the home playoff games in Brooklyn, Lowell, and Staten Island while the Jamestown Jammers (Marlins) made a team contribution as well. Staten Island alone raised more than $6,300 dollars while the Brooklyn Cyclones donated team player fines to the fund which totaled $1,700 dollars.

"It has been unbelievable to see so many people come together in support of Lucas and his family," stated Scrappers General Manager, Dave Smith.

"Seeing the support from complete strangers in surrounding markets is truly heartwarming and shows the strength and compassion of the New York-Penn League and its fans. There are too many people to thank for their kindness."

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by The Lowell Spinners of the NY-Penn League. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 dollars from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .

Worcester Sharks Begin Quest For "Unum Cup" On Dollar Dog Wednesdays

Todd Civin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:58:07 -0500

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced today that the Sharks will begin their quest for the Unum Cup on “Dollar Dog Wednesdays” on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:05p.m. vs. the Portland Pirates.

With every Wednesday game, Sharks fans that have lost their jobs will receive up to four tickets for their family with proof of unemployment and valid state ID. Hot dogs will cost just $1.00 dollar all game for the remaining five Wednesday night games at the DCU Center.

The 4th Annual Unum Cup Challenge between the Portland Pirates and the Worcester Sharks will take place over the eight game AHL 2009-10 regular season series. At each game in each city, one lucky fan will be chosen from those who have entered as the Unum Challenge Fan of the Game. Each fan will win a replica jersey and receive five (5) tickets to a future game.

From November 18th through January 10th (during the first five games of the series), fans will have the opportunity to guess how many total shots would be taken throughout the eight games of the Worcester-Portland series.

At the end of the series, all the fans who guess the correct shot total will receive a co-branded Unum/Pirates/Sharks hat. Last season, the correct number of shots was 535.

Eight Game Series Schedule:

Wed., Nov. 18 at Worcester - 7:05 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 20 at Portland - 7:00 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6 at Worcester - 3:05 p.m.
Thu., Dec. 31 at Portland – 5:30 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 10 at Worcester - 3:05 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 15 at Portland - 7:00 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 24 at Worcester - 7:05 p.m.
Fri., Apr. 11 at Portland - 4:00 p.m.

Last season, the Sharks and the Pirates split the Unum Challenge with a 5-5-0-0 record. As part of the challenge, Unum donated $2,500 dollars to Sharks Charities and the Portland Pirates Foundation.

The Sharks look forward to capture the Unum Cup title again this season!

On Wednesday, The Sharks host the Portland Pirates in Game One of the annual Unum Cup Challenge! With every Wednesday game, Sharks fans that have lost their jobs will receive up to four tickets for their family with proof of unemployment and valid state ID. It’s also Dollar Dog Wednesdays…. Hot dogs are only $1.00 dollar!!! Puck drop is 7:05p.m.

On Friday, the Sharks travel to Portland for a 7p.m. tilt vs. the Pirates and then travel to the Dunkin Donuts Center to battle the Bruins in Providence on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Norfolk Admirals at 3:05p.m. Join us after the game for the 4th annual for the Hat & Mittens Holiday Skate presented by BayState Savings Bank!

Fans are encouraged to bring new winter hats, mittens, and scarves and then skate with the Sharks during a postgame skate! (skate rentals are not available) Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 dollars with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket!

With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE X-Large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino’s locations. The $5 Dollar Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices!

Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

Significant savings off box office ticket prices
Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by The Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

Former Major Leaguer Buddy Biancalana On How To Prevent Sports Injuries

Todd Civin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:36:26 -0500

The following story has been written by former Major League baseball player, Buddy Biancalana, who is co-founder of PMPM Sports. As a 1st round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals, Buddy played Major League Baseball with the Royals and Houston Astros. As the starting shortstop for the 1985 World Champion Royals, he received the highest number of MVP votes of any position player.

His notoriety was catapulted by appearances on "Late Night with David Letterman" and "The Today Show." After retiring from Major League Baseball, Buddy served as a Minor League In field Coordinator for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization as well as a Minor League Manager for Tampa Bay and the Philadelphia Phillies. He has instructed or managed many players, who have gone on to play in the Major Leagues.

How to Prevent Sports Injuries-By Buddy Biancalana

Sports science, like all sciences, has made significant advances over the years. These advances include a more thorough understanding of how an athlete should train to prevent injuries and how to more quickly recover from injuries.

But there is another area that should be closely examined that will enhance a trainer's ability to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. This area is the relationship between the mind and body and how the mind affects the body.

The mind, of course, controls the body. When an athlete is playing exceptionally well, that exceptional playing first has to start in his mind. When a player fails to perform well, that failure can also be traced back to the mind. Choking in the body first starts with choking in the mind. This is well known.

At Perfect Mind-Perfect Motion , we have made a significant discovery of how someone thinks, can have a significant impact on preventing injuries. This understanding will take sports science to a more comprehensive understanding of the connection between the mind and body, and will make a trainers job that much more valuable to an organization.

Before I address this fascinating area, let me relate a common example of how powerfully the mind controls the body. There are times, when a pitcher throws a bullpen session, and is not at all tired. There are other times, in identical conditions, where he throws the same amount of pitches in a pen, in the same sequence and is very tired when finished. Why the discrepancy in fatigue?

This discrepancy, surprisingly enough, has more to do with the mind, than the body. It can be traced back to the processes in his mind that produced motion in his body. In the first pen, our pitcher was able to access a deeper level of his mind, and in the second pen, he was not able to access a deeper level.

By deeper level, I am referring to more silence in the mind. Great athletes are able to experience more freedom in their motion in pressure situations, because they are able to experience more freedom and silence in their minds.

Getting back to our two pitchers throwing pens, the feeling of being tired or not being tired cannot be explained by the physical conditioning of the pitcher. Remember, we are examining two identical situations, with no difference in the variables. The underlying reason why on one day, he was tired and why on another day he was not, had to do with how he was thinking.

How he was thinking is a very abstract phrase. It is a new concept in looking at a pitcher’s motion and why it can help prevent injuries. What does how he was thinking mean? It means what it says. It does not mean what he was thinking, it means how he was thinking.

It means there was very little mental energy spent during his thought process. It does not refer to the content of his thoughts, but from what level of the mind those thoughts were generated. This minimal expenditure of mental energy is directly correlated to the amount of physical energy it took to produce a pitch.

When a pitcher (or hitter) is somehow able to expend minimal mental energy in producing a motion, it will have an extremely beneficial impact on preventing injuries. It does this by allowing all the muscles that produce motion to operate in unison with one another.

Think of a pitching or hitting motion like a symphony. In order to produce a harmonious symphony, all the instruments have to be in harmony with each other. If any instrument is not in harmony with it's fellow instruments, it will not produce the most pleasing sound.

It is no different in a pitchers motion. One reason injuries occur, is because muscles often work against each other. They are not operating in harmony with each other. For instance, with athlete's shoulders and hips being much stronger these days because of increased training, if the two are not working in unison, there is a tug of war created, that will lead to an increased chance of an oblique pull.

Though this tug of war between the hips and shoulders are felt in the body, the reason why there was a tug a war in the first place, is because there was a lack of silence in the mind. Essentially, the body did not have the most intelligent signals coming from the mind to produce a harmonious motion. One cannot blame the muscles for this. One has to identify the origin of how muscles move in the first place, and that is of course in the mind.

We have a program that teaches players how to send more intelligent signals from the mind to the body. We are able to teach a player how to think very quietly. We are not concerned with what he is thinking, but how he is thinking. We are able to systematically set up in a player's mind, the same type of thinking that occurs, when a pitcher throws a full pen and walks off the mound as if he had just taken a walk on the beach.

One of the ways we are able to accomplish this, is for him to focus on the inaction in a pitching motion. The inaction being the time before he throws and the time after he throws. We call this being in the gap. When a player is in the gap, his mind is infused with silence and freedom, and therefore his body will be infused with similar qualities. This will allow all the moving parts to work in more unison and help prevent injuries.

I am including comments from some of the Major and Minor League players, with whom we've worked, about how being in the gap can reduce injuries.

Bobby Keppel—Minnesota Twins

“This was my healthiest year”
“Never needed to ask for a day off to rest my arm”
“Body working more in unison when in the gap, therefore will always reduce injuries”
"Will reduce oblique injuries for sure”

Nick Green—Boston Red Sox

“Everything is so fluid when in the gap”
“Body works in more unison”
“Don't feel any strain or soreness when in the gap”
“Everything works as it's suppose to”
“Will definitely reduce oblique injuries”

Rocky Cherry—Boston Red Sox

“When in the gap, the body just flows easily”
“When not in the gap, I feel more tension in the muscles”
“Everything works in more unison”
“Easier to find the correct arm slot”
"Less effort will always reduce injuries”

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by Buddy Biancalana & Steven Yellin-www.pmpmsports.com and reprinted by Todd Civin. Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .

Boston Breakers Midfielder Monroe Coaches Great Danes To Postseason

Todd Civin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:03:50 -0500

Boston Breakers midfielder and head coach of the University of Albany Women’s Soccer team Mary-Frances Monroe recently led the Great Danes to their first-ever appearance in the America East postseason tournament and was named the America East co-coaching staff of the year along with her assistants.

“Making the playoffs for the first time was one of our goals this season and they did it,” said Monroe. “Their dedication and commitment each and every day helped us achieve that goal.”

The fourth-year head coach took over the then struggling Great Danes after the 2005 season, after serving as an assistant coach that season. Monroe was up for the challenge to turn around a program that had never finished higher than eighth in the conference standings.

This fall Monroe led the University of Albany to their highest single-season win total since 1988, finishing with a record 8-7-1. This season was Albany’s first non-losing season since joining Division I competition in 1999. The team only posted 25 victories in the first 10 years as an America East conference member.

The youngest team in the America East conference, starting only two veterans, recorded seven shutout victories and won three conference matches for the first time in program history.

“We played beautiful soccer this season and I am so excited for next year because we will be more experienced,” said Monroe. “At times I started four or five freshmen and four or five sophomores each game. We were very young and had many ‘young’ mistakes but the future looks so promising.”

Monroe’s squad was honored with a program-best five players who were voted to the 2009 America East All-Conference Women’s Soccer Team, America East Conference Rookie of the Year, and a member of the America East Conference All-Academic Women’s Soccer Team.

“I couldn't be more proud of my team,” noted Monroe. “They were tremendous in every training session and game. They trained like champions and that is what we soon will be. The team created the winning tradition.”

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Boston Breakers of the WPS and reprinted as part of an agreement with this publication. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .

Fantography: The Photographic Diary of the Fan's Love of Baseball

Todd Civin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:09:45 -0500

As I chatted with Andy Strasberg about his new baseball related venture called Fantography™, I couldn't help but hum Rod Stewart's 1971 anthem, "Every Picture Tells a Story."

In actuality, however, my musical recap of Strasberg's photographic venture may be best summarized as Paul Simon's Kodachrome mixed with a few verses of Take Me Out to The Ball Game .

Fantography™ is Strasberg's recently unveiled undertaking, whose goal it is to harvest centuries of baseball photographs and the wonderful stories that go along with them. These are the photographs, taken not by professional photographers, but by the fans, themselves.

Strasberg sees Fantography™ as the offspring of his five decade love affair with the sport of baseball, a love affair that is not unique to him, but is shared by fans throughout the globe. The project will allow fans to upload their personal baseball memories onto the Fantography™ website to be stored forever and shared with other fans of the game.

"It's more than just a box score," explains Strasberg, the former VP of Marketing for the San Diego Padres. "It's the love affair between a fan and the game of baseball as seen through the lens of a camera."

Strasberg's vision is to rescue these personal photographs along with the stories and memories that accompanied them from the shoe boxes, attics and scrap books of fans before they are lost, damaged, or destroyed.

"Some of the world's best photos are in shoe-boxes all over the world. Photos taken years ago. When that person passes, their belongings are not meaningful to others and are usually disposed of."

Strasberg added that since the advent of digital cameras most fan photographers do not print out their photographs, but either keep them on their camera or download them to their personal computers, never to be seen by the masses.

"When their computers crash, they are more concerned about saving their documents than they are about rescuing their photographs and they too become lost."

"This is why we are hoping to harvest baseball snapshots taken by fans over the last 100 years," explains Strasberg. "Photos that capture a poignant personal moment in professional baseball, be it major league, minor league, or Negro Leagues. The snapshot could be of a player, a ballpark or a mascot."

Strasberg traces the genesis of Fantography™ back to Cooperstown in 1958. "I have a picture that my Dad took of me on the steps of the Baseball Hall of Fame when I was 10 years old. It is absolutely the first photograph of my relationship with baseball."

Strasberg, a native of the Bronx, began bringing his camera to games at a very young age, while forming a well documented friendship with Yankee Slugger, Roger Maris. Through this friendship, Strasberg earned Maris' affection, who often referred to Andy as his "most faithful fan."

"I have this incredible picture of me and Roger Maris. The picture is framed perfectly with Yankee Stadium as the backdrop looking towards home plate."

When Strasberg went to college, he took a photography class taught by noted American photographer, Arthur Leipzig, perhaps best known for his photo essays on New York life in the 1940's and 50's.

"Even though my dream and my desire was to do something in the game of baseball, it was Arthur Leipzig who got me to focus at looking at the world through a lens like I had never done before. Because of that and my connection to baseball, I have a lot of pictures that explain to the viewer how much I love the game of baseball."

One of Strasberg's personal favorites is a picture of Hank Aaron taken by a ten-year-old boy as he's walking out of Milwaukee County Stadium. "It's out of focus because it's taken through the eyes of a ten year old who may be only four feet high, but you can tell how important it was to this child. That's what Fantography™ is all about."

The long range goal of Fantography™ is to collect enough snapshots and stories to create a coffee table size book encompassing 500-700 photographs to preserve for eternity the professional baseball experience of the fan from their perspective.

He sees Fantography™ as a photographic version of the Chicken Soup series.

"They are the personal photos and stories, for those people, but other people truly love to hear them. This will truly be an American story, with the focus on our National Pastime" he explains.

Strasberg reiterates that photos should be taken by fans who are not professional photographers and are not game action photos.

To participate in this baseball experience go to www.fantography.net and upload your photos. Each person submitting a photo should include a caption that describes the date, people in the photo and the story behind the photo.

Strasberg shared the video creation below which captures a sampling of the many photos submitted to the Fantography site.

Identification in order of appearance on video:

Bob Friend, Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris, Phil Masi, Rudy Regalado, Stan Lopata, Al Lindquist, Roy McMillian, Carl Furillo, Andy Strasberg (age 14) & Ted Williams, Gus Bell,
Red Kress, Joe Medwick, Tommy Holmes, Gene Conley, Roger Maris, Frank Robinson,

Jimmie Wallace, Bill Donavan and Warren Spahn, Mrs. Max West, Max West and Tony Cuccinello, Max West, Jim Tobin, Stew Hofferth, Bobby Thomson, Billy Bruton, Sibby Sissti, Rocky Colavito, Hank Aaron, Eddie Miller & Jim Tobin, Joe Pepitone, Gary Baker (Strasberg's best friend), Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle, Al Downing, Casey Stengel, Brooklyn Dodger PA Announcer, Tony Conigliaro, Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, Players walking across Comiskey Park outfield, Andy Strasberg, Jerry Casale.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .

KiXX To Play Polish Premier League Club In Exhibition on November 19th

Todd Civin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:35:25 -0500

The Philadelphia KiXX, a staple of Major Indoor Soccer League, will host Pogon Szczecin, a First Division Polish team, on Nov. 19 at Tri State Sports Complex in Aston, Pa. Kickoff for the international friendly is 7 p.m.

"This is an exciting opportunity for fans of two great teams to unite," said Greg Bajek, president of the Icon Group. "The KiXX are a premier indoor soccer team with a strong fan base, this match affords their fans a chance to watch their team in an international match against a high-level European side."

KiXX head coach Don D'Ambra shared similar excitement.

"We are excited to be playing a top flight soccer program in Pogon Szczecin," he said. "This will be a true test for our club, and it will unquestionably be a very entertaining match for all of the fans in attendance."

Pogon Szczecin, founded in 1948, boasts a loyal following since a move from Lvov, Ukraine. The team calls Szczecin, a city located in northwest Poland, their home. The club earned promotion to the Poland's top flight "Ekstraklasa" after finishing second in the Western Group of the Polish Second League in 2008-09.

Several generations of Pogon loyalists have immigrated to the United States, with thousands settling in the Northeast Corridor. "This match is a perfect fit for both fan bases," Bajek said.

Pogon Szczecin currently sits in second place with 35 points behind leader Widzew Lodz (38 points) as the league heads into a three-month winter hiatus.

Fans can expect a high-level of play from the Red and Blue, most notably from midfielder Olgierd Moskalewicz, midfielder Piotr Petasz, midfielder Maksymilian Rogalski, defender Krzysztof Hrymowicz, and goalkeeper Radoslaw Janukiewicz. Moskalewicz is the team's top scorer with eight goals.

"We'll be up against it playing the KiXX," Pogon Szczecin head coach Piotr Mandrysz said. "We're used to playing outdoors and the KiXX are an indoor team. But once the whistle blows, it's about entertaining the fans."

"I understand the indoor game is fast and stresses finesse. It reminds me of ice hockey, where players change on the fly. It'll be a great challenge, we're looking for a great night of indoor soccer," he added.

The Tri State facility, located at 63 Concord Road in Aston, is easily accessible from Interstate 95. There will be a limited number of seats available. Fans are asked to contact the Philadelphia KiXX at 888 888-5499 (KIXX) for further information.

The Icon Group, a multi-faceted soccer organization based in New Jersey, is no stranger to hosting international matches.

In the last 15 years, Icon has hosted 10 international indoor and outdoor matches throughout the United States. Bajek's teams have toured Europe extensively to showcase young American talent and foster international ties within the soccer community.

"Philadelphia is an elite soccer town and this is a great opportunity for fans to witness one of Europe's top up and coming teams," Bajek said. "This match wets the appetite of the Philadelphia soccer fans as the KiXX approach their 14th season in the Major Indoor Soccer League."

Space for this match is very limited, and the price of tickets are $20 each.

The Previous Story Is Excerpted from a Press Release by the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL. Todd Civin Is a Freelance Writer for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He Is a Supporter of the Children’s Book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own Is the Award Winning Book Which Teaches Pay It Forward Through Sports. Please Visit the Site and Purchase the Book Under Today’s Donor Code, GSP 133 Good Sports, Boston As $3.00 from Each Sale Will Help This Worthwhile Charity.

Former MISL MVP Neto Signs With KiXX; Brings Veteran Leadership

Todd Civin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:01:06 -0500

Excitement is truly surrounding the two-time Major Indoor Soccer League champion Philadelphia KiXX today, as the club made official the signing of 2004-'05 MISL Most Valuable Player Adauto Neto.

The Brazilian striker, highly regarded as one of the top players in the indoor game, joins the team as they embark upon their 14th season of play and first at their new home field at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University.

"Adauto Neto became available through the Xtreme Soccer League player dispersal," KiXX head coach Don D'Ambra said of the acquisition. "We were very pleased to be able to agree on terms to acquire the target forward, and I look forward to coaching Neto this upcoming season."

D'Ambra was quick to pinpoint certain aspects of his game that he knows will benefit Philadelphia this season.

"The game is much easier to coach when you have good players around you, and Neto is capable of being a difference maker in games," he continued. "He will enhance our offense tremendously as he brings a style of play that is very creative and effective."

Neto turned in another dominant season last year while playing with the New Jersey Ironmen, finishing third in the XSL with 46 points on a well-balanced 15 goals and 16 assists, and was named to the All-League Team.

The offensive juggernaut played his first two professional indoor seasons with the Cleveland Force before joining the Baltimore Blast for three years in 2005. For his 155-game career (including playoffs), he has amassed 127 goals and 88 assists.

"I am happy to be coming to Philadelphia," Neto said of the signing. "There is a nice mixture of young and veteran players here, and I look forward to working hard for my team on the field and with the development of some of the younger guys. I promise to always give my best, and I am focused on helping our team win as many games as possible."

Winning has been a persistent characteristic of the University of Mobile graduate over his six-year career. The three-time NAIA Division 1 All-American already has a pair of MISL titles under his belt, both with the Blast, and he helped bring the Ironmen within a single game of a championship last season.

Neto has also been able to adapt his indoor skills back to the outdoor platform, as he recently signed with Crystal Palace Baltimore of USL-2 for its upcoming season next spring.

Neto and the Philadelphia KiXX will open their 2009-'10 season this Sunday, November 15th, with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, January 9th, when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

Give This Year by Spreading Breakers Holiday Cheer

Todd Civin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:46:18 -0500

Tired of the same old gifts? Looking for a gift that you can give now and enjoy later? For that soccer fan in your life who has everything? Except for this?

Who wouldn't love to find the likes of Kelly Smith, Leslie Osborne, Alex Scott, or Fabiana under their tree this holiday season. Or perhaps for Hanukkah one Breaker for each night?

“Give this year by spreading Breakers cheer!” with a Boston Breakers Holiday Package! Each package includes one ticket to the Breakers’ Opening Night game in 2010, your choice of an official team scarf or sweatshirt blanket, and two additional individual game tickets for the 2010 season.

Witness the highest level of professional women’s soccer talent in the world, and be a part of the action as the Breakers head into the second season of Women’s Professional Soccer. Along with the Opening Night ticket, Holiday Package recipients get to choose two other games to cheer on the Breakers at home.

Individual tickets bundled with Breakers’ gear are a great gift for soccer fans of all ages. For just $69, your present will include a stylish team scarf or warm sweatshirt blanket, along with three Category II tickets for 2010. Friends and family will be able to stay warm this holiday season while still looking forward to the fun in 2010.

This is your chance to spread the Breakers spirit over the holidays and get excited for the upcoming season. Order your Breakers Holiday Package by December 18 and we promise that you receive your Breakers’ gear and ticket certificates in time to wrap up for the holidays. Breakers Holiday package are available for a limited time only; the sale ends Dec. 31.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

The league’s eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which kicks-off March 2010. For more information and tickets, visit www.womensprosoccer.com .

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Boston Breakers of the WPS. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, GSP 133 Good Sports, Boston as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Philadelphia KiXX Round Out Roster by Adding Four to the Front

Todd Civin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:48 -0500

The roster of the two-time Major Indoor Soccer League champion Philadelphia KiXX continues to take its form, with the team announcing today the addition of four forwards.

Returning to the KiXX this season will be David Castellanos and Jeremy Ortiz, and the club also adds indoor veteran Leo Gibson and Syracuse product Pete Rowley.

"One of our goals for the offseason was to improve our second forward position, and I feel that we did that by adding Leo Gibson to this year's roster," player/head coach Don D'Ambra commented. "Leo is a young, fast and skillful forward that is explosive in transition and creates offensive chances with his 1v1 abilities."

Gibson played his first two indoor seasons with the Detroit Ignition, and he was a key figure in bringing Motown the Xtreme Soccer League championship last year when he finished tied for fifth on the team with 25 points on eight goals and eight assists.

The Liberian native played college soccer at King College in Bristol, Tennessee before receiving a trial with the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer in 2004. He spent his first four professional outdoor seasons with the Minnesota Thunder of USL-1 before spending this past year with the Cleveland City Stars.

"Along with Leo, we have Ortiz and Castellanos returning," D'Ambra continued. "This is Jeremy Ortiz's second season, and I am anticipating a big season from him on the offensive end. He has developed steadily the first season and is a much more confident player this year."

Ortiz is a native of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, and he is a graduate of LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He proved to be a durable player for the KiXX last year, playing in all 18 matches, and contributed 14 points on five goals and four assists in just his first season of professional indoor soccer.

The three-time All-Atlantic 10 player was named to the Philadelphia Soccer 7 Team three times in college, also receiving Regional All-America accolades in 2006.

Castellanos, a native of Fairfax, Virginia, attended the University of Connecticut and turned in the most successful campaign of his four-year career last season in Philadelphia. He tallied 20 points on eight goals and three assists and now has 54 points in the past four years, all of which he has spent with the KiXX.

He was a member of the 2007 MISL championship side in Philadelphia and has also spent time playing outdoors with the Virginia Beach Mariners of USL-1.

"Castellanos had his best season last year for us, and I think that he brings experience to the field and he is a natural goal scorer," D'Ambra stated. "David has matured into a solid veteran and scored some big goals for us last season."

Rowley will play his first professional season of indoor soccer this year after playing his college soccer at Syracuse University. He most recently played outdoor soccer with FC Reading Revolution of the National Premier Soccer League and also the Charleston Battery of USL-1.

"Pete Rowley is a young player out of Syracuse University," D'Ambra said. "He has good size, strength, and speed, and I feel he has the potential to be a good indoor player once he learns the game."

The Philadelphia KiXX will open their 2009-10 season this Sunday, Nov. 15, with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, Jan. 9, when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award-winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, COV 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Lowell Spinners And Fox 25 Join Forces To Spread Holiday Cheer

Todd Civin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:17:27 -0500

The Lowell Spinners, Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, are joining forces with FOX 25 personalities Kevin Lemanowicz and Ryan Asselta to spread cheer this holiday season as they search for a local elementary school to visit for a Holiday Party.

Building off the popular "Spread the Love" Tour, which visits one local elementary school, selected based on essays submitted by students detailing why their school should be selected, to make cards and gifts for the residents of the Bedford Veteran's Hospital.

This winter the caravan is looking for another local elementary school to join the good will program for a little holiday cheer.

"When we visit schools, you would think the excitement from the students would be unrivaled," said Spinners Vice President/General Manager Tim Bawmann. "However, when we visit residents at a nursing home or hospital, the joy on their faces when they see the cards produced by the children is an invigorating feeling."

Students and schools alike are asked to submit short essays detailing why the Spinners Holiday Party should be held at their school. All submissions must be received by December 7th, and a winning school will be announced the following day.

The Spinners Holiday Caravan will feature FOX 25's popular forecaster Kevin Lemanowicz and sports anchor Ryan Asselta, as well as the usual cast of characters from the Spinners, including Canaligator, the World Famous Dogman and the entire front office.

The group will make their first stop of the day at the winning school, where they will speak to the students and enlist their help to make holiday cards and gifts for the veterans while the guests interact with the kids, assisting them with their cards and signing autographs.

From there the caravan will head to the Bedford Veteran's Hospital to deliver the gifts and interact with the residents.

In conjunction with the promotion the Spinners are asking fans interested in participating to bring a gift suitable for an adult (veteran) to the Spinners offices. The first 30 people to do so will be rewarded with a baseball autographed by one of the five 2009 Lowell Spinners All-Stars.

To participate in the program or for more information on how to bring the program to your school, contact Jon Boswell at jboswell@lowellspinners.com.

The previous story was excerpted from a Press Release by the Lowell Spinners. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation .

The Rest of the Story: The Joe Niekro Foundation and the Arizona Fall League

Todd Civin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:51 -0500

"And that's the rest of the story" was, of course, the famous phrase uttered countless times by the late, great, Paul Harvey.

For those readers too young or too sheltered to remember the immortal radio legend, Harvey gave listeners the endings to stories that were newsworthy one day and faded away from our memories the next. Harvey would present to listeners the happy or ironic outcome of a story long since forgotten.

I often think about how many times readers, watchers, or listeners become enthralled by the beginning and middle of a story and are never given the opportunity to hear the "and they lived happily ever after" piece.

So in hopes of righting a journalistic wrong, I've tracked down my favorite knuckleballer's favorite little girl to see how Natalie Niekro and The Joe Niekro Foundation made out at the expense of the whiffers from the Arizona Fall League.

In my story, "The Joe Niekro Foundation Throws Its Pitch to Arizona Fall League Fans," Natalie told of her planned event with the AZ Fall League to celebrate her late father's birthday while raising funds and awareness of the wonderful foundation.

The week-long event coincided with the third anniversary of Niekro's passing from a brain aneurysm in 2006. Natalie and the rest of the Niekro family, including her brother Lance, a knuckleballer in the Atlanta Braves system, and her uncle Phil, the Hall of Fame knuckleballer and brother of Joe.

With the support of longtime baseball executive Roland Hemond and Steve Cobb, the executive director of the Arizona Fall League, along with several generous sponsors, over $26,000 was raised for the Foundation during the week-long event as donations of $36 per strikeout were made for any pitcher wearing the uniform of one of Joe's former teams (Chicago Cubs, SD Padres, Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, NY Yankees, and Minnesota Twins).

"It was incredible," explained Natalie, who shared the results with me via e-mail while fighting a bout with the flu. "$11,088 was raised just through the $36 per sponsor per strikeout, but then each team also committed to donate their team's total in strikeouts, raising an additional $2,772.

"Then my husband and I matched the overall total, so collectively we raised over $26, 000."

According to its Web site, "The Joe Niekro Foundation is committed to aiding in the research and treatment of aneurysm patients and families. Our goal is to raise awareness about aneurysm factors, causes, treatments and research. All funds are used to educate the public about brain aneurysms, to support patients and families, and to develop awareness programs and educational materials for hospitals, clinics, and other institutions worldwide."

Natalie expressed tremendous gratitude to the four sponsors of the event, Coulter Motor Company, Ms. Patrice Schuttler, Pure Fitness, and Mr. Matthew Tarini, CFP, with the Wells Fargo Financial Network, LLC, each of whom donated $36 per whiff for an actual total of $144 per punchout.

In addition to the much-appreciated payday, Natalie was especially overwhelmed with the wonderful fan response and support of the event.

"It went exceptionally well," she said. "(The fans) were very receptive, and throughout the week I had people contact me stating they were at the game and wanted to share their story of a loved one they had lost to an aneurysm."

During the festivities, Natalie experienced several highlights that will long be entrenched into her memory of the first time event.

"The week was definitely a hard one in that it marked the three-year date of Dad’s passing," explained Natalie, who raised over $400,000 for the Foundation at the Inaugural Knuckle-ball last July. "Also, Nov. 7, the culmination of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Week and the date I addressed the crowd at the Rising Stars Game, would have been my father’s 65th birthday.

"And, what a gift I was able to give him—a check for over $26,000, all going to a cause that will prevent others from experiencing what he did."

Natalie was equally impressed by the support of the players throughout the event.

"I was definitely amazed and quite humbled at the support from the teams, even the players were getting behind it. They were tweeting about it and talking it up on their Facebook pages," she said.

Natalie concluded our follow-up discussion by sharing her future goals and plans for the foundation: "I see it as an opportunity to do this on a national level with all seven of these teams during the regular season—that is my goal and something I am already working on."

And that's the rest of the story!

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is also a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation.

Philadelphia KiXX Will Be Solid in the Middle for Upcoming MISL Campaign

Todd Civin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:54:37 -0500

While it's not as poetic as Tinkers to Evers to Chance or the well-recited double-play combination for the 1910 Chicago Cubs, the 2009-10 Philadelphia KiXX do subscribe to the age-old belief that being strong up the middle wins championships.

The 2009-10 roster for the two-time Major Indoor Soccer League champion Philadelphia KiXX continues to take its form, with the team making official the signings of five midfielders today.

Returning to the team this season is Ricardinho, Angel Rivillo, Sandre Naumoski and Ryan Heins, while Villanova product Joe Taylor is set to make his professional indoor soccer debut this year.

"I am very excited that we were able to keep all of our veteran midfielders back for the upcoming season," player/head coach Don D'Ambra commented about the signings. "Ricardinho was among the league leaders in points last year, and I hope that he will continue to produce in the offensive end. Rivillo, Naumoski and Heins are very skillful veterans who do a great job of bringing consistency and leadership to the field."

D'Ambra also took a moment to introduce Taylor, a local product from Southampton, Penn. who is making his rookie debut with the KiXX this season.

"Joe Taylor is a young local player who graduated from Villanova University," he said. "He has worked his way onto the roster, and I look forward to working with Joe. I feel he has the potential to be a very good indoor player."

Ricardinho began his professional indoor soccer career with the Dallas Sidekicks in 2003 and has made stops with the Milwaukee Wave, California Cougars and Detroit Ignition before finding his home in Philadelphia.

He won an MISL title with current KiXX teammate Rivillo in 2005 with Milwaukee, and he again played in the 2007 championship game with Detroit, falling to Philadelphia.

The Sao Paulo, Brazil native had a very successful season last year with the KiXX, and he finished second on the team behind Pat Morris with 49 points on 13 goals and 22 assists.

Rivillo began his professional indoor career in 2003 with the Wave, remaining with them until coming to Philadelphia in 2007. A winner of the 2005 MISL crown alongside Ricardinho in Milwaukee, Rivillo turned in 15 points on four goals and seven assists last season with the KiXX.

The French native attended Creighton University and has also played professional outdoor soccer with Deportivo Tachira of the Venezuela First Division and the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer. While playing outdoors for the Milwaukee Rampage in 2003, he also won a USL-1 championship.

Naumoski returns to the KiXX after finishing last season with the club. He played an integral role on the 2007 MISL championship squad in Philadelphia. The playmaking midfielder was born in the Republic of Macedonia and played college soccer at Southern Nazarene University, receiving All-Conference First Team accolades.

He first played professional indoor soccer with the Kansas City Comets in 2003-04 and has since made stops with the St. Louis Steamers, Chicago Storm and New Jersey Ironmen. For his indoor career, Naumoski has registered 108 points and 61 blocks.

Heins returns to the KiXX for his third consecutive season after tallying 14 points on six goals and an assist last year. The Medford, N.J. native also turned in 11 points on four goals and a pair of assists during his 2007-08 rookie season to give him 25 points thus far in his indoor career.

While playing his college soccer at Temple University, where the KiXX will play their home games this year at the Liacouras Center, Heins started all four seasons and served as team captain his senior year.

The versatile midfielder suits up for the Rochester Rhinos of USL-1 during the outdoor season. He also spent time with the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL-2 during 2008 and the Ocean City Barons of the USL Premier Development League in 2007.

Making his professional indoor soccer debut with Philadelphia this season will be Taylor, who is a product of Villanova University. He was a four-year starter for the Wildcats and served as team captain during his senior year in 2008.

Prior to heading to college, Taylor was a standout at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, Penn. and was named MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic League as a senior in 2004.

The Philadelphia KiXX will open their 2009-10 season Sunday, Nov. 15 with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, Jan. 9 when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, COV 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Sharks Lose To Lowell Devils, Prepare For "Sonny" And Canned Food Drive

Todd Civin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:02:10 -0500

The Lowell Devils beat the Worcester Sharks 7-3 during a Veteran’s day matinee showing at the DCU Center on Wednesday. Frazer McLaren scored his first goal of the season, while Logan Couture extended his point streak to six games with a goal and two assists (5-8-13) and is now tied for first in points among rookies in the AHL.

Down two men on the power play, Worcester couldn’t hold off Lowell’s Matt Taormina who scored at 6:56 in the first. At 7:39, Nathan Perkovich took advantage of the power play again to put Lowell up 2-0.

The Sharks fought back at 17:33 when Brandon Mashinter grabbed a pass from Logan Couture at the top of the circle and scored on Jeff Frazee, bringing the score to 2-1.

The Devils’ Nick Palmieri grabbed the first goal of the second period at 6:03. Minutes later at 9:45, Vladimir Zharkov scored again for Lowell to make it 4-1. After the fourth goal of the game, Coach Roy Sommer replaced Stalock with Tyson Sexsmith in net.

During the faceoff that followed, Brandon Mashinter dropped the gloves and went after Lowell’s Nathan Perkovich. In the resulting power play, Frazer McLaren scored Worcester’s second goal of the game with the help of Logan Couture and Benn Ferriero.

Sexsmith let up his first goal of the game to Trevor Kell at 18:14. The Sharks trailed 5-2 after forty minutes.

The Devils started the scoring at 1:29 in the third with a rebound that was deflected in by Vladimir Zharkov for his second goal of the game. Lowell’s Matt Cohen continued the Devils’ rally at 6:02 to put the Sharks down 7-2. Logan Couture added to the Sharks’ score at 16:10 in the third to lessen the gap to 7-3.

With the loss, the Sharks move to 8-5-0-1 (17 points) on the season.

Notes: Three stars: (1) Vladimir Zharkov (2 goals), (2) Nathan Perkovich (1-1-2), (3) Rob Davison (2 assists)….Alex Stalock made 7 saves for the Sharks, while Tyson Sexsmith made 13…Lowell’s Jeff Frazee made 20 saves… Worcester went 0/4 on the power play…Lowell went 2/6 on the power play.

Final shots were 33-27 in favor on the Sharks...Frazer McLaren scored his first goal of the season and added a fighting major in the third period…Logan Couture extended his point streak to six games (5-8-13) and tied for first in the AHL in points among rookies.

Brandon Mashinter extends his point streak against the Devils to 3-2-5 and recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick…Torrey Mitchell and Benn Ferriero (2 assists) made their first appearances with Worcester this season after being reassigned from San Jose earlier this week. With the additions, Worcester now has 11 players from Hockey East.

Upcoming Events

The Sharks have a busy weekend coming up, with home games on Saturday vs. Hartford and Sunday vs. Providence. On Saturday, Tiffany Thornton of the Disney Channel hit show Sonny with a Chance will be signing autographs on the concourse from 5:30-7:30pm.

On Sunday, the Sharks will be teaming up with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to hold the 4th Annual Canned Food Drive. All fans who donate canned food will receive a FREE voucher for a pair of tickets (compliments of Price Chopper) to a game on December 18th or 19th.

All fans that donate canned food at the Worcester Sharks game on November 15th will receive a FREE ticket voucher to the December 18th or 19th games, compliments of Price Chopper. Collected food will go directly to the Friendly House of Worcester to be distributed to needy families throughout the Worcester area.

“The Worcester Sharks are very proud to be associated with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Friendly House,” said Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr. “It is important for everyone to help those who are less fortunate, especially as we approach the holiday season.”

The 4th Annual Canned Food Drive got kicked off with an event at the Price Chopper on 50 Cambridge Street in Worcester on Friday, November 6th.

For more information regarding the 4th Annual Canned Food Drive visit the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com or contact the Worcester Sharks Front Office at 508-929-0500.

On Friday, The Sharks travel to Lowell for a 7p.m. tilt vs. the Lowell Devils.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Providence Bruins at 3:05p.m. Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket!

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center
Significant savings off box office ticket prices
Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, COV 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

KiXX Solidify Back Line Play With Signing Of Quartet

Todd Civin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:40:53 -0500

The two-time Major Indoor Soccer League champion Philadelphia KiXX announced four key signings today, solidifying their back line for the 2009-10 campaign. Defenders Joe Di Buono, Clay Roberts, and Kevin Coleman return to Philadelphia this season, while former Chicago Storm defender Will Kletzien will play his first season with the KiXX.

"I'm really happy with how our back line is looking for the upcoming season," player/head coach Don D'Ambra stated. "We have a nice mixture of youth and veteran leadership to join team captain Pat Morris, and I am excited to have all four of these players with our program for this year's campaign."

Di Buono appeared in 15 games for the KiXX last year, his first in Philadelphia, registering five points, and 14 blocks. After the indoor season concluded, the Montreal native was selected to the Canadian Beach Soccer Team, and competed in the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament.

He first played professional indoor soccer with the Milwaukee Wave in 2007, where he recorded 19 points, and 14 blocks in 22 contests. Prior to beginning his professional career, Di Buono attended Robert Morris College in Chicago, and was a First-Team All-North East Conference selection.

Roberts is set to play his third season with the KiXX. He originally suited up for the club during their 2005-06 campaign, and was a member of the 2007 MISL Championship side in Philadelphia. He scored a two-point shot to help the offensive attack last season, adding five blocks in 12 contests.

The Plant City, Florida, native began his professional career in USL-2 with the Charlotte Eagles from 2004-06, and he is currently the head coach of both the men's and women's soccer program at Philadelphia Biblical University.

Coleman is returning to Philadelphia this season for his second year of professional indoor soccer, after registering an assist, and a pair of blocks for the KiXX in 2007-08. The Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, native was named a NSCAA All-American, and Regional All-American while playing collegiate soccer for La Salle University.

He capped off a stellar club career by winning back-to-back national championships with FC Delco Arsenal. He also played high school soccer locally at Penncrest High School in Media, Pennsylvania.

Kletzien comes to Philadelphia via the Chicago Storm, where he did not miss a single game last season. He aided their offensive attack with nine points on a two-point tally, and seven assists, and he also blocked 11 shots on the year.

After receiving All-MAC accolades at the University of Akron, the Ohio native began his professional career with the Windsor Border Stars of the Canadian Soccer League in 2006. He then began his professional indoor career later that year with the Storm.

The Philadelphia KiXX will open their 2009-10 season this Sunday, Nov. 15, with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, Jan. 9, when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season, and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

World Champs Sky Blue FC To Hold Player Combines For Next Season

Todd Civin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:29:30 -0500

Defending Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a pair of open tryouts in the upcoming months with two player combines. The first open tryout will take place on Dec. 15-16, and the second on Jan. 5-6, with both combines hosted at Robbinsville Field House at 153 Manor Way in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

"We are looking for players with an ability to read the game and play one-two touch with a capability to give great passes," Sky Blue FC head coach Pauliina Miettinen remarked. "We want players who are able to make things happen with their personal strengths. We want players with a winning attitude."

Registration for each player combine is $75, and must be paid through the Sky Blue FC online registration that is listed below. The registration deadline for the December tryout is Thursday, Dec. 10, and the deadline for the January combine is Tuesday, Dec. 29. Hotel, and additional information is also available on the online registration page.

Dec. 15-16: Click here to register!
Jan. 5-6: Click here to register!

Each session of the open tryouts will run from 1-5:30 pm, and the combines will include both tactical, and technical training that will be led by the Sky Blue FC coaching staff. Players must arrive game-ready (cleats, no screw-ins), and prepared to participate on both days of their respective combine.

"The open tryouts are an opportunity for both Sky Blue FC, and aspiring players to connect," Sky Blue FC General Manager Gerry Marrone stated. "The point of our team is to find and foster talent on all levels --national, international-- and with the open tryouts, locally."

"We encourage any interested players to come out for this experience. The open tryout is an opportunity for players to get a sense of the professional level, get to know Sky Blue FC, and also a chance to be discovered as a developmental player for the team."

Also on hand at the combine, will be Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues, the W-League affiliate program of Sky Blue FC. Space for the open tryouts is limited, so interested players are encouraged to register as quickly as they can. These combines are intended for college seniors, or players who have completed their college eligibility, and all participants must be at least 18 years old.

ABOUT SKY BLUE FC

Operated by Sky Blue Soccer, Sky Blue FC is the New Jersey/New York franchise in Women's Professional Soccer. In 2009, Sky Blue FC captured the inaugural WPS Championship presented by MedImmune with an inspirational run through the playoffs. Sky Blue FC plays its home matches at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. For season ticket information, visit www.SkyBlueFC.com

ABOUT WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER (WPS)

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women's soccer league in the world, and the global standard by which women's professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009, with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league's eighth and ninth franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which kicks-off March 2010. For more information and tickets, visit www.womensprosoccer.com .

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by Sky Blue FC of the WPS. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, COV 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Veteran Duo Returns To Get Their KiXX

Todd Civin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:45:06 -0500

The Philadelphia KiXX announced a pair of key signings today when the team made official the return of midfielder Ptah Myers and forward Anthony Maher for the 2009-10 season. Myers is now entering his sixth year with the KiXX, while Maher is set to embark upon his ninth season overall and second in Philadelphia.

"In order to be a successful team on the field, we have to keep a core of veteran players," player/head coach Don D'Ambra stated. "Ptah and Anthony are both assets to our team, and they are both great representatives of our organization. They both show true professionalism off the field, and they are excellent players on it."

Myers was originally acquired by the KiXX as a free agent after a standout college career at the University of Massachusetts. The Columbus, Ohio, native tallied 33 points last year on 13 goals and seven assists, finishing fifth overall on the team in points.

For his career, he has registered 140 points on 61 goals and 30 helpers. Myers, who is a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team, has also blocked 116 shots during his five-year career.

Maher is a native of Cape May, New Jersey, and he was elected into the South Jersey Hall of Fame earlier this year. He is a graduate of Middle Township High School and is currently second all-time in points in school record books.

After high school graduation, he continued his offensive prowess at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he became the all-time leading scorer in program history. He was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year twice (2000, 2001) while playing for the Lakers, and he was named a Division II All-American in 2001.

Maher began his professional career with the Cleveland Force in 2002 and made stops with the Kansas City Comets (2003-05), Chicago Storm (2005-06), and Milwaukee Wave (2006-08) before coming to Philadelphia last season.

Maher, who has also played professionally outdoors in the United Soccer Leagues, finished fourth on the KiXX last year with 44 points. The 2008-09 season was one that also saw him surpass some impressive career milestones, including 100 goals and 200 points.

The Philadelphia KiXX will open their 2009-10 season on Sunday, November 15th, with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, January 9th, when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

2010 WPS Draft Looming; NCAA Championships Are Last Chance To Shine

Todd Civin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:55:45 -0500

The NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship tournament brackets were determined yesterday as the 2009 college soccer season comes to a close with the NCAA Championships and the 2009 NCAA Women’s College Cup®, December 4-6 in College Station, Texas.

The 2008 Women’s College Cup® saw some exciting play from several college seniors who went on to make a splash in Women’s Professional Soccer during the inaugural season this past year.

Those players included: Stanford’s Allison Falk (Philadelphia Independence), and Notre Dame’s Brittany Bock (Los Angeles Sol), two rookies who anchored the back line for the regular season champions Los Angeles Sol before Falk was traded in the off-season.

Notre Dame forward Kerri Hanks (Sky Blue FC), who was traded mid-season from Saint Louis to New Jersey, notched one of the team’s most important goals of the year against Chicago to help Sky Blue FC in their late season playoff push.

Other players who saw their stock rise during last year's championship run included UNC’s Yael Averbuch (Sky Blue FC), and Allie Long (Washington Freedom), both of whom were key components in their teams reaching the WPS Playoffs.

UCLA’s Tina DiMartino (FC Gold Pride) midfield creativity was on display throughout the season as a regular in the starting 11 with FC Gold Pride.

With the NCAA Championship tournament just days away, some of the top experts in the women’s game provided their “Top five WPS Prospects” in preparation for the 2010 WPS Draft on January 15, 2010 at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

Top WPS Prospects

Dan Lauletta, Womensprosoccer.com
1. Tobin Heath, M, North Carolina
2. Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
4. Kelley O’Hara, F, Stanford
5. Michelle Enyeart, M/F, Portland
Others to Watch: Gina DiMartino, F, Boston College; Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina; Ali Riley, D, Stanford

Graham Hays, ESPN.com
1. Tobin Heath, M, North Carolina
2. Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Kelley O’Hara, F, Stanford
4. Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
5. Blakely Mattern, D, South Carolina
Others to Watch: Jordan Angeli, D, Santa Clara; Kiersten Dallstream, F, Washington State, Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland; Becky Edwards, M/D, Florida State; Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina; Michelle Enyeart, M/F, Portland; Kaley Fountain, F, Wake Forest, Erin Guthrie, GK, Rutgers;

Paul Kennedy, Soccer America
1. Tobin Heath, M, North Carolina
2. Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Kelley O'Hara, F, Stanford
4. Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
5. Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
Others to Watch: Becky Edwards, M/D, Florida State; Brittany Taylor, M/D, Connecticut

Mark Rogondino, Fox Soccer Channel
1. Kelly O'Hara, F, Stanford
2. Tobin Heath, M, North Carolina
3. Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
4. Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
5. Kristin Olsen, GK, USC
Others to Watch: Kelly Isleib, F, Utah; Andrea Willis, D, BYU

Scott French, The Soccer Magazine
1. Tobin Heath, M, North Carolina
2. Lauren Cheney, F, UCLA
3. Whitney Engen, D, North Carolina
4. Kelley O'Hara, F, Stanford
T5. Alyssa Naeher, GK, Penn State
T5. Casey Nogueira, F, North Carolina
Others to Watch: Kelsey Davis, GK, Portland; Ashlyn Harris, GK, North Carolina; Kara Lang, F/M, UCLA; Nikki Washington, F, North Carolina

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league’s eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which begins March 2010. For more information, visit www.womensprosoccer.com .

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by the WPS and reprinted as part of an agreement with the Bleacher Report. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report, Seamheads and Sports Then and Now.

Sonny with a Chance Star Tiffany Thornton to Sign Autographs at Sharks Game

Todd Civin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:48:31 -0500

Worcester Sharks President, and CEO Michael T. Lehr has announced that Tiffany Thornton, from the hit television show Sonny with a Chance, will appear, and sign autographs, at the Sharks versus Hartford Wolf Pack game at the DCU Center on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:05 p.m., presented by Irving Oil.

“The Sharks provide family fun entertainment and by flying in Tiffany Thornton gives our young fans a unique opportunity to meet a character from one of their favorite television shows,” said Lehr. “Last seasons celebrity signings were a huge hit and we look forward to another successful appearance on the 14th.”

Tiffany Thornton will sign autographs in the concourse at the DCU Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fans may purchase a family four pack, which includes four tickets, and two pictures of Tiffany Thornton, for just $15.00 per person (additional tickets are $15.00 each).

All Sharks fans 16-years-old and younger are eligible for an autograph, and are available at a first-come first served basis. Season ticket holders will be given the opportunity to enter through the Season Ticket Holder entrance at 5:15 p.m. Doors will open for the general public at 5:30 p.m.

Thornton plays Tawni Hart, a spoiled, and sometimes mean-spirited teenage television star on the Disney Channel Original Series Sonny with a Chance . Tiffany’s character goes out of the way to torment the title character, played by Demi Lovato.

Tiffany also appeared in two episodes of Hannah Montana as Becky, and three episodes on The O.C. as the character Ashley.

The next celebrity appearance will take place on Sunday, Jan. 31, when Chaske Spencer from the movie series Twilight will sign autographs during the game versus the Lowell Devils.

The entire event is brought to you be Irving Oil. Please stop by your local Irving Oil dealer today!

Irving Oil, with U.S. headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H., and Canadian headquarters in Saint John, N.B., is a leading regional refining and marketing company that serves retail, commercial, industrial, and residential customers in Eastern Canada, and New England, with a range of finished energy products, and complementary services.

The company offers fuel at more than 700 locations in Atlantic Canada, and New England, including company-operated, leased, and independent sites. For more information, please visit www.irvingoil.com.

For more information on this ticket offer, contact the Worcester Sharks Front Office today by calling 508.929.0500! Log onto www.SharksAHL.com for the complete promotional schedule, and up to date information!

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices! Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates, and playoff home games at the DCU Center
Significant savings off box office ticket prices
Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500, or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

All games can be heard live on 580AM, and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

The previous story was excerpted from a press release by Todd Civin. Civin is a writer for Bleacher Report, Seamheads and Sports, Then and Now.

Women's Soccer: World Champs Sky Blue FC Presents Winterfest 2009

Todd Civin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:34:30 -0500

Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC announced the plans for its 2009 WinterFest. Scheduled to take place on Dec. 6 at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J., the two-hour event features a free coaching clinic and season ticket select-a-seat.

"We're excited to have WinterFest on tap because it means the season is right around the corner," Sky Blue FC Senior Director of Sales Mike Milich said. "WinterFest is going to be a fun day for everyone who comes out to Yurcak Field, and it will truly give fans a chance to find what they think is the best seat in the house!"

WinterFest will run from 1-3 p.m. that Sunday afternoon, and the event will be free to the public.

Members of the Sky Blue FC coaching staff will be on hand to conduct the training session for interested players, giving them the unique experience of participating in the same system as the 2009 WPS Champions.

At the conclusion of the clinic, coaches and staff of the team will participate in a special meet-and-greet session.

Along with discounted merchandise on sale, fans will also be able to personally select their season ticket seats for the 2010 season.

Sky Blue FC will no longer have general admission seating for the upcoming year, so fans are encouraged to come out to WinterFest with family and friends to ensure they get their favorite seat. Season ticket packages start as low as $99.

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Sky Blue FC recently announced a special holiday offer in the form of season tickets and a flex ticket package.

The holiday season ticket package starts at $99 and comes with a Sky Blue FC winter scarf and autographed team photo, both free with purchase (while supplies last).

The holiday flex package is $125 for 10 games and $50 for a four-match pack, both of which include a free gift of an autographed team photo.

To receive either package before Christmas, fans must order prior to Dec. 17, and the offer will run until Jan. 1, 2010.

Those seeking more information about the holiday ticket packages or WinterFest can call the Sky Blue FC sales team at 888—SBFC—TIX.

ABOUT SKY BLUE FC

Operated by Sky Blue Soccer, Sky Blue FC is the New Jersey/New York franchise in Women's Professional Soccer.

In 2009, Sky Blue FC captured the inaugural WPS Championship presented by MedImmune with an inspirational run through the playoffs.

Sky Blue FC plays its home matches at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. For season ticket information, visit www.SkyBlueFC.com

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by Sky Blue FC of the WPS and reprinted with permission of the Bleacher Report. Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for BR, Seamheads, and Sports Then and Now.

Veteran Morris Returns To Get His KiXX In Philadelphia

Todd Civin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:02:53 -0500

The two-time Major Indoor Soccer League champion Philadelphia KiXX announced today that the club has come to terms with fan favorite defender Pat Morris. The Philadelphia native, who won his second Defender of the Year award last season, is heading into his 11th year with the club.

"Pat has been with our program for a long time," said head coach Don D'Ambra, who has played alongside Morris the entire time he has been with the team. "He is a great asset to our team, and he represents the organization very well, both on and off the field. Pat is a player that always leads by example, and I'm very excited to have him back."

Morris is coming off a very successful 2008-09 campaign in which he finished third in the league with 51 points, and his six three-point goals were best among the entire league. He added 11 two-pointers and 11 assists to his season statistics, receiving his seventh career nod to the All-League Team.

During the year, he also achieved many personal feats including a franchise record 500 blocks while also eclipsing the 400-point mark. His stellar season resulted in his second career Defender of the Year award.

"I love playing in front of the great fans here in Philadelphia, and I'm excited to be back for my 11th season," Morris commented. "This is where I always wanted to be, and I'm glad we were able to come to terms. While I have a lot of soccer left in my legs, I hope to eventually finish my career playing with the KiXX."

Morris wasted little time in addressing what he hopes to be a great season of indoor soccer in the City of Brotherly Love.

"Going into the season, our main goal is not to just make the playoffs, but to win a championship," he stated. "As a team, we're looking to bounce back this year and do whatever we have to do to achieve our goal."

Morris is a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, which recently announced plans to close its doors at the end of the school year. He made his professional indoor debut with the KiXX on November 26, 1999, in a road contest against the Montreal Impact. He currently ranks third in franchise history by playing in 319 regular season games, trailing only D'Ambra and long-time netminder Peter Pappas.

For his illustrious career, the hard-nosed defender has registered 422 points, tallying 169 goals and 115 assists. He has been a member of both KiXX championship teams, and the Philadelphia University graduate has also logged time with the U.S. National Futsal Team.

Morris and the rest of the Philadelphia KiXX open their 2009-10 season on Sunday, November 15th, with a road contest against La Raza de Monterrey. The team will play their historic first game at the Liacouras Center on Saturday, January 9th, when they host the Rockford Rampage at 7:00 p.m. Season and group ticket packages for the KiXX are available now by calling 1-888-888-KiXX.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Philadelphia KiXX of the MISL. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, CVF 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Worcester Sharks Are Part of The Solution During Record Unemployment

Todd Civin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:46:19 -0500

The Worcester Sharks organization continues to show why they are part of the solution during these tough economic times with yet another in a long line of positive gestures that benefit Worcester and the surrounding communities.

Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr has announced a new program, which provides FREE tickets for Wednesday home games at the DCU Center for the 2009-10 season to Sharks fans and their families that have lost their jobs.

“During the difficult economic times over the last few years, the Sharks have been fortunate to have the continued support of the Worcester community,” said team president and CEO Michael T. Lehr. “The Sharks invite all families to take advantage of this terrific offer in hopes that they will buy tickets in the future when the economy turns around.”

The FREE tickets for the unemployed will be available for up to four family members and only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game. All fans that wish to receive a FREE ticket(s) must present a valid proof of unemployment and a valid form of identification.

The program, in conjunction with Sharks Charities, will offer FREE tickets for the unemployed and their families during the following SIX Wednesday home games:

Wednesday, November 11th vs. Lowell – 1:05p.m.
Wednesday, November 18th vs. Portland – 7:05p.m.
Wednesday, January 13th vs. Springfield – 7:05p.m.
Wednesday, January 27th vs. Manitoba – 7:05p.m.
Wednesday, February 24th vs. Portland – 7:05p.m.
Wednesday, March 10th vs. Hartford – 7:05p.m.

Earlier this season, the Sharks continued "BE A LEADER" program dedicated a "Community Service Day" which included the entire Worcester Sharks team and office along with the staff of Abigail Williams & Associates to revamp the exterior of the Clark Street Community School in Worcester.

With the help from local businesses and friends, the BE A LEADER Community Service Day created a new outdoor street hockey surface, revamped the baseball field and basketball court, and made a new service road for the school. Click HERE to watch video from the 1st annual BE A LEADER Community Service Day!

For more information on this ticket offer, contact the Worcester Sharks Front Office today by calling 508.929.0500! Log onto www.SharksAHL.com for the complete promotional schedule and up to date information!

Now in their fourth season in Worcester, the Sharks look forward to another exciting season highlighted by the improvements of the ice surface at the DCU Center and the reduction of season ticket prices!

Sharks fans may secure their 2009-10 season tickets today by calling 508-929-0500. Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center
Significant savings off box office ticket prices
Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com .

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Worcester Sharks. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads .

He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, CVF 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.

Major Indoor Soccer League Kicking Off Again

Todd Civin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:11:09 -0500

The National Indoor Soccer League announced today that the league has changed its name to the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). The league released its 2009-10 schedule in mid October and will move forward as planned, under the new name.

The season will open in Baltimore on November 13 with the Baltimore Blast hosting the Rockford Rampage in a rematch of the 2009 championship game.

"The National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) name served our league and teams very well during our 2008-09 inaugural season," said MISL Commissioner David Grimaldi.

"Recently, the opportunity to acquire the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) name and trademarks presented itself and we seized it. While changing league names after one year is not something we would normally consider from a branding perspective, we felt confident it would benefit our league and our sport.

The MISL name and brand has tremendous historical significance, having been the name of the first professional indoor soccer league in North America. It is immediately recognizable in the worldwide soccer community and has terrific brand value. It pays tribute to our long heritage and was an opportunity we could not pass up."

The original MISL-style of professional indoor soccer was introduced in the United States in 1978 and is now in its third lifespan. Indoor soccer was developed to appeal to sports fans around the world. The fast-paced, fiercely competitive game is played on artificial turf on a hockey-rink-sized field surrounded by dasher boards and Plexiglas.

MISL games feature multi-point scoring in which all goals scored are worth two points, except those goals scored on shot attempts from on or beyond the 45-foot arc surrounding the goal, which are worth three points.

The indoor game is known for its creative dribbling, pinpoint passing, acrobatic goalkeeping, rugged defensive play, as well as action-packed power plays and free substitution of players while play continues.

The MISL will consist of five member clubs in 2009-10: the Baltimore Blast, La RaZa de Monterrey, Philadelphia KiXX, Rockford Rampage, and the Milwaukee Wave. The regular season will run for 18 weeks, commencing on Friday, November 13 with a rematch of the 2009 Championship game when the Baltimore Blast host the Rockford Rampage.

The regular season will conclude on Sunday, March 21 and the postseason is set to start the following weekend with the top three teams qualifying.

The second-and third-place teams will square-off in a home-and-home Semifinal series with the winner advancing to battle the top seed. The top seed will receive a bye in the opening round and will host the Championship Game.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by the Major Indoor Soccer League and Resolution Sports. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads. He is a supporter of the children’s book A Glove of Their Own. A Glove of Their Own is the award winning book which teaches pay it forward through sports. Please visit the site and purchase the book under today’s donor code, CVF 113 Covenant House as $3.00 from each sale will help this worthwhile charity.