Bleacher Report - Articles by Wise Guides

Notre Dame Football on, Yawn, NBC...Try To Stay Awake

Wise Guides — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:03:24 -0500

Since Notre Dame signed the contract with NBC to broadcast every Irish home game to the entire nation in 1991—yes, it’s been that long—these games have become marathons, usually lasting well over three hours and sometimes approaching the four-hour mark.

There have been periodic references to this trend in the media, but I’ve never seen a great outcry from anywhere or even a close look at why this is the case (more and longer commercials, I’ve always assumed).

And really, who in the mainstream media is going to do such a critique, NBC? Or any of the other outlets, ABC, CBS, ESPN, who rely on the popularity of televised sports to make millions? They’re not going to explore the annoying trend to more commercials and longer games out of South Bend or anywhere else.

Something about not biting the hand that feeds you. I did email the SID’s office to try to get the average time of Irish home games but haven’t heard back yet. I’ll provide an update if that changes.

Short of that I decided to take a closer look at a Notre Dame home game, the recent one against USC, and compare that to a game on rival ABC, Iowa at Ohio State, in the same afternoon time slot.

Well, the Irish may be struggling (again) on the gridiron, but they’re kicking butt when it comes to time of game. That contest against USC lasted three hours and 40 minutes, crushing the OSU-Iowa tilt, which went just over three hours (3:05).

And while the ND game ended in regulation, Ohio State won after one overtime session (if "session" is the right word for the weird college football OT format). That Big Ten game went about 2:50 in regulation.

Way to go Irish! I’m not going to document every commercial break for you from that USC game but I’ll hit some lowlights.

We get our first commercial break less than two minutes in (13:04) after one USC possession.
Four commercials and the Irish are on offense, but quickly turn it back over to the hucksters (at the 10:56 mark).
Five more commercials and back to Notre Dame Stadium. So, just over four minutes into the game and there’s already been two breaks and about as many commercials as plays. Not a good start for fans who tuned in to, you know, watch football.
The next break comes with 8:47 left in the first quarter after a USC score...but you get the idea.

Halftime lasted a whopping 22 minutes and included college football highlights and an appearance by SNL’s Seth Myers at the Weekend Update desk. There was plenty of that self-promotion by NBC throughout, especially for the next night’s NFL game on the network.

The litany continued in the second half, the most maddening example coming with 10:29 to go in the fourth quarter after a Notre Dame player was injured. The player was down but then got up quickly and was shown walking to the sideline, but apparently not fast enough.

NBC went to a break and five commercials ensued...and I’m thinking "Too bad for the players and fans in attendance, but thank God for TIVO."

At the Ohio State-Iowa game, the first break didn’t come until there was 8:12 left in the first quarter; at Notre Dame they’d had three commercial breaks by then. To be fair, halftime at the Buckeyes’ game lasted about 21 minutes, so there was little difference there, and there was slightly more scoring in the Notre Dame game, which adds time (they lost 34-27 while OSU won 27-24).

And some clock confusion at the end of the ND game—the refs put one second back on the clock that allowed for another final play—added about five minutes to the broadcast.

Still, there’s no excuse to justify these football epics if you’re a fan that just wants to watch the damn game. So to ND fans, my condolences.

I’m not trying to pick on Domers here, because certainly all the networks milk these college and pro games for all they’re worth (anybody else notice the incredibly annoying development in the NFL when they now go to commercial after the kickoff? So it’s touchdown-commercials-kickoff-commercials. I hope whoever came up with that burns in hell).

But one big reason I wanted to take a closer look at ND/NBC was because I’ve heard complaints from those very same fans. As I researched a book on Notre Dame Stadium (shameless plug) fans told me how difficult it is to stay pumped and focused for four hours—imagine what it’s like for the players, too—how if you tailgated hard you go from buzz to hangover headache by halftime, to tired and dying of thirst in the third quarter.

One Irish alum chuckled when I asked if she’d taken her kid to a game, saying there was no way her little one would sit on a bleacher seat for four hours.

The things people (or in this case religious institutions of higher learning) do for money. The Notre Dame administration says all those millions go to support worthy athletic and academic programs and initiatives on campus, including scholarships for needy kids, and let’s hope so.

I’m certain there are plenty of ND fans, yawning through yet another TV timeout, who might wonder if it’s all worth it. With mediocre ratings and another mediocre team on the field, administrators at Notre Dame and execs at NBC should be wondering the same thing.

Andy Buchanan, Wise Guides

World Series: SI Predicts Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Howard Homerfest

Wise Guides — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:46:59 -0400

This week's Sports Illustrated previewed the World Series with a cover story with the following headline: "Welcome to the Big Bash," and this subhead, "Ryan Howard + A-Rod = World Series Home Run Derby."

Or maybe not. After two games Rodriguez and Howard have combined to go 2-for-17 with 12 strikeouts and zero home runs. Howard has both of the hits, and both players have six Ks. Good call SI.

Or maybe it's the famous SI jinx at work. It's known more for bringing down teams, but maybe in this case it's affected a couple of players. Howard and A-Rod have at least three more games to prove that wrong.

Wise Guides

A Plea From a Buckeye Fan: Get Rid of The Pretty Pony Helmets

Wise Guides — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:49:52 -0400

I was watching last weekend's Ohio State-Illinois game, with the rain coming down in the Horseshoe and the lights starting to take affect in the late afternoon, when my buddy says: "What's up with the Pretty Pony helmets?"

When the camera closed in on a Buckeye player, the helmets sparkled. I've noticed this in the last couple of seasons but it was accentuated by the rain and lights. The photo above doesn't really capture the sparkly affect you saw on TV. Yes, helmets can shine in the sun and under the lights, but this is different.

They've obviously added something to the paint they slather on the helmets, and as a Buckeye fan I must say, I hate it. When I'm watching the Bucks I don't want to have thoughts of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP_rIAkb_v8. Certainly Archie Griffin and Chris Spileman never wore sparkly helmets. Spielman probably would have smashed his into bits and gone out bare-headed.

I suppose one plus is that the helmets will fill up with Buckeye stickers as the season progresses and the sparkles will be less noticeable. So, keep the classic uniforms OSU, of course, but get rid of the sparkles please.

Now about that sweater vest...

Andy Buchanan, Wise Guides

Preseason Football at Regular Season Prices...An NFL Travesty

Wise Guides — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:15:32 -0400

Convenience fees on tickets that are definitely inconvenient on your wallet. $5 hot dogs and $9 beers. Personal Seat Licenses. The NBA regular season. There are many scams in sports today, but is there a greater one than preseason NFL games at regular season prices?

The Chicago Bears played the Cleveland Browns last night in their final exhibition game, and fans got to pay regular prices to watch a bunch of back-ups fight for roster spots. Most won't make it, and those that do will mostly see action on special teams. So I guess I'll answer my own question: Yes, it IS the biggest rip-off in sports.

I'm a Bears season-ticket holder, so I get the eight regular season home games but am also required to buy tickets for the two exhibition (the NFL hates that word!) games, and at the same prices. It's a joke.

In last night's game Jay Cutler handed off six times and then took a seat. And doesn't he look thrilled following the action in the above photo from the Chicago Tribune?

The truth is, these games, especially the final one when most of the starters play little or not at all, are nothing more than a money-grab by the teams and the league. They don't reduce prices for tickets or parking or beers because the star running back never got off the bench.

Of course you could argue that you don't have to go to these games, and I don't. But as a season-ticket holder you're locked in to paying for them. So my partner and I try to sell them, and this year we actually got buyers for some of them at face value. We usually have to offer them at half price, and even then get stuck with some.

One year I stopped at the local Boys and Girls Club and gave them to the guy at the front desk. He was thankful but I almost felt guilty ... 'Here, take my tickets to this game you couldn't pay me to go to. Hope the kids have fun.'

I know there has been discussion about eliminating one or two of the preseason games and expanding the regular season schedule to 17 or 18 games (the NFL will never give up those pay days). I don't like the idea of expanding the season because I think it waters down the product and will create more medicore, meaningless games—for more of my thoughts on that go here.

What I would prefer is that the NFL stop insulting our intelligence and stealing from our wallets by pretending these games are significant and then charging us full price for them. They are exhibitions, practice games, and fans should receive a break on them.

The preseason is necessary, but if the league and the teams want to at all combat the image that their only priority is filling their own coffers, then they should make a change. The fans deserve it.

Andy Buchanan

Here's Guessing Brett Favre Won't Make It to Opening Weekend

Wise Guides — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:30 -0400

Am I the only one who thinks Brett Favre is now wondering, "Oh sh*t, what did I get myself into?"

He's had a few practices and been reminded that NFL players aren't the same as high school kids running pass patterns in Mississippi. He's met his new teammates and they seem even younger than before, which of course they are. He's also looked at the schedule and been reminded what a grind the NFL season can be.

So when he stares into the mirror at the end of the day and sees that gray mug looking back at him, he's got to be having his doubts already. It's really not a stretch at all, considering just three weeks ago he supposedly decided he didn't want to play.

And now we're supposed to believe he's fully committed to this Vikings team and this season? After all the waffling he's done over the past year or so?

He's more undecided than a stoner at a Baskin-Robbins who's only got two bucks in his pocket. Yet the Vikings and the NFL marketing machine are shilling his purple No. 4 jerseys like mad.

If I were a Vikes fan, I'd hold off on plunking down $80 for that, and maybe ask a Jet fan how he feels now about that green and white No. 4 he has. Maybe if you hold on to it for a few decades it'll be like a novelty item, because most fans won't even remember that Favre played anywhere but Green Bay.

Kind of like you have to be reminded that Joe Namath finished a Ram, Johnny Unitas a Charger, and O.J. Simpson a 49er.

Anyway, I'm not big on predictions, but I just have this feeling Favre won't even make it to the opening game. He'll throw a couple interceptions in a boring preseason game and realize the desire isn't there—which wouldn't at all be surprising, since it apparently wasn't less than a month ago.

Or he'll get injured, which again would be unsurprising for a soon-to-be 40-year-old dude going against much younger, much faster, much more focused players.

So I'd tell Sage Rosenfels to stay in shape, and I'd advise fans to hold off splurging on season tickets and jerseys. The Vikes web site says due to high demand it could take four weeks for the thing to arrive, and by then Favre could be back on his lawnmower in Mississippi.

I think the only No. 4 jerseys at the Metrodome this season will be on sad-looking fans in the stands.

Andy Buchanan, Wise Guides

Chicago Cubs Demote Jeff Samardzija to Grounds Crew?

Wise Guides — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:19:38 -0400

Jeff Samardzija has been a disappointment for the Chicago Cubs this year, getting knocked around pretty good when he wasn't being shuttled back down to Iowa.

In 17 appearances with the Cubs this year, Samardzija has compiled a 7.81 ERA. After his only start of the season last week—seven runs in three-and-one-third innings—I suggested to a friend that the former Notre Dame All-America wide receiver consider joining the Chicago Bears. Seriously, he could probably start this season.

But then I saw this (the above photo) after Saturday's game. Apparently the Cubs demoted him to the grounds crew, as he can be seen getting ready to rake the visitors' bullpen in the above shot.

At first I thought it was a pretty radical move, but hey, yard work can clear your head.

I was going to call the Cubs organization to get a comment from the club, but this being a blog, I quickly squelched any desire to practice actual journalism. Instead, I perused the team Web site and saw an announcement that Samardzija had actually been optioned back to Iowa.

Too bad...I'm thinking some time with that rake would have been as good as another start against the Portland Beavers.

Wise Guides Samples Women's Pro Soccer and Comes Out Converted...Sort of

Wise Guides — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:30:04 -0400

My wife and I took our girls out to see the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday evening (that's women's pro soccer, for the uninitiated), and I was just settling into my seat when I heard a shout..."Andrew Buchanan! Is that you?"

My first thought was, of course, "Uh oh, what did I do?" Yes, I was with the wife and kids, but when solo or with buddies I've still been known to try to sneak into better seats or smuggle something into the stadium that isn't allowed.

"It's David Quinn with the Red Stars," the man said. "Just want to make sure your seats are okay."

"Yea, good," I said, still a little stunned. My wife asked how I knew that guy.

I told her he must be the group ticket dude just checking up on folks, but then remembered I'd only bought six tickets and didn't go through the group office. I did buy the tickets through my daughter's soccer league, so maybe that's how he knew.

Anyway, it was an immediate sign that this wasn't Wrigley Field or any of the other pro sports stadiums in town. In those places it often seems like they almost want you to have a miserable time.

I've left games at Soldier Field and half expected an employee to be standing outside shouting, "And don't come back!"

At the Red Stars game, Mr. Quinn could later be seen leading cheers, and they deliver your tub of popcorn to your seats. My wife went to get some snacks and they just happened to be popping some new corn.

After apologizing profusely, the girl at the concession stand said she'd bring the popcorn to our seats. And she did within five minutes.

There was also the nice moment pictured above, when after the game one of the players, upon being told it was my daughter's fifth birthday, pulled her onto the field for a photo.

It was the final home game of the season and many of the players lingered long afterward to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.

The team also held a sign thanking fans, showing yet again how far this was from the NFL or NBA.

We had arranged to have a birthday message flashed on the big screen for my daughter (for a $35 donation to charity) and were told it would go up at the 35th minute of the game.

When that moment came and went with no message, I tracked down a team employee and he was deeply concerned.

He apologized several times and said he'd look into it right away. A few minutes later another team employee came to our seats to say the message would run twice in the second half. And it did.

Shortly after that I devoured a delicious plate of nachos that was infinitely better than any nacho-type dish I've eaten at a sporting event anywhere, and I was starting to enjoy this women's soccer thing.

And the inspired Red Stars were kicking tail, going up 2-0 and then answering a late Los Angeles Sol goal with one of their own. The final: 3-1.

So we had that going for us, too. I visited the team website before the game and learned that the Red Stars actually kind of suck and that the Sol had already clinched the league title and qualified for the playoffs.

L.A. had beaten Chicago 4-0 a month earlier, so maybe they were mailing it in on this night...apparently the women do share something with their male counterparts in pro sports.

I'm somewhat of a soccer novice and share the concern of many Americans about the sport: the lack of freakin' scoring!

I mean, the Red Stars had a stretch this season when they scored two goals in nine games. Not two goals each game, two goals total. That may help explain why the team hasn't exactly swept the city off its feet.

Actually, that's kind of a cheap shot. They seated all the fans on one side of Toyota Park, so our side of the stadium was full, and the announced crowd was 7,959, the largest of the year for the Red Stars.

Still, it says something when you feel the need to do that. The Marlins don't block off portions of the upper deck at Landshark Stadium because they're afraid somebody will get heat stroke up there.

Toyota Park is the home of the MLS Chicago Fire, and it's a nice place to see a game. The location in suburban Bridgeview leaves much to be desired, but the stadium itself is beautiful and has great sightlines. And for this night, anyway, it had a winning Red Stars team and some happy fans.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to begin following women's pro soccer, but David Quinn and those other earnest team employees will be glad to know this: If the WPS lives to see another year and the Red Stars are back in Toyota Park, we probably will be, too.

Andy Buchanan

iPhone App for Yankee Stadium Released

Wise Guides — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:41:45 -0400

iPhone app for Yankee Stadium gives fans inside scoop on Bronx Bombers’ new home

Fans can get tips about the new Stadium, play trivia game on phone

NEW YORK –Fans making a pilgrimage to the new Yankee Stadium or who simply want to learn more about the ballpark and the history of this most storied of baseball franchises can now install an application on their iPhone and iPod touch from Wise Guides.

Curious about why so many home runs are flying out of the new park or how many calories are in that tub of popcorn you just bought? Want to know what train to take to the game and which nearby bar Babe Ruth used to occasionally visit for a post-game beverage? It’s all in the new Yankee Stadium iPhone app from Wise Guides, creators of ballpark and stadium guides.

Besides helpful and funny tips and anecdotes about the new Stadium and the Yankees, the application also includes an entertaining trivia game for those down times between pitches. Answer a question correctly and hear the roar of the crowd from your phone.

Got one wrong?

Just give the phone a shake and the next question pops up. And the app also has reviews of dozens of Big Apple restaurants, bars and clubs, provides mapping, and a feature allowing users to send in their own suggestions and stories about the Yankee Stadium experience. The Wise Guide.

Yankee Stadium: Here's Why it's Homer Heaven

Wise Guides — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:26:08 -0400

When the new Yankee Stadium opened the team noted that the dimensions were exactly the same as at the old place:

left-field line: 318 feet

left-center: 399

center field: 408

right-center: 385

right-field line: 314

But that's misleading. Researchers (baseball geeks) looking for an explanation for all of the home runs that have been flying out of the new place, especially toward right field, found that parts of the fence in right are actually closer to home by several feet than they were in the original stadium. The wall in Ruth's house curved out toward center field, but in the new stadium it's straight due to the manual scoreboard embedded in it. The wall is also only eight feet high compared to 10 feet in the old stadium.

So, forget those wind studies you planned, the answer to the home run barrage is in the wall.

A gift for the Cubs fan who's dying to show their loyalty... or just dying

Wise Guides — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:59:51 -0400

The argument has been made that Cubs fans aren't really that dedicated, that they're mostly a bunch of yuppies who turn Wrigley Field into the world's largest outdoor saloon, and that they couldn't tell you the right fielder's name or what the score is. But when you want to get buried in a Cubs-themed casket or have your ashes placed in a Cubs urn, that's saying something.

I was picking my daughter up from camp the other day on the North Side of Chicago when I saw this about a mile from Wrigley.

Yes, that's the Cubs logo on the inside of a casket, and in the corner of the window is a placard advertising a Cubs urn for your ashes. To be fair, they also had a placard for the White Sox. Here's a closer look...

... and a shot from a news story a year or so ago about the baseball-themed urns:

I know this trend is hot among fans of college football powers, too, so it's definitely not exclusive to the Cubs. But I enjoyed seeing it while traversing the North Side. Personally, I don't think I'll go that route... not because I think it's over the top—I don't. If someone spent a good deal of their life cheering for and agonizing over the Cubs, then why not show it on the way out, too. I'm just somewhat clautrophobic and can't imagine being put in a box underground. And the ashes-in-the-urn thing I can't really think about right now, either.

Maybe what I'd really like is for my friends and relevatives to take me to a game at Wrigley and prop me up in the bleachers... kind of a like a Weekend at Bernie's for Wrigleyville. Then they could carry me over to the Gingerman Tavern after the game, set me up on a bar stool, order me a Bell's Oberon and just leave me there. Yea, that's it.

Wrigley Field: More Good Press on Wise Guide

Wise Guides — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:16:07 -0400

Sports fans are going to love this. The Wise Guide series of books presents a succinct, all-inclusive look into what fans of various teams need to know to enjoy their trips to the stadium. The particular Guide I’m reviewing is for Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, but there are also Wise Guide books out for Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, AT&T Park, Ohio Stadium, and Notre Dame Stadium available at their Web site.

These books are perfect both for new fans who want the know-how that lifetime fans have built up over the years, and for the old pros who may want to brush up on some of their stadium knowledge. Honestly, these books seem like the perfect gift, possibly as stocking-stuffer because of their small size, for any sports fan.

The Wise Guide to Wrigley Field is a small, palm pleasing book that measures about six-inches tall and four-inches wide. I mention this because the design of a book of this nature is incredibly important, and I find its small size pleasing and fitting for the content. The book uses a simple white, red, and blue color scheme to match the Cub’s uniforms.

Each page of the Guide contains a new piece of advice on how to get yourself to, and enjoy yourself at, a game at Wrigley Field. The first page features advice on various places to get tickets, and continues on with advice such as how to make a game day Bloody Mary, Red Line instructions, how scoring in the game works, what the flags at the stadium mean, what the various calorie counts of the foods you can get at the stadium are, right on through what to do after the game is over.

It’s also chock full of fun extras like trivia and stories about the stadium’s history (have you heard of the Goat Curse?). Even the appendixes at the end of the book contain great information about Wrigleyville Restaurants, driving in the area, and baseball rules that might be less than obvious to a newbie fan. There’s also space in the back for autographs.

Personally, I can’t wait until there’s a Wise Guide out for The Big House (Go Blue!). These little books are fantastic. If you’ve ever fancied becoming a Cubs fan, I’d get out and buy this book today.

FULL REVIEW

A Texan Juice Box

Wise Guides — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:51:36 -0400

Minute Maid Park opened in 2000 on the spot downtown where Houston’s Union Station used to stand – a railroad station that is credited with bringing growth and prosperity to the city in the early part of the 20th century. The park’s design acknowledges this unique history, and fans notice allusions to railroad history and character when they sit on patios and porches that resemble train station platforms, or when they enter through the Union Station lobby.

The Astros moved from the Astrodome, cutting-edge for its time but rather drab and outdated by the turn of the century, and fans seem to appreciate the upgrade: the retractable roof that keeps out the rain and blistering summer heat and humidity, and the natural grass playing surface. Even with the roof closed, huge windows beyond left field that extend from the roof almost to the ground offer views of downtown and the George R. Brown Convention Center. And it’s hurricane-resistant glass.

The ballpark may be named after a major national brand of juice products – hence the nickname ‘the juice box’ – but there are touches of Texas culture around Minute Maid. There is the Conoco Philips Home Run Pump, a large model of a gas pump, on the short porch in left field; it’s a great location to snag a home run ball. And a replica of a 19th century locomotive runs along a track above left field in honor of the site’s former purpose.

Maybe the park’s most unique feature is on the field, though, up against the wall in straightaway center field. That’s the location of Tal’s Hill (named for team president Tal Smith), a slight slope leading up to the wall that’s topped by a flag pole, all of which is in play. Opposing centerfielders love it – not.

Fans looking for some off-the-field entertainment can hit the 9 Amigos restaurant and bar located in center field, or take the kids to the Squeeze Play area along the right field line. And speaking of kids, here’s a pretty cool little promotion from the Astros: children 14 and under can purchase $1 tickets for seats in the Outfield Deck section.

Like most ballparks, it’s the fans who make the scene, and at Minute Maid a group named Los Caballitos have become a staple at ‘Stros games. Los Caballitos, or “the little horses,” now have a reserved spot in Section 100, just above El Caballo himself, leftfielder Carlos Lee. They are recognizable by their straw hats and No. 45 Carlos Lee jerseys.

Are Cubs Fans Racist?

Wise Guides — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:37:59 -0400

Another racist t-shirt has popped up outside Wrigley Field, which leads to the question: Are Cubs fans racist? Or is it just the street vendors outside Wrigley? Or maybe the t-shirt makers?

This newest version shows the outline of a man cutting grass and says "Pujols mows my lawn." Another one says "Zambrano mows my lawn," which is odd to see outside Wrigley; vendors, I suppose, were hoping to sell it to Cardinals fans this past weekend. There's also one targeting White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen that says "Ozzie mows Wrigley Field."

That one first hit the streets last month, and while some reporters questioned whether it was racist, Ozzie largely deflated the issue by having fun with it. He bought one of the t-shirts and wore it when the Sox visited Wrigley.

"I might cut lawns, but I don't stand in the rain selling T-shirts," he said. That's kinda funny, but let's be clear: the shirts are racist. They play on stereotypes - that Hispanics do yard work and other menial jobs - and they are targeted only at members of that group. On the Pujols and Zambrano ones the man is wearing a sombrero, just so there's no confusion. Hispanics wear big, funny hats and cut our grass... ha, ha, ha!

All of this comes on the heels of the infamous Fukodome t-shirt peddled outside Wrigley, where a squinty-eyed Cub says "Horry Kow."

I've seen this on a handful of fans over the last year but apparently it's no longer available. The Cubs went after the maker for using a logo and not getting it licensed. I don't think they'll be able to do the same with the lawn mowing ones. There's no logo on it, and the vendors have no connection to the team.

Anyway, until I see a t-shirt that says Chase Utley or Joe Mauer mows my lawn you won't be able to convince me they're not racist. But does that mean Cubs fans are racist? I don't think so. Certainly the crowd at Wrigley Field is overwhelmingly white, and the fan base would never be described as racially diverse. But that can be said about many teams. Take a look at the crowd at the All-Star Game on Tuesday and see how racially diverse it is.

There have been incidents over the years: A few years back a black columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times wrote about being called "Aunt Jemima" outside Wrigley by some young whites; and LaTroy Hawkins said he received racist hate mail while pitching for the Cubs.

That's very troubling and disappointing, but I don't think it's at all indicative of Cubs fans as a whole. I've been going to games at Wrigley for 20 years and can't recall ever having heard a racial epithet hurled at any player. The bleacher bums were famous for standing at attention and saluting Gary 'Sarge' Matthews when he played for the Cubs in the early '80s, and for bowing to right fielder Andre Dawson. The Cubs have had two black managers, Don Baylor and Dusty Baker, which is two more than most Major League Baseball teams.

When Baker arrived and led the Cubs to the cusp of the World Series in 2003 a popular t-shirt around town read: 'In Dusty we trusty.' Of course, two years later these same fans despised Baker and were happy to see him go. That hatred always seemed out-sized to me and made me wonder if a white manager would have received the same treatment.

Oh well, race relations in the United States have always been complex. To those who would say that I'm overreacting to a silly t-shirt and being too politically correct, I'd argue otherwise. I'm not suggesting we arrest the vendors and build a bonfire with the shirts. I'm just calling it as I see it (and I'll leave discussion of the 'Green Gay Fudge Packers' t-shirt - see the top photo - for another day).

And there's one other thing Cubs fans have going for them: On Sunday night, with Pujols in the house, I didn't see a single fan wearing one of the t-shirts. Let's hope it stays that way and the shirts quietly fade away.

Andy Buchanan

Watch Out Cubs! Here Come The Cardinals

Wise Guides — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:56:50 -0400

"The rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals is probably the oldest and best in baseball, no matter how the Red Sox and Yankees spit and spite at each other. That's a tabloid-fueled soap opera about money and ego and sound bites. That's a pair of bratty high-priced supermodels trying to trip each other in their stilettos on the runway. The Cards-Cubs epic is about roots and geography and territorial rights. It's entwined in the Midwestern blood and therefore refreshing and honest and even heroic."

-Buzz Bissinger, from 3 Nights in August

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry is one of the most intense in baseball, dating back to when players traveled by train and these two franchises represented the western edge of the Major Leagues.

The teams first played in 1892 and have faced each other more than 2,000 times since, with the Cubs holding a slight edge overall. There is little doubt the Cardinals have the more impressive past, though, with 10 world titles to the Cubs’ two. The Cards have two pennants and a World Series title this decade alone.

That can make the annual invasion of Cards' fans somewhat annoying, although they are almost uniformly friendly.

You'll see them strolling Michigan Avenue in their conspicuous, bright red caps, riding the El up to the park in packs and, on summer weekends, taking up a good many seats at Wrigley. Although ballpark disputes are rare, a little creative heckling never hurt anyone.

Yankees All-Time Line-Up

Wise Guides — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:03:20 -0400

Imagine having to fill out a line-up card for an all-time Yankees team … Mantle or DiMaggio in center? Jeter or Rizzuto at short? Whitey, Lefty or Red on the mound? And who’s going to manage this group? There are Hall of Famers or potential Hall of Famers at every position, so let the debate begin. Here’s one swing at it (three deep at each position):

C: Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Thurman Munson

Dickey was an 11-time All-Star and Munson was the heart and soul of the championship Yanks of the ’70s, but Yogi is Yogi—three A.L. MVP awards, 10 World Series titles, and maybe the franchise’s best clutch hitter ever.

1B: Lou Gehrig, Don Mattingly, Bill Skowron

Great nicknames here—Donnie Baseball and Moose—but nothing beats the Iron Horse, or his .340 batting average, 493 homers, and 1,995 RBIs.

2B: Tony Lazzeri, Joe Gordon, Willie Randolph

More of an intangibles position for the Yanks, Lazzeri was the silent killer on Murderers’ Row and made the Hall of Fame in 1991.

3B: Graig Nettles, Alex Rodriguez, Red Rolfe

Rolfe was the unusual 3B who batted lead-off, and A-Rod is the best slugger the Yanks have ever had at the hot corner, but neither can wear Nettles’s glove when it comes to fielding the position.

SS: Derek Jeter, Phil Rizzuto, Frank Crosetti

The Crow was the best Yankee shortstop until the Scooter arrived. Jeter, however, has set the standard with his leadership, day-in and day-out production, and an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion.

LF: Dave Winfield, Ricky Henderson, Charlie Keller

Keller was an All-Star five times, and Henderson would have been the pick if you’re looking for a leadoff hitter. But Winfield hit for average and power, and no one covered Death Valley quite like him.

CF: Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Bernie Williams

This was the toughest one, but the Mick gets the nod for his power numbers and World Series records; strong argument could be made otherwise. Williams isn’t getting off the bench with these two ahead of him.

RF: Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Paul O’Neill

The Babe needs no introduction. But don’t sell Maris and O’Neill short as both were team players, clutch hitters, and excellent fielders.

The designated hitter didn’t exist when most of these guys played, but Ruth would be the choice. That would allow Mantle to slide into right and DiMaggio into center. Reggie Jackson and Jason Giambi could spell the Babe at DH.

RHP: Red Ruffing

New York’s ace for the entire decade of the ’30s, Ruffing was 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA in the World Series; Waite Hoyt, Hoyt posted a combined record of 45-14 in 1927 and 1928, and won all three of his World Series starts those two campaigns; Jack Chesbro, Happy Jack won 41 games in 1904 and had a 1.82 ERA in an astounding 454 innings.

LHP: Lefty Gomez

Gomez had a .649 career winning percentage, and was 6-0 with a 2.86 ERA in World Series action; Whitey Ford, The Chairman of the Board won the 1961 Cy Young and had 10 World Series victories.

RRP: Marino Rivera, Rich Gossage

The Goose was the most intimidating reliever in baseball history, and Rivera is simply the best reliever the game has ever seen.

LRP: Sparky Lyle, Joe Page

The original “Fireman,” Page was the workhorse of the New York bullpen from 1944 to 1950. Lyle pitched seven seasons in the Bronx, took home the Cy Young in 1977, and never had an ERA above 3.47.

Manager: Casey Stengel

Joe McCarthy had a slightly higher winning percentage but Stengel’s record was unmatched: 10 pennants and 7 world championships in 12 seasons.

Coaches: Joe McCarthy, Miller Huggins, Joe Torre, Billy Martin

Let The Disneyfication Of Wrigley Field Begin

Wise Guides — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:39:44 -0400

The Chicago alderman whose ward includes Wrigley Field wants to ban street vendors and the so-called "bucket boys," those kids who pound on overturned buckets with drumsticks, from the perimeter of the Friendly Confines. "Let the Disneyfication of Wrigleyville begin," declared Ald. Thomas Tunney.

Actually, I made that up. What he really said was that it's a, "public safety issue," which is, of course, comical. I can see if you have complaints about the noise but public safety has nothing to do with it. Here's a video I shot of the drummers on Sunday playing along Sheffield Avenue.

As you can see, Sheffield is closed to cars and fans are having little trouble moving around. There are vendors nearby hawking t-shirts and other stuff, but again, there's no log-jam of fans unable to move. I'm sure Tunney has received complaints from local residents about the noise, but I'm wondering if the bigger issue might be complaints from shopkeepers losing sales to the street vendors. This article from the Chicago Tribune quotes a Cubs spokesman as saying he supports Tunney. That isn't the least bit surprising. The Cubs like to sell t-shirts, too.

If Tunney is successful it would be unfortunate. One of the charms of Wrigley is that it's situated in this incredibly busy, dynamic urban neighborhood. Yes, it's noisy and messy, full of bars and restaurants, hot dog stands and all different kinds of people. There are homeless people begging for change and smelly buses idling. The El rattles overhead and it's loud as hell, by the way. Then 40,000 people come pouring out of this ancient ballpark and into the neighborhood.

It's life. It's great.

So find something else to harp about, Ald. Tunney. How about asking the Cubs about their obscenely high ticket prices or the scalping service they set up? Why don't you look into the extortionate rates for food, beer, and bottled water inside Wrigley or the fact fans consistently arrive late to games because the CTA can't get the trains to run on time? Why don't you call Jim Hendry before the City Council and ask him what the hell he was thinking when signing Milton Bradley?

There are plenty of issues you could be tackling that could make the Wrigley experience better for everyone. Leave the street vendors and bucket boys alone.

Andy Buchanan

Working the Scoreboard at Wrigley

Wise Guides — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:49:06 -0400

One of the eternal mysteries of Wrigley, right up there with how they get the grass so green in April, is what it’s like inside the scoreboard. Fred Washington, who’s been flippin’ numbers at Wrigley since 1990, talked to Wise Guides about the “mystique” of the job.

Washington puts down the chalk baselines and takes care of other duties before climbing inside the scoreboard, where he’s joined by two or three workers. A ticker-tape machine spits out constant updates from around the league as the guys scramble to keep up.

Washington, a South Sider but die-hard Cubs fan, joined the grounds crew in 1984. “I thought the Cubs won in ‘84 because of me,” he says. One of his final duties is to raise the "W" or "L" flag.

“When they lose I look out and if I see an L train coming I’ll wait ‘till it goes by before I raise that loss flag. When they win, that flag’s going up right now. This is my team, and I love ‘em.”

This story and a lot more are available on the new Wise Guide Wrigley Field iPhone App.

NBA Legends Need Tech Help Like the Rest of Us

Wise Guides — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:29:50 -0400

Wise Guides was in the Apple Store on Chicago's Michigan Avenue this morning when we walked in and, boom, right there was one of the greatest basketball players to ever live, Bill Russell. Ok, he probably can't hoop much now, and we're too young to have ever seen him play, but it was still cool.

Russell was sporting a big, fat championship ring and a Celtics cap with the number six inside a clover, and he was being helped by a store associate, maybe two. NBA legends need help with their iPods and iPhones, too.

I Googled Russell to see what he's been up to and came upon this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWFsL4Y8RVA.

Not sure what's cooler, the old school footage or the voice-over by the guy from Frontline and those 'most interersting man in the world' commercials.

New York Mets' All-Time Lineup

Wise Guides — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:59:39 -0400

From Tom Seaver to Darryl Strawberry to Mike Piazza, the New York Mets have had many great players over the years. It’s not easy picking an all-time team, but here’s a try:

C – Mike Piazza

Piazza spent eight years with the Mets, coming over in a blockbuster trade with the Florida Marlins in 1998. The 12-time All Star and future Hall of Famer holds the record for most home runs by a catcher and led the Mets to the post-season in both 1999 and 2000.

Piazza gets the edge over another Hall of Famer, Gary Carter, who helped the Mets win the World Series in 1986.

1B – Keith Hernandez

Hernandez arrived in New York in a 1983 trade with the St. Louis Cardinals and immediately changed the attitude and culture around the team with his clutch hitting and superb fielding.

Widely regarded as the greatest defensive first baseman of all-time, Hernandez won 11 Gold Gloves and was named to five All-Star teams in his career. Hernandez batted over .300 seven times and holds the single-season record for game winning RBI with 24 in 1985.

2B – Edgardo Alfonzo

“Fonzie,” as he was affectionately called by fans, played for the Mets from 1995-2002. Typically batting out of the second spot in the order, Alfonzo hit over .300 four times as a Met and was a dangerous RBI man. He made the All-Star team in 2000, helping to lead the Mets to the World Series.

3B – David Wright

The Mets have had a revolving door at third base throughout their history. But all of that changed with the arrival of David Wright to New York in 2004. Wright made the All-Star teams in both 2006 and 2007 and presently has a career .307 batting average. The young slugger, still just 25 years old, became a member of the 30 HR - 30 SB club in 2007.

SS – Jose Reyes

Another current Met, Reyes is regarded as one of the most exciting players in baseball with his rare combination of speed and power. Reyes, age 25, has already accumulated 251 stolen bases in his young career, leading the National League three times. Like Wright, Reyes made the All-Star teams in 2006 and 2007.

LF – Cleon Jones

Jones played for the Mets for 12 seasons and was a key member of the 1969 Miracle Mets. A career .281 hitter, Jones enjoyed his best season in 1969, batting .340. He also starred for the 1973 “Ya Gotta Believe” team that won the NL pennant. To date, he remains among the Mets’ all-time leaders in hits, at-bats and games played.

CF – Mookie Wilson

Arguably the most popular Met of all-time, Mookie starred for New York from 1980-1989 and is their all-time leader in stolen bases and triples. Mookie is perhaps best known for his role in Game Six of the 1986 World Series, when his slow roller trickled through Bill Buckner’s legs and helped spur the Mets to the championship.

RF – Darryl Strawberry

Drafted first overall in the 1980 amateur draft, Strawberry arrived in New York at age 19 and quickly emerged as one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. After winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1983, “Straw” made the All-Star team seven times as a Met and averaged over 30 home runs a year between 1983 and 1990.

P – Tom Seaver

Known as “The Franchise” and “Tom Terrific,” Seaver was the first truly great Met, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1967 and Cy Young Awards in 1969, 1973 and 1975. A 12-time All Star, a 300-game winner and a first ballot Hall of Famer, Seaver’s number 41 was retired by the Mets in 1988, the only Mets player to be bestowed such an honor.

Miller Park: Wise Guides' Itinerary

Wise Guides — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:05:19 -0400

Tailgating may be more associated with football than baseball, but no one in Milwaukee seems to know that or care. Miller Park is by far the best spot in the Majors to do some pregame partying in the parking lot. So plan to get to the game early and fire up the grill, throw the brats on, and crack a brew. You won’t be alone.

Couldn’t get the tailgate organized? No problem. Hit Klement’s Sausage Haus on the edge of the east parking lot where they have brats, sausages, beer, and other items for an impromptu tailgate. Encased meats are stars inside the park too, including brats, Italian, Polish, and Chorizo sausages, as well as hot dogs. All should be smothered in the Secret Stadium Sauce.

While Miller products are obviously plentiful inside, beer drinkers will be happy to learn that there’s also a wide assortment of imports and excellent local micro-brews, too. Try a Sprecher or New Glarus, both Milwaukee favorites.

Be in your seat in the middle of the sixth inning for the Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages. Choose between the Bratwurst, Hot Dog, Polish, Italian, and Chorizo, and bet your buddy on the outcome. Pick the right sausage and the next round’s free. Check out Bernie Brewer hanging out in his "Dugout" above the left-field bleachers. He still goes down a slide whenever a Brewer hits a home run, but gone is the stein of beer he used to end up in.

After the game, retire to the parking lot, fire up the grill again, and crack open those beers you wisely left on ice. Many fans wait out the traffic with some postgame tailgating. Another good option is to head to Bluemound Road north of the park just across I-94, where there are various restaurants and taverns to choose from.

Many of these establishments run shuttles to and from the game. Try Kelly’s Bleachers or Long Wong’s, which touts itself as “the world’s greatest Chinese-American sports bar.” Milwaukee may have an impressive art museum downtown on the lakefront, but beer lovers seeking some culture will want to stick close by. The Miller Brewery is just north of the park, and tours are offered.

Klement’s Sausage Haus, Miller Park east parking lot, (414) 902-4700

Kelly’s Bleachers, 5218 W. Bluemound Rd., (414) 258-9837

Long Wong’s, 5230 W. Bluemound Rd., (414) 454-0400

Miller Brewery, 4251 W. State St., (414) 931-2337

Beer Report: New Yankee Stadium

Wise Guides — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:05:56 -0400

“Beer needs baseball, and baseball needs beer–it has always been thus.” –writer Peter Richmond

While beer remains a ballpark staple for many fans, they can also indulge in a wide selection of wines, mixed drinks, and even sake by the plastic cup at the new Yankee Stadium.

This is very much a 21^st century ballpark, so all of these options are available in the general concourses, ranging from the simple regular beer from a concession stand ($6 for about 10 ounces, depending on the pour) to martinis, mixed drinks, and the small cup of sake ($9).

But back to beer.

There is Budweiser, Bud Light, and Miller Lite; with a 16-ounce brew going for $9 ($10 in a souvenir cup as the park opened in 2009).

If that’s not traditional enough for you, hit one of the Retro Beer stands where they sell large cans of Schlitz, Schaefer, and PBR. Of course, they pour it from the can into a cup, so what’s the point?

For more diverse offerings, hit the Beers of the World stands, where you can get imports like Heineken, Stella Artois, Pilsner Urquell, and Bass. There is also Brooklyn Lager–wrong borough, but good beer.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Besides the aforementioned regular (really a small) brew for $6, you’re going to be paying $9-10 to quench your thirst. That sounds criminal until you remember, hey, you’re at the new Yankee Stadium. (Ok, it’s still a little criminal, but have another and you’ll stop worrying.)
Beer sales end at the end of the 7^th inning, so have a plan.
Beer is allowed again in the bleachers, but there are no vendors out there.

St. Louis Cardinals' Top Five Teams of All-Time

Wise Guides — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:17 -0400

The Cardinals have won more world championships (10) than any other National League franchise, so picking the five best teams in the rich tradition of this franchise is no easy task. Here’s a shot at it...

1942

Stan Musial’s rookie season (.315-10-72) was a sign of things to come over the next two decades, as the Cardinals won the first of three straight NL pennants and defeated the Yankees 4-1 in the Series.

The Cards were an emerging powerhouse that featured 20-game winners Johnny Beazley and Mort Cooper leading the game’s best pitching staff (2.55 team ERA).

1944

The Cardinals were the dominant franchise in baseball in the early to mid-1940s, and they posted a winning percentage over .680 for the third year in a row in ’44 (105-49) and won an all-St. Louis World Series against the Browns in six games.

1967

The second of three Cardinal teams to reach the World Series in the 1960s, this squad not only boasted stars such as Orlando Cepeda, Lou Brock, and Tim McCarver in their drop-dead primes, but also a young upstart left-hander named Steve Carlton.

The future Hall of Famer enjoyed a breakout season with 14 wins and a 2.98 ERA, leading a pitching staff that ranked second overall in the National League. The Cards took the Series from the Red Sox in seven games.

1931

With six pitchers recording 11 wins or more and a potent lineup led by OF Chick Hafey (.349-16-95), 1B Jim Bottomley (.348-9-75) and 2B Frankie Frisch (.311, 82 RBI, 28 SB), the ’31 Cardinals posted a staggering .656 winning percentage before defeating the Philadelphia Athletics in seven games in the Fall Classic.

2004

The only non-championship team to make our list—this team boasted the vaunted MV3 triumvirate of Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, and Jim Edmonds and won the franchise’s first National League pennant in 17 years before being swept by the Red Sox in the World Series.

If ace starter Chris Carpenter had been healthy for the playoffs, it might have been a different story.

What Is Up with the Ladder on the Green Monster at Fenway Park ?

Wise Guides — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:03:12 -0400

When former Red Sox pitcher Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee first walked into Fenway Park and saw the park’s famous left-field wall, the Green Monster, he asked: “Do they leave it there during games?” They do, and over the decades it has become the signature feature of Fenway Park – the paint is Fenway Green, by the way – and ballpark architecture everywhere. It’s a tempting target for right-handed hitters, standing 37½ feet tall but a mere 310 feet from home plate, provides a very visual incentive for pitchers to keep the ball down, and is a challenge to left-fielders who must play it’s unpredictable caroms.

There’s certain to be one of those if a ball strikes the ladder that climbs up the side of the Monster. It was put there so home run balls could be retrieved from the netting above the wall; the netting has been replaced by seats but the ladder remains, and it’s in play.

The wall is far from the only quirk in this oldest of Major League ballparks. In center field, just a shade toward right, is an area of the park called The Triangle where the wall juts out to 420 feet. It’s the deepest part of the park, 'a place where doubles become triples but home runs often go to die'. A yellow line climbs the wall above the point of the triangle; anything hit to its left is in play, and to its right is a home run (the umps have their own challenges at Fenway).

Finally, there is the right-field foul pole, better known as “Pesky’s Pole,” named in tongue-in-cheek homage to former Sox player Johnny Pesky. He hit only 17 career home runs but one of them curled around the pole, 302 feet from home plate, and won a game for the Sox.

Baseball Paddlers in McCovey Cove, San Fran

Wise Guides — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:09:56 -0400

When Dave Edlund took early retirement from Hewlett-Packard at the age of 45, he shared his plans with co-workers, "I'm gonna go get a home run ball in the bay."

He's been a McCovey Cove regular ever since, and scooped up Ryan Klesko's Splash Hit on May 21, 2007.

“Once I saw the ball coming over and saw where it was headed, I was paddling as hard as I could,” says Edlund. “I was about two feet in front of my buddy and I veered my boat a little to the left and I grabbed it with my right hand.” Basically, he cut him off. “I would expect him to do the same thing to me. We all love the Giants and these guys are my buddies, but when a ball’s hit over, it’s every man for himself.”

The configuration of AT&T Park has created this unique new tradition: kayakers bob in San Francisco Bay just beyond the right-field wall and await home run balls or Splash Hits.

McCovey Cove, named for former Giant slugger Willie McCovey and within site of his statue across the inlet, has drawn a regular crowd of kayakers since the park opened and a traffic-jam of vessels for big games. There have been dudes on surf boards, guys leaping into the chilly waters from the Portwalk, and others dipping nets into the water from the edge. The kayakers and others had to compete with motor boats the first couple of seasons before somebody finally realized that was an amputation waiting to happen. Motorized craft are no longer allowed in the Cove.

The Cove regulars are actually a tightly knit group, Edlund says, and are happy whenever one of them gets a Splash Hit. They listen to the game on the radio, watch replays on the park jumbotron, or on a tablet PC one of the kayakers sometimes brings (he connects to the park wireless network); they often share meals out there. Occasionally, they’ll order a pizza and have it delivered to the Cove.

Edlund wears a wet suit but still gets cold after putting in a five to six hour shift, which often includes batting practice. “Day games it’s harder to pick up the ball, but at night they’re arcing up there in the lights and it really lights up the ball,” he says. “We’re kind of like little boys out there … and we have the ultimate cheap seats.”

If you’re looking to experience McCovey Cove from the water rather than the water’s edge, City Kayak will rent you a vessel for $15-20/hour, and they have a location near AT&T Park. Baseball glove is optional.

Kansas City's Kaufman Stadium: Road Trip to Barbeque and Baseball History

Wise Guides — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:24:50 -0400

Whether you're a Cardinals fan heading west on I-70 for the series in Kansas City this weekend or just looking for another ballpark to check off your list, Wise Guides has an itinerary to Kaufman Stadium for you.

Feel free to go off course a little, but we think we've got the basics covered.

Kansas City may not compare to New York, Boston or Chicago for urban grit and excitement, and the Royals have been down for many years running. But KC is a great spot to combine a bit of baseball history and some of the best barbecue anywhere with a trip to the ballpark.

Start downtown at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Read about how the league was born in Kansas City and its many great players, like Satchel Paige, "Cool Papa" Bell, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs before being signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The museum is located in the historic 18th and Vine district alongside the American Jazz Museum. If you’ve got time, go there, too, and learn about another great American pastime.

After the museum(s), head down the block to Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque and get some of their award-winning KC barbecue to go.

Pack it in the car and hop on the George Brett Superhighway (I-70) to the park, and get there early to do some tailgating. Kauffman Stadium is surrounded by parking lots, so you’ll be joined by many Royals fans doing the same.

The K (previously Royals Stadium) opened in 1973 and has always been a good place to watch a game, and a just completed $250 million renovation has only enhanced that. New "Fountain Seats," in front of the world’s largest privately funded fountain, are one of the highlights, as well as a new restaurant, Rivals.

If you skipped the tailgate or simply didn’t get enough barbecue, another local favorite, Gates, has a stand inside the park at section 122. It goes well with a locally brewed Boulevard Beer. And leave room for regionally famous Sheridan’s Frozen Custard.

K.C. is also known for steak, so if you’re still hungry when the game ends, head back downtown to the Hereford House or one of the city’s other steakhouses.

For a nightcap, hit the nearby 12 Baltimore Bar at the downtown Hotel Phillips.

Where to go

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., 816-221-1920

American Jazz Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., 816-474-8463

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, 1727 Brooklyn Ave., 816-231-1123

Gates & Sons Bar-B-Q, 1221 Brooklyn Ave., 816-483-3880

Hereford House, 2 E. 20th St., 816-842-1080

12 Baltimore Bar, 106 W. 12th St., 816-346-4410

Why Confetti Cannons, Pyrotechnics, and Sports Don't Mix

Wise Guides — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:55:37 -0400

The Orlando Magic have been getting some heat for that premature celebration the other night when confetti rained down just prior to the final buzzer. They were about to win the first Finals game in team history and apparently the guy operating the confetti cannons had an itchy trigger finger.

Maybe there's an assumption that fans in Orlando, numbed by years of observing contrived celebrations and fake happiness at that big amusement park nearby, wouldn't know the game was over and that their team won until the confetti flew.

Actually, I'm picking on Orlando now because the truth is these pre and post game celebrations in the NBA have been over-the-top for years.

David Stern made the news last year when he commented on it after observing some pregame shenanigans before a playoff game.

Here's part of what the Commish said: "I think they're ridiculous. I think that the noise, the fire, and the smoke is a kind of assault that we should seriously consider reviewing whether it's really necessary, given the quality of our game."

Well, I might have an argument about the quality of the game (particularly regular season ones), but otherwise he was right on the mark. In that interview, Stern almost apologizes, saying he's just not in the demographic that enjoys blaring rap music, fire, and explosions before indoor sporting events.

It was kind of odd to hear David Stern sounding so timid (at one point he says, "I'm going to get in trouble for this") because I always thought of him as the Tony Soprano of sport's commissioners. Anyway, he closes by saying, "I think we've gone over the top."

You think? That's kind of like Jeffrey Dahmer saying, "I think I went a little too far." The off-court distractions at NBA games have become so pervasive, and have been going on for so long, that fans have essentially been trained to not cheer—except, of course, when that noise meter comes on the big screen.

Otherwise, they just sit passively and wait for the dance team to come out, or the mascot to launch t-shirts into the stands, or the frisbee-catching dog to do his thing. It sounds like the circus.

Stern should have taken note years ago when he realized the loudest cheer at many NBA games is when the home team goes over 100 points, meaning free Big Macs for everyone in attendance. The second loudest is when the noise-meter comes on.

I'm kind of picking on the NBA, but they are not alone in this. The confetti cannons are certainly blasting away at the end of the Super Bowl, and the NFL has had its own awkward endings.

In Super Bowl XXXVI, when New England's Adam Vinatieri lined up for a 48-yard field goal that would win the game over the Rams, there were seven seconds left on the clock. Well, it doesn't take seven seconds to kick a field goal, even one that long.

If you watch this grainy replay you'll see that there are three seconds on the clock as the ball sails through the uprights, then the clock is just allowed to run out. The players storm the field and, yes, the confetti cannons go off.

Oh well. It was only the Super Bowl.

The Padres Suck, but an Afternoon at Petco Park Is Worth It

Wise Guides — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:05:32 -0400

Wise Guides was in San Diego recently and took in a game at Petco Park, a beautiful stadium right downtown in the famous Gaslamp Quarter. Yes, the name is goofy and the Padres suck, but it's worth the trip. A nice crowd was on hand for a Thursday afternoon game, we caught our first foul ball ever, the home team came from behind to win and right outside the gates are many bars and restaurants to sample. So we did, and had a great time along the way.

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Best Ballpark Eats: Wise Guides Picks a Top 10 from Around the Majors

Wise Guides — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:41:53 -0400

“Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don't care if I never get back”

Yes, fans still rise and sing that wonderful song during the seventh-inning stretch at ballparks throughout the Major Leagues, but it’s sounding a bit outdated now, isn’t it? Many of those fans are now downing tangy barbecued beef, spicy sausages, sushi and other exotic items during the game.

Peanuts and cracker jack are often an afterthought.

In fact, fans from 50 years ago or even 10 would hardly recognize the incredible array of food offered at ballparks these days. So, here’s the Wise Guides Top 10 best ballpark eats in the Majors. Feel free to tell us we’re crazy and suggest your own.

1. Italian sausage, Fenway Park, Boston

The Fenway Frank may get all the pub but the Italian with grilled peppers and onions is much tastier. In fact, it’s not even close. The smell of these being grilled up along Yawkey Way is enough to turn a vegetarian.

2. Bratwurst, Miller Park, Milwaukee

Beer may have made Milwaukee famous but the bratwurst is right there. You can find grilled brats at stands throughout the park, and they can be dressed with onions, relish, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and the famous ‘Secret Stadium Sauce.’ When in Milwaukee...

3. Boog’s Barbeque, Camden Yards, Baltimore

The smoke from this popular stand billows beyond right-center field and the sweet aroma from the barbequed pork and beef hangs heavy on a hot and humid summer night. It’s named for former Oriole great Boog Powell, and he’s likely to be on hand signing autographs. More importantly, the barbeque’s great.

4. The Schmitter, Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia

This sandwich is an awesome combo of steak and cheese and fried salami, fried onions and a special sauce. No, it’s not good for you. Yes, it is good… very. Dig in.

5. Gilroy Garlic Fries, AT&T Park, San Francisco

Fans line up before opening pitch for these fries, named for Gilroy, California, the ‘Garlic Capital of the World.’ They are delicious and the garlic isn’t overpowering. Definitely worth the wait.

6. Gates Bar-B-Q, Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City

Kansas City is known for its barbeque, and Gates is one of the main purveyors. They have joints throughout the region and, fortunately, one at The K for baseball fans. Dig into a barbequed sandwich and you may never go back to hot dogs.

7. Dodger Dog, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

We had to have a traditional dog on here somewhere, so we’re going with the Dodger Dog. The devotion Dodgers fans have to this delicacy says something. The Mike Piazza trade caused a ruckus, but it was nothing compared to the outcry in normally staid LA when the team switched from grilled Dodger Dogs to steamed in 2003.

You can now get it both ways, but ask for it grilled or risk looking like a rookie. Some visitors who try it for the first time are underwhelmed but, hey, millions of Dodgers fans can’t be wrong, can they?

8. Primanti Bros. sandwich, PNC Park, Pittsburgh

This is a local institution. You can order a variety of meats on Italian bread, and it’ll come smothered in slaw and fries...on the sandwich. That’s the key.

9. Sea Dog, Safeco Field, Seattle

An Emerald City icon, Ivar’s, serves up this unique take on the ballpark staple: a length of lightly battered cod that’s fried and served with coleslaw on a bun. Delicious.

10. Shake Shack Cheeseburger, Citi Field, New York

The new Citi Field has some good eats, much improved from Shea Stadium, and the best offering is the cheeseburger from Big Apple favorite Shake Shack. Have a milkshake on the side, but be ready to stand in line for it because this is a popular spot.

Also receiving votes: Cha Cha Bowl from Orlando’s Caribbean BBQ, AT&T Park; Bull’s BBQ, Citizen’s Bank Park; Leo’s Coney Island hot dogs, Comerica Park; El Tiante’s Cuban sandwich, Fenway Park; Dixie’s BBQ, Safeco Field; Big Red Smokey, Great American Ballpark; toasted ravioli, Busch Stadium; Hungry Hill Italian sausage, Chase Field; Dome Dog, Metrodome.

Getting Ready For Indy: An Itinerary For the 500

Wise Guides — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:52:52 -0400

“Race day” is really a misnomer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Devoted fans are on hand in the days and even weeks leading up to the race checking out qualifying and bonding with fellow fans. So, plan to arrive at least a day ahead of time and rent a spot for your vehicle on the lawn or driveway of someone in the neighborhood, and set up camp with the neighbors. It’s a wonderful IMS tradition that allows you to meet and party with locals and other race fans, all while a short walk from the track.

The IMS experience isn’t complete for many race fans without enjoying some of this Hoosier hospitality.

But be sure to walk around at some point to take in the tailgating scene that has sprouted up throughout the area. A little race talk and you’ll make fast friends and probably be offered a beer and something off the grill.

The infield at IMS is a giant party that’s definitely worth experiencing at least once, but if you’re really interested in the race it’s best to be in the grandstand. And if you can find seats on the front stretch and afford them, that’s the place to see the pageantry of the opening ceremonies and the start/finish line.

Wherever your seat is, make sure you find it in time to hear Back Home Again in Indiana, watch the balloon release and see and hear the rolling start to the race. It’s a moment not to be missed.

The highlight of IMS concessions is a Hoosier classic, the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Try one.

If you need to stretch your legs during the race, walk over to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, which is located inside the main gate and remains open on race day. It’s a treasure-trove of racing artifacts and information that even a casual fan will enjoy. Don’t stay too long, as the race beckons.

New York Yankees Find Out Even the Rich Won't Pay $2,600 to See a Baseball Game

Wise Guides — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:10:36 -0400

We've all become accustomed to seeing scores of empty seats behind home plate at Major League ballparks these days when watching on television, catching highlights, and especially if we're there in person.

Many parks now have these exclusive areas right down by the field that allow lucky fans to see if the clean-up hitter has dribbled tobacco juice on his jersey, as they sit in padded seats and enjoy the services of a wait staff to bring them food and drinks.

And if it's too hot or cold outside, or even if you're just bored, you can retire to a climate-controlled clubhouse behind you for more high-end food and drink.

Of course, these seats come at a hefty price, and the New York Yankees have to be wondering if it's too hefty.

The Yanks just opened their new palace in the Bronx, and while it's a beautiful place, one of the most striking features in the opening week is the empty seats behind home plate and the dugouts.

I was there on Friday—the second game ever at the new stadium—and that's where the accompanying photo is from. You can also check out more from my trip to the new ballpark.

The seats behind home and the dugouts, from the field up, were mostly empty as the game started, and remained about half empty throughout a tight contest. Otherwise, the stadium was packed.

The Yankees are getting no favors from the brutal economy, but they also brought this upon themselves, and they seem to know it.

Hal Steinbrenner, who is now running the show in the Bronx with his dad in partial retirement, acknowledged even before the opening game that "small amounts of our tickets might be over-priced."

You think, Hal?

Seats in the Legends section down near the field and behind the dugouts can go for as high as $2,625 a game...for one ticket.

On Monday morning I logged on to the Yanks' Web site and could still get four seats in the front row for that night's game at that price. Add in a $59 service fee per ticket (I'm not making this up, check it out for yourself), and the total was $10,736 for me and the boys to go out to the ballpark.

I resisted the urge, apparently like so many others. If I wanted to move back a bit into the Field section, I could get four at $375 per seat. Again, I decided to hold off.

You need to go higher and farther up the baselines until the prices drop below obscene. Only then do ticket prices come close to reasonable, especially considering the sightlines at the new park are excellent—$30 for a seat in the upper deck, $23 down the lines, and $14 for a bleacher seat.

But I couldn't get even two in any of these sections. You paying attention, Hal? I also hope other owners got that message, too.

The Yankees have built a beautiful park, but they also seem to have reached the tipping point in escalating ticket prices. Fans, we're finding out, do have a threshold they will not cross. When the ticket price equals the monthly mortgage, maybe it's best to sit at home and watch on TV.

For that, maybe we can all thank the Yanks. Maybe this will lead to a reassessment of the luxury seating trend (which I'd love to know who exactly requested, anyway), and a leveling off of all ticket prices.

The Yankees are almost certainly going to have to react by lowering prices on those seats and offering rebates to those who bought season plans there. Either that, or they better get used to explaining why the best seats for one of the most famous sports franchises in the world sit empty.

And here's the most ironic thing in all of this is...once the novelty of seeing the players up close has worn off, the seats right down by the field aren't even that good.

You're much better off sitting up a bit higher, say 10-15 rows back, where there's a nice overview of the field and you don't have to strain to see if the right fielder made that play at the wall.

I'm guessing that folks (or corporations) who pay $2,625 to sit there don't really care if he made the catch.