Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
So, there are a few things going on in D.C. sports - William World News
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
So, there are a few things going on in D.C. sports
The events of the last few days prove one thing -- The Wash. Times was SOOOOOOOO smart to cut their Sports section.
Washington Capitals name Alex Ovechkin captain - The Post Without hoopla and hype, superstar Alex Ovechkin was named the 14th regular captain in Washington Capitals history yesterday. I thought that Brooks Laich (who is another locker-room/media relations leader) may get it, but I find no fault with Ovi wearing the C -- nobody plays harder and that is one of the best examples a captain can set. Laich will certainly continue to contribute as well. The Great 8 turned down captaincy in 2006 because he was not yet comfortable with his English.
Now we move onto Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards nee Bullets...
MIKE WISE - Dear Gilbert, You've really blown it now - The Post In basketball, Gilbert continues to be Gilbert, but he is still in deep trouble. As I said before, never being serious is fun for a while, but not when the team is 11-21 and guns are involved. Its too bad, but his road to redemption is steep here in D.C. if he's even given the chance.
Some good news though -- the Wiz beat the Philadelphia 76ers again! Bad news -- they don't play again this season.
Redskins and Mike Shanahan reach agreement - The Post I for one welcome our new burgundy and gold overlord. I think Shanahan will make the Redskins respectable again, but don't see him getting a Super Bowl ring here. He will probably bring in a respectable offensive line though.
DC Sports Bog: #26 is cursed in Washington sports - William World News
Thursday, November 12, 2009
DC Sports Bog: #26 is cursed in Washington sports
For D.C. sports, 26 = sign of the devil - The Post I did not get to this yesterday -- 26 is the number of the damned in Washington pro sports according to Dan Steinberg's frightening numerology. The Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Wizards and DC United have all fallen victim to this dark number, though the spell seems to be indirect on the Caps.
By the way, the Caps now have 26 standings points - best in the Eastern Conference.
#11 was a magic number in DC on Wednesday. The Caps won their 11th game of season in an 11 round shootout. Ryan Zimmerman (#11) won the NL 3B Gold Glove. Both of these took place on the 11th day of the 11th month. Wild.
To which I added:
11 is also retired by Capitals (Mike Gartner), the Wizards/Bullets (Elvin Hayes), was worn by the last Redskins QB to win a Super Bowl (Mark Rypien). My favorite number too.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:36:00 PM
I don't know that Mayor Shelia Dixon has enough political capital to make a soccer stadium happen, but the chance to take something that belongs to Washington might get people a little excited. Remember the Bullets (now Wizards) left Baltimore for Landover and later Washington D.C. proper.
I have been to all of one DC United game ever and I had a good time. I'm inclined to go to more and when my son is old enough, I'd like to be able to take him. If the team leaves for Baltimore, I'm not going because they won't be a local team anymore.
Hopefully, this will wake people up and get progress back in the direction of a D.C. area venue for United. Perhaps in the interim, Dan Snyder could do something right and make FedEx Field available. I think the lower bowl could routinely be filled for DCU games and Snyder could clearly use the money. They could play there while they figure out something permanent for United.
Snyder will never let D.C. United have a full season in his stadium simply because of the amount of damage the Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles do in one game.
That's also the reason why the HFStival was only held there and up in Bhawlmuher once each. The kids who went to that trashed the place.
Now, at RFK or their own dedicated field, it wouldn't be an issue, they can trash the place all they want but at a place like Landover, no way are they going to let those fans trash the place on the regular basis.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 10:28:00 PM
Shame on me, I'm letting myself be amused by Marion Barry now - William World News
Monday, June 22, 2009
Shame on me, I'm letting myself be amused by Marion Barry now
Hogs Haven talks with Marion Barry about the Redskins and DC United - Hogs Haven At this point, I'm no longer offended by that tax-cheat, philandering, crack smoking Mayor for Life, Marion Barry. I am actually finding him amusing more than anything now. How weird/wrong is that?
In this interview, he throws two other D.C. mayors under the bus for messing up new stadiums in the district for the Redskins and DC United. It also reminds me how unbelievable it is that Nationals Park got built.
Can you see 4 D.C. sporting events for under $100? - William World News
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Can you see 4 D.C. sporting events for under $100?
TIM LEMKE - D.C. sports scene on a budget - The Wash. Times Lemke tries to see a home game for the Nationals (exhibition), Capitals, Wizards and D.C. United in one week with $100 to spend. He is also includes getting a hot dog and soda at each game, plus the transportation to get there. Can it be done? Maybe, find out how.
The Prince George's County Council probably killed D.C. United's planned move to the county yesterday, voting to oppose legislation that would have authorized the state to study construction of a professional soccer stadium.
I am not a big soccer fan, but I am glad DCU is around and hope they stay. United has a storng and passionate following and has four championships. Steve Goff, The Post's soccer writer is hinting that a move to Missouri, presumably St. Louis, could happen.
Maybe Dan Snyder could work something out with DCU until a soccer facility could be built. FedEx Field isn't exactly busy in the summer time. This team is too good a popular for a solution to be not be found. I want them to be around in case my son is a soccer fan.
Frederick, Md.: There has been some speculation on a name change for DCU. This got even more muddied during the press conference. Can you reassure some of us that you will keep United under the same name.
Kevin Payne: We have no intention of changing the most recognized name in American soccer. We have always thought of ourselves as a regional team -- the fact we have season ticket holders from so many states proves that point! We will be very much a part of the community in Prince George's County, but we will be D.C. United.
That was something I was wondering, I half expected them to become F.C. (Football Club) United.
D.C. United to become P.G. United? - William World News
Friday, February 13, 2009
D.C. United to become P.G. United?
P.G. United? Co-Owner May Move D.C. Soccer Team to Prince George's - The Post Washington's most successful franchise of the last decade or so appears to be headed to suburban Prince George's County, Md. D.C. United, winner of 4 MLS Cups had been trying to build a soccer stadium at Poplar Point, across the Anacostia River from Nationals Park, but D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty balked despite a hefty contribution from ownership. DCU even got Marion Barry (Ward 8) on board. You can get some perspective from the D.C. United fanbase over at DCenters.
I don't know if this is posturing by DCU or if they really plan on heading to Maryland, but I would not blame them. Still, moving the team out of The District is not the ideal scenario for them. I have been to all of one D.C. United match, but I am inclined to go again. Having to go all the way out to P.G. County is a deterrent.
Post reporter David Nakamura is chatting about the proposed P.G. County stadium for United right now.
It is very much like the situation that drove JKC to build his stadium for the Redskins in P.G. County and not DC. DC has had their chance to do right by DCU and has repeatedly failed time and again.
This is why people like myself am so amazed that they got it (semi) right with the Nats. But remember, they tried very hard to foul that one up too.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:59:00 AM
I still can't believe that Nationals Park got built.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:41:00 AM
Post a Comment2009 New Year's sports resolutions - William World News
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2009 New Year's sports resolutions
A New Year means it is time for resolutions -- here are my sports ones:
Go to Penn State for homecoming for the first time in three years
Go to the Blue White Game, maybe even see most of it this year
Attend Opening Day for the Nationals
Attend July 4 Nationals home game
Get my son clothes for my respective teams
Go to a Nats vs. Red Sox game, call anybody with a B on their hat a poseur
Go to a Nats vs. Baltimore game, boo the visitors a lot
The rest are more goals than resolutions:
Organize office field trip to Nats or Caps game
Attend at least one home game of the Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Wizards and DC United
See a NL team that I never have before (MIL or ARI)
See the Nats in Philly and/or Pittsburgh with friends from the opposition
One thing that may be seen as an omission is a visit to new Yankee Stadium. I don't want to see the old one while it is being dismantled. Maybe in 2010 I'll go.
As for real resolutions, not really my thing and I would not blog them anyway.
Busy sports night in D.C., plan accordingly - William World News
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Busy sports night in D.C., plan accordingly
There are three sporting events (Nats, Wizards, United home games) going on in the District tonight, so there are a few things to keep in mind.
Nats Express parking will be in Lot 7 at RFK, not Lot 8 because D.C. United has a home match.
A few stops along the Green Line may be crowded, especially Gallery Place/Chinatown
Single-game parking can be bought online at the Nationals Way to Go page. There are apparently plenty of spots available. I think selling parking online is an excellent way at handling traffic management too.
There is no need to get all worked up about this or the Nationals attendance right now. I know that goes against our instincts as cynical, overreacting Washingtonians, but this whole thing is all going to work itself out. Just allow a little extra time and enjoy.
All told, there will probably at least 55,000 fans at three different venues tonight. Go Nats! Go Wiz! Go United!
Potential parking at RFK problem: DC United games - William World News
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Potential parking at RFK problem: DC United games
Parking at RFK no done deal; D.C. United moves forward - The Wash. Examiner The plan to park cars for Nats games at RFK Stadium could be complicated by D.C. United's schedule. With RFK planed to be soccer only in 2008, D.C. United doesn't plan on scheduling around the Nats. I can't blame them, but hope that there are not too many overlaps between the two teams. Obviously, having two different sets of fans parking in the same place would be a problem, but I also would rather each team get the whole night to themselves so that there is a sporting event going on as many nights as possible.
Moreno Is on The Mark - The Post Jamie Moreno became the all-time MLS goal scorer in last night's victory over the Red Bulls. It is great to have a D.C. player holding a major record again.
For the second time this week, a Washington team faced an opposing team that boasted a player making history. On Tuesday, it was the Nats and last night it was DC United. I am pleased to report that for the second consecutive time, the D.C. team played through the hype and got the W (The Post).
The Nation's Capital is one of the better soccer towns historically and has the best fans in MLS, so it is fitting that David Beckham made his debut here. I'm glad United could earn the win (1-0) with the eyes of the soccer world and many others on it.
DC United has indicated it may pursue relocation options as a result of the recent statelmate. The local suburbs and even Baltimore were cited as possible options. One that wasn't mentioned was greater Philadelphia. Yesterday's Inky had an article about possible plans to build a $100 million soccer stadium in Chester, an old industrial city near the Delaware state line. While it would seem unlikey that DC United would move completely out of the national captial area there (and become Delaware Valley United? Philly United?) is that possibility. If the Dodgers could move out of Brooklyn, any team can leave.
I don't know how much leverage DC United has with the District. While their fanbase may be passionate and the franchise is the strongest in MLS, I can't see District officials losing any sleep over the prospect of the franchise leaving. That's too bad because DC United has brought four championships to the city since its inception in the mid-90s. That's exactly four more than the Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals and Mystics combined. In fact no other DC team has even gotten past the second round during that time!
I am largely ambivalent about soccer, but my one visit to a match was fun and I would do it again. Even if I never go to another match, I hope DC United stays in the District. One of the things that makes living in-and-around a great city like Washington wonderful are the many cultural, entertainment, dining and sports options available. I may never eat at an Ethiopian restaurant or see the ballet, but I appreciate that they are here it means other people get to enjoy them. All of these choices makes for region and its people more intersting, no?
Hopefully this is all just historonics and the District and DC United can come totgether and build what sounds like a pretty good idea. I'd hate to lose a team, especially the winning one!
Winning over Richmond - Times-Dispatch A look from Richmond's paper of record about what kind of marketing Washington teams are doing in Virginia's capital. In short, the Redskins are very active down there while the Wizards are getting more active. The Capitals focus most of their out of town marketing on Baltimore, but have a little bit of history in Richmond. D.C. United has a friendly relationship with the Richmond Kickers. The Nationals want to expand their reach there seeing it as the "largest out of town source for fans." In a more perfect world, they'll be able to snag the city's AAA team from Atlanta, but don't count on it.
William--Your memory is amazing. The Washington Warthogs!! I'd like to say that brings back memories; but, the only memory I have is saying "hey look, there's an indoor soccer league; it probably won't last long, but the teams got a decent name."
And I had to google Diplomats.
My money's on the summer-season Federals.
# posted by Jack Tatum :
Thursday, April 12, 2007 1:11:00 PM
Last Saturday Erica and I went to our first DC United match. It was a fun experience, despite the poor showing of the home side. They lost to the L.A. Galaxy, 5-2.
Not only was this my first MLS match, it was the first team I had ever been to see organized soccer, other than a few trips to see family members play in the 1980s. I never played it either, which puts me in the 0.00001th percentile of Northern Virginia kids. I went in completely ignorant of just about all aspects of the game umother than each squad tries to score by getting the ball in into the other team's goal.
We arrived a little late, I did not take into account Metro taking a little longer since it was the weekend, the fellow in front of me buying over $600 worth of tickets or the surly ticket taker. The upshot of all this is when we got to our seats in 427 L.A. had already taken a 1-0 lead. DC stormed back and tied it and appeared to be playing hard. However, that was short-lived with L.A. getting another goal. It seemed to take the wind of United's sails. The second half was pretty brutal for the home team -- I think the fifth goal by L.A. reminded me of an empty-netter in hockey given how late it was in the match. Nevertheless, it was fun though I am still a blank canvas when it comes to soccer and next season I want to go with a knowledgeable fan sometime who can spoon-feed me the sport.
Some other observations:
Great atmosphere -- the crowd was into it and loud well into the second half even when it was becoming apparent that it was not DC's night. I like all the cheers and chants, though I want to sit in a different section next time because the bass drum in the corner was a bit much after a while. I'm not saying I don't respect it, but given that I was exhausted from biking and swimming, I was not in the optimal mood for it. One HUGE plus was the absence of music piped in over the speakers.
L.A.'s Landon Donovan is really easy to hate. He's arrogant and enjoys the villain role. Of course, if he were on my team, I'd probably love him.
Apparently, Donovan WAS on my team -- US Soccer in the World Cup and was shutout.
It was not as weird seeing RFK reconfigured as I thought it would be.
I don't know if it is a typical occurrence, but seeing two players taken off the field on stretchers made me respect the sport more. It was so old-school.
The gameplay was faster than I thought it would be, for some reason I thought the pace would be slower.
I don't like the two-tone nets.
It was quite nice to see the stands bouncing, it has been a long time since that happened at a Nats game.
United needs to wear black shoes.
I liked sitting behind the goal.
I'm interested in going to another match next season, and actually learning more about the sport.
Soccer: Much Adu about nothing? - William World News
Friday, July 28, 2006
Soccer: Much Adu about nothing?
One of my goals for 2006 was going to be attending a regular season game of every Washington team from the traditonal big four leagues, MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL. In 2005 I had seen the Wizards beat the Nets in January, the Nationals a dozen times over the summer, and the Capitals a couple of times in the fall. I did not expect to see the Redskins during the regular season (I saw them in preseason vs. Steelers), but tickets fell into my lap for the final game. In short, mission accomplished, a year early.
With that goal achieved my next one is to see a DC United match. They have been here for 11 seasons and not being a soccer fan and having never even played it (I played tackle football for several years), it was nothing that really interested me. Now, I am changing my tune. Since the Red & Black share RFK with the Nats, I figure I might as well check them and out and see why the ballfield is getting turned into a pitch all the time. I have been reading DCenters regularly since the spring to learn more about the squad and the sport.
I'll throw this one out to the gallery, what recommendations do you have for seeing DC United? I am a soccer novice who wants the best possible introduction to the beautiful game. How long does a match take to play? What section would be the best for a newbie like myself? I have targeted August 26 as the day I intend to go.
The game is almost a religious 2 hours. It will start after 7:30 pm and will end just before 9:30 pm.
As for the 26th.... Well......
That's LA, in recent years the El Salvadorian community has turned out in droves to support the Galaxy but mostly to boo D.C. United because they trade Raul Diaz Arce many, many moons ago now.
So you'll see a true culture clash and be in an electric atmosphere no matter where you decide to sit.
If you sit on the far side seats with the Fan Clubs, you won't be sitting for much of the match as that area has become a party zone and almost downright dangerous. And considering the crowd that will there, it very well could be downright dangerous to sit there. I would suggest the near side stands (behind the benches), they will be tamer, and if you want to actually watch the game, get a seat in the upper deck or mezzanine.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Friday, July 28, 2006 4:21:00 PM
I'll help you brave the foosball crowds, William. Let me know when you want to go. We'll leave the wives their own devices while we enjoy the preferred sport of the rest of the world. Having just gotten back from the Emerald Isle, there's a better appreciation for the sport (that and I own a Celtic FC jersey and a Dublin FC polo).
Now, if only someone could explain Hurling...
# posted by Muha :
Friday, July 28, 2006 8:45:00 PM
The supporters area isn't dangerous, but it is a party zone. You will have to stand, and that is true for the areas behind the supporters sections too. If you aren't into standing and yelling at players/refs the whole two hours than I would sit on the opposite side. There haven't been any booing Salvadorians since at least 2004, but it used to be a problem thats for sure.
Not sure if the upper deck will be open or not, but that also is pretty cool because you can see the plays develop better.
Glad to see some non-hardcore soccer fans coming to DCU games. You picked a good one as it should be a fun match. If you are driving, get there early and tailgate in Lot 8.
Brad Wilkerson has switched his jersey number to #7, which allows newcomer (which is of course a relative term for a relocated team) Jose Guillen to wear #6. Hopefully, this change was not a result of any batting helmets being thrown around.
This got me to thinking about some D.C. sports numerology. If Wilkerson plays as well as he did last year in Montreal, he is just about assured of being the second greatest #7 in D.C. sports history. I think you all know who the best #7 is (even if you don't like him) and sorry, Yvon Labre, it is not you.
Here is a rundown of D.C.'s most notable by number, off the top of my head, more or less. It favors the Redskins since they have had many more players, more success, and higher numbers than other sports. However, it is a pretty good mix, I think.
0 - Gilbert Arenas, by default 1 - Eddie Yost, Senators catcher, manager 2 - Another tough one; Ralf Mojsiejenko? No, it turns out Roy Sievers wore 2 for the Senators 3 - Harmon Killebrew was starting getting good at the end of his D.C. years, so not him. Mickey Vernon wore #3 as well but I think you have to go with Mark Mosley, who was a vital part of championship teams. 4 - Joe Cronin 5 - Rod Langway 6 - Ali-Haji Shank? Calle Johansen? Nope, Joe Judge of the old Nationals 7 - Joe Theisman (nee Theezman) 8 - Johnny field goal, aka Chip Lohmiller 9 - Sonny Jurgenson easily over Frank Howard, Ted Williams, and Mia Hamm with Freddy Adu on deck. 10 - There has to be someone better than Jay Schroeder 11 - Elvin Hayes ('78 NBA title) edges Mark Rypien (Super Bowl XXVI MVP) for a better overall career. 12 - BONZAI! Peter Bondra, but I was pulling for Babe Laufenberg, perriennial third string QB. 13 - Not Max Zendajas or any Zendajas (the Gramatica's of the '80s) brothers for that matter 14 - Eddie Labaron over Brad Johnson, I guess 15 - Roy Lassiter? Bobby Convey? 16 - No one special, though Stan Humphries, Rich Gannon and Rodney Peete wore it before going to Super Bowls with other teams. Norm Snead wore this number and was most noteworthy for being sent to Philly for Sonny. 17 - Doug Williams over Billy Kilmer. Billy played longer, but never won a Super Bowl and fans were split between him and Sonny. Doug was briefly king of D.C. Forget Chris Simon ever worse this number. 18 - Craig Laughlin 19 - There has to have been someone better than Brendan Witt 20 - Josh Gibson of the Grays (should be retired, but Frank Robinson wears it now) 21 - Earnest Byner 22 - Steve Konawalchuk over Dino Ciccarelli 23 - Michael Jordan -- when Teddy E-mail gets Les Boulez, he'll retire it 24 - Champ Bailey 25 - Walter Johnson (never had a number as a player, wore it as a manager). As a player, Joe Washington deserves consideration. 26 - Paul Krause 27 - Ken Houston 28 - Darrell Green 29 - Mark Murphy because he is the only 29 I can remember 30 - Brian Mitchell over Bernard King 31 - Ken Jenkins, who returned kicks 32 - Dale Hunter with honorable mention to Buck Leonard 33 - Sammy Baugh. Honorable mention to Frank Howard, who kept wearing the number of someone more famous. More honorable metions - Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning and just because, Don Beaupre. 34 - Wild Thing -- Al Iafrate or Kevin Grevey? Iafrate was briefly famous, but Grevey has a pretty good sports bar in Merrified and won a championship. 35 - Calvin Hill 36 - Timmy Smith - the one game wonder! 37 - Olie Kolzig over Gerald Riggs 38 - George Rogers 39 - Otis Wonsley 40 - Another tough one; a lot of unspectacular Redskins come to mind. 41 - Wes Unseld 42 - Charley Taylor 43 - Find Larry Brown and punish him. 44 - John Riggins (no contest) 45 - Barry Wilburn 46 - anyone? 47 - Dick James 48 - Stephen Davis, another former Redskin who played in a Super Bowl. 49 - Bobby Mitchell 50 - Anyone? 51 - Monty Coleman 52 - Neil Olkawiez 53 - Jeff Bostic 54 - Not Pete Cronin 55 - Dikembe Mutumbo over Mel Kaufmann and Chris Hanberger 56 - Lavar Arrington 57 - Rich Milot over fellow Penn Stater Matt Millen 58 - Wilbur Marshall 59 - anyone? 60 - Chris Samuels, I guess 61 - LIVAN! 63 - anyone? 64 - anyone? 65 - Dave Butz 66 - Joe Jacoby - THEATERVISION! 67 - anyone? 68 - Pittsburgh native Russ Grimm or Pittsburgh transplant Jaromir Jagr 69 - Mark Schlereth 70 - The violent world Sam Huff 71 - Charles "Swanson's Hungry" Mann 72 - Dexter "currently paroled" Manley over Diron Talbert 73 - Trev Alberts' foil, Mark May 74 - George Stark 75 - Brandon Noble - I'll admit I am putting him in because he is a Penn Stater 76 - Manute! Oh wait, he wore that in Philly, here he wore #10. 77 - Adam Oates over Gheorge Muresan 78 - anyone? 79 - Jim Lachey 80 - Not Desmond Howard - Roy Jefferson 81 - Art Monk, who should be in the Hall of Fame already. 82 - Anyone but Michael Westbrook 83 - Pres. Reagan's favorite WR, Ricky Sanders 84 - Gary Clark 85 - Don Warren - he spoke at my middle school! 86 - Clint Didier 87 - Jerry Smith, though Downtown Charlie Brown wore it too 88 - Rick "Doc" Walker, but mostly for his post-Redskins career 89 - Terry Orr, the prototype "H-back," though Howard Cosell might say Alvin Garret.
I am not even boterhing with the 90s.
Disagree with me? Did I leave anyone out? Add your comments below...
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