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.
This is what a Frank Herzog Redskins broadcast looked like - William World News
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
This is what a Frank Herzog Redskins broadcast looked like
Every time former Washington Redskins play-by-play man Frank Herzog would say "driving from left to right across your radio dial" this is approximately what I'd see in my mind. Somehow I found an image of an old AC Delco AM radio that looks a lot like the one my dad's 1976 (Super)Nova had. Not pictured -- ambient Camel (unfiltered) cigarette smoke. I can still smell it. Of course, the radio would have been on 630, WMAL, but we can't be too picky.
In 2004, Larry Michaelfired Herzog after 25 years of calling the Redskins and took the play-by-play job for himself. Herzog has been doing spot work for WTOP after he was also let go from WUSA-TV late in 2004. He was one of the many post-Glenn Brenner (retconned from Metroblogging DC) anchors on that station. According to DCRTV, he is retiring from WTOP to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren (do his children feel being left out?). This retirement announcement has brought back some nostalgia for the days when Redskins radio (and the team) was good (DC Sports Bog, The Post). Back then, the Redskins were on WMAL, at the time a juggernaut in the D.C. area with all local programming. Johnny Holiday did pregame, while Ken Beatrice did post-game. Holiday is still doing Maryland Terps sports and Nats studio coverage, but Beatrice is long since retired -- somebody track him down and do a profile of him. Unrepentant homers, Hall of Fame Redskins Sonny Jurgeson and Sam Huff are still doing Redskins radio like a pair of your favorite bickering uncles, but their glory, like the team's is faded. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say sports radio was much better back then. Watching the game with "the sound turned down and the radio turned up" was a big part of the fan culture here as in other cities. I even did it and I was not even a Redskins fan growing up.
Like the team, Herzog's replacement, Michael, have been pretty awful. I'll say the team has been better than Michael though, who is just an shill with a slicky-boy attitude, bad propagandist with an annoying voice. If I have listened to a quarter of a Redskins game since then I'd be surprised.
When the Washington Nationals started up, I was hoping Herzog would be involved in the broadcasting because every D.C. team he had worked for had won a world championship -- the 1978 NBA Champion Bullets had you know who at the microphone. That didn't happen but I'm pretty happy with the radio team of Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. I'd gladly take Herzog on TV though.
So, good luck and a happy retirement to Herzog, who will live in our memories and even on some of those NFL Films of the Redskins in the 1980s.
For all the grief that he caused, both as a Washington Redskins executive and as media personality, I'll say this for Vinny Cerrato -- he's been quiet lately. Maybe I'm giving him too much credit because this is one of the few relatively quiet times during the year for the NFL and he doesn't have a media job. Seriously though, when was the last time you saw a DC Sports Bog post about him? He has not gone out and gotten a Twitter account or anything else. It is appreciated.
I wish I could say the same about a couple of other failed GMs, one from Washington another from Long Island, that keep appearing on DC related blogs and twitter.
Folks, maybe if we ignore them, they will go away too.
Snow day theater: Redskins vs. 49ers '83 NFC championship - William World News
Friday, February 05, 2010
Snow day theater: Redskins vs. 49ers '83 NFC championship
I recently sent a Joe Posnanski blog post about Steve Sabol and NFL Films to my friend and fellow NFL Films aficionado David the other day. He replied back that it was great but also that Hulu had several NFL Films features available including the NFC Championship game between the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers that was played at RFK Stadium after the 1983 season. I actually remember that game pretty well or at least I think I do, I let you know after I watch this video.
The Redskins went up 21-0, but the 49ers stormed back to tie it. Mark Mosely kicked the game winning field goal after missing four earlier in the game. I recall there were too pass interference penalties against the 49ers that were controversial and that their Bill Walsh looked like somebody he loved had just died at the end of the game. When the game was played neither me or David were Redskins fans then like we are now and oddly enough David lives in San Francisco.:
49ers
They went 10-6 that year after having an awful '82 season after winning Super Bowl XVI. I think they won the division by beating the Dallas Cowboys on the final Monday night of the season after the Cowboys had lost the NFC East and 1st seed to the Redskins the week before. WR Dwight Clark was injured late that year and the 49ers barely beat the Detroit Lions the week before with Eddie Murray missing a late field goal at Candlestick Park. It was also the only season Joe Montana wore that style of facemask.
Redskins
That team was a juggernaut, they only lost twice in the regular season and both of them were on Monday night by 1 point each. John Riggins picked up where he left off in the '82 playoffs by scoring 24 touchdowns in the regular season behind the Hogs. Joe Theismann was a Pro Bowl QB. Mosley set scoring scoring record with 161 points, the year after being MVP.
The Capitals broke a 1-1 tie with the Anaheim Ducks in the 3rd period and charged to a 5-1 win. Eight wins in a row, not bad, how about doing it in May and June? :)
As for the Arenas situation, I don't have a problem with NBA commissioner David Stern suspending Arenas indefinitely or the Wizards agreeing with it. The photo of him cocking his fingers to "shoot his teammates" shows that Arenas just isn't being serious about a really bad situation for himself, the Wizards and the league. I'll admit I laughed though, shame on me. Shame on the NBA for trying to hide the photo though.
Last night when I drafted this post, I had written in length about how in addition to appropriate punishment, Arenas badly needed counseling because he was not a malevolent person, he just sees the world very differently than most people. However, as more details emerge, I am having trouble believing that any more. Javaris Crittenton, the injured player that Arenas taunted, is alleged to have loaded his own handgun and cocked it after seeing Arenas had left the four unloaded guns in his locker. That isn't a good idea either, but I can see why Crittenton allegedly did it, what Arenas did is a serious provocation. I expect Crittenton to be charged too.
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.
Well, that experiment ended rather poorly for the Washington Redskins.
When Jim Zorn was hired to be offensive coordinator, it wasn't a bad decision -- he was a good quarterback coach for the Seattle Seahawks, grooming Matt Hassleback into a star. However, naming him head coach was a leap of faith, or more likely desperation by Dan Snyder/Vinny Cerrato, but one I kind of embraced, even with the maroon and black silliness. I knew a little of Zorn from his days as the first Seahawks quarterback. He was clever and excelled at fakefield goals. My NFL Super Pro Club "how to play football" pamphlet also featured Zorn, so I was inclined to like the guy and root for him.
As I got to see Zorn perform in the first half of his rookie season, I really liked him. He was a Renaissance man and a free spirit -- in other words, perfect fodder for DC Sports Bog whether good, bad or um,goofy. There is hope with prospective new coach Mike Shanahan though.
In the end, Zorn wasn't the main problem; the owner and the mess that his general manager Cerrato left behind (um, no offensive line) are bigger faults. Unfortunately, Zorn was not the solution, either. Hopefully, he will land on his feet as a quarterback coach and find professional redemption. His record was the same as Steve Spurrier, but Zorn was a lot more fun (though not so much on Sundays or Monday nights) and if you can't win, it had better be fun.
New Orleans Saints 33 WASHINGTON REDSKINS 30 (OT) - William World News
Monday, December 07, 2009
New Orleans Saints 33 WASHINGTON REDSKINS 30 (OT)
I watched the Redskins play their best game of the year and it wasn't enough to overcome the undefeated Saints. It was crazy, entertaining game, what I call a GONZO BOWL*.
I thought the reversal of the Mike Sellers "fumble" in overtime was a terrible call. I also think head coach Jim Zorn should have gotten in the referee's face and said a bunch of mean and nasty things until he got ejected. Zorn doesn't have much to do on the sidelines, so why not make a big scene and stick up for your players. Manny Acta must approve of Zorn's non-action.
K Shawn Suisham tried to hang himself last night, but he couldn't kick the chair.
Poor Jason Campbell -- he played the game of his life and came up short. His one mistake -- an interception with under a minute to go in regulation. It didn't cost them the game, but it meant he didn't pull one out in the fourth quarter again. He is a good quarterback, but he had not made his own luck. I think he gets a chance next year -- in another city.
Giving up a late 1st half touchdown on a fumble return after an interception. That is pretty much a microcosm of the season/decade for the Redskins.
I think I've seen enough of Laron Laundry.
I loved the field conditions, wet, muddy, torn up at times. That's football. Too bad it couldn't have snowed Saturday instead of yesterday, that would have been even better.
Clearly, my Redskins allegiance isn't that strong, I came away from this game entertained and not feeling like I had been hit in the belly with a cannonball.
The burgundy at home is growing on me a little, though they better wear white for Dallas.
Credit to the players for not quitting on the season thus far. They just aren't very good, but at least they care.
*GONZO BOWL is inspired by the lede of Hunter S. Thompson's Super Bowl VII write-up (in the "Epitaph of '72"). It describes an intense football game (usually playoffs) with wild swings of momentum, bizarre plays, controversial officiating, and stupefying mental errors.
Redskins fake another field goal, beat Broncos - William World News
Monday, November 16, 2009
Redskins fake another field goal, beat Broncos
Watch this video while you still can!
Good to see that Jim Zorn found a play that he could call -- the fake field goal! Man, I wish the NFL Films feature about him running fake field goals was available on line. Hunter (the Punter) Smith has run and now thrown for a touchdown on two fake field goals this year. He's the best quarterback on the roster!
Oh and Clinton Portis, say hi to obsolescence! Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright ran better than you can these days.
The burgundy uniforms at home looked really weird and always will to me. Denver's uniforms still look bad.
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
Redskins vs. Eagles prediction - William World News
Monday, October 26, 2009
Redskins vs. Eagles prediction
Had the Philadelphia Eagles not lost to the Oakland Raiders last week, I'd have no hesitation in predicting a Redskins victory tonight. The Eagles always have inexplicable losses every year and that was one of them. However, I'm still going to go out on a limb (on Charlie Brown's Christmas tree) and predict that the Washington Redskins will beat Philly tonight anyway. I just think the players are tired of the who REDSKINS FAIL that is circling around the team, as are the fans. It is still there, but I think it will be incredibly amusing that the pre-ordered panic for Tuesday morning won't be there. It will be really funny. Then the Redskins will lose next week.
I also predict lots of Philly fans and lots of fights in the stands.
NOTA BENE: Degenerate gamblers should not use this pick as the basis for any wagers.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 6:21:00 AM
You could jump off the Redskins bandwagon, no?
# posted by TMBC :
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 5:16:00 PM
I've barely been on it since I officially threw my support to them. For me, Sunday football gets about 5% of the attention that Saturday football does.
Thomas Boswell chat 10.22.2009 - William World News
Thomas Boswell chat 10.22.2009
Ask Boswell: Redskins, MLB, Nats, Caps and More - The Post "Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. ET to take your questions about the MLB playoffs, the Redskins, the Nats, the NFL, the Caps and the latest sports news and his recent columns."
Mark Lerner thinks Boswell's answers about the Nats will be completely made up. Well, if he bothers to have any with the Redskins in turmoil and the World Series imminent.
Redskins: John Kent Cooke, ten years later - William World News
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Redskins: John Kent Cooke, ten years later
Burgundy & old pain - The Post John Kent Cooke, son of legendary owner Jack Kent Cooke, is profiled in depth for the first time since his failed bid to buy the Washington Redskins from his father's estate ten years ago. He is not pleased with what Dan Snyder has done to the franchise.
"The Band That Wouldn't Die" looks good - William World News
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
"The Band That Wouldn't Die" looks good
I have a soft spot for the Baltimore Colts.
While my antipathy towards Baltimore's baseball team is well documented, I have said on a few occasions that the Colts moving out of Baltimore is probably the worst franchise relocation in professional sports history. The fans were great, the team had great, memorable players and a marching band with a catchy fight song. The team moved away ultimately because the owner, Bob Irsay, was a really nasty individual who was also an alcoholic. Indianapolis was and still is completely unworthy of those horseshoe helmets and uniforms.
Noted film director Barry Levinson, a Baltimore native, has made a documentary for ESPN 30 for 30 about that marching band, "The Band That Wouldn't Die." The band played on even after the team abandoned them and eventually became the Marching Ravens after the Cleveland Browns (another bad move, but one that was corrected almost immediately) came to Baltimore. The whole story gets told tonight at 8 p.m.
Redskins vs. Buccenears prediction - William World News
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Redskins vs. Buccenears prediction
I didn't get a Washington Redskins prediction last week, but needless to say, it would have been wrong. This week, I think they bounce back and beat a pretty bad Tampa Bay team.
Week 2: Redskins vs. Rams prediction - William World News
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Week 2: Redskins vs. Rams prediction
I guess its time for another prediction from the world's most ambivalent Redskins fan. This week they host the St. Louis Rams, who beat the Redskins last season on the way to a 2-14 record. Ouch!
This week, I expect the Redskins to bounce back from last week's loss on the road. Playing at home, against a weaker team than the Giants and perhaps looking for a little revenge should help the Redskins win one that is closer than it needs to be.
Zorn finally fakes a Redskins FG - William World News
Monday, September 14, 2009
Zorn finally fakes a Redskins FG
When I found out Jim Zorn was hired by the Redskins to be the offensive coordinator head coach, I immediately hit YouTube looking for the NFL Films Feature on him. He was the original Seattle Seahawks quarterback and his signature play in this early expansion years was the fake field goal. He was the holder and apparently scored on about 37 fake field goals in the late 1970s. Give or take a couple of dozen. I did not find the NFL Films video about Zorn, though I did find this piece of television excellence, The ABC Sunday Night Movie. This was also when I began my Redskins fandom discernment.
One of the disappointing parts about last season's ultimate run to mediocrity is that Zorn failed to run his money play. I even emailed Dan Steinberg of DC Sports Bog about it last May when he was "looking for stuff to blog about." I don't think Steinz ever went into the fake field goals, but I have missed it.
Anyway, I was really pleased yesterday when this happened:
In case the video gets pulled down, it is punter Hunter Smith, the holder, pulled up the ball and ran it in for a touchdown right before halftime. Huge play, well done Smith. The only way it could have been better was if it had been last year's punter, Ryan Plackmeyer, perhaps the huskiest punter ever. I guess it would have been better too if it had led to a Redskins win. Anyway, my prediction of Giants 20 Redskins 13 wasn't too far off, as the final score was Giants 23 Redskins 17.
Week 1: Redskins vs. Giants prediction - William World News
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Week 1: Redskins vs. Giants prediction
Since I'm officially on board with the Washington NFL team (however ambivalently), I thought I would start a weakly weekly prediction of the Redskins outcome. This week, they travel to the New Jersey Meadowlands to play the New York Football Giants (if it were up to me, they'd be the NY-NJ Giants). The Redskins history in Giants Stadium is not a particularly good one and I don't expect the final regular season game there to be much better for D.C. The Redskins did not look great in preseason and the G-men are not the ideal team to get better against.
Degenerate gamblers, take note, my NFL Predictions are here - William World News
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Degenerate gamblers, take note, my NFL Predictions are here
Tonight, the NFL returns, so I thought I'd get in the spirit and give you my predictions for the 2009-10 season. Divisions listed in order of least to most importance.
AFC SOUTH
The Houston Texans will admit they have the most boring name in the NFL.
Indianapolis Peyton Manning will take first ever snap without audibling confusing entire state of Indiana and causing a decline in productivity.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will maintain 15th consecutive season of irrelevance. They should have kept their old uniforms too, the new ones are overdesigned. The only change the old uniforms needed was a switch back to standard block numbers.
The Tennessee Titans will have more uniform combination than wins as they regress to the mean.
AFC WEST Along with Rep. Heath Shuler (D, NC), San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner will be arrested for attacking a local blogger.
Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will win the NFL Man of the Year Award, prompting former coach Dick Vermeil to cry.
Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis will lock himself in his skybox at whatever the Colisuem in Oakland is called these days.
The Denver Broncos will embarrass themselves by wearing ghastly uniforms. They will also wear their 1962 mustard yellow and brown throwbacks.
NFC SOUTH
The Atlanta Falcons fanbase will not so quietly admit that best that happened to their franchise was Michael Vick getting busted.
The Carolina Panthers fans will forgive Jake Delhomme because that Bojangles ad a few years back is still awesome.
Hey, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees doesn't have a birthmark on his face anymore.
In honor of their throwback jerseys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will add Doug Williams, Steve DeBerg and Vinnie Testaverde to the team's QB rotation. DeBerg will start, but be replaced Testaverde who will throw 5 interceptions in second half.
NFC WEST
The Arizona Cardinals will start season 1-4 as they are too busy saying, "we played in the Super Bowl?" to concentrate on games.
Following precedent set by former coach Mike Nolan, NFL will be grant wardrobe dispensation to current 49ers Mike Singletary, who will coach team pantsless in home games.
The St. Louis Rams will beg L.A.to "please let be back baby, I'm sorry I strayed," prompting former coach Dick Vermeil to cry.
The Seattle Seahawks will lead the league in too many men on the field.
NFC NORTH
The Chicago Bears will tear up their grass field and replace it with an artificial surface, further sissifying the NFC North.
The Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre will retire after game in Green Bay. Weeks later, he will demand a trade to the Packers. NFL complies, ignoring trade deadline.
After being reacquired and then benched in favor of Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre will demand trade to New York Jets. NFL complies, ignoring trade deadline.
The Detroit Lions will complete sissification of NFC North by wearing new jerseys with "cute" numerals instead of standard block.
AFC EAST
Terrell Owens will do push-ups on Yonge Street prior to the Buffalo Bills showdown with the Jets in Toronto. Buffalo will start 5-2 or 2-5 on their way to 7-9.
New Miami Dolphins part owners Serena and Venus Williams will line up in the wildcat formation.
The New York Jets will play before thousands of intoxicated, overweight men wearing green from the outer boroughs and Long Island. Joe Namath will finally hookup with Suzie Kolber. Namath explains "I must have appealed to her maternal instinct."
Curt Shilling will sign on as backup quarterback for the New England Patriots
AFC NORTH
Forgotten Baltimore Ravens mascots Edgar and Allen will at last have revenge for their banishment. Watch you step Joe Flacco.
Cincinnati Bengals K Chad Ocho Cinco will moonlight as a wide receiver.
The field at Cleveland Browns Stadium will catch on fire.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will lose the AFC Championship at home, causing a a near riot in Heinz Field parking lot as fans argue whose fault it was, Neil O'Donnell or Kordell Stewart.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones ego will hit the hanging HD television screen above the field. Also, a distraught Tony Romo, still reeling from his breakup with Jessica Simpson, will begin dating Nick Lachey.
In a bid to send off Giants Stadium and provide closure to a dark spot in team history, the New York Giants will invite Joe Pisarcik back for the final home game. He fumbles a handoff to Larry Csonka, Herman Edwards picks it up and scores, eliminating the Giants from playoff contention.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb will make a boneheaded decision that makes Michael Vick look better able to lead the Eagles, prompting former coach Dick Vermeil to cry.
Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn will call fake every field goal for every attempt. Team will stop listening in week 3.
There you have it, contact your local bookmaker for odds on all these predictions today!
Capitals #6 for bang for your buck in ESPN Ultimate Standings, other D.C. teams in 90s - William World News
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Capitals #6 for bang for your buck in ESPN Ultimate Standings, other D.C. teams in 90s
ESPN The Magazine compiled the "Ultimate Standings" a ranking of all of the teams in the traditional four major sports. "The eight major categories that make up the Ultimate Standings were created based on feedback from fans about what they want most from their favorite teams (click here for a more detailed account of the method to our madness.)"
The Capitals led the way for Washington teams, coming in 6th overall and behind the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings amongst NHL teams. After that though, it gets really rough for Washington fans as the Redskins, Nationals and Wizards come in 92nd, 97th and 98th respectively in the overall survey. The Nats are 27th in baseball, the Skins 25th in the NFL and the Wiz are 21st in the NBA. The Nats came in higher than I expected and the Skins maybe a little lower than they should be. I think the Wiz got a bum rap in this since they were a perennial playoff team until they had two all-stars miss most of last season.
While far from being scientific, this certainly interesting and ought to be reviewed by the front offices.
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.
The Lerners are on the list because they have seemed only concerned about cash flow and the team is losing. If they draft and sign Stephen Strasburg, they'll likely be off the list. I think they are coming around a bit -- later than they should have, but signing Adam Dunn and extending Ryan Zimmerman shows some hope. I think they won't be on the list next year.
Is Snyder really worse than the Cincinnati Bengals Mike Brown? Snyder runs the Redskins like a fantasy team, but he can't be that bad can he? The Redskins are at least competitive most years. Abe Pollin cracks neither side of the NBA list and Ted Leonsis is not on the NHL list, though I am a little skeptical that he is not one of the five best owners in hockey. Nobody else in sports is as open about running the team and is anybody more fan friendly?
Not surprisingly, Peter Angelos is the worst MLB owner after 11 consecutive losing seasons. Under him, the Oriole Way means cowardice, unaccountability, pettiness, scapegoating and demands for subsidies from the Nationals.
25 years ago, the Colts were taken from Baltimore - William World News
25 years ago, the Colts were taken from Baltimore
On March 29, 1984, Robert Irsay moved the Colts out of Baltimore under the cover of darkness to Indianapolis, an unworthy destination. In observance of the anniversary, the Sun has a number of articles in Baltimore Colts section that basically say "let's get over it already." Yes, there is a bit of irony in those statements since the paper's Web site has a regularly updated section a generation after the fact, but they are probably right. In the end, Baltimore got a new team, one that won a Super Bowl, and stadiums for football and baseball. The new team, the Ravens, came from Cleveland, but the NFL did the right thing and insisted the colors and name be left behind there and put a team back there three years later.
I have said before that while I hope for nothing failure and misery when it comes to the Orioles, I have sympathy for the Colts fans who were on the wrong end of what was likely the worst sports team move ever. Why move out of a football crazy city to an irrelevant midwestern city? The Colts left because of the absolutely belligerent and incompetent Irsay (Sports Illustrated), a drunk who shopped the team for years despite strong fan support. The team only after he died. His son, Jim Irsay, still owns the team and missed an obvious chance to redeem the family legacy when he did not return the colors and logos to the city of Baltimore. Perhaps it was because he was high (Indy Star). The Indy side of the story is here if you care.
On a lighter note the reporting of the move has been, shall we say, imprecise over the years.
D.C. teams in Bizjournals 2008 rankings - William World News
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
D.C. teams in Bizjournals 2008 rankings
Another ranking of teams from the four traditional big sports. Here is a look at how Washington franchises, minus D.C. United, did.
"Bizjournals analyzed the performances of all 122 franchises in the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League in the 2008 calendar year. The top scores went to those teams that were strongest at the twin missions of professional sports -- winning games and making money."
41. Washington Capitals (10th in NHL) 41-60 42. Washington Redskins (12th in NFL) 41-60 82. Washington Wizards (19th in NBA) 81-100 113. Washington Nationals (28th in MLB) 101-120 only better than the Orioles and Pirates
I would expect the Capitals to rise in 2009, the Redskins to stay about the same, the Wizards to fall and the Nationals to rise. Three of these teams were in the playoffs in 2008, but none of them advanced. In 2009, it will likely be just one postseason appearance for Washington unless the Nats pull off a miracle. The Redskins have alerady missed the 2009 playoffs and the Wizards may be offically eliminated already.
I wish I could find the complete 2008 Turnkey Team Brand Index too, but it is behind a paywall.
Sources: Cowboys cut T.O. - ESPN That groan you heard this morning was the sound of thousands of Redskins fans in and outside the Beltway processing the thought that not only could Terrell Owens be Dan Snyder's latest Offseason Champions-style acquisition, but the former Cowboy could wear the sacred #81.
Speaking of Redskins, a friend wants to renew his season tickets but cannot make it to most of the games. Anybody interested in buying some of his tickets?
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, February 27, 2009 4:27:00 PM
We've got our own tickets to renew. But if your friend cannot find any takers, Redskins Replay is a great idea which allows you to donate the tickets back to the Redskins for a tax write off. They also happily take donated parking passes as well.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, February 28, 2009 10:37:00 AM
Where are the seats? How much is face value per ticket?
# posted by dl004d :
Saturday, February 28, 2009 2:38:00 PM
2 tickets in section #428, around 15 rows from the top of the stadium, in the middle of the row. Visitor's side, around the 43 yard line. Also a green-lot parking pass (worth $35/game)
Each ticket is worth $78, I think.
# posted by WFY :
Saturday, February 28, 2009 4:48:00 PM
Tempting, but no thanks.
# posted by David :
Saturday, February 28, 2009 5:31:00 PM
I demand credit for your title!
# posted by Brad :
Saturday, February 28, 2009 8:58:00 PM
Kaufman, Linebacker On Super Bowl Teams, Passes Away - Redskins.com Mel Kaufman (who wore #55) has died. I was wondering why searches for him were showing up on site stats. It seems liked he, Rich Milot and Neil Olkewicz were the Redskins three linebackers for the entire 1980s. In fact, it was just 1979 through 1987.
Coming off a moderately successful Super Bowl prediction, I thought I would finish off my 2008-09 NFL Prognostication with a prediction on the league's annual All-Star game.
The NFC led by Kurt Warner will take on the AFC, led by...
THIS IS THE FREAKING PRO BOWL! WHO CARES? ARE YOU REALLY THAT DESPERATE TO GAMBLE?
Time for one last NFL playoffs prediction! We've got the established Pittsburgh Steelers against the upstart Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. The two teams, which were briefly one during World War II, have some other similarities as well. Both have been owned by the same families since the 1930s. Both were generally awful for a large part of their existence. We know that the Cardinals had not won a championship since 1948 and only one other playoff game before this year. They also moved twice, from Chicago to St. Louis to Phoenix (actually Tempe) and even changed their location to Arizona. Many people forgot that the Steelers stunk for their first forty years in the league before breaking through in the 1970s. They have a huge fanbase spread out as Western Pennsylvanians have moved elsewhere for generations. The Cardinals on the other hand, don't have much a fanbase anywhere, including Arizona.
Okay, enough with the history. My pick is simple -- the Pittsburgh Steelers will win Super Bowl XLIII, it is a LOCK. They are more talented and experienced than the Cardinals in almost every way. They have a better defense, a strong enough offense and Super Bowl experience. The Cardinals may have better receivers and a quarterback with twice as much Super Bowl experience, but I think the Steelers secondary and pash rush offsets that enough. I expect the Steelers to win by at least 10 points.
DAMN YOU! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US? I asked you one stinking favor, and you had to jinx us, didn't you? I will leave it to Erica to figure out an appropriate punishment for you, as I know she also cheers for the Black & Gold when it comes to the NFL.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, January 30, 2009 8:48:00 AM
"My pick is simple -- the Pittsburgh Steelers will win Super Bowl XLIII, it is a LOCK"
Making a prediction on who will win the Super Bowl based on the quality of the players does not always work.
There have been plenty of "better" teams that lose the big game because they play very conservatively. The other team gets a huge lead and the momentum carries them through to a win.
Sure, 9 games out of 10 the Steelers would win. But whether they'll win this Sunday is not a sure thing at all.
# posted by Pack127 :
Friday, January 30, 2009 11:43:00 AM
test
# posted by Anonymous :
Friday, January 30, 2009 12:14:00 PMPost a Comment
Best Obamicon ever - William World News
Monday, January 26, 2009
Best Obamicon ever
I know that Obamicon.me is so last week, but on Run Up the Score!'s Facebook profile, I saw perhaps the best one to date:
Well, that was some bad prognositicating - William World News
Monday, January 19, 2009
Well, that was some bad prognositicating
0-2 in NFL picks this weekend! Now, I need to figure out who is going to win the Super Bowl. Frankly, I am disappointed that a northeast corridor team is not in the game this year. Erica is pretty happy about the Steelers though.
NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship predictions - William World News
Friday, January 16, 2009
NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship predictions
HOME team capitalized
Baltimore over PITTSBURGH The Steelers beat the Ravens twice this season by a combined seven points. Even though the Steelers are at home and have a strong defense and better offense, I have a gut feeling the Ravens defense is just going to be better. This means I expect a low scoring game of course. I think the Ravens overcome having a rookie QB in Joe Flacco and the Steelers lose another AFC Championship game at home.
Philadelphia over ARIZONA I do not think of the Eagles as a team of destiny, just a better team than the Cardinals. Either way, the NFC will send a Cinderella team to the Super Bowl. I think the Eagles have the focus they will need for some reason, having been in this situation so many times before.
These picks are for recreational purposes only and should not be used by degenerate gamblers.
I will be attending Sunday's game. For what its worth, the Steelers are 7-2 when I see them play at Heinz Field (9-2 overall). Of course, I've never been to a playoff game.
Glad you picked the Ravens! Go Steelers!
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, January 16, 2009 10:33:00 AM
Wrong on both Accounts
# posted by Wiley :
Monday, January 19, 2009 2:27:00 PM
Post a CommentNFL Playoffs: Semi-finals predictions - William World News
Friday, January 09, 2009
NFL Playoffs: Semi-finals predictions
HOME team capitalized
Baltimore over TENNESSEE This is a tough one to pick because there are two big reasons the Titans are supposed to win -- playing at home against a rookie quarterback. However, I think the Ravens defense will mess with Kerry Collins enough that the Ravens find a way to win.
CAROLINA over Arizona The Cardinals won their playoff game for this century last week. The Panthers are a better, more complete team and play in the Eastern time zone which is not a place the Cardinals tend to win in.
NEW YORK GIANTS over Philadelphia The Eagles and their playoff beards seem to have momentum, but was beating Minnesota in the 72° Metrodome that big of an accomplishment? . I don't think so; It would have been one thing if Minnesota had not benched Gus Ferotte, The Eagles are also the same team that got swept by the Redskins and tied Cincinnati. I expect an ugly game as the Giants have had a lot of time off and only one win in the last month, but learned to win last year.
PITTSBURGH over San Diego Although a recently concussed Ben Rothliesburger could hurt the Steelers and that their home field advantage is not great in the playoffs, I cannot get over the fact that the Chargers are coached by Norv Turner. Sure, the Chargers won last week, at home but I am not a believer in Norv. I mean the man was intimidated by a 17 year old at a Friendly's carry-out window. I don't have any against him though.
Besides, the Steelers typically wait until the AFC Championship to blow it.
These picks are for recreational purposes only and should not be used by degenerate gamblers.
I think this game could go either wya. We'll know in the first quarter how the game is going to go, and its entirely on the health of Big Ben. The Steelers will have lousy field position all-day but as long as Ben doesn't turn the ball over, I think the Stillers win.
And you are correct about this round of the playoffs for the Steelers. Since 1992, the Steelers are 5-1 playing at home after a bye in the playoffs but 1-4at home in AFC championship games.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, January 09, 2009 2:56:00 PM
Isn't next week the Semi-Finals???
# posted by Caps Nut :
Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:28:00 PM
NFL Wild Card weekend predictions - William World News
Friday, January 02, 2009
NFL Wild Card weekend predictions
HOME team capitalized
Philadelphia Eagles over MINNESOTA VIKINGS Philly is hot and can probably put off the inevitable meltdown at least a week. That game is not yet sold out either, shame on you Minnesotans.
ARIZONA CARDINALS over Atlanta Falcons Kurt Warner finds a way to win one more playoff game, the first home game for the Cards since they were in some mid-western city, though I cannot remember which one. Indianapolis Colts over SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Norv Turner vs. Peyton Manning in the playoffs -- this will not end well. Bandwagon fans in Indiana get to soak up another win from a team they never deserved. The upside for the Chargers are they get to stay in San Diego while Colts will be punished by going back to Indiana.
Baltimore Ravens over MIAMI DOLPHINS Baltimore's defense > Miami's wildcat offense, but thanks for being interesting.
A similar consolation for the Chargers applies to the Dolphins -- the ocean temperature is 74° this time of year.
These picks are for recreational purposes only and should not be used by degenerate gamblers.
2009 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.
Why wasn't Sammy Baugh above the scroll/fold on Post? - William World News
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Why wasn't Sammy Baugh above the scroll/fold on Post?
The greatest Redskin of all (if not the greatest D.C. athlete ever), Sammy Baugh, died last night. For some reason, washingtonpost.com did not feature this news above the scroll as of 9:45 a.m. Their local competitors washtimes.com and dcexaminer.com both had Baugh in their carousels. On the print edition, Baugh's passing is only noted at the bottom. The front page of The Wash. Times has the news on the fold. Even the Philly Daily News had Baugh's passing noted on the back (sports) page.
Baugh made football in this town and revolutionized passing. He was also one of the greatest punters of all time and an excellent defensive back. His #33 is the only number officially retired by the Redskins. He was the only quarterback to lead the Redskins to multiple titles (1937 and 1942). I hope the Redskins honor him with a #33 patch on their uniforms for the rest of the season.
Depending on the source, Baugh may have never returned to Washington after retiring in 1952, preferring life on his Texas ranch.
The Bengals?! Clearly I picked an excellent time to align myself with D.C.'s football team - William World News
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Bengals?! Clearly I picked an excellent time to align myself with D.C.'s football team
For Redskins, a Dead Giveaway - The Post BENGALS 20 REDSKINS 13 So, ya, this is going well. Now, if they would just wear the white, burgundy and gold striped socks with their burgundy pants, maybe they would win. I fear Jim Zorn will not be given a chance to come back.
I might be mad if I had actually watched the last two games.
Wait a minute, the Redskins? Seriously? - William World News
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Wait a minute, the Redskins? Seriously?
While I prefer College Football, I find myself occasionally watching the NFL. It was not always that way though. Through my freshmen year of college, Sunday football was appointment television. I even borrowed a housemate's TV every weekend during the fall. For about 15 years I even had a favorite team -- the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, that made for an interesting childhood growing up in the D.C. suburbs, though I will note that Northern Virginians while disappointed with my choice generally handled it well, as it met they had a rival to talk trash with though we didn't call it talkin' trash in third grade. Pennsylvanians however, did not handle well at all, just belligerent and hateful about the whole thing.
Anyway, I have asked Editor-at-Large Maxamillian Schlorndorf to interview me about this decision.
MS: The Redskins?
WFY: I know, weird isn't it?
MS: But you were a die-hard Dallas Cowbooys fan growing up. It kind of defined you, to a fault even.
WFY: Ya, I know.
MS: How could you abanndon the 'boys?
WFY: All the players I liked grew old and retired. Even seeing them on Thanksgiving day does not arouse one bit of sentiment. I have never been to Texas. Besides, Penn State football is much more important. Even Yale (my dad's alma mater) has been getting me more excited than the Cowboys for several years.
MS: So why adopt the Skins?
WFY: I want to be ideologically consistent and root for the home team (and the Yankees) across the board . I think it will set a good example for my son too, though he gets to make his own decisions on who he likes.
What other team would I adopt? The only other places I have lived were North Jersey (for about the first two years of my life) and two parts of Pennsylvania for college. The only possible choice based on those locales would be the Giants, but if I am going to switch NFC East teams, I might as well go for the local one. I know all of the history too.
MS: The Redskins are not much a choice though. I mean they are owned by Dan Snyder.
WFY: Yes, the Dan Snyder factor is defintely an issue -- it seems he's more interested in making money off the team and controlling the message than winning. However, he has been behaving a little better since Joe Gibbs came back. I am not excusing his behavior though, I am adopting the Redskins despite him owning them.
It should also be noted that my friend David paved the way to this by becoming a Redskins fan in his 20s. I figure if he can make that leap, so can I.
MS: When did the switch happen?
WFY: It kind of began when Gibbs came back. It was a reminder of my childhood. Also, the book True Believers by Joe Queenan made a compelling case for rooting for the home team.
MS: Didn't True Believers also make the case you are never allowed to switch teams?
WFY: Yes, I almost sent Queenan a letter asking for a ruling on the matter. I was going to make the case, cite 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and so forth. Then I would ask him if his answer would be at all different if former team was the Dallas Cowboys.
MS: So, will you be buying Redskins jerseys and all of that?
WFY: Doubtful, unless it is ironic. More likely might be an ironic t-shirt like the ones Mr. Irrelevant sells. No money for Dan Snyder. Besides, I'm not big on burgundy and gold, I like blue.
MS: Well, you will at least be watching all the games right?
WFY: Not necessarily. I might turn them on when I get a chance, but ultimately, I don't have any appointment television outside of Penn State football.
MS: At least you will hate the Cowboys now, right? You are going to renounce your past.
WFY: Nope, in fact I won't hate any NFC East team. I am pro-Northeast Corridor and even rooted for the Giants in the Super Bowl last year. I am pretty dismissive of the Eagles though.
I am not going to renounce following the Cowboys either. I will still look back fondly at those teams and players, especially Danny White, Bill Bates, Jim Jeffcoat, etc. I reserve the right to wear a Cowboys jersey while I am eating a turkey leg on the couch during the fourth quarter of the Thanksgiving game.
MS: Who do you even like on the Redskins?
WFY: I am pro-Jim Zorn, I think is a refreshing kind of head coach, though he ought to start winning again. Oh and Sonny on the radio team because, well he is Sonny.
MS: How about some actual players?
WFY: Chris Cooley is pretty fun and Jason Campbell has a shot at being a solid quarterback. Clinton Portis can be entertaining and plays with heart.
MS: Sounds like you are not much of a Redskins fan?
WFY: Pretty much, I think of myself as more as a Washington fan than anything. In the past I called myself "The World's Most Casual Hockey Fan" which really isn't true anymore, so how about I call myself the "The World's Most Casual Redskins Fan" instead? My emotional investment will be seriously lower than the Nationals and Capitals, probably about the same level as the Wizards and D.C. United.
MS: You gave this a lot of thought, didn't you?
WFY: Waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much.
MS: Anything else you want to add?
WFY: They should wear the right color combinations instead of going monochromatic. Oh and beat Baltimore on Sunday night.
hey guys, check out this article! http://www.fanzak.com/fzrants/Two_teams__The_same_sad_results
# posted by james :
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 6:50:00 PM
As your brother and a "Yurasko Insider," I found the interview disturbing.
# posted by Christopher :
Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:17:00 AM
Post a CommentOld NFL logo lives on as favicon - William World News
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Old NFL logo lives on as favicon
Yesterday, I noticed that on some NFL.com pages (i.e. Redskins schedule) the old logo is still being used as the favicon. Note the curly L.
I applaud this development since the old logo was fine and not in need of fixing as noted in my August 30, 2007 post, NFL shield: Fixing what wasn't broken.
They going monochromatic and wearing all burgundy tonight. Bad move, bad move.
They should play at home on every Presidential Election Eve, it would be a great Monday Night Football tradition. There is the Redskins prediction of election outcome too.
When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought - William World News
Thursday, October 30, 2008
When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought
With the Phillies World Series win, Washington is now tied with Minnesota's Twin Cities for the longest title drought amongst 4-team major league markets (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA). Coincidentally, both the Redskins and Twins won their titles in the Metrodome in Minneapolis after their 1991 seasons, though the Redskins came in January 1992. Technically, the Twin Cities have the longest drought, but I'll still call it a tie.
There is an asterisk on this though -- Washington has only been a 4-team major league market since 2005 when we got baseball back. There was not a hockey team in the Twin Cities for most of the 1990s for some reason either. D.C. United has won MLS Cups since 1996, but soccer is generally regarded as the fifth pro sport.
Of the four big league teams here now, my predictions for the most likely to end this streak.
CAPITALS: They are young, have the reigning league MVP in Alex Ovechkin and should just be entering their prime in the next season or so. On paper, the thing most likely to hold them back is goaltending while the most likely thing to move them ahead is their stable of goalscorers. Also, relying heavily on Russains could become problematic now that Russia is moving back to some Soviet-era behaviors.
REDSKINS: After many years of mediocrity, the Redskins have made the playoffs two out of the last three years and are 6-2 this season. They have a strong nucleus, a young quarterback, Jason Campbell, who seems to have turned a corner and a fiery, intelligent coach, Jim Zorn. They have the potential to make a deep playoff run with the team they have right now and may for another couple of years. With some breaks, they could win it all. Working against them is their owner, Dan Snyder, who has historically been meddlesome. Snyder may have learned to back off from the Joe Gibbs experience though.
WIZARDS: The Wizards (nee Bullets) have become a periennel playoff team in the last few years, but after breaking through in 2005, they have not won another playoff series, being eliminated by Cleveland annually. When healthy, they have a strong core with Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, but they have not played together too much lately. Even when these three are healthy, the Wizards are not much for defense though. It appears that the team will continue to make the playoffs for the foreseeable future, but a championship seems unlikely unless they have excellent health and good luck.
NATIONALS: They are young, lack power and get by with scrap heap pitchers exceeding expectations. After starting off well with the Lerner family ownership, the franchise seems to be spinning its wheels and backing off of "The Plan" to build a strong team through the farm system. 3B Ryan Zimmmerman, C Jesus Flores, OF Elijah Dukes, OF Lastings Milledge and P John Lannan provide a foundation, but not a spectacular one. Zimmerman could be a star with good health and perhaps some protection in the lineup. Dukes, who is the Nationals most exciting player, has to overcome some very strong character problems to meet his enormous potential and Milledge still has room to grow. Flores is a highly regarded young catcher, but he needs to improve his batting to become a cornerstone. Lannan has the makings of a solid middle of the rotation starter who could win 15 or more in a strong season. There is little hope of anything more mediocre for the foreseeable future, though if the system producers a few pitchers and a slugger in the next few years, they could contend.
D.C. has another eight seasons to avoid matching Philadelphia's recent title-less streak. Hopefully, it won't come to that but at least we are better off than Cleveland, whose three teams have not brought home a title since 1964.
What do you mean "we"? You aren't even a Redskins or Wizards fan, are you? (You are no longer an NFL fan, as I recall).
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:44:00 PM
Good luck to your sports teams. I hope you don't have to wait as long as I did for a parade!
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:17:00 PM
I occasionally take in a Wizards game, they are fun.
Saturday football is better than Sunday football, but I watch more Redskins than anyone else. I could see converting if not for two things:
Dan Snyder
That team I used to passionately follow until about ten years ago is the Redskins arch-rival. It would be quite an odd turn of events to switch, no? Perhaps I ought to ask Joe Queenan for some guidance.
# posted by WFY :
Friday, October 31, 2008 7:46:00 AM
WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first - William World News
Monday, September 08, 2008
WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first
This morning, WTOP sports led with the Ravens win over Cincinatti and devoted the largest part of the sportscast to Baltimore's football team. I'm pretty indifferent to the Ravens other than I am glad Baltimore got a NFL team again, even if they have to wear purple. I am not going to suggest that the NFL is not important, if the Redskins had played yesterday instead of Thursday, it would have made sense for them to lead off in sports. I will suggest though that local teams like the Nationals are more important than non-local teams like the Ravens. The Nationals came from behind and won in 14 innings yesterday (The Post) and are broadcasted by WTOP's sister station WWWT.
Even if you accept that non-local NFL games trump local MLB games, I would argue that the Ravens are not even the second most popular team in BeltwayLand. That position is probably held by the Giants with the Eagles, Jets, Steelers, possibly the Patriots and even Cowboys more popular than the Ravens, so why not focus on them if D.C. teams don't matter too much? Perhaps sports director Dave Johnson's bio offers a hint:
Before breaking into sports Johnson was a disc jockey at several stations in Baltimore. His first job was at a station that played Sinatra music and then he went on to "spin records" at rock and country stations.
A graduate of Towson University...
It is not a stretch to suggest that Johnson's colors run purple & black and orange & black instead of red, white & blue and burgundy & gold. He is even wearing Ravens colors in his photo. It is an ongoing pro-Baltimore trend that also rewards the bad behavior by anti-Washington baseball owner Peter Angelo$. Johnson should shape up and focus on the real home teams.
Dave Johnson here nice blog!!!actually we thought the rookie story (Flacco)was a neat one so we led with that...nationals got bumped because it was an nfl monday..although is still used highlights in every cast.BUT i grew up a colts fans but never made the switch to ravens..as I kid i remeber the ted williams senators..thanks again for listening
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, September 08, 2008 4:38:00 PM
Thanks for responding, though I'll note there was no mention of the Nationals in either the 6:45 or 7:15 sportscasts. They had the night off, but they are back tonight.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 8:08:00 AM
Not that I have any stake in the outcome of their season, but I think the Redskins go 9-7 and back into the playoffs. Jim Zorn will be a solid, if unconventional, coach here.
Save the Babe! A Laufenberg retrospective - William World News
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Save the Babe! A Laufenberg retrospective
Rich Tandler has a great piece of QB Babe Laufenberg, the perienniel preseason darling for the Redskins in the mid-1980s. Every year, he'd have an exciting preseason and then get cut. He bounced around the sport for several years after his Redskins glory days, before ending his career as a Cowboy in Troy Aikman's second year. He finished that season and it did not go well. He stuck around Dallas and overcame a speech impediment (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) to become a Cowboys broadcaster and local sports anchor.
Wearing white after Labor Day in the NFL - William World News
Friday, August 08, 2008
Wearing white after Labor Day in the NFL
White at Home in the NFL - UniWatch Timothy Brulia, a fellow with too much time on his hands, compiled a list of when NFL teams have worn white at home since 1957 for UniWatch. It is excellent scholarship for those into uniforms. All but the Raiders and Seahawks have worn white at home at some point.
By the way, the Redskins, who just enjoyed their best weekend of the 2008 season, are wearing white for their first four home games and burgundy for the last four home games (Redskins Blog). That means one less blue jersey game for the Cowboys (possibly a violation of the social contract, by the way) who come to Raljon in November. At least the Redskins' pants combinations are going to be correct white-burgundy, burgundy-white. I think they are still wearing black shoes.
The Redskins should definitely wear white when the Cowboys come to town. I love when the Eagles do that too, because the Cowboys HATE those blue jerseys!
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Friday, August 08, 2008 1:20:00 PM
After one game in Burgundy jerseys at home, the whites will come back out.
Of course since this got out early, it may not happen at all because the fans reacted so badly to Schottenheimer's insistence on wearing the dark jersey at home.
Personally, who really cares?
# posted by Caps Nut :
Saturday, August 09, 2008 5:19:00 PM
I miss when the Giants would wear white when they hosted the Cowboys. That policy died in New York when Parcells left.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, August 10, 2008 7:42:00 PM
Why is Wallace Herman Richardson in the news? http://tinyurl.com/6sxqcu
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, August 10, 2008 9:17:00 PM
Caps Nut: Jersey choices are determined before the season, so any midseason change would require permission from the visiting teams.
Everybody cares too.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, August 11, 2008 11:11:00 AM
Back in 1994, the NFL celebrated its 75th anniversary as all the teams wore throwback jerseys in Week 3. Some teams wore the jerseys the rest of the season. Most returned to their modern jerseys the following week. The New York Giants were one of those teams. But after starting 3-0, the Giants lost 7 straight. Seeking a spark, the Giants switched back to their throwbacks, and promptly finished the year in a 6-game winning streak. So the uniform policy isn't that strict as far as getting permission.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Monday, August 11, 2008 3:51:00 PM
Brad: I doubt the Giants switched jersey colors though, they probably stuck with blue. Changing from colored jerseys to white ones would require the other team's permission.
Dan Snyder Expands Radio Empire - The Post In an effort to control the message and provide "unfiltered" coverage of the Redskins, owner Dan Snyder has purchased WTEM, the market's original sports radio station.
Since taking over the Redskins in 1999, Snyder has made a number of deals to control both the media and the message. In addition to purchasing the Triple X radio stations in late 2005, the Redskins buy time on local TV stations to air upbeat, magazine-style shows such as "Redskins Game Day" that are produced by the team.
That is a pretty tame way of putting it. Snyder comes off as incredibly petty and insecure about himself and his team. Once again, he has bought his way out of criticism, if there is even much of it on WTEM; I don't know, because I don't listen to sports radio.
One wonders how Snyder would hold up in a media market that did not provide so much favorable coverage of the team. Clearly, he doesn't see it, but I think reasonable people realize that the Redskins have traditionally been subject to coverage that is far from harsh. Can you imagine Snyder owning a team in a place like New York or Philly? He couldn't have handle it.
Snyder has faced some backlash over the years, but not enough that he hasn't been able to fill FedEx Field every Sunday. He has the luxury of a devoted fanbase and a season-ticket waiting list that has spanned generations. Moves like this though and the mediocre gameday experience is probably going to cut it into that soon. Ten years from now, he could find himself in a really tough spot, maybe five if the Redskins can't win regularly.
Lastly, I wonder if Bonneville is going to switch 3WT to sports radio. They have very little original programming now and already carry the Nats and Caps. They must be thinking about it a little bit.
I haven't listened to 980 in years so I have no idea about their Skins coverage. But it seem to me that football teams lend themselves to criticism rather easily. If your team wins, they rule! If they lose, they stink! I listen to Redskins Radio from time to time and I have heard them criticize the Skins when its deserved. But I have no idea how that compares to other media outlets.
Now if you want to talk about their lack of hockey coverage.....
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, June 05, 2008 11:49:00 AM
New Redskins coach Jim Zorn thought the Redskins colors are maroon, black and yellow. Can Nationals do much better?
The correct answer is burgundy and gold of course. I almost want to cut the guys who said maroon a little slack, as well as the guys who said red and yellow. At least Manny Acta and Ryan Zimmerman (among others) got it right. Nick Johnson though -- disappointing. How can you live, work and play in Washington for three years and not know the correct answer?
Perhaps during training camp, the Redskins can be asked what colors the Nationals wear. In fact, it'd be a fun quiz for all D.C. teams.
Will there be a Terrible Towel on his coffin? - William World News
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Will there be a Terrible Towel on his coffin?
Legendary broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79 - Post-Gazette The Maryland Bureau Chief tipped me off that Cope who was "so bad, he's good" as a long-time Steelers broadcaster died today at age 79. He was credited with inventing the Terrible Towel.
I remember on Thanksgiving Sunday we were driving back from seeing family friends in Michigan and we found a Steelers game. We agreed the broadcasters were awful. Later, through the magic of NFL Films, I became more familiar with his work and became a fan of him. Not a Steelers fan though (except for Super Bowl XL).
Myron will be missed, although listening to him 2002-04 was a little painful because he clearly was in decline (no jokes that he was "always" painful to listen to). But yes, I am among those "yinzers" that would turn down the TV broadcast and turn up Myron. He loved the team and really brought the game to life. And of course, I found him entertaining and funny!
I was sad he wasn't on-board during the Super Bowl XL campaign, but at least he was alive to see it. I will finish up by saying: DOUBLE YOI!!!
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 12:27:00 PM
For me, listening to Myron was like repeatedly smashing a brick into the back of my head. But I understand he was pretty much a god of broadcasting, kinda like Mel Allen was. Of course, the Steelers never fired Myron, did they?
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:47:00 PM
TMBC: I read somewhere that listening to the radio coverage while watching the game was a "unique Pittsburgh tradition." Um, no. Redskins fans used to "turn the TV down and the radio up" to listen to Sonny, Sam and Frank. Buffalo fans did it too and I'll bet Colts fans did for Chuck Thompson and Raider fans for Bill King.
Brad: Allen was fired by the sponsor, Ballantine Ale. Back in the day, sponsors bought the broadcast rights and decided who would call the games.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:50:00 PM
WFY: I don't claim that it is a Pittsburgh-only tradition. But I've heard Sonny and Sam, and they are not nearly the "unique" radio personalities that Myron was. I think every town probably has one or two announcers that fans swear is the best, so we are probably no different with our admiration of Myron. I just know that none of the others made up a song with lyrics such as: "Deck the Broncos there just Yoncos....FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA."
Brad, No, the Steelers never fired Myron. He and his buddy (Joe Gordon?) had an agreement that when Joe told Myron he was "slipping", Myron would resign. Joe gave him the word during the summer of 2005. I think the Steelers knew it was coming a few years ahead of time, which is why they expanded to a 3 man booth a few years earlier.
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:08:00 PMPost a Comment
William F. & William R. Yurasko
December 20, 2009
Alexandria, Va. Photo by Erica Yurasko
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