Bobby Valentine |
Monday, September 13, 2010
Bobby Valentine to recieve the 4th annual Sports Angels Inspiration Award September 20th
September 13, 2010
Bobby Valentine, Gerry Cooney, Inspiration Awards Dinner, Jeff Nelson, Joe Pignatano, Ralph Branca, Sports Angels, University Club
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Sunday, September 5, 2010
Fat Beats closing ceremonies: The end of an era
September 05, 2010
Caron Wheeler, DJ Premier, DJ Scratch, DJ Spinna, Fat Beats Closing, Gangstarr, New York, Soul II Soul, Video
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Outside Fat Beats during the closing ceremonies |
Labeled "The Last Stop for Hip Hop", Fat Beats served as the mecca for hip hop fans, DJ's and collectors. A legendary fixture in New York City on 6th Avenue, right near the famous West 4th Street basketball courts, hip hop "heads" would often gather to purchase the latest hip hop record and discuss who was next to blow up on the scene.
The inner walls of the store covered with autographed photos and posters of the many artists who graced the store during their record release celebrations. The names on the wall are too many to mention, but it reads like a "Who's Who" of hip hop. On any given day, you could run into a significant artist, DJ or producer who would stop by while they were in New York to see what was new in the "underground". If you wanted a hip hop 12" or CD by an artist large or small, chances are they had it. Customers would often come in with playlists from radio shows such as the Stretch and Bobbito Show or the Halftime Radio show and purchase every single record that was played on the airwaves. The fans demand it and they kept the fiends coming back every week for more. You better have acted quickly though because any record worth its salt didn't stay on the racks too long.
A look at the ceiling of Fat Beats |
This past week had an All-Star lineup of DJ's, MC's and producers performing to celebrate the institution that Fat Beats had become. I attended the closing ceremonies on Saturday September 4, 2010 that included performances by DJ Scratch of EPMD, DJ Spinna, Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul and DJ Premier of Gangstarr. It was fitting that Premier closed out the week-long celebration, as he epitomized the essence of hip hop and vinyl. DJ's across the country immersed themselves in vinyl due to his work and have their crates full of his productions.
DJ Premier rocks the final set at Fat Beats |
Caron Wheeler Performing Keep On Movin' At Fat Beats Closing 9/4/10 from Dee Jay on Vimeo.
Caron Wheeler Singing Back To Life at Fat Beats Closing 9/4/10 from Dee Jay on Vimeo.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Reggie Jackson and his 1986 PSA video against cocaine
September 03, 2010
Cocaine, Hall of Fame, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Drug Trials, Reggie Jackson
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A quick search of Youtube unearthed former New York Yankee great and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson appearing in a 1986 public service announcement citing the dangers of using cocaine.
The series of PSA's were part of Major League Baseball's cleanup efforts after the 1985 Pittsburgh Drug Trials, where 11 players were suspended for their cocaine use. That list included current New York Mets announcer Keith Hernandez. More detail on the scandal is given in the book "The Pittsburgh Cocaine Seven". While the ad may seem cheesy, Reggie was just trying to kick "the real truth" about cocaine and help MLB refresh its public image.
Photo by Rubenstein |
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Was Nyjer Morgan really wrong for stealing two bases after being hit?
September 02, 2010
Brawl, Chris Volstad, Fight, Florida Marlins, Gaby Sanchez, Njyer Morgan, Stolen Base, Washington Nationals
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In an act of retaliation for Washington Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan separating the shoulder of Florida Marlins catcher Brett Hayes on Tuesday and then stealing two bases while down eleven runs last night, pitcher Chris Volstad threw behind Morgan which ignited a brawl that almost saw Morgan get his head taken off by Gaby Sanchez.
During the commentary, the announcers remarked that Morgan was wrong for stealing two bases while his team was down 11 runs in the 4th inning. I disagree with the commentators in this case. If Morgan can himself into scoring position after being purposely hit by the opposing pitcher, why not do it? There was plenty of baseball to be played in that game and if he could help creep the Nationals towards closing the gap by getting into scoring position, then he should do it. Morgan later scored on a sacrifice fly. The game ended with the Marlins winning 16-10, but how many of us have seen games that appeared to be a blowout and were decided by one run?
Leave a comment if you think Morgan was right or wrong for stealing those two bases after getting hit.
During the commentary, the announcers remarked that Morgan was wrong for stealing two bases while his team was down 11 runs in the 4th inning. I disagree with the commentators in this case. If Morgan can himself into scoring position after being purposely hit by the opposing pitcher, why not do it? There was plenty of baseball to be played in that game and if he could help creep the Nationals towards closing the gap by getting into scoring position, then he should do it. Morgan later scored on a sacrifice fly. The game ended with the Marlins winning 16-10, but how many of us have seen games that appeared to be a blowout and were decided by one run?
Leave a comment if you think Morgan was right or wrong for stealing those two bases after getting hit.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Cal McLish | Former Brooklyn Dodger pitcher dies at 84
The owner of the longest full name in baseball history, Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish passed away August 26, 2010. He was 84.
Cal McLish made his debut in 1944 at the tender age of 18 with the Brooklyn Dodgers during World War II straight out of Central High School in Oklahoma City. He missed the subsequent season due to his own military service; however, he later played 15 seasons in the majors with six additional teams, the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox. He appeared in the 1959 All-Star game where he earned a save, pitching the final two scoreless innings for the victorious American League squad.
After his playing career was finished, he was a major league pitching coach for 16 seasons and then went on to become a scout and an instructor, as recently as 2005 with the Seattle Mariners.
Cal McLish |
After his playing career was finished, he was a major league pitching coach for 16 seasons and then went on to become a scout and an instructor, as recently as 2005 with the Seattle Mariners.