Recap: Phillies win as Brown steals show
The dugout ritual surpassed Domonic Brown the first time. Normally, cocksure veterans would slyly reject the ragged rookie’s attempt at high fives after a first-career home run; sometimes the rookie would mime the sky, witty his response. But Brown – plodding without a home run for the first thirty-seven appearances – received the customary congratulations … Continue reading
Album review: Arcade Fire, ‘The Suburbs’
There are few – very, very few – albums out there that go far beyond what you’d think was appropriate and pull it off. The Beatles’ eponymous “White Album” was balls-to-the-wall braggadocio, climaxed by a ridiculous nine-minute sound meditation that even most Beatle freaks claim they would only listen to once. That band pulled off … Continue reading
Archives: Dangers of professional wrestling
Originally posted Feb. 28, 2008 in in the Norwich Bulletin: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/casinos/diversity/x2119833018 A wrestler runs full steam at another, catching his chin with an extended arm. The wrestler who has been struck falls in a heap to the mat. A clothesline may be one of the more simple moves in the wrestling world, but it’s just … Continue reading
Archives: On Alex Rodriguez and PEDs
Originally posted Feb. 10, 2009 at http://www.philliesnation.com The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. … Continue reading
Archives: Harry Kalas eulogy
Originally posted April 13, 2009 at http://www.philliesnation.com My mother’s and father’s were the first two voices I heard after I was born. Now I’m not sure, but I would bet the third was the voice of Harry Kalas. It was a stunning voice. His rich, regal baritone felt like the wind shaving across a midwestern … Continue reading
Archives: Why I would trade Ryan Howard
Originally posted April 14, 2008 at http://www.philliesnation.com Last night, two friends of mine – a Braves fan and a Red Sox fan – argued with me about trading Ryan Howard. They couldn’t believe I’d even fathom such an idea. I’ve suggested in the past the possibility of trading Howard, but today I wanted to bring … Continue reading
Archives: Phillies victory about father-son bonding
Originally posted Nov. 1, 2008 at http://www.philliesnation.com after the Philadelphia Phillies won the 2008 World Series. At 5:25 p.m. Monday, I was sitting at my desk at work, preparing for game five of the World Series by listening to the same pseudo playlist I’ve created through my iPod. Always at the top: “Life in Technicolor” by … Continue reading
Archives: Mike Zagurski, always proving himself
Originally posted Feb. 22, 2009 at http://www.philliesnation.com He is the forgotten one. Pudgy and lucky, he sprouted from the cornfields of Nebraska and within two years, was staring down Barry Bonds, unfurling a pitch, and making the legendary outfielder fly out to right field. Mike Zagurski had a cup of coffee — albeit strong, laced … Continue reading
Archives: The obsession with pathos in Philadelphia
Originally posted March 1, 2009 at http://www.philliesnation.com Some day in 1968 at Franklin Field, a bunch of drunken, rowdy Eagles fans booed to and threw snowballs at a man in a Santa Claus suit. More than 40 years later, can you believe we’re still dealing with that? Every few weeks the fact will reappear. Yes, … Continue reading
Archives: Clearwater a haven for Philadelphians
Originally posted March 15, 2009 at http://www.philliesnation.com The Boeing 737 was packed to the brim. When one thought the plane could fill no more, another group of five entered. Soon they settled in and buckled their seat belts. And if one squinted his eyes at the front of the 737, it would resemble that Halloween … Continue reading
Timothy Malcolm 