My heart soared. We were going to take another trip to The Baseball Hall of Fame. One of my favorite places on earth.
Just like the first trip to Upstate New York. I wanted to see the likes of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb and Yogi Berra. one more time.
What I saw that day has stayed with me at the depths of my being, to this very day.
As we walked into the building in the spring of 1999 I was greeted by two giant size replicas of two great hitters Ted Williams and Babe Ruth. I loved seeing the Babe again. "My friend Babe Ruth. Hello. Hey Ted, you look pretty good."
I remember saying.
I found it very interesting that I and most people (if you stood under seven foot five inches) would have to look up to see these two sculptured figures.
My wife and I strolled through the museum looking, at the artifacts. We adored the old gloves, spikes, balls, bats and uniforms that were encased in their glass display bins. These items brought me back to a time and place before television, radar guns and luxury boxes. I was getting very nostalgic.
We soon entered the wing that housed the Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire artifacts. This Home Run Wing was abundant with Sosa and McGwire memorabilia. This was like being in a home run baseball fantasy park. There were posters of both men. There were posters of each man's list of home runs.. When they hit them and what pitcher they hit their home run off. There were bats they used in games and balls they hit over the fences Amazing. Never have two major league men hit so many home runs in one year.
Upon leaving that wing I could not help but feel overwhelmed by the slugging feats of these two huge men. One a Cub and one a Cardinal.
We continued to stroll through the hall until we came up to a narrow wing that I did not remember from my previous visit. I looked down the left side of the corridor and saw a group of pictures. Hanging from wires, these colorful paintings were displayed at my eye level
Perfect for me.
I just had to see these pictures. I was compelled. to walk down this aisle.
The first picture as I entered the area was of Babe Ruth. His bat was over his shoulder. His face was wrought with age. He looked a little old, heavy and a little overweight. As I stared at the picture I got very sad. I could see that his career was about to end.
Next painting was of Lou Gehrig. A smiling Lou Gehrig. I felt so happy just to be in the presence of one of my all time heroes. Even if it was just a picture.
Then there was one of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams standing on the dugout steps Their bodies were angled toward each other. I enjoyed the joy they seemed to have just being there. Ready to play another game.
There were other paintings one of Jackie Robinson, another of Ty Cobb
and another of Honus Wagner that I loved.
Upon gazing toward the end of the row of paintings I saw a glass case with what looked like a tan baseball glove inside. This seemed very weird in that all the players that were depicted in the paintings were from an era when dark brown gloves were used. . I felt confused. This mitt did not seem to belong here. I just had to see whose glove this was.
I could not believe my eyes. It was not a glove. It was a sculpture of a glove. Perfect in size. Detailed so exact that the grayish colored seams were complete in length width and color. The depth of this piece was ideal What this sculptor had captured amazed me. I thought about the time he invested in creating this piece. About how much this person must have loved baseball that he took the time to mold a piece equipment. I visualized he sitting in his workroom playing with clay to make this piece real.
I called my wife to come see this incredible piece. We both were moved. I even cried.
I was given a glimpse of one of the greatest pieces of art I had ever seen. I have been to major museums and have seen painting by Van Gough, Picasso, and Dahli ..I have seen the Thinker by Rodin.
I have never been moved like I was by the glove.
Whenever I think of the Hall of Fame my mind jumps to the glove. I do not know if this piece is there any more. It did have a price tag of $8500 when I was there so it may have been moved.
But if you get the chance to see the glove I suggest you take a look.
by Aron Wallad
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
baseball glove : Coaching Sports For All The Right Reasons
It was during a March evening in 2002 that I received word that my grandfather was dying. I drove the four and a half hours to Ironwood, Michigan in a snowstorm to say goodbye. I was able to see my grandpa and he was able to recognize me and acknowledge that I was there.
The next morning, he was gone. The doctors said that they were not sure how he had survived for so long. He had many health conditions and a lot of pain that he hadn't really shown on the outside. Yet, he had visited my grandmother every day in the nursing home where she had moved just a few months before. The staff marveled at the fact that my grandpa could even make it up the stairs each day. But, he did it. He was always there to help someone else.
I stayed in the town where my grandfather had been born, lived and now passed on. The funeral was scheduled for just a couple of days later. I thought a lot about my grandfather during this time. He had inspired me to be an athlete and coach. I remember him showing me the pictures and ribbons that he had won as a hurdler in track and field. But his real love was baseball. He was a great first baseman who played for a while with the Union City Greyhounds farm team and even had a try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. Rumor has it that he left baseball to come back for my grandmother. He continued to play ball in his home town. When times were tough and jobs were scarce, my grandfather was offered a job at the mine... if he would also play on the company's baseball team.
Two days passed and the preparations for the funeral were made. I spent a lot of the time at my aunt's house with the rest of my family. Late in the morning, there was a knock on the door. An older gentleman stood outside and carried a small object under one arm. My aunt answered the door and had a short conversation with the man. He then handed her the object, said goodbye and walked off.
My aunt entered the room looking sad but strangely happy at the same time. In her hands, she cradled a baseball glove. It was old and battered and some of the laces were missing but you could still see the words US ARMY branded into the leather. My aunt set the glove on the table and filled the rest of us in on what had just happened.
"This was Dad's glove from the Army," she said. "Remember that when he got back from the war, he helped to start the first little league here in town. That man was a member of Dad's first team. His family didn't have much money and he couldn't afford to buy a baseball glove. Dad gave him his so that he could play like the rest of the boys."
The man had gone on to say that he had never forgotten my grandfather's generosity. He had kept and cherished the glove for over 45 years. He had seen my grandpa's obituary in the newspaper and had wanted to return the glove to the family and let us know what a great coach, and man, my grandfather had been.
The glove was put on display at my grandpa's funeral. And, of course, the minister's sermon contained many allusions to sports and frequent quotes from A Field of Dreams. All this made me ever so proud of my grandfather who enjoyed coaching and passing on his love of athletics to the youth in his town. It also made me remember why I chose to be a coach.
How many times have you wondered, "Why do people coach? Why do they give up their time and energy for little or no money, sometimes even less respect and the opportunity to be targeted by parents and fans alike?"
That cold and snowy March day, I was reminded of the answers to those questions. We coach to touch the youth. To instill values into young people that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. We coach to make a difference and to show the right way to play, work and live. We coach so that, even 45 years can pass without a man forgetting his coach and the impact that he had made on a young boy's life.
Copyright, Tim Kauppinen, 2005
The next morning, he was gone. The doctors said that they were not sure how he had survived for so long. He had many health conditions and a lot of pain that he hadn't really shown on the outside. Yet, he had visited my grandmother every day in the nursing home where she had moved just a few months before. The staff marveled at the fact that my grandpa could even make it up the stairs each day. But, he did it. He was always there to help someone else.
I stayed in the town where my grandfather had been born, lived and now passed on. The funeral was scheduled for just a couple of days later. I thought a lot about my grandfather during this time. He had inspired me to be an athlete and coach. I remember him showing me the pictures and ribbons that he had won as a hurdler in track and field. But his real love was baseball. He was a great first baseman who played for a while with the Union City Greyhounds farm team and even had a try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. Rumor has it that he left baseball to come back for my grandmother. He continued to play ball in his home town. When times were tough and jobs were scarce, my grandfather was offered a job at the mine... if he would also play on the company's baseball team.
Two days passed and the preparations for the funeral were made. I spent a lot of the time at my aunt's house with the rest of my family. Late in the morning, there was a knock on the door. An older gentleman stood outside and carried a small object under one arm. My aunt answered the door and had a short conversation with the man. He then handed her the object, said goodbye and walked off.
My aunt entered the room looking sad but strangely happy at the same time. In her hands, she cradled a baseball glove. It was old and battered and some of the laces were missing but you could still see the words US ARMY branded into the leather. My aunt set the glove on the table and filled the rest of us in on what had just happened.
"This was Dad's glove from the Army," she said. "Remember that when he got back from the war, he helped to start the first little league here in town. That man was a member of Dad's first team. His family didn't have much money and he couldn't afford to buy a baseball glove. Dad gave him his so that he could play like the rest of the boys."
The man had gone on to say that he had never forgotten my grandfather's generosity. He had kept and cherished the glove for over 45 years. He had seen my grandpa's obituary in the newspaper and had wanted to return the glove to the family and let us know what a great coach, and man, my grandfather had been.
The glove was put on display at my grandpa's funeral. And, of course, the minister's sermon contained many allusions to sports and frequent quotes from A Field of Dreams. All this made me ever so proud of my grandfather who enjoyed coaching and passing on his love of athletics to the youth in his town. It also made me remember why I chose to be a coach.
How many times have you wondered, "Why do people coach? Why do they give up their time and energy for little or no money, sometimes even less respect and the opportunity to be targeted by parents and fans alike?"
That cold and snowy March day, I was reminded of the answers to those questions. We coach to touch the youth. To instill values into young people that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. We coach to make a difference and to show the right way to play, work and live. We coach so that, even 45 years can pass without a man forgetting his coach and the impact that he had made on a young boy's life.
Copyright, Tim Kauppinen, 2005
Sunday, May 28, 2006
baseball glove : baseball playoffs
THIELLS — More than almost any other game, baseball is predicated on team play.
To actually see a single player turn a game into his showcase is rare, unlike a 30-point scorer in basketball or a 200-yard rusher in football. Even the most dominant pitchers need help from the bats and gloves behind them.
North Rockland's Mike Mergenthaler did his best to prove the thinking untrue. Did he benefit from good defense and a game-winning RBI single from his teammate? Of course, but it was Mergenthaler, as a pitcher and as a hitter, who did much of the damage yesterday as the sixth-seeded Red Raiders beat No. 11 Mahopac 3-2 in the opening round of the Class AA playoffs.
Mergenthaler, a junior lefty, allowed just three hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings and had an RBI double and an RBI triple. That effort led North Rockland (16-9) into tomorrow's quarterfinals at home against No. 19 Mamaroneck at noon.
Leadoff hitter Pat Furey started both of the Red Raiders' scoring rallies with singles up the middle. Each time, Furey moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dan Scanlon, which set up No. 3 hitter Mergenthaler with a runner in scoring position.
It first happened in the third inning when Mergenthaler ripped an outside fastball just beyond the glove of Indians first baseman Chris Brady for a run-scoring double. Then, in the fifth, Mergenthaler crushed a fastball into deep right to give his team a 2-0 lead.
"He's our (No.) 3 hitter," Red Raiders coach Tom Lynch said of Mergenthaler. "That's what we expect him to do."
One batter after Mergenthaler's RBI triple, Ray Gregg's bloop single scored him with what proved to be the winning run. To maintain that lead, however, Mergenthaler needed to pitch out of jams in the third, fourth and sixth innings.
Mergenthaler has recently refined his mechanics and said it's boosted his confidence, tight spot or otherwise.
"I knew I was going to pitch really well today," he said.
The only Mahopac hitter to strike against Mergenthaler before the seventh was catcher Myckie Lugbauer, who had two hits in three at-bats to that point.
Mergenthaler said he made a concerted effort to retire the batters in front of Lugbauer — the Indians' powerful No. 3 hitter — in order to limit his RBI situations.
"I really focused on their (Nos.) 9-1-2 batters and tried to get them out," he said.
In the seventh, Mergenthaler put two men on and was lifted for reliever Nick Dowen. Dowen recorded a ground out, but then Lugbauer lined the first pitch he saw for a two-run single. Yet Dowen survived, snaring a comebacker from the next batter, Brady, to end the game.
Mahopac coach Frank Moloney, whose team was the runner-up last season, thought his team squandered runs early that cost it the game.
"We left eight guys on base, so we had our opportunities too," he said. "They executed and we didn't. That's the bottom line."
By JOSH THOMSON
To actually see a single player turn a game into his showcase is rare, unlike a 30-point scorer in basketball or a 200-yard rusher in football. Even the most dominant pitchers need help from the bats and gloves behind them.
North Rockland's Mike Mergenthaler did his best to prove the thinking untrue. Did he benefit from good defense and a game-winning RBI single from his teammate? Of course, but it was Mergenthaler, as a pitcher and as a hitter, who did much of the damage yesterday as the sixth-seeded Red Raiders beat No. 11 Mahopac 3-2 in the opening round of the Class AA playoffs.
Mergenthaler, a junior lefty, allowed just three hits and two runs in 6 1/3 innings and had an RBI double and an RBI triple. That effort led North Rockland (16-9) into tomorrow's quarterfinals at home against No. 19 Mamaroneck at noon.
Leadoff hitter Pat Furey started both of the Red Raiders' scoring rallies with singles up the middle. Each time, Furey moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dan Scanlon, which set up No. 3 hitter Mergenthaler with a runner in scoring position.
It first happened in the third inning when Mergenthaler ripped an outside fastball just beyond the glove of Indians first baseman Chris Brady for a run-scoring double. Then, in the fifth, Mergenthaler crushed a fastball into deep right to give his team a 2-0 lead.
"He's our (No.) 3 hitter," Red Raiders coach Tom Lynch said of Mergenthaler. "That's what we expect him to do."
One batter after Mergenthaler's RBI triple, Ray Gregg's bloop single scored him with what proved to be the winning run. To maintain that lead, however, Mergenthaler needed to pitch out of jams in the third, fourth and sixth innings.
Mergenthaler has recently refined his mechanics and said it's boosted his confidence, tight spot or otherwise.
"I knew I was going to pitch really well today," he said.
The only Mahopac hitter to strike against Mergenthaler before the seventh was catcher Myckie Lugbauer, who had two hits in three at-bats to that point.
Mergenthaler said he made a concerted effort to retire the batters in front of Lugbauer — the Indians' powerful No. 3 hitter — in order to limit his RBI situations.
"I really focused on their (Nos.) 9-1-2 batters and tried to get them out," he said.
In the seventh, Mergenthaler put two men on and was lifted for reliever Nick Dowen. Dowen recorded a ground out, but then Lugbauer lined the first pitch he saw for a two-run single. Yet Dowen survived, snaring a comebacker from the next batter, Brady, to end the game.
Mahopac coach Frank Moloney, whose team was the runner-up last season, thought his team squandered runs early that cost it the game.
"We left eight guys on base, so we had our opportunities too," he said. "They executed and we didn't. That's the bottom line."
By JOSH THOMSON
baseball glove : D-II coaches
Eight-year-old William Royal was asked what he learned during Saturday's annual American Baseball Coaches Association Youth Clinic.
Instead of answering, he showed off his new moves as an outfielder.
"He told me to set my feet and lean to the ball when I pick it up," he said as he leaned over near the ground, holding his glove down. "Like this."
A lot of "like this" was going on at Edward Thompson Park on Saturday. Coaches and players from all eight teams in this year's NCAA Division II Baseball Championship participated in the clinic.
"It's been a lot of fun," Ashland sophomore catcher Chase Beatty said. "It's been good to see all of these kids out here working hard. It's hot out here but they seem to be enjoying it. I think I am getting something out of it, too."
More than 350 youth ranging in age from 6 to 17 participated. Each was given a chance to work at a particular position in the field, work on bunting and take a few swings in the batting cages.
They also were given a short lecture on life and how it pertains to the game of baseball.
"I gave them the see-and-learn, feel-and-learn, listen-and-learn and believe in yourself speech," Emporia State coach Bob Fornelli said. "We talked about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how they can derail you in your journey through life.
"You get your degree and you have an opportunity to help yourself financially and playing baseball is a great chance to do that."
Lewis University and ABCA president Irish O'Reilly have been a part of the clinic since its inception in the mid-1980s. He says he still gets goose bumps when he watches the D-II players working with the kids.
"Baseball is like an on-going love affair," he said. "You teach a young boy or girl to play baseball, and they develop a love for it and they will want to teach other kids.
"Older coaches like me learn things, too. We all have different ways of teaching, and we can pick up a point or two. It's a constant learning of the game."
Franklin Pierce senior pitcher Mike Farrell said he was intrigued by the attention the players gave as they were instructed.
"You could tell most of them were really taking it in," he said. "I didn't get the chance to come to this when I was a freshman, but I heard the players talk about it. It was a great experience."
The event was held at Thompson Park for the first time. Ed Card of the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department said the new home attracted about 120 more participants than last year.
"I think it helped," he said. "Once the word gets out, I believe the number will increase."
By Graham Dunn
Instead of answering, he showed off his new moves as an outfielder.
"He told me to set my feet and lean to the ball when I pick it up," he said as he leaned over near the ground, holding his glove down. "Like this."
A lot of "like this" was going on at Edward Thompson Park on Saturday. Coaches and players from all eight teams in this year's NCAA Division II Baseball Championship participated in the clinic.
"It's been a lot of fun," Ashland sophomore catcher Chase Beatty said. "It's been good to see all of these kids out here working hard. It's hot out here but they seem to be enjoying it. I think I am getting something out of it, too."
More than 350 youth ranging in age from 6 to 17 participated. Each was given a chance to work at a particular position in the field, work on bunting and take a few swings in the batting cages.
They also were given a short lecture on life and how it pertains to the game of baseball.
"I gave them the see-and-learn, feel-and-learn, listen-and-learn and believe in yourself speech," Emporia State coach Bob Fornelli said. "We talked about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how they can derail you in your journey through life.
"You get your degree and you have an opportunity to help yourself financially and playing baseball is a great chance to do that."
Lewis University and ABCA president Irish O'Reilly have been a part of the clinic since its inception in the mid-1980s. He says he still gets goose bumps when he watches the D-II players working with the kids.
"Baseball is like an on-going love affair," he said. "You teach a young boy or girl to play baseball, and they develop a love for it and they will want to teach other kids.
"Older coaches like me learn things, too. We all have different ways of teaching, and we can pick up a point or two. It's a constant learning of the game."
Franklin Pierce senior pitcher Mike Farrell said he was intrigued by the attention the players gave as they were instructed.
"You could tell most of them were really taking it in," he said. "I didn't get the chance to come to this when I was a freshman, but I heard the players talk about it. It was a great experience."
The event was held at Thompson Park for the first time. Ed Card of the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department said the new home attracted about 120 more participants than last year.
"I think it helped," he said. "Once the word gets out, I believe the number will increase."
By Graham Dunn
baseball glove : Another Memorial Day Video
Some readers may have forgotten about this. Some may not have been alive at the time. However, thirty years ago this past April, as America was in the process of celebrating its bicentennial, Chicago Cubs centerfielder Rick Monday, a former Marine Corps Reservist, made one of the greatest plays in baseball history…but it didn’t involve a ball, a bat, or a glove.
As protestors were trying to set fire to an American flag in the centerfield of Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, Monday darted by, grabbed Old Glory, and saved her from a disturbing fate in front of a huge Chavez Ravine crowd.
According to Inside Baseball: “This moment and the symbol it represented – freedom, history and those who have lost their lives in battle to save Old Glory – had countless Americans talking; from politicians in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country to military veterans to everyday people. It was ranked as one of the top 100 classic moments in baseball history by the National Baseball Hall of Fame committee and third on Sporting News’ list as the most ‘unusual’ moment to occur on a major league baseball field.”
This marvelous video (hat tip to reader Airforce_5_0) is a four-minute tribute to the event, including video footage, and interviews with Monday as well as then Dodger third-base coach Tommy Lasorda. Enjoy.
Posted by Noel Sheppard
As protestors were trying to set fire to an American flag in the centerfield of Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, Monday darted by, grabbed Old Glory, and saved her from a disturbing fate in front of a huge Chavez Ravine crowd.
According to Inside Baseball: “This moment and the symbol it represented – freedom, history and those who have lost their lives in battle to save Old Glory – had countless Americans talking; from politicians in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country to military veterans to everyday people. It was ranked as one of the top 100 classic moments in baseball history by the National Baseball Hall of Fame committee and third on Sporting News’ list as the most ‘unusual’ moment to occur on a major league baseball field.”
This marvelous video (hat tip to reader Airforce_5_0) is a four-minute tribute to the event, including video footage, and interviews with Monday as well as then Dodger third-base coach Tommy Lasorda. Enjoy.
Posted by Noel Sheppard
Friday, May 26, 2006
baseball glove : Rangers batter A's with rally
The Texas Rangers won a game the old-fashioned way Thursday. They pounded the ball.
Proving no deficit is too large once the offense starts connecting, the Rangers fell behind by seven runs before they started clubbing homers on the way to an 8-7 win over division rival Oakland. It was capped by Phil Nevin's two-out homer in the ninth, making it the Rangers' fourth walk-off win of the year.
But before Nevin's homer, there had been a grand slam by Rod Barajas to get the Rangers back into the game, a pair of home runs by rookie Ian Kinsler in his first game back from a dislocated left thumb and the first homer in three weeks by Mark Teixeira.
And then there was Nevin's homer, which ended an 0-for-17 slump that has seen him go from cleanup hitter to bench player.
"The power just has not been there for us this year," said Barajas, who also made a fantastic lunging tag on Adam Melhuse to end the eighth inning. "I'm not going to say we rely on the home run, but it sure is nice when we can do it."
Said Teixeira: "Tonight we got a taste of what our offense is capable of."
It tastes like beer. That's what Nevin was soaked in after hitting the game-winner off Huston Street.
He stood at home plate, urging it over the center-field wall, then slammed his helmet to the ground as he approached home plate. He was mobbed by the whole team at home plate, then showered with beer upon entering the clubhouse. Mark DeRosa had been doused in the same spot when he beat Baltimore with a homer three weeks ago.
"A new tradition," Nevin cracked.
Nevin also cracked a smile for the first time in weeks. He had been benched and replaced by Jason Botts as the DH on Tuesday as his average for May fell to .145. He got a start Thursday only because the Rangers were facing lefty Brad Halsey, but Halsey was long gone when the game was decided.
Manager Buck Showalter decided to stick with Nevin after the A's started trotting right-handed relievers to the mound. Nevin grounded to third in the seventh to extend his hitless streak to 17 at-bats, then trashed the dugout.
"Sometimes you need a spark," he said. "I was pretty frustrated. Sometimes that can be a good release. On the other side of it, that home run, that was probably the most positive emotion I've ever displayed on a baseball field. The last few days have been difficult." So was the comeback. The Rangers fell in a troubling 7-0 hole after five innings. Most troubling was that there are similarities between Kevin Millwood's two rough home starts this season. Both have come when the game-time temperature was at least 90 degrees.
Thoroughly soaked in sweat, he was done after five innings. He slammed his glove against a bench as he stalked through the dugout on the way to the clubhouse.
At least he had a cool, comfortable location from which to watch the comeback. It was quite a thing to watch.
BY EVAN GRANT
Proving no deficit is too large once the offense starts connecting, the Rangers fell behind by seven runs before they started clubbing homers on the way to an 8-7 win over division rival Oakland. It was capped by Phil Nevin's two-out homer in the ninth, making it the Rangers' fourth walk-off win of the year.
But before Nevin's homer, there had been a grand slam by Rod Barajas to get the Rangers back into the game, a pair of home runs by rookie Ian Kinsler in his first game back from a dislocated left thumb and the first homer in three weeks by Mark Teixeira.
And then there was Nevin's homer, which ended an 0-for-17 slump that has seen him go from cleanup hitter to bench player.
"The power just has not been there for us this year," said Barajas, who also made a fantastic lunging tag on Adam Melhuse to end the eighth inning. "I'm not going to say we rely on the home run, but it sure is nice when we can do it."
Said Teixeira: "Tonight we got a taste of what our offense is capable of."
It tastes like beer. That's what Nevin was soaked in after hitting the game-winner off Huston Street.
He stood at home plate, urging it over the center-field wall, then slammed his helmet to the ground as he approached home plate. He was mobbed by the whole team at home plate, then showered with beer upon entering the clubhouse. Mark DeRosa had been doused in the same spot when he beat Baltimore with a homer three weeks ago.
"A new tradition," Nevin cracked.
Nevin also cracked a smile for the first time in weeks. He had been benched and replaced by Jason Botts as the DH on Tuesday as his average for May fell to .145. He got a start Thursday only because the Rangers were facing lefty Brad Halsey, but Halsey was long gone when the game was decided.
Manager Buck Showalter decided to stick with Nevin after the A's started trotting right-handed relievers to the mound. Nevin grounded to third in the seventh to extend his hitless streak to 17 at-bats, then trashed the dugout.
"Sometimes you need a spark," he said. "I was pretty frustrated. Sometimes that can be a good release. On the other side of it, that home run, that was probably the most positive emotion I've ever displayed on a baseball field. The last few days have been difficult." So was the comeback. The Rangers fell in a troubling 7-0 hole after five innings. Most troubling was that there are similarities between Kevin Millwood's two rough home starts this season. Both have come when the game-time temperature was at least 90 degrees.
Thoroughly soaked in sweat, he was done after five innings. He slammed his glove against a bench as he stalked through the dugout on the way to the clubhouse.
At least he had a cool, comfortable location from which to watch the comeback. It was quite a thing to watch.
BY EVAN GRANT
baseball glove : Breaking News in Japan
It was the top of the late night news the Friday it happened; then lead of the Saturday evening news magazine show; and finally it ushered in the Sunday mid-morning Infotainment/Wide shows. A Japanese baseball player, chasing down a short pop fly in an American stadium, slid into the ball. As it entered his glove, his left forearm was forcibly pushed at an impossible angle in the opposite direction. The result was pretty grisly fare, but worthy of repeated replay because it was Japanese slugger, Hideki Matsui, an integral part of the New York Yankees. And, in one gruesome twist of gristle and bone, Matsui was also possessor of an American battle-conferred broken arm. In so doing, Matsui became the first American-based Japanese player to be struck down by a major injury in the decade that ReDot sandlotters have been going to American shores to catch and throw and hit and spit.
Back on Japanese TV, show after show replayed Matsui's painful sequence without surcease, leaving one to wonder: "how many times can one human-being break the same bone in the same appendage?" Aside from that, the message was more of the same; in almost every case, the narrative frame was: how was this development playing in the States? For manager Joe Torre, sitting wearily behind a phalanx of microphones in his office, it was a major loss. There wasn't a replacement player of Matsui's caliber to be found, he mused; certainly not on the Yankee bench. For team captain, Derrick Jeter, it was a blow: Matsui was the kind of player who could be counted on to produce every day, dinged up or not. For longtime clubhouse leader, Bernie Williams, this was no small turn of events: there wasn't a steadier player among the Yankee's all-star studded crew.
The assessment did not stop with clubhouse personnel. The fan in the street weighed in with opinions like: "This is tough. Matsui is one of our best players. I hope he can get well soon and return to the line-up as fast as possible." Even a booster for Yankee arch-rival, Boston, solicitously observed: "That's a shame, I'm a Sox fan, but Matsui's a good guy. Wish him well." A CBS newscast was replayed — on numerous stations — showing a sports anchor peering out at his American audience and intoning: "Tough news for Yankees fans. Hideki Matsui has broken his left arm and will be out for a number of months."
by tjm Holden
Back on Japanese TV, show after show replayed Matsui's painful sequence without surcease, leaving one to wonder: "how many times can one human-being break the same bone in the same appendage?" Aside from that, the message was more of the same; in almost every case, the narrative frame was: how was this development playing in the States? For manager Joe Torre, sitting wearily behind a phalanx of microphones in his office, it was a major loss. There wasn't a replacement player of Matsui's caliber to be found, he mused; certainly not on the Yankee bench. For team captain, Derrick Jeter, it was a blow: Matsui was the kind of player who could be counted on to produce every day, dinged up or not. For longtime clubhouse leader, Bernie Williams, this was no small turn of events: there wasn't a steadier player among the Yankee's all-star studded crew.
The assessment did not stop with clubhouse personnel. The fan in the street weighed in with opinions like: "This is tough. Matsui is one of our best players. I hope he can get well soon and return to the line-up as fast as possible." Even a booster for Yankee arch-rival, Boston, solicitously observed: "That's a shame, I'm a Sox fan, but Matsui's a good guy. Wish him well." A CBS newscast was replayed — on numerous stations — showing a sports anchor peering out at his American audience and intoning: "Tough news for Yankees fans. Hideki Matsui has broken his left arm and will be out for a number of months."
by tjm Holden
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
baseball glove : How to select the right youth baseball glove for your child
The design of youth baseball gloves is done with the child’s hand eye coordination and physical skills in mind. The physical skill of an adult means adult gloves can be made differently depending on the nature of the position they play, and with more webbing to allow them to snare baseballs a little more easily.
Youth baseball leagues are up and running across North America, and around the globe. The game is very popular in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, the Caribbean, and in South America. Millions of kids look forward to playing on their local teams. It’s a chance to meet new friends, travel to other parks or cities, and to be on a ball team. It’s the camaraderie that makes playing baseball a fun event.
The practicing however is often a different matter, especially catching baseballs. In what is a pretty easygoing sport, kids have to catch baseballs moving along a good clip. They’ll have to learn catching skills, such as fielding balls that will bounce along with ground unpredictably or line drives that move toward them at a high speed. They may be kids, but some can hit the ball very well. For the kid that doesn’t know how to catch properly or doesn’t have a very good glove, there are few more angst-ridden activities than catching baseballs.
Leather baseball gloves have been around a long time. If you’ve been to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, you may have seen some unusual looking antique gloves and wondered how they could have caught a baseball with them. For those of us old timers who have been around long enough to actually use some of those antique gloves, we can tell you that it was not easy. They were stiff, heavy, clumsy, and tough to manipulate with your hand when they were new, and it wasn’t long before they wore out to a limp clump of hide that often let the ball fly right through it. Catching was an art, and stinging fingers and bruised shins were all part of the experience of playing youth baseball.
Youth Baseball Gloves
With those stiff or floppy youth baseball gloves, you’d wonder why kids didn’t give up on the game. Well, truth is, many youths wouldn’t play baseball or gave up for that very reason. They didn’t want to have any part of trying to catch a hot, bobbling grounder on uneven ground. Kids are the same way today. If it’s too unpleasant to use the equipment and play the game the way it is meant to be played, then they might think, "why bother?"
New Baseball Gloves and New Materials
Glove manufacturers today have designed them so they’re ready to play with. Instead of stiff, thick cowhide leather composing the whole glove, modern kids ball gloves are made of numerous materials including pigskin. Cowhide may be used where it is needed most, but these gloves are designed for comfort and performance. They almost feel like they can catch the ball themselves.
The design of youth baseball gloves is done with the child’s hand eye coordination and physical skills in mind. The physical skill of an adult means adult gloves can be made differently depending on the nature of the position they play, and with more webbing to allow them to snare baseballs a little more easily. A child’s finger dexterity and strength aren’t fully developed, so they’re not going to be able to use a glove with the skill of an older youth or adult ball player. There are gloves for young tots, something that couldn’t be done decades ago.
Additional helpful features of today’s youth baseball gloves, such as anti-microbial treatments, which keep bacteria at bay. It’s hot in the summer and your child’s hand will sweat inside the glove.
Franklin Sports Gloves
With the physiology and coordination of youth ball players in mind, Franklin Sports has designed a wide range of quality youth baseball gloves. Their leather ball gloves range in size and styles but all are designed for comfort in how they fit the child’s hand and how the leather is stitched. The result is an outstanding ball glove that will feel like a natural extension of the child’s arm. On models for older youths, the gloves are all leather with deep pockets and lengths up to 12.5 inches. That’s plenty of glove for making tough catches.
With a Franklin baseball glove, your child won’t have the same frustration or soreness from learning new baseball skills. Perhaps they’ll avoid the stinging fingers, summer sweat that sees smelly bacteria forming inside the glove, and bruised shins that take some of the fun out of playing. A good glove won’t rid your child of those embarrassing moments when they miss a catch, but it will increase their comfort level. They’ll be able to relax and they’ll be more confident that they can learn their fielding skills.
Kidsports carries Franklin Sports line of youth baseball equipment including gloves, batting gloves, pitching machines and T-Ball equipment. You can buy youth baseball gloves online at http://www.kidsportsinc.com. It’s the best way to find the right glove at the right price for busy parents. Visit them today.
By Scott White
Youth baseball leagues are up and running across North America, and around the globe. The game is very popular in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, the Caribbean, and in South America. Millions of kids look forward to playing on their local teams. It’s a chance to meet new friends, travel to other parks or cities, and to be on a ball team. It’s the camaraderie that makes playing baseball a fun event.
The practicing however is often a different matter, especially catching baseballs. In what is a pretty easygoing sport, kids have to catch baseballs moving along a good clip. They’ll have to learn catching skills, such as fielding balls that will bounce along with ground unpredictably or line drives that move toward them at a high speed. They may be kids, but some can hit the ball very well. For the kid that doesn’t know how to catch properly or doesn’t have a very good glove, there are few more angst-ridden activities than catching baseballs.
Leather baseball gloves have been around a long time. If you’ve been to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, you may have seen some unusual looking antique gloves and wondered how they could have caught a baseball with them. For those of us old timers who have been around long enough to actually use some of those antique gloves, we can tell you that it was not easy. They were stiff, heavy, clumsy, and tough to manipulate with your hand when they were new, and it wasn’t long before they wore out to a limp clump of hide that often let the ball fly right through it. Catching was an art, and stinging fingers and bruised shins were all part of the experience of playing youth baseball.
Youth Baseball Gloves
With those stiff or floppy youth baseball gloves, you’d wonder why kids didn’t give up on the game. Well, truth is, many youths wouldn’t play baseball or gave up for that very reason. They didn’t want to have any part of trying to catch a hot, bobbling grounder on uneven ground. Kids are the same way today. If it’s too unpleasant to use the equipment and play the game the way it is meant to be played, then they might think, "why bother?"
New Baseball Gloves and New Materials
Glove manufacturers today have designed them so they’re ready to play with. Instead of stiff, thick cowhide leather composing the whole glove, modern kids ball gloves are made of numerous materials including pigskin. Cowhide may be used where it is needed most, but these gloves are designed for comfort and performance. They almost feel like they can catch the ball themselves.
The design of youth baseball gloves is done with the child’s hand eye coordination and physical skills in mind. The physical skill of an adult means adult gloves can be made differently depending on the nature of the position they play, and with more webbing to allow them to snare baseballs a little more easily. A child’s finger dexterity and strength aren’t fully developed, so they’re not going to be able to use a glove with the skill of an older youth or adult ball player. There are gloves for young tots, something that couldn’t be done decades ago.
Additional helpful features of today’s youth baseball gloves, such as anti-microbial treatments, which keep bacteria at bay. It’s hot in the summer and your child’s hand will sweat inside the glove.
Franklin Sports Gloves
With the physiology and coordination of youth ball players in mind, Franklin Sports has designed a wide range of quality youth baseball gloves. Their leather ball gloves range in size and styles but all are designed for comfort in how they fit the child’s hand and how the leather is stitched. The result is an outstanding ball glove that will feel like a natural extension of the child’s arm. On models for older youths, the gloves are all leather with deep pockets and lengths up to 12.5 inches. That’s plenty of glove for making tough catches.
With a Franklin baseball glove, your child won’t have the same frustration or soreness from learning new baseball skills. Perhaps they’ll avoid the stinging fingers, summer sweat that sees smelly bacteria forming inside the glove, and bruised shins that take some of the fun out of playing. A good glove won’t rid your child of those embarrassing moments when they miss a catch, but it will increase their comfort level. They’ll be able to relax and they’ll be more confident that they can learn their fielding skills.
Kidsports carries Franklin Sports line of youth baseball equipment including gloves, batting gloves, pitching machines and T-Ball equipment. You can buy youth baseball gloves online at http://www.kidsportsinc.com. It’s the best way to find the right glove at the right price for busy parents. Visit them today.
By Scott White
baseball glove : Baseball gloves recalled
About 12,800 Mizuno ?Gamer? baseball gloves, manufactured by Mizuno USA Inc., are being recalled because the gloves may contain aspergillus mold.
The mold could cause health problems or other infections in people. The recall includes all Mizuno ?Gamer? baseball gloves.
The gloves have the word ?Gamer? printed on the palm of the gloves. The gloves were sold at sporting goods stores nationwide from July 2005 through October 2005 for about $80.
Consumers should stop using the gloves and contact Mizuno for information on how to receive a free replacement baseball glove.
Posted by Susan Lillard-Roberts
The mold could cause health problems or other infections in people. The recall includes all Mizuno ?Gamer? baseball gloves.
The gloves have the word ?Gamer? printed on the palm of the gloves. The gloves were sold at sporting goods stores nationwide from July 2005 through October 2005 for about $80.
Consumers should stop using the gloves and contact Mizuno for information on how to receive a free replacement baseball glove.
Posted by Susan Lillard-Roberts
baseball glove: Tennessee's Summitt Reaches $1 Million Mark in Salary
Pat Summitt is the newest millionaire coach.
University of Tennessee officials said Monday they raised Summitt's salary to $1.125 million for next season and added six years to extend her contract through the 2011-12 season.
The 53-year-old Summitt leads all Division I basketball coaches - men's and women's - with 913 career wins. She will be starting her 33rd season with the Lady Vols this fall.
Her salary was $824,500 last season.
"Not only is Coach Summitt the winningest coach in college basketball, but she is a tremendous ambassador for our university and our state," school president John Petersen said. "I am proud that she will continue to represent the university for many years to come."
Summitt's base salary will increase from $300,000 to $325,000. She will get $350,000 for radio and television commitments, $300,000 for endorsements and $150,000 as a public relations fee.
Over six years, the salary package will increase each year and average $1.3 million a year. The contract calls for Summitt to be paid $1.5 million in the final year.
She is the second-highest paid coach at Tennessee behind football coach Phillip Fulmer, who makes $2.05 million annually. Men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl got a raise earlier this year to $1.1 million from $800,000.
© 2006 CSTV Networks, Inc.
University of Tennessee officials said Monday they raised Summitt's salary to $1.125 million for next season and added six years to extend her contract through the 2011-12 season.
The 53-year-old Summitt leads all Division I basketball coaches - men's and women's - with 913 career wins. She will be starting her 33rd season with the Lady Vols this fall.
Her salary was $824,500 last season.
"Not only is Coach Summitt the winningest coach in college basketball, but she is a tremendous ambassador for our university and our state," school president John Petersen said. "I am proud that she will continue to represent the university for many years to come."
Summitt's base salary will increase from $300,000 to $325,000. She will get $350,000 for radio and television commitments, $300,000 for endorsements and $150,000 as a public relations fee.
Over six years, the salary package will increase each year and average $1.3 million a year. The contract calls for Summitt to be paid $1.5 million in the final year.
She is the second-highest paid coach at Tennessee behind football coach Phillip Fulmer, who makes $2.05 million annually. Men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl got a raise earlier this year to $1.1 million from $800,000.
© 2006 CSTV Networks, Inc.
baseball glove : Griffey turns tide with bat and glove
CINCINNATI -- He reintroduced himself to the crowd last night in Great American Ball Park, not that anyone in his hometown really ever had forgotten him.
Ken Griffey Jr. seized one moment with his glove and another with his bat to remind Reds fans why he remains an elite player despite the injuries that have dogged him the past six seasons. The two plays combined to turn the momentum of the game in Cincinnati's 7-3 victory.
With the Reds trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in the fifth inning, Griffey crashed into the wall in right center to take an extra-base hit away from Geoff Jenkins. Reds starting pitcher Elizardo Ramirez waited at first base to greet Griffey on his way back to the dugout.
In the bottom of the inning, Griffey stepped to the plate with two runners on base and lined a three-run homer into the seats in right. Jenkins, the Milwaukee right fielder, never turned to see where the ball landed.
The home run started the Reds on the way to victory and put them in position to sweep the three-game series if they can win tonight behind Brandon Claussen. Since he returned from a monthlong stay on the disabled list on May 11, Griffey has flashed his All-Star form enough to have hit three three-run homers and a grand slam. He added a sacrifice fly in the win last night and suddenly has 25 RBI, six behind team leader Adam Dunn, who has played in 26 more games.
“Junior is definitely one of the best hitters in baseball,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I've said it, and all our staff has said it, he's going to still lead our club in RBI after missing a month. He's one of the best players in the game.”
Ramirez (2-3) smiled when asked what he wanted to tell Griffey after he robbed Jenkins.
“I just said, 'Nice play, thank you very much,' ” Ramirez said. “It was an unbelievable play. For me, I thought it was a home run, you know? I saw Junior catch the ball and I think, 'Oh my God.' I had to say nice play. It's fun to watch him play.”
Griffey, who declined comment after the game, got the Reds going against Dana Eveland (0-1) with a first-inning double. Rich Aurilia followed with a run-scoring single. Milwaukee grabbed the lead on a three-run double by Prince Fielder in the third. Griffey took it back with the 542nd homer of his career.
“His presence, you cannot put a price on it in the batting order,” Narron said. “You know you're going to get an outstanding at-bat. The big thing for us is if we can get guys on base in front of him where they have to pitch to him. We know we're going to get a good at-bat from him. Everything is just amazing how good a player he is after sitting for a month.”
Aurilia thought the Reds played well without Griffey. His return adds richness to the mix.
“He's going to affect a lineup the way (Barry) Bonds does or (Albert) Pujols does,” Aurilia said. “I'm just fortunate to be able to hit behind him. We're glad he's back. He's been playing some good defense for us and has hit some clutch home runs.
“It's sad, but that's what people expect from him. It's probably not fair to expect that all the time, but that's what people do. This is not an easy thing to do. It's not like we can expect it every time. But when it happens, it's not much of a surprise to us.”
By Jim Massie
Ken Griffey Jr. seized one moment with his glove and another with his bat to remind Reds fans why he remains an elite player despite the injuries that have dogged him the past six seasons. The two plays combined to turn the momentum of the game in Cincinnati's 7-3 victory.
With the Reds trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in the fifth inning, Griffey crashed into the wall in right center to take an extra-base hit away from Geoff Jenkins. Reds starting pitcher Elizardo Ramirez waited at first base to greet Griffey on his way back to the dugout.
In the bottom of the inning, Griffey stepped to the plate with two runners on base and lined a three-run homer into the seats in right. Jenkins, the Milwaukee right fielder, never turned to see where the ball landed.
The home run started the Reds on the way to victory and put them in position to sweep the three-game series if they can win tonight behind Brandon Claussen. Since he returned from a monthlong stay on the disabled list on May 11, Griffey has flashed his All-Star form enough to have hit three three-run homers and a grand slam. He added a sacrifice fly in the win last night and suddenly has 25 RBI, six behind team leader Adam Dunn, who has played in 26 more games.
“Junior is definitely one of the best hitters in baseball,” Reds manager Jerry Narron said. “I've said it, and all our staff has said it, he's going to still lead our club in RBI after missing a month. He's one of the best players in the game.”
Ramirez (2-3) smiled when asked what he wanted to tell Griffey after he robbed Jenkins.
“I just said, 'Nice play, thank you very much,' ” Ramirez said. “It was an unbelievable play. For me, I thought it was a home run, you know? I saw Junior catch the ball and I think, 'Oh my God.' I had to say nice play. It's fun to watch him play.”
Griffey, who declined comment after the game, got the Reds going against Dana Eveland (0-1) with a first-inning double. Rich Aurilia followed with a run-scoring single. Milwaukee grabbed the lead on a three-run double by Prince Fielder in the third. Griffey took it back with the 542nd homer of his career.
“His presence, you cannot put a price on it in the batting order,” Narron said. “You know you're going to get an outstanding at-bat. The big thing for us is if we can get guys on base in front of him where they have to pitch to him. We know we're going to get a good at-bat from him. Everything is just amazing how good a player he is after sitting for a month.”
Aurilia thought the Reds played well without Griffey. His return adds richness to the mix.
“He's going to affect a lineup the way (Barry) Bonds does or (Albert) Pujols does,” Aurilia said. “I'm just fortunate to be able to hit behind him. We're glad he's back. He's been playing some good defense for us and has hit some clutch home runs.
“It's sad, but that's what people expect from him. It's probably not fair to expect that all the time, but that's what people do. This is not an easy thing to do. It's not like we can expect it every time. But when it happens, it's not much of a surprise to us.”
By Jim Massie
Monday, May 22, 2006
baseball glove; Treatment and Care
Many types of treatments and care have been suggested over the years for baseball and softball gloves. Some of these are safe and some, unfortunately, may damage glove leather.
Our company has for decades used and recommended that one of the best and safest leather cleaners and conditioners is untreated petroleum jelly. Professional glove repairmen and leather specialists agree that this is one of the best applications, both for cleaning and conditioning glove leather.
Our recommendation for the use of petroleum jelly is simple. During the break-in period, treat your new glove with a light application, working it into the leather. This will reduce the stiffness of the new leather and facilitate a faster and more comfortable break-in procedure. Also, at the end of the season, take a generous amount of petroleum jelly and thoroughly cover the outside and inside of the glove. Don’t ignore the laces or hard-to-get-to areas, both inside and outside the glove. Then take a clean rag and wipe off excess to remove grit and grime. This will also remove and help neutralize much of the salt and acid buildup inside the glove caused by perspiration, a chief problem to the leather lining, usually made of softer leather
Copyright 2005/2006
Our company has for decades used and recommended that one of the best and safest leather cleaners and conditioners is untreated petroleum jelly. Professional glove repairmen and leather specialists agree that this is one of the best applications, both for cleaning and conditioning glove leather.
Our recommendation for the use of petroleum jelly is simple. During the break-in period, treat your new glove with a light application, working it into the leather. This will reduce the stiffness of the new leather and facilitate a faster and more comfortable break-in procedure. Also, at the end of the season, take a generous amount of petroleum jelly and thoroughly cover the outside and inside of the glove. Don’t ignore the laces or hard-to-get-to areas, both inside and outside the glove. Then take a clean rag and wipe off excess to remove grit and grime. This will also remove and help neutralize much of the salt and acid buildup inside the glove caused by perspiration, a chief problem to the leather lining, usually made of softer leather
Copyright 2005/2006
baseball glove : Roy Hobbs Baseball Series
Roy Hobbs is all about true baseball. The genuine article, the crack of the bat, the feel of broken in leather. When you could smell the grass from the stands. Each of the Roy Hobbs products brings back the glory days of Americas favorite pastime and manufactured to the highest standards of quality. Play with the products created for the best there ever was. Roy Hobbs gloves are hand cut and hand rubbed with glove oils to soften and fortify the fine leather. The Roy Hobbs glove series offer the feel of a glove that you have played with for years. The gloves are manufactured with their exclusive Game Worm Leather allowing for no break-in time and a classic feel not found in many of today’s mass produced gloves. The soul of the game lives on in Roy Hobbs.
baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
baseball glove: Baseball Glove Care
Properly caring for your baseball glove can make a huge difference in the lifespan of your glove. We recommend checking with the manufacturer of your glove to see what they recommend.
Keep your baseball glove in a cool, dry place when it is not in use. Do not leave your glove where the heat could affect the leather (the trunk of your car).
If your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel and let it air-dry. Do not put it in the oven or near a heater as it may dry out the leather.
Do not over oil your baseball glove! A few time each season is plenty.
Keep the laces tight.
From Nokona: "We do not recommend neatsfoot oil, linseed oil or silicon-type spray as these tend to close the pores of the leather, causing it to dry, harden, and become heavy over an extended period of time and through repeated use. Petroleum jelly keeps the pores open and in effect, keeps the leather “alive” while providing a softening condition. There are other cleaners and conditioners that are safe, especially those scientifically developed for glove leather."
Baseballgloves.com - Hoboken, NJ
Copyright 2004
Keep your baseball glove in a cool, dry place when it is not in use. Do not leave your glove where the heat could affect the leather (the trunk of your car).
If your glove gets wet, dry it with a towel and let it air-dry. Do not put it in the oven or near a heater as it may dry out the leather.
Do not over oil your baseball glove! A few time each season is plenty.
Keep the laces tight.
From Nokona: "We do not recommend neatsfoot oil, linseed oil or silicon-type spray as these tend to close the pores of the leather, causing it to dry, harden, and become heavy over an extended period of time and through repeated use. Petroleum jelly keeps the pores open and in effect, keeps the leather “alive” while providing a softening condition. There are other cleaners and conditioners that are safe, especially those scientifically developed for glove leather."
Baseballgloves.com - Hoboken, NJ
Copyright 2004
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Baseball glove: Akadema Pro Baseball Gloves
You simply cannot find better quality in any Major League Brand Glove no matter what you pay. The leather, lacing, fit, pattern & quick break-in is equivalent to any $200+ glove. Made for pro & college players, Akadema baseball gloves are now available for all players. Models for all positions. Built better, lasts longer!
Finally, a pro-line of softball gloves especially built for the larger softball. Comfortable feel, easy break-in, & a Pro look! This is the last brand of softball gloves you will ever buy!
http://www.baseballtips.com/gloves.html
Finally, a pro-line of softball gloves especially built for the larger softball. Comfortable feel, easy break-in, & a Pro look! This is the last brand of softball gloves you will ever buy!
http://www.baseballtips.com/gloves.html
Baseball glove: Spalding is a Chicago based sporting goods company.
Started by A.G. Spalding in 1876, it manufactures goods for many sports, including Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Football, Golf, and most well known, basketball. Spalding is the leader in basketball, and their basketballs sell much better than their other goods. Their premium ball is the official ball of the NBA, which is probably one of the main reasons for their immense success. They have a very high quality line of indoor/outdoor balls and their consumers have learned to accept this.
Spalding is also a leader in technology. Most of their technological advancements are also in the basketball industry. They are notable for developing the first basketball. In 2001 they released their Infusion technology, which features a built in micro pump which allows you to add air as you will without a pump or needle. Spalding furthered their Infusion technology in 2003, when Spaliding started manufacturing basketballs with Infusion technology so that you could release air as well. The Infusion3 came out in 2005, which is a dual action micro pump that works twice as fast as its predecesors. In late 2005 Spalding also came out with the NEVERFLAT technology, which guarantees that it will keep the same consistent bounce for at least one year. This eliminates the need for a pump and needle, at least for the first year. Spalding uses Nitroflate molecules to seal in the air and to prevent it from leaking out like other traditional basketballs do.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spalding is also a leader in technology. Most of their technological advancements are also in the basketball industry. They are notable for developing the first basketball. In 2001 they released their Infusion technology, which features a built in micro pump which allows you to add air as you will without a pump or needle. Spalding furthered their Infusion technology in 2003, when Spaliding started manufacturing basketballs with Infusion technology so that you could release air as well. The Infusion3 came out in 2005, which is a dual action micro pump that works twice as fast as its predecesors. In late 2005 Spalding also came out with the NEVERFLAT technology, which guarantees that it will keep the same consistent bounce for at least one year. This eliminates the need for a pump and needle, at least for the first year. Spalding uses Nitroflate molecules to seal in the air and to prevent it from leaking out like other traditional basketballs do.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
baseball glove : Baseball glove:
A baseball glove or mitt is a large leather glove that baseball players on the defending team are allowed to wear to assist them in catching and fielding balls hit by a batter.
Some say the first player to use a baseball glove was Doug Allison, a catcher for the Cincinnati Red Stockings, in 1870, due to an injured left hand. The first documented story of glove use however concerns Charles Waitt, a St. Louis outfielder-first baseman who in 1875 donned a pair of flesh-colored gloves. While glove usage was not accepted by all players at first, being considered "sissy" by many, it slowly caught on as more and more players began using different forms of gloves. Many early baseball gloves were simple leather gloves with the fingertips cut off, supposedly to allow for the same control of a bare hand, but with extra padding. The adoption of the baseball glove by baseball star Albert Spalding when he began playing first base influenced more infielders to begin using gloves. By the mid 1890s, it was the norm for players to wear gloves in the field.
Since their beginnings, baseball gloves have grown. While catching in baseball had always been two handed, eventually, gloves grew to a size that made it easier to catch the ball in the webbing of the glove, and use the off-hand to keep it from falling out.
Now, gloves have taken on many shapes and sizes:
Catcher's mitts have extra padding and a hinged, claw-like shape that helps them to catch 90+ mile per hour fastballs, and provide a good target for pitchers to throw at. If required to catch a knuckleball, a catcher will typically use an even larger mitt.
Pitcher's gloves usually have a closed webbing to allow them to get a grip on the ball without tipping their pitches
First basemen's mitts are generally very long and wide to help them with scooping badly thrown balls from infielders. These mitts lack individual fingers.
Outfield gloves are usually quite long, to help with both catching fly balls on the run or on a dive and so they do not have to bend down as far to field a ground ball, so they can return it to the infield.
Infield baseball gloves other than the first basemens' tend to be smaller, to allow the players to easily fish the ball out of the dirt with their glove to make a quick throw to first base.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
Some say the first player to use a baseball glove was Doug Allison, a catcher for the Cincinnati Red Stockings, in 1870, due to an injured left hand. The first documented story of glove use however concerns Charles Waitt, a St. Louis outfielder-first baseman who in 1875 donned a pair of flesh-colored gloves. While glove usage was not accepted by all players at first, being considered "sissy" by many, it slowly caught on as more and more players began using different forms of gloves. Many early baseball gloves were simple leather gloves with the fingertips cut off, supposedly to allow for the same control of a bare hand, but with extra padding. The adoption of the baseball glove by baseball star Albert Spalding when he began playing first base influenced more infielders to begin using gloves. By the mid 1890s, it was the norm for players to wear gloves in the field.
Since their beginnings, baseball gloves have grown. While catching in baseball had always been two handed, eventually, gloves grew to a size that made it easier to catch the ball in the webbing of the glove, and use the off-hand to keep it from falling out.
Now, gloves have taken on many shapes and sizes:
Catcher's mitts have extra padding and a hinged, claw-like shape that helps them to catch 90+ mile per hour fastballs, and provide a good target for pitchers to throw at. If required to catch a knuckleball, a catcher will typically use an even larger mitt.
Pitcher's gloves usually have a closed webbing to allow them to get a grip on the ball without tipping their pitches
First basemen's mitts are generally very long and wide to help them with scooping badly thrown balls from infielders. These mitts lack individual fingers.
Outfield gloves are usually quite long, to help with both catching fly balls on the run or on a dive and so they do not have to bend down as far to field a ground ball, so they can return it to the infield.
Infield baseball gloves other than the first basemens' tend to be smaller, to allow the players to easily fish the ball out of the dirt with their glove to make a quick throw to first base.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Baseball glove: The Baseball Glove Comes to Baseball, 1875
Baseball developed before the Civil War but did not achieve professional status until the 1870s. The Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional team in 1869. However, their life was brief and the team went bankrupt within a year of its founding. In 1871 the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed and at its peak, consisted of thirteen teams. Unfortunately it too was plagued by financial difficulties and was abandoned in 1875.The following year saw the formation of the National League of Professional Baseball Players (soon shortened to the National League). In 1884 the rival American League was founded and the era of modern professional baseball was begun.
In these early days of baseball, players were expected to take the field without benefit of protective equipment such as a baseball glove or catcher's mask. The pain of the sport was to be endured without complaint. Any effort to mollify the rigors of the game was looked upon as a sissified attempt to demean the sport.
"He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it..."
A.G. Spalding began playing baseball in the 1860s. He joined the Boston Red Stockings in 1871 and moved to the Chicago White Stockings (today's Cubs) in 1876. Spalding was the premier pitcher of his day until the physical strain of continuous pitching took its toll and ruined his throwing arm. He founded a sporting goods company initially specializing in baseball equipment and soon branching out to supplying equipment for all types of sports. He never lost touch with baseball and served as president of the Chicago team and one of baseball's most successful promoters. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in its first year.
In 1911, Spalding wrote of his experiences in early baseball and describes his first introduction to the baseball glove:
"The first glove I ever saw on the hand of a ball player in a game was worn by Charles C. Waite, in Boston, in 1875. He had come from New Haven and was playing at first base. The glove worn by him was of flesh color, with a large, round opening in the back. Now, I had for a good while felt the need of some sort of hand protection for myself. In those days clubs did not carry an extra carload of pitchers, as now. For several years I had pitched in every game played by the Boston team, and had developed severe bruises on the inside of my left hand. When it is recalled that every ball pitched had to be returned and that every swift one coming my way, from infielders, outfielders or hot from the bat, must be caught or stopped, some idea may be gained of the punishment received.
Therefore, I asked Waite about his glove. He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it, but had it on to save his hand. He also admitted that he had chosen a color as inconspicuous as possible, because he didn't care to attract attention. He added that the opening on the back was for purpose of ventilation.
Meanwhile my own hand continued to take its medicine with utmost regularity, occasionally being bored with a warm twister that hurt excruciatingly. Still, it was not until 1877 that I overcame my scruples against joining the 'kid-glove aristocracy' by donning a glove. When I did at last decide to do so, I did not select a flesh-colored glove, but got a black one, and cut out as much of the back as possible to let the air in.
Happily, in my case, the presence of a glove did not call out the ridicule that had greeted Waite. I had been playing so long and had become so well known that the innovation seemed rather to evoke sympathy than hilarity. I found that the glove, thin as it was, helped considerably, and inserted one pad after another until a good deal of relief was afforded. If anyone wore a padded glove before this date I do not know it. The 'pillow mitt' was a later innovation."
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
In these early days of baseball, players were expected to take the field without benefit of protective equipment such as a baseball glove or catcher's mask. The pain of the sport was to be endured without complaint. Any effort to mollify the rigors of the game was looked upon as a sissified attempt to demean the sport.
"He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it..."
A.G. Spalding began playing baseball in the 1860s. He joined the Boston Red Stockings in 1871 and moved to the Chicago White Stockings (today's Cubs) in 1876. Spalding was the premier pitcher of his day until the physical strain of continuous pitching took its toll and ruined his throwing arm. He founded a sporting goods company initially specializing in baseball equipment and soon branching out to supplying equipment for all types of sports. He never lost touch with baseball and served as president of the Chicago team and one of baseball's most successful promoters. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in its first year.
In 1911, Spalding wrote of his experiences in early baseball and describes his first introduction to the baseball glove:
"The first glove I ever saw on the hand of a ball player in a game was worn by Charles C. Waite, in Boston, in 1875. He had come from New Haven and was playing at first base. The glove worn by him was of flesh color, with a large, round opening in the back. Now, I had for a good while felt the need of some sort of hand protection for myself. In those days clubs did not carry an extra carload of pitchers, as now. For several years I had pitched in every game played by the Boston team, and had developed severe bruises on the inside of my left hand. When it is recalled that every ball pitched had to be returned and that every swift one coming my way, from infielders, outfielders or hot from the bat, must be caught or stopped, some idea may be gained of the punishment received.
Therefore, I asked Waite about his glove. He confessed that he was a bit ashamed to wear it, but had it on to save his hand. He also admitted that he had chosen a color as inconspicuous as possible, because he didn't care to attract attention. He added that the opening on the back was for purpose of ventilation.
Meanwhile my own hand continued to take its medicine with utmost regularity, occasionally being bored with a warm twister that hurt excruciatingly. Still, it was not until 1877 that I overcame my scruples against joining the 'kid-glove aristocracy' by donning a glove. When I did at last decide to do so, I did not select a flesh-colored glove, but got a black one, and cut out as much of the back as possible to let the air in.
Happily, in my case, the presence of a glove did not call out the ridicule that had greeted Waite. I had been playing so long and had become so well known that the innovation seemed rather to evoke sympathy than hilarity. I found that the glove, thin as it was, helped considerably, and inserted one pad after another until a good deal of relief was afforded. If anyone wore a padded glove before this date I do not know it. The 'pillow mitt' was a later innovation."
Copyright © Ibis Communications, Inc.
Baseball glove: Easton Professional Series
This Easton Professional Series glove is hand crafted and is made by the experts. This glove is made from lightweight professional grade dry-tanned USA steer hide. The USA tanned genuine rawhide lace, leather binding, and welting allows for the ultimate in shape retention, flexibility and fast break-in. This glove also offers patent-pending Hyperlite foam wool padding. The Hyperlite construction of the glove reduces the chance of injury because it disperses the impact and energy of the ball. The back of the hand is lined with Bio-Dri moisture management material for improved comfort. The Deerskin finger stalls help to provide maximum finger support and control to improve performance. This is the game day model used by many professional Major League Baseball players. All of the Easton Professional K-Pro Series gloves provide unbeatable comfort and appearance with the patent-pending Ideal Fit System and stylish Easton and Diamond E embroidered logos. This glove also comes with a fleece-lined, Rip Stop nylon bag to store the glove for increased durability and life of the leather. Free Shipping.
Features:
11.50 Inch Infield Model
Glove Comes with Fleece-Lined Rip Stop Nylon Bag
Double X "I" Web with Ideal Fit Open Back
Lightweight , Ultra High Strength KEVLAR Backing
USA Tanned Pro Grade Genuine Rawhide Lace
Lightweight Professional Grade USA Steer Hide
Patent-Pending Hyperlite Foam/Wool Padding
Patent-Pending Ideal Fit System
USA Tanned Leather Binding and Welting
USA Tanned Butter Smooth Cowhide Lining
USA Tanned Deerskin Fingerstalls
Free Shipping
Bio-Dri Moisture Management System
Stylish Easton and Diamond E Embroidered Logos
2x2 Lacing to Prevent Blow Outs and Relacing
Baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
Features:
11.50 Inch Infield Model
Glove Comes with Fleece-Lined Rip Stop Nylon Bag
Double X "I" Web with Ideal Fit Open Back
Lightweight , Ultra High Strength KEVLAR Backing
USA Tanned Pro Grade Genuine Rawhide Lace
Lightweight Professional Grade USA Steer Hide
Patent-Pending Hyperlite Foam/Wool Padding
Patent-Pending Ideal Fit System
USA Tanned Leather Binding and Welting
USA Tanned Butter Smooth Cowhide Lining
USA Tanned Deerskin Fingerstalls
Free Shipping
Bio-Dri Moisture Management System
Stylish Easton and Diamond E Embroidered Logos
2x2 Lacing to Prevent Blow Outs and Relacing
Baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
Baseball glove: Roy Hobbs Baseball Series: 1150
Roy Hobbs is all about true baseball. The genuine article, the crack of the bat, the feel of broken in leather. When you could smell the grass from the stands. Each of the Roy Hobbs products brings back the glory days of Americas favorite pastime and manufactured to the highest standards of quality. Play with the products created for the best there ever was. Roy Hobbs gloves are hand cut and hand rubbed with glove oils to soften and fortify the fine leather. The Roy Hobbs glove series offer the feel of a glove that you have played with for years. The gloves are manufactured with their exclusive Game Worm Leather allowing for no break-in time and a classic feel not found in many of today’s mass produced gloves. The soul of the game lives on in Roy Hobbs. Free Shipping.
Features:
Open Back
Ideal for Middle Infielders
H-Web
Free Shipping
Exclusive Game Worn Leather
Shallow Pocket for Quick Ball Transfer
Hand Cut Leather
Hand Rubbed with Glove Oil
Minimal Break-In Time
Strong Classic Leather Smell
11.50 Inch Model
Baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
Features:
Open Back
Ideal for Middle Infielders
H-Web
Free Shipping
Exclusive Game Worn Leather
Shallow Pocket for Quick Ball Transfer
Hand Cut Leather
Hand Rubbed with Glove Oil
Minimal Break-In Time
Strong Classic Leather Smell
11.50 Inch Model
Baseball glove
©2000-2006 - BallGloveWarehouse.com All rights reserved
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Soup-Sweet-Potato & Peanut Stew
A tasty vegetarian dish with tomatoes, warm spices, and a touch of peanut butter. Microwaving the sweet potatoes helps you finish in a flash.
Serving: Yields: 8 cups or 4 main-dish servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), well scrubbed and each cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cans (15 to 19 ounces each) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth (1 3/4 cups)
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1. Place potatoes in 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe dish. Cover dish and microwave on High about 8 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. Meanwhile, in 5- to 6-quart saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, cumin, salt, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper, and cook 30 seconds, stirring. Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes, and peanut butter until blended; heat to boiling and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; add sweet potatoes to bean mixture and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro.
Each serving: About 585 calories, 22 g protein, 92 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat (2 g saturated), 18 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 1,725 mg sodium.
©1995-2006 iVillage. All Rights Reserved.
Serving: Yields: 8 cups or 4 main-dish servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), well scrubbed and each cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed with garlic press
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cans (15 to 19 ounces each) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth (1 3/4 cups)
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1. Place potatoes in 2 1/2-quart microwave-safe dish. Cover dish and microwave on High about 8 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. Meanwhile, in 5- to 6-quart saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, cumin, salt, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper, and cook 30 seconds, stirring. Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes, and peanut butter until blended; heat to boiling and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; add sweet potatoes to bean mixture and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro.
Each serving: About 585 calories, 22 g protein, 92 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat (2 g saturated), 18 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 1,725 mg sodium.
©1995-2006 iVillage. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
How To Connect Your PC to Your Home Stereo or Home Theater
How about connecting your PC to your home stereo or even to your home theater in order to get a better audio for your games, videos and audio files? In this tutorial we will show you how to make this connection using regular analog connection and also digital connection (both coaxial and optical, also known as SPDIF).
The first thing you need to check is what kind of connection both your PC and receiver support. You can hook your PC to your stereo or home theater system using three kinds of connection:
Analog connection: This is the standard connection all PCs have. If your PC and your sound system don’t have digital connection, this is the connection you will use.
Digital connection (coaxial): Use a single RCA-RCA cable. Because it is digital, no noise is produced. Not all PCs have this kind of connection.
Digital connection (optical): Uses a fiber optic cable. This is the best connection available. Not all PCs have this kind of connection.
To discover what kind of connections your PC supports, take a look on its back and compare it to Figure 1. As we mentioned, all PCs have analog audio output. This output is green and labeled line out or speaker out. Digital outputs are optional.
Coaxial digital audio output uses a female RCA connector (usually yellow or orange) and labeled “SPDIF Out” or “Digital Out” or similar. Pay attention because some video cards have also a yellow RCA output that is used by composite video output. Since this video output is available on the video card, it is found besides the video output connector (15-pin female blue connector), on the same metallic plate. As you can see on Figure 1, the yellow female connector is located on a different metallic plate from the video card, so it is digital audio output, not composite video output.
By the way, the other two connectors found on the same I/O bracket where the digital outputs are located on Figure 1 (one is orange and the other is blue) are the center/subwoofer and rear outputs, which are used by analog surround PC speakers. These outputs are not used to connect your PC to your home stereo or home theater system.
Optical digital audio output is the easiest one to find, as it uses a very unique connector, which is black and squared, as you can see on Figure 1.
Some high-end motherboards have on-board digital audio outputs, so in this case the location of the digital audio connectors won’t be on an I/O bracket like the example we are giving on Figure 1, but soldered to the motherboard and next to the keyboard connector.
Author: Gabriel Torres
The first thing you need to check is what kind of connection both your PC and receiver support. You can hook your PC to your stereo or home theater system using three kinds of connection:
Analog connection: This is the standard connection all PCs have. If your PC and your sound system don’t have digital connection, this is the connection you will use.
Digital connection (coaxial): Use a single RCA-RCA cable. Because it is digital, no noise is produced. Not all PCs have this kind of connection.
Digital connection (optical): Uses a fiber optic cable. This is the best connection available. Not all PCs have this kind of connection.
To discover what kind of connections your PC supports, take a look on its back and compare it to Figure 1. As we mentioned, all PCs have analog audio output. This output is green and labeled line out or speaker out. Digital outputs are optional.
Coaxial digital audio output uses a female RCA connector (usually yellow or orange) and labeled “SPDIF Out” or “Digital Out” or similar. Pay attention because some video cards have also a yellow RCA output that is used by composite video output. Since this video output is available on the video card, it is found besides the video output connector (15-pin female blue connector), on the same metallic plate. As you can see on Figure 1, the yellow female connector is located on a different metallic plate from the video card, so it is digital audio output, not composite video output.
By the way, the other two connectors found on the same I/O bracket where the digital outputs are located on Figure 1 (one is orange and the other is blue) are the center/subwoofer and rear outputs, which are used by analog surround PC speakers. These outputs are not used to connect your PC to your home stereo or home theater system.
Optical digital audio output is the easiest one to find, as it uses a very unique connector, which is black and squared, as you can see on Figure 1.
Some high-end motherboards have on-board digital audio outputs, so in this case the location of the digital audio connectors won’t be on an I/O bracket like the example we are giving on Figure 1, but soldered to the motherboard and next to the keyboard connector.
Author: Gabriel Torres
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Home cinema
Home cinema, also called home theater, seeks to reproduce cinema quality video and audio in the home. The video aspect usually involves a large-screen and/or high definition television or a projection system with movie screen to project the image on. Quality audio reproduction is usually achieved with a high fidelity surround sound system.
Technically, a home cinema could be as basic as a simple arrangement of a television, VCR, and a set of speakers. It is therefore difficult to specify exactly what distinguishes a "home cinema" from a "television and stereo". Most people in the consumer electronics industry would agree that a "home theater" is really the integration of a relatively high-quality video source with multi-channel electronics and speakers. Even if households have the system set up for home cinema it is common only to use the speakers integrated within the television rather than to play the sound through the surround sound system. This is because surround sound loses its impact with material which is not recorded in a way suitable for surround sound. Films, drama and sport tend to be optimised for surround sound whereas news and daytime TV provide no particular advantage.
History
[edit]
1950s and 1960s home movies
A home theater with video projector mounted in a box on the ceiling.In the 1950s, home movies became popular in the United States and elsewhere as Kodak 8 mm film (Pathé 9.5 mm in France) and camera and projector equipment became affordable. Projected with a small, portable movie projector onto a portable screen, often without sound, this system became the first practical home theater. They were generally used to show home movies of family travels and celebrations but also doubled as a means of showing private stag films. Dedicated home cinemas were called screening rooms at the time and were outfitted with 16 mm or even 35 mm projectors for showing commercial films. These were found almost exclusively in the homes of the very wealthy, especially those in the movie industry.
Portable home cinemas improved over time with color film, Kodak Super 8 mm film film cartridges, and monaural sound but remained awkward and somewhat expensive. The rise of home video in the late 1970s almost completely killed the consumer market for 8 mm film cameras and projectors, as VCRs connected to ordinary televisions provided a simpler and more flexible substitute.
1980s home cinema
The development of multi-channel audio systems and laserdisc in the 1980s created a new paradigm for home cinema. The first public demonstration of this integration occurred in 1982 at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, Illinois. Peter Tribeman of NAD (USA) organized and presented a demonstration made possible by the collaborative effort of several companies who contributed their technologies to demonstrate what a home cinema would "look and sound" like.
Over the course of three days, retailers, manufacturers, and members of the consumer electronics press were exposed to the first "home like" experience of combining a high quality video source with multi-channel sound. That one demonstration is credited with being the impetus for developing what is now a multi-billion dollar business.
[edit]
1990s home cinema
In the late 1990s, the development of DVD, 5-channel audio, and high-quality video projectors that provide a cinema experience at a price that rivals a big-screen HDTVs sparked a new wave of home cinema interest.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Technically, a home cinema could be as basic as a simple arrangement of a television, VCR, and a set of speakers. It is therefore difficult to specify exactly what distinguishes a "home cinema" from a "television and stereo". Most people in the consumer electronics industry would agree that a "home theater" is really the integration of a relatively high-quality video source with multi-channel electronics and speakers. Even if households have the system set up for home cinema it is common only to use the speakers integrated within the television rather than to play the sound through the surround sound system. This is because surround sound loses its impact with material which is not recorded in a way suitable for surround sound. Films, drama and sport tend to be optimised for surround sound whereas news and daytime TV provide no particular advantage.
History
[edit]
1950s and 1960s home movies
A home theater with video projector mounted in a box on the ceiling.In the 1950s, home movies became popular in the United States and elsewhere as Kodak 8 mm film (Pathé 9.5 mm in France) and camera and projector equipment became affordable. Projected with a small, portable movie projector onto a portable screen, often without sound, this system became the first practical home theater. They were generally used to show home movies of family travels and celebrations but also doubled as a means of showing private stag films. Dedicated home cinemas were called screening rooms at the time and were outfitted with 16 mm or even 35 mm projectors for showing commercial films. These were found almost exclusively in the homes of the very wealthy, especially those in the movie industry.
Portable home cinemas improved over time with color film, Kodak Super 8 mm film film cartridges, and monaural sound but remained awkward and somewhat expensive. The rise of home video in the late 1970s almost completely killed the consumer market for 8 mm film cameras and projectors, as VCRs connected to ordinary televisions provided a simpler and more flexible substitute.
1980s home cinema
The development of multi-channel audio systems and laserdisc in the 1980s created a new paradigm for home cinema. The first public demonstration of this integration occurred in 1982 at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, Illinois. Peter Tribeman of NAD (USA) organized and presented a demonstration made possible by the collaborative effort of several companies who contributed their technologies to demonstrate what a home cinema would "look and sound" like.
Over the course of three days, retailers, manufacturers, and members of the consumer electronics press were exposed to the first "home like" experience of combining a high quality video source with multi-channel sound. That one demonstration is credited with being the impetus for developing what is now a multi-billion dollar business.
[edit]
1990s home cinema
In the late 1990s, the development of DVD, 5-channel audio, and high-quality video projectors that provide a cinema experience at a price that rivals a big-screen HDTVs sparked a new wave of home cinema interest.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monday, May 08, 2006
Table Games
Want a game that moves quickly and gives you many ways to bet? Then Roulette is for you!
In Roulette, you can bet straight up, which means your bet is on any of the 38 single numbers which include 0 and 00. Also, you can place combination bets-bets divided over a combination of adjoining numbers. Look at the Roulette Table in the diagram. Here you see letters that represent the various types of bets in the game of double zero Roulette.
For instance, if you place an "A" type bet (see table 1 below), it could be on the number shown, or any number on the table. Or, perhaps you want to place an "H" type bet. You can place it on the line adjoining 13 (as shown) which pays on 13, 14, and 15. Or, you could place an "H" type bet on the line adjoining 31, where it pays on 31, 32, and 33.
Caution: Where you place your chip or chips on the Roulette Table, it is very important because this determines your bet. Use our diagram as your guide. It is the player's responsibility for proper placement. Now for the game. The Dealer spins the Roulette Wheel in one direction and a small white ball in the opposite direction. Bets may be placed on the Roulette Table until the Dealer announces "no more bets."
When the ball comes to rest, the Dealer calls out the winning number and places a marker on it. First the table is cleared of losing wagers and then all winners are paid.
During this time, please don't touch the table. Wait until the Dealer announces, "place your bets," to put chips down.
One last thing. When you place an even money bet-on 1-18, 19-36, Odd, Even, Red or Black-and the ball comes to rest on 0 or 00, you surrender half your bet.
If you're wondering how your bet is kept separate from everyone else's, it is because different color chips are used. The value of a stack of colored chips is determined by the player when purchasing a stack or stacks of chips. The value of a stack of colored chips is indicated by a numerical markers button placed on top of a chip of that color. (20 indicates $20 per stack, 100 indicates $100 per stack, etc.) These chips must be redeemed before you leave that particular table.
The Trump TAJ Mahal will also offer a European style single "0" Roulette wheel. On a single zero roulette wheel the entire wager on red, black, odd, even, 1-18 and 19-36 is lost should the ball land on zero.
Copyright © 2006 Trump Taj Mahal 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue
In Roulette, you can bet straight up, which means your bet is on any of the 38 single numbers which include 0 and 00. Also, you can place combination bets-bets divided over a combination of adjoining numbers. Look at the Roulette Table in the diagram. Here you see letters that represent the various types of bets in the game of double zero Roulette.
For instance, if you place an "A" type bet (see table 1 below), it could be on the number shown, or any number on the table. Or, perhaps you want to place an "H" type bet. You can place it on the line adjoining 13 (as shown) which pays on 13, 14, and 15. Or, you could place an "H" type bet on the line adjoining 31, where it pays on 31, 32, and 33.
Caution: Where you place your chip or chips on the Roulette Table, it is very important because this determines your bet. Use our diagram as your guide. It is the player's responsibility for proper placement. Now for the game. The Dealer spins the Roulette Wheel in one direction and a small white ball in the opposite direction. Bets may be placed on the Roulette Table until the Dealer announces "no more bets."
When the ball comes to rest, the Dealer calls out the winning number and places a marker on it. First the table is cleared of losing wagers and then all winners are paid.
During this time, please don't touch the table. Wait until the Dealer announces, "place your bets," to put chips down.
One last thing. When you place an even money bet-on 1-18, 19-36, Odd, Even, Red or Black-and the ball comes to rest on 0 or 00, you surrender half your bet.
If you're wondering how your bet is kept separate from everyone else's, it is because different color chips are used. The value of a stack of colored chips is determined by the player when purchasing a stack or stacks of chips. The value of a stack of colored chips is indicated by a numerical markers button placed on top of a chip of that color. (20 indicates $20 per stack, 100 indicates $100 per stack, etc.) These chips must be redeemed before you leave that particular table.
The Trump TAJ Mahal will also offer a European style single "0" Roulette wheel. On a single zero roulette wheel the entire wager on red, black, odd, even, 1-18 and 19-36 is lost should the ball land on zero.
Copyright © 2006 Trump Taj Mahal 1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Avenue
Thursday, May 04, 2006
We love... Thai food
Very few countries can produce dishes which match the sheer slap-around-the-chops factor of tucking into your first Thai nosh.
Indian food is certainly a contender for the title of most exotic takeaway, and Mexican cuisine is also capable of giving a savage mugging to one's tastebuds, (not to mention the digestive system).
But it would seem the new kid on the exotic food block can do all this and more.
For as well as possessing the type of spiciness that can satisfy even the most hardcore of numb-tongued chilli enthusiasts, Thai food is one of the most fragrant and delicious.
It manages without the oodles of cream, clarified butter and general goop which, while being the staple of any good curry, can also leave most of us incapacitated for sometime after a meal.
Instead lemongrass and coriander, as well as basil and lime, are the type of taste and smell sensations which blitz the palate of anyone enjoying a helping of the Asian food.
Simply put it has all of the flavour with much fewer calories.
Many diet books will advise the tactic of replacing stodge with intense flavours to make a healthy meal more satisfying.
And even after enjoying a couple of courses at the local Thai restaurant, it is not necessary to spend the rest of the evening rubbing one's distended belly and moaning about feeling full.
Indeed, as long as long as one has not gone overboard with lager - an ideal accompaniment to Thai cuisine - there is every chance of carrying on after a nice satisfying meal as if nothing has happened.
According to experts, Thai cuisine is successful because of its balance of five basic flavours - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter.
One of the most important ingredients is nam pla, a very aromatic and strong-tasting fish sauce - utterly horribly if tasted or smelled on its own, but superb when added in the right amounts.
Rice is a also a major component of Thai cuisine.
Sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand, and rice dishes are often accompanied by highly aromatic curries and stir-fries, which usually contain large quantities of the chillies, lime juice and lemongrass making the food so distinctive.
A typical Thai meal tends to be many dishes served concurrently rather than a traditional main course served after starters.
Don't be scared. Try cooking some spicy prawn soup yourself
Ingredients, (for 2 servings)
Five-seven prawns, 120g straw mushrooms, one-two lemongrass stalks, three-four kaffir lime leaves, one tbs roasted chilli paste, two tbs fish sauce, three tbs lime juice, three-four fresh chillies, four cups water.
Coriander leaves, red chillies and kaffir lime leaves for garnishing.
Process:
Clean and de-vein the prawns. Cut lengthwise down the centre, but not all the way through.
Rinse mushrooms and trim off base. Dry well, and cut in half.
Bring water to boil. Add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves; then add the prawns and mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat, season with roasted chilli paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and chillies.
Garnish with red chillies, kaffir lime leaves and coriander leaves.
Note : Coconut milk can be added to enrich creamy flavour.
Sam Burson, Western Mail
Indian food is certainly a contender for the title of most exotic takeaway, and Mexican cuisine is also capable of giving a savage mugging to one's tastebuds, (not to mention the digestive system).
But it would seem the new kid on the exotic food block can do all this and more.
For as well as possessing the type of spiciness that can satisfy even the most hardcore of numb-tongued chilli enthusiasts, Thai food is one of the most fragrant and delicious.
It manages without the oodles of cream, clarified butter and general goop which, while being the staple of any good curry, can also leave most of us incapacitated for sometime after a meal.
Instead lemongrass and coriander, as well as basil and lime, are the type of taste and smell sensations which blitz the palate of anyone enjoying a helping of the Asian food.
Simply put it has all of the flavour with much fewer calories.
Many diet books will advise the tactic of replacing stodge with intense flavours to make a healthy meal more satisfying.
And even after enjoying a couple of courses at the local Thai restaurant, it is not necessary to spend the rest of the evening rubbing one's distended belly and moaning about feeling full.
Indeed, as long as long as one has not gone overboard with lager - an ideal accompaniment to Thai cuisine - there is every chance of carrying on after a nice satisfying meal as if nothing has happened.
According to experts, Thai cuisine is successful because of its balance of five basic flavours - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter.
One of the most important ingredients is nam pla, a very aromatic and strong-tasting fish sauce - utterly horribly if tasted or smelled on its own, but superb when added in the right amounts.
Rice is a also a major component of Thai cuisine.
Sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand, and rice dishes are often accompanied by highly aromatic curries and stir-fries, which usually contain large quantities of the chillies, lime juice and lemongrass making the food so distinctive.
A typical Thai meal tends to be many dishes served concurrently rather than a traditional main course served after starters.
Don't be scared. Try cooking some spicy prawn soup yourself
Ingredients, (for 2 servings)
Five-seven prawns, 120g straw mushrooms, one-two lemongrass stalks, three-four kaffir lime leaves, one tbs roasted chilli paste, two tbs fish sauce, three tbs lime juice, three-four fresh chillies, four cups water.
Coriander leaves, red chillies and kaffir lime leaves for garnishing.
Process:
Clean and de-vein the prawns. Cut lengthwise down the centre, but not all the way through.
Rinse mushrooms and trim off base. Dry well, and cut in half.
Bring water to boil. Add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves; then add the prawns and mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat, season with roasted chilli paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and chillies.
Garnish with red chillies, kaffir lime leaves and coriander leaves.
Note : Coconut milk can be added to enrich creamy flavour.
Sam Burson, Western Mail
Fishing Report
Water conditions: Choppy. Gulf Shores Marina reports sheepshead are hitting out from the beach and ling are running. Spanish and king mackerel making an appearance.
Water conditions: 65 degrees; light stain. Bass: Waterfront Grocery reports that using soft plastics, spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps are getting action in 4 feet or less. Crappie: Use minnows and jigs in 6 feet. Bream: Good catches reported using crickets and Keystone minnows.
Inland
Water conditions: 59 degrees; clear. Bass: Spotted bass hitting on plastic worms and crankbaits. Bream: Nice shellcrackers being caught on red worms. Fish on the bottom. Striped bass: Around the S-curve in deeper water. Try shad or large minnows. Note: The first tournament at Inland Marina is Friday 7 p.m. to midnight, then every Friday throughout the summer. Tuesday night tournaments begin April 18, then every other Tuesday from 7-11:30 p.m.
Logan Martin
Water conditions: 64 degrees; light stain. Riverside Marina reports water level is 3-to-4 feet below full pool. Bass: Some large bass have been caught early in the day using Ole Nellie coldslaw-colored skirts with gold blades. Later, try glass purple Sunfire, or glass Shad Rap in shallow water. Crappie: Chartreuse jigs and minnows landing some nice fish in 4-6 feet around structure. Catfish: Cut shad and nightcrawlers on bottom of channel working best.
Lake Purdy
Water conditions: Mid-60s; clear. Bass: Spotted bass abundant on the banks in deeper water. Carolina-rigged mini-lizard with 1 or 1/0 hook works best. Crappie: Running in shallow water of the main lake. Use a bobber and Tuffie minnows in 12-18 inches. Catfish: Slow. Night fishing best on nightcrawlers and rooster livers.
Smith Lake
Water conditions: 58 degrees; clear. Bass: Speegle's Marina reports good catches using plastic worms and jigs. Crappie: Biting fair on small minnows. Some being caught on Red Fins. For generation schedules or lake levels for any Alabama Power lake, call 1-800-525-3711. Fishing reports compiled by News staff writer Mary Jane Kuehner.
© 2006 The Birmingham News. All rights reserved.
Water conditions: 65 degrees; light stain. Bass: Waterfront Grocery reports that using soft plastics, spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps are getting action in 4 feet or less. Crappie: Use minnows and jigs in 6 feet. Bream: Good catches reported using crickets and Keystone minnows.
Inland
Water conditions: 59 degrees; clear. Bass: Spotted bass hitting on plastic worms and crankbaits. Bream: Nice shellcrackers being caught on red worms. Fish on the bottom. Striped bass: Around the S-curve in deeper water. Try shad or large minnows. Note: The first tournament at Inland Marina is Friday 7 p.m. to midnight, then every Friday throughout the summer. Tuesday night tournaments begin April 18, then every other Tuesday from 7-11:30 p.m.
Logan Martin
Water conditions: 64 degrees; light stain. Riverside Marina reports water level is 3-to-4 feet below full pool. Bass: Some large bass have been caught early in the day using Ole Nellie coldslaw-colored skirts with gold blades. Later, try glass purple Sunfire, or glass Shad Rap in shallow water. Crappie: Chartreuse jigs and minnows landing some nice fish in 4-6 feet around structure. Catfish: Cut shad and nightcrawlers on bottom of channel working best.
Lake Purdy
Water conditions: Mid-60s; clear. Bass: Spotted bass abundant on the banks in deeper water. Carolina-rigged mini-lizard with 1 or 1/0 hook works best. Crappie: Running in shallow water of the main lake. Use a bobber and Tuffie minnows in 12-18 inches. Catfish: Slow. Night fishing best on nightcrawlers and rooster livers.
Smith Lake
Water conditions: 58 degrees; clear. Bass: Speegle's Marina reports good catches using plastic worms and jigs. Crappie: Biting fair on small minnows. Some being caught on Red Fins. For generation schedules or lake levels for any Alabama Power lake, call 1-800-525-3711. Fishing reports compiled by News staff writer Mary Jane Kuehner.
© 2006 The Birmingham News. All rights reserved.
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