Reasons Why The Tigers Flopped In The World Series

With the wind howling and the Tigers down to their final strike, Santiago Casilla gathered himself on the mound and ran a fastball down the heart of the plate ending the Tigers season. Miguel Cabrera was simply froze on a pitch he figured was going to nip the outside corner like the last three. As the Giants celebrated their second championship in three years and Buster Posey starting his career in Jeter-like fashion with two rings, I began to wonder why my beloved Tigers fell so hard. It was a fellow friend that told me via Facebook that I should blog my dismay. Well Colin, here it is. My reasons why the Tigers stunk worse than when someone steps in dog s**t and wonders where the smell is coming from.

The most obvious answer is that the bats went cold. But when you analyze the situation a bit further you see an imperfect relationship of how great pitching can only carry you so far. Aside from Justin Verlander getting lit up in Game #1, the pitching from Doug Fister, Anabal Sanchez and Max Scherzer was quite impressive. If the bats stayed even half as hot as they did against the Yankees, the Tigers are probably still playing. Along with the bats doing nothing, the big guns did not show up to play. Cabrera and Prince Fielder were nowhere to be found in the first three games and aside from a two run jack from Miggy, they might as well not even been there. For f**k's sake, Jeremy Affeldt, who's career ERA is above 4, struck out the side to end any threat in the 7th. And through all this, the guy that people couldn't stop ripping in the regular season was the one guy who kept hitting. Delmon Young, accused of being a racist and a waste of a roster spot, was hot throughout the playoffs and eventually led to him capturing the American League Championship Series MVP. I am sure that every Tiger fan who watched the game last night knew if the Tigers could get a win, the series could change drastically.  With Verlander going tonight and momentum in our favour, the road to getting back to San Francisco seemed a lot shorter. But when you can't hit it becomes a large problem.

Another large factor in the playoffs has been Jim Leyland. I want to clear up that this is not entirely his fault but a few things are. First off, people keep talking how he is a winner and how he makes the Tigers better. Well if one win in two World Series appearances along with a seven game losing streak in the Series is considered winning than this guy is Charlie Sheen. He once again failed to keep his players ready after a long layoff and did not correct the problem that plagued  the Tigers in 2006. The bullpen was rocky at times but barely kept it together. Valverde was a complete disaster and took up a roster spot that might have burnt Leyland if the Tigers would've won last night. He continues to trust  an incompetent third base coach in Gene Lamont and turns his nose to people with logical questioning to his lineup cards throughout the entire season. If Lamont holds Fielder and the Tigers score in the inning, the series is changed completely. I am sick of the lack of responsibility that Leyland holds his players accountable for and how he always pushes issues aside and say that they are part of the game. If part of the game is to get your ass handed to you on the national stage, then Leyland accomplished it. When Omar Infante was hit in the hand last night and left the ball game, Danny Worth was the backup. It was then I realized that with Valverde using up a roster spot and Infante now a no go, the Tigers are running thin on bodies. Who is to blame if the Tigers trot out Worth at second tonight if there was a game 5? It's Jim Leyland. Same ole problems and no answers. That is Jim Leyland's MO. Tony La Russa anyone?!

I will tip my hat to the San Francisco Giants to exposing the reasons as to why the Tigers were seriously over achievers even though the goal the entire year was to win the World Series. The Tigers got to the show by playing mediocre baseball for nine tenths of the season and then watch Chicago collapse like a house of cards. Once in, they took on an Oakland A's team that used the Moneyball approach better than the actual movie and took the Tigers the distance. The A's had over-achieved themselves and watched Texas blow the AL West to miss the playoffs. The Tigers then drew the Yankees who are a bunch of overpaid and washed up ballplayers with problems internally. This reminded me of the Lakers and Pistons in 2004, where Shaq and Kobe couldn't get along and handed the trophy to the Pistons. With the sweep, the Tigers drew a San Francisco team that was hot after coming off a seven game series that saw them overcome a 3-1 series deficit. A team that battled at the plate, had very good pitching and a closer that was lights out. I said it before the series and now my worst fears are confirmed, the Tigers have lost but not in a sweep. This is what happens when to many things go wrong and a great team does what they are suppose to do.

Congrats San Fran, and to all Tiger fans, lets take some time and rebound from this and watch a little hockey... oh wait!

Cheers,

a very irate italian!

Lancers vs. Warriors Recap!

Who Left The Red Sock In With The White Ones?!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, this is the Irate Italian checking in after some homemade food put me in a coma! Ok enough talk of the food as my stretchy pants can't take it anymore. The Lancers went into the weekend knowing how important every point would be. With this in mind they welcomed the Waterloo Warriors to Tom Wilson Field for a special display under the lights. What would follow would be irritating, aggravating and pure bulls**t that had even myself astonished from what I saw. Here is the game story from the Windsor Lancers and Waterloo Warriors.

Pink socks? Pink Headbands? 

Before I could jump to conclusions and think these Lancers went soft on me by making their uniform look "girly", I was informed it was Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Tom Wilson Field. This was fitting as the biggest boob in the ballpark was standing directly behind home plate. No pink to be had just a blue uniform that would soon make him the target of an absolute inexcusable controversy. The umpires would impact the game to a point that would make any athlete lose their mind. How these ladies didn't is beyond me.

Home Field Advantage?

Before the contest could begin an issue with the diamond caused a 15 minute delay. Windsor pitcher Kelsey Schincariol noticed something was not right when warming up. She informed the umpire that the rubber footing, what the pitcher uses to propel themselves forward, was too far away from home plate. The umpire did not think it was but after one of the nearly couple hundred fans in attendance provided a measuring tape, it was realized it was four feet to far. After the adjustment was made the contest began.

In the top of the first, Waterloo's bats were met with stiff defence as Schincariol settled in. After a pop out and a single, Schincariol unleashed a wild pitch that moved the runner to second. A groundout moved her to third but that is as far as she would go as Schincariol induced a groundball for the final out. Just like that and Lancers are off to another start defensively. 

In the bottom half of the first, the Lancers wasted no time in getting the bats going. Erica Ruccolo looked to keep her bat hot as she just missed a fastball on the outside corner and popped out for the first out. Steph Manson came to bat knowing that easy outs for the Warriors was not acceptable. After going down 0-2 in the count, she fouled off three pitches and made the pitcher miss three times to drive the count full. On a pitch just a bit inside, she became jammed and grounded out to second for the second out. As Sarah Meeke came to the plate the clouds started to open and rain began to fall, but the rain couldn't cool off Meeke. Meeke, being a very patient hitter, waits until the Warriors pitcher leaves a fastball hung like an ornament on a christmas tree and then proceeds to smash it deep to right centre. The wheels on Meeke were going hard but the brakes almost went as she nearly overruns the third base bag. With Schincariol due up next Meeke looked quite comfortable at third and sure enough, Captain Clutch comes through and helps her own cause by slapping a ball to right to give the Lancers a 1-0 lead. A single by Sam Sidoli and a groundout by Ryanne Driscoll ended the inning.

Can't Touch This!

In the top half of the second Schincariol was dealing better than a casino dealer on speed. She strikes out the first batter with a fastball on the black. (the corner of the strike zone for my friends who are not up on their baseball terms) The next batter muscles a weak ground ball to reach first but it was what followed that makes every parents worst fear almost come true. Playing a sport with any sort of contact comes a risk that athletes routinely accept. Ball players accept the fact that they can be hit with multiple objects including but not limited to balls, bats, cleats, other athletes and even the odd umpire. So when Schincariol nearly had her screaming fastball come back at her and glance of her glove protecting her beautiful face, my stomach along with not only her parents but everyone in the ballpark, dropped as if I was on Top Thrill Dragster. I was almost sick to my stomach, my knees felt like Sugar Ray Leonard after taking a Roberto Duran body shot in the first fight. Schincariol immediately signalled she was okay but a chat after the game revealed to me she was shaken for the remainder of the inning. She sure as hell didn't show it as she settled down to induce a ground ball for the second out and struck out the third batter to end the inning. A fist pump confirmed Kelsey was ok and the Lancers were motoring along nicely.  Just in case you don't believe me about the umpire, check out this collision.

After both the Lancers and Warriors couldn't get anything going in their respective at bats, the bottom of the third saw the Lancers put ducks on the pond but fail to cash in. This has been a recurring theme for the Lancers which needs to be fixed before the Lancers hit the road this upcoming weekend. A fielders choice saw Schincariol score and extend the Lancers lead to 2-0 but that was it.

The Warriors saw an opening and pounced in the top of the fourth. An infield single and bloop single put two on for the Warriors and after a weak ground ball to hold the runners, a single scores one while the second runner holds at third. The next batter is caught in a pickle between first and second but this distraction causes the runner on third to sneak home for the game tying run. Schincariol tries to settle down but a passed ball advances the runners and an error from the infield makes it 3-2 Warriors. A ground ball ends the inning but the damage was done. At this point I do not blame Schincariol for the passed ball as playing in what many would describe as Hurricane Katrina, was not easy. The ball slips and it happens. Big f**king deal as Robert De Niro would say!

Sunny My A**!

The bottom of the fourth saw the Lancers go quietly as they couldn't manage to break wind let alone the zeros the Waterloo pitcher was putting up on the scoreboard since giving up two runs. The top of the fifth saw the Warriors add to their lead. After a fly out to Ruccolo in left, the Warriors get a speedy runner on first who quickly steals second to put herself in scoring position. The next batter strikes out looking on a change up, but the hitting with two outs is what separates the ladies from the girls. A double to left scores a run but the next batter tests the arm of left fielder Erica Ruccolo. A single to left has the runner on second thinking third base but Ruccolo cuts it off and launches an absolute rope from the outfield to get the runner at third. That was the final out and the contest had the makings to be a classic.

Now, as the Lancers once again did absolutely nothing in the bottom half, the top of the sixth saw the rain beginning to fall heavily and the umpires about to get themselves into water so deep that they would feel as if they were floating on a dingy. As Schincariol continues her masterful performance on the mound, the leadoff hitter lines a shot to left that is snagged by Ruccolo for the first out. The following batter sneaks a single through the infield and then proceeds to swipe second base like a girl on a shopping spree would her credit card. Now let me set the scene. One out, a runner on second in a 4-2 ballgame, as Schincariol sets up to deliver a full count pitch. She confirms before the pitch it is a 3-2 count. The next pitch is swung and missed on. The runner is strangely instructed not to go back to the dugout but instead go to first. The opposing manager tells the ump four balls were already thrown. Without even questioning the manager, the umpire awards the runner first base. This infuriates the Lancer bench boss. How in the f**k can you call a walk when strike three was already called, after you gave the pitcher the count? How do you have the balls to even make that call without even conversing with the other umpire? Another game I cover and another game the umpires put the screws to the Lancers, is all I can think in my head. As the runner stands on first he explains to the Lancers that he was "pretty sure" there was four balls. Then why on gods green earth are you confirming it was a 3-2 count to Schincariol. After the umpire tries to blow the issue aside and with the runner standing on first, Schincariol gets a pop out for the second out and a little help from her gritty outfield Ruccolo for the third out. As a ball is lifted to the gap in left centre, Ruccolo tracks it like a GPS would my cellphone and makes a sliding catch on a nice and slippery field to rob her numerical counterpart of extra bases. The catch was a message to the umpire from the entire Lancer team, Va Fa Napoli! This Lancer team was not rolling over.

In the bottom of the sixth and the Warriors up 4-2, it was now or never for the Lancers offence to get going. The bats would come to life. A single by Nadia Green and a well executed bunt by Steph Bouchey, which reminded be of Willie Mays Hayes in Major League, advances the runner. Just a beauty overall. Old school baseball to say the least. A passed ball by Waterloo allows Green to scoot over to third with one out. After a pop out by Manson, Meeke makes her presence felt again as she moves up the first base line to beat out a infield single and close the gap to 4-3. A strikeout ends the inning but the Lancers can smell a comeback.

The top of the seventh saw the defence come up big and help get the bats back to the plate quickly. Schincariol gives up a couple singles which leads to a run but with the score at 5-3, the Lancers looked excited to get to bat.

Leading off the bottom of the seventh Heather Metcalfe draws a walk and is followed immediately by a Krissy Johnstone single. A pinch runner was inserted for Johnstone as Ruccolo took to the plate. A very suspecting called third strike was issued by the umpire, almost to say he wants to get out of the rain as soon as possible. Ruccolo is not happy but what follows cannot help but bring a smile to her face. Manson decides that she has had enough of this pitcher and takes her deep to left field. The triple scores both Metcalfe and the pinch runner to tie the ball game. Extra innings would follow but not after Sarah Meeke's bat gave in and split into two. The first time I have ever seen that. I do not blame it for caving as the way Meeke was hitting the ball, that bat was being beat like it owed someone money.

Waterloo wastes no time and trying to bounce back as they score the runner on second courtesy of the international tiebreaker rule. After a double to put another runner on second, another double puts runners at second and third. Controversy would strike again. A single to left has the runner going from third but Ruccolo once again has her arm tested. The throw is on the mark for Schincariol who is covering home plate. The runner slides directly into the tag and into Schincariol's leg. The umpire signals safe immediately. Schincariol, who already was walking back to the mound thinking she recorded the out, turns around with a look on her face that had the caption "don't piss on my shoes and tell me it's raining", written all over it. The umpire then has the audacity to say to those in attendance that  the play "wasn't even close". Are you kidding me?! It is a bang, bang play at home and you are telling me it was not close?! Look at Kelsey's sock! It still had the markings from the spike on it! Give me a break.

After this call the Lancers were never the same as they drop a heartbreaker 10-6 in extra innings.

The issue extends beyond the play between the two teams, the issue is the umpires. How can every ladies fast pitch game I watch continuously have the worst umpires imaginable. The men's baseball league have umpires that are competent and do things by the book. It seems as though once they pass their prime they are sent to the ladies league where bad eyes and asinine rule making is acceptable. Making the rules up as you go shows no professionalism. I am by no means the best writer in the world but I dress the part and act accordingly. I follow the rules and make sure not to piss off the big wigs. What the umpires do to women's fast pitch, in general, is disgusting and downright wrong. I can understand why coaches go crazy and become Youtube sensations.

On a closing note the Lancers hit the road this weekend for a pair of doubleheaders that will impact their playoff hopes. Whether it be positive or negative is up to the Lancers but all I am hoping for is that the umpires let the ladies play and avoid being total boobs.

Thanks again to all my readers and followers as I will be back shortly with another post.

Until then Go Lancers! and I hope to be writing about the playoffs very shortly.

This is the Irate Italian signing off! And as I write this sentence my Detroit Tigers have advanced to the American League Championship Series!

Cheers!

Lady Lancers Slay Gryphons!

Good day fellow followers!

The Irate Italian is back and boy am I excited to report on what I can safely say was a absolute thriller on a beautiful, fall Sunday at the ball park. I'm talking the Lady Lancer and Guelph Gryphons, who did battle at Turtle Club. To my shock, and definite embarrassment, these ladies can play. Below is my article on one heck of great day and I would like to thank the Ladies for not s**tting the bed when a person who is reporting on them is in the stands. (It happens more often than you would think). Without further adieu here is what you have all been waiting for!

Click, clack! Click, clack! 

Here we go Lancers!

That noise was all I heard when I bestowed my presence upon the Lady Lancers Fastball team and their game against the Guelph Gryphons. The original idea of covering a version of baseball that saw ladies play instead of men, the ball replaced with one the size of a mango and the pitcher deliver the pitch underhanded, was not exactly how I pictured spending my early Sunday afternoon. But with the sun shining and a promise needed to be kept, I hopped into my truck and made my way to Turtle Park. This is where the Lancers call home. This is also where the grounds crew had to use a shovel and a hose to remove my jaw from the shale ridden soil surrounding the diamond. What I saw on the field Sunday was not only a shock but I found myself caught up in a game that an hour earlier made no sense to cover. 

Ladies were firing softballs on a line, back and forth with not even a sense of hesitation in their steady preparation for battle. Starting pitcher Kelsey Schincariol was busy warming up by pounding the catchers mitt with fastballs many guys couldn't mimic while throwing overhand. All along the constant click, clack, click, clack, could be heard resonating into the bleachers and stimulating a feeling within that was reminiscent of playoff baseball across the river. I was jacked up and the game was just about to begin.

A rough start for the Lancers as the Gryphons grab an early 1-0 lead in the top half of the first inning. Schincariol would settle down and strikeout the final batter for the third out. One of seven strikeouts on the day. The Lancers put the hard hats on and went to work. Sam Sidoli decided, that with a reporter in the stands and a lead to snatch back from the Gryphons, to go deep to right center for a two RBI double  bringing in Schincariol and Sarah Meeke. That would be it for the Lancers but a 2-1 lead is nothing to complain about.

Now at this point in the contest, I am absolutely taken aback as to the skill level these ladies are playing at. This is definitely not your average Thursday night beer league softball game where people are lobbing meatballs that would make my nonna envious, but rather a league where the ladies take a no bulls**t approach to their preparation and play, in the field and at bat. These ladies are for real and realizing this, I adjusted accordingly. (The nice way of saying I stopped screwing around and got down to business)

After Guelph laid an egg in the top half of the second, the Lancers once again took full advantage of a Guelph pitcher that had trouble locating her pitches. The term "Juuuuuuuuust a bit outside!" came to mind multiple times as she couldn't hit a bull in the a** with a shovel. A rough going to say the least.

Up in the bottom half of the second was the rugged left fielder that the girls call "Ruccs". Erica Ruccolo stands all of 5'2"but the artistry she displays with a bat in her hand would make Dustin Pedroia proud, as she fouls off three legitimate strikes to finally bloop in a single to right field. After Steph Manson drew a walk, Schincariol once again helped out her own cause by driving a double to right and scoring Ruccolo with ease. With Meeke back at the dish, she triples to the gab in right center as if to say to Schincariol, "anything you can do I can do better ;)". The triple brings in Manson and Schincariol and that would be all the damage the Lancers could inflict on their opponents. 

With a slight lead and her teammates swinging the hot sticks, Schincariol was doing her part on the mound as she made the Gryphons' job absolutely excruciating. With two down in the third and the third batter sitting on a 2-2 count, Schincariol unloaded a nasty changeup that had the Guelph batter looking like she was swinging a garden hose. Strike three it was and the infamous "three up, three down!" line could be heard around the ballpark, it just happened to come from my mouth. I was into the game and these Lancers were putting on a show. 

Thanks for coming out, strike three!

Unfortunately that show was delayed as the Gryphons decided to come to life and hold the Lancers in the bottom half of the third. With Sidoli on first and one out, Ruccolo once again made her presence felt. She took a 2-1 offering to the deepest part of the park in left, slamming a double to put ducks on the pond at second and third. It was what followed that could have easily turned the tide in the contest. Steph Bouchey drilled a hanging breaking ball back to the pitchers feet where she snags it for the out. She really had no choice or she probably would be missing her tibia which for those who are not caught up on their anatomy, is the load barring bone in you lower leg.The instinctive Ruccolo takes off like a fat kid eyeing a bag of Skittles at third but it isn't until she is halfway that she realizes Sidoli didn't leave the three bag. She is doubled up at second and the inning is over. The inner Gronkowski almost came out of her as she wanted to slam the helmet, but distribution of funds obviously prevented that.

Ahh.. bye!

As both teams did absolutely nothing in the fourth inning, the fifth inning was where the winds began to blow. As the Lancers take back to the field an aroma could be smelt that most athletes recognize. That odour was fear, it was weakness, it was their opponent gasping for life. But instead of letting their feet off the accelerator, the Lancers cut their opponents deep and watched the blood spew all over. The killer instinct, the winners perfume, the sweet smell of the last stand from Guelph and it was up to their defence to lead the charge.

A bloop single and a bunt put a runner on second for Guelph. The next batter drove a ball to left. Ruccolo fields it on one hop and the madness begins. The batter rounds second and the attention turns to the runner at third. Schincariol holds the ball and baits the runner on third to stay. As this happens she rifles the ball to first gets the runner in a pickle and grabs the out. As the out is recorded the runner on third darts for home. Bouchey gets the ball at home and blocks it like an offensive lineman stifling the rushing defensive end. Double play and the Lancers could smell the blood in the water and they were the sharks! With a stab at shortstop to secure the third out, the bats went back to work.

The Gryphons had one last breath in them as they held the Lancers in the bottom half of the fifth. Schincariol went to work in the top half of the sixth with a nasty change up for a called third strike. This almost caused a death in the ballpark as the pitch was so dirty I almost choked on my applesauce. A couple groundouts had the Lady Lancers one inning away from a victory.

When the bats went south in the bottom half it was the leather that put the Lancers head over shoulders above the Gryphons. With Schincariol out for the seventh to close out what can be described as nothing short of a gem, Guelph tried to sneak their way back into the contest. With a runner on the first, a Guelph batter connects on a 1-0 offering and sends it to the fence in right. The ball rolls under the fence. The right fielder digs it out and throws it in. The umpire calls time with runners on second and third. Almost instantly the Guelph bench boss begins to leverage against what the umpire did. He claims the runner should advance as she could have taken home. The Lancers felt when the umpire called time, the defence stopped playing. To be fair, the relay was to first and without the stoppage, there would have been a play at the plate. After a controversial ruling the runner was awarded home plate.

I got this ladies!

Schincariol was not happy but she did not display her displeasure with the call, she instead bunkered down and unleashed a flurry breaking balls and inside fastballs that painted the corners and had Guelph hitters swinging the white flag. A strikeout, followed by a groundout and a pop out secured the 5-2 win for the Lancers.

Asked after the game if she was unhappy with the call Schincariol said that "the ump called time and you can't reverse time. Their coach baited him (the umpire) into changing his mind. Like, not a big deal as we refocused and got the next couple outs."

At this point I was toast, I was in awe. I was left speechless as to how these ladies could play and I totally underestimated them. What can be said is that as I left Turtle Club that day I left with a piece of humble pie tucked away nicely in my backpack and the sound of cleats going to work in the background as the Lancers prepared for their second game. Click, clack! Click, clack! That's the sound of a Lancer program ready to change the view of many like they did mind. That's the sound of Lady Lancer fastball!

I would like to thank the Lady Lancers for their outstanding play while I was at the ballpark and I encourage everyone reading to check them out this Friday in Forest Glade under the lights. Game time is set for 5 and 7pm at Tom Wilson field. I'll see all of you there!

As always leave your comments here on the blog or on Facebook. I always love to hear feedback!

This is the Irate Italian signing off! Cheers knuckleheads!

Tigers Baseball Is Not The Only Baseball Being Played This Time Of Year

A happy fall afternoon to all my lovely followers out there. I am back with another edition of the Irate Italian. I have joyfully begun another school year and with that comes the return of athletic teams and their quests for championship glory, some more prominent than others. Having the privilege to cover many of these sports allows me to understand the true preparation that is required before the actual season begins. Rather it be off season training for football or evening runs to maintain endurance for track, preparation is crucial.

What I find hard to still understand is how two very successful baseball and fastball teams can continuously be overlooked by local media, aside from a three sentence write up, while they both continuously show a winning history. I am talking about the baseball team and fastball team at the University of Windsor. By not being part of the OUA their schedule is based on a mix of divisions and leagues throughout Ontario and southeast Michigan. This is considered a non varsity sport and I feel obligated(thanks to a stern lecture from one Ms. Ruccolo) to shine some light on local talents that stand out on the field and in the classroom.

I encourage everyone to get out this weekend and checkout some local baseball action, and I am not talking about the Tigers postseason push. This Saturday the Lancer women's fastpitch team will take on the Toronto Varsity Blues in a doubleheader. Games are at 2 and 4pm at Turtle Club on Reaume Road in Lasalle, Ontario. On Sunday, the women are once again in action against the Guelph Gryphons as they do battle in another doubleheader at 12 and 2pm at Turtle Park. The men will take to the field against crosstown rival the St. Clair Saints on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 1 and 3:30pm at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh, Ontario.

I will do a followup on both teams with full stories coming for both teams and even some video. Thats right people, the Irate Italian has discovered technology. Hang on because this could get real fun!

I'll see you at the ballpark Sunday! Until then I leave you with this, does a one legged duck swim in a circle if they float down stream?

Cheers!

Lancer Football: Standouts and Sleepers!

Good afternoon everyone!

It is the end of August and everyone knows what that means....football!!!! Not just any kind of football but that rather whacky style of football we Canadians love and adore. That's right I am talking the CIS and OUA brand where this week's featured team looks to build on a season which saw them fall in the semi-finals. The Windsor Lancers, led by their fiery coach Joe D'Amore, return to the turf this Labour Day Monday to begin a new chapter in Lancer football lore. Without further adieu here is my football preview for the 2012 edition of the Windsor Lancers. 

Offence

No worries bro, I got this

Austin Kennedy, QB- The third year quarterback jumped onto the scene after an injury to senior QB Sam Malian sidelined him for the season. Kennedy finished 5^th in the CIS with 263.5 yards per game and quickly displayed why anytime Kennedy touches the ball a play can be made, even when it looks like it is over. Kennedy’s calm and collected attitude provided a Lancer offense with the confidence that most other teams need hundreds of reps to develop. The 205lb Business major has displayed a clear understanding of Coach D’Amore’s high tempo offence and with another weapon to add to his already lethal arsenal, look for Kennedy to improve upon his impressive totals from last season. Kennedy led the nation with 20 touchdown passes and a 65 %completion rate.

Just put it in the air,
I'll come down with it!

Jordan Brescacin, WR- With a playmaking QB  on one end the raw athleticism shone thru last year for Brescacin. The 4^th year Concurrent Math major was quick with his calculations on the field that saw him haul in 50 receptions for 773 yards, good for 96.6 yards per game placing him third in the CIS in receiving.  Of all people chomping at the bit to get the 2012 season underway Brescacin would rank at the top of that list. As some might recall the 6’4’’, 180lb receiver was knocked out of the Yates Cup semifinal in London last year on a late and vicious hit by Western linebacker Pawel Kruba. Without Brescascin the Lancers fell short and were eliminated from the playoffs. During the off-season, the Tecumseh native signed on with the Hamilton Ti-Cats and brings a plethora of knowledge into camp that will positively rub off on the rest of the receiving core. With Coach D’Amore stressing the importance of limiting mistakes while cranking up the pace of his offence, Brescacin will prove to be a difference maker anytime he is on the field.

Sexy and I know it

Nick Corrado, C- Having a talented QB and a standout WR is important but not having any time to make a play can stop an offence in its tracks. Fortunately for the Lancers they welcome back the 4^th year Environmental Studies major to their offensive line. Voted the sweatiest athlete in football last season, the 6’1’’, 275lbs athletic specimen has a humble attitude off the field but his tenacious instincts allow him to adjust to any play developing with Kennedy under center. Corrado is considered by many to be the leader of the offensive line and there "all for one, one for all" mentality displays the commitment to success that D’Amore has preached since his first day on campus. With only 5 interceptions on the year, Corrado and company can be looked upon to provide the pocket protection Kennedy enjoyed last season.  

Defence

Quarterbacks beware!

Andrew Bakos, DL- At 5’11’’, 282lbs Bakos provides a defensive attack that is unmatched among the OUA. The Grizzly Adams/Wolverine bearded Human Kinetics major comes off the end with more energy than former Bills lineman Bruce Smith after consuming a case of Pixy Stixs, and is a handful for any offensive lineman. Staying committed to off-season training, which included a daily regiment of badminton, has Bakos in top form and ready for the grind of another long season. Bakos has shown incredible footwork and a wide variety of maneuvers that keep the offence guessing. Whether it be dropping a running back in the backfield or tracking down a scrambling quarterback, Bakos finds nothing more rewarding than making the big play. With Seamus Potsuma graduating, Bakos will need to elevate his game to next level if he wishes to continue to rein terror on opposing QB’s.

Here comes the boom!

Brad Adams, LB- Whenever the oft time a running back squeezes through the defensive line or a receiver attempts to go over the middle, Adams will be the first to welcome said opponent to Windsor with a hit that would make your bones rattle standing on the sideline. Adams, along with CB Shea Pierre and Matt McGarva provide a smash mouth type defense in Windsor that hasn’t been seen in a long time. Last season Adams had 37.5 total tackles while throwing in 2 sacks. Adams will be looked upon to lead a defense that is widely considered in the elite of the OUA. Adams’ commitment to strength and condition has Coach D’Amore salivating at the mouth as to what offenses will have to get through to generate any sort of offensive attack. If the offence ever does arrive, Adams will greet them with a warm Windsor defense welcome. Ka Boom!

Plays just as mean as he looks!

"Coach, this is the third helmet this week!"

Matt McGarva(L), Shea Pierre (R), CB- If the offense cannot successfully advance the ball on the ground, McGarva and Pierre will make airing it out an absolute nightmare. The final two pieces of the smash mouth defense make receivers cringe at the line of scrimmage. No matter how many jukes and jives a receiver can attempt, Pierre and McGarva are all over them like a fat kid on a bag of Skittles. Last season Pierre and McGarva both had an interception while McGarva brought his back 109 yards for a TD. The OUA All-Start McGarva had 49 tackles on the year while Pierre racked up 23 of his own. These two will be a dynamic duo in the backfield that will gladly let their opponents know how great they are, because who can blame them for the amount of confidence they have. Pierre and McGarva along with the remainder of the defense will keep the Windsor offense on the field longer and help win the time of possession which Coach D’Amore will be quick to tell you how important that is.

For Coach D’Amore and his staff, they should be proud of what they accomplished thus far but they all know how talk only goes so far and actions must take over. With this group of Lancers I do not see that being a problem. It is all part of the new expectations in Windsor. 



With that folks I bid you a farewell and hope the new season starts off on the right foot. I'll be back soon but until then follow me, I am right behind you!

Cheers knuckleheads! 

- The Irate Italian

I'm Back!

Hello Ladies and Gents,

The Irate Italian is back and is excited to get back at it.

Since my last post, I have graduated from University, travelled to Arizona and watched the 2012 Summer Olympics open in London, England and all I can say to this point is Go Canada! Proud of what Canadian athletes have accomplished thus far and cannot wait to see where local long distance runner Melissa Bishop ends up in her preliminary heat of the 800m on Wednesday (6:50 EST just in case you want to catch it live).

A few stories that have caught my eye over the first couple weeks of the Games is Michael Phelps and his record 20 medals in the pool, Usain Bolt, the Canadian Women's Soccer team and Mary Spencer. Congratulations is order as athletes like Phelps come along once in a generation. The fact that he went to the University of Michigan makes me even more proud. After bursting onto the swimming scene as a 15 year old, Phelps has done nothing but live up to the massive expectations placed upon his wide shoulders at every competition and every event where he represents the USA. Some people find it offensive that a Canadian congratulates a rival nation like the USA and even though I know how ludicrous it is, I still feel like I have to defend myself. Michael Phelps is an incredible athlete who deserves everything that he receives, including every one of those 20 medals. So, congratulations Mr. Phelps and Go Blue!

Nothing better than the taste of Gold!

While Phelps was making splashes in the pool, Jamaican track start Usain Bolt did the insane and blew away the field in the 100m final running an Olympic record time of 9.59s. Now as hardcore track fans will tell you, Bolt is not the quickest man out of the starting blocks, in fact he was the slowest in the 100m in terms of reaction time. (How they even calculate that is beyond me) What makes Bolt's feat so impressive is the amount of power one stride can generate. After looking at the video you can see Bolt start slow but then come on strong and pass the field which included fellow Jamaican sprinter Johan Blake, and Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. Bolt looks so determine that there is no show boating but rather pure exclamation. Bolt is the fastest man alive and no one can can even come close.

At this point I do want to give a shout out to Justin Gatlin for a very impressive bronze medal as the 30 year old was not even considered a strong medal contender. Atta boy Gatlin!

Christine Sinclair acknowledges fans after a heartbreaking
4-3 loss to the Americans

Now from a great story to one of absolute heartbreak. Yesterday on August 6th, the Canadian and American Women's Soccer teams did battle at Old Trafford in England. The Canadians took a one goal advantage three times in the match only to see the number one ranked USA tie it each time. Christine Sinclair scored all three goals for the Canadians in matched that will forever be overshadowed by the absolutely disgraceful officiating for Norwegian referee Christiana Pedersen. With Canada leading 3-2, Pedersen awarded the Americans an indirect free kick right outside the Canadian box after penalizing goaltender Erin McLeod for holding the ball for more than six seconds. On the ensuing kick, Pedersen charged Marie-Eve Nault with a handball in the penalty area, and Abby Wambach converted the penalty to tie the game 3-3 with about 10 minutes left. Just when you think that its over it gets better. In the final 10 seconds of the match the USA scored to advance to the gold medal game by a final score of 4-3. Heartbreak city if I have ever seen one. I could not help but feel for these ladies. It is an absolute shame that a referee takes over a match like this instead of letting the girl figure it out for themselves. If I were a betting man I would definitely take a wager that if this game is officiated by even a half decent official, the towering presence of Hope Solo and the Americans as perennial favourites goes down quicker than free beer at a frat party. I am outraged that Canada was robbed at a chance to play for gold but I am also the first to say how proud I am of these girls and especially Christine Sinclair for putting the team and a nation on her back and bringing prominence to Women's soccer to an even greater extent then Brandi Chastine. Canada will take on France in the Bronze medal game the US will battle Japan for Gold but the true winners here are young ladies across Canada who are participate in soccer at any level can now dream bigger dreams. This includes your 5 year old girl running around with an oversized soccer jersey to CIS players like the ladies at the University of Windsor who I bet have more fuel to add to the engine that they call motivation when prepping for the 2012 soccer season.

How long do you hold on to a dream?

The final topic I want to touch upon is Mary Spencer. Many of you who are close to me or even have me on Facebook know my feelings about Mary Spencer and well lets just say they are not the most positive. Before I totally blow up let me just say that I have nothing against Mary Spencer and her abilities to compete as a boxer but strictly the way she got to the Olympics. Lets go back about six weeks where everywhere I looked, articles on Mary Spencer were popping up as she was defeated in qualifying and the only way she could get into the Olympics was via a wildcard. The wildcard was created for athletes who do not have a Olympic committee to represent them so they fight as an independent under the Olympic Flag. The idea of the wildcard is to develop competition in parts of the world where boxing is not a prominent sport. The sheer fact Spencer was being considered for the wildcard let alone receiving it is an absolute disgrace. She is a three time world champion that did not "earn her keep", as my former English teacher Mrs. C would say, when qualifying. Win and you are in, lose and you find yourself a job like everyone else in the real world. Now the fact she received the wildcard in my opinion is strictly made from a political stand point. The COC has already invested money in her in terms of training, CTV already had taped and promoted her in their Olympic commercials leading up to the Games, and Covergirl just signed on as her sponsor. How awful would it look if she did not even go to the Olympics. Well the answer is apparently not as bad as getting played like a piano at christmas in her opening round match up. The COC should be ashamed of themselves for doing what they did. What really makes my irate is the fact that she puts he hometown of Wiarton, Omtario as her hometown even though she has lived almost her entire life in Windsor, Ontario. Represent the people who care for you, the city that is proud of you and the one who proudly flies your flag on Ouellette Avenue. I criticized the COC for giving Spencer the wildcard and stated that I believe Spencer did not belong at the Olympics. She proved that she did not belong while also placing a large cloud of doubt over her own head about if she can continue to be an elite athlete. Three straight losses and a blown opportunity tells me she isn't. My final question to Spencer and to all the readers out there is how long do you hold onto a dream before it becomes irrational? 

To my critics who ripped me openly and via social media, you can all go grab a paper towel and wipe your mouths after stuffing your face with a solid slice of humble pie. 

One cheer goes out to former Windsor Lancer and Canadian 800m runner Melissa Bishop as she begins her Olympic journey tomorrow. Everyone in Windsor is so proud of you, now time to bring the house on the Olympics! Boom!

Former Lancer and Olympian Melissa Bishop

Congratulations goes out to the IOC for giving people another reason why they do not want to watch this crap called the Olympics as the adjectives "controversy" and "joke" come to mind when you ask me what the 2012 Olympic Games have been so far.  

This is the Irate Italian saying Go Canada!!!

Anthony Ruccolo Story Parts 2 & 3!

Hello there fellow followers,

I am just giving all of you a heads up that this weekend will feature parts 2 and 3 of the Anthony Ruccolo Story. The reason for the heads up is to allow you to set aside time and space in your agenda to give it a read and warm your hearts over the opening weekend of the March Madness Tourney.

All I Do Is Win!

With that being said, Heather from Grimsby emailed and tweeted me to ask for a name drop on my blog. Heather is a four time CIS National Track and Field Champion with the perennial winner, Windsor Lancers.  Since I always like to make a person's day I am officially name dropping Heather on this blog. Congrats Heather!

Also Heather felt that I was so nice in name dropping her that I she sat next to me today in Sport Communication. Well done!

Check back in earlier next week for all the latest news and as always, just give'r!

A Dream or Pure Craziness? The Anthony Ruccolo Story

Hello fellow followers,

Every year around this time sports fans are busy filling out brackets and waiting for selection Sunday to determine if their team gets in and where they fall in the tourney of 64. Also, this time of year brings back memories of players and teams captivating an audience and nation turning them into the underdog/feel good story. Well today I have an exclusive one on one story about a Windsor Lancer athlete trying to cut his teeth back into a game he fell in love with in high school. The Anthony Ruccolo story will surely raise questions of when to call it quits on chasing a dream or if the possibility of dawning a game day uniform is truly worth the physical toll his body will take during a full football season. That is for you, the readers, to determine.

"I'm first team all-state out hear, I'll make it rain if you listen!"

Anthony Giuseppe Ruccolo was born January 5th, 1990 in Windsor, Ontario. Raised in Windsor, his parents Cathy and Lucio quickly noticed the athletic abilities their son possessed. Anthony grew up playing a multitude of sports but football and baseball became instant hits for Anthony. Growing up a Dallas Cowboys fan, Anthony carried his intense athletic abilities to St. Thomas Villanova in Lasalle, Ontario. There, Ruccolo starred in football and baseball becoming a WECSAA All-Star multiple times. In baseball, Ruccolo carved his own behind the plate taking command of any given ball game and helping his Wildcats to successful seasons under his leadership. His loveable demeanor made Ruccolo an instant hit and easy to get along with. When on the offensive prowl Ruccolo was feared by opposing pitchers where he routinely ran their ERA up to a point where the words "walk" and "Ruccolo" went together in the same sentence. On the football field, Ruccolo had a mean streak in him that made him feared by opponents. Ruccolo had a mix of speed and agility unmatched by any other running back within the Wilson Conference. Ruccolo was "The" running back. The scouting report on Ruccolo read as follows:

Anthony Ruccolo
6'1, 225lbs
Aggressive with speed to burn
Great athletic abilities with natural gifts that cannot be taught
Whatever sport he will be successful

THE Running Back!

Scouts described Ruccolo as the perfect mix of the two way football player. Speed to burn in the backfield which made defenders wish they were not even born and closing speed on the defensive side of the ball that made the thunderous cracks of the helmet heard around the stadium. Scouts have often wished Youtube was the craze it is today to help recount the moments where Ruccolo would close the gap on a opposing running back to light him up like a Christmas tree stopping him dead in his tracks. Ruccolo was also one part of a trio that helped raise Villanova to the prominence is has today. Ruccolo along with Luke Wilson and Nick Corrado provided the heart of the Wildcats offence and backbone of its defense.

Luke Wilson, Nick Corrado and Ruccolo

It was upon graduation from Villanova that Ruccolo had to make a choice, follow his love for baseball or football. After intense discussions, Ruccolo decided to take his talents to the St. Clair College and dominant the diamonds. Football took a backseat but not for too long. After finishing up at St. Clair, Ruccolo headed exactly 7.6km's North to the University of Windsor where he hit the books and continued the baseball dream. One problem though, the U of W does not have a varsity baseball team. So Ruccolo took part in the club that traveled and played against other teams in the US and Canada but something was irritating Anthony. Sure enough the football bug had bit Ruccolo and the fever that raged was indescribable.

Ruccolo first reported the idea to fellow friends and varsity football players Sam Malian, Brad Adams and Andrew Bakos in a joking way. That joke quickly turned reality as Ruccolo knew he wanted back on the football team. The only way to get their was to get into shape and Anthony knew that would not be the problem but rather would his body respond to such physical demands. Anthony has assured me that so far his body is reacting just fine and he plans to keep pushing himself to get to that next level.

Anthony sets his iphone alarm every morning to 4:45am where he will then prep himself for his 530am morning lifts and power runs on Friday mornings. Ruccolo has his sights set on Spring camp where he feels will be his springboard to training camp in August. Impressions are everything and based on Ruccolo's track record, this should not pose any problems. Over the weekend Ruccolo will be put through a series of tests including max bench press, 225lb reps, the shuttle run and everyone's favourite.... the 40 yard dash. If my numbers are correct Ruccolo should leave an impression that Coach Joe D'Amore will find hard to miss. With an assumed sub 4.8 forty and upper body strength that has come natural to Ruccolo since high school, I am looking forward to seeing Ruccolo's performance this weekend. I can just imagine Ruccolo on special teams where Ruccolo and his 225lb frame comes barreling through and absolutely explodes on the returner, causes a fumble and picks it up for a touchdown. What's not to like?!

"One more time coach, I got this guy"

Now the question everyone is thinking..... is it worth physical risk that your body will take to pull that jersey over your head once again. Ruccolo says yes and supports his answer by saying this is his one opportunity, his one shot (Eminem would be honoured to have his song in this blog post). Clearly he does not want to wake up one day 20 years from now and say "I could have done this" or "would have done that" if he went back to football. Ruccolo wants to prove he belongs and that he deserves to play an active role in helping the Lancers become a perennial contender.

A large reason why Ruccolo has not given in to the early morning workouts or the constant joking from fellow friends and athletes is a fella by the name of Chris Deneau. Deneau starred in that infamous linebacker core with Ruccolo at Villanova and desperately wants the other half of the bash brothers back in action this upcoming season. Along with Deneau, classmates and colleagues Sam Malian, Brad Adam, Andrew Bakos,  Nick Corrado and Luke Wilson are all supporting Ruccolo in his effort to find his groove once more.

Now like any other athlete Ruccolo's parents have different opinions of his participation in football once again. Anthony's mother Cathy thinks he is part crazy and worried he will get hurt while his father, Lucio, is all for the idea partly because he did not have a chance to play growing up. Though like any parent will tell you who reads this blog, mother's have a different attachment to their children then father's so this reaction is quite common among parents with children in contact sports. To top things off Anthony's beautiful sister, Erica, who has supported Anthony every step of the way, is happy but proud to know her brother is getting a shot to do what he truly loves.

Final thoughts from Anthony was very simple when asked if he was crazy for going after that football dream one more time. "Not everyone can say they play University level sports, let alone football. It's in my blood, it's in my genes and I couldn't picture myself not playing football."

"It isn't going to be easy, if it was then everyone would have done it. The path less traveled is best fit for me."
               
There you have it. A story that is bound to inspire no matter how old or what sport you watch.


For those wondering where "THE Running Back" came from.... here you go:



Until next time, enjoy selection Sunday and I will report back with brackets, winners and losers in the selection process and of course an update on the Anthony Ruccolo Story.  Cheers!