PNC Park's Dimensions Help Dictate Pirates' Roster
Todd Walker lofted a fairly well-hit ball to right field at PNC
Park last month. The shot landed in the bleachers, clearing the
320-foot deep, 21-foot tall wall for a home run that helped the
Chicago Cubs defeat the Pirates.
Walker, not known as a home run hitter,
is just the kind of offensive player who can do some real damage
at PNC Park.
He bats left-handed, hits for some power
and can get the ball in the air . . . more.....
Reaction To Bertuzzi Incident Illustrates Divide In NHL
On the night of March 8, the National
Hockey League already was troubled by a roster full of problems.
Ongoing was a contentious debate over rules changes suggested by
general managers trying to revive the game's creativity in an era
of robotic allegiance to defensive systems; several teams continued
a tenuous grip on solvency in a business environment poisoned by
monstrous salary inflation; and the most divisive, damaging labor
stoppage in league history loomed just six months away . . .
more.....
Up Close With Tom Osborne
Former University of Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne was
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. His Cornhusker
teams won national championships in three of his final four seasons
(1994, 1995 and 1997). At the time of his retirement, his .836 winning
percentage ranked fifth-best of all time. Osborne discussed his
views on faith, religion and sports with PSR editor Tony DeFazio
. . . more.....
KidSports Magazine Actually,
the introduction on Page 3 of KidSports Magazine says it all. However,
enough is never really enough.
As you can see, Pittsburgh Sports Report,
Inc. has moved forward with the premier issue of KidSports Magazine,
a publication unique to parents with emerging young athletes. Although
a departure from the editorial mission of PSR, the scope and objectives
remain as lofty: excellence in all facets of the publishing process.
After being founded in 1996, PSR has created market credibility
and visibility consistent with a publication committed to journalistic
excellence . . . more.....
Barry In Bronze Barry Bonds
visits Pittsburgh Aug. 10-12. One of these years, when it's apparent
that Barry's career is on its last legs, he's going to have to leave
something behind when he drops by PNC Park.
His number.
Not the No. 25 he wears for the Giants.
That number will be retired soon enough in . . . more.....
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End Of Another Steelers' Dynasty
It's a little strange these days for Larry Brown not to see J.T.
Thomas on a daily basis. Both had offices in the same building in
Edgewood, home of B.T. Woodlipp Inc. Until last month, the two had
been teammates for going on 31 years. Brown was already a member
of the Steelers when Thomas was taken in the first round by Chuck
Noll and his staff in 1973. Together they were part of three Super
Bowl Championships. It would have been four had Thomas not missed
the 1978 season while battling . . . more.....
Playing At A Higher Level
There was something about this fourth-string tackle at Penn State.
He always had a smile and a kind word no matter what was going on
around him.
Ron Coder, then a junior guard, decided
to find out why Rod Bratton had such an inner peace about him. It
was in 1975 that Coder learned Bratton was a Christian - and soon
after Coder began playing football for the glory of God. He has
committed his life since to trying to lead athletes in that same
direction.
Currently Ron Coder is a fixture at the
University of Pittsburgh through his . . . more.....
Decision To Sit Out Difficult And Sometimes Impractical
Fast forward to the afternoon of December
24. Christmas Eve, a Friday.
In something of a scheduling/calendar
quirk, the National Football League has a nationally televised game
that day - just one - Green Bay at Minnesota in a game that could
decide not only the championship of the NFC North Division, but
crucial playoff seeding and perhaps the all-important home field
advantage throughout the playoffs.
Now imagine Doug Pederson lining up under
center for the Packers in this critical game, or . . . more.....
Balancing Act Hakeem Olajuwon,
the NBA's career blocked-shots leader, is a two-time NBA champion
and 12-time All-Star. A devout Muslim and intensely private man,
Olajuwon has long-believed that his religious faith served as the
foundation to his great career and enhanced his role as a team leader.
In the 1994-95 season, Olajuwon's religious
faith impacted his game publicly . . . more.....
Spring Football The key
for WVU will be fifth-year senior QB Rasheed Marshall. The Brashear
grad will play behind an experienced offensive line and throw to
one of the nation's top receiving corps. Chris Henry is a Biletnikoff
Award candidate. The junior uses his strength to establish separation
from the defender. John Pennington showcased some acrobatic leaps
and great hands. Keep an eye on Eddie Jackson, a Washington-transfer.
In addition, blue-ship recruit Brandon Barrett joins the group this
fall . . . more.....
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