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The Cards maintained a 10-game lead on
the Cubs even though they lost two out of the three to those pesky
Giants. The Cubs had some chances in Philly but got cheesed along
the way.
The Sox still can't get much help and
fell a half game behind the Twinkies. However, the Twins are in town
for a crucial three-game set.
Don't you bet that virtually ALL
football teams wished they were having their preseason practice
sessions right now? We have spotted several high school and college
players readying themselves for the upcoming season, and we wish
them all well. Bears, Rams, Colts and others should be reporting in
the days ahead. And we plan to give you some inside scoops as soon
as we get them ourselves.
Lance Armstrong claimed his sixth Tour
de France in dominating style, as he won by over six minutes. No
word on whether he'll return to try for a seventh, but speculation
is that he may retire as the champ!
How 'bout the story of Pete Oakley
winning the Senior British Open. A club pro who had to play a
qualifier just to get in, then plays the rounds of his life to win
the whole darn thing… Yet another reason to love golf.
I was supposed to go to the Manchester
United versus Bayern Munich soccer match yesterday in Chicago.
Having been up there all weekend for a wedding, we came back to
Logan County to have our fun and spend our money locally instead. We
missed a 4-2 Munich win settled by penalty kicks!
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Dennis Eckersley and Paul Molitor both
were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend where my
friend Robert German is interning. In Eck's remarks he cited
Cardinal skipper Tony LaRussa encouraging him by telling Eck that he
is the best even after touch losses.
I'm not the biggest baseball expert of
all time, though I'd put my knowledge up against most, BUT, if ECK
was not the best closer of all time, he is on the very short list.
For two to three seasons he was basically unhittable. It's too bad
that Gibson guy from that LA team threw a wet blanket on the parade,
especially against my lovable A's! Hope you caught the great
speeches by both gentlemen. Very impressive.
When the district American Legion
champion Bloomington Gold play in the next round of the playoffs
Thursday in Lincoln, it will not be a town unfamiliar to Gold coach
Steve Clapp. Steve grew up in Lincoln before moving to Joplin with
his parents, Bud and Lois, and his brother, Troy. Steve had a decent
high school athletic career before coming to LCC, where he was a big
factor in successful basketball and baseball teams here. I for one
am not one bit surprised that he is having so much success as a
quality baseball coach. He was always a thinking man's player and a
coach on the court or on the field. The Gold also sport Shawn
McElyea, son of former LCC baseball coach Mike McElyea. Good luck to
Steve and the Gold.
Lots of family and friends around with
heavy hearts this week. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of
you.
Have a great
week, everybody!
[Jeff Mayfield] |
