Sunday, August 30, 2009

Introduction

"Hello everybody. Harry Doyle here, welcoming all you Wahoo maniacs to the year's first session of Tribe Talk. As you know, the Indians had a Cinderella season last year. Despite the fact that 'toxic' owner Rachel Phelps wanted the team to lose so she could move it to Florida, the Indians won the American League East for the first time since divisional play began. Rachel's gone now, thank God, having sold the team to retired Indian third baseman Roger Dorn, after a long, hard fought series of negotiations." -Major League II

My name is Nick DeSalvo. I am entering my third year at Bowling Green State University. My major is Sport Management with a minor in Marketing. This year I will be working my practicum through the Division I Men’s Hockey team. I will be working with Head Coach Dennis Williams and his staff throughout the year. Otherwise, I spend time working as the Vice President for the Club Hockey team I play for. Hockey has become a huge part of my life and to be able to continue playing in college has been more than I could ask for. I am also a big fan of baseball. The dream job I would want is to become a sports agent, like Scott Boras or Drew Rosenhaus. Lastly, I am going to admit I do not have any blogging experience. Read my blog for what it is worth and constructive criticism is always welcomed.

Being from the Windy City, I am big supporter of Chicago sports teams. I do, however, tend to favor the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks over all the other Chicago teams. In large part, I am a Cubs fan. Yes, I am another depressed Cubs fan, who only prays this team will win the World Series before I leave earth. Now, some Cub fans may ask my opinion to why they have not won. My solution is not to blame Dusty Baker, Steve Bartman, Jim Hendry, or even Lou Pinella. What I am trying to say is look at the Chicago Blackhawks. Now here is franchise once at the top of the city and then hit rock bottom during the Bill Wirtz era. Suddenly a new owner change (Bill’s son, Rocky, took over), the Blackhawks became a franchise with new faces. After hiring former Cubs President, John McDonough, and developing their draft picks, Chicago became a team three wins away from a Stanley Cup appearance. On the other hand, the Cubs continue to pay top dollar for overpriced players when they should develop their prospects and team chemistry. Jim Hendry, a little advice, Milton Bradley is probably not your best offseason pick up. Attention Cub fans, there is a new owner coming after this dreadful year. Mr. Tom Ricketts, I beg you to pay close attention to what Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough have done with the Blackhawks. As an owner, improve Wrigley Field but bring in fresh, new faces. Most all of, Mr. Ricketts develop young prospects and get rid of your overpaid, big babies.

Honestly, the start of the 2009 year has been a life experience I will never forget. In fact, my experience began January 1st at Wrigley Field in Chicago. From a sports fan’s perspective, one of the most spectacular sights my eyes have laid on is the 2009 NHL Winter Classic. To see an outdoor hockey rink on historic Wrigley Field is something I will never forget. No matter the outcome of the game, any true sports fan would appreciate the atmosphere inside Wrigley Field on a cold, winter morning. The other eye opening experience I had this year was with Chicago Blackhawks President John McDonough. Talk about one of the most respected men in the front office. Mr. McDonough was very straight forward man and yet, a pure genius in the marketing department. I was able to pick his brain apart to understand his thought process in the marketing of sports. The biggest advice I received from him was to be very humble and do everything with “professional class.”

The one historic event I would go back to is the 2003 National League Championship Series between the Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs. This game is better known for the “Steve Bartman” incident. I want to go back to the whole incident with Moises Alou and Steve Bartman. It’s hard to believe fan interference can cause the chaos, which took place during the inning. The next play was an easy ground ball double-play when the ball went right threw the legs of the shortstop, Alex Gonzalez. A complete mental breakdown for a team poised for success. However, there were a lot of situations that did not take place during the inning. How come Dusty Baker did not go out for a meeting on the mound to calm everyone down? Why was Mark Prior still in the game so late? No matter what situation went wrong that night, the Cubs could have prevented their ugly mess. Then again, maybe there truly is a curse after all.

I look forward to the History and Philosophy of Sport class this semester. Unlike grade school and high school history classes, I know this history class is one I will enjoy and can co-exist with. Learning about the beginning of sport compares to the beginning of America. Again, only in my world would I say that. I found the online readings to be very interesting, especially about how sports were competed for honor and strength. Today, sports can be seen as doing everything possible to win the game. I find it remarkable how there is history behind any historical event in sports. For example, there is history behind the first Super Bowl game. In my opinion, understanding the history of sport is a big role in earning a degree in sport management.

My concern going into this class is keeping up with blog entries. This blog is my first time going public with my opinions. I will have to learn to take constructive criticism from other viewers and not take those comments to heart. Being able to improve on my writing will help throughout this semester. Otherwise, I am very interested in the learning about the history and philosophy of sport.