Ravens Vs. Steelers... Bad Blood? Not in this Camp

I've been called an "interesting, odd bird" by a couple of people in my life.

Here is one unusual combination: I like the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite what Hines Ward claims, the rivalry these days feels more like "Hi guys, get out of our way" rather than "we hate you". I am a big fan of good football, and I choose to opt out of trash-talking and sarcasm. After all, strip that stuff away and what people want to see is football. I like the game of football. I know only an intermediate amount about it, so I am going to learn more about it. I have heard of the position "tight-end", and I have no idea what it is. It's a high contact sport, and when the Ravens and Steelers play each other, before the game, I call the body count. Tonight's game was 5-6 injuries.


I picked up Pittsburgh fandom during the mid 90s. My neighbor liked them, and as I watched them I began to like them too. This was before the Ravens were established. Because the Steelers are a great football team and whenever the two combine, I don't feel ill-will towards them. Towards the Indianapolis Colts? that's an entirely different story. That is a legitimate "I don't like them".


I liked the Ravens when they came to Baltimore in 1996. They played alright, and they were my first local team. Ever since then, especially since 2000, I have followed them, seeing a few bad seasons, many good ones, and a few excellent ones. All around, the Ravens are a good football team.


I also like the Cowboys for similar reasons- I feel no ill will towards them. As NFL seasons march on, I think the rivalry I am discussing will begin to fade... or it will rev up. Regardless, I'll follow anyone playing good football.


In tonight's game, Joe Flacco (QB) fumbled the football in the 4th quarter, messed with by Troy Palamalu. The fumble was recovered by Pittsburgh, and they went to score a game winning touchdown. 

Michigan CRUSHED in a lead by Penn State: Nittany Lions 8-0

One thing binds all Penn State students together, regardless if you like it or not: college football. For 9 years Penn State has been defeated by the Michigan Wolverines. Tonight was an amazing game of football up unil the end of the 3rd quarter. The Wolvernines were agressive in the 1st quarter, but the Nittany Lions fought back and won the game. One wonders how we will do against Ohio State next week, a notoriously hard opponent. One of the biggest rivalries in the Big 10 Conference is Michigan Vs. Ohio State, but now Ohio State must worry about the Nittany Lions. I was never really into football until I came to Penn State; many will tell you the same thing. I also lost my voice!

GLORY!

Lehigh Valley Ironpigs

Yeah, it is spelled like that. "Ironpigs". This is the new AAA league baseball team that has made it's way to the Allentown area. I had the privilidge of going to a game this evening with really good seats. We sat in the 109 section and boy was it a great view. You could see the players clear as day, you could here the crack of the bat, and you could hear how hard the ball hit the catcher's glove.

My first impressions of the stadium were fantastic. The first thing I notied about the stadium was that it was very clean. This is a really nice stadium. Things are swept, surfaces are clean, heck the food smells good and it isn't greasy. The burger tasted home grilled, and the fries didn't have a hint of grease (thats GOOD). Prices were expensive, but hey themeparks and stadiums have a lot in common- they want to make money. It was semi-busy, but that didn't detract from the experience.

The atmosphere was great and the audience was a lot of fun. The park is very fan friendly in that when I got up to go to the bathroom, as I entered the bathroom I could hear the game being broadcast, so really I didn't miss too much. You can also rent out areas for picnic, as well as sit on the sloped lawn in the back. The stadium felt small to me, but not packed or uncomfortable. I had a very good time and I enjoyed myself. This is the first season here for the Ironpigs, and although I am not into baseball that much anymore it is sure great to watch a game once in a while.

I also found the mascot's name "Ferrous" to be amusing.

New England Patriots Caught Taping

I don't talk about american football too much, but I do watch it most of the time mainly because our College is in the Big Ten for College Football. I watch the NFL sometimes- my favorite team is The Ravens from Baltimore (no suprise).

I was kind of disappointed when I read this article that an ex-Patriots employee was handing over illegal tapes to the NFL that the team took to study defensive signals. The New England Patriots are one of the best teams if not the best team in the NFL. It's fairly obvious that teams tape games, but getting caught is kind of a disgrace to the other teams who don't do it. I know there is that "we have to do it to keep ahead" mentality, but I think the New England Patriots are setting a bad example for the NFL, who promote fair play and honesty with integrity.

Generally I did not root for the New England Patriots because they had won enough, but now I have a legitimate reason not to like them.

original article- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/sports/football/08nfl.html?em&ex=1210392000&en=92804ef24ff7c213&ei=5087%0A

The Man Who Saved Baseball is Inducted into the Hall of Fame

I caught this earlier today on ESPN, my longtime hero Cal Ripken Jr. was inducted into the baseball hall of fame today. Congradulations Cal! I always went to Camden Yards as a kid, watching your games and always cheering for my favorite team (and still my favorite team) the Baltimore Orioles. You truly saved baseball and made it something that it never was before. Whether a grand slam or a double play, you gave it your hardest and always showed up for work. You've also been an inspiration to many Minor League players and I wish you the best of luck for the future.






-Rob