Happy Thursday everyone, here's my Top 5 for May 27, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
* Orlando stays alive after beating the Celtics 113-92. Boston leads 3 games to 2.
* What if they hold the Pro Bowl in New York/New Jersey the week before the Super Bowl, as they did in Miami this year? Players would much rather spend February in New York than in Hawaii, right?
* Aren't baseball stats cool? Yankee pitcher A.J. Burnett got the win yesterday, but he took the day off. He pitched 5 innings Tuesday against Minnesota, then the rains came with the score 0-0. They picked up the game yesterday, and Derek Jeter hit a homer in the 6th, the only run of the game. So, Burnett gets the win yesterday without throwing a pitch.
2. The Devil is in the Details
Is it possible? Is the choke in? The Boston Bruins blew a 3 games to none lead to Philadelphia. Could the Boston Celtics be doing the same to Orlando? In its storied history, the Celtics have never had to play a game 6 after leading a series 3 games to none. And they blew out Orlando in game 3 by 23. Shades of the Yankees beating the Red Sox 19-8 in game 3 in 2004, before Boston began its miracle comeback. Just makes you wonder what kind of deal Boston made with the devil that year? Payback's a bitch.
3. Temp-orary Insanity
So we all know what a crap shoot the 5 day weather forecast is, how about the 4 year forecast? They don't know the exact date, but you can bet on the temperature for the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl. According to bodog.com, the over/under is 34.5 degrees. The odds are 6-1 it'll snow. So get your bets down now. Money well spent.
4. Art Linkletter
(1912-2010)
A broadcast legend died yesterday at the age of 97, Art Linkletter. Of course young people have no clue who he was. But here's my favorite Linkletter story. When Disneyland opened in 1955, his friend Walt Disney could only afford to pay him scale for the opening telecast. So in lieu of payment, Linkletter took the exclusive rights to the camera and film concession at Disneyland for 10 years. Are you kidding? You think parents wanted to take a couple of snapshots in Disneyland? Linkletter made millions. I know this has nothing to do with sports, but I'm partial to broadcasters, especially smart ones.
5. I'll Drink to That
And now for a business report. A recent survey shows that half a million Brits show up for work hung over. And they're predicting that number is sure to rise during the World Cup soccer tournament. So, if you have dealings with an English company you might consider making contact in the afternoon, British time, during June and July. And if it's by phone. Speak softly. Better yet, at the top of your lungs, just yell "G-O-O-O-A-L!"
Then there's Argentina's soccer legend and coach of their World Cup team, Diego Maradona. He has promised to run naked through the center of Buenos Aires if Argentina wins the World Cup.
Seems the World Cup brings out the best in everyone.
Happy Birthday: Former Mets catcher Todd Hundley. 41.
Bonus Birthday: Henry Kissinger. 87.
Today in Sports: Rookie Norm Zauchin sets a Red Sox record by driving in 10 runs in one game. Boston beats Washington 16-0. 1955.
Bonus Event: Lets take a walk to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge is opened in San Francisco. 1937.
Need the perfect Father's Day or birthday gift? How about a personally inscribed copy of my New York Times best selling book, The Greatest Moments in Sports with a free audio CD of some of the great moments. Just contact Dolphin Books at 516-767-2650.