Sports Blog - Sports Shovel

Giant Stingray - Largest Ever?

2009-03-11T21:47:00.001-04:00

This stingray was recently caught off the coast of Thailand. Look at this thing, read more here.

Kurtis the Stock Boy and Brenda the Checkout Girl

2009-01-29T14:08:00.002-05:00

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22);he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out, only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals that are in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person?

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

AND THE REST OF THE STORY:
Today at church our minister mentioned that when Kurt, his wife and children go out to eat, he has one of his children pick out a family eating at the restaurant. Kurt then tells the wait staff he is picking up the tab for that family's dinner anonymously. He remembers the days he was working nights in the grocery store and feeding his family on food stamps.

Makes it hard not to root for the Cardinals IN THE SUPER BOWL...doesn't it?

It may also give you the sudden urge to buy an Arizona Cardinals Replica Helmet.

NFL Playoff Thoughts

2009-01-12T22:45:00.002-05:00

The great thing about the NFL is that it's unpredictable. Every team is working with the same salary restrictions, which levels the playing field. Winning is based on not who can spend the most money. It's about the draft, management, leadership, playing as a team...everything you learn in little league. That's why the NFL has replaced the MLB as the National Pastime.

The past week we saw the Cardinals, Eagles, Ravens and Steelers advance. The Steelers were the only team that had the first week of the playoffs off, that advanced. The Panthers, Giants and Titans all played at home and had two weeks to prepare...yet still lost.

I'm convinced that it's better to play the Wildcard Weekend. The past few years have proven this over and over again. The last 3 Super Bowl winners played the first weekend of the playoffs and unless the Steelers win it this, year it will happen again.

My prediction: I don't see the Cardinals moving on next week. They squeked by the Falcons who pretty much outplayed them as they couldn't muster a long drive together other then one in the 4th quarter. Then, they breezed this past week with the help of 5 ints from Jake Delhomme.

The Steelers looked very tough. But so have the Ravens. I see the Steelers winning next week as these two teams are very similiar except the Ravens have a rookie QB and will be playing away.

As stated, the Eagles will breeze by the Cardinals and make for an Eagles-Steelers, all Pennslyvania Super Bowl! Not ready to predict the winner there.

My Record Breaking Cornhole Throw

2009-01-07T00:22:00.001-05:00

Last weekend over on New Year's Eve I broke the world record for longest Cornhole toss. Enjoy.

The Perfect Gift for NFL Fan

2008-12-19T09:26:00.004-05:00

Yes, Christmas is just 6 days away and unless your willing to expedite your shipping, you probably can't get this in time. However, I came across these leather football helmets, and think they are one of the best gifts I've seen for the avid NFL fan. Whatever team you like, they have it available.

The great thing about these helmets are they are unique. I didn't even know they existed. They are inexpensive. Usually run you around $35, which is in that price range for your brothers, relatives. Lastly, they are fun. They can be worn around during game time and are sturdy enough to bang around with.

Crazy High School Basketball Shot

2008-12-03T23:14:00.001-05:00

Somehow this video got into the right hands and Yahoo is featuring it as their lead story on the homepage!

Top 10 Sports DVDs

2008-11-11T22:44:00.002-05:00

It's been a little while since we've talked about sports dvds so wanted to just quickly run down the latest top 10 according to the Sports Movie Guide.

Rocky - 9.43

Hurricane, The - 9.33

Seabiscuit - 9.23

61* - 9.15

Remember the Titans - 9.14

Hoosiers - 9.12

Breaking Away - 9.12

Field of Dreams - 9.10

Million Dollar Baby - 9.06

Slap Shot - 9.04

Top 5 Football Helmets

2008-10-23T21:11:00.001-04:00

Ran across a good post about the top 5 best looking football helmets in the NFL. I'm a little biased and think the Falcons should be at # 1, but a great topic, nonetheless.

Top 5 NFL Helmets

The Devil Rays

2008-10-10T22:34:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting here watching the ALCS and still can't believe that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are playing. The only other time the D-Rays have gotten any air time is when cable shows The Rookie. While it will be tough to for the Rays to beat a playoff experience BoSox, never count out the young team with nothing to lose. They remind me alot of the Florida Marlins from a few years back.

The Tides Are Turning

2008-09-29T23:00:00.003-04:00

It's week 4 of the NFL season and over the past few weeks I've noticed something about the landscape of today's NFL. It's changed. Right in front of our eyes...it has changed. We have entered a new era of players. I'm not sure why or how it suddenly changed, but it has.

Call me stupid, but I don't remember the last time a rookie class has been this significant. I'll throw out some names. Matt Ryan, Joe Flaaco, Kevin Smith, DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal, Darren McFadden, Chris Johnson, Jonathan Stewart just to name a few. These rookies are making an impact.

Further, right before our eyes, Philip Rivers and Jay Cutler have become 2 of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league. Yes, we still have Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the league (although they are down and out), but it just seems like we've just entered a new era of players. Does it just happen like this or am I just the only one realizing this?

It seems the game is also changing. Coordinators are getting better. So much so that players can no longer dominate like they once could. I know the scoring numbers this season are down compared to seasons past. LT is still great, but he's not dominate, like he was 2 years ago. What I think happens more effectively now is teams can stop a dominate player, which forces a team's weaker players to step up or fail (lose).

Michael Phelps Saturday Night Live

2008-09-14T21:11:00.002-04:00

Michael Phelps was the host on Saturday Night Live last nite. In this segment Phelps is a guest on the "Charles Barkley Show". Is Phelps funny? NO. Not many athletes are. Peyton Manning, yes, it about it ends there. Anyhow, the other dudes bring a few laughs.

Jericho Scott

2008-08-25T23:49:00.003-04:00

Nine year-old Jericho Scott throws a fastball 40 mph. At such a short distance Jericho throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven has banned his team from playing. Jericho pitches for the Wii Fitness Team, who is 8-0 this season.

Opposing teams parents fear for their kids facing Jericho. Last week, when Jericho took the mound, his opponent just left the field. Jericho's coach, Wilfred Vidro said, “He’s never hurt any one,” Vidro said. “He’s on target all the time. How can you punish a kid for being too good?”

The situation bothers Jericho who says, “I feel sad,” he said. “I feel like it’s all my fault nobody could play.”

Peter Noble, a lawyer for the Youth Baseball League of New Haven, said the only reason in banning Jericho from pitching was that his pitches were too fast.

“He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower,” Noble said. “There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport.”

Dudes Catch Great White Shark in New Jersey

2008-08-20T22:30:00.001-04:00

3 Fishermen pull in a Great White off the shores of New Jersey. Not a place the whites should be hanging. View video

Matt Ryan Video Clips of First NFL Plays

2008-08-15T23:01:00.002-04:00

I'm in Atlanta so, obviously, a big Falcons fan. Fans are pretty pumped here about Matt Ryan, but also realize we have a long way to go before we are a playoff team again. It was refreshing to see Ryan play well in his first series in the NFL.

Soccer Streaker

2008-08-12T09:58:00.001-04:00

Some guys just were not held enough as babies.

World's Fastest Drummer

2008-08-09T21:48:00.003-04:00

A new sport has surfaced. Who can beat a drum the most time in 60 seconds. The record? It goes to Matt Smith who recently beat his drum 1,132 times.

View the record breaking beating at Exteme Sport Drumming.

View competitor videos at YouTube.

Mike Hampton Is A Wimp

2008-07-17T22:38:00.004-04:00

There, I said it. For 3 years now baseball talk shows have been giving Hampton the benefit of the doubt. They say he's just run into some bad luck. No, he's a wuss.

This week, Hampton was pitching in his 6th and final rehab start before he would make his return to the Atlanta Braves. Hampton hasn't pitched in the majors since 2005. Oh, by the way, the Braves have been dishing out $15 million per year since then for this slacker.

His latest injury was a groin pull. Before that, a torn pectoral muscle. Are you serious Mike? Take notes from your teammate John Smoltz who was pitching for the last year in pain knowing he would need surgery. Smoltz did the same thing in 2004, pitching knowing he's need elbow surgery after the season was over. He pitched through it. What a concept. He earned his wages.

Pitch through the pain Mike. You know what the problem really is? Steriods. Mike was on the juice back in his 20 win season days. Quicker recovery time, right Mike?

A few weeks ago I played in a flag football game and pull my groin and hammy a few plays in. Did I call it quits? NO. I played through and even drove our team down the field for a TD late in the game. Why? Because I love to compete. I love the game...so I play through pain. My love for the game is greater than both the physical pain and disappointment if I didn't get to play. You pay me $15 million and I'll play every position with all my limbs torn off.

Mike, do the right thing. Give the Braves their money back and retire so we can stop giving a crap if you ever decide to pitch. And while your at it, stop by Baseball Express and pick up some women's softball gear.

Worst Quarterback Performance of All-Time

2008-07-02T10:57:00.003-04:00

To become labeled as the worst NFL quarterback as few things need to happen. First, you have to play. You can’t suck if you don’t play. Second, your good enough to be the starter on a team full of total loser backup QBs. These backups are so bad that the head coach will not replace you with them, despite the fact your having the worse QB year ever. WOW! Lastly, your offense sucks too. No matter how bad a QB is, many times it is a team effort. Offensive coordinator that can’t call the right plays. Offensive lineman that can’t block and force the QB to rush EVERY throw. Receivers that can’t catch and don’t know their routes.

So, who is our winner? Well, Chase Stuart wrote an in-depth post on this subject recently so we’ll refer to him. I’ll also stick to a recent performance since the top 2 guys are from the 40s and no one will know who they are.

The award goes to Jake Plummer 1999 season with the Arizona Cardinals. Here is the stat line:

Cmp: 201
Att: 381
Cmp%: 52.8
Yds: 2111
Int: 24
TD: 9
QB Rating: 50.8

Not that you'd want to at this point, but to honor Jake, pick up an Arizona Cardinals helmet.

Spiderman Scales Abu Dhabi's Tallest Building

2008-06-19T07:40:00.001-04:00

France's 'Spiderman' Alain Robert wowed spectators as he took on a 185-metre skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, the tallest in the city. The audience cringed and cheered in fear and amazement as Robert climbed the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority building without any safety mechanisms in place. Relying solely on his hands, feet and determination, he made his way to the top, using tiny slots in the concrete structure as leverage. Robert's only tool was a little pouch clipped to his waist and filled with powder to keep his hands from getting moist and losing grip.Robert hasn't stopped climbing despite the fact that he is partly medically disabled and has permanent vertigo, which are the results of a childhood...

Disrespecting the Game

2008-06-12T23:05:00.003-04:00

The game of baseball, and any sport for that matter is to be respected. The games we play give us their enjoyment, the memories, the dreams we had as kids to play them professionally. This is something one should never do. This is a Georgia State AAA baseball tournament game.

Coco Crisp Charges the Mound

2008-06-06T23:30:00.000-04:00

Coco Crisp charges the mound at Fenway. Checkout the initial punch he dodges, then lands one of his own. However, he would then get thrown to the ground by the D-Rays catcher and then punched a few times by more D-Rays.

For How Much to Fight Kimbo Slice?

2008-06-03T22:07:00.002-04:00

Saturday night on CBS you got to see street fighter born via YouTube make his appearance on MMA. That is one bad dude. Almost as scary looking as his opponents ear after Kimbo punch it.

How much would it take for you to get in the ring? Me...no price.

Hmm...Though Provoking

2008-05-30T10:17:00.000-04:00

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries
are flat?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there
is not enough?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion
stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

What is the speed of darkness?

Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up
every two hours?

Are there specially reserved parking spaces for 'normal' people at the
Special Olympics?

If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as
cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?

Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem
longer?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would
be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in
binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why is Abbreviation such a long word?
Superman is bulletproof so why does he always duck when the villain
throws an empty gun at him?
Did you ever stop and wonder......

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, 'I think I'll
squeeze these pink dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?'

Who was the first person to say, 'See that chicken there... I'm gonna
eat the next thing that comes outta it's bum.'

Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the
toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't
point to their bum when they ask where the bathroom is?

Why does your Obstetrician, Gynaecologist leave the room when you get
undressed if they are going to look up there anyway?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're
both dogs !

If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from
vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the
same tune?

Stop singing and read on.......

Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at
you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the
window?

Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

The Undercover Dynasty

2008-05-20T23:13:00.002-04:00

The San Antonio Spurs, despite ESPN's love affair with Chris Paul, defeat the Hornets to move onto the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs have won 4 NBA titles since 1999 but nobody seems to call them a dynasty. Why? I have a few reasons why. When they won their first in 1999, the Chicago Bulls dynasty had just wrapped up winning 6 titles in 8 years. Further, the Lakers would win 3 in a row after that 1999 season.

However, give credit where it is due. This team is consistent. Every final they have been in, they have won. Although Tim Duncan is a Hall of Famer, they lack a super duper star like most NBA Championship teams (Jordan, Shaq, Hakeem).

The Spurs, San Antonios only professional sports team, get lost way down there in south Texas. Yet, they are a true team. All their parts move together for one purpose.

Resurrecting the Champ Movie Review

2008-05-14T21:11:00.002-04:00

Resurrecting the Champ stars Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett. The film is about a young reporter (Hartnett) looking for a story to kinda put his career on the map. When he meets a homeless self-proclaimed boxing legend, he runs with the story. Things take a turn when the identity of the homeless "Champ" is questioned.

My take
An interesting plot. Great actors, but fell somewhat short. I wasn't particularly impressed with Jackson's performance and the drama could have been milked a little more. I did like the lesson of the film, which was to bring focus to the father-son relationship. By no means one of the best boxing movies, but a nice rental watch.