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Friday July 25 2008
The Bear drama: Summer of Lovie in Chicagoland by
Dustin Beutin
D
iscontent is a winter-time problem. At least it was in Shakespeare’s time when he penned (or quilled, rather) “Richard III.” Though, it should be noted that Shakespeare never had to drive the Edens on a Friday afternoon in February through a rush-hour blizzard, so what the hell did he know about discontent? Bears fans can attest that the pangs of contentment denied are indeed more painful in winter. Especially when forced to watch the inherently grating and unlikeable Tom Coughlin lead the Giants to a memorable over-throw of King Beli-cheat I. Since the time when football was last played, there has been little to ease the pain of a 2007 Bears’ season that opened with the promise of a Super Bowl window and ended with nothing but broken glass and splinters. The displeasure of the city, however, was no match for the discontent of the Bears’ players as they cleaned out their lockers following a meaningless and almost silly victory over the Saints at Soldier Field at the bitter end of their last, failed campaign. There was Alex Brown, who somewhere between being a Super Bowl-bound, Pro Bowl player and the end of 2007 training camp found himself demoted for “sophomore” Mark Anderson; a move that caused tension throughout the season, especially when it became clear that Anderson – though loaded with potential – had become as effective as a giraffe on roller skates against the run. Brian Urlacher fumed and feuded with the media, intent on providing as little infor-
CSR
photo by
Warren Wimmer
Bears head coach Lovie Smith addresses the media on the first day of training camp on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. Tuesday July 22, 2008.
mation as possible to a group that had begun to pick at him by Thanksgiving like Uncle Tony on the holiday leftovers. Regarding his neck and back issues, all you need to know is that surgery was necessary in the off-season, followed by a lengthy whine and cheese session about being underpaid. Back-up Brian Griese saved the Bears for a few games, then admitted that he had
performed better without Ron Turner’s play-calling, then found himself back on the bench to think about what he had done: the message clear that the Bears would rather lose games and save coaches than win games at risk of embarrassment. Kyle Orton professionally stewed under the second revival of the Rex Grossman project after Rex’s first demotion in Sep-
tember. When Kyle finally got his chance, the season was a total loss and the weather a bitter mix of icy games and blowing snow that prevented any true analysis of his skills. Even then, his wide-out options were a slow and slower version of Muhsin Muhammad, the erratic and learning Devin Hester and a soon to be out-the-door Bernard Berrian. Cedric Benson irked teammates througout the season with lackluster performance, then provided mercy from his “3 yards and cloud of dust” tour when he broke his leg. Over the winter, there was hand-wringing as to whether he would return only somewhat slower or significantly slower after the injury; but Cedric did what he does best by making the acquaintance of police on land, sea and air. Jerry Angelo’s discontent was felt from Chicago to Texas when he sent Cedric his walking papers, presumably with a love note along the lines of “don’t let the door hit you in the cleats.” There was more to be sure: Bob Babich couldn’t garner the total confidence of his defensive veterans as he coached his unit into a ghost of itself. The offensive line turned into a melted pumpkin with the loss of Ruben Brown and the devolution of Fred Miller. Mike Brown was lost yet again and Adam Archuleta turned out to be as disappointing as advertised. Now that you’re totally depressed … The timing of football life, however, is a blessed rhythm of death and rebirth. Sure, Chicago has suffered through a palpable, football-induced misery from Halas Hall to Homewood and all points in between this off-season. By now, most Bear fans have
Please See BEUTIN continued on page 7
Urlacher signs extension LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears signed linebacker Brian Urlacher to a one-year contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Urlacher’s new contract runs through the 2012 season. The six-time Pro Bowler has registered 1,299 tackles, 37.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and 71 tackles for losses in 121 career games (119 starts). The 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has registered over 100 tackles in each campaign in his career, leading the team seven times, and his 1,299 tackles are the most ever for a Bears player in his first eight seasons. Urlacher also ranks sixth on Chicago’s career sacks list and first among Bears’ linebackers since the stat started being officially recorded in 1982. In 2007, Urlacher started all 16 games for the sixth time in eight seasons and registered a career-high seven takeaways. He became just the second linebacker in team history to record five interceptions and five sacks in the same season. Urlacher leads all NFL linebackers since the 2006 season with eight interceptions. After the 2007 season, Urlacher became the sixth player in team history to be honored with the Brian Piccolo Award, which is voted by teammates, multiple times and the fifth to be honored as a rookie and as a veteran.
Publisher, lead photographer & Editor in Chief Warren Wimmer
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photo by
Warren Wimmer
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher take part in OTA practice early this summerhe participates in the Chicago Bears OTA workouts at Halas Hall.
Bears sign RB Kevin Jones LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Originally drafted by Detroit in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, Jones rushed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 761 carries (4.0 ypc) in four seasons with the Lions. Jones also has 141 receptions for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns in 53
career games (49 starts). During his rookie year, Jones was named a NFC Pro Bowl alternate after he finished fifth in the NFC with 1,133 rushing yards on 241 carries (4.7 ypc) with five touchdowns. Last season the Virginia Tech product rushed for 581 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 153 carries (3.8 ypc) while hauling in 32 receptions for 197 yards for the Lions.
Contributing Writers Andrea Beaver Dustin Beutin Bert Beiswanger Jesse Brasher Jerome Cusson Charlie Danoff Creighton Hart Dennis Hobein Eli Kaberon Jon Kerr David Lister Brian Livingston Phil Meyers Anthony Ray Nick Shears D.K Wilson
Contributing Photographers Dennis Wierzbicki Michael DiNovo PUBLISHED BY: The Chicago Sports Review The Chicago Sports Review is published biweekly and can be found at Chicagoland White Hens & 7-Elevens The Chicago Sports Review is not responsible for display advertisement, advertising articles and their contents. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. For questions or comments contact: THE CHICAGO SPORTS REVIEW 13520 St. Mary Circle, Orland Park, IL 60462 708.403.3285 office | 708.774.4464 cell | 708.460.8949 fax To read more great sports articles visit chicagosportsreview.net
Friday July 25 2008
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CSR Photo
by
Warren Wimmer
22 July 2008: Members of the Chicago media gather to cover a NHL news conference formally announcing the playing of the NHL Winter Classic 2009 Tuesday July 22, 2008 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The game will feature the Chicago Blackhawks v Detroit Red Wings on January 1, 2009.
Blackhawks to host Winter Classic at Wrigley Field In conjunction with the National Hockey League, the Chicago Blackhawks announced today the team will host the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings in an outdoor regular-season game, the NHL Winter Classic 2009, to be played at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009, at 1noon. “We have said from the start we are going to do everything possible to bring the
Chicago Blackhawks back to the forefront of sports for our fans and the city of Chicago. This is indeed an historic announcement for the Wirtz Corporation, the Chicago Blackhawks, for our players, fans and for Chicago. I am deeply appreciative to John McDonough and his team, to Commissioner Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League, the Chicago Cubs organization and of course
to Mayor Richard M. Daley and the city of Chicago for working together to make this game happen. We expect interest to be on an international level for this once in a lifetime event,” stated Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz. The NHL Winter Classic 2009 will be the second regular-season NHL outdoor game to be played in the United States, and
just the third in League history. More information on the New Year?s Day contest will be announced by the NHL soon. The game will be televised live nationally by NBC, while CBC and RDS will televise the event live nationally in Canada. NHL Radio will provide coverage for radio stations across North America, and NHL.com will provide extensive digital video coverage.
Toews named Hawks’ captain Hawks announce preseason schedule The Chicago Blackhawks announced that center Jonathan Toews will serve as the team’s captain during the 2008-09 regular season, making him the third-youngest player to do so in the history of the NHL. Toews (20 years, 79 days) joins Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier as the one of the youngest players in professional hockey to captain his club. Crosby assumed his role at 19 years and 297 days, while Lecavalier took on the captaincy for the Lightning at 19 years and 330 days. “Jonathan deserves this honor, he is a tremendous individual and a wonderful leader on and off the ice,” General Manager Dale Tallon said. “He has experience in captain-
ing teams from his World Junior appearances and guys follow his lead in our locker room.” Chicago’s first choice (3rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Toews led league rookies with 24 goals and seven power-play markers while ranking third with 54 points during his professional debut last season. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native ranked third on the Blackhawks with 30 assists and tied for third with his 54 points while appearing in 64 of the squad’s 80 matchups. He began his Blackhawks and professional career with a point in each of his first 10 games (5 goals, 5 assists), which is the second-longest streak to start a career in NHL history. Overall, he posted a point in 39 of his 64 contests.
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(773) C-O-P-I-E-R-S
The Chicago Blackhawks announced today the team’s 2008-09 preseason schedule, including four home contests to be played at the United Center. The 2008-09 Blackhawks will open the preseason with three straight home games, beginning with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, Sept. 23, followed by the Minnesota Wild on Friday, Sept. 26, and versus the Dallas Stars on Sunday, Sept. 28. The team will then hit the road for four consecutive games on Monday, Sept. 29 (at Columbus), Tuesday, Sept. 30 (at Minnesota), Thursday, Oct. 2 (at Dallas) and Friday, Oct. 3 (at Colorado).
The Blackhawks will then return home for preseason finale on Sunday, Oct. 5, when they host Colorado. Single tickets for preseason games are available now at chicagoblackhawks.com, by calling (312) 559-1212, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers and the United Center ticket office. Full season packages for regular season games and group tickets for preseason games are available by calling (312) 455-4000. The complete 2008-09 regular season schedule will be released by the NHL at a later date.
Chicago Blackhawks 2008 preseason schedule Date
Opponent
Site
Time
Tuesday, Sept. 23 Friday, Sept. 26 Sunday, Sept. 28 Monday, Sept. 29 Tuesday, Sept. 30 Thursday, Oct. 2 Friday, Oct. 3 Sunday, Oct. 5
COLUMBUS MINNESOTA DALLAS at Columbus at Minnesota at Dallas at Colorado COLORADO
United Center United Center United Center Nationwide Arena Xcel Energy Center American Airlines Center Pepsi Center United Center
7:30 7:30 6:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 6:00
All times are Central Times.
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
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Friday Jul
Dale Earnhardt Jr is introduced to the fans at ChicagoLand Speedway before the race Saturday July 12, 2008.
vie w s from the
Pits
The LifeLock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway July 12-13, 2008
CSR Photos
by
Warren Wimmer
Dale Earnhardt Jr pits to take on tires and fuel as the sun sets over the first race a
Kyle Busch pits duringthe LifeLock 200 Sprint Cup Race Saturday July 12, 2008.
Kyle Busch celebrates winning the LifeLock Speedway.
ly
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night at ChicagoLand Speedway, Joliet, Ill., Saturday July 12, 2008.
k 400 Sprint Cup Saturday July 12, 2008 ChicagoLand
Kyle Busch celebrates and joks to fans in the infield while, twice in as many days Saturday July 12, 2008.
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Friday July 25 2008
Danskin winner improves on time with second victory in Pleasant Prairie Pleasant Prairie, WI – The Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series continued the 2008 season with 3,875 women participating in the year’s fifth race which was held in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Thirteen proved lucky for Lauren Jensen as she successfully defended her title from 2007 by winning the race in its 13th year in the Chicagoland area. Jensen, of New Berlin, WI, won the race with a time of 1:02:45, beating second place finisher Christine Anderson of Chicago, IL who finished in 1:05:55. Hometown favorite Jodie Meier of Pleasant Prairie finished third with a time of 1:06:01, while Kim Dunker of Athens, GA, crossed the finish line at 1:08:56 to capture fourth and Kimberly Goodell of Chicago, IL took fifth. In all, twelve local women claimed victory in their competition brackets. Cristina Roman of River Forest, IL won the 19 and under age backet with a time of 1:15:25 while Kerry Brygger won the 20-24 age bracket in 1:17:14 and Adrienne Amman won the 25-29 bracket in 1:13:28. Marlies Friederich of Chi-
Going Green: MIS rolls out green initiatives BROOKLYN, Mich. — With much of its 1,400 acres featuring a variety of forests, protected wetlands and scenic wildlife reminiscent of the Irish Hills, Michigan International Speedway is no stranger to conservation efforts. But MIS wants to take those efforts further by announcing various green initiatives over the next few weeks, which will further enhance its commitment to the “Great Escape – National Park” atmosphere that race fans and staff have enjoyed for years. Additionally, these steps will help achieve the track’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint. “We’re doing more than just turning on and off our lights and recycling cans and paper,” track President Roger Curtis said. “We are extremely passionate about these efforts, so much so that these initiatives are an integral part of our strategic plan. We are pursuing initiatives that are good for MIS, our fans and environment. These efforts not only will lower our costs and create value, but will enhance the brands of MIS and the beautiful State of Michigan. Most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do.” The first of these new initiatives is the speedway’s voluntary involvement in the Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership (MBP3) and Retired Engineers Technical Assistance Program (RETAP). These self-administered, private programs (with overview from the state) are designed to reduce pollution, lower energy usage and reduce costs. MIS has been presented with a certificate of accomplishment for the MBP3 partnership, thus making the racetrack the first professional sports venue in the state to join the program. MIS is also one of just 179 businesses in the state to register for the MBP3 partnership. The purpose of MBP3 is to advance pollution prevention activities in the State of Michigan by encouraging businesses to initiate and expand their current practices by providing public recognition for their individual efforts. The partnership promotes the application of cost effective, innovative techniques that lead to reductions in waste. Source reduction is the key to sustainable business; however, reuse and recycling efforts remain an important aspect to overall success. “This is a very important step for us in our conservation efforts,” MIS Senior Director of Facility Development Michael Printup said. “To be the first professional sports venue in the state to participate in the MBP3 program Continued on page 8
cago won the 30-34 bracket in 1:14:10 while Laurie Rose, also of Chicago, won the 40-44 bracket in 1:11:45. Lora Dubin of Wilmette, IL won the 45-49 bracket in 1:15:57 and Janet Murphy Ryan of Lake Bluff, IL won the 50-54 bracket in 1:21:16 while Diane Ragalie of Lake Bluff, IL won the 55-59 bracket in 1:15:09. Judith Staponkus of Elkhorn, WI won the 60-64 bracket in 1:36:24 and Mary Hagen of Grafton, WI won the 65-69 bracket in 1:52:46. Joan Lund of Lombard, IL won the 70+ bracket in 1:48:04. The Danskin Women’s Triathlon/Chicagoland Race and Expo was held at the Lake View RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie. The Race took place on Sunday morning with a start time of 7 am with distances at this Race consisting of: ½ mile swim, 12 mile bicycle ride and 3.1 mile run/walk that extended through the Lake View RecPlex. The Danskin Series is a combination .75 kilometer (half-mile) swim, 20 kilometer (12.5 mile) bicycle ride and 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) run. It has become a fixture in wom-
en’s competitive and multi-sport events with over 108 races and more than 188,000 participants to date. Women of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and athletic ability compete in these triathlons where “finishing is winning.” “It’s been amazing to see so many women embrace this event and come back year after year,” said Maggie Sullivan. Danskin Series veteran and Spokeswoman Sally Edwards has taken part in every Race since the Series inception in 1990. She will race in each event this Season, finishing last, ensuring that no participant is last. Sally has competed in sixteen Ironman distance triathlons and holds the Ironman Master’s world record. The Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series is open to females, aged 14 and up. Participants elect to do the Race individually (Age Group Category - 5 year increments), or as part of a Relay Team (2 or 3 women completing the 3 segments). There is even a Mixed Age Group category that allows for women to do the Race with friends or family members!
The Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series works closely with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise both funds and awareness for breast cancer. Triumph Apparel Corporation (owner of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series) will donate five percent of all entry fees received to this outstanding organization. In addition to this corporate donation, 100% of funds raised by participants through the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series Pledge Program will be directed to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the National Association of Team Survivor, a non profit 501(c)3 organization that provides free group exercise, health education classes and support programs for women who have a present or past diagnosis of cancer. Danskin Team Survivor, one of the Series’ primary collateral programs, in its 14th year - is a program devoted to women in all stages of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship with specific training programs tailored to fit the needs of these individuals.
Friday July 25 2008
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Ten possibilities for Bears practice squad by John
Crist
T
here is room for eight players to develop further and possibly activate in case injuries mount Not only do the Chicago Bears have to trim their roster down to 53 players before the start of the regular season, but they’ve also got to assign eight more to their practice squad. In all likelihood, the eight-man practice squad will be made up with some combination of the 10 names you see here:
G Chester Adams
Adams told the Chicago media on draft day that he was probably better suited to play guard at the next level despite playing a lot of tackle at Georgia, but the seventhround pick saw time at both positions during OTAs. If Josh Beekman is indeed the center of the future and not a legitimate candidate to start at guard, Adams could be in the mix come 2009.
Fontel Mines of the Bears participates in the Chicago Bears OTA at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill.
DE Ervin Baldwin
Baldwin was very productive at Michigan State after starting out in junior college, but he came to the wrong team if he wants to make an impact right away as a rookie. Although Dan Bazuin has done nothing to justify being taken in Round 2 a year ago, so it will be interesting to see in Bourbonnais if Baldwin can push him for a spot on the active roster.
OT Kirk Barton
A classic right tackle in the pros, Barton was forced to sit and watch behind fellow seventh-rounder Adams for a while during the offseason program before finally getting a crack with the second unit. If veteran John Tait’s move from the left side over to the right this year doesn’t help as much as anticipated, perhaps he has less left in the tank than the organization thinks.
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S Josh Gattis
Losing Mike Brown so early last season wreaked havoc on the secondary from start to finish, so the Midway Monsters would be wise to keep at least one more safety stashed away. Gattis is also known as a solid specialteams contributor, but right now he’s behind the likes of Kevin Payne and rookie Craig Steltz on the depth chart.
QB Caleb Hanie
Hanie appears to have already won the battle with Nick Hill for third-string duties, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that general manager Jerry Angelo could add a veteran signal-caller before the opener. Especially if Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton continue their up-and-down performance in training camp, which is a distinct possibility
file photos by
Warren Wimmer
Chicago Bears linebacker Joey LaRocque participates in the Chicago Bears OTA practice drills at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill.
11 June 2008: Marcus Monk stretches out to make a catch during OTA workouts earlier this Spring.
based on their OTA workouts.
LB Joey LaRocque
This team is already loaded with linebackers, so it’s possible even a couple of quality special-teamers like Darrell McClover and Nick Roach will have a tough time making the final roster. But LaRocque has some potential over on the strong side and was quite productive at Oregon State, which means he’s worth grooming for a year.
RB Matt Lawrence
Now that the Cedric Benson era has of-
ficially drawn to a close, the running back situation will be one of the main focuses down at Olivet Nazarene University. The team is putting an awful lot of faith in second-rounder Matt Forte, so there needs to be at least one more option behind Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe getting some reps every day.
TE Fontel Mines
Mines earned his spot on the practice squad a year ago as an undrafted free agent from Virginia, showing solid pass-catching ability while making the transition from oversized wide receiver to undersized tight end. But with the team taking Kellen Davis in the fifth round this past April, Mines was officially put on notice that his blocking must improve significantly.
WR Marcus Monk
An intriguing prospect thanks to his enviable combination of size and speed, Monk
was on the board in Round 7 because of his history of injuries. The Bears will have to keep six wideouts in all likelihood because of Devin Hester’s dual role as a return man, but Monk probably won’t be in the running for the active roster unless the coaching staff gives up on Mark Bradley.
RB P.J. Pope
A preseason star for the Monsters of the Midway back in 2006, Pope spent most of last season on the practice squad injured reserve list and is still yet to log a carry in the NFL. If Lawrence doesn’t impress anybody during training camp, then Pope could very well stay in Chicago because of his ability both as a runner and a receiver.
John Crist is the Publisher of Bear Report and a member of the Professional Football Writers of America. To read him every day, visit BearReport.com and become a Chicago Bears insider.
BEUTIN: Bears carry last season’s baggage to Bourbonnaise continued from page
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thankfully been able to wash the taste of a Super Bowl slump out of their mouths with prodigious amounts of first place baseball. The problem for the Bears themselves, however, is that the discontents of last year are still packed into their luggage for Bourbonnais like so many pairs of underwear. Worse yet, this underwear come pre-soiled and a little frayed at the edges. The frustration of non-competition roster decisions for Alex Brown and Kyle Orton; the agony of aging glory for Brian Urlacher, the mystery of whether Bob Babich can turn into a bonafide NFL coordinator, the smoking hole left behind by the Cedric Benson chronicles: all of this arrives in Bourbonnais on Tuesday night (along with enough pillows, mattresses and televisions to stock a Wal-Mart). None of these problems were washed away by the winter-end snow melt; all of it was merely comically and ineffectively swept under the rug in spring cleaning. And
if you haven’t noticed, it’s not easy to sweep disgruntled, three-hundred pound football players under a rug. Even if you’re Bugs Bunny. Add it all up and you have a situation that can only be solved by a dump truck or a mastermind. Thus, 2008 becomes the year in which Lovie must prove he’s got the chops, the leadership and/or the wisdom to rebuild a team out of a collection of grumpy linebackers, scorned linemen, puzzling quarterbacks, inexperienced rookies, retreaded tires and bubble gum. He’s already gotten off to a good start with management making deals for Tommie Harris and Brian Urlacher, two moves that should send a clear message to the locker room that excellent play will be rewarded. But, money isn’t enough and is ultimately a management method, not a coaching decision. Lovie needs to open the gates to full blown competition where only the best play-
ers become starters. Maybe even fulfill the mantra of playing the man who gives the Bears the best chance to win. Lovie can’t stop with the players, though: if Babich’s defense continues to allow teams to run at will on them, change must be swift and clear. If Ron Turner can’t get an offensive line stocked with two pro-bowlers and a first round draft pick to at least generate a fledgling running game, Lovie needs to address that as well. An entire season can’t be wasted again waiting for these coaches to maximize the talent they have available to them. If Babich can’t succeed with a group of players gifted enough to dominate most units in the NFL, then he isn’t cut out for the job; judging Turner is more difficult, but at the end of the day, he is paid to get results, not to make excuses. Most importantly, Lovie will be judged on how he handles the first genuine QB derby – perhaps even controversy – of his tenure. It is a situation that Lovie has striven to avoid throughout his time at the top. If
whoever he blesses as a starter fails, that sound you’ll hear will be the first nail being driven into a fresh coffin lid on Lovie’s run as coach of the Bears. If Coach Smith can at least pull the Bears to 8-8 or a miracle 10-6, then he will have answered what is now the massive question mark hanging over his head: Is Lovie Smith a head coach of dynasty potential or was he a flash in the pan? Is it fair to judge Lovie on whether he can succeed with the frustrations from last year arriving like so many mosquitoes in the sweet humidity of the Kankakee River basin? And how does a coach make a disgruntled player “gruntled”? The only possible answer is that whether the challenge is fair or not, Lovie is paid to coach this team. Chicago has refreshed itself from the winter of its discontent and now awaits the summer of Lovie’s coaching. Hopefully a few rays of sunshine will poke through by autumn.
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Friday July 25 2008
Jermaine’s journey to White Sox by
Angie Wiatrowski
A
former basketball player, football player, leisurely golfer, and now major league baseball player, Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye is an athlete in every sense of the word. Dye grew up in Vacaville, Calif. and said that baseball was just his sport. He said it helped growing up in California because the weather made it possible for baseball to be played all year round. Dye started playing baseball at a young age, and didn’t start playing football and basketball until high school. He graduated in 1992 from Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville, Calif. He then went to Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, Calif. where he was used mostly as a pitcher and occasionally played the outfield. Dye was drafted as a pitcher after high school but didn’t sign on it. He said, “I wanted to go to college and experience that. I kind of hated pitching; I wanted to be out on the field every day. That’s why I chose the outfield.” If baseball weren’t an option, Dye would have gone into criminal justice. He wanted to be an undercover cop. He said, “One of my favorite movies is Beverly Hills Cop, and I guess I kind of like people not knowing that I was a cop. I thought it (would be) less dangerous.” However, Dye did have the Major League on his mind while in college. He knew he had the talent but didn’t know the odds. He said, “You never know if you’re going to make it, but you definitely shoot to go to the majors. You know you work hard, the percentages aren’t good and you have to take advantage of every break you get and I did.” Dye began his Major League career with the Atlanta Braves. He was selected by At-
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Chicago Land sports Blackhawks voted best video display in NHL
At the 2008 Information Display and Entertainment Association (IDEA) Conference, the Chicago Blackhawks received the Golden Matrix Award for Best Overall Video Display in the NHL. For over 25 years, IDEA has been the premiere professional organization for those in the big screen video display and game entertainment industry. Its members include organizations from the NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, minor leagues, and universities throughout the United States and Canada. At the annual conference, an award is given in each sport category to the organization voted to have the best video scoreboard and game entertainment display. The Blackhawks? NHL peers voted the team?s display to be the best in the league. The Chicago Blackhawks game operations department and the United Center scoreboard operations department are honored to have received this prestigious award.
U.S. Women’s Open comes to Romeoville
Brunswick Zone XL and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) are hosting the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open onAug. 1
photo by
Warren Wimmer
Chicago White Sox right fielder Jermaine Dye bats during play against the Kansas City Royals.
News Notes
– 6, 2008. The tournament will showcase the world’s best bowlers including, defending champion Liz Johnson, USBC Hall of Famer Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Chicago’s Diandra Asbaty, and other top pros. Qualifying anda 16-bowler, single-elimination tournament bracket will lead up to the feature semifinals and championship match, where two bowlers will compete for the first place prize of $25,000. The event is open to the public with ticket prices ranging from $10 for qualifying matches, to $25 for the championship match. Brunswick Zone XL is located at 735 N. Center Blvd. in Romeoville, Ill. For more information on the USBC or Brunswick Zone XL, please visit www.bowl.com or call 630378-BOWL (2695).
Hawks to retire No. 3 to honor Magnuson, Pilote
The Chicago Blackhawks announced the team will retire jersey No. 3 in honor of defensemen Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote. “In keeping consistent with honoring our past greats, the Blackhawks are proud to announce that we will be retiring the number three,” Blackhawks President John McDonough said. “The number three hanging in their honor will be a continuing memory to our fans and players on what it means to be a distinguished member of the Blackhawks
family.” Magnuson spent 11 seasons in a Blackhawks uniform (1969-80), racking up 1,442 penalty minutes and 139 points (14 goals, 125 assists) in 589 career games, which includes captaining the squad for three years (1976-79). The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native helped Chicago reach the postseason eight times. Following his playing career, Magnuson served as Chicago’s head coach during the 1980-81 campaign. He died in an automobile accident on Dec. 15, 2003, at the age of 56. A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Pilote ranks second among defensemen in franchise history with 400 assists and fourth with 477 points in 821 contests spanning 13 seasons in a Blackhawks sweater (1955-68). The Kenogami, Quebec, native is one of four players in the history of the NHL to capture three straight James Norris Memorial Trophies as the league’s outstanding all-round defenseman, a feat he accomplished in 19631965. A First-Team All-Star five times during his career , Pilote captained the Blackhawks to the 1961 Stanley Cup and held that position until the end of the 1967-68 campaign. Magnuson and Pilote will join Glenn Hall (1), Bobby Hull (9), Denis Savard (18), Stan Mikita (21) and Tony Esposito (35) and as the only players to have their jersey numbers retired in the 82-year history of the franchise.
lanta in the 17th round of the 1993 amateur draft. He contributed to their 1996 National League Championship and played in the 1996 World Series. In 1999 Dye played 158 games for the Kansas City Royals, hitting 26 home runs. In 2001 he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. It was with Oakland where Dye had to overcome his greatest obstacle. He fouled a ball off his leg, shattering his fibula during a playoff game against the Yankees. He missed 123 games over the next three seasons. He said, “It was hard having to fight through the whole year in pain, but I’m thankful I was able to bounce back and continue playing and have a great career.” In 2005, Dye played 145 games; the most he’s played since his injury. He was named MVP for the 2005 World Series with the White Sox. In 2006, he made it to his second All-Star game. He also finished second in the league in home runs (44), fifth in RBIs (120), and twelfth in batting average (.315). Currently Dye is hitting .314 with 21 home runs and 60 RBIs. Throughout his career he has hit 285 home runs and 955 RBIs. His motivation for his success is his family. Dye said he looked up to his parents growing up. He said, “My mom got me to all the practices so I could play and made sure that we did our homework. My dad worked pretty much for the family and came to straight to practice after work.” Dye is quite the family man himself. During his free time he enjoys hanging out with his kids and playing some golf. Dye is married, Tricia, and has three children, Jalen, Devin, and Tiarra. He said, “I just go hang out with my golf club, hang with my boys and play golf and then I go home and wait for the kids to get of school and mess around with them.” While Dye didn’t have “any player to base (his) talent around,” he knows that many kids out there look up to him. He said, “At first it’s weird but it’s kind of cool especially when someone thinks of you as their favorite player. I’m a pretty lucky guy.”
RETAP and MBP3 helps speedway conserve Continued on page 8
is a great honor. We’re pleased to voluntarily join this venture. It’s good for us, our fans and our business as a whole.” The energy conservation program RETAP Michigan was created to provide RETAP assessed companies with technical assistance to implement pollution prevention programs. The goals for MIS are to reduce the generation of waste produced by the speedway, provide information on resources to facilitate implementation of pollution prevention (P2) recommendations, share technology information with other businesses, while respecting the confidentiality and time commitment required of the participating businesses and to develop case studies to promote P2 technologies to others in the industry. “The RETAP program will help us reduce the generation of waste and conserve energy while providing a practical learning experience for companies like MIS. The program will be very interactive,” Printup said. In the next few weeks, MIS will announce other conservation efforts and green initiatives, thus making the track one of the industry’s leaders in these categories. More information on the MBP3 partnership and RETAP program can be found at www. michigan.gov
Friday July 25 2008
Page i9
CSR
photos by
Warren Wimmer
Old pals and teammates Ozzie Guillen, left, and Harold Baines pose with Baines’ likeness during ‘A Tribute to Harold Baines’ at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago Sunday July 20, 2008.
Long Day for the Sox by Jerome
A
Cusson
fter a long day that included a statue unveiling, a major milestone, a trip to the DL for one Sox starter, and two starting pitchers who didn’t see the fifth inning, the Chicago White Sox finally lost to the Kansas City Royals 8-7. After the pomp and circumstance of the pre-game ceremony honoring Harold Baines ended, starters John Danks and Bryan Bannister each labored through the early innings. The bullpen’s for both teams settled the game down. Ultimately, the Kansas City Royals were able to come up with the victory after Esteban German, who seemed to torture the Sox all game long, hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth to give the Royals the lead for good. Ross Gload, a former Sox first basemen, also did damage to his former team by going 1-2 with two RBIs. “We played terrible,” Sox manager Ozzie Gullien said. “We gotta worry about us. Kansas City showed up and kicked our butts.” The White Sox did have some good news as Jim Thome collected his 2,000 career hit in the seventh inning. He is now just one of nine players to get 2,000 hits and 1,500 walks. “That’s a lot of hits,” Thome said. “But the most special thing was hitting it the other way. It’s been something I’ve been working on the last two to three weeks.” In addition to the loss, the Sox received some bad news on the injury front. Jose Contreras was put on the D.L. retroactive to July 18 due to a sore shoulder. Nick Masset is expected to make the start for Contreras Tuesday night against Texas. Sox right fielder Jermaine Dye was also hit by a pitch and suffered a bruised knee. He is day-to-day.
After the game, Sox reliever Adam Russell was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. Thanks to a Twins loss on Sunday, the Sox remain in first place going into a series with the Texas Rangers. The Sox are hoping to avenge a series defeat just before the AllStar break. “We’re in for a dogfight,” Sox outfielder Nick Swisher said. “We need to take care of the things we can take care of.”
Sox Honor Baines
Before the game Harold Baines was given a statue in his honor in right field. Hosted by NBC’s Warner Saunders, Baines unveiled his statue and even spoke about this honor. A man of a few words, Baines thanked his family, friends, and teammates. Coming close to breaking down, Baines was still able to finish his speech. Former Sox third basemen Robin Ventura was one of many there to honor his former teammate. “It’s a great deserving honor,” Ventura said. “After everything he’s done in leading the way for the White Sox and went about his business, he’s really shown everyone what it takes to succeed.” Ventura believes that although he never hit sixty home runs or put up some of the gaudy numbers witnessed in the 90s, he was very consistent throughout his career. Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski agreed. “He’s been great for the Sox. He embodies the Sox, and is a class guy.” ABOVE RIGHT: Chicago White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera, left, takes a throw to catch Chris Davis stealing second base Wednesday July 23, 2008. The White Sox defeated the Rangers 10-8 RIGHT: White Sox pitcher Clayton Richard makes is major league debut against the Rangers.