There isn't anything Giants-related happening right now, so I'll chime in with something related to another team some of you like too.
My first pro beat at Newsday was covering the Rangers, starting in the 2001-02 season. About a month into the season, I was leaving a morning skate at MSG and Brian Leetch ended up in the elevator with me. He had one of those other city papers under his arm, a Yankees hat on his head and we chatted for the short ride and as we walked out into the street.
He headed to the subway, I headed downtown. I watched him walk into the subway -- the best player at his position in team history, in U.S. history -- and no one said a word to him. Maybe that's New York, maybe it was just an odd time of day; I like to think that was the essence of Brian Leetch, just a regular New Yorker who happened to be the second or third-best player to ever wear a Rangers jersey.
I wish him well in retirement.
OK, I'm out until next week. If we could keep the name-calling to a minimum while I'm gone, that'd be tremendous. Don't make me have to stop this blog right now, young man.
Enjoy the holiday, folks.
Comments (8)
Art,
With all the talk about no left tackle (yes, I wanted that kid in the first round, too, not the CB, but we'll see) I'm reminded of a small O-line coach nicknamed 'mouse', during the Fassel days, who had four starters arise out of a group of undrafted college players. That was such a special time. I wish that happened more. Now, there isn't talk these days about a 'special' line coach, and any confidence in 1 and 2 yr no-names with potential, but have you heard anything we haven't about kids like Guy Whimper such that moving Diehl is a smokescreen? I just CANNOT believe this is their only plan. Thx as always...
During the Fassel days, the line coaching was superior to what the Giants have today. Those coaches could create talent with hard working blue colar athletes which has been lost. Coaching techniques is an art and that's what the Giants need at this point. Many top draft picks fail because they are coached poorly not vise versa while low picks and free agents become Pro Bowlers. To me the Giants are just one good tackle away from playoff contention. But who that tackle will be to protect Eli is a major question and Diehl is not the answer. Now it is up to GM Reese to earn his money and get that individual.
I remember watching Brian interviewed between periods of a Ranger game just after he was drafted out of college. Seemed like from the get/go everyone knew he would be special. If I can compare him to anybody if would be Derek Jeter. Quietly confident. Stong of character who never waltzed through a game. Made everyone around him better. The man should have stayed and retire a Ranger. True blue though and though.
Although I love sports, I am getting to the point I dislike the athletes. After listening to the likes of Clinton Portis and Michael Vick I am curious to know what they would be doing if they were not athletes. Would they be productive citizens or ordinary thugs? Oh well! Eventhough Tim Duncan and Tiki Barber have no street cred they keep me interested in their sports.
Street Cred is for losers!
Tiki & Rhonde Barber, Tim Duncan, Derek Jeter and David Wright are a few professional athletes that I would want my sons look up to in sports. They are hard-working, classy young men, who know what it means to win and lose with dignity. Many other professional athletes are me-first, coddled, individuals that have turned off most of America by their actions. If tattoos, steroids and gloating gets one “Street Cred”, let’s be thankful that athletes like Tiki & Rhonde, Tim Duncan, Derek Jeter and David Wright have none!
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