Need a break from donkeys and elephants? Put the Democratic and Republican National Conventions on pause with a look at happenings in the sports world.
We bring you this week’s newsletter with some unconventional athletes and their achievements.
Major League Baseball (MLB)
Baseball celebrated its Hall of Fame induction over the weekend, adding Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza to the exclusive club. The two couldn’t have taken different paths. “Junior” was the child prodigy and son of former baseball player, Ken Griffey Sr., who had an impressive MLB career of his own. Father son bonding…Griffey Sr. and Jr. played 51 games together for the Seattle Mariners during the 1990 and 1991 seasons.
While Griffey Jr. was destined for stardom, Mike Piazza took a completely unconventional route. Piazza was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988 but only as a favor to his father. Skeptical about his ability to even make the pros, Piazza changed positions from first base to catcher. Good choice.
The Houston Astros have a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They were the worst team in baseball for the first month of the season and are now one of the best. The Astros are giving their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers, a run for the American League West title.
The New York Yankees traded Cuban star relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are really good and just got better. Don’t remember the last time the Cubs won the World Series? That’s because it’s been 108 years. Chicago fans are hopeful, but…
National Football League (NFL)
Get your head on straight…The NFL announced Monday that it is taking head injuries seriously by punishing teams that violate the league’s concussion protocol. It’s about time.
How soon is soon? The NFL’s premier defensive player, Houston Texans’ JJ Watt had back surgery and everyone is speculating about how long he will be out. Watt says very soon but reports have anywhere from six to 10 weeks. What’s that sound? It’s Houston fans are holding their breath.
The NFL lost Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals veteran coach Dennis Green who died last week at age 67. Green was known as a fiery leader who had an epic rant after a loss in 2009.
Olympics
Less than two weeks to go before the games in Rio…
Not your average 19-year-old…Standing just 4’9”, US Gymnast Simone Biles is a three-time consecutive world all-around champion, and that doesn’t even begin to tell the story of her perseverance and achievement. Biles was adopted by her grandparents after her parents were stripped of custody. If that wasn’t difficult enough she has had to face racism throughout her career.
The US national basketball team put a whooping on China 106-57, led by Kevin Durant, the new Golden State Warriors star, with 19 points. It gets worse for China as they face the US team again Tuesday in another warm-up, and again in the opening round of the Games.
Father duty…Former NFL all-pro quarterback Randall Cunningham, who also happens to be a pastor in Las Vegas, is coaching his 18-year-old daughter – emerging track and field star Vashti Cunningham in preparation for this year’s Rio games. Vashti is the youngest women’s high jumper ever to capture the world indoor title, and is looking to shine in Brazil.
Remember at TINK Sports we watch the games so you don’t have to.
See you next time…
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