Category: Sports

#leadership thought, Panther Football, Sports

So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

I was early for a field ump assignment, under the lights at Independence Field Wednesday, and saw the coaches working on it, but 10 hours plus of tropical rain Monday was still around, a tarp didn’t help home plate area enough. Decently hit grounders were seriously slowed by grass/turf. For whomever does the pants this week, that red clay on uniforms is gonna be tough.

With a yellowed full-full moon above, and the artistic coloration of a building beyond right field, we played seven, the full two hours and fifteen allowed. I congratulated Corey, the home plate Blue, around him and 1st base line looked WWII stuff, where ‘slogging’ is operative word.

I’ll get back to the ballers a little later, such a shareable youth sports event. Muddy? Pssshhh. Yes, my outlook on Wednesday, but MONDAY Panthers are #1 story. Hold the awww, Bryce is gone moans. Andy Dalton is the QB who just won Panthers first game in as BIG a way as you could believe, AND defense stoned the Raiders run game with just 54 yds. allowed. Absolute team effort.

And then came Dalton

Diontae Johnson most definitely, 8 catches/122 yds/TD, Leggette 2/42 yds, Tremble 3/29, Hubbard 5 rec/55yds/TD, plus 21/114 yds. lugging it, Thielen 3/40 yds/TD, that means all dawgs got fed. Of course, that brings up the absolute change in norms coming at benching of Bryce Young after 0-2, deer-in-headlights performances that weren’t appreciated. No excess judgement on ultimate decision maker, but Bryce, by any metrics of successful QB play, needed to sit.

Sunday was elemental, empirical – Did using a very good veteran #2 QB satisfy the idea more could be/needed to be done offensively? Yes. Next football decision and hold the Awww, Bryce...

Next action, and Reality at 37, is Dalton isn’t the forever QB, the expectation is Bryce will return to helm, but Panthers were down 30-3 by time I finished polishing my season opening blog and turned on game. Unreal. I think the way Saints mauled Cowboys for 44 in Big D the week after wasting Panthers has to be considered along the way, just sayin’. Carr is throwing it pretty well.

The Panthers defense got gouged regularly by Chargers without Derrick Brown, but somehow the Eagles are giving up worse than 6.7 per rush, so call it a spear set in place vs. Raiders for front seven Panthers.

This Monday morning, I still believe Panthers have significantly better personnel in 2024 than before Morgan, Tilis, Canales started running football ops. I’ve given #MrTeppers$ props for not talking much, but bringing back those Game 1 projections of mine seem a lot more real now, after Dalton has connected long and with Everybody on passes, and hung a genuine W on the board. 2024/09/08/it-wont-be-a-jinx-to-say-panthers-start-2024-with-a-w-in-dome/

There’s no denying its a different game with experienced vet like Dalton, and yes, everyone got healthy with his distribution. Yes, he’s only guy in NFL so far with 300+ yds., 3 TD day. 437 yards sounds like lot of contributors because it was. By the money numbers, Panthers were +5.5 (didn’t interest me), and over/under was 39.5 (-115), nobody was expecting fireworks like 36-22. HC Canales has always maintained that running football would be difference maker, and they would be doing it – Hubbard and O-line produced.

Give it up for 3 sacks and INT, only allowed 3/11 on 3rd down. That’s Evero’s hot buttons for Panthers defense, sacks and getting off on third downs.

Uhhh, no, its not JUST one win. Glad to have the Red Rifle working with live ammo. Stay strong Panthers defense. Not seeing any cred that Canales somehow abused Bryce by pushing belief in his abilities (yada yada). No, that was QB Whisperer Coach.

It says Cincinnati on schedule next, that would seem a legitimate tester. See ya’ Sunday.

The epitome of athletic team effort, well, sort of

About umping a muddy, full moon game, it was 10-11s vs. 12-13s, same org, everybody on same system. Corey was plate ump, handled the truly mucky area, people moved gingerly around the plate all night. To keep their balance, batters weren’t taking full cuts either. Still, no bitching about the conditions, that’s what was working for me. Making a few calls during ball game, fine panorama of the evening down near an active park, with some live music from back of a bar, a short block from back of theater behind home place. Runners and nearby girls soccer, a little wet, yep.

Wednesday evening as symbolic of athletic team effort, meh, but youth baseball works for me. I appreciated how the pitchers pitched, not stressing balls and strike calls, a little heavy, maybe. Hey, *everybody* runs on pass balls. Outfielders didn’t just miss fly balls, they tracked them down and usually found the cutoff man effectively. What’s to complain about? we got a game.

There were people sitting in the stone-ledge amphitheater behind home, someone always went to find balls fouled out of play. A wet field didn’t bother watchers. The coaches wiped off and rotated the balls steadily, telling their pitchers, ‘Take a good one.’ One of younger team, Wyatt, I recognized from last week. Had to chuckle when his Dad, coaching at first, just shook his head, “Ahhh, maybe some day he’ll learn how to hit a curve ball.”

My four games at Saturday assignment at Carmel MS, and three nights next week, started at 8:30 (-3:15), but its barely five miles from my house. I’ve always said-felt umpiring, being a Blue, was my contribution to the American Family Experience. $60 when you’re plate umpire is a legitimate contribution to my microeconomy too. Extra groceries, y’know.

Just maybe, sometimes, I’m a guy who can make a difference with a young pitchers (obvious) flaws. When you start umpiring, they tell you don’t be chatty with people on other side of fence, just takes one call to get them going wrong.

Answer: Sorry, I’m a yakker. Extra talking kind of got me sideways with a commissioner type Saturday, specifically a thrown bat and my calling runner out vs. just warning. All about safety issues Mr. Manager. Maybe a little #Boomerwith Attitude.

If you hear it hit, its no big deal

Clipped by a 15 yr. old fastball-foul tip to bone in forearm. Thanks to coach with ice pack! Mon. after. from wrist to elbow.

Sunday I’ll be back at Sedgefield, where I got foul-tip clipped this Spring. Whether arm was broken (not) was an immediate concern then, ice pack arrived just in time or it would’ve blown up. Supposed to be 13-unders today, little less velocity. The ‘hear it hit aspect,’ crowd always ohhh!s when you take a crack! in chest protector or mask, but its more not hearing it, that means it caught meat (me).

Being Blue is still a physical challenge. I always get a chuckle for saying, “I don’t get out of bed if not going to get hit at least a couple times.” The best thing a Blue can ever do is Out! call, standing over finale to a play at third when tag is high, runners foot got underneath it. Bam! Case closed.

After a stiff one to the grill in Spring, I took off mask and said, “I’m gonna think about that one an extra second,” just for little theater. I haven’t taken a nutter in all my years, fingers crossed. I consider that a ‘best practices.’

Turns out a beef from Sat. caused me to be off Sun. I’m almost glad, lost $120, but when I left after one o’clock, it was 89 degrees, turned out to be a scorcher afternoon, mid 90s, blazing Carolina blue sky. I finally washed my cruddy car instead. I wonder if that clay in Independence Park dried out. Here’s where that staying hydrated focus meant taking care of yourself – Sedgefield is a hike around to back side of school, no services for bottled water.

Panther Football

It won’t be a Jinx to say Panthers start 2024 with a ‘W’ in Dome

by gshorkeyblt21 Comment on It won’t be a Jinx to say Panthers start 2024 with a ‘W’ in Dome

The Panthers trainwreck 2-15 season won’t immediately and finally be put to rest, the team didn’t survive a death march through the usual cauldron of Spartanburg heat for training camp, and only a few prognosticators elevate expectations to even the 5.5 wins the oddsmakers have set. (My $$ is down on that, couple bucks on winning NFC South at +1100 is legitimate)

Today, against an NFC South Saints team with numerous flaws itself, I’ll go with Canales positive outlook and several on-the-money throws to those offensive additions Panthers need to produce a very acceptable WIN, not a Feel Good close loss.

YES! About JT, DJ, a Cool Canales, and #MrTeppers$

Writing in the shadow of a 1:00 season opener in New Orleans, few things matter more than seeing a revamped Panther offensive line keeping what is still an above-average Saints defense off of quarterback Bryce Young. Having survived – a very accurate assessment – a 62 sack first NFL season in Charlotte, almost every factor in free agency and draft was tied to improving his situation.

Starting with a pair of guards getting big $$$ as GM Dan Morgan’s first move, and a surprising 4th round pick to add a potential star (finally!) tight end like Ja’Tavian Sanders that changes the conversation of ‘Nothing since Olsen left,’ the naysayers will be able to breathe easier later this afternoon.

Contributions from the fast, studly Xavier Leggette, highly proficient route runner Diontae Johnson from Pittsburgh for about to be released Donte Jackson, the reliable veteran slot receiver Adam Thielen has always been (103 catches/1014 yds/4 TDs in 2023), and the emergence of Jonathan Mingo https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4426485/jonathan-mingo as a threat should bring a dynamic change from last years weak (tied for NFL low) 13.9 scoring average.

IMHO, very few have given team owner David Tepper sufficient credit for letting Morgan, Head Coach Dave Canales, and Executive VP of Football Operations (‘the cap guy’ to many) Brandt Tilis, run his team without even dabbing a big toe in matters. While he’s still getting described as disruptive in national press, he hasn’t opined about ANYTHING that’s been done since March. If/when that changes about 4:00 this afternoon, nobody should blame him for going a little extra yackety-yak happy.

He won’t be projecting a division title, but he can allow himself to congratulate eeeeeverybody mentioned above for getting the once proud NFL franchise’s rebuild on righter track without having to sweat taking a major load of guano.

What about Brooks and the defense?

Yes, its a team sport, and while NFL All Pro Derrick Brown and his upgraded contract (4 yr./$96M) after a record-breaking year https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/panthers-dc-ejiro-evero-thinks-dt-derrick-brown-can-get-8-to-10-sacks-this-season/ar-AA1q4e4v?ocid=BingNewsSerp has space to improve with sacks vs. QB pressures, a full replacing of Panthers linebacking experience because of departures by Burns, Luvu, Gross-Matos isn’t going to be immediately visible.

Jadeveon Clowney is still a force to be reckoned with holding the edge, even if Shy Tuttle isn’t a true-true nose tackle there’s more beef around Brown, and fingers will be crossed every day of the week-NFL season about oft-injured safety Jaycee Horn https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/panthers-willing-to-pay-top-dollar-to-extend-cb-jaycee-horn/ar-AA1pmvDJ becoming the lock-down safety he’s always been projected as.

Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero stayed in Charlotte after a #4 rated year for Panthers defense that would have gotten him head coaching consideration in a lot of other league situations, and a well-deserved whew! for Morgan about that. The cabinet is not empty despite the drain of last years linebacking corps, but the return of veteran Shaq Thompson (8 years a Panther) from a season-ending ankle injury against Saints in a Monday Night game, and rising expectations of Kentucky product Trevin Wallace (6’1″, 244 lbs, 3rd round) as a reliable middle LB and A-1 banger/blitz problem will count heavily.

Extra Points (but not Pinero related)

The secondary seems to have become a personnel strength, and credit Morgan with using the Panthers status as first in line for anyone worth while that got to waiver status; he picked up *six* on cut-down day (90 to 53), meaning he had to bump several names from the 53-man roster who originally made the cut. S Jordan Fuller, formerly of LA Rams, was an easy pickup back in March, and fits exactly the size and experience profile Evero likes at the back end.

Several names, including S Demani Richardson, who had two picks in joint practices with the Jets and another in pre-season win over Bills; veteran Jordan Matthews, (32 ) a converted WR who was elevated to regular roster after a couple other TEs haven’t fully recovered from dings; and undrafted QB Jack Plummer (Louisville), who had a sterling effort against the Bills (21/29 for 278 yards, 2 TDs to Jalen Coker and Terrace Marshall Jr., one sack) to earn being kept, will be heard from soon. Okay, maybe not from Marshall, who is now in San Fran.

Second round stud RB Jonathan Brooks will be on PUP (physically unable to perform football duties) list until after fourth game of season. Not pushing him to return from torn ACL surgery last November means cutting someone when he returns, so last years mainstay at RB will continue to be Chuba Hubbard (238 carries/902 yds/4 TDs) in meantime. Austin Corbett, who had ACL surgery in 2022, didn’t play in 2023, and is now switched to center position on Panthers redone O-line. LT Ikem Ekwonu will shake his sophomore season negatives, while Taylor Moton has a 100 game long string of starts at right tackle.

Prediction: Having noted several times that Sanders at TE would be targeted in the red zone early, getting a start today moves my prediction up a game, from third to second at latest. His speed is rated as ‘just shy of elite,’ he’s a touch it-count it guy. If he’s watched enough of Olsen tapes to have a ninja ability about disappearing-reappearing to catch a pass for first downs, or break away for long gainers, he’s going to be a tough cover nightmare around the goal line every week.

Morgan will be viewed as a seer and not just lucky that Sanders somehow fell to #101 in draft, and when Brooks gets into lineup and defenses have to be concerned about him on play action, Young will gain valuable half-seconds to find his new, faster-better receivers, including Mingo, who often failed to separate from coverage in 2023.

Pinero was seen as a silent holdout who thought he deserved more $$$, but he’s not a long-range leg, and will never be mistaken for original franchise member-Panther legend John Casey (1995-2011, over 1400 points). Kicking situation is settled, in the short term at least.

Boomer with Atttitude

I’ve seldom considered myself ‘a homer’ while sports writing/watching, my early chops writing about the NFL was in early ’80s, just as LeRoy Selmon, his brother, HUUUUUGH! Greene, mobile, agile, hostile; and Doug Williams, running for his life and yardage, made them a little less like Suck-aneers. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WildJa00.htm https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellRi01.htm https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillDo01.htm

QBs running and throwing because they *needed to,* thats how it USED to be for QBs on ungood teams got abused. Ask any Manning about Archie. A Legend, took that his whole career. Tampa for me was when the Bucs started getting some respect. Nobody forgets they started out 0-26.

The great Coach John McKay, who left a successful USC program to coach the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, put it classically pithily, when asked what he thought of his team’s execution,

“I’d be for it.'”

So work with me on the analogy – like Bryce, I looked cool-clean in July (at Saratoga in Up-State NY)- but now its for real 2024. Looks good, meh, its still a john selfie.
Getting some $$ on them, just in case, $10 on division, could be legit ? 8-9?

I was there a couple years later, 1980-82. Yeah, most called them the Suck-aneers, but 9-7, heroic stuff from their Before, Lost in 2nd round. My cousin Frank was in the band, I was a sport writer, Bucs and Rowdies soccer. I’ve seen pretty bad, Doug Williams was barely over 50% passing.

I’m not 100% convinced about Young’s worthiness, after one damn drive in preseason; mixed practices with the Jets was the O-line’s ‘don’t get hurt’ mentality until its For Real Blocking and Blitzes vs. Saints. It sure *sounded* like they’ve done a fine job of getting better personnel in camp, I trust GM Dan Morgan (with #MrTeppers$) no problem. Canales, fingers crossed about the Whispering.

Start taking the points, Panthers will probably always get, how many is enough? give them (or play 49ers?) I arrived in Charlotte in 1995, same as Panthers, and #1 fact worth stating again is always, until they went 10-0 by whipping Cowboys on Thanksgiving, almost nobody thought they were Super Bowl worthy. lol Amen! on the first shot out of barrel today (and my over 5.5 in short term).

Today is Game One. Whisper away.

Panther Football, Sports

Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

Panthers scored TD at end of regulation, not getting to kick extra point (or playing many first teamers) wasn’t a problem. Vicky Bruce’s goal in 27th minute at refurbished ($41M) American Legion Memorial stadium was seen by 10,553 enthused spectators, and Knights hung a 5 spot in 4th inning fireworks, none after matinee game. On a 90 degree day, cold beer and well-played games were all you could ask for.

Forget about naysaying for just a little while Charlotte, although winning their inaugural game guarantees nothing for the first women’s pro sports team here since WNBA Sting folded in 2007. Saturday’s triple header sure beats the ‘Loserville’ tag our teams have earned while being blasted regularly the last couple years. Hornets only won 21 NBA games last season, Carolina Panthers were an often described as a dumpster fire while going 2-15 in 2023, and Triple AAA Knights, now 54-62, were a dismal 54-96 last year. Take the upswing on Knights being more competitive.

Panthers still not playing first teamers

For the fans who continue to sweat (sorry! its legit about Sat.) Head Coach Dave Canales still not putting starters (37 held out vs. Jets) on field in pre-season games, there is an expectation that changes against Buffalo Bills this Saturday. Cutdowns to 53-man roster are next Tues. (27th) and HC Canales has *got* to want to see Bryce Young and the offense working for real before season opener vs. Saints two weeks later.

Given the barrage of injuries throughout NFL camps, ie. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (torn meniscus) that will sideline the rookie from Michigan for 2024 season, Canales caution with expected starters is still outside usual NFL best practices.

The joint practices against Jets last week provided helpful indicators on progress. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers started slow with a pair of INTs, got back on track late with a TD pass during two-minute drill. Panthers QB Bryce Young was 14/22 on Thursday, 5/7 to five different receivers on his chance at two-minute drill, resulting in a FG. Eddie Pinero is the only kicker in camp now, so apparently he’s not getting any more than the $2.5M for year two of his contract like he desired.

Terrence Marshall, Jr. and second year receiver Jonathan Mingo seem to be assured of making the 53-man team off the intrasquad practices. Marshall’s TD in Jets practice left him giddy enough to drop the ball on his defender, a major reason for the teams dust-up during week. That $100M free agent Robert Hunt went down early in one practice was cause for concern, but he came back later, so whew! for offensive line and yes, points to Canales for holding starters out in another game. Panthers are better, but losing first line players (they had 15 people at guard positions in 2023) would be a killer.

RB Chuba Hubbard (238 carries, 902 yds, 5 TDs in 2023) went down awkwardly in practice but is judged okay, and Jonathan Brooks isn’t ready yet, but Dillon Johnson (18 carries, 89 yds., last second TD) looked fine. Panthers Jack Plummer was 11/18 for 42 yards, but HC Canales is truly pushing the running game aspect.

DB Demani Richardson’s late INT on Saturday capped a terrific week, with two others in practices. Despite DC Ejiro Eviro’s Panthers defense putting up somewhat gaudy numbers – 3rd in passing yardage, 4th in overall yardage, and 5th in third down efficiency in 2023 – they only had NINE TOs last year. Some ball-hawking in secondary, and increased respect for rookie Trevin Wallace’s banging people as MLB, Panthers looked more like an NFL team.

Knights played to few, Ascent FC before many

It was difficult to determine how close to their average attendance (6,000) the Knights were, because almost everyone took shelter in shade, but the Ascent fared much better with that enthused 10,553. Renee Guion’s free kick was headed by Annika Creel to a well-positioned Vicky Bruce, who tucked it away in the 27th minute against DC Power FC.

The Ascent will have 14 games in Aug.-Dec. part of season, then 14 more from Feb.-May, playing in USL Super League. That they drew such a crowd at other end of Charlotte from Panthers game is a hopeful sign. Sorry, didn’t see that game, can’t say a ton about it.

Political, Sports

Panthers, Politics, Olympics – to Love or Appreciate mid-August?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers, Politics, Olympics – to Love or Appreciate mid-August?
Okay, the All Blacks weren’t represented in Paris, but USA’s Ilona Maher’s bludgeoning of would-be tacklers , unreal speed, and 5’10”, 200 lb. presence in the Rugby 7s was awesome enough.

From start to finale, it would take a superior supply of imagination to outshine the most dynamic Olympic experience this sportswriter can remember (I went to ’76 Olympics in Montreal). Hyperbole? Naah, massive joy at continuous athletic achievement worked out great.

Damn fine crowds have flocked to Harris-Walz campaign stops in battleground states, for anyone parsing the truthfulness of my going to ’76 Olympics, I meant as a tourist. If nobody seems to be sweating HC Dave Canales holding Bryce Young and about 30 players out of 17-3 pre-season loss against Patriots, that wasn’t loveable.

While bulleting is rarely the writing methodology I choose, like USA Basketball Head Coach Steve Kerr, the decision is made, let the chips fall where they may, and goodness, there’s a ton of chips to consider.

Paris Olympics were peaceful, satisfying

  • Tri-athletes had a lot more to complain about than the accommodations in Olympic village. Despite whatever ‘cleaning up’ might have been done, the water quality sucked, so the prospect of diving in the Seine must have been a daunting choice. Every athlete recognizes the Olympics is an every four years event vs. any year’s NCAA or world championships, so opting out of swimming aspect – like air quality concerns of marathoners in Beijing Olympics, or the politics of US boycotting in1980 after Russian tanks rolled into Afghanistan, and Russians doing same for 1984 LA Olympics – becomes a life experience gone.

Winners: Alex Yee (mens, Great Britian) https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-paris-triathlon-1cf86375ad666e7c5d222279f33ca31e and Cassandre Beaugrand (womens, France) took the plunge, and biking on rainy roads was doubling down on an extremely stressful event.

  • If USWNT and new coach Emma Hayes having reinstituted US dominance is still not a lock, their taking the gold with 1-0 win over Brazil just hours before the men’s https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5692015/2024/08/10/uswnt-brazil-olympic-gold-medal-takeaways/ basketball 98-87 victory against host nation France – was an epic afternoon. USA hoops team rode Stef (the Chef) Curry’s zeroed in 3-point shooting – 17 treys between 95-91 semi-final win over Serbia and finale vs. France. Team USA’s Women also beat the host nation for gold, 67-66, after France’s Gabby Williams toe was on 3-point line for final basket vs. extending game to OT.
  • Beyond the men’s 4x100m relay going down in DQ flames (again), Cole Hocker was huge https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/cole-hockers-epic-final-stretch-seals-olympic-gold in 1500m win; Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis going Olympic record-world record (6.25m) in last two pole vault attempts was superb. Gabby Thomas, with her neurobiology-global health degree while running track at Harvard University and three golds (200m, two relays) in Paris, and Ilona Maher (7s rugby, bronze) putting her 5’10”, 200 lb. physique out there in a teeny red bikini for social media, awed many with her bruising play, were all super memorable.
  • Katie Ledecky in the pool is a national treasure, the Chinese national team raked in as much gold as better chemistry is capable of, and Dutch track star Femke Bol was outstanding at ripping the souls out of competitors with super just-before-the-line finishes. The French pole vaulter whose ‘package’ got rapped on cross bar will only hear about it daily for a long, long time. https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/a8232f165ebea14b0b3de76b267b07d0

Overall medal count was 40 gold (tie with China), 44 silver, 42 bronze, and stating the women’s share of that haul is easily recognized, is Truth. That several nations with small contingents pulled in first ever medals, not a problem. Sorry, I didn’t catch any wrestling or rhythmic gymnastics.

Panthers-Jets tomorrow moves regular season another day closer

  • Nobody is really going to know how much Panthers have improved from 2-15 team of 2023 until we see how long it takes to win two this year, but sure, finding out if DC Ejiro Evero’s defense can slow down Aaron Rodgers will produce a quantity of information that can’t be gained any other way. If Rodgers slays the secondary in the few series after sitting out all but the first few ticks of last season, Charlotte fans will probably feel like the Democrats did *before* Pres. Biden ended his presidential campaign – oh man! There’s no lusted-for Stephon Gilmore in coverage, but he hasn’t signed anywhere else either.
  • How Derrick Brown and the crew of free agents (Clowney!) the Panthers brought in to replace losing most of their linebacking crew (Yo, Shaq! Glad you’re still around) will be watched closely.
  • The same is true for Bryce Young’s offensive line, #1 draft pick Xavier Leggette (lee-gett) from USC (East), and TE Ja’Tavian Sanders. Panthers spent the big bucks on guards after a 62 sack campaign was the Heisman winner’s first year experience. Yes, Ikem Ekwonu better strap it on tight, HC Canales and OC Brad Idzik plan to run the ball lots. #2 pick (Texas) RB Jonathan Brooks is still almost two months from actually contributing as he recovers from November ACL surgery. XL is being handled *very* carefully, second year man Jonathan Mingo can’t afford to let down on the good vibes so many have gotten from watching this training camp. (Thanks in advance, Steven Smith, Sr.)

POLITICS

  • Refugee Team breaker Manizha Talash was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition for wearing a cape that said “Free Afghan Women.” Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) staring over at two competitors while blowing past-anchoring the 4×100 relay was personal, not political.
  • Frequent use of phrase, ‘The worst three weeks of trump’s life’ has been bandied regularly on air and headlines, with a direct contrast to the enthusiastic crowds who have greeted Harris-Walz rallies in a tour of battleground states. The Democratic Convention is next week, and Dems aren’t paying much attention to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mantra – “When they go low, we go high.”
  • trump’s VP candidate JD Vance is on bigly wrong side of favorability surveys, and Dems Walz has been consistently beating the drum about his ‘couch ethics’ from his literary contribution to the world, Hillbilly Elegy. Its not a straight up biography, but its played well every time so far…
  • Although its still a close election scenario, fact the Harris campaign brought in $300M+ almost immediately, along with 130,000 (so they say) volunteers, a raft of Hollywood types, and support from groups like ‘Republicans for Harris’ et al puts even more positive spin on the political future than #MrTeppers$ staying quiet has about Charlotte Panthers football operations. Just sayin.’
  • Eighty-two days to elections! Like many who have been inspired (or fearful) about another Must Win election against trump, doing any small part to keep it real is legitimate for me. The training for Precinct Judge (D) in September will be a first time in almost 40 years I’m going deeper than simply voting. Last exposure was doing PR for a mayoral race in upstate NY, working for the Republican candidate because he was willing to pay for the help, against the Democrat I’m done similar work for the previous time around.

LOVE vs. APPRECIATION

Some use those terms interchangeably, with my proof regarding Olympics watching consisting of three extra pounds on scale and an ugh! number of Fosters cans for recycling. Yes, more than appreciated it, plunking myself in front of a big screen for, uhhhh, hours, was not a source of heavy guilt as much as loving the constant, often razor thin difference, between medals and nothing more substantial than knowing you’ve done the best you can.

Yes, as an ex-rugger, I ‘loved’ seeing Maher whack potential tacklers with a stiff arm in the neck, then being soooo cool (a vision in black, spaghetti strap dress) on late night TV, https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2024/08/13/ilona-maher-guest-nbcs-late-night-with-seth-meyers-paris-olympics-bronze-jason-kelce/74779533007/ letting Myers know she told everyone at Final Ceremonies, “It’s my birthday, so cheer your asses off” attitude.

Could ‘appreciation’ actually be gratitude for an undeniably safe and peaceful two weeks for a world that had every reason to think Paris could become another Munich (1972) disaster, with death and destruction blowing away all ancient, cherished Olympic standards of peace? Yep.

Would I appreciate the local Panthers being better (and bettable) in 2024? Hell yes.

Would I love to have a ‘Good Person’ continue to lead this country as a *democracy* vs. the specter of Project 2025 becoming part of my American lifestyle at 67? That would be a golden ideal, especially if we don’t wind up litigating the ever lovin’ snot out of any dispute like 2020 elections that gets a gnarlier as the back-forth on a bronze medal in floor exercise between a Romanian and USA’s Jordan Chiles over .1 in scoring, and four seconds of timing.

Business, Panther Football

For what its worth, Panthers pre-season is here, Young being held out

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on For what its worth, Panthers pre-season is here, Young being held out
What’s in the cards for 2024 Carolina Panthers? Not all answers will be made clear after a pre-season game, but count on them being more watch- and bettable. Willing to reinvest more of my NY casino winnings, what’s over-under on TE Sanders for TDs?

Enormous rain in Charlotte from Debby is no problem, game in New England will be closely watched by all. (Well, depending on Olympic schedule; US-Brazil women’s VB figures to be killer.) Holding out Young so maybe he doesn’t get broken ‘for nothing’ doesn’t sound right; give HC Canales extra rope on who-what-when at this point. Start the season clock, big Nexts will be 53-man roster (Aug. 27th) and opener vs. Saints (Sept. 8).

When assessing the Panthers brain trust during free agency and draft, the poker axiom ‘You can’t win everything in first couple pots, but you CAN lose it that quick,’ is still legitimate now that first preseason game is here. Head Coach Dave Canales knows as well as anyone that proving definite operational changes are as positive as his outlook is constantly described, will count. Nothing could say Tah-dah! better than Young going vertical and tagging one, or several, of those new receivers. But not this week.

Can Panthers run the ball?

While Young’s development will always be front and center consideration, Canales stated offensive plans revolve around running the ball effectively. “Every team I’ve been on, we used all of our running backs at different points because it’s such a violent position,” states the case, and he’ll have full tight end (9) and WR rooms (9) with 90 bodies in camp.

#2 pick Brooks isn’t expected to be available for another two months (post-Achilles surgery). Yes, surgery was reason the Texas product was available. Leave CMC out of any discussions on injury front, when Brooks is ready, we’ll know about it.

The new guard tandem of Robert Hunt-Damian Lewis and center Austin Corbett can’t be one-dimensional QB protectors, seeing Ikem Ekwonu put 3-4 people on their keesters would be uplifting, nothing better than Chuba Hubbard getting thirty-five yards on a half-dozen carries (2023 avg. 3.9/carry) out of the gate tonight. If Sanders put four good carries together, people would be less inclined to point at his $25.4M contract (in Year 2 of 4).

Playing many of the lesser names (Canales eventually held out about 30 players) is 99% the rationale for pre-season, and ‘Lets see what we’ve got’ has to include those here for last year’s 2-15. A lot of personnel is being re-evaluated, Legette (foot concern) and Brooks, like Young, are being handled carefully. GM Morgan has a plethora of Others to dial up immediately, but there will be now be film to watch and names to forget-replace at a steady clip.

RBs – Hubbard (4), Brooks, Sanders (6), Blackshear (3), D. Johnson, Jaden Shirden, Mike Boone (7)

TEs – Franks (4), Hodges, Hollister (7), Horsted (5), Matthews (8), Sanders, Sullivan (3), Thomas (7!), Tremble (4)

WRs – Diontae Johnson (6), Legette, Marshall (4), Mingo (2), Moore (6), Smith-Marsette (4), M. Strachan (4), Thielen (11), Thompkins (3)

Defense will have opportunities

Patriots were a decently strong defense up front last year, and they’ve given safety Jabril Peppers a 3 yr./$24M contract based on last years strong work. Panthers should be motivated to physically move people every chance they get, pre-season doesn’t earn a participation trophy. ‘Coach wants ground game, we do ground game!’ is order of the day. HC Canales has made it clear the lack of pre-snap discipline at FanFest at Clemson last week can’t/better not be best he gets.

Both offenses will be looking to prove they can run against the other, and Panther fans will be looking for Jadeveon Clowney to become enough of the ‘generational talent’ he was drafted as out of South Carolina. Its Year 11 on his physical clock, and he’s always been more of a beast against the run than truly overwhelming pass rusher. None of that changes with a pre-season game appearance (or not).

We’ll see how DC Evero uses his very different personnel in 2024, but Derrick Brown HAS to duplicate his feats of last year (57 solo tackles, 103 overall, 2 sacks) to move the Panthers defense up the overall rankings – they got scored on a lot without giving up sustained drives for a #3 rating.

Nobody can predict whether betting on Jaycee Horn will become a consistent terror in coverage or guy (still) walking the bench area during games is good idea. Just sayin’.

America is set to bet

Would I bet on this game (+5)? Sure, and a lot sooner than I would have bet that Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis (via LSU, Mom’s heritage) https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10130873-swedens-mondo-duplantis-sets-pole-vaulting-world-record-at-2024-olympics-wows-fans would go Olympic record (6.1m), world record (6.25m) with last two tries, after already nailing his second gold medal (Tokyo, 2021).

Even Canales would be hard pressed to out-positive that.

Results $$ during March Madness were good on FanDuel, I’d invested a lot of time on Big East watching (beyond UConn). I’m going to be an expert on understanding-writing Panthers season, and hugely talented Olympic athletes aside, football, including college, is where the meat is for sports books. Yes, I’ve got early $50 on Panthers (+800 consensus over several sites) for the NFC South.

#leadership thought, Panther Football

This ex-Yankee sharpens 2024 production – Panthers, politics, Red Silk Boxers

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on This ex-Yankee sharpens 2024 production – Panthers, politics, Red Silk Boxers
Talk about a classic shot: December game at Clemson, 1995. Sam Mills is going to try and stop Steve Young sneaking in from the one. 31-10 was final.

I bought tickets for Knights game on 17th, expect to ride bike downtown and see how close to Panthers practice fields I can get this week. The names of those who won’t be playing football in Charlotte long will be, well, long, starting soon. Lots of people to not learn about.

My red silk boxers picture, from just before moving to Charlotte in 1995, was about elementary personal positivity I’d like to revisit in 2024. That feeling a rising tide lifts all boats, the sunshine-y promise over four days that April for folks anniversary, became Go! action 38 days later. I was never a Giants or Jets fan.

I attended my first Panthers game, against the Steve Young-Jerry Rice 49ers, at Clemson. Panthers made it to NFC championship in Year 2, lost 32-29 to Patriots in their first win (2004) of Super Bowl run, and Broncos in 2016.

The franchises overall record is 223-260-1, 31-68 since #MrTeppers$ bought the team. Its not all his fault, but…Without 15-1 record in Super Bowl season, Rivera wouldn’t be nearly their winningest coach. I lucked into Panthers-Cowboys playoff tickets on Christmas Eve.

I’ve seen the depths three times, but just about every righteous button has been pressed by Panthers GM Dan Morgan in 2024, starting with extending stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown. https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-dt-derrick-brown-agrees-to-four-year-96m-contract-extension While extensive coverage went to Brian Burns struggles with getting paid, Brown’s stats became a profound statement of his value to this organization – any upgrading of talent or regard for its #3 yardage defense ranking last year is based on his effectiveness.

The free agent elements brought in to mitigate the wiping out of Panthers linebacking corps, the newbies, and names in/out/remaining in the pot, they know THE PADS ARE ON NOW.

–8/1/24, GShork – Yes, Carolina, the Panthers will be bettable this year – points will be scored. No, its not just Canales positive smoke, its a brighter operational day. #MrTeppers$ should just ride the wave, maybe talk about stadium $$$ after they beat 5.5 win projection.

Not Cam Newton’s RPO

Its not necessary to visit any Panthers practices to know run-pass options won’t be in Head Coach Dave Canales playbook, even though he speaks regularly about running the ball offensively. Defensive coordinators figured out long ago that whacking the QBs *on*every*play* was a definite way to slow an RPO offense down, and yes, ‘6’5″, 250 and runs like a deer’ description of early Newton’s physicality is 180 degrees different from Bryce Young’s much slighter frame.

Otherwise, yes, there will be a real quantity of head banging for Panthers O-line in 2024.

If even TWO of the reports that Young is throwing it accurately to Everyone, Everywhere, All the time is true, *that* is still what most sports pundits consider a major criteria for Good Quarterback. The only time Cam hit a receiver on ‘up’ throw in red zone, Devin Funchess reached OVER a Redskin defender from behind to pluck what would have been an easy INT free. https://www.panthers.com/news/devin-funchess-becomes-first-nfl-player-to-sign-professional-basketball-contract (Who knew he was this good an athlete?)

Chuba Hubbard is the stalking horse for Panthers running game – at least right now. He’s been a grinder (3.9/carry) and scored 12 TDs for Panthers, five in ’21 when McCaffrey was the lead back and got traded, five last year (238 carries/902 yds) when there was NOT a great O-line in big picture. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard

If only thing that’s come out of camp about Miles Sanders is he’s lost some weight, Canales still likes crowds in RB and TE rooms.

Sizeable IFs

Austin Corbett’s move to center (post-knee surgery) and early addition of free agent guards Hunt, Lewis to run with the extremely solid Taylor Moton at right tackle, and betting on a better, remotivated Ikem Ekwonu on the left, is highly anticipated. Corbett has never played center as a professional, Ekwonu’s rep took a righteous dinging in a sophomore season full of penalties and shredding by blitzers that ruined Young’s first season.

Brady Christiansen will be backing up most line positions, but people will be leaving camp sooner vs. later if results are lacking. Morgan replaced Rashaad Penny’s retirement in less than a day. There’s already position competition gents… Cade Mays (3 yrs.)? Stephenson, excuse me, Steven Sullivan?

Solid Credit for upgrades to receiving corps

Best news for WR room is (seriously) that Jonathan Mingo spent time with Panthers great Steven Smith, Sr. during off-season. Mingo has all the physical tools, as does Terrance Marshall, and by all accounts, Ian Thomas has shown something under Canales early coaching. Keep the standard of ‘Whatever improves the competitive outlook of team’ in mind. Football Operations is getting great PR for consistent moves, and yes, it still seems #MrTeppers$ is being invested appropriately and without any hoo-ha.

When talking best moves on upgrading front, getting All Pro who runs great patterns Diontae Johnson as WR1 for CB Donte Jackson, who was about to become an economic cut ($14.5M), tops the trade list. A close #2, because Charlotte has gotten some quality personnel on the roster vs. shunned as ungood place to be, is Xavier Leggette (lee-get), the first round pick Panthers didn’t have going into draft. He’s a rookie most likely to earn a nickname and too modest to accept it. An inch shorter and a ripped 221 lbs., he’s Mushin Muhammad size with serious giddyap, and he’ll be a party to watch happen.

Canales-OC Brad Idzik won’t take as long to get production from him at WR2 as Panthers waited for Ohio St. blur Curtis Samuel to succeed (and then go free agent).

Canales-OC Brad Idzik won’t take as long to get production from him at WR2 as Panthers waited for Ohio St. blur Curtis Samuel to succeed (and then go free agent). Mushin is a franchise great, will be inducted into Ring of Honor with Julius Peppers during Week 8 game vs. Houston Texans.

Ja’Tavian Sanders out of Texas has got to be a prayer answered at tight end. My credo is use that weapon until a defense proves they can stop him, don’t sweat his blocking. Pavoratti didn’t sing the praises of Buicks or Golden Corral, right? Has it only been since 2020 that Olsen has been gone? 15.3yds./catch at Texas and almost elite speed, check, so maybe, please, show us how touches can (always?) equal catches.

Because I like the prospect of calling an obvious event early, mark Sanders down for a red zone TD catch early in season; he’ll filter outside on a goal line defense, be an unstoppable 1-1 cover. You might call it ‘best practices.’

–GShork says, 8/1/24

No pressure on Brooks cutting things up too soon, adding catch-run yardage out of backfield? Noooo, zero expectations…

Hey, WR room still has Adam Thielen, won’t get 1,000 again as primary, but he keeps getting open, so Young has the safety blanket tosses. He’ll earn his check and be a great teammate too. If part of what’s being rebuilt in Panthers organization is culture, with dawgs and foxhole guys in the mix, Thielen deserves to run some routes with daylight between catches and getting thumped by OLBs on a bad team at ending of solid career.

Health care, Political, Sports, Thought Leadership

Social Goodness mission in NY, Gratitude for casino results, Olympic stuck-the-landing drive

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Social Goodness mission in NY, Gratitude for casino results, Olympic stuck-the-landing drive
Driving five miles for coffee was rewarded (twice) by having better than regular java at FoCastle Farms with refills and super-cinnamon soft cake cider donuts.

Enjoyed nephew’s Raleigh wedding and family time to the max Friday and Saturday, then high speed, point-to-point, 700+ miles Sunday in 100 degree heat driving north was affirming. Ten ‘As I Damn Well Please’ days of max mental health in NY, then 829 miles in 12 hours to stick the proverbial landing in Charlotte Thursday was Mission Accomplished stuff.

I made two timely decisions to stop for directions, then relied on incredible 35.4 mpg in my silver Sonata, Bullitt2, and dead reckoning navigation skills. #BoomerwithAttitude in 2024 is Eye-it and-fly-it.

Having promised myself nine holes of good swings (screw scoring), and played two balls all the way (from whites, several 440-plus) in breezy 86 degree sunshine, yay! for 5 wood and wedge work. Wouldn’t have tried playing in 97 heat in Charlotte. Saturday at racetrack was a qualified economic loss, but looking good every bit of the day-night, checking my casino luck-skill (+1200 last year) was a classic Yes! on skills.

Greatest unexpected positive was whacking tennis balls with brother David, now 64, in light sprinkle and fading light. Only hit a dozen or so, but seemed to have that nasty break on his serve right out of the closet. Can you believe it, a doctor suggested stressing his leg could help some necessary rebuilding of bone issue. It doesn’t get much better than that for a birthday gift, right?

Why should anyone care about my road trip? Personal JOY and mental health were the prime consideration, because there might be tense times in near future. I’m taking responsibility for my actions in pursuit of that joy, infringing on nobody else. I tipped one dealer $25 – a decent sharing if there’s rent and groceries, I’m just enjoying a little Life rush. My cards – tarot reading is hook to my books – indicated a Good Woman is supposed to be appearing, I’d appreciate that more than boxing a trifecta in next part of 2024.

Social Goodness plans for playing more tennis, that begins immediately. I’ll let you know about the serving part, my shoulder still sounds funny from bike accident in 2020.

Wednesday was definitely casino time

Even after hitting with David until 8:30 in the gloaming and sprinkle, Wednesday was definitely last casino time, went with a seersucker pearl-blue jacket, gray slacks, Bugachi blue-blue shirt, had same felt hat with $200 budget each time. Wound up driving to Schenectady three times, doubling my $$$ the last two. That’s not quite Olympian determination or success, but I appreciated having discipline to say, ‘$200 up, take the traveling cash and I quit’ after just 45 minutes.

Yeah, a bathroom selfie instead of red silk boxers on a Texan with cigar, but I was glad to uphold Saratoga tradition-rep of looking good.

Filling up my Social Goodness tank, bro and I enjoyed Wheatfields 1 lb. Lasagna and bright lights on Broadway post-races that Saturday. Hitting an exacta ($66) with favorite as #2 worked great for bankroll early, freed up betting through featured 11th, a $500k Grade 1 race. Losing voucher slip ($55) at end of day was one of few negatives on two week odyssey-road trip.

I never made it to Siro’s this year, always give it homage in my books. With all the fast driving, I smooshed a cone to avoid a collision at a rotary, so panel awry and $200 parking ticket at downtown location for wedding welcome night, I’d feel okay wishing anyone such a trouble free vacation.

Okay, the water pressure at Dave’s wasn’t that hot, but neither were daily temps, 10-12 degrees less than Charlotte and breezy, high 50s at night, windows open!

Picture of guy in red silk boxers, cowboy hat, cigar

A historic picture of LeSharque (checking as Romance writer name?) in red silk boxers and bow tie is now part of GShork’s Attitude 2024. Just FYI, the classy tuxedoed gent I’m referencing was supposed to be an artsy classic https://artincontext.org/roy-lichtenstein/ The ‘voice bubble’ over the cowboy hat, taped to some coat hanger and anchored with an ace bandage wrap, specifically addressing the red silk boxers, says “I’m so gal-durn rich, I bet nobody notices I’m wearing red silk boxers outside like I’m freaking Madonna.”

That’s some of the Attitude I’m copping at this point. I will not be cowering from any whoa-ho! post-Biden announcement fears after return from Saratoga. How I continue to keep an Etsy microeconomy and personal momentum going into Fall of ’24 is my short term focus. I got official notice about responsibility, and will train as first-time election precinct official (after 40 years as a voter), beginning in August. I’m refreshed and ready for this run to November.

Not sure how The Great Recession, COVID Pandemic, and now resisting *another* round of trump negatives will stack up with Brokaw’s ‘Greatest Generation’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Generation_(book) but there’s a magnitude of something coming next four months. If my post-Biden analogy-prediction of bloody heads popping in profusion in trump world like Season 3-4 of The Boys holds up, let Miller be in that scene. Just sayin’.

We’ll see how the Olympics roll for USA

The first election I voted was 1976, post Watergate. I always gave those Repubs who went to Nixon and said, “Nuh-uh, you can’t stay,” credit for reality and pride, doing right by the country and office. Nixon wouldn’t do about 10,000 of the things trump et al minions continue doing in service of The Big Huge Lie. These last two SCOTUS verdicts, wow! but Uncle Joe stepping down for the good of party and country, Legendary is the best word.

I’m chuckling out loud at Pubs demanding Speaker Johnson investigate whether the President lied about his cognitive powers after this. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/can-t-tell-the-truth-mike-johnson-caught-in-lie-about-joe-biden-s-health/ar-BB1qf0f5?ocid=BingNewsSerp Will the Olympics take all the air out of Repubs and news cycle, until they LEAVE EARLY, with a withering amount of financial bills to fix? Will that give Harris (+$200M raised in short period after change, direct link to Women’s support) an opportunity to showcase her leadership more than LeBron against South Sudan, or on boat for opening ceremonies?

Every group will get air time at convention, Biden’s age is no longer a question. Let’s admit, for several cycles the Dem’s haven’t been guilty of circular firing squads. Open convention or aligned on committed delegates is solid, the business-task at hand 100% known. Bigger deal than Olympics? Yeah, second won’t really count.

Like the US Men’s Olympic Super Team of NBA stars https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/wnba/us-mens-basketball-team-rolls-past-serbia-110-84-in-opening-game-at-the-paris-olympics/ar-BB1qMhIf?ocid=BingNewsSerp (oh my! KD 21 pts. on 8/8 shooting in first half), Biden, and now Harris, must continue proving *this* 2024 version of USA democracy is worthy of the hype and expectations, even after nailing an overall Greater Good promise, saving things that we’ve come to think of as New Normal in post-pandemic, not-elected trump world.

Ms. Biles is beyond spectacularly back, the USWNT put two excellent games together in soccer competition behind a new coach https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/the-story-behind-uswnt-s-coach-at-the-olympics-emma-hayes/ar-BB1qC4dK?ocid=BingNewsVerp, and Katie Ledecky is still Katie Ledecky, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XIC6O9P4WE with a 1:53.6 leg in 4x200m freestyle, but lots of medal-level activity in Paris won’t change immediate political challenges at home.

For the female boxer who quit her match with a ‘questionably gendered/previously suspended’ fighter whose punch was ‘far, far more painful than anything she had ever experienced,’ yes, you need to pick another sport.

POV - Content Creation, Sports

Final ‘Blue’ of Year Resonates as America! New Normal Summer includes WWC, a wedding, Saratoga races

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Final ‘Blue’ of Year Resonates as America! New Normal Summer includes WWC, a wedding, Saratoga races
No problem using a favorite picture in Saratoga instead of geared up as Blue. NY vacation to include Yankee Stadium trip? Never been!

Saturday will be my final umpiring gig of the season, and I should have started in late March instead of May. Its been very satisfying-affirming again, even that wicked foul tip to forearm bone that I thought might have broken it first weekend back. I can still take getting drilled, #BoomerwithAttitude, y’know.

This is commitment time for baseball families, when All-Star teams start traveling in the winnowing process to Little League World Series, whole communities raising $$$ as their local heroes advance.

I’ll be plate umpire ($60) for a 9:30 scrimmage between two local teams, less than five miles from home, be done about 11:30. A beer and maybe whacking tennis balls down at Freedom Park with Josh, yep, that and Carolina blue sky qualifies as A-1 Social Goodness-New Normal lifestyle.

People easily understand my saying, “If you hear the ball crack! into something, that’s not a problem. If you don’t hear it, it got meat.” –With Sincere thanks to guy with ice pack after foul tip injury.

Its factually True, if not an actual umpiring credo: Don’t reward stupid. (You’re out!) “Don’t pose like I missed the pitch,” is a one-time warning.

Actual calling of balls, strikes, out-safe, has to be consistent, and yes, between inning chats that let people know about catchers moving the ball is legitimate. ‘Whose kid is the one who just nailed the runner at third with that BIG throw?’ will always be a Mom-pleaser comment.

Looks good from here, Blue!

I’ve never offered my clicker and face mask to anyone shouting that common comment, but I’m still the authority figure for this situation. Two sides of coaches-players: When you tell a player to move away from a potential situation, the correct Next is act of moving, never “I’m not in the way.” Coaches usually get that straightened out without extra hoo-ha.

“Why was that last pitch not a strike?” by the catcher clarified a long-running situation, where coaches had questioned *every*single*call* for two games as they came back through Losers bracket. “You need to turn around, and Coach,” I signaled, “you need to come here, because ten year olds wouldn’t have the stones to question an umpire about a pitch if you coaches hadn’t been d*cks for two games.

“Get all the coaches and buckets back in the dugout (they had 4-5), and if I hear anything more about X, you can watch this game from the parking lot,” was gist of my instructions. Getting specific about catchers trying to get sucker swings by setting up on outside corner – “It crosses the batters box line, I don’t care how good a catcher is about bringing it back, its NEVER going to be a strike,” is my mantra.

Not all catchers relate that fact to pitchers, who get frustrated post-move, seeing catchers glove in strike zone. Many pick up sand on low throws or even jump, then position glove dead center.

When I plant my foot so I can see plate and batters location to it, as catcher, you WILL need to set up closer. I’m grateful for shorter spaces between plate and backstop many places, too many passed balls with run-run-run scoring isn’t cool.

Coaching and Other Stuff

The coach who used ’22 years pitching in big leagues’ as credibility might be counting minor leagues too, but thinking he’s getting better pitching from a 10 year old arm by nibbling outside vs. getting it over plate so kids learn what strikes really look like, is flat wrong. Its also contrary to ‘get them to swing’ by calling strikes attitude we’re told to use. If a batter couldn’t reach it with a pole, I’m not calling your kid out.

Special bats – You hear an obvious difference in a sturdy ten year old’s PING! of 200-plus feet into trees and whatever is brought to the plate in less competitive leagues. If a kid ‘got all of it’ putting it over an outfielders head, thats not a Drop 5 level bat.

Curve balls – If you KNOW your pitcher’s got one, and you try telling him not to use it a lot because it WILL hurt young arms, that’s not going to work when he keeps getting people out with it. When a pitcher smiles and fiddles in their glove, you know their Special Pitch is coming.

On Fathers Day: More power to millions of Dad-coaches, who often started because of their kids, but keep things going over ten or twenty years. I smile every time I hear one say, “If there’s a passed ball, you should be here!”

Admitting I have NO respect for the coach who left his pitcher in for *8* runs in top of first (eventually 12-0 hole), actually saying, “Don’t look at me, I’m not taking you out.” What could possibly be on his mind? when they lost 15-11, humiliating a kid who couldn’t find the plate with Google Maps?

Its said the only person you can rely on is one dressed like you, but when every parent at a recreation league game thanks you for being there, man, that’s affirming! As long as little sisters have enough snacks, the American Family Experience that is Little League carries forward. For anyone who offers me a Gatorade on a 95 degree day like today, yay you!

After last years success at the Saratoga track and casino, my Blue paychecks are mad money for NY vacation in July, New Normal at its finest.

Business, POV - Content Creation, Sports

‘Blue’ for American Family baseball, Panthers May is New Normal, Year 30 starts in Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘Blue’ for American Family baseball, Panthers May is New Normal, Year 30 starts in Charlotte

Earning over $1100 in last ten days, even having four rainouts, makes umpiring a favored evenings/weekends gig. Seeing terrific glovework, the JOY of tough catches, winning, and hell yes! 10 year olds going yard, is worth an occasional mask-adjusting foul tip. My new product on Etsy – entrepreneur again! online gig, being ‘Blue,’ a girlfriend? my recent New Normal is all positive.

A week after opening OTAs, business is like Carolina Panthers handle on 2024 – Back-glancing isn’t necessary, fans are interested.

Arrived in Charlotte 1995, same as Panthers

Making a case for kinship-history with a football team’s hopeful resurrrection feels legitimate. I use ‘Year 30 starts’ as a personal marker, Memorial Day being my landing date in the Queen City. Having come down from NY for my folks 40th anniversary (up from Tampa), I enjoyed Chamber of Commerce weather in mid-April, 38 days later, I was here. I was never a Giants or Jets fan, so when Panthers threw down that 12-4, NFC championship game second year, I was an easy convert. And hey, the weather is still terrific.

I’ve only been to two Hornets games at Spectrum Center, good thoughts sent to them for new owners efforts to turn that franchise around too. Charlotte doesn’t want to become (stay?) Loserville. It definitely looks like a time to change almost any-everything after Bridges, Miller, Grant and Mark Williams, plus the upcoming high draft pick. Since huge extension contract $$$ is kicking in, maybe keep that LaMelo dude healthy.

The first Super Bowl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_2j0CDNFo was exactly what fans remember forever. Conversely, I’m chuckling at the offer of tickets for a rain-soaked final game of 1-15 train wreck under George Seifert in 2001. “No, thanks, hopefully there’s another game on TV,” was reasonable response to going just to support in very yucky weather. I’ve done the pilgrimage to Wofford twice, and the 95 degree heat (plus index) as ‘a cauldron to test players in’ is Truth; I sweated lots just standing in the minimal shade. I maintain such efforts are still a marking point for fandom.

Highs and lows happen. I tried going to the Cowboys game last year, thought fan interest was about zero, and found out scalpers were having a good day. Cowboys fans travel well, tickets were over $150 in three tries – my expectation had been $30-50.

Brother Steve gave me tickets to the 29-10 stomping of Cowboys in 2003 playoffs, I scalped the second ticket for $50, only took one try, and nobody ever showed up next to me. I still have an over-priced, large plastic beer mug, and a #34 DeAngelo Williams jersey was a good Belks discount rack purchase.

You see how out of control things are in Detroit after finally winning a division (and maybe choking vs. 49ers)? They gave Goff HOW MUCH $$$? New Normal won’t be like that in Charlotte.

If the Panthers are .500 at Thanksgiving, Tepper *will* get more than adequate good press. An $800M re-do on stadium? Oh man…!

It Won’t be like that in Charlotte

Still not sure why nobody has given #MrTeppers$ even back-handed kudos for what certainly ACTS like a Football Operations Team that has produced positive, substantial changes in the roster already, without any stated output about approval or expectations by him regarding any of it.

While I’m still a little amazed that Ian Thomas isn’t one of those constantly tabbed to be gone players from last year, Tommy Tremble sounds positive about the tight end room, including that #101 pick https://www.nfl.com/players/ja-tavion-sanders/ from Texas. Every analysis of Panthers TE position always ends ‘since Olsen left,’ drafting a REAL pass-catcher sounded like an excellent decision.

Let Canales and Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik earn their paychecks. Yes, put people in positions where they’ll use their talents well/better. Tillis and Morgan ripped off the $46M bandaid of bad contracts/salary cap situation, tomorrow (2025) is a better day, but nobody is liking idea of Tampa Bay and Mayfield ruling the NFC South in 2024 either.

The operating theory is that WAY too many disparate opinions about the Panther offense, combined with a dearth of talent at skill positions, put Bryce Young into a horrific situation, which he survived, if not as admirably as some expected. Its been pronounced from the rooftops that Panthers GM Dan Morgan and Head Coach Dave Canales have got better players for sure after free agency and draft.

Has Bryce put on same couple pounds of muscle McCaffrey did after a year with the big boys? not a bad idea at all. In fact, nobody *wondered* if C-MC bulked up a little – he had GUNS to show for it. Young does look like he’s a little firmer topside though.

Putting a number on how much better outlook could be, is according for several, not all that decisive a change, like 5.5 victories. I won’t ask Charles Barkley for his opinion, but getting maybe $20 ($50?) worth of whatever those odds (about +2500 for playoffs) may be is reasonable. I tend to concur with The Athletic analysis, “It is safe to say that the Panthers won’t be an out-right elite team in 2024, but it could be a feisty team that odds-makers are a bit too low on.”

That could be a great take on New Normal compared to last season’s pounding. Feisty and under-appreciated bets-wise, I like the idea.

Business-like plan, No panic

The sense of business as usual seems legitimate at this stage, the operation has even sorted through personnel at the office level, and there is a steady stream of whose status is better or worse in 2024 to read online. Given the emphasis on positivity Canales has engendered, is Young truly catching on to the methods, philosophy, progression, footwork Canales brings to the QB Whisperer function?

There’s no reason to believe otherwise. If the worst thing you’ve heard is Panthers stretched on some picks, well, Ejiro Evero’s defense is still being assembled. Nobody is forgetting that Luvu and Burns were A-level talents now playing elsewhere, and Gross-Matos is in San Francisco. On a team that either stopped people (#4 in yardage) or very definitely *didn’t* stop them (29th of 32 teams in ppg given up), a decent amount of attention has been paid to the secondary. The verdict is still out on getting Clowney’s HS buddy, Stephon Gilmore – late of Dallas and Buffalo – to Charlotte again, but additional names and bodies (and economics) will be checking in-out of here consistently.

Whether there’s any hyping of possibilities, the player shuffle now seems regular and well-documented. Some experts are coming around to the idea Panther draft picks as reasonable choices instead of ‘flyers,’ those never-as-good-as-we-thought selections that happen less in good organizations, because they don’t need Magic.

If the Panthers finally discover they can move the chains with throws to a tight end not named Olsen, that would be a good thing, and if Brooks breaks a 60 yard run before November, that would count plenty for sure.

Other people will have to produce besides Bryce Young. Former Panther Head Coach Ron Rivera often said, “Things change when the pads go on.” Mandatory minicamp is June 11-13.