2ndtakeonthebackpage

What the game of Baseball teaches us about life.

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:38:55 +0000

A few months ago I watched the documentary series on Netflix entitled Baseball narrated by Ken Burns. Sports is such a reflection of life. With hard work, discipline, dedication, team spirit, and a little bit of luck you will be successful. Unlike basketball,hockey, and football, baseball has no time limit. Mario Cuomo said it best, “in baseball you play until you lose“. A metaphor that is the epitome of life.There is no clock that limits our chances. In the game of baseball we keep giving ourselves a chance: we as players, dictate our chances of winning, not a time limit. Our perseverance, and patience is what wins us the game, along with a little bit of luck. In life, like in baseball, we are given many swings, many opportunities, and we more often times than not, blow them by being too impatient or hesitant to swing at an opportunity because of our own fear.

Once we overcome that fear and finally make a hit, we head to the bases. First base-our beginnings. First base represents finally getting our break in life, we are eager and anxious to move on. Second base-our preparation. Second bases is when we reach the point of feeling secure in our position, and we begin to prepare ourself for ultimate goal. We have a clearer vision of what we want to do and how we’re going to get there. We rely heavily on our teammates to help push us to the next level. Third base-final touches. At this point you’re ready! You’re almost at the finish line you put in all the work and made decisions that not only benefited you but your team as well, but you still have a few more long days ahead of you before you make it home. Home-your accomplishment. With, patience, persistence, and a great team you finally accomplished your goal! You can finally celebrate with people who helped you make it. You get a chance to come full circle and look at where you started and relish in all the work that you’ve done.

No matter if you just stepping up to the plate, or which base your on, play until you lose! But first you have to take a swing at life.

Happy Birthday 50th Michael Jordan!!!

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:55:40 +0000

6 NBA championships, 6 NBA MVP finals, 5 MVP, 10 scoring titles, 9 All Defensive first team,First player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 100 blocked shots in a season, and third in the NBA All-time leading scoring with 32,292 points. I’m talking about none other than the greatest to player to ever play Michael Jordan. These are just a few of his great accomplishments. As a Chicagoan growing up a bulls fan I can’t simply explain how much Michael meant not only to the organization but also to the city of Chicago. No one can deny that Michael Jordan changed the game, he was the player that everyone wanted to imitate. Future Hall of Famers Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Byrant credit MJ as the person that inspired them when they were falling in love with the game of basketball.

Jordan became the first global icon of the sport! The NBA never seen someone of that athletic talent and skill before. The dunks, the turnaround jumper, his defensive prowess, and his ultimate competitve killer instinct was something no other player embodied before Jordan came along. Jordan was also a trendsetter off the court as well. Let’s be honest he made Nike what it is today! Jordan’s shoes still outsell Kobe, and LeBron sneakers. That just shows you how much people still want to associate with the Jordan a decade after his retirement. His partnership with Spike Lee made everybody want to be like Mike! Since his retirement the league has been on the hunt to find the next Jordan, often considering Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Although legit reasons can be made for their arguments about LeBron and Kobe, today lets just celebrate his greatness, and appreciate what he’s done for the game of basketball! As a Bulls fan I will always be grateful for the moments MJ gave us. He played his heart out every night! He is the embodiment of a champion and has served as an inspiration to many on and off the court, including me. He’s truly the best to ever do it! Happy 50th birthday Michael ‘Air’ Jordan!!!

Click the link above to see a tribute to MJ!

Derrick Rose said WHAT?!

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 04:15:43 +0000

To the dismay of many Bulls fans Derrick Rose said in his USA today interview published February 13th, that he wouldn’t mind sitting out the whole season. He said he wants to be 110% before he returns and according to his estimation he’s only 80%. This comes as a little bit of shock to Bulls fans who have been suffering for nearly 10 months waiting for Rose’s return. Prior to the interview various Bulls insider and Coach Thibs said that Rose was taking part in full contact practice. The thought behind full court practice is that if he can practice he can play, so what’s the holdup?!

Once I wiped away my tears after realizing that Derrick won’t be returning, I came to my senses and realized what all was at stake. Derrick is the face of one of the most popular franchises in the NBA, and he is also the face of Addias. Signing a $250 million contract nearly a two years ago. He is simply to expensive to risk. Derrick Rose is the second coming in Chicago the organization knows that and Derrick knows that.

If Rose was to come back a shell of himself or comeback and get injured again his personal stock and the championship dreams of the Bulls will never come true. As rational fans we have to ask ourselves if Derrick Comes back now what are we going to win, really? Even though we can challenge the Heat there’s no way we can beat them with the current roster that we have. We still lack a second go to scorer. No one can create their own shot, and until the Bulls address this issue we won’t get past the Heat. That issue is bigger than Derrick Rose. Looking at it from this prospective I can understand why Derrick Rose wouldn’t want to come back, what would he come back for? It’s best for Derrick Rose to sit out and get as healthy as possible, it’s simply not worth money or our championship dreams to bring back Derrick Rose this season. So Bulls fan we have to be patient, Derrick will be worth the wait!

Big Brother, Little Brother: Nets and Clippers growing up?!

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 06:36:14 +0000

For the last decade- arguably even the last two decades the Clippers and the Nets have been the laughing stock of the NBA. No one took them seriously, the NBA and its fans turned their noses up or frankly laughed out loud at the idea of the two teams ever being competitive! But the little brothers are growing up and people are paying attention, and there is nothing more a younger sibling loves more than attention, and proving people wrong; as the younger sibling I can attest to these feelings and frustrations. The Nets have always played second fiddle to the New York Knicks a team whose record at some point was just as laughable as the Nets, but still beloved by New Yorkers, and of course die hard Knicks fans. But with the move to Brooklyn, a fresh look, and a celebrity to call their own, Jay-Z, the Nets and Brooklyn have something to brag about! The little brother Nets are finally growing up right in front of their big brother’s eyes (Knicks) and lets just say the big brother doesn’t feel so big anymore! Both teams have a respectable roster and come playoff time I would argue that these two teams shouldn’t be looked over. The gritty personality and pride that embodies Brooklyn and the celebrity posh attitude of the Knicks is definitely going to be battle to enjoy!

The Clippers share they same story as the Nets they were considered the ‘other’ team in LA, I mean really, who the hell rooted for the Clippers?! With their eccentric, some might say even morally corrupt owner of the LA Clippers were the complete opposite of the what the Lakers symbolized-championships, celebrities, class, and most importantly, fans! The LA Clippers are prime time now with a solid squad that might give the LA Lakers a run for their money in popularity once their team is back healthy and they develop more throughout the season. Can the Clippers run deep into the playoffs, well it depends on a number of things such as health but I wouldn’t count them out!

Last night I was able to watch the little brothers at the Barclays center and it was a great battle between two up-incoming teams! With the Nets winning 86 to 76. I observed two solid teams finally coming into their own and finding their identity. As a younger sibling I’m rooting for both teams to show up their older sibling, and for once that dream can come true for these teams! Jay-Z Vs. Spike Lee, Jack Nicholson Vs. Billy Crystal, this sibling rivalry is about to get good! Let the battles begin!

The Curious Case of Lane Kiffin

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:07:17 +0000

USC will be in the National Championship conversation next Saturday but just as most expected. They have a chance to decide if Notre Dame plays in the National Championship. However, instead of Matt Barkley polishing is Heisman resume his draft stock is falling, and Lane Kiffin yet again is under fire for how he is handling the season. During the Trojans 7-3 season Kiffin has cut off a press conference because he didn’t want talk about injuries, supposedly walk out of the emergency exit after losing to UCLA. Lets not forget how he left Tennessee after one season. Kiffin throughout his entire career has been known as slick, skirmy, and just plain ol a-hole. Many coaches have been known for there egomanic personalities, but what keeps those coaches around is there ability to win. Kiffin is not a winner his NFL record over 20 games was 5-15 for a winning percentage of .25. And in college he hasn’t been exactly lightening it up his overall record at Tennessee and USC is a respectable, but not amazing 32-16. So why is Kiffin continuously getting jobs and second chances when he hasn’t won anything significant in his career. Yes, Kiffin is entertaining, but he fails at the basic aspect that keeps many of the coaches around he doesn’t WIN. How long will Kiffin be able to get away this his.

Can Dwight Howard handle the LA Spotlight?

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 04:29:57 +0000

As I watch the Lakers I find that Center Dwight Howard looks increasingly uncomfortable. On one hand I think his discomfort is more related to trying to find chemistry with his new teammates NBA future Hall of Famers, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. Or it could very possible be because his back is not 100% However, I am more inclined to believe that he is more uncomfortable with being the number 2 or even number 3 guy on the team, and that the LA spotlight is way more than he can handle.Howard knows that he is going to be compared to Laker greats, such as Kareem, and Shaq. This very fact intimidates him. The fact that there are great expectations of him on a storied team like the Lakers is something Howard has never faced before. Before the trade Howard made it clear he wanted to go the Brooklyn Nets, a team with no history of championships and few championship expectations. That would’ve have the ideal place for Howard he would get the big market attention that he craves without the pressure and expectation of winning a championship NOW! If there is anything the Laker franchise and their fans want, it’s to win a championship, now, especially since Kobe is nearing the end of his career. Will Dwight Howard shrink under the pressure, or will this be his time to show that he is worthy to be a legendary Laker? Dwight, it’s simply up to you.

Why you mad Celts?

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:35:16 +0000

Am I the only one confused on why Celtics fans and players are mad over the departure of Ray Allen. The writing had clearly been on the wall for some time. There was the almost trade to Memphis earlier in the year, there was the tension between him and Rondo, and finally the signing of Jason Terry that seemed to say Allen you are no longer welcomed. So it was surprising and shocking to see and hear that Celtics fans and players react so angrily to Allen leaving. Kevin Garnett (who has know turned into an old mad man) said that he deleted Allen’s number, even Doc Rivers got in the mix saying that Allen was selfish. All this anger makes no sense the Celtics did everything to push Allen away and now that he has went away to your rival nonetheless you act like Allen “LeBroned” you which was not the case. Celts fans I am truly puzzled on “Why you mad”.

NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls.

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 05:02:42 +0000

With Derrick Rose out at least until January or February the expectations for the Bulls are extremely low. Keep in mind that I’m a native Chicagoan, so I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible. During the offseason the Bulls made some radical changes, they got ride of our beloved Bench Mob. With new additions Nate Robinson, Nazr Mohammed, Kirk Hinrich, and Marquis Teague, the Bulls have put together a solid bench. With hopes that second year Jimmy Butler has improved his shooting the Bulls can be relatively competitive without their superstar, Derrick Rose. Will they win the East win Derrick comes back? Of course not, but I can see the Bulls capturing the number 8th spot in the East when Derrick Rose returns. Coach Thibs, has shown what he could do with what some might say a arguably mediocre team. So I wouldn’t completely sleep on the Bulls.

The Bulls have to do two things to make their offense more efficient. 1. Boozer and Noah have to score more in the paint. Grabbing rebounds is great but they have to learn how make high percentage shots. The Bulls relied too heavily on the jumpshot in previous seasons, that has to change! 2. Spread the floor. If Rip hamilton is healthy this season he and Hinrich will be able to spread the offense allowing more opportunities to score not only for themselves but for luol Deng as well. With Coach Thibs being on the great defensive minded coaches in the league, I’m not worried about defensive improvements, but we have to improve our offense tremendously in order to grab the 8th seed in the East. With that being said LETS GO BULLS.

The Psyche of A-Rod

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:40:25 +0000

Alex Rodriguez as taken much of the blame for the Yankees being swept, and he is partially to be blame, but why? Alex Rodriguez is in my opinion one of the weakest superstars in sports history. A-Rod’s problem is that he is too self-aware, much like how LeBron James was at the beginning of his career. A-Rod’s problem is that he is uncomfortable in his own skin, he’s a sensitive guy that can’t handle too much spotlight on him. He loves the glitz and glamour but he doesn’t want the responsibility that comes with it. A-Rod has a few good years left in him where he can contribute to a team, but in order for him to that he has to remember how good he can be. He has to go back to basic and fall in love baseball and not with himself. He’s not done yet, but if he continues to be self-absorbed and keeps refusing to accept the responsibility of his talents and gifts Alex will run the risk of damaging his legacy. If he doesn’t remind people of how great he can be, people will remember him as one of the most overpaid athletes of all time. My advice to A-Rod, don’t listen to the noise!

LeBron James and Chris Paul: The Next Dynamic Duo?!

2ndtakeonthebackpage — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:01:10 +0000

Lebron James won’t be a Free Agent until 2014, but the speculation has already started as where he will end up. With an aging Dwyane Wade and Miami’s future in Lebron’s hands, where will LeBron go next If he decides to leave Miami? Some might describe LeBron as a ring chaser ever since he joined up with Wade and Bosh, but in today’s league, how many rings you get will determine your legacy. So could you blame him? He wants to be considered as one of the greattes to ever play.

So where does Chris Paul come in this conversation? LeBron James and Chris Paul are the best of friends, I would argue that he’s even more close to Paul than he is to Wade. And outside of Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul is one the most competitive players in the NBA, he wants to win BAD! If the situation is right and they can make it happen, LeBron James WILL pair up with Chris Paul to add rings on his resume. Obviously, the pair would have to have great role players along with them but don’t be surprised if you see these two as teammates within the next to years! Where will go? So which team will be able to afford the two superstars? Only time will tell!!!