My Top 10 MLB Stadiums

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on twitter


Who hasn't dreamed of taking a road trip through the United States stopping at various baseball fields and stadiums along the way.  What were once small intimate parks, have been transformed into modern day cathedrals where fans come to worship their favorite players, catch foul balls, and appear on a HD jumbo-tron where some conglomerate's logo sits on top and on the front of the building.


What really makes baseball special are the different parks each team play in.  From the waterfalls at Kuaffman Stadium to the catwalks at Tropicana Field, each ballpark is alike because they're all different.


Coming up with MLB's top ten stadiums isn't an easy task.  Based on history, unique-ness, and ballpark atmosphere, I have determined these as my Major League's Top Ten Ballparks.


(This is extremely subjective.  Feel free to tweet me or leave your top 10 in the comments below.)

10.  Coors Field

Opened in 1995 at a cost of $300 million dollars, Coors Field had a record number of baseball fan's through the turnstiles in the inaugural 1993 season.


Many Denver residents know behind the right field stands sits a small restaurant/brewery, where the (now mass produced) Belgian style wheat beer Blue Moon, was invented.  The food at Coors Field is mediocre, but the Mile High ballpark's novelty staple is "Rocky Mountain Oysters".  Not something most people would prefer over hotdogs & peanuts.


Looking for an economic alternative to expensive seats?  


"The Rockpile" sits high in center field and offers a bargain of $4 single game seat in a bleacher style setting.  For those looking for a cheap way into the ballpark, this is the experience for you.


For those in "The Rockpile" and other fans facing South, downtown Denver also provides a backdrop Picasso would envy.


Nothing can top a summer night in Denver (at the ballpark) in that crisp thin mountain air while enjoying a Blue Moon.





9.  PNC Park

Located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny river, PNC Park is praised by all fans and media for it's retro-modern look and it's panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh highlighted by the bright yellow "Roberto Clemente Bridge".

The bridge is closed to vehicular traffic on game days to allow fans to walk across and take in the scenery.


The stunning backdrop of downtown Pittsburgh and the intimate feel the modern ballpark gives, is the only bright spot of this recently built cathedral.


But like many teams, the Pirates have made strives to improve the team and upgrade their "river palace".  


After another loosing season, AJ Burnett was traded to Pittsburgh for 2 minor leaguers and cash.  A questionable move at best, but shows the front office wants to make improvements to this team.    


I'm sure some fans wish they'd put some of that money toward a farm system or a quality free agent that isn't scrutinized by the rest of the league.

8.  Busch Stadium

The former stomping grounds of slugger Albert Pujols.  One of the best baseball cities in America (because it's all they have there).  The atmosphere at every game in Busch Stadium is electric and enjoyed with a beautiful view of downtown St. Louis. 


The fan-friendly stadium features a build your own mascot store for those with a thick wallet.  "Fredbird", the team's well known t-shirt throwing, dugout dancing mascot, entertains fans throughout the game and also makes year round appearences in the St. Louis area communities.  


Another great feature, is the Cardinal's management allows outside food/drinks.  You're even allowed to bring in a cooler, if you wish.  Because of this, soda, water, and crackerjacks are sold at a discount to patrons, but that is made up by gouging them with beer prices.


The "Gateway Cathedral" has already seen multiple World Series, one of the best hitters of all-time, and an All-Star game.  With the old stadium now a softball field across the street, the Cardinal's look forward to an era without Tony LaRussa, Dave Duncan, and some first baseman.  


There aren't that many questions on that side of the Mississippi moving forward, but they still have a "decent" team down there on that side of the Mississippi.


Whatever.  (Salty Cub's fan)





7.  PETCO Park

After 4 years and a few court aided construction stoppages, PETCO Park finally opened April 8, 2004.


It's one of the most under-rated ballparks in the National League and is located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, within walking distance of some great restaurants/bars.


Located next to the San Diego Trolley, getting to (and from) the ballpark is easy.  If you're one of those patrons that gets a little "tipsy" during a ballgame (and after) there are plenty of watering holes to keep the party going, and plenty of hotels to crash at.  Prepare to pay some real coin though.


"The Park at the Park" serves as a free local park to citizens on non game days and only costs a small $5 to enter during home games.  It grants a great view of the ballpark and has plenty of space to lay out and enjoy the sounds and smells of the game.  It's still a great seat and the action isn't far away.  It just feels secluded from the rest of the stadium.    

View of Petco's "Park at the Park"

Petco Park has a buffet of colors for the eye.  From the aqua blue San Diego Bay, to the exposed white painted steel, and the amazing downtown view, it's hard not to be distracted from the game going on.










6.  Dodger Stadium

Not far from downtown Los Angeles and tucked away in Chavez Ravine is Dodger Stadium.  


Inside these stadium walls there have been 10 no-hitters, 1 World Series, and multiple renovations over the years.  


There was a lot of controversy around the construction of the stadium in the late 50's after contractor's were making low-ball offers too it's long time Mexican residents, to move them out of their homes.


After everyone was evicted the original ravine was filled with the dirt excavated to build the west coast ballpark.  


Those who sit in both bleacher sections are treated to an elevated view of downtown Los Angeles which is a breath taking view at night.


Dodger Stadium became the largest seating stadium in both leagues (56,000+).  The Dodger's set a record of 57.099 fans for the 2009 home opener (mostly due to a high amount of standing room tickets sold).  


They must have done this count at some point in the third inning because Dodger fans are notorious for showing up late and leaving early.


And "Dodger Dog's" suck by the way.





Honorable Mention:  Marlin's Park  



If this park opened last year it would have made the top 5 of this list.  Located in the heart of Miami on the former site of the Orange Bowl, this new park is (excuse the old man phrase) "a sight for sore eyes".


Built with a retractable roof made of a "white membrane" it takes 14 minutes to open, and another 8 minutes for the outfield panels to expose a beautiful view of downtown Miami.

Like Petco Park, this new modern stadium has an array of bright colors ranging from the blue seas of the ocean, to the green leaves of palm trees, and the bright orange and yellow colors of the team that blend perfectly into the scenery.


The 600 & 450 gallon aquariums behind home plate give the ballpark its "niche", as does the new "Home Run Feature" installed in dead center field (see video to right).




I'm not to sure what the Marlin's were thinking when they installed Pachinko machine, but at least it stays consistent with the bright color theme.


I expect to hear great things about this ballpark over the next few years and hope I get a chance to visit it sometime in the near future.





5.  Yankee Stadium


Almost built on the backs of hard working New York taxpayers, Yankee Stadium broke ground in 2006 and was open and ready for baseball for the 2009 season.

A construction worker (a Boston Red Sox Fan) buried a David Oritz jersey in the visitor's dugout in hopes of bringing a curse upon the boys in pinstripes.  


Aside from being ratted out by his fellow co-workers (and having to exhume the jersey), his efforts truly failed as the Yankees went on to win their 27th World Series title in the stadiums inaugural season.


The stadium's exterior is mirrored after the original Yankee Stadium with 11,000 pieces of Indiana Limestone granite and pre-cast concrete.  The interior design of the new stadium has been replicated from the original to keep a modern look, with the old time feel.  


Looking at the new Yankee Stadium, I can understand why ownership would want a new building.  But is it worth it?


Are those seven story ceilings between gates 4 and 6 (where the "Great Hall" was constructed) worth it? Was moving monument park to center field under a sports bar limiting fan access worth it?  


Tearing down the "house that Ruth built" might not feel like a mistake over the next 20 years, but as the Cub's and Red Sox come close to their 100 year anniversary at their respective homes, I wonder if John Q. Yankee Fan will feel a slight disdain toward the "house that George built".





4.  Chase Field

Building a ballpark in a downtown desert city is no easy task.  With temps that can reach as high as 115 degrees during the day and staying well over 100 at night provided an egregious task for the ballpark architects.  


What they came up with was a retractable roof structure with a massive HVAC system that keeps the whole field at a cool comfortable level.


Chase Field is equipped with a pool in right center field that holds 35 patrons for $3,500 per game (2011 season).  How many people can say they enjoyed a nice swim on a hot summer night and was able to watch a live baseball game while doing it?


Another feature only found in one other ballpark (Comerica Park) is the dirt stripe that flows from the pitcher's mound to home plate.  This was a feature that was found in most fields in the "dead ball era" and has been forgotten as many new fields and stadiums have been built in the last 20 years.


Chase Field sits on what used to be known as the warehouse district in downtown Phoenix.  The architects decided to make the exterior of the building mirror a large warehouse to pay homage to that point in time in Phoenix's 100 year history.


The ballpark has a mall-like-esque feel to it, but until you're sitting there with the roof open on a 105 plus degree night (and you're not uncomfortable), looking at one the biggest jumbotrons in the United State's hottest city, it's not hard to understand why this is at #4.









3.  Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Built near the "Inner Harbor" in downtown Baltimore from 1989-1992 Camden Yard's success as a fan friendly intimate "downtown" ballpark sparked a trend in construction throughout the majors.

The B&O Warehouse was built into the structure of the stadium instead of tearing it down or truncating it.  With the field sunk into the ground the space between the warehouse and field creates a pedestrian walkway (open to ticket holders only on game day) for fans to watch the game, do a little shopping, or check out former Orioles star Boog Powel'l's BBQ stand.


All the seats are green except for two orange seats that mark two historical events in the park's history.  In right center field section 96, row 7, seat 23 commemorates the spot of Eddie Murray's  500th home run.  The other spot located in left field section 86, row FF, seat 10 is the spot where Cal Ripken broke Ernie Banks home run record for short stops.


Everyone behind home plate is treated to the downtown Baltimore skyline.  This is truly going to be one of the gems of the future for major league ballparks.  The way they incorporate the B&O Warehouse (like Petco Park does with the Western Company Building) is what really makes Camden Yards unique.


Across the street from the stadium is the Baltimore Light Rail and the MARC commuter rail.  So getting to the game for a local Baltimore tax payer isn't a hassle, and if you're an out of town fan, jumping on the MARC commuter rail will bring you right to Camden Yards.

The "Nest by the harbor" is also a short distance from the birthplace of Babe Ruth, which is now a museum.  According to multiple sources, Babe Ruth's father owned a bar/pub on Paca St & Conway Street.  Which is now roughly second base/center field inside Camden Yards.


After 14 consecutive loosing seasons the Oriole's have seen better days.  Having recently hired manager Buck Schowalter and Dan Duquette as President of Baseball Operations/GM, the future looks bright for a team being out shined by their own home.








2.  Wrigley Field

In 1914 on the former grounds of the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, this jewel box park has had it's share of historic events over the last 98 years.  


"The Called Shot" (Read About It Here) in 1932, the 4 no-hitters, "Steve Bartman" in 2003, Wrigley Field getting lights for the first time in August of 1988, and many more that have become the folk lore of Wrigley Field.


One of my favorite historic "nuggets" that most Cub's fan aren't aware of is that the Cub's have never won a World Series at Wrigley Field. 


The Friendly Confines has been a work of progress since the 1920's.  The park was over-hauled in 1922, the double decker grandstands were added in 1927, the construction of the bleachers and Ivy in 1937, the scoreboard also being erected that same year, and finally the lights that were installed in 1988.

Since the Ricketts have purchased The Cub's and Wrigley Field in 2009, a series of renovations have been made to give the ballpark a modernized look.  The bleacher's were expanded over the sidewalk, the back of the iconic scoreboard was repainted, some of the luxury boxes along the third base line were converted into a full service top-shelf bar with large flat screen TVs with indoor/outdoor seating called the PNC Club.


Watching a game at Wrigley Field is a historical journey into baseball's past.  The day games, the organ echoing, the hand turned scoreboard, the ivy, and just you the guy to your left, right, in front, behind you become best friends and weigh in on each other's baseball opinions.  

This is what baseball was 70 plus years ago and it's the closest ballpark experience to that golden era some grew up with and some grew to love.  No other ballpark can give you that environment and experience.


It's a small window to what baseball used to be and that's really what the magic of Wrigley Field is all about.


They say time never stands still.  That person never attended a sold out day game at Wrigley Field.

1.  Fenway Park

In 100 years of existence, only 1 of the 7 World Series Boston has won took place in the mecca of baseball facilities.  


Just like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park has seen its share of renovations.  


Constructed in 1912 in the dense Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, many of the alterations Fenway has seen were not originally envisioned resulting in the quirky features that have made Fenway Park one of the most treasured ballparks in today's society.


Walking inside Fenway Park is like nothing else.  The lighting is complimented by that Boston red and green color scheme.  Various food and souvenir vendors are cramped and scattered throughout, peddling their wares decked out in all Red Sox gear.  The nation of Red Sox fans that swarm though the main arteries of this beast called Fenway Park converse in their Boston accents spending over $7 for a beer, and almost just as much for New England Clam "Chowda".

The field itself is a sight for all baseball fans to see.  The "Green Monster" overwhelms the park but compliments it at the same time.  Throughout its tenancy, it was a 37 foot 2 inch home run stopper was covered with ads.  The manually updated scoreboard was added to the left field wall in 1934 and was considered ahead of its time because it lights up to signify how many balls, strikes, and outs there were.

The first thing noticed about Fenway is how small it is.  The intimacy the park provides gives a hint to what the "Emerald of the East" used to be when Babe Ruth was pitching on the mound and Ted Willams blasting home runs into right field.


The bullpens (aka "Williamsburg") built in right center were constructed for the benefit of Ted Williams and other left handed batters on the home team.  The bullpens jutted out an extra 23 feet closer to home plate adding to the quirkiness of the "Emerald Ballpark".

If you're a fan of baseball, a trip to Fenway Park should be on the top of your list.  The atmosphere is always electric and if you're brave enough to go in another team's jersey the fans will let you hear about it.  The evolvement of the park has slowly married the past Fenway and the future Fenway together.


The green and red exterior colors will always make you feel like its Christmas season, even if it's in the middle of July.

Big $$$ & College Athletics Do Not Mix

By Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on twitter

There has always been a celebrity factor when becoming the face of a division 1 program.  Football or basketball.  Player or coach.

With all of these growing egos becoming more entitled by the year and the NCAA refusing to acknowledge their major student athletic programs are semi-pros leagues now, not amateurs, two storms have converged on each other to become one "shit show".

What is going on in college athletics these days?

From all the "30 for 30" docu-films that have been made, you'd think the wild west days of paying players under the table were behind us.

Not so fast.

The last 4 years have given us a small glimpse into the dark world of NCAA athletic programs affect on the modern day college athlete and what they have to deal with.

From point shaving scandals, Pete Carrol and USC paying players, Lane Kiffin bailing on Tennessee, Terrelle Pryor, "The Vest", and Ohio State, Bobby Petrino's transgressions, and most recently, Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan attempting to blackball a transferring student into certain conferences.  

But what really has become disturbing, the amounts of money some of these conferences pull in each year.

The explosion of media in our everyday culture has helped the NCAA turn it's basketball and football programs into big business.

Really big business.


Let's use the SEC as an example.

In 2008, they signed a $55 million dollar (annually) 15 year contract with CBS for the right to pick the national SEC game each week.  Not to be outdone, the following year, they signed a $2.25 BILLION dollar/15 year contract ($150 million a year) with ESPN.

But as NCAA football grows into big business and the fat cats get richer, the labor force is being paid in education (not dollars).

Today's society isn't too kind to college graduates as it used to be in year's past.  The economy's recent recession combined with kids being churned out of higher learning establishments in droves, has turned today's college degree into a glorified work ethic on paper.

And there still lies the giant elephant in the room.

Paying the players.

This is met with opposition from universities.  Citing all student-athletes are just that.  They are brought into the school, and just happen to possess an extremely rare talent in the sport they participant in.

This ignorant stance these Big Business Schools (BBS) take, is possibly, the root of the problems that plagues major college sport programs.  It's basically the same stance the South took when in came to abolishing slavery.  What's even more ironic, the SEC basically covers the old confederate states.

Source: Wikipedia

Yea I said it.

The SEC and some of these other Big Business School's (BBS) are modern day slave owners, with modern day profits.

It's easy to understand why these Big Business Schools (BBS) take that stance.  As long as these student-athletes remain, the BBS will be eligible for tax exemptions that would maximize profits and minimizing their responsibilties (fiscally) toward their athletes.

The last thing the BBS wants, is to do is add a payroll for the 60+ players.

The nature of the relationship is no longer a student-school.  It becomes a job.  And that means benefits and whole array of different problems the BBS would rather avoid.

And the easiest way to do that is call this system something it's not, take an ignorant stance against what is right, and punish the players for trying to survive on nothing.

Terrell Pryor and his antics at Ohio State gave us a glimpse into what the college athlete of today has to struggle with.  Juggling his sport commitment and his academic/scholarship commitment. Trying to feed himself on college food stamps because he has no other form of income.

This whole process doesn't make any sense.  The amount of money allocated to a student player is enough to feed A STUDENT.  Not a student-ATHLETE!  These guys train year round and require a higher calorie intake (especially the bigger guys) than Hubert Q. Student.

To punish an NCAA player for trying to support himself is anathema.  If he owns a jersey, ring, or any other kind of memorabilia, and sells it, so be it.

It's a shame these rules are enforced.  The NCAA rule book is just a thick as the phone book, but with a lot more words and legal talk.  And none of the rules makes sense.

And is something that cannot be swept under the rug anymore.

It seems to have taken more of a (metaphorical) turn into hiding a dead body under an office building, hoping everyone who smells something decaying just keeps on walking, and doesn't ask any questions about the stench that is obviously permeating underneath the NCAA office building.

Matt Forte has lost his leverage

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on twitter

The Chicago Bear's have put Matt Forte in a pickle.  It's amazing what 4 months has accomplished.  Long gone are the fans who turned to social media with hash tags, fantasy football and twitter handles reading: "Pay Forte".


Forte has been reluctant to embrace the position he has been put in, and lost his public composure when the Bear's inked Michael Bush to a 4 year deal ($7 Million Guarented) and spouted off a tweet questioning the dedication of the Bear's and their new GM, Phil Emery.

“There’s only so many times a man that has done everything he’s been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYs do finish last.”

After this tweet, the Chicago fan base has collectively taken a step back.  Many fans understand the position he has been put in.  He is pushing closer to that running back expiration date, would like to have job-security and a few zeros in his bank account to show for what he has accomplished.


This is why he was backed by the fans.


But disrespected??


With $7 Million plus due to him this year, and a 110% raise (if they fail to negotiate a deal and franchise him again) next year, sympathies for the Bear's running back slowly starts to recede.


$7 million a year isn't being "disrespected".

Phil Emery has strategically broke a tackle in this whole fiasco.  By acquiring Brandon Marshall and Martz getting the boot, the offensive dynamic for the Bear's is going to drastically change.


With Brandon Marshall now in the mix, and Michael Bush, a good pass blocker, the Bear's can now become a legitimate passing offense and not lean heavily on Forte's production (to a certain degree), shifting the leverage back to the Bears.


Forte was offered a $14 million (guaranteed) contract, which he turned down.  Number 22 wants guaranteed Adrian Peterson dollars ($36 million guaranteed) or something closer to what Arian Foster received about a month ago ($21 million guaranteed).


Let's be serious.


Is it really that advantageous for the Bear's to recklessly spend that kind of cash?  


Is he worth it?  No and yes would be the answers.

If Forte isn't happy about the position he was put in, that is just unfortunate.  Last summer while we sat nervously waiting to find out if the players and NFL Owners could divide $9 billion dollars, the players had an ample opportunity to negotiate the "franchise tag" out of the league.


My guess, this wasn't high on the priority list and was just not important to NFL players as a group, as revenue sharing and off-the-field football issues took priority.


The Bear's have Forte by the (proverbial) balls.


He isn't going anywhere for at least two seasons and by that time he will be almost 30, with roughly $20 million guarenteed from the Bear's (if they franchise him next year).  


He will have lost even more leverage at that point, and the atitude he has displayed will not help him in future contract talks.


I hope the Bear's work something out.  He is a great runner with speed and explosiveness that will compliment the style of offense Mike Tice is bringing to the Bears.

NBA and it's Over-Expansion

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on Twitter

Dramatic growth through the last 20 years has brought the NBA to new heights.  It's become global phenomenon, and everyone is still trying to be "like Mike".

What's intriguing is how much the NBA has grown (in franchises) and, where they are located.

NBA Champion Shaquille O'neal

In 1988, David Stern decided--due to the growing popularity of the NBA--it was time to expand into 4 small markets (Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, and Minnesota).  7 years later, he added 2 more teams outside the United States in Toronto and Vancouver.

I can see the scheme of David Stern's vision.

Back in the yuppy "greed is good" days, no one zoomed out to look at the big picture.  No one really thought:


"If we expand the league by 6 teams in 7 years, can the small markets survive if the economy slows down?"

And how will this effect the product put on the floor?

"Can the NBA's expansion spread talent so thin it will create a talent gap that can render most teams to a non competitive destiny?"

Another recent trend in the NBA is star players teaming up with each other which has come with mixed reviews.  If you're sports fan "Joe Smith" in Boston, Miami, or New York, you're thinking this is great!!!

Miami & Boston's Big 3

But who suffers in this trend?

Small market teams who become incapable of building their team through free agency.


No big deal.

Most small market teams will be able to build through the draft.

This could be true, but the current NBA draft model is non-friendly to small market teams.



The lottery system is a great idea when a league has a small amount of teams, but with 30 teams, the system is flawed.

This is why parity will never exist in the NBA.

How lopsided would the NFL be if they adopted the lottery system?

The NBA has backed itself into a corner with it's business model and what compounds the problem is no elite players wants to play in a small market.

So most first round draft picks demand a trade, or skip town the moment they are available as a free agent.

The NBA had a chance to fix this problem during the lockout last fall by adding a "franchise tag".  The leverage would shift back to the owners, and teams wouldn't have to answer questions like the Nuggets and Magic did over the last two seasons.

David Stern and the owners rushed to get a CBA done to salvage the year at the cost of the game, and refuses to admit to over expanding.  There is a serious talent gap plaguing the league and it does not seem to be doing anything about it.

450 roster spots are available over the 30 NBA teams.  There isn't enough talent coming out of division one colleges/universities that can supplement a 30 team league into fair competition.

Is there a solution??

I have a few radical suggestions:



Contraction of Small Market Teams


Contract four teams based on attendance over the last ten years, financial burden to the owner(s)/league, and the key factor:


Does said city attract free agents and keep it's star players?


The four teams that fall into this category are the New Orleans Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Bobcats, and the Indiana Pacers.


The Hornets, owned and operated by the NBA, traded away Chris Paul before the season started.  They have one of the worst attendance records since their move to the Bayou.  The NBA owners should just chalk this up as a failure and cut their losses.


The Grizzlies consistently ranks in bottom 7 of the league in attendance and although they made the playoffs, the team also has one of the worst all time NBA records and hasn't been Memphis resident that long.  Cutting ties won't have any long lasting "Lebron-esque" effects.  


The Pacers have been in the bottom 5 of the league in attendance over the last 6 seasons, finishing dead last twice in 4 years.  The team has been showing improvement over the last few seasons, but where are the fans?  If they can't come in droves when the team is flourishing, why keep them there?  It's not like they are going to be attracting Lebron or any other high profile free agents in the near future.


Awarded to Charlotte when the Hornets abruptly left town the Bobcats have ranked in the bottom 10 in attendance, and are 226-381 since their first year in the NBA with only one playoff appearance.  Not exactly a stellar start.  If this team disappeared off the face of the Earth, I'm pretty sure MJ and his accountant would be the only two who'd notice.  


All players should be waived and claimed accordingly.  Anyone that passes waivers becomes a free agent.  


All the talent from those 4 teams would be spread out over the 26 remaining teams creating some depth and stronger competition.




Spread the West Out


The Western Conference is very clustered.  Southern California has the Lakers and Clippers, northern California has the Kings, and the Warriors.  I have excluded Texas from this group because all three cities have a steady attendance record, have won previous championships, and each team isn't packed on top of each other.



Move the Clippers to Seattle

Seattle deserves a NBA franchise and the last thing LA needs is another team.  Seattle gets to preserve the rights to the "SuperSonics" name, however, they do not retain the success the former SuperSonics had.  Those accalaids followed them to Oklahoma City.  


So why not the Clippers?


The team received CP3 in a trade this season, picked up Caron Butler via free agency, and has Blake Griffin dominating underneath the basket.  After Chauncey gets healthy and they add another piece to the bench, were talking about a team that can bring back a title to a city that deserves it.

                                                     


Move the Kings to Las Vegas

Why shouldn't the NBA have a presence in Sin City?  Las Vegas has already hosted an All-Star Game, and hosts the D-League in the summer.  The All-Star Game was a success and the D-League adds another dimension to what the "Mistress of the Desert" has to offer.


Las Vegas has the local economy to support it's own team and the non-stop tourism the city receives through the year.  Not only could the local economy support it's new team, but anyone who is visiting Sin City, will have a chance to catch their home team, and maybe a show afterward.


The best part?  The name carries more than just one meaning.


                                                                       The Las Vegas Kings.





Move the Hornets to San Diego


San Diego State's basketball program's growing popularity is making San Diego thirsty for an NBA franchise again.  Once the original home of the Houston Rockets in the 1960's, the club left due to poor attendance and performance.  


The problem with the former is that in the 60's, San Diego only had a population of 573,000 people (That's smaller than Charlotte, NC).  Almost 50 years later, it has surged to 1.3 million in the city, and over 3 million around the metro area.


A move like this would be highly unlikely due to the lack of an arena deal, but it's still something for the NBA to consider.

Instead of cramming two teams into one city, 3 teams in three of the biggest cities (in California) makes a lot more sense fiscally.  But in reality the NBA will most likely not make any drastic moves.  By contracting the league, David Stern admits he over expanded to early and made a mistake.


But I digress...


The NBA business model has remained the same since 20 years ago, but the landscape in which the league sits has changed.

The new CBA will relieve the owners fiscally (BRI, Revenue sharing, 12% player salary reductions), but won't solve any long term problems for the NBA.

The NFL has parity because they have enough talent coming out of Div. 1 colleges/universities to support a 32 team league.
The NBA doesn't.

College hoops does not provide enough talent to funnel into the NBA to allow parity to exist.  You have a handful of stars that can emerge from the second round of the draft--Carlos Boozer, Monta Ellis, Gilbert Arenas--to name a few.  The only problem is, you're never going to find multiple diamonds in the rough in the same draft--and if you do--that player will most likely be drafted before there's a chance that player will fall to you.

The NBA is a glass of Orange Juice from concentrate.  When mixed thoroughly with the right amount of water, it's a superb product with great smell and taste.

But when there isn't enough concentrate and your adding to much water, what are you left with???

Watered down Orange Juice............

 

Bohemian Grove: The Anti-Burning Man

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on Twitter


"Weaving spiders come not here" is their slogan.  A 40 ft cement owl stands atop an altar amongst pillars of redwood trees in front of a small man made lake.  Different camps are labeled with stone signs with ghoulish icons and some kind of latin phrase carved into it.

What is all of this?

Burning Man 2012?

In 1872, writers and artists--who sought shelter from uncultured frontiersman--started a private all male group on Post & Taylor streets in San Francisco called the Bohemian Club.

What started out as a going away party for a fellow artist, slowly evolved into the club's yearly ritual.

Every two weeks in July this club hosts a two week camp at Bohemian Grove, which is about an hour north of San Francisco.



What's the big deal if a bunch of old rich people want to get together in the woods?

It's just not that simple.

Members of this exclusive club have been some Democrat and Republican presidents, cabinet members, Directors & CEO's of major financial institutions, military contractors, oil companies, utilities, and even national media (print and broadcast) all have high ranking persons as club members or guests.

A lot of US and foreign poilicies are discussed at this two week getaway.  The slogan for this group may be "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here" (Which is basically saying don't talk shop) most of them do.

It's all about networking.

When I used to serve tables I remember being out in social settings with my co-workers and even though we always would say "Let's not discuss work tonight" it always comes up at some point in the night.

Imagine you're a world leader and you're in the same company with other powerful and wealthy men.  If you have your own agenda, but have similar interests, this is the perfect time to network and lobby to get things done.

A small group of powerful men getting together to discuss our country's future while partying it up Burning Man style.  Only one word to describe that.

Wow.

Through my research, it has been suggested that the idea of the "Manhatten project" was first deliberated at the Bohemian Grove.  Before Nixon ran for election, he and Ronald Regan both discussed who would run for president first.  In the summer of 2000, at some point during George W. Bush's two week stay, he chose Dick Cheney as his Vice Presidential running mate.





Cremation of Care Ceremony 


The Ceremony begins with a small boat containing the "Effigy of Care" making its way down the man made lake toward the altar.  

Effigy of Care after being burned

Men in robes receive the effigy and carry it to the center of the altar.

A Druidic Shaman/Priest leads the group in a speech.  It's then followed by some banter  (With Walter Cronckite's voice as the Effigy) and the Shaman/Priest gives a signal for the pyrotechnics to start.

A firework spark is shot at the effigy (signifying a lightning bolt) and is followed by an array of pyrotechnics.

The effigy screams in pain as it is burned and everyone claps.

What is this Pagan Druidic effigy represent?

It represents evil and all that it corrupts.  By sacrificing it, they sacrifice all their worries and fears.

This definetily sounds like Burning Man.  Just on a different level.

They watch (and participate) in plays and comedy shows in which male actors portray female actors.  Plays range from really raunchy comedy, to the classic hero takes on tyranny and becomes the new king.

The overall theme to this get together is to let loose in a very private place, have a great time, do a little networking, but mostly getting away from a daily grind and escaping to a place where you're free to do whatever you please.


Drinking starts early in the day and late into the night.  They bask in their freedom being able to urinate on the redwood trees (who wouldn't?!?!).  Prostitutes are brought in from all over the world and some of the men leave at night to enjoy their company (Women aren't allowed on the premises after a certain time of day).

Burning Man. Black Rock City, NV

There are a lot of Americans who are spooked by this activity of our world leaders.  A percentage of some feel that a small concentrated group of men making decisions for the well being of the masses is not what democracy stands for.  Really?

What do you think Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Hancock, Hamilton and the rest of the Continental Congress were doing in 1776?

Another group of people are freaked out by these Pagan/Druidic rituals and are convinced there is some kind of conspiracy theory behind all of this.

Have these people ever heard of Burning Man?  Probably not.

Burning Man is a social experiment based on self reliance (It's held in the Black Rock Desert for 7 days), radical self expression and participating any way you can.

Aerial view of Burning Man Festival

OK, so it might be a little different from the Bohemian Grounds.

There is one similarity these two gatherings share that have convinced me this is the sole reason for their existence.

It's people trying to escape the daily grind of life who want to be one with nature and go to a place where they are free to express themselves and do whatever they want.  And get pretty drunk in the process.

Proud to be an American.

Jerry Angelo Fired. Problem Solved?

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on Twitter


In 2005, when most NFL teams were drafting their QB of the future, Jerry Angelo was drafting a power running back from Texas.  (I refuse to mention his name)

To Angelo's credit, he did draft Bear's "QB of the future" Rex Grossman in 2003, but that is also to his discredit.

Then, Angelo traded for Jay Cutler in 2009.

Jerry "I'm Fired" Angelo

OK good.  The Bear's were late showing up to the "Passing League" party, but at least they showed up.  Right?

Like the Arizona Cardinals found out this year, bringing in a franchise QB won't make you better.  It just unmasks your offense's weakness'.

Jerry Angleo was fired for not having an adequate back up QB the last few seasons.  But he also paid that price because he lacked knowledge when it came to drafting NFL players.

Since Angelo took over as GM in 2002, he has drafted 82 players. Only 22 of them are still in the NFL.

That means he's only batting .268 folks.  (Or 1 out 4 players goes on to have success)

I wish this is where the buck stopped.  It isn't.

After his blockbuster trade for Cutler, Angelo failed to rebuild the offensive line, surround his QB with a top ten receiving corps, and build a defensive line around Julius Peppers.

So they fired him.

We're still digging a little deeper here.

Ted Phillips has taken a step in the right direction. It's time to get a fresh face and someone with new ideas in Hallas Hall.  I'm sure the draft philosophies will change.  (Fingers crossed)

Ted Phillips

What about the philosophy of how the Bear's bring in new wide receivers??

Is that going to change?

Since Angelo, the Bear's front office have stuck to drafting a WR and allowing him to develop from within the system.   (Gage, Wade, Bradley, Knox)

There have been numerous attempts to bring in other team's garbage in hopes they can turn their career around in Chicago.

"Moose"

That failed.

In his 9 years as GM, Angelo only made one "big" free agency splash in the wide receiver market.

"Moose" Muhammad in 2005.

Eh.

Moose wasn't a great pick up.  But what were they (what was I) expecting from a 32 year old WR that had back to back 1,000+ receiving yards (99-00) and then a misleading 1,405 yards in 2004.

The season before he was released and signed with the Bears.

He never hit the 1,000 yard mark again in his career after that.

It will be interesting to see who the Bears will hire as their new GM.  Ted Phillips has a "big" decision to make here.  If he makes the wrong decision, it might be his last.

Jerry Angelo is gone, Love is staying, and now Ted Phillips is in charge of hiring a new GM. If philosophies don't change, Chicago will be looking at Phillips.  

What if all the Bears issues are coming from a higher source?  Will the trail of this stench lead all the way to the top??

I guess we're about to find out.  Brace yourself, it's going to be another rough to ride.

Brett Favre and his Legacy

by Joe Persinger
@Brew_Mastr_Joe on Twitter




In the second round of the 1991 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons drafted some no name kid from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

Traded to Green Bay at the age of 23, what a gift he was to the city and franchise.  


At the time, the Packer's had not posted a winning season since the end of the Lombardi era.  They were the laughing stock of the NFL.  It was a glorious time for Bears fan.


OK, I'm a little biased when it comes to that opinion.  But still.


Favre started as the clipboard holder that year until Dan Majkowski injured a ligament in week three sidelining him for three weeks.  That was the end of Majkowski's career in Green Bay.

Week four of the '92 season started the longest consecutive starts streak for a quarterback in NFL history.  

It's been 19 seasons, 2 teams, and one un-retirement since Favre took the field that Sunday afternoon. Now he finds himself at home, cutting his lawn, and living outside of the media circus he would bring to town with him.


Should this hurt his legacy?? Taint it?


He holds NFL record's in wins(184), completions(6,300), attempts(10,169), yards(71,838), and touchdowns (508).  Did I mention he is the only quarterback with 500 plus touchdowns, and 70,000 plus passing yards??  


Apparently so.

How anyone could dismiss this, I'll never understand.


How can you not respect this??

He holds the NFL record for most career interceptions (333).  So what?  When you have 6,263 completions, your bound to throw an interception.  


Out of a list of many accomplishments, his 333 interceptions really puts a blemish on his record.  But if you consider how many touchdown passes he's thrown, it seems less costly.


And mostly because it's out weighed by his many other impressive feat's.  

11 pro-bowl selections, NFL MVP 3 consecutive years in a row,  a 5 time the NFC Player of the Year, he won 2 NFC Championships, and has 1 Super Bowl appeareance.  


That's not even all of them.  


His "iron man" record of consecutive starts is one of his most impressive feats.  He's played with an injured thumb, through drug addiction, after numerous tragedies and now at his ripe age of 42, he STILL played with a bum ankle, elbow, and shoulder for the Vikings in 2010.  


A quarterback's elite status has always been measured by his success' in the playoffs, and most importantly, the Super Bowl.  And the Gunslinger has had mixed results. 

So what is his legacy??



I guess that depends which sideline your standing on...