The eyes of the Philadelphia sports world will be on two places today. I’m guessing neither of them is in China.
The Phillies open a three-game series against the Pirates that they should sweep. But if their anemic bats don’t come to life, they might struggle, not just to win, but also to hold on to first place in the National League East.
But those not at Citizens Bank Park likely will be staring at flat-screen TVs. Yes, football season starts tonight, with the Eagles in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
There’s almost nothing as boring as exhibition football, but that won’t stop Iggles faithful from examining every throw by Donovan McNabb in what likely will be little more than a cameo performance.
Of course, the rest of the world will be dazzled by what is going on in Beijing, and the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games.
A confession here. The Olympics lost their thrill for me a long time ago. In particular, I kind of struggle with the summer games. At least in winter, you’re going to be inside anyhow, and you can snuggle up next to the fireplace and check out the winter action.
I’d rather be out on the porch listening to the Phils than watching the Summer Games. OK, the truth is I’ll be glued to the TV watching the meaningless action involving the Eagles.
Why do I say meaningless? Here’s why. It’s a question I ask every year. Tell me one thing you remember from last year’s pre-season games. Thought so.
It’s not that Delco doesn’t have a rooting interest in the Olympics. We’ll pay a lot of attention to Havertown swimmer Brendan Hansen and his efforts to win the gold medal that so far has eluded him. He’ll be taking part in the 100-meter breast stroke this weekend and will be part of the U.S. medley relay team later on. Our own John Lohn will be in Beijing to cover Hansen. You can see John’s coverage in sports, and check his blog from Beijing as well.
And the U.S. Rowing team has a distinctively Delco flavor to it. The coxswain for the men’s eight team, Marcus McElhenny, is from Lansdowne. He’s a Monsignor Bonner alum.
And the legendary Teti rowing family has put their stamp on the U.S. rowing team. Paul Teti, an Upper Darby native, is appearing in his third Olympics with the men’s lightweight four team. His father, Paul is coaching the team. They’re also both Bonner boys.
I wish them all well. I hope they bring back gold.
Maybe then can then tell Eagles owner Jeff Lurie what a real gold standard is.
The Phillies open a three-game series against the Pirates that they should sweep. But if their anemic bats don’t come to life, they might struggle, not just to win, but also to hold on to first place in the National League East.
But those not at Citizens Bank Park likely will be staring at flat-screen TVs. Yes, football season starts tonight, with the Eagles in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.
There’s almost nothing as boring as exhibition football, but that won’t stop Iggles faithful from examining every throw by Donovan McNabb in what likely will be little more than a cameo performance.
Of course, the rest of the world will be dazzled by what is going on in Beijing, and the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games.
A confession here. The Olympics lost their thrill for me a long time ago. In particular, I kind of struggle with the summer games. At least in winter, you’re going to be inside anyhow, and you can snuggle up next to the fireplace and check out the winter action.
I’d rather be out on the porch listening to the Phils than watching the Summer Games. OK, the truth is I’ll be glued to the TV watching the meaningless action involving the Eagles.
Why do I say meaningless? Here’s why. It’s a question I ask every year. Tell me one thing you remember from last year’s pre-season games. Thought so.
It’s not that Delco doesn’t have a rooting interest in the Olympics. We’ll pay a lot of attention to Havertown swimmer Brendan Hansen and his efforts to win the gold medal that so far has eluded him. He’ll be taking part in the 100-meter breast stroke this weekend and will be part of the U.S. medley relay team later on. Our own John Lohn will be in Beijing to cover Hansen. You can see John’s coverage in sports, and check his blog from Beijing as well.
And the U.S. Rowing team has a distinctively Delco flavor to it. The coxswain for the men’s eight team, Marcus McElhenny, is from Lansdowne. He’s a Monsignor Bonner alum.
And the legendary Teti rowing family has put their stamp on the U.S. rowing team. Paul Teti, an Upper Darby native, is appearing in his third Olympics with the men’s lightweight four team. His father, Paul is coaching the team. They’re also both Bonner boys.
I wish them all well. I hope they bring back gold.
Maybe then can then tell Eagles owner Jeff Lurie what a real gold standard is.
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