Jun 3rd, 2010
by rabbifink.
One of the most famous lines in any movie is uttered by the inimitable Jimmy Dugan, played by Tom Hanks in a League of Their Own. Dugan says to a player of his who is crying (and happens to be a woman) that “There’s no crying in baseball”.
I’ve made a censored version of the video and embedded it below if you have no idea what I am talking about.
I’ve never quite understood why there is no crying in baseball, nor why this line is so famous. It doesn’t even make any sense to me. And yet, here we are. Everyone knows there’s no crying in baseball and no one knows why.
Try telling Jim Joyce and Armando Galarraga that there is no crying in baseball. (more…)
May 17th, 2010
by rabbifink.
The Zen Master has spoken. (Again. Remember? The Zen Master Speaks on Curses, Karma and Mitzvahs)
When asked about the Arizona Immigration Law – state Senate Bill 1070, by ESPN.com columnist J.A. Adande, Jackson raised a few eyebrow. In fact he raised enough eyebrows that a protest is planned for tonight’s game at Staples Center in Downtown LA.
The LA Times has a full report here: Activists protest Lakers Coach Phil Jackson’s comments on Arizona’s new immigration law
What did Jackson say that set off the protesters? (more…)
Mar 10th, 2010
by rabbifink.
Yesterday I wrote about a great film in Simple Justice | The Story of Brown v. Board of Education: The End of Separate But Equal in Schools. Civil Rights made tremendous strides in the wake of Brown. It was a tumultuous time and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the way to racial equality.
Today, we have a president that represents the progress on behalf of all minorities. What was unthinkable a generation ago, is the reality of our world. Imagine a 70 year old black man from the deep south who remembers attending a segregated school and looks in the newspaper in 2010 and sees someone who would have been institutionally discriminated against as the leader of the free world. What a feeling that must be…
But along with the good, comes some bad. In the last few weeks I have seen some examples of Reverse Discrimination as well as oversensitivity. (more…)
Nov 17th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Every casual sports fan in the universe has heard about the big 4th down play that cost the Patriots a victory in their epic matchup with the Colts this past Sunday
Facing 4 and 2 yards to go on their own 28 yard line, Belichik elected to go for the first down and not punt the ball away. The stakes were very high as a failed attempt would give the Colts an almost certain victory and a punt would make their task more difficult but far from impossible. So Belichik rolled the dice. The play actually worked, but they did not get the yardage needed for the 1st down.
The Colts took over on downs and patiently scored the winning touchdown with mere seconds left on the clock.
Below is a video of the play. (more…)
Sep 21st, 2009
by rabbifink.
Rosh Hashana at Pacific Jewish Center was wonderful. The services were inspiring, the attendance was excellent and the mood properly reflected the importance of the days.
I spoke from the pulpit several times over the holiday.
There was certainly an over-arching theme to my sermons. Each had its own individual message but overall they reflected an idea that I feel is central to Rosh Hashana, judgment, repentance, Judaism and Humanity.
It is too easy to get caught up in ourselves. We hope for a good verdict, we try to be the best people we can be as individuals.
For me, the greater challenge is fitting in the group. Every time I spoke over the Holiday, the underlying theme was Unity. (more…)
Jul 12th, 2009
by rabbifink.
This is Manny. Manny Ramirez.
Believe it or not, Manny is one of the greatest right handed hitters in Baseball history. He is also a 2 time World Series Champion and 1 time World Series MVP. Manny was also recently suspended from baseball for 50 games for violating the league’s Substance Abuse Policy when he tested positive for a substance used to hide performance enhancing drug use.
In other words, he cheated. And yet, he is adored and loved, cheered and ballyhooed. Why?
You don’t need to be a baseball fan to continue reading.
(more…)
Jun 2nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
A few months back I hinted at a future post about athletes and their role in our society as role models.
This past weekend I was reminded about my feelings on the subject. What I feel is what I believe to be the Torah approach but is of consequence and significance to anyone and everyone.
Over the weekend the NBA Conference Finals were settled. Something that happened after one team was eliminated has caused a media frenzy. (more…)
May 20th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I cannot get enough Malcolm Gladwell.
Every time I read his work I walk away impressed, enriched and thirsting for more.
Previously I blogged about his book Outliers, which was super. Today I am writing about a recent Gladwell column in the New Yorker. I don’t subscribe to the New Yorker but periodically I check it our online. This week I had the pleasure of enjoying yet another Gladwell gem.
This time Gladwell is talking about sports and for me it is a lesson about life. (more…)
Apr 24th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Look, I enjoy sports. (Go Lakers). But this is getting ridiculous!
Nearly 48 thousand people have voted (as of this posting) on the current poll in ESPN.com that asks the following query:
Who do you know more about?
- Potential First Round Picks in the NFL Draft
- People in your office/class
I am surprised by the results.
(more…)
Mar 11th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A few days ago I read a really great article on espn.com (- not kidding).
The article is about three of the biggest prima donnas in sports. Even if you don’t follow / like sports this article is a worthwhile read.
The social commentary in the article speaks volumes about American culture. We live in a world that values youth over all else. Everyone wants to look younger, act younger, date younger – be younger! (more…)
Jan 29th, 2009
by rabbifink.
On the home page for ESPN.com I noticed a new article by Paul Lukas of Uni Watch fame. Lukas writes about the nuances and idiosyncrasies of sports uniforms.He notices everything from commemorative patches to new piping along the sides of a jersey. Nothing gets past the ever watchful eye of Uni Watch.
The article that caught my eye was about a religious Pentecostal high school basketball team. Turns out these guys don’t wear shorts. Ever. Including basketball games. Immediately I was reminded of my elementary school days.
(more…)
One of the most famous lines in any movie is uttered by the inimitable Jimmy Dugan, played by Tom Hanks in a League of Their Own. Dugan says to a player of his who is crying (and happens to be a woman) that “There’s no crying in baseball”.
