Category: Indiana University Hoosier (I.U) Sports (Page 29 of 31)

Indiana University Hoosier athletics

Retirement is not without Hassles: Holiday Parties #773

December 15, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s been an unusual week, centered around the flu and a doctor’s appointment that literally made me sick. We attended my wife’s company party a week ago, completing the first leg of our holiday journey. Tonight, my wife plays the role of gracious boss by cooking for her co-worker and his wife. As this endless string of parties continue, a week from now we’ll gather with a group of friends for our annual get-together for dinner. We chose El Gaucho Steakhouse for this year’s feast. The following day we’ll fly back to Indiana for this year’s grand finale. It’s no wonder that we’ll need a quiet New Year’s Eve to properly recuperate.

Both my wife and I went into the holiday rush this year feeling sick. Imagine how we’ll feel if we somehow make it to New Year’s? She missed a day-and-a-half of work and a corporate dinner, while I missed two days of retirement. In my case, I was just trying to be proactive about my health, and regrettably reminded my doctor of an overdue pneumococcal vaccine. In fact, I had just completed a successful exam and was ready to walk out the door when I pointed out the oversight. It was the second of the vaccines recommended to senior citizens over 65, supposedly designed to avoid pneumonia and save lives. It made my arm swell-up around the injection point and took me out of commission for two days. I have never had an allergic reaction this bad to any form of medication, so I immediately began to think that it was some sort of genocide conspiracy against the aging. One shot and it eliminates Social Security and pension payments, plus ultimately saves on medical costs to society. Merry f***** Christmas!

A healthier kick-of to the Holidays began for my wife and I at Disneyland a few weeks ago. Seasonal music and festive holiday decorations added to the Disney magic. My favorite holiday moment so far this year was watching the endless stream of performing choirs unite in a candlelight processional. “Believe…in Holiday Magic” filled the skies with fireworks. The Park is particularly impressive during the Holidays, creating vivid memories, although it seemed long in the past as I fought off chills, fever. stiffness, headaches, and loss of appetite. I did, however, still manage to do my exercises and run a mile, but only slightly over, to barely maintain The Streak before I took another 3-hour nap.

I got an early Christmas gift this afternoon, an Indiana basketball victory over state rival Butler. The men in red and white needed a last second, off-balance shot to earn the victory, as the ball somehow dropped down the chimney. HO HO HOW? Santa should be delivering a lot of I.U. apparel this year after Freshman Rob Phinisee DID IT and not THE BUTLER. Tomorrow, on the 3rd day of Christmas, I’m hoping for a Chicago Bears win over the evil Green Bay Packers. Gotta go – our next Holiday Party is about to start – our dinner guests are arriving!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Prime #769

December 12, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Infinity/Comcast finally added Amazon Prime to its lineup, giving me the freedom to watch their movies on my big screen TVs. Before, I could only view shows like Bosch and Tin Star on my computer, but with my new set-up I now have access to Goliath and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in the bedrooms, living room, and office. I’ve always used it for shopping and buying collectibles, so this makes my subscription even more practical.

A few days ago, I was in Santa Barbara enjoying a half-day of California sunshine. Pleasant weather has not been the case in Portland these past few days. It also turned out to be a bad soccer weekend with two disappointing losses from my teams, but I.U. basketball and the Bears gave me fresh hope despite the clouds. I got back in time for my wife’s Holiday Party and have now settled-in for a couple weeks at home. The next airplane will take me to Chicago for Christmas Eve, Eve.

Today was filled with errands, including a scheduled doctor appointment and shuttle service back-and-forth to the Dog spa. Yesterday, I was feeling poorly, spending most of my time on my butt watching Amazon Prime. This morning was even worse as a stomach ache transitioned into a gross touch of flu. After paying homage to the porcelain god, both sitting and standing, I struggled through day 3,615 of “The Streak” with one of my slowest times of the year. There was little energy left for the rest of the day, and my blood pressure registered at one of the lowest levels I can ever remember – that’s a good thing!

I also tried to tackle a do-it-yourself project and found myself with even less patience than ever. My wife allows me to do electrical work, having proved my worth on several occasions. I do not have her permission to work on too many things around the house, especially if there’s paint involved. In this case, she ordered three sconces for our hallway that were sitting in their shipping boxes awaiting my attention. I stared at them a long time before I felt good enough to take any action. They now elegantly cover three not so attractive electrical boxes that were left by the former owner four years ago. Tonight, the lights are shining, so I accomplished something constructive despite my puniness.

My friends are busy organizing a college baseball trip to Seattle in early March, but my wife is caught-up in budget meetings and may not be able to go with me. At that time, we’re just returning from some business meetings in February and just a couple of weeks away from a trip to Thailand. It’s unfortunate timing, but involves both Indiana University and Oregon State, two of my college baseball favorites. If you’ll remember, last year I watched the Beavers play in the College World Series. They are the defending champions! If I book now, I can do better than a Motel 6. (See Post #766). In the meantime, it’s Prime Time!

Old Sport Shorts: Futbol #765

December 9, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Are you ready for some Futbol? It’s that “foreign” brand of action focused around maneuvering a black-and-white round-ball rather than an oblong pigskin with stitches. Furthermore, it’s decided on a pitch rather than a gridiron, and is designated a match as opposed to a game. There is no trophy or Super Bowl; instead a cup, plus your team can never get more than one point at a time. It’s top-of mind for me these next few days with the College Cup in Santa Barbara and the MLS Cup in Atlanta.

This year’s College Cup developed into primarily a BIG Ten tournament plus the Akron Zips. My Indiana Hoosiers are the the top remaining seed, so I had to see them inaction. They’ve won this 8 times already and I’ve followed them on TV and radio, hoping to make up for recent dismal I.U. basketball and football seasons. My Alma Mater was also once a powerhouse in swimming, diving, and track, with many Olympic Gold Medal conquests. I tend to follow the sport that favors my chances of winning; a true fair-weather fan! That’s also why I’m in sunny Santa Barbara. Go Hoosiers!

Futbol, in general, has gotten much more respect in recent years and certainly after the advent ofcable and conference networks. ESPN will carry these games, so watch for me in the IU crowd. I’ll be dressed in red, but so will Maryland fans. An undefeated I.U.squad got to the finals last year and lost to Stanford in a painful kick-off. Can we flash the Victory sign and make it 9?

Other Portland Futbol fans are headed to Atlanta, and 72,000 seat Mercedes Benz Stadium. TheTimbers have sent a long log ahead of their fans, hoping that many slices will be sawn off by Timber Joey’s chainsaw. Slice equals Goal for those not familiar with this ritual. Unfortunately, the home pitch makes the Atlanta United a heavy favorite, but the match still has to be played.

I’m coming back early from Santa Barbara for my wife’s Holiday Party so I can’t make Sunday’s game, regardless of the outcome of the Hoosiers and Turtles. Does anybody need a ticket? I’ll also be in the air for the important IU basketball game against rival Louisville, another round-ball battle. I should get back on the ground in time for the Timbers’ game that is part of the evening’s entertainment at her company event. In fact, her TV station is carrying the match-up for all the marbles.

When I go to bed Saturday night I’ll know three answers: Will I be buying another Timbers scarf to hang on my office wall? Will I be ready for some more college futbol on Sunday or will our season be over? Finally, will the Hoosier basketball team be able to beat Louisville in my favorite collegiate sport?

Caleb Porter, who guided the Portland Timbers to the 2015 Championship game, played at Indiana,and coached at Akron. That is the extent of my soccer knowledge, inhibited by the fact that the game was even more “foreign” when I was a kid of the 50s and 60s. Indiana has already defeated both the Maryland Terrapins and Michigan State Spartans, the other two BIG contenders for the prestigious College Cup. I’m always up for good college sports hence the reason for my spur-of-the-moment excursion to Santa Barbara, the host city. The total cost was less than $400.

My first memorable soccer experience dates back to the mid-80s and a radio station promotion involving an exhibition match by the Chicago Sting? I had a hat autographed by all the players that I framed and gave to my son. He did engage in some soccer, but mostly raced BMX bikes, played rugby, and competed in swimming & diving. Soccer was not a big part of his life either. I’ve been to a couple of Timber’s matches here in Portland, but mostly try to tune-in. It’s the festivities around the game that sparked my interest with the waving of scarves, chants, songs, and chainsaw noises. I‘ll be interested to see how the college crowds compare?

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a long night for us Hoosier futbol fans. Despite numerous attempts, nothing got past the Maryland goalkeeper. The Terrapins scored twice to claim a spot in the championship game against Akron. The I.U pep band was the highlight of the evening, being the only team with this level of student support. Nonetheless, the tournament shutout or whitewash streak came sadly to an end, and Maryland will play again on Sunday, once I’m safely settled back in chilly Portland.

Old Sport Shorts: Knight-mares #759

December 3, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I’m back in the saddle after a long weekend at Disneyworld, catching up on some programs I recorded while experiencing The Nightmare before Christmas at the Park. While I was gone, I also made plans to go to Santa Barbara this Friday to watch the College Cup, the soccer version of basketball’s Final Four, where my alma mater Indiana Hoosiers will make a 20th appearance. On fifteen of those occasions they won the first game and then went on to win the National Championship 8 times – will they make it 9? The program was finally established as a varsity sport the year I graduated in 1973, after being only recognized as a club sport since 1947. A friend of mine played on one of those untouted teams.

When I was in school it was all about basketball, with Bob Knight in his second year as coach of the storied program. The 1972-73 team was his first to go to the Final Four, but at a time when UCLA was still dominant. Swimming & Diving was also a big deal on campus, having just won a National title with Mark Spitz and John Kinsella. Soccer was a non-factor on my list of sports favorites, so it became important only when the Hoosiers starting winning Championships.

This morning I watched the ESPN 30 For 30 special that brought back a lot of memories. It focuses on a controversial “choking” incident during a basketball practice session with former player Neil Reid. It was initially released as a premium incentive for app subscribers, so I was not part of the first group of viewers to first see it. I’m a big supporter of Bob Knight despite his tactics of intimidation. I’ve also seen the media make much out of nothing with disturbing exaggerations of his behavior, including an accidental “head-butting” incident that was disceivingly presented as a reoccuring loop of over-and-over strikes to the forehead head.

There were no complaints about Bob Knight until he started losing. I met him at the Maui Classic one year, but was never able to really talk with him until July 26, 2012. I bought a $50 ticket for a political fundraiser in Dripping Springs, Texas where he was speaking. I expected a big crowd, but instead it was at a private home with few Indiana basketball fans. I spent about a half-hour with him in the kitchen, discussing one of his former players that is a friend of my wife and I. It turned uncomfortable when I mentioned another friend, a popular IU broadcaster that he apparently detested. I saw the dark side that so many talk about – that Jekyll & Hyde personality.

It was shortly after our conversation and during his speech to the small group that his phone started buzzing. He tried to ignore it but the ringing persisted to the point where he took the call, promptly completed his speech, and left abruptly. It was later that night that I heard about Neil Reid’s unexpected death. Knight was under contract with ESPN as an analyst at that time and I’m sure the calls were regarding the nightmarish incident that changed both of their lives.

Knight left Indiana a bitter man and never returned to the campus. He has gotten together with his former players several times at the Workingman’s Friend in Indianapolis, but will always keep his distance from the Bloomington campus. For the most part, they continue to support him. The 30 For 30 special shows mostly his ugly side, but there were so many honorable things that he did behind the scenes for his players, the I.U. library, and the University in general. I felt many emotions as I watched the story unfold through the eyes of the camera. Most of us loathed Neil Reid and viewed him as a “snot-nosed punk,” but he gets long-overdue respect from reporter Robert Abbott. Bob Knight “The General” made his short life a Knight-mare.

Old Sport Shorts: Turkey Bowl #746

November 22, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s been a few posts since I’ve covered the world of sports, and what better day than Thanksgiving? The turkey is in the oven and the Bears are in the Lions den. Here in the Northwest it’s a breakfast game with an early start, as opposed to an afternoon start back home in Indiana. Today, it’s da bird and da Bears!

Turkey Bowls started in 1876 with an annual clash between college foes Yale and Princeton, but games between the University of Michigan and the Chicago Maroons (University of Chicago) in the 1890s are credited for “the beginning of Thanksgiving Day football.” Professional football games on this day also date back to the 1890s with the Allegany Athletic Association of Pittsburgh. For the Chicago Bears, “Turkey Bowls” began against the Chicago Cardinals in 1922 and then switched to the Lions in 1934. For the Lions, owner George A. Richards organized games on Thanksgiving as a gimmick to sell tickets and to continue a tradition begun by the city’s previous NFL teams. Richards also owned WJR radio and was able to negotiate an agreement with NBC to carry his games across the network. This is why the Lions are still associated with today’s holiday.

The Bears last played on Thanksgiving in 2015 and beat the Packers after losing to the Lions in 2014. However, they never played in the 60s when I was growing up. As a result, during Thanksgiving dinners with my cousins, the TV was always on in the background but without the “Monsters of the Midway” the games rarely attracted my interest. We had our own version of the Turkey Bowl in my high school years, with memories of a dusting of snow on the field where we played. It was only a victory if no one got hurt. I’ve actually also been to a college game on Thanksgiving Day between the Texas Longhorns and state-rival A&M.

With regard to other sports, the Maui Invitational Basketball Classic brings back memories of round-ball and turkey. Gonzaga won last night over a Duke team that I thought might challenge the I.U. undefeated season of 1976, a record that has stood now for two-thirds of my life. The Zags still might do it, as they savor the victory with a Thanksgiving meal by the beach. I may return for this turkey tradition in 2020, along with the Hoosiers. Also, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving weekend without the Old Oaken Bucket battle. It’s been played annually since 1920, with Purdue leading the all-time series over Indiana 73-41-6. The Boilers have won the first and last meeting but Indiana will have home field advantage tomorrow. I like to refer to it as the “Toilet Bowl,” where one team or the other barely earns enough victories to qualify for a consolation bowl game. Tomorrow is no exception, with equal 5-6 records! Who will get the gravy?

Without much rest from the Sunday Night’s huge victory over the Vikings, an injured Mitchell Trubisky, and the home field advantage for the Lions, I don’t harbor much hope. In fact, it’s one of the shortest turn-around games in NFL history. Da Bears lead the NFC North with a 7-3 record and a 1.5 game advantage on the defending division champion Vikings. We’ll start our drive to Bend before the game ends this morning, but I’m glad I got a little taste of Bears football to start my 68th Thanksgiving.

Old Sport Shorts: Rainbows #720

October 28, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I feel that my Sports fortunes changed today, so I experienced the overwhelming need to gloat or at least rejoice. I tuned into Indiana University soccer just in time to watch them win an overtime thriller over Michigan State. I had just sent a note to my college friends to remind them that the game was on and they, in turn, warned me not to watch in the interest of the team. I texted back that it was too late, I actually saw them win live, so my luck had certainly changed. I’m sure my skeptical friends were caught by surprise, especially after listening to me bitch about the misfortunes of my favorite teams, and knowing that I could could once again watch and win.

My good friend always speaks facetiously about rainbows. Seeing them in his mind’s eye is how he supposedly maintains his cool as our teams often falter. He always encourages me to “think rainbows” instead of spouting profanities, as I often do. He’s the optimistic alternative to my pessimistic ways. He follows similar teams that I do, and has watched our I.U. football consistently forget there’s a fourth quarter, our basketball team stumble the last ten years, and the University of Oregon Ducks fall short too frickin’ often; not to mention the Cubs, Mariners, White Sox, Pacers, and Trail Blazers, so there must be merit in his words. I, on the other hand, don’t see how it really matters how I react to a loss – it’s still a damn loss! Rainbows – Schmainbows!

We’ve all had to to go outside the traditional boundaries of our interest growing-up to end the losing drought of the past few years, although the Cubs brought some relief with a long-overdue World Series Crown two years ago. We put our support behind the Oregon State baseball team to celebrate a National Championship, and have had to find solace with soccer through the Portland Timbers and our Alma Mater. The problem is that Hoosier soccer has seen great success these past few years but there are few trophies to show for it. The Timbers won it all in 2015, while I.U. lost the National Championship with only one loss all year! I saw no rainbows in that! To make matters worse, despite 35 consecutive BIG Conference victories, it was the ties that cost us the hardware. How does a true competitor react to a worthless tie that only soccer sees as an appropriate way to settle a match?

The storm has apparently passed and today marked the first signs of a rainbow. The Bears, Colts, and Hoosiers all won today, and as icing on the cake, the Packers lost. I.U. won the BIG regular season trophy for the first time in eight years going a perfect 8-0. For 31 consecutive years, the team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament, and 10 straight years before that one off-year in 1986. They have not won the BIG tournament in five years, and have never won it in basketball, that finally starts again this week. I’m hoping this optimistic rainbow over my head leads to many victories in 2019. Unfortunately, the National League could not prevail in the World Series, so my Cub’s favorites were never really in serious contention. This will have to change in years to come!

Here’s to rainbows throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019. 2018 has been a tough year, so I’m looking forward to future prosperity in my world of sports. I don’t expect the Bears to win the Superbowl, but I’d like to see an end to the endless criticism about draft choices, and I’d like to see the Colts see a full year of benefits out of Andrew Luck. Maybe more in 2020? Furthermore, I’d like to see freshman Romeo Langford exceed all expectations at Indiana on the basketball court, and lead the team to a pot of gold. In addition, I would wish for another Hoosier NCAA soccer title, their 9th and first in 6 years. I’d like to see another I.U. football bowl bid, and back-to-back Oregon State College World Series titles. I’d also like to see the Timbers take it all, and the Cubs or White Sox back in division contention. The Ducks and Trail Blazers are not necessarily a priority for me personally, but local favorites certainly deserve success. At least, providing a fall-back if my other favorites fail. I’ve certainly seen enough rain here in the Northwest, but not enough rainbow aftermaths to make it all worthwhile. Show me the colors of the Rainbow!

Old Sport Shorts: Post Season #707

October 17, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I could have, or rather should be watching the Cubs play today. I’ve got the Post Season Blues! My wife and I were in LA last year at this time, to watch them be painfully eliminated by the Dodgers. This year was even worse, losing the Central Division to the Brewers in a Tie-Breaker game and then falling to the Rockies in a Wildcard showdown to quickly end the season. As a result, the Brewers have claimed their Championship trophy as well as their dugout seats at Chavez Ravine, and I’m watching at home. I’m certainly glad they have afternoon games for the benefit of us retirees.

I haven’t written about sports in two weeks now since nothing positive has happened in my world, and I’m still probably in mourning. Even the always reliable I.U soccer team gave up an unprecedented three goals in a loss to Kentucky. In fact, it’s been more than two years since Notre Dame beat them 4-0 in 2016. I.U. Football got off to a good start, but sputtered badly these past couple weeks. My Chicago Bears have lost their last two games. Basketball season hasn’t officially started yet, and I would need to stretch my interests to include the Portland Timbers to find any recent promise. The only news out of the Cubs was the firing of their hitting coach, John Mallee, and consequential hiring of Anthony Iapoce – if that’s anything to get excited about?

I continue to root for the Brewers, despite my sour grapes tendencies to be a bitter loser. It’s easier to stomach since the Astros, Red Sox, and Dodgers are not among my team favorites. The Milwaukee Brewers have never won a World Series, and the franchise has been deprived since 1957, so they continue to have my sympathetic support. Also, it’s nothing new but I’m not optimistic about the I.U. Hoosier football chances against Penn State this week, although they are still on-track for a minor Bowl bid.

Regarding the top-heavy NBA, the Portland Trailblazers will probably have another underwhelming season, while the Indiana Pacers are too far away to generate any sustained interest. Despite my current pessimistic view about sports in general, I actually have high expectations for Coach Archie Miller and his much-talked about recruiting class at Indiana University, my Cream & Crimson Alma Mater. It’s only 15 short days until their exhibition debut against Southern Indiana and anticipation is running high.

To cover one more aspect of my sports interests, we’re starting to receive some wine shipments from our recent visit to Napa Valley. The one I’m anticipating the most is from the Andretti Vineyards. I had no idea the Mario and his family were in the wine business, but it makes sense with the Sonoma Raceway in his back yard. I’m adding a couple of Andretti-produced Indy 500 100-year anniversary bottles to my sports collection that already includes some Cubs wine celebrating the 2016 World Series Champions. I did enjoy going to the Portland International Speedway a few months ago, and seeing the impressive Andretti garage and hospitality set-up. Unfortunately, nephew Marco Andretti was eliminated in the very first turn of the track, a familiar curse that has plagued the family on race day. Son Michael, a current team owner, is related to one of my wife’s co-workers. Mario was great at qualifying and still holds a record with 67 poles, but experienced a lot of misfortune on Sundays. The classic announcer line was always, “Mario is slowing down!” Although he is one of my racing heroes, I once wrote this silly but short poem, that I’m sure the family wouldn’t appreciate:

Mar-i-o

Mar-i-o,
Oh Mar-i-o.
Please tell me,
It Ain’t so.

Round and round,
You’d quickly go.
Then suddenly,
You’d start to slow.

Became a fan,
In Sixty-Nine.
When your Lotus,
Ran just fine.

Granatelli’s kiss?
Is this curse true?
They took Eighty-One,
Away from you.

Bad Valve?
Or out of gas?
You had to sit,
And watch them pass.

You’ve lost a wheel,
Burned your face.
Mechanical failures,
Cost many a race.

Exhaust pipe,
Or another crash.
Indy became,
A Mario bash.

Could you win,
Another crown?
No, Mar-i-o,
“Is slowing down.”

Mar-i-o,
Oh Mar-i-o.
Please tell me,
It Ain’t so.

Old Sport Shorts: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly #673

September 25, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It was impossible for all my teams to win yesterday, since the Cubs and White Sox were playing each other. The White Sox season was essentially over Saturday night when the Cubs claimed the Crosstown Cup in addition to gaining even greater odds for post-season play. It was good to get back to the ball park – regardless of the name. As I looked down over the parking lot from the top of Guaranteed Rate Field, I could see the outline of the original Comiskey Park home plate that my baseball hero Sherm Lollar crouched behind for many years. (See Post #5). I also got to see “The Monster” spew fireworks after a White Sox home run, although I had to leave the concession line to watch it. By the way, the lines for food were a big hassle compared to other parks I have visited – it’s too bad that Bill Veeck isn’t still around to fix that problem. He would have been outraged at the lack of efficiency. (See Post #257). It was a flood of memories, and a much needed “W” for the visiting Cubs. The Magic Number is now down to just 5. On the NFL front, my other Chicago favorite, The Mack-revitalized Bears, pulled off a come-from-behind victory over the Arizona Cardinals to somehow lead the NFC North, while the bottom-dwelling Lions upset the evil Patriots. Oh, and the Cleveland Browns finally won a football game. All “Good.”

The “Bad” of weekend sports included the Colts loss to the Eagles and the I.U. defeat by the Michigan State Spartans. In both cases, the “L”was predictable, but I was hoping for the upset. It was a “welcome to the BIG” message to the undefeated Hoosiers, and no-Luck in the Red Zone for the visiting Colts against the defending Super Bowl Champs.

On the “Ugly” side, I should include the 10-4 loss by the Cubs, as White Sox bats prevailed in the Crosstown series opener. I was glad the Sox got one victory, so it was a good ugly. Maybe next year? – as we say good-bye to legendary Chicago broadcaster Hawk Harrelson. Meanwhile, back home in Oregon, the Ducks displayed the crowning jewel of college football ugliness. They managed to blow a comfortable 24-7 half-time lead over favored Stanford. They had the game firmly in hand in the waning seconds, until those hands failed them. A costly fumble allowed the Cardinal to win against the ugly ducklings, a thing of swan-like beauty for the visiting fans in red. I admit to “seeing red” myself as the ball popped loose. OMG!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a Clint Eastwood classic. It also best describes my sports-related emotions over the past four or five days. The week ahead is critical, as the MLB Playoff stretch-drive unfolds. I’m worried! The Cubs could raise their ugly heads by squandering a narrow Division lead to the Brewers and then losing the Wildcard spot to the Cardinals. Let’s hope not, but that could be the Ultimate Ugly!

Old Sport Shorts: The Thrill is Gone #519

May 6, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

A 6-hour airplane ride to Hawaii is a great way to get some writing done. There’s only so much you can do stuck in a seat for that long. Wi-fi is weak over the ocean, so I can’t even monitor the Cubs at Cardinals series today. Last night’s opener was a disappointment, as has been the start of the season in general. Today, Kolten Wong hit a game winning homer against Brandon Morrow in the 10th, causing me to further question his ability as the Cubs new closer. Other than a four-game sweep of the Brewers, the Cubbies have essentially played .500 baseball, unworthy of a team with that much talent. Last season’s World Series hangover somehow continues to linger, as the “W” flag fails to wave over Wrigley Field.

The Cubs starting rotation has shown little promise, other than stingily allowing the then Division leading Brew Crew only one earned run and eleven hits in four games. I thought it was a renaissance, but they only managed a five-game winning streak. The Rockies took the next two games and St. Louis handed out the third straight loss last night and the fourth today. Yu Darvish has been the weakest link, showing the same vulnerability that lost the Dodgers last year’s World Series. Only Kyle Schwarber has shown improvement in an offensive lineup that hasn’t changed much from last year. Thankfully, it’s a long season.

My other Chicago baseball favorite, the White Sox, have been even worse coming out of the blocks. My man Yoan Moncada #10 has shown some promise, but the organization continues to remain a cellar-dweller. There were not heavy expectations this year, as fans like me start to already look to next year. Attendance at Guaranteed Rate continues to deteriorate along with their place in the standings.

For me, there hasn’t been much to root for in the Wide World of Sports. The Trailblazers lost in four and the Pacers found LeBron to be too much. The Timbers no longer have an Indiana University connection, and I’m afraid that despite the city’s optimism and money, Major League Baseball will probably not find its way here. For a while, it was College Baseball that struck my fancy. Oregon State continues to perform at the top of the charts, but my alma mater I.U. has fallen to the middle of the low- ranked BIG conference, after recently peaking at #10 in the nation. Tiger’s return to golf has been relatively uneventful, and the NFL draft sparked little interest. You may have also noticed that I skipped right over College Football. I honestly seem to have lost interest and enthusiasm around my favorite ball-hobbies. In the words of B.B. King, “The Thrill is Gone.”

If there was one positive this past week, it’s been coach Archie Miller and Indiana University basketball recruiting. A new potential savior, Romeo Langford has put the Hoosiers back in the spotlight, if even just for a year. My expectations may be too high for a kid to make an impact in such a short period of time, but it’s renewed my faith in the program. A 6’10” graduate-transfer big man, and perhaps the return of leading-scorer Juwan Morgan, after he finished dipping his toe in the NBA pool, could signify a resurgence. The bad news is that I may have to wallow through six more months of sports mediocrity before I catch the Fever again. By the way, how are they doing?

Old Sport Shorts: Romeo #513

May 1, 2018 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Romeo, Romeo “Wherefore art though going?” Langford has finally made his one-and-done commitment to Indiana University’s Archie Miller, sending a sigh of relief all over the Hoosier state. It is the most celebrated boost to I.U. basketball since Damon Bailey in 1991, announced via television coverage at New Albany High School. Romeo picked the IU hat in the middle of the podium over the other two choices of Vanderbilt and Kansas, and wore it with a big smile of happiness after years of speculation. Unlike the early 90’s, the impact of social media made this decision the most talked about recruiting achievement in recent history. The biggest difference is that Damon had four years to prove his worth to the team, while Romeo will only have one. There was little doubt that Bailey was always headed to IU, but Langford kept us all waiting with anticipation.

Langford is the 27th Mr. Basketball to attend Indiana University since 1939 when the state’s first recipient was awarded:

Romeo Langford 2018
Cody Zeller 2011
Jordan Hulls 2009
Eric Gordon 2007
A.J. Ratliff 2004
Jared Jeffries 2000
Tom Coverdale 1998
Luke Recker 1997
Damon Bailey 1990
Pat Graham 1989
Lyndon Jones & Jay Edwards 1987
Delray Brooks 1984
Steve Alford 1983
Steve Bouchie 1979
Ray Tolbert 1977
Kent Benson 1973
Dave Shepard 1970
George McGinnis 1969
Dick & Tom Van Arsdale 1961
Jimmy Rayl 1959
Hallie Bryant 1953
Bob Masters 1948
Bill Garrett 1947
Tom Schwartz 1945
Ed Schienbein 1940

If all goes as planned, he’ll join fellow-alumni Victor Olidipo as a rising star in the NBA. He’ll surely only stay a second year, if for some reason he’s unable to play. Strange things have happened through the years, so fans are used to tempering their expectations. I was surprised when I saw the IU Band in attendance at the public announcement event, leery that they might just be sent packing on a long bus ride back home. In fact, there might have been a riot at the announcement site yesterday, should he have chosen to go anywhere else. Instead, the band is still playing today!

The fact that IU got another Mr. Basketball does not necessarily mean another National Championship, since only Steve Alford, Ray Tolbert, and Steve Bouchie are in that select group of banner producers. However, it does mean that that IU is once again competing with the elite in recruiting state and national talent. The program has unfortunately never recovered from the Knight era, but this may be the start of the next great chapter. The Romeo impact should only be for a year, but the rumble it’s created will wake-up the sleepy Hoosier Nation for many seasons to come. A surge of electricity has hit the Bloomington campus and alumni like me all over the world feel a sense of rejuvenation. If this continues, I might even buy a new t-shirt this year! Thanks, Archie – it’s indeed Miller Time! (See Post #35).