Since the Boss has said nothing…

Well, you won’t see any pretty pictures. You won’t have a lot of in- depth content that we have been known to expect on this site. However, if you’ve been going here for the last week or so, you’ve noticed that there has been absolutely NO content on this site.

Zim seems to have taken it seriously that he wants more content other than his own. I have been known to be the hockey “expert” on the site, but with my home town team being the absolute worst team in the NHL, I’ve been rather quiet.

Well, you want some content…let’s do it.

Let’s see, my favorite NFL team is 2-11…nice. Wouldn’t be worth mentioning except for the fact that the 2nd win was against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I have to laugh here since I had the unfortunate luck to marry a woman from Pittsburgh. The Browns are an awful team with no QB, a rotating pile of crap at RB, no tight ends, and until recently a defense that rivaled Prarie View A&M’s.

My hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes were very fortunate this week as to get their first road win of the season against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins…makes you wonder, the city of Pittsburgh gets beat by the worst team in the league in two different sports in the same week…either that, or it would make you laugh.

Gotta go to another of our posters…movies. I got to see a pre-release screening of The Blind Side. Good movie…the acting was great, the story was phenomenal. the biggest thing that I appreciated about it was the raising of the race issue in America without me feeling like I was an a-hole for being a white guy. They took that issue and put it in your face without making you feel like it was all your fault, like usual.

Back to the original statement of the piece. No mention of the Army/Navy game…I understand that it was already given that UCLA would play Temple in DC…but come on. No tiger story…none. There is so much to write about there…all the women, sports…hell, this story in itself would qualify for all the themes of this site!!

You want another babe reference…look up Katie Cassidy. My dumbass wife watches the new Melrose Place…I haven’t given it any look until last week when this blonde ends the show in nothing but her black bra and high-riding panties…HOT!!! Look it up on google if you don’t believe me. Glad to know that David Cassidy gave something to society.

In closing, now that the Army Cadets have lost (again) to the Navy Midshipmen, can we get the Bowl pick-em league started? I would do it, but I don’t know more than half the players in the usual league.

I know life sucks right now Zim, but there are a lot of people here in the States that care about you, and this site…please come back.

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NHL: Western Conference Preview

Western Conference by Division, or everyone catching Detroit.
by Mike Barker, who realizes that if he doesn’t post a pic, Zim will pick one for him.

Detroit Red Wings ready to defend the Cup.

The Western Conference should play out much like last season, so instead of a ranking of the Conference, I’ll just go by division.

Western Central

Detroit- Please, as much as it pains me, the Detroit Red Wings will run through this division…again. The only concern for Wings fans is in net with Hasek finally giving in to nature. Osgood or Conklin, eh, it probably won’t matter with the offensive firepower in Detroit.

Nashville- The Predators are a mystery to me. They have a strong team that has been to the playoffs recently but have never taken the next step. The change in scheduling may help the team move up the conference rankings with less games against Detroit.

Chicago- The youth and speed of the Hawks caught the NHL by surprise last season, but it wasn’t enough to put them in the playoffs. This season more teams will be ready for them so the youth of Kane and Toews need to step up to the next level

Columbus- The Blue Jackets keep getting better on paper, but year after year fail to live up to expectations. Additions of RJ Umberger and Raffi Torres make the offense even better this season, and with another strong season by Pascal Leclair the Jackets hope to turn some heads.

St. Louis Blues- It’s my lot in life to root for horrible teams. The addition of Chris Mason to back up Manny Legace could help consistency in net. Special teams and shootout play is needed to improve or it will be another dismal season.

Western Northwest

Calgary Flames- This division is up for grabs. With Todd Bertuzzi now helping clear the way for Iginla, I think that the offense will be up. I just keep waiting for Mike Keenan to screw the Flames up for years to come.

Edmonton Oilers- The loss of Janne Pitkanen will hurt Edmonton’s power play, but the addition of Erik Cole’s intelligence should more than compensate. Consistent D play will be key.

Minnesota Wild- Last year’s division champ wants to break the streak of different winners in the last five years. There were not a lot of moves made in Minnesota, so staying healthy, especially down the stretch, will be the key to success for the Wild.

Colorado Avalanche- Tony Granato gets a second chance at head coach this season and is probably very happy to have Joe Sakic back in the mix. Goaltending is still a problem in Denver and the 95 point plateau which may be needed to get into the playoffs will be hard to achieve.

Vancouver Canucks- Thing 1 and Thing 2 (aka, the Sedin twins), have not lived up to the hype of their draft choices, but the Canucks keep hoping. Luongo will need his 4th consecutive 35+ wins this season to give Vancouver a chance.

Western Pacific

San Jose Sharks- The last couple seasons the Sharks have been the popular choice to win the west, and losing in the Conference Finals would be a disappointment this season to San Jose. Adding Rob Blake to the blue line will help Jeremy Roenicke not feel so old.

Anaheim Ducks- After failing to defend the Cup last season, the Ducks will look to reload in a division where 100 points won’t be enough to win. The Ducks’ power play will have to improve from the number 20 ranking of last season to get back to the promised land.

Dallas Stars- Don’t overlook Dallas this season. They are just as strong as they always have been and is another team that just needs to stay healthy (and avoid starting the season as poorly as they did last year) to be playing hockey long after mid-April.

Phoenix Coyotes- The Yotes are another team which will benefit by having to play less games in the division. Better defense will be important in the desert this season.

LA Kings- Ugly. Very ugly. They had 15 picks in the draft this season though…so, maybe next season…or the year after.

So, there you go, your NHL preview as brief as possible. Hopefully I’ll have some time throughout the season to point out some of the highlights that should happen this season. A preview could be that Martin Brodeur only needs 14 more wins to pass Patrick Roy for most wins by a goaltender (and only 7 shutouts to tie Sawchuk for that record).

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DROP THE PUCK!! YOUR NHL PREVIEW!!

Mike Barker, Caniac extrodinaire, and Blues Honk and someone who doesn’t have time to look all over the net for pictures to make the post ‘look pretty’ (Editors Note: Sure he’s pretty!  Just look at this picture from Myspace!~~This is where Bugs Bunny would ask, “Aren’t I a stinker?’”)

Time for the upcoming hockey season, feel free to kick these opinions around…

Team by team look at the East up first.

by Mike Barker

With the new hockey season soon approaching, let’s take a look at where the NHL stands.

Eastern Conference

We’ll start with some familiar favorites…

Pittsburgh Penguins- Sid the Kid, Evgeni Malkin and the oft used goaltender Fleury have the notice of the Eastern Conference since they played for the Cup last year, but they have lost some personnel that may come back to haunt the team. Look for the Pens to still be strong, but unless there are some mid-season moves, they may not have the talent to top the East.

Washington Capitals- The new Russian “freak boy” Alex Ovechkin and company will build on last year’s success and be a dominant player this season. The question for the Caps will be in net. Maybe it’s just me, but getting rid of Kolzig may be a mistake.

New York Rangers- Sure, they didn’t sign Shanahan (yet), and the rumors still swirl that they are in the mix to snag Mats Sundin, but with Henrik Lundquivst who led the league last season in shutouts, and with two wins already giving up only one goal per…, the blueshirts have a strong shot at the East this season.

Montreal Canadiens- The Habs are celebrating their 100th season as a hockey club. With a strong team, and history on their side, the Canadiens will give an extra effort to this season and may make a splash in the Eastern Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning- Despite the 0-2 start in Europe, the ‘Ning will be much improved with the addition of the mullet behind the bench…Barry Melrose. Having Lecavalier, St. Louis, and overall first draft pick of Steven Stampkos will only benefit this once proud franchise.

Carolina Hurricanes- The home town bias comes into play here. The Hurricanes missed the playoffs by one game last season, but this year they start the season a little more healthy, the biggest addition may not be Janne Pitkanen on defense, but Tom Rowe behind the bench.

By the way, yes, I know I’ve put three Southeastern team up so far…I actually believe this division will be that strong.

New Jersey Devils- I think that I’ve put this reason for the Devils making the playoffs for about five years now…not that this site has been up that long…but any team that has a goaltender the caliber of Martin Brodeur should make the playoffs. Look for Marty to piss my wife off this season and pass Patrick Roy for most wins in a career for goaltenders…for the basic fact that he plays 75 of 82 regular season games in a season.

Ottawa Senators- Canada’s Capital has been just on the outside of being a great hockey team for the last couple of seasons. With a split in Europe over the defending Eastern Champs, there may be some optimism in Ottawa, but when it comes to the overall play of the season, I think that the change in schedule back to less play in the division will actually hurt the Sens.

Philadelphia Flyers- The Flyers will probably make the playoffs since at least one of the previously mentioned teams won’t. The Flyers are still tough, as always, and have enough offensive firepower to win their share of games.

Boston Bruins- Now we get into the also rans. The Bruins are the best of the rest, but look at their roster and you’ll agree that they are probably not a playoff team. Strong enough to take a team out of the playoffs, but not a contender.

New York Islanders- The Islander’s front office tries so hard…but since they gave so much money to their goalie a couple years ago, which looks dumber and dumber, there is no money left for any real talent either on defense, or for putting the puck in the net.

Florida Panthers- There are only 4 teams left in the East. I’ll take the Panthers to be the best of the bottom four…and yes, there is some bias there, but not a divisional one.

Buffalo Sabres- The bias…I hate the Sabres. Most Canes fans do. I challenge you to give me one single reason that the Sabres will do any damage this season. I own a Buffalo jersey…and I’ve threatened to personalize it with the number 0…and a nameplate of Cups.

Toronto Maple Leafs- I really don’t think that the Leafs are this bad. However, I looked at all the other teams in the East and realized that at least their front office is secure. The Leafs are going to have a lot of problems unless someone like Ponikarovsky has a career year.

Atlanta Thrashers- Again, probably a bias, but these guys SUCK!! They have no hope of making the playoffs, and unless a couple of teams collapse, which happens, then this placement is actually probable.

OK, the East is done, I’m off tomorrow (probably today once I post this), so I’ll have the West done then.

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NHL: Rumor of an outdoor game

Another possibility to see these two on the ice together?

by Mike Barker, NHL honk and hopes against all odds this happens.

The NHL regular season schedule came out yesterday and not much would be exciting (except for the LA/Anaheim match-ups in London to open the season) except for the big rumor that the January 1st match-up of Pittsburgh at Buffalo could be played outdoors.

This game is slated to be played in Buffalo, however the majority owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mario Lemieux, is trying to convince the NHL to have the game in Pittsburgh. So much so that he is willing to actually come out of retirement for one game to play in it.

A couple items against Lemieux is that he wants to host the site in PNC Park, the baseball field, instead of Heinz Field. Second, it’s January first…anybody know what else goes on that day in the sports world…that’s right the fricking Super Bowl. I don’t think that the Bills or the Squealers will be in it, but who will watch it…hell, I may not even watch it. I’ll record it, but not watch it live.

More info coming as it becomes available.

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NHL: July first…What a wonderful day!!!

We should all respect the First Day of July!!!

by Michael Barker…who’s birthday is in the subject.

Ah…July the first. It’s Canada Day for those who care. It’s also the birthday of Alan Alda, and the former Princess of England, Diana. It is also my birthday, and more importantly the first day of free agent signings for the NHL.

The NHL opened it’s free agency doors in quite the open manner this off-season with some winners…and of course losers (due to the winners). Since this is a belated birthday gift to me (and my St. Louis Blues), I’ll just give you the winners, and let you figure out the losers.

My birthday…my team first.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues got Keith Tkachuk back from Atlanta where he drove the Thrashers to an amazing playoff push…oh, wait…I guess not. However, the Blues drove a stake into the heart of divisional rivals Nashville by signing Paul Kariya for three years and making a friend of mine back in Music City to wonder why she bought that 14 game mini-pack of tickets. Rumors are that JD isn’t done, as the Blues are in the running for many other free agents like Ray Emery, goaltender of the Ottawa Senators of last season…we’ll see. Dominik Hasek is UFA as well…

NY Rangers- The place where all good players go to die get a couple of players that can do so in my opinion. The blueshirts got Chris Drury of Buffalo and Scott Gomez of New Jersey so that they can hopefully beat those teams this upcoming season. Meanwhile, Brenden Shanahan is on the market…damn, it would be nice to see him come home to St. Lou.

Philadelphia Flyers- Philly decided that they may have sucked for long enough. They grabbed Kimmo Timmonen from the salary dumping Predators, and Daniel Briere (the other co-captain of Buffalo). However, Janni Pitkanen is a big name still looking for a home.

Colorado Avalanche- This makes me laugh so fricking hard. Mr Canada…Mr Edmonton Oiler…Ryan Smyth is added to the Avalanche thanks to a phone call by Joe Sakic to Mr. Giguere (the other one…the GM for Colorado). This Jeff Foxworthy look-alike has been punishing the Avs for years, now gets to put his talents up against his former team like…what…30 times. However, the Avs have Brisebois, Turgeon, and Konowalchuk to sign, if they can.

Pittsburgh Penguins- As if they didn’t get lucky in the draft with Esposito, the young guns of Pittsburgh add some veteren talent (along with Recchi, and Roberts) in Peter Sykora, and Darryl Sydor. DAMN…this team is going to be hard to beat next year.

Losers include the teams that lost players mentioned above, plus Dallas (Lindros, Nagy, Klemm, Barnaby are all unrestricted)

Oh, and for Zim…wow the Jackets signed Brookbank…oh, don’t know that name…neither does 90% of hockey fans…the other 10% are family members.

Last and definately least…
During the past playoffs I was hyping (and deservingly so) the Anaheim Ducks. However they made a move that has made me HATE them for evermore. The Ducks signed the criminal Todd Bertuzzi. Ugh. They also took Mathieu Schneider from Detroit as well…I can always hope that Detroit can’t sign Hasek, and that Chris Chelios and his walker fall down some steps. With the rest of the former Black & Blue Division looking like crap…The Blues win the Western Central next year. I can only hope…

More to come I’m sure.

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NHL: Stanley Cup Finals

Last year it was Rod Brind’Amour…this year?

by: Mike Barker, hockey “honk”, and apparently the only one who can write on this site anymore.

It’s time to play for the oldest trophy in sports, let’s look at the teams up to the challenge.

I know that Zim is busy drinking too much to post ANYTHING right now, so I’ll put up something that no one seems to care about.

The Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks are contesting for the Stanley Cup…you know, the championship trophy for that fringe sport known as hockey….let’s get a little insight.

In the East, the Ottawa Senators…

Ottawa comes into the Finals as Canada’s hope…although don’t say that to Montreal, or Toronto fans. They have won the Eastern Conference beating some very strong teams in the league, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Buffalo…each in five games. Their strength is offense, especially in (what I have come to call) THE LINE. Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley have combined to score what seems to be 90% of the goals for the Sens in these playoffs.

In the West, the Anaheim Ducks…

Anaheim is a team that I have been behind all year. This team has it all. Speed & grit, the two most required skills in the game. Teemu Selanne, the oldest player in the finals, has finally got to the promised land for the first time (remember, when the Ducks lost to Jersey in ’03, Selanne was playing in Denver). They have the stongest Defense since the early ’90s teams of New Jersey…which amazingly enough, had a certain Neidermayer which has a chance at a Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the NHL playoffs) on it’s team.

If anyone watched the first game of the series, then you got to see the basic gameplan of the Ducks for the series. Keep THE LINE off the scoresheet, and use defense to stifle shots on goal. Remember folks, the Ducks don’t mind shots on goal per se…J.S. Giguere has a Conn Smythe Trophy without winning the Cup (that’s a major feat).

However, for a prediction, I’ll take the above mentioned Ducks, but I have a feeling that it may come down to home ice. Those hosers up in Canada will keep the Sens winning at home.

Prediction: Ducks in seven…although, I’ll cover my bet and say that if the Sens win the Cup, Daniel Alfredsson wins the Conn Smyth.

That’s it for this article…but I guess since this is a hockey article I should mention that Mr. Basille…the guy who was going to buy the Pittsbugh Penguins, has now bought the Nashville Predators. Wow, didn’t see this one coming…no seriously…the Preds are one of the hottest teams when it comes to the regular season, but no playoff punch. And by the way, they haven’t averaged 14,000+ in attendance per game in about four seasons. My only head-scratching moment about this move is that when the league lost a season, it was reported that the Preds were one of only four teams that were making money before the lock-out…so why are they being sold? Der Furher (and Zim’s friend) Gary Bettman is saying that the Predators will be staying in Nashville, but I think that’s only because he hates being wrong in thinking that hockey will work in Country Music City….although, the facts state that the Preds are locked into Nashville for at least one more season. I guess I’ll keep an eye on this one and report later if anyone cares.

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NHL: Conference Semis Part 2

Teemu Selanne and J.S. Giguere of the “Mighty” Anaheim Ducks

by: Mike Barker

A look at the two match-ups in the West

#1 Detroit Red Wings vs. #5 San Jose Sharks

Detroit comes into the second round after beating the Calgary Flames in six, while the San Jose Sharks disposed of the Nashville Predators in five. Many out there are picking the Sharks to win this series probably due to the recent disappointments of strong Detroit teams.

Prediction:I’m not a big fan of either one of these teams. I personally don’t understand all the “experts” picking San Jose like it’s a no-brainer. San Jose played a closer series with Nashville than it looked (three of their four wins over Nashville was by only one goal). Detroit actually beat Calgary by more than it seemed as well. I’m going out on a limb (I guess) by picking the Red Wings to win this series in 6.

#2 Anaheim Ducks vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks

Anaheim defeated the Minnesota Wild in five and the Canucks gave us our first game seven of the playoffs taking the Dallas Stars out. If anyone saw game one of this series should realize where this one is heading. Anaheim has such a strong team that I’ll agree with a lot of others that this is the team to beat in the NHL.

Prediction:Unless Roberto Luongo can steal a game from Anaheim, the Ducks should overpower their opponents in a sweep.

Until the Conference Finals…drop the puck!

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NHL: Conference Semi-Finals

Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks celebrating a series victory over Dallas

by: Mike Barker, losing faith in the “new” NHL

Eight teams left for the ultimate chalise…four match-ups to look at

The first round of the NHL playoffs are a lot like what we’re seeing in the NBA playoffs. Teams that are for real will advance, and those who are not worthy, do not.

In the East…

Jaromir Jagr, remembering what it’s like to have success in the playoffs

#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 New York Rangers

Gary Bettman and the NHL had this as a dream match-up when the regular season was over, and wow…can you imagine…it came true. On paper, this is no contest. The Buffalo Sabres have a lot more depth, more firepower, and a better goalie. This in fact, should be a sweep, but…

Prediction:I have to believe that the VS network and Zim’s friend Gary Bettman will put this match-up on national television as many times as they can, so it may actually go to six games if you’re a conspirity theorist…however, I’ll give the Cigarette Man the benefit and just pick Buffalo in 5.

The Canadian capital has hope in their captain Daniel Alfredsson and goalie Ray Emery

#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #4 Ottawa Senators

If you cared to read the first round previews, you’ll note that I picked the Pittsburgh Penguins to beat Ottawa in the first round. You’ll also note that I had Pittsburgh in the #4 slot…that was faulty information on my part…I would have picked the home ice advantage…which was Ottawa.

In this second round it’s kinda funny. If you watch the weekend NBC show, you’ll see all members of the studio show picking Ottawa in this match-up. If you watch versus, they all pick New Jersey. The funny part about it is Bill (hands of cement) Clement is a member of both panels.

Personally, I think that this is going to be a great match-up. You have strong offense on both sides, but I would give Ottawa the advantage. On Defense, I’ll say they’re about even. When it comes to goaltending, the advantage has to go to New Jersey.

Prediction: Seven games is very likely. However, with the way that the refs called the regular season, I’ll take the Ottawa Senators in six….but if you’re a gambling sort of person, I would stay away from this one. Anything could happen as both teams will give us exciting games…although if the Devils play their improved version of the trap (which is illegal…so it’s not really the trap), then they may not be exciting at all.

I could go into the Western Conference match-ups, but it’s 5:30 in the morning, so I’ll put it up tomorrow.

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A Black Eye for Hockey

Calgary Flames gave our sport a negative view to a national audience.

by: Mike Barker, an appalled fan of sports in general.

I know that most people do not watch my favorite sport. After today’s incredulous display by the Calgary Flames late in the fifth game of their series with the Detroit Red Wings…now I can see why.

This is a #1 vs. #8 match-up, which at the beginning of the game was tied 2-2. Home ice was being held by both teams, and many were wondering a couple questions: 1) Are the Red Wings going to blow another first round match-up as the #1 or 2) is the first question right, or are the Flames just that good at home (and vice-versa, that bad on the road).

If you didn’t watch, I’ll set the scene…Game five in Detroit with the series tied 2-2. The first period was exciting for us hockey fans who enjoyed the pre-lockout NHL which was exciting WITHOUT any goals being scored. Period two let the fans and national audience know that the game was in Detroit with the Red Wings scoring their first goal on the “most exciting play in hockey” a penalty shot by Dan Cleary, who connected for the first goal.

Move ahead to the last five minutes of the third period with Detroit leading the game 4-1…a no brainer even in Zim’s friend’s NEW NHL. Calgary makes a change in net by pulling Mikka Kiprusoff who has been very decent for Calgary, but is set for the loss in this game. Actually, this would be a good idea in most circumstances…

However, Jamie McClennen decides (or is told to do so on the bench) that this game has got so much out of hand, that he needs to set a tone for game six in Calgary that he takes a couple swipes in front of his net to the nearest Red Wing. After the whistle was blown for the slashing that was obvious enough, he skates around his net and uses his stick as the same kind of weapon that Albert Pujols uses against an Aaron Harang pitch and leaves the game in what should be a disgrace.

This should be bad enough, but not even 2 minutes later (and on the above mentioned infraction’s power play) Jarome Iginla decides to take further action on Detroit by hacking another player on the ice.

Needlessly to say, the Wings won the game. This puts them up 3-2 going to Calgary for game 6. However, Calgary needs to be punished with suspensions that will exceed this upcoming game and any other that they luckily play this season (and into the next). I understand that Calgary may have got the memo from the league that they will try like hell to get Canadian teams into the Stanley Cup Finals…but come on…AND I DON’T EVEN LIKE DETROIT!!!!!

I’ll be back in a couple of days about the second round match-ups…..ugh

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MLB: Picture evidence of a Road Trip to Chicago to see the Mecca of the NL

Brew (right) and Yours Truly (left) in front of Wrigley Field this past Saturday.

Twenty Year Dream to see the Shrine of the National League and adult years want to take in Wrigleyville expirience fulfilled in a day of fun with new and old friends alike.

Windy City adventure exceeded expectations and Wrigley Field did not disappoint.

by Mike Zimmer, Can now scratch Wrigley off the things to do before he dies list.

Yes, it was chilly, sure it wasn’t much of a game, but man was it a blast!

Special Thanks go out to some new friends up in Chicagoland and one old one that I got to share the adventure with this weekend.   For if it were not for Brew, I still would have a void in my life that was still having not made it into a Cubs game up on the north side of the Windy City.   And, to his friends, folks who I hope I can claim now as new friends of mine too, I must make the most sincere thanks for a great time and their willingness to take care of making sure that we had a fantastic expirience all around.   Mad Thanks go out to Eric “Teabagger”, Katie “Mrs. Teabagger” and Eric “E-Rock” and all others that made the trip so enjoyable.

“E-Rock”, Brew, “Teabagger” and Katie in Wrigleyville.

Brew and I made the trek up to Chicago this weekend to see the Cincinnati Reds get beat down by the Cubs 7-0, but in reality the game to me was quite secondary to the actual physicality of being at the game and getting to soak up the ambiance and expirience of being in Chicago, Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville and amongst some fierce and friendly folks who call the City of Broad Shoulders home.

Arriving Friday night we were  treated to  some fine Giardano’s  Deep  Dish  Pizza and a mini-walking tour of  the imediate down town.   And, some familiarity of the whereabouts to get to and from the trains upon our return the next morning to head up to the North Side to see the game.   We had to ride the train in  from all the  way out in  Portage, Indiana and then trek up town via the L, though it was all easy and fun to do.

As you can clearly see, we had fan-freakin-tastic seats to see the chilly afternoon affair between NL Central Rivals.

We headed back up into town Saturday morning after once again having to see the horrors of what is Gary, Indiana via the train.   A rather scary sight to be sure.   And once in town got another fun diversion when we had to skip over to a different L-train line due to some construction–and–were not sure where it was to lead us for a short while.   However, within a few minutes walk from the Brown Line we started to see the early signs of life starting to come around in the imediate area around Wrigley Field.   We met up with “Teabagger” and his wife Katie to hit the Salt and Pepper Diner for some breakfast and to wet our whistle with a  Bloody Mary before heading over to the stadium.   After that, we set the day off to a refreshing start with the first beers of the day at the Goose Island Pub a few doors down.

And then, it was  time.    We made our way up  the street to what is the equal to pilgrims heading to the holy land of the National League.   A quick acquisition of the first Old Style of the day  (that Milwaukee specialty that Chicago has fully embraced and is only offered along side Budweiser in the stadium) once inside, got us off to a running start.   We headed down the left field line while still inside the bowels of the stadium to arrive at section 104 which revealed the  ’Friendly Confines’.   About 10-rows off  the field, and not too far from the infamous “Bartman” seating area we had  a truly beautiful view  of the Shrine.

The wind was blowing in, but Chicago didn’t need the longball to win on the day any way.   The final damage is seen on the big board.  

From there, it was a fairly quick blur of beer, chilly winds, some gentle ribbing from our company and other fans  alike for being Buckeye’s far  from home (and rooting for the Reds in  Greg’s case) as well as just soaking up everything that is so special about Wrigley Field.   Including Bernard Berrian of the Super Bowl Bears singing ‘Take me out to the ball game’ in the 7th-inning stretch.

Livin’ right and drinkin’ Old Style Downtown.

From there, everything we did was  gravy.   We left the game after what seemed an all too quick game back down Addison to hit a couple of the local establishments with  our hosts.   Many beers and a cab ride later, we were entertained further by “E-Rock” at his local watering hole and treated to a 1-lb. burger that was worth  the trip alone.   A few O-bombs late in the evening put a grand cap on the night and set us back on the train flying.   An hour plus later on the train back out of town, it was all over and we called it a night.   And today it seems  like it was all a dream now that we arrived safely back in the Buckeye state early this afternoon.

What a great time, what great company  and what a  fantastic memory I now have.   Thanks again to all that made it happen and made it enjoyable.   The only question now is, when are we  going  to get a shot at going back!?    

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