DODGERS ITALIAN STORY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

As journalists it is always nice to get a pat om the back for a job well done. It is especially nice to share this with all of the people who do the work behind the scene's and for the people you actually interview. After all, it is their story.
Last year I had an idea to highlight what I kindly refer to as the "Dodgers Italian Mafia". Being Italian myself so this is totally acceptable. Tommy La Sorda, Joe Torre and Ned Colletti all with Italian roots are also three of the highest ranking members with in the Dodgers Organization...I did not say they were Organized.
At any rate, it was my pleasure to sit down with these three men and talk about their Italian heritage. As a result the feature called the "Italian Story" won a National award this week, called The Telly.
A special thanks to an amazing cameraman and editor, Colin Sommer who put up with all of my neurosis during the shoots and editing sessions. To Mark J. Doddy our station manager who allows me to explore my creativity and to our station RPV-TV who supports our programming. to the Dodgers PR staff who are always willing to help out and facilitate logistics to make these things happen. And finally to Joe Tommy and Ned who enthusiastically sat with me sharing their stories about growing up Italian.
Last to my Italian family who is very proud of being Italian.

Enjoy our Award Winning story.

"THE MANNY SHOW" IN THE MINORS

When Manny Ramirez began his rehab assignment, the "Manny Show" which had been on put on hiatus since his suspension has been picked up yet again. This time in the smallest market in America. Manny is playing with the Albuquerque Isotopes. I am sure no one had even heard of them before last week, now they are a household word, thanks to Manny.

But this is one Manny show with no dialogue. At least not the scripted dialogue that all of the hard nosed angry sports reporters are chomping at the but to get. Do they even have a press box in Albuquerque or is the media forced to buy tickets and hope that their laptop batteries don't die. All the while watching and waiting for Manny to come up to bat. Waiting for Manny to say something, anything they can twist to write a story about.

Manny is a smart guy and he isn't talking. He never told exactly what happened in Boston and he won't explain himself regarding the suspension. So get over it. He knows that reporters make things up about him and trust me, he does not care. I have talked to Manny alot, off camera and on. I am not embarrassed to tell you that I like him very much. He is a good guy with a big heart. he made a mistake, he worked it out, time to move on now.

Just as the "Manny Show" will. Next week he will appear in San Bernadino and finish his rehab assignment before his first game back with the real Dodgers in San Diego on July 3rd.

Yep that's right, get ready Ron Burgundy...The "Manny Show" continues for real in a game against the Padre's, in a city that will have no idea what hit them. Get ready for that one, I promise it will be better than a day at the Zoo!

CLIPPERS WILL TAKE GRIFFIN AT NUMBER ONE

So glad we have had a few days off from basketball season here in Los Angeles. Now that the Lakers have had the parade we focus on the Clippers, LA's "other" team who have the number one pick.

Today Coach and General Manager of the Clippers Mike Dunleavy said that they would not trade the pick and would more than likely be taking Blake Griffin with number one. While Griffin is the obvious choice, who is the obvious choice to lead this team?

Last year Baron Davis came in and never really became "the guy" as expected. He never explained why. Maybe deep down he was upset that Elton brand left, but it was a unique opportunity for a superstar to shine and Baron did not. Lets face it, Kobe is "the guy", LeBron is "the guy" and they all have the supporting cast around them. The Clippers do as well.

Granted that rookie Eric Gordon was still learning last year but his play was stellar. Al Thornton another solid player. Too many injuries sent the Clippers out on the floor with over 40 different line ups but when Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby where healthy, they were a good team.

This team needs a life line to keep Clipper fans interested enough to renew their season tickets. Maybe Griffin will add some excitement to the team. What they need the most is chemistry and leadership. They play hard, they just don't finish. Maybe the fact that the team down the hall did finish and has another ring will encourage the Clippers to become relevant again in Los Angeles and the NBA.

WEAVER VS. WEAVER, an added curve ball on the freeway series

Some people like rivalries with in cities and then there are sports fans who hate inter league play. How about inter league play between brothers?

On Saturday night it was the Weaver brothers facing off on the mound. The Dodgers have the older and grittier Jeff while the Angels have the younger and sharper Jared. But Saturday night it was age before beauty. Dodgers downing the Angels 6-4.

It has been awhile since brothers faced off against each other. In 2002 Andy and Alan Benes got together on the hill. Although it was amusing for the fans, both Jeff and Jared are glad that their duel is done. Jeff saying that he was mentally and physically exhausted and it was the most ill felt victory he has experienced. Jared said it was fun but not interested in a rematch anytime soon.

Sitting about 20 rows back behind home plate were the proud Weaver parents. They arrived wearing specially made jerseys representing both sons equally. Half Dodgers and half Angels. Since they both wear number 36 that part was easy. Gail Weaver was spotted after each inning standing up to cheer on each of her sons performance.

After the game Dodger manager Joe Torre said, "I'm glad that we have the brother that won".

I am also sure he was glad that he had Andre Ethier who hit a two run triple giving the Dodgers a 5-2 lead.

While the Weaver family battle was fun, it was time to get back to the freeway series and the never ending argument over the need of inter league play.

LAKERS CELEBRATING GREATNESS!

For a moment can we congratulate the Lakers and enjoy a victory for them. No more needless banter wondering if Kobe can win one without Shaq?

Like it or not, as reporters we are SUPPOSE to give you, the readers facts and "our take" as to what happens in sports. Something that you, the fan, might not know because we have access behind the scenes.

Done, unfortunately I read more negative blogs, articles, opinions, and "facts". Being objective seems to become more one sided than ever. So let me give you the facts here from my perspective.

Kobe Bryant has been on a mission since the Celtics lifted up the Championship Trophy last season. Kobe said that loosing, drove him all year to win.

During the playoffs we saw Fisher, Odom, Gasol and Ariza all step up. We are constantly reminded by Phil Jackson that basketball is a team game, not an individual sport. We are constantly reminded how great Le Bron James is. How great Dwight Howard is.

How great Kobe is.

I agree, that Kobe is a great player because he has put in the time and he has had great players out there with him. As far as Dwight Howard and Le Bron James go, I think they will be great players someday, when they too, put it more time. And if they have great players around them. But not yet.

For now, Phil Jackson stands alone with the most wins as a head coach with ten championships, Kobe and Fisher have four and the Lakers have fifteen.

Now if the Laker fans could just enjoy this Championship and not set cars on fire during the victory parade, that would be GREAT!

MANNY STOPPED BY FOR A VISIT

Yesterday, Manny Ramirez came by Dodger Stadium to see his team mates. Players generally arrive at the stadium by about 3 o clock for a night game. I came in about 3:30 and as I walked into the locker room, I noticed a small group, about five writers were gathered at the end of the locker room. As I got closer I realized that Manny was sitting at his locker talking to Rafael Furcal. The small group of reporters were throwing in stupid questions as usual. Let the stupid questions begin. Luckily Manny knows how to handle them. He basically said, he came to see his teammates, he talked to Joe Torre, he is working out everyday, excited to come back, sorry about not being there, happy for Juan Pierre who has been playing great, what happened in the past happened, time to move on. He also said he did not rape or kill anyone. I AGREE 100%! Granted baseball rules were broken and Manny is paying the agreed suspension. Period the end.

As Casey Blake walked by and saw his team mate, he happily yelled out, "Man Ram is here". As the frustrated group of writers ran out of questions, they moved away from Manny. I gave him a hug and said hello. With me Manny is always warm and happy to see me. Today was the same.

I thought his timing was brilliant. About 90% of all Los Angeles media was in Orlando with the Lakers for the Championship series. The Dodgers won the game with Andre Ethier hitting two Home Runs, Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson hitting one as well. Maybe having Manny around is a good influence. He's a good guy with a big heart. He made a mistake....Move on.

HELIO WINS AT TEXAS!

After the year that Helio Castroneves has had, I can honestly say that sometimes good things happen to good people. My goal with this blog is to give you behind the scene's information that you may not find anywhere else taking from my personal experiences with athletes.

As the Indy Racing League moves forward to gain more popularity, driver Helio Castroneves is one of the most visible drivers. In addition to his success on the track, he was thrust in to the main stream after appearing and winning on
"Dancing With The Stars".

Earlier this year, Castroneves was on trial for tax evasion. He was recently acquitted on the charges and the next day was in Long Beach to qualify for the Long Beach Grand Prix. I was there in Long Beach the day he came in. He was with his sister, parents, girlfriend beside him. Having known him for ten years, Helio is one of the most genuine people I have ever met in my life. His enthusiasm for life is amazing, you can feel it when you are around him. Helio is not afraid to show emotion. After several months dealing with his legal issues, you could see how relieved and grateful he was to be back to racing. He cried at the press conference and hugged everyone in sight, including me. Roger Penske described Helio as someone who does not have a bad or malicious bone in his body. He is correct.


I wish everyone could meet him once just to see how regardless of success or failure, it does not change how he feels about life. I am glad to say he is back to success on the race track. Helio won the Indianapolis 500 last month for the third time. Now he wins the latest race in the Indy Racing series at the Texas Motor Speedway. We will have to wait and see if he wins the championship, but there is no doubt that every time Helio Castroneves wins a race, I will have a smile on my face.

FREE THROWS, FOULS, FUMBLES?

As the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic get ready to play for all the marbles, I hope the refs actually LET them play! I have never seen so many fouls called. Granted the refs have a hard job but get some glasses if you are really having this much trouble.

This brings me to the next issue, as a result of all these fouls, we have to see players at the very highest level at the line to shoot the FREE THROW....or should I say miss at least one free throw every time. How do you miss ANY, really, EVER?

Do you not practice this for hours everyday? I know you do because I have seen you all do it.

Let's face it, back in the day, the Hacky Shaq was kind of funny. When Shaq would stand at the line, his body looked too big, tall, awkward to make the shot. You just knew as he was dribbling the ball there was no way he was going to bend down enough to make the shot. But even Shaq after 17 years, figured it out this season and went from a 40% free throw shooter to almost 70%.....Who ever he has been working with, they need to get on a plane to the NBA finals.

I just hope Kobe and Howard do not embarrass themselves by fumbling the free throws.

Next...The only thing more embarrassing than missing the free throw, is when your team mates high five you for missing. Come on now. Just stop doing that!

So good luck Lakers and Magic and make this a good series. It sure has been fun getting here, minus the fumbling free throws following those fouls that is.

DODGERS, BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL...YEAH!

Has anyone noticed that the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in the major leagues? Not if you are watching any local or National Sports shows. For some reason that I can not find the answer to, the LA Dodgers are the most overlooked team on the planet. Everyday you can find a story on the Mets,Yankees, Red Sox, Giants and even the last place Rockies. Even the cross town Angels get more love.


I ask some of my colleagues, why not do a story on the fact that Juan Pierre has been on a tear since back playing everyday? The answer I get, "The Dodgers have not really played anyone yet".

At 36-18, the best record in baseball, that is 54 games. Almost a third of the season. But those 54 games don't apparently count. It is becoming humorous after taking 2 out of 3 from the Philly's, sweeping the Mets, 2 out of 3 from the Cubs....you get the picture.

But what do I know, the Dodgers have not played anyone yet.

By the way, to give you a little insight...Juan Pierre is the first one to arrive at the ballpark everyday and the last one to leave. Playing or sitting his dedication to the game is nothing short of admirable. He is not afraid to talk about God and thanks him for his abilities. He is a gentlemen and has a great sense of humor. He is also a heck of alot of fun to watch play baseball. Just ask any Dodger fan who comes to the ballpark.

Glad I could give you some insight about an athlete who plays his heart out!