Redemption Song

"When you put me on...I remain calm..."

Black Thought - I Remain Calm

One announcement yesterday from the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, and the landscape of professional golf changed...and for good reason.

Full Circle

I began watching golf since Tiger Woods turned pro, and he has taken his peers and fans alike on a historic ride of greatness. Eldridge will make his return at the Masters, which takes place April 8-11. It's going to be really good to see him back on the course at the Augusta National Golf Club no less, as he makes an attempt to do what he does best in winning championships.

The Masters are going to be a media circus following his every move, because of what he and his family are enduring personally...however I feel that this man's private matters should be handled between he and his wife, not in the court of public opinion. Unfortunately life doesn't work that way in this business. It's not fair...he didn't cheat the sport, and as a sports writer that is all I feel I should comment on.

We all have our transgressions, so who am I to throw stones from a glass house? I believe Woods will return, and compete well enough to win, and in a game such as golf...that's all you can ask.

There is nothing new under the sun, so don't be surprised when he's wearing a red shirt with another green blazer.

Vote for Pedro

K

"It's what you all been waitin' for ain't it..."

Kanye West - Barry Bonds

In sports across the board, there are several athletes that are as respected as they are feared. In numerous cases they are known by their first name, which is the ultimate sign of respect. For example, Tiger, Venus, Kobe, and Pedro.

Dominant

The Philadelphia Phillies top brass were in the Dominican Republic today (and Tuesday) to watch right-handed hurler Pedro Martinez pitch in a simulated game. The reining champs are in the market to add a strong arm to the rotation...and even if they sign him...they are still in the hunt for Roy Halladay.

In a perfect world they acquire both players and they pitch well...at this point its a waiting game with high stakes. As a former 3-time Cy Young winner, and world champion with the Red Sox, Martinez has the mettle to make a come back...his fastball was clocked at 93-mph...so if he can keep that form, every 5th day, then I expect the Phillies to make another run for the pennant.

Photo: Sport Illustrated-John Nelson/REUTERS

Rewind

NL Champions

Youth

Ambition

"Are they still getting down where we used to go and dance? Will our ball club win the pennant...do you think they have a chance..."

Marvin Gaye - What's Happening Brother

15 years ago, I was but a young teen just learning my way, as I often adhered to my parent's teachings, and the life lessons taught to me via the outside world. Last night the Philadelphia Phillies chased away doubt, and provided the championship starved City of Brotherly Love with a glimmer of hope that hasn't been seen since 1993.

'93 til Infinity

My first professional sports memory would be of my father taking my brother and I to Veterans Stadium to see the Phillies. It seemed like a lifetime ago, as I didn't understand baseball or sports for that matter back then. It's interesting how things twist and turn in our lifetime, as I went from being ignorant and apathetic about sports, to making a career being as knowledgeable about it as possible...writing about everyone from Tiger Woods, to Kobe Bryant. 

Last night in the crisp southern California night, the Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers to capture the 2008 National League Pennant, earning a trip to the World Series for the first time since I used school tokens, and carried a bag lunch. During those years, I wanted to be on television, covering the NBA. The fact that my home team was playing for the championship didn't mean much to me, as basketball was the only thing on my mind...well that, and a few girls. At that time it was Raquel Hernandez, Mimi Crespo, Selene Mendez, and several others, but when I say my mom had very strict rules, I'm not exaggerating. Rule number 1: NO GIRLS, so I focused on my dream of playing and one day working in sports. 

Fast forward to the present day, and I don't have to worry about my mother's rules anymore, however its funny how I can still hear her voice as I navigate through my adult life. Nevertheless, the Phillies are vying for supremacy of Major League Baseball and I'm now living my dream covering sports. One goal is fulfilled, and others remain a work in progress. 

Do I have a girlfriend...technically no...I also don't have my own half-hour sports show either.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. 

Go Phillies!

Photo credits: Gilbert family, www.nicekicks.com

I am Tiger Woods

Prodigy

Professionalism

Pride

"Black prodigy since the age of twenty...I can write a rhyme, rip it up and write a next one, right on the spot, sign my name with a dot... "

Sadat X - Punks Jump to Get Beat Down

My father is one of 7 children. His oldest sister Claudia, also known as my Aunt "Cookie" used to always call me Tiger. At first she would only say it when referencing me to others, and then one day while I was outside sweeping and cleaning the front and side of the house she told me that I reminded her of Tiger Woods. She did in fact feel that we looked alike, however it was my ubiquitous hat that did the trick. Coincidentally, my grandmother also thought I looked like him, as she will more often than not say in her country drawl, "Antho-knee, I saw Tagh-er, today, and I think he looks just like you!"

I've always worn caps. Its been a way for me to support my favorite teams, or to add some flair to my wardrobe, and once my family suggested that I reminded them of Eldrick "Tiger" Woods, I became intrigued and later inspired by the black golfer with the unique name.

Nike recently did a commercial that aired on Father's Day 2008, to celebrate the special bond between Tiger and his father Earl Woods. From the time I first saw it, I understood the message, and I use it to push me further in my own career. I even asked my friend Dez at Nike's advertising agency, Weiden+Kennedy, to send me a copy of the campaign. I wanted it on DVD so I could watch it whenever I needed to hear its message, or share it with someone that I thought could appreciate it.

Whenever I have a big assignment, or if I am about to venture on something important, I will either bring that commercial along with me, or I'll take a few minutes to watch it before leaving the house.

Thank you Tiger, for everything.