Long before Charlie Sheen made "Winning", the statement of the
year, the Boston College hockey team was writing the book on it.
They have captured the national championship, Beanpot Trophy, and
Hockey East title in the last ten months. It's rather obvious they're a
team that has no trouble getting motivated.
But several weeks ago, they got a motivational pep talk from a man
who gives very few of them outside of his place of employment.
Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots and
reigning NFL coach of the year, stopped by Chestnut Hill, to
deliver some powerful words that the players won't soon forget.
"It was awesome, you could hear a pin drop when he walked in," said
long-time assistant coach Mike Cavanaugh. Belichick arrived in typical
Belichick style: sneakers, jeans, and black sweatshirt. (without the hoodie)
He was on the way to seeing his good friend, Jon Bon Jovi, perform at
the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
Belichick took the floor and talked about commitment, preparation, and
everyone holding themselves accountable for the good of the team.
"He said that when he was growing up, the family had just one car," Cavanaugh
recounted. "His dad used that car to go to work and his mom used it to
run errands. If you got the keys that night, you had the responsibility
of getting the car back in time and in working order. If not, you could
mess things up for the entire family."
Belichick compared that to the workings of a successful team. "He said, 'when
you go over the boards, you have a responsibility to the team,' Cavanaugh
added, 'if you don't do your job, then you can keep the team from winning.'
The coach who has led the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles also told
the team to cherish their time in college and to appreciate the camaraderie
that develops when fighting for national titles.
"He said that he'd often have conversations with players like Rodney Harrison,
Willie McGinnest, and Tedy Bruschi, who told them how special their
time in college was and how it went by so quickly. They all told them that
it was a great feeling, bonding with college teammates while trying to
win championships," Cavanaugh stated.
After Belichick finished with his talk, he opened the floor to questions.
Naturally, one of the first ones, centered on Tom Brady.
"Belichick said that Brady isn't the fastest quarterback, nor does he
have the best arm. But he said that Brady is just a player who is
totally committed to the team and making himself better. He works
the hardest and prepares the best," Cavanaugh stated.
Before he left, Belichick added one more thing. "He said, 'I'd wish you
luck, but it's not about luck. It's about who plays the best and the
best team will win. Luck has nothing to do with it,' Cavanaugh added.
And off he went, his next stop: the Bon Jovi concert. For the
BC hockey team, an unforgettable moment and words to think
about as they get ready to defend their national title.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
BASEBALL ACCORDING TO "THE ECK"
As a pitcher during his Hall of Fame career, Dennis Eckersley was
definitely unique. He had the long-flowing hair, the Marlboro man mustache,
and that funky delivery. He was bold, brash, and pretty much a rock-star in
cleats.
Not much has changed in Eckersley's post-playing career. Working as
an analyst for NESN and TBS, he comes across the same way he did as
a player, making him one the best, and most entertaining commentators in
the game.
"I love it, man," Eckersley said from his home in Sudbury, Mass. "It's an
adrenaline rush that comes as close to you get when you're playing. When
you're on live, you have to be spot on, just like closing out a game."
Eckersley, who saved 390 games and won another 197 during his
24-year career, brings not only a unique perspective to the game, but
a different language to his viewers as well.
There is "going bridge" (home run), "hair on a fastball" (serious heat)
"tossed salad" (junk-balls) and words like "iron" (money), and "cheddar"
(fastball).
"I picked all that stuff up 30 years ago, when I used to hang out
with Pat Dobson on the Indians," Eckersley said. "Those are just every
day terms used in baseball by a lot of guys. I guess I'm one of the only
ones to use them on tv."
Eckersley is not the same person you think you know from television
or remember from his playing days. He's the most unaffected and
unassuming Hall of Famer that you'll ever meet. But it was one moment
early in his career, that earned Eck a reputation that he's never seemed
to shake.
"In the game where I threw a no-hitter against the Angels, there were
two out and the fans were going crazy." Eckersley recalls. "Gil Flores
was taking all day to get into the batters box, so I screamed at him
to get in the box. I said, 'the cameras aren't looking at you. They're looking
at me'. From that point on, I was the cocky pitcher who was pointing at
everybody."
Eckersley broke into the game at age 20 and finished when he was 43.
In between, he tossed that no-hitter, captured Rookie of Year, won
the Cy Young and MVP award in the same season, and became a
World Champion with the Oakland A's, which stands above the rest.
"You have to understand. I pretty much grew up at Candlestick Park
watching Willie Mays," Eckersley, who was born in Oakland, recalled.
"To be in that park with the ball in my hand and touching first base for
the last out in the World Series. That was the highlight of my career."
One of the low-lights could have been serving up Kirk Gibson's
earth-shattering home run in the 1988 World Series. But Eckersley
always took the good with the bad, and moved on from that devastating
moment rather quickly.
"Man, I had been styling. I just had saved four games against the
Red Sox in the ALCS," Eckersley said. "I gave up that home run but
it didn't really bother me. I had so much of my career left and was really
just hitting my stride."
Eckersley recovered from that moment to finish strong and earned a
place among the immortals in Cooperstown. But for all his success,
Eckersley does have one regret.
"I wish I had enjoyed it more," Eckersley says. "But there was so
much pressure and I was always felt I had to be perfect because
I couldn't stand failure. I had coaches say, 'go have fun out there'.
I was like, screw that, this is serious stuff. But I do wish I just enjoyed
the ride more."
Eckersley is enjoying life fully now. He's happily married and a
Hall of Famer. He's conquered his alcohol addiction and is a critically-
acclaimed baseball analyst for the Red Sox television network.
Yes, life is good for "The Eck".
definitely unique. He had the long-flowing hair, the Marlboro man mustache,
and that funky delivery. He was bold, brash, and pretty much a rock-star in
cleats.
Not much has changed in Eckersley's post-playing career. Working as
an analyst for NESN and TBS, he comes across the same way he did as
a player, making him one the best, and most entertaining commentators in
the game.
"I love it, man," Eckersley said from his home in Sudbury, Mass. "It's an
adrenaline rush that comes as close to you get when you're playing. When
you're on live, you have to be spot on, just like closing out a game."
Eckersley, who saved 390 games and won another 197 during his
24-year career, brings not only a unique perspective to the game, but
a different language to his viewers as well.
There is "going bridge" (home run), "hair on a fastball" (serious heat)
"tossed salad" (junk-balls) and words like "iron" (money), and "cheddar"
(fastball).
"I picked all that stuff up 30 years ago, when I used to hang out
with Pat Dobson on the Indians," Eckersley said. "Those are just every
day terms used in baseball by a lot of guys. I guess I'm one of the only
ones to use them on tv."
Eckersley is not the same person you think you know from television
or remember from his playing days. He's the most unaffected and
unassuming Hall of Famer that you'll ever meet. But it was one moment
early in his career, that earned Eck a reputation that he's never seemed
to shake.
"In the game where I threw a no-hitter against the Angels, there were
two out and the fans were going crazy." Eckersley recalls. "Gil Flores
was taking all day to get into the batters box, so I screamed at him
to get in the box. I said, 'the cameras aren't looking at you. They're looking
at me'. From that point on, I was the cocky pitcher who was pointing at
everybody."
Eckersley broke into the game at age 20 and finished when he was 43.
In between, he tossed that no-hitter, captured Rookie of Year, won
the Cy Young and MVP award in the same season, and became a
World Champion with the Oakland A's, which stands above the rest.
"You have to understand. I pretty much grew up at Candlestick Park
watching Willie Mays," Eckersley, who was born in Oakland, recalled.
"To be in that park with the ball in my hand and touching first base for
the last out in the World Series. That was the highlight of my career."
One of the low-lights could have been serving up Kirk Gibson's
earth-shattering home run in the 1988 World Series. But Eckersley
always took the good with the bad, and moved on from that devastating
moment rather quickly.
"Man, I had been styling. I just had saved four games against the
Red Sox in the ALCS," Eckersley said. "I gave up that home run but
it didn't really bother me. I had so much of my career left and was really
just hitting my stride."
Eckersley recovered from that moment to finish strong and earned a
place among the immortals in Cooperstown. But for all his success,
Eckersley does have one regret.
"I wish I had enjoyed it more," Eckersley says. "But there was so
much pressure and I was always felt I had to be perfect because
I couldn't stand failure. I had coaches say, 'go have fun out there'.
I was like, screw that, this is serious stuff. But I do wish I just enjoyed
the ride more."
Eckersley is enjoying life fully now. He's happily married and a
Hall of Famer. He's conquered his alcohol addiction and is a critically-
acclaimed baseball analyst for the Red Sox television network.
Yes, life is good for "The Eck".
Friday, February 25, 2011
Cam Newton an icon? Don't laugh
Cam Newton, the Heisman-winning quarterback, recently told
Peter King of SI.com that he considered himself not only to be a
football player, but an entertainer and icon, as well. Football
player, check. Entertainer, of course. But an icon? Did he really
say ICON? Yes, Newton did say icon. Talk radio went on overdrive,
columnists mocked him, bloggers blasted him, and the snickering
could be heard by NFL players from New York to Newport Beach.
But don't laugh. Didn't we do the same thing when Earl Woods said
that his Tiger would be as big as Muhammad Ali? And that was before
he ever won a major, and of course, before all of his philandering with
pin-ups, porn stars and prostitutes. And oh yeah, that waitress from
Denny's.
People can laugh all they want at Newton, but the rock-star QB might
just have the last laugh, seriously. He won the Heisman trophy and
national championship in his one year as a starter at Auburn. He dominated
the headlines and airwaves for almost 3 months because his father
was pimping him to a few colleges. The kid's already been on
Letterman and on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Two weeks ago,
he signed the largest endorsement deal ever given to an incoming rookie.
You don't think Under Armour is going to raise his profile just a little bit.
Commercials, billboards,public appearances. You are going to see his
big smile and affable personality everywhere.
Look at the guys who've made a name for themselves with half of Newton's
talent and resume. Chad Johnson is funny, personable. and has done a lot
with good talent. T.0.? Please, haven't seen him land one endorsement contract.
He's just the ultimate diva. The most popular players in the NFL are Peyton
Manning and Tom Brady. 1 and 1A. They get the endorsements and they make
millions of dollars.
Who else is a rock-star in the NFL. Reggie Bush? Yes, he did make a
lot of money from endorsements coming out of USC, and like Newton, he
won the Heisman trophy, and even dated Kim Kardashian. But he's not even
a starter and is clearly on the elevator going down. If a poll was taken of the
most popular football players, not just NFL ones, but all active football players,
I'd have to say it would go Manning, Brady, and Cam Newton.
Newton has got "it". The personality, good-looks, athletic ability, and resume.
I'll say it again. Heisman trophy. National Championship. And already, one big
endorsement deal. Others will follow, and so too, will the jealousy.
There is no doubt, other NFL players will test Newton's character and
toughness.Veterans will be upset because Newton will make more before
he ever takes a snap, than they will in their entire careers They will
play through the whistle and drive him through the ground. They
will mock him in training camp and leave him with a dinner
bill that nears the GNP of Haiti. Yes, Cam Newton is going to be
tested physically and mentally.
However, this kid is 6'6, 250lbs. He is bigger than most linebackers and could
probably hold his own with a few down lineman. Mental toughness? Are you
kidding me? He played in the SEC. When the scandal broke about
his dad allegedly offering him to Mississippi State for $250, 000, Newton
became the most scrutinized player in the country. He didn't break
and certainly didn't snap. He just flashed his trademark smile and
said, "come get some." Newton played in the toughest conference in
the country, won the Heisman trophy, and the national championship.
Is Newton confident? Heck, yeah. But so what?. Anyone who's ever gotten
anywhere in this world knows how good he or she is. He's going to need that
confidence in the NFL because he's going to be humbled real quickly. Remember
John Elway? Newton hasn't had to deal with real failure in his career yet, but
he will experience it as a young QB in the NFL, guaranteed. His belief in himself,
just like Elway and Montana had, could help him get through the difficult times.
Cam Newton IS an icon in the state of Alabama and much of the southeast
already. Check back with me in a year, and see how many parents name their
kids, "Cam". It won't be because of Neely or Ward.
Yes, Newton is on his way to laughing all the way to the bank, and
he will probably get the last laugh on all the people that laughed
at his belief that he'll reach "icon" status.
Peter King of SI.com that he considered himself not only to be a
football player, but an entertainer and icon, as well. Football
player, check. Entertainer, of course. But an icon? Did he really
say ICON? Yes, Newton did say icon. Talk radio went on overdrive,
columnists mocked him, bloggers blasted him, and the snickering
could be heard by NFL players from New York to Newport Beach.
But don't laugh. Didn't we do the same thing when Earl Woods said
that his Tiger would be as big as Muhammad Ali? And that was before
he ever won a major, and of course, before all of his philandering with
pin-ups, porn stars and prostitutes. And oh yeah, that waitress from
Denny's.
People can laugh all they want at Newton, but the rock-star QB might
just have the last laugh, seriously. He won the Heisman trophy and
national championship in his one year as a starter at Auburn. He dominated
the headlines and airwaves for almost 3 months because his father
was pimping him to a few colleges. The kid's already been on
Letterman and on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Two weeks ago,
he signed the largest endorsement deal ever given to an incoming rookie.
You don't think Under Armour is going to raise his profile just a little bit.
Commercials, billboards,public appearances. You are going to see his
big smile and affable personality everywhere.
Look at the guys who've made a name for themselves with half of Newton's
talent and resume. Chad Johnson is funny, personable. and has done a lot
with good talent. T.0.? Please, haven't seen him land one endorsement contract.
He's just the ultimate diva. The most popular players in the NFL are Peyton
Manning and Tom Brady. 1 and 1A. They get the endorsements and they make
millions of dollars.
Who else is a rock-star in the NFL. Reggie Bush? Yes, he did make a
lot of money from endorsements coming out of USC, and like Newton, he
won the Heisman trophy, and even dated Kim Kardashian. But he's not even
a starter and is clearly on the elevator going down. If a poll was taken of the
most popular football players, not just NFL ones, but all active football players,
I'd have to say it would go Manning, Brady, and Cam Newton.
Newton has got "it". The personality, good-looks, athletic ability, and resume.
I'll say it again. Heisman trophy. National Championship. And already, one big
endorsement deal. Others will follow, and so too, will the jealousy.
There is no doubt, other NFL players will test Newton's character and
toughness.Veterans will be upset because Newton will make more before
he ever takes a snap, than they will in their entire careers They will
play through the whistle and drive him through the ground. They
will mock him in training camp and leave him with a dinner
bill that nears the GNP of Haiti. Yes, Cam Newton is going to be
tested physically and mentally.
However, this kid is 6'6, 250lbs. He is bigger than most linebackers and could
probably hold his own with a few down lineman. Mental toughness? Are you
kidding me? He played in the SEC. When the scandal broke about
his dad allegedly offering him to Mississippi State for $250, 000, Newton
became the most scrutinized player in the country. He didn't break
and certainly didn't snap. He just flashed his trademark smile and
said, "come get some." Newton played in the toughest conference in
the country, won the Heisman trophy, and the national championship.
Is Newton confident? Heck, yeah. But so what?. Anyone who's ever gotten
anywhere in this world knows how good he or she is. He's going to need that
confidence in the NFL because he's going to be humbled real quickly. Remember
John Elway? Newton hasn't had to deal with real failure in his career yet, but
he will experience it as a young QB in the NFL, guaranteed. His belief in himself,
just like Elway and Montana had, could help him get through the difficult times.
Cam Newton IS an icon in the state of Alabama and much of the southeast
already. Check back with me in a year, and see how many parents name their
kids, "Cam". It won't be because of Neely or Ward.
Yes, Newton is on his way to laughing all the way to the bank, and
he will probably get the last laugh on all the people that laughed
at his belief that he'll reach "icon" status.
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