Tidbit Tuesday takes us to Major League Baseball this week. Did you know the first ever Spring Training baseball game played in Arizona was between the Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants?
That’s Right, the first ever spring training game was in Tucson and part of the Grapefruit League.. The Indians defeated the Giants 3-1. The game was played March 8, 1946. The two teams played 17 times that spring in Tucson and Phoenix.
Great Sports Commentary From An Arizona Native
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Sunday, March 8, 2020
WHY I WOULD RUN THE BALL
It’s March, which for the NFL, means free agency begins. While some top players are changing teams let’s take a look at some strategy behind the game.
The pass game has become the most popular part of football. Everyone likes to see a lot of passes during the game. It makes the game more exciting. Is passing the best way to win the game?
In some cases yes, but it depends on the coaches approach to the game. Passing a lot usually means scoring fast. When you score fast that gives the other team an opportunity to get the football and score. It also usually puts your defense on the field more often, so you better have a good defense. That’s why I would run the ball more if I was an offensive coordinator in the NFL.
If you run the ball you can control the clock. If you can control the clock you essential control the outcome of the game. You don’t even need a great running back to do so. As long as you have an above average offensive line and a good playing calling scheme you can be successful running the football.
If you want to be successful you have to win games and running the football is one way to control the flow of the game. Another plus to running the ball is if you stay to your game plan of running the defense will have to adjust there scheme to try and stop you. When that happens it will open up your passing attack.
The pass game has become the most popular part of football. Everyone likes to see a lot of passes during the game. It makes the game more exciting. Is passing the best way to win the game?
In some cases yes, but it depends on the coaches approach to the game. Passing a lot usually means scoring fast. When you score fast that gives the other team an opportunity to get the football and score. It also usually puts your defense on the field more often, so you better have a good defense. That’s why I would run the ball more if I was an offensive coordinator in the NFL.
If you run the ball you can control the clock. If you can control the clock you essential control the outcome of the game. You don’t even need a great running back to do so. As long as you have an above average offensive line and a good playing calling scheme you can be successful running the football.
If you want to be successful you have to win games and running the football is one way to control the flow of the game. Another plus to running the ball is if you stay to your game plan of running the defense will have to adjust there scheme to try and stop you. When that happens it will open up your passing attack.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
TIDBIT TUESDAY:March 3, 2020
Welcome to another edition of Tidbit Tuesday. Did you know that in the 2018 NBA draft the first two selections played high school basketball in Phoenix Arizona?
That’s right the first overall selection was DeAndre Ayton to the Phoenix Suns. Ethan played high school basketball at Hillcrest prep in Phoenix Arizona. He then went on to start at the university of Arizona, before being drafted by the Suns. Then with the second overall pick the Sacramento Kings chose Marvin Bagley III. Bagley played his high school ball at tempe Corona del Sol for one season. He then transferred to Hillcrest prep and played one year with eating. Bagley III Played college basketball at the university of duke.
That’s right the first overall selection was DeAndre Ayton to the Phoenix Suns. Ethan played high school basketball at Hillcrest prep in Phoenix Arizona. He then went on to start at the university of Arizona, before being drafted by the Suns. Then with the second overall pick the Sacramento Kings chose Marvin Bagley III. Bagley played his high school ball at tempe Corona del Sol for one season. He then transferred to Hillcrest prep and played one year with eating. Bagley III Played college basketball at the university of duke.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
ADAN ZAPIEN: FROM MARYVALE TO UNIVERSITY
67th ave. and Indian School Road is one of the busiest intersections in the West Phoenix neighborhood known as Maryvale. What most people don't know is that just east of the intersection lies a small, yet successful charter school, Western School of Science and Technology.
The school is home to 514 students in grades 7th-12. Although Western is a small school it has been successful in the classroom, as well as the football field. Western is a charter school and plays in the Canyon Athletic Association. They play 8 man football and are in the Fiesta Conference.
The schools average enrollment for football is 16. The number may seem small, but the team plays big. They have only lost 1 regular seasons game in the past 2 seasons. The school is 17-4 in three Varsity seasons.
Western is led senior Adan Zapien. Zapien is the heart and soul of the team and the schools most decorated athlete. Western coach Adrian Espana, also the schools Athletic Director, says Zapien has been playing for him since seventh grade.
Zapien plays running back and defensive end and has put up huge numbers throughout his high school career. He has rushed for 995 yards in just 24 games. He is also a force on defense reeking havoc on the opposing offense. He has 14 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 defensive TD's and a safety. Zapien has
numerous awards which include, 2017-2018 CAA All State Running Back,
2018-2019 Real Sports Training MVP (Summer), 2018-2019
CAA All State Running Back, 2018-2019
CAA All State Defensive End, 2019-2020
CAA All State Running Back.
All these accolades are impressive and something to be proud of for a kid coming out of the tough neighborhood of Maryvale. The most impressive accomplishment in this young man's life is when he signed a national letter of intent to play football at Arizona Christian University. He is the schools first ever football player to sign a letter saying he will play for a University.
Zapien didn't start playing football until he got to Western, but he caught on to the game fast and quickly became the heart and soul of warrior Football. Zapien is excited to be continuing his education and football career at Arizona Christian University. He will major in criminal justice in college and his long term goal is "to continue helping my mom and taking care of my family".
Zapien has 5 siblings and family is one of his priorities in life. He is inspired by his teammates to keep playing football. He says the brotherhood he has formed with his teammates is very importmant to him. Zapien also plays baseball, but will focus on football in college.
I asked Zapien what advice he had for incoming freshman that want to play football at the next level. "Just to be humble, have a lot of commitment to football and school. Also pit work everyone else."
Coach Espana has set up a Go Fund Me account to assist with college expenses. Here is the link.
Adan Zapien's Go Fund Me page
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
TIDBIT TUESDAY: FEBRUARY 26, 2020
March is around the corner and that means so is March Madness. So to prepare you for college basketballs best time of the year Tidbit Tuesday is all about basketball.
Did you know that Arizona State has never won a Pac 12 Basketball Championship? ASU has been to the NCAA Tournament but has never won the regular season or Tournament Pac 12 Championship.
ASU enters the final two weeks of the regular season in first place. If they can hold on and win the conference it will be the Sun Devils first ever tittle.
Did you know that Arizona State has never won a Pac 12 Basketball Championship? ASU has been to the NCAA Tournament but has never won the regular season or Tournament Pac 12 Championship.
ASU enters the final two weeks of the regular season in first place. If they can hold on and win the conference it will be the Sun Devils first ever tittle.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
FURY DOMINATES WILDER
Last night was the much anticipated rematch between two undefeated heavyweights Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. Wilder came in at 42-0-1 and Fury 29-0-1. Both had 61 knockouts between them. In December 2018 they put on an unforgettable fight that ultimately ended in a split decision draw.
This anticipated rematch had a lot to live up to if it wanted to be as good as the last one. The hype that led up to the fight was intense and when the bell sounded Fury stayed just as intense. Fury dominated the fight and had his way with Wilder. He damaged his eardrum and that was the beginning of the end for Wilder.
In the seventh round Fury was again dominating and had Wilder on the ropes and seem to be having his way with Wilder. His corner threw in the towel and the red stopped the fight ending it in the seventh round. Wilder, at first questioned the stoppage until he found out his corner threw in the towel.
Fury, now 30-0-1, was so excited about the victory that during his post fight interview he sang American Pie, and so did most of the audience. It was a great victory for Fury that now leaves no doubt about who is the better fighter between him and Wilder
This anticipated rematch had a lot to live up to if it wanted to be as good as the last one. The hype that led up to the fight was intense and when the bell sounded Fury stayed just as intense. Fury dominated the fight and had his way with Wilder. He damaged his eardrum and that was the beginning of the end for Wilder.
In the seventh round Fury was again dominating and had Wilder on the ropes and seem to be having his way with Wilder. His corner threw in the towel and the red stopped the fight ending it in the seventh round. Wilder, at first questioned the stoppage until he found out his corner threw in the towel.
Fury, now 30-0-1, was so excited about the victory that during his post fight interview he sang American Pie, and so did most of the audience. It was a great victory for Fury that now leaves no doubt about who is the better fighter between him and Wilder
Saturday, February 22, 2020
SUNS LOSE FIRST GAME AFTER ALL-STAR BREAK
The Phoenix Suns got back on the court last night. They went to Toronto to play the Raptors in their first game back from the All-Star break. The Suns lost 118-101. The Suns started slow by just scoring 23 points in the first quarter. They followed that with a 20 point second quarter and find themselves down 67-43 at the half.
Toronto Raptor big man Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 37 points and followed it up with 12 boards and 3 assists. The Suns were led by All-Star guard Devin Booker who had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. DeAndre Ayton added17 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
The Suns fall to 20-34 on the season. They have a quick turnaround as they now go to Chicago to play the Bulls tonight.
Toronto Raptor big man Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 37 points and followed it up with 12 boards and 3 assists. The Suns were led by All-Star guard Devin Booker who had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. DeAndre Ayton added17 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
The Suns fall to 20-34 on the season. They have a quick turnaround as they now go to Chicago to play the Bulls tonight.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
BRADY TO RAIDERS?
Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the father of Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and a Minnesota media member is report that the soon to be Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to offer free agent QB Tom Brady a two year $60 million deal.
At this time it is unsure how serious this offer is but If the Patriots don’t re-sign Brady soon he will be the most sought after free agent this offseason and maybe even ever. Seeing Brady in a uniform other than a Patriot one will be a strange sight to see.
Brady wants to prove he can win without coach Bill Belichick. But can that actually happen? Most likely yes, then the question turns to can Brady win with the Raiders? We may soon find out if Brady does take this offer.
At this time it is unsure how serious this offer is but If the Patriots don’t re-sign Brady soon he will be the most sought after free agent this offseason and maybe even ever. Seeing Brady in a uniform other than a Patriot one will be a strange sight to see.
Brady wants to prove he can win without coach Bill Belichick. But can that actually happen? Most likely yes, then the question turns to can Brady win with the Raiders? We may soon find out if Brady does take this offer.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
BOOKER NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM
The NBS announced this morning that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been chosen to play in this weekends NBA All-Star game. Booker replaces Portland trailblazer Damian Lillard. Booker will play for Team Lebron.
Booker was not chosen to the All-Star game, in what many are saying was a complete snub. Booker has been quiet about it, but his frustration has shown on the court since the announcement. He had arguably his worst game in Los Angeles a few nights ago.
Booker definatelt deserves to be an All-Star and hopefully will showcase why on Sunday. Suns fans are estatic that he has been chosen. Those same fans hope this means an end to his subpar play as of late.
Booker becomes the first Phoenix Suns to make the All-Star team since Steve Nash in 2012. He is the 24th player in franchise history to do so as well. Gail Goodrich and Dick Van Arsdale were the first Suns to make the All-Star game. They did so in the 1968-1969 season.
Booker was not chosen to the All-Star game, in what many are saying was a complete snub. Booker has been quiet about it, but his frustration has shown on the court since the announcement. He had arguably his worst game in Los Angeles a few nights ago.
Booker definatelt deserves to be an All-Star and hopefully will showcase why on Sunday. Suns fans are estatic that he has been chosen. Those same fans hope this means an end to his subpar play as of late.
Booker becomes the first Phoenix Suns to make the All-Star team since Steve Nash in 2012. He is the 24th player in franchise history to do so as well. Gail Goodrich and Dick Van Arsdale were the first Suns to make the All-Star game. They did so in the 1968-1969 season.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
TIDBIT TUESDAY: FEBRUARY 11, 2020
In this weeks edition of TidbitTuesday we go extreme. That’s right the XFL. The season debuted this past weekend and it was a huge success.
Did you know the first touchdown in the reboot of the XFL was made by the son of a former Arizona Cardinal? That’s right Seattle Dragons wide receiver Austin Proehl caught a 14 yard pass from Brandon Silvers for the leagues first TD. Proehl’s father, Ricky, played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1990-1994. The team was named the Phoenix Cardinals when he joined the team. Now his son is living his dream.
Did you know the first touchdown in the reboot of the XFL was made by the son of a former Arizona Cardinal? That’s right Seattle Dragons wide receiver Austin Proehl caught a 14 yard pass from Brandon Silvers for the leagues first TD. Proehl’s father, Ricky, played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1990-1994. The team was named the Phoenix Cardinals when he joined the team. Now his son is living his dream.
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